Going Down South

If you've been reading this blog or follow me on Instagram (here), then you'll know that I'm embarking on a crazy and exciting adventure in one month. On the fifth of March, I leave for a two week trip to America, all on my own. That means most of February is about physically and mentally preparing myself for what will be a pretty hectic experience. So, as a part of that, I decided to use my existing Airpoints to take a trip down South!

You may be thinking, weren't you literally just down in Queenstown a couple of weeks ago? Yes, I was. After spending a week with Ben's family down South for Christmas I just couldn't get enough. Plus, my grandparents are staying in the most incredible writers retreat for a year and I leapt at the opportunity to spend a relaxing week in Alexandra with them. But, to truly make this a challenge I wanted to spend an extra night on the way to Alex on my own in Dunedin. I hadn't been to Dunedin since I was really young, so it was a pretty foreign place to me. But, luckily the city centre is super easy to navigate. So, I booked my flights, a shuttle from the airport, one night in a $22 Airbnb in Dunedin and my bus to Alexandra the next day.

Even though I'm eighteen this was my first official time flying on my own, even domestically it was kinda terrifying. But, good practice for America and honestly so much easier than I expected, a lot of it came from muscle memory with travelling in the past. I boarded my flight to Dunedin successfully and I was on my way. For $22 the Airbnb I scored was pretty decent, it was basically a hostel-type situation, with shared bathrooms etc. But, I had my own bed, wifi and a plug for my phone, what more do you need?

As I arrived in Dunedin at around 11am I had the rest of the day to do what I do best...thrift my little heart out. I made my way around the city centre, checking out Savemart, Shop on Carroll and Toffs before hitting the classic charity op shops (Salvation Army, Vinnies etc). I brought a relatively big bag with me, expecting to find some funky things, but I was not prepared for the haul I was about to acquire. I'm talking fluffy bucket hats, 70s vintage, Levi's and so much more. By the time I was finished in Dunedin I was basically stumbling back to my Airbnb with some very full bags. Which is great for all of you as you'll be seeing plenty of these pieces on the store soon!

I often make fun of Ben for being indecisive but it turns out I'm not much better. When it came time to find myself some dinner I really struggled to actually decide on anything, with so many options. I was staying on St Andrew Street, so super central to a ton of great eateries, which almost made it harder. I ended up deciding on a cute burger place a bit further up George Street and ordered a mammoth burger that I really struggled to finish on my own. I guess it's practice for those crazy American portion sizes.

Check out in the morning was 11am, so I was out the door with plenty of time and back at the op shops. But, not before a small drama with my crazily heavy bag that I had to leave inside a random motel for the day (thanks Dad). I visited a few of the vintage stores around the bus stop I was leaving from, including one incredible place called Two Squirrels Vintage Emporium where I found the most beautiful vintage 60s mini dress. My bus left at 3:00, so I had a lot more time to kill than I was expecting. I don't know how exactly, but I ended up in a small seafood restaurant near my bus stop that was literally called The Best Cafe. I don't even eat seafood. I was drawn in by the crazy cool retro interior, including green lino floors and orange chairs. I ordered basically the only non-seafood item on the menu, a vanilla coke spider, which definitely added to the feeling of being in a classic American diner. This is where I went absolutely photo crazy, evidence in the collages above.

The five days I spent in Alexandra was so relaxing and exactly what I needed with all the stress that comes with the beginning of a new year. I had huge sleep-ins, played lots of Bananagrams, sat by the fan in 34-degree heat and ate some really tasty food. It was lovely to spend some quality time with my grandparents too, both of whom are just the easiest and best company ever. I guess spending a week in a house with a photographer and a writer is the perfect recipe for inspiration. On my last evening in Alex, Bruci took some amazing photos on his camera of me in my new favourite vintage dress that I picked up at Toffs Dunedin for $14! The light was perfect and it was a great way to end a truly wonderful trip.

So, now I'm home, sorting through bags of thrifted clothes and trying to get my life together before I leave. My to-do list is absolutely insane at the moment, I honestly don't know how I'm going to do it. But, behind the pure fear that comes with this trip, I'm just so excited. I can't wait to take a huge leap out of my comfort zone, right into the deep end and I'll be trying to keep this blog as up to date as possible in amongst the craziness of February!

Bella 🌼