FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME

February 2022 - February 2023

Putting reality on pause with a little trip around Europaaaaa! 😁 Read more

46footprints
13countries
355days
492photos
2videos
61.5kkilometers
50.6kkilometers

Follow Calendar Share Bucket list

Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Aug 5, 2022
- ☀️ 31 °C
- Altitude: 15 m
- France Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Cannes Cannes Railway Station 43.552353, 7.01721743°33’8” N 7°1’2” E
Day 171
South of France Part 2
August 5, 2022 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Having just about recovered, it was time to scoot back to the South of France. 🇫🇷

We had 5 very chilled nights on the hill tops of Villefranche with Janika & creepy Simon to start which was just fab. It was one of Dan’s fav spots when he was on boats so he wanted to show me round. Super cute town with gorgeous water and pebble beaches.

We day tripped to Monaco for a squiz around the port which was a real experience! Wow what a crazy place! Lamborghinis, Bentleys & porches lined the streets and all we could afford was a bottle of water from the vending machine! 🤑

We had a very crazy random bump in with Bella & Flossy in Villefranche which was a lovely surprise, so of course rosé & pizza was on the cards. 😋

Next stop, Nice to meet Jacko & Pip (& wee baby Gazza the bump!) for a week of adventuring. Nice was just as it sounds…nice. Cool to wander around for a day, but that was plenty. Super exited to be reunified, we hopped on the train to Cannes.

A gorgeous wee apartment up on the hill awaited us and we had 4 nights exploring the bustling city. Beach clubs, delish dinners, a cracking boat day, fireworks and many new friends later, it was thank you Shazzzzaaaa and Gazzzzaaa, we out!

Quick few tips for Cannes:
- Rue Saint Antoine for dinner, our fav was Da Bouttau / Auberge Provencale
- Mademoiselle Beach Club
- Tredici for pizza
- Copenhagen Coffee Lab for coffee/brunch
- La Guérite (by boat)
- Le Benitier for dinner on the beach

Our last few nights were in the gorgeous Provence. We made a cheeky stop at the Whispering Angel winery and left with a magnum (because why not) and made our way for Huuuugue and Lily, the home stay that we thought was a hotel! Not what we expected, but a great spot and lots of giggles all the same with lots of Rummy Cub and amazing dinners out.

Provence must do’s:
- Eat at Auberge du Vieux Village
- Eat at La Bastide du Grand Tilleul
- Visit the towns of Gordes & Loumarin
- Check out the lavender fields around GordesRead more
0 likes
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Aug 18, 2022
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 418 m
- Switzerland Zurich Zürich (Kreis 1)Fraumünster 47.3694, 8.54182447°22’10” N 8°32’31” E
Day 184
Zurich & Scotland
August 18, 2022 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
After an epic time exploring the south of France with Jackpot and Pippa, Dan and I parted ways. Me for family time in Scotland and Dan to Zurich to meet Logie and Chuck.

Zurich summarised: lots of expensive scooters, more expensive beers and many great catch ups.

Scotland summarised: family catch ups in the Borders, a brief coffee date with Fif in Edinburgh and a very fun bridesmaid weekend with Poppy 🥰Read more
0 likes
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Aug 22, 2022
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 38 m
- England Islington Highbury Highbury & Islington Station 51.546955, -0.10348851°32’49” N 0°6’13” W
Day 188
London
August 22, 2022 in England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Next up, a wonderful train ride south with my old roootatooottoot pal Katie to see Lucy and Vic. We didn’t draw breathe the entire train ride, much to our neighbouring travellers’ despair in sure!

We had a great dinner and night at Lucy & Steve’s in Oxted and were joined by Vic & Archie the next day for a girls lunch, followed by a surprise visit from Scott & Theo. Lots of gorgeous cuddles and long awaited catch ups. 🤗

Dan and I were then reunited at JoJo’s place in Highbury, our home away from home with our fav dog Abaco. 🐶 A few highlights from that week:

- Catching up with Jen Coleman in Barnes and meeting her gorgeous Isla (and Matt!)
- A trip to Winchester to see Ollie & John and see their awesome new house
- A long weekend spent in London with Mum, Ollie & James 💙
- Notting Hill Carnival with JoJo & CeeCee
- A Sunday pub sesh with Shelley & Maggie
- Our first Arsenal match at Emirates Stadium
- Elliot’s Milk Beach Soho restaurant opening night with Marcus & Lucy

