Now and Then

This is a challenge hosted by Amy over at The World is a Book.

Now

Looking back over the last year, I can probably say that it’s been the same for many, travel plans cancelled, not being able to see loved ones and being in lockdown for months on end. It’s been a year of doing everything completely different. All new for everyone.

We didn’t have any big travel plans like we normally do, due to my daughter and her partner having a baby girl in September. Our second grandchild, a sister for their two year old son. We’ve very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with them all. They have been a such a joy. On the negative side I haven’t seen my son since March and my husband hasn’t seen him since last Christmas.

The last trip I had this year was to Melbourne to see Laurence and his girlfriend, Maddy. But now we are happily awaiting their visit over Christmas.

So this year has been spent trying out different kinds of activities and exploring Western Australia more.

I had my parents, who are in their late 80’s, staying here for five months. Their flights were cancelled and we thought it best that they stay put with us. At least they could still get out and about a bit more here. My nephew was also visiting from the UK for a few months. There was a partial lockdown in WA, but only for a month. I’ve been trying to be more active in the garden, although that is hit and miss, hubby does so much more.

I am playing more bridge, although I don’t seem to be improving! I absolutely love this game and took lessons for the first time two years ago. I’ve gone from once a week to twice a week now and on Friday I will be playing with a 93 year Italian man as my partner. I’ve seen Mario play and I am woefully under experienced to be his partner, it should be fun!

My friends and I have started a games night once a month. There are 8 ladies in all, and I haven’t laughed so much in ages. I found I have a very competitive streak.

Also I have started dancing again once a week to something called “Dance Lines” not to be confused with line dancing. I love the fact that I can do a dance and not just stand and do the “two foot shuffle”. Once a month there is a dance with a band and disco, it’s mostly over 50’s and such fun and very tiring.

My blog has also kept me very busy with all the challenges I have been trying to do. It has been really inspirational and this year I’ve made so many new online friends.
Here are some of the blogs I’ve enjoyed and participated in
Travel with Intent, Cee’s photo challenges, Becky with her Squares, Xingfu Mama and her seats to name but a few!

Then

Last year was certainly very different travelling wise. I can’t believe we visited so many countries.

In January we travelled from Western Australia to Queensland crossing five states.
March saw me in Melbourne.
April back to the UK to see my family over there, plus a side trip to Fuerteventura.
May, hubby and I went to Da Nang, Vietnam
October, Scotland, the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
December was spent in Hong Kong and Bali. The only thing we were worried about then were the riots in Hong Kong! We did actually see one but kept well away.

Next year I think will be spent travelling around Australia. Our international borders are going to remain closed until well into next year. Hopefully I will get back to the UK by October to celebrate my dad’s 90th.

In the meantime,
Keep calm and carry on blogging

Pull up a seat

A challenge hosted by Xingfu Mama

A few from our weekend away in Dunsborough

Overlooking Meelup Brook — Mongrel Creek Winery

Flower of the day

Wildflowers for Cee’s flower of the day

Perenjori

The wreath flower found in gravelly or sandy soil and flowers between August and November. A Western Australian treasure

Weekday Sunsets in Swanbourne, WA

Last week we went for a short walk along the promenade from Cottesloe to Swanbourne. There had been a few bush fires that week, the result of “controlled burns”. These are also known as hazard reduction burning. However, even these can get out of control and cause a haziness to spread across vast areas. The smoke can be smelt from miles away.

I took a photo of the sunset that day and you can see how hazy the sky is.

It was quite chilly but that doesn’t stop people trying to catch a wave or a fish!

🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️ 🌅 🌊 🎣 🏊‍♀️

A Rainy Day in The Dandenongs – Part 2

Sunday

For our last day in Melbourne I was determined to get out and about away from the city, much to the disappointment of hubby, who just wanted another shopping day. So we drove up to The Dandedongs on a grey, cold and rainy day! They’re about an hour out of Melbourne so it’s the perfect day trip.

We stopped first at Puffing Billy in Belgrave to have a look at the old steam train and just as we reached the top a train was pulling in. Luckily I didn’t book us a ride through the hills and forests as it was too rainy and windy.

Puffing Billy was constructed in the early 1900’s to open up remote areas. In 1953, a landslide blocked the track and, because of operating losses, the line was officially closed in 1954. It was re-opened again in 1962 due to the tireless efforts of volunteers. Today it is just a tourist attraction taking visitors through the leafy hillside of The Dandedongs.

