Happy hormones filled day

Today is ANZAC day and also the day my mother left Melbourne. ANZAC day here is a public holiday. It is a day to remember and honour the brave Australians and New Zealanders who fought and served in the brave war at Gallipolli in the Ottoman Empire during World War 1 and also to commemorate those who died in the line of duty for their country.

ANZAC simply stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is a big deal here in Australia and I reckon in New Zealand, too. Many have survived and yet, many have lost friends and family. Whatever it may be, it is always good to remember the good people have done and the sacrifices made.

For me, this is a pretty new concept as I wasn't born in Australia. My home country is Malaysia and I've lived majority of my life here instead of Australia. Nevertheless, I still feel a sense of respect for the soldiers who had fought in the war. 

Giving up ones life for ones country and being in the line of fire is definitely no easy task and not something everyone has a calling for.

Besides, any public holiday is always a welcome reprieve. :)

Woke up at 6am, saw my mother off at Tullamarine Airport as she headed back for Malaysia. Came home with Mr. C and had instant Tom Yam Maggi brand noodles for breakfast. It was a relaxing morning that saw him perusing news on his Tabbie aka Asus Transfer Prime tablet whilst I had my own karaoke sessions on the tivo.

I hooked up my laptop to the the tivo and sang songs like how one does at karaoke sessions to Youtube KTV clips especially songs by Jay Chou and Wang Lee Hom. Aaahh... the reminder of the good 'ol days.

Mid afternoon, I was happy swimming at St Kilda Sea Baths with the hubby, sister along with my Melbourne uncle and aunty. I know the salt water directed straight from the sea into the bath house is good for ones skin but I hate the taste that assaults my tongue. Besides that, my skin had a tingly sort of pain feeling at my arms and face area as if there were little insects pecking away at my skin.

After awhile, my skin acclimated to the salty water.

The hydrotherapy spa pool and steam room was an added bonus especially to the two invalids with pestering backaches; Mr. C and my sister as the water is heated to a soothing warm temperature.

Oooh... here in the changing room, people don't change privately and discreetly in designated cubicles with closed doors. Instead, they strip to their bare skin with no qualms nor shame and change into or out from their swim suits in front of anyone who may be in the toilet.

At least for the ladies, we have flap doors for the shower area to protect ones modesty unlike the men who have open shower. Yup. That means bathing in public (of course in the mens toilet la...) in the nude! Lols. Apparently, the men are not shy to take off their pants and speedos among strangers but fellow swimmers.

Poor Mr. C was taken aback when we first went swimming last week at Monash Aquatic Centre and he first realised this strange (to us Malaysians la) phenomena for the men to bathe in the nude.

Thank God that us, women have closed up space to shower in private. However, some women have no qualms walking about at the changing area in their birthday suit. Even at the bath house earlier, this lady (definitely NOT young) was wearing a see through black bikini and her nipples were showing!! OMG. Rather distracting, I tell you.

Enjoying mocha at Beachcomber after the swim

After our lovely swim, we had drinks at Beachcomber amidst the strong wind. The breeze was strong and gusty yet, we loved sitting there and savouring the moment. I feel super happy after the swim and especially after the Mocha. 

Ahhh... I think swimming releases happy hormones into my body. Till the next swim...