We awoke Christmas morning to presents under our inflatable tree and the excitement was surely in the air as Jack tiptoed out of the bedroom. He was vibrating with excitement and finally woke up his brothers because he just couldn't wait any longer. Santa was going to Kenora so Dan and I got the boys some little gifts to open and to give them pleasure on the long trip home. There were travel games and reading materials and a cuddly blue Hoot owl to be unwrapped. There was even some Pandora for mom and a rugby jersey for dad!
After gift opening was finished, we had a big pancake breakfast and talked about our plans for the day: visit Bondi Beach and have Christmas dinner out later. Sounded like fun so we got our things together and headed out to Bondi!
Bondi Beach is about one kilometre long and receives many visitors throughout the year. There is an underwater shark net that is shared with other beaches along the southern part of the coast. Pods of whales and dolphins have been seen in the bay during the months of migration - not when we were there. Fairy penguins are sometimes also seen swimming close to shore or amongst surfers on the south and more dangerous side of the beach. We kept to the North end of the beach and we always swim between the flags where the lifeguards can keep an eye - although, with the hundreds of people at the beach in Christmas Day, I don't know how they can possibly see if you are in trouble!
It was overwhelming when we arrived to see literally thousands of people on the beach. We found a spot and then looked around so that we would remember where we were...by trying to find "landmarks" like that colourful umbrella or that big garbage bin. We gave the kids (Sam and Jake) the ground rules about checking in, doubled up on sunscreen and then "assumed our positions".
Bondi Beach has been used as a location for a few Australian and International movies, various television series (Bondi Rescue, Bondi vet, Breakers and the Block) as well as music videos and a video game (Tony Hawk). I must say that there were so many kinds of bikinis, I felt like I was in an Elvis movie (only at times, XRated). Luckily, the boys were so concerned with the sand and the waves, I don't THINK they noticed too much. Bondi is alcohol free and they had bag check stations set up at all the beach entrance points. There were many vendors selling food and water and soft drinks though that you could get. Just like at a hockey game, there were girls and guys roaming the beach advertising ice cream and water right at your beach blanket. We didn't snack too much in the afternoon as we were looking forward to a nice family dinner later on.
We had a lovely time bobbing up and down in the big waves and burying each other in the sand. The heat was intense and after about 3 and a half hours, we were getting hungry and ready to head back.
Bondi Beach has been used as a location for a few Australian and International movies, various television series (Bondi Rescue, Bondi vet, Breakers and the Block) as well as music videos and a video game (Tony Hawk). I must say that there were so many kinds of bikinis, I felt like I was in an Elvis movie (only at times, XRated). Luckily, the boys were so concerned with the sand and the waves, I don't THINK they noticed too much. Bondi is alcohol free and they had bag check stations set up at all the beach entrance points. There were many vendors selling food and water and soft drinks though that you could get. Just like at a hockey game, there were girls and guys roaming the beach advertising ice cream and water right at your beach blanket. We didn't snack too much in the afternoon as we were looking forward to a nice family dinner later on.
We had a lovely time bobbing up and down in the big waves and burying each other in the sand. The heat was intense and after about 3 and a half hours, we were getting hungry and ready to head back.
Jack in his lifesaving gear at his "work". Even though it was 35 degrees, he insisted on wearing his lifeguard sweater as he was "on duty". Eventually, we got him to take it off.
We arrived back at our cottage and quickly freshened up for dinner. We had eagerly anticipated an Aussie Christmas dinner all day and by this time, we were starving! As we drove around, we stated to notice that most restaurants were closed - even McDonald's. Uh oh - not good! We found a hotel - surely they would have to be open for their guests! After speaking to one of the hostesses, we learned that Christmas LUNCH is the meal of the day here - not dinner!
The only thing left to do was head back to the cottage and heat up some toast and whatever leftovers we had in our fridge. We all managed to stave off hunger for one more night and the important thing was that we were together.
After dinner we had to get serious about our packing issues as we were leaving the next morning for the airport to take us home.
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