So Brendan and I have made the jump across the ditch… FINALLY! And so far, so good.
We have finished our lives in lil old Napier (for the moment…) and filled my mums house up with what little assets we own.
So far we have survived 11 days with eachothers company with a bit of input from the rellies. I thoroughly enjoyed Brisbane. Meeting Brendan’s relations and seeing my own. Lots of boozing and yacking. We even managed a bit of sightseeing. Twas GRAND! Went to the Gold Coast. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the sand and beach was… gold sand! None of this black ash volcanic grit that we have in Kiwiland. And even though I come from Foxton with our own famous (well, nationally anyway) beach, I was very impressed. Not to mention the massive skyscraper surrounding the place and the fact that the water was 25 degrees!
We also went to Mallullaba Beach which was great except for the little stingy things in the water. O yeah, and when Brendan dunked me under a MASSIVE (LIKE MASSIVE) wave which then three waves proceeded to suffocate me and make me in to a sand queen. Not cool, especially after seeing a guy with blood running down his face after being rescued from the wicked surf.
We then went and saw my Auntie Liz in Ipswich where we drank loads of wine and caught up with my cousin and second cousins. FANTASTIC! A lovely hangover for our next flight.
Melbourne was the next destination. We stayed with Brendan’s third cousins. Which confirms the theory, that all Irish convicts from a few years ago were all sent off to Australia… hehee.
Seriously, it was fantastic and not just because the company was brilliant or the sights, but because we didn’t have to lug our gear around for six days. I thought backpacks were suppose to be easier than suitcases?? Unfortunately, the only complain I have had so far is that my knee is definitely not 100% and am seriously considering the knee operation that I promised by physiotherapist I would have with my fingers crossed. On a plus side, Brendans arm muscles have quite developed… after carrying both our 20kg bags for a lot of the time (hey, he insisted!)… and bless him!
It was great for both Brendan and I to catch up with some friends in Melbourne. And we had a fantastic time with his cousins; we were taken to Mansfield in Yarra Valley, and plenty of wineries just happened to be on the way… Was just like being back in Napier. We really appreciated their hospitality!!