Chillin in the Maldives with MWSRP

Hey Chia!

Love the photo of you mixing music! What a dj!

It must have been great to catch up with friends over good food!

Things here in the Maldives have been pretty awesome, I've been slowly getting used to sea sickness which is a big plus. I can now ride the Dhoni without needing to fight off the urge to purge. However, I still feel nauseous at times and still get land sickness (swaying).

I've been learning heaps about whale sharks, the ocean, people in the industry and about myself too. I really enjoy chatting about the importance of conservation with the MWSRP team and they have wonderful ideas and experiences around this area. I also enjoy hearing their active lives. They all have been well travelled and live each day on the basis of living simply and sustainably.  I feel my mind expanding each day.

Time out on the boat for hours on end is great thinking time. It really has made me appreciate living and being in the moment and not being caught up on things like money and material things. I didn't think I was too materialistic before (except for my passion for gadgets) as I really paid attention to the small things in life, but I think that now, living out of a suitcase, wearing the same icebreaker shirt every day and being able to wash it every night, as made me really reconsider all the stuff I have. Like really, do I need 30-50 different tops etc?

I have 4 quick dry button down tops from mountain designs, however, I still find myself just washing my icebreaker top at night to wear it for the next day. I love the feel of the fine merino wool, it's stretchy, and I like the colour. No one judges here. :) I'm considering sending 2 of those tops back home so I just have 3 tops when we go to Europe.

You were so right about packing light. The guys at MWSRP were impressed at how light Kev and I had packed, however, I wanna make myself lighter. I think I did pretty well except for the shirt and for the toiletries department. I packed my Biotherm face washes, and they at so much weight. I never use them here too... Hrmmm

Anywho, here's a photo to leave with you. It was taken by Alissa and is of Chris, Kev and I (volunteers) and Neal (another MWSRP team member) on the staff beach at the Conrad Rangali.

Last time together

Hi Chia

Thank you so much for driving all the way from Narrogin to see me before I head off. It was so good to see you, and it was great to have our deep and meaningfuls one last time.





Loves yous! :)

12 more days

Aw Chia!

Your posts made me smile! I had a great time walking with you at Kings Park last week.

While the rest of Perth was busy working, we chatted and enjoyed the vibrant colours of the wild flowers in the warm spring sun!








I still can't believe that Kev and I will be leaving soon. We have semi packed and are now ensuring we have everything we need for the next 6 months - travel undies, cameras, chargers, clothes for summer and clothes for a very cold winter.

I'm waiting on things to come in the mail too such as a rashie vest for the Maldives and a lifeproof iPhone case which is water, sand and snow proof. I hope they arrive before we leave.

My mind has become focused on the trip now, and so with the acting thing, I've stopped auditioning for roles. However, I still have one more speaking role to film on this coming Monday. It's for an ECU short film. I play a nursing student :) so I'm also going to have to learn the lines for that.

Last Saturday I had my first speaking role. It was pretty cool and pretty exciting. I was a little nervous because usually as an extra the camera sees you but isn't focused on you. So admittedly the first few moments were a little intimidating. However, I enjoyed every moment of it. I spoke to the director about my lines, and he said that he wanted to change them. After discussing what he wanted, the change made sense and so after that I had to really try to change my mindset as I had prepared the role with a different 'reaction' in mind.

I had 3 or 4 takes before the director got what he wanted. I wasn't used to that. I automatically started telling myself off in my head for having to have more than 1 take. But after my last take, the director said I was really good, so after hearing that I had to start telling myself to let it go and just be happy with what I had done.

So with that role and the role on Monday completed, I'll have a few speaking parts under my belt before I leave. I will have extra roles and a voice over role too. Hopefully this will give me something to show for if I have the chance to audition for something during my travels :)

Jamie's Italian

Hi Chia!

Hope things are well, how did the school assembly pan out?

The weekend that just passed, went so quickly! I guess that's normal after having a long weekend for Easter. I'm writing this post while on the train to work.

Had quite a busy weekend actually. However, I'll tell you about my Friday night.

Kev, Clem, Drew, Katie and I all met up at Jamie Oliver's new Italian restaurant in Perth. Kev, Clem and I rocked up at 5pm on the dot as they were not accepting bookings and the lady on the phone advised Clem that the line would get long at 5.30pm.

There was already a line when we arrived! However, we three just enjoyed the chat and catch up. We were not particularly hungry which helped. The restaurant was mindful of the people waiting and brought out some platters for the eager eaters to try out while they wait.

Nearly at the front of the line

Hrmmmm Olives....

