JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS JINGLE ALL THE WAY
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA ON A SCORCHING SUMMER'S DAY !!
g'day family and friends
afraid i failed in my attempts to get Emma to do the blog, she would rather do the ironing apparently although she says hi. So this will be the last blog until the new year i think as we head of on our campervan adventure on boxing day - emma is very excited about this, i am a little more hesistant i think. Anyway I would imagine we should have some tales to tell. The rough plan (for those who use googlemaps) is to leave Boxing day morning (apparently the busiest day of the year on the roads) and drive south out of Adelaide for about 4 hrs to a small fishing village called Robe where we have a spot booked on a campsite by the beach. Then we are heading on to Mount Gambier - a kind of Lake District style town to meet Tina and Ben for a few days before heading back to Adelaide around new year via the coast probably staying near Goolwa and Victor Harbour. Anyway more on that next time.
So we have only 4 weeks left of the adventure now so we are making sure we enjoy everyday. The plummeting pound is not helping our cause (down to 2.18AUD from 2.65 when we arrived) and everything is becoming more expensive which is a pain but hey ho we'll worry about the recession when we get home. So last week was a pretty good week. The first part of the week was the quietest as we were all still recovering from being 'crook' the previous week. Work was busy as i tried to finish things off. I had my departmental seminar on friday and that went really well, got lots of nice feedback. I scanned the last of my samples today and officially broke up until Jan 5th. The weather was great for most of the week, mainly between 25-30 degrees, so Emma and Dylan were out and about most days including a few days on the beach at Henley with Natalie and Claire. The main excitement of the week was our flat getting attacked by a swarm of bees. It started with a few at the window trying to get in and before we knew it we had several hundred trying to get in. Some managed it as well but thankfully not too many. Anyway we had to get the pest control to come and save us. Apparently when a bee colony gets too big it sends out a scout party of a few hundred bees to find a new home and it seems like our flat was the prime real estate. Thankfully the pest control sprayed some powder and the day later they were gone but it was quite scary at the time!
The weekend again was jam packed. I took friday afternoon off (a theme developing here) and we went to the modern art gallery. Dylan had a good go at knocking over the priceless exhibits. I also realised for the first time that I need to becareful what I say around him as he is starting to pick up on words he hears as he shouted rather loudly, in the silent gallery, "boobs" at one of the sculptures. Saturday we headed to the zoo again which was nice but we didnt realise that the hotter the weather, the less you see as all the animals hide under the shade. Emma had her night out on saturday night going for a curry and a few drinks with her friends. And yesterday was another day at the beach in Glenelg. Last night was the main event though, 'Carols by Candlelight', 35 000 people down by the river for a free public concert. It wasnt quite as expected, the music was not so much orchestral and more pop style by a variety of australian idol finalists and minor tv celebs. Still it was good fun. The park was packed with many people getting there manyhours before it started to get a good spot. Loads of people were dressed up and the picnics were certainly impressive! Anyway we managed to see about half of it with Dylan lasting til 9.30pm before flaking out. It really is great that there seem to be so many community events here with everyone so friendly.
However it still doesnt feel like christmas to us... I think at this stage it probably isnt going to. The aussie approach to xmas is slightly different to ours. It seems more about fun and partying and less about tradition. The media certainly doesnt get into it as much as at home. If you look at the TV listings for xmas day it looks like any other day (although the queens speech is on at 11pm!). One reason for the difference is that the christmas period is the main holiday period so most people as more concerned with where they are going on holiday after xmas. So for us we are going to spend Christmas eve at Annie's house and then Christmas day at the beach in Glenelg, not sure if it will be packed or if we will be the only ones, we'll have to wait and see. The weather is due to be 34 degrees though so its certainly going to be a little different. I think we might even miss the cold and dark (and the Snowman, Quality Street, Turkey etc) for a few mins.
