Australia

Now we are back from our 2 week holiday in Australia. It was a fantastic trip and the small worries we had beforehand for going on an across the globe holiday with Kai turned out to be no problem. Both 10 hours flight and 1100 kilometer car drive just went like a breeze. I guess the advantage with having a baby that requires a lot of carrying around to fall a sleep or not cry is that it likes to be moved and enjoy being on flight, train, car whatever.















In Melbourne we stayed with Maki's cousin Akiko and her lovely family, here with children Shin and Hana. For 3 days we winded down and enjoyed walking around the city and their neighbourhood, going to cafées and simply relax around the house.















They live close to the sea in Melbourne so we got several chances of going to the beach.















Kai wasn't very impressed by the country down under but often took the chance for a good sleep in the warm weather.















But sometime it was Maki who was sleeping when Kai wanted to play. Sleeping family.















After strolling around Melbourne city for 7 hours one day we finished off by having dinner and watching the sunset in st Kilda. Well watching and watching, the sun set when we were trying to take photo of it.















After 3 days in Melbourne we spent 3 days driving the 1100 kilometers from Melbourne along the coast up to Sydney. Here on the amazingly long 90 mile beach on the morning of second day after spending the night in Lake Entrance, a touristic but very nice city along the coast. The place we stayed at had a garden with a grill free to use so we got some kangaroo meat and cooked us a well tasting BBQ dinner.















In Sydney we met up with Paul and his nice parents who we got to stay with while we were in town. Here in their garden just after arrival in Sydney. Notice the västerbotten cheese on the table that has made it all the way from Skellefteå to Sydney.















Maki dancing in front of the opera house.















On a warm and beautiful day Paul's father took us out with their 35 foot boat to cruise around Sydney harbour. An amazing experience and good way to see the city. When we stopped in a small bay for a swim we could see the Harbour bridge and opera house across the water. Must admit I had difficulties to completely forget about the sharks.














Relaxing in the botanic gardens in Sydney.















The last days before returning to Tokyo we took a rental car and drove out from Sydney and had a relaxing time in Blue mountains. We did some easy hiking around in the forest got to see some beautiful views.















Maki pointing out the famous Three sisters in Katoomba.















As a last thing before going to the airport we stopped by a wildlife park and I could finally see some koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and other fun animals. Koalas are fun in the way to look so tired all the time and can sleep in all various positions. Similar to members in our family.



















Say hi to this guy, the Tasmanian devil.

More photos from australia on picasaweb in albums from Melbourne, roadtrip from Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney and Blue mountains.

Back in Tokyo it's cold, Kai is getting frustrated that he still haven't learnt to turn around when laying on his back (bottom arm get stuck preventing upper body from falling over) and tomorrow we are going to Nagano for skiing. Possibly only time this winter so it will be fun.