i HEART ITALY

We are here in beautiful Italy and so far so good. Our flight was good, no problems with luggage or seating (exist rows seats baby!). Now that we are here and we have been able to get out and see and eat everything in sight I must say Italy is MY HOME!. I just love everything about it.

E is trying to readjust to the chaos. Driving, he finds in chaotic because down under the people drive in order, here in Italy, its madness. Its nice to see people dressed 'proper', with shoes by the way. I took some pics of our first brioche con crema and cappoccino. We have many friends and family gatherings to attend and I would like to take a few day trips around Italy so I will update with more pics soon. Ciao for now..

baci

E&R

Italia...Italia...Italia

Another sad apology for not keeping up with our blog. But I decided to return to let everyone know that ITALIA is on my mind. We are leaving today for the place I like to call home; Italia. We hear the heat has arrived which should be nice..wink..wink.. as its quite cold down here in Aussie land. Can't say I will miss Australia but E will for the time we are away. Blogging will continue while in Italy, I PROMISE.

Ciao tutti
E&R

000

My first experience using the emergency service here in Australia happened on mother’s day. Coming back from playing tennis I was the driver of our scooter (I am learning) and the OH was the passenger. Anyway long story short, I was taken away by the ambulance service and brought to the local hospital. I asked to be taken to one of the two hospitals that I am at least for work. I have private insurance as we do not qualify for the public health care system. While I was being transported in the ambulance all I could think about is the cost. The ambulance attendant kept asking me where I wanted to go as I had the option to attend a GP surgery which I would have had to pay out of pocket. As I am not used to a private health care system I was so confused and stressed during the ride to the hospital. I ended up crying all the way there as I didn’t know what to say. I just felt the pressure to make a decision, in the end; I asked to be sent to a public hospital as I figured the rest will work out. Arriving at the hospital, which I have visited before for work, I was greeted by a triage nurse who advised me wait where the “walk-in” emergencies wait. I guess this was because I was not dying and I was able to walk and had no other visible injuries other than my gash to my ankle. Three hours later (we were told the wait would be that long) I was stitched up and out of there. I asked the triage nurse if I needed to pay something but she advised me that I would receive a bill in the mail. Six days have passed and I am slowly getting back on my feet. I have not been at work all week, how bored am I? Very...lol. Overall I would rate my experience good better than my ER experience in Italy...lol. I will keep you all posted once the bill arrives.

Cheerios
E&R

Holiday, Holiday, Holiday:)

Oh what a holiday it was. We did the one year celebration up in Cairns where we went out to the Great Barrier Reef and all the other touristy stuff around the area. It was our first time traveling in Australia since our arrival so we were very happy to get away. Our main goal was to visit the Reef as we had heard so much about the area. We were torn between Lady Elliot Island and Cairns (day Reef trip) however since we are both not avid divers/snorkelers we decided on Cairns as there was more to do. In Cairns we went white water rafting, visited Kundra Park, the crocodile farm and many of the local tourist attractions. One thing we noticed about Cairns, which was kind of disappointing, we felt like we were in Asia (we have never been there). Many of store signs were in Japanese and the other Asian dialects. We found it difficult to find MADE IN AUSTRALIA souvenirs (mainly aboriginal art) to bring back to our friends and family overseas. Other than that small disappointment the trip was wonderful overall. If we had a choice we would still prefer to live on the coast however Cairns is a place we would visit again, mainly due to the weather as it was verryyyyyyyyyyyyy hotttttttttttttttttt. Here are some pics, enjoy!

Cheers

E&R

Biggest Croc ever!

Alexander Reef

The Lagoon (Cairns)

Temperature in Autumn:)

Great Barrier Reef!

For our first trip within Australia we have decided to head out to the Great Barrier Reef. I must say I am looking forward to this trip for many different reasons. The weather should be nice for the time we are there so we are crossing our fingers and praying that things don't change. Apparently even in the Autumn its pretty hotttttt up there. We will post some pics once we get back.

Ciao
E&R

Many wishes

We send our love, prayer and wishes to anyone effected by the earthquake in Central Italy

Ciao
E&R

Another language

We thought we can't be in Australia and posting about life down here without putting up some slang (only in Australia) words/phrases.


avos=avocados
barbie=barbecue
chook=chicken
bathers=swimming costume
bikkie=biscuit
brekkie=breakfast

bloke=male

brickie=brick layer

chewie=chewing gum

chokkie=chocolate

mozzie=mosquito

saltie=salt water crocodile

flat out=busy

flog=steal/sell

rock up=to turn up/arrive

smoko=to take a break

whinge=complain

sanger=sandwhich

snag=sausage

stubby=375ml of beer

stuffed= to be tired

arvo=afternoon

maccas=McDonald's

servo=petrol station

If you know of any others give us a shout

Ciao
E&R