Ok so that's it. Happy Christmas to everyone reading this. We hope you all have a great day. We will certainly be thinking of you. If you are around it would be great to chat via skype even if only for a few mins (7-9am and 4-6pm your time are best for us). Failing that leave us a message below - I have removed the restriction on anonymous people leaving messages so anyone can leave a note. Have a very happy new year. And hopefully we'll be in touch in early 2009 with an update on the holiday and the countdown to us coming back !
Love to all
Sacha, Emma & Dylan xxx
Monday 22 December 2008
Tuesday 16 December 2008
The end of the drought
hello
apologies for the delayed update - due to a stomach bug that we have all had over the last few days which we think Emma picked up from a baby group. Anyway we are all on the mend now so hopefully things will get back to normal. The update wont be as exciting this week as not so much has happened. The main news here has been the weather which properly took a turn for the worst last week. Adelaide has a higher annual rainfall than Manchester but for the last three years they have had <50% of the usual amount and has officially been in drought. However that seemed to change on friday when the heavens opened and it chucked it down for a few days. All the locals we met were delighted commenting how great it was to see rain, unfortunately for us it meant we had to cancel our trip to the Yorke Peninsula which hopefully we'll get to see before we come home (which is 5 weeks today sadly). Thankfully normal service had now resumed, it was 25 degrees today and looking like 30 degrees this weekend.
So what have we done? Not too much really. With Emma poorly her and Dylan didnt get chance to attend the usual baby groups which was a shame as they have all broke up for christmas now. Thankfully Emma has made lots of friends here and her phone is constantly ringing so her and Dylan never seem to be short of things to do. They have a nativity play to go to tomorrow where Dylan will get chance to be in it. Last friday was my christmas party - the bbq by the lake - however as it was raining it was a bit of a sad affair huddled under a marquee. Despite the weather we had a nice weekend though. Saturday we hired a car and explored a few parts of Adelaide that we havent visited before which included the largest shopping centre (surprisingly quiet given the time of year), the beach (for fish and chips) and the worlds largest rocking horse (see pic). The latter is the centrepiece of a wooden toy factory nestled in the Adelaide Hills and was obviously an attempt to draw people out of the city to visit - and it worked. They even had a free wildlife park with albino kangeroos (see pic). We took the scenic route back to the city along the windy mountain roads and experienced what it is like to have a child with travel sickness for the first time (projectile vomiting!). On Sunday we also did quite a bit - visited the street markets, went to a rap festival (dylan wasnt keen), took a boat trip down the river torrens, went swimming and then went to the picnic and carols in the park event which was at the end of the street. The picnic was actually really nice. Emma noticed that there is a real sense of community here which is not something we have had anywhere before. People are certainly more friendly here than back home. We got talking to lots of people and overall the event had a real nice feel to it. Mick-me (Santa) turned up and Dylan seemed to have got over his fear this time (see pic), although perhaps it was because this was the most laid back Santa ever who also gave out free chocolates. Dylan has learnt a few more words this week but the best by far was 'ho ho ho' whenever he sees anything christmassy even tinsel. He has been entertaining lots of people in the local shopping centre by running round shouting 'ho ho ho' all the time.
So that's all the news really, told you not so much has happened. Even though we still have 5 weeks to go things feel a little different now with talk of home more and more common. It still doesnt feel that christmassy here. There are lots of christmas decorations in public but it seems most people dont really decorare their houses with lights or trees. There is also hardly any mention of it on TV. In fact potentially christmas might be a little strange here. Not sure what we are doing yet but it seems sadly as if the bbq on the beach could be an urban myth! Someone told us the beaches are deserted on xmas day. We are hoping to pick up the campervan on christmas eve so then we'll at least be able to explore a little. It seems most aussies have a bbq (tutkey and seafood) at home with family. We have a few things lined up for this week though. I have my departmental seminar on friday and then Emma has her mums night out on saturday night. Then on Sunday it is Carols by Candlelight when 40 000 people gather in the park by the river with the symphony orchestra for carols. Not sure what that will be like, especially since it doesnt start until 8pm and we'll have Dylan with us but we plan to check it out. Anyway we'll report back on that next week in what might be the last blog for a bit. At least probably until the new year. You never know I might convince Emma to write next weeks one as a 'guest blogger'. Might also use next week to deliver our annual christmas message :) So until next time Bye The Mooneys xxx
PS feel free to leave us a christmas message below !
