✦ ‘ Never too early, never too late’ It might sound like the most obvious of statements but every problem needs a solution. Some problems are relatively easy to understand and action a solution to, while others can pose far bigger challenges and even remain unsolved. Dementia falls into the latter category and is why Dementia Action Week and World Alzheimer’s Month , which both take place every September, are such important occasions, highlighting ongoing efforts to gain a clearer understanding of the disease and a potential cure for it. Dementia Action Week The theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week, which takes place September 18-24, is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’. The objectives of the campaign are to generate a greater understanding of dementia which can lead to less stigma and discrimination and ultimately fear, while providing support and highlighting the tireless work done by carers within the community. The Port Macquarie electorate has nearly 2,500 people living with Dementia, which is the 2nd highest prevalence rate in state electorates of Australia. (source: Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community ) Useful tips to improve communication with those suffering from dementia Before speaking, make sure you have their attention first. Try to be face to face with good eye contact where possible and stay still while you are talking. Avoid background noise where possible, and reduce visual distractions (eg turn off the TV or radio) Give us TIME to speak. Try not to finish our sentences. Just listen, and don’t let us feel embarrassed if we lose the thread of what we say. Resist the urge to finish our sentences. Speak to us as an adult, don’t talk down to us. Please use clear and familiar words, in a relaxed tone of voice and with positive body language. Focus on one idea at a time Speak positively, avoid arguments and confrontations. Try to give suggestions and not commands. Try not to ask direct questions that rely on memory. If you need to ask a few questions, make them clear and concise. Take the time to wait for the answer. It can be helpful to use orienting names whenever you can, such as “Your son James” When all else fails – you can SMILE! World Alzheimer’s Month World Alzheimer’s Month runs for the entire month of September. Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia classified by German doctor Emil Kraepelin in 1910, is a neurodegenerative disease that commonly starts slowly before worsening at a progressive pace and is one of the conditions most broadly associated with dementia. The most typical early symptom associated with Alzheimer’s is gradual memory loss, including a difficulty to remember even very recent events, people’s names, family members, places, etc. It can be heartbreaking to watch someone close to you suffer as they seemingly slowly drift away into an arena of complete uncertainty. As the condition develops, sufferers will usually encounter problems with communicating (especially with language), a sense of disorientation, shifting mood swings and a general notion of withdrawal from everyday life. The most typical early symptom associated with Alzheimer’s is gradual memory loss Despite being classified by Dr Kraepelin more than 100 years ago, the medical world has largely struggled to understand the cause of the disease and therefore, ultimately, to find a cure for it. Genetic risk factors are believed to be the most common cause, including high blood pressure, previous trauma to the head and diagnosis of severe depression. The disease has traditionally been associated as an age related one, with most sufferers typically being over the age of 65, although there have been many cases where it has affected people much younger; most recently a 19-year-old man was diagnosed with the condition in China, the youngest ever on record. At least 55 million people are believed to be suffering from Alzheimer’s or similar dementia conditions worldwide, according to United Nations figures. A study by Alzheimer’s Disease Research states these figures will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050, if breakthroughs are not discovered. Genetic risk factors are believed to be the most common cause Preventive Measures A healthy diet, regular physical exercise and frequent social engagements are acknowledged ways of reducing cognitive decline, while a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease by Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine professor C. Kathleen Dorey and a team of researchers stated that five key nutrients are often lacking in Alzheimer’s patients and therefore urge people to increase their intake (the five are lycopene, retinol, lutein, Zeaxanthin and Vitamin E). However, despite these seemingly preventative measures, currently there is no known official cure for the disease. Naturally, big pharma is in a race to find a cure, or at least a way to slow or control the disease to an extent. Most recently, Bloomberg reported the pharmaceutical company Tiziana Life Sciences’s drug for Alzheimer's was approved by the FDA for a Phase 2 trial, while Quest Diagnostics recently released home blood test kits to help detect the disease early, something Scottish Brain Sciences is also exploring in collaboration with pharma giants Roche Diagnostics. Every other leading pharmaceutical company is working around the clock striving to find a cure, with many other lesser known organisations doing likewise. However, the fact that no absolute cure has yet been discovered arguably makes the situation even more daunting and, ultimately, scary. Naturally, big pharma is in a race to find a cure It is why World Alzheimer’s Month takes on such importance as an occasion to raise awareness of a condition that is almost certain to impact us or someone we know directly. Organised and run by Alzheimer’s Disease International , the objective is not only to raise awareness globally but to challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. The event has been running since 2012, with September 21 specially designated as World Alzheimer’s Day. World Alzheimer’s Month takes on such importance as an occasion to raise awareness This year’s theme is “Never too early, never too late” which centres around risk factors and risk reduction by campaigning “to underscore the pivotal role of identifying risk factors and adopting proactive risk reduction measures to delay, and potentially even prevent, the onset of dementia,” according to Alzheimer’s Disease International . It is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and charities to take positive action to raise awareness and support all those impacted by the disease, including patients, carers, families and the medical industry. There are a whole range of ways you can get involved and support the campaign, including making a donation, fundraising, organising or participating in a memory walk, wearing a purple ribbon throughout the month (the official colour of Alzheimer’s Awareness), volunteering, honouring a caregiver and leaving a gift in your will. There are also a number of virtual activities. You can find out more here . More information on Dementia Action Week can be found here . Contact Alzheimer's Disease International a/ 15 Blue Lion Place, London SE1 4PU p/ +44 20 79810880 Website: https://www.alzint.org/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ To celebrate TORTUGA Festival returning to Port Macquarie's Westport Park on 22nd September 2023, we had an exclusive chat with some of the stars. We asked some of the Untamed Cabaret and Best of Kids Cabaret performers what super skills they possess and which super hero they would be if they could and why? Lilikoi Kaos - aka "The Hawaiian Hurricane" Lilikoi Kaos hailed as the Hawaiian Hurricane has hypnotised audiences from London to New York, Buenos Aires to… Port Macquarie with her heart-breaking hip-shaking hula-hooping and unparalleled comic timing. Super skills: hula hoops, side-show stunts, whips... "I would probably be Storm because she has a really specific skill set, that looks cool but isn’t super helpful in most situations… But gosh, she looks magnificent, fierce, intimidating and often scarily possessed,” Lilikoi told us. Imaan Hadchiti Imaan Hadchiti appeared on our cover page July 2022 edition . Imaan Hadchiti, the Worlds Shortest Comedian on Brilliant July 2022 cover Super Skills: making people laugh. And think. And laugh some more... Fun fact: Imaan starred in Thor: Love and Thunder alongside Chris Hemsworth. Standing at just 3 feet 4 inches, Imaan holds the Guinness World Record for “The World’s Shortest Comedian”. “I would probably be Batman.. for the anonymity of it. And the cars and I'd finally be able to afford to buy a property,” Imaan told us. Jacqueline Furey - aka "The Human Heatwave" Jacqueline Furey is a purveyor of the beautiful and bizarre straddling the worlds of sideshow, circus and burlesque in rhinestoned stilettos. Furey made her name as a trained dancer turned stripteaser, soon adding a myriad of risqué skills to her performance repertoire. As a fan dancer, fire eater, sword swallower, knife target girl, hair hanger and then some, she has graced stages from gilded theatres to grand circus tents the world over. Super Skills: sword swallowing, burlesque, fire eating... “If I were a superhero, I would be Dr Manhattan. The colour blue really suits me. I love being nude all the time and living life as an eternal, unknowable and all powerful being is how I conduct myself normally anyway,” Jacqueline told us. Danik Abishev Born into a Russian circus family, Danik Abishev started performing at age four. He toured with Soviet Union state circuses and in China he earned the title of Honoured Artist of Russia. After relocating to Brisbane, he continued his global performance career. Working with Tom Tom Crew in the Middle East and South America, he later wowed Australia on Australia's Got Talent. Super Skills: handstands, planches, superhuman strength. As seen on Australia’s Got Talent. Has also received the title of Honoured Artist of Russia. “If I was approached with this question 30 years ago I’d choose different, but I’m 38 now, and after all the walk-ins, hijackings and implants I have no choice but to go with Venom,” Danik told us. LIMBO Handbalancer Danik Abishev gives us a closer look at some of the amazing moves he does at shows. We can’t wait to see these incredible performers at the Tortuga Festival! Untamed Cabaret runs 23rd September- 8th October, tickets start at $50. Best of Kids Cabaret runs from 1st- 8th October, $100 for a family pass. Contact Full Festival Program here Flying Trapeze Workshops information here Visit http://www.tortugafestival.com.au/shows for tickets and information. