“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

Hey Gang,

Sorry about the delay in posting, life on the road has been hectic in the last few weeks, read on and you will see why.

Since my last post I have visited a few new countries, France and Ireland, I am also going to count Wales in there too. More about that later..

I have a thirst for knowledge, that probably doesn't come as a surprise to those of you who know me, I am thankful about the adventure that I am having. I have learned so much about not only the world, but also about myself. I have grown in many ways, (my ass included), and challenge myself everyday to be better than I was yesterday.

I have discovered that the only person you have any control over is yourself, everyone is different, and a person has no right to judge or criticise ones decisions. We have all walked different paths to get to where we are, we each have our own stories to tell. I am thankful for the people I have met, the stories that I have heard and the adventures that have been had!

Paris: In June my friend Charlie and I ventured to Paris to see one of my favourite bands, Of Monsters and Men. This was a bloody fantastic idea that I had.. Why see a band in London when you can travel the globe and see music at the same time? Paris has been a country that has been on my wish list since I was a child. It was definitely worth the wait. my excitement could not be controlled when I caught my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, I actually think I might have weed a little in my knickers. Happens to the best of us right? The three hour wait in the cold was definitely worth the wait once we got to the top... The journey up was interesting, being in an elevator in such an open area was a tad scary... As I said, worth it. The views we breathtaking. Watching the sun set over Paris in inexplicable, something that has to be seen to be believed. Being at the top of a structure that I'd only seen in books and postcards, looking down on famous streets and other architectural clumps around the city really did take my breathe away. Seeing the lights of the city, made my eyes a little moist. The gig was bloody fantastic, will try and see them again before I head home, but it wasn't even the best part! Exploring the city by day, then again by night was mind-blowing..

 Having travelled already for nearly 9 months means that my bank account has dwindled significantly, ask mum, she had the pleasure of opening a bank statement last week ;) There is something invigorating about being able to survive on minimal cash. Just because you don't have any money, doesn't mean you miss out on experiences or adventures.

I can't tell you my favourite things about Paris, I loved it all.

I often get asked about what my favourite country is, or the best thing I've done.. That's like asking "How is a raven like a writing desk", there are both many answers and none. I love everywhere I have been, but everywhere I have been has been for a different reason that can't be put in a favourite and not favourite column.

I didn't get that kiss under the Eiffel Tower, which I think every little girl imagines at some time, but I did get to drink wine and eat cheese under it. I think every single (not as in everyone, just ones without a partner... Just for clarification) girl would agree, that this is also a very good option.. I mean, who doesn't like cheese or wine!

I flew home from Paris as my good friend Rach had somehow managed to get her hands on centre court tickets for Wimbledon! Was a great day seeing Tomic, Stosur, Djokovich and S. Williams! Definitely worth the 8 hour bus ride! June 29th

Centre Court- Middle Saturday 2013

 

I finished work at the end of July for the Summer, somehow I needed to find ways to pay my rent for next month. Say hello to Anna Wiseman, teacher, dog-sitter, bar-wench, netball umpire and super nanny!! Sure am keeping myself busy! New found respect for bar tenders, such hard work for little reward! I do love the people I work with at the Shepherds Bush Walkabout though, and experience I am lucky to have! Thanks for having me guys!

Mumford and Sons on their Gentleman of the Road tour, Olympic Park, Stratford London- July 6

 

 

 London Holi Festival of Colour! New friends, much vodka consumed and so many pretty colours!!!
August 10th.

Before: Corinne, Emma, Anna, Rachel and Immo

 

 

Battersea Power Station. What a venue!

 

The thing I love about being a spontaneous traveller, even though I have no money, I can still figure stuff out so I can travel to Dublin to see Eminem.. The time couldn't be more perfect. The gig came 10 days after Alex's birthday, we always said that when Eminem came to Australia we'd go.. That never happened, but now I have seen him twice, blown my mind both times.

My trip to Dublin, 16-19 August, was a very last minute thing, I picked up some last minute nannying hours which gave me 200 quid which at the time was spare.. Oh how wrong I was.. Anywho. with that money I was able to book my ticket, a return bus journey (yes.. bus... oh dear lordy) and accommodation.. I was also lucky enough to have 20Euro cash left over from my trip to Paris.. How far could I make that go? The bus journey there was bearable, 9 hours on a bus, 3 on a ferry and halfa back in the bus later and there I was in Dublin.. I arrived at 6:30am, having been awake for almost 30 hours it was fair to say that I was knackered.. I think in my 12 hours journey I scored 2 hours sleep on the ferry.. Me being me, and having a terrible sense of direction I found a McDonald's and spent my first 4 Euros on breakfast ( I did make cheese and vegemite toasties for the bus ride, I ate them an hour in...) I also managed to steal some power and hack the wifi... Check-in for the hotel was not until 2:30pm. After hanging out in Maccas for 3 hours I felt a bit creepy, I ventured to the cool area of Dublin called Temple Bar and found my hostel. I stayed at Barnacles Temple Bar Hostel, recommend it for anyone staying in Dublin, very convenient location, a very nice hostel- http://barnacles.ie/.They told me that check-in was strictly 2:30, but that I could head up and hand out in the common room.. Thank you very much.. I chucked on my eye mask, pulled up my blanket, Ipod in and I was out!!! At 12, some noisy French kids came in and woke me, but as they were leaving someone came in, an Australian WOOOO! we started talking and we discovered that she was also going to the gig! I didn't have to go alone yay! We also ended up in the same room.. Small world... The gig itself was an eye opener.. It was at Slane Castle, a spectacular venue about 42km from Dublin, we got on the bus at 4, so many people already so hammered!!! We got talking to a few locals on the bus, if you call it that, basically they talked (and spat) and we tried to decipher.. Before getting off the bus, I'd seen more ass, penis and boobs than in a Miley Cyrus film clip, the bus even ran over a drunk girl.. Didn't even stop.. Welcome to Ireland!!!

