Australia Day 27 Jan 09

Wow, this is what all the hype about Summers in Oz has all been about. We get a Bank Holiday Monday, and the temperature racks up to a 38c belter. As I write this it's now Thursday and following on from Monday we've had 3 days well over 40c hitting 45c yesterday. It looks like we are going to get more than a week with temperatures over 40c. This is a record for Australia, since records began. Reports of Rail tracks buckling and power blackouts as aircon and other systems fail to cope in the searing heat. At school, (they went back on Tuesday) the kids are not allowed out to play at lunch as health & safety says its too hot for them to be outdoors. I'm reliably informed that manual workers in particular in factories or on production lines, have to down tools and go home when it gets over 38c. I guess that's mixed feelings for them. They get time off, paid, but actually what else can you do. Well I guess there's the beach!!

I drove down the beach front after work on the way home tonight, and it was mobbed. Well, mobbed by Oz standards. All parking was taken on the front, but if you looked on the beach there was loads of space. Cooler in the sea for sure than out of it. However reports of Shark sightings in the shallows here recently make you think twice about going too far out... Of course I did stop in the Seacliff Hotel for a swift pint of Coopers Pale Ale....

Back to Australia Day, many Brits including some new friends of ours Lorraine and Ray, were sworn in as new Australian citizens, in ceremonies all over the country. Didn't realise it was quite as formal as that. Mayors all over Oz led services and presentations. Numerous parties were formed after that, we ourselves went up to Belair National Park for picnics, beers, wine, tennis and ice creams amongst the Gum Trees. It was sweltering and we couldn't wait to get home and dive in our pool. Must have spent 2 hours at least, my incredible bulk submerged, beer in hand.

On the same day, Lance Armstrong was featuring in the Tour Down Under held here in Adelaide (not a big cycling fan so didn't take it in), The Aussies lost at the Adelaide Oval in a 1 dayer to S Africa, and Andy Murray went out of the Australian Open Tennis in Melbourne.

On the Friday night, prior to the Australia day, Debi and I hosted, (well Debi as ever did all the work, I just poured and drank the wine) a lovely couple Paul and Lesley for dinner. We met these two originally at Blackwood Golf Club and we had a great evening, drinking until about 4.30 am, the time (and wine) just flew (or is that Flowed??). They are Brits, but have been here well over 10 years and absolutely love it, which is most encouraging for the challenges that still await us.

Took me over 30 years in the UK

To some who have had the opportunity to take the mickey out of my attempts in the UK to get my name on the board at Brookmans Park. Just let me mention I scooped a pot at a Blackwood Park Golf Club, competition last Sunday. It was a club event, followed by a themed dinner. We had organised babysitters so Debi could come along for the evening activities and meet a few of the people I'd met at the club. They had been asking after her for ages. They couldn't understand why we left the ladies at home. This is a very (mixed) social Golf Club and Debi is starting a group course of lessons in February, to get herself back in the swing - so to speak.

Anyhow, back to more important matters. I ended up scooping the top prize for the male competitors. (Sam Patel - eat your heart out). Not only did I win a mini bottle of champagne (well, fizzy Jacobs Creek - nearest you get) and a few chocolate eggs (the theme was champagne and Chicken - chocolate eggs get it? thankfully other prizes were actual chickens to be won, so I reckon I got off lightly with my 1/4 bottle of fizzy), but also won a really nice silver salver which will get engraved and keep for a year. The first time I've beaten my handicap playing here in 3 months. Things are looking up. Supposedly one of the (senior ladies) on seeing me for the first time 3 months ago remarked to one of my new mates - wow is he single.... You can now see why I need Debi to join, otherwise I might not be safe at the club..... The things I do to keep up the British end.

Summer is Here

Well it's finally arrived. We had a 43c day last week (109F). It actually didn't feel too bad, as I went from the relative cool of the house in the morning, drove to work in my air conditioned car, worked all day in an air conditioned office and went home again with air con in the car. I did however venture out at lunchtime to see what all the fuss was about and walked down to the beach to check out the "sights". Guys I'm sure you get my drift. Ladies - I never said (or saw) a thing... It was hot, very hot, but it was a dry heat as I've mentioned before and actually quite bearable. I'm sure if you were sitting roasting on the beach or working outdoors I'm sure it would have been uncomfortable.

