Reflection

It's been a while since I blogged here. My writing projects and travel blogs has taken much of my time. I've also been busy immersing with the rush of the social media scene here in Adelaide. It has been an exhilirating experience taking in all the vast information and exchanges on twitter. I manage two twitter accounts, @kamtiger and @leapwords, so if you're in the social media scene, look me up and I look forward to sharing and exchanging information with you.

My travels across beautiful South Australia has opened my eyes and heart in witnessing this truly magnificent, vibrant and engaging state. There is so much to do and see, and simply take in. I'm preparing a travel blog on http://mumbees.wordpress.com/ covering the beauty and richness of South Australia. The blog will also cover family friendly spots and untap some of the hidden nooks of SA, for all to devour.

As the gracious festival of Christmas draws close, I hope you delight in this song and reflect on the good year you've had, and look forward to new beginnings and good tidings in 2010.

Till I pen again, big hugs from me in my beautiful Adelaide.

Weather gal

It's mid week, well Wednesday at 12.32 am..why am I not asleep?

I probably find that I am at my best when it's all still and quiet. It doesn't help one bit that it's cold albeit being spring. I never imagined myself talking about the weather so much, since I moved to the land down under.

I find myself screening the weather channel, entering my suburb postcode to get the latest weather reports, scanning newspapers or merely popping my head from my window, to see if a peek of comforting blue skies might just grace my day..

But no, it's been a grey, rainy and cold week. Nothing much to shout about really.

It would be ideal to close my eyes, and lie on a naked powdery beach and listen to the rhythm of the waves breaking monotonously against the shore.

Ah, to dream of such an image.

For now, I shall wax lyricals with sheeps and cottony clouds as I make zzzz...

Christie Beach

After a full morning at church, lunch at Pancakes House delighting in choc pancakes drizzled with fudge, a city walk, we later took a quick tour of Saldechin at 21 King William St. I'd always wanted to take a peek of the much talked about restaurant cum bar spot and glad I did.

Previously an old bank building, the now converted restaurant exudes a colonial feeling albeit a huge collection of Oriental artefacts. Carefully painted cabinets with intricate work of a pelican or bird hover lightly over the cabinet doors. Row of shelves with an array of colorful fans greets me and my sons as we take in their shapes and form.

Martini glasses rest on their panels and with a flirtatious imagination, I imagine a relic James Bond standing with poise by the bar, and ordering a 'shaken not stirred' typed martini. I've certainly found my new spot and immediately tell hubby I'm hosting my next birthday here at Saldechin!

Done with the city, we venture out to Noarlunga and Christie's Beach in the late arvo. Since it'd be the last weekend trip we're making with Terri, we thought it would be a good trip for her. To take in the scenic drive along the coastline, brimming with lapping cold water and leaving a tail of froth as it breaks its journey on the shore. The ocean and her waves never cease to fill me with a new found spirit.

Christie's Beach is divine, pretty and absolutely uplifting. As soon as I stepped off Terri, I could feel the pure air of love and mystique. A long army of rods took positions on the jetty, as the young and old, patiently, they wait for a tug, and soon delight in reeling in their new find. Would it be their dream catch today?

I watch a couple from below pose romantically for a photographer..wedding bells must be in the air as they gaze and cuddle closely.

A troop of children play in the wet sand, some making doodles with their wet toes, some burying their small soft feet under the sand whilst others brave the waves and soak in its delight.

From far, towering beach houses and handsomely built homes preside over the coastline view. Balinese decor, teak furnitures and colorful cushion adorns the majestic homes and I soon miss my collection of teak furnitures I left in Malaysia. As memories flood in, I look at my beautiful family and sleeky Terri and recall the new memories we are creating here, all filled with colour, aspirations, love and laughter.

We walk back uphill, after leaving the gorgeous jetty and its view and as I look back, I take a sneak peek at the drooping orange ball, fiery in its shape and smile as she takes rest in her sunset.
Another magical day ended on a high note. We will miss Terri alot, and we gaze at her with misty eyes, as we head the highway back home.