As always, lots of fun, little sleep and far too much food and booze!Read more
1 like
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 2, 2022
- ⛅ 24 °C
- Altitude: 35 m
- France Nouvelle-Aquitaine Biarritz Le Baccara 43.483131, -1.55883643°28’59” N 1°33’32” W
Day 199
Biarritz
September 2, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
Aaaand then we found our little slice of French paradise in Biarritz…

We had only had a day there earlier in our trip, but that was enough to know we loved it and needed to go back pronto!

We had a blissful 2 weeks in our wee Air BnB haven just 2 mins from La Grand Plage. Lots of much needed surfs, runs, good food and zzz were on the menu after a manic few months. We were a little broken and coldy so luckily the summer sun still shone bright and the waves were in abundance. 🌊 It was also time to start the dreaded job hunt and surprisingly quickly we had calls lined up between surfs and virtual interviews between road trips. How good is the post covid flexible/virtual way of working!

Determined to keep the travels going, we were joined by Nell for another 2 weeks of fun adventures! A bonus having wee Gaz for the weekend in Biarritz too. Dan certainly had his hands full! ☺️

SO many Biarritz highlights including:

- Coastal walk from Cote De Basques > Port Vieux > La Grande Plage > Lighthouse
- Cote De Basque surfs
- Port Vieux sunbathes and aperols at Eden Rock
- Sunset aperols at Le Surfing and Etxola Bibi
- Sunset Poke bowls from Saline
- Surfs at Anglet
- Road trip to Hossegor, Saint Jean De Luz & Hendaye
- Coffee at Mamaaca
- La Halles market area - such a fun evening vibe
- Brunch at Milwaukee
- Dinner at Cafe du Commerce
- Walks through the Port and seafood at Crampotte 30
- Amazing pizza and chilled red wine at xxx
- Blue Cargo for drinks/tapas/beach club vibesRead more
Traveler Just amazing something you will remember for ever xxx
10/4/22Reply
0 likes
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 20, 2022
- ☀️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 21 m
- Spain Basque Country San Sebastián Ondarreta Miramar Palace 43.315186, -1.99802243°18’55” N 1°59’53” W
Day 217
San Seb Take 2
September 20, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Nelly and I hopped on the bus for a girly few days down the coast in San Seb. Talk about chasing the sun. After a slightly rocky start thinking our apartment was above the train station (we’d mixed up the address of the Air BnB and left luggage!!) we made it to our lovely Art Deco pad, which, much to Nell’s relief, was moments from the surf beach, not on top of the railway track!

Endless explores, beach runs, cruisey surfs and soooo many amazing pintxos and Riojas.

Our fav Pintxos spots:
- Goiz-Argi: known for its Brocheta de Gambas
- Borda Berri: known for its risotto & pork ribs
- Bodega Donostiarra Gros: the tuna tomato salad and calamari are both to die for
- La Mejillonera when it’s busy for absolute chaos, cheap beers and seafood

Other highlights:
- Coffee along Playa de la Concha
- Walk around the headland and up to
- Loaf bakery for coffee and sweet treats
- Big walk up to Motako gaztelua for epic view
- Surf at Zurriolako Hondartza
- Igeldo mendiko behatokia (little train runs in summer)
- Haizearen orrazia sculptures by the sea
- Bataplan disco is the big cloooob along La Concha but didn’t go!

Warning: The pintxos crawl becomes dangerous when you match each one with a delish local Rioja for only €2! 🍷🤤Read more
1 like
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 23, 2022
- ☀️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 44 m
- Spain Andalusia Cadiz San Felipe Neri Playa Santa María del Mar 36.523514, -6.28671636°31’25” N 6°17’12” W
Day 220
Cádiz
September 23, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Dan had a peaceful (and probably much needed) girl-free days before we were reunited at San Seb airport (if you can even call the shed that!) where we were off to Cadiz for the Sail GP. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it certainly delivered with its authentic Spanish plazas, it’s maze of rustic old town streets (we learnt the hard way not to drive through the centre!) and more delicious tapas and Riojas. We loved it! The city had a real buzz about it with the Sailing on and we got stuck in/caught up in the street festival madness.