Do you like pina coladas? or getting caught in the rain? Please note the garbage bag poncho.. I am the ideas man...

We got of the bus and ventured for about 4km through an eerie forest with mud sludges everywhere (I was wearing thongs, probably the only one who was.. Smart move I say!). Security was rigorous, 3 checkpoints before we even had to show our tickets! CRAZY! Made it, what a view when we walked in, the castle on the hill, the stage and 80,000 people! This may be a stereotype, but there are not many good looking man in Ireland.. I wish they'd keep their shirts on! The gig was an eye opener, so many violent drunks and people who didn't care, Men pushing women around, one learnt very quickly not to take on an Aussie school teacher, I will not be bullied and will not be moved by pushing.. All he needed to do was say excuse me and I would have shifted.. Simple.. Manners are free!

Areial view of 80,000 people

Eminem did not disappoint, they guy who lay passed out in a pool of his own vomit with his friends just giving him a little kick every now and then to see if he was still breathing and the bogan fights I saw just made the experience that little bit more... Irish???... Getting back to the buses was a trek, we put on our "walk really fast" hats and passed probably 10,000 people just so we didn't have to wait for a bus..

View of the stage and of Slane Castle

I did a walking tour of the city, a country full of history and many, many terrible decision... No wonder the country is in such a difficult position at the moment!

The bus ride home was longer, but made bearable by some awesome people that were on it.. We may have drank a little too much on the ferry, talked a lot of shit, but enjoyed the guitarring skills of one of them, a journey I won't forget!!!

Not much travel for me for the next few months, just saving my little behind off so I can tour Europe before I embark on a South East Asia tour in December!!! I am sure the adventures will keep coming though!! My bestest friends have booked their tickets.. 112 days until I see their beautiful, smiling faces.. I can't wait to share stories!

Thanks heaps again to everyone for the love, messages of support, care packages, letters, postcards and other means of communication! Keep it coming!!!

Love you all
xoxo

 

 

 

 

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
Read more at http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/50-most-inspiring-travel-quotes-of-all-time/#lxdIBiPLebKuit0g.99

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.

Well.. Here I am. I have made it to the 6 month mark. Are you surprised?

I am not. From the moment I decided to embark on this journey I knew that I would be successful. It wouldn't matter if I lasted three weeks, three months or even three years, I would still have succeeded. I tried without fear of failing and that is success enough.

I have had an amazing time so far. At times it's been challenging, but the personal growth I've accomplished has made me see just how much I can achieve. Over the last week I've had a list of six questions, I am going to try and answer them for you now.

1. What do I absolutely love in life?

This wasn't a difficult question. I am a girl that wears my heart on my sleeve. I hate drama and I hate bullshit, if I have an issue I will tell you. It is therefore relatively easy for me to make a list of things that I love. First and foremost, the thing I can't live without. Family. Family is anybody close to you so this extends to all my dear friends, old and new, too. Back in Australia, I never wore the latest fashions or carried the most expensive handbag, but I did like to have things. Over here, I have learnt that much more can be gained from experiences. I love that while I am here I can do the things I love, teach people, live through music and sport. Being here has reinforced some feelings that I was having back in Australia, I love teaching kids, but hate ( hate is such a strong word...), everything else that comes with it. I am excited about the changes to come. Music. I describe my life as a Broadway show. I say I don't like drama, but it always seems to follow me, but luckily enough, there is always a song that is relevant and suitable that I am singing. No one will ever stop me singing.

2. What are my greatest accomplishments in life so far?
This one is subjective. I will say though, that I am proud of myself. There, I said it! Why shouldn't I be able to say that though? I have overcome tremendous adversity to make my mark on the world. Everything that has happened to me has helped me to become the person I am. I like who I am. Greatest accomplishments, finishing high school after the suicide of my brother is one. The Grief. The loss has become significantly less traumatising over time and I accept Alex's suicide as a fact of my life. There are still days that are really hard, but I know that because I survived that, I can survive anything. Other great accomplishments include being the first person in my immediate family to graduate from University. My first real job. Most recently, it's having the guts to jump on a plane and live in a city on the other side of the world.

3. What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?

I am not really afraid of the judgements of others'. I stand up for what I believe in and I don't mind if I stand alone. I am lucky, I have brilliant friends and family who will usually stand beside me. I would like to see greater equality in this world.

4. If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?

My life has no limits. Well, perhaps some financial restraints, but that adds to the excitement of it. I am already doing what I want to do. I know who I am, what I want, who I want to be and what I need in order to achieve it all. I am not scared about taking risks, or failing, so that helps. I am doing what I want.

5. What would I do if I had one billion dollars?

Nothing in nature is superfluous. I don't need money to be truly happy, and while we all dream about being frivolous, I'd be quite content sailing off into the sunset with nothing but a great collection of books, possibly some great company and the simplicities of life. Being over here has made me realise that even more. I don't need stuff or things. There are many people that could make better use of that one billion dollars.

6. Who do I admire most in the world?

This question is a little more difficult. My mum is an incredible woman. I look up to her, and hope that I am making her proud. Everything she has done for me has not gone unappreciated. I can't wait to one day return the favour. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the support of friends and family so thanks again to them all. Christopher McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp. His journey was in part, what inspired me to do mine. He has so many amazing quotes and I am going to borrow some.

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

“If you want something in this life, reach out and grab it.”  

“Don´t hesitate or allow yourself to make excuses. Just get out and do it. Just get out and do it. You will be very, very glad that you did.”  

