Everything is coming up Milhouse

It would seem that I have received all that I could have hoped for in my six weeks back home. Good times with friends and family of highest importance. I have bought a little car, landed a four month work contract, completed a couple of courses allowing me to work in hospitality on the side and also weekend work at the local markets. 

Of course the predominant reason in me returning home of course was for my operation, which I have been advised should occur within the next 60 days. During  which the time is several weeks recovery, I am able to hold full time employment and a couple of extra jobs on the side to make some money at the same time. I am really maximizing on an unfortunate situation and getting the most out of my time back home that I possibly can.

I don’t have any travel or diving work in my sights until after April, when I hope to be in full health and recovery, with a few beans in the back pocket to consider where to next! It is very difficult in holding back on looking at current diving opportunities around the world, as it is just not something I can consider until the circumstances are better.

It seems extraordinary that it is December in a couple of days, where the same time last year I was winding down to begin this whole new adventure of diving.

I can say that road to success is not straight or smooth, but it is worthwhile. I have been putting all of my conscious thoughts into giving thanks and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that I have had, the lessons I have learnt, and all that I have picked up along the way. I find that the more I do this, the more wonderful things I receive and experience. 

I have had an incredible year, all attributed to this crazy dream that I would pack up and become a dive instructor.

As I am home, the blogs will be much less frequent, but I will keep updated sporadically, news and events in the continuous journey that I am on, in fulfilling my dreams and desires.

Journey on friends.

Kass xx

I'm coming home

It is hard to believe that I am nearly home after a 14 week stint abroad. Really, I have only spent four weeks at home since I first departed nine months ago. The intention of this journey did not go to plan at all, however amongst the chaos and the tears, miracles prevailed. 

I learnt that sometimes you have to experience what you don't want in your life to realise and appreciate what you do. I have felt so defeated that getting back up has seemed an impossible feat, but I did it. I have met strangers from all corners of the earth who have become family. They have made me laugh so hard that I have cried. I have been hurt, insulted, and ripped off but have had new experiences, immersed myself in different cultures and created memories which you could put no value on. 

I have exceeded my perceived physical, psychological, and emotional limits. I have felt a sense of appreciation for home which I have not felt before. I have learnt difficult lessons and attained invaluable wisdom. I value the unnerving vision of those who I meet for the first time but can read into my soul. Meeting any situation with kindness and compassion will work in your favour over anger. Light drives out darkness and love drives out hate. You can run but you can't hide, your health will follow you everywhere. Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. 

I won't stop following my dream, if every person gave up after their first attempt then there would be few successful people in the world. However, though my first diving job did not work out, life worked out. I am coming home with a full heart and an overwhelming love and appreciation for my family, my friends, and most importantly myself xx

Goodbye Africa hello Greece

After enjoying the last days by the beach in Essaouira, it was time to suck it up and head back to the big smoke. We caught a 3 hour morning bus to Marrakech where we checked back into the gorgeous Equity Point hostel. 

We each dropped off like flies, Nat leaving after the first night, Tess after the second and me after the third. Most of my time was spent lazing around the hostel with a couple of hours each day spent shopping. Unfortunately shopping was such a painful experience but I dedicated enough time to buy a few pieces before leaving. A place with so many wonderful shops and markets to wonder through, however the forceful nature of the keepers and he harassment on the street just made it a nightmare to go anywhere. Even if you ditched the leisurely stroll and would race through the labyrinth streets in a mission to buy some food, you were still stopped or yelled at "where are you running to, why the rush, do you need help, hey sexy I love you, slow down come into my shop..." So many times I just wanted to yell "SHUT UUUUUP" at the top of my lungs. It was exhausting, two hours was stretching the patience limit each time, but sometimes after just taking a few paces into the medina you starting to creep backwards to the hostel safety and calm.

On my last day I enjoyed a relaxing Haman and waited out the day until my late evening flight. Once I arrived at Marrakech airport, I already felt the transition into some sort of normality. It was a relief to be on the aeroplane, and even more to arrive at Barcelona airport. At 2am McDonalds was the only place open, so I shoved in a cheeseburger before trying to get a couple of hours sleep before my flight on the airport floor. Come 6am, the airport stores were beginning to open up and the place was filling with travellers, I could feel the eyes peering upon my faetal position body so I picked myself up off the cold tiles and wondered around for the next couple of hours until my 10am flight. I was so tired but the excitement of seeing loved ones on the other side kept me going.

Following a safe and smooth landing, it was a quick collection of luggage and a race outside to meet my friends. The weather was cool with a flow of wind, weather I hadn't experienced in months, It was so refreshing. 

Alex and dim (and Ralphy) welcomed me back into their home with open arms and big hearts. It was such a pleasure to be back and to settle in to the comforts of a home environment. The next 36 hours I barely moved from the couch. Movies, naps and cuddles with Ralphy were all I wanted and all I needed. Everything over the past few days let alone months seemed to catch up to me and I was shattered. 

This morning I woke early which I was not used to at all. I accompanied Al to her photoshoot and enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle of the make up artists, hairstylists, photographers and models. I was absolutely flattered when I was asked if I was one of he models, (though it was asked with a tilted head and slightly confused face). I pottered around again being asked if I was one of the make up artists or one of the crew... Sorry guys, just part of the entourage. Thankfully they were not all Greek and some spoke English, so I spent most of the day chatting and laughing away with one of the boys. I haven't had a bro to bounce off for months, so it was great to have a homeboy for a day. GOOD energy!

I was to terrified to move about the place in fear of tripping over a hair dryer cord which would then create some animated domino affect in breaking a table, crashing the light stand, and setting the studio on fire. Imagine.

