A Time to Re-gather

The views from the Panaroma House, as you approach Wollongong City from the escarpment top highway, are stunning. The generously sized car park can host a circus tent. The 360 degree experience that envelopes you, as you stand above verdant slopes, the ocean horizon and what seem to be be toy-like houses and container ships, does provide a sensational perspective of geography, psychology and priority. Sharon and I downed our red wine, I thought more could be done for this place and we let our cares of the world go away.

Inside the restaurant, a most smiling little boy of Italian background was carried by his older brother on the arms, followed by a sister and nanna. The youngest sibling exuded the spirit of the season, obviously embracing the company of his family and relishing in the innocence of his age. This was despite the child having a stump of a left arm. He did not draw attention to it and I did not not notice it until after a while. I admire his spirit, especially the glow from his eyes, his happy demeanour and in his enjoying the moment.  At this very stage, I only realised and recalled what "happy holidays" actually can mean.

Some of the waiters at the in-door Piazza restaurant facility at the Bankstown Sports Club south-west of Sydney CBD are obviously and stubbornly proud and make a show of ignoring selected customers.  You may try to call or signal to them in a  friendly manner, and they intentionally look away, smug in their perceived achievement of ignoring customers. Even as we arrived or left, they took much effort to ignore us. They were working for the only Italian place open in this Piazza that day, for the other facilities were closed.  I was so glad to have encountered them, for it reminded me to be more appreciative and thankful for others who did not behave like this. Like the Celtic chap at the bar counter in the club, or the Indian student at a petrol station, who has been working non-stop, both since Christmas Eve. Like our mates, family and others who do try as far as they can to be, and are, nice to us.

The musical duet performing at the Koppen Terrace were engaging as they belted out retro hits on  a lazy public holiday afternoon, in another part of the Club.  Here was such a contrast to those waiters - the two of them sang and played their guitars with such an enthusiasm, it seemed they knew their passion in life is to pass on their source of joy to others, even if for fleeting moments, through song and engagement with their audience.

Another day, another place. The marinated ham slices prepared by Ely and Ray were a hit with all of us at the dining table in Carlingford. Cousin Susan had made a very crispy and aromatic roast pork that day, and I was seated next to a an Apple engineer who worked on support for IPhone products at a secret location in Sydney CBD.  Edward was sociable, loved his curry and was even an alumni of the university where I work. I did not have to drive back that evening, so I chilled out more than usual, as I was staying overnight with Susan and Boo Ann - and next morning had my looked forward breakfast, that of toasted Lawsons bread slices with coconut-based kaya spread and Boo Ann's very thoughtful fruit blended drink to start the day.

Alternate days of heat and overcast coolness characterised the Christmas long weekend.  At best, it was humid daytime followed by relatively cooler nights. I had joined the Campbells for lunch - it was a gorgeous weather time for the various kids running around (like Emerson, James, Ben, Nick and Tom) in a Queensland-like setting of their home. Danielle had cleverly-made paper strip decorations of festive balls hanging from the ceiling of the recent extension to the house.  Shane was responsible for getting the family ham ready - and it was tasty on the carvery plate.  Bridget's blonde yellow hair was shaping up well even on a warm afternoon - and Nievy was enjoying the water slide with the others.  At Chris and Charmaine's, I was delighted to actually see the gingerbread house, sit with Cait and Ash and meet their friends.

It is this re-gathering and reaffirmation of attitudes, approaches and people that count in our lives which will hopefully ensure that illusion would never start.  Without illusion, we value better what we already have and re-channel our personal energy away from distractions and what does not matter.  I value a buddy who tries to go out with me, despite having inter-state visitors and relatives - and I do not mind if he cannot for now.  Recently I came across someone from Sydney's eastern suburbs whom I have known for a long time now, but just realised (again), how refreshingly engaging he is with friends, customers and mates. I enjoy interacting with Miguel, whose English language skills are better than my ability to articulate in Spanish, and that despite what perceived barriers arose from this situation, I find myself communicating with him, and he with me, out of sheer will and fun.

Like the spunky little boy with a stumped arm, I have understood better the festive message for me - to re-gather all our wits, energy and sense of fun to share them with others, and never to take good things for granted.

