Jakarta Rocks

The new house

2010-11-18T17:49:00.005+07:00

The downside of moving house from one country to another - you realise what is unusual about where you are living and you go on a shopping spree in order to purchase all those cool things that are cheaper here. Why didn't I buy half this stuff years ago?

The packers come on Wednesday. I am going to Bandung tommorrow - (factory outlet clothes shopping) - Yes Jen - I just might see a Herme's bag for you (do you realise one of my bags has a certificate of authenticity - I found it the other day when I was putting it back in it's cover?). Saturday will be spent trying to get all the last minute stuff organised (still waiting for 2 chests of drawers, some metallic prints and some frames).

On Saturday I am also going to go to my favourite shop - Massimo Dutti (Italian), where I can pick up some fashionable winter clothing (think Munch wasn't born last time I bought winter clothes (other than ski clothes). My sister in law has convinced me that Australia is over the top expensive and although there isn't a sale, the prices there are reasonable in comparison (I usually wait for the sale so this green light is a welcome).

This is a room divider - yes, I haven't bothered to untie it. First saw it at least 2 years ago...... bring some metallic energy into our new home (that is vey water and fire).

Got a waterproof cover made up for our new day bed .....

I love the colours. It fits both J and I. Could have used it at least 3 years ago. It's over 2m long and 1m wide. Very comfortable place to lie when kids are in the pool (ok - I've never done that - but I will when it's not 100% humidity okay).

Got some waterproof covers for our rattan outdoor lounge. When we get a new puppy it will hopefully save the lounge from being eaten when teething hits (I said hopefully).

Clock from Ho Chi Minh (that's why it's US Navy) - sorry J - haven't taken it to Roberts yet for the wooden back plate - hopefully will do that on Saturday.

Picked up this clock from Bogor today - what the relationship is to England I don't know. Got it at an antique/light shop today on the side of the road when I was a little sick of my kids whining over who's turn it was on the stupid ipad (what's that - it's my own fault for allowing it - well when traffic varies from 1 - 4 hours and the car with the dvd player is taken off you because your husband has left the company/country -well a bit of backup entertainment never hurt).

I picked up the new curtains today for the house in NSW. J saw it in person the other day and it has the verdict of "all ok". I would have liked a little bit more enthusiasm since we are still to see this house in person and we take ownership of it in less than 2 weeks. Hopefully I haven't mucked up too badly with the curtains - but comes into the "too many choices, I hate being in shops where people are smoking" category.

My big girl is becoming a girly girl all over again. You will notice some beading lying over it. It's to drape along the top, Munch has some beading that is green and pink. Why - I don't know. Just felt like it (I went back a second time for the beading/cushions).

C girl's room is the current spare bedroom (so boring) - so we don't have a feature wall to begin with. Will work out when we get there what colour this room will become. Something with a bit of personality. Feature wall behind where the bed is in this photo - am thinking either bright purple or pink.

These orange curtains will make Munches bedroom - along with either lime green or light blue walls (leaving the feature wall pink obviously).

It has a little personality already - but I can't live with carpet/walls blending into each other.

These curtains will liven up Bear's bedroom - not great I know, but there was nothing really boyish and as I said - I was over it all by then.

We haven't decided on the other walls yet - lime green, yellow or orange for the currently "brown" walls in Bear's bedroom.

These curtains will liven up our dull bedroom. I think the walls are a similar colour to the cushion in the above photo (the downside to never having seen the house in person).

Our furniture is much browner than the current owners - so it needs a bit of brightening. Not too worried about the colour matching ultra close - the curtains aren't really going to be against the wall. If the one in the far corner is, then we will draw it the other way. No big deal. This is a room I won't paint before the furniture arrives. I've never had a room that wasn't blue before. it's going to be a bit weird.

Either way, it's going to be a much brighter house just with us moving in.

But I have packed 5 old workshirts of J in the airfreight - that way we can use the time the house is empty to paint all the kids bedrooms - at the very least (maybe the rumpus room too).

Can't wait to get to this new house and more importantly - see a fully stocked western supermarket - you thought I was going to say something about missing my husband and father of my children didn't you? It's okay -we have max J headroom - you know, the video linked smiling head of their father via gmail chat. The only downside is the four hour time difference.

What's to miss????

2010-11-13T18:50:00.004+07:00

So, we have less than 5 weeks to go. J left 2 weeks ago, the house will be packed up in less than 2 weeks.

It is all coming to an end. We will miss somethings - we will grateful to leave others.

But the experiences we will miss the most (not in order (except the first) ) ....

Really great friends ......

Being able to take a photo like this, which was taken in a normal department store (by one of the people working there ) .....

When your kids are part of a great team (which is part of school) - even when the colour of your football team is what is used to describe you for the next year (yes, red is best).......

When a night out leads to a nightclub at 3am - and you are over 35 ......

When a weekend away with a view of an active volcano is commonplace....

When the resources of your amazing school seems perfectly normal (can't say I haven't always been acutely aware of how lucky my kids are (or us for their behalf)).......

When this is a perfectly normal set up to have in your house for a 5th birthday party ....

When this is a normal hallway (after now buying a house in Aus we realise that not all hallways are 3m wide - but they should be).....

When a holiday to another country is no big deal (Langkawi - Malaysia - Bear's 8th birthday) ....

When your child goes near an active volcano on a camp and it doesn't even get mentioned until you see the photos.....

When this is just another normal night out with ANZA (I would hate to imagine Jakarta without ANZA - you need to be with other people from your own culture at least once a month - it's good therapy)......

Where great friendships are made and exciting adventures are undertaken (Sentosa - Singapore - long weekend in May 2009).....

When a visit to the zoo makes the kids beg to never return - and a photo is sent to an animal rescue program (ok - won't miss the zoo - but still miss these kids)......

When this becomes an acceptable toilet (Barito river - Borneo 2010).

We are still awaiting Mt Merapi to give a big blast - Australia is not reporting anything and the only world media covered was while Obama was coming/here/just leaving. Guess 300,000 people displaced is not really a big news item.

Mr Obama - I would have voted for you if I could have and I love that you are doing your bit to save the world without a care of being voted in for a second term. But your visit to Jakarta caused my normal Wed morning trip to work to be extended from 40 minutes to just over 2 hours - and the last 15 minutes was spent walking 300 m (otherwise it would have been another 1/2 hour) - where I counted 63 motorbikes coming towards me on the footpath (yes - very lucky all were coming towards me and none were coming from behind). Unfortunately I felt it my obligation to pass on my english language - where I had to yell / gesture wildly along the lines of - "this is a footpath - get off you "@****#&LF." Definitely a fine example of showing restraint - you have no idea how much you want to not TRY to push a motorbike rider over. Such satisfaction will never be achieved - but I am sure it would be VERY satisfying.

Don't judge unless you have experienced it - and if you do experience it and don't get fustrated - what is your secret.

Won't be missing the traffic. Still got another 33 days. 10 days of going to work.

India, Vietnam and Life in Indonesia

2010-11-07T10:35:00.004+07:00

The last two months have been very busy. I spent nights in India with my sister in law on a really lovely holiday exploring Delhi and Agra. We travelled by car between the two - and unlike what I thought before going - life in India is not 100% worse than life in Indonesia (for the poor people I am talking). Even the road from Delhi to Agra (4 hour drive = 200km) was not much different than driving around Indonesia (in fact in a lot of places it was a lot better).

So India was a pleasant surprise - yes it helped that we stayed in incredibly fantastic accomodation where everyone spoke very good english and all modern conveniences were there - but we ate locally and managed to not get delhi belly - so all was good.

I know we don't look that happy in this photo - but this was just after we entered - and there were actually tears in our eyes - not just from fighting off other tourists from this spot - but from finally seeing this amazing - muslim, hindu combined burial plot - a place that is so not over rated - it is breathtaking a true engineering masterpiece - so symetrical and clever.

After taking the tour with our guide - we spent an hour just people watching - oh, so much fun.

In September we went to Vietnam - only Ho Chi Minh City (Siagon) and the mekong delta. It was a brilliant holiday. Direct flight from Jakarta and our first flight on Air Asia - really great airlines - mostly on time, clean and easy (you can book and pay online - unlike some others in Indo).

We had a fantastic Tour guide - Sonny - a lovely 25 year old who knows her way around and organised everything. We don't usually do that - but we only had 3 days of tour guide stuff (C girl was going for a sleepover with a friend (the reason we picked Siagon instead of Hanoi) and so we had to squeeze everything in.

We went to the Chi Chi tunnels and the war museum during one of the days. It was a very different experience for the kids to be from the country of the enemy. What I had always heard as the Vietnam war is known there as the American War. The weapons that they made (from used US ammunition) to maime soldiers was amazing and unbelievably imaginative- the tunnels they lived in were fascinating, how they lived there without being spotted etc - we went through a slightly larger tunnel - C girl lasted 10m - then she was screaming hysterically - they did used to put pits in these tunnels with trap doors (and she'd just seen all the types of traps they used to maime - as it was pointed out - to kill a soldier only stops one soldier, injure a soldier and you tie up two soldiers).

Yes it was traumatic - but kids need to see what people are capable of and what war is about (which is why they have been to Dachau concentration camp in Germany 2 1/2 years ago). These are the places they shouldn't forget.

This is the little boat we toured the mekong delta on. Yes, it wasn't a bad way to travel. The kids don't believe me now when I tell them I travel in a dodgy boat for 2 hours up the Barito river with work - they think I mean a boat like this - I wish.

J left last weekend for Australia and started his new job on Monday - which thankfully he likes. We leave in just under 6 weeks (last day of school semester).

C girl has just finished a weekend in Phuket at a football tournament (where they came second) - last night we heard that the flights into Jakarta had been cancelled due to the Merapi volcano ash - just waiting now to find out if they are flying again. She left on Thursday - but she might not be back today after all. She is with teachers from school so they will be well looked after - even if it's in Kaula Lumpur for a few days (This is where Phuket flight goes to before flying to Jakarta - there is a great adventure park there with amazing rides, pools and slides). This is the first sports trip I've missed, but I'm the coach of Bear and Munch's team and we had a football tournament here yesterday (5 games - and we won overall), so I couldn't take them away from that to go to Phuket - plus I couldn't not be there for my team etc. Big decision - but if I was away now and couldn't get back - I'd be freaking out for the two younger ones (plus I've got to go away with work on Tuesday and how unfair would that be on those two???).

Anyway - we are on the countdown now to pack up and leave. Got a list of jobs I still need to do before they pack up the house in 2 1/2 weeks. Trying not to freak out.

J saw our house in person on Friday - he says it's "all ok". What a Man comment. The only extra I got was - 4 walls, a roof, some windows and a few doors.

Just missing the vital ingrediants to make it a happy home - US!

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We're going Home

2010-09-01T12:01:00.004+07:00

It will be just over 4 years living in Jakarta when we go home in December to live a mere 45 minutes from where we spent 13 years previously (this was not by design but pure coincidence). Everyone is very excited and the kids are busy designing a "fort/jungle gym" that we will get built in the backyard (can't wait to have a back yard big enough for that)

I'm not sure I can pinpoint the best things about living here the last four years and this is not in order of what I have enjoyed the most:

Not having to fight about who does the washing/cleaning/cooking/mowing/pool cleaning (and having the response - that's my job - I'll do it!!!! - I will never get used to that)
Forming so many great friendships (you meet a lot of kindrid adventurers!)
The kids not needing to go to daycare or before/after school care!
The school embracing International Primary Curriculum (7 habits of highly affective people for kids) and seeing the enthusiasm it brings to learning.
Living in a beautiful complex with the best neighbours you could ever hope for (and being woken by birds in a city of 12 million people).
Being able to go on ANZA scavanger hunts with the kids (how to look really silly in public) which helped us see and experience new things in Jakarta.
Having trustworthy staff who have never stolen anything and you can trust with the kids (that works both ways - my kids are very manipulative).
Being 7 hours closer to Singapore, so closer to everywhere else in the world.
Being able to have 12 weeks a year spent on holidays with my kids.
Being able to work part time and still be able to save something.
Seeing my children grow into global citizens and know their way around international airports, train stations.
Being part of a friendly school community and always feeling at home.
Being able to go on 2 ski trips a year and watching the kids learn and grow to love skiing.
Participating in our very own "amazing race" every xmas for 3 weeks and teaching the kids how to travel without a travel agent or a private car/taxi etc (hoping this pays off when they are 18 and backpacking around the world in their gap year).
Being part of the PTA and helping to organise some pretty amazing events.
Watching my kids learn, embrace and thrive in their various sports (and compete successfully internationally).
Seeing enough of Asia to have my curiousity fulfilled (for a few years anyway).
Being able to see something "amazing and unique" (not always in a good way) on every drive regardless of how short or long (and being able to read my book in the car).
Being able to travel to remote areas with work and see a whole other side to Indonesia.
Finally being able to blow off the "Australian" attitude that the only place in the world is Australia (this is a bit harder as we wake up to Triple M from Melbourne (where J hasn't lived for 20 years).
Going to amazing parties, both children and adults.
Having your child in the most amazing school plays and school activities. I usually cry for the first 10 minutes just for the sheer joy that my child has the opportunity to be part of such an amazing thing.
Being part of two seasons a year football (soccer) tournaments as a coach - can't see that being a possibility in Australia (the playing 8 months a year part).
Being able to go out for dinner without the kids and know that the babysitter isn't costing more than the dinner (or wine in the case of Jakarta).
Factory outlet shopping - being able to buy goose down jackets for USD25 or Nike pants for USD6 - all 5 - 20 minutes from home.
Being able to all go to the cinema with popcorn for less than $30, or being able to go with some friends to the premiere lounge, have an armchair and rug, a couple of G&T, all for less than $15.

Things I won't miss so much:

The traffic during the month of Ramadan (I actually calculate % of trips for the period and cross them off - it is sometimes more than double the normal travel time (which is already quite large).
The polution from vehicles and factories plus the smell of smoke when rubbish is being burnt in the evenings (everything that can be recycled is, but there is remainder that needs to be destroyed - so fire it is (just like Australia until the 1980's).
The daily reminder that the gulf between poor and rich is so massive (100 million people in Indonesia survive on less than $2/day/family, but there are 20 families of billionaires in Indonesia (and they all have kids at our school) - don't know the statistics of millionaires, but it would be in the 1,000's). Being surrounded by incredible wealth in some places, but having a child with a baby beg for food at the traffic light 2km away - it does mess with your head.
The kids being pinched, poked, hair touched and giggled/laughed at when in public places (this is by the adults). It will be nice to just be normal kids/people again.
Having a small backyard and high fences.
Paying USD30 for a A$7 bottle of wine after producing a passport and making a special trip (Dan Murphy, here I come, I may just walk up and down the aisles for hours).
Paying USD70 for a A$10 bottle of wine in a resturant (yeah, it would be easier if I just didn't drink - right?).
Feeling like life is cheap - if a local doesn't have enough to pay for the hospital (upfront) then they are left to die in the car park/sent away - road death toll in Jakarta is >400/month.
The knowledge that I have a rare blood type for asia and the only way of getting a blood transfusion is with the blood bank ringing around the expats with the same blood type (I am on a register) - and hoping someone answers the call before I am dead (B- is not a blood type found in Asia). Stupid me only enquired about the kids blood type (AB+) and if it was easy to have transfused when I was researching moving here (they have the easiest you can get). I can be so dumb (it took me 3 years to discover this).
The lack of personal space when you are in a public area - this is due to the fact that there are so many people, same space - so the amount of personal space reduces - just simple maths, but I won't miss it - especially around escalators.
Going for a walk at lunchtime and coming back streaming with sweat - looking forward to winter, spring and autumn - will be a nice change.
Considering myself lucky that I have crossed the 8 lanes of traffic to get to starbucks and back at lunchtime with the knowledge that I have not been hit by a motorbike or bus travelling on the footpath (not joking - motorbikes, all the time - but you would be amazed how fast you can throw yourself against a fence when there is a bus rumbling along the footpath at 20km/hr towards you (and you've just innocently turned a blind corner on the footpath not expecting to be almost hit by a bus)). And pedestrian crossings are not controlled, so the only way to cross a road is to hope like hell you can avoid the traffic and that you don't get hit by a rogue vehicle travelling where you least expect it.
Unroadworthy buses that stop anywhere (middle of the roundabout, middle of the road, 3m up the road from the last place it stopped) - all owned by people who are making a lot of money and spending zero on maintenance for the last 25 years (ie. black smoke, rust filled - 28 buses are roadworthy out of 15,000 (from Jakarta expat last week)) - and yes, I have travelled in one (but it was for a 40th birthday party, fully decked out with a portable bar (aka esky) and containing armed security guards).
The poverty of so many people and the lack of equality in one of the most resource rich countries in the world.

That is all I can think of - coming here was the best thing we ever did. We really wanted an adventure and we absolutely got that. Every "summer" holiday that we went back to Australia, we would feel like we didn't belong and be itching to get back to Indonesia. Eveyone looked so busy and worn out by the daily dredge - did people really enjoy travelling only 100km to their holiday destination? Would they chose the life they were living if they had the opportunity to do something different? Normally on the way to the airport we would be saying goodbye to everything for another year - quite happy in the fact that we wouldn't be back for another 11 months. Everyone happy to be going home (to the point where they counted down the landing into Jakarta).

On this trip, for the first time, we weren't itching to get out. The blue skies, the fresh air and the job opportunity were invading our thought processes. For the first time since we left, we could actually see ourselves living there again. We visited our old friends who live just outside the town we used to live in - it was like we hadn't left. I must admit that when I drove into my old town, I almost had heart palpitations with blind panic that I was returning to live.

