Things

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[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Part 2 Sunday was a laid back start and stroll into the city centre. Brussels has a great hustle and bustle about it and every corner you can find a bar or cafe with people enjoying one another, conversing and taking in the day. First stop was the Royal Palace of Brussels and as stroll through Brussels Park. After a quick coffee pit stop popped in to St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, equally as impressive as Ghents Cathedral. Just a lot brighter, I believe a very similar design and layout as Notre Dame. Vegan waffles being a great find on route. The town square was our last walking spot with the really impressive 15c town holl and gold guilded buildings 360degrees. Would highly recommend anyone needing a weekend getaway to hop a plane for an hour, go and soak up some Belgian goodness. x #travelstories #travels #adventures #wanderlust #Europe #EU #BE #Belguim #Brussels #Bruxelles #Ghent #StMichaelandStGudulaCathedral #CathédraledesStsMicheletGudule #BrusselsStockExchange #BoursedeBruxelles #BrusselsTownHall #HôteldeVilledeBruxelles #MuseumoftheCityofBrussels #MuséedelavilledeBruxelles #thejudgyvegan #RoyalPalaceofBrussels #PalaisdeBruxelles #BrusselsPark #ParcdeBruxelles #awesomebuildings #gothic #Romanesque #riverleie #leie #Sint-Baafskathedraal #HetBelfortvanGent #SaintNicholasChurch #Sint-Niklaaskerk #KasteelGeraarddeDuivel #BEOBioMarket #Gravensteen #castleofthecounts (at Belgium) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJVgtvhiX_/?igshid=qbz1nyo4nlhi

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Some snaps from this past weekend in Belgium. Part 1 After landing late Friday, plan was to get out early doors Saturday, and grab the train from Brussels-midi to Ghent to spend the whole day exploring. Train was only half an hour and a short walk into the old town, along the river Leie. Turning every corner we were greeted by stunning building after stunning building, the roads narrow and flower filled. The weather was amazing and air fresh. We stumbled into the town square to be greeted by the the 10c Romanesque - St Bavos Cathedral which was simply breathtaking inside. Something quite intimidating and ‘lord of the rings’y’ about such grandiose, godly edifices. You could feel the awe it must have struck in the hearts of the common folk over 1000 years ago! Mind blowing. After that wow moment, every corner was another jaw dropper, 14c watch tower Het Belfort van Gent, Kasteel Geraard de Duivel, Saint Nicholas' Church to name just a few of the sights! Broke the afternoon up with an amazing vegan lunch at BE O Bio Market. Highlight off the day had to Gravensteen or the ‘Castle of the Counts’. Probably the most impressive castle I’ve ever seen or toured. the audio guide translated by a local Ghent comedian called Wouter Deprez. A little blue, a little cheeky and Brough the tour and castle absolutely to life! Hopped the tram back the station and headed back into Brussels for a late supper, glass of wine at the Judgy Vegan Restaurant. #travelstories #travels #adventures #wanderlust #Europe #EU #BE #Belguim #Brussels #Bruxelles #Ghent #StMichaelandStGudulaCathedral #CathédraledesStsMicheletGudule #BrusselsStockExchange #BoursedeBruxelles #BrusselsTownHall #HôteldeVilledeBruxelles #MuseumoftheCityofBrussels #MuséedelavilledeBruxelles #thejudgyvegan #RoyalPalaceofBrussels #PalaisdeBruxelles #BrusselsPark #ParcdeBruxelles #awesomebuildings #gothic #Romanesque #riverleie #leie #Sint-Baafskathedraal #HetBelfortvanGent #SaintNicholasChurch #Sint-Niklaaskerk #KasteelGeraarddeDuivel #BEOBioMarket #Gravensteen #castleofthecounts (at Belgium) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJVZ3JhsbP/?igshid=1urywo33xlikx

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Whistling through more pictures from last weeks trip! Take me back now... here are some from Wednesdays day out soaking up a fraction of the Catalan culture. Still so much to see!!! The ghost tour was ace, medieval and gothic art stunning, gothic cathedral, parks, cannons and a bloody castle on a hill. No wonder we were shattered and wore our shoes out! 😂 Roll on 2020 primavera!! #barcelona #catalan #spain #europe #travel #traveller #funtimes #arcdetriomphe #elgotic #montjuïc #cablecars #cannons #medievalart #gothicart #nationalartmuseumofcatalonia #panoramic (at Barcelona, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQlhuPAi_d/?igshid=bt61k7u0djks

