The Glory of Opera Garnier, Paris

I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I thought the Palace of Versailles was grand, but Paris’ Opera Garnier blows it out of the water. Every inch is a tribute to opulence. Completed in 1875 by architect Charles Garnier, Opera Garnier is Europe’s largest opera houses. It is the setting for Gaston Leyroux’s Phantom of the Opera, a famous play which is now also the longest-running show … Continue reading The Glory of Opera Garnier, Paris

Mooloolaba Beach Sunshine Coast

Appreciating Aussie beaches in Mooloolaba

Most Australians grow up pretty spoilt when it comes to beaches. I loved every minute of travelling through beach towns in France, Italy & Greece and always tried to appreciate each destination for what it was, not for what I might have wanted it to be. However, every time we’d be wincing as we hobbled across pebbly beaches in Nice or squeezed into our own … Continue reading Appreciating Aussie beaches in Mooloolaba

This is bliss: Sailing around Capri

Water that really sparkles. Deep blue oceans and glittering turquoise grottos. Endless blue skies. Golden yet gentle sunshine. Diving off the boat deep into the Mediterranean’s Tyrrhenian Sea. Watching my worries float away as I soaked up the sunshine from the deck. Sailing around Capri was one of the highlights from my five weeks in Europe. The most blissful day I’ve ever had while travelling … Continue reading This is bliss: Sailing around Capri

France & Italy: The Gelato Diaries

UPDATE: This post has been updated with useful information about where to find the best gelato in France, Italy & Greece,  here.  Forget your daily bread, in France & Italy it was all about the daily gelato for us! From fruity to creamy to organic, we put as much as we could to a taste test. It took our mind’s off our blistered feet, cheered … Continue reading France & Italy: The Gelato Diaries

WANDERBUG turns one!

I’ve been home for just over 48 hours now from an amazing, eye-opening, unforgettable and exhausting five weeks travelling around France, Italy, Greece & Turkey with my best friend. I’ve been meaning to begin sorting through my photos to find one for the first post after my return, and finally tonight I found some time – only to log on and be notified that today … Continue reading WANDERBUG turns one!

Eating in Italy: Breakfast

Breakfast may be the first “meal” of the day in Italy but unlike at home, it isn’t the most important. A typical Italian breakfast is a coffee and a cigarette, and maybe a cornetti, cannoli, crostata, sfogli or some other kind of sweet pastry. In stark contrast to every other meal which seems to be a slow, pleasurable sit-down affair, breakfast is a quick pit … Continue reading Eating in Italy: Breakfast

Follow me on the road: Italy & Greece

I’ve been a bit quiet lately because I’m currently travelling – I’m enjoying five weeks of France, Italy and Greece. I won’t be posting until I get home ( living every moment while overseas) but you can follow my adventures by following me on Instagram: genevievehassall I’ll be posting again in late September. Happy travels! Continue reading Follow me on the road: Italy & Greece

Eating in Paris: The Latin Quarter

Wander through the labyrinth-like streets of the Latin Quarter in Paris and you’ll be spoilt for choice, if not a little overwhelmed. The narrow, winding streets make it difficult to retrace your steps but despite this, don’t stop at the first restaurant that catches your eye. I like to go before I get desperately hungry, so I can have a little wander and enjoy the … Continue reading Eating in Paris: The Latin Quarter

Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast

Everybody knows everybody, the local businesses support each other and community ties are strong. Known for attracting quirky and creative residents, the villages that surround the main road weaving around the mountain have a decidely ethereal air. On one mountain you can find the oldest national park in Queensland and the third-oldest in the entire world, four wineries, a brewery, a distillery and a fromagerie … Continue reading Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast