The Thames Path in Bishops Park
About The Well-Travelled Postcard
Welcome! I'm Virginia, a travel writer / podcaster / artist from the UK, a linguist, graduate of European Politics & Languages, & serial expat. I began this blog in 2012 to inspire you to go explore the world, sharing places I've visited & opportunities to travel, work, study & live abroad! After 8 years of travel writing & over 500 posts, it evolved to cover all my interests, so I now also write on wellbeing, careers & painting, alongside travel. Click here to find out more...
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15 years ago I set my sights on a career in diplomacy. Although I thought that meant working exclusively in the Foreign Office (FCDO), I’ve since discovered that lots of roles across the UK Government involve the same diplomatic skills and similar international opportunities as the FCDO. A favourite part of my job in the Civil Service has been travelling in the EU, and visiting British embassies, such as those in Rome, Madrid, Brussels, and Paris.
One of last year’s exciting moments! I played lots of tennis as a child, taught by my tennis-loving father, and I loved playing at Exeter Uni, but I rarely played over the next 7 or 8 years amidst working in London and travelling lots, and living abroad.
The iconic London to Brighton cycle! 🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️ 88km, 1,013m elevation gain (featuring the endless climb at Ditchling Beacon!), 6 hours, and 2,300+ calories burned!
4 years today since I first met this handsome man 😘 It took me another year after that to finally make my move on him, but hey, life rarely goes in a completely straight line, and maybe I needed a zigzag to set me on the right track ❤️
Today I attended the launch of the Civil Service Future Leaders Scheme for the 2022 intake, held at Coventry Cathedral. The #FLS is a 1-year leadership development programme for Grades 6&7 and I was so so thrilled last year to be accepted onto the very competitive scheme, which had over 2,500 applicants for 400 places. It was hugely exciting to see it kick-off today, and I look forward to the next year on the scheme!
My Welsh Guard front row, front page, marching and shouting on St David’s Day 🏴💂🏻♂️
Costa Rica pt 2: Arenal 🌋
Costa Rica Pt 1: Monteverde Cloud Forest
In 2022 I was surprised and incredibly honoured to be invited back to my former school, as Chief Guest at the school’s annual Prize Giving ceremony! As well as giving out prizes to the highest-performing pupils in front of their proud parents, the Chief Guest also makes a speech, and I chose to speak about how my time at the school had equipped me for life, travels and careers beyond school. I framed my speech with this quote by Mary Oliver, which is an excellent one for us all to consider at the beginning of a new year: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Alexander 💂🏻♂️
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