prairie girl musings

Category: Travel

Saigon Sights

Ho Chi Minh City is quickly modernizing and now is the time to visit as buildings that are here today will be gone tomorrow!

Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (see city guide here) couldn’t be more different. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, retains much of its old world charm whereas HCMC (formerly Saigon) is fast-paced and racier.

Just when I thought crossing the street was difficult in Hanoi, HCMC was a whole other level of chaos! Intersections were crammed full of motorbikes, cars, buses with the odd pedestrian thrown into the mix. As many a tour guide will warn you, “traffic lights mean nothing to the Vietnamese. Green means go, yellow means go faster and red still means go.” Paired with the hottest temperatures I’ve experienced in a looooong time (maybe ever?!) I found HCMC to be a wee bit stressful. That said, it is a thrilling experience and I’m glad I visited when I did as I’m not sure I could handle HCMC later in life.

Stay/

We stayed at the ever-miniscule (only 22 rooms), Ben Thanh Boutique Hotel. The oriental-style hotel is somewhat hard to find (it’s in an alleyway off a side street), but a a lovely place to lay your head after a busy day of sightseeing. Its convenient location means you can peruse the night markets and the myriad of cafés in the area.

Eat/

Our favourite place for pho was Pho 2000, which is located near Ben Thanh Market. The roomy restaurant has enticing options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. I also loved the vermicelli noodles (pictured below!)

Discovering new brunch spots is a full-time hobby of mine, and L’Usine appeals to both the design and food-focused. Grab a seat on the balcony, which overlooks the hustle and bustle of the city below and order eggs florentine or the big breakfast. After your meal, check out the shop below which carries hard-to-find brands.

My sister and I enjoyed The KAfe Saigon for its nutritious breakfast options. Natalie enjoyed her smoothie here and I was a fan of the fruit bowl with yogurt.

Shop/

Vietnam is a great place to find affordable ceramics and china. I suggest visiting L’Authentique Home for gorgeous vases, bowls and tea sets. Home to three workshops, Authentique is committed to celebrating the fine crafts traditions of Vietnam. Known for refined design, carefully selected materials and beautiful craftsmanship, you might find yourself checking a second suitcase.

Another spot for interior design lovers is The Vintage Emporium, which is also a café. I marvelled at the carefully chosen decor and the stunning tile floors!

Sights/

We had quite a bit of time in HCMC, so Natalie and I decided to book a few day trips through our hotel. First, we headed to the Mekong Delta for some boating and rowing adventures. We visited local villages, indulged in delicious fruit and coconut, and even visited a temple and Happy Buddha, which just so happens to be my favourite Buddha!

January 13, 2016
Soho Weekend Guide

What hasn’t been said about New York City? I’ve even written about it on this blog before. What I find most impressive about this city is that there’s something new to discover with every visit; whether sticking to one neighbourhood or venturing to each of the five boroughs.

Soho has received a lot of blogger attention due to its gorgeous storefronts, cobblestone streets, and abundant eateries. It will undoubtedly satisfy the most discerning travellers and denizens.

Stay/

There are many accommodation options in Soho and nearby. My sister and I decided to book boutique hotel, The James when we were last in New York City. The art hotel only has a few rooms and is perfectly situated for those who plan on spending significant time in Soho. The views from each room, but especially the rooftop gym, were incredible!

Eat/

With eateries and cafés on every corner, this is where Soho shines. There’s an endless array of world-class brunch spots and cafés that will keep your tummy full throughout your stay.

The Butcher’s Daughter: This juice bar and organic café uses seasonal ingredients to create delicious concoctions that will keep you going no matter what the day holds. The service is friendly and speedy, which is a necessity in Soho.

Egg Shop: My personal favourite, Egg Shop does wonderfully creative things with eggs. The interior is simple, bare bones, really, and the food is eggscellent!

Café Select: A casual (gorgeous) European rail-station bistro, Café Select is a must-visit from morning to the wee hours.

Jack’s Wife Freda: Brunch is very, very real at this understated all-day bistro. My sister and I decided to indulge in a late lunch because the lineup during breakfast was frightening.

Black Seed Bagels: New York-style bagels with the freshest ingredients, need I say more?

