Coming back from Brisbane

My family coming back from Brisbane after more than two weeks staying with my sister. Fetched them at Avalon Airport at 5.00 pm. My sister also came along. Hire a car for few days to take them for sight seeing

Donald's Plum

Since Monday Donald has brought his plums from his garden to the gym. Lots and lots of them. Nice juicy plum. Thanks Donald. It enough for everybody in the gym.

ALtona: The Esplanade and Cherry Lake

Decided to go to Altona not far from my place. Zul found some information about Cherry Lake. Try to see what this place could offer.

Catch early train as possible trying to avoid the heat later on. Took the train from Flinders Street Station and stop at Altona Station. We went to the Esplanade first and spent sometime there.

Cherry Lake is about 20 minutes walk from the Esplanade. Huge lake with picnic facilities. An alternative place to come over for picnic in future.

A Gift for mum

Purposely bought this camera for my mum. When she first arrived in Melbourne and took my mum and the rest of the family around, saw her camera and thought I should get a new one for her. Looking for camera which is simple and easier for her to use, good quality and not too expensive. Look around and asked Adam (Camera House Camera Action) which will be the best. I have sighted few models and brands and ask his opinion. He suggested Canon Powershot A480. Survey to all the shops around and Department stores the price for this model. I then found the cheapest price for the same model from Myers Department store. Most of the places will sell between 145 - 149 Australian dollars. Asked Adam what the best prices he could sell which is AUD 130 but I told him I got a better deal. I told him, he will be surprised. I mentioned that I could get from Myers for AUD 99. He was really surprised. I was lucky though, I was fast enough to get the camera on time because I was the last person to get it. No more and many people were asking for the camera. Lucky you, that what the sale's lady said.

Good bargain. !!!!! :-)

The 2 Bruneian Nurses in Melbourne

Lela and Hajjah Rogayah, the 2 nurses from Brunei are in Melbourne for two weeks and going back on Thursday. They came for attending the Cardiac Rehab course and also doing some clinical attachment at some of the Cardiac Rehab Center in Melbourne.

Lela came here more than a year before to Austin Hospital with a male nurse (Nurse manager) where I first knew them.

(Ikan goreng berlado)

Both of them been busy for the last two weeks and yesterday was the only time they had free time for us to meet and I was given a dinner treat. :-)

We had our dinner at Block M Restaurant (Indonesian Restaurant) at Little Bourke street. Nice menu and food too. Frankly I have never been to this place even though I passed by the place many time.

Showed them around after dinner for a short while for few hours.
Wish them a safe journey back to Brunei this Thursday.

TAHU BAKAR; Melbourne Style

I made 'Tahu Bakar' (Grilled Toufu) yesterday. Interested to get the recepie? Ask me especially the sauce it is a family recepie. Nice.

Sunny day on the Beach

Nice sunny day today, maximum temperature predicted 26C. Decided to go to the beach in the afternoon.

Nice time relaxing under the sun.

Ubi Goreng dan Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis

Sarapan pagi, d pagi minggu. Ubi goreng dengan sambal tumis ikan bilis(anchovies). Sedap.

( Made fried tapioca on Sunday morning)

BlackTiger Prawn

My patient, sergio, brought me a kilo of Tiger prawn on Friday. We we talking about tiger prawn on Wednesday during his session in the gym. He said he could get the prown a kilo for only 10 dollars which is cheap. Usually it will cost me at least 18 dollars or more. Interesting though the Tiger prawn was a product of Malaysia.

'Hey I saw you in Local Newspaper'

( The team with patient )

Two weeks ago, a reporter from the hospital editorial board and journalist from local newspaper came to our gym. They came and took few pictures of us and interviewed the consultant (my supervisors for this study). So fortunate, one of my patients still around so they interviewed him too and made the session more interesting.

A week later the news about our gym and the study came out in the Hospital newsletter and the two local newspaper. My patients was telling me he had been identified and recognized by many people because of his picture in the paper. Well good on him

Today out of no where, some of the hospital staff which I have never have spoken to them before called me and said "Hey I saw you in the local newspaper. that cool mate." Suddenly I became a bit glamorous. Made me a bit embarrassed. Yeah right. :-)

BATAGOR @ BASO TAHU GORENG

One of my favorite when I was in Bandung last time. BATAGOR. One of Bandung special cuisine. It has two version first having it with peanuts sauce or second with soups. I like both. Even now I will have BATAGOR when I go to Nelayan Restaurant or Es Teller 77 here in Melbourne. But I like the one that they made in Bandung which is much much nicer. First thing when I get back to Bandung in future I want to have BATAGOR. :-) anyhow....

