The alarm sounds at exactly 4:15am, those dreaded chimes ringing in my ear. I roll out of bed, momentarily confused as to why I’m being forced awake at this hour. It’s still dark outside and there’s a chill in this Hunter Valley pre-dawn air. After breaking free of my sleepy haze, I realize I’m aboutContinue reading “Up: Adventures in Hot Air Ballooning”
Category Archives: Travel
Day tripping in the Blue Mountains
Located a mere two-hours west of Sydney, an oasis of rolling green and natural beauty awaits. A World Heritage site since 2000, the Blue Mountains offers a welcomed escape from the busy city life. The air is crisp, the birds are playful, and the sunlight breaks through the towering trees at perfect angles. Traveling viaContinue reading “Day tripping in the Blue Mountains”
Catching the bug (and unfortunately I don’t mean the travel bug…)
“I think the Gators made me sick,” I told my new friend. “Sorry – who are the Gators?” Ugh. Sometimes it’s difficult living abroad. For one, your new friends are not usually the kind of friends you can share the typical banter from home. These new friends also come with a new set ofContinue reading “Catching the bug (and unfortunately I don’t mean the travel bug…)”
Life in the Bondi Bubble
“They call it the ‘Bondi bubble’”, my AirBnB host explained. “Everything you need is right here. There are people who never leave.” As I continue my neighborhood exploration, I opted to spend a few nights living in Bondi because, why not? Bondi is a world famous destination for surfers and travelers alike, always onContinue reading “Life in the Bondi Bubble”
First Impressions of Oz
I’m here! After 9 months of planning, excitement, and anticipation, Ali is finally in OZ! It’s almost surreal–there are moments that feel like a dream. There is much to learn, see and do in my new home of Australia but, for now, I will share my initial impressions of Sydney. We all know first impressions areContinue reading “First Impressions of Oz”
Hawai’i: Land of Alohas and Rainbows
If you’re in Hawai’i and you haven’t seen a rainbow or heard someone greet you with “aloha”, you haven’t been paying attention. These two details are common characteristics of the islands and, after a brief four-day visit to paradise, I’ve learned there is a great deal more to life in Hawai’i.
Managing a Fear of Flying
Panic attacks. Cold body sweats. Nausea. Hyperventilating. Tears. I’ve experienced each of these symptoms, often at the same time, due to a fear of flying. While I don’t know exactly where or when I picked up this fear, I have suffered from a fear of flying since I was a pre-teen.
10 Lessons Learned in Italia
Italia will always hold a special place in my heart. Italy was my destination of choice for my first international trip! I planned out two glorious weeks with time spent in Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Rome and Florence.
Pura Vida! Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
My Australian adventure begins in 3 short months, but first…Costa Rica! I booked this trip shortly after returning from Italy last summer. You know those post-travel blues you feel after returning to “real life”? Yeah, that’s when I decided on Costa Rica.
How I Booked a $300 Flight to Australia
Have you seen headlines like this one before? I have, and I never thought I would be someone to write something similar. I’ve read posts about travelers booking seemingly impossible low prices to destinations all around the world and the one thing all of these write-ups had in common was MILES. That’s right, using airlineContinue reading “How I Booked a $300 Flight to Australia”
ALI IN OZ 