• They booked the international and domestic flights
• They booked the hotels
• They selected organised excursions
• They organised other forms of transport
• They ensured that breakfast was provided on all the days, even if it meant getting it packed if we had an early start
• Dinner was provided on a few of the days
• Freedom days were scheduled during which we could organise what we wanted to do ourselves, but if we needed support to plan some sort of excursion, the tour guide was there to help us with that
• They had an app which shared details about each day, reminded us about any forms or visas that needed to be completed, flight details and so on

The only complaint I have is that the company said that providing vegan meals wouldn’t be an issue, and it wasn’t, yet it was!

The tour company told the hotel staff, but the team that received this information didn’t share it with the chef, so at every single hotel, the first breakfast was a pain in the backside! It was like Groundhog Day, because I would have to explain my requirements to the chef, tell the tour guide that the hotel didn’t know, tell the chef that the hotel did know, tell the tour guide that the chefs are adamant that they weren’t told etc etc. Once they were aware, the breakfasts were great! I had this issue in all the hotels apart from the one in Ubud.

Anyway, there were about 30 of us on the tour. Some of us began the tour in Singapore, others in Dubai, whilst some joined us in New Zealand. I’m really grateful for the fact that I knew two people on the tour. I don’t think I’m ready to travel on my own yet.

Let’s talk about the trip…

First stop: Singapore

We landed in the evening, and we didn’t want to waste any time! I’m so glad that we were all on the same page about that. Everywhere we went, we made sure we put the luggage in our rooms, freshened up if needed, and then got out straight away.

We were lucky to have Joe Yong as our tour guide while we were in Singapore. He shared some options about what we could do, and was then more than happy to give us more details, e.g. directions, timings, costs, options for using various forms of transport and so on.

Spectra – A Light and Water Show

I’ve never seen anything like the light and water show! The spectacles were fantastic, and they varied in terms of size, colour, how long they lasted and more. The show is really well organised, and it runs twice or thrice on a daily basis. The show is 15 minutes long, and it’s free!

The show features a stunning choreography of dancing fountains, lasers, colourful visual projections, and lava and mist effects, all synchronised to a majestic, award-winning orchestral soundtrack.

Find out more about this show
Marina Bay Sands: Spectra – A Light & Water Show | Attractions in Singapore
Get Your Guide: Spectra – A Light & Water Show, Singapore
Self-guided tour of Singapore

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay has multiple sections within it. We went to the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and the Supertree Observatory.

I would strongly recommend going to the Flower Dome first and then going to the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome was stunning, but we struggled to appreciate its beauty after going into the Cloud Forest.

The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse. It spans 1.28 hectares; the cavernous, air-conditioned dome mimics the cool, dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.

The Cloud Forest includes an immersive walkthrough event called Jurassic World: The Experience. The exhibit showcases life-sized animatronic dinosaurs nestled amongst the conservatory’s lush tropical plants and mist-filled waterfalls.

Find out more about Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay
Get Your Guide: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore – Book Tickets & Tours
Self-guided tour of Singapore

Our first full day in Singapore

We did the following things with our tour guide:

• We went on a tour of the city
• We visited Singapore Botanic Gardens/National Orchid Garden
• We saw Little India
• We went to Chinatown
• He showed us the Parliament House

We had a choice of whether to be dropped off at the hotel or in the city. We chose the latter, so that we could do a bit of exploring. We walked around, ate, visited Gardens By The Bay during the day to see how it was different from seeing it in the evening, and then we had dinner.

The National Orchid Garden was absolutely stunning! I had no idea that there were so many types of orchids. It’s a spectacular 3-hectare sanctuary which showcases over 60,000 orchids across 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. That’s right; hybrids! The garden has created and named many orchids after famous celebrities and distinguished guests! After a new hybrid is successfully cultivated, it is registered internationally with the Royal Horticultural Society and officially presented to the celebrity during a naming ceremony. It’s definitely worth going to this event if you don’t know much about flowers.

Find out more about the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Our lunch was at Lau Pa Sat, which is also known as the Telok Ayer Market. It’s a stunning, cast-iron Victorian market that’s within Singapore’s financial district. It houses over 80 stalls serving diverse Asian cuisines, and locals refer to it as the Hawker Centre. The language barrier made it tricky to find out what the vegan options were, but luckily, I had a copy of the Vegan Passport with me. That was the key to us being able to order a delicious vegan meal, which included a yummy Mapo Tofu.

We had dinner at a vegan restaurant called Whole Earth. There were lots of options, the food was delicious, and the staff were attentive and helpful.

Our final day in Singapore

Again, with the help of our tour guide, we decided to take the tram to see the Peranakan Houses. They are mostly along Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Road. You will see stunning two-storey, heritage-rich terrace homes. They are famous for their Chinese Baroque architecture, which features candy-coloured pastel facades, intricate ceramic tiles, and decorative wooden shutters. They represent the descendants of early Chinese and Malay intermarriages in the region, and blend Chinese, Malay, and European design elements.

More about these houses
Katong-Joo Chiat: Home of Singapore’s Peranakan Houses
The Beauty Of Singapore’s Peranakan Shophouses
Peranakan Houses
Self-guided tour of Singapore

After that, we went to the airport and walked around Jewel Shopping Mall, which is unlike anywhere I’ve been before! It is attached to Changi Airport, and it made the time before we headed out fly by!

We wouldn’t have made time for this if it wasn’t for our tour guide! I’m so glad that Joe told us about this place. He also shared some tips about where to position ourselves for great photos, how to time it so that we get the train in, how high to go, etc.

More information about the airport and shopping mall:
Experience Wonder at Jewel Changi Airport
Changi Airport Shopping

Second stop: New Zealand

We landed in Auckland, where we met our new tour guide, Neil. After checking in and dropping off our luggage, we checked out the local area and grabbed a bite in a nearby food court.

Auckland

Neil took us around the city, during which we visited The Wintergardens and Bastion Point, where we saw the vistas over Waitemata Harbour. We walked around the Harbour, where we had lunch and then returned to the hotel for a bit before catching a bus to go and have dinner at a vegetarian restaurant called Shivani.

Bastion Point (Māori: Takaparawhau) is a picturesque coastal headland in Ōrākei, Auckland, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s famous for its sweeping panoramic views; it features lush lawns, walking tracks, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, which honours New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister.

The Auckland Domain Wintergardens is a historic botanical attraction located in the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain. Opened in 1913, it features two grand, barrel-vaulted glasshouses and a fernery set in a former volcanic quarry, offering visitors free admission and ever-changing seasonal floral displays.

I think this was the first time that we had some food which we couldn’t finish. Someone got on the bus, and I was quite sure that he lived on the street and would have appreciated the meal, so I went to give it to him and I’ll never forget his reaction. I went up to him, bent down so that my head was level with his head, and got his attention. He saw my face and was surprised. I think it was because I was so close to him. Anyway, I asked him if I could give him some rice. He had a smile on his face, and with a lovely, gentle voice, he said thank you a number of times. He then started to eat it with his hands, and then he closed the box. I assume it was to save some for later. When he got off the bus, he said thank you again.

Rotorua

We drove to Rotorua and visited the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, where we saw the spouting geysers and boiling mud pools. Whakarewarewa is an authentic, centuries-old Māori settlement. It’s one of a kind because it’s the only Māori village built directly upon active geothermal land. Right next door, we also visited Te Puia, which is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. There, we saw people getting trained so that they could create beautiful pieces like those on show in the institute.

Discover Popular Rotorua Geothermal Treasures

In the evening, we had dinner together for the first time, and we watched a show by members of the Māori culture, which included the war dance.

Lake Taupō

Lake Taupō, by surface area, is New Zealand’s largest lake. It covers 616 km², which is roughly the size of Singapore! This crater lake was formed 27,000 years ago by a violent volcanic super-eruption.

Huka Falls

We also visited the Huka Falls. This is New Zealand’s most-visited natural attraction, located on the Waikato River just north of Taupō on the North Island. The falls feature a dramatic bottleneck where a 100-meter-wide river is forced through a 15-meter-wide volcanic canyon, thundering 11 meters down into the river below. Nearly a quarter of a million litres of water (up to 220,000 litres per second) pours through the gorge, creating a deafening roar that can be heard long before the falls are in sight.

Waipunga Falls

We visited Waipunga Falls, which is a spectacular, 40-meter-tall roadside waterfall in Hawke’s Bay. It’s a popular, easy-access stop for travellers who are driving between Taupo and Napier. The waterfall is known for its forceful plunge, which is segmented into three thick columns of cascading water.

Napier

We stopped in Napier, which is a city that’s full of Art Deco. The Art Deco style came about because the city was destroyed by a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake and fires in 1931. The buildings were stunning. I am fond of architecture, and I enjoy noticing different styles of artisanship and the use of different materials.

We enjoyed a vegan meal at a restaurant called Indigo.

Wellington

Wellington is famously known as “Windy Wellington” or the windy city because strong gusts blow through the Cook Strait. It also officially became the capital of New Zealand in 1865, replacing Auckland.

