Spectacular Spain with the Swedish Senoritas!

For as long as I can remember I´ve dreamt of exploring Spain. It´s been calling to me for most of my life. My nana thinks its because some of our ancestors are from the border of France and Spain , and therefore I´m likely to have some Spanish blood. Maybe it was simply the exotic unknown-tapas, sangria,beautiful lilting language and flamenco. Whatever the reason, Spain was a must on my ´travel to-dos´ and I was desperate to discover it for real. And lets just say, if I thought I was smitten with the place before....now I am head over heels in love!



Exactly one year ago, I was sitting in a pub in Broome, soaking up the sun and having a few Sunday drinks. Our group of friends at this stage , was an eclectic mix from Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. I was dreaming of travel (as usual) and was lusting after going to Spain ( as usual!) At this point my Swedish friend, Sara proposed a plan. She suggested that in a years time, her and I meet up and travel to Spain together. Of course it sounded wonderful, but then so do most ideas, when they´re formed through a combination of Sunday sun, sand and wine. So despite loving the concept , I never truly knew if it´d happen or not. But... a year later, we made it happen. Which brings me to.....



After much wrestling with bags, waiting around in airports and language barriers, i arrived at Barcelona airport- it was finally happening!!

About an hour later, Sara arrived, fresh from Sweden and as giggly and incredulous as I was to be there.We managed to negotiate our way to our hotel, and despite being exhausted, made our way to the top floor , where we had a few celebratory wines, whilst overlooking the city night lights of the big B.C!
The next morning, we were up early, as excited as kids on Christmas morning, ready to explore. We managed to start to make sense of the Metro public transport system and before we knew it, we were drinking Spanish wine out of a cask ( only 2 dollars a pop!) and sunbaking on the beach surround by the locals and laughing at our good fortune! Over the next few days, we had alot more picnics, soaked up alot more Spainsh sun and became quite at home on La Rambla - the city centre of Barcelona. I even reduced myself to buying an- i heart Barcelona singlet- what? I do!!!
One night , it started to rain, that delicious steamy, fat rain, that feels so tropical, it´s almost like taking a bath. We sought refuge in an amazing little treasure trove of a place and found ourselves surrounded by passionate locals drinking giant jugs of Sangria. so..when in spain! We too, drank our share of the delecious concoction and then sampled some of the amazing food too ( already my photos look like the collection of a food critic , i´m just loving the presentation, and the taste and the exotic nature of the cuisine here- yummo!)
The next night we stumbled across a mini street festival , which we enjoyed while sampling some more Spanish cask wine and the local hummus and bread, fresh from the corner shop.
Then more sun, more stumbly spainsh talk and before we knew it we had been there for a week- oops!
Sara´s friends were arriving the next day, so we figured we may as well stay too.
We met them at a giant hostel in the heart of the city and before we knew it, we´d gotten so excited we had changed our plans for the coming week completley. Instead of going south to Valencia and Andalucia( good name!) we decided it was way to much fun in our little possey, so decided to travel north with them instead. The beauty of travel! 5 Swedes and an Aussie, on our way!
As luck would have it, one of the girls, is actually a tour guide, and 3 of the girls speak fluent spanish,so they are the perfect travel companions. That night we discoverd a Champanerie- an amazingly crowded hot, local bar. You can barely move,drinks are constantly being spilled, giant slabs of meat hang from the roof, next to rows and rows of Cava ( Spanish champagne) and you have to sample little plates of cheese if you want a drink. It´s wonderful and feels so very spanish! We theN explored 3 more local bars, each as exciting and exotic as the last, before falling into bed in the wee hours, while the city partied on. The next day-more beach bliss, then to a new part of town, where we found another fantastic local haunt, with plenty more sangria , tomato bread ( one of my favourites, thick crusty bread smeared with fresh tomato, good european oil and lashings of garlic ), homemade babbaganoush, tomato and mozarella salad, and all round deliciousness. Then we managed to find ourselves amonst a street festival, which revolved around , looking after the environment. So every 200 metres there was a new fairytale cave to explore , filled with decorations made from recycled bottles and plastic and serving traditional Spanish spirits and live music. The next day we travelled by train to Girona, to another bustling , bright hostel, where we had pre dinks of Cava in our room , then ventured out for tapas at 11:30 pm.
