New Years Eve 2011

For New Years Eve we ventured down to Southbank here in Brisbane to watch the fireworks at midnight along the Brisbane River.

This is a selection of the over 100 photos that Nick took....

The New Year Countdown on the cities buildings

To The Mountains and the Beach

On Boxing Day we drove to Montville - a lovely little mountain top town.

From the lookout we got an amazing view over the Sunshine Coast

Looking out over the Sunshine Coast Beaches

After living in the desert for almost 4 years you appreciate little things like green trees and green grass

Due to a cyclone up north the waves were quite big - but there were a few surfers braving the waves

In a Montville Candy Store - making candy.

From this...

through the machine

To the finished product

Not Quite Settled

Well I have been back in Australia now for almost one month (Nick has been here for 4months) and its sure weird being back.

I drove a car for the first time in almost 18months and am pleased to say that I did not need driving lessons!!!! But it sure is nice to be able to get in the car and go where ever I please - but I must remember where I park the car....bad habit of mine is to park/get out and take no notice of where the car is!!!!

The price of food has been a huge shock - especially fruit WOW it is sooooo expensive. Grapes are a whopping $17.00 AUD/kg.... I cringe every time I have to go shopping for food. We thought our food shopping was expensive in Qatar - but compared to here it sure was cheap, even with buying all the imported favourites that we liked to eat.

Basically we are paying four times what we were in Qatar/Saudi - not looking forward to getting a electricity bill thats for sure....

We do miss the sandpit (believe it or not) but it is nice being able to breathe in fresh air, and the rain is fabulous, birds singing and blue skies.

But we are still on the lookout for our next adventure - we are just not settled here, I am sure it will take a little while to get used to "normal". I feel naked every time I go out in just my clothes - so used to not having to think about what to wear every day with my trusty abaya.

I will start working soon - am looking to go and do a few short contracts in the Australian Outback, so I'll keep you posted.

Al Masmak Fort

After being here for 2.5 years and coming down here at least once a week I finally decided to go inside the Al Masmak Fort right in the centre of downtown Old Riyadh.

In the centre of Riyadh - this building played a major part in the Kingdoms history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh led by Ibn Saud occurred on January 14, 1902.

A cannon used by the Saudi Military with an Ottoman Seal dated 1880

A Saudi door

Cannon Balls

Pen case with Ink Wells

An incense burner - you will see the women wafting the fumes through their hair and they will stand over the burner and waft the fumes up their abayas.

A traditional coffee pot

Swords

Camel Attire

Camel Attire

A model of the Old City Of Riyadh 1918 AD

A close up of the intricate carvings on the door

The coffee making area

Typical saudi furniture - still seen in the shops today

This is what most saudi families have in what is called their Majlis - which means sitting place. Most homes have a separate building outside the house where meetings, gatherings take place and it is usually furnished like this. You are seated on the floor on brightly coloured cushions and served arabic coffee and dates .

This is a place for men only.

Be Good Now

If you commit a crime eg- theft, adultery or murder you will most likely be taken down here to "Chop Chop Square" as it is known, to have your limbs cut off or to be executed ie- your head chopped off!!!!

This is right in the middle of Riyadh next to the Gold Souqs...

Not quite sure of the statistics - but it apparently still does happen.

Westerners are well warned to stay away on a Friday (this is when it is rumoured to take place) as they will be pushed to the front for the best seat in the house

Yes I did take these myself and it was not on a Friday. I have also been down here at night time, and families come here in droves with their picnic tables and the kids run around and they have a great time right here in

Chop Chop Square....

Homeward Bound

Well after nearly four years away from Australia we are heading home.

Nick is already home and I am seeing out the end of my contract here in Saudi Arabia.

Looking forward to breathing fresh air, blue sky, birds singing, eating food that tastes fresh and living in a 'normal' society...

Its been a very interesting and challenging four years living in the Middle East, and would not change it for anything.

We have met and made the most amazing friends.

Masalama Middle East .....

Go The Blacks

Well Friday see the opening ceremony and the first game of the RWC 2011.

It is being held in my home country New Zealand.

All  I have to say is Go The Blacks!!!!