How the boys coped while we were away...

This brings us to the end of our traveling journal but before we sign off a little about how our boys survived while we were away. It’s the question people keep asking us…how did they go? Was the house a mess when you got home? I bet they lived on junk food. Actually ……no, quite the opposite in fact.

It’s a big thing to leave your kids behind for such a length of time. Sure they’re big kids… Ben at 22 has just moved out of home with his girlfriend Josie and has been pretty independent despite still being at home for quite a few years now. Jake and Alex at 20 and 16 were the ones I worried about as they’d always had someone there to “look after” them, let alone remind them of all they had to do.
So in the week’s before we flew away there was lots of “are you sure you know how to…..” and “do you need me to…..before we go?” and also “Do you know how to work the….” They Did!
They knew what to do and we’re very proud of how they not only coped but thrived.

We had carefully thought through how much money support to leave them with. There was a strict budget for them to stick to, quite generous mind you, but it meant they had to have their thinking caps on when shopping to make it last til the next week. They took it upon themselves to shop around for their bargains and that left them with a bit left over to play!
Christmas was fun for them…Jake was the official Christmas cook and outdid himself. They feasted on Slow Roast Pork, Turkey roll and Rosemary Roasted potatoes and Cauliflower Au Gratin. This was followed by an assortment of lovingly purchased Cheesecakes in two varieties, and homemade trifle. Magnifico!
They shared the meal with Ben and Josie and then spent the afternoon in a war zone as they battled for supremacy of the house in a fierce Nerf War. (Guns that shoot foam bullets) There has been a request that we need a Nerf Gatlin gun for mounted suppressive fire but I think that can wait! They are currently armed with an assault rifle, duel pistols, a revolver, and a tactical assault rifle. Fabulous Festive fun! Apparently there were no victors however the Jake and Josie team gave the Ben and Alex team something to think about.
The fun continued, lots of gaming, having friends over for BBQ’s, Alex bought himself a really cheap pool that turned out to be a pool cover!!! Drats!
Their other project, and Russ and I are delighted with this one, was to resurrect the veggie garden. Its blooming and already we are eating from it. Grand plans are afoot to convert another big part of the garden to veggie garden also. Time for chooks too we’ve decided.




So this is my last entry. Sorry to take so long to get this last part posted….
Thanks to all of you who have followed our travels and relished every moment with us. We feel different now, as if Italy has worked a little special magic inside us. There is something so special about the people and the climate and the food and the golden light that makes it seem a bit like a dream…
Russ and I have bought back so many ideas on how to live our lives, what things are important and what really really isn’t!
Just the change in the way we are eating is impacting on us as we embrace the Mediterranean diet…we are both losing weight slowly and steadily and the boys also ;as they eat what we eat. Molto Bene! (Very Good)
So my final note to you all dear followers. Stay tuned I think there is another blog coming as the seeds of an idea are just germinating now.
Arriva Derci
The Boombahs
Xx ( to each cheek Italian style)

our last little bit of holiday-Singapore...

The last leg leg of our journey. We arrived hot and tired and really looking forward to a swim in the hotel pool. We'd noticed how lovely it looked the first stop over so even though it was in the foyer (?) we decided a swim was the go to move the stiff joints. We signed in, upgraded to a much nicer and room and then took a last look back at the pool...oh my god...it was clear sided! Can you imagine the two Boombahs after 5 weeks eating in italy porpoising though the water to the delight of the guest and staff in the main lobby of the motel? I mean i'm happy to have my photo taken but i will not perform tricks for food rewards! Luckily for us we found another more discreet pool to the side of the hotel.




We had a lovely time in Singapore touring around doing the zoo and the bumboat on the river and other touristy things; lots of shopping which by now was very much window shopping. Russell had some shirts and pants tailor made which looked fabulous and while he was being measured I had a lovely talk to the Indian owner about life and how you never stop learning and to wake each day full of joyful anticipation of what new things you are going to learn that day. Pretty special stuff.




There were lots of day spa places where you could go for massages or reflexology or what ever and their drawcard were the "Doctor Fish". Little tiny fish that had been found in Turkey who just love to nibble at the dry skin and salt crystals on your feet. It amazing, freaky but amazing. We think we probably killed off a few dozen...still i had a very nice foot reflexology session and honestly my feet were cracking in joints that have not moved for years.