I have decided to make BATAGOR myself. :-). I have done baso tahu last time, so not much different. The only different is you need to fried the 'baso tahu'. That where BATAGOR got it name.

Batagor with peanut sauce

Batagor Kuah

Cinta Ada

Just found out this songs from youtube recently. 3 Malaysian female singers, love the song.

Wet Weekend

(Sunset in Tasmania)

It has been raining in late afternoon till night/or ealy morning for the last few days. It good though for Melbourne, they need the rain to increase the water level at the catchment area. Since the drought for many years the water level has been drop so much. But hopefully when my family come back from Brisbane, I am hoping for a nice sunny day so I could show them around.

Act of Kindness

One of my patients, 63 yrs old Jordanian whom already been in my program for more than 2 months. A week ago, during his session I have told him that my family is coming. Then he asked me what time they will arrive and how you going to fetch them. He is actually own a taxi, his been asking me the same question last time for my trip to Tasmania. I don't like to trouble people or take the opportunity of others especially my patients. But this time round his persistently asked me and offer me his car. I told him I have book a car to hire. "Why you want to waste your money. Don't be shy, you can use my car.' Hmmm, told him I will think first and at the end I told him I agreed to 'use' his car.

After work on Friday, went to his place to get his car. Instead of straight away going back home, I had been ask to stay for a cupper. He has a nice big house and met his wife. Before I left their place the wife invited me and my family to come for lunch before they going back to Kuala Lumpur. They are a lovely couple.

(Williamstown at noon)

I used the car for a day and took my family around on Saturday morning till late afternoon. In the afternoon I have to send them to Avalon airport for Brisbane. My family will stay in Brisbane with my sister for two weeks plus then come back to Melbourne during my long holiday and I can show them around Melbourne and Victoria.

I sent back the car immediately, again he asked me to stay for a cupper. I think their culture is like us too, will entertained guess who come over to their place.

Initially I don't now how to pay him after using his car, then he decided to fill fuel for the car. I want to pay for the fuel suddenly he pulled my hand and said No. I saw his a bit offended when I said I want to pay the bill.

Then I thought he want to send me to the station instead he sending me back home. He doesn't mind sending me back home. I really feel bad after that. But then I think that the way how he appreciated other people who had looked after him.

The Arrival

My family had arrived from Kuala Lumpur at midnight, 12.15 am. Came out from the custom an hour later then we took a cab to my place. I only had 2 hours rest before got up again and left home for Austin at 5 am. I Felt so sleepy at 'work' unfortunately it a long 'working' day for me today, on Friday and only will finish at 6.00 pm. :-(

Biskut Eton

Especially buat ETON SKS,

Ternyata tak ku sangka rupanya, cempedak menjadi nangka. Eton pun ada kilang biskut yerrr, ingat kan Nahar power jerr. Ni tak leh jadi

hehehe

tak cakap punnnn.....................

Alah sajerr nak sakat hari tuu gi ALDI supermarket kat sini nampak biskut ada nama eton.

Sedap biskut nii. Jangan mare...

Macam etong original juga

:-)

Tea with Apam Balik

First attempt of making 'Apam Balik'. Made it for tea today.
Nice to have something hot in a rainy day in the afternoon with tea.
So relaxing

Hobart Waterfront

Hobart Waterfront

Hobart has one of the finest deep water ports in the world, and a waterfront to match. Historic buildings, including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, line the waterfront

We been here twice on our visit. First on our first day and then on our last day before went off to the airport. Nice warm day.

Beautiful view all over the Waterfront area

Salamanca Place , on the waterfront of Hobart famous with it Saturday Market. Unfortunately we didn't go to the market. Maybe next time. Anyhow we had a great time at the Waterfront.

Donald's Garden

"Hey McDonald had a farm, eee-yi-eee-yi-oh"

:-)

The original lyric should be old but i change to hey coz don't want to upset, donald :-)

Few weeks back, Donald came to the Gym with his broad beans and an album of his garden. Looking through the album, he has a beautiful garden. I asked him if I could come over to see his garden and take pictures. "You are most welcome." He asked me when is my best time to come over and he will fetch me at the hospital.

