Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

Montjuic Castle, on top of Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Catalonia, is an old military fortress dating back to 1640. It makes for a great day trip out of the city, offering stunning panoramic views of Barcelona, a walk through Barcelona’s historic past, and a fun cable car ride to boot.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

While you can walk up and down Montjuic hill it’s much more fun to take the Teleferic de Montjuic cable car in at least one direction (I suggest up!). The trail that leads up and down the hill is smooth and wheelchair/stroller-friendly, but who really wants to push someone up a hill when you can have a scenic ride instead?

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

We caught the cable car straight to the top and visited Montjuic Castle (also called Castelle de Montjuic) first. I’ve learned when travelling with a small child to always go straight to the main event and then downwards in priorities as you never get to see everything you want when a small person is dictating your schedule.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

A visit to the castle takes around an hour – a bit longer if you are able to check out their exhibitions. We preferred to enjoy exploring the castle grounds. The entry level is stroller/wheelchair-friendly, but if you want to see the top level of the castle access is stairs only.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

The ground level has lots for kids to explore, with nooks and crannies and rocks to climb, all set against the spectacular view of Barcelona on one side, and the ocean on the other. There is a very small stall selling drinks, ice creams and snacks. Kids can freely run around in the wide spaces, but you will need to keep a close eye on little ones who might run too close to wall edges. We have thankfully passed this stage and had a wonderful time climbing over walls and scampering over rocks.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

The top level of the castle has four really fun turrets at each end that were excellent for playing hide and seek in as well as admiring the view and architecture from.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

After the castle visit, make your way back down the hill. The quickest way is the cable car, but we chose to walk to the next cable car stop, and discovered a children’s playground featuring two steep slides that were too dangerous for our preschooler, but no doubt would thrill older kids.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

We jumped back on the cable car for the last part of the journey, but you can also continue walking down through the gardens of Parc De Montjuic.

Barcelona: Montjuic Day Trip via christineknight.me

Montjuic Castle
General Admission: € 5, under 16 free

Teleferic de Montjuic cable car  
Adult return ticket: €11.50, single ticket: €7.80
Child return ticket (from 4 to 12 years old): €8.40, single ticket: €6.00

Visiting Montjuic with a baby? Get tips here.

 

Barcelona: A Day Trip To Montserrat

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

This breathtaking monastery perched on a mountain top is a day trip from Barcelona. An hour by train followed by a cable car (or rack railway) up the mountain, the whole experience is very accessible for families and strollers.

Trains leave every hour from Placa Espanya and go directly to the mountain, where you change to either the cable car (Aeri ticket version) or rack train mountain ride (Cremallera ticket version). When you buy your tickets from Placa Espanya, choose between the cable car and rack train – they are not changeable. You will need to get off the train a station earlier for the cable car.  The train is easy and fast – just use this guide to make sure you board the right train on the right platform.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

We chose the cable car because it looked like the most fun and it’s also a bit shorter. There is no seating on the cable car and strollers need to be folded. For larger strollers or if you will need to sit down, take the rack train instead.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

Up the top, there are mountain walks for the more adventurous. Take one of two short funicular rides to see even more spectacular mountain views (a funicular is a mountain train that goes up or down steep slopes). We took the funicular down to Santa Cova cave and chapel, an important pilgrim site where an image of the Virgin Mary is believed to have been seen (an additional €3.70 return unless you buy the combined ticket).

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

The winding path to Santa Cova runs along the cliff face. It’s not very suitable for strollers or wheelchairs so I’d advise staying up at the monastery if you rely on either of these – or if you have a child who is likely to bolt over the edge of the cliff face, as there are no barriers around the walk.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

We are thankfully past the age of bolting toddlers and managed to complete the walk without any near death experiences. The walk from the end of the funicular to the chapel is speckled with massive religious carvings that have been placed along the way, embedded into the rock face. The chapel at the end was built to blend into the rock face, and appears like a secret opening into the cliff. Please note that the chapel is considered holy and visitors are asked to be quiet.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

The other funicular options is up the mountain (an additional €10.00 return unless you buy the combined ticket), which promises magnificent mountain views of Catalonia and the Montserrat mountains.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

There’s plenty to see and do around the main area of the monastery too, such as a museum (better suited to older kids) featuring works by Caravaggio and Picasso, and the 1000 year old basilica.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

The Montserrat Boys’ Choir sings daily in the basilica at 1pm – while the choral voices are magnificent it gets very crowded and the organ is extremely loud and a bit jarring. It’s a bit much for little kids with sensitive ears.

