And BREATHE! What a mental February I’ve had. I’ve barely been in the country, been on 12 flights, 4 trains, 1 ferry and visited 6 different countries. Most of this travel has been with work, and I’ve been lucky enough to see even a tiny glimpse of each place in the short time I’ve spent in each one. As well as all of this, I’ve enjoyed a family day out in York, a weekend with my uni friends, a few meals out and afternoon tea in Newcastle. Here’s what I’ve been getting up to in February…

My February began in snowy Tallinn, which was a complete mix of emotions. It felt so far away from home, and so different to most European countries I’ve visited. Despite this it was beautiful in the snow, especially the old town and I’m so glad I forced myself to go exploring for an hour or so after work every day.

I found some of the prettiest streets, and breathtaking views I’ve ever come across. I’ve already written up two blog posts on Tallinn, what I learned about the Old Town, a 24 hour itinerary that will take you through most of the sights and famous spots, and a photo based post of all the gorgeous little doorways.

My return journey from Tallinn was an absolute nightmare and I missed my connection at Heathrow. By that point on a Friday night I was just desperate to get back home, and that airport has absolutely nothing you want in your time of need. I could get caviar, champagne, designer clothes, but could I find a McDonalds and a pint? Could I shite. I was very pleased to land back at Newcastle that day.

The following day I went to York with my mum, sister, auntie and cousin to visit my other cousin who lives there. We saw her lovely little cottage, and then went on a shopping day in the city, as well as a few cocktail spots and a tapas meal at   Mr P’s Curious Tavern before getting the train home. I love York, and it’s one of those places you can visit at any time of year.

The Monday after I started the longest trip of the month. I went to Hamburg, Paris, Copenhagen and Norway in the same trip, which seemed a good idea at the time of booking, but it was intense especially when you’re working through the day and on your own at night. I made myself get up early and go for a wander after work each night to see the places and get some fresh air rather than just office and plane air.

At the time I wasn’t all that keen on Hamburg, but looking back at some of my photos it probably would be a totally different place if I wasn’t there for work. The old warehouses were lovely, but I’ll write up a full post on the city soon.

After Hamburg I went to Paris, and I thoroughly enjoyed working there for two days. It was at the time they’d had a lot of snow, so it was so pretty and I don’t think I could ever not enjoy Paris.

My mum kick started her 60th birthday (lasting for 4 months) by joining me in Paris for the weekend. It was amazing to be able to relax for a bit in the middle of the trip, and we had some mother – daughter bonding time over some delicious food and sightseeing. I’ve shared so much on Paris previously, but I’ll probably share more on what we did over the coming weeks again.

Viv and I parted ways at Charles de Gaulle airport on the Sunday night, and with her flying back to Newcastle and me on to Copenhagen I was fully fed up and homesick. I was sat at the airport following the Newcastle v Man United match on Twitter, next to a French guy following the France Six Nations rugby. I’ve never seen more emotions come out of two people in the two hours sat in that airport. By the time I boarded I was in much happier spirits – thank you Newcastle United.

Copenhagen was a flying visit, into the office and then from there I got the ferry over to Norway. Arriving in Norway through the Norwegian fjords was another one of those bucket list moments you sometimes get when you’re travelling.

It was absolutely stunning, with bright blue waters, snow covering the mountains either side of us, and tiny little log cabins dotted in the hillsides as we sailed past. I would have loved to spend more time in Norway, because the harbour at night was beautiful too, and I only caught a glimpse of the royal palace and the main high street.

After that mammoth trip, I could have cried when I made my connection at Heathrow coming home. I was dreading a repeat of the Tallinn journey home, but thankfully it didnt happen this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I love being away and seeing new places, and I’m really lucky that I managed to do this with a job I love, but I was so happy to be home. Home comforts had never felt so good as they did that weekend I got back. We did venture up to Amble/Warkworth for a cracking Sunday dinner and walk along the river but that was as far as I went.

This weekend just gone I’ve been in Amsterdam with Dani, a trip I booked long before I knew about all the work travel, and that was great after such a manic month. We completely made the most of our hotel, and it was more relaxing than anything with a spa visit, really good food, and a long overdue catch up over cocktails. I’ve already shared my tips for a luxury girls weekend in Amsterdam here, but there’s a few more posts to come on this trip too.

Last weekend my sister and I took Viv shopping for her birthday present, followed by afternoon tea at the Vermont in Newcastle. It was really nice and we stayed in the bar after for a cocktail. It was literally my only glimpse of the city in February.

I don’t know about you but I am completely ready for spring. The snow and minus temperatures seems to have followed me round all month and while it looks lovely, I’m ready for some colour to start appearing in March!

Ive got another busy month coming up, I’m off to Copenhagen today, and Amsterdam on Monday but then most of my travel for work is done. It’s my mums 60th in March so we have lots planned around that. We are going to Jesmond Dene house on Mother’s Day which I’m really excited for as I’ve never been. I’m also going to see Sam Smith which I can’t wait for.

My final highlight of February was getting to meet beautiful baby Oscar. My lovely friend Lisa from work brought the little beauty in to meet us and he was so lush!

Aside from a few blogs on Tallinn and Amsterdam I’ve not had time to share much more in February, but since Christmas I can’t believe how much my traffic has increased. Will try to catch up on all the posts I’ve got planned in March but as always thanks for reading. Let me know if there’s anything you’re waiting for and I’ll put it to top of the list!

Have a great March let’s hope this bloody weather clears up soon.