Four Island Tour on Longtail Boat – Koh Lanta

Since we have spent most of out time at Koh Lanta in the bliss of massage, good food and sun-baking, we decided to venture a little further from our paradise resort.

 Before we left, we had read about Lanta Longtail tours and we decided that this would be a far more authentic way to see the islands than on a noisy speed boat.

Susanna picked us up at 8am and took us to Lanta Old Town – which is pratically untouched by modernity. It’s here that you get a taste for how the islanders live and make a living from fishing or the rubber plantations.

Susanna, a woman originally from the US, told us the story how she originally came to Lanta to teach art six years ago. Now only did she fall in love with the island, but also fell in love with a local fisherman called San (even though who knew how they communicated since neither spoke eachother’s language).

They got married two years ago and now run a very successful Long tail boat tour.

Susanna dropped us off at the pier (she had to go into Krabi) and we clambered on board the large  wooden Longtail boat. We met San – who’s slightly broken english was enough to get us understood and the driver.

We munched on fresh watermelon and water as we headed out into the East side of the island towards Ko Muk.

It took about 1 and a half hours to get here and once we docked, the driver got into the water with us and lead us into the Emerald Cave. It was pitch black inside save for the single beam of light from the driver’s headlamp.

Soon we saw sunlight and we were lead onto a pristine beach surrounded by high cliff. We savoured the serenity until the mass of tourists arrived. We decided to head back to our personal boat (btw your own personal boat is the way to go – much better than sharing it with hoards of others).

We then did some snorkelling at Koh Ngai. After we stopped on the beach for a chicken curry and rice lunch and just sunbaked on the sand and lazed in the tourquoise waters.

After eating, we boated to Koh Ma where we did some more snorkelling – the highlight was that I found Nemo (actually there were two of them).

San then took us around the pinnacle of the island back to the West coast. It was a bit of a long treck – it took us about 2 and a half hours. But the scenery was magnificent plus we got to feed cheeky monkeys watermelon in the mangrove forests/

San dropped us off on the beach directly near our hotel. Now this is the way to travel!

Koh Lanta Paradise

We’ve finally mustered up some energy to write an email – it’s been tough, you know – massages once a day (today we had two!), the most delicious watermelon ice-juices I’ve ever had, lounging by the infinity pool, reading and watching the beautiful sunsets.

It’s a different world here and Nath and I are just loving this way of life (we’ve been trying to think of ways that we can stay or at least bring our massage lady back with us to Sydney).

Our resort – Twin Lotus – is just magnificent. We have a garden view suite with a bed that is like a mega- king and a bathroom with a lovely rain shower as well as an outdoor tub. It’s a car-less resort so we get taken everywhere by golf carts (even though our suite is about 100 steps from the pool – very indulgent 🙂

Food has been so delicious – we’ve had room service twice (the chicken cashew nut is amazing) and watched some dvd’s (which you can hire here). Today we’re going to wander down the beach to see what there is beyond the walls of Twin Lotus.

Despite the temptation to veg the week away, we’ve actually been quite active – yesterday we did a full day diving (we found NEMO!!!! and saw a turtle). Today we took out a kayak and even took a bicycle ride into town (for those ppl who know me, this was no small feat). We went shopping in the town – amazingly the food selection in this small island is just as good as Sydney and Nath bought this Heinz chilly sauce which apparently yuou can’t get back home.

Tomorrow we’re off on an island tour on a Longtail boat and then ending off our time in Koh Lanta with a Thai cooking course on the beach.

BTW – for those who asked about Bed in Bangkok – it was an incredible experience – the restaurant is lined with these large white beds and you actually lounge on them while you are eating. It is uber trendy and the three course meal was possibly the best we have tasten for ages – my Wagyu steak was so tender and tasty. Prices were pretty much Sydney prices so it was pretty much meant for tourists.

Well, it’s time for us to get some dinner. Byeeee

Sawadee from Bangkok (hello)

Just a quick one from Bangkok – we have had an action packed two days!

