Aboriginal Culture in the Park

My womens' group explored a bit of Aussie culture during our last monthly meeting. We went to the Aboriginal Art Gallery in Kings Park for a lecture about the meaning behind some of the Aboriginal artwork and backgrounds of some of the famous artists represented in the gallery. Then we enjoyed a picnic lunch while we listened to the authors of a fascinating book about twelve Australian women who grew up in the Pilbara, a remote region of Western Australia. It's called Red Dust in Her Veins. For more information, you can visit their web site at www.womenofthepilbara.com.au. It will give you an idea of the strength and determination of these gutsy ladies.

Diana managed to keep the business meeting short
even though it was her presidential debut.

Veronica and her "Italian bombshell" friends, Barbara and
Franca. Italian women have such a sense of style.

Perth city view from Kings Park is breathtaking on a summer day.

International Women's Festival

One of the reasons I'm so far behind in my blogging is that I have no willpower. Last Sunday, I planned to spend the evening faithfully updating this blog. Then Sherri called to ask me if I wanted to join her at the Women's Festival. Food, crafts and live music - how could I resist? The mosaic is not the most flattering representation of womanhood but I like to think of it as symbolizing the decidedly decadent side of my personality. However, I could rationalize the outing as the gate entry fees were donated to the Bushfire Appeal.

I sneaked into the refreshment tent as it was about
to close to capture this photo. Pretty sumptuous
surroundings for an outdoor festival, eh?

Three different female musicians performed
original music for the crowd.

Several groups of dancers entertained us,
including these belly dancers.

No matter your age, it is fun to be visited by the fairies.

The children especially had a good time.

Dining in the Pagoda

Yes, we are still eating our way across Australia, this time at Pauline and Michael's home. She is cutting pandan cake in the photo, a delicacy about which we'd never heard. Pandan is a leaf and the extract is used by Chinese cooks to make rice and cakes more flavorful. It has a fresh aroma, reminding me a bit of the light scent of cilantro (coriander here) but tastes a bit like Basmati rice.

Their home is beautiful with lots of stained and etched glasswork which of course I'd enjoy. Pauline is Chinese and grew up in Hong Kong so there is definitely an Asian feel to it with a decorative lion and its own lucky cricket. Michael built an amazing dining pagoda in the back yard that overlooks a park.

This is the view from the pagoda.

As usual, the meal was phenomenal! We had a tasty assortment of appetizers - stuffed grape leaves, grilled chorizo, little spicy meatballs, olives, cheeses and crackers. The main, as they say here, was grilled marinated lamb with a fresh Greek salad. Pauline had made two desserts - elegant individual pear cakes with whole pears in each and the pandan cake but her friend, Chris, also brought a traditional Aussie favorite, pavlova. Pavlova is also poplular in NZ and is based on a meringue crust and filled with fruit and whipping cream. Chris used blueberries, strawberries and raspberries and it was the best I've ever had.

Bruce and Chris were fascinating dinner companions,
having lived in several countries.

Michael is preparing to grill. What a handy guy!