Why travel?

Travelling. One of my main aspirations in life is to travel, to see the world. I'm sure many of you share this desire, especially those of you who are young, finishing uni and thinking what the hell do I do with myself now?! Your probably thinking, like me, I want to do something big, worthwhile, special, life-changing which will be full of memories and most importantly loads of fun!











I mean, these days its almost a right of passage, particularly heading off to Thailand and exploring the worlds sights whilst completing the stereotypical quest of 'finding yourself'. I think travelling should be something everyone participates in, unfortunately its an expensive business, however its possible by saving up!













Why not see the world that has been created for you to explore? The discovery of different cultures may put your life into perspective or encourage you to lead a life similar to theirs. Also, travelling allows to you make friends, possibly friends for life. Going it alone with a couple of mates will put your friendship to the test, having to direct yourself across different continents, jumping on a off trains, comforting someone when they are ill, all these trials and tribulations will bring you closer to those around you. So, top tip, pick to go travelling with friends you know you can rely on!

Now, I am sure you are envisaging going 'travelling' as you and a couple of mates with a few backpacks, hiking around Thailand, partying on the beach and absorbing the culture, however this is not always the case. Travelling can mean going anywhere for any amount of time, so don't let that image put you off. If your limited in funding but still want to get away, jet off on a European city break, there is so much to see in the cities of Europe! I think for me, going inter-railing around Europe, often the cheaper alternative to jumping straight into Aisa, is a great preliminary step to the big year out. And its on my bucket list!

As always, back to my best friend +BuzzFeed  here are a few inspirational videos to encourage you to take the plunge and do it, after all, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Where will you start?

Is that you Mr Darcy?

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you".

-Mr. Darcy”

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen 

We are a few weeks into the New Year, and hows 2015 going of you? Have you stuck to those New Years resolutions or are they already a distant memory? Either way, the new year, new you theme continues, particularly in the department of relationships.

It is a known fact that January is the 'break up' month. People avoid heartbreak over the holiday season, and the welcoming of a new year provides them with the justification to end their relationship, even if they were unhappy back in November!

Whether you have recently broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend in search for a new start, or have decided to seek out your soulmate, if there is such a thing, you might refer to one of the most classic romantic tales ever produced, Pride and Prejudice by the English treasure, Jane Austen. This is a tale about 'Mr. Right', the one made for you... Or is it? Can this chivalrous fairytale be applied to everyday life, especially in this modern age? I assure you it can. Although there will be no glamorous balls or Georgian dresses, we can take the principles of this relationship to our society. Only in 2001, which actually seems a long time ago now, Bridget Jones's Diary was released onto our screens, a modern day adaptation of our classic romantic tale. For those of you who never realised it, Daniel Clever (Hugh Grant) plays the notorious Mr Wickham and Mark Darcy- big hint there (Colin Firth) plays our hero Mr Darcy. In the end, the slightly clumsier and ungracious Bridget Jones sees through Clever's wicked ways and embraces her love for Mark Darcy.


So what does this classic novel teach us about love? (not to sound too cliche) And is there a Mr Darcy out there for us all?

• Elizabeth Bennet was intelligent and was able to challenge Darcy in conversation, something for women out there to remember, not to be repressed or plainly, don't date someone who you can't talk to for hours or doesn't see you as their equal! 
• Mr Darcy is rich and profitable, I'm not saying go after a rich boy, not at all, but understand if you are ambitious in your goals, find someone who shares this ambition with you. You won't feel comfortable dating someone who only wants to watch the football on a saturday night with a takeaway when your ideal saturday night is a trip to see the latest release followed by a pizza at an Italian restaurant. 
• Don't date someone who you feel you cannot share things with, the thing with Mr Darcy, although he can be abrupt, he does divulge his feelings. 
• Fundamentally, Mr Darcy is a gentleman. Its the little things such as opening doors, giving up their seat for you that all add to that gentlemanly manner. However, those bigger things such as listening to what you have to say, being considerate and thoughtful, and expressing concern about your welfare are all equally important traits of a gentleman. 
• Most importantly, Mr Darcy appreciates Elizabeth Bennet for who she is and this is famously  echoed in Bridget Jones's Diary with Mark Darcy claiming he liked Bridget 'Just as she is'. Don't change for the sake of someone else, because in the long run you will regret it. 

