The fabulous life continues (Cambewarra)

After a few weeks now it is time for an update again. As I said in the beginning after a while everything becomes normality even the best. I still enjoy my time in Cambewarra and I am a bit sad that the time is over very soon. I managed to finally book my journey to New Zealand. Even though I really enjoy my time here I can’t wait to continue. The travel bug certainly came back and got me again.

Of course the daily routine included again food, food, food more food. I have to admit I am too scared to get myself onto the scale, but I am happy that way and don’t regret a thing; life is too much fun to miss out on brilliant food.

That is the Kangaroo I ate. Yummy
 

Pavlova, way too sweet

Fresh orange juice in the morning is the best

Yummy selfmade pancake

Schnitzel :)

Prawns with fried rice
 

I got the chance to witness an embryo transfer between Alpacas and helped a bit to document the data. I know now for sure that this is not the kind of job I would like to do in the future, some things are just too disgusting for me to consider ewwww.

In between I did not celebrate my birthday in style, but did enjoy my special day anyway since I was invited to a Birthday Party (Mermaid Style) of a 5 year old. I even got a birthday card from a friend in the UK :D Thought I mention that special effort.
 

 For my own however I did bake a little cake. Of course I shared it with Cici

On one of the days we had to take care of some horses and cleaned them up. I didn’t ride a horse ever in my life and not so sure if I ever want to, they are HUGE, well some of them. But I wouldn’t mind to hop onto the little pony; question is though is if it could carry me?

I had to do as well some silver polish. Afterwards I was happy that I don’t own any silver myself which I would need to polish (and I am pretty sure that it stays that way).

One of the more interesting experiences I had was when I went with the team to Armidale for shearing (clipping) the Alpacas. It was a little road trip. It took us 8 hours to get there. And I NEVER got up that early in Australia (4am). I could see the sun rise and the moon going away. Amazing, but hopefully not to be repeated.

We drove through Sydney, Hunter Valley and Tamworth (apparently THE country music city in Australia) before we arrived at the Kyabra Farm where some of the Illawarra Alpacas live.

When we arrived we first set up the shearing station and sorted the animals by colour. In the evening we enjoyed a quick dinner at the Pub in Uralla.

The morning was fresh and clear with a beautiful sunrise but even a more amazing sun set. Unfortunately the colour of the sun doesn’t appear on the pictures in the same way. It was a big red fireball that changed every few seconds. Like a big light bulb hanging from the sky. For that type of scenery I am really considering buying a new camera that actually can capture such natural colours.

I was given the task to obtain the data for the shearing and was prepared with an electronic tag reader, labels for the fleece bag and a few other things. I got into a routine very quickly and it was fun seeing the animals getting naked. Again, a job I wouldn’t do, I would be too afraid to hurt the cute little things. This reminds me that there are still some Alpaca sausages in the freezer waiting to be cooked.
 

On Wednesday we drove back and it took as 10 hours because there was an accident on the Freeway and unfortunately the air vents were frozen and the air conditioner and heater didn’t work. I was freezing until the sun warmed us up.

I had as well the opportunity again to cook on the vineyard a few times. And I learned that little mice’s that are caught  (of course not in the kitchen) are fed to the dogs….

My little calf is still very well and walks like a little princess (does that remind you of someone?). I have been given a lesson in driving the second Landrover truck, so that I could driver around myself without relying on Cici to bring me everywhere. The first trip I’ve done alone was just cruising around with country music from the radio; I have to admit I really felt ‘aussie’.

At this point I would like to add that one of the interesting things I learned in Australia is that they have drive thru bottle shops pretty much everywhere. You drive in, order your box of beer (or other preferred drinks), pay and drive away. Like McDonalds just for alcohol. And they really wonder why there seems to be a drinking problem in Australia?

Besides that not much happened and I had most of the time very relaxed days (and yes I had to work some days VERY hard) and I am sure that I will never forget this experience. I am very grateful that I had such luck with my wonderful host Cici. Of course I could tell you all the details I experience during the days, but it would be just too much, too long and boring.

I will report again from New Zealand (maybe with some Rugby results, since the world cup is on during my stay). Have a lovely time by dear friends, family and readers :D

Happy Travels!