Authentic Gems is about discovering & shining a light on the people & places that make me believe that originality & authenticity still exists, and sharing their stories. As well as sharing personal experiences of the reality of life on the road.
It will bring you independent brands, creative spaces and events, social enterprises and anything of interest I come across on my travels. Along with cultural experiences and natural wonders.
The 2nd country I came to when I ventured out of Europe and started my love Affair with South East Asia. The 1st one that I fell in love with & one that will always have a special place in my heart.
One of my favourite things about Vietnam & Hanoi in particular is the coffee. There are so many cool and quirky coffee shops. The perfect place for a pick me up the morning after a night of Bia Hoi.
“Began as a space run by independent artists, Hin Bus Depot has since evolved into a community project run on the belief that there should be no limit to the expression of art.” – Hin Bus Depot
It’s not really an authentic find because Penang is known for it’s Street Art. But I couldn’t come here without doing a post on it. I fell in love with Georgetown straight away.
So 2021 didn’t exactly start in style for me. Sat by myself at a hostel in the middle of nowhere just outside of bundaberg. Drinking bundy rum and coke mixed…
Went to check out another independent retail shop in London a few week back. This time getting away from fashion & jewellery brands and coming across some lovely gifts and souvenirs.
I finally got round to going to a Crafty Fox Market last week at The Geffrye Museum in Hoxton. I have been meaning to get to one for ages, and I’m glad I finally got around to it.
3 nights in Berlin, and my first experience of solo travel. One of my highlights was the Alternative Berlin free walking tour. A great way to spend a few hours in Berlin.
Whether you want to grab some food, hang out at the beach bar, attend one of the many music events or just check out some of the street art. Yaam is a great place to hang out.