The Beetle experience

In the morning we went car hunting again. It had been disappointing so far but that turned around today! The first dealer we went to was the Volkswagen dealer. We looked at the Golf and the new Beetle. I could drive the Golf but it was still not too big. And then I entered the Beetle. It was a sensational experience. I can actual stretch my legs almost completely in the passenger seat. In the driver seat I have no real problems either. The sales rep. told us we could take it for a test drive immediately since it wasn't booked for that time. So we took it for a spin and the drive was just really, REALLY good. It's a diesel and it took us up in to the hills in fifth gear (the Hyundai can't use 5th gear when going up in the hill, it would die) and still had enough power left to take over slower cars. It also stuck to the road like glue which made handling very enjoyable.

The inside only has the most common features, which results in a uncluttered design (see above photo). I do like it a lot. I can only say that this car was very enjoyable. And if a Mercedes A180 CDi would not exist I would have already made the choice.

Hence we also went to the Mercedes dealer. We forgot to take pictures there unfortunately. I did sit in the A180 and the driver's position felt even better than in the Beetle as I can totally stretch my legs in it. I was almost perplexed. Also the seat is higher up so getting in, even with its smaller four-door was super easy. Actually it's the only car I know so far that allows me to sit down first and then swing in my legs. In all other cars (including the Beetle) I have to actually step inside with one leg first, sit down and then pull in the other leg.

Today I will make a comparison chart and look up car insurance prices for the Beetle and the A180. One difference is that the Mercedes is $10,000 more expensive. But you can see where that goes.

When we drove home we passed parliament house where protesters were protesting against plans of the Australian Federal Government to install mandatory internet filters to be able to filter 'bad' content. It makes me feel I immigrated to China. I will write letters to members of parliament today and send them out soon. They have currently budgeted $44,000,000 for this and it's a total waste of money to spend it on something that people do not want and need.

When we came home I took Mason for a walk. For one third of the walk I also took Mason's shit for a walk until the first bin.

Some amazing plants are flowering at the moment. Stuff you don't see in Europe really.

Bottle brush flowers.

In the evening we went over to Deb and Richard for a BBQ. Here we see (left to right) Debbie, Greg, Debbie's mom, Gianna and Nicole.

The BBQ master: Richard.

Nicole and Gianna.

We played 8-ball and later on a 'small' version of snooker. Here we see Greg doing complicated things at which he is quite good ;-)

Richard also knows how to handle a que quite well. We had a most enjoyable time and had a lot of laughs.

The BBQ

We went to Richard and Debbie's place today for a BBQ and some trivial pursuit.

Since everybody brought something to be cooked we ended up with a large variety of meat. This is about a quarter of what we had...

Max the dog was keeping an eye out...

Max and Greg having a smoke.

From left to right: Mel, Debbie, Alex, Nicole and Gianna.

Richard taking his shot during a game of pool.

Alex, Richard and Debbie.

Gianna, Greg, Toni and Alex.

Mel and Jules.

We had a fun afternoon until we had to leave to feed the birds. When we left it was pissing down with rain but we made it home safe and sound, and also half frozen by the way...

60 years together

Today we had lunch at the Uleybury winery again. We arrived early afternoon.

This time we were here to celebrate Anna and Pasquale's 60th anniversary, Gianna's parents. Also at the scene were Gianna, Greg and Debbie.

We had a great time and the food was excellent. By the time we left it was getting dark.

Winter cake

In the morning I worked on my wheelbarrow a little bit. I shaved an edge off the small panel so it would fit better. I think it starts to look nice.

Yes, my friends. Today winter has started in Australia. Not quite like the winter in The NL!

Nicole made 3 cakes for our cake-date with friends today. This is the torta Barozzi on the right and a baked ricotta cheese cake with raspberries and lavender petals on the left.

The third cake is a poppy-seed cake.

We had a lovely afternoon with (clock-wise) Richard, Debby, Gianna, Nicole and Anna (Gianna's mum). The cakes were fantastic.

Debby's birthday party hardy

We were invited to Debby's birthday party today. It was fun. Met new and known people and a dog called Max. We played a lot of pool. Here's Richard taking a shot.

This is Max the beagle. Max likes cheese. Actually he likes almost anything...

On the left is Mel, Nic is taking a shot.

Gianna, Greg, Richard and Debby's mom during another fabulous BBQ cooked by Richard. I advised him to start doing this professionaly.

Richard, Tony and Gianna.

Greg taking a shot.

Gianna taking a shot.

Time for cake! I actually missed the singing (good timing? ;-) coz I was at the loo...

Tony taking a shot.

Greg, Mel, Tony and myself hanging at the bar.

Debby, Mel, Gianna, Greg and myslf hanging at the bar.

Yours truely taking a shot (that actually went IN!).