MOTHER'S DAY 2013

Find your height, I think I'm not in the correct place

My family didn't book in any restaurant for the Mother's Day. That's what we are. For casual occasions, we want an "on-the-spot" decision. Except on a PARTY, when you need to distribute invitations at least 4 to 2 weeks in advance. So, on 12 May, Sunday, Mother's Day we almost end up in Maccas for dinner coz all the restaurants my family rang up were booked up. There's this Swan Restaurant that I wanted to go years ago but when we searched up, they're sort of Vietnamese Restaurant. I was not feeling Vietnamese that day so they had to find somewhere else. Oh, our options are limited coz we only have 7-seater car. We could only stay here in Penrith, it was already 6:00 pm and we have to go to the movies still, and also considering restaurants kitchen closes at 9:00 or sometimes 10:00. Thank God, we were accommodated by The Outback Steakhouse. But there was a little bit wait. That's fine as long as we can have a fine dining on that night rather than fast food. Of course, I did not cook. It was my day!

Bloomin Onion - fave starter - $9.95

We were rushing, we have to be at Hoysts Moviehouse by 9:00 pm. Instead of starting the meal with starter, then main and dessert, we ordered all at the same time and told them to serve all at the same time. Our long table was full that other customers were looking at us. Hahaha! We finished them all, eating like Military, thank goodness, we didn't end up bloated.

Dessert Sample Trio - Chocolate Thunder, Fresh Fruit Pavlova

and Sticky date pudding - $17.95

We were on time for the late night show. We were the only ones in the theater, it was like "exclusive" for us. Hehehe! We watched Ironman 3 with popcorn and frozen drinks. It's not really my type of movie but my family liked it especially my husband. Anyway, we all had fun...simple celebration, simple life....Harold, Heinrich and Harvey paid everything. 

BICENTENARY OF THE CROSSING OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Winning a seat in the 2012 Junior Councillor in Penrith City Council had given Wellington the chance to participate in the Bicentennial Crossing of the Blue Mountains.

At Roughwood Park (Blaxland's Farm)

Nearly 2 months before the event, Penrith council organized an Information evening for the children and their parent/s, explaining the Trek route, costumes and safety procedures. Then a couple of weeks or so, children had picture taking dressed like in the olden days in Luddenham, where the trek will start. Students outfits were worn on top of their normal clothing and were provided by Norma Thorburn from St Marys & District Historical Society. 

A week prior to the event, we got Wellington's medical certificate which was a must requirement. My husband took Wellington in the Medical Center where we usually go when family is sick or needed medical attention. Our mistake was that we were not able to bring the Information paper given by the council so the doctor couldn't write a letter to whom it will be addressed and what do the council really want to know about the child's medical condition. A bit confusion in our part why was the doctor not fully convinced when she read Wellington's record/file that he had not been to the medical center for almost 3 years? Isn't it good that Wellington's fine that he doesn't need to go to the doctor?...Maybe the doctor was thinking that we took Wellington to other medical center/s and not confident to certify that he is well and fit. My husband just told the doctor to just do the routine check up. The following day my husband brought the Council paper to the doctor then she gave the Medical Certificate stating that Wellington is fit to join the 14 kilometer walk without assistance. 

As early as 6:00 in the morning of 11 May 2013, Saturday, Wellington, Willy and I were there joining the many who came for the celebration and re-enactment and had sausage sizzle, tea and coffee and juice for breakfast. I think people in charge of the foods were volunteers from different clubs. Then some briefing from the events staffs from the council and Police and Safety Officers. A short program was held with short speeches from  Important people in the government like David Bradbury, Federal Member for Lindsay, Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation. Robyn Parker, NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage. Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, NSW Governor. Councillor Mark Davies, Penrith City Mayor and Dr Jack Thompson, famous Australian Actor. Steve Passfield and his Handpicked Band (a Violinist, a Guitarist and a Drummer), entertained people with songs and his guitar.