New years Eve saw us mingling with the locals. At times we were the only caucasian faces as far as we could see and we didn't feel unsafe once! We followed our noses and ended up standing on the bridge beside where their fireworks were set and at midnight we were treated to the most awesome fireworks i have ever seen.





Our last day, after some clever calling in of favours by one of the nicest hotel people we'd met, we made our way to Raffles. We sat at the outside bar waiting for the doors to open for high tea and i ordered my Singapore sling. "I spose i'll have to have one of those too" Russ said i think a little disappointed as a sweet sticky cocktail was the last thing he felt like..." oh no Sir", said the barman." I'm sure you'd much rather a beer" poured it and placed it in front of him. "Love Singapore!" Russ was so chuffed.
High tea was so beautiful and its been one of my must do things for a long time. They had so much to choose from including dim sum; but best of all to be treated like royalty just before we flew out again ( cattle class)
After a minor mishap of not being able to find the leather bag full of our valuables we'd left with the concierge in a secure section, only to find it was downstairs; tied with string to our other luggage at the front door (Yikes!!!)we boarded the shuttle bus , made our way to the airport and farewelled Singapore. Another place we'll be sure to revisit.

All about Milan....snow,handbags and gargoyles...

Catching up on our milan part of our adventure. (curse that dratted computer virus) It would've been nice to continue our daily blogs but this will do. My time gets stolen here at home so bear with me for a few more glimpses in to Italy through the Boombahs eyes.

If you had watched the news there had been big snow storms across the Northern hemisphere and Milan had been completely snowed in. By the time we arrived; which was over a week later there wasn't much left just a few huge dirty piles.

We were a bit awestruck at how much Milan was like Gotham city, Batman's hometown. Very dark and Gothic and there's a grimness about it, and we really didn't love it as much as we loved the other places we'd toured.







We did the gratuitous walk down the streets where the designers have their original stores. There was the cutest little pink and orange Prada handbag for only $4,500 euros. Russell spent the rest of the day having sharp stabbing pains to his wallet and muttering to himself "$4 and a half grand...one handbag...you've got to be kidding..."
(Actually for those of you who know Russ well it was "You've gotta be FFFFnng kidding me")
I think that floored him and I doubt there be grumbles anymore about how I shop. He is so lucky!!!It was nice to look and I have to say I'm proud that i'm not a fashionista and so I happily joined all the other ladies at the markets where the same handbags as Knock offs were only $5 euro.( I came home with 9 new handbags and I'm as happy as a clam)




There were crafts and trinkets and bits and bobs that we stuffed into the suitcases somehow. The weight of the suitcases was an issue and by the time we left Milan we had dumped clothes and only had the warm clothes we were wearing to get ourselves to Singapore. Glad we did because we shopped again in Singapore ( ha ha)

Our ride to the airport was an absolute delight. We had had to change Hotels for our second night and although they were close; the thought of trudging our bags through snowy slush was too much and we ordered a taxi. Our driver Esther was the loveliest lady and so instead of doing the Malpensa express to the airport the next day we arranged for her to take us for a nice flat rate.

I'm so glad she did as she was the nicest lady and for the 45 minutes we were in her cab it felt like we were being dropped off by family...we had so much in common and chattered the whole way like we were the oldest friends. We arrived at the airport with the Swiss Alps in the distance and hoisted our bags from the bags of the taxi and then Esther gave us both the biggest hug and kiss on each cheek and wished us the warmest of farewells, i got a little overcome...it was like our own personal farewell from Italy and we felt that "Italy" was really going to miss us too. I can count about a dozen people that we had met that I know we would be friends with; if we lived there. Of all the people we met, Esther especially was someone we clicked with. I still have her mobile and think I may text her a thank you...maybe she'd like an Australian penpal???






Then it was time for the nightmare that is overnight flights...so much worse going in the other direction...but more of that tomorrow.
Ciao Ciao
Linda Boombah
PS Check out the white Gumboots...can you believe it???? And they think we're bogans???

