Magic Magnetic Island

Last weekend I flew to,Townsville, the gateway to  Far North Queensland for another destination birthday celebration. (Last year it was Hong Kong)  I met cousin Eileen and my brother-in-law Gary who were sharing an apartment with me overnight. We also caught up with an extended branch of the Leong family, Joe and JUdy and their daughter and family friends who knew the Leong family in Hong Kong.  It was a delightful afternoon going through old family photos, an amazing and detailed family tree and learning more about the Chinese in Townsville. 

Joe's father had established a general store in Townsville in the early 1920s. And  the business had survived until the 1970s.  JUdy was born in Townsville but still spoke Chinese. They have had a good life here and love Townsville. Joe told us that after he graduated in medicine from Queensland University he returned to Townsville and a hospital of 10 staff. Pretty small town in those days.

We went to the Jupiters Casino for the seafood buffet dinner which was excellent and we all indulged in  delicious seafood, oysters in particular! Joe at 81 and a slight fellow piled his plate high.  

Next morning was Anzac Day and while our intention was to go to the dawn service, the 5 am start and end of week tiredness as well as the journey,( from Melbourne it took 4.hours plus 45 minutes stopover) we all slept in.  

It has been a special ANZAC day because it is 100 years since the first. Much has gone into the commemoration around the country and in Gallipoli, The Western Front in France and other significant sights of battle. All the shows and reflections on the event has been very interesting and informative. War is such a waste of lives. 

 The cenotaph with wreaths

 Two stone fish.  Find number 2.

We explored the main streets of Townsville and the aquarium before catching the ferry across to Magnetic island. Townsville is very clean and the buildings in the CBD seemed well cared for. 

The strand 

As soon as I landed On Magnetic I felt a calm come over me. It is a very laid back unspoiled island. I haven't been here since a teenager but it doesn't seem to have changed all that much. The house we are staying in is at Horseshoe bay on the top of the island so we need a taxi. The local bus only meets the passenger ferry and we came over on the car ferry courtesy of Gary's cycling friend who managers it  I am falling in love with the island. It might be the granite boulders and the bush which are quite different to most other Queensland islands. 

The house is large where we are staying and has been influenced by Balinese architecture. I like it very much and it works well for a large party. The design of the bathrooms and no separate toilet leaves a bit to be desired but small niggles in the scheme of things. We are having soup and Chinese dumplings for tea tonight. This requires many hands which is a great icebreaker.  Over vodka tonics we chat, wrap and get to know each other. There are several friends and family I haven't met from cousin Barbara's maternal side of the family. We end up with 200 dumplings and delicious soup. 

      view from the balcony and dinner on the verandah looking out to sea.  The next day we swam at Arcadia beach, in crystal clear water, wandered the market at Horseshoe bay and had the big celebratory lunch at the Barefoot Restaurant and Gallery. Fabulous quality food.  

 The birthday girl and daughter and the whole gang below 

Later in the afternoon Gary, Roger, and Eileen and I went bushwalking to Radical Bay. We hoped to spot a Koala for Eileen but  alas that was not to be..

My departure on Monday was an early flight but the passenger hydrofoil is like a commuter ferry and I was easily able to connect by taxi to the airport.  Home to Melbourne by 3:00 pm in time for book club that night.  I am missing the tranquility of Magnetic Island and may try to winter they're next year. Or in the future. 

Now I have to start focusing on saving as I seem to have way too many bills. Working part-time and retirement haven't quite been balanced with my expenditure. It is an adjustment yet to be fine tuned. Another lesson  I need to learn.

Back in Melbourne but just for a quick stop.

Returning from KL  and I had a couple of days to get up to speed with my lecture program. I always feel like I am chasing my tail. I have had a break from minding Ziggy which was helpful but I did miss him.  I am relived to know there are only a few more lectures in this subject to go before the end of term.  I feel like I have actually got my head working or rather in work mode. It has taken a good six months to get back to that state. Is that good? I don't know but is easier to actually work when you are in that state of thinking. I am enrolled in art classes again and feel a little frustrated that I am not actually getting the time to practice my watercolours but will just go with what I am doing and not fret. 

The time will come. 

Coming back to Melbourne I have really noticed the change in colour of the trees. I went away while they were green and now they are shades of orange and red. It is glorious to see the colours. Autumn in Melbourne is really quite spectacular. The sunsets are beautiful too. 

 My view at sunset

I am happy to be here for awhile now except for a brief weekend planned in Far North Queensland on Magnetic Island. There are things to be done and going away just postpones everything. 

