Checking the Night Life Hobart

29/06/201711/12/2017

I know from growing up in Hobart that the night scene is excellent.

Live bands, old fashioned pubs and clubs are in abundance.

Many pubs while looking a bit “uneventful” on the outside will be pumping on the inside. Let your teenage inquisitive self take control and explore.

These are a couple to try out… no doubt there are more that I haven’t been to in awhile.

Cargo

Cargo has be the local go to for a beer or boogey for a few years now. I have had many a late night here with great music, vibes and drinks.

Jack Greene

Next door to Cargo is Jack Greene an awesome bar done up how I would design my underground, bar at home! We went on Friday night and caught the tail end of a duet playing excellent 80s tracks that had people dancing and swaying.

The bar also offers great Tassie gins! Ask the staff for their recommendation and don’t stop at one… (NB The Usual clause of drink responsibly etc)

Wine and Grape

We headed here on Friday night and it is a younger scene but great fun and excellent for a dance. It goes late… Grape Bar is open until 2am Friday and Saturday nights and a fun place for a dance.

Republic Bar in North Hobart is well known for housing live bands. It has a large out door area with a big smokers area if you need. And inside a large dance space to let your inner teenager express itself on the dance floor.

Heading towards the other side of the wharf are a few quintessential bars and great meets and drinks places.

Custom’s House

Built in … and restored a few moons ago, Customs is a wonderful pub where you can sit inside or outside under heat lamps. You can watch life go past with a locally brewed beer or delicious pinot noir. This is the go-to pub when the Sydney to Hobart is on. The food is also excellent. It is situated at the docks and the views of the Derwent River are great.

The Telegraph Hotel

This used to be the place to go to on a Friday night. Telegraph still is worth of including in a pub crawl around the water front.

The Lower House

This hidden bar is a newish addition to the Tassie pub scene being around for maybe 10 years. The Lower House is worth a sneaky peak on a Friday. Also a younger scene. It is the next block up from Custom’s House.

Wine Bars

The Henry James in the old Jam Factory offers incredible Tassie wines and a wonderful ambience.

Tavern 42 degrees – great atmosphere and upstairs turns into a night club friday and Saturday.

My favourite tucked away wine bar is Drink Co.

You will find James and his boutique bar under Salamanca Galleria, in the walk way beside Retro Cafe, Salamanca. A definite must if you like wines. Oh and gins!

All in all, Hobart has some of the best wine bars in Australia, and a healthy, active night scene that has never wavered. The locals are friendly and there are plenty of live bands on around town. Venture out, even if the night is cold, and you will find your mood catered for!

Night Clubs in Monaco

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Sass Cafe

The Sass Cafe is FUN!

Great food is served, an awesome wine list and DJ music the club usually kicks off after 11pm.

Perched along the Avenue Princes Grace opposite the Grimaldi Forum.

Twiga Monaco

Sporting a wonderful club on the fringe of the Cote D’azure is Twiga. Hire a booth, hang out in the shisha bar, have a dance on the club’s dance floor, Twiga is an exclusive world class night club.

Buddha Bar

Everyone knows about the Monaco Buddha Bar. With a mix of locals, tourists and ” others” who offer paid services, you can have a pretty good time at Buddha Bar.

I seem to find myself here every visit – the outdoor area is good, the indoor club area fine and well, it’s just central and a good meeting place.

You will find it on the Italian side of the casino.

Le Meridien Beach Plaza

Underneath Le Meridien is the fun and accommodating Amber Summer. Open 24 hours, it is the place to go to late in the night. You can grab a cocktail, a dance or a warm blanket.

La Rascasse

Situated down on the docks in the lap of the palace is La Rascasse. I have had a few fun nights here but it can get very rowdy and isn’t as sophisticated as the other options. Great fun with a crowd.

Nikki Beach Monaco

This is a fun place and always great for a relaxing drink under the stars. You will find your way up to the salacious lounges through the casino. I have had a few BIG parties at Nikki Beach, with people jumping in the pool and very much like a scene out of a movie. Other nights it has been quiet. Definitely worth a look and drink.

