This may upset some of you, but you know...

Recently I opened up and realised that I don't want to hide myself anymore; I came out to my family about my sexuality.

It wasn't easy coming from a very conservative background; being 'different' is almost equivalent to committing a crime; speaking up is perceived as being disrespectful; not to mention the immense pressure to constantly please everyone around you. But after years of contemplation I was determined to eventually share this with them. There were questions and confusions around the matter, which I expected; but I knew it wouldn't be the end of the world - after all I am still ME.

For years I felt so... empty, almost soulless, for I had to bury a part of me that I believed profoundly to be embarrassing. I fought it for as long as I can remember, and I was in a total denial for most of my life. But lately I've been so thankful, thankful for the amazing people around me who have been so extremely supportive and loving. They accept me for who I am - a guy who happens to love Beyoncé and Adele as much as he loves his cameras and Apple products. Because of them, I now have the courage to share this message with you all. 

I believe it is important to be yourself, and equally important to be real and honest to those around you. But for importantly, never apologise for who you are, whether you are gay, lesbian, straight, black, white, Asian, short, tall, thin, thick, etc; you are unique, and it is so important to be real YOU.

If you know anyone who is in the same situation, feel free to share this with them. My hope is that this will give them the courage to be themselves, or at least to remind them that it's totally okay to be who you are.

Celebrate your own self.

❤️

Never felt so liberated in my life!

Hunter Valley, Summer 2017

During one of New South Wales hottest weekend, I was a guest at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hunter valley. We arrived in the late afternoon with a nice, smooth and welcoming check in.

Our room was immediately ready, comfortably air conditioned with a fully stocked drinks fridge. However the outside heat invited a relaxing dip in the pool.

The pool was spacious enough to accommodate all the guests, whether swiming or relaxing, keeping off the heat. Plus, the bar next to the pool readily served beverages; our choice was the local brewed larger from Lovedale Brewery.

After visiting a nearby restaurant, we returned to have a luxurious bubble bath in the amply sized bath tub.

Next morning, the selection on offer by the hotel for breakfast,  would satisfy even the largest and fussiest appetites. From fresh fruits to made to order pancakes or cooked breakfast, they will set you up for your day.

After breakfast, our wine seeking adventure started with a trip to Pepper Tree wines in Polkobin, followed by Tempus Two winery. Both located comfortably close to the hotel.

IMAGES OF WINERIES

Muse kitchen provided the perfect stopping place to recharge with an exquisite lunch. I had the beautiful pork dish followed by decadent soaked sponge cake.

After such a nice meal at the Muse, the afternoon involved a tranquil constitutional around the Hunter Valley Gardens. Not only were there sights and sounds of children stories in the garden, but heavily scented aromas from far reaching places pounding your senses.

To end the day, we visited the recommended, highly rated Circa 1876 which did not disappoint.

Special thanks to Ford Australia for the ride (Focus RS) and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley for having us!