Category Archives: Australia

Nepali Buffet at Muglan

Posted on June 5, 2024 | 3 comments

It’s getting cold here in Sydney and it was raining on Saturday. We spent the afternoon at home, but on Sunday it was a beautiful sunny day, so we decided to enjoy a family outing.

Our first stop was a Nepali buffet brunch in Rockdale. Rockdale is like a mini Nepal in Sydney where you can find anything and everything that reminds you of Nepal. The suburb has become a hub for the Nepali community, offering a vibrant mix of cultural experiences. From a variety of authentic Nepali restaurants to grocery stores stocked with Nepali spices and ingredients, you can find everything you need to feel at home. There are also Nepali clothing boutiques with traditional and modern designs, jewellery shops with beautiful handcrafted pieces, and many more specialty stores. It’s common to hear Nepali spoken all around making you feel like you’ve been transported to Kathmandu.

We decided to go to a restaurant called Muglan for a buffet breakfast. I’ve been there once before for dinner, but this was our first time for brunch.

Their website mentioned these varieties on the menu:
Jerry, Puri, Chana, Kerao, Mlah Khu, Roti, Egg, Fried Rice, Jimbu Potato, Finni, Samosa, Pakora, Nimkin, Halwa, Chowmein, Nuggets, Fries,Juice, Local Tea & more…

We arrived at the venue around 12, and there weren’t many people. I loved the decor. As my eyes moved towards the Dhaka wallpaper, I noticed many more Nepali decorations like the statue of Goddess Tara and traditional Thangka paintings.

The intricate designs and vibrant colours of the Dhaka wallpaper added a touch of Nepali authenticity to the space, making it feel warm and inviting. The clay lamps and the mirrors adorned with traditional motifs further enhanced the cultural ambiance.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have nuggets on the menu that day, so we decided to get the kids’ food from the à la carte menu. The kids got sausages and chicken wings while we indulged ourselves with the variety of food. I started with puri and aloo tarkari, followed by eggs, pakora, Nepali tea, halwa, and jerry.

The food was good with plenty of variety, but it was unfortunate that they didn’t refill Sel and samosa, which are my favourites. When asked, a nice Nepali waitress mentioned that some food items are not refilled once they’re finished. This was a bit disappointing, but the overall quality of the food made up for it.

After our meal, we took a stroll around Rockdale. The area was bustling with activity, and it was heartwarming to see so many families enjoying their Sunday. We visited a few shops, picking up some Nepali spices and snacks to take home. The kids were fascinated by the colourful displays of traditional clothing and jewellery.

Overall, we had a good family time there. I definitely would have preferred to have nuggets on the menu for the kids and the availability of samosa and Sel. Regardless, we had a good brunch and the kids loved their food too.

Have you been to Muglan for brunch? Share your experience!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Nepali food

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Exploring Mayfield Garden: A Day of Adventure

Posted on June 4, 2024 | Leave a comment

Our autumn holiday in the Blue Mountains was the perfect opportunity to finally visit Mayfield Garden, a place that had been on my bucket list for ages. Known as one of the largest and most spectacular cool climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Mayfield Garden certainly lived up to its reputation.

As Australia’s largest privately-owned cool climate garden, Mayfield is a testament to the vision of the Hawkins family, who drew inspiration from Europe’s most significant horticultural destinations. Since we were already staying overnight in the Blue Mountains, a day trip to Mayfield Garden was a no-brainer. The scenic hour-long drive only added to our anticipation.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by landscapes straight out of a fairytale. The garden unfolded before us, a paradise of vibrant autumn hues, serene water features, and inviting pathways. From the tranquil Obelisk Pond to the grandeur of the Hawkins’ Family Chapel, every corner of Mayfield Garden beckoned us to explore further.

I was particularly enchanted by the Pampas Garden, with grasses towering above me. It felt like a scene straight out of a Bollywood film, and I couldn’t resist the urge to take countless photos of the Japanese Maples, their leaves ablaze with rich autumn colours.

