Three months living in a bus

Life

Lorikeets waiting to be fed

One of the nicest things when travelling is the wildlife. Australia would have one of the most unique and varied wildlife in the world. When Maria and Don were living overseas, one of the things they missed the most was the wildlife, particularly the native birds. Maybe an odd thing to miss, but when you appreciate them, you do miss them.

Imagine our delight when the first morning at a caravan park the cabin opposite us, quite a number of lorikeets appeared on the porch. Don said, ‘the old lady that lives there comes out to feed them’. They were making such a raucous as Fran came out to feed them! The subsequent mornings we slept in, so we didn’t get to see Fran feed the birds.

The third day Maria woke up early enough to hear the birds, but not quick enough to see them being fed. But then events turned. The park manager, Eddie, appeared at the Fran’s cabin. Apparently, each Monday she visits the shop to collect milk and bread and today she hadn’t popped in. So, Eddie went looking for her and unfortunately found her face down near the bathroom.

So Sad. The ambulance arrived. The police arrived. Eventually the morgue people arrived. Although Fran was 92, and at 92 that’s a pretty good innings, it is a reminder to enjoy what life we have left. Both of us have discussed this at length and now looking back over our lives, we can see that a lot of the stuff that we thought mattered, in fact …. Didn’t. Matter. At. All.

To consider one’s mortality is sobering. Often, it’s far too easy/convenient to get wrapped up in our own little lives – the minute detail, the petty quarrels, the first world problems – and not contemplate our real role on this earth. Which, in our humble opinion, is to nudge our world a little closer to heaven and a little farther from hell.

Great theory mate, but how about something practical that I can use! Ok, for a start we can encourage more and criticise less. So, practice that today. When you feel ready to criticize someone look for how you can turn that around. Maybe aim for a whole day where you don’t put someone down – and yes this includes our politicians and your partner 😉. That will take you, and us all, a little closer to heaven.

We urge all of you to review your lives and think are you living the best life you can? Or are you regurgitating the same thing day in, day out whilst blaming some external event or person?

we miss you Gary

It also reminded us of when we found our dear dance friend Gary, passed way from the effects of a catastrophic stroke. He was only 61. Thinking of you Gary and his family as his two-year anniversary comes up in March.

Let’s start a discussion on this blog – What can we change today where we can encourage more and criticise less and perhaps live a better and more fulfilling life??

The Hair Cut

As Maria’s hair grows very quickly it was time for a haircut. She wanted some of the colour removed as it didn’t look good with the new colour coming through. Don said I could do it.

So, one morning with freshly washed hair, Maria sat in a camp chair with an old towel draped around her whilst Don found a pair of hairdressing scissors, a wooden comb and a temporary hairdressing salon was established.

However . . 

• The seat was too low and Don being so tall had to bend in an awkward position to cut the hair.
• The scissors were too small for Don’s large fingers - he could barely get his fingers through the holes of the scissors.
• The wooden comb was too thick and cumbersome and each time it was dragged through the hair it hit the scalp with a little thud.
• The wind kept blowing each time Don tried to grab a piece of hair to cut . . .

The result?

The Selfie

Month 2

A stay at Pretty Beach in the Murramarang National Park saw us living with kangaroos, wallabies and goannas – the gorgeous Oz wildlife. One afternoon Maria was working in the bus and Don was sitting outside completing some puzzles from That’s Life magazine (did we mention we made the magazine for another month?). Don was so engrossed in the puzzle that he didn’t see/hear a wallaby come up beside him. 

It wasn’t until a couple of school girls who were camping with their school came over and asked Don did he realise he had a friend.

What a great selfie that would have been if Don had been quick enough!

Where the selfie would have
been if Don had taken it

Maria's office

The upshot of this was Maria found a great spot to work from – mainly as internet was poor at the campground, so she hiked up a small hill and found the best spot – what do you think?

The adventure

We have been living in the bus for 3 months now. A mean feat in itself, as Maria has barely camped in her life. So far cabin fever hasn’t hit, and Maria is slowing adjusting to camping life.

Our accommodation has been a mixture of caravan parks, national parks and some free camping by the road. Don’s favourite is the free camping and Maria's has been the national parks and as we continue our adventure along the beaches of the south coast, Maria found had some idyllic places to sit and work.

The parks have still been busy – after the holidaymakers and school holidayers left, the school camps began, so all the parks have been quite busy.

