~ Exploring Macau – A Visit to Taipa ~

After flying from Bangkok to Hong Kong, we immediately took the bus over the new HKZM Bridge. This is something Anthony has wanted to do for a while. Normally we would take the ferry, but after researching how to buy tickets, this was such an easy way to travel. There is no need to pick up your luggage as this is arranged for you. All we needed to do was follow the signs at the airport. Everything went smoothly and the bus ride was very comfortable. Our hotel was just a short taxi ride away.

HKZM Bridge (Hong Kong – Zuhai – Macau – Bridge) s a 55-kilometre (34 mi) bridge–tunnel system consisting of a series of three cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, and four artificial islands. It is both the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link in the world. The cost of construction was US$18 billion and is meant to last 120 years. Source: Wikipedia.

We were staying at Crowne Plaza, Macau. Possibly one of the few hotels without a casino! Our room was on the 21st floor and we had amazing views over the sea and looking towards China. Although there was massive construction going on below for more reclaimed land.

Macau is a special administrative region of China. It is the most densely populated region in the World with a total of 710,000 people. It consists of three regions, Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. These three regions are connected by road bridges. There has been so much land reclamation over the last century that Macau has tripled its land size.

One of the places I wanted to revisit was the old Taipa houses. The last time we visited they were not open to the public. These houses were built in 1921 to house the wealthy Portuguese families.

Taipa

There is still a wonderful Mediterranean feel about Macau. With cobbled stone streets, louvered windows and street signs in Portuguese, you could imagine you were in Portugal. Being very near Christmas, there were hundreds of poinsettias lining the stairs and walls.

Old Taipa Houses

We only went into one house, all houses were free to enter. To have indoor plumbing on this tiny island would have been a blessing indeed!

When they were first built, there would have been a view over the sea. Since the land reclamation, there is now a wetland.

It was past lunchtime by now so we headed back to the main streets and found a cute Portuguese restaurant.

This was actually on the ceiling of the restaurant. I thought it must have been hard on the artist’s arms to paint this.

Our delicious lunch.

I hope you enjoyed visiting Taipa with me, next up I will be posting about Macau’s famous casinos.

I’m joining Jo on her Monday Walks also!

~ Three Days in Bangkok – Boats, Bars and Retail Therapy ~

Last week we caught up with Anthony’s brother and wife for a few days in Bangkok. Having been here many times before, there was no need to be a tourist. I had booked us into the Chatrium Riverside Hotel with a fantastic view over the Chao Phraya River. Staying by the river is a wonderful way to see Bangkok, as most hotels have their own river boat. The ferries run all day to Sathorn Pier and from here you can take other boats or walk a short distance to the station.

City and river views from our room

Our first morning was spent catching up over a lengthy breakfast, watching the river transport.

After breakfast we took the river ferry over to the Iconsiam. A massive shopping mall, not with just shops but also artwork, fountains, waterfalls and many restaurants.

It was the King’s Birthday today plus Father’s Day, so we expected crowds. It wasn’t as bad as we feared and we had the ferry almost to ourselves.

Outside and inside the Iconsiam was absolute mayhem, people milling around and taking photos and generally blocking the way! Didn’t expect anything less being a public holiday.

Not your traditional tree!

The basement has a floating market with many hawker type stalls. It’s also where all the Thai style handicrafts are located. I did manage to pick up a few Christmas presents.

I wanted to see the waterfall on the third floor, which drops from the middle of the ceiling and changes colour as it falls. This was spectacular and a feat in architectural design.

For lunch we snagged an outside table overlooking the river and ate while we watched the different boats go up and down.

Taking the same route back to the hotel, we had more of a wait for connecting ferries.

These guys don’t hang around and it’s a swift turnaround. You have to be quick on your feet to jump on and off! But no complaints as it’s a free service.

A new suitcase for me, plus goodies inside for Anthony. I’ll have no trouble at the carousel looking for my case.

We had a quick rest before heading down for a seafood buffet. The weather was perfect, with a light breeze making it possible to sit outside. For me it’s still quite hot, but you see many of the Thai people with hoodies and sweatshirts on as it is Winter.

