Life is a Beach

Appreciating myself, nourishing my body and mind by eating healthy

and getting plenty of exercise and taking time out to relax is what I do.

07/12/2015  Morning Delight

Mullaloo Beach

Cleansing Ocean

Early Morning at Mullaloo Beach

Crystal clear waters of Mullaloo Beach

Singapore

Yet another significant holiday to reflect on:

Raffles Hotel - 21st April 2010

Raffles Hotel 

A generous gift from my beautiful daughter Lisa for my 50th Birthday, included five sensational days in delightful Singapore, followed by a further five therapeutic days in tropical Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Elegant dining with John

The number one highlight of our stay in Singapore was experiencing a supreme one night’s accommodation in the famous, historical Raffles Hotel.

Numerous prominent guests have stayed since its opening in 1887.

We took up residence in the very suite that renowned movie actor/director/producer, John Wayne frequently occupied in earlier years.

John's Luxurious Bathroom

John's suite housed rooms filled with an abundance of fascinating memorabilia about the legendary man himself. I felt privileged to experience a slice of his history.

Though Lisa had indeed heard of the great man, she was inquisitive to gain further knowledge by reading John's biography in the short space of time we were there.

I am amazed at how fast that girl reads.

Lisa with JW looking on

Never had I indulged in such elegance as the momentous Raffles Hotel with its vastly polished timber interior, antique furniture, glistening chandeliers and oriental carpets. Complete with our own butler too of course.

High Tea was fashionably sophisticated as you can only imagine, complimented with the traditional Singapore Sling, the cocktail invented within the hotel itself.

The charming waiters were ever so obliging and cheerful, as Lisa and I giggled with anticipation over the feast of mouth-watering sweet and savoury selection of platters.

Sophistication and Style at the Raffles

Roving Reflections

Wherever I go, so does my journal, recording my utmost experiences

and precious moments. My journals are my most precious souvenirs,

enabling me to reflect upon over many years to come.

J'aime Paris - 23rd September 2007

Once we arrived at Hotel Mercure La Défense 5, we only had 45 minutes to freshen up and change before boarding our coach for our first night of sightseeing in the heart of Paris.

We travelled along the impressive Champs Elysées, apparently the second most expensive shopping boulevard in the world (first being Fifth Avenue) before the legendary Arc de Triomphe came into view.

Champs-Elysées Avenue

My goodness, I only sighted these prominent landmarks in books and on postcards.
"Now, I am actually in the postcard".

Merging into one of the busiest roundabouts in the world, where marked lanes are clearly unheard of, certainly is an unforgettable hair-raising experience.

Apparently, the objective is to avoid eye contact and push your way in. Truly hate to think "what if there was an accident?"

Absolutely total chaos - you really need to experience it to believe it!

Our driver Fabio, dropped us off - enabling us to wander and absorb the alive and enticing French capital.

Me outside the Notre Dame Cathedral

On entering the Cathedral Notre Dame meaning “Our Lady” in French, a mass was in progress, so we silently drifted through, observing the celestial beauty of this glorious 14th century gothic structure.

From here, my partner Dean and I walked further along to a cafe strip and met up with one of the lovely Canadian couples on our tour. Together we came across a trendy little brassiere where the four of us enthusiastically chatted over a light meal.

My quiche lorraine (pictured) was delicious... so light and fluffy with succulent pieces of ham, served with crisp salad and a glass of chardonnay.

Our handsome waiter was extremely friendly and cooperative, speaking a little English which sort of complimented my attempt in speaking French. His service was superb and we tipped him generously.

Further on, having met up with the rest of the group, we followed our guide, Jelle a short way to board our boat, darkness had settled as we commenced our cruise along the river Seine.

By night Paris is transformed into a spellbinding fascinating city of striking illuminations.

Romance was in the air and I was intuitively consumed with love, taking in the magnificent architecture of the neighbouring buildings.


Everything was ignited under the balmy night skies.

The Eiffel Tower looked so outstanding and grandiose, sparkling in green and gold to commemorate the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.

Once we were virtually under this magnificent land mark, I instinctively welled up up through anticipation and happiness as I beheld Dean's eyes. I still couldn't believe I was really here, in Paris!

