Easter Weekend: Part 2

On Saturday this past weekend, I went kayaking in Manly with my new friend Brian. We were both thinking it would be a nice, leisurely way to spend our Saturday...BUT it was super windy and wavy in the harbour as we kayaked to Little Manly Beach. After making it there, we rested our arms and legs for a bit, then braved the ride back.

Although we had the kayak for 4 hours, we only used it for 2! Later that day, we saw a Living Social deal for 1/2 off the normal 4 hour rate. Fate and Mother Nature were not on our side that day.

Here's our kayak while we're lounging on the beach.

Apparently something else wasn't on my side that day. After getting home and showering, my right eye started to swell, turned very red and hurt. I looked like Quasimodo.

I made a nice evening trip to the local Royal North Shore Hospital emergency room, where I met Dr. Mark McSteamy from the UK - he looked about 28 and super cute. He called my name and I said to him "wow, you're young. Where are we? On Grey's Anatomy?" He looked around my eye for a bit, then diagnosed me with a scratched cornea. Don't fret, it's pretty much fine now.

I wish I took a picture of my eye, but here's my hospital payment. $115 later, which I can get reimbursed by health insurance. Not bad for an emergency room visit!

On Sunday, Whitney, Serina and I headed up to Hunter Valley, the wine region about 2 hours north of Sydney. We started our day there with a stop at the Smelly Cheese Shop. Need I say more?

Next, we stopped by Tyrrell's Winery, which had a great Riesling that I bought a bottle of. It was a really cute place, with lush hills in the background and a rose garden.

Look, it's me!

The Moscato made in this region was wonderful. Together, we bought a bottle at Tempus Two. I really liked the copper plating on this bottle. Serina then bought a half dozen at Tower Estates - check out that color!

On Easter Monday, we drove to the little town of Wollombi for their annual market, which was a combo of flea market, fair and farmer's market. Very interesting combination with a unique set of patrons!

This is me at a local Wollombi based store where Noyce Brothers sells their wine. One of the brothers is Phillip Noyce, who is a film director. His brother let us know that he's the director of the TV show Revenge!

A church in town.

The market.

Anyone need a giant fan?

It was a great end to a long weekend. Now, back to work!