'Sit down and relax while I make our breakfast, Mum,' my daughter said as she flung open the plantation shutters on the portico overlooking the pool. Moments later the room was bathed in the warmth of the morning sunshine, with shimmering ripples of spectral colour and light from the tropical oasis outside reflecting onto the interior walls. This mother and daughter spent time together in Cairns on a wellness getaway in the midst of my recent illness. 'You need to go somewhere warm and moist as soon as possible,' came the expert medical opinion. Coincidentally, Peter was on locked into a work trip to Darwin, in Australia's Top End, but I wasn't able to secure flights that matched his. Actually I was dubious about travelling, particularly during a spell where I had not only been bed-ridden, but had lain like a dead-weight, unable to do so much as turn over for days on end. After a series of tests (and a hospital visit), my GP was still uncertain as to whether the mass on my lung was cancer or pneumonia, or if my malaise might be caused by glandular fever or an auto-immune dysfunction, such as lupus. 'I'll come along and take care of you if you need to go some place warm,' offered my beautiful daughter. Having discussed it with Peter, we decided it would be best for my poorly self to get away from Canberra's winter, so we perused weather forecasts to find a location that would provide the humidity and heat needed to help boost my wellbeing. With the promise of 27 degree C (80 degrees F) days, Cairns, in far north Queensland, scored full marks. 
For my overseas readers, Cairns is a city in the heart of northern Queensland, Australia, around 2,500 kilometres away from Sydney. According to the guide books, it is 'the ideal base to explore the wider tropical region, including World Heritage listed reef, rainforest and outback'. But this trip wasn't to be an adventure holiday, as I later joked with my daughter, it would be more like 'Cairns, the Nanna Tour'. We booked accommodation at The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa, the drawcard being its central location, lagoon-style swimming pools, a well equipped gym (for my daughter), and its close proximity to the Botanical Gardens. Our first day was dedicated to a famil of the city, including strolling along the palm-lined esplanade, watching pelicans on the sand and investigating one or two of the better known eateries, such as Splash. Our daily agenda comprised long sleep-ins for me (while my daughter hit the gym), followed by a healthy mid morning breakfast, a gentle game of badminton (with much laughter, which we all know is 'the best medicine'), time to relax by the pool with a book, then a light and luscious lunch, followed by an afternoon nap and some sightseeing. We took turns cooking nutritious evening meals, which were eaten al fresco. I feel the urge to throw a recipe in. The grilled calamari salad pictured above was a favourite and is quick and simple to prepare. Simply allow one large calamari tube for two. Run a knife down the inside of one side to open it out and clean away any loose insides. Score the flesh in a cross-hatch pattern, but take care not to cut right through. Then cut it into bit-sized morsels. Cook quickly on a hot, lightly-oiled grill for just a couple of minutes until it curls and changes colour. Meanwhile, assemble handfuls of washed and dried mesclun and thin strips of cucumber onto serving plates. Scatter some finely sliced chilli over the top and dress with juice from a couple of fresh passionfruit. Top with the cooked calamari and serve immediately. Postcards and morsels from our 'Nanna Tour' are shared below for your enjoyment. Botanic Gardens Cairns...The only 'wet-tropical' botanic gardens in Australia, Cairns Botanic Gardens houses more than 4,000 varieties of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring tropical flora from Australia, South East Asia, South America and also Africa. Indeed, I could fill this post with photographs of flowers! Perhaps watch my Facebook page, for I might post a few more there. There are self guided walks, as well as audio tours, guided tours and bird-watching walks. If you plan to visit, allow a full day, if not several visits, to give you the opportunity to enjoy the full splendour that this lush paradise has to offer. 
Crystal Cascades...One my daughter's friends told her about Crystal Cascades, a 'secret' rainforest and scenic walk with waterfalls, rapids, swimming holes and picnic areas. Located just 15-20 minutes from the city of Cairns, the area is more like another world away. We had planned to swim, but then the weather turned cool, so we decided to enjoy a gentle walk instead, taking time to just sit and ponder the beauty of it all. It goes without saying that a 'selfie' was essential. 
Butterfly Sanctuary Kuranda...Visit Cairns and you simply must spend a day at Kuranda, 'the village in a World Heritage rainforest' set 1,000 metres above Cairns. There's a Butterfly Sanctuary, Koala Gardens and Birdworld, as well as art and craft galleries, quaint and quirky shops, and both village and heritage markets. The luminous butterfly in the image below seemed to like the dark curly hair of another visitor. It stayed on the girl's head for an hour or more! Another butterfly took a shine to my daughter's iPhone. As you can see from the creatures in the images below, Queenslanders are a fairly laid back bunch who just love the sunshine and the opportunity to pose for a photo. 