The kids were thrilled with the treasure hunt map they received at the entrance. They were so engaged in finding all the numbers on their map that they forgot how much walking they were doing.

The English Box Hedge Maze was a highlight for both kids and adults alike. Navigating its twists and turns was a delightful adventure, and we emerged with smiles on our faces and a sense of accomplishment. It took us around 10 minutes to reach the bell tower, it took us only 5 minutes to get out.

Our only hiccup came when we attempted to lunch at the garden’s restaurant. Despite available tables, we were turned away as we hadn’t booked in advance. Left with no other option, we settled for pizza from a nearby establishment. Unfortunately, the pizzas were a disappointment – burnt on the edges and cold in the middle. Lesson learned: always pack a picnic lunch to avoid food-related woes!

Despite this minor setback, our visit to Mayfield Garden was nothing short of enchanting. It perfectly complemented our Blue Mountains holiday, offering a blend of natural beauty and artistic landscaping that left us in awe. If you ever find yourself in the area, don’t miss the chance to experience this magical oasis firsthand. Just be sure to pack your own lunch to avoid any disappointments!

Mayfield Garden
530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon NSW
PH: (02) 6336 3131
Open 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday – Sunday.

Have you been there? Leave your experience in the comments!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Holidays

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Autumn Holiday to the Blue Mountains: A Family Adventure

Posted on May 31, 2024 | 2 comments

For the autumn school holidays, we decided to take a trip to the Blue Mountains, a picturesque region located about 100 kilometres west of Sydney. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially in autumn when the landscape is adorned with vibrant yellow, orange, and brown leaves.
The Blue Mountains have always been a popular destination for us to show to our overseas visitors. However, this time we decided to stay for a few days and explore the area ourselves.


We spent our days exploring the numerous attractions the area has to offer. One of the highlights was visiting the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, which provided us with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.

We also enjoyed a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, offering a thrilling descent through lush rainforest.


Another unforgettable experience was gliding between cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway. This 720-metre journey offers the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary, and Jamison Valley. Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, the breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor.



As they stepped onto the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway at Blue Mountain, the kids initially froze, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation. The transparent surface revealed the dizzying drop below, making their hearts race. Clinging to each other and to the railing, they hesitated, their nervous laughter betraying their fear.

However, as the initial shock wore off, curiosity began to replace their anxiety , they started peeking down at the forest and waterfall far below. Suddenly, the fear turned to exhilaration. They giggled and pointed out the tiny trees and winding trails beneath them, marvelling at the unique perspective. The glass floor, once a source of fear, became a thrilling experience, and they began to move around with increasing confidence, enjoying the breathtaking views from their lofty perch.

We also experienced the Scenic Cableway, a 510-metre journey that gently descends into the Jamison Valley before returning to the top of the escarpment. The fully enclosed cabin offers a unique vantage point for viewing iconic rock formations including the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, and Mt Solitary. It is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. The Cableway disembarks directly onto the Scenic Walkway, allowing visitors to experience the temperate rainforest.


We took advantage of the many walking tracks, such as the Katoomba Falls track, where we were greeted by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.

The crisp autumn air and the crunch of leaves underfoot made our walks even more enjoyable.


One of the most exciting activities for the children was Gruffalo Spotting on one of the walking tracks.

This interactive experience brought the beloved storybook character to life as we followed a trail and used an app to spot the Gruffalo and other characters from the story hidden throughout the garden. The kids were thrilled to see their favourite characters, and the adventure added an extra layer of fun to our visit.


Overall, our autumn holiday to the Blue Mountains was a memorable experience, filled with natural beauty, adventure, and family fun. It was the perfect getaway to enjoy the seasonal splendour and create lasting memories with the kids.

Have you ever been to the Blue Mountains area? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience! If not, be sure to add this stunning destination to your must-visit list for your next trip to Sydney.

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Vivid Sydney 2024: A Festival to Remember!

