Nothing beats a short getaway from Sydney. Last weekend, the boy and I travelled to Melbourne, VIC to celebrate his buddy, Andrew's birthday. The moment we arrived in Melbourne, we went on a last minute grocery shopping before setting off on our 2.5hours drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park. The itinerary is to hike up to Mount Oberon Summit via Telegraph Saddle the very next day and a short visit to Squeaky Beach after the hike.

We booked a beautiful house in Waratah Bay for 2 nights. Once we got to the house, it was already past midnight. All 9 of us were exhausted and knocked out almost right away after taking our showers. 






It was about an hour hike up Mount Oberon Summit. The trail is pretty easy to walk till the last part where there is a flight of stairs that you have to climb to get up to the top. I have to say it was worth getting up to the top for the magnificent view. 




Our visit to Squeaky Beach was brief. The beautiful white sand really squeaks when you walk on it! 



Our dinner feast thanks to chef Ricky.



We headed back to Melbourne the next day. As the boy and I decided to stay another day in Melbourne, we visited The Kettle Black for brunch. I had the famous ricotta hotcake and it was not only pretty but also delicious. It was such a big serving, 2 people can definitely share this dish.







Our stay in Melbourne was short but it was definitely a good break. My next travel will be Singapore in June. Till the next break! x

Over the Easter weekend in March, we did a day trip to visit Kangaroo Valley. Boy, was it beautiful there! I swear the grass was so much greener and the air was super refreshing. It was a good break from the city.

So while we were there, we had a try at one of the pie shops, The World's Best Pies Cafe. Did not take any photo of the pies but I promise you, the pies are amazing. Love the crust, and the flavours of the fillings are spot on. If you ever have a chance to visit New South Wales, do make a visit to Kangaroo Valley and try them pies.




After satisfying our stomaches, we continued our drive and just a short distance from the pie cafe, we arrived at the famous Hampden Bridge. It was hard trying to take a photo there as it was just a one lane bridge, cars are constantly driving past. Obviously we are no quitters, so we had the shots taken. The boys even did a star jump.




Moving on, we went to Cambewarra Lookout for the view of Kangaroo Valley. The view was breathtaking. We stayed for quite a while taking all sorts of silly photos.






Since we are around the area near Kiama, we thought we should head to Kiama Blow Hole as well since Chris has never been there. I think this was my third time at Kiama Blow Hole but I am not sick of the view. Packed as always with lots of tourists, we weaved our way through to take some photos. As you all know, with me around, there will most definitely be photo taking sessions. How can I miss such opportunities right.



We also took the longer route home to drive past Sea Cliff Bridge. If you have seen my instagram, I was just there few months ago but I have not blogged about it. The view never fails to brighten my day. I am just truly amazed at how beautiful nature can be.

During the one year that I MIA from this blog, a couple of things changed in my life. One, we moved from the north side of Sydney to south-west side. Definitely missing the north side cause there are just so many things going on there. Second, my boy's little brother came over to Sydney to further his studies in one of the universities here. Third, I went back to Singapore in March 2015 to pick up the skills of nail technician (intending to start up on my own). I was back in Singapore for 7 months and only came back to Sydney in October 2015. It was a good 7 months, I got to catch up with family and friends. Also, went for driving classes while I was there. Pretty proud of what I achieved in terms of the nail tech skills as I passed all my mock tests, school exam and my diploma with distinction. All just in one trial, no retest. I also participated in the school competition and was contented to get second in place for acrylic extensions, Open-student category. I mean, I think it is pretty damn good seeing that I have never know anything about manicures, extensions, nail art etc. It is a very new thing for me (never my habit to get manicures/pedicures done in salons before). So, if any of you ladies in Sydney are looking to have your nails done with or without some Japanese nail art, remember to look for me. My home salon is called Nailxbit and bookings can be made by emailing hello@nailxbit.com for bookings or enquiries.

Anyway, moving on, I also cut my hair! I have always had super long hair and I just decided one day that I am so sick of it. So I went to cut it off to slightly shorter than shoulder length. And I LOVE IT. Been having shorter hair since then (as seen in my previous post). 
In between these little adventures of mine, I got to travel to Bali with my parents and grandma in April 2015. I also got to travel with the boy to Hong Kong in July 2015. He came back in June 2015 for one of his best mates wedding. So we attended the wedding, we also attended his sister's graduation from NUS. She was the valedictorian, we were all super proud of her. 

I was also hospitalised after the Hong Kong trip due to an unknown swelling on my left knee. It was painful and I could not walk. So we went to the Mount Alvernia and the doctor had me admitted so as to conduct tests to find out what had went wrong. After much digging, we finally knew what could have caused it and let's just hope it will not affect me ever again for the rest of my life. 

I have posted some images of my trip to Bali in this entry (I still had long hair then) and I will post the photos for the Hong Kong trip shortly too. 

Nature gives me good vibes. Dressed in what seems like my PJs pants and a chunky knit, I spent a relaxing day in Palm Beach, soaking my feet in the sand (that is pedicure done by the way) and enjoying the view of what Mother Nature has to offer. It feels great to be away from the city once in a while, recharge and move on.

All visuals taken by iPhone

Would not deny how happy and excited I was whenever I head back home (Singapore). Never thought I would ever feel this way when I left nearly 5 years ago. It makes me appreciate Singapore and how proud I am to be born there. Family and friends matter so much and I could not be happier to reunite with them even for a short while. Here are some snapshots of my short trip back last month and more will be coming if I can get hold of the wedding photos from my bff! 

All visuals taken by iPhone