Palolem

The next stop on our journey was Goa. We went to Anjuna for a couple of nights but then made our way down to Palolem for backpackers paradise. The place was beautiful. Not too busy, but at the same time full of backpackers like ourselves. We met some great people here - mostly Aussies, and have taken away some unforgettable memories. We stayed in a little pink beach hut and spent most of our days lying on the beach. We went to another beach called Patnam one day, where we went to this incredible vegetarian restaurant called Home. I've included photos of the rice balls, feta tomato spinach and mozzarella tart and chocolate brownies because they were just too delicious. We also went shopping and I bought a beautiful silver ring with a rose quartz stone for a fraction of the price you would pay in England. Oh and I also stocked up on some summer accessory essentials - anklets and toe rings! We were very sad to leave Palolem, but on to our next stop, Hampi! 

Kerala number 2

Below are a small collection of photos from a day trip we did to an elephant sanctuary and to some of Kerala's waterfalls. 

Kerala

I'd planned on blogging consistently throughout my travels but a lack of computers and a greater desire to go out and actually explore the countries, means that it might be weeks before I can do a post and then maybe three will go up together. Anyway, after Mumbai, we moved to the state of Kerala and Cochin was our first stop. The place is pretty cool. Pretty much centred around a harbour boasting an array of Chinese fishing nets. You can visit one of the nets, watch fish being caught, chose a fish to eat and watch it cooked in front of you. Also, there are so many lovely shops, selling the most beautiful clothes and jewellery. We did a couple of trips in Cochin, my favourite being a 3 hour boat ride along Kerala's beautiful backwaters.  A row of homes line the bank of the backwater where we saw women bathing with their children in the water, and others washing their clothes in the river. We also visited a spice plantation and watched a lady make rope out of coconut shells. It's amazing to see how they make use out of almost every source they have. 

 Above, Cochin's harbour. Below, Kerala backwaters. 

India So Far

We've been in India for two weeks now and travelled around to quite a few regions. It's amazing to see how different every place is, even the town's within each state.So our first stop was Mumbai. After quite a long and uncomfortable plane ride, we landed at Mumbai airport and begun our first experience in an Indian rickshaw - terrifying! If I'm honest, I didn't like Mumbai at all, whether or not this was because I was homesick/jet lagged/ nervous, I dunno but the place was so noisy and dirty and we struggled to see one tourist anywhere. This meant a lot of stares and uncomfortable moments. We did however visit the Gateway of India and Chowpatty Beach, but decided to move on after two days. This is when the real fun began... You know the sleeper train in Slumdog Millionaire?! Well that's exactly what the trains are like for real. We booked our ticket in a hurry to leave Mumbai and ended up getting pretty much the lowest class possible for our 36 hour ride to Kerala. Two weeks later, I can appreciate the experience and say I'm glad I've done it, but I can safely say I will never do it again. However, it was fascinating to be in a carriage with local people for that length of time, watching the way other people live. 

One Week To Go.

Only one week left until I'm off to see the world. Ahhhh India, Thailand, Laos, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Australia and Fiji. I can't believe how quickly it's come round. Intending to keep this blog updated with photos and snippets from my adventures whenever I have access to the internet, so check back if you're interested.  

Happy New Year

A 'Black Tie' theme saw everyone put on their best dress for what was perhaps my best New Year's Eve yet. My choice of outfit was a velvet and pleated chiffon dress curtisy of H&M, a dusty pink blazer also from H&M and Topshop shoe boots. Below are a few of my favourite photos.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! This year for me was as wonderful as every year; overwhelmed by beautiful gifts, eating way too much food all day long, board games with the family, and of course the odd soap Christmas special. With travelling only a few weeks away, a reoccurring theme of travel necessities appeared as gifts from a selection of my relatives. A gold chain necklace, featuring a St. Christopher pendant (the Patron Saint of Travelling), was given to me by my mum as a means of keeping me safe while I'm away. Unfortunately, my photography skills are not that great and any photos of this beautiful present just didn't give it justice. However I did manage to snap some half decent ones of the journal my boyfriend bought me to write all my memories in. Made from an original sari, the book is made up of cotton paper with a real leather strap to fasten it. It's absolutely beautiful to look at...

Christmas Break

Not really sure what to do with myself for the next month as I am no longer working. So I've been filling my time watching Christmas films and making mince pies and gingerbread men. I think it's fair to say that this year I have felt by far, the most Christmassy in a long long time.

Last Day at Mudpie

Today was my last day at Mudpie, and it was a lot more sad and surreal than I could have ever imagined. Starting at the company the same month I left uni, I really feel like I grew into an adult at that place. After a long lunch at the pub I was given beautiful and thoughtful gifts, one of which has been on my wish list for months; the scratch card map of the world. Now when I'm back in June I can scratch off everywhere I've been on my travels. I really have made some great friends at that place.

Winter Wonderland

Last weekend me and the girls went up to London's Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland. Having never been before, I was buzzing for some fun festivities to get me in the Christmas spirit. I can't believe I haven't been before. Its completely free to get in and the attractions there aren't even that dear. There's a big wheel that allows you to see over entire London, as well as both a festive and extreme circus show, and of course the outside ice skating rink. The market is definitely a highlight, with numerous huts selling Christmas gifts as well as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, mince pies and other festive foods. I would recommend Winter Wonderland to anyone who needs a little 'help' getting in the holiday mood. I'm gonna go back with the boy in a couple of weeks for a second helping.

Berlin

Recently I’ve been thinking tonnes about how much I would like to visit Berlin. After a very brief visit in July I have become fascinated with the city. It has so much history yet feels completely contemporary. The centre of the city acts as a creative hub that has attracted a mass of artsy individuals from all over the world, undoubtedly as a result of the cheap rent and cool bohemian vibe. You only have to walk around the place for a matter of minutes before you cannot help but absorb the fascinating street art that decorates all corners of Berlin. 

I am planning on taking a trip back next summer and one place I cannot miss is the Kunsthaus Tacheles – a former  department store that became occupied by artist squatters after the fall of the Berlin wall. Unfortunately, at the beginning of this year, half the residents accepted one million euro’s to leave the Tacheles, leaving a huge feeling of uncertainly of what’s to come for the place. I just hope I can visit the iconic building before the whole thing is bought out...

My Week with Marilyn

I’m pretty excited for the UK release of My Week with Marilyn this Friday. I’ve been stunned by the beauty of Michelle Williams on the front cover of this month’s Elle magazine and cannot wait to see the actress play the lead. I’ve only seen a few stills from the movie but I couldn’t imagine a better person to portray Monroe- she looks almost identical. The film focuses on the time Monroe spent in London in 1956 whilst filming The Prince and The Showgirl and is sure to spur an outbreak of similar looks on both the streets and fashion editorials in the upcoming weeks.

Fanning Sisters

Seriously, I am always amazed when I remember how young the Fanning sisters really are. This shoot for the December issue of W magazine was shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti and shows the actresses wearing beautiful haute couture pieces from the likes of Chanel, Givenchy, Dior and Valentino. Definitely jealous of someone aged 13 wearing couture.