Hutt Street Centre walk

I've been volunteering at Hutt Street Centre in Adelaide. Teaching photography to some of their willing clients. And I'm loving it. It's the first time I have taught photography to a group, and found it more comfortable than scary.

Arriving early one day, I went for a wander. Down one of the streets in the south eastern part of the city I come across these sofas. Nothing else around them, just the two sofas against a garden wall. Interesting. Click.

Walking back, I meet a client heading in to show me what he has done. He also saw the sofas - a number of days ago. He laughed when I said I took a photo of them. I am really appreciating teaching these people at Hutt Street about photography, and getting to see their view of our world. There are a few that could be great photographers, with 'an eye' for composition, interest and angle. One thing that does run popular is the subject of nature. Everyone loves to photograph plants, animals, sky or some other natural form. Things that I quite often take for granted. Dogs running. Ants scattering. Bark fallen. Trees in the night darkness. Flowers. The simple things in life. Did they before?

Womadelaide 2013

Womadelaide. Love it.

I was so excited to take my kids this year. Belle went when she was little, she still loves seeing live music, and Ashton loves to jiggle and scream - but then along came 38 degrees. Hot. Sticky. Tired.

It was in the park. Slightly more refreshing. And it was overcast at times. Ashton couldn't help but heat things up in his mouth too, eating most of his dads curry. And then sticking his tongue out trying to cool down. Belle was satisfied with her frozen lemon yoghurt. Much better choice perhaps.

The kids area is great - free amusements, craft, things to see and do. Belle even had her face painted for the first time. Ever. The look of excitement and unknown on her face when she ran over to show everyone is something a won't forget in a hurry.

I won't forget the ciders, the organic donuts that everyone raved about (but I missed out on), the fantastic music, the loose and varied crowd, and the dirt on my feet from salsa hip shaking fun in front of stage two. How fun. Neither will I forget the cost to get in for the day - $330 plus for two of us. Thank goodness the kids were free.

And another impressive note. The amount of bikes that were ridden. Go greens. The only other time I have seen this many bikes in one place is Amsterdam. Jealous I couldn't ride. Not twenty five kilometres in 38 degree heat with two little children, one big lunch bag, one nappy bag, four drink bottles, a pusher and umbrellas. Maybe one day.

Was it worth it? Yes. Would I go again. In a shimmy shake. But next time, maybe for a few days. So much to see, so much to feel, so much to hear.

Cash Store Cafe, Gilles Street ADL

This cute cafe at 269 Gilles Street in Adelaide is a tiny treasure. The Lemonade sign is enough to get me in. And the old wooden doors that lead in. Then there are the salads. I order a chicken salad, and get all the trimmings. Yummo. $11 for a salad and drink,  yes please.

I am introduced to this character by a friend who works nearby. And it seems all who work nearby know about this place. Lunch trade is rockin'. As I bite into my fork full of sundried tomato, avocado, and chicken - I realise why.

Same time next week?

The Divine experience, with a bit of ouch.

I am new to the world of massages and spa experiences, normally only offering the luxury to myself on holidays. So, receiving a voucher for an 60 minute Aromatherapy massage for christmas was exciting.

Situated in one of the upmarket areas of Adelaide, expectations were high. The Divine is on The Parade in Norwood, about five minutes from the CBD. A cosy reception area instantly calmed me, with dark feature walls, incense and soft music. I was not offered my herbal tea to enjoy while filling out forms, as stated in the brochure. Something I was looking forward to.

The treatment room was spacious, with dim light, and nourishing oil burners flickering away on the shelf. Cold towels on the massage table wasn't unpleasant, but not comforting either. The audible chatter from businessmen next door was distracting and annoying to begin with.

Anita, a lovely Phillipino lady, chattered intensly while massaging my legs about the Clipsal 500 that we could also hear. At first, I wished for silence to relax, but then found myself asking questions about the Phillipines and history. A few minutes passed, and we both quietened.

I normally tick the light to medium pressure on the forms, but this time thought I'd like something a bit firmer. I ticked medium. And boy, Anita found what felt like every sore spot in my back. Looking down at her feet, I scrunched up my face in pain, hoping I would not flinch and make it worse. Not the relaxing massage I had been imagining.

