Our inaugural family holiday to beautiful Tasmania was a big week for The Bean. What a marvellous time she had with her little travelling companions—adorably, their names were the first words she uttered each morning when she woke*. She experimented with foods she wouldn’t normally eat at home and she got the chance to eat spaghetti bolognese with her hands at a restaurant. She met all sorts of critters and soon fell in love with Devils. She got her first (cheap and nasty) little camera so that she can imitate mama (can’t wait to see what little gems we get out of that purchase!) and she showed us in so many ways how she is no longer a baby and is in fact growing into a little person. A very strong-willed little person.
While the adults spent time visiting attractions, markets and sights—and even having a few delicious meals at proper grown-up establishments like here and here—the little ones were mostly content wherever they were as long as they were able to go ‘free-range’. It was the simple things that enthralled them, like puddles, sprinklers, plastic dinosaurs, wooden tea sets, and generally just, well, running away. Watching these three little ones interact was a great way to end the day (with a glass of wine in hand of course).
The week certainly wasn’t without its stresses—living in such close quarters with The Bean 24/7 presented challenges. At the same time it was a great opportunity to get her out of her routine and see how she (we) coped. Some days, none of us coped very well at all…
I cried each day we were in Tasmania, both happy and sad tears. When we landed in Hobart and I got that familiar feeling like I was ‘home’. When we were walking through Salamanca Markets and it struck me just how much I love the peaceful yet vibrant feel of the precinct. When I was gazing at the beautiful bushland outside my bedroom window and contemplating what it would be like to wake up to that view every day. When we departed, knowing that it may be years before I am back there again.
Darling husband and I have discussed moving to Tasmania many times, but we have come to the conclusion that moving to a place that we love so much will in fact ruin the fantasy. Once we introduce the drudgery of work and day-to-day life to what was once a holiday destination, I fear we would lose touch with whatever it is that makes the island so magical in our eyes. So instead I think an annual family holiday is in order—perhaps every second year taking a trip to the Apple Isle? Until next time Tasmania… I’ll be missing you.
And if you’re ever there, MONA is not to be missed. A trip up Mt Wellington on a clear day is a must-do also, not least of all for the surprising ‘moonscape’ that you will find at the summit.
I find the demise of the Thylacine a fascinating and tragic story, the likes of which I hope I never witness in my lifetime. I indulged in a beautiful book for Elli and what looks like a great read for me.
*It’s going to be hard tomorrow morning to explain to her that Tilly and ‘Tabastian’ won’t be waiting for her at the breakfast table.
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