The 2012 Junior Mayor & Councillors 

 with the Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson & Wentworth

Wellington with Robyn Parker, NSW Minister

for Environment and Heritage

with Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, NSW Governor

(the lady in red coat)

The Trek party was farewelled  as they commenced the trek at around 8:30. A copy of the Trek route was given to each family of the students participating. It said it will start  at Roughwood Park (Blaxland's Farm) and travel across farm land into Samuel Marsden Road, turn left into Lansdowne Road, turn right into Kent Road, turn left into Caddens Road, turn right into O'Connell Lane through to O'Connell Street.

Wellington said he saw Aunty Melrose and her kids when they passed by Caddens Road where Melrose's house is. There was also an old woman who asked for an autograph of the students according to Wellington. Families were not allowed to follow their children that's why we just depended on the stories of Wellington of what happened during their walk.

with Councillor Mark Davies, Penrithy City Mayor

Stop over at the University of Western Sydney which also provided the morning tea for the Trek party as well as the parents. Speeches from a guy representing the University and from the Penrith City Mayor. Parents then picked up the kids and brought them to a park in Doonmore Street for lunch. The older people in the Trek party continued walking through to Doonmore Street.

Pizza for Lunch

with Papa

with Kuya Harold

The Trek Party

We should have brought our folding chairs like the other parents so we did not sit on the grass. Harold was on the bus and passed the Trek Party occupying one side of the road.The driver of the bus was irritated as some of the passengers. I wonder why not the whole community was aware of the event.  People should be informed and should be grateful with people like these explorers, who had the courage to do such things in order to make the lives of the following generations  easier and better. Harold joined us when the bus stopped near the area.

at Penrith CBD

The whole Trek party turned left to High Street, Penrith and then bound to Penrith City Council Civic Center on where the vehicles and horses have left.The Trek rested for a while and continued walking on High Street (Great Western Highway) to Memorial Avenue and stopped at the clock tower for plaque unveiling and the end for the Junior Mayor and Councillors participation on the trek.

                                       

                                       

According to the information paper given by the Council to us, the families, the Trek formation was: Police vehicle,Volunteer Rescue Association vehicle, the first walking party (consisting of 7 adult walkers, 4 horses and 5 dogs). Then a St John Ambulance vehicle for the purpose of first aid. Followed by the second walking party (consisting of 9 students, a Penrith City Council chaperone and Safety officer), Council vehicle and the tail vehicle was a second Police vehicle.

the clock tower

Bicentenary plaque

Jack Thompson

with David Bradbury and Councillor Greg Davies

with the descendants of Wentworth (L) and Lawson (R)

Culminating the event that day was a simple program with the Mayor congratulating the Trek party for their accomplishment and reciting poetry by Jack Thompson. The re-enactment continued for the next 3 weeks by the other descendants of the 3 Explorers.

A Thank you Dinner was held on 31 May 2013 at 7:00 pm in St Marys Leagues Club in Forrester Road, St Marys. Wellington was allowed to bring with him 2 guests. We were thinking of his kuya Harold and ate Hildyane, however Harold has a work. So we decided, it will be me and Willy who will come with him. After all we are Wellington's parents and I would really like to attend such events.

We were on Table 3, basically in the front, near the stage. We were with 2 other students who participated in the Trek with their families. Upon arrival, Silver Fox's Barbershop Quartet were entertaining the arriving guests until the program started and later again in the middle of the program. 

The program started with Entree, Mushroom Vol au Vent for Willy, Chicken Satay Skewers for me and Chicken Parmigiana and hot chips for Wellington. Students/Kids were given Kid's meal which was a 2 course meal, while the adults had 3 course meal. The Main Course  was char-grilled rump for Willy, Grilled Barramundi for me and Wellington had his dessert, jelly and ice cream.Oh, yes, upon entering the room, you can get your drinks from the waiters/waitresses standing near the door. You can have wine, juice or softdrinks and can ask for more if you want to while you were already sitting in your Table. A bottle of red and white wine were also in every table. And of course a piece of bread roll and butter for everyone.

