Canberra

I’m going to be completely honest. If someone had asked me what the capital of Australia was, I probably would have said Sydney. Or Melbourne. I only learned it was Canberra while working on my travel itinerary.

Much like D.C., the Capital Hill area is where you can visit Parliament (even sit in on a session!), the National Library (where I did a Behind-the-Scenes tour), and multiple museums, all within a pleasant walk from each other. Every museum also does free tours following certain themes or focusing on specific exhibits, so check their websites before you go for times and days.

The National Gallery of Australia reminded me a lot of the MOMA in New York, just based on the variety of art they had on display covering almost every time period, and the artists who held pieces there. Most of the museums I visited while in Australia had a lot of indigenous inspired exhibits, and this one was no different. I think between the National Gallery and the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, this one had a larger collection of contemporary, and post-modern art. Warhol, Pollock, Holzer, Kruger, Rauschenberg, Sherman… these names may or may not mean anything to you, but these were all artists I learned about in one of my favorite classes in college. While I’ve seen some of each of their pieces before, I’m never any the less stoked to see their work.

I wish I had taken more photos of the Frank Stella prints they had on exhibit. I had that whole area of the museum to myself for a bit. So colorful, and so fun. I can’t not mention James Turrell as well. He plays with light and space, and most of his pieces are site-specific installations that are really meant to immerse the audience. I’ve experienced his work in New York, Japan, Las Vegas, and now Australia. He had one of his “Skyspace” piece in Canberra. It actually took me a little while to find it… let’s just say I ended up taking the scenic route through the Sculpture Garden. No regretz, though. It ended up being a really peaceful stroll, as there was a really nice view of the lake.

The sky was mostly clear that day, but I saw a bird every now and then fly by through the skyspace. The viewing chamber is surrounded by the sounds of running water, and if you are lucky enough to enjoy one of his skyspaces by yourself… just enjoy it. I found it to be a very meditative experience.

An acquaintance of mine, Lean, lives in Canberra, and she sent along a list of recommended places to dine at that I took full advantage of! Avo toast is a really common breakfast food, and I had a really great start to my day at Barrio.

For dinner one night, Pizza Gusto served a super yummy thin-crust pie, with Frugii for dessert. My last day in Canberra, I actually had Frugii three times. Can’t stop, won’t stop this sweet tooth! I mean, they also had really unique seasonal flavors I just had to take advantage of (blue cheese, and black truffle anyone??!)

En route to Canberra, I was seated next to a delightful lady by the name of Linette. We chatted and clicked really well, and we ended up staying at the same hostel. To Lean’s recommendation, we got dinner and drinks at “THE BEST” place in town, Bar Rochford. Like a speakeasy, it was a bit difficult to find, but once you’re there, it does not disappoint. I’m still thinking about their pumpkin and miso! Yum.

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After a few days in Canberra, I headed back to Sydney for my last weekend where I reconnected with my host, Hang. While I do wish I could have stayed longer and made it over to New Zealand, and after receiving the same reaction from all the locals who learned I was only there for a couple of weeks (“you’re only here for TWO weeks?!?”), I absolutely have to come back. There’s a whole lotta outback just waiting to be explored. C;

“Do you feel any different?” // 10 days to 24.

Ten days shy of my 24th birthday, and I write to you from the island of Naoshima, where I’ll be staying for a couple of days. For a town with a population of less than 4,000 people, and one traffic light, you could say that I’ve had some downtime. That’s not to say that there’s not much to do on Naoshima (because for an island, there’s plenty), but I’ve just decided to really pace myself with my visit about here.

This island has the perfect setting to reflect in. Seaside, by the pier, with the company of a refreshing breeze, the occasional ship, open-air sculptures, and just all around stunning coastal views… I’ve been so caught up in my travels that it’s really just hit me that it’s already April. It’s so wild for me to think that I left teaching almost exactly three months ago, and have been traveling ever since. This birthday will be so different from past birthdays, most especially based on the fact that I’m far from home, the usual celebrating party, and my favorite cake from Publix.

You know how on your birthday, someone always asks: “do you feel any different? Y’know, being another year older?” I don’t think I’ve ever answered “yes” to this question before. It’s always been a “no, not really.” But as a soon to be 24 year old… things are different. I feel different. Being a world’s away from home for the majority of this past year, I’ve gained and learned so much from the experience that comes with it.

