Crisp leaves scrape along the windy path. Coffee grind scents the morning air. A dog dressed in tartan trots next to a lady in black. I’m as comfortable here, walking camera-in-hand, as I’ve been anywhere in the world. Melbourne is cold and exciting. It inspires creative footsteps. It urges me to capture the quirks of … More A Photo Walk in Melbourne, Australia
There are times when this big, boisterous world is just too great to absorb. My mind can’t expand across the oceans and peaks, nor bridge gaps between cultures and hearts. There are too many strange and confronting things to voice in one breath; too many miraculous places for a single dream; and too many harsh … More Words About Home
Finding myself floating in tepid jade sea off Lošinj, Croatia’s self-dubbed “island of vitality”, was a bit of a surprise. We had always planned to spend time relaxing in the northern islands of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, but with every blog post and travel guide read about Croatia’s glorious island options, we felt more spoilt for … More Surprises on Losinj, Croatia’s Island of Vitality
Of all the outdoor adventures I imagined myself having in the alpine wilderness of Slovenia, flinging myself down a rock cliff into icy water was not one of them. But, as travelling has taught me time and time again, it’s often the adventures you least expect that deliver the biggest thrills. The conscious effort needed … More Nature’s Playground Around Bled, Slovenia: Part Two – Canyoning
From the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, the world is a soothing spectrum of hinterland greens, precipice blues and alpine whites. Here, in the northern corner of Slovenia, beside the Italian and Austrian borders, silence drifts between the rugged pine slopes of Triglav National Park and the glimmering limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. It … More Nature’s Playground Around Bled, Slovenia: Part One – Emerald River Adventure
If there is one thing you must do when in Italy, it is eat…and oh, what a chore it is! The Italians are experts at offering regional specialties, quality ingredients and simple elegance on a plate. They are also wonderfully good at nailing that heart-winning combination of incredible food and indulgent yet casual dining experiences, … More Delightful Dining in Bologna & Parma, Italy
A week in Florence is a fabulous way to test your dedication to your travel budget. Although hosting its share of tourist traps, overpriced dining and luxury shopping, the real threat to your bottom line is the tempting suite of wine bars, restaurants, boutiques and gelatarias in the historical centre of Italy’s Renaissance city. I … More A Week in Florence: The Pleasures of Italy’s Renaissance City
Usually the posts in this ‘Travel.Food.Photo’ series share the foods themed by country, but as my Portuguese travels (so far) have been limited to the capital city, Lisbon, this post is dedicated to the delicious tastes of Lisbon alone. I was delighted with the food of Lisbon. It is impressively affordable, features lots of fresh … More Travel. Food. Photo. Lisbon.
The food of Morocco epitomises the vibrant cultural flavour of the nation. Delightfully affordable, thoroughly spiced and served with enthusiasm, I must admit that Moroccan meals spurred a whole new level in my food photo obsession. Think caramelised onions with olives and prunes, and garlic coated olives of green, black and brown. Breathe in steaming … More Travel. Food. Photo. Morocco.
