Learning to Dive: My top ten tips for the PADI Open Water qualification!

Whenever I go away with my family, there is never a moments rest. In Zanzibar all four of us completed our PADI open water diving qualification, meaning we're now able to scuba dive down to 18m with a buddy. Before the trip, I honestly had no idea that this was something we intended to do and it was a brilliant experience but quite intense. We went to the dive centre each morning at 8am and didn't finish till after 4pm for three days in a row. Below are my top ten tips for people thinking about learning to scuba dive, that I wish I'd known:

1. Watch the videos and do the theory before you go - This is definitely good advice if you're going to an exotic location. It was quite depressing watching five hours of videos in a dark, diving centre, when it was such beautiful weather outside. If you are planning on doing the Open Water course, I suggest contacting the diving centre before you go to find out how you can prepare and save time when you get there.

2. Start with the right mindset - A big problem lots of people face with scuba diving is a mental barrier before they even start. I think it's easy to decide that you will definitely hate it or that it's not going to agree with you before you've even tried it. I was really proud of my mum because she was so worried but when the time came to it she fought the nerves and embraced the whole experience. It was such a fun activity to do as a family and I'm so glad we all completed it together.

3. It's so much easier once your in the water - It can be quite overwhelming when you watch the videos because you're faced with loads of diving jargon and it feels like there is so much to remember. In truth, it's so much easier once you actually come into contact with the equipment and get in the water. Don't let the videos put you off because it is completely different and so much less overwhelming when you actually start scuba diving.

4. Stay calm and keep breathing - The number one rule in diving is never to hold your breath. Continuous, controlled breathing will not only help you stay calm underwater but will also mean you use less air and can dive for longer. Panicking will cause you to hyperventilate so it's best to just take it slowly, stay calm and enjoy the sensation of breathing underwater - it really is amazing!

5. Learn the hand signals really well - It can be really confusing underwater if you haven't quite got to grips with the hand signals and in my experience, confusion usually leads to stress. The best way to combat this is to make sure you understand the hand signals that your instructor is going to use before you get in the water. Find out what they are going to do if you successfully complete a skill (fist bump, shake your hand etc) and when it's your turn to demonstrate etc. It's much easier to double-check these things on land and without a regulator in your mouth! They it's just a case of watching your instructor carefully underwater so you know exactly what is going on and what they want from you.

6. Your buddy is your best friend - I found it really reassuring to know where my buddy (my little brother) was at all times. They are your alternate air source if yours stops working so you need to make sure they are always close enough for you to grab their spare air supply should you need it. If you're nervous the buddy system is also really good because, even if your instructor is there, you know someone else has your back as well should anything happen.

7. Keep practising - If there's a skill you're struggling with just keep practicing until you have nailed it. There's no shame in it taking a little longer, some people just find certain things harder. It's better to spend time practising it while you're in a swimming pool/ relatively shallow open water, so that you're not completely out of your comfort zone when you have to do it at a greater depth. 

8. Embrace the low ponytail - At first I found the mask ridiculously uncomfortable. It was pinching at my nose, getting caught in my hair and really distracting me when I was underwater. A low ponytail helped with this a lot.

9. Don't stress about the exam - I know some people HATE exams and can get really stressed about them. Thankfully, the PADI exam is multiple choice and nothing to worry about. As long as you have been listening during the lessons and have read the book/watched the video, it's completely fine.

10. Diving with a guide is so much more chilled - Once you've completed your PADI Open Water diving qualification, the hard bit is over. When we later went diving in Pemba with a guide, it was so much more chilled. The guide will set up the equipment, use the dive computer and you don't have to demonstrate any skills.

 It's important to remember that most of the skills you learn are so you know what to do in an emergency. Since you practise these so much it can feel like running out of air or coming across an unresponsive diver is something that happens every time you dive. Really these are mostly precautionary, meaning that when you go diving normally you're able to look around a lot more, take in the amazing 'finding nemo-ness' of it all and really enjoy the experience. 

It really does feel like a different world down there and I am now so excited to go again. Anyone thinking about learning to scuba dive.. what are you waiting for!?

Tales from Tanzania

The journey from London to Tanzania was pretty touch-and-go. After a three hour delay, broken plane, missed connection and eight-hour wait in Nairobi we finally made it.

Going on Safari has to be one of the most exciting experiences of my life. We spent two nights in Serengeti National Park (Kimondo Camp) followed by two nights in Tarangire (Little Oliver's) and we couldn't have been luckier considering the short duration of our stay. 