Barron Falls and village market Kuranda...Barron Falls, located in the Barron Gorge National Park, attract visitors from around the world and the rainforests here are recognised as 'the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests on Earth'. Wow! There's a Skyrail, ranger guided tours and a scenic railway that winds it way up the mountain. We took a gentle stroll along the rainforest boardwalk, which allowed us spectacular views of the gorge and Barron Falls. In the postcards below, I've included shots of some old, rusty curiosities spotted in the Kuranda Village Markets. For example, the item in the image bottom left is the rusted insides of an old piano. 
Cairns Wildlife Dome...The resort manager mentioned that if we wanted to see a four-metre saltwater crocodile we should visit the Cairns Wildlife Dome, a 20-metre glass-topped zoo housed on the upper floor of the Reef Hotel Casino. Here you will also find the Cairns ZOOm, a rope course challenge with ziplines and crossings, some of which dangle right above Goliath, the croc! We decided to keep our feet on terra firma, with the rest of the native fauna. 
Port Douglas...Port Douglas is an hour's drive north from Cairns, so on our last day I took the bull by the horns (well actually, the little red Hyundai Getz by the steering wheel), and we travelled along the most picturesque coastline imaginable. 'Do you always drive ten kilometres under the speed limit, Mum' my daughter asked, teasingly. My response was, 'Hell yes, especially when I'm driving an unfamiliar vehicle in unfamiliar territory... and besides there's so much to see, look!' At Four Mile Beach we swam in a clear blue sea that was so deliciously warm I can still feel it on my skin. The rest of the afternoon was spent sunbathing on soft, tightly packed sand, the kind that squeaks when you walk on it. 
After a few days, feeling brighter and just chillin'...The 'Nanna Tour' was memorable in that not only was it hugely beneficial for my health at a critical time, it also gave this mother and daughter the chance to spend some quality, stress free days together, just the two of us enjoying each other's company. It was a good thing. A really good thing! 
Disclaimer: This was by no means a 'holiday'. I was genuinely very ill and the journey was undertaken on expert medical advice. It was not sponsored in any way shape or form and I have not been paid to write this post. I merely want to share the beauty of the region and the trip with my readers. You might also enjoy...
Tell me, have you ever taken time out for a wellness getaway? Where did you go and what did you do?
3/10/2013 07:10:50 pm
Liz, I'm so glad to hear you got away from it all and managed to squeeze in some quality time with your daughter. By the looks of your gorgeous pics it looks like your path to recovery is well on the way. And I just love Cairns and the surrounding areas! Great choice.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:37:39 pm
Hi Peter, thank you very much. Cairns is indeed beautiful, as is Port Douglas. I can hardly wait to go back with my Peter. Thanks for your good wishes. 3/10/2013 08:27:38 pm
This looks like the perfect medicine Lizzy! Your photos are so vibrant and warm. My favourite is the first photo...so much goodness in the bowl and the surrounds! I hope you are feeling better. Have a lovely weekend :)
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:38:26 pm
Dear Jane, thank you kindly for your compliment. I am slowly recovering... had two good weeks, really good weeks... might take up to 18 months or so. Sigh! Thanks for stopping by xo 4/10/2013 03:57:09 am
The combination of stunning photos and warm remembrances from your time away, I felt transported to Cairns while reading your lovely post; a warm read on this cold Colorado morning!
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:39:15 pm
Hello to Rebecka from Colorado! Welcome. Thank you for your very kind words. It's a pleasure to meet you. I will pop in and say hi at your place too. Thanks for visiting. : ) 4/10/2013 03:58:20 am
Sorry, I forgot to mention...that calamari salad looks divine!!
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:39:31 pm
Thank you... it was/is. : ) 4/10/2013 08:23:42 am
I am glad that you are well on your way to recovery! It's so nice that you were able to spend such an important time with your lovely daughter. I had an amazing relationship with my Mother too, and my friends who didn't with their Mothers envy it. I know how special these times can be. Your calamari looks amazing, it's one of my favourite meals! Did you know if you cut them into lengthwise strips (not rings, but the opposite) dust the lightly with flour and flash fry them the curl up like beautiful ringlets! I don't deep fry often, but this is a favourite!
