Bondi Beach, contrary to it’s name, does not refer only to the vast expanse of golden sand. Rather, Bondi Beach encompasses a strip of streets, with more streets coming off said streets, weaving their way until you reach Bondi Junction. Where the massive shopping centre is and where the hipsters are, relatively, not so everywhere.
Classic.
But everywhere you go, always take the weather-
Wait sorry, I got carried away. But from everywhere you go, every street you walk, every shop you enter (don’t take me super literally here), you can see the shimmering ocean lapping at the sand on the beach. It is gorgeous. I feel like the idea of an Australian summer was created by Bondi Beach.
Now why can’t I show you a picture of said beautiful view. Because I was too busy eating my gelato. You’ll see. You already got a hint…
Imagine a day so scorching that eggs fry on the sidewalk, and loner bullies, that will grow up to have serious issues, are off duty since the sun burns ants without the need for a magnifying glass. Imagine that with an extra dose of 40% humidity. That was the day I went to Bondi Beach.
I might be imagining it a little hotter for anyone stuck inside due to that massive snow dump. Think hot guys, think hot! But yes, it really does look like this. No need to photoshop this baby!
I met two mates there and we decided, first and foremost, we wanted to eat. Eat, and eat, get takeaway and maybe eat some more. Who was I to decline? Sitting, eating and shade all in one outing? YAS.
We were walking casually, admiring the view, pretending the sun wasn’t burning our arms when we made the decision to visit out first eatery for a light lunch. Anyone heard of misschu? Not pretentious, similar to a small little cafe, this is the home of one of the most popular Vietnamese eateries and catering.
I mean, the owner is known as the Queen of rice paper rolls, so you have to really believe it (I’ve tried the rolls, I agree!)
Since we had already planned that to stop the sweats, ice cream or a frozen treat was a must, we had a pretty light meal (pretty good foresight)
I wasn’t overly hungry, so I ordered some Asian vegetable w/ garlic chives steamed dumplings ($7.60). While I unsuccessfully could once again, not use chopsticks for more than one bite, these dumplings were excellent.
Soft, but not chewy when you bit into it or stringy, and the filling had a a tasty flavour. It was almost messy in eating, because the amount of veges inside toppled out in every bite but I managed to look dignified.
As dignified as one can when they use one chopstick like a knife. #whitewashed
I also really liked the generous amount of soy sauce (but it was mixed with something else) that the dumplings sat in when served.
My friends decided to share two meat dishes (I applaud our wise decisions all round) and started off with some Prawn Dumplings ($7.60), which misschu is also very popular for. There was a lot of lip smacking and chopstick issues here as well, but I would still say the general consensus was that they really enjoyed them as well.
They also shared a dish of the coveted Peking Duck Pancakes ($7). Two small (much smaller than anticipated, I imagine giant pancakes), little wraps holding some peking duck and vegetables. I thought maybe it could be a little more generously filled with meat to be honest, but at least my mates enjoyed the flavour.
Our service was super fast (very super really), I kid you not, my dumplings were out within 5 minutes of ordering, with my mates’ orders close behind (though we did have to remind them about their prawn dumpling order).
My favourite part, besides the food, was this.
In a giant cooler full of ice, with an abundance of glasses nearby, was this authentic watering can for humans. I literally fell in love and realised just how kooky it is to serve water from something you expect there to be tea in. And there were two of them that we saw, so customers everywhere had easy access.
Speaking of easy access, the utensils and napkins were conveniently located on the side of the table, so maximum efficiency and eating space.
Really boggles with the mind that other restaurants haven’t thought of this! 🙂
I am surprised it got such a low ranking to be honest. Maybe it was because we went when it wasn’t busy, but service and food quality was quite good.
Next, we jumped out of our seats to go the famed Gelato Messina. Claim to fame? Voted best gelato in all of Australia. Honestly, if you haven’t heard of this place, then you are not even Australia. If you are a tourist and you leave without trying it then go. This place is not meant for you.
JOKES, come back pls. 🙂
But it is incredibly delicious! I have had it countless times. Often I eat it before I remember to share it on social media (true story).
All of us tried flavours from the specials board just because. In this delectable two scoop concoction, A (not the one from Pretty Little Liars) got the Passionfruit Meringue Tart on top of the Red Velvet Cake classic.She does not like red velvet cake but this flavour? She’s all over it.