Our hotel (Majestic Grande) is magnificent  and very central and we are loving the luxury (and the aircon). It’s hectically humid here – growing up in Durban has helped Lisa to adjust to the weather but Nath is taking a slight strain 🙂

Yesterday, we hit the markets and the shopping malls – the weekend markets were packed and filled with everything from bags to live doggies. The malls were more upmarket than we’ve ever seen – needless to say, with shops like Cartier and Gucci, we could only window shop.

We had lunch in this amazing food hall – we munched on sushi and noodles – so very tasty – must be the fresh ingredients and the “real” wasabi. We then walked around a gourmet food hall and sampled our way through the delish dried fruit.

The highlight for the day for Lisa was finding a supply of Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream (half-baked)…yum yum – we have now eaten two half-pint tubs in bed (how decadent can you get!!).

Last night we didn’t feel like eating in the markets so we landed up at Haagen Dasz as a scientific experiment to compare the ice-cream to B&J’s (well, that’s the story we told ourselves 🙂 We munched on a waffle and a brownie with different flavours of ice-cream. And the winner……Ben and Jerry’s (of course).

Oh and another thing – we found a Sizzler in one of the shopping centres. (We resisted going in)

Today we had an awesome day – we had our own private tour guide and driver who took us to the floating markets (so colourful and interesting) and we got to see a railway market (the stalls all set up on the track and have to quickly pack up when a train comes through). The guide also took us through a local food market where we got to sample some local delicacies such as coconut milk balls and mango with sticky rice.

We had lunch at authentic road side Thai cafe – Nath had garlic chicken and rice, I had Pad See Yeiw (noodles and chicken) and our guide had some soupy thing with fish. The three dishes plus three cooldrinks came to the princely sum of 180 Baht – which is about $7. Amazing value for money.

We then toured the opulent temples ( we loved the one of the gynormous gold reclining buddha – also called Wat Po), took a canal ride on a longtail boat and then ended it off with an authentic thai foot massage…so relaxing.

Tonight we’re off to the Bed Restaurant and then we’re leaving for Koh Lanta tomorrow morning. Bye.. and Kub Kum Kam (thankyou).

My Sparkly Engagement Ring

About a year and a half ago, I was in the Cape Town winelands with some friends. In one of the wineries, the lady behind the counter, had the most gorgeous sparkly diamond ring. I fell in love with it instantly.

A couple of months later, I emailed her and asked her to send me photos of the ring, which she did. So I always had the design in mind when, one day, Mr Right would come along.

So when Nathan proposed, I showed him the design I had in mind. And so began the journey to get the ring….which amazingly only lasted a week and a half. I now have the gorgeous sparkly bling sitting on my finger only a few days after we got engaged.

We started off at the Diamond wholesaler who got us a great deal on the most magnificent diamond. In about one hour we learnt so much about diamonds – cut, clarity, colour and carat so when we actually bought it, we pretty much knew what we wanted.

We then went to the jeweler and I can only say amazing things about Jeff Einstein in Double Bay. They were consummate professionals and perfectionists.

I showed them the photo of my dream ring and they had actually made one up very similar a few weeks ago. As I slipped on the sample ring, I knew we had come to the right place.

They hand-made the ring in one week and we went to collect it yesterday.

When we arrived, Jeff came into the room armed with a camera. He said as tradition, he would like to either take a photo of me opening the box or he’ll leave us for a few minutes and then come back to take some snaps.

We opted for the latter and alone in the small room, Nath got down on his knee for the 2nd time and I got another beautiful proposal – this time with the ring. He opened the box, slipped the diamonds on my finger and we were in awe of the beauty.

Jeff returned and took photos of our beaming faces and the even gleamier ring. I couldn’t have been happier. My dream ring with my dream fiance.

Our Engagement Celebration

So we’re engaged! Woo Hoo… So what does a girl do when her wonderful boyfriend pops the question? She starts planning of course. The night of our engagement, my mind was whirring with ideas. By the time the sun rose, I had it all planned out 🙂 I think Nathan was quiet bemused by my nocturnal organising.

We wanted a celebration with our family and friends but we were leaving for Thailand two weeks later so that left one weekend and 6 days to plan a party.

