SaltyBug

A love letter to Faial and a magical moment. Faial is one of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Expect colourful houses, green rolling hills and stunning vistas along with incredible stories and lore. Walk around the Caldera and marvel at the beauty and power of nature. I’ve made friends for life and created memories I’ll cherish forever on this extraordinary adventure. @zara_passportforliving @heartopeneraims @rachels_ruminations @lenii.nenii @cha__frn #invited #explore #azores #portugal #faial

I had the great pleasure of working with the team at @biosphereexpeditions in the Azores, Portugal on this expedition collecting data on migrating whales and dolphins. What an incredible opportunity to not only get up close to these beautiful creatures, but to do something worthwhile while I was there. It’s called #citizenscience and I’ll be writing all about it so stay tuned. I’m not going to lie, it was cold and so brutal - I had such severe sea sickness that by the end I wasn’t able to go onto the boat. But, at the end of the day, a gin at Peter’s Sport Cafe set me right. There were so many highlights - seeing a Blue Whale was a dream come true, but meeting this group of incredible people has been the very best part of the trip for me. It’s rare to join a group of strangers, and within days, become the very best of friends. Thanks to @zara_passportforliving for some of these images and video. Didn’t we have a blast! 💓 #Invited #azores #whalewatching #Portugal

What I love about street art is the interplay between the art, it’s surroundings and community. It’s always rich in story and place, and to discover all of this is a real treat. Taking a street art tour of a place you’re visiting is one of the best ways to get to know the neighbourhood whose cobblestones, or roads, you are stepping on. This Lisbon Street Art Tour with the wonderful Erica was a fascinating dive into Portugal, and believe it or not – this isn’t all of it. My favourite part was this set of steps that’s a public art space, where anyone can come along and create. What a brilliant idea. People’s front doors sit along this massive staircase too, and one artist painted a bird just for a lady who lived there, so every day when she looks out her window, she gets to see a beautiful piece of art that was created just for her. Isn’t that a lovely expression of care and thoughtfulness. #streetart #walkingtour #lisbon #portugal #solotravels

My latest article is up.

'This adults-only getaway is only 2 hours from Perth. It revived my marriage.' Pure bliss.

New article for Mamamia.com.au

My latest article for Mamamia.com is up now at Mamamia.com.au. It was such a blast spending this time with the kids in this most beautiful place. #wathedreamstate #invited #greatsouthernwa #parenting #lifewithteens

This was the most lovely getaway with the kids in Denmark, Western Australia.

The Family Reset I didn't Know We Needed This escape was exactly what my family needed.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HR9pzGYBr/

The Cambodian eatery where your dinner choice quietly changes lives Diners’ bills make a big difference.

My first feature for NZ Herald - revisiting a favourite memory from my first trip to Cambodia. It's great to see that Friends is not only still going - but it's thriving. Put it on your 'places to visit' if you're headed to Siem Reap.

Lisbon is known for its colourful tiles. Here are just a few. Be careful not to buy antique and vintage original tiles - they are often illegally taken off buildings. Rather, visit a local ceramicist, many reproduce them and they aren’t expensive to buy. #lisbon #portugal #ceramics #colour

It’s an early start today, aren’t the streets lovely bathed in gold. #lisbon #portugal

I’ve had two and a half days in Lisbon, walking thousands of steps as I’ve explored this incredible city. The sound of sweet birdsong echoes down the streets as I take in the colour and texture of this city - it’s captivating. The guesthouse I’m staying in is so lovely and my window with its little Juliette balcony faces onto the road. I sit in bed at night listening to trams rumble with their clanging bells, and the sounds of cutlery and voices from the restaurant below float upstairs into my room. In the morning pigeons coo as they sit staring into my room. It’s glorious. There have been lows - an attempted mugging about five minutes after stepping into the street - don’t worry, I’m ok, nothing was taken. And while it rattled me for a moment, it hasn’t dulled my sense of adventure. Besides, there are too many good things here to focus on, like hot, fresh baked Pastel De Nata with coffee. I’ve lost count of how many of these little delights I’ve enjoyed. I’ve perused the shelves of the oldest working bookshop in the world (and bought myself a little treat). I’ve met some wonderful new friends from all corners of our beautiful earth and dined beneath ancient cathedral walls overlooking this stunning place. Did you know that during sunset the colours of the distant buildings seem to light up more brightly. It’s really something special. Now it’s time to leave here and head off for my next adventure in the Azores - a place of wild untamed natural beauty and I am so looking forward to it. #lisbon #travelwriter #solofemaletraveler #explore #portugal