Am I dreaming? - Maldives

 Wearing: Bikini - Victoria's Secret 

Did I wake up in a dream this morning? I Woke up in pure paradise that's for sure. Perfectly white sand touching endless crystal clear waters. Staying on the local island of Maafushi enjoying Maldives as a traveller as apposed to the luxury way. This suited me perfectly as I love to see the local way of life. I have never in my life received such service, from the warmest welcome to giving us the ultimate Maldivian experience. Ibrahim, the lovely manager of our hotel Kaani beach really did give us a day to remember. After our morning of coconuts, palm trees and perfectly blue waters on the local beach we were then whisked away on a speed boat to what I can best describe as a real life scene from Finding Nemo. Swimming with the turtle 'duuuuuudes', admiring the many starfish before finding the fish himself - Nemo! Stepping foot on our very own island known as a sandbank was the 'cherry on top' for this outing, an experience to remember which I will always be truly grateful for. This was Maldives on a budget and I can honestly say, I wouldn't have changed a single thing. 

Back Again - Sri Lanka

A last minute change I am extremely grateful for, another trip to Sri Lanka. This being my fifth visit to the tropical island but the first with my camera to fully capture the beauty. Staying back in Negombo - a place that never lets me down on the fun factor. Seafood was enjoyed at the tasty beachfront restaurant of King Coconut and followed by what other than a day on the beach. Shopping, Coconuts and English lessons with the locals are just a few of the activities we enjoyed on this day. The only question I have - Why the grey skies? 

Bikes and Beaches - Manly

Back to the place that makes me happiest.. SYDNEY!! On this day I actually ventured up north to Manly as a good friend of mine has made it his home. He played the perfect tour guide showing me all the best beaches by bicycle. Starting out with Collins beach, a beach which has been described as 'a piece of secret paradise'. Apparently this is great spot for cliff jumping, so of course, off that cliff I went! My first time doing this and I must say (the Aussie way) it was 'heaps' of fun! The last beach we made it to was Shelly beach, where I lived the dream of being a Mermaid snorkelling with fish bigger than my head. This day couldn't be a better example of why I want to call Australia my home. 

Wearing: Don't ask Amanda two piece, Valley Eyewear Sunnies both - General Pants

Making Memories - Mauritius

Hang on a minute… Am I really back in tropical paradise for the second time this month? Apparently so, just further south of the Indian Ocean on the Island of Mauritius. Only this trip was made a little more special as the whole experience was shared with Mama Roo. Staying at the Shandrani resort we mainly enjoyed the grounds of the hotel with it being so pretty. The colours of the waters in the Blue Bay alone have me mesmerised. Something else I just LOVE about Mauritius - the locals don't half know how to make your trip a fun one, with their super relaxed outlook on life just wanting a good time. All without a care in the world, this is my kind of place!

Wearing: Spell Designs Bralette - spelldesigns.com, Kimono - Urban Outfitters, Bikini Bottoms H&M.

Lost in Bamboo - Kyoto

 Magical and Mystical; A grove of towing Bamboo surrounded me on my latest adventure to Japan. Set in the district of Arashiyama, the endless Bamboo had me in complete fascination as I wandered the walkways that eventually lead me to Tenriju-ji temple. Just as I thought my day was complete I received my next pleasant surprise - The Kimono Forest of Arashiyama train station. Wow, just wow! Somehow I managed to embark on this journey alone, catch the train, follow the Japanese signage and to my surprise I made it there and back without a single catch. Was I scared? A little, but I did it and that alone gave me the happiest feeling all day! Travelling alone gave me the greatest satisfaction at times, that time with myself, completely out of my comfort zone in a Country where I don't speak the language. I really do believe it's these experiences that have enabled me to grow and become the person I am today.

Wearing: Asos Reclaimed Vintage maxi - asos.com, Turtle Neck and Tassel Boots - both Topshop