Two weeks ago we traveled to Australia with two other families from the Philippines to visit friends that had moved from here back to Australia. Of course while we where there, we caught up with old friends from our time in Bulimba. It was a week full of laughs, fun times and walks down memory lane. If I am being completely honest, I became overwhelmed with emotion as I walked the streets of Bulimba and the surrounding area. There was a true ache inside of me. I miss it dearly: the town, the friends, the lifestyle.
Writing this blog helped me sort through other emotions I have been dealing with this past week, too. We are getting ready to say, “See you later” to another family that is moving to Singapore. We have made so many wonderful memories with them, including the ones in Australia. I was full of tears and smiles as I flipped through the photos. One thing helped, though: We will definitely be saying, “See you later”. I just spent a week with friends from the Philippines, visiting old friends from the Philippines, running in to others that were also visiting and getting more laughs and hugs from friends I used to see everyday. What I have now realized is that I am such a lucky girl to have friendships all over the world, all the way from South Carolina to Australia. I will choose to be happy about those friendships and look forward to when our worlds once again collide.
The weekend started off right away with Hylton and Hannah Grace competing. It doesn't matter what, they just battle each other.
Glenn and Brooke set up a massive slip and slide that was fun for the kiddos AND adults. Seems it was too much fun for Tony, though, as he walked away with a cracked rib.
Always competing...
Hannah Grace was obviously not happy with that move!
Our second trip to the Australia Zoo. "Crikey!"
We had a lot of laughs just like the one you see in this picture!
Left to right: Brooke (I met her in the Philippines, but she now lives on the Sunshine Coast), Rachel (grew up in the Philippines), me, Kristen (moved from North Carolina and is now moving to Singapore).
I am soaking up these last months with Hannah Grace under our roof. One thing is for certain, these two will really miss each other.
The boys back together again!
Our last night all under one roof. Looking forward to next time!
My first time at the Eumundi Market. I had always wanted to go and it did not disappoint!
If there is a dog around, Ellis will find it!
I visited Mooloolaba many times, but never tried the Surf Club. Not a bad spot!
And then the aching began...our old stomping grounds.
I sure miss my nightly sunsets!
Just like old times with these lovelies at Love Street Park!
A trip to Bulimba had to include a stop at Pancho's and a visit with David!
I love the Customs House...
....From every angle!!!
I took Rachel on a 13km walk (with a few detours) to show her some of my favorite spots around Brisbane. Lucky for us, that included Main Street! (Confession: We only walked down it.)
South Bank
So happy to catch up with the entire Smith family! It has been 3 years since I sat down with Amy, but it was like no time had passed!
Representing all three of my worlds: Philippines, South Carolina and Australia
Hannah Grace COULD NOT WAIT to eat raw oysters at Doyle's in Sydney. She talked about it from the first moment she knew we were going!
Let's just say, they weren't Apalachicola oysters!
Perhaps our last look at the Opera House.
So happy to catch up with Harshita and her sweet girls on our last night in Australia. Harshita is my sweet friend that also lives in the Philippines. The best part of the photo, though, is my classic photo bomber!
