HARD-CORE RACISM, IRL???

This is from my original facebook post, I just thought everyone should read it ok sorry. 

I had literally never witnessed full on racism irl until about a month ago. So I'm at a very packed pub with my friend who is travelling here from Tokyo, Japan, and we go to the bathroom upstairs and I notice there is quite a drunk man outside, whom decides to drunkly greet me(whatever) then he started to speak Italian to someone who seemed to be in a toilet in the ladies bathroom. shook it off, but whilst I'm in the bathroom I hear him say "alright mate" several times in a really forced English accent outside. my friend, who speaks very little English, didn't understand and told him so. The man proceeded to talk to him and said "what are you? From fucking Japan?" And now I noticed he actually had a very strong Italian accent, my friend said "yes I am from Japan" and then the man started calling him several racist names. I got out of the ladies room in fury and said "what the hell are you doing mate?" and he went raging, asking me if I'm from "fucking turkey" and that I shouldn't question what he is doing. I said to him that the man he is talking to is my friend and he shouldn't be rude. And that I was born and raised in England so if he wants to be racist even more im not the right person as technically he is in "my" country. He started to get closer and started shouting abusive words to me really loudly (which got alot of peoples attention) and as I walked down the stairs starting spitting towards me. I was then greeted by a bunch of drunken men groping me and calling me "beautiful" which even made me angrier. But I called the manager and told them what happened and they went straight upstairs to throw him out. I hope they taught him a lesson, we left as soon as we could. I cannot believe that stupid drunken racism like that is actually happening. My friend thanked me and said I was very brave, which made me feel awesome as a female who can stick up for herself and others around her. I could've just not said anything to him, but there's nothing more i hate than I racist or sexist. I'm glad the bar managers were black/mixed race aswell, probably would've scared him for life that he was being racist in a "non white" persons pub and that he should think twice before thinking that pubs are all run by white conservative men. What a douche bag. --feeling drunk. 

SO LIKE, WHERE YOU BEEN?

So yo girl has been away for a while, (and when I say away, I mean home, not travelling - cos if I was.. you'd know the deal) - since Australia, my life has been a mess, from health problems to remodelling our whole house to anxiety from studies and having no $$$. 

But here's the main deal, I'm not travelling till April (surprise, surprise) so expect tons of more posts about music, reviews, skateboarding and err'thing in between until then! Expect lots about the clothes I have been purchasing, being a part of/the internet music scene, lots more advice and all kinds of other cool, rad shit.




♡ LOVE, YUNG GURL.♡

THE CULTURE SHOCK OF BEING BACK HOME

Disclaimer - This is a sad (but cool) post. 

So I'm back home after a month and a half of being literally on the side of the world, and although I haven't been anywhere completely out of my comfort zone language or culture wise, I still feel like an outsider coming back into London. The first few days was just meeting up with friends and family, telling stories about Australia and everything in between during my travels. That is always the first part of coming home. And then, it's unpacking and getting settled down with your work once again. I attend college only three days a week, so I had the whole week without college, but as we are remodelling the house soon, there was no point un-packing anything, all of our stuff is in boxes anyway. So I don't really feel that "settled" now anyway. I feel like I have left home and come back to perhaps my secondary home. I miss Sydney so much. I miss the good weather, good vibes, good people. I feel like leaving there also meant leaving a hundred opportunities behind. There was so much going on for me there. But why? Was it really just because Sydney is better for me, or because I was more, bothered, ambitious and inspired there to have fun and meet new people. There's always that doubt, if you are actually just happier in the country for itself or simply because you are travelling and everything is new. One thing was coming back to the horrible, dark weather. I didn't really notice it as I'm mostly used to this kind of weather, but it does drive you a little insane. The first two weeks only consisted of the hype of coming back to London and keeping in touch with my people back in Sydney. And as weeks went on I really couldn't help but try and not think about Sydney because it would genuinely make me think "what the hell am I doing here?" 