Her sister followed suit with the Passionfruit Meringue Tart but it hid her other scoop of their most popular Lychee Sorbet (my suggestion guys, putting it out there!) 😛 I didn’t take a photo because the PMT was right on top and you couldn’t see it 😛
Mine? I got one scoop because my body doesn’t have the luxury of two scoops/heat makes me less hungry but what a scoop it was. *Ahem* if you saw this on my Instagram, get ready for a repeat reaction. I got the Peach Trifle complete with peach gelato, sherry jelly and sponge biscuits. *Drools all over again*
So lucky that we got there smack bang when it opened at 12 (might have been 12:10 but you know, for effect) and there was no line so zoop-doop-slurp and we were done. Wow, yes, it was rather quick 😛
After this, since I was having all the fun, I decided to take home some snacks for ma famille. Snacks as in desserts. You see, these friends, their mum introduced me to the beauty that is Pasticceria Papa. While we were too full to actually eat anything there, we ended up buying things for our families.
See how I stress ‘for families’.
Yeah, let’s be honest, we ate it ourselves when we got home 😛
This delightful Italian patisserie expands out into a dessert and cafe section, and a smaller area where the freshly made breads are sold and you can see them making their pasta. It has quite a good reputation really!
I decided to get a classic Italian Ciabatta loaf and it was. a. hit. Crunchy when toasted, but fluffy inside, and when slathered with butter or oil, this bread just soaked it in!
Since my family are not huge dessert eaters I only got two mini ricotta cheesecakes ($5 per cake) to bring back. But bring I had to because I have never eaten a cheesecake like this.
Never. Never ever forever never.
It is so dense, there must be more cream than I can ever imagine in it. Cuts like butter and the tart around isn’t hard, but melts into the cheesecake filling. It is plain, though you can get one where there is Nutella in the centre, but honestly, it doesn’t need it.
Not overly sweet and with a light dusting of icing sugar, it is equivalent to how Rachel and Chandler’s cheesecake must have tasted like. Or so I imagine.
I also got a giant chocolate cannoli, generously filled with chocolate cream. It took a lot of self-control to not devour this beauty on the bus home, pretending that if I didn’t, the cannoli would get soft from the heat!
It was crunchy outside, I was surprised that even after refrigeration, it stayed nice and firm as opposed to getting soft! The cream just I want to spoon it. Big love for that!
Suffice to say, I will be returning!
But this is just a hint of how much Bondi has to offer. The range of restaurants from pizzerias to hamburger joints, Bondi Beach has so many attractions! Now you see why there is a beach there? You eat, you swim, you eat, you swim.
Truly, it is the way of Australians 😉
But for reals, you think my eating is over? No, because when I got off the bus, my mum informed me that my dad had finished just then and was meeting us at the shopping centre near my stop for coffee. I was also informed I was to join them.
Right. Of course. I understand. I’m not too full, of course not!
But I still ate some scone, because who am I to resist the beauty of whipped cream and jam on a pillow of dough? Just being a normal civilian really 🙂
And that is really all I have to say to you lovely people – what more could I want, it was obviously a pretty wonderful day! 😀
Till next time (where, if things work out to plan, I should have a stunner of a recipe coming up!)
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Eating day indeed! Ice cream and the beach, nothing better. Oh wait, throw in some more food, yup, all good with the world.
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It’s disappointing that misschu might have to shut down – they do offer some good food at not unreasonable prices! Papa Pasticcerie is the best though – we had one of their ricotta cheesecakes as one of our (six) wedding cakes!
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so many delicious eateries opening at bondi beach! should make a visit back there but crowds have been putting us off.
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What a lovely day-out! Munching on some tasty ice-creams & other treats! Yum yum yumm!
What a lovely view on Bondi Beach! So cool! Out of this world view!
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Bondi is amazing! It is so full of life. The heat affects my appetite too but all that food..wow!
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What a beautiful weekend there. I’ve heard so much about Bondi beach. You just transported me there..
Girl, that bread looks so so good. Everything look delish.
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Am I terrible if I want ice cream for breakfast now?
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Everything looks delicious! I want gelato now! On the beach, please. 🙂
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I’m still daydreaming about Passionfruit Meringue Tart gelato! Yum!
