Geriatric Gapper

Scone Bypass Community Walk

2020-02-29T09:34:00.001+03:00

Locals getting ready at the beginning of the walk

Today we did the Scone Bypass Community Walk to celebrate the completion of the town bypass. For years, the town's main street has been blighted by thundering freight lorries coming through both day and night. Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Michael McCormack, said," This five-kilometre bypass will improve road safety and reduce travel times for freight and long-distance traffic, by providing an alternative route around the town". The townspeople were invited to walk across the bridges of the bypass as part of the opening ceremony.

I walked the bypass with Janie and Andrew

Fortunately, there was a slight breeze on this beautiful morning

The pristine road stretched out before us, as we crossed the bridges.

Lots of people joined in the walk, and we got to enjoys the views from up high

This is the Scone Golf Course, taken from the bypass bridge

The Smoking Ceremony

As part of the opening ceremony, there was a traditional Aboriginal Smoking ceremony. This is an ancient custom among some Aboriginal Australians that involves smouldering various native plants to produce smoke which they believe has cleansing properties, and the ability to ward off bad spirits. This particular ceremony was to ensure the safety of travellers on the road, and to ward off any evil spirits that may harm them.

During the ceremony, he fed the leaves into the fire and wafted the smoke around

Michael McCormack MP, and the local dignitaries attending the ceremony

The walk was a lot of fun, although, I have to admit, I only walked one way, and didn’t complete the return journey as there was a bus for the elderly and infirm. Sometimes being older is an advantage. But well done to Janie and Andrew. Not only did they complete the walk, but they did so after having been to a CrossFit session earlier that morning.

Elizabeth Coughlan

2019-03-30T04:44:00.001+03:00

40th Wedding Anniversary

Margy and Bernard’s special wedding anniversary

The main reason we were in Cleethorpes was for the 40th wedding anniversary of David’s sister Margy, and her husband, Bernard. Members from both sides of the family gathered together for the happy event at the local Golf Club. Her two bridesmaids flew in from South Africa, and the two flower girls also arrived one from Abu Dhabi, and one from Mongolia.

40 years ago in Zimbabwe

Now, celebrating with Margy

The bride and groom with the Bridesmaids and Flower girls

Margy and Bernard with their 4 children

Cutting the cake

After the cutting of the cake, it was time to eat.

Margy’s side of the family

Bernard’s side of the family

The Coughlan cousins

Finally, we all lined up for a memorable photo of that memorable day,

One we will never forget.

Elizabeth Coughlan

2019-03-28T12:30:00.001+03:00

Cleethorpes, North Lincolnshire, UK

It's official - Cleethorpes Beach is named the most beautiful place outside of London.

We arrived in Cleethorpes ready for a special family gathering. But more of that in my next post. Cleethorpes is a seaside resort on the Lincolnshire east coast of England, on the south bank of the mouth of the River Humber. The Humber has big tides, so the sea goes out a long way, as you can see from the image above, leaving a vast expanse of mudflats. It is wise to check the tide times before venturing far out, as the sea comes flooding back in very quickly, and can fill channels behind you to cut you off.

Cleethorpes began as a fishing settlement but evolved instead into a seaside resort when the 19th-century fashion for sea-bathing developed. This was greatly boosted by the arrival of the railway. It thrived until the 1960s when the Med became accessible to British holidaymakers, and traditional resorts declined.

While in Cleethorpes, we visited the Boating Lake.

The Boating Lake is actually two lakes joined by a connecting channel.

The lake abounds with wildfowl like ducks and swans,

but also, more exotic ones like Barnacle and Greylag geese.

Two Barnacle Geese

A pair of Greylag geese

We really enjoyed our stroll around the lake. As we came out of the parkland around the lakes, we noticed The Signal Box Inn, also known as the Smallest Pub on the Planet.

The Signal Box Inn measures 8x8 feet

Another interesting landmark nearby is The Bus Café, run by Emma and her sister. Emma used to run Emma’s Café from her home, providing homemade meals, cakes, customized salads, fruit pots, and much more. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Emma’s daughter didn’t like working from home as she felt she was living at work. They thought of running their business from a truck, but then there were many people doing that, so they thought, “How big can we go?” That’s when they thought of a café in a double-decker bus.

Emma and her sister, Amy, run the Bus Café in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.

Within a week of coming up with the idea, Emma had bought her bus and acquired the plot, so she was up and running. She opened her Bus Café on June 2018, and it was very popular.

Emma in The Bus Cafe

Unfortunately, in October of that year, some low-life scumbags broke into the bus one night, stole whatever they could, and then set fire to the bus. Emma was devastated after all her hard work, but the amazing person she is, determined to fix it all. She ran the café through home deliveries, until she was able to refurbish the bus, and had it up and running again the following March, with the help of her family.

The upper deck of the Bus.

Customers enjoying a coffee

Today Emma has a thriving business. You can follow her success on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/The-Bus-Cafe-1302146153257892/ and get a glimpse of the wonderful food on offer.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia Revisited

2019-03-01T16:30:00.001+03:00

Harbour is a great location for any tourist visiting Sydney.Darling

We stopped off in Sydney, on our way back to Abu Dhabi from the Upper Hunter Valley, and decided to go for a walk around Darling Harbour. It really is an interesting area; Darling Harbour is constantly renewing itself, there is always something new to see, or experience.

(If you are interested in the history of this area, here is a link to my previous article: http://geriatricgapper.blogspot.com/2016/04/darling-harbour-sydney-australia.html

One thing we noticed immediately on arrival, was the Ferris Wheel. This is a new attraction on Darling Harbour, and definitely wasn’t there the last time we visited.

Although much of the harbour is surrounded by high-rise buildings,

there are lots of trees, and cool fountains to calm the atmosphere.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is close by, with its Guardian Lion at the entrance.

