Engaged Abroad

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Oceania Travel: A Photo Journal of Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia.

The Park Hyatt Sydney boasts one of the best city views in the world. This landmark hotel has a near 360-degree span of Sydney Cove that includes Sydney Harbor, the Opera House, and Harbor Bridge. Guests are sure to be left breathless by the hotel’s very position and outlook.

This hotel’s chic and contemporary design seamlessly blends modern elegance with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Architecturally designed guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass açades that open onto private balconies. The interiors are thoughtfully crafted, emphasizing clean lines and a soothing color palette.

Regional building materials were used in an effort to echo elements of Sydney’s past and present. The original 1990 foundation was rebuilt of traditional Sydney sandstone, historically used as a canvas for aboriginal rock carvings and as a building material by local architects dating from 1788. The boardwalk surrounding the hotel’s entrance was reconstructed using spotted gum, a timber native to a number of regions in Australia.

Guests can explore Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks District, and Circular Quay, all on foot. Sydney’s best shopping districts are conveniently located nearby, as are endless options for restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs. The iconic Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens are located directly across the harbor.

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Family Travel: Preparing Your In-Flight Kit – Tips

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share the categories we include when we create our in-flight kit for travel with a family.

The idea of this kit is that it is lightweight and can be attached to your one-bag with your carabiner. The kit is purpose built to placed under your seat for easy access.

This is *not* a comprehensive one-bag packing guide. The goal is to avoid having to search for items in the depths of backpack in an overhead compartment mid-flight.

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Europe Travel: A Photo Journal from Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy.

Bellagio is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, idyllic charm, and rich cultural heritage.

Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio exudes a romantic ambiance. Its narrow cobblestone streets, enchanting alleyways, elegant villas and blooming gardens create a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

With its roots tracing back to Roman times, Bellagio is steeped in history. The town’s historic center showcases buildings adorned with ornate facades, charming squares, and quaint churches. Exploring Bellagio feels like stepping back in time.

Consider visiting Villa Melzi Gardens, Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, San Giacomo Basilica, old town, and take a funicular ride to Montanaro while in town.

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Oceania Travel: A Photo Journal from Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Australia

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Australia.

The Royal Botanic Garden Australia was founded as the ‘Sydney Botanic Garden’ in 1816, making it the oldest scientific institution in Australia. It was initially created as a way to cultivate useful plants for the growing colony and promote the study of botany.

Over the years, the garden expanded its collection of plants and botanical research efforts. In 1959, it was officially designated as the ‘Royal Botanic Garden’ by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia.

Several notable botanists and scientists have played a significant role in the garden’s development. One such figure is Joseph Maiden, who served as the Director of the garden from 1896 to 1924. Maiden was instrumental in expanding the garden’s scientific research and played a crucial role in establishing the Botanical Magazine of Australia.

The Royal Botanic Garden Australia has made numerous scientific contributions throughout its history. It has been involved in important research on plant classification, conservation, and the study of Australia’s unique flora. Additionally, the garden has played a vital role in the introduction and propagation of new plant species into Australia.

The Royal Botanic Garden Australia actively participates in conservation initiatives aimed at preserving Australia’s native plants and ecosystems. It works on projects focused on endangered species, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management.

The garden holds cultural importance to Sydney’s locals. It serves as a recreational space, hosting various events such as concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The garden’s stunning landscape, with its iconic Sydney Harbor backdrop, makes it a favorite spot among locals and tourists alike.

Today, the Royal Botanic Garden Australia remains a vital institution in promoting botanical research, conservation, and public education. Its impressive collection of plants, beautiful landscapes, and dedication to scientific excellence continue to make it a significant landmark in Australian history.

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Europe Travel: A Photo Journal from Villa Monastero in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Villa Monastero in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.

Varenna is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The town’s charm is found in its architecture, cobblestone streets, quaint alleyways, trattorias serving traditional Italian cuisine, and panoramic views of the lake.

One of Varenna’s main attractions is Villa Monastero, a beautiful villa and botanical garden that spans two kilometers along the shores of Lake Como. The meticulously maintained gardens showcases diverse array of plant species and vivid blooms.