For me, this was a dream come true.

Following our enlivening cruise we took pleasure in a scenic drive throughout the enchanting golden city of lights before retiring to our comfortable hotel and dream of Paris.



Sistene Chapel - Sunday 30th September 2007

My heart was pounding in anticipation as we walked through the doors of one of the most famous places in the world – the Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) where I drowned in heavenliness and goose bumps creeped all over my skin.

Staring above, I tried to envision the four years of painstaking labour the great man, Michelangelo endured between 1508 and 1512. His outstanding knowledge in human anatomy is apparent in his meticulous saintly frescoes covering the entire ceiling.

Twenty years later at the age of sixty, Michelangelo was summoned back to the chapel to paint the renowned ‘Last Judgement’ on the wall behind the altar.

A depiction of the second coming of Christ, it shows Jesus as the judge with the Virgin Mary next to him, surrounded by saints and apostles. Above him, the celestial world of angels, then below to his right are those ascending to heaven and below to his left are those being hauled to hell.

This magnificent fresco took Michelangelo eight years to complete
and was unveiled in 1541.

“Many believe – and I believe – that I have been designated for this work by god.

In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for

god and I put all my hope in him.”

- Michelangelo

Burano Island - 2nd Oct 2007

Early one afternoon, a group of us opted to embark on a taxi boat from St Mark’s square in Venice and travel to Burano Island.

Immediately we arrived, I was struck and in awe of the sheer prettiness of the place.

Quaint little houses, painted in vibrant colours, stood in a row neat as a pin, even the fishing boats are equally as colourful and everything presented so impeccably clean and orderly.

Rather interesting to learn that to paint your house, you must obtain notice from the government for allocated shades permitted for that particular lot.

Every house shall always remain the colour it was originally painted.

When considering buying a home on Burano Island, you would certainly want to choose a colour that you can live with... I decided on a pink house! 

Window boxes and pots displaying a show of geraniums and washing suspended outside the top windows all made for a delightful postcard image.

Taking That Forward Step

I know I will never achieve anything if I don't pursue it and if I push through life without asking questions, I will always end up with "no" answers.

Greece

I wouldn't like to think of myself stuck in the same place only because I was too afraid to take that forward step, for there really is a lot to learn and experience in this wonderful world I live in.

'When you arise in the morning,
think of what a precious privilege
it is to be alive - to breathe,
to think, to enjoy to love"
- Marcus Aurelius

Fishing Boats in Greece - 10th October 2009

Oh, these colourful, pristine islands of Greece
Consuming me with contentment and peace

Sun of Apollo, shining and warm
On a rickety jetty - so tired and worn.

Amid the weathered fishing boats
Earnestly determined to stay afloat.

I breathe and taste the salty air
Relishing simplicity of a life so fair.

Julie Annette

Travelling Solo

Paros Island - Greece

When travelling alone, my soul is awakened, I tend to listen with my heart and become more spontaneous.

Additionally, my knowledge is furthermore enriched through experiencing diverse cultures and traditions. I’m attentive, not only to others but also to my inner self.

Seeing the beauty and feeling the love in everything and everyone is deeply fulfilling.

I am blessed with the freedom and ability to roam wherever I please, in knowing I always have a comfortable home to return to.

Engaging with people from all walks of life, is my passion. Even when there is a language barrier, one broad, open smile speaks a thousand words.




I believe wholeheartedly in Karma… whatever you bestow to others, you'll surely receive gratification in return.

All That's Left:

Ancient Greek Child's Tomb

es

Sealreal

Sealreal 30/08/2011

Phil Hollet Photography

There I was in the month of July, in warmth and comfort of my car sipping my much appreciated flat white on a cold blustery winter day.

Every so often, just to get out of my four walls in Busselton, I’d take myself for a relaxing drive to relish in the serenity of the countryside.

On this particular morning I stopped in Dunsborough, grabbed a takeaway coffee and drove on a little further down to Eagle Bay. The beautiful, rugged coastline - so spectacular with white foamed waves forcing into the rocks.

Suddenly, to my disbelief the most majestic seal appeared from nowhere, it was almost like I had to shake my head, close and re-open my eyes to realise what I was actually witnessing.