You could easily spend a whole day in Darling Harbour, with all the activities and sights to see. Here are just a few:

• 1 Australian National Maritime Museum
• 2 WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo. ...
• 3 SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. ...
• 4 Madame Tussaud's. ...
• 5 Flight Experience Flight Simulator. ...
• 6 Chinese Garden of Friendship. ...
• 7 LG IMAX Theatre and 9D Action Cinema. ...
• 8 A multitude of Shops and Restaurants.

Reflections in the glass front of the International Conference Centre, Sydney, in Darling Harbour

Although buildings are sprouting up all over Darling Harbour, innovative architecture has ensured the area isn’t overwhelmed by them. The International Conference Centre (above) is Australia’s largest convention, exhibition, and entertainment centre. It has over 70 meeting rooms, three theatres and two formal ballrooms. Large spaces in front of the building, and the glass front reflecting the sky gives a feeling of light and air.

Darling Harbour’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere,

makes it an ideal place to stroll around

Tourists, and locals, enjoying the open spaces.

I particularly enjoyed this angle of the ICC,

Where the building seems to vanish into the sky.

We plan to be back in Sydney in November. I can’t wait to see any new developments. I am sure there will be some.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Memorial Walk, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

2019-02-20T16:40:00.001+03:00

Memorial Walk, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

We spent a week in Newcastle while our grandson was having his tonsils out. The weather was stiflingly hot, so we didn't get out much. One thing we did manage, though, was to take the clifftop Memorial walk, constructed to commemorate the centenary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI. The walkway spans 450 metres from Strzelecki Scenic Lookout to Bar Beach, with outstanding views of the coast and the city.

Plaque at Strzelecki Scenic Lookout

The walkway is decorated with steel silhouettes of soldiers which are engraved with thousands of family names of men and women from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley who served in the Great War.

Silhouettes of soldiers along the walk...

...can be seen on both sides

Memorial Walk has two main sections. The first section starts at the Strzelecki Lookout and takes you over the bridge to the next major viewing platform. The second part of the walk is a stairway that leads down to Memorial Drive and Bar Beach.

Stairs lead down to Bar beach from Memorial Walk

From one side of the walkway, there are views of the City...

…from the other side, you look down the steep cliffs to the Pacific Ocean

A coastal walkway leads north to Newcastle Beach

After all this, if you need to walk some more, there is another walk to the north of Strzelecki Scenic Lookout that leads along Newcastle Beach and round to Nobby’s Beach at the end of which is a lighthouse that has been active for over 150 years.

Nobby’s Lighthouse ensures the safety of ships going into and out of Newcastle Harbour.

Newcastle is Australia's second oldest city, and a fun destination, with beautiful beaches, fine dining, and a true Aussie welcome feeling about it. It is definitely somewhere I will want to go back to again.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Tom Curtain Comes to Scone, NSW

2019-01-30T07:00:00.001+03:00

Tom Curtain and his band play real Country Music

We were lucky enough to be in Scone, NSW when Tom Curtain's Outback Experience arrived to entertain us. Although he is a renowned country singer, having recently won Australian Independent Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year at the Southern Stars Australian Independent Country Music Awards in Tamworth, Tom Curtain also entertains his audiences with an outback show using his working dogs and horses.

Working dogs demonstrate their skills

The show began with Tom demonstrating his work with dogs, where they had to hop on and off barrels to his command. He then showed us how he would get them to run in different directions, and stop and start just using his voice. We were so impressed with the control he had over them.

Amazing to see! Dogs sitting on horses.

Even more amazing to see them staying on while the horses walk around the arena.

This was followed by Tom riding his horse while playing his guitar

The horse went faster and faster until it was galloping, while Tom continued to play.

He then stopped the horse, using only his legs, and stood up on the horse to play us a tune.

The second half of the show was all about Tom's music. Not only is he a great country singer, but writes a lot of his own music.

One of the songs he was inspired to write, was "Speak Up". He wrote this following the suicide of Amy "Dolly" Everett, who took her young life at just 14 years of age after being relentlessly bullied. 100% of all proceeds and royalties from the song go to 'Dolly's Dream', which was developed by family and friends to help raise awareness about bullying and get more programmes into schools.

At the show, Tom Curtain called up any children from the audience,

who would like to join him in singing the chorus to "Speak Up".

The chorus is as follows:

Speak up, even if your voice shakes
Stand up, even if your world breaks
You gotta Speak up, even if your voice shakes
You gotta stand up, even if your voice shakes
Be there for one another, we’re all in this together
You gotta Speak up, even if your voice shakes

Tom Curtain is a great showman, and we were so grateful to have the opportunity to watch his show.

Elizabeth Coughlan

2018-12-07T13:20:00.002+03:00

Swiss Christmas Market, Abu Dhabi 2018

I can't believe it is Swiss Christmas Market time in Abu Dhabi already! I can't think where this year has gone. It seems to have passed by in a flash.

I accompanied a group of the Expat Ladies, Abu Dhabi, to the Beach Rotana hotel where we walked around the market and then had a Christmas High Tea together.

The Swiss Christmas Market is where locals and expats can share sell their handicrafts, and this year I spotted some really interesting ones.

These products are made entirely from recycled material. Their message is: "When advertising posters are at the end of their campaign and destined to be destroyed, Etuix recycles them, transforming them into purses, bags, backpacks, wallets, shoes and belts." Their motto is "Don't spend to destroy...Invest to create." You can find out more from etuix.com.

Here is their General Manager, Matteo Boffa, showing a backpack made from a PVC advertising poster.

This lovely lady in the next door booth was selling her own handmade products.

I then came across Gunjan Shrivastrava selling her amazing art.

Her wonderful pictures are made by rolling strips of cloured paper, and glueing them to her base. It must take hours of dedication to achieve these beautiful works of art.

I just loved this couple selling camel milk soap.

