Good to be home. With tons of great memories. I’ve been spending this Sunday going through Cape Town pictures taken this past week, and I decided to start by showing you the place we were staying in. Villa On The Rocks, in Llandudno. It was so beautiful, light and white, with huge windows and an ocean view. Now it feels almost unreal I was here just a moment ago. I’m so damn grateful for the opportunities blogging has given me: getting to know new people, seeing new places and experiencing new things. Best thing ever. I really had a wow -moment, when I sat there in South Africa first time riding a horse, by the beach and with our group of lovely people and new friends, am I really here?! Being first terrified turned into an amazed gratefulness. I took some quick phone pictures to remember the moment, put my phone back under my shirt (safest place when riding hahah), and continued enjoying the views and the feeling. I would never ever had believed what all would happen, when I started blogging secretly for fun in 2006. But I won’t even start about that, otherwise I’ll be mumbling about memories all day long and how one thing leads to another. Thank you Alpro for hosting the trip, and thank you all girls for the fun times! And well I can’t write being grateful without saying the biggest thank you my readers/followers/supporters/anyone lovely reading this there. <3 It was quite quiet week on the blog, but that is about to change now!
Kotona taas. Vaikka maisemanvaihdos Kapkaupungista Helsinkiin oli aikamoinen, on kotiin aina hyvä tulla. Voi hengähtää, purkaa tavarat, päästä taas kiinni arkeen. Saan arki-sanasta vähän kylmiä väreitä, mutta kyllä siitä tavallisesta elämästä nauttii, kun siitä itse tekee nautinnollista oikealla asenteella. (Pientä itseni tsemppausta.) Matkanjälkeistyhjyys iskee aina, mutta olen jo oppinut että kaipa se kuuluu asiaan ja menee ohi. Reissusta jäi niin paljon mahtavia muistoja, ettei näitä kyllä unohda hetkeen. On se vaan uskomatonta, mitä kaikkea blogi on mahdollistanut. Uudet kokemukset ja paikat, ihmiset ja ystävät ympäri maailmaa. Tuli ihan epäuskoinen hetki, siellä Etelä-Afrikassa istuessani ensimmäistä kertaa hevosen selässä, merenrannalla sen laukatessa, uusien ihmisten ja ystävien ympäröimänä, tapahtuuko tämä kaikki oikeasti. Alun kauhukankeuden jälkeen tuli vain niin kiitollinen euforiaolo. Otin muistokuvia kännykällä, tungin puhelimen takaisin paidan alle (hahah äkilliset laukka-askeleet), ja jatkoin maisemien ihailua. Ja ihmettelyä, miten en ikipäivänä olisi uskonut aloittaessani silloin vuonna 2006 (salanimellä ja pään taidokkaasti paintilla sutatessani), miten kaikki kehittyisi. Mutta en nyt aloita muistelua, muuten mumisen tässä kilometripostauksen verran miten ne ajat muuttuvat ja miten pieni asia voi johtaa toiseen. Kiitos matkanjärjestäjälle Alprolle huippuhyvin järjestetystä reissusta, ja kiitos mukana olleille blogitytöille (Saksasta, Ruotsista, Englannista, Hollannista ja Chilestä). Ja isoin kiitoshan on osoitettava lukijoille/seuraajille/jokaiselle ihanalle siellä joka tätä lukee. Oli aika hiljainen viikko blogissa, mutta muutos hiljaisuuteen tulee nyt! Aloitetaan kuvilla paikasta, jossa Kapkaupungissa asuttiin. Villa On The Rocks, Llandudnossa. Niin kaunis talo vuoren rinteellä, merimaisemineen ja valtavine ikkunoineen. Vaaleaa ja valoisaa. Altaan reunalla kuvaaminen ei ollut mikään turvallisin valinta – jyrkän pudotuksen ja tuulisen ilman takia – mutta tulihan siinä varmaan jokaisen bloggaajan asut kuvailtua.
