Friday, 13 July 2012

That Magical Garden

Gentlemen, if you are looking to earn some brownie points because you failed to remember your anniversary or couldn’t make it to her grandmother’s birthday dinner, well here is the place to take her. It will leave her (and you) amazed by what this oasis park has to offer. Head down to Fagon Park, Galston. Trust my word on this, this is no ordinary park. It features nothing but 10 hectares of exotic plants and landscape known as the Garden of Many Nations, a unique bicentennial project which reflects the history of international garden styles from Japan, North America, the Mediterranean, China, Netherlands, Africa, and South America. What started off as a daily workout session, I was so distracted I just could not put my camera down, every direction I looked was picture perfect. It was magical and I was enchanted. 

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Busting another move in India



Making the most out of my last few hours in Jaipur, India by dancing with the locals. Beware, I can bust a move anywhere, anytime!

Friday, 15 June 2012

Dancing with the Locals in Jaipur, India

I quite enjoyed our trip to Jaipur, India. I conducted a manual driving lesson on the busy streets, packed clay pots on to an Ox wagon, waited anxiously for my brother to complete a stairwell Roadblock challenge and most importantly, I did what I do best- dancing with the locals! There is nothing better then busting a move to the rhythm of the drums outside the Red Elephant Temple. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.....!

Morning Glory

It was such an honour making a guest appearance on The Morning Show  for the Style Squad, alongside Larry, Kylie, Melissa and Donny. I took a break from travelling the world to share some fashion advice. It was so fun getting all dolled up!    

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Lights, Camera, Bollywood!



Finishing 6th on the first leg meant Joseph and I really needed to step up our game. Flying to New Delhi, India was incredible. Although it may not be on the top of a traveler’s to-go list, India for me was exotic, exuberant and jam-packed!
Who would of thought Joseph and I would pull off a whirlwind Bollywood performance, our mum was definitely proud of us. From unwrapping turbans to milking cows, by the end of it we were grateful to reach the pitstop in 8th position. Seeing Grant waiting for us by the mat was the best feeling in the world. To my lovely Adam and Dane, it was a pleasure racing with you both. It was hard to see you boys leave. One of my saddest moments in the race for sure.




Eating Balut in Manila, Philippines

The adrenaline is still pumping after viewing the first episode of the The Amazing Race Australia. What a way to get the crowd cheering! First stop: Manila, Philippines. 

First Challenge: To consume a total of 8 baluts per couple. Gosh, I did not even see this one coming! Before the race actually started I told Joseph I’ll take care of the food and the extreme sport challenges, and so when I saw those eggs sitting in the basket, I knew it was time to roll up the sleeves. What an incredible, spine chilling experience that was!

As we all know exotic culture and tradition is held close to my heart, and even though these eggs weren’t visually appetizing, they had to somehow make it to the stomach with joy and appreciation.

The encouragement from the crowd made the experience so much better. With every bite, there was a loud roar of excitement and laughter. After stomaching 5 out of the 8 eggs, I did my brother and I proud!

Monday, 28 May 2012

Bitter Moment in Paris

Best Travel Memory: Paying $12 for a glass of Lemonade at Fouquet's in Paris, France. Must of been real Lemons!

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

[Un]tying the knot in Vegas

What is it about Vegas and getting hitched? I mean, surely its not the ideal way of getting married. What's a wedding without a hundred thousand relatives balling their eyes out about how you’ve now become a ‘woman’?

Entering the Caesars Palace Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas felt kinda strange to me and wondered why more than 100,000 couples from all over the world travel to Vegas just to say ‘I do’.

I mean, think about it. Spot gun weddings are actually a great way to avoid the fuss in preparing a wedding. There are no horrendous planning, no expectations to fill, no whiny in-laws you have to put up with, no overweight bridesmaid you have to cater to and your responsibility of flying out the old people is one less thing to worry about. I don’t actually think these old people want to leave their comfortable rocking chairs and show up in their dated attire. They are as hesitate to rock up at the wedding as the groom is.

Well, lucky for me I wont have to worry about wedding bells until a gazillion years time!

Monday, 21 May 2012

New York! New DOG!





It’s a DOG-GY-DOG-WORLD out there ! -With hotdogs being the official sidewalk food of New York, these little hotdog vendors infiltrate every corner of NYC. There’s nothing more New York than stuffing your face with these little guys. Maybe not the most lip-smacking sidewalk food, but rest assure you’d be kicking yourself if you leave New York without biting into one. Drizzle with Mustard, top with red onion, kraut or pickle relish or whatever tickles your fancy and you will experience what it takes to be a true New Yorker.
And if your wondering what the rent is like for a doggy vendor? Depending on the location, some vendors can be facing a pricy one for a prime hotspot. According to www.Slate.com, The NYC Parks Department booted out hot dog vender Passang Sherpa for not keeping up for the rent because he failed to meet the $643 000 annual rent (that’s $53, 558 a month!) situated outside New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art which welcomes over 5 million visitors a year. Now thats a lot of Hot Dogs!

