i've given up on blogspot. i can't insert pictures as easily as the previous blogging tool i've used, so i've switched back to wordpress.
i've still yet to update on day 6, but i will do so soon, spent this afternoon setting up the blog and doing the custom header. and there's just so many pictures to go through and resize!! :P
for future updates, please go to http://pinktini.wordpress.com
all the posts in this blog have already been imported there.
see you there!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Day 5 - Helloooooo Brisbane!
After a fairly ok ride from Sunshine Coast and going about a roundabout with a giant Campbells Tomato Soup, we arrived at Mantra South Bank, Brisbane (formerly known as Saville Apartments).
The rooms.. well, were okay. I mean, how do you compare it to Palazzo Versace? When we arrived at Sheraton Noose, Sunshine Coast, we were going, 'ok, smaller jacuzzi bath-tub, no daily yummy chocolates, no free water.'
But when we got to Mantra South Bank, we were, 'darn, NO bath-tub, NO chocolates, NO free water, no place to put toiletries in the shower and... single beds!' Yea, I know, we've been spoilt rotten.
After a quick change, we headed out to the weekend markets. But sadly, due to the rain, most were packing up when we got there. :(
Got ourselves some snacks and I bought HUGGIES baby wash for myself (cos it's soap-free) and headed back to the hotel.
We met about 6pm for our dinner at Pier Nine.
A little introduction... Pier Nine is an iconic Brisbane restaurant and unique dining experience. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide 180 degrees view of the Brisbane River (but trust me, your attention would be on the food, not the view) and the menu is updated on a seasonal basis to take full advantage of the best local product and the specials menu is updated daily for fresh produce.
Their chef is Robert Palmer... "I'll be your baby tonight." No, he's not the actual singer, but heard he was rather sporty and sang a line for the crew...
This is Ross's favourite - Oysters~! We always give him the oysters. He's such a nice guy!
Entrees...
Wok Seared Calamari with Chilli, Lemon Pepper & Bok Choi
Fraser Coast Scallops, Grilled on the Half Shell with Anchovy Butter, Sorrel, Capsicum & Preserved Lemon Salad
Mooloolaba King Prawns Trawler Galaxy with Shaved Fennel, Mango & Kiwifruit Salsa, Ginger Oil & Mint Dressing
Mains...
Bucket of Mooloolaba Natural Prawns Trawler Galaxy with Original 1000 Island Dressing
I was staring at Rod's main course. Prawns are my next favourite love to steak. YUM.
I can't remember what this is, i think it is..
Confit Junee (NSW) Lamb Rump, with Soft White Polenta, Eggplant Kasundi & Wild Fig Jus
Char GrilledTin Can Bay Moreton Bay Bugs with Soba Noodles, Papaya Salad & Coriander & Mirin Dressing
and finally...... me and Nad's favourite...
Rangers Valley Black Angus Eye Fillet 200g (300 Days Grain Fed) with Cauliflower & Porcini Puree, Asparagus, Medley of Mushrooms & Cabernet Jus
I'm telling you, this MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH. go for medium rare, that's the way to go. the puree actually goes quite well with the steak, i was a little skeptical about it, being cauliflower and all, but it was ok!
DO NOT STEAL MY STEAK. I WILL USE MY KUNGFU ON YOU!
yum.. my first time trying dessert wine. it's so yummilicious i could go for more.
see how much faster i'm drinking than nad? who in the end had to finish for me. haha..
Pier Nine Affogato
Short Black, Latte Ice Cream, Frangelico Liqueur and Belgium Donuts Filled With Burnt Butter Ganache
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Hazelnut Parfait, Truffled Tuille Kahlua & Hazelnut Oil
THIS WAS HEAVENLY...
Tartlet of Macadamia and Pineapple
Pan Fried Confit Pineapple, Macadamia Puff Pastry Tartlet, Scorched Macadamia Ice Cream & Pineapple Caramel
Finishing up the cake!
After we left the restaurant, I was itching sooooo badly, I went straight back to the hotel and called AIA. The hotel doesn't have an operator to help me make a reverse call charge, this is the first time I've heard of it, so I had to call AIA and ask them to call me back at the hotel.
They fixed up a doctor's appointment for me and he came to the hotel within an hour and a half. I was itching SO BADLY. He prescribed me more medication (which I have to get from the pharmacy, again), and gave me an injection which hurts like hell. It's worse than any I had and I practically held on to Nad's arms and cried while he gave me the jab. Another AU$225. I have faced my 3 worst phobias in just the first 5 days of the trip - heights, water and jabs.
Needless to say, I couldn't walk properly for the next 1 - 2 days. I HATE JABS.
Next post: GOMA
The rooms.. well, were okay. I mean, how do you compare it to Palazzo Versace? When we arrived at Sheraton Noose, Sunshine Coast, we were going, 'ok, smaller jacuzzi bath-tub, no daily yummy chocolates, no free water.'
