Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am highlighting some doors that I spotted when we visited the local Sydney Tramway Museum in the Sutherland Shire. To be honest I didn’t even know this existed but one of my colleagues mentioned it to me as I was looking for something different to see / do on my day off. First a little bit of information on this attraction.
The Sydney Tramway Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich transport history. Located in Loftus, a village within the Shire, the museum houses an impressive collection of beautifully restored trams from Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond — including some international vehicles. Visitors have the opportunity to step aboard these historic trams and experience a ride along the museum’s dedicated tramway, providing a sense of what public transport was like in decades past. It even takes you along an old train line into the Royal National Park (sadly not used anymore).
Operated by a dedicated and extremely friendly team of volunteers, the museum combines historical preservation with hands-on experiences, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Sydney’s urban development. With indoor displays, outdoor exhibits (including old advertising posters that I LOVE), a gift shop and picnic areas, the Sydney Tramway Museum offers an engaging and educational day out, celebrating the important role trams have played in shaping the city. An absolutely fantastic day out and I was just simply in awe with the beauty of the old trams, including their doors! I often wish we still had these trams working today in Sydney, as can be seen in Melbourne.
One of the brilliant volunteers. I wish this tram still existed!Funny they have a smoking carriage!Love these old advertisements All aboard!Do not spit in the car. Penalty £2. The currency must have been in GBP back in the day. Now it’s the Australian dollar. I love how the seating plans are different in different trams.
Thanks for taking a look at my trams and doors. I would highly recommend visiting here and I can’t wait to show people here if they’re visiting in the future. All in all, a great place to see.
After living in the Sutherland Shire now for just over a year, I thought this would be the perfect time to share why it’s such a great place to live and highlight some of my favourite things about the area.
First of all, what is the Sutherland Shire?
The Sutherland Shire, often called The Shire, is a local government area in southern Sydney, New South Wales, known for its beaches, national parks, and strong sense of community. Geographically separated from the rest of Sydney by the Georges River, it can only be accessed by road via two main bridges. However, public transport offers alternative routes, with trains and ferries providing convenient connections to and from the area.
Moving to the Shire
Before moving here, we had lived in Sydney’s eastern suburbs until we relocated to Ireland for 17 months. When we returned to Sydney, we found the eastern suburbs had become overwhelmingly crowded, with skyrocketing rental prices making it nearly impossible to secure a decent place to live. We had always wanted to escape the Sydney rat race and experience a more suburban lifestyle, and this move gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.
1 – Proximity to Sydney
The Sutherland Shire is only 30 minutes to central station by public transport, meaning you can still come to the city to meet up with friends etc. and you don’t have to trek too far to get home. There are train stations in many of the Shire suburbs and the trains work pretty frequently (when they’re working). Bus services are also an option as well as driving if you have a car.
2 – The variety of suburbs where each one will attract you for their own unique reasons. The most frequent ones that I seem to visit are Miranda, Gymea, Kirrawee, Caringbah, Sutherland and Cronulla (although there are heaps more).
3 – Shopping at Miranda Fair (Westfields) – this shopping mall is HUGE and has everything you could possibly want / need. We live in Miranda and I find myself in this mall at least once a day, even just for groceries. You could spend all day here and it’s great for your steps if it’s a rainy day or a hot day as it has the best air con. Try to avoid visiting at weekends or public holidays as it gets extremely busy. Thank goodness we can walk here as parking appears to be problematic.
4 – Irish pub at Gymea – who doesn’t love an Irish pub?! This pub, known as The Snug is one of the best Irish bars I have seen in Australia. It is fantastic. As the name suggests, it’s a snug. Very cosy and inviting with lovely staff and a friendly crowd. They have a great area at the front where you can semi sit outdoors under cover and watch the world go by. They often have live music, make great toasties…with Tayto crisps (if you know, you know) and the absolute BEST Guinness I have had in Sydney! I cannot recommend this place highly enough. WE LOVE IT HERE.
Good times at The Snug
5 – Wine bar at Caringbah – I was walking through this suburb a few months ago thinking wouldn’t it be nice if the Shire had a wine bar…and lo and behold…this wine bar appeared. I kid you not! The Black Swan is a quirky little wine bar with a great wine list, lovely snacks, live music (fitting for a wine bar) and friendly staff again. Friendly is a common theme here with Shire people!
6 – The beaches at Cronulla – this seaside suburb has it all. The beaches that are really stunning, beach walks, rock pools, cafes, beautiful restaurants and bars and a real seaside feel to it. You genuinely feel like you’re on holiday when you come here to visit and the great thing for us is, it’s only 10 minutes away by train.
7 – Cafe culture – I must say, after a year being here in the Shire, we are STILL finding new cafes to try. We feel very fortunate to have such an array of cafes that serve great breakfast, lunches and coffees here. I’m pretty sure every suburb in the Shire has at least one great cafe. We particularly love Gymea for their coffee culture that has a real European feel as you walk through the suburb and we just found an amazing cafe in Miranda last week called Oli’s that was a huge hit with us. We sat outside in their well designed garden, tucked away on a side street that I had walked past nearly every day and hadn’t even noticed. We cannot wait to come back for their smashed avocados.
Smashed Avo – bursting with colour and flavour. Oli’s, we will be back soon! The Nun’s Pool at Cronulla. Absolutely stunning food.
8 – Bundeena – To think we used to come to this suburb for a holiday. You can drive here via the Royal National Park or you can take the ferry from Cronulla (which I highly recommend). I have a previous post all about Bundeena if you wish to check it out here but just know, this place is great for beach / bush walks, relaxing, enjoying some lovely food and drinks and is a good base for visiting the Royal National Park.
Ferry from Cronulla to BundeenaSunset at BundeenaThe Salty Pearl – a great spot for a cocktailBeach walks
9 – The Royal National Park – this is the world’s second-oldest national park (established in 1879). Covering over 15,000 hectares, it features stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and popular hiking trails like the Coast Track. The park is perfect for bushwalking, swimming, cycling, and picnicking, with highlights including Wattamolla Beach and Wedding Cake rock.
Natural poolsWattamolla BeachOn the walk to Wedding Cake rock
10 – Como bridge walk – This is a scenic pedestrian path running alongside the old Como Rail Bridge, connecting Oatley (not in the Shire) and Como (in the Shire) over the Georges River. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying water views, with a peaceful atmosphere and links to nearby bush tracks and parks. We like to have a drink in the brilliant Como hotel, then walk over the bridge which takes about 30 minutes and then reward ourselves with lunch in the Oatley Hotel, another fantastic pub.
Como Hotel – love the architecture as well as the food and drinks
11 – Port Hacking River – We’re lucky to have friends with a boat who love taking us out on the river. Cruising along, we get to soak in the stunning scenery the Shire has to offer, it’s amazing to see it all from a different perspective. We usually make our way towards Audley, where we stop for breakfast. Every trip is an unforgettable experience.
