Noodle market and sailing for Diego's birthday surprise

Noodle market in Hyde Park started on Friday 10th October which is on for 2 weeks. I have been the last 2 years and enjoyed going, so again this year and arranged 2 go with 2 people so far. Then on the Thursday texted my old flat mate Vanessa as I know she went last year and enjoyed. So arranged to go on the Friday with her as Tiago out with friends anywhere so might as well do something. To start with had lobster ball which was too dense, chicken dim sim and coconut water. Then prawn and chicken dumpling preferred the chicken ones thought more flavour. Mango and duck pancake  the mango pancake was nice for a change but still prefer the duck pancake. It was then for Ice-cream at sereperity had the lemon and berry was good not too sweet, the other ice-cream stall 'Gelato Messina' queue was far too long. Sat in the Harvey Norman area afterwards which had been sat before went for ice-cream and was sat with the same 2 people brother and sister who gave us wine. There were quite entertaining and we had a good giggle not sure where the time went to was after 11pm by the time we left. Walked with Vanessa to Wynyard station and just missed Tiago think he just got the bus before me. After that only had one shift left to walk as acting NUM on the 11th October which was a very busy had compliant about a staff member and patient rep. So on the Tuesday 12th October was so glad to give the keys back to Cate the NUM and to be back on the ward again. I then had two days off and met Edel and Kat on the Thursday 16th October at the Noodle Market,Edel also fetched her flatmate. Trust me to me the last to arrive and was sat in the Harvey Norman area again as plenty off seating there. Had platter of duck bun, assortment off dumplings and spring roll, was good to be able to try everything all from one stall. We also had a bottle of wine one between the four of us was just good to have a catch up and was a nice sunny night. On Friday started nights so had the day free so arranged to meet Jen for coffee at Rhodes at Oliver Brown. As even though we both work at Concord Hospital I hardly ever see her to chat to so was actually nice to catch up. Not quite sure what did rest off day but then had to go to work at night and nice to know finish been acting NUM then straight back to shift work working weekends. Got home on Saturday just after 8am after my nights had a little sleep til 11ish so maybe had 3 hours sleep at the most. Then time to get ready to go Sail an actual America’s Cup racing yacht for 2.5 hours on Sydney Harbour for Diego's birthday. You get to take the helm, trim the sails, work on the grinders or sit back and relax, I much preferred the last option sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is necessary and you cruise past iconic Sydney landmarks around the Harbour. Explore Sailing allows people from all walks of life to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The company began in 2001 with one America’s Cup yacht. Operating in New Zealand, Sydney and Hamilton Island in Australia, Explore Sailing offers sailing, marine wildlife tours, diving and cruising, just to name a few. We were bringing to think we had the wrong place to meet as supposed to meet before 1 and we were the only ones at King Street Wharf. The others eventually arrived and was 7 of us for our party then we got on the sailing yacht at 1 to begin our sailing experience. You get sit back an enjoy a 2.5 hour sail on an boat that participated in an America's Cup race in the early 1990's on one of the greatest harbours in the world. No doubt this is the best way to see the city from the water, the ferries are great but this is so much greater and more exciting, it was so much fun! Whilst on the sailing yacht had chance to take the helm or to work the grinders but I was quite happy sitting back and relaxing. Tiago had a go at grinding which he said was quite hard work and once doing hard to get away from it said would off much preferred to relax like me. The 2.5 hours flew by and we even had chance to see Dolphins which swam right up to the yacht which was amazing to see (pictures included). After sailing we all walked to Wynyard station to get the train to Milsons point where next was BBQ at one of his friends houses overlooking the Opera House and Sydney Bridge. The 13th picture of the house is where the BBQ was next to the Admiralty House where the Governor-General of Australia lives. Her parents were already there and the apartment was lovely with an amazing view off the harbour would be nice to wake up to that every morning. After abit all off Diego's friends arrived and was a few from church who I knew from our snowboarding trip. Unfortuantely I couldn't drink as have to go to work tonight so we only ended up staying til about 6ish so missed out on dessert. Got taxi back to ours as we weren't really sure how far it would be walking and luckily found one straight away. Once home had a little nap before I had to go back to work for my night shift and rest off nights ok finished them on Tuesday morning 21st October. When got up on Tuesday thought I best sort out my tax refund as had it since June as tried to do online but sure if doing right. So I met Tiago at Bondi junction and he took me to where he got his done as he did quite well. Unfortuantely I did not do aswell as last year only got just over $400 and had to pay them $99 but better than nothing. It was then to the Noodle market at Hyde park for the 3rd time with Sarah and Hisako supposed to meet at 6 at st James station. I arrived just after 6 as been to bondi junction during day to sort out tax so was running abit late but didn't need to worry as was still first there. As the others were also running late as stuck in traffic so whilst waiting read my kindle book hunger games. Sarah arrive 18.25 so whilst waiting for Hisako walked through park and starving so got something to eat. I got the volcano roll which was sushi with mixed seafood but deep fried round edges Sarah had noodles both from Izakaya Den. By the time Hisako arrive at 18.40 had just finished food and luckily found her easily near the entrance. Then time for more food so next Duck gyoza x5 share with Sarah at harajuku gyoza I had 3 Sarah had 2. Then to bao stop for Pork belly gao bao which was the longest queue so far. The is bao loved as first, they're delicious, consisting of crisp, rich meat in a soft and bready bun, definitely the best so far see last picture. It was then to get wine and find somewhere to catch up found a different area which was new from last year. As Sarah and Hisako not seen each other since we moved out off the accommodation at Concord Hospital so nearly 2 years. It was then more food I had the  Teppanyaki chicken kebab from teppanayaki noodles with was ok. Then off course we had to have dessert and went to Serenpity ice cream had mango sorbet coated in dark chocolate and banana chips like a magnum ice-cream. Was good but not sure if the banana chips really went probably would of been better with out them.