Time to fill in some gaps

Home.....
Its the nicest feeling, your own bathroom and bed.Unpacking the suitcase...passing out the gifts you've gathered. Iknow its been ages since we blogged but having our little computer out of action really put a spanner in the works.
I've made funny little notes ,though, of all the bits and bobs we wanted to share with you and over the next few days i'll catch you up on it all.
We arrived home on the red eye from singapore and while Russ was able to sleep on the plane; i got none. After smooching jake and alex we hit the mattress for 3-4 hours siesta only to be woken after two when Ben and Josie arrived, excited to see us. (They used a police siren and megaphone to wake us and apparently gee you were hard to wake up!!!) I had 3 hours later in the afternoon and then We stayed awake until 8.30pm ish finally sleeping for another 11 hours.
We felt so good on the Sunday, back to normal, but our Roast dinner with the family and enjoying a few wines landed me with head spins, diarrhoea and vomiting and a huge migraine that kept me awake all night. So i am STILL recovering...makes me cranky as Russ hasn't missed a beat and i have a snooze button permanently set to "off"!
He keeps telling me (touching his forehead) that "he has a good idea!" Good try buddy...you'll have to ask him about that joke as its much better in real life...and no, thats not going to help my insomnia!
I also want to share some of the escapades of our boys while we were away. They have had a hilarious time and i think you'd enjoy a little glimpse into their world. Its such a crack up!
So bear with me. More blogging to come and some photos as i sort through the thousands of pics we took. I'll pick up from Milan and Esther our beautiful spanish taxi driver. Till next time
Linda Boombah X

In Singapore, rainy with a good chance of shopping...

Having an absolute blast in Singapore. From shopping in Awkward Road (as Russ calls it) to massages and hundreds of Doctor Fish nibbling on our feet.
Can't post photos as have a little swarm of viruses in my computer , nothing serious but don't want to bring flash drive with bugs into internet cafe and set off all the bells and whistles.....so all our news will be posted later when we arrive home on the 2nd January.
We'll be celebrating watching the fireworks over Singapore harbour.
Warmest new year wishes to you all.
Love Lin&Russ
The boombahs

Arriva Derci Roma

26 December,
Arrivaderci Roma
Well the time has finally come to leave this part of Italy for the trip home; a little sad and a little exciting as well. We have both missed our boys and home, most especially on Christmas day.
Up early this morning to catch our trains, and as Sulmona and Introdacqua are still in the middle of their Christmas break there were none of the usual buses, and instead of the usual trains to Rome every 2 hrs; there was only two for the day. So to connect to the fast train to Milan we had to catch the train on time and this required a combination of e-mails and phone calls to our friendly personal taxi driver Alfonse.
I think he was a little sad to see us go as well, probably as taxi calls in Sulmona in winter are little slow; or maybe he will just miss the torture of listening to me butcher the Italian language.

We left Brad, Trish and Judy with a little sadness as they have made our trip more enjoyable, it was great to get back to our Villa after trips away and catch up on all the news and travels, this was usually done over a glass or two at one of the town bars.

Like a pair of traveling professionals we made it into Rome via two trains carrying all our worldly possessions like two fat snails. Why is it that the bags have increased in number and weight? Most of the bags have wheels but the Rome underground is full of stairs so we were glad to finally sit down on the fast train with a full tummy and all bags secured.The train was 40 minutes late and I think they are trying to make up time, they are entering tunnels at such a speed the cabin pressure increase is really hurting my ears. And when we run along side the motorway we are passing traffic as if it were standing still!

We are looking forward to a full day in Milan, it is our last day of Italy and it will be one of ice and snow as the big freeze gave this area of Italy a good thumping. It would be a real shame if the airport had to close again and we were stuck here for longer.

Linda’s Bit.

It’s Boxing Day and Russell has told you of our travels to this point. We are currently on the bullet train to Milano and it’s a brilliant time to catch up on our blogging.
I keep thinking of things to say and couldn’t get to write them down, so I have a little book of things to add that we want to remember form our journey.
As Russell explained it’s our final leg of our Journey. When Alfonse arrived in his Taxi to take us to the station he saw our luggage and asked if we were departing today.
“Treni Presto? Presto?” he asked. Now I have no idea what that means but Russ in his way has a knack of communicating even as he fractures as much of the language as he can. They just understand each other…
“No, no plenty time Alfonse, Treni 10.30am” Alfonse gave a nod and off we went on the ‘scenic route’ to the stazione.
It bought home to me why I feel so comfortable here. We could be driving the back blocks of Mildura, the little gardens and grape vines, the conite (rendered cement) houses and the beautiful dark red dirt.
The road kept getting narrower and narrower until finally we pulled onto a dirt road….Alfonse kept looking over to see Russell’s face with a big grin on his face saying what we think must mean “short cut”
“Hang on Alfonse, your not Mafia are you?” Russell asks him and honest to God I thought Alfonse would lay an egg he was cackling so hard!
In our lonely planet phrase book it said to be careful of not offending and to not mention the War; the Vatican or the Mafia. Obviously Russell didn’t read that section and the locals have delighted in his “political incorrectness”!!!! Gotta love him!

