The first stop on our sunny boat ride around the Isle of Capri was the Blue Grotto.

Our boat stopped in the small harbor filled with numerous rowboats navigated by roguish Italian fellows who rowed standing up.

We were directed to a stationary boat manned by several fierce-looking chaps who looked like they were on a break from their day jobs as Italian hit men. A little nervously we handed over our money then settled back into our wobbly craft, thankful to have a cheerful rower who not only smiled but sang!

We joined a queue in front of the narrow entrance to the cave and when it was our turn our rower instructed us to lie flat in the bottom of the boat so we wouldn’t knock our heads whilst an obliging wave lifted us up and into the grotto. With much laughter and hilarity we somehow managed to shimmy about in our most inconvenient skirts and sundresses until we were wedged along the bottom like giggling sardines.

With a swish we were through the cave entrance and into the luminescent beauty of the Blue Grotto.

With the jostling of waves and rocking of the boat, it was nearly impossible to get a clear shot of the Blue Grotto, much less capture the ethereal wonder of floating atop a sea that glowed vivid turquoise. But I shall never forget the feeling of awe I experienced as we dipped and twirled our way round the cave, serenaded by various rowers singing lustily at the tops of their lungs, all of us bathed in a dancing azure light.

I know there are some who dismiss the Blue Grotto as a tourist gimmick, a scam perpetrated by Italians eager to strip visitors of every last euro. But I can’t see it like that.

It is exquisitely beautiful, a place straight out of an old European fairytale, a delicious escape from the ordinary.

And seriously, being ferried about in a magical grotto by a handsome Italian man singing opera is worth ten bucks ANY day of the week.

What is the best “touristy” thing you’ve ever done?

It was an exquisitely beautiful spring morning in Italy when my friends and I boarded a ferry to the Isle of Capri.

We pulled out of the harbor at Sorrento and headed to the open sea.

Sunlight dazzled our eyes as it danced across the waves, illuminating the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Whenever I travel, I try to find ways to get out on the water. Whether it’s a ferry, a fishing boat, or even a paddle boat, I love being in the sun and the wind, bobbing along watching the world go by.

Our ferry pulled into the Marina Grande and tied up at the Via Cristoforo Columbo.

We clambered onto the stone quay, delighting in the morning sun shining on the brightly colored buildings clinging to the terraced hillside.

It was still early morning but already the sun was blazing, so we gratefully took seats under the shady awning of a nearby cafe.

Our first adventure was to be a boat ride around the island, but we had just enough time for a leisurely coffee and a salad in the style of Capri, the ubiquitous (and delicious!) Insalata Caprese. Made of sliced fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, and seasoned with salt and olive oil, it was cool and refreshing. Just the fortification we needed before our 3-hour boat trip.

We slurped down the last of our coffees then boarded the little craft. Soon we were out of the harbour and motoring along the coast of Capri, staring up in awe at towering cliffs and rocky fortifications.

We weren’t the only ones out on the water. I loved the look of this beautiful wooden boat rocking gently just off shore. I would love to fall asleep on the deck under a sky full of stars.

Next time we’ll head to a few of the gorgeous grottoes tucked along the rocky coastline of Capri.

Do you like being out on the water, or would you rather stick close to dry ground?

I am bundled in numerous layers and parked right in front of the heater on this blustery Autumn day. For the first time I believe my Aussie friends who’ve been promising me for months that it really does get cold in Australia.

I love it.

It is so nice to plan steaming stews and hearty meat pies and actually be cold enough to want to eat them.

This weekend I got to go to my very favorite French bakery – Chouquette in New Farm – and get my two favorite pastries: Pain au Chocolat and Croissants des Amandes. Oh my. They were heavenly with cups of milky Italian espresso on a shivery morning.

Saturday morning I accompanied my dear friend Ann (from thisANNthat) to Brisbane where I got to do a photo shoot of her cheese demonstration. We had such a fun time and I got to taste test her delicious creations: mozzarella, labna, yoghurt, quark, and cottage cheese. I was so inspired that I immediately began writing a list of the things I need to start making my own cheese.

Saturday afternoon we got to visit with my dear friends Barbara (from Winos and Foodies) and Bryan for a gorgeous lunch overlooking the Brisbane River. It was so good to see them.

