Well, here we are at another Monday and today we are looking at the history of chocolate in Australia.
Chocolate arrival in Australia sometime between late 1700s to Early 1800s, it came with European colonists, but it was rare and expensive. Which is why it was considered a luxury item for the wealthy, imported in small quantities.
By the mid–late 1800s with improved shipping, trade routes, and advances in manufacturing made chocolate more widely available. Confectionery shops began appearing in major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia’s own chocolate industry began to take shape in the early 20th century, with several brands that still exist today. Those companies establish our chocolate identity by blending European techniques with local tastes.The turning point came in the 1920’s with the establishment of a major Cadbury factory in Claremont, Tasmania in 1922.
This dramatically increased local production and made chocolate affordable nationwide. Cadburys has shaped Australian chocolate culture. It is the go-to chocolate brand in most if not all of the country.
By the 1950s through to the 1980s, chocolate was to become deeply woven into Australian life. At Easter there was mass‑produced eggs became a national tradition. Cadbury began making Easter eggs in 1875, producing their very first chocolate egg from dark chocolate with a smooth, plain surface. Helping to transform Easter into the chocolate‑filled celebration we know today.
At Christmas boxed chocolates and novelty treats became common gifts.
Local flavours emerged, such as honeycomb, mint, and fruit and nut combinations.
In the 1970s and onward, boutique chocolatiers began experimenting with native ingredients such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle and macadamia.
Around this time Artisan producers focused on premium ingredients and craftsmanship, mirroring global trends.
Nowadays there is a thriving, diverse chocolate scene consisting of global giants Cadbury, Nestlé and Lindt. As well as historic local brands Haigh’s, Darrell Lea and Ernest Hillier.
Australia’s chocolate industry is now vibrant, competitive, and culturally significant, with strong consumer interest in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and premium quality.
Hello everyone, this Monday I am writing a bit about the Bathurst 1000, for those who don’t know it is a car race.
In fact, the Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s most iconic motorsport event, it’s a 1,000 km (621 miles) endurance race held every October at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, NSW.
It’s the crown jewel of the Supercars Championship and a cultural institution for racing fans.
The Mount Panorama Circuit is a public road for most of the year but transformed into a world‑class racetrack during events. The circuit has dramatic elevation changes of 174 metres, tight technical sections, and the blisteringly fast Conrod Straight, where cars can hit 300 km/h, (187 mph).
The race involves 161 laps which is a total distance of 1,000.29km’s, with teams consisting of two drivers sharing one car. It is known for unpredictable weather, safety cars, crashes, and strategy battles.
It was first run in 1960 as the Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island. It moved to Bathurst in 1963, the distance was increased to 1,000 km in 1973.
The winners receive the Peter Brock Trophy, named after the nine‑time Bathurst champion known as the “King of the Mountain.”
Last year the winners were Matt Payne & Garth Tander, it was Payne’s first Bathurst win and Tander’s sixth, placing him equal third all‑time. It was a chaotic, rain‑affected race with late‑race drama, including a penalty reshuffling the final order.
This year’s race is scheduled for 8–11 October it is promoted as another massive chapter in the Enduro Cup, with fan events, displays, and family‑friendly entertainment.
There’s also the Bathurst 12 Hour, a GT endurance race held earlier in the year. It features GT3 supercars and international drivers. Recent editions have included major crashes and dramatic red flags. I have not heard of this race.
This week will look at snakes the legless reptiles, they are far more diverse and surprising than most people realise so here is some information about them.
It is believed that they evolved from four‑limbed lizards around 100 million years ago. Some species, like pythons and boas, still carry tiny vestigial leg bones — evolutionary leftovers.
They can be found everywhere except Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand, and the polar regions.
They live in some amazing habitats such as forests, deserts, grasslands, mountains but only up to 16,000 feet, oceans and even 800 feet underwater of Australia.
They don’t hear airborne sound well but detect ground vibrations with great sensitivity. Their eyes are covered by a transparent scale called a spectacle, which sheds with the rest of the skin. Many species use heat‑sensing pits to detect warm‑blooded prey.
When it comes to moving, they use several locomotion styles depending on the terrain there is the classic slithering which is called lateral undulation, then there is rectilinear movement which is for slow, stalking. Some can glide from tree-to-tree others are excellent swimmers and when on loose sand the do something called sidewinding.
