|
Neil of Oz: did you make it to Western Canada?
Interesting to meet you on a thread concerning the pronounciation of words, names and so on.
My email friend from Canberra (we had lunch in Sydney), made it to Toronto in September this year and we had lunch at a downtown restaurant. Last year I was able to help a traveller from Scotland and his mum to visit Ontario and Quebec since I live in Ontario but spent 35+ years in Montreal. Is Andrew David still around? |
Michi, I live and now quite happily in Victoria, BC. How are you back there in Toronto eh
Neil and Robyn had a triumphant west coast tour including a stay in my apartment in Oakland terrorizing loveitaly and Melodie ( oh the state of the sheets ) and a pillage and burn up the west coast devastating Victoria with their cutting wit before they were run out of town and ended up with Judy in Calgary Are you headed out this way? Happy New Year cheeers AndrewDavid |
LOL Andrew!!
Yes michi, North Beach in SF will never be the same since our Neil and Robyn were there with me eating and drinking wine for hours. In fact the next time I was at the North Beach restaurant I was told the owner was still "out of town", recurperating no doubt from the horror of it all. |
michi, take no notice of this slander. The fact is that I left these shores fully intending to make a godly and sober progress through the wilderness regions of the United States and Canada, i.e. the San Francisco BART network, the panhandler regions of Vancouver, Blackfoot ID [home of the world famous Potato Expo] and the internationally renowned casinos of Elko NV.
Despite all my good intentions we were waylaid by sundry well-intentioned locals, who kidnapped us and forced quantities of red wine down our throats. I do vaguely remember a barbecue Chez Melodie (piece de resistance, Sam's Beercan Chicken), an excellent and lengthy lunch with LoveItaly in North Beach (San Francisco's Little Leichhardt), a rambunctious party in Victoria catered by an under-recognised chef named Andrew - after our departure, no doubt broken up by a squad of armed Mounties, and a superb evening Chez Judy in Calgary. After leaving Calgary and plunging into the wilds of Montana and points S-SW thereof our heads became progressively clearer and we were able to absorb a great deal of useful information on such matters as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the life and times of Buffalo Bill Cody and the mating habits of the bison. I'm sad to report that we passed up the opportunity to learn more about the potatoes of Idaho by visiting the abovementioned Expo, a decision that we will have ample time to regret. All in all, excellent cultural learnings of America and Canada for make benefit glorious nation of Australia, and despite the multiple assaults on my liver we'll go a long way before we encounter such hospitalty again - the natives are definitely friendly. One day, wth luck, we'll find a way to visit the eastern side of Canada. I still haven't eaten poutain (sp?). |
I'm sorry I asked! |
dear michi, i hear neil and robyn want to do edastern canada next. happy new year
andrew/david |
michi, you have a reprieve - 2007 will be the Year of Bali and Kakadu (Northern Territory) for us. In view of the impending takeover of Qantas by a posse of Texan and Australian cowboys we've decided to use our FF points while we have the chance.
A/D, as we'll only have a few days in the Territory I guess this means we won't meet that singing canine mate of yours. However, as I haven't the foggiest idea of how one would go about finding Stuarts Well (is that it?), who knows? |
Neil, happy New Year to you and the family. Stuart's Well is actually about 90km as I recollect from Alice, so you won't be close in Kakadu
We stayed in a very reasonable and cool tented cabin at the Lakeview Resort ( run by the local indigenious band) in Jabiru and took meals at the social club across the road cheers A/D |
Just back in time to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a healthy New Year.
It's a good thing you've postponed your trip to Eastern Canada for a year, Neil. I think Ontario and Quebec need at least that much time to prepare for your coming judging from your mini trip report here and subsequent postings. Andrew David: when did you arrive in Victoria? I'm happy to know your wish came true and maybe we'll meet up some time. I'm in Vancouver from December 31 to January 9, with visits to an aunt in Mission (near Abbotsford) and another in Parksville (on the Island). I usually go to Whitehorse via Vancouver in the summer. I was born in Vancouver. I never got around to telling you that after trying your red hot chili peppers I could not speak for a month. Well, a few hours. So I gave the package to my daughter-in-law (who was born in the Punjab) and she was delighted. Hot? Not for her! Best wishes to everyone. Michi |
Michi, Is there any chance that you are coming through Victoria on your way to Parksville. Celebrating christmas tomorrow w/ friends some of whom are coming down from Parksville and Qualicum Beach
I'll be in Vancouver enroute to Hawai'i on the 12th I've been in Victoria since a year ago October and moved into my new house last month my e-mail is: [email protected] phone 250 294 3750 glad you recovered from the chile peppers. The more you eat the easier they are to take. Hey didn' Neil say that about red wine cheeers and Happy New Year Andrew |
I can't believe so much time has passed since the chili peppers and your "wanting" to live in Victoria.
I have not kept up with this forum on a regular basis for some time. 2004-2006 were especially busy years with volunteer activities and the arrival of another granchild this year in addition to three granddaughters (not triplets) born in 2004. Our count is now 12 grandchildren ranging in ages from 6 months to 20 years - we are very fortunate. I will be going to Parksville via Nanaimo (bus + ferry) so Victoria isn't an option this time. I was in Whitehorse, Vancouver and Grand Forks/Trail areas in the summer. Maybe you'll be coming this way some time. Michi |
Andrew, I've been looking for a recipe that combines chillies (chiles) and red wine, but nothing suggests itself. The crafty Mexicans mix chocolate with chillies, and for all I know they might even add a dash of tequila - but red wine somehow just doesn't work.
|
Dear Michi
sorry we'll miss each other. Pretty Christmas day here on the island Dear Neil, Recipe for red wine and chocolate: ingredients 1 bottle fine red wine 1 bar best dark chocolate ( min 85% cocoa) open bottle let stand one hour at room temperature open chocolate bar alternate sips of wine and bits of chocolate until done with both cheers A/D ps christmas day with Dave and randy who say g'day to you and Robyn |
Andrew, best wishes back to Dave and Randy!
Your chocolate and red wine suggestion is very sound (although leaving the bottle open for an hour does waste good drinking time). I'd go for something like a Mick Morris (Rutherglen Vic) liqueur muscat. Now - how about red wine and chillies? |
Neil, Try a select wine in a box ( actually wine in a bag here in a box) no point in waiting
cheers A/D |
Hey
Michi must be heading my way - I live in Abbotsford! G'day Michi! AD - preparing a list of Italy questions to stretch your memory! Is that listed here now your preferred address? |
Hello Margo,
I had to rush to see if there is an Abbotsford, Australia. Unfortunately there is and I was disappointed since it could have meant lunch together. I will always remember meeting you, having dinner, and driving around to the various off-the-beaten track lookout points of Sydney and surrounding area. If you come, let me know. Michi |
|
I searched for some threads to remember Neil. Here's one where he is so NEIL, describing the "multiple assaults on his liver."
I loved his sense of humor. He will be sadly missed. RIP our friend. |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:39 PM. |