30-1-2010 (Saturday)
A lot of rain during the night again. If it rains it rains hard. But when it was time to wake up it had stopped raining and what we say in Dutch: after the rain, the sun will shine again .
Sharon and the kids went for a good swim after breakfast (many Germans in love in the pool, no kids around) Ruben arranged the van for the trip.
We went to a few vineyards for tasting, the first was Tallavera Grove, after that we went to Briar Ridge. At Briar Ridge we also had a nice lunch (Dip plate and a cheese platter) . We tasted wine and the kids apple juice. We bought one nice bottle of rose.
We passed by one of the pioneers of Hunter Valley, The Drayton’s (since 1858).
Then we set for Port Stephens to the One Mile Beach resort. This was a tip we got from Pardo.
The site is very nice, with a big pool, and again on the beach. We did some groceries in Anna Bay and had a swim in the pool, the pool has a water slide.
We bbqed and Ruben and Sharon watched an Australian movie, ‘Beautiful Kate’ starring the guy that plays Tom Cruise his friend in Cocktail.
zaterdag 30 januari 2010
vrijdag 29 januari 2010
Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley
29-1-2010 (Friday)
Ruben woke up really early and took a stroll to the lookout point, test of the family also woke up for a early for a long day. Breakfast in the camper and before 10 on our way.
We first went up to some lookout point of which Echo point was the best. Then we went to the town of Leura. Leura is a real nice and pretty town known for it’s gardens and it’s nice picturesque shopping street the Leura mall. We had a coffee and the kids had ice cream. We walked along the little shops and boutiques and Sharai fell asleep.
In the afternoon we went to scenic world and did the steepest railway of the world down the mountain and did a rainforest walk. We went up again with a cable car.
The Blue Mountains are really beautiful, also UNESCO world heritage.
Around 4 we decided to go for the next stop in Hunter Valley. After all a long drive especially because Ruben choose tourist route that was very very bumpy and took 40 minutes more. We finally arrived at 7:30. Instead of cooking we took some Thai out. Campsite is really second tier, but one of the few in the Hunter Valley region. We think we head for the coast again tomorrow, but not after we visited some wineries and a swim in the pool. Our campervan is next to the pool and the kids really need a relaxed morning.
Ruben saw this snake today, luckily from the car.
http://hvbackyard.blogspot.com/2007/10/31-red-bellied-black-snakes.html
Ruben woke up really early and took a stroll to the lookout point, test of the family also woke up for a early for a long day. Breakfast in the camper and before 10 on our way.
We first went up to some lookout point of which Echo point was the best. Then we went to the town of Leura. Leura is a real nice and pretty town known for it’s gardens and it’s nice picturesque shopping street the Leura mall. We had a coffee and the kids had ice cream. We walked along the little shops and boutiques and Sharai fell asleep.
In the afternoon we went to scenic world and did the steepest railway of the world down the mountain and did a rainforest walk. We went up again with a cable car.
The Blue Mountains are really beautiful, also UNESCO world heritage.
Around 4 we decided to go for the next stop in Hunter Valley. After all a long drive especially because Ruben choose tourist route that was very very bumpy and took 40 minutes more. We finally arrived at 7:30. Instead of cooking we took some Thai out. Campsite is really second tier, but one of the few in the Hunter Valley region. We think we head for the coast again tomorrow, but not after we visited some wineries and a swim in the pool. Our campervan is next to the pool and the kids really need a relaxed morning.
Ruben saw this snake today, luckily from the car.
http://hvbackyard.blogspot.com/2007/10/31-red-bellied-black-snakes.html
Camper change, Blue Mountains and liquor
27-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Early coffee, they have a fan with barista that comes into the park and serves good coffee.
Around 10:30 we were on the way, half way stop at Jervis Bay (Hymans Beach) and end destination Kiama. Kiama is 80 Km below Sydney.
We arrived in Jervis Bay around 1:30, our stop was Hymans Beach. They say the whitest sand and bluest sea of the world and indeed AMAZING. We had lunch on the beach and spend there a couple of hours.
Jervis Bay is a big bay they also call bay of plenty due to the huge amount of fish in the bay. There are two villages along the bay, we had fish and chips and an ice-cream in one of them. Else then that was the village nothing special.
We drove further on to Kiama, we passed Nowra. We checked in to the park went out for groceries and were set at our spot around 7.
This is the first park we don’t like that much, no good atmosphere. Also some light rain tonight. We will leave tomorrow, that is the positive thing about a house on wheels.
Tomorrow stop in Sydney at the KEA camper depot to have the airco checked and also the engine, it was leaking oil today and then we’re off to the Blue Mountains.
28-1-2010 (Thursday)
The light rain of yesterday night turned in to a storm during the night and we are wondering how people ‘survive’ in tents. It was pouring rain, and then our house seems pretty small; as if you’re in the rain yourself.
We did the quickest set-up to drive ever. We were on our way at 9:10. Coffee to go in Kiama and then we went up to the KEA depot Milperra, suburb of Sydney. We arrived at 11.
Indeed the airco was broken, we also mentioned that when we got the campervan it was dirty and smelly (especially the restroom).
After some negotiations and intervention by Sharon we got a new campervan and a few days reimbursed. It took some time to change campers and finally at 4 we were on our way to the Blue Mountains.
It started pouring rain, it was a hell of a trip. We had trouble getting up a mountain and finally drove very carefully towards Katoomba. We saw the most beautiful lightening in the storm; up and close. The only positive thing about the storm.
When we arrived at the campsite, small but nice site, the rain stopped. We went shopping and went out for dinner. We had dinner in a Indian Restaurant called Arjuna. The place has a nice view over the Blue Mountains. They are called the Blue Mountains due to the glaze over the mountains caused by the Eucalypts trees.
Back at the site we walked to the edge of a cliff looking at the sun go down. We had the best view and saw already the highlights of the Blue Mountains, the three sisters (a rock formation).
So a difficult day ended with a real highlight.
About liquor:
We had our first BYO (bring your own) restaurant tonight. They don’t have a license selling alcohol, so you are free to bring your own. And because we had our fridge with us, we got a bottle of white wine for Sharon and a beer for Ruben.
One other interesting thing is that alcohol is only sold in specialized shops, called bottle shops. And they have a lot of drive in bottle shops (most famous chain: thirsty camel). We think it’s interesting that a country so active on safety driving and alcohol control have alcohol sold this way.
Early coffee, they have a fan with barista that comes into the park and serves good coffee.
Around 10:30 we were on the way, half way stop at Jervis Bay (Hymans Beach) and end destination Kiama. Kiama is 80 Km below Sydney.
We arrived in Jervis Bay around 1:30, our stop was Hymans Beach. They say the whitest sand and bluest sea of the world and indeed AMAZING. We had lunch on the beach and spend there a couple of hours.
Jervis Bay is a big bay they also call bay of plenty due to the huge amount of fish in the bay. There are two villages along the bay, we had fish and chips and an ice-cream in one of them. Else then that was the village nothing special.
We drove further on to Kiama, we passed Nowra. We checked in to the park went out for groceries and were set at our spot around 7.
This is the first park we don’t like that much, no good atmosphere. Also some light rain tonight. We will leave tomorrow, that is the positive thing about a house on wheels.
Tomorrow stop in Sydney at the KEA camper depot to have the airco checked and also the engine, it was leaking oil today and then we’re off to the Blue Mountains.
28-1-2010 (Thursday)
The light rain of yesterday night turned in to a storm during the night and we are wondering how people ‘survive’ in tents. It was pouring rain, and then our house seems pretty small; as if you’re in the rain yourself.
We did the quickest set-up to drive ever. We were on our way at 9:10. Coffee to go in Kiama and then we went up to the KEA depot Milperra, suburb of Sydney. We arrived at 11.
Indeed the airco was broken, we also mentioned that when we got the campervan it was dirty and smelly (especially the restroom).
After some negotiations and intervention by Sharon we got a new campervan and a few days reimbursed. It took some time to change campers and finally at 4 we were on our way to the Blue Mountains.
It started pouring rain, it was a hell of a trip. We had trouble getting up a mountain and finally drove very carefully towards Katoomba. We saw the most beautiful lightening in the storm; up and close. The only positive thing about the storm.
When we arrived at the campsite, small but nice site, the rain stopped. We went shopping and went out for dinner. We had dinner in a Indian Restaurant called Arjuna. The place has a nice view over the Blue Mountains. They are called the Blue Mountains due to the glaze over the mountains caused by the Eucalypts trees.
Back at the site we walked to the edge of a cliff looking at the sun go down. We had the best view and saw already the highlights of the Blue Mountains, the three sisters (a rock formation).
So a difficult day ended with a real highlight.
About liquor:
We had our first BYO (bring your own) restaurant tonight. They don’t have a license selling alcohol, so you are free to bring your own. And because we had our fridge with us, we got a bottle of white wine for Sharon and a beer for Ruben.
One other interesting thing is that alcohol is only sold in specialized shops, called bottle shops. And they have a lot of drive in bottle shops (most famous chain: thirsty camel). We think it’s interesting that a country so active on safety driving and alcohol control have alcohol sold this way.
dinsdag 26 januari 2010
Morning swim and scenic route
24 & 25 -1-2010 (Sunday and Monday)
Ruben woke up early (7:45), took a 50 meter walk to the beach and had a morning swim. Brought back two fresh Capucinos from the café.
