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HELLO AGAIN…AM BACK FROM BEAUTIFUL SYDNEY!
“I’ll probably live in Sydney”
Andre Benjamin
Andre Benjamin
We had the time of our lives…literally!!
It’s been a while that I’ve been missing, & am finally back from beautiful & mostly sunny Sydney. Rather eventful trip, as all trips with kids generally tend to be. Went for about 10 days, via HKG, where we had a brief stop-over.
In Sydney, by the 5th day, daughter dearest decided to unleash a fury of yellow colour over Aussie land. She developed viral hepatitis with jaundice…hmmmmmmm, talk about bad timing! Life is … The rest of the trip was pretty much with doctors & emergency & hospitalisation…basically a pretty ‘yellow’ grand finale! We spent the last few days in the Children’s Emergency Hospital with 2 am calls from the GP for immediate hospitalisation due to blood clotting concerns, blood tests, ultrasounds, etc, until she was eventually discharged. With seeing the best of Sydney, we were also to experience the best of medical care. Doctors & facilities par excellence, an entirely memorable experience, positively so! Anyway, we made the most of what we had, salvaged the last day too & are now back home. Our daughter has made rapid progress, is well now, & back to school this morning. For this, we are eternally grateful to a wonderful doctor, Dr Scott Nightingale, (Hepatology Fellow Childrens Hospital at Westmead), who extended all possible assistance around the clock, to get Meher back on her feet! Thank you Dr Scott!!Getting back to the vacation part, we were with friends in Sydney…the DHs old classmate from school in Delhi, his lovely Ukranian wife, & wonderful son. The friendship goes back many years to holidays we’ve shared several times over the years…many times in the UK, twice in Moscow & a previous trip to Sydney! The kids get on fabulously too, so life was looking up! Here’s a bunch of pics (Part ONE of more posts to follow)…
In Sydney, by the 5th day, daughter dearest decided to unleash a fury of yellow colour over Aussie land. She developed viral hepatitis with jaundice…hmmmmmmm, talk about bad timing! Life is … The rest of the trip was pretty much with doctors & emergency & hospitalisation…basically a pretty ‘yellow’ grand finale! 
We spent the last few days in the Children’s Emergency Hospital with 2 am calls from the GP for immediate hospitalisation due to blood clotting concerns, blood tests, ultrasounds, etc, until she was eventually discharged. With seeing the best of Sydney, we were also to experience the best of medical care. Doctors & facilities par excellence, an entirely memorable experience, positively so! Anyway, we made the most of what we had, salvaged the last day too & are now back home. Our daughter has made rapid progress, is well now, & back to school this morning. For this, we are eternally grateful to a wonderful doctor, Dr Scott Nightingale, (Hepatology Fellow Childrens Hospital at Westmead), who extended all possible assistance around the clock, to get Meher back on her feet! Thank you Dr Scott!!
Getting back to the vacation part, we were with friends in Sydney…the DHs old classmate from school in Delhi, his lovely Ukranian wife, & wonderful son. The friendship goes back many years to holidays we’ve shared several times over the years…many times in the UK, twice in Moscow & a previous trip to Sydney! The kids get on fabulously too, so life was looking up! 
Here’s a bunch of pics (Part ONE of more posts to follow)…These are of day 2 when we went up to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage Area, an hours drive West of Sydney.
We enjoyed a delicious spread at a picnic at Katoomba…the ever efficient Uliana laid out the works. While the rest of us were yapping away like crazy, & the kids were running wild, she made these delicious puff pastry turnovers in seconds. There were both savoury & sweet…the first were with cottage cheese, spinach & grated cheddar, & the sweet ones were with almond & poppy seed paste. She made them at express speed, gave them a brushing of egg wash & popped into the oven, while telling me about the wonderful yeast puff pastry dough they do back in Lviv, her home-town. We also carried chicken tikka & lamb kebabs, salad, dips & much more that seemed never ending. Part of my trip went in her giving me old cake recipes from her mother’s collection in Ukraine, from the old times that the Soviet Union used a glass for a 220ml measure; the methods of preparation are endlessly intriguing. I hope to try out, & then post some of those cakes soon. This is what I love about food… fascinating common ground! As for Uliana, she turns out Caprise Cakes, Apple Cakes, crumpets, mashed potatoes etc with as much ease as dal!! WooHoo!!The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of Australia’s natural wonders. Stretching for over one million hectares the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands, combining eight individual conservation reserves. The Giant Staircase walking track runs down a cliff into the Jamison Valley, near the Three Sisters, providing access to nature walks through the valley. The predominant natural vegetation of the higher ridges is eucalypt forest. Heath-like vegetation is present on plateau edges above cliffs. The sheltered gorges often have a temperate rainforest.
We enjoyed a delicious spread at a picnic at Katoomba…the ever efficient Uliana laid out the works. While the rest of us were yapping away like crazy, & the kids were running wild, she made these delicious puff pastry turnovers in seconds. 