apologies for the delayed update - due to a stomach bug that we have all had over the last few days which we think Emma picked up from a baby group. Anyway we are all on the mend now so hopefully things will get back to normal. The update wont be as exciting this week as not so much has happened. The main news here has been the weather which properly took a turn for the worst last week. Adelaide has a higher annual rainfall than Manchester but for the last three years they have had <50% of the usual amount and has officially been in drought. However that seemed to change on friday when the heavens opened and it chucked it down for a few days. All the locals we met were delighted commenting how great it was to see rain, unfortunately for us it meant we had to cancel our trip to the Yorke Peninsula which hopefully we'll get to see before we come home (which is 5 weeks today sadly). Thankfully normal service had now resumed, it was 25 degrees today and looking like 30 degrees this weekend.
So what have we done? Not too much really. With Emma poorly her and Dylan didnt get chance to attend the usual baby groups which was a shame as they have all broke up for christmas now. Thankfully Emma has made lots of friends here and her phone is constantly ringing so her and Dylan never seem to be short of things to do. They have a nativity play to go to tomorrow where Dylan will get chance to be in it. Last friday was my christmas party - the bbq by the lake - however as it was raining it was a bit of a sad affair huddled under a marquee. Despite the weather we had a nice weekend though. Saturday we hired a car and explored a few parts of Adelaide that we havent visited before which included the largest shopping centre (surprisingly quiet given the time of year), the beach (for fish and chips) and the worlds largest rocking horse (see pic). The latter is the centrepiece of a wooden toy factory nestled in the Adelaide Hills and was obviously an attempt to draw people out of the city to visit - and it worked. They even had a free wildlife park with albino kangeroos (see pic). We took the scenic route back to the city along the windy mountain roads and experienced what it is like to have a child with travel sickness for the first time (projectile vomiting!). On Sunday we also did quite a bit - visited the street markets, went to a rap festival (dylan wasnt keen), took a boat trip down the river torrens, went swimming and then went to the picnic and carols in the park event which was at the end of the street. The picnic was actually really nice. Emma noticed that there is a real sense of community here which is not something we have had anywhere before. People are certainly more friendly here than back home. We got talking to lots of people and overall the event had a real nice feel to it. Mick-me (Santa) turned up and Dylan seemed to have got over his fear this time (see pic), although perhaps it was because this was the most laid back Santa ever who also gave out free chocolates. Dylan has learnt a few more words this week but the best by far was 'ho ho ho' whenever he sees anything christmassy even tinsel. He has been entertaining lots of people in the local shopping centre by running round shouting 'ho ho ho' all the time.
So that's all the news really, told you not so much has happened. Even though we still have 5 weeks to go things feel a little different now with talk of home more and more common. It still doesnt feel that christmassy here. There are lots of christmas decorations in public but it seems most people dont really decorare their houses with lights or trees. There is also hardly any mention of it on TV. In fact potentially christmas might be a little strange here. Not sure what we are doing yet but it seems sadly as if the bbq on the beach could be an urban myth! Someone told us the beaches are deserted on xmas day. We are hoping to pick up the campervan on christmas eve so then we'll at least be able to explore a little. It seems most aussies have a bbq (tutkey and seafood) at home with family. We have a few things lined up for this week though. I have my departmental seminar on friday and then Emma has her mums night out on saturday night. Then on Sunday it is Carols by Candlelight when 40 000 people gather in the park by the river with the symphony orchestra for carols. Not sure what that will be like, especially since it doesnt start until 8pm and we'll have Dylan with us but we plan to check it out. Anyway we'll report back on that next week in what might be the last blog for a bit. At least probably until the new year. You never know I might convince Emma to write next weeks one as a 'guest blogger'. Might also use next week to deliver our annual christmas message :) So until next time Bye The Mooneys xxx
PS feel free to leave us a christmas message below !