Also I feel like I have been spending money like water so I am very glad of the work. 

I had a voucher for a cruise two for one which was running out. I had to book something or lose it. I am not entirely sure it really was a bargain but they assured me that I had to be able to save a minimum of $500 before it could be used.  Anyway I had promised to take my Mum on another cruise so I booked one sailing around New Zealand for 13 days. I am sure it will be very pleasant and this one is supposed to be a little more up-market than our last to Noumea. I am still not convinced about cruising but it suits Mum at 91. I should be lucky to be so well at the same age! Anyway it is a treat for her and a chance to spend time together, no cooking and cleaning.  It takes Mum away on a holiday which she really doesn't get to do very often.

I feel like my life has got somewhat frantic again though I don't feel stretched like I used to.

The flowering gums near the station are alive with Loikeets.  Hard to catch the agile birds. Can you see a green face? It gave me such a feeling of joy to see these cheeky birds so close to home. We are fortunate to have so many fabulous birds in Australia and even within our urban landscape.

Kuala Lumpur

Cousin Eileen and I decided to visit Malacca and overnight so we can really enjoy the town.  Driving was hair raising to say the least..  Malaysian drivers only know full speed and breaking on your tail.  The road was quite good but the driving was crazy. Despite the excitement we arrived safely at our hotel Jonkers at the less touristy end of the old town. It had a car park which was essential. Not many hotels in the world heritage listed part do. They are old terrace houses converted into small hotels. Ours was pleasant and beds good, bathroom good but windows small.

We explored the old part after grabbing lunch in a genuine old Chinese restaurant. Very home cooking style and nothing flash in decor. We  checked out the Chinese temple, Mosque and the Catholic Church.

I was amused by the paper houses and cars until Eileen put me staight about their purpose. They are for burning so the departed would be comfortable in their heavenly life. Even sneakers and Louis Vuitton bags! Heaven is going to be just like here.

 

We had cocktails at the Geographic Cafe a haunt of famous writers in the thirties, and ate Portuguese influenced food for dinner. Malacca has such an interesting history with colonisation by the Portuguese, the Dutch , the English and unofficially by the Chinese. They actually have a statue of a great Chinese explorer Cheng Ho who sailed across the Pacific, to Australia, and Africa before all the Europeans. The museum was very interesting but the  explanations in English were pretty bad.
I found it very charming and bought some dragon fly earrings to remember it by. I came here with Peter when we were in our late twenties - a lifetime ago

. I always remembered the market with its spices and goat legs standing by the wooden butcher blocks. We didn't visit a fresh food market this time.
Back to KL the next day with more erratic drivers. A party at Eileen's friends home then a day around KL where we visited a mosque again, and happened on a ceremony at the Hindu temple which was very noisy but fascinating.  Kl reminded me of Brisbane in its luxuriant  tropical foliage but the town seems very shabby and disorganised. The footpaths are broken and grubby it seemed in comparison to Malaka. We had a very pleasant dinner in a trendy western style strip of shops near Eileen's place. This area seems very upmarket and bustling.
Next day we have noodles for breakfast and then it is off to the train station and the airport for my flight home.  The train ride was interesting because I met a New Zealander who is based in KL with his girlfriend but who does voluntary work in Sri Lanka. Bryn has since sent me some information in case I would like to do some work with them.
The flight home was fabulous with empty seats around me to sleep across. Air Asia staff were pleasant but not as well trained as the other airlines I travel with though I suspect there is not as many staff. They actually were running down the aisles!

Post wedding

After the wedding we had a couple of days more relaxing before leaving for home. We packed in a trip to the marine park for snorkelling and the big Buddhas in Chaweng. Finally I suvpccumbed to a handbag which I purchased  from the night market after some good bargaining.  We were all very relaxed after the big event. 

Angie and I went up for a blessing from the monk. We had no idea what he was saying but we were liberally sprinkled with holy water.  He was quite serious so I would have liked to know what he was saying. The temples were beautiful and incredibly elaborate. This one had the stories of Buddha painted around the ceiling and walls.

Soon it was time to leave Koh Samui for Kuala Lumpur.  The airport departure was much nicer than the arrival terminal.

 The gang in departure lounge.

My connection to KL was quite close,.only a couple of hours but when I checked in they were reassuring. However the plane was 're-timed' a euphemism for late. I thought well this is going to be a close call. I might be overnighting in Singapore!