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Ed Godschalk and Greg Linsdell are peddling hard on a charity bike ride from Sydney to Port Macquarie via the scenic Blue Mountains. Yes, all 820km of it! From 7th to 15th October, Ed Godschalk and Greg Linsdell will be on their bikes cycling through back trails from Sydney to Port Macquarie, covering a whopping 820km. That's over 10,000 metres of climbing, which is more than Mt Everest itself! The 9-day bike ride will take them through the Blue Mountains . Ed and Greg are doing this as a fundraiser to raise awareness of Dyslexi a. On Saturday 7th October, Ed and Greg will leave Sydney Opera House and start their route inland to Port Macquarie. Supporters can get ready to cheer them on at the finish line at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie on Sunday 15th October. Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties. As many as 3 children in every classroom in NSW will experience learning difficulties. - Source: Dyslexia Mid North Coast Why is Ed doing this? Ed has been working in the NSW Department of Education supporting student wellbeing. He has seen for himself the struggles and frustration of students who face the challenges that come with dyslexia. With awareness, knowledge and specialised support, students can progress through this condition. Everyone deserves the right to read and this is what gives Ed the motivation to take on such a challenge. With a love for sports and the outdoors, Ed is always ready to get his limits challenged. Ed has previously supported other charity challenges such as Tour de Rocks and MS Gong Rides to raise funds for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and multiple sclerosis funding as a top 100 fundraiser. Every charity challenge is Ed's way of giving back to the community, so be there to support Ed when he finishes the last leg of his bike ride! And what about Greg? Greg is no stranger to such arduous challenges either, so these two peas in a pod are eager with their bikes well-oiled and ready to go. Having climbed the highest mountain on every continent (7 Summits) and paddled across the Bass Strait in a kayak, you'd think this bike ride must be a piece of cake for him. Greg however, knows better. You never underestimate a challenge when it comes to Mother Nature. Beyond the physical, there are other elements and forces of nature that could surprise them. As a university lecturer, Greg has also seen what the impact of a lack of awareness and support for dyslexia can do. There are lots of misconceptions about dyslexia that need to be clarified. What he and Ed are doing is to hopefully shine a light on the reality of dyslexia, contribute to more research, effective interventions and better resources for anyone who is struggling with dyslexia. Both are proud to support Dyslexia Mid North Coast during Dyslexia Awareness Month which runs from 1st to 31st October. This year's theme is 'Stronger Together'. Ed and Greg are Stronger Together for pairing up to take on this charity challenge. Be there to support them when they return, and if you are interested to understand more about dyslexia, check out SPELD NSW . About Dyslexia Mid North Coast Dyslexia Mid North Coast is a community of parents and professionals who promote literacy for all children and campaign to raise awareness of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties on the Mid North Coast. Our focus is to share evidence-based information to promote a better understanding of dyslexia and how parents and teachers can better support students with specific learning difficulties. Because every child has the right to learn to read. Contacts Ride4Dyslexia https://ride4dyslexia.raisely.com/ Dyslexia Mid North Coast https://dyslexiamnc.org.au/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Our Brilliant-Online content writer Yann Tyng took a few days off to experience staying in a monastery and she didn't want to leave! There are many ways to travel, and staying in a monastery is clearly one of the less travelled roads. It may not be on everyone's bucket list of things to do, but the fact that it is such an unusual way to spend time off it may well be seen as an alternative sort of 'adventure'. Few would say they dislike travelling or experiencing new places, but the truth is, planning a trip does take a lot of brain cells. You need to research where to go, where to stay, what to see, where to eat, what time to do different things and when FOMO starts raging in one's head, we just want to squeeze in as many activities as we can. With soaring prices of hotels, transport and holiday destinations, having a decent holiday without breaking the bank has become quite a challenge. Sure, we all want to party in Ibiza or walk down the streets of New York, but when money is tight and the demands of modern life leave us feeling suffocated, a desire for such holidays only serve to frustrate us. Yanntyng, our Content Writer, lives in Spain and last summer she decided to consult Saint Google about where to go for a short break that was affordable, generated minimal stress and where one could really rest. She got directed to the guesthouse of the Monasterio de Santa Maria de la Caridad , also known as Monasterio de Tulebras (Monastery of Tulebras) in the north of Spain in the Navarra province. Last summer she was there for 10 days and didn't want to leave. This summer she went back and found her peace again. She did not need Hamlet to tell her to 'Get thee to a nunnery!' Monasterio de Tulebras This is a monastery in the town of Tulebras in Navarra, Spain. The nuns belong to the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (or Trappists). It's a Roman Catholic contemplative religious order. They are part of the larger Cistercian family, with origins tracing back to 1098. They follow the Rule of St Benedict, and are a part of the Benedictine family. This particular monastery was founded in the 12th century in 1147 and was the first female Cistercian order in Spain. Is it strict? View of the church from my room Staying in the monastery's guesthouse for a few days does not mean you have to be Catholic, and it does not mean living a nun's life, and it does not mean having to be silent, have your phones confiscated, or be chided for nodding off during meditation and prayer. I was hesitant when I contacted the monastery. I explained I’m not Catholic, and was simply looking for a quiet refuge to help me work out a few kinks in my head and get some balm for my mental health. And I was very warmly welcomed. So to answer the question, the only strict thing about the monastery is the meal times! Breakfast is served at 9am, lunch at 2pm and dinner at 8pm. The nuns have a busy and tight schedule, so it helps if the guests are on time and keep the clockwork going. I personally absolutely enjoyed the meal time routine. The fact that I did not have to plan what to eat (healthily), or go to the supermarket to get the ingredients, spend time cooking and cleaning up and simply show up at the table was a luxury. The food they serve is simple traditional Spanish fare made with a lot of love and just so homey it makes you feel so good. Mealtimes there are certainly the highlight of my day. For someone who cannot cook to save her life, having delicious home cooked food is a royal treat. Before every meal, everyone joins in a little song (in Spanish) to say grace and give thanks for the food. Nobody is obliged to do so if you're not comfortable. I did manage to learn it, and am genuinely grateful to whoever the cook is for whipping up such a variety of delicious meals every day! After the meals, everyone automatically returns their own plates and cutlery to the kitchen, wipes down the tables and sets up the things for the next meal. I learnt by watching what the other guests did, and when they leave and new guests come, they learn from those who are present and so it passes on. Of course, smoking is forbidden in the rooms, and people who have chosen to come here to stay are seeking peace and quiet, so needless to say, loud music and parties are simply not on anyone’s mind. Keeping up with the times People may think that just because these nuns live within the monastery they probably are cut off from the outside world. Not at all. They are well aware of what’s happening around the world and having been a fortunate recipient of the monastery’s hospitality, I am grateful and impressed they have the confidence and wisdom to keep up with the times and make sure their hospitality can be found and made known to people. Not all businesses are aware of the necessity of having a functioning website to draw visitors. It was thanks to their easy to navigate and clear website that I not only found them but wanted to surf through it and find out more. And when I got to the section about their guesthouses, the photograph of a friendly nun that was so welcoming really made me drop my fear and hesitation and simply write to them to book a place. Spirituality does little good if it is not made known to the world, and the monastery understands fully that they have to flow with the times and not fear technology. (The monastery even has a Facebook page where they post daily readings or prayers and it allows the community to be connected to the monastery even if they don't live in that town). The monastery is well aware of how far they are willing to go with technology. They have decided they need only enough for people to be aware they exist, but they do not need to go overboard with technology. At the end of the day, technology is a useful servant to help groups of people who share a common interest to be connected. It allows stories to be shared, and even ASX companies are riding on technology for their stories to be heard by investors. Ora et Labora 'Ora et Labora' is Latin for 'prayer and work' and it is motto of St Benedict. Beyond the prayers, the nuns also keep busy with tasks such as making artesenal products. Every monastery is different and have their own unique products based on the region. Here, the monastery makes their own honey . The nun who manages part of the technology side of things is also the same person who looks after the bees. So you see, they lead very busy lives even if we can't see what they do! Humility and being teachable One thing that I was curious about was how a group of people could live together in harmony, in a closed area for the rest of their lives. There are a few nuns who have contact with the guests in the guesthouse, but the rest are in the monastery. They do leave the premises for medical appointments, have family visits and other necessities, but otherwise