I'm back! After handing in my final assignment I thought I'd give myself a little break, well deserved in my opinion... 

Since I last posted I guess I've just been adjusting to life after uni. My conclusions are that it is weird and scary and will definitely take a while to get used to. This is the first time in my life that I haven't been in education. How daunting is that?! It's the first time that I haven't been held in the protective arms of structure and routine, and frankly I'm a bit lost. I have a part-time job which has somewhat smoothed the adjustment period, so it was more like a shove into the unknown as opposed to a catapult, but it hasn't prevented the boredom and anxiety from seeping in. 

I need to keep up with my photography, but I need to fall back in love with it first and foremost. Something I have found to be a common trend amongst my peers at Falmouth University (which specialises in arts degrees in case you don't know) is that the regimentality of term times often drains the passion for our respective fields by implementing an unnatural demand on our creativity. Meeting a brief is one thing, and something that really every photographer is expected to be capable of, but developing and executing an entire project within 3 months to the very best of your ability is another. This work has to show off who you are as an artist, which is a huge amount of pressure to bear. After three years of this I think it's understandable why so many people in creative courses feel slightly disconnected from what they love most about their art. But it won't take long for me to be back at it, for myself. As exhausting as making my travel guide was, I truly loved every second of it. I'm now starting to get that energy and drive back, meaning more posts from now on. Lucky you! 

To call The Chintz wine bar eccentric is somewhat of an understatement. In fact I’m not even sure where to begin. As you walk in you find yourself in either an abstract, artistic creation or a hoarder’s dirty secret, depending on your opinion of collections of weird objects. It’s an eclectic mishmash of old furniture, full body casts, provocative wallpaper and much more. Oh yeah, look out for the cow balancing on the rafters. 

The sheer strangeness of the decor is probably the main draw of The Chintz, but definitely not it’s only selling point. Like many of the independent businesses in Falmouth it is a proud supporter of the art scene, holding regular poetry nights and hosting live music events. Although technically a wine bar there are plenty of other drinks to choose from, as well as their popular cheese board.

Take a seat in the main room, or tuck yourself away in the sofa corner, under the skylight where more oddness ensues. There is also a secret door leading to a private room, but I’ll let you find that for yourself. The quircky character of this bar, combined with the welcoming energy and frequent events, has certainly made it a town favourite. I know I can't wait to be hanging out here with my friends again without the looming presence of deadlines to worry about. Tomorrow is the day! 

This week is a momentous one. It is the final week of university, I hand in my last ever project on Friday. After that, it's out into the big bad world. Well, hopefully not all bad...

This is the time when, in theory, everything is supposed to come together in harmonious union. I wouldn't use that phrase per se, but I guess things are ok at the moment (I'm highly superstitious about jinxing good things so excuse my underwhelming enthusiasm). I did get my book from the printers late last week though, which I'm actually quite thrilled about! It's a very surreal feeling, seeing your work in print form, particularly as a book. I keep finding myself leafing through it, not really reading or analysing anything, just taking it all in I suppose. That is essentially a years planning and hard work condensed into 52 pages. 

It's portable, informative and easy to follow, all qualities crucial to a successful travel guide. However, it is also personal, as I share my experiences and thoughts about a town I know like the back of my hand. I know Falmouth may not seem like the most exciting destination but it has been my loving home for over two and a half years, and I know it will continue to feel like one long after I leave. I hope that through my writing I can show how special this little seaside town is, and through my photos display its beauty in all its forms. I truly wish you were here to see Falmouth for yourself. Until then, let me be your guide. 

Last week brought Falmouth some incredible weather, as it did most of the country. People flocked to the beaches in herds, sun-hungry and vitamin D deficient. There was sunbathing and sea swimming, despite it only reaching a maximum temp of 18 degrees C, not exactly a scorcher, but nothing was going to stand in the way of us greeting summer. Ice cream was consumed by the gallon, and of course the staple of any seaside town - fish and chips. 