We had set the date, 5th November 2009, nice sunny day too. He came to the gym at noon to fetch me while I just completed my session with another patient that day.

I was amazed with his garden's collection. Looking at his place he do enjoying gardening very mucn. He kept well his garden. Lots and lots of flowers and vege patch.

I only had a short time but looking at his garden I need hours. Not enough time. I told him I need to come again...spring next year....

Beautiful Garden.

My homevisit to Tony's Place

Tony, 77 years old, one of my patients whom still participate in my study had an angiogram done on Thursday, 5th November 2009. I had promised to him that I will pay him a visit on the weekend.

He called me last Friday when I was in Hobart the good news that there is no blockage in any of his heart vessels. It was a good news. When I was at work last Monday, found the written results which mentioned the whole finding. As expected he just had the coronary disease but no blockage.

He was really excited to tell me the news, and want to find out when I would like to come over to his place for the home visit? I told him on Saturday (which is yesterday).

I called him earlier when I was in the train and there he was waiting for me at Watsonia train station. Just out side the train station there were having a market, a car show and some entertainment. Tony not really sure what it all about, I thought it was part of a welcoming party for my visit. :-)

I can read from Tony face, he was really happy for me to pay him a visit. Tony is a person whom wouldn't tell you how he actually felt, unless if he trusted you very much. I have been monitoring him for almost a year and I know him pretty well. Anyway he has been telling me wanted to show me something. He brought me to Mt Cooper lookout where you can see Melbourne CBD from the highest peak in Bundoora then show me a protected tree where sometime ago the aborigine use the tree as a ceremonial tree. He is a very knowledgeable and experienced person, he telling me all the history of the area.

(half egg shell)

His house is so so cozy and homey. No wonder after each session he wanted to go back home soon and I can tell you why.

His wife, Dianna had welcome me in. Lot and lots of arts,antiques and dolls collection in their house. Dianna started to show me all her arts of Egg Shell decoration collections. I was really impressed. The delicate and tedious work you have to pun in to decorate one an egg shell. I did ask her she should sell each of her egg shell arts and i assumed each item she could made hundreds of dollars but she don't want to sell it.

One after another. She showed almost everything of her arts from Egg shell.

They have some precious antiques too, like this egg cup from china. It was a heritage from Dianna's mom. They tried to get rid of them 6 years ago but when they asked somebody from antiques road show. They were surprised with the price for the whole set and decided not to sell yet. I won't tell you how much the price they have been offered. :-)

Then Dianna started to tell stories of all the dolls they have been collected. Can spend days by listening from her story.

I like both of them, even though they have multiple medical conditions they were still happy. Really admire their attitude. I was touched by the way they look after me and treated me like their own son.

I didn't realize that I had spent hours with them till I have to ask permission to go back home. Most of the time it is nice to know your patient well, how they live and their activity at home. Knowing any of them first hand can give you some alternative how to help them and to treat them.

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Tasmania

We started early on Saturday morning, 7 November 2009. We know it going to be a long long journey up to Cradle Mountain. It is about 316 km from our place in Hobart, approximately 4 hours 30 minutes drive. Uhhh a long drive.

We get everything ready, food and drinks which we have prepared for the journey. At 6.00 am we started to move. We have to stop at few places first for coffee and secondly stop at information center at Mole Creek where we gathered an information that there is a faster route to Cradle Mountain.

We finally reach our destination, Cradle Mountain and straight away to Visitor Information Center after 5 hours driving. Had our lunch first before we start to move again by shuttle bus to Dove Lake.

We were so blessed, the weather was so so lovely. The temperature was around 22 - 25C. I was been told that day the weather was the best weather so far they had for months. Usually they will have changeable weather in a day and need to be prepared with proper clothing.

We were fascinated by the beauty of this place. Fresh cool air with picturesque scenery. Wow what a beauty. If I have been given a chance again coming to Tessie, wouldn't mind to come here again but next time might think of staying for a night here. Would be lovely.

There are many forest walk trail, we took the Dove Lake circuit walk which is about 6 km distance and should finish theoretically in 2 hours instead we completed the circuit in 3 hours because we stop at few places taking pictures and mesmerizing the breathtaking view. Wonderful

At the end we had spend more than 5 hours at Cradle Mountain and the Lake then straight away left the place for Hobart. It took us 4 hours to reach Hobart had dinner and rest.