One thing that hasn’t changed is how grateful I am for everything. From being on this island on this perfect day, to being able to spend my 24th birthday in Japan of all places, and to have been on this incredible adventure for the past 8 months… it really warms my heart that I have friends and family who, despite my limited internet/traveling lyfe, take the time to let me know that they’re thinking of me. Come the holidays and now my birthday is when home is missed most.

I’m playing birthday plans by ear this year. If there’s one solid thing I’ve learned since last August, it’s that you really can’t plan everything out, and I’ve become a lot more accepting of that. So here’s to another year of uncertainty, adventure, trying to figure things out, failing, succeeding, old friendships, new friendships, and being back to an even-numbered age again!

Love from Japan ♥

Post-Tianjin Travels: China

It’s been roughly a month since I’ve left my internship, and I’ve done my share of traveling through China before ending up in Hong Kong, and now, the Philippines. I went from Tianjin – Shanghai – Xitang – Hangzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Chengdu – Guangzhou – Foshan – Hong Kong. Here’s a wrap-up of my travels throughout China, post-teaching: some pictures, some highlights, and a video I made as well!

Shanghai: I reunited with my friend Melanie, who I met when I worked at Disney. She attends school in Shanghai and I crashed in her dorm, which felt a lot like being in college again. I loved it. Other highlights for me in Shanghai were the Natural History Museum and an amazing vegetarian buffet we enjoyed for dinner one night. I would recommend visiting the museum even just to admire the architecture of it. I have to hand it to the Museum Architects of China, for I’ve admired the architecture of their museums very much. They have all been very different, and distinct, while I’ve seen enough porcelain and taxidermy animals it makes my head spin.

Xitang: an ancient water town of China (and where they’ve filmed Mission Impossible: III), Xitang was so charming, and quiet. A nice getaway from city-life. It was just filled with a maze of shops, adorable cafes and plenty of eats. Melanie and I traveled here together (and to Hangzhou next as well), and we met the sweetest local who sold deep-friend corn on the cob, answered all of our questions, gave us directions, and made her husband be our bodyguard to a club (which ended up being so fun as it turned out he is quite the hoot). If you ever find yourself in Xitang, visit her little shop. I’d never had deep-fried corn on the cob before, and in the day we were there, I ate three of them. It’s before you enter the canals and waterways, on your right, next to a convenience store.

Hangzhou: Oh, Hangzhou. You were freezing, but so darn gorgeous with your snow-capped peaks overlooking West Lake. I understand now why West Lake appears on China’s currency. I imagine West Lake is a completely different site, but just as stunning in a warmer season. The day we left, we hiked a bit up the side of a mountain (with our suitcases, mind you!) to a restaurant where I enjoyed one of my favorite meals in China to date. And don’t even get me started on the view… two days was too short. Easily, I would like to live in a cabin on this lake. Pretty please.

Xi’an: I was hosted by a lady named Ran, a dentist in one of the hospitals downtown. If you’re ever headed to Xi’an, I can put you in touch! She was so helpful, and even though I only visited for a couple of days, she made me feel so at home that I wish I had spent longer there. Despite having never been to Xi’an before, I found it really easy to navigate. Double decker bus #603 ran up and down the main avenue from the train station through downtown, and aside from taking a transfer bus to the Terracotta Warriors (a must-see of course!!!), I solely used that bus to get to all the sites in the city. I didn’t make it to Huangshan Mountain this time around, but that’s an excuse to go back. As far as eats go, check out Muslim Street. It lights up at night, and you can enjoy an array of street foods, from deep fried bananas, curried potatoes, homemade yoghurt, and lots of mutton.

Lanzhou: I went to Lanzhou, the hometown of my dear friend Ivy. I met Ivy around the same time I met Melanie, also while working at Disney (it’s a small world, after all…) Ivy was such a darling little hostess. Again, having a local as my tour-guide was the best. Lanzhou is famous for their noodles, and they didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed a lot of really delicious food together (my Chinese hosts kept me so well fed!!!). In Lanzhou, I encountered the coldest weather yet. A frosty 13 below, but that didn’t keep us from climbing to a temple in Five Springs, a mountainous-park area where there was also a zoo and small amusement park. The view and experience made it all worth it.

