P is for...........
Packing!
The dreaded word again. I've spent today sorting out clothes and tidying the house that we are in. I've come to dread the last few days we spend in an area as it means saying goodbye and making sure that I have packed EVERYTHING!!! Would you believe that the only thing I have lost in the whole trip is a hairbrush! Now out of 4 months travelling that's not bad.
So today I have gone round the house and cleared all the little things that have been lying around, all of Mollies toys, clothes, books etc This packing session actually has been one of the hardest as not only are we leaving very good friends but also a fantastic city. Melbourne has been fab. I'm also leaving in a manner not quite how I would have liked. Due to some tennis event going on (more about that in a bit) the flights out of Melbourne have doubled for two days. As a result I'm having to leave slightly earlier in order to catch the couple in Perth (another P) who are flying out to Craigellachie in a few days time. The downside is that Mollie and I are leaving before the family of this house return. Very sad. I assumed we would see them to say goodbye. Maybe it's better this way. It doesn't feel like it though. We have had full use of Rick & Cheryls gorgeous house in Cheltenham, Melbourne with pool. In return all we have been asked is to look after the two cats which Mollie has been delighted with.
(Mollie did turn round to me the other day and whispered how she would like a dog and that she was more than capable as she has looked after her Nintendogz very well for quite a while!!!!!)
Cheryls brother & sister in law have also been so good to us with meals at theirs, gatherings on the beach and childminding for me. I couldn't have hoped for a nicer family. So to leave without saying goodbye feels very wrong but they understand.
Leaving Melbourne is also a wrench. I can't believe we have been here nearly the whole month but we have had such a fab time. So what have we been up to?
Well cast your mind back to the beginning and we had our lovely few nights in The Langham with drinks and meals on South Bank before we headed out to Cheltenham which has been more laid back with days beside the pool and the joy of watching Mollie swimming and diving like a fish. We have also enjoyed
evenings on the beach with temperatures still up in the high 20s watching the sun set. Magic. A horse trip round the city was on Mollies to do list so we did! The highlight of this part of the trip has to be going to the tennis. When we first arrived there was the hype and the build up to it. I remember sitting in Federation Square with Mollie at the start of the competition and watching the huge screen they havemup showing the games. The Aussie players did take up most ofnthe air time. Hewitt had the locals beside them selves at one point. Anyway, people just turn up, pick up a (sponsored) deckchair and sit and watch it. The evening matches can get really busy. You can't fail to notice the atmosphere and social interaction that goes on during this time. It's magic. Seeing as I had come all of this way I desperately wanted to go and see Andy Murray in one of his matches. I had to quickly get to grips with the ticket system. It is fairly easy - once you understand who is playing where and what time and of course prices which increase the nearer the final it gets.
Andy Murray sailed through the first round and so before ticket prices increased too much i thought it best to get in at the early stage. Cheryl's sister in law had agreed to take mollie giving me a child free, tennis packed day! Yippeeeee! So 2nd round and Murray has drawn Edouard Roger-Vasellin. Some French dude. Unseeded shouldn't be a problem and it wasn't. He won in straight sets. But I had the chance to watch Tsonga play as well as a ladies singles match: Petra something or other who just got put out in semis i think. She was a good player. Anyway, I had the chance for the day to soak up the atmosphere, have a glass of wine in the Jacobs Creek area (and get a wine glass!) and watch some great tennis. It was fab. I will never forget.
I did think that that would be my only chance to see Andy Murray butnwhen I found myself at a loose end on Wednesday AND Andy Murray was playing I thought well..........why not? I took Mollie this time to show her what it was all about. The only tickets available were actually in the sun and with a 4 year old and temperatures in the high 20s you can't do it. When you see the people looking cooked on the television in these seats they are! They aren't that comfortable because the sun on them is so intense and you aren't allowed to move out of them that often. The officials are quite strict about when you can and can't move. My seat in the Hisense arena was in the shade and I found it quite cold. Towards the end of the match, 3 set I think, I managed to do a hot seat swap with another lady for a few games and boy I was toast by the time a game had been played. So definitely not with a 4 year old. So instead I got ground passes which allow you to wander round the area, visit some of the outer courts and watch the less profile games. Except on this day Rafael Nadal was warming up!!!! Cooooooooool. He is even fitter in real life. He was attracting quite a crowd but he continued to do some practice shots and get some feedback from his coach for some time. He is quite something to watch. Mollie and I had a fantastic time going round the stalls. There are loads of freebies. Most of the sponsors have a tent with some sort of giveaway. Mollie spotted a face painting tent with a MASSIVE queue! I explained to her that it could be a while but no she was dead set - she wanted her face painted. 45 mins later after standing in the heat, it was our turn. Mollie asked for a flower and she got one. "what would mummy like?" I was asked. Eh?! Ok, Scottish flag please. Hehe well Andy was playing and I wanted to support him. Melbourne Park where the tennis is staged has huge tv screens all over the place with lots of grassy areas. So we found a shady spot and settle in. We had a fab afternoon watching the tennis and getting involved in all the tennis frolics.
Our return walk to the city after the match was along the Yarra with a gorgeous evening sun. Federation Square was becoming busy with people turning up for the match between Djocovic and Ferrer. Funnily enough i had forgotten about the war paint on my face but the number of people that stopped me to speak to me about the tennis was unbelievable. Anyway, I wished I could have stayed but no I had a little person to get fed and returned to bed. We have had sooooooo many late nights it's unbelievable. Mollie sleeps longer than I do!!
P is for PANTS! I watched Andy Murray being beat last night when the game should have been his. My cousins girlfriend, Karen, was handed two tickets to the final from her boss (a perk of the job she is in!!!) and we both hoped that it might have been Andy Murray in it. He played really well though so maybe next year.
Parking ticket!!!!! Don't ask but I was given a parking ticket on Australia Day!!! I will be appealing.
P is for Perth which is where we are heading for next. I have had A swift look at things to do but beaches and surfing might feature!!! Wait and see. I am well aware thou that the weather is not high 20s but high 30s so how we will cope I don't know.
I am very sad to be leaving Melbourne. We have had such a great time and made so many friends. The vibe from the city and the events that happen here make it such an easy place to slot into. I'm hoping we will be back at some point. In fact Promise. We will be back.
P is for plane which is what I'm boarding in.............6 hours time. Pants! It was 35 today and it felt it. By 7.30 this evening it was still 30. Now it is 27 so it is cooling down but it is still very sticky. How will the couple from Perth, WA cope with our 5 degrees?! I might put them off Scotland forever?! At least it's not snowing though I think they would quite like that mind you so would I right now. Eurgh
Night night
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Saturday, 14 January 2012
The Langham
Friday 6th January and Mollie and I are hugging, crying and waving goodbye to my friend Janet and her family. I actually didn't want to leave Mypolonga. There isn't very much going on but life seems to be very simple or maybe it's as complicated as we make it. I don't know but Janet and Hans work hard, they have two fabulous girls and with the exception of wanting the house finished, which as the 40 degree days increase the time span for the house will also increase. Anyway, they are very happy and I'm somewhat envious of what they have but so grateful that we had the opportunity to live it.
I had booked a flight with Virgin Australia this time from Adelaide to Melbourne. I had had enough of JetStars antics and 20kg strict weight limit. So Virgin has a new customer. I was checked in on time, no stress; lots of lovely ladies at the desk, bags were fine, I was even asked if I wanted Mollies back pack / car seat checked in (no cost!!) The flight actually left early and arrived early at Melbourne yippee! As a result my cousin hadn't quite made it to meet us (I'm not one for big greetings in airports anyway!!) Anyway, Virgin flight was fab!
Mollie and I stayed with my cousin for the night in St Kilda, Melbourne. Mollie loves Greig and Karen his girlfriend. She thought this was ace and to be honest it gave me a bit of respite. Greig did offer if I wanted to go for a run round Albert Park (F1 circuit) in the morning then I could. Sadly towards the end of my stay at Janets I pulled some muscles in my back again so a run is out of the question but it's still on my to do list.
Saturday was Greigs last day off and as we were only there for the night we headed away as a group for the day. There is a lovely area in Victoria called Mornington Peninsula. Many Brits settle there. It has beaches, all amenities you could ask for, it's very green with lots of open spaces and it's also a short journey to Melbourne CBD if you want to head in for anything. So we headed there for a drive out. It was lovely and would have been even better had the sun shone. We sat at a picnic table, shivering trying to eat a picnic with around 20 seagulls watching our every move!! Its the only downfall with Melbourne, the weather. It can change so rapidly and can get very hot but also very cold. It must have one of the most varied temperatures of any major city!! A wander and a chat and then back to St Kilda.
