#australian fashion week Day 2 highlights

[thenextrush]

Jordan Gogos and Akira Isogawa push the bounds of imagination

#fashion #aafw #akiraisogawa #jordangogos #australia

A creative powerhouse exploded on the runway as 2021 debut artist and fashion veteran Akira Isogawa merged visions in fashions in a bold display of couture and ready to wear looks in a much anticipated comeback at the Iordanes Spyridon Gogos show this year at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW). The collection comprised over 40 looks that reimagined Isogawa’s more than 30-year career through…

[elleharperbcu]

Task 1: Concept Mind Maps

In pairs we produced a mind map of each others concept, for our final project, planning and considering how we can explore the following factors:

Research

Experimentation

Sampling

Development 

Production

Personal Reflection/ Evaluation 

Project/ Time Management 

We was asked to write down our narrative on a piece of paper and swap with our partner so we had each others narrative. We then wrote down our ideas that came to mind related to their narrative, in order to help them with new ideas they may not have thought of or knew about. I really enjoyed this task as it helped me learn new facts about the petite world and I was able to complete lots of research. I always loved hearing about my peers narratives and their stories as to why they are focusing on a certain topic. 

My completed research from this task:

Petite models - 

After researching about types of work available for petite models I found out that other than Moss, most petite models do commercial and catalogue work. Models who work in fashion generally work with high street brands specialising in petite clothing. It is very rare for a petite model to find high-fashion work on the catwalk or for designer labels. This is something that I find unfair as your height should not matter. However, petite models are not restricted when finding work. This is due to an increase in brands catering for men and women with smaller frames and shorter legs, petite models are now employed to keep up with this fashion industry demand. 

Successful petite models - 

Models who have refused to obey the stereotypical image associated with top designers, catwalks and campaigns are creating a path for petite models. These inspiring successful models have completely ignored the height restriction demonstrating that a smaller stature is required in the fashion industry. “Successful petite models are making an impact in a tall girls stomping ground, ignoring the confinements set upon them.” 

Twiggy -

A british icon in the sixties and only 5″4. She revolutionised the stereotypical look of the era, starting a new breed of supermodels. Her height is rarely mentioned due to her confident persona that demands attention. She is still the shortest model with such a supermodel status. 

Beautiful dreams - Twiggy records her first single 

Anja Konstantinova - 

Russian-Australian model, her impressive range of work includes, Vogue, Marie Claire, Urban Outfitters and French Connection. At 5″4 her height is not an issue with each shot demanding attention with her striking features, blonde hairs and natural posing instincts. The successful model discovered in a melbourne hair salon has received lots of rejection in her career, but she continues to break boundaries in a predominantly tall industry. 

She explains: “People in Australia don’t accept shorter girls because they are a bit harder to work with, you have to photograph them in a certain way.”

How to make the most of your petite frame - 

Don’t draw attention to your shorter height when interacting with clients and via body language. You will have to work extra hard to get noticed, which means standing tall and learning to highlight your height in photos. Never be caught slouching and be sure to work on poses that lengthen your lines. Good posture and strong stature goes a long way when presenting yourself to an agency meeting and photoshoot. 

Petite models who changed the fashion industry -

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose made her runway debut with chanel in 2016. She is just 5″3, but that did not stop her from becoming the muse of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. 

Amina Blu 

This German/ Pakistani beauty is 5″1 and no stranger to New York Fashion Week. Amina has walked for Kanye West more than 5 times. With her unforgettable looks and signature looks, Amina will keep making headlines. 

The ‘Size 0′ movement

Sizes range from 0-2 which is extra small to 14-16 which is larger. Smaller sizes are usually petites, and larger sizes usually found in womens or plus size departments. 

The size-zero ban is proof fashion industry on finally listening to customers. The use of size zero models has been a fashion industry scandal for many years. France’s top fashion house have committed to stop underage and size zero models from featuring in catwalk shows and advertising campaigns. Owners of brands such as Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton say they want to persuade others in the industry to follow suit. The industry has long been accused of promoting unhealthy body images of women and ignoring well-documented health problems experienced by models. In 2017, the French government voted through a law requiring models must have a medical certificate confirming they were not dangerously underweight. 

“No model under 16 years will be recruited to take part in fashion shows or photographic sessions representing adults.” Models between 16-18 years will no longer be allowed to work between 11pm and 6am and must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone if required to stay away from home. 

“The wellbeing of our models is a fundamental subject” the statement from LVMH read. 

Mallory Schlossberg - “I’m part of a huge demographic that retailers largely ignore - here’s why it’s so frustrating” 

When reading this article I very much related myself to it, she mentions being reminded of her height near enough everyday, she is 4″11 like me. “There are only a few times when I'm reminded how short I am: when I'm riding the subway and someone pushes right into me because I'm not in his peripheral vision, when I can't reach my kitchen cabinets and hop onto the counter, and when I'm shopping.” 

When she was in high school and college she frequently shopped in the kids section. She mentioned it being impressive to see the selection that’s available for wealthy, stylish kids these days. She is able to wear a lot of designer apparel that are much cheaper than adult prices as kids clothes takes less fabric to make. However, it comes to a point in an adult woman's life where you do not want to shop in kids section anymore, she wanted to wear apparel for women because she is a woman. Adult size small dresses zip up just fine, but they hug in all the wrong places and drag on the ground or are longer fit on her than they’re supposed to be. 

“It's frustrating. How do you shop for clothes and not look like a child in children's clothing — or a child playing dress up in her mother's closet?”

There are retailers that do cater to petite women although the ranges are very limited. 

“Walk into Ann Taylor, Loft (where I buy my jeans), J. Crew, Banana Republic, or a department store, and you'll see selections of petite clothing, often relegated to a small corner with an odd amalgam of apparel, as though the merchandise team is wondering, "who is this petite woman? Is she a mother? Is she frumpy? Is she a decaying 90-year-old? Is she youthful and feisty? Is she too young to show off her curves? Is she a virgin?" The answer  — from a petite woman — is that she is none of the above, and she is all of the above. The petite woman is just like the regular-sized customer...only shorter.”

Retailers seem very confused with how to deal with short women. Topshop and Anthropologie are starting to recognise that short women like to look fashionable too, but the lack of options and concern for petite shoppers is noticeable. The reason as to why there are fewer petite options and not all stores offer apparel for smaller-framed women is because it requires a different design pattern. 

As blogger TanyaTheAnonymousModel wrote on Jezebel:

"For a dress to look the same on a petite woman, a standard size woman and a plus woman — for the hem to hit at the same place on each woman's leg, for the waist to sit at the appropriate height, for the neckline to flatter but not overexpose, for the pockets to be useful, easily reached, and neither too small nor too big — requires, in effect, three totally different paper patterns, each with a separate, and expensive, development process."

The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City offers a continuing education course in image consulting, combining petite and plus size bodies together as "special size" customers — noting that they make up about a tremendous amount of the population. The course description reads as follows:

"Over 70 million U.S. women fall into the special size category, that 50 % of the population is actually under 5'4", and 65 million women are considered plus size. Designers, patternmakers, retailers, stylists, and image consultants, and wardrobe technicians can all benefit from this in-depth workshop that demystifies the special size business potential. Learn the facts behind the figures with practical information for fulfilling the expectations of the special size customer with proper fit, fashion, and service. Highly recommended for anyone looking to increase sales and services. Interact with our two industry experts as they each tackle the dilemmas facing both the petite and plus-size customer and give concrete directions for satisfying their shopping needs and fashion passions."

An undergraduate course "sketching for fashion designers" mentions that "Large, half-size, petite, and junior-size figures are featured to study proportions used in the industry". Showing petites aren't entirely ignored in design school, they just aren't given equal attention. They're generally not on runways; runways are about aspiration, and who aspires to be 5'2''?

“Petite women have not been celebrated loudly as equals. They have not been given body-positive model icons to speak on their behalf, although we do have Kelly Ripa, Snooki, and Kim Kardashian in our corner. There has not been a call to action. There hasn't been any real vocal repugnance, but instead, there's been a silence and a void, which is too telling. Petite women have been pushed aside, not permitted to speak — much like the children for which many try not to be mistaken.”

[thethousandyearwitch]

The Show Must Go On! - A Youtuber AU you didn’t want and didn’t need

Hisoka Morrow, italian Makeup Youtuber, enjoys his life in the comfort and occasional drama of his profession. But nothing brings more drama into his life than the eldest son of the Zoldyck fashion magazine empire.

Meanwhile, aspiring australian Twitch Streamer Gon Freecs forms a special bond to a Speedrunner commonly going by "Kil".

Chapter 1 

FF.net link - AO3 link 

Beep Beep. beep Beep. Click

8:00 am. Hisoka rolled over in his queen-sized bed, groaning at the interruption of his beauty sleep. Setting an early alarm after editing until 2 am was a horrible idea.

He grabbed his phone from his nightstand and rolls onto his back, following his ritual of checking all his notifications in the morning. The video he had uploaded after editing was well received, many comments about how he should try more looks with purple eyeshadow. About 3 years ago he had started his channel “Bubblegumbitch Makeup” as more of a throwaway joke after someone insulted his makeup on Instagram. However, an audience grew quite quickly, and Hisoka had to admit that he enjoyed the attention and luxury of it all. Making money by sitting in front of a camera and applying Makeup while people tell you how good looking you are is a great ego boost.

Half-heartedly he scrolled through his subscription feed, just to see what his competition was up to, though barely anyone had really uploaded during the night. Amateurs and their 'healthy' sleep schedules. A true influencer knows that an audience never sleeps.

 He disregarded his phone somewhere into the pile of pillows that make up his bed and made his way into the bathroom. His morning showers are more functional than enjoyable, quickly rinsing on whatever spirits of sleep may linger on him.

After that, the Makeup artist applied his usual morning creams, body lotion, towel dries his hair, and threw on a pair of grey low-waist sweats and a comfortable white razor-back shirt. Need. Coffee.

 Hisokas flat was a quaint little thing just outside of Rieti. An open imitation marble kitchen, facing the living room equipped with a black leather couch and wall mounted flat screen TV, opening to a relatively small balcony housing a few plants.

Exiting his bedroom, he grabbed the TV remote and switched unto a random morning news show, just needing background noise while he waits for his coffee to brew.

"And preparations are running wild for the annual Fashion Week in Rome. This year the line-up features many new promising designers from all over the globe. Tune in at 10 for more-"

The fashion week! Hisoka grinned, having nearly forgotten about this important event that he had always followed closely. Though rarely attending himself, he had been requested on multiple occasions as a make-up artist for certain models. But there was something more important connected to that special week. He grabbed his fresh cappuccino and strolled back to his room, fishing his phone from the depths of pillow mountain.

"Hisoka: Gooooood Morning! Roma's Fashion Week is coming up, are you going to stop on by? ~"

It didn’t take long before his phone chimed with the familiar Ping of a private Message.

“Bellissimo <3: I will be going to the Show for 4 days. If it proves convenient, I’d drop by for a short collaboration.”

“Hisoka: I’ll be keeping my bed warm~♥️”

“Bellissimo<3: Gross and unnecessary. I will book a room in my usual hotel in Rome. I’ll drop by for the Collaboration on Monday afternoon, and leave after.”

“Bellissimo<3: I will send you some sample pieces later, please come up with a look for one of them, and don’t just ‘wing it’ like last time.”

Hisoka giggled before disregarding his phone again. Illumi Zoldyck, breakthrough Fashion Designer from England, and eldest son of Zoldyck fashion magazine empire, who often uploaded videos of his artistic process on his channel “I. Zoldyck Fashion”. They had met 2 years ago, at a smaller Paris fashion show, the first one Hisoka ever attended. A model had requested Hisoka as her makeup artist, while Illumi had been working on a dress for her, and the two of them ended up working closely together to properly coordinate colours with each other. And though Illumi expressed great annoyance with Hisoka, they exchanged numbers, and started to make collab videos whenever they fell into the same place. Something about working together with Illumi got Hisokas heart racing. Seeing the camera-shy man get increasingly more frustrated with his antics was a joy that could hardly be topped.

But he didn’t have time to dwell in good memories and spine-tingling anticipation. He had work to do. And so once again he chucked his phone back into the pillow-cave system and made his way into his recording room.

It was a small office space, on one side an office Desk with a Desktop Computer, a couple of small succulent plants framing it, and a comfy black office chair. On the other side a set-up to record videos, with a white-pink gradient wall, a stainless white desk with a small mirror standing on it, and a less-comfy stool to sit on. In a smooth motion, Hisoka downed the rest of his coffee, set the cup aside, and started the camera. The night before he had laid out everything for his next video, a review for a new eyeshadow palette released by another Beauty Youtuber, still trying to get into the game. How Cute.

Hisoka clapped his hands together, putting on his best camera smile. “Hey, Scum! ~ Today I have a very special treat for you all. I got my hands on the new Togari Palette ‘Hunting for Your Dreams’, his first release.” He held up the shimmering silver case and opened it up for the camera to reveal 6 eyeshadows in various shades of orange and red. About half an hour and a couple try hard glamour shots later, Hisoka dropped the Palette with a grin, staring directly into the Camera. In addition to his signature Star and Teardrop under his eyes, he had attempted to imitate a flame-inspired eyeshadow look. “Well, this has been an absolute disaster. I feel like I’m losing clumps of eyeshadow every time I blink, and it feels sandy and irritating on my skin. But you have got to give it to Togari: I have never seen a Palette that features colours that are eye-biting and yet completely bland before. Though the surprise gift of a long, brown hair inside the sealed Palette wasn’t for me. But you know, if you see these Palettes in your local bargain bin, I’d say go for it.” He gave a cheeky wink, before rattling off his usual goodbyes, like and subscribe, yadda yadda.

Click.

Hisoka took the camera and set it by his computer. Before he could even think about editing, he must wipe away whatever the hell was in that shabby palette. Of course it wasn’t the worst make-up he had ever worn; it probably wouldn’t even make it in the bottom 10, he wasn’t here to make friends and spoon-feed his competition compliments. If a creator dares to churn out a subpar product, they have to deal with the consequences.

