Friday 27 May 2011

Travels with the Visitors

Craig's Dad has done a poor job of updating the blog recently. So, in order to catch up a bit here is a summary of the 3-week visit to Taiwan made by Craig and Graham's Uncle Jim, Aunty Anne and Cousin Maree.

The first morning after the visitors' arrival a trip to LA Cafe was made for brunch.

As you can see what the clothing, the Canberra people did not think the weather was cool. The locals begged to differ.

After an embarrassing episode where Craig's Dad took everyone to a supermarket that was closed for renovations, Craig was allowed to play at his favourite department store rooftop jungle gym.

During the first few days that the visitors were in Taipei they took Craig with them on some of their jaunts. This looks like the waterfall at Longshan Temple.

For the most part Craig looked quite happy about not going to kindy.

But, some of the activities were tailored towards culture appreciation and that may have tested Craig's patience.

On one other day he accompanied the visitors to Taipei Zoo.

There's plenty of places to sit at the zoo, really!

During their 3-week visit, Craig's Uncle Jim's mature approach to life was almost certainly a good influence on the young boy.

Craig's Mum wasn't able to spend much time with the visitors. But, she and Graham accompanied the visitors south to Kaohsiung. This photo was taken outside of the old British Consulate.

Graham didn't get out of his pram and even spent most of the time at the consulate asleep.

Craig was happy to look around and enjoy the view.

And, Graham didn't complain while his Dad and Uncle Jim were chatting.

He was actually quite patient.

The little group took a ferry over to Chijin. Craig had a chance to play on a jungle gym.

Graham didn't really cheer up until he was in the nice cool air-conditioning of the Kaohsiung MRT.

A special photo was taken at dinner that night because you don't often get all four family members sitting on one bench.

The next morning, Craig went for a walk to the Love River with Uncle Jim and Aunty Anne. Uncle Jim couldn't help but notice the resemblance between the "river" (it is actually a man-made canal) and a drain. The water was very dirty that day .......

Craig was quite patient about walking along at older peoples' pace and listening to them talk about things he wasn't interested in.

The little eatery named Auntie Anne's is still there.

On the way back to the hotel Craig found a slide to play on.

And, there was time to take photos of the artistic Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station on the MRT.

There was also a 3-day trip to Kenting in southern Taiwan but Craig and Graham's Dad didn't take any photos!!! It was good fun for Craig and his Dad, and the visitors, but sadly Graham and his Mum couldn't go. There is a plan to go again in September after a few months of saving money.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

New Kindergarten Photos

Finally, an update for the blog! This post is merely to provide a link to a new set of photos from Craig's kindergarten. The photos were taken from February to April which is spring here in Taipei. In some of the photos Craig's allergies were clearly playing up, probably because of pollen in the air but the air pollution also seems to play a part.

The picture below shows Craig with one of his teachers. Madeline has been very good for Craig. He's much happier about going to kindy these days. Craig's Mum and Dad think Madeline has been a very good influence on him.