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The time has come to wrap this UK & European adventure up and it’s been a crazy fun ride.

Norway to Malta. Republic of Ireland to Turkey. 30 countries down, 30 more to go. Countless friendships & memories made whether it be during my travels or living that London life. Being a Kiwi in this city alone is definitely a highlight on it’s own. KIL Xmas party or the Waitangi Day Circle Line Pubcrawl.

Whether it’s going to the Graham Norton Show or Six60 in Berlin. Stonehenge to Brighton Pier. Experiencing my first ever Winter Xmas or my first ever birthday in the Summer 😎 Watching West Ham play and lose or watching the All Blacks play...and lose 😭

One thing that struck me was that even though we’re both English speaking countries it doesn’t always mean we’re going to understand each other. Crisps vs chips. Our ten sounds like tin. ‘That’s well nice’ translates to ‘that’s effin gooood’. However, at the end of the day, regardless of the multitudes of accents and all of the above there is one phrase we can all understand over here - ‘shall we have a cheeky little pint at Spoons?’ 😏😉

#london #kil #wetherspoons #travel #ukvisa #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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Our target destination was Malta and one of ma fave crazy Kiwis an I were on a mission - Beaches and getting as tan as possible. Mission was complete but it came at a cost, awkward tan lines and burnt bodies 😅. Stayed in the very gorgeous Sliema with hands down the most amazing woman in Malta, Alexandra. So much charisma, warmth and sass, she made us feel like we were home away from home. First 2 days consisted of a whole lotta tanning on the rocky shores of this beautiful city, with our nights including delicious food and sipping cocktails. On our final full day, we joined the Hornblower cruise to the Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon and Gozo. I have never seen such stunning turquoise water in my life. It was incredible! Jellyfish were on the hunt and took a few victims, manu’s were made from the top deck of our boat and getting smashed in the face by waves during our speed boat cave adventure were had. One of the best experiences had and a Malta MUST! Thanks for having us Malta and a BIG thanks to Chlo. I’ll do photo shoots with you anyday. Side note - reached my 30 countries before turning 30 🎉 #malta #sliema #hornblowercruise #bluelagoon #30before30 #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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I mean, where to begin?...Turkey was unbelievably incredible! Had a mind blowingly amazing 10 day trip on a fantastic Travel Talk Tour. Istanbul was the first destination providing The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and an amazing Bosphorus cruise. From then on it was onto the long awaited ANZAC Commerative Site, Cove and both the Australian and New Zealand Memorial sites. ANZAC Day obviously being something that most Kiwis and Aussies have respected and taken part of each year back home on the 25th of April. The following days included, Troy with the Trojan Horse, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the beautiful and gorgeous Kusadasi and Fetihye. Pamukkale and the picturesque terraces and last but by no means least Cappadocia! 3am alarm was set for the 4am departure for what is the most amazing and really only way one should see this beautiful place in all its glory, by Hot Air Balloon. Words and pictures cannot describe the experience. Just go do it for yourself. Thanks to Yavuz aka Kev, the legendary bus drivers - Tarik and ol mate and of course the brilliant bunch of travellers made up of a Brit, 2 Americans, and a whole lotta Aussie/Kiwi greatness 😁 #turkey #traveltalktour #yavuz #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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Portugal?...Portu-Cooool...dry I know, but this place has thrown me into a crazy love sick daze since I touched down. It encompasses everything that I’ve fallen in love with in Europe and more! Food, sangria, beaches, views, gorgeous weather and most of all beautiful people. On top of that, the colours and textile patterned tiles are something else. Arrived a pastey mess, leaving a sunkissed...mess. Putting it out there, my favourite country. Could not have asked for a better place to round off my first year in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ll 100% be back!!! Obrigado! Obrigado! Obrigado!

