Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

If the purpose is not to visit a relative, then I suppose most people would find it weird to drop by the city's cemetery...especially if one is on holiday. However, the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris would probably be an exemption, as this is one of the most famous graveyards in the world. The reason - most of the 300,000 names whose remains therein lie were actually pretty famous before their bodies were laid to rest. Tourists flock to have a glimpse of the epitaphs of these personalities, walk on cobblestone paths, see huge copper statues that have oxidized and turned green, or perhaps admire a slightly creepy landscape when the sun sets.

There are some people working inside the cemetery, friendly chaps (not ghosts) who are 'guides' and can provide shortcuts from one famous personality's grave to another...for a fee of course ("you know Jim Morrison? This way! Come on baby light my fire!"). Maps are available for those who prefer to explore on their own time and pace.

For more info, there is a movie link here.

Badger Creek Blueberry Farm and Winery

There are heaps of wineries around - but to stumble upon a blueberry winery was new to me (although I know of a strawberry wine that was quite yummy somewhere up in the mountain ranges of Northern Philippines!)

Badger Creek Blueberry Farm and Winery at Healesville is family owned and run, and perhaps one of the warm charms that the place has to offer other than scrumptious breakfast for sharing! Just take a bit over an hour drive away from Melbourne CBD it is close to other wineries in the Yarra Valley region but offers a different variety of wine - blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, some sparklings - pretty amazing actually!

Having planned for breakfast, an early morning berry wine tasting was also a different Sunday morning adventure!

smoked salmon with capers, yea cheddar, terrine, poached pear, mayo and toasted bread

for $20, to share, was very tasty.

long black with what we thought was cheese (which would have been another first!)

but turned out to be sweet stuff :)

some sights along the way - wineries prepping up for new life from the crops

the day's loot - blueberry sparkling wine, raspberry nectar and a 'hot blueberry salsa' - it was not too spicy, but different and quite tasty

apparently great in pizza topped with cheese!

Parma Grandeoso

Remember the Albion Hotel and that slight mention of ParmaRama night? Well almost a year after that post it just so happened that the whole gang had mustered enough motivation to go out for Parma Night - except it's not just for your ordinary parma, but for the Grandeoso Challenge.

The Grandeoso is a serving of double parma with chips and salad.

Doesn't sound intimidating at all, until you sit there and they serve it to you.

try this on for size

This is not for the faint-hearted, small-stomached, chicken-allergic person.

notice there are two layers about 1.5cm each.

chips are underneath.

the fork shown is your proper-sized fork (ehm, standard restaurant fork size)

To sign up for this challenge is to have the determination of a 45 year old virgin going to a nightclub to get lucky (or just succumbing to peer pressure perhaps!). Shell out $25 and a pint if you're brave (or crazy) enough!

To guys, this could appear to be not a problem at all, but statistically speaking, out of the gang, there was a 50% success rate (or at least of the known 'contestants').

Check out the Hall of Fame and other details here

Biker's Notes : Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail is a loop around the city, around 32 kms of established tracks suitable for running, walking, biking (any bike types) or just for sightseeing :) It goes along the water - the Yarra river, some creeks - and gives a quick tour around some of Melbourne's top spots like Southbank, Collingwood Children's Farm (a farm in the city!), Docklands, Telstra Dome, Zoo and Royal Park, Yarra Bend Park, Melbourne Park, Alexandra Gardens and MCG.

There are areas where one needs to lift the bike to go walk through some steps (extra points for variety!?). The farm was a good stop, offering organic food, freshly baked bread, muffins and scones , organic eggs (and chocolate milkshake!).

the farm under sunny skies (but awfully cold wind!) and today's special, baked egg with slow cooked mushrooms and capsicum

Some sights :

Dight's Falls

(it may not look like too much of a falls but apparently it sits on an 800,000 year old lava rock)

[ Edit : Had received additional helpful links - Check out more details here and here. Not mentioned in the original post was that we had cycled a bit more than the kms mentioned as there was a re-routing somewhere in Westgarth - and I think we took a couple more turns than required and ended up somewhere farther north towards the Merri Creek trail. Hehe. ]

Auckland in a Weekend

It was a necessary escape.