Monday 8 December 2008
Yum Cha & Sparkling Sharaz
hello blog regulars and any secret blog readers we may have... Funny i thought not many people were reading this and then when i dont do it on sunday night i get loads of emails saying 'where's the blog!' How will you cope without the blog when we leave?? I dont think the 'Mooney's in Loughborough' is worth blogging about..
So its been a little quieter this week so I dont think I have so much to report. Following on from last week my sunburn at the cricket was a little worse than i thought, got to be better with the sunblock i think. On the plus side we got away with the bump on the hire car so no £1000 bill thank god. The middle part of last week was a little non-eventful as Saoirse and I were working pretty hard and Dylan and Emma were busy with their usual activities. Dylan was in great form until the end of the week when the blasted teething returned for a few days again. He has had three main new words this week, firstly, 'flower', this took some practice, secondly, 'cheese' or as he pronounces it 'cheeeeeeeeeeese' (in fact he sounds a bit like Harry Hill when he says it). The other, and our current favourite, is his word for Father Christmas which is 'Mick-me'. Gods knows where this came from but it makes us laugh every time he sees a Santa and starts shouting 'mick-meeeee'. He is also especially enjoying his chocolate advent calendar so thanks to grandma for that.
The main event of the week was thursday when Emma and I go our first night out in ages when Saoirse babysitted for us. It was great to see Adelaide by night and we really enjoyed going out for a thai meal and then on for a few beers. Dylan slept the entire time we were out but unfortunately he woke up crying on our return and continued to do so until 3am which rather took the shine off things. Still it was good to go out. Unfortunately Saoirse has flown back to the UK today so that maybe the last one for a while. On Friday night I got another night out this time with the guys as i went to see Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix in a football match. It was a really good night out and quite different to a game in the UK. You could pay on the gate and it was only £8. You could choose where you wanted to sit and drink a beer from your seat. I was also lucky to see Adelaide's highest ever win (6-1). The other guys werent really footy fans so I was in my element explaining all the tactics and highlighting the best players. They found it funny that the one player I identified as being the weak link went on to score a hatrick and get man of the match. I'll shut up next time!
So on to the weekend, and unfortunately saturday like most of the week was a little dull and overcast so the beach was off. Instead we just hung out around Adelaide. We went out to an authentic chinese (nobody spoke english) restuarant for lunch and had yum cha. Not sure what the wikipedia definition of this is but essential there is no menu, no price list, they bring you lots of little dishes, sort of tapas like, and you decide if you want it or not. None of the food resembled anything we have had back home even if it sounded the same. Anyway we had a good laugh eating all sorts of things mainly in the form of dumplings and buns although we did draw the line at the salt and pepper chicken feet. Sadly we both agreed at the end though that we preferred the non-authentic chinese food. It doesnt bode well for my planned trip to China next summer!
The best day of the week was Sunday (yesterday). As it was Saoirse's last day we hired a car and headed out of Adelaide to the Barossa valley, the famous wine region (in the top ten best places to visit in the world according to trip advisor). Anyway you can go round all the wineries, some famous, some not so (see pics) and taste all the wine for free. And then the best bit. You can buy a bottle really cheaply, they give you free glasses and you can then go and use the free BBQ's in the picnic area, which is exactly what we did. The Barossa is most famous for Shiraz and i had the tasted one of the best red wines i have ever had, pity i was the designated driver! Anyway the weather was great and we all had a fab day. Although our sausages on the BBQ looked a little sad compared to all the aussie ones who had shrimps, steak, calamari etc.
So that's it really. We are thinking about a road trip to the Yorke Peninsula for a few days next weekend although the forecast isnt great - cloudy again - so we arent sure. Emma and Dylan have lots on this week as a few of the groups they have attended are shutting down for christmas so its party time. Emma even has a girls night out next week with some of her friends so that good. It still doesnt feel much like christmas here, not sure it will, although Emma has decorated the flat thanks to the $1 shop.
