Life has been so good and challenging. I think its what I've needed for a long time now.
Until next time,
Cindy a.k.a. "Crawfy" as my aussie friends like to say
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Great Barrier Reef
Well, I've been working so much its more than a full time job. I needed a job because I had 7-8 months of travelling and picking my nose which makes the money go fast. I've practically lived at the Hyatt Regency Coolum over the last month and I finally get a relief. I'M GOING TO SEE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!!!! I remember learning about it when I was in high school and all the fascinating marine life that make this large reef their home. I'm going with my good friend Belinda and her boyfriend Nath for 4 days. I'll post pictures when I come back. I get back on November 28th just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with my American friends here in Oz.
Life has been so good and challenging. I think its what I've needed for a long time now.
Until next time,
Cindy a.k.a. "Crawfy" as my aussie friends like to say
Life has been so good and challenging. I think its what I've needed for a long time now.
Until next time,
Cindy a.k.a. "Crawfy" as my aussie friends like to say
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Day Sydney went Red
Winds carried dust from the Northern Territory across New South Wales and into Queensland. It was a dirty red mess.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Minestrone Soup for Fall
My roomie Mel and I made this soup on a whim and it turned out so good. Perfect on a fall day which y’all in America are coming into.
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
1 carrot chopped
1 celery stick chopped
1 zucchini chopped
1 brown onion chopped
6 garlic cloves chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
salt and pepper
600g bacon bones (or 3 rashes bacon)
1 liter broth (veggie or chicken)
1 cup red wine (cab sav or merlot)
1 cup water
1 1/2 handful of fresh basil
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp sage
1 tbsp rosemary
1 can cannellini beans
1 can chickpeas
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp brown sugar
1 cup pasta
Cook vegetables in pot with olive oil for 4-5 minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add either bacon bones or crispy bacon to veggie mix with broth, wine and water. Mix in herbs and canned beans and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Add brown sugar and pasta to soup. Let pasta cook through about another 15 minutes. Goes well with cheesy bread.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Espetus Brazilian Steak House
While I was home part of the trip was to surprise my mom for her birthday. My brother Don found a restaurant in San Francisco on Market Street that is a Brazilian Steak House. I had never been to such a restaurant and that night I ate more parts of a cow than one should have in meal. anyways, if you love meat you have to find a restaurant like this near you.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Back in Queensland, Australia
Much to my disbelief many of you actually read my blog and have asked me to update it. Im extremely lazy when it comes to writing this so I will write less and post more pics.
I just arrived into Brisbane from my 3 week vaca in California. On July 22 I flew into LAX, then flew into San Francisco to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday, and then drove with my brother to San Diego for my friend Sarah’s wedding. It was the busiest 3 weeks of my life with little sleep and loads of fun. It was amazing being home and I delighted my tastebuds at all my favorite eateries….Naked Café, Pannikin, Pizza Port, Golden Spoon and the list goes on. I love San Diego and I loved catching up with all of you. Here are some highlight pics for you. I’m not sure when I will be back but I will keep you updated on my life and I hope you will keep me updated on yours!
Love, Cindy
I just arrived into Brisbane from my 3 week vaca in California. On July 22 I flew into LAX, then flew into San Francisco to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday, and then drove with my brother to San Diego for my friend Sarah’s wedding. It was the busiest 3 weeks of my life with little sleep and loads of fun. It was amazing being home and I delighted my tastebuds at all my favorite eateries….Naked Café, Pannikin, Pizza Port, Golden Spoon and the list goes on. I love San Diego and I loved catching up with all of you. Here are some highlight pics for you. I’m not sure when I will be back but I will keep you updated on my life and I hope you will keep me updated on yours!
Love, Cindy
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bula! The Fijian Hello!!!
Back in March I had been emailing my kiwi friend Mel about coming out to New Zealand and traveling around the country we she proposed a trip to Fiji with Christian Surfers New Zealand. I have always dreamed about going to Fiji but living in the states it always remains a dream. The flights alone are through the roof. After checking the cost to fly from NZ to Fiji I bought my ticket the next day. On May 1st (my brother’s b-day) I met up with 19 other eager new friends that I would be traveling thru Fiji with, 3 Brazilians, 5 South Africans, 11 New Zealanders and me, the American. All at the Auckland airport we had heaps of luggage including 20+ surf boards and other gear that we were leaving for the Fijians. It was intense. Finally through the security check we were set the board the plane. I stopped to call my mom to tell her I was ok and to wish my bro a happy birthday when I walked by Mick Fanning in the airport. I did a double take and debated whether or not to take a picture with him or get his autograph and decided to stare instead. Lame, I know.
