Adventures of Decadent Delights

Rhode Island

2011-09-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friend Irma and I bid adieu to Manhattan
and headed north to Rhode Island. After a 3 hour road
trip full of coffee stops, McDonalds and loud (off-key)
singing in the car, we arrived in the stunning seaport town
of Bristol. Rhode Island is in the New England region of
the US, named as such because it was one of the earliest
English settlements in North America. The towns are very
quaint, the houses are beautiful & the people are lovely,
in fact I could easily live there. But enough about that,
let's talk weddings! Hooray! The reason we were there was to see my good friends Josh and Jenny get married. It was a beautiful day full of love, laughter, a few tears and plenty of dancing...

Fireworks are my Kind of Magic

2011-07-10T14:54:00.001-07:00

After an awesome few days out of the city, I headed back in time for a rooftop BBQ in the West Village to watch the 4th of July fireworks.

The Hamptons, Long Island, NY

2011-07-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

For the July 4th long weekend, we jumped in our (hire) car and headed out to the Hamptons. Good friends, good food, good times...

2010-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

my new neighbourhood

2010-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tribeca

2010-10-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Soho

2010-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Coney Island

2010-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday it was a spectacular 29C (83F) degrees in New York, so off to the seaside we went! Spent an amazing day in Brooklyn with the girls; Mira, Boronia, Jenny and Adela. Started with delicious pancakes at Tom's Diner followed by a long stroll along the ocean front to Coney Island.

I haven't felt sand in my toes or the ocean on my feet for over a year now (that's a very long time for a girl who grew up by the beach). It was perfect and just what I needed...

A Central Park Proposal

2010-09-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sitting in Central Park this afternoon I hear people cheering and look around to see what's happening. Everyone is looking up at the sky smiling, I look up and see...

I couldn't help but smile too =)

Alice's Tea Cup

2010-09-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Ladies of Leisure spent an afternoon having tea at Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper East Side.

This is one of my favourite cafes in the city. So quirky and cute. To find out more, click here

Cupcake Heaven

2010-09-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Bakery. Cupcake Heaven.

Click here for more info

Ladies of Leisure

2010-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Jenny has also recently moved to New York from London and is yet to start working as well. So the majority of my days are spent with her.

We are "Ladies of Leisure".

Last week we visited The Met Museum, one of my favourite museums in New York. I loved the title of this painting:
This is The Colour of My Dreams by Joan Miro

My New York Adventure Begins

2010-09-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Views from the Highline

Le Chandelier

2010-07-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

I spent Sunday afternoon with my cousins Jay and Libby, they took me to Le Chandelier in East Dulwich, south east London. What a gorgeous place with a very relaxed vibe! They have an amazing selection of teas (sourced from all over the world - I had the Vanilla Black Tea) and delicious cakes (all baked fresh on site). Was absolutely lovely.

Le Chandelier

161 Lordship Lane

East Dulwich

London

SE22 8HX

or click here for more information

London Summer

2010-07-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a Thursday evening BBQ with great friends.

Good friends, good food, good wine, good banter. Bliss.

Bastille Day in Battersea Park

2010-07-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Bastille Day, 14th July, celebrated in London in Battersea Park.

Hampstead Heath

2010-07-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful 32 degree day in Hampstead Heath last weekend.

London Love

2010-07-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

Bishops Park. South West London. I stumbled across this spot by the river and it's "True Love" seat.

Shanghai and Hong Kong

2010-07-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

I'm very lucky to travel with my job and last week consisted of a whirlwind trip to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Shanghai; first impression? It was like being transported 20 years into the future. I kept expecting to see George Jetson (from The Jetsons) ride past in his teleporter car. It's filled with lights, everywhere, I wonder if the worlds global warming could possibly be caused by all the energy used to light up Shanghai's streets and buildings? Unfortunately I only saw the inside of the hotel room at The Portman Ritz Carlton and the inside of a meeting room, plus a lovely traditional Chinese dinner (except for the chickens head on the table) in the evening.

And of course, when you are jetlagged and in a luxurious 5 star hotel by yourself, what else do you do but jump on the bed and do some "Happy Dancing". Note: "Happy Dancing"; a tradition started by my good friend Nat when we visited Vietnam & Cambodia in 06. You have to jump on the bed & do the 'happy dance' when you first get into your room, try it, it'll make you happy...