Lombardi’s Pizza: Choosing a pizza place in NYC is difficult, okay? Lombardi’s will surely delight

Freemans Restaurant: Search #freemansalley on Instagram, and you’ll see why this is a prime spot for picture-taking. It’s also a delicious dinner option with an extensive food and drink menu.

Morgenstern’s: You’ll need something sweet to wash down all that brunch and pizza, right? Morgenstern’s delivers excellent quality and a wide array of flavours!

Coffee/

Happy Bones: New York has an array of New Zealand and Australian-owned cafés and Happy Bones is a crowd favourite for its minimalist interior. Order a flat white and a doughnut from Dough.

Gasoline Alley Coffee: This gem serves artisanal brews in the most lively environment.

Two Hands: This is a go-to spot for açai bowls, avocado toast (with a fried egg on top), smoothies, and quality coffee. You’ll love the fairy lights that adorn this café.

Shop/

Shopping in Soho, for me at least, is more about window shopping and gathering inspiration than actually spending. The stores are beautifully decorated and the cobblestone streets ooze elegance.

McNally Jackson Bookstore: An independent bookstore with a café that hosts events and offers self-publishing.

The Reformation: Did you know fashion is the third most polluting industry globally? This repurposed vintage boutique is all about recycling fabrics and tracking how much of an impact their garments have on the environment? Cool, right?

Acne Studios: If you’re a fan of Stockholm brand, Acne, you’ll want to stop by their Soho studio. Mesmerizing!

What’s your favourite NYC neighbourhood?

January 10, 2016
How To Spend a Day in Surry Hills

You’ll never be wanting for things to do in Sydney. There are plenty of incredible beaches, jaw dropping sights and excellent cuisine. If you’re looking to experience a more local side of Sydney, I suggest spending a day in Surry Hills. One of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods, Surry Hills is only a short walk from Central Station. On my most recent visit, it was my first stop when given a day to roam Sydney.

Coffee is free flowing in Sydney, but in my experience, it can be hit or miss. Surry Hills has an abundance of quality cafés and I suggest you get your morning fix at Artificer Coffee. The bare bones shop isn’t the place to grab a bite to eat, but the coffee speaks for itself.

After an early morning espresso, you’ll likely be craving something a little more substantial. Hit up either Le Monde café, Chez Sun or Reuben Hills, all three serve enticing breakfast options ranging from açai bowls and smoothies to eggs benedict.

Le Monde is a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why with its assortment of delicious breakfast options (how can you possibly choose only one?) and top notch coffee. The zucchini and haloumi fritters served with a poached egg caught my eye immediately!

Photo via The Urban List

Chez Sun is a pretty terrace café that will have you reaching for your phone (gotta Instagram that lovely interior, am I right?)

Reuben Hills is a coffee roastery, so you can expect excellent coffee to complement your meal.

After breakfast, be sure to check out a few of the many stylish shops that line Crown Street. My favourite was The Standard Store, which features covetable Australian, European and US brands. The gorgeous window displays are also worth mentioning!

Workshopped classifies Australian design and garners local and international attention by supporting young emerging designers. Find innovative furniture, lighting, homewares and jewellery.

Photo via The Design Files

Although Sydney is the sunshine capital of the world (or at least that’s what I’ve heard…) there are occasionally rainy days. On those days, Golden Age Cinema and Bar has your back. This 1940s cinema is housed in the former headquarters of Paramount Pictures and has retained its art deco features.

Stay tuned for my updated Sydney guide.

January 8, 2016
A Weekend Away in Akaroa

When Nick surprised me with a weekend away in Akaroa, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew very little about the only New Zealand town colonized by the French. Located on Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is approximately an hour and a half from Christchurch depending on traffic and how accustomed you are to New Zealand roads.

My limited knowledge of Akaroa worked in my favour as we spent a sunny Friday afternoon navigating the winding South Island roads. Immediately upon arrival, I spotted a tangled up French flag and knew I was in for a treat.

I was enrolled in French Immersion from kindergarten to grade twelve, which means the majority of my classes were conducted in French. Needless to say, I was delighted to hear French spoken by both the locals and tourists. While I knew Akaroa maintained some of its French character, I didn’t expect much more than French road names and freshly baked croissants.

