Sunday, February 28, 2010

How High Should A Clothes Rod Be?

an affable vacation home in St. Peter-Ording Eulenhof


Eulen auf einem Schild und an der Außenwand hängend vor dem Eingang zum Dünenhotel 'Eulenhof' (Foto: DW)

coastline, mudflats and salt marshes at St. Peter-Ording show a particular species: in addition to worms, clams , fish, birds, seals and porpoises have very specific owls located there.


For now, only isolated, discreet distributed owls show visitors the way to 3-star hostel right in the dunes - not far from the scent of salt marshes, mud flats of the world natural heritage and the endless sandy beach. The observer of animal out of clay, sand-colored and blue Ash, lurk on the sandy floor or behind hydrangeas and pine trees.
Caption: full view of the image with the caption: front of the hotel reception committee
A few meters Owls continue to welcome families of all sizes attentive host of green spaces. All have in common a large round head, the proud upright posture, the watchful Tubularaugen and the strongly curved beak. sharpen
The meaning of owls
At the entrance to the main house continues the Owls parade. Plush owls that hang on the wall will be flanked by wood and stone owl on the ground. On the way to the reception, the guest pass other copies of this nocturnal birds, which are said to be wise.
Caption: full view of the image with the caption: Gisela Herth, host to humans and animals
past the place was called "pension squirrels. "The previous owner used the hotel then renamed Eulenhof '" says Gisela Herth, shaking his head. One explanation for this is not the hotel manager. Perhaps because here have enforced the owls on site at some point against the smaller forest dwellers.
Real Owls have it in any case where in fact, reported Gisela Herth. "They were in the brick building nestled on the premises." She herself had no great affinity for animals. Until it eventually turned up ten years ago, the first owl on receiving recalls the owner. A father and son they had crafted from seashells. That was the beginning of a long creative period.
own creations and accumulations of large owls, medium and smaller owls owls - are as accurate replicas of the genera indistinguishable. They all belong to the order of the owls. The staircases adorn galleries this species. In the summer holidays, children outdo in the owl-painting competitions. Children there were, were beginning to count the animals. "In 1300 they left off," laughs Gisela Herth. That was a few years ago, and now hundreds were added already returned. surrounded
of owls from around the world
"Discovering Many guests at home or at flea markets suddenly owls, remember to leave and send it to us as a thank you," said Gisela Herth. She is a woman who appreciate cozy atmosphere in the house and sets with their staff ensuring that the guest, if required, even a button on the jacket is sutured. They had no idea how many people are discovering somewhere owls or exercise at all until after they were in the "Eulenhof" as a guest.
Each gift has its own story. Gisela Herth was "their" bird on Mallorca. A spastic hemiplegic girl had it built from papier-mache.
Getting there was an owl from Japan. A teacher, once it pulls in the land of poets and collectors pulled it out of the case.
between kitsch and art The most valuable specimen has a wrought iron base, a body of colored glass and a copper head. Flower pots, wind chimes, clocks, shoe horn, clothes hangers, thermometers, ashtrays, salt shakers, bookends, Steiff animals. There is probably nothing that is not provided in the form of owls. Even in the form of licorice to nibble, they are ready. The latter do not enjoy exceptional biodiversity.
An endangered species from extinction
The habitat of owls in Germany is increasingly restricted by construction of semi-natural areas. use old trees, the owls as hiding and breeding places is cut down. owls, owls, eagle owls flee from humans and cars, die in power lines. Today more and more committed to animal rights activists for the preservation of the tireless hunter mice by building nesting boxes for example.
who in the course of his stay will deal with the intense nocturnal creatures, which may make the "Owls leader" on hand. At 200 pages, the visitor learns about 3000 "Owl attractions" worldwide. Monuments, Schools, universities, restaurants with owl logo, bird parks and zoos, natural history and natural history museums are listed.
Livestock Hoteldeko promotes communication
guests, who did not know before coming to the Owls into the conversation. Many marvel at the variety of shapes and materials. Some "Uhurlauber" give owls own stories for the good or talk about their personal passion for collecting. "A few guests feel overwhelmed by the massive presence," admits Gisela Herth.
can ignore the insects in any case no. Not even the people responsible for the pollution control . Ensure "But the air from the North Sea is so pure that all owls have to be dusted off only twice per year," says Gisela Herth. In this respect, the permanent residents of the Dunes Hotel "Eulenhof" quite easy to clean.
Author: Karen Hunter
Editorial: Kay-Alexander Scholz

