My name is not Linda

Two weeks in Cuba was, well, 'an experience'. Second to Morocca, or Perhaps Morocco second to Cuba, it was the most culturally shocking country I had travelled to. Everything was backwards, outdated, and difficult. Some people are eluded by this as a charm, and perhaps some people do have that experience. But for me,everything was a struggle. Communicating, eating, goods and services, Internet, anything you needed to do, good luck to you. I love to detach from the cyber world, stay in places with no cell reception, totally disconnect from the outside and reconnect onthe inside, but the place where I seemed to need that external lifeline most, and it was not readily available. Men calling out on the streets, calling out 'che lindaaaa' or something like that which meant beautiful.... Me, my reply, my name is not Linda and walked on. there is only so much you can tolerate.

Three nights in Havana was well enough, in fact I was done after I'd arrived. Unfortunately a bum steer in the location and place where I stayed attributed to the lack of enjoyment I had in the city. Understanding now the area I should have stayed, places I should have visited; if known earlier, I could have possibly been quite taken by the place. The next destination was Vinales. My stresses were already lessening on the 7 hour bus ride as we rode through some of the most green and luscious fields and mountains I'd seen. Upon arrival we were flocked with women at the bus station hounding us to stay at a room in their house. This was actually a favourable event, as it took the search out of our hands and was right at our feet. We went with one woman who was relentless and it turned out to be an alright place. The owner was a real kook, but it made us laugh everyday at her strange behaviour.

The following day we rode horses through Vinales mountains. We stopped at a cigar farm, coffee farm, waterfall and a lake. It was a pleasant experience. The scenery reminded me soo much of Borneo. The next day we were on the road again, next stop Ceinfuegos. Not a lot to report on the place, we ended up staying just the one night as the attractions were all long distances away and very expensive, and we could see much the same at the next place. I bought a nice pair of sandals to replace ones that broke, that was my highlight of the town. On the road again, we took a bus to Trinidad. This is the place we were all mostly looking forward too. Same deal upon arrival, and I nominated to go and pick from the screaming crowd which one would be our home for our stay. A young woman with a nice smile who first took my attention was the winner. We were incredibly pleased with our rooms, and we had a reasonable stay whilst there. In Trinidad we spent a few hours at the beach one day, we rode horses to some waterfalls on another. Met up with some lovely Sydney gals and had some drinks on the steps at Casa De La Musica. We also went to a nightclub inside a cave which provided interesting entertainment (the put my friend on a table and lifted it with their mouths whilst she was blindfolded holding a snake). We ate some great food whilst there (especially for Cuba) and enjoyed the charm of the cobblestone roads and horse and cart transport. Of course, we encountered many issues as you do in Cuba, with constantly being asked for money (entrance fee, tip for waiter, tip for each individual band and dance act that performed, pay for the revolting toilets....shall I continue!) stopping a tour and asking for more than the agreed price or we would be turned around, paid twice the price for water from stores which were labelled, simply because you were a tourist. We experienced not being given change from a $20 for one drink, being hassled upon leaving the casa for an extra $15 per night... It was endless. We were becoming very exhausted by the constant battery. It was so unfortunate because I think Trinidad could have been such a highlight, but as with everything in Cuba, there was just so much low light.

Our next and final destination was Veradero. A lot of travellers skip this place because it is "touristy" aka for holiday makers, but this was by far the most pleasant of places we stayed. We had a man scoop us up upon arrival and take us to his Casa just a few metres away. We had our own private room, with bathroom, kitchen and balcony. We were 100m from the beach and in the centre of the town. We really scored well with this one, with the most accomodating and kind hearted owner, even changed all our linen half way through our stay, provided drinks upon arrival and would bend over backwards to ensure we were happy and comfortable. It was so refreshing. There was an international bank close by where changing cash was quick and hassle free. Okay food and prices, and easy transport system with a tourist sight seeing bus which ran up and down the town, hop on hop off for $5 a day. We spent days wandering and laying at the beach, reading and I did a dive trip whilst there. It was a quite underwhelming, but it was another country I could add to the list, that I have explored both above land and below sea.

I had purchased a new flight to head back to Mexico a week early, on the same one with the two girls. there was no way in hell I was doing another week alone, let alone being able to afford it. An unfortunate extra expense, but necessary one. Flying into Cancun was incredibly exciting, and I was bursting at the seems to get off that plane. Straight onto a bus to Tulum and I was smiling ear to ear the whole time. As the bus neared the station I was already in the aisle with my day pack on my back, ready to jump out the door before it had opened. I didn't wait for my bag to be handed to me, but grabbed it and was just short of running back to my home of "chill in" hostel. I opened the door where all my friends from the hostel were, I threw my bags on the floor and embraced them with overwhelming happiness. We drank beer and chilled and caught up on the two weeks that passed while I was away.