12 – Breweries – The Shire is also home to some fantastic breweries, including Hairy Man and Sunday Road. Both are well worth a visit and often host great food trucks. If you get the chance, try the Pop Ale at Hairy Man, I’ve never had anything quite like it. Delicious!
There you have it! I absolutely love living in the Shire for all the reasons mentioned above and I could go on and on and on, but I’ll spare you the details! It’s a place with so much to offer, and there’s a real warmth to the community (people still say good morning). The people are friendly, always willing to help one another, and I hope that never changes.
Nestled between rolling green pastures and stunning beaches, Berry, New South Wales, is a picturesque town that captures the charm of the South Coast. Just two hours south of Sydney, this quaint destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We had been here before for a couple of day trips but I really wanted to return and spend a couple of days here to really take it all in. From our place in the Shire, it was only a 1.5 hour drive.
A Historic Haven
Berry is steeped in history, evident in its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and small-town atmosphere. Established in the 19th century, the town is a window into Australia’s colonial past, with sites like the Berry Courthouse and the Berry Museum offering a glimpse into days gone by. There is a beautiful Thai restaurant that is worth checking out that is situated in the old Berry post office. We were lucky to be able to sit outside on the garden and appreciate the beautiful nature and architecture surrounding us.
I love the architecture and quaintness of this village. Beautiful views of the mountains on the background and everyone is welcome! The Berry Museum is worth checking out and was perfect for us when there was a short bout of rain.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Known as a hub for food lovers, Berry boasts a vibrant café culture and a variety of gourmet experiences. Whether you’re indulging in artisan baked goods at The Famous Berry Donut Van, enjoying a farm-to-table meal at one of the local restaurants, or exploring the Berry Farmers’ Market, you’ll find fresh, locally sourced delights at every turn. We discovered a lovely little Italian restaurant with a homely atmosphere and we also frequented the Berry Hotel on a couple of occasions (in Australia hotels are mostly pubs) which was fantastic and gave us the opportunity to meet locals and tourists alike. They had live music one evening and we needed up chatting to the musicians at the end of the evening. I think our Guinness drinking caught their attention and they were not surprised that we were two Irish men!
This Donut van is seriously famous! Love these storesBeers in the Berry Hotel
Shop, Stroll, and Explore
The town is a treasure trove of boutique shops, offering everything from homewares to handcrafted goods. Strolling along the main street, visitors will find unique gifts and souvenirs, along with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the village vibe. The Berry Barn is worth checking out and has some fantastic Aussie clothing, leather bags and traditional hats. I had always wanted an Australian leather bush hat and I found the perfect one here, much to my absolute delight.
Nature’s Playground
For outdoor enthusiasts, Berry is the gateway to stunning landscapes. Nearby Seven Mile Beach offers serene coastal views and plenty of space for picnics and long walks. We took a drive to the nearby suburbs of Gerringong and Kiama on the way home to take in more breathtaking ocean views, check out the architecture and treat ourselves to some fish and chips.
Ocean views at Gerringong and fantastic buildings at Kiama. The council chambers building is the building I mentioned in my previous doors post. What an exquisite building, including the door!
To conclude, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a culinary adventure, or a touch of history, Berry, NSW, has something for everyone. With its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, this charming town promises an unforgettable experience.
Pack your bags and discover the magic of Berry today, we highly recommend it! It was also recently voted the number one place to visit outside of Sydney for a day trip by Timeout Sydney.
Hi everyone and happy Thursday! It’s been three weeks since my last doors post and I must say I have enjoyed the break. I was debating whether I should rename my doors series since hitting 100 posts but alas, I have continued on from where I left off, with this week being volume 101.
This week I wanted to show you all a fantastic place that I visited a couple of weekends ago in a beautiful place called Menangle, a small village in NSW, about an hour from where we live in the Shire. We have been to this village before when I spotted this great general store and I was dying to take a look inside and around but never had the chance. On this occasion, I purposefully parked nearby to take some photos and have a nosey.
The Store Menangle
This store was built in 1904 and quickly became an integral part of the local community. Over the years it has served as a barn, a general store, accommodation, an event space, a bottle shop and post office. Today it operates as a quirky coffee shop with an outdoor seating area and a beautiful flower shop attached with some local products for sale also. I was hoping for it to be a general store too but even without, it was a really stunning space and I couldn’t help but admire the architecture, craftsmanship and of course its doors. I also appreciated the Christmas feels that were on display here, even if the weather was stifling hot and couldn’t have felt any less Christmassy. We didn’t have time for a coffee this time but we will definitely be back.
Thanks for taking a look and have a great weekend everyone. My work is quietening down now towards Christmas so I will hopefully be more active on the old blog!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I only have one door to show case, however, this is a special door found on a boat trip that I undertook last weekend.
The ferry to Bundeena with its fantastic wooden door for the captain’s use only.
We took a small boat trip from Cronulla, our nearest seaside town, to Bundeena, another smaller and more quaint little seaside town. I have previously created a blog post for Bundeena as we had taken a short trip there during covid times and absolutely LOVED it.
Cronulla to Bundeena – a little village in the Royal National Park
The boat ride takes about 35 minutes and costs about $8 one way. It’s a beautiful, relaxing boat journey and the best way to travel to Bundeena. I was thrilled to be able to showcase this boat journey with my friends from Melbourne and enable them to visit Bundeena for the afternoon.
I had great intentions to walk along the beach, have a nice lunch and complete the Aboriginal trek, however, my friends were more interested in finding the nearest pub! Luckily for them, we found a cool, cosy pub on the main street that also served street food (lucky for me). After a couple of tasty margaritas, we headed back to the wharf for the ferry ride home. Fortunately, the sun was setting and we were able to view the most stunning sunset.
A magical end to the day seeing this sunset. I was obsessed 😍
Hi everyone and welcome to another week of fantastic doors. It’s Friday morning here but I figure I’m still in time to post some doors. It’s 0630 and I’m currently on my hourly train ride to work, so what better time than now to look through my gallery.
I have an array of doors still waiting to be showcased, however, this week I want to show you some of my favourite lighthouses. I absolutely love lighthouses and will make it my mission to go out of my way to find them. I love their architecture / design, their spectacular viewpoints and the fact that they emit light to help people at sea. What’s not to love! Plus they will almost certainly have a door. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite. These are all located within New South Wales, Australia.
Macquarie Lighthouse, VaucluseHornby Lighthouse, Watson’s BayCape Byron Lighthouse, Byron BayBradley’s Head Lighthouse, Cremorne PointNorah Head Lighthouse, Norah HeadBarrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm BeachRichmond River Lighthouse, Ballina
I find it very difficult to choose from these but I have always loved the Bradley’s Head Lighthouse for its delicateness and location. However, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse is very different from the others and its location is out of this world. I also love its colour and brickwork with the red roof to the side.
