The Odyssey - Part 2

Eventually Europe remembered that July is supposed to be summery and the weather took a turn for the better.

Sun and warmth, my kind of weather.

Things went on pretty much as before. A mix of social banter, discovery and exercise. We caught up with Luna, Linda and Francois. Good company, good food. Look forward to seeing them again around Christmas time.

I got to play the prince in Emma, Claire and Mathilde's fairytale story. We conquered some magical kingdom or other, then had to fend off pirates from our bed-shape galleon. Routine stuff, really. The highlight was the gilet. Gotta get myself one of those.

Emma performed at the end of a week of circus school. The biscuits were amazing.

Spent quality time with the family in Saint-Martin. Yannick's apero was astonishing, although sadly I didn't get to sample all the liquid stuff. Dad seemed to enjoy it more and more as the evening went on. Go figure.

I quickly bonded with Auntie Mado and watched things with her.

Leon was super kind and witty as usual, and Sylviane a terrific host.

Great fun with Marine, Geoffroy and Thibault. And their rodents. Oh, and their toy cars.

Also spent the night at the Gai Soleil, dad's hideout when he was my age (later too). Mum, dad and I slept in the same room, something I seldom allow. No drama to report. Went to bed to the sight of a nice sunset, and woke up my positively radiant self.

That day I received a crash course in alpine life. Hiking, looking around, family time etc.

Now, forget the cute mountain landscapes, the family bonding and all that. The real thing is playing with the 'bassin', a hollowed log they use to catch source water. Hours of fun. And an urgent need for warm dry clothes at the end.

The alpine theme continued when Grossmami and Grosspapi paid us a visit (if you struggle with all the Grossmami and grand-maman stuff, well, just pay more attention). We had a fine time together.

We also went on a hike on the bisse de Torrent-Neuf (see http://www.torrent-neuf.ch). The very best of technology in Valais in the 15th century - and just as boring today. Look at my face on those pictures, 'nuf said.

Had a series of easy-going days with grand-maman and grand-papa - pool-side or chips-side.

It was good to spend time with grand-maman and grand-papa. It had pretty nearly been a year since we last were together.

That time was also an opportunity for more meditative moments. Profound conclusions emerged: I can't be bothered with horses (click on the second picture for more detail), and they have rainbows up north too.

In the end I had to attend to affairs at home. So, hopped on the plane, watched a few (obviously thrilling) movies and snoozed my way back to Sydney.

A big hug and thanks to all of you for the sweet time up in Europe. Or up home, as it very much felt.

Finny

Love Saturday mornings

Give me a second...

...nearly there...

...there you go.

Good morning Sydney!!

I love the taste of wood in the morning.

Yummy marks

This is going to be a good day.

See ya!

I love me mum!

Happy birthday mum!

Love ya

Finny

Lotsa news

Friend,

Good to see you here again. Lots to catch up on!

I had a ball with mum's folks down here. Even spent the long Easter weekend with them. We also went to the islands again.

I really enjoyed Grossmami and Grosspapi's company. That they brought goodies for Easter has nothing to do with my enjoyment, of course. I'd like to say it was my first encounter with chocolate but this very blog would provide evidence against that statement. I reckon I could live off chocolate for a wee bit. And be merry.

These genes are hard to shake off, aren't they? Or maybe she's just trying to mimic my look in that picture.

We had a jolly good time.

We got along so well that I arranged for mum and dad to head off for Easter. We had a wonderful time. I don't know what my folks were up to. All I got were a couple of lousy pictures, pasted below for your perusal.

The five of us then hopped to Fiji for a few days. Had to rough the routine early in the morning. Mum and dad say my behaviour was 'exemplary' on that flight. Pfff. As if it were my first...

Then had to endure a longish boat ride. And a rough one at that!

In the end if was all worth it. I got at warm welcome - in every way.

The weather topped expectations, the food was great and the music was astonishing. Great family time.

The water was a steady 30 degrees. That's just about enough for dad and Grosspapi to dip in.

We got back by more civilised means than the bloody boat. Now that's really cool (if noisy!)

"James, push that throttle will you?"

Final thrills for Grossmami and Grosspapi was a Sydney scenic. More thrills for him than for her, if we're honest - he gets weak bowels flying small stuff since a bad experience some 30 years ago. At any rate they made it back alright and with a story to tell.

I miss them!

The music in my head

Oh my gods!

Yay

I'm loving it

Boom boom boom boom