Today was spent showing this beautiful place to a lovely Finnish tourist. As a renowned music specialist, she has been in Tassie and Victoria for just a few days, presenting day-long workshops to our primary music teachers. Daddy is President of the Tasmanian association and suggested I take her on a personal tour of some of our highlights.
Yesterday she toured Bruny Island, by land and sea. Today, we followed my itinerary. First stop was Mount Wellington - the weather forecast wasn't great but we had no cloud and a wonderful clear view of Hobart and its intricate waterways and hills. But it was sooooo cold up there and I have never walked into wind blowing so strong - not even on the rolling hills of Yolla, NW Tassie, bringing home the cows for milking!
Despite the conditions, we were impressed and my friend was quite taken aback by the scale and beauty of the place. As was Ruby with the following comment. While in the observation tower looking at the view:
Ruby: Mummy, I had no idea the world was SO big!
The concept of distance and space is a tricky one to grasp when you are just 3. I think their innocence is just so delightful.
A drive to Longley, Margate, Kingston and then Richmond was next - lunch, galleries, lolly shop and the 1823 Richmond Bridge. My client was enthralled, made a lovely purchase of local craftsmanship and took lots of lovely photos. I, despite running back inside for my camera this morning, took not one photo. None. Totally forgot I had it in my bag. I guess being a tourist guide requires focus! Therefore, no photos.
And many thanks must go to my dear friend Claire. With half an hour's notice, she happily collected my girls from school (along with her own kids) and took them home for afternoon tea, while we made our way back across town from Richmond.
We picked up the girls, came home and prepared and shared dinner. Peter and our guest talked 'school' and the girls learnt Finnish hand clapping games. They played their favourite kid's CDs for our guest and she made a long list. Maybe young children in Finland will enjoy them too! Mr Whiskers, The Wiggles, Justine, Georgie and Jay all made the shortlist. What a great experience it was for the girls.
Story time and bedtime came around. As did a trip to the airport for our guest - Melbourne and then home to Finland. Daddy drove, I did the 'story time, teeth and toilet'.
And that was our day. A few too many words though!!! x
What a great day Ginni. You could always have a new career as a Tassie tour guide. It is something you do extremely well. We would give you an A1 reference any day. Then to come home and provide dinner- a great hostess as well. I am sure your guest will take home wonderful memories of her day with your family.
ReplyDeleteLove Bev and John
Virginia it sounds like you had a lovely day . It gives you a new appreciation of your own area when showing it all to a tourist !
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