they are there 365 days a year. I spoke to one of the nuns and she told me that yes, of course, living together with anyone is a challenge, be it outside in the 'real world' or within the walls of the monastery. The thing is to remember that we all have our quirks and personalities, and we are not always right and do not have to be right. It's a lesson in humility to also consider the other person's point of view, and to be able to learn from the other. The nuns have their readings to do every day, so they are constantly learning and nurturing their minds. They read the Rules of St Benedict and apply his teachings to their lives. What binds the nuns together is their shared single-minded devotion to God and with this primary purpose to keep them on track, everything else is then put in proper perspective. They are also practising the notoriously difficult art of letting go and trusting in whatever life or God brings them. I confess to being guilty of having toddler tantrums in my head when things don't go my way. Perhaps I can start with the small things such as the next time the train is late, I can tell myself to let it go instead of whinging about it! Just keep walking Just outside the monastery is a Tarazonica Greenway which used to be a railroad track. The tracks have been removed and now it has been converted into a walking and cycling trail. It connects a few of the nearby villages, so you can take a nice, long walk from where the monastery is to the next village. On either side of the trail you can see fields of different crops such as grapes, corn, sunflowers, olive etc. I went for a walk twice every day, once in the morning, and then later in the afternoon or evening. As it’s such a long trail, you don’t see many people. You may meet a cyclist or two sometimes, or people could be out walking like myself. It’s very, very quiet and somehow the vastness of the fields, skies and mountains in the background is a powerful reminder of how small and insignificant I am. This is a delicious feeling of freedom, of right-sizing my ‘problems’. Making these walks a routine part of my stay is important to helping clean out my headspace. Read our Brilliant article about why it’s so important to simply get out and move. Who comes here? The guests who come to the monastery to stay are from all over Spain, locals as well as foreigners, sometimes they have visiting nuns and monks from South America as well. Each person comes with their own agenda, and they are free to do what they wish. Some choose to be in silence and not speak. Others come to simply rest. Many return to the same monastery year after year. What was really interesting for me was to meet people who used to come here to prepare for important exams. When I was there this year, there was a young law student who came to have peace and quiet to study in preparation for her exams. It’s also typical to have people come here to study for the notoriously difficult Spanish civil service exams called Oposiciones, or for those struggling to write their thesis. It’s a perfect set up for these students as they have their own room, silence, meals all prepared, and they can fully concentrate. I met an array of interesting guests during my stay and they have all been friendly and welcoming. Nobody had an issue with me not being Catholic and I had some amazing conversations with guests there. Perhaps it’s the spirituality of the place, perhaps it’s because people who go there are in search of something deeper or beyond and that opens up a space for very authentic conversations even with complete strangers. The beauty of stability I was told the nuns here follow four vows - that of poverty, chastity, obedience and stability. Through the eyes of the world outside, it may seem like a poor life of not having the possessions so many of us angst over, but perhaps in their devotion to a single purpose, in their clarity of their chosen vocation, the stability of their dedication to a life of contemplation they are much, much richer than others. Even being here for just a few days, I notice how having routine and stability helps time to pass, helps to give order and discipline to the day. They pray seven times a day, with the earliest being at 5am and the last at 8:45pm. You know what time it is when the bells ring, you know when it’s time to be at the dining room. Perhaps even as adults we’re not that different from toddlers who need routine to feel safe and grounded. Guests are free to attend their service if they wish. On my first trip there I even tried attending service at 5am! It was quite a challenge to be up then, but it's an experience worth having. It's incredibly quiet at that hour, and knowing most of the planet is still asleep, hearing the singing voices of the nuns... there is some magic in that special hour. If it's difficult to 'hear' what the universe is saying to us in our busy day-to-day, perhaps in the quiet of that magical hour one can tune in better to the frequency that's beyond the human realm. The beauty of simplicity This is one ‘holiday’ where I do not need to plan anything beyond getting train tickets to get to the town of Tulebras. I came with just a small suitcase and as I came in summer, I could wash my clothes and have them dry the very next day. The rooms here are very clean, simple and comfortable. Towels are provided as well. For these few days, the simplicity of not needing anything else feels like a luxury. Simple clothes, simple activities, simple food. There is Internet connection here so I was able to check in on bits of work. There is plenty of time for solitude, and there is also a refreshing park nearby with trees and shade and a little brook if I wanted to be outdoors but also respite from the heat. There is a lake within walking distance, and those who come by car are free to explore sights around the area. As I don’t drive, I was content to simply stay where I was and explore whatever was available on foot. There wasn’t a need to plan anything or tick off items on a checklist just to prove I was there. Coming home I do hope I can return to this monastery next summer. There is a reason why people keep returning to this monastery for their personal retreats. It does feel like ‘home’, the nuns recognise me and they give the most loving hugs. This may not be an Instagram-worthy holiday, but that’s not what I need at this phase in my life. The journey inward is what I and many others are seeking. Why not journey back into yourself, tune in to your inner voice in a space where everything slows down. As it says on the monastery's website, “Aquí tienes tu casa y no es solo una forma de hablar.” (Here is your home, and it’s not just a figure of speech.) Having been here last summer, it meant that when I returned this year, all the prioress had to do was escape from her chores for a few brief seconds to say hello, give me a hug, hand me the key to my room and say, “You know your way around! I’ll see you later at lunch!” which felt warm and welcoming. Selfishly speaking, I do hope places of refuge like this monastery can keep going for years to come. At the moment this monastery has 16 nuns, and with modern life steamrolling through the years, there aren't many young people who have found the vocation to follow on this journey. Why not listen to a snippet from the nuns at Monasterio de Tulebras singing Salve Regina , and invite in a few moments of peace as you wind down for the day? If you are looking to try out a different sort of rest, there is a Cistercian monastery in Tarrawarra, Australia. Those who are curious about the inner lives of these nuns and monks, check out these documentaries. In the monastery of Sion, in the Netherlands, Cistercian monks have lived for centuries. The building has space for 120 monks, but in 2013 only eight are left. Such a large building makes them think of a change: they need to move, start over somewhere else, and hopefully attract new men to join their community. Thus was born the idea of returning to the island in the north of the Netherlands that bears the name: Schiermonnikoog, which means Island of the Grey Monks. But change is not easy. (Source: boscohome.org ) Libres (meaning 'free' in Spanish) is a journey into the inner lives of those people who have given themselves completely to a cloistered life of prayer. Libres was filmed in 12 monasteries from various Spanish provinces, e.g. Las Batuecas in Salamanca, San Pedro de Cardeña in Burgos and Leyre in Navarra. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order of the Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps for permission to make a documentary about them. Sixteen years later, they agreed. The director alone lived in the monks' quarters for six months - filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This documentary has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage, yet it is mesmerising in how it draws the audience into the hushed quietness of monastic life. Read our other Brilliant stories on Spain Sustainability is a Reality in Spain Brilliant Discovery of Spanish Cities Giants, carnations and dancing at Madrid's San Isidro Festival! Contacts Monasterio de Tulebras a/ Calle de San Bernardo, 31522 Tulebras, Navarra, Spain p/+34 948 85 14 75 https://www.monasteriodetulebras.com/ info@monasteriodetulebras.com (for general enquiries) pedidos@monasteriodetulebras.com (for orders of their artesanal products) Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was a knock-out success, producing superheroes aplenty and charting the way forward for the beautiful game to develop and prosper. It’s been said many times before that not all superheroes wear masks or capes and that was certainly the case at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The month-long football extravaganza was an overwhelming success that found a new audience and united a nation like never before and, for that reason alone, everyone associated with the occasion emerges as a superhero! The manner in which the tournament was organised and broadcast to the world was a testimony to the warm embrace of both nations and the wonderful cities and their people that hosted the month-long festival. People who never really had any interest in the world game suddenly found themselves caught up in the hype and fever, especially in Australia as the mighty Matildas team excelled to reach the semi-final stage. That game alone against the Lionesses of England on August 16 was the most watched TV event in Australian history, with a staggering 11.5 million people tuned in at some point, almost half of the population of some 25 million, and an average audience of 7.13 million. “The Matildas have rewritten the history books,” said free-to-air