Excited & nervous for our first scuba dive! By the way, can you believe it was Eric’s FIRST time in the ocean?! Photo purchased from In-Depth Video & Photography
I was shaking. It’s the type of shaking when the hypothalamus reigns and the body’s basic instinct takes over.
I was wet, cold, excited, and frightened.
I was sitting underwater on a metal platform preparing for my first scuba diving adventure. At the Great Barrier Reef.
WOW!
We sailed aboard the Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Cruise toward the continental shelf where the Agincourt Reef beckoned below. During the 90 minute journey, I mustered my courage and opted for a beginner scuba dive. (more…)
Waltzing Matilda is not a woman who likes to dance in rhythmic one-two-threes. Rather, it’s a squatter’s knapsack endearingly named Matilda (that’s a rough “American” translation).
If you’re perplexed with the reference of “Waltzing Matilda,” familiarize yourself with the song that was almost Australia’s National Anthem by watching this YouTube video.
Now, I didn’t name my traveling bags Matilda, but these bags are back home in the states and can you even believe it, they’ve been sitting here emptied and unused for 10 days now. They are having an identity crisis; they may just name themselves Matilda anyway. And 10 days after my return I’m still wondering if the trip to Australia really happened or if it was just a 2 week dream that ended in what feels like a blink.
I’m still processing two weeks of culture, adventure, excursions, food, landscapes, people… I’m still sifting through thousands of photos and hours of GoPro video. I’m still trying to figure out how I can express on this blog & give justice to a place that is truly spectacular.
I can’t wait to share my experiences in Australia – Sydney & Tropical North Queensland & Hamilton Island – so stay tuned for some down under love!
On May 3 we arrived in Sydney, after 24 hours of recycled air and uncomfortable seats. It was a long journey, but as we descended, a glorious Sydney sunrise greeted us, coloring the harbor and the sky in brilliant pink and orange. Then we saw a rainbow in the distance as our flight taxied in. All was good. We semi-breezed through customs (I say “semi” because I wasn’t processed successfully and had to turn back to see a human instead of a computer). Eric snatched our luggage from the carousel and we took the train for 25 minutes to get close to our hotel. We were slightly directionally challenged at first, trying to figure out which way to walk to the hotel, but can you blame us? Our internal compasses were completely turned around. We’re down under now!
We made it to our hotel, showered (it was glorious after such a long journey – I felt like a cicada shedding my skin), and had to deal with the first order of business: BREAKFAST! Or should we say brekky? We meandered down to Darling Harbour, checked out the restaurants along the Cockle Bay, and stopped to eat at the first one that said “Aussie Brekky.” Eggs, sausage, bacon (which is like a cross between American bacon & Canadian bacon), fried tomato, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, toast. It hit the spot. And the eggs were SO good – somehow they are different from back home… the yolk was much oranger than what we’re accustomed to. Oh, and Eric had some difficulty with his coffee. All he wanted was just a regular black. Apparently a “long black” doesn’t exactly translate to black coffee – it was very dark and bitter… more like an espresso. Poor Eric.
We continued to walk around Darling Harbour. It’s beautiful. It was a chilly, calm, peaceful morning. It was only around 9 a.m., there were no crowds. Eric and I were just speechless over how utopian everything seemed. Clean, safe, a fun park for families, every thing around this Harbour seems thoughtfully placed. Hardly anything is concrete or paved here; it’s all bricked, landscaped, manicured and aesthetically designed. We crossed the bridge over Darling Harbour and Eric stopped dead in his tracks, then was pulled like he was being sucked by a black hole: ice cream. Swiss ice cream. So yes, Eric & I enjoyed two scoops of Swiss ice cream on the harbour after a giant Aussie Brekky before it was even 10 a.m. Hey – we’re on vacation!
We had to take a post-flight, post-food catnap. Waking up after an hour felt torturous. My body was buzzing and dizzy and had become one with the bed. But I hoisted myself up and we explored Sydney. On weekends in Sydney, several streets shut down in The Rocks. The area is transformed into a little marketplace, tents lining the street, full of vendors peddling clothing, food, crafts, art, and more. We spent a solid amount of time investigating these tents and dipping into art galleries along the road. There are definitely some distinctly Australian crafts you don’t see from home – boomerangs, digeridoos, motifs of kangaroos and the Opera House – all things that further confirmed that yes, we have made it down under.
