Travel – Page 13 – A Bellingen Diary

I’ve come to the end of my visit, and steamy Singapore has lived up to its reputation, with a tropical downpour every afternoon. I’ve had a great time, walking for as long as I can manage each day and then retiring to the Martini Bar for a late afternoon refreshment. I cannot believe how many shopping centres and European designer outlets have been built, and I am so glad I first visited Singapore in the late 70’s when it still had quite a bit of colonial character. Still, if you go looking, you can find plenty of interesting things to do, none of which involve shopping. One of my favourite spots is the Botanic Gardens which I visited three mornings in a row and still found something new to photograph each time. I tracked this honey eater (which was only the size of my big thumb) from ginger to ginger until he held still long enough for me to get this shot. My list of favourite spots and non-shopping things to do will follow soon.

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DSCN0033 (800x600) — The entrance to Coco's Cottage

When I arrived at Coco’s Cottage last night I was greeted by a massive thunderstorm. Lightning lit up the sky and cracks of thunder shook the cottage. But this morning I woke up to a clear sky and the smell of a freshly drenched garden. Not a hint of the drama of last night – just birdsong and gentle dripping sounds. I am already relaxed.

Coco’s Cottage is one of those “I could live here” places. Warm, eclectic decor with everything you need, but nothing overdone. And the gardens are just as inspiring. Shaded and protected by bamboos, figs and native trees is almost every sub-tropical plant you can think of, all massed together in huge lush beds. This is the garden that inspired me to dig up my lawn and replace it with heliconias, gingers and other exotics.

But … now I must drag myself away to vist some of the local attractions – the boutiques of Bangalow, the beaches of Byron, the serene gardens of Crystal Castle and maybe a tropical fruit nursery or two !!