This is the walk up to visit Barrenjoey Lighthouse from Palm Beach.
Thanks everyone and have a great end to your week.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I only have the one door to show you, however, it’s a good’un, in my humble opinion.
We were visiting friends over the Easter weekend in one of our favourite spots, the Southern Highlands and I found this door in a very quaint little village called Berrima.
I also love the flowers in front of the door and they add a lot of value to the image. They are known as Japanese Thimbleflowers, very beautiful but don’t be fooled, as all parts of the flower are poisonous and can be fatal if ingested!
Ps. I love how I can add my door post to another challenge here on WordPress, Cee’s flower of the day (FOTD) challenge 🤗.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. Last weekend we were visiting family south west of Sydney in a quaint little town called Camden. It’s a one horse town built on a flood plain with an abundance of character and history. We just took a quick stroll up and down the main street but I was happy to spot a few doors along the way. Let me know if you have a favourite.
Happy Friday everyone and welcome to the weekend. Today’s flower was discovered at the Balmoral Show that I attended last weekend. With their vibrant, eye-popping colours, I was instantly drawn to take a picture of these stunning flowers. This was my first time hearing of these, has anyone heard of these before? Apparently they’re hard maintenance and grow best in high humidity countries, not sure why they’re in Northern Ireland, too funny!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors from around Northern Ireland. I am sticking with my north coast theme this week and showing you some doors from the Causeway Coastal Route that I posted about yesterday. Please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Portrush2 – Dunluce Castle3 – The Nook at The Giant’s Causeway4 – Causeway Coast AONB5 – Legion Hall, Bushmills6 – Post Office, Bushmills
I think my favourite has to be number three, even if it is a black door. I think it has an elegant appearance, with its transom window and archway. I also really admire the stone work of the building. This was once a school house dating back to the 1850s and is now a very popular cafe for tourists. It’s very quaint inside however it can be pretty pricey. We paid £7.50 for two teas!
Thanks for taking a look and enjoy the rest of your week.
I had to quickly look up the word chore as I initially thought of it being a household task that you hated doing. Having looked up the definition, I discovered that yes, it can be a household chore but it can also be a tedious but necessary task.
For me, at this moment in time, it’s having to pack my bags every week as I’m living between a couple of different places until I finally obtain my own home. It’s completely necessary to pack my uniforms for work, toiletries etc but it’s definitely tedious and becomes such a pain in the bottom. Role on having my own place in the next few weeks.
Ok everyone, I have somehow missed this question and seeing as I have no question for today, I’m guessing I have been jumping the gun and doing them in advance. So yesterday’s post was really todays. Confused.com. So I thought I would write a little post based on this prompt from two days ago.
How am I brave? I think we can be brave in many different ways and for many different situations. I think I am brave by moving back to Northern Ireland, having left an amazing life in Australia. I think I am brave to begin a new chapter in my life and maybe finally do some adult things, like buying my own house for the first time and purchasing my first car (especially as I approach my forties).
All these things scare me and I have to be brave and embrace the change, for my own sake. These are big life changes but being brave could be simply leaving the house or going to the gym on your own etc etc.
I think we are all brave at times and we should be proud of ourselves for overcoming whatever life throws at us, no matter how big or small. Being brave is made easier with the support of loved ones and encouragement when times are tough. We are not alone in this world, whether it be your family or friends that you rely on for support, or a particular faith or community group, there are always others there to help you overcome whatever it is that scares you or makes life more difficult at that particular time in your life.
Bloganuary day 3. Today we lost a bank card in the ATM. It was just sucked in and never returned. This is honestly one of the most annoying things to happen and definitely feels like a lost treasure. We finally received the PIN number for the card, after waiting for, what seems, an eternity. We tried to change the pin at the hole in the wall, which we successfully managed to do. However, the machine did not want to return the card. It’s one of those moments where you want to scream or pull your hair out. Back to the bank again tomorrow to order a new bank card and another PIN number, which will take seven days to arrive. Aaaaaaaah!!! 😭
Have you ever experienced this? Sadly, it’s happened me a couple of times and it always makes me detest banks that little bit more than previously.
Happy Friday everyone and welcome to the weekend. This little gem was spotted on our trip to Hillsborough Gardens last weekend. Thankfully it wasn’t covered in snow and we were able to spot this. It’s bright colour certainly does catch your eye.
Red Bistort, originally from the Himalaya Mountains, can be seen all over the UK. They can be found in meadows, pastures and along the roadsides. Traditionally they would have been used in deserts at Easter time, more so in England, I have never heard of this but fascinating all the same. These flowers can also be boiled, roasted and even used for making bread (The Wildlife Trusts, 2022).
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I have another handful from around Northern Ireland so please take a look and let me know if you have a favourite. I’m looking forward to seeing if there are any festive doors in the lead up to Christmas, seeing as today is the first of December. If you celebrate Christmas, do you have your tree up yet?
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I’m really missing Sydney and Australia so I thought I would showcase some more of my doors from Sydney, taken just before we left for our travels home.
My favourite this week is number 3 from The Rocks. I think these police doors are amazing and very welcoming for a police station. Do you have a favourite this week?
Thanks for checking out my doors. Have a great weekend guys. I will be at another wedding this weekend so won’t be online too much until next week.
The sunset I am sharing today is from 12 weeks ago in Bondi, Sydney. You don’t actually see the sunset but the colours that were on show were absolutely stunning. I haven’t seen anything quite like the colour changes here of the sky anywhere else, from yellow to orange and then pink to lilac. I was just standing in the middle of the road, outside our friend’s apartment, in complete awe, as were many other locals.
Beautiful Bondi
I hope you enjoy the colours and have had a lovely relaxing weekend.
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day was spotted at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park when I was there last week. This flower really jumped out at me and I couldn’t believe it was another black eyed susan. You might remember I showed this flower last Friday but I feel that this flower looks very different from last weeks. Therefore, I thought it would be good to showcase this flower again. What do you think of this flower today? Does it look similar or different to my previous black eyed susan? I have placed the link to last week’s flower below my image.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another Doors of WordPress. This week I thought I would show case some more doors from Sydney, as it has now been two weeks since we left and it is never far from my mind.
The next stop on our road trip from Wellington to Auckland was Hobbiton where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films were set. I had always wanted to see this location as I loved the movies and I know the set of Hobbiton is stunning in the movies. Where better to showcase this place than on the 20th edition of my Doors of WordPress. If you have seen the movies or seen Hobbiton on the media, you will know it is the place where the Hobbits live, therefore there are many, many houses and that means there are an unlimited amount of doors to showcase. As you can maybe guess, I was in door heaven!