The next day we took it easy around the beautiful pool, catching some rays and swimming a few laps.

Our last evening was spent on a nearby rooftop bar drinking champagne and watching the sunset.

There is plenty to do in Bangkok, from visiting the temples, just browsing the many shops or taking a leisurely cruise along the river. Also with many different cuisines you can eat cheaply at the hawker stalls or fine dine if that’s your thing. Bangkok is a wonderful city to stop over for a short break.

Family Adventures in Benoa and Legian, Bali

I decided to change things up this time for our family holiday in Bali. Four days in peaceful Benoa and four days in lively Legian.

It was extremely late by the time we arrived due to a delayed departure. The lobby was large and spacious with enormous high ceilings. Checking in took a while but we were finally given our keys and taken to our rooms. We were assigned interconnecting rooms for Elena, Damian and the kids, and an upgrade for myself and Anthony. There are two parts to the Novotel and the block we were staying in was across the road and away from the beach. I was disappointed to start but after the first night was feeling quite happy with this arrangement. It seemed less busy and the adult and kids pools were just below us.

Novotel Swimming Pool, Benoa, Bali — View from our balcony

I had a great night’s sleep, but Anthony said it was too noisy for him. When I stepped onto the balcony I realised that we were very near the road.

The road doesn’t look too busy in this shot, but the bikes are a big problem!

Breakfast was served in the beach block across the road. This is manned by two attendants who try their hardest to stop the traffic. The bikes especially just drove around them and the cars mostly ignored them!

The above photos show some of the artwork on display around the Novotel.

A buffet was on offer serving up all kinds of traditional food plus fresh fruit. There was an egg station plus waffles, pancakes and donuts for the kids. Something for everyone.

Over the next four days, we swam in the ocean, played in the pools and relaxed. We found some fabulous restaurants for dinner but stayed at the hotel for lunch.

One day we took a tour on a glass bottomed boat to Turtle Island. The kids loved the boat. Out at sea was exceptionally busy with all kinds of activities. I thought I had seen most water sports, but all of a sudden we saw a flying lilo with someone holding on for dear life.

The sea here is tidal so the optimum time for swimming was around 1 pm. Anthony and I swam every day, but the kids preferred the pools. There is a forest of seaweed, undulating beneath the sea and I wasn’t keen on swimming over this. The feeling of feathery tendrils sweeping your legs was most disconcerting.

Waiting patiently for the tide to come in

Some more of the sculptures around the hotel

One of the things we enjoy about Bali is the food, always tasty and full of flavour. Unlike the others I prefer something not too spicy, whereas they all have a dish of sambal on the side.

Some of the dishes we ate. The top dish is called Rijsttafel, a Dutch word that translates to Rice Table. It consists of many (forty is not an unusual number) side dishes served in small portions, accompanied by rice prepared in several different ways. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. Source: Wikipedia. One of Anthony and Elena’s favourites.

Family dinners were not complete without Ipads and earphones. This meant we could all have a leisurely dinner. Although you couldn’t ask for better behaved munchkins.

Spot Rosie!

Last day in Benoa, ready to hit the road for Legian

See you in Legian!

Exploring Corfu – Sidari and Kassiopi – Day 2

Our man from Friendly’s Rental Cars was ready and waiting for us at 9am in the reception as planned and drove Anthony back to his office to complete the paperwork. We had hired a car for two days to explore more of Corfu.

My Chauffeur with the same red Fiat Panda I drive in Perth

Our first stop was Sidari which is at the Northern end of the island. I had read a blog that this shouldn’t be missed. It didn’t take long, around 45 minutes.

We stopped only for a drink and a quick walk along the beach. It was packed with English tourists and the street was lined with bars, cafes and restaurants many with English names. Although the beach was nice and sun beds seemed to be free if you ordered from the bar or cafe behind. Good for a week’s holiday if you just wanted to relax.

