The last instalment of my European
summer escapade sees me venture to Croatia, Greece and back home to London.
What an adventure it has been...
We flew out from Amsterdam and arrived in Barcelona for a 5 hour layover where we slept on extremely uncomfortable chairs in the airport. We then bordered our next flight which saw us land in sunny Dubrovnik. We waited at the airport for Holly, a beautiful girl from New Zealand who I knew and her friends. Once they arrived we made our way into the centre of Dubrovnik before getting another bus to our accommodations. Turns out we got off at the wrong spot and ended up having to walk an hour uphill, with 20kgs suitcases, in 40 degree heat. Let’s just say none of us were impressed! The house we were staying at was so cute and literally two minutes away from the water (we could see a cruise liner from our window). After a quick change we headed down to the beach where I proceeded to fall asleep. We all had a nice dinner together and walked through 'old town' Dubrovnik which was really nice. Exhausted and still not recovered from our sickness, Lis and I were both in bed by 9pm.
today we were starting our sailing tour so we packed up and headed down to the port. We found our sailing boat and dumped our bags before setting off for an icy cold cider. It was SO HOT! We then headed back to the boat to meet everyone on tour and have lunch (an absolutely awful fish soup, I wanted to cry)! Our cabins were below deck and tiny, Lis and I couldn't be standing in there at the same time. There was a communal aircon thank god, but it didn't really reach the rooms. The shower was practically over the toilet so thongs were a MUST! I couldn't help but think we were in for an awful week, but hey, it was all a part of the adventure and we had to be positive. We were really just looking forward to the ocean and relaxing after such a full on four weeks. The boat stayed in Dubrovnik for the night, so Holly her boyfriend Dean, Lis and I caught a bus back into the old town. It actually looks a little like Venice. Very old and beautiful buildings everywhere. For dinner we found a perfect little restaurant where we ate the local chevups sausages (like a skinless sausage). The waiter also gave us a shot of some Croatian spirit that literally tasted like petrol. Then we headed to Sky Bar, famous amongst tourists for their buckets of alcohol, Lis and I shared one but we couldn't even get through that. It was time to head back to the sweat box for some sleep.
The boat set sail bright and early and after breakfast (warm milk, cereal and bread that’s not toasted) the boat stopped in the middle of nowhere for a swim. This was the part I was looking forward to most. It was absolute heaven. Swimming in crystal clear water, miles out in the Adriatic Sea, with not a care on the world. After our swim it was time for some sun baking on the deck, followed by more swimming and more sun baking. This literally became the pattern for the next week. We pulled into the port at Mljet, had a BBQ dinner and watched Italy lose the Euro Cup final in a local bar.
Again the boat set sail while we were all still sleeping. We woke up for breakfast and a swim stop, then magazines and sun baking on the deck, this really is the life! Lis and I didn't really drink or go out a lot as we just wanted some down time. We arrived in Korcula and decided to hire little beach buggies to explore the island and the vineyards. It was so much fun and the island was incredible. It was one of the girl’s birthdays tonight so we all went off for a delicious dinner and drinks. Today was great fun.
The next three days were all very similar, so much swimming, sunbaking and just simply relaxing. We got to explore the islands and beaches of Hvar (the St Tropez of Croatia €€€), Stari Grad and Makarska. Unfortunately Lis was really really sick for about 4 days on the boat. She had the worst fever and when it’s already 40 degrees it was just horrible. I felt so sorry for her, but she never winged and was a trooper. Croatia was having a heat wave while we were there too and boy did we feel it. One of our final dinners was a nautical themed party which was lovely. On our second last day Lis and I did the optional of going to Bosnia for the day (another country to tick off the list). We visited a city called Motsar which was highly damaged in the war there in 1995. It was so interesting to explore and really quite beautiful. The bullet holes in the buildings were still so visible and raw. I really enjoyed Motsar, I’m so glad we did it. Our last stop on our Sail was Split, which was probably my favourite place in Croatia that we went. I ate some delicious gelato and the town itself was really nice. We had farewell drinks before our last night on the boat (thank god)! The next morning we packed up our stuff and headed to Holly's hotel. Because we were flying out at 10pm we just left our bags there and continued exploring. We found a fruit market that had the best nectarines I have ever tasted. After saying our goodbyes to Holly (I absolutely adore Holly, we're so similar it was great) and our new friends, we made our way to the airport for our flight to Milan, then on to SANTORINI! Croatia was wonderful, the sun, sea and islands were stunning, the boat not so much, but it was definitely worth it.