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Crazy! You found good stuff. Agreed, jam and whipped cream on a pillow of dough. I’m in 🙂 Thanks for sharing your finds 😀
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Seriously, your restaurant posts always make me so hungry! It’s like, now I’m wanting dumplings AND gelato … and I just ate lunch an hour ago! Ha. =) But really, it looks like an awesome time with wonderful food + friends. =)
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You are always making me want to visit Australia! This place sounds amazing!
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Pillow of dough…love it! I love that you share these special glimpses with us, Uru!
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Mmmm that gelato!! Such great food!
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Messina AND Papa, sounds like the perfect afternoon treat 😀
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What a lovely day to be eating out at Bondi! The look of that gelato is just amazing! wish I had some of that near me. I love Paticceria Papa while I was in Sydney. I think they were still at Harberfield at that time..love all their rustic italian savoury and sweet treats!
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Your post makes me wanna revisit Bondi Beach again. I’m hungry now!
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Uru, this is the kind of trip that I like….tasting all day long…they all sure look delicious!
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
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I say you sneak me into your handbag next time, I want in on this deliciousness. 🙂 You sure do have ALL the fun lady.
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Haha I will make sure to leave some space for you in there next time 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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What a deliciously fun day!!!!!
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Fun in the sun! The food looks great!
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I would’ve been too busy eating my gelato as well LOL. I just love the photos and the food. I wish I had some gelato now
Please don’t forget to take my Readers Survey
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Haha wish I had some now too! Did the survey 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Looks like a day full of a lot of good food. Jealous!
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what GLORIOUS food! there was ice on the ground this morning but i still want some of that gelato!
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What a fun day of eating…the gelato sounds especially good.
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Oh prawn dumplings! *drool*
You always get to go to the best eateries, wish we had such a choice here too. I bet you guys had a blast at the beach.
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I am so jealous! I so much want summer to come! Great dishes Uru!
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Bondi Beach sounds like a place to go just for the food! Everything at Misschu’s looks delicious!
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Wow girly, you really did go eating around Bondi Beach! Totally taking advantage of your day and maximising your stomach ay! 🙂
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SImply damn delicious, yu made me craving for some dim sum….
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I love the ocean and beach cities can be so eclectic and fun. Lots of interesting places to eat, and Bondi Beach sounds like a marvelous place to go with friends and have a fun time eating your way up and down the streets. 🙂 I wish I could try that gelato! It must be very, very good to be rated “the best” in Australia. I think I’d like to try the ciabatta, too. Actually, I would enjoy everything you tried. What a very fun day!
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This is a delicious post….we just can’t decide which dish is better….those soft,filled dumplings,rice paper rolls and such fabulous desserts has made us so hungry….if we ever visit that lovely place the first thing we are going to try will be those dense,sweet mini ricotta cheesecakes…thanks for sharing this post and such delicious food 🙂
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i want that cannoli! yum we were in sydney a few months ago and had ice cream at the gelati place. not bad!
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Hi Uru,
This looks like a happy with lots of yummy food. There is also a Miss Chu in Melbourne. I have passed by the place a lot of times but never try her food before. From yours, I think that they are pretty good 😀
Zoe
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Looks like you had a lot of fun under the sun! OH MY so much food 😀
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Dear CCU,
I have yet to try Miss Chu despite all the recent troubles with her restaurants. On a steaming hot day in Bondi, I think I would like a hotdog washed down with an icy cold beer.
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So jealous!! Every day should be an eating day. No need for the beach, just the eating. =)
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I agree 110% with that 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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You had me at the first shot of the gelato! The rest was just pure food porn.
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All of the food in your review looks excellent, particularly the ice cream. But I’ll wait to get excited about it as temperatures are now plummeting to -20C with a wind chill. And we got about 50 cm of snow last night to top it all off!
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Meanwhile, as I stare out the window at the blizzard that has brought our city to a standstill….I’m SO jealous! Fabulous eats and what I wouldn’t give for that weather!
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That beach is gorgeous! Enjoying the view and easting dumplings would be excellent way to spend my day!
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I love all of your food adventures! That Red Velvet Cake would have been my choice!
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Been to Bondi, missed the sherry jelly.
Damnit.
Now I HAVE to go back!
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Haha I love it when there is a reason you HAVE to go back 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Oh man!! I’m jealous jealous jealous!! The view, the food.. ahhhh!!! Adopt me!!! ❤ – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
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I’ve heard of Bondi Beach! I love the idea of an “eating day” – count me in :-)!
