Hello again internet, friends, family. It's been awhile. Let me bring you up to speed on what's been happening in April down under so far.
The Aussie American Palmers (Uncle Thomas, Grace, Olivia, and Luke) arrived in Sydney on March 31st. Immediately (read: after 3pm when I finally woke up from my drunken stupor from the night before) we jumped into the water and then shot up the road for a proper Aussie BBQ at a friend's house. Another night of good drinks, good food, and awesome people. Next few days were spent hanging out by the pool, having a few beers, grabbing dinner after work, and celebrating the old guy's 46th (I think) birthday. The time in Sydney/Dee Why quickly segued into 3 night/4 day trip up to Forster in northern NSW.
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| 46th Birthday Dinner with my Uncle's best Aussie friends |
Mid-morning April 5th, we packed up the car and headed up to Forster. Four hour drive seemed like an hour and was spent catching up with the cousins and talking shop with the Uncle. Upon arrival, we chucked our stuff in the cabins, the kids disappeared, and we started drinking, as is the custom. Had a couple of meat pies for dinner (another thing I love about Oz) and some Blue Tongues (beer) to close out the evening. Next few days were spent surfing some heavy waves, hanging at the beach, more beer, and hanging out with intoxicated middle-aged adults. One unique thing I got to do was go out on a 100 acre property that was owned by a guy my Uncle's friend knew. Went 4WDing out in the boonies and enjoyed the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of suburbian Sydney. I don't know if I could live there permanently but it was an awesome house with some very serene views.
All in all, the Forster trip was the best weekend I've had since I've been in the country. It was great seeing family, although it did challenge my ability to repress homesick feelings. Nothing a few beers and great surf couldn't fix ;). Oh and I almost forgot. I had my first taste of the Australian national animal. Stopped by a place called Fredo's Pies on the way back to Dee Why. I got a Kangaroo meat pie but they also had croc pies as well. Guess I'll have to make a trip back up to sample that one.
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| Beach in Forster |
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| and again |
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| and again |
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| and again |
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| The cabin |
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| View from the deck of the house on the 100 acre property |
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| Croc pies? Awesome |
Once back in Dee Why, I used the rest of the Easter weekend to finally fashion up some cheap surfboard racks for my bike. They're a bit sketchy but they get the job done. $45 in materials and a few hours of labor. Deal.
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| New wheels |
And to end this post, there was a food and wine festival in Dee Why last weekend. I was extremely hungover and didn't eat anything or drink anything besides a beer (smart right?) so I don't have much to say about that. However, I did see the coolest limo ever. It was a VW Bus turned into a stretch limo. Pretty awesome!
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| VW Bus turned stretch limo. I must hire this before I leave the country. |
That's all for now folks. Anzac Day is on Weds (equivalent of the US Memorial Day) so I'll be busy getting sloshed and gambling all my money away playing 2-up. Not having to work again is awesome. Until next time...
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