END OF AN AMAZING TRIP! !

Thursday 27th March 2008 Day 390

WE DID IT!

This the end of the most amazing and awesome trip of our lives. A year away to see the world. We have learned so much, changed our views in extraordinary ways, met amazing people and most of all, we have experienced seeing the world. We also learned about each other - as you do when you're together 365 - 52 - 24 - 7 !! How many people can do that with their partner and survive the relationship!? We now know, without a doubt, that we are certainly the soul mates we always knew we were.


And so, this is the end and here we are~! HOME!! But,now we have to get down to unpacking - and it's a nightmare. The more I unpack, the more I realise I DO NOT NEED the stuff I own!!! There is so much of it! It's depressing! If there is one profound thing I've learned from all this, it has to be that a simple life is the best!


And another thing is, it's great to be back HOME COOKING - oh, it's the simple things in life that we most appreciate!

Yes! It's great to be able to actually cook on our own stove, have our own fridge to put our groceries in and live in our own home!!!

We do know that home is where the heart is, and our hearts have travelled, and experienced, and explored, but now here we are, in the best spot on earth - where else but Perth! We're back, and back to work, and moving on with our lives. Our once-in-a-lifetime trip is over, and so is this blog. Now we await the arrival of our precious grandson and our future lives. Until the next time, ciao and lots of love from us - hope you enjoyed sharing our travels as much as we enjoyed our travels. xx Jen and Greg xx

CATS ARE HOME!

18th March 2008 Day 381

We picked up our cats from Geraldton yesterday. Elise and David have been looking after them for more than 12 months and were not sad to see them go!

So now, we have our bird, Tweedledum, who Mum has been looking after, safely tucked away in his cage..and the pussies firmly back in the home they left and loved.

We know they are familiar with it here...they automatically assumed the positions in the house, that they held before. Tizzie is back in her bowl and Milli is sitting on her mat outside our bedroom door.

It's as if they had never left home!

I think now, with the animals back home (but not the doggies, Aaww) we feel more settled. And happier.

We're finally able to just 'get on' with the unpacking.

Unpacking. Ugh. That's another story. All on it's own.

OUR DANISH NIGHT and EASTER!!!

Day 379 Shnapped!

Scottish!

Sean O'Hare! We were invited to Alena's partner Lars' house for a Danish Night in Bunbury and oh, my, oh, my, oh my! Greg turned into a Scottish Sean O'Hare!! Talk about hilarious - it's almost too unbelievable to describe!!

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DOCKERS lost their first 2008 AFL game to Collingwood! Arrgh! I was so sure they were going to win!
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EASTER is upon us. We're still enjoying being back in Perth and seeing our family and friends on special occasions.


On Good Friday we had Hot Cross Buns for lunch...then Greg and I went to Bob and Yvonne's for dinner. They are the most amazing hosts. The night started with a mixed nibbly platter and champagne which mellowed us all and opened up the conversation. The last time we'd seen these beautiful and hospitible people was on Feb 20 at Perth Airport when we arrived home from our World Trip.

Bob cooked salmon and Yvonne made a very yummy and special tiramasu for dessert. Ohlala..both dishes were beautiful. The night was beautiful.

Saturday, we started the day at the beach. We've decided we have to make the most of Cotts and 'use' the beach, the restaurants and the ambience...to justify the amount of rent we're losing by living here!!

Annie came over in the afternoon and we mulled over her relationships and love!

In the evening we relaxed....

Sunday we repeated the beach experience by walking down to Cotts and swimming next to the groin. SO refreshing and beautiful. We are realy enjoying being home now.

We went to Mum's for afternoon tea..and Annie came over for afternoon tea a bit later on. I gave mum a daintree leather bag which she absolutely loved..

It's been a good Easter this year. No homesickness and seeing the people we love. It's great to be home!

WE BOUGHT A CAR AT MIDNIGHT!

Day 378 Oh what a story this was, paying for a car - cash, at midnight!!!!

But the good thing is, now Greg is the proud owner of a pretty cool, four grand commo, with the lot!~ hehe

MUM'S 75th BIRTHDAY!

Day 377 Mum, John, Noreen, Rob, Guity, Justin, Nas, Sham, Kia, Andy, Jo, Annie, John, Greg and I all went to the Blue Duck to celebrate Mum's 75h birthday.

Wow....75!!!

She's a wonderful lady. And I love her. MY MUM ROCKS!!! :-)

ANNIE'S BIRTHDAY

12 March 2008 Day 375

Went for lunch at John St Cafe. Mum picked me up and then we drove into Freo to collect Annie.

We later dropped her back and collected my Jagamarra!!!!

After a conversation with Annie about Elise..and what she may be having...

I dreamt she was having a boy!

It was SO vivid. I was actually holding him in my dream! She was in the hospital room after having given birth, and i was standing outside holding her baby!!!

So real!

INUNDATED with STUFF!

What more can I say?

The title says it ALL! Arrggh...I can't handle having 'stuff' hanging around my next anymore. Give me a backpack anyday! :-)

MOVING FROM STORAGE

Day 371

Greg met Aiden at Cotts and loaded up 5 loads from Storage to Cotts in the UTE Greg hired for two days.

Moving has started...

THE HOUSE IS A MESS!

WE'RE IN OUR HOUSE!

Day 371 HERE WE ARE!! SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR till we get all the rest of our stuff, but we're here, IN OUR HOME! ha! Home Sweet Home.

BACK FROM ROTTO..MOVING BEGINS

Day 370


Greg and I took the early boat and after a bit of a saga with the tickets (mum's name was on our ticket..but we told the captain and he watched out for her!) we caught the boat at 10.30am and Mum caught the boat at 4pm with Brenda!

We rode from Freo to Claremont...and then...STARTED moving all the stuff from Mum's to Cotts. I had no idea we had SO MUCH STUFF stored at Mum's! What a nightmare.

We also don't know if we have David's car yet. Saga goes on!

Picked mum up at C Shed, in her car, at 4.30pm

Had Fish and Chips for dinner.

Stayed at Mums.

Aiden comes tomorrow to help Greg move stuff from Storage!

ANNIE GOES HOME BRENDA ARRIVES!

Day 366 - 369

Rottnest Island WA

Day 367 Tuesday. Long weekend finishes. Rode in on our bikes to See Alena for lunch outside Salt House.

Alena was in her Rottnest uniform and had half an hour for lunch. She told us how her weekend was...(surfed a lot, didn't spend much time with Lars) and how Aiden was not settling into her home. On her part. She said Murdoch was paying for half the rent and it was a VERY temporary thing having him stay there. Aiden's looking for a share room somewhere for about $100 a week and finding it hard because he's a guy that's working, rather than being the usual, a student.

Met Mum and Annie at Rottnest Island Express after collecting Annie's bike from the Bike Shop (with the damaged derailer) for Annie's departure at 2.30pm.

On the way to the ferry Annie veered off and we thought she was going to be late for the ferry!! IT turned out she went to the chemist and bought me a gorgeous sarang and a tie clip. The sarang was white with sequins. So gorgeous. She presented it to me just as she was about to board the ferry..and said, "Welcome Home!" Aww.. We stillo haven't got our presents sorted out in our luggage but we bought Annie a present from Argentina which i think is gorgeous. (Lapslazuli necklace and earring set).

She gave mum her money for the accomodation and a clip and Greg a bag full of black jelly beans. She knows what he likes!!!

It was so sad to see her go. She was hoping John would be there to pick her up but she had said she'd see him later so it was doubtful he'd be there. As it turned out he didn't finish work until 5pm! (He works as a postie and had started at 5am that morning due to it being a public holiday on the Monday).

Ate leftovers for dinner (sausage stew).

Day 368 Wednesday Met with Alena and the Ed Officers to go snorkelling at the Touch pool in Little Parakeet. Meet for drinks that night while mum goes on the Bayseeker Bus to meet Brenda on the ferry. We rode back to the Settlement to see Alena off on the ferry and meet Brenda! She's from the Friends of the Marine Park. A nurse and good company. Apart from the incessant talking!


Had BBQ Chicken and salad for dinner> Yum. Finished our Yalumba cask wines! Won't buy anymore while in Rotto. HOliday's almost over. Can't afford the Yalumba casks now either!

