The Mahowen Family Visit.
.jpg)
David and Paula's stay here has been quite an eye opener for them. They had been to Sydney on several occasions prior to this visit but never any further south. They had heard the name of Tasmania mentioned but thought it was part of the mainland. They got a shock when we arranged to fly them down from Sydney and they found out they had to cross Bass Strait to get here. David actually thought when arriving here that Tasmania was a separate country. I said to him, no we like to think we are separated here in Tassie and the people on the mainland like to think that too. (I didn't tell him any two-headed Tassie jokes)
Getting off the plane in the middle of winter and coming from a hot season in Thailand they soon realized we are a bit closer to the South Pole than they thought and quickly made haste for their luggage to find some overcoats.
They were amazed by the wildlife here and the uniqueness of it. While driving to Smithton David was amazed to see a huge flock of white cockatoos just sitting in a paddock. I thought he was going to make me stop the car and go back to look at them but we were a bit pressed for time and proceeded on.
David mentioned that he had come face to face with the Devil whilst on this visit. At first some looked a bit shocked but he went on to explain a family had taken them to a local wildlife park for a day and they were introduced to a snarling Tassie devil.
Paula's favorite part of the state was the rolling countryside of the North West. She said it reminded her so much of her home in Oklahoma where she spent her youth. Their children Shan and Tai had a great time everywhere they went as children always seem to be able to do. They were also amazed that everywhere they went they could see the ocean. I think it took most of their stay to finally realize that Tassie is a relatively small island and you are never far from the ocean.
It's certainly different from their farm in the Golden Triangle where many people in the villages have never seen the ocean or snow.
.jpg)
The fondest memory of our Island state they will take back to tropical Thailand is of the people. They were overwhelmed by the love, affection and hospitality they had been given by so many whilst here. They said this had been such a blessing and encouragement to them, that they will never forget.
Once again on behalf of David and Paula a thank you to all the people who made their stay here such a blessing to them.
