Couch Potato to World Getter

From health reset to world adventure

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  • 🍬 Chilean Snacks, Sweets & Desserts — The Treats I Can’t Wait to Try

    Chileans may only have two proper meals a day — breakfast and a big lunch — but don’t let that fool you into thinking they don’t snack. Between onces (their version of elevenses), street food, café treats and sweet traditions, there’s plenty to explore. And honestly… if I was in Chile tomorrow, I’d be stocking up just to keep Erika happy in the evenings!

    🍮 Sweets & Desserts

    Leche Asada — A Chilean Classic

    Leche Asada is a baked milk custard with beautifully caramelised edges. Made from milk, eggs, sugar and either vanilla or cinnamon, it’s a simple recipe that became iconic across Chile. It reminds me of a crème brûlée, just baked instead of torched. Since the Spanish brought custard to South America, this dessert has evolved into its own comforting, home-style treat. I can already imagine enjoying this with a coffee on a warm evening.

    Pan de Pascua — Chilean Christmas Cake

    Chile’s Christmas cake takes elements from stollen and panettone, which already makes it sound perfect to me! It’s packed with dried fruits, nuts, spices and sometimes a light glaze. Much less intense than the dense English Christmas cake — but still festive and full of flavour.
    I absolutely need to visit Chile one December just for this.

    Alfajores — Erika’s Future Favourite

    Two soft shortbread biscuits sandwiched with manjar (Chile’s dulce de leche)?
    Yes. Absolutely yes.
    You’ll find them coated in chocolate, rolled in coconut or dusted with icing sugar. These are everywhere — bakeries, supermarkets, cafés, even the airport. I already know I’ll be buying extra because Erika will inhale these.

    Mote con Huesillo — Chile in a Cup

    Not quite a drink, not quite a dessert, but definitely a must-try. It’s made from:

    • dried peaches rehydrated in syrup
    • cooked wheat (mote)
    • sweet peachy liquid served chilled

    You drink it and scoop it. Perfect for hot summer days. I can see Erika stealing mine and then immediately asking for her own.

    🍟 Chilean Snacks

    Empanadas — Everywhere, All the Time

    If Chile had a single national snack, this would be it. Empanadas can be baked or fried, with fillings like:

    • beef
    • chicken
    • seafood
    • cheese
    • spinach
    • or sweet versions with custard, fruit or manjar

    There’s a flavour for everyone, which means Erika will absolutely latch onto one she loves—and make me buy it repeatedly.

    Completo — The Chilean Hotdog

    Chileans adore hotdogs, and their versions are loaded.

    Popular types:

    • Completo clásico — tomato salsa, sauerkraut, mayo
    • Italiano — avocado, tomato, mayo (like the Italian flag)
    • Dinámico — avocado, tomato, sauerkraut, mayo
    • A lo pobre — fried egg, sautéed onions, chips

    The last one is… a lot. But I’d happily try the egg and onions!

    Super 8 Bars & Ramitas Evercrisp

    Every country has its beloved classics:

    • Super 8 — chocolate-covered wafer with cream filling
    • Ramitas Evercrisp — thin crunchy crisps (original, cheese, sour cream & onion + limited editions)

    These are Chile’s childhood nostalgia snacks — and perfect for us to try during long bus rides.

    🥛 Manjar on Everything

    Chile’s version of dulce de leche is thick, sticky and dangerously addictive. You’ll find it in:

    • cakes
    • cookies
    • pastries
    • doughnuts
    • ice cream
    • pancakes

    If manjar can be added, it will be added.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Chile’s snack culture is warm, comforting and full of character. Some treats are grab-and-go street food, others are perfect for a slow coffee break. One thing’s certain: Erika and I will never go hungry in Chile. Between the empanadas, chocolate bars, fruit drinks and all the manjar-filled goodies… we’ll be happily snacking from one end of the country to the other.

  • 🎡 Chile for Fun: Theme Parks, Animals & Science All in One Trip

    Volcanoes, glaciers and deserts are all breathtaking around Chile, but there is so much more to this country. Erika and I want to explore everything Chile has to offer — and that includes attractions perfect for families, curious travellers, and anyone who is a big kid at heart. I’m yet to grow up!