After practically subjecting himself to water torture via make-up remover towels, the man grabbed another whiteclaw from the fridge, and settled into his office chair. Digging through business emails was a boring, repetitive task, deleting promo-email after promo-email, practically begging him to promote some skin-care vitamins or boring phone app. Clicking the nails of his free hand against his desk, he tapped away at the delete button in a rhythm only known to him.

Finally reaching the bottom of his inbox, he switched to his private Inbox with a satisfied smile, an expected email already waiting for him. “From: I. Zoldyck: Roma Fashion Week Promos”.  To my private Email, dear Illumi? How shockingly Intimate~ Hisoka mocked in his head while opening the mail.  

“Hisoka.

Attached are 3 Designs I plan to show off at the show. Chose one for the collaboration and let me know in time.

Sincerely,

Illumi Zoldyck.”

Under his signature, 3 files were lined up, boringly titled “Design Roma 1/2/3”. Hisoka opened the first file and is greeted by a 2-piece suit with a light pink base colour, and blue-green flower highlights that frame the pockets and seams of the jacket, and the belt of the pants. Not bad, not bad.

The second file contained another 2-piece suit, this time with a black base colour, and a repeating roman-vase pattern in eye-catching blues, pinks, and oranges. Lovely pattern, and what a revealing jacket cut~. He was sure he had found his favourite, already planning a matching make-up look. But it wouldn’t hurt looking at the last design for pity, right?

Hisoka audibly gasped in a mixture of shock and flattery and laid a hand over his heart to complete the star performance. Staring back at him was a beautiful white-jeans design, patterned with colourful card-suits dotting the jacket and pants. The pattern was ever so slightly washed out, faking a vintage look. This is it. Mine. His heart was beating through his chest, and for the first time in a while he was truly speechless.

He had 3 more weeks until the show, but his mind was already bursting with inspiration, and when he later laid in bed, he couldn’t contain his grin as he texted.

“Hisoka: You already know which one im choosing~♥️♥️♥️”

 --------------------------------------------

Gon had been streaming for a good hour or so, talking excitedly to his chat about the new Season of Fortnite, admiring new skins that he was definitely going to try and get. Every new pass just meant a new challenge for him to prove himself, and it was undeniable that it was satisfying to work and game hard to get what he wanted. Just as he was about to ask chat if he should go another row, or change games for the night, a discord message drew his attention away.

“Kil: Yo, wanna team up? :p”

Filled with even more excitement, Gon returned his attention back to his stream. “Everyone, today we are going to feature a special guest!”

[mytennisdiary]

Western and Southern Open Aug 21-22, 2021

Tempted by the prospect of marquee weekend matchups (the first time all 4 top seeds made the semi-final in a Masters 1000 event in nearly a decade) I decided to add another streaming platform to my repertoire. This time, it was ATP Tennis TV, a service which only carries the men’s matches, something I foolishly realized immediately after purchasing a monthly subscription. However, it was the men’s matches that I was most interested in this weekend and the service did live up to most of my expectations. Reasonably priced ($15.00 a month), consistent in quality (despite a broken Apple TV App), and mercifully without commercial breaks, this is undoubtedly one of the best options for watching live tennis at non-major tournaments.

And watch live tennis I did. Beginning with Medvedev vs Rublev, an unpredictable match that saw Medvedev’s incredible start wiped away by physical and mental issues and ended with Rublev’s first career victory over his countryman (he had never previously won a set). Highlights included a bizarre episode where Medvedev smashed his hand into a television camera placed at the back of the court. In typical Medvedev fashion he made broad threats about a lawsuit and even impishly kicked the camera directly in the lens. A visit from the trainer to look at his left hand was followed by 2 additional visits, one for his right forearm and another for his leg, signs of Medvedev’s physical limitations which recurred in the hot and humid Cincinnati weather only weeks after similar, albeit more pronounced, struggles at the Olympics. Rublev, it must be said, found a balance between offense and defense that he has struggled to achieve in previous matches against Daniil, winning the longer rallies with patience and persistence. Adjustments to his serve in the 2nd and 3rd set (he stopped serving out wide which was helping Medvedev create angles early in rallies with excellent returns) allowed Rublev to lock down his service game and put the pressure on Medvedev, who eventually crumbled.

If the first match was exciting and unpredictable, the 2nd match upped the ante in practically every way. Tsitsipas vs Zverev was itself a topsy-turvy affair with a brilliant start by Zverev, whose serve was at times untouchable, an excellent comeback from Tsitsipas which coincided with Zverev becoming physically ill off the court, and a shocking comeback from Zverev from down a double break at 4-1 in the 3rd set. Tsitsipas made effective use of his slice backhand, especially in the 2nd and early 3rd set, keeping the ball out of Zverev’s strike zone, drawing him into the court, and forcing errors at the net. Similarly the chip return helped Tsitsipas find a foothold in Zverev’s service games and allowed him to break 3 times (Zverev had only been broken twice prior to this point in the tournament). However, after Zverev was able to get treatment for his nausea midway through the 3rd set the tide shifted. He gutted out some long points and Tsitsipas made too many errors down the stretch, culminating in an abysmal service game at 5-4 with an opportunity to serve out the match. Still, things were tied 3-3 in the 3rd set tiebreaker and it really could have gone either way until Zverev seized control to grab a 7-4 tiebreak victory.

Sunday was far more one-sided. Rublev was entirely outmatched by Zverev in the final, barely able to win points unless they were on his first serve (Rublev actually served about as well as I’ve ever seen him do, 1st serve % in the 70s and winning just as high a percentage of these points on his 1st server as Zverev was on his). Zverev just did not make unforced errors. He had more on double faults (4, including 2 in a nervy attempt to serve out the match at 5-2) than he had from the baseline (only 2). He looked totally dominant despite the epic events of less the 24-hours prior and enters the 2021 US Open as the player in top form, especially after his recent ousting of Djokovic on route to an Olympic gold medal.

The US Open starts in a week and I will be in attendance for both days of the 3rd round. Despite the absences of key stars on both the men’s and women’s sides (Nadal, Federer, Thiem (the defending champion) and possibly Serena), it’s still the tournament that will feature Djokovic’s attempt to secure the grand slam and Naomi Osaka’s return to a major tournament after a strange and memorable season filled with ups and downs. Barty comes in as the main contender, especially after her victory at Cincinnati. I’m predicting that Djokovic will win, although I’d love to be proven wrong (Zverev and Medvedev appear poised to serve as the obvious challengers, although I don’t think either of them are mentally capable of pulling it off), and that we see another unexpected female champion. Sakkari, Rybakina, and Coco Gauff would be players that I would look at here, although I would also put some of the top “best to never win” contenders into consideration here based on their excellent recent form, particularly Sabalenka, Svitolina, and Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic. Pliskova also belongs in this later category, but while I don’t deny the high likelihood of a run for her to the quarters or the semis, I have no faith in her to actually win the tournament. With that said, I’m not discounting Barty. She’s definitely the player that makes me the most nervous right now, a far cry from how I perceived her only a few short months ago. Osaka, on the other hand, doesn’t strike me as being in the right place mentally to play her best tennis, and despite my fervent desire for Simona Halep to put together a deep run at the US Open (she’s only been to the quarters or beyond twice; she’s done it at least 4 times at all the other majors), it’s probably too soon after her recent calf tear. Things with Simona are very uncertain these days, especially because she’s only actually played in 1 of the last 4 majors held, although that was a relatively good showing at the 2021 Australian Open that ended with a QF loss to an on-form Serena Williams.

[newstfionline]

Headlines: Thursday, October 1, 2020

Foreign observers note ‘chaos,’ ‘rancor’ in US debate (AP) “Chaos, interruptions, personal attacks and insults,” one outspoken Chinese newspaper editor said of the U.S. presidential debate. An Australian counterpart said it was “swamped” by the “rancor engulfing America.” The first debate pitting Republican President Donald Trump against Democratic challenger Joe Biden was not a highlight of political oratory in the eyes of many overseas. Yet interest ran high for its potential impact on what may be the most consequential U.S. election in years, now just over a month away. “The spiteful debate mirrors a country that is no longer even capable of having a dignified discussion,” read a scathing editorial published by Switzerland’s right-leaning Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper. Hu Xijin, editor of China’s nationalistic Communist Party tabloid Global Times, offered his opinion on the newspaper’s official microblog, writing that the “chaos, interruptions, personal attacks and insults” on display were a reflection of America’s “overarching division, anxiety and the accelerating erosion of the system’s original advantages.” The editor-at-large of the newspaper The Australian, Paul Kelly, described the debate as a “spiteful, chaotic, abusive, often out-of-control brawling encounter with both candidates revealing their contempt for each other.” A columnist for the newspaper, Peter Hoysted, called the debate a “shout-athon” and a “verbal shambles” that reflected American political life and the “yawning gap between the left and right.” A Emirati political scientist, Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, asked, “How did America reach this level of political decline?”

RVs are booming (WSJ) Another effect of the pandemic, perhaps because people want to leave big cities or can work from anywhere? Thor Industries, which makes recreational vehicles, is reporting that they have an order backlog valued at $5.74 billion, up from about $2 billion a year ago. People—even younger people—are snapping up RVs, and an industry group is projecting a 19.5 percent increase in shipments come 2021. In the fiscal year ending July, sales at Thor were up 4 percent, hitting $8.17 billion.

New round of protests shakes Venezuela as public services fail (Reuters) A new round of protests has started to sweep across Venezuela as discontent intensifies in the country’s near-abandoned interior due to worsening fuel shortages and the constant failure of public services, a local non-governmental organization said on Tuesday. According to reports received by the Caracas-based Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, over 100 protests have taken place since the weekend in 19 of Venezuela’s 23 states to demand authorities provide water, power and fuel. The OPEC nation’s collapsed oil industry is no longer able to supply Venezuelans with fuel for their cars, and years of mismanagement and corruption have left much of the infrastructure bringing power and water to homes in ruins. In the past, Caracas was the center of Venezuela’s protest movements, but the government has prioritized fuel deliveries to gas stations in the capital, keeping its streets mostly calm. In the rest of the country, Venezuelans spend days queueing for gasoline that often never arrives. “We’re looking at a new wave of protests with the particularity that this time the protagonists are those living in Venezuela’s villages and towns,” Marco Ponce, the observatory’s director, told an online press conference.

Vilified Early Over Lax Virus Strategy, Sweden Seems to Have Scourge Controlled (NYT) The scene at Norrsken House Stockholm, a co-working space, oozed with radical normalcy: Young, turtleneck-wearing hipsters schmoozed in the coffee corner. Others chatted freely away, at times quite near each other, in cozy conference rooms. Face masks were nowhere to be seen. It seemed very last January, before the spread of Covid-19 in Europe, but it was actually last week, as many European nations were tightening restrictions amid a surge of new coronavirus cases. In Sweden, new infections, if tipping upward slightly, still remained surprisingly low. Almost alone in the Western world, the Swedes refused to impose a coronavirus lockdown last spring, as the country’s leading health officials argued that limited restrictions were sufficient and would better protect against economic collapse. Analyses show that Sweden’s death rate at the height of the pandemic in the spring far surpassed the rates in neighboring countries and was more protracted. Now, though, the question is whether the country’s current low caseload, compared with sharp increases elsewhere, shows that it has found a sustainable balance, something that all Western countries are seeking eight months into the pandemic.

Madrid heads for lockdown after Spain announces new virus restrictions (Reuters) Madrid residents are set to be barred from leaving the city except on essential trips under new coronavirus restrictions announced by the Spanish government on Wednesday. The city’s borders will also be closed to outsiders for non-necessary visits under the new measures for large municipalities with high coronavirus infection rates. Another nine cities in the metropolitan area will also be affected. People will be allowed to cross municipal boundaries to go to work or school, visit the doctor or go shopping, but must remain within the city for leisure activities, according to the agreement. Other measures include the closure of bars and restaurants at 11 p.m., from a previous curfew of 1 a.m., as well as the closure of public parks and playgrounds. Social gatherings will be limited to six people.

EU slams Poland, Hungary as cash-for-democracy fight heats up (Reuters) The European Union’s executive slammed Poland and Hungary on Wednesday for failing to live up to core democratic standards, giving ammunition to those in the bloc pushing to shut them out from funding unless they beef up freedom of media and courts. The European Commission’s first report on shortcomings in the rule of law comes as the bloc is making access to EU money, including a new 750 billion euro coronavirus recovery fund, conditional on respecting democratic checks and balances. Warsaw and Budapest are at odds with the EU over undercutting democracy through putting courts, media, NGOs and academics under more state control. Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovakia were also criticised for shortcomings in ensuring their courts’ independence. The Commission decried corruption scandals in Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Malta.

New sanctions on Lukashenko (Foreign Policy) The United Kingdom and Canada both imposed sanctions on Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and several senior officials in his government over allegations of election rigging in last month’s presidential election. The sanctions, the first of their kind for major Western powers, include travel bans and asset freezes. Western governments were initially reluctant to challenge Lukashenko due to his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but they have ramped up the pressure this week after Lukashenko was inaugurated in a secret ceremony last weekend.

Indian court acquits Hindu nationalist leaders accused of demolishing 16th-century mosque (Washington Post) It was one of the most divisive moments in modern Indian history: the illegal razing of a 16th-century mosque in the town of Ayodhya in 1992 by a mob of Hindu extremists. Nearly three decades later, a judge on Wednesday delivered a long-awaited verdict in the case. All 32 people on trial—who stood accused of conspiring to destroy the structure and stoking religious enmity—were acquitted. They included several senior politicians from India’s ruling party and a sitting member of Parliament. The ruling marks a watershed in the country’s bitterest religious dispute. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths and fueled the rise of the Hindu nationalist movement that today dominates Indian politics. Saba Naqvi, author of a book on the recent history of the BJP, said she was stunned by the verdict. The destruction of the Babri Mosque was “the most public crime in contemporary India,” Naqvi said, yet “the judge has let everyone go.” The ruling sends the message that “there are certain crimes for which people will not be punished,” she said.