Rightyho, hope you are all keeping warm, I heard there was snow last week, sounds fun! Many thanks to all those who have sent cards and pressies too. Love The Mooneys x
So its been a little quieter this week so I dont think I have so much to report. Following on from last week my sunburn at the cricket was a little worse than i thought, got to be better with the sunblock i think. On the plus side we got away with the bump on the hire car so no £1000 bill thank god. The middle part of last week was a little non-eventful as Saoirse and I were working pretty hard and Dylan and Emma were busy with their usual activities. Dylan was in great form until the end of the week when the blasted teething returned for a few days again. He has had three main new words this week, firstly, 'flower', this took some practice, secondly, 'cheese' or as he pronounces it 'cheeeeeeeeeeese' (in fact he sounds a bit like Harry Hill when he says it). The other, and our current favourite, is his word for Father Christmas which is 'Mick-me'. Gods knows where this came from but it makes us laugh every time he sees a Santa and starts shouting 'mick-meeeee'. He is also especially enjoying his chocolate advent calendar so thanks to grandma for that.
The main event of the week was thursday when Emma and I go our first night out in ages when Saoirse babysitted for us. It was great to see Adelaide by night and we really enjoyed going out for a thai meal and then on for a few beers. Dylan slept the entire time we were out but unfortunately he woke up crying on our return and continued to do so until 3am which rather took the shine off things. Still it was good to go out. Unfortunately Saoirse has flown back to the UK today so that maybe the last one for a while. On Friday night I got another night out this time with the guys as i went to see Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix in a football match. It was a really good night out and quite different to a game in the UK. You could pay on the gate and it was only £8. You could choose where you wanted to sit and drink a beer from your seat. I was also lucky to see Adelaide's highest ever win (6-1). The other guys werent really footy fans so I was in my element explaining all the tactics and highlighting the best players. They found it funny that the one player I identified as being the weak link went on to score a hatrick and get man of the match. I'll shut up next time!
So on to the weekend, and unfortunately saturday like most of the week was a little dull and overcast so the beach was off. Instead we just hung out around Adelaide. We went out to an authentic chinese (nobody spoke english) restuarant for lunch and had yum cha. Not sure what the wikipedia definition of this is but essential there is no menu, no price list, they bring you lots of little dishes, sort of tapas like, and you decide if you want it or not. None of the food resembled anything we have had back home even if it sounded the same. Anyway we had a good laugh eating all sorts of things mainly in the form of dumplings and buns although we did draw the line at the salt and pepper chicken feet. Sadly we both agreed at the end though that we preferred the non-authentic chinese food. It doesnt bode well for my planned trip to China next summer!
The best day of the week was Sunday (yesterday). As it was Saoirse's last day we hired a car and headed out of Adelaide to the Barossa valley, the famous wine region (in the top ten best places to visit in the world according to trip advisor). Anyway you can go round all the wineries, some famous, some not so (see pics) and taste all the wine for free. And then the best bit. You can buy a bottle really cheaply, they give you free glasses and you can then go and use the free BBQ's in the picnic area, which is exactly what we did. The Barossa is most famous for Shiraz and i had the tasted one of the best red wines i have ever had, pity i was the designated driver! Anyway the weather was great and we all had a fab day. Although our sausages on the BBQ looked a little sad compared to all the aussie ones who had shrimps, steak, calamari etc.
So that's it really. We are thinking about a road trip to the Yorke Peninsula for a few days next weekend although the forecast isnt great - cloudy again - so we arent sure. Emma and Dylan have lots on this week as a few of the groups they have attended are shutting down for christmas so its party time. Emma even has a girls night out next week with some of her friends so that good. It still doesnt feel much like christmas here, not sure it will, although Emma has decorated the flat thanks to the $1 shop.
