512

Hi there sugar dolls! I was totally not planning on posting tonight... and then I got home earlier than planned and, well, I couldn't keep myself from doing so. Oh well! Hope you've had a great week so far. Considering the many serious tones running through yesterday's post, I've decided to focus on lighter things tonight. You have been forewarned ;).

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting David for lunch before he left for Colombia. We met at the Nolita House, a restaurant/bar not too far from my office nor from his brother's apartment and one that I've actually been to twice, both times without a camera. As NY Mag describes, the Nolita house neither "aspires to Soho House's level of sophisticated debauchery" nor "mocks it", it is a rustic casual New American spot with artisanal cheese plates, reasonably-priced happy hour tacos, and scholastic-themed cocktails. Sounds intriguing, I know.

This time 'round, however, I simply ordered the Vegetarian burrito (sautéed wild mushrooms, citrus pico, cheddar cheese, guacamole, creme fresca & lettuce served with yellow rice, beans & homemade chips) and focused on the conversation at hand. One thing that stuck with me is how he commented on my personal transparency when it comes to this blog. It's true too, I share a lot of my life and innermost thoughts and fears here. So much so, actually, that when people I know tell me they read my blog (and love it)... I get ridiculously embarrassed. Nevertheless, there are quite a few things about me that even you do not know, and although I'm not ready to reveal everything, tonight I have the occasion to give you another "glimpse":

I am lucky enough to be receiving the Sugar Doll Blogger Award from the fabulous Claire at A Fresh Dille. We may not know each other, yet, but I have adored her and her lovely blog for quite some time now. We have a ridiculous amount in common, she is a talented photographer, and her philosophy on food and life is just beautiful. As for this particular award, the rules are as follows:

Tell us 10 little known facts about yourself and then pass it on to 3 to 5 other bloggers... okay then!

1. I sleep with a skunk, his name is Stinky, and he is Pepé Le Pew's cousin. On my 9th birthday, I remember sitting in the living room at my old house opening my family gifts before I left for school. My mom leaned over and whispered, "just pretend to like it, we can return it later," as I reached in the bag that my sister, then two years old, gave me and felt the stuffed animal skunk. From that night on, and through all the nights at home, Stinky's been with me. Please note that before then I'd never had a stuffed animal nor a "blankie" accompany me in my slumber. 
2. The only liquor I drink, and actually enjoy, is tequila. When I first began to drink alcohol socially I experimented with rum, vodka, and even whiskey. As the years have gone on, however, and my drinking has gotten more responsible, I prefer wine and beer among all others. If a shot must be had though, and let's face it that does happen sometimes, I'm a tequila and lime girl all the way. I like to think it's the Mexican in my blood.
3. I am a despicable nail-biter. Ugh, this one is just gross, and I wish I wasn't guilty of it. To make matters worse, I'm pretty sure that I made myself get into the habit of biting my nails at age eleven when my cousin lived with my family for a summer. She's super cool and used to bite her nails. I, of course, have yet to grow out of it. A manicure helps though!
4. I appreciate country music. I am not ashamed about it or anything, but around the area from where I'm from, such an appreciation is rare. When it comes to music though, I don't discriminate. At a young age, I was exposed to a lot of different kinds including classical, jazz, and country, and so I love it all, even though I am in no way, shape, or form a musical expert.
5. I've been told I have a great voice, and I don't mean in the sense of singing. No, I have been complimented on the way my talking voice sounds. Is that not the oddest compliment you've ever heard? When I was in 6th grade, my language arts teacher actually suggested that I be on the radio or on television in my future career. Ha!
6. The above fact is so funny because little did he know that I was and still am unreasonably insecure. Although not particularly extroverted, I usually make an effort to be friendly, smiley, and conversational. As such, I'm pretty sure that I come off as confident and if so, and I'm sad to admit this, most of it is mostly then for show. I'm working on this one though, promise.
7. I hate shoe-shopping. And to be completely honest, I actually don't usually enjoy shopping either. I am a combination of an impulse buyer and one who needs to love, love, love something before even considering it. As such, the fact that I must try on shoes before purchasing a pair annoys me like none other. That's not to say that I don't like shoes, though, because I do, very, very much :) in addition to new clothes.
8. I never liked bacon. Maybe this isn't a secret after all, but I find my distaste for the fried, fatty breakfast favorite a unique one. It's one of the things that non-veg-heads usually ask me if I miss when they find out that I don't usually eat meats and try to stick to a plant-based diet. Of course I don't miss it! I can't even stand the smell.
9. I was once embarrassed by my naturally good posture. Apparently, my tendency to sit up straight comes from my maternal great grandmother, paired with years of dance, I'm sure. One day in middle school, a "friend" commented on how I sat at the lunch table, a comment which extended to the point of teasing. It's blows my mind that I then made a conscious effort to slouch for the next few weeks.
10. Like Claire, I am bad at burping. I probably burp about two to three times a year and it's only induced with extreme carbonation. When I was more immature it used to bother me... now not so much :). Also, unlike her (I'm sure) and most other people, I don't know how to roll my R's nor roll my tongue. I'm convinced that my tongue is dumb.