In the morning, we were off again to Figueres, to see the Dali exhibition, which was typically awe inspiring and spectacular. I found it really strange, that we were allowed to take photos of the exhibition, but we were, so we did ( keep posted on Facebook, for heaps of photos, I´m, having trouble uploading them on these exotic Spanish computers!)
Then more train-ing and wrestling with my damn bag ( it has to be noted that at this stage, I´d gottten rid of my big backpackers pack, and replaced it for one with wheels, so much easier, or so I thought... Now though, it´s fallen apart and lost all its wheels, so I´m about to buy my third pack for the trip- good quality luggage!)
We finally arrived at Llanca, our favourite place yet, and stayed in this fantastic little, whitewashed hotel, with a view of the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. It had a giant green, sprawling front yard with a hammock and a big trestle table and it felt like home. Instantly we decided to settle here for 3 nights.
After exploring the beach, we wandered along the seaside markets before finaly sampling some local seafood paella, which was truly mouth watering.
The next day we trekked to discover a less popular beach, surrounded by cliffs and covered in smooth pebbles, where the water was totally clear. Yum. That night we utilised our sprawling front yard and got all dressed up and cooked ourselves a dinner party, complete with plenty of Cava,home made tomato bread, seafood pasta and fresh goats cheese salad. Mmmmm.
In the morning we woke to a long, hot bus ride to Caraques. Here ,it felt so Mediterreanean, the crystal clear water was surrounded with mountains dotted with little white houses with blue roofs, and we soaked up the sun, ate fresh gelato and discoved hidden cobblestone alleyways with friendly locals.
Then we said goodbye to one of our crew and headed back to Barcelona, which was a stopover for our next destination. Loving the city as we do , we couldn´t resist making the most of it. We then proceeded to sample the finery of a recommended tapas bar- local red wine, more goats cheese, more Champaneria and then to anothe bar for freshly made strawberry daquiris and music. Home to the dodgy hostel( someone else was in one of our beds!), 2 and a half hours sleep and then back at the train station at 6 30 am for a big train ride to San Sebastian.
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We are still here now and its yet another seaside paradise. I love it. Last night we sampled some local tapas. It´s different here, more elaborate- capsicum stuffed with tuna and homemade fritattas and asparagus on crusty bread. Then we found ourselves amongst yet another street party, big brass bands and fantastic local jazz bands. We found ourselves a spot on the beach for the most rousing fireworks show ever, all perfectly choreographed to a blaring musical soundtrack- fun!
Exhausted after virtually no sleep, we made it back to the hostel and passed out to the sounds of the spanish partying into the night.
This morning , the streets are very quiet, it´s a Sunday the siesta is seemingly lasting for the whole day. I think there´d be many a sangria headache amongst the locals and tourists alike.
On Wednesday I say goodbye to my little crew of Swedish senoritas and head to Paris for a music festival with Boxy and Booma ( my own personal bodyguards!)
It´s a hard life!
Think it´s fair to say, that my high expectations of this exotic and tantalising place have been well and truly exceeded. I won´t be able to keep away for long.
Until next time my friends, adios chica guapas and chico guapas. Muchos Gracious! ( goodbye hot girls and boys, thankyou very much!) ( dunno about the spelling, but I´ve got me accent down pat!) HOLA! xxoxox

Blimey! orright cobber? : )

London eh? To be honest, when first planning my intrepid travels, I never had a burning desire to go to London. Not like Spain ( tapas, exotica, sangria- swoon!), or France ( Pareeeeeee, croissants and fabulous romantic cliches!)
But I have to say, I have been VERY pleasantly surprised. Cor! Strike me down with a bobby's baton!

I was determined to not go to any ' Aussie bar' ( a goal of mine throughout all of my travels.) And, I refuse to join in with any one who, when they ask where I'm from, respond with- " AUSSIE, AUSSIE AUSSIE! ..."
I was also well prepared for all the other London stereotypes- dreary grey skies, dodgy alleyways and even dodgier teeth. Sure all of these things exist to an extent, but overwhelmingly I've found this to be a very diverse, exciting and cultured city...