    🎢 Fantasilandia — Chile’s Biggest Theme Park (Santiago)

    Fantasilandia is Chile’s main amusement park, opened in 1978 with the slogan ¡La diversión total! — “Total fun!”
    It may not be as over-the-top as the giant parks in richer countries, but it still has rollercoasters, water rides and classic family rides… which honestly is probably more suited to Erika anyway.

    Attractions that caught my eye:

    • Fly Over — a swing ride that goes 80 metres into the sky! (They have a normal-height version too in case our fear wins.)
    • Wild Mouse — twisty, jerky chaos. Perfect for Erika.
    • Pulpo — the octopus ride that’s “just thrilling enough”.
    • Tsunami & River Rapids — ideal on a hot day.

    Sadly, only those under 1.4m can ride the carousel — devastating for lifelong carousel lovers like us! Something about a carousel just puts you right back into childhood. I can’t wait to get photos of us smiling and screaming around the park.

    💦 Parque Acuático Curunina — Waterpark Fun in Quilpué

    When the summer heat hits, everyone rushes to waterparks — and Chileans are no exception. Curunina, near Valparaíso, has been offering water-filled fun for 25 years with slides, splash zones and that perfect tropical vibe.

    Highlights include:

    • Tall spiralling slides
    • Lazy river
    • Wave pools
    • Shaded picnic areas

    There’s also a splash pool and toddler zone for younger children. I can easily imagine us spending the whole day drifting between the pool and the shade (me repeatedly reapplying sunscreen — curse my pale ancestors!).

    🦁 Zoológico Nacional de Chile — Animals with a View (Santiago)

    Built into the side of San Cristóbal Hill, this century-old zoo is unique — you get animal encounters and a city skyline view at the same time.

    Fair warning: the zoo is old, and the enclosures may not match the standards you’re used to. They are improving things, but like Bristol Zoo, it carries the history of a different era of animal care. Something to keep in mind.

    Animals you might see:

    • Pumas
    • Flamingos
    • Condors
    • Giant tortoises
    • Monkeys
    • Penguins (of course — it’s Chile!)

    You can combine the zoo with the funicular or cable car. The funicular even stops right outside the zoo entrance, making it ideal for a quick wander before heading to the top for even more amazing views.

    🔬 Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM) — Chile’s Best Science Museum

    This hands-on science museum is perfect for curious minds young and old. Science always feels a bit magical — especially when you get to touch things, try things, and see how the world works right in front of you.

    Some interactive exhibits include:

    • Light and colour rooms
    • Giant bubble stations
    • Earthquake simulator
    • Space exploration zone
    • Practical physics experiments

    I can’t wait to compare it to the science museums we’ve visited (which is basically just Bristol so far!). I definitely need to broaden Erika’s museum catalogue. Even if everything is in Spanish, we’ll still learn loads — hands-on science is universal.

    🧂 Salt Lagoons of the Atacama — Floating Like the Dead Sea

    Think you have to go to the Dead Sea to float? Chile says otherwise! Several Atacama salt lagoons let you float effortlessly — though to be fair, I already float like a cork without any help. The turquoise water surrounded by white salt rocks looks unreal.

    Why I want to try it:

    • The floating effect looks magical
    • The lagoon glows turquoise against pink desert mountains
    • Flamingos sometimes wander nearby
    • The whole landscape looks like another planet

    Not all lagoons allow swimming, so you do need to choose carefully. Proper footwear is essential too — the salt is uneven and sharp in some places. But the photos? The views? The wildlife? Worth it.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Honestly, the more I learn about Chile, the more it adds fuel to the fire to get my arse in gear and go. From water slides and science experiments to floating in salt lagoons and eating candyfloss before squeezing in one last ride — Chile seems to have something fun at every turn.

    And truthfully? I have no idea how I’m going to fit all of this into one adventure… but I’ll certainly try!

  • 🌿 A Little Update: Why My Wednesday Blogs Are Changing

    If you’ve been following my weekly posts, you might have noticed something…
    Last Wednesday, nothing went up.