Friday, February 26, 2010

Best Cuts For Botticelli Curls

14.1.2010-04.02.2010 - Down Under or "live like the locals


Beloved,

sorry, that it took so long before we could get back from the other side of the world. Do not worry, it concerns us all well. Our sixth family member - the computer had-some pain and had to first be repaired. Now he holds hope for the last four weeks by brave, so that we can continue to take you on a regular basis with our journey.

Best regards Erik Massmann and Ariane with Nicole, Alexia and Antonia


Our flight to Melbourne runs without problems. It is again a night and the girls sleep amazingly well. Erik and Ariane are looking forward to a summer holiday in Australia, in anticipation of extremely warm temperatures were hiking boots and fleece jackets were shipped directly to Argentina. If we had not even done. The door of the airport opens and hits us against a cool wind along with drizzle! From the award-advised times just 40 degrees 16 degrees have become to see nothing of the sun.

shivering light and after much negotiation with various vendors, we take our rental car - a sporty white Toyota - against which we will bring for the next 4 weeks, hopefully well in Australia. The girls are slightly bewildered, for after a long time, they must once again take place on child safety seats, which are compulsory in Australia. At first impression on us all seems very European and we miss that asian exotic, however we are very excited about the next 4 weeks. Somewhat surprisingly short time we had 10 days before reaching Melbourne's make other arrangements with respect to housing and are now thanks to Tim Krauss - announced at Tim's former host parents Belinda and Bill - Alexia's godfather and his mother, Heidi, cousin of Erik. It is hard to believe, with what warmth we received from this family. We must live in the empty house of the mother / grandmother Judy in the middle of Melbourne, a house with a garden and a swing. So it can be well received in Australia. Upcoming Days we use to explore the city. call


The Aussie slang is used to, but soon the children happy "Gidday mate" and we have arrived. Melbourne like that. The streets are rectangular arranged so that we get along well without Navi. This would have cost 40 Australian dollars a day rental and we would rather get out again our old card-reading skills. With her organizational skills and the joy that tourists bring you closer to Australia, Belinda has planned for our 4-week stay perfectly fast. For every day at the tips and suggestions on the breakfast table, be it visiting the zoo, the reference to the best coffee shop in town or a recommendation for galleries. We are totally thrilled to enjoy the everyday "normality" with house and garden, city living, the relaxed attitude of Australians to visit a number of smaller galleries and the National Gallery. We like the modern architecture of the city and the private houses, although it appears from the outside often more steadfast than this is confirmed from the inside. With joy we walk through Melbourne's "Berlin Mitte", the district Fitzroy drink, - as it should be for a local - for "Marios" our café latte, double shot, non fat milk and pass through various boutiques.




Finally Erik and Ariane jogging again regularly. to apply order and sporty than Melbourne insiders, we even run together thanks Belinda on Sunday morning at 7:00 clock the "Tan", the Tan is a tour around the botanical garden in the city center - partly along the Yarra River with its many rowers and views of the Australian Open terrain. This is where supposedly the "Who's Who of the Melbourne-Society-running and so we walk with hundreds of early birds in the morning sun.

Fittingly, just starting the Australian Open and we can experience first hand at the beginning in a charity game "Hit for Haiti to help the earthquake victims of the big names of international tennis circuit. Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Kim Clist play in the mix-double on Sunday before the first matchday. The main arena is bought out and the mood was great, everywhere is the level of enthusiasm of the Aussies felt. On opening day, we are once again on the site, this time with a Ground Pass, the day is, unfortunately, quite rainy, so that we can admire, especially the nimble hands of the "Cleaner", with the meticulousness of a mistake by towel after every shower, the courts are dry rub. Even if the glance at the sky, that it will rain in the next 5 minutes well again.


