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#Walkwithme- Port Melbourne to St. Kilda Beach

#Walkwithme from Port Melbourne to St. Kilda Beach - A photo blog.

This post is a photo-essay. I love walking. When I lived in Mumbai (India), I loved walking from Nariman Point to Walkeshwar or from Carted Road to Bandra Band-stand. In Melbourne, I have been walking either along the Yarra Trail ( South Wharf to Como Park) or from Victoria Market to the Shrine of Remembrance. But today I found my favorite walk path in this city, Port Melbourne to St. Kilda…

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It has been a month since I have moved to Melbourne. It is beautiful cosmopolitan city with an unpredictable weather. It is the melting pot of world cuisines. The city has multiple hidden lanes where numerous restaurants offering different variety of gourmet romance to my insatiable palate. One can choose to soak up sun at the St. Kilda beach on an weekend, haunt the shopping outlets and mall in the CBD during the weekdays, have delicious brunches or dinner in the hardware lane or enjoy a sunset the South Wharf or splurge at the DFO outlet or walk along the Yarra trail. The Yarra river flows through the CBD (Central Business District). This city reminds me of London. I am still exploring Melbourne and the scenic spots in the state of Victoria. I will soon be writing a ‘Must Explore’ blog post on Melbourne. This post is about my long weekend trip to Frazer Island located in the Queensland, ‘The Sunshine State’.

Frazer Island is a unique destination in Australia. the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand! The island stretches over 120 km. It also has perched lakes – lakes formed when depressions in dunes fill permanently with rainwater.

The state highway (only 4×4 drive), the airplane runway is the beach. Yes, you have read it correct, “The Beach”. If you do not believe me, please check out the YouTube video links below:

Flight Path: https://youtu.be/1OBusppKD-I

4-wheel drive Path: https://youtu.be/GkyiTDNQ7w0

How to get there?

One can choose to get to the island via Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. The island can be accessed by 4-wheel drive (4WD) only. To access via rainbow beach, an international traveller need to arrive in Brisbane, like we did. However, one can also choose to travel by charter flights to the island. But where is the fun in that? Locals prefer self-drive. But for international travellers I would recommend taking the guided tour. There are one day, 2 days or 3 days trip options. We took the 2-day trip option from the Sun Rover Tours and I am extremely satisfied with their service. Thanks to our tour Guide Mr. Jai Black, we had amazing fun. He was knowledgeable, humorous and a 4WD enthusiast.

We flew to Brisbane from Melbourne on Friday Morning, let’s call it day 1. In Australia, domestic flights are reasonable. There are 2 economic airlines – Tiger and Jetstart. We took Tiger Airways for both trips and we are their happy customers. Punctual and spacious seats (my height: 179 cm).

Day 1:

We stayed at Hotel Jen. Considering their economical pricing, they offer a lot of luxury amenities. Both my travel/life partner and I love exploring any destination by foot. So, we both deposited our back packs at the hotel and ventured out to walk by the Brisbane River Loop Path. I am actually amazed when we crossed an artificially created beach in the middle of the city. We also happened to be in the city on a day before the Police Remembrance day, so we could see Fighter Jet flying low over the river. But we missed the fireworks.

Must do in Brisbane in a day:

Watching sunset from Mount Coot-Tha view point

2. Walk/ cycle along the River Loop path and

3. A quiet walk by the Story Bridge in the night

Day 2:

We left for Frazer Island at 0700 hrs in our landcruiser without group. There is a refreshment stop in every hour on our way to Inskip point in Rainbow beach. From Inskip point we took the barge cross the sea to reach Frazer Island.

Inskip point at Rainbow beach

4-wheel Drive on the beach

The Barge

Our Abode in Dilli Village

We were staying at the Dilli Village. Once reaching there, we dropped off our luggage and left for central station and lake McKenzie. Post our return, we had dinner and then headed out for a late-night beach walk.

Central Station: We got to see the rare King Fern, only found in this island.

