Off to Luna Park

On the Ferry - the kids first time!

Let the fun begin

Judah made his own fun!

Grace and friend enjoying another fun ride!




Somebody's had a BIG day!

Sydney Harbour

Luna Park - can you make out the 'smiling face' in the distance?

On the Ferry - the Opera House and Circular Quay in view.

Heading towards the Quay with the 'coathanger' in full view



Sailing under the famous 'coathanger'



All photos courtesy of Purcpective Prints

Organ Grinder minus the monkey

This looks like a good spot ...

Ok bird ... you dance and I'll sing!

Very funny! Now get out of my face and start dancing or the monkey get's his job back!

Valparaiso

A walk through the hills of Valparaiso brought some unexpected surprises ...

This majestic looking structure, immediately aroused my curiousity, it was literally 'tacked' onto the side of a very large (and steep) hillside! The approach is via a winding, narrow, cobble-stoned roadway!

Going down? Like the 'iceberg' there is so much more below ... than above!

And yet more levels ...

Would have liked to spend more time here but ... so much more to see!

Trip to Papudo

Although somewhat overcast, the temperature was a very nice 16 degrees as we headed north along the coast.

The drive north was a delight, as it was 'littered' with scenic beaches, exclusive 5 star Resorts: e.g. Radisson and many cliff-face panoramas.

Winding along the coast we occasionally entered a township to experience the wonderful vista the locals both enjoy and jealously protect.

I must admit, I found many wonderful places that I began to daydream about!






Arriving in Papudo (pronounced: 'pu-poo-do') we were surprised by the local architecture; Papudo is a small township by the sea about 1 hour north of Vina del Mar.





The buildings opposite the beach are very modern and favour 'highrise' over the more traditional style of building that can be seen as you wander along the boardwalk.






The modern 'boardwalk' contrasts sharply with the local 'huts'.



The beach serves a popular tourist attraction as well a a place for the local families to enjoy this magnificent natural resource. The beach here is in no way inferior to Australian beaches, with the possible exception of the colour of the sand!



The local fishermen share this magnificent beach as a 'launching place' for their deep sea exploits.






Very modest 'equipment considering the adventures undertaken!


I can't imagine venturing out too far in one of these vessels; but we are talking about 'hardened' seafarers I suppose.

Grandma 'teaching' the Twins

Of course grandma really enjoyed the twins also ... as the following photos show.

"Would you like to see the pretty pictures"?

"Um ... OK"

"But ... she's gotta do it too"!



"I am ... I'm listening REALLY hard"!



"Me too ... Slurp"!

Still struggling ... our 'mystery friend' is partially obscured in the first photo!

And now for a big finish ... over to Tess

Old Friends and New

Suffice to say ... I had a lot of fun playing with the twins. We were soon 'pulling faces' and making 'strange noises' a favourite playtime for ... ME ... you thought I was going to say the kids; didn't you?

" My goodness look at her tongue"!

"It's round like a donut"!

"How does she do that"?

Oh ... and if you didn't solve the puzzle on the first clue; here's another: 'imagine twins raising twins'!!

Visiting old Friends

It had been such a long time since we last saw one of our friends that we decided it was high time to rectify that situation. So ... off to Muswellbrook; our friends latest place of abode.

This looks like the place ...

Muswellbrook in the Distance

Lunchtime for the Twins!

If you look closely, you'll notice a bracelet on opposite wrists; to help tell them apart!

I'm sure, even my family are wondering who it was we visited so here's a clue ... her latest committment [helping to raise her sister's grandchildren] will keep her 'wanderlust' in check for a few years.