*

If arriving very late at the Auckland Airport, the required mode of transport to go downtown would be a cab. There are plenty available, so no issues there, expect to pay around NZ$60. If it had been some time between 5am to 10pm, the way to go would have be to take the Auckland Airbus Express, departing every 15 minutes at $22 (adult return). Definitely of good value, as it drops off passengers on the main bus stops within the city (a stone's throw to most accommodations).

There is a free City Circuit bus that goes around the city (did you guess that?!) but if you got your runners on then best to walk around town to see the sights. As any sane tourist would, do drop by at the Skytower, (because it is mandatory!) and if you would like to see the city from up there. If not, then just take a picture for the archives - whatever suits! Stroll up the harbour side, have lunch at any of the restaurants that entice you at the Viaduct. There is a good selection of cuisine to suit everyone's personal taste. There is also a Maritime Museum, if museums are your thing.

the SkyTower

Take the Fuller's ferry from the Ferry Terminal at Quay St Pier 1 and in 10 minutes time you'd be in Devonport, a quirky historical maritime town North of Auckland. Walk up (or drive up) Mt. Victoria and take in the magnificent views, looking back at Auckland and beyond the North Shore views. This would probably inspire further walking around to discover the shops and quaint stalls around.

looking back at downtown Auckland from the ferry
that's the Skytower jutting out of the skyline, and the Auckland Harbor Bridge

view from Mt. Victoria

If the walk proves to be a bit weary, stop for a pint or two at The Patriot, featuring British, Welsh, Scottish and Irish grub and booze. Sit by the fire and enjoy the ambience and the beer.

For a nightcap, take the ferry back downtown and head to Vulcan Lane to sample a Belgian beer or two at the Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe - Flemish food, giant mussels, or just for that sexy strong dark ale Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit. There is an Irish Pub beside it but hope you don't get across she-who-does-not-know-how-to-pour-a-proper-pint.

On the next day, if you're tired with walking then won't be a bad idea to rent a car and drive west to the Waitekere Ranges Regional Park and make sure to stop at the Arataki ("Pathway to Learning") Visitor Center for a sneak preview of the beautiful (and windy and very cold) views from its decks including the Lower Nihotupu Dam and the Manukau Harbor.

from a viewing deck at the visitor center

In front of the building there is a carved pou (post), what appears to be a totem pole of sorts, and whakairo (carvings) inside the center are the main highlights of the center. According to the guide they were "carved out of two kauri trees taken from the great forest of Tiriwa (Waitekere Ranges) by Te Kawerau a Maki, and depict their illustrious ancestors". Better see for yourself.

the pou

There are heaps of picnic spots and walking trails, but if just venturing for the day then Karekare beach could be a good first jump off point. Then head up north to Piha Beach, Anawhata then Te Henga (Bethels) to complete a 'west coast' drive. There are several stops along the way - being on the 'scenic drive' there are plenty of options to snap for a photo or just go for a short walk like Pukematekeo or Rose Hellaby House (an English cottage style house with a view). Make sure you bring your windbreaker.

this way to Karekare beach

this way to Piha Beach

this way to Anawhata beach

There is even some time to go to Murawai, a rugged coastline home to the wide range of birds particularly the gannets (takapu). You have an option to stop over at the Matua Winery to sample their really nice Waiwauku Pinot Noir (a bit pricey but hey you're on a holiday so might as well take the best picks!).


At Murawai, there are two viewing platforms that give an up close and personal experience with these birds. However this time of the year they are off to Australia, and will come back on July and October to mate have a family.

Takapu Refuge - the scene in a spur of a gray moment - and the rocks clawed away by the birds so that their eggs can be lodged!

All being well during the day, the drive could definitely make you hungry. Dinner would be worth the wait (or book in advance to avoid the wait) at Angus Steak House. When they said they serve the biggest and best steak in town, you better believe them and go try it yourself. At NZ$31 per steak (inclusive of an eat-all-you-can side dishes of good variety), it is money worth spending. Pick your own cut and let them know how you want it cooked - and it will be cooked to perfection. Definitely scores ten out of ten.

pick your cut - option of beef, pork, lamb and veal as well.


best partner of the evening - Mac's dark beer.


rare is the way. selection for the evening was a t-bone steak. absolutely yummy.