"I've decided I'm going to live this life for some time to come. The freedom and simple beauty is just too good to pass up.”  

and finally...

“Happiness only real when shared.”  

I don't think they need any explanation, but they are the principles that I have been living my life by since I began my journey 6 months ago. Don't worry though guys, I don't plan on dying in an old bus.

Obviously there are many people that I admire, but the last one I am going to mention is a kid from home. I met this young man a few years ago, just after he started his own journey. He's made me cry, made me laugh more often, I've worried about him, prayed for him, encouraged him, supported him. Because of him, I challenge myself to live everyday, because you really don't know when your last day is going to arrive. If he can smile going through what he's been through then I certainly can. So thank you, you know who you are. To his beautiful mum and sister, you are two amazing women with big hearts.

Next, my life has changed so much in the last 6 months and there are many more changes to come. This week I handed my resignation in from my teaching job back in Australia. It was with mixed emotion, but following Chris's advice “If you want something in this life, reach out and grab it.”   That's what I am doing. I've had some tough decisions to make in the last 6 months, but I have made them and am excited about the possibilities. A week after arriving in the UK I received an email from RMIT University in Melbourne. It came as a bit of a shock. With the support from my cousin I applied for a Uni course in the final week of lodgement back in July, I guess I never really expected to hear back from them, and with the excitement of moving to the other side of the world, I forgot. The email was acceptance into a university course of my dreams, something that I thought was so far out of reach, especially 7 years after finishing high school. But they wanted me. I deferred the course for 2013, but if all goes to plan, I will start studying next year. I am going back to Uni, five years, it will be hard, but I am excited. I really can do anything. I send my heartfelt thanks to everyone back at Highview for the love and support you've given me. I don't think I will every truly walk away from that place, but the gains I've made from them are indescribable.

Thank you to everyone for their continued love and support on my adventure, you believing in me has helped me to believe in myself. I love the postcards, letter, care packaged, emails, tweets, inboxes, snapchats, vibers, Skypes, whatsaps, everything!

Make everyday better than yesterday, may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows. Keep your head up, keep your heart strong. Don’t you cry for the lost. Smile for the living. Get what you need and give what you’re given. Life’s for the living so live it or you’re better off dead.


Things I've done:
Travel alone
Moved to London
Been a tourist in London
Called London home
Kissed a boy under the Harrods Christmas lights
Been drunk on the tube (few times)
Got lost
Stonehenge
Visited Bath
Christmas in Scotland
Hogmany Scotland
Spontaneous trip to Croatia
ANZAC Day in Turkey
Ridden a camel in Egypt
Swam in the Nile
Been in a tomb
Kissed the Spinx
Watched a show in the West End (or 12)
Seen a gig (or 30)
Monopoly pub crawl
Gosh, there has to be more...

Things to do:
See a gig in Paris (soon, next week in fact)
Eat cheese and wine under the Eiffel Tower (and see other sights of Paris)
Krakow (Auschwitz)
Work at a festival
Sound of Music tour in Salzburg
Visit Amsterdam
Venice
Rome
Florence
Prague
See Spain
Oktoberfest
La Tomitina
Greek Islands
The Northern Lights
and much more, but with only 6 months left I will see how I go!

Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible!"

Before this year, I'd never really given much thought to travelling to Egypt. The pyramids, while they sounded cool, didn't really excite me, and what else could you do in a desert?

Walking like an Egyptian!

I am glad that I have an open mind and listened to friends when they told me exactly how amazing a trip to Egypt would be!

It was an idea that was kind of thrown around the dinner table at Jade and Jayson's one night with Nic and myself. It was only when Jade said that Travel Talk had a two for one offer that I actually really considered it. I jumped online when I got home and saw that it was too cheap to pass up on, the most expensive part being the flights, even they were reasonably priced.. Who wants to visit a country in turmoil I guess.. The decision had been made, Nic and I were going to Egypt! This was either going to strengthen our friendship or end it.. Time would tell I guess.

Before the trip I had spoken to a number of friends who reinforced what others had said, that it would be a trip of a lifetime. They also kept mentioning a felucca, whatever that was...

The night before the trip it was decided that I'd sleep on Nic's couch as the night bus departed from just outside of there at 3am... Joy... About midnight I finally retired to the delightful pleather couch with a sleeping bag and tried to sleep.. At 2:00 I heard voices and someone stumbling with a key at the front door. It was ok though, it was just Nic's housemate on his way home from the pub, he knew I was here, it'd be ok, they'd go straight to his room and leave me sleep for another hour right?

...

Wrong.. Thanks Bel for the wake up call- he then dragged me off the couch and made me sleep on a mattress on his floor so some of his mates could have some "privacy" in the lounge.. Basically I was woken from my slumber so they could bang....

The journey there was pretty uneventful, stopped over in Vienna (? gargh can't even remember now) and then on to Cairo. First thing I noticed upon exiting the airport was the heat. Wow, something I hadn't experienced in so long! Sunglasses were required. We headed to the hotel with two girls off our flight who'd also be joining us on the tour. Was absolutely speechless when I first saw the pyramids in the distance.. The hotel was pretty incredible, massive pool, bars, green grass. Heaven.. The WiFi connection had a lot to be desired but that was ok too...

The first thing we did upon arrival was head over the road to the little old lady selling bottled water. This was an experience in itself.. Me being blonde, stood out like dog's balls, so we were heckled, bellowed at, tooted even before we left the hotel compound.. The traffic was pretty crazy.. They have road rules in Egypt like they do everywhere else, but the guide put it quite simply that these were only "suggestions". Any who, we made it back alive somehow and went to cool off in the pool. We had some group meeting that night, and I must say I was a little surprised at the penis/vagina ratio... Lots of girls...

