Some Random Popular Posts
My Transfăgărășan Birthday – 1 of 4
Technically, my birthday was on the Monday, but I decided to make it a long weekend… Starting with waking up to this beautiful spectacle…… Bliss! …and my major destination… The incredible Transfăgărășan Road! …but we will get to that soon enough… Happy Birthday to me! Part of my present… Read more
My International Chauffeur Service
Ever wanted an international chauffeur? An international chauffeur company who knows you, who operates all over the world, who is reliable, affordable and who also has ‘an app for that’? I love my international chauffeur service, BlackLane. They do all that and more! …and especially as a woman travelling around… Read more
The Historic Mermaid Inn
I love the Mermain Inn in Rye – rebuilt in 1420, its cellars date back to 1156! I will add info and commentary later – for now at least wanted to upload the photos… … Read more
Hotel Leopold I
Hotel Leopold I is an elegant hotel at the fortress in Novi Sad that was built primarily during the 1700s. I waited in the lobby for a friend before we had dinner and then went to the theatre. This is one of the few remaining truly stunning historic hotels in… Read more
Uppark Mansion at Petersfield, UK
Prior to a devastating fire, Uppark was one of the most complete examples of a 17th century home – and also the place where author HG Wells’ mother served as housekeeper. Here are the photos – details to come… … Read more
Sinaia-Busteni-Predeal-Brasov Road Trip 5 of 9
…and we continue… (and yes, I realise this should be number 4 of 9, but I had already uploaded everything when I realised, so…. welcome to 5! 🙂 ) A street named for my birthday – September 13th! Apparently is named after the date of the closing battle of the 1848… Read more
Bell Hotel in Driffield
For many reasons, my evening at the Bell Hotel in Driffield was one I will remember for a very long time. If I could, I would have stayed and probably never left… This beautiful coaching inn feels like one is stepping into another time and place – a time… Read more
Torfhusen Hjarðarhaga
~ Bella Read more
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and Snowdonia…
After a FABULOUS breakfast of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and lots of accouterments… …I headed off on my way back for the six-or-so hour drive back to Torquay… and while I have seen a lot of warning signs for deer etc, this is the first warning sign about DUCKS! First… 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…
