An Australian Update

It's strange waking up to the sound of kookaburras and seeing the kangaroos hopping around in the field opposite the house, but just so wonderful to be here with the family.

The flight over was slightly more exciting that we had anticipated, and Hong Kong failed to lay out the welcome mat. A typhoon was battering the coastline, and although the Captain managed to guide the massive 747 down below the worryingly low cloud level, the 50 knot cross winds made it impossible to land, and with a roar of engines, we climbed back into the clag and headed for Manila.

I wished I had paid more attention in geography classes as I had not the faintest idea where Manila was, and having spotted it on the airline map, I then began to wonder if the Phillipines were enjoying a period of political stability or would there be a row of tanks parked across a very short runway. As it happened, the Captain greased the plane onto the exceptionally long airstrip and parked alongside a very modern airport building, and we spent three hours kicking our heels on board while they refuelled and we all waited for the weather to clear in Hong Kong. Back we went, and this time he made it down onto the runway set between the mountains and the sea, and was rewarded with a round of applause from the tired passengers.

By the time we were up and away once more, we were six hours behind schedule, and instead of a civilised 8pm arrival time, it was nearly 4am when we reached the house outside Melbourne. Those little faces that we were longing to see were tucked up in bed, and we all had to wait to be re-united while Granny and Grandpa enjoyed seven hours desperately needed sleep.

By yesterday evening, everyone except Pete who is currently in Thailand but who will return on Friday, had been hugged. My five grandchildren have all grown in the past two years, but it felt as though it was only a few months ago since I had seen them last. Yes, it's a long way to come, but it is so worth it.

Today we had decided to visit Melbourne for the day, but the jet lag kicked in and the rain clouds descended and instead of braving the city, we waved off the workers and students from the house and crept back under the duvet for some more sleep. Our long sleeved shirts and jerseys have been unpacked and put to good use and it's clear that although it's not that cold, or that warm, that Australia is currently enjoying what can only be described as "Sprinter". We leave for New Zealand on Saturday, and I can't help wondering if the temperatures are going to be a little less clement than they are here. Never mind - it will be the realisation of a long held dream to finally get to see South Island in company with Claire and her family, and right now, it is hard to work out who is the most excited between the adults and the children.

An editorial note: Since this is a blog for general reading, no comments are ever posted or read. My computer is set to delete comments on receipt so I have no idea what they say. This is no longer my regular blog regarding our French life and my readers know where to find the new one.