Climbing and the quest for a bicycle

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A couple of weeks ago I caught up with Rich at the Grampians. He had posted on Chockstone.org that he was looking for a climbing partner and I was free so why not shoot up to the Grampians for a couple of days? I also met Peter there, an Italian traveller. For the first time I went to Mt. Arapiles, one of the best crags in Australia. Mainly trad climbing and perfect rock in a nice setting. Here you can see the pictures in the Gallery.
I’ve also tried to find a bike pretty much since I arrived – several auctions on ebay I just missed due to stupidity or other bikes got sold minutes before I called the owner. Finally I found a stylish street racer that will hopefully last a couple of months – that’s all I’m expecting for 50 bucks.

Khao Niao Ma-Muang

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… or “Mango Sticky Rice” is THE delicious dessert in Thailand. And easy to make yourself. All you need is

  • one or two ripe Mango (Banana or other fruit is fine, too)
  • 500 ml coconut milk (containing 100 % milk)
  • Two cups / 500 g sticky (glutenous) rice
  • 50 g sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Wash the rice and leave it in water overnight or at least a couple of hours. Then drain the rice and steam it for about 30 min or until it is soft but still chewy. Meanwhile heat up the coconut milk and stir the sugar and salt in it. Pour 3/4 of the coconut milk over the rice and let it soak for 15 min. Scoop the rice out into a dish, pour the remaining milk over it and put some sliced fruit. Enjoy your Khao Niao Ma-Muang!

Back in Bangkok

Sitting here in the sticky air in an internet cafe, looking at some photos of Tonsai and Ao Laoliang, makes me think of the great time we’ve had so far in Thailand. Now we’re spending the last days in Bangkok to do some last shopping (I finally found another tailor where I can get a suit with the fabric that I’d wanted back in Chiang Mai) and visit the Royal Palace. And in a couple of days I’ll be in Melbourne where Lindsay is organising a “welcome back” party – great idea, mate!