I was due to get the blog up and running last week, but we were flat out with the new school year about to open and the various tedious jobs needed to get the house up and running. The majority of the photos above are on the theme of air-conditioning, where we bit the bullet and decided to replace our ailing units, one of which was leaking prodigious amounts of water and the other of which was losing its daily battle to combat the heat, which in turn combined to make our lives quite unpleasant in the blistering heat which greeted us upon arrival!
Our "summer" winter holiday was as wonderful as usual. We seamlessly zippered into our Newcastle lives this year, possibly aided by the presence of Chris and Val after their absence last year. After a whirlwind unpack and set-up, we quickly re-established our daily routine of walking, surfing, reading, shopping, visiting, relaxing. Despite the amazing food related temptations, our daily walk seemed to combat any weight gain during our stay, and we stretched out over 6-7 km each day, tackling the hills and the Anzac Walk, while never tiring of the coastal vistas. While on many occasions we did precious little else, we felt quite chuffed with our efforts!
We had a late surprise of a holiday within a holiday when Ross contacted and we decided to continue our tradition of meeting up in a suitable venue. We tripped across to New Zealand's Dunedin and their spectacular views and wonderful home, where we were spoiled by great company, lots of wine and food as well as log crackling fires and sights of interest and wonder. We had a "holiday within a holiday within a holiday"(!) when we tripped up the coast to stay at Moeraki and dine at the famous Fleurs after a visit to Oamaru's steam punk splendour during the day. On the way back, Ross and I scored a super clean private surf at Murderer's Beach and the Jimmy's pies to warm up afterwards were as delicious as we remembered! Here are some shots....
Cass had always wanted to go to the opera at the Sydney Opera House, so when we spotted that her favourite, Carmen, was scheduled, we planned an extravagant stay down in Sydney for the event. I have to admit, it was quite magnificent: the setting and pomp were incomparable and the performances faultless to my untrained ear. We took the opportunity to visit the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of N.S.W. while we were there and explore the cafes and haunts of Potts Point and King's Cross, a fun day and evening, and it's always so satisfying to revel in the iconic big ticket items permanently on display at the gallery.
Apart from those big events, we had not really enough time to catch up with everyone. Apart from a couple of dinners together, it was difficult to find a lot of time to meet up with my sisters and their families in particular. These young families get super busy, not to mention working for a living as well! It was easier meeting the "retired folk" (!) and we met up with Mum and Cassy's parents a fair bit, Cass spending days out with her Mum and we all going to dinners and chats at various venues and homes. We got to visit Mum a fair bit as well and got out a few times for a meal and to the Art Gallery. Cass met up with the "Big Four" a few times, her wonderful close friends from Grammar, and we met various other friends for lunches, coffees and drinks as well as getting to a few Knights games. Our non NZ holiday pics can be found here.
Summer is roasting Taipei and apparently has seared the landscape right throughout June and July, the heat unrelenting as I write, and the forecast indicates, for the foreseeable future! Our new aircon is keeping the heat at bay at home now and we're very glad we made the decision to purchase new ones for the living room and bedroom. My rudimentary Mandarin skills were stretched to breaking point in the research, discussion, purchase and installation of the equipment, but incredibly it seems to have turned out OK....a miracle!
Photos: My team members for this year, air con installation, Taipei fruit and young Logan......Wal and Annie are expecting the arrival of number two baby any day now.