We had a short orientation tour, after which we visited Mount Victoria.

We had a delicious vegan meal at a restaurant called Aroy.

Freedom day

We spent our freedom day doing multiple things. We took a cable car ride and visited the Botanical Gardens. We also popped into a Victorian perfumery. The person in the shop explained that some of the perfumes weren’t vegan because they contain whale vomit and other animal products.

We had dinner at Napoli, which was awesome! The owner was customer-focused, and really friendly. We ordered pizza and really enjoyed it!

Christchurch

Christchurch is officially recognised as the oldest city in New Zealand because Queen Victoria granted it letters patent on July 31, 1856. This act made it the first official city in the country.

• First city: Christchurch gained its status ahead of other regions due to British colonial laws linked to establishing an Anglican diocese.
• The only other: Nelson was later granted city status by letters patent in 1858, making Christchurch the sole earliest recipient.
• Human history: Māori habitation in the wider area goes back centuries before this 19th-century colonial designation.

We got a ferry from Picton to Christchurch. As we made our way to the hotel, we stopped at Ōhau Point, where we saw lots of seals.

Ōhau Point is an 180-meter-high rocky promontory on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, located about 25 km north of Kaikōura. It’s famous for its large colony of New Zealand fur seals (Kekeno) that can be seen from an elevated viewing platform.

We had a delicious lunch at Picton Pizza and Kebabs.

City tour around Christchurch

Neil took us on a city tour, which included the Botanic Gardens. The town was beautiful. Christchurch is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and it is the nation’s oldest city. It’s known as the “Garden City,” and it blends a distinctive English heritage with a resilient, modern spirit following major earthquakes. It’s known as Ōtāutahi in Māori. The city features a distinctive identity shaped by urban regeneration, a vibrant arts scene, and rich green spaces.

I know this may sound difficult to accept, but when we walked around afterwards, we came across a café where I had the most amazing hot chocolate ever! It was from a place called She Café. I’ve never ever tasted anything so indulgent and euphoric! It was flavoured with raspberry and rose syrup. If you’re nearby, I would thoroughly recommend that you order it to have in the café, and that you take some time to savour it.

We had a delicious vegan dinner at a restaurant called Zodiac.

Off to Queenstown

We left Christchurch for Queenstown, which is a stunning, alpine resort town on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range.

On the way, we stopped at Lake Tekapo, which is a stunning alpine destination in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island, famous for its milky-turquoise waters and snow-capped mountain backdrop. It’s located in the Mackenzie Basin, which is about a three-hour drive from Christchurch.

We stayed at the Rendezvous Heritage, and this was the first time that we had dinner where we were staying. They had a delicious vegan Spaghetti Bolognese on the menu and had vegan desserts too!

The journey to Milford Sound

We spent a long time driving to Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), which is a spectacular fiord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. It’s famous for its ink-dark waters, plunging rainforest cliffs, and dramatic waterfalls. Some recognise it as the eighth wonder of the world.

On the way, we stopped to see Lake Te Anau, Falls Creek Waterfall, Monkey Creek and Mirror Lakes.
We then got on a ferry, which is when we saw a fjord, waterfall, and seals.

Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island. The area is renowned for its alpine wilderness, fjord cruises, and being the starting point for the Kepler Track.

The majestic Falls Creek Waterfall drops directly into the Eglinton Valley. It cascades down a sheer rock face, which is very close to the Milford Road carpark. The falls are especially spectacular and thundering after heavy rain. The surrounding Eglinton Valley is a breathtaking, glacier-carved gorge featuring steep rocky mountains, golden tussock grass, and native beech forest.

Monkey Creek is a popular scenic stop in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. It’s famous for its exceptionally pure, glacier-fed water, which is safe to drink. It has sweeping mountain views and opportunities to spot the native alpine parrot, the Kea.

The Mirror Lakes are located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. They are a set of tranquil oxbow lakes. On a calm day, Mount Eglinton and the Earl Mountains can be seen reflected in the water.

Freedom day

We booked a trip to Skippers Canyon, which is a spectacular, historic 22-km gorge just north of Queenstown, carved by the gold-bearing Shotover River. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs and former mining ghost towns.

The tour guide, Scott, was great! He gave us lots of snippets of information without it feeling overwhelming or like we were being talked at. One of the things we learned was that the Government planted lots of pine trees by dropping seeds from a helicopter. However, they didn’t predict the growth rate, so they then took steps to reduce this! They have done this by frequently releasing poison from the air. When they are poisoned, they become maroon, and then they slowly turn brown. The trees are left as they are because it would be too costly to cut them down and remove them.

We also saw Lake Wakatipu, which is a stunning, glacially carved finger lake in New Zealand’s South Island that stretches 80 km in a lightning-bolt shape. It is the country’s longest lake. Flanked by the dramatic Southern Alps, it sits at 310 meters elevation and is renowned for crystal-clear, deep blue waters and adventure hubs like Queenstown.

We had a delicious lunch at Madam Woo’s. They had lots of vegan options, and we seemed to be especially hungry!

Arrowtown

We stopped at Arrowtown, which is where we saw a historic gold-mining village. It’s nestled on the banks of the Arrow River, which is 20 minutes from Queenstown. It’s famous for its leafy streets, 19th-century colonial buildings, and the restored Chinese Settlement. It is celebrated for its spectacular autumn foliage and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Some interesting information about New Zealand

• Retired British and Irish soldiers (the Royal New Zealand Fencibles) were recruited in the late 1840s to settle near Auckland. In return for seven years of militia service, they received a cottage and an acre of land. A few Auckland place names have Indian connections (such as Khyber Pass Road and the Bombay Hills), and they came from British colonial naming, not from Indian settlers.
• New Zealand had no native land mammals except for two species of bats, and no snakes. Birds were the dominant land vertebrates.
• In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to give women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. Māori women also gained the vote at the same time.

Third stop: Australia

Melbourne

This is when we met Pam, our new tour guide. She took us on a city tour where we saw the Treasury Gardens, Victoria Market, The Federation Square and the Cricket Ground.

Covering 5.8 hectares (14 acres), the heritage-listed Treasury Gardens offer a tranquil, mid-19th-century escape. The park features curving pathways beneath avenues of mature trees, an ornamental pond, and monuments to JFK and Robert Burns.

The iconic Queen Victoria Market, which is often called Queen Vic or Vic Market, is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. It spans across 7 hectares, has over 600 small businesses, and is known as the “pantry of Melbourne.”

Federation Square is Melbourne’s cultural and civic heart. It was built in 2002, covers 3.2 hectares and is famous for its deconstructivist design and complex network of museums, galleries, dining venues, and open public plaza.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), colloquially known as “The G,” is Australia’s premier sporting venue. It’s the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, and can seat over 100,000 people!

Pam took us to visit St. Kilda and Port Melbourne.

St Kilda is the city’s vibrant seaside playground. Famous for its palm-lined foreshore, historic amusements, and eclectic dining scenes, it blends bohemian charm with grand Victorian architecture.

Port Melbourne is a premium bayside suburb and Australia’s largest container port, which uniquely blends industrial infrastructure with upscale, waterfront living, offering safe swimming beaches, historic piers, and a vibrant dining scene along Bay Street.

After this, we met Michael, who took us to see the Penguin Parade. On the way to see the penguins, we stopped off at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, which is an award-winning, 25-acre biopark, featuring over 70 native Australian species.

We had lunch at Hotel Phillip Island.

We had dinner at Tempo, but I believe that it’s permanently closed now.

Breakfast at the hotel, The Clarion Suites Gateway, was delicious!

Some interesting information about Melbourne

• Melbourne was never an official convict colony (unlike Sydney or Hobart). It was founded by free settlers in 1835, though some assigned convicts and about 1,700 “exiles” (Pentonvillians) arrived in the 1840s.
• Under Britain’s harsh 18th–19th century laws, stealing a handkerchief could result in transportation for 7 years, while persistent or serious burglary was often a capital offence punishable by hanging.
• British prisons and prison hulks were overcrowded after transportation to America ended, so convicts were sent to Australia.
• Trams are free within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone (covering the CBD / “golden mile” area and Docklands).
• The Eight Hour Day Monument commemorates the ideal of 8 hours’ work, 8 hours’ recreation, and 8 hours’ rest.
• The Melbourne Museum has a living Forest Gallery — an indoor Victorian mountain forest with trees, ferns, a creek, and native wildlife.

Freedom day

We used our freedom day to go and see the 12 Apostles, which are a striking group of limestone rock stacks rising up to 50 meters above the Southern Ocean. They were formed by constant coastal erosion.

The tour guide was called Nathan, and he was absolutely amazing! He took us to a cafe for tea and dessert, which is where he introduced us to a delicious dessert called a Lamington, which happens to be vegan in most places.

We also saw an amazing rainforest called Maits Rest, which is often referred to as Maits Rainforest. It is a lush, 800-metre self-guided loop walk through a cool temperate rainforest in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park. It features Ancient Trees that are estimated to be over 300 years old.

