The Byron Diaries

It's important to sometimes leave the skyscrapers of Sydney and explore one of the Utopia's of Australia, Byron Bay.

After a seriously long road trip of never ending roads, a mean hangover and bottomless coffee we made it out of Bondi and to a place I could only dream that one day I could call home.

After our first night which consisted of the cheap cider sold at our hostel; Aquarias and a bar called 'Cheeky Monkeys,' we decided to explore.

First stop: the lighthouse.

It's a pretty awesome walk up to the lighthouse, even on the overcast day we experienced. Listening to Tenacious D and singing like the hungover, tourist pommy's that we were marched up to what can only be described as a perfectly white and picture perfect building. 

It is always busy, especially at weekends. So if you're driving, do yourself a favour and park further down the hill. The parking is cheaper and the walk up the hill is pure lush. 

The Bay is a beautiful escape with numerous beaches which stretch for miles. I for one don't surf, but due to the horrendous storm which hit the entire East coast, the waves got pretty huge and if i'm honest, pretty terrifying. The day after the storm was the perfect opportunity to take some pictures of the beautiful landscape.

The shopping in Byron Bay is something else. The rainbow shop was where my friend picked up some tie dye goodies for her little one. Anyone who is a fan of bright colours and typically the rave scene of the 90's and 2000's, this is your stop! 

Spell and Arnhem are two of my all time favourites, but be sure to check out the markets on a Sunday leading up to the beach as there's locally brewed organic coffee to die for, and handmade jewellery and goodies.

 

Our last evening turned out to be the best. Our flight got cancelled due to the storms the day before, which we later found out damaged much of our beloved Sydney. Not cool. With all the stress of study commitments and family commitments we decided to just take a breath and watch the sunset; polished off with plenty of drinks, of course. A Byron sunset is unlike any i've ever captured before. If only I had my new camera, eh?!

Places to go: 

1. BAY LEAF - the vietnamse coffee and mushroom toast is to die for.

2. The lighthouse - and if you have time, go at sunrise or sunset as well as during the day for a mini hike.

3. Nimbin - Pick up your cookies and everything slightly herby. It's an interesting place but I skipped it this time as it's one street and a one time thing.

4. Crystal Castle - I didn't actually get time to go myself but everyone at the hostel was raving about having a picnic in the sun there.

5. Bach hotel - On a Sunday night this place goes off! Amazing DJ's, but get there early because it closes at midnight.

6. 

 There's nothing quite like escaping everyday routines and obligations and being free. 

Travel often. Be free. Remember to follow your own path instead of settling on all of someone else's adventure.

 Run around in the sun and the sea and laugh until your cheeks and stomachs hurt. You can travel cheap and live cheaply so stop dreaming and just do it. You won't regret it, you'll just ask why you didn't do it sooner.

Tree of life

When 'Tree Of Life' sent me a package, I knew Christmas had come early for me. Upon opening the box I was blown away by the fact they'd gifted me my all time favorite ring. This was along with the most thoughtful headscarf for those long coastal walks here in a ever more crisp and windy Sydney, Australia. 

It'd also been a while since I'd gone for a wonder off of the traveller trail so I was happy to explore a new little beach over on the shores of Manly. 

The rose romance kimono was totally unexpected and what a perfect garment it turned out to be. I'm not much of a pink lover; I currently own one hot pink top and a baby pink co-ords in my entire wardrobe.

This ring. THIS RING!!! - I really am that excited, I had to use caps lock. I've forever been saving to grab myself a set of rings which won't go orange after having a shower or having to remove half a tonne of metal before washing my hands. This statement piece fits like a glove and I feel naked without it. The cows skull is here to stay. Every, single, day.

So this is a huge thank you to Tree Of Life. 

Christmas away from home

Being away from 'home' on Christmas day seems like a daunting experience. 

 But it's not. 

Everyday I hear people say how they would love to travel and love to seek adventures for themselves, but most never end up actually following these dreams. Maybe this is because people see them as just that; dreams. The idea that its a fictional and mixed up thought process than never really exists or can exist. 

I moved into an apartment just three weeks ago, and here are some poorly lit inside photos of my Sydney family preparing a Christmas dinner to die for:

I'm not going to lie, I felt incredibly uneasy my first Christmas away from my family. Yet after this second festive time passing I came to realize I became homesick the previous year because I wasn't happy in my situation. This year I became a solo traveller once again at the very end of October. Not a lot of time to find amazing friends, you make think. 

I set up an event and invited everyone I had met to go to the iconic Bondi beach for Christmas day. This is how we got on:

If someone would have told me five years ago what I know now I wouldn't have changed a thing. Being scared is good. Leaving your nest is good. Learning to live and love people you never normally would have socialised with is a blessing and something I don't feel you can truly appreciate until you cut your safety net, you rely on absolutely nobody but yourself. 

You can make some amazing friends along the way.

I'm not saying it isn't terrifying. 

I'm not saying it doesn't get lonely.

I'm saying do your best, take a leap and make your dreams come true...

Your're the only one who can.