Bangkok Air were very helpful by putting me into a seat close to the front and prioritised my luggage. When we finally took off nearly an hour later I was resigned to getting the next connection available.   When we arrived in Singapore I was off that plane and through immigration in a blink. In my enthusiasm I overshot the baggage area and found myself on the outside without my luggage! I did a quick about turn and re-entered the baggage area only to set off the alarms. I was directed by a guard to go to information for help. I couldn't go back through the exit. I felt so stupid but apparently it happens more often than you think. I was given a pass and told to go through the staff entrance. By now I am starting to get really anxious.  The guards made me wait while they finished their discussion, which didn't seem like work. They were too smiley to each other. When they let me through the gate I was subjected to a personal security check before they took my passport and directed me to the carousel that would deliver my bag. I had calmed myself when I realised my bag hadn't come out yet so I couldn't do anything anyway. Bangkok Air were fantastic as my bag was the second out. 

More security checks then it was back into the Departure area to check in with Air Asia. I had checked in online in Koh Samui so it was just a bag drop. Fortunately I got a counter that had no other oassengers( they were all at the departure lounge obviously!) and they accepted the bag and sent me off to immigration, security again and then I was running to the gate D36 all the way down the end of the terminal. When I got there I had ten minutes to spare and I was still on the original flight.  Wow Singapore Airport is very well run. Immigration and security and baggage are super efficient. 

It was great to be on the flight as scheduled. When I arrived in KL though it was a long barren walk out to the baggage pick up and  no bureau de change in sight. I found the train ticket office quickly but decided I would forget the cash until later because the bureau was way over in the corner. The airport has this huge shopping mall at the entrance and I was so confused I couldn't find the station. When I finally stumbled on it a train was waiting. There were no expresses at this late hour but it wasn't much longer.  Eileen was quick to come and pick me up. It was good to be there after my little drama. We shared a whiskey on the balcony and made plans for the next couple of days. It was a very good whiskey!

Wedding day

After a quick swim we all departed to get glamorous. I have decided that the black dress is too sombre for a wedding in Thailand so it is the purple Jersey I select. No hairdressers were available so it was left to our usual styles.  We met in reception though the brides parents had allready departed to the Banyon Tree.

The shuttle buses drove us  Five Minutes to the entrance! We then transferred to golf buggies to be taken up the hill and then through winding tracks to the beach.

The setting was very lovely witha floral arch of pale lemon roses and white orchids, an aisle of Rose petals and a gazebo graced with white orchids and other white flowers. Very elegant. Thai style soft drinks were offered while we waited for the bridal party. It was very hot although there was a light breeze intermtently from the beach. Angie, mother of the bride looked lovely in Teal and her son walked her down the aisle. There had been some tensions between them prior to the wedding but he greeted her with a " you look beautiful Mum" . She almost burst into tears. 

 The bride and her dad  Tim arrived soon after the bridesmaids and she was radiant.

 This is the dress we all shepherded through security and immigration on the way to Koh Samui. It was worth it.  It was so tight though, Kirsten felt faint by the time we went to the wedding dinner!

The couple were so confident in their vows.  The readings were poignant. Every aspect was perfect and so happy. After the ceremony we had cones of Rose petals to throw as they walked up the aisle.

While the bridal group went off to have their photos we retired to the bar for delicious hors d'oeuves by the pool. This is a vary elegant resort and very expensive but they are making the wedding very special.

 Now we get transported by golf carts to the wedding reception. The main building is on the hill overlooking the beach and an expansive view of the greater bay and Islands. It is very dramatic. 

 After a fabulous, delicious dinner of five courses the bridal party did a flash dance medley, we all danced and then it was time to go. The finale was a Thai tradition of sending lanterns into the sky with our wishes. Unfortunately I had to share a lantern with three others and I think our wishes were too heavy.  Our lantern drifted into the trees and started a fire! There was a great flurry as the staff jumped into the above pond and splashed water to put out the fire. The wind had changed so the lanterns were drifting in the wrong direction. No more wishing lanterns but I loved the idea.  The bride and groom had made this a very personal wedding.

What do I think of destination weddings now? I think it can be a wonderful experience as this was. I got to spend more time with a group of people who are now friends. I had a lovely holiday.  It takes a lot of organisation to make it special. It also restricts the number of family who can attend . Perhaps a good thing? Depends on the family I suppose. It was exactly what the couple wanted and they made it so special and memorable and I think when you have been living together for a while already it is a way of making the final transition to marriage significant.

