Weekend Getaways: St Albans, NSW

Okay, so to spice things up, I've decided to make a series of blog posts with a certain theme. And the theme for today...Weekend Getaways! It will be anything and everything from bush walking, road trips, unique places or accommodations and suburban wonders that we can explore within a weekend or just a couple of days.

So for my first Weekend Getaway Series, I would like to share the picturesque town of St. Albans. Less than two hours north of Sydney, I would definitely recommend this for those who feel like they need to disconnect from the hustle and bustles of the city!

Spring time Spruce up

It's the middle of Spring on this side of my world. However, today is one of those days where the weather has gone a little bit travel unfriendly as we are off to a week of rains and thunderstorms. 

So what a good excuse to do some sprucing up of my very own blog. Basically, just started to choose a different background and cleaned up some widgets.

I have always been thinking of re-designing this and hopefully make it more presentable and useful to any readers who are still able to reach my blog.

On a different note...

Since moving to Australia, I've been to most touristy places here but I haven't written that much about it. I have also been to a number of National Parks and Camping grounds and I think it's high time I share those experiences and adventures with you! With the covid-19 still among us, I know we won't be travelling too far  across the seas, so this makes it a reason for me to explore what more we can discover in this land called Australia.

What I love especially here in NSW is that it's got a central website to search through the NSW National Parks. It's even got an App and an instagram account! It's my main source of travel inspiration when I have hose uninspiring days and I just want to plan something for an adventure. All the infos are there and all  you have to do is click and choose where to go.

So I will try my best to write them all up and hopefully in a more regular basis 😀

Audley Village with the view of Hacking River

Hello Spring, hello start of Christmas countdown

Spring time is upon us, at least on this side of the hemisphere...

Which means, more time to go out and about! Which also means, Ber months and the start of the Christmas season in the Philippines at least.

With Covid still actively upon most of the countries, I don't know if there's any travel plans to look forward to during the Christmas holidays. Perhaps, the least I can wish for is trans-Tasman bubble opening so possibility of flying to NZ since I haven't been there yet.

Otherwise, I guess only option is exploring our own backyard anywhere within NSW!

I hope everyone is keeping safe and staying healthy and positive during these challenging times.

Get some fresh air and make the most of the time at home!!!

As for me, I've been keeping busy on my driving lessons and I have ordered a Paint by Numbers set so hopefully get those creative juices working again. Yeah!

Covid Diaries: Light at the end of the tunnel

Finally, got the chance to head out to a National Park yesterday. Wohoo! Being in isolation for more than two months, aren't we all excited to go out and have a change of scenery!

Did some errands in Dee Why yesterday and on the way back decided to drop by Garigal National Park which is just 25 mins away from Dee Why.

It was a quick 30 min downward walk and you end up at the Flat Rock Beach. Nice and quite secluded.

Saw just two kids hanging out in the sand, with their Dad sitting at the docked boat.

It was late afternoon, so only passed through two groups of walkers.

Covid Diaries: Can't wait to hit the road

Good news for us in NSW, announcement were made last week that starting 1st of June, regional travel will be allowed within NSW, in the governments attempt to boost tourism.

This is a good sign. And with the Queen's birthday long weekend I'm sure most people have started planning their travel.

I for one, have looked into where we might head to for a quick road trip. Yup, just a road trip for now. I am currently looking at the road trip to Moss Vale and Southern Highlinds, just above 2 hrs drive from Sydney. Overnight and multi day holidays would have to come later. I guess, we can say it's mostly safe now, but we know that the virus is still in the community and we can't still be complacent, so have to be careful.

On the other hand, yesterday, I was able to go out and walk around again for some breathe of fresh air around the neighbourhood. I haven't been out much because it was too cold, we are approaching tail end of Autumn. June is the official start of winter season.

