~ Road Tripping through the English Countryside ~

Travelling back from our night away in Shrewsbury to visit friends we decided to break the journey with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. I think most people know this is the birthplace of Shakespeare and who didn’t study at least one of his plays at school! Mine was MacBeth and to this day I still don’t understand it, and it put me off Shakespeare for life. However Stratford is well worth a visit as it is steeped in history and culture. It’s amazing that people still live in the 16th century terrace houses.

We stayed in a very nice hotel called Villares which was just a ten minute walk into the town itself. So after a “free” continental breakfast we checked out and left the car there and ventured into town.

The town is extremely picturesque and I was forever stopping to take photos, so it wasn’t exactly an energetic walk.

**Trying to work out how to get back to his flock**

A Fun Quiz – Who Said What

What do you remember from school?

Weep not, sweet queen; for trickling tears are vain.

2. Come you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here

3. Before, I loved thee as a brother, John, But now, I do respect thee as my soul

4. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell.

Answers at the end

After finishing our walk we decided it was too early for lunch here and drove to another lovely place called Bourton-on-the-Water. This is a village in rural Cotswolds, south central England.

As pretty as this village is, it is mostly made up of tearooms and gift shops and the pub wasn’t serving food. We had a wonderful walk exploring around as we went.

Gallery of Bourton-on-the-Water

By this time hunger pains were setting in and we were getting a bit desperate. We didn’t want to end up at a service station as the last resort! So back to the car it was while I made enquiries of the trusty google maps. I plugged a place in and off we went. I did mention though that we may see some sign on the roadside advertising a place off the beaten track.

Well what do you know around ten minutes later we came upon such a sign for “The Feathered Nest” and turned off. The road took us down a very narrow windy lane and around a few corners until there was no more road! This place really was on the edge of beyond. Straight ahead of us there was a 2 star Michelin restaurant. Lunch was not going to be cheap!

Finally after a scrumptious lunch we were on the road again back to Essex. This restaurant was such a great find and really made our mini break away.

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Answers to above quotes

Falstaff
Lady Macbeth
Prince Henry
Hamlet

~ It’s a Good Week to have a Good Week ~

Ju-Lyn from Touring my Backyard has asked us to share our Happy Places and Spaces.

This week for me has been exceptionally busy with all kinds of things. I haven’t had much time at all to sit and blog, although I’ve been reading a few. My posts all seem to stay in my head and when I do get to sit at the computer, they’ve disappeared!

I’ll start with Friday. A friend from my Zumba class was hosting an Abba Party at her house on Friday evening. It was such a fun evening, everyone dressed up and danced for hours. I danced like a teenager but forgot to tell my body. Aches and pains followed the next day.

Most Mondays are now spent looking after my two precious grandchildren while my daughter works. It’s hard work for sure but such a privilege to be with them. This week I had Maddy’s help and we were able to go to Lake Claremont for a little walk and play.

Of course we had to stop in the cafe for a treat on the way back, Rosie mesmerised by herself!

Monday evening we met up with some very dear friends from South Australia on their last night in WA. We have been playing catch up for years and this is the first time in 17 years that we’ve been able to see them.

Tuesday and Friday are Bridge playing days. Tuesday was good, Friday bad! The mornings playing Bridge go so quickly and this is one of the things that I can completely focus on. Wednesday I was also at the Bridge Club having lessons! The weather on Tuesday and Wednesday was atrocious, high speed winds and heavy slanting rain. Such a difference to Monday.

I walked to the Bridge Club on Friday, a drastic improvement in the weather.

Wednesday night was also out for dinner with Laurence and Maddy. I must say that is the only good thing to come out of Covid that they have managed to get back from Melbourne to stay with us for a couple of months.

We are having a bathroom renovated and also some trees cut down in the garden, so people have been coming and going all week with trucks and vans. Scaffolding has been put up so Laurence could get to the trees easier! Well he has to earn his keep somehow.

Happy places for me are anywhere my family are and my happy spaces are on a dance floor or at a Bridge table!

The Changing Seasons – June 2021

The month of June for me started with quarantine and is ending with lockdown! Plenty of time for blogging.