So no, we aren't going back to the same town or to the same life we left. We are going closer to the coast by 45 minutes, to a city 5 times the size. I will be working from home and J will be working 10 minutes to the west, kids will be at school 10 minutes to the east. Skies will be blue, air will be clean and the yard will be big and flat with lots of kids running about getting filthy (because I have heard 100 times from our last trip back to Aus, we are not city kids Mum - we need trees and lots of space to get dirty).

We are seriously looking at this house at the moment (sorry no photo of actual house)

Looking South

Looking North

Looking South East

It will be a nice change for 3 -5 years anyway - then we shall see where we can go then........

The Gold Coast Home

2010-08-14T03:18:00.007+07:00

We are leaving the Gold Coast after lunch today after having it as our home base for the last 4 weeks. As J's parents live here it is a great place to have as a base between all our trips to Victoria, NSW, New Zealand and Brisbane. Of the last 4 weeks we have been in Aus, we have spent 15 nights away in four seperate "mini holidays". J was with us for the first 2 weeks when we did most of our mini holidays.

How my in laws put up with us I am not sure - but they don't want us to go (we aren't flying out until Monday morning, but are visiting friends the next two nights). They always show our kids a lot of love and are no stricter than we are, so it all goes pretty well thankfully.

We went to Dreamworld with friends last week and spent a glorious winters day riding on everything (Munch is tall enough for every ride and it was only 15 minutes from home), yesterday we went to the huge Centro Timezone and spent 2 hours on their "$60 for 4 people" deal - (am expecting a medal for Super Mum any day (as I hate the noise in those places). But the absolutely best thing we've done on the coast was on Thursday night when we went to the Outback Spectacular (10 minutes from home). Although we had been last year, they have changed the show so it is a different story.

It now follows the story of the light horsemen and the first world war. Little is heard about the 14% of the males in Australia (this includes all males from 0 - 100) who volunteered to fight in Europe in the first world war and significantly aided in winning the war. The show is aimed at entertainment, but I spent most of the time wiping the tears from my eyes as I have done a lot of research into WWI and WWII and the kids asked their standard 100 questions per hour.

You are given a "outback hat" when you enter and you are served a 3 course dinner (steak, vegies, mashed potato and pavlova for desert), with free flow wine and beer throughout the show. The stadium seats around 1,000 people. We took the grandparents last year, but they didn't want to drive at night so chose not to go this year.

There is one segment near the end of the show where they have 4 children (2 from each "cattle station") chase a pig each in a race for the best station. All 3 kids were pig chasers this year. Last year only the oldest two were asked, this year all 3 were(the oldest had to pretend to come from the other station). Considering it's only 4 kids from the whole audience, the odds on being picked twice are pretty remote. Unfortunately I can't show you a photo as you aren't allowed cameras inside.

I can't comment on value for money, because I used my reward points for the tickets. But the show IS spectacular and if you are ever looking for an Aussie experience, it is definitely worth seeing once - gauranteed entertainment for anyone aged from age 2 - 100.

NZ Skiing - Mt Hutt

2010-08-11T04:33:00.006+07:00

We got back to Aus in mid July and after a birthday party in Victoria and a few days with the grandparents in QLD we headed off to New Zealand for a week. We chose the very uncommercial Methven to stay at this time around - a very small country town 1 hour from Christchurch and 1/2 from the ski field of Mt Hutt (sometimes known as Mt Shut, but not on our holiday - very lucky).

This was the view from the lounge room. We stayed in a really lovely apartment in a place called Brinkley Resort - it has room service and a five star resturant (which we didn't use) - but they also have a kitchen in each apartment, and because we got 3 bedrooms, we also had our own washer/dryer (otherwise the 2 bed apartment shares with the studio apartment). Really good value and really great facilities. Even putt putt, tennis and outdoor spas.

The mandatory family photo. The mountains behind are where the "Lord of the Rings" was filmed.

This is a black run - don't have a photo of the double black diamond run we did (only once), but we did this one a heap of times.

This is me looking like I know what I'm doing (isn't trick photography a great thing).

After a catastrophic jump (late in the day - must remember 7 year olds need hot chocolate at 2:30pm after skiing 5 hours (with a lunch break). Munch did a jump and landed badly - J is last and I'm first - so when we stopped with Bear and C girl right behind me, I could hear her screaming - We don't usually rush over to the kids when they fall down, they need to learn how to get themselves out of jam and get back on their skiis. But J had the skiis off and was calming her and just when she was about to get on the skiis, the patrol came and she happily had them stretcher her down. We went up on the lift to meet up with her, but missed her, so these two made love hearts to make her feel better (Daddy carried her inside to her hot chocolate in 'officer and gentlemen' fashion - she was fine).

Magnificent views on the drive down (hire a 4wd, the 2wd had to use chains every day, 4wd only 1 of the 5 days had to use chains)
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Another gorgeous shot.

A beautiful groomed run. Sat and Sun were hugely busy as they were clear sunshine with fresh snow from the day before - full of Christchurch locals - the lifts were busy, but the runs were still okay - not too busy. Only 3 lifts for the whole mountain, which is a bit different, but very organised and efficient.

C girl showing how much powder on the run.

Just finished lunch - ready for more skiing, we missed the Italian food for lunch. Lots of people brought their own lunch up.

From the top of the express 6 lift.

The express 6 hits the top of the mountain in about the middle of the photo. You then traverse along the top to get to this point - really fun traverse - lots of spots where you have to go flat out down to get up the other hill.

The carpark is at the bottom, the base is further under the mountain (you can't see it) - this was our favourite run (this is taken from same spot as the last photo).

Another camera - same spot, different day.

With the mountain mascots.

Just about to start the traverse across to the mountain behind Munch and Bear. Anywhere along the traverse you can drop down and go down the mountain.

This is one of the runs down from the traverse.

We loved Mt Hutt - there is only one green run - so it's not a learners mountain, the locals on the road are unbelievably friendly (2wd cars pull over and let the trail of 4wd pass every now and then, and with a friendly wave no less). Methven has 2 pubs (the brown and blue pubs) that are reasonable for food and there are a couple of take aways and two five star resturants if you prefer. It doesn't have the variety of resturants or shops that Queenstown has, nor does it have the bungy jumping or jet boat rides - they are one offs in my book (they cost a fortune) - Queenstown also has more green runs (learners) and 3 ski fields close by incase it's bad weather in one you have a backup - Methven just has Mt Hutt. There are other things to do there - we could have gone up in a hot air balloon - but because the skiing was so awesome we didn't bother even looking at anything else to do.

Kids want to do terrain park coaching next time, think I will get some lessons so that it isn't so obvious that the kids have surpassed me in skiing. Brilliant holiday - will go back to NZ instead of Aus every time now - 2 out of 2 for NZ, 0 from 1 for Aus - why would we even try Aus again when it costs the same?

Class - what is it?

2010-07-13T16:51:00.004+07:00

I have crossed the one year mark from my Mum's death - and it took a lot more effort than I thought it was going to - but the kids and I remembered her both on her birthday and the day she died/was buried and I can see some of determined character in all 3 of my kids even more clearly now than ever before. She would be proud of them and I am thankful as it means they will move mountains to achieve their goals.

One thing my Mum never taught me about was class. I can pretty confidently say that it never came up in any conversation we ever had. "Always use manners, never give up something important, be beyond reproach in all your actions and always make sure you have financial independence". Those were the things instilled in me when growing up - class never came into it and I can't say it has ever been used in a conversation with my kids while they are growing up.

Happily living in oblivion.

But Class is something I keep reading or hearing about. One example of seeing it was with a rival school last month that we are constantly at loggerheads with - this is just because our girls teams are equally talented in football - nothing life threatening - but the t shirts all the parents wore say "pure class" as their logo - then their gorgeous and talented girls do a bunch of headbutting and illegal holds that their coach has taught them and you are left to ponder - what is class?

The second example was reading a blog I normally love (and the reason for my pondering), the writer notes how parents shouldn't bring children on holidays to expensive places and that letting children run free in expensive hotels shows that people with money, don't necessarily have class. I agree that this behaviour is not on and would not allow my kids to do what she was saying these kids were doing - and it is poor manners for the parents to allow it. But is it linked to class?

My third example is a personal one - two British friends were over for dinner one night. The southern one (who would be considered to have class as her upbringing was bahama holidays, private schools and nannies/drivers) stated that it was obvious from where she stood that J was a man of class and that I wasn't (we had drunk a lot by this stage). I asked her if she considered herself to have this class that she discussed - of course, she said - isn't it obvious. So I was left to ponder as I considered making this statement as being quite rude, whereas she saw it as a statement in the obvious - so really - what was the link between class and manners?

But the definition of class in my trusty Oxford is "rank or order of society, division according to to quality, group of persons or things having some characteristic in common - and finally - the one everyone must be grasping at - distinction, high quality" - so basically it is a vague reference to saying you have "high quality" but what is high quality? Is it manners or money?

What defines "high quality" (no - not in dictionary)? Can someone who smokes in a public place (yes - even outside) be considered to have manners or class? Isn't it bad manners to pollute the air other people breath (and in my case cause asthma) Is there a link between high quality and class? What do you think?

Now please - don't go thinking I am getting all insecure about having / not having class. I can state for the record that I have never pondered the question about myself before - you are who you are - that's it. I just try to have manners (not always succeeding).

But I would love to understand the definition and peoples love of using it - as I think it is very 18th century British and should be extinct (or is that the convict Aussie coming out in me).

Home again

2010-04-15T16:52:00.008+07:00

After getting home from 10 days in Perth on Friday night - we had the map of Europe on the floor on Sunday night trying to work out where to fly into............ those itchy feet are just getting itchier.

We went for a swim meet. Asia vs Australia - we were with Asia - now that felt wrong. But you can't change teams when you get there.

Not all swim meet - this is what we did while C girl trained on Good Friday.

I was actually freezing - jacket zipped up to my chin - it was April. But it doesn't ever stop kids does it.
.

A beautiful little girl turned 7 while we were there. Took the kids and 2 friends to Adventure world.

There was car racing, rides, waterslides and a zoo. Lovely day.

Not all lovely though - someone had been tall enough in the morning, but not tall enough in the afternoon to go on a certain ride. It was distressing - "How did I get shorter after lunch...it's just not possible".

Yes, Happy to be home. Great holiday - our first Easter with J for over 3 years.

Amazing Weeks

2010-03-30T09:30:00.009+07:00

We have just finished a very successful Grandparents visit.....our very first visitors to our new world and we have all had an incredible time

His parents came from Brisbane and despite health issues, they were able to have a fantastic time and be a part of our life here in Jakarta.

They arrived on a FRIDAY night - now I've highlighted that because everyone who knows Jakarta knows that Friday night is THE worst night of traffic. The kids went straight from a swimming mini meet at school to the airport. Our staff were totally organised though - had roast chicken dinner prepared for the trip so that they would still get food at the right time (and have enough energy for football the next morning). After the olds got through the Visa, Immigration, Luggage and Customs treadmill, they were out at 7:30 and treated to the biggest hugs and kisses that the airport may have ever witnessed. It only took us 2 hours to get home in bumper to bumper traffic, but although it was midnight where they had come from, they were wide eyed and buzzed by the "fascinating" car trip home.

Sat morning they were superstars - leaving home at 7 for the first football match of the weekend. We were home by 10 and then stayed in for the rest of Saturday (see we are compassionate at times). On sunday morning we were out by 6 to take part in a 5km run and a 2.5km fun run (which we didn't make them participate in). After that we went and watch Bear's team in a crucial football match (which they thankfully won).

Took them to some big malls that afternoon (had to drop something off in town so took the opportunity). Plus - they wanted to go to our local computer/electric train store. The shopping bug was warming up.

Monday they recovered while we went to work/school. On Tuesday it was a public holiday, so we took them to Taman Mini. Very interesting, very nicely done, but a few too many steps for someone with artificial hips.

On Wednesday I took them to school to show them the wonders of a totally resourced school. Impressed would be an understatement. Plus, after showing the kids report cards, they know that our kids are making the absolute most of all of the opportunities they have been given ("excellent" attitudes in all areas). Physically huge school but small school friendly - we love it.

Wednesday afternoon we took Bear to the final of his football league. A 4-4 draw after being 2 down twice. Fantastic effort - really exciting game. The next day he went to his first ever school camp - very cute - especially as he insisted I stayed until I could give him a kiss while he was on the bus (guessing it was just in case he changed his mind about going). He was fired up to go.

On friday night we had J's 40th birthday party with lots of our Jakarta friends. It was lovely to have a party for J and he was very happy to have his Mum there with him. I was lucky to have been clever enough to alternate between champagne and mineral water. Tiredness only hit me when we were up at 6am to head to school for 2 games of football at 8am (and since I am the coach of one team that means I need to yell loudly - so the less my head hurts the better). After the games, we had a swimming carnival until 1 with C girl, followed by another football match at 2:30. They needed to win to come third in the league, unfortunately they were coming a draw until the last 5 minutes, when the other team got 2 more goals. They were temporarily crushed.

That night we went to a quiz night at our favorite expat club. We always have a great night there as it is very friendly, plus we got the pleasure of taking the Olds and a couple who have been our friends for years but have never been there. We came third - not bad out of 12 teams (and missed first spot by only 3 points (we got 137). On Sunday we did not leave the house, the first treat was a massage, which the Olds don't remember ever having in the last 30 years and then the kids made an upmarket resturant in the dining room and served us homemade pizza for lunch (made the previous day by our cook). Does life get any better than this??

Mon we let the olds recover while we were at work/school, they explored the neighbourhood and took photos of the many interesting things within walking distance of home. On Tuesday I took J's Mum to have a pampering morning/lunch (A special fundraising event for the expat club we are in). She had her first manicure in 20 years and had a face massage and pedicure (with champagne and strawberries of course). She met another expat Mum (Grandma) at lunch and they then planned a Museum tour the next day. Making friends in this environment is easy.

On Tuesday night I went to another 40th birthday party - girls only. It was themed "naughty uniforms" and everyone came in something short or skimpy. I went as a footballer as I had that uniform already (thanks to C girl). Plus - very not girly, which suits me. After initial drinks at her house, they had "metro Mini's" as the "luxury transport" - which are very dodgy, no airconditioning, dirty, buses, with doors that don't shut - but hilarious as only 1 person on the 2 buses had ever been on one before. After starting at her house, we went onto 4 places (although I only survived 2). All very fun and although it sounds dreadfully silly, it was actually a really clever idea as expat women in this country spend very little time feeling good about themselves (as the ladies here seem so much more exotic than us). Was planning on leaving at 9, but let's just say - I failed big time.....but the kids did not miss their bus in the morning.

On Wed the olds went to the National Museum and then factory outlet shopping (I had taken them the previous week and they wanted to go back again for some more bargains) - the bug had well and truly hit them. Gucci shoes, Burberry shirts, the list goes on and on....

On Thu we took the two little ones (C girl had a project to finish) and went to Taman Safari. Again - we have never been. What a fantastic surprise it turned out to be. You drive around in your car, feeding zebras, lamas and deer. The buffulo, monkeys, lions and tigers are also wandering on and off the road (different areas, but we didn't open our windows in these areas), plus there are elephants, giraffe, hippos, pumas, bears, rhinos etc - all in the most beautiful rainforest on the side of a mountain. It was breathtaking (I will put up photos when I have the chance). I wouldn't go on the weekend (when it's bumper to bumper) - but mid week - I will be taking all of our visitors there from now on (because the drought is broken and they are all going to be visiting now - right?). Munch sat on my knee, Bear sat between his Grandparents, feeding the animals with carrots. Our driver looked liked he had never had more fun in his life.

On friday we had a quite day, they only left the house to look at lights and they bought a beautiful red / clear star light as a gift for us in memory of their visit.

On Sat we had only 1 football match in the morning at 8, followed by a 2 hour football clinic with PJ ?. An Australian professional footballer who works for ESPN in Singapore. The kids and I spent 2 hours with him, I don't think I've laughed that hard on a football pitch before (it was fun - I wasn't laughing from sarcasm). Really great clinic. Took the Olds to another factory outlet on the way home (told you they had the bug). Recovery time - 1 hour, before heading out to Cibubur for J to play AFL against Singapore (hows that for confusing football talk, soccer and Aussie rules in one day).

Unfortunately - he landed badly in the first quarter. Hurt his wrist. Came off, got it strapped, went back on, played the rest of the game. Got home at 7, the Olds and the kids were near exhaustion at this time. They stayed home, we went to a massive 60th birthday party/coaches party. It was huge. Sit down meal, live band, great entertainment (magician), very touching speeches, hosted by the most lovely family (5 sons from all over the world) and home at 3 - not the last to leave. Starting to believe that 60 is not so old after all.

More massages followed the next morning, a quick trip to another factory outlet for last minute purchases while J went to SOS and discovered he had broken his wrist in 2 places (and had not taken anything for it other than alcohol). Another resturant meal at home (the kids made it this time), followed by drinks at our neighbours for the last 4 hours of the Old's visit to Jakarta. A lovely afternoon was had as they chatted (many things in common with J's Dad as they are from the same part of the UK) and the kids played together brilliantly (as they always do with their neighbours (we are so lucky in this respect).

A final tearful farewell on the front lawn and we saw them off (they didn't want us to have a 3 hour turnaround to the airport - yes, we are grateful and no - we did not argue with them).

I thinking it will take them a few weeks to recover from their visit. But they are great sports - they took every opportunity to see the kids and us.

We are off to Perth this week for Asian Allstars Swimming competition this weekend. We will have family and friends there at the same time .......People to see, places to go............. life is anything but dull.

Jakarta really does rock

(Please note, the last 2 weeks don't accurately portray life here - it's big even for us).

