Category: Uncategorized

Firelight Skies & Hard Goodbyes

February 20, 2019

Edit 2And so the sunsets over my sister’s memorable visit to me here in Oz. Her time went far too quickly but we certainly packed a lot in; from exploring the best Sydney has to offer for arvo drinks with the most iconic views, to visiting the Southern Highlands and giving her a taste of the country bumpkin life I lived for four months.

Edit 1I can’t thank her enough for making these two weeks together so special and I hope she enjoyed every minute of the short time she had. I’m so lucky to have such a kind-hearted, funny, beautiful sister who cares so much for me and is so proud of how much I have achieved on my journey. The breathtaking red twilight sky over Sydney made for a fitting backdrop as we said our goodbyes. On my return from seeing her off to the airport, I wondered down to Lavender Bay harbour to soak up the stunning pastel hues and humming atmosphere of the city around me…what a time sis ❤

Twilight Tingles & Rose Feels

February 17, 2019

With my sister in town for a couple of weeks, we kicked celebrations off in true style with post work drinks at some of my favourite spots in Sydney. Starting in Barangaroo at Bungalow 8, we got going English fashion with a jug of Pimms!

Edit 16.jpgHeading down to The Rocks, we passed via the Luna Markets where the back streets were decorated with hundreds of beautiful Chinese lanterns.

Edit 1Edit 4As the sun was setting and a picturesque pink hue was settling over the harbour, we stopped by The Glenmore rooftop. I couldn’t think of a more fitting spot to enjoy a glass of rose with an out of towner than overlooking the harbour bridge and opera house set against the stunning Sydney skyline.

Edit 7Edit 5A few cocktails and vinos down and we were ready for some dinner! After showing my sister my new pad in Lavender Bay, we popped around the corner to a fantastic Spanish tapas bar called Delicado Foods. With wine served in suitably large glasses and an extensive menu of authentic tapas, this local favourite on a modest corner of Blues Point Road felt like we were in the middle of Europe.

Edit 48.jpgWe ordered a spread of potatas braves, halloumi mushrooms, spicy chorizo and salad before treating ourselves to desert of churros and Affogato Amaretto (naughty but necessary). A truly memorable evening spent with my sis showing her the sweet Sydney life as we soaked up those twilight tingles sipping our rose.

Australia Day Cheers and Birthday Beers

February 1, 2019

Having been born on Australia Day (26th January) it seems I was always destined to make the move here! With the long bank holiday weekend and my birthday falling on the Saturday, I was ready for a big couple of days of celebrations.

Edit 21.jpgKicking things off on the Friday, it was fun and games in the office as we hosted an Australia Day morning tea, followed by my idea to start the weekend early with an Ozzy ‘Dolley Trolley’ in the afternoon serving VBs straight from the Esky.

Edit 5.jpgThat evening, my boyfriend met me after work and we went for rooftop cocktails at Smoke bar in Barangaroo. After a stroll around Darling harbour, we settled in a bustling bar with live music to enjoy some food and watch the sunset.

edit11Edit 15.jpgSaturday morning it was time to face turning 24! I had a long video call with my parents back home who I miss a lot, but was delighted to be with my boyfriend who surprised me with a cute bike – I can’t wait to ride it to work over the harbour bridge.

edit24Leaving my flat at Lavender Bay, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the harbour as hundreds of boats took to the water in honour of Australia Day. We were off for birthday brunch booked at Celsius Cafe over in Kiribilli, somewhere I have wanted to try out not only for the beautiful food, but for the unique setting right on the wharf.

edit26We then ventured into town to Bondi Junction, grabbed the essential case of VBs and walked over to Centennial Park. Our group of mates had a great base under the shade of a tree where beers were already flowing and a game of cricket was well under way…cue an English gal showing the Ozzy boys how it’s done!

edit36Edit 38.jpgThe day finished with more drinks and a feed at The Nelson pub in Bondi. Not at all the birthday I had envisioned, but undoubtedly the funnest and most enjoyable way to soak up the sun, celebrations and festive atmosphere of Australia Day in Sydney…Cheers to 24!

