Maphew's having a great time

Hello Laurence, Henry and the rest of the gang!

Having a great time in BC!! We go for walks every day. They have a path system here in Cranbrook and it goes along the creek. When I need to cool off, I go into the water and it feels great!! And I meet lots of dogs too!! Auntie took me on a huge walk last night . . . I was sure tired . . . kinda wish she had picked me up . . . come to think of it, I should have laid down . . . oh well, will keep that in mind next time she does that to me!! Ha, ha . . .

I need a dip

Guess what, I have a new (temporary) dog tag! I like it because it looks like a bone and it is black with my name (big letters) and auntie’s number on it (that's in case I decide to take off after a cat!!) I'm sure you will see a pic of it soon . . . and you want to know what else . . . you can hear me coming from a mile away now . . . it’s no wonder with all the stuff on my collar . . . it’s no surprise to the cat next door! Means that there will be no surprise attacks! Ugh! Oh well, it’s a hard choice . . . be loud and look good . . . no not! (Giggle, giggle).

Well, we are off to bed . . . so chow for now . . .

Love,

Maphew oxox

PS. Auntie will send more updates as she takes more pics . . .

PPS. Sending you lots of dog kisses your way!

Hello everybody!

I went for a visit today to Dave's parents place. You guessed it, they love me!! Dave's mom gives me lots of treats (including doggie biscuits)! Yum-o!!

Why isn't my dad on here

They thought it was a hoot that I watch TV. . . . So, what is wrong with that?? . . . I agree nothing!! Also spent some time looking out the window . . . it was nice because the windows go to the floor and I can see at right out at ground level. Nice! They too have a cat next door. No sign of it though . . . it must have heard me when I arrived. Bummer!

A new friend to play with, Teddy

 Dave's sister was at moms too with her dog. His name is Teddy. I played with his squeaky tennis ball and we had a run about in the house too. Everybody thought it was really cute! Can you believe that? We were just horsing around . . . yee haa! We are going to get together tomorrow for a walk . . . looking forward to the "dog" company. Just another day in God's country (as uncle Dave says)!! He's funny! I just wag my tail off!!! (Har, har,)

Got to run . . .

Love,

Maphew oxox

Sydney

The Only Country that eats it's Coat of Arms

So after a long 13 hour flight we have taken a huge leap in our journey around the world. We flew direct from the heat of Dubai into the land down under in the middle of their winter and thus starting a whole new leg of our incredible journey. The flight gave us time to reflect on the adventure thus far, from the west side shows of London, to the home cooking in Holland, to the amazing art in Paris, to the wonderful people of Barcelona, to the amazing architecture of Italy, to the islands of Greece and to the temples of Egypt it has been a wonderful and amazing journey.

Views of Sydney

Darling Harbour

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Arriving in Sydney is like coming home for us, as we have been here so often and are surrounded by friends that seem more like family. So it was a real treat for Laurence and I to just hang out at Et’s apartment for a few days, as we were getting tired of hotel life, and everything is so familiar here.

Gerda and Sarah join us

Gerda and Sarah on Macquaries Chair

But this next leg of our trip was to be about family as several members of my family had planned to join us in Australia. My sister Gerda and her daughter (my niece) Sarah were the first to arrive in Sydney. So we got to rediscover parts of the city we had taken for granted as we saw them again through new tourist’s eyes. We spent time strolling through the streets of city center looking at the architecture of this modern city with its many historical buildings still in place. Of course we strolled around the iconic Sydney Opera House at base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in what I think is the most beautiful harbour in the world. And as my sister is an avid gardener we spent considerable time taking in the large and impressive botanical gardens located right in the heart of the city. Here we saw many unique native plants as well as many flying foxes and cockatoos.

Flying Foxes

Beautiful Plants

Cockatoo's at the Botanic Gardens

Just a few days later my brother Sam arrived with his two children Cayley and Chad, and the family tour group was now complete. Needless to say eight people in a two bedroom\one bathroom apartment creates its own dynamics, it was great to see everyone and be with family.

