Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, I guess. The one definite, however, is my restless nature. I can’t be still for too long, unless of course it’s sunny and I’ve got a good book. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world- I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m out there, just embracing life.
I’m a North East of England lass and love our coastline and moorlands- wonderful for walking. Not so happy with our climate, but I’m lucky and can sometimes escape to our little place in the sun in the unspoilt Eastern Algarve. It doesn’t end there. We’re not far from the Spanish border so visits to Seville, Granada and Cordoba are not too difficult. I continue to drag my poor defenceless husband ever further throughout Portugal, though he’s a home body really. (classic case of mismatching!) And then there’s the Polish saga! They make me welcome whenever I can get there, and boy, do they know how to party!
Of course I still have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying both to share my experiences and make new friends with the same passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I can’t resist writing about my travels- I’ve become addicted.
So, the blog came about, and I’m loving it. The blogging community are so supportive and encouraging. I’m making loads of new friends. Feel free to be restless with me.
I’m also quite happy to write material for others. I’ve travelled fairly extensively so if you can use my services at all please contact me at johanna.bradley@ntlworld.com.
Thanks for your kind words Jo and nice to meet another poolie on wordpress. I enjoy taking photos and although there is probably a good storyline to accompany them I find it difficult to put it into words…or am I just lazy. You have a flair for a travel blog and I will come back often to check on your updates.
Thanks David- same here.
Hello Jo, you sound just like me, husband traits included.
I will go from point A to B in a second as long as finances permit it. Hubby on the other hand, has to be dragged along; but he always enjoys himself when we get there, wherever that may be.
Lately I’ve taken to exploring my surroundings and writing about what I discover, it is amazing how much you can do without spending much; it is so satifying. This week, we will be going on a road trip and already have my camera and laptop ready to go.
Your pictures are gorgeous, enjoyed reading your blog, be following you too.
Hi Marcia! Many thanks for following- I’ll try not to disappoint. Agree with you about the local stuff- it doesn’t have to cost. Durham is only petrol money (or I could use my bus pass) away, and it’s the most beautiful city. Also we belong to walking groups, both here and in Portugal, and that gets us out and about.
Hi , Johanna!
I just came here to thank you for liking my facebook page and several minutes later I’m still here reading, haha. But I’ve forced to stop after the post on Wolsingham railway (sorely tempted to start again on that post about the Templar castle in Portugal). Reading your posts felt like being on a pleasant walk with you, so thanks. Oh, I subscribed right back, too.
Thanks a lot! I’m loving this new world opening up of travelwriting buddies. Glad you wanted to stay.
So glad to meet another restless spirit, Jo. Thank you for reaching out.
Love your blog! Makes me want to jump on a plane right now. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks Kimberley. Once I get all my Christmas cards written I’m going to use those long Winter evenings for browsing
Oh now there is something to add to my list this year, again…traveling abroad! Enjoy your weekend…you header photo is just inspiring…for making those travel plans! Thanks!
Wow, you have a fair few accolades here, and I like the fact that travelling, in your opinion, doesn’t have to cost the earth. This is a destination I’ll definitely be revisiting…
Thanks a lot. I just enjoy sharing my travel tales and misadventures, but cost is definitely a factor. I’m retired, and we still have a son in Uni.
Good morning!
I am loving reading your blog so much …. and want to award you with the HUG award!
You can find out all about it here…
http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/2012/02/01/its-award-time/
hope you accept!
and have a fab week
much love xxx
ALy
Thanks for your visit to my blog, and for your welcome to the fabulous and undervalued NE of England.
Hope it goes well. Glad you like it.
We loved it! We found great eating in a charming coffee shop. Do go have a look at my wordle post at http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/a-sheepish-wordle/
which fell into my head this morning, and a couple of pics. More pics when I’ve had a chance to sort them out.
Hi Jo! I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the 7 x 7 Link Award! Thanks for such a great blog. Here’s the link: http://megtraveling.com/2012/03/09/7%c3%977-link-award/
Hi Jo
I look forward to following your travels and blogs.
I would like to invite you to join us at http://www.homeexchange50plus.com if swapping homes for a vacation is of interest to you.
We are still a ‘young’ website and in need of lots more members so please tell your friends about us with our thanks.