The home of Bilbo Baggins – my favourite house to see here. Door in the Green Dragon Inn – pub for the Hobbits where we could have a dark stout.
I hope you love the doors as much as I do. I couldn’t show them all as there is simply too many but as you can imagine, they’re all pretty similar. Do you have a favourite one or a favourite colour?
My last blog post for New Zealand will be our final destination of Auckland, coming soon.
Have a great day everyone and thanks for having a look at my doors.
Watching the sunset from our hotel in Ubud during the week. The glass walkway was stunning and really adds to the image. We couldn’t really see below as it was dark but the sunset was truly magical. This hotel Element Bali Ubud was out of this world and I will write more about that in my future Bali blog 🍃.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to yet another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney. I am currently sitting at the airport in Christchurch so thought I would use my time to show case some more of my saved doors. I look forward to showing some doors from my New Zealand travels soon, all depending on whether I can find some, here’s hoping.
Take a look below and let me know if you have a favourite.
1 – Bexley2 – Kogerah3 – Double Bay4 – Paddington5 – Kogerah (I just like the train doors here and the fact you can see my shadow).
My absolute favourite door has to be number three. I really like the door and the window design but it’s the steps up to the door and the surrounding greenery that make this door stand out for me. I also love how the autumn leaves add some colour and character to the doorway. What is your favourite this week?
Today is the day! We head on our travels before heading home. I will finally have some travel experiences to share again. As a travel blogger primarily, this makes me very happy.
We will be heading to New Zealand today all being well, first stop Christchurch. I say all being well as you just don’t know what is around the corner, especially in these covid times. Even before entering NZ there is so much documentation needed, for example, obtaining a travel pass, an electronic travel authority, your covid vaccination dates and proof of the vaccines. Thankfully, no covid swabs or rapid antigen tests are needed.
I hope to keep you updated throughout the trip and I will be keen to read other blogs when in the air or on the road.
Have a great day everyone and see you in New Zealand.
Having looked at the pros and cons for Australia in my previous post, let me take you through my pros and cons for living in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Pros :
– Family & friends. My absolute number one reason for moving home is seeing my family and friends and making more memories. Covid has given me a new appreciation for spending time with loved ones, especially as we haven’t seen them in person for over three years.
– The Scenery. Northern Ireland is very green and scenic. It has lots to offer in terms of sightseeing, for example, the north coast. Also I plan to visit more of Ireland as a whole and explore what is on my own doorstep.
– Europe. Northern Ireland may have left Europe (unwillingly) but we are still situated in the European continent. This means we can travel pretty much anywhere in Europe quickly and relatively cheaply, as opposed to when living in Australia. It really is amazing to have Europe in your back yard and I plan to take advantage and make the most of travelling to places in Europe in the future.
– No natural disasters. Yes the weather in Northern Ireland can be horrendous, being wet and cold almost all of the year but at least we don’t suffer the extremities such as fires, floods, earthquakes and volcanoes etc.
– The NHS. Yes the National Health Service has its fair share of problems but it is still a free health service (I know we pay through our taxes) and a pretty good one, most of the time, especially in Northern Ireland. To receive free health care for everyone is fantastic and I actually really loved working for the NHS.
– The Craic. In our country, this term means fun and good times. It can also mean sense of humour. People in Northern Ireland are great fun and have the best craic. They are also very friendly and hospitable people.
– The bright nights. In Northern Ireland it can stay bright until 11pm at night in the summer months. I took this for granted until I moved to Australia, where it never stays light past 6 or 7pm.
Northern Ireland Cons :
– The Weather. Unfortunately this has to be top of my list. The weather is pretty horrendous in Northern Ireland for a really long part of the year. From end of September until about April, it will be really cold with good chances of rain, sleet, snow and hail. They even had snow in June this year! We do have the odd good day now and again. Unfortunately we do have the most beautiful scenery but it is all weather dependent.
– Spides & Millbags. Yes most of the people in Northern Ireland are extremely friendly but we do have a minority of people known as spides and millbags. These are people who can be described as being small minded, brash, loud, still argue about religion, never leave Northern Ireland and have the worst dress sense. I, for one, do not miss these people. I’m sure every country has their fair share of people like this but in Northern Ireland, they’re a breed of their own. Most of the time you can avoid them but now and again they will leave their homes and make an appearance into your safe little world.
– Religion. Northern Ireland, sadly is still stuck in the past with regards to religion. You have Protestants and Catholics (both a Christian religion 🤷🏼♂️) still arguing about Northern Ireland and whether it should belong to Ireland or belong to the United Kingdom. I actually think it’s not even about religion anymore but more about territory. Thankfully, these people are in the minority and I don’t personally know many people who still think like this but they do still exist in Northern Ireland. Thanks to immigration these people are being diluted and the country is moving forward, albeit at a snails pace.
– The dark mornings and nights. Just like the cold and wet weather, Northern Ireland is also pretty dark for a lot of the year. You will go to work in the dark and return home in the dark. This is pretty grim to be honest. Due to this, many things do not open early, for example, it’s nearly impossible to obtain a coffee before 9am. I think I will struggle with this since living in Bondi where you can grab a coffee as early as 5.30 am.
– The Government. I don’t like talking about politics so I will just say that our government is pretty basic. They argue with each other and when one party can’t agree with another party, they just stop working altogether. They actually still get paid even though the government stops working. They take whatever rules they want from the UK and if they don’t like them, they will change them to suit their own religious agenda and beliefs.
Even writing about religion and the government in Northern Ireland makes me cranky. On the whole, Northern Ireland is a great country with lots of character and interesting people. I love being from Northern Ireland as I can have dual nationality, meaning we can carry an Irish and British passport. Northern Ireland is a unique country with lots of potential. We are really upping our game in terms of attractions, bars, restaurants, hotels and even media (think Game of Thrones). I honestly hope you all have the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland one day.
Thanks for reading my part two blog post on the pros and cons of both Australia and Northern Ireland. Do you agree or disagree with any of my points? Have you ever been to these countries or want to visit in the future?
As I plan to move back home to Northern Ireland (at least for a few months) I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on both countries and delve into the pros and cons of living in each country. I had been thinking of these a lot over the past few months when trying to make a decision about where to live. As an expat, these are things we think about, pretty much on a daily basis, as sad as that sounds. In this post I will look at the pros and cons of Australia and in my next blog post I will look at Northern Ireland.
Australia Pros :
– The weather. It’s pretty much warm for most of the year. Winter here can be cold enough but only lasts for about three months give or take.
– The lifestyle. It’s very chilled out here in Australia, especially in Sydney where I live by the water. The sunshine makes people happy, the coastal walks, dining outdoors, exercising etc. I think just being outdoors is so good for our mental health and well-being.
