Some Random Popular Posts
Boss for lunch, Renaissance for dessert
Since on this McDonald’s trip the intention was not to eat there, we stopped at Boss Cafe for lunch – I love this place! …remember the winery we visited..? …and Renaissance for dessert… Read more
The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World – Cărturești Carusel
This particular day I was on a mission… to find what is reputed to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world… and on the way, past some of the most beautiful scenery and buildings… …and here it is! Cărturești Carusel Bookstore… Built in 1903 by a wealthy family of… Read more
Lipizzaner Stud Farm – Spanish Dancing Horses
…and now we head to the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Piber, Austria – and being a horsey-girl, this was such an incredible treat! Most know of the famous Spanish Riding Horses, but waht few realise is the breed, Lipizzaner, is Europe’s oldest cultural horse breed, with their origin going back… Read more
The Other Last Supper
Another beautiful day in Florence and I went in search of the ‘other’ Last Supper… The Other Last Supper I actually walked past this place – TWICE – before I realised it was there… Just a small plaque on the wall, and a non-descript door. Created around 1445, this… Read more
Historic Paul Patisserie
…and I happened to come across my favourite little patisserie in the whole world – Paul. “PAUL started in 1889 as a French family bakery. Today it is still a family company, but their legendary goodies are famous all over the world. What PAUL stands for is basically traditional recipes… Read more
Ljubljana Castle – post 1 of 2
As I went downstairs, headed for a day of exploring the castle, I was confronted with soooooo many police, security, secret service….. I later found out that all the European heads of state are staying in my hotel for a conference on Russia among other items. I had to continually… Read more
Exploring Creevelea Friary, County Leitrim
After a lovely sleep-in, Boswell (trusty rental car) and I went in search of a particular medieval abbey that dates back to 1508 – Creevelea Friary. …and I thought yesterday’s excursion was skinny and windy? It had nothing on these roads – and I must admit, it was fun! …although… Read more
Fabulous day exploring a foundry, two castles, a Saxon village, a 13th century pub and Egyptian mummies!
What a magnificent day! I needed to go for a drive to clear the cobwebs out of my head and managed to find and explore some fascinating places! I needed to be home by around 3:30pm or just a little after to take care of a bunch of work and… 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
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…
