POCNA HOSTEL NIGHTLIFE

Be left in no doubt that the way of life here lives up to its reputation – work hard (ish), play hard! For large crowds, dance anthems and free flowing alcohol, you belong in Cancun rather than here. However, that doesn’t mean that Isla Mujeres doesn’t have enough of a nightlife of its own. It’s easy to find Mariachi bands, salsa nights and street performers along the main beach and high street, but if you’re looking to really party, the general consensus is that Pocna hostel is the place to go.

BUHO BAR, PLAYA NORTE, ISLA MUJERES

Stunning views of the beach? Check. Swings at the bar and hammocks in the corner? Check. Cheap beers? Check. You know where to find us.

THE FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE MEXICAN SUN

The southern tip of Isla Mujeres is the most easterly point of Mexico, meaning those who rise early enough to catch dawn can be the first in the country to see the sun that day! Watching the sun rise along the horizon across the Caribbean Sea managed to turn our grumpy 5.30am frowns upside down.

Punta Sur is also worth a look; you can pay to access to the very bottom of the island, including the sculpture park and viewpoint. The sculptures, although bright and fun, are not the main attraction – visitors mostly come for the views of the bright sea and reefs, to watch the huge iguanas basking in the sun, and to hear the waves crash against the south headland.

FINDING AN APARTMENT ON ISLA MUJERES

We made it to Mexico. Three days had passed (and we’d done Wednesday twice), we’d spent 35 hours in the air, had been to three continents and missed one flight – but we were here! And it is beautiful.

Once again we found ourselves in the all-too familiar predicament of being jobless and homeless. We decided we wanted to live on Isla Mujeres and with Tate arriving for a two week holiday the following day, we were in rather a tiz trying to work out where to turn.

We secured a temporary residence for a few days, then the three of us rented one of Isla Mujeres’ very popular golf buggies to bound around the island looking for ‘se renta’ signs.

NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES

The coastal town of Newcastle was our last overnight stop before arriving back in Sydney, and although we had heard the beaches were something special, we had still completely underestimated them. Arriving late we checked into the YHA, it being too dark to take in our surroundings. The next morning we were dazzled by the beauty of the coastline!

MANLY BEACH, SYDNEY

Whilst everyone flocks to Bondi, we found the beach overcrowded and a touch overrated. We ventured to Manly and found a quiet cove there…

We thought Manly had the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. The more ‘adventurous’ types were cliff-jumping from this perch

MARGARET RIVER AND BUSSELTON

After the farm work, there is nothing that could have warmed our hearts as much as the word ‘vineyard’. Already having friends further south to stay with we hired a car and drove down the stunning west coast, stopping at Fremantle for breakfast and every beach along the way. Sal and Cam, and their two beautiful daughters Abbey and Phoebe, are good friends of Sarah’s aunt, and acted as the perfect company, hosts and tour guides for Busselton and Margaret river.

Our morning trip around the vineyards and chocolate factory was indulgent and tipsy to say the least; our favourite was a rather dashing and eloquent French waiter who successfully sold us a rather fancy sauvignon blanc. We stopped by a smaller vineyard for lunch – the food was just as good as the wine!

AHOY HOI AN!

Finally what we’d been waiting for – the Vietnam that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of the legendary beaches, quaint streets and characterful buildings. Still a town for the tourist, but without compromising on its beauty.

With its narrow criss-crossed streets and rickety city bicycles for rent on nearly every corner, there was only one way we wanted to explore Hoi An.

We handed over our one dollar each and immediately took the straight road out to the beach.

We sunbathed for a while and tried out the amazing noodle soups in the local restaurants along the beach front, before heading back to explore the old town.

PROOF THAT ORGANISED FUN IS THE BEST KIND!

Who said travelling is just rest and relaxation?

Several hours later we watched from the nearby bar as tourists took turns to pose with our masterpiece. We thought one girl was about to commit sabotage but instead she just added this fitting contribution:

Architects in the making,

Charlotte & Tate x

A ROCKIN’ VALENTINE’S DAY

Not feeling particularly romantic and acting as each other’s dates, we decided to mark the occasion with a visit to the Grandmother and Grandfather rocks in Lamai, Koh Samui. These naturally-formed genetaila-shaped rocks provide endless amusement to the tourists and Thais alike. The occasion was however made slightly more romantic by us visiting at sunset…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Charlotte & Sarah x