A few from the official website

Once we’d had a quick look around and read about the history we jumped back in the car to look for a good place for lunch. There are so many cafes, restaurants and pubs we didn’t have to go far. We stopped at Micawbers Tavern for a traditional Aussie lunch, Parmis and schnitzels all round. It reminded me of a cosy country pub in England.

Parmis and schnitzels all round

Enjoying a pint in Micauber’s Tavern

We then went further up into the hills to Skyhigh Mount Dandenong, but the rain had set in for good so there was absolutely nothing to see! This is what you can see on a clear day. This will definitely be another day trip.

The road ahead

On the drive up to the top

Back home we warmed up and dried off before setting out for our last dinner of this trip. We headed into town for a favourite place of Laurence and Maddy’s, a Korean BBQ place in Chinatown called Bornga. A very busy and lively place where it’s quite difficult to book, but it’s worth just turning up and leaving your phone number, there’s normally only a five to ten minutes wait.

A quick cocktail before dinner in a bar called Storyville

A great feast for our last dinner!

And once again all too quickly our four day weekend was over! Until the next time.

Gastronomic Getaway in Melbourne

Visiting Melbourne this time was more about seeing our son Laurence than actual sightseeing. Although I did managed to persuade everyone to have a day out in The Dandenongs on Sunday! This time we were staying in South Yarra just a stone’s throw away from the train station and only two stops to Flinders Street Station.

Overlooking the city from the balcony of Punthill Apartments

Anthony and Maddy waiting to go to breakfast, a tad chilly!

Eating out is always a must when we visit though! Our first night was spent in Zurouna. A fabulous Lebanese restaurant in South Yarra. Although there are many places to eat it is always better to book as everywhere is always so busy.
We had a dip platter to share with some other starters and a few mains. Plus lots of red wine and cocktails.

From the gallery of Zurouna

Friday

After a pretty hefty breakfast at the little cafe next door to the Punthill Apartments, we caught the train into town. Very handy with South Yarra station right below us and just two stops to Flinders Street.

Looking very relaxed and comfortable heading into town

We met Laurence for lunch at the Crafty Squire where all main courses were $20, bargain!

After lunch we had a wander around and of course some shopping and Anthony bought a new hat!

Captain Von Trapp also wearing Barbour waistcoat and Merino wool zip up cardigan, so fashion!

Back to the apartment for a short rest and then cocktails at The Imperial Hotel. Very lively and noisy bar, great atmosphere.

A pint and passionfruit mojito and a bowl of nachos to share

Then it was off for another delicious dinner just down the road to the Thirty Eight Chairs a small Italian restaurant in Bond Street, South Yarra. Fantastic service!

Saturday

Today was a designated shopping day and we walked the length of Chapel Street in search of new clothes. Not exactly a difficult chore and there are boutiques galore! Also a wonderful sunny day. After I felt I couldn’t walk another step we stopped for a late lunch in Hawkers Hall, an Asian fusion restaurant.

A wonderfully old and fairly decrepit building, would have been grand in its hey day

Chapel Street – Street Art!

After a fairly exhausting day of walking we were in need of a quick rest before heading out again into town for a very lively night.

We went to Vamos which we’ve been to before but it’s always such a good night there! It’s a Spanish tapas bar in Bourke Street and they have a band playing Thursday through Sunday, lots of Latin music. There is a small dance floor that can accommodate two dancers! while people are eating. The space did not deter the large table behind us and four couples all got up and did salsa. After people have eaten the tables are cleared or moved back and so many people get up and dance. There is a great atmosphere here and would definitely go back when I’m in Melbourne next.

A few from inside the bar

And a little clip of dancing!

Part two to follow

A day in The Dandenongs

Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Six – Sydney to Brisbane via Coffs Harbour

Day 15 – Sydney to Coffs Harbour

On the last leg of our journey now and it’s northwards bound today. Travelling to Coffs Harbour for the night to break the journey which was six hours drive away. Our first stop was for lunch in a tiny place called Budgewoi, a little off the beaten track but I love finding these hidden places.

The drive up to Coffs is full of lush and tropical scenery so different from the west coast and it was getting more humid as the miles flew by. We arrived at 6.30 pm and were staying at Beach Haven Executive Apartments located on the Solitary Islands Highway just minutes from the beach. We had a beautiful room overlooking the ocean. They do have a restaurant on site but as it was empty we decided to drive into Coffs Harbour and have dinner at the fabulous Latitude 30.

