Hello 2023 – this is my first post for the year and in unexpected fashion, it is now March. Where does all the time go? Seriously – I want to request a refund. The last time I posted was in mid December and stuff has happened since then. I often find that I struggle with creativity and preserving when things get difficult – not necessarily in a weak way but more in a ‘what’s the point?’ kind of way which if you think about it is pretty weak. I make a post about starting to get back into blogging and then disappear into the abyss before reemerging several months later and then repeat. I find that life just gets in the way.
I’m currently listening to Cracker Island by Gorillaz which I’m finding it as a late night delight at the moment. The Bad Bunny feature in Tormenta was actually a really pleasant surprise and an even better surprise that I can make out some of the lyrics with my Duolingo Spanish (only through text though, listening to Spanish is far more difficult).
December 2022
I went to Hawaii at the end of December and I couldn’t even have told you that until a week before my trip. It was a spontaneous girl’s trip just after Christmas that had virtually no planning but we made up for it by bringing immaculate vibes. We spent a week altogether exploring O’ahu (Honululu) and Maui going to beaches, waterfalls and stuffing our faces with poké bowls and acai bowls. This trip really highlighted the importance of spending time with our friends and recharging when we have the opportunity and means to do so.
I can not wait to document more of my experience and pull together a Hawaii travel guide but knowing myself that isn’t coming anytime soon.
January 2023
I decided to take a new year more seriously than most years given the clarity and inspiration my Hawaii trip had given me. It made me feel more invigorated. I made a vision board for my laptop using Canva by collating aesthetic pictures from Pinterest that aligned to my goals in 2023. I also had this as my phone wallpaper and then thought it was a bit too cringe to look at it that often.
Work wasn’t too bad relatively speaking in January and when I wasn’t seen working, I was seen at the beach or lying on the couch. The latter was at a much higher frequency.
I found my new go-to beach spot which is Bronte Beach and in particular Bronte Baths (pictured). Look how picturesque this is! Whilst I was missing Hawaii heavily and as well as carefree non-working days, I do try my best to appreciate what I have at home. I’ve got to say Sydney isn’t a bad place to live at all bar the extortionate living prices but isn’t it bad almost everywhere else at the moment?
February 2023
Early February can be summed up in two words ‘Fred Again‘!.
I went to Laneway and was skeptical given the venue change. I’ve never been to the one in Rozelle. but I had dreamt about going to Laneway back in high school but alas I was not over eighteen. I’ve always found Sydney Olympic Park pretty souless and also it’s so far. However, the event could not have run smoother, no lines for anything and all the acts were so close to each other. Of course the crowd was mental for Fred Again that it felt like every single human body was packed in that arena for 1 hour. But I also got to see Slowthai, Phoebe Bridgers, Joji and Haim. I’m also fortunate to see Fontaines D.C. at their sideshow at the Roundhouse who were my most hyped music artist. I listened to Fontaines non-step for 2 weeks prior and post concert.
I also was able to get into Fred Again’s secret warehouse show at Hordern Pavilion and that was honestly the highlight of my month. Not even just seeing Fred Again for a second time (fred again again you might say) but I felt special knowing it was an exclusive event.
Other than that, not much happened this month. Work was busy for the latter half of February as I was wrapping up an audit for a client. Having worked at a Big 4 for the past 3 years, I would love to share more of my experiences but for now, please enjoy this short montage of some of the places I’ve eaten in February.
left to right, top to bottom
MuMu (Wynyard) – I’ve always wanted to try this place but have heard very mixed reviews. The salmon was nothing to write home about although I did like the flavours of fried shallot and lemongrass. The fried tofu for the exact same price? Get this instead! The sambal with the softness of the tofu was so delicious. I would have loved to try more of the menu but I’m too poor. Service could be improved though – I felt like I spent half my time trying to get a waiter to get me more water. Why don’t they just give us the bottles? 7/10
Giuls (Surry Hills) – This was my favourite place I tried this month and I want to go back. The arancini with mozzarella, parmesan and truffle aoili is the perfect starter. There’s something about truffle that elevates a dish for me. The vodka pasta was amazing – it had the perfect creaminess. I loved this place so much I was almost late to my Fontaines D.C gig. This restaurant is very hole in the wall, there’s no flashiness to it whatsoever and is so close to the Surry Hills light rail station.
9.5/10
Ho Jiak (Haymarket) – This place is too expensive for what it is. Although the flavours were nice although I didn’t particularly like the salted duck egg chicken wings but that’s just a preference. My mum loved them. Ever since the Malay place on Hunter St closed down (think it was called Malay Chinese Takeaway), I need to find a new go-to laksa place. I waited in line for my whole 1 hour lunch break just before it closed down and I had zero regrets.
6/10
Bornga Korean BBQ (Haymarket) – Went here to catch up with some friends and this is our go-to KBBQ place. I am a huge fan of unlimited sides and marinated meats but I always find Korean BBQ expensive for what it is because I feel like I haven’t eaten anything at all. I think it’s the fact we have to prepare it ourselves that gives it an element of togetherness thus making it ideal for gatherings with friends (I’m craving a hotpot as I’m typing this). Or I guess we just like KBBQ.
8/10
listening to: yum / slowthai
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