Category: Food

The Netherlands Countryside

by hiddengem2020, posted in Canals, Country side, Critters, Food, Gardens, Markets, Music, Relaxation

Let’s start with Day One shall we? My story begins on June 20th 2024 the first morning I woke up alone in another country.

Okay, sure, my trip technically started on June 18th when my partner Iain dropped me at the airport. But the next 48 hours were basically hell and not worth talking about. All I will note for any prospective travellers out there, is to make sure you check the minimum passport validity for each country you are passing THROUGH, not just the ones you’re travelling to. It’ll save you a lot of stress!

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Cape Schanck and the Hot Springs

by hiddengem2020, posted in Beach, Critters, Food, Monuments, Relaxation, Roadtrips

When the rest of Melbourne stands still to watch horses suffer for gambling money, where do you go? As far away as possible I hope! My family and I took a trip down the Peninsula on Cup Day, for some quality bonding in the sun. 

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Queen Victoria Night Markets

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Food, Markets, Music

Walking to the markets, the wind blew so cold that my bones felt like glass. Rain splattered off my umbrella onto the slippery pavement where my shoes got soaked in puddles. Maybe I didn’t pick the best day. But if the Winter Market has to be prepared for winter weather, then so was I.

On arrival we warmed our fingers over a woodfire, before wandering forward to the covered markets. It was like stepping out of a magical wardrobe. A glowing fairytale forest surrounded us as tiny specks of “snow” settled in our hair and clothes.

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The little town of Rutherglen

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Critters, Food, Roadtrips, Rural, Wine

Continuing the theme of “escape to the country”, I took a little time off work over the long weekend to return to my favourite relaxation station. One of the smallest and oldest towns I’ve visited in Australia, it’s an easy way to avoid responsibilities.

Oh you need me for something? “Sorry, I’m in Rutherglen this weekend. “

“Oh damn, where?”


Works every time!
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Healesville Sanctuary

by hiddengem2020, posted in Critters, Food, Zoo

I had a friend visiting from Perth last week, so we took her twin two-year-olds on a trip to the Healesville Sanctuary. Only for educational purposes, of course! No, we adults had as much fun as the little ones, wandering through the newly refurbished park. Since the last time I visited as a kid, it has really upped its game in terms of aesthetic, with gorgeous statues and signs all around.

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Rainbow Serpent Festival | Day 3

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Festivals, Food, Music

I don’t even know where to start with Day Three. There is so much I could talk about, so much left to share, but it’s hard to know what even makes sense to someone who hasn’t been there.

I started Sunday by putting on my best costume. Mario! I had the hat, I borrowed the overalls from my sister and got myself a cheap as shit red shirt to go underneath.

Who’d have thought such a simple costume would get so much attention? It would take me a few seconds to realise the people emphasising his name in Italian, were trying to interact with ME. But it was such an exciting, bonding experience that I wish I had worn a recognisable costume every day, just to reach out to the community.

It’s a-me! Mario!


– Me all day
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In Cairns | Day 3

by hiddengem2020, posted in Cairns, Critters, Food, Roadtrips, Waterfalls
Lake Barrine Teahouse

THE LANDS OF TABLE. – – – – X

I slept in today, not emerging from my bed until after 10, but my brother was even later so I needn’t have worried about keeping the plans of the day at bay. We had a dizzying drive to the Tablelands ahead, and after many nauseating bends we arrived at a volcanic crater turned oasis.

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