WEEK ONE

The first week was spent at home in quarantine as we had been in Melbourne and Sydney the previous week. It was only 11 days as the 3 days in Sydney were counted as part of that. My daughter’s partner very kindly brought our two boys back to us from their little vacay in The Big Paws Hotel.

What to do about their walks though? Dear Hubby (DH) opened up our two side gates and created a mini circuit around the house. He very diligently walked around and around for an hour every day. At first the boys followed and thought what new game is this, but just after a few days grew bored with this as I did! He also decided that our bougainvillea needed cutting back and as a verge collection was coming up, we tackled this head on.

Somebody is protesting against no walks!

We relied on the kindness of friends and neighbours and some online shopping for our food and wine.

One day I had a surprise visit from a good friend and we sat outside, socially distanced and had a lovely chat. She brought some beautiful tulips and a small bag of exotic fruit, lucky me.

The beautiful tulips she brought as a gift.

WEEK TWO

The second week we were able to get out for dinner and celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary, definitely something worth celebrating. We had dinner with very dear friends at a restaurant called Dilly Dally.

This week was also the first time I had seen my two adorable grandchildren for nearly a month.

It was good to catch up with these two precious bundles. I could also get back to my weekly activities of zumba, Bridge and Mahjong.

WEEK THREE

This week was much the same as before. I did venture out with a girlfriend one night to our line dancing class. Not the boot scooting kind but more dancing in lines. Such great fun and we get plenty of exercise doing this.

Our couches are getting ruined by our spoilt boys so I ordered a couch cover for one of the couches to see if this would improve things.

WEEK FOUR

It was Book Club this week and the book this month was The Trauma Cleaner by Sarah Kranostein. This was not a book I could relate to even though it had some pretty good reviews. There are 11 of us in the club and I think most enjoyed it.

Our Girls Games Night was also this week and it was my turn to host. My son and his girlfriend bought me a Murder Mystery game for my birthday. Even though it’s meant for male and female, my friends were all okay about some of them dressing up as men. It was a brilliant evening and everyone made such a great effort with their costumes.

A Slice of Murder

Also during this last week was my Grandson, Lachie’s third birthday, what excitement that was. He sure did receive a lot of gifts.

Last of the month from today’s walk around the lake.

I hope everyone else had a good June also, look forward to hearing all about it over at The Changing Season hosted by Ju-Lynn this month. Next month Brian at Bushboys World will be hosting.

Restaurants and Murals of Melbourne

It was over a year since our last visit to Melbourne, longer for hubby, and it was the second planned trip this year! Anyway we finally took the risk of no lockdowns during our six day trip (although that has come back to bite us on the backside!) This visit was to catch up with Laurence and Maddy, a weekend on Philip Island and a short trip to Sydney.

We decided to stay near them so as to maximise our time together and chose The Hamptons on Chapel Street.

Arriving late on a Tuesday afternoon, we checked into a very nice one bedroom apartment and met with Laurence and Maddy for dinner just around the corner.

Tulum Turkish Restaurant, Balaclava

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne, it has some very tasty tapas on the menu.

A delicious start to our stay in Melbourne

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Over the next couple of days we spent time walking the streets and soaking up the sights.

The street art around Melbourne is always so different and vibrant. I took photos of some fabulous murals on our walk around the city.

The above two murals are by Mike Maka from Melbourne (Australia) a painter who works in a variety of media, mainly on walls, canvas and illustration on paper. He has travelled and created work around the world, painting the Berlin Wall to the River Ganges. Source: Street-Artwork

The mural on the right was actually blocked off and I had to step on a small wall and balance on hubby’s back while lowering the net to snap it!

Painted by Heesco – a Mongolian Artist based in Melbourne

This brightly coloured mural was just outside our apartment block, such beautiful colours.

Heesco – a Mongolian born artist based in Melbourne. Have a look at his website, he is by far the best artist I have seen. His silo murals are extraordinary.

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Chez Bob, Armadale

One night we had dinner in a cute French restaurant out in one of the suburbs east of Melbourne. A fabulous evening with great food and service. We ate snails, scallops, pate, beef tartare, rabbit pie, duck and beef. A gourmet feast.

G2 Korean BBQ, CBD

Maddy chose G2, one of her favourite restaurants in Melbourne for our last night here. This is a very authentic restaurant with a burner of coals on the table. The staff that night were truly run off their feet as they like to cook for you. Although we did pretty well on our own.

