A little town called Hahndorf - Part 1

The cute little towns, the rustic shops and cafes, the streets with traffic slow as a snail, people wandering around and having a good time, arts and crafts, great smell of wood oven pizzas and grill : that's pretty much how I can sum up Hahndorf, the German village in Adelaide hills.

Here are a series of photos spread over several posts from my little moments captured in this town over time. It's so gorgeous that it almost takes you back an era. *sigh*

When one door closes..

When one door closes, many others open up ! Look for the "Possibilities" today.

Why 26 January is special ?

It's officially known as Australia Day! 

It's special for its meaning. First fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788. Special for the coincidence (or by some strategic alignment of the stars) that it falls on the same day as Indian Republic Day. 

Because it truly denotes the Australian spirit of enjoying, being merry and really living in the beauty of the water and nature. 

Water, surfing, havaianas, swimming, beaches, sand are so iconic to Australian living. 

So what better way to celebrate this special day than heading out in the water ?! That's what millions of people did today in Australia. 

I often feel that many Australians have a cultural understanding of enjoying 'little pleasures' in life which is absolutely invigorating. There was something magical in the air !

Also, on this day, so many immigrants like myself make Australia their home for rest of their lives in the Citizenship ceremony in all the capital cities. 

It truly is a day to give fellow Australian a hug ! And personally it's a day when I say "Thanks" to Australia for giving me the beautiful life and peace of mind and making me a part of you. 

 

Japan in Australia

'Matsuri' or Japanese festival was recently held just around the corner where I live.  

Beautiful Japanese girls in their beautiful kimonos, 

Japanese Art groups...

Lovely handmade ceramics... ( I loved it !!!!!!) 

Competition of painting the Japanese Umbrellas....

Amazing display of strength and skill at Taekwondo performance.....

Origami...( got more inspired to learn ... I have been planning to do this for a while !)

Of course..the poise of Japanese beauties... 

Japanese Calligraphy... or Shodo

..lots of laughs..

...and these drummers group called 'Taiko' were simply spectacular.

I just could not get enough of their performance and music. What a thunder they brought to the air...magical !! 

That's another reason I love Australia - so many people from variety of backgrounds adopt this country and make it their home...and as a result make it so exciting and colourful. 

We learn and grow together, eat different food, share each other's stories, exchange the experiences and live a rich life. 

Thank you Australia ! 

Break the routine...

I love breaking the routines. Getting a break. We sometimes unintentionally get into a routine even for our off days - don't we? and then....life gets boring. 

Well I like to catch it before that happens.  

So this time we took a day trip to McLaren Vale. 

Started off in the lovely cafe in the information centre with a breathtaking view...

So blessed to be living in the region of beautiful wineries, infact the most popular wine region.

Perfect weather and the sunshine caressing - We loved it !

This time decided not to go to any winery...well what a contradiction to what I said before but that's because we always end up going to the wineries and we always fall short of time to check out the speciality shops...those little bakeries, handicrafts, rustic cafes...

So we broke to routine... ;) and checked out handicrafts, local produce and chilled out in a beautiful small cafe...

then just meandering around the streets and among the wineries...

chatting away....

stopping and breathing the fresh air..

and a retro scene...

And read the sign below in the Avocado Farm. So amazing is the feeling of 'Trust' - Trusting a stranger...trusting someone you have never met, trusting someone just as a human being....I love that feeling although yes...it's fading away in today's world. 

And I always manage to find my other half ;) - India. 

and Buddha...my eyes stop everytime I see any idol of buddha and takes me to the place of instant peace. There is something magical about Buddha's face !! 

 

We found a beautiful handicraft shop called Samadhi Bali . So many pretty things to look at..

...and then another shop called...Artel. 

Everything - Yes Everything in this shop was handmade. OMG - I could just spend all day marvelling at the beautiful things and just thinking of artists making them...

Found this little cute thing...

and great produce with pretty packaging...

I absolutely love the country towns, the vast distances and magical nature leaves me rejuvenated. Tell me about your travels....would love to hear.