Being Australians

This is a long overdue post, the wet Sydney weather this weekend has finally given me the chance to post this.

After almost  3 years of Sydney living, we finally made it to the resident's "finish line".  Last month, after completing all the requirements (including passing a Citizenship exam) , we were invited to make the citizenship pledge together with around 95 others who chose to immigrate to Australia from 28 different countries.

It was a short candid ceremony where we were asked to make the oath that read:

From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

It was an emotional moment, yes, not enough to make me cry but enough to give me goosebumps he he, as it is one of the biggest decisions we had to make in life.  Being a citizen by choice makes citizenship more meaningful, I guess, than being a citizen by birth or by descent, since one makes a more conscious effort to build a better place to live.  This is what Australia is all about being the country of immigrants and is one of the reasons why we choose to be here.

Some more snaps from the day ...

Photo with Mayor Nick Berman:

Dinner and drinks with friends who have helped us along the way:

To choose to leave what we had in the Philippines, to choose to make it work down under and to choose to live and work here permanently -- these were the choices we had to make almost 3 years ago and indeed it paid off!

Our next chapter in life continues ... 

Melbourne in August

There was something about Melbourne that we really loved. We were there for 6 days just one week after we first set foot in the land down under and it was love at first sight. It could be the simple life, or the accessibility to the city from where our cousin lived, or the street layout - being grid-like very much similar to what we're used to in Manila, or maybe the friendliness of people we bumped into in our strolls or tram-rides, or the fashion, or the markets, or (okay just in case you are reading) Shaun's home-cooked meals.

Almost three years later, we were back to what we called the Little Italy of Australia. We never thought it would take us that long really BUT this time it was bitterly cold. It was almost always wet and always freezing. What kept us warm was the hospitality of our cousins (both of them are now based in Melbourne) and our friends.

I loved Natasha's and Dylan's house - it's an old house with a modern interior, very homely, very tidy, a place one would always want to go home to. It can just be 3 stops from Melbourne Central (read shopping), very convenient indeed! Shaun's was not bad, forget about tidiness, but the new telly kept us entertained. We watched two-half movies on the big screen in his very comfortable lounge (seriously Shaun you don't need a new one) while feasting on baked oysters c/o hubby, baked salmon fillet over a glass of Sauv Blanc c/o the cousin and strawberries and cream c/o moi.

Our couple friends' place was very close to the upscale tourist shopping area, Chapel Street, so we had the chance to stroll along the shops while attempting to look for a good buy - but hubby said they were way too fashionable for his taste.  We did enjoy a very tasty brunch while catching up on our life stories and savoured on our afternoon chocolate indulgence. The dinner in Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant was scrumptious and as if the afternoon chocolate wasn't enough, the sticky date pudding was divine.  Just to clarify, we did a lot of walking in Chapel Street and Toorak Road and inside the Prahran Market and in the War Memorial in between these banquets.

It wasn't all about food for the weekend.  We had to do something new and despite the weather forecast we pursued the Great Ocean Road.  It was a beautiful first half of the day with magnificent views of the Bass Strait until we got to the climax of the trip, the Twelve Apostles where it started to pour ice-cold rain.

Loved every bit of that weekend, scenic, relaxing - got the well-deserved rest we wanted, fruitful - rewarded ourselves with a few good buys from the little mulah we budgeted for the trip and gastronomically-challenged (as a friend would put it). We would not have wanted it any other way.

World Youth Day 2008

The biggest event of the World Youth Day 2008 and the culmination of the 6-day Catholic youth celebration in Sydney was the Papal Mass held on 20th of July 2008.

We braved the 4km Pilgrim Walk, enjoyed the solemnity of the Papal Mass, and challenged ourselves to a longer & more crowded walk back to the Central Station where we boarded the train back to our place.   I hope these photos will do us justice for missing work today. :)

As Bishop Anthony Fischer led the cheer, Hip hip hurray!, in the farewell event for His Holiness, I cant help but smile & join the Aussies cheer. And as we watch snippets from the events, images of the Pope all smiles waving at and reaching out to the pilgrims as he went past most of the city landmarks, it makes me proud to be a resident of the host country and the host city, it was indeed Sydney at its best.