And whilst it is nice to come back to my family, bestfriend and dog. It is also nice to come back to where I am in my comfort zone in regards to fashion, might sound shallow, but all my clothes are here and cold weather is what I know how to work best. The first week I sat around coffee shops alone just reading, although I am sad to be back home, everyone always has to have a home and mine happens to be in London. It doesn't mean it has to be this way forever, and even though sometimes I wish I never went to Australia because when I think about it I start over-thinking my whole life and London, I am glad because not only have I experienced the time of my life but also it has shown me a new light and perspective in travelling and how everything is temporary, I am not one bit attached to where I live or my surroundings, and I would leave for anywhere, in a heartbeat. As I said in my 'love for travelling' post, the traveller isn't fixed to any society, but just a part of the world. And although I have been involved in various groups, the musicians, the skaters, the whatevers, I am not really a part of any of those as much as I am just an individual girl who travels. 

Sydney helped me appreciate our London culture a little bit, our slang and our electronic music, and even though I would change it no doubt, I am proud to be from London, always. Sydney helped me understand the balance between city and nature. Sydney helped me realise how much I love people and  the world. It pushed me to keep travelling, work, anything can happen. All my doubts about Japan left as soon I came back, and I continue to pursue it. And although it's hard to deal with culture shock/holiday blues, whatever you want to call it - it's worth the experience you had in those one or ten countries whilst you were travelling. Bring back everything you learnt and apply it to your surroundings. 

FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT 2014 SO FAR

Happy New Year to you all, I hope you guys have had a good first two months of 2014 and I hope you had a good 2013 too. Even though I don't have this whole "New Year, New Me" perspective, I think that this year will be a good year as more things are happening. Such as more travelling, etc. And if anything, I just hope to make it a productive and eventful year, especially because this is the last year before I officially become an "adult" (although I will forever be repping cartoon mobb) ♡

DANCE MARATHON AT THE FALLS -

So literally the first day of 2014 and my birthday were amazing. A 6 hour dance marathon at the falls festival with a fellow dancer, Sophie. I can't describe how amazing Hermitude in the rain and Flight Facilities were. 

SMOKING MONKS - 

Strangest smoking monks at the airport, I couldn't figure where they were from as they were so multi cultural however they seemed a little rude. (There's a story behind why I think that) I was hoping I could talk to them and gain some knowledge on their religion but never mind. They seemed quite polite and quiet at first, until one of them came in and started staring at me, then they all laughed  A guy stood up for me and said "why are you staring at her? what's so funny" (my hero lolz) - I don't know why I found this so interesting, I basically got bullied by a bunch of monks :( 


2014 HOPES: MORE TRAVELLING - 

After meeting with my dad in Abu Dhabi, we discussed me travelling to Dubai more often to visit him as he is doing business there frequently, and more trips to Dubai, means more trips to Australia! Direct flights to Australia are cheaper from Dubai. I am also hoping to backpack through Europe this summer and perhaps a trip to Mexico! So I'm determined to keep writing and earn some more money! 


<--- met up with dad in abu dhabi and all there was 2 do was drink lol






[photos by yung gurl & crew]

FLYING OVER AMSTERDAM DURING SUNSET: FOR THOSE WITH A LOVE FOR TRAVELLING.

I've been away for a month, and in a blink of an eye I find myself back somewhere familiar. Back to the place which marks the significance of my travels. Like all other transits, Abu Dhabi International Airport tells the story that I have made it half way between my home and where I was only yesterday.  Except this time I'm not going to Sydney, India, or Tokyo. I'm going home. But just being here, amongst you strangers with homes, memories, and potential futures makes me feel somehow alright to be done with my travels early, because I know I'll be back, half way, in transit, once more. Travelling is what makes me feel human, real. Travelling makes me feel like a citizen of the world, rather than one of a city or town. I am not fixed to any society, I am just a part of the world.

To roam airports and cities all alone, to see people of all kinds from all over this little planet gives me the most beautiful, sonderous feeling combined with desperate and continuous wanderlust. For every flight there is a Veronica I got to know in ten hours, she has been to Thailand, Bali. There is a Michael who is constantly travelling to Poland to visit his family from Sydney, who I got to know in fourteen. For every hour spent in a strange and foreign airport I learn something new about myself.

