tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52549065516428862342024-02-07T13:42:31.609+11:00The Yellow Brick RoadOur Family's Journey to the Land of OzJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-25247713968994216342012-01-03T08:00:00.001+11:002012-01-04T03:18:35.514+11:00EpilogueToday marks six months since we left Australia. And the truth is, I still think about it every single day. I miss the beach, and my apartment. I miss our friends and the stunning natural beauty. I miss the sunshine, and the harbour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHHo8M3qtdT-LOV3WGkpGjFaO74wAuiqMOslBbC2k5du0esP0mMuVsillZpGUuSDnVAPUycD1f1FjUtwyFh0_DK4W8BTT4R0tvMPptKTbaPJezHbmu-QHngtwjDOkJKEm9mOWmROR3wk/s1600/IMG_3410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHHo8M3qtdT-LOV3WGkpGjFaO74wAuiqMOslBbC2k5du0esP0mMuVsillZpGUuSDnVAPUycD1f1FjUtwyFh0_DK4W8BTT4R0tvMPptKTbaPJezHbmu-QHngtwjDOkJKEm9mOWmROR3wk/s640/IMG_3410.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last family photo in front of our apartment. On our way to the airport. 3 July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And even though I am happy with the decision we made to move to the UK, there have been times when my husband and I have asked ourselves, <i>"Why did we ever leave Australia?"</i><br />
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When we first considered moving to the UK I wondered if having a second expat experience would in some way diminish my memories of Australia. I can now answer definitively-no, it will not. No matter how many places I live or how much I travel, I will always look back on our time in Australia as sort of magical. <br />
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It really is a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Country">Lucky Country</a>" and I feel lucky to have called it home for over two years.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-39157355158367420332011-08-19T14:05:00.002+10:002011-08-20T08:09:12.804+10:00You Did It!Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my faithful readers who voted (and voted and voted) to make Yellow Brick Road one of the Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs on Circle of Moms.<br />
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I can't believe I actually landed in the Top 25, and I am truly honored. And, a special thank you to the anonymous reader who originally nominated me for the contest. Thanks for reading, and thanks for voting!<br />
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To those of you stopping by from Circle of Moms, I'd like to say WELCOME! I'm so glad you've clicked over. I hope you stay and have a look around.<br />
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We left Australia for good last month, and I have decided to archive this blog as a sort of permanent record of our time there. I still get emails from other Americans considering a move to Oz, and I enjoy being able to offer them encouragement and advice. So <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/">The Yellow Brick Road</a> will stay right here.<br />
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But my expat adventures aren't over yet. This week we're moving across the pond and setting up house near London. We're looking forward to a year of culture shock. miscommunication, funny stories, and lots of travel. I would love to have you along for the journey. So consider this your official invitation to join me at my new blog: <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2uk.blogspot.com/">Along The Yellow Brick Road</a>. Here's your chance to become one of my first followers!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-29616472007877815242011-07-20T09:49:00.001+10:002011-07-20T13:03:14.760+10:00Aussie Gift GuideIt seems that July is the perfect time for American expats to head home for a holiday. It's a chance to escape winter in Australia and soak up some North American summer. Americans are off school for the summer and most Aussie schools have a 2-3 week holiday break in July.<br />
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Annual home leave is a nice little perk that most expats enjoy. A chance to reconnect with family and friends back in America. And many of us want to bring gifts to all those people to let them know that even though we live on the other side of the world we haven't forgotten about them.<br />
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One can only buy so many stuffed koalas and <a href="http://www.australiagift.com/sale/scrotum_1.htm">coin purses</a> made from kangaroo scrotum. That's why I have put together the following Aussie Gift Guide. There's a little something for everyone.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Her:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIqe3vIelTNLki1VxKXecXTA1eKX3qaK8Hr6OuCy6ZWuA7-XoUA5BWFp2yY8f1rzNaexxwiRmpkVfVzdIwyX1OQpQKWwmG9IfrRNOAgEdm7j4Fq1jaO4QoGFbS7uF2s51gVoUCd8b0I0/s1600/forher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIqe3vIelTNLki1VxKXecXTA1eKX3qaK8Hr6OuCy6ZWuA7-XoUA5BWFp2yY8f1rzNaexxwiRmpkVfVzdIwyX1OQpQKWwmG9IfrRNOAgEdm7j4Fq1jaO4QoGFbS7uF2s51gVoUCd8b0I0/s640/forher.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
An <a href="http://www.oroton.com/">Oroton</a> Bag<br />
These beauties are designed in Australia and sold in boutiques around Oz and Europe. As far as I know they are not widely available in the US. A great gift for someone special. They also sell key fobs and umbrellas if you're looking for something less expensive.<br />
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<a href="http://www.vontreskow.com.au/von-treskow.html">Von Treskow</a> Coin Jewelry<br />
This collection featuring Aussie coins that have been turned into necklaces, bracelets and earrings is one of my favourite things. They're beautiful and wearable and Australian without being cheesy.<br />
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Ken Done Hoodie<br />
These <a href="http://www.donestore.com.au/viewproduct.asp?productid=647&categoryid=77">hoodies</a> are nicer than your typical souvenir shop sweatshirts. The colours are fun and Done's signature kangaroo silhouette is eye catching.<br />
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Havianas <a href="http://www.surfstitch.com/product/havaianas-aussie-beaches-thong-tropical-green">Aussie Beaches</a> Flip Flops<br />
Of course, in Australia they call them thongs. These sport a small metal charm in the shape of Australia and they have the names of popular Aussie beaches printed on the sole. So cute! And everyone loves Havianas.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Him:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhyphenhyphenQhfA2-1i2TnGpdOd-7_6cWDIQ0yHQRdIdkfdjTiEQStQQV-sv5vAow8Jk039Nycv9NOKyYz-NQcJUCGG56ZT2ek0aGRG7K0avYQNFiFZmHdKDExU9wCFgDi07qNsQjN0UdjkrgWZg/s1600/forhim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhyphenhyphenQhfA2-1i2TnGpdOd-7_6cWDIQ0yHQRdIdkfdjTiEQStQQV-sv5vAow8Jk039Nycv9NOKyYz-NQcJUCGG56ZT2ek0aGRG7K0avYQNFiFZmHdKDExU9wCFgDi07qNsQjN0UdjkrgWZg/s640/forhim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Australian Wine<br />
My favourite bottle shop is the <a href="http://www.australianwinecentre.com/home.php">Australian Wine Centre</a> near Circular Quay. They are helpful and have a great selection. They will even package up your purchase in a box that can be checked as luggage on any major airline. <br />
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Havianas (see above)<br />
In addition to the Beaches version, Havianas also come with an Aussie Flag on the strap.<br />
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Bush Hat<br />
These kangaroo leather bush hats are fun, and the <a href="http://www.barmahhats.com.au/roocollection.asp">Squashy</a> collection are easy to pack in your suitcase.<br />
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Photography Prints<br />
<a href="http://www.kenduncan.com/">Ken Ducan</a> has some amazing photographs of this beautiful country. One of his prints (or a less expensive calendar or book) would make a great gift.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Kids:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Between the Flags Gear<br />
This <a href="http://www.betweentheflags.com.au/">shop</a> benefits the Australian surf lifesavers, so you can feel good about shopping here. Plenty of cute kids swimmers, hats, and towels. Great sales in June- I saw lots of items for only $5 each! <br />
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Candy by <a href="http://www.sticky.com.au/index.php?Candy_by_Sticky_-_Exquisite_lollies,_wedding_candy_and_customise&cat=1">Sticky</a><br />
