Climbing mountains, incredible friendships, sailing clear blue waters, epic music festivals, drifting in a sunrise sky. I’ve had some amazing experiences in my 20s. As I celebrate my 30th birthday today, travelling in Mexico – how apt – I was inspired by Sara of Big World, Small Me, and Emma of Adventures of a London Kiwi to reflect on some fun and awe I’ve fitted into the first 20 years of my life!
In no special order…
Hot-air ballooning over a Cappadocia sunrise
The roaring of the gas sending us high into a rose-tinged sky, the incredible views of the Cappadocia countryside being gradually touched with golden light. My ten days in Turkey was an all-around amazing experience, but this was definitely one of the highlights.
Dawn alms-giving in Luang Prabang
I have a special love for the South-East-Asian countries of Vietnam and Laos, with their beautiful landscapes and fascinating history. Waking at dawn to watch the orange-clad monks of Luang Prabang receive alms from the townsfolk was a privilege.
Fi Cariad Cymru
I love Wales. Is it because it is, quite literally, the land of my father? Is it the gorgeous green hills, which remind me of home? Or is it my hilarious, warm cousins, who are always welcoming? Quite possibly all of the above – and building my links to it and them has been a very fun benefit of living a whole lot closer.
Glastonbury Festival of Music & Performing Arts
Three years in a row can’t be wrong, even if the third happens to be the muddiest Glastonbury of all time. I wasn’t sure what to expect the first time I turned up in Somerset with my sleeping bag and glitter in hand, but every time I’ve had an absolute blast. Florence, Alt-J, Black Keys, Adele, Tahuna Breaks, Disclosure, Mark Ronson, Fatboy Slim… the list of incredible acts I’ve seen just goes on, and that’s without talking about all the fun that goes on before and after the gigs. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Graduating Law and my wonderful university friends
Ok, it’s not international travel or superstar bands, but I’m proud that I graduated law school and now get to practice on the other side of the world. Even more importantly, I made some wonderful friends at university and during that time, who are still some of my closest friends today.
Awe-inspiring Iceland
I was blown away by the contrasts in Iceland’s landscapes, from volcanoes to ice to huuuuuuge waterfalls. And of course I have to give a shout-out to my favourite pony friend! Four days barely scraped the surface of this amazing country.
Sailing the Greek Islands
One boat + one week + ten friends + Greece’s beautiful Saronic Islands = one amazing adventure. This week was a blur of multiple swims a day, gorgeous blue skies and sunshine, white-washed walls decorated with vibrant purple flowers and a whole lot of laughter. Perfection!
Living the rugby fan dream
I am a pretty huge rugby fan, and I’m lucky to support the All Blacks, the world’s best team. I’ve seen them play here in Twickenham, Cardiff, Newcastle and Dublin, with the highlight being last year’s semi-final victory against long-term rivals South Africa. Go team!
Sky-high in Norway
The picture at the top of the post was chosen for a reason – climbing Preikestolen in Norway was one of my all-time-favourite outdoors experiences. The stunning fjord landscapes and the beautiful day made this one to remember forever.
Oktoberfest
I’m not a massive beer fan, but Oktoberfest is so much more than just beer – although there it’s many times more delicious! A fun fair, a cultural experience (honestly!), a party time – I’ve been twice and I’m itching to get back to the tents again.
Lux Villa Life in Majorca
Natalie set the bar very high for 30th celebrations when she booked us in for a villa in Majorca. A sun-soaked terrace, pool games, a beautiful island to explore… it was pretty much ideal.
Discovering a Love for Running
When I moved to London, I was just starting to get into running, but a few years on, I absolutely love it. Running clears my mind, lets me explore my neighbourhood, and justifies some of the many street food eats that I like to partake in. I recently ran my 12th half marathon, in 1:47, and I’m hoping to just keep getting speedier!
Paris with my Sister
We came, we ate, we walked, we snapped. Four days in Paris with my sister Zoe was a whirlwind of sight-seeing, foodie hot-spot hunting, and a bit of wandering to see where our feet took us. It was a brilliant way to explore this most famous city.
New Year’s Eves in Edinburgh and Berlin
I’ve been lucky enough to celebrate New Years Eve at Hogmanay in Edinburgh and also in Berlin. Travelling is fun enough but when you add in a city-wide party, it’s bound to make for some very special memories!
Viva Vietnam
When I’m asked for my favourite country to visit, Vietnam always springs to mind. From the stunning landscapes to the incredible food and history, north to south it’s an amazing experience.
Road-Tripping the Scottish Highlands
Three days of rolling hills, purple heather, peaceful lochs and lofty peaks. Scotland certainly delivers in the road-trip stakes, particular when you factor in the fascinating history, “interesting” foods and sexy accents!
Blogging Buddies and Trips
I’ve made some wonderful friends through blogging, including the two lovely ladies that were the inspiration for this post. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit some quirky London locations, munch some delicious high-teas, and even visit Turkey!
The Seven Sisters and My Walking Gang
You know that you appreciate different things at the end of your twenties than the beginning when, instead of waking up on a Sunday hungover on couch at a friend’s flat, you’re waking up (possibly still hungover) and leaping out of bed to make a train out of London with other crazy friends. It turns out that fresh air, laughter and long walks that feature a pub lunch always, are also excellent hangover cures!
Gaining a different perspective on home
Living away from New Zealand has given me the space to appreciate so much about my little home country, from its incredible nature to the close-knit communities. Our access to space, drive to prove our worth and hilarious (I think) sense of humour are all amazing – and just some of many many reasons I’ll always call it home.
Living in and Loving London
My love for London is not hard to find on this blog, I’ve talked so often about it. But this city is constantly challenging, surprising, comforting and providing – I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else as I begin what will hopefully be another decade of amazing experiences!
Which are your favourite life experiences so far?