One weekend Maria’s son Jayden, partner Tyler and their little daughter Ella, came across from Canberra to join Don and Maria at South Durras. It was such a lovely weekend and some family time, with Miss E so enthralled by the bus that she thinks all white vans/buses are Nonna’s bus and goes knocking on their doors looking for Maria.

Once they left Maria remarked to Don how quiet the park had become. With all the holidaymakers now gone and school camps ending, Maria finally realised this was it (at least till next holidays). The IT was the quiet and the space.

Is anyone out there?

But that was short lived . . .

Dalmeny

We headed down to Dalmeny – just a bit further down from Bateman’s Bay. We found this place via another pair of nomads – Kev and Adele from Indefinite Leave https://indefiniteleave.com.au/ who have been travelling close to 3 years.

with Kev and Adele from Indefinite Leave

We have been following their adventures and they happened to be in the same area. After texting them to find out where they were, they guided us to a gorgeous pocket of land right on the beach just for campers with a small amenities block.

Interesting story – the land here was bequeathed to the people of the town with the proviso that it stayed dog friendly, kid friendly and no cabins to be built. That went well for 10-15 years until the new breed of councillors decided they wanted to build cabins. 

The people responded and said no! the land was bequeathed to the people – council cannot do it. And . . . the people won! Just as well, as this location is idyllic – where you can walk along the beach with emus and if you look out to sea, pods of dolphins!

spot the dolphins!

spot the Emus!

The people also pooled together to create the most scenic route along the coast – we rode along it and it was just stunning.

Don's catch!

Don has been honing his fishing skills and was delighted to catch some fish. So far he has caught two little flatheads and one tailor, with all of them going straight back into the ocean. We are hoping to have more news next time we report in.

Getting back to the quiet – turns out the weekend we ended up in Dalmeny was a long weekend in Canberra and all the Canberrians were heading here! So much for quiet . . .

Oh well until next time – Oh - let's not forget to start that discussion -

What can we change today where we can encourage more and criticise less and perhaps live a better and more fulfilling life??

Oh there is an email link at the top of the blog (desktop version) - enter yours and our adventures will come straight to your inbox!

And we did manage to do a quick video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKzZcpUexQM

The adventure begins...... again

The cruise Maria went on with her sister and mum made such an impact on Mum that it's worth telling the story.

Maria and Grace's mum Isabella had come out to Australia in 1957 with her own mother and youngest brother - her father and other brothers were already in Oz. Two women and one young boy who had grown up in a very rural town in southern Italy (to give perspective right on the toe of Italy in the province of Calabria) where they had been farmers and although they also had a small place in the town, they were basically rural people.

They set sail on a very large boat, albeit with other Italians making their way to Australia. They had rarely travelled outside their province and here they were on a large boat going to a country they knew nothing about.

They were too scared to do much outside the cabin, other than to go to the dining room and let's face it, in those days cruising was not as we know it today.

Isabella often talked about her journey to Australia and how she would like to have that experience again – before she passes. 

So as her 85 birthday approached Maria and Grace discussed this and as luck would have it, Grace found a 3 day cruise to nowhere, but would fulfil her dreams.

As Don and Maria were back in Sydney tending to the beachside apartment and had made time to attend their friend's wedding, Grace booked the cruise and, on the 8 Feb saw the 3 of them set sail.

Isabella was in her element - she relived her memories and given her 2 highly adventurous daughters who took her to all the events on boards, the shows, the degustation, Isabella experienced her voyage all over again and then some.

The three of us cruising

She was astounded at life outside the cabin. She kept saying over and over how she didn't get out of her cabin (she had been a little ill with all the inoculations she had to have prior to coming to Oz) and if she had she would have seen all of this. (Personally, we didn't think she would, because in those days ships provided a function, ie to transport people, rather than entertainment - but we let her think that.)

We wanted her to enjoy it for what it was. And enjoy she did. You couldn't wipe the smile from her face (even weeks later, she is still thanking us over and over).

Mum was certainly seen in a new light - that of a young woman sailing to the other side of the world wondering where she was going to and what she would find. (Luckily, she found our dad otherwise there would be no us!)

Disembarking back in Sydney Maria met up with Don and Zingara and headed south. Could hardly contain our excitement! This is it!

Illawarra - Towradgi

Aeiral of Zingara

First port of call was Towradgi in the lovely Illawarra region. Don honed his droning skills and with school holidays over, we practically had the place to ourselves! 