Sunday morning we woke to find three new baby goats!! They are so cute and, even better, strong and healthy. Three little boys who are already toddling about on wobbly legs. (Click here to see more pictures)

Sunday afternoon our Black Wolf medieval friends came over and, in spite of outrageously wild winds, managed to put up the incredible Bedouin tent they made themselves. Isn’t it beautiful! I love the striped fabric and gorgeous tapestry for the doorway, not to mention the golden ropes and multi-colored floor mats. I am staggered by the amount of work they put into this and I can’t wait to sleep in here at our next medieval shindig.

Now, dear ones, I must go make a pot of stew then feed my goats.  In a little while Bear and I are off for a drive on this wondrously beautiful day and I’m really looking forward to it.

How was your weekend?

It’s awfully nice to return to a favorite restaurant or cafe and be remembered by the staff.

But it’s even nicer (and more amazing) when you return to a place you’ve only been to once and are not only remembered but welcomed like old friends.

Such was the case a few days ago when Bear and I drove up to beautiful Preston Peak Winery to celebrate his birthday.

We’d only been there once before, five months ago when we visited to celebrate my birthday, yet our Turkish host, Kor Ersoy, not only remembered us, he remembered where we lived, what we did for work AND what wines we preferred.

Amazing.

Needless to say, we were soon chatting away as if we actually were old friends. Sharing stories about family and travel and our mutual issue of Australian Immigration. Much to my delight we discovered that Kor has the same immigration lawyer I do and affirmed that she is fantastic. I love when things like that happen.

Eventually we got back to more serious matters such as wine-tasting. We sampled new vintages and although they were good, we decided to stick with our old favorites. This time around we joined the Preston Peak Wine Society. This is an excellent way to keep beloved bottles on hand and save money by purchasing numerous bottles at once.

We went for the Wild Flower Selection. This means that for $110, eight of our favorite bottles will be set aside for us every six months. They’ll even ship anywhere in Australia for only $10. Perfect.

After making our selections we strolled over to the Preston Peak Winery Cafe and chose a table right next to the windows so we could enjoy the fabulous view. We placed our orders and then I wandered out to the rose garden which is still blooming even though it’s nearly winter.

Before too long our food arrived: creamy iced coffees, thin-crust pizza with chicken, pesto, feta and tomato sauce, and a to-go platter of various cheeses, sausage, ham, olives, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, and crusty bread right out of the oven.

We lingered long, enjoying the warmth of the setting sun, the savory food, and good conversation.

Where is your favorite place to go for special occasions?

Dreaming about possible travels is one of my favorite things to do. The trip may not happen, I may never see in person the places I dream about, but I sure have fun researching and planning.

This month at Across the Cafe Table at the Travel Belles, we are discussing, “Planning A Dream Birthday Trip.”

The mind boggles at such a thing. Casting off the fetters of budgets and limited vacation days and letting the imagination run wild is marvelous fun indeed. But in addition to being a dreamer, I am a practical woman. So today I’m going to write about three dream birthday trips to suit an assortment of budgets: Mostly Broke, Getting By and Sitting Pretty.

My Mostly Broke Dream Birthday Trip will be a day trip since I can’t afford hotels, plane fare or fancy restaurants.

Place: I will head straight for the ocean, somewhere like Bribie Island where I can spend the day with my nearest and dearest napping in the sunshine, walking the beach and looking for treasures, and finding a shady spot to read an escapist novel set in France or Italy.
Food: I’ll pack enough victuals for two meals since we have to stay to watch the sunset. For lunch we’ll have chicken salad croissants, sugar snap peas, minty lemonade, and generous slices of dark chocolate tart.  And for dinner, hmm, I think a savory tart studded with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and feta, followed by ripe strawberries, dark chocolate with sea salt, and champagne will be just the ticket.
Cost: About $100, the price of a full tank of petrol and groceries.
How: Set aside $10 from my grocery budget each month and put it in a birthday fund.

My Getting By Dream Birthday Trip will be an overnight somewhere with lots and lots of good food.

