Day 21 Newtown, Day 22 Homeward Bound

Day 21.

Newtown. And Thank you!

Last day.

Up at 7.30 when the workers left and did two hours blogging. I have been writing my notes when on trains and sometimes in the car; processing them when I have wifi.

I then took an hour and half to organise packing. I do hope it’s quick to finish tomorrow also that I am not over weight. (No lie it was 29.9 when weighed at airport for return journey!) Ridiculous.

A good idea.

For those who take too many clothes and items on holiday, (you know the kind of thing I mean – when you hear yourself say, ‘I’ll just take that, just in case’), do yourself an enormous favour – Just don’t do it!  That’s what I will attempt next holiday- honest!

I came here with a ridiculous 27 kilos. I’m allowed 30kg.

I have used maybe a third of my clothes. I think I forgot that I would be able to wash my clothes rather than look out for laundrettes. When oh when will I ever stop that nonsense?

Newtown. Well worth a visit.

I met Rachel briefly around lunchtime near her work : Newtown. Very trendy, touristy, health shops and good cafés; a bit like Camden near KentishTown where Rachel lived in London. Well worth a visit.

Next time I visit I will spend longer there. The health shops and Naturopath centres were super.

It has really opened my eyes to see how EFT, Matrix ReImprinting and Reiki is much more acceptable, well known and used regularly by many of the folks here. More Marketing required: never ending!

We are eating tonight at Ross and Kate’s.The family regularly gather together there to eat once a week. Ross does a BBQ and Kate the delicious accompaniments!

A lovely couple of hours. Thoroughly enjoyed the Pink Champagne Kate!

So my time is finally finished.

AND a huge Thank you.

Tom’s family once again showed me great kindness and hospitality. Thank you Ross and Kate, Wendy and David. Tom’s sister Marnie and his step-sister Sophie and their partners: lovely people.

Thank you Tom for accommodating me in the lovely apartment you share with Rachel for my three weeks visit. I think it all went OK? Very much appreciated.

I met some of Rachel’s friends and enjoyed their company enormously. And I met Claire Takacs a Facebook friend and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon.

Rachel my darling girl.

She kept me busy, organised much, prevented boredom (as if I would be bored!) and we had a great time away in The Northern Territory; a first and we got on marvellously. Quality time.

So to all my Aussie friends, those who care for Rachel, those who showed me great kindness, hospitality and a bit of the Wild Side; Thank You very much! And Wendy, if David has another trip over to UK, drop me a line and we’ll try to meet up!

Au revoir. Xx

(Photo courtesy of Caroline McCreadie).

Day 22.

Homeward Bound: A full flight on Qantas.

When I switched on the Breakfast News this morning my heart sank.

The Australian Airport staff have resumed their strike action. Buggar.

I tuned in during the morning for updates.

Outcome: when Rachel helped me at the airport, the check- in staff were desperate for customers. It had been perhaps busy but whatever Striking was going on it was not affecting Departures at that time. I was able to get through customs easily. Fingers crossed for the rest.

The Plane took off on time and I have finally finished my #Australia2016 postings.

I had Luxury on the journey out from London to Sydney: 4 seats in the middle section of the plane- all to myself which was  JUST GREAT.

The journey home was different. Not a spare seat. Full. However I must say I was still able to sleep, the journey was very good and I cannot complain ( actually they missed our row when the final food was served just before arriving in Dubai to refuel- I did ask for a cup of tea eventually when I realised what had happened, and the staff were fast into action). Qantas:  I can recommend.

With regard to  #Australia2016 all I need to do is transfer the last 3 days and add photos. I’ve enjoyed this additional activity to my holiday. It has taken a bit of time but not enough to cause any problem.

And I am open to offers on becoming a holiday blogger, a tester of restaurant food, a critic on hot spots to visits. Please, Do Ask and I will be happy to consider!

Final Note.

I really enjoyed my adventure and am now ready to focus on life back in the UK. I will keep myself busy and try not to miss my beautiful, talented and very kind daughter. Thank you Rachel. Xx

Whilst away, Herb ran the Bed n Breakfast . He got an excellent review from one guest so now we have a 9.1 on Booking.com. Well done Herb! Big hug for you Xx

Here is our website and our AirBnB link.

I will see my gorgeous little grand daughter, Ava, who is 7 months old. Babies are just super at this age so I am keen to see how much she has changed. I have my son and his wife living fairly close by. Mind you, I think they would like to try Australia again too.

My cats, well I wonder if I will get any response from my gorgeous boys Bramble and Marmalade.

Live for the moment; life can pass you by.