Matsos

06/01/2017

Great food, boutique beer and excellent atmosphere.

If your dream of escaping to the outback included a big tree, with a guy playing a tune and a refreshing ale, then you must visit Matsos

This is my second time and everything is splendid!

The main house is a “brewery” on wooden floors serving an eclectic menu of boutique beers, ciders and more.

I share a Custard & Co. Apple Cider which is unbelievably refreshing.

Then we eat our specials (my friend has a trio of curries).

Mine is a lightly seared (rare) yellow-fin tuna, with beans and a cerviche of baramundi.

Delicious flavours, perfect for the hot weather… and high protein. A big thing I have been conscious of over the last week.

Tonight a band was playing and a really nice bar tender, Alex, guided us through the menu.

Matsos is a fantastic brewery with a strong Aussie vibe, good food and good ales. Highly recommend on your visit to Broome.

My Three Favourite Eat Places in Canguu, Bali

22/06/201629/06/2016

I love Canguu.

Canguu is a region in Bali, west of the more popular beaches of Kuta, Legion and Seminyak. Canguu is a very laid back area of rice fields, farms, coast line and beaches. It is famous for its surf breaks of Canguu, Batu Balong and Echo Beach (far away in time… sorry couldn’t resist).

The coast consistently caters for all sorts of surfers: long board riders, short board riders, kite surfers, beginners and big wave junkies and draws people from around the world. It’s not a “shopping mall” crowd, it is a down to earth “I-dig-surf-and-life” kinda crowd.

Aside from chasing the perfect wave along Canguu, you can also find eclectic organic, hipster restaurants, funky music venues, a healthy art scene and a plethora of yoga and health venues. Hence why I love the region so much: i t has everything I need.

Old Man's whipping up a storm — Old Man’s whipping up a storm

These are my top three restaurants and cafes in Canguu

Breakfast at the Shady Shack

Looking over the rice paddy field from Shady Shack doing some work

For breakfast (either before or after your morning surf), is the Shady Shack.

It’s sister cafe, Betelnut is really well known and on the other side of the paddy field, but Shady isn’t far behind it in popularity and the times that I go there it is packed.

Both cafes offer local and organic produce, turned into inspired creations. The vegetarian options are amazing and really well priced.

I meet Gypsy the owner briefly and we discuss the diverse menu, her use of medicinal plants and even bee pollen in her shakes. Being an avid subscriber to Hippocrate’s advice of “let food be your medicine” I am an instant fan of the Shady Shack.

The menu is extensive and caters for vegans to meat eaters but it is predominantly a plant based food fest.

The creations are beyond my imagination and I love the way each meal is it’s own art display and visual orgasmic delight. Nourishing one’s soul and body is so important with food and Gypsy and Shady Shack have nailed it, 10/10.

Today I have the Haloumi Bowl at Shady Shack and it is sensational: rocket, zucchini spaghetti, roasted capsicum, pickled beetroot, quinoa, chick peas, and a couple of devine sauces. A tasteorgasm!
At Betelnut my favorite would be their big salad bowl with 4 different salads. But the last two days I have had the fish burger, with chippies and salad. Also yummy.

Lunch at Old Man’s

If you haven’t already, go for a late morning surf at Batu Bolong then head to Old Man’s for lunch.

Old Man’s is the communal meeting place for locals and travellers and I don’t think a day goes past when I am not there .

Old Man's Batu Bolong — Old Man’s Batu Bolong

You can literally come out from a surf, rinse off the Indian Ocean in a shower at the back of the pub and order a chilled bintang while still dripping wet.

Sean the owner is a great guy, known by many and very hospitable. It’s laid back atmosphere is accepting and there’s usually a band playing most nights of the week.

Batu Balong Beach is at the end of the street and is an awesome place to watch life slip by or roll by, with the many hypnotic waves. Grab a coconut and make yourself at home. No one is in a rush around here.

I usually have the snapper and chips but the menu, for a pub, is very accommodating even offering vegetarian options.

Every day has a happy hour, but my advice would be to head there for lunch and or an early dinner. Which brings me to my favourite dinner dine in place Lacalitas.