Aroma Festival @ The Rocks

One of the things we've accustomed ourselves into since our move down under was to look forward to weekends and how we spend them.  Every Friday at work, mates ask each other the plans for the weekend ... and the Monday after how one's weekend went.

This time around, after our regular Sunday mass schedule, we drove to the city to experience the annual Aroma Festival @ The Rocks but to make it a little more interesting, we braved the long walk and crossed the Harbour Bridge to get to the venue.  This takes the guilt off all the treats we indulged in at the festival. Haha 

Here are some photos from the day.

Our Wollongong - Kiama Day Trip, nth time!

For the nth time last Saturday, forecasted as fine despite being in the middle of winter season, we went on a drive to our favourite day trip destination - the Illawara Region.  The main towns of the region are mainly located in the coast line making it a lovely drive for anyone who loves the sea.  It is in fact a combination of mountain and beach views which gives this location the special character one looks for in a great weekend.

Our first stop was at the Stanwell Tops which provided a perfect backdrop of what's in store for the day.  This is popular for hang-gliding which the hubby is keen to try one of these days.  From here, one can see the Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong and if you're lucky (as we were last Saturday) you'll even spot whales.

Then we continued the drive down hill thru the Grand Pacific Drive - which we often relate to the Patapat Bridge in Ilocos Norte.  We drove past the smaller towns till we reached Wollongong where we stopped for lunch.  After lunch, we went straight to the Wollongong's Flagstaff Lighthouse and just savoured the view - which is almost always the best thing to do after lunch.

A drive further led us to Kiama, our dream town!  This was where we setup our picnic mat and enjoyed a cuppa with the home-baked brownies we brought along.  Not to be missed is it's main attraction - the famous Kiama Blowhole and situated nearby is the newly-painted Kiama lighthouse.  What a sight to behold, we wish we could stay longer but we couldn't, not this time.

As we were heading back home for the day - we noticed speed boats motoring back perhaps from fishing.  This is what we want to try next time!  The hubby is on the lookout for a fishing rod (gearing up for Spring! .. or so I hope).

Here are a few snaps from the trip.

To our dearest Sherwin & Leng

May you enjoy your well-deserved holiday, continue to love each other's company, share the laughter & tears and complement each other for the rest of your lives.  Take care.  God bless you both!

Warning - Kokeshi75

My Yahoo handle - kokeshi75 has been hacked on Wednesday night and I've received reports of someone pretending as me luring money (in any form) from friends / relations in my Contact List.  I am so sorry if the hacker has contacted you and I trust that you don't fall into the trap.

I've totally lost access to kokeshi75, so please delete this from your contact list as soon as possible and do Not entertain favours from this handle.

Thank you. 

My 1st ever Rock Concert

Our Australian Open nightly marathon was interrupted by a night of rock & rolling at the Sydney Olympic Park with songs like ...

Message in a Bottle
Roxanne
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Don't Stand So Close to Me
Doo-Doo-Doo
Every Breath You Take
Can't Stand Losing You
Walking on the Moon

The Police rocks! And Sting is still looking Hot (he he), I wish I was able to take some photos to share but unfortunately not.

The husband is still walking on the moon ... he's been a loyal fan of Sting and with Fergi's booty in the front act, he couldn't ask for more (ha ha).

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

Ah ... sun, sea and sand ... it is the time of the year (well, at least down under).

A day trip to Nelson Bay Port Stephens is not an ordinary weekend, specially when spent with friends close to our hearts. We shared good laughs and experienced a couple firsts - sand boarding and whale-watching. The photos sure do speak for themselves.

Floriade 2007

We recently graced the Floriade in Canberra, showcasing millions of blooms as backdrop to Australia's annual spring festival. It was a 3-hour drive from our place but was not too bad for we enjoyed the great view, the mood, as well as the company of friends. Here are just some of my favorite photos from the day.

It's Been Two Years ...

... since we braved the big leap from a life full of comfort and complacency to a life full of uncertainties, discovery, independence and total couple immersion when we decided to migrate & settle in the land down under. It's never been a bedful of roses but it is the kind of life we see ourselves growing old to, it is the quality of life we have ever wanted, it is the life we choose to share together.

Well, we didn't want to show how much we've physically changed, but what the heck, it's fun to show some Then & Now pics so here's the best that i can do.

