At the end of July, Tristan had his first plane ride and trip interstate. We went to Tasmania. Tate had a business trip there so we joined him and enjoyed the luxurious hotel in Hobart for a couple of days then spent the weekend with Tate’s family up in Deloraine.
This was my first time to Tassie and I was blown away. The place is beautiful, crispy air, blue sky, radiant sunshine. You feel you are on a real holiday. No stress like in Sydney, where everybody seems to be running to catch the last train. The only negative point is the cold, it’s really cold, at least this time of the year. Can’t wait to go back again but during summer. Tate and I are planning a motorbike trip there. That’d be awesome!!! We just need to figure out what to do with Tristan while we get to go on an adventure.
On the way there I was on my own, as Tate would just fly after work. My plane was just 3 hours delayed but it didn’t bother me that much as I could just check in at the hotel at 2pm and if I had arrived in time at 11am, then I’d have to wait outside somewhere in Hobart I didn’t really know. So, it worked out well. Travelling by yourself with a baby it’s not easy, luggage, pram, baby carrier, baby bag, documents, tickets, etc… that’s full on!! Mind you, I don’t have a small baby, Tristan is over 9Kg so carrying him, his bag and my bag plus a thick coat was a bit too much for me. But we made it.
He behaved alright in the plane. Lots of smiles to the crew but angry screams to Mummy. I had to put up with it just for the first half hour then he slept all the way to picking up the bags and pram at the luggage carrousel in Hobart. From there, I got a shutter bus to the hotel and we were able to check in straight away.
What a beautiful hotel. They turned the old IXL jam factory into an Art Gallery hotel. Very fancy, with views to the harbour! The bathroom was amazing, there was a spa in it. As we don’t have a bathtub at home, the first thing Tristan and I did was having a bath. He loved it. He is used to showers with me or Tate, so he enjoyed himself a lot. After that we had an afternoon nap and waited for Tate.
At night, we went out for a walk and enjoyed a very fine dining. The only problem with fine dining is that you pay lots for very little. I’m not used to this, I come from a country where most places you go, is all you can eat for a bargain. But anyway, it’s good to feel like the rich and famous for a night and the meal I’d chosen, was spot on.
The next 2 days, Tate had a few meetings and some work to do while Tristan and I explored the city. After Tate finished work on Friday, we got the hire car and drove to Launceston to catch up with Malcolm’s family (Tate’s cousin). What a beautiful drive!! Malcolm’s kids are beautiful, they loved Tristan and where very kind to him, letting him play with his old baby toys.
From there, we followed Beverley (Tate’s aunt) to her house in Deloraine and met the rest of the family. I’d met Cameron before, he came to our wedding, but it was my first time to meet Jamie, Adrian and his wife Chelsea.
On Saturday, we went for a walk in the Tasmanian rain forest and reached Liffey Falls. The weather was perfect! The place is eye catching. The waterfalls, stunning! Tristan loves trees and there were so many there that I think he got a bit overwhelmed about it all and ended up falling asleep. =)
After our walk, we enjoyed a nice barbecue and went back home for a game of RISK, which Tate won, just because he killed me and got my cards. However, the next day I won. Those boys made fun of us girl not knowing how to play but the next day that was a girls domination of the game.
On Sunday, we went to church with the family and then had a lovely afternoon by walking on the river banks and Bev’s farm. I must say that we were more than well fed at Bev’s place, she cooked delicious meals and lots of desserts.
On Monday morning we got to go to the art museum in Deloraine and learn a bit more about the region through the yarns that the community has sown. Quite impressive! For a nice treat, we had lunch at the Raspeberry farm but then we had to rush to the airport but made it in time for the flight.
The flight back was so much easier as Tate was with me. Tristan was a bit unsettled but not as bad as the kid sitting next to us. Poor mother!!
So, for Tristan’s first trip, I can say that he had a wonderful time. Not that he’ll ever remember it, but we will. Thanks to Beverley and her very hospitable family we had a very memorable time.
Below are some photos of our trip.
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AH! Just to let you know, we still update the other blog with Tate or mine stories, so have a look when you have some time. http://familiamarianoryan.blogspot.com