Come mid afternoon and I hit a wall, ready for my afternoon siesta and cuddles on the couch from my cuddly pooch friend. Me and Al wondered through the Main Street of Athens before stopping at a cafe for an orange juice and a long await chat... So much to talk about, one week - such little time.

In the evening it was a friends birthday. One of Dim and Al's who was so kind to spend my birthday in Greece with me so it was wonderful to celebrate hers. We snuck into her apartment with friends while her boyfriend took her out - a classic suprise party with delicious food and laughs. She was so pleased to see me and it made it all worth it.

One week ahead in Athens with the most beautiful company makes me so content. A delightful way to draw end to a crazy adventure through Europe and Africa, all the while I had intended to be diving... Sometimes we consider that we have been thrown off our path, but really, you have to understand that this is the path, you are always where you are meant to be.

Love and light, Kass xx

The windy city

After a long day at the Kasbah in the Sahara, we departed the following day at 7.30am to begin out journey into Marrakech. We got on the bus at 8.30am and went on our way. The weather was terrible which didn't make me feel so bad spending a whole day on the bus. After several hours into the trip, our journey came to a halt as the road ahead of us was flooded. We waited for perhaps up to an hour and then went on our way. Celebrations perhaps started a little too soon, as ahead of us, 80km of road through the Atlas Mountains was cut off due to landslides and we were stuck in the middle of the road for several hours. No food, no water, no bathroom facilities... It was a very long journey. 

We finally reached Marrakech close to midnight, some 16+ hours on a bus later. At 1 am after walking around the medina in circles, we finally reached our hostel - Equity Point. The next day we spent in the hostel being potatoes. Using the wifi, eating chocolate and relaxing. In the afternoon I had the most wonderful Haman to scrape off all the desert dirt and I felt a million dollars. In the late afternoon we went for a short walk trough the medina. We came to the big square where it was full of hustle and bustle. Loud music, woman harassing you for a henna or card reading and men wanting you to get photo's with the hypnotised snakes or monkeys on a chain. One thing that has really disturbed me on this trip is treatment if animals for entertainment. Monkeys with chains around their necks, dressed in ridiculous costumes, snakes drugged and with teeth and venom removed, camels with cut lips from rope ties in their mouths... It breaks my heart to see, and even more that it is done for the entertainment of tourists. I do not support it and will not support it. It was busy but it was very different to anywhere we had been. As we were walking home and I was thinking to myself, it is bad, but not as bad as I had expected, the people are rude and sales are forceful but manageable. Then all of a sudden a man walked past me and struck me in the face. I was in complete shock and yelled at him "what the f***" he looked me in the eyes and then walked off. I was standing in the middle of the street in absolute shock. When I came to, I was furious and disgusted. A shop keeper came over and told me that I wouldn't know, but this man is a known crazy and it was best I didnt retaliate. As time past I was trying to hold back the tears and could not contain my anger. Nothing could justify his actions and it still upsets me to think about it. Marrakech is a very different place. 

We spent the next couple of days lazing around the hostel only going out for food when needed. The hostel was gorgeous and we met some equally gorgeous people. From Marrakech we travelled for three hours by bus to essaouria 'the windy city' (for the surf) a lovely beach town. Our hostel was a but rough around the edges but all the staff would move mountains to accommodate you. There are two pet cats - jimmy and Hendrix - cute cuddly little guys. Our first night we grabbed a few beers and a couple of bottles of red wine and had a great night on the terrace. Since then we have relaxed on sun beds on the beach, made pals including the beautiful puppy snoopy, and petted a chameleon named Julia Roberts. 

Yesterday we took a local bus to a much smaller beach town called Sidi Kouki. A very nice beach where the sun sets over the ocean. In the evening I ate possibly one of the best meals I've very eaten, a chicken tagine wih fig and blue cheese..... I are the same again for lunch! Late yesterday there were 55 Moroccans who checked into out hostel. It was hectic! In the evening some men played traditional Berber music which was a great experience. The girls have headed back to Sidi for the night to enjoy a bonfire on the beach and I'm sure a wonderful time. I need some time out for me and am thoroughly enjoying some reflective time alone. Another couple of days in Essaouira will make my longest stop in one place through Africa - and why not, it's by the beach. As the days pass by my shopping has started to pick up. I've found things I like, now I just have to come to grips with the bartering battle that comes ahead and handing over the cash! I've already treated myself to a gorgeous black leather tassel bag, but why just stop at one!

Tonight I bought myself a "protection necklace" which has the hand of Fatima and an evil eye pendant to dispel evil and got one of the guys at the hostel to "bless" it for me before I put it on. Sweet!

Spread your love and kindness through every person you meet.

Kassie

Happy flower

Our love for Morocco has grown with every day. Our initial four days in Fez included walks through the Medina, a day trip to Meknes, a stroll through the park, and getting a traditional "massage" and more.

We were really looking forward to a thorough deep tissue massage, but what we got was far from expected. We entered the Haman to a room of naked woman cleaning their bodies like it was the first time in their life. A Middle ages overweight woman with breasts bouncing at her knees exfoliated our entire bodies by hand mit as we laughed aloud and tried not to look in each other's eyes. The whole cleaning scrubbing and washing took about two hours and I've never felt so clean in my life. While it was such a shock to be amongst woman who's only eyes you see through burka's during the day, by afternoon to see then scrubbing each other's naked bodies; it was in the end, a great experience.

We since found out that this is a tradition that both men and woman do seperately once a week. They do shower normally, but lash out in a naked bathing room once every few days. We'll be doing it again, but this time a little more prepared!