This shop in The Rocks is a big hit with kids. I picked up the cutest candy with a tiny koala on each piece. Packaged in cellophane bags they make great little give aways for friends at home.<br />
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Anything from <a href="http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/">Paddy's Market </a><br />
Paddy's Market (in Chinatown) is the place to go for cheap souvenirs. If you need 30 pencil sets with Aussie animals on them, you'll find it at Paddy's. They also have bags, towels, t-shirts and, strangely, a huge selection of trashy lingerie. But that's another post. Paddy's is a good place to go if you need to buy cheap gifts in bulk.<br />
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<a href="http://anamalz.com/">Animalz </a><br />
These beautiful little wooden toys are designed in Australia. The Aussie pouch, containing an echidna, koala and wombat is my favourite.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>For Yourself:</b></span></div><br />
Now that I'm back in the U.S., the one thing I wish I had more of is video. I found a 45 second video of Balmoral on my phone today and watched it over and over. I would love to be able to look back at quick snippets of our life in Sydney. It would be the best gift of all.<br />
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JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-30849017107629363252011-07-10T03:39:00.001+10:002011-07-10T03:54:43.636+10:00How We Said GoodbyeRepatriation. After 2+ years working to build a life in another country, we suddenly find ourselves about to return "home". We spent our last week saying goodbye to all the people, places and things that we loved in Australia.<br />
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The kids each had parties at school and needed small gifts to hand out to their classmates and friends. I scoured <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and found this adorable idea for <a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/05/easy-smores-teacher-appreciation-gift-free-printable/">s'more kits</a>. I tweaked it a bit to fit our purposes and printed our email and skype info on the back. Such a cute little way to share an American tradition and encourage the kids to keep in touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyncbIgbuTJ7m_59QbAMdGkFW934tvvXAGJH3ofEN6XJ7SetmGp7SpG_Mx6pxX52dbJgTdHIbHjXUqwv-JD5v9T6rsxZDl9WBtQk04gZjFYxwUqASj7dObiDraVZQMzH9XP7CT7TcpKQ/s1600/smores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyncbIgbuTJ7m_59QbAMdGkFW934tvvXAGJH3ofEN6XJ7SetmGp7SpG_Mx6pxX52dbJgTdHIbHjXUqwv-JD5v9T6rsxZDl9WBtQk04gZjFYxwUqASj7dObiDraVZQMzH9XP7CT7TcpKQ/s400/smores.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">We hosted a party, with sushi from our favourite place <a href="http://www.goemon.com.au/">Goeman</a>, to say farewell to our Australian, American, Canadian, and British friends down under. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We went into the city and had lunch at the <a href="http://www.operabar.com.au/">Opera Bar</a>, and one last hot chocolate at <a href="http://www.guyliancafe.com.au/">Guylian</a>. We tracked down our favourite street performers and stocked up on Australian wine to bring back with us.</div><br />
We walked from Bradleys Head to Balmoral one more time on our last full day in Sydney. It was the most gorgeous winter's day. Sydney was wishing us a fond farewell. It was the perfect way to appreciate the beautiful spot we have called home for the past 2 years.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBCaf5qhjJn3xKY3t-tgsYaMPRcT5UPe_Mag7WXqU2pg6zhMRI7skUEMgp25ivJHVW_i-7K-4A6lDtqWM3hyBYOJbfsNUScUcD5X4K56IhpFbvz4wzM0dekr8pa1Uiir_vvC1Z1zxTcY/s1600/bradleytobalmoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBCaf5qhjJn3xKY3t-tgsYaMPRcT5UPe_Mag7WXqU2pg6zhMRI7skUEMgp25ivJHVW_i-7K-4A6lDtqWM3hyBYOJbfsNUScUcD5X4K56IhpFbvz4wzM0dekr8pa1Uiir_vvC1Z1zxTcY/s400/bradleytobalmoral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View on the bushwalk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>On our final morning, 2 of my dear friends stopped by to wave us off. It was emotional. We loaded the kids (and 9 suitcases!) into the van and I went back to do one last sweep through the apartment. It was surreal. I walked through each room trying to take a mental picture. <i>This was my home. I want to remember the happiness we felt here. I want to carry this experience around with me forever. </i>And as the door to the elevator closed that last time, I knew I would. I will always have Sydney.<br />
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JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-28006612270657852572011-07-03T00:12:00.000+10:002011-07-03T00:12:47.308+10:00Gifted<div style="text-align: center;">Last week I had a birthday. A milestone birthday. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, that one. </div><div style="text-align: center;">To mark the occasion I decided to get myself a gift.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Line-Day-Five-Year-Memory/dp/0811870197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309344083&sr=8-1">One Line A Day Journal</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfXA5gSmK4JpOk4bTTfgTvb79if7IviK_QjVgqSmj4GXrgcT2R24bK4PNWnnQtUwVmE2iOJQI98JY1azxbPlh6GAo-Lp74aBTs77k_KCFSgYDnygodlsJsRhzzSzhx0tvZymFAY39SWc/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfXA5gSmK4JpOk4bTTfgTvb79if7IviK_QjVgqSmj4GXrgcT2R24bK4PNWnnQtUwVmE2iOJQI98JY1azxbPlh6GAo-Lp74aBTs77k_KCFSgYDnygodlsJsRhzzSzhx0tvZymFAY39SWc/s640/DSC_0082.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I first read about it at <a href="http://simplemom.net/15-good-and-almost-perfect-gifts-for-high-school-graduates/">Simple Mom</a> and knew I had to have one for myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The format of the book is so clever. I love the way it chronicles your life for 5 years and allows you to easily look back and see what you were doing exactly one year ago. Some people have suggested occasionally having your children write in the journal to record what their handwriting looked like. The one line a day format is not intimidating- I think I'll actually be able to keep up with this journal. I'm looking forward to recording all my adventures in its pages.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5tHX1PxScJMzQ4-p2rspA2TmahCMjgMpcgI2hFAcHbP8mDnqebVdsfRbiUq94obe3sBx1bvJ5boYN1aexHPq1KU0_fE4m_nN36FX86XPVGcZPLuc4qc_gI5yMolnVsrii1g5Ay4yp6s/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5tHX1PxScJMzQ4-p2rspA2TmahCMjgMpcgI2hFAcHbP8mDnqebVdsfRbiUq94obe3sBx1bvJ5boYN1aexHPq1KU0_fE4m_nN36FX86XPVGcZPLuc4qc_gI5yMolnVsrii1g5Ay4yp6s/s400/DSC_0085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love this little journal so much I decided to gift it to my children's teachers and coaches as a way to say thank you to them before our big move. A little kraft paper and a strip of printed map made for pretty wrapping.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> I hope the recipients love this little journal as much as I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xx Jenny </div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-82686103733514497452011-06-29T11:15:00.000+10:002011-06-29T11:15:00.751+10:00Misadventures in PackingBefore the movers arrived a couple weeks ago, I went through every cupboard, wardrobe and drawer (or <a href="http://slb-ltsu.hull.ac.uk/awe/index.php?title=Draw_-_drawer">draw</a> as some say here). I asked my darling husband to sort through his belongings and get rid of anything he didn't want to take to the U.K. We purged enough clothing and shoes and toys and household items to require several drop offs at our local <a href="http://www.vinnies.org.au/vinnies-centres-national?link=192">thrift shop</a>. <br />
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When the packers finally showed up, I had carefully set aside one suitcase for me and each child which contained everything we'd need for the next 6 weeks. This was no easy task since I had to pack for 2 climates! It was pretty minimal- but adequate.<br />
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Now notice that I did not pack a bag for my husband. This is an important point in the story. He was responsible for packing his own bag.<br />
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Fast forward to packing day. The crew arrived and, in a very Un-Aussie like way, swept into action. They were quick, efficient and thorough. In less than 5 hours all of our belongings were wrapped and packed and stacked in the container.<br />
