Sorry for the break in writing - the past few weeks have been both busy and challenging...
But I am a firm believer in trying things, sometimes they work, you find out you like something; other times they aren't to your capabilities/liking, but at least you can walk away and not wonder, 'What if...?'
Back to the blog...
But I am a firm believer in trying things, sometimes they work, you find out you like something; other times they aren't to your capabilities/liking, but at least you can walk away and not wonder, 'What if...?'
Back to the blog...
A fortnight ago we had a celebration: 1 whole year in Australia!
Stepping off the plane last year, my emotions were a mixture of excitement, nerves, and disbelief we were finally here.
Stepping off the plane last year, my emotions were a mixture of excitement, nerves, and disbelief we were finally here.
It has been a novelty arriving in a place and fully understanding the language:
For the most part, this has been a good thing, but there are occasions when I miss the challenge, and it has been strange not being on the receiving end of funny looks when I have answered a question completely wrong. (i.e. Shop assistant: "Would you like any help?" Me: "No thank you. Do you have this in my size?")
Mixing with locals has been fun:
Although we have been more adventurous with our barbecue recipes than just the above, there is nothing like a bit of simplicity (with tomato ketchup!)
During the summer months we cooked mostly on the 'barbie'
T and I like being amongst people who say it how it is. Albe, however, still finds them a little intimidating...
We have taken more than our fare share of photos of the famous Sydney landmarks, but it is a photo worthy city. From the well-known...
... to the quieter areas...
...as well as the wild. Amongst the urban sprawl lie many stunning gems.
We always find a favourite spot a few hours drive away from the city we live: in Munich it was Innsbruck, Spain it was Sagres, Portugal, Montreal it was Saint Sauveaur. Here, it's the Hunter Valley (nothing to do with the wine...OK then, maybe a little...!)
Christmas felt very weird in the warmth (although we did have some rain, just to make us feel right at home)
But it was lovely being able to cook for family
Talking of families...
The summer months gave us a warm ocean swimming pool - a perfect way to start the day
And Sundays are now a day of early starts, but there is often a spectacular sight to blow away any early morning grumpiness:
And of course, I couldn't write about our year without mentioning a certain new member of the family:
A handful at times (sitting on my head at 4 o'clock in the morning, every morning; eating food off our plates as soon as we turn our heads; standing on our laptops and making them do all kinds of crazy stuff, such as the screen turning sideways, and leaving us spending ages trying to get it back to normal...) - we love him really.
Yes, it has been quite a year. Now, on with year two...