Do you know what they eat, well they are carnivores so small snakes eat insects, frogs, lizards and rodents. Larger ones can eat deer, antelope, capybaras and even jaguars, not something I have ever they would eat. Mostly because they swallow prey whole thanks to flexible jaws. Also, some can go two years without eating due to extremely slow metabolism.
Most snakes lay eggs, but some give birth to live young, babies are independent from birth needing no parental care. A few species (like pythons and king cobras) guard their nests. Some females can store sperm for years. The Brahminy blind snake is all‑female and reproduces without males.
There are about 725 venomous species, and 250 can kill a human with one bite.
The most dangerous snake globally (in terms of human deaths) is the saw‑scaled viper.
Australia’s inland taipan is the most venomous by toxicity but rarely kills because it avoids humans.
About one‑third of adults have some level of snake fear. Scientists believe this may be an evolutionary instinct — early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive.
This week we are looking at turtles, did you know they are cold blooded reptiles, which is why they are often seen basking in the sun.
Some feel they seem ancient and mysterious as well as strangely comforting. This may have something to do with the fact that they have been around for more than 220 million years, what the hell that means they were around during the time of the dinosaurs.
Their slow, steady way of life hides a surprising amount of diversity and evolutionary brilliance.
Their shells are part of the skeleton which means they can’t leave it and it grows with them.
There are three main species, sea turtles, freshwater turtles and tortoises, they often live a long time some giant tortoises can live over 150 years.
Sea Turtles are graceful ocean wanderers that migrate thousands of kilometres. Females return to the exact beach where they hatched to lay eggs, sadly many species of sea turtles are endangered due to fishing nets, pollution, and habitat loss. Examples are the Green Turtle, Logerhead, Hawksbill.
Then there are Freshwater Turtles, which are found in rivers, lakes and wetlands, with some of the most unique species being found in Australia. Examples are the Murry River Turtle, Mary River Turtle which has punk-rock algae hair.
Lastly, we have tortoises which are land dwelling, slow moving, long living with thick domed shells. They are herbivores a famous one is Jonathan who holds the recorded for being the longest living.
All turtles lay eggs on land, even sea turtles with hatchlings relying on moonlight to guide them to the ocean, sex is determined by temperature warmer nest produce more females.
They may not be fast, but they’re far from simple, as Sea turtles navigate using Earth’s magnetic field, Freshwater turtles recognise individual humans and some species communicate through low‑frequency sounds.
They play essential roles in ecosystems with sea turtles keep seagrass meadows healthy, freshwater turtles clean waterways by scavenging and tortoises shape landscapes by grazing and digging.
Hi, everyone, this today’s post was inspired by the holiday taken back in December after visiting the site of the Cowra POW Camp.
Cowra may be the best-known camp due to the 1944 Cowra Breakout, which was the largest prison breakout in Australian history and of the largest of World War 11.
Over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass escape leading to the deaths of over 200 people. The escape took place on the 5 August 1944.
In total about 235 Japanese prisoners died along with 4 Australian soldiers, it is one of the deadliest prison escape attempts in modern military history.
The soldiers who died were Privates Hardy, Jones, Shepherd, and Lieutenant Doncaster.
There was no single person in charge of the breakout but was driven by a group of non-commissioned who planned and initiated the escape.
This was because the prisoners were bound by the Bushido code, which viewed surrender as shameful. This created a shared determination among many prisoners to die honourably rather than be transferred to another camp. As a result, the breakout emerged from group consensus rather than top‑down command.
The escape was triggered by an unauthorised bugle call, sounded by a Japanese prisoner whose identity is not definitively recorded in official sources.
The event is widely studied in military history and commemorated in Japan and Australia. The Japanese Garden and War Cemetery were established as symbols of peace and reconciliation, further cementing Cowra’s global recognition.
Cowra wasn’t the only POW camp in Australia; in fact, there was over 50 POW and internment camps across all states and territories. This includes major, purpose‑built POW camps as well as smaller labour detachments, hostels, and temporary internment facilities.
Other major camps could be found at Hay, Loveday, Tatura, and Marrinup.
There was one Over 12,000 people were interned or held as POWs in Australia at the peak of the war. When I read this, I wondered why so many well it seems that Australia became a major Allied holding country because of its location being so far from the front lines and we had available land for secure camps.
Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.
They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.
Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.
After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.
As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.
Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.
Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.
The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.
Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.
The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.
The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.
