San Francisco Mission District

When I was in San Francisco I stayed in the lively and colourful Mission district.

The day we arrived our apartment was surrounded by a throbbing street party. Kids were riding bicycles down the middle of the street, bands and DJ's spinning, great food and smiling locals. I treated it as a sign that I was going to love this city.

Turns out I was staying in quite the trendy neighbourhood. In my research of Mission I knew that it was famous for it's eateries whilst brimming with colour and street art. I was literally around the corner from Balmy Alleyway known for it's religious murals painted onto local residents fences and roller doors. Definitely a fun part of town.

Hanging Out At The Whythe Hotel

Brooklyn has such a different pace to Manhattan. I fell in love with Brooklyn's arty quirky side and I regret not exploring it further.

A good friend Camille suggested that I go check out the Whythe Hotel if I was in the area. I immediately fell in love with its ultra cool rooftop and bubbly clientele. The gorgeous people were out in full force soaking up the sunhine. We immediately struck up a conversation with a few of New York's Nomads and had a fabulous time.

If you are in the Williamsburg neighbourhood you should definitely check this place out. Did I mention the view?

A Day at MoMA

Whenever I travel I always make an effort to see at least one Art Gallery. My favourite day in New York was the day I went to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). We were lucky to be in town when the Rain Room Exhibition was showing. When we arrived at MoMA early that morning there was already a giant queue to go see the exhibition. Turns out the day we picked happened to be the last day that the exhibition was on. I regret not taking a picture as the queue spanned a block! It was quite hot outside and I had no desire to wait in that long queue so we headed inside to cool down and to check out the rest of MoMA.







I have a huge appreciation of modern art and found the Museum fascinating. Some of the work shown were iconic. Pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Monet, Matisse and Klimt. But what I really enjoyed was that the Museum was a time capsule of all things Modern: Art, Architecture, Design, Film and Literature. It was beautiful to see an Eames Chair and a Philip Stark Juicer nestled in amongst the artwork. Here are some of my favourites from that day.











Turns out not waiting in the long queue paid off. Whilst the line for the Rain Room dissipated in the heat I got to sneak in and see what all the fuss was about. I felt like I had stepped into a cool, soothing ambient dark box. People spoke in hushed tones. It reminded me of a Church in many ways if you ignore the rain pouring out of the ceiling. It truly was one of those awe filled moments. I was lucky enough to see an impromptu performance by a pair of dry dancers twirling in the rain. A pretty magical day.

A Week In New York

I absolutely loved my time in New York City. I wish I had a few more days there. Lets be fair can there ever be enough time? It's a strange town to visit as you iconically know all the big sights. I am not used to that when I travel. I found myself constantly recognising shots from favourite movies and television shows. Whilst we were in town we stumbled over a few film sets ourselves. I could see how the film industry could test the patience of the average New Yorker just trying to live.

As there was only a short amount of time to get a taste of New York life I realised that I couldn't do everything as much as I truly wanted to do. I've estimated that it would take at least a month to a few years for everything. I knew I would go a little crazy with that knowledge so before I left I set myself a small New York Challenge which I talked about here on the blog. Here is how I went!

• I did walk through a Shoe Department although I never found Barneys. I found myself lost in Macy's instead. 

• I rode a bike around Central Park. It was a glorious day for a ride and I swear all the Outdoor-loving New Yorkers were in the park frolicking in the sunshine.  

• My apartment where I was staying had a fabulous rooftop so we bought a bottle of champagne and watched the sunset over Manhattan from up close. 

• I took a quick stroll along the Highline. Quick meaning short unfortunately I didn't see the entire thing. 

• I did find a secret in the city. But it's not a secret if I share it with you now is it? I will say that I did get to play an 80s arcade game on my birthday and finding the secret was worth the effort.

I loved my time in New York. It was a place that energised my soul and gave me lots of inspiration. I will definitely go back in the near future. New York, you stole my heart along with my head.

We were lucky enough to be staying in a fabulous apartment right near the Highline. It meant we were up close and personal to everything. If you are looking to stay somewhere ahh-mazing I cannot rave enough about where we stayed. You can book the apartment here. 

