Australia Day 2 - NuSkin, Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Ferry, Bondi Beach

Although we are on vacation life goes on as normal for the majority of the Hall family.  The kids are great at getting themselves up and ready for school in the morning, serving themselves breakfast and then getting dressed in their school uniforms and ready to head out the door.  Even though it rained in the night and is overcast this morning, the wearing of hats is mandatory everyday for school children in Australia. Look how cute these cousins look dressed and ready for school! 

(reminds me of how cute Jack and Harriet looked when they visited

Aubrye's school on their Australian trip two years ago!)

With the kids gone to school and Matt taking over duties of Taylor and the household, we three 

travelers are off and running!  Because the skies seem a bit threatening of rain we swing by the

offices of NuSkin to pick up some Aussie sized umbrellas and have a general look around 

at the main reason the Halls have been in the country for so long.  Matt is nothing short of

a rock star here in certain Australian and Pan Pacific business circles 

 as he has rocked the world of multi-level product marketing and distribution in the region.  

Me and Carrie NuSkin Sydney Offices 

The NuSkin offices are actually closed this Monday, 

but Carrie's status as wife of rock star Matt quickly

gains us access through the locked doors

Sue shows her business smarts as she quickly goes

from working in the warehouse...

...to running the company from her corner office! 

(okay, Matt's corner office) 

local time and home-offices Provo time 

Heading to downtown Sydney we cross the Harbour bridge again, this time

approaching it from the other side - on our way to explore some of the most

well-known sights in the area!  

We head first to the Circular Quay (pronounced "key", duh!) waterfront

area which is basically a circular wharf with shops, restaurants, pedestrian walkways

and access to harbour ferries, trams, spectacular views of the bridge and a 

straight shot to the iconic Sydney Opera House. 

looming before us, the clouds seem to mimic it's unique shapes and hues 

Me and the Opera House, somewhere right near where Oprah stood, I'm sure.

This building is so amazing with its many angles and different surface textures, 

one could stay and take pictures all day and none of them would be the same. 

There is also a nice photo op with the bridge here 

We walk on beyond the Opera House and explore some of the

 Royal Botanic Gardens from the walkway which wraps around it at the harbour

more nice views of the Opera House 

Pete's awesome sisters 

On our way back over to catch a ferry across the Harbour Sue and I spend a moment getting to know more of the locals.... 

We catch a ferry that takes us out of the Circular Quay and across the harbour, under the bridge to the 

northern side where we disembark and go in search of some lunch.  

On the pier of the dock is the famous "Luna Park" amusement park with its distinctive maniacal happy face that greets all of the lucky children who get to visit there. 

 The ferry ride starts out with some great views of the 

Opera House from the harbour, the downtown Sydney skyline, 

and of the underside of the bridge. 

two years ago Pete and the twins took a ferry ride across the same harbour - they

came straight off the plane so they look a bit more tired this day

Luna Park...

welcomes you! (bwah ha ha ha ha!!) 

more photo ops - view of Opera House from other side of the bridge 

there are some beautiful open lawns in the park area under the bridge pylons 

before long we find and settle on Stir Crazy Thai for some lunch 

self portrait of the ladies who lunch 

cold can of coke, chilled water, chicken curry with vegetables and rice - the perfect lunch

after a most satisfying lunch we stroll around the quaint neighborhood - 

lovely bouquet of umbrellas for sale at this flower shop

Opera House view from under bridge

Before long we say farewell and hop on the ferry that takes us back across

the harbour.  Luna Park looks a bit disappointed as another potential victim slips away...

After returning to our point of origin we take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood next to the Harbour known as The Rocks.  This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sydney, and is named after the sandstone rocks that the original settlements were built from. The area still has many of the curved narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, original structures and rustic charm reminiscent of it's early days.

There are historical markers, small cafes and pubs, quaint row houses, 

historic walks and a street market on Saturdays which showcase The Rocks

varied architecture, local culture, and diverse neighborhood population.  

View of the bridge from The Rocks 

makes one wonder how many lives that cat actually has left....

The Rocks is also well known for it's numerous classy craft and souvenir shops -

  I purchase several gifts here including a delicate
Christmas tree ornament of the Harbour Bridge carved in wood - 

but no Kangaroo Scrotum bottle opener or cigarette lighter.

A portion of the Bridge Walk also passes over this section of The Rocks - 

in a few more days that will be us in our jumpsuits and cable tethers! 

For our final tourist destination of the day we drive from the Harbour over to what is

probably the most famous beach in Sydney and Australia, beautiful Bondi Beach. (Long I)

Although in all the photos I have seen of Bondi there are scores and scores of beautiful

Australians sunning themselves on the sand and playing in the waves, today it is nearly empty,

with the board riders in the surf easily outnumbering the shell seekers on the shore. 

