TAStastic, Tasmania!!

Wow, Tasmania is a very beautiful part of Australia and i think one of the most chilled out places to go to avoid the Christmas hype, which is my way of doing things. I don't miss the shop's, i really don't miss the Christmas music, but i do like to party in a pool! (hence the photo, Merry Christmas, pool side!)

Since i arrived in Sydney a week early i gave the folk and i the chance to catch up as a family, so we three (king's, please sing if your that festive) thought it would be nice to go on a road trip. We have seen so much of the East coast of Oz over the years, i suggested we should get cheap flight and see Tasi. We did and it was amazing. We drove from beaches, to national parks and met all sorts of local folk along the way. Dad also got to watch some cricket (Oz V's NZ) in Hobart, one of the few grounds he's not been to so a bonus for him. Mother got the usual um teen autograph's on a mini cricket bat.

Launceston, which is the second biggest city in Tasi was my fav, prob as big as Buxton town centre, much much nicer in every way. There was also one of the 'BEST IN THE WORLD' things there, as you can see my Dad on the photo. (ozzie's are the best in the world at selling Australia as 'THE BEST IN THE WORLD!') and hear is a prime example, but you have to like um for it!

The beaches were white and the sea was an electric blue and where around every corner. You were lucky if you even saw anyone else on them, Perfect!

If your looking for history then take the 'Wise Men' (festive) down to Port Arthur (per landscape photo of Prison, which was a Flour Mill prior to that) as it is where the worst convict were taken and a whole community was built in and around that area. Ozzie's may know it for a different reason but we're not looking in to the dark side for once, as that kind of thing is the reason I'm away from my day job. (sorry for those who don't know what I'm talking about)

Tasmanian Devils are in risk of becoming extinct as they are contracting a rare form of cancer in their mouth's stopping them eating. This is linked to products which the farmers use on their crops so didn't see any, sorry folks, but spare a thought for the little Devils over the Christmas period, poor things.

Any how hope you all got, my cards, emails, sms, presents or physic thoughts of Happiness and cheer for the Christmas and New Year. Ill look forward to the future with you in it.............

Take care and be safe, Love Karen x

Indian to the Pacific.... via Aderlaide

Hey there

people around the world, hope your well and not too stressed coming into the crazy times of Christmas?!

Well after my 'nice' times in Perth i took the Indian Pacific railway and travelled 4,352km about 65 hours to Sydney, along the longest straight stretch of railway track in the world!! (check that out!) The train took me from west to east, through the bush and stopping once per day in random bush towns and Adelaide. I took a brief tour around the city and visited the Oval cricket ground mainly for my Dad and i beat him to that one!;-) It was small and compact and very Australian. Now this may not mean a lot to you but to me the lack of culture in Oz is really painful.

Anyway i arrived a week early and was met at the stating by Lindz, who took me to a family party where i walked in to everyone surprise!! Tears flowed and then the wine was swallowed, but it was good to be with them. Since then been chilling and catching up with my ever increasing family network.

Oh Photo's Claudia and Me on train, she was my travel bud on there and we had a laugh. She crazy and from Germany.

Sign in the middle of the train trip.

Me still in African clothes with the Indian Pacific train.

Half my family in Oz the Lawson mob, on day of surprise.

Scenery from train.

Off to Tasmania tomorrow so ill see you soon xx