Maria was able to catch up on some TAFE work. Her "office" is now complete with dual screens, phone 

Maria hard at work

(mobile) to speak with her learners and internet by tethering off her phone. The big comfy chair is actually the passenger seat that swivels around.

Next stop was Huskisson where Don had a job reglazing a window at a friend's home. The weekend we arrived at Husky (as it is affectionately known) was the weekend of the annual triathlon (apparently been going for the last 13 years) and the population of the tiny coastal village swelled from its usual number of 3300 people to standing room at the pub!

Huskisson Pictures

Maria deciding
which movie to see

We turned up to have a meal at the said pub and hopefully a dance on the Friday night, but the place was so packed and the line so long to order, we headed in a different direction. We walked to the other side of the small town and found Huskisson Pictures. The building was built in 1913 and the outside facade still had that old time look. 

Peter, the owner and Maria

We headed inside and found a small counter that dispensed old fashioned (Admit one) tickets and the necessary munchies along with a comfy lounge to sit on whilst waiting to enter the theatre. In the warmer months you can also sit outside as tables and chairs were set up.

We bought our tickets and headed into the cinema. Once inside, sitting on the plush red chairs (the theatre would hold approximately 50 people), we noticed the little things that the owners, Peter and Jan had done to make it just that bit more comfortable for their patrons - a number of cushions to put behind sore backs or raise a patron a little higher (like Maria) and booster seats for the littlies. 

Husky Pictures is a must if you are travelling this way. Way better than those big fancy impersonal movie theatres and a lovely personalised service. Best of all? The ticket price for everyone was $11. Check them out http://www.huskipics.com.au/

Oh and the movie we saw? Bohemian Rhapsody! Awesome movie! And if we had stayed in town a little longer the following week there was going to be a singalong to the songs from the movie.

The following day we decided to check out the triathlon. It was quite a big deal with lots of people about almost like a party atmosphere. We browsed around the stalls - mostly biking and sporting accessories, but nothing really took our fancy except... 

Great Aussie Swim Parka

Daryl, Maria and Cindy

We came across Cindy and Daryl. Now picture this. Maria not a seasoned camper like Don. She works out she needs to get to the amenities block, so she brings along a warm fleecy dressing gown for this, which is all fine at home, but not to walk anywhere from 10-200 metres to an amenities block in full view of everyone. The white dressing looked like something old (older than us) people would wear, flapped around in the wind and basically looked tired and it had to go. Cindy and Daryl to the rescue with their Great Aussie Swim Parkas.

Maria modelling the Parka

What is it you ask? Well it's a longish coat, with a hood, but the inside is a towel. It is designed to wear from swimming pool (like Maria will ever get in one) to your tent, car, wherever, and it keeps you warm and the towel dries you off. Perfect for Maria to wear to the amenities block on the cooler mornings and perfect for her in the winter! Check them out - one very versatile piece of clothing - https://www.swimparkas.com.au/

As we have a rule that if something new comes in, then something has to go. Someone will be the recipient of a white fleece dressing gown when it gets dropped off at the Op shop.

Speaking of showers. Amenities blocks are interesting. Usually a row of toilets and a row of showers, and not necessarily closed as there are lots of vents to allow air to come through and of course outside noises. Whilst in Towradgi Maria marvelled at the lovely bird sounds whenever she was in the shower block. Oddest thing was when she went to use the amenities in Huskisson, it seems the same birds followed her - until it dawned on her it was her thongs. She was told to wear thongs when showering in public places and when the thongs got wet they kinda squelch in a variety of sounds - very similar to birds. 

The Fat Bike

Don's new toy

Don had been toying with getting an electric bike. Whilst at Towradgi he came across John who was upgrading fat bikes into electric bikes. This bike allows you to ride on the beach on the sand, bicycle paths, roads and other terrain. A bike that goes up to 25 kms an hour and with a battery where you can travel 40 kms before recharging, Don was sold. 

It's his new toy and a fantastic conversation starter that sometimes sees him getting back much later than anticipated given the amount of people that want to chat to him about the bike.

Dancing in the Streets

Dancing in the Streets

A lovely afternoon was spent at Angels Bayside Cafe where there was live music by Emma Jene a delightful vocalists that entertained us and the street crowd for several hours. Of course we got up to dance, which made others do the same! We loved that people came up to us and thanked us for just doing what we love. Julie Gunn we could have had classes down here.....

