Hola..Hola...and soon Adios from Downunder!!

As I try desperately not to forget my Spanish...and thanks to Jo..we banter in this gorgeous language...as we reminisce..hehehe..

Wow...so my days in Oz are coming to an end...

It's been 2 weeks of non stop chatter..giggling..and pure reminiscing as I step back in time..and retrace old haunts in Sydney..Adelaide..and now Perth..

Catching up with such old friends that it still amazes me that we have known each other for over 20 years...ouch...yikes...is that possible...yes dating back to the days in Brunei...

However, now friends have married,multiplied and settled into the Aussie way of living. Time has surely flown by...

But it never ceases to give me a buzz as I walk along the markets of the Rocks, catch the views of Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the hot Oz sun of 36 degrees... eat in my favourite restaurant..Malaya in Darling Harbour...Ahh..soo good to be back..

Now enjoying the endless white sands, turquoise waters of the coast of Perth...how lucky are Jo and Tom to have this view on their doorstep??!!!??

Off to the Open Air Cinema in Kings Park, Perth...and hope to end this trip on a high with Ryan Adams ..not Bryan..Concert in Freemantle.....

Bali...Monday...

Adelaide

Ramya and Baby Maya

Sydney

Debbie, Baby Nayantara and Prashanth

Snapshots of New Zealand..

Kia Ora from New Zealand!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Where has 2008 gone????

Just about to leave New Zealand for a taste of Aussie pastures and wondering where did those 3 1/2 weeks go. It's been surreal being back in familiar territory but more so catching up with old friends. A blast from the past of the days of working and living in Palmerston North!

So my journey took me from Auckland, where I was warmly welcomed by Fiona and Mahilo with their gorgeous daughter Maia, and managed to receive an osteopathic back treatment...great timing ..and thanks Mahilo! Having dinner with an old school friend from the UK, Shirley, who has now joined the Kiwi way of living. How did she know I was craving for south indian food ??? But did attempt something touristy...a trip to Waiheke island and a coastal walk.

Headed south on a 5 hour coach journey to Taupo for a long weekend with Antonia. Dipped into some Kiwi culture by attending a farmer's christmas BBQ. I still can't get over what outstanding views of the countryside Antonia and Nick wake up to every morning....

Back north to Hamilton to reminisce with Peter and his family, Karen and baby Luca!
Oh...and hopefully ..the last leg...took the 9 hour transcenic train all the way back down to Wellington. Highly recommended for the view of Mt Ruapehu and viaducts along the way...but strongly advise on patience...and to bring some of your own snacks!

So, as I am about to leave Wellington, the cultural capital of New Zealand and one of my favourite cities in the world for its fabulous location... I thank Andy, Bronwyn and Mike for taking me in and welcoming 2009 in style!... yup..that's right...a BBQ...only in New Zealand!