From my tiny little writing desk in Montpellier, I tap away on my keyboard, allowing the words to spill out and make their own sentences freely, whatever they may reveal.

It is late afternoon on Sunday, and the cool dark of night is creeping through the air, even though it is just after five. I am burning a candle from my favourite florist au nom de la rose, the sky outside my window is a dark, thick grey. The outside light is gloomy and dull, but the candle beside me illuminates my workspace, glowing its soft but strong warmth.

Pictures, photos, words and memories blue-tacked on the wall above my laptop screen dance and flicker between light and shade while the candle’s playfully throws its light about. I’m back in my beautiful little sanctuary, my home away from home… finally.

Gosh there is something so comforting about jumpers, leggings, slouchy socks, slippers, unbrushed hair and a makeup-less face, endless cups of tea and vegemite toast, a whole day with the camera switched off and no sightseeing to tick off the list or people to talk to or things to remember and be inspired by. As amazing as that all was, and is, today, this little spot in the world, quiet and still, is my happy place.

My limbs feel heavy and weary, my eyes are glassy and overworked from taking in so much beauty over the past weeks, my heart is a little twisted and out of sorts from so much emotion and such big days of adventure, but my fingers, they are so very eager to tap tap tap away and pour out these words; to tell you the story of my recent adventures. There is so much to say.

I’m looking at my calendar pinned to the curtain…November already? My days in Europe are numbered. I have now got just three short weeks left in Montpellier before a travel finale in Italy, then back to Australia.

Two weeks ago I couldn’t begin to imagine getting on that plane and going back home, but now, I think about home and feel nostalgic, I miss it, I miss everyone I love and i’m kind of almost feeling ready. As much as I love this side of the world, there’s something about home that is irreplaceable.

So, where have I been? I have just returned from sixteen nights in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam with a certain beautiful man/best friend in my life, Tim. And before that was a couple of weeks in the UK, namely London and Edinburgh with my dear friend Becca. I’ve snapped hundreds upon hundreds of photos and I have soaked up so many enchanting moments and experiences… many of which I will share in the coming posts. Now that I have my writing desk back, and some spare time, that is.

But for now, all my love, and umm… aren’t these flowers breathtaking?

They were a special gift from beautiful above-mentioned man amid our travelling adventure. I can’t tell you how many times I have wandered past this florist over the past months and wished for a bunch. A whole, dreamy bunch, just for me! I’ve never received anything so beautiful.

I’ve kept some dry buds to treasure and they’re scattered on my nightstand.

xx