Local identity Raven

Doing the Nutbush

Enjoying the atmosphere

So where to next? We are heading further down the South Coast along the coast road....

After the turmoil

Back at the beachside apartment we finally got a date to fix the flooring! That’s right, from the 6-12 February the magnesite will be removed, floor levelled, wardrobe put back in and floorboards laid! Things finally were starting to sort out....

That's Life Mega Monthly

We made print and the net!

We also featured in “That’s Life – Mega Monthly” magazine! Thanks to our dear friend Eva for suggesting us. Apparently we are going to appear each month for the next 12 months – or until they get sick of us 😊, so you can also follow our adventures in print form, or you can follow us online as well as on the net! Click here to see more of our story online.

Whilst riding out the hot weather at some of the best beaches on the south coast of NSW, Maria found it extraordinary (remember first time camper here) at the rigs (is that the right term??) people had, from the well experienced to the novice. They opened off the top of mini-vans, utes with tray tops, caravans as long as a road train and in fact one had a truck to tow it with two separate entrances to the van!

At one place we stayed, there was a Japanese family who after making friends with us told us that this was their first time camping and you could tell. The light bouncing off their brand spanking new caravan, outdoor tables and chairs, cookware and clothes line, nearly blinded us but both Don and Maria thought - good on you for having a go.

This contrasts with the lovely Afghanistan couple with 3 little people’s first camping experience. They turn up very late in the evening on the Friday before Australia day and begin putting up a tent. After about 30 mins we notice that they had gotten in the car and left leaving a very deflated tent on the ground. They return late at night and we had gone to bed but got woken up by lights being flashed around and an odd noise that sounded like a whooshing sound.

The following morning after we make friends with them (well Maria) they explained they had decided suddenly to come camping, dashed to the shops and purchased a tent amongst other things and headed south. It turns out the husband was 6’3” and couldn’t stand up in the tent, so they had gone out at night to buy a new one.

Returning to put the new tent up, some other campers, saw them trying to erect the tent in darkness and offered lights (hence the flashing lights) and pump up the air beds by hand (the whooshing sound).

The husband went on to tell us a lovely story. He had come to Australia when he was 7 and in that first year of being in Australia and with very little English and knowledge of the Australian way of life, he went on his first school camp. He was fascinated by it and was taught how to put up a tent, cook over a fire, eat and sleep outside. He was so excited that when he got home he rushed to his parents to tell them about his experience.

His mother looked at him. Son why would I want to give up my bed, my oven, my kitchen, to eat outside and sleep on the floor? his mother had said. He was deflated to say the least, but the memory lingered and now with his lovely wife (she had come out when she was one) and their three lovely kids they had made a snap decision to come and as he said creating memories with the family!

Although this couple were 30 years younger than us we had a laugh about how the reaction from migrant mothers who left war-torn countries to start a new life in Australia was the same. Very appropriate for Australia Day.

They were curious about Zingara and we showed them around and they loved the concept and what could be done and there was great discussion on how they could outfit it with the three kids.

Port Kembla

They didn’t know the area, so we headed them off in a couple of directions – Port Kembla beach, the port to see the big ships come in (and do some fishing), the walk along the breakwater and Seacliff bridge. (Guess where we were 😊) – they were delighted with Port Kembla beach and their littlies had a fantastic time in the water.

Again we both thought how great for them to do this and create memories for their family.

As the drama at the country and beachside apartment subsided, we spent a morning repacking the bus. By this stage we had been on the road a couple of months and we found things we were using quite a lot (we kept these), things we were not using much (these went to the back of the bus) and not using at all but wanted to keep (these we will drop off at home when we go back to see about the flooring), with a few things being donated to the Op shop.

This appealed to the neat freak and organised side of Maria where everything must have a place and put everything back into place when done. Living in a small environment this is imperative, as space is small and needs to be used as best as possible. For example, cooking – two people just can’t do in the bus, so we either move it outside, or one person does it.

Speaking of food, it has been suggested to do a few videos on how we cook on the bus, so this is in the pipeline 😊. We are generally eaters who love fresh fruit and veges and some protein, but we got off track whilst at the country residence and we have gotten a little – well pudgy. We are back on track eating heaps of salads, greens, berries and fitting in some exercise.

