Lunch, Munch and Punch

I have been missing in hiking action for the past 2 weeks, but that does not stop me from being in action. I have attended some social gatherings, explored some good vegetarian restaurants (future post), and enrolled myself in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Lunch with Fellow Expats

Fresh cherry pie!

Advice I receive from friends back home consists of:

Don’t go to Australia and make friends who are also from Canada. You can do that here.”

Make sure you meet locals as well. If you make only expat friends, they may gradually all move back and you’ll be left with few/no friends.”

I don’t intentionally avoid Canadians or harass local Aussies to be my friends. Coincidentally, though, I do meet others who are also on the work holiday visa. We have an immediate click and the same fascination about the quirks of Aussie life.

Did you know that ‘Ta’ means ‘Thank you’?”

Have you gotten around to saying “Melb’n” instead of Mel-burn / Mel-born?”

… just to name a few.

This, here, is a meal prepared by my fellow expats. Delish!

Homemade cherry pie, omelette on toast with avocado, and minestrone soup!
Homemade cherry pie, omelette on toast with avocado, and minestrone soup!

Munch at International Tea Party

Tea party at Brunswick
Brunswick neighbourhood with Victorian houses – so much character! From Australia: Lamingtons; From Wales: Welsh Cakes; From Britain: Blueberry Crumble

One of my hiking friends hosted an international tea party this past Saturday, where friends from different countries bring sweets from their native country.

Best. Idea. Ever.

Except what is uniquely Canadian? Nothing comes to mind so I consult my non-human best friend, Google.

Google says:

  • Nanaimo bars (which originate from Nanaimo, B.C.!)
  • Beaver tails (deep fried goodness!)
  • Butter tarts (genuinely Canadian… but I don’t recall ever eating them)
  • and other berry suggestions which would probably be difficult to find

I decide to make butter tarts. As a backup plan, I make a Chinese dessert (which is also my first attempt).

Canadian butter tart, made with raisins and honey.
Canadian butter tart, made with raisins and honey.
Sweet potato cake with green bean paste
Chinese sweet potato cake with green bean paste covered in sesame.

Both pass the test. Phew!

Sweets from India, Wales, UK, USA, Iran, and Australia!
Sweets from India (Kaju Roll), Wales (Bara Brith), Britain (Sticky pudding and scones), USA (Apple/fruit pie), Iran (Chickpea Flour Cookies), and Australia (Rocky Road)!

My new international friends later suggest that I could have made s’mores. I seem to have taken s’mores for granted and I forgot that they’re not common outside America. S’mores are a sandwich of graham crackers with melted marshmallow and chocolate in between. Mmm mmm.

Punch Wing Chun-style

I ask myself, “Why learn in Melbourne when I could do it back home?”

The reply is, “I could, but have I?” The answer is no. I am either too busy or too tired to do more after work. My mind would be bottled up with things that are insignificant – TV series, Facebook, what to wear, etc. Too much going on, too many excuses. Now that I’m able to reset my routine, no more lame excuses.

Wing Chun manual
Enrol in martial arts class: check.

Note that some of these photos are previously posted on Facebook/Instagram.

4 thoughts on “Lunch, Munch and Punch”

  1. Interesting posts. You’ve not only met ppl with similar interest in hiking or background (hol visa), but who are also good in baking!! :D they look so delish *gulp*

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