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Sydney Festival at Carriageworks

January 28, 2019

With distinctive nineteenth century industrial interior retained from its former use as a rail yard, Carriageworks in Redfern is the most influential, contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia. So during Sydney Festival with events being held throughout the city, artist Nick Cave put on an exhibition here alongside a pop up theatre and restaurant Cosecha. It seemed the perfect time to checkout this notorious arts space which is also home to the famous weekly Saturday farmers market and some of Sydney’s biggest club nights.

edit 1Meeting my friend after work, we browsed the beautiful exhibition before stopping off for a glass (or two) of wine. I was in awe of the use of space as the beautiful art on display was such a contrast juxtapose to the raw, cumbersome interiors of this ancient building.

Edit 4.jpgThe Crystal Cloudscape built from thousands of sparkling chandeliers was exquisite and the eye-catching hanging metallic mobiles twinkled majestically against the exposed brickwork. However these hold a deeper meaning as on closer inspection they contain shapes of a teardrop, bullet or gun to symbolise the polarising gun occupancy prevalent in American culture today.

edit 3We then spent the evening winding down over some delicious Spanish tapas and a few glasses of Pinot Gris. We were treated to a pear parmesan rocket salad and polenta chips courtesy of my lovely landlady who is the head chef at Cosecha and finished the night with a little cheese board.

Edit 6.jpgAs an arts and culture hub, this space at Carriageworks attracts a variety of eclectic people to create a buzzing, friendly atmosphere welcome to anyone and everyone. I certainly can’t think of a better way to spend my hump day evening!

Oceans Crossed, Memories Made: Anniversary in Oz

January 15, 2019

Exactly one year ago today I made the leap across the pond and began my journey here in Australia. Coming with a loose plan to work in Sydney and see what opportunities came my way, gave me the freedom to take on new challenges and explore my potential to work in a variety of roles, from bartending and promoting to an assistant at one of Sydney’s biggest PR companies.

IMG_7986.JPGFollowing a summer of fun spending my days on the beach and partying the weekends away with new friends from all corners of the world, I realised that I needed to get my farmwork under my belt if I wanted to stay another year. Soon I found myself going from glamourous city job living in the homely hood of Paddington, to out in Aussie countryside where I was plunged into the winter farm life of the Southern Highlands (yes, Australia does get cold too!). Whilst it was a bumpy start, soon I found my feet with a fabulous group of friends and a proper Aussie boyfriend! I discovered the area is very much like the quaint English village I’m from and I enjoyed living the simple country life for four months.

Pic00024.jpgOctober rolled around and it was my Mum’s big 60th birthday which I flew back home to England for. It was amazing seeing all of my friends and family who are so proud of me and can see the happiness life in Oz has rewarded me with. However those three weeks went far too quickly and saying goodbye again was very emotional, as I knew this time I was in it for the long run.

Edit 48.jpgBack in Sydney I couldn’t wait to hit the ground running. I landed the role back in the PR company I was at previously and soon found a new flat in Sydney to move into in the new year. During the Christmas holidays I finally got some time off to enjoy with my boyfriend and we were spoilt by family and friends welcoming us to join celebrations down the coast.

Edit 18.jpgNow I begin 2019 with everything I could’ve ever dreamed of achieving in my first year in Oz; a fantastic job in PR, a beautiful flat overlooking the harbour bridge, lots of great new friends and my Aussie man by my side. Who knows what is around the corner for me this year, but I do know that I’ve already made lifelong friends who I’ve shared some incredible memories with and look forward to many more.

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Goodbyes are never easy

November 24, 2018

When I left England 11 months ago on my first voyage down under, I had no idea of the journey I was about to embark upon. The series of events and opportunities that came my way were more than I could have ever wished for and even more enticing as I fell in love with the beautiful land of Australia.

