2 years and counting

Hi Everyone!

I am sitting here on a Sunday night "watching" the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France.  A year ago I didn't even know this competition existed, but here I am - watching the last match (I saw several others too but have to report the US did not do so well, let's just say its not our sport).

Many things have happened since I last wrote, not the least of which that spring has finally come!!!  We have been opening windows almost every day and I think will leave a few open over night (hard to imagine, feels like just yesterday we had the heaters plugged in and roaring).  I have to say though the most exciting thing to happen to us the past few weeks is our 2nd wedding anniversary and the amazing weekend away we had.

Let me start with - how the heck it is already 2 years?  It feels like the wonderful and memorable night that was our wedding was only a short time ago.  For all of you who were there - thank you again for sharing that night and event with us.  For those that were not, I will happily bore you with pictures by the hundreds the next time I see you :-)

On to our trip - the weekend before our anniversary happened to be a long one here in New South Wales (the state where Sydney is located) so we took an extra day off and jetted our way to....FIJI!!!!  Yes, we were lucky enough to find a great and reasonably inexpensive way to spend an unforgettable weekend in that beautiful South Pacific island.

We took off early on Friday morning and had a super easy flight (other than the fact we didn't get to sit together).  It was right in the middle of school holidays as well so there were many, many families on board - which means uneven numbers of people sitting together.  Bill and I figure we were the last ones to check in, so we got the left overs.  Both window seats, just one in front of the other :-p

Once we landed though - it was all couple all the time :-)  The taxi got us to the hotel in under 30 mins and we were on the beach sipping drinks before sunset.  We even had time to jump in the pool for a quick cool down.  The weather was perfect, and very much reminded us of Costa Rica.  In fact the plant life, laid back lifestyle completely reminded Bill of home.  I think he is really looking forward to Christmas.  But I digress.  We enjoyed the sunset (over the water for the first time in a while) and then found dinner.  Because the Westin sits right next to 2 Sheratons, a Radisson, a Wyndham and a Sofitel - there were plenty of restaurants to choose from.  We crashed early on Friday, thanks to our early morning wake up call, and slept great!  Westin beds are the best - and it was a king too!  

Saturday we got up and had some breakfast, then off to the activities hutt to get some kayaks.  We actually haven't paddled since we arrived and I know Bill was super keen.  The weather was perfect - not too hot and the water was warm enough to swim in, so I wasn't complaining.  We ended up tootling around for more than an hour.  Then off to the pool for lunch and drinks.  

The Westin has a private island they will run you out to, which is a bit more "rustic" than the main island - but there are chairs and a bar so all the necessary survival items exist.

We spent the last 2 hours of the afternoon out there - I was reading my book while Bill made friends with one of the island kids.  Such a cutie, maybe 7 or 8, and clearly used to hanging out looking for entertainment.  They played "cricket" (not really, pseudo cricket, but without the proper equipment, its tough to do) and rugby.  I think Bill like the distraction and exercise of chasing after the wayward balls.

Back across the water to shower and find dinner - and we caught the cultural show.  It was pretty cool, fire dancers and the like.  We are geeks about that stuff and try to take it in when we travel.  We loved the ones at Sandals Antigua last year.  Some live music and people watching later - we were off to bed.  

Sunday was a bit unplanned, much to Bill's short lived frustration.  I wanted to talk a walk around all of the properties and on our way we found an activity hut that advertised a day trip out to some other Fijian islands.  Bill was really keen - however it turns out you had to sit through the whole time share presentation, etc which we just didn't have time for.  Instead we headed over to the marina and found a tour company that would take us to Beachcomber (apparently the party island) for a half day adventure.  Perfect we thought (this is where Bill's frustration comes).  The problem was we didn't have enough cash or a credit card to cover both tickets and only had about 30 mins to remedy that issue.  We had walked over from the hotel and that took 20 mins or so, and Bill wasn't keen to do it again at a faster pace.  So he jumped in a taxi while waited at the marina.  He made it back with plenty of time to spare and we even had a chance to walk around the souvenir shops while we waited.

