My Aussie Adventure!!!

Part 2

Day 3 – Tuesday, 27^th May 2008

Super excited this morning!! I get to go on a Helicopter ride! WhooPeeDoOO! I’ve been in up Hotair Balloon rides numerous times, planes (yes, enough thank you – had to take 3 to get to Canberra), Gliders (planneur – planes without engines, lifted up by a Fokker then set to glide...yes it’s mighty buttaflies-in-tummy-thrilling!), Parasailing...BUT I’ve NEVER been on a HELICOPTER!!

Had breakfast, and donned my black leather jacket!

Flight with Aquila Helicopters

Drove to the airport and waited for our pilot Christine Farrell of Aquila Helicopters. We were again...ahead of schedule..heh..even with the morning traffic jam...we made it before the allocated time...not bad Dave (our driver for the day – I found out he’s actually from Bristol, England but have been serving in the Australian Air Force for over 20 years!)

Christine met us at the gates (can’t have randoms running around the airstrip can we?) and we were taken to meet her helicopter. CUTE! Was my first thought! Dark green, with an eagle painted on one side and fur covered seats! So POSH! The interior was smaller than my CAR! Imagine yourself up in the sky somewhere .... in a vehicle ...smaller than my Kelisa. Buttaflies??

Christine gave us some safety instructions and before I knew it...we were packed into the compact flying machine and off we went! Taking off was something different....the Helicopter’s nose needed to be angled down...and we were tipped a slight 40 degrees forward...so we were actually looking at the tarmac! Hah!

But we were up Up and AWAY in no time!!

Being up in the air in a copter is a whole different experience altogether! The view from above is simply MAGNIFICENT! Lake Burley Griffin was GORGEOUS! Especially when it reflects the sky, clouds, trees...BEAUTIFUL!!

We could see how well planned Canberra city was....so symmetrical, full of lush greenery, so inviting...you’ll never guess you’re in a country’s Capital! Now, isn’t that a welcome change from all the other Capital’s around the world?

We were flying at about 350 feet in the air....at some point Christine took us as low as 50 feet! That was way awesome! She asked me to look out for some Kangaroos! I looked n looked n looked....but I think they’re on vacation....lazy buggers.

We flew out of the city, over rocky hills, past the Telstra tower and towards the Snowy Mountains! But of course...we didn’t go near the mountains...bummer....no snow either....double bummer.

It was a 45 minute ride but it felt so short!

I didn’t want it to end...but the rest were waiting for their turn...so back to the airport.

Christine was such an excellent pilot! Smooth all the way! I mean, with 22 years under her belt...u’d expect no less hey?

Flight with Aquila Helicopters (45min flying time + time allowed for filming on ground)

Murrumbidgee River Flight - 1^st ride

For those seeking a broader view of city and countryside this flight of 30 minutes and over 70 kilometres is the ideal choice. It tracks from the airport over Lake Burley Griffin past the iconic architecture of the National Capital including the High Court, National Gallery,

Parliament House, the National Museum, and Telstra Tower then along the southern edge of Belconnen and Lake Ginninderra. From there we head west to the junction of the mighty Murrumbidgee (Australia’s second longest river at 1,575 Kms) and Molonglo Rivers at Coppins Crossing where we turn south for the Cotter Dam, past Mt Stromlo (home to the EOS laser satellite ranging system), and Mount Taylor. Our track then takes us via Tuggeranong over the Woden

Valley to Mount Mugga where we make our final turn for the airport.

Contact: Christine Farrell - Chief Pilot
Address: Brindabella Airlines, Rogan Place Canberra International Airport
Website: www.aquilahelicopters.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)412 066 766

All that flying sure made me hungry! FAMISHED in fact!! Good thing lunch was next on the agenda! So off to Mecca Bah!! Cous cous....MmMmmm........yummm.......*stop drooling!*

Mecca Bah, Manuka

We arrived at this swanky looking restaurant...contemplated whether we should sit indoors or at the terrace outdoors....weather was fine...but some of us didn’t bring out jackets down...so Indoors it was!

They even had the fireplace going especially for us! A beautiful blue fire....

We couldn’t decide what to have...and yet again...we overdid it....but the food...was FABULOUS!

I, without a doubt ordered Lamb with Cous Cous and we had various starters – Tabouleh, yadda yadda yadda.....

The dips...were just fantastic! Wanna know something BLONDE we did?? Hah! I mean, WE okay...not just ME! Daphne & I both ordered our mains with cous cous....the meats came (Chicken for Daphne & Lamb for me)...so we waited for our couscous....a long time...none came...so we asked the waitress....and yea...i bet u’ve guessed it by now....a huh....the couscous was UNDER the meats! How were we to know??? Its full of gravy....no hint of any couscous unless u actually DIG in!!!!