And now you "know" more about me then you ever could want, huh? Fun :). Feel free to comment below on any similar or completely dissimilar quirks that you yourself might possess. Or like the latest recipients of the Sugar Doll Blogger Award: Leslie, Kailey, Sofia, Jenn, and Holly, blog about them. Either way, with this photo of the surprisingly green/gorgeous dinner I was able to prepare from the cafeteria selection at my sister's sleep away camp, I will now bid you adieu. 

P.S. This is my 512th post, and I've been blogging for over two years. Oh how time flies! In celebration, I'm taking a blogcation :).

(life) changing the world

Hi sweethearts! Guess what? Aside from walking, there's another brightening solution to darker days. It goes as follows: publish a post from the heart, let it stand a while, and then return to read the thoughtful comments below. I cannot thank you enough :). I've also heard that a delightfully busy weekend helps. 

Friday was an international one. I rode the train with my friend and her Italian boyfriend, met the French boys at Grand Central, and then lunched at a quintessential New York gem (with delicious American fare), Gotham Bar and Grill. By Saturday, I was in Connecticut with my parents picking up my sister from her dance sleep away camp and watching her and her new talented friends in their final performance. All of the dancers were spectacular. And, of course, we cannot forget Sunday, an afternoon spent in Philadelphia to experience "Rock the Era: Dream Big, Change the World," a Youth Culture Festival organized by the SGI - USA East Territory, otherwise known as my cousin's Buddhist organization.

I am now going to try to thread together the beginning of my weekend (in pictures) with the end (in words). Wish me luck ;). First off, let me just say that although I am currently figuring out my beliefs, I have only minimally chanted in certain yoga classes and was raised Roman Catholic. My cousins, on the other hand, have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for as long as I can remember. 

According to the SGI website, their teachings and philosophy are rooted in "the concept of 'human revolution' a process of inner transformation through Buddhist process. It is a process that leads us to develop our character and to act not only for our personal fulfillment but also for the betterment of society."

I don't know about you but I didn't find those words to be nearly as intimidating as the socialite sophistication within Gotham Bar and Grill. Watching a group of like-minded individuals of all different backgrounds come together to celebrate and support youth culture was really quite inspiring actually.

[Heirloom and Watermelon Salad: cherry tomato, thai basil, ricotta salata]

They played instruments, they sang, they recited, they danced, all in response to the question "What will the future of our nation be?" - a loaded question made fun.

[Roasted Scottish Salmon: sugar snap peas, fregula sarda, baby zucchini, fines herbes vinaigrette]

I couldn't agree more with SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, when he said, "A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind."

World peace and a slice of rich mouse-like chocolate cake, preferably flourless, and served alongside a scoop of seasonal mixed berry ice cream... I dig it.

walk it out

Trying to be on a constant high is exhausting. I am lucky, I am blessed, and still I am not always happy. Especially today. No matter how absurd it may sound, I think that my constant self-reminding of how much I should appreciate the life I lead often leaves me unsatisfied and unfulfilled. 

It's not that I want more of anything, really, because I don't. Most of the time I'm convinced that I have everything I could ever need. As for my dreams of the future, I do not doubt my ability to reach them and am usually not pressured by the passing of time. I don't like the expressions that regard time in the sense of money, i.e. wasting, spending, borrowing. If we're always looking at life in the sense of lost time, how can we ever really enjoy the now? The gloriously sweet moments that make up each day may be small but they're there and there is no reason not to recognize them. 

