Yesterday’s outing at Bronte (pronounced bron-tee) Beach was great! Initially, it was threatening to rain but thankfully the weather held up. Although, it wasn’t as sunny and nice as we had hoped it would be. Yesterday also marked the first time I wore shorts ever since I got to Sydney! Hee.
Bronte Beach nestles between two other lovely beaches. The famous Bondi Beach is up North and Coogee Beach is down South. Both beaches are a short drive away. Bronte is probably the smallest among the three. The park at Bronte Beach has electric, coin-operated bbq pits. So to get it started and to maintain the heat, a constant stream of 20cent coins is needed.
We were also attacked by houseflies. It was gross. We took turns to be in charge of swatting flies away from the food as it was being cooked over the electric bbq pit. Maybe the sudden warming in the weather brought them out. It was a full-on attack. They flew into our faces, stuck onto our clothes and surrounded us. Eeewwww.
We brought beef, chicken drumsticks and lamb for meat. For salad, we had tomatoes and lettuce and fruits for dessert. Australians love barbecues. It’s like the quintessential Aussie lifestyle thing. And I think it’s lovely to have it next to the beach. Fresh air, blue skies and an open space to play around or just sit down and have a chat.
However, much as I love the idea of barbecues and everyone just chilling out together, I have a bone to pick with the food. Australians do NOT know how to cook. The meat is usually not marinated and I just don’t think it tastes very good. The meat at all of the barbecues I’ve been to since I’ve been in Sydney is never marinated. They also love their oily and fat-laden sausages which is usually accompanied by overcooked oil-soaked big onions.
So the conclusion is that I’m not fond of barbecue food in Australia, but I love the part where people mingle and chat. One of the China guys, finally realised that I understand AND speak Mandarin and he was visibly shocked when the realisation dawned on him. It was quite amusing.
It was a pity that I had to leave earlier to head back to the city for classes. Anyhow, I had a lot of fun getting to know my students and also letting them know more about myself.
And oh yes, Prince Harry is in town. Maybe if i’m lucky, I’ll catch a glimpse of him somewhere in Sydney. I reckon he’s cuter than his older brother William. ;p