It’s funny how everything always comes together at once. I’ve been planning my trip since the start of the year and had a reasonably quiet time on the freelance front. Now a week out, I’m standing in the kitchen burning my tongue on dumplings straight off the pan, starving, while typing this so I get it up on time tonight. In addition to returning home late from my day job because I was submitting freelance work for approval. Walking home from work seems to be the only time I get to myself lately. Nevertheless, next Friday is going to feel that much sweeter knowing I’m leaving it all behind for three weeks. I haven’t actually talked about what I’m doing while I’m away yet so it’s about time we tackle that.
Wearing:
Aje Bennett Dress (It’s On Sale!)
Witchery Mini Bag (Similar Here)
Mi Piaci Boots (Similar Here)
Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Reliquia Necklace
The original idea came about when my friend Grace got engaged over a year ago. She had always said her wedding would be in the UK (he’s English) so that’s where I knew I was heading. From there obviously I had to add on a holiday – so I’m meeting one of my good friends Abbie over there. She’s been living in Amsterdam and is about to move back to Melbourne, so it’s the perfect time to see her off before her next chapter. We’re planning on going to Turkey followed by Portugal, then Grace’s wedding. I’ll hang around London to catch up with friends for a little bit and then I’m off to ….drumroll… New York!
If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know that NYC is my favourite city ever since my blogging trip in 2015. It was so surreal to be able to visit there as a 21-year-old for work, but I’m going to be so stoked to go back and have more of my own personal experience as a 25-year-old. Plus, my must-do list has been growing this entire time, so I already have heaps planned. It’s actually crazy to think that I didn’t travel much at all last year so I’m itching to get away again.
While I’m away I’m hoping to get a better perspective on things here. I get such a high from travelling and being able to experience what I do from my own pocket. I also love being able to catch up with close friends that are at the same life stage as me – which a lot of people in Auckland around me aren’t. It always helps me leave behind the little anxieties that wake me in the night, and honestly, often makes them seem so insignificant.
I find it a great time to make future plans too, without the influence of your comfortable life around you. The last time I was away living in South Korea it solidified my need to move back home. And while I am really enjoying living in New Zealand, I know it’s not forever, so maybe this is what I need to decide my next move. Either way, I’m so damn excited.
In other news, I bought this dress in the Melbourne sales the other weekend and I’m obsessed. It fits so well and looks so very cool-girl with my new Witchery mini bag. Australia sales puts every one of ours to shame. My Dad took these photos when we went down to Mount Maunganui the other week where it was much warmer. Oh I miss that place, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Plus, that sea breeze though! That has to be my number one reason for wanting to move back to Australia in the future: the beach.
I hope to be able to consistently blog while I’m travelling, but just in case, make sure you keep up with Kendra (lol) by following my Instagram. I’d also love any recommendations before I go if you have them – the more local the better. I actually haven’t been to Turkey or Portugal so I can’t wait to try new foods, experience new cultures and just get that heartbeat racing brought on by the unknown. That feeling that reminds you you’re alive, ya know?