Football and Visitors

2010-03-22T16:34:00.002+07:00

Our guest of honour have been with us for just over a week now and have just changed their flight so they can stay with us for an extra weekend. Their beloved son is away all week, so it makes sense to stay until after the weekend (no - that wasn't sarcasm - it's nice to see that the love you have for your kids doesn't go away at a certain age).

Kids and Grandparents are very happy. There have been lots of gymnastic shows and dancing acts after dinner. Grandma is very happy to not have to cook or clean and be able to just relax (not sure she has ever had the opportunity to do that before - given they had 6 kids) and they have been dragged to school, swimming carnivals, quiz nights, Taman Mini and shopping malls.

We had a 40th birthday party on Friday night for J and I know that they were thrilled to be there and were very happy to meet our friends. They worked the room and didn't go to bed until 1am - given that they are not very well, that was a huge effort on their behalf - especially when they were getting up and leaving home at 7am for yet another football match (we didn't make them, but they hadn't seen Munch play - so they wanted to).

Although we haven't left Jakarta yet for a look see with our special guests, they have been to 5 football matches - including the final for Bear's team. It was a draw (4-4), which - given that the last time they had met they were a draw and both teams were undefeated - they let it stand and both teams win the league. Which is a pretty great outcome - especially as it is school vs school and U8. Both teams will play each other in the final for the Greenfields (knockout league) in April - that will be interesting as their has to be only one winner.

I will be taking my MIL tomorrow for a pampering day - if you know me you will know that this isnt' actually something I do - I hate manicure/pedicure/cream bath stuff - sitting there and having people touch you and you have to sit still - yuk. But it's a fundraiser, is with a bunch of other ladies and includes lunch at a great Italian resturant - plus - given her delight yesterday after having a massage, I think she is going to LOVE it.

A visit to the Museum later in the week and they will finally be going out of town on Fri/Sat to see Bogor Botanical gardens and watch J play football in a lovely leafy, park (where the kids will ride bikes and run amok as all kids should).

It has been so great to finally get to show them what we have been talking about all these years (and now at least they know we aren't mad for loving it here).

Visitors

2010-02-28T18:59:00.008+07:00

There is light at the end of the tunnel.......

We are in shock.....

........after 3 years and 4 months........

We are going to have visiors........the beds have been made.....the room looks like a hotel (and includes fire evacuations, evacuations, earthquake drills, breakfast menus etc)......

Someone is about to turn 40. He's having a party and of all the people he wanted at his party.....

Grandma and Grandpa are it (your right side - that's Nan on the left (deceased)).

We don't mind our own space......

But we are ready for visitors.....we will make them feel welcome.

Because our little family would love to show their extended family that they really are okay over here in this "scary" (not so much) place.

Have a little Faith

2010-02-25T18:56:00.009+07:00

I just finished this book - it is fantastic.

It isn't written for the Jewish faith and it isn't written for the Christian faith. It is just the true story of a guy who was asked to write the eulogy for another man, then decided to find out more about him- the guy he was finding out about just happened to be his Rabbi.

What it definitely isn't is "shoving religion down anyone's throat".

When I was a child I lived in an intensely religious family - you know - God is the guy at the end the table, the third person in any conversation. So I generallly run a mile from anything with a religious theme - but this book - it's not like that - he isn't trying to convert anyone.

It's a 4 hour book - not much of an investment in time. But it will stay with you for a lot longer - and what you remember is the life lessons.

Conundrum

2010-02-22T14:39:00.002+07:00

Not sure if this is a conundrum the world over or is specific to a place like Jakarta where families in far flung villages are being supported by working children in big cities.

We have 4 staff that we spend an awful lot of time with. They all speak varying degrees of english, and we get by with zero bahasa, so the varying degrees range from moderate to excellent (not complaining about this, but if they didn't know english we would have been forced to learn more bahasa - we have been spoilt in the true sense of the word).

Now for the most part, I really like my staff. Two of them I like 99.99% of the time, two are similar ages to me and we have about 1 week a month where there is a bit of tension, but it resolves itself and we go on for another 3 weeks of getting along fine (headstrong x 3 does not always work). Either way - we are lucky to have them and that's why after 3 years we have no intention of living here without them - they do their job well. Life with staff is much easier than life without them.

That said, we do enjoy staff free time as it feels different (like we are on our best behaviour when there is someone who is not family with us) - we enjoy breakfast, dinner time and Sundays when we are Staff free. We still appreciate that everything has been done and we can go to school/work on monday with the house looking like chaos and know that it will be pristine by the time we get home. We also love the very occasional car trip where it's just our family, but that doesn't mean that we don't appreciate having a driver - who weaves through traffic, tries shortcuts (I ride shotgun with a map) and avoids motorbikes and gets the family around safely. We also enjoy our holidays that are also - just us, as we will never, ever take anyone with us - they don't want to spend a night away from their family, we aren't going to ask them to.

Anyway - back to my Conundrum. My Nanny is a 23 year old married mother with a two year old. She works very hard 6 days a week and I would not hesitate to name her "worker of the week," every week (and she does so without complaint).

On Saturday she asked for a loan for what is essentially one months salary so that she can buy a handphone for her 14 year old brother. He is in 9th grade and isn't going to school or sleeping at home. He has told her that he will not go to school until he a) gets a motorbike or b) a cool handphone. The culture of Indonesia is such that she sends a lot of money home to her family to look after them (they live in her village 100's of km from Jakarta and there is no old age pension, so adult kids help parents). Her brother refuses to go to school until he recieves this phone - he has missed one month so far.

So - what do I do? The issue isn't the money itself, it's that she works so hard for her money, and this 14 year old is blackmailing her with his own future. I was open mouthed in shock when she told me. She has told him that what he is asking is unfair, she has told him that he is being selfish. But he will not go to school (or sleep at home) until this phone is delivered to him. His own future..... not as important as a hand phone. He has two parents - but she is the one wanting him to complete high school.

I have told her she could have the loan (I don't want him not going to school again to be my fault). But I have asked her to tell him - if he misses one day of school - phone gone for a week. If he misses school for a week - phone gone forever....... but I seriously doubt this will implemented.

Can you think of a smarter, more useful solution? I feel terrible that she is being forced to spend a whole months salary on this. A signed contract saying that he will go to school and if he misses one week she gets the phone back, sounds like a solution, but isn't going to be monitored, so won't work - I am absolutely not buying a handphone for her little brother - I just do not want to open myself to buying it myself- the staff have 7 children and who knows how many sisters/brothers. Yes, I want to help the children of Indonesia - but this isn't what I was meaning.

Please - creative solutions are welcome, but they can't be complicated. Fire away

Pisa

2010-02-21T16:30:00.018+07:00

The morning after reaching Florence (straight from the snow), we went to Pisa to see the tower we had always heard about. We really should have allowed a full day just to go to Pisa but we underestimated how long it would take to get to La Thuille to Florence.

We went by train from Florence to Pisa, a short 1 hour trip with trains leaving every 30 minutes.

Ipods and DS's work wonders on the trains, I explored the My Chemical Romance cd "The Black Parade" on that trip (I still see the images going past when I listen to the songs). Once in Pisa, it's a 30 minute walk from the station to the tower - yes there are buses but we wanted to see what the town was like.

You have to have a few photo's of behaving a bit stupidly in front of this building. It is a spectacular tower.

I always thought it was just on a bit of a tilt - but this shows just how much it is on a lean. You have to be at least 8 to climb the tower, we figured this must be for a good reason (ie fall through something), so we skipped the climb. There was an excellent system in place for climbing tickets - you go to the ticket office and they give you the 15 minute time slot that the queue is up to (ie, we could buy a ticket for 2 hours time, but could wander around and not line up for 2 hours).

The obligatory photo - sorry. The tower was built as a bell tower for the Duomo and started in 1173. It was lopsided by 3rd story - where they tried to compensate and build up the other side. But the extra weight made it worse and they thought it might fall over, so they reduced the weight in early 2000 so that it was stable.

The battistero behind the duomo was also a stunning building - the whole thing exceptionally gothic. J and I really appreciate anything made of stone, given our background we have an appreciation of the effort that has gone into the construction of a structure this huge (I know, I need to see the pyramids.

This is behind the duomo -look at the angle on that tower.....

The front of the duomo.

A wider shot (I have no idea why this has been taken from the ground - ask one of the kids).

The amazing door on the back of the duomo - it's a romanesque panel that depicts scenes from the life of Christ and is from the 14th century.

How breathtaking is the detail on this wall?

Another door - another amazingly carved surface.

Just one of many mosaic's. We didn't take the kids inside - there were many other churches they were going to be dragged into - why over do it?

Isn't that amazing?

The walk back was down charming little streets like above. Not tough and almost deserted (guess everyone goes by bus from station to main sights).

The Arno river, just north of the central train station. Looks a bit dreary on a rainy winters day, but rustic to say the least. Stunning buildings on either side (that you can't see). Will go back when this one is a bit older.

Soccer Kids

2010-02-21T16:06:00.004+07:00

I always wanted to be a soccer Mum, but this weekend was crazy.

No J unfortunately as he is gone with work. But Bear and C girl had brilliant games yesterday (in that they were close and nail biters) - both got through with wins in the league.

Today we had 3 official games. Bear's got a win so they are through to the next round. Munch is in a C division and they played an A team, that's the luck of the draw unfortunately. We played a local Indonesian school. They showed a lot of mercy and our kids got 3 goals (after the other team got a 5 goal head start - which they kept as a buffer). At the end of our game our kids were disappointed, but not gutted. I'm the coach and am very proud of my kids - they played their heart out and had no subs for the entire game.

C girl played the other big international school. She is in the B division and they played the A division team. When the score was 0-7 and the best team were still in position (ie - no mercy), plus the parents from the other team were laughing so loudly that it was impossible to ignore, the game was stopped. There was still 4 quarters, but the last one was only 3 minutes long. It wasn't all the parents - but unfortunately they were really loud and our kids were really upset about it (plus - why didn't I do anything????). The mercy rule is there for a reason - a loss is a loss at 6 -0, it doesn't need to be 20 - 0, they still learn to lose.

So after that, the C team in the same age group had turned up with no-one to play. So the B team played the fresh and ready C team. Bear got a play and was the first person to score for the game - he's feeling like king at the moment - he's 3-4 years younger than everyone on the pitch. Anyway, both teams finished with a decent score on both sides and heads held high.

The two oldest played 2 hours of football in the blistering heat of Jakarta - have no idea how they do it but I love watching (under the shade of a big umbrella).

Massive bribing in the way of a TRIPLE ice-cream was paid on the way home (you try to convince a 6 year old to stay at football for an extra 1 hour to watch a practice match, after she had already watched an hour long game) - she held my hand on the way off the pitch and asked innocently -"how come your so nice when Dad's away" - um let me see....... I lack imagination.

Borneo - Trip 13

2010-02-20T13:50:00.008+07:00

Once upon the time there was an Indian, two Japanese, a Chinese Indonesian and a female Australian......no it's not the start of a joke. But I just completed another succesful trip to central Kalimantan. Only two nights away from the kids this time as we managed to get a flight instead of drive 10 hours each way. Excellent company as well - so really great time away (flying instead of driving makes the whole experience that much easier).

The food wasn't too bad. Yes they are oranges on the left - so gives you an idea of how big the prawns are.

See those little rectangles on the side of the river - they are toilets. That's right, the prawns are from THIS river. Yum - anyone hungry? Seriously - they taste delicious and who knows what's in ones that you get from other places.

The views on the river are spectacular at sunset/sunrise. It hasn't rained up there for 2 weeks and it is blisteringly hot - Dec and Jan had record rainfall, so it's not a drought. Where we went straddles the equator - this is the first trip I have made where there was no rain for the whole time we were up there. It is a stunning place when there is rain.

Definitely the best part about flying and the mandatory 4+ hour waits in airports, I finished the Millenium Trilogy - OMG, they are fantastic books. I'm not going to be able to pick up another book for at least a few days as I need to savour the ending.

7 days in Rome

2010-02-10T13:08:00.018+07:00

Where we stayed in Rome was fantastic - as you can see from above - Rome may not have had the largest shops - but it had the essentials - above - toy/model shop that sold Lego train track and doll clothes.

We stayed in Largo Argentina - this fountain is 100 steps from our door. The apartment was on the 2nd floor, up a winding, very narrow staircase (yes I did help carry the suitcases, but it was still pretty cute). It was a 1900 building. The fountain is just another example of Rome, turn the corner, there is a another photo moment.

An excellent crepe shop was between our dinner piazzo (compo de fiori) and where we lived. We had dinner at a different resturant every night within the square and the kids got crepes on the way home. That's a 5kg jar - the nutella crepes from here are better than any we have ever had (and we started having them in France 2 1/2 years ago and have them everywhere we go now(including every sunday morning since (thanks to C girl), so we think we are experts now.

Our unit had enough room to swing a cat (or doll). Can't say we spent much daytime in it, but it was warm and adequately furnished.

Our view from the front window. There is a lane in front of the car on the left. Down that lane (no bigger than 2m wide) is the main street (via Arenula) running from the main drag (vittorio Emanuele II) down to the Tevere river. This was a quiet spot but seriously close to bus and tram spots - plus 1 stop from piazza venezia (centre of Rome). Great spot.

Only downside of renting an apartment - you have to clean it before you leave. Lucky we have eager helpers who still think housework is fun (due to lack of experience). This was lounge/Bear bedroom.

Shocking photo right (that's what you get when you hand someone a camera and tell them to take photos to remember it by). Front door on the right, kitchen ahead (taken from the loungeroom).

Kitchen - used for breakfast daily (this is the only time it was ever this clean).

Dining room (only used to rest computers on).

Main bedroom - other end to lounge.

Up to the loft above kitchen (girls room).

Furniture not top of the range - but for 7 days/nights I could not have stayed in a hotel (especially as there doesn't seem to be adjoining rooms).

View from the kitchen window. Would go back tomorrow to this unit. Found it on the B&B accomodation website (http://www.b-b.rm.it/) in Rome. Cost 1600 Euro for 7 nights for 5 people - I think that is pretty good for peak period and the privacy it gave us. It didn't have internet or washing machine/dryer - but we found both a few blocks away, life would have been easier if we had it (due to J's ongoing work commitments while on holidays). Funnily it didn't have a TV -itw as in the middle of changing from analog to digital - not sure why that makes a difference - but we unplugged the one at the snow, so not sure we would have used it anyway.

It was our 16th wedding anniversary on the 1st Jan. I was a little hungover after having too much to drink the night before (new years eve outside the colluseum). After a 2 hour lunch with the kids in the quaint area of Trastevere, we leisurley took them home (discovering more treasures on the way) and then walked around the massive block of the colluseum/Roman Forum & Circo Massimo (the place where they did the chairot races) in a light rain while the kids watched a dvd at the unit (yes - we are bad parents (but we were only 10 minutes away if they rang).

So not only was our trip to Italy each other's xmas presents, it was also our anniversary presents as well - I can't imagine getting anything else that I would have loved more.

Dubbo Zoo 2004 & Ironman 2005

2010-02-05T19:28:00.021+07:00

One thousand years ago (september 2004) we hardly ever went on holiday, we were so busy working and surviving the week that we didn't think about holidays - it was almost like they were not important. Every year we went to Forster for the Ironman for one week. And twice (over 13 years of friendship) we went away for the weekend with our best friends. One weekend we went to Dubbo Zoo. It was a really fun weekend.

Fashion obviously wasn't a high priority. J was obviously experiencing hair tolerance (as in I would plead that he doesn't shave it off and he took pity on me and didn't for a few months).

But our kids grew up together. The seven of them, although not spending week days together, did spend every sunday together as a bare minimum. They were very close. When we left they actually thought that they were cousins.

Dubbo Zoo is a great place for bike riding. We cycled around (and a few of us raced the others back to the hotel (and we won thanks to the one way road system around the zoo). It was a lot of fun and I can't for the life of me work out why we didn't do more weekends away.

We always knew she was going to walk all over us - but we had no idea how much.

But she has big shoes to fill.

These twins entertaining themselves thoroughly at home.

Not that they caused that much mischief together. (This was at Forster).

Or left their big sister out of anything. (This is just before reading a book before bed).

The twins on the verandah of our unit at Forster. We rented the same unit for 7 years (until 2nd last Ironman - the last was moved to Port Macquarie) - it was situated in the middle of the cycle/running circuit - perfect location when you need to watch some of the race while your babies napped (and this was not counted as seeing him - he had to see us for one of those sightings).

C girl with her camera - a lot can be said for giving a 5 year old a camera.

On a dolpin watch tour - they obviously didn't get chips too often. We did see some dolphins.

The last ever photo of my baby as a baby. 2 days before turning the big 2 years old.

I think it is really obvious they are related - isn't it (love the eyes).

We always enjoyed the swimming in the ocean (that's as deep as we got -it was April)

With J's sister and husband (now), we had supporting down to an art. We saw him a total of 12 times during the race - yes we had to run on occassion to see him between the end of the ride and the start of the run, but he knew we were behind him - always greeted us with a smile (plus when the race is 10-12 hours long, you've got to make it as interesting as possible for the kids).

After a 3.8km swim, 182km bike ride and 4 km left to run (after 38km), he always stopped and said hello.

This holiday marked the end of an era for us. I had finally resigned from where I had started as a graduate and had 3 maternity leaves, but otherwise lived and breathed the place in every waking moment (even on maternity leave). I had been there 11 years and it took a year to get over the grief of leaving my friends (I loved the work challenge, made even more fun by working with people I really liked). I moved to a promotion , supposedly the job of my dreams . But it was too many hours, the company were doing too many things I couldn't live with and I realised I wasn't ready to deal with that side of business. This week in Forster was a turning point for our lives - and the start of "family holidays". In this photo, none of us had a passport. 18 months later, we had moved overseas to live (after volunteering).

