“I like the night. Without the dark, we’d never see the stars.”
Love those Fringe magical nights…
Sometimes you wish you could stop the time so you can enjoy a little bit more : The Fringe festival is one of my favourite moment of the year! There are so many things to do and see and not enough time to do it all, it feels like I have not slept in a month but it was all worth it! Adelaide is so vibrant, so lively and on top of that I have a sweet spot for outdoor events especially with this beautiful weather !
This party at sunset was pretty magic, almost unreal ❤ We danced until the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
Did you know that Adelaide Fringe is the world’s second-largest annual arts festival?! For 31 days and nights during February and March, it features more than 5,000 artists from around Australia and the world. Over 1100 events are staged in pop-up venues in parks, warehouses, lane ways, theatres, hotels, bars, pubs, art galleries and cafes. Aren’t we lucky to have it all here?! There is a little bit for every tastes from comedy, to circus, cabaret, musical, drama etc….name it, the Fringe has it all, just pick and go with the flow! And if you are pretty smart about it, you can enjoy many shows for half price and maybe even for free if you have some good connections 😉
That’s what is called a “forced” smile… I was a bit scared but at the end I enjoyed it 😉
I personally declare that this year was the best 😀 Maybe because I really embraced it… I would not say I went everyday but almost. There were actually really good shows to enjoy and so many beautiful nights to just hang out with friends, chatting in the park, trying all sorts of foods and cocktails. And this year, I even ventured myself in one of those crazy fun fairs games, you know the scary ones where people scream like crazy ! I particularly enjoyed the stand up comedies and I saw a few ones like “The walk of Shame” (pretty hilarious with a bunch of girlfriends so we could relate to some of the girls stories), “The fourth floor” (I was with my mexican friends there and there were some reference to Mexico during the show so that made the whole experience pretty memorable), “Confessions of an aerobic instructor” (I went there with a colleague of mine and it was funny since our job is related to the fitness industry), “Anastasia” (it is a musical and the artist writes her own songs/music and it’s reallyyyyy good), “Ebony” (African circus). Something I really encourage you to try next year is to go to the Fringe with no plans and end up in one of those 6 dollars shows that last like 30 minutes, they are good fun and I like the idea of the spontaneous last minute “let’s try this show”, they are good fun too!
Some hilights this year during the Fringe were, for me (in chronological order):
Massaoke…. I know I know, to quote a friend, to really enjoy it you have to be wasted, cuz it s like a gigantic karaoke where everybody is drunk singing and dancing basically. I only had a few drinks but I promise I enjoyed it a LOT. Music was good and it was exactly what I needed to start the Fringe season. Actually I think it was the first Saturday night of the Fringe and I came back home at like 2am after sharing a gigantic pizza with my girlfriends… late food cravings moments are my fav and the perfect way to end a fun night ! I like the idea that I can have access to food at anytime of the day!
Red Hot Chili peppers concert as part of the Clipsal, pretty awesome! It was in the park and it was of of those magical summer nights. We sang, we danced and it was like the time had stopped and we were just free and wild kids. “Californication” was the biggest sing-along of the night, and it was incredible to hear ten’s of thousands of voices singing out into the warm Adelaide evening. But my favourite moment and song was “Give it away” and I was happily, crazily dancing, jumping on this one, I definitely gave it all ❤
St Patrick’s day which marked the very last day of the Fringe. My friends took me to a quite charming street party with a live band and good vibes all around with people all dressed in green and happily drinking beers. I met a really nice French couple there and we chatted and had some cocktails while sharing our experience about life in Australia as foreigners. Funnily all my friends left around 8pm because it was on a Sunday (and there is work on Monday) but again it was such a beautiful night that after a few seconds of hesitation (should I stay or should I go) I ended up staying by myself until 11pm!!! Actually I had a really good time, the band was pretty good and for the last part of the night they invited people on the stage to sing and they would perform whatever we wanted to hear. I met some really nice and fun people : my point being that, even if it feels comfortable to hang out with your usual crowd, sometimes it can be also good fun to step out your comfort zone, drop the shy attitude and mix with new people!
