Morocco: A Cultural and Sensory Experience

Without visiting Morocco for yourself, it is impossible to envision what it is truly like. I will try my best to showcase the variety of sights, smells, textures, noises and tastes in vibrant North Africa.

Looking down on Fes, Morocco.

Floors, walls and ceilings covered in mosaics, and the mundane job of shaping thousands of tiles every day.

Intricately detailed pottery.

Horses and donkeys carting huge heavy loads throughout the Medina.

The maze of 10,000 winding, bustling souks. 

Holding fresh mint leaves to your nose to avoid the smell of animal skin from the leather tanneries.

Beautiful scarves, rugs and blankets.

Tagines for every meal - cous cous, chick peas, potatoes and carrots with either lemon chicken or slow cooked beef.

Sweet stalls that line the streets. Products are covered in bees as they are attracted to the honey coatings.

Silverware shops relying heavily on tourism.

Ensuring to cover your shoulders and knees in 40 degree heat.

Winding, dusty roads through the sparse landscape.

Ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis.

I'm so glad I included Morocco in my trip! What an amazing cultural experience and a world entirely different to the one we live in back home!

Why you Should Consider University Accommodation

I must admit I left looking for London accommodation to the last minute because I was a little too excited about all of the other places I am visiting! When it came to looking for somewhere, most accommodation was already booked or highly overpriced due to the tourist season.

Feeling exasperated, I discussed the problem with my sister and we eventually stumbled upon some vacancies at the University of London for a reasonable price. In addition, we stayed at the University of Kent during our time in Canterbury.

Here are some reasons you should consider staying at universities....

Pro...

You get your own room, complete with a single bed, study desk and chair, wardrobe, kettle, telephone and sink.

My room at University of London International Hall

My room at Rutherford College at Kent University

Con...

You will be using shared toilet and shower facilities. However, they were always clean and the showers were good quality!

Pro...

Breakfast is included.

Our breakfast at the University of London dining hall was amazing. Choices included muesli, yoghurt, fruit smoothies, three styles of eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, croissants, fruit, coffee, tea, juices... You get the idea! We would also take a banana and croissant to have later as a morning snack.

Con...

Breakfast times and quality will vary depending on the university.

Pro...

You will feel 'at home'

Unlike an impersonal hotel stay, having your own space and being able to roam around the university campus will make you feel at home during your stay. 

My 'I love Kent Uni' coffee cup (complimentary - along with hot chocolate, coffee, milk, and a few varieties of tea)

The outside view of Rutherford College

My window view overlooking the park at the University of London

Con... 

You may be a little out of town. In Canterbury, there was a regular bus taking students and visitors into town. We also walked into town as it was only a twenty minute walk. The University of London accommodation was right in Zone One, within walking distance to all attractions!

A Trip to Canterbury

On Wednesday during some chill time, my sister and I decided to book a spontaneous trip to somewhere in the UK. We researched lots of possibilities - Edinborough, Dublin, Cambridge, Cornwall, and finally decided upon Canterbury. I had never heard of the destination before, but it was cheap compared to our other options and only two hours out of London via train.

Upon arrival we were instantly happy with our choice. Canterbury is a beautiful little town with a bustling main street and breathtaking scenery. We stopped for a cup of tea at Kitch - a quaint little cafe serving healthy food and an all-day breakfast.

We spent our second day exploring all of the streets and cobblestone alleyways. Canterbury is made up of cute Tudor style buildings and a stunning cathedral. It also has a modern shopping mall with the usual large chain stores.

In the afternoon we soaked up the sunshine by having a picnic in the Westdale Gardens.

Our little country getaway reminded me that it is important not too get too caught up in London while visiting the UK. Although London is great and I enjoyed my time there, it is relaxing to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the tube and busy streets. There is so much more to see!

Five Nights in London

I feel that over the past four days in London I have ticked off most of my 'To-do list'.

Big Ben 

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

Tower Bridge

St. Paul's Cathedral

Hyde Park

Notting Hill

Shopping on Oxford Street (no photos haha)

Dinner at Covent Gardens

Dinner at an Authentic English Pub

If I was spending longer in London, I would be interested in...

