South Africa's Garden Route - Pt Elizabeth to Cape Town

 

Cango Ostrich Farm at Struisbaai South Africa was one of many extraordinary experiences along the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.
My traveling companion "Ron Bearassi" (named after AFL Melbourne legend Ron Barassi) had a wonderful time viewing elephants, ostrich, tortoise, coastline scenery and rugged countryside.  

However he had to leave the tasting of amazing cuisine up to me .....

Addo Elephant Reserve - up close encounters.

A curious giant tortoise on the roadside

Helping to demonstrate how strong Ostrich eggs are, although "Ron" doesn't weigh very much

An Ostrich ride - so exciting for a little bear.  I left the activity up to "Ron" as someone had to capture the moment!

On a camping adventure lunch can be very basic yet substantial to keep you going until dinner.

Snacks along the way

Ostrich Steaks

Sizeable Beef Steak

Farm butter and cakes

Ostrich Biltong

Meeting our Soweto Restaurant host and cook

A delicious smorgasbord of local delights

Back to the campsite and a barbequed local giant size beef steak

My little friend "Ron" and I had a wonderful time exploring South Africa's picturesque Garden Route

Trying on an Ostrich Boa was a bit of fun!!

New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud, Seafood & Kai Cooker Hangi

Bluff Oysters are reputed to be the best in the world and regarded as New Zealand's national treasure.

So before our main meal, a generous serving of delicious Bluff Oysters.

A well known New Zealand tradition is Hangi.  

This can be cooked in a pit with hot rocks in the base and layers of meats and vegetables on top covered by hessian and soil, OR

cooked in a Hangi Kai Cooker using the same principles without digging a hole in your backyard.  

Generous layers of vegetables and meat produce a smokey flavoured feast.

A tour of the north and south island captured in stunning scenery of green rolling hills and grazing lands.

Roadside flora adds to the vista so synonymous with New Zealand

Eggs Benedict for breakfast

Scallops for lunch

Followed by a cheese board showcasing New Zealand's finest

Concluding with a classic chocolate fondant for dessert

Phuket, Thailand - Seafood, Scenery, Cocktails & the odd Celebrity

 

Travelling with Johnny Depp - well not quite

A relaxing 10 days at the Katathani Resort, Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand was just what we needed following our 22 day Indo China adventure earlier in the year (2011)

We all love fresh seafood and Happy Hour at the Cocktail Bar

Sightseeing is high on our To Do List as well.

James Bond Island is an iconic landmark

Canoeing also works up an appetite for fresh seafood including lobster, prawns and other shellfish.

A Seafood Buffet - heaven for seafood lovers!

Time for Desserts ....

Time for Cocktails ...

Vietnam - 14 days of Temples, Trishaws & Tempting Tastes

 

Trishaws are a fab way to get around to see the sights and enjoy the aromas of the street stalls

Temples are prolific as are the offerings of fresh fruits, flowers and snacks

Colourful fruits and and flowers everywhere you look.  It would be wonderful to know the names of the many varieties.

Some of the fruits look as though they have been hand painted.

One of the many highlights of our 14 day journey through Vietnam was learning techniques in a Cooking Class.

Of course you get to eat everything you've created so you need to make sure you listen to your teacher ....

Now it's our turn .....

and the results ...

Second course ....

We have a way to go before we could produce dishes as attractive and delicious as the locals ...

Whole wok fried fish

Prawns barbequed on a Hibachi