Off to Oz

Brianna Pictures Family/pets Pictures

Unfortunately, without enough leave up his sleeve, Jamie wasn't able to join me for my trip to Oz for Chrissy and Rich's wedding, and to meet my new niece Brianna Jasmine. The whole trip was quite a whir with pre-wedding business, wedding, and post wedding last minute missions.

Brianna is an absolute little darling, and seemed to change alot even during my 4 week trip. She has been absolutely smothered with love by doting parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, 2nd cousins, great aunts etc. No shortage of babysitters there! Was lovely to see the family though. Completely pet-mad as usual. Was very obvious when I went back through the photos and could only find pictures with animals or Brianna! Mum's poor guinea pigs had mite problems so mum and I had a session giving them a shampoo and blowdry.

My departure was an interesting affair as usual. I had decided to make the most of the Tourist Refund Scheme, so had made a nuisance of myself at Target and Myers earlier getting them to consolidate a bunch of purchase on to one receipts (involves refunding every item and retallying). Had also bought an ipod and some new glasses. The customs website said that the refund desk was after check-in & security, and goods had to be presented, so my carry on luggage was absolutely chockas with gst refundables (and also wine, to stop my check-in being overweight). Don't think the poor girl knew what to think when i started unpacking and waving my new underwear at her. The chaotic nature worked to my advantage though as she couldn't be bothered cross checking it all, so gave the gst on all the items on the receipt (fair amount of non-relevant stuff). Unfortunately, at this late stage, she also informed me that you could show your goods at the office downstairs BEFORE check-in and have your receipt stamped that they were evidenced. Handy for next time! Quite easily rortable too if anyone is so inclined...

NB - Separate entries for Rotto, Hens, Wedding & Mad&Jamie's Dinner.