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Great photos and thanks for taking us along to Bondi Beach!
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When oh when am I going to learn to NOT visit you just before I’m getting ready for nighty night??? Now I’m famished and looking for anything and everything to eat. Walnuts and raisins just aren’t going to cut it, lol…
You “guys” did great with all your selections and even with your portions, pretty much anyway, lol…
Thanks for sharing, Uru…I may just be calling your name in my dreams:)
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every. single. thing.
looks FABULOUS.
I just adore little dumplings! xxxxxxx KISS from MN.
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Those dumplings….ohhhh…yummmmm…..slurp…..just what I would love to eat on this cold, snowy, stormy winter night….
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Yes, it looks like a wonderful summer day in Bondi Beach while we are having a winter storm here in Canada. Happy summer!
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Nothing better than an eating day! 😀
man those dumplings and messina gelati looks like the bomb dot com!!! yum!
what a fun day out with the pals 🙂
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What a gorgeous beach photo… not to mention all the gorgeous food photos!! Looks like a great day eating and enjoying your beach weather! PS.. there is only a hint of jealousy from me… sitting here in sub-freezing temperatures. 😉
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Stay warm my friend, that does so not sound fun! Virtual heat is coming your way 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I am tempted to visit this place now…Love those dumplings:) Thanks for sharing:)
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I love those dumplings and the beach! Have a great Sunday my friend…
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What a fabulous day and gorgeous beach Uru! We are having a pretty warm winter here in Southern California so that ice cream sounds absolutely heavenly 🙂
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The beach is stunning. Equally tempting and stunning is the gelato.
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Looks like I should visit Bondi – it’s been ages since I was there eating at a cafe across from the beach. I don’t know how you fit that scone in. 🙂
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It was hard but I managed 😉 This is where I exert myself, in food space, as opposed to in exercise!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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So many Italian delights in just the one area of Bondi Beach! And hehe you are adorable with using one chopstick and a knife 😉
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The food looks SO good! It’s cold here, but that gelato is tempting me. Love the water in the tea kettle- good idea! 🙂
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Looks like a fun place to visit Uru, Beautiful beach click.
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Oh, my gosh, I want to be in Australia now! Will you take me to the beach and all these restaurants? You have found some wonderful eateries, Uru 🙂
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If you visit my friend, I will be a personal tour guide 😀 You went to New Zealand recently no? I hope that trip was fabulous!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Oh, to be there right now!!! Everything looks and sounds fabulous. What a place! Enjoy, lovely! xx
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I love dumplings! And always order them whenever I can. 😉 Fun post — I could use a beach in my life right about now!
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I would have a hard time handling such heat, but your day sounds delicious! Every last bite of it!
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I love those dimsum!
Have a lovely weekend, Uru!
Angie
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Even though Mumbai is a coastal city,the beaches here are awefully filthy and we never go to any beach. Bondi beach looks beautiful and is beckoning me! Want all those ice cream flavors!!!
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I’ve heard the beaches there aren’t too nice – it’s a shame! But yes, definitely come visit Bondi 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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What a wonderfully tasty day.
Have a beautiful weekend.
🙂 Mandy xo
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I’m not sure which is more impressive; the gorgeous scenery or the mouth-watering eats! Lucky that you don’t have to chose and can get it all at once. 🙂
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A day full of treats Uru!
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Wow that gelato!! Now I’m drooling all over the place. What an awesome day! The beach looks beautiful!
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Great beach and so MUCH food that I’d explode if I ate it all.
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The ocean water color at the beach is gorgeous Uru, sounds like a great day of eating.
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Wow. Everything looks delicious! Love all that ice cream!
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Sounds like an epically tasty day out & my little sister is the no1. Messina fan in this family, followed by me! The original Papa Pasticceria is in (my local area,) seriously amazing and I’m definitely going to miss it when we move!
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what a gorgeous beach! and suuuuch tempting food-esp. that cannoli!
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Don’t know how you stay so skinny!! Looked good all of it…but it sure sounded hot. I think the sand on that beach must be terribly hot…you need sandals for sure! Have a great weekend, Uru.
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Haha believe me I am not skinny at all! And that is the ‘modest I’m not skinny’ that’s the hard truth 😛 Mm it can burn sometimes but you are in and out of the water so often it’s ok 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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