Day 369 Thursday Meet Alena and Ed Offices at Pinkies for the touch Pool. Greg meets Alena for lunch. We go for long walk from Geordie Bay to Township. Stop at Quokka Arms for champagne and beer. That night, 6.30pm see 27 Dresses with Brenda, Mum and Greg. $8.50 ticket. Mum and Brenda had Subway, Greg and i ate bread with Balsamic vinegar and virgin olive oil. Saving money!!!

Relaxed on the balcony for the final Rotto night. It's been a great holiday!

RELAXING AT ROTTO

Day 365 - 367

Rottnest Island, WA

John and Annie had breakfast on the boat and Greg, Mum and i had breakfast at our Villa. Greg and i went and bought some provisions from the Geordie Bay Shop (expensive!!) so we were set for a few days.

We were going to have BBQ's for the week!

The BBQ was a bit of a problem actually, the ignition didn't work! It's a pain when things aren't what they should be. THe windows were filthy too. For $1050 for the six nights you'd expect the BBQ to work and the window's to be clean!

Talking about windows - the view from our balcony is superb! Overlooking Geordie Bay. We're staying in # 928 which i must admit does look over the Bay..but it also overlooks the houses in front. If the house wasn't full of scredaming children we'd be happier..but still, we were enjoying the peace of being on a remote island, away from the stresses of life!

The only thing that has been a negative is Annie's BIKE! SHe'd had a crash on it and cracked the derailer...so when John hopped on it yesterday to go and get his boat permit he finished it off..and now the derailer is completely damaged!

Greg and i took the bike to the Bike Shop but they said they had to get a part sent from town..and it all got too hard..so in the end she just said she'd take it to the place in Freo where she bought it..and get it fixed.

But it means..she has a new bike..but can't ride it!!!!

It turned out well tho..cos Annie can catch the bus with Mum..while Greg and i ride...

All things are meant to be!

Can't let things like that dampen the relaxing time at Rotto!!!!

xxx

BLOTTO AT ROTTO

Day 364

Rottnest Island, Perth WA

We packed up one rucksack and our dilley bag and drove to the Claremont Train Station in Mum's car while Greg gallantly road his bike, dropped that off and then drove the car back home and road back to the station. He had a major workout and it was only 7.30am!

It was a great way to get to C Shed to catch the Rottnest Express though. If we drove we would have had to leave the car in the car park and paid $6 a day for the six days we were away which seemed a waste. It was also not a great place to leave the car for a week either.

The train came straight to C Shed. So all we had to do was walk our bikes and luggage down to the loading area and get our tickets ($58 per adult and $51 conc and a 10% discount on the Show Your Card and Save RAC card) to jump on the ferry. Mum had previously booked them in her name so all we had to do was pay for them. It was weird how they issued the tickets. Mum paid her concession and was only given a Visa Card print out. I paid for mine and was given a ticket with two adults and a concession on it but it only stated payment for two adults.

When Annie came down later and bought her tickets she got a ticket stating 3 adults and one concession. It seemed a bit silly because it meant Mum had to get on the ferry and home on the ferry with one of us and we were thinking of going home at different times. Annette was going on the Wed and Greg and i wanted to leave early Friday morning instead of the 4pm Mum had booked to leave. Silly system.

We met John!!! After all the discussions and emails we've had about him from Annie..we finally met him down at the C Shed! He seemed a nice guy - just as we had expected. As we were sitting on the bus we were told to go on at C Shed to Rous Head I saw John sitting on the bench just outside one of the boats. He looked like he was refecting....

The bus took off and he looked over but Annie was engrossed in conversation with Mum and didn't see him. To me, it seemed he was a bit sad about her departure.

It was only a few hours later, after we'd arrived at the island..that i saw Annie on the balcony of our villa looking out to sea, with the same reflective look that i wondered if these two people really just wanted to be together for the long weekend.

This week away at Rottnest had been planned for a year. Jo had originally organised the villa but decided to take another week at a later date and since it was booked in Mum's name she asked if Mum wanted it. She jumped at the chance, asking Greg and I if we wanted to go (yes!!!) and Annie to make up the fourth person. Each villa has two beds in two rooms, making it a four bed villa.

Then of course, she met John. And there wasn't room for him there as well. Annie and John had arranged to see each other over the weekend but she was not sure when. He said he may come over to Rottnest in his boat.

Rottnest is an island 19km's off the coast of Fremantle. It's a holiday spot primarily for the Perth population with 80% of the tourists being from Perth itself. The beauty of the Island lies in it's casual lifestle, beautiful beaches, no car policy and it has a wonderful wildlife.

Greg's daughter Alena works at Rottnest as an Environmental Officer. We were looking forward to seeing her there once the Labour Long Weekend was over.

Our luggage came off the boat and was delivered to the spot (Geordie Bay) that our tags stated. All we had to do was to ride to our villa.

Just as we were settling in, wondering what to have for dinner John messaged Annie and said he was HERE! In Geordie Bay!

Annie looked overwhelmed to say the least. And surprised. But VERY happy!

She took off to meet him and soon Greg went down there to help secure a suitable anchorage for the night. They hooked up a piece of limestone rock to hold the anchor!

And the day turned from great..to superb! John rolled his esky to the shore...and we saw it was filled with Champagne, Burbon and Cola, cold water and goodies to go with it. So there we sat.....with his mother's champagne flutes filled with champagne overlooking Rottnests pristine waters.

BLISS.

He then impressed us all by producing meat and extra's to have a BBQ back at our villa. WHat a man. If he was trying to impress the family. He did!

We all got suitably BLOTTO at ROTTO!

By the end of the night..we snuggled into our beds...with Annie sleeping on John's boat (or sleeplessly staying on the boat as she said later she couldn't sleep!) and awoke the next morning to a beautiful Rotto Sunrise.

Oh, how i love it at Rotto!

BACK TO PERTH

Day 362

Perth, WA

Caught the bus back to Perth in HOT weather..42C! Arrived at 2.30pm. 6 hour journey.

Mum came and picked us up with her glowing white smile.

One step closer to getting into our home!

Rob popped over for a cuppa after work, which was nice.!

Day 363

Mum's House. Claremont. WA

Last night we went to Angie and David's (Greg's brother) for dinner bbq which was wonderful!! Gorgeous Alena was there too and it was so great seeing her..and so was Hannah, Alena's half sister.

Greg had a pretty whiskey sort of night because David brought out his best scotch whiskey (from Scotland)and because I was driving (mum's car because we don't have our own yet) he was able to indulge and reminisce with his brother.

There was talk of the family conflict but we soon got off that track, thank goodness. They all seem to lead up the garden path if you ask me!

Funny how we are so far out of the 'loop' if you could call it that. We are fairly disinterested in the family saga's..and it seems they are neverending. The same issues are still present that were causing stress a year ago! I just don't want to get into it! Reality has struck i think.

We're both feeling a bit low really. Post Travel Blues?

It's either a culture shock or a desire for happiness. We were stimulated so much by new experiences we were encountering that we forgot about the nitty gritty family issues. It must be that people inherently get stuck in a timewarp unless they make a conscience effort to get out of it.

Life is TOO SHORT for conflict.

Gosh Angie is a great cook. We took along the champagne Bob and Yvonne presented us with at the "Welcoming" at the Perth Airport and she cooked a seafood feast. Nothing is too much effort for Angie. She's a wonderful hostess that's for sure!

As we were leaving, David asked if we wanted to buy his ZERO DOLLAR CAR. We took him up on the offer since we don't have a vehicle. THe only thing was it had a yellow sticker!!!!

He said he'd take it over the pits while we were at Rotto, to get it checked out and fix what was wrong so we could drive it. I don't think he was actually "giving" us a car, more he was lending us his beaten up old bomb until some other deserving relative claimed it for a while. We had to laugh!

Anyway, we'll see how it goes, if we can use it until we get ourselves another car, GOOD!

We got home really late..and because we were getting up really early, we packed before bed and set the alarm for 6am.