evening, we are often invited at the normal local BBQ, grilled is exclusively to large-scale high-tech gas grills. We see Aglae and Philip, friends, the girls with their 4 for 3 years after Melbourne are drawn and Belinda and Family. Fast is clear that the Australians love lamb, to the regret of Erik the lamb eats only voluntarily when he previously as a good steak or ostrich announced. Belinda shows us that the Australian cuisine does not only mean fish and chips. An absolute highlight is the coated with chocolate pavlova for dessert! A happy evening, the us of the warmth and hospitality of the Australians and their uncomplicated fun is close in networking. The Burke family is present. Father, Bill, and all three children had probably only because of the German tourists come earlier from the office. Belinda has thought of everything: French fries for the girls and then children's DVDs. Since then "The Wiggles" and "Bananas in Pajamas" are very popular. Also invited is Chris, my old friend Belinda, who was contacted just once, when we announced to want to journey to the Great Ocean Road. Chris has in Sorrento, the "Kampen" from Australia a holiday home, in which we are at times invited just this simple way. Erik and Chris find a base right away and talk about such things as commercial Mont Blanc pens, Sinn watches, old cars etc.

The key to our next hotel in hand we start with pastry bag and baggage the next day in the South by Phillip Bay, a nice 2-hour drive along the coast and through green, hilly landscapes. Sorrento, a small village with 1,500 inhabitants on the Mornington Peninsula. We quickly found on a hillside Windypeak, a charming 30 year-old wooden house with a rustic garden, great joy to Ariane's an outdoor shower, lovely views over the hinterland, the surf beach at 100m distance and a huge terrace. Immediately we feel we have a fiddle here.


The girls are quickly culled organize old horse mackerel and boards and the first hour of surfing on wooden planks. We explore the cliffs saw jogging way, on foot or by car. Beautiful views, but unfortunately do not see any dolphins or penguins. Also our first attempt to see kangaroo ends relatively unsuccessful. Was also a bit naive to think that shows they are in the midday heat highly motivated German tourists. After all, we see way back then still on our first kangaroo, but unfortunately found dead in a ditch. What Nicoletta relatively cool with "a dead kangaroo seen better than none at all ..." comments.

On our boat tour "Swimming with the Dolphins in Sorrento the next day we have any more luck. Immediately after the drop, we meet a group of dolphins. prompt plunges a squeezed into black neoprene suits "tourist packs" with snorkeling gear and fins provided at the deep end of Phillips Bay in order to get an idea how fast and elegant to move dolphins under water. After all, Erik saw a whiz in the distance through the gray water. Probably, these wily animals about us tourists laughed divine, we fall at the sight of dolphins in full snorkel gear into the water to us as soon as possible again at the bow of the boat to hold fixed lifeline and keep his head under water after Flipper & Co. lookout. As Alexia and Antonia were much smarter, they have held directly to the Centre on Water and were significantly more successful.



has however been worth the swim with dolphins and snorkel stop at the seals. Even Nicole throws herself bravely into the cold ocean and see how flexible the slide but rather clumsy on land, seals acting through the water and dive under it. Her first experience with snorkeling the safe support of a life jacket to impress much.

In the next few days we hike Cape Schanck with a lighthouse, the tour we will save us, because to judge from the called admission to the Aussies very proud of her lighthouse. We get rather the "Board Walk" down, enjoy the view and waiting in vain for seals and penguins. The girls are less troublesome, they collect stones, shells and anything that looks exciting. The second attempt to "kangaroo Sighting" we will go to strategic and make it a picnic in the early Evening hours. This time we are successful and see all the joy many kangaroo. Go ahead and browse through the undergrowth as we sip our wine and eat a sandwich and chips. We watch each other, some look a bit puzzled by bargain and will probably think: Once again tourists from overseas. You are right, the normal Australian would not sit on the grass to watch kangaroo. We would certainly not use our evening hours in order to assist in their rabbit dinner society. Whatever the case. We liked it and we can satisfy a hook more on our "Aussie Checklist".







One thing is already clear: Down Under is not a budget travel country. Food and entrance fees are often appear excessively high. However, we enjoy the great Australian: Vibrant, enjoy nature and a nice relaxed way of life with a good dose of fun and enthusiasm for sports activities. The openness and willingness is reflected both in the Note in the middle of the pedestrian area of Melbourne that we should put some cream of our children well with sunscreen, wg. Ozone hole, etc. as well as the always visible joy, residents closer to their country.