At some point during our travels the seat from Maria’s pushbike disappeared. Maria says it was stolen, Don says it fell off, either way there was a pushy with no seat just a very straight upright pole.

Somehow as we passed thru the beachside apartment the bike (minus the seat) got left behind, prior to heading down the south coast. As Maria needed it because she was stranded without it, Don came to the rescue with his Seniors Opal card, a borrowed seat from brother Robert, hopped on the train to head back to the beachside apartment to collect the bike for the grand total of $2.50.

What he wasn’t counting on was the heat. No problems thought Don, I can hop on the bus with the bike on the way to the train station. Wrong. Bus driver would not let him on, so in the heat he cycled to the station to catch the train back. Needless to say, he was very hot and bothered when he finally got back. The good news was Maria did a 10 kms ride the next morning and was ecstatic that she wasn’t stuck!

Don finally got his drone and he has spent the last couple of weeks honing his droning skills (is there such a word?) and is having fun making videos from the sky. Don did insure the drone in the event it is lost. Apparently, the insurance pays out two new drones (a year) just in case…. We have also gotten in to making short videos, so catch them on our YouTube channel

One afternoon as a big storm approached, Maria learnt how things needed to be packed up, batten down and basically ensure that any big winds wouldn’t send any of their belongings out into the beach. Finishing this and sitting inside the bus as the rain arrived, a curious thing was going on outside in the next camping bay (is that what it’s called?)

A woman about 30 turns up in a smallish car. She hops out and has several big flatish boxes with her. Don looks out and says it looks almost like an Ikea flat pack. She lays all the plastic tubing on the ground. It had quite a few connectors and she began trying to put this together. She kept referring to instructions, then going back to the plastic tubing and connectors. This went on for about half an hour.

Then she gets in the car, moves it around a bit and stops. She moves to the next camping bay (she is now occupying two). Someone from the next camping bay comes over and asks if she needs help. No  she says my partner is coming soon. More time elapses.

Soon two other people arrive and start to work with her. Next two turns into eight (still raining). They somehow manage to put all the tubing and connectors together and form a roof. A tarp is found and thrown over the plastic roof trusses. Then six people raise the roof and the other two ran to each end and in between and insert the longer pole. When the rest of the tarp is brought out it turns out she is erecting a gazebo, complete with fake windows. Two tables are set up inside. And it is still raining.

Don and Maria shook their heads, if this was up 3 hours ago when the wind was howling, there would be very little left of the gazebo as there were no rope to tie it down and even Maria (the novice camper) knew you had to secure it!

the wedding

On the 1 February good dancing friends of ours were wed at the Kirribilli Yacht Club. It was on of the best weddings that both Don and Maria had been to. Low fuss, great food and wine, lots of dancing and a rocking DJ all made for a fantastic night!

the wedding

Later that week Maria left Don and Zingara to go on a 4 day cruise with her sister and mother. Mum was turning 85 and was yearning for a trip on a boat as she had done some 63 years ago when coming to Australia from Italy for the first time. To say she was excited was an understatment. As we cruised under the Harbour Bridge and pointed out the Quay, Opera House, and other famous landmarks, Mum was excited as a little girl.

the three of us on the cruise

The cruise people even got into the spirit and bought out a cake for her birthday with everyone singing happy birthday. Lots of cocktails later, an 8 course degustation dinner with matching wines, and some great shows and some sisterly and motherly time together, Maria eventually returend back to Don and Zingara ready to start the adventure again . . . 

Two bob watch

Month 2 Two bob watch

A break was needed - with all the renovations at the country residence and the unfolding drama at the beachside apartment, the mobile home – Zingara -  was packed up and we headed to Mulwala – another border town with Yarrawonga along the Murray River.

Maria’s friend Ane has a holiday home which is lovingly referred to as Club Shed because basically it’s an eclectic mix of small fibro cottage with several caravans, belonging to a variety of relatives, all on a suburban house block. Whilst on the block the feel is rural, the moment you step out to the curb, you’re back in suburbia – we love Club Shed!

As the families grew, some relies bought their own bit of Mulwala and that is where we found ourselves on New Year’s Eve - Club Med (Ane’s brother’s place that is somewhat a little upmarket than Club Shed).

A huge roast dinner was put on for about 20 family members, with lots of bubbly, some dancing – well Don and Maria, sparklers (little kids were fascinated as they didn’t get the benefit of cracker night), karaoke (Ane’s nephew could do a rousing rendition of Jimmy Barnes) and party pop streamers added to the festivities of the night.

