Two of our favourite memories of Launceston from our visit 36 years ago were Cataract Gorge and the Penny Royal Mill. Are they on your list to do?
Fraussie
September 20th, 2012 at 8:50 am
36 years ago! So one year after I left France. Cataract Gorge is on the list (we have 3 days in Launceston on the way back) and I’ll add the Penny Royal Mill.
Don’t be tempted to buy the church unless you have a tame architect who enjoys the challenge of turning a difficult space into a dwelling. Churches are notoriously difficult to convert sympathetically, without resorting to having floors cutting the windows in half and such like.
Fraussie
September 20th, 2012 at 8:53 am
You sound as though you speak from experience!
Leonardo
September 20th, 2012 at 3:23 am
EXACTLY Mum!!!
You completely get it. This is why it’s very hard for me to be excited about Sydney’s architecture/city/stuff when I grew up in Paris.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other things I do like about Australia. It’s just that the lack of history is something I miss so much and I didn’t realize it before leaving Europe… Moving is a fantastic learning experience and even though it’s been hard I don’t regret it for a second. I’m very grateful you allowed all this for me by teaching me the English language, culture, and giving me Australian citizenship…
By the way, I want to write something for anyone who is reading the blog. My Mum, the Aussie in France, is the best mother anyone could have ever dreamed to have. Always caring, always looking for everyone’s best interest, loving, supportive and accepting. I’m now over 30, I’ve met lots of fantastic people in many countries, yet still, my mother is one of the people I look up to the most, and one of the smartest too.
For sure, we all have flaws, weaknesses, but not once over the years has she done or said anything to make me question her ethics, character, and commitment to be the best person she can be, for her and for others. What a great role model!
Some people are lucky in life, and I definitely consider myself to be one of them.
Thank you so much.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your Mum, Leonardo. Obviously her positive traits have rubbed off on you (and Black Cat who I have been lucky enough to meet). Your Mum has been a wonderful friend and support especially when I hit a bad patch in France this year. I hope you all enjoy your family reunion.
Fraussie
September 20th, 2012 at 8:58 am
What can I say except thank you, my son. I am very touched, particularly by the fact that you have written it on my blog.
Aussie, you’ve done yourself proud to have brought up a loving son who writes it here for all to see.
Nothing like the age here in France, but as you head north to NSW, add to your visit ‘Rose Cottage’ Wilberforce; my great grandparents x several generations who built it in 1811 and is now Australia’s oldest house. And for bridges, whilst not the oldest, certainly hairy to drive across resulting in an adrenalin rush, is Tabulam Bridge between Casino and Tenterfield.
A couple of fun things to add if you are near them. Can’t wait to hear about it in person when you return.
Fraussie
September 26th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Did you know Tabulam Bridge was damaged during flooding in 2011 and only reopened in July 2012? I just checked the net!
Imagine being the descendant of the people who built Australia’s oldest house! I’ve just checked the map and I see that we can include the bridge on our route between Armidale and Tweed Heads, our next stop after the Big Family Reunion in Armidale. Rose Cottage will have to wait for the next visit.
Two of our favourite memories of Launceston from our visit 36 years ago were Cataract Gorge and the Penny Royal Mill. Are they on your list to do?
36 years ago! So one year after I left France. Cataract Gorge is on the list (we have 3 days in Launceston on the way back) and I’ll add the Penny Royal Mill.
Don’t be tempted to buy the church unless you have a tame architect who enjoys the challenge of turning a difficult space into a dwelling. Churches are notoriously difficult to convert sympathetically, without resorting to having floors cutting the windows in half and such like.
You sound as though you speak from experience!
EXACTLY Mum!!!
You completely get it. This is why it’s very hard for me to be excited about Sydney’s architecture/city/stuff when I grew up in Paris.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other things I do like about Australia. It’s just that the lack of history is something I miss so much and I didn’t realize it before leaving Europe… Moving is a fantastic learning experience and even though it’s been hard I don’t regret it for a second. I’m very grateful you allowed all this for me by teaching me the English language, culture, and giving me Australian citizenship…
By the way, I want to write something for anyone who is reading the blog. My Mum, the Aussie in France, is the best mother anyone could have ever dreamed to have. Always caring, always looking for everyone’s best interest, loving, supportive and accepting. I’m now over 30, I’ve met lots of fantastic people in many countries, yet still, my mother is one of the people I look up to the most, and one of the smartest too.
For sure, we all have flaws, weaknesses, but not once over the years has she done or said anything to make me question her ethics, character, and commitment to be the best person she can be, for her and for others. What a great role model!
Some people are lucky in life, and I definitely consider myself to be one of them.
Thank you so much.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your Mum, Leonardo. Obviously her positive traits have rubbed off on you (and Black Cat who I have been lucky enough to meet). Your Mum has been a wonderful friend and support especially when I hit a bad patch in France this year. I hope you all enjoy your family reunion.
What can I say except thank you, my son. I am very touched, particularly by the fact that you have written it on my blog.
Aussie, you’ve done yourself proud to have brought up a loving son who writes it here for all to see.
Nothing like the age here in France, but as you head north to NSW, add to your visit ‘Rose Cottage’ Wilberforce; my great grandparents x several generations who built it in 1811 and is now Australia’s oldest house. And for bridges, whilst not the oldest, certainly hairy to drive across resulting in an adrenalin rush, is Tabulam Bridge between Casino and Tenterfield.
A couple of fun things to add if you are near them. Can’t wait to hear about it in person when you return.
Did you know Tabulam Bridge was damaged during flooding in 2011 and only reopened in July 2012? I just checked the net!
Imagine being the descendant of the people who built Australia’s oldest house! I’ve just checked the map and I see that we can include the bridge on our route between Armidale and Tweed Heads, our next stop after the Big Family Reunion in Armidale. Rose Cottage will have to wait for the next visit.