Life Philosophy

  • Million Dreams

    Million Dreams

    I love autumn. It is the most beautiful time of the year, with abundant colours and cooler, sunny days. In the UK, autumn is the time for literary festivals, when new and established authors go on book-release tours. This is always an amazing opportunity to meet your favourite writers, learn new things, and get your…

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  • On procrastination, likes, and growing cucumbers

    On procrastination, likes, and growing cucumbers

    Yana De Lilac is back after a summer off. To be honest, I can be a secret procrastinator, even though I am proactive on many occasions. I can be easily distracted by reading or by watching my favourite episodes of The Big Bang Theory or Frazer. So my summer break took longer than anticipated. I…

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  • John Cooper Clarke and Manchester Vibe

    John Cooper Clarke and Manchester Vibe

    Do you have a qualifying question to determine whether the person you are talking to is of the same energetic vibration? After seeing this quote by Steve Coogan (born in Manchester himself), I added this question to my list of first-meeting-new-person questions. “If I’m talking to someone and go, ‘D’you know John Cooper Clarke?’ and…

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  • On Solo Dining and Unexpected Inspirations

    On Solo Dining and Unexpected Inspirations

    I am with a friend for lunch at a very busy high-end Italian restaurant in Kensington. It is a buzzing and very social place. There are tables with big families, groups of friends, and couples.Suddenly, a beautiful lady in her late 70s caught my attention.Beautifully dressed with an amazing hairdo and manicure, she radiated grace…

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  • On meeting Solo Travellers

    On meeting Solo Travellers

    It’s a rainy February night in Mannheim, Germany. I’m at a lively bar, chatting with a Swiss guy and a German guy. Although we come from different countries and age groups and have different relationships, we all love solo travel. I ask them, “What kind of solo travel do you do?” “I mainly go to…

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  • Solo Dating

    Solo Dating

    Friday night in January, and I am meeting a friend in the local pub.The pub is pleasantly full; it is great to see so many people who did not give in to the dry January propaganda and chose to socialise and support struggling British pubs. We are talking about dating, or rather, how to find…

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  • On unconditional love and a bit of poetry.

    On unconditional love and a bit of poetry.

    “I shall always love you”, I said He was surprised; he did not expect this “I love you also”, he said The thing is, nothing ever happened between us other than a powerful connection that felt like a soul-level bond. We can talk seriously and laugh for hours. I learnt so much from this man.…

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  • On changing the January mindset

    On changing the January mindset

    Traditionally, January is not an easy month – winter blues start kicking in, and I crave sun and light, remembering summer holidays and spending more time inside than usual. But this year, I am trying to change my mindset. Especially with yesterday’s first full moon of the year, it is an excellent time to let…

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  • Christmas Day Pyjamas

    Christmas Day Pyjamas

    December brings the most dreaded question after “Are you travelling solo?”And the question is, “What are you doing for Christmas?”And, my dear reader, I have a confession to make.I mostly do not answer this question truthfully. I prefer to spend Christmas Day alone. That may be why Home Alone is one of my favourite movies…

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  • On a vintage home style

    On a vintage home style

    “What do you like most about your furniture business, and how did you get into this?” I was seriously curious to learn. “I love the history of an item and what story it could tell. Sharing my passion helps you see the value in vintage pieces and feel inspired to find your own stories in…

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I’m Yana De Lilac

Welcome to the Walking in My Shoes site. Here I will share with you what inspires me: from luxury cruise ship holidays to culinary experiences and things to do in Southampton. Let me be your guide through the jungle of sights and activities, sharing hands-on tips on solo travelling. This is a non-commercial blog based entirely on my real personal experience. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Happy reading! 

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Video filmed to the Walking in My Shoes -Depeche Mode