After the Main Course, Councillor Mark Davies, the Penrith City Mayor, had given the welcome speech, which was acknowledging and thanking everyone who participated and helped in the event commemorating the achievements of the 3 Explorers. Followed by the speeches from Descendant, David Blaxland, Descendant, Robert Bettington, 2012 Junior Mayor Jesse Sales-Hobart and Dr Jack Thompson. 

Dessert was served after speeches. Willy had cheesecake slice and I had chocolate mud cake, of course. But anyway, Willy and I shared foods as usual so as Wellington. So we were able to taste all the foods served. We had coffee afterwards which was served to our Table a bit late, and that was during the fun dancing already and while the people started leaving the place.

Steve Passfield and His Handpicked Band

Steve Passfield and His handpicked Band was very nice rendering songs during the Main Meal and after the speeches until the end of that evening affair. They played dancing music like Chicken Dance which the students joyfully danced along with other older people.  

Each one of us had received a Commemorative Holey Dollar and a copy of Jack Thompson's poetry DVD called "Live at the Gearin" from Penrith City Council. Most people had an autograph of Jack Thompson while people were busy chatting with each other and others having fun dancing.

Blue Mountains City Mayor and a Councillor from the Blacktown City Council were also present that night. And yes of course the Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, who would be the most important guests that night in my opinion.

Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth

Trek Information

"In 1789 the discovery of the Nepean River represented a significant milestone for the fledgling colony of NSW. It was the lifeblood for grain, vegetable crops and livestock. However, the colony quickly grew, as did the urgent need to find improved grazing lands. The formidable barrier of the Blue Mountains needed to be crossed for the continued survival of the colony." (1)

"Prior to 1813 many unsuccessful attempts were made to cross the Blue Mountains." (2) " On Tuesday, 11 May 1813, explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth left from "Blaxland Farm" that was situated on the left bank of South Creek about three miles from St Marys, (a stone cairn was erected near the site on Luddenham Rd) . They were attended by four servants, five dogs, and four horses laden with provisions, ammunition and other necessities, and along with Aboriginal guides, travelled at around two miles per hour. Their aim was to mount the "main" ridge from Emu Plains and follow a route similar to that of the now Great Western Highway to Mt Victoria and then follow a finger ridge to Mt York, arriving late on 28th May 1813. Descending into the valley they came to a river (now known as Cox's river) that flows into the Nepean. Their turn-around point was Mt Blaxland. They had discovered a way over the Blue Mountains to an area of pasture on the other side. On the 31st May 1813, they had been travelling for twenty-one days and had covered about 93 km (an average of 4.5 km per day). They returned to Emu Plains in five days. Their report to Governor Macquarie played down their achievements and it is the opinion of many that later historical writers polished up the story and made them into heroes. Governor Macquarie took no action to exploit their discovery. A year after, William Cox built a road over the mountains with convict labour that opened up the west and saved the Colony." (3)

"....By 1813 Gregory had come to realize that his flock of sheep and cattle were expanding beyond the rsources, and Macquarie could not be persuaded to grant extra lands to large flock owners and Gregory drew the correct conclusion that the solution to the pastoralists' land problem lay in discovering a route over the barrier known as the "Blue Mountains". In 1810 he had explored part of the Nepean River and early in 1813 he requested Macquarie's approval of an exploring expedition across the Blue Mountains, and on 11th May he set out with William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth. As early as 1816 Blaxland claimed to have been the leader of the expedition but contemporary records suggest that none of the three men assumed this position but that their effort was a joint one." (4)

".... It is so important that the early history of St Marys and our district be kept alive for future generation to know what hardship endured in the early years of our Colony. They came to the other side of the world, with little preparation. England wanted to get rid of those men and women prisoners who were crowding up their goals. America was no longer available to dump their convicts so it was easier to send them to the great southern land. How could they know that by sending them away, they were doing most of them a great deed. By coming to Australia as convicts, once pardoned, they were given the chance to make a life for themselves. This life wasn't easy but by hard work and the support of their wives and family, these men and women had the chance to succeed." (5)