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In fact, they were so good that I was <i>almost</i> able to overlook their slightly offensive musical tastes (like T-Pain's "Take Your Shirt Off" ).<br />
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At the end of the day, we breathed a sigh of relief. The hard work was done. Now we'd be able to spend the next 2 and a half weeks visiting with friends and enjoying our time in Sydney.<br />
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But of course, everything did not go off without a hitch. When my sweet husband went to get ready for work the next morning he quickly realized something was missing from his suitcase. Shoes. He has no shoes. Well, except for the trainers (that's what they call sneakers here) he had on his feet. Every other pair of shoes the man owns are now in a container not to be seen again for 6-8 weeks.<br />
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You might think, no problem, just go out and buy a new pair of shoes. Sounds simple enough, unless you've seen the type of shoes Aussie men tend to wear. Think long, pointy, duck bill-like footwear. That's pretty much what was "on offer" at our local shoe shop.<br />
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And then, yesterday, I was walking past our local Vinnie's- the thrift shop that served as a dumping ground for all our unwanted stuff. And guess what I saw in the front window- proudly displayed to lure in bargain seeking customers?<br />
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That's right: a pair of my husband's discarded shoes! We could actually buy his unwanted shoes back for the bargain price of $70 AUD (about $72.80 USD).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRxw_tsSxL5LGd-FfQX3VxpYyWF2XNhrU2Qrb6YkcstCjfatRQHkTu995N3_F0vef8QG9voxsW3LFPxzFodOMYd75cGDz1u2Pca6JeLcbNcsq8VVz1xAMbd55-0_gW35l2ckQEUuhoF0/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRxw_tsSxL5LGd-FfQX3VxpYyWF2XNhrU2Qrb6YkcstCjfatRQHkTu995N3_F0vef8QG9voxsW3LFPxzFodOMYd75cGDz1u2Pca6JeLcbNcsq8VVz1xAMbd55-0_gW35l2ckQEUuhoF0/s640/shoes.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Believe me, I was tempted to buy them back, but I resisted. So if you happen to see my otherwise well dressed husband going to fancy dinners and meetings and goodbye parties in his trainers, you'll know why.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jenny</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-57449849291785075222011-06-26T08:47:00.001+10:002011-06-30T19:10:20.662+10:00Dear AustraliaI don't want to leave you- with your sunshine and white sand beaches and happy people and tall white gum trees.<br />
<br />
I want more time to watch my kids run around Rocky Point Island and stare out at the sea and think about how lucky I am to have landed in this lucky country for 2 years.<br />
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I want to ride on the green and yellow ferry, marvel at how the sea and the sky could possibly be so blue and stare at the sparkling white sails of the Opera House as we pull into Circular Quay. <br />
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I want to stop by the kiosk and stroll along The Esplanade holding my husband's hand and just freeze time for a moment. I don't want to say goodbye.<br />
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We will come back some day. It won't be the same, but I'll remember. I'll show my daughter where she learned to ride a bike and my son where he spent so many afternoons digging in the sand. And I'll tell my baby, "You were born <i>here</i>."<br />
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Thank you, Australia, for being our home. I will miss you. Only one week left.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELUmOpEHrEE4Vhu0dIJBs-QzqVpmc5Vg_0a1vbFIIGHv6C0iVOAha3erhykalkg2ork3Q3Q0AcdH65QvuxB6JiXG5pj9qioF4FLlJqdZ2_yeIUrNFU0SFw_U4wiOCAZiGfMSFMDPX5kk/s1600/powledge0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELUmOpEHrEE4Vhu0dIJBs-QzqVpmc5Vg_0a1vbFIIGHv6C0iVOAha3erhykalkg2ork3Q3Q0AcdH65QvuxB6JiXG5pj9qioF4FLlJqdZ2_yeIUrNFU0SFw_U4wiOCAZiGfMSFMDPX5kk/s640/powledge0158.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo:Vincent Lai</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Jenny<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://HappyHomemakerUK.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/HappyHomemakerUK/HappyHomemaker20111-39a-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><center></center></center>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-67794241306489802182011-06-19T12:07:00.000+10:002011-06-19T12:07:04.070+10:00Packing UpAnd so it goes . . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0Mpl6XOcvxJfA5K5w4zg_tHXG1geocFPR4D8pIXieN7MMcsW7UQjTjAsQDJLtnkzznY7pMyUSLTTY2FKq6AJbdpY5vCuG-x6Yi5GRWiolmiYqMztdeXto7k8cQzXQ0rY7CxoDz4Jykc/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0Mpl6XOcvxJfA5K5w4zg_tHXG1geocFPR4D8pIXieN7MMcsW7UQjTjAsQDJLtnkzznY7pMyUSLTTY2FKq6AJbdpY5vCuG-x6Yi5GRWiolmiYqMztdeXto7k8cQzXQ0rY7CxoDz4Jykc/s640/IMG_3228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I guess it's official now. All of our personal belongings are being loading into this container, placed aboard a ship and sent to the other side of the world. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuzpkYqrhpJAMdFxO2wJiHlJmYhxKJWRGGBr1RgqAeWq6WxmResDBLnAJdyVkaM4X1fzf2mz3Dxgih5OAdmAsT9FaqyZHNp5IpleAMt5lCroel3L_BpOQuOxhKLF6vhF9yGhU0HDB0pA/s1600/IMG_3232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuzpkYqrhpJAMdFxO2wJiHlJmYhxKJWRGGBr1RgqAeWq6WxmResDBLnAJdyVkaM4X1fzf2mz3Dxgih5OAdmAsT9FaqyZHNp5IpleAMt5lCroel3L_BpOQuOxhKLF6vhF9yGhU0HDB0pA/s640/IMG_3232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We have to show up in London- otherwise, what would become of my beloved tortilla press, the Little Buddy's rubbish truck collection (they say "rubbish" in the UK, right?), and our huge library of children's books? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppKTuC40aUeln5LxPrrHsKLP8HRhj335le5AZ33Sr_s80EItw5XUzjyVdLq2Jffd2Yjig2J5OtLp7CKHExAYt1MHJxFxrRf6FczSmKXYB9F1n8yQ4al99OLcko8jzeaVZaazzgIiC3xs/s1600/IMG_3231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppKTuC40aUeln5LxPrrHsKLP8HRhj335le5AZ33Sr_s80EItw5XUzjyVdLq2Jffd2Yjig2J5OtLp7CKHExAYt1MHJxFxrRf6FczSmKXYB9F1n8yQ4al99OLcko8jzeaVZaazzgIiC3xs/s640/IMG_3231.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
Nope, no backing out now. Less than three weeks and counting.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-46372506437389742442011-06-11T09:25:00.000+10:002011-06-11T09:25:36.841+10:00Winter Beach DaysWinter is officially here in Sydney. It is cold and the wind is biting. We've had some torrential rain, too. But last week we were also blessed with gorgeous blue skies and bright sunshine. Perfect winter afternoon on the beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOPLq33cjJOQYP7Z2l03ehU9NilE4M4D_Ag55yUTg5N9BbjP__x4loPPe7VPDheMHSjT2aJdclCBOl0t6SNU829fdSx5-z63RemeGlK_QlqoakEFsZvlrR9TONeZjRgDK8msz3lqzG4A/s1600/IMG_3131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOPLq33cjJOQYP7Z2l03ehU9NilE4M4D_Ag55yUTg5N9BbjP__x4loPPe7VPDheMHSjT2aJdclCBOl0t6SNU829fdSx5-z63RemeGlK_QlqoakEFsZvlrR9TONeZjRgDK8msz3lqzG4A/s400/IMG_3131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipgdcO6geo7srLb6RY4hxtbi61GcPXrVJXT_0AjnJ2kkBkBDmuONrcZRVg24vwvymYh8ypACGZeSQ1XkwDMX5jowvQG7pf3tmb04ALDoAQrRes_Guy4CBSBrCp9uGHGCDv5I0VT3FvxU/s1600/IMG_3133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipgdcO6geo7srLb6RY4hxtbi61GcPXrVJXT_0AjnJ2kkBkBDmuONrcZRVg24vwvymYh8ypACGZeSQ1XkwDMX5jowvQG7pf3tmb04ALDoAQrRes_Guy4CBSBrCp9uGHGCDv5I0VT3FvxU/s400/IMG_3133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I'm really going to miss days like this.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-85645035427533072352011-06-08T23:09:00.000+10:002011-06-08T23:09:50.271+10:00Memories<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Family Photos in the Botanic Garden</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtfQIwOLagLXs-mALUZSSykhTCjaZ-r3boPYCYwYkjNZYsuEolPMMXU78actOgZWjQNOVfoSWvhcUJZ9PsqZ-YxNheRu2QeKCkDkBxtqSZsAEbIBMC6qWkj78v3aCFQ032PRRjBB-Fkc/s1600/opera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtfQIwOLagLXs-mALUZSSykhTCjaZ-r3boPYCYwYkjNZYsuEolPMMXU78actOgZWjQNOVfoSWvhcUJZ9PsqZ-YxNheRu2QeKCkDkBxtqSZsAEbIBMC6qWkj78v3aCFQ032PRRjBB-Fkc/s640/opera.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photographer: <a href="http://www.vlblog.net/">Vincent Lai</a></span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-10174887823041496052011-06-05T07:30:00.001+10:002011-06-05T07:30:00.060+10:00Don't Mind if I Doo<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2t63EuXVuasq92qUKpZ_dFm9L_qi7EbkQZWPmkTLuiVbS27S76ASlwDadJwGhlUq3KUGlSBtr4B5-K8PTzoOnXPtYauYodZOLfq4OmH5Xs1PM9DEcbRB-1GFk4ymSh-yHWswO-ndMXU/s1600/IMG_2951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2t63EuXVuasq92qUKpZ_dFm9L_qi7EbkQZWPmkTLuiVbS27S76ASlwDadJwGhlUq3KUGlSBtr4B5-K8PTzoOnXPtYauYodZOLfq4OmH5Xs1PM9DEcbRB-1GFk4ymSh-yHWswO-ndMXU/s320/IMG_2951.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