I spent four nights back in my home which was enough for me to reconnect with my pals, eat delicious foods, and enjoy some new unexplored sights. There were four of us one day and we hired scooters to travel 40km to Cobá. It was so much fun. We swam inside a spectacular underground cenote, visited the ancient Mayan site and climbed a pyramid. We stopped for meal before headed back where we got rained in for over an hour. When we got on the scooters in light rain, we were soon caught in torrential rain. We stopped and took cover under an alter at the front of someone's house, completely drenched and huddled in with out little helmets, laughing hysterically at out situation. This happened twice again before I braved it and drove the rest of the distance back to the hostel. I had a moth fly down my dress whilst riding, rain pelting so hard it felt like rubber bands being flicked at my chest, could hardly see through the water in my eyes, was freezing cold, longing for warmth. However, it was the most fun and funny experience, where I have laughed so incredibly hard, and have such a fond momeory with the three others I shared it with that day.

Still struggling with being without my friend, I determined it was time to move on, and have a change of scenery. Perhaps that would lessen the reminders. I travelled solo to Bacalar which is known for its seven coloured lake. I met a lovely girl who shared a cab with me to the hostel where we got the last rooms in the house. And by rooms I mean miniature sized tents, and by house, I mean yard. It was a nice setting, where you spend your time sitting on the jetty, swimming in the lake and chilling in a hammock. It was pleasant, but the vibe in the hostel wasn't completely gelling with me, and on my second day when the torrential rains hit and flooded my tent, I took a mattress to a dorm where I became friends with the crew, and slept on the floor and high tailed out of there the next day.

I was prepped, and surprisingly headed out of Mexico! I absolutely loved what I saw and have soo very much more to see, but with a cup of concrete for breakfast, I was headed for my first boarder crossing into Belize...

Jamaica no problem

From the 26th of August until the 26th of September was the most amazing time. Two weeks in Cancun was spent mostly at the hostel with a few day trips thrown in. Most days spent drinking in or around the pool, filling up an esky and drinking at the beach. Always by my side from the time I landed was my friend Luis. Vibrant, happy and soulful, the days were always spent laughing, singing, dancing, and conversing in Spanglish. I preferred my time in Cancun at the hostel Opposed to being a tourist, making new friends everyday, drawing on people's experiences of places they have been and jumping on board places they intend to travel next. Mostly solo travellers like myself which is a huge comfort, and mostly all winging it like me also. Few and far between were small groups of friends travelling, but on restricted time, trying to cram on all the tourist spots within a couple of days, needless to say I'm pretty stoked with my unlimited timeframe. 

As many of the days in Cancun were my favourite, one of the best highlights was taking a day trip to playa del carmen. We headed there in the early afternoon and upon arrival at the beach Luis went to get some beers. When he came back, he had a home made esky from cardboard boxes, a bag of ice, two six packs and a surprise michelada mix for me. We drank all afternoon, swam, laughed, spoke in our broken Spanglish and watched the sunset before dinner and a bus back to Cancun. We both fell asleep and had the driver waking us at the station once the bus was empty. The following night would end up being our last in Cancun. I was starting to get a little cabin fever and booked my next leg to Tulum which is roughly two hours south. The last night in the hostel we had a pool party and took plenty of snaps and videos which truly captured the energy of the evening.

It was the 9th of September Luis joined me for the trip to Tulum with an onward journey home to Chile in sight. We checked in at Chill In, which would become our home for the next 17 nights. I can't believe how that time has flown. Our first night was ladies night at a local bar and we drunk and danced until the early hours of the morning. That following day for me was hell with an epic hangover in the most incredible heat. That night we went to the beach with the hostel crew, 13 of us all crammed into a van with the plan to watch turtles lay eggs and release hatchlings to the sea. Unfortunately most people had such a big day that soon as we set up our sheets on the beach, and our heads hit the sand we all fell asleep with only a couple waking for the experience. The Stars were the most incredible I had seen, with the Milky Way so clear. I saw a shooting star, made a wish and that's all until I remember until waking up at sunrise for a dip, before we all headed back to the hostel.