There were both savoury & sweet…the first were with cottage cheese, spinach & grated cheddar, & the sweet ones were with almond & poppy seed paste. She made them at express speed, gave them a brushing of egg wash & popped into the oven, while telling me about the wonderful yeast puff pastry dough they do back in Lviv, her home-town. We also carried chicken tikka & lamb kebabs, salad, dips & much more that seemed never ending. 
Part of my trip went in her giving me old cake recipes from her mother’s collection in Ukraine, from the old times that the Soviet Union used a glass for a 220ml measure; the methods of preparation are endlessly intriguing. I hope to try out, & then post some of those cakes soon. This is what I love about food… fascinating common ground! As for Uliana, she turns out Caprise Cakes, Apple Cakes, crumpets, mashed potatoes etc with as much ease as dal!! WooHoo!!
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of Australia’s natural wonders. Stretching for over one million hectares the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands, combining eight individual conservation reserves. The Giant Staircase walking track runs down a cliff into the Jamison Valley, near the Three Sisters, providing access to nature walks through the valley. The predominant natural vegetation of the higher ridges is eucalypt forest. Heath-like vegetation is present on plateau edges above cliffs. The sheltered gorges often have a temperate rainforest. 
We took in breathtaking panoramic views of the Three Sisters, sand-stone rock formations, native Aborigines playing the didgeridoo, picnic spots…before ending the day with a bush walk in Leura Cascades, in the depths of the Blue Mountains. Leura Cascades is a popular picnic area with a walk beside the rapids on Leura Falls Creek down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.We tripped across hidden waterfalls, brooks bubbling merrily along the way, were mesmerised by the wild flowers… …entertained by bird songs, explored delicate pagoda rock structures that seemed as if they were out of Jurassic Park…absolutely amazing biodiversity! This was a trip not to be missed, an eco-tour into the depths of the Blue Mountains that made our trip entirely worthwhile. It did however remind the 2 of us ladies that we had aged, with each muscle crying out on the way back!! Huff puff…!
Leura Cascades is a popular picnic area with a walk beside the rapids on Leura Falls Creek down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.
We tripped across hidden waterfalls, brooks bubbling merrily along the way, were mesmerised by the wild flowers…
…entertained by bird songs, explored delicate pagoda rock structures that seemed as if they were out of Jurassic Park…absolutely amazing biodiversity! 
This was a trip not to be missed, an eco-tour into the depths of the Blue Mountains that made our trip entirely worthwhile. It did however remind the 2 of us ladies that we had aged, with each muscle crying out on the way back!! Huff puff…!
Last, but not the least for this post, is little Umka. The sweet little guinea pig we came home to everyday…who did nothing but EAT!!!
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Deeba @ PAB
About me: I am a freelance food writer, recipe developer and photographer. Food is my passion - baking, cooking, developing recipes, making recipes healthier, using fresh seasonal produce and local products, keeping a check on my carbon footprint and being a responsible foodie! I enjoy food styling, food photography, recipe development and product reviews. I express this through my food photographs which I style and the recipes I blog. My strength lies in 'Doing Food From Scratch'; it must taste as good as it looks, and be healthy too. Baking in India, often my biggest challenge is the non-availability of baking ingredients, and this has now become a platform to get creative on. I enjoy cooking immensely as well.
37 Comments
MeetaK
Great to have you back Deeba! What lovely pictures and it looks like you and the family had a great time. Hugs!
Divya Kudua
So good to have you back Deeba..missed your lovely posts!!Great pics..I am sure you ppl had a great time..good to know that Meher is fine now..!!
nicisme
How ghastly that your daughter fell ill, hope she is fully recovered now. Jeez, they do choose the most inconvenient times, that’s for sure!
Your photos are fabulous, the rest of the trip sounds like a dream. Does your friend have a food blog, she should get one PDQ by the looks of it!
Ahhh, to be a guinea pig…!!
Manggy
Sorry I wasn’t able to reply again to the e-mail, Deeba, but I was going to say that I agreed with the good doctor’s initial assessment. Thank goodness she’s recovering. I could say more but not over comments 🙂
I’m glad that for the most part, Sydney was amazing. It looks really beautiful and I can’t wait to see how your culinary life has been enriched by this experience 🙂
Ivy
It’s wonderful to have you back Deeba and I am glad that your daughter is well and back to school. The trip sounds amazing with beautiful pictures and I am looking forward to more descriptions of your trip and more lovely recipes.
Mary
It has been a long time that i’m following your lovely blog and i couldn’t resist answering you about your journey in Sydney ( my home ) . Thankyou for the lovely pictures and i’m so sorry about your daughter ..hope she’s well now. I hope you don’t mind me following your blog and your fantastic receipes …bye bye
Núria
Hola Sweetie!!!! I’ve been missing you♥
What a lovely trip and great photos as usual! Hope that this is just a small taste ;D
I’m happy to know that your daughter is feeling better now. This things shouldn’t happen when you are on holiday!!!! But, you were so lucky with the country, the hospital and the doctor :D.
Can’t wait to hear and see more! Welcome back Deeba 😀 😀
arundati
Woman!! cant you settle for a normal life?? too bad that the girl fell ill and i hope she recovers quickly… thanks for sharing all those fabulous pictures…. missed you loads!!
