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thesandypapers

👋🏻 HOWDY, Y’ALL! I’m a Misplaced Texan
🌍 114+ countries
🚐 Solo Adventurer | Vanlifer
🎥 Creative
💌 TheSandyPapers@gmail.com
✏️TheSandyPapers.com

🌸 Now, where were we? Oh, right. I think the

🌸 Now, where were we? Oh, right. I think the last time we chatted I was in Scotland en route to London via overnight train. Thankfully, I made it! Yay! After London, I continued my springtime travels in and around France, Italy, India and Japan.

🌸 But first things first. Please accept my apology for disappearing like that. Believe it or not, it took me by surprise, too. I kept promising myself I would get back in the game and post something — anything! — but, obviously, that never happened. Each time I tried to explain, tears fell. And then they fell some more. So, I said to hell with it. Most of y’all know that travel is my oxygen. Before I knew it, months had rolled by and I simply got lost in the joy of my travels.

🌸 So, what happened? Continued in comments ⬇️

#cherryblossom #japan #thesandypapers #travelbloggerlife #travelgram #lifeofadventure

👜 Y’all, I’m going off on another Royal tan

👜 Y’all, I’m going off on another Royal tangent. Hold my hand 😜

👜 If you ever find yourself hanging around St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, you’re in the heart of one of the city’s most historic and atmospheric locations. This stunning medieval church has stood for nearly 900 years, witnessing everything from royal ceremonies to public executions. Plus, its location on the Royal Mile makes it a prime spot for soaking in the city’s charm!

👜 Founded in the 12th century, St. Giles’ Cathedral has long been connected to the British monarchy, playing a key role in state ceremonies. One of its most significant royal moments in recent history was its role in Queen Elizabeth II’s final journey in Scotland.

👜 After the Queen passed away on 8 September 2022, her coffin was transported from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral on 12 September for a Lying-in-State service. Led by King Charles III, thousands lined the streets to pay their respects as the coffin, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, was carried on a gun carriage.

👜 That evening, the Vigil of the Princes took place inside the cathedral, a tradition where royal family members stand guard around the coffin. King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward stood at the four corners of the coffin in a 10-minute silent tirbute. This was the first time a female royal had participated in the vigil. After the service, the public was allowed to file past the coffin for 24 hours. Over 33,000 people queued through the night to pay their final respects.

👜 St. Giles’ Cathedral isn’t just a stunning piece of medieval architecture; it’s a place where history, royalty and tradition come to life. Whether you’re retracing the steps of monarchs, admiring the intricate Thistle Chapel or standing where Queen Elizabeth II lay in state, this iconic cathedral is one stop you won’t want to miss! x Sandy

🏍️ Exploring Europe by train is the most enjo

🏍️ Exploring Europe by train is the most enjoyable and efficient way to explore the continent. Traveling by train is a uniquely joyful experience, combining convenience, comfort and stunning scenery all in one go. Stations are often centrally located, making it easy to move between bustling cities and serene rural towns without the hassle of airports. (Heathrow, I’m looking at you 🤡)

🏍️ Regardless of your mode of travel, it is vitally important that you remain flexible. The ability to adapt and overcome is absolutely critical. For example, when you take the 13:31 high-speed train from London to Paris expecting to take a cab to your apartment upon arrival and instead find yourself in the middle of a major transportation strike 😳

🏍️ Strikes in Paris are an iconic aspect of life in France. Rooted in a long history of social revolutions, the French have perfected the art of protest. In fact, no trip to Paris is complete without stumbling into a grève (strike), a national pastime right up there with sipping espresso and judging your outfit. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t worry. I got you 😏

🏍️ The trick is to lean into it. Stranded because of a taxi strike? Grab a luxury motorcycle taxi instead, y’all! In the 25 years I’ve been coming to Paris, this was the best, most spectacular arrival ever! Yes, there were a handful of car taxis working, but the queue was hundreds of people deep and ain’t nobody got time for that 🥸

🏍️ In conclusion, allow me share one of my best pieces of travel advice: Find the weirdest thing you can do today, and then do that. x Sandy#thesandypapers #travelgram #traveladdict #womenwhoexplore #paris 🏍️🧳🇫🇷

🚂 Rarely will you catch me posting my exact loc

🚂 Rarely will you catch me posting my exact location in realtime. The reason for this is somewhat obvious. What might not be so apparent is why I share my travel experiences in the first place.