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:40:26 pm
Hello Eva, thank you very much. This was the only time we have been able to spend such quality time together, so it meant a great deal to me. Your suggestion with the calamari sounds divine! Thank you for stopping by xo 4/10/2013 10:23:03 am
That sounds like most excellent medicine! Made you feel better and you had a great experience with your daughter, too. And we all had a great experience being able to view your pictures and imaging we were there, too. Good stuff - thanks.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:40:47 pm
Hi John, thank you kindly for your very nice comment. : ) 4/10/2013 11:41:18 am
I'm so sorry to hear you've been so unwell, Bizzy. And not only that, also that you haven't been given a diagnosis. How worrying for you. It sure does look like you did the right thing in getting away. I love the weather at this time of year in Cairns - not too hot and the humidity hasn't yet set in. For a 'nanny' tour it certainly looks like you crammed a lot into your week away. And how precious to have that time with your daughter xx
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:42:14 pm
Hi there... thank you for your kind words. I should have mentioned (but hate to harp about it), my specialist eventually diagnosed two strains of pneumonia, coupled with glandular fever. There are some complications and side issues. I am on the (slow) road to recovery. Cairns is lovely... we paced ourselves. Thank you for stopping by xo
Eha
4/10/2013 02:12:54 pm
Thank you Lizzy! Thank you for a Saturday morning trip to one of my favourite parts of Australia . . . both Cairns and Port Douglas. Your photo series took me straight back there [have not been for nearly two decades]. The flowers, the animals, the glorious tropical ambience. You both look so relaxed :) ! Hope you had some good meals out also [Port Douglas always has had some enticing places] and 'did' the art scene . . .always my first stop on any Northern agenda . . .
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:43:13 pm
Dearest Eha, thank you for your very kind words, and your emails! We only ate one meal in a restaurant, the rest were prepared fresh 'at home' in the apartment. I hope that you are feeling much brighter too. Sending get well hugs xo 4/10/2013 02:55:42 pm
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I am so glad that you were able to travel with your daughter to such a gorgeous location and well enough to enjoy it. I am sure the memories that the two of you shared are blessings to treasure for years to come.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:44:11 pm
Hello Betsy and welcome! We did enjoy the time away together and my daughter was so very, very sweet to look after me the way she did. Thank you for your kind words... and please pop in again. I'm off to your place now xo 4/10/2013 03:02:25 pm
G'day Lizzy! Glad you were able to spend precious mum - daughter time too!
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:44:35 pm
Hi Joanne, thank you very much for your kind words... it is a beautiful part of the world, no? Cheers.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:45:21 pm
Dear Maureen, I'm glad to hear you are resting... sounds like a perfect day for just kicking back and reading a book. Been thinking of you lots. Sending get well wishes your way xo
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:46:05 pm
Hello Jane... sisters, wow! Thank you for your very kind words. Cairns and the surrounds are just beautiful... thank you so much for stopping by. 4/10/2013 04:32:19 pm
Here's rooting for you Lizzy! Your pictures are beautiful and I hope that many moments were spent getting your health back just as beautiful as your lovely writing.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:46:42 pm
Hello Sarah, well thank you ever so much! Thank you for your kind words and your get well wishes. Very kind of you. 4/10/2013 05:08:13 pm
Beautiful photos, Liz - such a glorious part of the world (brings back lots of childhood memories!) Hope it did the trick and that you're feeling better now.
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:47:17 pm
Thanks Christine... it is a beautiful part of the world. Peter and I are looking forward to visiting together. I'm on the mend, slowly, thanks.
So sorry to hear that you have been so ill, keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Lizzy
4/10/2013 10:48:06 pm
Dear Barbara, thank you for your well wishes. Three generations staying in Cairns, how wonderful! I can imagine that you took many photos of the gardens, as did I. So lovely, no? Thank you for stopping by.
Lizzy
6/10/2013 07:59:32 am
Hiya Glenda, it was a wonderful getaway... as I'm still recovering I almost have a yearning to go back and give my lungs a break! Hope you have success with the calamari! One of those posts that just had me smiling wide like a fool! How heartwarming, beautiful, delightful and just ... amazing! I wish I could have seen the pelicans in the sand, that sounds beautiful, but then again there are so many gorgeous photos. some of the scenery reminds me of Hawaii by the way. So happy that the illness is behind you Liz and how lucky that you are blessed with such a lovely daughter.
