Our day on the sea

I have fallen in love with the simplicity of this place. Mind we are staying an extra day as it turns out, so, yesterday took all four of us on a high seas adventure (one for tourists at least)!

We sailed on the Aegean Sea aboard a sailing boat equipped with motor. We walked across a volcano and were awed at the toxic smoke that continues to spew forth from its belly, even to this day.

Am so pleased that was all that spewed forth from it!

We listened to the story by our presiding captain, of how volcanoes, this one in particular, were formed, and why the villages are all painted a gleaming white, with blue domes on the churches.

We were held captive on an island for lunch and made to pay middle range prices for very ordinary food...(everything else is closed on this day apparently on this island), but the views from the beach and the quaint sea side scenes were more than made up for our hijacked lunch.

Murray and Kieran ventured into the coolish waters with enough others (hence why Mez and I stayed on board) to swim over to the heated spring waters, made orange by rust apparently. We were then dropped off at the tiny port of Oia where we had to venture up up up into the gods to the town bustling with tourists preparing to bunker down and watch the sun set.

Our choice to go to the top was either donkey ride or walk. Donkey rides cost 5€ and even for that price I would have felt guilty allowing a poor donkey to haul me up the hillside. All the other donkeys would have been busy hee-hawing at me so I decided to tempt fate by walking up the very steep hill of what seemed 1000 steps with my darling daughter in tow ensuring I didn't collapse on the way up. Kieran sprinted up (virtually), Murray The Great chose a donkey ride 

whilst Merryn and I laboured up step by step, carefully avoiding donkey poo and lizards on the way up, having breaks every so often and distracting ourselves with photos to mark the journey. It was hot, hard yakka getting up there I might say at this juncture, but not once did I think I wasn't going to make it as I had my girl with me encouraging every step of the way.

So, we made it to the top of the hill and felt like we'd accomplished a marathon.....eventually.

Up the top, we found numerous arcades selling all sorts of wares...touristy stuff and classic beautiful clothes...all for the slender woman in us all!

There were bags and scarves and perfumes and jewellery en masse, foodstuffs, shoes, sports wear paintings, ceramic artefacts, all very up-market.

We eventually stopped walking for a bit to admire the view and decided to sit overlooking the sea whilst we dined on pasta, seafood and the always accompanying tzatziki garnished with one olive and lots of bread.

I feel I could live this life long term...not sure what the rest of my family would have to say about that.

Am sure there's a job for a midwife here somewhere!

Following our impromptu dinner, we headed down towards more spectacular views of the water to witness yet another glorious sunset.

There were a number of vantage spots where people congregated in large numbers and it was all a bit noisy in the crowded throng. There were young kids doing foolish things like balancing on the edge of buildings for dares and to attract attention, so I wandered down towards the quieter part of town where there were windmills attached to a couple of the houses.

Here the views were even more superior and with the added bonus of no noise what so ever, it was simply bliss.

The rammed earth homes built on the cliff side around here are available for short term accomodation and are described as authentic homes in which to live. So tempting to investigate a bit further.......

I think though, in order to appreciate the environment here one would have to stay out of the summer season when there is less fuss and bother to deal with.

There's something to be said for quiet and feeling like you're the only people on earth in a little bit of paradise...

We watched the sun descend gently to the earth, taking the light with it on its way and it was then time to hike it back to the bus stop in time for our ride home to El Greco.

There is always time though for one more photo and I managed to take a few as we went...

Add it to Santorini

We have had yet another wonderful day.

A day in the life of Santorini.

We spent the morning in shops and funnily enough we spent the afternoon and evening in shops...that is, in between eating.

I drank Ouzo on this day, both straight and with a dash of coke....and liked it.

I ate cod fish and sardines and beloved dolmades at dinner time. 

I smiled at many and got smiles in return. People here are so gracious and willing to chat about anything.