🚂 Yes, I travel to some weird and wonderful places, but my posts are not meant to be boastful. I share my travel experiences to connect, to inspire and to give others a window into the world as I’ve seen it. Travel isn’t just about crossing places off a list; it’s about the people you meet, the history you uncover, the moments that shift your perspective and the lessons you carry long after you’ve returned home. If my posts encourage even one person to step outside of their comfort zone or see the world with a little more wonder, then it will have been worth it.

🚂 Take Scotland. No, Scotland isn’t a new destination for me, but it is one in which I never tire of exploring. I’ve met some amazing people and seen some incredible places, but it’s now time to move on. At the moment, I’m in Edinburgh soaking up all the Scottish vibes before I leave. Tonight, I board the Caledonian Sleeper Train to... London! From London, I’ll move onward to Paris and into Rome. From Rome, I’ll head to India on a two-week tiger safari (with a heaping amount of wellness thrown in for good measure). And, finally, Japan!

🚂 To those of you who keep me company on my travels, thank you. To those of you who have allowed me to plan your travels, thank you for your great and kind support. After much consideration, I’ve made the decision to step away from my business and embrace retirement entirely. It’s a bittersweet moment, closing this chapter of my life, but it is time to turn the page.

🚂 Cheers to the joy of no schedules, no deadlines and a whole lot more nonsense! I hope you will continue to keep me company because we all know there will be PLENTY of that. As ever, Sandy, The Sandy Papers ❤️🚂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🔜🇬🇧

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About Me
Weird & Wonderful
S’more to Explore!
Distant Voyages
Booked & Boarding
- Book List
Pack Like a Pro
Contact

×

About Me
Weird & Wonderful
S’more to Explore!
Distant Voyages
Booked & Boarding
- Book List
Pack Like a Pro
Contact

thesandypapers

👋🏻 HOWDY, Y’ALL! I’m a Misplaced Texan
🌍 114+ countries
🚐 Solo Adventurer | Vanlifer
🎥 Creative
💌 TheSandyPapers@gmail.com
✏️TheSandyPapers.com

🌸 Now, where were we? Oh, right. I think the

🌸 Now, where were we? Oh, right. I think the last time we chatted I was in Scotland en route to London via overnight train. Thankfully, I made it! Yay! After London, I continued my springtime travels in and around France, Italy, India and Japan.

🌸 But first things first. Please accept my apology for disappearing like that. Believe it or not, it took me by surprise, too. I kept promising myself I would get back in the game and post something — anything! — but, obviously, that never happened. Each time I tried to explain, tears fell. And then they fell some more. So, I said to hell with it. Most of y’all know that travel is my oxygen. Before I knew it, months had rolled by and I simply got lost in the joy of my travels.

🌸 So, what happened? Continued in comments ⬇️

#cherryblossom #japan #thesandypapers #travelbloggerlife #travelgram #lifeofadventure

👜 Y’all, I’m going off on another Royal tan

👜 Y’all, I’m going off on another Royal tangent. Hold my hand 😜

👜 If you ever find yourself hanging around St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, you’re in the heart of one of the city’s most historic and atmospheric locations. This stunning medieval church has stood for nearly 900 years, witnessing everything from royal ceremonies to public executions. Plus, its location on the Royal Mile makes it a prime spot for soaking in the city’s charm!

👜 Founded in the 12th century, St. Giles’ Cathedral has long been connected to the British monarchy, playing a key role in state ceremonies. One of its most significant royal moments in recent history was its role in Queen Elizabeth II’s final journey in Scotland.

👜 After the Queen passed away on 8 September 2022, her coffin was transported from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral on 12 September for a Lying-in-State service. Led by King Charles III, thousands lined the streets to pay their respects as the coffin, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, was carried on a gun carriage.

👜 That evening, the Vigil of the Princes took place inside the cathedral, a tradition where royal family members stand guard around the coffin. King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward stood at the four corners of the coffin in a 10-minute silent tirbute. This was the first time a female royal had participated in the vigil. After the service, the public was allowed to file past the coffin for 24 hours. Over 33,000 people queued through the night to pay their final respects.

