.jpg)
G'day folks, I hope you are well.
Just a little note to confirm that we have arrived safe and sound. After a mad few last days in blighty, the Chissell family jetted out (how glamorous) to Singapore for a well earned rest. A big thank you must go Sheelagh and Alan for all their help and support during the final hectic days of the move. To mum for allowing us to invade her home and fussing over us. And last but not least to Gary and Sarah for driving us all down to Heathrow. Your kindness is truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. The family farewells were poignant, painful and tearful, but we recovered sufficiently to enjoy our time in Singapore.
It was fabulously hot and a must see on any travel plans. The children were very happy and coped with the long flight really well. You will see from the photos that we got caught in a monsoon whilst visiting the botanical gardens. The children were delighted as the rain was hot and therefore not uncomfortable. In fact they were disappointed when it stopped, but soon cheered up whenever they looked at mummy's hair as it changed from super smooth (according to the balm bottle) into a ball of frizz (of the finger in socket kind). The food was good and it was exciting to pick and choose a diverse range of food according to our mood each evening in various unique restaurants along the river bank. Singapore is like a (tasteful) fairy land at night and in consequence I filmed most of the holiday rather than photographed. I also imbibed the obligatory Singapore sling or three (hic hic) to cool me down whilst touring amazing sights such as the Raffles Hotel, China Town and Little India etc. The children were delighted to take a night time cruise on a 'Bum Boat' which was bedecked in beautiful Chinese lanterns and they chowed down on Singapore Noodles and Cuttle fish on Banana leaves (see pics.). One evening we met up with an old University friend of Phil's for dinner. The children really took a shine to Damian and the poor chap had hardly a chance to eat anything, the most of the evening with all the chatter.
On the 20th June we landed safely in Brisbane at 6 a.m. tired and eager to get to our new rental house. The area we are currently living in is called Thornlands (Bayside) and is 5 Min's from the ocean. We are currently rattling around in a large 5 bedroom low set (bungalow) with a decent garden for the children. The weather has been lovely and warm here and so we have been going to the beach whenever we can, including Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, both of which are about an hour away. That said, Conor and I prefer our local beach which is gentle and very safe (not so much surf). Conor started school on the 11/07/2007 as the schools here had been closed for a two weeks (winter half term) and so he was really chomping at the bit to get started. I think he looks cute in the uniform (shown above) and he looks like a real Aussie with his blonde hair and blue eyes. He seems really happy there and likes his new teacher. Our neighbours have been very kind and have loaned us some toys for the children to play with whilst our belongings still wend their way across the high seas. This and the fact that the children can see and speak to all the family via web cam has enabled everyone to come to terms with the move more easily. Thank goodness my husband works in the IT field.
Girls, the shopping in the city centre of Brisbane is fabulous and the Brisbane river is the perfect backdrop for coffee and a chin wag. I will post some pictures of Brissy in future postings.
But I will sign off now, as I can tell yours eyes are drooping already from reading my waffle. Take care and g'bye you bogan hoons!
Mrs C xxx
P.S. I hope the weather improves for you all.....