Doo Town is a quirky little place on the Tasman Peninsula. The story goes that back in the 1930s, an early resident of Doo Town placed a name plate reading "Doo I" on his weekend cottage. He started a trend, and creative townspeople have been naming their cottages ever since.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a pictorial tour of Doo Town's clever cottages.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WHSdZkstAnRQH9ZUTeexVJdsJ0D9HPzspx7R_VkZ9urgZ9FkQs99R_sXm5IE7a1yYRslNkpiQjzoIcfp64sN8Bn2dACExQ_q6uId7_qChgfERmRS6dKrJuRPMS2SIAcMl3IbiD0CtMc/s1600/IMG_2941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WHSdZkstAnRQH9ZUTeexVJdsJ0D9HPzspx7R_VkZ9urgZ9FkQs99R_sXm5IE7a1yYRslNkpiQjzoIcfp64sN8Bn2dACExQ_q6uId7_qChgfERmRS6dKrJuRPMS2SIAcMl3IbiD0CtMc/s320/IMG_2941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKou3vVY6pTulFvKKnEW1GGOVDKEOcGmYD-1_AelrZEubLd59gpoN8SKHbILv0qgcjIUbyUZENyjg78XOscg14tvkwBeWmh0hNHDnPidB3VY699qaEHdvwyAPaolOZoQtazKwcnLnB96c/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKou3vVY6pTulFvKKnEW1GGOVDKEOcGmYD-1_AelrZEubLd59gpoN8SKHbILv0qgcjIUbyUZENyjg78XOscg14tvkwBeWmh0hNHDnPidB3VY699qaEHdvwyAPaolOZoQtazKwcnLnB96c/s320/IMG_2950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favourites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBq6bYhKjymxBjSHe13bj_CZY8kSKwLSv0O7VpRzzNj3c9Vwad9Ir-r84CverG4XTFmizcCm4IN1T2TPb9vGUPN3yNhzzdiIKJ3h6HZFB4O09dCoa8R5ZvdEUOeKyIv_DDPUX4oM8fVU/s1600/IMG_2942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBq6bYhKjymxBjSHe13bj_CZY8kSKwLSv0O7VpRzzNj3c9Vwad9Ir-r84CverG4XTFmizcCm4IN1T2TPb9vGUPN3yNhzzdiIKJ3h6HZFB4O09dCoa8R5ZvdEUOeKyIv_DDPUX4oM8fVU/s320/IMG_2942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What doo you think?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please take a moment to vote and keep me in the Top 25 over at Circle of Moms:</span></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/yellow-brick-road" target="_blank" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!" /></a></center>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-91936203803891224552011-06-03T09:00:00.009+10:002011-06-03T20:25:38.863+10:00Unraveling a Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguciBiYFzsTabyQfev_b50EzPxofyri6jgz1BBW8-kn6bw-xZ3UtES0Dc4FOyIKGT3lW_di3aHGqKCkcsWv5tb5dxLbuk6DIxSUw4X2BrfLupWaGebdP7x4XYdvNqTU8KS-XmB6v4dcHY/s1600/Tassie+Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguciBiYFzsTabyQfev_b50EzPxofyri6jgz1BBW8-kn6bw-xZ3UtES0Dc4FOyIKGT3lW_di3aHGqKCkcsWv5tb5dxLbuk6DIxSUw4X2BrfLupWaGebdP7x4XYdvNqTU8KS-XmB6v4dcHY/s400/Tassie+Sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasmanian Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our time left here in Australia can now be measured in weeks instead of months. We'll be gone before the eggs in my refrigerator expire. It's surreal to think that I have to begin to unravel the life I've spent the past 2 years creating.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Squeeze in a couple last trips.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sort through our belongings and decide what to take, what to sell, what to toss. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Close out our accounts and memberships. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Say good-bye to all the people we've come to love here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Even the kids are starting to feel the tension of being torn between two lives on two continents. Someone once said that beginnings are always scary, endings are always sad, but it's what's in between that counts.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I just wish the in between could last a little longer.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Did you vote today over at Circle of Moms? 2 little clicks is all it takes!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/yellow-brick-road" target="_blank" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!" /></a></center></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-79395846726277690102011-06-01T22:12:00.002+10:002011-06-01T23:02:34.743+10:00Scenic Tasmania<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnepOsGxfcrqWRuU_JXUx-tyqyIefRqaKY1IIPStY0t-U9Ky3JBSHc91v6wVhHEboDX7z79JTciv98w5gttzcQ66AFYJ8CkmyFAMrVNSEi1jyvTxYspsz88lMfpYgQDBD-yMAsf4DehY/s1600/IMG_2923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnepOsGxfcrqWRuU_JXUx-tyqyIefRqaKY1IIPStY0t-U9Ky3JBSHc91v6wVhHEboDX7z79JTciv98w5gttzcQ66AFYJ8CkmyFAMrVNSEi1jyvTxYspsz88lMfpYgQDBD-yMAsf4DehY/s640/IMG_2923.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
For our final Aussie holiday we headed down to Tasmania and spent some time exploring the Tasman peninsula and the capital city of Hobart. Tassie has a reputation for being the most natural state in Australia. It's rugged coastline and convict past didn't disappoint. Tasmania was gorgeous (But really, isn't all of Australia? Like <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/2010/04/great-ocean-road-part-1.html">this</a>, <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/2010/05/hello-hamo.html">this</a> and <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/2010/09/holiday-everyday.html">this</a>).<br />
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Tourists are discouraged from driving after dark in Tasmania. It didn't take long to see why. At least 4 dead wombats lined the Arthur highway on the drive from Hobart to Port Arthur. So much marsupial carnage was difficult to see. Luckily the kiddos were too busy poking each other in the backseat to notice the roadkill wonderland.<br />
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Our first stop was Port Arthur, the site of the convict settlement in the 1800s. The landscape was beautiful, and the ruins were interesting. When you see the <a href="http://www.portarthur.org.au/">historic site</a> you just can't help but think about how miserable it must have been to be a convict at Port Arthur. It was freezing, the wind was whipping and the rain pelted us. I just kept thinking about how lucky the Sydney convicts were by comparison.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJtfkhL3j3ZYCqGqeBwTbjlAv5fq347LeR2OIvTfzhUtcF1Am-bnoV8TYXwUJdVwdkWu7Bq7szqRywS7CrG4q4GSUZltXN_E7Q7uumLzHbl7phUpOvi_j3YkgTXJxgtLag6xG-v_F4TI/s1600/IMG_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJtfkhL3j3ZYCqGqeBwTbjlAv5fq347LeR2OIvTfzhUtcF1Am-bnoV8TYXwUJdVwdkWu7Bq7szqRywS7CrG4q4GSUZltXN_E7Q7uumLzHbl7phUpOvi_j3YkgTXJxgtLag6xG-v_F4TI/s640/IMG_2889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We spent the night in Port Arthur at the <a href="http://www.stewartsbaylodge.com.au/">Stewarts bay Lodge</a>. I highly recommend the deluxe cabins there. The setting and the views were so beautiful. The cabins were modern and clean and spacious. And dinner at their Taylors restaurant was the best meal we had in Tassie (Ok- it was the only decent meal we had in Tassie). I wish we could have stayed more than one night!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After Port Arthur we did some exploring on the <a href="http://www.discovertasmania.com/activities__and__attractions/wilderness_areas/national_parks_and_reserves/tasman_national_park">Tasman Peninsula</a>. The coastline is breathtaking. We visited Devil's Kitchen, The Blowhole, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tesselated_pavement_tasman_peninsula.jpg">Tesselated Pavement</a> and the Tasman Arch.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3sBZGnd8P2z-FPbfy783jgtyJ3k_XaKLeeytVeuA25ZxYa9Kohyphenhyphen19qavOgCccEKPecZL6H7zHHkSMU3Nd5JesITKfoNaUtoPkT-BrEewX6SQ_pQ7sQ7c3ny-SxUD8m06cAPXAv8gSd0/s1600/IMG_2913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3sBZGnd8P2z-FPbfy783jgtyJ3k_XaKLeeytVeuA25ZxYa9Kohyphenhyphen19qavOgCccEKPecZL6H7zHHkSMU3Nd5JesITKfoNaUtoPkT-BrEewX6SQ_pQ7sQ7c3ny-SxUD8m06cAPXAv8gSd0/s640/IMG_2913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB50oaRa1OxTOpITNthRLloH8JMV0JySBKl7Qu1po8e1SyPlj2_YENROAEZUCFUPasKyUluktGfIvN6fX1yUhtZVe1_mf8kiHNxT7B7nYmRm6edimzvB4ZIUR17UzTV_Uwg45dJaxZJvY/s1600/IMG_2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB50oaRa1OxTOpITNthRLloH8JMV0JySBKl7Qu1po8e1SyPlj2_YENROAEZUCFUPasKyUluktGfIvN6fX1yUhtZVe1_mf8kiHNxT7B7nYmRm6edimzvB4ZIUR17UzTV_Uwg45dJaxZJvY/s640/IMG_2926.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
