Elaine's Tender Loving Cakes

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

HONEYMOON TRIP- PART 2

18/3/2013- Part 2

It has became our "honeymoon trip" too! We don't have to do anything except to relax and enjoy ourselves.
We were staying overnight at the town of Vincentia- still part of the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney.

We arrived at the accomodation which Jeremy has booked for the night.

The sign says " Life's a Beach"

There is no beach in sight and it looked more like lost world!

Finally saw it peeking among the foliage.

MARAZUL PARADISE BEACH HOUSE, Vincentia/Jervis Bay

Whilst waiting for the keys.

Jeremy with his father-in-law. His father-in-law reversed the car as he said in Korea, that's how they park their car and its a Kia Carnival so he had no problem at all!

A welcoming photo from the owners themselves.

The fully eqipped kitchen - no problem washing up as there is a dish washer too!

Bed linens and towels are also provided and wifi available too

Each room has its own personality.

There are lots of eclectic and nice loving touches in and around the house.

hammocks are provided for lazing around.

View from the 2nd floor balcony

May checking out the garden. There is BBQ pit at the right corner of the picture as well.

These are what she found - a crocodile

An elephant

the fish pond

Freddy the frog as well as the hippo!

Last but not least a statute of Buddha's head.

The sun was setting as we finished exploring the house and sorted out the sleeping arrangements. We decided to go to Hyams beach to watch the sun set.

Hyams Beach with its fine sparkling whitest sand in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records

The sands is really startling white and it squeaked as we walked barefooted. This is due to the high silicon content in the sands here. That's why it is so cooling but it can easily overheat/burn in the summer/sun.

More like snow than sand

sharing an intimate moment together

As the rays of the sun finally set, we drove back to the supermarket to get some seafood for the dinner tonight.

May always say - must bring Jeremy along on their holidays trip when he was staying in Melbourne with her.

And you know why?

The chef and his assistant hard at work

Table set by Eunice and they even brought along the red wine to celebrate.

Seafood Pasta- the shrimps were really succulent and fresh.

Fresh greens with balsamic vinegar and Truffle oil dressing.

Desserts: cheese, wine, mandarin oranges and grapes.

We had a good time getting to know each other family more as we sat and chat around coffee after the dinner.

The wonder of the fresh air and chilly winds, the good food and company, the peace and quietness of the place started to work its magic and soon we were off to snooze time.

Monday, April 1, 2013

HONEYMOON TRIP- PART 1

18/3/2013- PART 1

Two's a company and three is a crowd. It was so nice and very accomodating of the newly wed to allow us to crash into their honeymoon time :D!

Inspite of the busy schedule, Jeremy had planned a short trip for us to Jervis Bay - to watch the dolphins. He had rented a car for the 8 of us - his new in-laws, the 2 bridesmaid and me and Aunty May.

Before he came to pick us up, we checked out of the hotel and went for our breakfast.

We took a short walk up to the Town Hall train station and saw the breakfast crowd at this cafe at the foodcourt. Brazilian Cafecito- serving Brazilian cuisine but we were only there for breakfast. To read more about the food, visit the blog of Grab Your Fork.

Some of the Brazilian foodstuff for sale.

Bagel with ham and cheese.

Blueberry bagel with jam.

Finally we were on the way to Jervis Bay. It should take about 2 hours from Sydney. However since we were not in hurry, we make several stops along the way.

First pit stop- Wollongong - there are many natural parks and walks that are available here.

Scenic view from the observatory.

Foretaste of more scenic views as we drove on.

It was quite chilly despite of the sunny weather.

From Wollongong, we continued our drive through rolling hills and dairy farms till we arrived at the next attraction.

Meanwhile, on the way, we had some of these delicious Kimbap - rice rolls made by Eunice's mother, so thoughtfully prepared for each of us.

The next stop was at Kiama. What a way to relax - so peaceful, clear blue sky and sea! Hardly any noise pollution here except for the seagulls.

The lighthouse

Walking down to see the Blowhole

Met with an explosive burst of the sea water- and almost got drenched!

This is where the action starts. When the waves/water enter the caves, it compresses the air in the cavity. As water retreats/recedes the compressed air forces water upwards the blowhole.

The escaping air causes the loud "oomph" sound and you can see the spectacular display of the water in the air.

We walked further down towards the sea.

Waves pounding the shoreline.

I was so thrilled to catch this rainbow as the water recedes! Wonderful sight to behold!

The next stop was Berry and it looked like we have stepped back in time.

We wandered down Queen Street and found some interesting quirky sights.

The Great Southern Hotel. Noticed the surf boats perched on top of the roof. Probably a mode of escape during the flooding of this area in the 1800's.

The Wilson General Store.

The whole shop is dedicated to the cuckoo clocks- you don't need to go to Switzerland for them

Berry Bakery- no, this is not what we stop for...

This is a gourmet food shop and cafe.

I really loved the attitude of the customer services in this country, the sales person seems always so cheerful and helpful, and no "black faces" even though you are just browsing- even in the supermarkets!.