I’m back in Melbourne this week, after an extended break in Brisbane over Christmas and New Years. I’m loving getting back into the swing of things! My planned DSLR dates (just me & my camera!) were waylaid by some back issues, so it’s iPhone-only this week!
Test driving ClassPass
I signed up to ClassPass this week, to take advantage of an introductory offer – $149 for three months instead of the usual $99 per month.
ClassPass is a genius app that connects you with fitness classes all over your city – and other participating cities around the world! Rather than needing multiple studio memberships, one ClassPass membership lets you try classes all around town.
After hurting my back earlier this week, I’ve been taking it slow as I get back into exercise, with a Tune Up yoga class at Warrior One Yoga in North Brighton and a Mellow Hum class at Humming Puppy in Prahran. Warrior One Yoga is a super cute boutique studio, with small class sizes. The Tune Up is quite different to standard yoga classes because it was all about massaging your back and shoulders with various equipment (mostly different balls). It was the perfect way to ease back into exercise and work out some niggling tension.
I was so happy to be back at Humming Puppy this week, trying the Mellow Hum class for the first time. It’s their most relaxing and least intense of class, so it was just what I needed this week. I had the chance to deepen my stretches and by the end, I felt so much more relaxed and flexible.
Eating & Drinking in Melbourne
My boyfriend & I finally made it to St Ali for brunch on Saturday. I’ve been several times for their legendary coffee, but the menu is worth a visit in its its right. I had their popular “My Mexican Cousin” which was fresh, filling and totally worth passing up my usual smashed avo’ for!
During the week, I caught up with girlfriends at Sister Bella. A classic Melbourne laneway bar, it was tucked away at the end of a graffitied alleyway, the doorway surrounded by industrial rubbish bins. Naturally. Obviously, the address listed (Drewery Pl), is a little misleading. The customer’s entrance is on the other side of the buildings, off Sniders Lane. The bar itself is full of cosy nooks and has a very laidback vibe – if you’re looking for the epitome of a Melbourne laneway bar (on the casual side), this is it.
I dropped in for drinks at Duke this week, Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub. It may be all old-school charm on the outside, but inside it’s stylish, comfortable and unpretentious – just the way a modern pub should be. The menu is also firmly rooted in Melbourne’s forward-thinking food scene – no bland pub food here! I tried the salmon & cod fishcakes with wholegrain mustard, spring onion and avocado, which was the tasty, filling and fresh without the post-junky pub food regret.
Photo of the week
It was all sunshine and blue skies this weekend in Melbourne. The Arts Centre looks like a more slender Eiffel Tower wearing a skirt – and having a Marilyn moment.
On Instagram
Somewhat mirroring my photo of the week, my most popular post on Instagram this week was from Paris in winter. Follow along @thewanderbugworld.
Fresh off the press
- Top 5 Travel Experiences of 2015
- 2016 Goals: Travel, life & everything in-between
- Reflecting on my 2015 travel goals
This time last year
Sunday Stories 11.01.15
Epic views on the Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Railway
Highs
- Catching up with my friends back in Melbourne! I missed them while I was away, it was great to catch up again
- Low-key first weekend in Melbourne of the year. Our Great Ocean Road plans were postponed this weekend, but I really enjoyed having a whole weekend to settle back in to Melbourne.
Lows
- A sore back! I was back at the physio this week. I spent a few days laying low and slowly stretching out my back
Reading
The Road to Little Dribbling, Bill Bryson
Twenty years after publishing Notes from a Small Island, Bill Bryson tours Britain once again, to see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. Notes from a Small Island was voted as the book that best captured the essence of Britain, by the British, so his next title about his adopted home was eagerly awaited by Brits and armchair travellers alike. It’s classic Bryson – witty, insightful, well-researched, funny and a little grumpy, all while letting his appreciation and admiration for his adopted country shine through.
Watching
Got five minutes? This short video about wolves in Yellowstone National Park is an awesome reminder of the power of nature and the importance of balanced ecosystems – and the importance of predators.
Words
“Honour the limitations of the body
Dishonour the limitations of the mind”
I read this on the wall of quotes at Humming Puppy, and will be keeping it in mind this week as I recover!