If it is of interest we can send you an article about Home Exchange to include in your website as some of your readers may find this a great way to travel and perhaps we can exchange links as I am sure our members would enjoy reading your blog.
Regards
Brian Luckhurst
Hi Brian
Nice to hear from you. Had a quick look at your site and it’s certainly a good idea. I wouldn’t mind exchanging links.
Thanks for visiting my site, Jo. You have some wonderful photographs here, and I share your love of travel.
Thank you. I’m revelling in your Easter eggs right now.
It’s great to know you through your blog. So much inspiration to share through your posts. Thanks.
Thank YOU for taking time to visit. Enjoying your journey too.
Love your about page. Will peruse your blog more thoroughly. Arrived here fromhttp://funandfabulousness.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/everyone-could-use-one/
and so glad I did! Looking forward to more! And we are planning a fall trip to Paris, so I may be knocking on your blog door for advice!
Welcome! Will pop over to yours n say hi in a while.
Hello. Looks like you’ve already been nominated for the 7×7 Link Award… Well, if you choose to participate, I nominated you again. To view the award, please visit my award show: http://currierose.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/my-own-person-award-show/
Have a lovely day,
Currie
Hi Currie Rose! Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you. It’s not too long since I accepted this award so I probably won’t do another post but I’ll certainly pop over and read all about you and your other nominees. Many thanks.
The weather is dreary here but I’m rising above it and focussing on a lovely piece I’m writing on the Italian Lakes. Bye for now- take care!
You’re welcome.
Despite the weather, your day sounds dreamy! Happy Writing to you.
Love your …about. nicely written
Thank you, kind sir.
Dear Joanna, when I read you now you almost made me excited…
I love travel too… Last summer we were at Wiltshire, Devizes… I love your country… People, culture, landscapes, and language, I love all of them… You can find my UK travel in my other blog (it is written on the right side of my blog)…. And yes, I am excited to make a travel in your blog, through your photographs and posts… Thank you dear Joanna, for visiting my blog. Have a nice and enjoyable day, Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
Nia you’re very kind and it’s always lovely to find someone with the same enthusiasms. Don’t worry about my name- I’m called everything from Jo to Janice and it really doesn’t matter at all. It’s just very nice that you like what you’ve seen and I’ll certainly be looking at your UK blog. Bye for now!
please forgive me, Johanna, I wrote wrong your name…
Hi Johanna, I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger award. You can see the nomination on my blog http://twoblackdoggies.wordpress.com and should you choose to accept the nomination please check out the award site here: http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/
Thanks Sam! I’m currently trying to keep pace with 6WS, the Jubilee, French Open tennis and catching up with my blog reading, not very successfully! Will come and visit soon.
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Hi Jo! I love your blog so I just nominated you for the Genuine Blogger Award!
http://catbirdinoman.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/genuine-blogger-award/
Thanks Cate- you’re very kind. Congrats on yours.
What a cute story! I’m also very restless and always have the urge to travel as well, and have been writing diaries for as long as I can … umm, write! LOL … I only recently started blogging this year to also share my sense of adventure! (While I drag my homebody husby around as well!!!) Hahaha .. keep up the awesome posts!
Thanks Zoe! Just settling in to watch the Diamond Jubilee Concert but I’ll pop across and say hi on your blog later. Thanks very much for following.
Jumping around, here and there, then ended up on your ‘About’. Writing for a living?! What a dream come true that would be. And about traveling no less! Good luck in your search for the dream job. I look forward to seeing the world, both near and far, and reading about your adventures. I’ll live vicariously through you, if that’s ok?
Gem
Thanks Gem. Lovely to meet you. It’s definitely one of the bonuses of these challenges. Welcome aboard.
Thanks. Happy to be here.
Hi Jo! I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Thanks for such an enjoyable blog. Here’s the link: http://megtraveling.com/2012/06/08/reader-appreciation-and-very-inspiring-blogger-awards/
Hecky thump, thanks Meg! I’ll go take a look later. (watching Rafa play some awesome tennis atm)
Thanks for stopping by & commenting on my West Side story post!
You’re very welcome. I was just browsing while i pull together the threads for my entry. Always amazing the variety in the entries.
