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.
Read MoreNew 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreIn what would become a bit a trend in 2015, I signed up to all of the spam mailing lists for low-cost airline carriers in Australia in hopes of finding some good bargains. With fairly flexible working arrangements, it is often possible to take leave with short notice. Moreover, sometimes the travel deities throw you a bone; in this case Jetstar proposed travel to Hobart for $39 during a time Mia was in Hobart for a conference. This meant that I could just pop over Bass Strait, pick up a car and get out and do some hiking!
Read MoreMia's parents were holidaying in Europe and rather than simply visiting Mia in Geneva, we decided it would be better if we went for a stroll in the Alps. After some deliberation, we settled on a hike along the Aletsch Glacier, on the south side of the Jungfrau massif and only a stone's throw from our previous outdoor escapades. We started our trip from Brig, where we caught a train and cable-car to gain some height before continuing on foot. We were cornered by cows and threatened by the weather, but this could not mar what is one of the most impressive sights around: the largest glacier in the Alps. The hike took its toll, but we were well-fuelled in the evening by Swiss cuisine and beer, which gave us the energy we required to descend the next day, in addition to visiting the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva.
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