Last weekend I went to Airlie Beach, a really cute little town and from there I got the Clipper Boat to travel around the Whitsundays Islands. 

It was a 2 day 2 night trip and it was the best trip I've been in so far!

There was a huge group of us and everyone was lovely. The first day we where introduced the fab crew who looked after us and we stopped off at an area where we could swim in the beautiful ocean. 

Later that night after a fair few glasses of goon and beers we started the karaoke. The whole boat did a massive singalong to Greece Summer Lovin' it was a great laugh! 

The next day we woke up at the crack of dawn to the crew singing in the cabins! Bleary eyed, we dragged ourself out of bed with our goonovers and had breakfast and got ready for the day! 

We sailed to Whitehaven beach and tracked through the forest, where we saw Gary the Iguana wondering about. 

Then we arrived at the beach itself, which was a 7km stretch of stunning, white, pure silica sand. It features in the top 10 best beaches in the world and you can really see why. 

The ocean was so clear and warm to get in. We had a swim and a sunbathe and took in the delightful views. 

Later on that day we sailed to the next island and trecked through the forest to the view point which gives you the most fascinating views of the islands. 

We also had the opportunity to snorkel and dive over the reef.

As I was snorkelling I hit my foot into a massive rock and it became a bit of a bloody mess. But I survived! 

Then I decided to go scuba diving. The gear was so heavy that when I went in the water I kept on falling backwards, but I finally for the hang of it and the breathing and we went down to explore the reef up close. 

It was amazing swimming in such close proximity to the colourful fish, I will love to scuba dive again!

That night we all had a lovely dinner together and then got on the beers and goon again. This time we were waiting for the infamous 'Show' that the crew put on. They threw a dressing up box up to the top deck and we all got glammed up. 

Then 2 crew members came out dressed in tutu's and started dancing and getting us all ready for the games ahead. The whole boat participated in games until the final round where 5 people had to do a dance off, this concluded who would be the King or Queen of the Clipper. It was awarded to Gus after his extravagant (nude) dance. 

We carried on drinking and dancing until lights off and it was a great end to an incredible day. 

The next day we headed back to land with a quick swim stop on the way. Everyone lounged in the sun and reminisced the past days. 

When we got off the boat we instantly realised how much we will miss it after meeting some great new friends! 

Would recommend this trip to everyone it was so much fun! 

- Nikki 

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East Coast Adventure...

IToday I will be flying up to Cairns to start my 3 week east Coast adventure!

I am so exited to visit and expierence all that the East Coast has to offer. 

On Monday we will be going on a boat to the Great Barrier Reef, where we will be snorkling and and taking in the wonderful scenery. 

Then we carry our travels down the East Coast, visiting all the major areas; Airlie Beach, Rainbow Beach, Noosa then Brisbane!

We will be doing a 2 day & 2 night boat trip around the Whitsunday's, where we can snorkel, sunbathe, explore the Islands and scuba dive! I cannot wait to go on this boat, it's going to amazing!

Next stop, Fraser Island. 3 days and 3 nights camping on Fraser Island and driving jeeps around the Island. I was recommend this by someone I met on holiday this year and it has never left my mind! 

I love the fact that it's very free and outdoorsy, you get a totally different type of expierence here. Not going to lie, I am scared of the potential spider seeing that I'm getting myself into...so pray for me guys!

Last on the agendas we will be visiting the Steve Irwin Zoo! 

Then travel down to Brisbane and stay there for a bit. The plan from there is to visit Surfers Paradise & Byron Bay and see if we want to settle down in one of these places and start working..but we shall see! 

I have to say a massive thank you to Marnie and Stu at Cheap Az Travel; who helped us book this amazing trip!! Thank You guys! 

So, I better stop writing this and start getting ready to check out of the hostel! 

Had a fab night out last night with The Ritz Hostel lot, such a lovely bunch! Will hopefully see them again when we come back down here in a few months. 

-Nikki

*Disclaimer Not my photographs* 

Street Art

Yesterday I ventured into Melbourne city centre, armed with map in hand and scarf on because it is so chilly here! 

We stumbled across this alleyway which had some amazing street art! 

Here are a few photographs I took...

- Nikki

 

Melbourne

I have arrived in Melbourne! 

I flew with Royal Brunei, we had 2 stops but 26hours later we finally arrived. I was surprised with how comfertable the flight was. I have never flown long haul before and expected it to be rough because of other flights I've been on, however this had to be the best flight I have ever been on! Would defiantly recommend to fly with Royal Brunei. 

So we arrived at 5:30am and it was raining and very cold! We got the bus to our hostel and found out that we couldn't   get into our room until 2 pm! So Taylor and I tried to keep warm sitting on the sofa! 

We decided to venture into St Kilda to pass the time, Saw the beach and went to the bank. On our way back we where looking into a shop window when a guy that worked there hauled us inside! 

It was a travel agency; Cheap AZ Travel. We spent the rest of our day in their chatting with some lovely people and booking something very exiting (will update you with this later). 

They helped us sort out tax numbers and bank problems and recommend SIM cards and they had a heater so kept us warm in this chilly Melbourne weather!  

It was so great being able to chill here with some awesome people! 

Later that day we came back to our hostel and had a nap, we where exhausted! Woke up and had some dinner. It was free cheese and wine night at the hostel so we were able to socialise with everyone here! 

We decided to have an early night and managed to beat the jet lag! 

So, that was the first day in Melbourne. I have so much more to tell! Watch this space ..

-Nikki 

Australia

So, in 20 days I will be leaving everything behind to go and travel Australia. 

I am so exited for this new journey. My whole life travelling has always been the top of my list and I can't believe I'm finally doing this! 