host broadcaster Channel Seven’s head of network sport Lewis Martin. “Australia was captivated last night as the Matildas played their hearts out and did us all proud.” The Matildas performed heroically at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil. Photo Credit : Arck Photography Andy Cheung Close to two million tickets were sold throughout the tournament, a record, and almost 500,000 more than initial targets. Packed stadiums were treated to some incredibly entertaining games and wonderful displays by teams from all over the world, with shocks aplenty, triumphant underdog stories and a clear validation that the women’s game is not only here to stay but to grow immeasurably. Role models in Women's Football So many teams and individuals emerged as superheroes and the impact on young girls the world over cannot be emphasised enough as a new breed of role models emerged brightly and confidently into the public consciousness. Sam Kerr, Cortnee Vine, Mary Earps, Yui Hasegawa, Lauren James, Olga Carmona, Aitana Bonmatí, Salma Paralluelo, Linda Caicedo and many, many others are now the names on millions of youngsters’ lips across the globe, whose heroics on the pitch will now be copied in parklands, fields and beaches from Tokyo to Cameroon, from Rio De Janeiro to Paris, and beyond. Time for the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and many other luminaries in the men’s game to step aside as the girls now have heroes of their own! Olga Carmona scores the winning goal for Spain in the final against England. Photo Credit : Arck Photography Andy Cheung Of course, the eventual winners Spain emerge with the most credit as overall champions, playing a brand of football that was enterprising and easy on the eye. Their captain Carmona scored the winner in a tense final against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20. However, her elation soon turned sour as she learned after the final whistle that her father had passed away, creating a maelstrom of emotions in the skipper. The day after the final Carmona dedicated her World Cup triumph to her father. “I have no words to thank you for all your love,” she tweeted. “Yesterday was the best and the worst day of my life. I know that you would like to see me enjoy this historic moment - that is why I will be with my companions - so that from wherever you are, you know that this star is also yours, dad.” For not only her exploits on the pitch in leading her country to their first world title, Carmona demonstrated such poignant elegance and respect of it during tragic times that she inequivocably emerges as a true superhero. Spain celebrates becoming World Champions. Photo Credit : Arck Photography Andy Cheung It was Carmona’s teammate Aitana Bonmatí who emerged as the main superhero on the pitch and who was bestowed the Golden Ball Award for best player of the tournament. The Barcelona star, already a Ballon d’Or winner, dictated play through the midfield and demonstrated an understanding and execution of the game not too dissimilar to former celebrated male compatriots Andres Iniesta and Xavi. England’s players also emerged with great credit, demonstrating throughout the tournament exactly why they are current European champions with a series of smart and resolute displays. Lauren James possesses undoubted quality and was on course to be recognised as the star player of the tournament before a petulant stamp on an opponent in the match against Colombia saw her red-carded and subsequently miss two games as the team progressed, with manager Sarina Wiegman reluctant to change a winning side meaning James did not start the final against Spain. Still, she will learn and undoubtedly improve, in talent and behaviour, and is unquestionably a role model for so many young fans in her homeland. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Mary Earps emerged with great credit for an outstanding tournament overall, even though her penalty save in the final game ultimately proved futile. She was awarded the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper and for most clean sheets throughout the tournament. England goalkeeper Mary Earps was awarded the Golden Glove award. Photo credit: Andy Cheung Arck Photography Everyone loves an underdog! However, it could be argued that the most profound impact of the tournament was felt in the co-host country Australia. Football has always struggled to gain national recognition, kind of like the poor cousin to bigger, traditionally established sports such as AFL, NRL, rugby and cricket. Even netball, swimming, hockey and volleyball were considered more prominent by many. However, the performances of the Matildas has elevated the beautiful game to an altogether different level, engaging an audience that was admittedly previously reluctant, even suspect, to indulge. Everyone loves an underdog and Australia is no different. The fact the Matildas weren’t given too much of a hope of impressing prior to the tournament yet ultimately finished fourth – the best ever finish by an Australian male or female team in world football – captivated millions who found themselves jumping on the bandwagon and enjoying the ride to the semi-final. As CNN reported, “the ability of relative outsiders to make it that far has elevated Australia’s Matildas to hero status. Statues are being built, money is being granted, facilities upgraded and murals designed as a reminder of how they captured the imagination of the nation.” Matildas captain Sam Kerr in action. Photo Credit : Arck Photography Andy Cheung Speaking ahead of the third-place game against Sweden on August 19, Matildas captain Sam Kerr said, “It really feels like we have brought the nation together over football, which some people might’ve said we were crazy if we had said this would happen a year ago.” An ode posted by a fan called LittleJemmings on Facebook seemed to beautifully capture the reflective feeling post-match. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the furore can be sustained effectively to ensure the game grows and prospers both within female and male domains, but make no mistake, the Matildas have done an incredible job of shifting and driving momentum and everyone associated with the team can rightfully be declared a superhero. Huge statement Women’s football has made a huge statement, with the tournament generating revenue close to US$900 million, meaning that the future should be very bright indeed. There’s no doubt that the superheroes on the pitch will encourage many, many more young girls to take up the sport, while the women’s professional leagues continue to develop and prosper globally. As CNN states, “In the wake of the Matildas’ historic run, the Australian government stepped forward with 200 million Australian dollars for women’s sport – not just football – on top of the 357 million Australian dollars in its post-tournament plan, Legacy ’23 . The government’s “Play Our Way” money will be used to “promote equal access, build more suitable facilities, and support grassroots initiatives to get women and girls to engage, stay, and participate in sport throughout their lives,” the government said in a statement.” Women’s football has made a huge statement and the future of the game looks very bright. Photo Credit : Arck Photography Andy Cheung Aussie star Sam Kerr weighed in with her own post-tournament thoughts in the same article in regards to what is needed for the game to develop in the correct manner moving forward: “We need funding in our development. We need funding in our grassroots. We need funding. We need funding everywhere. The comparison to other sports isn’t really good enough, and hopefully, this tournament kind of changes that because that’s the legacy you leave – not what you do on the pitch. The legacy is what you do off the pitch.” Kerr is 100% correct and the hopes are that the game can continue to flourish. The bar has been set and it has been set high. Once the dust settles it will be the impact of the superheroes who played their hearts’ out for their respective countries during a wonderful month of football that will be most telling. Ultimately, the true act of a superhero is not only performing incredible achievements but inspiring others to do likewise, to motivate the next generation to be better versions of themselves and to dream to succeed. All the players from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup can hold their heads high knowing they collectively achieved this and so much more. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Yann Tyng , nuestra escritora de Brilliant-Online se tomó unos días libres para vivir la experiencia de alojarse en un monasterio, ¡y no quería marcharse de este remanso de paz! Hay muchas formas de viajar, y alojarse en un monasterio es sin duda uno de los caminos menos comunes. Puede que no esté en la lista de deseos de todo el mundo, pero el hecho de que sea una forma tan inusual de pasar el tiempo libre bien puede verse como un tipo alternativo de "aventura". Pocos dirían que no les gusta viajar o conocer nuevos lugares, pero lo cierto es que planear un viaje requiere muchas neuronas. Hay que investigar dónde ir, dónde alojarse, qué ver, dónde comer, a qué hora hacer las cosas, y cuando el FOMO* empieza a hacer estragos en la cabeza, sólo queremos hacer tantas actividades como podamos. Con el aumento de los precios de los hoteles, el transporte y los destinos de vacaciones, disfrutar de unas vacaciones decentes sin arruinarse se ha convertido en todo un reto. Claro que muchos quieren salir de fiesta en Ibiza o pasear por las calles de Nueva York, pero cuando el dinero escasea y las exigencias de la vida moderna nos dejan asfixiados, el deseo de unas vacaciones así sólo sirve para frustrarnos. *FOMO en inglés Fear Of Missing Out es el miedo a perderse algo. Yanntyng vive en España y el verano pasado decidió consultar a San Google sobre dónde hacer una escapada que fuera asequible, generara el mínimo estrés y donde se pudiera descansar de verdad. Se dirigió a la hospedería del Monasterio de Santa Maria de la Caridad , también conocido como Monasterio de Tulebras , en el norte de España, en la provincia de Navarra. El verano pasado estuvo allí 10 días y no quería irse. Este verano volvió y encontró de nuevo la paz. No necesitó que Hamlet le dijera: "Vete a un convento!". Monasterio de Tulebras Se trata de un monasterio situado en la localidad de Tulebras, en Navarra, España. Las monjas pertenecen a la orden de los Cistercians of the Strict Observance (o Trapenses). Es una orden religiosa contemplativa católica romana. Forman parte de la gran familia cisterciense, cuyos orígenes se remontan a 1098. Siguen la Regla de San Benito y forman parte de