A Date in Katoomba

Posted on by Miriam

Travelling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” – Leigh Hunt.

Katoomba, the heart of the Blue Mountains was our meeting place recently. A date with good friends Sue and Steve who we met on our travels back in 2021. As luck would have it they were in Sydney when we were coming through from Bathurst.

“What is meant to be will always find its way. “

With only a day till Steve’s scheduled knee operation, our main aim was to catch up. And what a place to do it. I hadn’t been to the Blue Mountains since I was about 16.

The Blue Mountains is famous for its majestic Three Sisters, for its mountain walks, charming villages and awe inspiring lookouts. Where do you start when you only have a day?

The most obvious place to begin when you haven’t seen someone for a long time is with a hug, a huge warm bear hug that says, even without words “it’s so good to see you.”

Then it was Coffee time and fortunately there’s no shortage of cafes in Katoomba. We walked past many tempting bakeries and cafes. But we had a local tip.

THE YELLOW DELI

I knew as soon as we walked in, this place was special. The vibe is relaxed and the aromas heavenly, like a mixture of middle eastern spices, warm, enveloping, like a big hug.

There’s an atmosphere of camaraderie, care and comfort, like you’re with family. Inside the beautiful mahogany carved furniture, in rich colours with cosy nooks invite you to snuggle in. It’s like we’ve stepped into another world.

Our handsome and smiling waiter Nashon welcomes us and shows us upstairs. We settle into our comfy couches and later, as we each tell our stories, he tells us the story of the Yellow Deli, the concept behind it, how it’s grown around the world and the community behind it. He’s from Germany and has only been here six days but he seems so at home.

The chats are both light and deep. We talk about God, life and how we’re all connected. It feels natural and I can’t help thinking, what a perfect setting for our catch up.

Amid the noise and crazy narratives of the world, it’s so comforting to find places that foster calm, community and all the important things in life. Including, of course good coffee!

Our meals are delicious. We linger and talk more. We could stay all day,. Even on the way out people stop and chat, it feels like everyone’s a friend

The food here was amazing but the energy was even more so.

STREET WALKING AND TALKING IN KATOOMBA

There must be something in the air!

Everywhere we go in Katoomba the people are friendly. Conversations start while crossing a street. Outside a store we meet a guy by the name of, Ben, who makes up signs. He says he likes to make people smile with his silly signs like “Family got kidnapped by Ninjas, need money for karate lessons. Please help…” Yep, he’s a bit eccentric but his heart’s in the right place. He certainly made me smile.

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

Later in the afternoon we stroll past a studio and meet larrikin artist Peter Brown fixing a shelf inside his gallery. We’ve seen his colourful art previously in outback Silverton.

We head to the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel with its grand views and even grander interior. The Hydro Majestic opened in 1904 and really was majestic. It had it’s own electricity generator, internal telephone system and spa facilities. It’s worth dropping in to get a feel for how it would have been back in the day.

We consider drinks but decide to press on (after seeing the prices) though not before walking through the place and being thoroughly wowed. Sue and I can’t resist some silly poses on the entrance couches.

We end up at the Old Bank Hotel. This is more our style, it’s casual, friendly and we strike up a conversation with two holidaying British women. When they find out Steve and Sue are originally from Byron Bay all sorts of questions and conversations ensue.

Our friends are happy to give recommendations. Just like our tip to visit The Yellow Deli, what goes around comes around.

THOSE BLUE VIEWS

No visit to Katoomba is complete without experiencing the views of the Three Sisters. Did you know that the blue haze is created from the eucalyptus oil released from the forest? The fresh air and the expansive sight of the valley below is breathtaking, even on a cloudy day.

At the Echo Point viewpoint you get a stunning view of the three rock formations – Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. The Gundungurra Dreamtime story of the origin of them goes like this:

“There were three sisters – Meenhi, Wimlah and Gunedoo – who ran away from their tribe to meet up with three men. They were chased by a tribal elder but their father, who was in the Jamieson Valley, put a spell on them and they turned into stone.

Unfortunately he dropped the stick he had used to turn them into stone. So furious was their pursuer that he turned the father into a lyrebird.