A Father / Son Fairytale

2010-02-04T17:04:00.016+07:00

Once upon a time (about 30 years ago), there was a little boy who had a dream. He played soccer and what he really wanted to do, was to see Australia play in the world cup. When he met a beautiful maiden, who he made his wife (she had no choice - this is a fairytale after all), he mentioned continually his childhood dream to see Australia play in the world cup. They had a beautiful daughter, then a gorgeous son, followed up by a fiesty (but alas another gorgeous) daughter. Much to his dismay (and his wife), his daughter refused to play football when she came to the rightful soccer playing age.

Then, wouldn't you know it, December 2005 - Australia got into the world cup. A promise is a promise, so we applied for 5 tickets to the world cup. Because FIFA is by and far one of the most colourful of institutions, and because the Australian organisers enjoy what you would call a "monopoly", only 4 tickets could be put into any bid - big problem - there are 5 people in our family. So we made 2 seperate bids. In his great rush - the father, having dreamed his whole life of joining this, didn't tick the "ticket only" box for his and his son's petition. Instead he ticked the "stay with the Australian group in the nice hotels and have everything catered" box. Oops. For the girls he ticked the "ticket only" box.

Now I don't say this out of bitterness because I am a bit of a cheap skate and would have had a miserable time if I'd paid that price x 5. I really would have loved to have gone as a family (but not as a "the works" option). We knew a lot of people that put in bids for "ticket only" and a few people who had put in bids for "the works". Funnily enough all of the people who put in for the "works" got their tickets (this option was 1000% more expensive funnily enough) while we know no-one who got "ticket only" tickets. After he got the tickets, we asked if we could change the name on some of the games (the girls go and we get to see a game each) - but No, Australian administration was adament that this was impossible (in actual fact is was very possible but for some reason the Australian leg were adament to not allow it).

Luckily, this was all over by Jan 1st and the two boys had 5 1/2 months to anticipate and I had 5 1/2 months to come to terms with just how much it was costing. Trust me, I was at peace with it by Jan 06 (I was planning my trip to Paris with C girl for the following year).

They met some "very minor celebraties".

Bear was the mascot for the Aussie celebrations

They were part of the crowd. J's procedure was to put Bear on his shoulders and carry him when in a crowd - explains why he lost 4kg in 2 1/2 weeks away.....he's a heavy kid.

Not sure where the rest of this girl's uniform is....I'd either lose a national dress competition with this or romp it in...........inspiration to stay on that treadmill..... (note I am not going to comment that my husband took this photo (if your husband wouldn't - you need to work on your relationship...just saying).

This one I got off Ninemsn as he was Channel 9's poster child.

This is before the first game, they had arrived only 12 hours before and it's a 22 hour flight from Sydney. They saw every Australian game.....Bear still watches the games on You Tube trying to work out where he sat.

They were also the roving reporters for a local radio (NXFM - newcastle). Unfortunately, after leaving on Sat afternoon the first I heard from them was on the radio on Tuesday morning - after they had won the first game........someone was sooooooo drunk (with happiness?). But it was really nice to hear his voice.

Is it just me - or does he look tiny - he was 4 1/2 at the time. They went to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, Munich and Berlin during the stay. They visited legoland, the mercedes museum and some historical sights. They also got to see the Australian team training up close.

For two and half weeks, they joined the Australian Touring contingent. Considering Bear still talks about it, I think they had a fantastic time together.

Especially when surrounded by football, trains and lego (his three favorite things in the world even now).

Although there were crowds, I know that his Dad would keep him safe no matter what.

Because when there is this Dad involved, he will stop at nothing to protect his child.

And that look on Bear's face when he looks up at his Dad, it makes it all worthwhile. I don't know many Dad's who would actually want to go on such a huge trip alone with his son, but he loved it - and in his own words he couldn't think of anyone he would have prefered to take (gee thanks - joke joyce).

By the way - NO, they are not going to South Africa. We know what we know, and I will not be taking my children there any time soon).

Fingers crossed I can talk J into going with the entire family to Rio in 2014. His concern is we will have two blonde girls (11 and 15 yo at that time) that totally lack street smarts as they have been living inside a warm cushy bubble....we will see what the next 4 years bring (no doubting Australia will qualify).

Pompeii

2010-02-03T11:50:00.017+07:00

We went to Pompeii on our last day in Rome. Took 2 hours on a train to Napoli and then 1/2 hour on a local narrow guage railway that goes around the circumference of Mt Vesuvius (circumvesuviana - no signs of whereabouts until almost out of central station - but only a 5 minute walk). Really cheap little railway, running on time every 20 minutes (but beware on way back, it's the 2nd last station, not the last - we almost stayed on).

When you get to the Pompeii station - you have no idea that this massive area is 2 minutes walk from the station.

We passed on the tour guide (big mistake) - but we were still smarting over having to pay adult prices for the kids. We didn't get a map either, so it was a bit of a mystery for a while (until I realised everyone else seemed to know where they were going, and a lovely chinese guy told us they handed out maps where we bought the tickets - anyway -went back and got one and that got us in the right direction). My god I am a whinger aren't I?

This is inside the communal baths - the volcano erupted in 79 AD, 17 years after they had an earthquake that had done considerable damage.

The handset tour guides were pretty good - they had a seperate one for the kids and you literally could have spent 4 hours listening to all of the seperate talks they had (in fact C girl did listen to it from start to finish - more on that later).

That's a big bath at the end - amazing preservation.

Inside one of the houses. This is where C girl was taking a video. She was listening to the whole tour guide, not following the number that we were at. We didn't realise - so when we said "no 29" we thought she would have turned to it. We were all wearing our personal headphones (in the case of J and I - noise reducing earphones). The audio started outside, and said, turn left, take the first turn to the right, walk in the door.........giving a path of where to go. C girl, busy making her video and not listening to what we were listening to, turned around after a few minutes and realised her whole family had disappeared - thousands of kilometers from anyone that knew her, in a country that does not speak english.

The first we heard about it was when the people inside the building looked up and turned in alarm - I noticed the other people's reaction, noticed there were only two kids and took off the earphones and heard a god almighty scream, followed by "MUMMY"........then another scream. The poor kid thought we had abandoned her.

We were not forgiven in a hurry.

This is a quaint little fountain at the back of someone's house.

It is quiet an eerie feeling walking around a massive town that is devoid of people. You can almost imagine people going about their business - and the preservation of some of the buildings is amazing (I don't think our house will be standing in 1950 years).

The kids found it very interesting - especially Bear, who only just finished studying archeology in IPC (international primary curriculum).

Our only wish is that there were more plaster molds of where people were found when they excavated. Not enough bodies for our liking (no it's not sick, it would help identify just how big a disaster it was).

Light rain - no problem

This is a temple that was damaged in the earthquake in 62 AD but the renovation was paid for by a 5 year old boy. His father was a former slave (who had become wealthy) but could not become part of the "high society". His son, never having been a slave, could. So with a sizeable donation to the community, his 5 year old became an upstanding member of the community and on the council. Good way to get around the system.

Can you believe J walked around with a backpack containing a video camera and our good nikon but then failed to take a single photo (these are from my point and shoot camera).

When we got back to Napoli, the train had been delayed by 2 hours (not initially, but eventually). J was feeling really sick. So I took the kids on small excursions of Napoli (well, a couple of blocks from central station). Not too exciting, but the best patisieri I have ever seen (think the spelling is wrong Manny), and a great little supermarket. Even found a ROAST chicken (yes, didn't see too many of them). Back in Rome at 8:30 - too late for crepes......boo hoo.

Was it worth the 5-6 hours of train trips and a 2 hours delay. It definitely was - the documentaries have showed lots, so it's really familiar, but there is something to walking the streets personally and watching the kids discover stuff that is pretty awesome. I think trains was the best way to go for our family (probably wouldn't be for a couple), as it was 20% the price of the tours (and didn't include a "shell factory" tour). Overall time was about the same. Definitely worth the trip though. Won't go back for another visit though - seen enough.

Showing my Age (or trying hard not to)

2010-01-21T12:27:00.008+07:00

How old am I? Like seriously - 15?

If you don't have this album you should get it. There are about 8 great songs on it and I have listened to at least one of them every day since I got the album in November.

I would even consider taking C girl to a concert - as that concert is definitely not likely to be in Indonesia or Singapore (read - totally homophobic countries - and he is just way too out there for them), then it would have to be Perth or Hong Kong. That doesn't sound too bad now does it?

Favorite TV show - Dexter. This is dark, funny and very weird. He's a serial killer and the main character - who you actually like. I can't watch this alone (or should I say, J does not like to miss out). Still on Season 2 - but catching up really fast. Love it.

Note - just saw that the actor won the golden globe award for best actor - how cliche am I to even mention it now (and talk about late onto the bandwagon (it's at season 4)).

Favorite Book to Movie - The lovely Bones. It is a scary, sad movie and I have read the book. It is slightly different (as in I can't remember having the same feelings about the ending). I had to stop it twice because I couldn't watch it alone (and had to go get J, but was shaking so much it took a while for him to work out what I wanted). All he could say is - you've read the book, you already know what is going to happen.

Looking at the list above. I seem to be a very strange, dark person don't I?

Don't care I'm afraid. I am what I am.

Venice - Jakartarocks style

2010-01-17T15:59:00.021+07:00

I have over a thousand photos to go through. I will write about the trip in a series of sections. Venice is first because it was the most recent great experience.

We went to visit Venice on the Wednesday before leaving Italy. We stayed in Bologna on the night before and after the visit - we didn't want to kill the atmosphere with 5 suitcases (not to mention 2 coffees, 3 hot chocolates and 2 croissants cost 40 euro (but we were served by a man in a dinner suit).

We travelled by train there and back. Had an issue with the train on the way back, but the trip was not too long or short. Got a water taxi down the grand canal to San Marco square. Walked around, got a gondola ride, took the lift up the bell tower, walked around all the shops buying this and that, and walked back to the train station (which was breathtaking, easy and a lovely way to look around). Kids didn't moan too much about the walk - too impressed by the buildings.

Our first view of Venice. Water bus from Train station to San Marco.

The official family photo - in front of the church we didn't take our children through and didn't get them to climb (we have mercy).

Jenny Pose - don't we look glamorous

The girls got along brilliantly on the trip. Poor Munch was unfortunately dropped like a sack of potatoes when we got home, but they were very close on the trip.

Do you think these kids have any idea how lucky they are? Poor kids were looking for a gondola like the ones at the snow (which explains why they kept saying - where, I don't see a gondola, where - there is absolutely no gondola where I am looking)....

I know we don't look like we are on a honeymoon, but don't we look "in love"?

It's a pretty unique situation to be on one - the kids discussed honeymoons on this ride........but I intend to be back on my "no kids" moon (you know, when all the kids leave home and you get a really cool holiday).

The water was amazingly clean. The buildings amazingly beautiful and old.

The view from the bell tower. Very beautiful view - you can imagine how beautiful it must be in summer (and how crowded).

On the walk back to the station.

Another bridge - another breathtaking view

Beautiful buildings around every corner

The last view of Venice (on bridge on the way back to the station)

C girl room

2010-01-17T15:13:00.005+07:00

Sugar and spice and all things nice, that's what little girls are made of.

C girl has been in her room for less than a year now and only now am I showing what we finally did to make it her own. As you can see from the blobs on the wall, we had to paint over the blue tak stains on the wall (they don't come off over here), paint is useless.

Her medals are finally somewhere that can be expanded easily (see curtain rods). She isn't really a pink girl, but I didn't realise that when I made the quilt and valance for her 3rd birthday (yes all of the outside edging is hand embroided and there is a very positive life message on it (or it just wouldn't be from me). The small white picture on the wall is something I made her when she was born (so again, she probably doesn't want it but is putting up with so she doesn't offend me).

I also love the planes, come on - it was the lego room.

I especially love the bookshelf. The books have all been categorised and numbered. But she doesn't have a list of all of the books in her collection, so she could be worse.

Farewells to friends

2010-01-16T13:58:00.004+07:00

We've had very emotional week. While we were away our very best friends (who we could drop in on at any time and who organised 100% of our non school socialising) moved into our house after their furniture was packed.

We got home from holiday on Saturday morning totally jet lagged and unable to sleep at night, but with our friends staying with us.

We really made the most of the week. I spent Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Jen. The kids missed school on Monday and Friday (for extra play time). Everyone had tears in their eyes these photos.

One last Jenny pose (for a few months anyway). You've got to admit - the Jenny pose does work well. Unfortunately this is part of living as an expat. It hurts like a pain in the chest, but friends in these places are so precious and so a part of surviving (and thriving), it would be horrible to not have such great friends to start off with.

10 things I love about Italy

2010-01-11T20:15:00.007+07:00

We just got home on Saturday morning. I will give a much more detailed account (with photos). But I will give my love/dislikes now to get the dislikes off my chest so I can write objectively. Overall we loved Italy, wondered why it took us so long to get there. Very glad I was born in Australia though.

10 Things I loved about Italy

1. The weather – snow, light rain, refreshingly cold, when you breath, you could see it (and not just because you were standing in front of the freezer counter at Sogo).

2. The old buildings – for the areas we saw (and yes – it was only 3 weeks), mostly old buildings, picturesque (but I’m not sure I’d want to live in them).

3. The food – lunch and dinner were a pleasure – for the first time in my holiday lifetime, we bought both lunch and dinner every day and it was a pure pleasure. Who cared how much it cost, it tasted fantastic (to the point the C girl is eating real food now).

4. The diet. 3 weeks of at least 1 bottle of wine a day and everything I wanted to eat – no difference in weight.

5. Did I mention the food – well the pasta was magnificent (I only had risotto or pasta for dinner), favorite – pumpkin ravioli with balsamic sauce. It was magic 3 weeks, 2 dud meals.

6. Ability to walk everywhere. The maps were good, the locations were close and we managed to walk a minimum of 5km a day. Yes we did the bus/train thing where necessary, but we mostly walked (big improvement on last year – mostly because Munch is now 6 ¾ and could cope (until the last few days when she kuplunked). Plus in Rome you could get on a website and it would give you the public transport/walking that you needed to catch/do to go from A to B. Easy peasy.

7. Rome – this is a city I could happily live in (in the old section), there is something amazing around every corner. Old ruins, café, every street, everywhere. I loved it. Loved Venice and Florence as well for same reason.

8. The shopping centres – we saw a total of ZERO big supermarkets (only saw small ma and pa ones), ZERO department stores/shopping centres. All boutiques and small shops.

9. The coffee – I am now a convert (we even bought home a percolator for the stove to have one very morning on way to work).

10. The Australian tourists – there I said it. We were the ones in the restaurants at 6pm (in Rome), usually every group in there at that time was an Australian and we always had lovely chats. Also ran into some groups in Florence, Pompeii (same group), Venice and Milan – all of whom we loved talking to (maybe just for the accents). Granted I wouldn’t have loved this if I hadn’t been out of Aus for 3 years, but for us it was really lovely. One group from Ballarat – now there is a freaky coincidence considering we both lived there for 4 years.

Italy - from Ski to Climb

2009-12-29T03:16:00.003+07:00

Well the skiing is over - we all survived without anything broken. Bear got a really bad black eye - but that is it. We skiied France on the last day and really regretted it. There was a blizzard - freezing cold and snow blowing sideways. We got our crepe and hot chocolate (both not that great (and 28 euro) and headed back to sunny Italy, vowing to never return to the cold, windy depths of France again.

It really was quite hairy. Thought one of the kids was going to pack up and just sit there and freeze. Not sure what the plan was if they did. The two girls were howling with tears. So cold, there neck warmers were frozen in position and even with toe and hand warmers I couldn't feel my face, fingers or toes. But to their credit they continued on, uphill for 300m (to avoid going down a 2km run and then back up another really long chairlift. When we got back to sunny, calm Italy, the temptation was to go straight back to the apartment and watch a movie. To their credit, they let us drag them to a warm restuarant (that required going up another chairlift) and we thawed out while drinking hot chocolate (and gluwein) and eating some pretty great pasta.

We left La Thuille very happy, vowing to come back to Italy next year for another shot at skiing, this time the Dolomites. Love the combination of skiing and great food. With Switzerland we skiied and ate what was put in front of us - here - we ski, we look forward to lunch, we ski, we look forward to dinner. Food is as much a part of life here as breathing (or if I was Italian I would say smoking).

Let me rewind - C girls birthday was pretty great. She loves her Ipod Touch and hasn't stopped finding all the extras that it does. Xmas eve included a really lame snowboarding santa - the kids sobbing themselves to sleep (he only gave the italian kids presents on xmas eve) and waking up to discover that there was a total of 1 present waiting for them. They were okay about those presents (a local doll for the girls and pinochio for bear) from Santa, plus a La Thuille t shirt - wow you say. But a mountain bike (with gears) each (from us, and a pair of rollerblades, a lego cargo train and strawberry shortcake doll, plus a popcorn machine is waiting at home for them - so they can keep the xmas spirit alive for 2 more weeks and know that it is all in the waiting.

Yesterday we went from La Thuille to Florence. Went via Milan - then a high speed train for 1 3/4 hours. Spent way to much time in line waiting for the train, which was booked out - so we had to go 1st class (still had to wait for the 3rd train after we got there). Have already booked for tomorrow's trip to Rome, got it at the same time as our tickets to Pisa, so maybe we learnt something.

Oh - that's right - we went to Pisa today......Pisa, walk through very italian streets from the train station. Walk for 1/2 hour - very pretty - in the light rain - then you turn a corner and - it takes your breath away. Very beautiful, very angled, very amazing that your children are experiencing this world spectacular sight at the ages of 6,8 and 11 when you have to wait 39 years to see it, okay, 31 since I heard of Pisa, but still - that's a long time.

