Port Arthur, Doo Town and the Tasman Penninsula

One day we took an outing to Port Arthur. It was striking to see the old convict jails contrasting with the green grass. It was the coldest day we had and there was a little drizzle making us feel like we were back in England. They have set up some great interactive exhibits that allowed the kids to learn a lot about convict life and the sort of crimes that landed you at Port Arthur. The kids were amazed that there were prisoners who did something as small as steal a loaf of bread that were sent across the world to prison.


The more recent history of Port Arthur includes a massacre that occurred there in 1996. While we were visiting the site, we had no idea this had happened and only found out afterwards in talking to our Australian friends. I am glad that we only knew of the far distant history of the place or it would have really changed our day.

The Tasman Peninsula in general is quite beautiful. The house was located on a beautiful beach with squeaky, white sand. Yes, the sand actually squeaked when we walked on it. The house was located a 5 minute walk from the Tessellated Pavement. This is a place where the water has formed the rocks into what looks like tiles. It was very interesting and hard to believe that it was just the water that has formed it.

Tessellated Pavement

This stretch of beach was also a little sea shell collectors paradise! The girls loved how many shells there were and spent hours digging through and finding their favorite ones!


We also walked around several of the other Tasman Peninsula sights. Again, the natural beauty of the area was striking!

The blowhole

The Tasman Arch

To get to the Blowhole and the Tasman Arch, we had to drive through a little town called Doo Town. This was a silly little place where every house had a name that included "doo." We all got a kick out of the names (well, most of them at least!)

and the PG-13 house...

Tasmania

Caution: Tassie Devils Crossing!

Before Christmas we took a little family holiday to Tassie. We were excited to see this lovely place that so many people talk about. It lived up to expectations for sure. It was beautiful. The weather was cool BUT... it was mostly dry. This could be a first for our family that is plagues by rainy holidays! We flew into Hobart and started our day at the Salamanca Markets. It was a fun market and the kids all enjoyed picking out a souvenir.



After that, we headed to the house we rented near Eaglehawk Neck. It was right on the beach and was suited perfectly for our family. Tasmania is pretty empty and we were very secluded. In fact, we had to shop for groceries on our way down at the nearest supermarket which was 45 minutes from the house. Fortunately, I knew this in advance and had planned our meals and had a comprehensive shopping list all compiled for when we arrived. I was quite proud that I had even thought to ask if the washing machine was a front load or top load so I could get detergent. Clearly I have learned that hard way that these questions need to be asked! Shopping done and we were ready to go.

We spent our 4 days exploring the Tasman Penninsula. We walked on the squeaky sand beaches outside the house and saw lots of Tassie Devils. Most were road kill but we also took a trip to the Tasmanian Devil conservation park and saw a few live ones as well. Stay tuned for more pictures of our Tasmanian adventures!

From the balcony of the house

Gorgeous scenery from the beach outside the house

Weekend in Singapore

A few weekends ago, I decided to make a spur of the moment trip to Singapore. J had two weeks of travel lined up in Asia and was going to be in Singapore for the weekend. What better chance to have a quick little getaway?! I called the babysitter and she was keen to stay with the kids for a few days. Prior to this weekend, it had been almost 7 years since J and I had a night away from the children. And that trip was a house hunting trip to England - hardly a romantic getaway. So, without thinking too much (or I probably would not have gone), I treated myself to a ticket to Singapore using Jason's hard earned miles.

I flew out Friday afternoon and was scheduled to arrive in Singapore at 5 pm. All was on time and looking good. We started our initial descent into Changi Airport. And then, we turned. There has been an accident on the runway. We would circle. We circled. Twice. We are now out of fuel and will be diverted as Changi airport is closed. They may be sending us to Kuala Lumpur. Suddenly my short weekend getaway was getting very short. In the end, Singapore Airlines landed us at a naval airport and I had the privilege of being on the first A380 to ever land on the base. Oh joy! I then had the privilege of waiting 3 hours to be refueled so that we could then take the 10 minute flight back to Changi airport. In the end it was just a plane that went of the runway and caused all the chaos. Fortunately, I was off the plane and at the hotel by 10 pm. Just in time for a very late dinner. Lucky for me, Singapore never sleeps!

We had a fun weekend. Lots of shopping, lots of eating, lots of just taking in the sights. We ate a few local treats like chili crabs and pepper crabs. I also had the famous chicken rice and last of all I tried durian cendol. As expected, the durian dessert smelled like stinky feet and, well, tasted like it too. Glad I can say I tried it, but I will never indulge again!


Aside from the local goodies, we indulged in the tourist goodies as well. No trip to Singapore is complete without a Singapore Sling from Raffles hotel. It was yummy (as it well should be for $32 a piece). Raffles was decorated beautifully for Christmas just like the rest of downtown Singapore.

Raffles outdoor bar - not the long bar with the famous sling.

What a treat coming from Sydney where Christmas lights are hard to find. Those of you that know me, know how I love Christmas decorations. This was a real treat!



The weekend was lots of fun. Surprisingly, I barely missed my kids. Or maybe not so surprising at all... A weekend where I could shower alone, eat what I want, when I want, and just have adult time was just what I needed. We won't wait 7 years before we do it again! Oh, and in case you were wondering, the kids were fine and the babysitter still speaks to us. Life is good!

Barranjoey Lighthouse

This past weekend we decided it was time for another family bushwalk. Usually the way they work in our family is that I suggest we go on a bushwalk. One or more child/ren are usually on my side while the others complain. It is too hot. I am tired. It is boring. Then we either a) go anyway or b) spend so much time whining that it is nearly lunch time and too late to start the expedition because nap time is quickly approaching. This Saturday was the option "a" variety. I suggested we tackle the stairs up to Barranjoey Lighthouse. Despite a decenter or two, we went anyway. We had a great day!

It was a bit hot and sticky which made the sea breeze that much nicer. It is a lot of stairs - straight up in fact - but we just proved we had strong legs.




We found a neat little rock overhang that was a great little cave and a perfect water stop.


We found a special friend.


Our littlest munchkin got put in the backpack after a bit but the others proved their strength and resilience and made it to the top.


We were rewarded with beautiful views out across the water, a lighthouse, and yes, that gorgeous sea breeze.



We stopped for lunch at the local RSL club. Took a pass on the pokeys and ate our fill of hot chips, burgers and nachos. Yum! Then at home, we realized we had brought a few friends home with us. We first noticed a stowaway in M's hair at lunch. Then again, another crawling on her bed... hmmm. Is this head lice? Please say no, no, no.

No. It is just a paralysis tick.



Lucky for us, they mostly only paralyze dogs and we were pretty safe from their toxins. None the less, we all did the obligatory tick search, stripping the little girls down to check those favorite tick hiding places. Luckily, all was clear and the Monaco family will live to see another day.