Dinner at Lacalita

Chef and Aussie ex-pat owner, Will, opened up Lacalitas after his Seminyak sensation, Lacalaca was rated a winner by trip advisor. Both restaurants boast mexican flavours but both have their own individual flare and style.

Lacalita is an infusion of contemporary and mexican foods. I love Lacalita’s menu and have eaten here nearly every night for the past week!

La Taqueria Tostaditas and the Ahi Poke are delicious for starters and the soft crab is my favourite for mains. The menu is worth drooling over and whatever you do don’t rush .

The BEST thing on the menu (in my humble opinion) is the chilli margarita. I am not sure if I am going back any more for the food, the chilli margaritas or the fantastic atmosphere and decor.

The walls have lots of interesting items to check out, wonderful photos and memorabilia. It all comes together to be one of my favourite restaurants, quite possibly in the world.

The smiling friendly staff really do make you feel at home and Putu, who I have got to know reasonably well, will remember your name so by your second visit you will feel like Lacalita is home.

Will and Lacalita it’s a big 10/10.

Congratulations for producing a world class restaurant with the best trimmings in the humble, laid back region of Canguu.

The Planting Festival – Through the Eyes of a Child

09/05/201609/07/2016

Recently I went to Woodford again to join in with The Planting.

I didn’t really know what to expect but if was along the same vein as The Woodford Folk Festival, I knew I would would love it…. and so would the kids.

Determined to let my inner child dominate I set few rules for the weekend (just the usual safety ones for the kids) .

We all seem to sigh a breath of relief when I declare these weekends. We all get to honour fun and play in nature.

With that in mind, this is my ” inner child’s” take on The Planting Festival, held the first long weekend in May each year.

The Planting 2016

We arrive late on Friday afternoon... too late in the afternoon.

I forgot that the sun goes to bed really early now, and that there would be loads of traffic leaving Brisbane, heading north for the weekend.

It was a long car drive. It rained.

The traffic stopped. Then it started. only to Stop again.

It was actually loads of fun, until we got there a little too late…. It was nearly dark, and raining consistently.

The kids were really good about it though and the volunteers are all friendly and make it a really easy process.

The Planting Festival — Getting our hippy grove on

After showing ID at the registration tent it was an armband on, then directions to the camp site.

The kids were buzzing with excitement as was I.

The excitment momentarily died as we put the tents up in the rain..

Time to explore.

Inside the festival was awesome.

We headed straight for the Tree House.

It had been built over 2 weeks by about 14 people including these amazing people:

Arief from Indonesia who has a passion and business in the bamboo industry.

There was something very wholesome about him and his nature that left you smiling inside to out.

And Jed – another cool person who has been involved with Woodfordia and the art side for many years. He also had that incredible luminsing energy that left you feeling happy.

The Tree House is a magnificent structure that is best described as living art and an absolute trip wire for one’s imagination.

Tree house woodfordia — From the tree house looking out

It’s window off the lounge room offers a placid and surreal scene.

With a foggy haze and fresh smell of rain in the air, it is everything fantasy and make believe could ever hope to achieve.

We were all individually and collectively experiencing our ultimate fantasy world; Shrek, Beauty and the Beast or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe… We all talked about our favorite fairy tales on the way up the sculpture.

Our imaginations were being flooded with ideas.

BACK to NATURE folks.

The children’s festival, on the fringe of the pond, is like entering into another realm, another world, another place in time.

The promo clip for the event says it all.

It’s a place where the village raises the children, and were the transition into young adulthood not so harsh as it is now.

The elders visit occasionally and watching silently over and smiling

My son at planting in th wetlands — My son at planting in the wetlands valley for butterflies to come and habitat in

Fun, mud, cooking working shops to make pizza, puppets, dancing, parades and freedom!

Freedom to play and be a child.

If you need to awaken your inner child or balance out your carbon foot print, head up to the Planting. Check out their website for more info.

The Planting Festival – a time to nurture nature

08/05/2016

What a wanderlust weekend playing with my children and hanging out in Woodfordia, planting trees!