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip via christineknight.me

When planning your visit, pack plenty of water, particular in summer. You can take your own food or dine in the reasonably-priced cafeteria with basic food on the mountain.

Montserrat was a highlight of our Barcelona trip. It’s a spectacular site to behold, and is an easy day trip out of Barcelona, even with young children.

Montserrat Day Trip:

Train fare plus cable car/rack train: Adult Return €20.20, Child Return €15.65 (children under four are free)

Trans Montserrat Ticket €29.30
This combined ticket includes return train fare from Barcelona to Montserrat and either cable car or train track mountain train ride to the monastery, 2 return journeys on 2 different funicular rides once you are at the monastery, and 2 free metro rides with this ticket (value of €2.15 each).

Want more tips on a Montserrat Day Trip? Bel Around The World managed to get in much more hiking that we did!

Bake Bar: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Randwick, Sydney

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

I’ve been going to Bake Bar weekly for about a year now and only just took my camera there for the first time to take some pictures for a blog post. It’s one of my favourite little cafes that I’m reluctant to share incase it gets even busier!

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

Bake Bar is kind of the perfect cafe to take kids to. It’s casual, with an open layout on a busy road (so you don’t need to worry about the noise your kiddos might make!), and it has a really cute little nook in the back that’s perfect for holing up with kids for a cosy coffee and snack.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

There are two places to order food inside – one to sit down and one to go. I love this and sometimes will grab something from the “to go” counter and perch at one of the stools for a bit with my daughter, maybe snack a bit, then leave with her to the playground that’s just up the road.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

Bake Bar is famous for their amazing sourdough bread. I buy a loaf every week (bonus points because they slice it for me!) as well as a berry scone with poppy seeds, a chocolate croissant for Cheese and a bagel for Alec. The bread is so incredibly good. It’s so soft and fluffy with a firm but not hard crust. There’s nothing worse than bread with a tough crust that hurts the roof of your mouth.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

If you’re thinking of dining in, here’s what we ate on our most recent visits: Avocado & Tomato (on sourdough, $9.50) plus Haloumi ($3), Gusto’s Famous Brekkie Combo fruit salad yoghurt (small $7.50), Eggs Poached (served with tomato, spinach & your choice of hollandaise or yoghurt basil pesto $11.50) and the Chunky Beef Pie $5.50.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

I love the avocado and tomato on sourdough because the bread is a star at Bake Bar, so you know it’s going to be good. My other favourite dish is the fruit salad yogurt because it’s light and filling at the same time. You can make your own combination from their muesli bar too, and add in granola or a berry coulis.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

Bake Bar does get busy particularly on weekends, but there is a fast turnover of tables so the wait is never long. If you take your kids, they have a small selection of books you can find to read to them stored underneath the water cooler.

Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me Bake Bar #Sydney via christineknight.me

Before you go, grab one of their delicious pastries for the road. The fruit tarts are excellent, as are the croissants.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Bake Bar
67 Frenchmans Rd,
Randwick NSW 2031
Phone: (02) 8021 0728
Prices: $
Hours: Daily 6am-6pm
Get Directions

Bake Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland

9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland via christineknight.me

I often see people asking in forums about the right age to take their kids to Disneyland. I honestly don’t think there is a “right” age. There are easier ages than some, but never a “right” age. Disneyland is one of those amazing places that has something for everyone from babies to oldies (as long as they’re the type that love Disney, that is!).

I’ve been to Disneyland with my toddler, and next year will go back to Disneyland with my preschooler, so I’m right in this age bracket right now. If you’re weighing up whether or not to take a Disney trip, here is my 2 cents worth on why taking your toddler or preschooler to Disneyland is the best idea ever.

