Leaving Home

So at the end of January after my last surf, my last farewell dinner, my last sleep in my non bedroom, I stepped on a plane headed for a Japanese stopover before Italy. The farewell at the airport was at times tearful but overall a real encouragement to see my family approving of my final solo voyage. The plane trip was fine and arriving in Japan I was able to see on the big screen the pilots landing abilities. There was a camera at the front of the plane which showed the landing strip racing up to meet us. As we touched down there was a sudden jerk to the right and the burly OZZY bloke next to me grabbed the headrest in front of him and let out a little yelp. I made my way to my hotel, tried on the complimentary slippers that managed to cover half of my feet.

After a restful sleep I leisurely made my way to an amazing buffet breakfast which I ate with a sprite young lady (78) called Ethel. After having a wander around and discovering that there was absolutely nothing of interest within walking distance. I jumped on the bus back to the airport. Another long flight to Milan, 3 movies, 2 sunsets in one day (yes 2 see above), 1 train, 1 bus later and I arrive in my final destination of Padova, Italy and am greeted by a couple mates I knew from San Diego.

After our group all came together from America, England (Including Beth!), Scotland, Italy, Chile and Australia, we took a day trip to Venice. The fog had stuck around from the previous night (which had delayed half of the group as they couldn't land) but didn't hinder the romance of this place. Although the fact there was a dozen people instead of just Beth and I did. Pretty cool place.

A couple days later we were off to Cortina, the site of the 1956 winter Olympics. We were spoilt rotten staying in a chalet owned by the Francescos family. We enjoyed ice skating, midnight sledging (after huge portions of food and wine), snow fights and of course snow boarding. The mountains here were so beautiful and impressive. The night we went sledging we ate a hotel at the foot of this huge wall of Dolomite magnificence glowing in the full moons light. We spent a few days enjoying the snowboarding and skiing in ideal sunny conditions and nights in the comfortable chalet playing games and chatting. One differnce that is always evident between Australia and Europe is the undeniable history present here. Like the 13th century house we stayed in for a night with original paintings on the wall or for example in Padova as we walked round one day Francesco pointed to an old observatory and casually told how Galileo was based there doing his thing. I was impressed cause I know Galileo is some famous dead guy you can read about in books, although other than looking at stars I don't know what he did.

From Italy onto England. Beth brought me down to Exeter where she is at Uni and gave me a welcome fit for a king. She wined me and dined me, Moroccan restaurant, home made shepherds pie and buckets of love. Met her housemates and even did a little karaoke on their home system. We went from here to Teignmouth, packed up Nannys flat with Dave (Beths bro ---------------> and Beths mum and then up to Sheffield. Well we went head first into wedding stuff. Marriage preparation course looking at reception places going to a wedding fair (woohoo). The last couple of weeks I have been trying to set up my stuff bank account, work, phone etc. Well I have been working doing Casual teaching which has been pretty good and a real blessing to have gotten into it so quickly. Living with the in-laws who have been so hospitable has been good. I generally am doing well and am keen to get into doing some sort of activity and some sort of routine.

Missing everyone at home and the sun (which I did see yesterday). Anyway love to you all.

JB