Nathan also took us to a few places where we could see Koalas in the wild. That was lovely!

We had lunch at Moor’s. It was all arranged as part of the excursion.

We were extremely lucky because there were only three of us on the minibus. We were also lucky and extremely grateful as Nathan switched the order of the places that we were due to go, which meant that we went to 12 Apostles first. This was great because there were only a handful of people there, which meant we didn’t have to dodge crowds or wait to take photos.

We had dinner at Hopscotch.

Freedom Day

We travelled by train and went to Melbourne Skydeck, where we saw the whole view of Melbourne. It is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public observation deck, and it’s perched 285 metres (935 feet) up on the 88th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower in Southbank. The lightning-fast lift rockets visitors from the ground floor to the 88th level in 38 seconds; there are 360-degree views, there’s an immersive 6D virtual reality theatre experience that showcases cultural and iconic highlights of Melbourne, and a sky-high bar that serves drinks and snacks.

We went to see the Hotel Windsor because Nathan said that was the oldest hotel in Melbourne. This hotel is Australia’s only surviving purpose-built grand Victorian hotel. It opened in 1883 and it features 180 traditional rooms, high ceilings, and classic 19th-century hospitality. It was worth the visit. The staircase, the architecture, and the artwork were stunning!

We also went to The Crown Towers because Pam had told us that the chandelier was absolutely amazing. It is a lavish 5-star hotel, which is part of the massive Crown Melbourne entertainment complex, which offers upscale rooms, high-end dining, a spa, and direct access to casinos, bars, and shops.

We had dinner at Chai N Chilli, which is Melbourne’s first dedicated Maharashtrian and Mumbai-style street food restaurant.

Cairns

We flew to Cairns and had dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Hecho En Mexico.

The Great Barrier Reef

This was one of the highlights of my trip. We got a boat to the Great Barrier Reef, where I did four things:

• a helmet sea-walking excursion
• a guided snorkelling excursion
• a trip on a glass-bottom boat
• a ride on a semi-submersible boat

I’ve been snorkelling once before, but this excursion made me realise that the language barrier with the guy who looked after me resulted in me not understanding what to do. I kept having to pull my head up, and I ended up swallowing lots of water. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. On top of that, there were lots of people around me, so I didn’t see much! However, the experience I had in Australia was absolutely amazing!

How was it different?

• There was no language barrier
• The guide showed me how to wear the mask
• He clearly explained what happens with the various bits of the mask
• He advised me on the exact angle to tilt my head.
• He told me what to do if I get water in my mask
• He took us far out so we saw loads of coral and different types of fish

We went to the night market in the evening, which is where I purchased a set of jewellery.

Freedom Day

We used this freedom day to go to Kuranda, which is a scenic mountain village in Tropical North Queensland. It is completely surrounded by the Wet Tropics World Heritage oldest living tropical rainforest.

We sat on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, through which we crossed 40 bridges and went through 15 tunnels whilst seeing breathtaking scenes, which included waterfalls.

We got the cable car and were lucky enough to be in the right place, at the right time, to have a 15-minute tour with a ranger around the rainforest.

We attended an event during which we heard from Mark, who is an active Aborigine. He talked to us about his life and experiences and culture, and then he answered questions from the audience. He taught us how to throw a boomerang, after which we all had a go at doing it. He also played the didgeridoo for us.

We had a delicious dinner at La Pizza.

Freedom Day

We roamed around and went to see St. Monica’s church, which was stunning.

We went to an art gallery, and we had ice cream, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

We also walked along the harbour, and we admired some birds, including a pelican. There was something very captivating about the pelican.

We were told that we may be able to see bats, so we looked out for that. Funnily enough, we saw them during the day! We saw them in trees and we also saw them in flight.

Freedom Day

We had another freedom day, which we used to go and see Daintree Rainforest. This Rainforest is the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest. It’s estimated to be between 135 and 180 million years old. It spans across 1,200 square kilometres, and it’s famous for where lush jungle meets the white-sand beaches of the Great Barrier Reef.

Uluru

When we got to Uluru, it was chucking it down! We’d encountered rain in New Zealand but nothing like this. It was so heavy that many of us waited instead of settling into our rooms. The reason for this is that we had to go out of the building to access our rooms!

Something interesting about the rain…

“The rainfall on February 6 and 7, 2026, was not record-breaking for those specific days, but it was part of an unseasonably wet, record-setting month.

The February Weather BreakdownThe 6th and 7th Figures: During these two specific days, central Australia experienced a standard influx of tropical moisture. While the rain caused some localized storms, it did not break single-day volume records for the Uluru/Yulara region on those exact dates.

The Normal Context: February is typically part of the outback’s “wet season,” where the area averages roughly 33mm to 44mm of rain for the entire month.

The Actual Records: While February 6 and 7 saw normal to moderate falls, February 2026 as a whole shattered records across the region. Nearby Alice Springs broke its all-time record for the highest number of rainy days in a single February (recording 15–16 days of rainfall compared to the usual average of just 3.3 days).

The Ultimate Decade-Level Event: The truly historic, record-breaking single-day deluge for Uluru didn’t happen until a few weeks later. On March 16, 2026, a massive tropical system dumped 76.4 mm of rain in 24 hours at Yulara Airport, triggering spectacular desert waterfalls on the monolith during its heaviest rainfall event in a decade.”

The above was copied from a search on the internet.

We saw the famous Ayers Rock, now commonly known as Uluru. Doesn’t it look majestic? Being there was calming and soothing, and it had a positive, quieting effect.

We went to a cafe and found a vegan dessert and these delicious drinks!

Sydney

We flew to Sydney and had the most delicious and unique dinner! It was at a vegan Japanese restaurant called Towzen.

Our first full day in Sydney

Pam took us on a city tour during which we saw the Sydney Opera House, Darlington Harbour, Bondi Beach, Sydney Bridge, Parliament House, Hyde Park and the Botanic Gardens.

I got a delicious burger from The Scary Canary.

Freedom Day

We used this day to take a tram to visit Sydney Opera House, but when we got there we discovered that they wouldn’t let us go inside unless we had a ticket for a tour or a show. We tried to get a ticket for a tour, but they were sold out, so we got tickets to see the greatest opera hits. It was awesome! I hadn’t been to the opera before, and I was surprised to be singing along to some of the songs. I knew quite a few! The other good thing about this show is that there was a digital screen that displayed subtitles.

We walked across the Sydney Bridge, and saw some wonderful views from it.

We had a yummy snack at BTB Kirribilli.

We had dinner at the Eastbank Cafe, Bar And Pizzeria.

Freedom Day

A group of us went to see the Blue Mountains, which is a spectacular, rugged region famous for dramatic sandstone cliffs, dense eucalyptus forests, and a distinct blue mist. This UNESCO World Heritage area features deep chasms, cascading waterfalls, and charming mountain villages. The Blue Haze is caused by the air filling with tiny droplets of oil from eucalyptus trees. The sunlight hits these droplets, and a natural blue smog is created over the valleys.

We saw The Three Sisters too. It is a famous trio of weathered sandstone peaks, which tower above the Jamison Valley. The region features steep gorges reaching up to 760 metres deep alongside tall waterfalls like Katoomba Falls.

Final day in Australia

We used this day to visit the Sydney Tower, after which we went to a cafe and enjoyed listening to someone who was playing the saxophone.

Before we left, we had a few drinks at Kenangan Coffee. They were divine!

We flew out to Bali at around 1:00 p.m.

Fourth stop: Bali

A driver collected us from the airport, and he took us to Ubud. We were greeted by heavy rainfall, and we were shattered, so we went straight to bed.

Ubud

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, and we loved the fact that we could sit outside our rooms and enjoy a scenic view while having a leisurely breakfast. The hotel was peaceful and picturesque.

On the first day, we ventured out to Bali Swing. It features giant rope swings suspended high above tropical jungles and emerald rice fields. I have mixed feelings about this. It was fun, and the views were gorgeous, but they had photographers who kept telling me to pose in different ways, and because this was done multiple times during each swing, it got tiresome and meant that I didn’t get to experience the swings in the way I would have if I’d asked them to not take any photos. If I went again, I would tell them that I don’t want any photos taken of me. We were there in February, which isn’t their busy period. This meant that the staff were able and willing to take photos and videos of us with our own cameras.

After lunch, we went to see Gitgit Waterfall (Air Terjun Gitgit), which is a 35 to 48-meter-tall cascading waterfall located in North Bali’s Buleleng Regency. It’s nestled in a lush tropical rainforest, and features a scenic 15-minute concrete walkway past clove and coffee plantations, souvenir shops, and a cool mountain atmosphere. It’s one of the tallest and most iconic single drops on the island, which is tucked deep within a verdant ravine surrounded by dense jungle foliage, hanging vines, and native flora. The walkway consists of a well-maintained, paved concrete path and stairs spanning about 700 meters from the main highway parking area.