    And honestly? It didn’t feel right forcing myself to post something that didn’t feel like me. When I started “Wellness Wednesday,” I thought it would motivate me — but instead, it began to feel like I was writing for the sake of filling a slot rather than sharing something meaningful.

    So, after thinking it over (and drinking a lot of tea while doing so), I’ve decided to make a change.
    A good one. A sustainable one.

    ✨ Wednesday Is Now “Miscellaneous Wednesday”

    Wednesday will now be my flexible space — a room to breathe, write, and share whatever feels genuine that week.

    It could be:

    • a travel-ish deep dive
    • a random curiosity
    • a cultural topic
    • a treasure trail experience
    • a behind-the-scenes peek into planning
    • or simply something weird and wonderful that caught my autistic brain and wouldn’t let go

    No pressure. No strict themes. Just honest content that fits who I am.

    🧡 But the First Wednesday of Every Month Stays Special

    Even though Wednesdays are becoming more flexible, I still want to track my journey properly — especially with health being such a big part of my future travels.

    So:

    ➡️ The first Wednesday of each month will be a Health & Weight Update.

    A check-in on how I’m doing, how I’m feeling, and what’s changing as I prepare my body for a very physically active lifestyle on the road.

    This feels more natural — monthly, not weekly — and much more honest.

    💰 And the Last Wednesday of the Month? Budget & Debt Update

    This one matters a lot to me.

    I want to be open about:

    • what I’m saving
    • what I’m spending
    • how I’m managing debts
    • what progress I’m making toward the world trip

    Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that travel influencers often show the end result — the freedom, the sunshine, the adventures — but not the real-life financial slog that gets you there.

    And I want people who are:

    • on benefits
    • in debt
    • single parents
    • starting late
    • or just feeling stuck

    …to be able to look at my journey and think:

    “She did it. So I can too.”

    I’m starting from a very normal, very human place — not from money or privilege.
    And I think showing the full picture will help others feel less alone and more confident.

    🌱 Final Thoughts

    This change feels right.
    More authentic, more manageable, and more me.

    I’ll still be posting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday — that isn’t changing — but the Wednesday space will now have room to grow alongside me.

    Thank you for being here, whether you read every post or just pop in when you fancy.
    It means more than you know.

  • 🍽️ Blog Title: Lunchtime in Chile — Hearty, Homely and Full of Flavour

    Chileans generally eat two main meals a day. The first is breakfast and the second — the real event — is lunch! Since it’s the biggest meal, lunch is hearty, family-centred and usually eaten a little later than many of us are used to, between 1–3pm. Businesses often close during this time, so don’t plan any shopping trips then!

    🥣 The Menu — Simple Yet Satisfying

    Because lunch is the star of the day, it often looks like a proper three-course meal with a starter, main and dessert — although dessert can be as simple as fruit or jelly. Honestly, a bowl of strawberries is perfectly fine for dessert in my books! Like most countries, dishes vary depending on region and season, but here are a few I’d love to try:

    👶 Niños Envueltos

    The name is brilliant — it literally means wrapped children. Thankfully, no actual children are involved! It’s vegetables wrapped in steak or minced meat, or rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, all cooked in a tomato sauce. It’s a common starter and often paired with pebre.

    🫑 A Side of Pebre

    Pebre is Chile’s national condiment, similar to a fresh salsa. It’s usually made with onion, coriander, chilli, and sometimes tomato. It’s seasoned with salt, lemon or lime. Pebre can be spread on bread, added to dishes or enjoyed as a dip — although it’s wise to scoop some onto your own plate first! It sounds refreshing alongside some of the heavier dishes.

    🍲 Pantrucas

    In winter, a warm soup is the perfect starter. Pantrucas is a rustic Chilean soup made with small squares of dough (just flour, water and salt). The soup base is usually a meat broth — beef, pork or turkey — with vegetables like potatoes, carrots and onions, plus herbs and spices. I love paprika, so I’d be excited to try this. And the dough pieces feel like such a cosy, homely touch.