Tomorrow - off to ROTTO! Yay - my most favourite place on earth!!!! And still is, even after all the world adventures we've had and places we've been! ROTTO is dream island - and actually, the place where I'd like to rest my soul for eternity :)

Now - Rotto for a week..THEN we go back into our house.

xxx

LAST DAY IN GERO

Day 361

Ended up going shopping at Northgage with Elise today. It was nice for me, as Grandma, to be a part of her pregnancy. She's so young, at 20, to be a Mum herself, and yet, so capable and it's so right for her.

We bought a little jumpsuit and two little while suits, bibs and mittens. SO CUTE!!!!

It was a great mother - daughter bonding experience.

Sue came over tonight and we had a great chat about everything. She's studying counselling through Curtin and also works at the local highschool. They're striking tomorrow for more money.

She said I need a new number now to go back teaching.

Must get onto that when we get back to Perth.

Going back to Perth tomorrow....then ROTTO..then - back on OUR OWN HOME after that!

Whooohooo!!!!

xx

GERO LIFE

Day 358

Geraldton, WA

Sam rang this morning and said he was coming in from Big Bank on one engine. There's been a serious storm over the last week called Cyclone Nicholas which has affected the fisherman off the WA coast. It's been coming down from Exmouth and following the coast line.

Sam had already said he knocked off two of his spotlights in the weather and today he said one of his engines has failed.

Elise, Greg and I went shopping at Northgage for food. Spent $138 on groceries and some other things we needed like moisturizer etc.

We went down to the Town Beach with Scupper to have a swim because it was so hot (36 degrees) and while we were there Sam rang and said he was on his way in.

So we hurried back to Elise's, had our showers and drove down to the wharf where he is moored. We missed his arrival..but we saw him as he was unloading and got some good shots of his boat, the Arora.

He ended up cooking us a beautiful seafood dinner including cray, scallops and prawns Elise had brought over. SO YUMMY! He's a superb cook. Wine flowed..and Jack Daniels ended the night's festivities.

He's so happy with Allie. At one stage I was just looking at them both and they seem so in love. It's great to see Elise happy with David and expecting her first child and Sam, for the first time, really happy in himself, with his life, including Allie, the boat, and his outlook.

It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling awwwww

Slept under the buzz of the overhead fan...with poor Greg suffering from the heat. The heat seemed unrelenting, even at night.

NB Got emails from people asking where the BLOG IS!!! Jaak and Silvia were the first. Then Rob and Noreen. They're missing it!!!! Hopefully we can get it back 'on the air' soon - once we sort out the problems the site is having.

TO GERO!

Day 357

Elise's House, Geraldton!

Today is the day we hopped on the Transperth Bus and headed up to Geraldton! The town where my darlings live!!!

Mum drove us to East Perth terminal to get on the bus for the 6 hour journey to Gero. The bus was only half full and two movies later we arrived to an empty bus station. The bus had arrived half an hour early!

We rang Elise and I soon saw the familiar car, my 2001 silver Honda CRV Sports, turning the corner into the Old Railway Station in Marine Terrace where the busses arrive.

I couldn't wait to see her. She was just 14 weeks pregnant and it was the first time I was to see her..and her little belly.

When we arrived home, we saw our pussy cats. Awww...they look so healthy and gorgeous. I'm not sure the pussies recognised us! Millie came up to us and licked us, like the dog she is, and Tizzie sat back and observed. They started relaxing...and I think they knew we were their family by the end of the night. Aww. Good to see them!

Sam had rung a few times over the last couple of days, trying to get organise his boat trips to coincide with us being in Gero. Today, Saturday, he was still at Big Bank. He was hoping to get back by Monday. I was hoping he would too!

We stopped off at Chapman Rd Bottle shop, drive thru and bought an Amberley Chenin Blanc (for me) and a Madfish Red for Greg to celebrate our reunion.

Elise had dinner for us. She cooked pasta and salad which was very yummy!

Strange being in back in Gero....

Dunno why, but everytime I go back there, I always feel a bit strange. Not sure if it's nostalgia..or memories.. not living there..or what it is. But it's something.
br />Anywayyyyy.........
it's so good to be at Elise's and finally catch up on all her news.

FAMILY NIGHT in CLAREMONT!!

Day 356

Mum's - Claremont, Perth WA

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TOOK BLOG OFF THE PUBLIC ARENA

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Last night was a bit of a blur really. Greg met Aiden`, his son, in Perth City to help him move his furniture over to Alena's (his daughter's house) because he can't get a house that's suitable.

Mum and I got into a sort of a frenzied conversation about who was coming to Rottnest. Mum has taken over a villa over there that my sis in law, Jo, originally had set aside for herself. She changed her booking to suit some friends so Mum said she'd take it. Annie was going for a week with her..and Greg and i were going for a week. The only thing is...that was a year ago.

Situations have changed.

Annie has met a man. And he is someone she wants to spend time with..so even though she is using the excuse that she can't leave her cats and so can't come over to Rotto for the full week..i've got this little feeling it's because she wants to spend her time with John!

So. Mum wanted to know if she's coming for the whole week or just for a partial week.

She came over for dinner, which Mum cooked (yummy baked chicken drumsticks and salad!), and when the question arose....."will you be coming for the whole week?" Annie was too tired to fully answer and muttered something about coming for a few days over the long weekend, with John coming over on his boat, and i think, really, she didn't really want to disappoint Mum by saying she only wanted to come for the whole week.

After much discussion Mum decided to ask Brenda, a friend of Mum's, and who is a lady Greg and I have been to Rotto with before and really like.

So..that was resolved.

We've been feeling a bit unsettled since we came back. I've been feeling Very Anxious. Greg's been feeling flat.

It's so nice seeing Mum..and Annie and all my family. But it's this innate feeling that 'it's all over' that keeps niggling away.

Greg arrived home about midnight, exhausted from all the moving. But he was happy because he'd seen his kids. It was quality time with them, even though they were moving they were spending important time together.

He wanted to see his brother David and wife Angie but unfortunately they were not home. He had a swing he was dropping off (garden seat swing) so when they got home they'd see the swing sitting there!!! But! Not Greg!!!

We'll catch up with them when we get back from Gero!

I went to my hairdressers and got my hair cut and coloured today!!! It was SO nice goign to the hairdresser and knowing she'd cut it just as i wanted. She remembered me..and we caught up on all the year's goss.

Greg got his haircut too.

So now we're new people!

We also bought papers to check out cars to buy....yep, we have to buy and ol bomb to see us through while we get settled in again...

It's like starting all over again!

IT'S NOT OVER YET! STAYING AT MUM's.

Cotts!







Day 353 - 355

Mum's - Claremont, PERTH WA

It's not over till the fat woman sings!!!

It still feels like we're 'transient'!

We're not in our house for another couple of weeks..and have a few more places in WA we're visiting (to see family) so I'm still here!!!!!

Our house becomes available for us to move back into on EXACTLY the same date as we left last year..so ironically..it will be EXACTLY a year that we will be away from "HOME"!!!!

Yesterday and today we have spent catching up with reinstating our medical and things like that...

We also went to our storage facility today...and gave notice! The tenants in our house are due to leave on the 3rd March but we can't go in straight away as we're off to Rotto with Mum and Annie for a week on the 1st. We get back on the 7th..and have arranged the removalist to come with all our stuff on the 10th March! Yay! Can't wait to get in..and settled again!!!

It was so weird when we went to our storage facility..we forgot our PIN! Gosh! Our memory has been so hazy dazy lately we've not only forgotten pins and passwords..I think we've forgotten ourselves!!! We missed the street to our medical insurance place today as well! Silly!

We've also been visiting our beloved Cotts and seeing family.

Andy Pans came over last night and what good timing! We didn't know he was coming..and JUST as we were arriving home, there he was. Aww...so nice to see my bro again!

Catching up with family and friends will just keep going on and on. And we will appreciate it. It took a year away to really know what it's like to be estranged!

Greg and i have only had each other for a year. 12/24/7. Twelve months of being together 24 hours a day seven days a week!

Amazing feat really.

We must be soulmates.

Tomorrow we go to see my kiddlies...and pat the belly where my future grandbaby is living...then we're going away for a week with my mum and sister. Then we will start our socialising with friends. Gosh, the times ahead are going to be G-R-E-A-T!

