Through volunteering, Shantel has helped others by building houses in Fiji, collecting rubbish and helping recycling efforts in the Galapagos Islands, and assisting with office work and planting trees and seedlings in Tanzania. Having given so much to others in her travels, Shantel shares about going inward in Nepal. Lying along the southern slopes of… Continue reading Wander Woman: Shantel’s Adventures Part Three-Nepal
Author: Kate Kelsen
Wander Woman: Shantel’s Story Part Two- Transformation in Tanzania
Tanzania has generally remained untouched by the rivalries and political upheavals that other neighbouring countries have experienced. It is one of Africa’s top destinations for tourists, with attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Norongoro Crater, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. This week, in Part Two of Shantel’s volunteering adventures, she shares her life… Continue reading Wander Woman: Shantel’s Story Part Two- Transformation in Tanzania
Wander Woman: Shantel’s Story Part One- Fiji, Ecuador and the Galapogas Islands
My name is Shantel Da Costa. I’m 39, self-employed, married and have three children, two adults and one teenager. I was born in Rotorua and grew up in Aotearoa (New Zealand). I live in Brisbane, and my Australian travels include Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne and Port Lincoln. My leisure travel has taken me to Thailand,… Continue reading Wander Woman: Shantel’s Story Part One- Fiji, Ecuador and the Galapogas Islands
Bend The Air
On Saturday 15th April I entered my first Bend The Air aerial arts competition on the Sunshine Coast. I performed a routine with a James Bond theme, and this was also my first aerial hoop performance outside HAPY Studio where I train on the Gold Coast.Entering Bend The Air was a goal I set myself for… Continue reading Bend The Air
Wander Woman: Megan in Manila
Back in 2020 I started work on a new writing project titled 'Wander Woman- Intrepid Tales Off The Beaten Track'. This was to be a collection of stories from women who have travelled ‘off the beaten track’, or have overcome adversity e.g. disability in order to travel. I originally planned for this collection to be… Continue reading Wander Woman: Megan in Manila
Stormcrow Silver: Vicious and Ambitious
On August 24th 2022, a very special moment occured on a very special night. Myself and my fellow writer Christine Betts were hosting our first Write & Sip fundraising event for Gold Coast Writers' Association at Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba. Our writing comrades Kellie and Selena were also in attendance. During the evening, we learned that… Continue reading Stormcrow Silver: Vicious and Ambitious
March 2023: Before and After
I missed my regular Friday blog post last week as I was in the throes of an emergency house move. During the week of International Women's Day, I found myself at the mercy of one of the most toxic women I've ever met, and some of the kindest I've ever known. I follow two astrologers-… Continue reading March 2023: Before and After
Schrödinger’s Man
Schrodinger's Man: A man who is both a protector and also scared of the person he is apparently protecting. This week my best friend moved to North Queensland to start her first job as a newly graduated Marine Biologist. Her partner is fully supportive of her and her career, and together they are on their… Continue reading Schrödinger’s Man
Scarlette
A week ago I got a free tattoo. To some (probably to most) this sounds like a bad idea. There were definitely some eyebrows raised when I told people what I was doing! This was my second time 'getting inked'. The first time was last June, on my last day in Darwin. I had been… Continue reading Scarlette
Storytelling Through Circus
Today I ticked a huge item ticked off my to-do list. As some of you may know, as well as a writer, I am also a professional hula hoop and aerial hoop entertainer.I started my training almost sixteen years ago, when I saw an advertisement for circus classes at my local library on the northside… Continue reading Storytelling Through Circus
Kate Kelsen 