At the beginning of August 2010, I flew to Montréal for the long weekend. I was pretty lucky because the weather is amazing! I flew Friday night and stayed at the Marriott Chateau Champlain which was really lovely.

Montréal is really beautifully set up with some gorgeous parks. It has a nice laid back feel which reminded me a little bit of Melbourne.

So green! Sigh!

How cute is this squirrel! It was just running around in the park. Squirrels always amuse me, as I’m not used to them just running about!

Look at the stunning architecture! Montréal is a very old city and has kept a lot of their builders in their original design.

Montréal City Hall

What I love most about Montréal is their transportation that you can hire! You can rent bicycles or the little cart like above! Love it!! Such an easy cruisy way to get around the city!

LOVE

At the Old Port, is the Centre Des Science De Montréal (Science Centre of Montreal) which also has an IMAX theatre.

Vieux Port (Old Port) is such a beautiful part of Montréal. So calm and fresh.

If you wish to see the city on horse carriage, you can! Pick a horse at the Old Port and off you go!

Giddyup!

Here’s me taking a phot of myself on the horse carriage (har har).

In all, I really recommend seeing Montreal on horse carriage! I decided on an hour tour which took me around Old Montreal and the Old Port. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Montreal and the horse was slow enough to be able to see everything and you could get into those little streets where tour buses can’t. I was able to relax my feet a little, soak up the sun and enjoooooyyy. =)

One of the most iconic places to visit in Melbourne is Brunetti’s which began their operations as an authentic roman pasticceria in Carlton in 1985. Since then and due to their immense popularity, they’ve opened two more locations at Melbourne’s City Square (April 2005) and Camberwell (October 2007).

Brunetti’s is most known for their delicious cakes but they house a beautiful cafe that offers first class coffee. Also on offer are various other hot drinks such as the Italian hot chocolate, imported and local cold beverages, alcoholic beverages and a large selection of pasteries.

Brunetti’s also has a:

• Pasticceria which offers a wide selection of cakes, tarts, mignon, biscuits, chocolates, nougat and original delicious cakes
• Gelateria section that offers 26 flavours of gelati all made daily on the premises by gelatieri using only fresh fruit and natural ingredients. Also available are icy granitas, fresh smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.
• Paninoteca which offers offers an array of mixed savouries to include tramezzini, foccacce, salads, and savory crepes. They also offer a breakfast menu, al la carte menu and an antipasto bar.
• Cioccolateria which offers over 40 varieties of hand made chocolates made from the finest imported Callebeau chocolate. They also have chocolate fondue with special chocolate desserts.
• Creperia that serves freshly made traditional crepes with a variety of toppings and fillings.

When I used to work in the city, my brother and I would often meet at their Elizabeth St location and enjoy some gelati. So good!

Here’s their baked cheesecake – it was absolutely divine! I love cheesecake!

Ice coffee. Nom. =)

One of the loveliest things about Toronto is that it sits on the beautiful Lake Ontario. You get lovely fresh gusts of wind (far from lovely in the winter) from the lake and the view is just great. But what is better than all of that is viewing Toronto from the other side, via boat, or via the Toronto Islands, of via plane – day or night – it is just magnificent!

Toronto Harbourfront reminds me of the Melbourne Docklands by 100x times better. It is more developed with more things to do. Let’s not forget that it is also better planned out (the planning of Melbourne Docklands was atrocious). But perhaps in a couple of years to come, the Melbourne Docklands will be bursting of life and energy just like the Harbourfront.

Toronto’s Harbourbront, like Melbourne’s Dockland did not get much attention when in its first developments. See that ugly square beige/grey building pictured above? Those are the first condominiums to be built at Toronto Harbourfront and they were going for $50,000 with free parking! In comparison to the value of the condominiums these days – $50,000 can just buy you parking!!!

But seriously – The Toronto Harbourfront in it’s first development was a pretty ugly site. It’s definitely gone a long way from what it used to be. This entire area used to be an industrial playground – full of dirty factories and grime. Toronto has cleaned itself up a lot since then and turned its city into one of the world’s most iconic cityscapes – home to the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and many festivals (there’s one every weekend during the summer!)