Romantic Barossa

If there’s one affair I would have, it would have to be a Barossa Affair. As weird as it may sound, Barossa was everything I pictured it to be. With a beautiful mix of old and rustic, culture, history, modernity, tantalising fresh air and heavenly landscape of rolling vineyards; I could stretch out, with eyes close and lay on the fresh virgin soil and frolic with the pure bliss surrounding me.

Since I made Australia my home, I relish the thought of visiting Barossa and indulge in all of its beauty. I’m glad I did and exposed my family to the wondrous of nature and land that surrounded us.
We headed out on Saturday morning with a happily packed Terri stocked with a picnic bag, map book, numerous DVD’s for the boys and hubby the almost well informed navigator, and drove down the scenic route of Gorge Road.

Although it ate up on travelling time, it was definitely a smart choice as we delighted in soaking with the rapid waters at Torrens River. We should have brought our bathers as the water was so inviting with its gorgeous deep blue streams, set against scattering wet rocks with stunning greenery as a backdrop.

After the first snack pit stop and showering the bush with more nutrients, our gorgeous Terri baby took us for a fun ride down the scenic Gorge Road. The Terri snaked along the road and we were engulfed by pure beauty and fresh abundance of air.

We soon came across another breathtaking sight, which reminded me of the luscious greenery and turqoise lakes during my short years in Washington. Kangaroo Creek Reservoir is magnificent! The hills offered a lovely panoramic view and at its foot, an oasis of deep blue water, what a welcoming sight to Adelaide's region, which is known to be dry.

The Terri baby enjoyed a short rest by the trees, with its shining body lending envy to the passing cars. A bunch of riders stopped for a chat and smoked and I was very tempted to take a ride with them. Yes, I have a strong fascination with motorbikes, and have always dreamt of hitching a ride with a bearded, stout Harley Davidson mate! Don't be suprised that I may just live out my fantasy
We bid them farewell and as we cruise to the final end of Gorge Road, I made a brief stop and met Sue who ran a flower stand; I bought a pretty bouquet of Protea and headed off to Lyndoch.

A pretty country town, and reminded me of a vivid scenery from American old favourites The Waltons. After a quick pizza lunch at Bakehouse Tavern, I stopped by to delight at the neighbourhood Ops Shop and found a gorgeous Indian mirrored-cladded incense holder for a steal $2, it would sit perfectly well at my new treasured bookcase.

We set off to Williamstown and ventured out to The Whispering Wall. The boys enjoyed the walk down the bridge overlooking the Barossa Reservoir and we heard people talking as far as 150m away, so be careful when you visit here, as you might give away your secrets.

A few Kodak moments later, we set off to our final destination, Tanunda, the pulse of Barossa. The Terri moves smoothly across the valley and soon we bear witness to South Australia's pride and joy, the vineyards! First stop at Ross Estate and we meet Suzanne who gives us a well informed wine tasting tour. We delight in the light and bubbly Chardonay, strong and rich Shiraz and the tantalising warm Tawny. I love the homely decor at Ross Estate. With an old British painting framing the wooden fireplace, leather sofa with bodiced pillows, married with ancient Chinese vases adding to the decor, it exuded a British drawing room set from a Dickens novel.

With a Tawny and Beekeeper Reisling douched with a soft honeysuckle sweetness, we delighted in stocking up for Christmas and New Year. Toilet pit stops and gears checked in the boot, we set off and cruise down Tanunda, and found our way to delightful Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre.
Set against rolling vineyards, and a breathtaking view, we welcomed a kids play area where the boys soon took to colouring and playtime. Vig and I soon savoured more wines and found ourselves relaxing by the huge barrels converted tables and sipped wine, whilst gazing at the breathtaking views and immersing in the fresh air.

We watched the boys run in the fields, gazing at the many rows of grapes bearing Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon whilst listening to Michael Buble in the speakers.

I remember gazing at the panoramic beauty and whisperd in the air, 'I shall return my new found lover'. Barossa is every bit magical. Not just for lovers, it is a land for dreamers, poets, writers like me and anyone who wants to catch a whiz of energy amidst a comatose vineyard feeling.
As I blew kisses to Barossa, we stocked up the Terri with more delicious wine bottles and head back to Lyndoch for a lovely early Father's Day dinner at Lord Lyndoch Restaurant.

