Having explored the city the day before, we didn't really have a huge plan for this day, and so took it easy in the morning. We had a walk in the bush with Mum and Tom, having a look at a historical cottage, and the big ugly grey tower on the way. Back at home, we had lunch, and then, as Mum and Tom had arranged a visit to Maitripa, we packed up the car and headed out on a road trip. I'd considered us dropping in at the Healesville sanctuary, but it was more expensive than, and too similar to, the Gosford Reptile Park, so we gave it a miss. Christian still hadn't seen any kangaroos at this point.
The drive was pleasant, and Christian got to see a type of country he hadn't until now - vineyards and sheep country, and wet forest as we headed up into the hills from Healesville. At the centre, it was hard to miss Rinpoche's stupa. It's enormous and beautiful. We walked a few turns around it in respect (kora?). There were a load of retreatants coming out and had some group photos taken in front of the stupa. After they'd gone, we had a closer look at the stupa, and met the woman who was running the summer school (whose name I've forgotten). We also got to have a look at the new bar next to the cafe - it looks lovely.
We decided to go for a walk up the mountain, and made it to the ridge. I was going slowly, as I wasn't 100%, but it was lovely, and definitely worth doing. It was cool, and overcast.
Back at the car, we hopped in and made our way back home, passing some running sheep beside the road, and noting as we went over the Yarra. Back at home, we relaxed for a time, and then headed back out in the car to pick up Joan, as we were going out for a delicious curry dinner. At the restaurant, a young boy served us for most of the time - it was fun as he was a real natural. It was lovely to see Joan - she's such a sweetie.
We chose a good handful of dishes, and shared them. The food was just as delicious as I remember. We also had some tasty wines to go with the food. It was a lovely evening. And it continued, as Joan offered to host us for tea and cake at her house afterwards. She presented a wonderful spread of refreshments in her absolutely immaculate living room. Really lovely. I was very tired, though, and we left after 10.30. At home, we went straight to bed.
The drive was pleasant, and Christian got to see a type of country he hadn't until now - vineyards and sheep country, and wet forest as we headed up into the hills from Healesville. At the centre, it was hard to miss Rinpoche's stupa. It's enormous and beautiful. We walked a few turns around it in respect (kora?). There were a load of retreatants coming out and had some group photos taken in front of the stupa. After they'd gone, we had a closer look at the stupa, and met the woman who was running the summer school (whose name I've forgotten). We also got to have a look at the new bar next to the cafe - it looks lovely.
We decided to go for a walk up the mountain, and made it to the ridge. I was going slowly, as I wasn't 100%, but it was lovely, and definitely worth doing. It was cool, and overcast.
Back at the car, we hopped in and made our way back home, passing some running sheep beside the road, and noting as we went over the Yarra. Back at home, we relaxed for a time, and then headed back out in the car to pick up Joan, as we were going out for a delicious curry dinner. At the restaurant, a young boy served us for most of the time - it was fun as he was a real natural. It was lovely to see Joan - she's such a sweetie.
We chose a good handful of dishes, and shared them. The food was just as delicious as I remember. We also had some tasty wines to go with the food. It was a lovely evening. And it continued, as Joan offered to host us for tea and cake at her house afterwards. She presented a wonderful spread of refreshments in her absolutely immaculate living room. Really lovely. I was very tired, though, and we left after 10.30. At home, we went straight to bed.
No comments:
Post a Comment