We didn't get the anticipated lie-in we're expected due to a pleasant surprise: One of Christian's old work colleagues picked us up at the hotel at 8:30 and drove us to Bondi Beach for breakfast. There we sat on a beachfront cafe sipping chilled fruit juices and heard the story of her life since she made the decision to emigrate. Behind her, the waves crashed against the curving coastline (Bondi is a LOT smaller than we expected) and early morning surfers strived to mount their boards on the occasional large wave. Pretty soon our hour or so was up and we reluctantly drove back to the hotel - just in time to get ready for our next pickup. At 11am Damien & Kristen were once again at reception - this time with a stretch limo to drive us to Kristen's parent's house in the suburbs for a barbeque (the quintessential Australian social activiy). Sadly, the oppressive heat and enthusiastic wind forced us inside and we had a splendid time away from the elements eating lamb, steak, chicken and an artery-hardening array of cakes. Pretty soon the sheer weight of carbs (and the odd beer) had reduced the assembled throng to the slumped-in-an-armchair position, at which point Kristen and Damien opened their wedding presents. Kelly took this as her cue to introduce our antipodean hosts to an American tradition of making a hat for the bride from the ribbons and other decorations from the gifts - which Kristen then gleefully wore. Pretty soon the assembled relatives had to depart, as most of them had long drives ahead of them. We took that as our cue to visit the Newlywed's apartment - a modern but cute spacious 2 level home in a secure development nearby. Kelly and Kristen got time to catch up properly whilst Christian and Damien adjourned upstairs to talk Star Wars, computers, Star Wars and... Star Wars. Sadly, the evening drew all too soon to a close and we once again found ourselves dreamily anticipating the flight back home.
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