We arrived in Fiji and were welcomed by the CS Fiji leaders Tuks and Malachi! We were all in smiles not realizing the hard road ahead of us. After a 3 hour drive we arrived to our first destination along the south side of the island called the Coral Coast. We settled into our bunks and had dinner and planned the day ahead. Early the next morning we loaded up our boat with food and surf boards for a 45 minute road off the coast of the main island to a surf spot called Frigates. As we wee getting on the boat I notice coconuts floating down the river. One after the other and so I pinched myself and screamed, “IM IN FIJI!” What a surreal moment, I wouldn’t mind being a floating coconut.
Once out of the river we hit for the surf break. I crawled to the front of the boat and with my feet dangling off the front I breathed in the moment. The water was crystal clear, 80 degrees, blue skies and islands in the distance. I prayed a quick one of thanksgiving and asked if He would bring some dolphins and a few minutes later they came. Jumping and spinning out of the water I was so stoked and they rode in front of the boat until they took off. Can I get an AMEN?
Frigates is a left-hander that breaks over reef. The size was about head high with some bigger ones on the set waves. I tried to psych myself up to go out but the reef underneath scared me. I paddled out but couldn’t bring myself to go over the falls. In a year’s tine I will throw myself over. We spent the entire day under the Fijian sun soaking up the moments, snorkeling and jumping off the boat. By far, one of the best days of my life. The next day was Sunday, a day of rest. We relaxed and jumped onto Fiji time before we started our mission.
What is our mission?
Christian Surfers New Zealand teamed up with missionary Kris Stice who leads Christian Surfers Fiji. Our primary goals were to equip CS Fiji with all the knowledge and techniques we had and to tell people about Jesus. Our group split in 2 for the first few days into different villages. One group stayed on the east side and ran a volleyball competition for the locals as many Fijians play volleyball. In addition to that we ran a board repair shop teaching CS Fiji how to do board repairs and a children’s church program for the village kids. The other group (my group) stayed in a village and taught CS Fiji how to run a surf lesson and then gathered the kids from the village and brought them to the beach. It was a fun day and perfect little waves came thru for our clinic.
After this our group came back together and we ran a girls camp at a surf camp called Sand Dunes. Its one of the few beach breaks on the south coast and it’s pretty full-on and dumpy. (I had a fun session out there before camp started,) For the girls camp we had a surf lesson and hung out at the beach although the waves and current were so strong. That night we showed Heart of a Soul Surfer about Bethany Hamilton and CS New Zealand’s women’s national director Mel shared her story. It was awesome. The guys then met up with us and we had a day of workshops were our team nurse taught a CPR class, we had another board repair workshop, and children’s church. The following Saturday we tried to run a surf competition and had invited all the surfers from Fiji to join in. Some competitors from the Fijian Surfing Association came out for the competition but there were no waves to hold the event so we had to postpone it. We handed everything over to CS Fiji and we know that when the waves and the timing is right they will hold the contest.
The Unforgettables:
Most people who travel to Fiji see only the resort aspect or the surf aspect but for me I saw the unglorified parts, the parts that most people turn their heads from and choose to believe are not there. Maybe I would do the same but that was not my case. Eight of us from the group drove into this village not knowing what to expect and taking whatever came our way with joy and humility. We were welcomed to the village by cute little Fijian kids running around in the dirt with pigs and scraggle dogs. Lunch was on the table and they were waiting for us to arrive. Lunch was on the floor and us girls were in sulus (wrap skirts like sarangs) down to the floor. Sitting on the floor in the sulus is an art. Village life is much different than the surrounding settlements. Women have to cover both their knees and shoulders. You are not allowed to wear anything on your head or touch your head or anyone else’s. The village protocol is strict but very respectful of everyone. We were given the best, all that they had. We always ate first, we were given beds, we were the honored guests and served. As much as we tried to help we could not give all that was given to us. The Fijians live on so little compared to my upbringing yet they are content. They have beautiful smiles, the children still run around laughing and playing. One thing that hit me the most is that the ONLY difference between them and me is a border. I was born in America and they were born in Fiji and yet our lives are so different. I am a spoiled brat when I complain about eating chicken off a bone or not having a flashy couch to sit on. And while these things are a blessing to have they can not be the source of my joy and comfort.
