Jenn & Leon

19/03/2026

Energy is contagious. We sat here with this little guy for like 20 minutes and we just coo’d and smiled and played and made a right old fuss with him.

People literally stopped on the streets and looked and smiled and few people took videos of the moment. Maybe it was us just 2 foreigners being weird over a kitten or more than likely people just genuinely witnessing and feeling a moment. Of presence and peace.

Honestly, one of the things I value most are these special moments and the time to be able just pause and be present with nothing pressing.

This little guy is fed and tended to by a local Vietnamese shop here and we just had to stop when we caught a peek at him.

We are both massive cat lovers and one of the hardest parts of this full time nomadic life is not having one of our own…

What would you name him? 😆

16/03/2026

16/03/2026

Could we really ask for more than this?! 5 years of travel has delivered some incredible memories... this is one that is right up there with some of the very best.

We saw the sun rising over Stonehenge in England earlier in the year, and then the sun setting over the pyramids a few months later. What a true blessing 🙌

Now we are in Vietnam, and we have only had one sunrise in 6 weeks 😅😅 this travel journey never fails to surprise 😅😅

10/03/2026

When you come all the way to China and the weather says no... thou shall not pass!

We still made it to the main temple at Shaolin in the end thankfully, despite the heavens literally opening! Next time we will bring an umbrella 🤦

You would think we would know better after 5 years of full-time travel 😅😅😅

🇨🇳

09/03/2026

Ok Asia we love you very much but damn are we CRAVING a fine greasy we-don't-care-how-unhealthy damn full fat English breakfast bad boy!

This delightful highlight comes courtesy of the aptly named Honeystreet Mill Cafe

06/03/2026

With its striking moat, pristine medieval architecture, and incredible views from its towers, Bodiam Castle stands out as one of England’s most iconic historic places.

Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight under Edward III, Bodiam Castle was intended to protect against French invasions during the Hundred Years' War.

Although designed as a formidable fortress, the castle ironically never experienced an actual siege or battle.

Today, it is a magnet for castle lovers after being carefully restored and opened to the public. If you enjoy castles like we do, get this one on the list!

Find out more and please support us on our blog at closerlives.com 🙏

04/03/2026

We had such an amazing time exploring Saqqara! Despite the intense heat, we managed to climb our way down into the white pyramid together, with Leon doing the red one on his own.

It's mind-blowing to think about all the ancient history buried here. No doubt this would have been a thriving area before the sands covered most of it.

The sheer scale of the pyramids are incredible, not on par with Giza, but still really vast and special to be close to.

Much quieter than the hectic Giza too. But be warned... this place has barely any sheltered areas and the sun is blazing 🔥 It was definitely a highlight of our second trip to Egypt though.

More to come on closerlives.com (our travel site & blog)