I don’t often go south of the Equator but the opportunity to visit my friend’s who were going to get married soon was the perfect chance to land feet on ground in Sydney, New South Wales. Six days in the city but it wasn’t enough. While I got to see sea and city in those few days, the lifestyle itself was what captured my captured my heart. A different kind of spirit embody the people of Sydney. Laidback, friendly, and with a trendy style to boot, they had an irresistable charm to them.
My friends, Yang and Hopan, were absolutely fab hosts and guides. Not one single meal was disappointing and their hospitality would put any 5 star hotel to shame. Of course, I lived with Yang in university and her now-husband was over often quite a lot back then, so staying with them was a nice journey down memory lane. Thanks so much for all the amazing things – big and small – you both did while I was there.
I won’t bore you with the details. Let’s go straight to the pictures. But of course for those of you who like a good read, take a look at this month’s issue of Veux Mag for my article on “The Life Down Under” on pages 36-39. I promise you’ll be wantin’ to book that ticket to Aussie for this winter holiday.
Hunter Valley for the day of modern seafood dishes and red wine. Muse Restaurant offered a peaceful view of the valley and quaint patio for food and chat.
Bondi Icebergs Club overlooks the Tasman Sea. The venue has nautical gear decorating its walls. The dominant colors of white and blue pleasantly complement their huge pool which has been said that it gets its water from the adjacent sea.
Bondi Beach – a surfer’s dream. Waves can be as high as 8 meters high. And never say “Bon-Dee Beach” because that’s a dead give away that you’re a tourist. It’s pronounced “Bond-Eye Beach”
The view of Sydney Opera House from The Rocks.
The busy streets of the business district on George Street.
I was absolutely floored by the architectural interior designs of The Ivy. This is home to many movers and shakers.
Town Hall Square is in the center of downtown so it’s no wonder that it’s just as busy as some of the most popular shopping areas.
Caught a beautiful sunset at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Chat Thai not only offered some spicy and aromatic Thai cuisine, but the interior is artfully designed.
Just thought you should know that Toronto and Sydney are not really that far from each other =)
Rebonjour Montréal
I can’t resist it. I got bitten by the travel bug at the beginning of this year and since then I haven’t found a cure. Medication. Relaxation. Therapy. Whatever you want to call it – as long as I’m somewhere foreign to me, then I’m seek nothing but a new experience. I kinda cheated this time though because this was a repeat trip. My first visit was back in February and I vowed I’d come back. Summer plans changed and there were other places to be visited and MTL slowly moved down the list. Lucky for Torontonians that Montréal’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away. 6 hours to be exact. But 6 hours going to and and then 6 hours going back made the journey just as worthwhile as the destination itself. Rebonjour Montréal!
Special merci beaucoup to my lovely local Montréalers for taking me around to the nooks and crannies of the city.
Holder’s for some brunch before meandering through Old Montréal.
Wow, you were not kidding! These palmiers were delish at Olive + Gourmando.
It was a cold day but the translucent rays from the sun and tinted blue sky were amazing. Just had to capture May as we strolled down the narrow streets.
How cute is she! Yuki’s the most adorable doggie I’ve seen! FYI, her tilted head is a result of hearing me say “Pepperonni!”
Hot chocolate + crepe at Juliette & Chocolat before meeting our other friends for a late dinner. This hot chocolate with hazelnut liquor is to die for.
Late dinner at the much talked about Au Pied De Cochon.
I know all my vegetarian friends are shaking their heads at me, but you can’t come to this place and not have the signature dish – Pig’s Head for 2. Yup, a braised pig’s head + clams + veggies on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Got me some warm and savory ramen at my friend’s resto, Hakata Ramen.
Loved the fusion of exposed brickwalls with traditional Japanese decor.
Made a short stop at Lozeau on Rue Saint-Hubert to pick up some new gear for my avid photographer friend. I must say, I was very impressed by their organized and friendly service from the moment we stepped through the doors.
Picked up some yummy pastries and buns from Patisserie Harmonie in Chinatown before heading home. This family-owned business was bustling with shoppers the whole time I was there. I highly recommend their green tea cookies and gingerbread man cookies.
À la prochaine Montréal =)
My Affection for French Confections
One day. One day I will go to Paris, France. On day I will walk along Rue Royale to this cute and whimsical little bakery named Ladurée. Until that day, I will make many petits macarons.
Veux Mag || All The Pretty Things
The continuation of things to come, since starting on Veux Mag as both an editor and contributor, the learning experience has been massive. The results are well worth it when I get to work with people who are so passionate about this field. Here’s a look at a shoot that we did to showcase some delicate and beautiful pieces from Autumn Bijoux with the talented Sue Samonig as consultant, seductively modeled by Ada A., with the fabulous makeup and hair styling of Sherry Vanstone.
More from the shoot can be found in Veux Magazine’s October 2011 Issue on pages 8-12.
Mahalo Oahu, Hawaii!
