MY FIRST EVER FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

It was my first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix at  Albert Park, Melbourne. I enjoyed an amazing afternoon. Thanks to my son for making the arrangement and accompanying me to such a fabulous event. 

From the circuit, we could see Melbourne City in the distance.

 

Plenty of space to move around as we entered from gate 4.

On display, were a selection of classic cars, of both road and racing varieties. It brought back some good memories especially the red Ferrari.

The beauty behind me.

The Grand prix was not only for the adults but also for the kids. 

A live band in action.

There were so many food and drink kiosks around the circuit but with long queues. My son had to line up for more than 30 minutes just to get 2 hot dogs and some mineral water.

Looked like the crowd was largely ignorant of F1 race. These were the families having a great time enjoying food and drink in this beautiful environment.  

                           

Like many locals, we opted for the grass mound closed to the track instead of the expensive "grandstand" 

A great performance by the aerobatic team of the RAAF Roulettes before the F1 race.

The RAAF was showing off their F/A 18 Hornet after the Roulettes.

Qantas has been associated with the Australian Grand Prix for over 25 years. The flyover of their B747-400 was fantastic. The aircraft flew over several times and it included some nice turns around the area.

Here came the F1 zooming pass in seconds.

It was spectacular to watch these F1 cars flashing pass at more than 250 mph near the track but it was also very uncomfortable because of the ear drum tearing scream of their engines. We watched them for about 10 laps and decided to call it a day.  

Looking for toilet ? Please join the line! 

Many preferred to stay away from the noisy track and watched the race on big screens  mounted in the park area. 

It was a day of speed, noise and heat but the atmosphere was overwhelming. Will I go for another Grand Prix again? Probably not. I had definitely experienced this once in a lifetime event and I am glad I did it.   

A very brief video of the F 1 race taken near the track.  

TAKING A BREAK IN MELBOURNE

My wife and I are on a visit to Melbourne to see our children. It's time to relax in this wonderful place and enjoying the local cuisines.   

 Flinders Street Railway Station

St Francis' Church is the oldest Catholic church in Victoria. It is located right in the city on the corner of  Lonsdale street and Elizabeth street.

It's opened to people for prayer on non-service days. 

The famous "Degrave" street, a popular place for fine dining and boutique shopping.

This guy was good in playing the "blue " - but look like, I am the only "fan" that afternoon!  

 Australian sandwiches are huge.  

 Take a break, take a  "flat white" - my favourite coffee.

             Orange Semolina cake.  

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We went over to the food section of the Victoria market and as usual, there were so much to see. The varieties of food on display was fantastic. 

Selection of local and foreign dairy products.

Pickles and Olives.

The pickled Octopus was superb!

BBQ Sausages are very popular - they are really delicious!

I could not help myself and bought one of this " Hot Dog" , a hot favourite of the locals and visitors alike.

On the second evening, we had our dinner at a German restaurant. I was told that this restaurant was one of best in the city.  

A fine German beer before dinner. 

I like the selection of our starters as recommended by the charming waitress.

The German delight - Pork knuckles.

Grilled duck breast with green beans, potato, mushroom and mashed pumpkin. 

Black Forest cake

Apple Strudel with cream and ice-cream.

I will put on a few pounds during my 2 weeks stay definitely but promised myself that I will walk a few kilometers more every afternoon to make up for it.  

FAMILY PICNIC

Last Sunday was a hot and sunny as we gathered at Tanjung Aru beach for a family picnic. My nephew set up a tent for the occasion.

There was quite a crowd patronizing the beach that day.

The younger kids were enjoying themselves swimming, flying kites and playing in the sand.

This dinghy was used for hunting wild ducks in my hey days. It hasn't been used for about 20 years. When inflated, it was as good as new. The children had a good time with it..

The family members brought in mostly packed food but my sister-in-law managed to BBQ some chicken wings on the spot.    

"Nasi Kuning" literally means "Yellow rice".  The rice was cooked with coconut milk and turmeric topped with fish and hot shrimp paste.

I especially enjoyed the taste of fried noodles bought from the Lido morning market. It went well with a  "Ham Chim Pang", a kind of dough which is popular with the locals.

The old beach boys showing off - in between was a young admirer.

Time for some to show their soccer skill. 

 

It was an enjoyable day for all of us and we hope to have another one soon.