The small talk – a brief biography
I’m a 31 year old Chinese-Australian girl living in inner-city Melbourne. I’ve not lived in Melbourne my whole life which means I can say objectively it’s one of my favorite cities in the world.
I’m an intellectual property, IT and media lawyer by training, so in a way you could say I’m a professional writer and critic!
The blog
Every day I get out and about in Melbourne with my Moleskine notebook and digital camera in hand, giving my honest opinion about all that’s good, bad and ugly in my home town using a simple criteria – HOT or NOT.
This blog, and its binary rating system, is really a reflection of my personality – I’m decisive, honest and I don’t tend to shy away from saying what I really think. It’s also a reflection of my life and interests, hence sometimes there will be time lags in posts (because I’ve got to sleep and do the laundry at some stage) and you won’t get as many NOTs as HOTs because I don’t make time for events and places I suspect will be dodgy.
In general all reviews are conducted anonymously and at my own cost – if that’s not the case I indicate in my post. Often you will find that I’m accompanied by RM (Renaissance Man) who is very accommodating about my need to take photos at restaurants and is happy to join me at random theatrical events in out-of-the-way places when he’s not busy reading Japanese literature, watching military history documentaries or cheering whatever sport is showing on TV.
If you’d like to read the editorial policy in more detail, click here.
The travelling life
My first overseas trip was to Okinawa, Japan aged 12 months. Since then I’ve eaten, slumbered, hiked and audio-guided my way through 47 countries and I intend to keep up the count. In The Jetsetting Report you’ll see a selection of my most recent adventures. If you’re heading to the Sunshine State, also check out BNE: HOT OR NOT – the decisive guide to Brisbane. Likewise the decisive guide to London (where this blogging caper all started) is at LDN: HOT OR NOT.
Things I like
Eating cakes, Brancusi, cycling, fresh flowers, colourful scarves, my Kitchenaid, growing herbs, canal boats, Lanvin, hazelnut gelati, strapless dresses, discount vouchers, Belgian chocolate, Anthony Gormley and yoga.
Come and say hello at with your comments, feedback and suggestions. I’m very good at responding!
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