Sources:

(1), (2) Penrith City Council " 2013 Bicentenary of the First European Crossing of the Blue MOuntains" Saturday, 11 May 2013, Assure Event Safety Services, Avert Risk Management Services

(3), (4), (5) Blue Mountains Celebrations, Nepean News 6 June 2013 Issue 101

_______ღ☆ღ______

Just happy for my son, Wellington for being a part of this Historical event in Australia, specifically in NSW. _______ღ☆ღ______

GLENMORE HERITAGE VALLEY

It was a fine Thursday, not that cold though its autumn and a bit windy. We got Heinrich's Certificate from TAFE. He has no time to get it by himself coz of his schedule at work. I was feeling I needed something to boost me up before I would do lots of cleaning and organizing our messy house. This is me. When I have to do something that requires my full physical and or mental strength, I need to go out...go somewhere that will clear my mind and do something that will relax me before going into "battle".
I asked my husband where would he take me. We drove to Mulgoa. We went to Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf. He said there's a cafe inside and it's open to the public, meaning not only to the members. My husband I think is now being addicted to golf. He bought clubs for our son, Harvey, who wanted to play before but I don't know why he changed his mind. Those clubs that he bought and those that were given to him by his brother-in-law, are all for him to use. But since membership fee is  high and the constriction of time, hinders him to play his now beloved sport, golfing. 

 The building where the cafe is, is very old. But I am impressed the way the building is constructed. I can smell the age of the building, but its been well maintained. When we arrived there the first thing that we've noticed is the mark on the upper front wall of the building. It's like a cross. I told Willy, the building might be a church before. As we go inside, twas very quiet. On the foyer there are newspapers and papers describing, telling the story of the building and the place itself. I didn't read it yet, just got one for me to read when we have a cup of coffee. We went straight at the back and look at the golf course. Wow! its so nice. The view is so sweet and calming. There were Chinese people or Korean (sort of) playing that time. The atmosphere is so refreshing.

We watched people practicing for few minutes then went to the reception in a building adjacent to the main. The reception place is obviously not as old as the main. We inquired the fees and their rules. As expected, it's expensive. Oh, well, it's expensive to us, whose earnings is enough to cover our bills and our everyday expenses and whenever have extras would rather send it or give it to relatives who are needy. 

We went back to the main building, into the cafe. We ordered steak with chips and salad, homemade burger with chips, a mug of cappuccino, and glasses of water. While waiting for our food, I went to the toilet. The toilet is at the right side of the building, while the cafe is at the left side. When I entered to the room where the toilet sign is, I thought I went into the wrong place coz the room is spacious and have lounge suite. But I noticed there's another door inside the room so I opened it and yes that's the toilet. Though the place is old, the water closets are normal, as in, not the old ones and there are showers in there. When I left the room, I passed through the hallway and noticed the doors have grilled doors as well. The place is getting interesting to me.

As I sat back beside Willy in the cafe, I told him the things I noticed. With my mind still thinking that the place was used to be a church, why would there be showers there?  The place gives me interest to search its history. Maybe I can google it or could go to the library and get some infos there. Then I remembered that I got the paper in the foyer. It's all about the history behind the Glenmore Heritage Valley.

It said the building was originally an "L" shaped built in 1824 by Mr. Henry Cox. That the name of the place , Glenmore was suggested as it was the birthplace of Cox's wife, Miss Frances Mackenzie, in Scotland. The place was busy centre of farming business. That the Cox's were famous for their kindness to all. 

In 1851, the place was sold to Mr. Thomas Sutcliff Mort. The Cox's bought property at "Broombee" between Mudgee and Bathurst (I wanted to see that place!) The new owner, was famous for his Wool broking firm and experiments in refrigerating meat for export. In 1854, Mort sold the property since the place for him was too quiet and not easily accessible from Sydney.

