I haven’t posted anything since the beginning of the Festive season and even January has been very slow and dry but I knew I had to take this into my own hands and change it.

Debit card check, the lovely Brittany Ferries in Portsmouth - also check and lastly a good deal for the weekend was what I needed to get away for a short time and explore a new city, This way of refreshing my ideas and creatively stimulating myself allows me to break the quiet periods and do something for myself. I never feel like I am wasting my money when I am travelling.

Here, I’d like to mention that the service on the ferry and the quality of the experience they were providing was outstanding. It definitely surpassed my expectations and most of all it allowed me to experience travelling in a different way. This journey was definitely longer than the usual 2-5 hours flights but it was less tiring and the time really flew by. There was so much to do - from the restaurant and the club areas to the Spa and swimming pool, but even the open areas during the summer time would have been amazing.

*A typical architecture from the central part of Saint Malo*

For a period of 48 hours, I walked over 13 kilometres across the beautiful coastal town of Saint-Malo. I enjoyed this so much, regardless of the bad weather condition (mostly the icy cold winds) outside the walls of the city. The place has this authentic and calm life and I have to be honest - you will not see a single person on Saturday morning before 10 or 11 o’clock. The structure of the city moves from historical to a more modern look but one thing that always impressed me was the tidiness and maintenance of the public areas. Everything was clean and easy to access, the people were friendly even though you could barely find a person who spoke English, they would always try and help you.

I did a little risk with my food on this occasion and tried a salty crepe with chicken, onions and wine sauce I believe. Grand Mère Augustine was one of those experience that I wasn’t really expecting as it was the fourth place I walked in and at that point wasn’t sure anymore if I wanted to eat. This little restaurant was built into the wall of the city and it offered a varied menu with an intimate atmosphere. As a backpacker, this was really what I wanted to experience and most of all get some time to rest.

*This wonderul square was so breath-taking that I couldn’t resist to capture it*

If you are a fan of the sea life and exploring the maritime biodiversity, then the Grand Aquarium in St. Malo is a must. I have to say after my trip to Lisbon’s aquarium, this is the first time I saw a living shark and sea turtles - definitely makes you realise the magic in our world and how we should support many of the other living creatures on this planet. The cost was only 15 euro if you get it from the Tourist centre or 16.50 if purchased in house. On top of everything, there is a real submarine experience and a diving simulator - just a bit of fun for people of all age.