Now if that it is not to call it a day, don't know what else would!

Remembering Borubudur

One of the World Wonder Heritage Sites, Borubudur is 42km northwest of Yogyakarta, initially constructed between 750 and 842 AD (300 years before Cambodia's Angkor Wat!)

Built by King Samaratungga, it has 6 square terraces and 3 circular terraces with 72 small stupas, each of it has a Buddha statue inside.

On top of it is where the great stupa where the Buddha statue is located facing the west, representing Nirvana.

Every terrace symbolizes stages in life, and hence anyone who wishes to attain the level of Buddha must go through every stage. This means one has to walk through at least 5 kilometers of open air corridors whose walls have intricately carved relief panels depicting Buddhist doctrines and 9th century Javanese life.

A massive restoration project began from 1905 to 1910 led by Dr. Tb. van Erp. UNESCO aided the second restoration from August 1913 to 1983.


one of those times when one feels so small, at the sight of something so grand

the intricate carvings on the wall

Mt. Baw Baw - Walhalla - Warragul

Mt. Baw Baw is an alpine resort just 2.5 hours away from Melbourne. And yes it's not yet winter, but the road trip is way too good to pass on a nice lazy weekend. Besides, there were reports of snow fall for the past few days and the webcams showed thick layers of snow all over the place.

(ed : Never mind that the snow tarted to melt yesterday, it wasn't going to be a show stopper. Check out the snowcams here. So now that you have been forewarned please don't ask why there are more streaks of green than layers of white in the photos below!).

credit : Mt. Baw Baw website

Getting there (scenic route)

From Maroondah Hwy [route 34] continue to Lilydale
Turn right at Warburton Hwy [B380] and head for Yarra Junction
At Yarra Junction turn right for Powelltown/Noojee [C425]
After Noojee take [C426] to Mt. Baw Baw
You won't miss the road signs

The white season officially begins in June (I think). The misty morning was promising and the scenic route is definitely worth it - you won't even notice the time.

(they left some snow for the benefit of this shutterbug)

From the resort, drive about 45 minutes away through to the South face road to find the the historic township of Walhalla. It once thrived of the gold mining business and now the population has dwindled a fair bit. There is no mobile phone coverage, lots of great places to sit down with your picnic hamper... or if preferred, take one of the ghost trips or train rides.

this commemorates where the magic all began

and the wall that still stands near the rugged slopes where the gold was first discovered

A side trip to the oldest, biggest winery (and an award winning one) in South Gippsland - Wild Dog Winery.

love the colors of the earth

The Sea Bundled in Paper

talk about a big bundle of joy!

Easter Saturday fish and chips at Philip Island

Yarra Valley

Not too far away from the heart of Melbourne is Yarra Valley and its wonderful wineries. Around 55 minutes of easy driving and the long stretch of vineyards are easily within the horizon. After the bushfires in Victoria, this area have been lobbying for constant support from its patrons, and although there were some traces of burnt grass, the area in general (particularly the grapes!) has been saved from the flames.

First stop for this particular trip was lunch at Rae's Restaurant at Balgownie Estate. The option was easily shortlisted between the Native mint rubbed lamb rump with green onion potato whip, roast garlic, ruby
capsicum and pan juices and the Crisp skinned barramundi, kipfler potatoes and grilled asparagus.... but the lamb won and it was without regret. There was an ample selection of red wines from the cellar door, so there is nothing to worry.

Rae's Restaurant
serves Lunch from 12pm-3pm, 7 days a week

After the main course, there was a quick trip to De Bortoli Estate. It may sound a bit posh for this outdoor no-fuss blogger but the 3 cheese platter was simply exquisite (particularly the Spanish Blue Cheese!!!). Coffee was served with italian style with vanilla ice cream, otherwise known as an affogato, with italian doughnuts - yes, deep fried flour balls rolled with sugar. Calorie counting is extremely NOT recommended at times like these.

Italian and Spanish cheese - absolute YUM.


in need of a walk after such a divine dessert - visit the pinot lane


must have been better sneaking some of the grapes!

These are just two of the many, many wineries in the area (check it out here. ). All in all a worthwhile weekend treat.