For the next three nights I had booked Mollie and I into a hotel on melbournes South Bank. I booked it for personal reasons but the more people I speak to the more of an attitude I get from others about the place!! Four years ago when Graham and I first visited Australia and did our own mini tour with Mollie a mere 8months old, Graham booked The Langham as a surprise for me because that's what he did. Surprises. Back then I remember just being gobsmacked at the place but also the look on Grahams face when we stopped there. We had such a fab time in the two nights we were there. We had lots of walks along the river, we watched the street entertainers with great delight and we had a lovely meal out together as the hotel has a baby sitting service. When I walked in to the hotel again it was like literally yesterday that we were there. Except it wasn't and so much has changed. It hurt as soon as I walked in the door. I did think that maybe this wasn't such a good idea. nevertheless, I checked in to discover that yet again - guess what? A free room upgrade. A grand river view room. Our room had a view of the pool area below, the Yarra river and the Melbourne skyline which I have many pictures of.
Mollie had been very excited about reaching the hotel. Not because Justin Beiber was here last month or because the Indian cricket team stayed during their latest test. Nope, it was because it had a pool!! My memories of the pool area were somewhat different to how I found it. I thought the pool was on the rooftop overlooking Melbourne but in fact it was on the 9th floor with sliding doors which open up and allow you to look out over the Melbourne CBD. There is a large outdoor seating area where you can sunbathe or just sit out and read. Far from peaceful with Flinders Street station in the background but again you can watch the world go by You can imagine where our first stop was anyway. So a quick dip and then changed to head out or a bite to eat. I had arranged with my cousins girlfriend, Karen and her sister Claire to meet up which we did. I completely failed to notice the time and we were actually heading out at 8pm. This wouldn't be a problem normally but with a four year old some of the resteraunts can get quite aggitated about having a child after 9pm. However we managed to find a place that we were in before called Leftbank. It had big comfy seats in a lounge area through the back of the main bar. It was lovely. So there we sat and chatted and ate and laughed until........11.15. Hmm maybe it was a bit later. I nursed a large glass of wine and a cocktail for three and a half hours. It wasn't a night for drinking, it was a night for laughing and talking and although I didn't realise it I actually needed it after arriving at The Langham. Mollie was still up and in good form at that time although funnily enough when I put her in bed and said I would be through to tuck her in in 5 she was already asleep. I headed to bed thinking surely social services would be tracking us down in the morning. Thankfully they weren't.
I was recently asked by someone quite close why I'm visiting places that hurt me so much and I don't know. I don't know if I'm looking for good memories or for Graham or even if it's just my way of saying goodbye. But it's nice to chat to Mollie about these places where her daddy was and how he fed her chocolate for breakfast on Easter Sunday at the Langham much to mums disapproval all those years ago. Or how I sat in the very same bar area after she woke up one night with a sore tummy. So, yes a very nice hotel but the memories from the place are worth way more.
Breakfast is a feast in itself at this place. They have every concievale item for breakfast - except porridge!! I made a comment about porridge or the lack of it to a young Portugese chef( I quite like porridge when I'm away) anyway he muttered something about not knowingvwhat it was and then 10 minutes later returned with a HUGE bowl of it. I had just eaten muesli and toast!!! The young waitress at the table started to laugh as she saw my dilemma. Refuse the bowl and hurt the guys feelings or eat it after already having eaten way more than I normally would for brekkie. So I ate it but didn't finish it. The next morning the waiter spotted us arriving and promptly arrived at my table with a bowl of porridge. Smaller than the previous days I hasten to add. Mollie spotted the chocolate fountain the first morning. There were bowls of strawberries, kiwi, marshmallow and other bits at the bottom. You could have anything cooked as well as Chinese or Japanese selection of noodles, rice, soup etc etc.you don't leave hungry from this breakfast that's for sure.
This part of the trip wasn't meant to be action packed. I just wanted to linger and take in where we were so we spent the days walking up the river, a bit of shopping, coffees out, swimming in the hotel pool and watching the street entertainers which Mollie loved. I saw a couple of good singers which I hope get a break at some point. There was the incredible irish escape artist with terrible jokes and the man on the unicycle who also had terrible jokes and that's how they earn their money?!!
So nothing exciting. Mollie did want to do the horse carriage round Melbourne so on the day we went to find them they weren't there so I have promised her a ride in the next few days. She still has gifts from people back home which will more than cover the trip.
My only wish for this part is to see Andy Murray at the Australian Open so watch this space. I'm on the case.
We are back in Cheltenham, Melbourne which is funnily enough where we first started our trip. We have seen and done loads since we were last here and also changed alot. I remember when I first arrived and hanging out the clothes looking at every cobweb and spider thinking 'are you poisonous?' but today it wasn't a thought at all.
He weather here for the last week since we arrived has been cool to say the least but tomorrow that hopefully changes. It's due to get to around 28 tomorrow. I gave had trousers on for the last few days. Looking forward to getting some shorts or a dress on tomorrow. This house has a pool so I know what Mollie will be doing.
I have had a few comments from people about reading this blog and I'm surprised with how many of you are following us. Thank you
I hope the mild weather continues with you guys and that there isn't even the hint of the 's' word.
X
I had booked a flight with Virgin Australia this time from Adelaide to Melbourne. I had had enough of JetStars antics and 20kg strict weight limit. So Virgin has a new customer. I was checked in on time, no stress; lots of lovely ladies at the desk, bags were fine, I was even asked if I wanted Mollies back pack / car seat checked in (no cost!!) The flight actually left early and arrived early at Melbourne yippee! As a result my cousin hadn't quite made it to meet us (I'm not one for big greetings in airports anyway!!) Anyway, Virgin flight was fab!
Mollie and I stayed with my cousin for the night in St Kilda, Melbourne. Mollie loves Greig and Karen his girlfriend. She thought this was ace and to be honest it gave me a bit of respite. Greig did offer if I wanted to go for a run round Albert Park (F1 circuit) in the morning then I could. Sadly towards the end of my stay at Janets I pulled some muscles in my back again so a run is out of the question but it's still on my to do list.
Saturday was Greigs last day off and as we were only there for the night we headed away as a group for the day. There is a lovely area in Victoria called Mornington Peninsula. Many Brits settle there. It has beaches, all amenities you could ask for, it's very green with lots of open spaces and it's also a short journey to Melbourne CBD if you want to head in for anything. So we headed there for a drive out. It was lovely and would have been even better had the sun shone. We sat at a picnic table, shivering trying to eat a picnic with around 20 seagulls watching our every move!! Its the only downfall with Melbourne, the weather. It can change so rapidly and can get very hot but also very cold. It must have one of the most varied temperatures of any major city!! A wander and a chat and then back to St Kilda.
For the next three nights I had booked Mollie and I into a hotel on melbournes South Bank. I booked it for personal reasons but the more people I speak to the more of an attitude I get from others about the place!! Four years ago when Graham and I first visited Australia and did our own mini tour with Mollie a mere 8months old, Graham booked The Langham as a surprise for me because that's what he did. Surprises. Back then I remember just being gobsmacked at the place but also the look on Grahams face when we stopped there. We had such a fab time in the two nights we were there. We had lots of walks along the river, we watched the street entertainers with great delight and we had a lovely meal out together as the hotel has a baby sitting service. When I walked in to the hotel again it was like literally yesterday that we were there. Except it wasn't and so much has changed. It hurt as soon as I walked in the door. I did think that maybe this wasn't such a good idea. nevertheless, I checked in to discover that yet again - guess what? A free room upgrade. A grand river view room. Our room had a view of the pool area below, the Yarra river and the Melbourne skyline which I have many pictures of.
Mollie had been very excited about reaching the hotel. Not because Justin Beiber was here last month or because the Indian cricket team stayed during their latest test. Nope, it was because it had a pool!! My memories of the pool area were somewhat different to how I found it. I thought the pool was on the rooftop overlooking Melbourne but in fact it was on the 9th floor with sliding doors which open up and allow you to look out over the Melbourne CBD. There is a large outdoor seating area where you can sunbathe or just sit out and read. Far from peaceful with Flinders Street station in the background but again you can watch the world go by You can imagine where our first stop was anyway. So a quick dip and then changed to head out or a bite to eat. I had arranged with my cousins girlfriend, Karen and her sister Claire to meet up which we did. I completely failed to notice the time and we were actually heading out at 8pm. This wouldn't be a problem normally but with a four year old some of the resteraunts can get quite aggitated about having a child after 9pm. However we managed to find a place that we were in before called Leftbank. It had big comfy seats in a lounge area through the back of the main bar. It was lovely. So there we sat and chatted and ate and laughed until........11.15. Hmm maybe it was a bit later. I nursed a large glass of wine and a cocktail for three and a half hours. It wasn't a night for drinking, it was a night for laughing and talking and although I didn't realise it I actually needed it after arriving at The Langham. Mollie was still up and in good form at that time although funnily enough when I put her in bed and said I would be through to tuck her in in 5 she was already asleep. I headed to bed thinking surely social services would be tracking us down in the morning. Thankfully they weren't.