Central Station

King Fern

Scribbly Gum

These zigzag tracks are tunnels made by the larvae of the Scribbly Gum Moth on the bark and tell a story of the insect’s life cycle.

Lake McKenzie: Pure white sands meets clear blue freshwater.

Lake McKenzie

Day 3:

Before checking out from our camp, we watched the sunrise…

Lake Wabby: It is 45 min hike from the beach. So, it is highly recommended that you do it in the first hour of the day to avoid exertion from the heat. (Carry 1 litre water bottle). I liked Lake Wabby more.

Lake Wabby

Panaromic View of Lake Wabby

On our way to the lake, I saw impressions of wild life on two tree trunks resembling a lion and a baby deer. Let me know if you can see too.

Impression of a Lion

Impression of a baby deer

The hike path through the rain forest:

Eli Creek: This is a fun creek where you can walk the knee depth cold and clean creek

Eli Creek

Eli Creek

Eli Creek

Eli Creek

SS Maheno Shipwreck: Its history was not very fascinating to me.

P.S. we saw dolphin and dingo along the beach of Frazer island hop-off point.

Dolphin Sighting

    A chilling Dingo

Thanks for an awesome group, we have super fun!

Posing with our 4 wheel drive! 

  2-day camping adventure in Frazer Island It has been a month since I have moved to Melbourne. It is beautiful cosmopolitan city with an unpredictable weather.

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  Tired of your hectic busy schedule, the Indian summer heat, city traffic and the unending chatter in your mind?

Go to Europe. Travel to the coastal idyllic villages of Cinque Terre, enjoy the Mediterranean landscape of Amalfi (Sorrento + Positano) or gaze at the horizon from the Mt Solaro in the island of Capri, walk on the streets of the historic ruins of Pompeii, nibble the famous Neapolitan pizza (at Naples)or indulge in luxury shopping in Milan and Bellagio (Lake Como). If you have INR 0.25-0.3 million you can experience all these in 8 days, which means you need to take leave from your office for only 5 working days.

I took my flight for Milan on a Friday night (23rd Sep) and returned on a Monday morning (3rd Oct) from Naples.

Travel itinerary:

Day 1-(24 Sep 2016): Milan

Landed in Milan. After checking in our hotel which was located near the central station (Centrale FS), we headed to the Duomo Square via a metro (yellow line). You will need to get down at Duomo station. Once you reach the square, every historic building is within 1 km radius v.i.z  Milan Cathedral (II Duomo), Palazzo Marino (City Hall), Castello Sforzesco (Sforza castle), The Galleria (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II) and La Scale (opera house). Also do not miss out Corso di Porta Ticinese, a shopping street popular for its vintage stores, which ends at beautiful St Eustorgio Square.

Duomo II Cathedral

View of the Square from the Duomo Terrace

The Galleria – every luxury shopper’s dream

Inside peak of the Galleria

Day 2 – (25 sep 2016): Lake Como + Milan

We had pre-booked a Lake Como tour. The tour included guided boat tour on Lake Como, Milan to Lake Como and back transport by air-conditioned coach and 2 hour transit for personal roaming in Bellagio. I strongly recommend the tour.

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

In Como Town

Bellagio Port

Lake Como Tour – Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Back in Milan, we headed to the San Lorenzo square and then to Navigli district for drinks and dinner. Lots of trendy bars and restaurants are located. We observed an interesting tradition here. At our pub, we ordered 2 cocktails and was surprised with lots of FREE snacks. So, we ended up skipping dinner.

Free food with cocktails in Navigli District

Navigli District

Day 3- (26 Sep 2016): Manarola

We take train Italia to reach Manarola. There is no direct train. Our stop was at La Spezia and from there we took a train to Manarola. Our hotel Ca’ de Baran was a 2 min walk from the station and 1 minute walk from the Mediterranean sea.The shore had a rocks enclosing a part where you can take a dip.