Lia says
Wow that looks like heaven!
It is truly amazing what great opportunities your blog has given you.
I started blogging as well – not at all because I hoped for opportunities like this one, but because it makes me so happy: taking pictures, writing about things that I love and reading comments that put a smile on my face!
You’re my inspiration, Marianna. Keep up the great work!
Love, Lia
WOWS says
Loooovely and cute pics!
Kisses from http://www.withorwithoutshoes.com
Laura says
Great shots, love your cute dress !
http://www.thestilettoholic.com
Love from Paris
irene laura says
Such a beautiful place! Lucky you 🙂
http://www.OntoMyWardrobe.com
marianna says
Thank you lovely Lia! I know what you mean, blogging is just so much fun, when you can be creative and do things in your way. Same to you, keep up the good work! 🙂
Aleksandra says
So beautiful <3
Stella says
So beautiful and calming place.
would love to be there.
Looking forward to seeing your future posts.
x
Stella from a A Shiny Place
marianna says
<3
Sim says
These photos are PERFECTION! *-*
http://polarizedsoul.blogspot.com
marianna says
Thank you Sim! :-*
Bianca (@ItsAllBee) says
Absolutely stunning place. I can’t wait to head back to South Africa next year.
http://www.itsallbee.com
marianna says
I know, it’s just so beautiful. I’m a little jealous, already missing the place! 🙂
Monica @ Mocha and Moccasins says
These photos are amazing and I’m so happy that you enjoyed the trip. It’s great to see bloggers that are so humble and grateful. Don’t stop! 🙂
marianna says
That brought a smile on my face, thank you <3
Sara - Window On My Wardrobe says
Amazing pictures Marianna! It truly looks like heaven over there!
X Sara
http://windowonmywardrobe.blogspot.be/
marianna says
Thanks so much Sara! 🙂
Natali says
You look enchanting!! Wow! I envy you to have been at Cape Town… I so need a getaway somewhere warm and beautiful like on your photos! 🙂
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
marianna says
Thank you Natali! 🙂 I hope you get a trip booked somewhere, so there would be something to wait for. Traveling always cheers up! X
L's Fashion Diary says
Wow, amazing pictures !
Really like this dress 🙂
Love, L
http://www.Lsfashiondiary.blogspot.de
Kim says
Beautiful pictures! I blog as well and it’s so inspiring to see how far it takes people.. Good for you for your success and I’m super jealous you got to visit cape town! Would love to go one day
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me
marianna says
Oh thank you Kim! 🙂 I hope that too, the place is worth seeing!
Leesa says
wow, what a breathtaking place! You really leave me speechless here!
marianna says
Thank you Leesa, it really was breathtaking!
Anna says
Welcome home dear Marianna! First of all, now I get why everyone loves SA. My former roommates have been there for 3,5 weeks this year and they wanted to move there. Seeing your pictures made me craving for this place too! So pretty! I can’t stop thinking about this beauty! 😀 sorry silly me.
And I’m so happy for you, this trips seems to be your best one of 2014 or which one did you like the most?
You deserve every single gift / trip you got, because you are an amazing blogger / person! To meet you is still on top of my wishlist. Maybe one day this dream will come true!
So once again, welcome home and now it’s really time for all the Christmas feelings! 🙂 haha and it’s time for all the posts you promised :p new make up post, your favorite books, a receipt! haha 😀 have a great evening! I’m glad you’re back. <3
marianna says
Thank you Anna! Oh yes it’s so pretty there in Cape Town! I heard it’s a dangerous city though, but I probably just didn’t see that side of it. And yes I think this one was the best trip this year. 🙂 Though it’s hard to now remember them all, but of all the blog trips, yes this one.
