October 27, 2006 Second half

After landing in Sydney at 6 a.m. (we were the first of the day), we gathered our luggage and made our way to customs - lots of people with bags in long, long lines. We filled out a form on the plane but since we had nothing to declare (except Wil's snack pack) it didn't take too long. We met up with everyone and got on the bus to our next terminal where we started the queue over again - this time for boarding passes to Hobart, Tasmania. Met a lovely couple in front of us - felt like old friends after standing in line so long - Margaret and Al (and we're going to be staying with one Maggie and Alf - coincidence????) They are from outside Sydney and on their way to Hobart to visit friends. Told us we should visit the Cadbury Chocolate factory - that would be high on my list of things to do. We finally cleared security - didn't have to remove my shoes this time but they searched Wil for "firearms" - guess with his beard he looks like a criminal or something - go figure. We made our way to the gate. Our new friends ended up sitting by Bob and Gayle in the front of the plane and once again, Wil and I are stuck in the rear. But at least this time there's only two of us in three seats and Wil is able to stretch his legs out. I'm having intestinal problems and I hope I get straightened out once we arrive. My first stop should be for a laxative. I slept some on the flight over and Wil slept a good bit now that he's not cramped in next to someone. We got off the plane at the rear using the stairs. Didn't know anyone still did that. I felt like a 50's movie star coming down the stairs and waving to my adoring fans! Lovely little airport in a lovely little town.
All the Friendship Force Hobart members were there to greet us including our Alf. He's a wonderful fella with a great shock of beautiful white hair. No Aussie accent for him as he hails from New York City. He was born in Germany and came thru Ellis Island as a two year old. Did a stint in the Army after Korea and met Maggie on a ship crossing the Atlantic. They were married on TV on a show called "Bride and Groom" back in the 50's at NBC. He brought us "home" for the week to 657 Sandy Bay Road. They live in a lovely brick split level home right on the water. You can sit in the yard or in their house and watch all sorts of seafaring objects go by. You can even see all the way across to another group of houses across the water, which by the way is the Durwent River but is very wide at this point and looks more like a lake or a bay - it even has a tidal flow. We had a lovely relaxing afternoon conversing and getting to know each other after a sumptious lunch of beef and barley soup and smoked salmon sandwiches. The weather was iffy - rain one minute and sun the next - and a beautiful rainbow appeared across the water. I took it as a omen of great things to come! Wil took a well deserved nap after failing to hook up the computer. Maggie joined the conversation as I was too excited to sleep. She is a 6th generation Tasmanian but has travelled the world living in several places including London, the USA and Papua New Guinea. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. One daughter lives on a large cattle farm and we were supposed to go there for a birthday party this evening. But due to several factors the party got cancelled. Maggie loves to gamble and I understand she does quilte well at blackjack. Good news - There's a casino right around the bend. Bad news - She admits she's addicted both to gambling and cigarettes. We had a great afternoon getting to know each other and they've made us feel so very welcome. We have a nicely appointed upstairs bedroom with a view and the newly remodeled bath is down one level. They've lived on the property since 1967 but this house is only 12 -15 years old. We had a few glasses of wine before dinner - spaghetti with meat sauce. We retired early and Wil is already asleep as I write this.
They have a dog named George - 15 years old - black mongrel of some sort - looks like "Trouble" for those of you who remember him. He's full of arthritis and has to sleep on a crib mattress. He's my new best friend cause I petted him to sleep, so I guess I can stay.
The wind is blowing hard and the temp is about 37 degrees with a light rain. We're supposed to go to an outdoor market and walking tour of the waterfront in town tomorrow. Hope the weather gets a little better by morning. But it's spring here so who knows? Nitey nite! What a wonderful first day in a beautiful new country!