Beachcombers was a lot of fun - though not sure we would go back.  When we planned our weekend trip, we deliberately did not look for a resort on a smaller island - there wouldn't be enough time spent there to make the travel effort worth it.  This half day trip was our compromise and let me tell you, it convinced us that the resort on a small island is the way to go.  What a beautiful place the South Pacific is - the water is perfect color and temperature and you can do any number of water sports to keep busy.  We had a chance to snorkel (after our buffet lunch) and relax on the beach away from all the bustle and it was divine!  We absolutely want to go back and figure we can split the trip into a few days on a small island and a few days on the larger one (Bill wants to see the inland areas).

(note: would you believe we forgot our camera when we went to Beachcombers?  No, really - I am being serious. We looked at each other as we pulled out of the marina and said "did you grab the camera?"  Kind of a bummer)

We were back home for a pub dinner (we went to the sport and racket club) and rugby (Bill has gotten really into this can you tell?) then off to bed.  Monday was a bit sad because we had to pack to leave - but no complaints for us.  We did get to sneak in a little pool time at the Sheraton Fiji (where we would like to stay next time we go). 

We had an amazing time and most certainly feel it was time well spent.   If you guys ever look for a place to really splurge on for an anniversary - we highly recommend Fiji.  Its perfect!!!

of flowers and footy

Well everyone, its Bill and I am back by popular demand, or at least at my mom's insistence.  Well its finally spring time here in the antipodes.  The temperature in now over the legal drinking age, the cherry blossoms are in riotous bloom,  and the house is filled with the sounds of cleaning and preparation for summer.   Stephanie has put me to work installing screens on the windows, all 19 of them.  When that is done I get to raise the washer and dryer 14 centimeters on a platform yet to be constructed.  And then to the gardening.  Stephanie and I have big plans  for the back patio and the side yard.  We hope to create an out door dining and barbecue area.  

One thing this time of year always has regardless of whether summer is coming or going is Sports!  Fall is the season of baseball play offs and football back home.  Spring here is the season of footie finals!  By footie the Aussies mean just about every team sport that is played on grass.  Aussies seem to inherently know what sport other Aussies are referring to when the word footy is bandied about.  But god help the yank who confuses Aussie rules football, rugby union, rugby league, and soccer.    Rugby is perhaps the most confusing.  There are two different versions!  Rugby Union is the version most people have watched in complete confusion and with a dash of awe.  It is a game of field possession and controlling the ball.  Rugby League is considered by many as the poor man's rugby union. its a game started by the working classes.  It is a game of speed and ball movement.  I guess the difference in American terms is rugby union is a game for full backs and tight end and defensive line men, while rugby league is full of running backs line backers and wide receivers.

This year we are being treated to a special event in the rugby world.  The Rugby World Cup in being hosted by new Zealand.  No small feat for the Kiwis considering the host city of Christchurch was pancaked by a massive earthquake.   Parts of the city are still off limits because the buildings are still unsafe and power has not been restored.  The New Zealanders pulled together and have spread the games around the entire country.   It has been fun learning about the intricacies of rugby and following the the american eagles as the US rugby squad goes by, play their amateur hearts around against the powerhouses of the rugby world.  Next weekend they are going to  play the Aussies which should be interesting to say the least because the winner advances to the next stage.  I am more concerned the wallabies are not just going tho win but beat the Americans but assert their dominance as if we were a poor latin american nation.

I haven't even tried to explain Aussie rules to you all yet which is an allegory for Australia culture and history. but I will leave that tale for another day.  Until then keep your mauls moving forward your rucks honest and your scrums clean.

10 years later - an American outside the US over 9/11

Hi All,

I promise I won't prolong this post, but wanted to offer a few thoughts as an American living outside the US during the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

I still remember, much like everyone else I know, exactly what I was doing, where I was and who I was with on that day - I am not sure I will ever forget it.  Over the years I have had numerous discussions with friends and family on those exact questions, and we have shared a bond that I am positive we wish didn't exist.

