A pitstop in Abu Dhabi and Dubai The sparkling lights from the world’s tallest building, the Bhurj Khalifa dominates the view from my hotel window. I’m perched on the sofa in my 15th floor room in the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai waiting for my large bath to fill. It’s been a hectic couple of days since my early morning arrival in … [Read more...]
Epic Aussie 4WD Journey
One couple’s search for their Holy Grail My good friends Cyndy and David have become explorers of Australia. With the mantra life is too short to sit at home, they have made some amazing journeys around this fabulous country I call home. With their help (and patience as there were a few interviews over cups of tea) I wrote a story about their … [Read more...]
Edinburgh culture, history and a shiny nosed dog
Edinburgh what's not to love? As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh commands attention. But apart from being the country’s epi centre, Edinburgh exudes a distinctive charm that is difficult to resist. The compact layout of the city means it’s easy to get around and explore, even for someone like me with a hopeless sense of direction! I'd come … [Read more...]
She’ll be right mate!
The beginnings of an unlikely friendship Our friendship began on social media. The common link, we’re both writing colleagues in an Australian writer’s group and we met via a closed Facebook group. This link has resulted in an alliance across the oceans which will culminate in two strangers travelling together for the very first time! And I’m … [Read more...]
Breaking your leg overseas, the lessons I’ve learned
There have been a few blog posts about my "incident" in Japan. I took the opportunity to write about it and here is my story published last year in Australia's WellBeing Magazine #170 in their "Real Life Experience" column. Its now just over 12 months since the fall - and the scar has healed amazingly (was a little concerned about … [Read more...]
Australian Executive Chef Richard Ousby shares a few secrets in Noosa
Heading into summer, Australian food lovers are on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Leaving winter behind, we’re aching for lazy Sunday afternoon bar-b-q gatherings and balmy evenings where relaxing dinner parties on the deck are the weekend highlight. A few Queensland inspired recipes from renowned Australian chef Richard Ousby could … [Read more...]
Five Brisbane destination experiences for adventurers
Brisbane is a destination of choice Brisbane attracted just over 1.1 million international visitors last year. With four of the new Qantas 787-900 Dreamliner fleet flying out of Brisbane from mid-2018 and the Gold Coast (one hour south of Brisbane) hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April, it’s likely international visitors to the river city … [Read more...]
Kenilworth Camping
Uncovering what's behind the Kenilworth Camping furore A quad bike traverses a distant grassy knoll then scoots along a dirt track flicking a dust trail in the air behind, disturbing the serenity and the clear blue sky. The bike pulls up beside where I’m standing. The blue-shirted rider switches the motor off and extends a large hand towards me. … [Read more...]
Another side to Moreton Island
I've lived in south east Queensland for the majority of my life and up until this year had only visited Moreton Island twice. Thanks to a few different stories I've worked on, I've been back three times in the space of three months and learnt so much about this fascinating island - only 37 kilometres from the mainland. And to write a story … [Read more...]
Cambodia on the radar
A few years ago I had one of the best experiences travelling through Vietnam. Travelling solo and being my first visit to Vietnam I decided to take a tour – let someone else worry about the logistics. I also managed to tack on some additional days on either side of the tour and travelled independently doing my own thing. My tour ended in Ho … [Read more...]