What has exceeded your expectations

[DenisetheMenace]

On the back of another thread, what has exceeded your expectations.

If I may, I’ll kick off with The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St. Fagans Museum, Tokyo, Michelangelo’s David, Tintagel and Porthminster Beach Cafe in St. Ives.

Scarefest at Alton Towers 😄

Went because the kids wanted to go as teens, had really low expectations but loved it! The gothic nature of the park suits Scarefest, the lighting was stunning and loved being there in the dark. The hotel was better than it had a right to be too. An unexpected treat!

The Isle of Mull. So much more dramatic and wild and beautiful than I expected.

@BobBobBobbin - what was it about the Taj Mahal that made you feel that way?

I'm thought emotionally stunted by my family because I wasn't moved by it.

Schitts Creek.

We watched the first few episodes a while ago and just didn't get it.

Over lockdown, we tried again. Oh. It's just brilliant.

Herculaneum and Pompeii totally blew my mind.

I also was mesmerised by the Pantheon like another has mentioned.

Mull is fantastic!
We go every year...
Going twice this year!

Teaching.

Tom Odell in concert.

Ibiza.

Bruges
Haggis
Gousto boxes
Palm Springs (film)
Oregon

Northumberland beaches. Miles of white sand and blue sea, and pretty much empty of people. Reminded me of Australian beaches (but fewer people and colder of course)

Gardening as a pastime. It's better than meditation and therapy plus a creative crafty type hobby all in one in terms of mental health benefits.

£1.89 Sweater comb for getting bobbles off wool or cashmere jumpers. Amazing- jumpers like new.

Milton Sound (New Zealand )
The Terracotta Army (China)
Disney world Florida
My Dyson hairdryer

Seville was much nicer than I thought too.
And owning a dog. So rewarding
But I also am now fancying Toblerone ice cream

Tesco vegetarian mozzarella roast vegetable & pesto melts

I've been vegetarian 30+ years, rarely find anything it's packaged worth bothering with, but love these!!!!

Rome - it felt much more intimate than I’d imagined. I was expecting something more bombastic. And like PPs, I was wowed by the Pantheon.

The Sainte Chapelle in Paris was another place that blew my mind when I wasn’t expecting it.

My mental health lately ♥️

[quote DontDrinkDontSmokeWhatDoIDo]@BobBobBobbin - what was it about the Taj Mahal that made you feel that way?

I'm thought emotionally stunted by my family because I wasn't moved by it.[/quote]
I’m not even sure - I wasn’t particularly excited about seeing it even, it was just somewhere I felt I ought to see while I was in India - but it really had an impact on me.

Another vote for the Great Wall of China. I didn't expect much but it was great.

I also loved Berlin far more than I expected to.

It wasn't entirely unexpected but Hong Kong blew me away. I wish I could have afforded to go for longer, and would love to go back.

The roman baths -Bath .

Marseilles

Ephesus
The Hawaiian Island of Kauai, especially Waimea Canyon

A pony foal I bought for £5 at a low end auction. Purely out of pity with no expectations whatsoever, other than providing a happy life as an unridden pet. Since been on pony club teams with both dc, now bringing on another little jockey and is 100% perfect for a friends dc with needs so complex the rda struggled to accommodate them, and always in demand as she can turn a hoof to anything. In short, the type of pony you'd usually spend well into 4 figures and months searching for, or at the least spend years of blood, sweat and tears to try and turn around.

Aldi, many years ago. I went in for a few basics because I find large supermarkets frustrating and there wasn't a corner shop handy, and became a convert.

Venice - was expecting to not to like it.
Niagra Falls
Fountains Abbey

Stranger Things. Epic.

Owning rabbits. I need thought they would love me but they are so sweet and demonstrably affectionate.

David Lloyd clubs. Really nice and surprisingly affordable. Wonderful child free ‐ heavy timetable. Soundproof adults only lounge

never thought

Venice - people had said it was a bit 'Disney' but it is ancient and beautiful and you don't know what way to turn your head. The atmosphere, the lights, the sounds of the water... it's got under my skin like I fell in love.

Working from home full time from now on. It's life changing. I feel like I've been given my life back.

@TheChosenTwo what is your body scrub recommendation? I feel like I might need it.