And now what’s next? Well…. once the Fringe and MAD MARCH is over,
it is said that Adelaide becomes quite dull and boring because the weather gets colder and there is not much to do. I guess it depends on how you keep yourself busy. For me cold weather means maybe more cooking, more writing, more reading and more time spent in cafés doing the latter… but it also means that far far away in another part of the world, in a country who’s got my heart ❤ , it is spring time and soon summer to be and with it the sweet promise and hope that I’ll be enjoying it too 😉
“Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes it own magic!”
Whether music is your religion or not, we should all, at least once, go to a concert to experience the real thing! Going to a concert or a music festival with friends, hearing your favorite band performing in front of a live audience, singing and dancing with the artists and the crowd, is a totally different world! This year, the odds were with me and it was meant to be my musical year because so far I won a ticket to the laneway festival via my work, one of my colleagues sold me last minute a ticket to the Robbie Williams ‘concert and more recently my friend Sybilla (German) took me to the Lionel Richie concert!!! Here are some thoughts on why I believe this is worth the money you will spend on your tickets!
It is about the atmosphere
As soon as you enter the venue, you can feel the energy. It is in the air, it is all around. It is not just about you but also the people surrounding you. I was lucky enough to attend outdoor concerts so far and this is so beautiful to feel music spreading in the souls, in the trees, in the earth, in the sky and in the stars. If feels almost magic.
when the night has come and the land is dark, and the moon is the only light we see… no I won’t be afraid… no I won’t be afraid… just as long, as you stand, stand by me…
2. It is about the people you meet
You can meet really cool people, from different horizons and backgrounds, sharing the same interests as you and spend a good time altogether! Sybilla and I had the opportunity to meet Jake at the Laneway festival, a very nice guy in his early 20s as many people there! He was supposed to come with his friend who bailed on him last minute and we were looking for infos regarding the bands playing and that’s how we ended all chatting together. A couple of hours and beers after, we were all friends and Jake even carried me on his shoulder so I could see the stage and dance in the air with the band and it was really something cool! Later in the night, we met Cameron and we had an interesting discussion about spirituality and fashion since he liked my French little hat! That’s the beauty about festivals, everybody is everybody’s friend!
Is it me? or does it remind of you this scene in Titanic: I am the king of the world lol
3. It is about this feeling you get
Robbie Williams concert in Adelaide parks as part of the Clipsal
You are getting all excited, nearly like butterflies at the simple idea that you are going to a CONCERT!!!! You talk with your best friend who is coming with you, and also to your other friends (who don’t really have a clue because they don’t like this artist lol), you sing the songs when they are played on the radio letting everybody know (hint hint to your colleagues) that yes you are going to see Robbie Willians! You post on Facebook, Insta, you talk to your family about it and your mother says “Robbie who? I don’t know who he is, I only know this guy with the guitar and red hair!” (She meant Ed Sheran by the way). But it does not matter at the end of the day, because the most important is that you YOU know and you are soooo excited about it!
4. It is about being happy
Because I’m happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you!
When my friend Sybilla decided to take me to the Lionel Richie concert, I can’t say I was super thrilled. First, I thought I don’t know many of his songs (wrong wrong wrong….. what about : All night long, Hello, easy like a sunday morning, we are the world etc) and come on this is Lionel Richie and he still got it! On top of that the concert took place in Adelaide botanical garden at night. It was such a beautiful evening and yes I admit I was super happy. I love outdoor concerts, it is really something to experience, some people brought their picnic blankets and chairs, we had wine, we were dancing and having a good time. I even ended buying a little souvenir, the Lionel Richie pullover (I am not telling you the price) let’s say that was part of the concert experience, buying silly stuffs that feel great on the moment and then not so great once the concert is over, but definitely something to do at least once just for the beauty of it!
5. It is about the memories
‘Cause I got too much life Running through my veins”
Concert experiences are unique and definitely the ones you cherish to look back on. It’s always cool to see pictures of that night and remember how fun or emotional it was depending on the artists vibes or the song which was played at that moment. I must say Robbie Williams was so much fun, what a show man and I remember that my friend Sybilla and I were in each other’s arms singing “she is the one” and it was a beautiful moment!