It said the third owner was Mr. James John Riley and family. He added the south wing to the Glenmore. That his family crest is still to be seen in the coping in the front of the house. Well, that explains the "cross" like we've seen. The building was not a church but that the symbol there is Riley's family's crest.

Riley was the first Mayor of Penrith. He died in 1882. His wife and daughters stayed at the house over 20 years or until they got married.

In May 1900, Glenmore became Golf Course and Country Club.

A happy history of the place. I can feel the place is friendly, welcoming. It's old but not scary. I can feel if the place is happy or not. This place is happy, not even reading the paper yet.

Our order had taken a bit longer. We placed our order first but they served the 2 men beside our table first. The hot chips was different, twas sweet like sweet potato. The steak was okey but the sauce was too thick. Willy complained to the lady who had taken our order coz the bread used for the burger was stale. The cook (I presumed) apologised and asked Willy if she could changed the burger bread to a turkish bread coz they ran out of burger bread, still same filling though. Willy was getting disappointed but I just told him we'll just forgive them coz I like the place and the lady who got our order was kind. We'll just consider it coming to an old house, like for example, our grandparents' house and Lolo and Lola were not able to buy new bread. My salad has stalks but I just think they had just picked the vegetables fresh from the garden. The salad was simple but fresh and good. They were offering us coffee on the house coz of what happened but we had to leave already coz we were running late picking up the kids from school.

Anyways, we still want to go back there. It would be nice eating in a high ceiling with lovely wooden beams and supposed to be warmth  by real fire made with  real woods and not by electric heater. I'm even wishing I could celebrate my birthday there.☀♧♥º☀♧♥

REVISITED yesterday,12 June 2013. I've been telling my kids how yummy the steak and fried fries in the Valley cafe. We were supposed to take Heinrich for a lunch but he was already late for work so it ended up just me and Willy. I ordered steak and fried fries with garden salad and a cappuccino. I am not sure if they've changed the management in the cafe or changed the cooks from the last time we ate there. My husband and I were really disappointed with the food they served us. The cappuccino was like just hot water with milk, but not creamy, with just little coffee to have a color but no aroma or taste of coffee. I didn't finish my meat coz of fats and chewy made hard for for me to swallow. Willy left me and picked up the high school and primary kids and brought them there. Kids tasted the steak I've ordered and they said the same thing. I got them seafood meal and a jug of Coke zero. Wilhein does his golf practice with Willy every  afternoon as long as the weather permits. Wilhein joined the Golf Association about 3 weeks ago. ㋛㋛㋛

ZOKOKO

Hot Chocolate Drink, $3.80

After enrolling Heinkel and Hildyane to another school, or simply transferring them to another high school, we went to Lapstone where Stormer Music is located. We had to pay TonTon's tuition fee for Saxophone. But was not able to do it coz the school was closed. Just forgotten that twas Friday and they're closed Fridays to Sundays.

Then there was this Penrith Visitor Guide Magazine beside me in the car. I thought how about going to the shops being shown in the Magazine. We need to know the different places and businesses in our city just like when we were young. Back in the Philippines, in our town, we almost knew everyone selling this and that. But I know we couldn't do that anymore here coz the city is big but at least we should know the different things our present city has to offer.

It caught my attention this Zokoko Chocolate Factory and Cafe. Just wondering is there a chocolate factory here? I love chocolates so we drove to Emu Heights. As expected coz of the given address that it's located in a small business complex. It's like a cafe shop catering only people in that complex. Yes, it's only small. And the parking is very limited. Just lucky that on our first visit there was a vacant space for us to park our car. 

The place is white and clean, very neat. Then we can see one of their machines coz there's a glass window in that room where the machine is. But there is a sign of taking photo is not allowed. The ban is only applicable to the machine so I was able to take photos of what we've ordered. People coming when we were there were sophisticated oldies and business people. The problem is that you don't know what to order since they don't have menu. I wonder why? So I just presumed since it's a cafe they should have my favorite cappuccino and that they should have hot chocolate. Then I saw this chocolate cake, and looked like inviting me, saying, "taste me!"

