Happy New Year!

We decided when we emigrated to Australia that we would see in 2008 in Sydney, so after 2 great weeks in Perth, we flew to stay with our friends in Cronulla which is south of Sydney. We met Kylie & Josh when we were backpacking in Thailand and had stayed with them on our 'tour' of Australia in 2003. It was good to be with them again and, as usual, we ate too much and drank too much. Well, the diet always starts tomorrow doesn't it.

The fireworks at the Harbour Bridge were fantastic. Unfortunately the batteries in my camera died at about 11pm (how embarrassingly frustrating) so these are the best my phone can offer. Still, it shows how close we were to the action. We met a really lovely lady who, on hearing we had to travel for an hour or so to get back to Cronulla, invited us to stay at her place. That's typical Aussie behaviour.

We were right on the waterfront in a 'no alcohol' area. Well, they were quite happy to sell alcohol at outrageous prices but they were checking bags on the way in. We were aware of this and had poured our white wine into a pineapple drink carton and so, smiling sweetly at security as they checked our bags, had a lovely, merry time!
(This is the 4th attempt of trying to get rid of Andy's chins for the picture!)

A few days later we headed back into the city with Kylie & Josh and did a bit of the touristy thing. People kept asking us if we were in holiday and when we said 'yes', they replied, "Oh, it will be cold when you get back then". It was great being able to say, "Actually it's 40 degrees in Adelaide where we live". We live in Australia - yippee!

After our great time in Sydney and Cronulla, we travelled inland to Mittagong to stay with friends from Chelmsford. It was good to catch up with Janet & John (but are still looking for Peter & Jane - LOL. Those born after the 70's may not have a clue about this but tough - you missed out!). As we arrived, a wild peacock flew onto their property and proceeded to stroll around the roof. It was a bizarre sight.

So, we are now back in Adelaide. We've missed the 43 degree heat and today has been a beautiful 28 degrees. We've had a relaxing few weeks and I (Carla) have another 2 weeks before the new school year begins. Andy didn't get the job although it was very close and he only missed out to someone with more experience. He's feeling fine about it and now that I have a full time contract, the money pressure is off anyway. It's great that he can continue coaching as well as picking up the occasional handy man work.

We missed our family and friends during this special time and we hope you all had a good Christmas. May 2008 be all that you want it to be.