1st Advent

Despite of the fact that I'm already at home, I feel that I've really enjoyed blogging while I was in Australia and now that I'm home I see no other reason to why I shouldn't continue. The only thing I feel I need to change is the name, but to what? I'm quite out of ideas at the moment, so I'm all up for ideas. Until then, I'll just post here and then I'll transfer my post to the new blog.

With a huge storm approaching me and my mum stayed inside and put up lamps for Advent.

I reckon that this season of the year has got to be the cosiest. When it's dark and cold outside, one can just sit inside in a warm sweater drinking hot mulled wine (white glögg in this case) and nibble on some delicious gingerbread. With December right around the corner I'm going to take a big advantage of the holiday spirit and all the yummy treats it has to offer. Lets see whether or not I'll be able to beat my last year's record of drinking mulled wine...

Goodbye dinner

Time sure flies! I'm already back in Sweden and it feels quite strange. I would have updated you about it before I left, but I just didn't have time for it...hope you forgive me. :)

On the day before I left I decided to meet up with a few friends at the Polish restaurant New in Town.

Emily, from my Conflict Resolution class was very kind to join me.

Annie and Puii sat on the opposite site and were a wonderful company.

Those who know me won't be surprised that I chose to have pierogi with white cheese.

Emily had a mix of various pierogi with a lovely mushroom sauce. Yum!

While Puii and Annie both decided to have pork neck...no idea if was any good.

With our bellies full we decided to have desert at Max Brenner.

With chocolate on the walls and chocolate on the menu, I didn't have much choice than to have chocolate...didn't mind it one bit.

Pure love in a hug cup - American marshmallow hot dark chocolate! Almost died...

After being filled with all the yummy goodness of hot chocolate we had a look at the amazing selection of pralines and then it was time to say goodbye. Just as with any other goodbye, this wasn't easy but I can honestly say that I'm extremely lucky to have gotten to know these girls, as well as all the other people (especially my homestay family) I've met during my stay in Australia. Hopefully we will stay in touch and meet some day in the nearest future.

Vaucluse House and Shark Bay

Today I woke up early to take the train to Circular Quay, where I would meet up with Annie.

We took the bus and did a short stop at Rose Bay, as we ended up taking the wrong number.

Once on our way to Vaucluse and Nielson Park, we noticed that we had ended up in a rich area.

Most of of these houses had an amazing bay view...

and would probably take me a lifetime to even be able to afford to live there. *sob*

After a short walk, it was time for lunch at the Vaucluse House's Tearoom.

I had a delicious panini with artichokes, red pepper, cheese, and rocket.

Feeling content and full, we headed into the lush garden with its beautiful flowers and greenery.

Through the "wilderness" we went on a quest to find the historical house.

There it was in all its pride and glory!

Vaucluse House, a "small" stone cottage built in 1803.

Even the stables was built to match the house.

On the other side of this gate was the kitchen/vegetable garden.

To be honest, by modern standards I wouldn't even mind to have lived in the servants quarters.

After having gathered some herbs in the garden one would chop them up in the kitchen.

Apparently, the Wentworth family were quite into jelly...thus having all those moulds.

In the butler's pantry, lamps would be cleaned, re-fuelled and wicks trimmed.

While in the courtyard, we were offered an amazing private guide around the entire house.

The 19th century facebook - where visitors would leave their notes/messages.

The gorgeous drawing room was intended for suitors to meet the Wentworth daughters.

The dining room was quite dark and Gothic. Very beautiful.

Up the stairs awaited even more lovely rooms.

Ahh I could have spent an entire day there, listening to the fascinating stories about the house.

Alas! It was time to head out again and enjoy the weather.

Along the entire way to Nielsen Park were blossoming flowers with the most mesmerizing scent.

In the distance we could hear the waves hitting the shore as we hurried along the park.

Let me provide you with today's Shark Bay galore!

Oh what a most splendid day today was.
Packing awaits tomorrow...fun fun fun.... :(
Oh, and hopefully a lovely goodbye dinner at a Polish restaurant. Pierogi here I come!