Chengdu: Home of the largest family of pandas!!! The end. I’ll just let these panda pictures speak for themselves. !!!Pure pandamonium!!! Side note: Sichuan province is known for their spicy foods, and they do not joke with their spices. I found that out the hard way!

Guangzhou: Having visited Guangzhou before, this visit was pretty relaxed. I spent a lot of my visit in Zhejiang New Town, Guangzhou’s up-and-coming Central Business District. There’s a huge park there, which is an excellent place to people-watch, and it’s also the home of the Guangdong Museum (free entry with your passport), and plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s also where the amazing Guangzhou Library is. It was bustling for a library as this is China, (but they do have an English section), Wifi (if you register for a library card with your ID), and drinking water. It’s totally worth checking out even just to use their baños and people-watch, but they’ve also got nine floors to explore! Stick around New Town to catch stunning views of the Canton Tower at night.

Foshan: Foshan is a little bit outside Guangzhou, and my second time visiting it as well. My favorite part about this visit to Foshan was that it was right before the Chinese New Year. I got to experience how a Chinese family prepared for the New Year, which was really exciting. From hand-painted calligraphy banners, decorating Mandarin orange trees, picking and arranging flowers, red envelopes, and offerings, it was such a treat to participate in the traditions with my friend Jim and his family.

I left the eve of Chinese New Year for Hong Kong, and while I was sad to miss Chinese New Year on the mainland, Hong Kong did not disappoint with their celebrations, or really anything about my visit there. Can’t wait to share! More soon.

Love from the Philippines ♥

Venice // 07.06.14 – 07.07.14

Ciao Venezia!

You were very lovely and very Italian. Although our first day, we fortunately got by on English. The streets are a labyrinth of endless alleyways and corridors – all of which are beautiful, but very similar. It doesn’t help that every building is at least three stories high, meaning we could not even make out landmarks to see if we were headed in the right direction. It took us an hour and a half to find out hotel, which ended up being behind a church and right on the canal.

One of the first things that stood out to me about Venice was they had a number of shops selling cat-related items. And not like, cat toys, or cat food, but cat-themed merchandise. And also postcards with cats on them. I wasn’t sure what this obsession with cats was, but we didn’t see a single cat in London. As a cat-person, I wasn’t complaining.

Food

when in Italy, you must have pizza. It’s just that no one informed me that in Italy, pizzas aren’t cut into slices. And that you use your fork and knife to cut up the pizza, as you would cut steak or something. I mean, I was hungry too, so.
where we stayed included breakfast, and we were served wonderful honey croissants, tea, and cappucinos. Waking up and taking my tea out on the window ledge as church bells rang next door… ahhh.
having an unsatisfied sweet tooth, and also a limited budget, gelato was had for lunch (more of that “when in Italy…” mindset). It was expensive to eat out in Venice as it was in London, and we knew we weren’t going to find a Sainsbury here.
It was in Italy where we learned that if we wanted good gelato, to satisfy our cravings by purchasing gelato from places with “artigianale” in their names, meaning “artisan,” aka homemade with real ingredients and authentic.
While the areas we wandered through in Venice during our stay didn’t have a Sainsbury’s or traditional grocery store per se, there were lots of places to eat, from upscale restaurants right on the canal, to literal hole-in-the-wall places. It was from one of these small, local joints where we picked up something quick to eat for dinner our last night, as we strolled alnong the Canal Grande. I got a slice of margherita, but the gent called it “Pizza Italia.”

Sights

Unarguably, Venice was beautiful. Everything from the many colors of the buildings, to watching gondolas and boats float down the canal. Even the small plaza our hotel room looked open to. Seeing laundry hung from lines outside and between buildings felt so much more romantic and beautiful than any laundry lines I’ve seen in America.