I first arrived at Stansted airport and after managing to find my way into the city , I caught me my first 'tube!' (note local lingo- SUCH a pretend pommy!)
And as I was forging my way at 6am through the backstreets, map in hand, trying in vain to find my hostel, I caught sight of my reflection in a shop window.
The girl staring back at me was a backpacker. A proper traveller, laden down with heavy pack, serious walking shoes and overall flushed and slightly dishevelled. And that's when i began to feel really liberated. I was actually doing this. Adventuring out on my own!! wooooooooooop!

I eventually found my hostel, a lovely little place above an old, stone pub. I picked this place about two hours before I flew out, superficially, I'm ashamed to say, because of its' name. Travel-joy hostel. Alright, yes, I know- typically superstitious and camp- and therefore for me- perfect!
And it has been. I've been bunking down in a squashed room with 9 other beds, with girls from Sweden, Brazil, Hong Kong, Canada- you name it. The other morning , a mother and daughter from Hong Kong- gave me the most perfect nectarine as a goodbye present- simply- because I was nice to them when they arrived. Awww...
The only downside has been , when last night, I had to change rooms- because someone else had pre- booked my bed. I found myself, mistakenly, in a ' mixed sex' dorm. And it just so happened, I was the only girl. I slept with my trusty swiss army knife under my pillow, but otherwise, unharmed!

So anyway, every morning, I wake up , go for a walk along the Thames, come back for free cornflakes at the bar ( strange, but it works) and then catch a red , double decker, iconic bus to the heart of London.
One of my favourite past-times here, has been to sit in Trafalgar Square, watch the fountain and write! ( yep- my film script is well on it's way- all this new air seems to have inspired me!)
I've visited the National Gallery multiple times, seen Van Gogh's famous sunflowers and Monet's lillies.
I loved the Portrait gallery too- intense , almost photograph paintings of people from all walks of life. Today I went to Buckingham palace ( i know-despite being anti the queen and classing myself as a republican), I just felt like it was one of those done things. When in London...

I have long been lusting after the famous cuisine of Spain and France, but honestly dodn't expect much from England.
But it's been delicious! I've tried to discover the less touristy hotspots- I've eaten amazingly freshly baked italian bread, served with fresh goats cheese, and proper, rich italian oil, I've eaten tradition French herb bread and dips ( sensing a trend?!) and fluffy blueberry laden muffins.
The coffee is great as are the wine lists,and all of the waiters are lovely.
At one of the little Italian places I went to I was served by this giant Nigerian man, with a smile that could sell Colgate. I walked past his restaurant days later and he made a point of pointing at me , across the street, grinning and waving!

However, above all, my highlight here has been... the shows. Wow.
I've discovered a giant discount ticket booth in the middle of Leicester Square and I have been in heaven!
I saw 'Tapdogs- the stage show.' Adam Garcia ladies- need I say more? Although I will say, that some of the older ladies in the audience were whistling so hard, I was worried they may just yell out and offer to ' tap his dawwwg!'

Last night...I indulged completely and saw my favourite musical of all time...
Let me preface this by revealing an embarassing truth.. I distinctly remember ( as some of you may too) being in about year 7 and the teacher asking us all to name our favourite music.
Most classmembers attempted to outdo each other in the cool stakes- Nirvana, Blink 182, ColdPlay. Me? No Question.... Les Mis! What a dork...
Now though, I've embraced my dorkiness and took myself for a solo date to soak up this magic musical once more.
Amazingly, I still remembered every lyric. I still have a giant girl crush on Eponine and I still sobbed a little at the end... Blisss!!!
Last night ,me myself and I , went to see' Wicked' - which I was excited about , having always also, been a longtime lover of the Wizard of Oz. Who isn't? It was fantastic fun- particularly because of the joy on the face of the girl I was sitting next to . She was lovely. From Kentucky, wearing an ' I love London' t shirt, offering me her lollies- and only 6 years old! When we parted ways- she gave me a giant hug and waved at me all the way out of theatre. I love meeting all these different, eclectic fellow travellers!

And tonight my dearests....I head to sexy, swoony, sensational Spain! Barcelona to be precise, to meet my sexy Swedish friend- Sara.
Don't envy me.. I'll take you with me... just keep reading these lil' guys.
Until then- safe travels xxoxoxoox

Up, Up and AWAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY! 1st Stop- Malaysia!

