ate and drank and drank and ate

Isn't it wonderful how when you're on holidays you can indulge your taste buds and enjoy the exoticism of dining far out!

I am in Hong Kong. I've been 3 times before and have been looking forward to returning.

The shopping, the food, the people, the food, the sights, and of course the food.

The service and cuisine on Qantas isn't too shabby.

Here's a little something Manda whipped up for me en route. A terrine and salad for starters.

And this was our lunch in a little Vietnamese place we found in Tsim Tsa Tui. Chop your own herbs/ chili to refine your pho soup to suit.

This is a pineapple mint cocktail. Winter in Hong Kong and this is how they serve it.

... And here's where I was drinking it. Poolside at the Marriott hotel, Admiralty. Note the fetching Chinese New Year decorations in the tree. In my next post, I'll share some more gorgeeous special effects. It's the year of the horse.

In the background, this bird was warbling away

remember the good times

I think it's very important to escape once in a while. Actually, I dream of escaping most of the time, but that's another story.

Noosa is such a wonderful Queensland icon; for all of the right reasons I'm happy to say. On seeing the river or the beach, I can take a deep breath and feel myself relaxing.

The restaurants are great in this part of the world.

We had dinner at Bistro C virtually on the beach. How could this get any better?

Wildlife abounds....

Living walls reflect the 'green' ethos.

And a touch of France to add that cosmopolitan flair.  

and to put things in perspective.....

I went to Noosa via Caboolture and Woodford.

As a birthday treat, Paul whisked me away to Noosa for last Saturday night.

As a extra treat we went via Caboolture Gallery.

He'd read about one of the exhibitions and being the artophile that he is thought it would make for interesting viewing, as it did.

Here's the description and some of my favourites.

Coffee in Woodford with a typical oz country town view of the loos in the middle of the road. 

Why Woodford you might ask, when we're on our way to the gourmet wonderland of the Sunshine Coast?

I have 3 words for you; traffic, Bruce Highway, summer. Ok 4 words; traffic, Bruce Highway and summer school hols.

It ended up being a lovely drive on a road we'd never travelled before.

show the grand finale of family festivities in California

... and lo it came to pass that there was one more day of family togetherness.

Boxing day entailed a trip to California; downtown Burbank.
 - complete with the sign on the hill, (it's like the Hollywood sign, in case you didn't get it.)

The mojitos were cold and the mango and avocado salsa saucy.

The girls were  'like so hot'.

Once again attention to manicurial detail was impressive.

Poolside, only one thing was missing.

Ah, there they are: the pool boys/lifeguards.

 ... and some landlubbers who forgot what the theme of the day was.

The food kept coming

and the babes just kept getting hotter. 

 Some drama though when the wildlife swooped in for a bit of the goodlife.

Even the papparazzi were there to snap the chicks.

and by the end of the day things weren't quite what they seemed.

enjoy some Tuscan fare

Xmas day's theme elect was Tuscany.

It began in typical Australian fashion however with the ritual application of Aeroguard. (I'm not receiving any sponsorship from that company by the way)

We started with a traditional icy cold Italian Sparkling to set the mood, and accompany our antipasti.

.....followed by a feast sourced and created from local fare.

Dessert included the Guifre world famous tiramisu, gelati, toasted pannetone with marsala soaked strawberries and mascapone.

... and we observed the Italian tradition called the 'Urn of Fate'. 

A lucky dip for each guest which sets your pathway for the coming year.

....and tomorrow is Boxing day. I guess we'll have to gather the leftovers and take off to a new destination.

share some Christmas family fun

At a recent gathering of the Marshall clan, we asked the question:
"Where would we like to be for the Xmas festivities?"

The answer for Xmas Eve was Switzerland; at our place.

Baby it was cold outside; inside a balmy 19 degrees.
This family were prepared for all weathers. Unfortunately Manda sustained a broken arm on the ski field in the days before.

Although concerned about misplaced passports, border control let this group in as well. 

Here's dedication to the theme!

Of course Fondue was on the menu. (minor flame control issues, but it tasted good!) 

Warm ears are sooo important.

Turkey roast, rosti and beans with pomegranate seeds for mains.

...... and it had to be a chocolate fondue for dessert.

Thank you to David for bringing the Swiss chocolate with him from Lake Constanz

 This little fella kept the function interesting.

... and when the last hot cocoa and piece of custard drenched pudding was finished the tired and happy visitors headed home to prepare for Santa.