Back at Club Shed, gelato was whipped up, mango chicken salads tossed together and chicken nuggets that taste like well gourmet chicken nuggets disappeared like hot cakes, along with spending time at Paddy’s Bend, swimming in the Murray and following each evening with an iced Baileys or three.

The weather was extreme – in the low 40’s and the day it got to 45 found Maria positioned under the air con and was not moving.

The week at Mulwala certainly restored our flagging spirits – where we were actually pleasant to one another after the gruelling month of renovations.

Op shops in Mul were scrutinised and the day we shopped there was a 50% sale. Maria was so chuffed that she purchased a stainless-steel coffee plunger, reduced to $1.50 after the discount, for the days she wanted to feel “French”.

Don even managed to find some more items for the bus – metal fly screen which were reasonable priced rather than the exorbitant Sydney prices – another plus for country towns! This was placed on the side of the bus that didn’t have a screen and thus allowed us to open windows at night and have no mozzies flying in.

Whilst we are the subject of mozzies – they were relentless! Maria was bitten so much that she managed to make a make-shift fly screen for the back door and install net curtains to the sliding door of the bus to ward off the pesky insects!

Don also fitted a water filter to the water inlet, so water is now filtered right into to the water tank which pleased Maria no end as now she can drink her clean water!

Improvements to Zingara are always welcomed!

Is this giving the finger to Sydney??

On the way back to Albury a short stop at Rutherglen to have eat one of those world-famous pies at Parker’s Pies and this road sign took our fancy. It’s almost like raising the finger at Sydney!

Shortly after arriving back to Albury where a few more minor jobs were waiting, there was a bit of a raucous from next door.

Don was working out the front of the house on a small project and around 10 am a young redhead arrives and starts bellowing to the inhabitants of the house next door, to be given her daughter back who apparently was with her father on his access visit.

During the day the redhead kept up a steady stream of screaming abuse, crying hysterically, and threatening everyone in the house. Yet the house stayed quiet.

At times she would go quiet, sit on the step, mutter quietly to herself, then the raging and ranting would begin all over again.

As 2 pm approached Maria and Don had had enough - not only were profanities were being yelled, but the redhead was now threatening to kill them all.

Has anyone called the police Maria asked – Not sure says Don

Maria decides out of public duty to call the police and after apologising to them for troubling them proceeds to tell them that there is a very distressed young woman next door hurling abuse at the household, swearing and insisting on having her daughter returned. Not sure if anyone was home as there has been no sound coming from there.

Not a problem say the police, that’s what we are here for – we will send someone. And they did – within 20 mins with the paddy wagon Good says the redhead – they have my daughter - You need to get her out.

Good policing strategies were implemented by our boys in blue – one stayed with her, the other approached the house.

After about 10 minutes the policeman in the house emerges and the two of them proceed to talk to the redhead explaining that the dad has the right to spend time with his daughter. How would you like it if he turned up at your mother’s place carrying on like a two-bob watch? Asked the young police officer. The term made Maria and Don smile - would he even know what two-bob meant or is??

She really didn’t have an answer and consequently was given a lift home and peace reigned in the suburb again.

Maria saw the inhabitants from the house emerge and asked are you ok – they said yes. Maria asked why didn’t you call the police, they said we did – several times. Oh says Maria  I told them there was a highly distressed woman yelling abuse. Oh they said, we didn’t think to say that. hmmm

In the meantime, Karen from Zelle paid us a visit and was amazed at the transformation of the place. She immediately found a tenant who just “loved” the place. Don and Maria were both pleased that all that hard work paid off.

Update on the beachside apartment - Apparently in the 70’s when the building was built they laid down a product called magnetise – a cork like product to help with soundproofing but if it gets wet it needs to be removed. All good however that is part of the building. Enter the strata people and there began another round of dealing with another real estate and another insurance company.

Maria contacts Nicole from the strata – not a problem she says but get two quotes and send to me and oh by the way we are closing for the Christmas/New Year break. But we were 600 kms away!

Nevertheless, we somehow managed to get quotes and at 8:55am on the day the office reopened the email was sent. 

A wardrobe that was built over the carpet had to be removed before new flooring laid, so we decided to pack up Zingara and head to Sydney to sort out the drama with the beachside apartment.

