Although I ended my last years’ adventure with “I’ll be back!!!” I didn’t really think I would be so lucky.
But yes, I am back in Australia with Pam and Paul, this time a different venue as they moved from the Albert Park apartment close to the sea, one hour away to Bannockburn, south west of Melbourne near Geelong. This time a sprawling four bedroom bungalow standing in one acre of garden to accommodate their caravan. Very different from the last home but lovely. Loads of room for the three of us.
I left UK from Stansted at 2.30pm on Thursday 18th January and arrived via Dubai at 9.45pm on Friday 20th, unfortunately my luggage and a couple of other folk’s luggage did not leave the plane until 11.45pm.
By which time I think P and P had given me up as a lost cause. They were more jet lagged than I was as they had had tickets to see Andy Murray the previous evening, a match which finished at 4am!!!
Anyway, we finally met and headed for home and BED!!!
After a late start I was given a tour of the bungalow, I could happily move in (don’t let them hear that😂😂). Followed by a trip to Torquay on the coast, where I got my fix of watching the waves rolling in. Just a short trip then back to watch some tennis. I love the fact I can watch live tennis from Melbourne without having to sit up at all hours.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny and just a few degrees warmer than I had left behind… 27 degrees. So off we went to Melbourne to an apartment ready to be close at hand to experience my Christmas present, a day at the Australian Open, tennis!!!! But first, a gorgeous walk and ice cream along the promenade, the one I had walked along last year.
Finally monday morning and the tennis. The Olympic Park is amazing so much less formal than Wimbledon, loads of families, fantastic fast food and the odd shop or two. A couple of presents bought.
Then into the Rod Laver Arena and our seats. A huge problem then presented itself, we were in the full sun, five minutes and we realised neither of us could cope, so, along with the people next to me, we moved up into the shade. A wonderful move and good viewing. First match was a ladies singles, Sabalenka v Bencic. Then nipped out for lunch, on our return the sun had moved and we happily saw Linette v Garcia, then Men’s singles Rublev (who went on to lose to Novak in the quarters) v Rune.
Amazing day, wonderful Christmas present.
Tuesday was a very quiet day as jet lag seems to knock me out. The main difference from my last visit, is that I am earlier in the year and, therefore, in the middle of their Summer, so out and about is more difficult for a body like me who does not like very hot sun apart from the fact that the hip that was dodgy last year is playing up more this year, so short spurts are the order of the day.
Wednesday was a quick trip to Bannockburn whilst Pam did her weekly Pilates, I was let loose on the few shops, which turned out to be very interesting. I love supermarkets in other countries, to see the different ways they present their food. The red peppers would feed me for a week!!! Thursday was Australia Day, which is a Bank Holiday, however, as Pam has her oncology appointment on Friday, Paul has worked Thursday to take the next day off. A reminder that her Cancer is ongoing, and my fingers are crossed for good results, as I am sure hers are as well👍👍
Thursday, I busied myself and made them a few jars of Sweet Chilli Jam whilst Pam made a “cut and come again cake”. Busy little bees!!!
Today, Saturday, Pam and I spent a few hours at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, very interesting how badly they have been treated over the years. Some beautiful items showing the intricate art work.
Then there was the tame emu!!! So gorgeous, just wanted to be stroked.