Happy Two Years in Australia ... to us!

Watching Josh Live

Just came from Josh Groban's supposed last night concert in Sydney (it's been extended for 1 more night tomorrow) and I have two words: SUPERB & YUMMY!

Can't get enough of him, he came back to the stage three times until the audience stopped screaming and stomping feets! He was undoubtedly worthy of the Opera House.

Crunch Time

My friends insist I'm confused about this weekend's special day. We all know it is my better half's birthday but they say I don't get it.

It all started when I asked him for his birthday gift wish list. He couldn't think of anything he wanted, so I kept suggesting whatever crossed my mind and nothing seemed to get his approval. But September flew by quickly and this week was panic week!

So I started frequenting shops - taking quick breaks to the nearby mall during lunch. However, I would never find a perfect gift BUT, read this, I would always find something to purchase for myself - nothing fancy each time (food, sunnies, tops, bangles, etc.) but I did spend a lot for myself looking for that perfect gift! Hehehe and of course to take that guilt away, I would always show him what I got (it works!).

Well, it is Friday, and yet I haven't found him a perfect gift. Talk about crunch time!

Yalang naubos na yata ang budget? Oh no!

my new Campus

Our company is currently relocating over 6, 500 employees around Sydney to a common work place called the "x Campus". It has 6 low-rise buildings built in an area thought to be the Silicon Valley of Sydney. This project is huge and relocation started in Aug and runs thru to end of Oct this year. In fact the Prime Minister is set to grace the opening ceremony this Tuesday as this marks a big milestone in the history of Australia. OK - enough of that blah about my employer - its not part of my JD.

As I was walking to the parking this afternoon when I finished work, my mobile in my hand, I quickly took a couple of snaps of the new place.


Above is a shot of building B (there's A-F) where the Bistro is. There was a band playing when I took this photo - and even with the long weekend, it is packed with Friday after-work drinkers.


And above is where I usually spend one-third of my weekdays. Lucky building isn't it?

a Snowy weekend

This is one of the most unforgettable weekends we've ever had. Commencing on the Friday the 13th of July 2007, we drove 5-6 hours south of Sydney towards the beautiful winter holiday destination - the Perisher Valley.





The forecast for the full weekend ranged from 0 to -6 and true enough it was freezing cold (fine day though) but nothing stopped us from enjoying the ultimate snow experience Perisher had to offer.




The booze, the food, the ride, the snow, the fun, the laughter, the company, the (very accommodating & friendly) Perisher people, will always be remembered.



Thanks Perisher, we will be back for sure!

This and a whole lot more are what's keeping our weekend occupied. Our car, (The BEAST), has conquered the Snowy Mountains!

We turned 5!

That's right, and below are some photos from our simple celebration. Thanks to everyone who remembered.

Mama's YesterYear

One year ago, on this very day, Mama succumbed to her fight against Cancer of the Colon, with Liver metastasis, at the age of 54. It was at cockcrow Easter Tuesday.

Allow me to recount what happened last year:

Apr 10, 2006 - Holy Monday. Mama started showing signs of organ failures when she was denied of chemotherapy. She started with memory & judgement lapses, restlessness, eyesight blurs then she gradually lost the sense of touch, her facial appearance changed and she'd started craving for food she was never fond of before.

We were in Adelaide for the holy week but I've been kept up to date of what has been happenning and I've been told every now and then to keep on praying for mama for she's been acting really different.

Apr 15, 2006- Black Saturday. Mama was brought to the UST hospital from La Union after a week-long of deterioration. We've been informed after initial checks that she was having internal bleeding and that she may go after one major bleed. I got so emotionally weak, I attempted to talk to her on the phone but all I could tell her was I love her. I cried a river as I was miles away and could do nothing from where I was. It was the time my greatest migrant's fear was tested. This was when I wished Philippines was just an hour's flight away.

Apr 16, 2006 - Easter Sunday, we were back in Sydney and I got ready for my flight to Manila the next day. I called back home and spoke to Mama informing her that I'm coming home. When she asked why, I told her "for vacation". She replied back and said in Ilocano - "hala paspasam ngarud" ("hurry up then"). I told her "I love you Mama" and she said "I love you too".

