Lara didn't go to kindy today as she wasn't well, so we spent the day cuddling and gardening. Here is a little snippet of her.
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
Monday, 2 July 2018
A Quick Summary of our Isle of Pines Holiday
From the moment we landed on Isle of Pines we were on island time...maybe even a few moments before then. As we flew in, looking down on the reef was breathtaking.
The transfer from the airport to our accommodation was framed by endless greenery. Then we saw the Our Lodge sign, and turned into a drive way that took us up to a reception hut, where we were welcomed with huge smiles, drinks, and a pillow was quickly found for 'le babe'. Olivia will tell you that she wasn't asleep on the way, and that she was just pretending, but photographic evidence would suggest otherwise. Clearly the island air and drive had her well and truly relaxed from the very beginning. All Mark and I needed was a refreshing welcome drink, and we were just as relaxed as Livs.
On our first night we headed straight for the beach, and foolishly walked across grass paths barefoot, and without a head-torch for the return back. But boy was it fun, and the girls weren't scared, but rather empowered. Not to mention we made a friend, who showed us the way back to our accommodation, and a few nights later guided us along the hidden grass paths to the restaurant we were going to for dinner. And all the thanks he wanted was a good pat under the chin and some water. Yes, we befriended a dog on the Isle of Pines. Everything and everyone seems connected on this tiny island, and communicating with animals like I always do is completely normal here.
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| Our faithful guide, waiting to show us the way back 'home'. |
Whilst on Isle of Pines were were either on the water, in the water, walking along the sand, eating or sleeping. Oure Lodge was the perfect place for our little family, we had a great little hut, and walked barefoot from our front door down to the beach to kayak, SUP, snorkel and finally on the last day just sit on the beach and relax for a little while-apologies to all the other guests, hahaha. Life was slow and easy, we were connected. We did one adventure on a traditional outrigger (pirogue) which meant we had to be at reception on time for the bus pick up, but apart from that we didn't need to be anywhere at any time. It was bliss.
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We tried to explore one cave, but it was cut off by a huge tree across the overgrown road, and since we had no way of knowing how far away it was, and the girls were napping, we decided to drive around for a little while, and go to the next cave.
Life was slow and simple, our whole family was connected. And after being home for two weeks, we are all still longing for our holiday life, just being together....and we miss the sunshine and being submerged in salt water every day. Summer isn't too far away now.
Tips for Isles of Pines
1. Take bottled water from the mainland, as the tap water on Isle of Pines is not suitable for drinking, and is expensive-yes, this did really mess with my greenie head, but it also taught my family to appreciate how easy it is to fill up our water bottles at home.
2. Make sure you take a snorkel and flippers to the natural pool-if you can, pack lunch and spend the day there, we didn't want to leave.
3. Slow down, and connect with mother nature...if you're as lucky as me you might just get to have an interaction with an elusive dugong or two.
P.S. Detailed stories and photos of the day we hired a car, and the traditional outrigger adventure are in progress.
Saturday, 30 June 2018
Au Revoir Zebra Z
Right now, I should be preparing to harvest Zebra Z, but instead I'm looking at holiday photos (still in my pjs), and writing drafts about our time at Isle of Pines. And in true procrastination form, I'm thinking that I need a cup of tea.
My emotions as we prepare to harvest Zebra Z are very different to those when we harvested Frizzle. Frizzle was a sweet chicken from the very beginning, who always liked cuddles. Zebra Z has always been an abnoxious, aggressive bird. You would think that this would make taking its life much easier, and it has for the girls, they haven't felt the need to hug Zebra Z (he wouldn't want them anyway), and I'm not going to miss him, but I am concerned that I won't be strong enough to use the swinging technique for him as he is a huge bird. I've voiced this to Mark, and he has volunteered to do the slaughter-but I don't think he has really thought about what he is taking on, it isn't easy. So with this, comes another uneasiness, that this bird won't be in a meditative relaxed state when it is harvested, like Frizzle was, as he just doesn't like a cuddle-and then there's the awful, selfish part of me that thinks the meat won't taste as good because the chicken isn't as relaxed as I would like it to be [everyone was thinking it, I just said it]. This is also a nine month old rooster, so I think we might need a good recipe.
I'm going to go and get ready for the harvest, and come back to this post once we have Zebra Z prepped for a meal. Yes, this is farming....and for all of those people who wonder how we can eat our pet, I challenge you to go vegetarian for the rest of your life, because knowing where your food comes from is important. It makes you appreciate it and respect it, more than going to the supermarket and picking up a plastic packet ever could.
