Off on another adventure…...

We have started another two months of travels - first a week in Paradise Point (near Surfers Paradise, Australia) with Johno's daughter and family, followed by the UK (Suffolk and Scotland), France (Paris, Albi in the French Pyrannees, and two weeks on a self-drive barge in southern France), Italy (Lake Como, including a few days in Bellagio), Slovenia (a week in the spa town of Lasko) and almost a week in New York City.

As you can see, we are travelling lightly, despite the many seasons and the many levels of formality we will experience.

After a brief stopover in Auckland and a catchup with Johno's son AJ and his partner, Debbie, we headed to Brisbane. We were met by Joanne and her husband, Matt. They drove us to their home in Paradise Point, which is just north of Surfers Paradise.

The following day, Monday, we drove to Byron Bay, where we enjoyed a wonderful seafood lunch, and took in the views of the bay (left) as well as the impressive Lennox Beach (right).

Tuesday evening was memorable for several reasons - we met our new grandson, Harry, for the first time; and we caught up with three couples, two of whom had previously lived and worked in Rarotonga. The wife of the other couple had worked with me in Auckland - 55 years ago! 

Harry with his Mum, Diane. Dad, Nicholas, has returned to the Cook Islands, and is now GM at the family hotel in Aitutaki.

Harry was the focus of attention.

Catching up with friends.

With Carol and Richard - I worked with Carol 55 years ago.

Diane, Harry, Aroha and my eldest grandson, Richard, with their daughter, Marley.

Joanne and Harry - mutual admiration!

Gerald, Terry, Trish and Di

Celebrating my birthday with Summer-Rei and Aroha.

We drove into Brisbane today, to visit Johno's grandson, Matthew, and his girlfriend Kayla.

Mathew and Johno showing off their St Christopher medals - we gave Matthew the one Johno used to wear.

Kayla and Matthew showed us around the campus of Queensland University, where they are both studying, and doing very well.