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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What to do in Newport Beach

Fun Things To Do In Newport Beach

Before I met my husband, Justin, in 2006 (whaaaat?) I only knew of Newport Beach…

Fishing boat Ometepe

Isla Ometepe: Nicaragua’s Must See Magical Destination

  Rocking back and forth across Lake Nicaragua on the 7.45am ferry, I caught my first…

LA Days: Griffith Observatory

My time in Nicaragua reminded me what it’s like to see new things everyday. It’s…

British in USA California Election

A Brit’s View Of The Primaries: Your Girl In The USA

It’s an election year and I’m bloody excited! It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced…

Laguna De Apoyo

Laguna de Apoyo: Nicaragua’s Beautiful And Clean Swimming Hole

Clear warm waters. Beach side beers. Lush green views. Laguna de Apoyo, a freshwater crater…

Packing For Nicaragua

Nicaragua Packing List + Giveaway

Today I’m sharing my Nicaragua Packing List and a special giveaway! I love reading packing…

Leon Cathedral Domes Nicaragua

Loving and Loathing Leon

“Wow, Leon is a bit different to Granada, eh?” I messaged Justin via Whatsap after…

Granada Cathedral Nicaragua

Granada: The Prettiest Town In Nicaragua

I can hardly believe my three weeks in Nicaragua are over. It was a trip…

Nusa Lembongan Seaweed boats

Nusa Lembongan: Dreaming of Sun, Sea and Scuba

Greetings! Though this post is about Indonesia I’m actually writing from Nicaragua! I arrived here…

Shamian Island Guangzhou China

Lost Archives: Guangzhou’s Shamian Island

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2016 has got off to a great start. Justin…

Great wall of China hiking- wild part

Walking The Wild Great Wall

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a must for anyone travelling to Beijing. But…

Living Room TV and bookshelf

Our Newport Beach Apartment

  Hello everyone! Today I’m going to tell you about our Newport Beach apartment. I…