Our Trip Down Unda

Scott, Carsten and I went 'down unda' to visit friends and relax. We started the trip in Singapore, Scott did some work, Carsten and I spent the day hanging out on Orchard Rd, lunching with a friend from Shanghai and making a few purchases we couldn't find in Shanghai. It was Carsten's first experience with hot, humid weather...he managed...although, man does he sweat!

After Singapore we flew to Brisbane to meet our friends Beck, Tony, and their son Elliot, who is four weeks older than Carsten. We drove to Beck's parent's place in Toowoomba and had a glorious weekend catching up over a few "cuppa's". Carsten and Elliot had so much fun playing together, we are anxiously awaiting the next time they see one another!

On Sunday afternoon we set out from Toowoomba en route to the Whitsunday Islands. We drove 1000+km and arrived in Airlie Beach on Tuesday afternoon. From Airlie Beach we took a boat to Daydream Island where we stayed at Daydream Resort...ahhh, it was nice. The resort was a step back to 1986 and the food was nothing to write home about, but it was relaxing and Carsten had a wonderful time swimming. Scott and I took a helicopter ride out over the Great Barrier Reef and also landed on Whitehaven Beach for one hour. The sand is so soft and fine and remains very cool, so your feetsies don't burn when you walk, it was glorious! The helicopter ride was definitely a highlight of the trip.Our resort on Daydream Island

Whitehaven Beach

After relaxing in the sunshine we flew back to Brisbane for two nights and one day. We visited the Koala Sanctuary, and then dined at the Belgian Brewhouse. Tasty beverages to cap off a wonderful Aussie vacation!


While on vacation our little man starting rolling over...

Saying goodbye

We had to say goodbye to more friends who are headed back home. Over the past year and half we have become friends with Drew, Heather and newcomer to the family Dominic. We toasted our friendship and good times at Issimo. Carsten had to say goodbye to his new friend Dominic, but we are looking forward to making new memories in a different city in the future.

Chinese New Year 2009

We celebrated another Chinese New Year in Shanghai and enjoyed every minute. Aside from nightly fireworks the city is so quiet and peaceful. It is the biggest mass migration of people in the world, everyone going home to visit family and friends, for most Chinese Nationals this is the only time of year they see their children, parents, husbands. Can you imagine?

We celebrated the New Year with dinner at our place with old and new friends, a wonderful time had by all...I hope :) Here is a video of the fireworks, Fourth of July fireworks will never be the same.