After a few purchases, we visited Sydney Harbour where we were greeted by the grandeur of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Now, the Opera House is one of those iconic landmarks that has a LOT of expectation to live up to… it didn’t disappoint. As soon as we turned the corner and those giant pearl sails gleamed in the sun, I couldn’t stop a “WOW!” from escaping. It’s truly impressive and enormous, and no photo could ever do it justice.
Since it’s autumn here, night falls rather early. By 6pm the sun is set, darkness takes over, and the lights of Sydney begin glittering. We ended our evening by enjoying a nice dinner at The Meat & Wine Co. of Sydney in Darling Harbour. We indulged on some shiraz as we waited and by the time a table was available, we were fortunate to be brought to the top level of the restaurant right at the window – a perfect, unobstructed view. Eric ordered a kangaroo steak and loved it. I ordered a Monte beef filet – from the best cow breeders, meat aged for 21 days. It was incredible. At around 8:30, there was a huge BANG. A fireworks show began in Darling Harbour, and we had the best seats.
I don’t think I could have described a more perfect ‘First Day in Sydney’ if I tried.
Seems a bit strange, to admire a color, but until I visited this little island off the Amalfi Coast in Italy, I never knew what blue really looked like. Or felt like. Because Capri Blue is more of a feeling than a hue.
Capri Blue should be sanctified, because it is so pure and deep and true. It feels miraculous and it feels otherworldly. The azure waters of Capri are celebrated in my mind. The moment I first saw this blue, my eyes feasted, having never known a blue that was so natural, grand, and beautiful. It’s overpowering to be in awe over something as simple as a color – a color I thought I knew. Until I traveled to Capri.
If you’ve ever indulged in humanity’s great composers, you’ve probably heard a chord or a movement that was so unexpected and different and glorious during your listening experience. It was probably a sound so striking that it moved you. This type of sound to your ears is what this blue did to my eyes. And my heart. Because remember, Capri Blue is a feeling.
Sure, I bet science could explain something about how the Tyrrhenian Sea’s contents mixed with the reflection of the sun create a certain hue particularly appealing to the retina. But in the presence of the island, I felt the grandeur of the sea, the awe of existence, and if you’re a religious folk, you knew this was a godly creation, this color blue.
During my “in the moment” post about Capri, I said I’d end my rant that gushed about the color blue. Clearly that didn’t happen. I also wished I could share my photos from my DSLR. So this is me fulfilling my wish and breaking my Capri Blue silence.
These photos do no justice.
I never knew I could speak so romantically about a color. (more…)
I’m about to reveal the most expensive photos I’ve ever taken.
No, I did not hire a photographer for these gems of photos you’re about to see.
Let me set the scene:
A balmy May afternoon in Rome – our first day in Italy, my second day in Europe. We just toured the Colosseum, both a bit high from the excitement of our tour. We circled the Colosseum, as we gushed over experiencing this ancient wonder where Gladiators fought during the Roman Empire. Gladiators. Speaking of Gladiators, two ever-so-charming men garbed in Gladiator costumes caught our attention and invitedus over. (more…)
No, this photo has nothing to do with a resume. This is me drinking high tea in Manchester. However, I supposed if you were to work on writing your resume it WOULD be nice to do so while drinking tea in Manchester.
I suppose a disclaimer would be appropriate: I’m neither a hiring manager nor a recruiter. I’m merely writing from personal experience. Now that I’ve discounted my credibility, what’s one thing you didn’t consider adding to your résumé? Travel.
Study abroad trip? Of course! Internship overseas? Absolutely! But what about that backpacking trip through Europe? Or your cross-country U.S. road trip? These adventures weren’t university-oriented or career-focused. You embarked for the sole purpose of travel and adventure.
You may think, well, those trips are irrelevant to me securing a job in accounting… the most math I did in Europe was calculate how many Euros I had left!
