When I first arrived in Sydney, my impression of the famed Harbor Bridge was that it may be too touristy for me; but after doing some research, I discovered the pedestrian walkway along the eastern side of the bridge. This, in turned out, has incredible views of t…Read More

The Sydney SEALIFE Aquarium was on my life list. Located next to Darling Harbor, the walk over showcased yachts in the harbor and a much welcomed sea breeze on this particularly hot day. The area is pretty touristy as there are three attracti…Read More

The most difficult aspect to the Milford Track experience was the silence, the silence that felt peaceful at times, but eventually became inescapable. By the end of the trip, I began to think of that silence not as just pure “silence,” but as the …Read More

*Disclosure: Because this experience was so powerful and pivotal in my own interpretation of my time in New Zealand, I thought it would be best to have a couple blog posts to explain the Milford Track. See my next post for my true thoughts and f…Read More

Before I went on the Milford Track, I was extremely nervous. It felt like a big step (and, indeed, quite an impulsive one) to even press the “Confirm Booking” button on the computer as I booked the trip, let alone strapping on hiking boots for someone that w…Read More

Yesterday I visited the Waitomo Caves, which are about 2 hours south of Auckland. Originally discovered in the 19th century by an English surveyor and a Maori Chief, they are magnificent treasures that lie beneath an unassuming rainforest. In Maori …Read More

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island about 25 minutes away from Auckland by ferry. It erupted from the sea almost 600 years ago, and it now acts as a hiker’s escape from the industrialism of the city. While there are many different trails on Rangitoto, t…Read More

Waiheke Island is a beautiful island about 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. A treasure in the ocean that surrounds the greater Auckland area, it acts as a relief from the industrialism of the city. It is an oasis of surf homes and calm beaches, centered…Read More

On my second weekend in Sydney I met my friend Christie for brunch on the north side of Sydney Harbour in a neighborhood called, “Kirribilli”, a name that I found a little unusual but similar to other stops I had passed on the train like Wahroonga and Warra…Read More

On one of our first days exploring together, Will, Oren, Olivia and I decided to go to Manly via a ferry that left from Circular Quay which is right in the center of the downtown Sydney coast. It was much cheaper than a taxi and felt faster than bus. For only five dollars we got...Read More