9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland via christineknight.me

  1. It’s magical!
    Anyone who says otherwise is a grinch. With young kids, Disneyland is all about the magic. Their favourite characters come to life, music playing seemingly out of nowhere, castles and fireworks. See? Magical!9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland via christineknight.me
  2. Princesses abound
    Princess-haters, I don’t want to hear about it. Little girls outgrow their love of princesses very fast, so there is a small window of time that they are desperate to meet Aurora and Cinderella and co, and when they do, it’s the sweetest moment ever.
  3. You share every moment together
    Little kids are still at the age where they want to do everything with you, such as sit on your lap when you’re watching the parade, or hold your hand when you’re walking down Main Street. You really experience Disneyland together when your kids want to do everything with you.9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland via christineknight.me
  4. The kiddie rides are more fun than you’d expect
    Some of the best rides are for littlies, and you can happily ride the tea cups till you feel ill when you have a little one with you. I love riding the carousel or Dumbo the Flying Elephant with my daughter perched on my lap – I’ll be sad next time we go and she’ll want to ride them solo.
  5. Relieving your own childhood
    If you went to Disneyland as a child, or a similar amusement park, this will bring back memories of a carefree time of childhood before you were worried about if something was too daggy or uncool to be seen doing.
  6. It’s the childhood you never had
    If your childhood was spent yearning for Disneyland like mine was, it’s a chance to experience the Disney magic at all ages, starting from the very beginning.9 Reasons To Take Little Kids To Disneyland via christineknight.me
  7. They still want to be in photos with you
    As my child gets older, the less she wants to be in photos I take, particularly with us. It’s so great going somewhere as photogenic as Disneyland with a kid who is either happy to smile or doesn’t notice the camera yet so you can capture their joy.
  8. Nap time = parent time
    When I went with my two-year-old, she fell asleep in the stroller at nap time and we wheeled her around Disneyland looking at things we were interested in that she was too young for, and also had a long lunch while she napped next to the table. Winning!
  9. They rock a pair of Mickey ears like a boss
    One of the best things about tiny kids is that you can dress them in anything and they don’t care. Pick out the crazy cutest disney-inspired outfit and matching headband and there’s your family Christmas card, done!

If you’re weighing up if your kids are too young for Disneyland or not, my advice is to just go!

Have you taken your kids to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? If so, how old were they?

Christmas at the QVB 2015

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

I’m such a big kid, I just love Christmas. Not that I have a child of my own, it’s like I have permission to go all out for the season again. When we moved back to Australia last year we started a new tradition of kicking off the holiday season at the QVB. We have just returned for our 2015 visit and it was so much fun for all of us that I think if you live in Sydney, you should include the QVB in your Christmas plans.

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

The fun begins on the ground floor with the crystal part of their Swarovski Christmas tree. This magnificent tree is three stories tall, so you need to work your way up to the top floor to see the entire free in all it’s magnificence.

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

The Swarovski tree is a thing of wonder to behold for adults and kids alike. The tree has 82,000 crystals and 65,150 lights twinkling on it. Start at the bottom and slowly work your way up to the top level, where Santa’s Enchanted Garden lives.

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

I am a huge fan of the QVB Santa set up, despite it being a bit of wait to get photos done. Each year they create a different, unique display for the Santa experience. This year is the Enchanted Garden, complete with flowers, woodland creatures and fairies. It’s whimsical, adorable, and completely enchanting. The wait can get quite long, so I suggest using their SMS service that keeps your place in the queue virtually so you can browse the shops and be alerted on your phone when it’s time for your photo to be taken.

Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

While you’re waiting, kids can also write a letter to Santa and post it in Santa’s special post box.

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me
QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

On weekends the Santa experience gets extremely busy, so visit before 11am if you intend on going.

Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

Before you go, be sure to get a photo in front of the tree. The sparkling lights make for a magical photo opportunity.

QVB Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney 2015 via christineknight.me

Get more info including hours of operation and photo packages.

5th Earl Rosebery: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Sydney

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

Rosebery in Sydney’s inner east has been exploding lately with new cafes. The latest I’ve noticed is 5th Earl Rosebery, a cute little place that opened a week ago near to my favourite Black Star.

When I saw the sign encouraging cake eating, I knew we had to try it out.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

The cafe has a large indoor and outdoor area with plenty of tables and space. It has a bit of an eclectic vibe, with miss matched chairs and chalkboard menus.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

At the counter lives a delicious looking assortment of pastries, including croissants by Grumpy’s.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

We arrived during a particularly busy period and were delighted by the particularly good service. I’m pretty sure it was the owner who greeted us and cleared a table for us pronto, on the outdoor baloney area (always my fave place to sit cos the lighting is better!). The balcony is completely covered, so no chance of sunburn in high summer.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

We ordered a fresh Apple Juice ($6), kids’ Bacon And Eggs (with bread soldiers, $9), Zucchini and Corn Fritters (with asparagus, shaved Spanish ham – exchanged for avocado – roasted tomatoes, 2 poached eggs and pomegranate molasses, $17) and the Burger (with fries, price unknown).

