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Published: April 14th 2011
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I landed in Townsville at 6 p.m, my body really thought it was 6 a.m with the time change but I didn't feel too bad! Heather, Simon, and their two adorable kids Max and Emily all met me at the airport! I have not seen Heather and Simon since I was 12 back before they had children. I couldn't stop thanking them for this wonderful opportunity and to let me know what I could do for them. Heather and the kids had to leave since both kids were selected to play in a concert that night, and once I got my bags Simon and I were off to the concert as well.
Max, 8, was playing in his first concert and he had a solo! He plays the cello and I had a great time listening to the little guy play, he is so good!
Emily, 10, is first chair violin and she is beautiful to listen to and watch. Overall I had a fantastic time being thrown into the lives of the Robsons! After the concert at the childrens school we went back to their home. A beautiful 1890's Queensland style home that is up on stilts. The walls
The Ute!
The Australian invention of part car and part truck, these things can get decked out and Simon always jokes that you only ever see a single white male driving one :) don't have any insulation, it's just wood, and the house is designed for ventilation with windows above windows and doors. They have a beautiful veranda on which we had a nice little get together after the concert. It was fun listening to all the Australians talk and ask some questions about the US. At one point they asked me about one of the chocolates they had given me to try and it tasted exactly like a thin mint, so when I told them that it was very good and tasted like a cookie back home they laughed and said that noone uses the word cookie and it's called a biscuit 😊 Overall it was a wonderful night hanging out outside on the veranda, it is what I love most about the summer months in the US, being with friends and relaxing under the stars on a beautiful warm night.
Driving might be of concern as I tried to get in on the drivers side (since I am used to it being the passengers side) and once we were driving I was freaking out because I felt like we were going to turn into oncoming traffic! So it will take me
a bit to get used to driving on the other side of the road, although one saving grace is that once I do start driving at least the pedals are used with the same foot as US cars.
Today Heather is taking me to a near by beach to hang out for the day since today is the last day the kids have school and then they have 12 days off for Easter (Easter is big around here) and at one point 2 holidays happened to fall on the same day, so Australia, not wanting to miss out on a holiday moved one to the following day.
The Robson family is so active and I love it! They already have trips to islands, camping, hiking, caving, and snorkeling planned! We are even going somewhere that you can hold a Koala! I can't wait to report on what we are doing next!
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Beth Diehl
non-member comment
wonderful
I am enjoying all that you are writing. Oh how I wish I could have gone with you. What a wonderful experience!!!!!!