Goodbyes are never easy
When I left England 11 months ago on my first voyage down under, I had no idea of the journey I was about to embark upon. The series of events and opportunities that came my way were more than I could have ever wished for and even more enticing as I fell in love with the beautiful land of Australia.
My trip home was short but sweet and I certainly made the most of seeing my wonderful family and friends. It was so encouraging seeing the people who care about me most so proud of what I’m doing and seeing the happiness life in Oz has given me. However saying my goodbyes was that much harder as I knew this time I was in it for the long run.
Now I find myself back in sunny Sydney and ready for more adventures and challenges as I embark upon a new job in PR and continue the fun and games of city life. I’ve even got my city escape back in the idylic Southern Highlands where my Aussie man is based…honestly couldn’t have written the story better myself, here’s to the next chapter!
Returning to the area following my time away there was some new places I wanted to visit alongside the old favourites. As a trending place on Instagram, Petersham Nurseries was somewhere I had to see for myself. It didn’t disappoint with it’s quaint exterior and beautiful courtyard of flowers, so we stopped by for a coffee in the deli. They had offerings of delicious baked goods, lovely salad choices and the menu for their restaurant looked fantastic too, perfect for pre-theatre.
Having had our caffeine kick, it was time to shop and explore the streets of my old stomping ground. Towards Seven Dials we went to Dr.Martens, Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, Mango and the best vintage store in town, Rockit.
We decided to enjoy a late lunch at Balthazar, a modern French Bistro with exquisite interiors making you feel like you’ve stepped into a restaurant in Paris. Having visited before for brunch, I was excited to try their lunch menu and wasn’t disappointed. I went for the Moules Frites which was paired perfectly with the bottle of white wine we shared for the table. They even brought out a platter of macaroons with candles for my Mum’s Birthday, how sweet!
Following our idyllic afternoon strolling around Covent Garden, we headed to the Tower of London to see the poppies being lit in commemoration of WWI. It was hauntingly beautiful watching the ex-soldiers light 10,000 torches in remembrance of those who lost their lives all that time ago in The Great War.
To complete our day in town, I took my Mum and Auntie to Sky Garden which is at the top of the walkie talkie building in the city. With 360 degree views of the city lit up by night and a glass of wine in hand, it was the perfect setting to finish the day as a visitor back in my home city of London.
Walking through the front door I’m greeted with an overwhelming scent of home and my beautiful room is still just as I left it. I always took such pride in decorating my room with stylish interiors and memorabilia including precious photos from over the years. I’ve continued to make the effort to print those special photos despite everything being digital now so I can look back on cherished memories. It was also a joy to be reunited with my wardrobe of gorgeous clothes and shoes which I have a new appreciation for since I’ve been living out of my suitcase for 10 months!
Now having been back in England for a week, it doesn’t feel like a day has passed since I left. Coming back has reminded me of my humble roots and the fabulous family and friends I have who are always there and support me no matter what – that’s what makes home a home.
Having finished up work here in the Southern Highlands a week prior to my flight, I’ve decided to actually relax and do those things that I enjoy before a long journey and emotional visit back to England. I took a trip to some local cafes and wineries I’ve been meaning to visit and finally found the time to sunbathe in our little garden. Cooking and cleaning has always been my way of switching off – as backwards as that sounds! – so I’ve been making some delicious dinners and my favourite breakfast bowls to enjoy too.
Now it’s time to zip up my suitcase and begin the journey back to Sydney and then home. I can’t quite comprehend the amount of time that has passed but I know not much will have changed in my absence. My visit to England will fly by so I’m eager to see as many of my friends as possible and soak up being reunited with my family. On reflection, this adventure down under has changed the course of my life and I just can’t wait to get back on Australian soil and hit the ground running as I start the next chapter!
Working at one of the wineries myself, I have been keen to visit other popular venues including Centennial Vineyard just out of Bowral and Bendooley Estate in Berrima. I was particularly intrigued by the idea of a bookshop at Bendooley which welcomes guests to enjoy their menu of enticing Australian cuisine whilst perusing the literature.
