Ikea, School Plays, and Travel Plans

Just thought I'd write about my day and some things going on.

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This morning I thought I might go into the city and tour the Opera House, but Bronte informed me that she, Chris, Gretel, and Yared were going to Ikea, and would I please go with her. Yes, Ikea. I know, I know, tough choice: a beautiful and well-known icon and architectural wonder from one of the greatest cities in the world -- or -- a home products retailer that I can easily find back home in the States.

I decided to go to Ikea.

You see, the Patch family LOVES Ikea. I mean, they REALLY love it! I have heard more about Ikea than any other place in Sydney. No, really, it's true! I am not exaggerating here. At first I just thought this obsession was due to being cloistered away in a small African nation for the past two years. But then I thought that there are ALL kinds of stores here and they could have become this overly excited about any number of them.

Well, before they read this and decide to throw me out on the street for having a little laugh at their expense, let me just say that I now KNOW why they love Ikea so much.

It's the meatballs.

Have you ever tried them?! NO??? Well, go to Ikea, stop in the restaurant for some lunch, and have the Swedish Meatballs!!! And get them with the cream sauce gravy and lingonberry jam. As Rachael Ray would say, Yum-O!!!

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Following lunch at Ikea, we went to Ravi's school where his first year (first grade) class was putting on an assembly. They did a terrific job! Ravi had a speaking part where he invited the audience (students and families) to sing the school song - good job Ravi! The kids also sang the Australian National Anthem and put on a little play. The play was kind of similar to the story of the little red hen who thinks the sky is falling, but they used various Australian animals, such as a kangaroo, dingo, etc. It was really cute! And I'm so impressed with these 6-year olds for memorizing all their lines and being so brave up on that stage!

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My evening was very domestic. Chris and Gretel decided to go out to dinner so I watched the kids at home and did some laundry. Ravi really wanted to watch a movie so we put on "Annie". I haven't seen that in a long time.

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So, I haven't really clarified this in any of my previous posts, but Gretel hasn't actually started her job at the consulate yet. We're not really sure why it's taking so long to get all of the various approvals and clear the red tape, but it looks like she still won't be starting for another couple of weeks, though we're still waiting to find out for sure. So she and I and the kids are just having fun site seeing and playing during the day, in addition to various domestic duties, of which I'm trying to help out with a little -- gotta earn my keep somehow since I am not currently fulfilling the obligation I came here to fill. ;) It's actually been really nice to spend time with her, so I'm really glad she didn't have to rush off to work as soon as I got here. Chris and Gretel are like family to me and I really enjoy spending time with them and being in their home!

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AND, we've been talking TRAVEL! A subject the three of us (me, Gretel, and Chris) spend a lot of time on! :) Gretel and I have decided to travel to Ayers Rock/Uluru in Central Australia next month. There are a couple of long holiday weekends, so we can leave Chris with the kids and take off on a little adventure of our own. If Gretel's job allows, I may also take off to Alice Springs by myself for a couple of days.

Also, it looks like ALL of us will be going to New Zealand the first part of November, before I come home. Chris found a really terrific air fare and we've decided to take advantage of it.

These trips are still in the planning stages, so I'll update as I know more.