liveˈliv:v; to have a life rich in experience

a life abroad in australia & adventures along the way

more photos from mom’s visit to brisbane

Mom’s Visit to Brisbane

Like I said in the previous post: (*4 weeks in the states) my mom and I arrived Sunday evening where poor Ryan had to wait for our arrival due to delays.

My mom and I were terribly jet lagged the next day waking up at 4 am and starting our day at 6am, where the three of us went to Moray Cafe for brekky.  We then walked to the Sydney Ferry Stop so that my mom could see the CityCat, Story Bridge and the City in the distance.  Ryan went to work, and my mom and I started our first day together.

Our first stop was Merthyr Centre so that we could drop off Ryan’s drycleaning, and went to Coles and looked around the stores nearby.

I took my mom to Inala, so that she can see the Vietnamese community and stores out that way.   We bought our groceries there and had lunch at Tan Thanh.  My mom gave away her foreign-ness when ordering in pounds instead of kilos when buying meat at the butchery.

After Inala, we returned home, and my mom prepared food for the week, and we relaxed and had dinner when Ryan got back from work.   My mom got to see us play dodgeball, which we won 16-10.  She seemed to enjoyed it.

Today was picture day.  We went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and took photos with Koalas and Kangaroos.  Afterwards we spend some time at the Botanical Gardens near Mt Coot tha, and also checked out the lookout spot and had lunch there.  We shared Barramundi and Chips.

It was a good day, and now we are relaxing, then off to the dry cleaners to pick up Ry’s shirts…then wait for Ry to come home and have dinner.  Photos to follow…Mom in Inala IMG_0329 IMG_0339 IMG_0349 IMG_0354 IMG_0371 IMG_0409 IMG_0420 IMG_0431 IMG_0439 IMG_0451 IMG_0452 IMG_0454 IMG_0455 IMG_0458 IMG_0459

Jenny and Ryan’s Wedding, 10 Aug 2013

My cousin and nephew

My cousin and nephew

from the same womb at different times

from the same womb at different times

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Self Care is…walking around South Bank taking photos

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Cat Power

Celebrating Ryan’s Birthday

Ryan’s birthday celebration included both his dad and his brother this year, which was pretty fantastic.   We all went to the Norman Hotel to celebrate.

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Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium

Ryan’s sister won some tickets to see the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, and we got to all go together while their brother and his son were in town.

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Class of 2012 Graduation



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Bell Family Siblings DSC_0053Two years passed by quickly.  Ryan and I came out to do what we set off to do.  He graduated with a Master’s of Environmental Resource Management, and me, Master’s of Social Work.  Now let’s get some real life hands on experience!

Ryan's Graduation 2012

12-12-12 Gotye at Riverstage

Ryan got me tickets to see Gotye for my birthday this year.  We took the CityCat from Sydney Street to QUT Gardens Point and walked to Riverstage around 5:30pm when doors open.  We then made our way to the front (whenever possible, I love to be in the front).  It was an incredible show, and Gotye performed brilliantly.

Gotye started off the show with Making Mirrors, followed by The Only Way.  My favorite was State of the Art, and of course, I Feel Better.  It was all quite quirky and entertaining.  He had his whole band  up there.  It was awesome.

I took many photos and video footage, to share, but being there live, front row was sensational.  Once it was over, I managed to get the set list from one of the stage men who was nice enough to get me it.

The Setlist:

  • Making Mirrors
  • The Only Way
  • What Do You Want
  • Easy Way Out
  • Smoke
  • Thanks for Your Time
  • State of the Art
  • Don’t Worry
  • Dig Your Own Hole
  • Eyes Wide Open
  • Night Drive
  • Giving Me a Chance
  • Bronte
  • Somebody That I Used to Know
  • Save Me
  • Hearts a Mess

Encore

  • Backseat Driver
  • I Feel Better
  • Learnalilgivinanlovin

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Potluck at our Place

Kate was returning to UK after spending some time back in QLD for her brother’s wedding, and catching up with family and friends.  What better excuse to have a potluck and invite friends over for dinner.  Ryan was amazing and made lamb roast and cupcakes for me (since I had to work).  Everyone made scrumptious dishes, and I learned how to make a dish or two. 

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