I ordered a delicious rice wine mango cocktail, although did not mean for a jug only a glass!

As always it was a lovely few days catching up with Laurence and Maddy. But we still had the weekend ahead on Philip Island.

In the Mood for Food at Meeka, Subiaco, WA – A review

This restaurant is one that we have been meaning to visit for a long time. I can’t think why we’ve missed this wonderful place, maybe plans got in the way or the dreaded “C” word! Anyway amends have now been made and it was a definite hit for hubby and I.

Meeka’s cuisine is an Australian/Middle Eastern fusion, using local produce to create unique original dishes.

We were greeted at the counter by the very affable Jack, aka Jacquimo. It didn’t take us long to realise he was running the place almost singlehanded, efficiently and with great humour!

I had a cocktail as usual, this time a Pomegranate Mojito and hubby went straight onto the red wine, and ordered the one below recommended by Jack. I even had a glass and I’m not a red wine drinker! 🍷 A light easy to drink bottle.

Ravensworth Murrumbateman Sangiovese, NSW

While we waited for our food to arrive I asked Jack if I could snap a few shots.

Meeka is very deceptive size wise and seems small on entering, but at the back there is another dining room for around 20 more diners.

Beautiful artwork on the walls and a large array of wines on display.

Our Food

Popcorn Prawns / Lemonaise / Greens / Radish / Middle Eastern Sambal

All these dishes were packed with flavour and the exotic ingredients used worked perfectly together. The favourite for both of us was the slow cooked black garlic lamb, melt in your mouth tenderness.

We both enjoyed the atmosphere at Meeka, made all the better for the wonderful service from Jack, obviously compliments to the chef too. It will be added to our favourite restaurants in Perth.

Thanks for reading!

Meelup Farmhouse, Eagle Bay with the Divas

Another day, another lunch for the divas’ weekend in Dunsborough. This time it was at the picturesque Meelup Farmhouse. What a super place this is.

Before even getting to the entrance there is so much to see, so remember to arrive a bit early to have a look around.

**First came the alpacas, such cute animals**

**Next the chickens and roosters. They were so friendly and children were allowed to pick them up for a cuddle**

Lizzie the cow was hiding when we were there, but here’s one from the Meelup website I cheekily stole!

As soon as we sat down we were given the drinks list, but on looking around it seemed everyone was drinking the same thing. So we didn’t even have to look and ordered four “we’ll have what they’re having” – Ginger gin passionfruit mojitos”.

An airy and light dining room with a fabulously decorated ceiling.

House made sweet potato flat bread, roasted beets, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado, beetroot hummus + kale

Fresh Farmhouse salad, merlot vinaigrette — House made sweet potato flat bread, roasted beets, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado, beetroot hummus + kale

Above are some of the dishes we shared and we also had Chicken liver pate topped with cherries and chargrilled Yallingup wood fired sourdough, which was melt in your mouth delicious!

After this another cocktail was called for! We shared two between four – Getting Figgy – Gin, Fig, lemon, Fig jam and a classic Pina Colada. These two seemed to have much more alcohol than the mojito.

A few more snaps around Meelup

Meelup Farm also offers picnic hampers which you can eat in the extensive gardens under shady trees, away from the noise of the restaurant.

Everything about this place was superb, food, service with a smile and wonderful location. It’s definitely on my “go back to” list.

Last but not least a photo of Mila, the resident labrador. We were told when we sat down that we weren’t allowed to feed her, she was on a diet! I don’t think everyone got the message.

Click on the link for more details

Palmers Winery, Dunsborough – Review

This is one of the places we visited during our weekend away in Dunsborough. Below is the mediterranean style entrance to the restaurant. Lucky for us the weather was wonderfully sunny and warm.

I had only booked 15 minutes before we arrived due to a mixup with another place we thought we were going to! We had a choice of tables inside as outside was fully booked. We could see outside anyway, we were just happy to be able to get in somewhere.

There was so much choice on the menu that we decided to share a few dishes, always the best way to eat if you ask me. In our little group we had one GF, one pescatarian and one who doesn’t eat shellfish! We ordered something for everyone and the one who wasn’t fussy got to taste everything!