Another sobering moment was in the village…..I was going to the bathroom. Just follow me on this. I’m sitting there with the door tightly shut and held together by a string and nail. There was a huge crevice at the bottom of the door and as I’m looking out I see a little piggy grazing. How did I get here? This is not my reality and I thought long and hard about my life and the lives of so many people throughout the world who live like this. I could either be grossed out or look past it and find joy in the little things like the laughter of children, a momma pig and her piglets following her, each plant and it’s colors, seeing life through Jesus’ eyes and caring for the things He cares about. This trip was more for me than what I thought I could give to the Fijians. I’m so thankful for this experience and I can’t wait for the day when I get to go on another trip and serve others. I have so much to give and I’m ready to give and serve and see the world as Jesus does and serve as Jesus did. I’m ready!
We arrived in Fiji and were welcomed by the CS Fiji leaders Tuks and Malachi! We were all in smiles not realizing the hard road ahead of us. After a 3 hour drive we arrived to our first destination along the south side of the island called the Coral Coast. We settled into our bunks and had dinner and planned the day ahead. Early the next morning we loaded up our boat with food and surf boards for a 45 minute road off the coast of the main island to a surf spot called Frigates. As we wee getting on the boat I notice coconuts floating down the river. One after the other and so I pinched myself and screamed, “IM IN FIJI!” What a surreal moment, I wouldn’t mind being a floating coconut.
Once out of the river we hit for the surf break. I crawled to the front of the boat and with my feet dangling off the front I breathed in the moment. The water was crystal clear, 80 degrees, blue skies and islands in the distance. I prayed a quick one of thanksgiving and asked if He would bring some dolphins and a few minutes later they came. Jumping and spinning out of the water I was so stoked and they rode in front of the boat until they took off. Can I get an AMEN?
Frigates is a left-hander that breaks over reef. The size was about head high with some bigger ones on the set waves. I tried to psych myself up to go out but the reef underneath scared me. I paddled out but couldn’t bring myself to go over the falls. In a year’s tine I will throw myself over. We spent the entire day under the Fijian sun soaking up the moments, snorkeling and jumping off the boat. By far, one of the best days of my life. The next day was Sunday, a day of rest. We relaxed and jumped onto Fiji time before we started our mission.
What is our mission?
Christian Surfers New Zealand teamed up with missionary Kris Stice who leads Christian Surfers Fiji. Our primary goals were to equip CS Fiji with all the knowledge and techniques we had and to tell people about Jesus. Our group split in 2 for the first few days into different villages. One group stayed on the east side and ran a volleyball competition for the locals as many Fijians play volleyball. In addition to that we ran a board repair shop teaching CS Fiji how to do board repairs and a children’s church program for the village kids. The other group (my group) stayed in a village and taught CS Fiji how to run a surf lesson and then gathered the kids from the village and brought them to the beach. It was a fun day and perfect little waves came thru for our clinic.
After this our group came back together and we ran a girls camp at a surf camp called Sand Dunes. Its one of the few beach breaks on the south coast and it’s pretty full-on and dumpy. (I had a fun session out there before camp started,) For the girls camp we had a surf lesson and hung out at the beach although the waves and current were so strong. That night we showed Heart of a Soul Surfer about Bethany Hamilton and CS New Zealand’s women’s national director Mel shared her story. It was awesome. The guys then met up with us and we had a day of workshops were our team nurse taught a CPR class, we had another board repair workshop, and children’s church. The following Saturday we tried to run a surf competition and had invited all the surfers from Fiji to join in. Some competitors from the Fijian Surfing Association came out for the competition but there were no waves to hold the event so we had to postpone it. We handed everything over to CS Fiji and we know that when the waves and the timing is right they will hold the contest.
The Unforgettables:
Most people who travel to Fiji see only the resort aspect or the surf aspect but for me I saw the unglorified parts, the parts that most people turn their heads from and choose to believe are not there. Maybe I would do the same but that was not my case. Eight of us from the group drove into this village not knowing what to expect and taking whatever came our way with joy and humility. We were welcomed to the village by cute little Fijian kids running around in the dirt with pigs and scraggle dogs. Lunch was on the table and they were waiting for us to arrive. Lunch was on the floor and us girls were in sulus (wrap skirts like sarangs) down to the floor. Sitting on the floor in the sulus is an art. Village life is much different than the surrounding settlements. Women have to cover both their knees and shoulders. You are not allowed to wear anything on your head or touch your head or anyone else’s. The village protocol is strict but very respectful of everyone. We were given the best, all that they had. We always ate first, we were given beds, we were the honored guests and served. As much as we tried to help we could not give all that was given to us. The Fijians live on so little compared to my upbringing yet they are content. They have beautiful smiles, the children still run around laughing and playing. One thing that hit me the most is that the ONLY difference between them and me is a border. I was born in America and they were born in Fiji and yet our lives are so different. I am a spoiled brat when I complain about eating chicken off a bone or not having a flashy couch to sit on. And while these things are a blessing to have they can not be the source of my joy and comfort.