Rightyho, hope you are all keeping warm, I heard there was snow last week, sounds fun! Many thanks to all those who have sent cards and pressies too. Love The Mooneys x
Monday 1 December 2008
Scary Santa
hello again, another delayed blog but i think enough has happened now to justify a quick-ish update. Hope you are all doing good. Its been a really good week in Adelaide this last week. The weather picked up and was pretty nice mainly bar the odd dull day. In fact today I got my first sunburn (and least i look like a pom now). Firstly, before i forget, lots of people keeping asking for our address and the first one i gave out was incorrect so for the record our address is
Apt 13
158 Archer Street
North Adelaide 5006
Adelaide
Australia
So far the post has been taking about 7 days in both directions. Many thanks to the grandparents for the pressies that have been keeping Dylan entertained.
So its been another nice week. Dylan has actually been in cracking form. The teeth had a few days rest from coming through and it seemed to make all the difference. In fact Emma and I pretty much spent all the week just watching him and laughing. He has taught himself to spin around until he falls over dizzy, no idea why but its funny. He has had a great time doing lots of swimming (indoor and out - see pic) and playing outside in the many parks that Adelaide has to offer. The parks here really are great, loads of them, lots of kiddy play things, mainly shaded and with free public bbq's for the parents. They are often full with kiddy parties and it seems much better than the 'wacky warehouse' style parties at home. Dylan has learnt lots of words again including 'boing boing' for a kangeroo and 'cheeeeeese' whenever he sees a babybel (he is addicted to these). The one bad thing he has learnt is his new game of throwing things in the bath or down the loo including house keys, towels and toilet rolls. He finds this especially hilarious. He also did 2 sessions in the creche at the gym which bodes well for the future and meant that Emma could go to the gym at a decent time instead of at 8pm when she is knackered.
We have now been here about 6 weeks which is the longest break from the UK we have ever had and the weird thing is that it doesnt really feel like a holiday anymore, in fact it sort of feels like we live here now. As a family life is great out here, lots to do and see all the time, the weather really helps of course. I think coming home will be really hard for all of us, especially after dad showed us the street view of early morning Britain in December. But rest easy we will obviously be coming back. I think living out here for good would probably be quite different, although we have both been surprised how much we have enjoyed things so far.
For me there were two main events in work this week. Saoirse, my researcher from the U.K. was here so I spent most of my time with her which was nice as work is sometimes pretty quiet. She is fairly easy going so we got on well even if I did have to work a little harder (about time probably). The other big news was I heard from Nottingham that I won a grant worth £250K which is great and will certainly be something to look forward to when i get back (from a work perspective obviously). I also got my first xmas party invite for in a few weeks time. Its a bit different to back home - a gourmet bbq by the river - sounds good to me though.
At the weekend we chilled out around Adelaide mainly. We had a trip to the Central Markets to stock up on fruit and visited the Chinatown. We also went to this brilliant outdoor swimming complex that we pretty much had to ourselves as it was only 25 degrees and too cold for the aussies. Today (monday) we took Dylan to see Santa at David Jones (aussie John Lewis). This was our third attempt as each other time the queue was +2hrs. Today we got there when it opened and there were people already there who ran in once the store opened ! Anyway we got to see Santa (for £15!) so Dylan could have a picture that we could send back. However as soon as he seen him he grabbed me for dear life and pretty much didnt stop crying until we left bar a 2 second interval when the photographer managed to take a pic - now that's skill ! He was shaking for a while afterwards as well, must have been the beard! After that I went to my first cricket match with Ann's husband Murray (yes, i know, that means i skipped work). It was really good actually (bar the sunburn) with Australia bowling New Zealand out in a day. Only £6 to get in and after lunch they made it free entry so Dylan and Emma came along too. Fairly sure a similar event back home would cost much more.
So that's about it really. Nice week, lots of fun, nothing spectular but all doing well and having a generally great time. Its not so christmassy but that isnt for a want of trying with all the decorations. Perhaps you just need it to be cold and dark to feel christmassy? Not sure what's on the agenda for this week. More work for me as this is Saoirse's last week. Think Em and Dylan are doing kindergym and the beach - thankfully the shopping calmed down a little last week :) So until next time cheerio, Sacha, Emma & Dylan x
PS if you read this, why not leave a comment or ask us a question or something - at least we can see if anyone actually reads this !