Our first full day in the Serengeti, we saw the big 5 (elephants, buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino), I honestly didn't think it could get any better. We were also lucky enough to see a river crossing which was amazing. I'm embarrassed to admit that I did bawl my eyes out while watching the wildebeest be snapped up by enormous crocs and the zebra struggling to make it against the raging current. It was quite an intense experience to say the least.There was one calf who managed to make it to the other side but couldn't keep up with the herd or find his Mum. We all watched in disbelief as this baby proceeded to leap back into the croc-infested waters, completely alone. Everyone cheered as the baby managed to outswim two of the predators and make it back to his friends on the other side. I discovered that while the animal world is not for the faint-hearted, it truly is spectacular.

In Tarangire, the animals were much more lively. We saw a leopard devouring a pelican she had caught and dragged up a tree. We encountered a lioness pounce for a warthog, miss, but go after one of the piglets instead (literally a mouthful for a lion) and saw cheetah drag a reedbuck antelope into the shade to snack on. The hundreds of elephants who marched to the swamp each day to bathe were a spectacle to behold. I'm not sure whether we were exceptionally lucky, or whether life is just exceptionally abundant in these parts. 

My favourite thing about Tarangire was by far the dik-diks, otherwise known as my new favourite animal! They look like any other deer but they are SO INSANELY TINY with massive eyes. It's hard to get the perspective in this photo but the average adult dik-dik is only 30-40 cm tall. My absolute dream is to see a dik-dik baby - I physically can't imagine them any smaller. If you need some procrastination material, this distractify article has made me love them even more.

What really stood out about Tanzania was the hospitality. Everyone we met was so welcoming and humoured my attempts at speaking Swahili. Both our safari guides, Noel and Festo were completely fantastic and all the staff everywhere we stayed went above and beyond.

The whole experience felt like a David Attenborough documentary come to life. I couldn't believe what I was seeing at times. I really hope that I'll be able to do another game drive one day - I'd love to go to South Africa.

While this is just a few stories, I will also do a post about my tips for a successful Safari. Also, a big thank you to my Dad for his brilliant photography.

Happy November! 

Asos Wrap Front Minimal Blouse In Crepe • Asos • £19.50
French Connection Whisper Light Cropped Peg Trousers • French Connection • £30–37

Ile de Re

Since Autumn is well and truly here, I thought it was a good time to reflect on my amazing Summer in France, spent cycling through vineyards, exploring salt marshes, enjoying picnics on the dunes and lazing by the pool. Reminiscing about all this lovely stuff feels like a kind of cruel torture when I'm currently slogging away trying to save money for my year out, but I'm gonna go ahead and do it anyway.

Ile de Re is a beautiful island off the west coast of France and one of my favourite places in the world. The lifestyle there is really laid back and the seafood is so fresh and delicious. Thanks to strict planning regulations all of the houses on the island are painted white with coloured shutters, most of which are lovely grey or pastel tones. It's famous for it hollyhocks and it's very cute donkeys in pyjamas (I definitely advise googling 'les anes en culottes')!

Back in August I turned 21 and I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate this big birthday surrounded by my friends and family in such a gorgeous setting.

I definitely recommend visiting this part of France - though August is best avoided in my opinion as it gets crazy busy.

Spending Summer on the Ile de Re was a pleasure as always and I can't wait to be back there again soon. Goodbye Summer, see you again next year!

October Favourites.

I'm currently in the less glamorous phase of my year out, raising the flipping money. It's not fun but it's got to be done. At the moment, I'm temping as a receptionist in an advertising agency in Central London. Commuting every day takes it's toll but I'm fueled by the excitement about my plans for the second half of the year.

One perk (perhaps drawback) of the job is that I'm located a stones throw from Oxford Street and have a whole hour for lunch. Now.. I'm not going to pretend I'm a shopaholic, in fact, I'm categorically the opposite - I normally hate going shopping and tend to stick to ordering online. The past few weeks however, I've spent my lunch hour mooching around the shops and have managed to find some very exciting bits and bobs which are definitely on my wishlist. It's really difficult when you're saving money, to justify big purchases, so most of these pieces I've managed to refrain from buying  -*most*, but hey, I'm just human.