Christmas was wonderful, in Eva’s little fairy story house; nice and cosy with the central heating we feasted until there was no more room then watched “The sound of music” on the TV in Italian. It was wonderful. By 7.30pm I was nodding asleep in the chair and had tucked myself into beddie byes for the best nights sleep in ages, leaving the others to play cards for another hour or so.

The train just passed Firenze (Florence) next stop Bologna when we’ll lose our Italian older lady sharing our seats; who is off to morocco to walk and camel ride across some desert for two weeks. She’s by herself and I hope that when I’m her age I’m fit and independent and adventurous like she is.

Very nostalgic going through Rome for the last time. There are so many things we forgot to mention…like the one of us wise cracking that the “city of Rome is Monumental.”
Or the Gladiator outside the Colosseum who offered “Signora, I kill your husband for you…” waving his big sword at Russ “For Christmas!” I tell you I wondered at the “quanto costa” of that deal….
Or the two American tourists, declining the guided tour as they had a “Rome For Dummies” book each…wish I’d got a photo of that one.
I’ve looked back over our entries and each time I think of more I can add so when it comes to compiling time I’ll have to have an add on for each entry. It’s going to be an awesome coffee table book.
The other thing about this journey has been the time to contemplate where we are in our lives and what comes next. Our options have increased a thousandfold…the world really is our oyster and the things that seemed a big worry at home, fade into insignificance when compared to the really, really big picture.
So still more blog to come folks…the escapades of the boombahs is still underway. Will find some pics to go with this of our beautiful Christmas feast. Also shots from a little village we visited in Aquila province. Lots of damage still from the quake.
A whole day in Milan tomorrow so more news still to come….
Stay tuned……
Linda x
PS guess what friends….
Just had my first encounter with an Italian B#*@h who decided I was sitting in her seat when she boarded the train and really arced up when I explained that the carriage was almost empty and that there was room to sit anywhere. Our neighbours were I think embarrassed at her….the conductor came around and told her there were no special seats and the rest of the cabin gave her daggers and she left…was a bit scary how angry she was… ttfn
Linda

Buono Feste...Buono Natal tutti.....Happy Christmas to you all

Friday 25th December09
Hey there everyone and Beuono Natal to you all from Italy!
We’ve had our Midnight mass last night at a hardcore Catholic church. (That’s something you must do at least once in your lifetime, if you not already so inclined. Could only pick the occasional word in Italian but understood it all…pretty awesome that Signor Jesu.
So we were home from that by 1am and then up and about at 8am, the flurry of gift giving…the scratch together breakfast…the chocolate! Why not!!!
At the moment Brad is sleeping, he thinks he may have bought back the Spanish flu from their visit to Spain last week. Trish and Judy are cooking a roast at Eva’s Place (Eva is away in Paris for Christmas and kindly loaned us her home for Christmas day…our little villa is very Spartan in its cooking facilities) And Russell and I have the oven going here with the fattest chook I’ve seen in a long time. That and Trish’s slow roast pork and Russell’s awesome Roast veggie platter with rosemary; and Beans with tomato salsa and we have a feast fit for….well …fit for 5 little homesick aussies in Italy.
Spoke to our boys and have texted our families (Please understand the cost of a call is insane) and now we have to see if what time is Vino time. We fill our water bottles from the town fountain as the locals do and on the way back our neighbour thought that Russ had no Vino for Natal so went into his cellar and bought out two bottles of home bottled Vino Rosa…God help us! I’ve already got a ripper stomach upset and I think my blood just runs pure Gaviscon now.
The airports have cleared north of us so all systems go to fly out of Milan on the 28th Dec. We leave here tomorrow morning to Rome, then Bullet train to Milan…just incredible! We have one full day there to look about before on board Singapore Airlines and back to Singapore for a little sightseeing and shopping.
So happy Christmas to you all
God Bless
Linda X
PS will get Russell to add some more later, he’s so hilarious.


A pic emailed from Ben of our darlings and their Christmas eve feast...check out Alex's hair!!!