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It was a sweet, swell and swift trip to Sweden. Got to Gothenberg just before lunch time and hit up the 7-11 for a recommended hot dog. Went down a treat but what didn’t was my internet. With a bung phone and a poor sense of direction I decided to freestyle my way round the snow covered city. Beautiful buildings, cutely decorated streets and an amazing Chai Latte were just a few delights this city had to offer. Update on the snow fails - Snow 4, Nerissa 0. I’ve now mastered the semi split slip. 🙋🏽‍♀️

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No way, Norway! One country can’t be this pretty in Winter. Gorgeous Scandi homes dotting the country side, thick fluffy snowflakes falling and icing sugar sprinkled forests made my eyes pop out their sockets. I fell in love the moment you came into sight, but sometimes love hurts. After Belly Flopping in snow, in Ireland (name courtesy of a lovely Canadian) I thought my snow fails were behind me. This time round I opted for the Backy Whack (falling UNgracefully backwards and giving the footpath a little high five with the back of my head). Once was clearly not enough cause not even 5mins later, it happened again 😒🤣 Oslo though....Vikings and Sea Forts and Fjords oh my 🇳🇴 #oslo #norway #letitsnow #dontwannago #travelwithriss #kiwitraveller

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Prosim for now Praha 🇨🇿👋🏾 Czech beer, live music (Bryan Gandola got pipes), a little boogey on the d-floor while sporting active wear and armed with pringles, was a fantastic way to start the trip. The next day we woke up to a snow covered city ready to take on the sights. Little did we know so did hundreds and hundreds of other wide eyed tourist. ‘Czech’ed out Charles Bridge, tried a Trdelnik and walked through the busy bustling Old Town Square. Our last day had us walking through the Jewish Quarter, Synogogue (home to the where all the Jewish belongings were kept, when taken from them during WW2) and The Jewish cemetery. Before heading to the airport we took a wee bus tour round the city before downing traditional Czech Goulash and dumplings. De Kuji to all the beautiful, funny and friendly people, met during this trip x #hostelhomer #prague #czechrepublic #itsnotsezik #praha #travelwithriss

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After visiting Cardiff and Caerphilly in Wales, I officially want a castle...with an elevator. As soon as you touch down in Wales their Welsh language is prominent on all signage, helping to keep their language strong and I love it! The party scene hits you next and it’s difficult to walk away from the likes of a table tennis bar or a bar pumping 90’s nostalgic music. Arcades are littered everywhere and Cardiff Castle is at the end of the street. But Caerphilly, you took my breath away. Surrounded by lush green rolling hills and the most majestic castle I’ve ever seen, it was hard to leave you. Who knows? I may be back. For longer. Spent my last day on a wonderful aqua taxi to visit Cardiff Bay and chowed down on the famous Welsh Rarebit. #cymru #wales #cardiff #caerphilly #gwr #aquabus #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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A waffle a day lets the muffin top stay, a belgian beer a day wont let the beer gut stray. Belgium, you weren’t good for my supermodel physique but you sure were amazing. After a tinsy break down on the Eurostar between England and France 😳 we were well on our way. Definitely had first day Contiki 2017 feels as we rode through Calais. Once I arrived, to my surprise, it’s a French speaking city. Thankfully smiling, pointing and nodding is a universal language which saves me on the regular. Ive now come to realise that wondering round is my touring method. It lead me to the Justice Palace and of course Grand Market. The locals are friendly, the waffles devine and the beer, thirst quenching. Day 2 had me in Brugge. After a short canal ride we had lunch, a quick whip round the city tour and free time. This medieval city was so beautiful, I didnt want to leave. Belgium won against England and their win was absolutely evident on my last day here. The streets, squares and alleys packed with passionate lovers of this fantastic country. To finish off my time here, I popped over to the other side of town to see the Atomium and Basillica. Met the nicest people on my tour, hostel gal pals(Chairo, Alana and Nao) and of course the locals. Au revoir la belgique! #brussels #brugge #belgium #hotelgalia #brusselstours #eurostar #tripadvisor #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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I’ll be back Edinburgh. The weather was cold, foggy and rained or as the Scots called it Authentic lol. The R rolling would give the Southlanders back home a run for their money. Great banter, hospitality and foood! Not to mention the fantastic sights - The Royal Mile, Grass Market, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Museum just to name a few. Also had the privilege of seeing The Highlands and going out on the Loch Ness cruise. Back to the food though, Haggis was delicious, Tennent Shandy went down a treat and had THE most devine steak pie! The city was so rich of history, bagpipes and kilts, I strongly recommend this beautiful and gorgeous city to visit!!! #edinburgh #haggisadventures #edinburghtours #haggis #bagpipes #tartankilts #lochness #scotland #travelwithriss

