Well here I am back in Australia for a month or so to catch up with family and friends. Rather than write a story each week from Hobart I will just keep adding to this one to cover my time at home unless I go elsewhere on this wonderful island and want to share it with my OS mates!!. I hope you all enjoy a look at my hometown......So look forward to tales of fun and frivolity as I catch up with as many people as I can before embarking on another academic year in China!!!

I survived the multiple plane trips to get here but of course have ended up with a dreadful head cold to start my holiday :( A few days in bed should get rid of that...well it better as I have a beautiful friend arriving on 13th to spend a week with me. It will be so exciting to show her some of my wonderful hometown and introduce her (and you) to my family and friends.

I always know I'm home when I spot Mt. Wellington which sits atop the city centre.....although topped by snow at the moment!!! Why oh why does holiday time have to be winter...brrrr.....

On Saturdays, Salamanca comes alive with the famous Salamanca Market. Set between graceful plane trees and the mellow sandstone facades of historic warehouses, Hobart's famous market attracts thousands of locals and visitors, every Saturday of the year. Over 300 stallholders sell fresh and gourmet produce, arts, crafts and handiwork crafts from all over Tasmania, interstate and overseas. Needless to say a visit was in order to check out the latest offerings. Very cold, sunny day but was improved by indulging in some luscious local fudge...yum, yum....and Vicki got her hands on an iconic Tasmanian Devil - well a stuffed toy one anyway!

A visit to MONA was a highlight for my first week. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was established in January 2011 but this has been my first opportunity to see the opening exhibition - a week before it changes - so might get to see another exhibition before I leave! The Museum contains David Walsh's favourite works with the opening exhibition titled "Monanism" exhibiting the "ones that represent him and present him to the world for its interest, outrage or indifference". WELL I have to tell you that indifference has definitely not been in the vocabulary describing this collection of works!!! Confronting...yes, Interest - yes.....Outrage - plenty of that,.....yes but no-one could ever complain that it is boring!!! Personally I think it is very exciting to have such a world class establishment in my little hometown....only sorry I can't share some of the artwork with you (copyright laws etc) but can share our time having a wine.....there is a winery and brewery on-site as well as a restaurant with lovely water views.

Am enjoying wining and dining as I catch up with family and friends. What better way can you think of??? I assure you that there will be many photos from various dining venues around Hobart along with some wonderful Tasmanian wines and maybe the odd cocktail or 2....

Celebrating my son's engagement is also on the agenda on 23 July.....they kindly waited to hold their party till I was back in the country!! Should be a good night and give me the opportunity to catch up with many people....

UPDATE: Well as expected the engagement party was a huge success - the happy couple looked lovely, everyone was enjoying themselves and I got to catch up with many friends. I've added some photos of the lovely couple who are planning the wedding for October 2012.....OMG does this mean I'm getting old???
Also enjoyed a wonderful home cooked roast dinner with an old friend last week....amazing the things you discover you miss....hadn't had a roast in 6 months (not big on a Chinese menu!) so I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful accompanied by a lovely Australian sauvignon blanc..mmm

UPDATE: Time is simply FLYING..... it is only 2 weeks and I will be back in China. I cannot believe it so many people to still catch up with and so little time to do it. Wishing I could clone myself and be in multiple places at once!! Am thoroughly enjoying the many morning teas, lunches, dinners and parties I'm attending - quite the little social butterfly!!
Seems word has got out and I've now had several roast meals so that should keep me going for another 12 months!! Still enjoying far too much lovely Aussie wine..but hey...you only live once...

UPDATE: well its only 3 days till I'm back on the plane heading to China. All I have done is be a social butterfly...lots of lunches and dinners.....fun times catching up with family and friends. Enjoying foods I don't see in China and loads of lovely Aussie wine!!