These two turned out to be South Africans enjoying their time here in Abu Dhabi.

Apparently, camel milk is especially high in valuable Alpha-Hydroxy acids, which plump the skin and help to smooth fine lines. It is also effective at repairing damaged tissue. I just had to buy some. If you want to know more, visit the camelsoapfactory.com.

After having experienced the wonderful offerings of the Swiss Christmas Market, It was time for our high tea.

Here is the group of Expat Ladies, who I am delighted to call friends...

...and here is one of the tiered trays of Christmas goodies.

Although there were only eight of us, we had 4 of these, and, as there was so much on offer, some managed to take home a doggie bag. I hope I get to experience next year's Swiss Christmas Market. They are always such fun.

And no Swiss anything wouldn't be complete without Swiss chocolate.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Italian Cooking Class, Grand Hyatt, Abu Dhabi

2018-10-30T15:21:00.004+03:00

Our master chef, Marco Pistillo, on the right, with his assistant, Andre,

and the restaurant manager, Pedro, on the left.

I was fortunate to attend another cooking class, organized by the Expat Women’s group in Abu Dhabi. This time it was an Italian cooking class, in the Grand Hyatt’s Verso restaurant, where we learned to make Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmigiana).

Marco Pistillo, the Italian chef, initially gave us an overview of the history of the dish, the one his mother used to make. Here is the information he gave us:-

“Although eggplant parmesan is one of the widespread recipes in southern Italy, it is uncertain where the recipe actually comes from. Some believe it is Sicilian, while others claim that it comes from Naples or Parma. There are even contradicting theories on the origins of the name of the dish. People make the obvious connection with the city of Parma, or at least with Parmigiano Reggiano, but there is also a theory that the name comes from the Sicilian term parmiciana, which refers to the wooden blinds that are layered when closed – just like the layers of eggplant in the dish.

What is certain, however, is that the first recipe for eggplant parmesean was written by Vincenzo Corrado, the personal cook to various noble Neapolitan families between the 18th and 19th centuries and also the author of "Ïl Cuoco Galante”.

In his recipe, Corrado suggests layering the eggplant, however, the first recipe that is most similar to how the dish is made today was written by Ippolito Cavalcanti in his book, “Cucina Teorica-Pratica", in which he suggested alternating the layers of eggplant with cheese and tomato.”

Marco showed us how thick to slice the eggplant…

…and how it would look deep-fried

He followed this with demonstrating the layering of the eggplant, parmesan cheese and tomato sauce, to make the completed dish.

Our group watching the demonstration

Here is Marco Pistillo’s recipe (quantity depends on the size of the dish, but I have given his measures).

Ingredients
Eggplants
Passata (I give the quantities Marco uses)
2.5 kilos Tinned tomatoes
250g Sliced Onion
25g Chopped Garlic
100g Olive Oil
30g Salt
15g Sugar
Basil
Parmesan Cheese

1 Slice the eggplant into 1cm wide slices.
2 Sprinkle each side lightly with salt and leave to stand over a sink for about 30 minutes.
3 Rinse well and pat dry on paper towel.
4 While the eggplant is draining, prepare the passata. Drain the liquid from the tinned tomatoes and mash the tomatoes. Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until soft. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer slowly for 1 hour while stirring, until the sauce has reduced slightly.
5 Spoon a small amount of the passata into the bottom of a deep baking dish.
6 Place a layer of eggplant over the top, then layer with sauce, cheese, eggplant and continue until all ingredients have been used.
7 Top with cheese.
8 Bake at 180C for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

After watching Marco prepare his delicious -looking dish, we had lunch. Here are the dishes we were served:

Tomatoes with Cheese

Cheese and Walnut Salad.

Beef Slices with Rocket

Delicious Pizza

Eggplant Parmigiana – unfortunately, I was too busy eating and didn’t remember

to take the photo until it was too late.

We ended the meal with our choice of ice-cream

We had a fun day watching Marco prepare his dish, and the following lunch was so delicious, I, for one, didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk, Abu Dhabi

2018-10-14T18:20:00.002+03:00

Traditional fishing boats in Abu Dhabi, in the early morning light

Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk has been running for 11 years. It is held on the first Saturday of October each year when photographers around the world meet up to socialise and take photos of their surroundings. It really is a worldwide phenomenon, as the walks happen annually in nearly 1,000 cities around the world. The walk also supports the Springs of Hope Kenya Orphanage, an organisation that feeds, houses, educates and empowers young orphans, so they can grow up to not just survive, but to succeed.

This year I was lucky enough to join two walks in Abu Dhabi, one beginning at 5:30 am, and the other at 4:30 pm. For both walks, my leader was Marvin Nuto (philosopher, fine artist, professional photographer, educator, and public speaker).

The first walk was around the Al Meena Fish Market. Located on Port Zayed, an important international port for trade. Al Meena Fish Market is one of the few remaining historical areas of Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, the day was hot, humid, and very foggy, but we persevered.

Marvin photographing one of the iconic fish restaurants near the fish market

We walked down the harbourside, where we saw fishermen constructing traditional fishing nets.

These nets are towed behind the fishing boats to trap the fish

We left the quayside and entered the fish market. As we entered through a small door, I was amazed at the size of the place, and how busy it was. Workers were fully engaged in wheeling in and loading the fish onto slabs, ready for sale.

The fish looked and smelled really fresh

This man was delighted to show us the size of this Kingfish

The evening walk started on Manarat Al Saadiyat. This is a purpose-built art and culture centre with many galleries housing collections from both international and local artists. They also hold a number of different exhibits and concerts throughout the year.

There was a really interesting photography exhibition, with wonderful

images by local photographers

The entrance to Manarat Al Saadiyat.

From there we went to the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, in the hopes of capturing some interesting sunset shots. Unfortunately, because of the high temperatures and humidity, we weren’t as successful as we hoped, but we did get some interesting shots.