That’s so sweet of you to say, thank you for your always so lovely comments! <3 Lots of posts now coming up, I will keep my promise! 😀 X
Anna says
Yes, I heard about that crime scene too – but I guess you just didn’t visit this part of the city. 🙂 if I had to decide which photo diaries I liked the most I’d say Florida, Turkey and South Africa! <3 but Gothenburg was amazing too! Okay hard to decide hahahahaha. 🙂
Thank YOU! 🙂 your replies always make my day.
Have a good start into the new week! xx
marianna says
Hahah so nice you remember them! 🙂 Have the best week you too! X
Aleksandra says
And this is why I started a blog too 😛 No, but really beautiful pictues and you deserve it so much you are such an inspiration for us readers too and it’s nice to see pictures from your journey (not only your perfect interior haha) 🙂
Greetings from Germany :))
http://ola28.blogspot.de/
camille says
Such a cute outfit
Xoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr
Vici says
I wish I could be there – NOW!
Victoria | GlamFizz
Julia says
These pictures are amazing!! xx
http://vibesspeaklouder.blogspot.de/
Natty says
Wonderful photos!! 🙂
Olga says
and i just had this wow moment from your pictures!!!!! Cape town loooks amazing and you are so lucky to enjoy it!!! I think you will never forget it! Print great pictures and put them around appartment – they will look awesome
Olga
http://feelthetraveling.blogspot.com
Lara says
Please include details of your outfit, you look too gorgeous! Xxx
Linnea says
So pretty pictures! It looks like you had a great time and the place seems to be such a nice place. I really want to visit south africs sometimes 🙂
S says
Ahhh mitä kuvia!!! <3 Vaikka toisaalta oonkin ihan talvisissa ihanissa joulufiiliksissä, oon ihan tympääntynyt tähän pimeyteen kun ei ole lunta. Mut hitsit miten nää kesäset kuvat piristää mieltä! Ihana tunnelma. Toivottavasti postailet vielä paaaljon lisää reissukuvia 😉
Olisi muuten kiva lukea postaus sun blogiurasta, siitä miten kaikki alkoi ja miten oot päätynyt tähän pisteeseen missä nyt olet, mitä kaikkia mukavia muistoja (matkoja, tapaamisia, yhteistöitä yms.) matkan varrelta on kertynyt jne. 🙂
marianna says
Aaw kiitos ihanasta kommentista 🙂 Vähän samat fiilikset täälläkin, toisaalta pitäisi nyt iloita tästä joulukuusta ja joulunodotuksesta, mutta toisaalta pimeys ja harmaus kyllästyttää ja vaikeuttaa. Lumi muuttaisi kaiken! Noo, pitää kai kynttilöillä ja valoilla saada vain sitä fiilistä.
Hihii reissukuvia vielä tulossa! Ja hyvä postausidea muuten, tuonhan voisin toteuttaa! Kiitokset vinkistä! 🙂
JOURNAL OF STYLE says
I remeber when you’ve started to blog and your grandma didn’t understand it back in the days… 🙂
Dreamy place to stay like forever!
xxx
http://www.journal-of-style.blogspot.com
Nelli says
Vau, aivan älyttömän upeita kuvia! Olen tekemässä omaan blogiini postausta lemppariblogeistani ja haluaisin mainita myös sinun blogin. Saanko käyttää sinun kuvia siinä? 🙂
marianna says
Voii kiitos Nelli! Saat tottahan toki, kiitos kunniasta!:) Kävisin mielelläni kurkkimassa sunkin blogia, eli linkkailehan ihmeessä!
Marietta says
Since you’ve started about memories… you’re my favorite blogger. I love all of your blog posts. I don’t know how long i’ve been following your blog but I think it must have started around 2008 or 2009. Sometimes I go through your old posts and smile because you can really see how your posts evolve from year to year. the pictures, the texts, every things getting better and better and I am so happy for you for fulfilling your dram! please keep on doing what you’re doing right now! I think you can reach whatever goal you have!!
