? Last Visitors

Another holiday, another house full. We had a wonderfully chaotic Easter with my Mum; sister-in-law Alice; and our nice and nephew Sophie & Micheal staying with us. That equates to seven of us in a small two bedroomed flat - i.e. bodies everywhere! It was particularly good to have kids around (especially over Easter - we're still finding forgotten chocolate in the fridge!).

We now have a regular routine for visitors:- show them the best of Sydney but then go somewhere we haven't been before - just to inject some variety into the mix for Roz and I.

The trip away this time was to Port Stephens, a collection of resorts in a large picturesque bay 3 hours north of Sydney. Again we were left feeling we wanted to go back, if only we'd discovered it earlier. Blue seas, endless beaches, steep hills to climb for views across the bay. We only stayed over for one night but it was enough to be transported back to the eighties. The low to mid range hotels we find ourselves in here are all a bit dated (can't speak about the upper end - perhaps that's what you pay your money for?). That's fine when it's just for a night or two, it becomes a nostalgic experience. The evening meal in particular was a blast from the past - deep fried everything. I don't think prawn cocktail was on the menu but it wouldn't have been out of place there.

We went out on a dolphin watching boat trip on the second day. There are several pods in the bay and despite the high winds we caught sight of quite a few - what a thrill. We had intended doing some snorkeling too as there's a renowned nature reserve in the bay with lots of sea life. Unfortunately the winds has whipped up the sea bed and there was nothing to see. We swam among a flock of Pelicans instead - they were particularly unimpressed as a they sheltered by the shore from the winds.

Alice and the kids have now gone on to Hong Kong, visiting friends before returning to the UK. Mum is still with us experiencing all the extremes of weather that a Sydney autumn has to offer. We're currently in the middle of a storm that's lasted for 3 days now. We're just about to set off for Adelaide, weather permitting, for a stay with my cousin Nichola. Unfortunately Nichola and her family are stranded on a cruise ship outside of Sydney waiting for the storm to bait before they're allowed to come in to the harbour! So we don't know how things will turn out, but in true Aussie style we'll be making the most of it.