With the kids to the trampoline, jumping pillow and mini golf. Relax Sunday.
Whole afternoon we had two Kangaroos around our campervan
Monday was early again for checkout of the park, to keep on track we move every two or three days.
Ruben had an early ocean dip again, no one else in the Sea.
We were all set to go before 10, record time. Because before we leave we have the van to get drive ready, meaning taking of the bed, disabling the beds, getting the power plug out, get new water etc.
We first went to do groceries in Merimbula, nice village 10 minutes drive from Pambula. We did groceries for three days. Tomorrow is Australia day, so no shops open.
We are driving north today with end destination, Batemans bay. We planned to have a view nice stops today end take the day to get there.
We took the Saphire Coast Drive towards Tahtra then to Bermagui. In Bermagui we had self made lunch on the sea shore. The bay is beautiful There, the bay is called horseshoe bay.
From Bermagui we drove to Central Tilba, recommendation of one of our eight travel books. Small old village where we bought real Dutch Drop, went to a cheese factory with disgusting cheese (really nothing beats Dutch cheese), had a coffee and went around all the little shops.
From Central Tilba it was another 85 km to Batemans bay. We took a stop at Mystery bay, nice bay with big rocks in the bay. We drove through Narooma, where we took a scenic detour through Forster Bay. Last drive thru was Mogo, an old gold diggers town.
We arrive in the Batemans Bay Beach park (also a BIG4 park) at around 6. The camp is also on the sea shore, maybe 100 meter walk to get in the Sea. Amenities are clean and modern, nice!!
The route we drive today was really so pretty, with small wooden bridges over sea inlets, lakes connected with the sea and a lot of forest. The sea looks so clean and beutifull along the coast
Tomorrow Austarlia day, they told us people start drinking in the morning and have BBQ whole day. Australia day means also the end of the summer holiday, so less people in the caravan parks and cheaper stays. It means we don’t have to pre book anymore.
26-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Today is Australia day. So also little party for us, we baked pancakes for breakfast. Real American pancakes with maple syrup.
Most of the morning we were at the beach, in de afternoon we stayed around de van after lunch, Zeb rented a bike and we went for a swim in the pool.
For dinner we bbqed again. Today lamb and salmon. The meat over here is really tasty and affordable. Ruben loves bbqing every day.
So today was a very relax day with a lot of sun. Tomorrow on the way again.
Ruben woke up early (7:45), took a 50 meter walk to the beach and had a morning swim. Brought back two fresh Capucinos from the café.
With the kids to the trampoline, jumping pillow and mini golf. Relax Sunday.
Whole afternoon we had two Kangaroos around our campervan
Monday was early again for checkout of the park, to keep on track we move every two or three days.
Ruben had an early ocean dip again, no one else in the Sea.
We were all set to go before 10, record time. Because before we leave we have the van to get drive ready, meaning taking of the bed, disabling the beds, getting the power plug out, get new water etc.
We first went to do groceries in Merimbula, nice village 10 minutes drive from Pambula. We did groceries for three days. Tomorrow is Australia day, so no shops open.
We are driving north today with end destination, Batemans bay. We planned to have a view nice stops today end take the day to get there.
We took the Saphire Coast Drive towards Tahtra then to Bermagui. In Bermagui we had self made lunch on the sea shore. The bay is beautiful There, the bay is called horseshoe bay.
From Bermagui we drove to Central Tilba, recommendation of one of our eight travel books. Small old village where we bought real Dutch Drop, went to a cheese factory with disgusting cheese (really nothing beats Dutch cheese), had a coffee and went around all the little shops.
From Central Tilba it was another 85 km to Batemans bay. We took a stop at Mystery bay, nice bay with big rocks in the bay. We drove through Narooma, where we took a scenic detour through Forster Bay. Last drive thru was Mogo, an old gold diggers town.
We arrive in the Batemans Bay Beach park (also a BIG4 park) at around 6. The camp is also on the sea shore, maybe 100 meter walk to get in the Sea. Amenities are clean and modern, nice!!
The route we drive today was really so pretty, with small wooden bridges over sea inlets, lakes connected with the sea and a lot of forest. The sea looks so clean and beutifull along the coast
Tomorrow Austarlia day, they told us people start drinking in the morning and have BBQ whole day. Australia day means also the end of the summer holiday, so less people in the caravan parks and cheaper stays. It means we don’t have to pre book anymore.
26-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Today is Australia day. So also little party for us, we baked pancakes for breakfast. Real American pancakes with maple syrup.
Most of the morning we were at the beach, in de afternoon we stayed around de van after lunch, Zeb rented a bike and we went for a swim in the pool.
For dinner we bbqed again. Today lamb and salmon. The meat over here is really tasty and affordable. Ruben loves bbqing every day.
So today was a very relax day with a lot of sun. Tomorrow on the way again.
zaterdag 23 januari 2010
Huntsman Spider
22-1-2010 (Friday)
Lakes Entrance is at the end of the ninety mile beach and has lakes and seashore. In front of our campsite is a kind of lake, when you cross that by the footbridge you get to a stretch of dune that has a beach front to the Bass Strait (sea between Australia mainland and Tasmania). The land around here is like that along the coast, really beautiful. We will try to make a picture tomorrow form a lookout point.
We went to the beach and the kids collected a whole bucket of beautiful shells. In the afternoon we stayed in and around our ‘house’. Sharon did some shopping with Zeb and Sharai slept for a couple of hours.
Off course we had a bbq.
Ruben had some beers with some guys that came down from Sale (100 km west of here), two of them have Dutch parents. In these area lots of Dutch people life. Sharon did some email and Skype.
Coming back in the van at midnight Ruben saw this giant spider, Huntsman Spider http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider. Sharon screamed the whole park awake. We caught it an threw it away. Quit an adventure.
The tone was set for the night, Sharon went to bed with a torch and was looking for spiders almost al night from the bed. On top of this it started storming and our sunscreen attached to the car was still out and was going up and down like crazy. So at 3:30 we rolled it in, because it’s not working well it was very difficult and even dangerous.
Finally we slept for a few hours. WHAT AN ADVENTURE FOR US.
23-1-2010 (Saturday)
This morning we found out that our sunscreen was damaged due to the storm last night. Our friends from Sale repaired it.
Today we moved up along the coast in the direction of Sydney. We left Victoria and entered New South Wales. We drove for 3 ½ hours to arrive in Pambula Beach. The holiday park is on the ocean front, our van is first row, it takes us 50 meter to jump in to the ocean.
The park is great, huge pool area, big playground with trampolines. And coolest of all Kangaroos hopping around.
Good change we stay here for a couple of days.
Only negative thing till now is the state of the campervan, airco is not working and the mosquito’s nets covering the windows are broke. KEA sucks.
Sharon has a new flashlight for the nightly spider search!!
Lakes Entrance is at the end of the ninety mile beach and has lakes and seashore. In front of our campsite is a kind of lake, when you cross that by the footbridge you get to a stretch of dune that has a beach front to the Bass Strait (sea between Australia mainland and Tasmania). The land around here is like that along the coast, really beautiful. We will try to make a picture tomorrow form a lookout point.
We went to the beach and the kids collected a whole bucket of beautiful shells. In the afternoon we stayed in and around our ‘house’. Sharon did some shopping with Zeb and Sharai slept for a couple of hours.
Off course we had a bbq.
Ruben had some beers with some guys that came down from Sale (100 km west of here), two of them have Dutch parents. In these area lots of Dutch people life. Sharon did some email and Skype.
Coming back in the van at midnight Ruben saw this giant spider, Huntsman Spider http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider. Sharon screamed the whole park awake. We caught it an threw it away. Quit an adventure.
The tone was set for the night, Sharon went to bed with a torch and was looking for spiders almost al night from the bed. On top of this it started storming and our sunscreen attached to the car was still out and was going up and down like crazy. So at 3:30 we rolled it in, because it’s not working well it was very difficult and even dangerous.
Finally we slept for a few hours. WHAT AN ADVENTURE FOR US.
23-1-2010 (Saturday)
This morning we found out that our sunscreen was damaged due to the storm last night. Our friends from Sale repaired it.
Today we moved up along the coast in the direction of Sydney. We left Victoria and entered New South Wales. We drove for 3 ½ hours to arrive in Pambula Beach. The holiday park is on the ocean front, our van is first row, it takes us 50 meter to jump in to the ocean.
The park is great, huge pool area, big playground with trampolines. And coolest of all Kangaroos hopping around.
Good change we stay here for a couple of days.
Only negative thing till now is the state of the campervan, airco is not working and the mosquito’s nets covering the windows are broke. KEA sucks.
Sharon has a new flashlight for the nightly spider search!!
donderdag 21 januari 2010
Koala's and Pengiuns on Philip Island
20-1-2010 (Wedensday)
Wow that was the first night in our campervan, we all slept pretty good. The caravan park where we are staying is called San Remi Caravan park and costs $ 25,- per night.
Today is our Philip Island day, but first off to the local playground. We will publish a book on best playground in Australia when we are back.
In San Remo, next to the bridge to Philip Island, we watched a whole bunch of Pelicans. Our first wildlife of the day.
Around noon we headed for the Island stopping at the Information Office. We bought a pass for the three highlights of the Island: Old farm, Koala park and Penguin parade.