Our dinner!

Duck with cranberry sauce

Grilled scallops with cauliflower puree

No-one else around so I had to take my own photo

Day 16 – Coffs to Brisbane

Our journey today was just a four hour drive so we had plenty of time to stop off for lunch. Currumbin, QLD was the next stop where we met up with an old friend at the RSL Club with fantastic views over the beach.

By the time we arrived in Brisbane it was 5.30. We were staying at Soda Apartments on the South Bank for two nights. Great fully furnished apartment but so noisy as there is so much construction work going on in Brisbane. I love Brisbane which is also so laid back like Melbourne. People are so friendly here. Our first night we walked down to the South Bank and wandered along the river. It’s a great place to be at night, so much to see and so many restaurants to eat in.

Ahmet’s Turkish restaurant where we ate dinner

Turkish salad

Mixed Souvlaki with Yoghurt dip

Day 17

Today I fancied a drive inland – the hinterland as it’s called in Queensland and just chose a spot on google maps which sounded interesting! Glasshouse Mountains is just over an hour’s drive away. A beautiful drive up high into the mountains with amazing views but so difficult to stop as the road is so narrow and windy in parts. One of the restaurants looked spectacular so we headed there for lunch, Clear Mountain Lodge. We were the only ones up there, it’s a place I would really like to go back to and spend the night sometime. The views around are of the Glasshouse Mountains, Moreton Bay and the islands.

Cajun chicken

Seafood pasta

Vegetable and herb garden at the restaurant

We also had friends in Brisbane so off we went there for dinner that night!

Day 18

Checked out today as we were spending the last night in the Novotel at the airport so Anthony could get an early start for the long drive home! I couldn’t face long hours in the car again so I took the easy way and was flying back.
So our last day was again spent visiting friends, near Southport.
That night we had an early night with dinner at a restaurant in the Skygate

Freshly cooked bream

Oysters and wine!

And so it ends, our epic road trip across five states! What a wonderful 19 days it’s been. We’ve seen so many interesting places and eaten in fabulous restaurants along the way. On the way we caught up with friends and family in different states, but I must say I am looking forward to going home to see my precious grandson and daughter and planning my next trip. Until then Sayonara!

Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Five – Sydney

Day 13 to 16 – Sydney

After leaving Canberra we arrived in Sydney around 5pm. It’s not our first time in Sydney so we’ve done most of the tourist things Sydney has to offer. This time our visit was mainly to visit relatives and friends. Anthony decided he wanted to stay in Chatswood because it has a great shopping centre! We stayed in the wonderful Meriton Suites and had an apartment on the 26th floor with fantastic views. They also have their own carpark conveniently located in the basement. When you walk around Chatswood you can see why it’s called little Hong Kong, which was also why Anthony chose this place having lived most of his life in Hong Kong.

Views from the apartment

I’ve been having fun editing all my photos using Ribbet.com. It’s amazing the difference the editing has made. I thought I would add some frames too, it was too tempting not to. The photos above were taken with my Canon Powershot SX730.

Day 2 in Sydney

The apartment was very near the train and bus station around five minutes walk, and if there’s one thing Anthony likes as much as shopping it’s public transport. So after purchasing our Opal tickets – you need these to travel on public transport – we found the right bus stop to make our way to meet Anthony’s nephews in Crow’s Nest.

Two gorgeous boys – the one on the right is the lead singer with the upcoming band Johnny Hunter

Then it was back to the apartment on the train this time. Hubby a very happy boy using all this public transport.

Later we met my wonderful friend and her hubby in Manly, a favourite place of mine.

We drove to Manly but it’s very easy to reach by ferry from Sydney Harbour. Manly has a laid back holiday feel to it with a great beach. There are many restaurants, bars and cafes lining the Corso. The night we were there people were still swimming at 9pm and many were picnicking on the grass verge by the sea.

Day 3 in Sydney

After breakfast on the balcony again we headed over to Gordon to meet up with Anthony’s aunt and cousin for lunch. Time was soon marching on and we still hadn’t been to the city yet, so we hopped on the train to Wynyard which took us over the bridge and then walked down to The Rocks. We found a great bar in the cruise terminal overlooking the harbour where we had a few cocktails and thought about where to go for dinner.

Overlooking the Opera House with my usual Sauvignon Blanc in hand

A few more from our walk around

Something I’ve never done is climb the bridge. I would rather look at the view than be the view!

Dinner!

