Tag Archives: Australia

Eat, Pray, Love Style

30 Jun

Didya miss me?

I know I did.

After exams finished, I had about a week of celebrating, then a week of relaxing.

But then its off to the next adventure!

Only 3 more days until I head off to Eat, Pray, Love territory.

That’s right folks, I’m going to Bali, Indonesia!!

There’s so much that I’m excited for: hiking, beaching, snorkeling, monkeys, scootering, temples, museums, hot weather, sand, and the list goes on. 

Right now I’m just focusing on that warm sun beating down on my skin. Though the Melbourne winter has proven to be anything but freezing and rainy thus far.

I’ll be a photographic rampage, so my big blogging comeback is on the brink!

I’m staying with a friend in Ubud whilst in Bali which is central and located among the paddy fields but plan to visit most northern parts of the island.

It’s amazing how many people in Australia have lived in, or visited Bali. It’s like the Cancun of the Southern Hemisphere.

I’ve gotten heaps and heaps of advice and suggestions, so its bound to be en exciting trip.

After Bali I will be heading to Sydney to stay with friends for a bit. Then its back to Geelong for a couple of days and then my final weeks in Melbourne!

I’m starting to come to grips with all of this ending in my own way now. I will admit I’ve had a few freak outs, but I’m back to normalcy now. Hmm, its beginning to sound like the five stages of grief…

Australia will always be in my heart and always be a part of me. It’s not the ending of a chapter because I’m sure I will find my way back here again, maybe even sooner than I imagine.

That might be enough nostalgia and emotion for one post.

A bunch more exciting things to share about the future once I arrive back from my travels, but I’ll most likely be recapping travels before the big reveal.

Hint hint: this time blogging will have food  and adventure pictures. Time to take this camera out of hibernation. 

See you when I see you,

Casey

To row, or not to row?

12 Apr

As I have said in my last post I have A LOT of news.

I don’t think I’ll be able to fit it all into one post so it’ll have to be a two parter. (The second part having more photos ;) )

I made my triumphant return to the gym this past weekend since I only had training for one sport and had a fair few days off.

I feel like all I have been doing is running around and chasing balls for all of my exercise

*please refrain from making the above a pun ;) *

Speaking of chasing balls, we won quarterfinals today in soccer and play a tough match for semis tomorrow!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

I was neglecting my arms and missing strength training.

I had two nice long sessions filled with weights, medicine balls, BOSU’s and some good old fashion planks and push-ups for my arms.

I also started and finished each session with 20-30 minutes of cycling.

The bikes are situated so you get a clear view of the middle of Uni.

People watching is one of my all time favorite activities so it was rather easy to be on the bike for 30 minutes.

 

I have also become a napper.

I have had four -count them- four naps since I returned to Australia. (not including my 16 hour jet-lag induced “nap”)

If you know me you know that I have always struggled to nap.

Always set it as a New Years Resolution, and always average about two naps a year.

But things are a-changing.

I attest my success to lots of early morning sport (both supporting and playing), lots of mid-day trainings, and lots of general activities to exhaust me on a daily basis.

I will admit my diet has not been the best of late.

Blame on my constant sport. Blame it on the fact that I’m in college. Blame it on the fact that I do not have a fridge, microwave, or oven, and am subject whatever the cafeteria provides.

I’m not eating horribly but it’s a bit different from my usual clean-and-pristine diet or all natural foods with little additives.

What I’ve noticed from this is not a change in my body, but more in the way I feel.

I generally have a healthy breakfast and lunch.

English muffin with vegemite for brekky and some sort of massive salad with dips for lunch. But dinner never satisfies me (I also can’t resist sticky date ;) ) and I get peckish at night. That’s when the ‘junk’ starts to happen.

Gotta get to a friend’s house to cook ASAP!

I might have a sneaky camera sesh in our cafeteria one brunch. I feel weird doing it, but better that than a formal dinner!

 

 

Back to sporting news: Rowing tryouts are this weekend and I’m still tussling with the big debate…

To row or not to row? That is the question….

Rowing is by far the most intense and important sport in all of college. It is very competitive and I don’t know if I will even make it.


But the training is very intense. About 4 hours a day most days of the week. (Whaddup 5am trainings?)

 

What do you think? To row or not to row?

How far do you push yourself in sport, exercise, or racing?

 

Casey

Winery Tour: The Mornington Peninsula Edition

29 Mar

During my time in Australia I’ve been on many, many winery tours.

Another one can’t hurt right?

This time, all the Queeners, dressed in their finest tweed, hopped on a bus to the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy two wineries and a classy cheese and wine filled ferry ride in between.

The first vineyard was Michelton.

Uno.

Dos.

Tres.

Most of the wines I sampled here were very tasty.

Mostly on the sweeter side though, and not too many fuller bodied wines.

After a couple good hours of tasting it was time to board the boat.

It was a gorgeous day for it too!

On the ferry, there was copious amounts of wine and cheese consumed.

I bought a bottle of the Moscato after being advised against the red since it doesn’t pair as well with cheese.

The Moscato was fine for the first few sips but tasted more and more like apple juice after that.

Lots of cheesing. Lots of dippage.

Fun Boat Times

The ferry may have been my favorite part. Between the hot sun, cool breeze, wine cheese, and perfect company, I could have easily spent another hour up on the top deck.

Alas it was off to the next winery: Tahbilk.

We hit Tahbilk on a great day. There was live music and acres of land primed for afternoon napping.

Nothing like a good wine induced snooze.

Then it was time for more tastings:

I was a bit over tasting at this stage, but nothing really impressed me here besides the tawny and ports.

Everything else seemed a bit watery.

Overall another winery success.

Don’t tell Mornington Peninsula, but Yarra Valley still has my heart.

Well, my Google Reader is calling, and it is in danger of becoming more daunting then my mail inbox.

Gotta jump back on this blogging horse!

Casey

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