Fancy canopied sunbeds

Kassiopi was our next destination, but we stopped for lunch first. We found a traditional taverna on the side of the road, not too far up the mountain. We enjoyed a delicious lunch. I love finding small gems like this taverna. The place was empty of customers, making me think it was closed. There was a group of men smoking and chatting and when I asked if they were open, they said of course and jumped to attention!

Full and replete we pressed onto Kassiopi. It was only a 15 minute drive there but finding parking was difficult. As usual though my trusty driver managed to find a spot.

Kassiopi is situated on the North East coast of Corfu and was once a traditional fishing village. Now the bays are surrounded by holiday villas and apartments. It’s still a charming and picturesque place though.

There is an old Byzantine Castle up on the hill which we walked up and explored.

This castle dates back to the 11th century but was largely destroyed by the Venetians in the 13th century. They removed many of the large stones to the old town to fortify the fortress there. It must have been hard work!

The views were amazing and the climb up worth it.

I definitely preferred Kassiopi to Sidari and could easily enjoy night or two here.

~ Day Two over ~

~ Highlights of Hotel Indigo, Seminyak, Bali ~

We are once again in Bali for a short break and this time staying at Hotel Indigo. This hotel is perched almost on the beach with a very small road to cross. Mostly used by motorbikes so not too difficult to cross. It’s a surfers’ beach and not one where you can have a leisurely swim. Seminyak for us is more about relaxation and drinking and eating!

Our room is called a “comfort room” and is indeed extremely comfortable. There is a balcony with small forest outside. We don’t have a great view, but it’s still pleasant to sit outside when there is a breeze blowing.

The staff are super pleasant and eager to please, nothing is too much trouble. There are plenty of sunbeds at this time of year, it’s just out of season. Two fabulous restaurants and a small cafe. We’ve had breakfast, lunch and dinner here and no complaints from us.

We have eaten in a variety of places, upmarket and downmarket! On the beach and overlooking the beach.

La Plancha, a Spanish tapas cafe. This place looks about ready to fall down, adds to the atmosphere!

The Plantation, Double Six Hotel. A 1920’s style restaurant with enormous windows overlooking the ocean. This was luxury at it’s finest. A special treat was in store as there was a beautiful soprano singer to entertain us.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant – Makase

**Rijsttafel – A Dutch word translating to Rice Table. An elaborate Indonesian meal sometimes consisting of up to 40 small dishes.**

Seminyak is famous for the glorious sunsets, the beach bars make the most of this time and offer beanbags to relax on to watch.

We sat here for ages enjoying the beach life and our drinks, but time was passing and we needed to get ready for dinner!

And that’s a wrap!

~ Dunsborough Days – Food, Wine, Cocktails and More ~

Over the next couple of days we had many outings planned, wineries, breweries, new and old restaurants, shopping and of course cards would be on the agenda.

Our first stop was a new brewery in town called Southcamp. We enjoyed a delicious lunch with wine and ciders.

They couldn’t resist the temptation to pick up the bats.

Then it was back to the house and straight down to the beach with bathers on. I was definitely going to get in today. Viv and I had a long walk past the sand bank and along the water. Actually quite strenuous pushing through the water. As it’s so shallow I dragged myself back in on my stomach just using my arms, commando style, quite hilarious to watch and very ungraceful.

It took at least twenty shots before I managed the last position.

Before going out for dinner we had time for a few games of cards, glass of wine and snacks on the verandah.

Dinner was in town at a restaurant called Blue Manna Bistro. It was a place I’ve been trying to go for the longest time. We nearly didn’t get in though as the booking hadn’t gone through, but the manager kindly set up a table on the deck outside. Although only a Wednesday night, this place was buzzing.

I’m very happy we managed to get a table as this meal was truly scrumptious.

We were up again early the next day and we took a long walk along the beach footpath.

I had fun with the last photo here, although there were complaints about how uncomfortable it was.

Some more sculptures to play around with, my turn this time!

The gap in the sculpture makes a perfect frame.

Then onto our favourite restaurant, Meelup Farm, which I’ve posted about before.

