Matty Somewhere

A Visit to Spice Temple Melbourne – Ten Years Later… (With a Sneaky Cocktail at Marmont!)

While in Melbourne with my cousin Cath, visiting from Calgary, I suddenly exclaimed, “We have to go to Spice Temple!”. It has been almost ten years since my last visit, and I was genuinely excited to return to this unforgettable dining experience. A quick search reveals that on Fridays they offer a Yum Cha menu,…

Virgin Australia Melbourne to Sydney Business Class

After visiting the Virgin Australia Lounge, I took a relatively short flight of just 58 minutes (versus the usual slotted 1 hour and 30 minutes) back to Sydney. Virgin Australia pulls out all the stops on this quick high traffic route. The corridor between Melbourne and Sydney is one of the busiest air routes in…

The Virgin Australia Lounge – Melbourne

The Virgin Australia Lounge in Melbourne offers a relaxed, modern space with plenty of seating, work areas, and tarmac views. Guests enjoy a self serve buffet, barista made coffee, and a selection of beverages, ideal for unwinding before a domestic flight. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. Virgin Australia domestic…

The Teriyaki McBurger at McDonalds – Japan!

Welcome back for another Macca’s post from around the world! This time I am in Japan! The usual rules apply: I’ll try a burger that is not available in Australia and I’ll have fries for comparison; if there is something else quite different on the menu, like gazpacho in Spain, or the Kaprao Crispy Chicken and Rice…

Afternoon Delights at the Calypso Club, Cairns.

Calypso Club in Cairns is a lively rum bar and seafood kitchen nestled on the ground floor of Crystalbrook Riley overlooking the Esplanade. Inspired by coastal nostalgia, it features tropical cocktails, and a wonderful sustainable seafood menu. Expect bright interiors, beachfront vibes and relaxed seaside charm. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help…

QANTAS Airways Business Class – Christchurch to Sydney.

For my journey back to Australia from New Zealand, I scored a great deal combining Air New Zealand and QANTAS flights. The first leg was a short Economy flight with Air New Zealand from Dunedin to Christchurch, followed by a Business Class flight on QANTAS to Sydney. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which…

Manaia Lounge – Christchurch International Airport.

The Manaia Lounge at Christchurch Airport offers a quiet, comfortable retreat for travellers looking to relax before their flight. With complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and cosy seating, it’s a welcoming space to unwind. Whether travelling for business or leisure, this Plaza-Premium Lounge adds a touch of comfort and convenience. It serves as the business…

Simo’s Kitchen – Balmain, Sydney.

Simo’s Kitchen in Balmain, Sydney, is a cosy, welcoming spot known for its delicious Mediterranean inspired dishes, fresh flavours, and relaxed neighbourhood vibe. It is perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. For full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain this blog, support my travels, and offer valuable content. If…

Air New Zealand – Dunedin to Christchurch on the ATR72-600

After an incredible journey through New Zealand, exploring vibrant Auckland, historic Dunedin, and the breathtaking beauty of Stewart Island / Rakiura, it’s time to head home. The trip has been filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences that will be cherished long after the suitcases are unpacked. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate…

Exploring Stewart Island / Rakiura: Getting Here, Staying, Eating, Playing & Discovering the Best of the Island

Stewart Island—Rakiura in te reo Māori—is one of New Zealand’s southernmost islands and is often regarded as the nation’s third main island, following the North and South Islands. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and remote charm. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain this blog, support my travels, and offer…

Dundee’s on the Waterfront, Cairns.

Dundee’s on the Waterfront in Cairns offers a stunning setting with views over Trinity Inlet. The menu blends seafood with modern Australian cuisine, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet polished. It’s a great spot for a sunset meal or a laid-back drink with tropical vibes. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain…

Stewart Island Flights – Flying between Invercargill and Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand.

While travelling in New Zealand and after some time in Auckland, I flew south to visit my dear friend Colleen in Dunedin. Keen to do something a little different, Colleen suggested Stewart Island—Rakiura in te reo Māori—and I was instantly on board! (Yes, that pun was intended). Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which…

Boogies Burgers – Since 1969, Calgary, Canada.

Boogie’s Burgers, established in 1969, is a beloved Calgary institution known for its retro vibe, inventive burgers, and indulgent comfort food. There is also something fun for the kids and big kids alike, those from the 80s might remember Ms. PAC-MAN?Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain this blog, support my travels,…

Eating Fugu: The Dangerous and Daring Delicacy of Japan

Do you ever have that feeling where you suddenly think, should I really be doing this? Kind of like the first time you went skydiving, bungee jumping or zip lining (I’ve only done one of these things and probably won’t do the others…Can you guess which one I have done?). I am, however, a little…

VIP Lounge #39 – Shanghai Pudong Airport.

I had a seven hour layover at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport, and like many seasoned travellers, I opted to spend it in an airport lounge, specifically, the VIP Lounge 39. Operated by Plaza Premium, it also serves as the designated lounge for Air France, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air. Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links…

LATAM Airlines Premium Business – LA800 – Sydney to Auckland.

I was heading across the ditch—as we like to say in Australia and New Zealand when hopping between the two countries. The flight from Sydney to Auckland is a short one, blocked at just over three hours, but when I spotted a business class fare for only $200 more than economy, I was instantly sold!…

Dining at Plattesteen: A Belgian Bistro Experience

While exploring northern Belgium on our road trip, we visit the capital Brussels and my friend Brett takes me to this wonderful bistro Plattesteen. It serves an array of French cuisine and believe me the dishes we try are delicious! Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain this blog, support my travels,…

Cheese! Glorious Cheese! Gouda, The Netherlands, the City and the Cheese.

Why am I feeling so happy? Because it’s going to be a Gouda day…I’m on a day trip from The Hague to the city of Gouda in The Netherlands. Gouda is a charming city known for its historic cheese market, beautiful canals, and medieval architecture. Famous for its Gouda cheese, the city also features attractions…

Sydney to Amsterdam on Xiamen Airlines – Cheap price, but was it worth It?

I decided I wanted to visit my dear friend Brett in The Netherlands and checked online for flight options. Expecting high airfares, I was pleasantly surprised to find a return ticket on Xiamen Airlines for under AU$1100! Although the short stay of 6 days limited my options, further research revealed I could extend my trip…

Casa Di Mio Pizzeria, Halle, Belgium.

Experiencing the sinking realisation as we prepared to settle our dinner tab in Halle, Belgium, the waiter’s words hit us: “We only take cash.” Brett and I exchanged a glance, both armed only with cards, a moment of panic ensued… Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links which help sustain this blog, support my travels,…

The McKroket, Vegetarian Nuggets and Fries at McDonalds in The Netherlands!

Welcome back for another Macca’s post from around the world! This time I am in The Netherlands! The usual rules apply: I’ll try a burger that is not available in Australia and I’ll have fries for comparison; if there is something else quite different on the menu, like gazpacho in Spain, or the Kaprao Crispy Chicken…