PPS our skype contact list is pretty big now (we're not bragging, honest) , and the times to speak are quite short so apologies if you call and we are engaged.
Apt 13
158 Archer Street
North Adelaide 5006
Adelaide
Australia
So far the post has been taking about 7 days in both directions. Many thanks to the grandparents for the pressies that have been keeping Dylan entertained.
So its been another nice week. Dylan has actually been in cracking form. The teeth had a few days rest from coming through and it seemed to make all the difference. In fact Emma and I pretty much spent all the week just watching him and laughing. He has taught himself to spin around until he falls over dizzy, no idea why but its funny. He has had a great time doing lots of swimming (indoor and out - see pic) and playing outside in the many parks that Adelaide has to offer. The parks here really are great, loads of them, lots of kiddy play things, mainly shaded and with free public bbq's for the parents. They are often full with kiddy parties and it seems much better than the 'wacky warehouse' style parties at home. Dylan has learnt lots of words again including 'boing boing' for a kangeroo and 'cheeeeeese' whenever he sees a babybel (he is addicted to these). The one bad thing he has learnt is his new game of throwing things in the bath or down the loo including house keys, towels and toilet rolls. He finds this especially hilarious. He also did 2 sessions in the creche at the gym which bodes well for the future and meant that Emma could go to the gym at a decent time instead of at 8pm when she is knackered.
We have now been here about 6 weeks which is the longest break from the UK we have ever had and the weird thing is that it doesnt really feel like a holiday anymore, in fact it sort of feels like we live here now. As a family life is great out here, lots to do and see all the time, the weather really helps of course. I think coming home will be really hard for all of us, especially after dad showed us the street view of early morning Britain in December. But rest easy we will obviously be coming back. I think living out here for good would probably be quite different, although we have both been surprised how much we have enjoyed things so far.
For me there were two main events in work this week. Saoirse, my researcher from the U.K. was here so I spent most of my time with her which was nice as work is sometimes pretty quiet. She is fairly easy going so we got on well even if I did have to work a little harder (about time probably). The other big news was I heard from Nottingham that I won a grant worth £250K which is great and will certainly be something to look forward to when i get back (from a work perspective obviously). I also got my first xmas party invite for in a few weeks time. Its a bit different to back home - a gourmet bbq by the river - sounds good to me though.
At the weekend we chilled out around Adelaide mainly. We had a trip to the Central Markets to stock up on fruit and visited the Chinatown. We also went to this brilliant outdoor swimming complex that we pretty much had to ourselves as it was only 25 degrees and too cold for the aussies. Today (monday) we took Dylan to see Santa at David Jones (aussie John Lewis). This was our third attempt as each other time the queue was +2hrs. Today we got there when it opened and there were people already there who ran in once the store opened ! Anyway we got to see Santa (for £15!) so Dylan could have a picture that we could send back. However as soon as he seen him he grabbed me for dear life and pretty much didnt stop crying until we left bar a 2 second interval when the photographer managed to take a pic - now that's skill ! He was shaking for a while afterwards as well, must have been the beard! After that I went to my first cricket match with Ann's husband Murray (yes, i know, that means i skipped work). It was really good actually (bar the sunburn) with Australia bowling New Zealand out in a day. Only £6 to get in and after lunch they made it free entry so Dylan and Emma came along too. Fairly sure a similar event back home would cost much more.
So that's about it really. Nice week, lots of fun, nothing spectular but all doing well and having a generally great time. Its not so christmassy but that isnt for a want of trying with all the decorations. Perhaps you just need it to be cold and dark to feel christmassy? Not sure what's on the agenda for this week. More work for me as this is Saoirse's last week. Think Em and Dylan are doing kindergym and the beach - thankfully the shopping calmed down a little last week :) So until next time cheerio, Sacha, Emma & Dylan x
PS if you read this, why not leave a comment or ask us a question or something - at least we can see if anyone actually reads this !
PPS our skype contact list is pretty big now (we're not bragging, honest) , and the times to speak are quite short so apologies if you call and we are engaged.
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