The Festivities begin

The build up - Xmas on the Beach

As usual Saturday afternoon 20 Dec saw the last Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club session of the year. Kids worked out on the beach as normal, but as it was such lovely day, a lot of time was spent in the Water. After the Junior sessions the Adults took over on the Club Balcony and we just had to partake of a couple of ales to whet the whistle. Santa arrived duly on the 4x4 and the kids queued up for hours (it seemed) while we took loads of attention from the Balcony. Well someone had to mind Charlie!!

The Build up - the Office parties

At my new office and in the work situation generally, they have been working up for a big close down for a little while now. My new works office party was held at the Adelaide Zoo. I thought it pertinent not to attend as I'm only just through the door. Better to have a full year and a bit of history under the belt I reckon.The building game stops for around 3 weeks, as do it seems a lot of trades and businesses until the 12th Jan. It is worth remembering however that this is actually their main summer holiday over here. The schools have broken up for 6-8 weeks depending on whether public or private sector. At work on Christmas eve they organised a sausage sizzle BBQ out the back with the customary beer or wine. A nice way to sign off. They also always have a little drink every Friday night at the office after work, before all going their own separate ways. (some I think, of the younger fraternity do seem to nip off to Glenelg for a few bevvies. Guess I'd better tag along one night soon.... There are some great sights in Glenelg if you catch my drift. Debi is not reading this right now, but if she does, I won't make it out for the Friday night in Glenelg!!!

I'd managed to persuade my new boss (sounds strange that!) to get me out for round at his club up the road in Glenelg. Its ranked in the top 100 courses in Oz, and only one of 7 South Australian courses that made that top 100. Was a great course, surprisingly next to the Airport runway, but you wouldn't have known it... If this was next to Heathrow, I know it would have been a nightmare. As it was the Qantas and Singapore Airlines planes taking off and landing, actually added to the atmosphere.

Christmas Day

Christmas has now come and gone, what was it like I hear you say, our first Christmas in the Sun. Truth be known it passed fairly unspectacularly, but it was great all the same. We headed for the beach in the morning, as much to walk Charlie boy as to just do the British thing and hit the beach on Christmas day. There was a nice atmosphere down there, loads of people just walking up and down, either getting some air with friends and family or just like us, a family walk with the dog.

Our guests Ashley, Andrew, their kids Hannah 9 and Lewis 7 (same as Georgia and Jamie) brought their new 6 week old German Pointer puppy called Martha, so a lot of fun was had watching Charlie and this new puppy get acquainted. Everybody had a swim as it was circa 28c in order to work up an appetite for the main XMAS dinner, prepared as usual by head Chef - Debi. I did contribute this time however (buying the wine) by helping prepare the Veg. They all stayed over so we were all able to enjoy the day to the Max. the kids on their games, and the adults on the Vino. Some things never change.

The Aftermathe

Boxing day, our guests left around midday, I went for a bike ride up to Belair National Park, in

order to clear some cobwebs. All off road and fairly easy. I have met a decent bloke (another Northern Englishman, this time from Middlesborough) who goes out every Sunday with a bunch of his mates. They load up their mountain bikes and travel, to take in a load of challenging (and dangerous it would seem) rides each week. I would love to join them, but need to sort out my mountain bike as it's brakes are like greased baking paper.

Beach Volleyball and Racing

Saturday 27 Dec, and we all went down to Glenelg (where I work - but it's also the main Resort of the City) to walk along the beach and take in the holiday atmosphere. It was fantastic, as so much was going on. Gents and ladies beach volleyball, (no prizes for guessing which we stopped to watch) (ogle at), live bands, 4 on 4 basketball, bungy jumps (the tame sort, like trampolining with safety harnesses). We stopped for lunch at a lovely outdoor bistro, where Charlie behaved like a perfect Gentleman, and Debi and I could partake of a couple of Sauvignan Blancs. After this we headed for the athletics on the Colley Reserve, a kind of village green, with banked up grass mounds all around it (one corner being the Coopers Corner Bar - the local ale). This was being televised with some supposed big Aussie athletes competing - but under handicaps. i.e. one Olympian started her 800 metres some 100 metres behind the others, which turned out to be too tall an order. Made for good viewing though.

Golf and Cricket - how good can Sundays be..

