WHERE GRACE WENT THIS SUMMER

Published: 17th September 2024 on The Courier Online

• City breaks and nothing going to plan...

This summer I feel like I have been everywhere and anywhere but home. It has been a lot of fun but also a reminder that no trip is perfect without their fair share of mishaps.

• Paris, France.

As a post deadline celebration I went to Paris for a couple of days with a friend, and we definitely spent more time in some sort of transport vehicle than being able to go sight-seeing, but it was amazing. We flew from Edinburgh to Paris Beauvais, took a bus, train and metro to our hostel which was packed and very lively due to the Euros going on at the time.

Highlights of the trip were definitely seeing my friend Sarah get excited seeing the Eiffel Tower lights dazzling for the first time, getting stuck in the Gare Du Nord and having to ask a French Army solider to help us out, and dancing down the quiet Parisian streets at 1am.

We were in disbelief that we booked the trip after I sent a text message saying I had a dream we went to Paris on a whim and realised where we were 5 days later-very spontaneous whoops. Receipts down below.

• Bristol, BS1

During the peak summer heat, I went to Bristol to visit some school friends and had great time going on a Banksy art tour and a charity shop crawl. Bristol charity shops are incredible and any second-hand fashion fan should add the city to their travel bucket list.

We went during the Bristol Harbour Festival which was very exciting, and we got to boat race down the River Avon, eat amazing food and watch some incredible live performers on stage. We went on lots of picnics and I got incredibly sunburnt in typical redhead fashion!

• Cornwall, TR13

I was lucky this year to go on a family holiday to Cornwall too. This was our first family holiday since 2017 and it was definitely a week to remember. The Airbnb was fantastic and very beach themed and was very cosy.

The best part for me was being able to bring our dogs on our family holiday and could stay with us in the Airbnb. Seeing the dogs barking at the waves, exploring the South West Coast and going on sunset walks was definitely a core memory of the trip. My dad and my brother got to try out water sports whilst me and my mum went into the nearby towns and look at all the beautiful independent shops, café’s and museums.

I have never eaten so many cream tea’s in my life and do not get me started on the Cornish pasties because I could talk about them for hours. We attempted to go to St. Ives, however, it was so busy we got stranded in the city centre for around 45 minutes not thinking we would ever be able to make it out alive!

We ended up spending the afternoon sitting in a Tesco’s coffee shop to try and overcome the chaos and anxiety that had procured during the last hour. Safe to say, Costa’s Maple Hazel Iced latte is a banger and solves many problems.

• York, Y01

I also went on a couple day trips around the North from mainly residing in Newcastle over summer for work. I went to York (on a date heehee) and explored the Shambles, the bookshops and of course had to have a roast dinner with extra Yorkshire puddings!

York is such a vibrant city and reminds me a lot of home with its architecture, whimsical dark academia vibes and also lots of Harry Potter themed activities. We went Harry Potter crazy golfing which I lost not surprisingly, and had butter beer which was more whipped cream and sugar then an alcoholic beverage but hey ho!

• North Shields, NE29

When living in Newcastle, visiting Tynemouth and Whitley Bay is a must. The markets, the beaches, the café’s and many many dogs is a little slice of idyllic heaven. My cousins and a friend from home visited for a couple days and then bank holiday weekend, and we went to the Tynemouth station market and got very excited over the jewellery, art and coffee stalls. I may have made a few too many purchases.

When friends visit, I always enjoy hoping on the metro and taking them to the coast because there is always something going on. It is a lovely walk down by the bay seeing all the surfers, families and children building sandcastles, and couples sitting on benches chatting. Also the pubs down Tynemouth high street are fabulous and you can never go wrong with grabbing some fish and chips.

• Concerts!!

Summer is not summer without going to some concerts! I was really lucky to go to two concerts during the break and really enjoyed them. The first one was in AC/DC in London. I went with my family and some friends, finally seeing Angus Young shred his guitar!

I made the bold choice to wear these heeled boots and was the worst decision ever considering we were standing in the pit for 6 straight hours. Never ever again will I prioritise fashion over comfort at a concert.

I also got to see Noah Kahan at the Utillia Arena in Newcastle. I have never sobbed so much in my life. I went by myself which was a big first but met some lovely people there who I stuck with at the show. Noah Kahan knows how to break your heart an put it back together again.

Sadly, there was no sign of Sam Fender during that night which was sad however I got my merch and to witness All My Love live and can say I was very content.

• Belfast, Northern Ireland.

As I am writing this, I am currently in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am here to visit family and friends whilst attempting to do some early dissertation research (gulp).

When in Belfast, it would be rude to not go to the museums to learn about local history and also try out the many many different pubs. Sunflower and The Duke of York are by far my favourite and you should definitely check out if you ever find yourself in the city! Also, go to Boojum because it is class and best place in Ireland for burritos, and eat lots and lots of Taytos- superior to Walkers crisps in every singe way.

Safe to say I have packed a lot in over this break from university and feel very lucky to have been able to fit all these trips in around working part-time. With the new university semester incoming (and already here when you are reading this), I’m excited to stay in one place for longer than a week! I hope you all have an amazing Fresher’s week and welcome to the Toon!