I'll let you know how it all goes...

Love and Big hugs,
jen and greg xxxx

GOING HOME!

Day 354

PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

GOING HOME!!!!

It was just as well we went to Canberra because we were so tired after travelling there and back..and walking around Canberra, that we combatted any sleep worries we may have had in anticipation of our trip home.

As it was we had to hang around the Bungalow in Manly because the girl hadn't arrived at the office at the time she said she would! We wanted to collect our $100 deposit for the parking permit so we rang her mobile and she ended up getting there eventually!

We were a bit late getting to the airport because we also had to drop off our hire car at the Thrifty Office, pay the bill..blah blah blah...and then check in. We finally left at 12.40pm. Half an hour late.

Our flight home, scheduled to leave at 12.10pm, took 5 hours flying time (3415km) and it started feeling like a trip home from Sydney!!!! We arrived at 3.45pm at the Domestic Airport in Perth.

We turned our clocks back 2 hours. For the first time in a year my wrist watch matched the time on my mobile phone. I hadn't altered the mobile phone time the whole time we were away so i'd always know what time it was at 'home'. (That helped when i messaged home!!)

We had 'acclimatised' to Australia..and just felt like we'd been away for a holiday...

That is..until we actually arrived at the Perth Airport!!!

I kept asking Greg what happens when you arrive at the Domestic Airport - Do we have to go through Customs etc? I'd forgotten what happeend..but had a niggling feeling it was different!

So..when we disembarked from the plane..and headed down the gangway....we were intently listening to the loud speaker saying if there are any fruit, vegetables, seeds, etcetc in our luggage, including any food given on the plane, they had to be declared or put into the quarratine bins as we left the gangplank.

I was thinking about what we had in our luggage, apricots from Sydney...when all of a sudden i heard a raucous. It was our 'welcoming party'!!!!!

I heard, "There they are!" and looked up to a sea of familiar faces..and the comment, 'you're supposed to be happy!"

It didn't take long to get a smile on my face that couldn't be wiped off as we saw family and friends. My mum was the first i saw..her hair! And Alena. I headed for mum while Greg headed for Alena to have that huge hug we'd missed for a year! I didn't want to let mum go...it was SO good to be home!

My friend Jilly had "You're back" helium balloons which made us stand out from the crowd..and i'm sure alterted the people to tell us to 'please move'! We seemed to be getting in the way of everyone!!! She had tears...and when i wiped my face i could feel mine.

Bob was guarding the luggage on the trolley as we were reuniting with everyone...and Yvonne stood there looking stunning! (She'd lost 18kg!!)

As we moved through the arrival's hall to our luggage i spotted my sissy Annie there..and Greg's Dad and Margie...

BLISS.

We all stood talking for a while while the customs guy checked our apricots in our luggage (!) and declared them "OK" and then finally dispersed to save on the cost of parking and headed back to mum's.

It seemed so surreal.

As we drove home along Mounts Bay Road..and looked at the most beautiful and familiar Narrow's Bridge...i thought...

It's good to be finally home.

We drove past our house...and saw it was 'still there'. We bought Amberley Chenin Blanc and Madfish Red wine to celebrate over dinner and spent the night at Mum's..with Annie and Alena and Aiden. Rob came over (my brother) and we felt so glad we could just 'be still' for a while!

We slept listening to Tweedledum (our budgie that has adopted grandma!) and awoke to the morning calls of the local crows.

Yes, we're home!

And we're happy to be here.

CANBERRA

Taken from Parliament House, facing Jagamarra's mosaics and looking out to Old Parliament House.

Day 353

Canberra, ACT, Australia

After deciding NOT to go to Canberra...we went!!!

I've never been there before, and i kept thinking, i've been to Washington DC to see the White House in the US...and I've never been to our own National Parliament House! I mean, how would that stand up in court (hehe) if i go back teaching! The kids would think i was totally ignorant!

Anyway...with that sitting in the back of my mind..and also the fact that Greg himself had never been to Parliament House, even though he'd been to Canberra, we headed off about 10.30am on the Hume Highway and arrived in Canberra two and a half hours later and headed straight to the Tourist Bureau to find out where Parliament House, The National Museum and Art Gallery and the War Memorial was!

We didn't have time to muck around trying to find these things ourselves and it was better to have all the main places we wanted to see marked on a map, which the lady there did in green highlight.

Off we headed to Parlilament House! I was excited. Australian Politics has always intrigued me and i've watched Question Time on TV and was really interested to see how it all worked. The Map said Parliament sittings only took place 30 times a year and the 3 days it sat in February had already passed. I was a bit disappointed we wouldn't be able to go to the Parliament Sitting. The way they all squabble was something i really wanted to see! haha!

The first thing we saw once we found parking (all free) and walked up to Parliament House was Michael Jagamarra Nelson's mosaics on the platform as you enter Parliment House front doors. I'd always wanted to see them in person because i also am a proud owner of some of Jagamarra's artwork!

His familiar Dreaming story was outlined in mosaics and i just loved it. It was actually baracaded off which was a shame because i really wanted to see it closeup, but i can understand if everyone walks on it, it't get worn out!

There is also another of his paintings sitting in the entranced foyer as well. Such a wonderful artist.

On the TV behind the information counter at the entrance was Julia Gillard making a speech. I asked about this and the guy behind the counter said she was sitting in the House of Representatives answering a question during Parliament Question Time.

"What a pity we can't see that!" I said..as we were talking about going on a tour of Parliament House. "If you want to see the last 30 minutes in the House of Reps you can if you like!" he said.

Whoa.....

I had NO idea we could just go and sit in the public gallery, especially when the brochure said there was only 30 sitting times a year, with February's sitting dates being the 12th, 13th and 14th. So we thought we'd missed it.

Just shows you have to ask about these things! And we were fortunate there was a Question Time ON today!!!

The security is pretty incredible. Airport style security. No mobile phones, camera's or any item that could become a missile is allowed into the room. It all goes into Cloak Room. We lined up behind a long line with the guy in front of us wearing a a teeshirt that had the blazened slogan, "I'm a grandparent and i have i have rights, let my grandchildren have rights too!" I thought i wonder if he could be a bit of stirrer in parliament today!

When we entered my fav - Julia Gillard - had stopped speaking and another member had the microphone and there were a few members grumbling and other people from the public saying, "here, here" which seemed to be all accepted! I'd seen QT before where the whole forum seemed to be full of children. Today was no different.

We spotted the Prime minister, Kevin Rudd sitting opposite Nelson, the Leader of the Oppositon and all of their members seated behind them. It was all a bit of a party! Peter Garrat took four times at the microphone to answer a question on petrol prices, Kevin Rudd stood to answer a question from a Member asking about the emails between him and Brian Burke and Alexander Downer was yawning in the back row, with Ruddick sitting there tweaking his nose and other famililar faces scattered about the room.

Peter Garrat created the most stir. He got more questions fired at him, regarding climate change, sewage dumping etcetc and he got up to uproar from the Members, and the galleries. Quite funny to see him respond....with no definate answers!

It was SO interesting seeing it all in action. Before we came to Canberra a few people had said..go to the Blue Mountains, go to Taronga Zoo, go here, go there...which we would have if we had more time...but the interesting thing was..no one never really endorsed our desire to go to Canberra..!!

But we were GLAD we went! I could have actually handled watching the WHOLE lot of the QT, i found it that fascinating!

And to hear about things i'd read about in the papers was interesting too!

After we got ushered out of the House, we joined up with the Tour we were going to go on if we didn't get into QT and saw the rest of Parliament House. The tour guides are really knowledgeable and the stories are great. A trip definitely worth going to!

It was about 4pm when we were heading to the National Muesum and Art Gallery so we only had an hour to whizz through that unfortuately..but we did see a lot of stuff in there..and old footage of Australian History.

We also filled up our Ford XR6 with fuel. Cost about $80 AUD to fill it. Fuel in Canberra was $128.9 per Litre! Cheaper than NZ that's for sure! (Cheaper, $1.24) with a Woolworths discount voucher!) It's more expensive in Sydney. I wonder if Canberra gets some sort of cheaper fuel thingy....? I know there was no cost for any of the sites we saw. All entries were free. So was parking. Our only cost for the day was the fuel to get to Canberra and our sandwiches!