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Oo-er, thanks Cath. Inspirational- that’s a very scarey and flattering description. I’ll try to live up to it. Thanks so much for taking part.
Hola veo que has pasado por mi blog, pero ese no funciona, en el que publico es en http://www.manolirizofotografia.com, muchísimas gracias seguimos en contacto, abrazos
Ok thanks. Now following the above.
Thanks to you, regards
Hi Jo.
I love what I read so far
Thanks Vicky. Welcome aboard!
Hello Jo
Where did you take this header shot? 
Hi Paula! It’s on Hartlepool Headland, the old side of what used to be West Hartlepool, my home town. It has remnants of a town wall and a beautiful beach. On a sunny day it’s very nice for a stroll.
I’ve only just read this, but yes, we do have a lot in common!!
Cheers Scout!
Thanks for liking my Silver Coins post!
You’re welcome. I was halfway through commenting when the phone rang and it was dad, so I’ve just returned to the laptop.
I am honoured to nominate you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Please pick up your award at http://travelswithtoby.wordpress.com/. Copy and Paste the Award to your blog and follow the rules of acceptance. I am very aware that some people do not wish to participate in Awards, and I completely respect that… no strings! But in any case, Congratulations, you have a Lovely Blog!
Bless you Toby, that’s very kind. What a nice way to start a Saturday morning! I’ll pop over to formally accept soon.
Your Blog is great ,Thanks for your contribution for entire blogosphere my friend
An amazing compliment, thanks Jake. I love your work too and have no idea how you accomplish it.
Hi Jo… nice to meet you.
Thanks for visiting my blog… blessing to you…
A pleasure, Bams. And to you…
THANKS for visiting my “pun-ny” photoblog and leaving a “like” for my post “Watch What You Wish For.” (You have to look closely to see that it is a full-color photo and not B&W,)
–John R.: http://TheDailyGraff.com
Thanks for returning the visit, John. Yes, I did realise, just didn’t stop to comment. Ticking clock, and all that malarky! Cheers.
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Adventurous Blogger Award. Please follow the link for more info: http://reenareigns.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/adventurous-blogger-award/
Thanks Reena. This was a lovely surprise. I’ll come and say hi and check out the details.
Just wanted to take a second and thank you for stopping by and following my blog… I hope I can can offer you lots of reasons to keep returning… cheers!
Nice to meet you. Can’t remember who pointed me in your direction, but I must have been impressed.
Jo, I appreciate your comment on my writer’s retreat in Italy. I studied abroad in England (Uni of Warwick) and visited the Algarve with friends who had an apartment there. Lovely place! Nice to “meet” you!
Many thanks for your visit, Julie. You too! I’m off to Porto tomorrow and then “home” to the Algarve. Got butterflies just thinking about it. Take care.
Hi Jo! I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award, check out the post here http://autumninbruges.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/im-walking-on-sunshine/
Sunshine? That’s me alright! Many thanks- I’m off to check it out.
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Hi Jo, I hope you are having a great trip. This is just a little bit of fun for when you get back. You are invited to play along in a game of blog tag, I hope you can join in http://rainbowbakery.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/tag-youre-it/
Hi Jo, I love your blog..I’ve nominated you for the Adventurous Blogger Award but then realized that you already have all the blogosphere awards including this one. Nonetheless, you so deserve one more
. Here’s the info: http://deetoursbydeepali.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/adventurous-blogger-me/.
Hi Deepali, that’s so kind of you to say. Yours is a beautiful blog too. I still have some awards to catch up on, so I’ll pop over to yours to accept first of all.
Hi Jo .. got more of a picture of you now so to speak!
It’s easy to miss something first time round . Lovely to have the moorlands and coast near, best of both worlds I would say ….we have Hills but the sea is a good drive away but always worth it !
Fantastic you have a ‘PlaceInTheSun’ to nip off to when the weather here is *Grim* there’s nothing like a clear blue sky and some golden rays to shrug off beastlybritishweatherblues I say
Me and Mick are both water signs, but about the only thing we agree on is that we couldn’t live anywhere that didn’t have water close by. I ‘m seriously hankering after the Algarve again already but my daughter gets married in February and it might have to wait till after that. Horrors!
Love your header photo and wonder where is it?