There is poverty, yes. There is probably frustration and concern behind closed doors but all we see are generous welcoming people who are happy we come from Melbourne.

According to those we speak to, Melbourne has the second largest Greek population in the world and so we are family!

I understand we have only experienced just a mere glimpse into the life of Greece, having being on a hold at island for just over 24 hours, but, as mentioned before, the sun shines, the ouzo tastes great and people are happy with our presence and so, what more could we ask for?

A day in the life.

So today we are in Thira, Santorini, Greece and loving it.

The sun is out, the weather is beautifully warm and we packed for a mini winter of course. I will have to de-layer a bit and suffer the consequences of all those stares. I forget I am now 61 and people don't look so much at me now anyhow!

We arrived yesterday and ventured in to town to check it all out.

I might add that I haven't felt much like blogging over the past few days as I have been feeling a little under the weather as a consequence of my head cold acquired on this journey to the other side of the world. Going to a pharmacy yesterday in Thira enlightened me to more natural therapies as the pharmacist did not want me to have any chemical remedies given the medication I am already taking, so it was a saline washout that did the trick last night and this morning.

After feeling like I was underwater all last evening, it was great to wake up to normal hearing again today so it must have worked.

I tell you, I was a bundle of misery on the plane as we came in for landing but hopefully that's all behind me now and I can get on with enjoying the holiday again.

So, back to Thira and its cars, bikes and quad bikes. One has to be mindful when walking up the road as everyone has right of way here and in some places there is not so much footpath, just people dodging between cars to make it safely to their destination.

Thira is a bit like Thailand, only the people are more gracious and welcoming. They speak of their global crisis quite matter-of-fact and we can tell many are doing it tough. There are many shops that are closed unfortunately as a consequence of the country's finances being in disarray but there are still plenty who have remained open to encourage us to spend a little here and there.

The town of Thira itself is quite hilly. It is mainly cobblestones underfoot and many many tourist walking around.

The surrounding scenery is magnificent with islands in the distance and clear blue water in between that Kez is itching to swim in. Hopefully tomorrow we will go on a cruise that incorporates the local volcano, hot thermal springs and a sunset to die for.  

Loving the life!!!

Down time in Düsseldorf.

Here we are during our first real day in Düsseldorf.

Yesterday was all about arriving, via train, into the heart of this city and getting to Merryn and Kieran's place and napping and settling down after a long day and a half in the air.

Before I ramble on about my daughters home, I will elaborate on some on the enjoyment we had on our last leg yesterday. As I had mentioned, we were given an upgrade to Business Class and like all human beings were more than happy to accept.

We each had our own little pod with a seat and bedside table, equipped with soft drinks and water. We had a mattress on our seat and lovely thick blankets to keep us warm. Even the earphones were superior quality to those in Economy Class. We were given eye pads and socks too to keep us amused. Our television screens were larger also and on arrival we were offered a glass of Veuve Cliquot champagne, (so the bottle said), which was delicious and for me, head spinning, I was so tired!

I didn't have to worry about the person behind me, or live in fear about the person in front of me which was lovely too.  My chair had three settings, one of which reclined to a bed. The food was extremely plentiful and delicious and if I had wanted, I could have wandered down to the bar at the back, had a cocktail or two, even a G&T if so desired and fed up on pies, and petite bread rolls and salad, nibbly things, scones, cakes and biscuits but food was the last thing on my mind at that point so, I merely looked as I waited to go to the loo.

We both managed to fit in a little extra sleep during that leg but I was impatient to disembark and see our daughter, so my mind was elsewhere.

Finally the plane came to a stop....on the ground, fortunately. There had been a little turbulence at various stages on the journey. You have to admire the cabin crew who must learn how to handle liquids and food during such times as not one drop or morsel was spilt as my stomach lurched.

Anyhow, I digress. We got off the plane, joined the queue to go through passport control. The young woman who inspected my passport had not smiled the whole time I stood waiting to have my turn at being checked into the country.