By the time we got to the War Memorial it was about 6pm. So ladened with our sandwiches from BP we went for the walk around all the war memorials in Memorial Lane. Took photos of all the memorials and read all the plaques. We felt quite nostalgic as we stood under the Lone Pine Tree at the Galipolli memorial, thinking of Grandpop and Grandad's brother's who fought in WW1. Seemed so long ago that we were in Turkey at the Galipolli memorial.

We arrived home to Manly about 10.30pm and thought..."What a day!" It was full of nostalgia and pride for our country. I felt quite patriotic!!!!

Canberra is a place that is well worth every Australian visiting!

TOMORROW........we go "HOME"

I feel so nervous!!!!!

BLISS IN MANLY

Manly Beach!









Day 352

Manly, Sydney, Australia

This morning, we stayed home. This afternoon, we went to the beach!

We're finally beginning to relax. Manly Beach is so gorgeous. And the 15 minute walk from where we're staying in Manly Beach to the beautiful Shelley Beach, where we dipped into the sparkling and perfect blue pacific ocean, was divine.











Shelley Beach!

There really is nothing quite like Australian beaches, with the white sand and blue waters...

BLISS.

Yep. We're "home" alright!

:-)

DINNER AT ZACS

DINNER AT ZACS!

It took an hour and a half to get back to our Bungalow. Ferry travel is all about waiting. Waiting for the connecting ferry! But it's a nice way to travel.

We quickly changed and headed out to Zacs, in our new hire car. A Ford XR6! The tolls in Sydney are something that is hard to get used to. They range from $3 - $5 on the Bridges.

Running a car is not cheap that's for sure. Along with fuel, tolls and the cost of the car, I'm wondering if public transport would be more cost effective. Food, wine and tourist activities all seem higher than i remember Perth to be. The cost of living in Sydney is definitely higher.

We, along with our Australian wine (Award winning Taylors Promised Land Shiraz cabernet)and Lindt chocolates, finally made it to Zac's townhouse.

And we were reunited with him and his Austrian wife Verena. And their very gorgeous Olivia. It was a case of 'And then there were three'! What beautiful little family. The last time we saw Zac and Verena they were on a year long sojourn away from home. It extended into being away for 18 months.

In that time they house sat in Perth, and were married in Tennant Creek. We met Zac at Toastmasters and Greg and he were doing their 'manual speeches' at about the same time. Both had different stories to tell, but both stories bound them together, and the four of us as firm friends.

We admired the fact that they had left their secure jobs in Sydney to pursue their dreams. We too, wanted to take 'a year out' and travel. To travel, house sitting and taking time out from the normalities of life. We were inspired by them and as we planned our trip away this year we often thought of Zac and Verena.

Zac has been following the blog, and has an insight and depth of understanding about our relationship and our travel pursuit so it was with his acute insight, also associated with his profession, that we discussed our and their experiences tonight.

Dinner was beautiful as well. Cheeses and veal prosciutto served with a white Goundry and red Taylors wine graced the table.

Oliva's beautiful big eyes and toothless smile searched our faces as we all chatted. Classical music played in the background. It was so nice to spend an evening with such warm and cultured, hospitable people who possess such a keen wit.

And especially nice to be with them, in their home. It's a very intimate way to share with friends. Something we can't wait to do when we finally get settled in our home again. The top purchase on our list is a new bbq. The last one hit the verge rubbish pick up before we left on this journey of ours!

Life with a baby is never without sleepless nights. So when the mains of rice and beef with vegetables arrived i was wondering how they did it! Dinner preparation and babies don't generally mix!

We felt very special, sharing this meal with them, knowing how difficult it is to serve a simple meal, without going to all the effort of a 3 course banquet! Dessert was supreme. I only wish i had room for all of my serve. I could only manage half (But Greg benefited!). Baked white peaches, topped with raspberry sauce and ice cream. Ohlala.

We left Zac and Verena waiting for the next baby awakening and we headed home. After a Goodbye Sydney Friends Day we slept like logs. (Didn't sleep like babies this time - Zac and Verena reminded us how they sleep!) It was the first time we'd slept so soundly since we've left our blow up mattress!

And.......after much discussion, we've decided not to to to Canberra, not to go to the Blue Mountains, not to go 'Do the tourist thing' and just BE. STAY "HOME" tomorrow!

DOCKED IN SYDNEY!

Relaxing on the Manly Ferry!









Paddy's Market!




Day 351

Manly, Sydney, Australia

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DOCKERS ARE SUCH WINNERS!!!! 44 points! What legends! ;-) We're 'docked' about it! ha!
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Not everything is as it seems...........Our little room is gorgeous, with everything we need but we're sharing a bathroom with other's here in this Bungalow and they're honestly not what you'd call the best house guests.

Water everywhere on the floor, hand towel doubling up as a bath mat, toilet paper strewn on the floor, gritty beach sand littering the shower recess floor....i mean, why don't people treat their holiday bathrooms as they do their home bathroom. Or maybe they do? Maybe they live in Dirt street, Home Town.

We met up with Silvia and Graeme again this morning. They're staying in Darling Harbour region so we met there to go to Paddy's Market. I'd heard, from Silvia, who'd already bought a couple there, they have GREAT BAGS!!

And, I'm a bag freak! I've been deprived of a bag accessory for the last year, using only my grey front pack, and cotton Galapagos blue footed booby bag, which held my neck cushion, book and water bottle and slung over my shoulder for a lot of the 32 plane trips we've been on.

Paddy's Market lived up to all descriptions. It took a while to get there though! Somehow Graeme undertook the GPS (Global Positioning Position) role and led us there.

He marched out in front, reminding us he was a fit 62 year old, (he is!) with Greg, Silvia and i traipsing behind. This was no relaxing walk. This was more the case of Orienteering without a map. We did finally find it though, after consulting some locals. We'd gone the longest, course Paddy's Market that's for sure!

Once there, we saw BAGS!!! And FRUIT! I was in my element. Greg saw electronics he liked. Silvia saw BAGS and tops. Graeme saw WIGS and tattoos!!! haha What a funny day. We all bought stuff! And we bought fruit and ate it at the market.

Warwick The GRAEME Cappa!!!














If i had a bag big enough (and a big enough fridge) i would have loaded up with fruit and veges! Markets really do have great fruit and veges. I think when we get back to Perth, i might go to markets and get our fruit there. Freo has a great market.

That's something I've really been thinking about a lot. How will our lifestyle have changed? I think the way we lived before, will be exactly that, 'before'. And how we live now, is 'now'. I used to stock the cupboards and freezer. Now i think we'll
just buy what we need. Keep the fruit and vegetables fresh.

We're only planning to have one car between us, so our bikes will be used more. As will our legs. The habit of jumping into a car to go to the corner shop will be part of the 'before'. I know we will now live more in the 'present' and the 'current'. I think we will really enjoy just 'being' and appreciating what we have.

3 Days Till Perth!

Sydney is always bustling and full of energy. Darling Harbour today was no exception. On the way to Paddy's market we saw people in Dragon Boats racing in an event called 'Dragons Abreast Australia'. This event was put on to develop awareness of Breast Cancer and to celebrate Breast Cancer survivors during the Sydney Chinese New Year celebrations. Most people were dressed in Pink, the BC Colour.












Our goodbye to Silvia and Graeme ended with a bang!

It was a poignant parting at Darling Harbour. We all gave each other hugs and promises to see each other in Perth or Brisbane and we waved from the deck. Each couple taking photos of the other and our farewells. Graeme assimilated throwing a nectarine from the harbour....i assimilated catching it! Laughs galore.

















The "bang" came in the form of a flying nectarine missile................Graeme, the good hearted prankster, transformed the assimilation to a reality and threw the nectarine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouch. It splattered all over the stern of the boat!

Our meeting ended with a BANG!

I think he thought it would land in the water!!!

The ferry ride home, once again, was just gorgeous...

DINNER AT DOYLES!

Day 350

Manly, Sydney, Australia

Last night we met our friends Silvia and Graeme!