Our next stop was Chefchaouen, a little blue painted town in the mountains. We arrived, and checked into our 25 bed dorm room. Which, again, wasn't quite what we expected. It was in the terrace aka the roof, and there were 25 mattresses (or double folded wool blankets as beds) side-by-side with a number above them, around the walls of the terrace. Each of us three girls were on a seperate wall, not even in sight of each other. Hippies of all ages lounged around to the sounds of reggae music as they all probably laughed when they saw our faces drop. Each time I went to my bed I would have at least three people laying across it playing chess, eating cereal or rolling joints. When night fell, Nat was to shocked to sleep in her allotting squatting space so we top and tailed on a mini single bed, between a 60+ year old man and a couple. We laughed hysterically at our situation until we fell asleep. The next morning we checked in to an 8 bed room for the next two nights!

The following day we did a farm tour which was a very memorable day.  By night we watched Harry potter while playing with Simba the kitten (I was his favorite) in the foyer of the hostel, before the most incredible nights sleep in a comfortable, cool and spacious bed (with a little more privacy than before).

The next day we met a couple of great dudes at the hostel, and by the time afternoon came around,we pulled ourselves out of the hostel rooftop vortex and went for a stroll around town. We met a boy cooking in the street making what he described as 'penis' and it took us three takes to understand that he was cooking 'peanuts'. We munched them down and laughed for the rest of day.

In the evening we caught on to a hotel which sold beer, which was a real treat as alcohol in incredibly sparce and expensive in Morocco. The five of us enjoyed a few cold ones while overlooking the night lights of the town and giggling our way into the early morning.

The next day we returned to Fez for two nights to figure out our next move. It was a different hostel in the opposite part of the medina so it was very much a new place to us. As we had no luck getting a taxi from the bus station, a very kind, generous and genuine man offered to take us to the hostel. He told us of his multiple businesses, his family and tips for Morocco. He even called the hostel to have someone personally collect us from the street to avoid being taken down the garden path by seedy males. We were very fortunate.

On the last day there I shopped around the Medina aimlessly. With such a broad collection of styles, colours and designs of leather goods, pottery, carpets, jewlerry and more, it's making my shopping time more difficult then imagined. I fell in love with a turquoise necklace which went for 3,400 dhm to 600 dhm. I visited a nice jewlerry man who's collection I admired last time who told me I got completely ripped off, and proving the "polished turquoise" was plastic. He reminded me of what I knew about significant price drops = non genuine items. I rushed back down the medina, got my money back and in turn bought the stunning unique bracelet I had had loved from first sight, from the honest jewlerry man. 

We then set off on our eight hour overnight bus journey to Rissani and then  hour drive into the Sahara. We slept, ate, and lazed by the surprisingly freezing cold pool at the Kasbah until our journey into the wilderness. As the afternoon sandstorm slightly reduced, we got in our matching Sahara pyjamas, put on our turbans, jumped on our camels and trekked through the sand dunes! We travelled for an hour before reaching our destination, which was a circle of tents with carpet flooring in the middle, a small table and half a dozen drums. As we descended down the dunes we hummed the M*A*S*H opening soundtrack as we felt like we were on set and laughed hysterically. We chatted with the others before eating a delicious feast for dinner. As night fell, we all moved our mattresses from the tents to the open flooring, played drums and looked up at incredible night sky. It was so clear we could easily see the Milky Way. It reminded me of the same star lit sky in the Maldives which made my heart a little sad as I miss that place incredibly. Nearly all of us were looking above at once and all shared the trail of light as an enormous shooting star lit the sky. It was a magical night.

This morning we packed up and jumped back on our camels and trekked back to the Kasbah. Unfortunately because of the poor weather we didn't see the sunrise but that didn't diminish our trip what so ever.

A good day for lazing around (and celebration, as my stomach has stopped churning for the first time in a week!) before a night of good rest, as tomorrow we begin our 14 hour bus journey to Marrakecsh!

We eat too much bread and drink scorching hot mint tea ("Moroccan whiskey") at every meal, we pretend that we haven't heard "ahh kangaroo, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi" from every person we meet, we travel with a roll of TP and a couple of 1 dhm coins where ever we go, and with water bottle in hand. We made up our own rule of shoulders or knee's covered - one or the other, not always both in an attempt to wear more than two different outfits on our whole time in Morocco. We stop and listen to prayer time echo through the streets in the day and enjoy the afternoon winds before the still evenings arrive. We take some risks in the name of adventure and act modestly in name of safety. We always find something to laugh about every day, even if it's at our own expense. 

We appreciate the simple things, safe drinking water, clean undies and a descent place to sleep. Oh, and also a descent wifi connection, it has become quite possibly the most important tool for us while travelling.

Morocco has been a wonderful accident. As I had planned to be diving in Greece at this time, I'm now riding camels through the Sahara desert! People are tricky, many are out to harass you, deceive you and rip you off. Others are the kindest, most welcoming ("welcome to Africa!") and generous people.

It's sometimes hard to distinguish the good from the bad, but we have to learn from our experiences and not the bad prevent us from letting the good in, and letting the good blind us from the bad. It's an incredible journey within and without. I'm finding myself more and more quiet, contemplating so much of that around me and booming that into the bigger picture of life. I'm tested every day, and sometimes things do get the better of me, but I'm learning to handle it better.

I've booked my flight out of Africa in two weeks time, with an end date in sight, I feel a little more comfortable in my time ahead, knowing that it will come to an end soon, so to paint what's left the boldest and brightest of colours.

Kass xx

Swing life away

I am blown away from one week to the next with how our gypsy life unfolds...

This time last week we were enjoying  life in San Sebastián, or as we have renamed it, Pleasantville. Days spent on the beach or in the park, enjoying the sun and relaxed nature of the town. 

We love his place so much, it is just so clean and safe and beautiful. Come Friday we didn't really want to leave just yet - we could have stayed there for a good couple of weeks. 