So from there, I wonder if I'm lonely. And then I realize that such a state of being is otherwise impossible. I have friends from home, from school, from blogs even, all within a 100-mile radius, possibly less, and I see them often. I live with my family which, although can be taxing sometimes, is a comfort.

Optimism is a skill as much as it is a way of thinking, and 9/10 times I feel as though I have mastered it. Yet if that is so, how can it be that I am so lucky, blessed, and still unhappy? Hmph, what a day. I need a walk.

a midsummer night's babble

Hello, my sweets. Last night I took the liberty of vlogging. Laugh, cry, enjoy ;)...

For the information and links discussed during our chat: learn more about my editor position at Go Backpacking, view the previously-live (I'm on camera at 1:02!) video feed of the Robert Verdi Tweet This party - Getaway edition , find out about the details of my healthful detox, and get your own 30 days for $30 of yoga. Otherwise, have a very happy Friday and weekend. See you soon!

surrounded by silver & gold

Hi again :) I think I've forgotten how fun it can be to post every day. These past few days have been great ones; from a weekend that was spent with some of my most favorite people, to a return to a home filled with tons of goodies (you're going to have to wait 'til the road trip for those ones but let's just say I'm thrilled), and into a fun and fulfilling week at Quirky HQ that's been scattered with many a happy hours (literally and figuratively) with friends. For as much as I felt nostalgic for the life I had, it's be crazy to think I'm not lucky to have the life I got. And if it's true for me, I can't imagine that it wouldn't be a similar case for you too. 

When I was in Girl Scouts, many moons ago, we sang a song: "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold. A circle's round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend..." and so on and so forth. Anyway ;) since I was reminded of it today (don't ask) I realized that I hadn't really shared with you a few new "friends" I've made recently. The first is Oats in a Jar. Yep, I'm one of the select bloggers that had not yet made the plunge until yesterday. Can anyone remember who started it by the way? Hm. It was fun, no doubt, but even so, I think I'm still more likely to be loyal to my true blue bowl. Call me a traditionalist, but I don't like having more dishes to do than normal and I prefer my drizzled Almond Butter scoop among all other things. Don't worry, there's no hard feelings.

Then there's that Core Fusion Yoga class that I took at Exhale two weeks ago. Core Fusion is a toning class "based on Lotte Berk Method fundamentals, Pilates, and 50 years of combined fitness expertise, to achieve a strong, athletic, flexible, and youthful body." Quite the claim, don't ya think? Well, it's no exaggeration. And even I knew this after a sole hour of exercise heaven. The CF Yoga class ingeniously combined asana, Qi Gong, stretching, and the standard core strengthening and thoroughly kicked my a**. I felt outstanding, and then my entire body hurt for the next four days :). Unfortunately, as much as I would love to, I simply cannot afford to indulge my inner-masochistic-yogi so luxuriously. Bring on the friend crush. In other news, I'll keep you posted on the gym/fitness center I do end up joining though, because it is happening in the month of August. Suggestions are more than welcome. Please, please have some suggestions.

And of course, I cannot forget about my lunch date with the freshest face in town, Otarian. I've heard a lot about this new-to-NY café (they must have great PR people) but didn't even think to try it until last week. I hadn't had a chance to pack lunch in the morning so I looked up their downtown eatery location and walked on over the eight blocks. Choosing what to get was tough. For a little background info: all the food they serve is vegetarian friendly and quite a few of their items are either gluten free or vegan, choices range from soups to burgers to yummy brownies (just saying), and everything is sustainable in every way and as local as possible. Although a bit expensive for my tastes, the Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous salad was flavorful, and yet sadly hardly satisfying. I'm not writing them off or anything, it just might be a whole before we reach that bff level ;). As for iced green tea, well, she and I have always been close. Gotta love Starbucks.

I am so ridiculous that I astound myself sometimes. Oh gosh. Okay. Tonight I put my preemptive snobbery aside and had pasta salad with dinner. I don't know why I had been threatened by this ever-popular dish for so long! Perhaps it is my lack of adoration for pasta, or my fear of salads that do not involve greens, but my mom's version made with farfalle (it'll always be bow ties to me), pesto, leftover roasted vegetables, and pinto beans was out of this world. Insanity. I also enjoyed a classic vegetable favorite, broccoli, and a small piece of an unidentified fish stuffed with crab meat. What new foods, places, or things have you recently met? As far as who've you befriended lately, it might be less weird to assume that real people work better :).

