Long time no holiday

As promised, the low-down on my recent holiday in Frankston! This was the only real holiday I've had in what seems like years, and for something so simple it was unbelievably relaxing!

Day 1 – Wednesday Jan 3 2007
We left a little later than intended at around 12. I hate being late, and it meant we missed lunch with the Stosics. But never mind. Shortly after starting our journey, we stopped at Centro Lansell. There we bought a very groovy dinosaur book for Jasper's first birthday. Shortly thereafter we were on the road again. It was very hot, since Stoz's car has no air conditioning (that I am aware of). We stopped for lunch at Maccas, but the ice cream machine was broken, unfortunately.

We arrived just after three, and I was very happy to see everyone. It felt like it'd been ages, but it was really only a month or two. That evening Uncle Bernie arrived with his scaredy-cat dog, Schroeder. That dog is so funny to watch, particularly with the crazy antics of the other pets in that house, Milo and Ezekiel. Stoz went off to unload the boot of all the forgotten treasures from the backroom of his house, and I talked to Maureen about Omi, Jasper and other family matters. Dinner was scrumptious goulash and noodles, with ice cream for dessert, although I ended up feeling kinda sick from food overload. After tea, I mostly watched Kate and Stoz play Tetris and Doctor Mario. We all went off to bed just after 12. I felt so comfortable getting into bed, even though it was an old trundle bed. Why? No stress! It took me awhile to figure out why I felt so good... It was a forgotten feeling.

Day 2 – Thursday Jan 4 2007
We got up around 9 and I did my stretches (so the physio should be happy!). One of the parts I love most about staying with the Stosics is the awesome BBQ bacon and egg breakfast, complete with mushrooms. Kate stayed in bed, though.

After breakfast, Stoz and I headed off to see Oma in Warragul. It was another hot road trip. We passed through Langwarrin, which sounded familiar. I finally figured out it was where Nat lived, and I texted him. I saw a strange giant bird statue out the front of a a fun park, along with many weird business signs along the road. We arrived in Warragul just after 12 and spent three hours with Oma. I drank three cups of tea (and felt sick!), looked at all her photos, books and paintings, and heard all about her life. I was reminded very much of Omi, Opa and Mama, which was a strange yet familiar mix. Her accent is different to Omi's, probably since she's Polish not German, but the things she said were very much the same, particularly the haunting “Alles geht vorüber/vorbei” (it all passes). On the other hand, the way she talked also reflected Opa's fantastic memory of every little event that had transpired. Even the house seemed half German, half Warwick to me.

One thing Oma said that made an impression on me was this: “It was the war, but those were nice days. We were young.” I guess we have so much to learn from that generation. If they could enjoy life where they were, war and all, how much more should we enjoy the life God has given us, no matter the circumstances?

I left Warragul feeling a little sad, since it was all so close to home and fresh. Once back in Frankston, we went out to dinner with Maureen, Alex and Kate at Sophia’s on the beach front. It was a lot like a La Porchetta, but very nice and beautiful. Very quick service, too. We had a waitress from Belgium (the Dutch part), who had been in Australia for six years (I love how Melbourne is so multicultural!). There were lots of cops around for some reason, so something must have been going on at the beach.

After tea, we all went for a walk along the pier. The water was so beautiful and clear, you could actually see the bottom (not like other Victorian beaches). I guess I've been spoiled by the Gold Coast. The pier was long and between the cracks you could see the water and the beams holding it up. There were kids and other people everywhere, many looking ethnic of some sort. Very beautiful, and very romantic (almost). There was a gorgeous, picturesque sunset to top it all off. Oma called while we on the pier, and said to Maureen to “Enjoy Steff while she’s there, she’s a sweet girl.” Aw shucks.

As we were leaving, we passed a mob of boys heading out to the end of the pier. Between them they carried a pair of BMX bikes and a wooden ramp. I said to Stoz, "Do you think that's kinda suspicious?" We didn't get to see what happened next unfortunately, but instead went home and played games again until just before midnight.

Day 3 – Friday Jan 5
This was our supposed last day of the holiday. We got up around nine. Kate had to go to the dentist at 10 – I didn't realise she hates the dentist even more than I do! Stoz and I played Tetris while we waited for Kate, then the rest of us headed out for a late breakfast at Billy Baxter’s café, near the new cinema. It was really nice. Then we went window shopping at the nearest shopping complex - HUGE! It felt like being in the airport, or Melbourne Central (poor little country girl). I wanted to spend ages there, but also felt guilty since you can go shopping any time really. We went past the infamous JB on the way home, and I played that crazy guitar game on display.

At home Will, Kate's boyfriend, had arrived as moral support (she was still sore from the dentist). We all decided (except Maureen) to go to the beach, where we spent about an hour. Firstly Stoz and I went for a short stroll, the waves splashing over our feet. Then I paddled up to my knees, since I didn't have my bathers. Though, I got wet anyway. I gave up and sat on the towel and watched as the four of them played keepings off with a foam ball. Stoz also chased Kate around with a piece of seaweed (what a mean brother!).

As you can guess, we got home and played games yet again. Dinner was fried rice and chicken (I love this family!), followed by cookies and cream ice cream. Yum! We decided it was too late to head home at 8.30pm (it's a three hour trip at least), so we played/watched games again. I got to sleep in the double bed (woohoo!) since Will was also staying.

Day 4 – Saturday Jan 6
I woke up at 7am, but hit snooze several times. I finally heard Stoz rummaging around next door. He popped his head in on his way to the shower, and I said he could go first so I could snooze a little longer (lazy or what!). We packed up, then had breakfast with everyone - another bacon and egg feast.

We were finally ready to go just after 9.30 (an hour and a half after originally intended). We said our goodbyes and left. Thank goodness I'm not the navigator, because I couldn't follow which turns we took on the highway! We stopped for drinks at Maccas and eventually made it home. The sad part is, I could feel all the stress coming back the closer we got to Bendigo.

Oh well, it was still fantastic, and I can't wait til Kate's birthday when we're going again!