Gerda, Etienne and Sarah waiting for the rest of the Family @ Airport

Uncle Henry can you believe that I came to Australia

So now with everyone in tow we continued our exploration of the city of Sydney by a visit to the Sydney Aquarium, where you are treated to under water tunnels to see sharks, rays and dugongs at an entirely different perspective. From there we went to the Wildlife World we they go to see koalas, wombats and kangaroos up close. And of course we hit a beach by going to the world famous Manly Beach for the day and toured the North Head the entrance to the Sydney Harbour. But more than just the sights we were seeing it was great to be with family and creating new memories as we began our road trip down the coast of Australia as one big FAMILY.

The Family

Gerda and Chad

Family meets a Roo

Henry, Chad, Cayley and Sam

Croc

Koala

I love napping

Wombat

Chad final does a normal face

That's my Boy!!!!!!

A new speices of animal

Maphew vists his Auntie & Uncle

HELLO Laurence & Henry!!

I have left my second home with Gerda, Larry and the animals and I have to say, I was a little sad . . . I knew something was up when I saw my auntie Anna-Lisa and uncle Dave . . . so I didn’t run up to them . . . couldn’t show too much excitement, after all I was still with my auntie Gerda! So as I hung my head low to say good bye to both Gerda and Hendrika, got into the truck a little unsure. Who knew I would be making my way to my new home for the next month . . . and to begin the next chapter of my big adventure!!

This is the only way to travel

I rode in style! I was on top of a suitcase in my bed in the front seat of the truck . . . it was absolutely in heaven! And the view was the best!

First stop, went to see auntie Noble-lee, kids and Louie . . . I had a great time! . . . My niece, Amy (what a pest) wouldn't leave me alone! Ugh!

My new view, better watch out kitty's

When I arrived in Cranbrook, BC, I walked up the drive way and made myself right at home. Gonna like this place! I have my own chair in the front window to watch the world go by and I have free run of the house. What more could I ask for?

The first week has been filled with sleeping in (on the bed), long walks, and lounging on my chair! The snacks have been great too. Auntie says I can’t have too many otherwise I will get a big bum! Ya, whatever! I am king of this castle!!

I can't believe how hot it is!!!

By the way, the kids loved my new hairdo! I don`t mind so much either . . . keeps me cool, so you gotta like it. It`s really hot here! +30 . . . I think auntie is going to get me a pool for the deck! I can`t wait! A nice dip would feel so good right about now!

Finally, want to let you know I doing very well and I`m being spoiled rotten. So, no need to worry. Life is good!!

Love,


Maphew oxox

PS. Anna-Lisa and Dave say ``hello``. And want you to know that they LOVE having me here!!!

PPS. Can’t wait to meet the neighbour’s cat!! Whoo hoo!!

Hello Laurence, Henry and Etienne!!

As my big adventure continues, I have to tell you I have been having a great time in Cranbrook, BC so far!!

Each day begins with lifting my head while my uncle leaves for work @ 3:30am and I am able to have more room on the bed!! I love being all sprawled out. When auntie gets up, I am excited to go outside and have a bit of a sniff around . . . after auntie leaves for work, I watch out the window waiting for other dogs, cats and deer to wonder by. Saw a deer just the other morning, and I totally went crazy!! I barked like a mad man!! Auntie wouldn`t let me out! What a drag!! Anyway, auntie comes home for lunch and we go for a long walk along the creek. I love to go in and dip my feet! Oh, it feels so good!

My new Pool

When Dave and Anna-Lisa come through the door after work, they go crazy when they see me! I have to admit that I`m pretty happy to see them too! We either go for another walk right away or have dinner first, or vice versa. It`s all very good! I hang with them until it’s time for bed. I sleep in the middle all snug as a bug!

A nice dip in the Pool

Today, auntie brought home a pool for me . . . it’s a kinda kiddy-ish! . . . Actually, it’s really lam-o!! But it sure feels good on the feet!

I can see you, but I can't smell u!!!

The best so far is when you called on Skype and I could see you and hear you!! I was so excited!! I could hardly believe it!! It was so good to see you, I couldn't get close enough!! I can`t wait to hear from you again!!

Have lots of fun!

Miss you.

Love you lots and lots,

Maphew oxox

PS. We are going shopping for a life jacket . . . can I swim . . . do I like fish . . . hmm . . . canoeing is my next adventure! Whoo hoo!!

PPS. Dave & Anna-Lisa say ``hello`` and happy to hear you are doing very well and having a great time!