Take a train to Manarola from La Spezia

Our Den in Manarola

Hotel Ca’ de Baran

Manarola

Manarola

In the evening we headed out to Rio Maggiore, next train stop. You can either take the train or you can hike.

Rio Maggiore

In the evening, try to be back in Manarola by 7 pm and reserve yourself a table by the cliff in Ristorante Nessun Dorma to watch the sunset and also how the colourful houses by the cliff turns into a magical string of lights.

By the night, once you are out of this restaurant compulsorily sit in the dark for hours to enjoy the starry night while listening to the musical by the rocks and the sea, sipping your take away aperol spritz. You can also see Monterosso and Vernazza from this point. This is a safe place.

Must visit restaurants in Manarola are:

For seafood (dinner): Ristorante Marina Piccolo

For best view + cocktails in the evening: Nessun Dorma

Day 4- (27 Sep 2016): Corniglia – Vernazza- Monterosso Trek

10.9 kms. 5.5 hours. 135 floors climbed. (Source: iphone health app)

The track is called the ‘Blue Trail’ or Sentiero Azzurro, which follows the coast. This path starts from Corniglia, so we had to reach the place by Train to the city and then almost climbed at least 25 floors to reach the Blue path gate. You have to 7 Euro per person for one way. Do not lose the ticket because you need to show this at each check point. Though for most of us this sounds scary, but you must go for it. It is worthy. The 5.5 hours includes half an hour break in a quaint restaurant on the cliffs of Vernazza.

Please know that you  can start from either direction (Monterosso, heading south, or Corniglia, heading north).

Tip: Start from Riomaggiore, where the paths are easier and paved, and work your way up to the more challenging trails which is closer to Monterosso. So, while you are closer to the north side you are climbing down the high step and not climbing up.

From Corniglia to Vernazza,this trail climbs up to the highest point of the Cinque Terre (and back down) so expect a fair amount of climbing and descending.

Must have essentials for the trek

Wear trekking shoes/ comfortable sneaker

Carry one and a half litres of water for one person (Hydration is extremely crucial)

Carry food and candies (Sugar rush always helps)

Sunscreen

Sun glasses

Hand towel

Since the recommended months for this hike are April, May, September and October, we were lucky to have survived the tolerable heat.

Corniglia- Our starting point

Steep slope entry point

Still smiling…

As we enter the Blue Trail

While you walk keep looking west

Some shade is always welcome

Still miles to go

Interesting format for sharing information

as we cross Vernazza

Still on the Blue Trail

And we see a resting place

Do rest when ever possible to avoid fatigue

and we can see the Monte Rosso Beach

Reach – Moment of glory!

Once you reach the Monterosso chill in the first beach on your path. This is the free beach. Plus, it is quieter to doze off for 30 minutes with the warm pebbles/sand to take care of your body ache. You can also catch lunch and chilled beer for dozing off, like we did.

Stone Therapy

Stone Therapy

In the night we enjoyed a live performance at a joint, where the most of the locals come to chill after a hectic day. Click here to watch the video.

So much, and we are still discussing day 4.

Day 5- (28 Sep 2016)- Naples

We reach our BNB apartment in Naples  by 9 pm, and we head out to eat the best pizza of our life. You must remember the name of the place when you visit Naples, it is Gino Toto Sorbillo Pizzeria.

  Spiciest Pizza in the house

Naples

Naples – The City scape

Gabrinus, Naples- The President eats breakfast every New Year

Day 6- (29 Sep 2016) – Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento

You can either take a cab/train/bus to Pompeii. After our breakfast in an iconic breakfast joint Naples, Gambrinus, we took the train as it is the fastest during peak traffic hours. Pompeii can be reached by train on Circumvesuviana. On the Naples – Sorrento line, use the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop.

It will not be reasonable to describe the The ‘Pompeii’ experience in this post, so I will soon be dedicating a detailed post on how to cover the ruins in 4 hours. If you are interested do keep visiting my blog.

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

After reaching our BnB den, we went out for dinner and selected a beautiful garden Ristorante – Parruchiano Favorita, where we were delighted by the warm service by our attendant – Mr. G.