Posted on May 28, 2024 | 1 comment

Vivid Sydney is back for its 14th year, and they promised that it’s going to be epic!

This annual creative festival truly captures the soul of our city, bringing together the most brilliant and boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, and musicians from around the world. From 24 May to 15 June 2024, Vivid Sydney lights up the city with mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, exhilarating live music, all set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney.

This year, we decided to mix things up and take a boat cruise to watch the lights—it was an absolute blast!

Our adventure began at Circular Quay, where we boarded a two-storey boat with a fantastic outdoor space. We were handed drinks as we stepped on board, and our 90-minute cruise kicked off. Gliding through the harbour, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Sydney’s skyline illuminated by Vivid lights, including a stunning display on the Opera House.

The boat cruised over to Darling Harbour. While we didn’t catch as many Vivid details from there, the stunning night skyline of Sydney more than made up for it.

After disembarking back at Circular Quay, we took a leisurely stroll around the iconic Opera House, which was buzzing with people enjoying the cool evening and amazing light displays. The kids were over the moon with the happy atmosphere!

We made our way to Customs House, where creativity and innovation were on full display with lasers and 3D video projections—definitely a highlight for the kids. They were so mesmerised that they didn’t want to leave!

To wrap up the night, we grabbed dinner at a nearby food mart and headed home, still buzzing from the incredible light show.

I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Vivid, especially the displays at Darling Harbour and other areas we haven’t seen yet.

My posts from past Vivid 2013 2014 2016 2017.

Have you been to Vivid yet? Does your city host anything similar?

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Where Do We Belong?

Posted on May 23, 2024 | 2 comments

Ever found yourself caught between two worlds, not quite sure where you truly belong? I think many of us can relate to that feeling, especially if you’ve been born in one country, spent part of your life there, and then moved to another to settle down. The sense of belonging can be incredibly confusing.

When I first came to Australia, I felt like I would go back home to Nepal one day. At that time, Nepal was home. But now, when I think about home, it’s Australia. You know that feeling you get when you reach home? It’s definitely Australia for me.

Nepali flag

I’ve touched on this topic before, but as I grow older and add kids to the mix, the complexity of it all only deepens. I’ve been living in Australia for over two decades now, which means I’ve spent more time here than in Nepal, where I was born. So, when people ask me if I’ll ever go back to Nepal to live, my answer is a straightforward “No.” This response often surprises people, as it comes out so easily and without hesitation. But it’s the truth.

My emotions and feelings about this are usually pretty black and white, and in this situation, “No” seemed like the obvious answer. There’s no need to be diplomatic or politically correct about it. Some people might get offended by my answer, while others are simply surprised. But how can I be true to myself if I say “Yes” when I know in my heart that it’s “No”?

Australian Flag

Yet, there are moments when I question if I truly belong in Australia. Sometimes due to some people’s reaction to the the colour of my skin I feel a pinch in my heart. I occasionally find myself not getting the humour, which can make me feel like an outsider.

If you ask my Chhori (daughter), she’ll say I’m Nepali and she’s Australian. That’s the general perception people have of us. But then, when I visit Nepal, everyone tells me I’m more Aussie than Nepali because of the way I think, talk, and view life. This contrast only adds to the confusion as I grow older.

The concept of belonging is complex and personal. For me, Australia is home now. It’s where I’ve built my life, my family, and my future. That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten Nepal or that it doesn’t hold a special place in my heart. It always will. But when it comes to where I belong, where I feel most at home, it’s undeniably Australia. And that’s okay. Each of us has our own journey and our own definition of home.

I think one of the main reasons for starting this blog was because of this same feeling. I want to connect with people in similar situations. As the world gets smaller and we travel and migrate more, sharing how we feel will help us stay grounded and feel like we are not alone in this complicated world.

If you’re in a similar situation, tell me how you feel. How do you manage your emotions? How do you find contentment amidst the confusion? Sharing our experiences might help us all feel a little more at ease in our chosen homes.

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Emotions, Nepal, Personal

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