We landed in Milan and had yet another 5 hour airport lay over where we slept on uncomfortable chairs before boarding our flight to Santorini in Greece. We arrived at around 11am and where picked up by the owners of where we were staying in Perissa Beach. Driving back to our villa I was beyond excited to explore the island. Our villa was adorable and just what we needed, the owners where great and couldn't help us more. Santorini is truly unique having been formed by a volcanic explosion some 3,500 years ago, leaving behind a crescent shaped island of sheer cliffs, black sandy beaches and a still smoking volcano called the Caldera. As soon as we dropped our bags off we got our bathers, hired a four wheeler and were off for the day. Everybody on the island drives the four wheelers and they are only €15 a day. We headed to Black Beach which was literally a two minute walk for where we were staying. As the name says the sand/rocks where black, but the water was crystal clear. All along the beaches they set up deck chairs with bamboo huts and it really is paradise. After a swim it was time for lunch and we just had to have souvlaki of course, it delicious and so lovely not to have any bread. The cheap cocktail was just as yummy. We then made our way into town which is called Fira. We are staying closer to the beach so the town was about ten minutes away. It was super cute with the little shops and street filled with tourists and locals and incredibly picturesque. We found a bar on top of the cliff with the most amazing view looking out over the stunning houses and the ocean. We ate ice-cream and just sat and enjoyed the magic of it all. On our way home, unfortunately I was driving and in true Tessa style I somehow managed to get stung by a wasp in between my eyes. I had to stop immediately and was super lucky it didn't get my actual eye. It stung so bad it made me cry and instantly swelled. We got a cold drink to put on it and Lis drove home, honestly it hurt like hell but was absolutely hilarious. Lis and I still laugh about it today and unfortunately I even have a scar to prove it! Back home for a quick change and to drop off the four wheeler. We walked down the road and indulged in all the Greek specialities for dinner. Moussaka, Greek salad, Pork souvlaki and cocktails. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful, all so cheap as well. Then we headed out for drinks at a few places. How could we resist €3 cocktails?!
We flew out from Amsterdam and arrived in Barcelona for a 5 hour layover where we slept on extremely uncomfortable chairs in the airport. We then bordered our next flight which saw us land in sunny Dubrovnik. We waited at the airport for Holly, a beautiful girl from New Zealand who I knew and her friends. Once they arrived we made our way into the centre of Dubrovnik before getting another bus to our accommodations. Turns out we got off at the wrong spot and ended up having to walk an hour uphill, with 20kgs suitcases, in 40 degree heat. Let’s just say none of us were impressed! The house we were staying at was so cute and literally two minutes away from the water (we could see a cruise liner from our window). After a quick change we headed down to the beach where I proceeded to fall asleep. We all had a nice dinner together and walked through 'old town' Dubrovnik which was really nice. Exhausted and still not recovered from our sickness, Lis and I were both in bed by 9pm.
today we were starting our sailing tour so we packed up and headed down to the port. We found our sailing boat and dumped our bags before setting off for an icy cold cider. It was SO HOT! We then headed back to the boat to meet everyone on tour and have lunch (an absolutely awful fish soup, I wanted to cry)! Our cabins were below deck and tiny, Lis and I couldn't be standing in there at the same time. There was a communal aircon thank god, but it didn't really reach the rooms. The shower was practically over the toilet so thongs were a MUST! I couldn't help but think we were in for an awful week, but hey, it was all a part of the adventure and we had to be positive. We were really just looking forward to the ocean and relaxing after such a full on four weeks. The boat stayed in Dubrovnik for the night, so Holly her boyfriend Dean, Lis and I caught a bus back into the old town. It actually looks a little like Venice. Very old and beautiful buildings everywhere. For dinner we found a perfect little restaurant where we ate the local chevups sausages (like a skinless sausage). The waiter also gave us a shot of some Croatian spirit that literally tasted like petrol. Then we headed to Sky Bar, famous amongst tourists for their buckets of alcohol, Lis and I shared one but we couldn't even get through that. It was time to head back to the sweat box for some sleep.