👜 St. Giles’ Cathedral isn’t just a stunning piece of medieval architecture; it’s a place where history, royalty and tradition come to life. Whether you’re retracing the steps of monarchs, admiring the intricate Thistle Chapel or standing where Queen Elizabeth II lay in state, this iconic cathedral is one stop you won’t want to miss! x Sandy

🏍️ Exploring Europe by train is the most enjo

🏍️ Exploring Europe by train is the most enjoyable and efficient way to explore the continent. Traveling by train is a uniquely joyful experience, combining convenience, comfort and stunning scenery all in one go. Stations are often centrally located, making it easy to move between bustling cities and serene rural towns without the hassle of airports. (Heathrow, I’m looking at you 🤡)

🏍️ Regardless of your mode of travel, it is vitally important that you remain flexible. The ability to adapt and overcome is absolutely critical. For example, when you take the 13:31 high-speed train from London to Paris expecting to take a cab to your apartment upon arrival and instead find yourself in the middle of a major transportation strike 😳

🏍️ Strikes in Paris are an iconic aspect of life in France. Rooted in a long history of social revolutions, the French have perfected the art of protest. In fact, no trip to Paris is complete without stumbling into a grève (strike), a national pastime right up there with sipping espresso and judging your outfit. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t worry. I got you 😏

🏍️ The trick is to lean into it. Stranded because of a taxi strike? Grab a luxury motorcycle taxi instead, y’all! In the 25 years I’ve been coming to Paris, this was the best, most spectacular arrival ever! Yes, there were a handful of car taxis working, but the queue was hundreds of people deep and ain’t nobody got time for that 🥸

🏍️ In conclusion, allow me share one of my best pieces of travel advice: Find the weirdest thing you can do today, and then do that. x Sandy#thesandypapers #travelgram #traveladdict #womenwhoexplore #paris 🏍️🧳🇫🇷

🚂 Rarely will you catch me posting my exact loc

🚂 Rarely will you catch me posting my exact location in realtime. The reason for this is somewhat obvious. What might not be so apparent is why I share my travel experiences in the first place.

🚂 Yes, I travel to some weird and wonderful places, but my posts are not meant to be boastful. I share my travel experiences to connect, to inspire and to give others a window into the world as I’ve seen it. Travel isn’t just about crossing places off a list; it’s about the people you meet, the history you uncover, the moments that shift your perspective and the lessons you carry long after you’ve returned home. If my posts encourage even one person to step outside of their comfort zone or see the world with a little more wonder, then it will have been worth it.

🚂 Take Scotland. No, Scotland isn’t a new destination for me, but it is one in which I never tire of exploring. I’ve met some amazing people and seen some incredible places, but it’s now time to move on. At the moment, I’m in Edinburgh soaking up all the Scottish vibes before I leave. Tonight, I board the Caledonian Sleeper Train to... London! From London, I’ll move onward to Paris and into Rome. From Rome, I’ll head to India on a two-week tiger safari (with a heaping amount of wellness thrown in for good measure). And, finally, Japan!

🚂 To those of you who keep me company on my travels, thank you. To those of you who have allowed me to plan your travels, thank you for your great and kind support. After much consideration, I’ve made the decision to step away from my business and embrace retirement entirely. It’s a bittersweet moment, closing this chapter of my life, but it is time to turn the page.

🚂 Cheers to the joy of no schedules, no deadlines and a whole lot more nonsense! I hope you will continue to keep me company because we all know there will be PLENTY of that. As ever, Sandy, The Sandy Papers ❤️🚂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🔜🇬🇧

Follow on Instagram

About Me
Weird & Wonderful
S’more to Explore!
Distant Voyages
Booked & Boarding
- Book List
Pack Like a Pro
Contact

×

About Me
Weird & Wonderful
S’more to Explore!
Distant Voyages
Booked & Boarding
- Book List
Pack Like a Pro
Contact

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Categories

Italy

Person walking on a cobblestone street in a historic European city.

Holy Doors and Gelato Cones: My Jubilee Journey Through Rome!

By Sandy - 04/09/2025

Bike / Eat / Foodie / Iconic Landmarks / Italy / Rome / St. Peter's Basilica / Vespa / Western Europe

11 Monumental Facts About the Pantheon

By Sandy - 08/30/2019

Italy / Rome / Western Europe

(703) 975-1747
thesandypapers@gmail.com

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About Me
Weird & Wonderful
Distant Voyages
S’more to Explore!
Booked & Boarding
Contact

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