A Tasmazing Experience

        Relaxed, revived, rejuvenated...three R's to sum up how I feel after my recent holiday in Tasmania, or better known as Apple Isle. City slickers and shopaholics would be disappointed with Tasmania, which offers opportunities galore to be one with nature (and wildlife). Both my husband and I are nature lovers, thus this holiday destination was just perfect for us.
        Deviating from our usual escorted tours, we took the plunge and embarked on our maiden self-designed, self-drive holiday. There was a fair bit of hassle involved in the planning and booking, but it was all worthwhile. The trip turned out to be cheaper, more places were visited and the flexibility was just great. We have barely been back and we are already talking about returning to Tasmania in the not too distant future.

Day 1 - Hobart

        After an 8-hour flight to Melbourne and a subsequent 75-minute flight to Hobart, we had arrived. Getting a taxi to the city center and checking into our hotel, Mercure Hadleys Hobart, were a breeze. We dumped our bags in the room, freshened up and was out exploring Hobart in a jiffy.

           The famous Salamanca Place was just a five-minute walk away so we headed there first. Salamanca Place consists of rows of sandstone buildings that were formerly warehouses for the port of Hobart. Now these buildings have been converted into fashionable restaurants, galleries, craft shops and offices. My food-trained eyes promptly spotted a cafe selling Valhalla ice cream, made in Tasmania. Mmm...they were heavenly indeed, second only to Devonshire's Langage Farm ice cream.  

A taste of Tasmanian ice cream

Checking out Salamanca Place



Getting cozy at Princes Park

        We ventured on to Battery Point and Sullivan's Cove, all highlights of Hobart's waterfront. Passing Princes Park en route, we decided to just lounge around the well-manicured park, without a care in the world and boy, it felt so good!

A fishy soup at Fish Frenzy

        Dinner on our first night in Tassie was at Fish Frenzy. We shared fish & chips, crumbed scallops and tried the seafood chowder on the recommendation of my well-travelled student. The fish was fresh, the scallops were so sweet and juicy and the seafood chowder was very yummylicious.

Day 2 - Hobart, Hamilton, Mt. Field National Park



Salamanca Market, the weekly outdoor market that brings Hobart’s waterfront alive with colours, sounds and smells

        Checking out early, we proceeded to Salamanca Market, one of the main attractions of Hobart. Rain or shine, Salamanca Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A friendly old gentleman dishing up our Weisswurst breakfast

There were over 300 stalls selling arts, crafts, clothes, food, vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, soaps, hats, etc.  Our noses followed the aromatic smells to a stall that sells German sausages in a baguette. I have never been a big fan of sausages but let me say this, the Weisswurst sausage with mustard was absolutely finger-licking good! I followed up with a cinnamon doughnut (one of my greatest loves from England days) while Derrick tried a bacon sandwich. 

Talented street musicians entertain at Salamanca Market

       It would have been easy to just linger on at the market but we were keen to move on to our next destination --- Curringa Farm at Hamilton. So we walked to pick up our car from Hertz, drove back to the hotel to collect our luggage and off we went. The journey from Hobart to Hamilton was about an hour's drive but we made a stop at New Norfolk to get some provisions for dinner. Again, my food-trained eyes zoomed in on a bakery and found Tasmania's curried scallop pies. They were, sadly, not as delicious as I had envisioned them to be and Derrick did not enjoy them at all.

Over The Back, our 4-star standard cottage

        Locating Curringa Farm, our accommodation, was not difficult, thanks to the GPS we had in our car. This was our most expensive accommodation in Tassie but we were glad we decided on this splurge. Our cottage, Over The Back, has 2 bedrooms and is fully self contained. Besides being clean and comfortable, there is a luxurious spa bath for two...just ideal for a romantic getaway. The cottage is situated in natural bush, beside picturesque Lake Meadowbank and wildlife is close at hand.

Queen sized bed beckons

Views from the deck of the cottage

        In the evening, we drove to Mt. Field National Park, 30 minutes away. From the park office, we trekked for 20 minutes to reach Russell Falls, probably the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania. Seeing its three elegant tiers framed by lush vegetation, one can understand why it has attracted visitors for well over a hundred years. 

The 45-metre high Russell Falls


Day 3 - Lake St. Clair National Park, Strahan

Our very cozy cabin, Over The Back

      

It was fun to cook breakfast in the lovely cabin

  Taking advantage of the beautiful vast farm surroundings, Derrick and I went for a morning stroll before returning to our cottage to cook breakfast. The hosts, Tim and Jane, had provided us with ample breakfast supplies that included homemade bread, butter, jam, juice, milk, cereal, bacon and eggs.         

Soon it was time to bid farewell to the cozy cottage and friendly hosts to continue on our journey west. On the recommendation of Jane, we stopped at Derwent Bridge to view the Wall In The Wilderness, a 100 metre-long wall with sculpture done single-handedly by Greg Duncan.