The farm was the first stop. We really find it fantastic that we bring our house (campervan) everywhere. The farm was nice, we could hold baby ducks and rabbits and see a lot of farm animals like cows, sheep and horses.
Sharai is afraid of most animals and when she held a baby Rabbit (Nijntje) and the little one started to climb, she screamed and loud as she’s able to. From that moment on, she didn’t want to hold nothing no more.
We also saw a chicken with here chicks, she enjoyed the idea that mummy chicken was taking care of here babies (the next morning she talked about it).
Next we drove up to the Koala park, we had the most amazing encounter with a Koala. We where standing less than a meter from a Koala. We have good pictures of that. We also saw a baby Koala. Zeb thinks babies are cute. Koala’s were brought to the island some 100 years ago. The Island belonged to a former mayor of Melbourne, Mister Samuel Ames.
Around 4 we drove to a beach called Red Rocks next to the main village of Philip Island, Cowes. Driving up there Ruben saw a Kangaroo crossing the road.
The beach was a quite isolated beach, really beautiful. The way we hope to encounter more beaches.
After digging a ‘swimming pool’ in the sand and a small swim we got back to the campervan. We bbqed at the beach. In Australia they have electrical BBQ everywhere and you can use these for free. This to prevent bush fires.
Ruben prepared the best hotdogs, the whole family loved.
At 7 we went to the Penguin parade, hoping the kids would sleep for a couple of hours till the Penguins would come ashore. They didn’t, so we went in early.
This was really one of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed:
On a kind of stand set up in the dunes we saw almost 200 Penguins come back from a day fishing to feed their wives and Chicks. Then we saw them wondering around in the dunes looking for their burrows. The Penguins here are called little Penguins and they are, about 30-40 centimeters high.
Sharai fell asleep during the Penguin parade, Zeb stayed awake till they end, around 11. One penguin wasn’t able to find his home (burrow) and Zeb was really sad about it. The morning after he asked Sharon if everything went well after all. Sharon told him that he came home safe and sound.
We drove our home back to the caravan park and had a good night sleep.
GREAT CHOICE WE WENT TO PHILIP ISLAND!
21-1-2010 (Thursday)
Early wake up, we tend to rise earlier in the campervan then we did in the hotels. Ruben did some morning shopping and we had a nice breakfast in front of the campervan.
We decided to drive to Lake Entrance today, a 3,5 hour drive (250KM). We had a few choices from the big campsite book. The first we called from the car had vacancy.
We arrived at around 5 in Wateredge park ( a big4 park: big4 is a kind of chain.)
The park is nice, we had our bbq. At the central bbq place you meet other people cooking. Some daily talk about the bbq, the cricket, where we are from and some advice for next place to visit for us.
Wow that was the first night in our campervan, we all slept pretty good. The caravan park where we are staying is called San Remi Caravan park and costs $ 25,- per night.
Today is our Philip Island day, but first off to the local playground. We will publish a book on best playground in Australia when we are back.
In San Remo, next to the bridge to Philip Island, we watched a whole bunch of Pelicans. Our first wildlife of the day.
Around noon we headed for the Island stopping at the Information Office. We bought a pass for the three highlights of the Island: Old farm, Koala park and Penguin parade.
The farm was the first stop. We really find it fantastic that we bring our house (campervan) everywhere. The farm was nice, we could hold baby ducks and rabbits and see a lot of farm animals like cows, sheep and horses.
Sharai is afraid of most animals and when she held a baby Rabbit (Nijntje) and the little one started to climb, she screamed and loud as she’s able to. From that moment on, she didn’t want to hold nothing no more.
We also saw a chicken with here chicks, she enjoyed the idea that mummy chicken was taking care of here babies (the next morning she talked about it).
Next we drove up to the Koala park, we had the most amazing encounter with a Koala. We where standing less than a meter from a Koala. We have good pictures of that. We also saw a baby Koala. Zeb thinks babies are cute. Koala’s were brought to the island some 100 years ago. The Island belonged to a former mayor of Melbourne, Mister Samuel Ames.
Around 4 we drove to a beach called Red Rocks next to the main village of Philip Island, Cowes. Driving up there Ruben saw a Kangaroo crossing the road.
The beach was a quite isolated beach, really beautiful. The way we hope to encounter more beaches.
After digging a ‘swimming pool’ in the sand and a small swim we got back to the campervan. We bbqed at the beach. In Australia they have electrical BBQ everywhere and you can use these for free. This to prevent bush fires.
Ruben prepared the best hotdogs, the whole family loved.
At 7 we went to the Penguin parade, hoping the kids would sleep for a couple of hours till the Penguins would come ashore. They didn’t, so we went in early.
This was really one of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed:
On a kind of stand set up in the dunes we saw almost 200 Penguins come back from a day fishing to feed their wives and Chicks. Then we saw them wondering around in the dunes looking for their burrows. The Penguins here are called little Penguins and they are, about 30-40 centimeters high.
Sharai fell asleep during the Penguin parade, Zeb stayed awake till they end, around 11. One penguin wasn’t able to find his home (burrow) and Zeb was really sad about it. The morning after he asked Sharon if everything went well after all. Sharon told him that he came home safe and sound.
We drove our home back to the caravan park and had a good night sleep.
GREAT CHOICE WE WENT TO PHILIP ISLAND!
21-1-2010 (Thursday)
Early wake up, we tend to rise earlier in the campervan then we did in the hotels. Ruben did some morning shopping and we had a nice breakfast in front of the campervan.
We decided to drive to Lake Entrance today, a 3,5 hour drive (250KM). We had a few choices from the big campsite book. The first we called from the car had vacancy.
We arrived at around 5 in Wateredge park ( a big4 park: big4 is a kind of chain.)
The park is nice, we had our bbq. At the central bbq place you meet other people cooking. Some daily talk about the bbq, the cricket, where we are from and some advice for next place to visit for us.
woensdag 20 januari 2010
Troostwijk goes camping
19-1-2010 (Tuesday)
We gave the rental car back in CBD Melbourne and took a taxi to KEA Camper Depot.
There she was right at the depot: our house for the next month. Troostwijk Family goes camping and we’re excited, slightly nervous.
First some paperwork and the a quick tour in and around the campervan, expect the cleaning of the toilet container, everything looks ok and good to handle for us first time campers.
Sharon brings little experience from her sailing holidays with the family and Ruben did some camping back in the days in Israel, but this is a whole new experience.
The nice lady at KEA set us up with a campsite at Philip Island south east of Melbourne, well known for its penguins.
At around 2 we drove away and all we could think is:”wow what a huge car”. Now we know how a truck driver feels. WE ARE KING OF THE ROAD. Ruben suddenly has a lot of respect for all the bus drivers in the world but he himself did a pretty good job, driving this enormous house on wheels, as if he never had done anything else in his life.
It’s a 2 ½ hour drive to Philip Island. We arrived at 4:30, in a real 2nd tier camping site. Our van is the biggest and nicest of the whole place. But it’s good to start at the bottom. At least the toilets and showers are clean….At least cleaner then our own toilet on our campervan.
Sharon stuffed our clothes away in all the small compartments and she’s really happy ‘bout the fact that she pact very well back home. Ruben and Zeb went shopping. Steak and sausages for our first outside BBQ.
Before dinner, Sharon went to the playground with the kids and Ruben set up the fold in table, chairs and the sunscreen. Putting back the sunscreen later at night was a nightmare, did not pay enough attention at KEA. Actually, the woman helping us out in Melbourne, probably thought we were experienced campers, cause she ran over all the important stuff. Now we needed help from two local campers, who were hardly understandable with their accents and looked like they’re smoking 24/7. Again new friends. Really camping is better then facebook.
We had our first outdoor dinner, and the steaks were great. Own made marinade, thanks to local bought Ketjap Manis from Conimex.
Tonight’s dilemma; shall we wash the dishes in the van, meaning we lose water we have to collect later, or to do it in the central washing place. Sharon did the later, but this is an example of the difficult choices we are facing these days.
The kids are sleeping together on top of the driving area and had a bath in one of the showers of the campsite together. We will sleep in the back, in the living room. Neither one has a clue how to set up the bed, but we’’ll find out.
Today was a GREAT adventure, but it seems to be the start of a wonderful month camping.
We gave the rental car back in CBD Melbourne and took a taxi to KEA Camper Depot.
There she was right at the depot: our house for the next month. Troostwijk Family goes camping and we’re excited, slightly nervous.
First some paperwork and the a quick tour in and around the campervan, expect the cleaning of the toilet container, everything looks ok and good to handle for us first time campers.
Sharon brings little experience from her sailing holidays with the family and Ruben did some camping back in the days in Israel, but this is a whole new experience.
The nice lady at KEA set us up with a campsite at Philip Island south east of Melbourne, well known for its penguins.
At around 2 we drove away and all we could think is:”wow what a huge car”. Now we know how a truck driver feels. WE ARE KING OF THE ROAD. Ruben suddenly has a lot of respect for all the bus drivers in the world but he himself did a pretty good job, driving this enormous house on wheels, as if he never had done anything else in his life.
It’s a 2 ½ hour drive to Philip Island. We arrived at 4:30, in a real 2nd tier camping site. Our van is the biggest and nicest of the whole place. But it’s good to start at the bottom. At least the toilets and showers are clean….At least cleaner then our own toilet on our campervan.
Sharon stuffed our clothes away in all the small compartments and she’s really happy ‘bout the fact that she pact very well back home. Ruben and Zeb went shopping. Steak and sausages for our first outside BBQ.
