So after a long few days of travel, we arrived yesterday evening at what will become our home for the next week - villa Podere Incronciati - a traditional Tuscan villa built in 1840 about 20km outside of Siena. We were welcomed by the owner and offered complimentary wine, cheese, olives, fruit and other nibbles - which was much appreciated after the drive from Rome. After settling on rooms, we unpacked before hitting the pool to cool down and relax for a bit - which was great in the 38c heat. ...

So… The last few day have been hectic and somewhat full-on to say the least. I was wanting to sit down at the end of each day, with a beer or a glass of wine, and take some time out to update the blog - however given the events of the past few days, this was not possible. I now find myself sitting in a villa in Tuscany on morning one, a cup of tea and a piece of toast at my side, looking out across an open field towards some bushland, writing about the events leading to this point. ...

After almost 18 months of planning, we are now quickly approaching our departure date. Our bags are packed (well mostly), and we are ready to go. In the past Laura and I have either travelled solo or more typically together as a couple - not this time however… Since we last had the opportunity to travel abroad, a few things have changed… mainly the arrival of our son (now 18 months old) who will be heading off with us to experience the wonders of the big wide world. ...

Welcome to the new Modrich Travel Blog site. Over the course of the past week there has been a lot of work happening in the background to make the transition to the new site as painless as possible. BUT… It wouldn’t be a web site relaunch without a few technical glitches here and there. We believe all of the loose ends have been wrapped up and the new site is now read to take us into our next adventure - so stay tuned. ...

Its been a little while since our last blog post… but good news! We will soon be on the move again - and that means lots of new content over the next month and a half… Also, we are moving home… well not us, but this Blog. While our current home has served us incredibly well over the past few years, we thought it was time for a change. Don’t worry - there is nothing you need to do. You will still be able to find us here at modrich.com - that won’t change. Just next time you visit, things might look… well… a bit different (but hopefully for the better). ...

So to day was Fathers Day. Apparently I qualify in the “soon to be category” (lets call it almost fathers day) and was able to bask in the moment for a while.. While we didn’t do anything quite as exciting as visiting Tropical Fruit world today we did hit Bris-Vagas… Couldn’t have been a better day. The weather was perfectly warm. Roaming the south bank region of Brisy is amazing on days like this - even more so when you find a bar with Matilda Bay beer dominating the taps of the week - and pints for $8.50. ...

Today’s plans evolved organically with more of a “why not” attitude rather than specific planning. We headed down to Byron Bay early this morning - apparently we took the scenic route. Getting lost is sometime where you find the best hidden local secrets - we turned up an old sewage treatment plant that was now reclaimed land and a hangout for bird watchers… Not exactly the jackpot. Eventually we put our trust in the GPS and made it into Byron. With nothing really we wanted to do or see, we simply relaxed and walked the streets. We dropped into one of the local cafes for a caffeine hit - street buskers outside playing some great mellow surfy tunes to reinforce the towns mellow vibe. ...

It’s a cold, wet and windy Melbourne morning… 3am, and the alarm goes off. Rather than the normal roll over and press snooze reaction, I find myself rising quickly and competing with Laura to be first in line for the shower. I’m not quick enough out of the blocks though and find myself beaten. This is no normal Friday morning… This is the start of our loooong weekend together… Some would call it our “Babymoon” on the account its likely to be our last getaway together before Laura is due early next year. ...

This morning I find myself at Raleigh Airport (RDU) waiting to board a plane - a few days ahead of my original return schedule. Due to some family medical issues back home, I have decided to cut my trip short and head home early. Most of last night was spent rearranging flights. I’m now flying home via Detroit and LA back into Melbourne. It’s going to be a long haul, but with only about 4 hours sleep last night, I’m hoping to sleep well during the flights. ...

So it’s a Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina. I find myself downtown with not much to do - as most places are closed. On a cool afternoon, I now find myself at The Flying Saucer - possibly the best bar I have been to in the Northern Hemisphere (and defiantly the US!) With over 200 beers available, made up from both local brew craft and imported, where else should I be for a belated solo Australian day party? These guys know how to do beer. Every option is covered - even direct from the cask. ...