Yesterday @adventuresaroundasia and I celebrated by Valentines Day in the gorgeous Temecula wine country. After a day of wine tastings I got down on bended knee shortly after sunset and asked her to marry me. She said yes! I dont know if Im ever going to be able to top such a magical Valentines Day but I get to spend the rest of my life trying!
Saying goodbye to family is never easy but we did it in style tonight with a dinky-di meal of fish and chips on one of Australias most gorgeous beaches: Merewether. While it was windy as all hell and a tad chilly we made the most of the gorgeous sunset and the chance to hang out with my nephews and niece before we jet off on Monday.
Yesterday Richelle and I tried our hand at cooking traditional Zanzibari cuisine at one of the local spice plantations. Slaving away in the heat and humidity we helped to whip up a feast of fresh salad fried fish banana stew spiced rice and curry! Its always a good idea to try the local food but I think cooking it is an even better window into the local culture.
Our base for the next month or so is Palm Desert in California where were spending some time with @adventuresaroundasia s folks. This view from the Coachella Valley Vista Point shows how the city is an oasis in the desert and were certainly enjoying our days of swimming pools wine by the fire pit and eating healthier.
Newcastle has always been a kind of home away from home for me. Growing up wed spend school holidays and Christmas visiting grandparents hanging out with cousins shopping and spending time on beaches like Dudley Redhead Newcastle Dixon Park and Merewether (pictured). Hell I learned how to swim at Speers Point pool! Farewelling Australia (again) wouldnt have felt right without swinging through Newie to see family soak in the sun and pay a visit to wine country.
Were officially back on the road again after two months of much needed rest and family time in rural Australia. We spent today playing tourist in Sydney and catching up with old friends. Speaking of old friends Ive missed this view from my daily commute! I might not miss the job but Sydney Harbour holds a special place in my heart.