la familia benedictina. Este monasterio en concreto se fundó en el siglo XII, en 1147, y fue la primera orden cisterciense femenina de España. ¿Es estricto? Alojarse unos días en la hospedería del monasterio no significa ser católico, ni llevar una vida de monja, ni estar en silencio siempre, ni que te confisquen los móviles, ni que te regañen por quedarte dormido durante la meditación y la oración. Tenía mis dudas cuando me puse en contacto con el monasterio. Les expliqué que no era católica y que simplemente buscaba un refugio tranquilo que me ayudara a resolver algunos problemas mentales y a obtener un bálsamo para mi salud mental. Me acogieron muy bien. Vista desde mi habitación Para responder a la pregunta, lo único estricto del monasterio son los horarios de las comidas. El desayuno se sirve a las 9 de la mañana, el almuerzo a las 2 de la tarde y la cena a las 8 de la tarde. Las monjas tienen un horario muy apretado, así que ayuda que los huéspedes sean puntuales y mantengan el ritmo. Personalmente, me gustó mucho la rutina de las comidas. El hecho de no tener que planificar qué comer (de forma saludable), ni ir al supermercado a por los ingredientes, pasar tiempo cocinando y recogiendo y simplemente aparecer en la mesa fue un lujo. La comida que sirven es sencilla, tradicional española, hecha con mucho amor y tan casera que te hace sentir muy bien. Las comidas allí son sin duda lo mejor de mi día. Para alguien que no sabe cocinar, la comida casera es un lujo. Antes de cada comida, todos se unen en una pequeña canción (en español) para dar las gracias por la comida. Nadie está obligado a hacerlo si no se siente cómodo. Yo conseguí aprendérmela y estoy muy agradecida a la cocinera, sea quien sea, por preparar cada día platos tan variados y deliciosos. Después de las comidas, todo el mundo devuelve automáticamente sus platos y cubiertos a la cocina, limpia las mesas y prepara las cosas para la siguiente comida. Aprendí observando lo que hacían los otros huéspedes, y cuando se van y vienen nuevos huéspedes, aprenden de los que están presentes y así se transmite. Por supuesto, está prohibido fumar en las habitaciones, y la gente que ha elegido venir aquí para quedarse busca paz y tranquilidad, así que no hace falta decir que la música alta y las fiestas no están en la mente de nadie. A la altura de los tiempos La gente puede pensar que, por el mero hecho de vivir en el monasterio, las monjas están aisladas del mundo exterior. Nada de eso. Son muy conscientes de lo que ocurre en el mundo y, como he sido una afortunada receptora de la hospitalidad del monasterio, estoy agradecida e impresionada de que tengan la confianza y la sabiduría necesarias para mantenerse al día y asegurarse de que la gente pueda encontrar y conocer su hospitalidad. Hablando del mundo exterior de los negocios, no todas las empresas son conscientes de la necesidad de tener un sitio web que funcione para atraer visitantes. Gracias a su sitio web, claro y fácil de navegar , no sólo encontré este monasterio, sino que quise navegar por él y saber más. Y cuando llegué a la sección sobre su hospedería, la fotografía de una monja tan amable y acogedora me hizo abandonar mis temores y dudas y escribirles para reservar una habitación. La espiritualidad sirve de poco si no se da a conocer al mundo, y el monasterio entiende perfectamente que tiene que fluir con los tiempos y no temer a la tecnología. (El monasterio tiene incluso una página de Facebook en la que publican lecturas u oraciones diarias y que permite a la comunidad estar conectada con el monasterio aunque no vivan en esa ciudad). El monasterio es muy consciente de hasta dónde están dispuestos a llegar con la tecnología. Han decidido que sólo necesitan lo suficiente para que la gente sepa que existen, pero sin pasarse con la tecnología. Al fin y al cabo, la tecnología es un útil al servicio de la conexión entre grupos de personas que comparten un interés común. Permite compartir historias, e incluso las empresas del ASX se apoyan en la tecnología para que sus historias sean escuchadas por los inversionistas. Ora et Labora Ora et Labora" significa "oración y trabajo" en latín y es el lema de San Benito. Además de las oraciones, las monjas se dedican a muchas tareas, por ejemplo fabricar productos artesanales. Cada monasterio es diferente y tiene sus propios productos únicos según la región. Aquí, el monasterio elabora su propia miel . La monja que se ocupa de parte de la tecnología es también la misma que cuida de las abejas. Como ves, llevan una vida muy ajetreada, aunque no podamos ver lo que hacen. Humildad y siempre aprendiendo Tenía curiosidad por saber cómo un grupo de personas podía convivir en armonía en un recinto cerrado durante toda su vida. Hay algunas monjas que tienen contacto con los huéspedes en la hospedería, pero el resto está en el monasterio. Salen del monasterio para citas médicas, visitas familiares y otras necesidades, pero por lo demás están allí los 365 días del año. Hablé con una de las monjas y me dijo que sí, claro, la convivencia con cualquiera es un reto, ya sea fuera, en el "mundo real", o dentro de los muros del monasterio. La cuestión es recordar que todos tenemos nuestras manías y personalidades, y que no siempre tenemos razón ni tenemos por qué tenerla. Es una lección de humildad considerar también el punto de vista de la otra persona, y ser capaz de aprender del otro. Las monjas tienen que hacer sus lecturas todos los días, por lo que están constantemente aprendiendo y alimentando sus mentes. Leen las Reglas de San Benito y aplican sus enseñanzas a sus vidas. Lo que une a las monjas es su devoción unánime a Dios y, con este objetivo primordial como guía, todo lo demás se sitúa en la perspectiva adecuada. También practican el difícil arte de soltar y confiar en lo que la vida o Dios les traen. Confieso que soy culpable de tener rabietas de un niño pequeño en mi cabeza cuando las cosas no salen como yo quiero. Tal vez pueda empezar por las cosas pequeñas, como la próxima vez que el tren llegue tarde, y decirme a mí misma que lo deje pasar en lugar de quejarme. Sigue caminando Justo a las afueras del monasterio hay una Vía Verde Tarazonica que solía ser una vía férrea. Las vías se han retirado y ahora se ha convertido en una ruta de senderismo y ciclismo. Conecta algunos de los pueblos cercanos, por lo que se puede dar un largo y agradable paseo desde donde está el monasterio hasta el siguiente pueblo. A ambos lados del sendero se pueden ver campos de diferentes cultivos, como uvas, maíz, girasoles, olivos, etc. Di dos paseos al día, uno por la mañana y otro por la tarde o por la noche. Al ser un sendero tan largo, no se ve mucha gente. A veces te encuentras con un ciclista o dos, o con gente paseando como yo. Es muy, muy tranquilo y, de alguna manera, la inmensidad de los campos, los cielos y las montañas de fondo es un poderoso recordatorio de lo pequeño e insignificante que soy. Es una deliciosa sensación de libertad, de reducir el tamaño de mis "problemas". Hacer de estos paseos una parte rutinaria de mi estancia es importante para ayudar a limpiar mi mente. Lea nuestro artículo de Brilliant sobre por qué es tan importante salir y moverse. Los huéspedes Los huéspedes que vienen al monasterio para quedarse son de toda España, tanto locales como extranjeros, a veces también tienen monjas y monjes visitantes de Sudamérica. Cada persona viene con su propia agenda, y son libres de hacer lo que deseen. Algunos eligen estar en silencio y no hablar. Otros vienen simplemente a descansar. Muchos vuelven al mismo monasterio año tras año. Lo más interesante para mí fue conocer a gente que solía venir aquí para preparar exámenes importantes. Cuando estuve allí este año, había una joven estudiante de Derecho que venía a tener paz y tranquilidad para estudiar en preparación de sus exámenes. También es típico que venga gente a estudiar para las famosas Oposiciones, que son muy difíciles, o para los que se esfuerzan por escribir su tesis. Es una instalación perfecta para estos estudiantes, ya que tienen su propia habitación, silencio, las comidas preparadas y pueden concentrarse plenamente. Durante mi estancia he conocido a un montón de huéspedes interesantes y todos han sido amables y acogedores. A nadie le importó que yo no fuera católica y yo tenía conversaciones increíbles con los huéspedes. Quizá sea la espiritualidad del lugar, quizá sea porque la gente que va allí busca algo más profundo o más allá y eso abre un espacio para conversaciones muy auténticas incluso con completos desconocidos. La belleza de la estabilidad Me dijeron que aquí las monjas siguen cuatro votos: pobreza, castidad, obediencia y estabilidad. A los ojos del mundo exterior, puede parecer una vida pobre por no tener las posesiones por las que tantos nos angustiamos, pero quizá en su devoción a un único propósito, en la claridad de su vocación elegida, la estabilidad de su dedicación a una vida de contemplación son mucho, mucho más ricas que otras. Incluso estando aquí sólo unos días, me doy cuenta de cómo la rutina y la estabilidad ayudan a que el tiempo pase, ayudan a dar orden y disciplina al día. Rezan siete veces al día, la primera a las 5 de la mañana y la última a las 8:45 de la tarde. Sabes qué hora es cuando suenan las campanas, sabes cuándo hay que estar en el comedor. Quizá incluso como adultos no seamos tan distintos de los niños pequeños, que necesitan una rutina para sentirse seguros y arraigados. Los huéspedes son libres de ir a la iglesia y rezar si lo desean. En mi primer viaje, incluso intenté asistir a la primera oración a las 5 de la mañana. Fue todo un reto estar despierto a esa hora, pero es una experiencia que merece la pena. Hay un silencio increíble a esa hora, y sabiendo que la mayor parte del planeta sigue durmiendo, escuchar las voces cantarinas de las monjas... hay algo mágico en esa hora tan especial. Si es difícil "oír" lo que el universo nos dice en nuestro ajetreado día a día, quizá en la quietud de esa hora mágica uno pueda sintonizar mejor con la frecuencia que está más allá del reino humano. La belleza de la simplicidad Estas son unas "vacaciones" en las que no necesito planificar nada más allá de conseguir billetes de tren para llegar a la ciudad de Tulebras. Vine con una maleta pequeña y, como vine en verano, pude lavar mi ropa y dejarla secar al día siguiente. Las habitaciones son muy limpias, sencillas y cómodas. También proporcionan toallas. Durante estos días, la sencillez de no necesitar nada más me parece un lujo. Ropa sencilla, actividades sencillas, comida sencilla. Hay conexión a Internet, así que he podido manejar unos cabos sueltos del trabajo. Hay mucho tiempo para la soledad, y también hay un parque refrescante cerca con árboles