Another sobering moment was in the village…..I was going to the bathroom. Just follow me on this. I’m sitting there with the door tightly shut and held together by a string and nail. There was a huge crevice at the bottom of the door and as I’m looking out I see a little piggy grazing. How did I get here? This is not my reality and I thought long and hard about my life and the lives of so many people throughout the world who live like this. I could either be grossed out or look past it and find joy in the little things like the laughter of children, a momma pig and her piglets following her, each plant and it’s colors, seeing life through Jesus’ eyes and caring for the things He cares about. This trip was more for me than what I thought I could give to the Fijians. I’m so thankful for this experience and I can’t wait for the day when I get to go on another trip and serve others. I have so much to give and I’m ready to give and serve and see the world as Jesus does and serve as Jesus did. I’m ready!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Kia Ora from New Zealand
I am sitting in McDonald's once again connecting to the world....to you guys. I'm currently in Rotorua, New Zealand which is in the middle of the north island and is known for it's thermal pools, geysers, and mud pools which come from the earth's core. It reeks of sulphur but it's beautiful. My new friend Andrea made her way out to New Zealand to drive around the country with me and good thing she is fun because our living quarters are quite close. She flew into Auckland last week and we picked up our Britz Rookie Campervan and started on our journey. We spent the first day in Auckland CBD walking around and making our way to the sky tower to view the northern part of the island. It was creepy and way too high up...apparently it's the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. We had lunch in the revolving restaurant and watched bungy jumpers fling themselves off the side with our chicken and lamb dishes.
After Auckland we made our way up to the Coromandel Peninsula to Cathedral Cove...where Prince Caspian was filmed. We couldn't make it to the actual spot because of the weather. THE WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!! I've seen more weather in this week then Southern California sees in a year. It's been overcast, windy, rainy, cold and crappy since we started but oh well. They call NZ the land of the long white cloud. From the peninsula we went to Hot Water Beach where you can dig a pool and sit in it and it fills up with hot water. We didn't dig our pools though because we had missed the low tide. From the peninsula we drove to the Bay of Plenty and stayed in Waihi Beach and then on to Whakatane where we stayed with John and Rachel Whelan who run the Christian Surfers chapter there. From there we drove to Rotorua and our adventure continues……
After Rotorua we drove south to Lake Taupo which reminds me a lot of Lake Tahoe. It was beautiful and we caught the sun setting over the hills in the distance. We got into Taumarunui late that evening and geared up for our drive on the Forgotten World Highway which is from the center of the North Island all the way to the west coast. Its about a 4 hour drive filled with windy roads and a land long forgotten by our technology obsessed generation. I love technology and appreciate all that it does and I know all the benefits it brings but there is nothing like miles of green rolling hills filled with sheep and cattle and lush ferns covering the landscape. Old forgotten homes and farms are scattered here and there with an occasional tractor to pass us by on the road. This life out in the middle of no where doesn’t have the word stress like us Californians know it. I guess you are able to breathe in the fresh air and think about the beauty of life and of this world we live in. We finally made it to New Plymouth mid-day where I re-packed my bags, dropped Andrea off, and hit the road for Auckland to fly out to Fiji the next morning. Needless to say, stress had quickly come back into my life once I got back to civilization. Such is life!