    🥩 Lomo a lo Pobre

    Chile’s answer to steak and chips! It may sound simple, but Chileans top their steak and fries with fried eggs and onions, and sometimes peppers or carrots. Some versions even include plantain, which I’m still not sure about — but overall this sounds like a comforting staple. I’m happy to let Erika steal a few chips from my plate!

    Chorrillana is similar, using the same core ingredients but with extras like chorizo, hotdogs or tomato. It’s usually served as a shared dish, often alongside beer.

    🥘 Curanto

    This is the dish I’m most excited for. Clams, mussels, sausages, chicken, pork, potatoes (in different styles), peppers and onions — all cooked in a pit lined with hot rocks. As the shellfish open, they release juices that create steam to cook everything else. It sounds incredible, and I genuinely can’t wait to try it during Chile’s summer months, when it’s most popular.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    I need to visit Chile in all seasons. The summer and winter foods feel different, yet tied together by their love of meat, potatoes and fresh local ingredients. It honestly reminds me of my grandparents’ style of cooking — hearty, simple and filling (maybe minus the salsa!).

    I’m sure Erika will love the variety of potato dishes and the chance to try different sausages — plus the endless supply of bread, even if she’s unsure about the main dish. As for me? I plan to enjoy everything.

  • 🌊 Island Adventures — Exploring the Islands of Chile

    Last week we touched on the Chiloé Archipelago, with its colourful palafitos (houses on stilts) and the charming wooden churches, as well as the icy landscapes of Tierra del Fuego — home to vast glaciers and the world’s southernmost town, Puerto Williams. But that’s only a tiny glimpse of Chile’s enormous island world.

    Chile is home to over 43,000 islands.
    Some are no more than windswept rocks, others hold whole communities, and many hide wildlife, legends and history in the most unexpected places. This week, we’re diving into a few of the most iconic ones.

    🗿 Easter Island — Mystery in the Middle of the Pacific

    Easter Island has three names:
    • Easter Island — given by the Dutch after arriving on Easter Sunday
    • Rapa Nui — the Polynesian name
    • Te Pito o Te Henua — “the navel of the sea”

    It’s one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth, and easily one of the most mysterious.

    Of course, the stars of the island are the moai statues — almost 1,000 of them. Most people don’t realise they have full bodies buried beneath centuries of shifting soil. These statues were carved from volcanic tuff at Rano Raraku to honour chiefs and important ancestors. Many more remain partially buried, but most experts agree digging them up wouldn’t be respectful.

    But the moai aren’t the only attraction.
    Easter Island also offers:

    🌴 Anakena Beach — white sand, palm trees and a calm bay
    💃 Kari Kari Cultural Shows — traditional Polynesian dance and music
    🏺 Anthropological Museum — with artefacts collected by Father Sebastián Englert
    🐎 Horse treks to Terevaka, the island’s highest point

    I can picture Erika loving the dancers, and I know I’ll be the one insisting on the horse ride up the volcano.

    🌋 Robinson Crusoe Island — A Real-Life Adventure Story

    In 1704, Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was stranded alone on the island called Más a Tierra. His survival story later inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe — though Crusoe’s fictional adventure is far more dramatic.

    Chile later renamed the island Robinson Crusoe Island to boost tourism, and its neighbour became Alejandro Selkirk Island.

    Today, you arrive in San Juan Bautista, a tiny village hugged by cliffs and forests. The island has:

    • dramatic coastal hikes
    • a national park
    • wildlife, including species found nowhere else on Earth

    I might need to read the book before going — purely for the fun of comparing fact and fiction.

    🐧 Magdalena Island — Penguins Galore

    Magdalena Island sits in the Strait of Magellan and comes alive every year when more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins return to breed.

    Only park rangers live there year-round (three in winter, six in summer), but boat tours let you land and walk a marked path among the penguin burrows.

    Between November and February, fluffy chicks waddle around learning how to penguin properly before migrating north. On the boat ride back, you might spot sea lions or dolphins cruising beside you.

    If you want even bigger penguins — the regal King Penguins — there are protected viewing areas in Tierra del Fuego. Tours are limited, but both colonies are possible if you’re determined… and I definitely would be.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    From the ancient moai of Easter Island to the castaway history of Robinson Crusoe Island and the adorable chaos of Magdalena’s penguin colony, Chile’s islands are worlds within worlds.