The last two days of our Australian Kampen-vacation "we spend together with the owner Chris and his nephews and nieces to a sailboat or how the true-for an Australian one at the Barbeque ( BBQ). Nicoletta and Alexia include "Big Chris" and "Little Chris" quickly to the heart. Erik talk about the successes of the ship Detusch "Emden" in under Captain von Müller 1 World War II and reap significant lack of understanding of Chris, he has missed this part of the story obvious. The Navy obviously plays in a country entirely surrounded by water a very different role. The new friend, Mary-Rose spends Nicoletta even an afternoon alone and gets more fun every day to speak English.




We left Sorrento and drive along the Great Ocean Road towards Apollo Bay and 12 Apostles. First, we set a ferry across to Queenscliff. It's Sunday and everyone seems to be on the Australians. So we jog along the coastal road with spectacular views over the southern cliffs and beautiful beaches on one side and rolling farmland of the interior. Ariane has indeed given the adage that "country or Scenic comparisons" are not allowed on this trip, but we always falls back on Ireland or New Zealand, as we go down the road. We stay in Apollo Bay in a totally over-priced apartment with sea views and to the delight of the girls heated indoor pool. Because the water temperatures on the south coast due to prolonged load only one to stay in the water. Local disturbs the true course, this is less, although here are not only worn for surfing Neos. Everywhere we see the black dots that travel on the steel-blue water to the next wave, perhaps this time to catch the ultimate ride. Are a little jealous we have on exercise sovereignty and coolness of all ages. Optical usually quite considerable, often tattooed, they cross - the pound surfboard under his arm - jogging the streets to yes not to miss "THE" shaft. A good surfer is on land seems always on the run, in the water, however, it depends on for hours with Australian composure around on his board in the waves to get every ½ hour, a good wave.

Here we take a trip into the hinterland and hike the Marriner Falls Walk. Not exactly spectacular, but a nice long walk. "You have to see them - the Twelve Apostles" with these words, we were passed by our newly acquired Australian friends. So make Let us further along the Great Ocean Road there on the road. We pass spectacular beaches with waves and madness do know that we have passed through the founding city of "Billabong". At least every other surf spot was once the setting for some legendary surf video. In scorching heat and clear blue sky brings us a curvy "Detour" down to Johanna Beach. To the delight of the girls kangaroo cross our path again and again shows a great surf, the view along the coast can seem a little hazy. After a beach picnic lunch the journey continues to the "Twelve Apostles". beats in no time the weather around: From standing heat to rain and storm, so we wander the massive sandstone cliffs in the rain and storm. Either way there because of the stormy sea, and many centuries of the 12 apostles, only seventh A helicopter may have been even more insight.


With a typical fish and chips dinner, we end our tour along the south coast of Australia and will take back the Hamilton Highway to Melbourne.



the last time we enjoy Melbourne's Federation Square and the good coffee, which we shared with Sally, a friend of Dodo, drink in the sun. The girls use their new knowledge about the colonial period, the Navy and international wars and make their swords out of sticks with which they defend through the air happily beating Australia and Federation Square against attacking Indians.


In the evening, Erik and Ariane jogging again together while the kids with their girls and Philip Agley budget and stir up a little. With a nice a barbecue is our last day in Victoria over.

The next few days we will breathe a little outback air. Our goal is Yamba, a small coastal town on the east coast of Australia, about 2.5 hours south of Brisbane. Apparently an insider-place for many Aussies, as we may not be missing. We leave Melbourne to the north and pass through small towns. The landscape is much greener and hillier than expected, but every now and again there are passages where the red earth of the Outback is clearly visible. Often we encounter giant trucks, probably in Germany only as a heavy transport company would be approved. Here they pull loose at 100 km / hr. high and rarely lose the increases in speed. Nevertheless, it is noted on each local entry to renounce the use of suspension breaks. The Aussies are proud of each and every citizen of their country. IT IS the town sign to each population, regardless of whether there are 200 or 15,000 citizens. If one were to add up all the villages, it would have about 22 million people give. Besides agriculture, tourism is one of Australia's skin revenue sources. Accordingly, some are meticulously worked out more or less historically relevant stories. Now at least we know that Ned Kelly and his Gang 1880 24H. Jerilderie n occupied the town in Victoria had, and he ran away with the horse the post owner. After all, the horse at the end was even brought back. Even without the commission of the Kelly Memorial Walks, we are confident that we are today an important part of Australian History.



inspired several of the truckers We stop at the next T-Junction in the middle of nowhere. Left and right, it's off to Adelaide to Brisbane and the middle of it, our motel with pool and golf course. And again, driving a truck over with a loud roar.