So, to this day, the three sisters remain locked forever in stone and the father, in the shape of a lyrebird, goes scratching around the valley floor endlessly looking for his dropped stick.”

Whether you believe the legend or not there’s no doubt that imaginations are ignited here. You can get closer to the views on the steepest railway in the world which takes you from the cliff tops to the valley floor or the cable car across the valley. We’re content with the views from Echo Point lookout.

Later that afternoon we drive to Cahill lookout for more jaw dropping vistas. We walk to the Leura Cascades, well, almost. With a mountain of steps down and up again we make it half way but err on the side of caution. We don’t want Steve to need two knee surgeries!

You could easily spend days, weeks or months exploring the walking tracks, villages and vistas of this place. For us, being a tourist was secondary to enjoying the company of our friends. Still, I think we did a decent effort of catching the pleasures of the Blue mountains.

Travel has taken on a new meaning for me. No longer is it about trying to see as much as possible. These days we’re content to take it slow and to soak up every ounce of joy in the people, places and moments along the way.

What is it in life, what things, people and places bring you the most joy? Feel it and celebrate it, today and every day.

Sending a mountain of love, light and laughter to you, wherever in the world you are. Make time for what’s important in life, hug those you love and never forget also, the most important love of all, yourself.

Breathe in, breath out
Go where you feel most alive
All good things are wild and free

“Life itself is a privilege. But to live life to the fullest – well, that’s a choice.” – Andy Andrews.

49 thoughts on “A Date in Katoomba”

  6. Wow! What an amazing day with your friends, Miriam! The warmth, kindness and fun of the town are contagious and I found myself smiling at your and Sue’s antics. The big sofa was just asking for silly poses, The Yellow Deli sounds sublime and so inviting and I like the sign man! As for the view, truly breathtaking! I can’t believe how much you packed into a day and this is one you will never forget. So happy you could all meet up and thank you for sharing here. I must ask, how did Steve’s knee cope – such a lot of walking for someone about to have surgery! Sending love to you xx

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    1. Hi Annika, yes I guess we did pack a lot into our day although at the time it was all so seamless. The Yellow Cafe was a definite highlight. As for the walking, all good, Steve’s a very fit bloke. Will be even fitter soon! Love to you as well. xx

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  10. Oh my….. This just took my breath away… What a glorious place you took me to… And to explore it with such good friends, to laugh, joke and hug… Makes it all the more perfect..
    I felt as if I was walking this journey with you and your friends Sue and Steve… The JOY is evident to see on ALL of your smiling faces..

    This is how Life should be lived… and that guy with the Ninja Sign made me smile… And the art from the artist Peter Brown… Looks like a gallery to explore..

    The views WOW…. and those Eucalyptus trees in that valley creating that blue haze…. No wonder the air feels so fresh and clear.. 🙂

    This post as all of your posts Miriam, always bring me Goosebumps, that there is so much expansive Space out there still to explore, and so many kind and loving people who want to share hugs, smiles and good conversation and Coffee.. .. The Yellow Deli, looked a delightful welcoming place to start your journey..

    Thank you Miriam…. I am smiling ear from ear… as I soak in the atmosphere of your adventures… Sending Steve all the best with his knee opp.. and Sending you both, much love from this side of the world to yours..

    Love and Hugs… Sue ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you for that wonderful treat of a slice of heaven on Earth.. ❤

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    1. Oh Sue, what a wonderful comment. I love it when my stories and my own joy radiates out to others. I’m truly so happy that you enjoyed and felt as though you were walking virtually with me. Life’s adventures and pleasures
      are doubled when we share them. It was a wonderful day and you’re so right, there are so many kind and loving people in this world and so much good. Not that I bury my head in the sand with all the dark stuff that’s around the msm narratives but I prefer to focus on all that we have to be grateful for. And that really is a lot. Thank you my friend. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xx ❤️

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      1. I am with you there Miriam… likewise we know the world and what it is about us.. But we choose to also envision and create our own reality.. And we are manifesting it dear friend…
        Sending love your way and keep living your dream.. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  12. Breathe in, breathe out… what a perfect retreat to take with friends. Those views of the Blue Mountains can relax any soul, and also a last piece of nature/getting out before Steve’s knee surgery 🙂 There is also something special when you can find a place that builds on the atmosphere, like the Yellow Deli; the description made me wish to be there, “…middle eastern spices, warm, enveloping, like a big hug.” An excellent place to enjoy friends and a perfect day.