    Honestly, Erika and I could spend months just island-hopping — and we probably will try! But with so much more of Chile to explore on the mainland too, this is just the beginning.

  • 🎂 I Officially Turned 40! How Chileans Celebrate Birthdays

    I officially turned 40 yesterday. It’s crazy to think that by my 47th birthday, I’ll (hopefully) be celebrating on the road — and with many more birthdays for both of us still to come. So, since we’re exploring Chile this month, I thought I’d look at how Chileans celebrate their special day.

    🍰 The Star of the Show — Torta de Mil Hojas

    What birthday is complete without cake? While I tucked into the iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake here in the UK, in Chile, I’d be celebrating with a Torta de Mil Hojas — or “Thousand Layer Cake.”

    Brought over from Spain and Portugal, this classic made its way across Latin America and has remained a birthday favourite for over 100 years! It’s made with delicate pastry layers filled with manjar (similar to dulce de leche) and sometimes nuts or jam. Some are finished with more manjar, others with fruit or powdered sugar — and I imagine they all taste wonderful.

    Another popular choice is Torta de Piña (pineapple cake). Made with three or four layers of vanilla sponge, cream, and pineapple filling, it’s finished with more cream, pineapple, and sometimes roasted coconut or chocolate sprinkles. It’s especially common for children’s or summer birthdays, adding a sunny tropical twist to the table.

    🥪 Party Snacks — Small Bites with Big Flavour

    Like most celebrations around the world, you can’t just have cake — you need food too! Chilean birthday tables are loaded with finger foods, offering a bit of something for everyone (and I’m always here for a buffet spread!).

    Some typical dishes include:

    • Sopaipillas – fried pumpkin dough served with pebre or manjar, sweet or savoury
    • Empanadas – like a Cornish pasty, baked or fried, with all kinds of fillings
    • Chorrillana – chips topped with sliced hotdogs, fried onions, fried eggs, and beef
    • Pastel de Choclo – a sweet and savoury corn casserole with a ground beef filling

    I really like the idea of chorrillana — it reminds me of loaded or “dirty fries”! Either way, everyone looks well-fed at a Chilean party.

    🍾 Drinks — Fizzy Fun Over Fancy Wine

    Cake? Check. Food? Check. Now for drinks!

    For children, there’s the iconic Bilz y Pap — two colourful soft drinks, one red and fruity, the other yellow and papaya-flavoured. As for adults, you’ll often find:

    • Terremotos – a cocktail created after the 1985 earthquake; white wine-based with pineapple ice cream and grenadine (there’s even a kid-friendly version with 7Up!)
    • Borgoña – red wine mixed with strawberries and sugar
    • Navegado – Chile’s version of mulled wine

    I’m especially curious about Bilz y Pap — I can see Erika and I grabbing one of each to decide which is best!

    🎶 The Song — A Little Different from Ours

    Chileans sing “Cumpleaños Feliz,” much like other Spanish-speaking countries, but they add their own flair — extra clapping, cheering, and sometimes a verse for good luck. And yes, the mordida de la torta (face in the cake) tradition is real… though I might pass on that one!

    ✨ My Thoughts

    Chile’s family-oriented culture shines through in its birthday traditions — warm, flavourful, and full of joy without being over-the-top. It’s all about spending time together and celebrating life’s simple moments.

    As for me, I celebrated quietly this year with some traditional fish and chips and a slice of birthday cake. Nothing fancy — it’s freezing and has done nothing but rain! So, games with Erika and a cozy evening in was perfect.

