My Travel Bucket List

Vatican City

1. Treat my parents to their dream vacation

This will be half way done come January, I'm taking my mom to Europe!! I still need to do some research on what my dad's dream vacation is but it feels great to give back to them after all the unmeasurable things they've done for me. 

2. 30 countries by 30

I wanted to say 25 by 25 but that would only give me two years to get 15 countries and for some reason 20 over the next seven years seems more realistic...

3. Work Abroad

I am currently in school working on my masters degree in counseling psychology and would love to one day work abroad with MFS a.k.a Doctors Without Borders. This is very far in the future because you have to be licensed and I'm only in my first year of school but it is still my #LongTermGoal. For now I would love to be in Au Pair during my school breaks #MoreRealistic

4. Learn another language in a different country

I did have this opportunity in the past when I studied German in Vienna but I am sad to admit that I put very little effort into learning the language. This time I want to try with a language that I love and one that would be more useful for me in California. I have found a program in Cordoba, Argentina that looks amazing but if life were to take me to Brazil, South Korea, or back to Austria, I want to learn from my past and take full advantage of the opportunity. 

5. Visit the home of my ancestors

Last but certainly not least, I would love to one day visit the mother land, Africa, but for know I want to go to the home towns of my grandparents and do more research about their families. I want to go as far back on my family tree as possible but the hardest part now is choosing where to start.

Comment down below letting me know whats on your travel bucket list!

Safe travels,
Cirrena  

3 Free Things To Do in Melbourne

Even though I was more than willing to spend all of my money on experiencing Melbourne to the fullest I knew that I wouldn't last long with that mindset. So, to help you avoid going broke, I've put together a list of three places to go while visiting Melbourne that are completely FREE. You're welcome. 

1. Melbourne Library

Melbourne Library's Reading Room

I went for the reading room, but was drawn back again for the exhibits. I'd heard about Melbourne's library with it BEAUTIFUL reading room, my photo does not do it justice, but I was not told of the amazing exhibits located on multiple floors of the library. The library is also in the free tram limits so if you stay at Melbourne Metro YHA, like I did, then even getting there would be free!

My favorite piece, Melbourne's old and new trams in front of the Flinders Street Station

2. Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance

I thought I knew where I was going when I left North Melbourne for the Shrine of Remembrance, but I had no idea where I'd end up. When I stumbled upon this glorious place I had the honor of watching a brief demonstration of their annual Ray of Light ceremony, honestly I teared up a little bit. It is a beautiful place made to honor the Victorian lives lost during World War I and all of those who have fought since then. It is truly an honor to witness and I highly suggest putting it at the top of your list. 

  

 3. Botanical Garden

Entering the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne

One of the best things I did was walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to spend someone time alone (shout out to all of my solo travelers!) and enjoy my surroundings. This is a great place to flee the hustle and bustle of the city, take your lunch or a good book and enjoy the great outdoors for a couple of hours. You don't want to miss this on a sunny day, trust me.

Safe travels,
Cirrena

My 3 Favorite Neighborhoods in Melbourne

China Town (shot on a film camera by Gabriella Ruiz)

Before I left for Australia I asked my Facebook friends where I should go, what I should see, and most importantly what I should eat in Melbourne. Lets be honest, food is good and is a very important part of many cultures, so what better what better way to get to know a new country than by trying the food? Nothing.

The first thing I did was google the best places to eat in Melbourne. This led me to some awesome neighborhoods, I was able to explore only after energizing myself with all the amazing food and flat whites.

Before I forget I have to give a shout out to melbournegirl.com.au and  theurbanlist.com/melbourne  for leading me in the right direction. Both websites have great recommendations for every neighborhood, I highly suggest you check them out!

1. Carlton

Lygon Street in Carlton is the Little Italy of Melbourne. It's lined with plenty of boutiques, Italian restaurants, and gelatorias. I found myself on Lygon street three times the week I visited. There was live music on the street, plenty of restaurant options, and I was able to pick up free wifi from a few of the banks (always a plus). My favorite restaurant was University Cafe. Honestly, what first attracted me was the handsome Italian server standing at the door but the food and atmosphere kept me coming back. The staff acted like a family and there was always a table of people (I assume the owners) sitting outside who seemed to know everyone that walked down the street. It was a very welcoming environment with delicious gelato.

2. North Melbourne 

The delicious Eggs Benedict from Ample Cafe

I spent a lot more time in North Melbourne than I expected to, is it more residential than other areas so I didn't think I would find places to hang out. When I started to dig a little deeper I was able to find a few hidden gems. My hostel was conveniently located just a few blocks from Queen Victoria Market, which is the main attraction for North Melbourne. It was also within walking distance of The Comic's Lounge, they put on a great show my second night there and it was free because #HostelPerks. I also found awesome food and coffee at Fancy Hank's BBQ, Twenty and Six Espresso, Ample Cafe, and Auction Rooms. I spent many mornings at Ample Cafe because they were a block away from my hostel and they use fresh produce from Queen Victoria Market. Auction Rooms had awesome staff and serves the best french toast(pictured below) I've ever had!

French toast from Ample Cafe

3. Melbourne CBD

Melbourne CBD

This I feel is a given. Of course you have to see Downtown Melbourne but I also had very mixed feelings about the Central Business District(CBD). The first time I went I was so overwhelmed! I've been to many big cities (Prague, Vienna, NYC) but I've never felt as overwhelmed in those places as I did in Melbourne CBD on a Sunday afternoon. I swore off it after the first time but there were many things that pulled me back into the center of the city. You can read about some of those things next week when I tell you 3 free things to do in Melbourne!

Safe Travels,

Cirrena