5. It is about dressing up
Dressing up really emphasizes the excitement factor and let’s be honest it is quite fun especially if you are into fashion! Whether it is dressing as something related to the artist or just dressing a little different than your usual style to fit the event, it is a way of being part of the show and honour it!
So to conclude, YES I believe that concerts belong to these special events that create unique moments in life! Seeing your favourite artist LIVE, interacting with him, dancing with the crowd, and feeling like ONE is a magic feeling! So now what is next?! Well I believe for Adelaide, it will be: PINK concert in July 😉 and will I be part of it haha?! To pink or not to pink that is the question…
When Spring looks like a French Autumn, the only thing you can do is put a hat on, grab your bestie and chill out with a latte! Nasim (from Iran) and I are always on the same page when it comes to enjoy life at its best!
Spring has been so lazy to come this year. We experienced a lot of morning showers, grey sky, wind and some severe storms in September and October. In one hand, it was a bit depressing + there was a “major” water leaking in my house (one morning I woke up and water was coming from the ceiling, click here for the full story) but in the other hand, it is really good for mother nature because the trees and flowers look amazing right now with beautiful deep and lively colours. I guess you can’t have it all!
These past few days, spring is back on the track and it feels good to wake up with a big bright sun in the bedroom. I like to ride my green bike in the parks with this beautiful weather and explore new places whenever possible. In Australia, you have to wear an helmet (it is the law) and I must say when the weather is warm (sometimes around 40 something) I miss to feel the refreshing wind in my hair when biking! But again, I know this is for my own good so I am just going with the flow…
A romantic vision of a young girl with a white dress walking on the Jacarandas’petals on a sunny spring day.
Maybe you will think I am a fool but one thing I was really expecting was to see the Jacarandas blooming! They are my favourite trees and their romantic purple flowers appear the first weeks of November announcing that spring is here and summer is only a month away. This year, because of the strange weather, the Jacarandas only started now to spread their vibrant colours in the whole city. Their mauve flowers petals are falling on the pavement like confettis and it brings a “je ne sais quoi” to the streets of Adelaide. Someday when I will own a house with a garden I will plant a Jacaranda tree to gaze at it!
At the moment, my friend Jessica (Mexico) is encouraging me to practise “mindfulness”. I started doing it in London with my yoga teacher and I must say it is a really calming and grounding state of mind. We are so busy with our everyday lives sometimes, worrying about the past and the future that we forget to fully live the present moment. Maybe it will seem odd to some of you but sometimes just taking the time to stop for a minute and gaze at a tree or a flower can make a big difference in the rest of your day ❤
Just try it and tell me in the comments below how it felt!
Wonderland is never far away and sometimes can be closer than you think. Just pay attention when walking in the West End and look for the white rabbit on the eclectic Hindley Street. Maybe for a minute you will think you are lost, it can’t possibly be there but keep going and you will be surprised like Harry Potter discovering the platform 9 3/4!
I love to chill out outside with a latte on sunny days!
Right in the middle of the buildings and the busy city life, appears like magic, Peter Rabbit café and its beautiful garden. It is so tempting to just sit here outside on one of these colourful chairs and enjoy the beautiful weather. Come with friends for some lively conversations or all alone to relax with some readings in this friendly atmosphere.
Chaï latte and almonds croissant ❤ all beautiful!
But let’s not stop here, why not indulging your coffee cravings?! You got me, if you are a coffee lover, then this is the place to be. My friend Ana (from Colombia) is an expert when it comes to coffee and she confessed that the Cuppa is really beautiful. Last time I was there with her, she had a black from Colombia and she loved it!
Painted lady in the background (Australia) staring at Nasim (Iran), who is gazing at Jessica (Mexico) who is looking at me (France) while I am myself observing Nasim! That’s 4 continents sitting at the same table 😉
The staff is really friendly and I love the attention to details they put into the decoration but also when serving coffee. If you want to pet some rabbit, just go at the back of the café and you will make some good friends ❤ As for me, I was so enchanted by this little wonderland that I could not help sharing this secret place with some other friends.