So if you are filled with wanderlust and you're young, wise beyond your years, had a little taste of the world and now only craving to see more of it like me, keep finding ways to travel no matter what, and never give up.

2014

LEAVING SYDNEY

 8.15 am

Disclaimer- This is a sad post. 

I haven't slept well all night, I woke up around 4 am and started packing my things in advance, I leave for the airport around 1 pm today. I was determined to finally write up an essay which is already over-due by a day but I have now concluded that I'm too tired to actually do anything substantial with it. I packed my things to the sounds of strange bird-calls, cool air coming through floor no.10 in the apartment I'm staying in the North Shore. I'm tired, and a little bit hungover, and it is then when I realise that actually, half of my trip I have been either drunk, stoned, or exhausted. And although I have been in awe so many, many times during this whole month, (beautiful vivid stars camping up north, swimming in a waterfall, kangaroos..) I still feel as though I never took a moment just to, well, be. You know, to take a breather and let a simple moment just sink in and stick. I guess that's what happens when you have a busy schedule and can't even fit in all the things you want to do. But alas, I am more than grateful that I even experienced Australia. (Even if I didn't go to Bondi or see a Koala) 

But how do I feel about leaving? I'll tell you. Terrible. I don't know if it's being irresponsible and bitter towards reality, education and work, or if it's simply not being bothered to endure the London winter ahead, but I don't feel homesick one bit. I must admit, at the start of my trip, I was a little homesick, but now that I've gotten so used to Sydney and met so many new, beautiful people, all I want to do is stay. I've gotten to know people, made friends, found appreciation and love for electronic music again, fallen in-love with the city, and now I have to leave, back to the other side of the world. Plus I'm leaving cheap sushi, the guy I have a crush on, and all the potential I had there behind. What do I have in London? What is there for me apart from my bestfriend, mum and my dog? I don't want to make this a rant about how much I hate London, so I'll just say that I'm genuinely going to miss Sydney and all of Australia greatly. 

 There is never enough time for any traveller to see everything and finish without untied strings, but what what the traveller can do is try his or her best to experience to the fullest. 

12 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SYDNEY: LONDON VS SYDNEY

• ASIAN CULTURE - I am obsessed with South-East Asia, and Sydney is full of great Asian food, supermarkets, shops, etc. Although I get so excited when I see an Asian supermarket near where I am staying that I end up looking super weird.

• GROOVY PLACES, CHEAP RENT - Back home coincidently all the areas where actual artistic, cultural, uni students live are super expensive. However in Sydney you can live in a suburb which is awesome yet affordable (for me anyway) 

• BEACHES - This one is pretty self explanatory. 

• HOT BOYS, HOT BOYS - Personally, I find the males here so much more attractive. And no, not because they are "Australian and mysterious" or whatever - I have my reasons, they are personal. 

•  AWESOME MARKETS - Places like Glebe offered me super cheap, wearable fashion as opposed to tacky, Wembley market trends.  

• K-MART - We don't have one. 'Nuff said. 

• SUSHI - For the love of all that is good, sushi. It's my favourite food and if I feel like eating it I have to travel 45 minutes away from where I live to get over-priced fish, or put up with Tesco brand which I don't even think can be classed as sushi. However if you live in Sydney you will probably have one or two on your local high street where they serve quick, cheap, amazing Japanese food. (My life sucks)

• REAL, LONG SUMMERS - No need to explain this one either. 

• TRAVEL COMMUNITY - So many backpacking communities within the city, I find that most people from Australia (like me) have huge wanderlust. Unlike most people from London, who just want to get pissed on the beach at a hilarious, pathetic and completely uncultured holiday resort. 

• ONE WITH NATURE - The trees and wildlife here are amazing. I feel so free and wild even in a city. 

• NO SHOES? COOL - You don't necessarily need to wear shoes here because most people don't (and not just by the beach) 

• LUST FOR LIFE - People I've met here all lust for either travel or new adventures. With so many outdoor activities, festivals and nature there is so much to do yet they are determined for so much more and I celebrate this greatly. 

