Hong Kong was absolutely fabulous on the way over. We really enjoyed it, what we saw, but gave up on the sightseeing at lunch time as it was incredibly hot and the humidity was just killing us. Plus we didnt really sleep on the plane all night, I had about 1/2 hour and Hans maybe an hour sleep so we were pretty exhausted. We ended up curling up on chairs in the airport for a couple of hours. We did take one morning tour though which saw us catching a train to the city where we went on a bus trip around one of the temples, a beautiful garden, and a major new shopping centre. It is so awful to see the way they live over there and there is a lot of poverty. However, there is a job for everything and not once did we see any sign of drugs, drunkeness, and the city is soooo clean in the buildings and that. We were blown away with how spotless everything was. And with the jobs, there was even people standing at the escalators at the train station just giving directions to tourists and that was their job. We really liked it. It is just a shame we couldnt look around a bit more. However, one thing I didnt like was using the public toilet and I refused to use another until we got back to the airport. Although clean, it was a big bowl in the ground that you have to crouch over. Their religion says it is dirty to use proper toilet seats. And to flush, it was a lever you have to push with your foot. An interesting experience to say the least. Overall, we loved the city though and all the highrises were amazing. Talk about a bustling city!
When we first arrived in Brisbane, we had lunch at Sizzlers (something I was intent on doing) and then headed up to Maleny to stay with mum. From Maleny we did all the tourist traps on the Sunshine Coast and went on our outback hunting trip with Mum and Noel. On the Sunshine Coast we saw the Ettamogah Pub, Big Pineapple, Ginger Factory, Underwater World, Gympie Gold Mining Museum, Sunshine Plaza shopping centre, Caloundra, and The Wharf. Hans was fascinated with the Ettamogah Pub (it was one of his favourite places) and I couldnt stop him taking pictures. He also loved the great big mango and macadamia parfait from the Big Pineapple and was very impressed with Underwater World. Hans enjoyed himself immensely. He couldnt get over the huge houses everywhere, each one with their own big garden. The space and distances are still uncomprehensible to him and he really loved all the birdsong in the mornings. The wildlife kept his camera busy too. He saw wild kangaroos and wallabies, dingo, echidna, pigs, parrots galore, scrub turkeys, and all sorts of things. We spent a few days on an outback sheep farm where he saw heaps of wildlife. He saw wild sulphur crested cockutoos, king parrots, kookaburras, crimson rosellas, and many others. His jaw was continually dragging on the ground with the wildlife. On our way back from the farm we almost had a bad head on with a very big kangaroo and only just missed him. Hans was incredulous. The farmer also took him out when he went out to round up the 2000 sheep and he gave Hans some tuition on sheep farming. He loved watching the real sheep dogs in action. I think that was a bit of an adventure for him. We also did some real outback 4 wheel driving down in the country too.
Hans didnt mind the food too much, well some of it anyway. He was still trying to get the hang of holding a meat pie right when we left. I made the mistake of ordering mushy peas on his first one and I think more ended up on the ground than in his mouth. I made him try as much aussie food as possible. We had a roast leg of pork with crackling, corned silverside dinner complete with the white sauce, meat pies, sausage rolls, lots of aussie bacon and egg brekkies, huge hamburgers complete with beetroot, etc. We stopped at a truck stop and Hans ordered a "Big Rig" Hamburger and had a bit of trouble getting his mouth around it. The hamburgers here are tiny and have nothing on them but the meat patty and a bit of sauce a lot of the time (with a spoonful of salad on the side). Hans also thought the domino’s deep pan pizzas were pretty darn good, over here it is hard to find a deep pan pizza and I dont really like the Dutch pizzas too much. He enjoyed the aussie xxxx beer too. His first big prawns were an event though. He enjoyed them but he couldnt get the hang of the peeling even though I showed him so I ended up doing all the peeling..jpg)
After the outback adventure and the sights of the Sunshine Coast, it was off to Hervey Bay. We went whale watching at Hervey Bay and saw a heap of whales but they were what is known as September Whales. They are mostly mothers and their calves. They spend most of their time just swimming around and the mothers feeding their babies. The playful whales are the youngsters that come through in August so we were a little late but still got to see plenty of mothers and the calves.
