Some Random Popular Posts
The life of a Digital Nomad
The life of a digital nomad – a modern embodiment of the age-old wanderer, but with a dash of Wi-Fi and a sprinkle of global connectivity. In this digital age, the life of a digital nomad is not one that treads the Silk Road but rather the silky strands of… Read more
Largs and surrounds
Largs – the original name means “the slopes” in Scottish Gaelic – and was the site of the last Viking battle in Scotland, in 1263. What was also interesting about that time, was that approximately 100 Viking war ships were moored on Loch Long, right in front of my holiday… Read more
Stunning pictures in STONE! Pietre Dure Museum
I was originally headed for somewhere different entirely, but ended up wandering off and exploring a most extraordinary museum! Along the way, some beautiful sights… I have wanted to go here for ages! The Pietre Dure Museo – essentially pictures made from stone! ~ Bella Read more
Invitation: Venice Carnivale (Venuto Carnevale)
Join a group of friends and me in our own private villa for the incredible Venice Carnivale in February, 2020! The entire 2020 Venice Carnival will begin on Saturday, February 8 and ends on Tuesday, February 25. Over the course of the event, there is an abundance of activities from… Read more
Back in beloved Scotland…
Back again in my glorious piece of Heaven in beloved Scotland… Lady Penelope, my beloved baby Jaguar was waiting for me… She’s a bit old and has a few wrinkles, but don’t we all… 🙂 One of my projects is to save Edward the Eagle… Drinks with family… View from… Read more
Glorious Day Exploring Rome!
Today I decided to go exploring Roma! First, it was a twenty-minute walk to the train station and what started out as rather a hazy day ended up being brilliant sunshine by the time I reached Rome – just over an hour later. Actually, my day involved walking, train, walking, train,… Read more
Slovenia’s Adriatic Coast
Decided to head out in search of some sea air… and in the process I zigged when I should have zagged and ended up in Italy (ooops!) – oh, well… managed to find the Slovenian coast eventually… Now, off to find the Walls of Piran… ~ Bella Read more
Farewell North Macedonia…
My last breakfast here… The chef made it specially for me. This is the Lovely Ana who took such wonderful care of me during my stay – I cannot thank her enough. The car is loaded with all my suitcases… …and it is farewell to Hotel London in Skopje…… Read more
Kilmartin Prehistoric Standing Stones and other monuments
Kilmartin is one of my absolute favourite places in all of Scotland – while at first glance there doesn’t seem much to see, there are in fact over 800 ancient monuments, stone circles, dolman, cairns, and other features within the Kilmartin Glen! Add to that, it just feels amazing… I am… 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’.
I largely retired at age 50 when I decided to leave America (where I had been living for the past ten years) and for a decade travelled the world fulltime as a Luxurious Nomad (http://LuxuriousNomad.com), living a life many people only dream of living – 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, England, or Europe), 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…
