A short escape to Millthorpe

I stumbled across Millthorpe almost by accident. M and I were looking for a short getaway that was within driving distance, was picturesque and that took us away from the steel and glass monotones of city life. Et voila! There was scenic <a href="http://www.millthorpevillage.com.au/" target="_blank">Millthorpe</a>!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1ew0pxoUUPxEEXpe9xANMMk_WtKhXcwVriF1UHyMEYm1yCe7CoiGApDB9Md-1HtOfaRdSs15xKG0fdl28ORnxinITah1K1Gf3_uGfIIKtkAX6nbJxx2CAIH2qjIeJV8rcr4ZqmcwE_Ew/s1600/MillthorpeMM_IMG_2501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1ew0pxoUUPxEEXpe9xANMMk_WtKhXcwVriF1UHyMEYm1yCe7CoiGApDB9Md-1HtOfaRdSs15xKG0fdl28ORnxinITah1K1Gf3_uGfIIKtkAX6nbJxx2CAIH2qjIeJV8rcr4ZqmcwE_Ew/s1600/MillthorpeMM_IMG_2501.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So thrilled to be in Millthorpe! © Mahesh Markus</td></tr> </tbody></table> A little gem tucked between Orange and Blayney, driving into Millthorpe, I felt like I was stepping back in time. It's a village full of eclectic charm, boutique shops, beautiful gardens, heritage architecture and a cool climate. <br /> <br /> The first order of business was a place to stay and we chose the <a href="http://www.millthorpetruffles.com.au/" target="_blank">Truffle Shack</a>. A rustic and simple 'shack' with all the quiet comforts of life, it was one of the most endearing places I've ever stayed in. It embraced us in its quiet solitude and made us feel like we were the only two people for miles around. I often think of the 800 oak trees that border the little shack and the grassland stretching in front far into the horizon – if it sounds romantic, that's because it is. I highly recommend a stay.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdLdwXl1FrXw2zoMb9IPcKyndJpuBAkvnqmOnkYdzc60DLiSJfRQqm1cOZZHGglbNtcEQHXTdTpbuWGiO7dW1bKV6fTrYQLz4DlcTlM1uBTLLWkdN4X-zGwIv_mlBFZFxu9SfvjCj3Jm_/s1600/TS_IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdLdwXl1FrXw2zoMb9IPcKyndJpuBAkvnqmOnkYdzc60DLiSJfRQqm1cOZZHGglbNtcEQHXTdTpbuWGiO7dW1bKV6fTrYQLz4DlcTlM1uBTLLWkdN4X-zGwIv_mlBFZFxu9SfvjCj3Jm_/s1600/TS_IMG_0061.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to want more... © Millthorpe Truffles</td></tr> </tbody></table> Millthorpe's very existence is closely woven with its history, and a visit to the <a href="http://www.millthorpemuseum.com/" target="_blank">Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum</a> will give you a better understanding of how and why the place came to be. Run by volunteers who are deeply passionate about the history of their beautiful village, the museum showcases Aboriginal history, local family and business archives, arts and crafts, rural technology and more. I especially loved the old collection of tractors, and was glad to see that they had allocated the space to what some may call a dust-gathering exercise!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXNIwypSnur2UD9H_DvRnU4qkjHsybXTbZuU6DDBerhypDhvJ65XN3da814y8cMQC3N5rXjgxnrl5DuSAMPNWzqG5HEMltZPc3w64KusWrvbnFQPzRkksYuw2JNZuI4puT1KDh11ol86m/s1600/MillthorpeAD_IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXNIwypSnur2UD9H_DvRnU4qkjHsybXTbZuU6DDBerhypDhvJ65XN3da814y8cMQC3N5rXjgxnrl5DuSAMPNWzqG5HEMltZPc3w64KusWrvbnFQPzRkksYuw2JNZuI4puT1KDh11ol86m/s1600/MillthorpeAD_IMG_2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my tractors!</td></tr> </tbody></table> Cross the road and a little further on is the cemetary, where John Lister is buried. Lister and William Tom brought national attention to Millthorpe, when they discovered payable gold at Ophir in 1851. There's a long and painful story to their adventures, which I will let you discover on your own, but suffice to say, Lister's grave is worth the visit in its peaceful Anglican church surrounds. <br /> <br /> Time for a spot of lunch? May be a homemade beef and shiraz pie, served with hand cut chips and fresh salad? Open seven days a week for coffee, cakes and long lunches, <a href="http://www.theoldmillcafe.com.au/" target="_blank">The Old Mill Cafe and Restaurant</a> is the ideal haven to rest those tired feet and refresh for the evening ahead. Located on Pym Street, there's a vibrant buzz to the place, made all the more intense by the mouth-watering aromas of great food. You can count on friendly service and a warm welcome too.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir0H0GxG7sfUJ4n8BKLIOW7a2PY-g4hid3PMWTL9OsjzyFGkxayZ4YicOHUv4pJfYeo6_fNsMOpmO0HjvRPta7IhW2oq60JIq6G4Np9zy3CwoTlCsEZronqMTVeQKeKx6_8g_7OriU7g8/s1600/OMC_img_6822_resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir0H0GxG7sfUJ4n8BKLIOW7a2PY-g4hid3PMWTL9OsjzyFGkxayZ4YicOHUv4pJfYeo6_fNsMOpmO0HjvRPta7IhW2oq60JIq6G4Np9zy3CwoTlCsEZronqMTVeQKeKx6_8g_7OriU7g8/s1600/OMC_img_6822_resize.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh so tempting... © The Old Mill Cafe</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> If you have the time, there are two walks that take you through a slice of life in Millthorpe. There's the railway walk that's 2km and takes 25 minutes, and if you have the time, the village/country walk is 3km and takes 40 minutes. We took the latter and spent time wandering around the inside streets, along the railway and just admiring the well-cared for homes and gardens. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The local pub to go to is <a href="http://www.gerryscommercialhotel.com.au/" target="_blank">Gerry's @ The Commercial </a>- the staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is ever so welcoming. Their calamari rings were so delicious, we went back for dinner as well! We were told by more than a few to have dinner at the <a href="http://www.tonicmillthorpe.com.au/" target="_blank">Tonic Restaurant</a>, but unfortunately it was closed... so that's for next time.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> In fact, that's one thing to keep in mind. As would befit its historic bent, things get very still and quiet in the late evening. If you want dinner, you have to eat early – and fair enough. Or you, like we had to do one night, will have to drive to Orange. It was a pleasant drive and we were in no hurry to get anywhere fast – and we ended up having dinner at the trés cool <a href="http://www.unionbank.com.au/" target="_blank">Union Bank Wine Bar</a> in Orange, located in the historic stables of Orange's Union Bank building on Sale Street. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFcII2RKYbP4cXQOBZVDVrQgaow6yoIDdtxcZoFrfU4XAmlUYK_o4CDS4_cTsd3eW85LeLQjO1TcqXWPB18fJNJvRuZO_v2dBtRdDJEF_5_56_Fv6DPzntPOjK9TaE44GbD9Q3Ib5o9wJ/s1600/MilthorpeAD_IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFcII2RKYbP4cXQOBZVDVrQgaow6yoIDdtxcZoFrfU4XAmlUYK_o4CDS4_cTsd3eW85LeLQjO1TcqXWPB18fJNJvRuZO_v2dBtRdDJEF_5_56_Fv6DPzntPOjK9TaE44GbD9Q3Ib5o9wJ/s1600/MilthorpeAD_IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue skies and wild roses...</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We left Millthorpe with some lovely memories and experiences, and we hope to go back.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div>

