I'm a fan of tea, whether it is a cup of English Breakfast to start the day, a nice Earl Grey to warm me up on a Winter afternoon, or a cup of soothing Chai to finish the day. Tea and the subtle (or not so subtle) variations in the blends will always bring a smile to my face. I think it is partially that memory of being a child and having mum fix me a cup of tea and a milk arrowroot biscuit for afternoon tea.

Recently I visited The Tea Centre on Little Albert Lane. Firstly, I love walking into this place and feeling like I have stepped into a wonderful fragrant tea house.  From the wall of tins containing tea from all over the world, to the variety of tea pots and cups to purchase, this place has the perfect cup of tea for any palate.

On this visit I had the Pai Mu Tan Stockholm Blend and a sinful little Pavlova with fresh fruit. I have to admit that I am partial to the White teas when I go out. I have so many varieties of tea at home so when I go out I enjoy having something a little different.  The Pai Mu Tan Stockholm Blend is white tea with orange blossoms, rose petals, safflowers, calendula blossom, vanilla and apricot.

The wait staff are very good at the Tea Centre. They give you just the right amount of time to peruse the menu, and then provide your order quite quickly also. The tea comes out in it's own little pot, and they let you know how much longer to leave it steep. My tea is a very light floral flavoured tea with a slight sweetness from the vanilla and apricot. I've just poured the tea into it's cup and taken the first mouthful when my sweet treat arrives. The little pavlova is actually two small meringues sandwiched with cream, kiwi fruit and strawberry slices. There is more of the same on the top as well as a drizzling of passionfruit. It was a purely light and delightful afternoon treat.

When I finished my tea and wandered around the store the have a look at the tea pots the staff were friendly and answered all my questions. I highly recommend The Tea Centre for a quiet relaxing afternoon (or Morning) tea. Stop in to sample their hot or iced teas, or even a coffee if you prefer. Stay and enjoy Devonshire tea or one of their sweet deserts. Have lunch and enjoy a Chicken filo wrap, or quiche and salad. And definitely stop in to look at the wonderful assortment of tea pots, especially with Christmas just round the corner. You may find the perfect gift for that special person.

I've been on a bit photo binge the last few months, my favourite subject the architecture and sites in Brisbane. From South Bank to the Fortitude Valley I have snapped shots of buildings I used to take for granted.

South Bank/South Brisbane

Brisbane

Fortitude Valley/The Valley/Tenneriffe

I have a new camera! 

It's a nice little (ok, not so little) Nikon Coolpix L120. Very happy. Having a lot of fun trying out all the settings and learning what does what.

This weekend was perfect for trying out the new camera. Saturday was spent at West End Markets (photos care of my man - camera had not been purchased at this stage). West End markets (aka Davies Park Markets) are a great place to pick up fresh fruit and veges, meat, seafood and other food items. It is also a great place to go to try out yummy food, pick up little nick-nacks, and meet friendly people.


The markets are on every Saturday morning at Davies Park, Montague Road, West End. Free Entry.

<fresh seafood.. umm yeah, one mum was scaring her daughter silly showing her all the fish. The look on her face was priceless when she got a look at this little guy


We followed up our visit to the markets with yummy fun at Delta Continental on Vulture Street. If you love fine foods or have been looking for that elusive meditteranean ingredient, Delta is the place to go.  You enter a typical deli set up with olives, cheese, antipasti, sweets and other treats. In the opposite corner is a little doorway and a small set of stairs leading to a small supermarket set-up with three aisles of delicacies. Orange blossom water, preserved lemons, pasta flour, dried lentils, coffee, feta, parmesan, salami, chorizo, nuts, jams, pastas, canned goods, and olive oil. This place is an Aladdin's cave of wonderful foods.


Time for a coffee... yes! And it was off to BlackStar Coffee in West End (44 Thomas St). I have to admit to being a big fan of Blackstar. From their relaxed atmosphere, to their yummy drinks, this cafe is the perfect place to relax on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning.  I even picked up some freshly roasted and ground coffee for home. :) (my love for coffee will become obvious in coming blogs) The food smelt fantastic and we will be returning to try their poached eggs. mmmmm...

Saturday afternoon was spent at South Bank, followed by a trip to Cineplex South Bank to see The Hangover Part 2. After the movie we walked back in to Brisbane. I was a lovely clear night, if a tad chilly, but I managed to get some nice shots of our lovely city. There are a few shots I am quite proud of, and I'm sure I'll just get better the more I learn about my camera. 

 Treasury and Expressway

 South Bank

 Gotham at night

 The expressway lights

 Hotel Carlton (aka The Myer Centre)

Brisbane City Hall

To be continued in part 2... Dolphins and Polar Bears and Penguins, oh my!