(YOU find the COUS COUS la!)

HAR HAR! Yea yea laugh at us....Naz did!

Mecca Bah

There’s a cheerful buzz in this busy restaurant, which has a fireplace inside and a terrace with outside heating. The dishes, served on brightly coloured Tunisian crockery, are Middle Eastern with a contemporary twist. Served in small portions designed for sharing, they include a selection of mezze, Turkish pizzas, tagines, grills and pastries.

Note: does not have a Halal kitchen but offer Halal meals: Kofte with yoghurt sauce, Meatball tagine, Pastirma pizza, Lebanese sausages and chickpea salad

Contact: Cath Claringbold
Address: 25-29 Maunka Terrace, Flinders Way, Manuka
Phone: 02 6260 6700
Website: www.meccabah.com

Lunch really hit the spot! Couldn’t finish my main meal unfortunately but it was heavenly! The Lamb practically melted in my mouth! Too bad I was kinda stuffed with the starters...as usual.

U know how u’ll feel sleepy after a huge meal?? And just wanna go hit the sack for a snooze?? Well, that’s how I felt....BUTTTTTT!!! guess what’s next?!?!?!

SHOPPING!!!!!!

So off to the CANBERRA CENTRE WE WENT!!!

Had to go change in the toilet first tho...sigh...this thing about not wearing the same thing at different locations....boy..i had to lug my backpack around with my boots, jeans, top, scarf....the works!

Passed SUPRÉ (one of my fav brands) on the way to the toilet..and spotted some nice cream jackets! I WANTTTT!!!! But kenot yet...sigh....duty calls.....sheeshhh.......*grumble*

Hopped out to shoot the intro shot for Canberra Centre..and didn’t need to act much looking hurried to shop Shop SHOP!!! No no..its ME REALLY WANTING TO GO SHOP NOWWWWW!!!!! Stop sticking that camera in my face!! Heh! Kidding.

So we randomly went into any shop that gave us permission to shoot...hey free publicity okay....they’d be crazy to turn us down...well...some shops did....TOO BAD FOR THEM!!

*turn nose upwards*

After wrapping that up....we were finally allowed to break free and roam on our own.....don’t need to tell us twice...ADIOS!

What did I buy? I bought my cream jacket/coat from Supré ...MmMMm I LURVE IT! A couple of casual and work tops, a green scarf, hmm.....thats about it...

Oh..when it was almost time to meet up with the rest...there was a fire evacuation...apparently there were two cute firemen in the building .... too bad I didn’t see them....buggah! NOT LUCKY!

There was a malfunction in one shop...so there wasn’t a real fire.

Sorry no pictures....was too distracted....SHOPPING of course!! But I assure u...its a great place to shop!

Canberra Centre

Browse over 100 new stores, including high-end fashion and cosmetic outlets, catch a film in one of nine plush new cinemas at Dendy and relax at chic restaurants that complement an al fresco streetscape dining and cafe precinct. Canberra’s city centre has undergone a major facelift and is now a more contemporary and hip place to shop, dine and relax. The main city shopping hub, the Canberra Centre, has undergone a major expansion which brings a contemporary and innovative retail and leisure centre fit for any capital city.

Contact: Sarah Gallagher
Address: Bunda Street, Canberra City, ACT, 2608
Phone: 02 6247 5611
Website: www.canberracentre.com.au

After a very satisfying afternoon of shopping and my legs were ready to MURDER me...(yeah, I was wearing my 3inch high boots, hiau as u would call it!). Met up with the rest and headed for dinner at Milk & Honey.

Wasn’t too hungry so 4 of us shared a main course of Spaghetti Marinara. I couldn’t resist the potato soup...so I HAD to order that...which turned out to be a HUGE helping so in the end..i couldn’t really had much spaghetti...but I did order a dessert to share...some Hazelnut..thingie...it was YUM!

Milk & Honey

This is a great place to pop into for a coffee, milkshake, cocktail, snack, full meal, dessert or cake. The food is reasonably priced and contemporary with Mediterranean and Asian influences. The décor is colourful, with orange vinyl chairs and bench-style lounges in the split-level dining area. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating.

Address: 29 Garema Place, Canberra City
Phone: (02) 6247 7722
Website: www.milkandhoney.net.au

Day 4 Wednesday 28 May

Oh...early start today! *Groan* But promises to be an exciting one! We were going to the Deep Space Communications Centre!! Think Satelites...think communication with ET! (okok...stop thinking...).