Place: I admit I’ll head straight for the beach again. It truly is a happy place for me. This time I think I’ll go to the Gold Coast and find a cozy but simple bed and breakfast with a big soft bed, down-filled doonah, and a bathtub for me to luxuriate in. I will sleep in until the sun wakes me up, swim in the warm water, lounge on the beach, and eat heartily.
Food: There will be no cooking for me on this trip. In addition to a delicious breakfast at the B&B, I’ll track down mid-range but delicious restaurants such as Milan on Main where I’ll happily tuck into things like trout-filled crepes drizzled with heady balsamic reduction or creamy seafood pasta with fresh dill and lime.
Cost: About $350 for B&B, petrol, and restaurants.
How: Set aside $30/month. Do this by not going to the movies 3 times or not going out for coffee 6 times or eating vegetarian twice instead of buying a beef or pork roast.

My Sitting Pretty Dream Birthday Trip will be a month at a villa in Italy.

Place: Ever since I watched “A Month by the Lake” I have dreamed of renting a villa for 30 days in early summer on Lake Como, Italy. Doesn’t that sound glorious? I will swim every day, take boat rides on the lake, and spend hours in the sun reading, napping, and visiting with the dear souls who are with me. I’ll take long walks anywhere I like and frequent local bakeries, pastry shops, wine bars, and restaurants. I’ll take day trips to nearby Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta and board the train for journeys up through the Alps into Switzerland. I will dance in the moonlight and sip wine on the terrace and watch the sun rise and set. I will live a beautiful, idyllic life for one whole month with people I love and treasure every second of it.
Food: Oh my, where do I start? I will have multiple cups of strong Italian coffee and sweet pastries every morning, eaten on the terrace as the sun rises over the lake. I will have my own chef on hand to prepare glorious lunches and desserts and pastries right there in the villa, a jolly fellow who laughs loudly and tells outrageous stories. At night I will dress up in gorgeous, twirly dresses and go to town, to explore and try out restaurants until I find my favorite, then eat there every night so that for one month I will feel like a regular as I’m greeted by name and with smiles. I will wear sundresses every day and visit the markets for fresh fruits, artisan cheeses and homemade sausages to take on picnics in the hills and train journeys to nearby places of beauty. I will sample local wines and collect bottles to bring home. And, best of all, I shall not gain ANY weight because of all the walking and exploring I shall do.
Cost: Total: $13,000-$20,000

• Villa rental – $5000-$10,000
• Travel (train tickets, car rental, petrol, boat hire) – $3000
• Plane fare – $2000 (from Australia) $1200 (from US/Canada)
• Food/wine – $3000-$4500

How:

• Option One: Be very, very rich.
• Option Two: Set aside $361/mo for three years (low end) $555/mo for three years (high end).
• Option Three: Find friends to go with you and split the cost.
• 4 friends (low end)
• Total: $6200
• How: Save $259/mo for two years or $172/mo for three years
• 6 friends (low end)
• Total: $5533
• How: Save $231/mo for two years or $154/mo for three years
• 4 friends (high end)
• Total: $9750
• How: Save $407/mo for two years or $271/mo for three years
• 6 friends (high end)
• Total: $8666
• How: Save $361/mo for two years or $241/mo for three years
• Option Four: Cut costs in half by taking the train instead of renting a car, cooking your own food in the villa kitchen, and renting a smaller villa.

Sigh…what a lovely dream that is. Perhaps one day we shall all see such a dream come true.

How about you? What would be YOUR dream birthday trip?

How I love Autumn in Australia. Each morning I bundle up in sweater and socks, wrap a blanket tight around my legs and park myself in front of the heater. Within an hour or two I step outside into glorious sunshine and brilliant blue skies with air so warm I have to don a sundress or I get too hot.

Heavenly.

Last time I shared a few of the beauties to be found on our Australian goat farm in Autumn, and today I’ll share a few more.

I never cease to be amazed at the brilliant snippets of color to be found in what looks at first glance to be a sea of gold and brown.

Like these bright pink blossoms bobbing in the wind down by the pond.

Or these fabulous spiky, lime green pods dangling from long branches.

And these cheery little fuchsia blossoms nearly hidden among the long, golden grasses.

There are also the lovely things you expect to find in autumn: fallen leaves.

This green one caught my eye with dew drops glistening in the sunlight, and I liked the look of these rich brown ones caught on an old barbed wire fence.