I was recently asked by someone quite close why I'm visiting places that hurt me so much and I don't know. I don't know if I'm looking for good memories or for Graham or even if it's just my way of saying goodbye. But it's nice to chat to Mollie about these places where her daddy was and how he fed her chocolate for breakfast on Easter Sunday at the Langham much to mums disapproval all those years ago. Or how I sat in the very same bar area after she woke up one night with a sore tummy. So, yes a very nice hotel but the memories from the place are worth way more.
Breakfast is a feast in itself at this place. They have every concievale item for breakfast - except porridge!! I made a comment about porridge or the lack of it to a young Portugese chef( I quite like porridge when I'm away) anyway he muttered something about not knowingvwhat it was and then 10 minutes later returned with a HUGE bowl of it. I had just eaten muesli and toast!!! The young waitress at the table started to laugh as she saw my dilemma. Refuse the bowl and hurt the guys feelings or eat it after already having eaten way more than I normally would for brekkie. So I ate it but didn't finish it. The next morning the waiter spotted us arriving and promptly arrived at my table with a bowl of porridge. Smaller than the previous days I hasten to add. Mollie spotted the chocolate fountain the first morning. There were bowls of strawberries, kiwi, marshmallow and other bits at the bottom. You could have anything cooked as well as Chinese or Japanese selection of noodles, rice, soup etc etc.you don't leave hungry from this breakfast that's for sure.
This part of the trip wasn't meant to be action packed. I just wanted to linger and take in where we were so we spent the days walking up the river, a bit of shopping, coffees out, swimming in the hotel pool and watching the street entertainers which Mollie loved. I saw a couple of good singers which I hope get a break at some point. There was the incredible irish escape artist with terrible jokes and the man on the unicycle who also had terrible jokes and that's how they earn their money?!!
So nothing exciting. Mollie did want to do the horse carriage round Melbourne so on the day we went to find them they weren't there so I have promised her a ride in the next few days. She still has gifts from people back home which will more than cover the trip.
My only wish for this part is to see Andy Murray at the Australian Open so watch this space. I'm on the case.
We are back in Cheltenham, Melbourne which is funnily enough where we first started our trip. We have seen and done loads since we were last here and also changed alot. I remember when I first arrived and hanging out the clothes looking at every cobweb and spider thinking 'are you poisonous?' but today it wasn't a thought at all.
He weather here for the last week since we arrived has been cool to say the least but tomorrow that hopefully changes. It's due to get to around 28 tomorrow. I gave had trousers on for the last few days. Looking forward to getting some shorts or a dress on tomorrow. This house has a pool so I know what Mollie will be doing.
I have had a few comments from people about reading this blog and I'm surprised with how many of you are following us. Thank you
I hope the mild weather continues with you guys and that there isn't even the hint of the 's' word.
X
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Mypolonga Happy New Year x
New year
Happy New Year from a very hot, very dry Mypolonga, Murray Bridge.
Stunning That's how I would sum up our current destination. Mollie and I are staying with an old friend of mine from Balwearie, Janet and her husband in their gorgeous home an hour north of Adelaide. It is well off the beaten track, nothing else around them and is almost self sufficient. It is amazing.
Janet and Hans actually built it themselves and it is by no means finished but you can see what they are trying to achieve and they are doing it themselves.
About 2 years ago Janet and Hans were running there own Rose business. They were running it from their 20acre plot they had purchased in order to get the business going. However, as I'm discovering water is a major focal point out here. Us scots we like to discuss the weather. Aussies in south Adelaide like to discuss the water levels which is fair enough. Janet and Hans had been running the business for a few years when the government then changed their water allowance for the business. They had been running it on 20% but the government or water authorities were playing with their figures each year until finally 18 months ago they cut it to 7%, of what I don't know but it wasn't enough to run a Rose business!! so stress levels dictated that they gave up. Hans returned to uni to do studying in water management and works in a water recycling plant and Janet does Rose budding or grafting I think it's called. Anyway, the pair of them work blooming hard to achieve what they have here.
Mollie and I have thoroughly enjoyed touring round their garden (there are no roses now!) Janet grows; cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, pomegranates, peaches, onions, garlic, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, figs and countless other things that I can't remember. Mollie loves going into the garden and picking things with Janet's two girls Amber and Isla. Then they see it before them on the table that day.
Mollie has thoroughly enjoyed playing with the two girls and I'm glad we made this stop. She has had the chance to have fun instead of being dragged round the country with me. It has taken a bit of the pressure off of myself a bit too.
So what have we been up to? Well the weather does dictate what you can and can't do sadly. When we first arrived the temperatures were lovely. High 20s during the day and clear skies at night so the heat disappeared. However this didn't last long and since Hogmanay we have had 40+ degrees which is not nice. It's too hot outside by mid morning. The best part of the day is first thing in the morning and then by 11am it is way too hot to do anything though the girls have been jumping in and out of the pool in the garden. By 3pm the heat has drained the girls (and us) and so it really is time to sit and do very little. Either DVD or craft stuff. Everyone gets pretty cranky when it heats up. One day we experienced not only the heat from the sun but a hairdryer effect wind too! That was bad. Every time I walked out the door to see to the chucks or help with washing it was like opening the door to a hairdryer blowing in.
We have travelled to a couple of places around the area including Murray Bridge which is the equivalent to Elgin (on a much smaller scale though!) The other big thing in this area is the Murray River which has loads of activity in/on it. Janet took us there for a day last week when the temperatures were just beginning to lift. It gave the girls a chance to jump in and out of it. Whilst there we saw loads of activities; jet skies, boats, water skiing, wake boarding, big inflatable things! Lots of families had made it a day trip bringing down BBQs tables and chairs! Brill.
Hogmanay was a worry for a wee while as I wasn't sure if we would make the bells as with the heat and using so much energy in the heat it fairly pants you! However we did make it and Hans, Janet and myself sat and talked into the night only to hear the fireworks going off in the distance which indicated a new year had started - for Australia at least. It was quite weird to be one of the first to be starting the year. Normally I'm at home watching the Aussie celebrations on the tv. Not this year though! Not quite at Sydney harbour though but nevertheless equally as good if not better. Good wine, good company. Bliss. Hans did state his own new years resolutions and so did Janet. I was asked and said I don't normally make them but on this occasion I will settle for just looking forward - not back.
Today, Tuesday 3rd we headed to a place called Mannum which is further down the river. The girls had a fab time playing in the play park, playing with the bubble wands that we bought them and gymnastics stuff which is my input lol. Lots of cartwheels, handstands and round offs. Three happy girls. Mollies cartwheels have improved no end! When we got back in the car I read 42degrees on the car dashboard. Ouch!!
This evening Hans took Mollie and I about 15mins further inland to a vast open bushland area where we saw kangaroos in the wild. Yayyyyyy! First a couple jumped across our path and then we saw around three poking their heads up in the long grass before we spotted one under the tree. He watched us for ages before hopping off. Mollie was delighted.
This part of our trip has been inspirational as well as a chance to take stock. I have enjoyed many a night chatting outside with Janet and Hans (witha nice glass of Marlborough) talking well into the night. Have I watched any television in the week we have been here? Nope. Not one bit. Mollie has eaten all of her food including the fruit and veg on her plate. At least half of it has come from the garden which I suspect has helped. We have also enjoyed many a day out and about in the area whilst the girls play, run and laugh. When it was too hot yesterday we headed to the tenpin bowling place at Murray Bridge which was ace. Guess who won? Not me! Mollie won. Seriously! She was delighted. There is one downside to living in the country in this area and it is of course those things with 8 legs. Believe it or not the main one in this area which is dangerous butnyou nevr see is the red back. However, as I said you never see it but you do see other kinds. Big hairy ones which look way more frightening than they are and millipedes and earwigs. I can handle them. But the things with 8 legs - never. Janet is getting used to my screams!
I'm not sure there is anything else I can say about this part of our trip. It has been fantastic to catch up with Janet. In some ways she hasn't changed a bit but in others she has changed so much. I am in awe of what she and Hans have got here and so glad we have had a chance to be part of it. There isn't one night I have not fallen in to my bed and gone to sleep within minutes of hitting it. That's why it has taken me so long to get this bit written lol.