Winners of the best independent fish and chip shop in 2017, Harbour Lights is easily the locals favourite and, as the queues indicate in summer, a tourist favourite too. It’s hard to go wrong with this British classic, so for me it’s their dedication to sustainability that makes this chippy so special. All their fish is sustainably sourced and throughout the year they offer seasonal options caught right here in Cornwall. It’s also the only place in town that serves up battered veggie sausage - the dream! 

This is the perfect accompaniment for a day like the beauties we've been having recently and it's only 5/10 minutes from Gylly beach; you really can’t beat eating by the sea. Watch out for the seagulls though, it’s their favourite too. As soon as it starts getting warmer these feathered fiends really get ballsy and they will come at you - you have been warned. But hey, those chips are worth fighting for. 

Summer is coming, I can almost taste it. 

Shopping in Falmouth isn't exactly the most exciting experience, certainly not a way to spend your whole day like it can be in a lot of towns. Most of the choices are targeted at an older audience than myself and my peers, and definitely to those with deeper pockets. They're also just a bit boring if I'm honest. However, amidst the mundane are a few little gems that I'm going to share with you now. 

Toro (above)

This shop is possibly the most aesthetic place I've ever seen. Set in the corner of a courtyard off of the high street, it feels like a little secret that only those lucky enough will find. Of course you may also find it because you're heading to the nearby bars on a night out, but that doesn't have quite the same feel. If like so many 'millennials' (I use that word reluctantly) you've become obsessed with cacti, succulents and leafy greens this is the store for you. Plants of every shape and size line the walls, hang from the ceiling and fill the windows. You can also buy handmade ceramics and organic skincare here, adding to the Insta-appeal of the place. Sadly the dog in the picture doesn't come with the shop, but there is an equally as adorable one that does. 
 

Vintage Warehouse 13

A genuine vintage store? With clothes AND homeware? All at reasonable prices? Doesn't happen often, but Falmouth does provide. A stones throw away from Toro you can fill all your original/vintage needs. There are actually quite a few places in town which supply second hand and vintage-style items, but this is probably my favourite. Every time you visit you can guarantee a nice chat with the owner and a diverse selection of garments - they have regular deliveries too so every trip brings fresh delights.

Willow and Stone

Best place for gifts, or at least browsing for gifts. Their selection of illustrative cards and paper is irresistible, and they're renowned for their intricate and elaborate window displays which can make anyone start thinking about what they want the kitchen they don't have to look like. It specialises in furniture and homeware which means most of the products are pretty expensive (way over the average student budget anyway), but the book/stationary/gift selection is brilliant, always my go-to when a birthday is coming up. And I'm sure when I eventually get round to having my own place I'll be checking out their website for ideas. Dog not included this time. 

Jam

Jam Records is one of two dedicated vinyl/CD stores in Falmouth. This one in particular is great for finding obscure and lesser-known music, branching out much further than the classic Beatles or Rolling Stones albums. The chilled atmosphere is perfect for when you're looking to kill some time browsing through records, and you can even treat yourself to a coffee in store while you take it all in. Dog can almost always be found, usually in the window. 

In my opinion, Good Vibes is the best place in Falmouth for breakfast, and the lunch menu is equally as tempting. Most of the menu consists of classic breakfast staples, like the full english, granola bowl, and lots of tasty toast options. But there’s normally a twist to each one of fresh, healthy, and sometimes unusual ingredients. Think everything you might make for yourself at home, if you lived in Wholefoods. It’s comforting and flavourful without feeling indulgent, and accommodates for all dietary requirements. 

Good Vibes now holds a vegan night twice a week which, after the closure of the only vegan restaurant in town in 2017, fills a much missed and desired whole in this eco-concious town. 

They also have a small set up at Argal Reservoir, between Falmouth and Penryn, called Wild Vibes. I highly recommend this area for a walk on a nice day; it’s a really beautiful location, now with damn good refreshments. 

This place isn’t the cheapest choice. However, it won’t break the bank, and you are paying for delicious flavours, fast and friendly service and (cringe) good vibes.

This week we've seen a little more sun, tempting us with memories of last summer and evoking a sense of hope that it'll be coming around again soon. The best way to spend the summer in Cornwall is in the sea, and that's something I fully intend on making the most of as soon as the temperatures lift a little - the two hours of numb hands after a ten minute swim this week tells me my body isn't quite ready yet. 