Jeff, the owner is hilarious and the boys enjoy a burst of giggles with him. With a beautiful meal and an electric fireplace by us, we tuck in before we head home, taking the Gawler route into the CBD.
Barossa was magical and divine. Since it is a vast land and so much to cover, we hope to include it during our next weekend adventures and cover Angaston, the famous Norm Coolies show dogs, Lego land and Whistler Wines as recommended by Glam Adelaide.

Let me leave you with a musical piece, to describe my experience at Barossa. We reached home and parked the adventurous Terri to sleep and I could have sworn she blinked her lights at me as I walked away.

Sweet dreams everyone..and 'Good night John Boy!'

Fleurieu Peninsular adventures

Rear view mirror- check! Seat positioning - check! Mix 102.3 FM - check! Transformers DVD- check! Temperature - check! Picnic bag - check!

We're on a road trip to Fleurieu Peninsular, where Victor Harbour and whale watching at Port Elliot awaits us. Our foster baby, the Ford Territory takes us on a delighted adventure. We head down waving the suburban scenario and soon come in one with the green abundance of nature and the panoramic view of the countryside captures our hearts and sights.

The boys are enjoying the fall of Decepticons whilst hubby munches on nuts and I sing to 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. We're in love with Fleurieu! We drive pass McLaren Vale and I am in awe of how close our home is to the vineyards! Note to self : Must sneak out one morning and spend the whole day with a glass of reds..or two...or heck, the whole bottle if I have too! The view is stunning and spectacular. With grapevines forming wire fences lining the vineyards, I can see why many cars were heading into the vineyard. All wanting to get an insight of the cellar door secrets. I almost inched the Territory pretending I needed a pee stop, but hubby reminded me that the whales awaits us at Victor Harbour.

So, with a gentle wave and grim face pressing at the window, I whispered I'll be back to venture the vineyards! As we made our way, it seems that the canteen operations just opened its doors, as the boys beckoned for a snack and drink. So with a packet of cashewnuts and favourite sky juice offered to the princes, they took to their snack happily.

I love how their water bottles hold well by the bottle holder by the sides of the car door and the boys popped their packet of nuts in their activity storage bag with much ease and comfort. Hubby didn't even have to move an inch or wrangle with space to give out the snacks, let alone wipe the boys face and hands. The activity bags provided enough pockets and compartments to store a ready to use wipes! YAY!

The Territory glides smoothly on the wide highways fringed with trees and farms. With hovering trees and branches extending like those from an enchanted willow forest, they welcomed us with galore and cheer. Sheeps and cows grazed in serenity, and gazed at us as we blew kisses to the adorable lambs. The boys spotted some Friersian cows and yoddled to 'Old McDonalds' and soon we were welcomed by showers of rain, first in small droplets then like a gush of a flood, the clouds unveiled their show!

First pit stop- toilet. With raincoats in tow, Tristan who like me, loves visiting and screening public toilets gave a thumbs up from his visit. We continued our journey and soon passed a farm with a huge erected sign, 'Alpacas for sell, take one home'. Oh, we may have found a house pet after all.

We parked the Territory and took in the adorable sights of Alpacas and I soon yelled, ' I want their babies', yes, I am a true fanatic of animals and go weak at any small, furry, milk dripping babies. No I do not come close to Cruella Deville but I like to think myself as the Mother Theresa of Noah's Ark.

Back on the road again, and we come across Alexandrina Cheese Company. A must stop as we love a good cheese tasting and what more in rich resource of South Australia. The farm views offers us a splendid view of rolling hills and we soon keep warm in the cafe. With cheese tasting to galore, and Harriet who delivered an educational cheese tasting tour, we soon bought a delightful slab of cheese and got a complimentary tub of ricotta! How divine.

We tucked in with a homemade Alexandrina Shire tea and homemade baked ricotta cheese cake, with generous dollop of pure Jersey cream, accompanied with towering chocolate milkshakes. I am amused by the display of posters and notices fanned out at the wall.

The owner has a name for each cows on the farm and some were christened after celebrities with the likes of Madonna, Whitney and Kylie. Beryl, Lorna, Cherish and Blaze were some of the other names. Tristan and I made another toilet stop, well why not. We had to check the cute cow-motif themed cafe. The toilet doors had cow signages and a poster of Employee of the month was adorable to bits.

