Countryside Chills in the Southern Highlands
There’s nothing like getting out of the city for a weekend and breathing in that fresh country air. Last Friday I escaped back to the Southern Highlands for a few days to catch up with some friends in the quaint little town of Moss Vale which I called home for 4 months. 
I’m always spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a trendy little coffee shop as the area is home to some fantastic spots to kick back and enjoy a cup of Joe. After strolling the shops and boutiques of Bowral, we soaked up the afternoon sun whilst sipping our coffees at Grand Bistro, another highly rated restaurant I’ve been keen to visit.
With winter closing in and that brisk chill in the air, we got the fire pit roaring in the garden and saw down the sun with a few drinks and some good old Australian yarns! Later on we ventured to the local pub in town where the drinks are cheap and you’re never far from a familiar face. It was great being back in the countryside leaving all the madness of city life behind me and just enjoying time spent with friends… ‘A good laugh and a long sleep are the best two cures for anything.’
Listening to the podcast series The Highest Self with Sahara Rose, my eyes have been opened to the sad fact that we are all sucked into this whirlwind of modern life where we continue to push our boundries to reach such demanding expectations. Instead of feeling content and happy in the moments of greatness we do reach, we find ourselves moving the goal posts once again to battle on before setting the next target. Why is it we cut short that feeling of contentment and joy when things are simply just fine and life is all OK?
Sahara Rose asks us to take a moment and think back 5 or even 10 years ago to reflect on just how far we have come. What we find is that every one of us is on a journey of growth and we are achieving wonderful things in that fact alone. I spent a weekend with my lovely Manager and close friend who has helped me to see the amazing things I’ve already accomplished at work and in my personal life. After our Sunday morning brekky date, we went for a beautiful bush walk to wind down, breath in the fresh air and just appreciate where we find ourselves at this point of our lives.
‘The happiest people in life are those who are grateful for where they are now; living life in the present moment is true contentment.’
As my first time co-ordinating an event, I learnt a lot in the process of organising through to executing a large party of this kind. Whilst I had the support of my team and delegated tasks to even the workload, there were a number of hurdles along the way. With a tight budget and over 50 employees to keep happy, we had to make cuts where we could. Consequently we decided to hold the event at our offices where we have a balcony on which the marquee was assembled. Once the tables were dressed and fairy lights were up, the setting was perfect and meant people only had to walk upstairs from their desks to join the party.
Most importantly I learnt a lot from the experience and found the pleasure of seeing everyone enjoy the occasion even more rewarding… pass me the prosecco and cue the wobbly eyes 😉
Arriving at the crack of dawn on this sunny Easter Sunday, we got to work setting up and playing around with different layouts to display the candles best. Her collection of scented candles are exquisite with a range of aromas from sweet and fruity to the more floral and woody.
On the whole it was a successful first go at the markets and we already have more booked in the diary which I am keen to be on board with. My friend was so thrilled to have my support and gifted me my favourite scented candle ‘citrus zest and coconut’ as a thank you. It was an honour to be there for such a talented co-worker who is not only a great friend and makes me chuckle, but inspiring mentor who is full of wisdom.
Kicking things off in the office, we hosted an Easter themed morning tea with a spread of hot cross buns, hundreds of chocolate eggs and the obligatory mimosas. I was surprised to see alternative hot cross buns flavoured with apple and cinnamon or chocolate chip – I prefer the classic English style packed with juicy fruits, popped in the toaster and covered in lashings of strawberry jam.
On Good Friday I was invited to the family BBQ in Maroubra where my in-laws treated us to an afternoon and evening packed full of food. As one of the entres, 
As Catholics they traditionally don’t eat meat on Good Friday, so the theme of the night was seafood. First up were tiger prawns so fresh that they were a deep red in colour and only needed a squeeze of lemon to compliment the flavours. Onto the BBQ and the octopus was expertly seared in a light sauce. I think this was some of the best octopus I’ve ever had as it can be easy to overcook and turn chewy, but this meat was deliciously succulent.
Finally sitting down to the beautifully laid dinner table, first course was mussels. These were cooked simply in a tomato marinara sauce to let the taste of the scrumptious mussels come through.
Main course was salmon seared on the BBQ to achieve that crispy skin. Everyone made their contribution of sides including exquisite salads and even a creamy, golden potato bake which I simply couldn’t resist. 
With daylight savings now meaning the sunsets around 5:30pm, pastel colours paint the sky and splash the harbour with that majestic haze each evening I walk home. This sight never fails to make me smile and feel so grateful for being right where I am in life at this moment in time; Sydney, you stole my heart ❤
However journalling is something I only began doing when I first embarked on my trip here to Sydney over a year ago. After my friend brought me a beautiful journal as my leaving present, I have continued to keep a diary ever since. Now onto my third book, I have a unique record of my travels here in Australia which provides a whole other perspective to the photos. Keeping a journal gives me opportunity to reflect on moments in life, both the good and the bad. I like to add little memos to my diary too such as tickets and receipts to remind me of all the places I’ve been.
I would be the first to admit my journals are certainly no novel and definitely lack a decent amount of grammar (usually my worse nightmare). Yet those words capture all of my thoughts even when I’ve faced challenges and spark fond memories of the adventures I’ve been on. It has definitely been quite a journey and as I continue to stand on my own two feet on the other side of the world, I will
The first race was at 12:15, so we all got to the racecourse by midday to grab a spot by the track whilst still in prime location near to the bar! It was a swelteringly hot day, so between a few glasses of bubbles I sipped on diet soda all afternoon to stay hydrated.
Unlike the typical races back home in the UK, I was surprised to see that the dress code and general atmosphere here in Australia is a lot more informal. With benches laid out on the grass and food vans selling mostly hot chips and burgers, it was certainly a far cry from the fine dining options and lavish outfits of Royal Ascot. Nevertheless, everyone from our company made an effort and got spruced up for the occasion, especially all the gals!
It was fascinating watching the horses which are so incredibly fit with their veins protruding from their muscles following the race. Now I can truly appreciate the power and skill of these highly trained, magnificent creatures.
It was a glorious day getting to mingle with my work colleagues as we basked in the sunshine all afternoon cheering on the horses as we placed our bets. I love any excuse to get dolled up and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying some down time away from the office.
Dani Aneka 