It is the day before New Years Eve and I was thinking about it and wondered how many countries see in the new year with fireworks, the answer is somewhere between 100 and 120, that’s more than I thought.
Some of the biggest firework displays take place in Sydney, London, Las Vegas and Ras Al Khaimah. Some sources say the biggest display is in Ras Al Khaimah.
The cost of the firework display in Sydney is around $6 million, I have no idea how much is spent in other places, but I expect it is a bloody lot.
Here people start finding their spot to watch them fireworks from early on in the day as many of the prime free vantage points officially open around 9am–10am, and people begin queueing before opening time. These spots often hit capacity by lunchtime. A couple of free places are Hickson Road Reserve opened at 9am and reached capacity just after 12:30pm another is Bennelong Lawn, Tarpeian Lawn, Campbells Cove, and Circular Quay also open around 9–9:30am and fill quickly.
Most areas with clear views of the Harbour Bridge or Opera House are already packed or close to it by 12pm–2pm.
If you arrive after 4pm, your chances of getting into a top-tier free spot (Opera House surrounds, Mrs Macquaries Point, Circular Quay) drop dramatically. Many will already be closed due to capacity.
Some vantage points (e.g., Opera House forecourt) are ticketed and sell out well in advance. These guarantee entry but still require arriving early for a good position.
You may be thinking why so early?
Sydney draws over one million people to the harbour foreshore each NYE. With limited space and strict entry controls (no re-entry, bag checks, alcohol restrictions), people settle in for the whole day.
So, what do people do while waiting, well some read, some play board games or listen to podcasts and some take a nap. Of course, people need to make sure they have food, water and sunscreen and some kind of shade gear.
Three countries that do not celebrate NYE are Iran as there New Year is in March, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somala to name a few.
I woke to find Tim asleep on the lounge he didn’t get home till 2am so as I was getting up, I told him to go to bed for a while. I had a good night slept for 8hrs.
It is 25C at 5.30am
We left around 9.30am and arrived at the motor inn at 2.20pm, we stopped at Denman bakery, and I bought a cheese & bacon sausage roll and Tim bought a cheese and bacon pie, and he didn’t like it. The sausage roll was pretty good not the best one I have had but far from the worse.
The motor inn is nice the room looks
It is 28C at 2.30pm
We went to the RSL for dinner, we got roast beef and veggies, I liked it, we were back at motel by 7pm.
I realised that I forgot a comb, my blood test kit, a USB wall plug, brought the charger cables.
I am so tired, but I can’t settle down.
Steps:7,771 = 3.9 k’s or 2.4 miles.
I am up at 5am as per usual, had a rough night, took ages for me to settle. Then when Tim came to bed, he kicked me three times in the left leg.
It is 17C at 5.30am in Dubbo.
Tim said something about putting the walker in the boot first, I asked if it could go in last as he will need to get it out each time I want to walk any distance. He sounded snappy with me when he said NO.
When we arrived at the observatory, he decided to put the walker in the back seat as it was easier to get in and out of the car.
We arrived at Orange around 1.30 pm, when Tim found the place, we were booked into, it wasn’t suitable as there were too many stairs and no lift. So, he cancelled the booking but when he tried to contact Booking.com he couldn’t work it out and the only phone number we could find was in the USA. When we tried to find somewhere else it wasn’t easy most affordable places had no vacancies or were too expensive.
So, we now at Cowra for 4 nights, the room here is ok, although I cannot get into the shower.
The whole Orange accommodation saga made me feel tense and upset as for some reason I felt like it was somehow my fault even though Tim hasn’t done or said anything to make me feel that way.
Steps: 7,490 = 3.8k’s
I slept well once I got to sleep, managed a good 8hrs when the alarm went at 5am I got up took my medication and went back to bed till 6.20am. I then got up had a wash applied make-up and moisturised my arms as per usual, before I got dressed. Tim is still asleep, the temp at 6.30am 12C.
After Tim got up, we went to Maccas for breakie, after that went to tourist info centre before going to check out war cemeteries and the POW camp. After that we drove out to check out a dam.
We stopped and bought pizza for tea; however, I forgot to say I wanted BBQ sauce not pizza sauce.
Our new motel room has a disability bathroom, and it is the only room that has one, we have not been charged extra.
The temp got up to 36C
I had a nice hottish shower, my left arm is very sore.