What we know as The Headland or Old Hartlepool, Claire. The town wall of the original settlement of my home town. It’s quite a nice place for a stroll by the sea on a sunny day.
Hi Johanna,
Love your site! You have some great photography and stories. If you are ever interested in submitting some to us at BarrelHopping, we have ongoing contests where you can win cash and get some additional exposure to your content. Check us out when you have time.
Thanks, Mike. Very kind of you. I’ll take a look.
thanks Jo for visiting my blog and your profile was interesting……..
Nice to meet you, sir. I enjoyed skimming down the page and remembering all the lovely people who visit me.
nice to meet you too…and always welcome
Ahhh….someone who travels! I can live through you can’t I? I’ve always wanted to just up and travel! But, I am also a homebody as well! I love meeting new friends from different parts of the world.
Lovely to meet you, Stephanie. Yes, I’m old enough to know better but I still can’t shake that restless streak. My husband’s a homebody though, so we compromise. Welcome aboard.
Hi Jo, you know I enjoy your blog and all the photos of places I one day hope to go so I’ve nominated you for the Blog of the Year Award 2012, you can read about it here: http://twoblackdoggies.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/roll-out-the-red-carpet/. Feel free to accept or ignore, I know how much work these awards can mean and I won’t be offended
Cheers
Sam
Many thanks, Sam. That’ll be my lucky seveth star! I’ll put a link on my awards page in the next day or three.
I had to smile when I read “about” you. I am the same way, loving to travel, even if only a few miles away; it’s just getting out there and seeing different places that is so much fun. I wonder what it is that creates this attribute in some of us, but not others (read husbands). You have a lovely blog.
Thank you. Lovely to meet a kindred spirit. Wish I could change him, but not change him- if you know what I mean?
Hi Jo,
We have really been enjoying your excellent blog, so we wanted to let you know that we’ve nominated you for The Shine On Award. It highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs. We think your blog brings smiles to all who read it!
Please see your award and details on our site. We think it’s a great opportunity to introduce your wonderful blog to more readers. They’re gonna love you!
All the Best,
Terri & James @ Gallivance.net
Very many thanks, Terri and James. I’ll be over to accept as soon as I can.
You’re very welcome because your blog is great! You can view the award here. All the best, Terri
http://gallivance.net/2013/01/29/awards-and-blogs-we-love/
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I’m looking forward to reading more of yours. Loved that photo of you in the Downton Abbey frock. It’s not being aired here but I’m going to get my hands on a DVD of the series soon…
Warm regards from across the seas,
Mary
Many thanks, Mary. Lovely to make a new friend.
I looked at your link for Home Exchange 50 Plus and I am interested in pursuing this. Have you used them? Love your blog, by the way.
Hi again, Mona. No, I haven’t used them. They contacted me and asked to exchange links, but I do love the idea and would be interested in any feedback if you pursue this. They seem like a decent outfit. Maybe I’ll get to use them when we move to the Algarve (fingers and eyes crossed tight!)- some day. Thank you!
You’ve got mail!
Thank you! Going that way soon. Fighting with the media loading process on WP currently.
Great blog Jo, I look forward to visiting it often.
Johanna, how are you?
Good news, we are giving you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
Many thanks! I’ve had lots of good moments, and I seem to be in good company.
I am so envious of all your travels. It is so easy for you to travel around Europe. I hope someday to make it to England and walk the coastal areas with my camera. Maybe I’ll put a good English novel on my ipod and listen to it when I do. I think I am going to enjoy following your blog.
I’m pretty envious myself, Nana Tee! Some of my photos are going back 20 years and I sometimes feel quite restricted these days. The Far East has been a dream for me for so long, but I doubt I’ll ever make it. Many thanks for your kind comments and I hope you enjoy strolling with me.
Thanks for liking and commenting on my recent challenges posts. You have a beautiful blog here and I am now following you. Glad to meet you in blog sphere.
Glad to meet you too, Opalla. I really liked your thoughtful approach. Many thanks.
Hi Jo, I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award: http://catbirdinafrica.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
I hope you’ll accept but if you feel it’s too much work, I certainly understand!!
How can anyone object to being dubbed Very Inspiring Blogger, Cath! I think I already have that one, so I’ll put a link to yours on my Awards page. Many thanks.