Cappuccino, $3.50

We were having "fun" conversations that my husband, Willy spilled the sugar. But we both agreed that the cappuccino was very good. Willy is very hard to please so if he say's good it must be really good. The hot chocolate is very chocolatey, not sugary but you can really taste the chocolate.

Berry Frangipan

Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream, $9.50

Hildyane ordered Berry frangipan and she liked it. The chocolate cake is moist, light and chocolate rich. It's not that sweet. It's also expensive huh! But it's worth it.

We visited the shop twice more. The third one, was a mistake. I shouldn't brought kids there after school when they were hungry. They ordered lots yet they asked for more so we ended up in MacDonalds. But if you want to have a nice chat with a friend or with a fellow business man or simply you want to eat and drink chocolate by yourself, then I would go to Zokoko cafe. Oh, yes I keep on forgetting to buy their packed drinking chocolate. It said organic.  *. ˛*. * ˛. *。

PERSIMMON PICKING

Persimmon

First time i've seen this fruit was through my father-in-law. He was eating it and seems he was enjoying it. I thought it looked like chesa fruit. Then Lolit, one of our cooks in our former restaurant brought some of it, peeled it and let us, the kitchen people tasted it. I can described it as a tomato look alike, as crunchy as an Indian Mango and as sweet as the sweetest apple i've eaten. Then i've learned from her twas Persimmon. From then on i always buy it whenever its its season time. It became my favorite second to ripe mango. It's a bit expensive so i just buy 2 or 5 pieces at a time. But sometimes i'm a bit disappointed coz they're not as sweet as what i've tasted the first time. Oh, and by the way, this Persimmon and Apple custard or Atis were my fav when i was pregnant with my last child.

Persimmon Picking

This year one friend in facebook posted her/their pictures picking Persimmons. Who would be more interested? Me of course! I asked her where is it but she didn't reply. Anyway what's Google doing? Twas almost end of school holiday so we need to hurry up so kids could come and enjoy picking  fruits. When i was a kid, my dad will let me pick all the tomatoes and vegetables he planted when they were all ready to be picked. The feeling was very satisfying especially when i see big and clean vegetables. My dad never used fertilizer or any chemical to protect his plants. But everything he planted was very good and sweet. Maybe he was just blessed. And he should have realized it so he would have changed profession from being a teacher or government clerk to a farmer.

We went to this Cedar Creek Orchard in Thirlmere, NSW near Picton and around 30 to 45 mins only from our place.  Oh yes there was an Entrance fee. We paid $24.00 for 2 adults and 4 kids. We had to ride on this special cart pulled by the tractor driven by one of their staffs or one of the owners maybe. As i've read their website it came to a conclusion that this a family owned business. Most possibly they have a very good family relations that's why their business grew big and  bigger. As i see the place i couldn't help myself not to feel a bit sad. I remember my dad. Maybe if my grandfather didn't die soon and was able to teach my dad how to handle their lands properly then they would have maybe as big as this area. But instead of Persimmons, Mangoes are being harvested.

Harvesting is fun! If only my mom is here with us, i know she'll enjoy it too coz she loves fruits. I know there is no Persimmon in our country, in our place to be exact. Maybe if there is, then that's imported. My mom is already 76 years old and maybe could no longer come here even for a visit. My dad, if he had only taken care well of himself maybe he will be very happy joining us in fruit pickings.

The Persimmons here are sweet. We were shown what to pick otherwise we might pick the wrong one and it will not be sweet and a bit bitter. The orchard is being covered by net. I think to protect the fruits from birds and strong wind. The harvest time is from mid April to early June. And the Persimmons you picked will be weighed and pay $6.00/kl.

The Cedar Creek Orchard grows Apples too and make their own Apple juice, pure from real fruits and not concentrate, with no preservatives, no added sugar and no added water. It's really great! But they don't do Apple picking.

