Wednesday, April 27, 2011
When it Rains it Pours!
Many might know Australia as a typically dry country and they would be correct. The outback makes up by far the largest portion of land here and it is the driest inhabited continent. That being said, on Saturday April 16th, 2011, Sydney had it's wettest April day since 2001. Before 9am it had already rained 57mm (2.25 inches.) These photos were taken around 10am and it continued like this all day.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What is "Authentic" Australian Cuisine?
Shayne said he wanted to try Australian Food. Of course, we have all heard of Vegemite, but what else is tried and true "Australian"!? So we set out on an "Edible Adventure" in search of an Authentic Australian Cuisine Experience.
When Shayne first arrived, we went to The Original Maltese Cafe. Shayne's family is from Malta and I thought he could use a taste of home. FUN FACT: Maltese is the 14th most common ancestry in Australia. Pastizzi is not technically "Australian cuisine" but I thought I'd include it anyway.
While at Bondi we ate Spanish Churros & Chocolate. Again not Australian Cuisine, but Shayne has a history with Spain, and boy did we enjoy it!
Next we had an Authentic Australian Burger with Beetroot, a Fried Egg and Pineapple. And of course Chips on the side!
We went to Pancakes on The Rocks and Shayne got the "Hot 'n' Troppo", which is Buttermilk pancakes with grilled banana, walnuts, cream, chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce plus a side of Strawberries. I had an Australian Traditional Style "Lemontyne" which is Buttermilk pancakes with lemon wedges, sugar crystals, and vanilla ice cream.
Australia is all about their "Take-Away" food and their coffee!
Sausage Roll with Tomato Sauce
Vegemite Toast
Gloria Jean's Coffee...much like Starbucks, but it's 100% Australian owned!
You know the reference "Put anotha' shrimp on the barbie", but the funny thing is, they don't even call it shrimp, they are referred to as PRAWNS out here. Australia has so many different types of seafood, but I think one of the most popular fish here is Barramundi and one night we had a lovely dinner of it at my Aunt's.
And then finally...
Shayne treated me to a wonderful dinner at The Meat & Wine Co.
We had this amazing dessert called The Grand Finale, with Vanilla Creme Brulee, Chocolate Fondante with Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Banoffee Tart and Baked Passionfruit Yoghurt
It's also when Shayne tried...
Kangaroo!!! And he said it was delicious! We didn't take a photo of it, but I think the picture below gives you a nice depiction!
By the end, we overindulged ourselves a few (too many) times and I think we put on a few kilos, but it was completely worth it!!!
Blue Mountains...Take My Breathe Away
Shayne and I decided to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney CBD and see a bit of the countryside for a day. We took the country train out to Katoomba, about 110 kilometers West of Sydney and visited the Blue Mountains. In all my years of traveling to Australia, I have never been out here and for the life of me, I have no idea why! It is just gorgeous and the views are breathtaking! Australia - you never cease to amaze me!
We finally reached our destination! Then we headed straight for Scenic World to ride the Scenic Skyway, Railway & Cableway.
270m high (almost 900 feet...Twice as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge!)
We are about to go on the Steepest Railway Incline in the world. We had NO idea what we were in for! (Side Note: The girl you don't recognize is Emma, from Wales. She was traveling alone and we quickly became friends.)
At the end of the day, we explored the little town of Leura. Check out the beautiful Autumn leaves!
Then it was back to Sydney...Good Bye Blue Mountains. Don't you worry, I will be back very soon!
Shayne Visits Australia
Shayne came to visit me over Easter weekend and we spent 5 amazing days exploring Sydney. It had been 6 months since we had seen each other, so we had a lot of catching up to do. What a joyous reunion it was! I think we walked several hundred kilometers and saw everything Sydney had to offer; The Harbour Bridge, The Opera House, Bondi & Manly Beaches, Chinatown, Paddy's Markets, Darling Harbour and the Hoopla Festival, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall and the list goes on!
Bondi Beach
Along the walk from Bondi to Tamarama Beach
On the Ferry to Manly Beach
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