Land Down Under Trip Planning

I thought that if i have a chance to travel during my birthday week I see to it that it will be a major trip so this year I was given the opportunity to visit the Land Down Under. It’s my first time in this continent and in the Southern Hemisphere. I was supposed to go early this year in time of the Australian Open but it’s the peak of summer during this time and read in the news that it reached 45°C in Sydney this January so it’s good that I decided to move my trip autumn time where it’s not too hot and not too cold as also advised by friends.

Being a Filipino, visa is a big consideration so I processed by visitors visa a month before my planned trip. The processing was not so bad either as long as you have complete requirements to submit. Also learned that the visa application is now being handled by a third-party office as referred by the Australian Embassy. By the way, there’s no visa stamp on the passport instead a visa grant letter if your visa application was approved.

For the flights to Australia, there were many options to choose from. My original plan was to take the direct flight from Manila to Sydney via Philippine Airlines but since got a chance to fly A380 via Singapore Airlines, then I chose the latter. Also the cost was almost the same since I did not book a two-way ticket (flying back to Manila from Melbourne). It’s quite an experience actually flying in a jumbo jet but too bad did not choose to sit on the second deck. It was a short layover in Singapore Changi airport so I’ve had the chance again to explore the airport which is one of the best in the world. Budget airlines fly to Australia now via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur so there are many options when flying.

For the accommodation, I was lucky to have a friend in Sydney who offered her place in Chiswick suburb. But since I also traveled to Victoria on my 6th day, I booked a hotel near Melbourne CBD so I can walk to the city attractions anytime. I can say Australia is not for budget travelers as a destination so money is a big consideration on your trip. But personally I’ve had a great time in my short stay in Australia. The people are wonderful and learned to appreciate the Oz culture more.

Swedish Meatballs

Undoubtedly one of the most recognized meals in Sweden or in any IKEA branches all over the world is the Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar in Swedish) served with mashed potato, cream sauce and lingonberries.

This is a perfect meal after a day’s shopping at IKEA and based on experience it’s also cheaper when you get this meal during weekdays. Now i’m craving for one. Since a colleague shared this too and it’s also available on the internet, here’s the recipe on how to make IKEA’s Swedish Meatballs.

IKEA’s Swedish Meatballs (Servings: 4)

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2/3 lb lean ground beef
1/3 lb ground lean pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
1 (10 ounce) can beef gravy
1/2 cup 10% cream

Directions:
1. Saute onions in first tablespoon of oil until translucent. Set aside and let cool.
2. Combine breadcrumbs and milk, let soak for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine onions, breadcrumbs, milk egg, meat and seasonings. Mix thoroughly. Form tablespoon of the meat mixture into balls.
4. Over medium heat, fry meatballs in second tablespoon of oil until brown on all sides.
5. In a small saucepan, combine gravy and cream; heat through but do not boil.
6. Serve meatballs with gravy, boiled potatoes and lingonberry preserves.

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/ikea-swedish-meatballs-165531