"What are you doing here in Düsseldorf?", she asked of me with nary a smile. I am on holidays I replied. She then broke into the most beautiful smile as I handed her my passport. She skimmed through, looking and feeling the texture of the blank pages. She then said "I just love your Australian passports. They are so lovely, with nice paper!"

I suppose the people behind the desk there get to see and handle many many passports and I am possibly being a little presumptuous when I presume our Australian passports must be of a better quality than some they get to see on a regular basis.

Anyhow, from there we wandered over to where we presumed our luggage would arrive. We stood with many many others around a carousel and watched as piece by piece was taken by those around us, until the carousel stopped and we were left there with no luggage. Panic settled in very nicely then around the heart as we wondered what to do, so we walked over to a group of men in uniform who looked like they might be waiting to do some security control. As neither of us speak German, we asked if anyone spoke English. Quite possibly, the gent who replied spoke better English than we did and when we told him of our plight, he informed us we had been standing at the wrong carousel and we should be at one on the opposite side of the building. Panic then did a little flip and disappeared and we then walked over to where we should have been, to find our bags were placidly going round and round the carousel, waiting patiently for us to claim them!

It was then a matter of walking straight through the declaration area out to the throng of people, some with balloons, some with cards, all with anxious smiles waiting for someone they knew and maybe loved. I skimmed the crowd looking for a particular well loved face and it was as we were walking along that I saw her and all concern then disappeared as Merryn and I hugged. I cried just a little I was so pleased to see her and all was good with the world again.

It was then just a matter of riding down an escalator to a waiting train which took us probably three stops from the airport to where we once again, disembarked. Up a flight of stairs we went then we were on Birken Strasse before we knew it.

Time to kill

Well, we are now waiting for our last flight here in Dubai. This airport seems to grow every time we come here. I must say though Dubai's arrival was extremely civilised....no transport buses today, (or was that yesterday?.... I am lost) and not to mention a bit disorientated.

This place is magnificent from the inside. I can only think what the size of the buildings are like from the outside. There (for those that have yet to grace these portal doors) are arrival sections, multiple floors, then there are lifts to take you to different floors, then there are trains to take you to different flight sections...A, B, C, D and so forth.

Incredible. Like I said, it does appear to have grown since last time, maybe it my lack of sleep in the past 24 hours that's done it for my imagination.

I am one step ahead of all my Downton Abbey friends.... I watched the last episode on our way to Singapore. Have the tissues ready Barb, there are some in the bathroom. One actor whom I have never really liked did a damn fine job in this episode, to the point where I nearly did my weepy bit and howled, but I maintained a brave face for the family and kept my tears in check!

Television will not be the same without this gracious family and their upstairs and downstairs crew. Might have to purchase all the series somewhere along the way and enjoy it all again in my spare time (joke joyce!!!).

Yesterday was a big day with our getting up before dawn to say goodbye to Barb, the dogs who knew something was going on) and the chooks who couldn't have cared less.

We made our way down to Melbourne without complication. I sat with Mum whilst Murray went elsewhere then had a meeting with siblings in tow at Mum's place of residence which is another story to tell somewhere down the line.

Before we knew it, we were off to the airport and just as well we left when we did as by the time you park then shuttle to the airport, check in and psych yourself up for the haul, it's time to board and you're up, up and away before you know it.

Sitting in cramped quarters for a number of hours makes one realise just how many aches and pains one has. Sciatica, sore knees, and general discomfort hang about quite pointedly as you wait for the flight to be over.

You can only watch so many movies and series without being too bored.

I fitted in one movie, I cannot recall the name of (can you believe) plus a BBC Horror series, plus another scary story which really wasn't very scary, but interesting all the same, called 'The Visit'.

As mentioned before, I fitted in Downton Abbey Series whatever, number 6 and listened to a lot of 70's Rock, tried to lull myself with a relaxation CD which didn't work and ate everything put in front of me so time-sitting hasn't been too wasted I suppose.