The boat set sail bright and early and after breakfast (warm milk, cereal and bread that’s not toasted) the boat stopped in the middle of nowhere for a swim. This was the part I was looking forward to most. It was absolute heaven. Swimming in crystal clear water, miles out in the Adriatic Sea, with not a care on the world. After our swim it was time for some sun baking on the deck, followed by more swimming and more sun baking. This literally became the pattern for the next week. We pulled into the port at Mljet, had a BBQ dinner and watched Italy lose the Euro Cup final in a local bar.
Again the boat set sail while we were all still sleeping. We woke up for breakfast and a swim stop, then magazines and sun baking on the deck, this really is the life! Lis and I didn't really drink or go out a lot as we just wanted some down time. We arrived in Korcula and decided to hire little beach buggies to explore the island and the vineyards. It was so much fun and the island was incredible. It was one of the girl’s birthdays tonight so we all went off for a delicious dinner and drinks. Today was great fun.
The next three days were all very similar, so much swimming, sunbaking and just simply relaxing. We got to explore the islands and beaches of Hvar (the St Tropez of Croatia €€€), Stari Grad and Makarska. Unfortunately Lis was really really sick for about 4 days on the boat. She had the worst fever and when it’s already 40 degrees it was just horrible. I felt so sorry for her, but she never winged and was a trooper. Croatia was having a heat wave while we were there too and boy did we feel it. One of our final dinners was a nautical themed party which was lovely. On our second last day Lis and I did the optional of going to Bosnia for the day (another country to tick off the list). We visited a city called Motsar which was highly damaged in the war there in 1995. It was so interesting to explore and really quite beautiful. The bullet holes in the buildings were still so visible and raw. I really enjoyed Motsar, I’m so glad we did it. Our last stop on our Sail was Split, which was probably my favourite place in Croatia that we went. I ate some delicious gelato and the town itself was really nice. We had farewell drinks before our last night on the boat (thank god)! The next morning we packed up our stuff and headed to Holly's hotel. Because we were flying out at 10pm we just left our bags there and continued exploring. We found a fruit market that had the best nectarines I have ever tasted. After saying our goodbyes to Holly (I absolutely adore Holly, we're so similar it was great) and our new friends, we made our way to the airport for our flight to Milan, then on to SANTORINI! Croatia was wonderful, the sun, sea and islands were stunning, the boat not so much, but it was definitely worth it.
We landed in Milan and had yet another 5 hour airport lay over where we slept on uncomfortable chairs before boarding our flight to Santorini in Greece. We arrived at around 11am and where picked up by the owners of where we were staying in Perissa Beach. Driving back to our villa I was beyond excited to explore the island. Our villa was adorable and just what we needed, the owners where great and couldn't help us more. Santorini is truly unique having been formed by a volcanic explosion some 3,500 years ago, leaving behind a crescent shaped island of sheer cliffs, black sandy beaches and a still smoking volcano called the Caldera. As soon as we dropped our bags off we got our bathers, hired a four wheeler and were off for the day. Everybody on the island drives the four wheelers and they are only €15 a day. We headed to Black Beach which was literally a two minute walk for where we were staying. As the name says the sand/rocks where black, but the water was crystal clear. All along the beaches they set up deck chairs with bamboo huts and it really is paradise. After a swim it was time for lunch and we just had to have souvlaki of course, it delicious and so lovely not to have any bread. The cheap cocktail was just as yummy. We then made our way into town which is called Fira. We are staying closer to the beach so the town was about ten minutes away. It was super cute with the little shops and street filled with tourists and locals and incredibly picturesque. We found a bar on top of the cliff with the most amazing view looking out over the stunning houses and the ocean. We ate ice-cream and just sat and enjoyed the magic of it all. On our way home, unfortunately I was driving and in true Tessa style I somehow managed to get stung by a wasp in between my eyes. I had to stop immediately and was super lucky it didn't get my actual eye. It stung so bad it made me cry and instantly swelled. We got a cold drink to put on it and Lis drove home, honestly it hurt like hell but was absolutely hilarious. Lis and I still laugh about it today and unfortunately I even have a scar to prove it! Back home for a quick change and to drop off the four wheeler. We walked down the road and indulged in all the Greek specialities for dinner. Moussaka, Greek salad, Pork souvlaki and cocktails. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful, all so cheap as well. Then we headed out for drinks at a few places. How could we resist €3 cocktails?!