They had flown all the way from Brisbane, Queensland especially to see us, and to have dinner at Doyle's!!!! We felt very honoured and special. That is what you call friendship!

The plan was to meet on the Sydney Opera House steps. We had to catch the Manly
Ferry to Circular Quay and then find our way to the Sydney Opera House. We were messaging each other on our mobile phones and waving from the ferry to two Queenslanders in aqua tops and jeans.

I had no doubt we'd recognise each other though. Over the years we've shared photos of our kids, our partners and ourselves.

We knew each other as any close friends would. The only thing is, we'd never MET before! Seems like a hard-to-understand concept and i've even had people comment on my friend "Silvia".

Comments like, "She's not really a friend you 'know' though is she?" were made. After a while, it was hard to explain that i could have a 'net friend' that I'd never met, that was also as close to me, as any friend I had in Perth, or who i did 'know' in person. If anything, she was more accessible than some of my friends close by. Because, with one click, there she was!

She was always willing to comment or ask more questions or share her views via email, text, or phone. We supported each other when we were down, and shared our loves, losses and trials over a period of ten years. Seems strange that we were never compelled to meet each other earlier. But it never seemed necessary. We had our lives, and we were 'online' friends.

Silvia has also made jewellery for my family and friends. Both Annie and Kath are walking around in her creations. She's a very talented bead maker. And that is the thing i loved most about her.

She had knowledge about So many things! Whenever i had a concern about my dogs, or the budgies (when i tried to breed them), or with my computer, or with downloads, or with anything at all, she was always 'there' with the time to answer. No email was every unanswered. She always replied.

And, her emails always lit up the page. While we've been overseas, i loved seeing her name appear in my email inbox. She was always positive and uplifting. A very wonderful and special friend.

She is also so committed to our friendship that she sent an abundance of text messages at Christmas when we were in Argentina!! Can't ask for more than that! HAHA There was an a mobile phone glitch where her one xmas message was repeated 76 times over a week! Gosh. That was funny!!! (In hindsite!)

The time for us to meet was here!!

Instead of actually making it to the steps of the Opera House, there she was, right in front of me! I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Her voice was the most familiar! And she looked just as she looked in her photos. It was the 'Silvia' I knew. We hugged each other as old friends would. Seeing her made my day. She soon introduced Graeme and she and Greg exchanged hugs.

Afterall, via the blog, Silvia has also become familiar with Greg too. In fact, she said, as we were walking along Circular Quay, it was Greg she spotted first! I had my head down, checking the text message she'd just sent!!!

The next hour or so seemed a blur as we chatted and caught up on all sorts of things. Greg and Graeme clicked and Silvia and i walked as the million words tumbled out of our mouths.

Our aim was to make it to Doyles. The famous fish restaurant in Watsons Bay. This is a family owned seafood restaurant and cafe that has been operating for five generations. It first opened in 1885! Graeme had a penchant for seafood and we said we also really loved seafood, so Silvia booked a reservation at the restaurant from Queensland.

The reservation was at six oclock, which is when it opens (closes at nine) and we were a little early. So we had a pre dinner drink at the Doyles Cafe next to the Fine Dining Doyles Restaurant. It's a bit like Meads in Perth, where you can have fish
and chips at one of the cafe's, or fine dining at another restaurant.

But Doyles had the cafe and restaurant all in the same vicinity. In fact, when you get off the ferry at Watsons Bay, it is Doyles, situated right on the beach, that you are faced with as you exit the ferry.

It's apparently a famous restaurant throughout the world. Even though I'd been to Sydney a few times before, I'd never been to Doyles! Nor had Greg. We were so glad Graeme had that strong itch for seafood!!!

Graeme is a lovable larrikin. A typical Aussie truck driver bloke. He had us in stitches most of the time we were in his presence. If anyone knew Bazza, well, he was like him, in so many ways!!! A crisp chocolate exterior, with a caramello interior!

We felt very special at Doyles. We were seated, at Silvia's request, in the best spot, for four. There were couple spots outside on the balcony and the four people spots with the most exquisite view were placed just inside the enclosed area. We
had incredible views of the sunset and surrounding views of Watsons Harbour. It was perfect.














We laughed all night! Graeme, with all his cheek and wonderful stories (how could we forget the black sausage story!) had us in stitches. It had been so long since we'd heard this type of Aussie humour. We realised we'd missed it a lot.

Silvia with her Italian heritage and incredible memory (she remembered things about me that i had forgotten over the last ten years!) had us realising how much we'd missed company. Good company. Good Aussie company!

And the dinner! Ohlala. Go to Doyles if you can have half a chance!!! Along with Doyle's semillon, sauvignon blanc, entrees of prawns, salt and pepper calamari were followed with mains of seafood selection (including whiting, king prawns, salmon, perch and crabs), baramundi and the Doyles specialty, which i had, grilled John Dory fillet and seasonal vegetables, were just so DELECTABLE!!!!!.

Everything was So Beautifully presented and cooked. Desserts included cheesecake, sticky date pudding accompanied with coffee and chocolates. It honestly has to be the best meal I've eaten for a very long time! Fresh, light and not heavy stodgy food.
What a night. So enjoyable!

At the of the night, Silvia and I both bought Doyles Seafood Cookbooks, signed by John Doyle, the last of the five generations to be running the place. We felt we were buying a slice of Australian Seafood History!

We won't go into the price tag. But put bluntly, the total bill cost about as much as our whole accommodation in Manly! We didn't mind starving for the next few days to allow us to have the "Doyles Experience!"

And even better, we consolidated our friendship with Silvia and Graeme. So, i guess, now, are no longer just 'net friends' but 'realtime friends'!!! For those of us know about these friendships, whether in the 'realworld' or the 'cyberworld', there is often no difference to the depth of the friendship!

The last ferry had already gone so we had to catch a taxi out of Watson's Bay. That was a challenge! Apart from watching Graeme pull over a police car to ask where the taxi's are, and losing him at one stage, we finally arrived back to Circular Quay in one piece!

But that wasn't the end of the night. We'd just missed the second last ferry back to Manly. The next one was half an hour later, at 11.45pm. In the end...as the photos show, we were SO pleased to be accidentally staying in Circular Quay to witness the night life and the night lights! It's just so beautiful watching the ships in the harbour and the people cruising around at midnight.














We had a little snooze on the ferry on the way home to Manly though! And somehow managed to stagger back to our room!

Another great night. Another two tired little vegemites!

PS On the subject of vegemite - we've gone through a jar already. Breakfast is back to normal! We can have toast and vegemite! YAY! Newspapers are still not quite the same as the WA one's.

4 days to go!

AUSTRALIA BOUND!!! SYDNEY - HERE WE COME!

Day 349 Friday February 15th

Sydney, AUSTRALIA


Raylands Hotel became the proud dumping ground for our pillows, towels, plastic plates and bowls, books and magazines we couldn't carry on the flight with us. Our packs became a few kilo's heavier as we strapped our tent and found a gap to stuff the blow up mattress into.

We also loaded up our few utensils we didn't want to part with. We bundled up all the brochures and maps, and Holiday Park instructions and other travel paraphernalia that we'd normally post home..and dumped it. We weren't sorry to say goodbye to all this excess, there's nothing like a lighter pack.

But they were not light. At the airport we got 'very heavy, bend knees' stickers slapped on our packs! Greg's weighed 26 kgs! Mine was 22kgs! We could barely strap them on our backs! A bit different from the 12 or so kilos that we left with!

What was really weird, was exchanging our money for Australian dollars. I got quite emotional to see the $20 note!!! It looked SO orange!!!! Oh gosh, we were really going to be stepping on home soil after a year away.

As we boarded the plane, we picked up The Age newspaper to read on the plane. We were so used to seeing papers in Spanish, Portuguese or Italian etc that it was a bit of a treat to have an English Paper!!! Small things make a person happy!

Kevin Rudd's speech was on the front page. Was good finding out more about how it all happened. Mixed views. It'll be strange going back to a new Prime minister in Aus. New ideals. New ideas. The newspapers were calling Valentine's day, "sorry day' which seemed fitting! (Not that we celebrate Valentines Day at all!)