P/S double click any of the above pictures, it will link you to my other pictures at Cradle Mountain.

Russell Falls, Tasmania

Russell Falls
Mt Field National Park
32 Lake Dobson Rd, Mt Field TAS 7140

72.5 km from Hobart CBD and took us about one hour and a half to reach the place (Supposed to be less than that because we stop in between, sleepy mahhh. We have a cuper before we continue the journey)

From the visitor center, we walk for 20 minutes to reach the place.
Fascinating

Mount Wellington, Hobart : Panoramic View

Mount Wellington, Hobart

Peak rises to 1270 meter above sea level

Half an hour drive from Hobart CBD

First on the list was Mount Wellington. Not far from the place where we stayed in. Even we could see the Mountain from a distance. Beautiful.

We brought our GPS, made our life much easier. It took about half an hour to reach the peak. Narrowed road to the peak. Drove really carefully as I am a little bit phobia driving on high altitude.

It was a bit chilly initially but adapted well.

Nice view indeed. So picturesque.

Could see Hobart city from above. Beautiful.

Sweet Memories of Tasmania

Had a great time in Hobart. Too bad it was a short visit. There are a lot more places to be seen. Only been to few places for the last 2 days. Cradle Mountain, Wellington Mountain, Waterfront, Russel's Fall and few more on our way to some of the destinations.

I took Virgin airline flight going back to Melbourne. No more 4 hours delay like last Thursday when we took Tiger airways. I safely got back home by 4.00 pm Sunday afternoon with sweet memories of Tasmania.

Last Day in Hobart

Last day in Hobart. Will missed this place.

We were preparing food for the whole day, breakfast, lunch and light snack before going off back to Melbourne. It going to be a long day for Zul, Zainah and her family since their flight are at 5.30pm and 5.45 pm while as for me, I am going back much earlier at 1.30pm. After last Thursday experience we need to bring food while waiting for the flight in case of flight delay.

We made 'Curry puff' (Zainah made the pastry while I plited the puff), 'roti canai', spaghetti and sandwiches.

Riverfront Villas and Motel

Location.
Riverfront Villas and Motel
11 Strathaven Drive
Rosetta, HOBART, Tasmania
Australia 7010

Friends from Dandenong suggested this place, which is a nice place to stay in. I will definitely recommend to others. It about 10 minutes drive from this place to Hobart CBD.

Zul booked the accommodation a week earlier and managed to get a Villa with 4 bedrooms which include 10 beds. It is also a self contained Villa and well furnished too.

This is the villa we staying in. Looks like a castle. Really nice and comfortable. Big place.

The car we hired, Hyundai Imax nicely fitted the porch. :-)

Never drove Imax before, it's a nice big car. 8 seated and so spacious.

Another villa just besides our villa. It looks nice too. They also have smaller house with one or two bedrooms and motels.

The most interesting thing about this place is, it located near a river with a picturesque view. Not far from there is also a park with picnic and BBQ area. I will definitely stay here again next time when I am here again in Hobart.

Good Morning Hobart

What a wonderful morning in Hobart. Sun rise at about 5.10-515 am. Even though we had a bad time departing from Melbourne, wonderful morning made me feel so excited and forgot about last night. The flight only took off from Melbourne Airport at quarter past 11.00 pm and reached Hobart airport by past midnight. Everybody was upset but yeah can't complaint much at least we in Hobart now.

We took our booked hired car from the airport and drove to the our house for the weekend. Had late supper and and get to bed by 2 am.

Thought I slept well even only for 3 hours. Maybe I was really excited. Yeah.. Good morning Hobart.

Delaying Tiger Airways..nothing new

Well, this is the consequences when you want to travel with a very cheap flight. Just imagine, I booked the flight fare 3 month ago, flight from Melbourne Airport to Hobart Airport just only AUD 32 including tax.

I have heard all about tiger airways flight always delay or even cancel from other staff and friends who had flied with tiger before or even from the news. Now I am experiencing the delay myself. Our flight suppose to depart at 7.30 pm now at 8.05 pm we (me, Zul, zainah with her family and the rest of the passengers) still waiting for boarding.

Hmmmmm, what to do. No choice. All of us have to right here waiting for.....

Well this is it. No more and no way flying with tiger airways in future.