The villa dates to the 12th century when it began as a Cistercian convent. Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations and expansions, resulting in a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. The villa’s richly adorned rooms feature period furnishings, intricate frescoes, and beautifully crafted details, providing a glimpse into its noble past.

Villa Monastero serves as an acclaimed center for scientific research and cultural events. Hosting international conferences and exhibitions, the villa is an intellectual hub that fosters dialogues on various disciplines, including environmental sustainability, biology, and physics.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a curious explorer, Villa Monastero offers a remarkable experience that seamlessly blends art, culture, and scientific discovery.

Family Travel: What’s Inside Our Two-Year Old’s Busy Bag for a 14-Hour Long-Haul Flight

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share the items inside our two year old’s busy bag for a 14-hour non-stop, direct flight.

This kit was sourced from used book stores, The Dollar Store, Facebook Marketplace and Amazon.

Planning: A List of Things to Do When Traveling

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share a list of activities that you might incorporate on your next trip.

While this comprehensive list is not specific to a particular city, it may help you generate ideas for your next trip if you’re looking for a change of pace.

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Family Travel: A (Small) Bag for Days Out

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share a bag that has become a go-to for days out.

This is for an excellent option for toddler+ aged children. The use case for this bag is for running errands, park trips, field trips etc. Note that it may not be a good fit if you still use formula or bottles.

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Americas Travel: A Photo Journal from Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, Palo Alto, California, United States of America

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, Palo Alto, California, United States of America.

This interactive museum is a space where children participate in hands-on learning activities to explore natural phenomena like gravity, inertia, force, motion, balance, energy, states of matter, electricity, and magnetism.

The attached zoo & netted aviary has a peacock roaming about, a climbable treehouse that overlooks the animals, an underwater tunnel and nooks to hide, and close-proximity to flamingos, macaws, meerkats and other animals. This whimsical setting makes for a wonder-filled experience.

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California Garden & Potager: Summary of “Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature”

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Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn this post we share our enthusiasm for “Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature”.

Author Rachel Williams invites readers to embrace the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. Each page presents a new moment for readers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of nature. Freya Hartas’ stunning visuals bring readers from vast mountains to delicate flowers, from cascading waterfalls to intricate animal patterns.

Slow Down serves as a reminder to savor the present moment. It encourages readers to engage all senses, to find solace in the gentle rhythm of nature, and to cultivate a deeper connection to the world around us. With its simple yet profound messages, “Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature” is a source of inspiration and a gentle guide to finding inner peace through nature’s embrace.

California Garden & Potager: 2023 Summer

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Reading Time: 3 minutesAs spring comes to an end and summer begins, we share some of our favorite images from around the property.

California Garden & Potager: Learnings from Janisse Ray’s “The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food”

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Reading Time: 3 minutes“The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food” delves into the world of heirloom seeds and the critical role they play in ensuring food security and biodiversity.

Author Janisse Ray brings readers along a thought-provoking journey through her personal experiences with seed saving and introduces us to a network of passionate gardeners, farmers, and activists who dedicate themselves to preserving rare and endangered crop varieties. She sheds light on the challenges faced by industrial agriculture and emphasizes the need for grassroots efforts to protect our food heritage.

A winner of the American Horticultural Society Book award and is a prestigious Nautilus Book Awards, The Seed Underground is a compelling call to action for everyone, urging us to reconnect with our food sources and support the movement towards seed sovereignty.

Packing: Southeast Asia Packing Guide for Toddler – A Post-Mortem Review

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Reading Time: 6 minutesIn this post we share a toddler’s packing list for a three-week trip to Southeast Asia.

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California Garden & Potager: Learnings from “The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables”

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Reading Time: 2 minutesAdam Alexander is a Welsh gardener and award-winning film & television producer who brings us along his journey to collect and preserve rare and endangered heritage and heirloom vegetables.

Alexander’s passion is in engendering a feeling of connectedness to the land. He achieves this by reintroducing people to their own food culture & heritage and provides encouragement to eat more locally-produced food.

The Seed Detective is a story of “globalization, political intrigue, colonization and serendipity – describing how these vegetables and their travels have become embedded in our food cultures.”

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California Garden & Potager: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Descriptions

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share information around the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. This information gives gardeners a way to check whether a plant will thrive and/or survive without damage in their particular area. Note that as climate changes, so will these zone categorizations.