The sailing itself was much more casual than we were used to in Sydney… a real free for all! No tickets, no restrictions, just free flowing (BYO) beers, cheap pints of G&T, and an amazing vantage point from the shore. ⛵️ When the wind was up, boy was it exciting to see it all so closely!
It was a French win and 3rd for the Aussies.

The weekend got even better when we were given a tour of the Aussie base (thanks Nell and Flick!) Safe to say we were all frothing when the shore crew showed us round, what an incredible experience. 💚💛

After 3 nights in an internal apartment with no natural light and a few very late nights, we were ready to go back to the beach life. Next up, Tarifa! 🪁

Summary of Cádiz must do’s:
- Get lost in the old town
- Walk the headland San Carlos - Santa María
- Cádiz Cathedral
- Plaza de San Juan de Dios - lots of music and vibes, our fav cafe/restaurant was Maison Dorée
- Pan and Lemon cafe for good coffee
- La Bodeguita de Plocia - fav local tapas joint
- Taberna Casa Manteca - great tapas bar
- La Candela - quirky delish tapas
- Antípoda - great brunch spotRead more
1 like
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 26, 2022
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 9 m
- Spain Andalusia Tarifa Playa Santa Catalina 36.016392, -5.61022236°0’59” N 5°36’37” W
Day 223
Tarifa
September 26, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Once we had navigated our way out of the Cadiz old town maze - we were on the road to Tarifa with Nell and her friend Tash who was sailing for the Aus team and all Tash’s wing gear!

They weren’t lying when they said Tarifa was exposed… we soon discovered why it is a mecca for wind sports. Levante. 🌬

It’s not often you pray for wind, but with a pro sailer, an avid wing foiler and eager kite surf beginner, I soon learned I had no option!

Dan finally managed to get the kite course done which he loved, particularly all the body dragging and getting tangled round a buoy! So tough to grasp, especially in 35+ knots!

Another epic beach week of activities, rustic beach bar vibes, rooftop sunsets and dinners in our gorgeous wee pad. 👌🏼

With Morocco in sight across the water and a few job interviews under our belt, we decided it was time to get there so we re-booked Marrakesh!Read more
0 likes
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 2, 2022
- ☀️ 31 °C
- Altitude: 20 m
- Spain Andalusia Seville Triana Ayuntamiento de Sevilla 37.388741, -5.99398937°23’19” N 5°59’38” W
Day 229
Seville
October 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Sevilla, you stole our hearts…unexpectedly! ❤️ We had heard good things but it really was next level, what a city! I think this was the most touristy we’ve been on our trip so far...and by touristy I mean actually going to all the big landmarks, spending time taking a heap of photos, aaaand then of course the obligatory eating and drinking tour.

Now we have seen a hell of a lot of pla-thaaas during our time in Spain, but the Plaza de Espana really is by far the most unique and beautiful. After getting lost in there for over an hour, we joined everyone else with the ‘arty’ photo shoot then strolled back through the gorgeous gardens.

How else do you spend a night in Seville, than with some epic tapas, sangria and Flamenco 💃🏼 we found a great wee intimate show in Triana, the home of Flamenco.

Must do’s:
- Plaza de Espana
- Torre del Oro
- Catedral de Sevilla
- Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Stroll the Santa Cruz area
- Flamenco at Lola de los Reyes
- Parque de Maria Luisa
- Casa de Pilatos
- Run along the river
- The Mushrooms of Seville are kinda cool

Must consume:
- Copious amounts of sangria, Rioja and tapas
- Tapas at Casa Manolo
- Seafood tapas at Dos de Mayo
- Bar Alfalfa
- El Rinconcillo - oldest bar in Seville, always packed
- El Tremendo - awesome local beer house
- Mariatrifulca for fine dining on the river
- Pre show tapas at La Antigua Abaceria (or anywhere on Calle de San Jacinto)
- Tapas at Las Teresas
- Great coffee at La Parcería, Virgin coffee and La CacharreríaRead more
0 likes
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 4, 2022
- ⛅ 32 °C
- Altitude: 470 m
- Morocco Marrakesh-Safi Medina 31.630415, -7.98778931°37’49” N 7°59’16” W
Day 231
Marrakesh (obvs not Europe, but close)
October 4, 2022 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
The other handy thing about Seville is that you can fly to Morocco for $20 and basically 20mins (with an hour time diff 🤪), so we thought why the hell not finish our trip of a lifetime with a taste of Africaaaaa!