On the road again we head over miles of straight road. As we make kangaroo lying on the roadside grazing or not so alive in it. The girls are interested in both. Towards evening we reach Booyamurra, a farm near Coolah.

Wendy and John, old friends of Belinda's mother received us warmly. It is a relaxed, wonderful evening with good wine, lots of whiskey, not to mention sensational Lambchops. The next day, we experience one of the highlights of our stay in Australia and farm life at its best: The Pick-Up's is first on the 1.800ha large farm to possibly Australian wildlife spotting and a portion of the 4,500 sheep turn drive using some Border Collies. Even the pick-up driving is a highlight for the girls.

then Ariane plays cowboy on horseback, driving a herd of cows in style to the next pasture. No equestrian excellence, it is really on Cowboy Feeling: In a 60-year-old saddle on an experienced horse sitting, which was bred specifically for working with cows and sheep.


Here is another highlight, with a farm's own helicopter, the two quantities, and Erik and Ariane may once again experience the limits of the farm from above. Antonia's hard outraged that she was supposedly too small for the helicopter flight. From the air it becomes clear how large 1,800 ha are and what hard It means working a farm life. We see the farm in a beautiful green, but until very recently - so tell John and Wendy - everything was yellow, so that the 4,500 sheep and 350 cows had to be fed out of concern, some animals wg. slaughter of food and water shortages have prematurely. We enjoy this very short adventure and think, not about more farm experience.



But as soon as we come to the house, Erik discovered an approximately 1 meter long snake. He looks calm and collected extra brought Nicole to her the snake show. Quiet lying in the sun, it seems quite harmless. But far from it, as Nicoletta excited with her little English the farmers from their "Snake Sighting" and I said when asked what color the snake, then, "brown" replied that he will hear everything and go into the garden. At first sight immediately echoes the call: Wendy, get the gun quickly, it `sa King Brown. Without aiming Long is the first shot and the head of belonging to the top 10 most poisonous snakes of Australia bagged the animal to side. A bite is usually fatal. This was the first trick, the second will follow 10 minutes later. As we bid farewell to warm the car appears a second King Brown succumbs to the safe and just as quickly shot by John. This time it was right next to our car in the sun and had until then fortunately nothing made of Nico and the dog, the "ball catch" in their immediate vicinity were playing. John and Wendy stressed that they had seen for months, not a snake, 2 was also astonishing. For us, another Australian adventure, which, thank God, without prejudice emanated. A little sad, we leave the farm until evening. It was nice to have met such a warm, open-minded and interested people out of their top farm. We hope that the saying: "You always meet twice" comes up. We would like to return the favor and Wendy and John met with the same simple welcome in Germany. Wendy was delighted with the idea once chance to do a Tripp to Europe. "It's either way at the time, we use again our passports." We very much hope that she manages rauszulocken John from his Australia.

reached after about 5 hours drive we Yamba on the east coast of Australia. An apartment with sea views and 2 minutes to the beach is our home for the next 5 days. Belinda and her daughter Caroline are also in Yamba and live in her own apartment around the corner. Thanks to the caring support of the two do not even need and towels and to care sheets. The next morning, we will also Carol and her grandmother Judy, in whose house we were living in Melbourne, welcomed. Even the appointment of the first visit is at the Sundowner Pub. With the typical simple "see you" they set off on the beach, we will follow and enjoy the waves and the much warmer waters of the East Coast. In the next few days we explore the many beach coves, sometimes jogging, sometimes on foot or by car. Whether it's the miles of Pippi Beach and Main Beach with its spectacular waves, cool regular Australians of all ages with their Boogyboards and surfboards in the shaft, attracts all one thing in common: good weather, steel-blue water, surf and a super warm.







