TWENTY THIRTEEN

What a year this has been. I have spent only 14 days in England out of 365, I have met people from all over the world and made some lovely life long friends.

The past year I've had many highs and lows. I've never been so unwell or poor as I was this year. But then I've never had as much fun as I have this year. I've done things I never thought I'd do and lived my life in a crazy blur. I can safely say that moving away from home was the best decision I have made to date.

 

I rented my first house in Perth and lived underground in Coober Pedy. I caught up with old friends and saw amazing sunsets. I tried new things and opened my heart to new people. No regrets.

 

Thailand was out of this world, the very best holiday I have ever had. I met brilliant people, only a few days in, and spent time stroking tigers, riding elephants and taking the longest coach rides with them. I truly felt happy.

 

To top off my whole travel experience, I ended up surprising my family on Christmas Eve. I told them I was spending Christmas in New Zealand but travelled back home at the perfect time of year to be reunited with my friends and family.

 

2013 has been incredible but here's to 2014. A year for taking risks, wearing my heart on my sleeve and more adventure. Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead, love always.

 

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

I think that Christmas is magical and a great time of year to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. I also think that Christmas is a time that's best spent with your family.

 

I spent Christmas 2012 in Perth with my lovely friend Becky. We spent Christmas Day on the beach in a 42 degree heat and had a BBQ for dinner. Although it was a great experience, it wasn't the same without my mum, dad and brothers.

 

At the beginning of 2013, I made a decision. It would take a lot of dedication and many lies, but I knew it would be worth it. I spent all year telling my parents that I would be spending Christmas 2013 in New Zealand with my friend Caitlin.

 

Throughout the year , my story developed. I googled what the weather would be like, any traditions that they have and what is eaten for Christmas dinner. I was telling my parents lie upon lie and, sometimes, it was hard to keep track of them all.

 

I finished my year in Australia and month in Thailand and, instead of flying to New Zealand, I caught a flight to London. I arrived on the 17th December and stayed in Covent Garden for a week. I decided to arrive a week early so I had some time to get over jet lag, do some Christmas shopping and avoid any problems there may be with flights.

 

On Christmas Eve, I surprised my family.

 

My family were shocked, confused and excited. I hadn't seen them for one year, one month and one week and it was a brilliant way to end my travels.