Unexpectedly we had an extended stay... The bus we booked to Barcelona double booked out seats, or did something suspicious and our seats got given to nanna's and we were told to get off the bus as there were no more seats. Last bus of the day would see us miss our international flight, our booked accommodation in morocco and we were back in a sold out town. After much distress, we found a bed for the night and spent the rest of it on the wifi searching for a place for the next two nights.

We got a room in an apartment (a great story in itself) and settled back into Pleasantville for the weekend. Lucky for us there was a festival over the weekend and we saw The Wombats play up in the hills over looking the stunning San Sebastián beach. It was a wonderful night of music laughter and priceless views. A lot of challenges knock you when you travel (both first hand and troubles from home)  and you are left lost and confused, but you just have to roll with the punches, then it's fair to say everything works out in the end. 

We then spent one night in Barcelona before flying (a new and more expensive flight) to morocco today. First impressions is that we absolutely love this place. An incredible culture shock, but so many hidden gems.

Swinging beds on the roof of our hostel drinking mint tea and listening to Bob Marley and Chet faker (and a bit of Toto - Africa!) and having a laugh as we look around and discuss our love for the place. Strolls through the medina, admiring the incredible craftsmanship of everything from rugs, leather bags, silver... Sweating in the heat under our baggy, shoulder and knee covering hippy gypsy clothes. I love it!

There's definitely going to be more challenges ahead, I see that - but even in the darkest times you have to find a glimmer of hope and believe it's all going to work out for the best. It's hard to see that when you are down, but when you rise up (which you always do) you know it's made you stronger and perhaps a little wiser (with some great tales to tell).

Kass xx

pleasantville

Tuesday morning we packed up the wicked car and began our 4.5+ road trip to Valencia. We were heading for the La Tomatina festival - Yeww! We chilled by the beach and at our camp ground until Wednesday morning at 7am when we headed on our one hour journey to Bunol.

Everyone was excited and it was a sea of white clothing, goggles and go-pros. We made our way up to station 4, where we had view of the lard-covered pole with a ham at the top. Punters attempted to climb up the pole to collect the ham, which would begin the Tomato throwing festivities. During the while large crowds of people are drinking, chanting, singing and jumping around in the ice cold water being sprayed around. Funny costumes and crowd pleasures kept everyone entertained until 11am when the water canons went off which marked the start of the tomato throwing. The crowd went wild as enormous trucks rolled through the town - pelting tomatoes at people. People jammed onto the footpath, ten  people deep when in reality it would accommodate two or three, it felt as if I would come out with one rib less. After the trucks passed the real havoc broke loose with a trail of tomatoes left behind. People would jump around on the tomatoes and kick their feet until it turned to slush. It poured through the streets above ankle deep.

Solid tomatoes and hand fulls of slush were thrown around for up to two hours, with several trucks passing through. Goggles became more tomato collectors than eye protectors, with everyone reporting some kind of eye seeping for a few days after the event. It smelt, it seeped into everything and it followed you everywhere. On your way walking back to the bus parking, locals were standing in the streets with hoses, aiding those lathered head to toe in tomatoes. When we got to the bus we had to change clothes, and endure a one hour stinky bus ride home. Swims at the beach, several scrubs and washes later, I feel like I am sill finding tomato in places!

After spending the next wonderful day exploring the city of Valencia, I drove over five and a half hours back to our crib. We were diverted off the highway by the navman and I was having to drive the most insane winding road on the edge of a cliff over the sea! It felt it went on forever, my windscreen was foggy and I had a trail of cars behind me. You could say I was pretty happy to arrive home!

Friday I headed into Barcelona where I caught up with my sister from another mister. We had a lovely dinner and went out to a club and arrived home some time after 7am. It was a great night. Saturday we were tired and called it in early. 

Sunday (last night) I met back up with Nat and we caught an eight and a half hour bus to San Sebastian. Surprisingly time went really fast as we chatted the whole way. Today we chilled at the beach all day. We have nick-named San Sebastion “Pleasantville”. It is possibly the most gorgeous European city I have visited. With manicured gardens and flowers, clean streets and beaches - it is just beautiful.

We are holding out until tomorrow night when a band from home are playing - Tropical Zombie. One of the things i love most - live music.

Until then we will continue to laugh about wearing burkas in Morocco, where we will be arriving to on Friday; and we will keep on sun baking... and baking. 

Happy first day of Autumn San Sebastian, it has been a pleasure sharing it with you!

Good vibes, Kassie xx

hola barcelona

My last day in Italy was a long one... I hadn’t slept well the night before and I wouldn’t be leaving the house for the bus until half midnight. I ate my first and last four cheese pizza. I was dropped at the bus terminal and left for Rome at 1.30am. It was a very long and uncomfortable bus ride, arriving in Rome at 5am. Once in the airport I killed some time on a facetime call with Mum which was great. I checked in my bags at 7.30a and departed at 10am.

Once I arrived in Barcelona at midday, I high-tailed through the airport to collect my bags and met Nat who was waiting for me. I immediately felt better as I slowly recalled how to speak fluent english and have my first proper face to face conversation in weeks. I met her mate Jy and we drove back to our pad some 45 mins out of the city.