We went to see the temple on the lake, but I was very disappointed because all the temples were closed and everything inside was covered, so I couldn’t see anything. All the temples are only accessible to locals for praying, i.e. they are not accessible to tourists.

On our next full day we went to see ricefields, the hot springs, Mount Batur, a coffee plantation, and we thoroughly enjoyed trying about 20 different types of coffee.

We had dinner at Plant Bistro. Oh my! The location and the view were absolutely gorgeous! It had a nice vibe, and the staff were great too. But the food…that was amazing!

We left Ubud the next morning and made our way to Nusa Dua. We stayed at a hotel called Merusaka, which was very luxurious. We dined at Ayodya Hotel a few times. It was a short walk away, and they had a vegan cafe, which was awesome!

We went to Uluwatu to see another temple that was closed off, but the visit was worth it! They have 2 performances of the Kecak and Fire Dance every day. It is a famous Balinese cultural performance held in an open-air amphitheatre on the sea cliffs of Uluwatu Temple. It’s set against a dramatic backdrop of the Indian Ocean and sunset. The show lasts one hour, and it features a choir of over 50 bare-chested men chanting a rhythmic “cak-cak-cak” in place of instruments. Alongside this, others enact scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The character who played Hanuman was cheeky, mischievous, funny, acrobatic and much more!

The remaining days were filled with lounging on the beach, shopping, walking, playing cards and eating out. One of the places that we shopped at was called Bali Collection.

We enjoyed dinner at a vegan restaurant called Giridhari. The lady who looked after us was lovely and the food was awesome!

We walked from Kuta Beach to Seminyak. The beach was spacious, and the sunset was beautiful!

We came across a place that sold vegan gelato. It was such good timing because we were feeling a bit hot and tired, so it was a great opportunity to sit down and have something cold.

We ate at a restaurant called Gado Gado, where I tried Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado for the first time.

Our final meal was at Tasty Vegan. The ambience was soothing. We sat outside, and we really enjoyed the food.

General tips or comments

The experience of travelling by train, train or train was smooth and easy. The only thing it’s worth being aware of is that if you’re paying using a debit or credit card, you’ll need a separate card for each person.

It’s difficult to express how captivating some of these sights were. They had different impacts too. Some made me feel internally quiet and peaceful. Others excited me. Some left me feeling like I was in awe of what I saw. Strangely enough, at a few places I found myself shaking my head with disbelief because they were so old or beautiful or both!

Many of the hotels had laundry facilities, which many people found handy. I travelled light, and didn’t need to use them. When we stayed in one place for a few days, I washed and dried some of my small clothes in my room.

Also, most hotel rooms contained an ironing board and iron. If they didn’t, I just had to make a call, and they brought one up to the room, so that was handy.

Here it is! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it.

From a pharmacist’s perspective, one of the most common and dangerous problems in healthcare is not simply that patients stop medicines, but that they do so silently. In practice, patients often do not tell their pharmacist, GP, specialist, nurse prescriber, or other healthcare professional that they have reduced a dose, skipped tablets, restarted an old medicine, or stopped treatment completely.

This is rarely because they are “difficult” patients. More often, it reflects a mix of side effects, practical barriers, cost, fear, misunderstanding, and a genuine belief that they are doing the sensible thing.

Why do patients stop medication without telling a healthcare professional?

A useful way to understand this is through the concept of medication adherence. Vrijens et al. describe adherence as having three components:

• Initiation (starting the medicine)
• Implementation (taking it as prescribed, day to day)
• Discontinuation/persistence (how long a person continues treatment before stopping)

In other words, problems can arise before the first dose, during regular use, or when treatment is stopped early.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK body that produces clinical guidelines, also distinguishes between:

• Intentional non-adherence (choosing not to follow treatment)
• Unintentional non-adherence (wanting to take it but being unable to do so reliably)

These can be grouped into key types:

• Primary non-adherence (non-initiation): the patient never starts the medicine
• Poor implementation: inconsistent use, missed doses, altered timing or dose
• Non-persistence: stopping earlier than intended
• Intentional non-adherence: conscious decision not to follow treatment
• Unintentional non-adherence: barriers prevent correct use

In practice, these categories overlap. The following reasons show how this plays out in real life.

1. Side effects and fear of side effects

The most obvious reason patients stop treatment is that the medicine makes them feel worse before it makes them feel better. Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, constipation, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance, and dry mouth are all common reasons for deciding that a medicine is “not for them.”

Sometimes the issue is not an actual side effect but the fear of one—often shaped by patient information leaflets, online searches, or hearing about someone else’s experience. The Necessity–Concerns Framework shows that adherence depends on how much patients feel they need the medicine versus how worried they are about harm (Horne et al.).

From a pharmacist’s perspective, this matters because many side effects can be managed. The dose may be adjusted, timing changed, formulation switched, or the medicine replaced—but patients often stop before that conversation happens.

2. They feel better, so the medicine seems unnecessary

Once symptoms improve, it is natural to assume the medicine has “done its job.” This is common in long-term conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, epilepsy, or high cholesterol, where the benefit is preventive rather than immediately noticeable. The WHO highlights that patients often stop treatment when they feel better, even when the risk
remains.

The key issue: many medicines do not cure the condition—they control it. Feeling well does not always mean the disease has gone.

3. Intentional non-adherence: a deliberate choice

Some patients actively adjust treatment—taking medicines on alternate days, splitting tablets, or only using them when symptoms flare.

This may reflect previous experiences, concerns about dependence, stigma, or a desire for control. Lehane and McCarthy show that intentional and unintentional non-adherence are different behaviours and should be approached differently.

This is especially important in mental health, where abrupt stopping can lead to withdrawal or relapse.

4. Unintentional non-adherence: life gets in the way

Not all non-adherence is a choice. Many patients struggle with practical issues—forgetting doses, misunderstanding instructions, running out of medication, or managing complex routines.

Factors such as poor eyesight, reduced dexterity, language barriers, shift work, and travel all contribute. The more complex the regimen, the harder it is to follow consistently (Kardas et al.).

From a pharmacist’s perspective, this highlights that knowledge alone is not enough—capacity matters.

5. Primary non-adherence: never starting at all

Some patients never begin treatment. Prescriptions go uncollected or medicines are declined due to concerns about side effects, cost, or uncertainty.

Lee et al. emphasise that this is distinct from later adherence problems. Clinicians may assume treatment failure when, in reality, the medicine was never taken.

6. Cost, access, and system barriers

Cost and access remain major factors. Briesacher et al. found strong links between financial burden and reduced adherence.

Even in publicly funded systems, issues such as delayed follow-up, confusing repeat prescription processes, and poor communication during transitions of care can lead to missed doses or unintended stopping.

7. Poor communication or explanation

Sometimes medicines are stopped because they were never properly explained.

NICE emphasises shared decision-making and informed choice. Without this, patients are left to interpret risks and benefits themselves—often without the full picture.

Stigma, denial, and treatment fatigue

Some conditions carry stigma, and long-term treatment can be exhausting. “Treatment fatigue” is common, especially in people managing multiple conditions. Patients may stop medication without telling anyone because they feel judged, embarrassed, or overwhelmed.

Non-adherence is not simply a patient failing—it reflects complex interacting factors.

What actually happens when patients stop medication?

Understanding why patients stop medicines is only part of the story. The next question is:

What happens when they do?

Why patients should not just stop taking medication unless consulted by a healthcare professional

Medicines are chosen, dosed, monitored, and stopped within a clinical context. Healthcare professionals consider the diagnosis, organ function, drug interactions, previous response, and whether a medicine needs to be tapered, switched, or continued.

Removing that context can lead to harm.

1. The condition can return or worsen

Stopping treatment allows the underlying condition to re-emerge.

This may result in mild symptoms, but in some cases it can lead to serious outcomes such as stroke, seizure, relapse of disease, transplant rejection, or death. Good adherence to medication is consistently associated with lower mortality and reduced hospitalisation (Walsh et al.).

2. Withdrawal and rebound effects

Some medicines need to be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly, because the body adapts to their presence over time.

For example, antidepressants can cause discontinuation syndrome in around 20% of patients if stopped abruptly. This refers to a group of symptoms that occur when the body reacts to the sudden absence of the medicine. These may include dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and unusual sensations often described as “electric shock” feelings.

Beta-blockers can cause rebound tachycardia, meaning the heart rate increases above normal after stopping the medicine. In some cases, this can progress to more serious complications such as myocardial infarction (a heart attack), particularly if the medicine was controlling underlying cardiovascular disease (Frishman).

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone can lead to adrenal insufficiency if withdrawn too quickly. This occurs because the body’s natural steroid production has been suppressed, and it cannot immediately compensate. As a result, patients may experience fatigue, low blood pressure, and an impaired response to physical stress.

Importantly, these effects are not simply the original illness returning. They are physiological responses, meaning they occur because the body has adapted to the medicine and is reacting to its sudden removal.