– The opportunities. Australia is the land of opportunity. There is plenty of work available here and you can process quickly. Even the fact I have been teaching here has been a huge opportunity that I wouldn’t have been given back home.
– The money. The fact is, I earn a lot more as a nurse here than I ever will back home. That can be said for many jobs here. Yes the expense of living is much higher here but you can still manage to save money here and live a really fulfilling life.
– The health system. It is amazing here, with a mixture of public and private, it works really well. I feel so fortunate to be in a country with such a fantastic health system, unlike America where it costs a fortune and many people can’t afford or the NHS that is really struggling and has been for many years now.
– The activities. There is always something to do, especially in Sydney. There are an abundance of bars and restaurants, plenty of bush, beach and ocean walks, lots of experiences, seeing the sights and famous landmarks etc etc, I could go on forever here.
– The sheer size of Australia. There is also so much to see and do all over Australia, therefore, you don’t really ever need to leave Australia if you want to see somewhere new. I don’t think I realised how big Australia actually is until I lived here for some time. It is unbelievably huge with each state completely different from the next and offering so much that really is a feast for anyone living here.
Australia Cons :
– The weather. As much as I love the weather here, it can also be a negative for Australia, especially the past three years. The bush fires are becoming more aggressive, wiping out so much land and killing millions of animal species. 2019 was horrific, so I dread to think how the next bush fires will be. Then we have the other extreme, flooding. The last two years we have had the La Niña weather event, bringing catastrophic amounts of rainfall. This is also predicted to last well into next year. The only silver lining with the rain is that it prevents the bush fires. I feel also with global warming, that the weather here, sadly, will be seeing more and more extremes of weather disasters.
– The distance. Personally, this is my biggest issue. It never used to bother me before covid. I always felt that if I needed to be home, I could always hop on a flight and be home within 24 hours. However, since being in lockdown, we haven’t been home in over three years. We suddenly feel very far from home. We are literally at the other side of the word. With lockdowns, it appeared to the outside world that Australia was very much cut off from everywhere else in the world. Family and friends are very important to me and if I can’t see them, that’s a big problem.
In conclusion, you can see I have many more pros than cons. I absolutely love Australia and its people. It is a magnificent country with lots to do and great opportunities but I don’t have my family here. I feel extremely far away and for that reason, I will be going home for a few months to see how it goes.
Keep an eye on my next blog post where I will write about the pros and cons of Northern Ireland. Thanks for reading everyone and have a pleasant day.
July’s monthly word prompt seems pretty apt for me this month. I have just wrapped up work in both of my jobs and moved out of my apartment. From today, I am work free and no more moving furniture. Hallelujah and time to play.
Today we listened to a little jazz band with lunch in Homestead at Centennial Park. I had never been here before in the whole five years I have been coming to this park. Isn’t it amazing to discover new things right on your doorstep. Mulled wine, the perfect winter warmer 🤗Rounded off with some peppermint tea. Loved it.
Happy Friday everyone. Check out my flower of the day below. I think it’s amazing and I love the name! It actually does look like a little kangaroo paw.
Tall Kangaroo Paw – Native to Western Australia, spotted in Bronte on one of my walks 😊
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to yet another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney. Luckily I still have quite a few to share before I move back to Ireland. Have a look below and let me know if you have a favourite this week.
This is a tough one for me this week but I think number 4 just pipped at the post. I love the red door with its doorknob and letterbox but I also love the whole setting with the window to the side. The plants and flowers really add to the quaint and homely aesthetic. What do you think? I also love numbers 2 and 3, the former for its vibrant colour and the latter for its unique appearance of blending into the wall and the little step.
Never in a million years did I think I would become a lover of the gym. Yes I have been many times in my life but never on a regular basis. I always thought, maybe if I can stick it out with the gym for a few months, I will somehow get the gym bug…and guess what… I certainly did. It actually works. I had heard if you do something every day for 30 days, you can become devoted to that something. When I joined my gym Signature Fitness here in Bondi Junction, it was for a 30 day challenge. There were lots of us that joined together and we were participating in small group classes, working out in a combination of strength training and conditioning/sweat/high intensity training classes. I loved the classes from day 1 and I think when I started to see results, that became my drive to keep going. Always being a skinny guy, I was delighted to see results, even after a few weeks. Not huge results to anyone else but for me, it was impeccable.
Why did I love this gym so much? I think the fact that there is a coach telling us what to do in every single class. This was unbelievably beneficial for me as I almost didn’t have to think, just do what I was being shown. You didn’t have to worry about being bored either and thinking “what will I do today?”.
The coach would go through the programme with us and show us how to perform each exercise. If we weren’t doing the manoeuvre correctly, the coach would teach us the correct method so that we were getting the most out of the exercise and also not injuring ourselves. Furthermore, the fact that we had to book in online for every class, almost meant that we HAD to attend, so missing a class was not an option for me. I liked that accountability factor and that feeling of “you can’t back out now!”.
I loved and still love the small group training classes. There are just the right amount of people in the class so as not to intimidate but also the right amount to be able to converse and make friends. Every class could differ. You could have 10 people in the busiest class or just 2 people in a quieter class. If you were lucky/unlucky you could even end up with a PT session (lucky as you have the sole attention of the PT but also unlucky as you would have nowhere to hide!).
This gym is a safe space for learning and growing. There are no intimidating characters i.e. “muscle marys” taking over the weights section and there are no mirrors so there is no time for posing and hogging of the equipment. Everyone is extremely friendly, supportive and encouraging, constantly pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves. There is also some friendly competition, especially when we have the conditioning/sweat/high intensity classes 😅.
You meet the best characters, in this gym especially. I have made some amazing life long friends, who not only enriched my gym experiences but also had a huge impact on my social life and employment opportunities. I would say most of us love to come to the gym to train obviously but also to see our friends, catch up with each other and have a laugh whilst being in a “relaxed” environment, albeit extremely sweaty and red faced 🥵.
Other benefits of joining this gym are:
– weekly body fat scans
– monthly programme changes (great for changing things up and challenging your body)
– nutritional advice
– health education and training
– weekly check-ins with your own assigned coach
– challenges that can include the whole gym and help keep you motivated and accountable
– social events (great to see other members NOT in their gym gear and just fun to catch up outside of the gym setting and let your hair down.
I loved the gym for all these reasons. I can’t even put into words how much this gym has changed my life for the better. Not only do I feel better physically but also mentally, socially and psychologically. Sometimes I look at my progress pictures and can’t always see a big difference but the confidence in myself has grown tenfold. I wouldn’t have taken my top off easily in the past without fear and worry of judgement but now I really couldn’t care and I am much more confident in myself and proud of my achievements.
