Australian Family Visit

We welcomed Leslie, Gavin, Ben and Tessa Coote early Saturday morning, June 2

After a long and tiring 24 hr trip, they were glad to get settled a bit and enjoy a light lunch here at "our" apartment.

That night the kids (and mom and dad) were glad to get to bed.......only to wake up at 4 the next morning, but slowly the jet lag evened out, although 6 a.m. wake ups were not unusual.



Gavin left for Berlin that next Monday for a week of work in Berlin, returning Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the #2 Air France Bus stopped running at mid day, so he was delayed and had to take the RER back to our place. So much for French sporatic transporatation strikes.


The weather was generally favorable, and we hit all the major and some minor parks and playgrounds in Paris. Luxembourg, Jardin du Acclimation, Parc Villete, Champs du Mars, and Jardin de Plantes. With Tess still needing a nap, one of us alternated going with Leslie and Ben. Sandwiched in between, were several wedding appointments for John.

On Sunday afternoon, June 10, John and I treated Ben to a surprise birthday present by going to the Cirque du Solei, which was an outstanding show, and a special time with Ben.

We had to bid farewell to the family Tues. noon, when they left by the Thalys fast train

to denHaag, to visit with Aussie friends, Adrian and Mara and their girls.

The dreaded flight back from Amsterdam to Melbourne was Sunday, June 17. No fun travelling with kids, and also having to deal with a 12 hr. layover in Hong Kong. But we so appreciated their efforts to come to Paris!!