One Perfect Day in Brisbane
Recently voted the coolest city in Australia by Lonely Planet, Brisbane is attracting more visitors than ever. I hope you’ll be one of them. But once you get here, what should you do in Queensland’s capital? Brisbane is one of those cities which isn’t about staring at a famous building for a minute, taking a few cheesy photos and shuffling along among the crowds. Brisbane … Continue reading One Perfect Day in Brisbane
Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at Brisbane’s GoMA
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Brisbane is the most visited art gallery in Australia for a reason. Every major exhibition held there goes the extra mile to stun audiences into thinking a little deeper. In my opinion, since it’s opening in 2006 it’s also encouraged the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) next door to lift its game. It’s situated in the heart of … Continue reading Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at Brisbane’s GoMA
That’s Amore Pasta Cooking Class, Rome
The best thing about eating pasta in Italy? It’s free from the “evil carbs” baggage that it gets burdened with back home. No, Italian pasta doesn’t make you “fat” – just look at all the Italians. As our local guide explained, Italians don’t eat pasta drenched in creamy, fatty sauces. Our idea of a spaghetti bolognaise is virtually foreign to them and a carbonara in … Continue reading That’s Amore Pasta Cooking Class, Rome
Stay in Florence: Hotel Alessandra
Hotel Alessandra in Florence is a fantastic deal. It sits only a street back from the Ponte Vecchio, located in a beautiful old building in a street dotted with artisan shops and small family-owned restaurants. The Room I couldn’t believe how enormous and charming our room was, with ample room for an king sized bed, armoire, a window seat, a sink and two big armchairs. … Continue reading Stay in Florence: Hotel Alessandra
Organic Gelato in Florence: Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico
The most delicious gelato in Florence is Edoardo’s, right under the Duomo. It stands out against the countless old-school gelatarias in Italy with modern decor and most importantly, gelato that is kept under wraps (or, metal lids), a sign of a true gelato mastery. Gelato is kept freshest this way and as tempting as gelato piled high in cabinet windows may look, it is the … Continue reading Organic Gelato in Florence: Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico
Treating my feet on an Amalfi beach
The Italian Riviera was good for my feet. In Sorrento I bought custom made sandals and on the Amalfi beach I enjoyed a foot massage, which I purchased before remembering that I have insanely ticklish feet. I managed not to kick the masseuse, but I gave my stomach muscles a work out as I tried not to giggle. Like Positano, the small town of Amalfi is … Continue reading Treating my feet on an Amalfi beach
Whirlwind weekend in Melbourne Part I
My boyfriend is interning in Melbourne this summer, so I visited from him over the weekend. I had an amazing time and can’t to go back over New Year’s Eve – with better walking shoes. He is staying in a great apartment off Collins Street, but in a big city like Melbourne even basing yourself in the city centre still involves a lot of pounding … Continue reading Whirlwind weekend in Melbourne Part I
La Defense Neighbourhood Guide, Paris
Wide boulevards, elegant stone buildings with gun-metal grey roofs and few buildings more than five or six stories tall. This is how we tend to think of Paris. It wasn’t until my third visit to Paris that I saw a different side to the City of Light. La Defense, technically outside the city’s limits, is Paris’ modern business district. Free of height restrictions, skyscrapers grow … Continue reading La Defense Neighbourhood Guide, Paris
Seeking advice for armchair travel
Really, I’m here to ask for you recommendations for honest travel books (and, while we’re at it, I’m going to Melbourne next weekend – any suggestions?) I used to spend hours (often, during class) soaking up every word on the Lonely Planet website. Cities I’d never heard of were at my fingertips and I loved reading the vivid introductions crafted for each town which imbued … Continue reading Seeking advice for armchair travel
Postcards: Make time for Moreton Island
I can’t believe it took me 20 years to get to Moreton Island. I’d heard of it, sure. It seems almost everyone in Brisbane has been for a day trip or a weekend away camping. However, I’d never prioritised it as something I had to see. It’s easy to take for granted something that is so close to home and I’ve been very guilty of engaging more … Continue reading Postcards: Make time for Moreton Island