I just noticed that it is over 1 year ago I posted my last post!
I have been here, at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
I would have never known that a human body and mind was capable of what we have been doing in the last year, but I now know ... it is.
Last July we were living on a generator, installing new reception and new amenities. We were trying to get our heads around "how to run a park" and at the same time cleaning cabins, designing new ones, buying furniture online, cleaning amenities, renovating cabins, yes and of course cooking dinner every night. Not just for us, but also for family, friends and sometimes backpackers who were there to help us set up! Kids were trying to settle into their new school and bless for all the lovely people in Halls Gap who made us feel so welcome and assisted us in running kids to cricket, dance and Auskick. As a mother there is nothing more soul warming then knowing that the household is running smooth and kids are having a childhood they can look back onto with a big smile on their face. I often say we worked 8 days a week, without having day 9 off! Fortunately the phones kept ringing, friendly faces kept coming through the doors and business went well.
So after 16 months of working straight it was time for us to take a break and we decided to visit friends and family back home (Holland) and take the kids to LEGOLAND in Denmark. We had a wonderful time reconnecting, enjoying each others company, seeing friends and family and watching BIG smiles on the kids faces. LEGOLAND was an absolute highlight!
Where do we start?
Paddy and Keira studying the Lego Land map.
On the way back we decided to have a 2 night stopover in Dubai, to break up the trip a little. As you may all well know, the minute you are home, you are home. I fact all cars of the people who made sure the park ran whilst we were away were parked ready for departure when we arrived! (for fun of course!)
Staff ready for "take off"
So off to Dubai we went! Our 8 year old son had a big sleep on the plane and Rohan and I were so pleased! At least we would finish our holiday on a good note ... A nice dinner somewhere in Dubai, Wild Wadi, a world famous waterpark, some time at the resort and maybe even a night tour through the city! But no! Poor Paddy threw up the minute he woke up on the plane. In the plane, at the airport in the taxi and the next 12 hours in the hotel room. So our Dubai stopover turned into an indoor air conditioned (bless, it was 45 degrees outside)) gorgeous hotel room experience, with room service (after all we couldn't just leave Paddy behind) and taking it in turns enjoying the hotel pool with Keira.
Keira and I enjoying "our turn"
Coming home was amazing. It was so nice to see our gorgeous two Border Collies "Bubbles" and "Ruffles", the park looked amazing, our house was sparkling (thanks to Di, our friend who took full responsibility for cooking and amenities whilst we were away!) my favourite mother in law (gorgeous Veronica) told me how much she loved me and missed me and Michaël our Belgium Backpacker told us he had enjoyed the responsibilities that much that he had decided to take on the job of manager (which we had offered him before we left).
Lucky I had asked Michael to put on staff in the reception for the 3 days after arrival, so we could acclimatise, unpack and slowly ease into it. Rohan and I had decided although we love working hard, it was important to take some time off and enjoy our own backyard. So more then a week back today we went for a lovely walk to Chatauqua Peak via Clematis Falls.
Clematis Falls starting at the oval.
Views from "Chatauqua Peak"
It is soo good to be home!
And although it was delightful to float in the Indian Ocean watching the high rises in Dubai, I know which high rises I prefer.
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