It took us two hours to find the Basilica di San Marco from our hotel, even though it was really less than two miles from us. But that was because we got lost. There aren’t exactly street signs everywhere, and I am not exaggerating when I say that everything looks the same. Beautiful, but all the buildings and alleyways are very similar. But through getting lost and wandering, we stumbled upon “The Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World.”
- Also known as the “Libreria Acqua Alta,” books spamming every subject filled this bookshop, all of its walls, every crevice and its courtyards. It was in one of the courtyards where books were stacked like steps to climb. And to make this bookshop even better, there were cats. We didn’t see a single cat in London, so the fact that 3/4 of us are cat-fans, made this bit of getting lost a little bit more exciting.
- I didn’t catch the name of the gentleman who owned the store, but we spoke to him for a bit. He was an older gent, very sweet. It was from him that we learned that during the Plague in Venice, the cats became very important to help control the rat situation. Even after the Plague happened many years ago, cats are still thoroughly admired and loved throughout Venezia. He also told us that if we were all flowers, we would make the most beautiful bouquet. When in Italy…
- There was even a little nook that opened up right onto the canal with chairs for you to just sit and watch boats go by, or just to take in that Italian summer air.

- It was free to visit Basilica di San Marco, but be aware that your shoulers and knees have to be covered as a sign of respect. This was a rule we learned that applied to the rest of the churches we visited on our trip. Wraps were sold by the entrance, but some fellow travelers on their way out handed us theirs! We paid it forward and passed our shawls onto others in line who hadn’t known about the bare shoulders rule either.
  - To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about the interior of the Basilica. Granted, a lot of it was under reconstruction, but I just remember it being very dark and very depressing. Piazza San Marco (or St Mark’s Square), where the Basilica is located, I liked a lot, though. There were shops to peruse, live music, restaurants… a lot of hustle and bustle going on (as was to be expected for the main public square of Venice). But it was just such an amazingly beautiful “urban space” if you will, despite all the traffic.
- The Doge’s Palace is very near to the Piazza and just absolutely stunning. We arrived too late to visit the museum, but it is definitely a must for next time. I just remember falling in love with the architecture of this building in an art history class. I could spend forever taking in all the details of the palace, and to be right on the canal… *swoon*

St Mark's Square with the Campanile (bell tower) in the distance. — St Mark’s Square with the Campanile (bell tower) in the distance.

No photos could capture the beauty of Doge's Palace. — No photos could capture the beauty of Doge’s Palace.

If you are a fan of contemporary art as we were, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice (yes, as in that Guggenheim of NYC!!!) Admission is €9 with a student ID.
- I was so surprised, yet so delighted to learn that this modern art collection existed in Venice. We were not disappointed. We saw works from René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Yoko Ono, and a personal favorite, Jenny Holzer.
  Jenny Holzer, 2001.
When in Venice, one must go on a gondola ride. Turns out that while it is €80 for a gondola ride during the day, the price is €100, and it is a fixed price throughout Venice, regardless of how many people ride in the gondola. So if you’re traveling solo or as a pair, it wouldn’t hurt to befriend a couple of fellow tourists to split a gondola ride!
- Despite the fact that we got rained on and our ride was short-lived, it was incredibly relaxing and worth every penny to be able to tour Venice via boat. I only wish our gondelier had sung to us as well. But he did point out a few buildings, including where Marco Polo had lived.

This gondola ride marked our last adventure in Venice. It rained on our last day in London, so it was only tradition. Venice gave me a bit more of that romantic European experience I was looking for. I think our gondelier expressed our feelings about Venice the most appropriately. We are all thumb’s up. Onward to Florence next via train. I couldn’t wait to see what else Italy had to offer.

Ciao, Venezia!

London // 07.01.14 – 07.04.14

Cheerio!

London was the first stop on our European adventure. We took the Gatwick Express, a train from the airport to where our hotel was located, in Victoria. One of the first businesses we passed was called St George’s Tavern, which was so ironic and so special to us because in St Augustine, there was a bar by the exact same name that we used to frequent. Crazy, huh?

By the time we located the hotel, it was 10AM London-Time. But Florida Time, we would have still been asleep. Unfortunately, we couldn’t check-in until 2PM, so we dropped off our luggage and decided to explore a little. It took everything in me to not take a nap on the grass in Beesborough Gardens (and I’m sure my fellow lady travelers felt the same way). Not only was I tired, but I noticed that the grass in London is very much like the grass in Toronto, where I grew up. It was cushion-y and soft, perfect for napszZZzZz and so much more appealing in my exhausted state of mind… Just kidding. I snapped outta that funk. Onward we marched, towards Tate Britain, the closest gallery to our hotel.

We spent five days and London, and I filled a few pages of my journal for each day. Rather than go into detail here about specific meals or what souvenirs I picked up, I’ll share some highlights, things worth noting for future London bound travelers (as well as some pictures, because one of my favorite parts about London was the architecture: grand, detailed, inviting… I was in love).