Good idea, Jo. I know many people already have these awards, so I perfectly understand. The Awards page is a good idea.
I have nominated your blog for a Versatile Blogger Award! Details here: http://sarahryan85.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/a-liebster-and-versatile-blogger-award/
Many thanks, Sarah! I’ll put a link in from your post to my Awards page as I already have that one, but I’ll hop over and say thank you properly first.
Thanks for the like and sharing
You’re very welcome!
Beautiful stories Johanna, I’m pleased to meet you
Thank you for being so kind. And me, you!
And now I know why you call yourself Restless Jo!
Yep, it’s exhausting sometimes!
But fun.
Thank you for liking my story/photo shoesssssssssssa.
I love your ABOUT page, there is so much of you in it.
I’m a bit like your husband but I think I’m going to enjoy your blog from the comfort of my favourite chair.
http://araneus1.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/travel/
Be well.
Terry
Many thanks, Terry, and welcome to my world. It’s a little giddy sometimes but I try to tell some nice stories.
Hi Johanna, congrats for your blog! If you ever will come to Italy for one of your travels let me know – in my blog bulloanitalianblog.com I wrote about Italy best venues
I will be happy to give advices to another passionate travel blogger
Hi Martina! Thanks for your visit. I holidayed in Italy several years running when our son was young (he loves pasta!) and would love to return some day. I’ll have a look at your blog.
Hi jo wanted to stop by and stay hi and thanks for following over on our blog. We’ve travelled around a lot of Europe but sorry to say and have yet to make it to Portugal. But there’s still time for a few more adventures!
Absolutely! Thanks for returning the visit. These days I shuttle mostly between UK, Algarve and Poland (Dad’s Polish) but I’d still love to return to Croatia some day. I was in Dubrovnik (of course!) and Cavtat many years ago. Wonderful memories.
Hi Jo, i would like to thank you for always leaving me heartfelt encouragements. your restlessness has evoked heart memories and stories that have been good reads. thank you for visiting always — April
You’re very welcome, April. If I pass by you on the challenges I usually pop over to see what you’ve been up to.
Hi Jo, I would like to nominate you for the Best Moment Award: http://dutchgoesitalian.com/2013/04/21/best-moment-award/. Happy Sunday!! Ciao, Letizia
Thanks, Letizia! I needed a nudge because I already have a nomination for this, so there should be a post coming up soon. Here’s another weekend almost gone! Hope you had a nice one.
Apart from the rain I did..had my parents over for a visit
Happy to hear you got already 2 nominations, well you deserve it!! Ciao!
Aww! Thanks, hon.
Hi Jo
Nice to meet you. What a great blog you have here. Did a quick bit of a wander through – all the info on Portugal sure interests me. We nearly went a couple of years ago but ended up in Spain instead (Costa del Sol – beautiful).
Thanks for the ‘like’ and the follow of my blog. What a treat to have you along for the journey. Hope you enjoy our ramblings.
Cheers
Alison
You were on Gallivance Awards page and I just had time for a quick peak as I’m with family in Krakow right now. Will communicate more when I’m home. Thanks for your lovely words.
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I’m singing and tapdancing but I don’t know what I have to do next! Not back in the UK till 9th May.
Beautiful flowers!
Thank you!
I see you have shown a clematis vine, do you collect seeds and grow more plants? I like to grow things from seeds, I now have some clematis seedling growing.
Germination will take 3-5 months but it is easy.
My husband is the gardener (he designs too). I mostly just admire and do a bit of tidying here and there. No, he doesn’t, but I’m not sure why as he does take cuttings of many plants. I’ll ask.
Happy Trippin, Jo!
I am new in the UK and hoping to travel around while I am here for an year. I would be glad to get a tip or two from you! 
Welcome to the UK, Sam! Where to start? Presume you’re in London at the minute? I’ll drop you an email with a few thoughts.
That would be of great help! Thank u very much
i live in Birmingham!
Hi Jo … and hello from San Francisco, USA! I just discovered your blog, and permit me to say that it’s awesome!!! Love the sense of fun, love the sense of adventure and wanderlust, LOVE the pics! Thanks for sharing your interesting world with us here in the greater blogosphere!!! Cheers!
Lovely to meet you, Stephen. It’s wonderful when my Inbox brings me a treat like this.