P.S. Notice the abnormally-low quality of these pictures? I think my latest camera might be dead. Cameras and I just do not get along. Ever, ever :( I'm not over it.

capitlization:

Taking advantage of... something. Life's funny sometimes most of the time. You don't want something until you can't have it anymore. You think you know who you're supposed to be until you discover that you're already becoming who you are. You make peace with the fact that weekends are the only fun-loving spontaneous part of your week until an extraordinary Monday comes along.

Lately I've been taking the earlier train to the city so that I can get walk more (and subway less) on my way to work. From Astor Place, I pass at least three gyms. I have every desire to join but no confidence in my ability to squeeze in a morning workout nor to have the energy to attend a fitness class after work.

Last Monday began like that, like all the others. I arrived in the office, settled into my routine, and then, well... our roof, our roof, our roof was on fire. From the third floor we took the stairs to the streets below where other people from our building and many a passerby had congregated to watch in awe as four fire trucks of men and women tried to put out the flames that stretched along the sixth story edge.

We waited for about an hour before we broke for lunch. And by broke, I mean we all walked together from our burning building and empty office, around the block towards Soho, and down the street to Dos Caminos for our midday meal. At that point, we really didn't have any other option.

We talked seriously and chatted casually amongst fresh tortilla chips, a trio of salsas, and a huge clay bowl of authentic guacamole. I nothing short of lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing, passionate, and quirky group.

For my entrée, I ordered Mexican Chopped Salad: grilled corn, poblano chiles, apples, pinto beans, green olives, tomato, onion, añejo cheese, crispy tortillas and toasted cumin vinaigrette, in addition to a side of Vegetarian Refried Black Beans.

I also admired, and may have tasted a few bites off of, the lovely plates of my fellow diners. To name a few, there were Shrimp & Lobster Ceviche, Chicken Tinga, Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna Lettuce Tacos (pictured above), La Cubana Quesadilla, and Sautéed Sweet Plantains. Everything was delectable.

Two hours later we stood up from our chairs, left the restaurant, and called our building to check on the status. The fire was out but we wouldn't be allowed in any time soon. In that case, we might as well have gotten ice cream. So we did. 

FYI- Nobody was hurt, the building is fine, and we did eventually go back to work later that day.

You've got everything in your world figured straight out until you blink, it spins 'round, and nothing's familiar anymore. It's in times like these that I've come to realize how vital it is to make the most of every situation. You can always find a way to benefit in the opportunity, I promise, and figuring out how exactly to go about doing that is just the beginning of the fun part ;). Sweet dreams...

multiversity

Hello lovelies! I've missed you. As I mentioned briefly on Saturday morn, I spent this past weekend re-learning the alphabet A, Baltimore, College Park, and D.C. So clever, I know ;). 

For most if it, I was basically whisked right back into the world of college life. In preparation, I fueled up with a nutritious meal of veggies before hitting the road.

Let me try to paint this gorgeous picture for you: My first morning in College Park,  I ran out for coffee and a few toiletries that I'd forgotten at home. I brought home a dozen bagels with which my friends and their roommates made bagel sandwiches using a neighbor's frying pan. I ate mine, a toasted whole-wheat bagel topped with an egg, spinach, and cheese, in front of the television. Please note that there were no napkins to be found and the coffee table on which my paper plate rested had just recently been purchased from Ikea.

We hung out, relaxed, and the rest of the afternoon continued as follows: a University of Maryland campus tour (beautiful!), beer, movie, shower, salad, beer, pizza, house party, bars. My sole picture of all that? The UMD chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.  If only it were possible re-enroll in different universities around the U.S. around the world each time I had to go ahead and graduate… when somebody does figure out how to make that work, please let me know :).

In the mean time, I did take some pictures during Niko (a visitor from Strasbourg) and I's day trip into D.C. The metro runs right into one of my new favorite college towns and it was quick >30 minute ride into the city. First thing's first, we set out to find lunch. Who knew it would be so difficult?

