Islands with Ireland

irelands exploration

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this is 18 year old Ireland, about to leave on a flight to Bangkok - solo. Yes, I was absolutely poopin myself.

You step off the plane, the smells are different, the language is different, there’s a million people around you that are complete strangers. You’ve never been more alone in the world. You’re outside your comfort zone. Solo travelling is something that will force you to think in way you never have. You have to be aware of all your belongings 100% of the time. You have to be aware of your surroundings 100% of the time. You’ve got your own back and that’s it.

So are you ready to take the leap?

Making the decision to venture on my first solo trip was purely based on the fact that none of my friends or family wanted to do the same thing as me, with the same time frame and same financial situation. I didn’t think anything of it, I’d been following heaps of people on Instagram that were solo travelling, they made it look easy, made it look simple. I did not prepare myself for feeling so lonely that I could’ve just jumped on the next plane home.

After a first sleepless night in a shady hostel in the alleyways of Bangkok, I had to keep reminding myself of the dream. The dream I’ve had since I was a child to be exploring the world for myself. This was part of the journey and no one ever tells you about the not so beautiful parts, its up to you to be confronted with it first hand. ��The biggest thing to prepare yourself, and to start building that confidence is to do some research. Facebook, instagram, online forums, travel books, networking. We have all of these resources at our finger tips. It is the most accessible time to travel that we have ever experienced. I know for myself, in the months leading up to booking my trip and even leaving, I was constantly on different travel websites, not only looking at where I had planned to go, but also just forums and instagram pages that talked about travel, solo travel and woman solo travelling. Although this didn’t all completely prepare for what was to come, it gave me confidence. It inspired and assured me, that if all these people online are doing this everyday, than there really is no reason why I cant as well. ��You can also just start pushing yourself in your home environment to do things out of your comfort zone. It could be as simple as cooking dinner for the first time for a group of people, or introducing yourself to that girl you walk past everyday on the way to work. Go out for dinner by yourself. One of the biggest things, that I experienced, was getting used to being by myself. I was never alone when I was home, so to me I think thats why that was my biggest struggle. Even though it’s completely different, it still starts to build that resilience and confidence so when faced with the bigger challenges, you already have tool box of skills, developed to be able to continue to push yourself.

Even if it’s just a short 1 week getaway, a 6 week tour, or completely selling up and never looking back, do what you’re capable of. Make it the journey that you want. The best part is, that even if it’s not what you want, even if you push yourself a little too far out of your comfort zone, you can always turn around and go home. This does not mean defeat or that you can never do it again. But at least you tried, and now you know. And that’s exactly why we do this. We figure out what we like, what we don’t like. Who we as a member of society are and who we are as a person.

What a beautiful feeling. As you’ll enviably, after you continue to challenge yourself, be at peace with yourself. Who you are. So keep pushing, keep second guessing yourself and wondering and pondering, because one day you’ll just know. You’ll know where you are in this world. And trust me its a beautiful feeling being on that journey.

Ireland x

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Prove ‘em wrong.

Have you ever had someone laugh at your dreams, create fake news to put you down, treat you less than you are based on fantasy? Or even, you tell yourself you don’t deserve it, or you aren’t good enough so what’s the point in trying?

Well it’s time to tell them (or yourself) to ‘fuck off’. We live in the most amazing world, at such a pinnacle of technology accessibility. Where anyone can buy a plane ticket, anyone can get the training they need in a wide variety of industry, where we can talk live to people whom live on the other side of the globe to us - how extremely lucky we are. So why don’t we grab it by the balls and take every opportunity that comes our way. Or better yet, be the opportunity seeker. When I was starting my new job at Hotham, I was the youngest crew member with the least experience there. I was determined not to let anyone have the satisfaction of being able to put me down for this or be treated as a baby and belittled. Everything I did, I did 110%. As a result of that, I was able to get my job in Japan through recommendation from a coworker. An opportunity that I didn’t put on my agenda as I didn’t believe in myself until it was happening. Getting this recognition for my hard work was unbelievably rewarding. This same feeling of ‘getting out what you put in’ was felt when I was in Thailand and I had been working 3 jobs to get myself there. People talked shit, saying my parents had paid for it or given me money, but I knew I had done it myself. I had earned it. It is more often than not, I have learnt recently, that when people are trying to belittle you for your achievements it is just a sure sign that they are jealous. It may not be of what you’re doing literally, but just the fact that you had the confidence to do what you want and get away from being mundane, something they themselves wish they could do but cant. It is hard because these people aren’t the ‘high school bullies’, sometimes they can be the ones closest to you; friends, family, coworkers etc. So theres 2 important ways to deal with these people, because you will encounter them your whole life:

Recognise them for what they are - insecure and jealous. Understand that what they say to you and how they treat you has nothing to do with you, but instead is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves. Put up a lil bubble around yourself and don’t you dare let them penetrate you and bring you down.