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Lamb shoulder with ratatouille

Seafood Pizza for Anthony

Well what did you think of my frames? To frame or not to frame? It was fun but very time consuming.

Our time in Sydney had come to an end but not our journey. And so onwards and upwards to Coffs Harbour and Brisbane in Part Six.

Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Three – Melbourne

Five nights in Melbourne

As I mentioned in my previous post we had an apartment on the 59th floor! I’ve never stayed in an apartment so high before. We had floor to ceiling windows in every room with fantastic views over Melbourne.

The next four days were going to be relaxing and taking it easy, with good food and plenty to drink! Lots of walking and definitely not much driving.

Although Melbourne is so busy and teeming with people, it still has a laid back feel to it. So many tourists going through all stopping to enjoy the beautiful sights Melbourne has to offer.

On the South Bank overlooking the Yarra River

**********************

While we were in Melbourne The National Gallery of Victoria was exhibiting the works of M.C. Escher (a renowned Dutch artist) with the works of Nendo Design Studio from Japan, Escher X nendo. I took some photos of M.C. Escher‘s works while walking around with Maddy. I hadn’t heard of Escher before and it was something Maddy wanted to see. She was very knowledgeable so didn’t need the audio guide!

I would like to have posted some of the fabulous prints we saw but when I checked on the website you needed to fill out a copyright request form in great detail. If you do go to Melbourne before 7 April it’s really worth a visit to see his works.

Nendo

Great Mural just outside Flinders Station

Some other photos of around Melbourne

One of many art deco buildings – Manchester Unity Building

St Kilda’s

St. Kilda’s is a coastal suburb not too far from central Melbourne. It has a completely different vibe to it than the city. Over a hundred years ago it was a very ritzy resort for the rich. Many palatial mansions are still standing, now converted into hotels. It’s great for a day or night out with so many restaurants, from cafes to fine dining.

Enjoying a glass of sangria

Dinner at Rococo’s

We ate and drank at fabulous places over the last five days and enjoyed every one. Food and service are always exceptional in Melbourne.

Tsindos Greek Restaurant, Lonsdale Street

The amazing Lucy Lius’s, Oliver Lane

And that my friends was that! This was where we left them and carried on with our epic journey onwards and upwards towards Brisbane. Next stop Canberra then Sydney in Part Four.

Vineyards and Valleys on a Sunday afternoon

The Packing Shed, Bickley, WA

We often visit a winery on a Sunday afternoon and today was no exception. We’ve not tried this one before and were not disappointed. Set in the rolling hills of Bickley and just a 35 minute drive from Perth, you could imagine that you were in the deep countryside. There are so many wineries dotted throughout these hills, many with restaurants and cafes.

Bickley Valley Wine Trail

This winery has a restaurant attached, where they offer breakfast and lunch. Today we chose a delicious chilli and lime bruschetta and pork belly with sweet potato chips which was just enough for the two of us to share and paired with the classic white for me and a Pinot Noir for hubby. Hubby enjoyed the red so much he took a bottle home.

After lunch we had a walk around this beautiful vineyard and took a few snaps. There are trees and hills as far as the eye can see, it’s so relaxing to spend a few hours here.

*A very modern dining area in the old packing shed*

Old rustic rusty farm machinery
Cute toilets!

On our drive back I asked Anthony to stop so I could take a photo of the road behind us, as I stepped out of the car I saw two kangaroos hopping through the bush. I couldn’t believe it when one stopped and looked at me and actually waited while I adjusted my camera to take a photo of him!

Even after living in Perth for 14 years, I still get a thrill when I see a kangaroo in the wild!

Tag: Australia

Now and Then

In the meantime,
Keep calm and carry on blogging

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Pull up a seat

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Flower of the day

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Weekday Sunsets in Swanbourne, WA

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A Rainy Day in The Dandenongs – Part 2

Sunday

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Gastronomic Getaway in Melbourne

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Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Six – Sydney to Brisbane via Coffs Harbour

Day 15 – Sydney to Coffs Harbour

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Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Five – Sydney

Day 13 to 16 – Sydney

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Perth to Brisbane Road Trip – Part Three – Melbourne

Five nights in Melbourne

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Vineyards and Valleys on a Sunday afternoon

The Packing Shed, Bickley, WA

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In the meantime, Keep calm and carry on blogging

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Sunday

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Day 15 – Sydney to Coffs Harbour

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Day 13 to 16 – Sydney

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Five nights in Melbourne

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In the meantime,
Keep calm and carry on blogging