YOU ROCK !!!!!!

10 days of WOW, unadulterated, relaxing, belly laughing, connecting, over spending, gloriously, fantastically, hormonally charged fun. And then some.

I got stopped at customs after filling out the form. I had prescribed medicines with a letter from my doctor. The guy laughed and said people don’t bother with the letters. I was asked what the meds were for (Just as well I wasn’t taking my hormones at the time, that would have been fun) Then Quarantine had to talk with me as I had been on a farm and around livestock in the last 30 days, and they needed to make sure that I wasn’t sneaking any dirt in to ruin the eco system of Australia. Once I explained I wear gumboots it was fine. I didn’t say the shoes I was wearing walked over the spot on my back door where Ernie my large white Duroc tried to mate with Wilma. Though I was so eager to be there, I would have handed over all my clothes and walked into Sydney butt naked if I had to.

First thing that struck me is how friendly people were. Everywhere I went, people were smiling and saying gidday. I did muse for a moment that perhaps Sydney had been warned informed of my arrival and were as excited about my arrival as I was to be there.

Next thing that struck me is how good looking the men are. I had just got through customs and was organising a SIM card for my cellphone and cops or security or SOMETHING walked past and set my hormones aflutter. Tall and tanned. Just how I like ‘em. I thought to myself, if this is just a small sample of things to come, I will be a happy camper.

Friday was a bit surreal for me. All these places and people I had only ever seen from afar and I was THERE. I kept saying ‘I can’t believe I am actually here.’ It was pure magic. Actually MEETING Anja and Bettina was something I had really looked forward to for so long. I was on quite a high.

We took a trip around the harbour on a ferry.

And talked all night.

Then Bettina whisked me away on her broomstick in her car and we left the big city with the bright lights for the Pope to deal with.

It was glorious at B’s place. She has a lovely home, a loving family. I felt like I had stumbled in on something sacred. B’s son TJ appointed himself as my caretaker and ensured I knew what I was looking at or who I was talking to.

I went to the fire station where B is a volunteer. They have cadets and I was shown around a fire engine (Cat 1) and 3 lads of 14, 12 and 10 years wowed me with their knowledge and passion for fire fighting.

I sadly said goodbye to B and returned to Sydney.

I spent 2 days on my own, walking, catching trains, buses, ferries and mono railing around Sydney.

I visited Taronga Zoo, made friends with another tourist (K) and together we walked around the zoo. I had my photo taken with a koala and K had hers taken with a giraffe. As it was quiet, they let me in and I fed the giraffe too.

On asking my boys to guess what animal I fed, Celtic Dingo excitedly said ‘A snake?’

They were not that impressed about the koala or giraffe. So desperately seeking their approval, I went to the Marine aquarium and Wildlife and patted a snake.

Now THAT impressed them. I impressed myself.

LOVED the sign over the croc pit.

I also saw a platypus and bought a widdle one for a fellow blogger who is a platypus lover.

I sat in front of this and just chilled. They have soft music playing and it is very calming.

Then I took the ferry to Manly to meet my Aunt. I was SO nervous about staying there.  I will not show photos as I didn’t ask if I could post them. My cousin (A) and his family were staying there also as they are waiting for their house to be built. And as a surprise my other cousin (S) flew in from Korea on business so I had a neat time catching up with her too.  This Aunt is my birth father’s sister.

I had such a lovely time there. My Uncle is Scots and is such a funny funny man. I went out to dinner with them to the RSL. Then S, C and I went and had breakfast on Sunday morning in a cafe on Manly Beach.

I really feel like I connected with my family. They were so down to earth and welcoming. I don’t feel that connected to my birth father’s side and sometimes feel quite odd at family occasions. But these guys were just awesome. They have promised to stay if they come to New Zealand.

I got on the plane and sat with people who had flown over for the weekend to watch the rugby. The Wallabies beat the All Blacks 34-19 and I was the only kiwi in the house and was teased mercilessly. lol. But the Warriors beat the Storm 8-6, so I felt a little redeemed.

I still haven’t quite come back down to earth.

I had time to reflect on things which was great. It feels a bit odd to be back at home and not feel totally exhausted.  Time for Mummy is a MUST and I intend to ensure that I get down time and stop being such a martyr.

So Sydney

I’ll be back and next time I’ll bring the kids.