And so…our engagement party started to take shape. We decided on a champagne high tea and after a tour of the Eastern Suburbs parks, we picked the magnificent McKells Park in Darling Point. It’s a very popular spot for wedding ceremonies and photos and has a lovely view of the harbour. We designed the invites, sent them out, made a menu, ordered the cakes, made the quiches, cooked the fudge and bought the drinks and champagne.

I had been in denial about the weather the entire week. Even when the weather report doomed us to rain, I thought ‘sun sun sun’. The word ‘Rain’ was banned from my vocab. On Sunday, we woke up and I could no longer deny the heavy skies. Nath zipped off to put plan B into place. This consisted of three gazebos which would hopefully keep the food and guests dry.

Nath, being a proud DIY-savvy Aussie, got to work with the gazebos and I set up the food. We were both in new clothes – me in a brand new white dress and Nathan in smart-casual beige parts and white polo shirt. Literally minutes before everyone arrived, we had it all set up. It was all pretty in pink and colourful.

Tamara made us the most fun cake – lavished with smarties and jelly beans and topped with our photo – and to top it all, is was scrumptious.

The food was gobbled down – the sushi and the quiches were especially popular – along with the choccy fudge and the cakes (nut laden tiramsu ; lemon meringue and Bon Vivante).

Nath said a lovely heartfelt speech and we had a toast and a champagne cheers.

It was so special to share our happiness with both Nath and my families as well as our close and wonderful friends.


It was a day full of warmth and love, despite the rain pelting down. (thank goodness most people had left by then and it was only a few of us who got drenched.

What a memorable day.

More Pics

We’re engaged!

(Click on the pics for larger versions)

I know it’s been ages but this post is worth waiting for.

Let me come out and say it: “Nathan and I are engaged!!”.

It’s been such an exciting 2 weeks and we’re both elated and on this natural high – I don’t think we’ve stopped smiling 🙂

This is how it all happened:

About 6 months ago, we booked for the Lionel Richie concert in the Hunter Valley. Finally, on 7 December, it was time to head for our weekend away. It was somewhat of a harrowing drive – potholes, mist and darkness but we found our way to Olive Grove Cottages. Of course, I cracked open the port as soon as we arrived – nothing but a bit of mulled wine to calm the nerves.

Our cottage was an upmarket self-catering place fully equipped and stocked with pristine kitchen appliances and lots of food.

The next morning, we had a leisurely brekkie and then took a drive to the Hunter Valley Gardens. We walked through the different themed gardens – Japanese, Italian, even nursery rhymes – and strayed into the orchards where we picked tiny apples and rock hard pears (and got completely muddy as a result).

We then stopped off at the local deli to get some goodies for our picnic.

Our next stop was Bimbadgen estate where the concert was going to be held. We arrived at about 3:30pm and waited in line until the gates
opened at 4pm. We rushed onto the huge lawn and settled our blanket down as close as we could get to the stage.

Looking around, we then noticed that a whole bunch of people that we know from Sydney had settled down next to us – this was going to be a good party!

We just started to relax, when Nath produced a pressie from his backpack of tricks. I opened it to find a gorgeous photo album. The album was a creative showcase of photos of all our adventures over the past 7 months. It was so beautifully done and I was in awe of how much fun we had had together.

All the while I was looking at it, I was thinking – “Wow, what a special 7-month anniversary present”.

When I got to the end of the album, there was an envelope. I opened it and there was a card. In the card, were the life-changing words: “Will you Marry Me?”

I don’t think I’ve ever been more surprised in my life. I totally didn’t expect this…which is amazing since I am such a mega-planner.

I had a quick hyper-ventilation session as I grabbed Nath and we walked a few metres away from our curious friends next to us. Nath topped off the romance by getting down on his knee and proposing.

What a surreal feeling but so magic and better than I could ever have dreamed. Of course, I said Yes!!!

We then returned to our picnic party to a flurry to congratulations, hugs and kisses. Apparently they had taken a quick peak at the card when we left so they knew all about our good news.

