Wow – Two Feet, One World is now two years old – happy birthday blog! I started the blog just before I left New Zealand to move to London. I thought it would just be a fun way to keep track of my adventures and share them with friends and family back home. I had no idea of the amazing friends I would make or the fun I would have because of it! Having the blog has gotten me out of the house, introduced me to hidden corners of London, educated me about everything from history to ultimate brunching, and of course, been a source of pleasure in (slowly) improving my writing and photography. It is also fascinating to look back on all that I have gotten up to in the last two years!
This month I also visited my 30th new country so to celebrate both momentous occasions today I am looking back at my 30 countries so far. Be warned – there are some hilarious childhood photographs and some seriously questionable 90s fashion ahead!
Where it all began: New Zealand
I hope that my love for my beautiful little country is always obvious. Before I left, I found it sometimes small and frustrating. When I returned last month, I appreciated anew the beautiful natural landscapes, and the friendly warm people. It’s where my family live, where many of my closest friends are, and I know now that it will always be home.
1. Australia
As it’s New Zealand’s closest neighbour, it’s no surprise I’ve visited Oz more than a couple of times. But there are some fairly large gaps in my knowledge of the country – I haven’t been to Adelaide since this photograph was taken, I’ve not been much further west either – and I’ve never ventured further than an hour from the coast. Definitely to be remedied at a later date!
2. The Cook Islands
Unless you’re from the islands themselves, or one of the Pacific nations, you might not even have heard of the Cooks. Fix that, as soon as you can, as they are a slice of paradise. They are all the white-sand, crystal-clear lagoon, palm-tree beauty that you picture a tropical island to be. But what really makes it special are the people. Friendly, smiling, hilarious, and above all welcoming, some of my fondest childhood memories are of our amazing CI friends.
3. Indonesia
Our family trips were mostly spent exploring New Zealand – quite literally from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. However when I was 11 I had my first taste of South-East Asia with a trip to Bali and Singapore. Bali just about blew my mind – it was so culturally different from what I had experienced to date. I loved the tiny offerings on street corners and by door mats, and was captivated by dragon carvings and stone temples. Bali began my love affair with SE Asia that has continued ever since!
4. Singapore
From Bali to Singapore, which was mind-blowing in quite a different way. The huge sky scrapers, the packed city, the volumes of people… it was all quite a lot for an 11 year old to take in. I’d like to return to get to know the pace of this city-state and explore some more of its hidden corners.
5. The United Kingdom
Land of my father (literally) and my current home. The other big family trip of my childhood happened when I was 13, when my parents bravely took me, my 11 year old brother and my nine year old sister to the UK and to Italy in April. I remember blasting around London in an open-top bus, shivering in the not-quite-spring temperatures, excitedly meeting cousins and revelling in how historic my surroundings were. Safe to say my love for the UK has also not diminished with time!
6. Italy
Oh Italy, how to sum up my love for you? My first introduction to this magnificent country was the week we spent in a villa in the Tuscan countryside, day tripping to sun-soaked villages and into Florence, scoffing pizza and pasta to our hearts’ content. Next came pit-stops through Venice, Verona, Florence and Rome as part of a Contiki tour eleven years later. More recently I’ve explored Naples and more of Rome and Florence, and am plotting a Cinque Terre trip sometime soon. I can’t get enough of the (mostly) relaxed lifestyle, appreciation for good food, and incredible history that feels close enough to touch.
7. Fiji
Another tropical paradise. I visited Matamanoa Island, a teeny resort small enough to kayak round and with a super relaxed style. I spent the time reading, snorkelling and chilling out – pretty ideal!
8. France
I returned to Europe age 22, on the aforementioned Contiki tour. While I wouldn’t take one now, it was the perfect way to blast around Europe on a break between university semesters. It also gave me a taster of where I’d like to return to – unsurprisingly, everywhere! I made some amazing friends and gained an appreciation for everything from the incredible history around us to the questionable quality of a €1 bottle of French wine. It was also my first introduction to Paris – I felt at the time it was too fleeting, but only now am I beginning to grasp how much time I’d need to really get under the skin of the French capital.