We drove through Doo Town (which was so amusing it deserves its own post) and spent the night in a guest bungalow in Marion Bay. The <a href="http://www.beachbreaks.com.au/">bungalow</a> had a wall of glass looking out on the gorgeous Tasmanian coast. It was so picturesque. Freezing cold and pouring rain, but still picturesque!<br />
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Day three brought us to Hobart and the famous <a href="http://www.salamanca.com.au/">Salamanca Markets</a>. We handed each kid a $20 bill and set the free to shop for souvenirs. The market was huge, with stalls hawking everything from gorgeous handmade Tassie wood products to cheap "made in China" plastic trucks and fresh produce. Wanna guess what the little buddy bought?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq4Ut-TZo6CwJjx9nyLp5w3uCpSvHO9ijqUqIKNXImjQyDGcbWjC-I7-643gRKy_PQ8lzl3XpjQC_7_YV20OGWpGBcVQnbfHUNiW9to8y8LFTwdOIKZr4HX-oDIPp5eWjZVsj-mAHEHw/s1600/IMG_2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq4Ut-TZo6CwJjx9nyLp5w3uCpSvHO9ijqUqIKNXImjQyDGcbWjC-I7-643gRKy_PQ8lzl3XpjQC_7_YV20OGWpGBcVQnbfHUNiW9to8y8LFTwdOIKZr4HX-oDIPp5eWjZVsj-mAHEHw/s640/IMG_2960.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That night our family had a private night tour at the <a href="http://www.bonorong.com.au/">Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary</a>. We were the only people in the park, with a private guide who took us inside the enclosures. Nothing quite like tossing a chunk of opossum leg to a hungry <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmanian_devil">Tassie Devil</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y47evinbp_nkjME00XpAMZjtakJjX8bWDL8_dYMBZaORhHXHfEiC5gcBwGUyYwav4AgjG3m_4cRMqepxUsPCE1tF-_QtOOpMS4_XEop641jSDHjnxuFpzmAD9RiSZB7Auhmuy4BBcyo/s1600/devil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y47evinbp_nkjME00XpAMZjtakJjX8bWDL8_dYMBZaORhHXHfEiC5gcBwGUyYwav4AgjG3m_4cRMqepxUsPCE1tF-_QtOOpMS4_XEop641jSDHjnxuFpzmAD9RiSZB7Auhmuy4BBcyo/s640/devil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We also fed this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogmouth">frogmouth</a> and the little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potoroo">potoroos</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmALWfQC_8JONokpXdatroX-l5iuNIWhsmNEsWupc3M5EaSTMhyf4m2cNOw71Gwh4O90i2uz8TNcE85GqG2Y0Z4nuu89rRsJU_r_EP4gL0PMTUyWnXVs74YrzP4jpLI8dSlTJ4v-PdKM/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmALWfQC_8JONokpXdatroX-l5iuNIWhsmNEsWupc3M5EaSTMhyf4m2cNOw71Gwh4O90i2uz8TNcE85GqG2Y0Z4nuu89rRsJU_r_EP4gL0PMTUyWnXVs74YrzP4jpLI8dSlTJ4v-PdKM/s640/IMG_3016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqNkcwC3du8rfAgHe29-aGkPqmIEjBEM_pl3Xg6FjcMdyiu9_6vMC7nWUwXU9H9DyXkSpcVtbUxjSJ3jMIcNVyhioUv7JWLtKcVBd2Lu3M-Rdt5iHI8QMWwfChy2nJnXKhOnkXbtoui8/s640/IMG_3038.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We all enjoyed getting up close with the animals at the sanctuary. Although I did freak out a bit when a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_glider">sugar glider</a> plopped down on the face of my sleeping baby. That was a little too close for comfort for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our final day in Tasmania we headed up to the top of Mt Wellington where we found SNOW! We were completely ill prepared but the kids didn't care. They reveled in throwing snowballs at each other and the Little Princess (the only one with gloves!) insisted on building a snowman while the rest on the family retreated to the warmth of the car. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL449kt3Cdf9zXQSHL69iVAb-HTR1mRB7awVGSgVoo4CKZhrAqT48CSU9cYsv_tAEb-1ZG26eP_hDJpscQtb4DD7slQXRei1HiYVdgbLvILxoDIxeQH8a96AJrDuAtvsSscYkMQ3TcoUU/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL449kt3Cdf9zXQSHL69iVAb-HTR1mRB7awVGSgVoo4CKZhrAqT48CSU9cYsv_tAEb-1ZG26eP_hDJpscQtb4DD7slQXRei1HiYVdgbLvILxoDIxeQH8a96AJrDuAtvsSscYkMQ3TcoUU/s640/IMG_3074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">After all that snow play we stopped by the <a href="http://www.cascadebreweryco.com.au/">Cascade Brewery</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMIC5anq15pvLRnc4OCJMUC_PDQfbPqnrYA_Lb1gEjakKUtzuOR8mxWceBnkOl5iCS5LEZpwzp_Wo3A493TRA3CdadIvidfLUQ3DiN9StI0T9-FW-xLbeFTK1EROTZeeIokxW-FXcLjQ/s1600/IMG_3092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMIC5anq15pvLRnc4OCJMUC_PDQfbPqnrYA_Lb1gEjakKUtzuOR8mxWceBnkOl5iCS5LEZpwzp_Wo3A493TRA3CdadIvidfLUQ3DiN9StI0T9-FW-xLbeFTK1EROTZeeIokxW-FXcLjQ/s640/IMG_3092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And then made our way to the <a href="http://mona.net.au/">MONA</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu_wdpcdH8Nonu4ytr8kMGY4jW4ujqcKz79RMkiNACxUFTua9Ao_rSGiTkjKJg-GdScoo_3-vwMG0vMZNczL3eHr0gN85pWAcrduNtzPf8Dx1Zo0-iB66UIYac-HG54sz8ClhyphenhyphencteiWY/s1600/IMG_3109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu_wdpcdH8Nonu4ytr8kMGY4jW4ujqcKz79RMkiNACxUFTua9Ao_rSGiTkjKJg-GdScoo_3-vwMG0vMZNczL3eHr0gN85pWAcrduNtzPf8Dx1Zo0-iB66UIYac-HG54sz8ClhyphenhyphencteiWY/s640/IMG_3109.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There were some really cool things at the MONA, like the full size mack truck in a corridor, and the wall of paper panels seen above. The kids loved the light bulbs that flicker in time with your heartbeat and the architecture of the building with its massive sandstone wall is impressive. But there were also some really disturbing things at the MONA. And much of the content is totally inappropriate for kids. A staff member was stationed outside the most objectionable exhibits so they were easy to avoid. But when we got out of the lift on level 2 and found ourselves staring at a wall of plaster cast vaginas we realized the MONA might not be the best place for our inquisitive little children. So we quickly headed back outside to the expansive grounds and watched them run around with these giant bean bags. (Which I think are intended to be used by adults as they relax and sip wine).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXnVv1jc_dAViIxzENDxKLiB-lwWXdOQYs_V3g5kVWgBwbXAvsnZ4klvl6lqiPbCbmslnPD3j45Ad04NySC7C1Bphsbc84_RmNI67klG1o-1vsgQf1RH91PJYo7oEdDKqo1L-lthLZk0/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXnVv1jc_dAViIxzENDxKLiB-lwWXdOQYs_V3g5kVWgBwbXAvsnZ4klvl6lqiPbCbmslnPD3j45Ad04NySC7C1Bphsbc84_RmNI67klG1o-1vsgQf1RH91PJYo7oEdDKqo1L-lthLZk0/s640/IMG_3096.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXnVv1jc_dAViIxzENDxKLiB-lwWXdOQYs_V3g5kVWgBwbXAvsnZ4klvl6lqiPbCbmslnPD3j45Ad04NySC7C1Bphsbc84_RmNI67klG1o-1vsgQf1RH91PJYo7oEdDKqo1L-lthLZk0/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>We loved Tasmania. Even with the road kill, the freezing rain, the creepy art and the lack of decent dining options, it was an amazing holiday. It was rural and green and rugged and simply stunning. Tasmania really is like no place else on earth- and I'm so glad I got to see it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you made it all the way through this incredibly long post and are still reading, please take a moment and vote for me over at Circle of Moms. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It only takes 2 clicks and you'll make my day. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/yellow-brick-road" target="_blank" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!" /></a></center>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-25397353992156687472011-05-25T10:32:00.000+10:002011-05-25T10:32:19.421+10:00On Becoming a Serial ExpatThat's right- we're gonna do it again. When we leave Australia in July we won't be moving back home to California.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We're going to London!</span></div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/8003495/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 533'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/8003495_ooQRo3nv_c.jpg" width="400 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/7837030" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">weheartit.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/biutifulyou/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Savannah</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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We've been given a second once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can't wait to embark on this new adventure.<br />