The pilot was Australian. His messages over the load speaker was really "Straian"! The couple behind us commented on the accent. We felt we were experiencing it all for the first time. Doesn't take long away to lose touch with these things!

As we approached Sydney we had the strangest of feelings. We felt like we were "HOME"! Now that's the first time Sydney hasn't been the city 'on the other side'. For the first time, Sydney felt like home! Strange. They place, "We still call Australia Home' on the speakers. Very welcoming..and i felt teary!

A year seems so long. Yet so short. Depending how you look at it. I honestly feel like it was only yesterday we stepped on the plane at Perth Airport to go to the first stopover, on our round-the-world trip, Hong Kong.

We were seeing Sydney with Tourist Eyes. As we entered the terminal we noticed the brochures catered to Japanese and Chinese. There were no English "Welcome to Sydney brochures' in the perspex containers at the gate entrance. What happens if a US,
British, or an English reading NZ, European arrives? Don't they get a welcome brochure? We felt alienated.

Then when we saw the queues for Australians and New Zealanders to enter Customs we noticed there was an abundance of Chinese and Japanese also lining up. When i questioned the Customs guy about this, he said, "ah, they don't know how to read English' so we let them through on these lines.

I assertively altered him to the fact that there were 9 "Other visitor" lines available for non Australian residents and New Zealanders and less lines for Aus and NZ. He said they'd been doing this for years!

I was miffed. So was the guy in front of me. When he tried to tell the non Aus visitors to go to the other line because this line was for us, they said, 'We're a group'......we stay here. You go in front! Can't speak or read English! MY FOOT!

What I found annoying was..in any other country we've been in, we've been told to go to the "Alien or Other or non resident' line, which was always long and arduous to have to wait.

And here, in our own country, we had to do the same. And all because our Customs Officials, don't follow the rules. What does this day to visitors? That you can break the rules in our country? That it's OK to push in, in queues?

My whinges were short lived. Frustration turned to excitement. We got through customs, with our Vegemite, Chile biscuits, tea and ground pepper, garlic salt and Tabasco sauce and heard other people grumbling about the same thing, felt good that at least i said something to express my disappointment and then
we headed out to collect our luggage.

After arranging our transport we arrived at our Manly Villa! Oh yeah, something we didn't know. Sydney has TOLL roads and bridges!

And it's gorgeous!! We honestly thought it'd be a horrible place because it was so cheap and we booked it through Hostel Bookers. Not that Hostel Bookers don't have great accommodation. More that they focus on budget travelers and most of the
accommodation is for overseas travellers with little money, looking for dormitory style arrangements.

We are one block from the beach! From the back yard you can SEE Manly Beach!! It's GORGEOUS! It's $80 a night and we have our own fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. Perfect for a five day stay. To think we were thinking we'd just pack up after
a couple of days and go camping or something because we thought it wouldn't be a great place! It's a nice surprise!

We ate dinner downtown Manly...and it was abuzz. People enjoying the evening. Such a gorgeous evening too! We 'Called Home' and were in such a spirited mood. Nothing could dampen it.

Here we are! HOME. Well. Almost!

We will soon meet my friend Silvia and her husband. Silvia has been an email friend (pen pal?) for TEN years. And in all that time we haven't met face to face. Imagine that. They came down from Queensland to meet us. I know we'll have SO much to catch
up on. We are chat friends after all. We know how to CHAT! ha!

And we're going to our Toastmaster friend Zac and his wife Verena's to see them and their new bundle of love, Olivia.

We're here for five days.....and our plan was to relax.

But we've already decided we might just "pop" over to Canberra....I've never been there before. Who knows...we might see our our new PM in parliament.

It seems we can't stay still anymore! We seem to just keep plotting and planning! Maybe we need to reconsider our outlooks..and realise we're now home. And we CAN finally relax!

We must reevaluate our thought processes!

GISBORNE to AUCKLAND

Day 348

Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
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Off to Auckland today..so more driving. And also on the alternate route. So..we drove another 700km's!

We went through Ohope, Tauranga and Maungarui to get to Auckland. More scenery. More books read. More 'I Spy, what places start with A, B, C...............?' and more stops to appreciate the scenery.

Fortunately we also better radio - south Island Radio was crap.

We drove pretty much straight through though and arrived at Auckland at about 8pm. We had this idea we'd stay at a Motel close to the airport. But the 'no vacancies' plaque was on all the motel doors!

We drove further and further from the airport and finally found the Raylands Hotel in Rakanui and what a gorgeous little hotel that was. We were wrapped! Are we that deprived that a fridge in the room makes a difference to our moods??

Received a message from Mum saying she's now closed the atlas. It sounded so cute! It also sounded so final. There was a closure ring to it...we were finishing our trip. We felt sad. And wondered how this experience has changed us.

How we would find Perth when we arrived. How we'd settle down again, after such an exciting, adventure filled year. We reflected. How long before we get itchy feet again?

We were leaving the City of Sails and heading 'home'. To Sydney!

We were excited and full of anticipation.

WELLINTON to a GISBORNE DINNER WITH GLORIA!

Our last night in a tent!











Day 347

Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand

Day 347

Gisborne, North Island, NZ

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!! We hope you have the most wonderful day!! Won't be long till we can all celebrate with a red!
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*It's also my friend Kath's birthday today! She's been my friend of 28 years..and was my bridesmaid. This year has been the first year, we've had NO contact!!!! (!) We'll have to catch up when we get home and see what the silence has been all about!!*

Today was a day of driving. Again! We left Wellington to head for Gisborne where we were meeting Angie's sister Gloria for dinner. Our anticipated time was about 7.30pm. the average speed is 70km and because we took the 'scenic route' we travelled about 600km 's.

On the way we passed a few places our Wellington Taxi driver had suggested we go to..like Te Reinga which had very beautiful views, when we could see them through the rain!!!

One thing is for sure, when it rains in NZ, it destroys the beauty, everything becomes very grey and dismal. The clouds the colour of the lakes and the mountains are covered in cloud so there is misty haze all over the place.

We stopped at Masterton for lunch, but due to the rain, we had to eat in the car. Lunch consisted of fruit and leftovers and knowing we only had a few days before we were flying, we wanted to eat as much as we had rather than toss it!

As we got closer to Gisborne we saw turkeys on the roadsides..and sheep that were not fenced in. We had images of loading up and presenting Gloria with our nights meal. hehe

Once in Gisborne, Angie's hometown and where the sun rises first in the world, we found the park, called Waikanae Beach Holiday Park we quickly put our tent up and attempted to find Gloria's, with help from the young Maori guy at the bottle
shop.

It wasn't too hard to find, and loaded up with a Gisborne chardonnay and a Hawke's Bay red we met Gloria and her Tongan student and ended up staying till almost midnight.

It was so nice to have dinner in her home, the first since we had dinner at Franks in Belgium! Made us realised how much we missed home cooked meals and family and friends.














Gloria was so gorgeous, and hospitable. Sitting back in her warm, homely lounge and eating her wonderful home made quiche, homegrown broccoli and tasty salad We heard lots of stories and details of family history which completed a bit of the jigsaw for
us. She had her TV on..

So.. we also heard snippets of Kevin Rudd's 'sorry speech' which was interesting. I think it's about time, sorry isn't a hard thing so say, and it can have positive repercussions. But I'm sure the country will be divided on this.

Was a Great Night. If we hadn't been locked out of the Holiday Park it would have been Perfect...but, and we didn't know this, if you are not inside the park before 11pm, you have to keep your car outside.

From what we heard about Gisborne, (large crime and theft area) this was not an option we were happy with. So at midnight, Greg rang Security!

They helped us by showed us an alternate way in......but it meant we weren't in bed unil after 1am...Ggrr. We knew we had a long tiring day driving the the next day!

Slept well though, there's nothing like our air mattress for knocking a person out. SO comfortable!

BACK TO NORTH ISLAND....

Picton! And view of our ferry!







Day 346

Picton, South Island to Wellington, North Island

Cabin's are the go! Even though our first cabin, #3, had at Westport Holiday Park had bed that was soaked through from an open window..we managed to be rebooked into Cabin #1 that had a fridge in the corner for our wine! A fridge, what a luxury! :-)
Our little cabin!