Day 7- (30 Sep 2016)- Island of Capri: Capri town and Anacapri town

I have already written a post our tour. Read here. It definitely was the most highlighted experience of our trip.

In my Capri post I have captured the beauty of nature during our fun boat ride to the isle of Capri. Please keep in mind that most of the island’s sights are located near Anacapri: The Blue Grotto, Villa San Michele and the chairlift for Mount Solaro. Due to paucity of time, we did not visit the Villa as we got lost in the enchanting view of the blue horizon from Mt. Solaro. It felt like heaven. If I recall correctly, I had been magically stunned at similar level in my trip to Cappadocia, Turkey.

Day 8- (1st Oct): Amalfi and Positano

Well, we have come to the last day of our itinerary. Honestly after Cinque Terre and Capri island, these coastal villages did not manage to impress me. Amalfi is very commercialized. The Positano beach was over crowded during our visit. Unfortunately, the day wasn’t a sunny one. Posting a few pics so that you can judge by yourself.

Amalfi Beach

A church in Amalfi town

Positano

Positano

Positano

Next day, we took cab to airport for 80 Euros.

Taxi service contact: Antonio Criscuolo Transfers and Excursions,

+39 333 2656737, melania88@hotmail.it

  Euro Trip in 5 working days – Milan-Cinque Terre- Naples-Sorrento-Capri-Amalfi-Positano Tired of your hectic busy schedule, the Indian summer heat, city traffic and the unending chatter in your mind?

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Humans of Europe - chapter 2

Humans of Europe – chapter 2

As I continue my #humansofeurope stories I hope I am able to delight you with the pictures and my titbits on them. Enjoy!

She smiles, greets and invites the tourists to indulge in the sumptuous meals in her restaurant.

Well, his job is to talk about roman history and pose with the passersby in exchange for a few Euros in Rome.

She proudly talks of the heritage and wine collection of her boss’s…

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The majestic Colosseum in Roma

The majestic Colosseum in Roma

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Read this blog if you have kept aside 1 day (till 6 pm) for the isle of Capri and you are travelling from Naples or Sorrento, or even Positano. The post will capture the beauty of nature during our fun boat ride to the isle of Capri. Please keep in mind that most of the island’s sights are located near Anacapri: The Blue Grotto, Villa San Michele and the chairlift for Mount Solaro. Due to paucity of time, we did not visit the Villa as we got lost in the enchanting view of the blue horizon from Mt. Solaro. It felt like heaven.

Naples/Sorrento to Capri:

There are direct boats from Naples or Sorrento.

You could opt for a Viator’s ‘Small group Capri Day Cruise’. I recommend this cruise for its amazing experience, hospitality and practical advice. The tour vehicle picks you up from the station ( if you have arrived from Naples for a day trip) or from your hotel (if you are staying centrally in Sorrento). Then they take you to the port and cruise you to the island of Capri in a spacious speed boat (capacity: 12 passengers).

Sorrento looks beautiful as you leave the city’s water perimeters. Once you reach close to Capri, they don’t take you to the port directly but take on an excursion around the island.

The island excursion:

The Island of Capri has two towns: Capri and Anacapri. Anacapri is located on the slopes of Mount Solaro at a higher elevation than Capri town. While revolving along the island, we finally saw the rock formation where the famour Dolce and Gabbana campaign was shot.

Front View

Rear View

Also check out the Isle of Capri video.

We also saw the Villa, Mt Solaro, multiple Grottos, Faraglioni rock formations and also saw one formation which looked like Mother Mary. Then the boat man surprised us when he asked us to take a dip in the sea. The happiness was superlative.

Tip: Wear your swim suit / trunk under your clothes.

The captain provides you with water jet spray and towels after your swim in the cooling blue waters.

You could see the colourful rocks, swim to a grotto and come out the other side rejoiced or just chill with a beer taking in the magnificent view around and tell yourself “Who wants to go back home”. Posting a few pictures as I continue.

