Another Melbourne Roff promoting tourism in the Philippines...

Just farewelled Amanda who is off on the European leg of her overseas adventure after spending a week here in the Philippines. We had a wild weekend in Manila, enjoying everything from luxury spa treatments and dentistry on a budget, to an unplanned stroll through the red light district, four hours of karaoke power, and a 4am drag show at Home Depot. We also found time to hit (or swing at) a few balls in an old Spanish Fort converted into a driving range, and tasted some of the local delicacies at the weekend markets. Despite the stormy onslaught of "Tropical Depression Emong" (official name), we made it to and from Puerto Galera on a rickety old boat and managed some quality beach time. It must have been hard to leave, but I guess the Greek Islands are not too shabby either. Only six weeks to go for me here. My how time flies!

Cheers from us too Ken

Hi Ken. Happy Birthday. I have no idea why John photoshopped us out of the original photo..? He may not be proud of us, but we want you to know that we are proud of you and we are thinking of you.

Cheers to Uncle Ken

Perth Roffs in Paris

What a great city this is!!!! Lots of history, lots of the grand in their buildings, lots of eating, chocolating, coffee-ing, touring and artworks. It is such a great language too ! We are bunkered down in a small Parisian studio flat...think arms outstretched by Zac and you have the width...
but in a great location, nearby St Germain ( haven't run into Becks and Posh yet ) and Notre Dame and have done lots of walking around the place checking the sites. The typical sites in fact pale into insignificance compared to the Abercrombie and Fitch store on the Champs Élysées which is an experience in itself.
Will try to get to Roland Garros tomorrow weather permitting-we have had a few days of rain-but it will be risky as I don't have tickets so it would be a wing and a prayer job but you never know.
Next week it is Norway to see Zac in Kongsberg where he works and maybe Liz in Oslo, where she is staying.
TtUncle Ken 90...who would believe that. We'll still be in Euro land but big hugs from all of us over here. Want to see him get a bit of spark ? Ask him about Doug Walters! Or get him to name his all time test team.


Rock and Jan

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Europe 3

Hi All,

Just a quick note of update from the European experience.We are lounging by the pool at the flash resort in Santorini taking in a bit of R and R before the next leg in Italy.Since our last note we hired a car in Santiago and Zac drove via Salamanca to Madrid only putting the windscreen wipers on twice and taking in the rich countryside.Salamanca has a great university and trading tradition and have maintained their old section ( from the 1200's ) really well.Liz and Zac played up with the students whilst the old guys were still resting their feet from the big walk and retired early.
Madrid was terrific. Liz took in the royal palace ( we had already done that) whist Jan and I went to a huge mass in the cathedral next door, presided over by the Cardinal and 8 bishops.The singing was divine and the lead girl could have been Sarah Brightman for all we knew.
Zac flew back to Norway leaving me the driver to Barcelona.In hindsight we may not have done that again,but we survived and the changing landscape was terrific.
Barcelona was alive in many ways.Our airbnb unit was very central,great for transport,shopping etc but "by central" read loud,alive and noisy until the wee hours of the morning,each morning.
The Spanish never seem to sleep,except for the school aged girl pickpocket who tried to fleece me on the train.Thankfully she got nothing but unnerved me.
The Gaudi works are magnificent,crazy, and imaginative and all of the above.
Liz then flew to Norway leaving Jan and I to head to our Greek Island paradise.Great Greek history and archeology here mixed with many touristy aspects.All enjoyable.
Health wise fine and enjoying the break
Cheers
Jan and John

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Europe w

Hi guys

Quick report from Santiago. We made it in today after 6 days on the trail. Zac and Liz managed the full 115km, and Jan and I went close. My dodgy left foot finally collapsed at the 10km mark on day 5, and I had to get a taxi over the last 6 to our hotel. We strapped and bandaged it it for the last day, for the 14km walk into the cathedral but again to no avail as it was a limp and pain and shuffle show all the way, and I finally called it at the edge of town, missing the last 4 km,and left the kids to do the final stage. Jan and I taxied to the hotel , changed and met them at the front of the big church as they came in. Not the finish I was hoping for, and it smacks of Moses stuff, but in the big picture end we all did 'the last hundred' as the walk was called and prayed at the tomb of St James happy but weary. We did the pilgrim's mass which was packed and moving and a fitting end to a long walk in the woods ( apologies to Bill Bryson)