Yes, Alexandrina best employees are its cows!! Every month a new cow is bestowed with a star to commerate the Employee of the Month. Not bad eh?
We waved the cows goodbye and try to spot a 'Material Girl' cow but she must be busy chewing her grass and wondering where Kylie is on her farm tour. We're only about 10mins to Victor Harbour and soon find our way to the main city and arrive at the much talked about Victor Harbour. Oh did I also mention that I finally handed over the car keys to hubby from the cheese stop.

It is stunningly beautiful and very much the seaside town it has to offer. Unfortunately, it rained yet again, and we had to skip the horse tram ride into Granite Island. Being the adventorous lady I am, we armoured the boys with winter jackets and hooded raincoats and me with my gorgeous Kathmandu winter jacket I snatched from my previous clothing swap, and a weak umbrella in tow, almost doing a flip back against the strong wind, we ventured out and explored all of Victor Harbour.

First stop was the famous whale fountain which was a pure Kodak moment. Klauss German Hot Dogs stand was a hot seller! With over 10 different sauces to choose from, we delighted in a mild chilli sauce, with sauerkrat and spicy sausages. What a welcoming feeling from the bitter cold wind.

We soon found our way to the South Australian Whale Centre and the boys had a wonderful experience learning about the whales and sharks conservation. They enjoyed the Kids Zone and we rented an archaeology kit where they soon found themselves digging and locating fossil and bones. Very smart initiative to encourage the young ones to enjoy science and discovery.

Later we were told by the friendly reception that there were at least 15 whales sighting at Bashom Beach at Port Elliot. We soon told our foster baby, ' To Bashom beach we go' , and as a well mannered auto pilot, we soon found ourself with a throng of cars and human traffic with James Bond binoculars.

We see the whales! The most spectacular heavenly sight ever! As we park the Territory on the hill for a better view, the Mother Theresa comes out of me and soon I am screaming, 'We gotta get close! I wanna touch those babies'. So again we go in our runaway raincoats and head down to the beach. Ah, everyone is quiet as we watch two cubs following the mother across us, floating in and out and later the mother graciously poked her head to peer at us.

With jaws dropped, tears streaming down my cheeks and hands outstretched to embrace them..well almost, our Ford Territory adventures hit the top of its pinnacle, with the whales watching. It is truly a sight to behold and I can't help to think that as humans, sharing this same beautiful planet with our fellow creatures, it is our gracious responsibility in preserving them and not encroach on their habitats and environment.

We drove home that night with fond memories of the whales. We remember seeing one flip its tail from afar, another did a loop jump and another almost floating and enjoying an umbrella cladded cocktail. We are surely creating wonderful memories with the Territory.

She does not seem tired or weary and can still pull out a Schumacher stunt breezing across the highway, taking us all home to our warm safe beds.

Another adventure awaits us. Barossa Valley is next on our travel list. Stay tune for more delights.

Ford Mummy Blogger

I recently blogged about my previous winnings and how I'd like to win a few special hits. So I recently put in my name for a Ford Mummy blogger competition and was thrilled to bits to receive news that I was one of the lucky five bloggers to have won a whole month of lease of a Ford Territory Ghia and a $500 petrol voucher thrown in.

The seven seater is a luxury to behold and I still can't take my eyes of her. With an in-house DVD movie player thrown in, two activity bags for my boys and an almost computerised dashboard, CD player and temperature features, it is definitely a family car come true.

So, I'm happy to note that I will be blogging for Australia's leading parenting website Kidspot Social for a month penning my family adventures as a Ford Mummy Blogger. Read all about it and enjoy my road trip adventures.

Visit my Ford Mummy blog on http://bit.ly/17DMDr

The September Issue

The September Issue

September is the January for fashion. So goes the fashion dictum in the evolving iconic industry. Follow the journey of Vogue's editor in chief Anna Wintour and her team, as director R.J.Cutler takes the viewer behind the gruelling nine months preparation, for the most intriguing issue of the year-the September Issue. This is one fashion documentary not to be missed. Enjoy the following movie trailer.

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-september-issue/trailer