Upon arrival, we headed straight to our bed and breakfast, Villa Vangioni (also a surprise!) where we were warmly greeted by innkeeper, Kirsty. My experience with B&Bs is basically non-existent and Villa Vangioni, an immaculate, gorgeously decorated boutique property with sweeping views of the sea, provided the perfect introduction. Every detail was seamlessly executed and Kirsty even armed us with dinner recommendations.

Care for a bath? The traditional freestanding bath is absolutely dreamy and I loved perusing the wide range of potions and candles on display.

There’s even a dining room where you’ll be graciously served by the lovely hostess, Kirsty. I wore stripes in hopes that I would look Parisian.

A night spent at Villa Vangioni delights from start to finish. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw these stockings hung at the foot of our bed. We had the entire upstairs to ourselves, and at the top of the staircase was a bench adorned with figure skates and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Every detail of the property is so carefully considered that I’m already dreaming about a return visit!

I couldn’t help but take a photo of these tiled floors in the bathroom!

Other highlights of Akaroa included dinner at The Little Bistro, this small restaurant has a lengthy wine list and resplendent views of the harbour. The cuisine is French, of course and service is attentive. I also recommend the Akaroa museum to gain some understanding of the town’s history.

A lovely spot for coffee is The Brasserie. The garden restaurant is an cozy spot to settle in with a flat white for some quality people watching.

From virtually any vantage point, within this small seaside town, there are plentiful views of the quiet harbour. Fortunately, we ventured to Akaroa just before prime tourist season, and it seemed as though we had the entire town to ourselves.

For more information or to book your stay at Villa Vangioni, visit the website.

January 2, 2016
Hoi An Travel Diary

Hoi An is unanimously Vietnam’s most loved destination. There are many reasons behind this universal adoration, but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s primarily because it offers respite from the chaos of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Natalie and I enjoyed our time in Hoi An so much that we decided to stay two extra nights.

We selected our hotel based on its proximity to both the beach and the ancient town. Thankfully, most hotels in Hoi An offer free bicycles for their guests and it is the main form of transportation for tourists.

The ancient town is the most laidback of all the places we visited in Vietnam. Known for its well-preserved architecture (you’ll see a stunning combination of French colonial, Chinese and Japanese), its an endless array of tailoring shops, delicious local cuisine, stunning beaches, and soothing spas; the lantern city delights even the most scrutinizing travellers.

Eat & Drink/

Madam Khan aka the Banh Mi Queen: This was hands down our favourite banh mi experience in Vietnam. For $1 CAD, we chowed down on banh mi filled with fresh vegetarian omelettes. We even returned the following day because the bread was so fresh!

Reaching Out Teahouse: A social enterprise/garden oasis that employs disabled individuals. Natalie and I loved the serene setting of the teahouse and the assortment of teas and treats on offer. We communicated with our server through wooden blocks with words written on them (see photo below).

Be sure to visit the retail shop and workshop as well, (located just around the corner) which showcases exquisite crafts made by local artisans.

If you’re a coffee lover (addict) like me, both Hoi An Roastery and The Espresso Station are sure to satisfy.

We were in dire need of some fruit and veggies, so thankfully Natalie discovered Cocobox and we ended up going there twice for their smoothies and cold-pressed juices.

Nu Eatery: This hidden restaurant is known for its appetizers and Vietnamese fusion dishes. I had some of the freshest spring rolls I’ve ever tasted. The bao was also a winner!

You’ll want to watch the lanterns turn on as the sun sets in Hoi An, and there’s no better place to do so than Fusion Café. They quickly accommodated our group of nine with seats overlooking the Japanese bridge. And as we sat down, a DJ started spinning popular tracks only adding to the ambience. The mojitos here are top notch as well.

Admittedly we ate a bit of Western cuisine in Hoi An because these gals like options. Popping into Hola Taco was one of our better decisions. Serving up some of the most flavourful fish tacos I’ve had anywhere, Hola Taco is a bright and welcome addition to Hoi An.

See & Do/

Ride your bicycle to An Bang or Cua Dai beach and lounge under an umbrella with a fresh coconut in hand. Go for a swim, but be wary of the enormous waves!

If you’re hoping to have some clothes tailor made, Hoi An offers hundreds of options! We didn’t research too thoroughly, but both Natalie and I each had one piece of clothing and one pair of shoes made. I’m happy I had shoes made because my feet and arches are an awkward shape.