A fun WET weekend (apparently the first wet Planting in 18 years)!?

We pitched our tents in the rain on Friday night and head into the festival to try to make the most of the night.

The kids are immediately on the Woodforidan page… you mean “we all get to live happily ever after?”

I am writing two more blogs on the Planting Festival – one on the man behind the festival Bill Hauritz and the other blog about the festival through my children’s eyes.

The newly planted trees around the butterfly wetlands

Truck Woodford — Emily the truck at the Planting. What a truck

One of my favourite moments was walking back from planting some sapplings with my son and meeting a new friend, Mel.

Two hours earlier we found ourselves standing around literally in the pouring rain listening to Noni, Peter, Tim and Helen explain plants in the wetlands, the importance of butterflies and the dilemmas of modern day weeds.

Fascinating as it was, I must confess I only caught about 30% of the wonderful knowledge being shared as my imagination was already chasing rabbits in the fields and being distracted with wander…

And I noticed my son wasn’t far behind me day dreaming.

We buddied up with random strangers but after working together planting trees they felt like old mates.

This is a short clip that summarises a beautiful, lusciously wet and green weekend.

Elle King & The National at Byron Bay Bluesfest

26/03/201629/03/2016

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016 is a BIG WOW!

What I love about the Byron Bay Bluesfest is random meetings, the incredible acts and the good vibes….

I’ve been an annual pilgrimmer for fifteen plus years.

Yesterday was fantastic.

For the first time I decided to camp.

While I do love camping and there are some great advantages to camping beside a festival, I think the key to making it work is to turn up with a few hours to spare.

Determined not to let stress get in the way of a good time, I slumberly pitched my tent and sipped some of the wine I had smuggled in (no glass aloud in the camp city)!

Off into fun Blues town.

The conversations in the queues are different and fun… a smorgasboard of random topics, different folk and no need to impress… my favorite thing.

The conversations are mostly around music, fashion and which band you are most looking forward to seeing.

A first time for me was watching the Torres Strait Islander Dance Tropee. The women were majestic and fluid, dancing and swaying in their sea grass skirts. The beautiful hum and smiles… it felt great!

Blues fest byron bay — Torres Strait Islander Dance Group at Byron Bay Blues Fest

The men were stronger, louder and impactful.

The stomping on the ground, the masculine energy and the reverberation inside my chest was good!

A dose of dancing man.

I wish I could experience more.

Bluesfest Elle King — Elle King rocks Byron Bay Bluesfest

I was keen to see Elle King.

She was amazing. She spoke more sense than any candidate currently running for the US presidency and spoke from the heart. Unimpeded – powerful and sincere.

Her gold tracksuit was an absolute winner.

After Elle was Grace Potter – a bit of a modern day Suzi Quatro. She rocked, the boys loved it and festival fever had hit.

Byron Bay bluesfest — The National rocking at Byron Bay Bluesfest

Later in the night, the big band name, The National, took down the tent (or lifted it off).

People had come just to the festival to see The National. A first for me, even though I had started listening to them a few weeks ago. Very good, very popular and a great live act.

Back to the earthen tent to collapse and drift away to the sweet smells of the grass beneath me.

Minyon Falls, Mullum and dragon lizards

12/02/201612/02/2016

Well some days nature just calls and today was one of those days.

A few clients shuffled around their appointments this morning and (like a silent but LOUD alarm) I knew I need a dose of mother nature.

I didn’t really bargain on the BIG dose of mother nature at Poinciana Cafe – a funky outdoors healthy eats place in Mullumbimby!

David Bowie’s soft melodic tunes hum away in the back ground and the weather blows, stops, rains and shines! Very Melbourne but quite nice being rained upon and awesome listening to some random tunes!.

Yellow Sword Fish from Poinciana Cafe Mullumbimby

The Poinciana has a good vibe… and lots of lizards. I think the chardonnay helps with the phobia but seriously I need more convincing.

Today I order the Yellow Fin Sword Fish and it is delicious… and the lizards become less of an issue until one pounces on my toes (I dropped a crumb) which sends me into a tail spin and I bolt off to the bush. (I don’t “do” lizards well).

