Bruce & Llan : The Classy Couple

Llan and one of his lady friends from Brisbane picked me up and in no time we were on our way through the country side to the magical area where Llan and Bruce live. In between Lismore and Bangalow. We made small talk and I learned that Llan owned his own cafe in Lismore for many years where they had live music every weekend, and now he manages different properties. Bruce, who is Llan's partner, is a high class/high profile hair stylist/makeup artist. Awesome. People fly in from all over Straya' to get their hair done by the master himself. Llan was telling me just last week Bruce was hired to do the makeup and hair for many people at a housewarming party in Bryon Bay. (Where some of the most expensive properties in all of Australia are). The house is worth over thirty million and they spent over fifty grand just on the housewarming party! Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention, they own Hamilton Island off the coast of Queensland. That's some serious coinage.

I arrived to a house full of some great people. A couple from Brisbane. A lone dude from London. And Bruce who I hadn't met yet. They were all visiting for the weekend because of Anzac Day. I keep meeting people who visit Australia, and then end up staying here because it's so amazing.

The decor of this place is bellissimo.

Bart! 

My new home

After getting to know everyone better and taking a lil tour of the place they all dressed up for a lunch they had planned at a superbly rated farm to table restaurant outside of Byron Bay. Llan wasn't sure I was coming or not until Bruce said, "no no no you're coming with us."

Pulling into the huge grass parking lot I could already see some animals and a few different buildings. What a sweet place. They had a shop where you could get all their fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, handmade breads, sauces, jams, and everything delicious in this world. An additional lil shop with handmade cosmetics, beauty products, and hand carved cheese plates made out of local wood (of course). A classy bar with an assortment of local beer and wine on tap. And then the cafe.

We were celebrating Llan's birthday so everyone ordered a round a mixed drinks. They all looked super fancy and Bruce asked me a few times if I wanted one, but I've never been much of a boozer. They had an interesting conversation about different kinds of liquor and mixed drinks and it changed my perception of alcohol a bit. It really is in a world of its own. The gins, the vodkas, the whiskeys, the amarettos, the tequilas, the brandys, the mixed drinks, the beers, and the list goes on. These are people (along with millions of others) that drink for the sheer pleasure, and to be creative with it. Not drink to get drunk, but rather drink for the enjoyment of the beverage.

We sat down at our table which was outside and while we were looking through the menu an Aboriginal dude (easily recognizable by the dark skin and green eyes) was preparing some equipment to play guitar and sing. Llan tasted a few different wines and then ordered a whole bottle for everyone. First round of appetizers came out. Sausage rolls. One of the classic Australian dishes. So good. This was no gas station sausage roll. Up next for me was beef brisket, onion rings, potato creme, and a tantalizingly tangy whole grain mustard. Bruce had so many fascinating stories of his travels. Such a charismatic man. He lived on a house boat in India for six months in an area where Red Hot Chili Peppers tripped on Acid and made music. With much energy, he explained how he lost all his money he had on him just going from the airport to the hotel when he first arrived because there were so many beggars. He's such a generous guy. (It's common in parts of India where parents will literally have their kids limbs chopped off so they can beg travelers for money). I kid you not within fifteen seconds it went from sunny to down pouring in buckets. Fifteen minutes later it was sunny again. Gotta love the unpredictable weather of Australia. For dessert... plates of lemon custard, meringue, and fresh berries. Beetroot ice cream with several kinds of different chocolate concoctions. Custard soaked sourdough with a divinely crunchy crust, caramel ice cream, and bits of toffee and other unknown pieces of heaven. Oh. My. Gawd. Unforgettable bites of food.

After the meal we said our goodbyes to the travelers who went their different ways. I saw the ticket. $578. I gave Bruce a big hug for that one. He was even a bit surprised it was that cheap! Then I got into their old school tank-like jeep and we cruised on home.

Love the designs from Bali. 

Before I went to bed I was outside looking at the crystal clear stars and thought "I'm never gonna see this day again but it will always be ingrained into the grey matter inside my skull". And then... I fell asleep.