The staff were all so friendly. They really loved their job. I also noted that a lot of them had an English accent too.

At around the 40 minute mark, we were finally allowed in the restaurant. Drew and Katie arrived and we walked up to the hostess. She asked for our a name and a contact number as there were no tables
available as yet, and they needed us to put our name down! We were actually ok with that, and opted to have a few drinks at the bar while we wait for our table.

First round

Here we ordered a few drinks, all of which were yum, and continued chatting. I also had a chance to talk to the bar man and ask whether he was from Perth. He said that he and a lot of the staff were from Jamie's 'At Home' restaurant in London. I just marveled at how much everyone working at the restaurant that night just loved what they did. You could tell it in their face, their body movements and how earnest they performed each task that they were happy to be there.

These kind of people I love watching. I watch in both jealousy and for inspiration. I want to find a job that makes me just as enthusiastic, excited, and drives me to perform every task whole heartedly.

The decor of the restaurant was something I'm sure you would love! It was rustic and homely when you glance at the lighting, the table settings and decorations such as the coat hanger at the door. However, there were touches of classy tradition such as the grand chandelier and the manner in which the staff presented themselves. They were formal and informative but they were relatable and they definitely made you feel at home.

After a further 30 minutes at the bar, we were led to our booth and we all enjoyed the atmosphere, the company and the food. Here's some pics:

Cool light

Interesting coat hanger and an umbrella holder?

Just in case we forgot where we were eating

Meat platter

Complementary bread!

Fish platter

Katie and I happy with our booth and cocktails!

Kev, Clem and Drew getting ready to order

On a funny note, Clem put me onto this. We got onto a Perth Meme! :)

Amazing strangers

Hi Chia!

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I've been both busy and unsure of what to write for our blog.

I hope you had a good Easter break! I loved catching up with you and having our girly dessert date! :)

One of the things that happened this weekend included meeting this wonderful couple at my beach on Friday morning.

I had gone for a run and went for a quick snorkel. The water wasn't the greatest as I was thrashed around the reef a bit and there was poor visibility. I pulled myself out of the water, camera and snorkel in one hand, and my other hand stabilizing myself from the insistent waves and the soft sand beneath me which sunk at each step.

I was a little sad that it wasn't a great session but I was happily buzzing from the adrenaline and chilled water.

I spoke to two fisherman who showed me their catch (3 whitings), a nice man in speedos who told me that the water should be better in the following days (he was an experienced diver), and a kayaker who had no luck in catching any fish and whose friend got stuck in his kayak in the middle of the ocean and threw the biggest tantrum on water that I've ever seen.

While I was talking to the Friendly Kayaker, the two fishermen called out to him saying that his friend may need some help. As we looked to the flat horizon, his friend was swiping and waving his arms up in the air, and angrily threw his paddle into the ocean on more than one occasion. The Friendly Kayaker just laughed and his good nature encouraged me to laugh too.

'Should you go help him?' I asked.

'Haha.... Nah. He should be fine out there,' he laughed as we looked on.

After a few minutes he sighed and said 'Yea, I better see what's going on,' and he laughed to himself as he pushed out his kayak.

It turned out that his friend ended up being caught on something, and resorted to cutting his anchor. When they returned to shore, the Angry Kayaker unintentionally caught a wave which tipped him over. We all laughed as we saw his angry head pop up from the water, hat soaked over his face and his fishing gear bobbing away out to sea. As the Angry Kayaker started swearing and shouting in frustration, the Friendly Kayaker kept laughing in good spirits as he swam out to help collect the escaping equipment.

It was a very humorous morning.

After that, I was getting a little cold and hungry so I turned around to walk back home. As I climbed the stairs I approached a couple enjoying breakfast with their dog on the look out. I smiled to them and the woman asked me if I saw anything out in the ocean during my snorkel.

'Nothing,' I sighed, 'It was just too murky out there.'

We then started talking about the stingrays, dolphins and sea lions that we all had seen out there. At some point in our lively conversation, Mr T pointed that he could hear a slight American accent in my voice. I then told him that my Dad was from the US, to which Mrs T excitedly claimed that she too was from the US.

We then went into our backgrounds and life journeys. It was an inspiring and exciting conversation. They both were such lovely and warm hearted people. So open and so engaging.

Mrs T then invited me to come visit them and meet their son who had a similar life journey as me and that it would be wonderful to exchange further experiences. I thanked them for their generous invitation as we exchanged contact details.

It was an amazing experience. I am truly in awe at the kindness of strangers. I find that the more I open up to people, the more I learn about other experiences, appreciate how there are so many different opportunities out there for the taking and I really feel the 'magic' of coincidences or things that 'happen for a reason'. It also helps me remember that there are people out there who genuinely do want to connect and help others. That desire for a genuine connection and finding it in the most random situations is what makes people and life amazing.