Rachel
Glad your daughter is fine…and glad to have you blogging again..looking out for the post on cakes:)
Pearlsofeast
Wow Deeba looks u had a blast of time.I feel sorry about Meher falling sick.Westmead is a good hospital.
Sydney is indeed very live able.Nice photographs of the beach, guess u might have taken from the airplane.
Gloria
Deeba I missed you alot,alot,alot!!! and Im happy your daugther is OK dear, I send you kisses and huggs!!!
The pictures are awesome!!! xxxGloria
Aparna
Looks like you had a wonderful time with your friends.
Nice to know your daughter if fine. I guess she still needs to take it a little easy with food and rest.
Purnima
Whoa…what a post..loved ur collages, its evident u had a great time –was this your bday present..the trip?? Hmm if so, hw thoughtful of ur DH to hv given u the most deserving break..Meher surely looks a bit aloof,glad she’s fine..:D I like her..loved all the pics..especially the three sis. mountains..n the puff pastry, the guinea pig too..what a cute name!!
Shall wait for part two of this post! This post was visual treat, virtual tour of Sydney!
Palidor
Oh, so scary what happened to your daughter! I’m so glad she got excellent care and is okay.
Your pictures are gorgeous, as always. I love the peacock, guinea pig, and koala. So cute!!
Curry Leaf
Great to know you had a wonderful time there and lovely pics.Hope your daughter is okay by now.Its so scary that it happened.Hope she enjoyed atleast a bit of her vacation.
Dwiana P
Welcome back dear! I have heard a lot about Sydney. It is absolutely nice place to visit. Your lucky!! Thanks for sharing those great pictures.
Bellini Valli
Woah nothing worse than having an illness and especially with your child in a foreign country. I am sure she had the best of care but it is still worrisome.I am glad thought that you did have some good times to remember as your photographs display. Thanks for sharing your adventures!!!
Cham
Looks awesome ur trip pictures , having a kid sick in middle of trip is worst! Thank God that she is doing fine!
Sam
your photos totally remind me of my trip to Sydney back in March!! I chose to walk DOWN the giants steps rather than up!!
Happy cook
WOw looks like you all had a wonderful holiday.
They do say sydney is a foddies paradise.
Sorry to hear about you daughter getting jaundice.
GLad to know that she is better now.
Few years back when we were in India Shyama also got jaundice and we too had the terrible trip to emergency etc… we didn’t know she collapsed in the street, it was a nighmare. First hospital we too her to the emergency they told us oh it is a typical for tourist, hehydratiin from sun etc…
Next day we too her to another hospital, 4 days beeing admitted in hospital, hubby had enough he rebooked our ticket to belgium.
farida
Looks like you and your family a fantastic time! Glad your daughter is feeling well. Lovely pictures!
Rosie
Welcome back Deeba and glad to hear you’ve had a brilliant holiday!! Your photos are just beautiful!! Gald your daughter is feeling better – give her a hug from me 🙂
Rosie x
noble pig
You have been gone! Your poor daughter, how terrible! Glad you are home safe and sound. Your pics are beautiful.
Darius T. Williams
foodie guniea pigs? LOL!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
Nags
looks like you had an amazing time 🙂 back to baking now?
Bharti
Hey Deeba..glad to hear the daughter’s doing better, that would have to be a scary experience but at least you had access to good care. Looks like you had a lovely trip- the initial part at least! The pictures look beautiful…welcome back.
Bunny
Welcome back Deeba! I’m sorry to hear your daughter was sick on vacation but glad she’s doing well now. Such wonderful pictures of your trip!
Ning
Hi! Glad to hear you had a fantastic trip, and that you’re finally home and your daughter is well. The Blue Mountain range is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your pictures. 🙂
andrea matranga
amo l’Australia.
muralimanohar
Wow…you’ve seen more of Australia than I have in the last 4 years, and the previous on and off 11 years. Time to step up the pace! lol
How awful about your dd…so glad you were able to get good medical care!
Shaheen (Coco)
What a fun trip. Happy to know that Meher is up and about! Waiting for the Ukrainian cake recipes!
Ruth E
Good to see you back! Looks like you had a great time seeing some great sights. Sorry to hear that your daughter was sick though but glad to hear she’s getting all better.
Cynthia
Australia and New Zealand are two places I hope to see in my life time.
So sorry to hear about your daughter but deligted that she is better. There is nothing worse than getting sick abroad…
Good to have you back!
Reeni
What gorgeous pictures! So sorry to hear about your daughter being ill. I’m very glad all is well with her now. Love the blue highlights and the wig!
Sunshinemom
Lovely pictures! Umka looks adorable. You know what I am waiting for now – lets see those Ukranian cakes unfurling:)
Cakelaw
Glad you enjoyed Sydney, and sorry to hear that your daughter was unwell.
Amu...
Hi Deeba…Glad you to see you back…
Very relieved to hear that your daughter is doing good and back to normal…
Aussie land is beautifull…Melbourne is more beautiful than Sydney…Call me biased but there is this eternal war between people of Melbourne and Sydney abt which city is better…
On your next visit…do do please visit me in melbourne…
Loads of Love and Best Wishes…Amu