Before dinner, Sharon went to the playground with the kids and Ruben set up the fold in table, chairs and the sunscreen. Putting back the sunscreen later at night was a nightmare, did not pay enough attention at KEA. Actually, the woman helping us out in Melbourne, probably thought we were experienced campers, cause she ran over all the important stuff. Now we needed help from two local campers, who were hardly understandable with their accents and looked like they’re smoking 24/7. Again new friends. Really camping is better then facebook.
We had our first outdoor dinner, and the steaks were great. Own made marinade, thanks to local bought Ketjap Manis from Conimex.
Tonight’s dilemma; shall we wash the dishes in the van, meaning we lose water we have to collect later, or to do it in the central washing place. Sharon did the later, but this is an example of the difficult choices we are facing these days.
The kids are sleeping together on top of the driving area and had a bath in one of the showers of the campsite together. We will sleep in the back, in the living room. Neither one has a clue how to set up the bed, but we’’ll find out.
Today was a GREAT adventure, but it seems to be the start of a wonderful month camping.
zondag 17 januari 2010
Stokehouse and Puffingbilly
16 & 17 -1-2010 (Saturday and Sunday)
We checked out of the Lorne hotel and headed for the beach in Lorne, so the kids could play with the girl they’ve met yesterday. But when she finally came the kids were already very tired so we left the beach around noon and drove towards Melbourne.
Arriving in Melbourne at our serviced apartments it seems in the middle of Jewish Melbourne. The streets are more like Jerusalem then Melbourne. Our serviced apartments are partly kosher and it runs a kosher restaurant on Sunday night.
We have good rooms, Sharon thinks it looks like a Jewish elderly home.
After checking we took a shower and went to St Kilda on the beach. We had dinner in a real nice please on the beach Stokehouse (www.stokehouse.com.au). The kids were tired after a day travelling and ready for bed.
Saturday night we discussed the daytrip options for the next two days. Options are Mornington peninsula, Philip island or Dandenong Ranges.
Sunday morning breakfast in the room we decide to go to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong ranges are a mountain (more hill) range 45 minutes drive east from Melbourne.
From Belgrave goes a very old steam train, Puffingbilly (www.puffingbilly.com.au). We bought tickets for the train. The kids thought Billy is a friend of Thomas the train. The trip was beautiful and off course the kids enjoyed the ride. We stopped at a station called Lakeside, indeed next to a small lake. We ate our self made lunch and then took the train back to Belgrave.
All by all we left at 10 and were back in east st Kilda at 4.
Back in the hood we went to Carlise street, the shopping street of the neighborhood. A lot of kosher shops here as well.
We had dinner in a Israel meets Morocco restaurant that played funky live music: a great band. Good pitot and houmous. Kids got an ice cream and we went back, what we call home these days.
Indeed the restaurant in the hotel was filled with beards and kippot. It’s funny without deliberate looking for it that as well in Sydney and Melbourne we ended up in a very Jewish neighborhood.
We checked out of the Lorne hotel and headed for the beach in Lorne, so the kids could play with the girl they’ve met yesterday. But when she finally came the kids were already very tired so we left the beach around noon and drove towards Melbourne.
Arriving in Melbourne at our serviced apartments it seems in the middle of Jewish Melbourne. The streets are more like Jerusalem then Melbourne. Our serviced apartments are partly kosher and it runs a kosher restaurant on Sunday night.
We have good rooms, Sharon thinks it looks like a Jewish elderly home.
After checking we took a shower and went to St Kilda on the beach. We had dinner in a real nice please on the beach Stokehouse (www.stokehouse.com.au). The kids were tired after a day travelling and ready for bed.
Saturday night we discussed the daytrip options for the next two days. Options are Mornington peninsula, Philip island or Dandenong Ranges.
Sunday morning breakfast in the room we decide to go to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong ranges are a mountain (more hill) range 45 minutes drive east from Melbourne.
From Belgrave goes a very old steam train, Puffingbilly (www.puffingbilly.com.au). We bought tickets for the train. The kids thought Billy is a friend of Thomas the train. The trip was beautiful and off course the kids enjoyed the ride. We stopped at a station called Lakeside, indeed next to a small lake. We ate our self made lunch and then took the train back to Belgrave.
All by all we left at 10 and were back in east st Kilda at 4.
Back in the hood we went to Carlise street, the shopping street of the neighborhood. A lot of kosher shops here as well.
We had dinner in a Israel meets Morocco restaurant that played funky live music: a great band. Good pitot and houmous. Kids got an ice cream and we went back, what we call home these days.
Indeed the restaurant in the hotel was filled with beards and kippot. It’s funny without deliberate looking for it that as well in Sydney and Melbourne we ended up in a very Jewish neighborhood.
vrijdag 15 januari 2010
Lorne and live Koala's
14-1-2010 (Thursday)
Long night, we watched the movie Australia till late. Due to hard blowing vans outside our room, sleeping was difficult for us, not for the kids they slept well again.
So when we woke up we checked for a new room (with ocean view) and got one. So Sharon had to pack again and Ruben and Zeb went for groceries. After moving in to the new room and a small breakfast we headed for Koala beers along the Great Ocean road in ‘Kennet river’.
After 5 km we saw the sigh for a waterfall (Sequa fall) and went of the road, the walk to the waterfall was around 600m. People just came back from the walk and they told us it was rather disappointing so it would better to go to ‘Erskine fall’. And because the kids wanted to see the waterfall badly we went back in direction of Lorne and drove up to the waterfall. It was a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. Due to Sharai, who wants to walk always it took us longer.
The funny thing is that thru all our stay here Sharai wants to walk always and Zeb always wants to sit in the stroller against the way we want it. So most things happen one gear lower due to Sharai walking. Also in eating it’s the other way around, Sharai eats very well and healthy, Zeb prefers to only eat Peanut butter sandwiches, Ice cream, Chips and an occasional cucumber or tomato.
From the water fall we continued our journey to the Koala’s, but this time Sharai was a sleep when we past Kennet river so we drove on to Apollo Bay, also a small two along the Great Ocean Road.
We had lunch in the park along the beach and the kids played at the playground.
Finally we ended up in Kennet river and saw our first Koala’s in the wild. We saw at least 5 from up and close. Because they sleep for over 20hrs a day we were very happy to see one of them awake and busy eating. People told us, the only thing they do is; sleeping, grooming and ‘go to the little room’.
Back in Lorne Zeb, Sharai and Ruben went to the beach to play and Sharon made sure our new room was cozy again.
We had dinner in the hotel and that was really great, maybe the best food till now. If you compare with the hotel you wouldn’t believe it.
After dinner we went for a Trampoline session that Sharon and the kids really loved.
Sharon drove most of the day, also for her a new experience driving on the left. She better coops with it (that she drives) then Ruben does!!!!
15-1-2010 (Friday)
Perfect day; the perfect kids day. We started at the Trampoline and the playground with the kids and walked along the shops of Lorne.
We had lunch in the room (choco pasta) and then took a walk along the coast towards the west. The kids in their strollers (our 2 prams) and we\e walked to a pier where people were fishing and swimming. People swim in the sea, although they know sharks and stingrays swim along and with them. We found that unbelievable.
Back in Lorne we did some small shopping. The kids played in the room (knutsellen) and Ruben watched some cricket (3rd test against Pakistan). Zeb made a book for Juf Benna and the kids talk a lot about their friends and family back home.
Tomorrow we are driving back to Melbourne and will stay there 3 nights. We are staying in St Kilda near the beach in serviced apartments ( http://www.questeaststkilda.com.au/). We will explore the east side of Melbourne and hopefully will see the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and the sports museum. And maybe visit the penguins at Philip Island.
This is the first accommodation we did not prepare in advance, finding this we had help from the local KH campaign. Due to the tennis (Australian open) it’s hard finding accommodation now.
After dinner and walked to the trampoline again and made our first holiday friends. A Israeli couple travelling with their 2,5 year old daughter, Romy. His name is Idan and hers …. They are travelling for 5 months. Zeb and Sharai really enjoyed playing with her till almost 10. We will meet them tomorrow at the beach and the kids are really looking forward meeting her again.
Long night, we watched the movie Australia till late. Due to hard blowing vans outside our room, sleeping was difficult for us, not for the kids they slept well again.
So when we woke up we checked for a new room (with ocean view) and got one. So Sharon had to pack again and Ruben and Zeb went for groceries. After moving in to the new room and a small breakfast we headed for Koala beers along the Great Ocean road in ‘Kennet river’.
After 5 km we saw the sigh for a waterfall (Sequa fall) and went of the road, the walk to the waterfall was around 600m. People just came back from the walk and they told us it was rather disappointing so it would better to go to ‘Erskine fall’. And because the kids wanted to see the waterfall badly we went back in direction of Lorne and drove up to the waterfall. It was a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. Due to Sharai, who wants to walk always it took us longer.
The funny thing is that thru all our stay here Sharai wants to walk always and Zeb always wants to sit in the stroller against the way we want it. So most things happen one gear lower due to Sharai walking. Also in eating it’s the other way around, Sharai eats very well and healthy, Zeb prefers to only eat Peanut butter sandwiches, Ice cream, Chips and an occasional cucumber or tomato.
