Whangamomona Republic Day: that time I went to vote for a cat in an election…
The self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona is tucked away in Taranaki, New Zealand. On 'Republic Day', the 125-strong population – plus animals – welcome everyone for the grand election.
An ode to arriving
That feeling of first setting foot in a new nation - the scents, the flavours, new words, new cultures, new stories being written in real-time.
How to get scuba certified and why you should
My first venture into scuba diving took place in the tropical waters of Thailand. My friend, a qualified PADI instructor, had dragged me to sign up for a discovery dive while we were staying near Koh Phi Phi.
More to Mauritius: Unearthing adventures beyond the beaches
I expected soft white sands. I expected azure waters lapping at my feet. I expected luxury resorts akin to a windows desktop screensaver. But, what I didn’t realise was how much more there is to Mauritius.
EXCITED! I’m joining the Lonely Planet Trailblazer family (and how you can too)
I'm joining the LP Trailblazers family (and I kinda still don't believe it) - that moment when dreams come true...
Discovering Port Douglas and Aboriginal Culture
Ever since I moved to Sydney I was adamant I wanted to learn more about Aboriginal culture and the indigenous people of this vast land. Learning from a book is one thing, but to spend time with a local and understand their perspective is far more valuable...
Brain Haemorrhages and Bucket-lists
“I was in a coma. 10% chance of making it. My memory was deemed gone.” - We throw around the word Bucketlist these days, but what happens when you get the second chance to write it? How does it lead you to the slums of Delhi?
Cambodian Genocide: The Killing Fields & S21 Prison
Cambodia is a country with a heartbreaking and recent history. The Killing Fields and S21 Prison now welcome tourists to try and understand this dark past It is not often I am reduced to tears in public, but here tragic history consumed me.
Finding silence in Cinque Terre
You come to Cinque Terre for beautiful villages, stunning photography and to gain at least a stone in carbohydrates. But in those almost haunted streets, if you listen careful, you might just find yourself...
The highs and lows of a samba with Rio
" Bang. Drive. On the floor" The heartbreaking noises that broke the stillness rang on. I was in someone else's reality, a heartbreaking one haunted with gun shots...