Although we've carried our over sized NuSkin umbrellas with us all day long as a talisman against

the rain our luck runs out when we tempt fate and leave them in the car at Bondi.

A few drops soon turn into a steady fall of rain which quickly becomes a heavy downpour. 

We fetch the umbrellas from the car and stick to our explorations 

but are soon nearly as wet as if we had waded in the ocean.  

Tidal pools of Bondi 

Along the car park wall are some sanctioned spray paint works of art, many of

them promoting the good name of the local's favorite beach - we check them out

on our way to the car in our last little bit of sightseeing on this long lovely day of discovery.

Australia Day 1 - Arrival, Zach's Baptism, Hanging with the Halls

G'day mates!  Yes, I'm back from Down Under and now attempting to recount our journey on the blog!  I want to say thanks to all of you who supported me in so many different ways in taking this trip. Especially thanks mom for coming down and taking over my duties for one week, and Grammy Ann for being a support to her and the kids. Thanks Pete, dad, Carol-Diane, grandparents, friends and everyone else who supported me through other means. Going to Australia with Sue to visit Carrie and family was absolutely amazing, and because you were all so supportive and excited for our journey is the reason that I am eager to share this all.  And especially thanks to Carrie and the Hall family.  If you are going to a foreign land where you have never been I highly recommend having family there to pick you up at the airport, give you free food and lodging, provide transportation and detailed tours of the area, and dispense insight and tips that only a local would know. And thanks Aubrye for giving up your comfy bed for me! You guys could not have been better hosts.

Like our vacation itself, I'm going to take it day by day.

Sue and I flew out of LAX late Friday evening, just about Saturday morning by the time the plane took off. After a light meal the cabin is basically shut down and everyone is supposed to go to sleep.  Luckily I was already nodding off while watching The King's Speech on my own personal in-seat entertainment system, so it was easy to put in earplugs, put on the eye shield, and take a bit of a nap. (I did actually enjoy that movie, however it was conducive to sleep)

I was a bit amazed when I woke up later, checked the time and realized we were now nearly 9 hours into the 14 hour flight.  It was still dark outside and in, but I was awake enough to watch The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and eat a snack.  After a bit we were getting closer to Australia, it was cloudy and windy and the plane started experiencing a bit of turbulence.  The staff began to serve breakfast, but had to take quite a break while the seat belt sign stayed illuminated due to the bumpy ride.  As we approached less than two hours left in the flight it was still bumpy, and I was starting to feel it.  I distracted myself by watching several episodes of Modern Family while anticipating landing.  After a brief repose the turbulence started up again, and while I can take the side-to-side rocking, it was the up and downs that was starting to affect me.  Then, on approach to Sydney with the ground finally in view, we began our descent while the (meager) contents of my stomach began their ascent.  At the exact moment we touched down I was hiding under a blanket using the beautiful air sickness bag.  Sue sitting next to me claims she didn't even notice, I was so discreet.  I immediately felt better, and felt absolutely no ill after-effects of the flight.  Problem solved in less than 10 seconds.  After a quick mouth rinse and sucking on a mint, and I was ready to disembark!

It was now Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. in Australia, we had left Saturday behind when we crossed the international date line.

We quickly made our way through customs and headed toward our designated meeting point with Carrie, which was the airport McDonalds. Despite a bit of rain and construction traffic Carrie and Aubrye showed up at the McD's only a few minutes after we did! Just the first in a series of happy events to come our way in our week ahead together.

have luggage, ready for adventure! 

Sue, Carrie, Aubrye at arrivals 

On our ride from the airport to the Hall's home in north Sydney we get our first

glimpse of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge when we drive right across it. 

When plans for our visit were in the works Carrie arranged to have Zach's baptism scheduled for this

Sunday of our arrival.  We catch up with Matt and the kids and attend the last two hours of the Hall's church, with plans to return later in the afternoon for Zach's big event!  Arriving home we take part

in a Hall Sunday post-church afternoon ritual, fresh warm pancakes served with syrup, fruit and powdered sugar! 

church building in Baulkham Hills 

sign out front - on top is a Minah (?) bird - they, along with

 other tropical birds such as cockatoos were seemingly ubiquitous! 

Aubrye (aka Madi) with heart shaped pancake - photo sent to Harriet 

with love from one of her most favorite people

Zach's baptism invitation

Not long after finishing the clean up from lunch it's time to pack up the baptism buffet and return to the church to prepare.  The church building is not too far from the Hall's place in Castle Hill, and is home to the Baulkham Hills ward that they attend.  The baptism was well attended and the program was very nice. Zach and his siblings sang a song, and Carrie and some others spoke briefly.  Then it was time for the actual baptism.  Matt did a great job, and Zach could not have had a bigger smile on his face!  One funny thing to note: like most baptismal fonts this one had a partial glass partition that the congregants view the baptism through, with an angled mirror overhead.  The kids will often crowd the glass partition, wanting to be as close to the action as possible, while the adults will watch over their heads or in the angled mirror.  Taylor had his face smashed up against the glass for the entire time, and when Zach came up out of the water he said loudly "My turn daddy!  Now it's my turn!" We all got quite a chuckle out of that. 