In the washup, it was a great walk....challenging because of its distance, but well supported and well signposted and lots of local business based along it. People do it for all sorts of reasons and there is a certain spiritual growth in everyone on the journey. On a personal level it was great to spend time with Jan and the kids. I've got lots of admiration for people who walk the lot (800kms) or who carry all their gear with them. I'm happy we opted for the hotel / luggage transfer option

It is a terrific day here in Santiago. It is of course Ascension Thursday , and in Spain that means ' party time ' . There are street parades, masses, bands on massive stages in front of the Cathedral, street performers, side show Ferris wheels and lots of people and a real carnival atmosphere. We were out and about earlier but the walk has taken its toll and we are all now in the land of nod 

Off tomorrow towards Madrid for the start of the' real holiday'. We drop Zac at the airport for him to fly home to Norway, then Liz Jan and I drive on to Bathelona ( that's how the locals say it) where Liz flies on to Norway herself and Jan and I head to Santorini for a bit of R and R.

Hope all is well with you all . We didn't take a camera as Zac and Liz had theirs. When they send through a couple of photo's I'll pass them on.

Cheers

John, Jan, Kate and Liz.

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Europe

Hi

Greetings from the middle of Spain. The tour has been great so far and we are enjoying the Euro hospitality and scenery...and the exchange rate!! Started at Lyon and just south of that at the spiritual home of the Marist Brothers at ' the Hermitage'. It was a terrific experience. The place normally has room for between 100-150 and for those 4 days the only guests were us. So we dined with the brothers, did prayers with them and they drove us all around the area on the 'Marcellin trail'. It sure is a place we should take a school excursion to if we can juggle the expenses. 
We are now on the Santiago Camino walk (tautology?),into day 4 tomorrow and the walking has been great, through forests, fields, villages, along horse tracks, paths and roads. It is really well signposted and at this time of year there are plenty of people doing it. We have picked up a few blisters and aching feet stuff but if St James can do, so can we. It has been terrific walking with Zac and Liz and they nicely have slowed down for their parents. Weather wise it has been mixed but no shockers yet though tomorrow's forecast is not looking flash. Jan picked up a leg rash and medical advice was treatment plus rest,so she is having tomorrow off ( taxi or bus to the next place) but will be fine after that. We are due in Santiago on Friday arvo. It has a cute little 'old town' section and a magnificent cathedral which we have already done but will do again as it is the official end of the walk.

Hope all is well with you. I'll try to send photo's next time.Feel free to forward this on to whoever you think may be interested.

Regards

John,Jan,Zac and Liz

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Fwd: Ken Seage turning novogenerical

Subject: Ken Seage turning nonagenerical

June 5th marks Dad / Ken / uncle Ken' s 90th birthday. Whilst he is unimpressed at the prospect he has agreed to allow a gathering to acknowledge the significance  of the milestone. That will be a lunch at the Lourdes Administration centre on June 16th (Sunday) from 12-3pm to which you are of course invited. It could match the festival of Jakestock, but a limited edition in 3 daylight hours unless it kicks on. Dad will probably nod off at times.
Can you advise if any of you might wish to attend so we can organize catering. Send to brenzo@yahoo.com
You may not be aware that Dad has moved to a new section of Lourdes, and off-loaded 60 years of hoardings in the process. Zen minimalist, the Grasshopper, but with a beer in his mini fridge. He is looking well with catered meals. Space restrictions means strictly no presents. New address is Apartment 57B, 95 Stanhope Road Killara. Same phone number.
Mum is unchanged, still happy to see you but struggling to know who you are. She may attend briefly. Dad too might struggle with a few names, but at 90 cut him some slack.
Brendan
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Bonkers in Honkers!

Just returned from a short side trip to Hong Kong. Budget airline hubs and cheap SE Asian travel is one of the (few) perks of living close to the wild metropolis of Manila.

I consumed ten times my weight in dim sum, went to every 20 dollar Michelin star dumpling restaurant I could find, and got FAR too excited by extensive tea menus around town. Judging by the tighter waste band of my jeans, I might have overdone it, but food has been such a challenge in the Philippines, it was hard to exercise self-control. I had 10 months of eating to catch up on! 

