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Writer's pictureSilvana Franze

But what do we get for the kids? And Nan and Pop??

Updated: Oct 31

I'm not much of a shopper. I never have been. The only time I "enjoy" shopping is when I'm on holidays somewhere, with plenty of new and colourful things floating outside the stores to catch my attention. In fact, I recently played "tourist" right in my own backyard, spending the October long weekend with my sisters, enjoying some of my favourite Blue Mountains activities (which included shopping!).


Accommodation was sorted naturally so all we had to focus on was relaxing. Which included eating, drinking and wandering through the shops in Leura Village. We started the weekend with a meandering drive through the Megalong Valley to Dryridge Estate. Yes, even the drive there is wonderful. And once you arrive at the winery, you are welcomed by a spectacular vista of vineyards and mountains. Not to mention the friendly staff, and the owners' two dogs. We were fortunate to also be greeted by owner Emma, looking radiant in a soft white flowing dress. We chose the Ploughman's Platter with our wine tasting. And I gotta say, all that sipping of various wines made me a little light headed. It's a good thing we took a leisurely walk down through the vineyards, taking some happy snaps which helped us (me) sober up ... It doesn't take much, what can I say?



Once we were back at the house, we chilled out on the sun drenched deck overlooking the yard which is coming along in my endeavours of replacing every blade of grass with something. Anything. At this stage, I'm leaving the many different weeds that are popping up just so I can say it's not "grass". A weed by any other name, right? Soon it was time to head to dinner but we spied the newly opened Gin Factory, around the corner from my place, and of course, we decided we had to pop in and take a look. Luckily for us, they were having a music event and we were offered the outdoor area to sit at and order drinks or coffee. I wisely chose neither.


Having had their pre dinner drinks, my sisters were happy to be driven to our dinner destination, which was Bowery in Katoomba (my first visit there and boy – was I impressed, as were they!). Those stained glass windows on the bar make for an amazing feature, which for someone with my artistic bent, are almost hypnotising.* A great ambiance with a packed house. We each chose something different to eat, as their menu catered for pretty much every possible dietary preference. Cocktails were ordered, which came in a cockatoo shaped glass. And slowly but surely, we noticed that there were in fact feathered creatures everywhere, from the prints on the wall to the impressive peacock feather display. This prompted a conversation around the name of the restaurant. I put it down to the sun and the wine tasting.


Home again, this time it was to put the slippers and dressing gowns on, check out what's on Netflix, and have another cocktail. I could have said yes this time, having nowhere to go to other than bed, but someone had to be the responsible one. I jest. Only two of the four of us indulged :) So out came the chocolates and crisp chips as we settled in front of the TV. Bliss.


I graciously gave my two older sisters their own bedroom, which meant my younger sister had to share the singles room with me. I always sleep like a baby here. It is so quiet and the bed is just perfectly comfortable. I've slept in all of the beds and they are all great but the single bed is my favourite as it overlooks the yard from the large window. An ideal spot to gaze out of and just let the mind unwind ... during the day that is. Yet at night, the stars do shine bright and are a beautiful sight to behold before bidding the day adieu.



Sunday morning and two of us went out to Hominy Bakery in Katoomba for fresh croissants and assorted pastries. Which were included on the dining table for breakfast along with fruit, strawberries from the yard, yoghurt, homemade jam and Nutella. Anyone who has gone away with me will know the importance of the perfectly timed Caffe Latte in the morning. Interrupt this and there's no telling how the day will eventuate. So once we were all present at the table, I made us each a big mug of Italian percolated coffee and appropriately warmed up milk. There is simply nothing else one could want.


With such a relaxed start to the day, we found ourselves once again sitting on the deck, deciding how to spend the next couple of hours. The thought of each of us spending time weeding did cross my mind, I will not lie. But off to Leura Village to shop was the consensus. We had the perfect excuse, looking for gifts for the baby soon to arrive in the family. We were beyond excited when we found the softest pink knitted all-in-one, a beanie AND a tailored coat (not so baby sized, but little nonetheless) which I simply had to buy. May I just say, my nephew and his wife were suitably impressed with it too – Nonna, not so much :)


Satisfied with our purchases, which included something for ourselves too, all we had to do was more eating and more relaxing. All in all an excellent long weekend in the Blue Mountains, and something we should all do more often. Or is that just me that forgets to take time out regularly?


Christmas is not too far away and it's a time when traditionally, we do not go away. It's still all about eating though, and time spent with family. Funnily enough, it's also the time of a new baby coming. New starts, new perspectives. Helping us all face a new and better year.


*On looking through photos to include, I realised the dazzling colours were mostly from the bottles of alcohol. Did I say hypnotised, or drunk? I swear, I did not drink, take a look at my glass, it's water!



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