I HEART Queensland
....so much so we are returning there to live. Very soon actually. Like in just 4 weeks time. Originally we thought we would come home and have Christmas in New Zealand and move in 2008. Then we thought,why wait, so we made some calls and we are leaving New Zealand for ever on 20th December and making a new home on the Gold Coast. After 32 years on this side of the Tasman I'm heading home.
Here are a few things I love about Queensland.
People watching at Palazzo Versace
Crab sandwiches at the The Spit Kiosk
Prawns from Pete's Fish Market - perfect with a bottle of semillon.
Dinner a Shirl's
The best morning coffee/ afternoon beer view.
We don't want it being over run by tourists. If you visit I'll blindfold you and take you there.
Wow, when you make a decision, you act quickly! Great news - where are you planning on settling?
Posted by: Judy | November 24, 2007 at 06:27 PM
You are people of action -- wonderful! I hope your move goes smoothly and that you enjoy the December holidays in Australia.
Posted by: Lydia | November 24, 2007 at 10:30 PM
I love your quick action after you made the decision. Sounds quite exciting! I haven't been there but it certainly sounds like a wonderful place!
Posted by: Kalyn | November 25, 2007 at 01:29 AM
Barbara, how satisfying to see it, want it, get it Now!
(You're right--why wait?)
The place looks like paradise.
Posted by: Rosemary in Utah | November 25, 2007 at 04:09 AM
Judy - We will spend Christmas on Lindeman Island with Chris and fly from there to Brisbane on 30 December and live on the Gold Coast.
Lydia - Thanks, but very busy packing.
Kalyn - People say it is a bit like Miami. I love the mix.
Rosemary - I'm looking forward to discovering all sorts of foodie places.
Posted by: barbara | November 25, 2007 at 05:59 AM
Fantastic! I win! - you will be in my territory. We will get together as soon as possible, and as frequently as possible.
Much Love, Janet
Posted by: The Old Foodie | November 25, 2007 at 06:29 AM
We will miss you on this side of the ditch.. but that is wonderful news that you are able to act on your desires so quickly! And with those pictures, who could blame you?
Best for packing, hope to hear more from Q'land and a wonderful Lindeman Island Christmas to you and your family.
Posted by: Mary | November 25, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Now, I have another reason to go to Queensland. Jan has been wondering where you're going to live as she'd love to visit you sometimes. She still loves Brisbane and I don't think she'll move to NZ. I'll come to visit you when I come to visit her some day, Barb. Good luck with the packing! Love to you both. Hugs.
Posted by: arfi | November 25, 2007 at 08:47 AM
This is such big news. Good luck with your move; moving is hard but you sound so happy.
Posted by: cookiecrumb | November 25, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Barbara...sorry I missed you in Melbourne... glad you found and loved Hako, and Movida too. And wonderful news that you're returning home. Oh but I don't envy what must lie ahead for you in the next few weeks... a move. Yuk. I still have umpteen boxes needing unpacking around me in Sydney but it's all been too much and my back has packed it in. Lying immobile with ice-packs on my lower back is about all I can do. Hope you've got someone else to do all the hard work for you.
Hope to see you on home soil.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | November 25, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Janet - I'm so looking forward to spending more time with you. Moules and frites at Belle Epoque soon?
Mary - Thanks. Shall I post your book somewhere before I go.
Arfi - so glad we had the whitebaiting day together.
Cookiecrumb - thanks, so happy especially because it's where Bryan and I met and fell in love.
Stephanie - the beauty of moving overseas is it is better to have the removal company pack and unpack because it makes customs easier. I hope you'll join me and the Old Foodie at Belle Epoque for lunch.
Posted by: barbara | November 25, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Congratulations! Best of luck for your move - the Gold Coast is a lovely spot.
Posted by: Cakelaw | November 25, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Such clear vision. Something to be admired and envied. Good luck with the move Barbara, now be sure to send on your next address to me!
xxx
sam
Posted by: sam | November 28, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Cakelaw Thanks
Sam - Please come visit.
Posted by: barbara | November 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I can understand why you love queensland . I would too
Posted by: Mélanie | November 30, 2007 at 04:44 AM
You gotta love Queensland. Lived there for 18 years and love going back to visit.
Posted by: Paula from Only Cookware | December 03, 2007 at 01:41 PM
that's exciting that you're moving back to oz.... good luck with the moving...soo not a fun task
Posted by: jules | December 10, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Just online for the first time since my cookery course ended - finally having a chance to look around at all the blogs I've missed for the 12 weeks of study and cooking - and I find that you're leaving New Zealand! Congratulations on your decision Barbara and I hope you'll be very happy in your new home. Wish I was nearby to help with the packing, after eight moves in the last three years I'm getting pretty good at it, but my thoughts will be with you as you prepare for your new adventure. Best of luck!
Posted by: Caroline@Bibliocook | December 10, 2007 at 08:44 PM