Ex-Husband called me from a pay phone yesterday to confess he's left the country on a "mini-break." Well ... I'm guessing he's left the country because of the pay phone and the fact he informed me later in the conversation he could only be reached via text or email. And you can guess the identity... Continue Reading →

It's been a weird weekend. The reality of not having the kids around for most of the school holidays has hit home. It's made my mood swing around a bit. Well, to be honest, it's not just because the kids are gone. But I've been relying on them to keep my new life centered. When... Continue Reading →

I spend a lot of time trawling the internet every day, looking for inspiration for "travel fluff" stories for escape.com.au. And yesterday I stumbled across something I just have to share with you. Back in 2011, a Japanese artist collaborative known as Kingyobu started turning Osaka’s old, obselete phone booths into giant goldfish aquariums. How awesome... Continue Reading →

There's a fabulous blogger called Pinky Poinker who you really must follow. She regales you with stories about her primary school students, who can do amazing things like stuff their lobes inside their ear canals, and about plants sending her messages in bars. A Pinky blog never fails to raise my spirits. Yesterday she wrote... Continue Reading →

It's surreal to burrow your toes in the wet sand one minute - as the northern sun warms your face - then tunnel through the dark suburbs of Sydney on a commuter train the next. It felt all ... forgive the wanky word ... discombobulating ... to be back in Sydney last night. I was... Continue Reading →

It wasn't my idea of swimming weather yesterday. A few showers and a struggle to 22C. My idea of swimming weather is 38C. Hence it's a rare occurrence - a bit like when Brigadoon comes. But I thought, bugger it, I'm staying across the road from the ocean, it would be a crime not go... Continue Reading →

I am here. The day stretches gloriously before me, filled with no particular plans other than a walk on that lovely beach and hunting down a takeaway shop reputed to serve Australia's best burger. It feels good ... And a little naughty, since Monday mornings are usually spent hustling to the train station and going... Continue Reading →