When we arrived at the pier, we immediately took a jet ride to the Blue Grotto.

Please note that the blue grotto was not covered in our day trip package.

    The Blue Grotto:

Please note that the waiting time for the Blue Grotto varies by season and can extend up to 2 hours in peak season. Luckily for us, it was about 30 mins only. However, for a couple, you would spend (15+15) 30 Euros to get to the blue grotto point in Anacapri, then spend  (13+13) 26 Euros to hire a small boat for 2-3 mins ride inside the grotto where the row boatman attempts to sing 4 words of a song and then haggles for a tip of 5 Euros. So, you end up spending 56+5=61 Euros and almost 1.5 hours of wait for the 2 mins hurried experience in the grotto. There is nothing romantic about it (at least we didn’t find it romantic). And by now, you have lost 1.5 hours which you could have spend walking around the lovely streets of Capri.

Tip: Please avoid the Blue Grotto, if you have a limited time for the tour of the island. Instead spend the time at the ‘heaven of Italy’ – Mount Solaro.

The Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto Point, Anacapri

These boats take you inside the Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto to Anacapri to Mount Solaro:

Mount Solaro offers the most beautiful panorama of the  isle of Capri. To reach there, you can either trek or take the chair lift. The chair lift ride is EUR 8 for a one way ticket (if you want to hike down) or EUR 11 for a return ticket.  Since, we were tired from our 10 km trek along the coastal villages of Cinque Terre and had a time constraint  we took the Eur 11 ticket.

Monte Solaro chairlift: opening times and prices

From March to October: 09.30 – 17.30

From November to February: 10.30 – 15.00

Tickets: 11 Euro return, 8 Euro single

Children under 7 ride free on their parent’s lap.

So, from the Blue Grotto, we took a bus (which leaves in every 30 mins) to Piazza Vittori – a 15 mins drive. Chair lift point is a min walk from the bus stop. You buy the tickets, sit on the chair with a flimsy bar. Yes, it is scary (see video) but the views are breathtaking.

Tip: Keep your mobiles inside your bag and hang your camera around your neck so that you don’t drop the most essential equipment, which you’d require when you reach the top.

View on your right while going up

On our way up

While riding down

When you reach the summit, you will be welcomed by a group of fluffy cats. I shall write no further and let you enjoy the photos (click to enlarge) I took the top.

There is a quaint café where you can sit and enjoy a beer or a gelato to go with the mesmerizing view. Please comment in case you have any queries.

  Read the #travel blog post on enjoying the Island of Capri, #Italy in 1 day. #Capri Read this blog if you have kept aside 1 day (till 6 pm) for the isle of Capri and you are travelling from Naples or Sorrento, or even Positano.

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Whenever my friends tell me that they are planning to visit Paris (France) or Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Brussels (Belgium), I strongly recommend that they must visit the magical city of Brugge. Then their next question is can this city be covered in One day. My answer is “Hell yeah! All you need you need is one day to experience its charm”. Either you can do a day trip or you can have a reasonable and comfortable night stay at the Ibis Budget Hotel, next to the Train station if you are en-route from Paris to Amsterdam.

Next question which you must be pondering about is whether it makes sense to take a pit stop in Brugge. If you have ever seen a fairy land movie/cartoon or read one in your childhood, then it’s time to visit one.

And Fairy land cities cannot be talked about, so let me take you through this visual journey.

  What must you do when you are in Bruges?

Walk and enjoy the city

Chill at Markt

Enjoy the panaromic view of the city from the Belfry

Belfry- front view

Belfry- rear view

In a medieval city the sound of bells ruled the lives the citizens. Bells were used for ruling the chaotic daily life in the city. In Bruges the preferred Bell Tower was Belfry. One important bell was the work bell which marked the start of the day. The noon bell was called ‘papklok’ meaning time to break for lunch or pap, which would have my favourite bell had I been living in this medieval city in the thirteenth century. The Belfry had 10 different bells between 1280 and 1745 till the largest Bell “Bell Maria” of the Church of our Lady was transferred to the Belfry in 1800. Bell Maria weighs 6 tons.