Hong Kong; after our one day in Shanghai we flew into Hong Kong for our meeting there. There were more opportunities to get some shots of this very cool, urban, designer boutique filled city (no sign of any financial recessions here) as we frantically ran around visiting sites in the 35 degree heat. A city I will definitely get back to and explore more.

And after 15 hours sleep in 4 days, one day in Shanghai and one day in Hong Kong, off we travelled to the airport for our midnight flight back to London. Whirl.Wind.Tour. But worth every second of the experience, its all part of the adventure right?

Sunny Delights

2010-06-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

It finally feels like summer here in London and it only took til the end of June. Perhaps we'll be blessed to have the warm weather last at least a month. Sarcasm? Yes. Over the weekend we were lucky enough to have balmy late 20s weather the whole time, but unlucky enough for England to lose the match yesterday (Did I just comment on a sports game? What has happened to me?)

The weekend looked a little like this...
Friday night movies

Saturday picnics with the coolest kid in London, Kenz

Sunday with the Happy Bunnies

What a brilliant sunny weekend.

Leaving London

2010-06-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

It’s official. I’m leaving London. Yep, you read it correctly. Are those cheers or tears I hear? After much thinking and drinking (not always a good mix) I’ve decided the time has come to move on. As scary as this change is, I’ve learnt that fear is what disconnects us from the future and try to live by the motto "great things happen to those who take great risks". It’s worked so far for me, so onto the next challenge…

1st stop; New York and some US adventures. After a couple of visits this year and tears every time I had to say goodbye to friends there, I think it only makes sense to come and stay for a few months. Right? Right. Depending on a couple of things, this visit could possibly turn into a longer stay. Who knows. I can't wait.

2nd stop; home sweet sweet sweet home

Sydney, Australia. I’ll be back in December in time for the Weddings, Christmas and summer. I’m beyond excited to see you all. My family; some of the funniest, craziest, annoying, loving, genuine, welcoming people you could ever meet. I miss them more than I can even write here.

My friends; the crew I have at home are people I’ve known since I was at least 12 years old. They are my ‘framily’ (friends who are family). We’ve grown up together, we know everything there is to know about each other, the good, the bad, funny, sad (I know all your secrets Johnny Miraldo ha). Ahhh good times through thick and thin. We are each others history and future.

Ok, enough of the sappiness, I have 7 or so weeks left here in London and I plan to cram as much into them as possible. If you have any recommendations of MUST SEE's and DO's here, please leave me a comment. Or if you want to do them with me, let me know!

I'll be updating at least once a week on here till I leave. So, check in every Tuesday for stories and pics of the fun times, sad times and debauchery I'm causing as my London era comes to an end…

(Note: the Sydney images are couresy of aquabumps.com)

A Town called Greenwich

2010-06-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday Annie and I set off for Greenwich in south east London. This is a world heritage site where you can find Greenwich Mean Time (ever wandered what GMT means?) and the Meridian Line (the line of longtitude defined to be 0'). I can't believe in the 2 years Ive lived here Ive never visited this beautiful spot.

Very easy to get to (except when there are Tube "issues" like there were yesterday), make sure to visit the Greenwich Markets and walk up the hill to the Royal Observatory to see the Meridian Line and a beautiful view back into London's financial district.

Spectacular Paris

2010-06-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

I'm very lucky to know many ridiculously amazing people and for my birthday last week, five of such people (known as The Happy Bunnies) organised a weekend trip to Paris to celebrate.

Leaving Wednesday, Sita and I barely made the Eurostar. We ran like crazy women through the station, got "frisked" at security, threw our passports at customs and made it onto the train to meet Annie with just 5 minutes to spare. Champagne had to be consumed to calm our nerves. It worked. 2.5 hours later we emerged from the Gare du Nord and feeling giddy from the bubbles, I decided to take up smoking (well, you know...when in Paris...). That lasted about a day.

The three other Happy Bunnies (Liz, Erin & Sally) arrived the following morning and an incredible birthday followed. Many calls, texts, emails, cards, cupcakes and presents were received all the way from Australia, New York, Stockholm and London. Contrary to popular belief I don’t like too much attention nor receiving gifts so it was all very unexpected and I felt very spoilt (Thank you).
The day went a little like this:
* Brunch at Coquelicot. Sweet divine Brioche and BOWLS of coffee mm mm mmmmm

* Vintage shopping in Montmartre. I bought a corset to try the “underwear as outerwear” trend. Im yet to wear it…can I pull it off?