From left to right: Bloggers Journal - Paperchase, Gold Pen - Paperchase, Wild & Free Notebook - Not On The High Street, Relax Spray- Oliver Bonas, Cat Makeup Bag - Oliver Bonas, Sugar Honey Lip Tint - Fresh, Rope Bracelet - Reiss

I completely love this Blogger's Journal from Paperchase, and the fact it matches the blog design is an added bonus, I think I might just have to treat myself. I also think the Oliver Bonas 'Kit the Cat' Makeup Bag is just the best thing ever and while I'm not sure I can justify buying it for myself, I might get it for my Mum for her birthday. The fact that they have matching Kit the Cat wrapping paper and gift bags makes me so happy (cutest present ever)!

Does anyone have any advice about how to be careful with your money when saving for big adventures?

I'm not sure if you can guess by the kind of things I've been favoring this month but I'm going on a very exciting trip so stay tuned!

Tips for a Perfect Picnic

"There are few things as pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort" - W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge, 1943

While this post may seem trivial, I'm all for celebrating the little things in life and I'm inclined to agree with Maughman - nothing compares to a picnic done right. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful hamper for my birthday and a lovely picnic book. Ever since then I've learnt to appreciate how special and memorable a good picnic can be. I now consider myself a bit of a pro picnicker and thought I'd share my tips, tricks and favourite recipes.

1. Location is everything - No-one likes sandy sandwiches, or shrivelling in the midday sun. My favourite place for a beachy picnic is in a shady spot on the dunes! Whether its in a park, on a boat or in your garden, a relaxing setting is a must.

2. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail - Making a list the day before of everything you're going to cook and bring is a great idea. Think small and light, nothing too bulky as it'll be a pain to carry - don't forget the wet wipes!

3. Tarts are the one - Tarts are a really great mess-free main meal for a picnic. I often use this recipe by Annie Bell (I really recommend her picnic cookbook), but I quite often change it up, for example it works beautifully with chorizo and red peppers.

4. Bring some bread - There's nothing worse than going hungry and bread is always guaranteed to fill people up. If you're near a good bakery, I suggest a couple of tasty baguettes as they're not too bulky and don't require a bread knife or board, you can just tear bits off. An alternative is a soft focaccia, or smaller bread rolls.

5. Make sure liquids are sealed - This might seem obvious but the quality of tupperware can make or break a picnic! Make sure lids are on properly and everything is stacked upright to avoid unwanted spillages.

6. You can't predict the weather - It is said that you can plan the prettiest picnic, but you can't predict the weather. A backup plan in case it rains is essential - even if it's just a cosy picnic at home!

7. Keep it cool - A cool bag is your best friend to keep food fresh and drinks cold, especially in warmer climates.

8. Relax! - Sit back, relax and enjoy picnic paradise!

Fairgrounds and Ball Gowns

Graduation ball was an absolute blast, Exeter University certainly puts on a good party. There was a fairground, free ice-cream and candy floss, a casino and even a dinosaur - though sadly I didn't manage to snap a photo of him! The whole night was surreal. Normally our going out attire is super casual, not a heel in sight; so it made a nice change that everyone was suited and booted.



I don't often get the chance to wear floor length dresses and it really did feel like a special occasion, despite the fact it was very muddy by the end of the night. I didn't survive on the dance floor in my heels for very long!



Congratulations to all the A-level students who got their results yesterday.. If you're going to be a fresher in Exeter in September, it's safe to say I'm very jealous of you. Wanna trade places?

Perfect Puglia

Puglia, is a region in southern Italy, described by lonely planet as the country’s “sun-bleached heel’, and the destination of my most recent getaway to celebrate my friend’s 21st. After a pretty gruelling Third year of uni, to say I was excited was an understatement.

Like thousands of travellers before me I fell in love with Italy almost as soon as I stepped off the plane. Despite it being the early hours of the morning, on arrival we got our first taste of authentic Puglian pizza and there was no looking back. The cuisine in Puglia is to die for; I’m still having withdrawal symptons. I suggest throwing your inhibitions out the window and embracing that 24/7 food baby – just make sure to pack some floaty maxis.

What I’ll miss most however, without a doubt, is Casa Ceno. This house has been designed so, so beautifully in a cubist style. It’s arguably one of the finest pieces of architecture in the region and I felt incredibly lucky to call it home for the week. A massive thank you, and happy birthday to Orla who made it such a wonderful week!

Find out more: http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/fr/thinkpuglia/casa-ceno.aspx#about