Once you have recognised this about a person, imagine how it might feel to be in their shoes, when maybe things aren’t working out for them and they’re watching you, someone doing well and getting the most out of their life. That’d probably be a pretty shitty feeling, right? So lift them up, encourage them, show them their strengths and help them work on the weaknesses. You never know who might need a little loving and a bit of a perspective shift, for them too instead of being jealous, are actually genuinely happy for you and your achievements.

Because our life is not entirely ours, we must participate, take control, we have to encounter so many different people everyday, whom all carry different perspectives and burdens, are they putting themselves down or maybe others? If every person in this world looked at every situation from both sides of the story the world, maybe, would be a little more pleasant. Work hard, play hard, listen to others, and understand. Please don’t give up.

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Inspiration:

For me amongst a lot of other amazing people in my life, my biggest inspiration is my eldest brother James. James is 8 years older than me and so why I was a confused hormonal teenager he was jetting around the world. For years I watched him via social media, galavanting from one adventure to another. It was his courage and his willingness to do solo travelling that made me believe that I could do it. And even now, having both grown into adults, watching him so focused, motivated and committed within the world of business is still so inspiring.

I know that wherever I am in the world, whatever I am doing, I can call him. Having someone that’s not a parent but has an older and experienced perspective on things can be so comforting when you think you are completely lost, when you have achieved something, learned something, grown, taken a step backwards. Someone there though it all.

If you’re not feeling inspired. If you’re not feeling your best self. Change things. As my grandma would always tell me ‘nothing changes if nothing changes’. I tell myself this constantly when I’m feeling like I’m in a rutt. Talk to someone you admire. Ask them questions. Tell them about your dreams. Change your setting, whether this is going for a walk on a road you’ve never been down. Changing jobs, changing towns, changing clothes. Do whatever it takes to wake up and feel ready for the day. Ready for an adventure. This is a tricky thing to do, staying motivated. But the biggest thing to remember is that I don’t mean to be inspired is to be motivated to change the world. It just means that you are constantly learning and growing and achieving, from the smallest things to the biggest just keep moving forward.

Ask yourself what sort of person you want to be. What values are important to you. What do you want to spend your time doing. Write it down if you have to. This may take time to truely have an understanding of, but once you’ve figured it out or even have a slight idea, then surround yourself with like minded people and get rid of anyone that is toxic or not following the same values as yourself. There is no wrong answer to this either. On the proviso that you aren’t out there intentionally hurting other people, whatever you feel is right, what ever direction you want to head in is entirely up to you. There comes a time when putting your own wellbeing first is not selfish, but instead necessary.

Also, just because someone may have values that you don’t wish to carry yourself, it doesn’t make them a bad person. No one is perfect. People contradict themselves and comparatively given seperate situations will react in ways unexpected. This is only human. It is just important, and a journey I am still on, to practise control. Understanding your emotions and being able to categorise how and when to use these feelings, so you do not overact or accidentally say something out of rage or hurt. Next time you’re at work, down the street, using public transport or even just hanging out with your friends, pay attention to whom is reacting to what. Who’s talking for the sake or talking and who’s mostly listening. Gain consciousness of your also of you are participating in society. Be the person you wish to be. 
So, thanks James and to all the other amazing and inspiring people I have met so far along this journey. You make me want to be a better version of myself everyday. You make me certain that there is good in the world and that it doesn’t matter whom you were in the past, what you’ve been through, the most important part is to just keep moving forward.

What inspires you?

What is it that makes you want to do better?

Makes you want to constantly chase a bigger dream and conquer goals?

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Bali, Indonesia.

I’m very fortunate that I have been to visit the major tourist destination of Bali, 3 times. Here’s my loves and not so loves of Bali.