* A visit to Sacre Couer, a breathtaking Catholic church located at the highest point of Paris

* Skipped over to the original House of Chanel at 31 Rue de Cambon, where Coco began it all...

and on a magical whim, I purchased a little something something...

* We dressed up and headed for dinner at Hotel Du Nord, where the food was delicious and the waiters had stepped straight off a D&G/Gucci campaign. We smiled and giggled like fools every time one of them came to our table.

Our main waiter got us an invite to a new club opening @ Le Chacha. We get there, place is filled with very cool Parisians and a very cool open bar (free drinks and macaroons for all!).

(Pictures from the Le Chacha website)

It was a perfect end to a perfect birthday.
The rest of the trip was spent walking around this spectacular city. We did a day trip to Versailles, had a picnic next to the Eiffel Tower, ate delicious food and drank wine, cocktails in St Germaine des Pres (note: ordering “large” capirinhas is NOT a good idea, especially when Annie refused to piggy back me home), more shopping and exhibitions. I spent time with my friend Alexis (who's from Paris) which was lovely, we hadn’t seen each other since he left Bondi in 2006. He said my French had really improved since last time; I think he was just being kind.

Then before we knew it, the trip was over, it was 6am on Sunday morning and we were groggily dragging ourselves out of bed for the Eurostar back to London.

Paris, j'taime, à bientôt...

Serendipity in New York

2010-03-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's been just over a week since I got back from New York and I'm having massive withdrawals. Missing all of my wonderful friends and of course, Patsy's Pizza & Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. Oh, and missing everyones attempts at imitating the Aussie accent.

My love affair with this city continues. It gets under my skin. There is just so much there, whatever your interests, you will find something for you.

Even though I'd already spent two months there in 08, I still came across things, people and places I'd never seen;
* the Upper East Side was a new area for me to explore.
* I went to a dance club (under the pretence it was an "Indie/Alternative" Bar; thanks for tricking me)
* Someone pushed in front of me at a bar (I know that doesn't make sense, but the right person will get it)
* Saw the Naked Cowboy in Times Square
* Drank a thousand Lychee Martinis
* Had picnics in Central Park with beautiful Mimi
* I ate Crumbs cupcakes
* Saw a guy propose to his girlfriend in Central Park (she cried, I cried, it was a magical moment)
* And I finally visited the MOMA. Amazing.

Greenwich, Soho, Chelsea, Brooklyn, UES and UWS are just some of the places that have captured my heart. All with great shopping, food and bars.

The burning question the girls had waiting for me upon my arrival back in London:
"so...let me see your new Chanel purse!"
My reply?:
"I didn't get it...I'm going back to New York instead..."

So, see you all in about 4 weeks! I simply can't wait to see you lovely people again.

this is the couple just after he proposed...

Philadelphia

2010-03-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia is a short train ride southwest of NYC, so I spent a couple of days there on my last holiday. Famous for cheesesteaks, lawyers and being the hometown of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, this is one very cool city.

It's America's original capital and home to the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence (those who know me well, know I'm a history nerd). But I love it cos it’s where my wonderful friend Andrea and the Castro family live. Greatest day was having Champagne High Tea with Andrea and Mama C at The Rittenhouse Hotel. Followed by some shopping...I always seem to be (or at least think I am) a little wealthier after a few champagnes. Can’t wait to visit again.

Note: a couple of these images were taken by Andrea Castro.

London, UK: Coldest winter in 30 years

2010-01-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

Tights, jeans, singlet, long sleeve shirt, jumper, two pairs of socks, boots, leather gloves then woollen mittens on top, scarf, beanie (translation: hat) and warm coat. This has been my life for the past few months.

England and the rest of the UK have been experiencing "the coldest winter in 30 years" (The Guardian). And oh the joy, I'm here to experience it!
I wasnt built for cold weather. I'm a beach girl. I much prefer a dress, sunnies, thongs (translation: flip flops) and out the door. Simple, easy, no fuss.