Today we woke up at 3am to call
Asha for her birthday which she was absolutely wrapped out. Then back to sleep
for a few more hours before our alarms went off. We had booked a day trip to
explore the island. The owners of the villa dropped us off at the port and we
set sail for the Caldera. The volcano is still active and we ventured all the
way to the top, even though it was ridiculously hot. It was cool to see but it
really was a massive pile of dirt. Then we got back on the boat and saw some hot
springs, which completely ruin your bathers so we resisted temptation to jump
in. We stopped at a little village called Thirisa for lunch and a donkey ride.
The donkey ride was something we really wanted to do, just because we were in
Greece and why not?! Well it certainly wasn't the most glamorous experience and
was pretty scary. First of all Lisa was In front of me and her donkey kept
pooing practically on my feet. We kept laughing and the man in charge was
screaming at us telling us to be quiet and not take photos. I didn't realise he
was actually serious. What the?! The hill the donkeys took us up was massive and
they kept walking into the sides of the walls, scrapping our feet along with them.
We finally made it to the top, all be it battered and bruised, when we were
told they didn't take us back down! So we stopped for lunch at the only place on
top of the hill and then walked all the way back down, the view from the top
was worth it but I certainly won't be taking any more donkey rides any time
soon. Then we sailed to Oia (pronounced Ear). This is perhaps the most famous
Santorini village, with movies such as Sisterhood of the travelling pants and
Mamma Mia set here. It is also where Angelina and Brad Pitt first met on the
set of Tomb Raiders, Oh la la! We explored the perfect villages with immaculate
white houses and cobblestone streets, before retreating to a spot for dinner
and to watch the sunset. Oia is world famous for its magical sunsets and we had
the best seat in town overlooking it. Dinner was a tasting plate washed down
with a glass of wine, we watched the sun set and it really was perfect. I think
I must have taken a hundred photos of it. No wonder it is such a famous spot.
Next time we come we will stay in Oia for a few days. After a long day we made
our way home for a good night’s sleep.
This morning we had a little sleep in before having an Omelette cooked for us by the owners and then we hired four wheelers again. Today we ventured to Red Beach which is set behind a whole lot of rocks that you have to walk over to reach it. It was highly impressive and we very much enjoyed a swim and a sun bake. We even got fresh BBQ corn on a cob to eat there, mmm mmm!! Then we came home and I wrote out a few postcards before we set off to find a light house on the edge of a cliff that we had been told to visit. It was so old and beautiful and we then just drove around venturing to all the little villages miles away. For dinner we headed back into Fira to do a spot of shopping and eat Lamb Shanks that were delicious. Lisa drove us back in the dark and did a great job not getting us lost.
This morning we had a little sleep in before having an Omelette cooked for us by the owners and then we hired four wheelers again. Today we ventured to Red Beach which is set behind a whole lot of rocks that you have to walk over to reach it. It was highly impressive and we very much enjoyed a swim and a sun bake. We even got fresh BBQ corn on a cob to eat there, mmm mmm!! Then we came home and I wrote out a few postcards before we set off to find a light house on the edge of a cliff that we had been told to visit. It was so old and beautiful and we then just drove around venturing to all the little villages miles away. For dinner we headed back into Fira to do a spot of shopping and eat Lamb Shanks that were delicious. Lisa drove us back in the dark and did a great job not getting us lost.
Santorini was truly amazing. The
people, culture, food and beaches we're all impeccable and I cannot wait to
return. Lis and I decided that if we don’t make it back sooner, then for our
30th birthdays we will return together, that's how much we loved it. Don't get me
wrong it certainly isn't all white sugar cubed houses with blue domed roofs. There
is a lot of dessert and dirt but the outskirts are beautiful. It was evident
that the island and Greece’s economy in general was suffering majoring but I
still couldn't fault it, apart from the wasp sting that is!
