For someone that works within IT and running a blog means I spend a lot of time on the laptop or peering at one gadget or another. This means that even when I am not at work I will find myself on the laptop, iPad or phone. With only 24 hours in the day, doing this 7 days a week can take its toll on you. This is a recipe for anxiety ridden days sometimes with an endless to-do list. After much resistance from Mr Awesome, I finally agreed to take a break from all gadgets, with the exception of my trusted Nikon – hence why I have pictures for you. So last weekend I retreated to Norfolk with Mr Awesome and with a few of his friends. This was not just any weekend but a Reiki Weekend Retreat. They rented out the Coastguard Cottage, cozy and beautifully decorated with a nautical theme.
From the moment we arrived on Friday night, as soon as we parked car, I had to keep still for a moment because I just wanted to take it all in. We arrived late, it was pitch black with a few lights around but the sky was glowing, the moon was out and the stars, oh my goodness.
Living in busy and brightly lit London its not everyday I get to stare at the sky and see the diamond dusted blanket of stars shinning down on me. The stillness of the moment was only interrupted by the sound of crashing waves on the beach. I was now too excited to sleep considering we drove 3 hours from London and arrived shortly before midnight.
The following morning got off to a fresh start with meditation on the beach before breakfast. Cool, fresh breeze, low waves teasing the shoreline. I could really get used to this. Endless sea beyond, not a boat or ship afloat. We headed back to the cottage shortly after the meditation session. Breakfast was served with a side of laughter as the table was filled with good food and good company.
Laughter is truly the best therapy around and you cannot ask for more when you have a weekend filled with it. Later on, on Saturday I had another Reiki Session with Sarah. The session leaves you feeling wonderful, in dream like state and just blissfully peaceful. During the session you feel a tingle as she moves around you. I woke up feeling relaxed and just wishing I could have stayed in that moment forever.
On Sunday Mr Awesome and I spent some time exploring the shoreline and we couldn’t have done it at a better time as the sun was out and it was incredibly warm. I was surprised to be running around in wellies on the beach with no jacket on because it was that warmth that just feels so cozy and homely and comfortable. It must have taken a few of the locals by surprise too as on the way because they were all coming out of the wood works to sun bath. With a few bringing out their kayaks.
For anyone visiting or living in the UK, don’t be so keen to fly off the island. Mundesley sits on the coast of North Norfolk and with a population of around 2,500 it is very much unspoilt. Norfolk or Mundesley Beach to be more specific, could so easily be somewhere I could spend a week just chilling and recovering from the hustle and bustle of London or any major city.
Its scenic, the people in the little village are friendly and the miles and miles the beach extends for leaves you wanting to check on the cottage prices around the village so you could forever relive the blissful serenity on offer in this quaint English seaside resort.
Syd
I love these photos! Especially the little Maritime Museum… It's so tiny…
Bianca Malata
I know! Its so cute! It was closed but from the size of it I cant image there is much to show inside.
ediot
I really enjoy your posts
great photos
thanks for sharing this
Bianca Malata
Thank you and thanks for dropping by ๐
Adelina Wong
That has got to be the cutest house ever! I love all the details inside. Fantastic photos too. Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
Bianca Malata
Thanks Adelina.
Noel Morata
What a wonderful getaway…this is my type of retreat and being by the sea sounds wonderful, i would love to look for sea shells and it looks like there's some great finds!
Bianca Malata
It really was a relaxing weekend. Sea, Sand and SUN!! Its not everyday you get all three in one go in the UK so that was a nice bonus to the chilled out setting of the country side.
Ace CB
Gorgeous photos! Just the surroundings seems nice and relaxing =)
Bianca Malata
Thanks Ace. It was definitely relaxed. I wish I could do it again soon.
Sammi Wei
Reiki is becoming pretty popular in Costa Rica, I know several people who are licensed and practice. That little getaway looks lovely! What a cute quaint little house!