One sunny arvo, we took a Toronto Harbour Tour which takes you around the lake and all the way to the Toronto Centre Islands too where you can also spend your day there. I got a one hour tour ride for just $8 off Groupon (normally $25)! So good! Here are some photos from the ride.

Above: Left is the CN tower and to the right is Sirius Centre where a lot of free concerts are played.

Above is the Rogers Centre (formally known as Skydome) and is home to the Toronto BlueJays (baseball). Last night the New York Yankees and the BlueJays played here. Also in this photo are boats, kayaks and canoes for rent.

 Here’s me on the boat tour.  HEHE!

Back in September 2007, when James came to visit me in Australia we decided to go horse riding at Mornington Peninsula. It was such a beautiful day, it seemed absolutely perfect for this type of activity!

Gunnamatta Trail Rides offers various ride options, 1 hour, half day, full day, night rides, etc. We opted for the two hour bush-beach ride. We were lucky because there weren’t any other people in our group – just the two of us! It was lovely.

I must say that horse riding is hard work! It’s so incredibly bouncy and such a good work out for your legs! You need good balance and tough leg muscles to really feel confident on the back of a horse. My horse’s name was Arlie. He was so lovely to ride.

Here’s some photos of us at St. Andrew’s beach. Can you tell it was an absolute gorgeous day? It was!

Ever since then, I’ve been longing to get back onto a horse! I took a couple of lessons since that day which taught me the importance of a good core and how it helps with your balance. Whilst on my trip in Australia in February 2010, I believed it was a must to go back to Gunnamatta since I loved it so much!

Here’s photos from that day. Chris accompanied me while Hao could not make it :( Oh well, next time!

This is my second time at the 360 Restaurant. I loved it the first time I ate there, but it was the winter and it was pretty dark. The skies were clear and we could see a lot of pretty lights, but this time the sun was out longer as it was summer and we could eat yummy food whilst watching the sunset. It was beautiful! The CN Tower is a place everyone must experience for themselves. CN Tower is the tallest tower in the world! What better to enjoy good food with a stunning view and the feeling like you’re on top of the world? :)

The beautiful sunset.

Here’s the food!

TRIO OF ATLANTIC SEAFOOD COCKTAIL
Jumbo lump crab, Maritime lobster, cold poached shrimp
Champagne vinaigrette, tarragon aïoli, horseradish cocktail sauce $48

CUMIN SCENTED ROAST RACK OF LAMB
Warm pancetta, potato and mint salad, natural jus $52

PAN ROASTED WILD BLACK COD
Wilted Swiss chard, preserved orange, fennel pollen, black olive vinaigrette $38

ORANGE RISOTTO WITH COINTREAU CRÈME FRAÎCHE
Passion fruit, dark chocolate, pistachios $14

San Francisco is my second favourite city in the world (after New York City). Union Square being my third favourite place in the world (after Times Square and Central Park in New York City).

I’ve travelled to San Francisco three times now (November 2007, February 2009, May 2010) and I always make sure that I make a visit to Union Square. In fact, the first two times I travelled to San Francisco I made sure that we stayed in Union Square so I could soak up all that joyful shopping atmosphere. I absolutely love it.

The main reason why I fell in love with San Francisco so much is the people. They’re so laid back and friendly. Sometimes I wish I could live in this city!

Union Square is home to many stores (many of them designer). San Francisco Mall is not far, which I frequented often and is where Bloomingdales and Nordstrom is located. Macy’s is the main attraction here at Union Square all year round, having colourful windows. During Christmas, they have entertaining Christmas windows but is a compliment to the massive Christmas Tree that is put up in the centre of the Square. It is an absolute must to visit here during Christmas! It’s just too pretty!

I love shopping at Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, BCBG, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Longchamp, Lacoste, and Victoria’s Secret (just to name a few).

At the top floor of Macy’s, is The Cheesecake Factory which has some of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever tasted. YUM! They also have a lookout where you can take a fabulous view of the Union Square. I took the below photo at this lookout. It was a stunning view!

I also love the Heart at Union Square.

Here’s me in 2007 with the Heart and my shopping bags!

