The Australian Open & SYDNEY!

It's all just been insane! So apologies for no updates, but there' s been too much going on, whether at work or in trying to cram in as much of Australia as we could while Francesca was still here. Here are two big things we've done in the meantime: 1) The Australian Open! I've been promising my mother for ten years that I would take her to the Open, but only now managed to fulfil it (not all my fault - she's never available). And as an added bonus, could take my 'other mother', Francesca as well! Here is a photo of them at the Ginepri-Gremelmayr match:


And here is poor old lone Canadian Daniel Nestor, carrying the maple leaf at least into the men's doubles. I have no idea if he won or not, because the sun was just too much for the mothers to handle and we didn't stay long at his match. But at least we have a photo! No one mention Greg Rusedski.

And then... to Sydney! A hectic weekend in the harbour city, a 7AM flight meant 5AM wakeup, or in Francesca's case, 4AM wakeup because she thought she heard the alarm clock (but didn't - it was just paranoia!) But we landed feet first in Sydney and immediately headed out for breakfast at the Rocks before taking the Manly ferry. To Manly. Here we are on the ferry passing the Opera House!
And here is Francesca looking glam as we leave the Harbour Bridge behind us. She was a jungle lady in her cool bathing outfit!
And here she is 'adjusting' herself on Manly beach. There were the BIGGEST WAVES EVER to please Jason (no photos, alas, because my camera ran out of batteries and we only have 'real' photos from a disposable) and a run of poisonous jellyfish and sand, just everywhere.

Lots of stuff happened, but clearly I'm in no position to elaborate because I'm very very tired and I have one more post to do today...