Bianca Malata
I wish I had found out about it sooner….The dream like state and peaceful feeling you feel after might become addictive ๐
frankaboutcroatia
Great for you to take a break from all the gadgets! I'm also always on my pc/ iphone / ipad, you name it. And you've certainly chosen a perfect getaway place. Lovely photos (glad you haven't taken a break from your Nikon)!
Bianca Malata
Gosh we really are in the digital age aren't we but it felt so good to be a little disconnected to the world for the weekend. Maybe you can also try to take a short break from your gadgets ๐
Elena Nacheva
Nice photos! im glad that you have managed to escape from the gadgets for a bit :)) Do it more often then, looks you quite enjoy it!
Bianca Malata
Thanks Elena. Yep that is the plan…I will try and be a little more consistent on taking on the gadget breaks ๐
Mary @ The World Is A Book
These photos are beautiful. I love the vibrant flowers and the nautical theme. I'm a programmer so I can empathize with you on needing to get away. I feel so relaxed just looking at your photos.
Bianca Malata
Thanks Mary, yep we definitely need a moment from the computers…
coffeetimesweety
sounds like the ultimate relaxing weekend! Love the pics too!
Bianca Malata
Thank you. Glad you like them. Thanks for dropping by.
Ashley Hubbard
Gorgeous photos! And, it's always nice to take a break ๐ Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
Bianca Malata
It definitely is. I am counting down to my next break. Two more weeks!
Jessica Bowler
What a gorgeous little place! I love all your shots of the flowers.
Bianca Malata
Thanks Jessica ๐
Angel E.
that place is beautiful like i wanna live there forever! perfect for place to unwind. love the purple flowers ๐
Bianca Malata
I wanted to stay there forever as well.
Dana Carmel
I'm a sucker for the beach, so this definitely looks like a side trip I'd love to take the next time I visit England. Gorgeous pics!
Bianca Malata
Yep, definitely one to visit when you are back in England.
clay
great pics, love the antique type decorations in the museum – we want to decorate our spare room with a beach theme and these pics are inspiring
Bianca Malata
I am glad my pictures have offered something to your theme.
Manouk BoB
Bianca, I know I said this before, but I love your photography. Great eye for detail :)!
Bianca Malata
Thank you! Its always great to hear that people are enjoying my photography. Makes me want to continue improving on them ๐
Ashley Alex
Great photos! Looks like a wonderful place to spend a weekend unplugged and relaxing!
Bianca Malata
Thanks Ashley, it really was is a beautiful place, would definitely recommend unplugging and fully share all your attention with the people in the room without gadgets.
Jon Algie
Awesome photos, this reminds me of the beaches in New Zealand!
Bianca Malata
Thanks Jon. Will definitely check out your blog to have a look at any New Zealand pictures if you have any. I am planning a trip to Australian next year so I dont know if I can squeeze in New Zealand too.
christine
Beautiful photos! I love the nautical interior design! I can totally relate to spending too much time on technology. Luckily I work in a cafe so the most computery thing I have to do is input orders. But on my days off, I'm on the computer doing blog stuff all day! Glad to see you escaped for a bit ๐
Bianca Malata
Thanks Christine. Glad you love the pictures. Yeah its definitely good to get a nice break every once in a while.
New Girl in Toon
So glad you commented on my blog as it lead me to have a good nosey round yours! Not only have you recently been to beautiful Newcastle you've also been to Norfolk which is where I was born and grew up ๐ I don't get back home too often now as it's a 5 hour trip so I love stumbling across blog posts about Norfolk. I'm staying with my family for a week in June so looking forward to having days and days to get out and about exploring the area again, it's been such a long time since I spent any substantial time there.
So glad you enjoyed Mundesley ..I hope you'll return to Norfolk soon x
Bianca Malata
Haha isnt it such a small world?! I loved Norfolk and would definitely love to go back some time. I hope you enjoy your visit back home. Hopefully you will take some shots of your trip too ๐