-The Aftermath-
So, Mark did the kill for the first time, and now really understands what it feels like to take the life of a chicken. It really isn't easy. To be fair, I still did all the other challenging parts, like feathering and gutting, which I was better at than last time, but it is still very confronting. Yet again, I was perplexed as to how we can buy a butchered and cooked chicken for $10. That is so wrong on so many platforms.
Mark and I were both concerned about what a nine month old rooster would taste like, and at first we were just going to follow the masses and cook coq au vin, but we felt that this wasn't how to show our chicken respect. So Mark cooked a super simple chicken noodle soup, and the four of us thanked Zebra Z for the delicious meal. The dark, delicious chicken meat was the shining star of this dish, lifted by super clean, gelatinous stock that even made use of the chicken feet. This is how food should be eaten and appreciated, especially meat. It's the way our great grandparents lived, when if you wanted to have a Sunday night roast, then you had to harvest your own chicken. Sure, I can be heard saying this often, particularly to friends who want to talk about our chicken harvests, but I won't for a second try and pretend that this is how my family eats everyday-but I do aspire to it.......sssshhhh, don't tell Mark and Olivia.
My emotions as we prepare to harvest Zebra Z are very different to those when we harvested Frizzle. Frizzle was a sweet chicken from the very beginning, who always liked cuddles. Zebra Z has always been an abnoxious, aggressive bird. You would think that this would make taking its life much easier, and it has for the girls, they haven't felt the need to hug Zebra Z (he wouldn't want them anyway), and I'm not going to miss him, but I am concerned that I won't be strong enough to use the swinging technique for him as he is a huge bird. I've voiced this to Mark, and he has volunteered to do the slaughter-but I don't think he has really thought about what he is taking on, it isn't easy. So with this, comes another uneasiness, that this bird won't be in a meditative relaxed state when it is harvested, like Frizzle was, as he just doesn't like a cuddle-and then there's the awful, selfish part of me that thinks the meat won't taste as good because the chicken isn't as relaxed as I would like it to be [everyone was thinking it, I just said it]. This is also a nine month old rooster, so I think we might need a good recipe.
I'm going to go and get ready for the harvest, and come back to this post once we have Zebra Z prepped for a meal. Yes, this is farming....and for all of those people who wonder how we can eat our pet, I challenge you to go vegetarian for the rest of your life, because knowing where your food comes from is important. It makes you appreciate it and respect it, more than going to the supermarket and picking up a plastic packet ever could.
-The Aftermath-
So, Mark did the kill for the first time, and now really understands what it feels like to take the life of a chicken. It really isn't easy. To be fair, I still did all the other challenging parts, like feathering and gutting, which I was better at than last time, but it is still very confronting. Yet again, I was perplexed as to how we can buy a butchered and cooked chicken for $10. That is so wrong on so many platforms.
Mark and I were both concerned about what a nine month old rooster would taste like, and at first we were just going to follow the masses and cook coq au vin, but we felt that this wasn't how to show our chicken respect. So Mark cooked a super simple chicken noodle soup, and the four of us thanked Zebra Z for the delicious meal. The dark, delicious chicken meat was the shining star of this dish, lifted by super clean, gelatinous stock that even made use of the chicken feet. This is how food should be eaten and appreciated, especially meat. It's the way our great grandparents lived, when if you wanted to have a Sunday night roast, then you had to harvest your own chicken. Sure, I can be heard saying this often, particularly to friends who want to talk about our chicken harvests, but I won't for a second try and pretend that this is how my family eats everyday-but I do aspire to it.......sssshhhh, don't tell Mark and Olivia.
Friday, 29 June 2018
New Caledonia
If you're looking to escape winter, soak up another culture, speak another language, enjoy delicious food, and seriously slow down, AND the thought of a 24 hour flight from Sydney to Paris with children terrifies you as much as it terrifies me, than New Caledonia is the place for you!
At just a 2.5 hour plane trip (Sydney to Noumea), I really can't believe that I haven't visited this island sooner-that said, I really don't want it to become too touristy either, as it's natural beauty could be easily spoiled.
To be fare, I think my experience of Noumea was a bit different to most Australians, as I believe most Australians, unlike Japanese and New Zealand tourists, don't attempt to speak French. But I took this holiday as an opportunity to learn French. It was a little tricky, because more than one local told me that my accent was brilliant, and that I look French, so when my ability to say what I needed to say in French faulted me, the locals were confused. Nothing a simple "I'm sorry, I live in Australia, I only speak a little bit of French", didn't fix, as the locals were totally chuffed that I was trying to speak their language, and if they didn't speak English, they would ask someone in the crowd to translate for them-if someone hadn't already willingly jumped in to help me with a huge smile on their face. I did however see some Aussies get royally served for speaking English to people and just assuming they knew what they were saying, and I laughed out loud. Every Australian isn't bi-lingual, so we shouldn't expect others to speak English when we travel.
