Saturday, October 28, 2006

The bed was soooo comfortable with an electric blanket under the sheet and down comforter on top. I slept like a baby from about 7:30 last night until 7 this morning. I layed in bed and listened to the wind howling and the surf pounding against the rocks and the rain hitting the windows, trying to figure out where I was and wondering if I was really in Tasmania and what time zone am I in and where in the heck did that day go that we lost????? It sounds cold and is cool in here but toasty in the bed. Couldn't sleep any longer so got up and started to quietly get ready for the day. The shower was new and felt good - nice and warm! I returned to the bedroom where I rearranged my suitcase getting thank you gifts ready to give. I got dressed while Wil showered and Maggie and Alf started stirring. We had a nice leisurely breakfast of corn flaskes, strawberries, juice and coffee. We exchanged gifts. They got a Louisiana mud painting, crawfish napkins, Mardi Gras mask, coasters, coins and a voodoo doll from us (mostly all handmade by me items). We got a beautiful calendar, a "Penguin Crossing" sign, a silk scarf and a hand-needled pincushion. We talked more - they are quite personable and most interesting - and then started in on our first day of touring. First stop - Salamanca Market - sort of like our own French Market in New Orleans. It's in the downtown area, the original market site, with crafters, food vendors, artists, musicians of all sorts in a park area near the waterfront. We made a few purchases (some Tasmania wooden spoons, postcards, local lotions and potions) and could've made many more, but I tried to restrain myself. I was impressed with the food vendors and the things they had displayed. It looked like a magazine ad for the most healthy food you could find. Maggie explained that some of the Hmong people immigrated here several years ago and they were very well received, especially their fruits and vegetables and their farming methods. So they now recruit them to come live here and farm the land. I must say, I was tempted to buy a lot of the gorgeous fruits and vegetables I saw. And also some of the most unusual flowers I've ever seen. Once again, I took many pictures!
I gave out more business cards and Red Stick pencils as people found out where we were from. They are all so friendly and for the most part, they just love to talk to you. The weather was changeable - snow on Mt. Wellington in the distance, rain, sleet, wind, sun - you name it. We were bundled up and unbundled according to the weather of the moment. We had bratwurst and jacket potatoes for a quick lunch in the park on the benches before meeting with the rest of the group for an historical tour of Hobart.We met on the steps of the museum and learned the history of the town from Barry, a member of the Hobart Friendship Force. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. We toured the Hobart Museum which was filled with all sorts of interesting flora, fauna, dinosaurs, fossils, gems, rocks and artwork both historical and new. All for free!!!! It was great and I took a good many pictures.
Wil talked to his Mom this morning also. She is still in the hospital but doing fine after her surgical procedure. She expects to be released today or tomorrow and Wil is supposed to call Monday/Tuesday to check on her again.
Back "home" now for a rest before gathering for a dinner/welcome party tonight. Wil "helped" Maggie on the computer. I think he was able to teach her some new tricks and possibly make her computer run a little faster. I'm not sure as that's not part of my expertise. But she thanked him profusely so I guess he was able to help her.
We drove up the mountain to a welcome dinner held at Veronica's house and hosted by the whole Friendship Force Hobart group. She is one of the ED's and has been diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in treatment but has a lot of spunk and energy and isn't letting this get her down. It's a wonderful home located topside of the mountain with a gorgeous overview of the city. Reminded me of being on Sandia Crest in Albuquerque - it was a very clear, cool night and all the lights of the city below were twinkling. I kept drifting to the sunroom and looking out the windows on the scene below. It's just beautiful here. I did meet some wonderful people who are in the club but are not hosting including the only remaining member who came to Baton Rouge ten years old - Carol Davis was her name. We had a nice chat and she remembered Baton Rouge and our members with great fondness. We had a wonderful time with great food and even better desserts and converstaion. These people are all so nice. And fit! - even though they eat very well. I guess it's all the walking up and down hills and stairs day and night - I've seen few overweight people here anywhere!
We were home by 10 and in the toasty bed and asleep by 10:30 with visions of twinkling stars and happy people with intriguing accents in my head!