We started with Parmesan Crumbed Eggplant w/ Buffalo Mozzarella, local Asparagus, Tomato and Basil Sugo Entrée

Just enough for a taster each but enough to settle down the hunger!

To drink we ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Semillion to share which went down far too easily and quickly as there was quite a wait for our mains. Anyway we were in no rush and had no set agenda.

Finally our mains arrived and I think I speak for all of us that it was well worth the wait.

Goldband snapper with preserved lemon & herb crushed potatoes, roasted red pepper & caper salsa, asparagus & citrus Beurre blanc

Balinese roast duck, yellow curry, Pilaf Rice, Steamed Asian Greens & Sambal

Grilled Western Australian Banana Prawns cooked in a roasted Garlic & Parsley Butter

Added to this was also a Green Papaya & bean shoot salad w/ toasted cashews & peanut dressing which was deliciously blended.

I would say my favourite was the Balinese duck curry, but all the dishes were mouth-wateringly divine.

There were some stunning paintings displayed at Palmers, I took a few photos of the ones I liked best.

After lunch was over we had a wander over to the cellar door to have a quick tasting and for me to take a few photos of the beautiful surroundings.

The Courtyard

Everything about this winery was close to perfection. Food was amazing, lovely service from the staff and the grounds outstanding. If you’re ever in this region don’t miss the opportunity to visit.

A Fabulous Feast at The Old Synagogue : Review of Tonic and Ginger, Fremantle

We had heard quite a bit about this restaurant and how wonderful it was so decided it was time to give it a try. Hubby, me and two friends went last Wednesday, and this date was booked ten days before and the earliest I could find. It’s an extremely popular restaurant in Perth at the moment.

Tonic and Ginger is situated in a converted Synagogue in Fremantle, known as The Old Synagogue! Along with three other places, Mr. Chappele, The Arbor and L’Chaim.

Originally built in 1902, it was the first synagogue in WA. Services continued here until 1908. By this time the majority of the Jewish people had moved to Perth.

The building was sold to the Federal Government in 1916 as an annexe to the general hospital where it was converted into a ward. In 1922 it was acquired by William Beer and by 1924 he was operating an auction mart from the site. After this it was sold to the Fremantle Council and used for different purposes such as shops and cafes. Source: Wikipedia

Photos of the The Old Synagogue from many years ago – Source: Fremantle Stuff

On entering the restaurant you are greeted and seated by friendly staff and offered the drinks list. I ordered an Oriental Amigo, a mix of tequila, lychees and strawberries. Excellent choice by me!

The wonderful coloured globes hanging from the ceiling.

During the evening a lady in the upstairs section knocked her drink of the railings which crashed to the floor! Luckily no-one was hurt, but I don’t think she helped by yelling over the side “sorry, I’m so sorry” but didn’t bother coming down!

Wine flies when you’re having fun at Brookside Winery, Bickley, WA 🍷

Living in Western Australia we are fortunate to have many wineries around us. Whether they are in the Perth Hills, Swan Valley or further down south towards Margaret River, we are surrounded. We don’t live too far from Perth Hills or Swan Valley and tend to visit for Sunday lunch or sometimes midweek. There are always a few new ones popping up and I like to visit places we haven’t been before, although that is getting harder. Also it’s a good excuse for hubby to take the car for a spin.

Not all the wineries have restaurants attached and some are just “cellar door” only. All are located in beautiful countryside with fantastic views.

A few weeks ago we tried Brookside in Bickley which is in the Perth Hills. The journey for us takes around 40 minutes and we try to get there for 1.30 pm to avoid the lunchtime rush. The restaurant itself is called The Vineyard Kitchen and it has a wonderful menu, featuring homegrown vegetables and fresh local produce.

Front of the restaurant
with tables outside and heaters

The winery is set in beautiful grounds and has its own fruit trees and vegetable garden. It’s a good place for a family lunch as there is plenty of space for a runaround after with the kids. There are also some lovely rustic spots for photos.

I’m definitely going to add this winery to my list of favourites. It was great to stretch our legs around the vineyards after our lunch and a few wines!

Thanks for reading and watch out for some more reviews of Western Australian Wineries.

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If you liked this you might also like other posts about wineries.

