friendship

On our last day in Sydney (which happened to be my birthday), we all went our separate ways and did our own things. For me, that meant a quick trip out to Bondi with a fellow WWOOFer, and then back to Darling Harbor to meet up with another friend at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. And wow, was that ever beautiful. Nestled in between high-rises, a pocket of green tranquility right in the city. We spent our time wandering around the curving pathways and pausing in all the pavilions, catching up and trading tips on gardening, great reading, and self-enlightenment (really). It was so wonderful that after Sue had to go, I went around again by myself, really soaking up all I could. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday, and a gorgeous last day in Australia.

happy birthday fiona!

The birthday girl was having her face painted when we arrived

Fiona turned 60! A fabulous friend here in Daylesford had a birthday this last week and the party was great. A big Italian dinner cooked and delivered by friends from all around, plenty of champagne to toast the woman of honor, and our favorite face painter, Phoenix.

Sarah (in a fabulous vintage suit) and Ange

An over the top cake creation from a friend

The real action was in the kitchen

Rina's turn to be transformed

Rina, Fiona and I all decorated

With our creator, Phoenix

good morning

Enjoying some green tea in my new mug (a little treat to myself, couldn't resist that face!), and a sneak peak from last night's party. We're just packing up the car now for the first leg of our drive to Canberra. I'll blog from the road if I can, otherwise, see you next week!

pasca's party

Yes, Pasca's actual birthday was over a week ago, and we already had an amazing celebratory dinner in her honor, but this weekend was the party. The real fun. We all headed into Melbourne in the morning, and managed to squeeze a lot in our day. Started out with a delicious Japanese lunch, then went to town hall and took in a comedy show at the festival that's currently on. We caught a duo from Japan, very unique and surprising, and a real joy to watch. Not stand-up, more physical comedy, a short, adorable two person play. And no talking! Just great acting, a creative storyline, expressive mannerisms and a captivating soundtrack. The kids loved it. After that we meandered our way to a cafe for Pasca's birthday cake. Which wasn't really a cake at all, but a croquembouche. Très délicieux. Pasca was even the recipient of a random act of kindness, and received a few bags of lollipops and two chocolate Easter rabbits from a kind woman. She was as happy as could be. Then on our walk to Flinders Station to catch a train to Bounce (the main event), we happened upon a trio of 40s styled women, an a cappella jazz singing group! What the luck! After complimenting them on their outfits, and announcing that we were celebrating a birthday, they stopped and serenaded Pasca right there on the busy corner. Pure delight for us (and great exposure for them). Finally, after so many happy diversions, we made it to Bounce. A giant building filled to the brink with trampolines. The kids all bounced, flipped, twirled and ran around till they were exhausted. And then they found the dodgeball games. After that discovery it was non-stop game after game. It was a day overflowing with laughter, fun, and love. Happy Birthday all over again dear Pasca!

Everyone had a great time playing around with this fountain on the way to lunch, spelling things out and making little pictures with the colorful leaves around

So ready for her cake!

What could it be...?

Free candy! Another birthday wish! So happy

Sure do love this girl

Almost felt like we were in Europe when these little scavengers showed up hunting for some crumbs

The beautiful Pacific Belles, singing a special birthday song for Pasca

The kids were rapt

Ready to bounce!

Pasca practicing her gymnastics

Blossom looking like the embodiment of "jumping for joy"

Benson showing off

Maeve and Pasca and their crazy twirling

These three were thick as thieves, helping each other up these steep trampolines and then bouncing and sliding back down

Darius was pretty good at propelling himself off that wall

Dodgeball! Everyone assumed this silly position at the beginning to be sure there were no unfair advantages

Some took it more seriously than others

Go Pasca!

Benson getting ready to toss, and Hayden looking good! He was the last one standing a few times, everyone loved him! 

Jaida was intense! Bouncing around the whole court, scooping up as many balls as he could, cheering everyone on. Great fun