As expected, we loved the baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolat, and despite all the walking we did to and from dinners, and the aquarium, my ass still devoured my swimming costume. As the girls said all holiday "mermaid hair, don't care". It's easy to see my family and I spending a lot more time in New Caledonia. The people are so happy and genuine, and the pace of life suits me perfectly-all they need is some good coffee and I would happily hibernate there over Sydney's winter....now how can we fund a three month holiday?
When we finally met up with Mark and the sailing crew in Noumea, we blamed them for dragging Sydney's windy weather with them, but it was warm and not raining, so we were happy. We're a family of sailors, of course we love the wind in our hair.
Our first day in Noumea was great fun for all of us. We walked seven minutes from the Hilton hotel to the aquarium-but it doesn't open until 10am, so we chilled out on the beach for a while. Mark and Olivia sat quietly chatting on a bench whilst Lara and I roamed along the beach. She collected shells and corals that were different to what we find on our beaches at home, whilst I collected the same plastics that we find on Sydney's beaches. This really shocked me since there is a beautiful reef where you can see people snorkeling every day.
Once we were in the aquarium we were gobsmacked by the gorgeous reef that had been recreated in the tanks. We saw lots of interesting species, including the nautilus which Mark identified and taught me about, they are strange and fascinating creatures. But I think the family favourite was when we found a quiet little theatre tucked away around a corner where we could all have some seriously needed chill time. Getting to Noumea had been a big effort for all of us, and watching the rays glide around peacefully helped set the mood for our family holiday.
After thoroughly enjoying the aquarium, chilling out with the rays, and chatting to the turtles it was time to head to the market. To be honest, our first day of holidays ticked the only two boxes I had for Noumea, so I was pretty chuffed going to the aquarium and the markets all in one day. And the girls were pretty happy to get their first bus tickets as we ventured in to town.
As we entered the markets the first thing Mark and the girls spotted were coconuts. So we did what all tourists do, and got one. Surprisingly I liked the coconut juice. Not surprisingly Olivia wasn't a fan, but it was very entertaining to watch Lara claim the coconut from her Dad. From then on, Lara would point out all the coconuts on the ground and want to drink them, only we didn't have a machete on holidays.
Whilst we were at the markets I was rather impressed with the girls shopping skills. Lara found great cucumbers, whilst Olivia bought some delicious carrots....which was lucky, because apart from those purchases they lived on chicken nuggets and chips for the whole holiday.
After a big day adventuring, it was time to go and get a late lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered at Chez Toto, a French bistro that the locals go to. Here I continued to impress Mark with my French (and annoy Lara), whilst getting frustrated with myself for not being able to say everything I wanted to say. But the locals were extremely helpful, and we ordered our lunch without any troubles.
After a big day exploring my family was tired, but I had the new found energy of someone in a new country, speaking a new language, wanting to see, do and taste everything. So, when they announced that they wanted some quiet time in the room, I revelled at the opportunity for some seriously needed me time. I bounced down to reception and asked them where to get the best baguettes from, and then almost skipped two minutes down the road to L'Atelier Gourmand, merrily saying 'bonjour!' to everyone I past. As I got closer it was obvious that I was in the right place as the sweet smell of baguettes drifted out the door, just like the cue for them. These are exactly what you need when you are planning a simple Friday night wine and cheese night in-it's tradition.
At just a 2.5 hour plane trip (Sydney to Noumea), I really can't believe that I haven't visited this island sooner-that said, I really don't want it to become too touristy either, as it's natural beauty could be easily spoiled.
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| Ladies in Noumea, up to mischief waiting for Mark to arrive. |
To be fare, I think my experience of Noumea was a bit different to most Australians, as I believe most Australians, unlike Japanese and New Zealand tourists, don't attempt to speak French. But I took this holiday as an opportunity to learn French. It was a little tricky, because more than one local told me that my accent was brilliant, and that I look French, so when my ability to say what I needed to say in French faulted me, the locals were confused. Nothing a simple "I'm sorry, I live in Australia, I only speak a little bit of French", didn't fix, as the locals were totally chuffed that I was trying to speak their language, and if they didn't speak English, they would ask someone in the crowd to translate for them-if someone hadn't already willingly jumped in to help me with a huge smile on their face. I did however see some Aussies get royally served for speaking English to people and just assuming they knew what they were saying, and I laughed out loud. Every Australian isn't bi-lingual, so we shouldn't expect others to speak English when we travel.