Bangladesh and the fashion industry (CNN) The fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, and the environmental impacts of that are difficult to comprehend. When it’s said that “water is used,” it’s not like it boils off or is used and then cleaned, it means used mostly during the finishing and dyeing process and then just dumped back into the river full of chemicals and dyes. Those chemicals are particularly difficult to remove and dyes by design don’t degrade easily—otherwise they wouldn’t be used to permanently color apparel—and the result is that rivers in Bangladesh (where textiles account for 20 percent of GDP and employ 4 million people) are seriously polluted.

In Japan, a revolutionary response to the pandemic: Better work-life balance (Washington Post) Picture the traditional grind of the Japanese salaryman: the corporate warrior in suit and tie, commuting to the office in a packed subway train, working long hours then drinking with his boss and coming home to a cramped Tokyo apartment. Then imagine another type of worker—perhaps a woman—cycling to her office on a picturesque island, with an equally challenging career but spending her weekends by the sea, immersed in nature or relaxing in a hot spring. That’s the vision of Yasuyuki Nambu, the chief executive of Japanese employment and staffing company Pasona, who aims to move its headquarters from Tokyo, population 37 million, to the Japanese island of Awaji in the Seto Inland Sea, population 129,000. It’s a revolutionary idea in Japan’s rigid corporate culture—and a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic is reimagining where and how people work worldwide. In Japan, working from home was almost unthinkable before the pandemic, but now appears to be gathering some momentum. Some innovators, such as Nambu, are even looking to shift offices to less stressful locales to introduce a novel concept in Japan: a bit more work-life balance. But many in Japan have fought it. A July survey of 14,300 companies by Tokyo Shoko Research found that 42 percent had never implemented working from home despite government appeals to control the spread of the coronavirus.

A new age of mercenary wars (Washington Post) Dozens have been reportedly killed amid ongoing clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave of ethnic Armenians encircled by Azerbaijani territory. Both Turkey and Armenia allege that the other side is importing mercenaries to the front lines. The Guardian reported that a group of Syrian fighters from Idlib province, the lone rebel-held bastion where Turkey holds considerable sway, were recruited in recent weeks to work for a private Turkish security company operating in Azerbaijan. According to the outlet’s sources, as many as 20 such fighters may have been killed in fighting this week in the Caucasus. Ankara denies these claims and has wheeled around on Armenia, accusing the government in Yerevan of busing in Kurdish militiamen from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, to help train Armenian fighters in Nagorno-Karabakh. These charges point to a broader emerging phenomenon of mercenary outfits on the front lines of the 21st century’s wars. Turkey, after all, established a template for enlisting Syrian fighters for its proxy wars when it transported hundreds to Libya to aid the government in Tripoli. But Ankara is hardly alone on this front. The Wagner Group, a Kremlin-linked Russian private security company, has deployed mercenaries over a wide spectrum of the world’s battlefields, from eastern Ukraine to Syria and Libya. And, often with the financial support of the United Arab Emirates, Sudanese fighters have served as ground troops in civil wars in Yemen and Libya. The prevalence of Syrian fighters in places like Libya, argued Frederic Wehrey, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, reflects “a global trend toward the outsourcing of extraterritorial military force driven partly by the availability of itinerant, pay-for-hire fighters from failed revolutions and civil wars in Africa and the Middle East and the growth of private military companies.”

Gazans left stranded abroad by Israeli-Palestinian standoff (AP) For the last four months, Ahmed al-Kurdi, his wife and three children have been stranded in Jordan, where they traveled from their home in the Gaza Strip for life-saving medical treatment for his 2-year-old daughter. They find themselves stuck, not because of quarantine measures, but because of a dispute between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. They need an Israeli permit to return to Gaza through the occupied West Bank and Israel, which would normally be facilitated by the PA’s civil affairs division. But the Palestinians officially cut off all ties with Israel in May to protest its plans to annex parts of the West Bank, making it even more complicated to get permission to travel. The Palestinians had hoped to pressure Israel by forcing it to assume more of the burden of its half-century occupation of the territory. Instead, the decision has mainly hurt ordinary Palestinians, underscoring the control Israel exerts over nearly every facet of their lives. Al-Kurd and his wife, who left Gaza with their children last December, have been on unpaid leave, relying on relatives to pay rent and support them in Amman, Jordan’s capital, where prices are much higher than in Gaza. They are among dozens of families who left Gaza for health or other reasons and cannot return. They applied for a permit through the Palestinian Embassy in Amman but were told it is no longer in contact with Israel.

[cheapflightstolondon]

Our 5 Top off the Beaten Path Highlights of London

You’ve booked your cheap flights to London and now you’re researching the best places to see while you are exploring the capital of England, which has a history that stretches back to Roman times. At its centre you’ll find the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic Big Ben clock tower, London Bridge and London Tower, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and of course Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard, after all even if you’ve never been to London you have most likely heard of these places.

Once you’ve finished discovering the well-know highlights of London it is time to explore the more off the beaten path side of London and we suggest you start with these 5 top sights you might not of thought of visiting or may never of even heard of.

1. Kew Gardens

Otherwise known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Kew Gardens is located in the south portion of Thames in southwest London. From Victorian glasshouses to an Alpine rock garden you can discover over 50,000 living plants across this UNESCO World Heritage site.

With one of the most diverse collections of living plants of any botanic garden in the world, you could spend a day getting lost as you wander through the Bonsai, Aquatic, Aroid and Arid collections, to name a few. This place is also an amazing spot for a picnic, so make sure to pack some yummy treats.

2. Spitalfields Market

Located in the heart of East London you will find a world of food, fashion, arts and events at Spitalfields Market, where traders have been hawking their wares since the 17th century and today is one of London’s target marketplaces.

Rich in culture and a wide variety of unique handmade goods that can’t be found anywhere else, Spitalfields Market also has Swings – Crazy Golf Club, where you can have a fun game of putt-putt, Old Truman Brewery and Broadgate Ice Rink, some pretty cool street art or you might like to partake in the Jack the Ripper Tour.

3. Little Venice

Spanning from Hyde Park to Warwick Avenue you’ll find a sleepy little part of London that many tourists miss. Little Venice is a series of tree-lined canals that is home to colourful canal boats that roam the waterways, with many of them serving as tearooms and cafes. You can walk the whole Little Venice towpath between Paddington and Camden and will take about an hour. The famous Little Venice mansions will provide a stunning backdrop as you stroll along and if you don’t mind a bit of wildlife spotting you’ll see all sorts of nature, such as moorhens, coots, grebes, tufted ducks, pochard, greylag and Egyptian Geese nestled among London's historic canals.

4. The Vaults

Step inside the underground world of Waterloo station. The Vaults is a hidden gem of London that not many tourists are aware of. These hidden underground tunnels deep under the famous Waterloo station house colourful graffiti art and is an ever-changing sight as artists bring their imaginations to life by painting and re-painting on the walls, ceiling sea main tunnel. The tunnels are also filled with theatre, comedy, and all kinds of immersive events and dining experiences making this place probably the most fun you can have underground. You’ll discover the wacky, weird and wonderful side London and we suggest you also pop into the pub, Vaulty Towers for its unique decor some great food and drinks. If you’re there on Mondays, they host a riotously fun pub quiz where you should expect lunges, punishments, liquid rewards, dance offs, lip sync battles and much more.

5. Sky Garden

Take in a birds-eye view of London at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street. The building nicknamed as the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ is a public space with landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open air terrace. Admission is free, but you do need to book and are related online a week in advance. It is home to the worlds highest public garden and also some great restaurants if you’re looking for a place for dinner or you can just grab a drink at the rooftop bar.

Ready to go?

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[aidansinclair01]

A1 ePortfolio (Intro To Bus Comm)

Week 2

It was a little bit difficult to adjust to a new routine and schedule. There was a little bit of travel involved however it wasn’t as much as some others in the class. Everyone within the class is there to learn so it is a good environment to be in as well as the fact that we all share a common interest, being sport. I intend to approach the year in a very similar way to the way I approached year 12. I want to take a relaxed approach so I do not work myself up over the assessments as the first semester of the first year looks like it could get quite hectic at points. I’m looking forward to meeting some new people with similar interests to myself as well as the talks from people within the industry and the pathways they took to get where they are.

  Week 5

For this assignment I worked with Peter, Troy and Arthur. As a group, I felt that we worked really well and efficiently. Everyone did what they needed to so that we finished on time with ease. Our actual presentation was pretty well done considering the circumstances of it having to be presented online through Webex. For the teamwork survey everything was rated highly as I felt comfortable sharing ideas with the team because they were always very willing to take feedback on board and give feedback out when required. Personally, I’m pretty nervous whenever it comes to presenting so I think that can always be worked on, but all in all, for one of my first assessments, I feel as if I did my job and was pleased that everyone else did theirs to a high standard. I think we could’ve put some more work into the aesthetics of the presentation so that it was nicer to look at. However, for us, it wasn’t really a priority until right at the end. So, if anything, we could have attempted to finish sooner so that we could edit the layout and look of the presentation.

 Academic Source - Judd, B & Butcher, T 2016, ‘Beyond equality: the place of Aboriginal culture in the Australian game of football’, Australian Aboriginal Studies, no. 1, pp. 68-84, viewed 17 March 2020, EBSCO database. https://search-informit-com-au.ezproxy.holmesglen.edu.au/fullText;dn=220966850376591;res=IELAPA

 The academic source was compulsory so I thought I should put a lot of effort into choosing the right one. It took me a little while to find the right one, but I think this source was extremely relevant to the topic considering it actually mentioned the athlete from our chosen issue, Adam Goodes.

 Week 7

In comparison to my final years of high school, there isn’t a huge change in the ways that I have chosen to study. Considering the Coronavirus pandemic, it was difficult to get motivated at times throughout the semester. Being stuck at home and learning online has meant that there are some difficult distractions at times and has made it harder to concentrate in comparison to just learning in class. With the cancellation of sport, it’s probably been a good thing in terms of helping me focus on my study, especially over weekends. I’m realising that some of these new skills such as referencing are going to be very helpful in the future. It’s something that I learnt very briefly at school but knowing how to properly do it to a high standard will assist me in swaying from citing or paraphrasing without crediting the original source. I have pretty much fully settled into the new style of learning and am realising how much work I’m going to need to put in to succeed in the course and in the future opportunities that I am provided with.

I aimed to use this table to guide my days to make sure that I remained on track. Of course, there were a few days where this went out the window and I had a bit of a ‘lazy day’ but in terms of my general time management, this helped significantly, even if it was just to guide me. I thought exercise was going to be very important for me this year, especially on a regular basis and to take a productive break from studying rather than sitting on my bed, watching Netflix. The running helped to clear my mind and not only has helped me feel better, physically, but especially mentally, allowing me to get back to my work and focus.

Week 9

The feedback I received came from Ryan. My downfall was the lack of artifacts which I already knew going into having it marked as I hadn’t put a lot of time into my ePortfolio at that point. My focus now will turn to the artifacts because my feedback reads that the actual content within the ePortfolio was quite good. It will need some re-reading and editing to make sure it’s the best it can possibly be, but the artifacts are key at this current point in time. At this current point in time, I have just worked out the basics of Tumblr through having to use if for my ‘Introduction to Public Relations’ subject for the Weekly Market Analysis Assignment.

Week 11

Up to this point in time, my assessment marks aren’t what I was hoping them to be. A lot of this is based on referencing and my difficulty in grasping it early on. However, in more recent assignments that I have handed in (the essay type assignments), I have felt more confident and I am intrigued to see if I did well on those or not as I can definitely see a big improvement between those essays and the first few assignments that I completed, especially in terms of my referencing and my citations. As the semester is coming to a close, the stress levels are beginning to rise again with many assignments and tasks due in not a long period of time. I usually like to work hard on an assignment and then give myself a bit of a break, however this is challenging me as the assessments are one after another. I don’t think I will “enjoy” the challenge as much but it will definitely be beneficial for me in the long run whether that’s working through stress and pressure or organising my time management a little bit better.

These comments from Simone on the report submitted by myself and Riley kind of put into perspective the level of work expected for assessments, particularly for the academic articles. We tried our best to try and follow the guidelines but seemed to slip off track a little bit. This highlighted the importance of remembering to return to the assessment guide and rubric to make sure that the task was followed closely. Our referencing was particularly loose which really hurt our marks and the “academic” side of the academic report. To this point I haven’t received marks for my other reports so I’m not sure how much I’ve improved, but I have put a lot more time into my referencing to try and get as many marks as possible on my referencing with the hope that my other content is good enough to get a solid mark overall.

Week 13

Knowledge

Over the semester, for me personally, it has been about adapting to the differing climate on the back of the Coronavirus. Despite this, I’ve enjoyed the semester while learning plenty of useful information. Referencing has been a big thing that I’ve learnt, especially the significance of it in ensuring that you don’t get pulled up for plagiarism or copyright. 

Skills

My skills have grown quite significantly this year so far. The way I am writing is more succinct and I’m making a conscious effort to not ‘beat around the bush’ but rather express my point in a clearer fashion then what I was perhaps doing in high school. As mentioned, the main skill I’ve learnt is referencing and its importance. But I’ve also learnt a lot about the history of sport, the media industry and ways to engage an audience through public relations campaigns and strategies.

Attitudes/Behaviours

My attitudes towards the subject as a whole have sort of changed in a sense. I’ve realised that the course, over the entirety of the 3 years, will be a lot more of a grind than what I may have originally thought. The class has bonded really well and I feel like I’m a part of it. This helps with going back because I’m generally not very talkative so this tightly knitted group is very nice to have. My focus now turns to the exams which I am a little nervous for but I know that there will be plenty of time to study and ask questions if I need.

[obeourbigescape]

New Post has been published on https://ourbigescape.com/7673-2/

NewZealandDMCA

Welcome to the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide! Some may say that the Lord of the Rings movie franchise really helped to put New Zealand on the map (a common joke among Kiwi’s is how often maps of the world miss their country out…), but the truth is that it simply made this amazing country much more accessible. Nobody would doubt that visitor levels have hugely increased over the last twenty years or so, but don’t for a second assume that you will feel crowded anywhere on these islands.

While the country is famed for its stunning natural beauty – you could easily spend four weeks touring the South Island alone – there is plenty more of interest to entertain visitors looking for a more varied experience. From exploring Maori culture, through to roaming the enormous national parks, taking in some rugby, sipping on some world-class wines, through to enjoying some manuka honey on your breakfast toast, there is plenty to keep you busy during your time in New Zealand.

