Family and friends ask

Adrian and I have a great number of logistics to sort out with dissolving our marriage.  As you can imagine this will take some time. We remain civil and mature in our dealings with each other. We know our friends and family will do the same and support us equally during this difficult time. There are no sides to take. There are no winners here.

I will visit folk gradually during the rest of the year and take that tome to talk to you. 

At this point the kids will be with me entirely. They are processing things and we are all still coming to terms with it. 

Thank you for respecting our wishes in not having to talk about this at this time. Messages of support for both of us have been appreciated.

 

Brass Rubbings!

It was great to finally show the kids what a brass rubbing was, after rabbiting on about it everytime we went to a church and saw some brass on coffins and walls.

St Martins in the Fields is one of the best places in London to actually do some rubbings, as they have a variety from all round the UK. 

I was really proud of the kids as theyvery carefully   rubbed and made their pictures- its all too easy to rush these things and ruin them.

I made a lovely round celtic design.. Ready to frame and hang wherever my next home may be.

Westminster

Gutted that we couldn't take photos as there so many beautiful spots and sights in the cathedral.

Eventhough it was a weekday when we went, the place was completely packed and difficult to spend much time in most places. 

Particularly, I was moved by Elizabeth 1 grave and Her sisters, Mary.

I am really impressed as we travel around, by the access given to kids now.  Most places have a kids trail or an audio especially for kids. I'm just hoping they are able to digest all the info and sights they are being immersed in.

The kids trail at Westminster was pretty intense and long. Its one we have kept for a project for kids to do when we get back to Aus and homeschool

Madam Taussaudes

Gosh its been such a long time since we went here last.. And so great to seeing so many changes.

I love the lay out - we wandered round an A list party with the hottest hollywood stars hanging out. Music pumped and disco balls flashed.

Gratifying to see Sean Connery - one of my all time crushes- still looking suave and reserved as he watches the younger crowd. Yes.. Had to get a photo..

We wove round past Hollywood greats

And sports heroes, onto the more gruesome and grim displays of earlier Taussades. I went through the dungeons, which was fine, but not particularly  educational, more strobe lighting and gusts of chilled air coupled with costumed characters who leapt out to frighten people.

I got my photo taken for inspiration, I guess, with Shakespeare - though find it hard to believe he was that tall.. 

The last rooms were for the super heroes, which I thought would be a bit naff..however, the 4 D show was excellent!! And a great round off for the experience.

Not a hoax or joke.

Just so you know, my post about Adrian and I no longer being married is not a sick joke or a hoax. Though ever molecule of me wishes someone would wake me from this living nightmare.

The kids are fine and they are my reason for breathing.

I wake up and breathe everyday.

We will continue our trip and be back in Australia in early July

Sea Mistress .. Our little narrowboat home

I am so excited to finally be in London and for the kids to be experiencing this off kilter accommodation. 

Its small, tight and very cute. Forty feet long and painted in old cottagy pictures... Which aren't kitsch here. They suit. 

And how cute is where I get to sleep? Little curtains and all

Adrian and I are no longer married

Just to to inform you that Adrian wished to let everyone know that he considers that he and I are no longer married. 

He is in love with someone else.

At this point the kids will be with me and we will be travelling around to friends and family in Australia. I have no set plans other than to wake up and breathe everyday.

I am both heartbroken and devastated.

I don't want to talk about it... Please..

I'd prefer to speak face to face, so let me know if you have room to put us up for a while.

Finally.. Schnitzel in Vienna!

We nearly left Vienna without sampling a schnitzel. What a catastrophe! 

Gunter, Sylvia and Tony took us out to the local bar to enjoy real Viennese food!!What  a treat.  And of course every chance the kids have of drinking Amdudler - they do. I think I like it for the name sline!

Ching a ling

Almdudler, soda water and white wine..equal parts of each and served as a refreshing drink in summer.. Hmmmm. Amdudler ?? You ask?? A brilliant secret recipe soft drink from Vienna , made from - again - secret herbs from the alps. I cant even explain what it tastes like..

However- Ching a ling is a cocktail formulated by Gunter - Sylvia's partner and served at the best cafes!!! 

Thanks Gunter .. But darn it.. We cant get Amdudler in Australia.. Swap ya for some Vegemite???  ( jokes.. He hates vegemite)

Prater Hauptallee

What once was a hunting ground for the aristocracy was gifted to the city of Vienna as parkland. The Prater Hauptallee must be stunning in the sunshine, its evident of the high use it gets with the hundreds of park benches littering the lawns and under trees.