The tour group!

 

The first real day of tour was Pyramid Day! We went first to the step pyramid built by King Zoser in 2700 B.C. Pretty bloody old if you ask me.. From here we went to The Great Pyramid of Giza- the largest and the oldest pyramid in the world. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely in tact. It is believed to have been build over a 10-20 year period finishing in around 2560BCE. It's original height of 146.5 meters made it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3800 years. I also learnt that with the stones used to build The Great Pyramid of Giza, a three metre wall could be built around France or a line which stretches two thirds of the way around the equator :) Pretty cool huh!

Happy Camel

After that we jumped on the bus and drove up the hill to panoramic hill for a few cliché photos before CAMEL RIDES!!! Yeeee Haaaa! I possible got stuck with the "most experienced" camel (meaning he was old as all hell) and I affectionately named him Jack. The experience of riding camels across the desert, with the pyramids in the distance was quite surreal, couldn't wipe the smile off my face! From here we visited the Sphinx- wowsers! I am not even going to begin to explain how unbelievably amazing it was, you have to see it to believe it.

At the end of this day I thought that was it, pinnacle of the trip, couldn't get any better than this. And again, am happy to admit I was wrong...

Spent the next few days wandering around tombs and temples and deserts and 5 star hotels and perfume shops and restaurants and beer. Which brings me to my next exciting stories...

An optional extra on the tour was a Nubian dinner- basically we went to a home of a Nubian family - They are the African Egyptians, for a meal or authentic Nubian food and entertainment. We jumped on a boat and sailed down the Nile. My new friend Rach and I has the best seats in the house, we were able to watch the sun set and enjoy a few quiet beers. The food was incredible, I got to hold a crocodile, apparently they keep them as pets, I think it was just a tourist ploy though to be honest, they weren't domesticated in any way, shape or form. It was the journey home that was epic. Most of us climbed to the top of the boat to enjoy the stars and the fresh night air. Captain Honeymoon came up to get us and we all went down and were greeted with Nubian entertainment. Loud drums, loud singing and lot of loud laughing. Possible a warm up for what the next few days had in store?

Rachel and I relaxing on top of the boat on the way to the Nubian dinner.. Best seats in the house.

 

The next day I was about to discover what the felucca was... I wasn't sure what to expect. Sailing down the Nile on a boat, with no motor, no kitchen, no toilets?

 

We were lucky, only 14 of the 24 people on our tour were doing Felucca, this meant we could all be on the same boat. I boarded the boat and claimed my spot on the mattressed floor, complete with mini mouse pillows and sheets. Before we set sail we enjoyed our first felucca prepared mill.. Falafels. Yum! If this feast was anything to go by, I was going to have a GREAT time regardless of the toilet situation! Within about half an hour of being on the boat the water was calling me, I had to get in! And I didn't even need to pee!!! So, in I jumped. Holy shit I was swimming in the Nile, who'd have thought that that would be something that I'd ever do?!? Not me, that's for sure!

 

After a few hours sailing we docked at our port for the night. The three boatmen went to work setting up our lavish bathroom facilities (basically they dug a hole, put a little chair over it with a toilet set and chucked a tent over it), started cooking our tea and all the while kept the boat of us entertained with an array of activities! Bedtime came, and without actually saying a word, people just found a spot and drifted off to sleep. On the first night we didn't have blankets, we just had a makeshift wall put around the boat (think hammock material). Slept well. We had a leisurely morning, an amazing breakfast of omelets, cheese, this amazing tomato and fetta stuff and chocky biscuits.. The Nubians certainly knew how to brew a decent cuppa!

Just hanging out in the River Nile

 

We set sail again and the day was very relaxing. We played cards, listened to music, swam, napped... It really was what dream are made of! We had a few docks throughout the day for toilet stops and lunch but our final stop was something else. The sun was setting over the palm trees in the background as we pulled up to a sandy patch of land. On one side was a bunch of locals playing a game of football, and to the other was farmland. Animals tethered (poor things) and farmers working the crops. It was here that I took a minute. I stopped, blocked out all of the sounds around me and appreciated me and what I was doing. Life really couldn't get much better than this.

Me taking some time out.

Tonight the crew joined us for a meal, apparently this doesn't happen often. Was something else. We had a bonfire and more Nubian music, fun and games.. As trees were scarce and it was dark, to go to the toilet you'd just wander a little way away from the group and drop your dacks... Really was something else. Slept really well that night and woke up the boat sailing and was lucky enough to watch the African sun rise over the River Nile.

 

It was sad to leave the boat. I made some truly wonderful friends that I can't wait to share more adventures with in the future. Today was one of the hottest days I have ever experienced. 47°... It was a dry heat, with not shade for respite. Today was the day we wandered around one of the largest, and probably spectacular temples in Egypt.. Due to the heat I can't remember much :/ The icy-poles were tasty though.

 

The coolest historic sight visited would have to have been the Abu Simbel Temples. Still don't know how they managed to move two temples 65 meters higher and 200meters away from the rising dam, but WOW! This sight, blew my mind!

Abu Simbel with the amazing Zizu!

 

The rest of the trip was a whirlwind of amazeballs.. Our tour guide Zizu was something else, really added to the experience! Much better than the disaster of Turkey! Egypt is probably the coolest places I have ever visited. Can't believe that I was sceptical. Recommend it to anyone and everyone who will listen!!

The tour group!

 

 

 

We toured a mosque.. These are the outfits that all women have to wear.. We looked lovely..

 

 

 

 

"Gallipoli was a bastard of a place," he said. "I never understood what we were fighting for. All I could think of was that I never wanted to go back to the bloody place."

 

This trip had its ups and downs. Spending ANZAC Day in Gallipoli is the second greatest experience I have ever had!