Minyon Falls is a little off the beaten track but the drive there is so sublime. Yellow-green fields, fresh country air and exitement! I love the northern rivers of NSW. It’s wholesome and complete and close to civilisation yet so far away.

Minyon falls are incredible. Some of the tallest falls I have experienced in a long time and I get a little giddy.

The lovely creek that feeds into Minyon Falls

After a few kilometres into my bush walk, I also get giddy from thinking about snakes, so this time decide to abort and come back on a cooler day! Some days snakes don’t bother me, but after my frazzled ending to Nepal and the heat of the day, I know I will encounter a snake and I doubt I will be cool-calm-and-collected, so opt to bail before greeting my demons.

A light swim at Clarkes in Byron Bay on the way home rounds the day off nicely and a stressless drive home.

Woodford – Arts, Music and all Things Green

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On the first day Woodford Festival I was dazed: bands, bars, brazilian meat and bush pantomimes. It’s only on my second day that I start to pause longer in tents and absorb what is happening.

Zenning out at the start to the Labyrinth at Woodford

The Festival is a place for all people, including myself. It’s like a adult version of Willy Womka’s Chocolate Factory – a total sensory smorgasbord. It’s delicious, daring and fun!

Pretty much everything you would like to try in the arts is here and more.

Flowers and colour — Beautiful art pieces every where @WoodfordFF

You would need a full day just to take in the art works. I even recognise a few pieces from the popular Swell Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast.

Billys Bar — Ben Carroll Relics From Atlantis

The impromptu sculptures scattered throughout were breath-taking and fun.

This face mask lit up at night and was really cool.

As side from the physical arts, there were performing arts.

Pop-up tents teaching people how to chant, and sing, jewelry making, how to dance, all sorts of yoga, lantern making, workshops on making didgeridoos and more.

The full arts and craft programme is impressive and most people book one or two of their arts/craft sessions when buying their tickets.

Woodford didgeridoos — Guys making didgeridoos! so cool

From the outside it is a grown up creche but for the academics in social behaviour it is a perfect way to foster connection, teach new skills and let people connect left and right hemispheres of their brains. I have written a separate blog on the positive hormone changes it creates on my naturopath page.

The cross breeding and propagation of free thinking is beautiful to experience.

Over the days, I am privy to hear Prof Ian Lowe on environmental issues, talk to people about coal seam gas and be inspired by one of the land’s best orators, Noel Pearson.

On New Year’s Day people make the morning pilgrimage to watch the sun rise. Thousands of bodies lie together watching the new year unfold. This photo was the second after a massive bubble had popped.

Each morning kicks off early – around 8am. On New Year’s Day I find myself singing with The Voice sensation Darren Percival . His voice is incredible and his sessions so much fun. His presence is very angelic and worth seeing if you find him on the “menu” in 2016.

Many people go for the music and it is second to none. I felt a little like being back in New Orleans where there is music on every corner. Woodfordia is a little like that.

Music is played into the early hours of the morning. No curfews and lock out and no rowdy crowds, just folks having a fantastic time.

There are so many funky bands that it’s hard to remember them all.

My favs are Tijuna Cartel (photo above), CC The Cat, Benny Walker, Andrea Kirwan, Lauren Kate, The Hot Potato Band, Briggs and more!

Comedy shows are hysterical and leaving me howling in laughter and smiling from ear to ear. I love this place!

Interestingly my body is craving yin foods and detoxing.

It is easy here. Detoxing, nurturing your body and eating vegetarian and vegan is easy. The food stalls are awesome and most of the food is reasonable and it is certainly plentiful, even at midnight!

Juicing is easy !

This van was my favourite, and the green smoothie (made on Almond milk is the best).

Juicing at Woodford is easy #woodfordWW — Juicing at Woodford is easy
#woodfordWW

I am not surprised when I hear a few people saying this is their annual detox.

It would be a perfect way to detox and cleanse… camp and simplify life, have massages and cold showers, sleep whenever you feel the urge, see bands, do art, listen to inspiring speakers and do yoga. Juice, eat vego and cleanse your mind… voila there you have a very cheap health retreat for 5 days!