3. Loss of invisible protection

Some medicines reduce long-term risk without producing noticeable day-to-day effects. Anticoagulants used in atrial fibrillation are a key example. These medicines reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots from forming. However, their protective effect declines quickly when doses are missed, and non-persistence is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke (Holthuis et al.).

Feeling “fine” does not mean the medicine is unnecessary—it may be providing ongoing protection against serious complications.

4. Risk of medical emergencies

In some cases, stopping medication can trigger acute and potentially life-threatening events. Stopping anti-seizure medicines can lead to seizure recurrence, with studies showing a significant risk following withdrawal (Lamberink et al.; Bonnett et al.).

Similarly, missing immunosuppressant medication after an organ transplant can lead to graft rejection, where the body’s immune system attacks the transplanted organ.

These are not theoretical risks—they are well-recognised outcomes seen in clinical practice.

Why patients should not change the dose themselves

Stopping medication is one issue; adjusting doses independently is another. Even small changes can have significant clinical consequences.

1. Dosing is individualised

The “correct” dose is not based on symptoms alone. It is influenced by factors such as kidney and liver function, body weight, age, drug interactions, blood test results, and clinical monitoring.

A patient who reduces a dose due to side effects, or increases it because symptoms persist, may unintentionally move from under-treatment to toxicity.

2. Narrow therapeutic ranges

Some medicines have a narrow therapeutic range, meaning the difference between a safe and harmful dose is small.

Examples include warfarin, lithium, digoxin, insulin, and methotrexate. For instance, warfarin requires careful monitoring using the INR (International Normalised Ratio) to ensure blood clotting is kept within a safe range. This can be affected by diet, illness, and interactions with other medicines. Small dose changes can increase the risk of either bleeding or clotting.

3. “A bit more” can be dangerous

It is a common assumption that taking slightly more medicine will improve symptoms more quickly. However, this is not always safe.

For example, excess insulin can cause hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which may lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, neurological injury, or death.

4. Methotrexate dosing errors

Methotrexate provides a clear real-world example of how dosing errors can be dangerous. It is usually taken once weekly, not daily.

Errors in dosing frequency have led to serious harm and fatalities, with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) reporting deaths linked to incorrect daily use.

What may appear to be a small change in schedule can, clinically, result in overdose.

Why healthcare advice matters

The message is not “never question your medicines.” Patients should always ask questions. I welcome questioning, and it plays a huge part in making sure the patient is at the centre of every decision I make.

The safer message is: never change medication alone.

Healthcare professionals can assess whether to continue, stop, taper, or switch treatment, and distinguish between side effects, withdrawal, and relapse.

From a pharmacist’s perspective, multidisciplinary care matters. Pharmacists identify interactions and barriers, prescribers manage diagnosis and dosing, and other professionals support monitoring and adherence.

Safe medicine use is a shared responsibility—not an individual burden.

Final thoughts

Patients stop or adjust medicines for understandable reasons—side effects, fear, cost, confusion, and feeling better.

But changing medication without guidance can lead to relapse, withdrawal, stroke, seizures, toxicity, hospital admission, and sometimes death.

The safest step is not silence or guesswork, but conversation—because the right support can turn a risky decision into a safe, informed one.

References:

Bonnett, L.J., Tudur Smith, C., Donegan, S., Marson, A.G. and Chadwick, D.W. (2016) ‘Prognostic factors for time to treatment failure and time to seizure recurrence after withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs in seizure-free patients: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis’, The Lancet Neurology, 15(5), pp. 523–531.

Briesacher, B.A., Gurwitz, J.H. and Soumerai, S.B. (2007) ‘Patients at-risk for cost-related medication nonadherence: A review of the literature’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22(6), pp. 864–871.

Gabriel, M. and Sharma, V. (2017) ‘Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome’, CMAJ, 189(21), pp. E747–E747.

Holthuis, A.M., et al. (2022) ‘Risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and non-persistence with direct oral anticoagulants: A real-world study’, Thrombosis Research, 219, pp. 78–84.

Horne, R., Chapman, S.C.E., Parham, R., Freemantle, N., Forbes, A. and Cooper, V. (2013) ‘Understanding patients’ adherence-related beliefs about medicines prescribed for long-term conditions: A meta-analytic review of the Necessity-Concerns Framework’, PLoS ONE, 8(12), e80633.

Kardas, P., Lewek, P. and Matyjaszczyk, M. (2013) ‘Determinants of patient adherence: A review of systematic reviews’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 4, p. 91.

Lee, S., Jiang, L., Dowdy, D., Hong, Y. and Ory, M. (2023) ‘Attitudes, beliefs, and cost-related medication nonadherence among adults aged 65 or older with chronic diseases’, Preventing Chronic Disease, 20, pp. 1–10.

Lehane, E. and McCarthy, G. (2007) ‘Intentional and unintentional medication non-adherence: A comprehensive framework for clinical research and practice’, International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(8), pp. 1468–1477.

Lamberink, H.J., Otte, W.M., Geerts, A.T., Pavlovic, M., Ramos-Lizana, J., Marson, A.G., Overweg, J., et al. (2017) ‘Individualised prediction model of seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drug withdrawal following seizure freedom’, The Lancet Neurology, 16(7), pp. 523–531.

NICE (2009) Medicines adherence: Involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence. Clinical Guideline CG76. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Walsh, C.A., Cahir, C., Tecklenborg, S., Byrne, C., Culbertson, M.A. and Bennett, K.E. (2019) ‘The association between medication non-adherence and adverse health outcomes in ageing populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 85(11), pp. 2464–2478.

Vrijens, B., De Geest, S., Hughes, D.A., Przemyslaw, K., Demonceau, J., Ruppar, T., Dobbels, F., Fargher, E., Morrison, V., Lewek, P., Matyjaszczyk, M., Mshelia, C., Clyne, W., Aronson, J.K. and Urquhart, J. (2012) ‘A new taxonomy for describing and defining adherence to medications’, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 73(5), pp. 691–705.

World Health Organization (2003) Adherence to Long-Term Therapies: Evidence for Action. Geneva: WHO.

Frishman, W.H. (1987) ‘Beta-adrenergic blocker withdrawal’, American Journal of Cardiology, 59(3), pp. 26F–32F.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2020) Methotrexate once weekly for autoimmune diseases: New measures to reduce risk of fatal overdose due to inadvertent daily dosing. London: MHRA.

Labelling things

I went to a friend’s home a while back and noticed that she labelled her jars with a liquid chalk pen! I loved it! She stated what the jar contained, and often, wrote it in a humorous way. Reading her labels made me smile.

I purchased a pack of multicoloured pens, and I’ve found them so useful! They remain intact as long as you don’t touch the writing with wet hands, and when you need to remove the writing, it’s easy to wipe off.

Here’s a link to the ones I ordered.

Bath time

Having a bath helps me in multiple ways, but staying immersed in the water has been a bit tricky for me in the past! Not anymore! Now that I have this tablet, a waterproof case, a bath tray and a bath pillow, I have no issues with staying in the water! The tray and pillow were gifted to me, but if you search online, you won’t have any trouble finding them.

Diffusers

I absolutely love these diffusers. Here’s why:

• The essential oil goes straight into it
• There’s no water, so there’s no limescale
• You can set it to motion-sensing, timed-interval, and manual.
• You can also choose how powerful you want the spray to be
• I love entering my home and smelling a variety of oils in different rooms

Hanger Clips

I’ve got some hangers that have clips attached to them, which makes them great for hanging things like skirts, shorts and trousers.

I started using clothes pegs on hangers to dry items in the airing cupboard, and more recently, I realised that I needed a better solution because the pegs aren’t stable.

I searched for similar hangers online, and then came across clips that are sold separately. These are great because you can attach them to hangers that you already have!

I’ve used them for a few different types of clothing and they’re fab! They don’t fall off like clothes pegs do, and the grip that they have is great.

Bedside light

I absolutely love this small, cube-shaped, touch light. It sits on the bedside unit, and it has 3 levels of brightness. I purchased mine from Screwfix or Tool Station, but I can’t find it on their website, so I’ve shared a link to one sold elsewhere.

Charcoal sticks to make tap water taste better

I’ve been using these since around 2016, and I’m still singing and dancing about them! Here’s an article that I’ve written about it: No lie! Charcoal really does make water taste better!

Electric blanket

This electric blanket was a gift. Why is it so awesome! It is one blanket which is split into two halves with two separate controls. So you can heat half of the bed while leaving the other half as it is. Another thing I love about it is that it has three settings.

Floor chair

I purchased this floor chair a few years ago, and I’m so glad I did! At a minimum, I (usually) use it twice a week.

I like it because it’s easy to carry, it’s light, the cover can be removed and washed, and I can lean back with confidence.

Command 3M

I’ve got a few canvas prints on the walls at home, and they’ve all been attached using 3M. Their products are absolutely awesome!

Why?

