Internet and phone service is patchy in Far North Queensland and non-existent in the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. Hooray. Does absence make the heart grow fonder? I’m not sure: a break from constant contact is like a breath of fresh air. More conversational time spent in communal kitchens with world travellers, and more time to indulge in lazy afternoon reading.
This month’s In My Kitchen post comes directly from Cape Tribulation and then Cowley beach, south of Cairns. I hope it provides a touch of tropical warmth to Celia’s Fig Jam and Lime Cordial monthly round up.
The internet service is so erratic that most of my story has been lost. Pictures will speak where words have failed. Imagine the text!
ALMOST ITALIAN 
It might be a good idea for me to to de-net myself too for a while. Sounds great!
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Looks like my photos didn’t load so it could be good, it could be sad.
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I loved the trip on the Skyrail up there, gliding across the rainforest canopy, the snorkelling trip and Hartley’s Zoo just north of Cairns. Will have to do it again soon to not only see the Daintree Forest but the Atherton Tableland. Yes it’s pretty remote for Wi Fi. Bask in the sun Franci !
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All nice, especially the remote parts. Don’t like Port Douglas so much though.
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Ooh I love curling up with a good book in the afternoon but usually I’m too distracted by internet things that I never get around to doing it!
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Helen, I have added some pics now. I noticed that half my story went down the gurgler.
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IMK on the move! What a great idea. As is escape from the southern chillier states. Even the produce looks warmer 🙂
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Beautiful tropical food and views Francesca, and you only just got back from Bali too! Very envious as we sit here in Canberra 🙂
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I can’t stay in Melbourne over winter- it’s too cold! I had a story to go with that post, but after all the pics and story disappeared, and after reloading a few pics, the Far North Queensland mood just took over and all my thoughts went out the door ( of the wee campervan).
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Oh the colours! I am email and text free on the other side of the world, a bit of Internet is all. It’s wonderful!
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I’m now back on but it’s slow. Now I’m wondering where you are Signorina.
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Those tiny peppers look devine!
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Francesca, I already feel warmer.
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I’ve also been incommunicado for the past week or so. Feels good to go quiet and get your nose out of the computer/iPad every once in a while. Enjoy your camping, the tranquility and what looks like lovely fresh produce.
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It’s good to be off the air for a while. Now I have a bit of service, but not so much data so will read your lovely posts later.
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Gorgeous pics Francesca .. Have fun in sunny nth Queensland
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Thanks Julie and you too in Melbourne.
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I love the different colours and shapes of chillies.
Our son is working in Cape Trib at the moment, literally swinging in the trees. We can only talk to him when he travels south and calls us. Even on his birthday we had to wait for him to call us.
Even here in internet land I managed 2 hours in the winter sun reading my book this afternoon, and have resolved to do it more often.
Looking forward to more of your pics.
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Goannas are good at basking in the sun. Cape Trib is very much like that- jungle Jim came to mind often. Your relative, the crocodile, was close by and those wondrous prehistoric birds, the Cassawary, put on a show.
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Your pictures have spoken well enough for me – my husband and I ADORE papayas but the ones we get in the supermarkets here are so tasteless! We also love hot peppers and the ones you have are simply gorgeous.
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Thanks Rowena, big Papaya ready to eat are only $1.00- so nice with lime juice and passionfruit.
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Lovely, lovely colourful fresh produce. I’m a bit of a chilli fiend, so your photos are making me very envious.
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The peppers are so beautiful, I had to buy a few.
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Lovely photo’s and makes me feel warm because it’s freezing here at the moment. WE are moving to North Queensland soon so I’m keen to explore the region too.
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North Queensland is so relaxed- almost like another country. And always warm.
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Now I’m wondering if a short break to Darwin might be on the cards…hmmm. Having just gotten home from SA and ‘points cold’, to -1 overnight lows in Alice, am thinking I might need to thaw a little. Can’t complain about the sunny afternoons here, though–glorious. I love seeing your version of camping, it looks so comfortable and delicious! One of my favourite foods is red papaya with lime juice…I do hear Darwin beaconing… xx
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I would jump in that car and head straight up the highway, following those three dog trucks. I love Darwin.
The camping thing has its ups and downs- the campervan is so miniature that my back is trashed, But the tropical fish and fruits- heavenly.
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Just discovered I’d been disconnected from Almost Italian, I thought you were taking a break while you were way. i just dream of a warm climate to ease the cold induced ache in my joints. Papaya and lime, another plus about heading north! Sound like an indulgent massage is in order
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I wondered where you were and noticed that you signed up again. I’m in Mission Beach and only get internet at 6 AM. Annoying.
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I LOVED experiencing the Far North Queensland and nothing got lost in translation today!
It is ALWAYS great to get back to nature and away from technology!
Thanks for this month’s kitchen view also!
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What gorgeous fruit and vegetables. Enjoy your escape into quiet.
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How lovely to relax in FNQ with fresh fruit (I am really missing nice fruit in wintery melbourne). Enjoy relaxing in the balmy tropics
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Wouldn’t mind being where you are right now eating all the wonderful fresh fruit… enjoy the internet pauses 🙂
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I don’t think I could ever get sick of all that beautiful tropical fruit! Enjoy 🙂 Liz xx
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The habanero chillies look fantastic! Did you get some to try Francesca? I love taking a break from the world-wide-web, it’s good for the soul 🙂 Hope you had a lovely holiday too – looks beautiful x
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Thanks miss Fairy. Yes, the holiday has been a magical time, only two days left and we return home. I did try those cute chillis up north. Love chilli.
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I could do with a feed like that!! 😉
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those chillies look marvellous. hope you are having/have had a great break up here. tho we have had a freezing week recently!
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