There's No Place Like Oz

The last four months have brought a few days that were either completely wonderful or totally craptastic — but mostly days that were nice and normal and somewhere in between.

Today was one of those days that was close enough to perfect.

First, one of my best friends in the entire world was by my side. We’ve had Nicole’s visit planned since before I even arrived in Australia, and spending time with her is a beautiful cure for the homesickness that reared its ugly head just last week.

The two of us at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day

After dragging ourselves out of bed, we headed to the nearby Big Brekky for, well, breakfast! I’ve been itching to go since moving to a flat in the Inner West, and breakfast is only better when it’s for dinner or with a good friend 🙂

Culinary sites and blogs have given Big Brekky mixed reviews, so it was time to judge for myself. First, the menu impressed — so much that I was stuck between three or four items and made my selection only as the server returned to the table to take our order.

When the “fruit spelt with ricotta, banana, and honey” (plus strawberry and cinnamon!) arrived before me, I was thrilled! It smelled and looked gorgeous. And taste? The bread was warm and crispy; the ricotta was cool, smooth, and mild; and the fruit was sweet and fresh. I enjoyed every bite.

We followed breakfast with a trip to The Rocks Markets. The Rocks is one of my favorite areas of Sydney, and I love a good crafts and food market. Each time I’ve been, I’ve wandered past every stall, stopped at a few, and only purchased a random chocolate or two. After so much self-control, it appears the urge for a big spending spree had been hiding in the recesses of my mind, waiting to unleash itself yesterday!

First, we popped into a super cute bookstore where I found a gift for myself and a friend. I had another item in hand but decided to leave without it — after all, I was on a budget and didn’t really need the items I purchased. But they made me smile and I felt I deserved them!

No, I didn’t buy this, but it amused me greatly!! There’s actually a *series* about Walter if you can imagine…

From the bookstore we selected one end of the market stalls to start with and worked our way around systematically. Within minutes I had fallen in love with something cute and fabulous at Jessica’s Pretty in Pink. She creates vintage inspired fashion and accessories, and I splurged on something for me and my youngest sister.

Having already spent what I make in one day at work, I told Nicole that I was pleased with my purchases and probably would not buy anything else.

Ten minutes later I bought two delicious goodies from a stall that sells natural jam, preserves, honey, and dried fruit — no preservatives or nasties. I’m saving them for when my parents come to visit!

Nicole couldn’t believe my spending! When we traveled together in Barcelona two years ago, I was “Ms. Thrifty” and known to pinch a few pennies. But somehow yesterday I felt happy to part with money. Nicole said I seemed “liberated” 🙂 I quite liked that.

Another ten minutes after buying the honey and jam, I spotted a stall with gorgeous bags. After lots of browsing, I bought one to go with an outfit I’m planning for a future event, and Nicole bought one for her sister. It was so beautiful and perfect that I couldn’t *not* buy it.

Our market visit had to end at some point…no matter how freely the money was flowing, I don’t have a neverending source O:-)

Walking around the market forever meant we’d worked up an appetite! But who needs a real meal when Max Brenner Chocolate is nearby?!

We split a dessert that was sadly only so-so and sipped a decaf, skinny cappuccino in the “kangaroo mug” — the chocolate sits on a ledge/shelf and melts into the drink

You’d think a day with Nicole, breakfast, markets, and chocolate just couldn’t get any better, right? Well thanks to the Darling Harbour Fiesta, it did! Fiesta is “”30 bands, 45 dance groups, 15 dance classes — 3 days and nights”!!

I LOVE dance and festivals and wanted to stop by this one badly. The steady rain throughout the day hardly dampened spirits as crowds moved to latin rhythms while others sampled food from various Spanish speaking cultures.

I opted for a plate of *cough* ultra-healthy *cough* tapas — chorizo, chicken, and chickpeas with pumpkin.

I suppose all most good things must come to an end. After Fiesta we made our way back to the flat and brainstormed how we wanted to spend our Monday. I have a feeling it may live up to the fabulousness that was yesterday!