Back to the Beginning; Southern Highlands Stone Wall
Nostalgia can be a funny thing sometimes. In the moment certain periods of life can feel stagnant or unaspiring and often you don’t know the true value of that moment until it’s passed.
Now I find myself looking back on that time doing my farm work in the South of Australia and feel a pang of pride as I think of what I achieved and the awesome memories I made. It certainly wasn’t an easy time but with all the loyal, lifelong friends I made along the way, somebody always had my back.
I certainly wouldn’t rush back to those brisk cold 6am mornings stacking rocks on that stone wall, but the whole experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone and revealed my true character. Determined to earn my second year visa in Aus, not much was going to stop me.
Going back to see the wall a year and a half on was very special and I was astounded at how much it had developed and grown. The concept of stone walling is very simple yet takes much patience and an eye for detail to achieve the aesthetic desired. The unique benefit of these walls is that once built, they last an extremely long time and are almost indestructible as the structure can move and adjust with the earth’s gravity.
Given our hard work and long gruelling days spent on that wall, we were very proud to carve our names into one of the rocks…we’re a little part of Australian history now!
Strolling the endless rows of distinctly Victorian terraced houses, you never know when you might stumble across the next cute café or even another old fashioned pub. Famous for its English style architecture and leafy green tree lined neighbourhoods, it certainly feels like you’re miles away from the city in Paddo.
We found ourselves a little table outside Café Five Ways and dug into some delicious food having worked up an appetite shopping and walking around. I always loved this café for its location and the fantastic food for a very reasonable price. I went for a goat’s cheese beetroot salad whilst my friend chose a melted brie toasty with some cheeky chips to share – yum!
It was the perfect way to spend our arvo in Paddington; strolling, shopping, lunching and laughing!
Following the famous walk from Bronte to Bondi, the beaches were buzzing and summer in Sydney was in full swing.
This walk was one of the first things I did when I came to Australia two years ago and now I had the pleasure of showing my best friend the breathtaking Aussie coast in all its glory.
Looking out over the open ocean and into the vast deep blue sea is a wonderful reminder of how small we are on this planet and just how precious our time is here.
Living life just on the edge not knowing what is around the corner is the best way to welcome new horizons and opens doors for your future. I guess my move to Aus was one of my bravest decisions and undoubtedly helped me grow and learn how life can never be mapped out in detail, you just have to let each day be and keep yourself happy in wherever you end up.
New Year’s Day we decided to catch the ferry over to Manly going via Circular Quay to show my friend Sydney Harbour for the first time. Sadly there was hazy smog sitting over the city given the fires still raging across New South Wales at the time. Nevertheless, seeing the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the first time is always such a spectacle!
Being out on the peninsular across from the main city and with its beautiful white sand beaches, Manly provides an escape from the bustle of central Sydney. Known for its laid back surfer vibes and numerous hipster bars and cafes, it sure is one of the top places to visit over on the North shore.
Mooching around the back streets we stumbled across some really awesome graffiti and even a pink wall with cactuses, perfect for that cute insta pic – I was in my element.
With so many enticing cafes and restaurants to try, we opted for a cool and quirky rock ‘n’ roll style bar Daniel San for a late lunch. This neon-drenched Japanese cuisine restaurant certainly was a little different but had an energetic atmosphere and iconic view overlooking Manly beach. A little sore headed from the usual New Year’s Eve antics the night before, we couldn’t wait to tuck into a poke bowl.
After another browse around the shops it was time to ride the ferry back over to Rosebay where we were staying. It was a fun day exploring Manly given that it’s somewhere I didn’t visit as much when I lived in Sydney and another corner of the city to show my friend. The coastline and trendy vibe of Manly strongly reflects aspects of Byron Bay, so it’s no wonder many locals choose to live in this beachside haven just a short journey across the harbour to the CBD.
Arriving in Bondi just after noon, it was busy and most places had a long wait for a table. Thank fully we came across Heart Cafe tucked behind the main drag of Bondi offering all kinds of delicious, nutritious dishes. I opted for a granola bowl with plenty of fresh fruits, yoghurt and edible flowers, whilst my friend chose a power bowl bursting with greens and other yummy superfoods. Breakfast any time of day is definitely an Australian tradition and something I always loved when living there.
Coffee is another speciality of the Aussies and it was a warming welcome back to sip my favourite long black with a dash of hot milk. With a jet lag to power through, strong coffee and sun on my skin was just the answer.
Being such a great spot for shopping with its countless boutiques, surf shops and numerous vintage stores, my equally shopaholic bestie was excited to take a look around the neighbourhood too. Weaving in and out of the streets behind the main drag of Bondi, every time I go I discover another hidden gem.
Finally we made our way over to the beach via the iconic grass hill which overlooks the vast expanse of Bondi Beach. Being a bank holiday between Christmas and New Years it was of course heaving and full summer vibes were in swing as we strolled past the beach front bars pumping out the tunes. As we sat just by the skate park soaking up the salty sea air watching surfers in their line up for the next wave, I truly felt back in the thick of Sydney life and ready for the holiday fun to commence!
I had envisioned posting my journey on here along the way…but it would seem I was just having too much fun and living for the moment. With my best friend and partner in crime by my side, we seized each day and took every opportunity to embrace the time we had to do whatever we wanted.
From brunching and beaching in Bondi, to sipping beers and partying on the sand in Bali, we certainly were living the dream.
I couldn’t have asked for a better travel partner and it was an absolute joy to have my wifey by my side. To be able to show her the ropes of Sydney and meet some of the friends I made out there, warmed my heart and she could see why I fell in love with the Aussie people and their way of life.
Bali was a whole new experience for the both of us and we were blown away by the kind and welcoming Indonesian locals. Staying in Canggu we were right in the thick of the bustling streets swarming with scooters as we were spoilt for choice when it came to boutique shopping and trendy cafes setting the bar for epic health food goals.
Every sunset in Bali was as dreamy as the last and my favourite times on the trip were soaking up those golden hours whilst sipping beers with my bestie by my side. Fair to say my love for beer on this trip certainly grew…
I might have travelled a lot over the past 5 years, but this was certainly a special trip with so many memories I will cherish forever. Going back to my old stomping ground of Sydney, it was such a joy to show my best friend the city I called home for 2 years and catch-up with some awesome friends I’d made along the way.
Bali was a fabulous experience for us both and exceeded all expectations. Having never visited an Asian country before, I was astounded by the kindness of the Indonesian locals and their liberated lifestyle. Not to mention the madness of the scooters which swarm every tiny backstreet and don’t seem to follow any kind of road rules, travelling around the place is all part of the fun.
So now I find myself back in a very cold England and longing for those scorching hot days lounging on the beach. I’m already planning another trip as I feel so inspired to travel and explore more places following such an awesome experience. I have so many precious memories which I will be sharing on here over the next month as I reminisce and re-live the good times. Watch this space for the travel diaries full of fun, laughs and some epic stories!
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.
Dani Aneka 