We try our Surf luck with the borrowed by Belinda Boogyboards even Nicoletta plunges boldly into the waves. Herrlich and the sea water pool, which is flooded at high tide and swim at low tide lifts invites. No question, the Aussies are water-enthusiastic. On the way to Judy's Farm, we see a little from the hinterland. The area around Yamba is undulating and is currently immersed in a beautiful green, marked by the "clearance River" the largest and longest river in Australia. In part, the landscape is reminiscent of Sweden. Not just a landscape, what we expected from Australia.

About 500 well-fed black Angus cows grazing around the cute little farm house is situated. With over 80 years, Judy curves us in their pick-up on the farm. Unfortunately, it raining cats and dogs and we are in the bed soaking wet, so that we together with Belinda and Carol soon squeeze into the cab and the Tour de Farm takes place shortened. It naturally followed by a BBQ, according to the age of the lady of the house, this model of the Weber grills have also been in years. The atmosphere is great and we are honored that we initiate several times with brand new on the message that Belinda soon grandmother and great-grandmother is Judy may. Sitting on the porch, safe from the rain, we enjoyed the evening and continue until late this with three sleeping children.

called again after 5 days to pack and say goodbye, even by Belinda and Caroline. We hope to a meeting when the two once again ends up in Europe. The drive north to Byron Bay, a final destination Hippy is quite rainy. The Australian weather is not at its best and we make just before Byron Bay in the small town of Bangalow stop. Bangalow has a lot to offer and we do not stroll down the only road up and down once, Ariane supports a friendly boutique, then we get stuck in a cafe, making the rainy day at Cafe Latte - double shot or non fat milk and hot Chocolat - the best. Quite late we arrive in Byron Bay, and getting into good faith belief that yes, no more Christmas holidays, the first hotel in order to request accommodation at. "Sorry we're booked out for tonight", the next time backpacker, the same "Sorry we're fully booked" and we drive about 1.5 hours from Byron Bay, until we find a motel with vacancies. After all, right on the main beach and overlooking the easternmost lighthouse in Australia. Here, too, by the BBQ enthusiasm of the Aussies. At the beach promenade are ready gas-powered BBQ, which are free to use for everyone. Always an easy combination of rotting rolls by tens of surfboards on the roof, some of them stop to the green jute bag of "Cole" unpack or to just throw the meat under his arm, one of the public grills. Primary cool surfer with grid locks, usually topless and tan. We go to the only pub with live music and there is again Fish and chips for the girls. To start the live music to keep our three kids and no longer by, so we rushed through the downpour in our motel. The next morning we are greeted with pouring rain again. From sunrise to enjoy because of the lighthouse - of course we had set the alarm early.

We really wanted to escape the rain quickly, in the end we went, but only at 16.00 clock, as we once again surprised the rapid weather changes. Ariane took her first surfing lesson and felt almost like a real Aussie, as they exist within the 2.5 hours at least twice managed to stand on the board and a little wave to ride. Only thing missing is the tattoo to be a true surfer.

We are on the way to Sydney. We come to Coffs Harbour and finally stay in a real backpacker. At the same time very young and the elderly guests, we get a 6 bed dormitory to ourselves, bathroom in the hallway. Ariane feels equal to their annual trip across 20 years ago in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand recalls. The girls seize the high beds and we can Antonia difficult to convince that the bunk bed but is still a little high for two years. In the morning we go again is not the main road, lots to see. The onward journey takes us along the east coast to Port Macquarie. From the South Port Macquarie, with its 30,000 inhabitants, is the gateway to the subtropical coast of Australia. We live in a motel complex with apartments and pool, and of course our own BBQ. The last hours of the day we spend at the Town Beach with body surfing and beach life was still so provides. There are great beaches, Oxley Beach, Roxy Beach, Flynns Beach, Nobbys Beach, the girls like pee Beach in Yamba best. Ariane jogs in the morning part of the Australian Ironman race, the girls enjoyed the pool, without salt water and waves. Meanwhile, swims and dives Nicoletta like a dolphin and Alexia, we reduce more and more foam pieces from the swimming belt. As a reward, it's a leisurely breakfast at the Sea Acres Rainforest restaurant and then walk through the surrounding rain forest, check off when the girls all seen on the plant output Clippboards. How great biologists they make off the stamina does not overly long but with an attempt to imitate the voice of many birds of Australia, we get this jungle tour well make ends meet.