Today, however I had a different discussion on 9/11 - one with my co workers here in Sydney.  It was an interesting perspective on how people outside the US were impacted by this momentous and horrible event.  For the Aussies, it is something to study - an unbelievable event that happened really, really far away.  My girl friend that sits next to me has watched all of the movies and shows that she could find.  Not one of my friends didn't feel for the US, and condemn the actions of the terrorists on that day - but it definitely was not personal for them.  I am usually able to talk about 9/11 without getting emotional, I have had time to digest my feelings from that day and move forward, but today I wasn't as successful.  Being surrounded by people for whom this was more a curiosity than an life affecting experience was tougher than I thought.  I had a few tears, and felt the love from my friends - though I knew it was because they didn't want to see me upset.  I don't want to diminish their sympathy, it just wasn't the same as sharing the story with someone who was closer to the event.

On the flip side - I spent the week last week in New Zealand (beautiful county, lovely people, I recommend everyone goes at least once) and caught up with another guy from the office.  He was so moved by the 9/11 tragedy that he went back to school to get his Master's Degree in Terrorism.  I didn't even know that was an option, but for him it became about understanding why, how and who would conduct such a horribly violent act.  He went so far as to visit Pakistan and ventured out to the remote areas, interacting with some of the tribes that run those parts of the country.  He was a little like a man possessed - but I could feel his passion for the cause.  I felt that he was as touched by the event as some Americans I knew- and motivated to do something about it.  Typically - finding a job in the "terrorism sector" wasn't as easy as perhaps he expected, thus his working at a software company.  But his interest in the subject and desire to know as much as he can is not diminished.

I am not sure what Bill and I will be doing on the 11th - but I will definitely be thinking about my family and friends back home, as well as my country and fellow Americans who lived through the attack.  I will also be thinking about those who did not make it - and hope their family, friends and loved ones are able to celebrate their lives and legacy no matter where they are in the world.  God Bless America

Catching Up -

Hi Everyone,

We have been remiss - though I am willing to bet that the few of you have given up on us.  I am going to try and update all the latest, so that next post can be all current stuff.

Let's see - in short, the cruise was a blast with the exception of the weather.  We had a ton of fun catching up with the Macrate clan (and Mudge's, Barbee's and Steer's) and experiencing the gorgeous scenery and wildlife of the Alaska/Canadian coast.  There were a ton of whales to see along the way (really, all you had to do was look out the window and there they were!)  The only thing we would change is the amount of rain that fell on us - it is very clear why that part of the world is so green and lush.  Ironically we heard while in Juneau, it was apparently 85 degrees a few days before which set record high temps.  We did a few of the excursions that were offered along the way, including a sea kayaking adventure and orca whale watching (at sunset no less).  Much to Pam's chagrin, no bears were sighted.  Overall - an excellent time was had by all.

We jetted back to California as quickly as possible after disembarking - though not without our share of plane delays.  Our excellently planned 1:00 arrival turned into almost 4:00 and a mad dash north up the 405 to our dear friend's the MacRae's.  Kelley and Jason had very graciously offered their home for a BBQ catch up with our home town "posse" and we didn't want to be late.  We rolled up just in time and had an awesome time hanging out with our friends.  Sunday was an opportunity to visit with Kelley, Jason and Dave - we ended up at the Malibu Winery enjoying the amazing weather (finally some sun for Bill and I) and good wine (except for Kelley, but that's cause she is incubating, so we excused her).  The day went too fast though - before we knew it, it was dinner time (Mexican, Bill and I were dying for some good Mexican food, its not the same in Australia).  Then it was back to Long Beach to see the Barbee's for a few hours more, do laundry, pack and get ready for the long flight back.  We didn't think we would get to see much of Steve, Nicole and family because they were heading to East Coast, but it turns out that they caught a later flight than planned so we had a chance to say a proper good bye.  Our flight back to Sydney was uneventful and Bill even got an extra day off the day we arrived (meanwhile I worked until 6:30, but I digress).  We had an amazing time in the states and can't wait to get back there at Christmas.

