HI Joella Polaroid

Welcome to Paper Crane Stories – thanks for stopping by! I’m a Brit living in California, married to an American and always planning our next adventure. I’m a serial expat (I’ve lived in 5 countries) who loves to travel, eat, create and write. Read more on my about page.


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6 Months living in California dance

Living in California: 6 Months

It’s hard to believe I’ve been living in California for 6 months (or I will have…

Beautiful light Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Unplugged

Remember when we used to use books and maps to plan travel, instead of the…

Prayer Flags Temple Kangding

A Million Prayer Flags in Kāngdìng

  Last year, during our summer travels, a conversation between Justin and I went a little…

Foggy Golden gate Bridge, SF- Joella

Should You Revisit A Favourite Destination?

In 2007 I went to San Francisco for the first time. I was travelling by…

17 Mile Drive

Have you been to California’s 17 Mile Drive?

Uncrowded sandy beaches, sea life and rocky coastlines? It’s the dreamy California scenery we all want to experience.…

Newport Beach Harbor

September: Sea Life and Tsunamis

I sometimes have a hard time keeping track of what I’ve been up to each…

Bixby Bridge Big Sur

Big Love For Big Sur

The Lonely Planet describes Big Sur as: “More a state of mind than a place you…

Vegetable market Beijing Hutong

The Best Neighbourhood in Beijing

About a year ago, in our second year of living the Beijing life, we got…

Wine Tasting In Santa Barbara

How many of you have considered wine tasting in Santa Barbara? I have to admit;…

California Road Trip: Newport Beach to San Francisco Itinerary.

I love road trips and have been eagerly awaiting this one for about 7-8 months!…

Thoughts On Leaving Beijing

I loved living in Beijing, I truly did. But I also hated it. I loved…

Welcome To The OC

Oh hi there! Remember me? Yes, I’m the British one who used to live in…