are at the last few kilometers on the highway No1. After a brief stop in Newcastle - probably just as boring as the English sister - we go into evening, the Harbour Bridge to Sydney, where we can live with Nicole and Ben. We try to explain the girls' awareness of this bridge, but come to understand. ? Why is this bridge is now more famous than others, "Where she is right, she's right, it is not easy to explain that the early 30's something special was to build a bridge of steel and join then two islands. Little Nicole is looking forward to great Nicoletta and we look forward to meeting Ben and Nicoletta here in Sydney. They both lived for about 2 years in one of the oldest skyscrapers in Sydney, great central location in Elizabeth Bay.

is on the first morning in the city for all in anticipation of the Americas, yellow fever vaccination. In the super-organized practice the nurse squirts in a predetermined order, all stress-free, Antonia is also back after 2 days on the steamer. In this regard, we are right now practiced. The next day enjoy We Sydney in perfect weather, the obligatory sightseeing make the open bus, jogging in the morning by Elizabeth Bay, the "wharf apartment" and the home of Russle Crow and the oldest pie shop "Harry Café Wheel" (1930) by the world-famous Opera House and back.





The park provides it in mass flying foxes, hanging like black bags in the trees. Surely one of the best jogging routes of sightseeing point of view. Our social life in Sydney is so full that we unfortunately do not all were able to see contacts. We enjoy the uncomplicated hospitality at Ben and Nicoletta and feel when we look in the fridge, in our time as "Double Income / No-budget kids' back. During the day, we cruise through this city worth living in and see the things that every tourist must see: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanical Garden, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Building, Anzac Memorial, etc. At the Opera comes to nostalgia - how cool must have been here during the Olympics sitting on the steps as the triathlon to pursue. A great atmosphere! Nicoletta and Alexia are interested in regularly for the story, the a shark was sighted in the harbor some time ago, Antonia is more interested in the cake.



A visit to the Sydney Aquarium is a highlight for the girls. Immediately after the entrance is on the question of where are now the sharks. Nicoletta is totally interested in the underwater world and enjoying all the fish and corals. And he is finally here, the Haitunnel. In the underwater tunnel standing, we are surrounded by sharks, manta rays, turtles and manatees underwater. Impressive for all involved.

At Bondi Beach, we look for "Tom Bunting" any Australians out of the reality show "Bondi Rescue" known. We are not entirely clear why this beach is just as famous. Probably "Bondi Rescue" today what was 19 years ago Flying Doctors for the Aussies, and was then watched with fervor from Ariane. The evenings are spent versatile and cute.


If not in good restaurants Ben and Nicole, we are invited. Once at Angus and Lisa Hasty (Friends of Benita and William) in Manly, romping while the kids on the trampoline, we discuss everything under the sun, the influence of the Australians on the international economy and learn that in addition to Australia poorly integrated into society aborigines have a much better memory than white Australians. A very cheerful and nice evening with new friends, enriching.

Björn and Kylie received us and our girls the next night just as welcome at the BBQ. Their daughter is happy, finally some girls than to receive support from their three brothers. In zero-nothing the Barbie dolls and pink dresses are seized. Kylie as a voluntary Lifeguard gives us a little more insight into this important and highly respected job in the Australian, Bjorn and Erik discuss with good food and wine for many years as half-baked business ideas.

is a last leisurely Sunday breakfast with Nicole and Ben our family in Australia to an end. Small Nicoletta comment on our conversation about the English, the former Australia occupied, with the words: " Well, that Australia is an island and a continent for itself, because that Australia has no enemies, who want the land because it's a country and continent at the same time .. .. "At the historical background of the colonial period, we have to work in due time again. Time is much too soon our beautiful, exciting and enriching time in Down Under, the land of the kangaroo and koala to the end. Just in time raises Pacific Airlines from gene Fiji. Alexia Antonia and Erik use the flight for a nap. Nicoletta and Ariane work after a little homework by Nicoletta.