Looking out across the calm Lisbon shore, I am moved by the memories that brim to mind. It is mid-year already and time to reflect on all I have seen and experienced in my last 188 consecutive days of travelling. You would think that after six months, I would be used to living this reality … More 188 Days of Travel
Yesterday was the last day of my six week Spanish adventure, during which I saw a lot of the country, learnt a little of the language and ate lots of delicious food. Starting in lovely Barcelona, I then walked from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino de Santiago, Camino Frances. I cycled the … More Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.2)
There is something inherently serene about cycling by the sea. Perhaps its the feeling of salty air filling your lungs as your glide like a gull along the waters-edge. Perhaps its the big blue space that reminds you that the world is vast and wild. Or maybe, its just the simple pleasure of being away … More Cycling in San Sebastian, Spain
Traditional and contemporary delights contribute equal doses of charm in the northern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Widely known as being a UNESCO World Heritage City, the home of the tomb of Saint James and the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago attracts millions of pilgrims each year, as well as plenty … More 6 Wonderful ways to experience Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The white concrete walls and lichen-covered facades of Santiago de Compostela are a heady contrast to my view of days past. As I sit here, looking across the window-framed historical centre, listening to church bells call the city to mass, I am filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment. To get here, I walked for … More Walking the end of my Camino to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
In April, the fresh flavours of Istanbul, Turkey inspired me to photograph and share my culinary adventures in the first instalment of Travel. Food. Photo. It seems that you liked the vicarious tasting tour, so I’m back to share the exciting palette of Northern Spain, which I enjoyed in May (and continue to enjoy) while … More Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.1)
There are some things that are best experienced within the solitude of your mind, like meditating or soul searching… and perhaps, walking through the Spanish Meseta on the Camino de Santiago. The Meseta is the central Spanish tableland, which intersects the Camino Frances between Burgos and Astorga. It is a part of Spain known among … More Four days of solo Camino: walking through the Spanish Meseta
I’ve always found that travelling offers so many opportunities to reflect, to re-evaluate the direction of my life. Unlike the routine churn of home life, travelling allows time and space, a new angle from which to view the world, new experiences to teach you, and different challenges to remind you that there is always more … More Reflections: A 2012 Travel Photo Essay
After seven days of walking el Camino, my perspective has changed a lot. I have admired picturesque views more majestic than my imagination could conjure. I’ve met people from many backgrounds, each with a compelling story and an offer of personal truth. I’ve learnt about the logistics of the Camino – how to find a … More 7 Days walking el Camino de Santiago, Spain
Thick, sweet, caffeinated goodness, oh how I love you… especially when served in tiny colourful cups amidst the whir of Turkish culture. For the love of you, I have been led into hidden bookish courtyards, I have whittled hours watching passers-by, and I’ve been persuaded to perform foreign stove-top rituals at the risk of shame … More For the love of Turkish coffee
I am shaking in my figurative boots right now as I prepare for bed in Pamplona, Spain. Tomorrow when I wake, I’ll be eating a boiled egg and fruit, drinking a coffee, pulling on my ‘day’ clothes and shaking in my literal walking shoes as I start the first day of my one month pilgrimage … More Starting el Camino de Santiago: confessions from an almost-pilgrim
The glory of Istanbul’s Ottoman architecture and colourful carpets is arguably matched by its exotic, flavoursome foods. After three months of travelling around Northern Europe on budget-conscious cold sandwiches and greasy pub meals, I was delighted to arrive in Istanbul where fresh, delicious food is cheap, abundant and comes with a side of culture. Fast-forward … More Must-have Istanbul meals for 10 Turkish Lira or less
A rising murmur in the afternoon street rouses me from siesta. Eyes open to a sun-streaked balcony of daisies and thyme. Ears focus on the plucking of strings and the zip of motos under echoing sirens. I am warm, tired and utterly disoriented. And then I remember: Barcelona is out there. My head is still … More From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here
I’ve become that strange girl who photographs her food. I’m not sure if it’s a natural urge that I’ve previously suppressed through social awareness, or a new habit that’s sprung from a sincere appreciation for finding good, safe, yummy eats on the travel trail. Perhaps it’s because food is so connected to the cultures I’m … More Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.
