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Byron Bay in new light

Byron Bay in new light

March 11, 2012 – 11:30 am |

I’ve been to Byron Bay several times before this weekend but I never saw it in this light until now …
What a beautiful weekend escape from Brisbane! Have you experienced and captured Byron Bay in this light?
By Marissa Toohey

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Chilli cheese from Bhutan

May 18, 2012 – 11:58 am |

I researched Bhutan a LOT before I arrived. But I never thought to investigate its food.

I’m pleased to report that the cuisine was a nice, BIG surprise.

We were afraid of continuing to over-eat. So we ordered for one. This is what we got.

The lovely locals served me so much food that I just wanted to curl up and snooze after every meal to recover. It was a real indulgence.

I always looked forward to the national iconic dish of chilli cheese – a super spicy blend of creamy cheese amongst fresh vegies. Red rice, buckwheat noodles, spicy vegetables and curries were also often served for lunch and dinner.

Here is a recipe for “ema datshi” (chilli cheese) to help you experience my favourite taste of the Himalayan kingdom; sourced from Chris at Vegetarian Recipes and Cooking.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. hot green chilis (jalapenos, serranos, Thai chilis – your choice depending on heat tolerance)
1 medium sweet onion, diced small
3/4 cups water
1/2 lb. Danish feta cheese
2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 tomatoes, diced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions:

Remove seeds and ribs from chilis and cut chilis lengthwise into 4 slices each. Place chilis and onion in water with vegetable oil. Boil 10 minutes. Add tomato and garlic and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add cheese and simmer on low for 2 more minutes – enough to blend the cheese without completely melting it. Add cilantro and stir. Serve with Bhutanese red rice.

Prep Time: 5 minutes;  Cooking Time: 15 minutes;  Servings: 2-4

Please note that the authentic dish includes a local cheese from Bhutan. Feta has been elected as a substitute.

The gift of compassion, wisdom and dreams

May 12, 2012 – 3:43 pm |
The gift of compassion, wisdom and dreams

One of the hardest things about my current nomadic lifestyle is being so far away from my mum. I’ve wished for her more times than I’ve allowed myself to admit. Especially when holidays and adventures have gone wrong.
I longed for her genuine concern and care when my eyes rapidly swelled up from …

The Cod Hole in the Coral Sea

April 30, 2012 – 12:15 pm |
The Cod Hole in the Coral SeaPlay

By Marissa Toohey

What would it take for you to travel more frequently?

April 25, 2012 – 3:21 am |

Many people tell me they envy my semi-nomadic lifestyle. “I wish I could travel as often as you,” they say. “How do you do it?” It’s obvious people think I’ve secretly won a lotto and jet across the world to indulge in luxurious hotels.
You couldn’t be more wrong about my …

Shark feed at Osprey Reef

April 12, 2012 – 12:07 pm | 2 Comments

What’s the number one rule amongst divers when preparing for an epic shark dive such as the Osprey Reef shark feed at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef? Make sure you have plenty of free space on the memory card in your underwater camera! I’m kicking myself for failing to remember this simple task …

The Great Barrier Reef challenge

April 4, 2012 – 3:00 am |
The Great Barrier Reef challenge

I’m about to embark on an amazing five-day boat journey to dive my way around the Great Barrier Reef in north Queensland but there’s one thing that’s stopping me from getting really excited: I’m dreading seasickness.
That feeling of uncontrollable nausea is debilitating. You know when the ceiling of the boat …

A year on, feelings from Vietnam still strong

March 27, 2012 – 7:37 am |
A year on, feelings from Vietnam still strong

Okay, it’s official: It has been one whole year since I returned to Australia from Vietnam. A whole year!
I have to admit I never actually intended to stay this long. I arrived in Brisbane inspired by all of my experiences in Southeast Asia and motivated to continue discovering and giving …

Travel luxury: My favourite stays

March 20, 2012 – 9:01 am | One Comment
Travel luxury: My favourite stays

Even backpackers like myself indulge from time to time. Below are a few personal photographs that represent some of the most luxurious and precious escapes I have ever had.
Have you treated yourself to a very special holiday? Please share your stories in the comment box at the bottom of the …

Three top travel apps, March

March 13, 2012 – 11:26 am |
Three top travel apps, March

Mocha
Sync all of your important travel information on your iPhone or Android devises, including your flight information, hotel confirmation numbers and car rental info.
 
Hotel Tonight
If you’re planning on visiting the US, you should download this app to receive huge savings. Available on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, Hotel Tonight provides …

Byron Bay in new light

March 11, 2012 – 11:30 am |
Byron Bay in new light

I’ve been to Byron Bay several times before this weekend but I never saw it in this light until now …
What a beautiful weekend escape from Brisbane! Have you experienced and captured Byron Bay in this light?
By Marissa Toohey

Nate @Yomadic.com on travelling for life

March 6, 2012 – 2:20 am | One Comment
Nate @Yomadic.com on travelling for life

Nate of Yomadic.com speaks to theBubbleBuster about getting caught in an uprising in Bangkok, heart-break in Indonesia, the value of going home for Christmas, and the woman behind his bubble busting lifestyle.

Are you a BubbleBuster? How do you often break out of your comfort zone?
Putting myself in the midst of peoples …