Our final entry (or not) but one dominated by family jokes and quirkiness.
Slightly tanned from our Tongan adventures (although turning pale rapidly following a week of pacific rain) we travelled to Sydney for a quick Aussie encounter before flying home next week. We were greeted by two very excited, beaming faces at the airport, a pleasant luxury considering the number of arrival halls we've scurried around, avoiding persistant people offering services we definitely did not want and who did not like taking no for an answer.
Our sleepless night of travel was topped off with an excellent day of keeping ourselves awake. Chris and Karen took us out of Sydney and up to the Hunter Valley for a spot of wine tasting and sight seeing in some of the most beautiful scenery. Having filled our tummies at a delicious deli, sitting in the sun by a lake, we headed home in the car and slept like babies in the back for the whole journey.
Our first night was a Simpson invasion, with Pip, Alec and Ben/Harry all coming over for dinner. It was lovely to have everyone together and given the comic value around the table we laughed hysterically all night.
The next day Chris drove us to the Blue Mountains, via several gorgeous lookouts and coffee venues. Our most energetic moment was a short walk down 20 feet into the canyon at one of the most spectacular lookouts in the mountains. Chris took plenty of film of us all and found great amusement in taking pictures of me with the 3 sisters rock formation in the background, with full commentary naming each rock! A delicious curry later and we all piled into bed early for some much needed rest!
Our third day was set at a slightly slower pace. Karen and I went out to the shops in the morning while Nigel kept Chris amused at home! We then all went for another jolly to the beach, this time taking in a delicious Italian lunch and some clean sea air. We were then taken to Pip and Alec's place in the city and spent the evening at a comedy show with Ben and Pip and few of their friends.
So the last couple of days have we have stayed in the city, living the younger Sydney life. We did a cruise around the harbour with lots of Japanese tourists, who Nigel observed to have extreme camera envy as I snapped happily at the Sydney skyline. Yesterday was Pip's engagement party in the park, the highlights being, Pip entertaining us with Poi (fire dancing), singed hair and all, and Ben's attempt at ribbon twirling. Chris made a very good speech, luckily limited by Ben's heckling "..nice speech!" and Karen dragging him back into the crowd.
With only a few days left we are both feeling a bit weird as we are no longer just looking after each other, in our own little world. We now have to think of other people! Lucky for all of you we are making this transition in Australia. Although it is really nice to see friendly familiar faces with no need for repetitve small talk about travels etc.
Only 6 days till we are home!!!!!