2018 VS 2022 – not sure if there’s a huge difference but I think my face says it all. I definitely feel more confident.
Don’t be afraid to join a gym, we all have to start somewhere and you honestly will feel so much better for it. You never regret a workout!! If you live in Bondi or nearby, be sure to check out Signature Fitness. I have tried many gyms in the past and have never found one as good as this one 😊.
Thanks for taking the time to read. I just wanted to share my gym experience with you all.
Wow! Another milestone hit this week for me. I have been blogging for five years now and I really feel like I have come full circle.
I started blogging when I arrived in Australia five years ago. I wanted to document my travels and the plan was initially to share my travels with those from home in Ireland. However, I soon found that when I was blogging about places in Sydney, local Sydney people were taking an interest and learning from my travel experiences. This was fantastic and really gave me a boost to keep sharing the places I had been visiting.
Now after five years, I will be heading back home to Ireland. My blog has come full circle and I now really look forward to taking my blog back home and sharing travel experiences from Ireland and Europe. We have a lot to offer in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where I will be living. I hope you continue to follow my journey and see what the other side of the world has to offer.
It hasn’t been an easy decision to move back home after five years but again I have covid to thank for that. Suddenly we feel so far away from home here in Australia. Previously I always thought I could be home within a couple of days, however, it has now been over three years since I have been home. I miss my family and friends and feel I have to take this opportunity to return home and see what the future has in store for me there. That’s not to say I will never be back to Australia. It’s not a good bye but rather a “See you later”.
I will be doing a little travelling soon before I reach home with my partner so stay tuned and hopefully I will have some really interesting places to show you on my blog.
Thank you everyone again for following my journey and I hope to keep you further entertained in the next chapter of my life.
This week I hit a HUGE milestone for me. I cannot believe I have made it to 200 posts. I have to admit, my blogging journey was a slow burner but it has really ramped up in the past year. I actually have covid to thank for that.
Initially I was blogging about my travels, so I was only blogging once a month or every few months. When covid hit, we could no longer travel and I suddenly realised I had nothing to blog about. I had to have a think and revamp my ideology of what blogging means to me.
Covid opened my eyes in terms of blogging. Although I wasn’t travelling any more, I realised there was so much more that I could blog about. I have a lot to say and I really wanted to make an effort connecting with other bloggers. I started to blog about things that were happening in my life and also began participating in blogging prompts. When I took part in Bloganuary, my desire to blog and connect with others grew tenfold. I loved having something to write about and share more of my personality. I met so many other bloggers and loved the connection you could make with complete strangers. I soon started to participate in other blogging prompts and still do to this day. I have many bloggers here to thank for that.
I would like to share with you a few bloggers that continue to inspire and encourage my blogging journey 😊 –
The people you meet here in the blogosphere are amazing. You realise you share many of the same experiences and beliefs and appreciate so much that there IS a space for you in the blogging world. You also have the opportunity to meet others from different backgrounds and cultures and can learn a huge amount, therefore, growing as a person of the world.
I just want to say thank you to my followers and to those I follow and inspire me every day. This honestly is such a great space and I really look forward to growing, learning and sharing more of what life has in store for me.
Happy Friday everyone. Today I want to share with you these amazing flowers. The Bigleaf Hydrangeas I’m showing today are part of the decor of one of my favourite restaurants in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. The Chiswick in Woollahra offers a plant to plate experience where many of their ingredients are grown in their own garden. I love the outside setting, with a rustic, quaint and countryside feel.
I think the Bigleaf Hydrangeas really add to the ambiance of this amazing restaurant. You can spot them hanging from the outdoor roof in a variety of colours.
Enjoy your Friday and have a lovely weekend everyone.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to yet another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney.
With all the rain we have been having lately, it’s great to be able to look back at photographs that make you smile, back to when we had sunnier days. There have been no new doors spotted this week due to the wet conditions and also me working a lot this week but that’s ok as my collection is pretty big at the moment.
Take a look at my chosen doors for this week and see if you have a favourite.
I like all of these but I am really drawn to number 4. I love the door for its colour and carvings but I also love the hallway to the door and the little lantern hanging outside.
What are your thoughts? Do you have a favourite and if so, what are the reasons? I’m always intrigued to hear other people’s perspectives.
Happy Friday everyone. It’s a wet one here in Sydney and apparently we are expecting a months rain in the next five days. Something to look forward too. Anyway, I spotted these amazing flowers on my walk a couple of days ago and was really mesmerised. The flowers come from the Matchstick Plant and it’s clear to see why, as the flowers look like they are made up of numerous little matchsticks, with a different colour for the head of the stick, just like a matchstick. How cool is that? Have a look for yourself below 👇🏼
How amazing are these 😍This is such a pretty flower. This plant originated from southern Brazil and is often used for landscaping and gardens.
Have a great day everyone and I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to yet another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney. I went on the biggest walk along the coast yesterday from Bondi to Maroubra and back and just by chance, stumbled across a few amazing doors. Let me know which ones stand out for you.
1 – Bondi 2 – Bronte3 – South Coogee4 – Maroubra 5 – Queens Park
I actually love all of these doors so it’s extremely difficult to pick a favourite. Number one is certainly my least favourite simply because it’s an outside door and pretty simple compared to the other more majestic looking doors. I love the colour of number two but doors three to five I think are stunning, especially with the additional features in the door vicinity. What do you think? Do you have a favourite this week?
A beautiful sunset this evening at Henry Deane, Barangaroo, after an amazing day with the bestest friends. Having glasses of wine with this backdrop, you couldn’t beat it 😍
What is your Saturday morning ritual? I work quite a lot of Saturdays, especially in the afternoons but I do have my Saturday morning routine, even if I’m working later in the day or not. I just happen to enjoy my routine even more when I know I’m not working later in the day.
I love to kick off the day with a gym session. A little lie in until about 8am and then hit a gym class. It may be tough at the time and you may wonder during the class “why did I come here? or “why do I do this to myself?” but believe me, you always feel better afterwards and are sure to have a spring in your step. It’s a great way to start the day and kick off your weekend.
Gym workout done and dusted 🙌🏼
Afterwards, I love to go out for a coffee and some breakfast. Nothing better than a good feed after a workout. This morning we were fortunate enough to be able to sit outdoors in the sunshine. It was a perfect winters day here in Sydney.
Saturday morning coffee ☕️
I normally then have to get ready for work but not today! Today I am heading into the city to meet some friends from home. Looking forward to catching up and having some beers in the sun.
What about you? What do you love to do on a Saturday morning or what is your normal routine? No matter what you do, I hope you enjoy your weekend.
Happy Friday everyone. I am delighted to finally have that Friday feeling and have a whole 2 days off this weekend 🤗. You can see my flower of the day below. They definitely suit my mood today 😊.