I have already booked our flights on for the next part of our journey. On Friday 6th catch a plane back to Melbourne. I'm hoping to get tickets for the Australian open whilst we are there. Oooooh Andy Murray watch out. I just might be there with the old face paint on. Or then again I just might be there cheering him on! That would be good. Right, I'm exhausted. You know where I'm off to!
Happy New Year from a very hot, very dry Mypolonga, Murray Bridge.
Stunning That's how I would sum up our current destination. Mollie and I are staying with an old friend of mine from Balwearie, Janet and her husband in their gorgeous home an hour north of Adelaide. It is well off the beaten track, nothing else around them and is almost self sufficient. It is amazing.
Janet and Hans actually built it themselves and it is by no means finished but you can see what they are trying to achieve and they are doing it themselves.
About 2 years ago Janet and Hans were running there own Rose business. They were running it from their 20acre plot they had purchased in order to get the business going. However, as I'm discovering water is a major focal point out here. Us scots we like to discuss the weather. Aussies in south Adelaide like to discuss the water levels which is fair enough. Janet and Hans had been running the business for a few years when the government then changed their water allowance for the business. They had been running it on 20% but the government or water authorities were playing with their figures each year until finally 18 months ago they cut it to 7%, of what I don't know but it wasn't enough to run a Rose business!! so stress levels dictated that they gave up. Hans returned to uni to do studying in water management and works in a water recycling plant and Janet does Rose budding or grafting I think it's called. Anyway, the pair of them work blooming hard to achieve what they have here.
Mollie and I have thoroughly enjoyed touring round their garden (there are no roses now!) Janet grows; cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, pomegranates, peaches, onions, garlic, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, figs and countless other things that I can't remember. Mollie loves going into the garden and picking things with Janet's two girls Amber and Isla. Then they see it before them on the table that day.
Mollie has thoroughly enjoyed playing with the two girls and I'm glad we made this stop. She has had the chance to have fun instead of being dragged round the country with me. It has taken a bit of the pressure off of myself a bit too.
So what have we been up to? Well the weather does dictate what you can and can't do sadly. When we first arrived the temperatures were lovely. High 20s during the day and clear skies at night so the heat disappeared. However this didn't last long and since Hogmanay we have had 40+ degrees which is not nice. It's too hot outside by mid morning. The best part of the day is first thing in the morning and then by 11am it is way too hot to do anything though the girls have been jumping in and out of the pool in the garden. By 3pm the heat has drained the girls (and us) and so it really is time to sit and do very little. Either DVD or craft stuff. Everyone gets pretty cranky when it heats up. One day we experienced not only the heat from the sun but a hairdryer effect wind too! That was bad. Every time I walked out the door to see to the chucks or help with washing it was like opening the door to a hairdryer blowing in.
We have travelled to a couple of places around the area including Murray Bridge which is the equivalent to Elgin (on a much smaller scale though!) The other big thing in this area is the Murray River which has loads of activity in/on it. Janet took us there for a day last week when the temperatures were just beginning to lift. It gave the girls a chance to jump in and out of it. Whilst there we saw loads of activities; jet skies, boats, water skiing, wake boarding, big inflatable things! Lots of families had made it a day trip bringing down BBQs tables and chairs! Brill.
Hogmanay was a worry for a wee while as I wasn't sure if we would make the bells as with the heat and using so much energy in the heat it fairly pants you! However we did make it and Hans, Janet and myself sat and talked into the night only to hear the fireworks going off in the distance which indicated a new year had started - for Australia at least. It was quite weird to be one of the first to be starting the year. Normally I'm at home watching the Aussie celebrations on the tv. Not this year though! Not quite at Sydney harbour though but nevertheless equally as good if not better. Good wine, good company. Bliss. Hans did state his own new years resolutions and so did Janet. I was asked and said I don't normally make them but on this occasion I will settle for just looking forward - not back.
Today, Tuesday 3rd we headed to a place called Mannum which is further down the river. The girls had a fab time playing in the play park, playing with the bubble wands that we bought them and gymnastics stuff which is my input lol. Lots of cartwheels, handstands and round offs. Three happy girls. Mollies cartwheels have improved no end! When we got back in the car I read 42degrees on the car dashboard. Ouch!!
This evening Hans took Mollie and I about 15mins further inland to a vast open bushland area where we saw kangaroos in the wild. Yayyyyyy! First a couple jumped across our path and then we saw around three poking their heads up in the long grass before we spotted one under the tree. He watched us for ages before hopping off. Mollie was delighted.
This part of our trip has been inspirational as well as a chance to take stock. I have enjoyed many a night chatting outside with Janet and Hans (witha nice glass of Marlborough) talking well into the night. Have I watched any television in the week we have been here? Nope. Not one bit. Mollie has eaten all of her food including the fruit and veg on her plate. At least half of it has come from the garden which I suspect has helped. We have also enjoyed many a day out and about in the area whilst the girls play, run and laugh. When it was too hot yesterday we headed to the tenpin bowling place at Murray Bridge which was ace. Guess who won? Not me! Mollie won. Seriously! She was delighted. There is one downside to living in the country in this area and it is of course those things with 8 legs. Believe it or not the main one in this area which is dangerous butnyou nevr see is the red back. However, as I said you never see it but you do see other kinds. Big hairy ones which look way more frightening than they are and millipedes and earwigs. I can handle them. But the things with 8 legs - never. Janet is getting used to my screams!
I'm not sure there is anything else I can say about this part of our trip. It has been fantastic to catch up with Janet. In some ways she hasn't changed a bit but in others she has changed so much. I am in awe of what she and Hans have got here and so glad we have had a chance to be part of it. There isn't one night I have not fallen in to my bed and gone to sleep within minutes of hitting it. That's why it has taken me so long to get this bit written lol.
I have already booked our flights on for the next part of our journey. On Friday 6th catch a plane back to Melbourne. I'm hoping to get tickets for the Australian open whilst we are there. Oooooh Andy Murray watch out. I just might be there with the old face paint on. Or then again I just might be there cheering him on! That would be good. Right, I'm exhausted. You know where I'm off to!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Christmas
Christmas
Where were we? Oh yes. Remember that little thing about catching a plane to Adelaide? Well we nearly never made it! it's probably the only time I have been stressed as such on this whole trip so far.
Despite being up in plenty of time, making it to the airport initially with plenty of time I was still borderline for making the plane. A quick explanation. Car hire drop off point was a pain to find. Brisbane airport is undergoing major revamp, no doubt in time for some games or other they have just been awarded!!!! Then I realised tank wasn't full so a U turn to find the nearest garage. BIG mistake. It was 10 mins away. Right back to the car hire, dropped the car off, loaded myself with three bags (I have acquired another bag since Surfers!) a buggy a 4 year old and a shoulder bag. Then Mollie proceeds to cry. No, not cry - howl! Says she wants carried!!!!! It is 5.40 am, we have been up since 3am and check in closes in 5 minutes!!!! I really didn't need it. I did think of lying on the ground and joining in but we would defo have missed our flight so I decided against it. Quick flutter of eyelashes to man behind car hire desk and we are sorted. He is carrying a bag, I have Mollie on a hip and I'm heading for check in. The old man directing people to check in desks who looks a bit like mr Burns in the Simpsons scowls at me when I say I'm on the Adelaide flight. We made it just. There was a man just behind me giving abuse to 'Mr Burns' That could have been me. It was like a scene from that Airport programme! Anyway, we made it and 3 and a half hours later we are landing in a very sunny Adelaide.
Over the next few days we decorate my aunts Christmas trees which mollie thoroughly enjoys, we visit various coffee establishment to try the local brand of coffee. All are good! I try and fit some Christmas shopping in. My aunt drops me at a shopping mall called Westfield which is open till midnight on Thursday before Christmas and open ALL NIGHT the Friday before Christmas!!!!! Eh?! I am there on the Wednesday which is only open til 9pm though and it is already 7pm. I then have a full 2 hours of child free shopping. I last one hour. Forget it. I can't find anything and it is very warm. I get a taxi back to the house. Never mind my aunt assures me that Rundle Mall will have everything and she should be able to arrange that for me by the end of the week. Cool. I'm waiting on a parcel arriving from the UK so even if it doesn't arrive I still have time to nip to the big toys r us in Rundle Mall to get the much sought after Sylvanian Family stuff that were nearly the only thing on Mollies Christmas list.