Hanging out in Los Angeles

This past week I've started to go through my photos from my American adventure. I would like to share a few pictures which were taken a few weeks ago whilst in sunny LA. My good friend Natasha lives there and she took the afternoon off to show me a teeny slice of her City. I was quite delirious having come straight from a long 13 hour flight (with no sleep) to out sightseeing. I was incredibly grateful for my friend turned Tour Guide to take the lead whilst I could lay back and enjoy the ride hanging out in Los Angeles.





We were blessed with a warm day and blue skies so drove through Griffith Park up to the Observatory to check out the best views of LA. Fun fact: If the Observatory looks familiar it is because it features in quite a few Blockbuster Hollywood movies like Rebel without a Cause, Terminator and Transformers.




The Observatory was a great spot to view the Hollywood Sign as well as the sprawling city. I had a sense of just how big Los Angeles truly is and how it would be mad to live here without a car (no wonder the traffic is crazy). Later that day we braved the crush of people down on Hollywood Boulevard but to be honest I much preferred the sunshine and solitude of Griffith Park. Maybe it had something to do with the fact I was lucky enough to spot my first ever Hummingbird and American squirrel!

Have you ever been to LA?

Dreaming of America

 sorry for all the travel posts but the day has finally arrived, heading to the States!

I keep hearing wonderful things about America. My parents have visited the US 5 times and when they retell their stories their faces light up and their eyes go all hazy with the warm memories. The same happens time and again when I talk to my sisters and friends. What is it with this country that people love so much?

Have you ever been to the States? What do you love about this country?

Howdy America! Can't wait to meet you.

Dreaming of San Francisco

New York has been nothing short of fabulous and I'm very sad to leave. I can see why many of my friends have moved there as it is an incredibly vibrant place. I'll give you a proper update on my time there soon once I am back in Australia. At the moment I am flying over the country to go see San Francisco.



San Francisco was a late addition to my trip. In a way I have a feeling that this city is the one that I'm going to end up loosing my heart to. A few of my American friends have given me some great suggestions for what to do whilst I'm in town. One tip they shared is to never shorten San Francisco's name to San Fran (thank you Crispy!) Here are my must-do plans so far.

Riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito to find a famous ice-cream parlour.

Hanging out in Dolores Park.

Alcatraz. I am travelling with my Roller Derby friend Elle Catraz so it is appropriate.

Hanging with the hippies in Haight-Ashbury.

I wonder if San Francisco know that there is a cute Australian band who go by the name San Cisco? If they don't then they should get on board. Have you been to San Francisco bay? Is there a special place there that you think I should go see? Your suggestions are more than welcome.




Original San Francisco image from here

Dreaming of Rollercon

Two more sleeps until I madly rush to the airport for my flight to America. Normally my travel adventures are just that a rambling adventure exploring the world. This time however there is a purpose to my travel plans other than satisfying my wanderlust - I've packed my roller skates and am heading to Rollercon!




I have been involved in with Adelaide Roller Derby since 2008 and Rollercon has been one of those dream 'must-do' events high on my list. To help you imagine it: Roller Derby + 2000 excited skaters + 1 week in Las Vegas. It's one hell of a mix and the butterflies have officially set in.

I see myself doing a lot of sightseeing in between novelty challenge bouts, serious classes and afternoon cool downs by the pool. But honestly what I'm most excited about is getting the opportunity to meet, possibly play against and definitely party with some of the best Roller Derby athletes in the world.







My friends Velvet Thunderground and Dutch Oven went over to America a few years ago and their photos of their experience inspired me to one day go chase down my dreams of skating internationally. I've borrowed some of their photos from their time away. Thank you Dutch Oven for letting me share some of your beautiful photography.



Seeing all of these wonderful memories just has me itching to create some of my own. Have you ever incorporated your sport or your passion into your holiday?

Packing Light

I'm stuck with the task of packing right now. It's the one part of the travelling process where I feel so terribly uncool. I wish I could pack as lightly as Joan Didion as shown from this excerpt from her book The White Album.