However I must say it has been an absolutely amazing experience to be here living through this; watching it snow from my office window, slipping through the snow covered streets, wrapping up in faux fur, not feeling guilty spending a Saturday afternoon lazing in bed watching re-runs of Grey's Anatomy & Gossip Girl or a whole Sunday afternoon sitting in the pub drinking wine (how else do we keep warm?!).

I think I've fallen a little more in love with London.

NASA Satellite image of the UK:

Brugge, Belgium

2009-12-23T02:13:00.000-08:00

Brugge, Belgium. Sunday 6th December 2009.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Lille, France

2009-12-21T04:06:00.000-08:00

Lille, France. Saturday 5th December 2009.

Stockholm, Sweden

2009-12-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

I've been very lucky to have spent a significant amount of time in Stockholm; 6 weeks earlier this year (I work for a Swedish company), and then last month for a quick weekend trip to see my lovely friend Sara. We spent the two days walking around, visiting NK, eating Saffransbullar (saffron buns only made at Christmas time), laughing and catching up on all that has been happening in our lives.

Quite simply: Stockholm is an amazing city! Pricy and intimate, the history and it's intensely fashionable and up to the minute vibe make this a brilliant city to see. There is plenty of beauty to witness as well; the entire city is spread across fourteen different islands. Each island has a unique element just waiting to be explored.

My personal favourite areas of the city are Gamla Stan (the old town), Ostermalm, Sodermalm and Vasastaden. The next trip I make to Stockholm will be in the Summer (not in sub-zero temperature winter) and hopefully I will get to see the Archipelago and more parts of this wonderful place.

Hejdå, God Jul! (Bye, Merry Christmas!)

Grand Dublin

2009-11-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

Visiting Dublin was a whirlwind weekend with my wonderful friend Erin.

The Beginning; Waking at 4am on Saturday morning to make the long journey to Stansted Airport

The Middle; LOT's of laughter and fun, over tiredness delirium, misreading a sign in the Guinness Factory that said 'Maturation' but thought it said 'Masturbation', Baileys Irish Coffees (delicious!), pub lunches, Irish Stew, 7 EUROs for a Cider, Trinity College, climbing on statues in the street (why walk normally when you can skip and climb on things!?), a trip to the seaside (ohhh the Ocean), a 'trek' to the top of a 'mountain', promising everyone at lunch that you can mix Baileys into a Guinness (BIG mistake...you can't...it curdles...).

The End; running like crazy through the airport to the other side of the terminal (of course our gate was one of the furthest away) when we realised we had just 5 minutes before our gate closed! We made it (RyanAir was delayed, what a surprise). Could barely breathe from the run, but when we could, we just laughed and laughed and laughed some more.

A ridiculously funny ending to a ridiculously fun weekend.
(Note: Don’t think Erin and I should ever try out for the Amazing Race...)

Singing in The Rain. Swansea, Wales.

2009-11-12T03:20:00.000-08:00

From Bath we (and by "we" I mean "Stephen") drove over to Swansea in Wales. Hmmmm. Swansea, Wales.

Here's what I recall:
* Flooded with non-stop rain and winds (and what kind of a fool doesn’t pack a coat and proper shoes? oh that’s right, me)
* Nearly being blown away the minute I stepped out of the car
* Half a Castle (yes, half a castle)
* Beating Stephen at Shithead
* Staying at a B&B in a room that resembled a jail cell
* Breakfast the next morning came with black pudding and someones short black curly hair

Being the eternal optimist I am, I saw the bright side in ~~all~~ most of this and the above experiences happened with lot's of jokes and laughter.

More recollections:
* The drive to the Mumbles, a cliff top area at the north end of the bay
* Breathtakingly beautiful scenery
* Seeing the Ocean. Ocean = Love Love Love

Most of our time in Swansea (literally 24 hours) I refused to get out of the car because of the weather, but Stephen made me and I managed to get some shots of the ocean views and Castle.

Cruising back over to London laughing and trying to pronounce the road signs in Welsh completed a fun filled road trip with one of my oldest friends.

Bath, Somerset

2009-11-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Rewind to August; Stephen, one of my oldest and best friends from Sydney, visited me in London and after a few days of showing the sights (including Dim T and Ping Pong of course) we embarked on a road trip. First stop, Bath.

