VLOG | The Divo's on Vacation (Part One)

After three weeks away, Mum, Dad and I spent a fun-filled week in Sydney and two incredible weeks in New Zealand. Over the span of our holiday, we managed to capture many memorable photo's and video footage. So I am happy to share our collection of memories with you all. From day 1 to day 7, we spent our time in the heart of Sydney. Then from day 8 to 21 we enjoyed a fortnight in picturesque New Zealand. One week in the South and our last week in the North.

Enjoy the first VLOG - Sydney, Australia 

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Joel Creasey LIVE in Perth!

Joel & I posing for a happy-snap after the show

"Lock the doors, batten down the hatches, for god's sake please take down that annoying wind chime... a storm is brewing..."

- comedyfestival.com.au -

10-years ago, I met Joel Creasey on Perth television program - The Couch. At that time the fresh-faced 15 year old was just starting in his comedy career. Since then, Joel has skyrocketed to stardom. Not to give away too much juicy gossip, but I must say the "Acid Tongue Prince" himself has gotten himself into a lot of mischief in his life so far.

The 24-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike has many fun, frivolous and utterly filthy memories to share. The Hurricane is the latest show of Creasey's national tour (Australia). I, along with my Mum and Dad, were lucky enough to attend Joel Creasey's The Hurricane at the Perth Heath Ledger Theatre on Tuesday April 28. I must say - we certainly were not disappointed. 

So happy Joel remembered us from 10-years ago

The show went off without a hitch. Creasey started the show by wooing the crowd with his charming good looks and vivacious character. In no time at all, he had the crowd in hysterical laughter and had us begging for more. The hour-long show felt like it only lasted 15 mins - which is usually a gauge on how enjoyable it is. Saying that, the show was just as good as his attire... F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.

Nearly knocked this banner over... true story

The Hurricane features Creasey's up's and down's over the past year. Including his experiences whilst spending 41 days in the African jungle, expressing his new love towards foreign gay clubs, attending a raunchy sex party with Australian soap stars, and grossing out Hollywood actress, Jennifer Anniston. Plus without revealing too much, he details a sickly run-in with German-Austrian actor, Christoph Waltz.

Before the crown started flooding in

Though there were a couple of heart-rending moments during The Hurricane, such as the tough aspects of working in LA and the horror with being dumped by an ex. But in true Creasey style, he turns a negative into a positive. The positive being his side-splitting new show. He is wonderful in his delivery, stage presence, and audience interaction. The Hurricane reaffirms his standing as an international comedy superstar.

Upcoming shows:

Venue - Enmore Theatre, NSW

Date - Thu 14 May 2015 7:15PM

"Strap in, bitches... a hurricane is coming..."

- comedyfestival.com.au -

'★★★★★' Time Out New York

'A Revelation.' The Age

'A master raconteur.' New York Advocate

'He’s a f*%king star! I love him.' Joan Rivers

'★★★★★' Herald Sun

Suitable for audiences 16+

http://www.andrewtaylormanagement.com/artist-joel-creasey/

https://www.facebook.com/joelcreasey
https://twitter.com/joelcreasey

Instagram @joelcreasey

#FlashbackFriday - Sydney & New Zealand Holiday 2014

The Trip of a Lifetime!

After three weeks away, Mum, Dad and I have arrived home from a holiday of a lifetime. We spent a fun-filled week in Sydney and two incredible weeks in New Zealand. Over the span of our holiday, we managed to capture many memorable photo's and video footage (coming soon). So I am happy to share our collection of memories with you all.

From day 1 to day 7, we spent our time in the heart of Sydney. Then from day 8 to 21 we enjoyed a fortnight in picturesque New Zealand. One week in the South and our last week in the North.

Flights:

Perth to Sydney & Sydney back home to Perth - Virgin Australia.

Sydney to Wellington (then transferred to Christchurch), Aukland to Sydney - Air New Zealand.

Places we visited:

• Sydney
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Te Anau
• Queenstown
• Milford Sound
• Wellington
• Napier
• Taupo
• Rotorua
• Auckland

~ Sydney ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. It is located on Australia's south-east coast along the Tasman Sea and surrounding one of the world's largest natural harbours.