Apr 17, 2006- Easter Monday, I travelled from Sydney to Manila. It felt like the flight was taking forever. I landed 5:30pm, went straight to the hospital ... it was a painful sight but rather than waste my time crying, I talked to her, told her how much I love her, how much I miss her ... I kept on talking to her, though I know she was listening she would not talk. I was told that since she woke up that day, she had not spoken a word. She would just moan but she could no longer speak any word. We decided to transport her back to La Union at 9:30pm. On the way home, in the ambulance with my sis & aunt, she called out & said "Dadddddyyyy".

Apr 18, 2006 - Easter Tuesday, we arrived home at 2:00am. After an hour, she started making sounds as if she was giving her last bilins. We were all beside her trying to figure out what she was saying - we said out loud what we knew she wanted to tell us and she would sound louder for concurrence. She did this for an hour or so until her voice was coarse. When her voice started fading, we each told our piece - we were all beside her in bed until she breathed her last.

It was a graceful exit for Mama when God claimed her back at about 4:25am.

Mama, I know you are at peace now with the Lord watching us from above. I miss you so much and you know you will forever have a special place in my heart. Happy birthday in your new-life! I love you.

Feature: LaMesa Restaurant, Sydney

We first heard about LaMesa restaurant from a friend and since we are both "frustrated food-critic by profession", we wasted no time and tried it the weekend soon after. We were their "buena-mano" that Sunday as we arrived straight from our usual 9:30am mass - we were there 11am. The place is not that big - it can probably host just around 40 people comfortably. After 10mins, we were joined by a non-Filipino lady (who sounded like she frequents the place as she knew straight away what to order) then followed by a young Filipino family, familiar faces - who we later found out also go to the same church.

Deciding what to order took us longer than expected -- we wanted to try most of the items in the menu but 2 people can only eat so much. In the end, we settled with the crispy pata and the lumpiang sariwa and boy was it yum! The vinegar-sauce that came with the pata was just perfect.

Raquel & Rey, the owners from Bulacan (which apparently explains why their crispy pata is their specialty), were there serving & chatting with the customers without being intimidating.

Soon after, a family of like 12 arrived and occupied the long table :) that was a good feast for they tried what we would have wanted - kare-kare, pork barbecue and more that were out of sight from where we were sitting haha. There were 2 other non-Filipino couples who arrived for lunch which means that business must be really very good for LaMesa.

For rating from 1-5, 5 being the best, I'd rate LaMesa:

4 - for food, the halo-halo dessert could be better
3 - for the place, they need to improve their exhaust system so you don't smell like crispy-pata after your lunch; parking is a bit of a walk from the place since they are located in the main Pittwater road
4 - for the service

Generally, our experience was very good. We would love to be back.


As of November 2006

LaMesa Philippine Cuisine
Shop 2, 874 Pittwater Road (corner of Oaks Avenue)
Dee Why NSW 2099
Tel No. (02) 9972 9877
Dine-in and Take Away
B.Y.O.

Trading Hours
Lunch: 11:00 am – 03:00 pm
Dinner: Sun – Thur 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm / Fri – Sat 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Prices are GST inclusive – No MSG added
10% Discount for Take Away Orders
Free Home Delivery: Minimum Order $30 (Limited areas only)

M E N U

APPETISERS
 Lumpiang shanghai (6): Deep fried spring rolls with minced meat & vegies - $6.50
 Okoy (shrimp cake) (4): Deep fried patties made of shrimps, shredded sweet potato & pumpkin served with chilli vinegar sauce - $5.80
 Pork/chicken bbq (4): Grilled pork/chicken skewers served with chilli vinegar sauce - $7.50
 Fried quail eggs (8): Fried quail eggs coated in batter & served with chilli vinegar sauce - $5.80
 Beef tapa (6): Fried tender beef pieces served with chilli vinegar sauce - $6.50
 Mixed entrée: Mixed serving of spring roll, pork/chicken skewer, prawn cake, fried quail egg & beef tapa - $6.80