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But don't worry Mom, after this one we're definitely coming home (I think).Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-34575140479735883162011-05-22T15:52:00.000+10:002011-05-22T15:52:56.805+10:00Tasmania- Autumn Way Down UnderIn case you were wondering what the weather is like in Tassie in Autumn, here's a little video from our recent holiday.<br />
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To be fair, this was taken at the top of Mt. Wellington. But trust me, it was cold everywhere!<br />
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More holiday highlights coming soon.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-49624981756941428762011-05-18T10:15:00.000+10:002011-05-18T10:15:07.223+10:00Isn't That Special?Some sweet anonymous person out there in the blog-o-sphere nominated Yellow Brick Road for this Circle of Moms expat blog award.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/expat-moms?trk=t25_expat-moms" target="_blank" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Mom Blogs - Vote for me!" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/expat-moms" trk="t25_blog_vote">Circle of Moms Top 25 Expat Moms</a></div><br />
See that button up there? I'm posting this so my mom can click on it and vote for my blog. Then I will have 2 votes. Two votes is a lot better than one. And if any of you other gentle readers are so inclined, feel free to click and vote.<br />
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Ta. (That's "Thank you very much" in Australian).Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-81834673026305424242011-05-09T12:30:00.004+10:002012-07-09T00:58:34.635+10:00So You're Thinking of Moving to Australia . . .Maybe you've stumbled upon this blog because you are considering a move to Australia. It's a big decision- leaving everything you know behind and heading to the other side of the world.<br />
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When the opportunity was first presented to us we weren't at all sure we wanted to do it. But now, after 2 years in this lucky country I can say that coming here was one of the best decisions we've ever made.<br />
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This is a personal blog. It's a recount of our time here and most of it is probably only interesting to my family and friends. But, over the past 2 years I have met a surprising number of people who "found" me through this blog. They are just like me: typical American moms moving to Sydney for a few years. And some things are universal for us expats. We all have worries and questions. We're all concerned about driving on the "wrong" side of the road and we're all baffled by the strange flavored potato chips (as evidenced <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/2010/06/tastes-like-chicken.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2008/05/why-dont-you-just-get-steak.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://farfarawayinoz.blogspot.com/2011/03/this-australian-life-food.html">here</a>). We're all experiencing the same things and most of us spent the months leading up to the big move stalking expat bloggers trying to get as much info as possible about what might lie ahead.<br />
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So, in the interest of paying it forward, here are my top 10 tips to help others who may be looking into an expat assignment in Australia.<br />
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1. Get a good relocation agent to help you. We used Nuss Relocations and the service was very thorough. Our agent set up over 20 property viewings for us, drove us all around the city, showed us schools, rental furniture warehouses, local amenities, and gave us references for doctors and other local service providers. Be aware that rental property prices are quoted per week. There are heaps of expats living on Sydney's lower North Shore (Mosman). If you end up in this suburb, email me and I'll hook you up!<br />
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2. Set up a Vonage account and bring the box with you. You can actually use your current US phone number. When you hook your Vonage box up here, anyone in the US can pick up the phone, dial your old number and it will ring at your new place in Australia. Keeping in touch with friends and family is tough and believe me, people will be even less likely to call you if they have to deal with placing an international call. It is also really handy to have a US phone number for all sorts of things. And when you go home for visits you can just take the box with you and have a working phone again.<br />
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3. Buy an Apple TV or a Slingbox. Australian TV is pitiful- unless you like watching 3 hours of Two and a Half Men every day. Do yourself a favor and find a way to get your American TV fix. And while you are at it, make sure you keep your iTunes account registered as a US account. If you switch to an Aussie account you will only have access to content released here.<br />
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4. Bring your kindle. Books are crazy expensive here (I'm talking $40 for a paperback!). See #3 about keeping your amazon account registered in the US.<br />
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5. Get a set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Sydney-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811862836/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303545734&sr=8-1">these</a> Sydney (or whatever city you're moving to) City Walk cards. These have been a wonderful resource for us and have helped us explore this beautiful city. Strangely enough, they are very hard to find here.<br />
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6. Spend some time on <a href="http://yanksdownunder.net/index/">Yanks Down Under</a>. This forum is full of helpful American expats who are great at answering questions and giving advice.<br />
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7. If you've got preschoolers, get your name on the waiting lists ASAP. There are 2 basic options for the 2-5 year old crowd: Preschool and Long Day Care. "Preschool" means school hours (usually 9:00-3:00). There is no such thing as half day preschool. Long Day care is like preschool but with extended hours. Long day care is typically more expensive than preschool ($100/day or more) and you do not get weeks off for the school holidays. Many long day care centres run a preschool-like program. Most traditional "Preschools" have waiting lists that can be 2+ years long.<br />
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8. Start a T-Shirt collection. Get t-shirts from all the interesting places you visit while you're an expat and from all the activities your kids are involved in abroad. Then, when you leave, have them made into one of these super cool <a href="http://www.toocooltshirtquilts.com/">T-Shirt quilts</a>. Great way to remember your time as an expat! (Wish I would have thought of this at the beginning of our stay).<br />
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9. Check out <a href="http://www.gumtree.com.au/">Gumtree</a>. It's like the Aussie version of Craigslist. I've used it to find everything from a nanny to a piano. Gumtree is a great resource.<br />
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10. Just do it. "Home" will always be there, waiting for you. Take a chance, expand your horizons. I'm so glad we did.<br />
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Linking up at</div>
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<center><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/HappyHomemakerUK/HappyHomemaker20111-39a-1.jpg" /></a><center></center></center>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-79283190842050886862011-04-25T14:18:00.000+10:002011-04-25T14:18:55.574+10:00Inventive AustraliansI saw these adorable stamps for the first time the other day:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01609.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01409.jpg" /></a><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01709.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01509.jpg" /></a><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy69/melba2615/Aussie%20visual%20catalogue/AU01809.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hanging your clothes on the line while wearing Speedos and drinking wine from a box. All made possible by those inventive Australians.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-82650872115171169122011-04-23T22:06:00.000+10:002011-04-23T22:06:32.848+10:00An American's Guide to Easter in Australia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM5uoJGMW3ibvWXnc9xEWX9dGhi_sJoRqGmjZgoDhyphenhyphen_DOdDdPmsaBpxIyLU5uyUQqRiQqzLgoTBCtbwzeT2bdKPgVrQKsd2-oGRew_v7tWp0URl8HfnHLs6TlbOz9eT9r98Fbn8HffT4/s1600/IMG_2818.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM5uoJGMW3ibvWXnc9xEWX9dGhi_sJoRqGmjZgoDhyphenhyphen_DOdDdPmsaBpxIyLU5uyUQqRiQqzLgoTBCtbwzeT2bdKPgVrQKsd2-oGRew_v7tWp0URl8HfnHLs6TlbOz9eT9r98Fbn8HffT4/s640/IMG_2818.jpg" width="640" />Brown eggs made pretty</a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Shortly after we arrived in Australia 2 years ago the room mom in my daughter's class organised an Easter Egg hunt for all the kids. Her email invited us all down to the beach after school and asked each parent to bring a bag of Easter eggs for the hunt.<br />