Vietnam is also known for its well-priced, quality spas. During our two and a half week trip, I had a magnificent massage, a fantastic facial, and a well, less than adequate pedicure (but that’s another story!) Do your research on TripAdvisor and you’ll certainly find a spa that suits your needs and budget!

Thanks for reading!

December 26, 2015
Hanoi Travel Diary

Vietnam wasn’t at the top of my travel bucket list, but sometimes unexpected destinations are the most surprising.

Natalie and Clinton were halfway into their four-month expedition having already visited Thailand, Bali, Cambodia and Laos. I watched their adventures closely both through social media and by talking to them on FaceTime regularly.

When the opportunity arose to join Natalie in Vietnam while Clinton headed to Goa, I could barely contain myself! Travelling with my sister is always a treat, but especially now that we no longer live in the same city (or even on the same continent!) She’s wonderful to travel with because she’s level-headed, fun to be around, budget-conscious, and directionally-savvy. Not to mention, we have similar priorities when travelling.

We began our travels up north in Hanoi. Here are some of the highlights should you ever find yourself in the capital of Vietnam:

The Old Quarter is where you should spend your first morning, although you could easily spend an entire day here if time permits! The crowded markets are quite overwhelming, with merchants calling out to you from every direction. As much as Natalie and I enjoyed other parts of Vietnam, this is where we truly felt like we had stepped back in time. I experienced sensory overload watching locals pile their pedal bicycles and motorbikes high with produce and flowers. Hanoi has retained much of its colonial character, and it’s really the best place to sit on a street corner and enjoy banh mí and phõ.

The lake in Hanoi offers respite from the chaotic Old Quarter. It’s a lovely spot to sit back and take in local culture. From the assortment of photoshoots (you’ll see ladies dressed up as brides taking hundreds of professional photos) to the community gardeners, there’s always something going on by the lake!

The Hỏa Lò Prison was first used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners. Later, by North Vietnam, for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. It’s a frightening prison (I may have even screamed once or twice…) and contains A LOT of propaganda, but it’s educational and worth checking out if you have time.

Our favourite coffee shop in Hanoi was Cong Caphe. The quirky military-inspired café serves delicious Vietnamese coffee with coconut frozen yogurt. Grab a seat on the rooftop patio and enjoy views of the hustle and bustle below.

We stayed in the Opera Quarter, which a short walk to the Old Quarter and the lake. Our rooftop offered supreme views of the French colonial architecture Hanoi is known for.

The Hanoi Social Club is a wonderful spot for vegetarian food, drinks, and epic views of the city. Be warned that the drinks here are STRONG.

Be sure to book a two-night/three-day tour of Halong Bay. Even if you’re pressed for time, I’d suggest giving up a day in Hanoi to spend a second day in Halong Bay. Tours can be booked through your hotel, although some tend to hike up the price because they get commission. We compared prices, and then booked through a local travel stall in central Hanoi at $150 USD/person.

Our first day was spent sailing around Halong Bay and exploring the nearby caves with our tour group. We then did some kayaking at sunset (the views were breathtaking) before heading back to our main junk boat. That night, we had dinner and slept on the junk boat. Our second day involved venturing to Cát Bà Island, which is more remote with better views.We spent one night at the Nam Cat Resort in Cát Bà. It was worth waking up at 6AM for this sunrise.

Our tour guide, Tú told us stories about his family and daily life in Vietnam. His enthusiasm made him one of the most memorable tour guides I’ve ever encountered, and he made us laugh more times than we could count.

There’s nothing quite like a Ha Long Bay sunset.

My favourite part of the tour was visiting Cát Bà Island. I loved cycling around the island and watching the locals go about their days.

Thanks for reading! xx

December 21, 2015
Singapore Travel Diary

With a stopover in Singapore on my way to Vietnam to meet my sister, I decided to extend my stay in the city. I had never been and had heard a lot about the city-state that continually reinvents itself. Two nights seemed like a good amount of time to become acquainted with Singapore. It’s one of the most expensive places to travel in the world, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Litter is non-existent (I honestly saw someone sweeping up a single leaf at the Botanic Gardens) and chewing gum is banned. Singaporeans seem more reserved than other places I’ve visited in Asia, but friendly and polite.

I stayed at New Majestic Hotel, a boutique hotel in Chinatown. It’s a small hotel with each room designed by a different local artist.

