Mount Tomah - cool botanic gardens

Mount Tomah is 100 km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains. Because of its elevated ground, some 1000 metres above sea level and irrigation from a constant supply of mountain water, many temperate plants that are not suited to the local climate are able to thrive in this garden.

Conifers, Rhododendrons and Heath gardens




Rock Garden and succulents









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Marzipan Fruits

An alternative to cookies, cakes and sweets, these pretty miniature fruit made from almond paste and icing sugar make fantastic gifts for the special occasion. They can be moulded to different shapes and dyed with various shades of colours for realism.



This was my first attempt at making marzipan fruits. Banana was a hot favourite, so was strawberry and pear.

Wollongong, Illawara region and Nan Tien Temple

The scenic drive enroute to Wollongong inevitably lure visitors to detour and have a glimpse of the surroundings. There's a good reason why this lookout is known as Sublime Point.

The ocean looks deceptively calm an still from elevated ground but the surfs are rolling towards the shore on closer examination.

Nan Tian Temple 南天寺

One of the many Buddhist temples in the world affiliated with the International Bright Light Association, the Nan Tien temple is built on the slope of the hill backing sprawling greenery.

The many beautiful stone figurines are beautiful and serves to impart moral values. My favourite are these two novice monks fetching water. Further up the steps are many stone figurines depicting various movements and styles of taiji.

Looking down from the peak - the Buddhist shrine on the third level.

The seven storey pagoda could be accessed after climbing about 100 steps. The ground floor comprises a reception area, a learning area with booklets for free distribution, copying Chinese calligraphy (see wordings below), a side hall where the wishing bell stands.

肯定自己 才能向前
尊重別人 才能助緣

Self recognition helps us move forward

Respecting others helps us obtain favourable conditions

The lotus is a symbol of purity in Buddhism. The flower remains untainted and beautiful despite growing in muddy waters. Summer is nearing its end. When the lotus flowers wither, the lotus pods carrying many fresh green lotus seeds take its place, and so the natural cycle continues.

The dining hall on the third level is opened to the public daily (except Mondays) for lunch. A full course vegetarian meal (menu changes daily) comprises rice, noodles, tempura vegetables, curry potatoes, stewed mushroom, root vegetables, beans, beet root, fresh vegetables and fruits. All for $9 per person. Ala carte cafe finger food and snacks could be bought at the ground floor al fresco cafe.

The museum entrance is a gift and book store. Inside are many treasures from past and present, sculptures, landscaping on display. There's also a small art gallery at the side of the museum.

Guan Yin and disciples by the lotus pond. The Boddhisattva is a key feature of Mahayana Buddhism which emphasizes compassion and helping others in the path towards enlightenment -- Buddhahood.

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Hunter Valley Gardens

In Central Coast NSW is a fantastic weekend retreat for Sydneysiders. The Hunter Valley Gardens is less than three hours drive from Sydney CBD and two hours from the northern suburbs. Nestled among vineyards and award winning wineries, it has attracted many visitors locally and abroad. Seniors are given additional discounts certain days.

Fronting the gardens is a beautiful chapel where many couples hold their wedding ceremony and reception away from the hussle and bustle of the city.



What we really need in our erratic weather conditions - drought resistance and low maintenance Korean grass on rockery.


The most talked about rose garden. The weather was cool and relatively dry. If it had rained the day before, the rose petals would probably be weathered and lusciousness compromised. There aren't many aphids but I spotted this bee gathering nectar from a gorgeous white rose.


Wild ducks swimming at motor boat speed and playing tag with the flock.

Lillies come in various impressive hues

Tigerlily has its unique appeal and charm.

Rolls of red hot bullet or birds eye chillies at the Indian Garden.

Two little girls having a game of giant chess. How sweet!

These are just one of the many features at the Storybook Gardens. Landscape and props were taken from tales on Jack and the Bean stalk, Silver Spoon, Alice in Wonderland to keep the children entertained.

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Where do local Sydneysiders go : recommendations for tourists

Beyond the cliches: Sydney's hidden gems

There's no better way for visitors to discover some of Sydney's hidden gems than to spend a weekend doing as Sydneysiders do.

If you've already climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, cuddled a koala at Taronga Zoo and been to a performance at the Opera House, it's fun to wander off the tourist track for a different view of the harbour city.

Base yourself in a swanky hotel and set off to explore.

