Melbourne- we're baaaack!

After I frustrating housing search in Sydney we have moved back to our beloved city of Melbourne. We packed up an SUV, full to the brim (all Debbie's fault), and drove from Sydney to Melbourne this weekend. It's not very common that people drive from one city to another, hence the Sydney to Mel route (& vice versa), being one of the most frequently flown routes in the world (per Whit, per Qantas).

We survived the estimated 10+ hour drive and even made it back to Mel in time to watch the Australian Open women's final in Fed Square with the crowd. We enjoyed a nice summer evening, picnic dinner, and cheering for both players. It's good to be back!

Guess who added an extra 870 km to this new SUV?

We're baaack! And it feels gooood! :)

What a great evening for tennis watching in Fed Square!

The match, as seen from the large screen in Fed Square. It was almost as good as being at the real thing- only 1 km away!

Happy Birthday, Whit!

Whitney Paul Keuer turned double 3's on January 24th. Happy 33rd Birthday to my favorite mate! :)

The birthday paparrazi strikes, right outside the bathroom!

Australian Open!

It came and went so quickly, a lovely weekend in Melbourne visiting friends, poking around town, and best of all, going to the Australian Open!
Going to the Open for Debbie is like Whit going to the National Championship Game (only when UT is playing, ofcourse). So you can imagine our excitement about seeing 2 night matches in Rod Laver Arena last Sat. night. with great seat (thanks Uncle Bain!)
We saw 2 Aussies play, both losing. The highlight was seeing Nadal. Debbie lost count with the number of proposals that were yelled out to him in between serves (none from her, thank you!). Whit observed how quiet, almost library like, it is during play. We both liked clapping in a steady beat with the crowd when challenges were made. The weather was quite pleasant and we had a great time!

Nadal, post match

The Australian Open billboard seen through out the city. The "Fed Express" looks a bit violent, eh?

Rod Laver Arena- so many times we have ran past it along the river. Today is the day we make it inside!

Look who's playing tonight!

Let the match begin!

Nadal vs. Tomic

We love the blue courts!

Our great seats- only 13 rows up!

More tennis the next day, in Federation Square this time

Chesty Cough

After being blessed with a free upgrade to business for the 14+ hr. flight back to Sydney, Debbie is convinced that she caught the flu-like cold she currently has from the woman next to her on the airplane. "Was it still worth it?" you ask ... sure was! (See photos below for proof.)
Debbie has been trying out different meds this week, including one named "Chesty Cough." Don't let the catchy name deceive you- its taste is vile, not "great berry flavored" as the packaging mistakenly claims.
We continue to observe unique Aussie terms while living here, and chesty cough definitely makes the list, along with "tasty cheese" (a mild while monterey jack/cheddar) and "brekky" (common term for breakfast). Notice any similarities?

If Debbie doesn't get better soon she may have to up the dosage to chesty cough's stronger cousin- "chesty forte." (Yes, that is the real name on the box.) Let's hope that doesn't happen!

The one and only- Chesty Cough (If you say it quickly it sounds like a German something or another - "Czety Kof")

Debbie's 3 new friends for the week

Now this is what we call flying!

Whit, taking a full advantage of the seat turned bed and back massager built in!

Aussie Keuer's, Part II

Happy New Year to all!

Our biggest news so far in 2011 is that we are moving back to Australia for another few months! Whit was asked to extend his time on his current case, located in Sydney. We feel so privileged to have the opportunity to return to a country we love and to experience living in a different city. Debbie is thrilled about going to the Australian Open in a few weeks. Whit is thrilled that Debbie gets to go to the Open and an easy Christmas present was fulfilled. :)

Packing is underway as we leave this week. More to come, including Christmas photos.

Love,

Whit & Deb