Arrived in Melbourne midday, and got picked up by Renee, one of Lara's school mates who is now a mate of mine too, also having spent some time with us in the UK and states. We went out for a massive lunch (okay it was only me who had the massive lunch), and enjoyed a few glasses of Vino at a delightful little Italian place - catching up a bit on the news. Later that afternoon settled into Renee's place, where we were staying until Wednesday. The 3 days in Melbourne saw us doing general touristy things. Going for light brunches/lunches/dinners, (light- read: Gluttonous), a few drinks here and there (few- read: several) and a tad of sight seeing. Melbourne is super cool with loads of funky bistros, bars, cafes, restaurants etc - and parts of it really reminded me of Cape Town. Whilst in Melbourne having some newly found wealth, I spoilt myself to a smidgen of shopping. Bagged a banging dress (mom and dad dont panic - banging is UK slang for awesome), some delightful heals - which do make me look like a tranny as I am about 6.1ft in them, and a few cosmetic treats. Went to a delightful and very entertaining cabaret show see http://www.draculas.com.au/ and also did a whizz stop tour of the Melbourne museum which was very interesting. Had lots of good laughs, and lots of yummy food and would have loved to have been able to explore more - but time always flies when your having a blast.
Lara and I left for Adelaide on the weds eve, and arrived fairly late. Had an early night in, and finally got to meet Lara's mom - Nina, and prized princess - "Lady Alexis", the grunting little Pug. Smelly little thing though.
In Adelaide I finally managed to get my hair done, and have a manicure and pedicure. What a treat and a reminder of my former luxury days in London! We also went to a fantastic show, which I imagine is much the same as the Rand show in Joburg, with shit loads of amazing food stalls, fun rides and most importantly wine & even cheese tasting stalls. We went on the ferris wheel, wondered around and stuffed our pie holes with decadent treats.. Anything involving gluttonous acts is always a point scorer with me so I absolutely loved it!
On the follwoing evening we also went on a ladies night out, which started off at Lara's cousins house which we were house sitting. We arranged a delicious chacuterie platter and polished off a few bottles of wine and cocktails before even leaving home. We went out to a few bars, and before I knew it we were back at home - but alas the night didnt end there. I woke up the next day with a throbbing headache at 3pm - we had a stonker of a night.. I had an amazing time apparently, pity I dont remember it.
The remaining time in Adelaide was more relaxing, highlight was a trip to the Barossa Valley - which is much like the Franschoek region, huge wine production area and also very foody with amazing farm stalls and quaint guest houses tucked in between rolling hills covered in vines. Stunning. Had Lunch at Maggie Beers - which is a farm named after the lady who founded it. Kind of like a more succesful version of Ina Parman - she produces absolutely delicious pates and terrines, orginally with Pheasants - and has branched out into several other things. See: http://www.maggiebeer.com.au/home/ Inspirational in terms of having a dream which has evolved into a massive empire! I bought one of her cookbooks - her style of life and cooking completely appeals to me. We also went to some of the wine farms and had some tastings - such a beautiful part of the world! A complete delight was coming across a wine farm which had an enclosure of tame orphaned kangaroos - they were SO cute... see photos.
Had a absolutely lovely time having lunches with Lara's mom Nina, and spending time with my old chum again - great to catch up and as always feels like time never passed.
Had to leave on the Tuesday evening, but have decided I will be going back... The wines in the Barossa region are calling me! I need to go back and see more, plus I didnt get to experience the full fun of RADelaide as its called..
Decided to try and go back before I leave Sydney at the end of this month (Oct).
See below some of the photos:
Having a nice din din!!
Serious case of crabs...melbourne museum..
Stuffed otter which Lara loved... I totally imagined it had a cockney accent...
Terrifying ghost ride - en route to Dracula's cabaret
Little snack at the Adelaide show...
Loving the ferris wheel...
Our ladies night...starting off with our cocktail pitcher, kylie getting stuck in!
SHOTS!!!
Out and about, Lara creeping on my hair...
Action shot!
Our delicious treats - including the cupcakes I made - it was Kylies birthday earlier that week and all...
Views of the canola flowers on the way to the Barossa
Maggie Beers restaurant and farm stall
Having delicious Lunch with Nina (Lara's mom) and Lara
Buttons the cutest kangaroo!!! Fiesty little fellow...
Getting some love from Buttons!
Winelands!
melbourne city centre
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