En route we stopped in Canberra to visit Maria’s son where we free camped for a couple of nights (read on the street). Don got a chance to exercise his excellent mediation skills.

So if you need some couple crises management/therapy or some direction in your life, Don is now taking his mobile business on the road, so feel free to contact Don.

During this Maria’s daughter calls in a distressed state – What’s the problem bella says Maria to her daughter. I’ve just had a call from the Tax office telling me I owned them a lot of money and they were…. Maria cut her off and said It’s a scam - we have all had that call. Oh says her daughter, but wasn’t entirely convinced. Really? Yes really Maria responds, What did you say to them? I started to cry and cry told them I had a disability (which she does) and I kept screaming where’s the documentation said her daughter. And what happened after that asked Maria. Well it went on for a bit, about 5 mins or so with me crying and screaming says her daughter and then they came back and said it was all ok I didn’t have to do anything, and they were terminating the call.

At present there is a Nigerian scamming team quickly being trained up on how to deal with very distressed, crying women.

Update – Turns out Maria’s daughter’s husband decided to have a bit of fun with the scammers. As the number was not private and an Aussie one at that, he called them back. The first time they tried to sell him prostitutes, but he decided to call again and be a little more prepared. This time he got the tax scam and they were telling him he was going to be sent to gaol. He kept telling them that he had already been to gaol, so how can it be he was going again – and he would have done it so seriously and sincerely – quite fun to listen too. This went on for some time until the scammers terminated the call – yet again.

The moral here is have fun with them and turn the tables on them.

From Canberra we headed to the beachside apartment to inspect the damage and remove the built-in wardrobe in readiness to lay the new floor. More calls to the strata revealed the quotes had been received and had been sent on to the insurance company. The saga continues . . .

We decided to continue our journey and had an idyllic stay at the Lane Cove National park where we had a chance to check in with nature, relax and de-stress and get a night of dancing in!

Maria hard at work

The heatwave was now coming to Sydney and we were both pleased that we had purchased that air conditioner. Maria was now back working (part time for TAFE) marking assessments and was glad to have a cool office to work from.

From there we decided to head to Bulli on the lovely south coast of NSW on the beach where the temperature would be much cooler and be by the water.

Can you spot the quirkiness?

The unfortunate positioning of the caravan park situated between a cemetery and the beach was a juxtaposition of the completely stationary with the itinerant travellers, or the dearly departed with the newly arrived.

Who can spot the quirkiness of the signs?

(Hint: No entry to the left and arrow pointing up to the right)

Washing – at some point needs to be done. As we had taken mostly old clothes where we had washed hundreds of time, image the surprise when the washing machine was opened, and somehow a colour had run thru! Ok ok we know to separate whites from coloureds, but these clothes were oldish and had been washed so often any running of colour would be gone. Maria hadn’t figured on the purple yoga pants bought in Thailand.

Maria now owns lilac shorts, undies and very purple bras……WHICH came in handy one particular humid day when the skin was so sticky with humidity and Maria put on a t-shirt back the front. As she peeled the t-shirt off her sticky hot skin she decided it was cooler to stay in her purple shorts and purple bra which looked more like a midriff top. It was soooo cool but more importantly colour co-odinated! No one knows us here anyway….

Maria is starting to think Don is accident prone. As Zingara was being packed up to go to the next exotic location, Maria was doing the “lock down” of the bus. The lock down is similar to what a Flight Attendant does prior to landing where all drawers, cupboards, overhead lockers are secured and checked, window shades drawn up – well the bus needs the windows closed and curtains drawn, but you get the drift.

Maria was just finishing washing up some breakfast dishes prior to storing for lock down and had left the cutting board to the right of the kitchen sink – where there is little room - balancing on the edge with the electric kettle sitting on it, with hot water still in it as she wanted to rinse out the water bottle with the hot water. Don decided to do his “old man” trick of putting his hand on the side of the kitchen bench to support himself as he lowers himself to the stairs. In doing this the chopping board upturns, the kettle ricochets in the stairwell, water is splashed on kitchen cupboards, stairwell and doors and Don who was last heard shouting similar expletives when he drilled in to his thumb.

On top of this we have now been invited to a wedding to a dear friend of ours on the 1 Feb, so we have decided to tour around the wedding site. One of the best things about this adventure is that nothing is written in concrete and we can be as flexible as we like!

Stayed tuned to see what adventures and where we will be next time….