**Atlantic salmon, green harissa spice, preserved lemon + honey yoghurt**

Wise Winery was our next stop, apparently the only winery in Australia with a sea view. We had coffee here and stocked up on wine.

All too soon it was time to pack up and head back to Perth, but not before stopping for breakfast on the way home.

The four of us all agreed we had an excellent few days. Hopefully we will be able to do the same next year.

History of Dunsborough

Prior to European colonisation, the land was populated by Indigenous people, the tribe along the coast was called Wardandi (sea people). These Indigenous peoples referred to Dunsborough by the name of Quedjinup, which means “Place of Women”
The modern town is named after the nearby Dunn Bay, which was named after Captain Richard Dalling Dunn under whom Governor James Stirling had served in the Hibernia and the Armide in 1810–11.
A general store was opened in 1925 and the town’s first bakery was established in 1930. It seems there wasn’t a school until 1963. During the 1960’s surfing became very popular and the ideal conditions brought many tourists to the region. Source: Wikipedia

Thanks for coming along with the fab four on our journey to Dunsborough

😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

~ What’s On Your Plate – October 2023 ~

This is a new challenge for me and it’s hosted by Donna @ Retirement Reflections and Deb @ The Widow Badass

I have been trying to find the perfect stuffed eggplant recipe for a while now and in the end I’ve just come up with my own. I won’t be writing it conventially but just some text with the photos I’ve taken along the way.

Start with two medium sized eggplants/aubergines. Cut them in half lengthwise and score and salt. Leaving them for 30 minutes to sweat out the bitterness.

In the meantime, saute two brown onions and two to three cloves of crushed garlic in olive oil. Cooking them slowly will make them go nice and nutty flavoured.

I then added 2/3 tomatoes and sauteed them down.

Wash the salt of the eggplants, dry and brush with olive oil and sprinkle on some paprika. Put in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes.

Add 500 grams of free range pork mince and cook until brown all over.

Add two to three teaspoons of spice mix in a little water to make a paste. I used this one as it has a mixture of ginger, cardomon, cinnamon, pimento, nutmeg, turmeric and mace.

The eggplants should look like this, with liquid seeping through. Now press down with a fork and add the mince mixture. I scooped some of the eggplant out to make more room. Sprinkle some cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes

Serve with salad and rice. You can add your own variations. I also did this with chickpeas and mushrooms and a moroccan spice.

The secret for me was cooking the eggplants first and not scooping out the flesh beforehand.

Anyway I’ve posted enough for this time!

~ On Display ~

The Challenge for Lens Artist this week is from Ann-Christine and the theme is “On Display”. It could be almost anything she said from … from a shoe shop to a garden party …

Mine are from shop windows and displays. Some recent from my trip to Paris and some from past trips. I’ve chosen food, hope you’re all tempted.

**Pumpkins on display for Halloween, Gothenburg**

Also linking for Ludwig’s Monday Window.

~ Postcards from Penang, Malaysia ~

Once again we were back in Penang, almost a year to the day. Anthony was determined to accomplish what he failed to do last year and climb Penang Hill. It was my turn this year to succumb to food poisoning on our first night here. Fortunately not as bad as he was, just had to spend the first day in the hotel, sleeping it off.

We were staying in a place called the Ascot Gurney, situated on Gurney Drive. It was a fabulous hotel, ideally situated within walking distance to many restaurants and right on the waterfront.

A view from our room and the pool area, where I spent many an hour relaxing and reading.

Mixing the old with the new

We did some walking around and did some shopping, also had lunch in cafes and restaurants. I wasn’t fussed about doing any sightseeing as we saw so much the year before. I did manage to eat some of the massive lunch that we ordered, good job we were sharing!

The day dawned when Anthony finally made up his mind to climb Penang Hill. It was decided that he would take a taxi to the bottom of the hill in the botanical gardens and I would take the funicular train up. Once he had left I looked up how to get there and realised it was closed for maintenance that week! I was in a dilemma about what to do. Once I had spoken to him he said there was a jeep service that took you up the hill, so I jumped in a taxi to where the jeep service was.

