October 04, 2015

The Sapphire Coast

October 04, 2015/ Andy McCulloch

The introduction of a new public holiday in Victoria, the "Friday before the Australian Football League Grand Final" presented a great opportunity to put as much space between ourselves and the football as possible. I was buoyed on by our previous whale watching expeditions and having recently watched a documentary about the killer whales of Eden is southeastern New South Wales to the point of proposing a trip to the so-called Sapphire coast, the marketing name for the Bega Valley and surrounding coastline. The driving would be plentiful, but there would be whales!

August 08, 2015

In and around Melbourne

August 08, 2015/ Andy McCulloch

Living anywhere will mean that you have adventures in and around where you are living. In Paris, these seemed all very glamorous; however it is clear that in and around Melbourne is equally glamorous, albeit in a different way. I have often had people ask me for things to do close to the city, and here a a few things that we have done in the region of Melbourne.

July 06, 2015

Singapore

July 06, 2015/ Andy McCulloch

My work had seen me travel on previous occasions and would see me continue to do so: in 2015 the International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy (ICOLS) was to be held in Singapore. And while Singapore is 6000 kilometres from Melbourne, it is definitely considered in Australia's backyard when in comes to large, international academic conferences, which are almost exclusively held in Europe or the United States. It was therefore a good opportunity to present our work, catch up with old colleagues and make some new friends without having to fly half way around the world. The conference would run for a week and we would visit some university labs the following week which would also grant a bit of time over the weekend to explore the island city. Majulah Singapura: "Onward, Singapore"

May 11, 2015

Te Ika-a-Māui, New Zealand

May 11, 2015/ Andy McCulloch

New Zealand or Aotearoa holds a special connection to most Australians, even if they have never been. Whilst there are countless rivalries between Australian cities, states and other countries, all pale in comparison when held up against the AUS-NZ relations. I am of the opinion (and am not alone) that this stems from the fact that, despite obvious geographic differences, the countries are very similar and moreover, are isolated from everywhere else. I had visited New Zealand for the first time in 2010 and loved every minute, so when the opportunity came to once again visit, I jumped at it. The opportunity was a Jetstar sale, so not a unique opportunity, but a very real one. For the sum of $504, Mia and I we were going to explore all things Te Ika-a-Māui, that is, all things North Island.

April 07, 2015

The Bluff - Mount Howitt circuit, Victoria

April 07, 2015/ Andy McCulloch

The Easter long weekend always offers a great chance to get out of the city and provides a chunk of time into which one can get some adventure. Having not that long ago returned from Europe and not visited my favourite park of the state, it was a good opportunity to go hiking in the Victorian Alps. Given Mia had done done much hiking in the area, it was a good chance to do an abridged highlights walk: a loop which connected The Bluff, Mount Howitt and the Howqua River track. The walk was always going to present some challenges, namely water scarcity and four-wheel drivers, but the self-inflicted wound was going to be Mia and I having brand new boots, and this was to be their first outing and there could be hell to pay.

Adventures