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Ireland you absolute gem! Great people, great nectar of the gods and of course, great craic! Contiki styled the St Pattys Day tradition and what a fantastic group. Day one was a big travel day with our Liverpool Leprachaun - Kev and our South African legend trip driver - Scotty. Day of St Pattys we decided to get a front row spot for the St Pattys Parade. After an hour an a half waiting, the Beast from the East 2 got the better of us so to avoid hypothermia, we sacrificed the parade to start some serious day drinking. In true St Pattys style, Guinness and Jamieson,Dry & Lime flowed, Irish music played right the day through, Ireland won the grand slam for the 6 Nations Rugby, the Irish danced like there’s no tomorrow and friendships were formed. To top it all off, SNOW fell as soon as we got back to the hotel. The next day we got to check out the Guinness factory and ended the night and trip with THE best Irish experience at The Merry Ploughboy. While chowing down on a gorgeous Irish feast, we were serenaded by Irish musicians and were treated to the iconic Irish dancing. St Pattys in Ireland, you were an unforgettable delight. #contikiscouse #noregrets #enjoythecraic #travelwithriss

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Feelin like Jasmine from Aladdin in the capital of The UAE. Once I linked up with my cuz and his partner Kristen at The Mall of Emirates, had the best buffet feast before heading to Abu Dhabi. Beautifully lit mosques could be seen right along the drive between the two cities, before reaching THE mosque of all mosques - The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. I’ve seen some beautiful buildings before but nothing like this. After a quick catch up with my awesome Aunty who teaches over here, it was time for some much needed sleep. Got up to a bunch of different attractions including a heritage village, feris wheel ride looking over the Marina and of course going into The Grand Mosque. Wearing an Abaya in 33 degree heat was 100% worth sweating swimming pools. Had a mean feed with the whanau and bus toured the following day seeing Ferrari World, Yas Mall and Yas Marina Circuit. Thanks for having me Aunty Whetu, Tumans and Kris. Love you’s. Until next time x

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My oh my Dubai! After a 14 hour flight from Sydney, and one hour wandering round the Dubai airport I made it to my hotel. 5 hours later I was up and ready to join Big Bus Tours. Um… WOW!… Just… WOW! I am not a shopper and would never just wander round a mall…Unless, it is Dubai Mall. Massive Aquarium, Ice Skating Rink and not to mention a fountain outside featuring yours truly, Burj Khalifa (The tallest building, in the WORLD). Once the air filled my lungs again, I jumped on the bus bound for Mall of The Emirates, home to an entire indoor ski slope 🤯 I then changed buses to see the one and only Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah. One day was not enough! Souks were seen but not explored, river cruises were watched from the open double decker and Old Dubai is still yet to be ventured. Next time, they’re on my list but the structures, skylines, aromas, friendly faces and experiences from today were absolutely unforgettable! #bigbustours #dubaimall #burjkhalifa #palmjumeirah #atlantis #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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Aussie, Straya, our neighbours across the ditch - my time with you flew by too quickly 😢. After 5-ish hours of travel I made it to the Gold Coast. It bucketed down with rain but it was much needed and i probs bought it with me from NZ. Ya welcome 😉! Not gonna lie, that humidity is sauna material 💦Spent quality time with family down in Varsity Lakes, then headed back up the coast the next day to Arundel, to hang out with more of my amazing whanau. After seeing a PALM size BABY spider and a little lizard it was time for me to head back to Brissy. Ventured the lively and bustling streets of Central Brisbane and this has me so excited for my next travels. My last night in Aussie could not have been better, with my Contiki Sisters from other Misters coming over for dinner and a few rounds of Ligretto. Im hooked and need a hit asap. Love you “side chicks” for life 😂😘 Lastly want to shout out to the coolest staff at Mantra and the amazing Qantas airport lady at Brisbane airport. Lifesaver ❤️ Ciao for now ✌️#mantraonedward #qantas #australia #queensland #kiwitraveller #travelwithriss

