Sunday, December 25, 2011

At last - Australia!


December 22, 2011

Catriona and I left Edinburgh on December 6th.  We flew via Heathrow and Singapore to Melbourne, where we were met by my nephew David Hunter, his wife Caroline and their three children, Matilda and Louie, 4, and Archie, 2.

We stayed in Melbourne for three days and had a lovely time.  Though I know David and Caroline well, from their days in Edinburgh,  I had not seen them for several years , before the twins and Archie were born.  Catriona met her first set of Australian Cousins!

From Melbourne we flew to Brisbane, where Ian and Alison were waiting.  It was absolutely wonderful to see them again and to know that we were not flying elsewhere for a time! 

5, Blue Hills Drive has had a few alterations since I last visited in 1999.  The latest is newly finished – a lovely sun room and outdoor BBQ area, at the rear of the house.  Tonight the Christmas tree lights are sparkling there and a heap of presents lies under the tree.  It is strange to be sitting in shorts and T shirt in the evenings!  The days have not been too warm, though when we visited Townsville earlier this week it was over 30C there.  We visited friends in Townsville and went out to the Great Barrier Reef, where we snorkelled – amazing!

Tomorrow my niece Valerie, Mark and the children Laura and William arrive from Sydney.  Catriona has not met cousins Laura and William, 13 and 10.  It’ll be lovely for her to have some younger company!  I am very much looking forward to the next few days too.

After New Year we head to Singapore and we’ll visit friends there too, before heading home on January 10th.  I’ll be back in touch after that.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year.

Ann


Catriona     22/12/12:

To my surprise I really enjoyed the long flights with Singapore airlines! I loved Melbourne with Louie, Matilda and Archie. Archie is very cute and Louie and Matilda were great fun! We went to the Eureka tower and (surprisingly!) I wasn’t scared of the height!  From there we flew to Brisbane , where Ian and Alison met us.
We have been to the Darling downs zoo and I LOVED seeing the Wallabies and Kangaroo’s! 
Ian and Alison have had turf laid in the garden and we have been watering that daily, but no matter what I do I ALWAYS end up wet! 
Tomorrow Valerie, Mark, Laura and William arrive and I’m looking forward to that! 



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