Here’s me with the heart and shopping bags again in 2010! Hahaha.

I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO! I LOVE UNION SQUARE!

On our long drive along the Lyell Highway from Hobart to Davenport, we decided to stretch our legs in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Within a short walk from where we parked our car, we found ourselves surrounded by natural beauty. It was so peaceful and green!  

And after a very short 20 minute stroll, we found ourselves at Nelson Falls. I’ve seen photos of these Falls before and they’re just extrodinary with water continuously gushing to the bottom. I suppose with Australia’s recent drought, there wasn’t much water here but I was sure glad there was water at all! There are so many lakes and waterfalls in Victoria and New South Wales that I’ve seen to have been completely dried up which is really unfortunate. 

After we marvelled at the falls for a little bit (and after many mozzie bites), we were on our way to the famous Cradle Mountain. The area is frequented by many tourists all year round as it has a large number of day walks as well as strenuous hikes of up to 6.5 hours. This climb involves scrambling over large boulders for several hundred metres so you need to be fairly fit and hope for a lovely dry day. 

I know we were in Tasmania during the summer, but I didn’t prepare myself for a Tasmanian summer – it was cold and rainy that day! Here’s me and my family in front of Dove Lake & Cradle Mountain. Notice how I look like I’m freezing my ass off! Hahahaha. 

Here’s me up on a boulder in front of Dove Lake when it started to rain! See the dark clouds! Nooooooooo! 

Here’s my mummy and daddy in the rain :) Hehehe. 

And then we were back onto the Spirit of Tasmania and off back home to Melbourne! 

Here’s a lovely shot of the Melbourne cityscape from the ship! Homeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee <3 

One of the best things about summer in Toronto is Canada’s Wonderland – where you can go to feel like a kid again! Not a care in the world, just funnnnnn……..!

…. And sure it was! The weather was just gorgeous too which helped. Canada’s Wonderland has a range of rides to fit your comfort (or risk-taking, if you dare) and even water rides for those hot summer days! I really enjoyed The Mighty Canadian Minebuster (Canada’s Longest Wooden Coaster), Time Warp (Canada’s Only Flying Coaster), Behemoth (Canada’s biggest, fastest & tallest coaster ever), Sky Rider, Shockwave, The Bat, and Vortex… SO MUCH FUN.

I didn’t even get to go on all the Thrill rides in that one day, let alone go on the water rides! Sniff! I have to go back! :) :) There’s no wonder so many people have Season Passes, where you can go as many times as you want in a year!

Here’s me in front of the waterfalls where they do diving shows!

Here’s “The Bat” in motion

Here’s another view of “The Bat”

Here’s Behemoth! Hugeeeee.

This is “Drop Zone”

This is Canada’s Wonderland trying to be like Disneyland.

Now what’s an Amusement Park if they didn’t have Funnel Cakes? :) YUM.

The Museum of Inuit Art is located within the historic Queens Quay Terminal at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. This museum is dedicated to the art and culture of Canada’s indigenous people (known as Inuit) and features sculptures carved from stone, antler, ivory and bone to ceramics, prints and wall hangings.

It was officially launched in June 2007 and aims to showcase the artistic history of Canada’s Inuit by showcasing their cultural and thematic foundations of their art and highlighting the regional diversity of their artistic expression.

I very much enjoyed visiting this museum. The sculptures, paintings and ceramics were undeniably beautiful. There were a range of miniature to large sculptures and I wondered how they sculpted these so long ago and so precisely. I very much enjoyed the sculptures of themselves, and their way of life. It was interesting to see their perspective of life and what mattered to them, and how they viewed themselves.

The museum also showcases videos where you can sit and watch to learn more about the Inuit history and culture which was very interesting as well. We spent about 2 hours at this museum, marvelling at each and every piece. I highly recommend viewing this museum!

See more pictures at my
Museum of Modern Art Flickr set.

Just a short distance away from the City of Melbourne, is St Kilda which is located on the bayside and home to Melbourne’s most famous beach. While it has been long known to be home of druggies and prostitutes, they’ve been pushed out of the area and is now alive with new apartments, restaurants, cafes, and a new image.

Places to visit in St Kilda include: