Chitty Chatty Boing Boing: Escape from the Big Smoke

That's what Matt's mum Carol calls the city. The big smoke. Back where they live (in semi rural Richmond), the air is definitely a lot cleaner and fresher.

Last weekend, Matt, me, Carol and Matt's dad Barry decided to run away to the Central Coast for a big adventure. For me, it was pretty exciting to go up to the Coast as I've heard so much about from their trips their. Barry has some family there and spent much of his childhood up there, so it was a somewhat nostalgic trip for him. It was great to hear stories about their lives then back in the 60s before the invention of the Internet and IPODs, how the kids back then kept themselves occupied embracing nature (namely surfing, scuba diving, having bonfires and scaling hills).

I can definitely connect with that because when I was growing up, although we never really had lots of toys to play with, me, my brothers and cousins certainly had heaps of fun playing classic kiddie games like hopscotch, hide and seek and police & thief. I feel thats what's missing from a lot of kids' lives nowadays, where they need the latest version of Playstations to play the latest games. Back in our days, you would be the King (or Queen) of the street if you owned an Atari playset. Otherwise, you just have to invent your own games.

Alrighty, before I carry on into the sunset, lets talk about the trip again. I never thought I could have so much fun with "adults", or as Carol calls it, a couple of "juvenile delinquents". Speaking of Carol, she cracks me up so much! She speaks 60s to a tee, and like she said, after the trip, I would have learnt a new language just listening to her speak. Like when we were down at the spa and she got a bit of a shock when she saw a suspicious black patch on spa floor (which was actually a metal filter cover), she exclaimed "Whats that WOE-BE-GONE on the floor!" and that had me laughing so hard, I was in tears. She also mentioned "Higgetty Piggetty" but I can't remember what context she used it in. Heaps others, but I can't remember. I'll be sure to bring a notebook next time I go over to stay at their place in Richmond.

The placed we stayed at was rated a motel, but it looked more like a quaint little hotel, with 3 bars, an underground night club, 2 restaurants (which served massive amounts of food for a small price) and overall great service. It was so relaxing having a chat and wine with them in the room with one of the best views I've ever seen. Just what I needed after a hectic work week.

We are already planning for the next one to Coffs Harbour!

Check out the photos in the meantime.