Barefoot Island - The Yasawas - Fiji

About a year ago I set off on my own on a journey to the beautiful Yasawa Islands of Fiji. I had just finished 6 months with one company in Sydney, and was about to start a new job. To get myself into a fresh new mindset, I decided there was no time like Fiji time to do so!

My mate Cathy in Bondi used to work with Tourism Fiji as a client, and recommended I concentrate my visit on the Yasawa Islands, a group of stunning islands off to the North West of the main island. She gave me heaps of advice about where to stay and what to do. So I booked it last minute, and next thing I knew, I was on the plane for 3 hours to Nadi.

Upon arriving at Nadi airport, I met another solo traveller, a Welsh girl named Ceri. She was staying in my hostel that night, and then it turned out we had the exact same itinerary for the next week.

The best way to get to the islands is by the Yasawa Flyer, which departs from Port Denarau. I got the Bula Pass which lasts for over a week.

First stop, Barefoot Island.

View of Kuata from the Ferry

A local performing on Kuata.

Barefoot Island, which is Drawaqa Island, is a small resort. I had booked to stay here for two nights. Here you can stay in private Bures (a Fijian wooden hut) on one side of the island or share with four others in bunks on the other side. I chose to stay in the sharing Bure. The island has two prominent beaches Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach.  

Every Bure has a hammock outside. I used to get up every morning to watch sunrise on them, or would chill in the afternoon.

This was our Bure. It was very basic, and the resort itself was basic. The toilets and showers were outside, so you would need to take a flashlight if you needed to go at night. It was incredible as you would hear the waves at night and then walk outside in the morning and see the beautiful beach in front of you!

The water in Fiji is crystal clear, and we would go snorkelling. Ceri and some lovely girls we met would also go scuba diving. I haven't mustered the courage to try again, after my freak out in the Great Barrier Reef.

The way these resorts work is you have a daily schedule. If you miss the window for breakfast, tough! There are no restaurants on the islands, so you have to buy meal plans on top of your accommodation. There are also lots of activities to do during the day and night. These include swimming with the manta rays, walks, coconut bowling, weaving and learning Fijian.

One of the activities I enjoyed the most was learning some Fijian phrases to help with the rest of my trip and learning how to traditionally weave plates from palm leaves.

The island is also home to Manta Rays, which they strive to protect, research and teach about. We were lucky enough to get to swim with some of them, and I can't describe how wonderful it felt to be swimming with these graceful creatures. They are huge!!!! So you can't miss them.

On our last night we opted to go for a sunset cruise, complete with fresh coconut cocktail. It was lovely and very relaxing. All the stresses from my previous job were melting away.

That night we were treated to a traditional Lovo, a Fijian feast cooked underground. Not unlike the Hangi in New Zealand. I ate mine from the plate I had made earlier and with my hands.

We then also had our first taste of kava, which is a drink made from a root vegetable. Some people can get very intoxicated on this, my tongue went a bit numb. It tastes a bit earthy to begin with, but after a few, you get used to it!

It was time to say goodbye to Barefoot, and all the fun people we had met. Onwards to Blue Lagoon!

Inner West Street Art Walk - Sydney

Back in August 2014 (yes, I know, this is almost a year ago!!) I saw a post on Facebook about a street art walking tour by the page I Love The Inner West. I have followed this page ever since I arrived in Sydney, as I loved the street art I had seen in and around King Street. Nadine (@nemans) explores the Inner West with her mates, seeking out the latest and coolest street art around and share with the I Love the Inner West community. I decided I would get out of the Bondi Bubble, and challenged myself to go. It was possibly the best $25 I have ever spent. #neemansstreetartwalk

We met at St Peters Station, and headed straight towards Mays Lane. On the way we stopped off to see The Gorilla by The Elph (@the_elph). The Elph paints the most powerful and confronting street art I have ever seen, highlighting the issues of what the human race is doing to endangered species. 

Heading down to the Mays Lane Arts Project, where a whole bunch of Aussie and International artists have showcased their talents. The picture below shows Space Monkey (@spacemonkey0666), the blue guy to the bottom left and Adam Atomik (@atomiko), the orange in the top right.

Another prominent wall from The Elph - Cause and Effect with the Orangutans.

Anthony Lister (@anthonylister), is one of my favourite artists in Sydney. You can see his work, pretty much anywhere here, even in Bondi.

I loved how even the pavement was covered in colour.

Nadine took us on a tour all around Inner West, as the tour lasted just over three glorious hours. What I found really cool was that she is mates with all the artists, and is usually one of the first to know about any new art being created.

Below are the Beastman Lips (@bradeastman) above Commune in Erskineville. I walk past these quite a lot, and love the vibrant colours he uses.

Nico Nicoson (@nico_nicoson), another favourite, can be seen all throughout the Inner West. I love his owls, and also the colour palette he uses. Turquoise being my colour of choice.

Below is a collaborative effort, from Beastman, Phibs (@phibs_has_instagram) and Creepy on Simmons Street.

Fintan Magee (@fintan_magee) paints these gorgeous murals.

A collaboration from Nico Nicoson and Jumboist (@jumboist).

An Irish artist called Eoin (@artbyeoin) has also made his mark on Sydney.

Lister's ballerinas light up the walls of Newtown.

Another beauty from Eoin.

And last, but no means least, another of Nico's owls.

The funniest thing is, half of these creations have been painted over, with new amazing art. The scene is always changing. I think I have found a new passion.