From the water fall we continued our journey to the Koala’s, but this time Sharai was a sleep when we past Kennet river so we drove on to Apollo Bay, also a small two along the Great Ocean Road.
We had lunch in the park along the beach and the kids played at the playground.
Finally we ended up in Kennet river and saw our first Koala’s in the wild. We saw at least 5 from up and close. Because they sleep for over 20hrs a day we were very happy to see one of them awake and busy eating. People told us, the only thing they do is; sleeping, grooming and ‘go to the little room’.
Back in Lorne Zeb, Sharai and Ruben went to the beach to play and Sharon made sure our new room was cozy again.
We had dinner in the hotel and that was really great, maybe the best food till now. If you compare with the hotel you wouldn’t believe it.
After dinner we went for a Trampoline session that Sharon and the kids really loved.
Sharon drove most of the day, also for her a new experience driving on the left. She better coops with it (that she drives) then Ruben does!!!!
15-1-2010 (Friday)
Perfect day; the perfect kids day. We started at the Trampoline and the playground with the kids and walked along the shops of Lorne.
We had lunch in the room (choco pasta) and then took a walk along the coast towards the west. The kids in their strollers (our 2 prams) and we\e walked to a pier where people were fishing and swimming. People swim in the sea, although they know sharks and stingrays swim along and with them. We found that unbelievable.
Back in Lorne we did some small shopping. The kids played in the room (knutsellen) and Ruben watched some cricket (3rd test against Pakistan). Zeb made a book for Juf Benna and the kids talk a lot about their friends and family back home.
Tomorrow we are driving back to Melbourne and will stay there 3 nights. We are staying in St Kilda near the beach in serviced apartments ( http://www.questeaststkilda.com.au/). We will explore the east side of Melbourne and hopefully will see the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and the sports museum. And maybe visit the penguins at Philip Island.
This is the first accommodation we did not prepare in advance, finding this we had help from the local KH campaign. Due to the tennis (Australian open) it’s hard finding accommodation now.
After dinner and walked to the trampoline again and made our first holiday friends. A Israeli couple travelling with their 2,5 year old daughter, Romy. His name is Idan and hers …. They are travelling for 5 months. Zeb and Sharai really enjoyed playing with her till almost 10. We will meet them tomorrow at the beach and the kids are really looking forward meeting her again.
donderdag 14 januari 2010
woensdag 13 januari 2010
Melbourne and Great Ocean Road
12-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Woke up pretty late (9), Zeb slept late due to travel yesterday and the fact that Zeb watched the movie with us.
Ruben got two fresh coffees and some yoghurt for the kids. Around 10:15 we hit the streets, walking to Swanson (main street in CBD (central business district)) taking the number 8 tram to Toorak road in the neighborhood of South Yarra. We bought a super pram so now we have two prams (strollers).
Before buying the pram we did an internet search back in the hotel on kids stores, travelling using internet is such an advantage. Not that we rely on internet only; we brought over 5 kilo of travel books with us.
How did people got around without internet and mobile phones??
We walked on to Chapel street, main shopping street covering the neighborhoods of South Yarra, Toorak and Prahan. In Melbourne these kind of neighborhoods are the nicest to visit. The real center is CBD, which is not really nice. We walked the greater part of Chappel street. In Prahan we went to a public pool and the kids loved the kids pool. We only brought bathing suits for the kiddies.
In the pool we encountered our first animal in the wild: a Possom. That’s a small kangaroo like animal, not to be confused with a Pigem.
We also bought a Ripcurl swimming pants for Zeb: really cool!! back in our hotel we refreshed ourselves to go out for a bite in, we went to the southside of the Yarra river. It has a nice development of all kind of restaurants. Due to the kids we choose a big food court so they could have Pizza and we something of our choice, not a good choice.
Walking along the river it started raining, so we had to run for a taxi.
13-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Late wake up again, kids sleep late so wake up late. We went for breakfast near the hotel on Russel street. We met a nice Dutch girl that moved to Australia two years ago and loves it.
Back in the hotel Sharon packed some last things and laid down for half an hour, looks like see got a kind of food poisoning from the breakfast. She did not feel ok the rest of the day.
Sharai and Ruben went to the car rental on Elizabeth street, a ten minute walk from the hotel. To be honest Ruben was little tensed about the left driving.
We got a huge Mitshubitsi, with two booster seats and a Garmin GPS (tom tom like). Ruben and Sharai drove to the hotel to pick up Sharon and Zeb.
All set, we head off for our first stop on the great ocean road; Torquay. This first part of the great ocean road is called ‘Surf Coast’. On Bells Beach and Torquay are some of the best waves of Australia. We had late lunch in a nice creperie in Torquay.
The unfortunate thing today is that the car dvd set we brought does not work in the car, the 12v plug does not connect well. The kids watch a lot of dvd in the hotel rooms, now we set up our laptop to watch dvd in the car. Let’s hope it will work in the campervan. Favorite dvd’s are Nijntje the musical and Monsters inc. Sharon and Ruben can be understudy for the musical Nijntje when back in Holland.
The coast is so beautiful, it’s almost difficult to describe. Closest that comes to mind is the coastal outline on the west coast of the US near Carmel. But over here there are small beaches and bays around every corner. We can imagine this is one of the scenic highlights of Australia.
From Torquay we drove on to Angelsea, situated between Torquay and Lorne. In Angelsea we saw our first Kangaroos in the wild. A whole bunch were eating on the fairway of a golf course.
We drove on to Lorne, which is our destination for the next three days. We checked in the Lorne Hotel.
The room is pretty back to basic compared to what we used to the last 12 days. But the hotel is situated beautiful in the bay. After we organized the room, we went for a walk to check the area and look for a restaurant. Probably Sharai wasn’t feeling well, cause she vomited in her new ‘pram’. After she was done, she danced and sang as if nothing has happened. Dinner wasn’t really great. Kids had a bath, watched “Nijntje; the musical” and fell asleep (too) late.
The first day driving on the left went pretty well, despite one time ending up on the wrong side of the road.
Woke up pretty late (9), Zeb slept late due to travel yesterday and the fact that Zeb watched the movie with us.
Ruben got two fresh coffees and some yoghurt for the kids. Around 10:15 we hit the streets, walking to Swanson (main street in CBD (central business district)) taking the number 8 tram to Toorak road in the neighborhood of South Yarra. We bought a super pram so now we have two prams (strollers).
Before buying the pram we did an internet search back in the hotel on kids stores, travelling using internet is such an advantage. Not that we rely on internet only; we brought over 5 kilo of travel books with us.
How did people got around without internet and mobile phones??
We walked on to Chapel street, main shopping street covering the neighborhoods of South Yarra, Toorak and Prahan. In Melbourne these kind of neighborhoods are the nicest to visit. The real center is CBD, which is not really nice. We walked the greater part of Chappel street. In Prahan we went to a public pool and the kids loved the kids pool. We only brought bathing suits for the kiddies.
In the pool we encountered our first animal in the wild: a Possom. That’s a small kangaroo like animal, not to be confused with a Pigem.
We also bought a Ripcurl swimming pants for Zeb: really cool!! back in our hotel we refreshed ourselves to go out for a bite in, we went to the southside of the Yarra river. It has a nice development of all kind of restaurants. Due to the kids we choose a big food court so they could have Pizza and we something of our choice, not a good choice.
Walking along the river it started raining, so we had to run for a taxi.
13-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Late wake up again, kids sleep late so wake up late. We went for breakfast near the hotel on Russel street. We met a nice Dutch girl that moved to Australia two years ago and loves it.
Back in the hotel Sharon packed some last things and laid down for half an hour, looks like see got a kind of food poisoning from the breakfast. She did not feel ok the rest of the day.
Sharai and Ruben went to the car rental on Elizabeth street, a ten minute walk from the hotel. To be honest Ruben was little tensed about the left driving.
We got a huge Mitshubitsi, with two booster seats and a Garmin GPS (tom tom like). Ruben and Sharai drove to the hotel to pick up Sharon and Zeb.
All set, we head off for our first stop on the great ocean road; Torquay. This first part of the great ocean road is called ‘Surf Coast’. On Bells Beach and Torquay are some of the best waves of Australia. We had late lunch in a nice creperie in Torquay.
The unfortunate thing today is that the car dvd set we brought does not work in the car, the 12v plug does not connect well. The kids watch a lot of dvd in the hotel rooms, now we set up our laptop to watch dvd in the car. Let’s hope it will work in the campervan. Favorite dvd’s are Nijntje the musical and Monsters inc. Sharon and Ruben can be understudy for the musical Nijntje when back in Holland.
The coast is so beautiful, it’s almost difficult to describe. Closest that comes to mind is the coastal outline on the west coast of the US near Carmel. But over here there are small beaches and bays around every corner. We can imagine this is one of the scenic highlights of Australia.
From Torquay we drove on to Angelsea, situated between Torquay and Lorne. In Angelsea we saw our first Kangaroos in the wild. A whole bunch were eating on the fairway of a golf course.
We drove on to Lorne, which is our destination for the next three days. We checked in the Lorne Hotel.
The room is pretty back to basic compared to what we used to the last 12 days. But the hotel is situated beautiful in the bay. After we organized the room, we went for a walk to check the area and look for a restaurant. Probably Sharai wasn’t feeling well, cause she vomited in her new ‘pram’. After she was done, she danced and sang as if nothing has happened. Dinner wasn’t really great. Kids had a bath, watched “Nijntje; the musical” and fell asleep (too) late.
