Tomorrow, actually today now, I have a date with a backpack and a flight bound for Bangkok. The adventure couldn’t come at a better time. I have finished one chapter at Publishing House X, and begin another when I return. I have had a year of falling in love with my hometown all over again, living in its inner-city streets, walking in its parks, eating whatever my heart desires in its hipster cafes, and dancing and talking and socialising to exhaustion. The time alone shall be precious recharging time, but I will be taking pieces of many of you with me … Jodie’s backpack, my grandmother’s make-up case, Dad’s binoculars, Sarah’s book, my old thongs with a chunk missing thanks to Nero the Doberman (who sadly went to doggie heaven last week), Mum’s tea tree oil, Anna’s bag, Kel’s adaptor and Cal’s bracelet. The old day pack has been dusted off, not used since I carried it around the world on first big adventure 12 years ago. It’s nice to be reunited, although so much has changed since we last met.

I will be sure to take pictures in my mind that I can convey to you in words, eat foods that might inspire new recipes, and meet characters with rich stories that are begging to be shared, on my return.

In the meantime, my dear friend and entrepreneur, Cal (of the aforementioned bracelet), has provided me with my very first interview, which I was slightly chuffed about. My moment in the sun can be found on her new venture, bloggers.com.au. Its timely occurrence marks two years since I began what started as a creative distraction, and has now become my favourite pastime, this here el bloggo.

Which means it also marks two years of cold dinners for loved ones who have waited patiently for their food, while it’s been primped, styled and shot into submission in highly sophisticated locations around the house and garden. And two years of them being my lighting techs, editors, content developers, photographers and pep talkers. Thank you to the loved ones – you know who you are!

Thanks also to the cast of characters who have allowed me to share their stories and quirks … and basically exploit them!

Most of all, thanks to you, my readers, for stopping by to visit this kooky little site, try out my concoctions and read the ramblings of a ‘mildly’ loco cook and storyteller. It’s appreciated more than you know.

I’ll be in touch with you all soon xx