Although I will not miss the over-priced cigarettes, inconvenient buses and cockroaches.. 

CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you have had a good one. 

Here in Sydney I had an early family Christmas on the 22nd, (which was lovely). 

I spent Christmas Eve last night on Darling Harbour, it was pretty busy and crowded due to it's central location and because of the fire-works show that was planned. My night consisted of white wine spilling all over my leather satchel, after an hour of waiting finally watching the show, followed by sushi. 

This was the first time in my life (surprisingly) that I have spent Christmas away from London and my family.

Unfortunately the weather hasn't been sunny and hot like I had hoped, because then we could've stereotypically gone to the beach on Christmas. Instead, it's cloudy with mild rain... how boring. 

Overall, this year it didn't really even feel like Christmas, and I wasn't excited at all. Maybe it's because of my age, or just being away from over-enthusiastic Christmas-loving London and all my friends/family. I think it may just be the excitement over Australia overshadowing the Christmas excitement, and I can live with that!

Merry Christmas from Yung Gurl.

[photos by yung gurl]

RANT: MOVING TO JAPAN CONFUSION

NOTE: I am not actually, officially moving to Japan any time soon: I've just been thinking about it on a serious note for some time now. If you are looking to read something about preparation for moving abroad, this is the wrong place. This is no way an accurate post on Japan or it's customs as I have never been. I'm just trying to make sense of some major confusion by venting.

WHAT IS MY PLAN?
If everything goes to plan, in just under two years I will have graduated from college with a music technology and English-teaching qualification, (and hopefully 1 extra English A-level if I can cop it) gotten into university (who knows where), and saved enough money to move to Tokyo. 

WHY?
So I've always pretty much had a great interest with Japan (and no, not because of anime) - most likely because my dad lived there before I was born and I grew up hearing stories about the brilliant, unique culture and I was always surrounded by Japanese food, people, etc. As I grew older the dream started becoming a serious goal. 

NOW FOR THE RANT: 
I'm so confused. Until now I've had no doubts about moving to a completely new place. But as we get closer to 2014 I get closer to Japan and have started to do some early research just to make sure that this is the right choice for me. (I know it's pretty early, I have plenty of time, but I like to plan my future, and I need to save alot of money if I want to ultimately go through with this) The research and the things I'm finding are freaking me out. Now I know this is the internet, where stories and tales are exaggerated - however without actually visiting the place myself, I just don't know what to believe, and it's not like I'm hearing really bizarre, unrealistic things, but things that are certainly putting things in a new perspective for me. 
I've always known that Japan is, well, a little 'weird', but I've always appreciated it's little quirks, in-fact I've found overly-convenient vending machines, giggling Harajuku girls and talking toilets quite refreshing. No doubt Japan's technology and even creative outlets are way more ahead of the West (IMO), and even though certain Westerners have a trouble adapting to even the basics of Japanese culture, I think I will be alright living alongside my favourite food and language. I'm a quick adaptor, and I love to be a part of a culture and make new friends, but doing some heavy research has made me re-consider alot of things.
My sources have been from real girls who live or have lived in Japan, you-tubers, bloggers and those who have just answered questions. 

The Japanese customs are really strict and well-respected, growing up this was only a positive thing for me, as I only heard things such as "Japanese people are super polite" from my dad or "They either read or sleep on the trains, everyone is quiet" which is something I can definitely live with. And even recently discovering that you can't talk on the phone on trains or talk very loudly is something I can respect and live with. 
But when I hear things like, "don't stand out" and "only use chop-sticks with your right hand" - that freaks me out. Although some say most foreigners will get away with making mistakes just for being a foreigner, one of the vloggers 'Gaijin' (foreigner) tips was genuinely "don't do anything different from the Japanese customs or else you will.." - and I quote, "be thought of disrespectful and look like a rude idiot" - and to us, these are simple minor things as small as placing chop-sticks on the table the wrong way round. 
As a strong believer of individualism, I don't know how comfortable I am with these statements, but out of respect (or maybe just out of pure fear) I would try my best not to "stand out" and do everything right anyway. And even though things like chopsticks don't define who we are, I can't get my head around how "standing out" could be a bad thing and acting like a robot is a good thing. It's hard to learn about these "rules" when they have such great creative culture (including fashion) which breaks the whole "don't stand out" thing.
(Although, I do at this point feel as though I am underestimating my tolerance levels, I've visited strict on what you wear countries and I've been okay)

