Australia for Christmas

In mid-December I left cold but not yet snowy Switzerland and jetted my way to summer in Australia on the other side of the world.

My home town. Canberra from Mt Ainslie.

In Canberra it was perfectly warm and there were parrots and cockatoos everywhere. There were beautiful summer thunderstorms that brought with them the incredible smell of rain in Australia. I spotted interesting bugs on a gum tree, walked up Mt Ainslie, drank a flat white in hipsterised Braddon, swam in the neighbours' pool, caught up with great friends. Best of all, I saw my wonderful family.

Hello!

On Christmas day we took a table from the house into the back garden and put it under a shady tree. We ate prawns freshly cooked on the barbecue and corn on the cob, and tried new Australian craft beers. It was a relaxed and beautiful day. We thought and talked a lot about my Dad, and at our table under the tree we raised a glass to him.

Christmas (fruit) mince pies!

Slide show time with my grandparents.

It was a calm, renewing trip to Australia. I feel warmed by the sun, the presence of my family, and good coffee. 2015 was a very tough year, but not one that I want to forget. Now back in Switzerland, I am looking to 2016 with clear eyes, and optimism.

Amazing bugs on a gum tree. Such wonderful colours.

At Brisbane airport, an A330 preparing to fly north.