Phew...that was a mouthful :-p  On to our life since returning from the grand adventure has been busy.  Bill has been working up a storm and I have been travelling up a storm.  Seriously, I have been to New Zealand 2 times in the last 3 weeks (2 different cities, but still).  All for a good reason though - there are a lot of sales opps to be had.  We did make some fun 2nd anniversary plans (we are heading to Fiji!!!!) and the weather has finally turned (or at least it did this past weekend).

I would be remiss if I didn't also share our cat's wild adventure.  Anyone who has met our cats knows we have a lazy, fat cat and a mischievous troublemaker.  In the past, Sidda (the troublemaker) has made several attempts to escape the comforts of home - but has always (or almost always) been caught.  This past Saturday night, not only was she successful - but she had a whole girls night out before we realized that she was gone.  To be fair, I was sick (so much so I napped for 4 hours!  That never happens) and Bill was putting around getting things done but still.  We didn't notice she was gone until Sunday morning.  At that point I panicked a bit, we even made and distributed posters around the neighborhood.  I even had a hard time enjoying the first Husky game (hard to believe I know with the stellar performance they pulled out against EWU).  In an attempt to keep this story short, I can happily report that Sidda strolled on home just in time for dinner - in fact she was demanding it while she attempted to sneak in the house.  Diving through the window she snuck out of the night before - and walking right into the kitchen to eat.  It was hard to believe that nerve, but there you go.

As I typed, she has made herself comfortable on Bill's lap waiting for me to finish on the computer.  To that end - I will cut this off.  Until next time, and promise it will happen sooner!  Ciao friends!

Back to reality

Hi All - I am trying out a new look on our blog, as suggested by our friend Emily while we were in the US the past few weeks.  What do you think?  I figure it is a good step 1 and hopefully will have some time to learn more about personalizing the template as we go.  Stay tuned.

It is going to take a few posts to share all of our adventures in the US the past few weeks.  Most importantly we had a great time seeing family and friends, all who we miss every day.  I have also decided it is much, much harder to adjust to the time heading to the US than it is heading to Oz.  I never noticed that until now.  Still it was worth it making the trek and even though we have only been home a few days, I am excited to go back in December.

Our venture back started out with my family.  We trekked over from Sydney to LA and spent just a few hours in California before jumping a plane to Seattle.  I was worried that, yet again, the weather was going to disappoint.  Thankfully that did not come to pass - aside from a few sprinkles and clouds Thursday morning, we couldn't have asked for a nicer few days in Seattle.  We didn't do anything too exciting, but managed to get Bill up into both the Piper cub for a late afternoon/evening flight and the next morning we all hopped up to Friday Harbor for brunch before the family came over to BBQ.  I love that Bill has taken to flying in a way none of us kids have, at least to date.  He really enjoys and looks forward to his time in the plane (either one) when we visit my parents.  I am sure flying lessons are in his future :-)

Friday night my brothers and their families, plus my cousins and aunt came to Tacoma for dinner.  It was great to see everyone - I know getting therewas a pain on a Friday, but so happy they all did.  As much fun as Bill and I have in Sydney, we don't get that type of gathering very often.  Our nephew Elliott is getting super big and hopefuly prepping for the sibling that is coming at year's end.  He loves his 'Pampa' more than life but getting good at sharing his time and attention with everyone at events.  Its crazy how fast he is growing up.