Nath then produced a bottle of (sweet-yum) champagne and we toasted our excitement. I was still trembling with surprise and it took a good few hours to absorb everything.

Vicki had a chat to the cameraman and we suddenly were making our debut appearance on the giant screens with the text “Congratulations Lisa and Nathan” typed under our grinning faces.

We went off for a couple of hours to make some phonecalls and share the excitement with our friends and family.

Lionel Richie was awesome but I guess even Marcia Hines seemed top class – in the ecstatic moods we were in.

The next morning we headed home early chattering about all our plans for our future.

What a magical weekend and the start of Chapter Two…..

Edible Review: Glebe Point Diner

It was my one year anniversary in Sydney on 19 October (one year, can you believe it!!!). So to celebrate this happy occassion, Nath took me to Glebe Point diner, in wait for it….Glebe.

We drove past the bustling restaurant strip and a good couple of km down the road, we found the elegant, open-plan Glebe Point Diner. Good thing we made a booking a few weeks ago as the place was packed – there were even people dining at the bar.

We were seated straight away at marble tables covered with white paper. This was the style of the diner – elegant yet casual, upmarket and trendy yet friendly and unpretentious. A truely great date destination.

The menu was brief – six starters and four mains. It’s not a great place if you’re veggie (and don’t eat fish) as the mains consisted of a chicken dish, two fish options and a beef salad. I guess you could have a selection of vegetarian entrees but how much fun is that???

Nath and I shared a fennel and artichoke salad with cheddar, broadbeans and the star of the dish – pomegranate seeds. We also ordered fresh sour dough bread (for $2 a board). Delicious combination.

For mains, I opted for the seared tuna, which was perfectly prepared – pink in the middle. It was served with a pepperonata which was a mixture of grilled peppers – scrumptious and potato scallops which were deep fried to a crisp and just not worth the laden calories.

Nath munched on the Angus steak strips with watercress, parmesan and lemon dressing. This was outstanding – the meat was tender and the dressing piquant.

Price wise, the dishes were well priced for a good restaurant. Mains were between $14 and $18 and mains were about $30 – generous portions and good value.

The service was efficient and friendly and the food was fast – despite the packed room.

We decided to leave dessert as we were heading for a new chocolate cafe in the area. But we’ll give them a try next time.

I really loved our meal and would recommend this for a special occassion or even just an everyweek treat. 

Cooking Course: Moroccan Veggie

About two weeks ago, I received a surprise parcel at work. It was these two beautifully wrapped gifts from Peters of Kensington (a kitchen shop in Sydney). It had the message “Do not open before the 15th October”  inscribed on one of the pressies. I just LOVE surprises.

This was all the clever concoction of my wonderfully innovative boyfriend. On Monday (15th Oct) I got to finally open my pressies. They were matching Nigella Lawson aprons (blue stripes – very professional chef-like). We would be using them for a cooking course that Nathan had booked at this place called Accountrement in Mosman in Northern Beaches Sydney.

The theme of the course was Moroccan vegetarian and the chef was a woman called Nadine (pronounced Na – dene NOT Nay-dene) Abenseur. She isn’t very well known in Aussie (which she seemed a little put out about) but as the author of the very well known book: The Cranks Bible in the UK, she’s actually pretty famous in the food world.

She was born in Casablanca and this was enough to make her cooking course really authentic. There were eight recipes altogether and each couple made one dish. The great thing about the course was that the recipes were very simple so the course didn’t drag on for hours. As soon as one dish was ready, we would all gather around and taste. We tried a number of variations of Moroccan Salad with roasted veggies and delicious haloumi.

Nath and I made two variations of Basteya (Moroccan pies). The one filling was spinach and feta, the other grilled eggplant and gruyere cheese. We made our own very oily pastry which was easy to make and baked into a melt in the mouth, golden delicacy. Yum!

The highlight for me was the rose water marzipan paste which was stuffed into Medjool dates and then dipped into chocolate. I’m not even a big date person but believe me, this is the most scrumptious dessert. Perfect with a strong cup of coffee, I would imagine.

The course ended just before 9pm – which was well timed as I’ve been on similar courses that run on till past 11pm and people are exhausted by the time they leave.

