BALINGUP MEDIEVAL CARNIVALE
August 28th-29th 2010, Balingup WAThis weekend is the highly anticipated medieval carnivale in Balingup, about 3.5hrs drive south of Perth. I spent the past few weeks sewing my own costume so I was really excited about it! I wouldn't say I'm a huge medieval buff - certainly not as much as some of the people we met down there - but I do love to get dressed up and going to things that are a bit different.
We got up early and Noel drove us down. We checked into our motel room in Nannup (we were unable to find accommodation in Balingup so the closest was Nannup, about forty minutes drive away from Balingup), got changed into our medieval inspired attire and then made the drive to Balingup. The weather was beautifully warm and the road snaked through gorgeous green landscapes on both sides. A wonderful countryside drive.
Upon arrival, we went in search of lunch.
My medieval hot dog with mustard and tomato sauce!
After a few hours of roaming the grounds, we went in search of some shade to rest. We managed to find some grassy fields and all I wanted to do was lie down and have a nap. The sun was out in force and I think I got a bit of heatstroke.
Sarah bought us some fresh bread and goat bouche, which we all enjoyed as our afternoon snack. All that was missing was either a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Back in Nannup in the early evening, we strolled down the single street that makes up the little town. There were a few cafes as well as the pub at the motel we were staying at. While we were standing around on the street, we saw one of the cafes opening their doors and putting up an 'open' sign. So, we headed there for a cup of coffee before dinner.
Soy Macchiato at the Nannup Bridge Cafe.Back at the
Nannup Hotel Motel, we entered the pub in our full medieval getup, which drew some amused glances from the locals who were there having a drink.
Sarah had the Chicken Parmagiana.
I had the Scotch Fillet with Mushroom Sauce.
The steak was at least an inch thick and it was cooked as I had requested it - medium rare. It was soooooooo good!! Soooo tender and the sauce was deliciously creamy. The waitress confirmed that the steak they serve is from a local farmer. I wish I had a supply of beef straight from a farm.
We spent the rest of the night in each other's company, drinking the various fruit liqueurs we bought from the medieval carnivale.
This afternoon Lisa and I set out on a mini road trip down to Mandurah with a couple of kayaks on the roof rack. The plan was to catch us some crabs!
After work I caught up with a friend at the Greenhouse. We went upstairs to have some drinks and unwind. It was such lovely weather and it was great to be out in the fresh air!
After lunch we hit a few wineries! The first one that caught our attention (or at least mine!) was one called the Ugly Duckling. Just as I thought, they are a new winery that opened recently and the couple running the place were very welcoming and friendly.
We were not impressed with Houghton. The guy pouring us the wine to taste was aloof and not very keen to interest us in purchasing anything. We wandered into the restaurant area and I would love to return to have a light lunch and stay for the live entertainment, but we were not impressed today with that guy's attitude. 
After a few hours of roaming the grounds, we went in search of some shade to rest. We managed to find some grassy fields and all I wanted to do was lie down and have a nap. The sun was out in force and I think I got a bit of heatstroke.
Sarah bought us some fresh bread and goat bouche, which we all enjoyed as our afternoon snack. All that was missing was either a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
The steak was at least an inch thick and it was cooked as I had requested it - medium rare. It was soooooooo good!! Soooo tender and the sauce was deliciously creamy. The waitress confirmed that the steak they serve is from a local farmer. I wish I had a supply of beef straight from a farm.
Sometimes Mum makes wan tan dumplings and freezes them so we have a convenient supply when time is short to cook dinner.
I bought some enoki from the markets and was delighted to see a small little bunch sprouting out from the base of the enoki.
We drove into East Perth for a light lunch and coffee. I couldn't help smiling as I reminisced the day we kayaked from the Causeway to East Perth. Trekking into the cafe in our wet, sandy clothes and kayak oars. Good times.
