We took in a tour of the Opera House which, given my interest in building methods and design was fantastic. It really is an incredible structure and way ahead of its time in design and build having been designed almost sixty years ago and took over twenty years to complete due to construction, funding and political problems. As with all government funded projects the world over it took five time longer than planned and at $102,000,000 it came in at 14 times the original budget. I guess every country has a 'Milennium Dome' but if ever one building put a entire country on the map then this is.
We also walked the beautiful botanical gardens which is home to huge fruit bats (22000 in the summer months) hanging ominously high up above you while the majority of people are oblivious to their existance.
We also ate nice food, took a ferry to Manley and watched the surfers whilst drinking a beer. As much as we love them it was lovely to be kid free for a bit. On Sunday we met my Cousin Marty and his better half Karen for lunch before taking a helicopter flight over the city and beaches which was amazing. I want to be a helicopter pilot when I grow up.
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| Very very cool. |
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| 1500 feet up. |
The following weekend was my actual birthday so we had two very excited children who were bursting to tell me what presents they had bought me. Tom had told Rachel what sort of birthday cake he thought I would like and she duly obliged. If she ever wants out of Medicine she can always open a cake shop.
I was given a treasure map in order to find my presents but really all I had to do was to follow Tom and Lucy as they ran around 'not' showing me where they were hidden! Tom had chosen to buy me a toy crane which is excellent.
In the evening we went out to eat in a ship which is a restaurant and an 'exact' replica of HMS Buffalo which brought the first settlers to South Australia in 1836. The only difference is the head height which has been increased to prevent mass head injuries. The kids loved it and insisted on wearing pirate eyepatches. The food was lovely and we all had a great time.
Dad and I decided to go to the golf driving range to whack some balls which was great fun. Now I'm no Golfist but we were having fun and as we were taking our shots a gentleman (aka Aussie bloke) came and began to play from the spot next to mine. I managed to hit the next few balls really well totally by luck than by any semblance of skill but the next thing I know the guy has asked me for advice regarding his stance and left foot position ??????? Now, not wanting to let Queen and Country down, I 'studied' him (stared at him) carefully for a couple of shots whilst employing some chin rubbing and suggested a few 'tweaks' for him which he gladly accepted and put into practise. I then proceeded to hit the next thirty or so balls really, really badly which I think may have given the game away but I kept a stiff upper lip. I think he must have felt a bit daft having asked probably the only person there that knows absolutely nothing about golf and has only ever played one round on a proper course and a few rounds of crazy golf at the seafront!!!!! But hey-ho, Dad and I enjoyed the iron-y!
We took the kids on a Port Adelaide boat ride which was great. The Captain was so good with the kids and totally looked the part complete with big white beard. There was lots to see and Tom particualrly likes the container port section because of the giant cranes. Lucy preferred the dolphins that came and swam alongside the bow of the boat. The video clip goes on a bit...sorry!
Cute video to check out.
So we are up to date I think.
Thank you all very much for all your birthday cards, presents and kind wishes. You are very kind.
Sleep well - good night to you all xxx
I am now 40. Doh!