The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide recommends this country not just to those who love to get outside and active (although those into extreme sports will arguably find no better country), but those with an interest in culture, wildlife and especially photography. Why not take in a cruise or organized New Zealand tour if you have less time at hand? Or if time is of no object, perhaps tour leisurely at your own pace – this country is outstanding for camping and living on the cheap if you are careful.

Top Places To Visit In New Zealand

Despite being – in strictly geographical terms – in the middle of nowhere, New Zealand is just as accessible as anywhere else on the planet that may involve a slightly longer than usual flight. Given the fact that many visitors will have traveled the best part of halfway around the globe to get there, it is perhaps reasonable to allow for at least a couple of weeks in the country – and ideally another one or two on top if time allows. That sort of timescale will allow plenty of time to visit and explore both the North and South Island.

Instead of comparing which island is ‘better’ (we dislike that word) you should understand the differences and figure out whether you wish to spend more time in one than the other, or split your time equally. Contrary to what you may have assumed both islands are gorgeous. The North tends to have a warmer climate, sandier beaches, more spectacular coastline, geothermal spots and is generally more accessible from major cities/towns. On the other hand, the South Island is considerably larger, has more of those epic peaks and fjords that feature so heavily in LOTR, stunning waterways (that are handy for getting about), and no shortage of Maori spots well worth visiting (plenty of those on the North Island too).

Many people will arrive in Auckland and it is worth spending a few days exploring the city and its nearby sights. Auckland is surprisingly cosmopolitan and in some ways, it feels quite strange to have a modern, vibrant city in a country that is otherwise so calm and placid. Expect all the comforts and conveniences that you would find anywhere else, and perhaps use it as a base/launching pad for exploring key sites such as the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Plenty, Waikiki, Rangitoto Island (amazing!) and in classic NZ fashion take a bungee jump from the Sky Tower! Head further inland and you’ll stumble upon Rotorua and the famous Te Puia volcanic geysers and springs. Wellington is also well worth a visit for a slightly more sedate city experience. Be sure to check out the Ecosanctuary and botanical gardens for a taste of how truly progressive this country tends to be.

The Southern Island is dominated – in urban terms at least – by Christchurch and Dunedin. Both are known for their colonial heritage and have quite bizarre similarities to smart British provincial towns. Make absolutely certain to check out the International Antarctic Center, Canterbury Museum for local and indigenous history, and relax in the very smart and elegant North Hagley Park. Dunedin is a fascinating place that not only feels British but even looks like a Scottish town snuggles within the spectacular surrounding scenery. Larnach Castle is a classic Victorian stately home that is well worth squeezing into your itinerary, but the real highlight has to be the scenic railways. Be sure to head out to the Otago Peninsular if you like penguin watching, and the Tunnel Beach area offers some truly spectacular ‘edge of the world’ scenery.

But let’s face it – most people head to the South Island for the wilderness, glaciers, and adventure sports mecca of Queenstown. Do not underestimate the size of this island and simply accept the fact that you will be tempted to stop for photos pretty much every couple of miles before realizing that the whole place is stunningly beautiful! Picking out the best spots could really result in alist running into the hundreds, but we’d recommend you head to Abel Tasman National Park up in the north, Marlborough Sounds, and certainly Milford Sound. Allow for a few days around the sound especially if you are planning on hiking or even scaling some of the spectacular mountains.

We’ll discuss the practicalities of exploring the country later in the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide, but for now, just take the time to understand that while NZ looks quite small on the map it is anything but that once you are in the country itself. You will really kick yourself if you only visit for a week and try to cram in as much as possible, simply because you are going to have to miss huge chunks of the country in such a limited timeframe. Two weeks ought to be the minimum and that allows for only three or maybe four days to devote to the cities/towns. Three weeks is much more reasonable (one in the North, two in the South) if you wish to take in the key sights, especially if you take the plunge on arranging your own private transport.

Things To Do In New Zealand

We’ll begin this section with a rather bold statement. You simply will not find a better country for photography than New Zealand. We’d honestly recommend that those who have always been interested in learning photography take a few classes/courses before they visit this country. The scenery, colors, contrasts and sheer magnificence are going to enchant you. Best of all, you can snap away literally anywhere you head in the country. Need some action shots? Check out the wildlife, Maori sites, city buzz, and the crashing coastlines. Like your landscapes and portraiture? Just take your pick of pretty much anywhere else! We say this specifically for photographers but all visual artists will find some aspects of New Zealand to enjoy sketching, painting or perhaps even writing about. It is no less than a creative person’s dream landscape.

But what if you would prefer to enjoy some death-defying stunts instead! Well, New Zealand ranks as one of the best places on the planet for outdoor sports. From mountaineering through to rafting, biking, caving, hand gliding, bungee jumping, and pretty much everything else you simply cannot help but be tempted to get the adrenalin racing. The New Zealand national obsession with extreme sports is a little bit of a national stereotype and a butt of many jokes (mostly from ‘nearby’ Australians!). We’d recommend that anyone interested in doing these activities with safety in mind takes on the services of one of the many top-quality agencies/guide companies who will provide equipment and training as required.

Road trips are an excellent way of getting out and exploring New Zealand and we’d highly recommend active people consider the more environmentally sound (and far cheaper!) option of taking on a bike tour of the country. Cycling through NZ is really easy and safe with mild temperatures for large parts of the year and long stretches of almost empty roads. Camping rules vary depending on the region but you can generally pitch up in most places, or make use of the superb facilities you’ll find throughout the national network of campsites. Providing you are not in a rush then this is a country that really lends itself towards visitors who like to set their own agendas and itineraries.

Take the time to appreciate the Maori culture wherever you head in New Zealand and make the effort to explore the less traveled – and often surprisingly more interesting – spots too. You’ll find Maori culture throughout the country – we recommend reading up on the basic history and facts before arriving to help comprehend and appreciate the wonderful sights in their appropriate context. Ever wanted to learn the Haka dance, made world-famous by the national rugby team (the ‘All Backs’)? Then do so, and try out some of the trickier routines as well. Make sure you don’t fall over…

Anyone who likes to appreciate wildlife in its natural and undisturbed habitat should find New Zealand one of the most incredible places they will ever have visited. You can swim with dolphins all over the place, but how about taking a dip with the seals along the South Island coast? Kiwi spotting is a lesser stated national obsession, and those in the mood for the absolutely spectacular should check out the options for whale watching too. There is no shortage of excellent quality organized tours that help visitors to responsibly enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand, and we recommend looking in this direction to help reduce the environmental footprint. Most of the best are run by charities and conservation teams, although you’ll find that all are licensed and minded in this direction.

Best Time To Visit New Zealand

New Zealand is busiest over the peak summer months which runs over December and February. Depending on the weather it could stretch for a couple of weeks either way, but this is when the country tends to be busiest. Expect the popular beaches and sites to be reasonably busy (although nothing like as crowded as other popular countries), but good quality/value accommodation books out fast and well in advance so be on your toes to secure any good deals.

Match through to early May is also a good time to visit. Temperatures will be a little cooler but you’ll have far fewer people sharing the views with you. The discounted accommodation market is not quite as strong in NZ as compared to other destinations but prices should be a little more reasonable. Snow will perhaps be falling in some parts so it can be good for taking in some early season deals.

Anywhere between June and late November tends to be low season for anything apart from snow sports. You will have your pick of any restaurant and hotel away from the main skiing destinations where prices will go through the roof! If you like to explore the scenery in near isolation and remember to pack some warm and waterproof clothing this is also a great time to visit. As with above, discounts may appear here and there but plenty of hotels just semi-close during these months with reduced occupancy at regular prices.

GOVERNMENT LINKS General Information VISAS History, Culture, and Events

Tourist Visa In New Zealand

New Zealand is fiercely protective of its natural splendors and has a long list of prohibited items both material and organic, so check these out before you start packing your bags. For your convenience: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/

Make sure that all your camping and hiking gear (especially boots) are spotless.

New Zealand operates a pre-arrival screening process which means that once you arrive in the country passing through customs ought to be a breeze.

Nationals of over 60 countries do not require a visa to visit New Zealand for up to 90 consecutive days. These include the USA and alongside most EU nations. These passport holders are allowed to stay for up to sixty consecutive days.

People from other Commonwealth countries (UK, Australia, Canada, etc) are allowed to stay for longer. UK nationals can stay for six months, while Australians can usually remain for as long as they please.

The visa system for longer stays or employment is quite complicated and varies considerably between countries. Generally speaking and in the experience of the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide, NZ is pretty relaxed about allowing people to stay longer providing they arrange to do so in advance and can prove they are able to sustain themselves. Don’t take our word for a rule, but anyone with a good reason for staying longer (and maybe even working) should be able to make arrangements providing they follow the basic application structure to the letter.

NZ is, overall, pretty chilled out when it comes to letting people visit and stay awhile. It is one of the reasons we like it so much!

Currency In New Zealand

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) that at the time of writing trades for around NZD 1.6 = USD 1.

You will have absolutely no problems handling your finances while in the country. Banks offer good value currency exchange rates, and ATMs are found everywhere there are people! Keep an eye on the possible charges and the conversion rates offered by your own bank. Some may have reciprocal arrangements with NZ banks and offer considerably lower rates. You will require a local bank account if you are intending on working in the country and these can usually be arranged in advance.

Credit cards/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere and you ought to use these for the majority of your purchases. Do not expect to hire a car without a credit card.

Very broadly speaking the largest single expense that most people will encounter with visiting NZ is their flight tickets. While the country is not exactly cheap, you can certainly stay for a long while on a modest budget providing you are careful with managing your money. Costs of accommodation, food, and travel are very similar to those you’d expect to find in western Europe and we’d say a little bit cheaper compared to Australia.

  Tipping In New Zealand

You’ll notice quite a few similarities with New Zealand and the UK & Australia. Tipping policy/attitudes are a good example of this. While there is not much of a tipping ‘culture’ and it is certainly not mandatory, a modest tip should be left for table service or exceptional levels of service in other contexts. 10% is about right in most cases.

In cafes, bars, and taxis you may wish to sometimes round up the change a little to leave a token gratuity. For instance, leave the change on a $20 cab fare if it comes to $18.50, or say ‘just give us five back’ on a $14 fare when you pay with a twenty. Tipping is causal and not a big deal in New Zealand compared to many other countries.

Budget For Traveling New Zealand

Providing you take care to plan your finances with a degree of care before you visit New Zealand you may well be surprised at how reasonably affordable it can be. Budget visitors will need to make use of the generally excellent hostels and campsites to keep their outgoings sensible but can get about and live reasonably well without burning through their cash too quickly. Those wishing to stay in hotels and enjoy greater financial flexibility can find plenty of ways to spend their money throughout the country, with the added plus that it is difficult to actually ‘waste’ cash in this country. Look for value, check reviews, and book a little ahead and you will likely be dazzled at how great services catering for the tourist economy can be.

Here are some rough guidelines that the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide would suggest for visitors across three budget tiers. All prices are in NZD.

Budget ($100/day)

Before we begin it should be noted that you could quite realistically go for entire days in NZ without needing to spend a single dollar. That is assuming you are camping, have paid for your spots already, and have a few days of nonperishable groceries to sustain you. So take that daily threshold with a good pinch of salt as how much you need to spend in this country really depends on what you want to see and where you happen to find yourself.

Travel throughout New Zealand is pretty reasonable and we’ll cover this later. Just make sure to use appropriate and applicable discounts where you can, book in advance (we really cannot stress this enough!) and time your visit according to what you want to focus upon. Peak season exploration is perfectly plausible on a modest budget providing you are happy to ‘rough it’ a little and look after yourself.

It is worth mentioning that plenty of people who opt to spend a good while in the country – perhaps 6-12 months or so – tend to work in the ski resorts during the season, save up some money, and spend their earnings touring the country during the summertime. Consider this if it matches your profile and you fancy taking on a real New Zealand adventure.

Mid-Level ($200/day)

Decent enough hotel rooms will cost around half your daily budget – so make that a quarter assuming you are sharing a double or twin room. You ought to be able to live pretty well on this budget, including two or maybe even three meals out per day, all the travel you could wish for (including flights between the islands), most general excursions besides the very specialist options, and still have a little money left over.

We’d suggest seriously looking into hiring a car especially if you are sharing as part of a group (this advice also applies to our budget travelers too). Vehicle hire is easily available in the country and you should find a decent four/five-seater for between $50-70/day. NZ roads are excellent and you should not require high performance or four-wheel drive options unless really heading out into the sticks during snow season.

With this kind of budget, you should really be able to enjoy New Zealand exactly how you wish. If you have the time it is worth taking elements of this budget (occasional comfy hotels, car hire, restaurant meals) and combining it with some camping and hiking to not only balance out your expenditure towards a longer time but also to enjoy different aspects and experiences. Nobody visits NZ for the quality of the hotel rooms…

High-End ($300+/day)

You will honestly struggle to spend over $200/night in most hotels besides the ultra-exclusive boutique options in Auckland and the ski lodge areas. Whether or not you really need deluxe accommodation is up to you (or your bank manager) – but we’d suggest pooling that excess and pushing towards some ‘once in a lifetime kind’ of experiences instead. You really do not need to spend more than $60-90 in the most exclusive restaurants unless you hit the wine list hard. Prices can then become silly quite quickly…

There are a vast number of organized tours you could opt for here, and we’d strongly suggest you look towards the kind of multiple destination whale watching cruises which run daily costs of about this sort of price range. Balloon trips (always a favorite of the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide team) are staggeringly good and available at most of the popular sights.

Perhaps look into more ecologically minded tourism with this kind of budget. You won’t find much in the way of high-end shopping – at least not anywhere offering close to reasonable prices – so why not spend that cash on something a little more rewarding instead?

These very approximate guidelines should hopefully indicate that once you are in NZ you really do not have to spend a crazy amount of money to get by and explore in decent comfort. Groceries are a little steeper than you may anticipate but otherwise, costs are pretty reasonable when you factor in that much of the country’s products need to be imported. Give some good thought towards how you wish to enjoy your time in the country, and we’d highly recommend living closer to a shoestring budget if it allows for a longer and more varied stay.