Today we packed up and had to sadly bid farewell to such an amazing place. We got dropped off at the port ready to catch our two hour ferry to Mykonos. We arrived around 3pm and again where picked up by the people we were staying with. It was so nice not to have to catch public transport everywhere. After we dropped out bags off we walked into the town centre which was about 5 minutes from where we were staying. We stopped at a little place to have an infamous Gyros. All the Greek boys on tour were raving about them and guaranteed us we wouldn't be disappointed. They are like a kebab we get back home but not as big and filled with really nice meat, salad and a few chips. They certainly didn't disappoint us and the boys were right, delicious and at €2 these could be very dangerous to my waist line. We then ventured off and got lost in all the streets. The town was beautiful so much white and blue it wasn't funny. Lots and lots of high end stores too, like Prada and Channel which were clearly for tourists benefit. Unfortunately as much as we would like to be, Lis and I aren't high end shoppers so we stuck to the local jewellery stores where we picked up some cute rings and bits and pieces for people back home. We had dinner at a place that was recommended to us and I tried the fish which was actually really nice. We had an ice cream and Greek coffee too. The coffee was nice but not as good as in Itay. We then wandered around for a little bit before making our way home.
Today we hired a car for €30 as Mykonos is quite a big Island and the beaches are all spread out. We wanted to visit some of the not so popular ones so the car was the best option. We headed to Lia beach first which became our favourite. Deck chairs with bamboo umbrellas and not too many people. We also had a full on back massage there for €20. It was absolute bliss. After spending a few hours swimming and soaking up the sun there, we headed to another beach which was miles away. The hills we were driving down were huge and the road was extremely skinny. Lis did a great job with the diving though and we made it down for another dip. We then saw paradise beach which is huge amongst the tourists and young people. It is basically a party there 24 7! We decided not to stay as we were heading out tonight so we brought some snacks for dinner and headed home for a nap. I think I mentioned previously that the European night life doesn't start until around 1am, so a snooze was well needed beforehand. Lis and I had a great time getting ready with a few drinks and then we made our way to the bus where we brought tickets into one of the super paradise clubs. We met these girls on the bus who were really rude, so we didn't stay friends with them for long. We made it to the club which seemed to take forever and again in true Tessa style had a bit of a tumble in a ditch. Again quite hilarious and lucky I didn't hurt myself; Lis got a good laugh out of it too. The club was packed and had a roped off pool, couches and a huge dance floor. Lis and I had a fun night and made our way home about 5am.
We woke up this morning both with very sore heads so we were slow to get out of bed, but knew it was our last full day in Mykonos so we had to make the most of it. Lisa drove down and brought some new thongs as she managed to loose hers the night before and some Gyros for us to devour, before we set off for a day at Lia beach. We slept, swam and got lots of sun; we actually both got some colour whilst in Greece and Croatia it was great. After our lazy day at the beach we headed into town for one last dinner together in Greece. It was actually pretty terrible as we settled for the first place we came across. After dinner we went for a little walk before taking the car back and heading home to pack.
Today saw us leave Mykonos. Our hotel owner dropped us at the airport and we flew to Athens for an hour layover, and then boarded a plane back to London town. Our European Escapade was officially over. I know mean use the term loosely but I honestly had the time of my life. Everywhere we went had amazing food, culture, history and people. What more could I have asked for?! I met some great friends along the way, have endless memories and am already planning my next big adventure, now that I have had a taste of all these truly amazing places the world has to offer. I’ve seen so much yet so little. The thought of going back truly excites me.
Today we packed up and had to sadly bid farewell to such an amazing place. We got dropped off at the port ready to catch our two hour ferry to Mykonos. We arrived around 3pm and again where picked up by the people we were staying with. It was so nice not to have to catch public transport everywhere. After we dropped out bags off we walked into the town centre which was about 5 minutes from where we were staying. We stopped at a little place to have an infamous Gyros. All the Greek boys on tour were raving about them and guaranteed us we wouldn't be disappointed. They are like a kebab we get back home but not as big and filled with really nice meat, salad and a few chips. They certainly didn't disappoint us and the boys were right, delicious and at €2 these could be very dangerous to my waist line. We then ventured off and got lost in all the streets. The town was beautiful so much white and blue it wasn't funny. Lots and lots of high end stores too, like Prada and Channel which were clearly for tourists benefit. Unfortunately as much as we would like to be, Lis and I aren't high end shoppers so we stuck to the local jewellery stores where we picked up some cute rings and bits and pieces for people back home. We had dinner at a place that was recommended to us and I tried the fish which was actually really nice. We had an ice cream and Greek coffee too. The coffee was nice but not as good as in Itay. We then wandered around for a little bit before making our way home.