Steps: 8,455
I slept really well, got a good 7hrs and 50 mins of sleep I am up at 5am as per usual, and have washed and dressed. It is currently 15C or 50F Tim wants to visit the Japanese Gardens this morning after that I am not sure what we will do.
At 7.30am it was 20C in Cowra and 20C in Warners Bay.
The Japanese gardens were so peaceful and lovely, I managed to walk around it. As we left the gardens it was 31C.
After that we went to the shops before returning to the motel, the other things we want to check out are only opened on Thursdays. By 2pm it was 36C
At 5.40pm I was so tired I started to cry in frustration, Tim suggested I lay down for a bit, so I got changed for bed and I am doing that.
Steps: 7,011
I ended up sleeping all night although I did wake on and off, I had 9hrs of sleep and got up at 5am when the alarm went off. After my wash I dressed, although I couldn’t find a washcloth, they were there yesterday arvo I don’t know what Tim did with them. Tim has had the radio going through his phone all night.
I did have 2 bottles of Midori yesterday but that shouldn’t have contributed to how I was feeling.
We went and checked out the peace bell, then we went to the rail heritage centre, both were interesting, but the rail place was not disabled friendly.
We returned to the motel for lunch and while here it started to rain, so we are not going out again.
No need for the air con on this arvo, I think I will be having another early night as I’m feeling tired at 6pm, I also have an earache.
At 6pm it is 22C
Steps:7,837= 4k’s
BLAIN’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 20 TODAY
I slept well, had 9hrs of sleep, at 5.30am it was 15C, my body is moving a lot, and it is exhausting.
Tim got up at 6.30am and we left the motel by 7.15am.
Since we were driving through Bathurst Tim decided to drive around the Mount Panorama Circuit, which was cool, for those who don’t know this is where the Bathurst car race is held, this race is a big deal in Australia.
I had a phone call from Centrelink about my DSP claim; they wanted to know if Tim’s compo claim only involved him and not me as well.
We arrived home at 3.30pm, Blain was at his mums and came to see us and I was able to give him his birthday gift, a $25 Visa Gift Card.
Steps: 11,715 = 5.9k’s or 3.7 miles
Saturday and it’s been a busy morning Tim is back at work I had a good night slept for 7hrs &20mins.
I have been busy since getting up, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed out put the clothes on to wash all before 6.30am.
Sue came over to show me her new haircut, and she drove me to then shops to get a few things. Her hair looks so good, it’s much shorter so will not be so hot on her neck.
I am going to see if Tim will cut my hair tomorrow.
Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.
This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.
Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.
Are you asking why Germany?
Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.
The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.
Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.
We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.
St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.
In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.
On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.
Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.
Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).
Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.
This week we are still in Japan, and I am going to share a bit about the Geisha.
Geisha originated in Japan during the Edo period as highly trained entertainers skilled in traditional arts—not prostitutes, as often misunderstood. The first geisha were men, but women soon became the dominant figures in the profession.
The earliest geisha-like figures were saburuko, female entertainers during the 7th century. Some performed dances and music, while others offered companionship or sexual services.
The modern concept of geisha emerged in Kyoto’s pleasure quarters. Initially, male performers entertained guests with music and storytelling. By the mid-18th century, women took over the role, specializing in refined arts like shamisen (three-stringed instrument), nihon-buyo (classical dance), and sadō (tea ceremony).
The Geisha culture thrived in Kyoto and Osaka, between 1688 and 1704, these women became cultural icons, versed in literature, poetry, and etiquette. They were distinct from courtesans, focusing solely on artistic performance.
Aspiring geisha trained in okiya (boarding houses) under senior geisha. Young apprentices, called maiko, learned through observation and practice before debuting as full geisha.
Between 1868 & 1912 Western influence challenged traditional roles, but geisha adapted by blending modern elements with heritage. Their popularity persisted, especially in Kyoto.
After WW11 during Allied Occupation abolished state-sanctioned prostitution, leading to confusion about geisha roles. Geisha reaffirmed their identity as artists, not sex workers.
Today’s Geisha are mostly found in Kyoto’s hanamachi (geisha districts), they continue to perform at private banquets (ozashiki) and public festivals. Their appearance—white makeup, elaborate kimono, and traditional hairstyles—remains iconic.
They are now seen as custodians of Japanese performing arts. Some schools, like the Inoue school in Kyoto, teach exclusive dance styles such as kyo-mai, passed down only within the geisha community.
Jo-AnneRamplings 