A Bloke's Feast

When you hang out with your blokey mates, pizza often turns up. A week before Christmas 2010, I had the opportunity to join some fellas in letting our hair down and chill into the Saturday night. A thirty dollar package at Swiss Quattro in Sydney's southern suburbs offered several menu items, including pizza wedges, bruschetta, Swiss fondue, various types of pasta, salads, whole large pizzas and coffee. There were family groups, couples and just mates all over the tables, with a stream of teens and twenty-somethings ordering and collecting their takeaways at the entrance.

This was not the first time that my group had enjoyed this rather generous meal. Rob had remarked, on the Monday after that evening, he felt rather more than full up after this session at Quattro - and this was opined as the majority vote. There was lamb on pizza Cyprus style, followed by prawns and capsicum and

satisfying wine. Frank kept up on the Ashes scores through his IPhone and Murph, as always, provided good conversation.

Frank stirs and mixes up the chicken Cesar salad (above) whilst the crew wait for the Saturday night rush (below). Andy organised the event and I heard Terry can really hold his drink at a post-dinner spot in the southern Shire of Sutherland.

Memories Are Made of These, Too

As another new year rolls in, and yet another decade changes, what do I recall best with a smile and fondness? Here is just but a sampling.

I am reminded with a glow in my heart of things Austrian - from table settings under a glass house

patio through a variety of pork selections to German inspired beer - at Kaiser Stub'n, tucked away in a forest setting at Terry Hills, NSW. The fact that one can request - and obtain- chili condiments to accompany your duck confit or fish in an Euro setting cannot be taken for granted.

Volunteerism is alive and kicking in Australia, as a practice, a mindset and a powerful driver to get things done and faster, when the normal course would be too late and too little. This essentially nationally pervasive spirit, thoroughly exemplified and utilised at the Sydney Olympics, thrives on in little heralded corners and causes. Above, Ryan and Gary, who otherwise are based at their fire fighting stations in Nowra and the Campbelltown regions of New South Wales, take time out to raise funds for sick kids.

Succulents, in all shapes, structures and texture, are so reliable and pretty. They also suit most Australian climate zones, thrive when they are forgotten and provide variety and alternatives to other high maintenance requirements of other styles of gardens. The Asians perceive that they exude good vibes, the indigenous Australians acknowledge such flora as an essential part of their heritage and some succulents have medicinal or healing properties. Above, the lotus flower shaped bunches above were photographed in August 2010 at the residence of Mr and Mrs Yeap Kim Leong in Wartirna, Victoria.

I am told that women like their men to be like coffee - strong, hot and reliable. The logistics, patronage and business of coffee culture has surely taken the Australian lifestyle to new heights over the past ten years. One cannot avoid the aroma and atmosphere of cafes, mobile vans and /or coffee stalls in the course of a day's experience. Whether you step out of Flinders or Wynyard rail stations, whether you are a tea drinker or refrain from such beverages, whether you are tucked away by the beach or in the highlands on this continental island, you would have noticed the significant marketing drive and transformation of this product delivery. Above, an appreciated special touch of designed foam top from Rush in the UOW Wollongong Campus - thank you, Tulin, Olivia, Kylie, David, Nathan, John, Jeff and Chad for the coffee rush.

Home is where the heart is, and for what we work for and nurture our dreams, plans and realities.

Home is where we replenish, retreat to or simply be ourselves. Home can be a reconnected meeting of minds and inner selves, a place where longing is fulfilled and where we grow and harvest. Home is where we reaffirm, encourage or get encouraged and know where we stand no matter what. The home is an expression of love and a willingness to let love overcome. Above, the grass does grow green in Balgownie, NSW.

Retail therapy, window shopping or clearing the list- whatever one calls it, one does spend money, time and effort to trawl through the variety of attractions and diversions crying out for attention. The best experiences, to me, are when I come across items that I do want, but have forgotten (or suppressed its requirement). I also enjoy navigating through innovative displays and well designed customer aisles that makes one immerse in a total branding experience. Above Image -taken at a Gant store.

