Camping

We slept in cabins over the weekend and had a chilly night because I didn't bring enough blankets  (that seems to be a tradition with us and camping).  Others were talking about the Kangaroos they saw upon waking on Sunday morning (they seem to be like deer here).  I was disappointed that we didn't get to see them but I was thrilled to see Kookaburra's and bush-tailed possums (size of a cat with big bushy tails).  The possum was soo adorable and the kids were hand feeding (not sure if that was a good idea but it was neat to see).  I think this will definitely be a highlight of our stay here and it makes me want to try camping again before we leave.  I had visions of spiders and snakes around every corner and was pleasantly surprised not to see any snakes all weekend.  The girls had fun around the camp fire and made some Damper's (bread dough on a stick roasted over the coals), heard some Australian camp songs and were happy to sing along with the traditional Quaker songs.

Extreme sports?

Well, my idea of extreme sports anyway (can you spot Hanna and Emma in the trees?).  Over the weekend, we were able to see the "real" Australia and meet some wonderful people.  Thanks to Elizabeth for letting us borrow her car and to the NSW Friends for letting us experience the Adventure Camp for Junior Friends in Wisemans Ferry.  It was an incredible experience that we wouldn't have had otherwise.  The girls were able to enjoy abseiling, canoeing, archery and high ropes.   Hanna is a natural and I can see her living in Australia and trying out all the extreme sports they have to offer.  Emma was amazing.  She was scared to death of the abseiling and high ropes and did it anyway.  She ended up abseiling (repelling down cliffs) 3 times, her panic lessoning each time.  Tessa did archery and canoeing.  She really wanted to do rock climbing but we got there too late to do it on Saturday (surprise, surprise but I can blame getting lost trying to get out of Sydney for that) and on Sunday everybody was having too much fun on the abseiling to do the rock climbing.  Marra tried to play Cricket and enjoyed Canoeing with mom.  She was quite good at keeping the paddle in the water ;-).  Unfortunately, we didn't have enough batteries with us so didn't get pictures of the abseiling or canoeing (little fingers removed the batteries from our bag before the trip) so we'll have to try to go again just for the photos!

It's a boy!

We're quite excited to announce the birth of our family's newest arrival .  Nina had a baby colt earlier this week (April 8th at 6:00am?).  Aunt Joan is taking care of Nina and Storm for us while we're in Australia.  Emma is pretty excited about her new baby and kind of sad that she is not able to be there to "imprint" him from the start.  We think he's a keeper!  Now, I'm sure we'll have a countdown to departure!

Enjoying Paddy's Market

Paddy's Market

We first found Paddy's Market online before we left for Australia and were looking forward to shopping there.  We were not disappointed.  There are hundreds of vendors there from Thursday through Sunday, selling everything from lipstick to luggage (and everything in between).  Emma tried on a hairpiece at one of the vendors.  They first wanted $25 and reduced the price to $15 by the time we left.  I'm not very good at haggling but I didn't have to that time.  Around 5:15 on Sunday night the food vendors try to get rid of all their fruit so they drastically reduce their prices.  If you don't like crowds it would not be the place for you.  People were packed in there like sardines (Hanna thought that was great fun), trying to find the vendors with the best deals.  We came home with bags of fruit that we paid a $1 a bag for but I think I prefer shopping there on Thursday's to avoid the crowds and get fresher food.  We bought mandarin oranges, passion fruit, persimmon's, chestnuts, green beans, basil, spinach, soy milk, tomatoes, plums, sweet corn and eggs.  That is where I will be doing most of our grocery shopping.  I think we might be eating pretty well here after all!

More Bondi Beach Photos

Can you spot Hanna in the wave?

Bondi Beach

We had a wonderful time at Bondi Beach on Sunday!  We took the subway and then the bus for a 1/2 hour ride to the ocean.  The girls had a blast, and I was holding my breath, hoping they wouldn't drown.  Next time I will have to don the suit so I can rescue them, if needed (ha!).  Marra preferred the sand and "little water", Tessa thought the waves were a little too big and held back a bit but Hanna and Emma were right in there with the big waves!  I was happy to leave.  Next time I think we'll explore those cliffs you can see in the distance.  That will definitely take me out of my comfort zone!