Thank God. Finally, FINALLY. Ye old travel itch is getting a well deserved, GIANT scratch.
And how wonderful to kick off this special solo expedition with my special partner in crime....
And so it begins...


It's the smell that hits me first. A cliched burst of memories. Stinky and sweet , yet inviting. And the heat- much like Broometown, but with that familiar 'asian influence.'
It was a long flight, but with butterflies in my belly, and my man by my side (finally!)- things were looking pretty good.
We landed first in K.L. I'd left the Malaysian accom up to Brad and , he was definitely up to the job. Above and beyond. The first hotel was ridiculous- all chandeliers and high ceilings and white gloved service- ooh la -la...He wanted me to taste a little luxury before my 1 star backpacking adventure- and taste I did!
The first night we hit the markets and then woke up to the celebration of Brad's 28th year! ( and the bday fairy had visited-where do those b'day decos came from!?)
Brad wanted to spend his b'day in the Cameron Highlands-and so, his wish was my command.
We took a long, decidedly bumpy bus ride, through the rolling tea plantations and leafy jungle and arrived at an even more impressive hotel! Spoilt!
After exploring the town's centre and buying an array of useless/'must -have' items we donned the hiking shoes and set off to find Brad's dream b'day prezzie- the extremely venemous and therefore even more appealing ( to him) cobra! ( He really , really wanted to catch one...other people wish for a bike for their b'day- my boy- a big fat poisonous snake!)

We forged our way up an unmarked mountain, through thick, wet, shiny jungle, keeping an eye,ear, and very heightened heart-rate on alert for our fork- tongued friend.
We trekked , and slid and sweated for hours until Brad discovered, what we are pretty sure was a tiger footprint- uh huh- an actual tiger...in the jungle. With us. NO-ONE BUT US... eeek.
We headed back pretty quickly after that...
Later that night we dined in the hotel's Malaysian style restaurant, where we ordered the exotically entitled ' Steamboat.' The eager, ridiculously attentive waiters brought out dish after dish of what looked like raw fish and meat and weird little balls.
Then some uncooked noodles and a gas cooker- exactly like the ones we take camping.
Brad and I looked at each other and asked the staff many times, whether we were meant to eat it raw or heat it with the soup. They assured us, it was to be eaten as is. So just as we were about to 'give it a go' and thus give ourselves a serious case of food poisoning, they lit the gas cooker and stared at us as if we were crazy! A typical example of a language barrier- but a funny one. I was trying so hard not to laugh- I kept making very unattractive little snort sounds and tears were streaming down my face. Poor Brad had to keep talking to them as normal, whilst trying very hard not to look at me. Then they left. And we lost it. A very funny end to his first day as a 28 year old.

The next day we went on an organised trek through the jungle, visited the impressive rolling tea plantations and sampled some local strawberry produce. That night, nicely exhausted we discoved a little dive of a restaurant, where we woke up the drunk/owner/chef/only other person in the whole place, and he whipped up an impressively delicious feast. Not bad , for someone who wouldn't have looked out of place lolling about on the street with a paper bag in hand!
The next day and another bumpy bus ride later we arrived at the seaside suburb- Penang.
I kept remembering strange little tidbits of my family trip there - same same, but different!
Then to the really special markets- but as fate would have it- the taxi driver, dropped us right outside a snake show- which showcased...wait for it....the elusive cobra!
Brad managed to convince the head honcho that because he was a professional snake catcher in Australia, that he should be allowed to handle this huge, very poisonous creature! And he did- and it was fantastic.If a little heartstopping. ok- ALOT. Late b'day wish granted! Afterwards we were both exhausted, too much adrenalin will do that to ya.
The next day- a bargain keyboard was purchased for him, a cheap travelling watch for me and some new runners- the others got ruined in the tiger trek!
And then before we knew it it was our last night together for months!
We treated ourselves to a seafood/ tropical fruit cockatail feast in a jungle style restaurant which was amazing.
The next day, a quick flight back to K.L and then lots of squeezes, lots of talk of time travelling way too quickly, and then...there was one. Just me. Flying solo...
Until next time- bon voyage my beloveds xxoxoxo