So my second problem (one that some may accuse as minor) is that apparently dating as a Gaijin girl is really hard. Sources have shown that most foreign women have a hard time finding a partner whilst living in Japan. At first, this was hard to believe, but then it actually started making sense. First of all you wouldn't believe how stupid, ignorant and idiotic some of the Western men living in Japan are on these forums. In-fact, I wouldn't even call them males, as they can't handle the "ego-istic bitches"  that Western women apparently are. These so called "charisma men" aim to attract all the Asian women as they are more traditional and girlie to their appeal, (apparently) - and act like pricks when encountering Western females, and to their advantage Japanese girls are completely memorized and desperate to get into a relationship with them. Now obviously, that's not the attitude of all Gaijin guys, charisma men are usually guys who go to Japan as a form of escapism, and where back home they may not get any attention from females, in Japan they certainly do. On the other hand, Japanese men are a completely different story, and a complex one at that. To put it simply: they will stalk you to take pictures of you, and ask you to be hostesses, but won't date you. Wait, what? Apparently Japanese men are extremely attracted and slightly obsessed with Gaijin girls, (there is even something called Gaijin hunters) but they aren't interested in a relationship, ever. I figure that they are convinced that we are not traditional and that we are hard to handle or something (sad face). But in all honesty, if this is really the case, then that sucks. I'm not sure if this the majority or minority but there are definitely exceptions, many girls have happily been married to Japanese guys.  

My third concern is safety - now although Japan is well known for being one of the safest countries, low crime rates in theft and what not, to the extreme where you can leave your iPhone to save your space at a coffee house. But on the negative side, crimes like assault and stalking go unreported and they are quite high. The Japanese police don't really care too much about certain things and plus as it is a Japanese custom to "ignore trouble" it is unlikely that you would get any help from anyone if you are being mugged or assaulted, unlike the UK/US. Foreign women often feel objectified in Japan, because of the stares and comments. But the problem is that the perverts and weirdo's assume that foreign women (as many don't speak Japanese) are easy targets. Property crime, theft and murder rates may be lower than most countries, but men assaulting women is a significant criminal problem in Japan, and the assailants are Japanese men. This certainly puts me off, for obvious reasons that I won't even explain. 

SUMMING UP MY CONFUSION: 

I feel like I'm suffering from culture shock even before getting to Japan. From hearing this to that, not knowing what to believe. But I've taken a massive breather from my research and all I can say is that I'm not going to back away from what I have always wanted just because I am a female. If I become a victim of what society wants us to be, then it will never make any improvements - and so with difficulty, I'm going to continue to do what I want, and that includes moving to Japan. If I'm determined to work hard enough to make it happen then it must be right. Every country has it's flaws, and I am to be tolerant of them.  Recently I have met many people in Sydney (girls and guys) that have been to Japan before and all encourage me to do it, and have re-assured me that it's the right place. Whether I get there in the end or not, it's still going to continue to be my plan. 

-Good Luck to all of you girls who want to move independently to a foreign place from Yung Gurl.  

CAN'T CONTAIN WHEN SHOPPING ABROAD

[ It's currently windy as hell here in Sydney.