So next time, you find yourself walking in Hindley street, and you happen to see a white rabbit, with a waistcoat and speaking English. Don’t hesitate, follow it, open the garden gate of the hidden Peter Rabbit and enjoy the journey!
Lately I have been obsessed with coloring books for adults. It’s the new trend and it is nearly impossible to miss them when you are in a Bookshop. Anyway I own a few of them and I really enjoy using those books whenever needed. I believe coloring has a grounding effect.
It all started when my friend Ana (my former Spanish teacher from Colombia) offered me a postcard from the artist: Johanna Basford! When it comes to coloring book, this girl is a GURU, believe me! Her work is amazing: have a look at “Secret garden” (my fav), there is so much poesy in her art, she managed to create a real enchanted universe.
Colouring book for adults “Secret Garden”, Johanna Basford
So I started with her books and her postcards that I would share with some friends. Sometimes we would go together to the café, with some pencils and we would colour some beautiful magic scenes while chatting. It turned out to be very effective, especially when we were stressed or worried about something. It acted like a colour therapy session and it was a very calming and a comforting activity.
Texturing and colouring my breakfast bowl: a good way to start the day happy and zen 🙂
It is a combination of little things that separately are just details, but when all combined, it is like a ritual where all your senses are activated. The colours that are dancing in a farandole in front of your eyes, the paper texture under your fingers, the soft sound of the pencils pressed on the paper, the delicate smell of the drawing in progress and the taste of gratitude as the image starts to appear more and more alive.
So now I extended my selection to other colouring books such as: Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford, The mini Mandala by Susanne Fincher, the little book of Mindfulness colouring by Holly Macdonald. I really enjoy them as they are a great help to meditate , to relax and sometimes to escape .
What about you? Have you ever tried it? Tell me all about it in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences when it comes to coloring books 🙂
“As every cat owners knows, nobody owns a cat” – Ellen Perry Berkeley
You don’t choose your cat but he definitely chooses you. And the Tin Cat Café is no exception! Last year, I was living in North Adelaide and my favorite café was the lovely E for Ethel. It was maybe 2 minutes away from my home and I often went to this place to blog, enjoy a nice latte or have a little chat with my friends. When I moved to Kent Town, I was a bit sad because I knew I was going to miss this charming café and it would not be the same. On my moving day, I went to E for Ethel to say goodbye and enjoyed a last green smoothie and when the owner learnt I was moving away, she said that she knew just the right place where I would feel welcomed, happy and comfortable to keep my old habits. She knew the perfect place and it was just near my new house and that is when I heard for the first time about the Tin Cat Café ❤
But I was so busy with my life at that moment that I did not get the chance to visit this place. Few months passed and Elaine (an Australian friend) was in my neighborhood and wanted to have coffee with me and sadly the place she had in mind was closed so I recalled about the Tin Cat Café and we decided to give it a try and I have never been disappointed since. I guess it was meant to be this way! Actually, after this episode, I went there MANY times with my friend Ann (she is Australian too) whenever she needed to practise her French and also Nassim (Iran) and Jessica (Mexico) had breakfast with me there one day and it was really nice 🙂
One of the numerous friendly dinning areas
This place is so cute and it has a really special vibe. It has a home feeling, probably due to the fact that it is located in an authentic terrace house (in the very typical Australian style). I also like the vintage decoration of the place and the staff is so lovely! The café supports local artists so there are always paintings to be seen and interesting stuffs to discover and to talk about. It is absolutely charming and it has this “gilmore girls” feeling that I like so much!
“Esprit guinguette” in the backyard!
It is pretty big, with several rooms and it has also a nice garden in the back which is absolutely lovely during summer time. One Sunday, my friend Ann invited me to a book launch at the Tin Cat Café that took place in the garden and it was so lovely, many people, good food, lovely colours… again I felt very welcome and it was like visiting some dear relatives!
Today Chai Panacotta and peanut butter mousse cake!
As for the food, you won’t be disappointed, there are always nice treats! The Chaï Latte is lovely and so is the coffee and I recommend you to indulge yourself with their sweets. They have a nice selection of desserts and the presentation is always lovely with a big smile!