MUST SEE: Port Jackson - Sydney

Port Jackson, also called Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The harbour is an inlet of the Tasman Sea. It is the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

~ Christchurch ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Treat yourself to a myriad of experiences in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city is a cosmopolitan and cultured centre and perfect base for exploring a region packed with adventures. Regularly appearing on ‘top places in the world to visit’ lists, post-quake Christchurch offers a wealth of things to do – and a one-of-a-kind glimpse of a city rebuilding. In 2011, two earthquakes struck at the very heart of Christchurch city, flattening the CBD’s high-rises and most of its inner-urban infrastructure. Two-and-a-half-years later, most of the unrecoverable structures have been pulled down, leaving entire blocks of gravel where buildings used to be.

CANNOT MISS: Lone Star - Christchurch

As my family arrived at Christchurch in the evening, I was unable to take many photo's to capture the beauty of this small town. This photo was taken while we had dinner at Lone Star - Christchurch. The Lone Star is famous for providing quality with quantity, using only the best and freshest local produce. It's not only the size of the meals that are memorable- the service too, is legendary. Your meals are served with a genuine smile in generous portions.

~ Dunedin ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

The city of Dunedin and the coastal Otago region offer an unforgettable blend of natural and human heritage; world-class wildlife encounters on the coast and beautiful historic architecture in the city itself.

MUST SEE: Cadbury World - Dunedin

Is this the most magical place you’ll ever visit? Our chocolatiers certainly think so. It’s here they make some of the fantastic, incredible chocolates and lollies that bring us joy. Visit our site in the centre of Dunedin and you’ll be able to see, smell and taste a huge variety of wondrous chocolate creations. 

~ Te Anau ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

The township sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau, lying on the border of Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Te Anau is the town that connects Queenstown to Milford Sound by road. 2 hours drive from Queenstown, the famously scenic Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau. Guided tours to Milford Sound depart or stop at Te Anau, and the town has over 4000 beds to offer to travelers wishing to stay the night.

MUST STAY: Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Get away from it all, and escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. 

~ Milford Sound ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Milford Sound is a fiord located in the beautiful Fiordland region in the south-west of the South Island. It was named after Milford Haven in Wales and lies roughly 287km from Queenstown (about a three and a half hour drive) and 757km from Christchurch (nearly a nine hour drive). The road to Milford is one of the most beautiful alpine drives in the world.

MUST DO: Great Sights Lunch Cruise - Milford Sound

The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its pristine natural beauty and remote atmosphere. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). The fiord extends 15km inland from the wild Tasman Sea and is regularly visited by wildlife including penguins, seals and dolphins.

~ Queenstown ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

One of New Zealand’s best-known visitor destinations, Queenstown is a beautiful lakeside resort and all-year-round outdoor adventure playground.

MUST SEE: Skyline - Queenstown

Located an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown, Skyline Queenstown offers awe-inspiring views of the region and an abundance of entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Take the journey on our iconic Gondola up Bob’s Peak to enjoy award winning cuisine in our scenic Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, Kiwi Haka Maori culture performances and theSkyline Luge our very own thrilling downhill ride!

~ Wellington ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

New Zealand’s much-loved political and cultural capital of Wellington lies on a sparkling harbour at the bottom of the North Island, not far from forest-clad hills and a delightful wine-growing region. Explore urban precincts where shopping, dining and culture abound, each with their own distinct character, then take to the harbour and the hills for outdoor experiences on the edge of the city.

MUST SEE: Botanic Gardens - Wellington

Visit Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy its 25ha of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city.

~ Napier ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Napier is a New Zealand city with a seaport, located in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of the North Island. The population of Napier is about 61,100 as of the June 2014 estimate. About 18 kilometres south of Napier is the inland city of Hastings.

MUST SEE: Cafe strip - Napier

A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931 a massive earthquake - 7.9 on the Richter scale - rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary.

~ Taupo ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

In the Taupo region you can base yourself on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake in the centre of an area that offers a myriad of outdoor activities in an unforgettable landscape. From hiking and fishing to culture and geothermal activity, there’s a lot to do!

CANNOT MISS: Dixie Brown's Restaurant - Lake Taupo

Located on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest fresh water lake in the Southern Hemisphere; enjoy views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe while dining on Dixie Brown’s extensive menu. Open early through late Dixie Brown’s caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. With vegetarian and gluten free options complimenting a menu of lakeside treats; made on site daily by our passionate kitchen you’re guaranteed to take home another great memory of your time in Taupo.