Walking on capital city pavements does bring a motivating rush to me - it all began because it sets the setting for a corporate day, an enjoyable function and a time away from quiet suburbia. The noise, the smells, the sights and impressions of the city landscape can drive Big Smoke frequenters to faraway shores and remote corners - but they do bring them back. A day out in the city centre is incomplete without having a meal, letting our hair out during a concert or gig, rushing through a mall or experiencing a unique man-made sensation. The city also offers insights into how capitalism works, how certain folks make good money, how the masses trudge in and out of transport terminals and what the media fuss is all about. A city centre can have a dark underbelly - or silver linings -that echo the whole spectrum of the human condition. Image above: Scene from Sydney CBD on a week day morning.

Rise and shine, especially on Australian spring and summer days, can be real early, with a strong blast from the sun and lead to many things done before the diversions, scheduling and routine of the day set in. I love to feed the goldfish and then drink my first glass of just water to commence a new beginning. I relish to be able to go the nearby beach to soak in the colours and salt of the ocean. If time permits, nothing is as mind-refreshing as watering the plants when dew and greenness of the leaves are most receptive. The wake-up aroma of bread toast, spreads and fresh fruit then enhance my already opened up senses - and yes, don't forget the weet-bix. Image above - sunrise in Wollongong, NSW.

Suddenly, as you embark on to the aircraft, you enter another world, easily letting go of the cares of the world. Being propelled into the stratosphere, matters of Earth look better in perspective. It is easier for me to let go of what were a minute ago real concerns, but now things that can take care of themselves. Knowing that the next several hours would be confined to a certain space - out of our own choice - makes us do the things that we have been putting off - we finish that book, we enjoy the available drinks and allow ourselves to dream. Image above - taken aboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 on Oct 20,2010.

Sports, a national passion in Australia, mostly as spectators and supporters, but also doing it, at whatever levels that permit across the Great Brown Land. You think about, you talk about it, you live it. Melbournians are divided into social tribes - as AFL team supporters. Every turn of the arm or bat is analysed in summer cricket. There is nothing like Grand Final Day, with pre-game gatherings and the ever present supply of drink. Sporting heroes who overcome the odds - like diver Matthew Mitchum or runner Cathy Freeman - can be iconic inspirers to those who watch from communities, villages and capital cities. You can be a fan of at least two types of football but maybe not more. Rain or cold, agile AFL players dart about effectively on many playing fields from Perth to Melbourne, whilst you need more body bulk to front up against your NRL opponents. Image above - English fans at Glastonbury react as Germany trashes England watching on tv the 2010 World Cup from South Africa (Image credit - Boston.com).

Christmas Lights in Surbubia

A fortnight before Christmas, Sydney's northern suburb of Ryde already showed the spirit of the festive and holiday season.Two residential streets, Stephen and Cutler, had houses glowing in positive merriment community spirit. The tinkles, the bulbs, the glitter and the ideas behind the decorations did not tell the full extent of dedication, thoughtfulness and work that went into preparing such outdoor lights. There were even house owners with their families and mates sitting in their gardens, whilst outsiders and visitors looked in awe at the displays.

There were no rules, except to delight and fascinate. Some kept it streamlined, others maintained simple effects and yet there were always pockets of concentrated happiness and glow. The quarter moon hung above it all like a sentry on duty - and not fazed by all this possibly competing brightness below.

There were different themes to pick out, and I enjoyed the Santa sliding down a long rope crossing over the abyss of the lawn below. All you had to do was give him a clap and he would perform. Icons and memorabilia of Christmas were carefully arranged, not just on roof top lines, around shrubs and bay windows, but also on closed garage doors, fencing and more. Perhaps even the residents would not be able to recognise certain house frontages on first sight - they were truly transformed.

The evening air was punctuated by laughter, small talk and the hush of impressed faces. Families got out, teenagers collected donations and couples held hands. The collective sense of community was heightened by participation, sharing and taking an interest. The late sunset of summer nights meant people could stay up late and feel the vibrant vibes of an otherwise quiet neighbourhood.

The Haberfield Post Restaurant, NSW

The waiter was most attentive and smiling, offering suggestions and dish details with a patience and countenance of being interested. We took up his confirmation of zucchini flowers as an entree after Joyce had proposed it from the menu. We had no regrets. The former Il Goloso occupies a former real post office building, and instead of stamps and cards, it now serves as an unusual setting for Italian inspired traditions in cuisine.