The following day we headed to the Tulum ruins in the scorching heat of the day. The location was gorgeous but due to the heat, we briskly took photos and shuffled out in under 45 minutes. That afternoon my pal started to fall ill. Aches and pains, a headache, I thought perhaps a hangover until it rapidly progressed into a full blown fever. It lasted for some 3/4 days where the decline in health and wellbeing was overwhelming to see. I played doctor until a few days in when he was able to get about and eat again, we treated ourselves to a big salad for lunch. We had been disinfecting lettuce while in Cancun but on this day, we totally dropped the ball. We soaked it in filtered water, but by no means was that enough. That evening I spent rushing from bed to the bathroom at least two dozen times. The following day I was exhausted and slept with a fear to move anywhere other then my bed. The roles were soon reversed with me now playing patient. I was waited on hand and foot, even spoon fed jelly before being dragged from bed to be taken to the hospital. We negotiated to me just being taken to the doctor where it was a no brainer for him that I had a bacterial infection from the lettuce. Three types of antibiotics and as soon as I took the first round, all bodily movements stopped, however I had to put up with the most incredible cramps and pains for the next five days. Whilst at the doctor, Luis had a referral for blood tests which came back the dengue fever. We were then known as "dengue man and bacteria girl" at the hostel for the rest of our stay. This is what had our stay there extended and I guess why it didn't feel like it was really 17 days. Talking with mum she said how horrible it must be to be so sick and so far from home. However the thought had not even crossed my mind. I had five star treatment, it was so lucky that each of us experienced our illness while with each other. The only thing which could have made it any better was an air conditioned room.

In no time at all, we had become part of the Chill in family. The hostel was family run and we had become honorary family members. We would never wake in time for breakfast so Teresa would secretly stash our plates of food in the microwave for when we did wake. It was such a homely place. Suzanna the three month old kitten stole our hearts and we were forever laughing at her running about the place, falling asleep on the first lap she could find. We managed to fit in a few trips out of the hostel in our window of good health. Bike rides to the beach, two cenotes, another trip to Playa Del Carmen for Micheladas, a couple of trips to the gorgeous Akumal bay beach, and I had a day of diving. After 16 months, my welcome back into the underwater world was a good one. The Pit, Dos Ojos and Carwash were the three cenotes we dived. Carwash was by far the most incredible with a layer of mud and sediment a couple of metres above the floor gave it a mystical fairytale feel, with colours of green and blue sitting above crystal clear water. The photos speak for themselves. 

CARWASH CENOTE - Tulum

Our daily ritual continued on from Cancun with trips to the supermarket and hours spent cooking in the kitchen. My own personal chef was beyond incredible, and I loved being the assistant, though I often felt like I was more of a drag then a help in the way of a professional. Right up until our last day, where we didn't even spend the day at the beach as planned, but spent hours in the kitchen making Empanadas. In the evening Tulum cried heavily for us with heavy rain which did not let up. After a few beers and tequilas we went out to a local bar where we had "just one beer" five times... We danced and danced and danced before I put on the brakes at 3am knowing we had to be out of the hostel on the way to the airport in a couple hours. In true form we cooked up a storm of ham and cheese croissants on the stove before passing out.

ROADTRIP TO AKUMAL

A couple of hours later it was near impossible for either of us to wake, but we had no other option. Still half cut we finished packing and began our journey to Cancun airport. It was still raining and we weren't feeling top notch. Late, but still in time, I checked into my flight to Havana, Cuba. Feeling a bit regretful about the trip, it was to late to change my mind. I could always come back. After a drawn out goodbye and a blinking back of tears, we parted ways. One to Cuba, one to Chile. Until we meet again...

A one hour flight to Havana gave me no time to sleep. At the airport I didn't even have time to blink before "Charlie" (Carlos) a taxi driver whisked me up in his old blue car and had me on my way to my "hostel". At the traffic lights he bought us a paper of peanuts which we enjoyed while listening to the Beatles which he blasted from his car. At the "hostel" the landlord spoke no English. I was meant to be meeting two girls I met in Tulum that arrived the day before. I was told they weren't there. I started to freak out. They were the reason I came and I hadn't even considered being a solo traveller in Cuba. For a couple of hours I was completely distressed. I had no other option but to book a night. I was taken to an apartment room around the corner into a room with four beds and I was the only check in. My world was turned upside down and all I could think of was getting on a flight back to Mexico. Once in the room I ugly cried for a good few minutes before telling myself to pulling it together. Go to sleep at 5pm and face the day tomorrow. Soon following, someone came into the apartment. I blurted "do you speak English??!!" And to my relief he did. Leonardo from Brazil was also travelling alone and was also somewhat distressed about his arrival and short time in Cuba. We latched onto each other as I told him the situation of the girls not being here and having yet another cry. I had a little nap to sleep of the emotions; and when I woke around 8pm we went for a walk to get some dinner (though I had absolutely no appetite).

