ninemsn
It’s hard to pinpoint why, exactly, but certain areas of Australia seem to inspire a great amount of pride from their locals. The community spirit is strong in these suburbs, with cafes and shops bearing “We Love” stickers and residents loyally swearing they’d never live anywhere else.
We take at a look at some of the most cherished suburbs in Australia, inviting residents to share thoughts on what makes their slice of Australia so special.
ninemsn
Watering holes hidden down tiny alleys that come off little laneways, squirreled away from sight on rooftops or down in basements: welcome to Melbourne, where a bar crawl is more like a treasure hunt. But once you do find these colourful establishments (after asking directions from more than a few passersby) you’ll be rewarded with some superb drinks served by some of the country’s most talented mixologists. So put your safari suit on as we descend into Melbourne’s top secret in-the-know drinking destinations.
ninemsn
It was a scene to reverberate throughout the baking world for years to come: Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw licking the creamy pink icing off the side of her mouth, having taken a bite out of a cupcake in front of New York’s Magnolia Bakery. Years later the cupcake craze shows no signs of abating. And with Australia being no exception, everyone in Sydney has their favourite cupcake joint … but which bakery is truly the best? We take the ultimate tasting tour.
ninemsn
Make like a crouching tiger, hidden dragon (or a certain overweight panda) and head to China’s majestic capital, Beijing, in order to study traditional martial arts. There are many schools offering to help you channel your qi, and learn to kick butt (although no guarantee you’ll be flying anytime soon)!
ninemsn
New York’s Lower East Side was once an immigrant, working class neighbourhood, but in the last decade it has become the buzzing centre of cool. Trendy restaurants, art galleries, rock bars and independent designer boutiques abound, run by and frequented by the local population of hipsters who swear this is the city’s best district. And with celebrities like Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively regularly spotted in the area, we’d have to agree.
Please view this slideshow at ninemsn, January 2011.