Wolfed down my brekkie...same ole same ole...

Packed into our mini coach...and headed for a 30min ride out of Canberra city centre to Tidbinbilla. The sky was so blue...yet so cold...but the sun was out...and it was such a beautiful day.

We were met by Glen Nagle, the Education and Outreach Manager, a Michael Douglas look-alike!! But he was so knowledgeable and passionate about his job! Can’t help wanting to know everything about space, the UNIVERSE out there....

After snapping pics with the dishes...and filming and talking and learning all we could in that short period of time...we wrapped it up with my feedback interview...

Yes, I was in awe and overwhelmed by the vastness of space...and how tiny we are compared to what we do not know yet...out there..

OH we tried a Space Ice cream!! Neapolitan flavour. Wasn’t fantastic...oh u should see the food astronauts have to eat....looks like

.... yea.....BADDDDDDDDD....(like various degrees of poo!)

But according to Glen...they taste fantastic..and astronauts actually gain weight because they eat so much of it....rrrriiiiitteeee.....

Did u know that the first living creature sent to space was a dog named Laika? She survived a few hours in the space. I was so humongously happy to learn that was a dog who was first! GO DOGGIE!! Who would have thought!

Glen Nagle, Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex

Communications Complex

Filming at Canberra

Deep Space Communications Complex

Learn all about NASA at the Visitors Centre at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex, which for 40 years has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA's Deep Space Network. The Visitors Centre houses displays, models and audio-visuals recording past, present and future space exploration and discovery. The Complex is still active in the command, tracking and recording of results from a number of space exploration projects and provides a vital link with NASA spacecraft.

Contact: Glenn Nagle Address: Discovery Drive (Tourist Drive 5), Tidbinbilla Phone: (02) 6201 7880
Website: www.cdscc.nasa.gov
Admission: Free

ABELL’S KOPI TIAM

So after a whole morning of mind-blowing, first-hand bountiful information about mankind’s achievement for the discovery of life in the big unknown...we needed nourishment for our bodies instead. We were whisked away to Abell’s Kopi Tiam for yummy Malaysian delights! (truth be told, I wasn’t really craving or missing Malaysian food yet anyway!)

Abell himself was onsite to recommend delicious delights for our palettes. And delightful it was! We had seafood wantan soup, fragrant beef rendang, stir-fried veggies, panfried fish (with some spicy sauce), chicken curry and a few other dishes (of which I can’t remember, obviously). I was...again....STUFFED....ok la...i had a second helping of rice....it was too yummy!

Lunch at Abell’s Kopi Tiam

With contemporary décor, this busy, cheerful café serves a fusion of Asian cuisines at modest prices. There’s a strong Malaysian and Nonya influence, with the occasional Chinese and Indonesian dish mixed in.

Address: 7 Furneaux Street, Manuka
Phone: (02) 6239 4199

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS

Done with lunch....off to Canberra Glassworks! This was gonna be MY segment...where I would do the hosting by myself...YIKES!

Well, it actually wasn’t THAT difficult la....cut short what I was suppose to say ...and winged it...sorta...

We were introduced to Matt who was our guide at Canberra Glassworks and immediately transported to make our very own glass products!

We all chose to make globe paperweights (should have chosen a bird instead!).

Donned goggles (eye protection ler), 2 aprons (one for protecting my clothes against the OTHER apron – cute, the other leather apron for the heat), gloves and into the FIRE!!

Well, of course there was an experienced glass instructor who kinda did all the work la...i mean honestly, would YOU know what to do???

As we could put colour into our globes..i chose white, blue and green, my fav colours!

Ok...here’s what we had to do....grab a steel pole...dip it into the furnace...with the er...melted glass (?) and get a big dollop of glass with the pole...cool part of the pole with cold water (poured over the pole), dip it into the bits of coloured glass....melt it further in the furnace by turning it continuously to even it out (keep the round shape), take it out...flatten it....add another dollop of melted glass on top...dip it into another colour....do the same thing...about a dozen times...HAHAHAHA! get burnt in the process! Nah, kidding...no burns...my gloves felt TERRIBLY hot at one point tho! Must have held the pole too close to the end....where the melted glass was...

Shape it with a pail-like wooden device by turning it evenly...with a certain amount of pressure...

Another piece of melted glass was brought to the table and cut...for the stand. Tiny tap on the pole and the globe was detached and instantly attached to the stand....et VOILA!

Then to the oven to bake for another....dunno how long..HAHA!

No I haven’t gotten my globe yet...sobs...

NEXT, Kiln forming....

What’s that??

