To Sydney and back

We're all back from our mini-holiday safe and sound. It was really great to have everyone in the family together for the first time even if there were a few concerns about how we'd behave after being crammed together for such an extended period. I for one thought things went exceptionally well and would love for everyone to meet up more often. James, Dora and Barbara really outdid themselves as hosts which made Christmas something special.



This was the first time Alison and I had seen their classy apartment in Surry Hills so our eyes flicked rapidly around the room as we noted their tasteful furnishings, seasonal decorations and Dora's majestic grand piano perched overlooking a wonderful view of downtown Sydney all the way up to the Blue Mountains. I'll admit that I might have tried a little too hard to pass subtle hints and winks in Alison's direction as I salivated in front of Dora's new collector's edition version of Bill Watterson's complete works (the author of Calvin and Hobbes). Not long after taking our seats to admire the view and enjoy the twin air-conditioners (It was 38 degrees in Sydney that day) we were soon offered a wide assortment of snacks and dip that would preclude a gastronomical extravaganza over the next few days. Sad to say that due to time constraints we did not get the chance to venture down to the fish markets to sample my beloved sea urchin but I think we managed to make up for it in the end.



The huge turkey thankfully survived a trip in the eskie during the long drive down from Brisbane with John, Sheena and mum. The logisitics of cooking Christmas dinner in two kitchens was certainly interesting with much ferrying of fowl and produce between the apartments on the 10th and 15th floor. Stuffed turkey, ham, perfectly roasted potatoes (I challenge any child to spend time in England and not develop an unhealthy relationship with oily spuds), peas, corn, cranberry sauce and a drizzle of gravy made for a very enjoyable meal on the eve. Somehow even after all that we still managed to find room for some Christmas pudding, mudcake, white christmas, rum balls and cheese in our distended bellies. Oh gluttony.



As you can imagine we retired for the night quite satisfied if perhaps a little uncomfortable to wait patiently for Santa to drop our loot under the tree. We must have been exceptionally good this year given the unabashed display of consumerism to be found the next morning under the little tree. Remember that all this is just for eight people.



Some of the presents didn't fare too well on the sleigh ride from Brisbane to Sydney. John's was in a particularly sad state by the time it ended up in his hands.



It'd take too long to list all the loot uncovered so I'll just share what Alison and I gave each other (since we're such thoughtful partners). Here's a picture of Alison reading a little brochure I made up for our upcoming trip to the Sunshine Coast. We'll be leaving on the 6th of January to spend the weekend there for her birthday and hopefully she'll bring the sandcastle building kit I included in her present.



I got a little package of goodies from Alsie too which included Neil Gaiman's latest book "Anansi Boys" and wait for it... the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th DVD box sets of Voltron! The cool one with five lions, not the shitty other one with the cars. Now that's a blast from the past I can use to relive my childhood. The first DVD box set wasn't in stock at the time so we'll just have to wait for it to come in so that we can start watching it all.

After shredding and discarding a mountain of wrapping paper we all sat down for another exercise in overindulgence. Heaps of fresh prawns, potato and egg salad, baby cheeses with cherry tomatoes along with healthy slabs of ham and mango proved to be absolutely delightful for Christmas lunch. We wolfed all this down while praising Dora and Barbara's fine efforts in presenting the wonderful spread.


Time flew by after that with a round of Cranium (that Alison and I narrowly won). Most of us spent boxing day morning chatting over a sluggish but enjoyable game of monopoly that helped to kill the time before our trip out on the ferry to Manly. Dora and I both brought our cameras with the hope of snapping some pictures and I think we got quite a few of Harbour bridge, overcrowded beaches and the Opera house. It was a nice coincidence that both of us somehow bought the same camera (EOS 350D) around the same time on the same package deal so we had lots to discuss and compare. Alison and I decided sponsored Dora for a pro Flickr account for her graduation present so I helped set this up for her while we where there. Hope to see lots of nice pictures from you soon Dora. :)

Before we knew it, we had to be packed up to head to the airport for our flight. Still managed one last assault on the waist line with yum cha down at China town. We were lucky enough to get Sheena to join us so it was a treat to point out the different dishes to her and make suggestions on what she should try. We then said our goodbyes and were transported to the domestic terminal to conclude our visit.

Just like to thank James, Dora and Barbara for a terrific time and for welcoming us into their home. A big hug and thanks to John and Sheena for bringing all the family together. Wish every Christmas could be just like this.