Fraser Island was absolutely fabulous but we only had one night there on the guided tour. We could have stayed much longer. The bus picked us up from Hervey Bay and took us to the ferry. Our first stop on the island was Central Station where we went for a 2km bushwalk and Hans was speechless. All he could say was that it was incredible. The bushwalk took us past Woongoolba Creek which is some of the purest freshwater you can find. There are also ancient ferns growing there which are only in a few selected places in the world. After lunch we went to Lake Wabby by 4WD along the beach. I opted out of the 2km walk each way from beach to creek over the huge sand dune but Hans did it. It is a freshwater lake surrounded by a sandblow on one side and rainforest on the other. The next morning we went along the beach again to the coloured sands, Maheno shipwreck, and gorgeous Eli Creek. Eli Creek dumps enough freshwater into the sea every day to supply all of Sydney and if it never rained again, it would flow for another 60 years. We also went for a 20 minute joy flight over the island which was absolutely spectacular. The little cessna's land and take off on the beach. In the afternoon it was a stop at Lake Mackenzie which is another freshwater lake with a beautiful white sandy beach. We went for a short swim in Lake Mackenzie but the freshwater was quite icy and I couldnt handle it for long. You would think I’d be getting quite used to the cold by now.
From Hervey Bay we also went to Bundaberg and did a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Factory. We went to the wildlife park too which is where Hans got to handfeed the kangaroo's and emu’s for the first time. He adores the kangaroo's but the emu's are a bit fast with their snatching. We got heaps of adorable pics feeding the roo's including mothers with joey's and Hans surrounded by a big mob of kangaroo's all wanting his food. It was so cute. While there I got to cuddle a baby wombat but Hans opted out on that one. While in Hervey Bay we also went out with some friends to dinner on the Friday and Saturday nights and partied on for a while on the Saturday night which was soooooo good. I also got to take Sophie (my old pup) for a run on the beach and give TC (my old cat) a big hug. That was one of the best things in the whole trip. It was like I hadnt been gone.
On our return to Brisbane we had plenty to keep us busy. First was a visit to the Gold Coast where we stayed 2 nights at Jupiters. Unfortunately I didnt get time to have a bet or go on the pokies at all but we did go into the casino for a short time on one of the evenings so I could show Hans the Aussie game of two up. The first day we spent at Dreamworld with Tammy and Stephen and had a fabulous time. I got Hans on the roller coaster which was so hilarious, yes, he closed his eyes tight through most of it. Couldnt get him on the tower of terror though or the giant drop. He did enjoy the rapids ride though. Our second day on the coast was spent shopping at Pacific Fair and then sightseeing in Surfers Paradise where we also played some games in Funtasia. We were like a pair of big kids and Hans loved all the virtual like rides. We had dinner at Surfers in this trendy little cafe and it was really nice. Before returning on the third day we went for a drive down the coast to Tweed Heads and then went to Currumbin Bird Sanctuary. This was another highlight of the trip for Hans as he got to hold a huge snake (only python) and see the deadly snake talk. He thought it was absolutely incredible how strong it was and how he could feel it constantly moving under the skin. He really enjoyed it. The bird of prey talk was also fabulous with the wedge tail eagle and all the others. The aboriginal dance didnt hold Hans’ attention for long as he was itching to see the tree kangaroos which he loved. The tasmanian devil there was nuts though and not many of the lorikeets were coming down for their hand feeding.
In Brisbane we went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and had our photos taken cuddling koalas. They are just like big teddy bears and so beautiful. We got heaps and heaps of koala pictures. Hans took a long time getting used to all the wildlife and birds that just wander around everywhere too. We did heaps of shopping and even Hans says they sure are beautiful shopping centres over there. We went to the Brisbane Planetarium where Hans learnt a whole lot more about the Southern Hemisphere sky and learnt about the Southern Cross. He is still amazed about how many thousands more stars there are there than in the Northern Hemisphere and how you can see the Milky Way which looks like a line of cloud from all the star light. That has really blown him away. We spent a couple of days seeing the city and South Bank including the Queensland Museum and the Maritime Museum.