The parcel doesn't arrive and I find myself jumping on a tram on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm in 27 degrees to go in to Adelaide CBD to get the much wanted Sylvanian family stuff. Stress! The Toys R Us is closing down and it's chaos inside. I walk in and promptly walk out - it's way too nice to be doing Christmas shopping!!! Focus! I do eventually find some in a huge department store and I'm able to sort Mollie and other family members out. Good! Coffee then tram home. As I was going round the shops I could almost see people foaming at the mouth whilst shopping inside. And it was getting warmer. Does it feel like Christmas with all the decorations and Christmas music? Nope and I would have to be here a VERY long time before it ever did. When you are brought up with cold Christmases, that's how it is!! It does feel mighty weird - but I'm not complaining.
Saturday reaches 39 degrees which as I quickly discover is not good for doing much. Mollie starts to whine and get really tired so she is inside the cool lounge on the settee with a DVD and I try and brave it outside with my aunt but it is so warm that seats and tables become too hot to sit on or touch. Eeeeek! It could be too hot for Christmas. Anyway, what do Aussies do when it's too hot? Head for the beach. My cousin Greig arrived mid afternoon and so he took us down. It was fab. The beach was soooo busy and there were so many people swimming. Lush
Christmas day; I can't believe it is here and we are spending it in Australia. Santa has been and found Mollie!! Tony (family friend) had arranged for santa to deliver a letter to mollie in australia saying he knew where she was and that she was at the top of his nice list as she has behaved so well. She was delighted at this letter. She has asked me to read it a few times. We both had a lovely time with family. Mollie knows we are travelling and she understands that money is going on other things at the moment but I do wish I could have given her more on Christmas morning. She did really well though. A couple of dresses, lots of girly pretty things, a mini laptop oh and of course the Sylvanian Family stuff which lit her face up no end on Christmas morning. Well worth the stress.
After breakfast the routine is (as long as it's dry & warm) down to the beach for a swim so off we went. On Christmas morning we were on Glenelg beach swimming and the water was warm. Mollie had great fun with my cousin Greig jumping the waves and crashing into them by clinging on to his back. It was so nice to do and to see so many other people doing it too. There were many families coming down to the beach set for the day. Santa must have been busy on the cricket front as there were loads of sets being played by the young and old.
Back to my aunts for Christmas dinner which was a typical christmas dinner (except for the prawns on the barbie) with my cousin, his girlfriend and her family who are all out at the moment. It was a fab day and Mollie had loads of people to keep her entertained. I gave Mollie a dress as part of her pressy. It was white with red cherries over it and she decided to wear it for the day. She looked lovely. Very grown up. She is changing so fast.
Sadly Greig and Karen had to leave on Boxing Day so we waved them off (with a bag and buggy of mine) before heading out to a place called Henley for coffee. A very up and coming area. Beach of course! But it has a French Connection, Nine West and a couple of Australian designer shops. I managed to squeeze a run in later on in the day which felt good up until the return journey back to the house and the heat suddenly hit me. It must have still been around 24 degrees. Hmm lovely to walk in but blooming hard to run in. But nevertheless, a big part of the feel good factor.
My aunt is heading to Melbourne for New Year to see Greig and Karen so on the 27th Mollie and I are heading on again. We have had a very relaxing time in Somerton Park and I'm thrilled that we were able to spend Christmas with family. It makes a big difference. But time to hit the road again. though we get lots of down time in between it is very tiring unpacking and repacking a bag or two. I have tried to off load a few things and I have successfully but I seem to have acquired more!!
Next destination couldn't be more different to Glenelg. Mollie and I are heading to a place called Mypolonga out by Murray Bridge. It's rural so can expect to be at least 2degrees hotter than Adelaide. Oh boy.
Where were we? Oh yes. Remember that little thing about catching a plane to Adelaide? Well we nearly never made it! it's probably the only time I have been stressed as such on this whole trip so far.
Despite being up in plenty of time, making it to the airport initially with plenty of time I was still borderline for making the plane. A quick explanation. Car hire drop off point was a pain to find. Brisbane airport is undergoing major revamp, no doubt in time for some games or other they have just been awarded!!!! Then I realised tank wasn't full so a U turn to find the nearest garage. BIG mistake. It was 10 mins away. Right back to the car hire, dropped the car off, loaded myself with three bags (I have acquired another bag since Surfers!) a buggy a 4 year old and a shoulder bag. Then Mollie proceeds to cry. No, not cry - howl! Says she wants carried!!!!! It is 5.40 am, we have been up since 3am and check in closes in 5 minutes!!!! I really didn't need it. I did think of lying on the ground and joining in but we would defo have missed our flight so I decided against it. Quick flutter of eyelashes to man behind car hire desk and we are sorted. He is carrying a bag, I have Mollie on a hip and I'm heading for check in. The old man directing people to check in desks who looks a bit like mr Burns in the Simpsons scowls at me when I say I'm on the Adelaide flight. We made it just. There was a man just behind me giving abuse to 'Mr Burns' That could have been me. It was like a scene from that Airport programme! Anyway, we made it and 3 and a half hours later we are landing in a very sunny Adelaide.
Over the next few days we decorate my aunts Christmas trees which mollie thoroughly enjoys, we visit various coffee establishment to try the local brand of coffee. All are good! I try and fit some Christmas shopping in. My aunt drops me at a shopping mall called Westfield which is open till midnight on Thursday before Christmas and open ALL NIGHT the Friday before Christmas!!!!! Eh?! I am there on the Wednesday which is only open til 9pm though and it is already 7pm. I then have a full 2 hours of child free shopping. I last one hour. Forget it. I can't find anything and it is very warm. I get a taxi back to the house. Never mind my aunt assures me that Rundle Mall will have everything and she should be able to arrange that for me by the end of the week. Cool. I'm waiting on a parcel arriving from the UK so even if it doesn't arrive I still have time to nip to the big toys r us in Rundle Mall to get the much sought after Sylvanian Family stuff that were nearly the only thing on Mollies Christmas list.
The parcel doesn't arrive and I find myself jumping on a tram on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm in 27 degrees to go in to Adelaide CBD to get the much wanted Sylvanian family stuff. Stress! The Toys R Us is closing down and it's chaos inside. I walk in and promptly walk out - it's way too nice to be doing Christmas shopping!!! Focus! I do eventually find some in a huge department store and I'm able to sort Mollie and other family members out. Good! Coffee then tram home. As I was going round the shops I could almost see people foaming at the mouth whilst shopping inside. And it was getting warmer. Does it feel like Christmas with all the decorations and Christmas music? Nope and I would have to be here a VERY long time before it ever did. When you are brought up with cold Christmases, that's how it is!! It does feel mighty weird - but I'm not complaining.
Saturday reaches 39 degrees which as I quickly discover is not good for doing much. Mollie starts to whine and get really tired so she is inside the cool lounge on the settee with a DVD and I try and brave it outside with my aunt but it is so warm that seats and tables become too hot to sit on or touch. Eeeeek! It could be too hot for Christmas. Anyway, what do Aussies do when it's too hot? Head for the beach. My cousin Greig arrived mid afternoon and so he took us down. It was fab. The beach was soooo busy and there were so many people swimming. Lush
Christmas day; I can't believe it is here and we are spending it in Australia. Santa has been and found Mollie!! Tony (family friend) had arranged for santa to deliver a letter to mollie in australia saying he knew where she was and that she was at the top of his nice list as she has behaved so well. She was delighted at this letter. She has asked me to read it a few times. We both had a lovely time with family. Mollie knows we are travelling and she understands that money is going on other things at the moment but I do wish I could have given her more on Christmas morning. She did really well though. A couple of dresses, lots of girly pretty things, a mini laptop oh and of course the Sylvanian Family stuff which lit her face up no end on Christmas morning. Well worth the stress.
After breakfast the routine is (as long as it's dry & warm) down to the beach for a swim so off we went. On Christmas morning we were on Glenelg beach swimming and the water was warm. Mollie had great fun with my cousin Greig jumping the waves and crashing into them by clinging on to his back. It was so nice to do and to see so many other people doing it too. There were many families coming down to the beach set for the day. Santa must have been busy on the cricket front as there were loads of sets being played by the young and old.
Back to my aunts for Christmas dinner which was a typical christmas dinner (except for the prawns on the barbie) with my cousin, his girlfriend and her family who are all out at the moment. It was a fab day and Mollie had loads of people to keep her entertained. I gave Mollie a dress as part of her pressy. It was white with red cherries over it and she decided to wear it for the day. She looked lovely. Very grown up. She is changing so fast.
Sadly Greig and Karen had to leave on Boxing Day so we waved them off (with a bag and buggy of mine) before heading out to a place called Henley for coffee. A very up and coming area. Beach of course! But it has a French Connection, Nine West and a couple of Australian designer shops. I managed to squeeze a run in later on in the day which felt good up until the return journey back to the house and the heat suddenly hit me. It must have still been around 24 degrees. Hmm lovely to walk in but blooming hard to run in. But nevertheless, a big part of the feel good factor.
