[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!

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!

'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!

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.

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!

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. 

Happy Coconuts

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