Although these traits may be recognised as 'ideal', they are out there! Who's to say they are not embedded in a friend of yours? Remember, don't reject everyone because these traits don't appear on the surface, dig a little deeper and you never know, you may find your Mr Darcy. 

End of Pride and Prejudice (2005)- starring Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen

'Just as you are' scene from Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)- starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth

It's time for the twenties...

On Monday 12th January I will be turning 20! Now for me, a mere 19 year old that seems old! Although Im sure many of you would argue I have my whole life ahead of me still, which I know is true, its still fairly daunting! But thats also what makes this birthday all the more exciting! Although I'm reluctant to leave my teens behind, which have been full of some great memories, embracing the big 20 means the beginning of adulthood. I know I'm not turning 21, which is the key transitional point into adulthood, I'm leaving one decade of my life and entering another, which seems possibly even more scary!

At this stage of your life people are asking me: what are you going to do once you've finished your degree? Have you got a boyfriend? What career path are you wanting to follow? Do you have a job currently?

This bombardment is a constant reminder I haven't exactly got my life planned out, I know the answers to those questions, but its just reaching what I really want out of life. For me, this birthday is not only about getting drunk with some mates to celebrate, although that will be happening I'm sure, but about trying to take the small steps to reaching the larger goals.

Not only this, but I have lived for twenty years, isn't that also cause for celebration? I have survived 20 years of life, with whatever it has thrown at me, I've continued to surpass it. I've witnessed many changes, events and disasters since 1995 and have continued to watch and be part of the development of the society and the world around me. Over these teenage years and particularly recently with moving out and studying at University, I have begun to find myself, what I want, who I am.

So what can I look forward to in my twenties? Here is the top advice about life in your twenties:

• Friends will soon be about quality not quantity. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and make you feel good about yourself. Cherish them, your are in this journey together.
• You'll begin to love people for their soul, not whats on the outside. 
• You'll experience greater equality with people around you. Its not longer about if they are popular, nerdy or sporty, its about who they are. 
• Do things that make you happy. 
• Take chances (to an extent), you'll regret it later on if you don't. 
• Enjoy the moment. Although you may be worrying about the future, don't ignore what is going on in your life at that current moment. 

'I thought I knew everything about love and relationships in my 20s, the ignorance of youth is bliss. As you get older, you start to realise that you don't really know anything and life is a great traveling journey. Life is unexpected…you just never know whats going to happen'. Reese Witherspoon

Check out Buzzfeed for other articles about entering your twenties! Heres a few of my favourites: 

• Every Year Of Your Twenties, Ranked from Worst to Best http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/every-year-of-your-20s-ranked-from-worst-to-best#.lxB9pVOddP 
• 18 Ways To Make The Best Of Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/tips-to-make-sure-you-enjoy-your-twenties#.yl9knWP88d
• 23 Times Rachel From "Friends" Perfectly Summarised What It's Like To Be In Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/23-times-rachel-from-friends-perfectly-summarized-what-its-l#.vr9xbqNAAX
• 14 Important Ways To Survive Your Twenties, As Told By Grace Helbig http://www.buzzfeed.com/samimain/graces-guide#.ixgenBa88p
• Your Relationship With Your Mum In Your Teens VS. Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/jenniferschaffer/mama-really-does-know-best#.eqqKRayOOl
• 17 Signs Your Actually Becoming An Adult http://www.buzzfeed.com/krystieyandoli/signs-youre-actually-becoming-an-adult#.xbJOZQoggB      

So, another decade of my life begins! Happy Birthday Me!