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I searched high and low for Easter baskets (and finally found <b>one</b> style at the fake Aussie Target). But the big plastic Easter eggs were elusive. I emailed the room mom to ask where to get the eggs. Her reply was something like this, "Each parent should bring a bag of chocolate eggs. They are available at all the shops." Duh.<br />
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Easter eggs=chocolate eggs. And they are everywhere. The shops are packed with choco eggs, along with choco bunnies and the occasional choco <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilby">bilby</a>. But good luck finding any other Easter candy. No peeps (gasp!), no jelly bellies, no reese's eggs, no pastel M&Ms. <br />
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When we showed up for the egg hunt my kids were ready, armed with their bright green cheap-o Easter baskets. (I was really wishing I had brought our cute personalized Pottery Barn ones). To my surprise they were the ONLY kids there with baskets. A few kids had plastic grocery bags. Some used paper lunch sacks. Others just used their pockets to hold their loot. I got several comments about our "American" Easter Baskets and it was painfully obvious that I was missing the nuances of Easter- one of the biggest Aussie holidays.<br />
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So here are a few tips for Americans celebrating Easter in Australia.<br />
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*Easter is a long weekend here. Everything is closed on Good Friday. And for good measure Aussies take Monday off too. This year, Anzac day is on Monday. So Tuesday is a public holiday, too.<br />
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*Little kids (generally Kindy and Year 1) will have Easter hat parades at school. You will be expected to supply a variety of arts and crafts items to decorate the crazy hats. After the Little Princess' parade they sang a few songs, including "Aussie Easter Oi Oi Oi" and "Disco Inferno". (The musical selections at these school functions always baffle me).<br />
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*The <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.com/2010/04/on-with-show.html">Easter Show</a> has nothing to do with Easter, other than they both come at the same time of year.<br />
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*Little girls will not be dressed up in fancy new dresses on Easter Sunday. In fact the whole "Easter Dress" concept is unheard of here. We got lots of strange looks that first year when we went out to breakfast.<br />
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*Aussies don't dye hard boiled eggs. If you want one of those PAAS kits with the little coloured tablets you better have someone send one from the US. And, there are no white eggs to speak of here. But fortunately, brown eggs work just fine.<br />
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*Sadly, Easter is a secular holiday here. Everyone celebrates Easter, but there is hardly a mention of Jesus. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyHOlF64AOm_jgy8trYearhB7tIcyn17UFgdYidP3YM3YC7RaatWnmlUSF1wK8o5qWE-_DqQjiGzR5i1xX2yfGzfZouyQMD0cPWYV52-XispUFFun6MbhERqYWo5H4Z84tewHbrQ5ZZk/s640/IMG_2815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two hard at work. One supervising.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So tonight, on this night before Easter, we dyed our brown eggs and watched the Veggie Tales Easter Carol. We talked about the true meaning of Easter and left a carrot out for the Easter Bunny. Tomorrow there will be a treasure hunt and lots of choco eggs too. We'll go to church and the Easter Show. We're a little bit Aussie, and American too.<br />
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Happy Easter, Oi Oi Oi!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-23503623064571870272011-04-19T23:17:00.000+10:002011-04-19T23:17:45.756+10:00Defying Death on HolidayDid you know there are a ridiculous number of things in Australia that can kill you? Six of the ten deadliest snakes in the world are found here. If the great white sharks don't get you, the box jellyfish might. Look out for the giant salt water crocs, too. Even the humble little platypus produces one of the most excruciating venoms known to man. But perhaps the most frightening of all are the deadly spiders.<br />
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The problem with spiders is they can sneak up on you- any time, any place. No warning, no sounds, no notice. <br />
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This is scary enough when the sneaky arachnid is a (relatively) harmless <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider">huntsman</a>. We've had our share of those to deal with over the past 2 years. But last week, in the midst of our <a href="http://www.farmstayholidays.com.au/">farmstay</a> holiday, I had an encounter with a real honest to goodness deadly Australian icon- the dreaded Sydney Funnel Web Spider.<br />
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I was in the lodge, minding my own business early in the morning. I opened the curtains near the exterior door and that's when I spotted him. I ran out to find a broom or something to shoo him away- leaving my frightened four year old whimpering on his bunk (bad mommy)!<br />
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My dear friend raced in with some bug spray and zapped him with a 30 second spray that gave her a raging headache for the day but barely stunned the creepy killer.<br />
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Finally, we located a broom and I whacked him and brushed him out of the room. Even after all that, he was still moving around! In the end, I had to stomp him. It wasn't pretty- but a mother will do almost anything to save her child.<br />
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Everyone got a good look at him and we all agreed it was definitely a funnel web. Surprisingly, I was too frightened and freaked out to grab my camera and take his picture, but he looked exactly like this:<br />
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After the whole incident was over I felt I had made it through some sort of Aussie rite of passage. I survived an encounter with one of the world's deadliest creatures and went on with enjoying our holiday. I feel almost as Australian as the crocodile hunter.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-29744183104317415572011-04-12T19:36:00.000+10:002011-04-12T19:36:38.372+10:00Jervis Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BZYWlCKn8zxhCjxSnzjK9LX29Kotfsx1VHX6Va6YcD0-hdZI9VOgvf8GHtT9DZZUQI6HhYQuwZDBiMOLsfxWCJJPMHEIHRvrPr90icDO0iT3RbTBI4msyQWYPOxcI-colX8nS2auuE0/s1600/Action1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BZYWlCKn8zxhCjxSnzjK9LX29Kotfsx1VHX6Va6YcD0-hdZI9VOgvf8GHtT9DZZUQI6HhYQuwZDBiMOLsfxWCJJPMHEIHRvrPr90icDO0iT3RbTBI4msyQWYPOxcI-colX8nS2auuE0/s640/Action1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Last weekend we took a family road trip down the south coast of NSW to a beautiful area known as Jervis Bay. It's about 200 km (125 miles) from Sydney. All the brochures state it is an easy 2.5 hour drive. I guess they mean it is 2.5 hours if you have only adults in the car and you leave at 11:15 am on a Tuesday. Friday afternoon with three kids makes the trip a lot longer. About twice as long in fact. But, after 5 hours in the car, we arrived at <a href="http://www.pianajervisbay.com.au/">this lovely holiday apartment</a> in the town of Vincentia.<br />
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There is always a flurry of excitement when we arrive at our destination. The kids run around, check out their room, open all the cupboards, explore the place and, in general, send me into a panic that something will be broken before we even unload the car. <br />