I'm pretty happy that I got a Fuji digital camera for my early birthday/Christmas present 2 days ago since I didn't bring my main camera (500d cannon) on this trip. Instead I've been using my iPhone 4 and film camera (cannon) - which you can imagine isn't very practical as I've almost filled up all my phone storage and don't have that much time to develop my film. Although a Fuji digital camera isn't my ideal, it's quick and compact, so I guess I've found my new travelling camera! ]

 bubble tea and stuff, earlier today shopping in Chatswood --->


Spending Christmas time in any city is great because all the sales are on and I love shopping abroad. And in addition to that, Sydney is also filled with beautiful markets that provide you with all sorts of items from cheap second hand clothes to crafted knick knacks. My cousin has a permanent stall at Glebe Markets, so I had the privilege of spending two full days there and bought tons of great pieces at remarkable prices as low as $2.
 I must've bought atleast twenty items just for myself, and not forgetting to mention the bargain shopping I did for my bb's back home. Honestly, I couldn't contain myself. It was all so cheap, and so good! But I guess anyone can go a little over-board when clothing prices are comparable to cans of coke, but when it comes to $60 shoes, that's a no-no...however I went to Westfield in Chatswood today and exactly that.. oops.

What is it about shopping abroad that is so fulfilling? Is it the fear that you will never come across the exact same item again? Or does everything just look somehow, better when you're excited by new cities and atmospheres.. 
Well whatever the reason, I really need to contain myself.. only ten days into my trip and I really don't know how the hell I am going to fit all my purchases into my luggage in a months time..

[photos by yung gurl]

RANT: "FASHION IS STUPID"

On a personal note, I moved locations in Sydney. I'm no longer staying in the quirky suburbs I was before I left for the Blue Mountains, now I'm back in Sydney and staying in a very chic apartment closer to the city with my aunt.

And on a serious note..

It's not rare to hear someone ignorantly say "fashion is stupid" - I hear it all the time, people say it all the time, and to be honest, I used to be one of those people. I mean, I would just think, "over-priced, pretentious looking clothing? get out" - as if there's nothing else to it, completely disregarding what fashion actually is as a phenomenon and evolution. Well this is for those of you who proceed to think that fashion is "stupid" : 

- Any smart person would know that anything creative is art, and art is intelligent. The fashion industry is full of creative designers, directors, artists, etcetera, thus it being an intelligent industry. 

-You're effected by it whether you like it or not. Every single day, you chose to wear certain clothes. You pick out an outfit. Or you just lazily throw on something together. Why? Because it's your personal style? Because you think it looks cool? Or maybe you just want to be comfortable. Whatever reason, you wear clothes like the rest of us. And everything you wear has come from yes, only one industry. Don't be so dim to think that everything in "fashion" has to be labelled Chanel and Prada. Perhaps a few years ago that very same boring old sweater that you found at Primark which you think boldly emphasises the false statement "I don't care what I wear" for you was actually designed by the very same industry that you oh so disrespect. 

-"It promotes anorexia" - firstly, there are more eating disorders that exist other than anorexia. And I'm not just talking about next to ana, bulimia. There are tons and tons of eating disorders, and not everyone effected by them are stick thin.  Although the fashion industry is quite strict on size, it's not personal. It's just about the clothing. Not only do they need a certain size, but it's also a certain height in some cases. And if you haven't noticed, also a certain look. So don't just pressure everything on weight and anorexia unnecessarily. Most models need to be healthy and try to be. You're forgetting that it's much more healthier to exercise and eat well/moderately rather than eat tons of junk food and be inactive. Also, the 90's heroin-chic look is over, so get over it. 

-"It's cynical and egoistic" - Stereotyping doesn't get anyone anywhere. There will always be the few who ruin it for the bunch. Just like the music industry, these days it's filled with shallow pop stars, but it is also filled with amazing,inspiring and original musicians. Then there are the Justin Biebers and One Directions. But there are always the Led Zeppelins and Pink Floyds too. So don't think it's all bad and about "being rich and famous" 

-Most people don't know who really represents fashion. I can assure you that celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian aren't even close. They're just rich. Tabloids and press always seem to do the whole "who's wearing what" thing - and that's not the foundation of fashion. Unfortunately, that's the market. That's what keeps the big houses running with money and mainstream reputation. But underneath all that, it's a whole different artistic world. To the outsider, it can look very very ugly. 

-It's a liberating form of expression - Your personal profound style, that's fashion. Putting a piece of clothing with another creatively, that's fashion. You can express yourself, and tell others about yourself just by what you wear. 

