After another wonderful stay in Cairns, the city that feels like my second home, it was time to head back to Sydney. For this flight I chose Qantas Airways for three key reasons: first, the chance to fly on a widebody Airbus A330-200; second, I grabbed a seat with points (or miles) that was quite…
Tag: travel
The Wonderful Food at the Historic Mount Kembla Village Hotel, Wollongong.
The Mount Kembla Village Hotel welcomes everyone with genuine warmth and country charm. With 16 beers on tap, a thoughtfully curated wine list, a wide range of spirits, and a menu crafted by a talented chef, there’s something for every taste. The wood fired pizzas are a local favourite, and the morning buzz of our…
The Malaya, Sydney, Malaysian food at its Best.
The Malaya in Sydney is an institution, renowned for its vibrant Malaysian and Singaporean flavours. Established in the 1960s, it continues to impress with signature dishes like chicken and pork satay’s, char kway teow, and beef rendang, and all served with warm, attentive service that keeps diners returning. This post may contain affiliate links, to…
A Road Trip to the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
My friend Shanny, who I’ve known for over 30 years, and I both needed a little getaway. With a few days off, we decided on a short escape to the New South Wales (NSW) South Coast—not too far from my home in Sydney and hers in Wollongong. This post may contain affiliate links, to read…
Virgin Australian Lounge – Gold Coast.
I’m back at another Virgin Australia Lounge, and this one in the Gold Coast is excellent, like most of them really. While the food is plentiful, the lounge offers sweeping views of the tarmac, making it a relaxing and great aviation viewing spot before my flight. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more…
Tha Food at Tha Fish, Cairns.
Tha Fish in Cairns is a standout waterfront seafood restaurant at the Marina. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood prepared with creative flavours, it’s perfect for tropical dining. Oh and believe me, things do get creative here! This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. Tha Fish offer a $25 Lunch…
Visiting the Qantas Club in Cairns.
Another lounge visit, this time at the Qantas Club in Cairns. Normally, I’d fly Virgin Australia since I hold Gold Status, but with no lounge there, I used points to fly Qantas. Conveniently, my Qantas credit card included a lounge pass, perfect timing! I genuinely share my loyalty between both airlines. This post may contain…
Classic Vietnamese at Phở Pasteur, Sydney.
Phở Pasteur is a beloved Vietnamese eatery famous for its cuisine, generous portions, and fast service, a go to spot for authentic, comforting Vietnamese dishes in the heart of the Sydney. It thoroughly takes me back to the times I have spent in Vietnam. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Matty Somewhere 