I would argue that most travel experiences are résumé worthy. I say this because I guarantee that you can reveal some work-related skills that were exercised and sharpened during your travels. After all, on your résumé (or in an interview) you should be able to show your skills vs. tell about them. Saying “I’m well organized” sounds like a baloney sandwich that any old Joe can throw together. “I organized a 5-week backpacking trip through Europe” is a genuine example. Suddenly, instead of me just thinking hey, this girl must alphabetize her crayons, because she’s obviously well organized, I see this job applicant accomplishing a logistical feat that was researched, executed and successfully accomplished.
So here are some skills I believe are sought after by employers… and how your travels can illustrate that you possess them. (more…)
Ireland is enchanting. It’s the land where the emerald hills heave and the Guinness flows like the river Liffey. It’s the place where the music forces you to jig and the landscape urges you to admire. But most importantly, Ireland is a country where charm & a smile comprise the daily attire and hospitality & kindness are a common virtue. After this recent Saint Patrick’s Day, I’ve been inspired to commemorate five instances of Irish kindness I experienced when traveling the Emerald Isle. These little moments, I’ll treasure more than any pot o’ gold. (more…)
“Are you going to England on your trip? You might be there for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee!”
The what?! I had no idea what the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was as I initially planned my European Backpacking Adventure. Research explained this was a significant moment in British royal history – a celebration to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign on the throne. To date, Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch to ever reach the Diamond Jubilee milestone. A little bit of pomp & circumstance and little bit of party & celebration? Sign me up! I strategically arranged my backpacking trip to include a stay in London for this historic event. But as I quickly learned, there are ups and downs to travel during a special event…
The delight of seeing a significant painting in real life isn’t the bragging rights that come along with it. It’s that you get to see the art up close. Your eye can follow each sweep of the brushstroke. And where you stand to gaze at the masterpiece is where the artist once stood to create it. Art is among mankind’s greatest treasures.
I bubbled with excitement as I skimmed the Louvre museum guide, eyes searching for that familiar name. And there she was. La Joconde, the Mona Lisa, probably among the most iconic and significant paintings in the world. Here I was, fortunate enough to be hallways away from standing in her presence.
I knew we reached her before I read the sign or saw her face. I could hear the swarm echoing from that exhibit room. I’ve never been in the presence of paparazzi surrounding a celebrity, but I’d imagine that it’s pretty similar. Limbs holding cameras at all angles reaching over heads as bodies politely pushed to get as close to the barrier as possible.
A sight to behold… The Mona Lisa Fan Club.
It’s the scene of a short girl’s nightmare.
Undaunted by the crowd, I slithered through the Mona mosh pit to claim a closer peek.
As close as I could get to this iconic lady. Not an ideal angle, but hey… I made it.
The Mona Lisa is a Renaissance painting from the early 1500s by one of the world’s greatest artists and innovators, Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci is so impressive that he first created designs for a helicopter-like invention four centuries before modern-day helicopters were created. Genius! And this is only a fraction of his contributions to the world.
Terrible photo with the reflections off her glass enclosure.
It’s said that Da Vinci loved his painting of the Mona Lisa so much, that he used to carry it around with him. He painted her in sfumato style (an ‘evaporating’ quality of blending), which is part of the elusiveness behind that famous “Mona Lisa smile.”
Part of the mystique of the Mona Lisa is her identity. While most historians would now agree that she is from the Del Giocondo clan, others still argue with various theories. Much of Mona Lisa’s mystery stems from identity crisis. Her fame only skyrocketed after she was stolen by an Italian patriot who asserted that her portrait belonged to Italy, not France.
She has been loved. She has been stolen. She has been psycho-analyzed. She has been studied. She has been used in advertising and mentioned in pop culture. She is a survivor of world wars. She has endured abuses of angry museum-goers. Part of the story of her fame is the hardship and scrutiny she endured.
Since she is painted on wood, warping and bending are inevitable. She’s already dulled to a gloomy jaundice due to the layers of varnish over the paint. Yet this image of a beautiful face has outlasted the flesh that wore it. And for centuries she has been protected, cherished, and revered. But who knows how long this painting will last?
Then the nudging began. Elbows prodding into my back suggested that the longevity of my Mona moment was reaching the brink of selfishness.
Trying not to spoil my time with the painting and surrendering to greed, I continued to soak it all in, reflecting on her worth, delighting in her company. Then something curious happened….