After Auckland we made our way up to the Coromandel Peninsula to Cathedral Cove...where Prince Caspian was filmed. We couldn't make it to the actual spot because of the weather. THE WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!! I've seen more weather in this week then Southern California sees in a year. It's been overcast, windy, rainy, cold and crappy since we started but oh well. They call NZ the land of the long white cloud. From the peninsula we went to Hot Water Beach where you can dig a pool and sit in it and it fills up with hot water. We didn't dig our pools though because we had missed the low tide. From the peninsula we drove to the Bay of Plenty and stayed in Waihi Beach and then on to Whakatane where we stayed with John and Rachel Whelan who run the Christian Surfers chapter there. From there we drove to Rotorua and our adventure continues……
After Rotorua we drove south to Lake Taupo which reminds me a lot of Lake Tahoe. It was beautiful and we caught the sun setting over the hills in the distance. We got into Taumarunui late that evening and geared up for our drive on the Forgotten World Highway which is from the center of the North Island all the way to the west coast. Its about a 4 hour drive filled with windy roads and a land long forgotten by our technology obsessed generation. I love technology and appreciate all that it does and I know all the benefits it brings but there is nothing like miles of green rolling hills filled with sheep and cattle and lush ferns covering the landscape. Old forgotten homes and farms are scattered here and there with an occasional tractor to pass us by on the road. This life out in the middle of no where doesn’t have the word stress like us Californians know it. I guess you are able to breathe in the fresh air and think about the beauty of life and of this world we live in. We finally made it to New Plymouth mid-day where I re-packed my bags, dropped Andrea off, and hit the road for Auckland to fly out to Fiji the next morning. Needless to say, stress had quickly come back into my life once I got back to civilization. Such is life!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Gold Coast for the Roxy Pro and Quiki Pro
Since I have been in Australia I watched the movie "The Bucket List" and started to think about my own list as I'm sure everyone else does when they watch that movie. Well, going to the Gold Coast was on my list. Since I have become healthily obsessed with surfing over the past few years I have been watching surf movies of exotic beaches, islands, and perfect point breaks and barrels that this world has to offer, including the many world-class surf breaks of the Gold Coast. I arrived Saturday night and made my way to Palm Beach. The next morning my friend Liselle and I went for a walk along the beach and as I turned around to get a few of my surroundings I saw the Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance and stood there in awe. Its the back-drop of every typical Aussie movie and it is breath-taking in live view. Ah-mazing.....
One of the main reasons I came to the Gold Coast was to see my good friend Liselle who is the Women's WCT Chaplain. She was the tour manager for the Walking On Water East Coast Tour back in 2007 and is an amazing woman of God and insane musician. :) She was on the Gold Coast for the first contest (Roxy Pro) of the season at Snapper Rocks. Every top surfer in the world travels to the Gold Coast to kick-start the year, meet with their sponsors, appear at surf film premieres and the like. The place wreaked of surf culture and it was unreal. It was great for a short time, but eventually it dies down and the circus leaves town.
While on the Gold Coast I was also scoping out the land as this is one place I am considering moving to once I get back from New Zealand at the end of May. There is so much that this place has to offer and Liselle and I met a lot of great people, which is what makes a place come alive. I went to a great chuch, Beachside, right in Palm Beach with a surfer vibe and a great pastor. This coincidentally is the same church that my friend Prisca and her husband Tim go to. It was the first church that I have been to in Oz that is like my home church, North Coast Calvary Chapel.
After a week of beaching it I made my way back down to Sydney. Although sad to leave, I knew it was just a taste of what I get to come back to in May and it definitely has gotten me excited of all the adventures to come. So it's either Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. If you don't know what I am talking about then Google Earth it. Both places are incredible.
Once I get to Sydney I met up with one of my good friends Lauren who is from San Diego. That night we went to a taping of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and it was so much fun. We stood in prime view of the stage and were actually on tv standing next to the presenter. It's not as great as the American version but then again the tickets were free.
I know these posts are few and far between but I am working hard on keeping you all up to date with all that I have been doing, seeing, getting to experience, and the like.
Until next time.......
love, cindy
One of the main reasons I came to the Gold Coast was to see my good friend Liselle who is the Women's WCT Chaplain. She was the tour manager for the Walking On Water East Coast Tour back in 2007 and is an amazing woman of God and insane musician. :) She was on the Gold Coast for the first contest (Roxy Pro) of the season at Snapper Rocks. Every top surfer in the world travels to the Gold Coast to kick-start the year, meet with their sponsors, appear at surf film premieres and the like. The place wreaked of surf culture and it was unreal. It was great for a short time, but eventually it dies down and the circus leaves town.
While on the Gold Coast I was also scoping out the land as this is one place I am considering moving to once I get back from New Zealand at the end of May. There is so much that this place has to offer and Liselle and I met a lot of great people, which is what makes a place come alive. I went to a great chuch, Beachside, right in Palm Beach with a surfer vibe and a great pastor. This coincidentally is the same church that my friend Prisca and her husband Tim go to. It was the first church that I have been to in Oz that is like my home church, North Coast Calvary Chapel.
After a week of beaching it I made my way back down to Sydney. Although sad to leave, I knew it was just a taste of what I get to come back to in May and it definitely has gotten me excited of all the adventures to come. So it's either Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. If you don't know what I am talking about then Google Earth it. Both places are incredible.
Once I get to Sydney I met up with one of my good friends Lauren who is from San Diego. That night we went to a taping of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and it was so much fun. We stood in prime view of the stage and were actually on tv standing next to the presenter. It's not as great as the American version but then again the tickets were free.