Walking the streets in darkness, the poverty and squaller was confronting. He bought me a beer as I had no local money and told me to be happy. I know that these moments happen when you travel. You are put in an uncomfortable situation and its fight or flight, and my instinct is flight. A feeling of complete loss. I felt so empty and alien in this country. It was very culturally shocking and to travel here solo was appearing to be madness, let alone not being able to speak Spanish. You have the feeling of complete loss, but you know that it always turns around; however keeping that light of hope in such a distressing time is difficult. It was late and we walked back where i began writing this blog before falling asleep. The following morning I woke to it pouring rain outside. I remembered my situation, which was exaggerated by saying goodbye to best friend the day before and I brushed away more tears. It was painful to pull myself from the featel position which I laid, however I had a plan to find wifi (incredibly difficult, expensive and slow) and book a flight back to Mexico in a couple of days. I gave myself a pep talk when I realised the torture I was putting myself through in my thoughts and told myself to think nothing but positives about being here. We walked via the Revoltutionary square which was a good geez with gorgeous old cars in the streets. I found where the post office was which would be open the following day for postcard duty to home, a cash exchange so I could finally have some local cash (yes I had only just arrived but I can be quite hard on myself) and we walked around Havana for hours. I was feeling just remotely more comfortable. We ate a reasonable lunch of chicken and rice for 2CUC ( approx $3.50 Aud) and I had finally come to understand the two currencies which are used (which was also one of the very daunting things I was freaking out about the day before - everything was just to difficult). We took a couple snaps in an old car without charge and I bought a wifi card on the street for 3CUC to contact home and arrange for my flight change. I felt like in 24 hours I was done. I'd seen the cars, walked the streets and was ready to head home. There were no other travellers, no hostel environment, people only spoke Spanish and interactions were difficult. It's hard to encapsulate the experience unless you have seen Havana yourself. Everything is rundown, poverty is everywhere, people pissing and pooing in the streets. It was incredibly confronting. Once I send a postcard and buy a cigar, I felt like my experience was complete and I had no other reason to struggle around on my own for a further three weeks. I was ready to hit Central America. It took thirty minutes to try to connect to the wifi where in another forty minutes I was only able to send and receive a couple of messages. I asked for a flight within a couple of days, I didn't care for the details, just book and I'll check the wifi in the evening to get them and go.

When I got back to the apartment a letter was left for me with the girls!! They were here and staying seven floors above me in the apartment. I could not believe it. I don't even have the energy to explain the fiasco with with landlord and giving us both wrong information. The girls told them the day before I would come, name time everything. When I Arrived I gave the same. But no. This idiot told me they booked and didn't arrive and when I arrived looking for two Australian girls who checked int he day before, gave names and even found a photo, nothing. No clue. I don't even have words for how moronic they were and how much distressed was caused! Anyway, I met the girls and we moaned about how idiotic the landlord and staff were and that we would resume which was to be a group travel in Cuba. We would struggle our way through this country together. Two guys from Germany had also checked into my room so we all met in the lounge for a beer before heading out for dinner and a drink... We were all so happy to interact with fellow travellers in this country. The boys had been travelling in Cuba for 9 days and had not met any others. This place truly is a different world.

We headed out for dinner where the already minimum menu was reduced as they had run out of ingredients/food which is a common occurrence. I used the remaining ten minutes of wifi in a public zone and advised mum that I'd found the girls and I'd leave Havana the following day and try another destination. I'd got to her in the nick of time before she confirmed payment for my emergency flight out. In any case the next chance I get to find wifi I'll most likely book a much earlier flight out than what was already booked for three weeks out. Crazy.

Today I woke still with a pit of emotion and a desire to be back in Mexico. I know that everything is exaggerated and inflamed and I am viewing everything through a veil of sadness as I don't have my best friend by my side. I just have to push through. The morning was a fiasco of Dana trying to get money from a bank. After our third one, success and we couldn't be happier for her success. Timing was on point to get out of the apartment and to the bus station. No time for wifi or post office, however thankfully and surprisingly I could buy a stamp and post from the bus station. Now the three amigos are travelling three hours to Vinales for two nights, let's hope it's a beauty!

