Mr Romance 
There’s not much to be happy about when the short days and chilly nights come to Sydney; but there is one thing: Shiraz! Yup, it’s time to bunker down, rug up and pour out those big reds. Whenever someone asks me if I want a glass of red, I always assume they mean Shiraz. I … Read more
I thought the camera on my iPhone 4S was good enough. I really did. Even when Mrs Romance got her contract upgraded to the 5S, I still didn’t think there was really that much difference. I must admit I was quite jealous of the cool fingerprint unlock thing though. But thanks to a short-term loan of … Read more
Have you ever had that strange feeling when you get to a place that you’ve been there before? Last time we were in Noosa it was quite different – but then we were different too. This time though we could dine out in style, baby! The last time we were in Noosa, we did it … Read more
As characters of our favourite show might announce: Winter is coming! Not that you’d have guessed that from the sunny business Sydney’s making at the moment. I know this probably has the commentator’s curse written all over it, but the weather at the moment is insanely warm. Don’t worry – I’m not going typically English … Read more
Mexico, alcohol content and the agave plant. These three elements are all that tequila and mezcal have in common. After that, the two drinks couldn’t be any more different. Tequila’s a funny old drink, isn’t it? Most of us have tequila stories. Horrible, dark, terrifying stories. If someone shouts ‘tequila’ at the bar, everyone winces. … Read more
Every year, just before the start of winter, Sydney is lit with the weird and wonderful sculptures and installations that Vivid Sydney provides. Since 2009, Sydney’s streets and waterways have been illuminated by this amazing spectacle. It’s a rare collaboration between artists, techies and the corporate sector. The result is quite brilliant and well worth … Read more
We all have those go-to shows we watch when we want to fill a spare half an hour or so. It’s those TV classics you’ve seen a hundred times before that you find yourself going back to and watching when there’s nothing else on and you need your fix. I always measure my TV guilty … Read more
I’m hooked on Instagram. I love it. Mrs Romance is too, but I think my addiction is much worse than hers. Ironic really, seeing as it was her that introduced me to this excellent photosharing app. The problem is what can you do with all these photos? They’re all there online; a documented feed of … Read more
I’m in a very good mood today. I got to tell one of my favourite jokes to someone who hadn’t heard it before and Mrs Romance didn’t roll her eyes at it! Here’s the joke, but you’ll have to wait till the end of this week’s diary to find out the punch line! What’s E.T. short … Read more
If it’s a laid-back cocktail-sipping afternoon with the sun glinting off the ocean you’re after (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you need to get to The Island Bar on Cockatoo Island, Sydney pronto! Cockatoo Island has a long history in Australian terms. It’s been in use since the First Fleet and was first used … Read more