- AAP, SMH

For details, follow the above link by clicking on the title.

Trust me - locals tend to explore beyond the city area. If you have time, you might want to move to a suburban hotel or even home stay to see and feel the real Australia.

Celebrity Customers

Some may envy people who manage or serve celebrities. In reality, celebrities are just ordinary people who have made a name through unique talents or hard work. One of our customer who

Ryan Kwanten was shopping with his mum during his Christmas break from acting. Trust me not to recognise a movie star when I meet one. It was a pity, no one, including those who knew asked for his autograph. Ryan began his career in the northern beaches as a surfer and was spotted by movie headhunters who recruited him for the TV and subsequently the big screen.

Ian Thorpe, former Australian freestyle swimming Olympic champion, does not make personal appearances, understandably. His managers would pick up stuff they think he would like, after consulting our sales assistants who sometimes place special orders for extraordinary customers. It's sad to read reports that Thorpe who had so much going for him at such a young decided to retire and his venture to Hollywood. The controversy over the sports council's anti-doping tests was eventually closed in his favour. Thorpe continues to help charitable causes, such as children of aboriginal backgrounds.

Historic Windsor at the heart of Hawkesbury Valley, NSW

Historic Windsor was a Macquarie town (the first NSW governor) in 1810. It remains a quaint small town with lavish display of traditional and modern wares in the shops and street stalls.

Cow hide comes in different sizes, prints, texture and finishes. The leather goods are soft, light and inexpensive.



The kids (and young at heart adults) would love this lolly shop, redolent with sweet aroma, rainbow colours and temptations.

Windsor Mall Craft Market

Opens every Sunday from 9 am in Windsor Mall, George Street. Quality handmade homewares, arts, crafts, fashion and fresh produce for you to browse and pick up some souvenir to bring home. A beautiful setting for locals and tourists. There is wheelchair friendly access, public seats for resting and picnics and ample street and shopping centre parking.

Turkish Gozleme

Olives galore

Familiar tunes played by musicians add to the festive mood.

Best Fish and Chips in Sydney metro area?

I heard from a friend that Windsor has the best fish and chips in town. So this weekend, we decided to check it out with no inkling of the name of the eatery and address. Based on some googled results and whereis directions, we found it after a casual stroll in the mall area. It is opposite the pub and park, quite close to the end of mall area along George Street (accessible from Macquarie Street via Fitzgerald Street).

The battered deep sea platter which is larger and costs almost one and half times that of the seafood platter is the tastier of the two. One large platter could easily feed three to four adults. The verdict : the seafood is fresh and nicely fried but not fantastic given the price and long wait. The chips are thick and limpy. We must try the fresh oysters and the hot n cold platter if we visit Windsor again.

Horse and Carriage

Look again - it's actually a restaurant. Wonder if diners have to pay for the two riders who ensure that the horses remain stationary.



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Native Bush Food and Spices from Central Australia

Everything from the land, flora and fauna are edible from roots, nectar flowers, fruits and grass, to insects (ants, grubs, worms) and many more.

These spices make useful marinate, seasoning, dips and condiments.

In the above photo, from top to bottom :

Wattle Seed - filled with flavours of walnuts, coffee, hazelnut and chocolate, giving an excellent rich taste to desserts, cakes, breads, meat dishes and sauces.

Ground Bush Tomato - gives a tangy taste similar to sun-dried tomatoes to casseroles, soups, marinades, sauces and dips. Do not overcook and add towards the end of cooking.

Lemon Myrtle - a very versatile seasoning with a refreshing aroma of lemon and lemongrass. A superb seasoning for fish and other white meats and poultry. It is gives an exceptional flavour to desserts, cakes, ice cream, biscuits and salad dressings.

Summer Vietnamese Soups

Conservative and older generation Aussies have fixed ideas about food. Soups (except chilled cucumber or fruity soups) and stews are to be taken in winter only. Dessert is usually baked or poached with the exception of sorbet, cheesecake and ice-cream. It was unthinkable to have beans and grains to be served in dessert, not until decades ago.

Soul food : chicken noodle soup

Vietnamese cuisine made popular since the 1980s has probably revolutionalized Australian dining. It is no longer taboo to eat noodle soups eaten in summer, rice noodle made into salad and three coloured ice dessert with beans and grains which are no longer the preserve of main courses.

Combination fried rice noodle with gravy