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

'Driving Me Manual' -Fly with Grace Video Diary

Just about to head off from the cosmopolitan capital of Noumea on a 6 hour road trip to the northeast coast of New Caledonia. Despite my driving catastrophes, I've managed to pack my Tim Tams and prepare myself for the scenic journey ahead of me. Poindimie, here I come!

Monday, 30 April 2012

Tjibaou Cultural Centre

I made a special visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea. Named after pro-independence Kanak Leader Jean-Marie, the centre pays tribute to the art and culture of New Caledonia and the Pacific. I was lucky enough to meet with Emmanuel Tjibaou, son of Jean-Marie, where he explained to me about Kanak Culture. It is an amazing place where sculptures, paintings and photographs are displayed stunningly within the contemporary designed structure. I arrived just time for the Festival of the Yam, a traditional celebration which marks the beginning of the harvest. Friends and families gathered in song and dance to pay tribute to the Yams, a national identity held close to their hearts.

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Time To Myself

This was a boat ride I would never forget. One of the locals Jean took me out on his boat to witness the extravagant beauty of the La Foa River. It is part of New Caledonia's lagoon area registered by UNESCO to the World Heritage List- you really need to come here to know why!

Sunday, 22 April 2012

Sidetracked. . . .

If you plan on visiting some kite surfers a couple hours before your flight, it's probably not the best idea. You'll end up calling your mum to let her know you've missed the flight and wont be able to make it in time for dinner. 

Saturday, 21 April 2012

Happy Coconuts


Just had one of the best night of my life in Noumea. Lets celebrate with a coconut. I love you New Caledonia!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, 20 April 2012

My Lovely Friends. . . .

Found some friends along the flooded road. We were dancing, singing and having such a great time. We were definitely making the most out of the situation. 

River Road- Lets turn around!

6 hours into my trip to find the road is flooded! As much as i wanted to visit Poindimie, i had to turn around and head back down....Heres a thumbs up to that! !
                                                         Thumbs up to this waterfall. That is all.




























On my way to Poindimie to visit a Kanak Tribe, 5 hours into my road trip. Had to pull over- couldnt help but stop and enjoy the sexy view.

Thursday, 19 April 2012

This is Aline and  Benedicte, from the Bureau d'accueil de tournages who have helped me prepare for the trip months in advanced,
A very big thank you for replying to my large pile of emails !

Early Morning Peacefulness

5:30am: Crossed the road from my hotel to find this beautiful view, couldn't help but to wake up early to watch  the sunrise over Baie des Critons Beach 

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

ATM MASTERPIECE

Withdrew an artwork out of the ATM

Do you think they'll notice?



Heres what happens when you rent a manual car. 
Travel Tip 1: Always cover yourself with Travel Insurance because one day you'll veer off into the gutter. Learn from the Unprofessional! — at La Tontouta International Airport


http://www.facebook.com/flywithgrace

Rain Rain, No Need To Go Away

Glad I left Sydney on a day like today!
Thumbs up to a great travel adventure ahead of me.
On the way to the airport- nerves begin to heighten.

Travel Tip 1: Take Your Passport Seriously!



Travel Tip 1: Take passports seriously because they can get you places! 


So my journey begins before I even step foot outside my home-its the day before I depart and I don’t have a clue where my passport is. I carried out an entire family search team to find this valuable document. 

 Finally after 6 and a half hours of rummaging through draws, cup boards, my little sister's toy box, it was found hidden amongst my folded clothes. 


Crazy Flights Jumps On Board!



A very big thank you to Crazy Flights who will be flying me over to my debut destination: NEW CALEDONIA !May the travelling begin!

 



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Just do it-I did! 

Just got introduced to the Travelling Community

Fly With Grace gets her very first recognition to the Travelling Community 

So Where to now?


Welcome to my Fly With Grace Blog Page!


Allow me to introduce myself. . . 


My name is Grace and I’m a hardcore travel enthusiast. 
Ultimately, my goal in life is to purchase a one way ticket to anywhere in the world and not return unless I gather a million stories to share with other travel savvy adventurers.


Im also a story teller and this is why i want to share my story as a young and ambitious traveller trying to gain knowledge about what its like to explore untravelled roads.




Happy Travels x