We went to the Australian Woolshed which was another big highlight and definitely worth the visit 100%. It is a fantastic place. First we had real damper and billy tea around the campfire (including the cocky’s joy on the damper). This was great and I had really been looking forward to having some real damper. The guy who does it was actually born in Holland but loves Australia too much to ever leave. He has worked on some huge sheep properties and Hans enjoyed the conversation with him immensely. He also got some tuition in cracking a whip and cracked it once. After the campfire we went in to watch the ram show in which the rams walk in then down the aisle and up on the stage, one at a time and by themselves while the guy on stage tells you about each type of sheep (the main wool and meat sheep that Australia produces). This was very interesting. Hans learnt about lanolin and then got to see someone shear a sheep, complete in Jackie Howe singlet. They then took us outside for a sheep dog demonstration and Hans really loves those dogs. Afterwards they have kangaroo feeding and koala cuddling and all the usual stuff which we had already done at the other animal parks but we did pat the cockatoo that was there.
After a couple of reasonably free days we went on a boat trip to St Helena. Although it actually started as a prison after the shipping of convicts had ended, it gave a good view of life for the convicts. They still have the ruined buildings there along with ruins of the old mill, cemeteries, and other areas. Hans found the history fascinating which goes back to the mid 19th century. Lunch and a guided tour was all included and some of the tales that were told were so fascinating. The day after I gave Hans a guided tour of the Moreton Bay area.We also had to go grocery shopping for all those very important goodies I dont get here and wanted to post over. I posted tomato sauce chips, twisties, salt and vinegar chips, chicos, jaffas, jelly beans, hot pot casserole mixes, cherry ripes, and arnotts bikkies including vita weat, honey jumble, gingernut, savoury shapes, iced vovo, monte carlo, and mint slice. I also sent some stuff by ship with my belongings such as the vegemite, jars kraft cream cheese spread, jelly packets, can of canola spray, talcum powder, tinned plum puddings, tinned pumpkin soup and pea and ham soup, tinned spaghetti and meatballs, canned apricot nectar for making apricot chicken, and sars cordial. Only things I cant get here at all. However, I was a bit disappointed with a few things and wish I could have got some others. Like I have found that I am not as fond of twisties as I thought and have only had the one packet. I didnt get any other chocolates I like and wish I had of got some bananas, and strawberries and cream lollies, and some ripe raspberries. More chicos and chocolate bullets wouldnt have gone astray either, nor the arnotts biscuits. The jelly beans were good but I really only like the red and black. I know next time what to get and what not to get especially as there are a few items I have since found over here on our return. A couple of the local supermarkets are now stocking small cans of campbell soup including pumpkin, cream of chicken, and English tomato. It is more expensive but nice now and again. I have also found plum puddings, jelly crystals, jelly beans, and a few other things in a little British shop in Utrecht. I dont get up that way very often but could now and again.
On our last Wednesday and Thursday we went down to stay with a friend at Mt Tambourine. She has this beautiful big house with polished timber throughout and set in the bush. It was really lovely. I think Hans’ favourite part here was their 2 cars that he got to ride around in for the 2 days. They had a beautiful big ’67 Mustang and a brand new Cougar. He was as proud as punch sitting up in those cars. On the second day, Lisa took us up to Lamington National Park (O’Reilly’s). We had the time of our lives handfeeding the Crimson Rosella’s and King Parrots. The colours are absolutely incredible! We have pictures of a Crimson Rosella sitting on Hans’ hat with King Parrots eating out of his hands. The birdlife there was spectacular and the bowerbird colours are also vibrant. We took the treetop walk there also which was pretty great too. On the way back Lisa took Hans into this really dense area of rainforest to give him a real taste of rainforest and also took us to a waterfall down the road from their place. Hans had been dying to see a real waterfall and finally got one even though it was only a small one. It was a really wonderful day.