  Language In New Zealand

Everyone speaks English as either a first or second language and you will have no problems communicating with anyone during your stay. Maori is an official language (3.7% speak it as a first), and you will have very small communities which may opt to speak in one of the Polynesian languages, Hindu, or French.

Religion In New Zealand

Despite their love for reckless sports, New Zealand has always had something of a more conservative reputation that many people assume could be linked to a greater rate of religious observance compared to similar countries. If anything, the opposite is actually the case. New Zealand is not an especially religious country in the slightest, and almost half of the country claim to have no religious beliefs whatsoever.

Christianity – in various denominations – would represent the largest overall religious group with very small pockets of Hindusim, Islam, Buddhism, and others. You will have no trouble finding a place to participate anywhere in New Zealand, but you’ll find that most people aren’t especially bothered either way.

Practical Tips For New Zealand Travelers

New Zealand has a vast amount to offer visitors and it is no surprise that the country has been one of the most desirable to experience in recent years. There is no shortage of ways to see the country in whatever manner best suits your travel style, and it is actually one of those countries that you can’t easily pigeonhole. It certainly shares some characteristics with Australia, in the sense that it rewards visitors who explore under their own steam and take their time wherever possible to appreciate its natural wonders. While the cities have plenty of interest you’ll not travel thousands of miles for them alone – which in many ways tends to remind us of Scandanavia. We’ll let you make up your own mind about New Zealand because if you have the opportunity to visit you really would be crazy not to do so!

At this stage, the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide is going to take a closer look at some of the practicalities involved in visiting New Zealand. Despite being literally on the other side of the planet, you’ll find that the country shares quite a number of close similarities with Britain – perhaps hardly surprising given their long and intertwined histories. It is certainly more ‘British’ (and we use that definition as opaquely as possible) than Austalia and Canada, with a fondness for cricket, rugby, tea, queuing, and so forth – but do not be fooled into thinking this is anything like a remote English county. New Zealanders are very proud of themselves and their islands – but tend to not really shout about how amazingly good their country happens to be. They’re far too cool for that!

  Health & Safety In New Zealand

New Zealand is incredibly safe to visit. Despite tragic recent incidents against specific immigrant groups that should in no way be considered typical or reflective of New Zealand’s national character, violence is extremely rare and tourists are never likely to be specifically targetted. Every city has its rough spots to steer clear of, and New Zealand is no different, but compared to pretty much any other Western nation this ranks as the safest of the lot.

You should take some care where you choose to park in the more remote regions. Parking lots popular with day hikers in the more remote spots are sometimes targeted by thieves, so make sure your vehicle is insured fully and take anything valuable with you or leave it in a secure hotel room/safe.

In better news, you will not need to worry about dangerous wildlife or even insects from bothering you too much in the majority of the country. Visitors should still ensure that their travel insurance which should be comprehensive – provides cover for any more dangerous/extreme activities you are intending on performing. Make absolutely sure you are covered between specified dates and keep copies secured online and on your person at all times.

Keep an eye on the weather when out and about, and remember that it can change at any time. A good waterproof is pretty much essential for anyone’s daypack, and you should make sure you are well equipped and provisioned before setting off hiking.

Healthcare in NZ is very good but prices costs can mount up quite quickly so make sure you are totally covered. Include repatriation into your policy as this alone can cost several thousand dollars.

Prescription medications are available in all towns/cities although you may need to visit a doctor for a new script if you lose your own supply. Take care when arriving in the country to declare and strong medications – especially opioids – as the rules are very strict indeed. Remember that brands may vary if you need your script reissued.

Transportation In New Zealand

Unless you are fortunate enough to have plenty of time to explore the country, chances are that you will need to make use of New Zealand’s excellent and safe internal air transit network. A good number of international airlines have understood that many visitors will be looking in this direction and have partnered with domestic-based airlines offering well discounted internal flights. Check these out before you book your principle tickets and you can save hundreds of dollars. Some options may even allow for visits to ‘nearby’ islands/territories, and perhaps even extend towards flights to Australia.

If flights are not an option then your options are going to be considerably more limited. The NZ public bus service is extensive but trips can take a long time due to the characteristically long and winding roads. Tickets can also become pretty expensive. Organized tours may actually be better for simply getting from A to B instead of completing the full circle, plus they offer knowledgable guides and usually cover the cost for parking/admission to any nearby attractions. The train is also a bit of a limited option in NZ because the terrain really does not lend itself well to direct travel. Passes are available which offer 1/2/3 weeks of travel for a set price. It is not cheap by any stretch but enthusiasts who like spectacular scenery should give it some consideration.

In the opinion of the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide, you are going to be best off by arranging your own transit. Vehicle hire is cheap simply because most New Zealanders use the road too as it is the most straightforward way of getting about! Gas prices can catch you out but are not that excessive when the cost is split between a group. Take care on the roads – they are excellent quality partly because the routes are almost constantly steep and winding – and make the most of the advantages they provide by getting off the central highways and exploring the more remote locations. Check the various options when deciding on a rental and figure out which milage plan works best for your needs. If you plan on hitting the road daily then look for those that include a ‘free’ 100km or so. If you wish to stay for a while in certain spots then pay-per-kilometer options are often better.

Can/minivan/RV is the best way to see NZ and the only drawback is the environmental cost of doing so. Try and make up for that by following some of the tips provided in the responsible travel section below. You can quite easily travel out from towns/cities to sightsee during the day without staying near the sites themselves.

  Accommodation In New Zealand

As you may have noticed during our budgeting section accommodation prices in New Zealand tend to be pretty much in the middle ground. By no means is everywhere a bargain or especially lavish, but you should be able to find a decent place to stay at any time of the year without blasting through your budget. Booking ahead is a good idea especially if you have a solid idea of what you wish to see/do and a plan on how to get about already in place. If visiting during the peak season consider the advantage of advance booking simply as securing a good quality bed in a decent hotel/hostel rather than angle for any discounts. Haggling and casual discounting are not big parts of the New Zealand national economic character!

Camping is a fantastic option in NZ especially if you are up for cycling about for long stretches with panniers, or have a decent sized vehicle to transport your kit. Prices are cheap, quality tends to be very high, and the climate is generally friendly towards those setting up for a night under the stars over large parts of the year. Plenty of campsites also offer basic chalet/hut/lodge accommodation more akin to what you might find in a rural youth hostel. Take advantage of those options if you wish for a little extra comfort – they also tend to throw in breakfast too.

Generally speaking an ‘average’ hotel room in New Zealand is going to be simple and affordable. While they are not exactly the sort of place you may want to hang about for fun, they serve simple purposes well and are inspected to pretty high standards. A good proportion of the industry in more remote regions veers towards the B&B market and we’d strongly recommend heading that way instead of throwing in your lot with a national/international chain. They may not vary much either way in terms of price but tend to be much more hospitable, friendly, and/or at least offer some greater degree of character!

The internet is your friend when it comes to deciding on a suitable place to stay in New Zealand. Research your options quite thoroughly and do not rule out the various options open for private bookings via Airbnb etc. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many places are available in places where you really wouldn’t expect to find anything – and most of the time those will be the best options to go with.

Responsible Tourism In New Zealand

Responsible tourism is a big deal in New Zealand and you will notice many places are keen to promote how closely they adhere to national conservation standards. Likewise, NZ is pretty exceptional when it comes to how highly they respect and regard the Maori culture, and it really is very impressive how well-integrated people are despite the inevitable issues a couple of hundred years before. You should visit Maori sites wherever you come across them and do your best to donate a little towards heritage projects too. The Haka dance is seen as something of a stereotype so use it as a simple way of getting to understand what it means, and what an appropriate reply dance would be. There will be plenty of people happy to help but make sure you use accredited tour guides who are either employed by heritage sites or donate a proportion of their income towards their upkeep.

It should go without saying that you need to pay suitable environmental respect when viewing the spectacular marine life along the NZ coastline. Only use agencies accredited by the conservation authorities (there are fortunately few private operators who aren’t anyway).

Other than this, all you really need to do is treat the environment with the respect it deserves and tidy up after yourself to fit right in with the New Zealand approach to conservation. Follow local camping regulations to the letter and expect huge fines if you are caught breaking them. Be careful where you walk as some areas are specially protected and home to rare fauna. These will be well signposted so once again – no excuses!

New Zealand Food To Try

New Zealand may not be especially famous for its foods but there are a couple of dishes well worth trying over the course of your travels. You should have little trouble trying Maori dishes so keep an eye out for Hangi. These dishes are prepared in undersoil clay ovens in the exact same manner as thousands of years ago (no doubt with better hygiene observance of course). expect huge chunks/cuts of marinaded tender meat. We’re not joking – the portions are enormous – but rather handily, these tend to be served in foil so are ideal for packing away to enjoy later on!

If you spot someone eating what resembles a small hedgehog that has been plucked from the surf, then rest assured – it is probably a Kina. These relatives of the classic sea urchin may look prickly but are absolutely delicious when cracked open. Seafood is perhaps unsurprisingly a big deal in New Zealand and you should also look for whitebait fritter stalls at any opportunity. For a few dollars, you will enjoy perfectly fried and super fresh fish caught literally within the hour. Try it with a side of Kumara red potatoes for a true New Zealand classic.

Manuka honey is perhaps the most famous NZ export after lamb, and you’ll find it available everywhere at about half the price you pay at home. Chances are that budget visitors will be spending a good amount of time working through classic New Zealand pies (almost always made from lamb) and perhaps enjoying a pavlova for dessert.

New Zealand has no lack of variety when it comes to cuisine, and those on restricted diets, vegetarians and vegans should have no trouble whatsoever.

  New Zealand Packing List

As mentioned earlier in the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide, the biggest issue is not remembering what to pack it is remembering what not to bring! We should really make it clear that you will need decent outdoors equipment/clothing during most seasons, and it is better to bring your own than buy it in the country. Boots should be well worn in to help avoid pesky blisters but cleaned very thoroughly of any mud/soil/foliage. A decent basic first aid pack including a whistle is a sensible idea if taking on any serious hiking.

Check to see if you will require a local electricity converter for your electronics. These are widely available in the country should you forget. Other than those basic pointers you should not worry too much about forgetting any essentials. New Zealand is very geared towards outdoor activities but you shouldn’t need a machete or hammock!

Clothing You Should Wear In New Zealand

Broadly speaking New Zealanders are a little more concerned than Australians about their appearance but you should not worry too much about what you need to wear to fit in. Dress up relatively smart/casual for high-end restaurants and try to dress a little more conservatively for religious and Maori sites and you are pretty much set.

Nobody will especially care what you wear in NZ providing it isn’t unnecessarily offensive.

Interesting & Important Facts About New Zealand

Well, we hope you have found the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide informative and wish you all the best for visiting this absolutely amazing destination! You really cannot go far wrong here, and even though the country does not make a huge deal about its tourism appeal, the fact remains that it is surprisingly accessible, not as expensive as most people fear, and absolutely packed with wonderful sites to explore. If anything, the fact that NZ requires a dedicated effort to visit is to its overall advantage. Those who do take the time – and you do need plenty of time – to explore the country in full are probably going to understand why so many people rate it as one of those they’d like to move to someday. New Zealand has a habit of getting under your skin in all the right ways.

We’ll finish off the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide with a few fun and interesting little facts to help you get an impression of what kind of things you’ll discover.

▸ Contemporary New Zealand has ‘only’ six sheep for each person. A few decades ago it was 20-1.

▸ It is believed that the islands have only been inhabited by people since the 1300s.

▸ Bats are the only truly native species.

▸ New Zealand water is incredibly clear. Nelson’s Blue Lake allows for visibility as deep as 80 meters.

▸ The country has an officially appointed ‘wizard’ although it is illegal to name a baby ‘Christ’ or ‘Lucifer’.

▸ New Zealanders love exploring – Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to climb Mt Everest.

▸ English, Maori, and Sign Language are the three official languages of the country.

▸ The Maori name for NZ is ‘Aotearoa’ which roughly means ‘long white cloud’.

▸ It is estimated that the Lord of the Rings series generated $200m for the national economy.

▸ The New Zealand Rugby team is one of the best – and probably most feared – in the world.

After the New Zealand Travel Guide, where to next in Oceania? Check out Why Not Australia

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How to have a good time in Australia, from budget ranger to luxury bunny

Whether you pamper yourself to the fullest or couch-surf your way across the world, the one thing we all have in common is our love for travel. When it comes to countries that can fit both end of the spectrum, we have it on good authority that Australia is one of those rare destination where everyone can have a really awesome time, regardless of their budget. To help you get started, here’s a list of activities that’d show you how to get the most from a holiday Down Under, your way.

The Budget Ranger (Budget Range: Low-Mid)

Elizabeth Quay Bridge, Perth, WA. Image: Tourism Australia

Some of the best vacations are the ones that don’t burn a hole in the wallet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an occasional luxurious treat to put the wind back in your sails. Put your savviness to the test and join fellow backpackers and budgeteers in Australia's hippest urban precincts to eat, sleep and have fun without breaking the bank.

Sydney

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, NSW. Image: Tourism Australia

Spend an entire day at Bondi Beach for a relaxing (and free!) time under the sun, where you can check out the surfers hitting the waves, great vibes and even art installation.

Or, do a 1-2 hour coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Roam around one of the largest and most important public gallery in Sydney, Art Gallery of NSW, for an impressive collection of contemporary artworks. Admission is free for most exhibitions and on Wednesday, the gallery opens till 10pm with free performances by musicians and more.

Cook up a storm and bring your own food to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can have a picnic amidst tranquil surroundings.

For cheap eats, pubs like the Norfolk and the Shakespeare in Surry Hills, or the North Bondi RSL for a cheap burger with a million-dollar view.

Brisbane

Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, QLD. Image: Brisbane

Take a free tour to know the ins and outs of the city with Brisbane Greeters.

A little red ferry called “the city hopper” runs completely free every half an hour, seven days a week, from Sydney Street to North Quay.

With 16,000 works packed inside this eclectic building, you’ll definitely spend a lot of time at the Gallery of Modern Art (free).