MAINS

Chicken
 Adobo chicken: Tender chicken fillets simmered in sugar cane vinegar, soy sauce, garlic & black pepper (a most popular Philippine dish) - $11.90
 Apritada chicken: Chicken fillets sauteed in tomatoes, sliced potatoes & capsicum - $12.90
 Arroz valenciana: A rice dish baked in coconut milk with tender chicken pieces & strips of capsicum & raisins, bay leaves & mixed spices. (Good for two) - $19.90 / (Good for four) - $34.90
 Chicken with coconut milk: Tender chicken fillets cooked in coconut milk with red hot chillies, onions & ginger - $12.90
 Chicken pastel: Creamy chicken dish with button mushrooms & cashew nuts - $12.90

Pork
 Pork adobo: Tender pork fillets simmered in sugar cane vinegar, soy sauce, garlic & black pepper (a most popular Philippine dish) - $11.90
 Menudo: Tender pork pices sauteed in tomato paste & liver pate with potato cubes, carrot cubes, raisins & diced capsicums - $12.90
 Pork chop (coated): Deep fried pork chop coated with a delicious batter - $11.90
 Embotido: Steamed traditional pork meat loaf served with sweet tomato sauce - $10.90
 Tocino: Sweetened pork served with chilli vinegar sauce - $11.90
 Skinless longanisa: Traditional skinless sausages made of mince pork served with chilli vinegar sauce & pickled green papaya - $11.90
 Crispy pata: Deep fried tender pork hock with crispy skin - $16.90
 Lechong kawali (roast pork): Crispy fried pork belly served with traditional gravy sauce - $12.90
 Sinigang na baboy: Tender pork chunks cooked in tamarind soup with vegetables - $14.90

Beef
 Caldereta: Tender beef pieces cooked with liver pate, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, olives & strips of red capsicum - $12.90
 Bistik: Tender beef pieces lightly fried & simmered in its own marinade, served with thickened marinade sauce & topped with onion rings - $12.90
 Tapa: Fried tender beef pieces marinated in mixed Philippine spices - $12.90
 Kare-Kare: Oxtail cooked in peanut sauce with vegetables - $15.90
 Mechado: A rich beef stew cooked in soy sauce, peppercorns, tomato sauce & bay leaves & topped with fried sliced potatoes - $13.90

Seafood
 Boulabaise: Philippine verson of the famous French soup – rich creamy soup with mixed seafoods (crab, prawns, mussels, fish cubes, calamari) - $19.90
 Tinolang yaman ng karagatan: Mixed seafood (crab, prawns, mussels, fish cubes, calamari) cooked in lemon grass, onions, garlic & ginger - $18.90
 Sinigang na hipon: Prawns cooked in tamarind soup & onions - $16.90
 Tinolang tahong: Mussels cooked with ginger, garlic & onions - $13.90
 Whole bream fish (grilled/fried) : Fresh bream fish grilled/fried served with pickled green papaya - $16.90
 Rellenong bangus (stuffed fish) : Whole milkfish stuffed with is own meat flavoured with spices - $21.90
 Daing na bangus (2): Fried marinated milkfish served with hot chilli vinegar sauce - $13.90
 Barramundi sarsiado: Fried barramundi topped with sauteed egg & tomato sauce - $21.90
 Escabeche (sweet & sour fish) : Fried ocean perch topped with homemade sweet & sour sauce - $21.90
 Seafood paella: Philippine version of the famous Spanish paella – a rice dish baked in tomatoes & coconut cream with mixed seafood. (Good for two) - $25.90 / (Good for four) - $43.90
 Seafood & meat torta: Omelette with mixed seafood, minced pork & shallots - $12.90
 Camaron rebosado: Deshelled king prawns dipped in a delicious batter & deep fried - $16.90
 Hilabos na hipon: King green prawns in shells cooked in their own water with a dash of butter & chopped garlic & shallots - $16.90
 Hot chilli prawns: Large deshelled prawns cooked in hot chilli & fresh tomatoes - $16.90
 Adobong pusit (hot chilli squid) : Squid sauteed in garlic, onions, tomatoes & red hot chillies - $13.90
 Spicy calamari: Fried calamari slices topped with capsicum strips & chilli seeds - $13.90
 Stuffed crab: Stuffed crab shells (2) with delicious mixture of crab meat, minced pork & shallots served with sweet chilli sauce - $16.90
 Hot chilli crab: Fresh blue swimmer crab cooked in ginger, garlic & hot chillies - $19.90