After 26 hours of travel my friend and I will finally arrive in Melbourne. I think the first thing we will want to do is sleep! So straight to the hostel in St Kilda it is.

From then on we haven't got a set in stone plan. The rough idea is to travel up the East Coast while working as well. Hopefully we will be in a house by Christmas.

It will be quite surreal spending Christmas away from family. I've spent the last 18 years doing this exact same thing! But it will be a fab experience. Might have a BBQ on the beach!

I almost don't know what to expect from this trip but I am so ready to go and experience all the beauty Australia has to offer as well meeting new people and experiencing new things.

Currently counting down the days....

- Nikki

Rome OOTD

Just a quick outfit of the day that I wore while travelling to Rome. 

I wanted to go comfy but stylish. 

Here I am wearing an off the shoulder black top from Primark and a khaki maxi skirt from Primark. I accessorised with a dream catcher like necklace and my floppy hat from River Island. 

I wore black sandles to keep the look simple and also they're easy to take off for when you pas through security at the airport. 

Simple but a comfortable, stylish choice to travel in! 

I bought my over the body hippy bag with an embroidered elephant on the side  as my hand luggage and also as my bag to use day to day in Rome. 

In my bag I carried phone charger +portable charger for the plane. Ear phones, Chewing gum, makeup to touch up, hand sanitiser/wipes, hair bands and book. 

Also I invested in a travel document holder from H&M. Mine was brown leather and could hold the boarding passes and passports comfertably. 

I found this was very useful for staying organised as I was the one to look after my sisters important documentation too. 

I would defiantly reccommend to purchase one of these. :)

- Nikki 

Rome

A few weeks ago I travelled to Rome for a few days to travel around the beautiful city.

I had a lovely time visiting all the famous landmarks; Colosseum, Roman Forum, St Peters Basilica and the Trevi Fountain to name a few. Talking about the Trevi Fountain, unfortunately it was closed and drained for renovation so missed out on seeing it in all it's glory! Still a beautiful piece of architecture. 

I was amazed by the history and architecture in this ancient city would defiantly recommend anyone to visit that city!

We had amazing hot wether those few days too and enjoyed some tasty, authentic Italian food also.

I spent the first day map reading and leading my sister and I around the city to some famous landmarks. That day we walked for miles, but all in the right direction to the suprise of me and my sister! My map reading skills are surprisingly very good :)

We found a small Italian, locally run coffee shop where my sister and I enjoyed a fruit salad and an ice cold drink after our trek in the blazing heat. It was lovely in there because it was all locals. 

Men would be coming in for there freshly made expressos, have a little chat then go on with their day. It was great to have found somewhere off the tourist hot spot area, You get to see the real Italy that way.

On the 2nd day my sister and I decided to get the hop on hop off, open top tourist bus. It was a great way to travel to all the main places in one day and it was quite reasonable. We spent the day in Vatican City, looking around the museum and St Peters. The history and work of Michelangelo is truly incredible!

On the 3rd and last day, we explored the Colosseum, Farnese Gardens and Roman Forum. Again this area is so rich in history it's strange to think about all the things that happened there and here you are, standing there 1,000's of years later.

It was a privilege to visit this fascinating city.

Here are a selection of photo's from my travels.

New Year...New Memories.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

2014 has been a good year to me. I've had some great new experiences in my work life, I've learnt more about myself as a person and who i want to be. Even though it flew by, It has taught me a lot.

I've lost people this year that have meant a lot to me and it's been a difficult time in my family. However I feel like we are all now closer than ever. I'm blessed with everyone i have around me and i am as thankful as ever. It is important to remember to enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and friends, because at any moment things could change.

2015 is going to be a new chapter for a lot of people I know. We will be finishing up college and could potentially be in 9 months time, moving out and going to University. There are defiantly some exiting but scary decisions to be made in the next few months but i am ready for it!

Instead of making a New Years Resolution, I've decided that with each day of this year, I will write a memory into this little book i found (Urban Outfitters). Its a 5 year memory book and there is space to write a small paragraph of each day of whatever year that may be. My goal is to write something positive here each day. Sometimes it's easier to dwell on the negatives, so buy doing this there will always be something happy to take from that day. My family and i have also decided to make this 'Memory Jar'. Any fun or happy, random memory from that day, or about the weekend, write it down on a little note and place it in the jar. At the end of this year we will open it and be able to reminisce over the year.

By doing this it just promotes positivity which is so important in life.

It would be great to hear what your resolutions are and whether you would create a memory jar?

Sending blessings and happiness for the New Year.

- Nikki ♡

A Day in Pictures - London

Before Christmas I went on a day trip to London to see Edward Scissor Hands modern dance ballet. It was a fantastic show! It runs until the 11th January at Sadler's Wells, so there is still time to catch it!

When i arrived in London, I headed over to Soho. I took the photograph of the trees in Soho Sq. It was a cold, winter morning and it was just the perfect photo!

I had to go to the Wardour News to pick up some fashion magazines. They have a huge collection there so I would recommend going there if you're in need of any arts, fashion and lifestyle mags you wouldn't usually find in other shops.

I sat down in Gail's Artisan Bakery for a cheese and chive scone, which was delicious. Looking at the photo makes me want another one!

After the show, we wondered down Islington to find somewhere for some drinks. We found Cafe Pistou. A beautiful little tapas bar, with lovely servers and a great vibe. I had a Greygoose on the rocks and admired their decor, I had to take a picture of the hexagonal light 'shades'.

We then moved onto Moro for dinner, a very highly rated restaurant. I wasn't that pleased with the menu, they only had a Christmas menu, so unfortunately it wasn't the best meal I have had out.

The day as a whole, was great day out! I do love little random trips to London. :-)

Happy New Year

- Nikki ♡