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Incredible scenes yesterday. ❤️ #YNWA #lfc #liverpoolfootballclub #championsleague #championsofeurope #football #bestcityintheworld #liverpool #uk (at Liverpool) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByPXcxqAxti/?igshid=5qwdiun0bmkt

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

More uploads to combat any delay blues. ☺️ Yesterday with weary feet and a little battle worn from Primavera we still managed a little culture, history and markets 😋. Sagrada Família is mind blowing.... #barcelona #spain #espana🇪🇸 #europetravel #european #stayintheeu #funtimes #makingmemories #sagradafamilia #parroquiapurisimaconcepcion #merkatstjoseph #hortsdesantpau #parroquiadesantperenolasc (at Barcelona, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByKaNA2gv4X/?igshid=ffyky2tbjm8j

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Flight delays so some snaps from Thursday @primavera_sound Fab festival, sterling company, lovely people, super clean, amazing layout, quality bands, boss weather! What more could you ask for! Highlight has to be Christine and the Queens and Erykah... just glorious... #primavera #primaverasound #barcelona #spain #espana🇪🇸 #europetravel #europefestival #stayintheeu #funtimes #makingmemories #dannybrown #erykahbadu #interpol #christineandthequeens #raybans #pullandbear (at Primavera Sound) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByKYrfuAEn1/?igshid=g1l9dbwon595

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Finally getting a chance to sift through the many memories from the past month or so from my US trip while getting tattooed (keeping myself busy is helping distract from the tickle...😂😳). Really grateful for the amazing memories... feeling a very lucky chap. Anyway... Thought I’d share some! In no particular order and be up randomly. So... this day in particular, 27th April 2019) My buddy Mike picked me up and we visited the ‘Hot Wheels Legends’ tour being held in a small town, an hour north of Atlanta called Buford. Definitely had that ‘country town in Georgia’ vibe compared to the city. The drive out nice and easy, the weather and temperature perfect. A lovely spring day all in all. The basic premise (from what I believe - forgive me if I’m wrong!) is Hot Wheels run a nationwide competition to have people’s rides be immortalised as a toy! That coupled with some of the classic toys in full size glory on show made for a fun morning out. Awesome concept and some of the cars on show were extravagant, wonderful and ridiculous (in a good way!)... you could see the love and attention in each of these. Here’s just a few snaps from the day! #atlanta #georgia #usa #unitedstates #atl #buford #hotwheels #hotwheelslegendstour #hotwheelsusa #hotwheelsphotography #ford #cadillac #gt #hummer #buick #gmc #memories #april2019 #iphonephotography (at Buford, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxm1QDpByA3/?igshid=r04jazwq4d2c

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Absolutely stellar evening last night @harry_radford... had a riot, love you man. 🦄🕺Long overdue funtimes and catch ups. @panicatthedisco were absolutely fantastic. What a show!!! Feeling very grateful today. #panicatthedisco #manchesterarena #goodtimes #gigs #livemusic #oldfriends (at Manchester Evening News Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvriyjLBNVI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mu4sr8625nhp

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

What a boss, albeit knackering whirlwind whip around this morning... Stunning place, think a proper excursion back is needed. So in short... After grabbing a tiny amount of sleep, woke up to the songs of morning prayer, whistling through the streets. Always astounds me and something genuinely mystical about it, in a city of such scale the streets are absolutely ringing with prayers. Regardless of your views on religion, something about the community of song that grabs the imagination. Stunning. Framed with a ridiculous sunrise, walking mode was well activated and it was high time to cram in as much as I could possible do in the short window left. The city was sleepy at 6am, and the colours quite magical. This city is ancient... yet touched by metropolis and modern flare. Managed to hit some of the old city, the famous blue and Sofia mosques including the gardens, quick stroll along the river, just about popped in (but barely touched) a bazaar and the many shops... could spend a week in these alone!! Of course, sneaky little shopping, a Turkish shave (well half and half, trim and cut through tidy), some traditional tea and a blooming good bite to eat before sadly having to leave this fab place. Any fans of Assassins creed would adore this place. Homeward bound and a bloody good sleep needed. #turkey #istanbul #bluemosque #sofiamosque #solotravel #goldenhorn #europe #asia #aegean #mosques #architecture #takechances (at Istanbul, Turkey) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWN5KdlSez/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d0zksqd6hfbn