There were a ton of office-friendly food-to-go places and a couple of super nice restaurants but almost nothing of what we were looking for until the Corner Bakery. Seated in the  cool A.C. environment, I wanted refreshment and settled upon a salad trio of mixed greens, Greek vegetables, and Asian medley.

Afterwards, we explored. The last and only time I was in Washington, D.C. was for a leadership conference in high school. Most of my days were spent inside, with other students from all 50 states, preparing for mock government actions. A few times, however, we set out on tourist excursions to make sure we saw most, if not all, of the memorials, monuments, and major museums. This time, I was disappointed to find that besides those sights, the city had a rather sterile feel. 

By the time we got to the GW neighborhood though, the streets began to seem a bit more "cultured and green" and I became happier with what I was seeing.  I thought the German church above, for instance, was absolutely beautiful.

And then of course, we moved onto the must-see sites to surround ourselves with the beauty and international audience that the capitol of the United States attracts.

Niko and I actually weren't really good friends in Strasbourg (although he was close with Liz) so it was nice to bond with him. He totally understood my subtle sarcasm in our conversations and dished it right on back to me, 'twas awesome :).

Despite our good spirits, however, the extreme 98-degree weather couldn't keep us outside forever, (we were so tempted to jump into every memorial fountain we passed) so we wrapped up our afternoon in the Corcoran Museum of Art.

It was quaint and unique and perfect for the amount of time we had to look around. Both him and I were very pleased we'd ventured inside. A.C. and amazing exhibits... what more could we need? 

The next time I saw him was in Baltimore with Antoine (Niko's friend), Liz, and her friends from home. We reunited at Artscape, America's largest free arts and cultural festival, complete with Sweet Tea Lemonade Vodkas and snacks galore.

Then, we continued the musical antics later that night at the 8 x 10 with a farewell concert by a local band, good beer, and a ridiculously hysterical dance party. As a result, The Rez will forever rock on as far as my memory is concerned.

And finally, we sat on Federal Hill, overlooking the B'more Harbor, and soaking up the final ounces of fun that could be had on my last night in town.

None of us woke up before noon the next morning, giving Liz's mom just enough time to return from farmer's market with fresh bread and cheese. All we had to do was scrounge through their cabinet for the raspberry preserves Liz had purchased before leaving France and we were set for a sweet and savory breakfast. Unfortunately, not even a feast that great could take the sting away from my departure. I can't even tell you how much I didn't want to leave! If I didn't have to get home and come to work this morning, I would have stayed all week, and then some. But alas some good things must come to an end, and with that, I've got to get back to the grind. Ciao for now!

eat up down under

Oh hey! Did I forget to mention that I'm in D.C. for the weekend? It's been a blast so far :), but before I can tell you all about our Nation's capitol, how about a trip to another former British Colony that is far more "exotic"? Yep, that's right, it's time for another Plates from Around the World. If you're interested in contributing, please note that these posts run on Saturdays and describe a contributor's incredible travel experiences with food. All you have to do is email me at aroundtheworld340@gmail.com. Otherwise, get ready for a glance at one of my favorite places that I have yet to visit :) and welcome the beautiful Melissa as our guide. Take it away, blog friend...

If I could, I would pack up my bags in an instant to move to the great land of Auz.  I love the environments there, being surrounded by the NE Queensland rainforests and the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the people could not be more chill and kind. But the food...oh the food!  If you want to visit one country to gain a culinary experience, Australia is it!!!  But even though Australia is made up of a huge ethnic population providing the continent with a variety of different cuisines, they also have many of their own specialties which I have had the honor of trying...well, at least some of them because I don't eat meat (kangaroo anyone???)!

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First off, don't ever call them cookies.  They'll laugh at you and call you a "typical American".  They're biscuits, and no not like the kind you get with gravy and chicken fried steak.  Instead, they're delectable goodies you get to have as a treat during your afternoon "smoko" with some tea or coffee.  I had my fair share of biscuits both times I traveled over there and tried a variety of different kinds, but my favorite?  Lets just say I bought an entire CASE in Duty Free before I came home, both times.  