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

The eggs were a large serving and come in a choice of fried, poached or scrambled. We don’t eat bacon, so that’s not in the picture.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

I appreciated the option to swap the ham for a vegetarian ingredient. I really enjoyed the fritters. The asparagus was a nice touch (love asparagus!), the roasted tomato was nice and juicy and the eggs perfectly poached.

5th Earl Rosebury via christineknight.me

Alec’s burger was a great size with a cute little container of fries. The apple juice was deliciously sweet. Really once of the nicest juices I’ve had in a long time.

The service was particularly noteworthy. After sitting down next to a large group, we were told that it would take 20-25 minutes for our meals and did we still want to wait. I really appreciated being told, particularly with the little one who has a short attention span.

The staff kindly put through Cheese’s dish quickly and ours followed soon after. Despite the warning of a long wait, the food all came out within 15 minutes of ordering. The staff repeatedly came and checked on us and our meals too, in case we needed anything. It’s service like this that turns curious diners into regulars.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

5th Earl Rosebery
34 Morley Ave,
Rosebery
Phone: (02) 8338 1110
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 6:30am-3:30pm
Get Directions

5th Earl Rosebery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Christmas Gift Guide for Little Jetsetters

Christmas Gife Guide for Little Jetsetters via christineknight.me

It’s that time of year again! Christmas always seems to sneak up on me, does it feel the same to you? To help you find some fun gifts for your little jetsetter, I’ve rounded up the super cute gifts below. I’ve focussed on something a bit different this year instead of just toys. Instead you’ll find ideas for something to play, explore, read, share and wear.

Christmas Gifts For Little Jetsetters

1. Play: Bratz Study Abroad Dolls
Bratz dolls have been re-imagined with this new “Study Abroad” range. The dolls explore countries around the world by adopting the culture’s traditional fashion and styles and incorporates them into their own wardrobe. Example countries include Mexico, China, Brazil and Russia. I do like this new remake of the Bratz dolls as they focus on teaching kids about other cultures and encourages that “need to travel” urge from a young age.

US: Amazon  from $10.78 (USD)
AUS: Toysrus.com.au $29.95 (AUDon sale at time of print)

Christmas Gifts For Little Jetsetters

2. Explore: Little Passports
The perfect way to encourage a love of travel in little ones as well as enjoying the excitement of a monthly package full of fun, engaging travel-themed products. Choose the adventures and subscription plan that’s right for your child – Early Explorers (ages 3-5), World Edition (ages 6-10), USA Edition (ages 7-12) – and your child’s destination-specific kit will arrive in the mail each month filled with letters, souvenirs, activities and more.

Little Passports ships globally: $15.95 USD per month plus shipping

Christmas Gifts For Little Jetsetters

3. Read: Lonely Planet Books
Little explorers will love planning their next adventure with these new Lonely Planet books designed to bring the world to life for junior jetsetters. I particularly like the Lonely Planet Kids’ special edition atlas, Adventures Around the Globe, which is full of activities and stickers (for kids three years-plus). Kids aged eight and over can journey through every country in the world via The Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book.

Adventures Around the Globe – World Atlas: AUD $16.99, USD $12.99
The Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book: AUD $29.99, USD $20
You Rule!: AUD $19.99, USD $14.99

Christmas Gifts For Little Jetsetters

4. Wear: Peter Alexander PJs
I love Peter Alexander PJs because they’re so soft and comfortable, plus their wash and wear extremely well. Their new Paris range is perfect for little travellers to fill their heads with big dreams about their next adventures.

Peter Alexander Paris Collection: AUD $59.95

Christmas Gifts For Little Jetsetters

5. Share: Card games
Spot It! Is a popular travel card game that now has a Spot It Jr! line especially for ages 4 to 7 – this animals one is particularly cute. Spot it! is a travel-friendly matching game can be played five different ways. Each card is decorated with 6 different animals of varying sizes. Here’s the amazing part: there is one, and only one, matching animal between any 2 cards.

