Home Down Under

I had the great fortune to visit my family for almost four weeks over Christmas/New Year. My family is made up of my Mum and Dad (they live in Grafton, NSW), my brother and his family (they live in Brisbane, QLD) and my sister and her family (they live is Lismore, NSW).

During my flights (Toronto to Sydney) I was allowed to knit to my heart's content. Once I got to Australia though I had to check my knitting needles through with my big luggage.

I began my visit in sunny Queensland – and where was the sun??? Serves myself right for boasting abut 30°C days to my friends in Ontario (where I reside). My brother, his wife, his two girls (Jaycee 2½ and Karlia 4½ yrs old) and I stayed at Kirra Beach. Despite the weather, we still had an awesome time at Seaworld, Dreamworld and White Water World. Gotta love those themeparks – cost a fortune to go to though. The weather wasn’t great, but at least it didn’t rain – just kept looking as though it would.

I got my fill of all the great eats – vegemite, mangos, hot cinnamon donuts, creaming soda, macadamia nut ice-cream, Cadburys chocolate (is there any other kind!!), meat pie, bee sting pie, avocado, prawns, fresh fish, tropical fruits and fresh salads.

The next leg of my journey was to Grafton, NSW where my Mum and Dad live. Lots of R&R there and catching up on much needed sleep. Two little girls who get up at the crack of dawn can really take it out of you! I can still hear “Aunty Isa” ringing in my ears (laughing).

Two highlights from my visit to Grafton were firstly a visit from my dearest school friend, and secondly a trip to Coffs Harbour – home of the big banana and some of the best beaches. I had morning tea with my Mum at Kookaburra Kafe – this lovely café was made popular when Russell Crowe (yum, yum hunk) visited it after he got married nearby!). The weather wasn’t great – on and off showers with some sunshine and days around 25°C.

My third week was spent with my sister, her partner and their 3½ yr old, Emily. Oh but was the weather miserable. It rained and rained and then it flooded! The flood water went as high as 8.5m (that’s 25.5ft for you imperialists). So we all spent lots of time colouring, painting, cutting, pasting, finger painting and drawing. I of course got lots of knitting done!

We still had lots of fun together and managed a trip to Pacific Fair (huge shopping Mall at the Gold Coast), Ballina by the beach, and Evans Head Beach.

The last part of my visit was Brisbane. While I was there I naturally shopped for loads of chocolate to take back to Canada. And of course, there was the obligatory ugg boot shopping! I tracked down one good yarn store in Brisbane – Threads and More. I got some neat Aussie yarn from them.

Then came the umpty-gazillion flights from hell. I wasn't allowed to pack my knitting needles in my hand luggage in Australia, so no knitting until I board my San Francisco flight for Toronto. So I read a book instead "My Steve" by Terri Irwin. It's the story of the Crocodile Hunter. I haven't finished the book yet; but I know how it ends and am dreading the massive tears!

32 hours and 9 time zones later I was back London Ontario. And lucky me – I got a bonus souvenir – a rotten cold (ugh!).