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. Hi Jo – I really enjoy your photos and writing – wow, did not know about your Polish heritage – Joasiu…..
    I have some Polish in my background as well and I am looking forward to checking out your A to Z page next.
    ~y.

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    1. Many thanks, Y 🙂 I don’t even know what the Y stands for? Yvonne comes to mind?
      It’s been a strange journey, the Polish one. Reminds me, I need to post another letter.

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      1. well it is Yvette – and I was named after an old girlfriend my dad had – and my momma never minded that! 🙂 they had six kids and took turns naming us.

        anyhow, my polish side is from my dad’s side of the family – and it is a heritage I am proud of and hope to explore more years from now. In the meantime, I am pleasantly surprised to find this page on your blog….
        ~y.

        (and a very old nickname that I have(from the 80’s) – who only a few people use – is Vette-ski – which hints at my polish roots….)

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  2. Hi Jo, just wanted to come over and see more of your lovely blog and your terrific photographs. I looking forward to seeing more. I spent a lovely couple of days many years ago when my children were young in Whitby, loved the Abbey and the views. Beautiful place, I’ve never forgotten it. Lovely to meet you … Sherri 🙂

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  4. Thank you friends for sharing the article is quite interesting, hopefully we all get that true happiness rays began to warm our hearts and make the heart glad, when we can share with each other sincerely. Lots of love from Gede Prama 🙂 🙂

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    1. Hi Gede 🙂 The world could be a wonderful place for all of us, couldn’t it? This morning I am looking at the most beautiful salmon pink sunrise. Thank you for your lovely comment.

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  6. Wow what a fantastic blog, I am only sorry that it has taken me so long to find you. We have been considering a trip to Portugal for several years now and so you insights I am sure will be invaluable to our planning. Looking forward to reding more about your travels in 2014! 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m only 2 days away from going back to the Algarve, so you’ve just caught me. I don’t use technology when I’m over there so I’m normally out of the picture for a little while. Thank you for following and best wishes for 2014.

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  8. Hi, Jo. I found your blog via Vivinfrance who mentioned you on my own page. I’m from Hartlepool too and my forebears fished out of Sandwell Chare from late 16thC to the time The Croft was demolished. I was much taken by the header you use – a lovely image of The Town Wall and Sandwell Gate.
    Best wishes
    Harry Nicholson

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  11. Hi, thanks for visiting my blog! It is always nice to come across another blogger from the North East! I agree with you about our climate, it must be lovely to have some guaranteed sun to escape to, especially in the winter!

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    1. Thanks a lot, Aly. Just back from Barcelona with mountains of stuff to do, but of course I’m happy that you’ve included me. Will come and say hi a little later 🙂

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  14. I love the way you crafted your “about” page. It seems so authentic and natural; like a person having a conversation with another. I will be following your blog to see what you are up to. If you get time, please check my blog as well. God bless.

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  16. Hi Jo, Restless? Tell me about it. I was passed from pillar to post as a baby and it seeped into my blood I think. I’ve travelled far and wide and like you I’m just as happy to venture down a new street so to speak. Anything for a change of scenery. I even appreciate the change in weather as it makes things look different. That’s probably why I love England so much. Anyway, I’m rambling. Look forward to sharing with you. Happy blogging!

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