Back to Oz

- March 30, 2020

I was on my way back to Australia for a holiday, but before I could embark on that journey, I had to jump on the Contiki coach one last time. We travelled from Paris to London.

In London I caught the Tube to a Premier Inn near Heathrow Airport. A standard Tube ride consists of passengers keeping to themselves and avoiding eye contact at all costs. Well, this Tube ride was a bit different. There was a little boy singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I was also accompanied by a couple new friends I'd gained on the Contiki tour. I was the only one that was staying at the Premier Inn.

It was a nice change to have a full English breakfast, as opposed to the continental breakfasts we'd had on our 23 day tour of Europe.

It was also nice to see (and drink) some normal tea.

I should point out that this entry isn't about my current visit to Australia. This blog post isn't even about the visit before that. This blog post is about the visit before that one. Yeah, I'm a little behind, but quarantine is really helping me catch up.

Ok, so back to my trip to Australia that began in December, 2018. The next day I met Tegan, Alice and Steele at Heathrow Airport. We were all catching the same plane back to Sydney.

Tegan joined musical maestro, Steele for a little Heart and Soul duo on the piano. Alice was loving the free concert.

I usually catch flights alone, so it was nice to have some company. Teagan and I were in the same row. We were so close to having an empty seat between us.

Then a lady arrived to occupy the seat at the last minute, but I was happy with my window seat.

After a stopover in Singapore we touched down in Sydney to farewell new friends. I’d arrived in my home country, where I hadn't been for a year and a half. Once I saw this WiFi network (the one at the bottom) I knew I was definitely in Australia.

I'd made it to the land with the best snacks.

I left these odd chip infused chocolate combos on the supermarket shelf.

I didn't come back to Australia for the food. Ok, well, maybe it was a little for the food. Mostly, this visit was about the people. Mum and I hit up a cafe. I'd really missed Australia's cafe culture.

Mum drove me around to Grandpa's place to surprise him. Let's backtrack a little. When I booked my trip to Australia I decided I would surprise people. I wanted to make my big reveal at the Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) Christmas picnic. Why? Because why not. When I told my mum my plan I didn't expect her to keep my trip a secret from everyone, including my Grandpa.

I knocked on his door and waited. Needless to say Grandpa was pleasantly surprised, albeit a little shocked, to see his granddaughter for the first time in a year and a half.

I laid low for a few days. (Good practise for my current quarantine situation.) Then the day of the BMMS picnic had arrived. Did I just stroll in wearing normal clothes? You bet I didn't. I dressed up like a Christmas tree.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm so weird, but all of the time I just don't care.

I wasn't the only one looking a little strange. There was a game where you have to put a stocking on your head and put balloons in them. I think they were supposed to look like reindeer antlers. Bec didn't even know about the game. She was delighted to discover the tights she'd worn on her head could be used. Linda would've liked to social distance herself from Bec and her strange outfit, but settled for a hat and sunnies disguise.

Mirabai and Dani assisted Lachie.

There’s no need to tell me how majestic I looked. I already know.

It was all thanks to my assistants, Jess and Ryan.

There was also a running race.

Micah had ramped up his accessory game for the occasion.

I felt like a celebrity. I even had my own hashtag.

Even though I'd surprised my friends. I wasn't the star of the show. The star of this outdoor gathering was Henry.

Emma took him around to see his fans.

Another Emma couldn’t resist the cuteness.

I'd reunited with my show husband and we stole Henry from Amy.

Zooper Doopers were a must on this summer's day.

Mum and I turned up at the local shopping centre where I found Mitchell.

Emily was there too. And Santa.

Tench Reserve was a nice spot to appreciate the Australian sun.

I visited childhood friend Bec, Lucas and Chelsea.

I spent time with my mum and her friends from church, and some eggs Benedict from Black Cat White Cat Cafe. I was definitely back in Australia for the people and the food.