Nadine was a fascinating person and a really good host of the night. She regaled us with stories of her new art venture in Byron Bay (where she lives). She also told us how she had been a staunch vegetarian since she was 19 and then woke up four months ago and just craved meat and now devours hamburgers.

On the way out, I bought her latest veggie book (it sounded as if she is moving away from cooking so it’s probably her last book for a while) and a wooden rolling pin.

I can’t wait to try out our new recipes at home.

Lindt Chocolate Appreciation Course

Last night I lived out one of my fantasies – 90 minutes in Willy Wonka Heaven. Ok, there was not an Oompa Loompa to be seen and the chef was slightly less outlandish than the original Roald Dahl chocolatier. But it was still choccy heaven.

 Three days before my birthday, I received an sms from my cousin Taryn. It went something like this: “should we buy Lisa a voucher for the Lindt appreciation course for her birthday?”. Clearly, in a tangle of thumbs, Taryn mixed up recepients. But at least I got to answer the text with a resounding “yes, please!!”.

So almost 8 months after receiving this special gift, I finally got to go on the course at the Lindt Cafe in Martin place.

 I was joined by Julie – who had also been given a voucher for her b-day by my sister. We were both notorious choccy lovers and united in the quest to consume as much choccy as we could.

The Lindt chef (I can’t remember his name) is the face of Lindt. He’s authentically Swiss with a tang of Aussie thrown into his accent and you can see he loves his chocolate.

We were given a small cup of hot chocolate on arrival. It was rich and smooth and up there as the most delicious hot choc I have tasten. If you order a Hot Choc in the Lindt cafe, you get a cup of molten choc and a cup of milk. It’s up to you to mix it in the right proportions…which I never seem to get right. It was so much better when the experts made it up for me.  I asked the chef for some advice on the perfect combo of liquid choc and milk and he said “Just practise”.

The course started with a look at chocolate through the ages and the launch of Lindt & Sprungli. Did you know that the company is actually Lindt and Sprungli but the marketers decided that foreigners outside Switzerland would struggle with the Sprungli name – so they dropped it. Apparently there are still two Sprungli descendents on the corporate board. I wonder how they feel about their name being banished?

As the chef described the history and the making of chocolate, we each got a plate with about 8 different chocolate blocks to sample. We were warned to pace ourselves so we made sure to try and eat only half of each block and put the other half in the takeaway bag.

Out next plate was full of different kind of truffles. The chef then gave a demo of the truffle making and I volunteered to help out…which was pretty fun. I got a cool Lindt apron for my efforts.

Finally we went onto to taste cake and the Delice macaroons and topped it off with a sampling of ice-cream.

I was on a serious sugar high after all that! So I had a slither of 99% cocoa chocolate to bring some bitterness back to my tastebuds.

We could then buy Lindt cafe products for a discount and were given a lovely box of choccies and some truffles as a farewell pressie.

It really is a well- recommended course – professional, slick, generous and absolutely scrumptious.

 The only bad thing – you become a true chocolate snob – you’ll never be able to eat anything but Lindt after this.

yum yum

Tobogganing at Salamander Bay – NSW North Coast

Quad Biking (see previous post) wasn’t the last of our adventure in Port Stephens.

On the drive back from our farmstay at Nelsons Bay, Nath and I decided to stop off at Toboggan Hill Park. This is an adventure park situated in Salamander Bay a few minutes drive from Nelsons Bay.

The highlight of the park is their toboggan run. You climb into a black plastic toboggan (which is very similar to the Sentosa luge in Singapore) which has a lever which controls your acceleration and braking (forward to go, back to slow).

We were first pulled to the top of the run by a conveyer belt and then once you’re at the top, we whooshed down the 1 km slippery route which has 11 bends.

It was really good fun and in the second time round, I was more confident and zoomed even faster around the bends.

There were a couple of other activities at the park, such as a dilapidated putt-putt course and a climbing wall. But on the ‘net they don’t make it a secret that they’re trying to sell the park to make way for apartments – so no wonder it’s a little wilted.