'The Place to Be'

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Our last days were spent with a family who live just outside Melbourne. Jeremy, an old friend of John's, invited us to stay with them in their massive house, which he had partly built himself. They grew some organic vegetables, fruit and nuts on their 10 acre land, which also incorporated a swimming pool and chicken coop. We thoroughly enjoyed the family's company, playing with the children Jordan (8) and Sasha (5), who are home-schooled by their mother Donna Marie. There is a strong interest in Steiner education in the family, which led us to all going out and visiting the Steiner exhibition in Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria. Later we did the 'ordinary' weekly food shopping at Macro Wholefoods Market (www.macrowholefoods.com.au). Wow, you don't often see such big food markets with organic food, numerous vegetarian substitutes, alternative medicines and eco friendly body products in Britain! We also went to 2 fabulous vegetarian restaurants in the evenings.
The family's alternative lifestyle suited us very much and we were sad to leave them so soon. They are a truly beautiful family and it was a real pleasure spending time with them.

We are back from Australia now and we were lucky not to get jet lag, due to taking Arnica every so often (we do recommend it). So the question that everyone has been asking: Do you want to go and live in Australia now? Well, John and Catherina considered this 19 years ago. 19 years later, that feeling has not changed much. They say 'maybe for retirement'. John thrives in the heat, while Catherina... well, she'd have to get used to it. Ilana and Kiama are not sure, although Ilana is very much attracted by the alternative lifestyle and the abundance of mangoes when they are in season lol.

Good bye Australia, WE LOVE YOU!

Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read our blogs, leave comments and send us messages. Very much appreciated :D This was not our first or last trip. More blogs are to come in the next few months when Ilana travels to Ghana, West Africa. She will be there from beginning of May to the end June. Subscribe if you would like updates.


All the best,

from the Petit Family 😊

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Photos

family gathering
Donna Marie, Sasha, Jeremy, Jordan, Ilana, Kiama, John and Catherina taking the photo :)

Goodbye Australia, Hello England
On the plane back home

Comments

[Gabrielle]

Goodbye and Thanks
I've really enjoyed your travel blogs and now that you are back from OZ I shall miss your travellers tales. I'll be watching out for the Ghana blog in May/June. Cheers Gabrielle Welcome back to England!

[Jeremy Hirst]

glad you enjoyed Aus.
Thankyou for the kind words, we all enjoyed your stay and hopefully you'll come back again.