Sun 28 Dec, at last played close to handicap ~(1 worse) at my Golf Club Blackwood Park. Not sure if it was down to the 7.21 start, or starting at the 10th, but it was my best game here by far. Even had a drizzle of rain on the way round, you'll be pleased to note. Had to do the early start as I knew I had sponsors tickets to the night cricket, so needed to get out and back asap.

In the Evening I persuaded Jamie to come with me to see the 20/20 Cricket under lights at the Adelaide Oval. On the way I picked up Derek Finch, an Old EBOGFC mate of mine I played with in the eighties, who has been her about 14 years. It was the Adelaide Redbacks v Perth Warriors, which Adelaide won comfortably. Phil Hoffmann Travel, (my new firm) are one of the Sponsors, so I had tickets for the evening in the members enclosure. Jamie wanted to sit in the front row, and we were right by the players entrance mid wicket as they entered and left the field. We both needed a toilet break during the proceedings, and while we were gone a Six was hit which would have taken Jamies' block off as it landed right where he was sitting. I would have dropped it no doubts. Jamie loved the evening as I loved having him there, explaining the rules and watching him work out what was going on with scoring and fielding and all.

In the last few days we have spoken to family and good friends via either Skype or MSN. These leave us somewhat bemused, as one minute you are in the same room as someone 1/2 a World away and the next minute they have gone. Quite emotional moments actually, as we still miss a lot about our old UK life, in particular the people and have yet to really settle down here in Adelaide, despite the brave faces. It will take a lot longer than the 4 months we've now had to feel at one with our new surroundings and start to grow the friendships that become special.

Christmas Lights

Not too much to report since last time, just a little couple of snippets from the Christmas festivities. I was out walking Charlie the other night and got talking to another couple walking their dog, who I discovered lived next door but 3 to us here. I must have made some kind of impression as a few days later we got invited to their house for Christmas Drinks and Nibbles.

Georgia & Jamie take in the eerie scene at the Westminster School XMAS lights

The Caveat was that you had to bring round your own drinks, but also your own nibbles !!! They'll have crisps running out their front door, come Boxing day. Needless to say we politely advised them we were otherwise engaged (munching our own nibbles thank you very much).

Tonight we decided to drive round a few areas with the Kids and Charlie starting off at the Beach for an hour or so, letting Charlie run wild whilst we feasted on Fish and chips. Just like a day at the seaside back home. It was windy and a bit chilly, so we were wrapped up from the wind.

Anyway we then went off to a Private School called

Westminster (no relation to our politicians back home) who have a fantastic display of Christmas lights, which nearly put Oxford Street to shame. Surprisingly they asked for no entrance fee or donations. I think its just a marketing exercise to get people to see the school and then maybe pay for their kids to attend it.

Westminster Lights

On the main road home we always pass a private house who have really gone for it. Lights and displays everywhere. Every night they change the display and have Santa and his mates in different positions (no not mucky). Tonight they had a projector and screen up showing Christmas videos. We decided to stop and take a piccy. The husband and wife team promptly came over and offered sweets for the kids and Christmas cheer for us. Every night it seems they sit in their double garage, with flasks of coffee and wave to passers by like real local celebrities, wishing everybody well. No telly for these guys, the garage is far too comfortable!!!

New job, new continent, new beginings

First new job in 22 years

Well, I have now started work (on 1 Dec) with Phil Hoffman Travel, based in Glenelg the main beach resort of Adelaide. The journey to work is taking about 25 minutes, or 30 if a take the coast road, which has absolutely fantastic views of the city and coastline as I drop down out of the Adelaide hills on the aptly named Ocean Boulevard. I have had much worse journeys to work I can tell you... Am finding it tiring right now (Ahhhh bless) as the old grey matter is getting a thorough going over, after some time out of the fast lane.

Phil Hoffman Travel themselves have 3 main branches, with over 100 staff, Glenelg being the HQ. Among the main product lines are a retail agency, cruise agency, business travel, specialist groups and escorted tours. I have been taken on as Project Manager, with a special brief to deliver a number of projects and help grow the business and increase profits. It is a very challenging role, one with great potential and one I have been very lucky to secure. My new work email is deanb@pht.com.au and I would be delighted to hear from any trade associates who may see potential in linking up with Phil Hoffman Travel in any way. I am unable to go into any detail in this blog, as to specific projects I'll be working on as they remain confidential, in the public domain.

