Traveling summer 2017: Australia and beyond

So, here I am, back from traveling and typing my first blogpost since quite while. I  missed writing and hope to find more time during the upcoming weeks to create new recipes and share workout inspiration with you guys. For now, I want to write down the 9 most amazing things I saw/ate/experienced/did this summer and give you some tips where to go when in Australia.

1. Streetsushi

Well, as some of you might know: I am hopelessly addicted to sushi. I really couldn’t believe my eyes when I first came to Brisbane and saw all the little sushi shops around there. They sell sushi rolls like little wraps as a snack on the go, just like you would get a sandwich over here. And: they’re not even close to being as expensive as here in Switzerland. So defo go and get your hands on those if you get the chance!

2. Enjoying as many sunsets as I could!

Eventually it gets boring doing the same thing over and over again?Well, I guess sitting on the seashore, listening to the smooth guitar tunes and the beautiful voice of singer songwriter and watching the sun go down over the limitless seeming ocean is a thing which got more beautiful evening by evening. Right at the main beach in Byron bay is where I spent all of my evenings an my heart sinks even now when I think back at those perfect days.

3. Food, food, food

Chinese, Vietnamese, thai, Italian, super healthy, fancy superfoods – you can find them all! Australia has to offer such a broad spectrum of different types of food, it’s amazing. I especially loved the food in Byron bay. It seemed like every cafe or restaurant had the most fancy vegan food on their menu. And since I am a huge fan of vegetarian/vegan, organic, whole food, I had to try a different place everyday. Golden latte, Avocado on homemade pumpkin bread, … the list is endless. Two of my favorite places in Byron still were Combi and Mokha Cafe
I also LOVED the superfood bowls you could get in every corner shop and the super fresh summer rolls in Sydney.

4. The blue mountains

Okay okay, got it, enough food. Onto a thing I love just as much as good food: being active and beautiful nature! Unfortunately, after I spent most of my time in australia in Byron, I only had two days left in Sydney. I wanted to make the most out of it and also explore the surrounding area, since I heard that the blue mountains, which are only a 1 hours drive away from the city, are stated to be beautiful. So, I decided to spent one day in Sydney itself and the other day go on a day trip to the blue mountains and guys, I do not even regret it for one second. If you are planning to go there as well, I highly recommend you to go with barefoot downunder, a family company run by Adam and his wife Debbie. They showed us the most unique places in the blue mountains, which were far from the typical tourist attractions. We saw kangaroos in the wilderness, not to my amusement but though interesting some of the most poisonous spiders in the world and stunning views of the endless Canyons. Adam took us on an amazing hike with thousands of stairs (just how I love it) and stunning waterfalls which arose out of nowhere. Enough talking, just look at the pictures below.

5. SKYDIVE

Yep, that was amazing! I was planning on going skydiving for such a long time. First I wanted to do it in Switzerland. But as soon as I informed myself about how expensive it would be in Byron (or Australia in general) and found out that it would be even a lot cheaper than back home, I didn’t think twice (which you shouldn’t do anyways cause then you find 13213 excuses and your are too scared anyways in the end) and booked my jump from 4500 meters! All I can say is that it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life so far and its for certain that, as soon as I can afford it, I will do my skydiving license to be able to jump alone anywhere on this beautiful planet.

6. Find a beautiful beach and capture the moment

After weeks and weeks of working and studying 24/7, it was time to slow down. Just laying down by the beach, putting on some relaxing music, closing my eyes and letting the sun gently warm my face – I was at ease. Those hours are unforgettable and I still feel the warm breeze when I close my eyes and take myself back to Australia and Bali. Here are some pictures from Byron bay, Gili Air and Lembongan.

7. Sleeping on the rooftop of the Katamaran and going for a swim first thing in the morning

Well, as soon as I got to Bali, I went on a one week sailing trip to Lembongan and all the other Gili islands. In the cabins, where we were supposed to sleep, it was insanely hot and you could feel the swell even more than on deck. So after one day, I decided I’m gonna sleep on deck and guys – it was the perfect decision! At night, I cuddled myself up in as many hoodie and blanket layers as I could and could smell the fresh sea breeze as I looked up to the sky, where I saw the most amazing sky full of stars I had ever seen in my whole life. In the morning, after witnessing a breathtaking sunrise from my „bed“, I took on my bathing suit and jumped over board, even before I had my first morning coffee.

8. Try surfing

I’ve done windsurfing many years back in time and since then never really got the chance to do it again. So, of course, as soon as I reached the first beach on my vacation, I rented myself a surfboard and off I went! Although I am a bloody beginner and only managed to really stand a wave few times, I enjoyed myself so much and had the best time! So guys, no matter where you’re standing at with your skills, just stop thinking about and start having fun – it’s gonna be a thing to remember and come back to as soon as you get the chance again.

9. Costal walk

It is very popular and if you get to Sydney basically everyone recommends it to you, so of course I had to do it too ! – the Cogee to Bondi costal walk! And let me tell you, it’s that popular for good reasons! The views you get are stunning. You can take the bus to Cogee and then walk along the coastline all the way to Bondi beach or the other way around. It will take you about an hour and you will come home again with lots of amazing photos, if you are more clever than me and take on the hike before the sun sets.

So, thats it, these were some impressions of my summer holidays. It hope you enjoyed it and leave me comments if you got something to add or have any questions!

xoxo
Helena