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Published: December 8th 2010
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We were exhausted and inspired after National Lones Scout Camp and enjoyed a few relaxing days at Brisbane Ashram. What a blessing to meet Laura in Australia.... Now that is a major Lila arrangement!! Had lovely visit with Faye, Matt, Corbin and Tenesha in Brisbane also and they sent us with tickets on a spontaneous day trip to one of the water theme parks on the Gold Coast. We did enjoy very much, thank you benefactors! The public transport is commendable in Brisbane and surrounds compared with some other Australian cities....
And we were on the road again, heading south, visiting as many of our happy people as possible on the way to catch the next plane.“This car is ‘so’ fancy and its way cheaper than sleeping in a hotel, so it’s ‘way’ better! Look how the seat folds all the way down so I can sleep!” commented Callum. Drops of rain splashed on the windows as we sat in a line of traffic waiting for flooding across the road ahead to subside.
An irate truck driver tapped on the window and made a big noise “It’s because of cars like you that us truckies are stuck here! You’re
hogging the road and we can’t get through! Don’t you understand?! The road is closed. It’s completely flooded! They’re only letting trucks through.” “No, I’m sorry, I really don’t. I’m over the side of the road and there is plenty of room for you to pass on the other side” I said bewildered. A classic example of what I have come to the conclusion, is how people react when they find their limit... this is really the definition of when someone finds they are at their capacity!
The boys groaned at the prospect of sitting the whole night in the line of traffic, still some distance from any notion of food. Quite possibly the first time I’ve ever been in such a situation without a supply of chocolate to distract the senses and pacify the mind! We were fine of course because we were warm and had good singalongs! The rain continued to fall. Eventually traffic moved slowly and we crossed the flooded road. The local emergency service workers were putting in a commendable effort well into the morning hours.
The next morning after a persistent beeping noise, the boys thought up solutions for how to get rid
of it. Aiden asked for the car manual and read through the sections on alarms in the car. We tried a few things and eventually buckled in the front passenger seatbelt which instantly ended the alarm. It seems the car was making sure we buckled in the pineapples on the seat before it was happy for us to drive further! “Ha! This is the ultimate safety car! Its protecting the fruit!!” Callum thought it was hilarious!
We had a spontaneous stop at Bombay Beach as the waves were very inviting. A random dog was so concentrated on catching a ball that it seemed he might bite Aiden’s arm off! The ocean was magnificently powerful, salty and revitalising. The whole coast road is spectacular.
Arriving at Ruthy's new inviting abode, we explored the gardens while the rest of the household were still out. To say the boys were excited to see the girls arrive home would be a major understatement! The trampoline received lots of attention and very tired children chatted well into the night. Min was grateful for some time of school to spend a few days with us. There was plenty of action, including Cal's first and
second visit from the tooth fairy. Let it be noted that against all odds I pulled one of the teeth out (against my better judgement at inflicting pain or playing with nature)....
We were fortunate to have timed our visit to coincide with Min's birthday and enjoyed the drawn out parties. One with family. one with us and one with little friends from school. Decadent strawberries and cream for birthday breakfast and we all became cake feasting extraordinaires! Thanks to Lauchy being so accommodating to our invasion! Such a beautiful home to visit and yes, sad to say goodbye. Here we are again ending an Australian visit, four action packed months.... and beginning another overseas adventure with such good friends.
Then there she was.... the epitome of my life ideal. The slow snail gracefully sliding along with all her wordly belongings on her back. She'd be horrified at the thought of leaving a box at a friends place, let alone several of them!! So, to the road it is. The boys wanted to sleep our last night in Australia at the airport, so we curled up on seats there to be ready for our morning plane! Quite random
and lovely surprise to meet Sue, one of our Chinese friends who now works at the sunglass shop at Melbourne airport! Stay tuned for how the adventures unfold!
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mum
non-member comment
Thanks
Great to read your blog and see the photoes, Thought it was you expecting for a few seconds!!