All the best
Marietta
http://www.theurbanslang.blogspot.de
marianna says
Wow, really! That’s a long time, thank you so much for following Marietta, and for the support! <3 With readers like you I'll definitely keep going!
Marine says
Were you in heaven serisouly? The view is… wow.
marianna says
Hahah, it was so pretty I think I sort of was. Thank you! X
miri says
Beautiful photos! You look stunning!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
marianna says
Thank you Miri! 🙂 X
Cheyenne says
Wow beautiful photos.
xx Cheyenne
http://www.bohemianjourneys.blogspot.com
Janina says
hi marianna
i’m a big fan of yours
hope you enjoy south africa to the fullest
it is also on my travel list
http://www.saltandhoneyy.blogspot.com
Stephanine.co says
Amazing photos!!! Also, I am so jealous on your legs, you look so fit! <3
Colibri says
Woah, such beautiful colours!
Joana says
Amazing pictures 🙂
nueyork says
All of these photographs are so beautiful!
nueyork.blogspot.com
Anita Lareo says
Lovely place Marianna! Kisses 😉
http://www.anitalareo.com/
Abdullah Teke says
God bless you girl :* ,, i appreciate your beauty ..
Simona Moon says
So lovely, I wish to visit that Villa one day!
xoxo. Simona!
Anonymous says
This looks amazing! And your outfit is super cute and casual 🙂
Laura
http://www.therepublicofrose.com
Diana says
Beautiful photos!
~~~Diana~~~
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
rosa says
lovely pictures
http://encalcetines.blogspot.com.es/2014/12/rojo-o-naranja.blog.html
Alina Ermilova says
Wow! The view is absolutely breathtaking and these! photos made me wanna go back to summertime! 🙂
<3
ALINA ERMILOVA | BLOG
Noush says
Wonderful !
Céline says
Such stunning photos! I never really wanted to go to South Africa, but after seeing your wonderful pictures I would love to go! Great impressions as always : )
Best,
Céline blogging on http://electricfeel-now.blogspot.de/
Classy Captanius says
omg beautiful photos!
http://classycaptanius.blogspot.com
Asya says
Hello, Marianna! Can you please do a makeup post? 🙂 Maybe some sort of your daily makeup routine or makeup storage. Your face looks always flawless! Looking forward to it <3
marianna says
Oh I’m blushing, thank you! 🙂 I’ll do that soon! <3
Weronika says
hi! I’m from Poland. I love your blog and this trip must has been really great! Have you ever been to Poland? Pictures show that you’re really tunned, am I right? 🙂
ksses from Poland
Tereza says
Wow! it is amazing!!! I miss sun…
http://www.agirlwithbunny.blogspot.cz
annie lee says
you sure know how to capture THE moment mariannan! love these photos 🙂
marianna says
Aw thank you!:)
Blog Helo Müller says
I love your blog! So beautiful pics <3
http://www.bloghelomuller.com
Leanne says
Such lovely pictures. I hope you had a wonderful time in our special country. Can’t wait to see more of what you got up to!!
http://arumlilea.com
Faux Pas says
Hello Sweetheart, I’m enjoying the fact that you’re finally at home, safe and sound like it should be 🙂 Good evening, I love you ♥
http://www.sarabloguje.blogspot.com
Dani says
Sounds like you had a great time! So happy for you!
Love, Dani
marianna says
Thank you Dani 🙂
Monique says
All of these photos are so fab! This warm light… Congrats on being so succesful at blogging.
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com
Virginie says
All the pictures are amazing! 🙂 I was in Cape town one year ago and it was incredible!
Love, Virginie
Lisanne says
Amazing photos! The place looks incredibly beautiful. ♥
Roxy says
Hi Mariannan,
I’d love to know more about your blogging experience! What opportunities it brought you and how you got this many amazing readers! 🙂 I’ve also been meaning to start blogging – about food and health- (but didn’t find the time to do it). As days are going by, I’m more eager! The hardest part is to start I guess. x