Sunday, December 6, 2009

Andy Warhol in Bistro C...

If the title of this post sounds bizarre, guess what? It has been a bizarre day. Surrealistic. Pop Art-ish. Warhol -ish. Brilliant, in other words. Starting with a 150 km drive to see the incredible , rainbow-coloured sand dunes at Double Diamond Heads. Yup. That's where Captain Cook imagined he'd spotted two separate islands in 1770. But guess what? It was one large island with two heads! Driving us around at 80kph in his 4 wheel drive, was Timothy, an Englishman who runs Noosa Safaris. An Englishman? A Pom??? In these parts? Well, yes! Tim relocated four years ago and couldn't be happier. He knows every sand dune and shrub along this magnificent 40km coast, and he knows his rain forests, and he knows his picnic lunch in the middle of nowhere ( the best strawberries ever)! He is a total gem, and if only there were more Tims in India, our tourist attractions would be sexier. Meaning, far better run and more attractive.
We managed to see dolphins from the old lighthouse, and sea turtles and sea eagles.... all within the space of a few minutes. They only thing Tim couldn't manage were humpback whales. But it was a perfect summer day in Noosa, and I am sorry to leave at dawn tomorrow morning. But not before popping in at the Australian Zoo to say 'hello'' to the rhinos.
Louise played host at Bistro C by the sea, where the baramundi was done to perfection, and the calamari melted into the mouth at first bite. The crisp and perectly chilled sauvignon blanc helped. Even though Timothy had recommended a gin and tonic.
The Pacific ocean was warm and welcoming, but I passed. I was just struck by how proud and eco-conscious every person here is, and how solar panels and harvested rain water take care of basics. We have so much to learn - we have as much sun and rain in India. Possibly more. What do we do with it??? Very little. It would solve so many of our problems. But who's interested?
As I posed for a picture in front of the gigantic Andy Warhol poster at Bistro C, and read the line 'Pop Art is for everyone,' I found myself smiling....... nice way to end a looooong day. Until tomorrow, mates. I'm having a great time Down Under...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you have interest for photography?

Alex Engwete said...

Bistro C, great title for a thriller flick...

kakaka said...

you are blessed, i wish i had your life...its exciting. All you do is wrtie and visit a million places...you seem to have a constant suply of money...just like to those characters in hindi movies. FML

NIM said...

good stuff...lucky u...

Sid said...

would love to see that pic.......

pissed with politics!! said...

http://dareindianpolitics.blogspot.com/ check it out

चंद्रमौलेश्वर प्रसाद said...

` I was just struck by how proud and eco-conscious every person here is, and how solar panels and harvested rain water take care of basics. We have so much to learn - we have as much sun and rain in India.'

Then where will the multinationals go if we become eco-conscious :)

Informative travelogue

Unknown said...

Yups i agree... you are indeed a very lucky person!! Only a few privileged ones get to enjoy life so much. But we don't know how much efforts you must have put for such a life....enjoy your trip and plzzzzz don't forget to share your pictures with your blog dosts.

One more thing it looks you too are fond of your blog dosts thats y u always try to post something for us, wherever you might be let it b either vacations or work.

Regards
Regards
entertainment options in Chennai
entertainment options in Bangalore

Mukesh Bhatia said...

Nice to hear that maam! The way u elaborate the holidays, just create a picture & gets me a hands on feeling of being there. Keep updated & all the best wishes again.

ReN said...

Hi Shobhaa,
I personally think that most of your books are an insult to your own considerable intelligence. I like your articles and I feel you have the finger on the spot more often that not (no pun intended).

I refer to your WIKI article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhaa_De in which it states: 'She is a firm supporter of local Mumbai leader Raj Thackeray'

I doubt if this is true as any sensible, rational person should really be kicking Raj's butt all the way to the moon, so just thought I would let you know.

Cheers,
Arun

pissed with politics!! said...

dareindianpolitics.blogspot.com

RanveerChandpuri said...

Hi sobbha,
Really Tiger woods could not take care of his reputation.He was a kind of inspiration untill his scandels were not exposed.
I hope Gregarey pack a hollywoodstar was his versatile genius that he was dedicated to his wife.International tourist lady whenevr discuss about Gregary pack and the breath long and They pay him a respect.I also want to write a noval. You are a novalist and please advise me to be a best sailing noval writer

RanveerChandpuri said...

Dear shobha,
Wish u happu new year 2010.
I have written 4 unfinished diaries. It is devine air and devine sentences.finally I wish you and all followers a very dynamic and cool happy new year 2010.
ranveer Chandpuri