My aunt is heading to Melbourne for New Year to see Greig and Karen so on the 27th Mollie and I are heading on again. We have had a very relaxing time in Somerton Park and I'm thrilled that we were able to spend Christmas with family. It makes a big difference. But time to hit the road again. though we get lots of down time in between it is very tiring unpacking and repacking a bag or two. I have tried to off load a few things and I have successfully but I seem to have acquired more!!
Next destination couldn't be more different to Glenelg. Mollie and I are heading to a place called Mypolonga out by Murray Bridge. It's rural so can expect to be at least 2degrees hotter than Adelaide. Oh boy.
Christmas
Christmas
Where were we? Oh yes. Remember that little thing about catching a plane to Adelaide? Well we nearly never made it! it's probably the only time I have been stressed as such on this whole trip so far.
Despite being up in plenty of time, making it to the airport initially with plenty of time I was still borderline for making the plane. A quick explanation. Car hire drop off point was a pain to find. Brisbane airport is undergoing major revamp, no doubt in time for some games or other they have just been awarded!!!! Then I realised tank wasn't full so a U turn to find the nearest garage. BIG mistake. It was 10 mins away. Right back to the car hire, dropped the car off, loaded myself with three bags (I have acquired another bag since Surfers!) a buggy a 4 year old and a shoulder bag. Then Mollie proceeds to cry. No, not cry - howl! Says she wants carried!!!!! It is 5.40 am, we have been up since 3am and check in closes in 5 minutes!!!! I really didn't need it. I did think of lying on the ground and joining in but we would defo have missed our flight so I decided against it. Quick flutter of eyelashes to man behind car hire desk and we are sorted. He is carrying a bag, I have Mollie on a hip and I'm heading for check in. The old man directing people to check in desks who looks a bit like mr Burns in the Simpsons scowls at me when I say I'm on the Adelaide flight. We made it just. There was a man just behind me giving abuse to 'Mr Burns' That could have been me. It was like a scene from that Airport programme! Anyway, we made it and 3 and a half hours later we are landing in a very sunny Adelaide.
Over the next few days we decorate my aunts Christmas trees which mollie thoroughly enjoys, we visit various coffee establishment to try the local brand of coffee. All are good! I try and fit some Christmas shopping in. My aunt drops me at a shopping mall called Westfield which is open till midnight on Thursday before Christmas and open ALL NIGHT the Friday before Christmas!!!!! Eh?! I am there on the Wednesday which is only open til 9pm though and it is already 7pm. I then have a full 2 hours of child free shopping. I last one hour. Forget it. I can't find anything and it is very warm. I get a taxi back to the house. Never mind my aunt assures me that Rundle Mall will have everything and she should be able to arrange that for me by the end of the week. Cool. I'm waiting on a parcel arriving from the UK so even if it doesn't arrive I still have time to nip to the big toys r us in Rundle Mall to get the much sought after Sylvanian Family stuff that were nearly the only thing on Mollies Christmas list.
The parcel doesn't arrive and I find myself jumping on a tram on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm in 27 degrees to go in to Adelaide CBD to get the much wanted Sylvanian family stuff. Stress! The Toys R Us is closing down and it's chaos inside. I walk in and promptly walk out - it's way too nice to be doing Christmas shopping!!! Focus! I do eventually find some in a huge department store and I'm able to sort Mollie and other family members out. Good! Coffee then tram home. As I was going round the shops I could almost see people foaming at the mouth whilst shopping inside. And it was getting warmer. Does it feel like Christmas with all the decorations and Christmas music? Nope and I would have to be here a VERY long time before it ever did. When you are brought up with cold Christmases, that's how it is!! It does feel mighty weird - but I'm not complaining.
Saturday reaches 39 degrees which as I quickly discover is not good for doing much. Mollie starts to whine and get really tired so she is inside the cool lounge on the settee with a DVD and I try and brave it outside with my aunt but it is so warm that seats and tables become too hot to sit on or touch. Eeeeek! It could be too hot for Christmas. Anyway, what do Aussies do when it's too hot? Head for the beach. My cousin Greig arrived mid afternoon and so he took us down. It was fab. The beach was soooo busy and there were so many people swimming. Lush
Christmas day; I can't believe it is here and we are spending it in Australia. Santa has been and found Mollie!! Tony (family friend) had arranged for santa to deliver a letter to mollie in australia saying he knew where she was and that she was at the top of his nice list as she has behaved so well. She was delighted at this letter. She has asked me to read it a few times. We both had a lovely time with family. Mollie knows we are travelling and she understands that money is going on other things at the moment but I do wish I could have given her more on Christmas morning. She did really well though. A couple of dresses, lots of girly pretty things, a mini laptop oh and of course the Sylvanian Family stuff which lit her face up no end on Christmas morning. Well worth the stress.
After breakfast the routine is (as long as it's dry & warm) down to the beach for a swim so off we went. On Christmas morning we were on Glenelg beach swimming and the water was warm. Mollie had great fun with my cousin Greig jumping the waves and crashing into them by clinging on to his back. It was so nice to do and to see so many other people doing it too. There were many families coming down to the beach set for the day. Santa must have been busy on the cricket front as there were loads of sets being played by the young and old.
Back to my aunts for Christmas dinner which was a typical christmas dinner (except for the prawns on the barbie) with my cousin, his girlfriend and her family who are all out at the moment. It was a fab day and Mollie had loads of people to keep her entertained. I gave Mollie a dress as part of her pressy. It was white with red cherries over it and she decided to wear it for the day. She looked lovely. Very grown up. She is changing so fast.
Sadly Greig and Karen had to leave on Boxing Day so we waved them off (with a bag and buggy of mine) before heading out to a place called Henley for coffee. A very up and coming area. Beach of course! But it has a French Connection, Nine West and a couple of Australian designer shops. I managed to squeeze a run in later on in the day which felt good up until the return journey back to the house and the heat suddenly hit me. It must have still been around 24 degrees. Hmm lovely to walk in but blooming hard to run in. But nevertheless, a big part of the feel good factor.
My aunt is heading to Melbourne for New Year to see Greig and Karen so on the 27th Mollie and I are heading on again. We have had a very relaxing time in Somerton Park and I'm thrilled that we were able to spend Christmas with family. It makes a big difference. But time to hit the road again. though we get lots of down time in between it is very tiring unpacking and repacking a bag or two. I have tried to off load a few things and I have successfully but I seem to have acquired more!!
Next destination couldn't be more different to Glenelg. Mollie and I are heading to a place called Mypolonga out by Murray Bridge. It's rural so can expect to be at least 2degrees hotter than Adelaide. Oh boy.
Where were we? Oh yes. Remember that little thing about catching a plane to Adelaide? Well we nearly never made it! it's probably the only time I have been stressed as such on this whole trip so far.
Despite being up in plenty of time, making it to the airport initially with plenty of time I was still borderline for making the plane. A quick explanation. Car hire drop off point was a pain to find. Brisbane airport is undergoing major revamp, no doubt in time for some games or other they have just been awarded!!!! Then I realised tank wasn't full so a U turn to find the nearest garage. BIG mistake. It was 10 mins away. Right back to the car hire, dropped the car off, loaded myself with three bags (I have acquired another bag since Surfers!) a buggy a 4 year old and a shoulder bag. Then Mollie proceeds to cry. No, not cry - howl! Says she wants carried!!!!! It is 5.40 am, we have been up since 3am and check in closes in 5 minutes!!!! I really didn't need it. I did think of lying on the ground and joining in but we would defo have missed our flight so I decided against it. Quick flutter of eyelashes to man behind car hire desk and we are sorted. He is carrying a bag, I have Mollie on a hip and I'm heading for check in. The old man directing people to check in desks who looks a bit like mr Burns in the Simpsons scowls at me when I say I'm on the Adelaide flight. We made it just. There was a man just behind me giving abuse to 'Mr Burns' That could have been me. It was like a scene from that Airport programme! Anyway, we made it and 3 and a half hours later we are landing in a very sunny Adelaide.
Over the next few days we decorate my aunts Christmas trees which mollie thoroughly enjoys, we visit various coffee establishment to try the local brand of coffee. All are good! I try and fit some Christmas shopping in. My aunt drops me at a shopping mall called Westfield which is open till midnight on Thursday before Christmas and open ALL NIGHT the Friday before Christmas!!!!! Eh?! I am there on the Wednesday which is only open til 9pm though and it is already 7pm. I then have a full 2 hours of child free shopping. I last one hour. Forget it. I can't find anything and it is very warm. I get a taxi back to the house. Never mind my aunt assures me that Rundle Mall will have everything and she should be able to arrange that for me by the end of the week. Cool. I'm waiting on a parcel arriving from the UK so even if it doesn't arrive I still have time to nip to the big toys r us in Rundle Mall to get the much sought after Sylvanian Family stuff that were nearly the only thing on Mollies Christmas list.