From there we returned to the primary room for the confirmation, and then it was time for the afterparty!

Carrie had prepared a few things such as veggie and fruit plate, hummus and crackers, cookie bars and a delicious southwestern salsa dip served with tortilla chips.  Her awesome ward members had also brought an amazing array of food, we had quite the spread!  There were small squares of gourmet pizza, typical Aussie sausage rolls, chicken salad w/cashew sandwiches with the crusts cut off, individually packaged Korean crackers, white chocolate chip cookies and fizzy lemonade. And some astute soul had even brought small cups of red and green jello!  

The kids all very much enjoyed that cultural treat. 

The members of the Hall's ward were so kind and it was obvious that they are all very fond of the Halls and were more than happy to be pitching in and helping with this important event. The Hall's next door neighbors were invited and came, and member friends from their previous ward were there as well.

But I like to think that the visitors that came from the furthest away were Zachy's favorites! :-)

Zach and his family

siblings singing 

baptism buffet

Carrie with ward friends and family

Aubrye smiles with her green jello cup 

Zach with his buddies 

Early evening and we return to the Halls.  Sue and I are beginning to fade just a little bit, but we think we've held out pretty good today as far as being jet lagged goes.  Once everyone is cleaned up and changed from the day, it's time to explore what fun things we brought in our suitcases!  Carrie had made a few special requests for products from the states, there were a couple of birthdays to catch up on, and Harriet had hand made a couple of cards and notes and presents for her cousins.  

cover of the birthday card Harriet made for Zach

dixie cups - one of Taylor's favorite finds

lego game for Bryson

and more for Zach.  We love and miss our cute cousins!! 

Well, by this time the sun had set on Sue and mine's first day in Australia, and it was officially okay to crash and sleep for the next 10 or so hours.  As previously mentioned Aubrye (and Bryson!) had willingly and graciously given up their rooms and beds to me and Sue. It didn't take me long at all to appreciate this, as I was out before I even remember.  (upon arrival home Harriet informed me that Aubrye had texted to her "your mom was asleep before eight o'clock tonight!" yes, yes I was)  In the morning we would wake up and be on schedule, adjusted completely to Australia time and ready to explore and learn much more about this amazing country and all that it has to offer! 

   

Roadshow follow-up

Here is a link to the article written in the Church News about our stake's recent Roadshow. (see previous post).  Some of the shows were so amazing and well put together, and the article definitely focused on those, not even a mention or a photo of our little Lake Forest ward.  We often like to say our ward is in the Santa Margarita Stake, but not of it, as the stake has quite a few wealthy and influential people in it.   The Pat Brokaw interviewed in the article is the nephew of Tom Brokaw, he is our stake's YM's president, and he has spoken before about his famous uncle, his relationship with him (very good) and of Tom's friendship with Gordon B. Hinckley.

Click here for the Link

Hit the Roadshow

In recent weeks Harriet, Jack and Peter have been working hard on practicing with the other youth and preparing for our ward's production in the stake Roadshow. This is Harriet and Jack's first time being in the roadshow so they have been excited about the process.  Pete, who was in roadshow as a youth, would have been happy to have never gone near a roadshow again...but he was a great behind the scenes guy. 

Last week was the big premiere, and Jed and Henry and I were excited to attend and see what all the fun fuss has been about. 

The Stake Center was transformed into a proper show venue -

red carpet entrance past balloons, streamers and title marquee -

just inside the door is a ticket booth and refreshment stand 

the first night we went was a snack free-for-all 

cups of popcorn and multitude of candy.

The second night was a bit busier and "tickets" for 

refreshments were more readily enforced 

Lake Forest on the marquee - 

The Roadshow theme was "We Seek After...."

Lake Forest's entry was entitled City of Virtue and was

a modern day telling of The Wizard of Oz -

Dorothy has a bad day and faces temptations but goes on a

journey and meets others who support her in seeking after a virtuous life 

Harriet and Jack are the youngest of the youth, so they didn't have any major parts, but 

worked in small supporting roles and dancing in group numbers.

 Their parts included: 1) peppermint candies in the Candy Land scene 

and

2) Gang members in the Kung Fu fighting scene 

I have to say while overall both my kids had fun in the roadshow,

Jack pretty much had a blast and surprisingly has a flair for being on stage. 

Backstage at the Roadshow....

Peppermint Jack

(and Pete in stagehand black behind him) 

Jack and Harriet in their costumes 

after the second show - picture with dad by the ticket booth 

(cast photo after the final performance)

Roadshow is in so many ways a thankless job, we have some wonderful youth

 leaders including Pete who made the experience one to remember. 

Thank you everyone!