Melbourne Budget Accomodation

Hotel Claremont Guesthouse in Melbourne

http://www.hotelclaremont.com/

“clean,cozy,homey feel atmosphere”

Last September 2015, I went Melbourne with my brother for the first time. Upon random search in expedia and with so much good reviews for this hotel, we decided to took it and it did not fail our expectation.

Hotel Claremont's is not your typical backpackers accommodation. Even it says shared bathroom/toilet, it is well maintained clean and its like your private bathroom as it is a one cubicle toilet located in the corridors in each floor.

Bed Mattress is so comfy and firm that you would want to sleep the whole day!

Breakfast is free with choices of bread or cereals. It also has a very homey atmosphere in the dining area where you can use the kitchen, microwave, and have your coffee 24/7 free. 

A good location too, just a few minutes walk to South Yarra Train Station. Pharmacy and convenience store is just downstairs too.

Indeed, this place is great for budget travellers. 

standing in front of Hotel Claremont where you can see the Pharmacy just below the hotel

just be ready to bring up your luggages using stairs as there are no lifts
Tip: travel light

Me enjoying my cup of instant noodle at the dining area as a midnight snack :)

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Wines

I grew up in a family of non-alcoholic nor wine drinkers though for a few special occasions such as new years, weddings or events where I could drink wines that are served.

The first time I tried drinking wine was like..eeeww, bitter and sour, like vinegar taste. That was how I vision wine last time. However, as I grew older, I realized that wines has a lot of varieties, benefits, histories and culture to offer, I tend to understand and wanted to try and taste it again with open mind. 

What is a wine? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine). As I searched for the best place in Singapore to try a for a good wine and of course with good foods together with it. This place is where the Internet has recommended me: https://www.wineconnection.com.sg/. So I did try these medium red wines from Italy and Spain: https://www.wineconnection.com.sg/277-rioja-doca and https://www.wineconnection.com.sg/home/636-coste-di-moro.html. I would say, I love it, but then again my verdict might be not reliable as I had no comparison or shall we say I am not also an expert in this matter but one thing I was sure,  it sort of making my palate to thirst for more wines and try more varieties...thinking, what's the difference of each wines made from countries to countries.

So it did open my curiosity, and as a beginner in appreciating wines, I researched more in the Internet. I'm totally honest that google is my best friend when it comes to research, haha. I type "wine for beginners" and this site http://winefolly.com/wine-basics-beginners-guide/ caught my attention.

I also found out that there are food and wines best paired. Refer to the poster I found from the same website. 

Since I'm no wine expert, I could not give you any wise tips in wine drinking hence, again just search the Internet and voila....a long list is in front of you. This site is one of my favourites too: http://wine.about.com/od/winebasic1/. 

Check my other post for why cheese and wines are commonly paired! 

Disclaimer: All links mentioned in this post are solely my preference while writing this post and highly respect if they would not allow me to upload the links here. 

Maid of Honour (MOH)

Who would not get excited if you heard the news your sister is getting married and the best part of it, you are the Maid of Honour!

As a first time being a Maid of Honour, these questions were floating in my mind:

• What should I wear?
• What do I say in my speech?
• What gift should I buy?
• How do I arrange a bridal shower?

and the questions kept going and going...I just don't know my responsibilities to help the bride. The difficult part is, me and my sister are miles apart, she lives in Manila, Philippines whereas me in Singapore. I wanted to accompany her on bridal gown shopping and fitting, entourage- brides maid gown selection and so forth...but my job hinders me. Thankfully, the use of internet and social media such as facebook and whatsapp bridge our communication. My sister would send pictures of the different bridal and brides maid gown, asking my opinion and suggestions, which I gladly appreciate that she still involves me in her decision.

The making of MOH speech:

I know myself being scared of doing a public talk, I had to prepare myself and  my speech ahead. So, 3 weeks before the wedding I was drafting my speech already. I research for any template, tips and common stories that they would share during the wedding.

I started drafting it on weekends or even after my work. When I finalized it, I had to send to my siblings for their opinions except for my sister (who is getting married) of course.

The big day, during the speech:

I was ready, after a few practice at home, reading it loud and timing it to a maximum of 5 minutes speech. I stood  confidently in front of the guests and the bride and groom. Holding my speech, printed in an A4 size paper, and my other hand holding a glass of wine ready to toast once I've said my speech, I accidentally spill the wine in my wrists and drip a few drops in my dress...that was so really embarrassing.

But wait, I hastily composed myself again and told myself I won't spoil this moment and calm down, Perhaps I was trembling the moment I stood in front, when all eyes are to me....eager to hear my speech. Focusing at my sister and my family, I read my speech. Yes, I did it, they all love and felt the warmness of my speech.

I conquered my fear and have delivered it well, thank God! :)

Tips:

• prepare your speech and practice it
• limit your speech to a maximum of 5 minutes, you do not want to bore the audience
• be confident and smile :)