Apple Juice NOT fully filtered

Apple Juice fully filtered

I prefer the Apple Juice not fully filtered just like the Orange Juice with still pulp bits. We bought 15 - 2 liter bottle Juices. I forgot the price. And a box of 24 of 300 ml fully filtered Apple juice. I think it equates to $1.50 per bottle. They only accept cash. Staffs are friendly and very accommodating except for this lady who thought we wont be paying for another 6 small bottles of cold juice we asked coz we were already thirsty. Why wouldn't we pay?! Huh!...But anyway i was happy and telling my friends and relatives in facebook about Persimmons and this Cedar Creek Orchard. I am looking forward to another Harvest Season with all my kids at that time. But i think we'll keep coming back to the place for Apple Juice.☀♧♥º☀♧♥

MAMRE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Its Mamre Harvest Festival. Ive seen this flyer posted by a friend in facebook. I got interested coz of the title, harvest. How i love to eat fresh as in organic fruits and vegetables. I went to their website and this festival is one of the events being organized in Mamre House, St. Marys, NSW. Said it will showcase the produce grown in Mamre and also from within the 160 km from the property.

There will be foods...yes there were Turkish, Asian, Poffertjes, Pizza, Ice ream, coffee, lollies, Fruit pies and the Restaurant was open too. I wanted to go to the restaurant and would like to try their foods. Im adventurous. I would like to try different foods by different people as long  as its ritually clean.There was a cooking demonstration but not able to watch it coz my husband saw someone eating noodles and we, just me and him, haven't have breakfast yet and twas already 12:30 pm. So we looked for that food stall selling noodles.

We bought fried noodles for $6.00, 3 buns for $6.00 and 6 dumplings for $6.00. Noodles was too oily and no meat or anything just a few vegies. The buns, i could hardly eat it coz they were too oily. Twas steamed bun but i think they re heated it in the flat grilled pan. And no taste at all! We asked for any sauce for it and they gave us sweet chilli sauce. At least we've finished it rather than throwing it in the bin. Maybe we are only used to our traditional siopao which is a steamed sweet bun with pork asado filling. The dumplings? I don't know my kids were the one who ate it all. They said twas bland. They asked for soy sauce. I wanted to eat more coz i was not satisfied at all but i was full coz i had to eat most of what we've bought otherwise twas a waste of money.

Jeep Ride, $10.00/jeep/ 3 mins

Segway Ride, $5.00/person/5 mins

We bought some lollies and nuts, 3 home decors and i've got 2 hats as well, brown and pink ☺. I was not impressed with the vegies they were selling. There were only few varieties. My kids just enjoyed the rides. That was the only thing that made them happy in that event.

After a couple of hours, kids got hungry but they didn't want to eat again there and they didn't want Maccas, coz that was where they had breakfast already. My husband suggested that we visit Twin Creeks, Private Residential golf & country club on our way back to Penrith. It's in Luddenham farther than Mamre. We know that there's a restaurant there but i think before twas only open to the members. But now they're OPEN to the Public! And so we ate there.

Korean Bibimbap, $16.00

Chicken Salad, $16.00

Prosciutto Pizza, $16.00

Gelato, $9.00

Korean Bibimbap is barbecued beef, egg, rice and shredded nori with hot sauce. I liked the beef coz the marinade was similar to the Filipino barbecue marinade. My husband liked the Chicken Salad but i prefer the salad i've learned to make. The Prosciutto Pizza was salty as expected. The Gelato, combination of vanilla and strawberry with cream and fresh strawberries and sauce, i just liked the vanilla. I didnt like the strawberry gelato and the sauce coz it has little seeds  and got stuck into my teeth.

We finished the day eating again in Outback Restaurant in Penrith for our dinner but with all the members of the family present. We just took 4 kids with us, 1 went to work, the other 2 stayed at home sleeping the whole day we were gone coz they went home 6:00 AM from work working like 12 hours.~♥~ ☺  ~♥~