About

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Hi!  I’m Jo!  Johanna when I’m feeling posh, I was always Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family.  A bit of a mix-up, I guess.  The one definite, however, is my restless nature.  I can’t be still for too long, unless of course it’s sunny and I’ve got a good book.  I love to travel and to explore our world.  It doesn’t have to be the big wide world- I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m out there, just embracing life. I’m a North East of England lass, who loved our coastline and moorlands.  A wonderful place for walking.

The climate?  Well, that wasn’t so great, but I was lucky.  In November 2018 we made the dream come true.  We sold our UK home and moved to our place in the sun, in the unspoilt, Eastern Algarve.  We’ve owned our house in Tavira since 2004, so it wasn’t exactly an impetuous move, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.  I haven’t lost my restless nature, but we’re close to the Spanish border, so travel is on my doorstep.  I continue to drag my poor husband a-wandering, though he’s a home body really. (classic case of mismatching!)  

And the rocks below.

Coastal walking near Whitby in north east England 

Then there’s the Polish saga.  The family make me welcome whenever I can get there, and boy, do they know how to party!  You can follow the story on My Personal A-Z of Poland page.

Of course I still have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying both to share my experiences and make new friends with the same passion for travel. Simonseeks hit some troubles, but the writing bug never left me.  I’d become addicted to writing about my travels. So, the blog was born!  The blogging community are so supportive and encouraging.  I’ve made many new friends.  Come and be restless with me!  Why not?   

I’m also quite happy to write material for others.  I’ve travelled fairly extensively, so if you can use my services at all please contact me at johanna.bradley@outlook.com.

441 comments

    1. How can anyone object to being dubbed Very Inspiring Blogger, Cath! I think I already have that one, so I’ll put a link to yours on my Awards page. Many thanks.

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  5. Thanks for liking and commenting on my recent challenges posts. You have a beautiful blog here and I am now following you. Glad to meet you in blog sphere.

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  6. I am so envious of all your travels. It is so easy for you to travel around Europe. I hope someday to make it to England and walk the coastal areas with my camera. Maybe I’ll put a good English novel on my ipod and listen to it when I do. I think I am going to enjoy following your blog.

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    1. I’m pretty envious myself, Nana Tee! Some of my photos are going back 20 years and I sometimes feel quite restricted these days. The Far East has been a dream for me for so long, but I doubt I’ll ever make it. Many thanks for your kind comments and I hope you enjoy strolling with me.

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    1. Hi again, Mona. No, I haven’t used them. They contacted me and asked to exchange links, but I do love the idea and would be interested in any feedback if you pursue this. They seem like a decent outfit. Maybe I’ll get to use them when we move to the Algarve (fingers and eyes crossed tight!)- some day. Thank you!

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  11. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I’m looking forward to reading more of yours. Loved that photo of you in the Downton Abbey frock. It’s not being aired here but I’m going to get my hands on a DVD of the series soon…

    Warm regards from across the seas,
    Mary

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  12. Hi Jo,
    We have really been enjoying your excellent blog, so we wanted to let you know that we’ve nominated you for The Shine On Award. It highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs. We think your blog brings smiles to all who read it!

    Please see your award and details on our site. We think it’s a great opportunity to introduce your wonderful blog to more readers. They’re gonna love you!

    All the Best,
    Terri & James @ Gallivance.net

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  13. I had to smile when I read “about” you. I am the same way, loving to travel, even if only a few miles away; it’s just getting out there and seeing different places that is so much fun. I wonder what it is that creates this attribute in some of us, but not others (read husbands). You have a lovely blog.

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  15. Ahhh….someone who travels! I can live through you can’t I? I’ve always wanted to just up and travel! But, I am also a homebody as well! I love meeting new friends from different parts of the world.

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    1. Lovely to meet you, Stephanie. Yes, I’m old enough to know better but I still can’t shake that restless streak. My husband’s a homebody though, so we compromise. Welcome aboard.

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  17. Hi Johanna,

    Love your site! You have some great photography and stories. If you are ever interested in submitting some to us at BarrelHopping, we have ongoing contests where you can win cash and get some additional exposure to your content. Check us out when you have time.

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    1. What we know as The Headland or Old Hartlepool, Claire. The town wall of the original settlement of my home town. It’s quite a nice place for a stroll by the sea on a sunny day.

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  19. Hi Jo .. got more of a picture of you now so to speak!
    It’s easy to miss something first time round . Lovely to have the moorlands and coast near, best of both worlds I would say ….we have Hills but the sea is a good drive away but always worth it !

    Fantastic you have a ‘PlaceInTheSun’ to nip off to when the weather here is *Grim* there’s nothing like a clear blue sky and some golden rays to shrug off beastlybritishweatherblues I say 😉

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    1. Me and Mick are both water signs, but about the only thing we agree on is that we couldn’t live anywhere that didn’t have water close by. I ‘m seriously hankering after the Algarve again already but my daughter gets married in February and it might have to wait till after that. Horrors!

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