I know these posts are few and far between but I am working hard on keeping you all up to date with all that I have been doing, seeing, getting to experience, and the like.
Until next time.......
love, cindy
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hotel Whiskey Yankee
One of the greatest things about travelling is that opportunities arise out of no where that normally don’t back at home. This was one of those times. My friend Belinda has a friend Luke who is a pilot. A week ago Luke took Belinda and I, Jaz, Josh and Stuart for a quick trip down to a small island off the coast of South Australia named Kangaroo Island. I was extremely nervous because the plane was no 747 bus cruising through the air, it was a mini cooper bopping around with each wind pocket pushing us one way and then the other. Luke said the higher we went the smoother it would be but then again that would be a longer drop to our death. The view from the plane was breathtaking though. The ocean here in Australia is crystal clear and such a beautiful blue as we were flying over the ocean we could see reef and sea weed that made a leopard print in the water.
It was a 40 minute flight down to K.I. We had lunch at a local pub with some of the best beer-battered barramundi. It was a sleepy island with little to do without a car. After a few hours we decided to leave back to Adelaide and as I was walking to the plane I realized that I hadn’t seen ONE kangaroo. I decided that it was false advertisement to call the island “Kangaroo Island” so I have started a petition to rename the island to “Unkangarooed Island”. Just kidding. It was an incredible trip and we made it safely to Adelaide with lots of good pictures to share with you.
Oh and Hotel Whiskey Yankee was our name which Captain Luke used to correspond with the towers to land and everything else pilots do. It was a great flight and I am happy to report that I did not get sick on the plane. Luke was a great pilot. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!
It was a 40 minute flight down to K.I. We had lunch at a local pub with some of the best beer-battered barramundi. It was a sleepy island with little to do without a car. After a few hours we decided to leave back to Adelaide and as I was walking to the plane I realized that I hadn’t seen ONE kangaroo. I decided that it was false advertisement to call the island “Kangaroo Island” so I have started a petition to rename the island to “Unkangarooed Island”. Just kidding. It was an incredible trip and we made it safely to Adelaide with lots of good pictures to share with you.
Oh and Hotel Whiskey Yankee was our name which Captain Luke used to correspond with the towers to land and everything else pilots do. It was a great flight and I am happy to report that I did not get sick on the plane. Luke was a great pilot. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fru'Choc'Tail
The South Australians are very proud of their infamous candy, FruChocs i.e. fruit chocolates. The fruit tends to be peaches, apricots, strawberries and raspberries. Well, one So. Aussie bartender created a FruChoc’Tail at Belinda and I had to try it. The entire process was unreal. The bartender used some unusual ingredients for the base and then loaded the top with crushed ice. He poured “Ice Magic” chocolate model over the top which dripped down the side of the glass and put some FruChoc pieces on top. I have to say that I enjoyed eating the chocolate on top moreso than the actual drink.
Well, here’s the recipe. Give it a go. If you want the FruChoc candy pieces then send me your address and I will send them to you in the mail. I can only afford to send it to three people so the first three will get a bag. Email me your address to cindylafranchi@yahoo.com.
Enjoy!!!!!
30ml Tequila (1800 Blanco)
15ml Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
1oml Cointreau
30mls Apricot Nectar
15mls Peach Puree
Dash lime juice
Dash sugar syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top with a crown of crushed ice and garnish with Ice Magic (chocolate hard shell) and halved FruChocs. Be quick with the FruChoc garnish, before the chocolate hard shell sets.
Well, here’s the recipe. Give it a go. If you want the FruChoc candy pieces then send me your address and I will send them to you in the mail. I can only afford to send it to three people so the first three will get a bag. Email me your address to cindylafranchi@yahoo.com.
Enjoy!!!!!
30ml Tequila (1800 Blanco)
15ml Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
1oml Cointreau
30mls Apricot Nectar
15mls Peach Puree
Dash lime juice
Dash sugar syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top with a crown of crushed ice and garnish with Ice Magic (chocolate hard shell) and halved FruChocs. Be quick with the FruChoc garnish, before the chocolate hard shell sets.
Jervis Bay
The first weekend of February I went to Jervis Bay with the Klages family to celebrate the life of Hans Klages. Hans was the father of my friends Jess and Ash and husband to their mom Lesley, who I have been staying with in Wollongong. Hans loved to scuba dive and snorkel and anything else involving water so the family decided each year to celebrate his life by spending a weekend at Jervis Bay. It's probably the largest bay I have ever seen in my life and has crystal-clear water. We snorkeled, kayaked, swam, and laughed for three days in 85 degree weather. It was such a fun weekend. Here are some pics for you to enjoy. I also took some pictures for Jess and Jeremy's wedding invites.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
When was the last time you said FAR OUT??