The last couple of days were spent with friends and family including some more driving around Maleny. The trip was fabulous but I think 5 weeks was definitely enough. We were getting pretty tired and hard to motivate by the last week or two. It is good to be home and able to sit back and relax a bit. We have some incredible photos out of the 40 rolls of film we took. And some great memories! The hardest part was saying goodbye to everybody at the airport, especially mum. Needless to say there were a few tears shed.
Now onto what has been happening the last couple of weeks. Well my belongings are finally on Dutch soil. The ship got into Rotterdam on Sunday and the removalist this end is expected to have them at their warehouse on Friday (day after tomorrow). Unfortunately I wont have them before xmas as Monday is xmas and then the removalist is on holiday until January 2nd. Plus there have been a few problems. Apparently you have to apply for a licence from customs within 12 months of living here to bring your belongings in free. Because we didnt know about this little law and the 12 months have been and gone, we now have to pay BTW tax (same as GST and at 19% here) plus maybe import duty. We arent going to bother about appealing as Hans says that is the law and we cant really change it so we are just going to pay. We dont have any idea how much it will be yet as customs works it out on the approximate value of the goods. So we have an appointment on January 10th to go fill out the forms and pay and then my belongings can be delivered to the door. I cant wait.Actually we have done quite a lot in getting things settled this end. We opened my bank account plus got my sofi number (tax number). Recently we also went to my first interview for the Dutch language classes that the government send me on for free. It is part of their integration policy that every person moving here has to do. The course is one year of language classes followed by 6 months of getting you ready for the workforce, study, etc, etc. They can also teach you to ride a pushbike and help with pretty well anything. Included is lessons in Dutch customs also. I am quite looking forward to it! One draw back is that I wanted to do it part time (couple of nights a week) so that I could also look for some work. However, the girl at the interview said that if it wasnt urgent I work then it is preferred that I go Monday to Friday for a few hours each day. So Hans agreed with them. Guess I wont be getting a job too soon. I can see the logic though, the more you are immersed in the language and that, the faster you pick it up. I have a second interview this Friday where I will also meet the people from the school and they see how much I already know. I am then due to start school in either the end of January or April. Wish me luck!
Another thing I definitely need luck with is my driving lessons. I had my first lesson last night and boy, I feel like I am starting all over again. After driving for soooo many years I have picked up habits and drive how I feel comfortable but now I have to think about every single move if I am to pass the exam. I have to hold the steering wheel in a certain way when turning corners. I have to have my foot in a certain position when using the clutch. And because I look in the mirrors with my eyes and dont move my whole head, the instructor thought I wasnt looking at all. I basically have to change EVERYTHING! It was a nightmare. And I thought I would only need a few lessons but I am not so sure anymore. You also have to exit the car by opening the door with the hand furthest away so that you turn and look behind before opening. When outside the car and walking round to the drivers side, you have to walk round the front of the car so that you can check there arent children playing in front and you will see if there are pushbikes coming. So many extra rules I dont think they have in Australia. Over here they also teach you to ride the clutch when slowing down and to speed up if lights are changing and there are people behind you. Hmmmmmm. My next lesson now isnt until January 18th because the instructor is going on holiday. Then it will be a day lesson. Oh and they instruct over here at all times of day and night and all weather conditions. My lesson last night was at 7pm. I can see the sense in that, you get used to driving in those conditions. I am not, however, looking forward to the possibility of driving in snow.
And speaking of snow, we are expected to get our first snow over the coming days. I have been beside myself waiting but it will probably be over by Tuesday (xmas day) and I wont get a white xmas this year. Although there will probably still be white on the ground. It has been snowing a little in other parts of the country. For example, last weekend Rotterdam and a few other places got a bit. We are still expecting our first lot and it is definitely forcast for this weekend. Starting tomorrow or Friday. I am sooo excited but Hans hates it. The temperatures have really been dropping of late too. It was down to –7 and –8 in the nights last week. And when I went into Eindhoven to do a few things last Friday, the maximum was supposed to be –4. All I know is that it was REALLY cold. I wasnt too impressed with having to go outside the house. Unfortunately the days it has been that cold, it has been sunny so no snow yet. But temperatures are around freezing the coming days with rain (or should I say snow).
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