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Published: December 16th 2008
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Canberra
whoops, wrong colour. What a tour! We really didn't think that after one year we would be returning to Australia with so many memories, and so few things! We also didn't think that we would be going back separately, due to Al getting a job in London and me unable to change my leave at the last minute. Al set off immediately after returning from Rome, which came as a surprise to his family when he turned up on their doorstep unannounced!
We were both just excited about the prospect of a family visit so returning home separately was a small sacrifice to make, although it was very strange spending so much time apart after having been almost attached at the hips for the past year!
Al was picked up in Sydney by his brother, Dave (the only family member let in on the secret) and borrowed his car to drive down to Canberra where he got the opportunity to really give his folks a fright! We'd told them that he wouldn't be able to make it due to work commitments. He spent a few days in Canberra with his parents before going up to the Blue Mountains with them to surprise
The beginning of Al's trip
Take me home! Good ol' Picadilly line takes you all the way to Heathrow his sister and her family, including the gorgeous twins, Isabel and Violet. The other exciting news of the weekend was that Dave got engaged to his long-term girlfriend Emilie, so there were family celebrations all round.
Al spent the rest of his time between Sydney and Canberra, catching up with as much family as possible before heading back to Lara and a new job in London. He had two days of washing and rest and then started a new job. The following day I flew out!
Because we were originally travelling home together on the 17th October we decided it would be nice to have a quick break in Hong Kong on the way over and there was no availability to change flights so I had no choice but to go to Hong Kong by myself, poor me! Apart from suffering from some serious jetlag it was an enjoyable break visiting night markets, doing a little shopping, catching a ferry over to Hong Kong Island and walking along the waterfront in the sun.
It was a shame the visit was so quick but it was exciting to be returning home and arriving exactly a year after I
had left. My Mum, brother and sister all met me at the airport and we went out for a lovely breakfast before heading back to Bowral. I shared my time between Sydney, Canberra, the Blue Mountains and Bowral, managing to be at home for my Gran's 80th Birthday Party and a good friends Hen's Party. It all went far too quickly though and wasn't quite ready to return to London.
Thankfully we had a few more holidays up our sleeves as a bribe to return back to the UK. Dublin, the Isle of Wight and Gran Canaria will be featuring in the next few blogs and then it will be time to start making new holiday plans!
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