Raffles has taken an increasing interest in contributing to “his” blog. And as much as he continues to enjoy bringing you his restaurant reviews, an opportunity to interview the lovely Ian “Herbie” Hemphill has inspired him to go all Oprah on the blog with a regular interview section by him about food and travel.
I admit that at first I balked at the idea as this just sounded like a bunch of extra work for his already busy PA/mama/slave. But then I recalled the words of a very wise and successful woman who I admire greatly. It was she who, during a recent chat about some of Raffles more grandiose plans, said “Why not? Don’t put limitations on him.”
That stopped me in my tracks. Why indeed? So I’m not. In fact I’m actively encouraging his love of words and interest in the people who inspire him and his desire to share their stories.
Given he has literally just turned seven please don’t expect Parky, just honest and occasionally bizarre questions from a curious little man who loves to get to know people as he eats and explores the world. Please indulge us… you might be surprised just how much people will share with an enthusiastic young boy.
Raff is extremely proud to have joined one of his environmental idols, Andy Ridley – Founder of Earth Hour and founding CEO of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef – and Bikini Bottom’s most famous resident, SpongeBob SquarePants, as an official ambassador for Junior Citizens of the Reef. This ocean conservation program for kids has […] Read more…
It is not often that a 10-year old gets to wax philosophic for an hour with one of his idols. But that’s exactly what happened when Raffles caught up with entrepreneur and philanthropist Bruce Poon Tip, founder of award-winning small group adventure travel company G Adventures. Raffles first learned about Bruce back in 2016 when […] Read more…
Like a lot of people, Raffles love animals. But unlike a lot of people he thinks twice about attractions that involve them, because we’ve seen some pretty hideous stuff calling itself animal tourism on our travels. Especially when it comes to his beloved elephants. He was just seven when he announced that even if he […] Read more…
Though Raffles hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii, he did get to enjoy a taste of what it has to offer with Chef Ryan Urig, Executive Chef, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, who joined the Hilton Hawai’i team to showcase Hawaiian ingredients and the produce of the islands at the Hilton Sydney. So, […] Read more…
Novotel hotels are launching a range of new wellness offerings just for kids in time for the Autumn School Holidays. The new programme includes a healthy menu and two in-room kids work out shows starring Play School’s Rachael Coopes and Australian professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, designed to keep families healthy and active during their holidays. […] Read more…
To suggest Raff is a bookworm is somewhat of an understatement; seriously, the kid devours books with the same enthusiasm he devotes to devouring food and traipsing around the globe. And this love of words fills me with delight. Though he’s as happy reading a biography, travel guide or a cookbook as he is reading […] Read more…
It is somewhat of an understatement to suggest that primary school raconteur, world traveller, bon vivant, gastronome and bona fide television addict, Raffles, is hooked on Netflix. In fact, it would be fair to say the kid can binge watch with the best of them. And you know, I’m totally down with that, because not […] Read more…
Raffles has been privileged to interview some exciting people. But I don’t even know where to begin in introducing the incredible force of nature that is Pauline Nguyen. One of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, Pauline’s accomplishments are even more inspirational considering her less than fortunate beginnings. Pauline Nguyen and her family escaped Vietnam in 1977 via boat and were […] Read more…
Raffles has interviewed his fair share of chefs, stars and CEO’s, but his interview with fellow 8-year old, Kalyra Makepeace, of yTravelBlog might just be one of his favourites so far. yTravelBlog is one the world’s most popular travel blogs, thanks to the dedication, passion and accessible nature of its creators, Caz & Craig Makepeace. […] Read more…
Migrationology’s Mark Wiens is a Thailand-based street food addict with a passion for eating and travel that rivals only the walking stomach that is Raffles. With a legion of fans following his cultural travel adventures on his fabulous blog and tens of millions of views on his extremely popular YouTube channel, Mark is one the internet’s most […] Read more…
Junior journo Raffles has a passion for Aboriginal culture that is matched only by his fervour for stuffing his face. This cultural hunger is one we’re more than happy to indulge and one of our favourite places to do just that is at Sydney’s Blak Markets. This incredible market is dedicated to Aboriginal crafts, skills, food […] Read more…
It is not every day a small boy gets to do a cooking masterclass with an in demand Masterchef judge. So when South African culinary superstar Benny Masekwameng, here to share the colour and flair of his country’s cuisine at Taste of Sydney, got his lamb chop on, there was no stopping Raffles. Here, between mouthfuls of boerewors […] Read more…