We are living in an industrial type area in a ‘studio’ which caters to almost all of our needs. We have to walk some 100m to the work shed where we have access to a bathroom and wifi. It’s cosy and and comfortable. Soon as I dropped my bags we hit the sangria before going to the supermarket where we lost each other in the isles countless times. We enjoyed antipasto for lunch and in the afternoon we went for a roadtrip to visit some new friends. Upon arrival we had a beautiful BBQ dinner prepared by the parents and enjoyed getting to know our new friends. After dinner we were hired as gardeners for a few hours around their incredible Spanish home. Coming out with fourty euro was brilliant - equivalent to two full days working in Greece! We stayed the night there and enjoyed lazing around the following morning as it was raining outside. On our way out we stopped in the nearby town and had a wonderful 3 course lunch - starter, main, dessert with beer and coffee. I must say I have always cracked on about Italy’s food... but Spain - I think you are giving them a run for their money!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday have all been lazy days around the pad. No rush to get anywhere or do anything so we stumble around sleepy eyed until the afternoon where we might head to the local shopping centre and grab a couple of things or catch the train into Barcelona. We make lavish lunches - of seafood and antipasto and enjoy wine with every meal. This is living. Saturday afternoon we did some walking around Barcelona before stopping at a roof top bar and sharing a bottle of wine. A little further we stumbled across a nice square of restaurants off La Rumbla where we had lobster paella, a couple of bottles of wine and the most wonderful chocolate fondue cake. I spent more on dinner than I can ever imagine spending on myself before, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself! I was so stuffed after dinner, I fell asleep on the bus coming home.

It’s Monday today and unfortunately the cloud cover continues, disrupting our desire to relax at the beach. Later in the day the three of us will take a Wicked Van and road trip towards Valencia where we will spend the next few days at La Tomatina festival - aka the biggest tomato fight in the world! We will most likely come back on Friday where we will spend the weekend here and embark on our next road trip to San Sebastian which is approximately 6 hours north west. We will enjoy a few days there next week before coming back to Barcelona on the weekend where we look to be heading to our next destination - Morocco!

We heard it would be cold in Germany for Octoberfest so we just decided to go to Morocco instead! Ride a camel through the Sahara desert - why not!

It’s wonderful to not have an itinerary to be bound by, to make spontaneous decisions about where we are going to travel to, and what we are going to do next. Lucky I booked my flight home otherwise it would be very easy to stay on here. 

Not knowing what is around the corner is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

I have no doubt that it is going to be challenging along the way, but for what I am coming to learn and experience - priceless.

Going places, Kassie xx

blessing in disguise

Italy has been just what my soul needed. After feeling lonely, lost and confused after the Greece fiasco, some TLC was exactly what I needed. For one and a half weeks it is difficult to distinguish between the days as each is very much the same. 10 hours at the beach, sun baking, reading, swimming, walking and playing with the kids. I don’t have to move far to shop with the dozens of immigrants trolling up and down the beach flogging off clothing, gadgets, bikinis and more. I bought a brilliant pair of fluro green bikini’s which didn’t last more than one wear before i accidentally put them in the wrong washing pile and now they are teal and much of my clothing is now purple. Rookie error. 

Last sunday I had the pleasure of catching up with one of my friends I had made last Italy visit. It was brilliant, such a blast from the past. I have since caught up with many others who i consider family and hope to catch up with a couple more friends in the next few days before I leave, it would be a shame not to.

I have enjoyed many of my favorite italian dishes and treats with only a few more to tick off the list. I’ve eaten far too much bread and not enough pizza and pasta. Coffee is even better than I remembered and I can’t get enough cola calipo’s on hot days at the beach.

Yesterday was a celebration day in Italy - “Ferragosto”. During the day people threw buckets of water on each other at the beach and in the evening we went to a friend’s place for a garden dinner party and ate and drank like kings. At around midnight there was the most incredible display of fireworks on the beach and we have the perfect view from their balcony.

I feel I have definitely had more than sufficient time here to live and breath with the most wonderful family. I will feel quite fulfilled at the end of my visit and look forward to coming back to visit again; whether it be in 2 years or 10.

Only 5 more sleeps until the real adventure begins. I have booked a flight to Barcelona where I will meet a friend and begin a Wicked van road trip around europe for a couple weeks... No plan on when or where we are going, but taking the open road to happiness and freedom. I have 8 weeks to fill in before returning to Australia and I am going to make the very most of it! 

Taking a shit-ass job in Greece may have just turned out to be a blessing in disguise - putting me on a whole new path of adventure.

I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the flight out of here and into the unknown.

Flying free, Kass xx 

viva Italia!

It is so wonderful to be happy again!

Following my arrival in Athens, I had two days to chill out at Al and Dim’s apartment. I had a pretty rough Ios cough so was feeling very under the weather, and I was still coming down from the recent events. I had a few tears over skype and lounged around like a potato only getting out of the house once for a few minutes to buy some food (and beer). Come friday I was felling much better. I had repacked my suitcases, one for Italy, one to stay in Athens and a small pack to take to Kalamata.

Friday evening Dim and I travelled 3 hours to Kalamata where we were also joined by two of his friends. We ate dinner on the way and after arriving past 1am, we were all very tired and went straight to bed.

Saturday morning we woke late and headed into the port town of Pyros. We put the boat in the water and travelled 10-15 minutes to the beach where we played bat ball, laid in the sun and swam for the afternoon. Later in the day around 6.30pm we took the boat out and went wake boarding which was a tonne of fun. The excitement and thrill of getting up cleared my mind of any worries or troubles and I felt free again.

In the evening we ate at midnight, where I brought in my birthday eating Kalamata olives in Kalamata! It was just as exciting as the time I bought a Swiss army knife in Switzerland! We then headed to a nice outdoor cocktail bar where I was suprised with a frozen yoghurt cake amongst half a dozen of Dim’s friends which he had called in! So sweet.

Sunday was my 27th birthday. Whilst not conventional - No Australia - No family - No friends - No gifts, it was a lovely day. We drove to this incredible beach club called KOA where it was full of sun decks and bean bags viewing down upon the beach. Music playing all day, and I only got out of the bean bag once for a swim! It was very, very chilled. In the evening we ate an early dinner (for Europe) by the beach at a Greek restaurant and I ate so much I didn't think I could move. Luckily enough I was able to get moving as we then drove to some waterfalls where we trekked through rocky paths to reach the falls. I jumped in the beautiful fresh water around sunset - 8.30pm and frolicked like a mermaid. We crossed many crabs on our walk back to the car just before it fell dark.