    One more year closer to travelling the world… and I can’t wait to celebrate future birthdays with friends I meet along the way. 🎈

  • 🇨🇱 Exploring Chile: From the Mainland to the Edge of the World

    After the spin of a wheel — which sounds like an interesting way to travel one day — it landed on Chile. I can honestly say I don’t know much about Chile, besides its location in South America and the fact that it’s long and thin! So much so that you could drive from the Andes to the Pacific in a single afternoon. So here are some facts about the country:

    Name: Republic of Chile
    Capital: Santiago
    Language: Spanish
    Currency: Chilean Peso
    Population: 17,574,003 (based on the 2017 census)
    Total Area (Sq Km): 756,096
    Total Area (Sq Mi): 291,929
    Islands: 43,471

    From north to south, Chile stretches over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers), yet it’s only about 61 miles (91 kilometers) wide. Within all that land are some of the most diverse landscapes imaginable — deserts, forests, mountains, volcanoes, and glaciers all within one country. It’s hard to believe you’d still be in the same place!

    🏜️ Northern Chile — Desert and Stars

    At the very top of Chile lies the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world. Not only that, but at its northernmost point sits the tripoint with Bolivia and Peru, meaning you can literally step into three countries within minutes! One side faces the coastline, the other hugs the mountains, and small settlements lie within the breaks of the range. Don’t forget to acclimatise in towns like San Pedro de Atacama, the main hub for travellers wanting to explore geysers and lagoons.

    Stargazing here is taken to a whole new level. With some of the clearest night skies on Earth and several high-altitude observatories, astronomers from around the world come here to study the heavens. But even without fancy equipment, you can see the Milky Way shining bright. I’d love to look up at that crystal-clear sky — especially during a meteor shower. Erika would love it too, so maybe we’ll get lucky.

    🌳 Central Chile — City Life and Coastlines

    Next on the map is Santiago, the capital city. It sits in a valley surrounded by mountains and has amazing views, whether from the cable cars or from Sky Costanera, Latin America’s highest viewing point. Below, the city blends historic landmarks like the Palacio de La Moneda and the Metropolitan Cathedral with leafy parks. I’d love to explore museums such as the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, or perhaps tour Viña Cousiño Macul, the only winery in Santiago still under full family control.

    A short journey away is Valparaíso, one of the most colourful coastal cities imaginable. Its hills are covered in houses painted every colour of the rainbow. Paseo Gervasoni is full of street art, vintage buildings, and hidden cafés. I can see Erika and me stopping for a drink before heading down to the shore to gaze out to sea — or maybe build a sandcastle or two.

    🏔️ Southern Chile — Forests, Lakes and Volcanoes

    From sea to lakes to snow-topped volcanoes — Chile’s Lake District is picture-perfect. It’s full of lush forests and more monkey puzzle trees than you can count, with endless hiking and horse-riding trails. In winter, it transforms into a snowy resort where you can ski down the Villarrica Volcano. Towns like Puerto Varas and Pucón offer plenty of water activities, from kayaking and hot springs to exploring the mystical Bosque Encantado Pucón.

    To the west begins the Chiloé Archipelago. On the main island, you’ll find three national parks and Senda Darwin, an institute honouring Charles Darwin’s time here. They offer organised tours, though these need booking in advance. The island is also home to colourful palafitos (houses on stilts), something I’d love to see since my own home is firmly planted in the ground! Scattered across the islands are about 70 wooden churches, with 16 recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    ❄️ Far South — Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

    At Chile’s southern tip, Patagonia greets you with endless glaciers, fjords, and icy peaks — as well as the world’s southernmost populated town, Puerto Williams. The Museo Antropológico Martín Gusinde tells the story of the Indigenous Yaghan people who once thrived here before colonisation nearly wiped them out. Today, only a small number remain.

    The other locals are a little cuter — penguins, dolphins, whales, and wildcats roam the land and sea. Boat tours let you spot them up close, and you can also visit ranches to meet farm animals, hike, ride horses, or learn how sustainable wool clothing is made.

    ✨ Closing Thoughts

    I had no idea Chile held so much within it. From sand to snow and everything in between, it’s a country of stunning contrasts. It might be best known for its scenic beauty, but I’m sure Erika and I will find plenty of quirky adventures to suit our fun style of travel. Skiing down a volcano sounds like a thrilling first — let’s just hope it doesn’t erupt while we’re there!

    And as for those islands — well, that’s a story for next week. 🌊

  • 🥖 Breakfasts in Chile – Comfort with a Twist

    As we begin to explore the delicious foods of Chile, I wanted to start where most people begin their day — breakfast.

