november update!

such a big month so far. and it's only been 2 weeks.

november 6-9 was spent at Hunter Valley, New South Wales. my research year supervisor very kindly sponsored me to my very first conference. Been thinking about this conference since I submitted my thesis.. really thankful that I've got the chance to go on this trip! Was an excellent experience overall.. other than not knowing anyone there, being the only medical student there, with not much idea what they are discussing about 70% of the time.. learnt how to keep quiet and listen, and of cos all the freebies from the trade exhibition (oh drug companies and freebies ;) ) ... there were a few families there, some of them making this conference opportunity as a mini family holiday. made me wonder whether I will have the chance to do that next time as well?

So we (me and the research assistant) stayed at Harrigan's Irish Pub. I've got the whole room to myself :) ive never gotten one whole hotel room to myself before! what more a balcony looking out to the field of grapevines... (which i didn't open the door because of flies... )

we walked every morning and evening to and fro the conference venue to our accommodation... about 15 mins.. really nice walk :) clean fresh country air. of cos there's the lovely flowers to accompany the walk!

and.. what's a conference w/o food right! was pretty miserable the first day since we had to rush from newcastle airport to the venue (1hr drive away). we ended up having hungry jacks on the way. and being in a winery region, there's not much choices of meals.. and we ended up having lots of profiteroles and fruit tarts from the welcome reception and went back to bed :) but dinner on day 2 improved ;) pizza and wedges! yummy and fat-laden...

then during the last night, decided to reward myself by heading down to the highly recommended restaurant "The Cellar" with another a visiting fellow from HK who wasn't going to the conference dinner as well. Had a $59 2-course dinner (as it was a set price for saturday night)... and i had the most wonderful entree of king prawns and cod fritters with capers and cream... and really tender waygu. ahh. worthed every penny! i had the privilege of sharing the dessert with her and it was just tantalising all the while! :)

and of cos my poster ;) ahh my baby :)

Then over the last weekend I went off to some part of Mornington-Dromana- Coolart with Oppie, Yingyi and Tiki... will definitely miss yingyi's company.. my trusted travel companion who won't mind the aimless walking around, observing the nature around you.. and just walking in silence just cos you love walking. it's not about the destination really, but it's refreshing from the hustle and bustle of city life. glad i went on the trip and caught up much with her.. was really very happy.. hope she gets to come back to melbourne for holiday when she starts work =x

and of cos the other person who's leaving melbourne at the end of the year.. got to watch my first ever Rugby league world cup game ever haha.. seeing how the boy loves rugby and used to be vice-captain and all with his school team most of his singapore schooling life... aussie of cos beat england 54-4! amazing! and since there was free face-painting at the venue, he took the opportunity while i stuck to the conservative type of face painting haha :)
and then there's the start of farewell dinners for jo.. got invited to the Soon family's house for dinner.. Auntie Rita whipped up Mee Siam and Rojak and bought satay! ahhH!!! i had SO much to eat :) very contented and that's Lucas, the beloved little prince of the household.. he's already 6.5 months. and doesn't he look so adorable with that bewildered look all the time!????? :)

and now. back to books. :)