It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like....

Normally around this time of the year, I would already be sick of the cold weather, soggy shoes, and dark days. I would be gradually becoming more and more annoyed with the amount of Christmas music being played and the amount of Christmas decorations being put up. I'd be gearing up for a massive Thanksgiving feast and football games galore. Although, right now, more than anything else, I'm just immensely confused.

There are no recipes floating around for the best stuffing or cranberry sauce. There are very minimal commercials advertising Christmas sales. It's warm and sunny without a cloud in the sky, but there are Christmas trees in the city and angel decorations hanging from the light posts. I haven't heard a single Christmas carol. I haven't seen Santa. I haven't felt a bitter chill in the air or seen barren trees and brown grass. Somehow it just doesn't feel like "that time of year."

My wardrobe primarily consists of singlets, shorts, dresses, leggings, and sandals. My car windows are always down and I've always got a pair of sunnies close at hand. Sunscreen is a must now for my pale skin, but my freckles are making a comeback. Cold coffees and smoothies are refreshing treats and chilling at the beach watching the kite surfers is always fun. However, it doesn't feel like the "Holiday Season."

Where are my mittens and colorful scarves? Where's my wool peacoat? Where is the hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps by the fire? Where are the big bowls of split pea soup or chili? Where's my electric mattress pad and multiple blankets? No coats, no slippers, no hot soup, no fireplaces, no spiced tea, no hot cocoa with hundreds of marshmallows. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the reality of a hot Christmas. So far I'm not having much success.

In many ways I feel like I've just had an extra long Spring/Summer and I guess, in many ways, I have. However, with as weird as it feels to be wearing shorts and going to the beach in November, it will be fun experiencing a different type of Christmas and it will be a great way to finish out my year in Oz. Then my brutal awakening will come when I actually have to suffer through the cold and have soggy shoes again. But before I can get too stuck on adjusting to my coming home in January, I have to prepare myself for an upcoming trip. In December I will be venturing to Melbourne with my boyfriend. :) Since he's originally from Melbourne, he will be a spectacular tour guide. I can't wait! And I'll be sure to update you all on my travel plans. Don't be too jealous! ;-)

That's all I've got from my little corner of the world. Much love!



~A

Where the Streets Have a Name and are Filled with People

Over a week of being out of commission and only finding comfort in my bed or big chair, I figured it was time to venture out for a few hours and help kick this bug that's got me down. My friend invited me to visit the Beaufort St. Festival in Mt. Lawley (a suburb of Perth) this weekend. They literally shut down and cordon off  the street for the festival and mobs of people were everywhere. Face-painted children roamed the street hand-in-hand with their parents. Music of all sorts met our welcoming ears. Dogs of all shapes and sizes could be seen at every turn. Oh and the glorious smells of food that wafted through the air were nothing short of amazing.

There were some unique venues that we stopped at including the "Before I die..." interactive chalk board and "Wishing Tree." These were just two of the interactive hotspots for festival goers. All were encouraged to add something to the giant chalkboard that they would like to do before they died and of course, my friend and I had to do our part. :) At the wishing tree, we were asked to right a wish for anything and tie it to the tree. There were hundreds of wishes on the tree - everything from the ridiculous to the most heartfelt wish. It was such a gorgeous idea!

Karen also introduced me to another fabulous little cafe and one of the most delicious burger joints. Soto is a beautiful little corner cafe with great character. We enjoyed a short break from the hub bub and bustle of the streets while sipping on some cool drinks. Grill'd is a new favorite of mine thanks to Karen. The HUGE burgers remind me of Kopp's or Fuddruckers. Oh and it was soooooo good! I was the weirdo though and ordered a veggie burger but had to substitute a real beef patty for the veggie one. :) You would too when you saw what was on that burger for toppings - beetroot, avocado, tomato, salad, cheese, and some sauce I can't think of. Divine!

Now I'm off to finish out my leisurely Sunday arvo in Freo. An iced mocha and potato wedges with sour cream and sweet chili while people watching is always a pleasant way to spend a day. :) Much love from Australia! Hope you're all staying warm back home!

~A

Ticket to Ride

 

So it's official...I'm coming home in January. Well, that is assuming I get to Sydney in time for my flight. :) I have my ticket back to the states booked for January 11. Looks like my time in Oz is coming to an end...at least for the time being. It's amazing how fast a year can go, but luckily it's not over yet. I still have other travel plans in the works and Christmas is going to be spectacular! I'm not quite sure how I feel about a 40C Christmas though. It's going to be hot!!! I think a trip to the beach might be in order. :)

In the next couple months I'm sure I'll begin reflecting back on the year that I've had down under, but for now I'm going to live in the moment and enjoy every last minute I have in this wonderful country (until I come back!). The heat is creeping back and the pool has been a safe haven for the kids and me. Unfortunately, that means I spend way too much time outside and my skin still has not quite adjusted to the harsh Australian sun. Sunburn is no fun, but at least I know how to cope with it. :) And it's quite fun being able to say I got a sunburn in November when I'd normally be complaining about how cold it is getting back home. I better watch what I say though because I'm sure January will be a brutal welcome home!

As I prep for coming home there is so much to do, but I refuse to let the transition get the better of me. I've had heaps of fun here and I hope it keeps coming! Now, I'm off to finish some baking and maybe a coffee in the arvo. :)

Love to you all from the southern hemisphere!


~A


P.S. I forgot to mention that I got to enjoy a state fair of sorts a few weeks ago. The Perth Royal Show is the equivalent of the state fair, but unfortunately there are no giant cream puffs or deep fried beer or chocolate covered bacon. However, I did go on my first ever Ferris Wheel ride and for those of you that know me quite well, this was an interesting experience. I pretty much hated it at first, but learned to at least tolerate it. :) It was fun though. My favorite part of the show was visiting the baking competition. So much inspiration for new cakes and biscuits! And yes, that -------------------------------> is a cake. :)