    It might not look the same as what we’re typically used to, since Erika isn’t exactly a morning person! Most school days, she grabs a breakfast bar before rushing out the door, and on lazy weekends her “breakfast” becomes brunch. That said, Chile might just be the place where she actually gets up on time and looks forward to breakfast.

    🥐 The Heart of Chilean Breakfast — Bread

    Just like Erika, Chileans love bread. The most popular is called marraqueta — a crusty, airy bread roll that’s soft inside. It’s usually spread with butter or jam, or made into a sandwich with cheese or avocado. Another popular way to enjoy it is by dipping the bread into coffee, which I’m quite curious to try — it sounds like the Chilean version of tea and biscuits!

    Another breakfast favourite is pan amasado, a denser homemade-style bread that can be made plain or with pork rinds or bacon. It’s best served warm with butter so it melts right in. Sometimes it’s topped with eggs, avocado, ham, honey or manjar (a caramel-like spread). I can already picture Erika in her element, deciding which bread to have and what to put on it!

    🥑 Palta Power — Chile’s Love of Avocado

    Avocado toast might be new to much of the world, but Chileans have known for ages how delicious it is. It’s a breakfast staple — just mashed avocado on marraqueta with a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a tomato slice on top if you’re feeling fancy. Sometimes they even turn it into a refreshing avocado salad, which sounds like such a fresh and healthy way to start the day.

    🍌 A Sweet Start — Banana Milkshakes & Coffee

    Leche con plátano is a classic Chilean banana milkshake — just milk and a ripe banana blended until smooth, with a little sugar for extra sweetness. Not really my cup of tea, but Erika loves banana milk in the morning, so I think she’ll be a big fan of this one!

    As for me, I’ll be sticking with café con leche — coffee with milk, just how I have it at home. For those who prefer something stronger, black coffee is just as popular… and of course, both are paired with bread.

    ✨ My Thoughts

    Although I’ve yet to try my first Chilean breakfast, it already feels wonderfully simple and homely — the kind of meal anyone could make, even if you’re not actually there. I can’t wait to see what the local bakeries create and let Erika pick out the bread for the morning.

    Then it’ll be a short stroll back to wherever we’re staying, breakfast in the sun, soaking up new sights and sounds while we plan what adventure the day will bring.

    Because sometimes, it’s the simplest mornings that make the best memories. 🌞

  • 🎃 Halloween Across the UK: A Costume Party of Myths and Legendsconsciousness

    As October draws to a close and the air gets colder, I thought it would be fun to look at the myths and legends from each corner of the United Kingdom — as if the nations themselves turned up to a Halloween costume party. Each country holds its own stories of magic, mystery, and things that live in the shadows… or just beyond them.

    Let’s meet the guests.

    👻 England — The Ghosts of Old Halls and Castles

    If England arrived at the Halloween party, it would come dressed as a ghost. From the Tower of London to ancient manor houses and village inns, England is full of stories of footsteps on empty staircases, cold drafts in warm rooms, and whispers in the dark when no one’s there.

    Ghost stories here aren’t just scary — they’re historical. They’re layered with queens, soldiers, kitchen maids, smugglers, and everyday people whose stories linger. I love that in England, history is something you can feel — sometimes a little too closely!

    🧜‍♀️ Scotland — The Selkie of the Sea

    Scotland brings a selkie costume — the seal-folk of the northern coasts. In the Orkney and Shetland Isles, legend says that selkies shed their smooth seal skins to walk the shores as humans under the moonlight.

    They are stories of love, longing, and the pull of the sea — haunting and beautiful. I can imagine standing on a quiet Scottish beach, watching seals on the rocks, wondering which of them might be something more.

    🧙‍♂️ Wales — Merlin the Wizard (With a Little Witchcraft on the Side)

    Wales arrives wrapped in mist, carrying a staff — because Merlin is Welsh in origin. His roots trace back to the Welsh prophet Myrddin Wyllt, wandering the wild forests and speaking in riddles.

