Bye Bye, Bondi

We're back from our Oz journey, easing back into our Venice life, and moreover, life as a new homeowner. I really needed a break from the 24/7 entourage of contractors, painters, and landscapers. As Mike put it, if 747 Marco were a movie, there would be a lot of credits to roll at the end. I think "playing house" made me less neurotic about spoiling the newness of our real home and more ready to live in it. But, I digress. What I want to share are our regular, favorite spots in Bondi, not in any particular order, all within walking distance from 43 Hastings Parade (our Sydney address):

1. Harry's Espresso Bar: Rocket fuel coffee and Adriano Zumbo ham and cheese croissants served from an Italian-style counter. I loved that they had a bag of Blue Bottle and Stumptown on display.

2. Bru Coffee: We hit this surfer/swimmer pitstop pretty much everyday towards the end for their "famous healthy bircher". They use pear juice to sweeten it, though not sure why this makes theirs particularly famous. Nevertheless, it was very tasty topped with fruit and thick, greek yogurt.

3. Jed's Food Store: Single Origin coffee, rasta-hipster setting.

4. La Piadina: Tiny flatbread factory cranking out hot, mouthwatering sandwiches made with super-fresh ingredients.

5. Ria Floral: Gorgeous bouquets of buds like jonquils and anemones, wrapped in elegant black paper. Perfect hostess gift.

6. Miljo: Didn't get to shop very much but I did manage to score a pair of black clogs that I was obsessing about at this stylish Scandinavian boutique.

7. Jo and Willy's Depot: A regular pitstop for homemade muffins and babyccinos. Mike was into the gluten-free pancakes, believe it or not.

8. Oh Baby, Baby: Of course, I found the new baby boutique stocked with Aussie kid lines like Ouch.

9. Kids Pool at Bondi Beach: I wish they had something like this in Venice. It's a man-made kiddie wading pool, carved out of the ocean. The waves crash against the side, lessening the impact of the tide. Needless to say, Henry stayed in until his lips turned blue.

10. Rotary Playground: The view overlooking Bondi's famous waves were killer from this playground, where we hit the swings. Every. Single. Day.

Camera Shy

I envisioned taking lots of photos on this trip but when forced to choose between capturing a charming storefront and making sure the Tasmanian devil doesn't run into oncoming traffic, guess what wins out? Luckily, the camera loves the little man and vice versa. Here he is trying to make off with a stool from the Cheap Monday store.

Life of Reilly

Henry makes it a point to travel to the Antipodes at least once a year, where he enjoys a good babycino. Not too hot, please, with a marshmallow on the side.

Move Over, Cholula

Here's something spicier: peri-peri sauce. Made with a fiery pepper also known as African Red Devil, this is Mike's new best friend while temporarily parted from his buddy old pal Cholula. The vinegary sauce is common in both Africa and Portugal, as well as Australia thanks to its healthy Portuguese community, which has made its mark in mainstream fast-food. Our friend Alexis has been on about trying the butterflied chicken at Oporto since we arrived. Apparently Nando's is big here, too. The sauce we tried came with some delicious takeaway we ordered in the other night from Plumer Road Chicken Shop, a local Rose Bay spot recommended by our Aussie pal, Kate. Came in handy for spicing up an otherwise lackluster chili I made, too.

How Bondi Lads Play...

Saw these kids on our way into town for a coffee. We were blown away. They told us this is what they do when there are no waves or the waves are too big, like they were this weekend.

A Mercedes for the People?

I've never considered myself a Benz gal but the A170 is pretty adorable. Too bad they're not available in the States.

Take Dos

Hello, again, hello. I'm taking a stab at this weblog thing again after impulsively deleting my last effort. Back in Sydney after a year and a half. It's the beginning of spring here and the weather is perfect like East Coast fall: chilly in the mornings and at night and warm during the day. We're renting an adorable house in Bondi Beach for our seventeen-day stay. It's just like being at home minus the dog poop, trash on the streets, and gun shots in the alley. Plus, it's got an amazing backyard that reminds me a little of my great-grandmother's old house in Miami, ideal for chasing Henry to wear him out.