Hello from Down Unda(er)!
I never know how often I should write a blog. There is usually a lot going on and I could write every day but its too time consuming.
First I wanted to let you all know that I am not on fire but it seems like the whole state of Victoria is. Its extremely tragic and worse than the San Diego fires we experienced in 2007. With the extreme heat wave leading up to the fires the winds had picked up and the embers where flying everywhere. The death toll right now stands at 180 with 130 deaths in cars. The fire was creating huge clouds of black smoke and while people were trying to escape the fires they ended up in car pile-ups because they couldn't see past the black clouds, and the fire engulfed the cars. The fires have wiped away hundreds of homes and entire townships. It is so sad but the Australian people are so awesome and are giving tons of money for the victims. It's not over yet but some of the fires are contained. My prayers go out to the victims and all the missing people.
Well, I finally made it to Adelaide. Adelaide is located in the state of South Australia and was settled by the English. The homes and architecture here is pretty vintage and really beautiful. It's definitely not beach-cottage style but its really fun to see all the different houses. Most of you met my friend Belinda who spent four months in San Diego with me last year. Her family lives here in Adelaide and have been taking great care of me. I call Belinda my "insta" because I met her the day I picked her up from the airport in San Diego and she instantly became my friend....well, we really didn't have a choice. :)
I've been meeting her friends and going everywhere with her. We went to Cleland Wild Life Park and took pictures with koalas although I wasn't able to hold one. The koalas are trying to recover from the heat. They are so adorable.
We fed kangaroos, duck, emus and other animals. There was one kangaroo that was so buff he looked like he was on steroids. Not one that you would want to see in the wild.
After Adelaide I will be going back to Wollongong for the month of March. My friend Jessica is going to be getting married on April 4th so I will be helping her get ready and surfing with her leading up to the wedding. Also, a good friend of mine Lauren Dowler will be flying in on March 1st and will be here for 5 weeks. I can't wait to see her and spend time with her.
Thank you all for emailing me and skyping me and praying for me. I'm a little homesick at the moment because I miss you all so much. I will be writing again soon. Belinda and I will be going to Kangaroo Island so I will have some pictures and new stories to share after that.
AND............
If any of you want to come out and visit me then I encourage you to. Australia is amazing and full of adventure. If you get the travel bug then send me an email.
Oh yeah, about the title of this blog. Everyone here says "FAR OUT" in the most random of times. Its really funny to hear. I don't think I've ever said that but I'm sure my parents did. Just a funny side note.
Blessings,
Cindy
I never know how often I should write a blog. There is usually a lot going on and I could write every day but its too time consuming.
First I wanted to let you all know that I am not on fire but it seems like the whole state of Victoria is. Its extremely tragic and worse than the San Diego fires we experienced in 2007. With the extreme heat wave leading up to the fires the winds had picked up and the embers where flying everywhere. The death toll right now stands at 180 with 130 deaths in cars. The fire was creating huge clouds of black smoke and while people were trying to escape the fires they ended up in car pile-ups because they couldn't see past the black clouds, and the fire engulfed the cars. The fires have wiped away hundreds of homes and entire townships. It is so sad but the Australian people are so awesome and are giving tons of money for the victims. It's not over yet but some of the fires are contained. My prayers go out to the victims and all the missing people.
Well, I finally made it to Adelaide. Adelaide is located in the state of South Australia and was settled by the English. The homes and architecture here is pretty vintage and really beautiful. It's definitely not beach-cottage style but its really fun to see all the different houses. Most of you met my friend Belinda who spent four months in San Diego with me last year. Her family lives here in Adelaide and have been taking great care of me. I call Belinda my "insta" because I met her the day I picked her up from the airport in San Diego and she instantly became my friend....well, we really didn't have a choice. :)
I've been meeting her friends and going everywhere with her. We went to Cleland Wild Life Park and took pictures with koalas although I wasn't able to hold one. The koalas are trying to recover from the heat. They are so adorable.
We fed kangaroos, duck, emus and other animals. There was one kangaroo that was so buff he looked like he was on steroids. Not one that you would want to see in the wild.
After Adelaide I will be going back to Wollongong for the month of March. My friend Jessica is going to be getting married on April 4th so I will be helping her get ready and surfing with her leading up to the wedding. Also, a good friend of mine Lauren Dowler will be flying in on March 1st and will be here for 5 weeks. I can't wait to see her and spend time with her.