Yesterday we had a marvelous time with several of our medieval friends from Black Wolf. The air rang with the clash of swords and the cheers of kids. I loved it.

We had a medieval feast on the back porch with all sorts of Turkish fare: garlicky flat bread and creamy yogurt dip, hot buttery hummus with toasted pine nuts, and a hot carrot dip with caraway, dill and paprika.

I’ll share the other Turkish recipes soon – but I promised two of my aunts that I’d post the carrot one immediately, so here goes.

What’s your favorite moment of your weekend?

Turkish Hot Carrot Dip

Ingredients:

10 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp caraway seeds
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp fresh dill, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Steam or boil carrots and caraway seeds until carrots are soft enough to mash with a fork.
3. Drain and place in food processor (or blend by hand) and add all remaining ingredients except onions.
4. Taste for seasoning, add more if you like it stronger.
5. Pour carrot mixture into pie pan or earthenware pan. Top with crispy fried onions and bake 20-30 minutes until mixture is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve warm with slices of Turkish flat bread.

The sun is shining gloriously today and I am glad. Sometimes rainy days are a comfort, but after a hard-fought emotional battle, the soul needs sunshine.

Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comments and emails on my last post. They meant a great deal to me and helped me through the inevitable crash that comes after sharing such things. XO My heart aches for those of you who have gone through similar and much worse abuses. I wish I could hug you tight and hope very much for your healing and peace and courage. I’m so glad that no matter what we’ve gone through, we are not alone. So glad that no matter what painful things happen to us, we can always make something beautiful and wonderful out of our lives. I love you dear, brave souls so much.

After writing that post I went for a long walk with my dogs, Fletcher and Luna. It was an exquisitely beautiful Autumn day with deliciously warm sunshine that illumined the rich colors of this season. Hope you like this stroll through the bush with us.

Prickly pears are ripe and prolific right now. We have one bush that is at least 30 feet high!!! I think they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss story with their fuchsia fruit and prickles everywhere. My friend Ann is going to teach me how to make prickly pear jelly one of these days, and I can’t wait.

The grasses towered over Luna who stuck close to my heels instead of tearing off into the bush with Fletcher.

We passed a lot of kangaroos and they bounded away after we roused from their naps in the sun-warmed fields. No matter how many times I see them, they always make me grin.

I kept craning my neck to see the trees etched against the brilliant blue sky. I never tire of that sight.

I came across this bush covered in tiny orange fruits almost as hard as a nut. I have no idea what they are – any Aussies out there know?  Whatever they are, they’re gorgeous and so cheery.

I have a few more discoveries to share with you, but I’ll save them for next time. It’s the start of a long weekend and time to get in cozy pjs, pour a glass of wine, and curl up on the couch to watch a movie.

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

xo

One of the men who molested me died last month.

I don’t know what one is supposed to feel in these circumstances, but I feel tired. And relieved. And very quiet. Like I’ve been holding my breath for a long time and can finally let it out.

Just before I received the news, a friend wrote about “sitting quietly with pain.” At the time I didn’t have any situation to apply it to, but when this man died, I had a big one.

So I’ve been sitting quietly with this pain. Letting my mind and heart and spirit sort through whatever they need to. I cry when I need to cry. I get angry when I need to get angry. I go for long walks through the bush with my dogs, letting nature and fresh air and exertion have their healing way.

I’ve been reading a lot. Good books that help me grieve. Ones that give me hope. Others that make me laugh. It’s amazing how powerful words are.

I’ve also been looking at pictures. Beautiful pictures of sunny spring days in Albania (here and here) and Slovenia, transporting myself to places that have known deep pain and upheaval but have grown into places of incredible beauty and serenity.

For the first few weeks I lost my joy, my passion for the things that normally bring me such happiness. I didn’t want to cook or travel or spend time with people. I just wanted to sleep, to stay at home and be safe.

I’m doing better now. Much, much better. Anger, grief and fear have run their course and my heart is at rest. I can think of him and what he did without needing to throw-up or hide away. He has no power over me. I am no longer a victim. I am strong and brave and I am choosing Life.

I’m back to cooking again. Lovely, sunny things like this Orange Yogurt Tart with a coconut-flavored crust. It goes awfully nice with a creamy cup of hot coffee.