Lake St. Clair, the deepest lake in Australia

        Next up on our agenda of the day was to commune with nature at the Lake St. Clair National Park. This is the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and is part of Tasmania's Western Wilderness. It was pure bliss to just sit quietly by the lake for more than an hour while Mr. Photographer happily clicked away.
        Things went a little downhill after this scenic stop. The reason : the road to Strahan is terribly winding and I succumbed to a bad bout of motion sickness. Upon reaching Strahan Backpackers, our accommodation for the night, I crawled onto the bed gratefully.

Day 4 - Strahan, Wilmot

      

A-frame huts at Strahan Backpackers

  Completely recovered after a good night's sleep in the tiny room, I joined Derrick for breakfast at the communal kitchen. Then we checked out and proceeded to board the Lady Jane Franklin II for our 6-hour Gordon River Cruise. As Derrick drove to the Strahan harbour, I caught glimpses of Strahan, 

The lonely town of Strahan

 I was unable to do so the previous day. Being the last outpost of civilisation on the West Coast of Tasmania, Strahan is a small lonely town.
        The many positive reviews of the Gordon River Cruise had prompted us to take this up. We sailed across Macquarie Harbour to Hell's Gates, which took us away from the sheltered waters of the harbour to the rough Southern Ocean. Then we glided back down the Gordon River, passing by endless tracts of untouched rainforest. We disembarked briefly at Heritage Landing to view the rainforest up close before returning on board for our buffet lunch. The cruise also took us to Sarah Island and we were able to walk amongst the ruins of one of Australia's harshest convict settlements. At the end of the cruise, we both agreed that despite the promises and positive feedback, the cruise was not all that exciting and could have been given a miss.
        After shopping for food at a local supermarket, we drove 169 km to Wilmot. Locating our accommodation, Love Grove Guest House, would have been immensely difficult had it not been for our trusty GPS. It was nicely tucked away in the wilderness, making it an idyllic hideaway. Our host, Tania, and her daughter were warm and friendly, making us completely at home. The cottage was luxuriously decorated, complete with a kitchenette, spa bath for 2, washing machine and a bottle of port. In addition to a horse and some native hens that belong to Tania, there were rabbits and wallabies around.


Delighting in the beautiful surroundings of Love Grove Guest House

Day 5 - Cradle Mountain

        Our stay at cozy Love Grove Guest House included a generous breakfast hamper so we were able to cook our breakfast and have it in the comfort of our cottage. With our bellies filled, we embarked on an exciting day at Cradle Mountain National Park.
        The weather, unfortunately, was rather cold and dismal. But we nursed hopes that it would clear up. At the Visitors Centre, we decided to purchase a pair of gloves each as the weather was turning wintry. Derrick wisely got a beanie for himself. As we waited for the shuttle bus to ferry us to Dove Lake, rain started to pelt down.
        In view of the slippery conditions, we decided against trekking the entire Dove Lake Circuit.

The tranquil beauty of Dove Lake astounds one and all

Instead, we trudged a short distance to the boat shed, the scenic spot where most Dove Lake photographs are taken. We experienced the true nature of fickle Tasmanian weather as it started to snow (and this was on a summer's day)! The snow added to the mystique of Dove Lake, with the iconic Cradle Mountain framing the background.
        We bumped into a friend from Ipoh when we were leaving Dove Lake. Prior to our trips, Helen and I had exchanged itineraries and we noted that we had the chance of crossing paths on this day. But Derrick scoffed at the idea, saying that Cradle Mountain National Park is too vast. It felt good to prove my husband wrong, yet again  :)
         After lunch (fish & chips again) at the Visitors Centre, the weather finally seemed to clear up. Brimming with enthusiasm, we proceeded to the Enchanted Walk, a lovely 30-minute walk. For a moment, I thought I had been transported to Narnia for it really was enchanting to be surrounded by dense, old-growth rainforest, acres of buttongrass plains and cascading waterfalls. There was not a soul around and it felt as if the trees were bending down to welcome Derrick and I as we explored their world. It was oh-so-natural to start talking to the trees, and that was exactly what I did. On our way out, snow flurries started to fall, lending additional lure to the place.
        We could hardly believe our luck when we spotted a wombat right in front of our eyes. Cameras were whipped out and the oblivious wombat was stalked for more than half an hour. At one point, it was just burrowing around near my feet and I could have easily reached down to pet it.

A very oblivious wombat scurried around us

        Finally, Mr. Wombat grew weary of our untiring devotion and decided to disappear for good in the undergrowth. We were happy with the many up close and personal photos that we got of it. We then went on to trek round Pencil Pines before finally tearing ourselves away from Cradle Mountain National Park.

