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Rendezvous after 7 years with "our man in China"

Rüdiger in Sydney. We can't be living at the far end of the world. At least, an old friend from Claudia's time at the CDI has found us here: Rüdiger was based in Beijing for the last 4 years, and is enjoying a holiday in Australia in November. Departure and finish point for his trip to the Red Centre is Sydney. We introduce Rüdiger to local customs: After work on Friday night we have a BBQ of kangaroo steak. The kookaburras are laughing in the back drop, and the sulphur-crested cockatoos also come over for their regular evening drinks from the pool. Quote from Rüdiger: "I am really a city-guy, but these birds are really fantastic!" On Saturday we meet up for a breakfast at Bondi Beach, and after Rüdiger's return from the Red Centre we organise a final...

A seafood-BBQ with a view: At Milk Beach after a Thursday's work

... Evening in Nielsen Park. We greatly acknowledge the drive of Alex, Pascale, and Belinda to follow our invitation to a BBQ in Nielsen Park, despite a long day's work and a recent weather change that sees a freezing cold front come through. No expenses are spared for Rüdiger: Oysters, prawns, and tuna BBQ with fresh salad and deliciously fresh bread at (a freezing cold) sunset with views over city and harbour. We quote Rüdiger again: "During my 8 days in Australia I have had 7 BBQs!". The very best about Rüdiger's visit, however, is that we are not estranged at all after all these years we hadn't met. Rüdi, we hope to see you again very soon, and we wish you all the best for you next job in Paris!

"Layers over layers" is the title of this installation

Sculptures by the Sea. The rocks and cliffs between Bondi and Bronte are subject to a meeting of strange creatures during this season. Bulged men from metal, elegant whale forms, a melted ice cream van, giant corals from glittering plastic foil. Sculptures by the Sea is an open air art exhibition where the installations are designed into the landscape. We are here on a day when the temperature in the shade reaches the high 30s. Just before we faint from a heat stroke, Peter quickly takes the picture on the right.

A desert after the hard work is done

Puff and Pufflings. We had mentioned our house and water dragon in previous reports. Just after we had moved in we had taken a photo of Puff in the pool, and she also features prominently in our photo gallerie "Pets" in Turramurra. During the winter Puff had disappeared, and we had almost feared that she might not be in this world any more, when one afternoon in November Claudia walks into the "bushy" part of our garden and surprises Puff in laying eggs. Naturally both Claudia and Puff get a big scare, and Puff runs seeking shelter. Hence, the nesting hole in the ground is uncovered. Claudia counts 10 eggs, each around 3cm long, in a hole which is 20cm deep. Claudia hides behing a tree, Puff returns back, checks out the eggs, and covers the nest with soil and plants. In January or February we will be expecting a large dragon family. If these aren't exotic pets! Will they all be swimming together, like a family of ducks and ducklings?

Our Kayaks are getting famous

UBD. Our hobby photographer Peter, who just cannot leave the house without his camera, and who shot most of the beautiful photos on this web site, has landed his first commercial coup. One photo from our kayaking holiday to Fraser Island has made it onto the title page of the UBD street directory 'Sunshine Coast' (4th edition). If that is not a success story! Surely one cannot retire after such an incentive: Our next goal is to make it onto the title page of the Sydney street directory.