Its randomly composing your masterpiece of bits of coloured glass on a clear glass base, which would be fused overnight in a kiln.

And well...i’m not an artistic person...so I kinda made a random mess....

That’s mine...obviously.

So off to the oven it went...am still waiting for that one....come on...come on!!!

Canberra Glassworks

Canberra Glassworks provides artists with state-of-the-art equipment; intensive workshops taught by leading glass artists; studios and mentorship programs; and a unique context to explore, develop and realise new work. Canberra Glassworks also provides opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn about glass making and the heritage of Canberra's Kingston Powerhouse. Visitors can meet artists, see

glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, take tours and have a hands-on experience working with glass.

Experiences included: Kiln Forming - you will create a colourful postcard sized tile of your own design. Using precut sheet glass you will arrange the different coloured pieces over a clear base of glass which is then fused in a kiln overnight.

Hot Glass - Experience the drama of glass blowing in our state-of-the- art Hot Shop! Working one on one with an experienced glass blower, be guided through the processes to make a stylish paperweight. Shape molten glass, adding colour and using different tools to create your own unique piece of glass.

Representative: Matt Frawley
Address: 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6260 7005
Website: www.canberraglassworks.com

Canberra Glassworks was our last stop... *sad*.... I wish we had more time in Canberra because we obviously weren’t able to see and do everything this beautiful city has to offer. For example, Questacon-the National Science & Technology Centre, the Zoo, the National Museum of Australia, Australian Institute of Sport, Old Bus Depot Markets, Belconnen Fresh Foods Market...the list is almost endless!

Packed into our mini-coach...and headed back to the hotel for some R&R before dinner.

TURKISH PIDE HOUSE

At around 6.30, we met Shea at the reception and took a nice walk to the Turkish Pide House.

It was a really nicely decorated restaurant...the artwork on the walls were just stunning! We ordered 4 sets of mixed platters and another 2 mains...starters were ...again...amazing...all the dips!! With the Turkish bread....gosh!! Salivating just thinking about it!!! Yes, again...stuffed....but loving it....good thing we had to walk back to the hotel again...the air was cool and refreshing.

Turkish Pide House in Civic (Halal)

This is one of three Pide Houses across Canberra, offering diners top quality, authentic Turkish fare. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold entrees, salads, and mixed platters. Address: Corner Barry Drive & Moore Street, Canberra City Phone: (02) 6249 8700

Personally, I think visiting Canberra...or even Australia for that matter, in autumn is so much better than other seasons...its cool, yet sunny with magnificent blue skies during the day and cool but not too freezing during the nights.

Was my trip “unexpected”? I would have to say...Yes. Its not how I expected a capital of a country to be. It was relaxing yet welcoming, entertaining, educational, gorgeous landscapes and architecture, magnificent food, awesome shopping experiences and so much more.

Would I visit Canberra again?

Yes, if I’m back in Australia again...as I said, there’s so many others things I did not manage to see and do...but then again...there’s a whole lot of Australia I have yet to visit and I’d love to do it all in this lifetime!

Last words?

I can’t say this enough....VISIT AUSTRALIA!! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!! In fact, you’ll probably want to go live there for good!! I DO! HAHAH!

MY AUSSIE ADVENTURE 2008!

Expect the Unexpected with me in Canberra!!!

Part 1

Saturday, 24^th May 2008

Waking up early to catch a 8 a.m. flight is definitely not a way to start your holiday...but hey, who says I’m going on a holiday?? Mark my words...its work I tell ya!So I got there early...Dad drove me to Penang International Airport bright and early on Saturday, 24^th May 2008 at about 7 a.m. Bumped into dad’s colleague (a huge HUGE man) from US and he just had his laptop carryon stolen while he was checking-in. I assure u, that’s crap shit to begin with. There was little he could do as the security CCTV camera was unfortunately not on him when it happened. All he could do was lodge a police report...and we ALL know how that’s going to turn out....yea...*nods*

Anyway, checked-in, got on board...and had a pretty uneventful flight...nope...no cute guys...boring.

Got to KLIA and headed for my terminal...whichever that was...had to take the train to the International departure terminal. Was a pretty full flight to Sydney. Didn’t manage to meet Mumtaj (journalist from The Star) who was supposed to be my travel-buddy, before boarding. She was seated some 10 rows away!

The inflight entertainment for my whole row was not working so I requested to change seats. I mean, how was I to endure a whole 7 hour flight staring at the back of someone’s head?

I’m sorry to say this but....MAS definitely (in my books) does NOT have the best cabin crew I’ve ever experienced, aside from the FACT that they greet Malaysian and foreigners DIFFERENTLY. I DARE anyone to DISAGREE with me PLEASE.

