Mama's Travels 4

My Mama went to the North Coast of NSW a while back. This area covers places like Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Byron Bay. She didn't actually went there on purpose, rather she was passing by the area on her way to Brisbane. It's a good 12-hour drive to Brizzie from Sydney, thus the need for stops and rests along the way.
If I remember correctly, that was her first and only time that she drove to Brisbane. She's stuck to aeroplanes since then. My ageing body can't take it anymore, she said.
The first stop was Coffs Harbour. The seaside town is practically halfway between Sydney and Brisbane (550km from Sydney, 427km from Brisbane). The main attraction is the BIG BANANA, one of the first BIG THINGs in Australia. It was built in 1964 (older than Mama!!) and measures a staggering 11m long, 5m high and 2.4m wide. That's millions and millions times larger than actual cavendish variety that it represents. Mama bought a book listing all (almost) of Australia's BIG THINGs at the souvenir shop there. Apparently the BIG BANANA was built by an American who came to Australia to study insects in the 1960s. Fancy that!

The BIG BANANA of Coffs Harbour
Another view of the BIG BANANA complex
The only banana in Australia (if not the world) where you can actually walk in it!
Biggest banana menu in the world?
The complex also boasts a banana-themed fun park

About 210km north of Coffs Harbour lies the seafood paradise of Ballina. Mama says there's a large fibreglass prawn that sits on top of the roof of a restaurant. Of course, the restaurant sells seafood (including prawns) and chippies. Unfortunately they don't make dishes like chili crab or black pepper prawns. My Mama likes her seafood hot and spicy.

The BIG PRAWN of Ballina attracts passersby to stop at the fish and chips/seafood restaurants nearby

Further up, after Ballina, is Byron Bay. Mama said there's a place that's a must visit for everyone passing by this area. It's called the Macadamia Castle. She showed me a picture of Uncle MM eating a humongous plate of pancakes served with ice cream and macadamia nuts at the Castle Cafe. Mama says she loves the Nut Bar where you can get a myriad of macadamia products. Including the nuts in at least 12 flavours! Oh, did I mention that there's a BIG KNIGHT standing guard in front of the castle? He's humongous too... There's a host of information about the castle and the famous nuts at their official website www.macadamiacastle.com.au.

Tha landmark - the BIG KNIGHT - can't miss it
The signboard for the Macadamia Castle
Yummy pancakes topped with ice cream and macadamias...

I know my Mama is dreaming of re-visiting those places...maybe with Brad and I?

The Handsome Brat

Would you believe it? Brad did something totally out of character today. I was dozing in my Mama's laundry basket when, lo and behold, he snuggled up next to me...he actually snuggled up! Fortunately I wasn't in a lovey dovey mood so I totally ignored him. Mama said it must be the cold autumn day we had today. Don't believe me? Look at this picture.

My Mama also said somehow Brad's appearance has improved as he grows older (not wiser though...). You be the judge.



SHY Brad? ptah...

The Case Against Brad the BRAT 1

He's been a great companion (for the exercise) but I can't say that he's been a GOOD companion. He's a big BULLY despite his small size!!! And he's getting away with murder because of his small size!!! What has he done recently? He's hurt me bad. My nose will never be the same. There's a red line "decorating" my nose, my cute button of a nose! Look at me! Can you see that red slash on my nose?

They Came, They Saw, They Conquered

Brad is still pining...for Auntie Amal!
Well, four of Mama's friends from her home country came to visit recently. Three singles and one taken.
Of course I call them all aunties as they are, after all, Mama's friends. Must respect the elderly, right?
I was also basking in glory, of being spoilt by the four aunties. Brad, the more (as usual!) Anyway, they stayed for two weeks. He is now suffering from depression and showing withdrawal symptoms. Mama says he needs counseling. I would suggest sending him to Uncle Is and Auntie If's place. Let him stay with Pingu and Ginger. He'll be so busy making other felines' life miserable that he'll forget Auntie Amal, eventually. As for me, I'd rather stay at home when it's all quiet. Not that I'm anti-social but I prefer to have undivided attention from my Mama. I will write about Mama and her friends' travel next time.

The four aunties at an apple orchard in Bilpin. L-R: Auntie Aimy, Auntie Amal, Auntie Hafs & Auntie Anoi.

About Pingu

We went to visit Pingu. The poor sod. I hope he's learned his lesson. You don't climb balcony railings if you're overweight, you may fall. And it's a very painful fall.
Aunty If said the vets gave him the thumbs up. Besides some obvious nose bleeding and limping, he's otherwise fine.
We didn't bring him flowers. We brought him KFC instead. Pingu seems cranky, he must still be in pain. I wish him well.


Pingu all bandaged and in pain

This is Ginger, Pingu's mate