The first day driving on the left went pretty well, despite one time ending up on the wrong side of the road.
maandag 11 januari 2010
Two lazy days and a travel day.
9-1-2010 (Saturday)
Breakfast at Aquabar again, really best French toast ever with baked banana served with it. Went to the Rockpool at the north end of the Bondi beach. We built a pool in the sand again and Zeb loved to go in the sea. Sharai is still very much afraid to go in, but she loves swimming in the rock pool and she loves to walk around with buckets from other kids.
We had lunch in the room and then took the 333 bus into town. In Hyde park was the opening day of ‘the Sydney festival’ that lasts till end of the month.
The festival was a little disappointing, we watched some (sorry, bad Hillybilly) music and some acrobatics. Kids had an ice cream and it was very hot (approximately 30 C). From Hyde park we walked back the first part to Bondi along Oxford street, we walked almost to Bondi junction.
Kids had pizza and pasta at Bondi pizza, we had (finally) sushi in.
10-1-2010 (Sunday)
Relaxed and lazy day today again. Breakfast at Gusto (the best Bircher muesli in the world) and then headed to the beach. Lunch in the room and then we the kids went to sleep in their strollers. We sat down at a beachside café while the kids were sleeping for some reading Frappe and juice.
When the kids were awake we took them to the playground. Back in the hotel the kids took a bath in our jumbo sized tub.
We got dinner from The Hurricane again; really good burger, salad and chicken. We skyped, kids watched ‘Pluk van de Petterflat ‘and we got to sleep late again.
Tomorrow travel day, flying to Melbourne in the afternoon. We started packing again.
By the way: A stroller in Australia is called Pram, we have to. Does that mean we have 2 ‘Prammen’.
That kind of questions keeps us busy, can you imagine how relaxed we are.
11-1-2010 (Monday)
It’s our last day in Sydney and we are invited at Emma and Craig Cohen’s ( friends of Les and Daan de Swaan) place to have a swim and have the kids play together. They have two girls in the same ages as ours; Chloe and Ashley. The kids really enjoyed and Emma took and brought us back to and from the hotel.
We were back at the hotel at 12:30 to do some final packing before heading for the airport to fly to Melbourne.
The flight was quit bumpy at the end especially Sharon did not really like it, to put it mildly. Zeb slept through the whole flight, Sharai did not sleep one minute this afternoon and was jumping around on Sharons’ lap during the flight.
Landing in Melbourne with 42 degrees Celsius, bloody hot. We took a cab to the hotel, Marriot on Exhibition street. Nice renovated rooms. We have two huge beds; one for the kids and one for us. After a quick check in, we went to check out the hotel swimming pool before heading for Chinatown for dinner. Going down in the elevator Sharai got her fingers between the doors, but she was fine soon.
Outside it is like a warm blanket covers you; it’s like walking in the biggest sauna on earth . In Chinatown we had dinner in one of the many places. The kids loved it and we did too,: beef with fried noodles and a lemon chicken with rice. Even Zeb was eating a lot. He made the loudest burp ever in the restaurant, unbelievable that a 4 year old already knows Chinese customs.
Walking back to the hotel we did a detour, around the city center. We call it: window shopping. Now we’re back in the hotel, Sharai already fell a sleep during our little sauna tour and Zeb is happy to see Monsters Inc. with us. Sharon has seen the movie in the airplane and thinks Boo is exactally Sharai.
Breakfast at Aquabar again, really best French toast ever with baked banana served with it. Went to the Rockpool at the north end of the Bondi beach. We built a pool in the sand again and Zeb loved to go in the sea. Sharai is still very much afraid to go in, but she loves swimming in the rock pool and she loves to walk around with buckets from other kids.
We had lunch in the room and then took the 333 bus into town. In Hyde park was the opening day of ‘the Sydney festival’ that lasts till end of the month.
The festival was a little disappointing, we watched some (sorry, bad Hillybilly) music and some acrobatics. Kids had an ice cream and it was very hot (approximately 30 C). From Hyde park we walked back the first part to Bondi along Oxford street, we walked almost to Bondi junction.
Kids had pizza and pasta at Bondi pizza, we had (finally) sushi in.
10-1-2010 (Sunday)
Relaxed and lazy day today again. Breakfast at Gusto (the best Bircher muesli in the world) and then headed to the beach. Lunch in the room and then we the kids went to sleep in their strollers. We sat down at a beachside café while the kids were sleeping for some reading Frappe and juice.
When the kids were awake we took them to the playground. Back in the hotel the kids took a bath in our jumbo sized tub.
We got dinner from The Hurricane again; really good burger, salad and chicken. We skyped, kids watched ‘Pluk van de Petterflat ‘and we got to sleep late again.
Tomorrow travel day, flying to Melbourne in the afternoon. We started packing again.
By the way: A stroller in Australia is called Pram, we have to. Does that mean we have 2 ‘Prammen’.
That kind of questions keeps us busy, can you imagine how relaxed we are.
11-1-2010 (Monday)
It’s our last day in Sydney and we are invited at Emma and Craig Cohen’s ( friends of Les and Daan de Swaan) place to have a swim and have the kids play together. They have two girls in the same ages as ours; Chloe and Ashley. The kids really enjoyed and Emma took and brought us back to and from the hotel.
We were back at the hotel at 12:30 to do some final packing before heading for the airport to fly to Melbourne.
The flight was quit bumpy at the end especially Sharon did not really like it, to put it mildly. Zeb slept through the whole flight, Sharai did not sleep one minute this afternoon and was jumping around on Sharons’ lap during the flight.
Landing in Melbourne with 42 degrees Celsius, bloody hot. We took a cab to the hotel, Marriot on Exhibition street. Nice renovated rooms. We have two huge beds; one for the kids and one for us. After a quick check in, we went to check out the hotel swimming pool before heading for Chinatown for dinner. Going down in the elevator Sharai got her fingers between the doors, but she was fine soon.
Outside it is like a warm blanket covers you; it’s like walking in the biggest sauna on earth . In Chinatown we had dinner in one of the many places. The kids loved it and we did too,: beef with fried noodles and a lemon chicken with rice. Even Zeb was eating a lot. He made the loudest burp ever in the restaurant, unbelievable that a 4 year old already knows Chinese customs.
Walking back to the hotel we did a detour, around the city center. We call it: window shopping. Now we’re back in the hotel, Sharai already fell a sleep during our little sauna tour and Zeb is happy to see Monsters Inc. with us. Sharon has seen the movie in the airplane and thinks Boo is exactally Sharai.
zondag 10 januari 2010
vrijdag 8 januari 2010
Day at the beach
8-1-2010 (Friday)
Relaxed morning; we took a long stroll along the coast to a small beach called Tamaranga. Felt really good, kids in the stroller.
Everybody seems to work out here. Beautiful and healthy people, wonder how it will be in the rest of Australia. Even the 9 months pregnant woman work out and look slim fit, and men proudly present their torso’s . Bondi is the real holiday feeling; surf and sun. Not that we are surfing but the other people are.
Had lunch at Tamaranga beach, walked back and kids fell asleep. We did some Shabbes shopping in Moses Grandmother kosher grocery shop. Challa, Grape juice and salty pickles.
At around 4 we went to the beach. Zeb and Ruben build a huge pool in the sand and a lot some other kids helped us out. Back in the hotel we lighted the candles and made Shabbes (enjoyed the food from yesterday).
Today no UGG price comparison but we did surf shorts for Zeb price comparison. Did not buy any today. Couple off days ago we’ve bought a shirt for Zeb and a purple/pink suit for Sharai that protects them from the sun and in which they can swim. All kids here wear this these outfits.
For Sharai we’ve bought an Elephant backpack at the Zoo, that has also a cord attached to she’s able to walk, but not to walk away; we can hold on to her. Sharai loves to walk, Zeb prefers to sit in the stroller at all times. This kids really enjoy the swimming in the sea but also love to watch dvd in the hotel. We brought a small dvd player that has a screen itself but also can be connected to the TV set.
Sharai eats everything and loves it; fruits, sandwiches, greens, Dora coockies etc. Zeb prefers peanut butter sandwiches and ice cream, having him eat healthier food is sometimes a hassle. But we’re getting there.
Relaxed morning; we took a long stroll along the coast to a small beach called Tamaranga. Felt really good, kids in the stroller.
Everybody seems to work out here. Beautiful and healthy people, wonder how it will be in the rest of Australia. Even the 9 months pregnant woman work out and look slim fit, and men proudly present their torso’s . Bondi is the real holiday feeling; surf and sun. Not that we are surfing but the other people are.
Had lunch at Tamaranga beach, walked back and kids fell asleep. We did some Shabbes shopping in Moses Grandmother kosher grocery shop. Challa, Grape juice and salty pickles.
At around 4 we went to the beach. Zeb and Ruben build a huge pool in the sand and a lot some other kids helped us out. Back in the hotel we lighted the candles and made Shabbes (enjoyed the food from yesterday).
Today no UGG price comparison but we did surf shorts for Zeb price comparison. Did not buy any today. Couple off days ago we’ve bought a shirt for Zeb and a purple/pink suit for Sharai that protects them from the sun and in which they can swim. All kids here wear this these outfits.