Me at ANZAC Cove

 

The first being the birth of my nephew. The range of emotions that I went through and am still feeling today, almost two weeks later, is phenomenal. Never have I felt more proud to be Australian. Having the opportunity to walk and sleep where many of our soldiers lost their lives, and walking in the footsteps of our Diggers was eerie. Standing in the trenches that they called home, some for up to nine months was an experience. The atmosphere of Anzac Day eve here is amazing. This is not a place to party- there are strict security measures in place to ensure that alcohol is not taken into the area. So if you think this is a new type of "Oktoberfest" you are wrong. Documentaries played through the night, which taught us of the goings on. There were tributes to the soldiers, we were told some of their stories. The way that the respect the ANZACS and Turks showed each other, amazing... After all, it wasn't Us VS Them, but more, Britain VS Germany and us in between. This is something I recommend all passionate Aussies and Kiwis do. I still struggle to find the words to fully describe it.

I have every intention to get back to that place, perhaps without the crowd to properly explore. Mum gave me some names to look out for, and the pride I felt when I saw my great uncle "Jack" Hancock of the tenth Battalion was immense. I still shake my head in awe of that place. The range of emotions that I went through is incomprehensible, even now I get chills. 

Sorry, don't know how to rotate this one!

As I said, most amazing experience EVER!!! My tour on the other hand, was a disaster!

 A cemetery I stopped at on the 3.1km walk to Lone Pine. The road was rough, and the hill was steep, not one word of complaint came out of anyone's mouth. Our soldiers did it much worse than we did.

 Watching the sunrise over ANZAC Cove with Amy.

 

.

 The Lone Pine at the Australian Memorial Site

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
George S. Patton

 

 

 4AM selfie with Amy

 

 One of the underground trenches!

 Memorial at Lone Pine

 

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them

 The Tour- Was a disaster...
I selected and paid quite a bit of money for a 5 day tour. Day one consisted of waiting around the hotel until a team meeting at 8:30pm. The hotel was nice, but about 2 minutes out of the city centre, away from any form of night life, this was a shame. I did not receive any information about shuttles etc into the city. Something could have been done on this day as part of the tour, see my day 4 for an example. Day 2- we had an early departure for ANZAC Cove. I was excited as we had a Turkish guide. I prepared myself to learn a little about Turkish customs, their thoughts on the landings etc... But this wasn't to be. Within 30 minutes of our guide introducing himself to us, I learnt that his fiancé had left him 2 weeks prior to the tour- so he wasn't in a wonderful mood. I also learnt about how his fortune teller told him that she had a baby somewhere in here life- likely to have aborted... Way to much information, and way to negative to tell a tour group, over a microphone, on a bus... The bus air conditioner broke down and this was dealt with quickly and a new bus obtained. The DVD player on the new bus kept reverting the DVD about the Gallipoli Campaign to Turkish, therefore unwatchable for the Aussie audience. Instead of taking the opportunity for the tour guide to give us his own perspective, he told us of the malfunction and then sat down and didn't say a think til lunch. Lunch was good- a buffet at a beach side restaurant. Would have been nice to be able to eat some proper Turkish cuisine, but this was good. (said on the itinerary that this would be dinner, was eaten at 3, bit of ambiguous information). Didn't receive any other information about the type of food that we should take in, nor were we informed of the mass food poisoning outbreak that was suffered in 2012 due to the dodgy kebabs... Once we arrived at the Cove, we exited the bus and that was the last I saw of the tour guide for 24 hours.. Other tour guides stayed with their groups, made sure they were ok, checked up on them.. We had nothing. The information he gave us about the event was all fairly dicey, he didn't know many details, and the stuff he told us was always wrong.. There was no debrief on the way home. Nothing on the way home actually. Would have been nice to learn about Turkish customs, ceremonies, education ANYTHING!!! Got nothing. Bit of a joke really. What's the point of having a Turkish tour guide.. Day 4- Left the hotel at 7:45. As soon as we got on the bus the guide was his usually glass empty self telling us we had a lot to get through, was unlikely we'd get through it all blah blah.. In hindsight, he was probably right, so much to do, some of which could have been done on day 1. Also would have been nice to hear about some of the history of the city, I know it has much... Too much to hope for I am afraid. Boat cruise was ok, pretty boring, a lot of people on the one boat, and unless you were standing by the speakers you couldn't hear what they were saying. From there went to the Spice Markets and were taken into his mate's shop.. Prices much higher than other shops... Then we went to a palace, was ok, too many people, bit boring. from here we went to the Blue Mosque and waited in line for ages, most exciting think about this was getting in trouble for showing some leg. We then went to a museum and the underground cistern. The cistern was one of the coolest things I saw. But as his watch was 5 minutes fast, I nearly got left behind. A bit daunting for a young, blonde solo traveller in Istanbul :/ We then went to the mosaic thing, bit cool. Then finally the Grand Bizarre, which coincidently is right beside the Spice market.. Why not do these at the same time as opposed to opposite ends of the tour? He also couldn't recommend somewhere nice for lunch. I am thankful too that I didn't pay for the option Authentic Turkish Dinner for that evening, sounds like the people who paid the $99 USD for that were severely ripped off... And Day 5 was check out... Really dissatisfied with this tour. Please take my advice, don't risk On the Go. Travel Talk sound pretty amazing, even Fanatics.. I think I could have provided better tour for my group.. I will certainly not be recommending On the Go to any of my friends or family based on this tour, and I'd be very hesitant booking another tour with them. But thumbs up to them, they have been fantastic with the aftercare, would even consider going on another tour with them! Just not to ANZAC Cove.
 