I like this one of the restaurant in the evening light. What do you think?

Lights gradually coming on inside the museum, as daylight fades

Scot Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk is a great way to explore a city and take home great memories. Thank you Scot Kelby, and my leader on these walks, Marvin Nuto.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Finding Motivation in Unexpected Places

2018-07-28T12:16:00.002+03:00

This was an article of mine that was published by Great Escape Publishing in their Breakfast Stock Club Newsletter.

Finding Motivation in Unexpected Places

By Elizabeth Coughlan

I sometimes think procrastination is my middle name. I seem to be busy all and every day, but really have little to show for all my endeavours. I’m always saying, “I must get around to it.", and then go off on a tangent finding other things to do.

No more! I recently had two wake-up calls that have finally spurred me into action. The first was from Lori Allen at Great Escape Publishing, who started a recent newsletter with:

“Dear Elizabeth, Why are you here? Is it freedom you’re after? Is it creativity? Is it income?”

And then went on to say, “Some just want a quiet income and a pat on the back every once in a while, from friends who say behind your back: “Elizabeth takes really great photos.”

I gasped, “Oh, no, that’s me all over.”

I’m happy with just making a little something from my stock images, but I could really do much better. While I was mulling this over, I looked at my horoscope for the month. I couldn’t believe what I read. It said:

“This is the perfect time to take stock and figure out where you want to go... Time to realign with your purpose, Elizabeth, and set new energies into motion!”

Now anyone who knows me is aware I am a stock photographer, but the online muse didn’t know, and was obviously referring to something else.

Hilarious or what?

But I took it as a sign to get moving. So I’m now going into overdrive with my submissions, with great results. In fact, I have amazed myself with my recent sales. Here are some shots I recently took in Australia, that have been selling well:

They illustrate the terrible drought they have been having recently.

I am processing and uploading every day, instead of just occasionally when I get around to it, and instead of my year’s target of 500 stock images in my portfolios, I have doubled that figure to 1,000 to achieve by the end of the year.

So thanks for the motivation Great Escape Publishing, and to whoever writes those horoscopes.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Chocolate Master Class, Southern Sun, Abu Dhabi

2018-04-21T16:03:00.001+03:00

Our Chocolate masterclass attendees

The Expat Women’s group, here in Abu Dhabi, organized a Chocolate Master Class at the Southern Sun Hotel, followed by high tea. We had a fun afternoon learning about how chocolate delicacies are made, by Don Munasinghe, the Executive Pastry Chef at the hotel.

Don described the contents of the various types of chocolate

Don’s assistant was Sameera

They showed us an assortment of chocolate and fillings

which we couldn’t resist tasting

Don had prepared some empty chocolate bases and showed us how to add the filling

Then we had to try it for ourselves

Our efforts were a little less than pristine

I must confess to making the most mess trying to squirt the blueberry filling into the bases. Whereas Don’s fillings were exact with no added mess, mine, especially, definitely missed the mark on occasions.

Rolling dark chocolate truffle

While our filled trays were cooling in the fridge, Don showed us how to roll Dark Truffle Chocolate into balls, and then cover them in chocolate powder. His were perfectly spherical and all the same, while ours were a little oddly shaped, and different sizes. Obviously needs more practice.

Our chocolate master showing us how to make the chocolate bases

At each step, Don explained about the equipment that was best to use, and also how important it is to get the temperature of the chocolate right at each stage. Once the chocolate has melted, it has to be cooled to between 28 and 30 degrees before it is put into a mould. Then it must be quickly processed before it becomes too hard.

Some of the ladies did very well

I decided not to try this, as I was sure mine would end up all over the floor. I am not renowned for my culinary skills. Unfortunately, because I so obviously hung back, I was pushed forward when Don demonstrated how to wrap a cake in chocolate.

Can you tell which is mine and which is the one Don made?

The clue might be in the chocolatey fingerprints I managed to leave.

Don mixed white and dark chocolate…

…smoothed them together, and pushed out stems…

…and then petals, to the amazement of us all.

Our Master Chocolatier with our final masterpieces

After the class, it was time for tea. Here are some of the delights.

Yummy!

Delicious

This was such a fun activity, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. If ever you get the chance to attend a Chocolate Master Class at the Southern Sun Hotel, don’t hesitate. No one minds if you make a mess, there’s absolutely no pressure. I am smiling now just thinking about it.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflecting on Architecture in Abu Dhabi, UAE

2018-04-15T16:00:00.001+03:00

I often find myself gazing at buildings in Abu Dhabi, as it has such amazing architecture; but one thing I absolutely love is when I see a building reflected on another building. I find the patterns fascinating.

This morning, I was down at the pool for my morning swim, and, as I completed my lengths, I couldn’t help noticing the patterns surrounding me. So here is a selection of what I could see this morning.

Turquoise reflections in windows

Orange and blue

Reflection in a window

Reflection of a tall tower

Glass tower in a glass tower

Wiggly lines in blue

Reflections in the pool where I swim

Patterns all over

The weather is heating up here in Abu Dhabi, but I really need to take my camera and walk around the city to photograph all those amazing reflections before it becomes unbearably hot. Abu Dhabi is amazing!

Elizabeth Coughlan

King of the Ranges, Murrurundi, NSW, Australia

2018-03-07T05:23:00.001+03:00

We went to the annual King of the Ranges Competition in Murrurundi

For the last 15 years, the small town of Murrurundi in New South Wales, Australia, has held the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival. Here, some of Australia’s top horse and rider combinations show off their skills, and compete for prize money and various trophies.

It is an exciting time for competitors and spectators alike, as there is a whole raft of events over the 4-day festival. We only visited on one of the days, but next year we plan to spend the whole 4 days staying in Murrurundi so we can follow all the events.