My trip home was short but sweet and I certainly made the most of seeing my wonderful family and friends. It was so encouraging seeing the people who care about me most so proud of what I’m doing and seeing the happiness life in Oz has given me. However saying my goodbyes was that much harder as I knew this time I was in it for the long run.Pic00283.jpgNow I find myself back in sunny Sydney and ready for more adventures and challenges as I embark upon a new job in PR and continue the fun and games of city life. I’ve even got my city escape back in the idylic Southern Highlands where my Aussie man is based…honestly couldn’t have written the story better myself, here’s to the next chapter!

Just Another Rock to my Wall

September 11, 2018

Leaving England on my adventure to Australia 9 months ago, I never would’ve dreamed of the reality I currently find myself in… stone walling and living with two Aussie boys in the Southern Highlands in order to earn my visa extension. With my initial couple of months working on another farm up and farms elsewhere reluctant to take on new staff with the difficulties of the draught here, I took matters into my own hands. Through a contact of a friend, I’m now building stone walls on properties in the area.

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Now let me explain my exact role here, as there’s no kidding that I’m constructing these stone walls single handedly! With my perfectionist and somewhat artistic eye, my main job is to plug the front wall faces to give an aesthetically pleasing final result. Whilst the cold, frosty 6am morning starts haven’t been my finest hours, I’ve really thrown myself into working onsite and enjoying the camaraderie of the boys during breaks. As the weeks have passed, I’ve got to see the progress of the projects we are working on and appreciate the process of traditional stone walling.

Edit 1So as I continue my new found profession as a stone waller in the Southern Highlands, I can already taste Australian spring and look forward to working away in the heat of a summers day. It may not be the most glamorous of jobs and takes a lot of patience, but it certainly is one to add to my CV as another string to my bow, or more appropriately ‘rock to my wall’.

Freedom, Just do it

August 8, 2018

As I sit here in a quaint Southern Highlands town on the other side of the world to my friends and family, I find myself in a bit of a predicament. I’m between jobs having finished up at the farm I was working at for 6 weeks and now I’m on the hunt to find farm work to complete the rest of my 3 months needed for a 2nd year visa in Australia. It’s only been a few days since finishing my previous job, yet I’m already getting itchy feet and feeling uncomfortable with this limbo I’m currently in.

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Since landing in Sydney Australia I haven’t stopped and always had a job or two pinned down. I’ve always been more than happy in my own company and don’t have trouble finding something to occupy my time; whether its working out and going for a walk, or scrolling Pinterest for the latest outfit and recipe ideas. But as I have a few days to myself here in the beautiful Southern Highlands I’m finding it more difficult to switch off and enjoy the time out. Following a conversation with my mum and best friend from back home however, I was reminded of all that I have achieved so far and how hard I have worked just getting to this point alone.

Thank fully I’ve made some amazing friends who have helped me out with somewhere to stay and by simply asking around, I already have contacts to people who own farms or know of those who do. So as I continue forward and pursue my hunt for another farm job, I will remind myself that I have the freedom to aim for what I want and I can make these goals my reality – ‘Just do it’.

 

 

Lost and Found

July 8, 2018

It was never going to be easy plunging into countryside life surrounded by people I didn’t know having felt so at home in Sydney with family by my side. Packing my bags to come to the farm, I had no idea how different it would be in contrast to my comfortable city lifestyle…wifi in the cafe only, what was I going to do!? It was a bumpy start during my first few days and I have to admit it felt very lonely as I struggled to download anything I could at the cafe to watch back in my room – I just wanted home comforts and company! However by persevering and diving into work around the farm with enthusiasm and willing to learn, I quickly got to know the wonderful people who work here as they showed me the ropes and made me feel so welcome. Edit 7Now just a week and a half in I already feel like I’ve been here for ages and despite the bitter cold, farm life is in fact good fun! I’ve made some truly great friends and last week I was taken on the most beautiful hike in Kangaroo Valley. We began on a trek upstream where we found stunning waterfalls and lush rock formations, before heading to Drawing Room Rocks for an uphill walk and afternoon bathing in the glorious sun overlooking the scenic landscape. It was so refreshing chatting to fellow travellers and like-minded people about their adventures and future plans after farm work.