The loose excuse for this trip was a Sigur Ros concert, which was excellent. Although, wearing the Filipino op-shop clothes I've been dagging around in for 10 months, I felt a bit out of place surrounded by the Hong Kong trend set. Don't know how I will go settling back into Melbourne. Might need style tips from Dom... 

Hong Kong itself is an amazing city - bustling East meets West vibe, friendly locals and cool ex-pat scene, full of lush public parks and surrounded by mountains, quaint fishing villages and pristine beaches. I'm now threatening to move in.  

I'm on the downhill stretch towards the end of my Philippines assignment. Only two months to go - my how time has flown! Currently looking into opportunities to return for another 12 months, so for those who didn't manage to visit first time around, hopefully you'll have a second chance (possibly in a more exotic beachside location, if all goes to plan...)

x Annika

Halo Halo!

Not to trump Stu and Marianne's adventures, but I've just had a visit from Julia in the Philippines! 

Mum spent a week snorkeling and island hopping in beautiful Palawan, then joined me in Baguio City. We travelled up the mountain to Sagada where Mum braved caving despite declared claustrophobia. 

She also braved the local desert, 'halo halo', which means 'mix mix'. Take a glass of crushed ice and coconut milk, and mix in whatever assortment of items happen to be laying around a Filipino kitchen: coloured jellies, fruits, nuts, jam, cake, custard, ice cream, beans, (okay, now it's getting weird, but stay with me...) chickpeas, grated cheese...go crazy! It's a bit like extreme trifle. 

I am a huge fan, but I guess it's an acquired taste...

Sitting rooftop in Granada enjoying the sun

Stuart and I are currently enjoying the sun on the rooftop of our hotel in Granada. We have packed quite a bit in the last three weeks. We have been to Gibraltor, flitted across to Morocco, spent a few days in the monastery at Santiago di Compestelo, toured the old city in Lisbon, drank port in Porto, seen nearly every castle between here and Paris and enjoyed ourselves. We are off to Alahmbra Castle tomorrow. Tickets were 50 euro a piece and were extremely hard to get. Apparently it is now booked out till the middle of May. Yesterday in Granada was spectacular. There was a festival on with Flamenco dancing in the streets and people everywhere. We are still unable to post photos. I might try and send them to Adam. Adios, Stuart and Marianne

Way of St James

Hello! We started our walking adventure today, here is a picture of us in Santiago de Compostela, which is also the finish line. Tonight we take a bus out to a town and then start walking back in towards Santiago.

Bye!

Wild Horse tamed, by degrees?

Written by Ash:

There was certainly no stampede by the Wild Horse to finish his University life, but eventually all good things must come to an end. Last week Rowan graduated as a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Finance at the once-proud University of Adelaide.

 Appropriately it was raining as Rowan ascended to the secret mysteries of the dismal science.

 A happy coincidence of the graduation was that Rowan finally found out where the library was.

It's the economy, stupid. The last generation of economists has let us down badly, at least the ones that were running my super fund (thanks AMP) so why not let these youngsters loose? Good luck Australia!

DSR

Post JakeFest!

Jake turning 40 is a big deal, for everyone. It’s a shock reminder that we are all getting older.

The uncles and aunties remember when Jake was a bully older brother, often tumbling out of the car on family visits in a rolling brawl with Joe or Gnome. That was over 30 years ago. Toodie remembers when Jake was heading off on a scooter to break up with a girlfriend and not so politely declining his uncle’s advice/assistance.  That was nearly 20 years ago.

For the younger generation, it’s always been the highest honour to stay up the latest and out party the self-proclaimed, and newly crowned, King of the Cousins (see Photo). It gets easier every Roff Christmas for us, but none of us really want it that way.

Well, Jake, you out did yourself for your 40th. You would have been pretty close to being the last up, right? Plus, you, Kel and Band 6 put on a brilliant show. Cover bands are a dime a dozen but Band 6 are something special, with a repertoire that had everyone up dancing. My top three dance floor highlights included:

• A dance-off between Gnome and Joe (see Photo). Joe put his body on the line on a number of occasions with “the worm” and a stage dive into a summersault along the floor. Impressive stuff but Joe over-exerted himself and bowed down to the breaking dancing crumping queen, Naomi.
• Another dance-off with Sue and Rod against Glenn and Sharon, with dancing subs (see Photo). Glenn and Sharon reverted to dirty tactics, including a rogue shoe in their opponents dancing path and some heavy barging. It was a unanimous decision by the judges and the audience that Sue and Rod were the 2013 Lismore Pan Pacific Champions.
• Rowan.

