Day 363: Taste of Culture

Wine Tasting

We made our way to the Phillip Island Winery. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the wine and cheeses were because Phillip Island isn't known for it's wine ... let alone it's one and only winery. The ambiance was calm, light filled the winery, and the interesting sculptures inside the winery provided us with good conversation. After we finished our fancy wines and cheese platters we walked around to admire (and played with) the sculptures that surrounded the winery.

It was exactly what we needed to end our Phillip Island weekend.

Day 362: Small Island, Lots To Do

Manta Rays up close!

Tough Mudders running through fire and smoke

I didn't realize how much there was to do on this little island. We tried to squeeze in a lot today!

• Watched the Pelican feeding
• Waited for the manta rays to show up
• Watched the first Tough Mudder in Victoria (20,000 people participated!)
• Saw some 'roos
• Visited the Chocolate Factory (aaa-mazing chocolate and they made choco-bananos!)
• Watch the Penguin Parade!
• Ate dinner, drank some drinkies
• Spent the rest of the night watching YouTube videos lol

I hope that I can man-up and participate in Tough Mudder (or a challenge like it). The teamwork I saw amongst strangers was inspiring. Maybe we should all participate in a physical, mental, and emotional challenge like this one so we can be better human beings. Wishful thinking? Maybe. 

I'm glad I got to see "Australia's most popular wildlife attraction" ... The Penguin Parade! These little guys were sooooo cute. If you're ever in Victoria I highly recommend driving to Phillip Island (not a tourist bus) and check out these little guys. 

Here's a bonus shot:

Day 361: From City to Island

I left work early, grabbed my bags, met up with the good people and we left the city for a local island getaway. Our friend Christina invited us to her house in Phillip Island for the weekend. I was all-in because (1) Christina has been missed ever since she moved and (2) I've haven't been to Phillip Island! So in my head weekend + friends + island = fun! 

Phillip Island is about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Melbourne and it's very very green (and pretty). We were greeted by Christina and Pete with delicious dinner!! She worked all evening to make an amazing spread for us and we inhaled the dinner. We enjoyed the food, convo, and drinks under the dim lights of the pagoda/deck.  We need once of these in our yard ASAP!!

Day 356: Souvenir Shopping!

I jump on any opportunity to go the QV Market. I showed a few co-workers around Melbourne's "must do" spot. I think it's interesting that no matter how old, young, cultural background, life experience, etc... ALL of our visitors have loved the QV Market. 

Everyone always tells us how they wish there was a market like this back home and I agree! Then again, a market like this would put a DENT in our back account because we'd be so obsessed we'd buy everything every weekend lol. 

Day 355: The Last Ride

I went on my last bike ride along the beach today. Actually, it'll be my last bike ride in Melbourne! I'm so thankful I was able to go back out and take it all in for one last time. I'm going to miss the ride but I'm looking forward to new trails and scenery back home.

I celebrated with a break, and a glass of vino! 

Day 348: Cukoo!

We went to dinner at Cukoo restaurant in Mt. Dandenong. It's a German buffet "experience". Honestly, the food wasn't great but it was a good time. Unfortunately, I wouldn't go back to the restaurant. After dinner we drove over to the observation point. Even though it was dark, the view was gorgeous. I could only imagine what it's like in the morning.

Day 342: Moomba

The Moomba Festival was this weekend. I met up with a few friends for lunch at the festival and I didn't bother to get on any rides. Why? I didn't want to pay $10 for one ride.

Damn -- I'm sounding cheapo-depot lately but c'mon these prices are ridiculous! lol.

Day 340: Tapas & Bowling!

Sarah and Tung finally made it on the blog.  Actually, they made it on the blog on Day 312, but you only saw their backs. Today we met up for a quick drink, dinner, and bowling:

Quick Drink:
It was a gorgeous Friday, so a nice drink was much needed after a long work week.

Dinner:
We had tapas at Movidas Next Door. The place was super small. So small that we had to go next door to the bigger Movida to use the bathroom. The food was OK and overpriced. I did enjoy my meal with Sarah and Tung. I'm glad I got to try this place with them, but I won't be going back.

Bowling:
Fun! Fun! Fun! This was Sarah's 2nd time bowling ever in life <-- How could she deprive herself of the bowling privilege lol. She learned quickly and is now officially addicted to bowling. Bowling is even better when it's free! How? Well, that's our secret ;-)

Day 335: Girly Fun

Nails ... Movie... Lasagne... Gin in a pouch from Tanzania. Seriously, what else do you need for a much needed girly Sunday??

Day 333: B&W Friday

Here are some scenes from my walk home on Friday night. I had a great night, but snapping these photos were the icing on my Friday night cake. Most people don't notice me since I've gotten better at my street photog techniques. Other people try to photo-bomb my photos, which I don't mind (depending on my mood). I'm glad I'm getting good practice in Melbourne. I'm ready for NYC. 

Day 326: Friday Rush Hour

 Yes, I know the weather is crap back home and you're probably hating me right now. I have to appreciate the weather while I can!

After work, I rushed home, packed my bag, hopped on my bike, and raced to the beach! I laid out and read my book (Mockingjay, Hunger Games) <-- it was so relaxing. The only thing missing was my Adonis laying right by my side listening to the ipod and occasionally glancing over at me to say something silly.

I couldn't help but think how proud he'd be of me riding my bike through the city streets solo! I knew I'd make it OK but I was a bit nervous. I'm so used to making that ride with Adonis leading the way.

Day 320: I love Dancehall

Last weekend I saw a billboard for a dancehall event and dance competition. I was so excited when I saw this because I absolutely love dancehall so there was NO way I was going to miss this event. The only problem is that I didn't have anyone to go with so this meant that I was going to be hanging out in a club all alone -- awkward. I didn't care. I went anyway but luckily a friend ended up meeting me.

Anyway -- this event played nothing but dancehall all night (loved it!!). I was longing for Adonis to be there with me so that I could wine on him all night! The competition part was the highlight of the night. I was a bit disappointed at the first round because they played "Dutty Wine" for them and not one of those dancers did the dutty wine! I would have called them out on that (and yes, I dutty wined on the sidelines lol). Overall the competition was OK. I'm glad they weeded out the non-dancehall dancers quickly. In the end I think the right person one.

There's another event on March 10th. I shall be in attendance too!

Day 312: Friday + Friends = Fun

Sarah + Tung

A Friday evening with friends is exactly what I needed! We started with 2 for 1 drinks, ate a gazillion dumplings, and continued with drinking on a rooftop. I'll admit that I did think about my lover-man all night because I wish he was with us. Ugh... so sappy *barf* lol. 

Day 307: Jordanian Yogurt Sauce!

As you know we have attended many cook-offs and collaborations dinners. Our good friend has made a Jordanian dish where the yogurt sauce is the star. He's right when he says that you can't ever have too much sauce... so i asked him to teach me how to make it! In return he asked me to teach him how to make two of my specialty items. I won't say the specifics because if I do, some of you will be a little salty. Anyway, we spent the afternoon making breakfast for lunch and learning how to make the yogurt sauce. Mucho yum!