Rider in the Stockman’s Challenge

In the Stockman’s Challenge, competitors have to complete a set of tasks within an allotted time. With bags and swag securely packed, the competitor leads the pack-horse through an obstacle course. They then unpack the bags, re-saddle the horse, and mend a broken fence, before showing off their stock-handling skills by moving cattle through a set obstacle course. Not at all easy.

Our next stop was the horse-shoeing competition.

In the horse-shoeing competition, competitors have to shoe one hind hoof, and one front hoof in 30 minutes, to the judges' satisfaction. This was serious competition, and everyone was working really hard.

I love having my nails polished.

Our next event was the Bareback Freestyle where the riders have to demonstrate control over their horse, while riding bareback.

This guy is cracking whips, while sitting on his calm horse…

…and this one is somersaulting off the back of his horse.

This rider is pivoting around on his horse…

…and this one genuflects to the judges…

…while this rider gets her horse to move a barrel along.

As you can see from this small sample, there were many interesting ways the riders showed their skill in managing their horses.

There were also some demonstrations to entertain the crowd. The first of these was a chainsaw artist.

This chainsaw artist started off with a large log…

…and ended with this carving,

which he will finish off in his workshop

Next up was traditional sheep shearing

The trick here is to get the fleece all off in one piece, apart from a small area on the stomach. This requires great skill on the part of the shearer.

Another demonstration was by working dogs showing their skills. This was especially interesting because all these dogs on show were rescue dogs, who had been re-educated and trained.

This dog was herding ducks,

which he had to put back into their cage…

…and this one showed his skill at sheep herding

All afternoon we were entertained by Des & Roley

as they played their “Old Timers’ Music”

King of the Ranges is such an entertaining event; we are so looking forward to going again next year.

Elizabeth Coughlan

The Big Dry, Upper Hunter, NSW, Australia

2018-02-26T06:45:00.001+03:00

Drought-ridden land in the Upper Hunter

The land in the Upper Hunter, NSW, Australia, should be covered in lush green grass, where cattle and horses can graze to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately the land is dry and dusty, with not a blade of grass to be seen, as once green pastures have become a barren wasteland.

It has been more than a year since farmers in the New South Wales Upper Hunter Valley have received a decent drop of rain. Dams across the district have completely dried up and cattle producers and ranchers have little choice but to hand-feed their stock at great expense. Others have had to sell their herds and flocks because they can’t afford to buy any more feed. The situation is desperate.

Much of the land is completely parched

Remaining cattle seek shelter from the harsh sun

A compounding factor in this drought is the extremely hot temperatures which is making this drought different from previous ones. The region has experienced day after day of 40-plus Celsius, sucking the land dry.

Trees are dying, as their roots fail to find water

Great tracts of land are completely barren

Although, this goanna seemed quite happy

David and Brandyn went down to look at the Hunter River

This kangaroo shot past me, looking for the river, too.

The Hunter River starts in the Barrington tops, just above where Suzi and Neil live. The part that runs past their house is little more than a creek, where Brandyn loves to play.

Even in the drought, there is water in the upper reaches of the Hunter River

The water in the Hunter River was only trickling slowly, high up in the Hunter Valley. We decided to explore the Hunter lower down the valley, as we drove to Scone to stay with our daughter, Jane.

The Hunter River at Glenmore Bridge, looking rather low

At Bells Bridge we only saw damp patches

Upper Razorback Bridge, no water at all

The Hunter River, further down at Belltrees Bridge…

…and this is the Pages River at Gundy

As you can see, the water shortage is dire in the Upper Hunter Valley. But there is hope. It has begun to rain. Let’s hope there is enough rain over the next week to get the rivers running again, and the land to flourish. This is such a spectacular part of the world, we just need to see it burst into new life.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Upper Hunter Small Schools’ Swimming Carnival, NSW, Australia

2018-02-19T03:06:00.001+03:00

Scone Memorial Swimming Pool

I love attending our grandchildren’s school functions, so I was delighted when Katelyn was involved in her school’s swimming carnival while I was here in Australia. It was held at the Scone Memorial Swimming Pool, originally built to commemorate those who died in service, or were killed in action in World Wars One and Two. I was very impressed by the 50 metre pool. It looked well cared for, and it is such a great amenity for a small town like Scone.

Suzi was there to support Katelyn, too.

Katelyn’s school is tiny, having only 21 children over all, and belongs to the Upper Hunter Small Schools’ Association. The swimming gala, or swimming carnival in Australian speak, was a competition between 5 country schools in the Upper Hunter. Only children aged 8 and over are allowed to swim, so this reduced Ellerston’s numbers even more, they were down to only 12 contestants.

Some of Ellerston’s swimmers before the carnival.

Suzi put zinc on Katelyn’s cheeks to protect them from the sun

Katelyn’s Headmaster was the starter for each race

Katelyn ready for her first race

Katelyn swimming the 25 metre freestyle race

Katelyn came third in her race

After her race, Katelyn needed some refreshment…

…which turned her tongue blue.

Katelyn also swam in the 25 metre noodle race

Parents turned out to help as timekeepers

The day was very hot, but fortunately, each school had their own tent

Ellerston’s relay team with their awards

This was a fun day, and Ellerston Public School did really well, despite their small size. They won the most races in relation to the size of their school, although a much larger school, with far more pupils competing won over all. Well done Ellerston.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Two Rivers Hunter Valley Wines, NSW, Australia

2018-02-09T08:42:00.002+03:00

Entrance to Two Rivers Wine Estate

We recently spent a fun weekend with our daughter, Jane, when we visited the Two Rivers Hunter Valley Wines vineyard. Here they offer wine tasting, and a cheese and antipasto platter of local produce which you can savour with the wine of your choice.

We so enjoyed the first wine that we tasted, we didn’t want to taste any more, so ordered a bottle of their Rocky Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon, together with the platter, and settled down to enjoy ourselves.