A big part of Woodfordia is respecting and protecting nature. You can buy trees to plant which is done in June each year at the Planting Festival.

After a few days at Woodfordia I am feeling incredible love. Like many, I will be waiting eagerly for the next one in 360 days .

Sensory immersion, ecclectic diversity and beautiful people being not doing. If you are into music, arts so or simply expanding your being, put Woodford Folk Festival on your bucket list.

What is the Woodford Folk Festival?

03/01/201629/12/2017

Woodfordia – I feel like I am entering the set for The Hobbit. Actually now I get the Hobbit! It’s everyone’s fantasy.

Funky hats at Woodford — The Hats of Woodfordia

Imagine bringing your “ back of the wardrobe” fantasies to life… great tunes, talking animals, trees that smile, organic food and skipping fairies… then you imagine Woodfordia.

A valley, a place, a time, where people meet and greet each other without prejudice, without judgement but with love.

This is a festival like no other – it is the Woodford Folk Festival, held north of Brisbane in a lush valley near the Glass House Mountains.

A place where your taste buds are tingled, your eyes teased and your body is tickled!

It’s the most ecclectic fun I have had in a while.

I am not even sure where to start.

Execpt I know that upon reflection day one is the most extraordinary mind blowing experience and then day 2 you get the jist of it all and by day 3 you are really finding your groove.

Music everywhere — Woodford Folk Festival – music everywhere

I think and in no particular order that the first day ran a little something like this…

Arrive at Woodfordia camping grounds and find myself pulling into the Priaries in a lush paddock full of newly woken Woodfordians rubbing sleep out of their eyes. I pitch my tent (all by myself) and find my way along Lois Lane to the festival. My tent is pitched in “Goneamy Way” street, which is beside “ Bombsaway” and “ Let’s go this Way”

Up dales, down dales, past fairies and unicorns, the whole place is incredible.

After a chilled wine, which we are trusted to sip while walking around various venues (so mature), I find myself listening to a talk with Noel Pearson (what an incredible soul and orator) on environmentalism and helping minority groups such as indigenous, become self reliant through eco systems, permaculture etc.

Woodford Festival — WoodfordFF happy campers

Woodfordia self regulates. There is a definite non-code of consensus in some areas – dress, beliefs, singing, being etc but a definite code of “we don’t tolerate closed minds, non tolerant, critical people. Leave your rules, and laws at the front gate. Or don’t bring them up at all. Namaste, thank-you, bless”.

Woodford Folk Festival is Stimulating..

The art is stimulating and is a like a living art gallery.. stills, scultpure and acting arts (singing, pantamine and more).

Centre piece Bamboo to the skies at Woodford

The music is awesome. Blues, Jazz, funk, hip hop, folk, regae rock. It is endless.

We are all talking a similar language and defintely similar vibration. No angst, no stress and the only time commitment is working out how quickly you can walk the distance between two tents to see the next gig, comedy or talk.

People are muttering the same things too…

” How long have you been coming? Isn’t it wonderful!”

” I wish this was how we lived all the time”

The community is strong and self regulated. No BS, no over the top rules and great freedom.

People are gathered up in a wave of love and collective conscience of beauty and gratitude. This is a festival worthy of an annual visit!

CC The Cat rocking it at the Pineapple Lounge - this is their photo :-) — CC The Cat rocking it at the Pineapple Lounge – this is their photo 🙂

This visit I am priveledged to catch up and see my friend’s band, CC The Cat playing. A funky five piece that play mellow, groovy reggae tunes perfect for an open air gig or a jammed hyped crowd. I dig their tunes and love the band.

I will write more about the labyrinth, the fire festival on subsequent blogs….

For now it is 330am, and I realise that it’s time to let my body drift to another Woodforia… cloud land. A glorious walk over the hills into Woodfordia and I am here in my beautiful nest to sleep with all the other “ villagers” in a very happy prairie vale.

It’s exactly what I expected without having any expectations and I love it.