Looking up in our first museum stop, Tate Britain.

Food

The first thing we learned during our first meal in London (which ironically was pizza), was that you have to pay for water here. Expect to hear “still or sparkling?” from your server.
Nando’s is a popular fast food joint. Think Boston Market crossed with Chick-Fil-A. I ordered their veggie burger with lemon herb seasoning and it was delish.
Continental breakfast in London is very simple compared to continental breakfast in America. Corn flakes, jam, toast, and English Breakfast Tea, of course. No waffles, blueberry syrup or bagels here.
For Chelsea’s birthday, we dined at a Singaporean restaurant, called Rasa Sayang. Their tofu was really good and it was reasonably priced. The best part of venturing out to this restaurant was that it took us to London’s Chinatown. Who knew London even had a Chinatown!? Not us. Got my taro boba fix, of course.
Spotted: a pizzeria in London’s Chinatown.
Our favorite meal, we decided unanimously, was afternoon tea that we enjoyed in Kensington Gardens, ironically, on July 4th. Mini sandwiches, scones, dessert, and I’m pretty sure I drank 12 cups of tea during what was probably our most filling meal here.
Eating out for the portion-size we also agreed was expensive for our unemployed-college graduate budgets. Our saving grace was a grocery store called Sainsbury Market, which had the vibe of a 7-11, but with the selection of a Publix. A deli, a bakery, frozen foods, you name it. We didn’t starve in London, and we have Sainsbury Market to thank.

Sights

Despite our excitement and the huge, equally excited crowd that gathered for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for us. The palace itself, though, during sunset was glorious.
The majority of museums in London grant free/donation-based admission whilst churches and cathedrals had entrance fees. There were so many museums, and we only got to visit a handful of them. While we didn’t get to spend a ton of time in the Museum of Natural History, the Romanesque style the building of the building left me speechless. The details, the ceilings, the arches… it was all just striking.

I think what was so appealing about London architecture was the variety it offered. You can’t categorize the style of London architecture in just one category. The exterior of flats, everywhere we walked in London… I had to control myself from taking photos of every building we passed. London as a whole, at least the part we ventured to, was just so clean. I remember thinking that the hustle and bustle in certain areas, such as Oxford Street, Piccadilly, and Chinatown reminded me of New York on a smaller scale. But everything just seemed a lot more organized. Neat architectural details on every façade, and such clean lines… I’m just going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

I have to talk about London’s green spaces. I’m a huge fan of public urban spaces of parks and greenery, and how they can really bring people together for events, or picnics. Even naps. Lots of nappers. London had plenty of them. Hyde Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens… just so much green!!! It was lovely.
I was especially fond of the Canada Gates (which I didn’t know existed until we stumbled upon it). The Gate serves as a formal entrance to one of the “Royal” parks presented to London by Canada in honor of Queen Victoria.

10527654_10152161612512547_2144535658263037723_n — Your fave Canasian in London representin’ at the Canada Gates.

The best way to see sights, as expected, was by doing the double decker tour best. We covered so much more ground than we would have on foot. It took us to St Paul’s Cathedral where we walked the Millennium Bridge across the River Thames and right up to Tate Modern. With exhibits featuring works by Rothko, Louise Bourgeois, and Robert Mapplethorpe, it felt like a smaller version of MOMA in New York, one of my favorite museums, so I was a huge fan.
Via double decker bus, we hit up all the major London tourist spots: Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth tower, Big Big Ben and the London Eye. We didn’t have time to ride the London Eye, but given there is a next time (hopefully), that is something I would love to do!

Looking out from Tate Modern to the River Thames & Millennium Bridge.

Our final day, we took a bus tour out to Windsor Castle, Bath, Somerset, and the mysterious Stonehenge. I remember being really excited to get out of the city, to see more of the UK outside of London. I remember how it hadn’t really hit me that I was in Europe, because in London, so many things reminded me of America, or Toronto. It didn’t feel very European aside from the opposite traffic flow, certain brands, and the accents. Granted, it was incredibly easy when asking for directions around here and I think a smart first stop for us to ease into being on a completely different continent. I’ll post about our visit outside London soon (and of course about the rest of our adventure abroad)!