We got back to Florence (Firenze) at 3. Went straight to the Duomo - so we could climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome. It was pretty spectacular - got there at 5. Just enough light to take some spectacular photos of Florence. After which we grabbed an ice cream, walked the christmas lit streets and wandered to a resturant. All 3 kids tasted all of the antipasto - even liking the chicken liver (even after they found out what it was), then having something different for main. C girl had Risotto (with blue cheese) and salmon gnochi last night - calamari tonight. She is trying food without any argument. It is so unusual that we may not know what to do with ourselves by the end of this holiday.

Obviously she has been milking the whole"I don't like this......." for way too long.

Tomorrow we are going to see Michaelangelo's David - also hopefully the main museum. Got a train to Rome at 1:10. Not long enough to see everything - but as they say - you don't DO Florence, it is a place you can come back to again and again and discover new things every time.

We are just trying to not kill the magic. A lot of nutella is being consumed on this trips in the way of crepes (energy food).

PS - I am having champagne for breakfast - not because I need it, or even want it at 8 in the morning - but because it is part of the buffet breakfast - and hey, why would I knock back champagne????

Today she is 11

2009-12-24T14:05:00.006+07:00

C girl is 11 today. How much has our life changed in 11 years. From 6 pound 9 ounces of princess who we would each hold her hand as she fell asleep (Yes, we were suckers who later paid dearly for that) to a 40kg, swimming, athletic, football playing, great skiing young lady. Basically since the day she was born, nothing has been too good for this girl.

Yesterday we ended up at the Roman ruins in Aosta. On Tuesday night we ran into Suzy who told us about the tour going to Pila the next day. Pila is a snow resort that is in the mountains above Aosta. We decided to go and were very apprehensive at 7:45 when it was bucketing down with snow here in La Thuille. Pila is called – ski in the sky. It was sunshine, waist deep in powder and very beautiful. You could see the Materhorn in Switzerland and Mont Blanc in France from the slopes.

We started skiing with the group – but they were a bit slow – so we left them at 12 and did our own thing. Kids were a bit silly though (okay, I might have said stupid). You just can’t do anything in waist deep powder snow. To add more excitement, they went further and further into the fresh powder on the sides of the runs. There were a few jumps, so I can understand some of this. But after C girl almost got stuck and realised all I was going to do was add verbal support, she then went down 20m and did it again. Only this time a lot worse. After the crying started because she couldn’t move with one ski, it took me 20 minutes to find her other ski. I found lots of tree branches, but no ski for quite a while.

We skied there until 2:30, then came down to the bus, changed shoes and went off in search of shops and ruins. We found both. Not the same atmosphere as Germany in regards to Christmas, but it was definitely better than Jakarta. As for ruins – the city is built up around them. It’s part of the infrastructure – just happens to be a 2,000 year old wall as part of this building........found an excellent football fan shop – with all Italian stuff. Unfortunately Jack (otherwise known as “I’m hungry” or Luigi) wanted only Liverpool and couldn’t understand why we would not buy it from a shop in Italy (for 65 euro) – yes there were socks and shorts – but I haven’t even tried to find it in Jakarta - the real sort that is (that aren’t there own thermal heat machine). Will try there first, then relent.

Today we are going to France – fingers crossed the international crossing is open. We really want to have crepes for lunch. The plan after lunch is to go dog sledding (or mushing). Santa is going to be around town from 4:30 – so we need to be back for that. We are all having huge issues being awake after 9 and sleeping to after 6, so there will be no church tonight (it never has been but there is a very cute tradition after of sharing “panettone, hot chocolate and hot spiced wine. For us the day will end in Roast chicken (the birthday girls favourite) and fingers crossed – birthday cake (if we can organise it).

Everyone up now - just had a great unhealthy breakfast, poached eggs, thick bacon, french bread and strong coffee (okay - kids didn't have the coffee).

Italy - skiing

2009-12-22T23:56:00.007+07:00

Tuesday -22nd. We just finished a second great day of skiing. We had 2 feet of snow overnight – powder (a word not familiar to Australians) – put the skiing at about 300% better than anything in Australia (and well worth the flight).

Kids are having a great time. In a routine now. Ski all day, come home for a movie, then out to dinner. Went to a great restaurant last night. Got the Ingham special (not the chicken people). 5 course dinner, with accompanied wine in a roman gothic restaurant. Kids just had steak and potato (and soup), we had the works. Delicious.

It is so funny skiing here, the language is so lovely and the way people talk to each other is stereotypical. We are calling the kids Franchesca, Luigi and Maria. Just realising now how racist Nintendo is. Everyone here seems to have the names you would expect (Fabio, Mario, Luigi etc) and all the speaking is straight out of a Mario bros game. We are putting an effort into speaking Italian with the following phrases – hello, we don’t speak Italian, do you speak English. Everyone has been responsive to that.

We have said about 100 times today how fabulous it is that our family is on this holiday. The kids are really enjoying skiing with us. They are really good and are doing the black runs without fear. J is having a great time going through thick powder – he has fallen off more than anyone – but that is because we aren’t as good as him and he is entertaining himself by doing tricks (and coming a croppa). I am practicing my 360 turns.

Lots of British people here and it’s really nice to hear their accent. They are the dags of Europe – so obviously I can totally relate.

The kids have experienced zero culture. There is a roman ruin in Aosto 1 hour away – we came through it (it was a 2 minute train change (where I had to run to buy the tickets for the next leg and had C girl screaming at me to ruuuuunnnnnnn Mummy). Imagine – Roman Ruins – and I’m soooooo close. Apparently I have to wait to be in Rome – then I can see as many roman ruins as I want (am I holding everyone to that).

The plan tomorrow is to ski in France – we haven’t done it yet – too tired yesterday and today there was too much snow. Tomorrow will be the charm.

Sorry – have to make my Indo – Italian comparison. Same – everyone seems to smoke everywhere AND (I am not obessed with toilets) yesterday we had coffee/hot chocolates in this cute little bar – and the toilets were squats. Yes, they were automatic flushing and had toilet paper (very unlike Indonesia on both fronts) – but you are kidding – I get sick of having to hold Munch over a toilet so she doesn’t fall in (especially annoying with ski gear). The kids skills on squat toilets are not increasing and frankly I don’t see this as a life skill of importance.

Kids just had a home made slushy. Snow from the roof outside our lounge window – with fruit juice poured over it. Big hit for the two little ones.

We are spending so much at the supermarket under us. We are so happy to have real food. Plus compared to Indo prices – we are getting a discount (bring on Rome).

Italy First Days

2009-12-21T20:16:00.002+07:00

We got here, and it was worth the view when we got up in the morning.

32 hours from door to door. Car, planes, trains, bus and feet – we missed the boat part. Kids were brilliant, Munch fell asleep on the bus but we had to wake her up to walk the final 1km to the hotel (the bus driver kindly pointed the direction).

We had a few delays on the way. Both planes delayed leaving, plane into Milan delayed while they checked the runway for ice. Dumb train route. We tried to research the way there but everything was abbreviated. The train system here is 20 years behind Germany. Ended up wasting a bit of time and then having one train cancelled, only to the have the next delayed, to then miss a connection. But we got to Pieter St Didier after 5 trains. Time from plane landing until we reached the hotel – 11 ½ hours. Yes – 11 ½ hours. No we are not insane – thought it was only going to take 5 -6 hours.

Also – still worth the view when we woke up this morning. As J said when we were waiting in a train station in one the most beautiful station I have ever seen in Milan, we could be sleeping in a hotel only to wake up and not be able to sleep tonight (and be in a city), or we can keep awake this way, end up in our new home (for a week) and sleep all night. The people watching opportunities were endless in the train station.

We did have one very big bonus though. On our walk to the hotel we met a lovely Australian who works with Inghams (people who organise packaged holidays). She helped us with a suitcase then checked us in, then helped us to our room, then invited us to join their package tour stuff. She also gave us the English version of the town itinerary for Christmas week (that is up everywhere in Italian). Now we can see Santa in a few spots, Plus see a possessed Christmas tree that does entertainment after wandering around town on the 26th. We will report back on that Italian tradition.

Kids went skiing for two hours yesterday with their Dad. I wasn’t skiing until Monday because I wanted to walk around the village and have a look (but I forgot the camera) – but the kids wanted to start asap. They were way too tired and it was -14 degrees celcius. Two hours was it – but it was a good start.

We had snow fall last night – so now everything is covered in a blanket of snow. It’s only going to be -1 today – perfect for skiing. J has been up since 3:30 and the kids and I have been up since 5:30. He’s been doing work – kids have been playing DS – still a bit jet lagged. The plan today is to ski this morning. When they burn out we will just come home and have a nap – as we have dinner plans tonight (5 course dinner with wine included (part of the Ingham tour)).

C girl has been going okay on the food front. When we booked this in May we told her she would be trying everything when we got here because the food here is not spicy. She doesn’t like chilli or curry (only breakfast doesn’t include one of these for me) so the kids eat their boring food while we eat the fun stuff when we are at home(advantage of a housekeeper). The kids have 5 vegetables a night, so they aren’t getting away with bad food, but their menu hasn’t changed for a long time. When I asked her a week ago what 3 new foods were on her list of foods she regularly ate she named 2 things that I didn’t know she had tasted – let alone have they been added to her menu. Her mission from this holiday is to have 5 new foods that she regularly eats and that she tries food without complaint (this means eating more than 1 mouthful). This means she is to taste everything. So far so good, only one pretend choking/vomiting act. She is about to turn 11 and I think it’s a bit late to teach her that sometimes you just eat what you are given, it’s not always going to be what you feel like.

Anyway – it will be daylight in less than an hour, so we had better tidy up a bit – no one is coming in to do it for us (this could take some getting used to).

We're all going on a summer holiday

2009-12-16T15:37:00.003+07:00

We're all going on a summer holiday,
but we're going to the snow.
I just wish more snow would fall over there,
Cause otherwise I'll be have to do something other than ski........

and the kids can't do happy hour for more than an hour (as L can confirm when Bear ran through the snow with no shoes on (who's that kid out there without a shoe on - oh dear (negative 20 degrees celcius), that's one of mine.....oops.

Who could be sad to be going on 3 weeks holiday to a country you have only ever dreamed of going to???????? Real Italian food - I have only ever heard of you......

Not me - new snow or not - I am having a FREEEZING white christmas - I AM SO HAPPY.

In 2 days, my wandering husband (who was home for 6 hours last night before leaving again (he left last friday)) - is going to be with his family for 3 whole weeks. Yes, there will be a blackberry involved, but as a friend of mine once said (referring to me and my 9 weeks a year of leave) - people who can go away for more than 2 weeks at a time don't have a real job.

I have no problem with that analogy for me, but J has a real job, hence the blackberry, laptop and the occasional distraction. But I'll take it over no holidays (or gasp, shorter holidays). There - I said it (good thing he does not ever read this).

Have a great family christmas.

Healthy Kids

2009-12-13T18:03:00.003+07:00

It may sound cliche, but on the eve of my 39th birthday I am allowed to be a little sentimental.

I am so happy with my little family.

20 years ago I was never going to have children or get married.

3 1/2 months later I realised I was never going to be able to live without the guy I had just met.

4 years later I got married.

5 years after that I had my first baby.

At 28, I was 10 days away from my first child. All I hoped for was a child that wasn't shy or lazy . 2 things that I felt had more to do with my parenting than with any inherited genes.

I am happy to say I have 3 kids - and all of them are anything but shy or lazy.

On the exercise front the kids do a lot of activity during the week. The 6 year old does 2 hours swimming, 2 -3 hours football, 1 hour gymnastics and 2 hours PE classes. The 8 year old does 5-10 hours of playground football (soccer), 3 hours of structured football, 1 hour of rugby, 2 hours of PE and 2 hours of (reluctantly) swimming. C girl does 4.5 hours of swimming (about to up to 6), 3- 5 hours of football, 1 hour of T ball and 2 hours of PE (this is the off season for training).

On the food front we are really strict about junk food. Very lucky C girl hates all lollies/candy - always has. But no sweet things are in their lunch boxes. After school, 2 pieces home made brownies, or 2 homemade biscuits. Nothing purchased, never any more than 2. Desert is yoghurt every 2nd night, ice cream cone every other night. All lollies bought home from party are gone when walk in door, on the way home eat to your hearts content, then you never see it again (the staff take it home). It probably sounds over the top - but really we are just trying to save their teeth.

Shy - well, not sure what we have done on this front, but both J and I aren't shy. I can't stand people not getting what they want (or being ripped off etc) because they won't speak up. This may backfire - C girl is sure I am going to get beaten up when I get out of the car to stop cars from pushing in front of us (dont' worry, the driver is driving, kids aren't in car alone). But I've got to tell you - I don't suffer the fustration of waiting for too long for someone to let us cross (or to stop them from driving on the wrong side of the road because they want to make a 4 lane, one way road out of a 2 way, 2 lane road. (It's actually exhiliarating). Don't worry, this is when traffic is gridlocked - there is no car going above 10kmph.

But again I digress. Tomorrow the big B day. J away until Tuesday. But I am actually happier today than I have ever been in my life.

The main reason though - the kids are doing brilliantly, school wise, growing up wise, confidence wise, sports wise and well - just being really great kids - I would actually want to know them even if I wasn't related to them. I love our holidays, I love our family weekends, I love our movie nights and when we all have to pull together to finish assignments (I'm great at colouring in).

I should also point out - I am also VERY happy with my marriage and am very grateful that J is working very hard to provide this life that we are enjoying so much.

A bear smile

2009-12-06T14:31:00.001+07:00

This is the face of someone who has been sitting behind the bar unsupervised and is about to finish his 3rd or 4th softdrink (when he gets one a week normally if we remember to give it to him).

See - bears can smile too.

C girl

2009-12-06T14:29:00.001+07:00

When you have a baby - is this the type of smile you are waiting for? The one that says - I'm soooooo happy.

Can you fake a smile like this?

Munch

2009-12-06T14:26:00.001+07:00

Meet Munch - I overheard her the other day telling her father to just call her "Munch" from now on. She's too old for Munchkin.

Gorgeous should be her name.

C girl birthday party

2009-12-06T14:00:00.002+07:00

160,000 rp bamboo sticks (AUD20) - entertainment value - priceless

C girl had her birthday party a few weeks ago. It was a combined birthday party with 2 other girls in Year 6. It started as a pool party in the same place as last year and ended with a disco at one of the girls houses. It was a pretty great party - 35 kids, only siblings and the rest Year 6 kids. No riots or fights, everyone happy and getting along great.

the birthday girls

(why does C girl take after me when it comes to clothes and looking scruffy?)

Definitely the biggest hit was the disco. We waited until just on dark before we moved the kids over to the house. The bamboo torches were burning in the entry path, lei's were given to the girls to wear and swimming tubes were given to the boys (we couldn't find good water pistols and they still want to take home a present). When they entered there were bamboo torches burning outside the windows and the house was in darkness. There was a disco light (with coloured lights shining on it), a smoke machine, video/photo images on a big screen, glow stick bracelets and lots of kids killing the songs with their "singing" along.

Killing an otherwise good song

These boys can grove

Have no idea what we are going to do next year to top it. This year was half boys/girls - so that is an improvement on last year (where it was 90% boys, not that girls weren't invited, it's just they didn't come). Think we'll ditch the pool part and do something else around the disco (come on this is fun not hard work (and she isn't even 11 for another 18 days from now).

Jakarta Allstars

2009-12-06T13:33:00.006+07:00

We've just had a completely football mad weekend. Coca Cola tryouts from 8 - 9:30 on Sat morning - then off to JIS for the JYS Allstars weekend for U11. It was a trial tournament to see if there was interest for the overseas tournaments that are held for the U13 and up age group.

After a month of tryouts and coaching, C girl played her heart out. Unfortunately only a 3rd place - they lost the first game, after losing heart in the second half (and they played the first half brilliantly).

C girl was the only girl in the tournament - but she knew at least half the boys in the two JYS teams, having played /trained with at least half of them over the past year in two seperate leagues. When the white team played the blue team, it ended in a draw, so they were pretty evenly spread (but the white team won (beating Arsenal)) - but great fun overall and I am pretty happy she was in the blue team.

Seeing Santa this afternoon at the ANZA kids christmas party. Need finish the weekend quietly with a party.

Phuket Football

2009-11-19T09:48:00.001+07:00

This is the 5 shattered teams just after the U11 girls lost in the final. C girl was devestated. A girl from the other team had her in a lock with the referee a few meters away - 3 times - every time our team had a goal kick. They lost 0-1 and she was devestated - with me. How could I let anyone do that to her and not stop it (it wasn't for lack of wanting to - J had hold of the back of my t shirt).

So now KLASS (who definitely have no class) are at the top of my DIRTY list. Harrow were at the top - but the KLASS coach told them to do it (Yes I can prove it (we walked past when he had this one girl off to the side going through the tactics) and they played FOUL (as in EVERYONE on the team played foul). The refereeing was ridiculous - to the point where I thought the kids should catch the ball - there were no "handballs" anywhere and the pushing and pulling (and arm locks) was ridiculous. One of our girls got such a big kick in the back of the leg that she went down and out (but the ball wasn't even near her at the time of this). As usual - our school played cleanly. It only got us two 2nds, one 4th and 2 last (the two youngest teams of their league), but they did it as good sports.

Anyway - I know I sound bitter - but the parents of the girls team were staying in the same hotel- we usually get along alright (and that is after losing in both directions) - but after such a dirty game - I couldn't trust myself to even be in the same bar (we went to the beach instead - which was pretty great at sunset). Luckily the kids get over it pretty quick. They came second after all (from 9 teams). Poor old Bear's team came last - got whipped in every game. But they put up a big fight and were the youngest team. You wait for next year - they will be in the same age group - and they might even win a game or two.