As the days get shorter and the temperture drops, I like to look back at the memories of Hawaii. Whether it was by fortune or by will, my friend and I got a deal on a trip to the island and found ourselves jetting off to this tropical paradise in less than a month. I’m addicted. As soon as we landed, I knew that this would be the first of many trips to this sunny locale.
Sun shining and baking on the shorelines of Barber’s point. Hiking up the rocky slopes of Diamond Head and planting foot at the top to catch the view of Waikiki beach. Scenic driving down to the North Shore. Chowing down at the local eateries with delish dishes. There wasn’t one moment that I can complain about because everything was just… well, it was perfection. Kicking off those shoes and putting on a pair of sandals should be on everyone’s bucketlist. 6 days away from all my worries and troubles made such a difference. Oh Oahu, you’ve surely been missed.
Thanks for all the lovely memories and to the friends that I made while I was there!
I wanted to start off with one of my favourite shots from the trip. Captured mid-vacay, the sandy white beaches of Barber’s Point was both ethereal and tranquil.
Flying over Arizona, USA.
Transit at LAX.
First meal in town, a very scrumptous Surf-n-Turf.
Pre-hike up Diamond Hill with Oahu Nature Tours, led by Mike F.
Side of Diamond Hill.
The city of Honolulu.
Wonderful sight of Wakiki Beach.
A pair of Red-Crested Cardinals at the foot of Diamond Hill.
Highly recommend Eggs n’ Things for their all day breakkie. Whew, had to line-up for 45 minutes and that’s the usual minimum wait!
Light as air fluffy pancakes loaded with strawberries and whip cream. One of their many signature dishes.
88 Tees has the cutest t-shirts that’ll make any tourist look like a local.
Palm trees line the beaches from one end of Wakiki to the other.
Hang ten baby!
The iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
Found this little gem by a stroke of luck on a night when we just couldn’t decide on what to eat. After I left, I found out that Aloha Table is quite popular with the locals.
Catching a Big Wave was more like getting to chill out to a nice bottle of ale.
A fave for many who live in Hawaii, loco moco is by far the best dish I got to try while I was there.
Every beach had its signature sand and water, but even the skies were different everywhere we went. Lying back on Barber’s Point, “What a view!” was all I could utter.
Solitude.
While at Barber’s Point, my friend caught waves for the first time with the awesome people of Hawaiian Fire. Firefighters as their occupation, these instructors also part-time as surfing instructors. They were absolutely wonderful to hang out with.
All your souvenier shopping needs can be found here at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.
Popular amongst many tourists.
Everyone should get lei’d when they come to Hawaii.
She saw sea-shells by the sea-shore.
Turqoise crystal color blue waters of Hanauma Bay. Popular for snorkelling, I couldn’t resist trying this out for the first time. It was quite an experience considering I don’t know how to swim!
Would you believe it? This tiny cute island is named Rabbit Island! Now if only it were inhabited by little cute BunBuns!
We couldn’t decide which one to get so we just got all three drinks-in-a-fruit.
Deep red soil fertile for growing pineapples.
Popular food trucks line the way along the road to North Shore. Giovanni’s is one of the popular shrimp trucks frequented by seafood lovers. Tip: bring a Sharpie to leave your mark on their truck.
Come for the shrimp. Chill under the trees.
Succulent shrimp scampi.
Quaint house along the way.
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice Store. The line-up was insane for this Zagat approved yumminess.
Unlike winters in Toronto, this is the only place you’ll see ice.
With so many flavours to choose from, you’re a winner if you order the Rainbow.
The shave ice was so fine, it was like melting sand in your mouth.
Cruising around Makapuu Point and Waimanalo.
Fancy splurging a bit? Fine dine it Hawaiian style at Alan Wong’s. We got the 7-course Chef’s Signature Dishes. Two words: stuffed and satisfied.
Every dish was both foodgasmic and artistically made.
Waikiki at night.
Waikiki in the day.
Head to Leonard’s if you’re craving some pastries.
Worth every penny.
Everything was hot and fresh.
Staved off some hungry hankerings with a savoury pao doce wrap.
What girl can say no to this cute pink box?
We couldn’t decide on which malasada… so we just got 2 of each. Hehe…
The waves were beating themselves against the jagged rocks.
These mountainous terrains were a contrast to the hotel packed city.
Kaiwi Channel was great for standing on the shore and feeling the energy of the waves as they rushed onto the sand. Caught a fantastic shot of Fanny as she enjoyed the magnificent waters.
Please do yourself a favour when you visit. Rent a Mustang. Convertible. Can’t go wrong. I thank this car for the sweet tan I got without having to even lie on a beach. And it doesn’t hurt that it gets the attention of the cute surfer boys in town.
Dusk was just as amazing as dawn.
As busy as it can get, I can’t deny that this was one of the more serene moments I felt when I was on Waikiki Beach. I miss you.
Thanks to Fanny for getting a pic of me in front of the camera.
Dear Hawaii,
You rock.
xoxoxo,
W. W.
by Wales
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