• You don’t need any tools
• They can be used on a variety of smooth surfaces
• They use a clever adhesive that holds strongly
• When you decide to remove the item, it comes off cleanly without leaving any damage to the surface
• They have a range of products that are created to meet the needs of various items, accounting for how much they weigh
• They’re easy to remove
• They have a bathroom range too

More about Command Brand : 3M

Furniture sliders

I was introduced to these when we got furniture from DFS. I wasn’t sure if they were a gimmick, but I’m so glad I gave them a try!

They make moving furniture so SO easy! Whether moving items when you’re cleaning or you’ve decided to rearrange the furniture, sliders make it effortless.

The video below illustrates how effortless moving furniture can be. I’ve not used this brand before and am not trying to promote it. I simply want to show you how amazing furniture sliders can be.

A post on reddit.com: Just thought everyone should know that furniture sliders are a thing

Cordless iron

Until a couple of years ago, I’ve always had access to corded irons. However, I stayed at a friend’s place and used their cordless steam iron. It was a bit heavy and clunky, but awesome to use! After that, I had a few near misses with my corded iron. Also, I often find that I have to think hard about the placement of the board, the iron and the angle to ensure that the task is completed quickly and smoothly. Recently, I’ve found that I can put the iron against the clothing while it’s on a hanger, press the steam button and quickly remove the creases. However, the cord makes it tricky. When the iron needed replacing, I opted for a cordless one and was absolutely amazed at how much easier ironing became!

I ordered the One Temperature Cordless Iron in Blue – 26020 by Russell Hobbs, and it was one of those moments when you realise you’ll never return to what you used before!

Last week, I was a bit clumsy and the whole unit fell on the floor. The plastic that covers the place where we pour water came off, and it meant that I couldn’t use the steam function without water spilling out of the iron.

I ordered this Ceraglide Cordless Iron by Tower to replace it, and it’s even better! It has a lock function to keep the iron attached to the base.

Rucksack

I like to travel light, so having the ‘right’ bag is important. I have found that carrying the weight on my back is easier than using a suitcase that needs pulling and steering.

This bag is rectangular, which is better than others that are short and wide. This one has lots of pockets, it can be extended, it has a handle, it’s padded, and the main section opens up completely!

Ironing board

What’s the big deal about an ironing board, right? Well, I didn’t really consider it until I got a large one many years ago! I don’t know if it was a happy accident or intentional, but it’s made ironing Saris and big garments more efficient and effortless.

I got my Ironing Board from Robert Dyas and I’ve had it for years.

Power bank

I don’t know which phone you have, but there are many articles and phone manuals which share tips about what’s best for each phone. They share the ideal way to recharge it. The how, when, how long for and so on.

Many months ago, I purchased a couple of power banks. I’ve kept one in the car so that I can charge the phone independently of the car’s charging point, allowing me to avoid having to stop the charging prematurely.

Additionally, to avoid the phone being stuck at a particular socket, I use a power bank when I’m at home, so I can charge the phone while being able to move around with it.

More recently, I purchased this mini power bank, and it’s the best one that I have! It’s light, small, and it has a detachable fast charging cable, which forms part of the strap.

Jewellery cabinet

I got introduced to these a few years ago when I went to stay with my cousin and sister-in-law. I loved the idea of it straight away! I like wearing jewellery, and at that point, I hadn’t found a way to organise it efficiently. However, I soon realised that this type of cabinet was the answer!

I have one that resembles the one shown below. You can find out more about this particular item on ManoMano.co.uk

Here’s where you can find other options

• Jewelry cabinets on ManoMano
• Free Standing Jewellery Armoires on Wayfair.co.uk

Bookmarks

I love these bookmarks because they don’t fall out, they’re sturdy, and you can place them on the page in a specific place.

I was thinking about airflow recently, and it occurred to me that it was a good way to describe healthy relationships.

Picture two rooms on opposite sides of a house, each with a balcony door facing the other. When both doors stand wide open, fresh air rushes straight through. It pushes out the stale, stuffy air in seconds. It’s effortless, renewing, and constant.

It’s efficient
It’s fast
It’s nourishing
There’s no blockage
The pace is natural
It’s not slowed down by anything

It seems to me that this is how a relationship can work really well. Each door represents the people in the relationship. This relationship could be between siblings, friends, lovers and so on.

Both of the doors are important. Both of them need to be open. If one door is fully open, and the other is only half open, the stale air will linger. It will remain longer than it needs to. Musty feelings will develop, and removing them will require more effort, more tolerance, more patience and more time. It will also tip the balance in terms of effort. The door that’s fully open will need to work harder.

I don’t think it’s sustainable for one person to keep their door fully open while the other one doesn’t.

Keeping your door open doesn’t mean you’re not protected. It doesn’t mean there are no boundaries. It just means you’re being proactive in keeping the relationship healthy, attentive and focused on the things that make it work, as well as those that don’t; and protective of working on something that means a lot to you.

What do these doors symbolise for you? Here are some examples.

Transparency
What we are working towards: sharing the truth proactively, i.e. being forthcoming
What we want to remove: hiding things through silence or sharing whilst holding back

New experiences
What we are working towards: being open to new things
What we want to remove: sticking with a familiar routine or pattern

Honesty
What we are working towards: being truthful when answering questions
What we want to remove: the festering of lies

Bending
What we are working towards: considering the other person’s needs
What we want to remove: being self-centred

What do you think?
Can you relate to this analogy?
Can you apply it to any of your relationships?

I shared some concerns about why some women don’t feel safe doing that, but he didn’t seem to understand or accept what I was saying. He said he knew lots of women, and none of them had ever shared the concerns that I raised with him.

That prompted me to reflect on my own experiences. It raised the following questions:

• Have I imagined that people are interested when they were only being friendly?
• Have I thought that people were aggressive and in my face when they weren’t?
• Have I connected dots that weren’t there?
• Do I think too much of myself, and is that causing me to imagine and interpret experiences incorrectly?
• Am I that concerned about safety that I see danger when it’s not there?
• Am I focusing on experiences that have left me feeling vulnerable or fearful, without also discussing experiences that have been positive and friendly, i.e. where others have been interested, but it hasn’t caused any discomfort? Therefore, am I painting a skewed picture?
• Is it just me and the people I know who have experienced this, and does this group represent a minority of females?

I didn’t like the fact that I was questioning myself and my thinking because of this discussion, but then again…I thought it was good to be challenged and re-evaluate my thoughts, because if any of the above were true, it was definitely worth my being aware of that.

I did some research, and this is what I learned

There are plenty of women who worry about travelling on their own, and this concern is well-documented across surveys, studies, and personal accounts.
One survey of solo female travellers found that 73% worry about their personal safety, with even experienced ones (64%) sharing the same sentiment.
Another recent study showed that 88% of women who have travelled solo felt their safety was threatened in some way during the experience.

These fears often stem from risks like harassment, assault, theft, or unwanted advances, which are highlighted in numerous articles and discussions.

On X (formerly Twitter), women frequently share stories of feeling “terrified” of going out alone due to constant harassment, or avoiding solo outings altogether because of stalking, catcalling, or aggressive encounters.

It’s not rare. It’s a common thread in women’s travel experiences worldwide, regardless of destination.

What about the ‘type’ of females that experience this? Is it a specific group? Are they in a particular location or age group? Do they belong to a particular race or culture?

The research revealed that the concern cuts across a broad spectrum, and the data highlights some patterns. Those patterns are as follows:

• Around 75-84% of solo travellers are women
• The average U.S. traveller is a 47-year-old woman
• Age-wise, it’s prevalent among all groups, but surveys break it down like this:
  • Gen Z (18-29) reports the highest safety worries (73%)
  • followed by Millennials (30-44) at 66%
  • Gen X (45-59) at 64%
  • Boomers (60-80) at 59%
• Education levels tend to be high – over 80% of surveyed solo travellers have university or graduate degrees
• In terms of class or income, the group is made up of mid-career professionals, empty-nesters, and varying income brackets
• Race and ethnicity data aren’t as granular, but communities of solo female travellers are described as exceptionally diverse, including varying nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.
• Religion isn’t specifically tied to these fears in the data, but the concerns are noted as universal across geographies, ages, and backgrounds, i.e. it’s not limited to any one group
• In terms of personality, there’s no clear profile; some women are naturally more cautious or introverted, but the fears often arise from real experiences rather than inherent traits
• Safety concerns tend to decrease with travel experience, from 78% feeling unsafe on their first solo trip to 59% after 10 or more trips

Is it only the meek and fearful who have these experiences and concerns?

The data shows that harassment and aggression towards women, for example, being approached aggressively or feeling unsafe, are widespread issues in solo travel, not just something “attracted” by certain women or noticed only by the “sensitive” or “fearful.”

Many women report these experiences regardless of their confidence or demeanour.

Could it be that he’s unaware of this because his friends haven’t voiced their fears to him?

I wonder if they simply haven’t raised this with him. If that’s the case, multiple reasons could explain it.

• They may have handled it internally and not felt the need to discuss it
• Maybe they downplayed it to avoid appearing vulnerable
• It’s possible that they haven’t encountered incidents that they perceive as severe enough to warrant discussion

The statistics

What are the potential dangers of dismissing fears as being self-fulfilling or that the person is oversensitive?