Arriving at the estate on a drizzly spring Friday afternoon, I was welcomed by the site of a roaring fire to escape the cold. In the main cafe seating area nestled between the shelves of books, it’s hard not to get drawn in and immersed into an interesting read. Stocking everything from original English fiction and old school cooking books to current cult classics and eye catching coffee table hard backs, you could spend hours discovering new reads whilst sipping on your wine and enjoying a slice of pizza fresh from the stone oven.
Starting with white, I was refreshed with a crisp fruity Sauvignon Blanc and found the woody zest of the Semillon a real winner. Of course I had to try the sparkling too and being my personal preference, the NV Cuvee didn’t disappoint with a delicate fruity finish perfect for a summer afternoon.
Moving onto the reds and with a good variety of light, woody and heavier types, there certainly was a taste for every palette. The Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of dark fruits and a medium body was exquisite and the Sangiovese giving more spice and bite would accompany a cheese board perfectly. Being more partial to a full bodied red, I didn’t expect such depth of flavour in the Pinot Noir which time in French Oak leaves a delicious woody finish.
With staff as friendly and welcoming as its surroundings, Bendooley Estate offers an all round experience of casual fine dining, sociable chatter of wine tasting and book browsing at leisure…a beautiful recipe for the quintessential afternoon in Berrima.
Being a Sunday the spot we had planned on going was busy with people, but luckily we knew of another place a little more off the beaten track. We found a deserted section of the river, set up our hammock and got some chilled tunes going on the speakers. I couldn’t think of a more idyllic scenario than sitting by that stream all afternoon enjoying my flask of coffee and reading my book in the hammock.
Whilst there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, a gentle spring breeze took the edge off the strong Australian sunshine. Soon enough though we’ll be swapping our coats and flasks of tea for swimwear and refreshing cocktails as we make weekly trips to the abundance of stunning rivers and lakes the Southern Highlands has to offer – Spring has sprung!
So as I continue my new found profession as a stone waller in the Southern Highlands, I can already taste Australian spring and look forward to working away in the heat of a summers day. It may not be the most glamorous of jobs and takes a lot of patience, but it certainly is one to add to my CV as another string to my bow, or more appropriately ‘rock to my wall’.
Owners Chris and Sally Beresford pride themselves on creating the perfect setting in which to enjoy the immaculately kept estate as you graze on a delectable French inspired menu carefully curated by Sally herself. Whilst guzzling a glass of wine and soaking up the sun, you can explore the vineyard and get to know the majestic family of geese making their characterful presence known on the reservoir.
An impeccable taste for French interiors is also reflected in the antique centre next door, in which Sally exhibits her antique tables made using trees imported from France. With a background in the rag trade and regular trips to Europe to scope out original pieces, Sally brings together antique furniture alongside touches of modern elements to formulate her unique style. This compilation of the old and new to accompany exclusively curated tables has drawn the attention of prestigious publications including Vogue and The Financial Times, establishing Beresford’s name in interiors from the highest of crituques.
With such attention drawn to Mount Ashby amongst socialites of the Southern Highlands and beyond, the estate is set to grow with a new event space being built to accommodate increasing demands of weddings taking place on the property. Set amongst the vineyard overlooking the reservoir, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque, romantic setting to take marriage vows. Meanwhile, the Pallete Cafe with its new summer special menu continues to bustle on the weekends, firmly proving itself as a little taste of France within the sweeping hills of Australian farmland.
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Now just a week and a half in I already feel like I’ve been here for ages and despite the bitter cold, farm life is in fact good fun! I’ve made some truly great friends and last week I was taken on the most beautiful hike in Kangaroo Valley. We began on a trek upstream where we found stunning waterfalls and lush rock formations, before heading to Drawing Room Rocks for an uphill walk and afternoon bathing in the glorious sun overlooking the scenic landscape. It was so refreshing chatting to fellow travellers and like-minded people about their adventures and future plans after farm work.
The more I’ve explored the area and local towns, I’ve realised that this region is a mirror image of my hometown back in England. Speaking to many of the locals and going to the village winter festival has confirmed how much this place actually reminds me of home – I truly have landed on my feet! By dedicating myself to the hard work and making the effort to build great friendships, it’s amazing how much can change in a week. I’m already looking forward to my next day off so I can discover more of the area and make the most of my surroundings in the idyllic Southern Highlands of Australia. Travelling is certainly a game of feeling lost before unexpectedly finding yourself once again.
Dani Aneka 