Colchester Zoo

Before now I actually cannot remember the last time I visited a zoo.  I've never been a huge fan and the thought of wild animals being kept in captivity just really doesn't appeal me.  I remember going to Colchester Zoo as a kid, back then it felt huge but I have to say, returning now as an adult it still felt as though the animals all had plenty of space within their enclosures.

It was also clear to see how much all the staff cared about the animals and how knowledgeable they all were, which was really lovely to see.  But the thing that struck me the most was the amount of work that Colchester Zoo do with their breeding programmes and the work they are doing surrounding conservation and sustainability.

    

They have projects worldwide in supporting conservation of animals as a part of their Action for the Wild charity.  It was humbling to see how passionate they really are, and the fact that it is not just another money grabbing tourist attraction.  It has definitely changed my perception of things and I won't be leaving a return visit so long this time.

~ Gem x

Rochester

I have vowed to explore more of the UK as part of my forty before forty list.  We are blessed with some beautiful places in the UK some of which are so close to home they can be travelled to and explored all in one day.  Places such as Rochester.  I am honestly not sure how I have managed to go this long before stumbling across this little gem of a place.

It is only a small town but it is packed with plenty to do.  In the few hours that I was there I managed to see a lot, without being rushed.  

The Cathedral was pretty grand, I imagine it would look gorgeous at this time of year decked out for Christmas.

Next up was Eastgate House, tucked just off the High Street.  I didn't go inside as there was an event taking place when I visited, but I was able to see it all from outside and even got to see the chalet where Charles Dickens used to do his writing overlooking the garden.

Lastly was the castle.  All that is left of it now is the square keep which you can still go inside and climb to the top (three floors), where the view of Rochester is worth a look. 

There was plenty more explored on the day so this isn't an extensive list on all that there is to do in Rochester.  I would say if you've not visited before, it is worth adding to the list of places to check out.  I'd like to return one year for the Dickens Themed Christmas market, maybe next year.

~ Gem x

Finding The Words

Don't laugh, I was going to take part in Blogmas this year.  In reality I haven't blogged in just over a month and still have a load of posts in draft from earlier in the year that I would still like to publish.  I have written less this year than I have since starting this blog nine years ago.

The truth is I just haven't been feeling it.  It has been a strange year that hasn't been without it's challenges and for the majority of the time the last thing I could think about or focus on was sitting down to write.  It's an odd one though as I find that writing is one of the things that really relaxes me and when I get into it I do enjoy it, but it helps having something to write about and for the most part the words just haven't been forth coming.   

I'm planning on publishing my drafted posts over the next week or so, getting up to speed with things ready for a fresh start to the new year and who knows what 2020 will have in store.

~ Gem x