Sadly, good things have an end and I guess that for the Tin Cat Café it is time to explore new fields. The café will be gone soon since the Terrace house has been sold and it is a real pity. I am sure a lot of people will be missing this spot. So if you are curious to know more about this cute little café, please hurry (only a few weeks left from now on) and visit this little gem, you won’t regret it ❤
It is not easy to get in the mood of christmas spirit here! First, my family is far away and normally this celebration is all about being with your love ones, sharing stories, eating good food, exchanging presents… Secondly it is summer here in Australia so it does not look like christmas to me. Normally when talking about christmas, I am thinking France, winter, cold, snow, christmas tree, family reunion, turkey, coat, warm socks, fireplace, wool blankets, hot cocoa. I am picturing myself looking through the window while the snow is falling and the wind is whistling and children are wondering if Santa Claus is going to make it and deliver all his presents and how he is going to fit in the chimney!
But here like I said, it is summer, it is so hoooot… Yesterday and today the temperature was around 38 during day time and 28 during night time! All I am thinking about is : air conditioning, refreshing drinks, fruits, music, swimming, bathsuits and going to Bali! It happens I am in the mood for summer holidays which makes sense 😉 But I don’t want to be the one complaining or refusing to adapt, afterall I am really happy to live in Adelaide so I have to make the most of it. Maybe it is up to me to turn christmas mood ON!
Yesterday, I bought some decorations because I thought it could help me to reaslise christmas is coming very soon. I kept it simple but it sends a pretty clear message, you can’t go wrong with green and red combination and wooden christmas trees! Besides, the TV spot is pretty strategic because you watch TV everyday so it will be a gentle constant reminder of what is coming in a couple of weeks, it starts with a C……
It looks so cute! I love this disco ball, so shiny!
I also thought it would be nice to decorate the garden with some red bows. Unfortunately I am too small so I could only reach the bottom of the tree but still, it is looking pretty good I think. Aussie trees deserve also to celebrate it, it is not because you are not a fir that you can’t be a christmas ambassador!
My very own Aussie christmas tree looking proud & fancy
And for those who are wishing to send me their christmas greetings, I am all ears and actually my letter box is looking forward to receive your nice post cards and letters ❤
I know there are spider webs everywhere around my letter box 😦 wild country!
I really enjoy walking in the parks around Adelaide: there is always something nice to discover! A couple of days ago as I was walking in the North Adelaide Nantu Wama park, I suddenly noticed a hut made of wood. I could not resist getting closer and visit this secret little place! I am always fascinated by children imagination and creativity. It was nicely built and there was a whole little world inside: a door, a window, a bench and even a pot with “food”!
The magic cauldron
I must say it was a pleasant surprise and it reminded me of this artist I am crazy about at the moment. Her name is Johanna Basford and she became in a short time very popular with her colouring books for adults! You have probably heard about “Secret Garden” or “Enchanted Forest”… or maybe not?! Well they have been sold out in NO time and it is very difficult to find them in stores especially abroad (the artist is based in UK).
Johanna Basford’s hut from “Secret Garden”
I must confess I have never heard about this artist when I was living in London! Actually I had to come here to Australia to discover her amazing work! One day, my Spanish teacher, Ana (from Colombia) offered me a postcard with a beautiful garden scene drawn by Johanna Basford and I really felt in love with the design! I like the poesy she puts in her drawings and all the tiny details that make all the difference. It makes me dream and I wish I could create a little universe full of wonderful creatures and splendid landscapes 😉
So have a look at Johanna Basford’s lovely books and maybe next time you are walking in your garden or in the forest, you will start to see the world differently! A simple hut made of wood would become a secret and poetic hideaway in the trees ❤
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden”
Do you have a secret place where you enjoy going to dream and clear your mind? A poetic place where you feel free and inspired?
I know a lovely garden in Adelaide that is an invitation to inspiration. It is as beautiful as it is peaceful with its enchanting trees and flowers. It is a Japanese style garden celebrating religiously the beauty of nature. I like to walk slowly surrounded by the sound of silence on the stepping stones so I can admire every tiny detail. I enjoy gazing at the calm water of the lake and listen to the birds singing happily in the deep blue sky. I love the sound of the chanting waterfall melting poetically into the beautiful landscape. Everything is in harmony with nature and my heart feels at peace here.