• It ignores the statistics
• They may feel that their experiences are not being accepted
• They are likely to be upset if they aren’t believed
• Worse, they may doubt their own intuition, which may lead to them inadvertently putting themselves in harm’s way

Up to 40% of women have skipped trips due to safety worries. It’s a top barrier for solo travel. Many women still travel solo successfully, but they feel that it’s necessary to take precautions.

Risks aren’t confined to travel

We need to be realistic.

Risks exist everywhere, including at home.

I am not for one minute suggesting that we should live in fear! I’ve written an article about this, and I’m a strong believer that we should be realistic and practical whilst remaining confident and live life to the full.

Here is a link to the article that I’ve written about whether we should live in fear or not: Why is it acceptable for certain groups of people to live fearfully?

Which organisations have published these statistics?

Numerous surveys, studies, and reports have been done by organisations including Gallup, UN Women, Stop Street Harassment and UK Office for National Statistics.

What about their place of residence?

Results from surveys consistently show that many women feel fearful or unsafe in their country of residence when they’re out and about, particularly when they’re approached by men in public spaces like streets, parks, or public transport.

These fears are often linked directly to experiences of street harassment, unwanted approaches, catcalling, following, groping, or more aggressive encounters.

So it’s not limited to solo travelling abroad.

Here are some key findings from multiple surveys:

Global and broad patterns

Gallup polls (including data from 143 countries) have repeatedly shown gender gaps in feelings of safety. For instance, worldwide, only about 62% of women feel safe walking alone at night in their communities, compared to 72% of men.
In many developed countries (e.g., the U.S., Australia, France, Italy), the gap is even larger, with women significantly more likely to report feeling unsafe near their homes or in public.

Data from the U.S.

In Gallup’s recurring crime surveys (e.g., around 2014-2015), about 45% of women said they would not feel safe walking alone near their home at night, compared to 27% of men.
More recent surveys (e.g., 2025 national data) indicate that walking alone at night remains the top safety fear for 67% of women, far outpacing other concerns.

Data from the UK

Multiple sources highlight high levels of unease. For example, in 2021 Office for National Statistics data, one in two women felt unsafe walking alone after dark in a busy public place (vs. one in five men), and four in five felt unsafe in parks or open spaces.
A 2021 End Violence Against Women report noted similar patterns, with many women experiencing harassment like catcalls or being followed.
Recent 2025 surveys (e.g., Girlguiding) show 56% of girls and young women (11-21) feel unsafe travelling alone, with 31% avoiding public transport entirely due to safety fears.

Street harassment prevalence and its link to fear

Organisations like Stop Street Harassment report that 65% of U.S. women have experienced street harassment, with many forms involving unwanted approaches by men (e.g., 20% followed, 23% sexually touched).
UN Women and related studies (e.g., in cities like Delhi, Rabat, or global scoping) find that 80-95% of women in some locations have faced sexual harassment in public spaces, leading to widespread fear that restricts mobility.
In the UK, over 70% of women report experiencing sexual harassment in public, with many altering their behaviour (e.g., changing routes or avoiding going out alone) to feel safer.

Recent and ongoing trends

A 2024 global WIN/Gallup-style poll found 46% of women worldwide do not feel safe walking alone at night in their neighbourhood, with higher rates in regions like the Americas (64%).
Even in 2025 reports, issues persist, including women feeling unsafe on the street or when using public transport, due to harassment.

To perceive or dismiss these feelings as abstract worries or unjustified fearfulness is naive, narrow-minded and disrespectful.

How does it affect how women behave?

Surveys show that women often change routines (e.g., avoiding certain routes, taking taxis, or not going out alone) because of harassment or fear of escalation. This is a documented, cross-cultural issue in everyday public life at home, not just when travelling abroad.

Of course, not every woman is reporting this, and there will be multiple reasons for that! However, the data shows that it’s common enough to affect a substantial portion of females and that it influences their sense of freedom and participation in public life.

Is it in our minds?
Is this perception due to unwarranted fear?
Are we interpreting men’s approaches as unsafe or aggressive when it’s actually them just being friendly?
Are we being oversensitive?
Are we attracting it?

Well…the evidence from research on women’s experiences in public settings doesn’t align with the questions above.

Studies show that street harassment (catcalling, following, invasive comments, groping, etc.) is extremely common:

When does it start, and what impact does it have?

Surveys indicate 65 – 85% of women experience it at some point, often starting young (e.g., before age 17 in many cases). My own experience aligns with this!

These incidents can cause heightened anxiety, restricted movement (e.g., changing routes, avoiding going out alone), and a constant sense of vigilance. I can relate to this as well. I somehow developed a sense of awareness, which meant I would notice when someone was about to approach me or someone around me, before they got within my vicinity.

Learned responses

Research shows that repeated harassment created a learned response of being hypervigilant i.e. constantly scanning for threats! This is a common trauma-related adaptation.

Women report feeling “on guard” in public because past incidents have shown that seemingly minor approaches can escalate or feel threatening due to power dynamics and the risk of violence.

This vigilance helps with self-protection but comes at a cost, contributing to ongoing anxiety or feeling unsafe even in familiar places.

Psychological factors do play a role. Individual differences like past trauma history can amplify perceptions of threat (e.g., survivors of assault may interpret neutral interactions more warily). However, the data consistently shows these fears are disproportionately higher in women compared to men, even in the same environments, and correlate strongly with reported harassment rates, not just personality traits.

Men in the same surveys report far lower levels of feeling unsafe walking alone at night or in public (e.g., 1 in 7 men vs. 1 in 2 women in some UK data for quiet streets after dark).

Victim Blaming!

Blaming it on mindset can veer into victim-blaming territory, where the onus shifts to the woman (“you’re too sensitive” or “you attract it”) rather than addressing the behaviour of those doing the approaching or the societal patterns that normalise it.

This overlooks how harassment often stems from entitlement, group dynamics among men (e.g., “male bonding” or showing off), or broader gender norms. It’s not the woman’s demeanour or “vibe.”

Many women describe changing nothing about themselves yet still facing persistent, unwanted attention.

That said, not every approach is aggressive, and some women navigate these situations confidently without much fear, often due to experience, location, or support networks. But dismissing widespread fears as mindset-driven ignores the stats. Harassment is a documented reality that shapes perceptions for a large portion of women, leading to real behavioural changes and emotional impacts.

Unfortunately, some people don’t voice their concerns, which means others don’t become aware of our experiences

Some downplay their experiences because they don’t want to appear weak or winghy or bigheaded.

Others have normalised it, so they notice it, are affected by it, but they accept it and don’t discuss it.

Other things to consider

What role do we all play in perpetuating patriarchy?
Do we excuse males when they ‘behave badly’ and burden the females with all the responsibility?
Do we attribute negative experiences to things like how the female was dressed, her vibe, the amount of makeup she was wearing, the way she played with her hair, her travelling alone or travelling late? Therefore, concluding that she was asking for whatever followed!

This Reel from Instagram refers to the question above.

What do you think of the above?
I’m interested in hearing about your experiences and your opinion, regardless of your gender, age, race, religion, sexuality etc.

Related content

A ‘masculinity crisis’ is brewing in UK schools, union says – The Guardian
The Gender Gap in Travel: Myths and Revelations – The New York Times
2026 Solo Female Travel Trends and Statistics
Solo Female Travel: Is It Safe? – BootsnAll Travel Articles
Solo female travellers worry about safety, distrust influencers – WiT
New Data Shows 88% Of Women Feel Unsafe Traveling Solo, But They Do It Anyway – Travel Noire
Women Are Told To Fear Solo Travel. That Is Exactly Why We Should Do It Anyway. | by Beth Santos | Medium
Solo Female Travel Safety: Advice for What Women Worry About
Honest Safety Advice for Traveling Alone as a Woman
Solo Travel Statistics, Data 2024 – 2025: Historical Trends, Sources Cited

Yep! I got caught speeding! On my birthday! A wonderful gift to myself!

Jokes aside, it was a good course, and after it finished, I was buzzing about sharing what I learned from it.

The facilitator encouraged us to share our experience with others, with the hope that it would cause fewer people to speed!

Some tips from the facilitator

The facilitator suggested a few key strategies to ensure that we don’t end up speeding. He was especially keen on helping us discover how easy it is to speed without realising. His tips were:

• Drive slowly
• Keep a check on your emotions
• Be aware of music that affects your emotions
• Keep enough distance between the car that you’re driving and the car in front of you
• Find a way to ensure you’re not distracted by any tech that you have in the car
• If you have Intelligent Speed Assistance in your car, use it to make the drive easier
• If you have a Speed Limiter in your car, use it to set a speed limit to reduce the things that you have to think about

He used the following example to illustrate that we need to apply haste when managing the following emotions:

Hurried: check the route, tell whoever we’re meeting that we will be delayed and then drive calmly

Angry: pull over and take some deep breaths

Stressed: recognise your stress indicators, leave more space between you and the car in front

Tired: stop, drink something with caffeine in it, get some fresh air, reduce the temperature in the car, chew gum, listen to music, which will keep you alert

Excited: try to be calm, ask others in the car to be calm, reduce the volume of any music that’s playing or change the genre

Is it worth it?

