Adventure Awaits
And just like that, today I fly back down under to spend a month in Australia and Bali with my best friend! Its a trip which has been on the cards since I lived back in Sydney and with my 25th Birthday coming up at the end of January, the timing couldn’t be better.
I can’t wait to show my bestie the Aussie way of life spending our days hitting the beaches, lunching at Sydney’s best cafes and partying the night away fuelled by good old VB beers. 
Of course catching up with close friends and family after several months away will be very special for me also. Having spent almost 2 years in Australia, it certainly feels like another home and is somewhere I see myself returning to in the future.
So as we embark on this journey together, I will make sure to soak up every minute and live for the moment. How lucky I am to spend the final month of my 24th year back in my spirit land of Aus and beautiful Bali with my best friend. Time to zip up our suitcases and enjoy the ride…Adventure Awaits.
Waking on Christmas morning at home, we were treated to clear blue skies as the sun glistened through the crisp winter air. After opening our presents sipping some bubbly, we drove over to my Auntie’s house in Surrey. I was thrilled to be wearing my fabulous new prescription sunglasses by Kenzo.
As always my Auntie and Uncle’s home was exquisitely decorated with tasteful touches of Christmas and aromas of the roast dinner cooking away welcoming us as we arrived.
It was a very much scaled down family affair for us this year as our international family continues to expand. Nevertheless it was lovely to be with close family again and soak up the festivities as we drank and ate wonderful food. Starter was Jamie Oliver’s seafood cocktail with smoked salmon, prawns and a thousand island dressing – a classic Christmas entree.
The main event was of course a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings including my favourite bread sauce with leeks. After enjoying a perfectly matched white wine to have with my starter, I moved onto red to compliment the rich flavours of dinner. Every single mouthful was scrumptious!
After such a culinary delight, we all slumped on the sofa and kicked back to watch the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special. Later we served the cheese along with an assortment of deserts including mince pies, Christmas pudding and a decedent cream and chocolate choux pastry. A midnight Baileys finished me off before I curled up in bed feeling very merry indeed, the way it should be 😉
As a resort destination offering more than just accommodation and dining, the Four Seasons Hampshire pulls out all the stops at Christmas to create a true winter wonderland experience. From a pop-up glice rink and kids movie room, to the festive afternoon tea and speciality themed cocktails, there is something to suit all tastes.
Stepping foot into the warming reception with its grand fireplace welcoming guests in from the crisp winter air, the hotel glistens and sparkles with touches of Christmas sprinkled throughout. Scents of holly and fragrant spices of the giant gingerbread house linger in the air as the perfectly proportioned Christmas tree sits majestically enveloped by the grand staircase.
If you’re looking for a little countryside escape to soak up those nostalgic feels, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is certainly the destination to get lost and recapture that childlike magic of Christmas.
Having successfully overcome his addiction to drugs, sex, fame, money and power, Russell Brand is now using his challenging experiences to educate and motivate others also suffering with their mental health. So when I discovered that he was hosting a talk just down the road at Heckfield Place which had already sold out, I was eager to get my name on the waiting list. Thank fully luck was on my side and I was thrilled to receive the email on Saturday morning inviting me along as someone had dropped out.
As always it was a delight to be back at the stunning grounds of Heckfield Place. Taking my seat in the luxurious theatre room with its plush lounge sofa seats and intimate atmosphere, we might as well have been at Russell’s house!
Lasting almost two hours, the talk took the form of a workshop as Brand explained his journey to recovery and how the 12 step program led the way, continuing to stabilise his mental health to this day. His wit, passion and engaging energy sparked numerous thought-provoking questions from the audience, which Russell answered with intelligent and insightful analysis. Whilst the heavy topic of mental health can lead to all sorts of conversation regarding the human condition and how we perceive reality, Brand proposes a fresh perspective on the crazy world in which we find ourselves…what is reality? What is normal?
I was thrilled to meet the man himself at the end to get my book signed before (rather unexpectedly) finding myself a little tearful as I opening up about my own struggles. Russell was so kind and offered some truly meaningful words of wisdom which I will remember when times are tough.
Thank you Russell for demonstrating what happiness and harmony recovery can bring and paving the way for some truly important work surrounding mental health.
I’ll admit it has been some time and I am very much out of practice now, but that doesn’t stop me from having a prance around once in a while to experience that exhilaration of expressing myself to music again. Even just putting on those old pointe shoes and trying out some of my favourite routines from the past gives me such joy.
Whilst I’m still able to do a lot and my flexibility remains good, I was surprised at how much more difficult it is just to get through an entire routine after so many years. It really makes me appreciate how fit and skilled I was back in the prime of my professional performing dance days.
Following such an enjoyable session in the studio again this weekend, I’m going to make the time to do this on a weekly basis if possible. Even if I can just get an hour a week in to re-master a few routines and let off some steam I’ll be happy. Sometimes it’s not about being the best at something, but living for the moment and taking more chances to reignite the soul ❤
Dani Aneka 