All pictures have been taken with either a GoPro or an iPhone by me.
Places in order of visit.
Hong Kong
It's easy to do a lot in a short time period in Hong Kong. This is mostly down to incredibly efficient transport MTR (metro) and Uber. Also, HK used to be a British overseas territory and therefore, still to this day, road signs and public transport instructions are in English. This makes it easy to just slip into local life, whilst being in an environment very different to home, it was great.
We went to Lantau Island, Mong Kok, Temple Street, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island all in just 72 hours. Here are photos of a floating town and the Tian Tan Buddah. Do not leave HK without seeing these, I repeat do leave without seeing these. The Buddha resides in an area named Ngong Ping, here is a cable car which take you through the enchanting mountains and landscape. Spectacular views... if you are brave enough.
Tokyo
It all started within 5 minutes of getting off the plane, I needed the toilet. I walked into the airport bathroom to find a toilet seat like no other, with many options to play music. I knew then, that this would be an interesting trip.
Probably the most intriguing experience I had here would be a visit to the cafe 'Maid Dreaming'. Much like the name, I felt as though I was dreaming when I walked in to see adult women dress as maids and gentlemen from the ages of 20-70 sitting at the tables. This instantly sounds sleazy; however, it doesn't overly feel this way. We ordered some food and minutes later arrived a bowl of rice shaped as a teddy bear. With the arrival of food, meant we had to par-take in the delicious food dance, with bunny ears on, in front of the entire room. The maids encourage you to sing 'delicious, delicious, cute, cute' whilst acting like a bunny; hilarious.
Halfway through the meal, it was show time. Three of the maids were to take centre stage and perform, to our surprise the men who were around the same age as my father, were up clapping and dancing along to the children's music.
I believe this experience was just the tip of the iceberg for a huge underlying issue which is currently taking place in Japan, however, at the time I did not realise this. For me it was a highly entertaining adventure and one I will remember forever.
Edinburgh
Two words: battered pizza.
Morocco
La shakruun Morocco. The people of Tangier are like no other, they greeted me with open arms from the moment I arrived. Everyone person I met, from taxi drivers to restaurant owners, treated me with so much generosity and kindness.
Society in Tangier is changing and it was interesting to see. For example we were able to purchase alcohol from a shop in the town. Our tour guide Dris advised that this would have been near impossible a short while ago. Dris also mentioned that the city is alive until the hours of 4am in the morning! It is a thriving place with culture and beauty in every step you take.
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I travelled to Tangier from Spain, there is a a very efficient ferry service which departs from Tarifa (only 1.5 hours drive from Marbella, for example). The ferry only takes around 1 hour. Just like that you are in a wonderful new environment. If you think you can spare a night from your Spanish holiday, you will not regret it.
Spain
I have lived in Spain on and off since I was young but only in recent years have I had the chance to travel around. I have now been to Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Marbella, Ronda, Bilbao, Vitoria and many other towns. I am becoming quite the spanish connoisseur.
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My family are based in Sotogrande, 20 minutes drive from Gibraltar. However, these pictures are of Ronda and Gibraltar. Ronda is a stunning town set into the mountains, you could easily spend a few days here exploring the surrounding but I often just get the train and go for the day.
My parents have always embraced the Spanish culture in my childhood and some of my fondest memories are from having a siesta and then going to the late night fiesta's. One evening this summer, my boyfriend and I had siesta and went to a nightclub. We managed to dance away until 4 in the morning however as we were leaving, most people were arriving.
This is why I love Spain.
Northern Ireland
These photos are from Giants Causeway, Bangor and Belfast.
My grandparents and my mum moved to England from Northern Ireland
when she was young, because of this I’m an Irish citizen and I go every
year for 3 weeks to visit this special place.
The religion that is woven through society here fascinates me and the hardship that followed the troubles has created an incredibly unique nation. Belfast still has its problems but overall its a transformed city, if you haven't been, go before the rest of the world discovers it.
Rome
I have been to Rome three times now and I have chosen to showcase photos of the ceiling painted by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, a delicious heart shaped pizza and of course the Colosseum.
I have chosen two pictures of the Colosseum because its one of the 7 wonders of the world and it just takes an amazing picture. These three sights are the typical things you see when you come to Roma, however after my third trip I am still captivated by them, I have no interest to try and find 'the real Rome' or to find the 'unseen Rome' and these sights are captivating enough for me.
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On my last trip, I booked a cooking course, which was the single best culinary experience of my life, if you want to to learn to cook and then eat, the most sensational food, then here you go;
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https://www.fabiolouscookingday.com
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I did the all day pasta cooking course and food market tour.
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Naples/Pompeii
Central Naples is utter madness, but once you get on a train and travel out into the countryside it's stunning (and much calmer). Pompeii is fascinating, towered by Mount Vesuvius its a place you have to visit if you have an interest in history.
Venice
In Venice it's easy to take a good picture.
I don't think anything could wipe the
smile off my face the entire time I was there. If you live in the UK like myself, it really isn't far to travel, to see the most beautiful architecture and experience the magic. The top right photo was the view from our shower and yes we forked out €100 euros for 30 mins on a gondola- which I must say is worth it.
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I recommend staying in a little out of the centre of Venice (which I would never usually say) but here it is very expensive to stay in the Centre and actually it is an absolute pleasure to stroll through the city to find the sights. It is a fairly small city anyway and it was much nicer being away from the crowds.
Budapest
Here are pictures from St. Stephen’s Basilica, the thermal baths
and the Danube.
Vienna
Photos from the oldest zoo in the world, the Hundertwasserhaus and
the famous restaurant Figlmüller which
sells the best Schnitzel in Austria (in my opinion).
Newcastle
Newcastle for me is one of the UK's most exciting cities. The people are some of the most friendly I have ever met. It gets a 10/10 for nightlife, food and things to see, all whilst being epic value for money. A flight from London can be only £30 return, a small price to pay to experience the buzz of the toon.
While I was there last, it was the great north run. I spotted the Olympic champion Mo Farah next to the Tyne one evening, practicing for the run, I ran after him and got the chance to tell him how much of a fan I am!
Amsterdam
Photos from Amsterdam, while I was here it was Gay pride,
the atmosphere in the city at this time was electric.
We went on a boat tour and went past a church, our tour guide told us that the church is separated into 3 parts, one part church, one part brothel and one part a children's nursery. Is there anywhere else that is would be accepted?
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I also very much recommend going to the fantastic museums that Amsterdam has to offer, whilst you are a student, as they are a fraction of the price.
Prague
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It was 40 degrees when we were in Prague, this tarnished our trip slightly. The people and the city were not used to or equipped for the heat and so we couldn't find anywhere to escape.
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It was on our last day that we found a restaurant that was cool because of its marbled floors, then we tried the Goulash.
Berlin
Berlin is full of history and interesting things to see.
The meal was the best we had in Berlin at a restaurant called
Lemke near the Hacher Market. If you are staying in central DON'T
try and walk to the east side gallery of the Berlin wall. Get the subway,
It's a trek!
Dublin
Dublin has got great craic, good food and the Irish charm.
My family announced earlier this year that they are moving to Dublin, so moving forward I will be calling this place 'home'. These photos however, were from my first visit, a few years ago.
Whilst there, I found it hard not too compare Belfast and Dublin. Belfast to me feels very Irish however Dublin felt more European, due to the strong european ties.
As everyone says, its a cracking night out, we went to a club called Bad Bobs, it had a house DJ along side a live saxophonist, the sound was incredible.
Sydney
Sydney is a cool place, it reminded me so much of London.
The first picture was taken on the boat over to Manly and
the second from the top of the Sydney tower as the sun was setting.
Queensland
Pictures show my experience on the Great Barrier Reef,
Attenborough has said its his favourite place in the world.
After my day on the reef we went to a pub and got a steak, chips and a
pot (half a pint) for the equivalent of £3.50 -winning.
It was a good day. On my travels around Queensland I saw some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of my favourite places in the world,
these pictures where taken on an off road beach near the Great Ocean Road.
I have been a few times over the last few years as its home to my Auntie, Uncle and Cousins, who I am very close too.
Bangkok
These pictures taken on a 16km bike ride that seriously hurt, as it was first I had ridden a bike in 5 years! The company was called ABC bike tours, would definitely recommend if in Bangkok.
New York
I was 16 when I went to New York and I was only just discovering my love for travel and photos. In the fourth picture it shows outfits from a dog fashion show being held at my hotel. It was a perfect first taste of America for me.