Example #1

When I told a stewardess (A) that the video wasn’t working, she said she’d reset it for me and not to touch anything (a WILD guess but I’m assuming the remote control buttons here *insert sarcasm*)....lo and behold....she NEVER got back to me on when I could start pressing some buttons!

Bear in mind, we’re a good ½ an hour into the flight already! Everyone else’s inflight entertainment was working fine and we all have been given our headsets!

So I flagged down a steward....note I HAD to flag him down as MY remote control wasn’t even working to press the call button. Yeah, reset that thing my... *toot*.

At this point, I noticed that a couple from the other side of the plane (on the same row as I was)

had requested to change seats....*bells*(?)

Even that Iraqi man beside me said his wasn’t working either. But he wasn’t bothered...he

planned to sleep or read anyway.

Example #2

After locating and flagging down the same steward who said he’d reset the damn programme the SECOND time....another stewardess (B, who is aware of the problem as she had relocated that

couple) came over to ask me whether I “wanted to watch a movie?”, somebody PLEASE hand her an AWARD!!!! Our very own Malaysian Sherlock Holmes!

But fine...apart from being condescending...i managed to change seats...lucky for them...heh..or I’d really kick up a bitch-fit!

Example #3

They handed out Arrival Cards for Australia...and because of the bad lighting on board and the f

aint print of the boxes...i’d ticked YES instead of the NO boxes I intended...i mean...hello...i don’t have AUD$10,000 with me....nor was I carrying any DEAD ANIMAL! So I asked the stewardess for another card....but she said they’ve run out as the flight was full.

Fine...i’ll get one when we land...

But after changing seats...i asked another stewardess (C) for the Arrival card.....

HOLY COW! I must be lucky today! Coz she brought me one...no questions asked!

Conclusion = No excuses needed, Stewardess A was LYING thru her TEETH and was just plain
LAZY!

Please do not allow me to assume it was because I am MALAYSIAN.

Hookay, so I got a call from Amanda of Tourism Australia saying that they’ll tapau dinner for Mumtaj & me...coz our flight was delayed and we wouldn’t be in time to join them (our crew) at the restaurant. (don’t worry, the call was before we took off from KLIA – I’m not gonna cause any plane crashes by turning on my mobile inflight – although I’ve known of certain pilot-friend who use his mobiles in the cockpit)

We arrived in Sydney at about 10 p.m. (local time). Hopped into a cab...and headed for our Hotel...which we eventually found after a lil bit of searching..as the cabby didn’t know where it was...he even had to look at a MAP!! Its on Darling harbour! How difficult is that??

Had dinner in my room...cold nasi goreng...which I didn’t finish coz I wasn’t exactly hungry. Gave Alfred a call...and he so badly wanted to go PARTAY! I was tired...but I did promise him and did say I was gonna meet up with Amy (my cousin).

So arranged to meet her and friends at Bristol Arms.

Alfred and I took a nice long walk across the .... bridge to Sussex Street and got to the Retro club...which was something different for me. Ker Wei and Faye joined us after a while...some weird stuff happening in there...Borat look-alike, DJ’s in drag, a male blowup doll, the Village people, u get the drift...

Had a lil bit of fun nonetheless....meeting up with Amy again was Great! we got back to the hotel at about 2 am...and I had an 8.45am flight to Canberra, later...hah...die. Slept a little...

Day 1 – 25^th May 2008

Departing Sydney

Met the rest of the crew in the morning as we piled into the minibus to the airport. Had breakfast at the airport and boarded a tiny little Fokker to Canberra. Now, THAT was fun! Excuse the jakun-ness...but I’ve never been on one before, OKAY.

Oh, because it was a tiny itty bitty plane...one of the camera crew’s boxes was put on the next flight to Canberra! And some of us had to repack our luggage into smaller handcarry bags (They gave us the smaller version of those big plastic China boxy bags). No, I didn’t need to repack! My check-in luggage was less than 20kgs, thank you!

Arriving Canberra

Our ACT guide Donna Ciacca met us at the arrival hall and escorted us to a MASSIVE coach...chartered for just the 10 of us (?).

We were to stay at Quality Suites Clifton on Northbourne.

Located just 300 metres from Canberra’s CBD, the 4.5 star Quality Suites Clifton boasts over 150 modern, self-contained serviced apartments. The spacious suites
include FOXTEL and movies on demand, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, in- slab bathroom floor heating, and a dining table & balcony perfect for entertaining. The hotel also has high-speed broadband internet, complimentary underground parking, a 25 metre outdoor pool, a la carte restaurant and five function rooms.

www.cliftonsuites.com.au

As we couldn’t check-into our hotel yet...we just left our luggage at the hotel and headed to Cream Cafe for lunch.

