Down in the 'Gong ...

When the move south of the border was definite, I went in search of suitable holiday destinations that met with my budget and transport requirements. Surprisingly, I came up with quite a list thanks to Lonely Planet New South Wales. Then the dilemna came: how do I decide between destinations? Well, I just did.

I spent the past four days in Wollongong having an absolute blast doing not much! It may come as a shock to some when I say that the only thing I had organised was where I was going to stay. I decided to stay in Keiraleigh - an old heritage building made into a backpackers place. It was beautiful - not spick and span or flashy but just right. Here's what I got up to on my little adventure ...

Tuesday - Went for a walk along the beach and foreshore after I arrived. Noticed that the colour of the sand is more brown than in Queensland. Marvelled at the number of grains of sand, wondered if Genesis 22:17 is metaphorical or real, rejoiced at the large number of people who are part of Abraham's family but was saddened by the thought that they aren't many.

Wednesday - Walked around the Australia Day markets by the beach. Watched Australia play the West Indies in Adelaide (on the TV, not in person!). Ate fish 'n' chips by the beach while listening to Red Beans (funk/soul band from Sydney). Listened to the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Jazz Orchestra play some funky numbers. Watched fireworks live for once instead of on the TV.

Thursday - Went to Kiama for the morning. Visited the blowhole. Visited op-shops in Kiama and Wollongong. Tossed up whether or not to get a new mobile phone - still undecided. Went to dinner at the Hogs Breath Cafe ('cause I've always wanted to go there but never have) and had the best Thai Beef Salad. Wrote post cards. Watched Law & Order.

Friday - Relaxed on the beach. Did a crossword. Read Selected Tales of Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm. Did more of my crossword. Relaxed on the beach (again). Walked along the foreshore. Got a bit emotional when I saw one of the locals sitting on a rock playing his djembe. Ate fish 'n' chips at the beach (again). Watched The Replacements while doing more of my crossword.

Saturday - Had breakfast near the lighthouse looking out over the ocean. Reflected on Isaiah 40:12. Returned to Sydney refreshed and relaxed.

So, there you have it, a summary of my latest adventure. My one regret is that I didn't get up to watch the sunrise at the lighthouse - it was something I thought of doing but didn't. Oh well, maybe next time!

One last culinary fling ...

On the eve of my departure to Sydney, I decided to embark on one final culinary adventure in my kitchen. And, to no one's surprise, it was enjoyed by all. So, here's the recipe ...

Lemon Gelato
8 lemons
1 cup white sugar
5 eggs
2 cups milk

1. Cut lemons in half lengthways. Using a small sharp knife, cut between fruit and pith (this makes it easier to remove the pulp later). Juice lemons. Remove pulp from lemon shells. Set shells aside.
2. Place 1 cup of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until syrup comes to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until syrup has reduced by half. Pour into a bowl to cool.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl for 4 minutes or until pale and thick. Stir in milk. Transfer to a saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 8 minutes or until custard thickens and coats the back of a metal spoon (don't allow mixture to come to the boil). Remove from heat.
4. Stir lemon syrup into custard. (This will curdle, but that's okay.) Pour into a 4-cup capacity airtight container. Set aside to cool. Cover and freeze for 5-6 hours or until almost set.
5. Transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth. Spoon into reserved lemon shells. Smooth tops. Cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. Use a hot knife to cut shells in half. Serve.

Serves 8
Source: Super Food Ideas, December/January 2005