We toasted our NZ experience with our last South Island wine. A 'to die for' award winning, Mud House 2007 Sauvignon Blanc! It went so well with our ham and cheese sandwiches! You may think we LIVE on ham and cheese sangers..and you're right. Lately these are the staples, easier to prepare than bbq'ing in the rain!

The lady at the reception said the Holiday Park was sodden (the grass area where the tents are to be pitched) because they had 2 inches of rain in 24 hours!! We were so glad to have the cabin. :-) Our last day camping, and we can't camp. Drats...we were just getting used to it too!

Just when i was mourning the loss of our NZ camping days, Greg reminded me we still have a few days to camp once we get to North Island.......

So...we'll see what happens there. I noticed there was a comment in one of the previous posts from a guy mentioning Top 10 Holiday Park. Ye-ah (said in my best kiwi accent) we've tried those, and LOVE them! Very well equipped and reliable. It's just finding them when we're entering the town that's our problem. By the time we arrive anywhere, we're stuffed from all the winding, spinning driving and just head to wherever the first holiday park directions lead us.

This little town of Westport turned out to be a great little town. Our first impression was that it was just a functional, barren town..but once we started looking, we found it to be so gorgeous! We went to the wharf to check it out, seeing it's a port. And took photos. Very quaint.

The main street, Palmerston Street, even had baskets of petunia's hanging each side of the road. And the parks had the most gorgoeus flower beds. The river mouth as we left the town was also full, and really pretty. Just shows you, first impressions don't always tell the whole story.

On the way to Picton we had some terrific views of cows, sheep, vineyards, fruityards, pine trees (Woodstock). We took the scenic route via Motueka and Nelson. So very pretty. But we also had LOTS OF RAIN!!!!














We also saw lots of cyclists headed our way. I really admire these adventures, ploughing along in the rain, loaded up with their tents and gear. Remember when Andy rode his bike across the Nullabor? Either brave or nuts. Whatever the reason for these super fit adventures to be doing this, it will be an experience they'll rememeber. Nothing that requires that much effort is forgettable.















Talking about unforgettable...














We've now had our unforgettable NZ COW EXPERIENCE!!!!

We stopped on the roadside to take pics of the cows that have been screaming, and snorting as we sleep each night in our tent and Greg had an Encounter.

To enable me to take a better shot...he MOOED at the King Cow.

And King not only mooed back. He got really stirred up. He literally snorted at us. And started charging toward the fence line. Greg mooed again (he makes such a good cow!) and King really got going. He moooed really loudly and at the end started hooting and hiccupping with his snout just about blowing smoke!!!

King, the Bull, was surrouned by about 6 girl cows.. He must have felt threatedened by Gregs masculine moo and thought he was going to take his girls away from him!!!!

He was still digging his heels into the ground and snorting when we decided we'd got the photos and wanted to live.

We were in absolute hysterics, to say the least!

The pic is one we'll enlarge and hang to give us laugh Of The Day. IT was just so funny!!!!














We stopped to say hello to the sheep on our drive back as well :-)
















It's nice to have friends in NZ! :-)

There were more large hedges lining the streets as we drove along the fruit growing areas....a good idea, no need for fences. And these massive tree joined hedges blend into the scenery. And more wineries.

My uncle told me when he was in NZ in 1978&79 it was difficult to buy a good Kiwi wine. We've heard this over and over again. From various people here in NZ. I'm thinking the wine must have been pretty bad for people to comment on it!

New Zealander's often bought Aussie wines. And still do (particularly the reds)from the look of all the Australian wines in the supermarkets, particualry the Jacobs Creek, Hardy and Lindemans wines.

But i'd say the wines, particulary the whites, have improved markedly over the past 30 years. They really are VERY GOOD here now. Especially the Sauvignon Blancs. They are almost as good as the Amberley whites! (My favourite!) The cooler weather is great for the white wine grapes.

Motueka was another place we stopped, as well as Governors and Te Ranui Basy, which had incredible cliff top views. That's one thing about driving long distances here...there's always something to look at. But we had to hang on. It felt like we were on a rollercoaster as we were driving. The roads really are THAT windy!

Fuel has gone down 3c. ($1.68 L now!) We thought it was just because the service stations here were cheaper. But when i bought the 3 page local newspaper of the area (for 90c!) there was mention of fuel going down. Which was good for us. I must mention the local news. It seemed to me the hot gossip of the area focussed a lot on retrieval of limbs. There were 3 stories about it.

One was a drug dealer, supposedly murdered by his second in charge, who got washed up on the beach, minus his hand. The other was of a leg that got washed up, boot intact. And the other was a mention of a limb that had washed up last December. Another story was about the case of a tree that got a 'stay of exection'! The way the articles were worded were worth buying the 3 paged paper!

Small town newspapers are classic for sure! Reminded me of The Gero Guardian. Made the long journey more bearable. Also read a couple of mags to catch up on the latest gossip - whose out of rehab and whose pregnant and all those natural things that happen to women but become hot news when you're name is Demi, Nicole or Angelina! I must say, it's nice to be able to go into a shop and all the mags are in English!!!!

We arrived at Picton at 5pm, with an hour to spare before we had to be at the ferry terminal. We dropped our corolla off at the Bluebride Terminal and had time 95 mins) to sort out our packs so we could take our Chile glasses with us, and the balsamic vinegar and oil that Greg couldn't bear chucking out.

So, loaded up with front pack, back pack, pillow and a Woolies bag each (that we've been using to take our 'meals' to the camp kitchen instead of plastic bags) we hopped on the Picton - Wellington Ferry.

The ferry takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to cross the Cook Strait. And in that time we watched 2 movies (The Shaggy Dog and Two Weeks Notice) and then we were there. Back to North Island. This time, as i looked out the window of the ferry, i noticed huge open topped crates...and in them, were cows..i wondered whether they were for slaughter or for transfer to a lovely dairy farm. I was hoping the latter because thoughts of becoming a vegetarian were becoming a reality as i peered down on them..aw.

We didn't get our hire car at the other end. We decided to catch the taxi straight to XBase (hostel). It was more practical seeing Thrifty only leaves the cars off at the Airport of Interferry Terminals and not at Bluebride! Remember we booked the wrong ferry? Because we didn't realise there were TWO ferry lines.

In a way, i think it's a bit unfair that they do that. They allowed us to drop the car off at Bluebride when we left, but they don't leave the car at that terminal at other end. Support for Interisland Ferries and not for Bluebridge i reckon.

Anyway....

A maori taxi driver came to our rescue at 11pm at night and took us to our hostel.

We slept like babies.....

It's SO GOOD having an ensuite attached to our room!! That's the worst thing about camping i reckon..is having to get dressed in a wet shower!

Only a few days to go now..before we hit Sid e ney....hehe

CAN'T WAIT! For more than 2 reasons! The first two reasons are...I'll finally be meeting an online buddie, Silvia, for the first time in 10 years,and we'll be catching up with our old Toastmaster friend Zac...but also, we'll be back in our wonderful Australia....after almost a year away! YAY! :-)

I can't help thinking going to PERTH..it will be so emotional.

Seeing family and friends again....oh, i can't even begin to imagine how that will feel. Brings tears to my eyes......especially when i think of becoming a grandmother this year..Oohh..

But also..being able to buy the West Australian and Sunday Times (no where in the world has better newspapers!), eating as much vegemite as i like, getting back into OUR OWN HOME..............and having our own bathroom!~ Doing our own cooking, in our OWN kitchen! Oh, having broccoli and sweet potato...

And being able to have our own garden!

I've never been a gardener...and yet, i miss our garden! Is that weird or what?

Gosh we'll rattle around in it i think, but i'm sure we'll get used to THAT!

Our adventure will not be over until March, (when we go back into our home) but...i can almost savour the taste of home now.

Oh..thinking about it all is making me homesick!!!!!

Meanwhile, we've got to get our act together now..and find our way to Auckland! We're going via Gisborne, where we'll pop in and see Angie's sister Gloria.

xxxx

PS I really need a HAIRCUT!!! Last time i got it done was in MIAMI!! Arrrgh..looks like crap! But..where to go to get it done? My big dilemma at the moment.........