The view from the patio was amazing…

Everything was so beautifully manicured

The vineyard was named Two Rivers after its unique location on the banks of the Hunter River, near its confluence with the Goulburn River, the Hunter’s largest tributary.

We decided to test the wine before our food arrived. Cheers!

This was our cheese and antipasto platter

Here is another view

This was such a relaxing day, enjoying the food and wine while looking out over the vineyards with the rolling hills in the background.

I went to inspect one of the vineyards

Here, in Australia, we are still in summer,

so there were no grapes to be seen

What a wonderful experience we had, and there was more. On the way home, we stopped off at the Pukara Estate, well known for its extra virgin olive oil and vinegars. There we enjoyed a coffee, before buying some of their olive oil, and caramelised balsamic vinegar.

The Hunter Valley is an amazing place to visit, we have only covered a very tiny part of what there is on offer here, and we are looking forward to more experiences like this.

Thank you, Jane, that was awesome.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Life in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia

2018-01-23T10:13:00.002+03:00

Suzi and Neil’s house in the Upper Hunter Valley

This is where I am staying at the moment. We are in the upper reaches of a valley, in the Upper Hunter, NSW, Australia. We are 80km away from our nearest supermarket, but enjoying our splendid isolation.

Although, strictly speaking, we are not alone. In the immediate vicinity we have chickens, horses, dogs and cats – as well as a variety of wildlife, some welcome, and some not so much – especially the wild pigs, dingoes and snakes.

There are also lots of cattle and sheep roaming around the paddocks.

It’s not often that human visitor treks all the way up the 7 km drive from the road, but we are often blessed by other types of visitors…

…like this echidna, who the children named Fred.

Fred can be seen most days, ferreting for ants, his staple diet. He uses his long snout to burrow into their nests, and fends off any predators with his prickly spines.

This blue tongued skink also visits…

…he really does have a blue tongue

Of course, we also have the indigenous beasts like kangaroos, and goannas, plus an amazing variety of birds.

Ready to run! (Me, not the kangaroo)

These goannas can grow quite large.

Unfortunately, in country Australia, it is not uncommon to see dead animals on the roadside. They tend to just appear, and hop, or run, straight in front of cars.

Although we live in splendid isolation, life is never boring, as there is so much to do. Chickens, dogs and horses need to be fed, then there is grooming, riding, and training dogs, and horses. Life in the country is full on.

Katelyn has her horse, Finale, to look after, and ride..

…and she is also training her puppy, Jingle,

Who will eventually become a working dog herding cattle

Brandyn likes to help his Mummy with the chores…

…and he also chases the chickens out of the garden

Yes, country life is never boring, and everyone has their jobs to do. What a wonderful life!

Elizabeth Coughlan

Bilgola Beach, Sydney, Australia.

2018-01-04T04:05:00.001+03:00

The view of Bilgola Beach from our Airbnb.

I joined our niece, Lauren, together with two of my daughters and four grandchildren, in Bilgola Beach, a suburb in northern Sydney, Australia. Lauren was enjoying a respite, during the school holidays, from the freezing winter in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she is currently living.

Our party numbered 13 in all. Lauren, her two boys and stepdaughter; we seven, plus a friend of my granddaughter, Shannon; and Gail, an old friend of Lauren’s, with her daughter, Mia. Lauren had booked us all in to a three-story Airbnb, so we could catch up and enjoy some beach time. Fortunately, the house was big enough to accommodate all.

Bilgola Beach is in a bay between two cliffs

Our first day at the beach

Australian beaches are generally safe as long as you only swim between the flags, where there are lifeguards on duty. But, just to be safe, Tatum (pictured centre in the sea) was with the children, while the other adults relaxed on the beach under Jainy’s tent.

Casey and Jordy playing cards

One day a violent storm came through, but the children managed to amuse themselves by playing games and watching television.

Finley watching TV

One morning, Jordy was up early, and was fascinated by the birds that came to perch on the balcony.

Here is his favourite photo of a Kookaburra

All the other kids thought that his photos were cool, so they started looking out for the birds, too. Sarah has a cockatiel at home, so when she saw a cockatoo, she wanted to feed it.

Sarah and Jordy feeding the birds

Two rainbow lorikeets being fed by Mia.

Even though these were wild birds, it seemed as though they had adapted to city life, and were happy to accept gifts from the children. It certainly kept everyone amused.

Thank you very much! Yummy!

We were constantly amused by the cockatoos

Each day more and more birds turned up. Lauren posted a video on Facebook after we left, showing, at least, 9 cockatoos, and numerous rainbow lorikeets, making a racket and demanding food. Probably a good thing they were all leaving the next day!

The storm passed, and everyone was able to enjoy the sea again.

Lauren and a freezing Finley, coming back onto the beach

Sarah and Shannon enjoyed the beach so much, they didn’t want to leave

Casey found another use for his surf board.

A photo to remember, when they all look back on their youth

We all had a wonderful time at Bilgola Beach. Many thanks to Lauren for organizing our few days together. It is a memory we shall all cherish in the years to come. Perhaps we can have another one next year? Just a thought!

Elizabeth Coughlan

Swiss Christmas Market, Abu Dhabi 2017

2017-12-20T04:19:00.000+03:00

The annual Swiss Christmas Market is organized by the

Swiss Business Council in Abu Dhabi

The Swiss Christmas Market is a highly popular event on the expat calendar in Abu Dhabi. It is held each year in the Courtyard and Beach Garden of the Beach Rotana in the Al Zahiya Area, near the Abu Dhabi Mall.

I heard of the Swiss Christmas Market through the Expat Ladies Coffee Morning Group who had arranged a visit. Before sampling the market's wares, we gorged on a sumptuous Christmas High Tea in the Beach Rotana Hotel.

Members of our group enjoying the Swiss Christmas market

This 4-day event features wooden chalets resembling a Swiss village, where vendors can sell seasonal items and handicrafts, accompanied by traditional Swiss music, while sampling traditional Swiss gourmet delights.

“Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder”

This band – “Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder” - is one of the most famous Swiss folklore bands. They provided the perfect musical background to the market. I almost felt like I should be dancing from chalet to chalet, in time with their lively music.

People from all over the world are here in Abu Dhabi.

This stall is from South Africa

Sometimes it’s hard to resist such beautifully made items.

There was an amazing variety of handwork on display…

…that we really needed more time to enjoy it all.

There were plenty of people keen to shop…

…in the prettily decorated chalets.

I spent some time chatting to Andy Anderson, a fellow photographer,

who was selling examples of his wall art.

Andy had a wonderful selection of images, and also copies of his book, "The United Arab Emirates Through My Eyes", which is on sale in Spinneys and in the Louvre, Abu Dhabi. Andy is a very talented photographer, who I am now following on Facebook. I love his work, which I found very inspiring.

A very Merry Christmas to all.

Elizabeth Coughlan

United Arab Emirates Celebrates 46 Years

2017-12-04T15:57:00.000+03:00

Highly skilled pilots gave a heart-stopping aerobatic display.

National Day is always a major event in Abu Dhabi, with lots of entertainment. This year was no exception. The United Arab Emirates’ Airforce, with their death-defying stunts, entertained the thousands that gathered on the Corniche to watch them.

The jets soared high into the sky,

Streaming the colours of the National Flag behind them.

Another group of jets gave us a rainbow across the sky…

…which the wind blew into colourful clouds…

…hanging over the city

Suddenly, a beautiful arc appeared, followed by another…

…Leaving a heart, suspended in the sky.

All too soon, they were gone,

leaving their colourful clouds suspended over Abu Dhabi.

I do hope I get to see this again next year. It really is a wonderful spectacle.

Elizabeth Coughlan

We Visit the Louvre, Abu Dhabi

2017-11-20T15:06:00.000+03:00

The Louvre Abu Dhabi provides a unique perspective on presenting the history of mankind. Here, everything is arranged chronologically, so you travel through time, rather than individual cultures. This results in an eclectic mix of artifacts and artworks ranging from Prehistoric times through to the world of today.

Walkway to the Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi

Set on the edge of Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by Jean Nouvel, a Pritzker Prize winning French architect. Although there are 55 separate buildings in the museum, all are sheltered by the enormous 180 metre “Rain of Light” dome, composed of 7,850 stars.

The “Rain of Light” Dome in the Louvre, Abu Dhabi

“Rain of Light” on visitors to the museum

There are 23 galleries in the museum, divided into 12 separate chapters, showing the similarities in the development of different cultures throughout history. They demonstrate that, whatever their perceived cultural differences, all mankind has a shared intuition leading to the development of civilization.

Although many of the exhibits are loaned from the Louvre, Paris, and from other museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has also begun collecting its own artifacts for display.

The galleries begin with the first village communities, when beliefs and rituals bound people together in groups.

Monumental Statue with Two Heads, dating from about 6500 BC

(Department of Antiquities, Jordan)

This two-headed statue is one of the oldest monuments in the history of man. It was discovered in the Neolithic village of Ain Ghazal, Jordan. It is not clear whether these are two ancestors, or two divinities, but it shows there was a belief system in place at that time.

Gradually the first kingdoms appeared, when powerful individuals began to be revered. This happened in all parts of the world at a similar time.

Together in the same gallery are the statues of Gudea, Prince of Lagash,

and Ramesses II, pharaoh of Egypt.

Although the Greeks in the 5th century were renowned for concentrating on the human figure in their art, other artists elsewhere preferred to focus on animals as their symbolic decorations.

A winged dragon from Northern China, 475-221 BC, Louvre Abu Dhabi,

and a weight in the form of a lion, from Iran, Susa, about 330 BC.

Kingdoms gradually gave way to empires from about 1,000 BC, on most continents. But despite their differences in beliefs, and the distances separating them, there are surprising similarities in their art-work. The following two statues, while exhibiting cultural differences, were both inspired by the Greek tradition of sculpture, evident in the folds of their robes.

The statue of the “Orator”, sculpted in Rome in the 1st century BC, and

The statue of the bodhisattva, which was produced during the same period in Gandhara.

Leaping forward to the 18th century, art became focused on the individual, especially monarchs and important leaders. Many artistic pieces strove to create an historical record of the time for perpetuity.

Portrait of George Washington, First President of the United States by Gilbert Stuart, 1822, and

Portrait of Voltaire, French writer and philosopher by Nicholas de Largilliere, 1718…

…and Napoléon Bonaparte, Crossing the Alps on 20 May 1800 by Jacques-Louis David, 1803

When photography began to become a popular way of recording images, it revolutionised artistic creation. Painters began changing the way they translated their vision onto canvas.

The Fife Player by Edouard Manet, 1866, Musée d’Orsay

Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh, 1887. Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre Abu Dhabi presents the history of art right up to the present time, in a variety of genres.

Chirisei Kyubiki by Kazuo Shiraga, Japan, 1960. Louvre Abu Dhabi

For this, the artist put the canvas on the ground and painted it with his feet. The artist described it as a struggle between himself, colour, and matter.

Fountain of Light by Ai Weiwei, 2016 Louvre Abu Dhabi

Food for Thought, Al Muallaqat by Maha Malluh, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Louvre Abu Dhabi

These eleven burned cooking pots were used to cook a traditional goat stew. For the artist, this is a visual poem, demonstrating the pots, blackened by fire, but retaining the imprint of the stories told during meal times in the nomadic tradition.

This is just a brief overview of all the Louvre museum, Abu Dhabi has to offer. It is an exciting way to present the history of the world through art, in a unique way, that brings together shared experiences and intuitions. I will definitely go again, and if you ever have the chance, you should too.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 2

2017-11-11T16:58:00.000+03:00

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

This beautiful architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques. It can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. There are 82 domes, and over a 1,000 columns, plus 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.