Saturday we had a typical Rounce family breakfast - corn fritters!!  Its one of my favorite meals and no one makes it like my dad.  It was a great way to wrap up our visit with my fam.  Dad, Mom, Bill and I took off to Seattle to have our traditional meal at Elliott's (another Bill fave) and for the first time we got to sit outside and enjoy our food.  Bill and I actually got sunburned during our 90 minute meal, it was crazy!  It was awesome though - I would love for all of our Elliott's meals to be so gorgeous.  After eating we headed to the cruise terminal to start the grand adventure.  I expecting a nice, quiet send off - but should have known better.  As we were pulling up in the drop off area, a big white van pulled up behind us and after a few seconds of staring, I realized it was Bill's immediate family arriving from the hotel.  What are the odds of that?  We all pull into the terminal at the same time.  Craziness!!

Its getting late, so I will leave you with that.  More next time on my first cruise ever, it was amazing!  Ciao!

Time flies when your having fun

Wow - how has it been almost a month since our last post? I have to start this one by saying "Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary" to my parents. They have been amazing role models for the highs and lows of marriage, I know my brothers feel the same way. We have been lucky to have them as parents. Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

A lot has happened since our last post. First and foremost, we picked up our new car! His name is Ferghal and he is a Nissan X-trail. While not our first choice in color (its Gold/Bronze-ish) he does the job and does it well. Imagine a Honda CR-V and you will have an idea of Ferghal's size and shape. The name comes from the guy who sold us the car - a super nice Irish guy who moved to Australia a few years ago after some roaming of the planet, including time in the US.

Truthfully, aside from picking up the car, life has settled into normalcy (thank goodness). The house is mostly unpacked and we even have art on the walls. I am happy to report that Chez Barbee in Sydney is officially open for business. There is a room and bathroom and we are minutes walk to the train. From there 20 minutes to downtown (or the "CBD" as Aussies call it) which has the famous Opera House and Bridge. Both Bill and I are looking forward to guests as it will offer us a good reason to go out exploring :-)

I spent the last week in Auckland, New Zealand - who's winter weather reminded me of all those days in Seattle where it was cold enough to chill you, but not snow (at least in the city) and the rain fell with relative consistency. Aside from that, it was a great trip. The people I met and spent time with were lovely and it seems the "GFC" skipped NZ in the same way it skipped Australia. I am planning to go back several more times and hope to bring Bill along for one or 2 of those trips. I may stall until the winter ends though ;-)

Bill and I are off to the US this week for some time with my family in Seattle (where it is supposed to rain :-p) and Bill's family on an Alaskan cruise. When we first moved to Sydney, this trip seemed so far away - and now we are packing and getting ready to go. Kind of crazy. It should be a great trip though - I can't wait to see all the friends and family in the great PNW as well as California. Our great friends, Kelley and Jason are hosting a BBQ so we can catch up with everyone in one fell swoop.

I will cut it off with a promise to post more regularly and tell all about our holiday as soon as we get back. Ahoy mateys!

Its a small world after all

I am about to write a sentence I never thought I would: I am stuck in Melbourne Australia thanks to a volcano eruption in Chile. Who would have thought?

Up until now, I have remained blissfully ignorant of the eruptions happening around the world and the impact on air travel - Australia (as far as I know) doesn't have any volcanoes and we are thousands of miles away from the closest one (to my knowledge). Nonetheless, I flew from Sydney to Melbourne yesterday for a quick day trip (had a sales meeting in the morning) and by the time the meeting started, they had announced flight cancellations and restrictions thanks to the "Volcanic Ash Cloud" that had drifted into Australian air space. Thankfully I have family who are happy to take me in and provide a bed for me to use while I am unexpectedly detained in the area. Thank goodness for Nicole, Steve, Maddie and Lily!!

I rebooked a flight for tomorrow morning, very very early (6am departure) not sure until today if it would actually go, but the good news is the ash cloud is moving on to Tasmania (poor souls) and flights have resumed as of noon. A quiet day at home (mine or other) is always welcome, as it allows for catch up time on the things that never quite get finished while I am at the office.

God forbid if anything changes, I will be sure to let you all know - otherwise wish me luck! And hope that volcanoes around the world stay quiet for the next 24 hours. Till next time!