A little devil shows his true colours

        We had a date with the Tasmanian Devils. A few minutes away from the Visitors Centre was the Devils @ Cradle, a Tasmanian Devil sanctuary. Here we met the adorable carnivorous marsupials and watched them in action. As part of the Night Feeding tour, we were given a briefing on the endangered species, their life cycle, the ongoing breeding programmes and the dreaded devil facial tumour disease that is plaguing them. We were then taken on a tour around the sanctuary, where we also saw the Eastern and Spotted-tail Quolls. Soon it was feeding time. When the keeper nailed down part of a dead wallaby, there was a feeding frenzy. The little devils attacked the meat with gusto and tore at it with delight. All was gone in no time. I felt a little repulsed at the sight of raw meat being torn apart but no one else seemed to share the same feelings.
        By the time we were ready to leave, it started snowing heavily again. We also found our windscreen covered with snow. It was quite daunting driving in the dusk in such weather and I prayed hard that our Lord would deliver us "home" safely. As always, He listens, and we soon arrived back at Love Grove Guest House safe and sound.

Day 6 - Promised Land, Sheffield, Stanley

        After a hearty breakfast in our cottage, we had to pack up and bid adieu to our hosts. It had certainly been a lovely stay but we had to move on. Even the skittish wallabies were out to say goodbye.
        First up on today's itinerary was Tasmazia, Promised Land. I came to know about this place from a friend, Anne Foo, who visited Tasmania in 2011. It is a little theme park with miniature buildings and mazes. We arrived early so we literally had the entire place to ourselves.
        Venturing into the Great Maze, barking up dead ends and encountering whimsical signposts were fun. Derrick thoroughly enjoyed turning here and there, not in the least worried that we would be eternally lost in the maze, thus proving he's a leader, a courageous adventurer, a dreamer and a good loser. Ever mindful of the time, I was very eager to get out as quick as possible, and every wrong turn sent my spirits plummeting, thus proving I'm a follower, a control freak, a timid unadventurous soul and a quitter (I kept urging Derrick to sneak out using the path we took to get in).
        The Village of the Lower Crackpot, a model village built to 1/5th scale, consists of a lot of colourful and whimsical buildings like The School of Lateral Thinking. We had a jolly time wandering around, laughing at the many funny names and taking pictures.

UNESCO was here

We also visited Cubby Town, the Correction Centre, The Three Bears Cottage and of course, the Pancake Parlour, where we shared a lovely Devonshire Pancake.
        As we had a long journey ahead of us, it was essential to be on time today. We drove to Sheffield, 15 minutes away. Sheffield, the Town of Murals, is Tasmania's outdoor art gallery. Virtually every piece of blank wall has been beautifully painted, making the little town a delight to visit for even the most unartistic person like me.

Life-like murals abound in Sheffield, making it a very interesting stop

        We could not dally for long as we had to drive 144 km north west to Stanley. The road to Stanley was quite scenic for we were driving by the coast, but apart from a toilet stop, we remained in our Kia Cerrato all the way to our destination.
        Many tourists omit Stanley from their itinerary because it is a long drive, out of the way of the usual Hobart-Launceston-Cradle Mountain route. That is a big mistake for the historic town of Stanley is scenic and steeped in history. We checked into the Stanley Seaview Inn, chosen for its fabulous views of the Nut, a solidified lava lake of a long extinct volcano. The Nut was also the main reason why we decided to include Stanley.
        It was an awfully windy day and I was bitterly disappointed to find that the chairlifts up the Nut were not in operation. The alternative was a long and steep climb up, which would have been all right had it not been for the ferocious winds. We wisely decided against the climb. Derrick made no attempt to hide his delight as the non-operational chairlifts meant more time for him to drive around Stanley to survey the best spots for sunset and sunrise pictures of the Nut. I was, naturally, seething in anger.       
        A drive up to Highfield Estate, an elegant gentleman's home and farm in the 1830s, rewarded us with excellent views of the Nut.  

The Nut beckons

But the astounding scenery did little to lift up my spirits. It was only much later, when walking along the main street of Stanley and admiring its genteel, colonial buildings whilst waiting for dinner to commence, that my cloud of disappointment dissipated. Dinner that night was aptly all about beef. After all, Stanley is situated near Cape Grim, famous for beef that is sought after by Australia's top chefs and featured in restaurants across America, Europe, Japan and Korea. I am not much of a beef lover, but I must say the steak was incredibly juicy and flavourful.

Day 7 - Smithton, Launceston

        The day started off well for Derrick, who managed to get some excellent sunrise shots of the Nut.

