Australia History
Little Portugal in Sydney, Petersham
Would you believe there is a road in Sydney that leads straight to the heart of Lisbon- tiled murals, terrible road signs, bad drivers and all? I of course loved Portugal, however, those last two things do stick in my mind. Driving aside, the emphasis of our travels in Portugal? Food and Wine of course. So it is really no big surprise that Little Portugal, located in the Sydney suburb of Petersham, is highlighted by Restaurants, bakeries, butchers, grocery and bottle shops.
All of the eateries and shops are absolutely authentic. Portuguese- not Brazilian- is widely spoken, the furniture, decorations, sights and smells all transport you straight to Portugal. Some items to purchase/try while visiting Petersham:
Date: January 17th, 2007 | No Comments
Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Here’s a post for you seasonal job seekers, science, and ecotourism lovers. Kangaroo Island is an extremely special place as many of my other posts have pointed out, but another one of the outstanding examples of why it is special is Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Run by Larry and Bev Turner, Emu Ridge, is the only commercial Eucalyptus Distillery in South Australia. More than just that, the business is completely self-sufficient, operating on solar, steam and wind- power with all by-products and most building materials being recycled. In fact…an integral part of the distilling process involves old beer kegs. You’ve got to see it to believe it. The best news for many of you- they are willing to take on dedicated seasonal workers. Please contact them first.
Date: January 15th, 2007 | 1 comment
Eden, Australia, The Crown and Anchor
Yes, there is actually a place called Eden, and for the people of Australia there is no surprise that it is a coastal town on this fabulous continent. Located in the region known as the Sapphire Coast of New south Wales, it is a half way point between Sydney and Melbourne. A small coastal town, it has a views to take your breath away, shops and a town center oozing with charm, interesting walks, a hilariously sinister history, and a gory-bloody-killer legend that keeps all factions happy (for those that don’t like charming little kitschy towns). The Killer by the way a whale….
BUT!!!! the literal crown jewel of the town is the The Crown and Anchor historic Bed and Breakfast. A renovated hotel from 1840, it is one of the original buildings and is lush! Not on a backpacker budget, but also not as expensive as you would think. That said, it was EXCELLENT value for the money spent. In fact- one of the few places I’ve ever stayed in my life that I would say- absolutely worth every cent.
The owners have lovingly remodeled the property with period pieces but have thoughtfully included nice modern bathrooms and a kitchen to compliment the 1840’s grace. Plush four poster beds and champagne await you on arrival. Hot tea, cocoa and an assortment of Ports are available for your late night enjoyment. Unlike some B&B’s which creep me out, you have your own bathroom, and most importantly, plenty of privacy from your fellow boarders.
Date: January 11th, 2007 | 1 comment
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Australia
Bang! Bang! Clang! Bang! Whee! If anything can be said about the Aussies, they love to have a good time! Chinese New Year is coming up in a few short weeks and seems to be yet another amazing reason to party, get outdoors in the capital cities, eat some great food and watch live entertainment. Sydney hosts the biggest and most organized Chinese New Years Festival with over 500,000 people expected to take part this year! running from February 9th through April 4th, many parts of Sydney and other cities will be alive with the color, movement, sounds, and a taste of the orient. Don’t miss the official Launch on 9 Feb! Sydney’s Chinatown and adjoining Darling harbour will host Parades ,Markets , Dancers , Dragon boat races , film festivals and art exhibits.
Melbourne probably has the second most organized celebration. The Victorian Capital will have Buddhist blessings and Karaoke competitions along with parades to help ring in the Year of the Pig.
Date: January 9th, 2007 | 1 comment
Sydney Festival, The Hottest thing on this summer.
Sydney Festival is the hottest thing going this summer in the self proclaimed Emerald City. There are so many wonderful events that appeal to the entire spectrum of ages and interest types from children’s events to the Violent Femmes. Sydney, a city known for erecting free large screen TV’s so people can gather and watch major sporting events for free in public spaces, has also arranged some great logistical bonuses to accompany the entertainment.
Discount parking in the CBD!
Discount tickets to the events!
For EVERY event during Sydney Festival, a limited number of tickets will be available on the day of the performance for only $25*.
And for your culinary pleasure,
Places to Eat with Fast Festival Feasts that include a beer or wine.
Date: January 4th, 2007 | No Comments
Manly Beach, Learn To Salsa
Wednesday nights in Manly- the temperature on the Rooftop @ The Steyne is bound to be soaring.
