Armidale, Sydney and Queanbeyan

So last monday (9th) Andreas and I left Brisbane and took a lovely scenic route to Armidale. We went from sea level to 1000 meters above. It was so beautiful to see the mountains and see the great dividing range (again). Armidale is the highest city in Australia and we could definitely tell from the temperature. The winter temps in Armidale often go below 0 at night anyways. Colder than Southern B.C. average winter. It was one of the nicest towns we have seen. Population about 30,000 and so much of the original architect from the early 1900's. A good number of schools, churches and even homes were designed by a famous architect and are well maintained.

It really gives the whole town a quaint look.

We stayed at a great bed and breakfast called Annie's B & B. The best part is we were upgraded to the studio suite which was it's own building. It had a great kitchen as well for us to make our dinners. For us this was our 6 month anniversary celebration. We had fun!

The second day there we did a free town tour that highlighted the schools, universities, the old railway station, the art gallery and the churches.

We also visited a winery that afternoon. The cellar door assistant was a lovely young lady that was really fun to talk with. We are loving all the new people we are meeting along the way.

On Wednesday we took another lovely scenic route back down the mountains to Sydney. We stayed with Cessi, Andreas youngest sister. She is such a sweet sister-in-law. I love her. We camped out in the living room, as Cessi shares the downtown flat with 5 other girls. We were only like 2 blocks from the Hillsong City Church. I took in a service on thursday morning called "Sisterhood". A regular session the church hosts on thursdays. It was great! The worship was just excellent and the speaker shared a very encouraging message. Then on Friday we went to the college chapel service. Again great worship!

Another perk at the apartment block that Cessi lives in is a shared gym and pool facility among a few of the buildings. So Andy and I had a workout both days and took in the sauna as well. We arrived in Sydney early evening on Wednesday and left Saturday at noon. Because Cessi is in Bible school we really only had Friday evening and Saturday with her. We walked around some of the downtown and to a great park on Saturday. Oh yes and we also shared a dinner with Carolyn and Charles on thursday evening. It was great to see them after 3.5 months and catch up. They are a hospitable and sociable couple.

We arrived in Queanbeyan late afternoon Saturday. The couple we are housesitting for Phil and Cathy are very nice. Their home is older but nice and clean (Phew). Average 3 bedroom home. They were very hospitable giving us their room and ensuite the night we arrived and telling us to stay in that room for the duration of the housesit. We will be here for a full 2 months. They own a dog and cat. Jack is a blue-heeler cross cattle dog breed, and a really well-behaved and smart dog. He is a pleasure to walk and play with. Mitzy is an indoor cat only and more aloof, but will get used to us in time. Both pets sleep in front of the wood fire on mats beside each other at night. Very cute. It is very cool here, August is the coldest winter month for Queanbeyan, night temperatures around 0 (or lower). This is not the warm part of Oz, but we were prepared for it.

I had an interview yesterday at a massage clinic in town and I have the job. It's so easy to get a job in this country it seems. More about it in the next blog....