Sunrise shot of the Nut

After a simple breakfast of instant noodles (Maggi mi goreng) in the hotel room, we checked out and drove 21 km to Smithton for some thrills.
        Tarkine Forest Adventures - Dismal Swamp is often missed out by tourists due to its location. But it really is quite interesting. Dismal Swamp is a natural blackwood forest sinkhole, believed to be the only one in the world. Formed over thousands of years by dissolving dolomite, the 40-metre sinkhole is a unique forest habitat supporting a range of plant and animal species. From the Visitors Centre, we took a thrilling 110-metre slide down to the swamp floor. I think the entire forest must have heard my shouts of exhilaration. In addition to bushwalking and bugs-seeking (that's my hubby's second love), we were delighted to encounter wallabies all over. As the admission price includes 2 rides on the slide, we trudged up to the Visitors Centre for another scream-your-lungs-out ride down.
        Thoroughly invigorated after a pleasurable forest walk, we left for Launceston, 230 km away. We stopped at Wynard for a lovely Chinese lunch and some food shopping at Woolworths. The long drive was taking a toll on poor Derrick and we had to stop for coffee at Burnie to perk him up.
        Our accommodation, Launceston Backpackers, is centrally located in the city. It is clean and comfortable, an excellent bargain for the price we paid. After freshening up, we proceeded to Cataract Gorge, Launceston's own piece of wilderness within the city. Unknowingly, we chose the strenuous path up...the Zig Zag Track. I am glad my knees served me well as it was not an easy climb. The descent was equally tough. But it was good exercise and a long rest by the gorge, with its endless torrent of freshwater tumbling down, helped to restore sufficient energy for a steep decline back into the city.
        Having Chinese food for lunch that day had reminded us of how tasty Chinese cooking is so we popped into a Chinese restaurant to take away some additional food. Back at our lodgings, we microwaved our frozen food at the communal kitchen and had a very tasty Chinese cum Western dinner.

Day 8 - Launceston, Nabowla, Pyengana, St. Helens, Bay of Fires

        Before we left Launceston, Tasmania's second largest city, we made our way to the City Park, with some Japanese macaque monkeys as its main attraction. Blissfully unconcerned about the many prying eyes, they went about their usual monkey business like grooming each other, performing trapeze stunts and cheekily annoying each other.
       

Going jubilant amongst the lavender

After having enough of the monkeys, we drove 52 km to Nabowla for a lavender session. Nabowla is where the famous Bridestowe Estate is located. It was a spectacular sight to see the endless rows of lavender. We were told that the flowers would be in full bloom around Christmas and the sight would be even lovelier. I could not resist getting a lavender teddy bear as a bedside companion and a pair of cute lavender teddy bear soaps to adorn my bathroom. Derrick and I also filled our bellies with lavender, well, not literally, of course. We had lavender milkshakes, lavender scones and lavender sausage roll, finishing off with lavender ice cream...mmm...scrumptious!

Trekking out from St. Columba Falls Reserve

        Reasonably relaxed after an intimate lavender session, we drove for 1 hour 35 mins to St. Columba Falls, Pyengana. From the car park, it was an easy walk through a forest of tree ferns to reach one of Tasmania's highest falls and be awed by the sight of it plunging 90 metres down. 
        We were impressed to find that our Budget Cabin at Big4 St. Helens Holiday Park was very cozy and well-equipped, again a terrific choice for the price we paid. It could accommodate 6 persons, so you can imagine how comfortable we were with the amount of space.
        Without wasting any more time, we drove on to explore the magnificent Bay of Fires, 11 km away. Photos of the endless stretch of white beaches, sparkling azure water and granite rocks splashed with orange lichen cannot do justice to this region. Being there in person, sinking your toes into the powder-soft sand, dipping your feet into the cool and clean waters and resting on those "fiery" rocks...it's a totally unforgettable experience. No wonder Bay of Fires was voted as the No. 1 travel destination for 2009 by Lonely Planet.

The mesmerizing Bay of Fires

         Needless to say, Mr. Photographer was enthralled by the site and I was very content to laze around, lulled by the soothing sounds of the sea and bewitched by the breathtaking views. There were only a handful of campers around so we almost had the entire beach to ourselves. It was very romantic to stroll hand-in-hand on such a stunning expanse of beach.


Day 9 - Bay of Fires, Falmouth, Bicheno, Coles Bay

        Waking up early to drive to Bay of Fires for sunrise (at 5.29 a.m.) rewarded Derrick with some gorgeous shots. It was not easy to tear ourselves from this little piece of heaven on earth but we had other delightful spots ahead of us.
        We drove first to Falmouth, 25 mins away, to view Falmouth's Blowhole. The winds were not strong enough that day, inadequate to break the waves and cause plumes of spray to rise from the fissures in the rocks. Nonetheless, it was a nice walk along the coast, with great views.
        Worries that we would not be able to view the amazing blowholes assailed us. Fortunately, Bicheno Blowhole did not disappoint us. Bicheno, located 41 km away, is a seaside holiday town famous for great seafood, penguin tours and of course, its spectacular blowhole.

Bicheno Blowhole in action

        With a feast of seafood in our stomachs (we ate at Pork's Place), we proceeded to the Blowhole. Luck was on our side as there were big swells of waves hurling themselves in, aided by the winds that have picked up speed. Timing it right, Derrick was able to capture the massive sprays of water (some can go as high as 20 metres) shooting into the air and raining down on the lichen-covered rocks. Once or twice, Derrick was also subjected to the showers of blessings. I, who felt it was more prudent to view from afar, could not help by marvel at yet another masterpiece of God. The hymn "How Great Thou Art" sprang forth from my lips.
        Would a trip to Tasmania be complete without sampling their oysters? Definitely not. Freycinet Marine Farm is one of the recommended places to eat oysters.