Manly has quite a large Brazilian traveller population and they like to get it moving. Just to add another night of the week to the constant party atmosphere of the Corso, The Steyne Hotel, on the corner of The Corso and the Ocean is hosting Beginning Salsa and Forro Zouk Samba starting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday nights.
There will be live Drummers, and Top DJ’s to keep the crowd moving …
Date: January 16th, 2007 | 2 comments
What's on in Perth, Little Creatures Brewery
I realize that a large number of my posts center around the amazing social life of Sydney, so in an act of good will and opportunity to acknowledge that there are other cities with a nightlife out there, I am reaching out to our brothers on the west coast.
From a friend of mine, here is some insider information on what’s cool in Perth… Now I do trust his Judgement 100%, because not only is he a fair dinkum Aussie, but I know he takes his Social Responsibility (and his beer) very seriously.
From the book of Nathan: In the beginning God created the hops, the barley and the yeast. And the stein was without form, and void; and thirst was on the face of the travellers… (from Heather- oh dear here we go…)
Okay, it’s debatable that one shouldn’t parody religious texts, but let’s at least debate it over a beer. Where better to enjoy a cold bevvy (Aussie slang for beer) than Fremantle in Western Australia. ‘Freo’ as it is known to the locals, is located only 20 minutes south of the Perth CBD. It offers some of W.A.’s finest restaurants and cafes, and some of the states best preserved late 1800’s streetscapes… but enough about that, let’s get back to the beer.
My personal pick of the Freo ‘watering holes’ is the popular Little Creatures Brewery in the Fishing Boat Harbour precinct.
Date: January 14th, 2007 | No Comments
Mudgee, New South Wales, More than just a Wine Region
Mudgee, 3 hours from Sydney and only 8000 people, but for all of that, this friendly country town has got it goin’ on! Over 50 Cellar Doors (places to try wine), vineyards as far as the eye can see, rolling hills, and a couple of rivers make this a pretty snazzy locale for adventure, getting back to nature and ….romance….. I’ll be writing several pieces on Mudgee in the upcoming weeks. To get you started here is a preview of some events that Mudgee plays host to.
Mudfest Short Film …
Date: January 9th, 2007 | No Comments
Adelaide, Wine Bar and Tapas, The Apothecary
Major find! Tapas, Wine bar, and a super posh yet not expensive restaurant upstairs. I originally just stopped in for a glass of wine and was planning to go elsewhere for dinner. That plan went all wonderfully pear shaped (Aussie for “did not come to fruition” ). Thank goodness for that I might have missed some of the most amazing flavours I have ever encountered. The staff was extremely helpful in answering questions about food allergy friendly options.
Located in an old shop front, the owner has lovingly and painstakingly restored an antique apothecary service into a beautiful dark wood bar. The front has wrought iron furniture and little tables that make you think of an old time soda fountain. The center piece of the room, is of course, the bar itself which hosts the splendid array of fresh tapas.
Down the stairs is a cigar-room-feeling lounge that any inner city socialite would be proud to be found frequenting. Leather chairs and sofas, brick industrial walls and just the right mood lighting. I can only imagine a few romantic interludes must occur there nightly. It is perfect for looking deep into their eyes….
Date: January 8th, 2007 | 2 comments
The Ashes, Australia beats England 5-0 in Cricket!
Australia Inflicts Ashes Whitewash read the Headlines this morning. OK- I admit- being a girl I am not so knowledgeable on the sport- but it is always good when the home team whoops arse don’t you think? Condolences to all the Pommies out there. The good news is- most that I have talked to- did still seem to enjoy their trip to OZ since we custom ordered cool weather and rain to make them feel at home. He He He.
But What is the Ashes- many of you might say? In fact many of you might say- what is cricket? I’ll tackle the later question first as a way to stir up a few folks from cricket loving countries. Read at your own risk….
Cricket- is a bizarre baseball-type sport that is a fabulous way for a bunch of guys to stand around a field all weekend long drinking beer, hanging out in the sun and occasionally catching a ball. Only two players are really engaged at any given time- the baller (pitcher) and the batter. The rest of the guys mostly hang out, scratch themselves, smoke, play in the dirt, and generally enjoy themselves. Honestly- I think the world would be a much better place if all warring countries took it up as a way to settle disputes. By the time the Test (match/game) was over, no one would really remember what the problem was in the first place.
Date: January 4th, 2007 | No Comments