Backstreet Strolls in Paddo
One of my favourite things to do when exploring a new city is to wonder around the neighbourhoods and discover hidden gems. When I first moved to Sydney I had the pleasure of living with my Auntie and Uncle in one of the trendiest parts of town, Paddington. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most fashionable boutiques and exclusive designer shops along Oxford Street as well as nestled amongst the backstreets.
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.
After a browse of the boutiques and finding some awesome graffiti, I took my friend to one of the happening places in the area for a spot of lunch and people watching. Being off the beaten track and away from the main street, Five Ways is a local hangout where you can find some of the best cafes and restaurants which come without the tourist price tag.
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!
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.
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 ❤
Following my two year adventure down under experiencing the beautiful simplicity of Australian lifestyle and meeting people from all corners of the world, it’s left me yearning for more. Whilst I embark on a fresh career path back at home here in England for now, I already have plans to travel with my job in the future and maybe one day find myself living back in my spirit land of Oz.
Luckily for me, I already have a trip booked back to Australia and also Bali with my best friend. We fly out to Sydney just after Christmas and spend two weeks there before jetting over to Bali for another week. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Birthday month next year especially as I’ll be rolling over into the quarter of a century milestone of 25 years old. With my Birthday being Australia Day (26th January) this will be my third year celebrating down under in the height of summer, amongst the joyous atmosphere of such a special day for everyone in Oz.
I can barely contain my excitement as we get booking and look forward to a month of fun, adventure and partying! Some of our best planning sessions have been on a Friday evening over a bottle of wine and platter of cheese as we dream about what will be a trip of a lifetime. I just can’t wait to show my best friend the Aussie way of life which I fell in love with and undoubtedly she too will catch that wanderlust…
Dani Aneka 