~ Rotorua ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Rotorua is an unforgettable place where otherworldly geothermal features, from geysers to boiling mud pools, are the backdrop for adventure activities and some of New Zealand’s most accessible Maori cultural experiences. World-class geothermal spa resorts ensure a well-balanced vacation!

MUST SEE: Te Puia - Rotorua

A brilliant blend of Maori cultural and geothermal wonders. See Maori cultural performances, watch ancient Maori crafts being taught, discover a geothermal and natural wonderland, and get up close with endangered kiwi – a day at Te Puia is packed with amazing things to do.

~ Auckland ~

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Feast your senses on Auckland’s dazzling array of activities, plentiful dining and shopping options, and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s biggest city; the cosmopolitan and culturally diverse ‘City of Sails’. Perfectly positioned between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, Auckland’s modern and multicultural Pacific centre is unique in the world.

MUST SEE: Sky Tower - Aukland

A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

* Post travel tip *

Gone with the days of the photo album, the revolutionary photo book is the way of the future! I highly recommend creating your own personalised photo book.  It was the best decision my family and I made when we arrived home back in Perth, Western Australia. There are many different websites that provide photo book services.

My recommendation for best price and quality  - Big W Photo's.

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

© Copyright Tayla Divitini

Hope you enjoyed this long overdue blog post & some of our holiday snaps!

Fringe World Festival 2015

Fringe World Fun!

Summer is officially in full swing downunder in Perth, Western Australia. Mum, Dad and I spent a fantastic day in the city over the weekend. We all took a stroll down to the Fringe World Festival in Northbridge - Perth. 

Fringe World 2015 has grown by a quarter since last summer, adding 100 events and 30 venues to its cabaret, comedy, circus, theatre, music and other activities.

With a showcase of international and local acts that thrive on being experimental, the fringe festival is designed to run alongside the more established Perth International Arts Festival. 

#BrookfieldBunnies

Brrr... these seats are chilly!

Drinks in the summer sun

I need a dollar dollar... a dollar is all I need... hey hey!

#PhotoBomber

I spy with my little eye... colourful colanders!

Pardon the pun... #PERTHect

Yes... that is my hair dangling in my Mum's drink

The average ticket price for Fringe World Festival events is a breezy $23, making it super friendly on the hip pocket. There is something to appeal to every taste and the program allows for audiences to catch multiple performances over the four-week Festival. There are also an awesome selection of free and community events including the iiNet Riickshaws, Brookfield Bunnies, 60sec Fringe and the Curtin Garden Library.

The ever-expanding festival is also set to reach into Fremantle, Victoria Park, Mandurah, Midland and Scarborough.

The full program and tickets for all shows can be found at fringeworld.com.au. Get in quick as some shows will sell out fast.

Fringe World runs from January 23-February 22.

Be sure to head down to the Perth Fringe World Festival. Trust me... you won't regret it one bit!

Appearance on The Couch - November 2014

Talking Movies with Tayla Divitini

*To watch the 'Talking Movies' segment - skip to 44:08*

After two weeks off, I am back on the fabulous Foxtel television program The Couch. On episode 504, I speak about the popular movies of the month. Filling in for regular entertainment presenter, Cameron Lynch. 

Movies mentioned: 

• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• Horrible Bosses 2
• Paddington

Talking Movies is proudly supported by Reading Cinemas.

Telethon 2014

Thank you Western Australia!

Telethon smashed its fundraising record in 2014, raising an incredible $25,271,542.

In the 47 years it has been running, Telethon has raised more than $180 million.

My family and I had the pleasure of meeting this year's Telethon stars, Emily and Patrick. Plus, numerous Channel 7 personalities.

Congratulations Telethon for another fabulous year. Enjoy the happy snaps!

Appearance on The Couch - October 2014

Talking Movies with Tayla Divitini

*To watch the 'Talking Movies' segment - skip to 38:44*

I'm back! After a long break, I am finally up and running again on Foxtel television program The Couch. On episode 498, I speak about the popular movies of the month. Filling in for regular entertainment presenter, Cameron Lynch. 

Movies mentioned: 

• Annabelle 
• Dracula Untold 
• Gone Girl
• The Judge 
• Top 5 Movies Au/NZ 

Talking Movies is proudly supported by Reading Cinemas.