This very cool café attracts a mixed clientele of all ages, thanks in part to its good food and versatile design. With distinct bar, lounge and dining areas, an open kitchen and a fabulous art deco style ceiling design, the café serves good coffee and fresh creative dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences.

Address: Corner Bunda & Genge Streets, Canberra City

Phone: (02) 6162 1448

Website: www.creamcafebar.com.au

Our first thought upon arriving at Cream Cafe (well, mine at least) was, is it a requirement that all the waiters had to be drool-worthy? Hahah! No seriously...we were wondering why there wasn’t a single female waitress around and that all the waiters had arms to die for!

Excuse me, I have this thing for muscular arms....

So someone had to ask...and it turned out that a waitress had a birthday party the night before and it was decided that all the male employees had to be on duty the next day! Talk about gender-equality!! Brilliant!

I had Mushroom Omelette...was okay...i wasn’t hungry.

Mushroom Omelette (g) 14
exotic mushrooms, basil and chorizo with a
spicy roast pepper sauce served with toast

Walked back to the hotel (its less than 1km away anyway) and check-into my room...changed and headed to the Australian War Memorial for my recce (reconnaissance – to get to know the place and for the cameracrew to plan the angles for filming).

Oh before that, we went up Capital Hill to shoot my introduction. Short n sweet! U’ll see!

After the War Memorial, Donna took us for a drive around Lake Burley Griffin at Commonwealth Place to shoot some of my ‘fillers’ (okay, I forgot what fillers are...)

Stopped at some of the locations that we would be visiting during the Ghost Tour with Tim the Yowie Man and headed to Canberra Glassworks.

We stopped for tea at Canberra Centre at around 3ish. I had Nacho’s with beef! (of course!) and it was a HUGE portion! Even with 3 people snacking on it..we could barely finish it. Oh yea, the massive caramel milkshake didn’t help either!

Got back to the hotel at around 4ish, totally knackered, from the night before! Took a little nap...got up, changed and met Donna & the rest at the lobby together with our other guide Shea Foster to head for dinner at Taj Agra, a northern Indian restaurant.

Ordered a little bit of everything....i refrained from ordering anything coz I wasn’t hungry...i don’t think I got a chance to even BE hungry for the entire trip actually!

I knew we’d over do it as everyone kept going... “And...”, “And...”, “And...”

And we did. The food was awesome tho...very yummy...dun ask me what we had...coz I can’t remember...its Indian...ooo...a man caused a scene at the cashier while paying his bill...wasn’t too pleased with something...and was practically shouting at the staff...fortunately, the cashier, young as he was, kept his cool and attended to that irate customer professionally. Good Job!

There was this Indian waitress who was hilarious! While that man was in the midst of his verbal diahorrea, the ambiance music went off...and no one noticed to turn it back on. So at some point...she was shouting an order to the kitchen staff and we all heard it....and when she came out...and all of us were looking at her...she was like “Whoops...did everyone hear what I just said?” we were like “yea...but its ok”.

We tapau-ed some leftovers (there was a LOT of leftover) for Daphne & Naz who decided to skip
dinner coz they had some work to do.

I was very very happy to see my bed again....don’t worry people...i did take a shower before. Oh my room was fabulous... MASSIVE !! Tot of having a PARTY in there...too bad I don’t know many people in Canberra.

The only downside was, the toilet was way across the other side of the apartment from the room. So getting ready to go out was a mini marathon.

Day 2 – Monday 26^th May 2008

We had breakfast at the hotel and it was FAB! I LOVED it!! YARMEE!! I had my bacon, scrambled eggs, beans, sausage, roasted tomato, hashbrowns, OJ and gulped down some coffee.

Departed the hotel at 8.10 a.m. for the Australian War Memorial for filming.

Australian War Memorial

See what makes us proud at the Australian War Memorial, which commemorates the commitment, camaraderie and sacrifice of Australians in war. Regarded as one of the finest
museums of its kind in the world, the Memorial uses film, sound, light and modern technology, to depict the Australian experience of war.

Featuring: The Commemorative Area, The Discovery Zone and Conflicts 1945 to Today.

www.awm.gov.au

Okay, I may not be the most patriotic of persons...but visiting the AWM touched me in a way because I could actually feel the sacrifices these Australian soldiers for their
country as well as other countries all over the world. You can actually see the difference they’ve made and the impact on mankind as a whole. It was a very interactive place and not dead as what I thought it would be. We got to play dress-up, crawl through tunnels & sit in a helicopter (I’d like to say it was an Apache, but I’m not too sure), amongst other things.

