Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures.
Five Happy Things {Week 34/2025}
We spent last week on our summer holiday. We spent half a day in the pretty city of Trier exploring the many Roman ruins of Germanys oldest city, known to the Romans as Augusta Treverorum. As well as the beautiful Porta Nigra, we were able to visit the Aula Palatina, the amphitheatre and the Roman bridge. There was also the remains of three Roman baths but the teens had enough history by that point.
We were able to spend two days exploring Luxembourg city. We spent a lot of our time walking up or down stairs, sometimes taking a panoramic lift or funicular. It’s a very hilly place and we did all the touristy things like the Bock Casements and admired the view from La Chemin de la Corniche.
Last week I finished reading Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. A few years ago I bought a gorgeous hardback copy, part of the Virago Modern Classics series with a cover designed by Orla Kiely. I had heard good things about Barbara Pym but I’m not sure I really ‘got’ the book. I was never sure if I should be laughing at the eccentric characters and there was no clear ending to the book, clearly I was hoping Miss Lathbury would get married and live happily ever after.
As well as our trip to the Nurburgring, we were able to visit the Reims-Gueux circuit, a motor racing circuit made up of rural public roads, located in Gueux, just outside Reims. The historic buildings are being restored and we were able to explore the old pit buildings and grandstands. We then drove home via short stops at Lille and Dunkirk.
I took two embroidery projects away with me. As I finished my Summer Craftpod project I was able to start the Hand Embroidery Kit Spring Sampler by Rosita. I only received this as a gift this year, so I thought it was pretty impressive I was able to start it so quickly. I keep have a niggling thought that I should be starting some of the many Christmas projects I want to make this year, so we will see how much progress I make.
It all sounds wonderful getting to explore so many different places and see so many sites. I love being able to take in new places and see the history of the area too.
That sounds like such an amazing trip! This is the what I imagine to be the best part of living in Europe. Visiting other countries seems so easy.
Sounds like you had a fun, exciting, and wonderful trip. I love exploring and adventure too.
That is soooo cool…I love that you keep on exploring all these amazing sites, amazing…Doing that would definitely make me happy and I should do it a lot more.
I can relate with teens not wanting to do the same things on trips. Sounds like it was very interesting though! The Roman Baths and Luxembourg would be really neat places to explore.
It must’ve felt like stepping back in time in those ruins! It sounds like you had an incredibly exciting trip!
Sounds like you had a fab summer holiday, I can’t believe the break isn’t far from over. So nice that you got to fit in visiting a few places x
Sounds like such a lovely and full week! I’ve always wanted to explore Trier and Luxembourg. Your trip makes it sound so charming. Also totally relate to that feeling of Christmas crafts creeping into your mind before summer’s even over!
Your trip sounds amazing. I love walking holidays and haven’t had the chance to visit to Luxemburg yet.
It seems like you filled your time with lovely trips and time spent with the ones that matter the most to you. That’s a life well lived!
I’ll have to check out Excellent Women, adding it to my ever growing list of books to read.
It sounds like you had a fantastic time away! I cannot believe how quick you are at your crafting projects as well.
Sounds like a great trip! Exploring new places is definitely something to be happy about. Looking forward to your next 5 Happy Things post.