Indoors at the Haberfield Post, it was an overall impression of white. Outdoors, it was more casual and more befitting a lazy evening after a long day for me in the north west corner of the larger Sydney area.

I had made a quick dash around the Windsor markets earlier in the morning, and amazingly (to me) found nothing to purchase there. Haha, maybe it was that rude lady stall market holder who put me off, by behaving as if I could not speak English and did not want me to approach her stall with my Iphone. She made me honestly think instead that she was mute by her not making a word but instead angrily displaying hand signs of unwelcome. However I reckoned that she was not mute. I said to her, no worries, that's fine and cool.

I then more than made up in recovery from that unexpected encounter by finding some bargain priced Villarey and Boch trinkets for the Christmas tree from the newly opened outlet of Victoria's Basement at Castle Hill. So it was a further delight for me to be able to relax in the Italian enclave of Haberfield, one of my fav hideouts in Sydney.

The Dragon Peking, Parramatta NSW

My cousin Sooi Lin and her hubby Joseph introduced me to this northern Chinese restaurant, located along Parramatta's bustling food street section of Church Street. It is not difficult to find it if you turn out from Westfield and follow the crowds going for Asian grocery shopping. Northern Chinese can be a catch-all term for the variety of cooking styles from Beijing to Shandong. This cuisine seems to be spreading over the greater Sydney area, even with an outlet in Wollongong CBD.

For Sunday lunch starters, we had a traditional cold dish, comprising of jellyfish stir mixed with cooked chicken strips and garnished with a chili aftertaste. It was just the perfect thing for a hot Australian summer's day.

Joseph chose the above dish of Beijing egg rolls. I found it a bit over the top in saltiness, but otherwise it was a crunchy bite into the ingredients wrapped inside - bean sprouts, minced pork and veg all fused with a delicious gravy.

I found the above pictured hotpot, tofu braised with hints of salted cod fish (ala Portuguese and Norwegian

cooking) and garnished with bite-sized chicken cuts, reminding me and Sooi Lin of home cooking in Penang Island, Malaysia.

We did not go for the full blown Beijing crispy skin duck, but opted instead for the crispy fried version, still served to us with small round-shaped flat wraps. The fun was to smoother the flat warps with hoi sin sauce and place thinly cut strips of sweet tasting cucumber and lettuce before topping the emerging small pile with slices of the duck. Then we folded the wrap around and bit into them.

Christmas In The City

City bells, city sights, you know it's Christmas time in the city......these are selections from across the greater Sydney area in 2010.

A simple but elegant Christmas wreath hangs above a walkway at the Rocks Village (above) while

more decorations surround the Santa photograph opportunity corner at Bankstown's Centro shopping centre (below).

Sydney Town Hall at night (above) and Dora The Explorer performed for children and their parents at Wollongong's Crown Street shopping mall (below).

Lower East Cafe, Crown Street, Wollongong CBD

The very name provides the clue as to where to locate this place - lower east side, towards the ocean, of the straddling Crown Street in Wollongong CBD. Blake runs an outfit that can only be described as very Bondi, with lots of offerings on sourdough and with an understated kind of atmosphere to suit relaxing breakfasts and non-fussy lunches. Detail can be appreciated in the line-up of drink bottle varieties on an upper shelf, together with the choice of seating arrangements inside or outside and in the placement around the cafe of various types of coffee culture icons and utilities.

My choice of smoked salmon slices and slices of hard boiled eggs on toasted sour dough (above) complemented well with the coffee on brunch with mates on a lazy Saturday morning.

There are alternatives in cosy wood based decor (above) for regulars, but my attention was diverted to the

espresso machine (below) that serves as a much loved part of the household. When you finish your meal, you turn right to head for retail therapy or turn left to soak in the summer at the beach.

A NSW South Coast Spring

Jeannie and Grant Hemphill brought their children Jasmine and Joel to spend a few days in the Wollongong area in late October 2010. They saw and soaked in a world so different form north-west Sydney, where they reside, and here are some of the captured impressions, covering Austinmer Beach, the UOW Wollongong Campus and the Wollongong Botanical Gardens.