Phuket Beach

2009-11-19T09:38:00.000+07:00

This is Nai Tang beach (near Rawai) at the south end of the island.

The school bags say it all. Kids were very well looked after.

Bear's Phuket

2009-11-19T09:35:00.001+07:00

The boys had a very special treat at the beach - topless sunbathers. Bear's friend counted 8 (I think he was counting each breast seperately). They weren't shy either - they would walk along the beach, then run back.

We knew at that point - no matter where the boys came in the competetion - going to the beach would be the highlight of the trip.

Phuket

2009-11-19T09:31:00.001+07:00

The two big kids, J and I spent the last weekend in Phuket for a football tournament.

This was at the beach on Thursday. How many kids get to say they spent the day at the beach with their friends in Phuket.

Awesome Week

2009-11-06T06:55:00.005+07:00

You wouldn't believe the week we are having in the jakartarocks household.

It started last saturday with football (nothing unusual about that) in the morning for the two little ones (Bear won, Munchkin lost).

Followed by rushing to Pondok Indah Mall for a new pair of football boots for C girl (discovered old ones worn out). She had won a pair for best and fairest with ASA soccer camp, but they are still one size away. All the shops didn't have the pair we wanted (the 90 series Nike) in her size, her feet are too small for the adult size, the youth size is sold out (for the last 2 months). No idea when they will come in. Settled on some poor Nike cousins.

Anyway, got home with 10 minutes to spare before heading out for her football match. They won a great game, then we rushed home and went to a halloween party at Executive Paradise (we have friends there). No alcohol, but every type of food you could want - plus lots for the kids to do. Left after 2 hours.

We then went to a halloween party - dress up and everything. I had been sick since Tuesday - so we left at 11pm - we are so dull - but it was a great party.

On Sunday morning I took C girl to football tryouts for the Jakarta All Stars Team. They had selected 50 kids to tryout. She is the only girl, but that is not really a good thing as although she knows 50% of the boys, they don't necessarily want to be her partner for anything - so she gets stuck with the fat kid (you know what I mean). When she is on the team she is accepted - but she has to get on it first.

Left at 12:10 - and was sitting in the Ritz Carlton at 1:10 - how is that for record time? (No kids at this brunch). It's the first time we have been there since the bomb went off, it wasn't too scary. There was a joke made when the door opened and the light fitting swayed due to the wind. But it was fine. We left at our prelunch planned 5 o clock (although J wanted to go out with them to EP (Eastern Promise) - but I sent the driver home (J tried to stay in the car so he could zoom off, but I was onto him)).

The family watched Aliens in the Attic - good movie - bit too much like ET though. He stopped sulking at 8 (when I told him he could go because the kids were in bed) - he didn't go out then - guess the thought of a taxi was too much for him (he knew they were still out because they were texting about "be the man").

At 4:30 am we were rocked out of our sleep by the garage door opening (the driver had arrived) - oh no - the alarm didn't go off (volume too low) - we raced to get C girl up. Then C girl and I raced off to the airport.

We met her school at 5:22 (early by 8 minutes - thanks Fobissea team with long memories). She has gone to Bali on the best camp I have ever heard of for a Year 6 child. They are getting home today - fingers crossed she had the best time ever. I have been so nervous that she isn't having a great time.

I rushed home from the airport because - Bear boy turned 8. That's right 8 years old. That means that only 4 years ago we returned from Phuket from our very first overseas trip (which confirmed to us that Aus is dull and we needed an adventure - and we have been here almost 3 years now (this month)). He cleaned up with a mobile phone, space police lego and a remote control helicopter. He was very happy.

On wed I went to doctor - I have a chest infection - that is why I haven't felt well since last Tuesday (and why I spent last Thursday in bed and still feel like someone is sitting on my chest).

This weekend - we have::::

7 hour football tournement where the two little ones will play 5 mini games (16 minutes each) and C girl will play 2 normal games (to decide on 1 - 4th place). As I am the coach for my son's team and J is the assistant coach (but tomorrow coach) for Munchkin's team - we will both miss C girls first game and may only get to see a tiny bit of her second game (depending on if they are playing for 1/2 or 3/4 at that stage. Hopefully their coach will play them in their correct position (he has a habit of moving them all over the pitch to give them experience - they still came 3rd out of 12 teams).

With Bear's team, we finished 2nd on the ladder, so I am feeling very confident that we may be able to pull off victory tomorrow (we haven't played the top team - but they are from our school and we know them). There are two party invites for after this tournament - at this stage I am saying that we aren't going anywhere after it. Enough.

On sunday, C girl has final tryouts (they have been cut down to 30 for ultimately 2 teams of 12). Then we have Bear's birthday party with 22 Year 3/4 boys doing - swimming, slip n slide, apple bobbing, chocolate game, treasure hunt, pinata and (drum roll) - we have two bamboo logs strapped together - each player comes from each side with a noodle - then whoever knocks the other off wins - yes - it just has disaster written all over it. Munchkin has even invited a boy as her friend because we know her girl friends will shake with fear and she will spend the whole party being a good friend and not going wild with the boys.

As soon as the party finishes (3pm) - we have to prepare to go to school for the Bonfire night (guy fawkes night late). I'm helping with the alcoholic drinks so I shouldn't be too run off my feet (fingers crossed). Luckily it finishes at 7. No movie night this week (will need to have on Sat instead).

So how is that for a mad week? And next week we are going to Phuket for football from wed - Sun. Bear and C girl are playing for school - I'm going to watch. Most of the parents are staying together (well the social ones are anyway) - fingers crossed I am back to 100% before wednesday.

Did I mention anywhere that I love being a Soccer Mum. That's right - love it. There is no sacrifice here when it comes to watching a game with my child in it - even when they lose every game of the season.

Melbourne

2009-10-20T15:20:00.001+07:00

I really am unsure as to why a giant clam purse represents Melbourne, but here are the kids outside the Melbourne post office in Bourke Street Mall.

We spent a lovely afternoon in Melbourne - bookshop mainly (where it is warm and next door to Starbucks (there are only a handful of starbucks in Aus - they shut most of them down in August 2008 because too much competition).

After a dinner of pancake kitchen (we walked past a crepe place earlier in the day - thinking too expensive - we will find another place - only to find no other place and the crepe shop shut when we got back).

Then it was off to the AFL that night. C girl was less than impressed -wanted to go back to the hotel as she was BORED. This is about 20 minutes before the game started - the empty seats are the pre booked seats - most people are at the bar drinking (it is that sort of game). It's an indoor stadium that seats 80,000. Temp inside was only 16 degrees celcius (whereas it would have been 5 outside), so not too bad at all.

Italy here we come

2009-10-20T14:47:00.003+07:00

We are so excited. We will be flying out to Italy in less than 2 months.

On the agenda - the first 8 nights will be spent at a ski resort that is on the Italian/France border. We will stay in Italy then have lunch in France - as an Australian that sounds unbelievable. Only occasional ski school for the kids as they are getting to the point where it's more fun to ski with them than without them....but we may need a break for a few hours every few days.

C girls birthday and christmas will be spent skiing or doing other winter fun stuff. Best way to spend christmas, open your present - then get on out their for skiing.

(Please note - we have room for 1 more person on the skiing leg of our journey - visitors most welcome - you know who you are!!!! We can meet / drop off at Milan airport).

Then off to Florence for 2 nights. During the middle day, we will hop on a train and see the leaning tower of Pisa, then get back to Florence for a walk around.

Then off to Rome for 7 nights (including new years eve). Fingers crossed a day trip to Pompeii while we are there (it doesn't look too far in the book, a few 100 kms). Think that will be very cool. Bear is learning all about archeologists at the moment - so that is appropriate.

Then off to Bologna for 2 nights -with the day inbetween going to Venice. Don't want to kill the Venice experience with the kids - but I want to go on a gondola ride and see the piazza etc. We will go back there without kids one day and see all the sights.

Can't wait for the food in Bologna (we are going there because of a book by John Grisham - yes we are easily influenced). Plus I want to see the towers that were built for the rich families and see a little university city.......such a romantic.

Then off to Parma or Emilia Reggie or Milan for the last night - that is dependent on the football match we can get tickets to - whether it's a local game or a bigger game. But it's part of our tradition - to see the local obsession sport (see Melbourne AFL and Vancouver Giants) - okay it's a new tradition - but they have to start somewhere. Plus - I have to see the last supper in Milan.

Not expecting to see any of the artwork or buildings for very long - but would like to see them. I can go through a museum or aquarium in under an hour - as opposed to going to the war museam in Canberra with J - it took 2 days.......but I definitely think the kids should go, see. WE tend to take a photo of the captions that are really interesting and then read them when we get home (J in Germany with Bear in 2006 - but he was 4 and he was there to see the world cup not the berlin wall) - but I don't believe in torturing them - or they will torture me.....later, or the next time I want to see something.

Yes - push over parent, but it works for us. C girl has been to the Louvre (8 hours), british museum, london natural history museum, every museum in Canberra and Sydney, Vancouver planeterium, Dachau (plus munich beer hall to finish), Salzburg underground salt mines, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, London Eye, Madam Touseu, Tower of London, Singapore Science centre..... plus seen Circus de soleil (twice), every disney on ice when we lived in Aus (front row seats), lion king, mama mia, swan lake, we will rock you, billy elliot, kelly clarkson, hilary duff (front row), last but not least - THE WIGGLES....... plus a few more musicals that I can't remember (she has always been my date because they were 3 hours from home and I hate taking someone who doesn't love it (picture J at this point).....oh and Disneyland for 6 days.

C girl will either come back eating a lot of different food - or she will be very skinny. I bought her a phrase book and cd for italian language today - she is studying it (has even put on her ipod so she can learn on the way to school) - she is going to be responsible for ordering her own food (we will eat whatever they want to serve us). But she will be eating everything she is given.

We are planning a lot of day trips I guess - but we aren't ones to sit around and twiddle our thumbs - so hopefully we will come back exhausted - but having seen lots of wonderful things.

Can't wait for the skiing, eating, drinking and the constant walking that we will do in the beautiful cities of Italy. Can't wait to be cold as well......brrrrr.....yippee.

Borneo - 2009 - again.

2009-10-16T12:26:00.003+07:00

Well I survived another trip.....actually it wasn't all that bad.

We flew from Banjarmarsin to Maura Tewah, which saved us 10 hours in a car. So - leaving home at 4:30 we were at the minesite at 1pm. Not bad going, since it usually takes us to 10am on the following day.

From a previous trip - but you get the idea of the trip down the river.

The food on site was terrible. Our normal cook was away and so we had what everyone else eats (yes, I stay in VIP with cable television (and now hot water), so I have come to expect different food (like when I was sick I got steak, chips and normal veggies- no kidding (not sure what sort of steak it was though). We had deep fried mashed potato balls, white rice (which I refuse to eat), chicken pieces (which are yum the first 3 times) and green beans with tofu. Same meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 6 meals straight.

(This is a floating home, note the dishes being washed)

(this is the boat we went on - it seats 8 comfortably)

Yesterday we had a novel trip, a 7 hour boat ride from the minesite to a secondary area. Previously we have done 2 hours boat, 5 hours car, 1 1/2 hour boat. But this time we went for a change. We had a mini meeting at the secondary area, had a massive lunch (that was also dinner) of super sized prawns and home made coconut cream ice cream (and I was either starving or this may have been the best ice cream I have ever had in my entire life.

Another example of fine plumbing on the river (at least there is no drop into water - trust me, a toilet where it drops a meter before hitting the water is a lot more embarrasing).

(one of the better toilets (I refuse to use one without a roof). This is on floating platform on river)

You may wonder what the obsession is with toilets - well I have never been camping. But I don't think I need to in order to experience the great outdoors - I can do it while I am at work.

NOTE : I forgot to mention the most exciting - I love living in Indonesia moment. During the 6 hour drive (after the 8 hours in the boat) our car kept breaking down. It eventually got to every 5 minutes we were stopping for 5 minutes to clean out the fuel injectors. Our driver was on the phone for a bit (which he normally never does during the normal 10 hour drives).

After not long at all, we were told to grab all our stuff. We were changing cars. Our driver had a friend (in the middle of nowhere) who lent us his car. The friend drove our car back (he hadn't made it when we left at 5am this morning) while our driver and us took his car. It had no seatbelts or back seat windows. We got back without incident.

Where else would someone give you their car while they took yours (yes - cash was exchanged - but still). Where I ask?

Today, in the official Pushing in line to get on the plane, the people in the proper line were all smiles at us......we were pushing in (with about 20 other people), but they didn't care - that's how it works.

I love this place (think I must be deliriously tired). No really - even tomorrow, I'm going to still love it.

Ocean Queen

2009-10-11T12:43:00.001+07:00

Sorry - but if they didn't look so gorgeous wearing this colour I wouldn't buy it for them (not to mention they were obscenely cheap at the Rip curl factory outlet - gold coast).

This is where the kids played when they weren't swimming in the ocean. With tonnes of kids from AIS at the place, the kids made some new friends and were kept busy.

Ocean Queen

2009-10-11T12:39:00.001+07:00

Can you see the man up in the tree cutting the dead coconuts out? See a harness? No? Welcome to health and safety at work - Indonesian style.

Full kudos to the resort - they had at least 5 full time employees cleaning the beach/grass resort the entire time.

Didn't see anyone clean the pool though - could be why my ear hurts 2 weeks after leaving??????

Palm Oil

2009-10-11T12:37:00.001+07:00

Palm oil plantation on the way home. Mountain in the background. This was rainforest many years ago.

Being Green

2009-10-11T12:35:00.001+07:00

It's not easy being green. Just ask the kids.

C girl refused to drink hot sweet tea when we stopped. The other two drank it all. It was foul, but we needed to stop or we would have been wearing breakfast.

Coming Home

2009-10-11T12:33:00.001+07:00

We had a really quick trip home (compared to jenjenqld who left 3 minutes after us and got home over an hour after us). 4 hours of travelling with a 1/2 hour stop at a local, middle of the hills resturant.

As you can see from this photo, everyone had stopped being green. This was on the way toll coming from Bogor - a good hour after the hills.

As you can see - J sacrificed himself and sat in the back. It is pretty wide, just not big on foot room.

Note - I always sit in the front because I get very car sick otherwise.

Aus Holiday

2009-09-18T12:22:00.000+07:00

See those white lines on the ashphalt? Well they are the back wheel being worn down by the brakes. This is coming into the house in QLD - downhill. He got a new scooter after this exploit. We found spare wheels after their Dad came - which meant we had 5 scooters - and YES, we did family scooter rides. Because we are very, very sad people.

DS Nintendo

2009-09-18T12:19:00.000+07:00

What would you do to have the sound on the game you are playing (we were over the noise of the gameboys due to having 5 around us). Would you hide in a cupboard just to have some stupid ding ding ding noises???????

Well my genius's would. Well - maybe the genius is the one who takes in a pillow, blanket and happens to be the only one on her side regardless of the fact she is the smallest......hmmmmm......obviously comfort wasn't a high priority for the other two!!!

Falls Creek

2009-09-18T12:16:00.000+07:00

After the tube park - before leaving, C girl and J did 2 more monster runs - the little people made a much desired snowman (they were waiting all week for the perfect opportunity - that finally came.

We ended up having a huge rush to catch the bus - (interpretation - no shower after 8 hours skiing). But not one moment was wasted with sitting around.

I love this family - I think we would fantastic in "amazing race" for families. Bring it on.

Ski Moments

2009-09-18T12:12:00.000+07:00

Don't you love skiing amongst trees, over bumps and around blind corners (snow boarders should be banned). The great Aussie bush with snow gums and slushy & unpredictable snow. This was the kids favourite run other than the straight down and go flat out ones (where it takes 10 minutes to get to the top and 1 minute to get down - not kidding - we timed it (or course we did)).

Falls Creek Tube Park

2009-09-18T12:09:00.000+07:00

Isn't this the most beautiful photo of C girl. There are some photos of this girl that take my breath away - this is one of them. She was travelling at an extremely high speed when this was taken. The smile is pure adrenalin and loving what she is doing - I think the words "having a fantastic time" comes to mind with this smile.

Surfer Girl

2009-09-18T11:59:00.000+07:00

Just wanted to show you a photo of her surfing. Her surfer board shorts say "little horror". Fitting I believe. The head bopping out is our good mate GJ. It's his board and he patiently goes out with her for hours at a time and teaches her. He's happy someone among the 6 kids shares his passion for surfing.

Idul Fitri No. 2

2009-09-18T11:21:00.009+07:00

I know I sounded like a complete sook (is that the word for a whining brat??) in the last post. Oh poor Me, the driver is late......etc....etc. I am not even the one fasting - so why am I complaining.

Well - only today and tomorrow left and we are over the worst month of the year living in Indonesia. Luckily I love living here and it would take more than just one month a year of a little bit of fustration to kill the spirit.

I have been busy making plans for our school community activity that is just like the old fashioned Aussie town gatherings. Now I don't know what cities in Australia do (and I don't care), but in the towns I have lived in, around christmas, there has always been a huge town event at the local pool where games, slip and slides, jumping castles, jumping castles in water, slides into water etc bring the whole town together in an afternoon of fun. Adults/kids will do wrestling into the water from a beam, races across, all the fun stuff (that is if it hasn't been shut down by some Health and Safety party pooper.

(When they coined the phrase - up S*&T creek without a paddle - they obviously didn't have a spare shovel around - anyone for crossing a pool in your pajamas - dry?)