As expected, we loved the baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolat, and despite all the walking we did to and from dinners, and the aquarium, my ass still devoured my swimming costume. As the girls said all holiday "mermaid hair, don't care". It's easy to see my family and I spending a lot more time in New Caledonia. The people are so happy and genuine, and the pace of life suits me perfectly-all they need is some good coffee and I would happily hibernate there over Sydney's winter....now how can we fund a three month holiday?
When we finally met up with Mark and the sailing crew in Noumea, we blamed them for dragging Sydney's windy weather with them, but it was warm and not raining, so we were happy. We're a family of sailors, of course we love the wind in our hair.
Once we were in the aquarium we were gobsmacked by the gorgeous reef that had been recreated in the tanks. We saw lots of interesting species, including the nautilus which Mark identified and taught me about, they are strange and fascinating creatures. But I think the family favourite was when we found a quiet little theatre tucked away around a corner where we could all have some seriously needed chill time. Getting to Noumea had been a big effort for all of us, and watching the rays glide around peacefully helped set the mood for our family holiday.
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| Lara having a little rest with the rays. |
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| Don't you love it when all the kids are playing nicely together. |
After thoroughly enjoying the aquarium, chilling out with the rays, and chatting to the turtles it was time to head to the market. To be honest, our first day of holidays ticked the only two boxes I had for Noumea, so I was pretty chuffed going to the aquarium and the markets all in one day. And the girls were pretty happy to get their first bus tickets as we ventured in to town.
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| My little adventurers looking so grown up. |
As we entered the markets the first thing Mark and the girls spotted were coconuts. So we did what all tourists do, and got one. Surprisingly I liked the coconut juice. Not surprisingly Olivia wasn't a fan, but it was very entertaining to watch Lara claim the coconut from her Dad. From then on, Lara would point out all the coconuts on the ground and want to drink them, only we didn't have a machete on holidays.
Whilst we were at the markets I was rather impressed with the girls shopping skills. Lara found great cucumbers, whilst Olivia bought some delicious carrots....which was lucky, because apart from those purchases they lived on chicken nuggets and chips for the whole holiday.
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| A delicious cucumber makes Lara smile, and Olivia can do everything her big sister can. |
After a big day adventuring, it was time to go and get a late lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered at Chez Toto, a French bistro that the locals go to. Here I continued to impress Mark with my French (and annoy Lara), whilst getting frustrated with myself for not being able to say everything I wanted to say. But the locals were extremely helpful, and we ordered our lunch without any troubles.
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| Charcuterie doesn't get this good in Sydney. |
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| Father and daughter re-bonding over delicious prosciutto. |
After a big day exploring my family was tired, but I had the new found energy of someone in a new country, speaking a new language, wanting to see, do and taste everything. So, when they announced that they wanted some quiet time in the room, I revelled at the opportunity for some seriously needed me time. I bounced down to reception and asked them where to get the best baguettes from, and then almost skipped two minutes down the road to L'Atelier Gourmand, merrily saying 'bonjour!' to everyone I past. As I got closer it was obvious that I was in the right place as the sweet smell of baguettes drifted out the door, just like the cue for them. These are exactly what you need when you are planning a simple Friday night wine and cheese night in-it's tradition.
Our five nights in Noumea seemed to speed by, as we enjoyed crew dinners, and a prize giving night at the yacht club, and a day trip to the Great South which is another post, before flying over to the Isle of Pines-which I hope to write about soon, but house and farm jobs await.
To Sum It Up:
1. Get lunch baguettes from L'Atelier Gourmand, and go back later in the day for lots of baguettes for wine and cheese night. The boulangerie bakes them all day long from 5am to 7pm.
2. If you plan on enjoying a nice quiet wine in your room, buy alcohol early, as they have strange licencing laws in New Caledonia, which stop you from buying alcohol after 12 noon!
3. Catch a bus up to the Simply Market to grab some delicious cheeses, and snacks. New Caledonia is expensive, and the corner stores will send you bankrupt, so if you are holidaying with kids, a stop there is a must.
4. The aquarium is a must for everyone, you don't need kids to enjoy it. Go and learn something about the majestic reefs of New Caledonia, and make friends with a ray and a turtle-then go and pick up plastic off the beach 🙂
5. Chez Toto and Le Miretti-Gascon (where the Maitre D won me over by telling my crazy kids she would put them in the freezer), are two traditional French restaurants that I recommend. Chez Toto is in town, and Le Miretti-Gascon is a lovely walk from the Hilton hotel.
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