:: my home town ::

Last month, I took a little holiday to my home town, Ballarat, Victoria. My two youngest children came along with me. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a few warm days (not typical Ballarat weather), but the weather quickly turned to cold and windy. I've been wanting to return to Ballarat for ages. I've been living in Queensland with my family for 2 years. Not a lot has changed in my home town since leaving, but I've  discovered new places I hadn't noticed before. We had a relaxing time, exploring alleyways, shopping, eating yummy food (too much) and catching up with family.

Of course I had to do a bit of op shopping. I walked around town, visiting all my favourite spots. However, I was really disappointed to discover one of my favourite thrift stores 'Junkatique' had closed down. Unfortunately I didn't really find much. I did manage to find Ronan a few vintage books, but that's about it. I did find this amazing sewing machine, but it would have been a bit tricky fitting it in my luggage.

Ballarat is full of history. I really like this old sign. I would have loved to have spent more time walking around taking photos, but the cold weather and having to drag around complaining youngsters made this very different. Next time maybe?

This alleyway was a shortcut to one of my favourite restaurants The Forge. I love the original stone paving. Years ago, when I was younger, these alley ways were used only for delivery vans and trucks. These days they are filled with restaurants, cafes and bars. 

This alleyway is also a short cut to possibly the best cinema ever, The Regent. I don't go the the movies very often, but when in town, I have to catch flick, regardless of what is showing. I love the beautifully restored plaster ceiling and glass chandeliers. It looks so beautiful at night all lit up.

Country drives are the best in Victoria. Lots of little historic towns close together. We stopped at our favourite bakery Pastry King in Daylesford, while out for a drive with my parents. Their vanilla slices are possibly the best I've ever tasted.

Mr Ro and I discovered this retro cafe on our last day, while doing some last minute shopping. Sweet vintage decor and yummy chocolate milkshakes. We will be stopping here again on our next visit.

:: New York ::

I thought it about time i did a post about of our 'recent' trip to NYC. By recent I mean April this year. Better late than never i guess. This was our first (maybe last) holiday without kids.

Admittedly my husband took most of the photos on this trip. While on holiday, i tend to be 'in the moment' and forget to take pictures - a decision I always regret later.

One of the first things on my list was a trip to Bloomingdales to buy a handbag. ('what's in my bag' post coming soon) Shopping in New York is amazing.

Other highlights for me were strolling around Central Park, visiting the World Trade Centre site, and an Hudson River boat tour.

 

We enjoyed the city views while walking along the High Line, an elevated walkway/park build on an disused railway line, that runs above the streets of Manhattans west side. Along the way we stopped for lunch at the Empire Diner in Chelsea. I feel in love with the terrace homes in neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village.

The view of Times Square from our motel room was amazing. It took me a few days to get used to the constant sound of police sirens and car horns.
Of course we did all of the touristy things such as take in the view from the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Observation deck -Wow!

Tokyo: the second time around

I'm back!

It's official! I've caught the travel bug. Our family had such a great time visiting Japan back in September 2013, that we decided to go again, early this May.  If only I had the same amount of enthusiasm for blogging as I do for travel.
Tokyo was even better the second time around. This trip we (John, Ro and I) stayed only a 'stones throw" away from the Hachiko Crossing, right in the heart of Shibuya. I could never get tired of this amazing city.

Our room at the Tokyu Inn was really small, but what great location! I would definitely stay there again. The staff were really friendly, and it was wonderful to be so close to all the action. 

We didn't do much the the first day. We arrived at midday, had a sleep at our motel, then headed out into Shibuya to check out the shops and eat dinner.

We were just a short stroll from the Hikarie Building. That's the building pictured on the left above. The views from the 11th floor were amazing. The shopping on the other levels and cafes on the other were also pretty good. There was a really nice coffee shop on the ground level :)
We also went up the Tokyo Tower (pictured right). The view over Tokyo was amazing. 

Unfortunately travelling with a 5yr old autistic boy has it's draw backs. We had to eat breakfast at McDonalds every morning (a small price to pay).

 

Riding the swan boats at Kichijojo was one of my favourite moments of the whole trip. Pedaling around the lake was hard work, but well worth the effort. Lots of smiles that day.

My absolute favourite place to visit when in Tokyo is Shimokitazawa - street after street of lovely cafes and vintage clothing stores. Heaven on earth! I bought a few vintage dresses from this cute little store pictured above, and an amazing vintage handbag from Lotty.  I love Shimo!! I will post some more pictures of this amazing place in a future post.

Of course the food in Tokyo is amazing. Everywhere you go there are windows displaying something yummy. I lost about 8kg before going on this trip, but I sure I've put most of that back on.
Know that I'm back home (and to reality), it's time to start my diet again...yuck, and to start planning our next trip abroad...yippee.

I'm still sorting through all the photo's from the trip. I will share do more Tokyo posts soon :)
Love you Tokyo!!!!