Kyoto 5-Day Itinerary: A Slow Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Image of a woman standing in front of Nijo Castle in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city where time seems to slow down. Ancient temples sit quietly among narrow streets lined with traditional and modern townhouses, while the scent of incense drifts through gardens and marketplaces. For the intentional traveller, Kyoto offers a chance to pause and breathe. It allows noticing the small and beautiful details that often go overlooked in life. Think of it as the place for your own Eat Pray Love moment. A chance to slow down, reset, and reconnect, without the chaos that usually forces it.

I spent five days exploring Kyoto, immersing myself in its history, culture, and quiet charm while my husband attended his friends’ bucks party. I wandered through bustling marketplaces, meandered through vibrant gardens, explored historical temples and castles, and learned about the intricate traditions of the Geiko in the Gion District. In this blog, I share my five day Kyoto sightseeing highlights and cultural adventures. This isn’t a jam-packed itinerary of everything to do in Kyoto. It’s a condensed, gentle guide that leaves space for quiet moments, allowing you to truly experience Kyoto and have a relaxing holiday without feeling rushed.

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Vale Freya: Lessons From My Dog on Pet Loss, Grief, Love, and Living Fully in 2026

Some stories you never want to write. Not because they aren’t important, but because writing them makes them real. Saying goodbye to Freya is one of those stories.

As we step into the new year, I want to reflect not on loss alone, but on love, courage, and the lessons our little lady taught me. Lessons I intend to carry into 2026 and beyond.

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How Running the City2Surf Helped Me Celebrate 15 Years Cancer-Free and Find Myself Again

What do you do to mark 15 years in remission? Well, I signed up for a 14km fun run with 90,000 strangers—and it turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

In this post, I share the story behind my first City2Surf, the surprising strategy that helped me cross the finish line (without burning out), and why this was more than just a fun run.

Whether you’re curious about the event, thinking of lacing up yourself, or just need a reminder of what your body is capable of, this one’s for you.

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What Turning 38 Taught Me: On Change, Courage, and Creating a Life You Love

As I raise a glass to celebrate turning 38, I’m reminded of the vibrant experiences that have painted my journey thus far. From the chaos of my twenties to the serenity of my thirties, each experience has been a brushstroke on the canvas of my life. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s to embracing our experiences and growing up gracefully, but never growing old.

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Nature Therapy: What It Is And How To Include It In Your Life

You might have heard the term ‘Nature Therapy’ being thrown around a lot lately as the world focuses more on improving our mental health and well-being whilst we come to terms with the the fact that Coronavirus isn’t going anywhere any time soon. But what is nature therapy and can we incorporate it in our daily lives?

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What Is Self-Love, Exactly?

Woman smiling looking out an open window

If I were to say ‘self-love’ to you, what instantly comes to mind? Is it sitting in a bubble bath surrounded by candles listening to Enya with a glass of vino in hand? Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to self-love than simply practicing self-care (though, that is part of the fun).

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Goodbye 2020, hello 2021!

Boho woman in field

If there is one word to sum up 2020 for me it’s: G R A T I T U D E. Here’s what I’m grateful for in 2020 and what my New Year’s Resolution is for 2021.

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The Social Hangover – What Is It And How To Recover

Woman reading a book and petting a dog

If you have anxiety and social anxiety like me or are a bit of an introvert then you would be more than aware of the ‘social hangover’. Yep, there is such a thing and if you ask me, it’s worse than a regular hangover (well, sometimes).⠀But it doesn’t have to be a (totally) bad experience. I share my tips on how to recover from a social hangover.

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Joy and Happiness is Your Birth right

Two females in back of car smiling and laughing

It might sound like an extremely obvious or even obnoxious statement to make, but I wonder how many of us take the time in our often hectic and busy lives to truly consider this statement – joy and happiness is your birth right. Yep – you, my dear friend, deserve to be happy for the simple (and magical) fact that you were born into being.

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