Goals and plans for 2016

So... Here we are... 2016... Another year is upon us... 366 blank pages ahead of us to fill with memories, hopes and dreams (well technically a few less now but this sounds better).

So what has it got in store for me, or what have I got in store for it.... read on to find out.

2015 Round Up

This year, 2015, will go down in my history as a big year. It was the year that I decided to take a big risk. I took leave from my job, the security and stability that came with it, but to walk away from the stress and worry that also came with it. 

I planned and planned and looking back now I probably planned a little too much, but hindsight is a great thing and at the time I thought that's what I needed to do.

So my great year of travel has meant a lot wonderful content for the blog, some of which I haven't even gotten around to sharing with you. Today I am going to share with you my most popular 11, because I just couldn't leave one out, in no particular order, culminating with my most favourite post of the year, which also just happens to outline the most favourite thing I did whilst overseas.

Christmas Confessions

I must confess as always I am met with mixed emotions when it comes to Christmas but this year it's extra difficult.

I was not raised in a religious environment at all. I am not sure I truly believe in the 'true' meaning of Christmas and I guess if I HAD to state my believes or align myself with one group over another then I would say I am agnostic. The only times I am at a church is for a wedding or a funeral, so at this time of year I must confess I often feel like somewhat of a hypocrite and that I am totally buying into social pressures and only buying presents and doing the whole 'Christmas thing' because the calendar and society dictates that I should.

But then I also think that Christmas is also a time to gather with family and friends and those we hold near and dear and I love the joy of giving and receiving special gifts that have been especially chosen for the recipient. I love watching people, especially my niece and nephews, open the presents I have picked for them. My twin nephews are now 2 so are getting into the Christmas spirit a little more this year, pointing and smiling and saying Santa every time the guy in the big red suit comes on the telly, even though their Christmas photo doesn't display this same excitment. My family usually decides last minute what we are doing and where we are going and some years it can be a little like groundhog day but I guess the important thing is that we are all together.

Christmas gifts for travellers

I must confess one of my go to guaranteed pick me ups is shopping, and with Christmas just around the corner I thought I'd share with you four of my favourite gifts for travellers*.

Travel Journal - from InkyBlots

Quote Print - from PeppaPennyPrints

Quote Necklace - from HonourYou

Scratch Map - from Sellazaurus

Random questions asked while travelling overseas.

When you travel overseas you are met with many a varied response when you declare that you are Australian. For the most part people react positively, usually stating how much they love Australia, would love to visit Australia or have some personal connection with Australia. There's also the love for our accent and occasionally a request for a "G'day mate" which, sorry to burst your bubble or dream about Australians....we don't actually say it that much.


I must confess there are often some surprising reactions and questions I have been faced with while travelling when mentioning that I come from the great land down under....

My love/hate relationship with organised tours

I like to think of myself as one of those people who tries to see both sides of the story. Someone who can look at the glass half empty and half full.

Sometimes I see this as a positive thing but sometimes it can be a little frustrating. It can make it very difficult to make decisions and determine which side I'm going to chose. 

So when it comes to the debate of 'whether to do an organised tour or not' I sit on the fence. I have seen this question pop up from time to time in various Facebook groups I am part of and am sometimes surprised with how quickly people respond with a resounding 'NO'.

My first and last Contiki back in 2009

for Melbourne Cup in Perth

I must confess... it's Raych here from Agent Mystery Case. I've blognapped have the gorgeous Zita staying with me here in Perth this week and I've taken this opportunity to briefly take over her blog and her schedule. This means for the first time, I believe, Zita who normally works each and every Melbourne Cup is free to kick up her heels and have a bit of fun with the race that stops a nation in its tracks.


There are a lot of fabulous Melbourne Cup events here in Perth, so it was hard to know which event to choose for a first timer. In the end I narrowed it down to my top 4, that still had tickets available.

Matisse Beach Club