But when we got to Mantra South Bank, we were, 'darn, NO bath-tub, NO chocolates, NO free water, no place to put toiletries in the shower and... single beds!' Yea, I know, we've been spoilt rotten.
After a quick change, we headed out to the weekend markets. But sadly, due to the rain, most were packing up when we got there. :(
Got ourselves some snacks and I bought HUGGIES baby wash for myself (cos it's soap-free) and headed back to the hotel.
We met about 6pm for our dinner at Pier Nine.
A little introduction... Pier Nine is an iconic Brisbane restaurant and unique dining experience. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide 180 degrees view of the Brisbane River (but trust me, your attention would be on the food, not the view) and the menu is updated on a seasonal basis to take full advantage of the best local product and the specials menu is updated daily for fresh produce.
Their chef is Robert Palmer... "I'll be your baby tonight." No, he's not the actual singer, but heard he was rather sporty and sang a line for the crew...
This is Ross's favourite - Oysters~! We always give him the oysters. He's such a nice guy!
Entrees...
Wok Seared Calamari with Chilli, Lemon Pepper & Bok Choi
Fraser Coast Scallops, Grilled on the Half Shell with Anchovy Butter, Sorrel, Capsicum & Preserved Lemon Salad
Mooloolaba King Prawns Trawler Galaxy with Shaved Fennel, Mango & Kiwifruit Salsa, Ginger Oil & Mint Dressing
Mains...
Bucket of Mooloolaba Natural Prawns Trawler Galaxy with Original 1000 Island Dressing
I was staring at Rod's main course. Prawns are my next favourite love to steak. YUM.
I can't remember what this is, i think it is..
Confit Junee (NSW) Lamb Rump, with Soft White Polenta, Eggplant Kasundi & Wild Fig Jus
Char GrilledTin Can Bay Moreton Bay Bugs with Soba Noodles, Papaya Salad & Coriander & Mirin Dressing
and finally...... me and Nad's favourite...
Rangers Valley Black Angus Eye Fillet 200g (300 Days Grain Fed) with Cauliflower & Porcini Puree, Asparagus, Medley of Mushrooms & Cabernet Jus
I'm telling you, this MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH. go for medium rare, that's the way to go. the puree actually goes quite well with the steak, i was a little skeptical about it, being cauliflower and all, but it was ok!
DO NOT STEAL MY STEAK. I WILL USE MY KUNGFU ON YOU!
yum.. my first time trying dessert wine. it's so yummilicious i could go for more.
see how much faster i'm drinking than nad? who in the end had to finish for me. haha..
Pier Nine Affogato
Short Black, Latte Ice Cream, Frangelico Liqueur and Belgium Donuts Filled With Burnt Butter Ganache
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Hazelnut Parfait, Truffled Tuille Kahlua & Hazelnut Oil
THIS WAS HEAVENLY...
Tartlet of Macadamia and Pineapple
Pan Fried Confit Pineapple, Macadamia Puff Pastry Tartlet, Scorched Macadamia Ice Cream & Pineapple Caramel
Finishing up the cake!
After we left the restaurant, I was itching sooooo badly, I went straight back to the hotel and called AIA. The hotel doesn't have an operator to help me make a reverse call charge, this is the first time I've heard of it, so I had to call AIA and ask them to call me back at the hotel.
They fixed up a doctor's appointment for me and he came to the hotel within an hour and a half. I was itching SO BADLY. He prescribed me more medication (which I have to get from the pharmacy, again), and gave me an injection which hurts like hell. It's worse than any I had and I practically held on to Nad's arms and cried while he gave me the jab. Another AU$225. I have faced my 3 worst phobias in just the first 5 days of the trip - heights, water and jabs.
Needless to say, I couldn't walk properly for the next 1 - 2 days. I HATE JABS.
Next post: GOMA
Day 5 - Goodbye Sunshine Coast
6 April 2008
After a very uncomfortable night for me, the rash and itch was so horrible I stayed up for almost the whole night, waking up to apply some mopiko to ease it a little. It was the only remedy I had at that time. I only managed to fall asleep for short periods of time.
Around 10, we woke up to a rare sight - heavy rain. This is rather rare as it seldom rains over here.
Did some last minute packing and we headed for some breakfast about 10:45am, 15 mins before the buffet ended. We both grabbed 2 plates of food and drinks each, and sat down to enjoy the eggs, bread, ham and my personal fave, hashbrowns.
We then checked-out of the Sheraton Noosa and rushed off to Hastings Street for some last minute shopping. The good thing about this hotel is that we have the shops right at our back gate!
We didn't really buy much until we headed into this store - Mombasa. They sell the CUTEST stuff, like lip-glosses in donut-shaped containers. (will post up pictures of most of my shopping victories at the end of all the blogposts) I think we nearly cleared their stock.
When we finally tore ourselves away from the store, we went back to the hotel and sat at the lobby, showing our buys to Pree, which made her ran to get some lip-gloss too. And when she got back, we found out that they had re-stocked the display, and.. well.. me & Nad ran off to get more. Yep, as we told them, we're back for more!
