The calm Greek island, Corfu

A small island full of adventure and freedom with the most caring, kind souls the world could offer. I began my journey here lost and alone as I struggled to find my correct bus stop. This was the first time I had vacated England after losing my passport, so I was a little on edge to ensure I didn’t repeat the same mistake.

As I leaped out of the airport in a hurried manner to catch my bus, I felt the sunshine greet my face with a bright glow. I suddenly felt relieved. I managed to bump into a British couple backpacking, who helped me find my way. All three of us found ourselves walking to the big bus terminal. They were a fascinating couple who had decided to hike from the south of the island all the way to the north. They educated me on how it would take them eight days in the beautiful sun to venture across the island.

As we approached the bus terminal, they ran off to catch their correct bus, and I waved them good luck in the hope that maybe that could be me one day, exploring the world with my other half. As I queued up to collect my own bus ticket, I paced myself to the correct bay to wait for my coach. As it finally arrived, we were herded onto the bus. After an hour of admiring the views from my seat and listening to all the elder Greek ladies conversate, I finally reached my accommodation with joy.

I turned the key to enter and couldn’t believe the beauty of the view and the privacy I had just claimed for the next few nights. This holiday was all about locking myself away in order to complete part of my book. Before I isolated myself from the outside world, I had to discover a supermarket, as I hadn’t eaten all day. I took a swift walk to the white-pebbled beach in the hope of finding what I was looking for. It was a ghost town; I loved it, but I also felt slightly concerned as I didn’t equip myself with a moped or car.

I finally spoke to a few people relaxing by the sea and soon discovered I was screwed. A couple recommended that I walk up the road to a small roadside shop. This was where I found a small Greek man selling newspapers and cigarettes—the small necessities in life, of course. He suggested that I catch a bus to the nearest town five kilometres away, but I insisted on walking. I found myself walking around windy, narrow roads with incredible views, not regretting my decision one bit.

I finally discovered a small bar bustling with locals. As I turned to enter the bar, they were so amused by me. I ordered a beer and a spinach pastry in so much excitement to finally have something to drink and eat. I turned around to cheer them on, but they already beat me to it, wishing me well with my beer. They welcomed me with open arms here in Corfu. I find that so difficult to discover as a tourist nowadays, as a lot of locals despise outsiders.

After accommodating myself to have a drink with them, it was finally time to move on to locate the grocery store. I found this adorable small shop with everything I needed, from fresh bread to red wine. I was sorted for the next few days. After having a great conversation with the couple who owned the supermarket and telling them my story, they were kind enough to offer me a lift back to my accommodation and a bottle of red from their winery.

I granted the motion, and away we went in his white work van. He told me all about his family, his friends, and his businesses as a winemaker, olive grower, grocery store owner, and builder. He fascinated me with how much he had created in his life and how much he adored it. He began to tell me stories and how I should return in September. I was over the moon to have met people like this who opened their arms to me. As he waved me goodbye, I finally locked myself away, and the writing began.

Lots of food, one bottle of red, and a packet of cigarettes; I was all set.

The famous inescapable casino of islands, Koh Tao

We eventually arrived in Koh Tao after all the excitement and waiting to finally live the paradise dream. After we took our first steps off the ferry, I felt like I couldn’t walk any further. My mind and muscles were exhausted from the sleep deprivation and the fact we still had a half hour walk to achieve from the pier.

We discovered the nearest 7 eleven grabbed our ham and cheese toasties and took the plunge to start the walk. This was harder that I assumed but it was completed. We made it to Revolution hostel. I walked in with a beaming smile and sparked a conversation with two Staff members who were eagerly engaged to maintain a conversation. They were so pleased we had chosen revolution as the place to stay. Once we had checked in, I intrigued them that much as a guest they offered me a position as a party rep. One lesson I learnt from this opportunity is that when traveling you should never plan ahead. I had made plans elsewhere, but I wanted to stay where I had discovered this new way of life. I decided to have two nights as a guest to make sure I wanted to go through with this exciting job. I took the position, moved into the rep house, and said goodbye to Carlos, the boy I followed.

Whilst living on the other side of the world, I was lucky enough to create some life long friends. There was one particular girl that was able to make me smile and laugh at every waking moment. We were so lucky to have each other’s support. It was very much a sisterly love I will never forget. I also created a strong connection with a South African queen. She would come and find me everyday to have a quick catch up with a cigarette talking and updating each other on life and what this island has to offer us. I miss them.

Fast forward 8 weeks.

Secluded on an island with friends and enemies. An island I wasn’t even planning to visit. An island that takes 20 minutes to drive from one end to the other. It was like a small town but so disconnected from the outside world. I was in love. But love can destroy you and make you lose your purpose. So I had to escape.

All I’ve done is party, drink and lose the reason why I came traveling. I lost my passion slightly whilst being on Koh Tao. This island reminds me of casinos, easy to enter but hard to find the exit. You can’t find your way out. Everyone seems to get trapped here, even guests extending their stays continuously. I know of one guests stayed for 3 weeks after planning to stay for 3 days. Since living and working on the island I’ve learned so many life lessons through people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had. I would not think the way I do now without these life experiences. So, I know this island was part of my journey. I have definitely met some friends that are life long and they know who they are. Now I can say I’ve lived and worked on a remote island in Thailand for 2 months. Can you?

I will be back. When my head is in the right space, I see it as my second home. I love the feeling of safety and security I have there. But traveling to me is all about seeking discomfort. I haven’t felt this feeling on Koh Tao. So wish me luck. I’m going to find it again.

Everybody is falling in love and I'm falling behind

LOVE. Such a serious topic. Why do we feel this? how do we know when we are feeling it if we have never experienced it? What is love?

For the past four weeks in Koh Tao, I have spent most of my time pining over a boy. This was the closest I have felt to love so far. I know it wasn’t love but I have never truly enjoyed spending every waking moment with a person like I did with him. He had a long burnt but golden looking mullet that flopped over the top of his eyebrows. A prominent red moustache you could spot from a mile away, and a mischievous grin making the world a little bit happier every time he smiled. He had this energy that made your serotonin boost through the roof and where your cheeks would start aching from smiling too much. He was never sad. He always appreciated what was around him in that moment and didn’t worry about the future. He just lived.

The pureness of our friendship was unmatched for me. Being able to sit in silence and enjoy each other’s company in peace is as pure as it comes for me. He will never understand how much I appreciated the time I spent with him. He just always knew how to make me content and happy with life.  

But why have I allowed my heart to sway that way and lose focus on what is important to me? Because I have learnt when travelling all you do is crave comfortability. This can allow you to lose your purpose on why you are travelling. I lost my purpose quite quickly when I came to the island of Koh Tao. This was due to drinking, partying and the desperation to fit in and be liked. All I was doing was constantly borrowing happiness from tomorrow. now Im trying to escape it. And I've done it. Flight booked, ferry booked. I’m going to Vietnam. I’m seeking discomfort. Otherwise I will never grow and develop into the person I want to or believe in. So here we go next chapter unlocked. I’m ready to discover the world and live my life to the fullest and maintain my happiness.