We did my interview outside the War Memorial building which was a beautiful background. Just my thoughts on what we just saw and how I felt about it.

Redbrow Garden

Since we were ahead of schedule (still a few hours before lunch) we decided to head to Redbrow Garden first. It was a little drive out of the city centre and about 10 minutes on a dirt road to get to Redbrow Garden. We pulled into this lovely Bed & Breakfast place which even had its own mini lake!

Yes, so we did go “Row, Row, Row a boat...” We got into a sampan (or a fishing boat, as they would like to call it) and Naz being the only male... ‘volunteered’ to row....they decided to shoot the promo with the 3 of us in the sampan...unfortunately for Naz...i think we did about 10 takes, as either one of us would ...as ‘someone’ would call it... “eff up”.

Besides the lake, the rooms were charming...built by the strong hands of the owners David & Elisabeth Judge.

The recreation room was very cozy with coffee & tea making facilities available throughout the day, homecooked meals, a pool table, a library, a wood fireplace and big comfy armchairs to sink
into with a steamy mug of hot chocolate, my doggies at my feet and a good book....mmm....oh hello!, sorry, got carried away.....

But yes, it’s a perfect getaway from the city (although Canberra isn’t exactly a very busy stressful polluted city to start with!). If I could afford it...i’d love to spend a nice couple of days there!

Oh OHH!!!! They even had 2 Alpacas! One black and one white. They were SO BLARDEECUTE!! Shucks..what were their names?? Something Spanish....Amigo or something...Pedro....and those huge black eyes with their foot-long eyelashes staring back at u....

I got to carry a chicken...er....nice (?) yea, she was nice n FAT! Hahahah! Fried chicken anyone? Kiddingggg......

They have fresh free-range farm eggs every morning....mmm....now where r them cows?

David even gave us a fruit...green...taste like YUM (?)....can’t remember the name....sorry...but it was gooooddd....

Oh by the way...smarty here forgot to bring her camera down from the bus...and the driver was having a snooze...so didn’t get any pictures of the farm or the cute alpacas! Idiot!

Set in the midst of scenic undulating farmland and native forests, this colourful and productive 10 hectare garden and tranquil B&B is just 30 minutes from Canberra. Luxuriate in your private lake view room with double shower and be sure to enjoy a unique jacuzzi by the lake.

Redbrow Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and
bustle of the city.

Featuring: Lakeside room with outdoor jacuzzi, new garden guesthouse and farm
Contact: David and Elisabeth Judge
Address: 1143 Nanima Road, Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582
Phone: (02) 6226 8166
Website: www.redbrowgarden.com.au

Tosolini’s

After Redbrow Garden, we headed for lunch at Tosolini’s an Italian restaurant. I had their Mama’s Special Spaghetti with Meatballs. It was very very very very YUMMY! Portion was (again) huge...so I only manage to finish HALF of it....but Amanda and I shared a gelati for dessert! I mean, hello! Its staring you in the face and u’re in an Italian restaurant...and u’re NOT gonna have a gelati??? Excuse me, are u gay?

This cosy restaurant is about as close to an

Italian café as you can get, with superb coffee and housemade pasta and tiramisu. With outdoor dining in the warmer months and a roaring fire in winter, this is an inviting spot for a drink or a la carte meal. Dine on pizzas, bruschetta, pasta, risotto and mains.

Address: Bailey’s Arcade, Cnr London Circuit & East Row, Canberra City
Phone: (02) 6247 4317
Website: www.tosolinis.com.au

Some of us were talking about heading to Brand Depot for a quick retail therapy....since we were ahead of schedule. Everyone was in the mood for shopping....so they decided to shoot some of my fillers there, eventhough Brand Depot was not on the itinerary! Yea...had me walking in n out of shops...withdrawing money... yea the usual stuff u do when u shop ler...

I bought some body-creams; coconut (obviously!), Mango Tango, Lanolin, whipped SPA (thingie) I LOVE EM!, a red purse ($15.90) and a nice yummy brown sling bag for only $23.90!

Got back at about 6p.m. freshened up and met everyone at the lobby for dinner at Cream Café (again).

I had a kangaroo steak salad! Taste just like beef. No one else wanted to try it...cowards!

We were all geared up to meet Tim the Yowie Man for our Ghost Tour after dinner!