Tucking into the delicious Kilpatrick oysters with special spicy sauce

 It is a small, unpretentious open-air cafe with very reasonable prices. We ordered the Kilpatrick oysters grilled with bacon and spicy sauce ($20 for a dozen). The oysters were so fresh and juicy that we were literally ooh-ing and aah-ing all the way.
        We drove on a little further ahead and arrived at Coles Bay. Our lodging at Big4 Iluka on Freycinet was, once again, a clean and comfortable cabin suited for 6 persons. As a first timer scouring the Internet for accommodation, I must congratulate myself for having done well this far.
        Wanting to pack in as much exploration as possible, we immediately drove to check out Freycinet National Park. Our breaths were taken away by the incredible views from Cape Tourville. Watching waves crashing down below whilst perched precariously on rocks high above at Sleepy Bay leaves indelible memories. Honeymoon Bay, ironically, was not ideal for honeymooners as there were loads of visitors around to enjoy the splendid views. But the highlight of the place is, undoubtedly, Wineglass Bay. From the car park, we had to climb for more than an hour to reach the Wineglass Bay Lookout. The huffing and puffing were definitely worth it. Drinking in the views of a perfect curve as clear turquoise waters meet pristine white sand down below, I can well understand why Wineglass Bay consistently rates among the top ten beaches in the world. 

The hazardous things a photographer has to attempt in order to get the best angles

Wineglass Bay...well worth the hike to feast your eyes on this gorgeous sight

Day 10 - Coles Bay, Great Oyster Bay, Swansea, Port Arthur, Eaglehawk Neck

        Sunrise at Coles Bay was stunning, delighting Mr. Photographer. More photography opportunities beckoned after we checked out and drove on. We lingered on at Swansea to admire the views of Great Oyster Bay, after grabbing ice cream made from fresh strawberries at a farm. Orford, where we stopped for lunch, is also a scenic little town.
        Drowsiness often followed after lunch and we had to park by the side of the road to have a snooze. Having iced coffee at Dunalley whilst enjoying the views of the sea also helped to break the monotony of being on the road.
        We were glad to finally arrive at Port Arthur and was even more thrilled to find another luxurious lodging awaiting us at Abs By The Bay. For the price we paid, I was a little afraid that it would turn out to be below par. But my fear was completely unjustified as it was absolutely lovely. The host, Veronica, was most welcoming, and the gardens were really well-manicured.
          I felt a little under the weather so I opted to laze around in our cabin, enjoy a nice cup of tea with biscuits in the garden and wander down to the shore for a sunset stroll. Never one to miss an opportunity to scout around for photography spots, Derrick went out to explore on his own. But the next day, after checking out, my loving husband showed me around all the beautiful places in Port Arthur that I had missed. Pirates Bay Blowhole was another example of dramatic geological landscape, widely available in this region of Tasmania. The Tessellated Pavement is a must-visit as the natural geological formations of seemingly perfect tiles on the ground are truly awesome! Devil's Kitchen, a collapsed arch, is another geological formation to marvel at. Don't leave out Tasman Arch

Stuntman vs geological formations at the Tessellated Pavement

       

Renewing ties

        Killing time as I wait at the car spa with hubby, I visit my blog. I am deeply ashamed to realize that the last time I posted, it was more than a year ago. I remember drafting a blog after my Tassie trip last December but it was never completed and posted. Sigh!

        Well, certainly a lot has transpired since last September and I can't blog about it all here today. I'll just renew my marriage vows to La Bonne Vie! today, promise to work on this marriage, devote more time to strengthening our bonds and conceive some blogs in the near future.

Bringing my request to God

        Regrettably, I sometimes tune out when a certain priest conducts Mass because I abhor the way he mixes politics with religion. But when my favourite priest walked down the aisle towards the altar this morning, I was determined to sit up and pay full attention.
        And I am so glad I did!

        "...The fact is you do not have what you want because you do not pray for it. You pray for something and you do not get it because you pray with the wrong motive of indulging your pleasures..." (James 4:2-3)

        This part of today's Bible reading struck a chord in me and I would have easily missed it had I been smiling indulgently at the little boy who sits in the pew ahead or mentally checking the list of groceries to pick up after Mass.
        I have been praying for IT but I have not been praying earnestly enough for IT. It has become a mantra that I automatically add in at the end of my prayers. On hindsight, I realise that I have never seriously sat down to talk to my Lord about IT.
        I often deny that I truly want IT. I opt to thrust the subject of IT to God, choosing the convenience of Him knowing the deepest desires of my heart.
        I now know how wrong it is of me to do that.
        My Father in Heaven is waiting for me to go to Him, acknowledge that I really want IT and tell Him in our daily conversations.

        "Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; and the door will be opened to him who knocks." (Matthew 7:7-8)
        I have never knocked, sought or asked. Therefore, I have not received. I shall now knock on His door, seek His comfort and ask for IT.