Thank you for being wonderful, bright spots in my life, dear ones. I’m so grateful for you. xo

Orange Yogurt Tart with Coconut Crust    

Ingredients for Crust:

3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
pinch salt
2 tsp coconut flavoring
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour

Ingredients for filling:

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 eggs
3 egg yolks
juice and zest from four large oranges
2/3 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Combine all ingredients for crust and press into 10-inch fluted tart or quiche pan.
3. Par-bake for twenty minutes.
4. While it is baking, place butter and yogurt in small saucepan over pan of boiling water. Stir until thoroughly combined then set aside.
5. In another small saucepan add eggs, egg yolks, sugar and orange juice. Place over pan of boiling water and stir constantly for three minutes. (If you don’t stir, you’ll get scrambled eggs instead of a smooth filling.) Add orange zest and yogurt mixture and stir constantly for another three minutes.
6. Remove from heat and pour into par-baked crust.
7. Place in oven
8. Pour the orange filling into the prepared pastry and bake 30-35 minutes, until top browns beautifully.
9. Cool before serving.

I love the Albanian countryside. It is such a riveting combination of wild and serene.

Last time we trekked through the rugged hills far outside Tirana admiring mule trains and shepherds guiding their sheep along narrow mountain paths.

Today we’re in a valley, driving along a turquoise river lined with towering trees and meadows of wildflowers.

I couldn’t help but smile when I saw this dog emerge from the woods to drink deeply of cool river water.

I would’ve loved to have a flotilla of inner tubes at the ready to toss into the river and bob along with my feet in the water and the sun on my face.

The fields of wildflowers were exquisite. Great swathes of purple and white in a sea of green under a blue, blue sky.

It took a second glance to notice the pill box nearly hidden by the tall grass.

It was one of thousands we would see as we got closer to the Albania/Greece border. Stark evidence of conflicts that have raged for years.

It’s hard to imagine bloody battles and scared soldiers when the sun is shining and birds are singing as they flit through the trees.

I’m so glad there is at least a semblance of peace now. Deeply rooted prejudices and grievances may still linger in many hearts on both sides of the border, but for now at least, the shooting has stopped.

And that is something to celebrate.

“May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.”
- Mother Theresa -

Wish you much peace today.

xo

I love going on road-trips. Especially on gorgeously sunny days with the windows down and dear friends beside me.

One of my favorite road-trips of all time was through Albania. It was a wild, crazy adventure of unreadable maps, wrong turns, and roads that were little more than gigantic potholes strung together.

I loved it.

I got one of the window seats and happily leaned out of it for hours, capturing the people, animals, and landscape of this incredible country.

I was amazed by the ruggedly beautiful mountains ridged by rocky outcroppings and covered in wildflowers.

Best of all were the shepherds leading long trains of sheep along narrow trails. We watched them wend their way down the mountain, not one sheep toppling off.

Other shepherds sat out front of their makeshift tents, chatting amiably in the sunshine as their cattle nibbled grass nearby.

Such a wildly beautiful place.

As we climbed higher and higher I looked back into the valley, in awe of the mountain towering up behind us, its distinctive features disappearing in a haze of blues and greens.

I smiled as we rounded another bend, this time spotting a man leading a train of heavily-laden mules. I wondered where they were going. Where they came from. What was in those bags.

I also wondered what they were eating as they stopped for their midday break. Bread? Cheese? Homemade brew?

Reminiscing about these shepherds made me crave simple fare. Farm food. So today we’re eating oven-roasted radishes.

My dear friend Robin made them for me when I visited her recently. I don’t usually care for radishes with their peppery heat and almost aluminum after taste. But now I crave them.

Somehow roasting mellows the radishes, taking away their distinctive bite. And roasting the leaves is pure genius. They turn into light, crispy, salty bits of loveliness. I made two pans of these and Bear and I ate them clean in one day. They’re that good.

What is the best road trip you’ve ever taken?

Oven-Roasted Radishes

Ingredients:

1 bunch radishes with greens, washed and dried
olive oil
salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Grease baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Separate radishes and cut in half. Place on baking sheet cut side down.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Roast 20-30 minutes until greens are crispy and radishes are golden brown on cut side.