We now have this last flight ahead and I cannot wait to disembark so we can at least walk a bit.

A very generous woman gave me a pen to complete my departure sheet at Tullamarine as I stupidly for got to pack a basic essential such as a pen. I had hoped to return it but alas we didn't see her again so I will think of this woman every time I use her pen from now on.

When we arrived in this Emirates Transit Lounge, there were a number of middle-eastern men women and children, all dressed in white, including saris', shoes and mobile phones. The men all wore a textured white towelling type of material of similar consistency whereas the women and children had beautifully decorated costumes with embroidery in detail in places on their material.

So, dear readers, this is the end of Day 1 of J&M's big adventure to all things German and Greek.

One question though,....actually two....

How does one get an upgrade and how does one get to ride on those carts I see so many others riding in?

Me thinks it'd be fun almost running others over in an airport lounge to rid oneself of ones boredom.

Melbourne -> Singapore (where we had to get out, wait for an hour, then reboard the same plane) ->Dubai, then -> Düsseldorf.

As Julian Lennon says.....see you on the flip side!!!

Just a little extra to make our day even more exciting.

We've just gone through our final check in to be told we've been upgraded to Business Class for this last leg.

We might get a little sleep now before we land in Düsseldorf.......

So happy!!!

Will tell you all about it shortly. Right now we are waiting...imagining soft comfortable seats we can stretch out in....not to mention our fine dining (albeit breakfast) experience!

Bon chance!

Rabbits galore.....

And so tomorrow heralds yet another Easter. One of holidays and camping for some. Some stay home and celebrate in their own style, with chocolate and fruity buns, others mark this as a religious day and go to church as often as they can throughout the period to mark the significance of the season.

We are staying home as its not long before we fly over to the other side of the world and I am yet to pack seriously, as only good women pack.

By packing, I mean throw every item of weather appropriate clothing into the suitcase you own, then cull when you realise you'll never wear again that top you bought five years ago and are yet to wear, let alone when you are in Greece, trying to impress the locals!

Easter to me means a bit of madness and mayhem. Have already just been down the street to purchase life and death supplies as ALL the shops are shut tomorrow (Good Friday). 

I dare say I'll be back down there again to purchase more life and death supplies for our trip...like toothpaste, deodorant etc. on Sunday as I won't have time on Monday. I'll be too busy cleaning the house from top to bottom before our wonderful friend and house sitter arrives for the dogs and chooks to boss around.

I remember Easters past when our children were little and they would fill up on Easter eggs and hotty crossy buns.

Good Friday always meant boiled cod for dinner and I would make a white sauce (usually cheesy) to go with it. Music of the season would indicate me playing my Jesus Christ Superstar album over and over again much to the chagrin of my family.

"So you are the Christ, the great Jesus Christ, 

Prove to me that you're no fool....

Walk across my swimming pool"!

I so loved that album and now I realise I must have almost made my family think insanity would be far easier than having to put up with the smell of boiled fish and my version of Judas Iscariot indefinitely for a few days!

Easter is also a time of personal reflection for us now though as a family.

Today, this Thursday before Easter, heralds the anniversary of our son's death. The date is of course next month, but this day before Easter is significant in its timing also.

The positivity of this day always brings to mind the wonderful support and love we received from my friends and colleagues at Werribee Mercy Hospital on that day and afterwards, not to mention a group of young boys who dropped whatever they were doing that day to come and give us strength as we said our farewells to our boy and they said their goodbyes to their mate.

It is 13 years now since he left us, but all those memories make it feel like it was only yesterday.

The saying 'Love never dies' is certainly apt and true when it comes to such occasions.

May everyone who takes the time to read this have a safe and wonderful Easter. If you are out and about, please stay safe. Drive carefully. Remain responsible for not only yourself, but for those around you. If you are working, may you be well fortified with chocolate and not too busy for a change.

