P&O Part 1.

It was a miracle we even made it to Sydney, to begin with as there were some delays, ect, but we made it. No one was more relieved than myself. So that was the first step over with. The majority of our group stayed at a friends place in Maitland. It was a bit squishy, but it was good.

Monday 18th October the day when we need to get it together and somehow manage to get to the docklands, with our luggage, our tempers and our limbs intact. Let me tell you, it only JUST happened, too.

Wally dropped us at the train station and then went back for all of our baggage.

The first day was an absolute nightmare. It would have been easier without little kids, but even then, there were so many opinions flying around the place, it was still very stressful.

Here we are having dinner on the first night. Sorry Rob, thats not the bes photo of you.

This is at the cultural centre in Noumea, I haven't put it in the right time frame though.

OUR CABINS... four berth bunk beds, no port hole. However I liked not having any windows, because it was so nice and dark for sleeping whenever you needed to.

Brisbane 20th October

Tim and I went shopping at Carindale where we met up with Hay Jay. It was good to catch up and get a massage and fit some shopping in before we left Australia. Did I mention that the massage was awesome?

Noumea, New Caledonia 23rd October

Noumea was quite beautifully, geographically. But there was something about it that didn't sit right with me/us. It was very dirty, and a lot of people lived in slum-like conditions. it was very sad to see and made us appreciate all that we have back home. Even just to have clean running water, sewerage systems and garbage disposal is a major advantage.

It was overcast, but still warm for us. It was difficult to judge what to wear. The kids were so hot and sweaty after umping on the jumping castle.

Clearly it was not hot for the locals.

We took the Noumea Explorer Bus around the Island.

Arden and Nandahli found another nan as one nan between the two of them was not quite enough.

If anyone goes to Noumea, do go to the bakery which is close to the dock, to your left. And do go to Palm Beach which is to the right, maybe 2-3 kms away. It was the only nice place to visit.

Emerald Bay 24th October

They took us (well not me, it was raining so I stayed on the ship all day with the kids), over to the Island on Tenders, those life raft things you see on the side of the ship up the top.

Tim and Bec had a great time swimming and snorkelling. The beach wouldn't have been suitable for the kids anyway, because it was made up of broken coral.

Here's Mary-ann, from our cabin area. She was so nice and helpful. She made the kids a monkey wall hanging out of towels, so clever.

Rico was good fun as well. They work so hard... I hope he and his kids are well. I wonder if we'll ever see them again, or if they would remeber us if we saw them in a few years...

Isle of Pines

Isle of Pines was the most beautiful Island I had ever seen. It was just as I had imagined. Velvet white sand, warm turquoise water... AND I found a spot to swim all by myself, well for a little while anyway.

We were walking to the village, when I decided I just wanted to go for a swim incase we ran out of time (I had to get back to the boat because Tim was watching the kids so I could relax).

I stopped about here and found a tree to hang my bag and towel, and went for a swim. It was kind of an overcast day, but really humid, so it was easily warm enough for us to go swimming. I had only been there about 10 minutes when this guy came and sat down, maybe 20 meters away from my stuff. I know it sounds judgemental, but I was kind of freakng out, in my mind, because I was worried that if he took my stuff, we would be without our passports!

Then I had a brilliant, but frightening idea... I will ask this guy, who doesn't speak a word of english, and I don't speak any french, if I can borrow his bike.

As a side note: I am absolutely afraid of bikes, I hate them and I suck at riding them, BUT I thought a good way to see some of the Island would be on a bike.

The bike seat was extremely uncomfortable and the steering was not straight, but it still was quite the adventure. I was so proud of myself for doing something I was afraid of. It was almost as exhilerating as going sky diving (for me).

I can't say that I would lend my car to some random tourist, just like this guy lent me his only mode of transport, without even thinking about it. So thank you, french guy.

Ha Ha! Later on in the afternoon, we all came back and went swimming on the otherside of the Island, which is where I went snorkelling for the first time. It was awesome! So beautiful, I really want to go to the Great Barrier Reef soon. I'll start planning...

And I know I look like an idiot with the mask on...

I did get a small cut under one of my toes, not while taking this picture though.

Aunty Becky, Arden, Tim and Missy.

The kids were soon crabby again, so back to the ship we go. Isle of Pines made all of the stress of the previous 9 days, totally worth it!

Back we go to Australia...

Arden's 3rd Birthday 26th October

He had a lot of fun playing in day care, but later that night was when the real party began. He kicked off the night with a little dancing at the Oz Bar, after which he was sung Happy Birthday by the kids club, and presented with a gift.

After that we dash off to dinner, with our waiters Ray and Chris. But Ardy can't wait any longer to open his gift, so we stop for that...

Dinner was beautiful, as usual. Three courses every nigh does start to take its toll though.

I think Aunty Bec and Tyson got him the flying monkey, he was very impressed.

Happy birthday my little guy! I hope you had a great day, love your family and friends.

(We are sorry we couldn't get you the one thing you asked for, which was your girlfriend, Lily)

Swanhill Friday 29 October

Hip Hop lessons

This kids bolwing set was really awesome, I wonder if santa is listening...

VIBE! That was the name of the Aboriginal organisation that was running the programs. I was trying to remember.

I know it sounds crazy, but we had a really good time in Swanhill. They had their annual street market on the day we were in town! Awesome! We were feeling a little deprived of retail therapy since being on the boat, and also we didn't want to go shopping in Noumea, because it was a total rip off. I had to buy some wet wipes for the kids, it was over $8 aus for the cheapest brand they had.

How much do I love that Only Girl song by Rihanna! Random comment, yep sure.

Ardy Party... No. 2!

Dads famous Pizza dough, mmm.
I'm loving this pic, I think I'll enlarge it and put it on the wall at home.

Ahww, masked lovers. Happy birthday to you too Rylan!

Musical Chairs

Tim won one round and Pani won the other.

Another classic: Pass the Parcel.
Also traditional to Davidson parties, go hard with the dance moves.

...and many moooooore!The festivities go on into the night...

It was a quick visit, but it was good to see almost everyone. At least there was a bit more room around the place with family members missing. Love you all, thanks mum and dad.

Be good you crazy kids!