Fridays at Brisbane’s Powerhouse are heaps of fun. Lunch in the vicinity will set you back around AUD$10-20 max, but it will be so worth it. The highlight is dubbed Knockoff Fridays, where you’ll find free (good) comedy with views over the river. Booze sold separately.

Melbourne

Brighton Bathing Boxes, Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria. Image: Visit Melbourne

Unless you’re heading outside of the Free Tram Zone (which will be clearly identified by signs at tram stops), travelling around Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands is free!

Be an urban explorer by wandering around Melbourne’s maze of laneways to reveal quirky storefronts with anything from food, fashion to arts!

Take beautiful selfies at Brighton Beach, famous for its quaint colourful bathing boxes on the beach set against Melbourne’s skyline.

Catch an early train to the Sunday Camberwell Market for vintage bargains.

Perth

Quokka, Rottnest Island, WA. Image: Tourism Australia. Photographer: Rich Keam

Find fresh local produce, indigenous souvenirs, unique food offerings and a vibrant market culture at Fremantle Markets, opened every Friday to Sunday. While you’re there, check out Perth’s famous honey cake at shop #40.

Shell out extra cash to take a day trip to Rottnest Island because #quokkas.

Whale-watch from the shore near Rottenest Island, or join a tour to get up close and personal with these gentle giants!

Cycle or take a lovely stroll along the Swan riverside trail to explore the one and half hectares of inlet, island, landscaped gardens and public art via the striking arched suspension bridge and promenade circuit. Then end your evening admiring the view at Elizabeth Quay.

The Luxury Bunny (Budget Range: High)

Lobster, Bruny Island, TAS. Image: Tourism Australia. Photographer: Ellenor Argyropoulos

You who indulges in the finer side of life knows you can’t peg a price on comfort and experience. Experience the finest in food, fun and entertainment when you check out the list below!

Adelaide

Hot Air Ballooning, Barossa Valley, SA. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission. Photographer: Cameron Bloom

Embark on a luxury expedition across the revered wine regions of Barossa Valley.

Float across a mosaic of vineyards in a hot air balloon above the clouds, spend a day touring the valley’s signature wineries and indulge in a private tasting affair with artisan winemakers.

Have your wine and great food at the Appellation for a culinary fusion of local flavours before retreating to a peaceful night’s stay at the luxury hillside lodge—The Louise— just 75 minutes away from the Adelaide Airport.

Tasmania

The Hazards from Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS. Image: Tourism Australia. Photographer: Ian Butterworth

Enjoy fresh seafood like oysters, rock lobster, abalone and sea urchin served straight from the water at the award-winning Tasmanian Seafood Seduction tour.

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Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Image: Tourism Whitsundays

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Enjoy fresh seafood dinners at every corner.

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This content was produced in partnership with Tourism Australia.

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[thethousandyearwitch]

The Show Must Go On! - A Youtuber AU you didn’t want and didn’t need

Hisoka Morrow, italian Makeup Youtuber, enjoys his life in the comfort and occasional drama of his profession. But nothing brings more drama into his life than the eldest son of the Zoldyck fashion magazine empire.

Meanwhile, aspiring australian Twitch Streamer Gon Freecs forms a special bond to a Speedrunner commonly going by "Kil".

Chapter 2

FF.net link - AO3 link

Gon Freecs had started his twitch account mostly for fun. After he had saved enough of his money from summer jobs to afford a computer for himself, the young boy had discovered the vast world of video games, diving headfirst into whatever flash games or free steam games he could (Until Mito caved and gave him some redeemable online gift cards as a present). Pretty quickly he started making connections over some of those games, getting invited to discord groupchats, and developing friendships with people he’d frequently play with.

One Day, his friend Leorio, a medical student from France who Gon had met through one of those groupchats, asked if he wanted to join his Sunday Stream. He explained that they’d just team up for a couple of rounds of Fortnite, and Gon could leave whenever he wanted to if he ended up not liking the Twitch experience. Leorio did not admit to the fact that he only asked Gon because his usual partner bailed due to a bad hangover, and he himself was too hungover to manage a stream by himself. This resulted in a lively evening filled with banter, excited yelling, and only minor technical difficulties considering Gons location further out in the country. Leorio ended the stream, thanking his viewers, signing off, but he stayed on call with Gon.

“Thanks so much for jumping in today, I owe you!” His French accent wasn’t too thick, but it still curled around his words.  

“Its no problem! It was actually pretty fun, so if you ever need another stream-pal...” The young boy trailed off as he started to feel faint traces of sleepiness creeping up on him. His computer screen was the only light on in the room, and it wasn’t exactly gentle on his eyes.

“About that actually; Have you thought about trying to stream for yourself?”

“Huh?” Gon could hear the tell-tale creaking of Leorios chair as he reclined back. “I mean, you’ve definitely got the energy for it, you’re not half bad at playing video games; Though that’s not really a requirement...Point is, I think you’d have fun with it.” Gon let the thought of it roll around his mind like a marble. He did have a lot of fun livestreaming this once, and there wasn’t anything that exactly spoke against it, except maybe that his sleep schedule could suffer under it. But that may as well be expected of a boy his age.

“Do you think people would really come to watch me play video games?” He finally asked, voice lined more with curiosity rather than insecurity. “Are you kidding? My chat loved you! Everyone loves a cute kid whose always one victory royale away from changing his legal name into his gamer tag and develop an addiction to monster energy.” Gon giggled in reply, “I’m not even allowed to drink those.” “Thank God you aren’t, if you had any more energy than you already have, you’d probably explode on the spot. Those things are loaded with junk anyways.” Gon decided not to bring up the infamous Redbull-pyramid that always lingered in the corner of Leorios videos. He could always use that another time if Leorio tried to lecture him about healthy living habits.

“Well, I guess I could try it out this week…But I think I’d need a guide to help me set the whole thing up…” Gon grinned to himself, hearing the familiar creaking again as Leorio sat up straight on the other end.

“I mean, I did say I owe you, and who would I be to leave a kid struggling with modern technology. And since my chat seemed to love you, I may even host your first stream, get you some exposure, y’know?” Mission success, Gon fed into Leorios ego and ensured that he wouldn’t have to struggle with stream setup by himself. He was quite thankful for the older mans (by stretch of that word) help and friendship, almost like an older brother, switching between caring protectiveness and friendly torment.

“Now, isn’t it time for you to get some shut-eye?” Busted. Gon glanced at the clock in the corner of his screen, 12:13 am. They said their Goodbyes, and the young boy settled into bed almost as quickly as he fell asleep.

The coming week, as promised, Leorio had helped Gon figure out his stream setup, settling for his channel name ‘Foxbeargaming’. With each passing day and conversation about the topic, Gon felt the static inside him build up, excitement and anticipation mixing in his bloodstream, until that long-awaited Friday.

And it was worth that wait. Gon spend a good 3 hours that day streaming Fortnite, at first in Teams with Leorio and his usual stream-pal Zepile, and later a few single matches. He hadn’t even realized how easy it came to him to interact with chat, leisurely talking about what came to mind, joking about events in the game, and just basking in this new way of releasing his bubbly energy. Leorio had warned him that he may feel exhausted after the first stream, but that’s not at all what the young boy experienced; After turning everything off, he was still beaming with joy. When he nestled into bed, he curled to his side, trying to repress his smile, though it would still take a good hour before he had calmed down enough to drift to sleep.

That joy he had experienced was enough to drive him to continue to stream at least once every 5 days, not consistent enough to build a schedule, but often enough to slowly gather a fanbase, loyal viewers who started tuning in whenever he announced a stream. It took a couple of months before people started posting his stream highlights to YouTube, and after that only a few weeks before someone offered to do official edits for him, on his own YouTube channel. A YouTube channel ended up drawing even more attention to him, people in Twitch-chat mentioning they found him through compilations and highlights.

Of the people whose attention was caught by the bright faced boy, one appeared for the first time in chat while he was streaming Super Mario 64, a palate cleanser from his usual Fortnite streams. The first message had been inconspicuous enough, provoking, but not too much out of the ordinary.

“KilCat666: try a BLJ lol”  

This however prompted Gon's entire chat to egg him on to try various speedrun tactics, until the rest of the stream was spent attempting (and failing) a “Lobby Backwards Long Jump”. Gon took it well and promised chat that if they wanted to he’d try to practice again on the next stream, asking for tips in his Discord chat. Speedrunning wasn’t really his way of playing games, he was too impatient and would rather experience the game as intended, but it shook things up, and was a surprisingly great way to regain focus after playing a different game for too long. Soon enough, the Server started bubbling with tutorials, tips, and heated discussions about optimal routes. Gon read through the chat, enjoying how everyone seemed to get into the topic, while also mourning his dwindling attention span as more and more messages came in. With the overflow of information, his brain felt like it was thrown into a deep fryer (Though maybe he was just hungry). Defeated, he dropped his head on his desk. Maybe he bit off more than he could chew. How was he supposed to take all this information in and actually learn it in time for the next stream? This was worse than school. Maybe he should ju-

Bloop.

Gon raised his head from his desk, greeted by a new private message. It wasn’t anyone from his friends-list, but that wasn’t too unusual, a lot of people from his Server would DM him, and he didn’t mind talking with anyone who had something to say to him.

“Kil: Yo.”

“Kil: do you need like help with SM64 lol”

The young boy adjusted his tired eyes to the screen, trying to find recognition into the profile picture of a white cat, but not finding it.

“GON: Hi!! :^D I’m taking tips right now if you have any!”

“Kil: your inputs were really sloppy lol”

Ouch, though true.

“Kil: but you’ve got morale at least”

“Kil: I made a short guide on my channel, if u wanna check it out?”

Attached to the last message was a link to a YouTube video, and just as announced, it was a eight minute tutorial on “LBLJ”, with text overlay explaining the various steps. What stood out more to Gon however, was the view and subscriber count to the Channel ‘Kilcat666’. After scrolling through the channel a bit more, and following another link to an adjacent Twitch channel with the same name, it dawned on him; This guy was a pro.

“GON: WOW :^O you are really good at this!!!!”

For a while, Gon thought that’s it. He browsed through a couple more of this kid’s videos. He was usually just referred to as ‘Kil’ or in rare instances ‘Killu’, and there wasn’t much on him as a person, just a short bio: “Kil, 14, him/his, Yorkshire area. SM64 0 Star contender.”. His streams of attempting to break the World record for any given game got a reasonable amount of viewers, with a steady fanbase that would spam inside jokes and cat emojis in chat. And in no single video did he ever show his face, or even speak. The only real communication he seemed to do with his audience was the occasional answer in chat, or text-overlays in his YouTube videos. Gon thought about how he was a little honoured to have another well known streamer actually give him advice and watch his stuff, though obviously it seemed that Kil wasn’t interested in keeping more in conta-

Bloop.

“Kil: Thanks uh, if you’d want to, we could like make a deal?”

“GON: What kind of deal? :^O”

“Kil: I could show you some tricks for casual speedrunning”

“Kil: And maybe if you want to you could show me how to get better at fortnite lol”

Gon was beaming. He wasn’t sure why, but he was grinning from ear to ear, and it didn’t even register to himself that he was already typing up a response until he hit the enter button.

“GON: Sure!!!!!! :^D!!!! Have you ever played before? We can team up with a friend of mine for the first couple rounds!”

  Killua was never a child with many friends. Or any friends. Growing up sheltered by his family, with the mindset of one day inheriting a multimillion-dollar company, it was taught to him that acquaintances were convenient, friends were distractions.

When he got pulled out of school and put into home-schooling, it was because his friends at school were distractions.

When he snuck out to play with other kids in the country, he was placed on supervised house arrest, because he had been too distracted.

When he noticed his brother appearing in some weirdos YouTube video, he had to be told “That man is not my friend, he is a work associate.”

And like a drop of water can gradually tear through stone, the constant echoing of this rule tore through Killuas head. He still didn’t want to overtake the family legacy, but he knew better than to endanger others with his efforts of finding friendship. Instead, he decided to find solitary distractions, and found those in video games he first borrowed (or rather, took without being noticed) from his older brother. Gradually, he got more and more invested in video games, how they work, and the cultures surrounding them. That is how he found out about Speedrunning and streaming. Speedrunning was fascinating to the young boy. The effort to clear a game as fast as possible, faster than anyone else, past all supposed limitations a game would present casual players with. Specific tricks would look messy and incoherent to untrained eyes, but the hidden inputs were mechanical and exact. This is a distraction worth investing in.

At first, he didn’t care much about streaming or even recording his attempts. However, as he was slowly approaching Regional and World Records, there was hardly a way around it if he wanted to get verified records published. So, he started a Twitch Account, opting to go for his shortened name “Kil”, a half-assed attempt at keeping his family off of his tail. And as his collection of Top-3 Records grew, so did his audience when he was streaming attempts. When he got used enough to a game, he learned how to read chat while playing, even occasionally taking the time to answer questions, followed by a wave of excited cat emotes.

These are not friends, they are fans.

If he could continue to justify this, keep these people at a distance from him, it would be fine. Minimal interaction. No attachment. Easy enough.

It should have been easy enough.

But when he went through active play sessions of Super Mario 64 on Twitch, and he chose to tune into the first stream that popped up, it stopped being easy. It stopped being easy when he found himself laughing along with the cheery voice of the young streamer.

He wasn’t sure what he expected when he sent that first discord message. A small part of him hoped that this Gon kid wouldn’t reply. That way he could have just written him off as some vain lowtier streamer who isn’t worth Killuas time.

But of course he replied. And of course he would reply so kindly despite being contacted by a random stranger. Killua could feel something pull in his chest writing back and forth with Gon. This was just friendly- no. This was normal banter between two streamers who were exchanging helpful information. Two young, up-and-coming professionals in video game streaming, who can communicate like professionals.

Like work associates.

Work associates help each other out. They make deals. So, it would be okay if Killua would make a deal with Gon. Maybe get to know him in the progress, just a little, just enough to get a sense of his personality.