A short escape to Millthorpe

I stumbled across Millthorpe almost by accident. M and I were looking for a short getaway that was within driving distance, was picturesque ...

New Year musings from Sri Lanka...

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFtiuMlq3qb4xhnFH-WYuyF9TLyR1eDz_pDidsdpOGKdADGj9qRgb9RjEm7oWIryc02o0SzwwDqEcvJjSbVlntwwDB9uI0Zn3mzPogbUNF2L3FPPsRzMF6tkJlWFPdLnyeQ6Bs9QSwntu/s1600/Gerberas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFtiuMlq3qb4xhnFH-WYuyF9TLyR1eDz_pDidsdpOGKdADGj9qRgb9RjEm7oWIryc02o0SzwwDqEcvJjSbVlntwwDB9uI0Zn3mzPogbUNF2L3FPPsRzMF6tkJlWFPdLnyeQ6Bs9QSwntu/s1600/Gerberas.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some beautiful Gerberas to brighten up my day...</td></tr> </tbody></table> Twenty one days into 2014 - and I'm just back from a long and relaxing holiday in Sri Lanka. Some highlights...<br> <ul> <li>A romantic dinner at <a href="http://www.paradiseroadhotels.com/tintagel/dining.php" target="_blank">Tintagel - Colombo</a> to celebrate a special occasion: A rather majestic looking house known for its history. A serene atmosphere with good food. </li> <li>Fireworks on New Year's eve: Need I say more... :) </li> </ul>

New Year musings from Sri Lanka...

Some beautiful Gerberas to brighten up my day... Twenty one days into 2014 - and I'm just back from a long and relaxing holiday in S...

Polonnaruwa: Of royals, ruins and religion

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-rTPKig6wC71nOiwI9Q9rapgsP4_GMn-9JE3GvrLtoDe2QhK7Rb2WHDi5spwKNJFtC53IcjtqekL8LuWYKzkrKW73yPJ8kM136ZUvgT35_tVRSaGDCp8LuOJfeFat8i7x-TUJogpzqe/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-rTPKig6wC71nOiwI9Q9rapgsP4_GMn-9JE3GvrLtoDe2QhK7Rb2WHDi5spwKNJFtC53IcjtqekL8LuWYKzkrKW73yPJ8kM136ZUvgT35_tVRSaGDCp8LuOJfeFat8i7x-TUJogpzqe/s200/IMG_3518.jpg" width="150"></a>The towering trees shelter us from the intense heat and dapple the streets with intricate shadows. Everywhere we look there’s an awe-inspiring ruin to marvel at, and oh, if these walls can talk… People are meandering round in little groups and snatches of foreign languages whiz past us.<br> <br> It’s mid-day, and we (M and I) are at the city of Polonnaruwa, an ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, located in the north central province. There’s much to discover, to learn and to explore. Clearly, we can’t be everywhere, so we pick a few places. Lucky for us, we find a well-informed guide at the entrance.<br> <br>

Polonnaruwa: Of royals, ruins and religion

The towering trees shelter us from the intense heat and dapple the streets with intricate shadows. Everywhere we look there’s an awe-inspiri...