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Even the Aussies can't get enough of TimTams.  I mean, who could resist a chocolate biscuit, filled in the middle with anything fromdark/milk/white chocolate, smooth mousse, caramel, mint, crunch, cheery...the list could go on.  They are a perfect match for any drink and provide you with enough sweetness to give you that afternoon pickup you might need to finish out the workday.  I have found out they do sell them in the U.S. now through Pepperidge Farm...but something about them being from Australia, by Arnott's, makes them taste that much better.

Three other treats the Australian's are known for include Lamingtons, ANZAC Biscuits and Pavlova.  When I studied in Australia during the Spring of 2006 I was graced with a chef who not only graced me with the flavors and experiences of these goodies, but also taught me how to make them too!  They're all relatively simple to make, but you gotta love coconut, which seems to encompass many of the desserts/treats over there.  

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Alas, Lamingtons can be described best as a small piece of cake covered in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut flakes.  It may seem light and airy, but this is not for the light of heart.  Plan on having a nice drink on the side to balance it all out!

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ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Biscuits are simple, but hold a special place in many Australian's hearts as they were thought to originate during WWI by the wives of soldiers, who sent them to their men on the front line without the fear of them spoiling before they got there.  Kinda like us American's and chocolate chip cookies. Or Peanut Butter Cookies...

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And then there is Pavlova.  Like we make yellow cakes with chocolate frosting and such for many of our family and holiday gatherings, you'll be presented most often with one of these light meringue cakes, often topped with fruit and whipped cream, as your dessert of choice.  Or TimTams. [[wink wink]]  Anyhow, I certainly loved this dessert for it's airiness and having just enough sweetness along with the fruit and cream to round out a nice relaxing dinner from the barbie.

Now we'll move onto the more savory dishes and eats of the Aussies.  I unfortunately did not have the grace to try their famous Meat Pies or game meats like Kangaroo, Crocodile or Emu, but I'll let you in on what many of my friends thought of their flavors and varieties!

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I remember walking into the Sydney Airport after being in a plane for 12 hours and being presented with the overwhelming scent of...pie?  I never expected to find myself falling straight into a case of Mini Meat Pies, which looked like American Pot Pies to me, but filled with anything from ground beef, to chicken, to lamb and things I don't even remember.  And they were also topped off withTomato Sauce (not to be mixed up with Ketchup, for they don't add sugar or vinegar to their sauce; which I found to taste way better btw), all to be eaten out of a small bag with your hands.  No utensils required; how convenient!!!

And meat?  Well I can only tell you what I heard about how their's tasted.  It wasn't your typical meat though...oh no sir.  I'm sure you're not going to go to the butcher and find "Kangaroo", "Crocodile", or "Emu" on the for sale board.  Now, don't go about thinking this is all they eat as they consume the typical beef, chicken, and seafood just like Americans.

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We had the pleasure of having a nice night out on the patio of our school yard with the barbie to try out Kangaroo and Crocodile skewers to see what everyone thought.  I almost gave into it, but along with not wanting to go non-veg after so many years, I was also graced with seeing this picture in my head and simply couldn't do it!

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Alas, everyone enjoyed the experience of trying a new kind of meat they knew they would be hard pressed to find in the US.  Many said the crocodile resembled chicken but more chewy, and everyone loved the flavor of the kangaroo...

Anyhow, last but not least there are the spreads of Australia.  Spreads?  Like Peanut Butter?  Yes, but don't let that fool you as the Australian's (at least all the ones I met!) think it's funny how much PB American's consume and why they would want to eat it on everything from bread to apples and bananas or even their noodles!

Much to my demise, they prefer their toast to be spread with butter and jam or their favorite: VEGEMITE.

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I'm sorry Australia, but I don't know how you can stand eating this on your breakfast toast.  I gave it a try to say that I've had it...and I just about gagged.  I apologize for the mental picture, but the salt and yeast-iness of the spread was a bit too powerful for me.  I think I'll stick to my peanut butter and jelly thank you!

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Now this only covers a small portion of the goodies you'll find unique to Australia and I hope that one day you might be able to visit the fabulous country yourself to not only try all their wonderful foods, but also the environmental experiences and presence of such wonderful and happy people.

Ah that was glorious. Thank you so much Melis! Not gonna lie, it's been my dream since I was 12 to spend my honeymoon exploring each and every Australian province. If you're going to travel that far, for that long, might as well do it with someone you love that much, right? ;) See you Monday!