The first time I went I was 16, and on a 2 week holiday with my family. Whilst there, we stayed at Seminyak for a few nights. The beach here, is almost black, due to the volcanic pollution. And I couldn’t believe the amount of rubbish that was piled up on the beach, mounds taller than me sitting on the edge of the water. This was not the Bali I had pictured in my head. Not to mention the unbelievable amount of locals, non stop hassling you. I get it, this is your job, but there does come a point where it’s a little over the top. After a few days in Seminyak we caught a boat out to Lembongan Island. This was unbelievable.

Such a tranquil little island, with crystal blue water, white sand and it really showed such an organic way to see Bali. It still had dirt roads, a few little cafes and hotels and that was all. Here we got to really talk to a few locals and find out about what it’s like to grow up in Bali which was really warming, as from the people we talked to, they loved Bali and appreciated her for all her beauty.

The second time I went to Bali, I went with one of my good friends from high school, we went over to celebrate ‘schoolies’ (post graduating party). We stayed in Kuta beach for 10 days. This was perfect as we were walking distance from the beach and the clubs and bars. So during the day we could lay in the sun and relax, and at night go for some nasi goreng, and than head out for a boogie. Where each club had its own unique twist, and people were friendly, and you could dance all night long. As young 18 year old girls that had just finished school, it can mean that you’re quite vulnerable, but in Kuta, I felt so safe and relaxed to just walk around freely.

Also whlist on this trip, I went over towards Lembongan again to a small reef to do some scuba diving. This was hands down the best diving I had ever done in my life. We saw the most amazing, strong, colourful ecosystems and Manta rays with at least a 3m wing span. The water visibility would have been at least 20m+.; It was truly breath taking and something I will never forget and strongly recommend.

The third time I went to Bali, and my most recent trip, I was so fortunate to spend it with my beautiful mum. Having been living away from home from for the last 18months, its been few and far between quality catch up time. So to take 10 days out to be able to unwind from our busy lives and get to talk all day everyday was amazing. We spent the first half of our trip on Seminyak, unwinding on the beach, putting a few Bintang away, getting a bit of colour on our skin. It was so pleasantly surprising to see that from the first time I was in Seminyak to now, the decrease in rubbish was impeccable, there was not one single mound of built up rubbish. We then went over in land to Ubud, and stayed at a health retreat amongst the incredible rainforest and rice terraces. This was so nice to completely relax and enjoy some fresh, healthy food, see something so different to the rest of Bali, go to an amazing, huge market, filled with amazing vibrant colours, Ubud really had a lot calmer feeling to it, not so much hustle and bustle. It was also in comparison much cheaper to eat and shop here verses over near Seminyak. Bali for me, is a magical place that has evolved immensely with each of my visits. It is so close and accessible for Australians to go to and really has something for everyone. Whether you want to be immersed in some heavy culture or not, fill your trip with adventure or just laying by the beach. As long as you really you do your research and ask around, I’m sure there would be a part of Bali for everyone. Hopefully you’re all planning your next tropical expedition, let me know what you guys thought of Bali and your favourite places to visit whilst there! Ireland x

[islandswithireland]

expectation

Reality minus expectation equals happiness.

If you put too much into what your day is going to be like, what that party will be like, what that trip will be like unfortunately it is rare for your expectations to be fulfilled leaving you under satisfied and discontent. Hence it is so important to take what comes with a confident stride and never plan too far in advance. This is my biggest piece of advice for people that are about to venture the world. Regardless of your time frame, do NOT plan more than a couple of days in advance. You never know what/who is around the corner.

Before going to do my first snow season at Mount Hotham, I arrived up there with no real plans of what I was going to do post winter. I didn’t know how much money I would save, whom I would meet or where in the world I really wanted to go. And I’m so glad that I didn’t have anything lined up. I ended up meeting my now boyfriend whom had a job offer in Japan. So I ended up applying for a job, getting the job and going to live in Japan for 4 months.

In Japan I met some of my now closest friends and got to ski the most insane powder I could ever imagine. 5 days before we were going to finish up our season, with no flights or accomodation booked we were a little lost with what we were going to do. But it worked out for the best with 8 of us deciding that we were just gonna fly to Vietnam and see how it goes. And I experienced things I never thought possible in Vietnam. Doing the Ha Giang to loop is one of my greatest experiences I’ve ever had. For one I’m not confident on a motorbike at all and for two I had never even heard about this absolute hidden gem!