Noodles
 Pansit bihon: A steaming mound of sauteed rice noodles with mixed vegetables & slices of tender meat & prawns - $12.90
 Pansit luglug: Rice noodles in homemade sauce sprinkled with smoked fish flakes topped with fried tofu slices, shrimps & sliced boiled egg - $13.90
 Pansit canton: Sauteed flour noodles with tender chicken pieces & mixed vegies - $12.90
 Sotanghon: Sauteed soybean noodles with tender chicken pieces & slices of carrots, beans & cabbage - $12.90

Vegetables
 Lumpiang sariwa (2): Homemade crepes filled with vegetables & chicken pieces topped with homemade sweet sauce, crushed peanuts & crushed garlic - $10.80
 Beef with vegetables: Tender beef fillets sauteed with a mixture of vegetables - $12.90
 Seafood with vegetables: Seafood chunks sauteed with a mixture of vegetables - $12.90
 Ginisang sitaw sa baboy: Long beans sauteed with pork strips in garlic, tomatoes & onions - $11.90
 Pinakbet: Mixed vegetables (eggplant, long beans, pumpkin, bitter melon) & pork strips sauteed in ‘bagoong’ (shrimp paste) - $12.90
 Stuffed eggplant: Stuffed with minced pork & wrapped in fried scrambled egg - $10.80
 Tofu with mixed vegetables: Tofu cubes & mixed vegies sauteed in traditional sauces - $9.80
 Chopsuey: Tender chicken fillets with mixed vegetables - $12.90

Rice
 Plain boiled rice (unlimited) - $2.50
 Garlic rice - $4.20
 Fried rice - $5.50

Desserts
 Halo-halo: Sweetened exotic fruits topped with shaved ice, milk & ice cream - $6.80
 Leche flan: Vanilla flavoured egg custard - $4.80
 Special biko (with langka & buko) : Rice cake with slices of young coconut & jackfruit - $3.80
 Cassava cake: Baked cassava topped with sweetened milk - $3.80
 Turon: Fried ladyfinger banana wrapped in pastry with sliced jackfruit - $4.50
 Ube yam: Sweetened baked yam - $3.80

Happy Easter

I hope all of you and your families enjoyed the Easter celebrations. As for us, we just stayed at home most of the long Easter weekend.

On Friday, we watched Ben-Hur (my first time) & realized it joins the Ten Commandments & Passion of Christ in the ranks of Good Friday movies. We attended the Passion Mass & Veneration of the Cross at 3pm. Our parish priest, Fr. John, in his homily focused on the importance of the cross in our lives and how thru the cross we experience the glory of love. Although the church was packed (we were standing at the back) it was so solemn that everyone was touched by his words. I was teary-eyed after the sermon.

My cousin (who stayed w/ us for 2 months) moved to her own apartment on Saturday morning so we helped her transport her stuff. Memories of our move last year came rushing back, I hope it will be awhile before we'll have to do that again ... and hopefully not until I've done some spring-cleaning!

On Easter Sunday, we joined our friends celebrate the baptism of their first child, Wolfgang Kris. The mood was festive, more so like Christmas, and just the best day for Christenings! Our friends imported their mum from Phil to help in the early months of their first child, so the lunch we shared were genuine lutong-bahay pinoy food c/o the mum. Yum!

Hubby & I just cruised around the city on Easter Monday. We were kinda interested about the Easter show but we ended up in DFO & we did some shopping (ok, ok, more of me while hubby was in the bookstore).

I'd say it was a quiet long weekend for us ... something new as we always did long drives from Manila to La Union back in Phil & a Sydney-Adelaide (+ unplanned Phils - another story) trip last year; and something we actually prefer doing so as to focus on the more important things of the Easter season (ok except the shopping hehe).

Hunter & Wollongong

Last weekend, we went on our first out-of-town drive up North, to Hunter Valley, where world-class wines & cheese are beyond expectations and picturesque country-side sceneries are a common sight.

This weekend, we opted for a shorter drive down South, to the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong, and much to our surprise they were breathtakingly beautiful! We forgot how hot & humid it was, we got snap-happy under the sun for more than an hour. It was a shame that we just had 1 camera, with everyone taking turns to take fave landscape photos.

Here are some snaps from the two weekends.