2016 In Review | One Year - 10 Countries, 19 Cities + A Full-Time Job!

Here we are again! Another year in review. It feels like 2016 has come and gone too fast. We are in that weird and scary part of the year where it feels as if iconic figures are dropping off like flies as fate cherry picks those that won't make it into the new year. Celebrity deaths of 2016; from the shocking death of Carrie Fisher from a heart attack, then her mother Debbie Reynolds the day after. Also, the death of Wham legend George Michael, then the likes of David Bowie, Ricky Harris, Prince, Gene Wilder. It’s always sad when you lose people that you have grown up listening to and watching from a young age. It’s also a lesson that we must all live the lives we were intended to live, not living according to anyone else’s forced dreams or expectations of us. Live a life that is fearless, where we take charge of our own happiness. Both in our professional and personal lives. "So many people make that mistake and allow others fears and insecurities to change the trajectory of their lives." If you need inspiration for pursuing your dreams and living a life without fear check out an interview with Natasha Rock on her move to live and teach in Saudi Arabia.

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Brighton Beach | Visiting Melbourne's Iconic Bathing Box Beach

 

Located south of Melbourne on the realms of Port Phillip Bay, is where you will find one of Melbourne's Iconic beaches. The 6 kilometres of coastline are not the only draws to Brighton Beach, the attraction to the shorelines may have something to do with the 82 bathing boxes that line the foreshore of Brighton Beach. These were built over a hundred years ago in response to ideas of Victorian moral values and seaside bathing. Each now comes adorned with distinctive decorations which have now turned Brighton Beach into an immediately recognisable spot. These bathing boxes are located on a popular spot of the coastline of Dendy Street. On a good day this coastline is filled with picnickers, windsurfers and water skiers.

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Exploring Sydney's Opera House

Sydney Opera House! A building that really needs no introductions, huh? But, for those not in the know, Sydney Opera House is a performing arts center in Australia's Sydney on Bennelong Point of Sydney Harbour. Situated close to the business district and the famous Harbour Bridge. Inspired by bird wings, the shape and form of clouds, shells and palm trees, say its Danish architect Jorn Utzon. The roof is made out of fungus ceramic tiles and concrete.

Looking at these pictures you would not believe that the city had rained for 3 days in a roll! Yep, that total messed up all the plans I had to shoot the sunset over the bridge or my planned rides to Manly. I suppose I can't complain too much as I still managed to venture out and explore the city parks, the famous Bondi Beach, and its sea water pools along the coast and beautiful harbours or the famous Kings Cross a notorious red light and entertainment district of Sydney.

Back into Farm Cove, you can admire the view of Sydney's Opera House from many unique viewing points that include Mrs Macquaries Chair, from the Botanical Garden which I will be sharing more pictures on shortly after this post.

Booking a tour in Sydney's Opera House

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Sydney Apartments That will Bring Out The Naomi Campbell Out of You!

Lately, when I travel I prefer a little bit of "home from home comfort" so I tend to opt for apartments when traveling for leisure these days. Sure you might want everything taken care of by the hotel and that's great when I am staying in hotels while on a work project. For my trip to Australia this March, I wanted to be right in the city but still feel comfortable in the space I was staying and much less foot traffic compared to a hotel. I definitely found in Meriton Apartments. They have some of the tallest residential properties in Sydney. They have many apartment buildings in Sydney and some with penthouse. I chose to stay at Meriton Serviced Apartments in Pitt Street. Right in the heart of Sydney's CBD. Westfield Shopping Centre is just a street or 2 streets away. It is perfectly located in that you also have the world famous Queen Victoria Building with designer boutique stores, cafes and restaurants just a few steps away.  Just as well, as being close to many a restaurant meant I had enough time to evoke the Naomi Campbell alter ego before venturing off to dinner with travel friends I met in the city. 

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Ocean View | A Day Out On Sydney's Bondi Beach

Sydney's most visited beach and Australia's world famous beach. You cannot visit Sydney and not make it to Bondi Beach. Waves upon waves of the Pacific come gushing in and its mesmerising just standing there listening to the waves crash in foaming swells. Surfers breaking waves like child's play. If the waves or winds are all too powerful for you can drop by the famous Bondi Baths that have become a landmark of Bondi Beach for many years.   What I also learned while exploring the city is that Sydney as many saltwater baths by the ocean which makes swimming in the ocean a lot safer. They are all dotted around the coast and not as busy and popular as Bondi Baths but bear in mind that not all will have life guides around like Bondi Baths.

Bondi Beach is usually crowded but as I was visiting at the end of the season, it was so busy with just enough sunshine to make it look inviting but shortly after we were all ducking for Bondi Pavilion cafes and gelato shops to escape the rain. Come rain or shine tens of thousands of people walk this stretch of the beach to take  in the views, walk the coastal route, jog or sunbath on the golden shores. Bondi Beach is not famous for no reason, it's absolutely beautiful and not only that, I love that the city center is not too far.  You could be sunbathing one minute and burning plastic with a little retail therapy within minutes. 

While exploring the area don't pass on checking out other beautiful beaches nearby like Tamara, Bronte, and Coogee which can all be easily accessed via the coast walk.

Getting Around: Bondi Beach is only about 30 minutes drive from Sydney CBD. Tour buses actually stop by the beach so  if you are doing the city tour you can actually get one of the buses from CBD and get on and off by the beach. You can also use Uber or any of the tax services to get to the beach. Will be  sharing more pictures from explorations of Sydney CBD soon.

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