Some Random Popular Posts
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
Sir Walter Scott Country
On the surface, this day might seem like a bummer of a day as five different places I went to were closed, but I still had a lovely day of exploring… Sir Walter Scott’s courthouse… Reading Sir Walter Scott’s journal in Waverley Castle… Read more
Ireland’s Rock of Cashel
It was a gloriously sun shiny day, so I went out exploring… …and discovered the Rock of Cashel… The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion, and has been constructed in various phases over several hundred years… ..and back… Read more
Snagov Monastery, Romania
Our next destination is Snagov Monastery, located on an island at the northern end of Snagov Lake… …but first a short detour to another monastery… …and a bite of lunch… This is my friend, Adrian… …and it’s a good thing Adrian knew where he was going – finding this place… Read more
Budapest is magnificently beautiful…
After sleeping most of yesterday (and I still feel like I need another week of rest to finally be better – but am well on the way to recovery), today I went exploring through Budapest and was astounded at how incredibly magnificent it is! I wasn’t expecting anything this beautiful…… Read more
Iceland’s Westman Islands
Although it was rainy and misty when I left home, by the time Harry and I made it to the main island, it was brilliant sunshine… This type of sight anywhere else would be thought of as pollution – here it is merely steam… I always think these car ferries… Read more
Sinaia-Busteni-Predeal-Brasov Road Trip 7 of 9
…and we continue on our way on this simply stunning day! I absolutely adored the carving… …and on we continue… Read more
University Square – walking around the block
Join me as I wander around the block and explore the beautiful University Square in Old Town Bucharest, Romania. ~Bella Read more
Florence Loop – Post 2 of 3
…continuing my loop of the city of Florence… 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…