For Sharai we’ve bought an Elephant backpack at the Zoo, that has also a cord attached to she’s able to walk, but not to walk away; we can hold on to her. Sharai loves to walk, Zeb prefers to sit in the stroller at all times. This kids really enjoy the swimming in the sea but also love to watch dvd in the hotel. We brought a small dvd player that has a screen itself but also can be connected to the TV set.
Sharai eats everything and loves it; fruits, sandwiches, greens, Dora coockies etc. Zeb prefers peanut butter sandwiches and ice cream, having him eat healthier food is sometimes a hassle. But we’re getting there.
donderdag 7 januari 2010
Opera House, Botinacal Garden and UCGs
7-1-2010 (Thursday)
Jetlag is over. We had fruit breakfast in the room and then good coffee at ‘our’ coffee place on Hall street, Gusto. Sharon had her favo ‘Bircher muesli’ and finally she knows what kind of coffee she has to order; ‘Flat Milk’ (espresso and lot’s off milk).
About Gusto found online: Description
This fascinating deli-café will excite even the most hardened coffee culture victim. Hip and trendy, if it is comfort you want, this is not the place for you! There is some bar-type seating but groovy Bondi locals choose to sit on the milk crates delicately strewn across the pavement! Happy staff and a friendly, laid back atmosphere certainly make this a place to just sit, and drink coffee, and sit, and drink coffee, and...
The baguettes here are great. Freshly filled with wholesome ingredients, they go down well with some of the best coffee in town
Took the bus to circular Quay again and walked up on to the Opera building. Off course we knew it from pictures and from the ferry view yesterday. But from up close it’s even more impressive. We walked around it and had lunch on one of the benches next to the Opera building overlooking the harbor.
Sharon bought her first UCGs for a friends newly bornboy.
After this we walked through the Botanical garden, the huge garden ( a park) is located just behind the Opera building. http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
We had icecream together with a few huge birds that really scared Zeb off.
We walked through the city towards the shopping area and the kids fell a sleep. Sharon is fond of UCGs and shoes in general, her daily question is:”how much would the UCGs cost here”. The shopping street is Pitt street, we took the bus back through Bondi junction. Bondi junction is at the end of Oxford street, that runs from the center almost to Bondi. At Bondi junction’s a big shopping mall called Westfield.
At Norton Grocer (in Westfield mall) we bought groceries for a fortune, really a grocery jeweler. Compared to this the Cornels Schuitsstraat grocer is like Aldi. But it tasted good, so nothing to complain.
Sharon bought some white Birckentock shoes.
Back in our Honeymoon suite we had dinner in and took a family bath. We are skyping , facebooking and mailing like hell. We have an unlimited internet acces in the hotel so when the kids sleep we go online. Also the kids can now Skype with grandparents and friends. Zeb skyped with Jigal from his class and Sharai had a long conversation with grandmother Guya.
Today some bad news from back home. Hester are Danny are expecting a child in May, now it seems the aorta is on the wrong side. This will need to be operated a few months after birth. We talked to them and they are sad but strong, our thoughts and love is with them.
Jetlag is over. We had fruit breakfast in the room and then good coffee at ‘our’ coffee place on Hall street, Gusto. Sharon had her favo ‘Bircher muesli’ and finally she knows what kind of coffee she has to order; ‘Flat Milk’ (espresso and lot’s off milk).
About Gusto found online: Description
This fascinating deli-café will excite even the most hardened coffee culture victim. Hip and trendy, if it is comfort you want, this is not the place for you! There is some bar-type seating but groovy Bondi locals choose to sit on the milk crates delicately strewn across the pavement! Happy staff and a friendly, laid back atmosphere certainly make this a place to just sit, and drink coffee, and sit, and drink coffee, and...
The baguettes here are great. Freshly filled with wholesome ingredients, they go down well with some of the best coffee in town
Took the bus to circular Quay again and walked up on to the Opera building. Off course we knew it from pictures and from the ferry view yesterday. But from up close it’s even more impressive. We walked around it and had lunch on one of the benches next to the Opera building overlooking the harbor.
Sharon bought her first UCGs for a friends newly bornboy.
After this we walked through the Botanical garden, the huge garden ( a park) is located just behind the Opera building. http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
We had icecream together with a few huge birds that really scared Zeb off.
We walked through the city towards the shopping area and the kids fell a sleep. Sharon is fond of UCGs and shoes in general, her daily question is:”how much would the UCGs cost here”. The shopping street is Pitt street, we took the bus back through Bondi junction. Bondi junction is at the end of Oxford street, that runs from the center almost to Bondi. At Bondi junction’s a big shopping mall called Westfield.
At Norton Grocer (in Westfield mall) we bought groceries for a fortune, really a grocery jeweler. Compared to this the Cornels Schuitsstraat grocer is like Aldi. But it tasted good, so nothing to complain.
Sharon bought some white Birckentock shoes.
Back in our Honeymoon suite we had dinner in and took a family bath. We are skyping , facebooking and mailing like hell. We have an unlimited internet acces in the hotel so when the kids sleep we go online. Also the kids can now Skype with grandparents and friends. Zeb skyped with Jigal from his class and Sharai had a long conversation with grandmother Guya.
Today some bad news from back home. Hester are Danny are expecting a child in May, now it seems the aorta is on the wrong side. This will need to be operated a few months after birth. We talked to them and they are sad but strong, our thoughts and love is with them.
woensdag 6 januari 2010
Taronga Zoo and the Honeymoon suite
6-1-2010
Today we went to the amazing sydney zoo (http://www.taronga.org.au/). The travel going there is an experience by its own.
We took the bus to Circlar Quay, in between Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. From there we took the ferry to the other side of the harbor where the Zoo is located. On the ferry you have a view on the bridge and Opera house . Arriving at the Zoo ferry station we took a cable car to the entrance of the Zoo. The cable car go’s over the Zoo, so you can see for example the Elephants from the cable car.
We spent most of the day at the Zoo, the kids loved it and we too.
We got back at the hotel at 5. We got the keys to our new room, the honeymoon suite. Sharon was jumping around when she almost entered the room. Ruben told her not to expect too much….
Finally we arrived: we got a room with Jacuzzi, Sauna, three balconies, two TV’s, CD set and large dining room and a super beach view. Do we need to say more, Troostwijk family is back to nature. How will Sharon get an upgrade in a Campervan?
Ruben just went to the supermarket to get tonight’s diner, cause we will picknick in our own honeymoon suite!!
Tonight Sharon will pick up our first bags of laundry.
By the way Australia won the testmatch against Pakistan, with an amazing recovery. Pakistan was bowled out for 137 losing the match by 36 runs. Historic victory.
We indeed had dinner in. Ruben went to the supermarket, the liquor store and finally for Hurricane Grill. Hurricane Grill is a up market steakhouse that has great take-a-way. We got Lamb ribs, Hamburger, chicken and a Ceaser salad.
We had a bath with all 4 of us, in this huge Jacuzzi.
Tonight there is a Choepa (jewish wedding) in the hotel.
dinsdag 5 januari 2010
First day at the beach
We are going to start our day, with the knowledge that the sun will shine and temperature will be around 30 degrees. Heading for the beach, almost rid off our jetlag
We had breakfast at aquabar, on the far left of the bay. Ruben had the second best French toast ever, after the ‘suikerbrood’ french toast from Schiermonnikoog.
Zeb tripped from a small staircase, has a little bruise on his knee but was soon ok (when we promised him an icecream)
It seems Bondi is the Jewish center of Sydney (or maybe whole Australia), lot’s of kosher places and lots of Israeli.
On the left corner of Bondi Beach there is a kind of swimming pool in the rocks where sea water flows in and out. The pool is embedded in the sea, excellent for the kids. We swam there the whole morning. Around lunch time we put the kids in the stroller and walked around North Bondi.
We made some great pictures on the beach.
We had a relaxed afternoon, S took a pedicure and R watched some of the cricket. In the meanwhile S negotiated a better hotel room. Tomorrow we will be moving to the Honeymoon suite. How will that be Honeymoon suite with kids.
We had dinner together with Helen and Michael Gold, she is executive director for the Keren Hayesod campaign in Sydney. We had dinner in a kosher place called Savion. Good pita with chicken.
We had breakfast at aquabar, on the far left of the bay. Ruben had the second best French toast ever, after the ‘suikerbrood’ french toast from Schiermonnikoog.
Zeb tripped from a small staircase, has a little bruise on his knee but was soon ok (when we promised him an icecream)
It seems Bondi is the Jewish center of Sydney (or maybe whole Australia), lot’s of kosher places and lots of Israeli.
On the left corner of Bondi Beach there is a kind of swimming pool in the rocks where sea water flows in and out. The pool is embedded in the sea, excellent for the kids. We swam there the whole morning. Around lunch time we put the kids in the stroller and walked around North Bondi.
We made some great pictures on the beach.
We had a relaxed afternoon, S took a pedicure and R watched some of the cricket. In the meanwhile S negotiated a better hotel room. Tomorrow we will be moving to the Honeymoon suite. How will that be Honeymoon suite with kids.
We had dinner together with Helen and Michael Gold, she is executive director for the Keren Hayesod campaign in Sydney. We had dinner in a kosher place called Savion. Good pita with chicken.
maandag 4 januari 2010
Cricket
4-1-2010 (Monday)
Woke up early again (at 5), but everybody had a good night sleep. Cricket today.
Took the bus to the stadium, great seats at the Don Bradman stand. What a super cricket stadium.