This black, blubbery mammal from the ocean was playfully clambering up the rocks until he reached the highest point right before me.

Saluting to the skies, his nose high into the air was like he was bestowing gratitude to the universe for his wonderful life of freedom.

I thought to capture the image on my iPhone but I was transfixed and couldn't take my eyes from him for a second. I was utterly connected to him in those precious moments, where nothing else mattered or even existed apart from me and him. I could feel my whole self soften. I felt warmed, relaxed, uplifted and free all at once, because of him.

Next thing my beautiful friend slid down from his position and back into the ocean as if enjoying the thrill of a water-slide and he knew very well I was watching him.

No camera image could ever match that precious gift to me on that day. The memory stays etched in my mind forever.

Relishing in the Moment

Some beautiful moments in my daily life where I am reminded

how blessed and fortunate I am to live in Western Australia.

Bay of Blessings  20/02/2015

I opened my eyes to the morning sun's rays through the outdated curtains of my villa.

Back on home soil, I broke into a half smile in remembering the earlier years, when I worked in this very resort in Busselton as a waitress - another past chapter in my life.

I open every curtain, window and door of my villa to greet and breathe in the sights and sounds of my natural surroundings, before settling back into bed, propped against the pillows with my early morning cuppa.

My intention of reading at least the next chapter of my book was short lived however, due to the shrill calls and twittering of the birds. It was like they were beckoning me to step outdoors and embrace the intro of this brand new day, so to their demands, I slipped into my bikini, grabbed my towel and set out along the bricked pathway.

The feel of the sultry air and smell of willowed peppermint trees and lush dewy grass that lead to the beach was all so familiar and gratifying.

Greeting happy groundsmen and rident holiday goers with cheerful smiles along my way, I was reminded for the billionth time of how lucky and blessed I am to be given this gift called life, along with freedom to enjoy it.

The calm, still waters of the bay beneath the pale blue endless sky and clouds that were stretched like cotton wool strands came into view like an endless sketch in water colours of pastel shades. I’m even more so inspired to take a course in learning to paint – must look into that once I return to Perth.

Bayview Geographe Resort - Beach

Bayview Geographe Resort

Geographe Bay

My daily beach walk  27/10/2015

I started out on my walk along Mullaloo beach a little later than usual today, it was just around midday, though it was most definitely worth it.

An over cast sky and slight offshore breeze made for perfect conditions for a brisk pace along the shoreline, where the gentle waves rolled in as if collecting my deepest secrets and thoughts and freeing them out to sea.

Midway, during my therapeutic venture, I suddenly became aware there was not another human being in sight, uncommon especially for a Perth beach. In realising this, I came to a stop and stood knee deep in the cool, soothing Indian ocean savouring the peacefulness.

Normally by this time, I have a leisurely swim, but the water was rather “milky” looking and I refer to this as “shark water” because you can never see anything unless it surfaces.

# Mullaloo Beach

Gazing out to the horizon, I broke into a smile, for there at that moment in time was little ol’ me, a speck in the universe with all the space and liberty anyone could wish for.

I couldn’t help but ponder about the millions of less fortunate people in the world, living in confined conditions of multi-story concrete blocks or those exposed to the harsh, dry conditions in desert with absolutely no freedom of choice. Many would never even experience a beach.

Lucky and privileged am I to have been born, raised and living in this wonderful part of Australia and never shall I take any of it for granted.

Sea View Ridge Olive Grove - Lancelin 30/05/2016

Enjoyed a delightful, welcoming stay with a friend in this rammed- earth, cottage style B&B in Lancelin - 127kms north of Perth.

Set in tranquil surroundings within an abundance of olive trees, I immediately succumbed to the serenity as we pulled into the drive.

A long afternoon walk, soaking up the warmth of the sun with nothing but sounds of tiny birds twittering was divine.

Organic olive oil and preserves are made and available for taste testing and purchasing on the premises.

Small courtyard outside our room with a touch of rustic
European Charm

Loaded olive tree branch at Seaview Ridge

Gardens and hanging baskets add to the homely charm 

Homemade plum jam, lemon and lime marmalade
and garlic infused extra virgin olive oil.