you ask what is JLR well our beautiful guest from Bali has just left Sydney. What a week. Day 1 waiting at Airport with sons and four large signs welcoming our guest so glad to see her smiling face as she passes through customs, then all in the car and return to our home Novi is exausted has not slept all night so just wanted to shower and sleep (no problems) first meal what else BBQ which she thoroughly enjoyed. Day 2 tour our Southern Beaches and Rivers soo many photos lunch at South Cronulla and then home. My husband had to go to work so the girls go shopping. Could not believe get out of lift into local shopping plaza and believe it or not 3 nice bags for $5.00 could not believe explained to Novi not normal prices so she purchased 6. Then off to the mall and Westfields purchasing clothes for her and presents for family and friends (even tried to bargain in Michael Hill Jewellers (the sales lady was wonderful just laughed) then they exchanged business cards Novi explains if you come to Bali just call me and I will look after you. Day 3 trip to the Zoo thought ferries best way to see our beautiful harbour and what a day. We drove to relatives house on the water balmain east and I explained to Novi difference of house prices here compared to our modest home she was amazed at value of houses here in Oz. Beautiful weather so down to first ferry from Balmain East to Circular Quay just the look on her face was worth it she just loves Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House (again soo many photos) then off to the Zoo (must see Koalas and Kangaroos) Well the grounds of the Zoo amazing and views incredible (it has been years since we took our sons) but all the animals asleep but did not worry Novi but come hell of highwater had to get photo with Koala worth the wait in the queue they are wonderful 5 hours later then back on ferry and return home. Thursday off to Cabramatta to food shop for Nasi Goreng Ingredients and presents. We had a great time and Novi spent up again. Then off to visit friends with brand new baby (they met Novi in bali 3 years ago) then off home to prepare some Nasi Goreng and a traditional balinese salad (I have forgotton name but tasted great) It was wonderful watching my son and Novi preparing our late lunch/dinner. Then off again to see the City in the night and a train ride for Novi (already been on ferries & buses) more photos opera house botanic gardens harbour bridge then walk up pitt street getting a bit tired we went into pitt st mall and Novi spotted Valley Girl I said it was probably expensive but we ventured in, could not believe it everything reduced to prices I have never seen before tops for $2.50 jeans for $7.50 she had a splurge so more presents for herself and family. Walk back to the Quay and returned home by train. Last day of touring the Blue Mountains well the weather was wonderful and again I have not been there for years wow how it has changed it was incredible and another success Novi just loves the place had devonshire tea and meat pie (not impressed with the meat pie though) but she tried everything. Last day just quiet day at home with visitors coming over to talk with Novi and another BBQ Novi prepared another Nasi Goreng (which our visitors thoroughly enjoyed) Late night and early start as had to be at airport at 6.00am
Last day
Alarm sounded at 5am and we woke Novi to prepare we were all very solemn all exhausted and saddened because this week has gone so fast checked in at Airport and more photos and then the moment we had to say goodbye until we go in August many many tears as she walked away from us and still very sad now but bringing Novi to experience Australia was one of the best things we have every done other than our beautiful sons. So if you are thinking about bring a Balinese friend to Oz do not hesitate it was great.
anyway
that is all for now
Maryanne