About a 2 hour drive west of London, Bath in Somerset can be described in one word; stunning. Set in green English countryside, this city was first established as a spa resort by the Romans in AD43 and was listed as a world heritage site in 1987. The long history of this city is clear with its beautiful architecture and walking through the streets you can just imagine being part of a another era.

Our night was spent at a local pub eating, drinking and playing cards for hours ("Shit Head"; from memory Stephen beat me but that’s because I'm pretty sure he was cheating...). Staying in Annabelle's Guest House made our visit perfect and was so centrally located exploring this lovely city was very easy.

If you make it to the UK and have the opportunity, visit Bath, you will be amazed I'm sure...

Lo Mo Fun

2009-10-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Lomography Action Sampler 35mm is such a simple little camera but it makes me so happy to snap away with it. I've now developed the 2nd role of film. I love the excitement of handing in your film and wandering what magic (or bluriness) will come back.

Battersea Park, London

Bath, Somerset

Notting Hill, London

Camden, London

Trafalgar Square, London

Hope you enjoyed these. What are your obsessions/hobbies/enjoyments?

Light.Love.Adore

2009-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

I've started a new website Light.Love.Adore, click HERE

Updated every single morning with new images for daily inspiration: fashion, interiors, words, photography. Have a look, add to your favourites and check every day for new images.

Oh, So, Ho

2009-09-02T02:46:00.000-07:00

Soho. Oh how to describe sensational Soho.
It's an amazing maze of streets, some so old and cobblestoned, in the centre of the West End. Soho is one of the most cosmopolitan and fashionable parts of this city; a few of the industries here are television, magazine publishing and fashion. The area has an eclectic mix of people including media types, fashionistas, tourists, prostitutes, theatre patrons, shoppers and club-goers to name a few. It is perfect for "people watching". You can find so many things here; restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, live music venues, shopping, media houses, record stores, vintage stores, sleazy-ness, a red light district, theatres and cinemas.

I find it utterly extraordinary that such a small area could contain so much life and energy. And Ive barely touched the sides.

Charming Chinatown

2009-09-01T02:27:00.001-07:00

Two things that I really like to do; shop and eat. So, where better a place to spend a Saturday than in Chinatown.

London's Chinatown is a very culturally rich and vibrant part of the Soho area (closest tube Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus). Here you will find numerous delights to spark your senses; food, smells, shopping, knick knacks, flowering teas, cakes, supermarkets, clothes, massages. We stopped for lunch at Gerards Corner for some of the best dim sum and jasmine tea I've ever had. A perfect meal before spending an afternoon of fun in the sun strolling through Chinatown and surrounding Soho.

I Love My New Lomography Toy

2009-08-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

I recently bought a Lomo Lomography Action Sampler 35mm Camera. I love it. It's so much fun!

Took my first shots over the weekend, however accidentally in my excitement wound the film before the roll was even finished (obviously haven't used a film camera in a VERY long time).

Here are some of the first images. More shots to come shortly as the camera is currently loaded with a new roll of film! Thanks to Megan (of "Change of A Dress" ) and
Brad(ley) for joining in on the fun.

You can check out more about Lomography here

Paris, Je t'aime

2009-07-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Did you know the original name of Paris was actually 'Lutetia'?
This may explain why I have an absolute love for this city and all things French. I am lucky enough to travel with my work; a month ago my colleague and friend, Elin, and I made our way to this magical city. It was my fourth time to Paris; every time I visit I fall in love a little more.

This trip I had to head back to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar to London by myself. Despite getting very clear directions from Elin and our French colleague, I got completely lost and could not find the Metro. Stressing out a little, I asked for help along the way in my politest voice "Bonjour Madam/Monsieur, parlez-vous l'anglais?", to which I was gruffly answered "NON!!!". As panic began to set in I spotted a Boulangerie (aka Bakery, aka Heaven) and my stress subsided, when in doubt - eat. And after eating a Chocolate Macaroon and relaxing, what do I see? A sign for the Metropolitan...

Inspiration

2009-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

I currently can't get enough of...

Elena Kalis Underwater Photography

click here

Bliss

click here

The Go To Girl's Flickr photostream

click here

Thought to Ponder

2009-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

It's not why or when we fall that defines us as a person.