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Travel with Riss is back! As one chapter ends a new and exciting one is about to begin. Last day in New Zealand, as I take on a 2 year working visa in the UK and I can’t wait to get back into it! First stop Australia. Land of sunshine, beautiful beaches, half the Maori population in Queensland alone and some pretty lethal and freaky wildlife 😳 I’ll be doing a blog for each country, rather than a day to day style this time round so let the adventure begin 🤙🏾

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Days 40 and 41! So we started the day with a paddle boat ride. Yeah not as easy as it looks in the brochure but what an awesome way to see the views! Not a good view but there was an upside down porter-loo in the canal too lol. Cut the day short and headed back to the hotel for a nap before our last team night out! Before that though we relaxed on our canal cruise. Recommend this option if you’re ever in Amsterdam. Then we hit up a chinese restaurant for dinner. Food was real good. After more pics we set off for Chupitos Bar! This place has the coolest shots. Tried a Harry Potter, Jack in the Box and a #YOLO. The bro Tristan tried a Head Banger. Probs the funniest thing ive seen this trip 😂😂😂 Went to another spot for one last dance and drink with the fam. Now, today was the last day of our trip. Started early with our first farewell of the day, the amazing Ash and Jamie. From then on, it was just a tear fest. Remind me never to book a tour this long, with the coolest people out. Its not goodbye, it’s see ya later. Jess and Spag! You guys are absolute legends. Thanks to everyone for the laughs, the story times, the phrases, the dancing and of course the memories shared! Gonna be weird not hearing a constant Australian accent with a side of Canadian, sprinkle of American and a dash of ‘what a tuuune’ and 'what a time to be alive’. I think i’ll end my travel blog here. Just gonna be chillin in Amsterdam for the next few days. No more day sheets, no more bags to coach and fingers crossed no more stairs lol. Big loves to the Contiki Family of 2017. Until next time xo

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Sounding like a broken record but travel day again. Left Rhine Valley for Amsterdam, The Netherlands but made a couply pit stops on the way. First service stop i had the meanest sausage roll. Sooo fricken good. Then the next stop was at cheese and clogs. Got to taste a bunch of cheese, seen the biggest collection of clogs and tasted my new favourite wine. Met Charlotte the pig who bites lol. Not me on this occasion though. Afterwards we travelled along to Edam, home of Edam Cheese and did our bike tour. Tour guide was a crack up chick. Much prefer the bike tours to walking tours. Weather and views have been primo. Got to the hotel and ate dinner before hitting up your typical Amsterdam Sex Show. Walked there via the Red Light District. A couple girls from my trip gave a stripper a helping hand, while a few boys danced for a banana munch. YTG and YTB! Something to cross off the Amsterdam bucket list and more to cross off tomorrow. Due to my Contiki cough, i think ive got a wee injury so off to beddy byes for me meanwhile most the crew have stayed out to party the night away. One of the most amazing sassy hilirious travel buddys will be leaving the contiki family tomorrow. Sean you are one of a kind and love ya loads. Auf Wiefersehen to Day 39!