In the evening it was magnificent. While the kids mucked about indoors, Debi and I sat out by the pool, with wine and just talked and hung out well past midnight, topless (easy guys - well I was anyway) and enjoying basking in the warmth. This was truly what it has all been about. Unbelievably, the very next day it swung back to the low 20's. I'm amazed at how different one day can be from the next. One big item missing is rain. It just hardly ever rains here, which is actually a major problem as many areas are experiencing major drought and water restrictions. We can only water plants on a Wednesday or Sunday after 6 for a couple of hours. Actually think its even numbered houses on a Weds and odd numbers on a Sunday or something like that - Debi will know - she's the boss.

This week we are back up in the late 20's , Monday it got to 32c. I went for a run on the Beach on the way home form work. From Somerton to Brighton Jetty and back, 1 mile each way. Won't tell you how long it takes me, just let it be said some people could probably power walk faster. Never was built for running. I leave more dents in the sand after my bulk has passed through than the shells on the Normandy Beaches at D Day.

Debi and the kids have been to the Adelaide Museum today, seemingly having a good time and tonight the kids are on a sleep over with friends. Debi is just out with Charlie at his dog class. He's a bright spark you know, fluent in 3 things already. Nicking anything in sight, (particular fondness to Debi's knickers and designer shoes, anyone's sunglasses, the bog brush), keeping us up at night and barking at top volume when the kids are in the pool. As its so nice and warm again this evening we can't decide on another chill out by the pool in our own space, or actually taking the chance to nip out for a bite somewhere. There are a few decent restaurants nearby, but not buckets of choice unless you venture 15 mins or so down to the city suburbs or the city itself. Certainly haven't yet found any Curry houses to come even remotely near to the quality of the Methi or the Raj in BP. We are missing our weekly fix, although I have to say Debi does do a real mean curry. Way better than the Indian restaurants we've tried here. I remember an old saying "why go down the road for a cup of tea when there's half a hundred weight at home". Might have been referring to a different circumstance, but I'm sure it can be applied...

Just now back from our meal out. We took in the Rimini Cafe Restaurant, a mediterranean style affair. You have to pick your table, choose what you want, remember it (if you've ever eaten out with Debi - you'll understand what a challenge it is to remember the order and get it right) and then go to a counter and order all your food and drink, and pay for it up front. Madness. Wine is surprisingly not all that cheap so actually at restaurants you have the wierd sight of people bringing their own (BYO - y for your) wine out for their dinner. Of course I always forget, so we always pay the going rate...

When we got home, the kids were out, it was peacful and quiet, what did we do? Cracked open another wine and settled down to the evening news of Barack Obama's inauguration, 5,000 job losses in Oz, the Australian Tennis Open, and on flicking the channels, a piece of old home - "there's bin a murrderrr" - TAGGART, marvellous stuff.... Actually just finished off with a little (just a little) Malt Whisky. Debi had a Baileys. What do we say now - "JUST ONE FOR THE ROAD"...

Debi's festive view

Again - cut and adapted from a few emails home....

24/12/08
We are out tonight to watch Carol Singing, they have camel rides and stalls etc. in the Blackwood Oval. Seemingly this has been the warmest Christmas Eve for a while, although the coolest December month for 7 years. So should be nice, supposedly you just rock up with your seats etc. bottle of wine, chips (as in crisps). They call sweets here lollies, which was a bit confusing for the kids, and flip flops are called “thongs”. Sorry I can’t ask for a pair of kids thongs. Imagine Jamie in them!

Anyhow meant to be a lovely 30 tomorrow, so should be great better hot or cold. Don’t like it in between. Just cooking my free range chickens, (not really turkey fans, so thought we would eat what we like this year) making my Yorkshires don`t know if they will freeze, in order to keep them fresh for tomorrow. Just wrapped the kilted sausages, so getting there. Just do the veg tomorrow. Like to get it all prepared the day before as I never know how numb my hands may be, with the alcohol.
Georgia opened her present this morning as they get one present on Christmas Eve. Jamie has not opened it yet. He wanted a play station game early, surprise, surprise! So he is busy on Batman Lego PS2 which seems quite cool. Don`t like saying cool anymore as Jamie has it drummed into me that cool means constipated overweight old lady. His new one from school.


5/1/09
Been in the near 30`s this week. So bronzing away nicely. Trying to be careful though as strong sun, you burn even when the sun is not out. Find it is more pleasant to go out after 4pm. Saying that it is a dry heat in Adelaide, so you don`t get that humidity that you would in Sydney.
We had a nice start to Christmas on the beach, and then our friends came round. They had little Martha with them their 7 week old puppy (3 kilos). Charlie (20 kilos) and she was very good, not as bad as I expected it would be, with them both running around mad. Both were very well behaved. Martha fell in the pool, and Dean shouted “I'll save her” then followed in after her with clothes and all. My Hero!