If you’re ever in Singapore, I highly recommend staying in Chinatown. It has a distinctly local feel to it, the architecture is beautiful, and many of the shops, restaurants, and cafés are world class. Some people say Chinatown is touristy, but I found it much less touristy than other parts of the city. My hotel was only a two-minute walk from the Outram Park MRT station, which was incredibly convenient.

My favourite spots in the area are:

For Singaporean hawker food, you can’t go wrong at any of the corner stalls in Chinatown. Order a Tiger and some Hainanese chicken rice, and watch the world go by. Here are some suggestions for those who might prefer a more vegetarian-friendly option:

Breakfast: The Daily Roundup, excellent coffee, great atmosphere, and a menu consisting of sweet and savoury crepes (unlike the ones you’ll have in Europe).

Lunch: Try the dumplings and broccoli with oyster sauce at the inconspicuous Jing Huá Xiāo Chi.

Coffee: The Populus Coffee and Food Co., Common Man Coffee Roasters and Toby’s Estate are all fantastic options for strong coffee and yummy food.

If you’re after a Western breakfast, Luxe (a popular Sydney restaurant that opened in Singapore) has plenty of eggs, avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. Not to mention excellent coffee.

For a beautiful view of the Singapore skyline, head to Potato Head Folk. I’m not sure if this place is associated with Potato Head in Bali, but it’s three stories and has the most amazing atmosphere. The drinks are quite pricey (but where aren’t they in Singapore?) so order a stiff one and know that you’re paying for a great view.

For more amazing hawker stalls, venture to Newton Food Centre (Newton Station is only one stop away from Outram).

See:

Singapore Botanic Gardens: Singapore has been described as “city in a garden,” and I can really see why after visiting the botanic gardens. I could have easily spent an entire day here. Fortunately, I ventured to the gardens first thing in the morning before the rain! It rains a lot in Singapore, which is nice when it’s 35 degrees and hella humid! I loved how everyone was running, practicing tai chi and yoga despite the heat.

Orchard ION Mall: As soon as it started pouring rain, I had no choice but to venture to one of the million malls in Singapore. The Orchard ION has a lot of high-end designer shops (Louis Vuitton, Céline, and Chanel) but also a few more affordable boutique shops by local designers. My favourite store was In Good Company for two reasons: I loved that the high quality fabrics used and the wearable styles but also at the back of the shop was the most gorgeous café, Plain Vanilla. After wandering the gardens and the rows upon rows of stores, it was enjoyable to sit down with an espresso and a freshly baked earl grey cupcake.

Another interesting thing about Singapore (and the malls in particular) is the abundance of Christmas décor. My friend, Emma mentioned Singapore’s obsession with Christmas, but I didn’t realize the scale of said obsession until I visited. The decorations are so extravagant and over-the-top (in the best possible way). And I say this as a North American where the commercialization of Christmas knows no bounds.

Sentosa Island: Singapore a bit of a user-friendly utopia; it doesn’t always feel real because everything is so perfect. Never is this truer than at Sentosa Island. Home to Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa is a tourist hub. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I caught the MRT to the Harbourfront, but loved that I could walk 15 minutes across the bridge right to the island. The cable car is another option. Sentosa Island feels a bit like Hollywood, but more intense. There are museums, casinos, and rides, and fountains, many, many fountains.

If you have a layover in Singapore, don’t despair! Changi International Airport is rated #1 in the world and it’s easy to see why with a free movie theatre (yes, free!) butterfly gardens, and a rooftop pool. There’s also hawker food stalls that sell street food comparable to that sold in Newton! Amazing, right?

Sometimes I’d forget I was in a mega-city whilst roaming the streets of Chinatown. This neighbourhood is home to my favourite architecture, I loved the detailed pastel facades of each storefront!

In addition to my usual city guide, I thought I’d try something new and vlog my time in Singapore. I’ll be sharing my vlog via social media in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that.

December 6, 2015
Bangkok City Guide

This is a guest post by my sister, Natalie. She’s the photographer of our family and the most well-travelled person I know. She’s currently exploring Southeast Asia, so I asked her to write a bit about what she’s been up to.