That was good fun and shopping for the morning, after all, we were off to another long car ride to Brisbane...
Next post: Helloooooo Brisbane!
After a very uncomfortable night for me, the rash and itch was so horrible I stayed up for almost the whole night, waking up to apply some mopiko to ease it a little. It was the only remedy I had at that time. I only managed to fall asleep for short periods of time.
Around 10, we woke up to a rare sight - heavy rain. This is rather rare as it seldom rains over here.
Did some last minute packing and we headed for some breakfast about 10:45am, 15 mins before the buffet ended. We both grabbed 2 plates of food and drinks each, and sat down to enjoy the eggs, bread, ham and my personal fave, hashbrowns.
We then checked-out of the Sheraton Noosa and rushed off to Hastings Street for some last minute shopping. The good thing about this hotel is that we have the shops right at our back gate!
We didn't really buy much until we headed into this store - Mombasa. They sell the CUTEST stuff, like lip-glosses in donut-shaped containers. (will post up pictures of most of my shopping victories at the end of all the blogposts) I think we nearly cleared their stock.
When we finally tore ourselves away from the store, we went back to the hotel and sat at the lobby, showing our buys to Pree, which made her ran to get some lip-gloss too. And when she got back, we found out that they had re-stocked the display, and.. well.. me & Nad ran off to get more. Yep, as we told them, we're back for more!
That was good fun and shopping for the morning, after all, we were off to another long car ride to Brisbane...
Next post: Helloooooo Brisbane!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Day 4 - Sunshine Coast (Part 2)
After the phone calls, we headed out to grab lunch.
Earlier on, Jane had so kindly showed me where to buy yummy quick lunches, a food court beside the hotel.
I headed straight for the fish & chips, 'cept I exchanged the chips for wedges. It was absolutely delicious!! I ate it whilst watching a movie on my laptop, while Nad was indulging in her Gossip Girls, which she is trying to get me addicted to. (not working yet, but who knows?)
Strangely enough, as I was just telling Nad, I came to Australia wanting to taste lots of fish & chips, I ended up killing more cows instead.
After lunch, I fell asleep waiting for the doctor. When he finally came around 4pm, I found out he drove all the way down from Brisbane.
He did some checks, couldn't really decide what was the cause of my rashes and prescribed me some antihistamines, which I later bought from a pharmacy nearby.
I almost fainted when he gave me the bill. AU$225!!!!!!!!! I hope I can claim it from my travel insurance.
Took another short rest and got ready for our dinner at Blue Angel.
This is a nice little restaurant which serves delicious cuisine. As usual, I killed another cow and had some bubbly.
Me and Nad outside the kitchen.
Nad's crazy stalker - Mr. Brent! (Thankfully he doesn't stalk me. It's scary since he's so tall.)
On to Brisbane the next day! Look out for the next post, which I might only be able to update in Singapore, due to the horrible internet connection rules in Quay West, Sydney.
Day 4 - Sunshine Coast (Part 1)
5 April 2008 - Sunshine Coast
Here we are at Noosa, on our first surfing lesson. There's the 3 red girls - Preetha, Nad and me.
I was very nervous, as I wasn't a good swimmer and we're going into the sea!
We were handed our boards and off we trudged to the beach. Looking like schoolgirls, especially with my hairstyle. Had to keep the fringe off the face, so it doesn't affect our balance when we flick our hair on the board.
We were seated in a semi-circle and were placed with the kids. In a way, it's better as the kids had their parents with them, hence we had more personal attention. :)
Now you know why I said me and Nad's pose in Dreamworld was wrong. You need to have the 'bow and arrow' stance, not 'I'm flying, Jack, I'm flying' kind of pose.
Testing it out in my safe haven - the beach.
OK... I didn't really want to show this pictures as it's so UNGLAM. But, I realised, heck it, if I don't ever show it, no one will believe me if I said I stood up on my second try. So here goes...
COOL RIGHT??? Sports mode!
Below you'll see a pic of me and Nad trying to get past the waves. You need to angle the board so that it sails smoothly above the wave.
The board isn't light. Sadly, after a few tries at surfing, I fell on one of my attempts and it re-ignited the pain in my waist, afterwhich I had a slight difficulty walking well or bending. So I had to stop surfing.
What is KOOKS?
Brent getting some great shots. Both he and Jane were great, they helped us to get nice pictures, and also, embarassing pictures.
Now that I can't return to the surfing, I started doing what I like most. Scenery shots or anything I like.
After the surfing, I returned to the hotel for a shower and realised I had rashes all over my left arm and neck/upper front chest area.
At first, I thought it was from sandfly bites as they were just tiny bumps. But after a while, it became really tiny red dots, so I asked Brent about it.
We tried to go to a clinic, but it was closed at 12noon on a Saturday. Hence we had to ask a doctor to do a housecall at the hotel room, and we had to wait for hours for him.
Coming up, a delicious dinner for our last night in Sunshine Coast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)