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Incredible couple of days. Course this weekend was intense but very inspirational and would urge anyone needing some coaching and guidance dealing with a busy mind in this modern world, to get in touch with Martin. He’s a true mentor and gentleman. Safe to say, looking forward to the next sessions. Wonderfully curated approach cultivating a number of influences and ideals, delivered in a very digestible and friendly manner. Come away with some genuine new skills in meditating, understanding of practical meditation and actual stillness.... Real journey of discovery, understanding and discussion with the whole group, whom I feel I’ve come away with as friends, from being strangers yesterday. Everyone’s story playing Equal parts to the teachings and practice. Now is the implementation time to my daily routine. New tools in place, the journey continues. Excited about the future. More so the present. Thanks Martin. Been a blast. See you soon. #planetyoga_liverpool #meditation #meditate #stillness #mindfulness #learning #liverpool #yoga (at Planet Yoga) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHyFz7AKUz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bbbq1jxig160

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

What can I say. Feel so centred today. Another wonderful day up here with amazing folk. Truly grateful. Started with a nice jaunt, taking in amazing views of Windermere. Lunch with pals, trip the manjushri kadampa Buddhist centre for some mediation at the temple and walk around the grounds. Truly stunning place. Wander through the forest and down to the beach to collect pebbles and take in the scenery. Lastly, wander around a 3,000 year old stone circle with a beautiful view of the bay, then back for a relaxing night of painting and proper kicking back. Loving life today. Happy Sunday all. x #lakedistrict #thelakes #kendal #ulverston #manjushri #kadampa #kadampabuddhism #kadampameditationcenter #windermere #birkrigg #birkriggstonecircle #scenery #travels #uk #walks #meditation #lakes #beach #bay #morecambebay https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu1nQMzlSBz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rs4u4d4kyvzk

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Wonderful day in the lakes. Great yoga. Lovely people. All the aches now! #lakedistrict #grasmere #yoga #yurtlife #yurt #walks #lionandthelamb #movedbylife #lakedistrictyogaretreats #uk #spring (at Grasmere) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzdjMel1e_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rtfbodg22fm1

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Some more pics from yesterday mooching around Vilnius. Worked out the mileage and reckon we clocked well over 30miles walking since Friday morning! 😂 aching like anything now! Amazing museums and landmarks. So much more to see but ran low on time..... for next time! #lithuania #vilnius #gediminas_tower #nationalmuseumoflithuania #panoramic #travel #goodtimes #easterneurope #cityview (at Vilnius, Lithuania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Buj-d-JgWwM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ejq2s5w2zu99

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Another boss morning of Vilnius culture before the evening approaches. So much more to see but little time! Fab beer and snacks from the revolving restaurant up the tv tower. National museum was a little moody but awesome to learn a little more about the country, it’s history and it’s people. #vilnius #memorialsiteofsovietaggressionin1991 #nationalmuseumoflithuania #vilniustvtower #tvtowervilnius #lithuania #easterneurope #travel #adventuretime #city #goodtimes #craftanddraftbeer #craftanddraft (at Vilnius, Lithuania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuggrcLAoJa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pebsp24mo14g

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Such a rad day exploring. This city is stunning. Clocked some serious miles walking! 😂 quick regroup with a swim a sauna then off and evening if Jazz and other shenanigans. ☺️🕺🦄 #lithuania #vilnius #vilniusoldtown #vilnius🇱🇹 #vilniuscathedral #frankzappamemorial #vilniuscity #vilniuskatedra #vilniuskatedros #riverneris #vilniuslibrary #orthadoxchurchofstmichael #funtimes #travel #timeswithfriends #easterneuropean (at Vilnius, Lithuania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BueiKfZBnSt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e7ytvtaight5

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Another lovely day yesterday walking this little beauty. Can really feel the change in the air. Welcome spring. ☺️ #dorgi #dogsofinstagram #spring #dogwalks #peace #timetothink #springvibes #clearskies https://www.instagram.com/p/BuLhKnBAbId/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zy9tlfet1uan

[ashleywelsh-blog1]

Lovely spring walk with star this afternoon. She’s back to her usual bright and sprightly self! #dogsofinstagram #dorgi #spring #mondaymotivation #walks #flaybrickmemorialgardens #flaybrickcemetery https://www.instagram.com/p/BuB6cw7g_5X/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=twl1bwfltr8c