I cooked adobo yesterday. I missed this a lot and seeing my family cook the same last week, made me think of cooking it as well. For some of you who don't know, adobo is one of the popular Filipino dish. Very simple to make but has also got different version depending on people's preference. My Ilocano side prefers it oily and dry. And my Bisaya side prefers it with a little bit of sauce, whew nice to pair with steaming fresh cooked rice.

Yesterday, I haven't done much aside from cooking adobo I just did some check on my budget and keeping track of my bills. It's the time of the month.

Lately, I've also been looking into what hobbies I can start and keep me busy during this pandemic, aside from the usual office work of course. So was looking into getting a mini sewing machine and I might try my hand at making masks or whatever my mind and creativity takes me to! Wish me luck :)

I guess that's if for today. I will keep you posted should I pursue my sewing hobby...

Today, I leave you with the photos I took from yesterday's walk.

Covid Diaries: Restrictions Easing Soon?

It's the  7th week since we started working from home.

Some restrictions are now easing. Last week, here in NSW, 2 visitors are now allowed in a household for socialising purposes.

But, shops are still only open for take away and deliveries.

Roadtrips for leisure are not yet allowed.

In short, we are still basically stuck at home.

However, news this morning suggests some more restrictions might be loosened by end of this week. And the government is now preparing business to open by July.

It is two months to go but I wonder how we will navigate the new normal in time of pandemic.

Noting that July is also peak of winter. And I have yet to get my flu shots too.

Are we going to continue working from home?

If not, how do we commute to work if everyone starts going back to work especially at peak hour?

And most importantly when will international travel be allowed...oh well, just some questions popping on my mind.

On a lighter note, I still have a personal to do list to accomplish anyway while on lockdown. And I hope I really do!

• Take my drivers knowledge test
• Get my learners license so I can do some driving lessons and finally get a full license
• Sort out my tax
• Learn to cook pan de sal
• Sort out my clothes, shoes, accessories which I can sell - make way for new stuff hopefully

Let's see in a couple of days if I get to put a check on any of these haha

Till my next ramblings...

Here's a photo I want to share for today, cos I deeply miss the feeling of hopping on a plane. Looking forward to my next vacation!

Covid Diaries: Pockets of Green

It was a nice sunny Saturday today so I decided to finally take some quick walk around our neighbourhood.

It was great to discover a couple of parks and reserves. I feel lucky I don't have to get too far to get the much needed breath of fresh air and vitamin D.

So here are the parks and reserves I ended up passing by.

This self isolation lifestyle is definitely a challenge for most people and these pockets of green are one way to give a bit of respite from all the uncertainty of the present crisis.

Ramblings in time of COVID-19

Hey folks,

I'ts been a long time since my last post, I know. In my last post I said I'll try and blog more...but here we are...3 years after!

It's roughly around 2 weeks since we started social restrictions here in NSW. At first, like many others, I thought it wouldn't get as bad. But 2 weeks on, we are here. Locked into our homes with no certainty when this will be over. And just thinking about it, I feel like it will take more than a couple of months.

Every morning, my ritual now includes checking the news, of whether cases have gone down or there are new restrictions being introduced. This, coupled with checking any updates on Facebook. Mainly, what's been happening in my home country Philippines. What's new and trending I guess so I don't get FOMO. Lol. Kidding aside, I can't help but compare the situation and how this crisis is being handled in both countries....don't want to go in detail though but here's to hoping we all get through this...and stronger on the other side.

Next week is the easter long weekend. It will not be the usual long weekend now that everyone are supposed to stay home. Usually, by this time, we would have leaves blocked on our calendar, flights and hotels booked and excited to get to another journey across the country or over the globe.

Don't we all miss that.

For the meantime, be thankful, we have roof over our heads and food to keep us going, and family and friends though far away will still be on Fb messenger or skype !

As for me...looking to continue binge watching on Netfix. I'm on to Ozarks Ep 9 Season 2...then jump on to Money Heist (La Casa De Papel)  after.

Sharing a photo below...because I miss heading to the national park!

Take care,
Karen

Blue mountains - 2017 Can't wait to go on bush walking again