All Of Me - Jack's Journeys: Home To The Horizon

Jacks Journey’s From Home To  The Horizon

By Jack Ritchie

Iceland - April 2015

My first time travelling to Scandinavia, and a trip to remember.

As i stepped out the plane and onto the stairs to get to the ground, the first thing i noticed was how FREEZING it was.

During the few days we were here, we managed to explore a large amount of the city and dug deep into its roots and cultures.

We stayed at a hotel right in the centre of the city making us within good distance from the main locations, In which we all eventually got to visit.

The main place in which i found the most memorable from this trip was our day out to the blue lagoon, (No not the chip shop) the outdoor geothermal spa located in the lava field 5km away from Grindavik.

I remember the exact feeling i got as soon as i stepped foot into hot water, all the cold just zapped and i was roasting.

Another landmark in which we visited was the largest church in Iceland known as “Hallgrimskirkja” at a whopping 74.5 metres tall, among the tallest in the country.

New York - June 2015

A trip of a lifetime - The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, The Rockefeller Plaza, Central park, and much much more, this trip was particularly special for me since i had only ever seen the city in movies and video games before,

finally seeing the city with my own two eyes was a surreal moment.

During our trip the three main landmarks in which i remember visiting were the “top of the rock”, Statue of Liberty and also our tour around Central Park.

The Rockefeller Plaza which stands at 259M (850 feet tall) 28th tallest building in New York City, known for its ice-skating rink and its annual lighting of the rockefeller center christmas tree was the first big landmark we visited, we were able to go all the way to the top and get a stunning view of Manhattan.

Another landmark we visited was the Statue of Liberty, although we didn’t enter the island we were able to get a boat tour around the island and managed to see it from all angles, although the wind had other ideas, blocking most of my vision.

Portugal - July 2017

Hot, hot, and more hot, safe to say i didn’t have to bring a jacket with me.

During the summer of 2017 we took a dip into the coast of Portugal and had a nice relaxing and deserving trip to Albufeira.

During our stay we spent most of our time drinking martinis (well not me, i was 13 at the time, my parents though) and laying by the pools, absorbing the heat and light from the sun and onto our bodies. Our resort was action packed, containing gaming rooms, football pitches, mini games and much more.

The highlight of our stay was when my dad fell into the pool, after losing his footing. What a memory.

Another highlight from our trip was when we took a boat around the caves surrounding the beach in Albufeira, the shadows and highlights were eye catching and the natural landscape and structue was breath-taking.

Overall this was a brilliant trip and i recommend anyone who likes to lay back and soak up all the relaxation would love this place, so get your computer out and book your flight now.

Spain - April 2019

My first time in Spain, the architectural wonders of Barcelona left me in awe, the iconic sagrada familia stood tall, its intricate facades showcasing the brilliance of Antoni Gaudi’s vision. The park Guell offered a whimsical escape, with its vibrant mosaic covered benches and its unique stuctures. I marveled at Casa Batilo, it’s undulating facade reminiscent of an underwater world.

I stepped foot into the legendary Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, and felt an overwhelming sense of awe. The massive stadium reverberated with the chants and cheers of passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere. The sea of blue and red jerseys filled the stands, united in their love for the beautiful game. As the players took to the field, the intensity grew, and i found myself caught up in the excitement. The roar of the crowd, made it an unforgettable experience.

Of course, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I savoured traditional tapas, brimming with flavours of fresh seafood, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. The local markets offered a sensory overload, with stalls overflowing with colourful fruits, aromatic spices, and delectable sweets.

England - August 2019

London, a city filled with history and vibrancy, captivated my senses from the moment i arrived. The iconic landmarks, such as big ben and the tower bridge, stood tall and proud, showcasing the city’s grandeur.

The London eyen offers an unforgettable experience. As i stepped into one of the glass capsules, the panoramic views of the city unfolded before me. From the historic landmarks to the modern skyline, London revealed its beauty from every angle. The gentle rotation of the wheel allowed me to soak in the sights at a leisurely pace.

Embarking on a trip to Buckingham Palace was like stepping into a world of royalty and grandeur. As i approached the majestic gates, the iconic facade of the palace came into view. The stunning architecture and immaculate gardens surrounding the palace were a sight to behold. Walking through the state rooms, i marveled at the opulent decor, ornate chandeliers, the priceless works of art. The changing of the guard ceremony was a highlight, with the precision and pomp that showcased the queen’s guard in all their splendor. Exploring the palace grounds, i reveled in the tranquility of the Royal Gardens.

Switzerland - June 2022

Embarking on a trip to Geneva is like stepping into a world of international diplomacy.

A trip to Geneva is a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan flair. From its scenic landscapes to its cultural treasures, this city has something to offer for every traveler seeking a truly memorable experience.

To escape the city’s hustle and bustle, i took a leisurely stroll along the lake promenade, enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding Alps and the Jardin Anglais with its famous flower clock.

In the evening, i indulged in the city’s renowned culinary scene, savoring Swiss specialties such as fondue and raclette, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

Exploring the old town, i wandered through narrow cobblestone streets, marveling at the well-preserved medieval architecture. The St. Pierre cathedral stood tall, offering panoramic views of the city from its tower. The vibrant Place du Bourg-de-Four, with its charming cafes and bustling atmosphere.

France - July 2022

A trip to Lyon is a delightful journey into the heart of French gastronomy, art, and history. As i arrived in this charming city, i was immediately captivated by its rich architectural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Exploring Lyon’s old town, i wandered through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colourful renaissance buildings. The iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere stood majestically atop the Fourviere hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. The nearby Roman amphitheater, known as the Theatre Gallo-Romain de Fourviere, was a testament to Lyon’s ancient past.

in the evening Lyon came alive with its vibrant nightlife. I explored the trendy neighbourhood of La Confluence.

Lyon’s reputation as the gastronomic capital of France was evident as i indulged in the city’s renowned cuisine. From traditional Lyonnais dishes like coq au vin and quenelle de brochet to decadent pastries and local cheeses, every meal was a culinary delight.

Israel - July 2023

Before all the drama and war that has started to break out, Israel definitely would have been a place i would have recommened. None the less this trip was spectaluar and definitely the most exciting and memorable trip i have ever been on.

I stayed at the crowne plaza hotel, which was right along the coast of gordon beach, lasting all the way to the town of Jaffa. I was able to pick up E-scooters along the way making the distance feel much much shorter.

Jerusalem

On one of the days we took a day trip out to Jerusalem in which we took a look at the wailing wall, This is where the Jewish people wrote a message on a piece of paper and stuck it into the holes that were present across the wall. This was a cool experience and it was nice diving into the different parts of religion.

During the trip to Jerusalem we also went to the dead sea which is the lowest point on earth, you would float at the top of the water and we were able to rub the dirt onto our skin making it feel smooth and clear, just don’t make sure to swallow the water...