Edit 9.jpgThe more I’ve explored the area and local towns, I’ve realised that this region is a mirror image of my hometown back in England. Speaking to many of the locals and going to the village winter festival has confirmed how much this place actually reminds me of home – I truly have landed on my feet! By dedicating myself to the hard work and making the effort to build great friendships, it’s amazing how much can change in a week. I’m already looking forward to my next day off so I can discover more of the area and make the most of my surroundings in the idyllic Southern Highlands of Australia. Travelling is certainly a game of feeling lost before unexpectedly finding yourself once again.

 

Off the beaten track bars, Sydney

June 21, 2018

Getting caught up in city life and always heading to the same bars and restaurants we know is something we’re all guilty of. Being in the beautiful city of Sydney for a while now (and often sticking to my local neighbourhood of Paddington or Bondi for a night out) I decided it was time to explore and discover some new bars and restaurants a little less well known. Using the online publications Concrete Playground and Timeout I mapped out a bunch of bars to try which are highly rated and only known through word of mouth.

Finishing work in the CBD at 5pm, I couldn’t think of a better place to meet my friend and start the night than Establishment. With its uber chic interior and city worker vibe, this was the perfect place to kick things off. As a Merivale owned bar it was the June happy hour 5-7pm, so we got going with two Espresso Martinis half price! If I’m honest the bar staff were under pressure for the happy hour, so our Martinis didn’t have the best creme, but certainly quenched our thirst after a day in the office.

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Next we had a short walk over to The Rook, which after asking a few people we found the entrance to – an elevator at the bottom of what looked like an apartment block. This hidden rooftop did not disappoint with a brilliant wine selection, old school music tunes playing and atmospheric lofty vibe. We guzzled a glass of Montepulciano red wine and were tempted by the delicious aromas of lobster and chips from the kitchen.

Going from rooftop to basement, we walked over to Baxters. With it’s entrance behind an alley and down an old fire escape, this underground speakeasy whiskey bar is super exclusive with a buzzing vibe. The walls behind the bar are stacked ceiling high with hundreds of whiskeys and it feels like a step back in time with the barman climbing the ladders to select your tipple. We couldn’t get enough of the freshly blended apple as a mixer for our whiskey – I won’t have my whiskey any other way now! Hopping next door, we had a quick drink in The Duke of Clarence. This typical British style pub was very warm and cosy and beautifully decorated like the drawing room of an English country home. We enjoyed our glass of wine in front of the warming fire with a bowl of complimentary smoked nuts.

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Having completed a good round of the CBD bars, we caught a cab up to Paddington to devour yet another glass of vino at 10 William Street. This small wine bar in the heart of Paddo offers a range of delectable Italian tapas alongside an extensive wine list. A favourite for locals with its intimate yet bustling ambience, it feels like you could’ve stumbled off a street in Europe as you sit knee-to-knee with fellow diners.

Deciding it was time to get some food to soak up the concoctions of wine and cocktails we’d consumed, we visited Cheeky Burger! This late night joint sells simple burgers done well in a trendy American style setting. We halved a veggie mushroom burger and pulled pork burger and it was agreed that the veggie choice was a clear winner! To complete our evening we popped next door to The Paddo Inn to have one last drink. This pub is a local haunt and always busy with regulars no matter what night of the week.

Edit 5Overall I was happy that we got to explore so many bars off the beaten track which I will be keen to visit again. My favourite find was The Rook with its top secret elevator entrance and offerings of lobster to enjoy alongside that perfect glass of wine. It’s also been a fantastic month for the numerous Merivale bars across Sydney, as they’ve been offering their 49% off drinks 5-7pm everyday throughout the month of June – Bottoms Up Sydney!