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Luckily, no knick-knacks were harmed on this holiday!<br />
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We were up bright and early Saturday morning and set off to explore the town of Huskisson. We had an uninspired breakfast at the Husky Bakery- which is only worth mentioning because they had an actual McDonald's playplace in the back of the cafe.<br />
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We had just enough time to book a dolphin watch cruise on <a href="http://www.jervisbayextreme.com.au/">The Extreme</a>. We thought the fast 1.5 hour trip would be perfect for the kids. So we headed to the dock, armed with motion sickness tablets and armbands for the Little Princess. We were all amazed to see large pods of dolphins jumping and swimming right next to the boat. Of course, the dolphin watching was overshadowed a bit by the melt down and near panic attack suffered by the Little Princess. She completely lost the plot (as they say here) and was terrified by the boat ride. Afterward I asked her if it was all worth it to see the dolphins up close. Her reply was a resounding, "NO!" Oh well, I thought it was thrilling.<br />
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Jervis Bay is known for it's gorgeous beaches. Hyams Beach claims to have the whitest sand in the world. It is nearly pure silica and squeaks when you walk on it. <br />
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The next day we took some time to explore <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/booderee/index.html">Booderee National Park</a>. We bushwalked to Green Patch via the Rock Platform and saw lots of Neptune's Necklace in the tide pools. The views were stunning (Would you expect anything else? This is Australia!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iRga1QkQc0ls2G7B7pO4ehnWe1Q_wrZrbBd5oqA_Yqigyibc7gGpkm7IfAV0fKWsIXtcCt5VE9GIppd7QsgvmJyJEfBnuvWE1zIr7sGOb9_PbvQfdOXhCeaWz-n34AvI77otscsir5Y/s1600/coastline.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iRga1QkQc0ls2G7B7pO4ehnWe1Q_wrZrbBd5oqA_Yqigyibc7gGpkm7IfAV0fKWsIXtcCt5VE9GIppd7QsgvmJyJEfBnuvWE1zIr7sGOb9_PbvQfdOXhCeaWz-n34AvI77otscsir5Y/s640/coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We also spent some time at beautiful Murray's Beach. We saw more dolphins and even a stingray swimming very close to shore. The water was absolutely crystal clear and still warm even though it is early Autumn. It was a perfect place to spend the afternoon. None of us wanted to leave.<br />
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But, as the weekend drew to a close we had to load up and head back to Sydney. I wish we could go back during whale watching season, but I'm afraid that won't happen. Too many places to see and, sadly, not enough time.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-36601928292828823562011-04-04T10:47:00.000+10:002011-04-04T10:47:53.155+10:00Mufti DayWe had a mini-crisis this morning in the school drop off lane. As soon as we pulled up I realized what I'd done. I completely forgot it was Mufti-Day. When the Little Princess realized it, the tears started to flow. She didn't want to get out of the car. I felt horrible.<br />
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Any decent mother would have put this date in her diary (that's calendar for you Americans) weeks ago. The memo would have been slapped on the fridge and the outfit laid out carefully the night before.<br />
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But we were away all weekend in gorgeous Jervis Bay (more on that later) and I just completely forgot. <br />
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Mufti-Day is the term used here for a "free-dress" day at school. And I guess when you wear a school uniform every day you DO NOT want to show up in your uniform on Mufti-Day.<br />
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So I did what any guilt ridden mum would do. I raced home and gathered up some clothes and darted back to the school. When I went up to her classroom I saw that the Little Princess had stuck a stringy red feather in the back of her pony tail. She said she found it on the playground and stuck it in her hair so she wouldn't be left out of Mulfti-Day even for the 20 minutes it took me to go home and get her clothes. <br />
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She had a big smile on her face when she saw that I stuck her glittery purple Converse in the bag for her. Because the outfit just would not have been the same with her black uniform shoes. <br />
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You better believe the next time a Mufti-Day memo comes home I'll be setting up a reminder on the iphone, writing it on the calendar, posting it on the fridge and writing it on my arm in Sharpie. We won't miss the next one Princess. Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-70740782174834538712011-03-26T11:29:00.000+11:002011-03-26T11:29:00.295+11:00Jenolan CavesAt the end of January we spent a beautiful weekend up at the Jenolan Caves. It is such an easy and fun getaway from Sydney. We stayed in the<a href="http://www.jenolancabins.com.au/"> Jenolan Cabins</a>, which were cosy and in such a picturesque spot. <br />
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Bright red parrots and several wallabies were our neighbors for the weekend. The kids loved running around the rolling green hillsides. I was a little nervous about the "<a href="http://www.rotaloo.com/01loo.html">eco toilets</a>" but am happy to report that they were not at all unpleasant. <br />
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The only good thing about having a little baby who wakes up before the sun is that you get to see some gorgeous sunrises. <br />
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The landscape in this part of the Blue Mountains is so pretty.<br />
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Of course the reason we made the trip was to see the Jenolan Caves. We took guided tours of two different caves. The temperature inside was a cool 13 degrees (c). We weren't prepared for that! The kids were fascinated by the giant stalactites and stalagmites. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7ulh9rmvFrynb2evjhUIG6ds8dLFrIpZ3vUXKVrNAkViQvB05oFpMNJCYbxpwH1tFzlcKLlh3a1SbKKLPxQt3VtOTQNaK2Fp5Pa3dinUjBhD0JqsAcCoGrixxaTh0u_-bTev3Pua45c/s1600/IMG_2338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7ulh9rmvFrynb2evjhUIG6ds8dLFrIpZ3vUXKVrNAkViQvB05oFpMNJCYbxpwH1tFzlcKLlh3a1SbKKLPxQt3VtOTQNaK2Fp5Pa3dinUjBhD0JqsAcCoGrixxaTh0u_-bTev3Pua45c/s640/IMG_2338.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Jenolan Caves were magical and we had such a great weekend up there. Looking forward to many more weekend getaways during our final months in Australia. So much gorgeous country to see here.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-52359171276790138552011-03-18T06:54:00.000+11:002011-03-18T06:54:31.978+11:00We're BackWell, we're all safely back in the land down under. The kids (as always) were great on the flight. The passengers sitting around us complimented us on how well behaved they were and what good travelers they are. I think I might be on to something here. Load them up with yummy snacks, fully charged ipods, comfy clothes and put them to sleep in an airplane seat. The novelty of it all makes them forget about tormenting each other! If only it could be like that at home . . . .<br />
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Anyway, we were so busy while in America that our 2 Year Expativersary passed by without any recognition. Hard to believe it has been 2 years since we embarked on this adventure. Sadly, it will be coming to an end in about 4 months time. Time to make a list entitled "Things We Must Do Before We Leave Australia." <br />
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Any suggestions?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254906551642886234.post-81334384517726581092011-02-28T02:51:00.000+11:002011-02-28T02:51:12.582+11:00The BreakupShe broke up with me- just like that. From 7500 miles away in an email. My nanny left me for someone else. I'm trying not to take it personally- but let's face it- I'm taking it personally. I really liked her. I trusted her with my newborn baby. And- poof - she's gone. No good-bye hugs, no chance to work it out. Breaking up sure is hard to do. Sniff sniff.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com4