After experiencing cool and sometimes cold weather in Victoria and Tasmania we have returned to Cardiff to very hot and humid conditions!   It is very much like the climate in Durban, KZN, in South Africa and as we often visit KZN we are used to this kind of heat in summer.

We had a relaxing morning until just after 10 and then went shopping with aunt.  I needed to get a ‘dongle’, Earl needed a barber and he also wanted to check our the Australian Woolworths.  The barber quickly put his ‘hair’ to rights, I got the Dongle from the Post Office shop and after one or two hiccups with MTN and Telstra clashing with each other I am now have the internet up and running on my laptop.

We then drove to Newcastle to drop off the hired car and to deliver a parcel. (Marilyn we found Brad with ease – mission accomplished).   A pleasant morning was then spent exploring the waterfront and beaches of Newcastle.  Earl’s boat and water fetish was well catered for.  We started with a walk along Queen’s Warf, watched a ship being pushed out by tugs, climbed the observation dome and got magnificent views of the surroundings.  We had a drink on the deck of one of the many eateries and then went to put our feet into the Pacific Ocean.  At Nobby’s Beach I threw a coin over my shoulder, into the sea and yelled “Marilyn will be back!” fulfilling my promise to her that I would declare this on her behalf!  Marilyn has visited Australia seven times and loves this wonderful land.  She is soon to retire and wants very much to come back.  Marilyn – I know your dream will come true.

We were amused to hear a warning to bathers coming over the public address system at the beach – “Will those bathers over there please make their way back to the area between the flags. This is for your own safety as it is the only area monitored by the life guards!”   The beaches were lovely – and not overly crowded.  It’s  a pity we left our costumes at home – but we will be visiting beaches closer to home soon.

Bird of the day captured in the garden – Topknot Pigeon

Queen’s Warf

Aunt and me on Queen’s Wharf

A smart eatery on Queen’s Wharf

The Ferry

View from the Viewing Dome

A drink on the deck

Nobby’s Beach – “Marilyn will be back!”

Dolphins in the Bay

Newcastle Beach

Australian Surfers

We are being so well taken care of here with Leonie and Colette.  They are treating us with so much love and hospitality and we are having the time of our lives.   Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the cousins will be arriving in Cardiff for the holidays.  Looking forward to seeing them all.