The parcel doesn't arrive and I find myself jumping on a tram on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm in 27 degrees to go in to Adelaide CBD to get the much wanted Sylvanian family stuff. Stress! The Toys R Us is closing down and it's chaos inside. I walk in and promptly walk out - it's way too nice to be doing Christmas shopping!!! Focus! I do eventually find some in a huge department store and I'm able to sort Mollie and other family members out. Good! Coffee then tram home. As I was going round the shops I could almost see people foaming at the mouth whilst shopping inside. And it was getting warmer. Does it feel like Christmas with all the decorations and Christmas music? Nope and I would have to be here a VERY long time before it ever did. When you are brought up with cold Christmases, that's how it is!! It does feel mighty weird - but I'm not complaining.
Saturday reaches 39 degrees which as I quickly discover is not good for doing much. Mollie starts to whine and get really tired so she is inside the cool lounge on the settee with a DVD and I try and brave it outside with my aunt but it is so warm that seats and tables become too hot to sit on or touch. Eeeeek! It could be too hot for Christmas. Anyway, what do Aussies do when it's too hot? Head for the beach. My cousin Greig arrived mid afternoon and so he took us down. It was fab. The beach was soooo busy and there were so many people swimming. Lush
Christmas day; I can't believe it is here and we are spending it in Australia. Santa has been and found Mollie!! Tony (family friend) had arranged for santa to deliver a letter to mollie in australia saying he knew where she was and that she was at the top of his nice list as she has behaved so well. She was delighted at this letter. She has asked me to read it a few times. We both had a lovely time with family. Mollie knows we are travelling and she understands that money is going on other things at the moment but I do wish I could have given her more on Christmas morning. She did really well though. A couple of dresses, lots of girly pretty things, a mini laptop oh and of course the Sylvanian Family stuff which lit her face up no end on Christmas morning. Well worth the stress.
After breakfast the routine is (as long as it's dry & warm) down to the beach for a swim so off we went. On Christmas morning we were on Glenelg beach swimming and the water was warm. Mollie had great fun with my cousin Greig jumping the waves and crashing into them by clinging on to his back. It was so nice to do and to see so many other people doing it too. There were many families coming down to the beach set for the day. Santa must have been busy on the cricket front as there were loads of sets being played by the young and old.
Back to my aunts for Christmas dinner which was a typical christmas dinner (except for the prawns on the barbie) with my cousin, his girlfriend and her family who are all out at the moment. It was a fab day and Mollie had loads of people to keep her entertained. I gave Mollie a dress as part of her pressy. It was white with red cherries over it and she decided to wear it for the day. She looked lovely. Very grown up. She is changing so fast.
Sadly Greig and Karen had to leave on Boxing Day so we waved them off (with a bag and buggy of mine) before heading out to a place called Henley for coffee. A very up and coming area. Beach of course! But it has a French Connection, Nine West and a couple of Australian designer shops. I managed to squeeze a run in later on in the day which felt good up until the return journey back to the house and the heat suddenly hit me. It must have still been around 24 degrees. Hmm lovely to walk in but blooming hard to run in. But nevertheless, a big part of the feel good factor.
My aunt is heading to Melbourne for New Year to see Greig and Karen so on the 27th Mollie and I are heading on again. We have had a very relaxing time in Somerton Park and I'm thrilled that we were able to spend Christmas with family. It makes a big difference. But time to hit the road again. though we get lots of down time in between it is very tiring unpacking and repacking a bag or two. I have tried to off load a few things and I have successfully but I seem to have acquired more!!
Next destination couldn't be more different to Glenelg. Mollie and I are heading to a place called Mypolonga out by Murray Bridge. It's rural so can expect to be at least 2degrees hotter than Adelaide. Oh boy.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
No Armbands Required - EVER!
I wrote this a few days ago whilst Mollie and I were in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise but only now getting a chance to post it.
I just had to write today because it was one of those magical days that I don't want to forget but funnily enough also at the same point we normally are when I write - the bags are packed and we are ready to move on again :-(
On Wednesday we packed up and headed to Cleveland which is just outside of Brisbane to pick up a hire car. I booked a category C car which would be a Hyundai something or other but when I arrived I was given a category F car! A purple, Ford Falcon, 2 litres, dark purple with a wing on the back! Great! Just what I need for heading down to Surfers Paradise.
(In all fairness I'm not doing too badly with all of these upgrades)
I had decided to return to Montego Sands which we just loved before. I made the right decision. The days have been filled with a bit of Christmas shopping (my first Christmas shopping experience this year and it was relatively painless) walks along the beach, a trip to Sea World which was thanks to many friends who gave us gifts before we left. We also had lots of time playing in the many parks along the beach area and having fun.
Today we were meant to pack up and head to the airport but Brian our charming and kind manager told me about the Christmas concert being held tonight down at the park. There was to be singing, face painting and and fireworks. It was the face painting that swung it so quick call to car hire company and and we were sorted for another night. I am so glad we did.
We started off at the beach this morning but it was too windy and the sand was getting everywhere so back to the motel. Mollie was in the pool like a shot. She started out with one armband but quickly found the confidence again to throw it to the side. For the last wee while she has been doing 5 or 6 strokes and then stopping. Today was the day that she didn't stop. She started at one end of the pool and didn't stop until she reached the other. Yippeeeeeeee. I don't think my heart could have gotten any bigger. She is thrilled with herself today and I am delighted for her and so so proud. I suspect had we been at home I wouldn't have seen this for probably another year, maybe more. She has been so determined and any opportunity she has had whether it was the sea or pool Mollie has been in it trying to swim. She is now like a wee fish and there will be no stopping her. By the end of the afternoon she was jumping in and swimming to the end of the pool. That's my girl :-)
The Christmas concert down at Kurrawa Surf Club yesterday was amazing. There was sooo much going on and it was all free. Mollie had her face painted as a butterfly, there was a clown wandering around cracking jokes and doing balloon shapes and the concert was magic. There were also girls from the local gymnastics club performing in a steel ring suspended about 9 feet off the ground. We didn't make the fireworks as sadly they were running late and by 8.30pm they still hadn't commenced and I still had a room to pack up and of course get to bed for the drive up to the airport tomorrow morning *groan* But staying here for another night has all been worth it. Fantastic hosts and new friends, a fab few days by the beach and of course that all important swimming achievement which I will forever remember and will be able to tell her in future years where exactly she learnt to swim :-)
This has been another area that I am sooo sad to leave BUT I definitely couldn't afford to live here - I checked lol! Apartments here go for anything from $600'000 upwards. Most of them are in the $1m range. Not on a teachers wage anyway!
I need my beauty sleep if we are to catch this plane tomorrow. Next stop, Adelaide. Oh and Christmas in the sun! How weird will that be? Hmm I wonder how that snow in the UK is doing lol
x
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Macleay Island
Macleay Island
Well, it's that time again. The bags are packed (sort of) the house has been cleaned and we are ready for the off again. We are off tomorrow morning on the 11.15 boat and we will be very sad to leave here. Mollie and I have had a fantastic time. The only thing we have grumbled about are the sand flies and we won't miss them!!!
Let's see, what have we been up to? Well Macleay is a small island off of the coast of Brisbane. I think it comes under the Stradbroke Islands. There are around 3000 folk on this one and accessible via a car and passenger ferry. There is nothing really to do on the island leisure wise or work. Most of the people on the island work on the mainland and get this - they leave at 5.30am!!! There is no daylight saving in Queensland so the sun comes up at 4.30. Most of the locals prefer to get work done in the morning and are home by 3pm. BUT they are the most laid back people I have met and I can understand why now. Mollie and I are certainly very chilled.
Anyway, back on track. The house we are staying in is basic but in a lovely location. The beach is at the bottom of the garden with gum trees and palm trees at the side. What are in the trees? Lorikeets, Kookaburras and Minor birds which also wake up at 4.30am! I had an alarm call from them for the first couple of mornings and then that was it "phew" The weather was actually really nice when we arrived on 30/11 but turned wet and cool a few days later (I'll refrain from saying cold as I'm aware that Scotland is currently in single figures and snow!!)
