Victoria Beckham Dress / Miu Miu Brogues / Mulberry Bag
Valentino Dress / Balenciaga Bag / Carolina Herrera Heels

A super quick post about my even quicker trip to Shanghai with Lane Crawford and Luke as I juggle going back and forth from Sydney in an attempt to make the most of my precious few weeks at home. Actually who am I kidding? Photo diaries are anything but quick! They’re nearly as slow and painful as cutting raw pumpkin with a blunt knife. Such a shame I love taking photos and roasted pumpkin.

Photos by Luke Shadbolt
Media photo by Grazia China

Recently I had the incredible opportunity to explore three destinations I have always dreamed of exploring, with none other than two of my Australian girls Zanita and Jessica as part of an exciting new extension of Contiki called Contiki Chronicles.

We flew to Rome and continued on to to the Amalfi Coast, Dubrovnik and Istanbul. These are three places I have wanted to visit but never had the chance to work in to my itinerary. Not only that, but I’m sure you’ve all heard about one of these places from a friend or a friend of a friend who’s mentioned how amazing it is and how much you need to visit. Unfortunately I will be one of those friends after you finish reading this post.

This is my photo diary from my time spent in Istanbul in Turkey. Perhaps not the most common destination but one that was in many ways the most memorable for me. With a population of nearly 14 million people it’s not only easy to get physically lost in this labyrinth of people, but also mentally as your mind is sent into overdrive with so many colours, rich textures and traditions to absorb. With such little time here we only had a chance to visit a few of the main attractions (pictured above):

- The Blue Mosque: This was easily the biggest highlight of my Istanbul trip and a must for anyone visiting. Its interior was even more impressive than its grand exterior, with its curved roof and sky high walls consisting of over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles. The Mosque closes during Islamic prayer (which is five times a day) so make sure you check the times so you avoid arriving during a prayer session and any disappointment, which is exactly what we did the first time we visited.

- The Bosporus: Being one of the world’s largest waterways the best way to experience it is to take a cruise down it. This was one of the best ways to take in Istanbul’s landscape and architecture as you travel past countless houses and hotels, each unique in their own design with a mixture of confusing and intriguing exteriors.

- The Grand Bazaar and Spice Markets: This is an unforgettable shopping experience. Built upon a maze of lanes, these markets are a kaleidoscope of colours and mayhem. With carpets, jewellery, spices, music, electronics and more, the place is buzzing and the perfect place to find little trinkets and authentic treasures which are sold side by side.

- Turkish Baths: In particular, the Cemberlitas Hamami Turkish Baths which we visited but unfortunately weren’t allowed to take photos inside. Experiencing a traditional Turkish Bath whilst in Turkey is a must and something I surprisingly and thoroughly enjoyed. It can be a little rough at times as you’re physically being scrubbed and bathed, but I left feeling extremely relaxed and cleansed. I would highly recommend paying a little extra to finish your experience with a oil massage (around $50 euros all together). I can genuinely say that it was the best message I have ever had. Ever.

- Galata Tower: One of the best ways to see a panoramic view of Istanbul. They also have a hilarious dress up booth inside where you can take portraits in colourful costumes for only $5 euros. Perhaps one of the most entertaining mementos I came home with.

- Taksim Square: Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is full of shopping, restaurants, bars and cafes. We had dinner at the 360 restaurant which provided a picturesque view of Istanbul as the glowing sun started to set. Food was in the higher price range but the view was definitely worth every penny!

Photos by me

Wildfox Bikini Top and Bottoms / House of Holland Glasses

After Paris Luke and I decided to go back towards the water and caught the train through France and all the way down to Nice. This was my first time along Cote d’Azure which is also known as the French Riviera, as last year Luke and I decided to head in the opposite direction to visit Biarritz and San Sebastian instead.

Just like last year we decided to rent a car instead of hopping on and off trains and based ourselves in Nice. The parking in Nice is apparently a nightmare but as we would return home at around 11pm at night we always seemed to luck into one just around the corner from the apartment. What followed was a few days of exploring the French Riviera as we drove through beautiful seaside towns, old villages and pulled over on the side of the road every 15 minutes to take photos of the spectacular coastal views you’d miss if you were on a train. Small roads would wind around the coastline, hugging the side of cliffs and diving straight through the middle of larger than life mountains.

A few overdue postcards from picturesque and pristine Cote d’Azure wearing my new favourite bikini. We took these photos at one of the small hidden bays near Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, a secluded beach that had a handful of people compared to the hundreds basking in the sun over the hill at Villefranche. And what is Villefranche? Well you’ll find out soon – a lot more updates to come!

Photos by Luke Shadbolt

The view of Cala Macarelleta in Menorca wearing Madewell Shorts, Tibi Sandals, Aint Laurent Tee | Turquoise waters at Cala Macarelleta | The romantic streets of Ciuntadella | Day dreaming at Cala Blanca wearing ASOS Top, Topshop Bikini | Sunset over Ciutadella Harbour | Feeling free at Cala Macarelleta | Dusk down by Ciutadella Harbour wearing a Tibi Dress, Jennifer Zeuner Bracelets

A few days ago Zanita and I decided to fly to the Balearic Islands in between our short but lovely stay with Mango in Barcelona and our next project in Paris. With little time in between we had to choose between the four islands, so as Zanita had been to Mallorca before we chose Menorca and Ibiza. I hadn’t heard much about Menorca before. Actually, I hadn’t really heard anything at all, so I really had no idea what to expect besides a few google images of crystal clear water and dreamy little coves. But as soon as I arrived, I was lost for words, and to be honest I still am.

This small island, in particular the colourful town of Ciuntadella, has stolen my heart and sends my mind into overdrive with the thought of living the perfect life in this town that caters to my every need. Colourful buildings, cute pebbled alleyways and balconies adorned with fresh flowers fill the small town, with this beautiful and ethereal light filling each little street as it bounces and twirls off each white or brightly coloured wall. Beautifully rocky coves and intimate hidden beaches are the perfect home to Menorca’s crystal clear and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. A town like this is every photographers dream, and I’m not quite ready to leave just yet.

Photos by Zanita and me

ASOS Top / Madewell Denim Shorts / Chie Mihara Sandals / Eugina Kim Hat / Gorjana Necklace / Gorjana Ring / Jules Smith Rings / Nomadic Bag

Sending some postcards from beautiful Barcelona in Spain. Can’t wait to have a little more time to explore Barcelona this time and in good company too! Last time I was here I wandered through the city by myself, which is never a bad thing as I got to experience the city in the utmost selfish way, doing everything I wanted to and moving at my own snail-like pace when taking in a new city. Plus it meant I got to eat a ridiculous amount of candy from the La Boqueria Food Market for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without judgement which is always nice. More updates coming soon!