y sombra y un pequeño arroyo si quería estar al aire libre pero también un respiro del calor. Hay un lago a poca distancia, y los que vienen en coche son libres de explorar los alrededores. Como yo no conduzco, me conformé con quedarme donde estaba y explorar a pie todo lo que estuviera a mi alcance. No había necesidad de planificar nada ni de marcar puntos en una lista para demostrar que estaba allí. Estás en casa Espero poder volver a este monasterio el próximo verano. Hay una razón por la que la gente sigue volviendo a este monasterio para sus retiros personales. Me siento como en casa, las monjas me reconocen y me dan los abrazos más cariñosos. Puede que no sean unas vacaciones típicas chulas de Instagram, pero eso no es lo que necesito en esta fase de mi vida. El viaje interior es lo que yo y muchos otros buscamos. Por qué no volver a uno mismo, sintonizar con la voz interior en un espacio donde todo se ralentiza... Como dice la página web del monasterio, “Aquí tienes tu casa y no es solo una forma de hablar.” Haber estado aquí el verano pasado significó que, cuando volví este año, todo lo que la priora tuvo que hacer fue escapar de sus quehaceres durante unos breves segundos para saludarme, darme un abrazo, entregarme la llave de mi habitación y decirme: "¡Ya sabes por dónde andas! Te veré luego a la hora de comer", lo que me pareció muy cálido y acogedor. Egoístamente hablando, espero que lugares de refugio como este monasterio puedan seguir existiendo para siempre. De momento, este monasterio cuenta con 16 monjas, y con la vida moderna que avanza a toda velocidad, no hay muchas jóvenes que hayan encontrado la vocación de seguir este camino. ¿Por qué no escuchar un fragmento de las monjas del Monasterio de Tulebras cantando la Salve Regina , y disfrutar de unos momentos de paz mientras terminas el día? Si desea probar un tipo de descanso diferente, hay un monasterio cisterciense en Tarrawarra (Australia). Quienes sientan curiosidad por la vida interior de estas monjas y monjes, pueden ver estos documentales. En el monasterio de Sion, en los Países Bajos, viven monjes cistercienses desde hace siglos. El edificio tiene espacio para 120 monjes, pero en 2013 sólo quedan ocho. Un edificio tan grande les hace pensar en un cambio: necesitan mudarse, empezar de nuevo en otro lugar y, con suerte, atraer a nuevos hombres para que se unan a su comunidad. Así nació la idea de volver a la isla del norte de Holanda que lleva por nombre: Schiermonnikoog, que significa Isla de los Monjes Grises. Pero el cambio no es fácil. (Fuente: boscohome.org ) Libres es un viaje al interior de las personas que se han entregado por completo a una vida de oración en clausura. Libres se rodó en 12 monasterios de varias provincias españolas: Las Batuecas (Salamanca), San Pedro de Cardeña (Burgos) y Leyre (Navarra). En 1984, el cineasta alemán Philip Groening escribió a la orden cartuja de la Grande Chartreuse, en los Alpes franceses, para pedirles permiso para rodar un documental sobre ellos. Dieciséis años después, accedieron. El director vivió seis meses solo en las dependencias de los monjes, filmando sus oraciones diarias, sus tareas, sus rituales y sus escasas excursiones al aire libre. Este documental no tiene partitura, ni voz en off, ni imágenes de archivo, pero resulta fascinante por la forma en que introduce al espectador en la silenciosa quietud de la vida monástica. Lea los otros artículos de Brilliant sobre España Sustainability is a Reality in Spain Brilliant Discovery of Spanish Cities Giants, carnations and dancing at Madrid's San Isidro Festival! The smell of lavender is in the air at Brihuega, Spain! Contacto Monasterio de Tulebras a/ Calle de San Bernardo, 31522 Tulebras, Navarra, Spain p/+34 948 85 14 75 https://www.monasteriodetulebras.com/ info@monasteriodetulebras.com (para consultas generales) pedidos@monasteriodetulebras.com (para pedidos de sus productos artesanales) Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Don't miss this exciting game changer for aspiring real estate agents and institutions. You'll never see this industry with the same eyes again! The real estate industry is evolving, and so should the way agents are trained. The traditional way of doggedly completing a certification and then hoping for the very best to get a foot literally in the door is not enough. We are seeing a new generation of aspiring agents coming out who are driven to find a different way to succeed. And this means they need more than just a license. What is needed is real-world experience, mentorship, and a clear, structured pathway to earning high commissions. From DAY 1. Enter Realty PRO Academy . Keep your eyes peeled on Saturday, March 1 , as Realty PRO Academy is set to disrupt real estate education with the launch of its Realty PRO Fast Track System , a groundbreaking approach that seamlessly transitions from certification to career success. By partnering with real estate schools, Realty PRO Academy provides an industry-backed, results-driven training program that transforms students into confident, high-performing real estate agents from the get-go. Frustrations of real estate graduates What we are hearing from real estate graduates is a long list of frustrating roadblocks that are hindering them from truly using their skills and what they have learnt to start their careers. Theory alone is not enough. Graduates lack real-world selling experience in sales execution, lead generation, and closing deals. They finish their course and find themselves starting without any leads or clients. There is also no structured mentorship or support to adequately guide them. Graduates are pushed out of the nest and expected to miraculously soar. And the worst part is, there is zero income while they are figuring things out. Realty PRO Academy eliminates these struggles with an accelerated success system designed to empower new agents from Day 1. This is not just another training program—it’s a complete career launchpad that can help agents thrive. Real Estate Agents are invited to the launch on 1st March Aspiring real estate agents can start earning from Day 1 This is not a sales pitch nor a fancy empty promise. Imagine stepping into the real estate industry with everything you need to close deals immediately. Realty PRO Academy understands these roadblocks and has created a system to break this pattern. With Realty PRO Academy, aspiring agents get: Live deal experience—sell real properties under expert guidance Direct access to exclusive listings and commission-based sales through their partner agencies Structured mentorship from top-performing real estate professionals, industry and business leaders Working with real estate RTOs, provide a pathway to Class 1 certification and long-term success Earn-while-you-learn selling high-value properties with real commission potential from Day 1. Forget the mindless, anxiety-inducing waiting with no end in sight. No struggling, just a proven system to ensure graduates thrive in real estate from the moment they start. Follow Realty PRO Academy on LinkedIn Real estate institutions can elevate their impact too Good things become even greater when shared, and real estate institutions can also partner with Realty PRO Academy to gain a competitive edge and drive the difference by offering: Hands-on training that enhances graduate success rates Increased enrolments and student retention Exclusive industry partnerships and prestige New revenue streams through referrals Institutions can gain higher student success rates, more enrolments and a stronger competitive edge in the market. Real Estate RTOs are invited to the launch on 1st March Join the real estate education revolution! The future of real estate training is here. Aspiring agents looking to fast-track their success and real estate institutions aiming to provide the ultimate career-ready education can look to Realty PRO Academy as the key to transforming certification into immediate success. Be part of this exciting new movement that is shaking up the real estate industry! 🔗 Real Estate Schools & Institutions Learn how to partner with Realty PRO Academy: Register here 🔗 Aspiring Agents Secure your place in the Realty PRO Fast Track System: Sign up now Success in real estate isn’t just about passing an exam. It’s about having the right tools, training, and opportunities. Realty PRO Academy is here to make that happen—fast. Watch this Brilliant space! ❋ Contact Realty PRO Academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealtyPROAcademyAustralia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realty-pro-academy a/ Level 2, Suite 2.01, 46-50 Kent Rd t/ +61 457 962 948 e/ lin.energy@ipanproperty.com Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ From October 14 to 24, a dedicated family will take on a 300-kilometre journey from Port Macquarie to Tamworth, all for a cause that touches the heart of regional Australia—education. Led by Jeri Wambeek, her brothers, sons, and grandson, this walk is more than just a physical challenge. It is a tribute to the resilience and determination of rural families striving to give their children access to education, and an opportunity to raise crucial funds for the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF). Download brochure here: Walking for Education In regional areas, students face unique challenges when it comes to further education—limited financial resources, long travel distances, and fewer local opportunities. The Coast to Country Charity Walk aims to bridge this gap by raising funds to directly support students in rural communities. 50% of the funds raised will go to the Hastings Education Fund (HEF), which provides vital support to local students in the Port Macquarie region. 