One way to avoid losing feeling in my body is to go kayaking, something totally accessible in Falmouth yet not something I've really played with. I included kayaking as one of the activities in my guide book, which made me think why have I never done this here?? It would be the perfect way to spend an hour, paddling around the coastline, beyond Swanpool in particular as I have rarely explored that area.  It's the best of both worlds: I get to be out on the water without becoming a human icicle within minutes, and I don't have to wait months for the water to warm up either! This may all be blissful thinking for now though, as right now I'm bogged down with the final few weeks of university. It's keeping me going though, the thought of warm days spent with friends before we all go our separate ways into the real world. Not long now. 

This week my focus has primarily been photographing the activities that are on offer in Falmouth. Most of these take place outdoors and typically in nice weather. Luckily for me this week has probably been the best weather we've had for months, but it's still not even close to the sunshiney dream that is town in the summer. I guess that's just bad timing on my part - who makes a travel guide based in the UK over the winter period?! So I've had to make the most of it where I got the chance, resulting in documenting several indoor activities instead... 

It has to be said, out of the water there aren't too many things to do in Falmouth. However, since opening in 2017 Star Glazers has been entertaining crowds of all ages with the simple pleasure of pottery painting. It isn't a total surprise that it's become so popular, what with the arts university a matter of minutes away and a general buzz of creative energy about the place. What has surprised me though is that people keep returning for more, and not just for special occasions either; if you've got a couple of hours to kill it's just a peaceful and kind of unexpected way to pass the time. Plus you get something so personal at the end of it! What makes Star Glazers even more appealing is the warm welcome and attentiveness of Sarah the owner. It's so clear she loves her job and is passionate about the art being created there, which in turn makes it a comfortable environment to be with your friends making something special; it's even fun if you don't have an artistic bone in your body! And it doesn't have to be an expensive trip either; with a wide variety of objects to paint, all at prices ranging from about £5-£20, it's an activity that suits any budget. It's just a rainy day well spent really, who could complain about that?  

Today I'm going to throw it back to much warmer days, when our time was taken up with road trips and our only concern was: where to next? Making the most of the sun in between shifts of our summer jobs, we would bundle into someone's car and just drive, not really caring where we ended up. This was before our university work resumed and free time became scarce. To be able to spend our days exploring new places or returning to old favourites was a gift, one that I have probably taken for granted until recently.

I am now facing the prospect of my last summer spent in Cornwall, and nostalgia has hit me right in the face with no mercy. In May I will finish my final pieces of coursework. In June we will be exhibiting all our hard work in Bristol. In July I will graduate. By the start of September I will be back at home, back with my parents, trying to break into the real world (one summer of avoiding it should be long enough... I guess). Oxfordshire is nice, and has plenty of redeeming qualities, but for me it has nothing compared to Cornwall. The absence of a coastline definitely plays a big part in that, as well as the easy going outlook on life that I've grown accustomed to here. 

The images on this blog post are just a few of my favourites from around this wonderful corner of the country, reminding me of those laid back summer days... 

Firstly, I'm sorry I haven't kept up with regular updates on here, things have been pretty hectic and I'm still getting used to the blogging life. 

Over the past month my project has finally started coming together, and for the most part I've been cafe hopping around Falmouth, sampling and photographing the best food and drink on offer. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it...

In this post I'm going to shine a spotlight onto one of my favourite spots to eat, The Courtyard Deli. The menu is a combination of global cuisine and home comforts, made with locally sourced ingredients where possible. Some are just poshed up classics like the fancy cheesy beans on toast that I tried on my visit, but I can guarantee you will not find better beans on toast anywhere else in town. Saying this, there were so many exciting and original dishes to choose from, and what really makes this place a winner for me is the diversity of vegetarian/vegan options available. Frankly I’ll celebrate anywhere that offers more than a halloumi burger and falafel wrap.

The only downside of the deli is how expensive it is. It's primary audience is certainly not those on a student budget, that much is clear. However, that just makes it the perfect place to go to celebrate a special occasion, or when that sweet university loan comes in...