fuchsia fragments: 2014/10

career choices

This weekend has been one of the most productive, relaxing and content weekends that I’ve had in the second half of this year so far. Seeing a little boy smile and appreciate something you did for him through his eyes. Batting down the hatches and putting in the hard yards to get that Tax Return done. Taking the time to spend with family and having lunch with grandma. And even something as mundane as picking up groceries with the parents. Starting on my Christmas shopping.

But it was Sunday that really made my weekend. She’s back again! Our Valerie Rose is back!!! And we did so much that it was so worthwhile. Even I am amazed at how much you can squeeze into a day.

Need to start the day the health way with brunch! The Rustic Pearl which is another hole in the wall kind of café came highly recommended from a few credible sources (yes, urbanspoon was one of them but also from real-life people). They are located in the heart of Surry Hills and a few stones throw away from Messina. The apple mint tea was very refreshing although a tad on the sweet side for me. The addition of pomegranate was very clever. Oh and this café is Turkish-inspired in case you are wondering. The choices were pretty adequate and we all ended up getting eggs, one way or another. Royale, Omelette and scrambled and washed down with plenty of coffee for the caffeine drinkers. I do recommend trying but would I go back anytime soon? No but only because there are so many other options in Surry Hills and I have barely scraped the surface.

Next up, we decided to catch some sun at the beach. So it was a short drive to La Perouse. I like it for the views, the walk across the rocks and being able to see the aeroplanes. In hindsight, probably not the best beach beach to go to. Disappointing to see so much broken glass on the sand (take care!) and I can only imagine why parents would let their kids run rampant around. However, this was more than adequate for our needs today… we went for a lovely walk along the rocks and came across Mr Pelican who was lapping it up from all his human admirers. We saw divers, fishermen, a couple of fancy boats and went for a walk along the beach. The water was still pretty cool but it didn’t stop us from spending a couple of hours here. Thank goodness today was lucky parking day and there were no difficulties at any occasion to find a parking spot.

To satisfy our dear Val’s craving for all things seafood, the now very touristy and commercial Sydney Fish Markets were next up. The highlight of the trip here was that a car from behind me almost clipped me as he tried to overtake me to get onto the Anzac Bridge. So not cool dude. What is wrong with doing the right thing and following me. The light was red hence why I was going slow. Anyways, the markets were still pretty packed at 3:30 but we still managed to shop up a lot. Clearly, we ate with our eyes and before we knew it we had: prawns, salmon and kingfish sashimi, a Moreton bag bug and lots and lots of oysters. And a bottle of Sav Blanc. Can’t forget the wine. And it was most important to keep the wine cold over the seafood. Lol. Rather than sitting around the packed verandah outside, we decided to go to the Botanic Gardens and have a mini picnic instead.

Such a winner. First parking spot right outside the gardens and then being able to enjoy it all with water views. Had a cooler bag for the wine, had ice and had technology. Picture perfect moment. Funny to hear afterwards that Mandy and her friends were having a picnic there too. Too bad we didn’t run into each other.

And not complete Sydney visit these days without a drink at the Opera Bar. Again, we found a nice seat outside facing the bridge. Some bubbly. Watched as the cruise ship left port and watched as the world passed by.

Finally, headed to dinner at Jonga Jip in Eastwood. Lol… my GPS… took us to the other side of the station which was a bit fail. So we had to drive around. And so we ended up getting there only just before Donna (who had to go back for the cake pops and flowers). We were quite full from seafood but still managed an effort in getting the whopping 10 side dishes, soup and hot pot a good go. We had to doggy bag for the doggies a lot of the hot pot. And we smelt like Korean BBQ afterwards. Sunday evenings are a good day to drive from Eastwood back to Hurstville. Minimal traffic, 25 minute drive. Worthwhile. Not so much on a Saturday morning or afternoon. Would take more than double the time. People always ask me would I ever live in the North and I always answer ‘no’. It’s the same concept for them not wanting to live in the South. Crossing the bridge, traffic, tolls. I much prefer the Inner West or Eastern Suburbs. One day, one day. Although where I am (transport wise) is not so bad at all.

Was so ready for bed by the time I got home at a respectable hour of 10 p.m. but considering a 10 a.m. start, it was a long day. It did take a little time to shut down though. Had a good sleep, hope you all did too and got up for the gym (yay!). It was pretty busy. And I am in need of new swimming goggles and cap. Must get this soon.