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:00:32 am
Hello Azita, what a lovely kind comment, thank you very much. I love this made you smile so much. My daughter is very lovely indeed, and how nice of her to take time out to look after me. Thanks for stopping by.
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:01:06 am
Thank you, Celia, it was a difficult time... and I treasure the time we spent together. Thank you for your kind words lovely one. xo 5/10/2013 09:50:01 pm
Lizzy, I hope you are feeling better! Hope the sun and relaxation did it's trick.
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:01:31 am
Thank you Amanda, I am on the road to recovery. 5/10/2013 10:53:40 pm
Oh Lizzy, what a beautiful part of the world. So glad you were able to go, rest and just take in the serenity of it all. I love the picture of you and your daughter, she looks much like you!
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:02:14 am
Hi Lisa, thanks so much... it is such a beautiful part of the world! Yes, my daughter does look like me, I see from the images. 6/10/2013 12:59:07 am
I hope each day brings you closer to feeling better and that good health will be in your future soon. It sounds like spending quality time with your daughter in such a beautiful place was a welcomed dose of medicine.
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:03:13 am
Yes, Karen, it was indeed a welcomed dose of medicine, at a particularly difficult time. I have never been so ill in all my life... the region is so beautiful.... if you ever get the chance to come to Australia, it is a place you must visit : )
Lizzy
6/10/2013 08:30:39 am
Thank you, El. It is such a wonderful, beautiful place. Thanks for your kind wishes. 6/10/2013 12:31:28 pm
lizzy, what a beautiful tropical post, and a wonderful experience with your daughter. i love mother-daughter trips. i hope the sunshine and fresh air helped bolster your health and your spirits. thank you for sharing all those gorgeous images. take care xx
Lizzy
6/10/2013 07:40:49 pm
Thank you so much! Do you know this is the first time we have ever had a trip together. Well earned and well worth it! Thanks for stopping by xo 6/10/2013 11:00:56 pm
Liz, I really hope you can revisit your wonderful trip when you are fighting fit again as a way of celebration! Such a lovely post!
Lizzy
14/10/2013 02:24:19 pm
Marian, thank you... so do I xox 6/10/2013 11:49:59 pm
Lizzy, I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been well. The trip to Cairns looked like just what the doctor ordered. Your spirits would have been lifted no end having your daughter along with you. You did well to bring us this beautiful post seeing your not 100%. Thank you.
Lizzy
14/10/2013 02:24:38 pm
Yes, Catherine, it was wonderful. Thanks so much : )
Lizzy
14/10/2013 02:25:10 pm
Thanks Fiona, am almost back to square one at present, totally unwell again. Not sure what's going on! : ( What a beautiful, beautiful, luscious, tranquil part of the world and I am happy your daughter took you away to relax and heal. And spend that time together (there is nothing better). I hope the trip and the rest did you well and you are feeling better. Thanks for taking the time to share xoxo
Lizzy
14/10/2013 02:25:39 pm
Jamie, indeed this is a beautiful part of the world. I can barely wait to visit there with my Peter. Thanks for stopping by xox 12/10/2013 12:27:46 am
What a wonderful trip with lots of mother-daughter bonding time. Sending you best wishes for your continued recovery.
Lizzy
14/10/2013 02:25:50 pm
Thanks so much Christina : )
Lizzy
19/10/2013 02:40:39 pm
Thanks Zsuzsa, I was doing ok... good weeks and not so good, but recently succumbed once again to the infection. Back on more doses of very strong antibiotics, and time off work and away from air conditioning etc. A lung biopsy may be on the cards if this continues!
Dear Lizzy, strong antibiotics can destroy the good bacteria. It is a good idea to eat foods with live cultures. Particularly when taking Cipro. There are also probiotic supplements in capsules if you need to reinstate an antibiotic ravaged stomach lining. Health Food stores and some grocery stores carry them. The bottle should be stored in the refrigerator. I am rooting for you, please get well.
Lizzy
20/10/2013 04:59:42 pm
Zsuzsa, yes, they certainly do! And I'm on two strong types yet again for another bout of this nuisance illness! Hoping I won't need a lung biopsy! Thanks for the reminder, I've just taken my probiotic... and that's what I have yoghurt. I hope you are recovering smoothly! Thanks for stopping by xo Comments are closed.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
Winner ABC's 2015 Australia Cooks competition,
ACT (mains category)
Meet the Chefs - recipes featured on Australian Asparagus Council website
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