Mona Lisa winked at me.
I didn’t believe it at first. I looked around to see if anyone else witnessed this. All my neighbors were too occupied admiring her through a camera lens or phone screen. They reached the crowd’s zenith, snapped a photo and bowed back for the next person.
I gazed back at Mona Lisa. She was teasing me with that elusive smile. And with another wink, knowing she captured my attention, she began to remark:
You’re wearing your heart on your sleeve. You thought we’d have a personal moment and now you’re disappointed that it hasn’t met your expectations. I’m too distant for you to study Da Vinci’s paint patterns; I’m too shielded by bulletproof glass and security guards and a barricade for any intimacy. You thought this would be more personal and it’s not. But hey, thanks for appreciating me for me instead of me for my fame. So instead of dwelling here, why don’t you move on and discover something different? You did not travel across the world to see what everyone sees and know what everyone else knows. You’re here for adventure, so go get lost and learn something new.
As she concluded her speech, a bystander whispered “Who painted the Mona Lisa, again?” I caught Mona Lisa rolling her eyes in anguish. As I exited the horde, she continued to sit there, hands folded, eyes staring, with that confident Mona Lisa smile that says, “Yep, I’m the museum diva.”
This is why Mona Lisa is such a funny girl: the Louvre is so massive, it would be impossible to see everything in one day. The irony of the situation was that our intentions were just to see the Louvre highlights and move on, not to visit ‘obscure’ paintings that would never be a museum magazine cover girl like Miss Mona Lisa. Now, there’s no way one should ever go to the Louvre without seeing this Da Vinci masterpiece. That would be a sin. But she had a very valid point. Here was his world-renowned museum with thousands of artworks and I only came to experience the highlighted few. Not everyone can be Beyoncé, but her background singers and dancers still share the same stage. Right? And the Louvre is a stage for recognized and deserving talent.
Is it wrong to analogize the Mona Lisa to Beyoncé? Probably.
She was right. As thrilled as I was to finally see the Mona Lisa, that boil of enthusiasm fizzed into annoyance with the obstructing crowds who couldn’t validate their appreciation of the magnitude of the situation (at least not that I could tell). It’s nice to experience something important, but it’s even nicer to know why something has importance. I hope Mona Lisa’s visitors know why (or learned why) she is considered one of the greatest works of art. It’s all fun and games until you spend all your money and realize you’ve nothing to show but the standard tourist cell phone photo. Your wallet shrinks but your brain is the same size.
It felt so… good to see her. And to get that pep talk. Had she not winked at me and urged me to move on and discover something new, I probably would have left the exhibit extremely irked. I’m still slightly irked, but I had a takeaway. Was I being selfish for standing up there for more than 30 seconds while others impatiently waited behind me? Maybe. My moment with Mona Lisa was strained by the pressure of the crowd, but at least I experienced her fame… AND her greatness.
I am one of the 6 million people who visited Mona Lisa that year. I was able to bask for 30 seconds in her story and now I am intrinsically connected to all the others who have looked upon her for 500 years.
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The current view of my office patio. Fancy an outdoor lunch? And after we can go deep-snow diving for frozen squirrels.
The ground is blanketed in white. The temperature is flirting with subzero numbers. I spend almost 2 hours per day staring at cars’ rears and 8 hours looking out at a parking lot (actually, there’s so much snow outside my cubicle window, I can barely see over the berm). While this is my current realty, there’s another reality that is unfolding – the realty that soon I will embark on a journey to Australia.
The dream in my head of palm trees and blue oceans and tropical fish feels out of reach. It’s crazy that it’s been months since I won a trip to Queensland from this entry and now it’s less than 3 months until I’m going on the vacation of my life. (more…)
The what?! I had no idea what the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was as I initially planned my European Backpacking Adventure. Research explained this was a significant moment in British royal history – a celebration to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign on the throne. To date, Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch to ever reach the Diamond Jubilee milestone. A little bit of pomp & circumstance and little bit of party & celebration? Sign me up! I strategically arranged my backpacking trip to include a stay in London for this historic event. But as I quickly learned, there are ups and downs to travel during a special event…
