My Travel Wishlist

I'm experiencing a serious case of wanderlust. I'm in the middle of planning a serious trip for next year (more on that when it's official....) and making list upon list of the different things I want to do, see and experience.

Travel is the best experience you can get, and I attribute the opportunities I've had to see the world that have made me the individual I am today. I love to experience new cultures, see new things and embrace the challenges (and fun!) that travelling brings.

So let's get all gooey eyed by these amazing locations...

PARIS

The shopping, the food, the sights...I've been twice before, but I really want to go back!

AMSTERDAM

Maybe this will be the city in which I'll learn to ride a bicycle! Or perhaps I'll stick to strolling along the canals instead. 

DALLAS

Texas has been on my wishlist for a while now! Would love to visit Dallas and stop at the George W Bush Presidential Library.

SEATTLE

Blame my love of Starbucks and Sleepless in Seattle for this one... but really, what an amazing place!

SAN FRANCISCO

Near the top of my list, I'd love to walk across Golden Gate Bridge, take a stroll through the Presidio and visit Alcatraz! 

SYDNEY

I had an amazing time when I was in Sydney in 2010. This is top of my list! 

MELBOURNE

As a Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries fan, this is a close second on my visit list! (I have the locations list all ready to go...)

CANBERRA

The political junkie in me would love to visit the Parliament Buildings and sit in on a session. 

HONG KONG

Several friends have been to HK and it's home to one of my favourite bag designers, Louella Odie! 

All photos Wikimedia apart from Sydney Opera House and Montmartre (Author's Own.)

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

I have a new obsession: a great Australian television show called Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

Set in the 1920s, Miss Phryne Fisher (played by the amazing Essie Davis,) returns to Melbourne after spending time overseas. She's glamorous, wealthy and tonnes of fun- and she's a lady detective. After a friend's husband is found dead in the bathroom of their home, Miss Fisher gets to work trying to solve the murder, albeit it to the annoyance of the local Detective Inspector, Jack Robinson.

Apart from the great storylines, humour and backstories of each of the lovable characters, I love the show for its fashion and set design. Costume designer Marion Boyce is a marvel, and everything that Phryne wears is a picture of perfection. From cloches to tennis whites, fur stoles to beaded evening gowns, everything is spot on and super chic. And Miss Fisher's house? It's set in the historic Wardlow House in Melbourne, although scenes in the Art Deco interior are filmed on the ABC Studios set.

Very rarely do I watch a television show where I actually like all the characters, but, I love all of them! From noble companion Dorothy, to Mr Butler, drivers Cec and Bert, Aunt Prudence and adopted daughter Jane, all of the characters play central roles in Miss Fisher's daily life. A recurring theme throughout the series is the 'will they, won't they' dynamic of Miss Fisher's relationship with Inspector Jack Robinson. Fans across the globe are all hoping that they will!

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a hit with viewers across the globe, and it has a strong following thanks to Netflix in the US. For me, it provides an hour of fun escapism, and Melbourne has now appeared on my bucket list of places to visit. Melbourne is currently playing host to the 'Festival of Phryne', a series of events dedicated to all aspects of the show. Historic Ripponlea (featured in the show,) currently has an amazing exhibit of costumes and props from the show- you even get to see Miss Fisher's pearl and gold gun! I wish I was visiting!

Screenshots

So, if you're looking for a fun new show to watch in the evenings or want to be mesmerised by some amazing dresses and jewels, give Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries a try!