Exploring Canberra & Sydney

Yes! Spring is finally upon us! People are out and about in their camis, shorts and flip-flops. Thank you Lord! I certainly have had enough of the cold. Spring is just simply stunning in Canberra. They had the yearly flower festival 'Floriade' which lasts all of one month. The kids were off for school for 2 weeks, and put them in 2 camps: horse rding camp for a week, and U.S. History camp the other week. They certainly learned a lot in these classes. We drove the 3 hour trek to Sydney and stayed at Darling Harbour. This area is wonderful for kids and I highly recommend this area as a base when you visit, as it's self-contained. You can walk from your hotel to 3 different museums, Sydney Aquarium, Powerhouse and Maritime Museum, IMAX theatre, the Convention Center, a shopping mall, an arcade, tons of restaurants and bars, and of course, the beautiful harbour where one can just sit and bask in the sun (sunscreen highly recommended). Also caught a Gary V. concert w/ the kids - they truly had a blast and was so interested in finding out more about pinoy talents. Back in Canberra we did some exploring, going on a bush walk in Cotter dam, enjoying a rock climbing place by the house and visiting the nice parks nearby. Now it's back to school and work... ahhh, such is life I suppose. Till next posting, everyone have a wonderful week!

Aussie Adventure begins

It's been 3 months now since arriving in Canberra, Australia's capital. Spring has not quite sprung yet, but it is coming - I hope. The weather was certainly a shock to the system, especially coming from the warm, comfortable temperatures of Hawaii. A big difference for sure. Out came thermals, scarves, gloves, beanies, sweaters ('jumpers' here) etc., etc. Driving on the other side of the car and the other side of the road was a cinch, thankfully, no major dramas there. Life seems a little slower here. Andre and I find that we have a lot of time to spend with the kids and with each other, and each weekend brings about a new opportunity for adventure and exploration. There are so many places to visit within Canberra itself... museums, galleries, historical buildings, the bush, zoos, animal reserves and lots of little cafes to sit out in the sun and enjoy a cuppa or two of tea or coffee. Last weekend we drove 3 hours west of Canberra to the snowy mountains, particularly Perisher Blue. This was the first time the kids were going to see and play in the snow, so we were all excited. Am posting some pix of our little excursion.
The kids are doing spectacularly well. They miss the beaches of Hawaii of course, and the wonderful neighborhood kids they had as playmates. Thankfully they love their school and have adjusted quite well. Julian does fencing and plays the violin still. Next term he is slated to begin 'futsal' (an indoor soccer sport) as well as squash. He still reads way too much, but like his teacher told me, he is more concerned with those students that don't read at all. I guess I should be thankful. I remember in my high school days what a voracious reader I was, so I guess we know whom he took after. Aleea is playing the piano and is still doing her gymnastics. She is quite the little singer and she presently adores no other than Lea Salonga, constantly singing tunes from Les Mis and Miss Saigon. Andre and I are enjoying the company of the kids tremendously. Every age is different, but for now, they are just so much fun to be with.
For the next 3 years, we will be calling Canberra home, and what a home it is. Driving by to and from school/work, we have the kangaroos jumping on both side of us, as well as cows, horses, sheep. And 10 minutes later, you are in the 'City', certainly a cosmopolitan area where everyone seems to be in suits. People for the most are friendly, the eating is good and the weather... well... we hope to have warmer temps. soon.
For now... take care everyone and I promise to post here every now and then, so pls. come back and visit.