I am repeating daily mantras from my best friend to see me through the tough times, "Jamaica no problem", "Take it easy", and "All is possible". What an incredible human being to leave such a positive mark in my life, and what a pleasure it was to see it shared with every person he met. It's my hope I can do this for others.

Enormous love, Kassie x

Apocolypta Kassie shark girl

After nine late nights in Cancun, i am laying in my own bed for the first time, with an opportunity to reflect on the time that has been thus far...

Arriving in Mexico was easy and relaxed. I waited for my pick up for an hour before borrowing a phone to find out I would need to catch a taxi. Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by the owner, Monica and "upgraded" to a 6 bed girls dorm with private bathroom. It turned out to be  a score even though I've hardly slept in there! The hostel was buzzing with dinner on the cook, and a sweaty sexy Chilean chef Luis slaving over the Bbq. It was the first night for me, and the last night for a couple of mad dawgs in the hostel so it was a feast of rump steak, pork ribs, chicken wings and all the trimmings. If this is what free breakfast and dinner looks like, I'm going to be in food heaven. A large long table with bright colourful table cloth ran through the centre of the  outdoor area of the hostel. Cold beers all round and tequila on the house, the party started not long after we ate!

After a couple of hours of being here, i had initiation of tequila being poured down my throat, a swim with Derek the fat duck (novelty pool filter) and then the antics began - thrown in the pool with clothes on (so I have come to learn it happens ALL the time), boys doing naked backflips in the pool, endless pegging of pool toys at each other's heads, shoulder wrestling, lots of cocktails, dancing, flirting, and so on... At 3am I was told I had to pop my Mexican taco cherry because they are not at all like we have them at home. Soaking wet in our clothes we stumble down the road where we enjoyed a feast. Two of the Aussie boys went for hot dogs, and mi amigo "jimmy" ate five! We went back and partied until sometime between 4am - 6am (standard) before starting again the next day. It wasn't until day 3 or 4 I actually ventured out of the hostel and further than the corner store.

First day at the beach with 5 new pals, we filled an esky with Havana and home made sugar lime syrup and bought some lunch supplies. We are enjoyed cocktails in overcast weather, still enjoying the Caribbean Ocean (that's right, Caribbean! I'm in the freaking Caribbean Sea!). We watched epic storm clouds form, rain in the distance and thunder and lightening, but all avoiding us. It was amazing, and also a reality check that it doesn't take sunshine to be in awe of the glorious Mother Nature.

A day trip to a local island of Isla Mujeres had me the darkest burn/tan in only a couple hours. Painful way to catch up on the holiday tan. Today my skin is covered in blisters and patchy peeling. The sun here is incredible. Time is mostly spent partying at the hostel, swimming in the pool and drinking with new friends every day. Breakfast in the afternoon, late nights (or early mornings) and repeat.

Today we went on a boat trip to swim with whale sharks. It was not so much swimming as it was jumping of the boat, swimming for 30 seconds to get a quick video chase and a couple photos, then back in the boat. In any case it was an honour to be in the ocean so close to them. I have acquired the self-titled position of head potterer around the hostel, assisting with the daily dinner shopping duties and assisting at meal time which is blast. I've become incredibly fond of this hostel and already extended my stay, with perhaps a week longer.

Everyday I laugh so hard, smile always, and am as happy as a pig in poop, I have a acquired a new nickname, and more wonderful shared experiences which is topping me right up. My heart is so freaking big and bright. Being told by people i meet that their first impressions of me are my smile, happiness and helpfulness is a pretty good sign I'm on the right track. I love this life. I love me.

The only consequence is that I have become so fond of the hostel, and the staff. I am comfortable and safe which is going to be hard when the time (whenever that may be) comes to leave. This place is my home. But I rest in the comfort of knowing this is only just the beginning! So many more awesome adventures to be had. Trying to soak it all up, and thoroughly be present in each moment that unfolds. Paying attention to the details of each day and the wonderful times being experienced.

As far as the next adventure goes, I am looking at flying into Cuba this month. Cuba keeps popping up in my face so I think I should head there next and soak up some culture. Perhaps then a journey over to the Pacific Coast of South Mexico and eventually headed into Central America. Then again, I could get a job and stay here for 3 months, I could end up in Jamaica, straight down to South America, or who knows what else... The joys of having no plans!

Im having the time of my life. Don't worry, be happy xx

Here we go

"When I fly to Mexico Tomorrow..." was an actual sentence that I was able to say today...

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