As you grow older in life, you start to embrace the most important things, and understand that irregardless of how many lemons the Universe throws at you, undying support from family and friends is most vital. This said, I thank the Universe everyday for opening up windows and doors for me, and allowing great people to cross paths with me. I am also extremely blessed to not only have a family back home in Malaysia who supports what I do, but to have known an amazing family here in Melbourne too. I think it would be difficult for someone to just drop everything they have back in their home country to move to a foreign land without a known comfort ground. Not to say that my journey thus far has been a breeze either. Yet, it is comforting to know that I have people who show love and care, and to feel 'at home' with them over here.
This Christmas we spent four lovely days in Phillip Island. Chris' family managed to book a house in Sunderland Bay, the more quiet part of the island, instead of the over crowded, more popular town spot, Cowes. It was mainly a lot of family time, great food, beach time, surf, and much pleasure being away from the city, with terrible mobile phone reception (not exactly complaining). Even driving south to Phillip Island was such an exciting part of our trip, passing by green meadows, live stock and clear blue skies.
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Stopped by a dairy restaurant on the way and made a new friend |
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We've got a Wii in our room |
When we were kids (my sisters and I), Christmas was about presents and finally being able to get something on our 'Wish List'. Now that all of us have grown up, it is about family time. Albeit not being able to spend the year's festivities with my family this time around, I gave them a call just to let them know I am surviving and ease them off their worries. Now, you must be wondering the cost of calling back home ... peanuts. In fact, I am trying to use up all my $1.3k worth of credit in my phone. So if you would like to receive a call from the blistering heat of Melbourne, give me your mobile number and I shall entertain you.
Chris' parents arrived before us and his mum decorated the place with a Christmas-sy feel.
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No X'mas will be complete without some fairy lights |
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X'mas Dinner |
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Dessert and Movie Time!! |
Since it was my first trip to Phillip Island, I took every opportunity I get to venture around the island. Chris ain't a fan of all the 'touristy' activities as he has been there many-a-times. On one evening, I followed his brother, sis-in-law, and mum to the Nobbies Centre on the other side of the island from where we stayed. We did a walk down the bridge overlooking breathtakingly beautiful scenery and views of the South Victoria and Seal Rocks. Apparently there are seals on that little island, tourist-telescopes are available at the Nobbies (with a fee) to look at them from afar, or some can even opt for the tours to the rocks.
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Walk at The Nobbies Centre |
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Spotted some penguins hiding from the sun |
The following day, we went to Cowes for morning tea, then I followed Chris' parents, brother and sis-in-law to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. It was a really hot day and quite a number of animals were, I guess, feeling quite lethargic and taking an afternoon nap. I really wanted to see the Koalas in-action. Unfortunately, all of them were resting, except for one who was busy munching on the leaves on the tree. Ah, well.. better than nothing. The kangaroos and emus were out-and-about. In other words, they roam freely in the park (which spans across 60 acres of land). We were allowed to feed the animals (food provided at 50 cents a packet at the counter). I got pecked by a greedy black swan (thankfully it has no teeth! or not that I felt them) and a wombat farted at me while I was feeding it. Poo! Oh, speaking of which, we had to trample on feces; they are literally everywhere and you can't avoid them even if you wanted to. Free-range animals. Interesting day indeed!
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My two favorite kangaroos |
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Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree |
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I'm the REAL Black Swan, B*tch! |
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Adorable WHATTT!! |
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It's like a soft toy!!! |
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Tasmanian Devil - not how Warner Bros portrayed it to be |
On the day we left Phillip Island, the road heading into the island is so congested, it was pretty crazy. Well, suffice to say it was a great beach day, however, if I was driving towards the island and see such heavy (almost) non-moving traffic ahead, I'd have turned back.
It was a lovely Christmas away from the city. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the water, catching a few good waves. Ahhh.. the sea...
Oh, I needed to get crafty and made these gorgeous cards with cut-up snowflakes for Chris' family. They are quite the pain to cut through the narrow bits. Nevertheless, it was worth the effort doing so when I open it up and see the beauty displayed before me.
Hope you had a lovely Christmas break!