What a freakin whirlwind! I spent most of July in Mexico City for my program with AIM Overseas (if you’ve missed what’s been going on, you can check it out here). Retuning to Australia, starting back at uni and being able to drink the tap water has been a bit of a change (an extremely grateful change). But July has been a truly incredible month. I not only had my eyes ripped open to the reality that refugees and migrants live through in Mexico, but I discovered what really set my heart on fire, plus I turned 23, the dreaded age of being somewhat an adult. But before we jump too far ahead of ourselves, let’s look back on the month of July!
🇲🇽 Mexico City
What a crazy city? Over 22million people, an altitude of 2500m and a city of extremes. The rich, glamorous, hipster and the poor, dirty and poverty somehow live together in this city. Mexico City is A LOT. You can catch up here for specifics of what we got up to on our program here. My program in Mexico was honestly one of the craziest, most educational, inspiring, challenging, overwhelming and incredible experiences I’ve ever had. I’ll truly cherish the time I spent there and the people I met. I don’t think I can ever forget the feeling of doing something I’m truly passionate about. It helped me realise my passions, my goals and how I really want to make a change and help share the stories of some of the bravest people I’ve ever met.
🎶 Catfish and The Bottlemen
When I found out that one of my absolute favourite bands were playing in Wollongong the day before I was due to land back in Australia, I looked into changing my flights. After serious consideration, I realised ‘wtf I’m 23, my fave band is playing at home, that’s it I’m changing my flight!’ And I can honestly say that it’s one of the most spontaneous, crazy and freakin awesome things that I’ve done. I went with my friend and we had such a good night! Considering I managed to sleep for about 9 hours on the flight, the beers went down an absolute treat and my ears were treated to the sweet sounds of Catfish!
📷 THIS PHOTO
❤️ Home
One of the best things about spending time away from home, is returning back. I was so excited to see my friends and family again. And lucky for me, semester 2 was just starting back so everyone was down for a beer or three!
🎶 Tunes
HAIM. These lovely ladies just released their new album and GOD DAMN IT’S AMAZEBALLS! I’ve honestly had it on repeat and I’ve been singing along like there’s no tomorrow.
The XX. Another great band, another great album. Holy shit am I thankful to have new music from these guys grace my ears.
Bob Marley. OK maybe a bit random but after being in Belize and embracing those Caribbean vibes, Bob Marley just makes me feel freakin good. If you’re feeling stressed of anxious, simply play some of his music and I promise you’ll instantly feel happier.
🎥 Flicks
Frida. I was lucky enough to visit the house of Frida Kahlo whilst in Mexico City. And before going I watched this film to get some background info on her life. And damn I would honestly recommend this to anyone. She had such an interesting, painful and flamboyant life and it was even more incredible getting to visit the house she grew up in and went through so much in.
Gangs of El Salvador – VICE. If anyone knows me, they know that working for VICE would be the ultimate kick ass job. And after spending time in Mexico and learning about the extremely violent gangs that govern Honduras and El Salvador, watching this documentary was incredibly educational and informative. An absolute must if, like me, you had no idea about gangs in El Salvador, or even where El Salvador is!
📷 Bloggers and Vloggers
Flying the Nest. I’ve only just stumbled across this cute Aussie couple and I’m slowing falling for their chemistry and excitement. They just got married in Greece so if you’re into that you’ll be obsessed. Me – I’m just really into all of the coffee they drink!
📗Book
T2 Trainspotting. This is definitely not for the faint hearted. It’s difficult to read (mostly because it’s written in a Scottish accent) and it’s all about porn, sex and drugs. Now I just can’t wait to watch the movie!
📝 Quote
I have to admit, going to Mexico was definitely one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. Not because I thought something bad would happen to me or go wrong, but because I’d never travelled anywhere like it before. Everything was new, scary, overwhelming and exciting. It was both terrifying and amazing and one of the most defining experiences I think I’ve ever had. And I think in life, when you’re faced with experiences that are both terrifying, scaring, exciting and amazing, then what do you have to lose by pursuing it? Sometimes you just have to take risks, and I’d hate to live a life thinking ‘what if?’ So dive in, be brave and embrace it.
What a freakin amazing month! I learnt and discovered more about our beautifully complicated world, I turned 23 and apparently people still like me, and I’m back into semester 2 ready to smash out my last semester at uni! Things are looking up!!
A Worldly Addiction 