The speeches were also something special, sprung on the speakers on the spot. Jake’s best mates told stories of a time in school when life was carefree, frivolous and fun. It turns out Jake hadn't attended the school during those incredible years and didn't know the boys. It doesn't matter, because Band 6 were back on stage to get the party started again. This time though the stage was open up to other guests. Big mistake.

So many highlights of the stage sessions, but I've narrowed it down to five:

• Daniel’s version of Pulp’s Common People  - spoken better than Jarvis (see Photo);
• Jenny saving Kel with lyrics and vocals (see Photo);
• The White Shites (Kel and friend) providing the infill vocals to the Angel’s “Am I ever going to see your face again” – google a live version if you don’t know what I’m talking about;
• Various attempts by members of the audience to drum; and, 
• Nick’s impersonations, particularly Nanny Fine.

As Damian said the next morning, the open mike session was an “assault on the aural senses”. So very true, and the battering continued until Jake could play no more (around 5am) (see Photo).
Roffs were well represented by Glenn, Sue, Damian, Jenny, Naomi, Joe, Daniel, Alaine, Harry, Vicky, Nick and Rowan. As a special treat, Damain shouted the family a KISS beer. Winner.

The car trip back to Newcastle was another high light, with three Bill Murray films viewed by the kids in the back – Stripes, meatballs and Ground Hog Day.

It was well worth the trek up to Lismore for a brilliant night of entertainment. Below are some photos, courtesy of the lovely Sharon.

Thanks Jake and Kel!

Now in Rodez & heading to Biarritz

Hi all
We are currently in Rodez, middle of south west France and we spent the day in Bozoyls where there an amazing hairpin gorge with a town built around it on the cliff edge. The temperature has been around 2degrees and yesterday there was snow. Rodez has an amazing cathedral and we sat through a mass today. France is beautiful and the countryside is fantastic. Lots of castles and historical buildings. We head to Biarritz tomorrow for 4nights where we will do day trips around the area. Food here is great though Stuart is yet to sample the snails. Will keep you posted. Stuart & marianne

Stuart does the louvre!

We arrived in Paris and in true Stuart style, we have been every where and done everything in less than 24hours. Our hotel is at the base of the sacre couer and we have a great view of Paris. We went to the louvre today and managed a photo opportunity of the Mona Lisa.we are now enjoying a 4euro bottle of Sauvignon. I have uploaded a couple of photos. We are off to Lyon in two days on the very fast train. Lots of love Marianne and stuart

Roff Ladies Weekend

The biggest event of the year (until JakeFest)!

Roff Ladies weekend was everything you would have imagined it to be - civilised, relaxed, indulgent and thoroughly enjoyable. Activities included  swimming, opp shopping, wining, dining, reading, relaxing, round table discussions and High Tea (pictured). 

Thank you to our host, Marianne, who was ever gracious and accommodating. 

Ladies of WA, Lady of Lismore, Lady of Brisbane, Lady of Canberra and Lady of the Philippines: you were dearly missed. Next year. 

Win a plasma TV

Im going on an epic bike ride from Armidale to South West Rocks as part of the Tour de Rocks which raises money for Cancer Education. It cost to register and Ive have to sell $200 worth of raffle tickets. They are $5 each. If you send me $5 i'll send you a raffle ticket! I ride out in 2 weeks time. Appreciate your help.  I have never been involved in any blood doping or taken any EPO in my career. I usually have 2 or 3 XXXX Golds at Tennis on a Monday night. Look out for my interview with Oprah.

Jakefest 2013

 

 The professionally produced poster for Jakefest! We have a few acts to be named (Nick and Daniel have yet to get back to me - and I still hold out hope for a performing Alaine..). 'Two Roffs don't make a right' involve Joe and I doing a folk version of 'The Boxer' by Paul Simon. I tell you what though, in terms of headliners, forget Iggy Pop and Robert Plant at Bluesfest - Band 6 at Jakefest is where it's at.