Australia Day this year started the evening before with a function at the Australian High Commissioner's residence. The guest of honor was the Queen mother. Due to all the recent low pressure systems, we have been coping a fair bit of rain so awnings were erected on the front lawn in an attempt to scare away the clouds. Not so successful. The usual crowd gathered, along with a sprinkling of our Kiwi mates in attendance. What else do you need to celebrate Australia day - friends for a catch up, nibbles, wine (Ozzy) and a choice of VB or Fosters. Sorry can't forget the Brass band!
We began spreading across the front lawn in our best Tongan formal attire. The ladies looked spectacular as always. You too Sal in your skirt.
The Queen mother was front and centre with the support of a Princess.
Dave out for his first official function, Top Gun rig was the order of the day.
The Prime Minister and Thomas, our High Commissioner toasting to the King.
The TDS brass band belted out tunes for the evenings entertainment.
Ben and Jodie enjoying more wine toward the end of the evening..
The next day we had a compound BBQ, of course! But being in another country for Australia DAy comes with it's own challenges, especially when it falls mid week. Not many Tongan's get the day off, unless they work for, or with, Australians. Lyndon spent the morning and some of the arvo with some Kiwi friends trying to get their 4WD up and running. Eventually, he and Sione gave up and organised a tow truck, must have killed them to give up after so long. Lyndon eventually turned up at the BBQ, just in time to mow the pitch for a few overs. Em and Hunter were great Ozzy supporters. Green and gold was the colour choice of the day.
The usual back yard rules applied. Six and out but Aaron saw this as a challenge to smack it into the street on every slow ball. Lyndon called them spinners.
This shot says it all. Wife basher singlet, VB, pluggers, wheelie bin wickets - Check! Bring on the bowler.
Some people managed to rotate between the shelter and the pool but in all it was a great day, until we realised it wasn't over!
We remembered it was Thursday and we still had Hash to run. Numbers were down (possibly due to rain or Ozzy day celebrations?) but it is always a great run when it's set by "Swiss Cheese" out behind the Kings' palace. It turned out to be an exciting puddle jumping mud run. Also Lola and Naomi's enjoyed their last run before they depart for Tokyo. Mal will surely miss the company out the front of the pack.
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