Ngeringa (Ukaria) Cultural Centre – a symphony in nature

17/04/2016 0 Comments read Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Waking up on a clear October day in the Adelaide Hills draped in green gums, Ulrike Klein thought if this is her new home it would be wonderful.

It was 1983 and she has never felt any different. A philanthropist and connoisseur of music, Klein says, “Lifestyle is about culture, good local food and wine and to have that combination with four distinct seasons, clean beaches, blue skies, no traffic jams and festivals galore is what makes South Australia so special for me”.

She confesses that despite being very German at heart, she has never felt homesick. But she did find Australia to be very sports focused unlike Europe, where art and culture are an integral part of the society. As a parent of four young kids, she wanted to create a balance.

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Of Sylvan and epicurean delights

15/04/2016 0 Comments read Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Growers, producers, chefs and winemakers across South Australia are warming up for, what will henceforth be, the annual Tasting Australia [May 1-8] festival. Here are the top three not-to-be-missed events.

Dinner in the company of Mark Kurlansky: At home in New York, author Mark Kurlansky and his daughter, Talia, would spin the globe and design a recipe from the country where it would stop. Mark would research the food history and culture and weave the story around the recipes. The intimate five course dinner menu has been crafted from his book, International Night, which will bring the flavours of the world to the spread and provide diners the opportunity to hear Mark’s insights and stories behind his travels and tryst with food.

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Peace on the mighty Murray

27/01/2016 0 Comments read Travel

By Neena Bhandari

The Murray River is to Australia what Nile is to Egypt. It gently meanders its way from the Snowy Mountains, irrigating fields and orchards, along its 2520 km journey to the Southern Ocean. In years gone by, it was a thriving route for paddle steamers transporting wool and wheat to and from the towns dotting the riverside. It is now an aquatic playground for families seeking a tryst with nature.

Raucous flocks of cockatoos and galahs swing from river red gums, a solo kingfisher plummets into the shallow waters and returns with its priced catch, fish abound here. Steep ochre tinted limestone cliffs lure visitors to make the climb as children frolic along the grassy riverbank.

In one of the driest states in the driest continent, where nature is beautiful yet unforgiving, the Murray invigorates life in the ecosystem and the communities that flourish along its banks.

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