Today we hired a car for €30 as Mykonos is quite a big Island and the beaches are all spread out. We wanted to visit some of the not so popular ones so the car was the best option. We headed to Lia beach first which became our favourite. Deck chairs with bamboo umbrellas and not too many people. We also had a full on back massage there for €20. It was absolute bliss. After spending a few hours swimming and soaking up the sun there, we headed to another beach which was miles away. The hills we were driving down were huge and the road was extremely skinny. Lis did a great job with the diving though and we made it down for another dip. We then saw paradise beach which is huge amongst the tourists and young people. It is basically a party there 24 7! We decided not to stay as we were heading out tonight so we brought some snacks for dinner and headed home for a nap. I think I mentioned previously that the European night life doesn't start until around 1am, so a snooze was well needed beforehand. Lis and I had a great time getting ready with a few drinks and then we made our way to the bus where we brought tickets into one of the super paradise clubs. We met these girls on the bus who were really rude, so we didn't stay friends with them for long. We made it to the club which seemed to take forever and again in true Tessa style had a bit of a tumble in a ditch. Again quite hilarious and lucky I didn't hurt myself; Lis got a good laugh out of it too. The club was packed and had a roped off pool, couches and a huge dance floor. Lis and I had a fun night and made our way home about 5am.
We woke up this morning both with very sore heads so we were slow to get out of bed, but knew it was our last full day in Mykonos so we had to make the most of it. Lisa drove down and brought some new thongs as she managed to loose hers the night before and some Gyros for us to devour, before we set off for a day at Lia beach. We slept, swam and got lots of sun; we actually both got some colour whilst in Greece and Croatia it was great. After our lazy day at the beach we headed into town for one last dinner together in Greece. It was actually pretty terrible as we settled for the first place we came across. After dinner we went for a little walk before taking the car back and heading home to pack.
Today saw us leave Mykonos. Our hotel owner dropped us at the airport and we flew to Athens for an hour layover, and then boarded a plane back to London town. Our European Escapade was officially over. I know mean use the term loosely but I honestly had the time of my life. Everywhere we went had amazing food, culture, history and people. What more could I have asked for?! I met some great friends along the way, have endless memories and am already planning my next big adventure, now that I have had a taste of all these truly amazing places the world has to offer. I’ve seen so much yet so little. The thought of going back truly excites me.
After arriving in London it was very much back to reality very quickly. I was lucky to find a place to move into while I was away, so I had 5 days to pack up, clean and move out. I don’t know what I would have done without Lisa, she was an amazing help and putting up with me stressing wasn't easy. A few friends from home where here for the weekend so that was lovely all hanging out together and showing them around. After 8 weeks it came time for Lis to go home, NOOOO! I was pretty upset, but we honestly had the best time together and have made the best memories ever. After saying goodbye to her, it was time to get organised for the Olympics. I got a job working for a vegan vegetarian catering company that does festivals and events. Shayna my friend from back home who lives here has been working with them for a year. As it was school holidays and I had been off travelling for the previous eight weeks, I needed to do something and what better than to work at the games. I had the best time. I was based at the beach volleyball at Horse Guards Parade. You couldn't have asked for a more idyllic setting with a backdrop of the London Eye, Parliament House and Big Ben, it really was perfect. We were so busy in between games but whilst they were playing we got to sneak in and watch, which was so worth all of the hard work. I got to see lots of Australia and Brazil games. I worked 17 hour days for almost the whole two weeks. I didn't realise how many games of beach volley ball are actually played. I also ran into Russel Brand which was pretty cool, unfortunately I didn’t get to run into Prince Harry or David Beckham who were also there.