The Colonnade in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Richly decorated columns in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Another perspective of the mosque

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, has beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and Venetian-inspired architecture. It is a luxury beach resort, located just across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The pristine beach of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village, in the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village is a fairly new development in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its fine dining. It houses a collection of internationally acclaimed artisan restaurants offering internationally acclaimed global cuisines.

The Shangri-La Hotel Canal

The Shangri-La Hotel is on a winding waterway, where Arabic traditional boats, known as abras, slowly meander throughout the tranquil scenery. The canal links the hotel s with a souk, a traditional Arabian market, where you can buy traditional artifacts, paintings, jewellery and clothes.

Here are two random reflections, just because I happen to like them.

The hallway of the Eastern Mangroves Hotel

The pool where I swim every morning when I am in Abu Dhabi.

There is something so peaceful about reflections. Don’t you agree?

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 1

2017-11-04T15:15:00.000+03:00

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi reflected in the waters of the marina

I love visiting Abu Dhabi, as I find the architecture of this rapidly growing city, so interesting and innovative. Lately, I have been able to view the city from the water, thanks to my friends Billy and Lisa, who invite me out onto their boat trips. There are times, when the sea is calm, that the beauty of the buildings are reflected in the water. So this has become my latest project, “Reflections on Abu Dhabi”.

Buildings along the Corniche, a popular walkway along the edge of the sea.

The pointed towers in the background are the complex where Clare and Reg live. The Corniche is just a short walk away from them (as long as it’s not too hot to walk).

Another view of the buildings along the Corniche

with beautiful reflections

Al Reem Island is developing quickly.

I’m sure there is a completely new building in place every time I pass by

In addition to the modern architecture,

there are new traditionally built houses too

This traditional architecture has a purpose in this hot, dry land

These traditional houses, reflected in the sea, have wind towers, or Barjeels. This is the traditional architecture found throughout the Arabian Gulf. In arid climates the wind tower acts as a ventilation system allowing hot air to rise out the top of it, and cooler directed winds to flow down into the home.

Le Méridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mall and Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi

These are just two of the many hotels with amazing beaches, in Abu Dhabi, that we sailed past on our boating trips. Great views, and a luxurious lifestyle: no wonder I love visiting Abu Dhabi.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Enjoying Our Time in South Africa

2017-11-01T21:01:00.000+03:00

St Anne’s Diocesan College, South Africa - Grandparent’s Morning

We were so happy that our visit to South Africa coincided with Grandparent’s Morning at our granddaughter, Jessica’s, school. Our itinerant lifestyle doesn’t often coincide with events like this, although we do try to fit them in.

Our programme for the morning

The day began with all the visiting grandparents gathered together in the school chapel for a talk by the Deputy Head, George Niven, followed by a music concert by the girls.

The choir sang, and the orchestra played such lovely music.

Our granddaughter, Jessica, played the flute. Here she is in the white jersey.

After the concert we were entertained with tea and cake

After morning tea, the grandparents were then taken on a tour of the school. We had already done this in the past, so we collected Jess, and took her off for the weekend to stay in Umhlanga, where she can relax and enjoy her own space away from boarding school.

Another event we were able to attend, was the ‘Bring-Your-Own Supper Concert'.

All the tables were beautifully laid out and decorated,

all we had to provide was the food and drink

As you can see, our meal was sushi, and red wine. Most delicious. While we were dining, the girls performed all sorts of music – both singing (in both Zulu and English) and all sorts of different instrumental groups. I was really impressed by the music department at the school. All the music was of a very high standard. Most enjoyable.

It was a very popular event…

…which finished with a medley of songs by the choir.

When we are in South Africa, we try to take Jess out as much as possible, to make up for her being so far from home. And also because we love spending time with her. She especially enjoys dining out, and her absolutely favourite place is Catch in Umhlanga Rocks.

Sushi is always top

Now we are back in Abu Dhabi, but we definitely aim to go back next year to spend more time with our eldest granddaughter. Thank you for making us happy, Jessica.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Umhlanga Rocks, KZN, South Africa.

2017-10-24T13:34:00.000+03:00

Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, in the early morning.

We spent the last 3 months in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to stay in David’s brother’s house, so we can enjoy this seaside town, and also spend time with our granddaughter, Jessica, during exeat weekends from her school.

This is a popular vacation destination for South Africans, and whether on the beach, or enjoying some of the top-class restaurants, there is always something to do.

Umhlanga Rock's iconic whalebone pier

As we visited in winter, we didn’t spend much time on the beach, but did enjoy the town itself. One of the most popular streets is Chartwell Drive, for shopping, and it's many restaurants.

Chartwell Drive has a wonderful choice of restaurants.

For breakfast we like “vovo telo’s”, as do many other vacationers.

Their specialty is baking, and children are given hands-on bread-making sessions.

Another popular place is The George

The George is a bar, where many locals and visitors gather to meet up and drink a few beers. They also have non-stop sport on large screens, making it especially popular when major matches are being televised live.

Our stay in Umhlanga was only marred by the pesky monkeys. Their habitat has been destroyed by the huge urban developments in the area, so they have formed gangs to source food wherever they can. One group forms a distraction on one side of the house, while others creep in and grab whatever food they can find. Although it was winter, it was still fairly warm, so it was difficult to keep the house closed up all the time.

This is what was left of our bananas. They carried the rest away. This happened

more than once. Final score, 11-0 to the monkeys…

…and this was all that was left of a brand new box of Ferrero Rocher.

We thought the house was secure, but the bathroom window was open a fraction, and they prised it open, and snatched the chocolates from the bedroom.

Who? Me?

Despite the monkeys, we had a wonderful time in Umhlanga. Thanks Mart and Barbs.

Elizabeth Coughlan