Spot It Jr! US: Amazon $8.87, Aus: Myshopping.com.au $19.95.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links have been added in this blog post. Thank you for supporting me and the site!

30 sweet moments only parents have

30 sweet moments only parents understand via christineknight.me

Ahhh parenting, it’s one of those amazing experiences where the highs are euphoric and the lows make you want to cry in a corner and hope it was all a bad dream. Let’s take a few moments today to celebrate all the victorious moments that can only be appreciated if you’re parent to a small human or two.

  1. When the furby’s batteries run out.
  2. When the kids are finally asleep …
  3. And there’s wine in the fridge.
  4. When the babysitter puts the kids to bed instead of you.
  5. When you have a night with friends and it’s like the kids don’t exist (except for when you pull out your phone and scroll through the pics of them looking insanely cute that day).
  6. When you have an hour to watch TV and there’s a new episode of Nashville on Hulu.
  7. When you’re out the door early!
  8. When you arrive anywhere on time and not disheveled.
  9. When you go out minus the kids and your handbag is miniscule.
  10. When you’re having a night with the ladies and can wear white pants.
  11. When you land a morning spot for your kid in nursery school.
  12. When you push the stroller to a train station and find there’s an elevator.
  13. When the kid eats their entire meal without a “That’s yucky!”
  14. When you pick up your kid from school and their lunchbox is empty.
  15. When it’s Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and the kid brings home handprint artworks from school.
  16. When you wake up the next morning and everyone is in the same bed they started the night in.
  17. When you wake up and it’s 8am, not 2am, or 4am or 6am, but 8am!
  18. Every time you drink coffee or strong black tea and the instant rush that results.
  19. When you get a pedicure and no one screams at you for an entire hour, plus you can look at your phone guilt-free the entire time.
  20. The rare times when you get something right and your kid beams at you instead of scowling. Bought the right sugar-free-but-still-tasty breakfast cereal today, yay!
  21. When your kid says “Thank you” and “Your welcome” in public and you feel like your job is done.
  22. The one night when your kid says they’ll put themselves to bed and you can go eat your dinner.
  23. When you take your kid to see a show and they stay in their seat the entire time.
  24. When you get off a long haul flight and the people in front turn around to say they didn’t even know there was a kid sitting there.
  25. When your kid’s teacher says they’ve had a great day and you feel like everything’s going to be A-okay.
  26. When your kid stands up for another at the playground, and you think your heart is going to burst with pride.
  27. When you can say without a doubt that you’re done with toilet training for good.
  28. When you celebrate your birthday doing something you want to do, like getting that pedicure.
  29. When your kid says they love you and you melt into a puddle.
  30. When your kid outs your favourite beverage and you laugh your ass off because your kid is so awesome you just can’t stand it. “I like milk, Daddy drinks coffee and Mommy likes wine!”

This article first appeared on MommyNearest.

World Toilet Day

I don’t know about you, but I take the great sanitary conditions we have in Australia for granted. When I was at school I never had to miss a day because I had my period or had come down with a disease caused by unsanitary toilets – can you imagine?

Right now, in the developing world, there are 950 million people with no access to sanitation facilities. 443 million school days are missed every year by children because of sickness caused by unsanitary toilets. That’s the same as every school in Australia being empty for six months.

World Toilet Day is on Thursday 19th November and to mark that day Domestos aims to raise awareness of the importance of clean and safe toilets that change lives. In polite society we don’t like to talk about toilets much, but it’s time to speak up about this somewhat unsavoury topic to help make changes that will improve the lives of millions.

Research has shown that access to a safe toilet can…

  • Help prevent dangerous diseases such as diarrhoea, which kills a child every 2 minutes¹.    
  • Protect women and girls from the risk of shame, harassment and even attack because they have nowhere safe to go to the toilet.
  • Help children grow up healthy, prevent growth stunting and help them stay in school.

As part of the campaign, Domestos is on a mission to help provide 25 million people with improved access to a toilet by 2020.

How can you help on World Toilet Day?

  • Every specially marked bottle of Domestos sold contributes directly to UNICEF’s global sanitation programmes. Buy a bottle, help change a life today.
  • You can share this World Toilet Day video to spread the word about the importance of toilets for children’s health, safety and education.