I was lucky enough to have
purchased tickets to the games back home last year with Mel, one of Luke’s
really good friends. I was beyond excited to go to our events. The first was
the women’s all round final of the gymnastics. One of my favourite events! The
stadium was awesome yet there were a lot of empty seats which for a final of
such a good event was quite disappointing. The two Aussies girls didn't finish
anywhere however the American who won was unbelievably talented and so deserved
her gold. Our final event was the men's 'football' semi-final at Wembley
Stadium. The game was between Japan and Mexico and I was supporting Mexico. The
stadium was amazing. 82,000 people cheering and doing the Mexican wave was
surreal, the atmosphere was the best! We had the awesome seats about ten rows
back from where the coach’s stand and Mexico won so it made it extra special. I
never thought I'd enjoy 'football' as much as I did.
The Olympics have always been a favourite of mine and I religiously watch them in TV every four years. Yet this time was different, I was actually here to experience it all. Working and seeing it with my own eyes was the best experience. It was all so well organised, the opening and especially closing ceremonies were phenomenal and it is certainly something I will be telling the grand kids about.
Just before the Olympics there was a competition at a pub close to us for the first 1000 people to arrive. They would give out an Australian team uniform and then huddle us all into a photos to make the Guinness world record book. I was lucky enough to make it in the first 1000 people. Richard Wilken and the hosts from the Today show were there filming live and Geoff Hugill (Australian Olympic Swimmer) was also there. It was hilarious, they moved as all out onto a park where we filled in letters that spelt 'G'Day' and took a photo of us from a cherry picker. So I am now going to be in the new Guinness World Record Book for the 'most people in a team kit'! I made it on the news back home and mum and dad got to see me which was awesome. Such a random but great thing to do... Only on London!!
During the games Mel and I also visited Heston Blumenthal’s London restaurant Oriental Mandarin. Mel had booked three months in advance to make sure we got in. For those that don't know Heston is the crazy chef that makes his dishes look and taste ridiculously good and uses lots of science in his cooking methods. It certainly lived up to every expectation I had. The service from beginning to end was impeccable and the food was amazing. For entree we had his signature dish of Meat Fruit, which was patè served in the shape and what looked like a perfect mandarin. It was so so so good. Then I had pork and dessert just topped it off... Ice-cream with popping candy that was made right in front of us using liquid nitrogen dry ice and cream. I was so impressed and loved the whole Heston experience.
While Mel was here we also took a day trip to Wales, the joys of being so close to other countries. A few hours on the bus and we arrived in Cardiff. We did a tour of Cardiff castle which was really cool and a general sightseeing city tour. It was a great city to spend the day in.
I was actually dreading my birthday in the months leading up to it, being away from my family and friends and all that jazz, but it was actually such a nice day. I got so many parcels from my beautiful family and friends back home, that I got to open in the morning and had Skype calls from all of my favourites. I ate Allen's Party mix for breakfast (boy I miss those Lollies) and had lunch with Emma at my favourite cafe in Fulham. For dinner my old house mate Zaynab took me to an amazing sushi restaurant called Sushi Samba in the city. It was made famous as the New York restaurant featured in Sex and the City. It was something like 50 stories high, with an incredible view over London. We had cocktails and some delicious Sushi, it was perfect. My 23rd birthday is certainly one I will remember.
For my birthday I got tickets to the theatre from Adam and Lee-Anne so I went and saw the Lion King which is my all-time favourite movie that I had wanted to see so badly on stage. It lived up to my extremely high expectations. The costumes and set were out of this world, I couldn't believe how well it was done, and I just loved it. I’ve spent a few nights with Shayna and her Aunty an uncle which have been lovely and worked at a few more festivals on the weekends. I've also got to see Madonna, Blur and New Order play live at Hype Park which was awesome.
After having three and a half months off, I am now back to work teaching. I am so bored with the teaching over here as because I’m supply, I don’t really do anything or have much of an involvement! I know once I’m home teaching full time I’ll be wishing I wasn’t, but some days I just get so bored with it all, and I hate that. Lucky for me I’m only back for a couple of weeks before heading to Oktoberfest in Munich for three days and then Berlin to explore for four. A weekend in Manchester too see a band play has also been booked in. No more holidays planned after that and I’m most likely coming home for Christmas. I could certainly stay another year if I could do something that wasn't supply teaching. I really want to love my job again and gain some good experience, so I'm applying for work back home and fingers crossed I find something so I can save for my next big holiday. I’m hoping to sneak in one more trip somewhere in Europe before then.
