What a day! We did the City2Surf 2026 together: hubby by my side, and I honestly couldnβt have asked for a better way to spend the morning. β€οΈ
For anyone who hasnβt done it, City2Surf is Sydneyβs iconic 14 km fun run/walk from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach, bringing people from all walks of life together for one big day of movement, community and fun.
And we did it in 2 hours and 4 minutes! ππββοΈπββοΈ Iβm pretty happy with that, it felt like a really good run, especially with the hills and the distance. πͺπ
Around 90,000 people came together this year, and being part of that crowd was honestly so inspiring. From little kids running alongside their families, to older people showing that age is no barrier, and people in wheelchairs taking on the challenge β everyone had their own reason for being there, but the determination and energy were incredible. β€οΈ
I was especially grateful to have my hubby by my side. We ran, walked, talked, laughed, encouraged each other and enjoyed every bit of it. These are the moments and memories that make it all worthwhile. β€οΈ
And one thing I was VERY thankful forβ¦ no rain! ππ§οΈ After last year, when we got absolutely soaked, I was more than happy to see a dry morning this time!
Tired legs, happy hearts and a little sense of achievement. π
14 km done in 2:04 β City2Surf 2026, we did it! πββοΈπββοΈπ
Spending the afternoon with my parents at Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple was such a beautiful and calming experience. Tucked away in Bonnyrigg, this incredible temple is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere and a truly special place in the Fairfield area.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt peaceful and welcoming. The temple grounds are stunning, with beautifully designed prayer halls, intricate traditional architecture, peaceful gardens, and so many different Buddha temples and meditation rooms to explore. Every room had its own unique feeling, filled with culture, spirituality, and quiet reflection.
My parents absolutely loved walking through the temple, taking in the beautiful surroundings and learning more about the Buddhist traditions and artwork throughout the complex. It was wonderful slowing down from our busy lives and simply enjoying quality time together in such a peaceful place. The calm energy, the smell of incense, the sound of prayers and the beautiful statues made the entire visit feel incredibly special and meaningful.
Sometimes the best memories are the simple ones β spending a nice afternoon with parents, sharing conversations, exploring beautiful places, and appreciating moments together. Feeling grateful for family time, peaceful moments, and experiences that stay in your heart long after you leave.
Spent such a lovely afternoon with my parents exploring Fairfield City Museum & Gallery and honestly it was one of those special days that stays with you. From the moment we arrived, the place felt peaceful, welcoming, and full of history, culture, art, and stories from so many generations. We enjoyed fresh coffee and tea together before slowly walking through every room and exhibition, taking our time and appreciating all the beautiful details around us.
The museum itself is incredible. Established in 1983, the site is filled with history and charm. The beautiful Edwardian-style building dates back to 1913 and was once the original Council Chambers for the Smithfield and Fairfield Municipality before becoming a family home and later transforming into the museum it is today. Walking through the old rooms felt like stepping back in time. Every corner had something interesting to discover β vintage furniture, historical objects, photographs, old household items, and pieces of local history from more than 150 years ago. My parents especially loved seeing how people once lived, worked, and raised families in earlier generations. It really makes you appreciate how much life has changed over time.
One of the highlights was the nostalgic Vintage Village area. It truly felt like walking through an old Australian town from another era. The old-style buildings, shopfronts, and preserved artefacts created such a warm and authentic atmosphere. There are not too many places left that preserve history in such a beautiful and interactive way. Every room had its own story and personality, and we spent so much time simply looking around and talking about the memories it brought back.
We also explored the powerful exhibition SΓNG Sα»NG SONG by Vietnamese artist James Nguyen. The exhibition was deeply moving and emotional, telling stories connected to Agent Orange and its lasting impact on families and communities. One room featured large installations of shirts washed in the Parramatta River, while another showcased video works of Nguyenβs mother and local Vietnamese aunties singing survival songs by the riverbanks. The atmosphere inside the gallery was so powerful, emotional, and reflective. You could truly feel the connection between memory, family, migration, survival, and healing through the artworks.
Another beautiful part of the visit was the We Are Here exhibition celebrating First Nations culture, storytelling, and artistic traditions in Western Sydney. The Aboriginal artworks on display were absolutely stunning and full of meaning. Through art, film, and storytelling, the exhibition highlighted the importance of visibility, connection, knowledge-sharing, and community. The colours, textures, and stories throughout the rooms created such a strong sense of culture and belonging. My parents really enjoyed learning more about the local Aboriginal history and seeing the incredible creativity of the artists, Elders, and students involved in the project.
What made the day truly special though was simply spending quality time together. Walking through every gallery room, sharing conversations over coffee and tea, admiring the artwork, learning about history, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings made it such a meaningful experience. Sometimes the best days are not about big plans, but about slowing down and appreciating beautiful moments with family. Feeling grateful for these memories with my parents and for places like this that keep stories, culture, art, and history alive for future generations.
Autumn in Sydney has been quietly showing off lately πβ¨ The crisp morning air, the golden light, and those peaceful walks that somehow feel like a reset for the whole day. Iβve been getting into a routine of early morning walks and honestly, itβs been such a gift.
Thereβs something special about watching the sunrise paint the sky in soft hues while the world is still waking up. Itβs in these simple momentsβcool breeze, warm sunshine, and a calm mindβthat you really feel grateful. Feeling lucky to witness this beauty every day π
Why do we need girlsβ time? Because sometimes life just feels lighter when youβre surrounded by the people who know you the longest. π
Today was one of those beautiful, simple days that remind me how important friendships are. An old friend came over and we finally got the chance to slow down and catch up properly. The weather was warm and perfect, the kind of Sydney day that just makes you want to be outside and enjoy every moment.
We started the day with a relaxed brunch, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. You know those conversations where time just disappears? Thatβs exactly how it felt. After that we jumped in the pool for a swim, laughing like we were back in the old days. Thereβs something about being in the water on a warm day that just makes everything feel carefree again.
Of course, no catch-up is complete without good food. We shared snacks, chatted for hours, and enjoyed some delicious dai poori while telling stories, remembering old memories and creating new ones. The best part wasnβt anything fancy, it was simply the joy of being together, laughing, talking, and appreciating the friendship that has lasted through so many years.
Days like this remind me that girlsβ time isnβt just about hanging out. Itβs about connection, support, laughter, and those little moments that recharge your heart. So grateful for friendships that feel easy, warm and full of happiness. β¨
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