Highlight of the tour (apart from Gallipoli), would definitely be hanging out with Lucas, Bel and Sam in Sultan! Thanks for looking out for me lads! The food was decadent! 

In Flanders Fields by Dr. John MacCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 

Sorry gang, writing this was emotionally draining. Watch this space for the next instalment which will be based on my Church escapades!!

 

But I will send a big shout out to all friends (old and new), family and everyone else who has or is serving on behalf of our country. I have much respect for you and what you are doing!

 

The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not of war.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you want something in life, you just gotta reach out and grab it!

Wow look at me go! Not as long between posts! something is definitely up! Either I am bored or miss you or both! ( I am not bored but do miss you, so that must be it). I am currently trying to update photos, but my hard drive is full as is my computer :/ so bare (haha bare bum) with me.

Me, Naughty Nat, Amazing Amy, Kooky Kirsten, Kinky Kristy, Sexy Sam and Killer Kate celebrating Kink's birthday! xoxo

 

Me and Charlie dressed as pirates for out work's Boat PARTY!!!

Ahhh once again have been busy. Went back to work today after just over 2 weeks off. Spent a wonderful 5 days in Croatia (B-E-A-Utiful!) and the rest catching up with old friends, new friends and the ones in between.

It's funny, I have made so many wonderful friends over here, but they don't feel like new friends.. It feels like I have known them forever! And I know that I will definitely know them forever! ( xoxo)

CROATIA: So.. Getting off the plane in Croatia I felt so alive. Free. Invigorated, I was on my own, in a county where I had no idea of what they were saying and no wifi connection. I had organised a transfer from the airport in Zadar to my villa ( more about that later) with the lady of the villa that I'd been conversing with.. Anywho my flight got in at about 9:30pm (their time) and sure enough there is someone standing with my name on a sign. I walk over to the guy (massively tall, bulk, bald) and say hello. He then introduces me to his mate (see pre-mentioned build) and asked where the rest of my party was.. I then proceeded to tell them that it was only me (should have said I was meeting a my boyfriend the hurling world champion (:/) there.. They said something in Croatian which sounded like "let's see her organs" and led me to the car. It was a mini van, giggled a little...And off we went.

We drove for what felt like 2 miles before we turned off the main road onto a bumpy, dark, dirt track. This is where I thought "Oh poptarts, this is where they take me to their leader and I get sold to the sex trade"... We drove for ages, them talking their Croatian me palms sweating, trying to figure out where to hit these dudes and how fast I could fun and for how long.. Then all of a sudden...


We pulled up my villa, they carried my suitcase to my door, I paid them and they left...

 It was fairly dark and I had no idea what to expect of the room, I couldn't tell you how close I was to the beach, or shops or anything! What I can tell you though is that I paid €125 for five days, seemed to cheap to be anything amazing... Boy was I wrong... I mean the room was a little dated, and the sheets were a little thin. But it turned out that I was the only one at the villa for two days so I received a free upgrade to a 2 bedroom, beach front deluxe suite (woo hoo go me!!) Because one person needs two double beds and a fold out couch :D

View from my balcony from The Villa Nela! (Rhymes with Anna Bella)

 

When I woke I wandered out to the balcony and nearly fell off.. The view was absolutely sensational!! Could not wipe the smile off my face! That was until I remember that all I'd eaten the day before was a snickers and an OJ and that I was so hungry I could have eaten a low flying duck (*quack*- haha you know who that was for)... Explore time! I chucked on my summer dress and thongs, it was 17 after all, and  had just left London, the day after a snow storm! And headed in to town. Was off season, and there weren't many around but that was ok too. Had a great trip!

 

Marina- That's my boat on the left..

 The town of Petrcane

I've spent the last 7 weeks arguing with TicketMaster over my P!nk tickets that weren't delivered. Think I will just cut my losses there and suck it up. Will be in Turkey on the day of the concert so can't go.

The weather is FINALLY starting to warm up here! (By warm up I mean out highs are your lows- stop sooking about the weather by the way haha) so the singlets, thongs and beer drinking arms are coming out! It's bizarre, one sunny Sunday and 8 million people head to the river of the Thames to drink..

Harlem Globetrotter game was UNREAL! and Even scored a free jersey! Can't complain about that! Last few schools I have been at have been tricky, but I've had the kids for a few days and by the end they're well settled so that's ok too..

Ok, bed time, work tomorrow.. Woo...

Big HI to Lisa and Snow! and Hayley, Jenna, Rach and Nick at the Domain, also to Mum for breaking into my room to get my Bomber's jumper, and to Gravox for letting her! Hi to Jack, Jacqueline and Bray- youse (I speak English good) rock. Happy Birthday for tomorrow Nic. Dad, I'll talk to you in about 6 minutes on Skype. Nanny, who's probably too busy gallivanting. Kaye and Gordo for being completely awesome. Steve, Willy, Libby, Peevie, Loz and this is getting silly.. Love to you all.

Yours for a fiver

Anna
xoxo

Oh, one more quote


If you love life, life will love you back!

Bubye

Life is short, so live it. Love is rare, so grab it. Fear controls you, so face it. Memories are precious, so cherish them. We only get one life, so live it!

Isn't it funny where life leads you? One day you wake up and find yourself doing things that you never thought possible. Achieving things that once upon a time seemed so far out of reach. Since being in the UK I have really begun to appreciate the life that I have back in Australia. The way of life over there. The people. The views. The sunshine!

Don't get me wrong. I love it here, and already am not looking forward to my leaving date, which gets closer everyday (haha). As I keep saying, there is always so much to do. People to see.. Back home my Sundays used to be spent in bed, but over here, they are my day to explore! I don't even get annoyed that there are always tube closures on Sundays! :/

Easter away from the family was tricky! So many teasing photos of family camping trips! But I remind myself that it'll all still be there when I get home. I was lucky enough to spend this Good Friday with Jayson, Jade and Nic. Good company, great food (thanks Jade) and Friday night footy!

