Tassie

We are back from Hobart, where we went for Mark's Fulbright Scholar Orientation and Award Presentation Dinner.  It was my first time there.

Only a couple of hours after we landed, I joined a group of people for the Mt Wellington Descent bike ride.  I was retrieved from my hotel and driven up the mountain, which stands just outside of Hobart.  After we reached the top, bikes were unloaded, helmets and gloves dispensed, a few pictures were taken, and off we went.  Here are a couple of photos.  More can be seen in my Flickr collection.

The view from the pinnacle of Mt Wellington

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Just before the descent

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We got to ride off road a few times.

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Our ride ended at Sandy Bay.  Fitting, eh?

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Hobart, Australia's second-oldest city, is charming.  Our hotel was a short walk from Salamanca Square, where there were lots of options for eating and shopping.  One of my favorite restaurants was the Machine Laundry Cafe...a must-do for breakfast. 

The Fulbright Award Presentation Dinner was held at the Moorilla Winery.  I was proud of my man for his achievement.  Our dear friend Alison came along.  She and I are Fulbright Alums ourselves.  The experience brought back memories, although the Aussie Fulbright award activities are much more substantial (and entertaining) than in the U.S.  Here are a couple of photos.  As before, many more are in my Flickr collection.

Sandy, Mark & Alison

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All cleaned up

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On our final day in Hobart, Mark and I went for a visit with TJ, a blogger pal and another American who followed his heart to Australia.  He and his partner live in a wonderful older home overlooking the city and water.  Beautiful!  I look forward to keeping in touch with them more and more.  (In my rush, I forgot my camera, so no pics I'm afraid.  Next time.)

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A number of Mark's family came to Hobart to celebrate Mark's award with us.  I really enjoy being around them.  They are a very loving bunch.  The eight of us piled in a mini-van and did a few hours of sight-seeing in historic Richmond Village before we had to head to the airport.  Lots of convict history in Richmond.  Lots.

More photos here.