Southeast Asia travel is so popular right now and many travellers start their adventures in Bangkok, Thailand. This is a quick rundown of a few things you can see in Bangkok before heading to either the northern part of the country or the infamous party island in the south. By no means is this a typical guide (or an exhaustive list of attractions, you can read about those on any other travel website). Our ideal way to see a city is to walk around the main areas to get a feel for the culture and way of life. We don’t typically visit the popular tourist attractions (after awhile they seem repetitive from city to city).

We first landed at BKK and were instantly impressed by the easy access to the city using the BTS train system.

The Weekend Market

Luckily we landed on Friday and the next morning we ventured to the weekend market bright and early before the crowds. As you’ll read in any guide, this city is a shoppers’ mecca, full of cool clothing, home decor, coffee shops, delicious thai snacks like coconut ice cream and frozen bananas. There are a couple larger restaurants within the market – avoid these. We ended up in one and the food was average and overpriced. It’s best to stick to the smaller spots where the locals are eating. Another tip is to impulse shop – if you like something, buy it because if you wait, you probably won’t find that stall again. I like to think I am a good navigator, but could not wrap my head around the market. Just finding the exit was a challenge, but I’m going to blame that on my jet lag.

The Grand Palace and old city

We didn’t visit this area until our second time in the city, but I would definitely recommend it. This is where you can soak up the culture and history of the city. We went picture crazy taking shots of the temples within the palace. Make sure to pack light packs that cover your ankles (no leggings) or you’ll end up dying of heat in jeans (like I did). While you are in the area, check out the Flower Market and if you are curious to see the notorious Khao San Road full of backpackers.

Siam

This was our favourite place to stay in the city, mostly because it had that big city feel. It’s where I would want to stay if I ever decided to live in Bangkok. It’s also walking distance to massive and beautiful parks that were very clean and a great escape from the heavily populated city. There was lots of shopping available here, but we particularly enjoyed Siam Center because we hadn’t seen any of the stores before and they all looked hip and good quality. There’s also lots of great street food options where many locals eat. Bangkok Arts and Culture Center is also worth a visit – it’s free and consists of seven floors of local arts and crafts. It’s an amazing place to pick up unique souvenirs.

Let Natalie know what you think of her travel guide! If you like them, hopefully I will coax her into doing more!

November 26, 2015
Kelowna City Guide

Kelowna is one of Canada’s most desirable destinations. Often referred to as Canada’s Napa Valley, it’s known for the numerous vineyards that produce some of our best wine. One of my best friends, Amanda has been living in Kelowna since beginning her career. Despite living on opposite coasts for the past three years, we’ve made every effort to spend time together. I wanted to make one more visit to see her (and her stunning city) on my way to New Zealand. Coincidentally, our friend Elyse had already planned a visit, so my cousin Lucia and I thought we’d crash the party last minute!

Geographically blessed with picturesque mountains and glistening Lake Okanagan, Kelowna is a popular tourist destination and offers an endless array of activities for all types of travellers. Whether you want to spend your time hiking, sipping wine, or indulging in some of Canada’s best cuisine, Kelowna undoubtedly delivers. Here are a few of our favourite local spots:

Canyon Falls: This 60-minute hike is ideal for those who want to see Kelowna’s natural beauty, but don’t want to miss out on wine tastings in the afternoon. Canyon Falls features gorgeous waterfalls and rugged terrain, so make sure you pack proper shoes.

Knox Mountain offers one of Kelowna’s best views, so you’ll want to bring your camera.

Bean Scene Roastery: The beans roasted here provide an excellent base for the delightful caffeinated beverages on offer. And the skilled baristas rival those at Vancouver’s best coffee shops.

Carmelis Goat Cheese Farm: Need some cheese to go with all those wine tastings? Carmelis is a goat farm where you can sample more than a dozen types of cheese. My favourite was the cream cheese laced with dill. Oh, and they also make goat cheese gelato. I tried the salted caramel and was blown away.

Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm: If you’re at all a fan of lavender, I highly suggest checking out Kelowna’s lavender herb farm. A beautiful farm overlooking Okanagan Lake, the boutique store sells face products, hand creams, scents, and lavender-infused goodies. I was especially intrigued by the lavender and rose petal scones and lavender jelly. You can even pick bunches of lavender yourself if you reserve in advance.