The Natural Wonder of the Batu Caves

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmFKSi-AekVoclLYpmNll8ZpkPJXzIfvnKGoFaet22_Gc1tgrha5GRRrlQU6DK2r3hYzGDTmaSGX9mndoaw26SyRdextkeTV4kYUEI-jfszKyA4rh3fFqkuw5NiIFYdX7hVg6RnlyOt5z/s1600/IMG_3235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmFKSi-AekVoclLYpmNll8ZpkPJXzIfvnKGoFaet22_Gc1tgrha5GRRrlQU6DK2r3hYzGDTmaSGX9mndoaw26SyRdextkeTV4kYUEI-jfszKyA4rh3fFqkuw5NiIFYdX7hVg6RnlyOt5z/s200/IMG_3235.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from front</td></tr> </tbody></table> Malaysia’s Batu Caves are famous for two things: for its naturally formed complex of caves and for having the world’s tallest statue of god Murugan. It is a place where you will feel dwarfed by the length and breadth of nature’s craftsmanship, as well as awed by the devotion of thousands of worshippers entranced in prayer.<br> <br> The caves form a powerful presence, by its sheer scale and beauty, as well as its ability to have survived for millions of years. The abundant wildlife is a world unto its own. The rock formations are intricate, but overpowering. It all makes for an intense experience.<br> <br>

The Natural Wonder of the Batu Caves

The view from front Malaysia’s Batu Caves are famous for two things: for its naturally formed complex of caves and for having the world’...

Sigiriya: A Journey of Discovery

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpHVGKS8e0iKXZ2BK_8LJEoCokUBgCQvCx41fNfvLT9FbYc0-0v8CYEyteXh8BzRp-t9uRsefqhiI8m9xRkryVCE_embQyNZ-3g0jF2vnPLgjjzUBDfhA8Epat8ZW16-1oNhJ5rPI9xyV/s1600/Sigiriya+4+IMG_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpHVGKS8e0iKXZ2BK_8LJEoCokUBgCQvCx41fNfvLT9FbYc0-0v8CYEyteXh8BzRp-t9uRsefqhiI8m9xRkryVCE_embQyNZ-3g0jF2vnPLgjjzUBDfhA8Epat8ZW16-1oNhJ5rPI9xyV/s200/Sigiriya+4+IMG_3434.jpg" width="200"></a>Sigiriya is one of those historic places, where the journey is as fabulous as the destination. The long drive into the heart of Sri Lanka, the surrounding wilderness, the steep stairways that lead to the top, the stops at the frescoes and at the Lion’s Paw entrance, and the finale with the view from the top – it’s full of wonder at every turn.<br> <br> The ancient city of Sigiriya is about who inhabited it and what it was used for. The rock was adaptable, and under ingenious human intervention it was transformed into a palace of pleasure, a fortress of defense and a haven for meditation.<br>

Sigiriya: A Journey of Discovery

Sigiriya is one of those historic places, where the journey is as fabulous as the destination. The long drive into the heart of Sri Lanka, t...

Tracing History in Malacca

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Yru4a1CZoeTmBMquLbO6tofvi9EJOY-NpMZNBfuUspQNjJIT50-qFu49XJZiD5ug-W-QYWCytx7EFcePPvliFFBudfCgXUh7Yy9lwH_hvE3o-45qwn19n43EbUKBvIu20LLtxC2pT-4/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Yru4a1CZoeTmBMquLbO6tofvi9EJOY-NpMZNBfuUspQNjJIT50-qFu49XJZiD5ug-W-QYWCytx7EFcePPvliFFBudfCgXUh7Yy9lwH_hvE3o-45qwn19n43EbUKBvIu20LLtxC2pT-4/s200/IMG_3113.jpg" width="150"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Revolving Tower </td></tr> </tbody></table> It was my first visit to Malacca (the third smallest state in Malaysia), and what a wonderful experience it turned out to be. <br> <br> Malacca is a beautiful city that carries with it a sense of the old romantic. The narrow streets are lined with quaint houses, shops selling all manner of knick-knacks and people always on the go. The city centre is constantly filled with the blaring music of bicycle rickshaws, adorned with a thousand plastic flowers and all manner of shiny trinkets (it’s cringe worthy, but utterly captivating). The old colonial buildings stand grandly and silently, watching over this happy melee.<br>

Tracing History in Malacca

View from the Revolving Tower It was my first visit to Malacca (the third smallest state in Malaysia), and what a wonderful experience i...