In the recent weeks I have also had the joys of watching Potted Potter, which is a comedy show which squeezes all 7 Harry Potter books in to 70 hilarious minutes! And the Harlem Globetrotters put on a show at Wembley Arena! A fun filled night of nachos, beer, hot dogs and basketball with friends! What more could a girl want?!?

On Friday I am heading to Croatia for a couple of days. At this stage I will be doing nothing more than sitting on the beach or by the pool catching up on some reading. I've loaded up my kindle so there will be no running out of things to read! (Man, I miss books, but a kindle is so much more convenient while travelling).

Two weeks without pay will test my budgeting skills ( :( ) and am already looking forward to returning to work...

Have met some rad people on my travels! Can't wait to catch up with the boat party girls again soon! What a fun night that was... Have I shared that info with you get? I am getting rubbish at moving photos from my camera, partly because I've filled up the computer memory.. A new external hard drive is required, and it's on my list...

Big shout out goes to my Dad back home *waves "Hi Dad"* and to my good friends Alana and Shannon who this week tie the knot! Cannot wait to see pictures, I am so sorry that I could not be there with you! Miss all of your lovely faces and will see you when I am looking at you! Thanks to everyone for the emails and messages, cards and presents! They are much appreciated!

Sometimes, life hands you a chance. It hands you something amazing, you almost think it’s a dream, but no matter how much you pinch yourself, you don’t wake up. It’s moments like those that make life really worth living, because no matter how hard times get, there are always those miracle moments that lift you back on your feet.

I really am one of the lucky ones...

May the force be with you.

Anna
xoxo

Between the sand and stone, could you make it on your own?

Whoopsies, I've done it again... Sorry followers, things over here have been CRAZY busy! I am going to try and fit as much as I can into as few words as possible! I can't believe I have reached the 3 month mark.. Where has the year gone?

Soooo. I the last 6 or 7 weeks (sorry again) I have done many, many exciting things. During the break I managed to frequent the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, Madame Tussuad's Wax Museum ( Oh my freaking god! Amazing! Do it if you get the chance!)

But have been working like mad. The days and schools are meshing into one and by the end of the day I am usually so exhausted that the only think I can fathom is bed...

(I can't remember who these people are)

Not surprisingly I have burnt through my savings, but lucky for me I have already booked a few trips and other activities. The first one being Croatia on the 5th of April. The reality of 7 weeks without getting paid has sunk in, so I have started putting feelers out for evening work or work perhaps as a nanny, over the breaks.

Teaching over here is not too different to back home. In fact, I think that there are somethings that they do better, but there are definitely things that we do better too. One thing that they both have in common is nosey politicians trying to run ours schools.. No flammin' idea... This week has been one of my trickiest weeks. The year 3s I have had are INSANE.. But still have managed to get through the week without so much as raising my voice at them.. One of the students really had an impact.. A little Russian boy named Ivan. He was the most polite boys I have ever met! He was courteous, hard-working and very helpful to his peers. Especially seeing as the only place he spoke English was at school.

I could get used to the Primary School thing..

I think I've seen the English Spring... We had one day of 15 and now it's back to rain, sleet and snow with temperatures ranging from -1 to 5.. Winning..

Have I mentioned my visit to Bath and Stonehenge? I can't remember... But if I did it's worth another mention. Stonehenge is a really interesting sight! I am hoping to get back to Bath too before I leave this place.. if you don't believe me check out the pictures.

Celebrating St Pat's Day in the UK is a stack of fun, and I have discovered a new talent. I can skoll a pint of Guinness :/ Had a great day in an Irish bar in Soho called the Toucan. Spent the day laughing and enjoying my Irish heritage. We called it an early day, me arriving back at my tube stop by half 7.. I decided to drop into a pub on the way home for just one more... Those who know me won't be surprised that I met a new bunch of people, had a few more drinks and ended up helping close the bar... Not before I held a girls hair back as she puked into a pint glass, and no Hayley is wasn't me this time! Felt right at home.. Next thing I knew it was nearly 3 and I was stumbling home.. Not surprising I slept through my alarm! Still managed to work a half day... Never been so close to spewing in a classroom! Lucky for everyone though that didn't happen!

Work Boat party tomorrow! Sailing down the Thames with 200 of my closest work colleagues. DJs, drinks and dudes ( Haha- hope you like that alliteration Donna if you're reading this) dressed as a pirate.. Will hopefully get some pics for you!

Anywho! Once again, please feel free to email me, inbox or snail mail me. I will try my best to get back to you ASAP! (Verity, your letter is coming I swear!)

Love hearing from all of you who are Skyping, Vibering, Whatsapping, Stalkbooking etc! Please keep doing what you are doing!

OHHHH and another thing that I have done was the Monopoly pub crawl! One of the best things I have done! Will give you more info on this at a later date but I have to scoot to netball!

Big shout out this time to Dad and Chris, also Nanny and any of the people who dad has passed my info on to!

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Well, well, well, what a week I've had! On Tuesday I joined another Netball team. So playing twice a week will hopefully keep me a little fit, and perhaps make up for the pints that I've been drinking of late. Also, the two for one cocktails are a KILLER!

 On Wednesday I went on a pretty special date... With myself. I went and saw the musical Wicked, and pardon me when I say that it was WICKED! The leading ladies were fantastic and the leading gentleman wasn't too bad on the eyes either. It was at the Victoria Apollo or something I think, a very impressive venue indeed. I didn't much enjoy the first half, I'm not sure if that was because it was a little repetitive or the fact that I had a dude that was 9 foot tall sitting in front of me. Thankfully after the intermission he moved and I could enjoy the rest of the show... And that I did... Wowee, what a fantastic twist.