The lake: the soul of the garden
I like to kneel in front of the magic stone bowl and feel the fresh water on my hand and my face. It is said that the holy water will purify your spirit and your soul: it is like leaving all my worries behind me and starting from fresh with a humble attitude.
Water bowl (Chozubachi) so visitors may purify themselves
I like to contemplate the sea of sand. It is the perfect spot for contemplation thinking of the immensity of the sea, the waves, the continents. If you close your eyes, you can hear the sea… As Buddha said “With our thoughts we create the world” and it is up to us to make it beautiful!
Sea of sand
I could spend hours in this enchanting garden: dreaming, reading, having a picnic, doing yoga… but suddenly I hear the ‘clack” of the Shishi-Odoshi: a large bamboo tube filling with water until horizontal and then emptying causing one end to hit a rock with a deaf noise. It brings me back to reality: happier, rested and aware of the beauty and power of nature… already time to go but I will be back soon, I promise 😉
When I am passing by this house on Wright street in Adelaide CBD, I feel afraid and curious at the same time. There are mutilated dolls hanging in the trees in the garden. It is so creepy but I can’t help looking at it each time and wondering why it is here for? What does it mean? Is it the masterpiece of a lunatic? or some garden ornements that I don’t get?
I still remember the day when I tried to take a picture of it. Some grating noises started and got louder… and there was no way I could tell for sure if somebody was trying to scare me (and having good fun) or if the house was haunted or something… maybe it was just the wind and the trees were rubbed against the metallic gate… but it did not feel right and I was unable to take a good picture of it!
Another day, I went by and the garden gate was opened and there was a glass of water on a small table under the porch… so I assume somebody lives in this place. If I am correct then I am wondering why some dolls are hung in the trees, with screws in the head… Maybe the work of a twisted mind…
I had a discussion with my brother about it and he told me that it reminded him of “la isla de las munecas” (the island of the dolls) in Mexico. I have googled it and what I found is pretty scaring… Basically there is an island there full of terrifying dolls hanging all other the place: some are injured, others are decapitated or blinds… supposedly to honour the spirit of a dead little girl. If you dare you can visit the place but be prepared to be followed by soulless eyes…creepy… creepy…. http://www.isladelasmunecas.com
But back to my story or should I say my unsolved mystery… I was so intrigued that I looked on the internet if I could find a ghost story or strange events about Adelaide.. but I could not find anything related to this house facing Whitmore square on Wright street.
I had absolutely no leads, no evidences, no clue! So I decided to let it go… Afterall I am not Veronica Mars and I am here to enjoy my time in Adelaide and not try to investigate on some strange dark secrets.
I sent the picture to the City newspaper (just in case) and I moved on… both literally and figuratively. I stopped “obsessing” about it and anyway I moved from CBD to North Adelaide …so the creepy house is not on my usual path anymore.
I had actually nearly forgotten about it… but a couple of days ago it came back to my mind and it was quite unexpected! I was walking in North Adelaide charming streets, gazing at the birds and the trees when suddenly I have seen this horrible and scaring painting on the pavement leaning on a tree!
Four white little kitties standing on a shiny blue sheet: the simple idea of having a painting like that hanging in my living room is already giving me a headache. But there was even more scary to come… somebody used a black pencil to blind the cats, like they were crying blood tears or something… they looked like satanic cats… I could not help wondering if the owner of this painting made it himself?! Then you can imagine his wife complained about it so he decided to get rid of the painting in the street hoping somebody would appreciate his sense of home design… Or another scenario is that a simple passer by or a psychopath decided to ruin this kitty scene to spice up its day… You never know, can you?!
Don’t worry for me, I still sleep very well at night. And despite these 2 creepy scenes, I still think Adelaide is a charming city… like I said before, there is always something new to discover here and it is impossible to get bored!
By the way, if somebody knows anything about “el jardin de las munecas” (the garden of the dolls) on Wright street, I am definitely interested 😉