The following was found during test conditions:

When they increased the speed of the car from 30 MPH to 35 MPH, they reached the destination 17 seconds earlier than if they had been driving at 30 MPH.

Statistics

Some scary statistics!

• Every 17 minutes, someone is killed on the roads in the UK
• 63% of all collisions occur on urban roads
• 33% of all collisions happen on rural roads
• The likelihood of an accident causing someone to die is doubled when it’s nighttime
• 158,000 people are killed or injured due to road traffic accidents per year
• If we reduce our speed from 30 MPH to 20 MPH, we’re 5 times less likely to kill a pedestrian

The lessons

Here are some of the things that I learned during the course:

• If there are no street lights and no signs, the national speed limit applies
• If there are street lights and no signs, it means that the limit is 30 MPH in England and 20 MPH in Wales
  • This applies to single and dual carriageways
• On a dual carriageway, the national speed limit is 70 MPH for cars and motorbikes
• On a single carriageway, the national speed limit is 60 MPH for cars and motorbikes
• If the signs are rectangular and blue with white text, it means you’re approaching, or on a motorway, so the speed limit is 70 MPH
• If there is a red circle around the sign showing the speed limit, it means it applies to all lanes
• If there is no red circle around the sign showing the speed limit, it means that the limit is advisory only
• Many people believe that a dual carriageway means there are 2 lanes in each direction, but this isn’t true
  • The number of lanes isn’t relevant
  • It must have something down the middle, i.e. a central reservation, which can be a metal barrier, a concrete wall, a grassy strip, or even just raised kerbs
• If you can see hazard warning lines, it means that something has happened there before!

What are your Ws?

He asked us to think about the following questions, so that we understood what made us speed.

1. When do you speed?
2. Where are you going when you’re speeding?
3. Why do you speed?
4. What can you do to prevent yourself from speeding?

I’m not sure how it happened, but about 25 years ago, I found out about an exhibition that focused on crystals. I remember there being rows and rows of tables with different crystals displayed on them. I walked up and down the room, looking at the range on display, and I recall feeling a huge pull towards some of them. I assumed the attraction was visual and didn’t think about it much beyond that.

That was the first time I remember being exposed to crystals. I don’t recall anyone talking about the qualities they were known for, which means that the purchases I made were based on how they looked and the fact that I was attracted to them.

I really enjoyed looking at them, so I put them in my living room. They were displayed on a low wooden plinth, which came with a rotating TV stand.

A change

I’m not entirely sure if I moved home, or wanted a change or something else, but I packed the crystals away and then decided to gift them to the school I worked in. It would be an amazing resource when they studied Rocks and Minerals in Science.

Forgotten

I feel like I had completely forgotten about crystals until I had a stall at the OneForty market in Harrow. I was talking to some customers who were purchasing my recipe book, Just Desserts, and I was surprised to find that they had travelled over 2 hours to come to this market. After a bit of discussion, I learned that what had brought them to this neck of the woods was a shop called Mandara Crystals.

Mandara Crystals was known for its exclusive shopping experience. They offered a curated selection of crystals and related items, but they only opened to the public on rare occasions. These opportunities were called Crystal Open Days.

The customers were telling me that they had travelled for hours to come to Mandara Crystals so that they could buy gifts for themselves and others. They were going to buy gifts in advance for occasions that may have been months away, because they felt that their stock was amazing and the prices were really good too. They encouraged me to make sure I found a way to go into the shop.

Unfortunately, the shop has closed down now, but I’m trying to find out if they’ve relocated.

Getting reaquanited with crystals

I was lucky enough to be able to pop into Mandara Crystals after the market closed. I walked around the store and kept noticing that I was drawn towards certain stones. I started picking them up and then noticed that I had the same thing in different shapes or sizes, so I put them back, walked around and then spoke to the person behind the counter.

I told her how I found out about the shop, that I had no understanding of crystals, and I asked her how one would know what to buy. She said that I will be drawn to what I need, and I should listen to that. I then told her about me picking up multiple things that were the same stone in a different form, and she explained that it was because I needed it in some way.

I went around the shop again, picked up a few stones that I was drawn to and then asked her to tell me how much they cost and what they represented.

She was wonderful! She went through each stone, telling me their healing qualities, whilst looking up any that she wasn’t sure of.

The magic of crystals

I put the crystals around the flat and went about the day. I didn’t think about them much. I wasn’t excited about being healed by them. Maybe I didn’t truly believe that they would work. I’m not sure. No matter what did or didn’t happen, I liked the look of them, and that was enough.

That night, I slept better than I’d slept in months. Apart from the purchase and placement of the crystals, nothing else had changed!

I can’t tell you how exciting and dubious I was! I wanted to believe that my sleep would improve, but I didn’t want to be let down either. I’d been feeling fatigued for so long since having Long COVID (LC), I was scared to be hopeful.

A few years later

Every now and then, I had thought about buying a large floor crystal, but I kept parking it. A few years later, I was walking around St. Anne’s shopping centre in Harrow, and I came across a stall that sold crystals. They didn’t have many large pieces at the time. However, the person who was managing the stall was really helpful and willing to get in touch if anything came up. So I gave her my contact details and she messaged me when she got large pieces in.

Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work, and I wasn’t able to pop in after she’d been in touch.

Another year passed

Time continued to pass, and then, I went to The Navnat Vanik Association’s Janmashtami Mela. This is when I met Jigisha. She had a stall through which she was displaying many items that were made from healing crystals. She was so knowledgeable and patient, while my friend and I asked her about the healing qualities of various items.

We were both drawn towards different trees, which we bought. My friend told me that nothing had changed in her life, apart from the tree, and she feels that it’s made her more clearheaded, which has helped her become more decisive.

A few months later, I attended a spiritual trip in Dubai, and that pull towards crystals was activated again! I went to someone’s home, and she had crystals all around her living room. They were stunning!

During this trip, a member of the spiritual community had offered to let me stay in her home. I noticed that she had a few crystals around her home, and knowing that she was a Reiki healer, I felt that gifting her some crystals would be a wonderful way to express my gratitude.

I tried to find somewhere in Dubai and nearly had the order confirmed, but the person I was dealing with ended up making the experience really unpleasant. He was tired and wanted the night off as he’d just finished a big auction, but instead of taking that time, he was messaging me about my order. In summary, he replied to some things and not others, his replies were sporadic and hard to follow, and then he seemed to become resentful about the order not being finalised. It was frustrating to say the least!

Silver linings

I’m so glad that it didn’t work out with the guy in Dubai, because that led me to research crystals here. I checked out a few websites, but I felt uneasy about the fact that I wasn’t able to see the crystals beyond the websites because they either didn’t have stores or they did, but they were far away. I told them that I was new to this and asked them how I would know about the quality of the crystals etc, and they explained the process they undertake, the certification and so on.

I felt comfortable with what I learned, so I started looking at their stock and making lists of the ones I wanted to buy and who I wanted to buy them for. As I read about their qualities, I began thinking about other people whom I wanted to gift crystals to.

I purchased crystals from the following places:

My Lost Gems: Cheryl was awesome! She was transparent and open about their products, how they’re priced, the time that goes into creating the images and so on.

Buy Handpicked Ethically Sourced Crystals | Spiral Crystals UK: Lauren’s emails were warm, generous, and so full of information and so easy to read and grasp because of the way she formatted them.

The Psychic Tree | Healing Crystals, Incense, Essential Oils & More: Holly was so generous, informative and caring. I really enjoyed the communication between us. Her attitude towards potential customers was great, and she was focused on making sure they got what they needed.

All of these sellers replied quickly; they knew their stock, and they could easily suggest which crystals should be considered for the specific situations or people that I described.

A shield of protection

This is what I wrote after the crystals that I ordered arrived.

I’ve purchased some crystals and I set them up around the flat yesterday.
It’s weird.
When I went to bed, I felt like there was a shield of protection all around me.

Again, I didn’t really expect anything. My only conscious thought was that they were beautiful, and I liked seeing them around my home. I didn’t feel like I wasn’t protected. I didn’t feel like I was vulnerable or in anger in any way. Yet, when I went to bed, I felt like there was a shield of protection around me. I’ve never felt anything like that before and can’t really explain it with words or logic.

Surprising bits of information

Here are a few nuggets that I’ve learned from different sellers

• Some people don’t feel anything when they’re near crystals
• They shouldn’t be kept in direct sunlight
• Some don’t like being next to ‘certain other ‘any’ other crystal, and they’ll find a way to express this
• You can cleanse them and charge them by placing them under the moonlight
• You can wave an incense stick around them to cleanse them
• Talking to them will help
• It’s good practice to cleanse and set an intention around the crystals for specific work or have a general intention

Related content

How To Cleanse + Charge Crystals