What defines us is how well we rise after we fall.

Borough Markets and Notting Hill

2009-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

If you love food then London is definitely a city for you. In particular, the food markets are unbelievable. The gastronomic delights you can try combined with the flavours and smells on offer are astounding. This is a city that is diverse and eclectic and this is portrayed in the food.

Foodies heaven would be Borough Markets. This is one of the finest food markets in the world. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries, oh my. It is also home to the "best brownie in the world" (which of course I had to try even though Id just eaten a Pain au Chocolat and Acai Berry shake for breakfast).

From Borough Markets we tubed it over to Kensington High Street for more foodie heaven taste sampling at Whole Foods Market and ended with a visit to Notting Hill. A perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday in London.

Battersea Park, London

2009-06-23T04:47:00.001-07:00

London. I love this city even when I hate it. I especially love it during the mid year summer months; the sun is shining, the days are long, everyone is happy, parks and commons are filled with people enjoying the sun (and their Pimms).
A favourite place to spend my sunny days is Battersea Park in (surprisingly) Battersea, South West London (SW11). A few weekends ago I sunbathed in a bikini in this park, instead of on a beach...could I possibly be more "English" than I thought?

Last Day Dream

2009-06-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

Last Day Dream [HD] from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

Chris Milk is an amazingly talented Director and his video "Last Day Dream" shows a dying man's memories of his most important moments. What did you think of this?

Lovely La Perouse (Sydney, Australia)

2009-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know La Perouse was named after a French man (Jean-Francois de Galaup, comte de La Perouse), who landed in Botany Bay in January 1788? La Perouse’s ships sailed in just 6 days after Captain Arthur Phillip had arrived with the First Fleet to claim this land as Britain’s (yes, I’m a history dork at heart). Imagine if we Aussies had been a French colony instead? Oh mon dieu. Perhaps I would have been applying for French Ancestry and now living in Paris as opposed to London. Oui, cela serait merveilleux!

Many a Sydney-sider has fond memories of beautiful La Perouse, a suburb found in South Sydney. I spent so many childhood Sundays visiting the “Snake Man” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_Man_of_La_Perouse) and watching his shows. Blissful days except for the following moments:

1. when a snake crawls too quickly in my direction
2. when we had to lean over the enclosure to put money in Snake Man's held out hat, I would shake with fear that a snake would jump up to bite me
3. when Snake Man would walk around the circle offering viewers a touch of one of his slimy creatures (ummm no thank you, I back up at least two large steps at this point).

Snake Man doesn’t just show you a simple Python, oh no, he has Brown Snakes, Red Belly Black Snakes and Tiger Snakes. Here he is showing the crowd a Brown Snake (just No.2 on the Worlds Top 10 Most Dangerous Snakes list), please note the kids sitting in the background with their legs dangling freely over the side...

Have I already mentioned I have a horrendous fear of snakes? My nephew is much braver than I am. This is him in 2007:

La Perouse still holds the same wonder it did when I was a child and I love heading out there. It is an absolutely beautiful and peaceful area. My last wonderful Sunday in Sydney (24^th May) was spent this way; a long lunch at a pizzeria, drive to La Perouse, followed by a long walk around the rocks on the cliff face and ending with a delicious soft serve Ice Cream cone.

Such a simple and lovely day. Heaven.

Bye Sydney...

Patience is A Virtue

2009-05-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

My visa has finally been approved and passport received. I am now the owner of a five year UK Ancestry Visa. I fly back to London on Monday. Feeling in two minds about this; I can hear London calling but I'm not looking forward to saying goodbye to everyone this weekend. Not one little bit, it will be hard, but life's all about challenges right?

Mr British High Commission

2009-05-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still here in Sydney, heading into week 6 of the never ending wait. Mr British High Commission is not my friend it seems. Fingers crossed I hear something this week as I need to get back to London.

Being an eternal optimist, I'm trying to make the best of the hand I've been dealt. Yes, I need my visa back. Yes, I need to get back to London. Yes, I no longer have annual leave so I'm not receiving any pay from work (yikes). Yes, I am stressed out. BUT, I have no control over these things and I'm at home in Sydney! So I say make the most of it.