I hope you've enjoyed the last few blogs as much as I've enjoyed writing them. It brings back so many great memories. Until my next instalment after Oktoberfest and Manchester, sending lots of love to you all!
Txx
The Olympics have always been a favourite of mine and I religiously watch them in TV every four years. Yet this time was different, I was actually here to experience it all. Working and seeing it with my own eyes was the best experience. It was all so well organised, the opening and especially closing ceremonies were phenomenal and it is certainly something I will be telling the grand kids about.
Just before the Olympics there was a competition at a pub close to us for the first 1000 people to arrive. They would give out an Australian team uniform and then huddle us all into a photos to make the Guinness world record book. I was lucky enough to make it in the first 1000 people. Richard Wilken and the hosts from the Today show were there filming live and Geoff Hugill (Australian Olympic Swimmer) was also there. It was hilarious, they moved as all out onto a park where we filled in letters that spelt 'G'Day' and took a photo of us from a cherry picker. So I am now going to be in the new Guinness World Record Book for the 'most people in a team kit'! I made it on the news back home and mum and dad got to see me which was awesome. Such a random but great thing to do... Only on London!!
During the games Mel and I also visited Heston Blumenthal’s London restaurant Oriental Mandarin. Mel had booked three months in advance to make sure we got in. For those that don't know Heston is the crazy chef that makes his dishes look and taste ridiculously good and uses lots of science in his cooking methods. It certainly lived up to every expectation I had. The service from beginning to end was impeccable and the food was amazing. For entree we had his signature dish of Meat Fruit, which was patè served in the shape and what looked like a perfect mandarin. It was so so so good. Then I had pork and dessert just topped it off... Ice-cream with popping candy that was made right in front of us using liquid nitrogen dry ice and cream. I was so impressed and loved the whole Heston experience.
While Mel was here we also took a day trip to Wales, the joys of being so close to other countries. A few hours on the bus and we arrived in Cardiff. We did a tour of Cardiff castle which was really cool and a general sightseeing city tour. It was a great city to spend the day in.
I was actually dreading my birthday in the months leading up to it, being away from my family and friends and all that jazz, but it was actually such a nice day. I got so many parcels from my beautiful family and friends back home, that I got to open in the morning and had Skype calls from all of my favourites. I ate Allen's Party mix for breakfast (boy I miss those Lollies) and had lunch with Emma at my favourite cafe in Fulham. For dinner my old house mate Zaynab took me to an amazing sushi restaurant called Sushi Samba in the city. It was made famous as the New York restaurant featured in Sex and the City. It was something like 50 stories high, with an incredible view over London. We had cocktails and some delicious Sushi, it was perfect. My 23rd birthday is certainly one I will remember.
For my birthday I got tickets to the theatre from Adam and Lee-Anne so I went and saw the Lion King which is my all-time favourite movie that I had wanted to see so badly on stage. It lived up to my extremely high expectations. The costumes and set were out of this world, I couldn't believe how well it was done, and I just loved it. I’ve spent a few nights with Shayna and her Aunty an uncle which have been lovely and worked at a few more festivals on the weekends. I've also got to see Madonna, Blur and New Order play live at Hype Park which was awesome.
After having three and a half months off, I am now back to work teaching. I am so bored with the teaching over here as because I’m supply, I don’t really do anything or have much of an involvement! I know once I’m home teaching full time I’ll be wishing I wasn’t, but some days I just get so bored with it all, and I hate that. Lucky for me I’m only back for a couple of weeks before heading to Oktoberfest in Munich for three days and then Berlin to explore for four. A weekend in Manchester too see a band play has also been booked in. No more holidays planned after that and I’m most likely coming home for Christmas. I could certainly stay another year if I could do something that wasn't supply teaching. I really want to love my job again and gain some good experience, so I'm applying for work back home and fingers crossed I find something so I can save for my next big holiday. I’m hoping to sneak in one more trip somewhere in Europe before then.
I hope you've enjoyed the last few blogs as much as I've enjoyed writing them. It brings back so many great memories. Until my next instalment after Oktoberfest and Manchester, sending lots of love to you all!
Txx
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