-Trends and fashion are not the same. What everyone wears, that's trend. Everyone following eachother like sheep, copying a socialite or star without even being aware of it, that's trend. A human of fashion is not a victim of trend, we are power dressers. 

-It's beautiful. The photography, the editorials, the runways, the clothes! There is so much out there in the world of fashion and there is almost a place for everyone. The artistic side is beautiful and striking. Fashion takes beauty to another level. High fashion is incomparable to everything else. 

It's a hard thing to grasp and it's sometimes truly just not for everyone. But it's not the unintelligent air-headed parade that people think it is, again, it's a very plagued industry. I mean, the people who represent it, not even always the famous people, are mostly, I admit arrogant and idiotic. But I can assure you those people don't actually know anything about fashion, they just walk into a store and think "Oh this is expensive, so it must be fashionable!" - and this is not what fashion really, truly stands for. To me, It's a profound world full of culture and modern art, shining in the most negative light for everyone on the outside.

On a more personal note:

I have not always been a supporter and lover of fashion, until finally understood it and realised how important it is. In-fact, I think before that, I even despised fashion a little bit. How complicated and confusing it all was, not to mention the only "model" I have associated with being an air-headed ass-hole ex. Just how everyone tries so hard to be "trendy and in fashion" - but ends up being tacky and glammed up, claiming to have class still bothers me. But again, that's just not what true fashion is, and the more you let that bother you, the less you believe in fashion, and the less determined you are to make something out of your style.

 

As a skate photographer, video game, music enthusiast and comic book nerd, fashion was always the last of my personal worries or interests. 

However I always kept to a certain, personal style and it was Coco Chanel who enlightened me, (although I am not a big fan of her or her contradicting views) and not just what she did for women by liberating our style, but also the revolutionary jackets, the shows, the everything. I understood, just by a little bit of research and curious insight that fashion is actually so much different to what we think it is. When you look deep, you find that it's somewhat wonderful and real. My own personal style is influenced by a number of people including some of the top designers, but also certain bands and decades, and I can assure you that I don't buy £400 shoes. 

BLUE MOUNTAINS

First time posting via iPhone.. I'm up in the blue mountains and I have no laptop. 

three things for today: 

1. I saw a kangaroo and they are way funnier than people on the other side of the world think

2. I washed my hair in a waterfall today 

3. If a 2 hour 'bush walk' nearly got me unconscious, then I am really unfit 

The most adventurous thing I've done all year, we walked down to these waterfalls and swam by them, the view overlooked the whole blue mountains "bush" (I still don't get why Australians call the forests that) - anyway, it was spectacular. Being there felt so simple and easy. And it made me realise how different and complex my life is back home in London city.

I mean, think about it. How simple would it be if you lived in the forest - with the the nature, the only thing you would have to be worried about is your survival. No job, no money, no internet, nothing. Just you and the world. 

The Blue Mountains offered me a good experience, amazing views and rainforests. There are tons of look-outs and walks that you can visit.
Walking along Katoomba was nice, always interesting to see the local shops, however to our disappointment by the time we got there they were all closed. (Shops close around 5 up in the Mountains) - later we had a drink with some of the local kids, the remaining few that still live up in the Blue Mountains, most of them moved to Melbourne or Sydney after high school graduation. They were all really friendly and bubbly people, which I'm glad I met. Also, staying in a typical 'Blue Mountain house' which was spacious, wooden and beautifully crafted was great. Although, there were tons of bugs around...

Which reminds me, three other things:

1.Bugs actually have the ability to piss on you 
2. Leeches exist in waterholes
3. Crocodile meat is somewhere in between chicken and fish 

So if you ever visit Australia and love nature, do visit the Blue Mountains! 

[photos by yung gurl & crew]

SYDNEY

16 dec 13
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Living on one side of the world and travelling to the other can be scary, especially at 16, but for me, no biggie. Why? I've been travelling alone half-way since I was fourteen, including spending a total of 32 hours in Istanbul airport alone earlier this year (read about my experience here).

But you know what is really scary, how different London and Sydney are!

I've been here a total of 6 days, what feels to be a lifetime already, and I have no idea why.

Here's a photo of me with some fish 

xxx