The sign at the top proclaiming this to be the 'world's highest motorable road' might be a bit of a white lie. But you know you're ridiculously high when, driving up India's Khardung La Pass, a plane flies by – and instead of craning your head skywards, you realise you're actually looking down. Traveller, The... Continue Reading →
An unlikely journey to Saudi Arabia for International Women’s Day
When former Paralympian Annabelle Williams was younger, she didn’t dream of becoming a champion swimmer – not because she only has one hand, but because she loves a chat, and it’s tricky to talk when your head’s underwater. When former Paralympian Annabelle Williams was younger, she didn’t dream of becoming a champion swimmer – not... Continue Reading →
Meet the Australians who have already given up on toilet paper
It’s no secret the country is in the grip of toilet paper pandemonium. But search hard enough, and you’ll find a rare breed of Australians who don’t rely on the soft stuff when visiting the smallest room in the house. Here are two of them – and another with a canny back-up plan should the... Continue Reading →
Why taking a gap year could be the best thing you ever do
When you’ve been studying like a demon at high school, you’ll want to use those hard-earned marks to kick on directly to university. Right? Well, not necessarily. For some, a straightforward path to uni, with all those long holidays thrown in, is ideal. But for others, taking six, nine or even the full 12 months off... Continue Reading →
First Person: ‘I’m Dan Bolwell… and I make penny-farthings.’
'When I see someone with a top hat, I want to poke a stick in their spokes, because it’s inappropriate clothing – it’s the wrong era. 'People on penny-farthings wore riding gear – thin, woollen cycling outfits. They were riding fast, they were out to do touring, racing. It was the hoon’s machine of 1880.'... Continue Reading →
The very adult business of buying your own house
When I was on the hunt for real estate nirvana I didn’t know it was going to be like this. All I had were optimistic goals and a Pinterest board full of coastal decor ideas. Buy house at beach – tick. Put cool pictures up. Yep. Have an amazing veggie garden and compost system and... Continue Reading →
Sustainable House Day: Inside three homes that slash your power bill
Quentin Irvine’s house in Victoria’s Beaufort, 165 kilometres west of Melbourne, was built to go the distance – and beyond. All the elements of The Recyclable House, or at least the vast majority, will find new lives down the track. Domain, The Age. Full story here
First Person: I’m Norma Abraham, and I’m a 90-year-old ballerina
'My profession was actually as an opera singer. I was singing professionally until I was about 60 – that was 30 years ago. I’ve only been doing ballet classes since Tina (professional ballet dancer and choreographer Tina Yong) started running it at ReCreation Health Club Trackside in Hampton a few years ago. Tina said to me, “You... Continue Reading →
Quiz: were you born in the right generation?
Ever feel like you’re a throwback to a different generation, or perhaps even born ahead of your time? Associate Professor Andrew Singleton, a sociologist with Deakin’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says characterising different generations can be tricky – for every ‘rule’ there’s someone who won’t fit the mould. Deakin University's this website. Take... Continue Reading →
How to be a manager (and lead your mates)
Who’d want to be a manager? After all, dealing with difficult people, solving disputes and taking on more responsibility comes with the territory. But being promoted to a managerial position is one of the best ways to climb the career ladder, and get a fatter pay cheque to boot. So if you’ve recently shifted into... Continue Reading →