I ended up visiting Mr and Mrs T on Sunday and met their son who is an amazing musician.

I hope to find time to visit them another time in the future.

Before I leave

Good Sunday morning Anna :)

I should be doing many things like moving things into the car but I wanted to do a special post to congratulate Emily and Will as newlyweds! I would love to share some photos with you of the beautiful  couple but to respect their privacy I'll save them for FB once I sort through them.

I had a marvellous time and I told Alicia that it felt as if I was there for everyone's wedding that I missed whilst I was gone. I felt incredibly blessed to have these people in my life and the night ended on such a high that I woke up this morning wishing I could experience the love and joy all over again rather than pack for the move.

 I ADORED the flowers in the recycled jars, long seating arrangement and outdoor setting. All ideas I will keep in mind...

And how can I forget? The PHOTOBOOTH! I love the simplicity and effectiveness of black and white photos.

Making ourselves home with our little collection

 Fifi and I. My other single lady :)

My next post will be from Narrogin. Here's to the next chapter!

Bright things

Hi Anna :)

The last couple of weeks have been a  rollercoaster of emotions and it certainly didn't help that I wasn't 100% in health.

Luckily I was OK for Em's and my faux farewells. Speaking of which, I had a great time and it was a good turn out considering it was very last minute. I struggled through Saturday and I'm still feeling exhausted. I keep thinking I'm going far far away felt sad about being away from these wonderful people, but then I remember that I'm only 2 hours drive away!

My favourite photo of the night! I didn't even have to ask you lot to do a silly pose :p I'm sure you didn't need the support to stand up and you were just posing...

Since then I've been madly planning for my first week at school and also doing some furniture shopping for the move down. I've also resorted to some retail therapy. Spending before earning is never a good thing.  These bright things make me happy :)

This is my 20th or so tub of body butter. But the first time I've tried it in PEACH! It's limited edition but it reminds me of a cross between the grapefruit and satsuma.

It's hard to find such a pretty journal. Saving the first page for my new adventure!

I was in Target and couldn't say no to this knitted jumper. Would go very well with my leopard hat from Colorrun.

My neon green banana ear dazzlers!

Five more days!

ColorRun!

Morning Chia!

I can't believe that yesterday and the ColorRun has already come and gone!

I was so amped and excited for this run!

Our team, 'Rainbows and Unicorns', which consisted of Kev, Clem, Drew, Katie, Amy, Shaz, Sas, Charlene, you and me, did so well in keeping together and walking, running and dancing our way through the different checkpoints and finishing the happiest 5km ever! Unfortunately, we were unable to meet up with Viv and Elvina, but they were there in spirit!

I don't know about you, but the whole day was so fun for me! I just got this little buzz and I was uncontrollably happy! Perhaps it was the mixture of awesome music, friends, exercise and lots and lots of bright colours!

The ColorRun is spelt without the 'u'. However, marketing was awesome and has said that you put the 'u' in ColorRun!

Anywho, here are some pics and videos of the day! Enjoy!

The first ones there! Thanks Chia for the awesome hats! Totes love theeeeem!

Drew & Katie!

Our group is exploding 

What animals do in the Savannah - they laze around under the shade of a tree

The fellas

The girls

What about dancers?

Yaaaayyyy!

And the Rainbows and Unicorns are off!

In the wind of Pink

At the Blue Checkpoint. They told us to roll, so we did.

Looking smurfy guys!!!

Our team being monkeys!

Orange Station Volunteer bent on OompaLumpafying me.

Color Ninjas... they were surprising and fun!

We so colorful!

Love Clem's face

Rainbows and Unicorns!

Hooray!

Jumping for Joy

So happy that the run makes you do cartwheels

Hooray we did it!

ColorFestival!

We love colour

Spotty Hair

Conga Line

Orange me please

Toss!

Getting sorta over-coloured now

Our mascot!

The Rainbows and Unicorns Team

The messy train ride home!

One of the funniest things was the after math of the ColorRun and ColorFestival! It took a lot of baby oil, body wash and a sturdy sponge to assist in washing all the beautiful colours off! We also spent the afternoon soaking our clothes in NappySan (except for our ColorRun shirts, which we soaked in Vinegar in hopes of preserving the colour on the shirt!)

There's a crazy amount of photos, and so I need to sort through them and post more on Facebook!

Sorry for such a short post! I gotta head off to work now!

Hope you had an awesome time Chia!