Pre-wedding dinner

The bride anfpd groom have organised a family and friends pre wedding dinner on the beach Saturday night.  The resort has set up tables and chairs and all the buffet and BBQ food right in the sand. It looks amazing. Very romantic and cool with a gentle evening breeze fragrant with grilled seafood.

 It wasn't long before I kicked off my shoes. Even sandal wedges are too  uncomfortable to wear in the sand. The cocktails flowed but there was also wine from Chile.  Wine is not often offered so I really enjoyed it for a change.  The food was delicious with fresh salads and prawns, lobsters and fish steamed in bamboo as well as beef and pork spare ribs.  Dessert was a mix of fruit and small pots of yoghurt mousse, cheesecake or mini cakes. 

The highlight of the night were some fire dancers. They were quite thrilling in their twirling and so nimble. Then they selected Jasmine and I to participate. They twirled the fire around us and made us bend backwards while they swept over our bodies with flames. It was quite hot and yet not scary. I felt complete trust in the artist. I was really proud of myself and everyone was impressed with our composure.

 The finale was one of the artists standing on a rock a little off shore and spinning the fire balls so that it looked like fireworks. Spectacular.

Resort relaxation

As we sit by the pool waiting for our massage and facial, satiated by a cocktail and a cool dip in the pool fringed with frangipani trees, I begin to reflect on the resort experience.  It has been so relaxing despite the dramas suffered by the mother of the  bride. Her son and his girlfriend have been rather trying in their behaviour at times which has added a degree of angst.    Travelling can test a relationship that is well established,   so it will be interesting to see if theirs lasts beyond this trip.  

Our arrival late at night was quite challenging because Angie was tired and suffering culture shock. She couldn't quite come to grips with the desire for a formal wedding in an impoverished country. Then the allocated room did not have the anticipated view and the alternative room had a faulty aircon. Eventually they relocated to a villa with private plunge pool. Kirsten negotiated a special deal. Fortunately my room though not looking over a garden as I expected has a view albeit distant, of the sea and a view to the hillside through Palm trees.  It is all green and very private.  I think our arrival confirmed my preference for arriving during the day. I feel that you are able to deal with the unexpected more easily. There was also a flurry over the credit card deposit that hotels like to do in case you abscond. Some of the party haven't travelled much and hardly ever to Asia so they are a little anxious.

After a good nights sleep and a swim I decided to take a walk with Barry(Sandra's husband) into the village. He is looking for runners and swim shorts. I am just curious as I have no sense of our location. Haven't even seen a map yet. It is hit and the road has no footpaths so we dodge the local scooters and cars and trucks to eventually find a Tesco of all places.  It has a pretty good range and I succumb to a pair of lightweight blue slip ons for poolside. All of $5.00  australian  cute and comfy and much nicer than my Chinese black ones.

We had a late lunch poolside and later repaired to the Tapas bar for cocktails and tapas. Our waiter misunderstood our order and we ended up with ten plates of gyosas instead of a plate of ten! As it turned out they were delicious and it was our dinner.

Next day we organised ourselves to go to Chaweng for shopping.  Angie and Phylis bought gorgeous bags and a few treats. I saw nothing to tempt me to open the wallet. It is a mix of upmarket shops and tourist stuff for young ones. One long street and a new plaza called Central. Not huge. Lots if bars and really just a street back from the beach. Geoff and Barry decided to experience the flesh eating fish that are in glass aquariums on the street, at 200 Baht for 15 minutes they let the fish nibble the dry skin off their feet. It was quite a tickly almost painful sensation initially that settled down and eventually delivered smooth feet. I had heard about soldiers doing this during the Second World War to heal their ulcers. I took lots of photos but didn't want to try it.

Back to the resort to get ready for dinner at the Cliff Restaurant. Our first chance to glam up. 

I have enjoyed getting to know Angie and Tim's friends better. We have shopped and eaten delightful dinners together. Everyone is just going with the flow and enjoying the resort and the company. The young ones for the bridal party are all here now and having a lovely time hanging out.

We have had a day out in a resort van visiting some temples, a waterfall and a cultural centre under construction. One of the highlights was a visit to the Retro Cafe at Ne poi?

 It has been constructed out of containers and is beside a beautiful beach. It is just south of Nahon town. A real find. We were back in time for Angie to go and visit the Banyon Tree and for us to have a cooling dip before a degustation meal featuring Thai wines. Who knew they grew grapes?