Wanderlust adventures: Indonesia Part II - Lombok & Gilis

“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berry

Sunset taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5 at Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia 2015

Singapore slings

Throwing it back to a conversation I had with a chef at one of Melbourne's popular restaurants, Singapore is somethin' else. Yes, it's part of Asia but it definitely doesn't feel like it. This immaculate city is a combination of all the best things in the world, not to mention food. When you're importing beef from Australia and wine from Spain, you know you're getting a taste of some of the best. Here are some snaps from my trip back in 2014.

Runnin through the 6IX

Toronto, I miss you. Here's one of the many throwback travel series in pictures I'll be posting every now and then...

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2015: Tasmania

Wild and dramatic, cultured and quirky, isolated yet accessible – Australia’s island state, nestled comfortably at the southeastern base of Australia, is intrinsic to the nation’s story. Van Diemen’s Land (as Tasmania was christened by white settlers) was home to some of the first convict ships to land in Australia, and the tragic, harrowing and haunting tales of those arrivals permeate the state. However, modern Tasmania has emancipated itself from wallowing in the past and adopted a fresh, hip and inclusive attitude sparked by the brilliant revival of its now super-cool waterfront capital, Hobart, and the development of an eclectic year-long events calendar. 

By Chris Zeiher

One of my main goals over the last year is to do more exploring - of Australia that is. I've seen some of the world (and it's never enough) and thought why not try my own backyard? As much as work seems to be an excuse not to take some time off, I made it a conscious effort this year to stop myself thinking there's not enough time for weekend trips, road trips and small getaways. Lucky we chose to go over the Queen's Birthday weekend which gave us an extra day. To me, explore means to venture out into the unknown or in my case somewhere unfamiliar. I've always looked at the map of Australia and thought how lonely Tasmania is all the way on the bottom, almost forgotten, right? Also, being on Lonely Planet's Top Places to visit in 2015, I added and ticked it off my places to visit on my Travel bucket list.  I don't consider myself a travel blogger by any means but I was so excited to write this detailed re-cap of my 3 day itinerary to help other first timers discover beautiful Tassie...

Wanderlust adventures: Indonesia Part I - Bali Dreaming

It's hard to resist traveling to Asia more-so than other parts of the world for us Aussies because it's cheap, easy, and not in Australia, lol. Not to mention, Indonesia is our closest Asian neighbour (5 hour direct flight form Melbourne) and Jetstar deals are too good not to take advantage of. Bali has never been on top of my list in terms of travel however the flight deals got the better of me and I booked right away. Like anywhere I travel to, whether it's local, interstate or overseas, I like to keep an open mind and expect nothing. Aussies love Bali and now I know why, the Balinese people are incredibly hospitable, friendly and don't be offended if they ask you personal questions it's just their way of getting to know you. Anyway, here's a quick recap of my trip back in April-May...

Infinity pool #2 at Pertiwi Bisma in Ubud

Tropical Traveling

As I plan my trip to Bali later this month, here's some of my fave items I like to take with me when I travel to a tropical paradise anywhere in the world;

•  iPad & headphones - lying in a hammock or the beach all day listening to music sounds like my perfect break!
• Clear Sephora Makeup Bag (great for airport security to place all your liquids under 100ml) 
• Shu Uemura High performance cleansing oil - Gently removes makeup (including waterproof) while leaving your face so soft
• Arbonne 5 brush travel kit
• MAC Mineralise Skinfinish - great alternative to foundation, can double up as an everyday bronzer too
• Passport - well unless your road tripping, then don't forget this!
• Marc by Marc Jacobs sunnies
• Panasonic Lumix Digital Waterproof Camera
• Roll on Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, this is great for travel coz you don't have to lug around a whole bottle
• Bumble and bumble surf spray - for sexy beach style tressles
• Travel size Arbonne FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Crème
• MAC sized to go Fix +

(Image taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5)

Somwhere in Australia

Since mid last year, I told myself I should go on more road trips, hikes and generally explore the great outdoors. I live on a giant island, so why not? As an Aussie growing up in Melbourne, the bustling culture, city scape, good restaurants and social events can take us away from all things nature and we forget how lucky we have it. Our beaches, ocean views and stunning landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the world and literally in our backyard. So explore I did and came across this...

Image taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5

I was away in Sydney for a few days with a family friend and spent four days exploring. This day we drove down to Royal National Park, took a hike and three hours later found what they call "Wedding Cake Rock". Beautiful, no words except #thisisAustralia 

Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.

Cesare Pavese

Flight form Melbourne to Singapore, taken using my Samsung Galaxy S5