Temporary Nomad

Down Under Classic 2009

Adelaide’s been buzzing for days with the start of the Tour Down Under for 2009. And we’ve had a bit of the action too. I took Freya down to the end of the street to watch the opening night race around the parklands – but it was a bit close to bedtime and a bit busy, so after only 5 laps we came back home. But this morning we got our fix – the entire entourage, teams, support vehicles and all cycled casually past the front gate as we watched. Freya gave them a bit of a wave.

It’s a couple of years since I saw the Tour de France go past, but it’s nice to know we didn’t have to give up everything when leaving Europe.

It’s been a busy year and a particularly busy end-of-year and this blog has suffered. But, we’re still here in sunny Adelaide and here’s a quick run-down of some random events.

Our housewarming – just a week after we found out our lease would be renewed – yay! We celebrated with flags in the backyard and general revelry.

Cheerful flags added a party atmosphere to the backyard.

My colleague Davide married the delightful Adina in a ceremony at Adelaide’s Japanese garden.

Davide, Adina and family.

After the ceremony Davide told the assembled crowd a lovely story. His sensei in Japan gave him a little statue of a buddha with no eyes. He had to make a wish and paint on one eye. When the wish came true, he should paint the other eye. So, then and there, he picked up a brush and painted on the second eye – his wish had come true!

A less pleasant event this year was a scary accident. As I was taking Freya for a walk in the pram, a van turned a corner and ran into us, hitting the pram and sending us spinning. Through pure luck, Freya was unharmed, although the pram was a write-off. One of the scariest moments I’ve had in a long, long time.

Freya has been developing rapidly as babies do. Amongst a host of achievements, she’s trying to open doors,

Freya attempting to share a shower with Mike in the bathroom.

imitating characters in popular children’s books,

Freya managed to get herself into Mike’s t-shirt, which reminded me of this wonderful book (sorry, should have been a spoiler warning).

and picking up the finer points of wine appreciation.

Freya scrutinises a shiraz’s legs at Bridgewater Mill.

We ended the year with another traditional New Year’s Eve party, which was great fun, and we even had a phone call from the South Pole – thanks Gary!

A Happy New Year to you all!