Bowral and high tea

3 day weekend off due to Public Holiday on Monday 6th October. So decided to take Tiago away for the night was hoping to go for both the Saturday and Sunday but unfortunately only availability for the Sunday night. We got to hotel Berida Manor Country Resort in Bowral a 40 room ensuite hotel resort next to Bowral Golf Club before 2 checked in. Has a heated indoor pool and spa which we hopefully use later and is supposedly only a short walk to Bowral CBD but will probably drive. Bowral is nestled in the shadow of Mt Gibraltar and famous for there tulip festival. Bowral is just one of those unique places which prides itself on possessing best of both worlds the big smoke and the bush. After checking in was then to Centennial Vineyards for high tea and wine tasting as booked in for 2.30. Got plenty to eat at the high tea a selection of finger sandwiches plus a mixture of savoury and sweet pastries. High tea included pumpkin soup, sandwiches, savoury ball, scones, Lemon tart, chocolate mousse and pancotta. Decided to go for the option with the rose wine which was nice but still thought we might get tea which we didn't. It was beautiful setting and also a nice day so got to sit outside and admire the view more. The interior of the Centennial Restaurant at Bowral is lovely aswell, with large exposed wooden beams and a roaring open fireplace. This is must go to winery when exploring the Southern Highlands, it has beautiful surroundings, friendly and informative staff and a wide selection of wines. So after the high tea we headed to Centennial cellar door for wine tasting. All Centennial wines are made onsite and has up to 35 wines to tastes. We only tasted a small selection and bought the reserve barbera and a dessert autumn Chardonnay which was not too sweet. Back to hotel after 3.30 and go to the heated Indoor pool after 4 which was cold at first. But once been in for a while soon adjusted and Tiago did his under water swimming wasn't in for too long then 4 more got in. Then to the Jacuzzi spa which lasted less than 20 seconds and unfortunately button to press wasn't near, so had to get out to turn it on. So didn't end up staying in for long as no point if no bubbles just warm water so more like a bath than a spa. Next was the sauna which luckily we had put on before getting in jacuzzi otherwise wouldn't off been hot enough. It was then upstairs at 5pm to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and have some of the red wine barbera which we bought from the winery, very nice!! Lewis Hamilton ended up winning the Grand Prix after it was called off due to heavy rain and a serious accident suffered by Marussia driver Jules Bianchi. Then ended up falling asleep for abit after the Grand Prix and when woke up hungry unfortunately hotel not doing dinner. So ended up going to the Royal Bar and Dining only a short drive away and just got there 8.25 which was luckily as stop serving 8.30. We ate in the restaurant at the back of the hotel and was very impressed with the food. We shared the lamb we did want the 1kg t-bone but was sold out but the lamb was cooked really well and tasted great. I'd go back here without hesitation. When got back was going to play Pool but unfortuantely was busy so didn't end up been able play. So went back to the room instead and had the dessert wine we bought which was good not to sweet and also finished red wine. In the morning checked out at 10am and could off had breakfast in hotel but decided to go into Bowral. Overall the hotel was lovely however, while I understand trying to keep the charm of yesteryear, I think the place could do with a bit of a refurbish inside. Ended up going to Palate Pleasure Cafe which we noticed when walking up the Main Street of Bowral, it looked very popular so decided to have breakfast there. For breakfast I decided to have the Bircher muesli which was fresh, delicious and beautifully presented. There also looked to be a nice few shops in Bowral but thought Tiago wouldn't off been impressed if wanted to go shopping. So instead went to the Bowral Lookout which provides a scenic view overlooking Bowral, the Wingecarribee River Valley and Moss Vale. Mount Gingenbullen, and the Cuckbundoon Ranges (near Goulburn) can be seen in the distance. Several walking tracks radiate from here and there is car parking, toilets, tables, picnic areas and shelters available. It was back to centennial Winery to get more wine which we had last night was no other car in front car park so unsure if open. But was open and was just before 12, was one other couple in the winery and 4 people in restaurant. It was then heard back home on way saw sign for Picton which Seemed familiar and then I saw people coming down by parachute. I then saw site off skydive centre then clicked to why I knew name was where I did my skydive in February 2013 for Debbies birthday.