Windy days

Summer is officially here now, but it is still really windy most days, particularly in the evenings. Tonight is no exception, the wind is howling outside, setting a real wintry feel to the evenings as its a real cooling wind coming from the South. Supposedly, not normal for this time of year. It was a beautiful day earlier reaching 27 degrees in the city with clear blue skies. We were certainly expecting to have been able to sit outside in the warm summer evenings by now, but the evening winds have stopped that of late.

Blackwood Golf Club

I've joined now and have had several rounds up there now. I've met a few real nice characters and one of the key things I've noted is how family oriented it is. More as couples than kids, but all competitions are open to women and men. Most competitions are stableford, not medal rounds. Both ladies and Men's sections run together with tee times all mixed up for most competitions. They do have their own competitions of course, but it's amazing to see how integrated and well supported all functions are.

Debi will be taking a Ladies try golf in February where we hope she will improve her golf, with group lessons from the Club Pro as well as meet a crowd of ladies to play with and learn the game. About time the new clubs I got her last year will see the light of day!

House build

Concrete footings and foundations are now being laid, so we can now really get a feel for the plot and really start to imagine who the house will look. Can't resist driving by each evening to see what changes have happened since the previous day. In one week, all tools will be downed and nothing will happen until mid Jan when the building trade returns to work.

School Summer Holidays

Believe it or not at the end of this week, the kids school breaks up for the main 6 week summer holiday. Of course Georgia and Jamie are relishing the chance to have their 2nd Summer holidays of the year!! Debi is not so keen, as now I'm fully back in work mode, she will have little respite from finding things to fill their days. Most of the other Mum's we've met so far are also out at work, so there's currently not so many people about for her to hang out with. I think this holiday period more than most, might see Debi missing her good friends back in the UK, we will see. We're now past 3 months here, which is one big milestone passed. I think 6 months and 1 year will also be key dates, to gauge how well we have settled. I'm sure Charlie seen here with Georgia will help to keep them all amused!!!

Cricket and Footy

Went to the Adelaide Oval recently to catch one day of the Australia - New Zealand test. Was a good day out, if a little chilly with the wind (see above). Went with a guy called Hayden we've met, a professor from the Flinders University, along with 2 of his mates. Had a good day, it's a real nice ground to watch Cricket in. Have also just secured some tickets to the 20/20 series on 28 Dec, South Australia v Western Australia, looking forward to that.

Spurs have continued some form, reaching the Carling Cup semis and yesterday morning beating West Ham Away to continue up the table. Am still watching by live Internet streaming, which is really amazing technology, to think these games are being played on the other side of the world, and I'm picking them up with a wireless broadband connection and listening to the likes of Motty, Clive Tyldesley, Martin Tyler and Alan Smith as if I was back at home watching Sky sports or match of the day.

Round up

Debi's is enjoying her outdoor fitness class twice a week at the local Oval (sports field).

On Wed's nights, Debi takes Charlie our puppy Labradoodle to the dog training classes, which they both seem to get a buzz from. In fact they all took part in last Friday nights Blackwood Community Christmas Pageant. Like the big one on the city recently, but this was local business's and social clubs, in a big long parade, ending with stalls and stuff for fundraising and a social afterwards.

Still going to the Seacliff Live Saving Surf Club on Sat afty's, at which Jamie got a little burnt on his face last week as we rushed there from his Cricket and forgot to slap on the old suncream. It was a cloudy day, but as they constantly remind us, the UVA here is so intense and we have to be so careful. We got this one wrong, but has served as another warning to us. 30 factor must be slapped on all exposed parts, whenever a prolonged time is expected outdoors.

Debi went out with a crowd of ladies last Saturday. They were all done up to the nine's and tottered their way on high heels into the Seacliff Hotel, down by the sea. Supposedly the inhabitants of the bar had never seen a sight like it. All eyes turned to the gaggle of 6 British women, who then proceeded to drink the bar dry. Me and 2 of the other Geordie lads, Ray and Andrew, got together to mind all the kids (safety in numbers) who played in a jacuzzi, fought, screamed, punched and kicked as is their way.

Have recently visited a couple of private schools here to get a feel for them, as Debi has alluded to in her notes recently. Probably not for next school year (starts here in late Jan08) but more likely from Jan 2010.

At last - Debi's blog....

Culled from a few emails home - Debi's perspective on life down under so far. Apologies for the non flowing aspect, but Debi tends to just brain dump and not worry about the format. Who cares anyway eh?


