olddog-samesame

Melbourne (Part 2) I had no intention of going on to Melbourne from Perth until the very last week before the trip. Firstly, the mother was more than capable in assisting the daughter and handling whatever procedures or technicalities there were or to solving any unforeseen hick ups. Secondly, accommodation in Melbourne would be a little bit awkward, especially when they were supposed to crash at her brother mike's house.  2 additional squatters  might be tolerable but 3 would definitely be a crowd in a small house. However, when the daughter pleaded with me to go along there was no way I could back out. Arrived in Melbourne early in the morning of 19th Feb, the 1st day of CNY. Going from the airport to  Melbourne U, we had to drive into the city through the morning rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, we missed the 9:00am session of the Business courses introduction and registration and had to stay on for the afternoon session. It was a long tiring day and by ...

Perth (Part 1) The 1 week CNY break in Perth was planned way back early last year. My only previous trip to Perth was more than 30 years ago, on my way home from NZ. It would be near end of summer over there, so perfect weather for some travelling in and around Perth. The idea of renting a house and car made good sense.  The itinerary was well planned and everything was set to go. What was unforeseen was the daughter's qualification for Melbourne U and her decision to accept the offer, all within a short month.   What complicated matters  was the date she had to report for registration at Melbourne U fell within the week we were supposed to be holidaying in Perth. The otherwise leisurely and relaxing holiday was thus cut short to a hectic 5 days. The return trip from Perth was aborted as we had to detour with a direct domestic flight from Perth to Melbourne on the very morning she was due to report at the University. Perth remained a quiet  small...

Dear ML As per your request I am writing you a letter. This will be my second letter to you. The first was written while you were still in the womb. It was hand written and I read it out loud to you. I don't know if you still remember but my recollection as to the content is fuzzy now. Early sign of Alzheimer or just old age syndrome?  It was a strange request asking me to write you a letter. For the past 18 years there was no plausible reason to write you because we have been staying under the same roof ever since you were born. Now that you are leaving for Australia soon, there may be a valid reason to send you an e-mail every now and then. Then again, we also have WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook, FaceTime, Messenger and many other communication tools. There are so many ways to keep in touch. Is there even a need to write a letter? You know, in our time it took a week for an Aerogram (an air-mail letter) to reach its destination. Even a Telegram (a written message sent th...