Today’s flower of the day is the stunning orchid canna, also known as canna lilies (however, not actually lilies). I see these all the time doing the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. They are dotted along the walkway, specifically when leaving Bondi at the beginning of the walk. These flowers always mesmerise me every time I see them, the bright colours, especially against the blue backdrop of the sky and sea 😍.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney. Who knew one city could have SO many amazing doors and doorways. I feel so lucky to have an abundance of doors on my own doorstep. Let me know which one is your favourite. 👇🏼
It’s a hard one for me but I really love door number five. I know it’s not a door to a house but it’s a great door nonetheless. I love that we don’t know what is on the other side of the door, there is an air of mystery, almost like there could be a secret garden. I love the colour, its simplicity, the archway and the steps leading up to the door. What is your door favourite and why?
Thanks for reading everyone and hope you’re all well.
Monday morning here in Australia but it is still Father’s Day in the UK and Ireland. I just want to write a little blog post dedicated to my Dad. Not many words are needed when I show you a picture of us below. I have a great Dad, as I’m sure many do but I am simply grateful for his existence as I know many of my friends whose fathers are no longer with them.
I cannot wait to see my Dad this year after being away from home for over 3 years now thanks to covid. It’s such a long time not to see your family. I am so excited just to have a beer together, have a big hug, have interesting conversations and take some new photos together. It’s good to cherish those we care for and make as many memories together as we can.
This photo speaks volumes to me. This was my graduation day and my Dad is holding an umbrella so I do not get wet. It’s the little things in life 😊. I’m very grateful for his support, his guidance and the man I have become as a result.
Happy Sunday everyone, I hope you all are having a lovely weekend. Today’s sunset picture was taken in 2018 at Robertson Park, just beside the famous Watson’s Bay in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.
June’s monthly word prompt makes me think of an event I attended a couple of nights ago at the OPENing of the new Hijinx Hotel. This is not a hotel to stay overnight in, rather each room of the hotel has a challenge room where you have to partake in different activities with your friends.
Invited guests on the opening night had a red carpet entrance and were able to see first hand what the Hijinx Hotel has to offer. You can see some of my pictures below to get a feel of what is in store when you visit this funky hotel. We had an absolute ball at this event, made even more enjoyable by the fact that we are now learning to live with covid and returning to a new kind of normality. It was unbelievably refreshing to be out socialising again, meeting new people and experiencing new things to do in Sydney.
Red carpet entry with faux paparazzi I love the name of the hotel, very fun and mischievous Amazing to dress up and feel a real buzz!Frozen tequila drinksSome snacks and canapés on offerThere was such a vibe here and the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was happy, enjoying the new experiences and taking it all in. There was a lot happening, the music, the dancing and the feeling of being lost in an epic wonderland. We loved it from the very first moment we stepped into the hotel lobby.You can even play some golf at Holey Moley golf course within the hotel. You are always guaranteed some laughs throughout this mini course with its hilarious sets and unique designs. The paparazzi warming their bottoms. They were hilarious yet extremely professional 😉 staying in character for the entire evening. We loved the decor and props throughout the hotel. We were greeted by concierge and escorted to one of the challenge rooms. Ours was a mini basketball shootout, great fun and you fairly build up a sweat. This was a good laugh and your competitive side will be sure to surface 😜. We only had time for this one challenge room but there are a total of 15 to experience. I would definitely come back to check out the other rooms. They would be perfect for a night out with friends, work events or even a fun and unique way to celebrate a special occasion. The bar was amazing where you could grab a drink whilst waiting on the elevator to the challenge rooms or you can simply chat amongst yourselves or mingle with others. The energy here was so good and the staff were beyond friendly 😊😊So much fun to meet new people 🥰
There you have it. My fun night at the Hijinx Hotel and the opening night just so happened to coincide with my WordPress monthly word prompt 🙌🏼. I hope you also have the chance to partake in this month’s word challenge. I previously found it difficult to find the prompt but if you follow WordPress on Twitter, they will announce the monthly prompts there. Also, be sure to check out this amazing new venue if and when you happen to be in Sydney.
Happy Friday everyone. Hooray for the weekend…even if I am working tomorrow but let’s not dwell on that. For today’s flower of the day I am showcasing the tea rose. It’s basically an ornamental, garden rose and can have a variety of colours. When I discovered these yellow tea roses, it just so happened that I was matching with the colour on this particular day with my bright yellow jumper. You have to love yellow, such a bright and cheerful colour.
As much as I loved the roses, particularly for their colour and placement, I also loved the architecture of this home and the white picket fence, which can be found in Centennial Park, Sydney.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another weekly post featuring some more of my favourite doors in Sydney. This week show cases doors that I discovered last weekend in Glebe, an inner-west suburb of Sydney. I hadn’t been here in donkeys so really wanted to revisit for a stroll and a coffee. The doors seen were an added bonus. Feel free to let me know which one you like the best. Some of the images you may have to zoom in as I really liked the whole setting or building as well as the door and wanted to include that.
1 2 34 5
Many thanks for checking out my doors again this week. Did you have a favourite by any chance? I love them all but I am really drawn to number 4, mainly because I love the architecture of the whole building. I do love the design, shape and colour of the door too. How about you?
Vivid Sydney is a yearly light show that is on display in many key parts of Sydney. You can find light displays around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Taronga Zoo, The Royal Botanical Gardens and many more spots around Sydney. You can find lots of information on the official website https://www.vividsydney.com with timings, locations and what’s on offer.
This year is a special Vivid as the last two years have been cancelled due to Covid, so every is very excited to witness the event. It truly is a spectacular show and a real feast for the eyes. It starts as soon as the sun sets, making the lights really stand out and the best thing about it, is that it’s a free event for everyone.
I would say the best time to visit is during the week as it becomes pretty busy at the weekends. Pick a location to start and spend some time walking around and to take it all in. There are food trucks around and plenty of portable toilets around Circular Quay and on the route to Barangaroo, which is great if you have a weak bladder like myself. You could head over after you have had your dinner or pick somewhere nearby for a bite to eat. We chose to eat at a Thai restaurant at Circular Quay and watch the sunset at the Sydney Opera House.
View of the Opera House from the left side of Circular Quay.
We really wanted to see the Opera House lighting up first before we started our walking light tour. We headed from Circular Quay around to Barangaroo and there were many light installations on the way. Many impressive buildings also have light shows depicting different stories and show case the distinctive areas of Sydney. These shows are pretty magical for children and the whole family.
We never had the chance to see the Royal Botanic Gardens but we will try this week to visit Vivid again before it finishes on the 18th June. Be sure to head down and visit if you’re living in Sydney and if you live abroad, you can check out the website or my pictures below 👇🏼🤗.