I've spent these past weeks visiting more parts of this city then I have in my whole lifetime. Sydney can be very easy to get stuck in the area you're from. The eastern suburbs offers most of what you could want; beautiful beaches, cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping, my friends and family. But there is so much more to this city! I've spent time in Newtown, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Palm Beach, Lovett Bay, Balmoral, Chinatown, Surry Hills, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and more. My eyes have been opened after being away traveling for so long and every day filled with newness and excitement, so hanging out in one suburb/area now seems pretty boring to me.

Last Friday I headed to the Blue Mountains to stay with one of my oldest friends, Josh. We spent the night at the local pub, "The Tav". What a night that was. Me and three boys who could only talk about the rugby that was on (Australia vs New Zealand). I know nothing about Rugby, except that I like the players in their short shorts and that the NZ team is much hotter than the Aussie team. Don't think the boys would have appreciated my input so I was fairly quiet to begin with. A fair few drinks later however, they had me up screaming along to the footy "EAT IT New Zealand!!".

After waking up with a hangover from hell on Saturday morning, Josh played tour guide and we headed out into the mountains. There was no 'bushwalking' involved, our hangovers, fear of snakes (me) and fear of heights (him) wouldn't allow it that day.

I haven't visited the mountains for years and cant even express how amazing this place is. Photos certainly don't do it justice, but here are a couple anyway:

So, my point to you is this: don't sweat the small stuff and feel like you'll only be validated/happy when you get what you want (in my case, visa approved and getting back to London and work). Make the most of the hand you've been dealt, accessorise with great shoes and run with it. Secondly, if you can't get away and travel to new places, I guarantee the city or town that you live in offers amazing places you have never seen, get out and explore in your own backyard!

Next post will be on a travel destination, promise...

Impatiently Awaiting the Arrival of a UK Visa

2009-04-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

After 14 months away I am back where I began in my hometown of Sydney, Australia. Why? I'm waiting for my next UK Visa to be approved. Five weeks and counting. For those that have been through this, I imagine empathetic nods of your heads right now.

It has been an amazing time at home, seeing family and friends new and old alike. Every day has been filled; long drives, visits to the coast and country, laying on the beach, museums and art galleries, BBQs, lunches, dinners, coffees, cakes, biscuits, way too many Out of The Blue burgers. My catch ups mostly revolve around being outdoors, food and drinks. Three of my favourite things.

A born and bred Eastern Suburbs girl of Sydney (don’t hold it against me), I have always seeked adventure and different ways of life. My first overseas trip to Zimbabwe at the age of 18 cemented my love of travelling, experiencing new places and cultures, photography and sense of adventure. There is nothing in this world like the feeling of arriving in a new place and setting out to explore.

After many trips, holidays and travels over the years, it was on a sabbatical adventure with a best friend, Natalie, to Vietnam and Cambodia in May 2006 that I decided to really take the plunge; give up life in Sydney and make the move to Europe to explore more of this amazing continent. Of course, London was the top choice to settle in. UK visas are relatively easy to get (however I’m questioning that theory now as I await my new visa), I would be able to continue my career as a Buyer (we all know the Retail industry in the UK is HUGE) and be in a city that is central and easy to travel from to most amazing places in Europe.

So after almost two years of planning and saving off I set in February 2008. The first month was spent travelling across Canada. Oh wonderful Canada. The birthplace of my Father and Cold Rock ice cream. Vancouver was first stop, Whistler for a week of tattoos and attempted snowboarding (please note use of the word 'attempted'), Toronto, Niagara Falls and then Montreal. A 10 hour train journey followed to a city I have always dreamt of visiting, New York. I booked to stay for 4 weeks, this changed to 5, 6, 7 and then finally 8 weeks in this unbelievably diverse and energetic place. From New York I farewelled all of the new friends I had made and left artistically inspired with a few extra pounds on my waistline, an extra suitcase, an indescribable love of Cupcakes and an almost empty bank account and continued over to start life in London.

Since my arrival in this city, I have been fortunate enough to do a fair few trips. Descriptions, tips, places to stay and stories will follow in the next posts. I endeavour to share my experiences and ideas on life and the places I have visited and plan to visit over the coming months. So sit back, relax and enjoy. I hope my words and images justify and convey the serendipitous adventures I have had and continue to have, and offer you insight and inspiration to get out there and explore. Don't dream your dreams, live them.