Honestly these guys were raking it in, it was one jeep per party of four. When I asked if I could share they said no, but Anthony was allowed to come back down with me. It was organised chaos, you were given a number on a small sticker to put on the back of your phone, the price was astronomical and one guy said it was more expensive than his air ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. I had to wait for around 30 minutes for a jeep to be free and then it was a 15 minute drive to the top. It took Anthony just under two hours to climb up.

Penang Hill

A number of hills are covered by Penang Hill, with the highest point being Western Hill that stands at an altitude of 833 meters (2,733 feet) above sea level. Penang Hill is a hilly and forested area that stands out from the lowlands of Malaysia. The area was used as a retreat during the British colonial period, and is now a very popular tourist destination due to its history and heritage.

Because of the funicular railway being closed most of the shops and cafes were closed also. The only place open was The Bellevue Hotel, where we sat and had lunch. Here we spotted black gibbons swinging through the trees. They moved too quickly for me to get a good photo.

Breathtaking views from the top, and so much flora and fauna to see. There were bees and dragon flies swooping in and out of the flowers.

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

On our last night we decided to treat ourselves to dinner in a fancy restaurant. It was called Thirty Two at The Mansion overlooking the water. Having just recently celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary, I thought it was very apt.

The lobby and waiting areas

Not sure of the relevance of Boy George being hung on the wall, but he’s a favourite of mine so I snapped him at once.

There is also a beach bar at the back, called Beach Blanket Babylon.

The food was delicious and I would recommend a visit here if you have the time.

As usual though Anthony was still hungry, so off we went looking for pork satay which is not easy to find in Penang. We took a taxi to a street food market and saw there was a long line for the satay. Deciding he didn’t want to queue up, he went straight to the cook and got served straight away!

This is the end of our adventures in Asia, thanks to everyone for tagging along.

~ The Last of Samosir, Lake Toba ~

Day Three

After our busy day yesterday we decided to take it easy today, relax around the pool and we also had a lunch date with Lynn. Firstly we walked to Lam’s cafe to have breakfast, well just me as Anthony only has coffee. She made me a delicious smoothie and muesli with fruit.

A view of Zoe’s from the lake, our room was on the third floor

As scheduled, Lynn turned up promptly at 1 pm to bring me to the restaurant as it was too hot to walk, for me anyway!

To the tune of “She’ll be coming round the mountain”

A very nervous pillion passenger!

We just had a light lunch and with the abundance of avocadoes and tomatoes, opted for a delicious salad with chicken.

I decided to walk back, not wanting to risk falling off the back of the bike!

Arrangements had been made for us to have dinner again at Hot Chilli with Joshua. The first night we ate there we met a Japanese man called Mr. Tako – or Tako-San as Anthony called him. He spoke very little English which gave Anthony the chance to converse in Japanese with him. They got along famously and were laughing the whole night. They were very happy to see each other again. Joshua prepared a feast for us. At the end of the evening he said he would take me home – yes you’ve guessed it, on the back of his bike. I felt this was becoming a bit of a habit.

**Sweet and Sour Pork, Beef Rendang and stir fry veg**

Day Four

We were leaving today and heading back to Medan for our one night stay again. I had checked out the ferry times and decided to catch the 10.45 back to Tiga Raja in Parapat. A driver called Bima would be there to meet us and take us on the long four hour journey back.

Mr. Tako was also joining us on this journey back. Sitting downstairs by the pool waiting for the ferry to turn up, I went and looked frequently to see if it was coming. Of course it didn’t turn up. So two of the girls, Marta and Kim said they would take us to another ferry point and we could catch it there. How were they going to take us – by bike of course! With luggage as well. Mr. Tako went first and then me. I sat behind a very wet Kim, who I had seen that morning jumping into the lake to sort out some guest’s fishing lines, plus her bike wouldn’t start and she hadn’t changed her clothes. Finally off we went with me hoping it wouldn’t stall and find myself sprawled across the road with gravel embedded into my legs (always the drama queen).