Beach club chills, Delicious Greek cuisine, and swimming in a waterfall - A lovely birthday, I am so thankful.

On Monday we returned to Athens where I flew out to Rome in the evening. Thankfully my flight was delayed which shaved off some time from the 9 hour wait I would have in Rome for my bus to Giulianova. Athens airport was impressive - for free phone chargers and wifi - which you learn while traveling, is priceless. In Rome, our luggage was lost - but then found. Again, a little bit more time taken off my wait. I made it up to the departure area around 2am where there were bodies all over the airport floor, sleeping amongst their luggage. Perfect. I am so glad I packed a beach towel which made my rest on the tiled floor much more comfortable then some. At 8am I grabbed a muffin on my way to the bus and left for my 3 hour journey at 9am. I am so glad I decided to bring my laptop which was able to provide me with entertainment for the trip and take my mind of my nanna bladder!

When I arrived at the bus station, Judy was waiting for me. I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy as I was so overwhelmed to see her. In the car was baby Michele and I couldn't believe my eyes. What a stunning baby boy. We drove to Roseto where I had my reunion with Sonia. I ran down the beach calling “Soniaaa” and she ran from the water crying “Kaaassieee”. I grabbed her in my arms and covered here in kisses - it was like something from a movie. I couldn't take the enormous smile off my face. I was so overwhelmed with joy to be back in Italy with the people I love so much. It was like a dream. I had to keep shaking my head to see if I would wake.

In the two days I have enjoyed since arriving, it has been very relaxing as I settle back in. We wake and walk across the road to the beach where we spend the entire day. In the afternoon, around 7pm we move to the lido where we enjoy apperitivo - an alcoholic beverage and a complimentary plate of food - ie, bread cheese and salami! My favorite time of the day! Then to the apartment for dinner which is just heaven in itself. I would marry Italy if I could.

I have arrived at the most perfect time, for this coming week - everyone takes as a holiday and comes to the beach and it’s a big party. Many wonderful friends I wouldn't not have likely been able to see, let alone spend so much time with, had I arrived at another time. There is that “mean to be..”

My heart is filled with so much love and joy and I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.

I came across a lovely quote which I had on my computer last night which really resonated with me... 

“Wouldn’t it be powerful if you fell in love with yourself so deeply that you would do just about anything if you knew it would make you happy” - Alan Cohen.

To learning to love ourselves and making ourselves happy.

Kassie xx

It is always darkest before the dawn

Everything happens for a reason.. What will be will be.. It is always darkest before the dawn... 

My life in Greece has become a collection of cliche sayings in a bid to keep my head above the water.

From the outset, It didnt feel quite right. I should have known before accepting the offer to come, and I think I did - but I was so distracted by the summer and the friends that I would visit, or they would visit me that I dropped all my standards I held to the job. I dont know what got in to me. To have the job which I had dreamed of - everything I needed on one hand, or a fill in dodgy dive shop job to fill in the time.. I dont know what I was thinking. Hmm A summer vacation job, well thats what I was thinking - But let me tell you, having a summer vacation in Greece and working over summer vacation in Greece are two very different things. 

I am sure that if I was there under different circustances I could have had the time of my life. But after being utterly exhausted after working 10+ hour days, to go out in the evening was mostly painful, and then when it starts getting fun, having to leave your friends to go on without so you can get sleep for the big day ahead.... It was balls.

The job was painful from start to finish. I should have known better in the first place. I guess this was just a reminder of that. I didnt enjoy myself at all and thats not why I got into diving. The owners were malicious vindictive people who cared about nothing more than the money - particularly cash. In the 16 days I was there, they spoke nothing more than a few words to me - which again were all about the money. They were nothing but cold hard rude and abrupt. When it came to me leaving - I was insulted, threatened and thrown out - unpaid, kicked out of my apartment - treated like a piece of shit - which I have since found out is not unusual and I am the 10th instructor to be treated this way. The owners are not divers themselves and know nothing of the sorts - That should have been a prerequisite in my background check of them. Again, my bad. 

There are many examples and experiences I could itemise but I really couldnt be bothered. I am exhausted from the whole experience and I guess it has taught me so much. I should not have dropped my standards for any reason - it only put my life, the life of others and my happiness on the line. It has confirmed to me that I am a professional, and I won't drop those standards for myself, or for those I represent or teach. I guess it has taught me to be incedibly wary of my future choices, in jobs, in people, in friends. 

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck....

Thankfully the day before I left I got in touch with a very kind and professional soul who offered to pick me up and put me in the right direction - a job, a home, a way off the island, a future job in another country, so much. A background of the people I was working for and so much more. I was overwhelmed at the extended hand, someone who owes me nothing, who doesnt know me, to be willing to provide so much - thats me - thats where I align and thats the type of people I should be working with. By this stage I had already declared crisis mode and had a rough sketch of my next two weeks - calling in help from loved ones to put me up until I found my feet again - I didnt want to go back on this and I toldl her, once I find my feet I will consider taking a short term role before leaving home - just to put a nice taste in my mouth as this bad experience nearly ruined it all for me.

In a positive light, I had the pleasure of having some serious laughs, snorts and cackles with the three prawns next door. I would have been lost without them, they were always there in my emergencies (vegemite toast cravings) and when I walked out on the job. A barrell of laughs. The girls writing me a mock resume would have to be the most funniest moments in my trip. 

I went out on only a handful of occassions, and when I did it usually involved shots, cocktails and dancing on the bar  - all good times. A 2 euro Gyros on the way home was always a winner.

