Adventures in Hervey Bay: Sunday, 12 October, 2014

Our week was so full-on - it was supposed to be a relaxing week and it started off well. Monday was a holiday here (Labour Day) and so everything was closed. Dad and I totally relaxed - we even went for a nice walk along the Esplanade. On Tuesday, we went to Bundaberg - we invited Robyn and Geoff to come with us - Dad had to go there to have his interview to become an Australian citizen. He had to take a test on a computer with questions relating to Australia (a lot about the government and history of Australia). He passed!!! AND, he got 100%. We are so excited - he now has to wait for all the paperwork to go through and then he will be informed when he can go to a citizenship ceremony. It was a great birthday present for him! :-) After that, we went for a walk along a beach not far from there. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to be outside - the sun was shining and the sky was blue and the temperature was perfect!

After our lovely walk, we went out for lunch to a chinese restaurant which Robyn and Geoff's daughter-in-law had recommended. We each ordered two small dishes which we shared along with a large plate of rice. The food was delicious and it was fun to try so many different choices.

Birthday lunch for the birthday boys (Geoff's b/day is on the 18th)

On Wednesday, Dad got a call from work to say that they wanted him to go to Newcastle (about two hours north of Sydney) to teach another course. We knew the course was coming up, but we thought we would have another week at home before we headed out. But, that's the way it goes sometimes with Dad's work - good thing we can be so flexible. :-)

I went to see my doctor on Thursday - I had to make a list of things to talk with him about since it was going to be a few weeks before we would get back to HB. He did take a look at my arm (tennis elbow) and told me to continue to do the exercises and take the meds which the physiotherapist in Perth had recommended.

On Friday, we went up to a little town called Toogoom (about 15 minutes from HB) to see Bill and Faye (Bill is an instructor with Dad's company and we spent some time with them in Melbourne). We went for a walk on the beach (with their dog, Holly) and then had a delicious afternoon tea of homemade scones (baked by Bill), a Boston bun, rockmelon and watermelon. It was nice to catch up with Faye and Bill - we get along with them so well.

Low tide at Toogoom Beach - with Holly

Dad, Bill, Faye and Holly walking along Toogoom Beach

Faye, Holly and Bill

After we left Toogoom, we went to Robyn and Geoff's to meet up with them so that we could go to dinner in one car. There's a restaurant here in HB called Hogsbreath which sends you a coupon for a free dinner on your birthday. Dad and Geoff both received their coupons this month and so we decided to go out and celebrate together. We were planning on going out next week to celebrate (closer to Geoff's birthday since we had had lunch out on Dad's birthday), but since we were leaving for Newcastle today, our plans got changed. Everyone enjoyed their meals and we saved a lot of money. Not only did Dad and Geoff get their meals free, but I also had a coupon for a 'buy one meal, get the second meal at half price' - score!! :-)

Geoff and Dad with their free steak dinners

Yesterday, our friend, Denise and her husband, Robert, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their daughter and sons invited all their friends and family to join them at a local park for a barbecue and time to mix and mingle. We were really happy to be able to be able to share in this special day with them.

Me, Robert, Denise and Dad

This morning we flew to Newcastle (with a three hour layover in Brisbane). While we were in the airport there, we noticed a bunch of television cameras being set up by the major networks in Australia. A woman sat down beside us with a huge camera, so I asked her who the cameras were waiting for. It turned out that she was a photographer for a major Queensland newspaper. She told me they were waiting for the captain of the Wallabies (Australia's national rugby union team). Since we had lots of time to pass before our flight, we stayed where we were able to watch the goings on. After about half an hour, Michael Hooper (the captain) showed up. All the cameras surrounded him and when everyone was ready, the reporters started asking questions. It was interesting to watch and a good way to pass the time.

Television cameras setting up - the woman on the left is the newspaper photographer

Captain of the Wallabies being interviewed

Our hotel in Newcastle is very nice - two rooms - one a bedroom and ensuite and the other a living/dining room and kitchen. The fridge is a bar fridge and quite small and there isn't an oven, just a microwave and a two burner cooktop. There is a sport's club next door which provides very nice meals at a very reasonable price and so, after looking at the small kitchen facilities, we have decided to make our own breakfasts and lunches, but to eat our suppers at the sport's club. There is also a gym and a pool next door which we have free access to since we are staying at this hotel. I think we are going to enjoy our stay here. :-)