Written on 26th Dec 2010
What a season to be Jolly fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la ....
Merry Christmas everyone!
This is the first year I spent Christmas outside Brunei without my family. Nevertheless, I am blessed with a fun and entertaining flatmate here in Whangarei. Today, I went to church in the morning then shopping including getting groceries. Anyways, let me take you back to 2 days ago.
I worked on Christmas Eve till 7pm. When I reached home, Phoebe, my current flatmate, has finished preparing Japanese Curry including my portion.*Thank you.
In Brunei, I usually spend my Christmas Eve with family for x’mas mass and counting down 3 2 1 to Christmas in the church. Nonetheless, I was glad that there was an entertaining one hour Christmas service at Equip Church on 24 December (9-10pm).
There were a variety of performances brought to us by the church members
After church, we went to town in search of a restaurant for desserts. We walked into a restaurant/café and I saw the word “Crème Brulee” on the dessert board which made me very excited. To our disappointment, they only do finger food like chips as it was already quite late. Hey Hey! Crème Brulee rhymes with Whangarei! *I know it is lame* =P (I just made a reservation for new year eve and hopefully there are still seats available for us)
Came across this shop that sells dream-catcher
Hopping back into the car, we drove to the harbour hoping that at least one of the restaurants or cafes were still opened. Again with the same expression, everywhere was closed. We then decided to take some photos and tried out Phoebe’s fantastic ‘Micro Four Thirds’ camera which resembles a DSLR. Oh gees, I wish I have a mini DSLR.
At the harbour, we saw lights and music from the other side of the road. Phoebe saw the word “LIVE BAND” and yes a bar/café. It gave me a feeling like being in the 1990s. People were drinking beer while some danced themselves away with enjoyment. We joined the dancing part and this is the one that I enjoyed the most. It is very different from clubbing though. After this, we just chatted at the playground at the town basin till the clock stuck 12! Merry Xmas!!! If you are interested to see professional photos of the town basin/harbour, please go to http://davidwallphoto.com/searchresults.asp?tx=town+basin&ts=&c=&Lids=&Gids=&p=1&n=6734&phrase=
Part of Maori's Hakka dance
Upon reaching home, we snacked on popcorn, chips and cheesecake while watching the Xmas parade on TV! Oooo Ammmm Geeee! *F.A.T* When the show finished at about 2.45am, I went to bed straight away because I had been deprived of sleep, not to mention the long hours of standing in the pharmacy.
Love Sara Lee's Cheesecake!
Look at my mini butcher knife
Our xmas supper
Waking up at 11.15am, the two of us got ready and went out to get brunch. We went back to harbour and the “crème brulee restaurant” but too bad, they only attended to those who made reservations. Apart from this and a Japanese takeaway, all the shops and restaurants were closed. We walked to the railway and saw a board on the floor stating “VINYL RESTAURANT and bar. OPEN. Walk inside”. Phoebe and I were on cloud nine! The first thing the waitress asked was, “did you make any booking?” oh-no! Not again.
At harbour
Fortunate enough, the chef was okay to accommodate two more people. I give a rating of 9/10 for the food and even desserts! In particular, I would like to stress that the desserts are just right. They are nto too sweet but just right including the texture and presentation. Service is good as well. We were so bloated and therefore, we just walked to aid us feeling better.
At Vinyl restaurant having xmas themed buffet lunch
There were other food too like seafood chowder, date pudding, chicken, ham etc
The two of us felt very bloated which is the reason we took a walk before heading home.
Feel like central library, Dunedin
Huggies Huggies
Spiderwoman in action!
Okay people, these photos below are supposed to be under the harbour story but I am lazy to move them up. Heee
Can I have the camera? *puh-leeeseee!* HAHA
Afterwards, we googled for nice beaches and places of interests in Whangarei. Most of the beaches are either 30mins or more than that but since I love driving and dare to drive (with my boyfriend aka my GPS’s help), we went out of Whangarei and arrived at Rutukaka beach. It is about 30mins drive from Whangarei town. There were quite a number of people there swimming and relaxing. It felt really good breathing fresh air with the sound of the low tide water in my ears. I wore heels to the beach! Others must be thinking I am very strange. I have no other more suitable ones as my flats are all made of cloth material which will be really hard to clean and wash. The most amazing part of this trip is the beautiful and attractive houses near the beach! We stayed till about 5.30pm.
It is a dead smelly crab! Ewwww. No wonder the flies kept on surrounding the place we sat. This was the cause of all.
Huge ALOE VERA!
Before going home, we went to the “crème brulee restaurant” to try our luck. Too bad it was closed. Next time then. By the way, the so called crème brulee restaurant is known as Dickens Inn.
Merry Christmas people!
-The End-
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