Several years ago I spent a year travelling and living in Melbourne, Australia. One of Australia's great cities - it is not to big and not to small either. And I was attracted to the friendly people; it wasn't hard to make new friends at all. My time in the country was quite an adventure - living in a new place with new sights, sounds, and experiences. It did remind me of my time in Canada a little bit - with numerous similarities between … [Read more...]
All Aboard the Australia Bandwagon
Sitting on a 17-hour flight I felt like an ungrateful child. I had the opportunity to take an amazing trip halfway around the world. UK office blocks are full to the dropped-ceilings with dreams of Down Under. Australia had just never been on The List. My husband and I were visiting friends who had fallen in love with Sydney and emigrated. I assumed it would be very similar to the UK, and when we landed, it was. Everything is in English, … [Read more...]
9 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown should be at the top of your bucket list on your trip to New Zealand. Located in the South Island of the country, you’ll find yourself surrounded by remarkable mountain peaks (coincidentally one of the ranges is called The Remarkables), turquoise lakes and native greenery. Five days in Queenstown is the perfect amount of time to stay. We’ve chosen our nine best things to do in Queenstown, from walks to wineries and adventure … [Read more...]
New Zealand of My Thirst
Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand stayed in my head days after I inhaled its poetry, its wild forest, its volcanic lake in a caldera, the slow, gentle rhythm of its longest river, Waikato and its multi-cultural people. The North Island floated in my landscape that wanted to hear its voice during fall. There I was introduced into the polyglot voices of the Pasifika experience of Karlo Mila, a poet who captures the essence of … [Read more...]
i-SITE New Zealand, more than just a regular tourist information office
A tourist information office is conventionally known as a resource where visitors can learn about the local region. Generally, these are nondescript locales that seldom merit a mention. However, during my vacation in New Zealand, the local tourist information office took on a whole new meaning for me. Owned and managed by Tourism New Zealand, i-SITE Visitor Information Centers not only offer the best information to help tourists navigate, they … [Read more...]
United’s New Houston To Sydney Route Takes Flight
If a trip Down Under is on your bucket list, take note that United Airlines launched a new Houston to Sydney daily nonstop service on January 18th. United is the only airline offering nonstop service from Houston to any Australian destination. I was lucky enough to be on board for the festive inaugural flight. Here’s the scoop on the 8,596-mile journey. Aussie Treats To Tempt The Taste Buds The party started at Houston’s George Bush … [Read more...]
A 3-Day Itinerary on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
We started our 3-week stay in Australia with 3 days on Kangaroo Island. The appeal of Australia was without surprise its rich and unique wildlife. Kangaroo Island seems to encompass many of what we looked for. Why Kangaroo Island? The third largest island in Australia with 155 km long and 55 km wide (96 miles by 34 miles), Kangaroo Island is not on the tourist trail and has stayed untouched from the big tourism. Indeed, a third of the island … [Read more...]
Discovering New Zealand: The Essential Dos and Don’ts
It may be standing at world’s end, but believe me when I say, New Zealand is a land you need to visit, at least once in your life! This proud island nation stands tall among the endless blue of the Pacific, and is just beyond beautiful. Weather you venture to Te-Ika-a-Maui, or Te Wai Pounamu (that’s North and South island for all of you not versed in Māori) you will feel like you stepped into a dream. This country of fantasy, has not only … [Read more...]
Australia, My Whirlwind Tour, West to East
Australia is such a large country, making the decision to visit a very important and exciting one. It is key that you narrow down the exact places/cities that you want to visit in order to plan your best course of travel. When I travelled Australia back in 2012, I stuck primarily to several stops - hopping off in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide over an 8 week period. Here are my top things to do in each city. Perth: As the capital of … [Read more...]
Recycling My Steps on the Riesling Trail
Of all my short trips and long wanderings, Australia has remained my favourite. It has opened my eyes to the essence of travel, the kindness of people but most especially to the wonders of nature. Not being the one to spend days on the beach, I spent my time visiting places, hiking in Ranges, going on safaris and exploring areas by bike. Coming from the European flatlands, you learn to cycle immediately once you know how to walk. Cycling is in … [Read more...]
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