Day 15- 21 | ROCKINGHAM– I confess I was pretty sick for about 4 or 5 days with a rather nasty upper respiratory infection that caused me to be quite the recluse. Most of these days seem to blur together (and honestly they were probably pretty unmemorable), but I know that a lot of it was spent spending time at Isaac’s brother Purri’s house before he shipped out. I think being sick made my temperature a little wonky and could be found outside napping on their sun-warmed black pavers. Towards the end of those sick days on the 21st, I had the pleasure of getting home made luska at the Powderhill house (thanks Alex!) and a Pre-Christmas Spoon Championship. Let’s just say that all the girls at the table had the pleasure of getting their spoon ripped out of their hand by their significant other.
I have to say that when Purri shipped out, it was like the end of a sunrise. I say sunrise versus a sunset, because a sunset is a more common experience to the average individual. The energy that Purri brings to the family dynamic is pretty special, partially because Stephanie & Seton fulfilled by his presence, and because he genuine and upbeat presence is a very welcomed energy in the Gould dynamic. So, him leaving is like watching the magic of a sunrise dissipate into the light of the day. In some ways, I feel like you are only able to let the sunrise end because it brings with it the promise of something brighter. I think this is the only reason any of his family are okay with letting him go at a moments’ notice.
Day 22 | SERPENTINE FALLS– The previous nite Daniel & Matt (Isaac’s other brother closest to him in age) warned Isaac that if I hadn’t seen a Kangaroo before we left to go camping down south, the next time I would likely see one was on the side of the road… To my surprise, after a little feigned whining, Matt offered to take us out to Serpentine Falls (known for having Kangaroo’s playing in the park near the water). After about 45 mins of driving, we got to the Park, and found the park gated shut and being controlled by a few park rangers. We soon found out that they were at capacity until about 5 pm (2 hours wait)! We tried Serpentine Dam (an alternate suggested park). We found droppings, but no Kangas. We decided to head home, and though I was thankful for the kindness I was still secretly sad and wondering when I’d get so see one. All in all, it was a beautiful drive and I wouldn’t have traded that! It was actually really nice taking Matt to the airport and getting to hear his perspective on the Australian economy vs. the US, thriving industries, and future challenges with their GDP. I’m not confident enough to reiterate what was said with accuracy, but it was pretty interesting hearing his perspective. We got a bit lost on the drive back of course (I would take full responsibility but…), still the detour through downtown Perth along the river at nite was awesome!
Day 23 | PERTH– Got to go into the city with Stephanie, Seton, & Isaac’s Mum Lynne. We took the train in fairly early and had a day out on the town. I hadn’t been back since we had gone in that first week we were in AUS. It only reaffirmed my love of Perth! Perth is so lively, clean, and eclectic with the support of all things art (culinary, music, fashion, etc). Steph, Seton, and Lynne ended up heading home early when Seton started getting a bit fussy. It gave Isaac and I to do a bit of shopping around Perth and explore some more before taking the train home. Something about Perth makes me feel like I’m in Columbus somehow. I think it’s a similar size, they are both by the water (granted one’s an ocean vs a dirty river), lots of young people, curious restaurants, great suburbs for living, and a focus on health & the local sports. The main difference I enjoy is the architecture is so much more inspiring.
Day 24 & 25 | ROCKINGHAM– Yippee! Christmas! Steph and I got our last minute Christmas shopping done and even had time to get our nails done at the Rocko City Shops (which was hilarious!). We got there on Christmas Eve, just as they were closing but made two of their girls stay (despite our protests) to do a simple shellac. Being the second time I’ve ever sat in a nail salon, I am still getting used to the process and enjoy the wonderful people watching you’re privy to. Within the first 5 minutes this point was made… A lady was getting a pedicure and was becoming very upset as they took a ridiculously long time doing her pedicure (she had an appointment for both a pedicure & manicure, unlike us), and were telling her they may not have time to do both. After a lot of arguing, which was really one sided. The petite woman (in both demeaned and physical appearance) was limited in her ability to fully communicate in English and eventually just conceded to the burly red haired woman. I honestly don’t blame her as I’d have likely done the same given this woman’s stature and screeching voice (I suspect she may be a pro at complaining– I would have placated her just to shut her up). Anyhow the entire staff (of the same native tongue) started lighting up in conversation across the shop and fits of laughing erupted as if mocking the entire situation. Although it was evident to me what was transpiring in front of me, Stephanie (a vet of the entire nail experience) had enough moxie to actually ask her technician what they do when a customer actually understands what they are all saying in their language. Embarrassed and scared, the young girl was speechless; as if caught in the act. With a little protest she confessed that they talk a lot about sex and continued to translate the rest of the conversation. Honestly the job they did on our nails was incredibly poor, but the memories are oh so good!
So Christmas Morning was glorious! Little Seton was obviously the most fun to watch and I was able to get some ridiculously cute photos of him for his Papa Purri. Isaac’s journal I made him was also a success and I got so many wonderful little gifts that I am just overjoyed and thankful for! I did get the one thing I asked for though and that was silver locket. Isaac got me a beautiful locket with an nontraditional lace/filigree face that allows a glimpse of the picture to still be seen when closed. This is one of the few gifts I’ve always wanted from a boy and have never received! Honestly, quite possibly one of the most romantic gifts to ever get a sentimental photographer.
We of course had Christmas Dinner in the afternoon, and since some of the usual Gould Clan members were off on their own celebrations, we had the pleasure of hosting guests & friends from the C3 Church. Christmas ended with Pavlova for dessert (basically a giant delicious meringue pie topped with exotic fruits). We went to the beach and tried out the kid sand sled for seton on the beach and it was glorious. All the Aussie Mum’s out of curious jealousy exclaimed, “I’ve never seen one of those before!”. Everyone could see it was the perfect solution to taking a little one on the beach so that the parents whose kids were too young and tired to make the entire journey on their own two feet. Essentially a bright blue plastic shoulder saver! It was a stellar hit! I can just imagine the mind boggled brains of US marketing researchers who see a peak of sled imports to a country that has no snow?? Classic!!
Overall a beautiful Christmas. I do miss the snow that my family is enjoying at home, but having Christmas with warm weather has been nice! Definitely surreal but inspiring with the beautiful sunsets and smooth sand under your toes.
Day 26 | ROCKINGHAM– All I have to say is thank goodness for Boxing Day Sales & Leftover Christmas Pavlova!
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