Vineyards and Valleys on a Sunday afternoon

by Alison November 15, 2018

My A to Z Travel Challenge: H is for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam🇻🇳

Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where we spent four days a few years ago. Hanoi was not a place that interested me as I had heard it was quite industrialised due to the influence of communism. However it was somewhere where Anthony wanted to visit, and I can’t always have my own way! After checking into our hotel and going for a wander, I realised how wrong I had been. The architecture was amazing and the restaurants were some of the best we had eaten in. It is easy to see the French influence in the buildings and especially the food. There’s nothing tastier than French food with a Vietnamese twist.

The view from our room at the Hotel Nikko

Over the next two days we walked around the city going to the Old Quarter and also the Citadel. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some schoolgirls graduating.

St Josephs Cathedral

A heavy load for this small bike!
St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Old Quarter. Built in 1866 and resembling Notre Dame de Paris.

Hubby trying out a buyer’s load

Graduation inside the Imperial Citadel

The Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th Century and many of the old structures are still standing. The Imperial Japanese Army used it to imprison 4,000 French colonial soldiers in 1945.

Expertly manicured bonsai trees are found all around the Citadel.

Restaurants

I thought I would mention some of the restaurants we ate in as they were all so good.

La Place: A small cafe opposite St. Joseph’s Cathedral. If you sit upstairs you can see the Cathedral from the window. Cute cafe serving Vietnamese food.
Pots and Pans: Sadly this is no longer in operation. Such a great find as they trained staff on the premises and the service and food were excellent.
La Verticale: Fine French dining in the old French Quarter.
La Badiane: Another French restaurant with excellent service. Try and book downstairs, where there is more atmosphere.

Just a couple of the dishes we enjoyed!

Ha Long Bay Cruise

After three nights in Hanoi, the next day we were setting off for Ha Long Bay for a 1 night/2 day cruise. I think most people break up their stay in Hanoi by doing this. We actually cancelled this trip due to a typhoon forecast to hit Hanoi the day before. Luckily we were able to reinstate this trip as it was and has been one of the best trips we’ve ever done. It’s the perfect break after the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. We had booked with Aphrodite Cruises.

Our Itinerary – Day One

7.30 am: We were picked up from our hotel by the tour’s small bus and then went onto pick up other passengers around Hanoi. During the four hour journey we slowly got to know some of them who would be joining us on our mini cruise. The journey seemed endless especially as we had a 30 minute obligatory stop at a restaurant/souvenir type of warehouse.

11.30 am: Arrived at Ha Long Bay.

12 pm: Everyone boarded the ship and we were taken to our cabins and told to meet on deck to have lunch and also meet the fabulous crew.

This ship features just 17 luxury cabins and is served by a five star crew.

On the top deck where cocktails would be served

1 – 2 pm: Lunchtime. A gourmet delight and so well presented.

3 – 5 pm After lunch we sailed onto Thien Cung Cave. A sprawling natural grotto with intricate stalactite & stalagmite formations & colourful lighting.

From outside and inside the cave
The bottom left looks like a giant pair of hanging legs with boots on!

5 pm onwards: The time from here was filled with a cookery lesson, how to drink saki and enjoy a cocktail or two on the top deck. Then dinner was served on the dining deck. It was amazing how many other cruise ships were out in the bay with us. I think the whole area is in great danger of being overpopulated with cruise ships.

Day Two

I woke up to the sound of running water and when I got out of bed found it was coming from our bathroom! The bidet hose had come loose and was gushing upwards like a fountain. I opened the cabin door and shouted for help and as two or three crew members came running in the room, I had no choice but to jump back into bed with hubby while they tried to fix the problem. They managed to stop the leak but emerged from the bathroom soaking wet! We were offered a change of cabin but as we were packing up that day it seemed pointless to move. Luckily not too much damage was done. From then on it was all go, go, go!

First a quick snack before breakfast and then onto a smaller boat to be taken to a beach for swimming or a walk. The beach was on Ti Top Island. We were only allowed one hour there as so many other cruise ships were waiting for their turn. The sea is so crowded that it’s impossible to actually swim. Anthony decided to walk to to the top of the island, but even that was a struggle as many people were coming down as others were going up. Back to the ship for another fabulous meal. Then it was time to pack up, sail away and say goodbye to our fantastic crew.