        "Do not be anxious about anything. In everything resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving and bring your requests before God."  (Philippians 4:6)
        Ending my prayers with a simple line, as if it is done as an afterthought or as a matter of unimportance, is definitely NOT bringing my request before God. I will stop doing that and sincerely bring my request for IT before God.

Flying the Flag in my Heart

        As Bulan Kemerdekaan (Independence Month) approaches its end, it is apt to dedicate a post to my beloved country. I cannot help but swell with pride as I think of how much progress Malaysia has achieved in fifty five years. From being a little known post-colonial country, she has made herself seen and heard. And for this, we have Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, our fourth Prime Minister, to thank for.

        In recent years, there have been constant calls to fly the Jalur Gemilang, our national flag, in conjunction with Bulan Kemerdekaan. I applaud all the patriotic Malaysians out there who answer the call. My dad, who is one of the most patriotic men I have ever seen, never fails to fly the flag in front of our house.
        However, I do not need to join the ranks of those who fly the Jalur Gemilang, be it in front of houses or atop cars, to affirm my patriotism. I love my country in my own way and fly the flag in my heart.
        As a teacher, I make it my responsibility to instil in my young impressionable charges the love for our country. Come National Day every year, I ask my students what Hari Kebangsaan means to them. I get them to write down their honest answers (after a little brainwashing by doling out examples of answers like "It is a day to be grateful for freedom and prosperity", "It is a day to appreciate the present and work hard for the future"). Then we stick their answers on the class noticeboard as part of the class decoration for National Day.
        Should anyone speak bad about my country, I will not hesitate to defend her. From young, I have witnessed how my dad swiftly rises to the defense of Malaysia whenever a Singaporean relative belittles our country. I do not mind being branded as rude and disrespectful should I answer back an elder when he or she is condemning my country.
        The on-going branding of 1Malaysia to stress on national unity and ethnic tolerance does not stir much excitement in me. And this is not because I do not love my fellow Malaysians of other races. I most certainly do, and already practise the ideology. I definitely do not need a "wake-up call" to stand united and to live in harmony. One of my best buddies in primary school was a Malay girl. I used to go to her house on Saturdays and we would have tons of fun together. In university, one of my closest chums was an Indian girl and the two of us engaged in a lot of mischief together. Whilst teaching in Sabah, I gained two very good friends, one being an Orang Asli from Perak and another being a Malay. After getting our respective transfers nine years ago, we are still in constant contact. When this Malay friend required financial assistance upon her husband's sudden demise a few years back, she turned to me and I did not disappoint her. Isn't this what 1Malaysia is all about?
        I have never taken part in National Day parades or flocked to the stadium to attend concerts held in tandem with the celebration. But that does not make me any less patriotic. I celebrate National Day in my own way.
        Remembering to pray for my country is more important, I believe. This, I do, from time to time, when I lead the prayer during the school assembly on Mondays. This, I also do, on National Day and on Malaysia Day.

        So as we celebrate Malaysia Day on Sunday (16 September), I thank God for blessing our country with peace and prosperity. I pray that Malaysia will continue to enjoy these, and more. And after my morning prayer, I shall have my kopi-o ais and nasi lemak for breakfast, and then buy a big packet of kacang putih to munch on for the day. 
        Happy Malaysia Day!!!

Craving for Comfort Food of Yesteryears

          Lying in bed last night whilst slowly recovering from an agonizing day at the mercy of a menstrual migraine, my thoughts turned to food. It was a relief to be able to stomach the thought of food after a day of retching and being unable to tolerate even a small cup of Horlicks. My poor tummy rumbled a little as I had hardly eaten anything the whole day long. And I found myself suddenly craving for wan ton.

Kon low wan ton

        This was not surprising as wan ton has always been my #1 Comfort Food since young. I had always preferred my wan ton served in its dry version (meaning minus its soup, tossed in sesame seed oil and lots of dark soya sauce). My favourite wan ton hawker, Ah Fatt, greets me amicably and understands exactly what I want when I place my order, "Kon low wan ton, without mee." There was once when I was under the weather. My dear parents were about to embark on the task of bringing food to the house-bound invalid. Mummy asked what I fancied and I weakly answered, "Wan ton." When she relayed this to Ah Fatt, he was all smiles. And the invalid enjoyed (but struggled a little as her appetite was not in full throttle) slurping down the silky smooth dumplings filled with well-marinated minced pork.

        #2 Comfort Food is Mummy's savoury mini omelettes with minced pork and spring onions (photo to be uploaded when Mummy next makes this). It is one of my favourite dishes and every time she fries this for dinner, I'll have a second helping of rice. This dish holds lots of nostalgia for me. Back in the early 90s when I was studying in a college in Kuala Lumpur, I looked forward to Fridays as I could make the 4-hour bus ride back to Ipoh (this was prior to the completion of the North-South Highway). And on Sundays, a teary-eyed 18-year-old would make the long journey back to Kuala Lumpur. Unpacking in the cold and lonely hostel room, I would take out the flask of dinner that Mummy had lovingly prepared. And the tears would flow once again upon seeing the savoury mini omelettes with minced pork and spring onions --- labour of a Mother's love.