When Mollie and I arrived on the island our first stop was the chemist for midge repellant and then to the Spar for fresh fruit, veg and shopping. On both occasions I bumped in to a young lady Claire with a wee boy and both times we started to chat and have a laugh. She invited Mollie and I to the "mums and bubs" group at the local cafe, The Blue Parrot on Monday. That meeting has been the crux to the success of this part of the trip. From Claire I have met the other mums on the island who are just lovely, been over to the mainland shopping with her and been introduced to the way of life here. I actually feel as if Mollie and I have been living here for years! Claire runs her own name jigsaw business. She cuts out the letters, decorates them and then makes them into jigsaws. On the Wednesday after the mums and bubs group Claire was a bit stressed. She had something to the tune of 75 orders to get out that week. Not too many you may think but when you are a stay at home mum with two kids and a husband working away it's stress. So the girls all mucked in and we spent a great day making jigsaws up (it's ok she didn't let us near the sharp tools!!) I was going a bit round the bend by the end of the afternoon. But at the end of it we had helped Claire out hugely and had a great laugh in the process. One I will remember for a while.
Mollie and I have had the chance to spend some quality time together which has Ben fab. Having the beach at the bottom of the garden has made this trip. We have spent mornings and afternoons in the water playing on wee paddle boats that the owner has in his shed, swimming in it and of course Mollie can now officially swim. That was such a fantastic moment. She was so determined to do it. She has now taken to throwing the arm band in the water and then swimming to it. She originally started out just doing two or three strokes but now it is nearer 7or 8 strokes. Such a proud moment but sad all rolled in to one.........
The last few afternoons the tide has been out and well out at that so Mollie and I have been down on the sand investigating. We have chased crabs, poked them, played with sand eels, found a jelly fish, watched ibis birds getting the eels out the sand, been spat at by crabs and so much more. I don't dispute that we would probably find all of this on Lossie beach or Cullen beach but this has been OUR beach to explore together and it has been so much fun. This morning we had a kookaburra sitting on the verandah. The owner told me two weeks ago that the previous people were giving it meat and so Mollie threw some cooked chicken to it. Well it took it, shook it off the floor to break it even smaller and then swallowed it. This continued for around 10minutes before it decided it had had enough and flew off! He will get a shock if he pitches up tomorrow morning. In fact he is probably miffed that we hadn't spotted him before. I will leave a note to the next people and make sure they leave him some tasty bites.
The main social area on the island seems to centre around a cafe which is located down in the main shopping area. It is called the Blue Parrot Cafe and is run by Dave. It is where the mums meet up, the local old dears meet for their weekly gossip and I even witnessed some business meetings going on so it is a pretty cool place. The food is fab too. Well Dave decided to host a 7course sweet dinner on Friday evening which Mollie and I both went to. What an evening!!! I took pictures of all 7 courses but didn't eat all 7. Mollie did help me out on quite a few. It was a fantastic evening and of course I had the chance of chatting to more locals.
Well the weather in the last few days has been a good indicator as to what it can do over here. The temperature has been hitting 30 since Saturday. It is too hot to stay out in and so you do have to seek shelter or air con (Blue Parrot has good air con) Mostly people hit the beach and the sea which is exactly what Mollie and I did.
So Macleay hasn't been about running around booking excursions or trying to see things, it has been about Mollie and I and what we can do together (that's way too philosophical for me at this time lol) We have had a bundle of fun.
So what is next? Well we have three days spare before heading to Adelaide for Christmas. I had these days free in case we hadn't managed to do the Whitsundays or the Australian Zoo but we have so I had the chance of picking somewhere new or going back to somewhere that we have been and I have chosen Surfers Paradise which of course we were in a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I pick up a car and head down there. It is school holidays so I don't expect it to be quiet!!!
Pen xxx
Well, it's that time again. The bags are packed (sort of) the house has been cleaned and we are ready for the off again. We are off tomorrow morning on the 11.15 boat and we will be very sad to leave here. Mollie and I have had a fantastic time. The only thing we have grumbled about are the sand flies and we won't miss them!!!
Let's see, what have we been up to? Well Macleay is a small island off of the coast of Brisbane. I think it comes under the Stradbroke Islands. There are around 3000 folk on this one and accessible via a car and passenger ferry. There is nothing really to do on the island leisure wise or work. Most of the people on the island work on the mainland and get this - they leave at 5.30am!!! There is no daylight saving in Queensland so the sun comes up at 4.30. Most of the locals prefer to get work done in the morning and are home by 3pm. BUT they are the most laid back people I have met and I can understand why now. Mollie and I are certainly very chilled.
Anyway, back on track. The house we are staying in is basic but in a lovely location. The beach is at the bottom of the garden with gum trees and palm trees at the side. What are in the trees? Lorikeets, Kookaburras and Minor birds which also wake up at 4.30am! I had an alarm call from them for the first couple of mornings and then that was it "phew" The weather was actually really nice when we arrived on 30/11 but turned wet and cool a few days later (I'll refrain from saying cold as I'm aware that Scotland is currently in single figures and snow!!)
When Mollie and I arrived on the island our first stop was the chemist for midge repellant and then to the Spar for fresh fruit, veg and shopping. On both occasions I bumped in to a young lady Claire with a wee boy and both times we started to chat and have a laugh. She invited Mollie and I to the "mums and bubs" group at the local cafe, The Blue Parrot on Monday. That meeting has been the crux to the success of this part of the trip. From Claire I have met the other mums on the island who are just lovely, been over to the mainland shopping with her and been introduced to the way of life here. I actually feel as if Mollie and I have been living here for years! Claire runs her own name jigsaw business. She cuts out the letters, decorates them and then makes them into jigsaws. On the Wednesday after the mums and bubs group Claire was a bit stressed. She had something to the tune of 75 orders to get out that week. Not too many you may think but when you are a stay at home mum with two kids and a husband working away it's stress. So the girls all mucked in and we spent a great day making jigsaws up (it's ok she didn't let us near the sharp tools!!) I was going a bit round the bend by the end of the afternoon. But at the end of it we had helped Claire out hugely and had a great laugh in the process. One I will remember for a while.
Mollie and I have had the chance to spend some quality time together which has Ben fab. Having the beach at the bottom of the garden has made this trip. We have spent mornings and afternoons in the water playing on wee paddle boats that the owner has in his shed, swimming in it and of course Mollie can now officially swim. That was such a fantastic moment. She was so determined to do it. She has now taken to throwing the arm band in the water and then swimming to it. She originally started out just doing two or three strokes but now it is nearer 7or 8 strokes. Such a proud moment but sad all rolled in to one.........
The last few afternoons the tide has been out and well out at that so Mollie and I have been down on the sand investigating. We have chased crabs, poked them, played with sand eels, found a jelly fish, watched ibis birds getting the eels out the sand, been spat at by crabs and so much more. I don't dispute that we would probably find all of this on Lossie beach or Cullen beach but this has been OUR beach to explore together and it has been so much fun. This morning we had a kookaburra sitting on the verandah. The owner told me two weeks ago that the previous people were giving it meat and so Mollie threw some cooked chicken to it. Well it took it, shook it off the floor to break it even smaller and then swallowed it. This continued for around 10minutes before it decided it had had enough and flew off! He will get a shock if he pitches up tomorrow morning. In fact he is probably miffed that we hadn't spotted him before. I will leave a note to the next people and make sure they leave him some tasty bites.
The main social area on the island seems to centre around a cafe which is located down in the main shopping area. It is called the Blue Parrot Cafe and is run by Dave. It is where the mums meet up, the local old dears meet for their weekly gossip and I even witnessed some business meetings going on so it is a pretty cool place. The food is fab too. Well Dave decided to host a 7course sweet dinner on Friday evening which Mollie and I both went to. What an evening!!! I took pictures of all 7 courses but didn't eat all 7. Mollie did help me out on quite a few. It was a fantastic evening and of course I had the chance of chatting to more locals.
Well the weather in the last few days has been a good indicator as to what it can do over here. The temperature has been hitting 30 since Saturday. It is too hot to stay out in and so you do have to seek shelter or air con (Blue Parrot has good air con) Mostly people hit the beach and the sea which is exactly what Mollie and I did.
So Macleay hasn't been about running around booking excursions or trying to see things, it has been about Mollie and I and what we can do together (that's way too philosophical for me at this time lol) We have had a bundle of fun.
So what is next? Well we have three days spare before heading to Adelaide for Christmas. I had these days free in case we hadn't managed to do the Whitsundays or the Australian Zoo but we have so I had the chance of picking somewhere new or going back to somewhere that we have been and I have chosen Surfers Paradise which of course we were in a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I pick up a car and head down there. It is school holidays so I don't expect it to be quiet!!!
Pen xxx
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