Once again I thank those that surrounded us during our time of shock and grief back in 2003. Work colleagues, family and friends were amazing and I will be forever grateful.

Today I am feeling the love so to speak. I have housework to do and food to cook.

My valiant promise though is that I will NOT cook boiled cod and stink the house out. I also will not hunt down my JC Superstar records....or will I?????

Once more with gusto

I'm not sure how this'll pan out as I'm currently working night shift in a local hospital and given it's nearly 3 am., I have been known to slur my words at times, so, reader beware.
I haven't written for a while, not since before Christmas in fact. Life on the land has become very busy of late, what with working and bike riding and gym and occasional visitors.
I suppose something has to give when sometimes you feel you're in the centre of a tornado and until now, blogging has been it.
As I said before, I am currently working those horrible hours in an environment where (touch wood), it is extremely "Q" (I won't say the word), and I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do next.
I suppose I should tackle some competencies and or read some more, or even make myself yet another cup of tea, but I thought, why not blog a bit for a change and see what comes out of my brain with a bit of free writing instead.
I have been working at this rural hospital now on and off since July of last year and really am finding I am enjoying the change not to mention the change of pace.
Please don't get me wrong reader. The days and evenings are usually very busy, and this place has the potential at any time of the day and night to suddenly pick up speed, depending on who presses the emergency door bell at all hours too so we are forever on tender-hooks here and have to be prepared for anything and anyone who might emerge requiring emergency care.
When I first started here, I was absolutely terrified of the door-bell going off.
My thoughts would run to my previous workplace and I would think, "I am a midwife, not an emergency nurse...what on earth am I doing here?"
Every time someone would present to the emergency department, I would be imagining any number of scenarios and had not iota of confidence in how to assess and or deal with what ailed the presenter.
There is still very much I do not know and I still have a lot to experience. People do present here with chest pain and cardiac irregularities and crush injuries after falling from tractors and snake bites but I have found my new colleagues here to be extremely supporting and willing to reteach me those skills I learned many years ago when I was a student nurse as well as teach me new skills for a lot has changed in the years I have worked elsewhere, in the realm of general nursing.
For forty + years now I have been a midwife. I have encouraged women to birth babies over a few generations now. I have encouraged some of those babies to birth their own and so it has continued.
I have worked with families providing the best care I could give. I have held their hands during the best times of their lives and during the saddest times of their lives also.
I have seen much laughter and love and heartache in my craft which I will never forget and there are women especially that will remain in my heart always.
This recent work has seen me step away somewhat from that which I am used to.
No longer am I supporting labouring women. Now I am working mainly with older folk who have experienced most of their lives and for the majority, are in their twilight years.
I have found a joy working with these people I did not ever think I would.
One environment I now work in is an aged care facility with residents who all have various stages of dementia. Most do not remember me when I return day by day to assist in providing their daily care, but I remember them and their personalities and their likes and dislikes so I am able to nurture and support as they travel this journey alone but in my company.
I cannot help but marvel at those colleagues who work with these people day in and day out, doing the same things each day with them but have no qualms about returning each time. It's a joy to watch the bond between the staff and the residents who for the most have known each other for long periods of time, given this workplace is in a small rural community about an hour's drive from my home.
Some of the staff are related to the residents either through family and or through marriage and extended family, or may have lived around the corner or down the street from them for most of their lives, so there is an element of closeness and connectivity that is missing in other places I have been for other reasons.
As I mentioned earlier, I really am surprised at how much I am enjoying the change in my workplace.
Who was it that said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
I am 61 now and continuing to learn as I go. There is a joy in knowing that new colleagues respect and appreciate your work ethic. I will be working for at least a few more years yet, so, enjoyment is imperative at this stage of the game.
Enough for now. I think it's high time for a cuppa and I might just tackle that competency that's awaiting my superior knowledge!
Bye for now.