These pictures were all taken from Circular Quay through to Barangaroo via the Barangaroo Foreshore Walk and then on to Darling Harbour where we finished with a water light show.Sydney Opera House
Let me know if you have heard of Vivid, have ever been or plan to go in the future. It really is quite the spectacle, with locals and tourists really looking forward to this event every year.
Hi everyone. I hope you are all having a great Sunday. Today’s sunset was pictured last night when I was frequenting the Newport Arms Hotel. This is a beautiful spot for food and drinks in Newport, sitting outside by the water. There were plenty of heat lamps to keep everyone warm as it was a pretty chilly evening. As soon as the sun began to set, the sky was constantly changing colours. People were jumping up to take some pictures as it was really stunning.
The colours were spectacular and I love the little lamps in the image also. Beyond the trees lies the bay of Pittwater.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend guys and take care.
Happy Friday everyone. Boy, am I glad to reach the weekend this week, it’s been a long, cold one here in Sydney. We’re all looking forward to a long weekend here in Australia for the Queen’s birthday, which isn’t actually her real birthday, so I’m not sure why that is, nevertheless, I’m not complaining for an extra day off.
I am not, in fact, showcasing a flower today but rather, I am showing you the berries of this shrub. The Golden Dewdrop (what a fantastic name by the way!) and I happened to pass this last week when I was looking at some doors in Darlinghurst. The flowers are a blue colour but I didn’t happen to see these, just the berries. I was really pleasantly surprised to discover these, even though in Australia the Golden Dewdrop shrub is known for being a weed. To me, it looks beautiful. It reminds me of the Leonardo da Vinciquote – “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Let me know what you think?
Golden Dewdrops – I love the vibrant orange colour against the green of the leaves.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another edition of Doors of WordPress. I want to show you all some doors that I happened to stumble across last week in Darlinghurst, Sydney. I couldn’t believe my luck when I passed a couple of streets with the most amazing houses, featuring beautiful and colourful doors. It was a feast for the eyes!
1 2 3 4 5
Do you have a favourite this week? Mine has to be number five. I love the colour of the door with the yellow brick work.
Thanks for taking a look at my doors and take care.
Melanie’s questions this week are good ones in my opinion 🤗 so thank you Melanie.
When you were a kid, did you eat the crusts on your sandwich or not?
Yes absolutely. I love the crusts and still do. They also give you curly hair!
Are you a fan of musicals—why or why not?
Yes I LOVE musicals. I love the energy and the way that musicals can be emotive, really lifting your spirits with one song and the next you could be weeping like a willow. I used to work in the Grand Opera House Belfast as an usher and this is where my love for musicals blossomed. We were able to watch every single show that visited the Opera House. I remember “having” to watch Chicago for fifteen shows straight…and I loved every minute of it. The euphoria you feel at the end, when everyone is clapping and the actors take their bows, it’s another level.
Is it difficult to do what you do? (for a living, hobby etc.). If you’re retired, what you ‘did’ previously for a job can be substituted.
I am a registered nurse here in Sydney. I would say it is a tough job but when you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t seem so bad. The tasks that we have to perform are not difficult, as we are well trained. It’s the obstacles in front of us that can make our work hard. For example, being short staffed, not having the resources we need, having numerous tasks to perform in a short period of time, not to mention the things that can happen out of the blue, i.e. if a patient becomes really sick or we enter a pandemic. The last two years have been extremely difficult for nurses worldwide. Not only for the extra duties we have to carry out and the PPE that we have to wear for a whole shift but we were also fearful of becoming sick ourselves and/or bringing the virus home to our loved ones. You not only become physically exhausted but also emotionally drained. I feel for those nurses who were working in nursing homes, emergency, ICU and the covid wards. When family were unable to see loved ones. That must have been heartbreaking for everyone concerned and for the nurses being the patients first and maybe only point of call. Nurses do not want to be recognised as superheroes, we want to be seen as professionals in our trade and respected and paid accordingly 😊.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? (Doesn’t have to be a rock concert either).
Eminem, Glasgow, 2003. I’m not a huge rap fan but he was really out of this world. Also John Legend in Atlantic City, 2005 was pretty special.
GRATITUDE SECTION
Looking back over your life, what is one thing you’re grateful for? One thing you really regret?
I’m grateful for the upbringing I was given. To be kind and respectful to others, to be the best person I can be. The one thing I do regret is undertaking a geography degree. I completed it but it has done nothing for me. It was one of those degrees that everyone seemed to be doing whilst having a great time at uni so I thought, sure why not. However, it was a complete waste of time. Maybe I learned some life lessons but that’s about it 🙈.
Happy Sunday everyone. I have shown a lot of sunset pictures over the past few Sundays so I thought it was finally time to show you a sunrise snap. The eastern suburbs have the best sunrises, I guess because the sun rises in the east, therefore, we have a great view point. I hope you like the shot. This particular morning was a special one. I went for a sunrise swim with my cousin and we fortunate enough to see dolphins swimming in the distance. Truly spectacular 😊.
I read the most amazing, open and honest blog post this morning and wanted to share it with you all, especially, as for many people around the world, pride is being celebrated this month. We should be proud of who we were born to be and educate others who are still ignorant to what it’s like to be a gay person.
It’s LGBTQ Pride Month. I was struggling with what to write about that has not already been done, and better, by smarter, more talented people than …
This poinsettia was discovered near my home in Bondi Junction, Sydney. It originates from Mexico and Central America and is today a very common decoration in the United States, specifically at Christmas time. This species is known for being a poisonous weed but also an ornamental flower. It just grabbed my attention with its striking colours and beauty. A classic example of how looks can be deceiving 😝.
Happy Friday everyone and I hope you all have a lovely weekend, whatever way you plan to spend it.
Welcome to my tenth edition of Doors Of WordPress. I love creating these posts and it has really fuelled my love of doors even further.
When I started these posts featuring doors, I had no idea that doors were so popular on WordPress. I soon found other like minded bloggers posting about doors in a feature called Thursday Doors. Perhaps that’s why I love to post my doors on a Thursday. If you want to check out other doors and join a community of door lovers, feel free to check out the amazing No Facilities by host Dan.
Please see below my doors for this week along with their locations and my reasons for liking them.
1 – Woollahra
This door reminds me of Dracula or does anyone else remember Count Duckula?2 – Paddington
You can’t beat a red door, am I right?3 – Paddington
I know technically you can’t see the door but I love the external door and everything about the setting, the colour, the style, the plants etc. 4 – Double Bay
I love this door and the fact that the house looks like it is part of the tree, almost like a secret house. The door has wooden panels on it, presumably to make it blend in with the tree and create a natural aesthetic.5 – Randwick
I love the simplicity of these doors and the colour but for me it’s the floral wreath that makes it pop! Perfect for a gelato shop.
I saved a few of these purposely for my tenth edition and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Please let me know if you have a favourite.
WrookieSchU 