These were the sardine rolls that I baked last December.

       Comfort food is defined as food that "soothes the psyche by reminding us of comforting childhood memories". Comfort food is "far from gourmet and generally epitomize home cooking. They invoke feelings of nostalgia, safety and security". I am not sure if my #3 can be categorized as comfort food, but it definitely is very sentimental to me. Knowing how much I love her baking, my journeys home to Ipoh were often greeted by the aroma of Mummy's freshly baked sardine rolls. She seldom bakes nowadays, claiming that the hassle of baking is too much for her weary bones to bear. So last year, when the baking bug bit me, I decided to try my hand at making her sardine rolls. They were not as nice as the ones she used to make, but I hope that my skills will be improved in time to come.

Cute little quail's eggs in their beautifully-marbled shells

        Back in the good old days of the early 80s, cholesterol was an alien topic. And the egg-lover in me tucked into hard-boiled eggs without a qualm. #4 Comfort Food is...quail's eggs. They were a regular feature in the tuck box that Mummy used to pack for me to take to school. And when the bell rang to herald recess, I would gobble down the eggs in no time.

Putu mayam served with brown sugar

        Although I shy away from all kinds of Indian food as I am averse to the strong smell of their curry, surprisingly #5 Comfort Food is of Indian origin. Putu mayam are vermicelli-like noodles made from flour with water and coconut milk. It is steamed and served with grated coconut and brown sugar. My paternal grandmother introduced me to this dish. She often bought this from the itinerant hawker pedalling past her house. And being a wee toddler at that time, I would sink into the sweet string hoppers with glee.

        Growing up in Grandma's house offered other joys too. I especially loved it when Grandma had returned from the market as she would have invariably bought some Nyonya kuih home. Never one to act shy where food is concerned, I would fling open the doors of the food cupboard and take my pick. My favourite Nyonya kuih in those days was the Kuih Lapis (or Nine Layers Kuih in Cantonese). It is made from rice flour and sago flour with lots of coconut milk and some red and pink colouring. To be honest, the child in me relished the delights of carefully peeling out each of the nine layers more than devouring the tasty dessert. Nevertheless, this is my #6 Comfort Food. Speaking of Nyonya kuih, it conjures up images of itinerant hawkers of yesteryears. I still remember an old uncle who used to sell his Nyonya kuih in tiers of baskets fixed to a long pole, which he precariously balanced on his shoulders.

French toast served with kaya

        Another finger-licking gem from childhood days was the French toast made by Third Aunt. She would coat cut pieces of day-old bread with beaten egg and then fry them till they are crisp on the outside. And while they were still fairly warm, I would happily dip them into the kaya that Third Aunt had brought back from her husband's coffee shop. Old Town Kopitiam now serves this 7th Comfort Food of mine and I do occasionally go for it. But the French toast made by Old Town Kopitiam cannot hold a candle to those that Third Aunt used to make.

        My poor tummy rumbles again. This time, it is not as a weak protest of not having eaten, but it is a reaction to the thought of all these lovely comfort food. Mmm...should I raid the larder now?                                                                     

De-stressing At The Hot Springs

        I am ashamed to admit that, despite staying literally at the doorstep of the Lost World of Tambun, I'd only been in the theme park once. And that was way back in 2005! It's sad to acknowledge that we often venture far away for scenic sights and thrilling times, only to miss equally exciting experiences right in our own backyards.

        All that changed last Wednesday when my colleagues and I proceeded to the Lost World Hot Springs & Spa after school. We'd been talking about trying it out ever since Elaine, newly transferred to my school from Johor, waxed lyrical about the place. Yes, you read that correctly. It took a non-Ipohan to entice four Ipohans to try out something in our own city. Even more embarrassing was, out of the five of us who went there that evening after taking advantage of the fasting month early school dismissal, Elaine was the one who stays the furthest away while the other four of us stay just five minutes' away.

The ancient-looking facade of the Lost World of Tambun bathed in evening lights

       There were slight initial complaints when we had to pay RM15 for the entrance ticket as well as a refundable RM10 for a magnetic wristband to scan ourselves in. 


        But any morsel of dissatisfaction dissipated upon setting eyes on the beautifully-landscaped hot springs. Covering an area of 80,000 square feet, a whopping RM2 million was required for this latest addition to the theme park. Opened daily from 6 to 10 p.m., the hot springs and spa boasts of several attractions.

Luminous lights at the Saphira's Lair

            After changing into our swimsuits, we excitedly made our way to the first pool, the Saphira's Lair. It was an ideal introduction to the world of hot springs as the temperature of the waters here range from a comfortable 37 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius. Saphira, by the way, is a loyal and wise female dragon from mythology. Soaking legs first, followed by bodies, in the warm waters was most enjoyable. Our aching shoulders and back muscles also benefited a lot from being pounded by the water jets of the numerous gargoyles. 

