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A holiday to me means new experiences — whether they are local or global. Every month I lived in Canada I chronicled my working holiday in Expat Updates. Now I am back in Australia, I have created Hayley Lately. At the end of each month I talk about my life lately, my blog posts, what I’ve been reading (both online and for my reading challenge) and my writing. I hope you enjoy learning about my new home and Melbourne moments.
Life Lately
November flew by too quickly. There was some fun involved, including a day at the races for Oaks Day. Although the day didn’t go quite to plan with rain delaying some races, it was still a fun day out. I also visited Taste of Melbourne thanks to Feast Melbourne. I had a lot of fun eating, drinking and stalking celebrities in the VIP area. I made it.
I visited Port Melbourne for the first time. Turns out it is home to a street full of eateries, a lovely beachside walk, and the beach. Duh. I checked out the free Spring Street Beat music festival on the steps of Parliament House. Plus on the last weekend, my parents came to visit me. We walked A LOT through the city, visited Brunswick and Williamstown, and were members of the audience on The Project. I loved showing them my city.
Blogging Lately
I’ve been slack this month, I know. My goal for 2016 will be to have a consistent blogging schedule (promise!).
• I did a post for Hipmunk on the best independent hotels in California.
• I also posted about my new role as an ambassador for Tinggly.
Challenging Lately
• The Fix by Nick Earls
Challenge Completed: A book that takes place in your hometown
I do love a Nick Earls novel and I couldn’t find a book placed in my real hometown (Townsville), so I thought my home state would work. This story is a little different but nonetheless intriguing. Nick Earls has a unique but refreshing writing style that I highly recommend.
• The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis
Challenge Completed: A book that scares you
This book was very well-written and told through the eyes of four different characters. It’s set in Lithuania and Denmark and is about a boy in a suitcase — who, what, when, where and why? The ending surprised me and I recommend this book for people who enjoy thrillers such as Gone Girl and Girl on the Train.
• Tracks by Robyn Davidson
Challenge Completed: A non-fiction book
What an interesting story: an Australian woman traverses the desert with camels as her sidekicks. I found some parts of the book a little boring but the concept is a fascinating one.
• I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Challenge Completed: A book a friend recommended
This was one of those great, easy-to-read chick lit novels set in London. An engaged woman loses her phone but finds one in a bin that belonged to a handsome stranger’s PA. What follows is a broken engagement, email interference and lurve.
Melbourne at Christmas
Reading Lately
I love this article by Rachel from Department of Wandering about the best new travel quotes you should be using. I totally agree with many of the points Aubrey from The Love Assembly makes about my beautiful home, Melbourne. This post from Hannah Gale made me smile and this article from Nicole at Bitten by the Travel Bug was totally informative. I didn’t realise I could get cheap movie tickets with my Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Amazing.
Watching Lately
I’ve watched a few movies this month: Paper Towns, Z for Zachariah and The Longest Ride. Margot Robbie’s performance in Z for Zachariah was excellent and Paper Towns was good, but I once again think the book version wins. As for television, I am positively hooked on new shows, Quantico and Blindspot. Both TV shows are based around the FBI and keep you guessing episode to episode. The lead guy in Blindspot is also Aussie, so I have to support him #aussieaussieaussie.
Melbourne Town Hall all wrapped up
What’s up in December?
I’ll be working hard over the next three weeks and doing all the Christmas things in Melbourne before heading home to Magnetic Island. Then it is onto Sydney for New Year’s Eve, which is so exciting. I hope you all have a wonderful festive season.
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