The aussies were not doing well since yesterday and also today was not a great day for them, Pakistan ended the day with a 200 run lead.
Two guys in front of us were very nice and off course they were surprised to see a Dutch family visiting a cricket match.
Zeb and Sharon went to the members area and got some nice goodies. Ruben was not properly dressed.
During the testmatch they run a fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer on behalf of the foundation of former Austarlian fats bowler Glen McGrath, who lost his wife due to breast cancer last year. You could buy pink hats and other stuff. Tomorrow , the 3rd day, spectators has to dress pink. Today already lots of people were wearing pink.
We bought a cool cricket shirt for Zeb, pink cap for Sharon, pink bandana for Sharai and cricket cap for Ruben.
Back in the hotel we went for a swim in the pool. Heading for the restaurant Zeb felt a sleep in the stroller. So we had dinner with the three of us only, at Pompeii around the corner of the hotel.
Sharai got her pink ice-cream, she was longing for the whole day. We went back, Zeb woke up the next morning around 6 as all of us did.
Woke up early again (at 5), but everybody had a good night sleep. Cricket today.
Took the bus to the stadium, great seats at the Don Bradman stand. What a super cricket stadium.
The aussies were not doing well since yesterday and also today was not a great day for them, Pakistan ended the day with a 200 run lead.
Two guys in front of us were very nice and off course they were surprised to see a Dutch family visiting a cricket match.
Zeb and Sharon went to the members area and got some nice goodies. Ruben was not properly dressed.
During the testmatch they run a fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer on behalf of the foundation of former Austarlian fats bowler Glen McGrath, who lost his wife due to breast cancer last year. You could buy pink hats and other stuff. Tomorrow , the 3rd day, spectators has to dress pink. Today already lots of people were wearing pink.
We bought a cool cricket shirt for Zeb, pink cap for Sharon, pink bandana for Sharai and cricket cap for Ruben.
Back in the hotel we went for a swim in the pool. Heading for the restaurant Zeb felt a sleep in the stroller. So we had dinner with the three of us only, at Pompeii around the corner of the hotel.
Sharai got her pink ice-cream, she was longing for the whole day. We went back, Zeb woke up the next morning around 6 as all of us did.
zondag 3 januari 2010
Sydney city
2-1-2010 (Saturday)
Although a tough night with little sleep we had a very relaxed day. We had brunch at a nice place on Hall street,fresh fruit and a great omellete.
We took a swim in the pool when is started raining, amazing formation of clouds. We did a afternoon nap, it was difficult to get the kids awake, they basically kept on sleeping in their strollers. Even an icecream did not help to wake them up.
We went for an afternoon walk checking out Bondi. We had dinner in a noodle place. Kids watched Nijntje together in one bed and went to sleep. Sharai woke up around 5 and Zeb around 6, sounds early (it is), but after last night great recovery.
We both got a Vodafone prepaid today, for S we bought a cheap low tech cellphone. R uses old Iphone.
3-1-2010 (Sunday)
We are heading for Sydney center today. Very early breakfast with all of us at the place Ruben was yesterday also but then much earlier. Now 8 o’clock breakfast. Then took the bus into town, got of the bus on Elizabeth road, by accident next to the great Sydney Synagoge (photo moment), then walked to Darling Harbour. Daling Harbour is a pretty new development the state gave himself for it’s 200th birthday. Really nice harbor with a lot of thing to do like Maritime Museum, Sea Aquarium, Wild life center and lots of restaurants and cafes.
We went for the Aquarium and Wildlife center. Good that we were so early on this drizzling day. I think we were one of the first in the aquarium today. When we left around 11:30 the line was huge.
We saw crocodiles, stingrays, sharks,nemo and thousands of other fish in this really cool and interesting aquarium. Sharai only slept most of the time.
The wildlife center is better to do at the end of your trip. SO many venomous spiders and snakes in Australia brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. But we also saw Platypus and our first Koalas and Kangaroos.
We had lunch at the harbor at a place called Adria, kids had an icecream (grote mensen ijsje), we shared a steak sandwich and ceasar salad.
Wehen we alked back towards Elizabeth street to take the bus back we did some shopping in this very nice shopping center called Elizabeth building. We kept shopping down to shampoo and hair gel.
Back in the hotel we went to sit in the Jacuzzi with the four of us, Zeb loves to be in the water, weather or no weather. Had pizza in the room afterwards, little picknick. Zeb is not eating well, like back home.
All by all great day and first glance of Sydney. We already love it.
Although a tough night with little sleep we had a very relaxed day. We had brunch at a nice place on Hall street,fresh fruit and a great omellete.
We took a swim in the pool when is started raining, amazing formation of clouds. We did a afternoon nap, it was difficult to get the kids awake, they basically kept on sleeping in their strollers. Even an icecream did not help to wake them up.
We went for an afternoon walk checking out Bondi. We had dinner in a noodle place. Kids watched Nijntje together in one bed and went to sleep. Sharai woke up around 5 and Zeb around 6, sounds early (it is), but after last night great recovery.
We both got a Vodafone prepaid today, for S we bought a cheap low tech cellphone. R uses old Iphone.
3-1-2010 (Sunday)
We are heading for Sydney center today. Very early breakfast with all of us at the place Ruben was yesterday also but then much earlier. Now 8 o’clock breakfast. Then took the bus into town, got of the bus on Elizabeth road, by accident next to the great Sydney Synagoge (photo moment), then walked to Darling Harbour. Daling Harbour is a pretty new development the state gave himself for it’s 200th birthday. Really nice harbor with a lot of thing to do like Maritime Museum, Sea Aquarium, Wild life center and lots of restaurants and cafes.
We went for the Aquarium and Wildlife center. Good that we were so early on this drizzling day. I think we were one of the first in the aquarium today. When we left around 11:30 the line was huge.
We saw crocodiles, stingrays, sharks,nemo and thousands of other fish in this really cool and interesting aquarium. Sharai only slept most of the time.
The wildlife center is better to do at the end of your trip. SO many venomous spiders and snakes in Australia brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. But we also saw Platypus and our first Koalas and Kangaroos.
We had lunch at the harbor at a place called Adria, kids had an icecream (grote mensen ijsje), we shared a steak sandwich and ceasar salad.
Wehen we alked back towards Elizabeth street to take the bus back we did some shopping in this very nice shopping center called Elizabeth building. We kept shopping down to shampoo and hair gel.
Back in the hotel we went to sit in the Jacuzzi with the four of us, Zeb loves to be in the water, weather or no weather. Had pizza in the room afterwards, little picknick. Zeb is not eating well, like back home.
All by all great day and first glance of Sydney. We already love it.
vrijdag 1 januari 2010
First day and night of our trip
Year has started great, we are in Australia. Landed this morning very early in Sydney, Krismpy Kreme donut at the airport and then straight to the hotel at Bondi Beach. The Swiss Grand hotel is a little bit ‘oussig’ as we call it, rooms are spacious but a little bit overdue as is the whole hotel.
As expected the room was not ready when we checked in so we had to wait for almost 2 hours with hangover kids from the trip. Not that bad for us but more for the people in the hotel that had a real hangover from new years eve ;). First room was on a construction site so we now moved to a new room 525.
We slept for 2 hours in the afternoon. Sharon doesn’t feel that well, Ruben went shopping with Zeb, buying real necessities and sunglasses for Zeb.
We went to the swimming pool on the roof, real nice view over Bondi Beach.
When we checked in tickets for testmatch between Australia and Pakistan were already waiting thanks to KH and Bruce Fink in particular, our match day is Sunday.
We have ten days in Bondi, we will take the time to get used to the time difference and will then explore Sydney and enjoy the sunny beach of Bondi.
Long night. Kids felt a sleep at 19:30 but woke up in the middle of the night. Ruben first walked Sharai around Bondi Beach and afterward Zeb. Good way to explore Bondi. Walked along the beach and around the shopping streets. Seems to be a lively Jewish live with kosher cafés and shops.
Had a 6:30 coffee with Zeb served by Israeli boy.
The weather is great and a lot of young and happy people around Bondi, seems to have a good nightlife. Most people I met in the middle of the night walking Sharai were pretty drunk. Good to see it from the other side now.
As expected the room was not ready when we checked in so we had to wait for almost 2 hours with hangover kids from the trip. Not that bad for us but more for the people in the hotel that had a real hangover from new years eve ;). First room was on a construction site so we now moved to a new room 525.
We slept for 2 hours in the afternoon. Sharon doesn’t feel that well, Ruben went shopping with Zeb, buying real necessities and sunglasses for Zeb.
We went to the swimming pool on the roof, real nice view over Bondi Beach.
When we checked in tickets for testmatch between Australia and Pakistan were already waiting thanks to KH and Bruce Fink in particular, our match day is Sunday.
We have ten days in Bondi, we will take the time to get used to the time difference and will then explore Sydney and enjoy the sunny beach of Bondi.
Long night. Kids felt a sleep at 19:30 but woke up in the middle of the night. Ruben first walked Sharai around Bondi Beach and afterward Zeb. Good way to explore Bondi. Walked along the beach and around the shopping streets. Seems to be a lively Jewish live with kosher cafés and shops.
Had a 6:30 coffee with Zeb served by Israeli boy.
The weather is great and a lot of young and happy people around Bondi, seems to have a good nightlife. Most people I met in the middle of the night walking Sharai were pretty drunk. Good to see it from the other side now.
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