On my last night in Ios (which I did not know at the time) it started off pretty rough but I kept saying in the back of my head, it is for a reason. Turned out to be the most random night out - and I wish so much I hadn't been the good girl and went to bed, but stayed out wth the prawns until 8am - what a good time that would have been! It was still a great night.

There are some good memories, and thankfully they are not outweighed by the bad. Pork ribs at funpub will always be a fond memory - the best ribs I had ever eaten. Mmm....ribs....

Yesterday I caught a 6 hour ferry from Ios to Athens and was greeted by Alex's boyfriend Dim who collected me and brought me back to their apartment. I am so lucky to have good people in my life. I am so thankful. Here I will just chill out in the apartment, look for flights and ideas for travel... repack my suitcases and travel with just the one and pick up the rest before flying home.

This weekend (which is my birthday weekend) I will be spending it in Kalamatta with people I dont know. Only Alex's boyfriend, who no doubt will be the gentleman that he is and will make sure I have a very happy day, which I am very thankful for. It will be bizarre however, no friends and no family. I guess there is a first for everything.

On monday evening I wil fly to Italy where I have a long awaited reuinion with some very close friends who I nannied for 2 years ago. I can't wait to hold everyone one of them - extended family and all. There has been no place quite like Italy for rebuilding my soul.

A couple of weeks of soul building, and then who knows what may happen next, I just hope everything will fall nicely into place...

Finding joy in the struggle....

Kass xx

Stranded in Europe

So the past week has been an interesting one to say the least. With limited to no wifi connection I'll write up a proper post when I return to the mainland. I quit my job and have been left high and dry - unpaid with no accommodation. I leave iOS on Thursday and return to Athens to figure out where to from here.

Where I was working was unprofessional, unsafe, broke standards and was working for horrible owners. What a poor decision in coming here - now I wait for the clincher as to what greater reason bought me here.....

Trying to hold it together. Kass xx

Monday already!

It's 6.30pm in Greece and I realised that it is Monday.... Mermaid monday has lagged behind in two days of back-to-back overlapping dive appointments. Looking to be a very late one this evevning.

I still have a love / hate undecided feeling about greece though I think it is on the improve - well really, there wasnt much room for anything else...

I have a mountain of equipment cleaning and shop closing ahead of me so it looks like its going to be another late one.

In a nutshell, this isn't the 'lifestyle' I was hoping it would be, here in Greece anyway.

Kass xx

Summer in Greece

I have had an incredibly overwhelming week, from booking my flights to Greece, arriving here and everything that has happened in between. On the day of my flight, I had still not heard the results of my biopsy, so I had to follow this up myself. At midday the results had come through, yet due to the time constraints I could not see the specialist at the hospital and therefore had them sent to my GP.

The results that came back were CIN3, which, well, are not good. In short, I have to have part of my womb removed. I was old to cancel my trip and to have the surgery the following week. I could not quite get my head around this concept as my plane was leaving in only a few hours. After seeking some specialist advice, and consulting my 3 closest loves, I virtually had the decision made for me as I was an emotional wreck and could hardly think or talk. I would come to Greece for a couple of months and have the operation as soon as I returned. If I was to stressed about it, I could come back and have the operation sooner.

What I was also considering with this turn of events, was the offer of a wonderful job in the Cook Islands. It was a great mentor type role with so much abundance to learn and develop my skills. The time frame would have worked well from operation - recovery - new job. I had so much going through my mind, I couldn't think reasonably, though, this I think - would have been the better decision...

In a couple of hours I was dropped at the airport and on my way. I was completely emotionally exhausted and confused. I had three flights over 28 hours. I was so happy to land in Athens where I had Alexandra and her little puppy Ralphy waiting for me. Alex was wearing ski goggles which were the closest thing to a dive mask, and was holding a sign which made me laugh. We arrived at her apartment where I could finally refresh before we went out to dinner. We enjoyed a Greek salad to which I replied "do you want some salad with that feta" It was the size of my head! I enjoyed a Gyros which was a bit fat piece of bread filled with pork or chicken, salad - the best tzatziki ever, and french fries.

By the time we got home it was midnight, which I will have to get used to again, the late living hours of Europe. Dinner around 9-10pm and home around midnight. The following day I caught an early morning, 4.5 hour ferry to Ios. Thankfully I had kind people to help me carry my two suitcases up and down the stairs. I arrived with a driver waiting for me at the port and drove me to the dive centre on Mylopotas beach. There, Andrea met me and his smile couldn't be bigger. He had been running the place for the past few weeks alone and was in dire need of my help. After a few hours of hanging around, I finally made it to my apartment where I could shower and was intending to have a sleep.

The apartment had one of the most incredible views, completely looking over Mylopotas beach. It was stunning. The room on the other hand, had left a lot to be desired! A basic bathroom, with a hand held hose for a shower where the water floods the floors. They don't even provide toilet paper! Three single beds with mattresses from the 1960's. Not even double folding a blanket under my bed sheet subsides the pain from the springs penetrating my back. Much the same for the pillow. There is no cupboard room so my clothing stays in my suitcase on the floor. Somewhat worst of all, no wifi signal. The first night I got ambushed by mosquitos in my sleep and woke up with massive lumps which felt like bruises. I couldn't take my rings off my fingers had swelled up so much, i’d never had a reaction to mosquitos before but apparently that’s pretty normal here. The mosquitos are fierce.

The past three days has seen me in tears morning and night, regretting ny decision to be here and trying to swallow the bitter pillow of "what if". What if i chose to stay home, have treatment and take the Cook Islands job. I have been completely miserable and been on the verge of booking a flight straight out of here. The job is completely autonomous, which usually I would like. However to be a new instructor, and the most experienced diver in the company, with no one superior or more experienced to refer to, is completely daunting. I wouldn't use the words professional or organized in my description of the place - but as I have been reassured - we can turn that around, and we will.