 

 Read about out how Domestos are working to keep kids in the classroom.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

With our help, people in developing nations will benefit from:

Better education
Access to a safe, clean loo keeps children healthier so that fewer school days are missed as a result of illnesses due to poor sanitation.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

Better health
Access to safe, clean, toilets can help make a whole community, especially its children healthy.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

Better safety
Access to a safe, secure toilet means people, especially women, become confident and secure in the knowledge they are avoiding the risk of harassment, rape or animal attacks when they go to the toilet in the open.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

More time
Access to a safe, secure loo means people won’t have to spend hours walking to find a safe and private place to go to the toilet.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

More confidence
When girls get access to safe, clean, toilets it gives them confidence at school and  opportunities for better access to education. Many girls without access to a toilet risk embarrassment, harassment and even attack when they have nowhere safe to go to the toilet, not to mention missing days off school when they are having their period due to lack of sanitation facilities.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

Community pride
Having a safe, healthy village where everyone has access to toilets instils a sense of pride in the community.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

Improved hygiene
Safe, clean toilets in a community mean human waste doesn’t contaminate the environment, the home, and the food or water sources. As well as educating people on the importance of clean, safe toilets, they also learn about hygienic habits such as hand washing, which is also crucial for combating diseases like diarrhea.

World Toilet Day via christineknight.me

Increased happiness
All of this contributes to happier, healthier and safer communities. This is all achieved because of access to a clean, safe, loo.

 

Thanks to the global partnership between Unilever and UNICEF, 1,320,000 people have been reached with behaviour change programmes, helping to ensure improved health, safety, and dignity. 69,000 school children have benefited from sanitation and hygiene education programmes in 260 schools.

 

Access to a safe toilet allows children to have a brighter future. Celebrate how life is improved with a loo on the 15th annual World Toilet Day, 19th November.

Photography Credit: Shravan Vidyarthi

(*Figures are based on actual reported beneficiaries reached to-date in conjunction with funds dispersed in 2012 -2014)

This post is brought to you by Domestos.

 

Moo Gourmet Burgers, Bondi Beach: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Bondi, Sydney

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

I love a good burger! Being vegetarian makes it hard to find good burgers, so I was very excited when walking past Moo Gourmet Burgers in Bondi to see their menu out front listed three different types of vegetarian burgers.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

Moo Gourmet Burgers is a small chain of burger stores focusing on producing great burgers, amazing shakes, and addictive chips. Moo Gourmet Burgers only uses ethically farmed, free range, free to roam, sustainable products free from hormone growth promotants and antibiotic treatments. Their menu includes 20 different gourmet burgers.

All beef burgers are made with 100% Australian Grasslands Premium Beef. As well as the 3 vegetarian options there is a selection of premium burgers including the double Wagyu beef “Deluxe Moo®”, Duck & Bacon, Greek Lamb, and Grilled Salmon.

Kids under 12 can choose from the “Little Cow®” menu which includes a choice of 3 menu options (including a vegetarian burger), a drink, and a dessert.

Multigrain and gluten free buns are on offer.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

You know a restaurant is kid-friendly when you sit down and a box of crayons and drawing paper appears immediately on your table. The walls are covered with the drawings of Moo’s kiddie customers too – another good sign.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

We ordered the kids’ Mini Falafel Burger with Hummus and a chocolate milkshake, $10.95, a Vanilla Malt Milkshake, $6, the Grilled Haloumi vegetarian burger, $14.50, Kangaroo Burger, $16.50 and a side of Sweet Potato Chips, $5.50. All in all, a bit expensive for burgers, but I guess you’re paying for the view, too.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

The kids’ milkshake came in the cutest cup – a miniature version of the adult one. Both shakes were classic, old school Aussie shakes.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

The Bondi branch of Moo Gourmet Burgers overlooks Bondi Beach.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

The kids’ burger came with a small side of chips and a little side salad. It was the perfect size for little kids – and still way too much food for my little Cheese to be able to finish.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

My haloumi burger was delicious: pureed avocado, haloumi, tomato, rocket and cucumber on a fluffy fresh bun. Hubbie’s kangaroo burger was “great”. He loves word economy.

Moo Burgers Bondi via christineknight.me

We thoroughly enjoyed our burgers at Moo Gourmet. A great easy dining option with plenty for everyone to eat and a laidback atmosphere perfect for families.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Minimal.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Moo Gourmet Burgers
70A Campbell Parade,
Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9300 8898
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm
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