The Geyser of Tambun erupts every hour over the Infinity Pool with subtle lighting effects and sprouts thermal hot springs water 40 feet up

          Next up on our exploration list was the Infinity Pool, with water temperatures at 40 degrees Celsius. At one end of the Infinity Pool was a pizza, sandwiches and hot dogs kiosk run by Italia Mia (the aromatic smells wafting in made our stomachs rumble a little) and at the other end was a volcanic waterfall. Submerging in the healing waters of the Infinity Pool was truly terrific as we were accompanied by the calming sounds of the cascading waterfall. And at every hour, the Geyser of Tambun erupts (reminded me of the Pohutu Geyser at Rotorua, New Zealand) and treats visitors to a spectacular display of lights. 

Reflexology pebbles fitted to the floor of the Foot Spa

        We adventurous souls then went on to brave pain at the Foot Spa. Walking one round on the reflexology pebbles was not an easy feat and there were sounds of "ouch", "aww" and "aiyah" from time to time. The knowledge that the tormenting pebbles help to reduce stress, cleanse the body of toxins, trigger the release of endorphins and stimulate the lymphatic system steered us to complete the walk. Clap! Clap! Clap!

One of the three massage huts at the Crystal Spa

         The soothing smell of lemongrass beckoned us to check out the Crystal Spa. A range of massages was on the menu. I was quick to note that a 45-minute aromatherapy massage would set one back at RM80! This is a little steep compared to what I would normally pay for a massage. But there may come an occasion (say a birthday self-pampering) when I decide to indulge a little.

The Crystal Pool --- specially designed with crystal tiles that glimmer

         We then stumbled upon the highlight of the evening (and in my opinion, the Jewel of the hot springs) --- the Crystal Pool. Nestled amidst luxuriant greens, the Crystal Pool offered a sense of privacy. Although the waters are supposedly at 40 degrees Celsius, we thought it was a bit hotter than that. But it was incredibly relaxing to lower our bodies into the thermal waters. The gorgeous lights on the trees gave an illusion of shooting stars, adding to the magical atmosphere. We stayed there for quite some time, alternating between enjoying the therapeutic waters and lying on the cool tiles.

         Sadly, soon it was time for us to leave, but not before plans were made to return for another round of relaxation before the fasting month (which equals early school dismissal) ends. For me, the return to the hot springs came even earlier as dearest hubby was jealous that he had been left out so on the following evening, we had a date there.

          It was undeniably romantic to relax under the stars with your loved one. Needless to say, we spent a long time at the Crystal Spa, where we were away from prying eyes and had the "world" to ourselves. Hubby fell in love with the place  :)

The Steam Cave, which acts as a sauna

        With my knight in shining armour holding my hand protectively, we walked below the cascading waterfall at the Infinity Pool to enter the 45 degrees Celsius Steam Cave. The sauna-like steam cave was touted to eliminate toxins from one's body. Being enclosed in the quiet and softly-lit cave was thrilling and romantic at the same time. There was nothing to be feared yet I was most glad for the presence of my hubby. He led me on to the opposite end of the cave which yielded an exit for one to be cooled down by fresh air. Again, there was absolute privacy at that small pool so we were ensconced there for a while, before venturing through the steam cave again and back out to the Infinity Pool. 

           After sweating it out at the Steam Cave, we summoned up our courage to test out the last attraction of the Hot Springs --- the 43 degrees hot Top Of The World Jacuzzi. It was completely deserted as not many can brave the super hot waters. Toes were dipped in, slowly followed by the feet...the waters were really far too hot for my liking...but hubby prodded me to be braver. I inched myself in, and promptly skipped out after a minute. However, the sight of my valiant hero submerging his entire body into the hot hot waters, lured me in again. And this time I made it!!! Once my body had overcome the initial shock of the heat, it relaxed and soon I found the experience quite invigorating. I could literally feel the knots in my muscles melting away. But we were mindful of the advice not to soak in there for more than 5 minutes.

        I really give the Lost World Hot Springs & Spa a big thumbs up and it will definitely be a regular respite for my weary soul. The fact that the thermal waters at the hot springs come from a natural source (minus the pungent smell of sulphur) and that it is not recycled (the waters flow out into the Kopisan River) lays to rest any doubt of the lack of hygiene. It truly is the ultimate relaxing, de-stressing and therapeutic experience!

Saying goodbye for now

The end came

Swiftly,

A part of life's game

Claiming me inevitably,

Saying goodbye for now.

The tears flow

Freely,

Mourning loss of life's glow

Clasping your hands quietly,

Saying goodbye for now.

I lived, loved and gave
Happily,
From heaven above I wave
To my dear ones lovingly,
Saying goodbye for now.

From you, I learned and grew

Wondrously,

Clinging to memories of you

Tenderly,

Saying goodbye for now.

We have to let go, however hard
Unwillingly,
But over you, I will guard
Unwaveringly,
Saying goodbye for now.

In my heart, your words will remain

Eternally,

I will let go but my love for you will never wane

Infinitely,

Saying goodbye for now.

This poem is for my dear friend, who buried her beloved father today.