The pull in Killuas chest subsided when Gon agreed to his deal. But it would come back the first time they were on a call together, the first time Killua let someone else online hear his voice, hushed through a shitty in-ear cable headset, careful that he wouldn’t draw attention if someone were to walk past his room. And it subsided again when he heard Gon laugh at every bad joke he’d tell, loosened even more when he let himself laugh with him. Gon would try his best to follow any instructions he’d been given to learn speedrun strategies, and in turn Killua would let himself be guided through fortnite battles and aim-lessons. They worked well together, as if they had known each other for years, falling into a natural rhythm of jokes and casual conversation. This rhythm would continue for weeks, always coordinating when to call, taking turns with the games they would play.

Slowly, they started branching out to more games to play with each other. Slowly, Gon introduced Killua to his friends. Slowly, Killua got used to speaking on stream, just so Gon and he could guest-star on each other’s streams.

Through this gradual process, Killua felt like he was trapped in a pot of water, and the heat was being turned up just slow enough that he wouldn’t notice until its too late. Until the pull in his chest would threaten to tear him apart.

And then it did, as his mother raised her voice at the breakfast table, “You’ve been spending an awful lot of time on your Computer, Killua.”

“So is Milluki.” He tried to keep his voice unwavering, desperately trying to keep all of these gathered secrets behind it.

“We are just concerned of what you are doing on there; The internet has a lot of dangerous sides..” Kikyo Zoldyck was awfully good at turning her voice into a wail at any given time. Killua could feel his phone in his pocket vibrate from what he was sure was a message from Gon.

“..Maybe we should put some restriction on your use of it. Before it can start distracting you.”

[rockthecotswolds]

Rocking Day in the Life of... Robin Watkins-Davis

A 20-year-old award-winning artist who’s recently displayed her installation ‘Shift’ in Painswick. Robin splits her time between her art and teaching yoga and works hard to inspire mental wellbeing in under 25s.

So Robin, when did you discover you had artistic talent….and did you know you wanted to move into contemporary art early on?

I have been doing art since I was around four years old and began focusing on developing my artistic skills when I was 10 years old. After my school day, (Croft Primary School in Painswick) I had tutors in fine art painting and sculpture and this began my fascination with art as I found the extra circular lessons stimulating and challenging. I built up a portfolio of work which then got me an art scholarship.

At secondary school and sixth form I focused mainly on fine art painting, developing my technical drawing skills, it was on my art foundation course at Stroud, last year where my mind opened to contemporary art and I pushed my own artistic boundaries like never before.

When did you start practising yoga?  We saw that you were the UK’s youngest yoga instructor not so long ago, so it must have been at a very young age?!

I started meditation first at the age of 12, this was to support me as I was going through a bit of a dark time and connected to the practice as a way of overcoming the challenges, providing me with some hope and control over the way I was feeling.

I got into yoga around the age of 14 and then trained at 16 years old to become the UK’s youngest yoga teacher.

You are keen on promoting mindfulness, particularly with young people around Gloucestershire, what would be your three tips for someone needing more calm in their life?

Ooo… this is a good question!

Tip 1) When in a state of overwhelm or stress, I try and use my body and breath as a way of connecting into the present moment, this doesn’t have to be yoga, it could be walking or another form of exercise. Instead of thinking, I try and connection into sensations and feelings, for example following the breath as it flows in and out through my body. This helps anchor me into the present moment and then things often seem much more manageable!

Tip 2) To step outside of the ‘heat’ of the emotion and instead see the body in a mechanical sense, ie: what you put in, you get out. When I am not feeling well mentally or physically, I apply to perspective and think about how I can change a habit or behaviour so that I then get a different outcome. For example, when I feel stressed instead of delving into that and getting even more stressed out, and then telling everyone how stressed I am, I try my best to step back and say to myself mentally, ‘Okay Robin, you are feeling stressed, that’s okay, that’s just my body telling me that its under a bit too much pressure.’ Then I try and find some small changes, for example sleeping more which will shift that emotion or experience.

Tip 3) To remember there are only so many hours in a day, I often remind students this when I go into schools and do de-stress exam workshops. All we can do is our best, taking moments to pause is just as important as the doing.

You’re originally from Tasmania, how did you come to live in the Cotswolds?

Yes, I was born there, my father is Australian, we came over to the UK after spending a few years in both Australia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. I think my mum was missing her family back in the UK so we decided to come back here, my mum liked the idea of my brother and I going to a small village primary school which is why we moved to Painswick and I am very grateful for that because I love the the community of the village, the people are very supportive and have encouraged me to dream big and make them come true!

You worked with Zandra Rhodes and Giffords Circus - which sounds amazing - what did you do?

Yes, I lived and worked with Dame Zandra Rhodes, an opportunity which I won through Art Couture Painswick with their wearable art festival. It was an amazing experience as I was 17 and had never stayed in London for that length of time before, I was assisting Zandra with designs for costumes she was making for an opera and drawing her archive collection for her ‘fashion bible.’ In the evenings I enjoyed meals with Zandra, and one highlight was going to look around the David Hockney exhibition with her.

I worked with Giffords Circus for about a month last spring, helping in the art department with set design and prop making, I loved this experience because I have found Gifford circus such a magical and uplifting show since I was a child, so to be able to work behind the scenes was fascinating.

What’s a fairly typical morning and afternoon for you?

Ooo… haha! My days are fairly unstructured, which can sometimes be unsettling as school provided such routine that it can feel odd without one (I only just left college in September) but I also love having a flexible and creative working day. My day typically starts early, before the sun has risen, where I practice yoga and meditation before any of my brothers have woken up, I have three, the youngest is four years old. I then spend a few hours working on art projects, that may be organising an art exhibition/ event or making more work/researching.

I then start working on yoga projects, where I focus on improving education on mental health for young people, sharing tools and techniques.

The afternoon, normally involves a couple of yoga classes or private family classes/ one – to – ones.

What would you say about the work/life balance of being in the Cotswolds?

I personally love it, when I go and visit London for events and conferences, I am always shocked by how much work people do, and how fast the pace of life is. The Cotswolds provides a sense of leisure but there are also plenty of opportunities and ambition, there is lots going on especially in lifestyle, hospitality and creative industries.

I think that balance is important, as I would say I am a driven person so being able to slow down and retreat in nature is essential for me staying positive and enthusiastic with my work and not burning out.

You’ve set up yoga for under 25s - could you tell us more about that?

Yes, Bliss by Robin is the name of my business which focuses on delivering yoga and mindfulness to young people, now that involves me teaching yoga classes in Gloucestershire, both outside and in schools. These are really growing in popularity as I think young people can relate to me, because we are similar in age and so they find the classes supportive and of relevance to what they may be going through

I have recently started a project called bliss-ed which has exciting plans to make yoga more accessible for a wide variety of young people. Bliss-ed is primarily for young people and by young people (I have a small team of young people who are involved in the content making)

Using social media and youtube to share free content, for example in a few weeks’ time I have mental health campaign coming out, especially for young people to help them with mental health.

Bliss-ed ambassadors this is a new idea I have had which empowers young people to share yoga and mindfulness with their peers by running lunchtime clubs, this has already been tried out at Stroud High School, with one of my students, Flo Cross.

You’re a patron for the Teen Yoga Foundation - could you tell us more about that?

The TeenYoga Foundation is a charity with the aim of making yoga more accessible for young people. They do studies with the university of Westminster, and others investigating the effect yoga has on young peoples well-being and they also represent the ‘yoga in schools’ section of the All-Party-Parliamentary-Group (APPG) for yoga in society, where MPs and lords, as-well as health care professionals and yoga teachers meet to raise awareness of yoga and coming up with solutions for the government to put these practices into our healthcare, schools, prisons and businesses. As the Teen Yoga Patron, I support their work by going to the APPG meetings.

Where do you like to go to eat/drink in the area?

Somewhere close: The Painswick Hotel - I just love the interior and the balcony has amazing views, it’s so comfortable and stylish and the food is divine, the veggie options are experimental and tasty.

What’s been the most challenging and rewarding part of your jobs so far?

Juggling art and the yoga as they both have lots of potential opportunity and areas of growth so managing my time between them both can sometimes mean the workload is a bit overwhelming, but I just do my best and try not to rush.

It was exciting to do the ‘shift’ art exhibition as that combined art and yoga together in a powerful synergy.

What are your goals living and working here or have you reached them already?

I have reached some big goals already, my next big one Is to leave something behind which can keep running without me having to be here all the time, the work I do for young people in the are has really started to kick off and I hope with the bliss-ed ambassador scheme other young people can take on some of my work and expand it, so that a suitable and supportive mental health support is offered.

My art goal is to now take my ‘shift’ exhibition on a tour out from Painswick and around the Cotswolds and up to London.

Where’s your favourite place to relax over a weekend?

Walking on Rodborough common or through the Painswick Rococo gardens.

Where would you go in the Cotswolds to be inspired?

There are always lots of interesting, creative events going on in Stroud and Cheltenham, I enjoy going to live music, local festival and art exhibitions to see something new.

Look out for Robin’s videos on ‘Movement for Modern Life’ or the ‘Netflix of Yoga’ as Robin calls it, based in the Cotswolds.  www.mfml.co/robin

In April Robin is releasing a special series called ‘Sharpen your Mind’ to help people through stressful times: 

https://movementformodernlife.com/

For more be sure to follow Robin:

@blissbyrobin - personal yoga account @blissedgeneration - new project @rart.insta - art account

www.rockthecotswolds.com 

[j-and-b-walkabout-blog]

WEEK NINE (Dec 29 - Jan 4)

MELBOURNE, VIC, AUS

Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. After Ricky and Allie took off for the airport in the morning, the rest of us caught the bus there to do a bit of outdoor shopping in the sweltering heat. The market closes at 2:00pm everyday, so when the vendors began packing up, we walked to a nearby cafe for lunch. Within fifteen minutes of us sitting down inside, in true Melbourne fashion, it began to rain buckets and the temperature dropped at least 20°F. They say Melbourne can experience all four seasons in just one day, and now we know why! Due to the unfortunate sudden weather change, and the fact that we needed to be up early for our Great Ocean Road tour the next morning, we spent a cozy evening indoors.

Our Autopia Tours bus picked us up from a nearby hotel at 7:30am, and so our twelve hour excursion along the southern coast began. We were informed by our tour guide that the Great Ocean Road in southern Australia is modeled after California's Pacific Coast Highway. Our first stop, just two hours outside of Melbourne, was the sleepy beach holiday town of Anglesea for morning tea and biscuits. The trip's final destination was the Twelve Apostles, one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Along our journey there, we passed Airey's Inlet (where the original house from the Mad Max movie is located), stopped at the Great Ocean Road archway, saw wild koalas at Kennett River, ate lunch in Apollo Bay, and hiked a short trail along Mait's Rest Walk in Otway National Park. Otway is home to a unique cool temperate rainforest with 2,000 year old hairy tree ferns (endemic to Australia), as well as giant Myrtle beech trees (the tallest flowering trees in the world)! We even had our photo taken inside a massive hollow in a mature Myrtle beech. The grand finale consisted of a trifecta of natural limestone and sandstone monuments that included the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. The Twelve Apostles (there are actually only 8), are strikingly gargantuan stone pillars that jut hundreds of feet out of the Southern Ocean. They are situated next to kilometers of sheer cliffs that drop straight down into the clear turquoise waters. It is truly an unforgettable sight! After dipping our feet in the Southern (aka Antarctic) Ocean at Loch Ard Gorge, and snapping several photos of the natural archway, London Bridge, we rode the three hours back to Melbourne. Definitely one of the major highlights of our Australian trip so far!

Jed's parents, John and Hilda, left to go back to California on the morning of New Year's Eve, and thus ended our planned accommodation in Southbank. We booked another room for the next two days, and hit up our friend Oscar (not our Brisbane roomy) for NYE plans. He invited us over to a BBQ at his pal Clem's place in Richmond to eat, drink, and watch fireworks. We immediately felt welcomed as they greeted us with tequila shots and a wonderfully prepared buffet. At the stroke of midnight, we popped champagne bottles and watched an amazing fireworks display over the city skyline, successfully ringing in 2017 with the accompaniment of several new friends. Since we had maybe a little too much fun the night before, we spent January 1st in our bedroom in Kensington, leaving only once for much needed bowls of hot ramen.

Oscar and his girlfriend, Maddie, graciously invited us to stay with them in Richmond for a few nights while we sorted out our next moves. After checking out of our AirBnb, we stopped for a quick lunch in South Yarra before heading to St. Kilda beach to write in the van for a bit. It was the coldest day we had experienced so far in Australia at 63°F. Melbourne began to remind us more and more of San Francisco with its ever-changing weather, diverse culture, and classic architecture. We met up with Oscar at his place in the early afternoon to drop our bags off, and then tagged along with him and his housemates to catch a movie (Passengers) at Lido Cinema in the Hawthorn suburb. After the movie, they treated us to a delicious meal of homemade lasagna, salad, and apple crisp for dessert. We've been amazed at the generous hospitality of so many Australians we have met during out travels, and hope to pay it forward in the near future.

After breakfast at the hip "Pillar of Salt" in Richmond, we walked around the neighborhood to find that most shops/restaurants were still closed in observance of the New Year holiday. We returned to Oscar's house, and proceeded to take advantage of their wifi to perform some much needed life admin and get all of our ducks in a row. We were successful in booking tickets to New Zealand, and absolutely cannot wait to explore the southern island and all of its' national parks. We joined the housemates for delicious $15 Tuesday steak dinner specials at Public House down the road. We stayed for a few drinks, and then eventually came home to catch up on more writing.

[rueur]

Morning Pages (06.01.2017)

Friday 6th Jan - 6:43 a.m.

I’m up earlier today because I’ll need to go to Craigieburn to celebrate my cousin’s birthday with some good old-fashioned morning prayer, which I’m looking forward to. A little bit. I don’t like being up this early, but I guess I’ll have to get used to it some time before the new semester starts. I also had a weird night last night. I had a nightmare where there was this event I’d attended, with a musical show (sorry, I just had to turn my alarms off, they were going off again at 6:45) and the performers were all kinda demonic. They gave out these little boxed things, and I took one home with no suspicion because at the time, the musicians didn’t look fishy at all. Fish is swimming very vigorously, by the way. He wants food. I cannot feed him yet, it’s too early.