9. Spain
Barcelona was my first introduction to tapas, siestas, and the beautiful Spanish sun, and funnily enough remains the only spot I’ve visited in Spain, aside from the Canary Islands. While there’s so many more places on my to-explore list, Barcelona has a special place in my heart. I feel at home there, and now, after my third visit, my feet have the geography of the central city all figured out. But I know it’s time to see if I can replicate this in other parts of Spain!
10. Monaco
A brief pit-stop to marvel at the hair-pin turns of the racing track (a.k.a. city streets) and the visible wealth of Monaco. I lost 10€ in the Grand Casino and contented myself with oogling super-cars and yachts instead.
11. The Vatican City
It counts, ok?! While my visit on the Contiki tour was technically my first time in the Papal city-state, my return years later was even more memorable. We managed to catch the Pope’s Sunday address, and although I’m not religious and understood little Italian and less Latin, I still found Pope Francis a fascinating and moving speaker.
12. Croatia
Three relaxing days in Dubrovnik was the perfect way to recover from the hectic pace of a two-week Contiki tour. I lazed on the beach, sweltered in the sun climbing the city walls, and was introduced to the very recent nature of conflict in Europe, via bombed out buildings still visible in the centre. I’d love to spend more time getting to know the history and to trace Croatia’s stunning coastline.
13. Vanuatu
Another tropical island holiday, seeking some sun and warmth away from the New Zealand winter. I didn’t fall in love with Vanuatu, but I think my standards are pretty high after so many amazing Pacific experiences. I’d like to return to give it another shot, and to paddle again in those crystal-clear waters!
14. Thailand
Returning to South-East Asia was just as I had imagined over the intervening years. A brief glimpse of Bangkok brought back memories via the tooting of horns, the smell of street food sizzling, and the sight of small offerings tucked into corners. I know this is only a small part of the country and I’d love to explore it more.
15. Vietnam
I love Vietnam. Greeted by Hanoi, alternately chaotic and historic, I embraced the country as much as I could. Bia hoi, street food, rickety trains and monsoon rains – I wanted to see and experience it all. Tracing the country from north to south, my favourite spot by far was the incredible lantern-clad town of Hoi An – I loved it so much I returned just a couple of years later!
16. Malaysia
My second trip to South-East Asia ended in Vietnam but it started in Malaysia with two days in Kuala Lumpur. A compelling mix of a culture I’d not really experienced before and a city of huge scale. I wished, as always, for more time to explore, but had to settle for a few wanders through the parks, and as many delicious roti as I could get my hands on.
17. Laos
Laos took me by surprise with its contrasts. I was initially taken by the faded French charms and picturesque temples of the capital Vientiane. Moving on to Vang Vieng, I was swept up in the backpacker frenzy of caving during the morning, tubing in the afternoon. I was shocked by the number of tourists who basically gave their lives up to chance by indulging in all sorts while attempting to make their way down a fast-flowing river, but I also enjoyed the hedonistic atmosphere and feeling of freedom. I was ultimately relieved to end my time in Laos in the beyond-gorgeous jungles of Luang Prabang, and it’s there that I’d like to return to the most.
18. Hungary
After my move to London, my first new country was Hungary when I spent a long weekend in the capital Budapest. Like Croatia, I was struck by how recent history felt there – particularly during an eye-opening visit to the Museum of Terror. I loved how easy it was to make our way around the city, passing from west to east banks via a gorgeous island or stunning bridge. The much-anticipated visit to a spa also did not disappoint!
19. Switzerland
My time in Switzerland may be minimal so far but my short time spending the beautiful streets of Schaffhausen convinced me that I would love my return. That happened to be another fleeting visit to Geneva – quite the contrast from the pretty village to the bustling city!