I had two days of terrible diving in bad conditions which only added to my distressed state. Our dives are done form the shore which I find difficult, in charging the breaking waves on the beach to get out and dive from there. On the boat, we have to carry all of our equipment and walk to the beach where we stand in neck deep water and load our stuff up on the boat. The boat is small and it is awkward in getting the equipment on everyone before going into the water. Everything is new, and I am completely unfamiliar. I have no doubt that in time that, I will look back on my first week here and roll my eyes at myself - but until then, i just have to take it day by day, rest and try to relax.

I had a 10 hour sleep last night which took some of the edge off today, and I think if I keep heading home form work and going straight to sleep for a few days, that should fix me up some more. Lots of rest and relaxation.

For now I need to try to chill out and just relax. Lucky I have two very special people who I am on the phone to all day every day shooting me advice and helping me to calm my mind. As I am usually told, I am far to hard on myself. Im sure its not that bad and I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. I know its just like Thailand all over again, when I first arrived I completely freaked out, doubted myself and my decisions. This time next week I hope to be writing about how my life is all sunshine and rainbows!

Trying to keep that chin up and the dream alive.

Kass xx 

you never ever know if you never ever go

Feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. I leave for Greece tomorrow.

Since booking my flights only a week ago, I have experience much anticipation on the arrival of my new action camera, and the arrival of Alex’s hair extensions. Thankfully all arrived ahead of time, giving me time to focus on other things.

I am a very drawn out suitcase packer. I like to scour every cupboard and drawer, every shelf and container, containing the copious amounts of personal property I own. I then pool the stuff I want to take and then start the culling process from there. It’s only then that i feel satisfied about my decisions of what 30kg of personal property shall accompany me on my next journey.

It was to my absolute delight that my airline allows an extra bag /10kg for sporting equipment, allowing me to designate one entire suitcase to my gear, and one whole entire suitcase to myself! After the last trip, this is an incredible luxury. With plenty of time up my sleeve, it was quite therapeutic to be ironing and rolling my clothes and using the tetris method to pack my suitcase - its incredible how my suitcase packing skills have developed to ensure i’m getting the most out of my space!

With many last minute errands, I was still holding my own up until today. The reality of saying “see you soon” to so many wonderful people pulled a few heart strings and with only a day to go I had a few tears when I threw myself into the arms of a girlfriend who came to see me this afternoon. I have no doubt that I will have a great time, as each adventure has proven to be, but there always seems to be some overwhelming emotional distress right before I leave, or right upon arrival which does subside with time.

As I near the last comforts (and winter chills!) of home, I appreciate the wonderful people who have visited me and shown me a great time since I have been home. Many laughs and many wonderful conversations.

As it goes, ‘When it rains it pours’. Today I was offered the job in the Cook Islands to which I had a good eye on. Unfortunately the start date was smack bam in the middle of me being in the Greek Islands and I had to decline. 

Only two weeks ago I was freaking out about not being able to land myself a job, and next minute i’m flying to the Greek islands for the summer and turning down a job in the Cook Islands. Oh how things have changed!

This time next week I will be sharing my stories about my first week in the Greek Islands! Bring on summer!

Love and sunshine, Kassie

The next adventure begins!

Okay, so now I feel a little bit guilty after being such a dippy downer since being home because in a flash I am off again! With some perspective, it is interesting to look back and reflect on how I really felt being home and what was going on in my head and my heart.

This past week I tried a lot harder on my positive thinking, giving thanks and mentally preparing for what I wanted to happen next. It really does take a lot of practice and continual cultivation. 

Thankfully the old "It's not what you know, it's who you know" prevailed and one of my fellow interns who is working in IOS, GREECE happened to advise me that they were looking for another instructor. I was asked to come ASAP and everything just changed so quickly! This past week I have also had a positive response from another business, which would be a great move for my career, should they accept me and I start after the Greece job. In any case, though it may not be a 5 star PADI CDC or IDC, or a 5 start resort to which I was hoping to step back into... it is a step to getting me back there. 

It is so important for me to continue practicing what I learnt and getting as much experience as possible, regardless of where that may be. Also to my benefit to live with and work with someone I have before is an advantage. Not to mention I will be taking personal advantage of his love for training to get my ass into shape for the Euro summer - Though it may take the whole summer to happen!

To truly make this experience even more exciting, some of my best friends are travelling to Ios at the same time I will be there, and I will teach them to dive! Let alone having one of my best friends picking me up from Athens airport and having a sleep over on my first night! The stunning international model Alex Ford! I can't wait to meet her little puppy Ralphy! Also being close to all the friends I made when I was in Italy, I'm sure I will see some more familiar faces during the summer, and no doubt I will make many, many new friends!

It is going to be a very interesting and exciting time in Greece, as it will be a completely different lifestyle to that I was living in the Maldives. As far as what to wear at work - I was told I could just wear a bikini! Chalk and cheese!

So now I have a real push to get everything i need to done within the next few days in order to be completely prepared and comfortable while away.

Thankfully I ordered my action camera for underwater photography purposes and it should arrive JUST in time before I depart! Fingers and toes crossed! Then I can make some fully sick videos for your viewing pleasure!

I hope to have my biopsy results back from last week, with nothing to worry about by the time I leave. After taking 3 days to recover from what felt like Freddy Kruger had riped out my cervix and thrown it under a bus, that that should be the last of it. I ain't got time fo dat!

Time to reserve my flight and start packing and truly enjoy the last week I have at home!

Be happy with where you are and what you are doing. Recognise that even if its not where you dream to be, that it is a step in getting you there. 

Love and happiness, 

Kassie