On 24 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU. Like many others, the decision left me feeling pretty depressed and disillusioned. Growing up in multicultural East London as the daughter of two EU migrants, my identity is in large part built on the appreciation of easy movement across national borders. I felt – and still feel – emotionally attached to the EU. Technically, without it, I wouldn’t be here. And I wouldn’t have met many of my best friends whilst meandering through my first 29 years of life.

These thoughts led to my toying with a somewhat frivolous and yet irresistible idea – could I make it my mission to visit all 27 countries in the EU before the UK left them behind? Never someone to turn down a self-imposed and travel-oriented challenge, All Around EU* was born.

This blog is not a political argument against the UK leaving the EU. It is not trying to teach anyone anything new about the EU (except some fun facts!). What is it then? It is a personal and light-hearted exploration of the diversity and culture that exists within the Union; a travelogue and a diary of some of the highlights of my journey. If that sounds appealing to you, then please hop on for the ride.

*A shameless pun. Forgive me.