Weird Canberra Ghost and History Tour with Tim the Yowie Man

This is the history they don’t put in the guide books, this is a tour that shines a spotlight into the hidden underbelly of the nation’s capital. A unique, three hour experience visiting sites of crimes, hauntings and murder in Australia's national capital. Visit the darker side of Canberra's past.

Phone: (02) 9943 0167 0407 769 980 (Tim)
Website: www.destinytours.com.au/canberra.htm

Felt a lil tingly at the thought of actually having the opportunity of possibly seeing or feeling a ghost! But I’m up for any kind of excitement by that time!

We were met by Tim’s assistant (will insert name when i remember) at the pickup point (petrol station) before Tim arrived with the mini bus.

Tim was such a character, I must say! Hugely entertaining, vastly knowledgeable and a very captivating ghost story teller!

We visited a church...which used to be a train station at Sydney’s Rookwood Necropolis (City of the Dead). The train station was taken down brick by brick and transported to Canberra just by a 100 pounds bid by the parish.

The original building started as the First Mortuary station in Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney, as noted on a plaque on the church:

"The Stonework of this church was originally used

to build the first mortuary station on the branch railway

to the necropolis rookwood near Sydney. This plaque was presented by the Australian Railway Historical Society to commemorate the old station which was in use from 1868 to 1948." [1]

Its has quite an interesting history...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Canberra

We actually stood in front of Blundell’s cottage (a Historical site) along Lake Burley Griffin where it legend goes that a girl Florie saved her siblings from a fire in that very cottage but later died of her burns.

Wanna hear something creepy? Well...aside from the scare we got when Tim’s assistant jumped out from a bush in a zombie outfit when we were leaving the cottage and nearly made Naz wet his pants!

Amanda took a picture (the ONLY one she would take for the night! She said before!) and guess what we saw in that picture? A purple light...not just an orb...a human-like figure with what looked like an outline of a face and skeleton!! How cool is that?!?!

I will definitely put the pic up when she sends it out!

He also told us about a visitor to the AWM (yes, we were there this morning!) who was feeling a lil faint and a soldier in full WW2 uniform came to his aid...sat him down on a chair...and disappeared.

Oh and guess who’s the lucky one who got to wear the Anti-Alien Abduction Helmet which costs USD$5000! Yes...moi. Yay! ...*groan* its NOT a pretty headgear I tell ya! U’ll see it on TV. Oh brill!

It was a very spooky, dark, wet ride up to the Air Disaster Memorial. The ADM is actually locked up because too many weird and dangerous events had taken place in there.

Some of us badly needed to answer nature’s call and had to make do with er....some patches of grass...near some bushes...I didn’t mind...heh...i can pee anywhere!

The Canberra air disaster of 1940 was a plane crash that took place near Canberra, the capital of Australia, on 13 August 1940, during World War II. The six passengers, which included three members of the Australian Cabinet and the Chief of the General Staff, and the four crew were all killed. The deaths of the three cabinet ministers severely weakened the United Australia Party government of Robert Menzies and contributed to its fall in 1941.

The woods where the ADM was in was also the place where Tim had seen a Yowie! Bigfoot? Yea...him.

No, we didn’t see any Yowies. Some people heard whisperings tho.....oOooOoo...

Before the officials decided to keep the ADM locked...a lot of new drivers who just received their licences would drive up to the ADM and guess what? Their car’s would break down....engines die and the lot. No surprise, the AA companies would receive the most calls from the ADM. A woman was even believed to have been raped and murdered at the ADM. You can sometimes hear her screams! We didn’t hear any...so they made me scream instead....

We also stood in the dark in a room at Hotel Kurrajong where former (16^th) Prime Minister of Australia Ben Chifley used to practically run the country from! He was said to have passed away in that very room...and people would actually specifically book that room just to stay in the same room as the former Prime Minister and get a chance to see his....ghost (?). People have claimed to have seen his ghost by the window.

So Tim left us there...in the dark.....it was pretty spooky...coz we tot we’d actually SEE something...or something might jump out at us from the cupboard....but nothing happened....phew!

Had light refreshments at Hotel Kurrajong ... HOT CHOCOLATE.....mmm.....

After that...we drove around a bit more...and Tim showed us some more buildings and sites where hauntings have been spoken of...and showed us a UFO! Imagine that! Canberra’s very own UFO! Interesting isn’t it?

Anyway, we got back quite late that night and went straight to bed....no more interviews....please...i can barely even think....

Oh...fyi...i didn’t feel anything strange, creepy or funny back in my room....nothing followed me home...i think...of course my mind wanted so badly to play tricks on me...but as much as I’d have liked to at least feel spooked out...i didn’t...Bah!...better luck next time....