Wine tasting in Hunter Valley

I spent the weekend off in Australia wine tasting in the Hunter Valley with friends. My friends wanted to prove to me how good Australian wine could be—not that I ever argued it wasn't good, mind you—but they know I love California wines and took it upon themselves to show me what happens down under. Bless 'em ;-)

We spent both Saturday and Sunday out there, staying the night at an adorable 1840's convict-built "sandstone magistrate's house" B&B called Mulla Villa. And we managed to sample wines at seven wineries, including…

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View from Shangri La hotel, Sydney

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Kangaroo Pizza

No one tell my kids, ok?

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Sushi at Shiki

I was hungering for sushi my first night, and Sydney has a reputation of great fish. Being Sunday many places were closed, but the concierge at the Westin pointed me to Shiki at The Rocks, a very cool shopping area by Sydney Cove. I'd been there already in the morning exploring the shops, so was excited to go back at night.

Shiki Japanese Restaurant

The atmosphere in The Rocks is very cool; young and trendy, but with a lot of history packed in. A fun mix of old and new, and a lively vibe even for a Sunday night.

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G'day from down under!

My first time on this island… and besides a bum foot that's seriously limiting my walkabout capabilities, I did manage to walk around (probably a bit too much) the first day and second morning to see a few sites.

Syney Opera House and a P&O cruise ship just after sunrise

Sydney Opera House

Along the way I met a Yorti Yorta man…

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