We desperately wanted to see the hirdy girdy - a hand built one and huge! And the famous wheel. Set amongst a huge fair  ground.. Which again, I am sure is vibrant and exciting when the sun is out and everything is open, it was still a thrill to stand at the base and look skyward.

We also saw the worlds highest chair swing.. 117 mtrs high. Urgh.. I'd be sick!!

One of the things I was excited about was seeing the carousel.. With REAL horses.. Again, such a shame it was raining.

 

Wet wet wet Vienna

Gorgeous when its sunny, and such a change when the clouds come over, rain pours in sheets and the wind begins to chill the bones.

Despite this, we headed out to be the stoic  tourists we are. Our plan was to do the tourist tram circle, then to visit the Museum Hundertwasser and the set of apartments over through the park and amusements at Prater Hauptallee and then home.

What could have been a beautiful laze day in sunshine was a bit of a trial..however the museum made up for it in spadeloads.

The tram is probably excellent in the sunshine, but with fogged windows and blurry view outside, it was a bit of a fizzer.

It was all forgiven when we went to  Hundertwasser apartments and the museum.

Age and I had seen and heard about him years ago when we had thought to build our own self sufficient home. It was incredible to walk around one of his creations and see it in action.

Basically, he hated the straight line and believed in bringing nature back into our lives. He has trees growing out of window ledges and grass on roof tops. Colours are vibrant and shocking. Recycled building materials form murals and the floor underneath is curved and uneven.

Morgan... And Lilly were prettyexcited about   the innovative architectural methods.

Plants grow up and around every space. He was very into the water purifyingplant system   as well.

Stunning Schloss Schonbrunn

Only second in magnificence to Versailles, this palace is grandiose to say the least.

We didn't go inside as we are going to Versailles,,,, and this sort of thing can get a bit wearing on kids. However, we took the tram to the top to the Gloriette, where the empress used to take her breakfast.

What a summer house!!

With beautiful weather - too hot really - the vity folk had flocked to the lawns to soak in as much sun as they could.

We walked through the forest area... And nearly got carried away by the viciously hungry vampire mosquitos . Such a shame the inly cool spot was the mist uncomfortable. 

We visited the grotto, replendantbin greek gods figures. Such a beautiful spot.

Aida.. Coffee House Icon in Vienna

A real icon in Vienna is the retro Aida. Its all pink and brown.. Including the retro uniforms of the waitresses with their cute little bobby socks and tiny caps. It was here that I had a 'typical' vienna coffee... And dummy me didn't realise it was a Vienna Coffee... Dohhhh.. Till I got it... 

The kids settled on a mozart cake... Hmmmmm. And of course I had to try the apple strudel.

Sylvia Petter at Shakespeare and Co in Vienna

Sylvia Petter and I have been speaking over skype almost daily at times.. For nearly 18 months about different writing projects.

It was a real thrill to become her publisher for her anthologies and even a bigger thrill to be at the official launch and readings from Mercury Blobs.

The bookstore is a readers dream. Piles of interesting tomes lay waiting to be discovered and loved. A huge crowd turned up to support and listen to Sylvia- the whole store was packed to standing room. I know how proud I felt, I can only imagine how Sylvia felt.

It was a real buzz too, to see New Sun Rising on sale at the bookstore.

OMG... Vienna and cakes..

I'd always been told about the pastries and cakes here.. And now can see why folk are so passionate about it. We visited one of the oldest.. And most prestigious bakeries ( gahhhh to call it a bakery is an absolute insult) the place was a masterpiece in beauty and class... And the sweet spicy aromas it emitted... Sigh...

The kitchen was open for visitors to watch them prepare the famous Sacha Torte and Apple Strudel. So yum...

Spanish Riding School, Vienna

Far out.. Blow my mind.. Although we had planned to come to just the training in the morning, when we arrived we were told the training was stopped for the summer season.. But we had the opportunity to watch a performance.

I don't know how powerful it was for a non rider but I was moved to tears with admiration and emotion as I watched.

The Lipizzaner Stallions have been part of Vienna since the 1500s. They are traditionally bred white, but different colours are now being accepted.

Unbelievably beautiful and disciplined horsemanship. Their poise and precision makes you weep. All of the performances are done to music.. Opera of course, but it doesn't seem strange or put on.. Even with the enormous chandeliers hanging overhead.