To Pack and Wear: 

2 skirts 

2 jerseys or leotards 

1 pullover sweater 

2 pair shoes 

stockings 

bra 

nightgown, robe slippers 

cigarettes 

bourbon 

bag with: shampoo, toothbrush and paste, Basis soap, razor, deodorant, aspirin, prescriptions, Tampax, face cream, powder, baby oil 

To Carry: 

mohair throw 

typewriter 

2 legal pads and pens 

files 

house key 

This is a list which was taped inside my closet door in Hollywood during those years when I was reporting more or less steadily. The list enabled me to pack, without thinking, for any piece I was likely to do. Notice the deliberate anonymity of costume: in a skirt, a leotard, and stockings, I could pass on either side of the culture. Notice the mohair throw for trunk-line flights (i.e. no blankets) and for the motel room in which the air conditioning could not be turned off. Notice the bourbon for the same motel room. Notice the typewriter for the airport, coming home: the idea was to turn in the Hertz car, check in, find an empty bench, and start typing the day’s notes. 

See what I mean? It is a highly romantic and insouciant ideal of course. Maybe it's just that Joan packs bourbon and a typewriter...

The last few days I have been constantly thinking of New York. The cramped sidewalks. The chilled shade standing in the shadow of a skyscraper. I can feel the adrenaline of impending adventure kicking in. I know deep in my bones that I'm going to figure something out walking along those streets. I hope that the sun shines bright when I'm there.

Dreaming of New York

Next week I will be bouncing-off-the-walls excited as I will be boarding a plane and heading off to the US. It is my first trip to the States and I have no true idea what to expect. The city I'm most excited to visit is of course New York.

New York has been hiding in my dreams forever. It has felt like an angry itch that has been exponentially amplified. It was never should I visit but when and the time has finally arrived.

I find myself drawn to unique and non-touristy experiences usually when I am away. I am curious to see if I can find those though as New York looks to be quite the cliche. Here are some of the places and experiences that I am most looking forward to.


I am a huge art fan so of course, MoMA is high on my must-do list. I might not be able to visit the Rain Room Exhibition as the wait seems to make it not worth the effort but it is still MoMA and there will still be a mountain of work to see.

A walk through Barney's Shoe Department.

To find a secret in the city.

A Skate Party in Central Park. I have packed my roller skates!

A cocktail on a Manhattan Rooftop.

A stroll along the Highline.

I usually set myself a challenge for each new travel adventure and as yet I haven't found an appropriate one for New York. Maybe I will just commit myself to saying yes if a wonderful strange opportunity appears. Have you been? Is there something that a really should 'must do' whilst there?

Feel Good Friday

This weekend I'm preparing to fly to Melbourne to watch The Radeladies take on the Melbourne Northside Rollers in an epic Roller Derby battle not previously seen in this known Universe. The Radeladies are nice girls no longer. They have been training hard these past few months channelling their inner dark side & sinister booty blocks and have become the Radalliance.




Definition of Radalliance. (As confirmed by Urban Dictionary)

Rad An abbreviation of 'radical'--a term made popular by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Alliance People or groups that work together.

If you are in Melbourne this weekend come on down & check out some fun Roller Derby action. Tickets sold here. In the meantime enjoy this cheeky Star Wars inspired music mix to put some beats into your Friday.

May the Fourth be with you.

Dreaming of Coachella

I adore music festivals. It's not just about the day itself but all of the tingly nervous excitement and preparation for it. I will daydream over the line-up and create mixtapes. I organise a plan of attack to the minute & then on the day let spontaneous insouciance take over. My girlfriend is incredibly organised (and me by default) as she laminates sweat and water proof line-up cards for us. I like to add my own quirk to each festival so I begin my day setting myself a quest. I once travelled to a festival called Sunset Sounds in Brisbane. I noticed at that particular festival there was a high incidence of Wayfarer wearing hipsters. I challenged myself to get as many photos possible of me wearing said hipsters wayfarers with the hipster in the shot. That was a fun festival, and challenge.

Over the years as my means have increased my desire to travel further and visit festivals in other countries has grown. So far some of my dream festivals include:

Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Fujirock in Japan.
South by Southwest in Texas.
Primavera in Barcelona.
Burning Man in Nevada.
Reading & Leeds, in Reading & Leeds.
Glastonbury in Somerset, UK.
Coachella in California.

Sadly of the list, I've visited only one so far. I almost tagged Lollapalooza into my latest travels but my desire to be a Roller Derby girl at Rollercon has taken over and I miss out this year. Coachella has just rolled around again this year and seeing photos of this years festival is making my heart ache.









Gah, next time! I'll have to deal with my FOMO by shutting my eyes blissing out to the below mix of Coachella 2013.

I'm just going to have to find a cool downtown bar in New York this July to get my international live music fix this time around. Any suggestions?



images from Billboard