Boat ride in the Bruges waterways:

From the top, it seems that the city is interwoven by canals. While it is a beautiful panaromic sight from the top do not miss the Canal-boat ride, 7 Euros per person. You will be able to capture the best pictures of this magical city which still shimmers with its medieval charms. I have managed to capture the most splendid pictures during my ride. Do check it out here. 

The Beer Experience: You must do it. Not the museum, but the tasting. It’s worth it. 10 Euros for 3 beers. Read more about it here.

The Best Beer

The Beer Tasting Room

  Eat loads of Belgian chocolates and truffles from the store – Galler.

Scary chocolates

Every kid’s dream

Golfer’s chocolates

Easter Bunny Chocolates

Sexy chocolates

Utility chocolates

  At the end of the day, enjoy your dinner at one of the hotels in the Markt before you head out to your hotel. The rabbit here is a must try.

    Brugge (Belgium): Venice of the North Whenever my friends tell me that they are planning to visit Paris (France) or Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Brussels (Belgium), I strongly recommend that they must visit the magical city of Brugge.

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Bruges has become an increasingly popular destination, romanticized for its picture-perfect looks as a charming medieval Belgian city, with a magnificent Flemish architecture. This city is also Known as “The Venice of the North” due to its splendid canal system and bridges, it’s a fantastic place to visit, even if just for one day.

The beautiful old charm houses of the city can be best captured during the 30 mins boat ride through the canals which flows through the heart of the city. I invite you to indulge in its splendor.

The ride starts

Ticket Booking Point. The ride starts here.

  Bruge can enjoyed in a day. Read about the 5 most important things to do in Bruges here.

Beauty of Bruges (Brugge, Belgium) captured during my Canal-Boat Ride Bruges has become an increasingly popular destination, romanticized for its picture-perfect looks as a charming medieval Belgian city, with a magnificent Flemish architecture.

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Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium and also a Unesco Heritage city. It’s one of Belgium’s best preserved cities, and its medieval architecture escaped destruction from both World Wars.

But we are not here to talk about war or beauty but to talk about Beer. ‘The Beer Experience’ (www.brugesbeermusem.com) is must visit place. The virtual museum tour is a waste but not the tasting experience.

Beer Art

Beer Range – Fruity

The Tasting Room

Top floor of the Museum

Beer Range – ALes

The Beer Experience!

The Beer Swag!

Brugge Tripel

The Blonde and the Tripel

Heavenly Vessel

The Fuity Flavours

After tasting the world’s best beers with my experience beer tongue and thirsty throat, the winner is BRUGGE TRIPEL. So, if you want to go for the tasting experience or directly go for this thirst quenching drops from  heaven. Cheers!

The Winner!

I also did enjoy the beer quotes and the beer advertisements (as I am from the advertising industry). However, personally I did find a few of the ads were treading the path of gender discrimination.

  Also do check out my canal boat ride where I have captured the flemish architectural medieval houses in this article.

The Famous Belgium beer thirst quenching experience in Bruges. Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium and also a Unesco Heritage city. It's one of Belgium's best preserved cities, and its medieval architecture escaped destruction from both World Wars.

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Starwar craziness! #starwars #force

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This is what #Saturday #lunch looks like when mom is in town. #crab #parseimaanch

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Posing with Mom

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#Diwali dinner 2015!

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Attention! Comrade diyas! Burn burn burn! It's #diwali time.

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Bacon wrapped chicken with sausage stuffings. #foodgasm happened @smokehousedeli at Lower Parel, #Mumbai #gourmet

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Diwali wishes from Roy House (at Pali Naka, Pali village)

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Boys to Men, Goa.

“Boy, this is life. Sea, sand and signature cocktails. And you will get the best in Goa ” – Father to his son

Conversations during sunset