Happy Holidays

Happy New Year, my friend. I’ve been having a great time during my first holiday season away from home. Thank goodness for good friends, amazing weather and scenery, and good food.

I spent Christmas week in Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales, which is about two hours south of Sydney. My friend Steve Turnock grew up in the valley, which is one of eleven true valleys in the world, meaning that it is completely surrounded by mountains. Steve’s mum, Libby, wearing a long floral dress, picked us up from the train station in Bowral in an ancient red Volvo. We drove deep into the countryside, climbing up the mountain and, seven hairpin turns later, we were down into the lush, sunny valley.

The Turnock’s house is an old school building from the 1800s. It was a very cozy place, where Libby ruled from her station in the kitchen. I was not permitted to do any dishes or help with any of the exquisite meals that Libby prepared. Instead, I went for bushwalks on the Turnock’s farm and in the nearby national park. Or I lazed around the house, drinking tea and eating shortbreads. On Christmas Day, we had a traditional Aussie lunch: cold meats and lots of lovely salads. Most people find it too hot here to make and eat turkey with all the trimmings.

I took the train back to Sydney on Boxing Day and quickly found myself amid the throngs of people on Bondi Beach. It was a balmy day at 28 degrees Celsius and I thought I could get used to the white sand Christmas. Since arriving back Sydneyside, my days have mostly been comprised of exercise, beaching, and catching up with friends. What a life.

On New Year’s Eve, a big crew of exchange students met up at Yarranabbe Park, overlooking the Sydney Harbour. We staked out our spot early in the day and spent much time trying to stay cool until the raging sun set. Another gourmet event, we snacked on Eva’s specialty: duck sandwiches with fig and brie. I had made my stuffed grape vine leaves and the German contingent provided meatballs, pasta salads, olives, etc. By nightfall, the park was packed but the crowd was mellow. Someone fired up the speakers in their truck and an impromptu dance party erupted in the street next to the park. At midnight, the fireworks were beautiful over the Harbour Bridge and I found myself safe in the arms of a very handsome and chivalrous US Marine who was part of our group. I think it was my best New Year’s ever.

I leave for South-East Asia in a few days and my days have been taken up with packing, organizing, running errands and saying goodbye. I’m excited to be off on a new adventure but I’ve also been learning how to enjoy these moments, these last days Sydneyside.

More soon about the Blue Mountains and the Sharatts, my gracious hosts in Sydney. Lots of love to everyone back home.