Let’s catch up: 2017
2017 and 2018 were two big years for us as a couple. We started 2017 flooded out of our home and living in a hotel before moving into a rental house for 7 months. We moved back home and then into a new house and spent the rest of the year preparing for our wedding in 2018, but that didn’t slow down our travel plans!
In 2017, Bev started the year with a trip to the Harry Potter Studios in Watford with her sister, this trip was followed by a chilly visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, where we explored Shakespeare’s birthplace and other historic sites.
For Ewan’s birthday in January, Bev planned a surprise weekend in London filled with adventures. We went up the ArcelorMittal Orbit—which was quite the experience for Ewan, who isn’t fond of heights— had lunch at Kouzu and even took part in a chocolate-making workshop. We finished with a visit to the Science Museum before heading home.
Throughout the year, we enjoyed visiting several National Trust locations, including Upton House and Stowe Gardens.
In early 2017, we celebrated a significant achievement as Bev completed the Queen's Guide Award, the highest award you can work towards in Girl Guiding. To mark the occasion, Bev was invited to a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, and her mum came along to enjoy the special treatment.
Later in the year, when our house flooded, we decided to lift our spirits with a spontaneous road trip. We flew to Zurich, Switzerland, and embarked on a loop through Beckenried (Switzerland), Lake Como, Bellagio, Lecco, Teglio, Marlengo, and Terme Merano (Italy); Bad Kohlgrub and Garmisch (Germany); Kennelbach (Austria); and back to Zurich. Moving to a new Airbnb every night or two pushed Bev out of her comfort zone, but it also helped her tackle her travel anxiety.
Another highlight of 2017 was Bev completing a Dance and Performance degree and graduating, though she ended the last performance with an unfortunate broken foot! Once that had healed, Bev and her friend had an incredible opportunity to work in hospitality at the Silverstone F1 giving her the chance to meet lots of celebrities!
For our extended family holiday, we headed to Ravenglass in Cumbria. From there, we visited Lake Windermere, explored Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse), and enjoyed plenty of beautiful countryside walks.
At the end of the summer we both took part in the Great North Run with some of our family. This was a huge challenge for us but something we had enjoyed before and continue to enjoy doing!
Finally, with some friends moving to Devon, we took the opportunity to visit them in Bideford and Westward Ho! with our little puppy who enjoyed the fun coastal adventures.