A little different to the European culture we had experienced all summer, but we were so ready for a change and Marrakesh did not disappoint. We had 6 days there and spent most of the time getting lost in the magical Medina madness. The smells, the sounds, the narrow streets, the bizarres, the chaos. You really could get lost in there forever.

Then through the Riad door you go and you feel a million miles away in a total oasis. Riads are the traditional Moroccan houses and a lot of them have been turned into boutique hotels. Our first gem of a find was Riad Magie. The luxury of silence. Would highly recommend anyone stay here for the luxury rooms, delicious brekkie, gorgeous roof top and pool, and amazingly friendly staff whom we shared many a shisha puff with.

As you’d expect, a lot of tagines, tangias, cous cous, dates and olives and very hard to find alcohol, a part from the fancy places. Perfect time for a detox as we replaced the alcohol with Mint tea which you get everywhere you go.

Discovering the local spa tradition of Hammam was a real trip highlight. 3 hours of bliss. Think naked, paper thong, lying face down on a hot slab with water being thrown all over you and you got the vibe… the couples one was hilarious. Your body is then scrubbed so hard that you feel on fire, but the dead skin that sheds is so satisfying to watch and wow does it feel rejuvenating. We were glowing for days! 😊

We will certainly be back to stock up on rugs, leather goods, coffee poofs, rattan goodies and wooden kitchen utensils!! We’d love to go to Essaouira to surf next time too, there weren’t any waves for us this time round.

TO SEE
- Wander the great Medina - souks galore
- Jemaa el-Fna main square at night for music, performers, snake charmers and madness!
- YSL Gardens; Jardin Majorelle
- Bahia Palace
- Hammam at Marajah Spa for super cheap Hammam, massage and facial
- Hammam de La Rose for a little more quite luxury🌹OR Hammam Ellyse
- For 5* spas - Royal Monsour or La Mamounia (where Anna Delvy stayed)
- Sidecar adventure into the Atlas Mountains was something Fif recommended but we didn’t get a chance to try

TO EAT/DRINK/STAY
- Stay - Riad Melhoun for luxury. Riad Magie for luxe affordability
- Drink - El Fenn Rooftop (cocktails)
- Eat - Mandala Society. Great coffee and brunch / lunch spot
- Eat - Nomad. Trendy rooftop
- Restaurant Tiznit (rooftop), in heart of Medina, rustic local Moroccan food. The lamb tanjia was amazing!!
- Eat - Cafe Arabe (rooftop for sunset)
- Fancy dinner with live music - Terrasse des épices
- Coffee - Kesh Cup

Moroccan food you must try: tangine, tanjia, harira (soup), cous cous, dates and mint tea everywhere!Read more
1 like
Traveler FDA TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 9, 2022
- ⛅ 25 °C
- Altitude: 214 m
- Spain Andalusia Coín Plaza José Bermúdez de la Rubia 36.659634, -4.75788936°39’35” N 4°45’28” W
Day 236
Housesitting in Coín, Malaga
October 9, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
We had been trying to make a Europe house sit line up and we finally found some dates that worked…with 3, soon to be 4 German shepherds and 2 cats…what could possibly go wrong?

A lovely Irish/English couple with a cool house and gorgeous pool in the countryside near Malaga awaited us. The dogs were super friendly, until Dan decided to play fetch and chaos unfolded! Let’s just say you should never interfere with 4 play fighting dogs with sharp teeth! A Nick to the wrist and a hospital trip later, it was certainly a rocky start!

We relaxed by the pool for a few days and enjoyed the last of our Europe summer sun 🥲 before an adventure to the lakes. We hiked the Caminito del Rey which was spectacular (minus the totally unnecessary helmets!) it was once the most dangerous walkway in the world but has recently been renovated leaving a gorgeous (still slightly terrifying) path along the cliffs.

A 2-3 hour walk one way with a refreshing radler awaiting us at the other end. 😅

And just like that, a year of chasing the summer sunshine was over…Read more
3 likes