Songs, swamps and chomps

 I thought I'd got through jetlag quite unscathed. Until last night. I woke up at around 3am and stayed wide awake. The only good thing was the concert arranged for me by the local bird population. The overture was performed by a bird called a butcher bird. Despite its menacing name, it has extraordinary ability to pitch its song with weird intervals and repeat it over and over again. I won't get all music geeky at this point, other than to say they seem particularly keen on producing diminished 5ths...

This morning, we walked through a mangrove swamp. Sounds like a muddy experience but an impressive walkway has been constructed to stop you from sinking without trace... This was followed by coffee, sat by the coast and back via a supermarket. We agreed the Australian supermarkets are the most similar to British ones. For a start, you begin with the fruit and veg

 Why this is important, I know not, but they always do. It is slightly strange that one of the biggest chains is called Woolworths. But it's nothing to do with the Woolworths which those reading this who are if more mature years will remember. 

We are now home for lunch and Kate is learning the merits of, and receiving instructions for the use of a Thermo-mix. Apparently, it replaces all other kitchen gadgets and produces haute cuisine. The cheesy bread certainly hit the spot.

We are now in the middle of the flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. (Don't worry,  I'm in flight mode)

Next to me is a boy of about 7 years. He is watching a film (head phones on) on his tablet which he didn't look up from even to experience take off (or landing). He chomped his way through a packet of crisps with an unceasing hand motion from bag to mouth. No exaggeration. Immediately having completed the course of crisps, he opened a packet of biscuits. They are small biscuits which are gone in a bite. There are over 100 in the pack by my calculation. The hand to mouth never stopped. He has now moved to a chocolate bar without pause. I find that concerning. Am I just a grumpy old man? Don't answer that. 

Harry, Joy's cat
Luna and Junior. Pets of Melbourne cousin, Julie (and husband Tony)

Mangrove swamps 
The much fabled thermo mix
Product of the above



Comments

  1. Dunc and Pam15 September 2024 at 01:56

    Good pics. Was your main concern that the 7 yr old didn’t offer to share, or the possibility of him puking in your lap? 🤢

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dunc and Pam15 September 2024 at 02:02

    The Butcher bird sounds quite scary ….. sweet dreams 😧

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lizzie and Chris17 September 2024 at 02:52

    Aha, the thermomix- my Ozzie friend tried so hard to explain why I really shouldn't live without one. Ask your hosts to roast almonds in them...yummmeeee

    ReplyDelete

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