Thank you all for emailing me and skyping me and praying for me. I'm a little homesick at the moment because I miss you all so much. I will be writing again soon. Belinda and I will be going to Kangaroo Island so I will have some pictures and new stories to share after that.
AND............
If any of you want to come out and visit me then I encourage you to. Australia is amazing and full of adventure. If you get the travel bug then send me an email.
Oh yeah, about the title of this blog. Everyone here says "FAR OUT" in the most random of times. Its really funny to hear. I don't think I've ever said that but I'm sure my parents did. Just a funny side note.
Blessings,
Cindy
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Heaps and keen, keen and heaps....
It has officially been one week since I arrived in Australia.....I can't believe it is already one week. It feels like just yesterday I was at work dreaming about Australia. I literally pinch myself every day to make sure I am here.
This week I have surfed almost every day. The water is refreshing but I can't say it's warm. Everyone says if you travel north to Queensland then the water will be warm but for now the water is perfect. Its been extremely windy though with winds from the North East. When the winds come from that direction they bring the nasty blue bottle jelly fish that sting. No thank you. For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about here's a picture:
I had my first Australia BBQ on Sunday and it was so good....or rather heaps good. Jeremy, Jess' fiance, bbq'ed and we all sat on the patio enjoying the day. The weather has been nearly perfect and its been nice to sit, relax, and enjoy the day. Its definitely been a slower pace since I left San Diego but I realize that I've needed it.
On Monday, January 26th was Australia Day. It is a major holiday that everyone celebrates.....it's like the 4th of July. Everyone gets very patriotic and wears the Australian Flag. It was the day that Captain James Cook discovered Australia however many years ago. That day we went down the harbour to watch the Aquathon that many people compete in. We came back to the harbour that night to enjoy the fireworks. It was about 15 minutes of fireworks that are choreographed to songs by Australian artists. One of the songs was on a mixed CD that my friend Belinda had made for me. I used to listen to this song in my truck back in San Diego to get me pysched on my new adventure. I got a little teary knowing that I was finally here in Australia.
Anyways....to celebrate Australia Day I put fake tatoos on me and I walked around with an Australian flag. I chanted along to AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE....OI OI OI. It was a great day!
This weekend I am heading north with Ashleigh to Newcastle. Its on the other side of Sydney. Some say that Newcastle and Wollongong are the roses between the thorn....Sydney. I'll let you know how it goes!
Oh yeah, the heaps and keen are the most frequently used words by ALL Australians. Its funny to always hear them but I have found myself using them heaps. :)
Cheers mate, Cindy
Oh yeah and some pics to go along:
This week I have surfed almost every day. The water is refreshing but I can't say it's warm. Everyone says if you travel north to Queensland then the water will be warm but for now the water is perfect. Its been extremely windy though with winds from the North East. When the winds come from that direction they bring the nasty blue bottle jelly fish that sting. No thank you. For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about here's a picture:
I had my first Australia BBQ on Sunday and it was so good....or rather heaps good. Jeremy, Jess' fiance, bbq'ed and we all sat on the patio enjoying the day. The weather has been nearly perfect and its been nice to sit, relax, and enjoy the day. Its definitely been a slower pace since I left San Diego but I realize that I've needed it.
On Monday, January 26th was Australia Day. It is a major holiday that everyone celebrates.....it's like the 4th of July. Everyone gets very patriotic and wears the Australian Flag. It was the day that Captain James Cook discovered Australia however many years ago. That day we went down the harbour to watch the Aquathon that many people compete in. We came back to the harbour that night to enjoy the fireworks. It was about 15 minutes of fireworks that are choreographed to songs by Australian artists. One of the songs was on a mixed CD that my friend Belinda had made for me. I used to listen to this song in my truck back in San Diego to get me pysched on my new adventure. I got a little teary knowing that I was finally here in Australia.
Anyways....to celebrate Australia Day I put fake tatoos on me and I walked around with an Australian flag. I chanted along to AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE....OI OI OI. It was a great day!
This weekend I am heading north with Ashleigh to Newcastle. Its on the other side of Sydney. Some say that Newcastle and Wollongong are the roses between the thorn....Sydney. I'll let you know how it goes!
Oh yeah, the heaps and keen are the most frequently used words by ALL Australians. Its funny to always hear them but I have found myself using them heaps. :)
Cheers mate, Cindy
Oh yeah and some pics to go along:
My first Aussie BBQ