50% will go to CEF’s national fund to help establish a new CEF chapter in Tamworth, ensuring even more students receive the support they need. A Personal Tribute This initiative is deeply personal for Jeri and her family. The walk honours the legacy of her father, the late Christopher Mark Murphy, who rose from humble beginnings in Shellharbour’s housing commission to becoming the legendary manager of INXS and a passionate advocate for young people and the land. His story is one of grit, resilience, and ambition—values that he instilled in his family and that now inspire this walk. As a mother of seven, a local business owner, and a woman on a mission, Jeri is determined to make an impact that lasts for generations. Painting the Town Blue and Yellow Starting at Town Beach, Port Macquarie, on October 14, the walk will wind its way through Wauchope, Beechwood, and beyond, bringing communities together and raising awareness along the way. The event aims to paint the town blue and yellow —the colours of the Country Education Foundation—as supporters rally behind this important cause. You can be part of this incredible journey! Follow the journey on Instagram @coasttocountrywalk Donate to support rural students Join them at the start, along the route, or at the finish line in Tamworth! One Step at a Time The Coast to Country Charity Walk is not just a fundraiser—it’s a movement to ensure that every rural student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Education transforms lives, and with the community’s support, this walk will make a difference—one step at a time. ❋ 📅 Save the Date: October 14–24, 2025 📍 Port Macquarie to Tamworth 🎗 Support the cause & follow @coasttocountrywalk Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ It's the time of the year where we celebrate the efforts and developments of businesses in our communities! The Mid North Coast Business Awards is here again and the Awards Gala will be held on Friday 15th September 2023. Brilliant-Online congratulates every single one of these Brilliant businesses who have put themselves out there to share their skills, knowledge and expertise! We say this, and we mean it - everyone is a winner here, and when we support each other to achieve excellence, our entire community thrives! See here for a list of Business Awards Finalists: This is a time to celebrate the innovation, resilience and dedication of all of these brilliant businesses in our communities. They play an important role in helping our communities to thrive. Read: The benefits of keeping it Local These businesses are familiar faces we see every day around us and have become an essential part of our economic landscape. The awards have been recognising the hard work and dedication of a variety of businesses over the years, and it serves as a platform to highlight the best in our region. The awards aim to encompass all businesses, so regardless of the type of business, there is a category to suit everyone. These awards see many yearly entries of startups, small businesses, large corporations, innovative products or community services. Businesses appreciate having this space for them to come together to showcase their achievements and celebrate each other's excellence. There is a sense of shared unity to be part of a community of individuals who understand the challenges of running a business, and who are passionate about what they do. Read: Celebrating Local Businesses As these amazing finalists await the judges' decisions, by simply participating in the awards is already a way for all businesses to gain recognition and exposure. It is a part of each business's learning curve that can take them up to the next level. Brilliant-Online is also a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation Award , and we are so excited to simply be a part of this. We continue to strive to bring innovative solutions for new and existing needs through our Brilliant stories that impact the wider community. Join us in celebrating every single one of these Brilliant businesses. Together, we can create a vibrant and more resilient economy for everyone. See you all at the Business Awards Gala on 15th September! For Business Awards Advertorials, click here . Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Strengthening My Small Business The theme "My Small Business" for NSW Small Business Month 2023 in October has been designed to place the needs of small business owners and operators at the forefront by providing events that will aid them in strengthening their business across seven key areas: My Small Business Brand My Small Business Cyber Security My Small Business Health My Small Business Online My Small Business Resilience My Small Business Team My Small Business Trade Micro Business Forum Events Micro Business Forum is the Collaboration Partner for NSW Small Business Month. They are holding two events in October. Meet other small business owners over coffee. RSVP to this free event here . Small Business Networking Event This Small Business Forum is designed to empower small business owners by providing valuable insights and discussions on key themes to help you kickstart your journey, make informed decisions, and foster growth. Register for this event here . Register for My Small Business by clicking on image October celebrates Cultural Infusion In October, there's a strong emphasis on promoting global unity and harmony, which resonates well with us here at Cultural Infusion. 1st October - International Music Day 2nd October - International Day of Non Violence According to UNESCO, 75% of the world’s conflicts have a cultural dimension. Let's promote intercultural awareness, particularly in the globalised society that we participate in. 4th October - World Animal Day 5th October - World Teacher Day 10th October - World Mental Health Day 11th October - International Day of the Girl Child 23rd to 31st October - Children’s week 24th October - United Nations Day 31st October - Halloween Celebrating our children! 23rd to 31st October is Children’s week October Health Themes October 1-31: Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 1-31: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) Awareness Month October 1-31: Contact Lens Safety Month October 1-31: Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 1-31: Down Syndrome Awareness Month October 1-31: Eye Injury Prevention Month October 1-31: Health Literacy Month October 1-31: Healthy Lung Month October 1-31: Home Eye Safety Awareness Month October 1-31: Liver Cancer Awareness Month October 1-31: Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month October 1-31: National ADHD Awareness Month October 1-31: National Audiology Awareness Month October 1-31: National Bullying Prevention Month October 1-31: National Dental Hygiene Month October 1-31: National Medical Librarians Month October 1-31: National Orthodontic Health Month October 1-31: National Physical Therapy Month October 1-31: National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month October 1-31: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month October 1-31: Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month October 1-31: Spina Bifida Awareness Month October 1-31: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month October 1: International Day of Older Persons October 1-7: Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1-7: National Primary Care Week Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2: Child Health Day October 6: National Depression Screening Day October 6: World Cerebral Palsy Day October 7: Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day October 10: World Mental Health Day October 11: International Day of the Girl Child October 12: World Sight Day October 12-20: Bone and Joint Action Week October 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day October 14: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day October 15: Global Handwashing Day October 15: National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day October 15: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day October 15-21: International Infection Prevention Week October 15-21: National Healthcare Quality Week October 16: Restart a Heart Day October 16: World Food Day October 16-20: National Health Education Week October 18: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Action Day October 19: World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day October 20: National Mammography Day October 20: World Osteoporosis Day October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day October 22-28: Respiratory Care Week October 29: World Psoriasis Day Adopt a Dog Month. On my way to my Forever Home! (Photo: Andrew Pons, Unsplash) October Pet Themes October 1 | National Walk Your Dog Day October 1 | Adopt a Dog Month October 1 | National Pet Wellness Month October 1 | National Black Dog Day October 4 | World Animal Day October 10 | World Mental Health Day October 12 | National Pet Obesity Awareness Day October 15 | National Fetch Day and National Veterinary Technician Week October 16 | National Feral Cat Day October 16 | Global Cat Day October 21 | National Pets for Veterans Day October 21 | Reptile Awareness Day October 27 | National Black Cat Day October 28 | Plush Animal Lovers Day October 29 | National Cat Day Advertise Brilliantly Contact Edgard Lopez Call Ed ‭+61 459 094 081‬ Email Ed Contact Veronica Lind Call Veronica +61 407 779 828 Email Veronica Setup meeting or demo Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ There aren’t many better ways to spend a pleasant summer evening than on a rooftop bar, socialising in good company with, typically, wonderful views onto the surroundings below you. In fact, scratch that, rooftop bars make a great destination no matter what time of year it is! While rooftops have been around as long as buildings have been with us, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that they started to be used in a commercial sense by embracing social entertainment and the rooftop bar was, in effect, born. The first such entity is widely believed to be on the roof of Madison Square Garden in New York, which offered “300 tables, multicolored electric lanterns, and the best views in the city, thanks to the Garden’s 300-foot tower,” according to the New York City history website emphemeralnewyork.com . Madison Square Garden in New York is widely believed to be among the first locations to host a rooftop bar It seems fitting that the first rooftop bar was in the megalopolis affectionately known as The Big Apple as they are, in essence, products of their environment. Rooftops bars make perfect sense in space-limited, dense, modern day cities where a tendency to build upwards has seen almost every major city in the world possess a multitude of such establishments. Here, we profile just a few: Nowadays, many purport the best rooftops bars in New York to include Daintree , Overstory, Westlight, Ophelia and Harriet’s Rooftop and Lounge. Chicago boasts Terrace 16, Rooftop at Nobu and Z Bar among its many offerings, while Perch, High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin, L.P. Rooftop Bar, Grandmaster Rooftop, and The Highlight Room are among the best spots to visit when in glitzy Los Angeles. Photo: Daintree NYC Europe has more rooftop bars than you could shake a stick of celery at before putting it in your Bloody Mary cocktail! While the weather mightn’t be guaranteed, if in London be sure to check out The Rooftop St. James, LSQ, 12th Knot, Netil 360, The Lucky Club Camden and Laurel's On The Roof. Paris also has an abundance of great spots such as Sequoia, Terrasse at the Hôtel Montmartre, Zoku, the Skyline Paris Lounge and Bar, Créatures Paris, L'Oiseau Blanc, Perruche and Le Perchoir Ménilmontant that will offer a variety of incredible views of the City of Lights. Rooftops bars make perfect sense with limited space In Rome highlights include Terrazza Monti, Terrazza Navona, Cielo Terrace and Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphael, while Sky Bar at Hotel Iberostar, Eleven BCN, the Panoramic Terrace at Hotel Colón and La Isabela at Hotel 1898 are regarded as among the best spots in Barcelona. Asia has seen a boom in rooftop bars in recent years. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities on earth and that is where you will find Sevva. Opened in 2008 and situated on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building in Central, the wrap-around Terrace offers awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and the city. Other spots to enjoy the legendary Hong Kong skyline include Cardinal Point, Skye, Plume, Faye and Popinjays. Often classed as rivals in many respects, Singapore’s answer to Sevva was, up until recently, 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar which occupied the top three floors of 1 Raffles Place in the CBD and offered incredible views across and off the island. However, due to leasing complications, it closed its doors earlier this year. Alternative current options in the city state include Altro Zafferano, 1-Arden, Levant, Level 33, Atico Lounge and SKAI Bar. Photo: SKAI Bar Singapore Elsewhere across the region there is CÉ LA VI, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace and Marunouchi House in Tokyo; the Social Club at Hôtel des Arts in Saigon; Skye at the Menara BCA building in Jakarta; Asilo at the St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai; Il Bar at the Bulgari Hotel in Shanghai; and Vertigo and The Banyan Tree in Bangkok. Moving Down Under, Sydney boasts a variety of cool, chic locations such as Zephyr, CIRQ Bar & Lounge, The Light Brigade, Bar Ombré, The Glenmore and Old Mate’s Place. Likewise, Melbourne has a host of great spots, including Naked in the Sky, The Stolen Gem, Ellora and Rooftop at QT. By now you’re probably getting the picture that there are a LOT of wonderful rooftop bars in cities in all over the world, which would be impossible to cover here. And to think we haven’t even touched South America, the Middle East or Africa so if you know of any gems in these locations please feel free to let us know so we can add them to a list that is only ever likely to keep on increasing! Wauchope local shares her Greece rooftop bar experience Yvette recommends rooftop bars if travelling in hotter climates Recently returning from an overseas trip with her husband, that included a visit to Greece, Yvette Buthmann told us she was amazed at the sheer number of rooftop bars and restaurants that could be found in every street. "Athens itself is a city of apartments, so making the most of outside dining in such a hot climate is a no brainer. You need to book to get a table in the peak season as these were very crowded although not uncomfortably so," Yvette said. Dining or drinking above the city was amazing, she told us. "Whether it was at night or during the day, the views were spectacular, not to mention cooler. These varied from simple dining to high end restaurants and bars. I should warn you though that a lot of the buildings have either very tiny, old elevators or massive amounts of stairs, which at times was entertaining after a few drinks attempting to leave." Definitely a must to add to a bucket list if travelling. Rooftop dining in Athens offers spectacular views, but be sure to book in peak season Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Travel writer Susie Boswell wraps up her series on ideal Sydney airport hotels for passengers seeking affordable secure car parking while away. A refreshing swim, pre- or post-flight, keeps junior passengers occupied I’ve driven, solo and non-stop, four hours or so from north coastal NSW to my hotel at Sydney International Airport. I’m feeling a little tired now, ahead of flying out tomorrow. As I arrive at the entrance two well-groomed men rush forward to greet me and to get the car door as I alight. One is impeccable in a suit and tie, the second sports an impressive uniform with epaulettes. The first is one of Novotel Sydney Airport’s concierges. The other chap, I learn, is a pilot with a foreign airline, like me, a guest at the hotel. He saw me drive up, hadn’t noticed the concierge emerge, and was simply leaping forward to help unload my luggage. ‘4.5-star Novotel is the first choice… such is its proximity to the International Terminal’ It turns out the 4.5-star Novotel is the first choice of crew of a number of leading overseas airlines, such is its perfect proximity to the International Terminal, on the other side of the road, across a golf course and overlooking the vast expanse of the airport’s taxiways and runways. But it’s even more popular with impending passengers like me. An impressive start to an impressive stay Few of us, if honest, have the sangfroid to be entirely nonchalant about catching an international flight. To run late, flustered, or more so to miss the gate entirely, has so many implications: a mislaid travel document, misplaced hand luggage, a dropped sweater (or, horror, a child’s favourite toy) and so on. Then: there’s revised travel, accommodation and itinerary arrangements to be made, at cost, and even the risk of partner disharmony, throwing a pall over the entire trip. Airlines firmly advise arriving three hours before your flight's departure time to allow for check-in, baggage drop, sorting any issues, and clearing security and customs. And despite the best-laid plans by the most punctual of people, it’s very easy to be delayed enroute to Sydney International. Unlike in the movies, taxi drivers will not drive like maniacs to make up for the city’s frequent, unpredictable, traffic jams. Airport personnel and other passengers will not miraculously part the waters to make up for your predicament. Hence: Novotel. The pleasant welcome I’d enjoyed was to be the leitmotif of my stay. My luggage had been taken inside before I drove in to the hotel’s impressive underground car park: there’s heaps of room for vehicles - not supermarket-style sardine spaces. I would be leaving my car here while away on my trip, no need to fret that tight spots would see me return to scratched side doors; no worries if a hailstorm hit, with my SUV safely under cover. The hotel scale offers peace of mind well prior to check-in I emerged from the lift into the lobby to find Reception anticipating my arrival, prepped with room keys coded, check-in documentation ready for signing, my questions answered before asked, and a porter standing ready with my bags. It seems catering to both airline personnel and passengers, where time is always of the essence, means delivering snappy service is second nature. My eye was caught by a cute feature stationed next to the desk: a replica airport aid in the form of a scale to check luggage weights, for guests’ reference. Handy! My room was already warmed to just the right level – a nice touch, the wide king bed deeply comfortable; sofa, ottoman and TV screen ideally placed for me to collapse to take some time out; double-glazing and blockout curtains; a work desk; generous easily-accessible wardrobe; marbled bathroom a touch of luxury. And the dozen other amenities one expects, such as wifi, coffee, iron, safe, hairdryer and so on, all in place. But what grabbed me right away was the view through the tall windows to the golden glow of the airport’s lights with dusk just fallen, silhouetting the comings and goings of those buzzy airport ground-vehicles, catering trucks, luggage carts and the massive skybirds soaring upwards, settling down on the tarmac and taxiing about. A Iittle boy’s Tonka Toys fantasy come true, perhaps. For me: hinting at the thrill of my impending departure the following day. ‘It’s child-friendly – special rooms, a dedicated activity centre and kids’ gifts’ Speaking of the little ones, Novotel boasts it’s family-friendly: family rooms and interconnecting rooms are offered at good rates and for all junior guests there’s special gifts in the form of mini soft-stuffed marine animals and a variety of activity-play sets. There are children’s channels on the room TV and the hotel features a dedicated kids’ corner where movies are shown and games can be played on an interactive electronic game table. Nice one, Novotel! ‘The open-air pool and discounted extended parking are winners’ Other aspects of my first-time stay here that grabbed me were the restaurant, bar, entertainment, pool and gym. Marke restaurant won my admiration for its generous and hygienic buffet breakfast. Normally, and despite often premium room rates, I can’t abide what’s often congealed scrambled eggs, greasy bacon and standard bain-marie fodder, with other guests snatching at your slices on the - ever-slow, or malfunctioning - toasting machine and hovering breathily too near over jugs of juice and milk. Marke’s buffet is very well laid out, spacious along a flowing crescent, dishes covered as appropriate, not lying in bulk to stew or become cold but replenished appropriately by eagle-eyed staff. I found the roving table service impeccable, waiters alert to suggest fresh coffee, noting more butter or honey needed, offering to process extra toast, removing used plates. Marke opens at 6:30am seven days, provides 24-hour room service and I’m told a food pack is available for those leaving earlier for the first flights of the day. A substantial way to start out on a long journey The restaurant continues on through lunch and dinner to 10pm daily, the adjacent cocktail bar open till 11 five nights for drinks and snacks, with live entertainment on Friday evenings. Lying beside the gym is the piece de resistance for me: an open-air pool with views clear through the airspace to city landmarks including Sydney Tower and Crown at Barangaroo. More than 120 of its own on-site undercover parking spaces make this spot the airport precinct’s best for secure parking for international travellers. Stay, Park & Fly packages begin at one night’s accommodation for two with shuttle transfers, and are standard for three nights and seven nights. Additional nights added to the packages are offered at a discounted rate of from $10 a car – outstanding, unmatchable value in my long experience, at the airport, as well as elsewhere in the city. This indeed is a hotel perfectly dedicated to travellers. Contact: Novotel Sydney International Airport Reservations and inquiries - Tel: +61 2 9518 2000 Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .