I love Budapest

Budapest really took me by surprise! I am in love with this city. It almost feels like a Paris of the East. Upon arrival the scenery was breath taking, especially the building lined streets, cathedrals and river. I went to a hill above the city and admired the view. I also spent hours walking through the city and dipping in the thermal spas that provide hot water deep from the earths surface. Their portion sizes are large and delicious, I ate as much cuisine as I possibly could (of the vegetarian variety of course) such as stuffed mushrooms and eggplants, grilled potatoes with toppings and fried vegetarian balls. The night life is also crazy, I got to go to a bar that was in an abandoned old building from the war and is hanging with plants, light bulbs and quirky trinkets and was playing underground Hungarian beats. I then went to a club which was a maze and had different rooms for every genre, it was a very popular one! I would definitely recommend making the trip, you won't be disappointed.  

                                 

              

Today we took a trip to Mostar and Sarajevo. Two areas shaken by terrible brutalities and war so recent as the 1990s. We were given a brief history lesson about the war crimes that occurred in the area but driving through the beautiful mountains, turquoise creeks and stone villages you could almost be oblivious. That was until you look closer and see the bullet shots remaining on homes and buildings, bomb shell markings on roads and homes that were visibly blown in half and left as abandoned rubble. 

It broke my heart as I drove the scenic region and noticed countless grave stones on the sides of the roads that still looks so fresh. It's unbelievable to think that I was learning to ride a bike and holidaying at the beach while kids here were running from the danger of war everyday, It was a really worthwhile experience.           

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Dubrovnik

When I drove into Dubrovnik over the winding cliffside roads, looking over the ocean, it was such a breath of fresh air after hours in transit! The turquoise water, rocky beaches and Tuscan looking golden villas lining the headlands and shore were more beautiful than I ever imagined. We got into town and saw a big castle and stepped into a state of chaos of bikes, buses, locals and tourists everywhere filling the air with sound. 

Our hotel was on Adriatic beach a few minutes from town and boasted a picture perfect view. We went to the pebble and umbrella lined beach for a dip in the crystal clear water. Curiosity kicked in and we decided to explore and found a little secret boat dock with a ladder to jump in and a few of us went in. My friends and I met a local family and were greeted by the little boy called Mario swimming in the water too.'What is your name?' he giggled shyly. Followed by, 'What is your favorite color?' He couldn't speak much English, but he was the cutest thing. My favorite activity in Dubrovnik was the gondola that takes you up to the highest mountain and provides a breathtaking view of the whole city and ocean. 

I would also highly recommend taking one of the ocean cruises and exploring surrounding islands, however be warned many of the surrounding coasts are covered in nudes. I also took plenty of time to explore the cobbled back streets of Dubrovnik which are hidden pockets of beautiful scenery and buildings. The Dubrovnik nights were spent eating pizza, seafood and partying at the local bars. I fell in love with Dubrovnik, it's a place with such rich natural beauty, culture and history.            

New escapades

I leave for Eastern Europe today! It is my first time there and will be landing in Croatia and working my way north. Stay tuned for plenty of pictures and posts.

Small fish, Big pond

The number of young Australian’s moving overseas for study or work has increased substantially in recent years, especially to the United Kingdom.  Many travel abroad for work, study or a holiday but some are there in pursuit of something more.  We talk to three young Aussies who travel abroad to chase their dreams…

There are many reasons young people move overseas. Usually, it is for a number of reasons such as family, love, work, study, or travel. But the deciding factor that pushes most to make the big move is the pursuit of a life long dream. For 26-year-old Brisbane fashion graduate, Aimee Kahl, it was a case of potluck that lead her to her dream job in London.

“I had always wanted to live and work overseas but never thought I’d have the guts to do it. On the suggestion of a friend of mine, I applied for a scholarship through the Queensland Overseas Foundation in 2011 and to my surprise I got it!” Aimee says.

By mid 2012, Aimee was living in London and she applied for a job as Production Coordinator for a quirky English brand called Lazy Oaf. After wooing the manager at her interview, she was given the job, and the rest is history.

“After a year, I still have to pinch myself everyday because I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such an incredible job in London, she says.

“On almost a daily basis, I get to meet and work with incredible, creative people who are endlessly inspiring.”

19-year-old Spanish born and Australian raised student, Jessica Lopez-Casas it seemed like a natural progression to study overseas. She had always wanted to go and study at The London College of the Arts and her admiration for the college soon turned into a dream that she just had to pursue… all the way to London. Jess says studying abroad was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a perfect resolution to her desires.

“My college immersed us in British culture and encouraged us to make the most of our studying abroad experience,” she says.