Anyway, I took this boxed thing home and opened it up and almost immediately, this little rubber something shot under my bed or under a cabinet or something, and I lost it. So I kneeled down near this crack and peered into it and saw this tiny rubber creature thing. I tried to pull it out with one finger, because that’s all that would fit under this cabinet, and I couldn’t. Then my mother walked in and she was Asian. I mean my actual mother is already Asian, but she’s South-Asian. Sri Lankan. My mother in this dream was Chinese or something. Not my real mother. But I accepted it in the dream. So I told my mother that the rubber thing had fallen underneath the cabinet and she feigned disappointment for me, and then left. As soon as she’d left, the rubber thing started to point back at me! With a long and thin finger. I grabbed it and pulled and the rubber thing instantly started to stretch out and out. It just kept stretching like a window climber, or one of those stretchy, sticky hands you get at $2 shops. I just took a pause in my writing. I’m really groggy right now, sorry. This is not my most ideal mood for writing, but I know that’s exactly why the morning pages are supposed to be so helpful.

Anyway, yes, the thing just kept on stretching. I kept pulling, and all the while calling out to my mum to come and look at this stretchy living thing. But my mum never came. The thing was also squealing, like a happy baby or something, but very alien. Then I got up off the floor, and went to find my mum to tell her it’s ALIVE. I find my mum sitting quietly in the living room, staring down at her hand which has cramped in on itself. It looks like a claw, like deformed. I ask her what’s going on, and she just shows me her hand, and for some reason we both correlate her cramped hand to the newfound movement of the rubber thing, like the rubber thing is taking her muscles. Then I said ‘We have to finish the game’ and my mother says ‘NO’ and she’s terrified. Then I think I woke up, and it was 5:03 a.m.. I tried falling back to sleep for ages but it didn’t work. I kept seeing shadows in the dark, and it was also sweltering and I’d buried myself under this thick blanket in my sleep for some reason. I was sweating like you wouldn’t believe and I just flicked on the lamp, got up out of bed, and splashed my face with some water before trying to fall back asleep. I don’t know when I fell asleep again, but it wasn’t easy. I probably got under an hour’s sleep before waking up again.

I was supposed to tell you about Andrew today! From Thailander. He was one of my more memorable regulars who worked at an office on the street, Lonsdale Street. He’d call in ahead of time so that his food was ready when he got there because I’m assuming he had a very small lunch break. He’d usually order the spiciest stir-fry and then ask for it to be ‘extra spicy’. Pick-up for Andrew! I knew him after his second pick-up order with me, because he was so lame. A typical dad telling typical dad-jokes, seeing him every lunch rush was honestly a highlight for me. He was tall, slightly muscular build, with gray hair and a slightly receding hairline. He looked to be around forty, maybe just under middle-aged; quite young. Then I stopped working the lunch shifts and I didn’t see him for a couple of months before I finally quit. On my two week’s notice though, my bosses were definitely overworking me, giving me more shifts than I could handle alongside school. I was working the lunch rush again, and I got a call in my last week. Pick-up for Andrew! Jokingly on the phone, I asked if he wanted the food ‘extra spicy’ because he didn’t say it that time, and he laughed. He said no, though. But he came in and immediately said ‘I thought it was you!’ and I was just very happy to see him. We had a proper conversation that final time because I told him it was my last day, and he congratulated me. He said he hadn’t actually been to Thailander in a while before that day because he’d had a complaint they’d never dealt with, namely that one of their stir-fries was supposed to have green beans and when he got it there were absolutely no green beans at all. I told him we hadn’t had green beans in the kitchen for a while so I didn’t know why it was still on the menu and he said I was paying attention and that was good. He grew up in Eltham, he told me. I said I lived in South Morang, and we were complaining/praising what it meant to live at the end of the train line. He now lives in Sandringham, he said. That’s where I’ve wanted to live more than anything: by the beach, close to the city. South Melbourne. Here I’ve spent my entire life in the north. As north as you can get.

I seem to have a lot more to say this morning than last, I think. Or maybe I have an equal amount to say. I gave you stories yesterday, and one continuation of a story and a dream today. I think that’s pretty standard. I went home yesterday, to get some more clothes because I was running out of clean clothes in Northcote. I don’t want to use the washing machine here because it’s communal and downstairs and I’m shy. My anxiety has very much come with me to Northcote and into the new year. Anyway! I rode home and was incredibly sweaty on my arrival. I changed and hung out with my brother for a bit, listening to his music. He’s getting into Australian hip-hop. I am proud. Then my sister and Anthony, her boyfriend, came home with some groceries and my sister said they were going to start a workout soon, if I wanted to join them. I said yes, because honestly I haven’t been doing too much in the way of staying fit whilst I’ve been in Northcote. I have a running track and a bike track in South Morang, and it took me a while to establish those too. Northcote has the All Nations Park though and I don’t know if I can leave that when I’m done house-sitting because it’s so BIG and BEAUTIFUL. I’ll definitely be spending more time in Northcote even after the summer, I think.

So we braced ourselves, all four of us, and did this thirty-minute workout. It was actually quite fun! We used the Nike training app on my sister’s phone, and a spotify playlist she’d put together for gym sessions (very techno, very upbeat). At the end of it, I used the sweat towel they’d offered me beforehand (before the workout, I’d just laughed at it and said I wouldn’t need it). Then my sister made this amazing pumpkin ravioli/gnocchi lunch with mushrooms and spinach. It was amazing, and there were no leftovers. Then I had a bath with the rose bath salts and fizzes that I was given for Christmas by Anthony’s family. It was heavenly, and worked a wonder on my sore muscles at the time. But this morning, upon waking up and leaving my bed, I realise that my legs and arms are still so, so sore!

I had a bath, packed all my things up and made my way back home once more to Northcote. My clothes didn’t fit in my backpack (which was full of fresh underwear and toilet paper), so I folded them and fitted them into a plastic bag which I then tied tightly and hung from the handlebars on my bike. As suspected, they hit my front wheel A LOT and the bag developed a lot of holes. Luckily, none of my clothes tore. On the way home from High Street, however, I had to hold the plastic bag with both arms to stop the bag tearing any further and spilling my clothes out onto the floor.

I just had to plug my laptop in. It was on 8% and it had started to go red. I just checked Facebook, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t take breaks from this stream-of-consciousness stuff, I know. It was an accident. I downloaded tinder again, to talk to strangers around me while I’m living on my own, because whilst I do like having all this time to myself it still does get a little bit lonely. And Ikaros is working all the time. Actually, he’s working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, but he can somehow stretch that out so that it feels like he’s working ALL the time. I worked like six days a week for Thailander, and still made time for him. It hurts my feelings, I’m not going to lie. But I’m not here to talk about my love life. It’s not too great right now. Which is why I haven’t told him I’m on tinder. I’m just on tinder because I’m generally lonely. I want to meet people! And I’ve met and friended two interesting people so far: Lauren and Lucas. I’ll tell you about them later though, I just wanted to say two things before I run out of space for this morning.

Ikaros called me last night when he was walking down the hill, on his way to the bank. We were on the phone for an hour. One time I was on the phone to Malith for 4 hours! And I don’t even think that’s the longest, honestly. Anyway, he was talking to me about work. It’s been tough these past few days. Then I told him about my Artist’s Way challenge and the morning pages. Then he found an interesting calico cat on the street and that overshadowed my enthusiasm for being creative. And then he told Cameron to invite me to this thing on Saturday night that Ikaros actually never wanted to go to in the first place, and I had to lie to Cameron on his behalf and just tell him I was busy on Saturday night instead. So I went to bed feeling really icky. I don’t know what’s happening with this relationship. One thing is certain though: right now, it’s draining me.

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Best health Asia Today: SKorea arrests leader of church with big cluster

Best health

Best health South Korean prosecutors have arrested the elderly leader of a secretive religious sect as half of an investigation into allegations that the church hampered anti-virus measures after thousands of worshippers were infected in February and March

August 1, 2020, 2: 26 PM

5 min study

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean prosecutors arrested the elderly leader of a secretive religious sect Saturday as half of an investigation into allegations that the church hampered the authorities’s anti-virus response after thousands of worshippers were infected in February and March.

Prosecutors within the central metropolis of Suwaon were questioning 88-yr-ragged Lee Man-hee, chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, over prices that the church hid some participants and underreported gatherings to retain a ways from broader quarantines.

The Suwon District Court early Saturday granted prosecutors’ seek records from to arrest Lee over concerns that he could possibly perhaps perhaps additionally mood with evidence.

Lee and his church have steadfastly denied the accusations, announcing they’re cooperating with health authorities. The church’s spokesperson, Kim Young-eun, stated the church will attain its finest in sigh that “truly clearly proved in courtroom.”

More than 5,200 of the South Korea’s 14,336 coronavirus cases were linked to the church. Its branch within the southern metropolis of Daegu emerged because the very best cluster after infections spiked in leisurely February.

Health authorities frail an aggressive test-and-quarantine program to have the outbreak in Daegu and interior reach cities by April, but the nation has seen a resurgence of the virus within the Seoul metropolitan dwelling since leisurely Will also unbiased.

In diverse trends within the Asia-Pacific location:

— India recorded its steepest spike of 57,118 unique cases within the past 24 hours, taking its coronavirus caseload cessation to 1.7 million, with July on my own accounting for nearly 1.1 million infections. The Health Ministry on Saturday additionally reported 764 extra deaths for a whole of 36,511. India’s Civil Aviation Ministry delayed resumption of worldwide flights by one other month except Aug. 31. Nonetheless this could occasionally seemingly possibly perhaps proceed to enable several worldwide carriers from the US, Europe and the Heart East to characteristic special flights to evacuate stranded nationals. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated Friday that India done bigger than 1 million recoveries with active cases finest one-third of the total. India is now conducting bigger than 640,000 tests in 24 hours, taking cumulative tests all over the nation to almost 1.9 million, he stated.

— The Australian direct of Victoria has recorded three more deaths from the coronavirus and 397 extra cases, a main descend from this week’s high. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews stated he understood the most contemporary deaths were linked to feeble care, the build 1,008 cases are at display veil active. They exhaust the national death toll to 201, at the side of 116 in Victoria. Authorities warned that many of these infected were failing to self-isolate at dwelling. Andrews stated he was taking a perceive at whether or now not there wished to be adjustments in fines for these which have examined positive but were now not at dwelling when militia personnel and public health officials came knocking. “A mighty bigger handsome” by the courts is being notion to be, he stated.

— Japan’s capital recorded 472 unique coronavirus cases on Saturday, the third straight day of document numbers. Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike issued a warning in an on-line video, urging of us to scrub their palms, wear masks and seek recommendation from these agencies that ticket the special metropolis-backed stickers with the picture of a rainbow, which indicates real social distancing. Most of us getting sick were of their 20s and 30s, highlighting how they could possibly perhaps perhaps additionally possibly be placing their guard down and going out partying, in step with officials. Nationwide, the day-to-day rely of coronavirus cases in Japan totaled a document 1,579 on Friday.

— China reported an even bigger than 50% descend in unique cases of COVID-19 on Saturday in a conceivable signal that its most contemporary main outbreak within the northwestern location of Xinjiang could possibly perhaps perhaps additionally possibly be waning. The 45 unique cases over the past 24 hours, 31 of them in Xinjiang, the build the outbreak has been all for the regional capital Urumqi, is down from 127 cases nationally on Friday, at the side of 112 in Xinjiang. The National Health Charge on Saturday additionally reported eight unique cases within the northeastern province of Liaoning, the build officials within the port metropolis of Dalian have serene nucleic acid tests on bigger than 4 million of us. One more six cases were introduced by Chinese travelers from overseas. In Hong Kong, infections proceed to surge with bigger than 100 unique cases reported day-to-day, bringing its whole to 2,273 as of Saturday morning, with two unique deaths for a whole of 27.

— Vietnam reported bigger than three dozen unique cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, while a third particular person died of COVID-19 complications a day after the nation reported its first-ever death from the illness. Vietnam had been seen as a global success story in combating the coronavirus, without a confirmed cases of native transmission for 99 days. Nonetheless per week ago, a virulent disease started at a Da Nang health center. It has unfold to 6 parts of the nation, at the side of three of the very best cities, forcing authorities to reimpose virus restrictions. Da Nang is Vietnam’s most fashioned shoreline vacation space, and thousands of vacation makers were within the metropolis for summer vacation. Correct by the nation, authorities are dashing to test these which have returned dwelling from the coastal metropolis. Of the 40 unique cases reported Saturday, 32 are from Da Nang hospitals and 6 are from plight of us transmissions within the metropolis. The diverse two are Vietnamese nationals getting back from Indonesia.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Launches Cheeky T-Shirt Collection to Benefit Australian Bushfire Relief

Ah, Gwyneth Paltrow. She can always be counted upon for a story involving boundary-pushing, out-of-the-box product development that gets people talking. Need we remind you of her recent vagina-scented candle, for example? And now she’s back with yet another attention-grabbing piece – but all for a good cause.

Available now on Goop, Paltrow has designed six T-shirts with tongue-in-cheek slogans that relate to each of the six episodes in her new Netflix documentary, The Goop Lab. These include: “Psychonaut”, “Pegan”, “Cold shower?”, “Can’t drain me of this energy”, “Intuit” and the ultimate highlight, “It’s only a vulva.” The latter is in reference to an episode surrounding the exploration of female self-pleasure and our anatomy.

According to the site, the cotton-modal tees (which retail for CAD$80 each) are finished in “a not-too-tight, not-too-loose fit that tucks like a dream into denim, skirts, sweats, whatever.”

See the collection below:

Photograph courtesy of Goop

Photograph courtesy of Goop

Photograph courtesy of Goop

Photograph courtesy of Goop

Photograph courtesy of Goop

Photograph courtesy of Goop

1/6

2/6

3/6

4/6

5/6

6/6

The best part is that all proceeds from the sale of each of the six shirts will be donated to the Australian Wildfire Fund. So you can give your family something to talk about the next time you pop over for dinner *and* do something meaningful, all in one purchase.

Get yours here.

Earlier this week, Paltrow also announced the launch of the first Goop cruise, called Goop at Sea. The one-day program will give guests the opportunity to hear Gwyneth speak on her own wellness journey, as well as attend Goop-approved workshops all whilst sailing the Med.

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