Yosemite National Park I Contiki

Yosemite National Park: This was the part of the trip I was most excited about. Most people were psyched for San Francisco and as much as I was, I had pintrested the hell out of Yosemite and couldn't wait to see it for real.

For this place, I think you will see pictures are going to be at the center.

sourced National Geographic

Bass Lake - Contiki

ON THE ROAD
Leaving Vegas wasn't the easiest of tasks. A lot of faces, immune systems and pride had seen better days when climbing onto the bus. Eventually empty seats became filled and to much amusement of our tour, we sat, heads banging as he decided to punish us by talking what felt the whole way from Vegas to Bass Lake which consisted of 6 hours of coach time, the longest on the trip.

Coach time was not as bad as I had imaged. It was a great time to make up for the sleep you had missed. There was no pressure to constantly be on the go and breaks were a plenty. Movies were played and we had the chance to brush up on our history from the tour guide who seemed to be an encyclopedia on USA history. Not going to lie, would not like to be up against him on a game of trivial persuit. We even witnessed some coach-e-okey for those who had bought shame upon themselves. (That were late and kept us waiting) Yes, thats karaoke on the coach.

LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN
Bass Lake was a world away from Vegas. Gone was the bright lights, replaced with candles and internet connection was out of the question to the much connected big bright city we had just left behind. And wait is that nature, water and green trees? As a country girl at heart this was a home from home. I love big citys, I am amazed at the buildings and busy life but I do love the peace and quiet of the country and open spaces. It was actually the perfect stop to follow the madness of Vegas in which I think everyone appreciated a little rest time. I love this was included in the trip as it helped show the greatness and diversity of USA.

Las Vegas I Contiki

I joined my group on my third evening of being in Vegas and I was filled with both a mix of excitement and nerves as I wandered down to the lobby to find people. Alone. This was a pretty hard game of 'spot the Contiki crew' when there are so many people in Vegas, so I kept my eyes open for any Contiki folders, books or people with huge suitcases and a game face for adventure. An Irish girl approached me who ended up being my room mate for the trip. Celebrations in my head took place, I found my buddy. Eventually we found the rest of the new starters who were from both UK, Australia and New Zealand. Let the Contiki experience begin..

THE BIG ROCK I GRAND CANYON

One thing that has always been on my bucket list is the Grand Canyon. The epic views, the mass space and rock has always fascinated me and it keeps making its way onto my Pinterest boards no matter how many pictures I see.

Hello Vegas I Pre Contiki

TRAVEL IN STYLE
My adventure started as soon as I left little London and boarding ultra fabulous Virgin Atlantic Airways. I had to mentioned this as it was such an awesome start to the holiday. If ever travelling and can, choose this airline. There was so many amazing movies to watch, a never ending supply of snacks and the comfy seats set my trip off to a top start, I didn't sleep a wink with excitement.

Just like new I DIY

Earlier this year I moved into my new rental in London with one of my best friends. Exciting! We felt like we hit jack pot with this place, it was so clean, modern and central (location); something considered gold dust in London.

One thing both a pro and a con was that it was unfurnished meaning we had to kit the whole house out top to bottom. Our landlords provided us with anything major that we needed but surprisingly we managed to borrow, steal (sorry mum) and find a few major things from both our houses. Secretly, I think my mum was pretty chuffed at the excuse to get a new sofa.

For my bedroom I managed to use my brothers old wardrobe and bedside table and despite normally being a lover of a good interior shop, challenged myself to renovating it.