18 months ago I lay in the garden of the Cayman Islands home of my good friends Rob and Claire, reflecting on the fact that the first week of my break had felt more like recovery than relaxation. I hadn’t felt able to read a book or even listen to music, I just needed to empty my mind of work stress before I could even begin to enjoy my holiday, and that had taken far too long. In that moment I resolved to make changes to the way I lived my life – not necessarily changing jobs, more changing me, and seeking a more balanced approach to work and life. And what better way to approach those changes by giving myself the time and headspace to work out what matters to me the most. So here it begins…my sabbatical and my “me time”… although I have to admit that a fair part of that has been spent working out how to create this blog, and I still haven’t really worked it out so you may need to bear with me initially.
I struggled to even think of a name but as I lay outside my room last night looking at the sky, it struck me that this is what it was all about – having the time to stop and look, appreciate my surroundings – which is exactly what I did when I saw this amazing full moon.
I have no idea how, or if, this blog will work out. Its primary aim is to reassure my mother that just because I am on the other side of the world doesn’t mean I am out of touch or unsafe. I only want people to read it if they care about me and what I am doing – naysayers can log off now. Hear my voice, know my humour, share my adventure. SP x
Very much looking forward to hearing inspirational thoughts (and descriptions of culture, people, flora and fauna) from the sun lounger of a variety of boutique hotels…JHx
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If only they were all going going to be boutique hotels 🙂
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Hello there!! What a great start to your blog! It is going to be a real privilege to be able to share a little in your amazing trip. Really looking forward to hearing about your travels and experiences as you visit such wonderful places. Katy xx. ps the full moon looked stunning even in England the other night so it is lovely to know that we still have some beautiful sights in common even though you are in far more exotic and exciting surroundings! X
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Hiya, love how you have setup a page and very excited about following your journey. Wish I was there ! Big hugs and hope your enjoying today’s spa and some sunshine. The picture you sent looked amazing……but some selfies please Mxxx
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Hi Sharon . Amazing !!! Love the blog . Will be really good to follow your travels ! Enjoy. Stay safe. Meeta xx
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Remember noodles (bread) are the enemy!
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What – where are you? are you not coming to work on Monday, and what’s all this moon crap?
Go well 😉
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Hurrah! Well done you on working out how to blog and on your brilliant intro to your trip of a lifetime. Can’t wait to read on. Keep happy and stay brave. Love jenny x
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I’m so very happy for you Sharon. Keep blogging. I will certainly be following you. In spirit obviously. We have turned our adventure blogs into books and they are brilliant reminders of happy times. Have a blast x
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Great idea SP, can’t wait to follow your adventure. X x
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What a great idea, and you seem to have sussed the technology, will be following your travels with interest. Have a wonderful time. Jo x
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Sounds and looks amazing! I look forward to hearing all about your adventures. Have an amazing time, you deserve it ! Xx
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To my beautiful and brave friend. Go discover and enjoy x x
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I’m really looking forward to reading your blog. Full of admiration for you for taking this time out, think it’s a perfect idea. Also ever so slightly envious as I sit here in Coventry making packed lunches with the heating on! Learn lots, take time out & have fun xxx
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Can’t wait for the updates & photos.. Especially as it is raining lots here!! Stay safe and have lots of fun, enjoy the adventure xx
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Fantastic start to your blog! I am looking forward to following your journey! I have to say I’m a little jealous………! Enjoy your time out and stay save. S xx
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I obviously can’t spell! Meant SAFE of course!
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Great start to your story, keep it up we are following you, make the time count!
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Remember to visit Raja Ampat for great snorkeling…..enjoy!
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What a great blog and it’s wonderful to read your story so far! Your eulogising of Gili Meno brought back great memories for me of my own stay there last year. Well done too for braving the icy pounding waterfalls near Senaru! Bagan by air balloon sounds amazing!
Looking forward to next instalments ….
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It’s the the trip you helped me create Rob…. And Meno was your recommendation out of the 3 Islands so I will be be forever grateful to you!
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Gili Meno was your recommendation out of all 3 islands so I have you to thank for it, you obviously had me figured out. And hopefully the blog is bringing to life the trip you/Nomadic helped create, so thank you 🙂
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Hi Sharon,
Really enjoying hearing about all your adventures. Wifi problems sound just like ours in the Cotswolds!!!
Watch out for those pirates!
Charlotte xxx
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Sorry I didn’t get chance to say good bye before you left. Suffice to say “jealous” doesn’t come close. Enjoy every single second of your journey. In case you were wondering it’s still raining back home…
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My second extended read of your blog and now fully up to date again! It’s makes for a great read and is written with real panache- equal parts travelogue, moving memoirs and comic observation (sometimes devastatingly so)!
I hope you get to Halong Bay and your ears clear soon….
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Fantastic start to the blog Sharon it certainly touches a cord in me since I’m taking time off to do much the same. So glad your travels lead to meeting you.
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