New Years eve was very pleasant, spent it at Lesley and Paul’s, new friends who live nearby. They are people Dean met through the golf club. Lesley is very nice, easy to talk to with a nice sense of humour. She has 3 older boys 21, 23 and 25 I think. One in a band, one into art and design and the other can’t remember. The kids were the only young ones there so they behaved wonderfully, Jamie found the X box, and Georgia the Foxtel. Suffered the next day though as there was a nonstop flow of wine, very good hosts.

We had Dean’s friends from EBOG on New Year’s Day from the UK, Gary & Lisa Haycock, just a flying visit on their travels and a one night stay. They just stopped in here on the way through after a few days on beautiful Kangaroo Island. They have two young children, forgot what it was like to have a 2 year old around again. Cute little Amber had a sausage in her hand which I am sure she enjoyed, as did all my furniture. Abi also very cute and 5 looked like she was manufacturing ketchup from every orifice. Lisa a great talker even though she does not drink, kept flowing the stories until the small hours of the next day. They all had to get up early the next day as catching a flight to Brisbane, then to pick up a car and drive/sight see to Sydney for a three day trip then home. Very brave doing all that travelling with two little kids but they seemed to cope well. It was really nice to see them all.

The following night we all went to Rainey’s and Ray’s house including Charlie. For a few New Years drinks, drank too much as usual but had a great time. Charlie threw up on their decking and did a major throw as we were leaving on their nice clean floor but was forgiven. Better Charlie than me I say! (Since found out after a vet visit that he was a bit poorly but all better now)

Had another few drinky nights, but all calming a bit now. Thank goodness. Dean booked us all including the my little Georgia and Jamie, a night in the City to watch Phantom of the Opera at the theatre, promised we would take them to Les Miserables in London before we left and it did not happen. So hopefully they will enjoy as they know all the music. I Love it having seen it twice already.

Looking forward to the 12th as they start the building on the house again. Will be good to see it taking shape after all this time. Let’s hope we like it. Always a worry?

Kids still have a few weeks off school, so they are enjoying the late evenings and late mornings totally chilling. We are moving them to a new school term 1. Not until 2010, as that’s when the spaces are available. So will squeeze us dry. But hopefully will be worth it. It’s called Westminster; they have the primary, middle and high on the same campus which I prefer, as a lot easier, about 15 mins from here. So not too bad. It looks lovely wish I had the opportunity when I was young. Sure they won’t be thinking that when they have to leave all their friends again. But they will hopefully benefit in the long term.

10/1/09
So to summarise so far still miss friends and family an awful lot and always will as they are my good friends, but enjoying living in Australia. Looking forward to when my sister Wendy comes over which is meant to be next Christmas with her new baby who will be 8 months then. Love the weather and how people have time to chat and smile, very rarely come across a grumpy one. Some things are a bit behind here, and a slower pace, but you get used to it. In the UK I was always chasing my tail, doing what? You may ask, not sure but always rushing about. Love being near the beach and walking Charlie there. (His favourite place.) I would like to meet more Australians as sometimes I feel we have moved to Newcastle and have started saying “Man” after every sentence.(that needs to stop). Loads of Geordies here, (they are all lovely don`t get me wrong), but don`t want to be an expat purely mixing only with British people. But Australians are hard to make friends with even though they are pleasant and sociable. I suppose it is like us in the UK with the European community. Really really don’t miss these cold grey days, or the M25 traffic. I have always said where ever I lay my hat, that`s my home. Just need all my lovely friends to lay their hats near mine, and then it would be the perfect home............ xx

2 New Years Eve's

Festive Period

Sadly had to work over the Christmas / New Year period other than the bank holiday days. I can't complain as I had 6 months in the UK working 2.5 days a week on the Oak Room project with "serial entrepreneur" Bill Doughty, which was great fun. This was followed by 3 months on arrival in Oz, not strictly working, or earning, but taking some time out, organising the new Oz basics for living and looking for the next career move.

As mentioned on previous blogs, I started with Phil Hoffmann Travel at the start of December and of course haven't built up enough hours worked to be able to take any days off yet. As it happens it's been full on since I started. They work in very many similar ways to how we worked at Driveline, but I am being kept very busy learning about all the new suppliers of travel product here in Oz. Who the movers and shakers are and in particular with my main projects. To develop the main website, work on a Cruise product, reader offers and promoting sales on a national scale. A lot of Aussies take 2 -3 weeks off as its their main summer holidays and the kids are all off school, so the roads are really quiet and its not so easy to reach everyone you need to, to get things done.

