Category Archives: Travel

Scenes from Milan, Lake Como and Venice

April 11, 2013 4:34 pm , Leave a Comment ,

This lovely long weekend I jetted off to Italy. More precisely; Milan, Lake Como and Venice. All three spots were beautiful, but the charm and culture of Venice was mesmerizing.

Unfortunately the weather didn’t show it’s sunny-side for majority of the weekend, but one day of sunshine and blue skies in Venice really did take the cake. I am definitely keen to head back to Lake Como in the warmer months, but it wasn’t cheap in spring, so I don’t even want to think of prices in summer.

As a foodie, I’m thrilled to say the food of Italy did not disappoint; amazing wine, pasta, pizza and antipasto. There was (thankfully just) one incident though, it involved a lasagne and a microwave. Yes, they microwaved one of our meals straight from it’s frozen packaging. IN A RESTAURANT. My friend and I were gobsmacked and with the lack of Italian language we had no idea how to rectify the situation. They didn’t even try to cover for the fact. They microwaved it right behind the bar and tipped it out, still in it’s frozen, square shape. No dressing it up with herbs or cheese. Just splat, on the plate. Admittedly it wasn’t awful, but it cost six EUROS!

I drank far more espressos than I can even think to count, and loved every one. Returning to London, to the god awful dirty puddle in a cup that they call coffee was tough but after a long weekend away, it is always nice to return home.

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brioche and espresso

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Grand Canal

gelato at the basilica

gelato at the basilica

narrow passages.

narrow passages.

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life buzzzzzzz

February 4, 2012 11:46 am , 2 Comments ,

Back on it. For a number of reasons:

  • Coming to grips with heartbreak
  • My Fitness Pal
  • London
  • Opportunities

I’m finally in a good place in regards to my heartbreak. The first few weeks I was a mess. I won’t go into it again, but thanks to an amazing bunch of friends, family and even my boss who’ve listened to me in my confused state, and even to the man who broke my heart I feel like I’m finally looking at it with not just an emotional point of view, but logically too. Really bad timing. But I’m moving forwards.

I’ve managed to find myself addicted to My Fitness Pal. If you’re looking for a way to lose, maintain or even gain weight – this is your friend. I kid you not, this morning I exercised for an hour just so I could log the calories burned. It’s working for me!

With every sunset London is getting closer and my excitement is growing. I’ve now let my boss know that I will be resigning in July, he’s not worried so long as I find him – I quote – “a trainable hamster with a personality”. He’s all class. An exciting update is that I caught up with a friend of a friend on Monday at the Laneway Festival as she was back in Auckland visiting from London where she works in recruitment… wait for it… predominantly in the finance and accounting industry. Meant. To. Be. So I’ve sent her my CV and she’s stripped it and fattened it in the perfect format for London and I am so very grateful to her. Now that baby sings my praises. I’d hire me.
I know London is not going to be all tea and scones, and pints in 100 year old pubs – well the first week will be – in fact I’ve been informed it’s going to be very difficult. I’m too excited and know too many amazing people over there to worry about this sort of thing right now. Possibly closer to the time.

Lastly, I applied for this amazing opportunity to be a travel blogger throughout NSW for the month of March – beyond brilliant. While I don’t want the competition, I feel it’s only fair to advise people as only those who are actually looking will find it. Fingers crossed!

Posted in: Daily, love life, Travel , Tagged:

London town is calling.

January 29, 2012 4:42 pm , 6 Comments ,

I know I have spoken of it many times. But recent events, including the passing of my grandad last week, have pushed me to make this year my own.

So I’ve made my mind up and lucky London is the city that will soon house me. I’m going to buy a one way ticket and relocate and work.

July it is. I’d love to be leaving next week but unfortunately it isn’t quite that simple. I need to give my boss notice of course and I’d like to have at least $10k in my back pocket to ensure I don’t run into trouble as soon as I arrive. It also means I will miss the end of the Olympics which will mean I will actually be able to afford to live and eat on arrival.

I’ve had a lovely offer from a friend and her husband already for a room at their flat as I get myself sorted and my feet on the ground. Which I am very grateful for, and very keen to take!

So now I’m asking you all for tips, suggestions and your experiences on what you think helped you the most when moving. I already have a UK passport, so visas are not required. I will also be padding up my CV to apply for a few jobs just before leaving, but I’ve also heard you’re just as likely to get one walking off the street.

So watch this spot. It could be the move of a lifetime or a grand disaster. We’ll find out in six months.

Photo source.

 

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On a personal high.

May 2, 2011 10:25 am ,

I’m quite excited right now. Lately I have been contemplating a career switch from accounting to midwifery. I know, polar opposites, but that’s me.

Remember this entry about saving and making life decisions? I think I’ve just added another whole level to it, Inception styles. Studying in England.

I complained this morning of being frustrated and currently stuck as I really want to travel but am saving. I can’t switch my career because that would kill my savings. Then a bright bunny suggested I study overseas. Of course I went back to her with a list of excuses. But really, after researching I found the course is only three years in England, here it’s four – so as she said, I’ve already saved a year on tuition and living expenses. Also, I have my British passport – I wont be an international student!!

So this morning I have emailed Nottingham, Oxford, Leeds, Bristol and Brighton Universities, all offering a BSc(Hons) in Midwifery. I have my fingers crossed for Oxford, imagine saying you have a degree from Oxford?! Awesome. Their courses for 2012 all start in September, so that gives me time to save, enjoy a bit of travel and then start the course next September.

Those were my top four picks for universities, if anyone has any information on those five, or additional universities in England, or even Scotland and Wales – please let me know! The more information the better!

I could be a midwife before my 31st birthday!

Posted in: Daily, Travel, University, work , Tagged: ,

Peanut butter and jam, or marmite and chips?

February 9, 2011 11:53 am , 4 Comments ,

Sometimes I wish decisions were still as tough as what to have in your sandwich at school.

Today I have drafted myself a budget and savings plan for the rest of the year. It’s going to be tricky to stick within it, but I’m excited – having money saved up means I will end up with choices in life. We all know choices are important.

I have a little bit of debt to pay off, which is priority number one. But that will be cleared by the beginning of March (if I stick to budget) and I will then go on to be able to save over NZD$9,500 by Christmas. What the frick?! Why did I not do this last year? Bloody useless.

If you follow me on twitter, you will have seen my tweet about my boss offering to match whatever I can save for a house deposit and go halves in a mortgage. Now while this is a bloody good offer, the 26 year old with itchy feet inside just wants to explore the world.

As a good friend pointed out to me, I’m not old yet. It’s true, I’m not. I also don’t want to be tied down yet. Secretly, I think my boss offered it because he doesn’t want me to leave my job and travel. I don’t want to leave it either – but it’s important to get out of the comfort zone and live life.

I have often spoken of my craving for the UK and Europe – so it is most definitely top of the list. My sister and her boyfriend are heading that way in June, so I’m hoping to join them not long after.

Photo credit.

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