Author Archives: nealpabari

Top 10 Moments from my Year Abroad

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It’s crazy to think that this time last year I landed in Perth, wandering around the city like a lost puppy. But things have changed these last twelve months. I’ve learnt the sound of the Cottesloe waves, and I recognise the call of the kookaburra. I know the silhouette of the Perth skyline, and where to look to find the southern cross shining brightly in the sky. I’ve learnt which days petrol prices are cheapest, and when to be extra careful to avoid hitting a kangaroo on the road. I’ve become used to a lifestyle where coats and winter jackets don’t exist, and instead are replaced by a wetsuit and snorkel.

Things are definitely different – Perth has felt like home. Perth is home.

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The Blue Boat Shed

Saying I’m sad to leave doesn’t do it justice, but I’m leaving with some incredible memories. Here are my top 10 moments from this amazing year…

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I have a new Website!

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Apologies for the absence. I’ve been quite busy working on a new project, and I’m proud to tell you that I have launched my new photography website! It is http://www.distantpixels.com , feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. Here are a couple photos I have taken that’ll you’ll find amongst the gallery…

You can also follow me on instagram @distantpixels, or on facebook.com/distantpixels.

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Through the Window – I took this one in Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

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Shining Through – I took this photo of the moon shining through the gap in the rock, with the milky way overhead, in Western Australia last semester

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A Little Adventure

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So that’s it. 66 lifts and 4542 kilometres worth of hitchhikes, 140 hours and 380 kilometres of hiking later, I’ve finished my ten weeks in the country I’ve wanted to visit ever since I can remember. The country I discovered on a globe when I was a little kid, spinning the world around, putting my finger on the United Kingdom, and pretending to dig a hole through the earth until I found the opposite side to where I was standing. I guess it was something about exploring the ends of the earth that drew me in – the unknown, the remote, the seemingly unreachable. New Zealand was this magical land that I formed in my mind and later heard about – a place where the mountains stretched to the heavens, where the seas ferociously collided, where the birds sang sweet songs, and where the unknown was to be explored.

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Christmas Vacation Plans

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So the semester is officially finished here down under, the summer is about to begin (although with the weather this week I can’t imagine how it’ll get hotter…) and I’m getting ready to start my three and a half month holiday – here are the deets…

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My Love Story with a Quokka

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Time for a less serious post, hope you enjoy!

I ventured out for a day trip and took a 25 minute ferry to the island of Rottnest, in search of a famous quokka selfie. What happened next is going to be the next Hollywood blockbuster rom-com. Well, maybe not.

I had to do a double-take. After a cycle round the whole island, I finally got what I was looking for. I took my selfie (as you can see, very pleased with myself) and was going to move on.

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Taking a Year Abroad

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It’s application time back in Durham (and quite a few other universities) to apply for a year abroad. I’m writing this post for those who are on the fence, and even for those who don’t think they would take a year abroad, to try and convince you to embark on possibly the best year of your life.

You could be sitting on this chair

You could be sitting on this chair

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My Top 5 Beaches in Western Australia

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What is the first thing that comes to your head when you think of Australia? It could be the blazing sun. Or dangerous animals, furry animals, weird animals, kangaroos. Tourist attractions like Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, the Great Ocean Road. But also beaches, a bucketload of beaches.

It's a good life

It’s a good life

Western Australia has possibly the best collection of beaches in the world, and I’ve certainly enjoyed exploring and sunbathing on them (England doesn’t quite compare) so here are my top 5.

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West is Best

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I guess there are two ways you can read the words ‘study break’ – a break during which you study, or a break from study. You can probably imagine which choice I made.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to travel to some amazing corners of the world and see some incredible places, but nowhere has been as jaw dropping as Karijini National Park. I could place you anywhere in that park, and you can stay in that one spot for hours, swiveling your head at any angle, while standing in awe at the looming canyons, narrow gorges and tranquil pools that engulf you.

But it is in the middle of nowhere (like everything else in Australia) – to get there is a 14 hour drive. So we planned a 10 day, just under 4000 kilometre roadtrip.

Australia is big, if you didn't know

Australia is big, if you didn’t know

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