Continuing "My Story"
It was October 1971. We had only been in our new house for a few months when we heard that Bill's Mum and Dad were coming from Switzerland to visit us. They had to move from their apartment because it was being renovated and turned into commercial premises. They had a new apartment to go to but they had to wait six months for it to be vacant so they came to Australia while they waited. They came by ship, which docked in Sydney so we had to drive down to Sydney to pick them up. Luckily we could stay a few nights in my parents house in Sydney
It was October 1971. We had only been in our new house for a few months when we heard that Bill's Mum and Dad were coming from Switzerland to visit us. They had to move from their apartment because it was being renovated and turned into commercial premises. They had a new apartment to go to but they had to wait six months for it to be vacant so they came to Australia while they waited. They came by ship, which docked in Sydney so we had to drive down to Sydney to pick them up. Luckily we could stay a few nights in my parents house in Sydney
.
Mutti and Vater at Mum and Dads house in Sydney. They were very brave travelling by themselves to Australia when neither of them spoke English.
Soon we set off for Brisbane and we warned them that it was a long drive. It is 1000k. My parents house is on the southern side of Sydney so it is about 50k to get through Sydney to go north. It takes about one and a half hours. Before we were out of Sydney, Bill's Dad said, "We must be nearly there now." They had no idea how big Australia is compared to Switzerland. If you drive for two hours in Switzerland you are probably out of the country.
We stopped at Urunga over night to give the oldies a break. The next day we were excited to arrive in Brisbane. We were proud to show off our new home. Bill's Dad loved it here. He made a vegetable garden and furniture for us. Bill's mum found it harder to adapt to the hot weather.
Some time later, my parents also came from Sydney to stay with us for a while and help with making our house a home. Mum helped sew curtains and Dad helped concrete a front patio.
Then surprise, surprise my brother was on his way from Papua/New Guinea to Canberra for work and he stopped in Brisbane on the way to see us too.
Bill, me, brother David, Mum, Vater, Dad, Mutti. A rare photo indeed to have us all together except for sister in law, Ann and nephew Michael, who were in Papua/New Guinea. We all lived so far away from each other. (Don't you love the white knee sock brigade? All the rage in the seventies)
The four of us.
Time to say good bye to David at the airport (1971 style) as he flies off to Canberra.
i love it that you have these old photos to go along with your lovely memories. the white socks a classic. my husband used to wear them. lol
ReplyDeleteYour memories are so nice and photos great
ReplyDeleteNow, no need to be defensive about white socks and a better look than white shoes seen in your part of the world a couple of decades later. It must have been hard for the in laws without English, and you I assume not speaking their language. ToH must have had to do a lot of translating.
ReplyDeleteThe 70s don't seem that far back to me but of course that's over 45 years ago. You are fortunate to have these wonderful photos of your family and these posts to pass on to your grand children.
ReplyDeleteI smiled when reading about the difference in country sizes... a 1,000 km drive was taken in our stride wasn't it. They'd have been grateful for the overnight break. They were adventurous to travel to Australia - a big decision and the sea journey would've taken a few weeks I expect. How lovely for that coming together of your family members too. Oh yes, I love the white socks too - I used to get around in them with a black and white check mini... cool chicks eh!
ReplyDeleteSo fun to see the clothes and stockings of the seventies, all the men in shorts. Nice the family all visited you at the same time and to have a real reunion with them.
ReplyDeleteHello, wonderful photos of your parents, brother and the in-laws. The white socks brigade is cute! Great post. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a joyous occasion for you and your family, all together at your new home. When I was young my dad came every summer for three weeks to help with things at our house. I have many beautiful memories and beatiful things that he made for me. But, oh, those white socks!! Everyone had them!
ReplyDeleteI like the whole family shot.. these are all wonderful photo memories. I had to smile at the size of Austrailia. people who come here from other small countries are shocked at how big everything is and how long it takes to go from one state to another.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I love the long white knee socks and boots era. Also in Rhodesia all the men worked and played in safari suites with knee length socks. Perfect for the hotter weather.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how I would have coped with having the in-laws for 6 months but it obviously worked for you, well done.
Hope that all is well t'other Diane
Yes I sure did notice the socks and your dress .. I'm rather fond of that style (the dress not the socks).
ReplyDeleteFunny thing is I saw an old gentleman the other day in long white socks.
Gosh you really had a full house at that moment in time Diane 😊 how about that mini skirt 😊
ReplyDeleteDiane to answer your question, the carousel is new, built in Italy in the old style especially for Elizabeth Quay.
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice to read ! I called my mother Mutti ! Yes the distances I realized when we visited for the first time my aunt in the States in 1971 (I was nearly dressed like you ) and we did 6000 km in 8 days ! Visiting I don't remember how many States I remember in Montana the kids were picked up by plane to go to school because of the distances and in Belgium you drive 200 km left, right down and up and you arrive always in another country !
ReplyDeletewow that's a big trip by boat. Glad times have changed. How sweet that yours and Bill's parents were so supportive and helped out. What a treasure all these photos with so many memories. Happy New Year to you two!
ReplyDeleteMy iPad keeps erasing what I type.....they were very brave! Looks like happy times in the pics
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a rare experience! I love the white socks- even you are wearing them, Mum, with a very short mini dress you saucy thing!! Yes and Dad we're so hip! Love the sun glasses too!
ReplyDeleteWow how lucky was that to be able to have all that family there to help. Love the socks!
ReplyDelete