Being on the motorbike was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I couldn’t miss the chance to see this unbelievable landscape with my own eyes. Say yes to opportunity. Because if two years ago, whilst I was still completing year12, you asked me where I would be now, I definitely wouldn’t have said that I would be sitting down writing this blog post reminiscing on the adventures I’ve been so fortunate to experience. Although I did actually put expectations on myself for what I wanted out of my life, although it hasn’t quite gone to plan, I would never change it for the world. It is important still, to remember that having expectations is not the same as having goals. Having a goal is to have a general objective, to achieve something, to feel rewarded. However an expectation seeing only what you want to happen, and does not include the bumps in the road that come too, with every journey to achieving a goal.

I want you to share with me your expectations, your reality, your opportunities, your goals. I want to build a community where we can share all of our ideas, plans, risks, rewards. Let’s start building each other up!

[islandswithireland]

My island in the sky: hotham

For as long as I can remember my dad has been bringing my family and I up to Mount Hotham, Victoria, Australia. An oasis. Unlike anywhere else. It is as much of an escape as it is home. With the village set atop the mountain, at 1750m above sea level, everywhere you look out shows a breathtaking mountain range that just keeps rolling on into the horizon.

Having been coming up for my whole childhood, it only made sense that once I graduated high school I would definitely include doing a season as part of my “gap year’. I was already in love with this place but making it my home for 4 months opened up an even bigger side to the hill that I had no idea about. hence, I have just finished off my second season.

I work at The General Store, which is a pub that does breakfast right through to having DJs and dance floors at night. I love my job, I get to work with some of my best mates and have the most fun doing it. It’s a very rare thing to be so close to your work mates. But when you live together, work together, ski together and party together it kinda forces you to get to know them very quickly. I was fresh turned 19 when I arrived up here in 2018, when I walked into my new bedroom  that was basically a wardrobe and was going to be sharing with a complete stranger whom turned out to be a 34 year old female chef, you could say I was little nervous. But it couldn’t have worked out better. Despite being very different, we got along like a house on fire and are even sharing the same wardrobe as last year together.

I honestly cant describe how magical the family vibe is up here. You can be your complete self and as long as you’re positive no one really gives a damn. Being around such supportive people, where I don’t feel the need to wear fake tan and makeup to go to the pub, has helped with my own self esteem immensely, although I still have my own insecurities they are nothing to what they were and I feel so good in my own skin. I owe that to my family at Hotham.

Not to mention, getting to step out your door everyday and being able to ski straight away. With a wide range of terrain, including park, beginner, tree runs, back country, cross country, there really is something for everyone. There is something so liberating about sliding down a mountain on two planks of wood beneath your feet. Feeling the cold air on your face. Having some upbeat music in your head phones. Whether you’re riding by yourself or as a team. For me, it is so therapeutic.

One of my favourite parts about skiing/snowboarding is that everyone can do it. My whole family gets to go skiing together despite my dad being 60yrs old and my mum not having the best knees. We can all go out there and bond over the same thing. For me that’s the best feeling, something I will always cherish.

It really is an island in the sky.

Ireland x

[islandswithireland]

Hey, I'm ireland.

My name is Ireland Hayes, I’m 20 years old and grew up in Echuca, Victoria, Australia. Ever since I can remember I had posters of the world on my bedroom walls and only dreamt of all the places a plane ride can take me. Hence, as soon I finished work the summer following my high school graduation, I ensured I had saved adequately and bought a one-way flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

It was the beauty of these places that held my curiosity and my drive to go see it for myself, but once I started to experience the culture, the freedom, the people, the history that was behind all these pictures on the internet. That’s when the true admiration and pursuit began.

The goal of this blog is to start a community for first time travellers, long term travellers, holidayers & entrepenuaers, the dreamers and opportunists. It is to start uplifting each other and supporting each other in takings steps outside your comfort zone.

The reason I travel: meet amazing, unique people whom help me to grow as a person. To taste different cuisine in its most original form. And to get that feeling in your chest you get when you’re not sure. When you’re out of your comfort zone. When you don’t have all the answers. But then getting to the other side and realising that you did that. That you can never be scared again because you did it.

So lets talk about it, lets get uncomfortable.

I’m so excited to share my journey and hear about yours.

Ireland x

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stay tuned..