    But Wales doesn’t stop at wizards — oh no.
    It also has the Witches of Llanddona on Anglesey, feared and respected as healers and sea-sorceresses.
    And then there’s the Mari Lwyd — the ghostly winter horse spirit draped in white.

    Wales doesn’t just do magic.
    It does ancient magic — the kind that feels alive in the hills.

    🧝‍♀️ Northern Ireland — The Faeries of the Giant’s Causeway

    Northern Ireland comes shimmering into the party as the fae — old, clever, and not always kind. Legends say the Giant’s Causeway was built by a giant named Fionn MacCumhaill… but in other stories, it’s the faeries who shaped the land, moved stones, and hid their worlds just out of sight.

    Faerie folklore here isn’t cute or glittery — it’s wild, powerful, and woven into the landscape itself.
    It’s the kind of magic that feels like it could still be there, if you look carefully enough.

    ✨ Closing

    So here they are at the Halloween party:
    England the Ghost 👻
    Scotland the Selkie 🧜‍♀️
    Wales the Wizard (with a witch or two) 🧙‍♂️
    Northern Ireland the Faerie 🧝‍♀️

    Each costume tells a story.
    Each story tells a place.
    And these are the stories I can’t wait to walk into with Erika — rain, fog, folklore and all.

  • 🍰 Sweet Treats Across the UK — Desserts from Each Nation

    No three-course meal is complete without dessert — and the UK has plenty of sweet treats to choose from. Each nation has its own signature favourite, and surprisingly, I’ve never actually tried any of these yet! But that just makes it more exciting for when we visit each place.

    Here are four desserts I’ll definitely be tasting when we travel.

    🍓 England — Eton Mess

    There are a few stories about how Eton Mess came to be, but they all lead back to Eton College. The most popular tale is that someone dropped a perfectly good strawberry pavlova, scooped it back together and served it anyway — and the students loved it. Another version claims a dog knocked it over!

    Either way, the dessert is simple and classic:
    Strawberries, whipped cream and crushed meringue.

    Other colleges have made their own variations, including using yogurt or changing the fruit — though I’m not sure I’ll be trying the banana version…

    Eton Mess feels easy, comforting and perfect for summer. I can definitely see us making this on the road, or ordering it during a sunny café stop.

    🥃 Scotland — Cranachan

    Cranachan began as a celebration dish during the summer raspberry harvest. Traditionally, it’s made with:

    • fresh raspberries
    • toasted oats
    • honey
    • cream
    • and whisky (which I may or may not try!)

    It almost resembles a fancy overnight oat parfait, which makes sense since it evolved from a breakfast dish.

    When we visit Scotland, I’ll be hunting down a version of this — whisky or no whisky — and I think it will be fun to compare berries vs berries: England’s Eton Mess or Scotland’s Cranachan. Which one will win?

    🍪 Wales — Welsh Cakes

    Welsh Cakes have been around since the days when mining was common in Wales. Wives and mothers would make them to send with miners underground, while families at home would enjoy them warm with tea.

    They’re a mix between a scone, a biscuit and a pancake, cooked on a griddle and usually dotted with raisins.

    I’ve been to Wales many times, but somehow have never tried one. My parents have a bakery nearby that still makes traditional Welsh Cakes, so that’s officially on the list for my next visit.

    🍒 Northern Ireland — Fifteens

    A simple, no-bake treat that’s perfect for a coffee break.
    The recipe is named after its ingredient ratio:

    • 15 digestive biscuits
    • 15 marshmallows
    • 15 glacé cherries
    • condensed milk + coconut

    Mix, roll, chill, slice (or don’t) — and enjoy.

    You can find Fifteens in cafés, supermarkets and community bake sales across Northern Ireland. I can already picture Erika and I picking one up during a slow afternoon wander.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Yes — that was a lot of sugar!
    But at least they all contain fruit, so that counts as balance… right?

    I can’t wait to travel to each corner of the UK and try all of these properly — in their home places, made by people who love them.

    Food is one of the easiest and most joyful ways to learn about a culture, and these four desserts each carry a piece of history with them.

    Here’s to sweet adventures ahead. 💛