Last updated: 25 June 2023
From the Roaming Required Archives. Here’s a flashback from the month that was February 2016.
It’s hard to believe that February is almost over. This year is flying by, as scary as it is, the silver lining for me is that winter is almost over and done with for another year. Soon enough we’ll be in spring coats and floral dresses. I can’t wait.
February was a mixed bag for both of us. Russ was working away much of the month so this left little time to squeeze in much on weekends so I set about entertaining myself. I did a spot of housesitting to try a new area of London and went off to see some theatre on the West End.
Housesitting
Housesitting in London isn’t a new thing for us. We’ve done it a few times, it’s a nice change of scenery, changes up my commute and provides a bit of context when the time comes to move. This one was in SW London, so it consisted of long walks along the Thames, some traditional pubs and chasing this guy around who was just full of beans, morning, noon and night.
You can’t stay mad with a face as cute as this…
Heading overseas
The first international trip for February was a three day trip with Liberation Route Europe, an EU-funded initiative which retraces the Allied victory in WWII. An interesting experience for us both, with lots of outdoor experiences, visiting different sites around Belgium. The Bastogne war museum, some war graves, and a few some solemn experiences. Highlight for me was riding in some authentic WWII jeeps which was a pretty cool experience.
Next up was 24 hours in Brussels. We’ve been to Brussels previously, this time was a chance to have some downtime, drink some Trappist beer and go on a four hour food tour with Brussels Walking Tours to sample all things Belgian. It rained, the whole time. As this was a quick trip where we were able to cash in some hotel loyalty points for a fancy suite in the hotel.
Read more: Things to Do on a Short Break in Ypres Belgium
Back to London
Back to the 9 to 5 grind I realised it had been quite a while since I’d been to a show, so I toddled off to see Cirque Berserk at the Peacock Theatre. Marketing and hype still has a place in this world. The poster was pretty interesting but the performance itself was very average. If you’re so inclined, you can read the Cirque Berserk review and see for yourself.
My New Experience
A new experience for February was the concept of a supper club. These are becoming more and more popular in London and I thought it was about time to join the craze. Tempted with a 5 course Nordic Tasting menu, I wined and dined in someone’s apartment while the feast was prepared in front of us. It’s an intimate setting, a nice way to get to know new people in a crazy-busy city like London.
The menu of Icelandic lobster, beef sirloin and panna cotta was simply too tempting to turn down. It was incredible and would really consider going again. These cozy events are limited on numbers and are often maxed to about ten people. I think this is a good number so you can mingle and engage comfortably with other guests.
Cocktails? Yes please
All good months should be rounded off with cocktails and canapes, so I did just that. Joining some many familiar faces at an Expedia event, who have just launched SurpriseTrip. Structured much like surprise or mystery trips from years gone by, this is a new take on an old concept. Simply enter your dates, the amount per person & your preferred airport into the website and once it’s all confirmed, you’re given a weather report three days before departure. The rest is a mystery until just two hours before your flight. It’s a gamble, but sure to be a bit of fun.
Lastly, we’re trying to continue actively grow our social media accounts. My personal favourite is Instagram so with that in mind, this was our most popular Instagram for February. It was a throwback to the peace and serenity of Schilthorn, Switzerland where we spent Christmas rang in the new year.
March: what’s coming up?
March is still being finalised. There will be a lot of days and nights spent in London with (hopefully) a few quick trips across to the continent.