New Years eve - OZ time

I was at work during the day, Debi Georgia and Jamie were chilling out by the pool. In the evening we all went round to a couple of friends who live very near us here in Craigburn Farm, who had an open house. Jamie found their XBOX so he was sorted. Georgia found their FOXTEL, (like Sky+) so she was dandy. That left Debi and I to fill our time, which of course was easy. Good company, copious amounts of wine and food with Paul and Lesley, David and Coleen, and other friends we've met from Blackwood Golf Club.

I seem to remember my brother Gary Skyping me after we'd got home. I think I'd crashed out (well it was 2.30 am here) and he has since commented how out of it, I looked. Well it ain't easy to look your best, being woken from a deep beauty sleep after several Coronas, a few litres of Sauvignan Blanc (from South Australia of course) and a dumping of good healthy home cooked nosebag.....

New Years eve - UK time

I'd left the PC on as mentioned above as I had organised with Nick Jarman (better known as Jugsy) to do a webcam link up via Skype. So it was that at 11pm UK we linked up. Jugsy took me on his laptop into his dining room and put me at a seat at their table. I could see Jugsy and Rachel, Chris and Caroline Boothby, Andy and Anne Clark, and Mark and Tracy Daley. The wierdest conversations followed, as I had now just woken up, with a beaut of a hangover and these guys were all on the way up with one hour to go before hitting their peak. It was great to feel like I was there in the room with them, but of course after the call, it only served to make me a little sad having just seen and spoken to some of your best friends half a world away. As it happens I'm probably glad I wasn't there as I have since heard they did the ABBA popstars karaoke stuff. Would have needed mufflers no doubt!!!

They asked to see Debi, who was absolutely dead to the world at the time, but to her credit, she made it over to the screen to make an appearance. Amazing that her hair managed to look perfect from leaving the Bed to appearing on the webcam. I don't know how you ladies manage it....

Below freezing v 26C

Sorry to labour this one, but we had heard of your freezing conditions back at home. The boys above had played Golf at Brocket Hall in -4 at the start, to go with several days below zero. This has reportedly been the coolest December in Adelaide for over 7 years, but it has been very warm over the festive break. This is the fire risk season here now, but we have had a lot of cool days and a decent amount of rain (for SA) so nothing to cause any concern. I doubt we'll ever see a white Christmas here.

Blackwood Golf Club and the Adelaide Redbacks (Cricket)

Played 2 rounds over the festive period, hitting 35 and 31 points. At his rate I will soon be dropping a shot to handicap, as have not yet played to my handicap since being here. Mainly down to putting. Am enjoying the course though, its a good challenge and is a green oasis in the Adelaide hills. All the fairways and of course greens and tees are watered using bore water as the water level and natural aquifers in this part of the hills is so high. In fact at one point on the 15th hole, water piles out of a tapped spring and its so good, it's cool and eminently drinkable.

Last night took Jamie along with Ray and his son Jack, Andrew and his son Lewis and their Father/grandfather (over from blighty for 6 weeks) and old EBOG Derek Finch to the Adelaide Oval for another 20/20 game versus New South Wales. They tonked the Redbacks with 9 balls to spare. What great format 20/20 is, full on entertainment with every delivery... Oh and the beers at the seat along with fantastic balmy weather made for a perfect night out.

Penny Akam

I was so sad to hear of the death of a very dear friend and colleague from the Travel Industry, Penny Akam from cancer just before Christmas. Some of you reading this blog, may also have known her as a beautiful lady, so full of fun and vitality. Always with a smile on her face and always happy to stop and talk to you for a while no matter what she was up to. We shared many happy days with Penny in the formative years of Driveline. Penny joined us on several Le Touquet bashes, and was present in Sun City when Debi and I met. We shared many drinks and laughs with Penny over many Travel Trade functions, be they ABTA, ITT, Irish Tourist Board Opens, trade dinners or just mates bashes like the marmite club and 2001 club. Penny was one in a million and I know having read the tributes to her from Trade friends on the Travel Weekly site, she was immensely popular, highly regarded and will be sorely missed. I join many others in thinking of her husband Mark and 2 sons Jake and Luke and other family members at this sad time. I wish I could have joined the 350 or so at the service to say goodbye properly.

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!!!