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    1. Hi Randall, you summed it all up so beautifully. Nature does indeed relax the soul and sharing it with friends, and connecting in such a warm inviting space made it very special. Thank you so much. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. Warmest wishes to you. x

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  13. Holy moly! What a view. I’m with you on that one; no steep train ride or cable car for me, either! I’m so glad you had a magical visit with your friends in such a beautiful place. I hope Steve’s surgery is a success and he’s back in action in no time. 🙏 You live in a place that seems like a fairytale, and I adore how open your eyes and heart are. You take it all in and see so clearly what’s important. Sending lots of love and hugs to you, Miriam.❤️

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    1. Hi Tanya, thanks so much. Steve’s surgery was a great success it seems and I’ve no doubt he’ll be back surfing in no time, which is so good.
      You’re right about our landscapes, this country never fails to awe me, every where I go. I hope in time you’ll find that out for yourself! Thanks for the love and hugs. Sending lots back to you my friend. ❤️

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  14. The older I get, the more I realize that home is not a place, it’s where you are surrounded by loved ones. It sounds to me as if you have found many homes, and I’m so happy for that. Praying your husband’s surgery goes well!

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    1. Thanks Ann, what a wonderful description of home. I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for the good wishes for the surgery. It wasn’t my hubby’s but a friends and it all went well. x

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  15. Wow wow wow, Miriam. The views in this post all the way around had me smiling, sighing, wowing out loud. The pictures of you and your friends made me smile. The pictures of the restaurant made me sigh. The pictures of those mountains and the views had me wowing. What a beautiful country you live in, so diverse in every way imaginable! Thank you SO much for sharing this with us. One of my dreams is to come to Australia with my cameras and roam and roam and roam. I just sighed hugely. LOL Much LOVE to you, dear friend!! xoxoxo

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    1. Oh Amy, your comment made me smile big time. I’m so glad my post transported you to my world for a little while. We truly have so much to love here and I know you and your camera would have an absolute field day! Keep enjoying your own patch my friend, there’s a lot of joy and beauty everywhere as I know you know. Big hugs and much love to you. xx

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  16. Looks like a little-slice-of-Heaven kind of day! But I must admit, the Yellow Deli was what caught my eye. Something about a place with charm and good energy that makes those chats with friends even more memorable.

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  17. The Blue Mountains look stunning. It makes me nostalgic for the Blue Ridge Mountains here (we’ve recently moved away from them). And that cafe does look like it’s out of another time. It’s look like you had a wonderful time with your friends, which is always refreshing to the soul. I hope all is well, Miriam!! xx

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  19. Hi Miriam! 😊 Wow…what a beautiful place and it seems you had the best time catching up with old friends and exploring all the beautiful surroundings. I just love the peaceful calm I felt reading your words. I could tell how much it all means to you and see you as a beautiful example of how to live in each moment with gratitude and presence!! Sending lots of love, light, and healing energy. Hope all went well with the knee operation!! 😊💜

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    1. Thanks so much Lorrie, that’s a lovely thing to say It really was a wonderful day so I’m glad you felt the happiness through my words. And yes, Steve’s knee op was a huge success. Big hugs and much love to you my friend 💜 xx

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  20. “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

    Your writing and photography invokes this feeling in me Mariam. Such a treat every time I visit your blog and your travel and life adventures. The world needs more fun, love, and peace, and you my friend is exactly WHAT YOU BRING on repeat!

    Grateful for you.

    🌏♥️♾

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    1. And I’m grateful for you too Andrea. I always love reading you and seeing you here, adding your own unique splash of positivity, kindness and smiles. With love and gratitude my friend. 🙏 xx

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