My mission for this adventure to the stunning islands of Croatia was to eradicate my pasty white English weather skin and get a tan. A special guest was joining me on this trip, my brother from another mother Abby McColl all the way from Perth.

We headed to the airport where we found the token Pom -Caz, getting chatted up by a charming young man giving out free Pims - standard. Our flight was not direct so we had a delightful wee stoppver in Copenhagen arriving at midnight. We went out in the capital of Denmark and drunk a few ciders, arrived at the airport at 4.30am as our flight was at 6am and nearly missed the plane as we were having a kip on the airport floor.

The next day we set sail on the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea on our yacht the 'Princeza', meeting our Jamacian skipper Morgan and having our first ocean sailing experience. Also on board was Adelaide, Kate Mack, Jess and Megan from Australia (Straya Day), and making up the Kiwi numbers was Amanda Mcaree, and Jess the back flip extraordinaire. Blustery wind conditions made us all wonder what we had got ourselves into (Bruce, you would of loved it). Luckily that was only the 1st day, and was smooth sailing from then onwards.

We sailed around 7 different islands on the duration of our trip, some were party islands bustling with life, and others were secluded islands with just a restaurant and beautiful untouched beaches.

One of the yachts, which was full of boys, docked up with us at Hvar (the mean party island) they claimed that they were part of the Team GB handball team. Thinking this was the yarn of the century we had a bit of a laugh and claimed that we were also at the Olympics. Much to our dismay after a bit of research from Caz on return to England, turns out they were telling the truth!

Had alot of fun in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, eating, drinking, and doing bombs of the back of the boat. Some entertaining times on the yacht listening to our skipper and another crazy Irish skipper serenading us with a chapter from 50 Shades of Grey. I dont think he thought the same of us after our last night at the restaurant, when our table ordered a bottle of vodka with our dinner.. nek minit the vodka had all gone due to Caz's tremendous pouring skills and we were swinging from the roof rafters, who know's what the restaurant staff were thinking.

Loved the beautiful Croatian landscape, senstaional beaches, warm clear water and endless sunshine - amazing company too! I have acheived my goal and got a tan as big yellow did not disapoint and the temperature averaged around 36 degrees. I also added on a few extra unwanted food babies - stocking up for the oncoming English winter.

Until next time.

Amanda Keen
One News