We are having one at school, it has taken 2 years for me to get this idea off the ground - and I was up against a "twilight orchestra picnic". When I said I would compromise and arm the kids with water pistols, I was given the go ahead for the big day of fun in the sun (not the official name - obviously).

My kids are hugely excited. I am hugely nervous. If it is a success we will do it again for the secondary school. Hoping the kids expectations aren't seriously above what I can organise on the day. But I was out there this morning in the hot blistering sun with the events manager (who is fasting, so he was probably a lot more uncomfortable than me), laying out plastic and hoses so we could make sure we didn't forget anything vital. In a meeting yesterday, I even got the Health & Safety Co-ordinator invited so that it wouldn't have hold ups on the day.

First weekend after the holiday, straight after a swimming carnival, then it is on (gives you an idea of how jam packed the school activities are when you have to be scheduled on a sunday after a swimming carnival (or invitational swim meet if the word carnival is throwing you off). Mind you - no one has any idea what is involved - so it is all a bit of a scary/fictional event at this stage.

So yes - the school is going to experience a little bit of Aussie. The really fun, family orientated part of Aussie. Yes there will be beer and tequila sunrises and a BBQ. I'm expecting the men in one corner and the women in the other - but it hopefully will be a lot of fun......

We've even got those trampolines where you get strapped in and go really high.

First things first - a holiday at the beach with our holiday buddies (look for the blog jenjenqld and you will see us in almost every holiday photo).

Fingers crossed that no one nearly drowns and there isn't an earthquake (as the last earthquake caused a tsunami alert at the resort we are staying at (and it was near the epicentre)).

C girl has understandably been extremely nervous all week - unable to go to sleep - for fear that something will happen. She asked to stay in Jakarta with her friend, but I asked if she would be okay with this - she thought about it - and decided she would spend the entire time very worried whether we were okay - much better for her to stand on the side of the beach and scream that we come back in (as she has done on many occasions since).

It is a very dangerous beach location - at least we know that going in (unlike when going to Bali and not realising the 100+ people die on Semanyak and Kuta beach a year (each beach that is)).

(I will get a photo of her this trip with her brand new board - we even had to get roof racks)

At this beach, there is a very organised surf club who saved 100 people over last years idul fitri holiday alone. If MMM wants to surf, she will have GJ or a hired teacher to teach, plus 1 surfer to shadow, plus a back float (they are excellent light device that both little ones had when we moved here and they weren't 100% confident). I will also be there with a boogie board (J sewed on some super tough wrist straps last week so they won't pull off in a big wave).

There is an excellent swimming pool, soccer pitch and pool table for other distractions. Don't worry - we will be okay.

Idul Fitri

2009-09-16T12:23:00.006+07:00

G'day,

Been back in country for the last 5 weeks - time for another holiday.

This one is the most deserved of the entire year.

We have ENDURED 3 1/2 weeks of 90% of the population fasting from 4:30am - 6pm every day. That's right - every day. No food, no drink, no cigerettes (as if).

Do you know how much energy people have at the moment? That's right - NONE. Like an empty duracel battery........everyone is flat.

Whereas you might have a reliable driver who turns up on time and takes you somewhere, now you have a driver who arrives late, is tired all day (because you have to get up at 3:30 to eat), gets really confused and although - he doesn't fall asleep - he is a bit doppy this month (no food does that even to the best of people).

Same goes for everyone around you - office boy, security, nanny, gardener (the other day I opened our gates because the security man was praying (fair enough) and the gardener was sound asleep - ssshhh wouldn't want to wake him while our garden dies from neglect.

Anyway - believe it or not - that isn't the worst of it.

I usually leave work at 5. I usually get home just before 6. During Ramadan I get home between 6:30 - 7 (last night I walked the last 1km and beat the driver by 10 minutes).

Everyone is trying to get home so they can eat - fair enough I know. But it makes what is normally bad traffic - impossible traffic. Like - stand still and not move (J got out and stood in front of oncoming traffic the other day, we had been stuck trying to go through it to the other side, cars just kept ignoring us.

LUCKY for me - I worked Monday and Tuesday and I am now officially OVER IT.

Best part - I got through it. By this time the last 2 years I was ready to kill someone, this time - I'm calm and collected.

Going on holidays (along with the rest of Jakarta) very soon. By CAR believe it or not. We are planning on leaving at 4am to avoid traffic. Wish us luck.

The following two photos are why the youngest in our family are collectively known as the "monsters". First photo is after silence fell on our house one saturday afternoon in Australia (they used all of C girls makeup she had been given for her birthday (there is a god).

On our last trip to Aus, they wore these masks for about 3 hours at seaworld. Note the distance that C girl is sitting away from them?????

Earthquake

2009-09-04T08:32:00.005+07:00

Howdy,

We had a little excitement on Wednesday. An earthquake on the richter scale of 7 - 7.5 shook us up a bit. The epicentre was at least 300km away and it was a lateral move sideways, not up and down - but it was a good ride.

J was in Kalimantan - only got home yesterday, but last night was hectic (soccer practice, home at 6:30, then dinner, shower and books before 8). Don't know if he felt it.

Kids were on bus almost home - didn't feel it, but the pool still had waves crashing over the side when they came inside.

I had just gone to get a cup of tea after having sat for 3 hours in a meeting. I was with another Australian (very rare occurence in my office) who is slightly older (65 yo) and with a lot of travel experience (goes home every 59 days, record time in Aus, 2 hours (came back on same plane)). Anyway, I was swaying and saying - hey, you know, I feel kind of woosy. It's an earthquake dear, let's get out (I work in a very Indonesian building (marble floors, walls, but DODGY)).

We went outside and there are powerlines 5 m up on 3 sides of the entrance area, plus a lovely overhang over the stairs. Being outside worried me more than being inside.......the tremors kept going. It was surreal.

Anyway, when we were sure they had stopped, we went back inside to continue the meeting (yes, we were the first people inside - silly Aussies). Then the phone call home to make sure the kids were okay (during a freak storm earlier in the year a massive sign fell over onto the road that they travel on). Just checking.

Noone was traumatised, everyone thought it was great excitement. Don't worry, this little family is doing fine (if anyone read this blog I could get in SOOO much trouble for that pun).

Snow Holiday

2009-08-30T15:57:00.005+07:00

We had some really great fun on the days that the whole family skiied together (and one really bad day - but you get that). These pathetically amatuer videos were taken on the last day. The kids favorite run was the "fox trail". Unfortunately J wanted some great camera shots so there was a little time spent waiting.

Maybe it is lost in translation.....but we had fun.

Lots of giggles at the end of this run (I only fell over because I was avoiding landing on C girl).

We spent a whopping $30 each for 1/2 an hour on the tube ride - total was around 6 rides each - but it was great fun (the kids walked up instead of taking the magic carpet so they had about 10 rides each). This was the last thing we did (we almost missed the bus off the mountain at 5).

HOME

2009-08-28T17:40:00.004+07:00

Finally,

Life has returned almost to normal. We got back from Aus a few weeks ago on a monday. I spent Tue and Wed at work and then we went to Sambolo from Thur - Mon for an extended long weekend. Unfortuanately, J left on the Tue morning after returning and didn't return until last Sat lunchtime. Missed all their remaining time on holiday - and most importantly a 5 day weekend at the beach.

It was back to school this week. Unfortunately missing a few familiar faces.......the downside of an international school where people come and go regularly.

We had a great holiday. We were in Aus for 26 days, with the fantastic MIL and FIL for 2 weeks and then Victoria for 1 1/2 weeks. 8 days spent skiing.

The kids did 7 1/2 days of ski school. The big plus is - we don't think they need that sort of time in ski school now. Just parent "give me a break" time in future. So the plans for italy may change......there is a good chance that the family will vote for 13 days of skiing instead of just one week as previously voted. J is pushing .......skiing, or looking at really old buildings.......which one do you want to do?

The big bad wolf was a lot more relaxed about skiing this year. We stayed in a penthouse unit just behind J. It was ski in - ski out - what a difference. The weather was shocking with only a few days of sunshine - but because of the weather - I had to lash out and buy a pair of spyder pants - for retail price........I'm not sure all of our ski clothes together come to the amount that we paid - but I was saturated....so it was worth it. And yes Lynda - they are black ........ aarrgggghhhh .... the conformity will kill me.

More on the holiday in future posts. Still trying to get my head around who it is I am posting for. My Dad has just joined the land of the dribbling zombies ...... nursing home for the aged and impaired ... so definitely not for him to keep in touch (not that he would have ever shown an interest previously). But this is no longer for my Mum, I've stopped crying everyday, but only just (thanks to the time in Aus with my MIL and FIL).

Best thing about trip - we managed to catch up with even more family and friends than normal this year, which was fantastic (and we have decided to settle in Brisbane if we have to go back to Aus one day).

Worst thing about trip - the trip home (despite being in business class) was slightly ruined by J's big boss checking in behind us and then being on the same flights/lounge the entire way home (14 hours). Ssshhh was something the kids heard on a regular basis from their father. But there was no stopping them on the touchdown into Jakarta.....the normal 5, 4, 3, 2 1, we're home .... yeaaaahhhh. (Come on - why would we want to stop that sort of enthusiasm - We just signed on for another year).

QLD July 2009

2009-07-22T11:49:00.004+07:00

We are currently in QLD enjoying a very mild winter. Kids are having a great time with their grandparents. Having the same issue I have every year - they don't want to go anywhere because they are perfectly happy playing here all day.

Today they have spent a massive amount of time with Grandpa making wooden warships out of wood. They do the woodwork one at a time, so it is a huge task for Grandpa. But he loves it - which is so nice for the kids to have a grandfather who wants to spend time with them.

Tomorrow is the big Target Toy Sale and the catalogue has been poured through, lists have been written and it should take a total of 1/2 hour there in the morning because they already know what they want.

The weather has been beautiful, we have been doing daily scooter rides and park plays. The other day we even went scootering along a beach path and ended up on a spit where people were fishing and the ocean stretched out as far as we could see. It was truly glorious.

Yesterday was Seaworld. M girl was finally tall enough to go on the corkscrew - plus she was big enough for the new ride - the jetski rescue - really good fun. We went on them around 20 times (until I was going to be sick). Also saw the oldies but goodies - imagine dolphin show, seal show, 4 D SOS movie and pedal boats. Add to that all the little ones ride (carousel, helicopters, climbing, trucks) and we had a very full day.

But the best bit - I can get up at any time and then either go for a run or a swim. If I'm not back before 10:30 - guess what - no one cares.....guess no one did at home anyway - but I don't like to waste that much of the day doing exercise. I am only getting 1 hour of exercise in - but not leaving until late.....it's all very relaxing.

J comes over on Sat. Then the real holiday will begin. He stated that the Outback Spectacular looked .......okay. So he misses out - we are going on Friday night.

http://outbackspectacular.myfun.com.au/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=PdSrch;Google;Outback

Have a look - it's really going to be great. Plus we are taking Grandma and Grandpa - so they are also very excited as they have lived here every winter for the last 20 years and only get to go to the tourist things when we come and shout them.

Don't worry - I won't come back to Jakarta with a cowboy hat (or one that isn't a surfie chick one).

Before you ask - I feel like a bit of traitor that I wasn't in Jakarta during the bombs. Happy no one from my family was there. J actually rang me about 10 minutes after it happened. He was no where near it (not even in Jakarta), but was in Indonesia. Security had been quite relaxed. We were at the Ritz Carlton for brunch less than 2 weeks earlier. Security will be on high alert again now. I feel bad for my friends who are there and are in a state of panic still.

I think I'll keep to my favorite shopping centre (where you rarely see another foreigner) and have some lunches at home or in small establishments for a long while.

QLD July 2008

2009-07-13T18:21:00.001+07:00

When we were in QLD last time - we went to Movieworld.....

And seaworld (each are only 10 minutes in opposite directions from the grandparents house).

We even had Nan, Grandma and Grandpa together for a whole week. Boy - did the kids get some serious attention that week. They had 6 grandparents - and these three were/are the best as far as attention, respect and wanting them to grow into well rounded, real and amazing people (yes this is actually the middle of winter.....in qld).

This is my favorite view. It's on the way home (away from Australia) as we fly from Sydney to Singapore.....this view is consistent for hours. As a child I got to sit in the back seat for 36 hours as we drove from east to west and vica versa around 10 times. I hated it. The fact that I get to fly right over it in 4 hours........and I'm not expected to entertained by it, or stop for "exploring" (code word for - got to go to the toilet every 3 - 4 hours, if we stop the car let's turn it into a camera occasion). Geologically though - it is pretty cool.

This is Australia. It is why I don't explore in Australia. Trust me - I have been to places that people don't even know exist (for a good reason) - and spent weeks/months there. Bring on a well watered tropical forest or beautiful european countryside (or snow) any day.

We are going there in a few days. Seaworld is a definite because Munchkin is tall enough to do the Corkscrew - so she is tall enough now for all the adult rides - plus you really can't get enough of dolphins can you? Movieworld and Dreamworld are going to get missed this time. Compared to Disneyland - Movieworld is way overpriced and does not give the little kids enough action. Dreamworld is great - but I can't do alone with the kids as it has some great rides, but both littel ones need an adult to supervise each and it's really a more spring/autumn venue.

Taking the kids skiing in Aus for the first time - also taking them to their first MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) AFL (Australian Football League) football game. I haven't been for 19 years (and that was my first time). Really looking forward to it - the kids have NEVER seen an AFL game in their entire lives (we lived in NSW when in Aus, they are into Rugby League).

Considering J and I grew up where everyone was watching it all weekend (even the grandparents)- it will be an educational experience for them - they will have no idea what is going on - but the atmosphere will be electric (North Melbourne vs Carlton - J's team vs the Enemy (my team is Collingwood)). It will be huge.

NZ Aug 2008

2009-07-12T17:16:00.002+07:00

This is the Jakarta to Singapore route - first class. How wasted is that leg room? Qantas double booked and we had to fly to Brisbane with Singapore. It meant going to Singapore then departing off the plane in Brisbane at 6am jakarta time. The scheduled flight had us going straight from jakarta to Sydney, going through customs at 3am jakarta time (with three kids by myself), then transferring to domestic and flying to brisbane - arrival similar time. We were physically jumping up and down in the air with happiness at having been bumped. It was actually disappointing to get through customs and being in the airport (it took 15 minutes from plane to rental car office). We were normal people again.....boohoo.

Who are these colourful fashionistas? I barely recognise these kids. The only surviving ski wear is the red ski jacket.........

Did I mention that last year we went to NZ for an adrenalin filled holiday?

Who is this purple girl? Why does she look so happy? 5 days of skiing will do that for you.

Shotover jet.

Yes we did the shotover jet (without tears - they are for babies, not 5 year olds). Lots of 360's and going really close to rocks. Failed to scare me though - I've gone backwards at night without lights/engine in a 10 seater wooden flimsy boat down the Barito river with Coal Barges pulling 5,000 tonnes of coal towards us (and yes - it was our coal). A 4 tonne boat with a well trained operator who does the exact run 5 times a day does not scare anyone. It was a tonne of fun. Expensive for the time that you are on it - so it's not a repeat on the same visit thing - but it was definitely worth doing.

This is J. I did it when he had proven it could be done safely. He asked for his arms to be wet (idiot), he was wet to his waist (and very lucky we had some extra clothes in the car because this was the only midday). C girl really wanted to do it - but she was 1kg too light (and would have been the youngest by 1 1/2 years). I wasn't really upset about that - not sure I could have coped with my baby jumping from such a height. I understand the thrill though. In my hometown I was one of the youngest kids to ever jump off the canal bridge (and my Mum was there to watch). Now of course there is a sign telling everyone it's too dangerous as the river below is too shallow.....global warming I think, same.

On our one day without skiing, we did the Shotover jet, bungee, a beautiful drive to a country pub where we had a fabulous lunch, then a quick drive up to the snow field where we hadn't gone to skiing (because it was an hour away). We didn't make it all the way. We stopped at this great little spot and had a snow fight, made snow angels and had a snow fight.

This is the view from our apartment. It was 2 minutes walk from some great resturants and take away places. We could cook a hearty breakfast before skiing, then when we got home we could either take the kids out for dinner (really yum Italian restaurant and Irish Pub), or cook the kids steak and vegies and we could have thai or indian. We had a car for our stay, so we could go and come from the mountain whenever we wanted. Ski lessons were only 2 hours twice a day (and yes - we were the nasty parents who put our kids in twice a day). But they improved immensely and as the lessons started at 10, we didn't have the issue with HIM (Dad) who wants everyone dressed and ready to go at the crack of dawn (or at the bus stop 10 minutes before the bus is due to come).

A great family holiday.

Summer (winter) holidays

2009-07-10T17:52:00.002+07:00

We've just finished the first week of 7 weeks of holidays.

The holidays started with a bang. Went to Amigo's for dinner last friday night. It was overrun with kids from our school so Bear boy, C girl and 3 of her closest friends (who were at our house for a sleepover) went there for a lovely dinner (can anyone say - pitcher of long island tea). There was a party for the kids finishing year 7. Two other mothers of girls C girls age joined me in studying the dynamics of the year 7 girls/boys. I think they must go backwards before they go forward again (boys/girls dynamics). It was very funny, but also very scary to think our girls might be there in two short years. I think the boys from year 5 are more mature than the year 7 boys (or they are better friends with the girls to start off with, so don't have the issue).Munchkin went on a sleepover for friday and saturday. She went to the new water slide park on the sat. Considering the family she went with have 2 twins her age, plus they took another friend, plus a 2 year old - they did great. The report is it is not up to western standards (so noone from this family will be ever returning). A child died at waterslide park here on Friday (didn't know until the sunday) - believed to have happened under a raft in the wave pool.

