Some Random Popular Posts
Urania time machine…
Entering through these reasonably ‘normal’ looking doors of the Urania – pronounced oo-RAY-ne-yah – of this theatre / cinema, one has no idea they are actually a time machine, transplanting one back to the late nineteenth century… …even the previews were of old movies, and of theatrical productions… Oh, and the… Read more
My Horse-Drawn Journey back to the 1890s
Anyone who knows me knows that I am very much a Victorian/Edwardian girl at heart – complete with a wardrobe to match! So, when I heard about the opportunity to ride in an authentic and historic 1800s carriage, recreating a nostalgic journey in the actual coach, the ‘Tantivy’, that last… Read more
Milton Keynes Museum 1940s weekend
What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours… A wonderful group of volunteers works tirelessly all year to pull together this annual event, honouring and celebrating those who fought in and lived through WWII, and ‘kept the home fires burning’… ~ Bella Read more
Shrewsbury to Heathrow
My heritage-listed hotel in Shrewsbury was just delightful! …complete with having booked the honeymoon suite – I decided I deserved it! …just a shame I was there alone… but at least that meant I had the whole bed to myself! …and it was sooooooooo comfy! Off to collect my dear… Read more
Winter Solstice Cruising Loch Ness
The Winter Solstice marks the darkest day and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere due to the sun being at it’s most southern position, directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. Today, for the first time since 1664, the sun and Saturn actually line up – and this… Read more
Budapest update
Over the past couple of days, I haven’t ventured more than a couple of hundred feet from the hotel, but regardless they have been truly lovely days! I have never been one to have a ‘routine’ – be it morning or any other time – however, here I now do… Read more
Sinaia-Busteni-Predeal-Brasov Road Trip – 2 of 9
…continuing on… I find the architecture of old Romanian buildings to be truly glorious… In some places run down, in others cared-for, but always so beautiful… …and so we continue… Read more
Historic Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quayside is such a beautiful tucked-away gem that dates back to Roman times. It was a thriving port until the 14th century when weirs were built across the River Exe. Read more
Farewell Romania – Hello England!
Leaving beautiful Romania… but going to equally beautiful England… I wasn’t expecting to visit Great Britain again for some time, but restrictions changing made this the best next destination for me… By the way, I have ceased calling the area “the United Kingdom”, as they haven’t felt all that ‘united’… Read more
Most Recent Posts
Furry pony on the beach
11 out of 10 on the cuteness scale… teaching a furry fluffy pony to jump – it was sooooooo cute! Read more
Historic Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quayside is such a beautiful tucked-away gem that dates back to Roman times. It was a thriving port until the 14th century when weirs were built across the River Exe. Read more
A Sherman Tank in England..?
On this magical day, we set out to explore the Sherman tank that now sits beside a beach in South Devon – but first, a stop for lunch… …and finally we reach Slapton Sands, home of a recovered Sherman tank… ~ Bella Read more
Dartmoor River Crossing
It was a glorious day so George Jeep (rental) and I went for a meander… First, sitting at one of my favourite spots for some reading… …then off to cross the River Dart… Note – this phone box actually has a TELEPHONE in it! …and complete with seals frolicking… (ok,… Read more
Canada owns part of Britain?
Yes, Canada does actually own part of Britain! Welcome to Wolford Chapel… where the building and land are publicly owned by the Canadian province of Ontario, and flies the Flag of Canada despite the chapel being in the English countryside! ~ Bella Read more
Thatched Pub Built in 1620
We first were headed here – but alas, no one was home, so we went in search of another beautiful old pub – and didn’t have to travel far… The Kings Arms, Tedburn, built in 1620… …next stop – CANADA..? ~ Bella Read more
Who is the Luxurious Nomad?
Hello! I am Ms (Leigh) Bella St John – and I am an author, entrepreneur, coach, wine-lover, self-confessed geek, lover of all things Victorian/Edwardian and steampunk, and a Luxurious Nomad!
One of my greatest passions is ‘keeping history alive’.
Thanks to the residual income streams I created from, among other things, licensing my professional development programs, I retired at age 50 when I decided to leave America (where I had been living for the past ten years) and now travel the world fulltime as a Luxurious Nomad (http://LuxuriousNomad.com), living a life many people only dream of living (yes, even in the current ‘situation’) – and unlike most, I travel with ‘essentials’ such as a crystal wine glass, gold fountain pen, and a collection of hats, gloves, etc……
I did not even catch the travel bug until I was in my 30s, and after exploring much of ‘down under’ and parts of New Zealand, I then travelled through quite a bit of Asia, lived approximately 10 years in the USA (spent significant time in 42 states – exploring all extensively by road), several trips to Canada (including the Winter Olympics) and now off exploring amazing places in the UK and Europe, spending a couple of months in one country, then a couple of months in another… I hope to one day meet Mr Right and settle down wherever he may be (and fingers’ crossed he is in Scotland! (or even in England)), but until then, there is plenty of the world to experience!
Essentially I live a version of Elizabeth’s Gilbert’s, “Eat, Pray, Love” – although mine is more ‘wine, pray, love’!
…and I do all this, despite having some reasonably significant physical and mobility challenges, thanks in part to being hit by a car while in Italy a few years ago – and I use a wheelchair from time to time…
…and for those who are interested, my wheelchair is only 13lb – that’s less than most bowling balls! It’s an amazing travel chair that is soooo comfy and whose name is Lancelot (yes, my wheelchair has a name).
Oh, and this photo below was taken at a Steampunk convention in the USA…