Going to the theatre

London Eye or going to the top of the Shard

Catching a Double Decker Bus

Tea and scones

London Dungeon

My First Day Alone

As a primarily solo traveller, I've been lucky to be with some of my closest friends for the long flight and beginning of my journey. On Sunday night I said goodbye to my friends, who I won't see until I return home in October, and headed back to my accommodation alone. It's quite a thrill to wake up in a big city where nobody knows your name and have the whole day to explore and do whatever you please.

After sitting alone for my continental breakfast, I set off to Camden markets. I browsed the stalls, which didn't have much of interest to me, then navigated through the backstreets to Regents Park (photos below). I explored the beautifully manicured gardens, before laying in the sun for a few hours reading a book. I've been lucky enough to be blessed with beautiful sunny days throughout my time in London!

I then headed south, walking through the streets in search of a cafe. I came across a Le Pain Quotidien and sat at a table looking out of the window at the busy street and people passing by. I relaxed with a muffin and pot of green jasmine tea.

Later, I returned to a park near my accommodation and laid in the sun reading my book again. I then walked through the business district to meet a new friend for dinner.

I was happy to have a day to relax after the flight to Singapore and spending the entire previous day walking and sightseeing. I've encountered a mixture of attitudes towards the fact that I'm travelling alone - many say they would be too scared to do it. So far I've found that most people will go out of their way to help you if you are looking lost or need assistance buying a ticket. I saw the below quote online and I feel it is relevant if you are considering solo travel... Or for life in general :)

life rules

- you are never as awkward as you think you are
- you are never as annoying as you think you are
- you are never as boring as you think you are
- your compliments are never as creepy as you think they are
- you are way more wanted than you give yourself credit for
- chin up, dude

5 Things you should know about Singapore

The MRT (train network) is crowded
But also a cheap and easy mode of transport - it's incredibly organised and punctual.

Security do carry large machine guns
They may seem intimidating, however as a result everyone behaves themselves. There was not one time I felt unsafe during my time in Singapore.

It is a shopping destination
Think of shopping centres so large you can get lost in them. When it comes to shopping, Singapore offers the very latest in fashion and technology from all around the world. My favourite stores to visit were H&M, Forever 21, Sephora and La Senza. The markets on Bugis Street are worth a visit for cheap clothing (petite sizes!) and phone accessories.

It's not that expensive!
Word on the street is that Singapore is an expensive destination. Of course it is more pricy than the likes of Indonesia and Malaysia, but when compared to my hometown Perth, prices are very similar. The price of your trip depends highly on your personal taste - fine dining restaurants are popular, and on the other end of the scale so are hawkers/food courts.

Food is everywhere
From the fine dining restaurants and hawkers/food courts I just mentioned, to high tea, buffets, street stalls, cafés and restaurants - there are food options everywhere. All cuisines are on offer.

After leaving Singapore in the early hours of yesterday morning, there's no doubt in my mind that I want to return again soon.

Unique and Affordable Eating in Singapore

Pita Pan

Located at the Marina Bay Shopping Centre, Pita Pan offers Mediterranean vegetarian cuisine. Cooked goods, such as shakshouka pans, pita pockets and felafel are available, along with plenty of fresh salads to choose from. I could happily eat at Pita Pan every single day.

La Morelle

Located upstairs on Baghdad Street - the Arabic area of Singapore located behind all of the big hotel chains - is La Morelle, a quaint French-style cafe. The cafe features gorgeous quirky decor, large carafes of iced tea, a cheesecake stand, and serves a variety of stuffed crossaints. A cute place to stop and take a break.

Slappy Cakes

Located on Sentosa island is what seems like an everyday American pancake restaurant. As you step inside, you notice that all tables are equipped with their very own hot plate and spatula. With choices of batter mix ranging from buttermilk to peanut butter, and a huge variety of sweet or savoury toppings - you get to make your own pancakes.

We made buttermilk pancakes with shredded coconut, strawberries, lavender honey, and coconut peanut butter.