1 Dec 08
Charlie doing well getting very large. Went to a good BBQ on Saturday so all enjoyed and got a Girls night out this Saturday so that should be fun. Problem is Dean has his Christmas do this same night and we can’t get our normal baby sitter, saying that only used her once. Started group personal training which is held in our local park/oval. Dean came along last week but can't this week as starting work. We did kick boxing one day and toning / cardio the next. Swear we could not walk well for 3 days. Kids off School on December the 12th, so 6 weeks of it to come. Have a great club at the school. May pop them in for a few days as they will do magic, games, movie and Zoo trips all the things that I probably won’t do with them so they will enjoy.


27 Nov 08
Talking about schooling - Jamie gets spelling and writing everynight, and maths, apart from Friday. He's still not as independent as Georgia yet. Went to see St John’s Grammar yesterday. It is only 10 mins drive from us, but as I followed the Tom Tom in the car, it took us all the way up into the Adelaide Hills and all the way round the Belair National Park. Lovely views but the journey took 45 mins so we were late, not too clever......
Anyhow lovely School but only have one place for Jamie, Georgia would not get into Year 7. So don’t know if we like the thought of that. Got a prospectus on another school called Westminster which would be about 20 mins away. It looks absolutely fabulous but is double the price and further away. Not sure what to do for the best. Leave them where they are, as the kids have now started to settle in Blackwood Primary, or leave them to year7 and start private then.

Went to my group outdoor exercise training class again today with Dean. Kick boxing yesterday and toning and cardio today. Must admit quite tough, but very enjoyable. One of the ladies there thought Dean and I were there from the police force. So Selwyn the guy that takes it has told us to wind her up and say we are from Scotland Yard. So I have been coming out with tall stories which has been funny. Thought it was a one session joke. But today he introduced us to the other group. Told them to all watch their step as we are from the police force Scotland Yard. We are laughing away, then I am thinking Ok so when is he going to tell everyone this is a joke. Might break it to them next week, not wanting them all to come to me asking for help in burglaries and muggings. All a good Laugh.
Had my first BBQ last night as we have now taken delivery of our new Barby. Very nice it was too.
Seemingly we are now in to snake season they all come out now. Arrchhhh! Sure we will be fine.


25 Nov 08
Dean is picking up his new car today, he needed a run around to get to and from work, and to his new Golf Club. The budget kept changing though and he's ended up with a brand new one. But hey ho!
All settling in well. Kids seem happy, though when I ask if you would like to go back or stay, they are not sure what to say. Think we are all still missing friends. Met a few here now so that helps. Charlie our dog, is getting big and very cheeky. Sure he was raised by a kangaroo the way he jumps down the stairs.
Weather very changeable here as still spring. Yesterday morning it was 19, in the arvo 26, then at night this major wind storm comes, which I quite like the sound of actually. Got our BBQ at last yesterday. So will enjoy cooking on that as the rental kitchen as lovely as it is, is well below normal height as the woman here is a short arse I believe. So my neck and back has been killing me as I'm constantly stooping in the kitchen.


23 Nov 08
Weather warming up again today which is nice. Kids back in pool. Has been a lot cooler this spring week. Should not complain as I know we have a lot of heat to come. Went on a lovely walk yesterday with Charlie to the Belair National Park, just up the road from us. Very nice, with lots to see. Dean got himself a new car this week pick up on Tuesday, to allow him to get to work when he starts next Monday, and to the Golf club which he has now joined and enjoying. A very nice crowd are up there. They keep asking for me. Met them once, but most of them don’t have young kids so a bit more difficult. Starting a group personal training in Blackwood Park (outside) this week so that will be interesting if nothing else. Wednesday nights myself and Charlie go to Dog training. All very serious but fun before with all the dogs. There are Newfoundlands, Dobermans, Poodles, everything so Charlie has a field day. He is a nice 11 kilos now and 16 weeks so growing nicely.
Got the Christmas tree up here now, feels very strange. Some of the houses really go for it here, very American that way, and some do nothing. The kids love it. One guy changes his display every day. One day the Santa is with the snowman. The next day he is on the chimney. Obviously takes it well serious. Met some more people now so that helps. Hard to believe we have only been here 3 months feels like ages. The house has started with a few problems on the retaining walls and hitting rock on the levelling, which can all be fixed but at an expense to us. The foundations and slab should be down before Christmas so that’s quite exciting. Then they break for holidays from the middle of December until Jan 12th so not much happening then. Kids are off for Christmas from the 12th of December for 6 weeks so I am sure they will enjoy that. Georgia is well excited as she can have a pool birthday party this year rather than it being freezing and dark.
They seem to be settling well and had a few friends over for sleep over’s. They do a lot of sport at school which they both enjoy.
Not sure what we are doing for Christmas. We may have some friends round with similar aged children, if they want. If not we will go down to the beach and walk Charlie; come back and chill by the pool getting drunk. Sounds good to me. We should get the BBQ next week, so that will be good. As this kitchen is below normal height and I have a constant pain in my neck stooping all the time.