Driving through the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland in a campervan is one of those classic adventures that offers more delights than you bargained for. You expect the charming thatched-roof cottages of the English Cotswolds, but not the scores of swooning swans on the glassy Avon. You’ve heard about the mysterious lochs and mist-shrouded peaks … More How to travel the UK & Ireland in a campervan: lessons from 1 month on the road
When you talk to a skier or snowboarder about their sport, you’ll notice the poetry and passion in their words. The natural majesty of towering white peaks, pine-scent air and virgin snow does not go unadmired as skiers and boarders seek the best slopes to swish down. Like pilgrims, they return season after season to … More A beginner’s guide to skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria
Do you ever feel like you just need to get into a car and go… explore…get lost? I’m now two adventure-packed months into a nine month European trip and am craving a different pace of travel. We’ve been city-hopping, backpacking, couch-surfing, weekender-ing and ski-tripping, so now it’s time to try something new. Today Dave and … More My Wicked Campers road trip begins: UK & Ireland here I come
My understanding of one month seems to have adjusted a little since starting this adventure on 1 January. Instead of one hour, one day or one month, I now seem to think in units of one country, one city, one tube station. Memories of one month ago seem like snippets from another world, where I … More One month travelled, eight to go.
I was flicking through an old travel journal while packing the other day and I found this passage. I wrote it when I was 20 and terrified to be embarking on my first international solo trip. Well, I guess my journey has started. I am feeling so much – anxiety, excitement… a headache from blubbering … More Looking back to step forward: lessons from past travels
I used to consider myself a very conscientious saver. But as my pay packet has grown, so has the time between consulting those handy budgeting spread sheets that I used to religiously maintain. I have learnt to love the financial and social freedom allowed by full time work: museums, restaurants and cafes, regular gigs, movies, even … More Adventures Under $20: The Travel-Budgeter’s Guide to Brisbane
All I can hear is the barrelling of waves, the flap of a tent, the twill of a cricket and the crackles of a fire. There is no other light. Cloudy skies thicken the blackness, leaving us here beside our lone beacon, cocooned by the night. This satisfies me. I can taste the serenity, warm … More Camping with the Kangaroos: Yuraygir National Park
I could feel the damp seeping through my jacket as I stumbled into the Bazaar Tent and out of the evening storm. Only minutes before, I had left the campsite fortified by extra layers of clothing and ready to face another night of wet but wonderful world music. The tent was dark. Squinting through rain-speckled … More Dancing in the Mud: the 2011 Bellingen Global Carnival
In honour of World Parks Day on Saturday, I thought I would write a little bit about my favourite park activity: picnics. These lovely little events encompass many of life’s wonderful pleasures: people, food, wine, cheese, outdoorsiness, bare feet and hopefully, sunshine. I have often found that when I’m craving a little bit of casual … More The Wonderful World of Picnics Around Brisbane
The challenge was conceived during a little picnic at McCarthy’s Lookout during a recent weekend away in Maleny. It was a sunny afternoon. We had cheese, sausage and pickles. The weekend adventure was coming to end and we were high on fresh air. So of course, a view of the Glass House Mountains and a … More The Glass House Mountain Challenge: the first climb
I have a funny kind of excitement bubbling under my skin this afternoon. There are lots of things to be excited about. It’s Friday. The Brisbane Festival starts this weekend. Brisbane Riverfire is on Saturday. I will be seeing friends and art and music this weekend. And…. to top it all off, my words are … More Oh Brisbane, you light me up
There is a unique charm about a crisp brown paper parcel arriving in the mail. Like an exotic unannounced traveller at your doorstep, a parcel is mysterious and exciting, prompting questions of origin and purpose. I’ve always had a quiet fascination with snail mail. The romance of an envelope or twine-wrapped bundle journeying across oceans … More The 5 book project: posting parcels across the world
I’m feeling sentimental tonight. It’s been a day of farewells, best wishes and ‘we’ll miss you’ as I packed up and handed over a job I’ve been in for more than two years. More than ever, I felt compelled to stay late at my desk to finish that ‘one last thing’ in the never-ending queue. … More Some thoughts on new challenges and comfort zones
I was once told that gratitude for the things that make you smile is the best way to sustain happiness. This seemed like good advice to me. Why not be grateful? A smile can change your whole attitude in one small flick of the lips. The best thing about smiling though is the affect it … More Little things that make you smile: a photo essay on life around Brisbane
Nic Freeman 