On sat night C girl went on a sleepover - Munchkin was still on hers, Bear boy had a friend sleepover. In a moment of silence, they decapitated and delegged 7 bratz dolls - not recoverable. I don't believe they knew that they were completely broken.....but the punishment continues...........no DS........no lego bought in Aus (that is a very harsh punishment (target toy sale starts on the 23rd).

On sat night (while the boys were terrorising the doll collection), J and I went to a farewell dinner. We ended up at Eastern Promise - an excellent band later and a quite quick night ended at 2am.

On sunday we took the little people to brunch at the ritz carlton with some friends. 7 victorians, 1 nsw, 1 qld and 1 whinging pom. Had a great time. The boys ended at the FEZ bar to watch the AFL clash and the wives and kids ended up at our house for pizza, champagne and a play.

C girl and Bear have been doing a soccer academy all week and today was the finish. C girl won the best player/attitude for the U10 age group. She did pretty well considering Bear boy expects her to do exceedingly well and when she misses a chance at goal has no issue in berating her. She learnt some neat tricks and now wants to do ASA 3 times a week. Not sure she can commit - considering she is thinking of doing swimming 5 times a week - think that there is schoolwork that needs to fit in there - somewhere.

Off to Aus next week. A great week of skiing is expected. Looking forward to it immensely. Will have to go to QLD for 2 weeks first - but there are some great friends to catch up with while we are there - so the time between us getting there - and J arriving will be pretty quick.

KL medal 1

2009-07-04T17:54:00.002+07:00

Bronze for ball throw (lucky most of them throw like girls).

Sorry for individual blog posts. Found easy way to post individual photos.

KL medal 2

2009-07-04T17:52:00.002+07:00

Gold medal for 60m sprint

KL medal 3

2009-07-04T17:50:00.002+07:00

Bronze for the running relay - Year 5 girls

KL Top bunch of kids

2009-07-04T17:49:00.001+07:00

Shuttle relay just finished - meant that all of Year 5 got a silver medal. Well deserved - especially for the one on the far left - he had a really bad chest infection and went straight to SOS when he got home.

KL medal 4

2009-07-04T17:47:00.001+07:00

Silver for Shuttle Relay

KL medal 5

2009-07-04T17:46:00.001+07:00

Bronze for 50 m freestyle

Swimming was really tough. We were no where near them and up in the stands away from them. I had to yell her name so she could find me (and so she knew we were watching). This was with a zoom lense and was the closest I could get.

KL medal 6

2009-07-04T17:44:00.001+07:00

Bronze for Medlay relay

KL medal 7

2009-07-04T17:43:00.001+07:00

Silver medal for freestyle relay

Fond Farewell

2009-07-04T16:58:00.003+07:00

The person who I started this blog for died last wednesday (the day C girl turned 10 1/2). She had been fighting Pancreatic Cancer for 2 years and 8 months. We believe the artificial pancreas that was put in to replace the cancer riddled pancreas gave out, she was in chemo for liver cancer at the time. Within 24 hours of her dying she had taken her beloved dogs for a walk (owned by disabled neighbour), visited an elderly friend and gone grocery shopping. Her pain started in the afternoon and by 7:30 she had been admitted to hospital.

She died at 11:30 am on Wed. I spoke to her at 9am and she was unable to speak - but I did speak to her and she heard me tell her I love her (and to stop fighting because I couldn't make it in time).

We couldn't get a flight out until Wed night and it was only with J's company that we managed to at all. Without the kids though - there was no possibility of getting 5 flights.

Thankfully J came with me. We had virtually no sleep on the flight and we shared the 5 hour drive from Melbourne to Portland between us. On arrival at 4pm Thursday afternoon - the normal funeral fun began. Families unfortunately have their own dynamics. But at the funeral on Friday, we didn't do what my Mum wanted, as some people believed their own wishes were more important - but we were all still on talking terms (how's that for a method of getting away with what you want).

I wore a beautiful black silk dress with colourful flowers on it with black boots. Not many people wore a dress (too cold). But Mum dressed up every sunday for church and I had never seen her wear pants to church. I think I inadvertantly achieved my lifetime dream...... to not look like I came from there, in fact , before the funeral most people didn't have a clue who I was. It has been over 20 years since I lived there and I can count the number of times I have been back on two hands.....okay - some people looked at my face and knew instantly how I was related - but they didn't know who I was.

My kids wrote their Nan a letter each (We always put something special into the casket before burial). I read her the letters privately as soon as I saw her (in the funeral home) - think it was the first time in my life that she didn't interupt me with a smart alec statement. She looked peaceful.

My brother ran the service - him being the biggest godbotherer ever (I mean minister). It was very sad - obviously - but his talk was 90% pretty good (the non religious part bit I mean).

I said something at the service.

I told her what she meant to each of her grandchildren and what they liked doing most with her(which I stole from their letters), how much they loved her, how much they felt her love. I am grateful that we were on such good terms when she died. If she had died 12 years ago we would have been almost strangers.

I have promised my kids I would never take them to see their grandfather again after their Nan died (something C girl asked again after finding out Nan had died and before we left for the funeral). (Do not leave me a comment about them missing out on anything.....you have no idea). So I will miss my sisters family and my Aunt and Uncle's family, but I won't go back there again.

Feeling a long way away at the moment (from where?). C girls friend left last week (see photos below), as did his Mum who was my friend. School finished yesterday - a long 7 weeks holiday. Everyone is leaving for holidays over the next week. 2 of the 3 kids are on a sleepover tonight. We are going to a farewell dinner.....

Arrggghhh - need to cheer up. But don't worry I will. I went swimming yesterday, I went running today. I won the Heart of Gold medal yesterday at school for the work I have done with the scavenger kids and PTA....the school has 1300 students....they gave 3 awards. I even went shopping today....and enjoyed it.....who is this person.

Promise - I will be back in full swing tomorrow (after brunch at the Ritz Carlton).

Plus skiing in 4 weeks, with J's brother and his family (and potentially his two sisters with their families as well).......do we dare cross our fingers and hope for such luck?

KL Underwater Fun

2009-07-04T16:56:00.002+07:00

I love this photo. Underwater fun on quarantine.

Kuala Lumpur June 2009

2009-07-04T16:28:00.011+07:00

After being quarantined in Kuala Lumpur, some of us parents decided that we would attempt to finish on a positive note. So we went to a water slide/adventure park - then went out to dinner.

We all knew that it wasn't as much fun as competing for the two days and then basking in their glory.......but we tried. They all wore their good clothes (which was planned for a gala dinner and dancing). It was a little out of place at the steak restuarant, and there was no dancing. But there was balloon keeping in the air, they were together, not quite as much fun as soccer, but an attempt at least. Great kids. Unfortunately - two from this group are leaving/have left now.

This is friday night before leaving. C boy (below with C girl), left on the following tuesday. That was almost 2 weeks ago. She is still very unhappy about having such a great friend leave - but she informs me that they are going to Uni together so it's not the end of the world.......good to know (she needs to start saving).

(His knees are bent - there really isn't that much difference between them).

Gorgeous girls

2009-06-21T20:29:00.007+07:00

C girl recently got the urge to shop (don't fall over). She wanted a special dress for the gala dinner after the sports competition she was competing in over in Kuala Lumpur (more on that when the photos are on the computer (there was a major hiccup)).

She spotted this dress in March and wanted to go back and see if it was still there - she was in luck. Luckily the shoes were close by and the total shopping time from our door back to our door was 1.25 hours - and that included a lap of ACE hardware. These photos were to show off the dress for our friends who popped over.

Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.......would it.........

But this one - hold the butter

You can dress a girl up - but you can't make her act like one.

Please note - this was a sunday - we have no staff on sundays and can do massive damage in a very small time (especially when there are 4 sports bags to be packed and they haven't already been done for some reason).

The Countdown is almost over

2009-06-14T12:36:00.004+07:00

We are anxiously counting down to Wednesday for the interschool sports being held in Kuala Lumpur. C girl is representing her school in Football (soccer), T ball, Swimming and Athletics.

She has been getting up at 5:30 every Tuesday and Thursday (since easter) to do swim practice and has done 2 semesters of competitive soccer in order to be picked on the team. Since easter she has done 14 hours of training a week, both before and after knowing she was on the team (and there are some kids who are the reserve who won't be going, but they have still done the training -now that is tough). 6 girls and 6 boys were selected from Year 4, 5 and 6 (about 96 kids in each year group) - so it has been very competitive.

She is VERY excited. I am VERY excited (because there is no way she is going alone). Jay is excited because he is getting to go on Friday - Sunday. Munchkin and Bear are being bribed because they want to come but we know they will not appreciate the waiting between events, bus trips, airport terminals etc (plus babysitting when the parents social events are on).

She isn't staying with us. The kids have to stay with their team in a seperate hotel. The parents stay next door and have been looking forward to this nearly as much as the kids.

This photo was taken minutes after they won the final. If you had a photo of the spectators (that were from our school) - they look almost as elated as these girls.

Fingers crossed we will get a repeat of last year's soccer result. No. 1, No. 1........no really - it's all about the kids having fun (honestly). Don't they look like they are having fun.

But seriously - they are going away with their best friends to do something they love doing. There are social dinners every night, a big gala dinner on Sat night and NO SCHOOL WORK for 3 days plus they spend sunday doing fun stuff before coming home in the afternoon. If they don't win everything - they are still going to come home very happy, because that is not the focus of the games (there is no winning school).

Wish us luck - all messages of luck should be sent directly to C girl......her phone will be on.

BWA Fashion Show

2009-06-11T19:11:00.004+07:00

Went to the BWA fashion show in May. It's the end of the balls for the year (northern hemisphere school year) and we now have to wait now until September for the ANZA ball (yes getting a dress made as we speak).

Believe it or not - I felt like I looked a million dollars. But I don't have a single picture to back it up. This photo was taken at 1am and I really should have put an effort into sucking in that gut. Not the best (far too much sweating from dancing for 2 hours), but I felt I was confidently not looking the best.

We had to leave early so the family could compete in a Biathlon the next morning.

Sambolo

2009-06-11T18:07:00.002+07:00

We went to Sambolo in March for the long weekend. It happened to be Jenjen and Jay's birthday so it was a double celebration. We stayed in our usual 4 bedroom bungalow.....6 kids, 4 adults (a 5th adult for one night) and one spare bedroom (not when the 5th adult was there).....you do the math...and we chose this.

Yes - she does surf. This isn't her board - but who says five year olds can't have fun (okay - 5 years 11 months). She had a great time while GJ stood out in the surf for 4 hours helping her. You've got to admit - she has surfer chick written all over her - just glad she's doing the surfing and not waiting patiently on the beach for some boy.........

There really is something special about catching waves.....I love it....in fact the whole time Munchkin surfed, I was boogie boarding just meters away.....it had nothing to do with wanting to be there incase I needed to help.....nothing at all. C girl was very cautios - but at least she was out there.....baby steps.

In fact we all have the bug for boogie boarding.......the alternative of course is the river. But for some reason the kids felt overdressed for that one.

Going to Ocean Queen next month for a long weekend (before the Aussie tour).....kids are not going in the ocean at all. Have only recently read the story of a family with children older than ours. 3 of the 4 family members (both parents) almost drowned along with 4 other adults in their party. These were not people who didn't know how to swim. We are using the pool and believe me - not going past our ankles in the ocean. We may sound pathetic - but the ocean here is unlike anything that I have ever encountered. I just want to come home and still have 5 people in my family.....happy thoughts.

Update cause I'm too lazy to think of a name

2009-06-11T17:54:00.004+07:00

Hi,

long time no writing. Sorry about that.

It's not that I haven't been doing anything - it's that I have been doing so much.

Time is counting down until C girl goes to Kuala Lumpur for her interschool sports. We are so excited - we have now officially broken the one week to go mark.........wednesday here we come. I am going on the same flight and Jay is flying Friday morning and coming back sunday morning (we are flying back Sunday afternoon). I say we, but I mean me.......she is staying with the school and we are staying in the adjacent hotel.....not allowed to stay in the same hotel. It will be great - not only parent get together time, but supporting their team time (6 boys and 6 girls in each team, 4 different sports (T ball, Soccer, Athletics and Swimming). She has put a tonne of effort into her swimming this semester and wants to continue now from this point on.......got to say - I don't mind the early mornings and I have been going in with her - I want it to continue as well.

I have just come back from Kalimantan (the Indonesia state on the island of Borneo). I got to fly 1 hour instead of having to sit in the back of landcruiser for 10 hours (with bumps the size of the road and 1m deep - truly). Left monday morning - back Wed night - quickest trip ever.

We went to Singapore a few weeks ago. It was a great family vacation. Jay has been travelling too much (even missed easter holidays with us). We went with our friends and had a really nice time.

This photo was taken in Feb or March. I just worked out how to download (slack aren't I). All in soccer clothes for the 3 of the 5 games we had that day (Jay had one and C girl had another one in the afternoon). I think they look gorgeous.

More soon - will post some photos now that I have some (thanks Jenjen for giving me a cd with some).

Saddest thing - C girls very good friend who is a boy is leaving on the tuesday after interschool sports. I'm very sad on two fronts - his Mum has become a great friend, plus - he is a close friend of hers. They will be missed a lot......why do people have to care about silly things like careers that move families all over the globe.......okay.......we all might be guilty of that......

Update

2009-05-29T05:51:00.003+07:00

I have finally got to the place I want to be..........on the exercise front.

I am now swimming 2km at least twice a week (luckily or unluckily C girl is doing early morning swims at school twice a week so I can join her (or not)). I am running on the treadmill at least 3 times a week. Once a week I can squeeze in 10km in 1 hour, but usually it's a calm 9km. I competed in a biathlon a few weeks ago and although I didn't come close to winning (my swimming technique let me down), I passed 5 people on the run and came in closer to the front than the end. I am now working on my technique and can do the 2km in under 55 minutes - easily..........all with the assistance of my latest toy - the ipod skin, so I can listen to music as I swim (how good is that)?

I need some photos on this blog. I just looked and there have been no photos downloaded onto our computer since January - although there have been lots taken......talk it will have to be.

We went to Singapore last weekend from Wed - Sun. Our good mates at jenjenqld.blogspot... came with us and we had the adjacent units in a really nice apartment complex thing going on.

We finally went to Sentosa, went to Underwater world, the gondola, the toboggan rides (going up in the chair lift we discovered that our girls are excellent spitters (yes Spitters). A skill neither Jen or I have ever been able to acquire. We finished our day there with a swim at the beach (kids) while we tested the service in the seaside bar (good drinks, bit slow on the nachos).

On the friday we went to the Science centre, saw the da vinci exhibit and the imax movie on sea monsters. On friday night we went to the night safari at the zoo. It was excellent - so glad we have finally been, and I can tick off the zoo in singapore now because going during the day sounds horrificly hot.

On Sat we did a full day of.......SHOPPING. I know - I say I hate it. But we did shopping for sports equipment, toys and books. Things that we all love. We went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and then went for another walk up Orchard Road because J forgot to buy the speedy shoes (for quick transitions) that he NEEDED. I bought a dress because I went past it on the escalator. Bear told me I should buy two because I couldn't decide between fabrics - he is SO going to be a popular husband to some lucky girl.

Anyway - great family time, great adventure and a really great experience to be had instead of continually going to Sambolo.

And yes - we flew with Singapore airlines - but there were NO queus - so work that one out. Queus in Aus, no queus in Asia.

Visit to Victoria Part 2

2009-05-01T19:23:00.005+07:00

With two weeks distance between when we left and now, I can now write about the trip to Victoria.

To say it was disturbing is an understatement. To say it was horrific is probably pushing it too far.

I am absolutely, without remorse or regret, extremely happy that I took the kids to Victoria and stayed at my parents home for 5 nights. Without doubt I did the right thing.

My Mum was in extreme pain the entire time. She tried really hard to not look like she is, but she most certainly was gritting her teeth and trying to get through it for our sake.

No one - no matter how nasty or selfish, will change the fact that my kids love their Nan. They illustrated it beautifully while we were there as she illustrated that she loved them. Not a moment was lost between Nan's waking time and the kids (yes, the kids were awake longer). We went to the pool, we went on walks, we went to an indoor playground, we went out for dinner (for Nan's birthday party), we went to her sisters house (who is her best friend (I wish for a best friend that would span 65+ years)).

When she was asleep - we spent the time with my sister and her 3 daughters. 2 of those daughters are C girls age (yes 2 - not twins (362 days apart).

My kids learnt some valuable lessons while we were on this leg of the trip. Ones they won't forget and ones that I don't regret that they learnt (although it was difficult at the time).

I truly hope my Mum has some "holidays" in the future (a week with someone who will wait on her hand and foot (like a princess)) - once a month would do her the world of good.

I hope my brother teaches my father how to go shopping, how to cook a simple meal and how to do some housework - because at the moment that is all in the hands of a very sick woman and she could benefit hugely from her husband of 43 years doing something domestic to help her(some things can be left too late).

Mostly I hope that my Mum can enjoy ALL of her life. Is that too much to ask for?

We flew back on the Sat. The kids ran ahead after customs (as is their custom) into the waiting arms of their Dad. "ARRGGGHHH they screamed - he has hair on his face", I could hear it before I could see him...............the horror had just begun.

(Thanks A and L for telling him he looks handsome last Sat, now I'll never get it off).......

What do think? (oh sorry, that one is mainly me), my mistake.

This is 3am? Do you think a family shave fest should occur? I think yes. Everyone is toooo nice.

This was last Sat night - before you mention it - you are right, I shouldn't have worn horizontal stripes - what was I thinking (maybe I got the dress on sale - can't remember now). But I have been waiting to wear it to something. We had a great time. We were the only english speaking table. I think we offended all 23 other tables. I don't think we did anything wrong, other than have a great time with our friends.