20 Nov 08
Went to see Jamie’s teacher, as he has not been there long enough to do a report on him, she was training with the Navy for 3 weeks, so she only really got to know him for 3 weeks. Anyhow she is very nice and switched on. He unfortunately is in a class where the kids are a year or more older than him. Which I think is too much. He is on to free Library reading and his Maths is good. But writing a bit scruffy still, so working on that. So we have decided not to put him into the main building year 3 next year, he will stay where he is in year 2/3. Difference being in year 3 they are told a project or whatever then are expected to be independent. Where as where he is he will do year 3 work but be given more advice and assistance. I think that will be better for him, There is too much pressure when there is such a large age gap. So we will see. The teachers are on strike on Friday all unhappy about their pay. So what's new?
Bad system here though the government places you not the school, as in which school you go to, and they all have the same salary regardless of what they know or experience so no incentive to try harder unless that is your nature. Then after 7 years they are moved on even if they like where they are. Very weird. They seem a good bunch of teachers there though so we will see. And the schools ratings are good.
Georgia is doing well, and again is in a class with kids a lot older. They have 3 groups in one year. Her new little best friend is going to be 11 in December, where Georgia will only be 10. But I think she can handle it all right.

They had a great sports day, bit more fun than ours. All dressed up in team colours, with painted hair etc. They do a March then the health huzzle,which is a big aerobic work out to this loud funky music. Jamie got to do the sack race ,egg and spoon, three legged. All the old favourites amongst others. The parents got to race the kids and teachers. All the things you can`t do back home so that was quite fun. It is a full day, you bring the chairs and picnics etc. Only downfall a full day.

At Charlie’s dog class last night. Quite strict. But fun before and afterwards with all the dogs. It was his first real lesson, and he did very well. He is now 11k so growing nicely. Still a ball of fluff. Biting is calming down now. Which Jamie especially is glad of.
House front: Breaking some rock today, which has been found, and the foundations to go in before they break up for Christmas. So hopefully after Christmas ,well middle of Jan it will Zoom.

18 Nov 08

Been looking at cars today as need to get another one, now that Dean has work starting. Did a little Christmas shopping though hard to get my head round that. I will put up the tree soon. Saw a Koala going for a stroll down the path the other day, was wonderful, gave me a right buzz. They are quite elusive only probably coming out when not too much noise so nice to see.
Jamie starting to talk in a funny accent not sure what it is, Maybe Aus maybe American. Think they pick an accent up quick, but also maybe a part of trying to fit in I suppose.


At another Christmas Fair at the weekend in the blazing sun, well strange. We had Jack and Millie round. Jack is in Georgia’s class and well handsome, I have been trying to pair them up. But Jack was so naughty, Georgia has decided it is not the man for her. Quite agree though he is still cute. Don`t think she will want a boy friend for many years, but quite a good thing. Some of the kids are so advanced.
Jamie met a few more boys now so feels more settled so that`s nice. I am liking the school a lot more than I did. They seem to have a lot of fun there. But maybe too much, and not enough learning going on...


18 Nov 08 (a separate email)
We have had some wacky warm days and some cool days very up and down though still only Spring. Very hot to come I believe, but dry heat here so a lot better,not like Sydney which is humid.
Dean has a job starting in a few weeks also, one he wanted with a big travel group so that’s good. Dog is lovely Charlie, though big menace sometimes. Christmas seems well weird here, but have done some shopping today.
Our house has started to be built, may get the footings down before Christmas, and then of they go after the hols, 14th Jan. Hope to finish, next July-ish, a big ish we will see.