RauDZ: We had to check out Kelowna’s best restaurant and TripAdvisor’s fifth best ranked restaurant in Canada. It didn’t disappoint, every dish was perfectly executed and the cocktails (Lavender Bees Knees and rhubarb martinis) were a major selling point.

Micro: Next door to RauDZ, Micro offers sharing plates, strong drinks, and an intimate environment. The Corpse Reviver consists of gin and absinthe, and will certainly kick start your night.

Krafty: Another spot for delicious local craft beer and cocktails with a fun, light-hearted environment. I’m also told they serve a 90s hip hop brunch on Sundays. Count me in!

Tantalus Vineyards: Tantalus was recommended to us by the friendly server at Cedar Creek Winery, for their riesling and pinot noir. A visit is worthwhile for the architecture and resplendent views alone!

Summerhill Pyramid: The best winery for bubbly, many of the local restaurants use Summer Hill’s brut for mimosas!

Mission Hill: Kelowna’s most well-known winery and one of the most respected in Canada.

October 27, 2015
{Mini} Sydney City Guide

I first visited Sydney’s stunning shores in 2009 while studying abroad in Auckland. We stayed at a raucous hostel in Kings Cross where each guest was offered daily pub crawl tickets and matching t-shirts. Needless to say, my recent trips have been a tad more civilized!

One thing I’ve discovered about Sydney is its appeal to the both adventurer and the urbanite. It’s a fantastically picturesque city (stunning beaches with the Blue Mountains in the distance, what more could a girl want?) but with all the trappings of an urban playground.

This guide focuses primarily on central Sydney and Bondi Beach. There’s so much to experience in Sydney, even in a few short days, you won’t be disappointed!

See/
Sydney Opera House: You cannot visit Sydney without venturing to the iconic Opera House. This architectural gem has some of the best acoustics in the world! I was fortunate to see the symphony here with my mom and sister during my second trip to Sydney.
Darling Harbour: Located on the western end of Sydney’s CBD, Darling Harbour is a beautiful pedestrian precinct.
The Royal Botanic Gardens: Located in the heart of Sydney, the garden opened in 1816 and is a testament to the state’s diverse floral and fauna.

Activities/
Vicious Cycle: Get your sweat on at this high-energy spin studio in Bondi Beach.
Art Gallery NSW: A beautiful building for the state art gallery’s collection of Indigenous Australian, contemporary and international art. Be sure to check out their Art After Hours series, the gallery stays open until 10pm!
Ramsgate Organic Foodies Market
Bondi Farmers Market

Coffee/
Kafeine: Great caffeine can solve all your problems, and Kafeine is no exception!
Gusto Espresso Bar: The best way to start the day is at Gusto, one of the oldest establishments in Bondi Beach. Grab a coffee to go, or sit in and sample their noteworthy breakfast rolls.
Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore: A bookworm’s dream, this quirky bookstore is absolutely charming.

Breakfast/
Porch and Parlour: A trendy café that serves delicious breakfast and casual lunch. A favourite among vegetarians.
bills Bondi: A popular hang out among the surfer babes and creatives of Bondi Beach.
Ruby’s Diner: Healthy, organic all-day dining in a sleek setting.

Lunch/
The Fine Food Store Who knew a simple toastie could taste THIS good? Do yourself a favour and sit outside and watch the world go by, it’s utterly relaxing.
Henley’s Wholefoods: With three locations, Henley’s serves up healthy, organic dishes (often paleo, if you’re so inclined) in a bright, welcoming environment.
Two & Twelve: Craving American-style BBQ? Two & Twelve’s pork belly will melt in your mouth.

Dinner/
Drake Eatery: Seasonal, locally-sourced fare in a relaxed setting.
Pompei’s: On the hunt for traditional Italian fare? Look no further than Pompei’s!
Mamasan: Chinese, Tawainese, and Japanese tapas with some delicious cocktails to top it all off.

Drink/
Bulletin Place: This place is super cozy, and they have a cocktail made with rhubarb – my favourite ingredient!
Grandma’s Bar: Homemade ginger beer? I’m sold!
The Baxter Inn: If you like whisky, this bar has the best selection!

Stay/
Hotel Harry: A hotel of contrasts with impressive modern rooms impress and a speakeasy feel.
QT Sydney: Edgy and excellent customer service

Thanks for reading!

October 8, 2015