Thursday was a fairly uneventful day, that was until after netball I decided it would be a great idea to catch up with friends for drinks... No dinner.. BAD move. I rocked up to the pub wearing my 3/4 gym tights, runner and a fluro purple hoody. Didn't get kicked out so was pretty ecstatic! The party of 9 or 10 decided it'd be fun to go to Be At One, a night-clubby type venue just down the road. Well once again got in in my gym gear and was ready to take on the two-for-one cocktails.. Not a wise move without any food in my tummy. Was having a lot of fun, discovered that a friend from back home was staying/drinking at the backpackers next door. I went and grabbed him and he joined us... Cocktails were drank (drunk?) (no wait I was drunk), dance moves were shared, hats stolen, shots had, songs sung. A very fun night indeed. Felt excellent! Until I laid down... Deary me... Oh well...

Friday came, it's great being able to say, "bugger you Friday, I am not working today!" And not work I did. Had a bit of a sleep in, then caught up with friends for a late lunch, which turned in to dinner and a big welcome home to Rue! The people I have met over here are AMAZING, never a dull moment.

Saturday, this is where things get HILARIOUS!!! Wait for it! A friend asked me to accompany her to a Valentines Day singles party.. Wowee what an experience. This trip is all about new experiences, so this worked in well.. I bought a new frock for the occasion, brushed of the heels and got myself looking simply stunning. We ventured in to town, minds well and truly open, not knowing what on earth to expect. I was a little excited I must admit. We walked in to this place called Abacus, my housemate mentioned that it was ok during the week but a bit iffy on weekends. Open mind.. Upon arrival we registered and were given a lock and a name tag. Apparently the key to the lock was the owner of out hearts or some crap, we also registered for a speed dating session. From here we had a Polaroid taken for the "photo wall". This is where if someone fancies you, they can write you a private note, and at the end of the night can collect your cards and contact them if interested.

Down stairs was where the party was at. 125 gents and 125 ladies. I purchased my first drink and started to mingle. First thing I noticed was that they guys were, how can I say this.. Quite diverse... Maybe three in the room were ones that I perhaps initiate conversation with... Almost straight away I found a key that unlocked my lock.. A 40+ year old man of middle-eastern appearance.. Hmmm, we went upstairs to collect out prize.. Which was nothing.. What a dud! From here the speed dating began, 15 guys, 3 minutes a piece. These were either going to be the longest 3 minutes of my life or the quickest. Met some pretty unmemorable people. One who was very memorable, but perhaps not for the right reason. I don't think I have a type, but this person wasn't it. He was under 5 foot tall, with a moustache and reminded me a little of Apu. This was not going to be a fun three minutes.. Open mind Anna, open mind.. First question I asked. "Oh so you are a cricket fan?" Wow, couldn't be more wrong! And that was it, I was out of questions, so just sat there, politely smiling... Sipping my gin and tonic, and smiling some more.. At the start we given these cards where we were to write down peoples names and their card numbers or something, still don't get it.. He asked why I wasn't writing his name down. Had to try and make something up about doing it when he left. But NO! He DEMANDED that I write it down then and there so that he could see it! Cripes... I did, just to shut him up... As soon as he left I crossed it out VERY quickly..

 

 From here I ventured back down stairs to 'mingle'... All I really wanted though was some food... I politely spoke to a few guys but was getting keen to leave. I was trying to do the right things and support my friend, who managed to find one of the only decent guys in the room.. I was trying not to hover. The things that tipped me over the edge happened when I was speaking to two normalish guys, chatting about things, cricket blah, blah. Then out of nowhere, one pipes up with "Hey, so do you wanna get out of here and have a threesome with us?" Holy cow.. I declined perhaps a little too politely, said goodbye to my friend, grabbed my coat and vanished quicker that a vigilante in the night! Was an interesting experience, but not one that I will be repeating in a hurry. Never in my life have I been in a room filled with so much desperation! Perhaps I enjoy being single too much.

Sunday, was glad to awaken reasonably early and without the usual hangover. Met Nic, Jade and Jayson in town for breaky and found a place that served a big breaky for $3.09 (in pounds obviously, still don't know where the pound doodah is on my keyboard). Was a great breakfast and was able to rid myself of that much dreaded shrapnel. We sat and spoke for hours! Was lovely, until this drunk Scottish bloke came over and started talking gibberish, only words I really understood was when he dropped the F Bomb! We finished our cokes and departed VERY quickly!

From here the day picked up, and Nic and I ventured to the British National Museum, which was bloody fantastic. Too much to see in one day but cannot wait to go back. Am still flabbergasted at the fact that I was looking at stuff that dated back to 8000BC, how can that even happen?!? Was freaking cold today, so ventured back to the breakfast pub for a lovely roast dinner. Jade, Jayson, Nic and I talked crap for another couple of hours. Was really enjoyable.. Until Jade and I went to order dessert that was. What a disaster! The pub was out of ICE CREAM! HOW THEH FRICK CAN A PUB RUN OUT OF ICE CREAM???
Not happy. So went back to the table to discuss or disgust at that, and who had returned? None other than Drunk Scottish Bloke! We very quickly picked up or belongs and moved outside as fast as we could... And it was snowing! Snow  really is beautiful! But unfortunately the rain had made it too moist, so I don't think it will settle.. Which means for me, school tomorra!

Another big week ahead, heading to see Angus Stone on Wednesday, hopefully he puts on an alright show!

Sincerely, the self appointed/undisputed ruler of the world,

Anna-  pretend I folded this up and passed it to you under the desk.
Made in Australia