20. Germany
I adored my introduction to Germany, Oktoberfest. I had an amazing time with friends, singing along to the oompah band, sipping the delicious Oktoberfest beer, and picking our favourite dirndls and lederhosen, traditional or otherwise, from the multitudes worn. My visit to Berlin for New Year 14/15 was another highlight, as I loved the energy of the city. And I can’t forget about my Christmas dash to Cologne for markets and the Cathedral – and lots of glühwein!
21. Portugal
Lisbon blindsided me. I was looking forward to some good food, interesting sights, and maybe a bit of sunshine. What I got was incredible meals, fascinating history, and a sun-soaked city. As if that wasn’t enough, a day-visit to Sintra still rates as my favourite side-trip so far. I loved spotting a new favourite azulejo tile round every corner, climbing the twisting stairways towards castles and panoramas, and, of course, soaking up that late-October sun.
22. Republic of Ireland
At least casually, there seem more than a few similarities between Ireland and New Zealand, from our love of rugby to stunning natural beauty. It was only fitting that my first visit to the country was on a sporting quest, to see the All Blacks complete a year unbeaten with a heart-stopping finale against a courageous Irish team. Next time I’ll be getting amongst those landscapes!
23. Belgium
It’s difficult to judge Brussels, given I only had a few hours there. I wasn’t overly impressed, but the grey morning that greeted us was hardly conducive to raptures. This was even more true when the true object of our visit was so gorgeous in every way. Bruges delighted, from its teeny Christmas markets to its picture-perfect canals and buildings. As a fan of the film, I took great pleasure in quoting Colin Farrell at any opportunity, and a large set of American tourists by the Belfry nearly had me in stitches.
24. Turkey
You know those moments when you have to pinch yourself, when you’re barely able to breathe in case you are in fact dreaming? My trip to Turkey gave me two of these spinechillers. The first was high above the Cappadocia plains, in a hot-air balloon kissed by sunrise. The second, at dawn again, was the unforgettable dawn ceremony on ANZAC Day at Gallipoli. One is experienced by hundreds almost every day, while the other is a moment of remembrance for the hundreds who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Both will not be forgotten.
25. Denmark
On a May bank holiday visit, Copenhagen charmed with its easy-going nature, delicious food, and gorgeous colours at every turn. It was one of those perfect long weekends that feel extra lengthy, and I relished a more relaxed pace of sightseeing.
26. Greece
Speaking of relaxed, it doesn’t get much better than cruising the beautiful Greek islands with nine friends, your biggest decision being which time and where you dip your toes into stunning blue water. By contrast, Athens was buzzing in the peak of summer, but I still embraced its dusty streets. I was truly fascinated by the ancient history that I could picture all around me, and by the current events displayed in the street art I spied all over the city.
27. Luxembourg
Unlike most of my visits, in Luxembourg I was lucky enough to be shown around by an almost-local – my friend Gabrielle who currently calls the city home. She guided us through the winding streets along the river and up to the medieval walls, showcasing how pretty Luxembourg is in autumn. I especially loved a relaxed stroll around the Grund, which felt like a world away from any city centre.
28. Czech Republic
I chose Prague for a birthday celebration – a fact I congratulated myself on at the end of our wonderful weekend in the city. Exploring with some of my best friends, we indulged in dumplings and rugby-watching, but got our dose of culture with stops at the Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and by spotting some of the fascinating street art around the city.
29. Sweden
My first proper snowy city experience, Stockholm was a revelation in just how freakin’ cold snow can make a city! I know that might not sound like news to many, but growing up in temperate New Zealand, I was previously able to count the amount of times I’d played in the snow on one hand. I loved the pretty cloak it gave the city, but will have to return to visit its beautiful archipelago in summer as well.
30. Iceland
Whooop, country 30! Iceland’s natural beauty was so similar to New Zealand in many ways – from the black sand beaches to the glaciers and geysers. I found that comforting, rather than boring. Reykjavik is so pretty, but my favourite spots by far were outside the city, whether it was getting hosed by waterfalls or making friends with the local ponies. Another one to return to in summer!
Whew, that’s a lot of travel so far… how lucky am I?! Here’s to the next 30!