Driving home, I feel light and somewhat 'high'. Even though I suffered through the massage, I am undeniably more relaxed now. And feel like I am as light as a kite flying through the air.

My newbie experience... seven out of ten. The uber relaxed feeling I had after walking out added a few extra points.

Lucky Lupitas... lucky us.

 

What do you do when you can't escape overseas? Go eat out, on international food. I haven't been to Mexico, so can't comment on the authenticity - but damn, this is fine food.  Lucky Lupitas.

In an unfortunate location perhaps, just outside of Flinders Medical Centre, with not much parking. This little cantina packs a punch. So many rave reviews. Frequent waits for tables.

Why? No bookings. Fresh, basic, tasty food. Casual and friendly service.

Cute mismatched cutlery and glassware to match the granny tables. Green walls. Funky lightbulb feature lights. Rustic. Music. Music that my three year old daughter bops to. A vibe to comfort and relax.

Yuca Fritas - taking me back to Brazil.

Hamburguesa Hogao - converting me to the meat in bun meal

Elote - the tastiest corn and condiments I have ever eaten.

And I think we all loved the crsip, salty, every so just right, papas fritas.

We went for our eight year wedding anniversary. At home, we watched our wedding video. We saw us speaking of our travels, watching a belly dancer perform, and us dancing salsa and merengue to Turkish music. How cultural.

Next?

The Leukaemia Foundation shoot

I am so lucky to be able to help some fabulous charities and organisations within my work as a photographer.  Last week I was fortunate enough to work with The Leukaemia Foundation on a new campaign.  Here is a sneak peak of some unedited pics from the shoot... Keep your eyes open in the coming months for the campaign. And maybe you too could dare to bare!

The year that was 2012

[gallery columns="3" link="post" type="rectangular" ids="247,249,250,252,253,255,256,257,258,260,262,264"] A year in review...

Really interesting client briefs, camper-trailing with the kids, articles published and stock images sold.  Hard drive corruptions and tsunami evacuations.  Laughter and tears. Fun and darn hard work. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Holidays with Kids Two in Tow An article that has been published in the recent edition of Holidays With Kids - a great magazine for parents looking to make best use of their holiday time.  So many fabulous ideas and experiences to read, including this one from our recent trip to Phuket. Please let me know what you think, if you have any comments.

Travel Inspiration

I have so many wish list holidays swirling around in my head.  The other day I decided to make a bucket list of holidays that I want to do.  Check this out for some inspiration! http://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/76856

Cuba is on my list, but some others are grabbing my attention too.  What's your #1?

Phuket with kids

[gallery link="file"] It's no holiday, but traveling with kids can be fun and rewarding.  Forget the teething bubs, the tantrums, the water care, the fact that you can't do many tours - and you are in for a great time.  What you can't do is made up for with what you can do.  Massages when they are asleep, afternoon naps for yourself, lots of swimming in the pool, stopping to chat with lots of locals, spending all day with your kids as a family and generally messing about.

We have just got home from Phuket, an adventure that saw us do all of the above and more.  The most 'excting' time saw us up a mountain in a local home for five hours due to a tsunami evacuation.  While we were up there we were told that 1000's had been killed in Indonesia from three waves eight metres high.  When we finally edge down the hill at 9.30pm to find a hotel on the hill, we are told that all warnings have been cleared and no wave is coming.

I'm still wary of staying in our beachside villa and want to be transfered to a room in the main building.  Nothing is available, so we end up back in our room.  Until at 5am we are woken by the fire alarm, this time however we are prepared.  We grab our pre packed backpacks, lock the kids in the pushers, and run to the lobby in our sleepwear.  It's a false alarm.  I want to go home now, so scared of staying and the racing adrenalin tiring me.  We are not aware yet that no one was killed by the tsunami.  We are not aware yet that there was no tsunami.

The kids don't go back to sleep, even though they have only had six hours.  After breakfast I get on the internet to find out what happened.  That's where I read there was no tsunami, only a 80cm wave, with no injuries.  I'm exhausted - thank goodness it's the last day.  No more adventures please, not for a while.