OLOMOUC, CZECH REPUBLIC

Olomouc is one of the larger cities in the Czech Republic and is less than 2 and a half hours away from both Vienna and Prague (and about an hour and a half from the small village that my family is from). The best way to get there is by train as it is the quickest but also quite pretty to see the countryside, particularly in summer.

 As an old university town the buildings are a combination of beautiful traditional buildings and the more modernised structures from the communist era (i.e. big concrete blocks – not very pretty), which are all best explored by foot or by the local tram! Olomouc is the perfect day trip with lots to see and obviously lots of beer to drink (considering the average price for beer in the Czech Republic is around $1.70 AUD or as low as 50c in my family’s village). Apart from walking through the countless old side streets, the main things I would recommend to see are:

1. The Upper Square (sometimes hosting little food stalls with beer, sausages and cheese – classic Czech)
2. The Holy Trinity Column – also in the Upper Square: and old monument built as a thanksgiving for the end of the plague
3. The Town Hall - with astrological clocks, also in the Upper Square
4. The University Faculty of Philosophy Building and its surrounding grounds - (my cousin studies at the University and mentioned that the University library is also interesting to see)
5. Tvarůžková Cukrárna – a small Czech bakery based on the famous cheese

** Try the thick circular sticks that are basically chocolate wrapped in wafer (so good). They also sell the famous “smelly cheese” here (Tvarůžky) but if you’re not feeling as brave try the deep fried version at Hanácká Hospoda.

** Chocolate wafer roll from Czech bakery listed below

Tvarůžková Cukrárna

Denisova 13

779 00 Olomouc

http://www.tvaruzkovacukrarna.cz/en/index.php

Hanácká hospoda

Dolní nám. 27/38

779 00 Olomouc

5 HOURS IN SINGAPORE

A lot of people I know have been to Singapore before or even lived there for a little while but this was actually my first time visiting. The first thing that hit me quite literally when I stepped off the plane, was the heat and humidity. (Do not wear jeans outside you will 100% regret it). Although I was slightly disappointed I was only there for a short stop over, we tried to fit a few things in to the afternoon.

The most obvious sight to see is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. With its strange boat like exterior and ridiculous views that give the Top of the Rock a run for its money, this is definitely not one to miss. There is an infinity pool for the guests and numerous bars up on the rooftop serving ridiculously priced alcohol but the trip up top is so amazing you almost forget you’re afraid of heights (almost).

The next thing we squeezed in was Clarke Quay, a historical and colourful village now home to hundreds of restaurants, shops and nightlife. Even if you’re not planning on grabbing food here, the walk along the quay is still fascinating. The buildings and architecture were nothing like I expected (I also didn’t expect to see a Hooters but there you go). 

Hopefully I will get back to Singapore sometime soon for a longer trip so if anyone has any recommendations I would love to hear them!

MARY'S NEWTOWN, SYDNEY

Mary’s in Newtown is quite literally the definition of ‘hole in the wall’. It really isn’t the kind of place you would “stumble upon” with the sneaky entrance looking nothing more than your classic old Newtown building. To be entirely honest, the lack of street lighting and suspicious red light bulb out the front had me thinking for at least 20 minutes that it was a brothel. But once you finally spot the security guard and get inside you understand the hype.

    Photo: @marysnewtown Instagram 

The atmosphere is loud and crazy; in a good way. Like if that Piña Colada song (“if you like Piña coladas…”) comes on, everyone who is somewhat intoxicated will get up and start singing. The scribbled on walls and large lists of drinks match the cool vibe of the waiters, with the upstairs area promoting extremely chilled out table service. The burgers are simply the classic American style, with no fussy relishes or fancy types of lettuce. But damn they’re good.  Served in a basket with an overflowing pile of fries, the Mary’s burger is only $14.
All in all, Mary’s is 100% worth the struggles of finding a park in Newtown.

**It was too dark for me to get a photo with my phone so here are some great ones from The Lamstock! 

    

Photos: http://thelamstock.com 

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

If I'm being entirely honest, my interest in Cabo was really only brought on by watching The Hills when I was younger. It is the typical long weekend getaway for LA locals, as it’s only a short plane ride away. It is one of those places that is beautiful and relaxing by the beach in your hotel, and as long as you generally do not venture too far from there, it tends to stay beautiful and relaxing. 

When you Google Cabo San Lucas (like I did numerous times before visiting), you are quite literally swamped with the classic blue water and ‘pretty’ rocks photos, conveniently leaving out the seedy town itself. If you do decide to stay on the coastline or around your resort, a great thing to do is to kayak to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas; it really is picturesque. Definitely invest in a waterproof case for your phone for this one!

If however you are feeling a little brave and adventurous, skip the town of Cabo all together (don’t waste your time) and hop on a bus to San José del Cabo for a little day trip. This town is full of cobblestone streets with old buildings and cool restaurants. For what seems like ‘real Mexican food’ head to Mi Casa; i.e. the brightest blue building you can find in the area and try The El Choriburro. (It was the best burrito I have ever had in my life - sorry Chipotle). If you have the time I would also recommend checking out Galeria Corsica, as San José is a historical art district and this gallery has some of the most amazing works.

**The bus cost around $20 round trip from our hotel, but everywhere will be different depending on where you stay.

www.micasarestaurant.com/mx

Alvaro Obregon 19

Art District

San José del Cabo

www.galeriacorsica.com

Alvaro Obregon 15

Colonia Centro 23400

San José del Cabo