We never really thought that we'd be coming to Sydney for a bit of piece and quiet - too much going on in one or other corner of the family for that! What we hadn't anticipated though was that after a year of seeking the necessary approvals and finding a suitable builder, the owners of the apartment immediately above ours began a complete internal demolition and rebuild - the day we arrive back in Sydney! It all starts off fairly quietly - like a few mice scampering around in the ceiling. But that really was the calm before the storm. Or rather the start of drilling and jack-hammering so loud (our next door neighbour recorded decibels well above the permitted health and safety limit) that it truly wasn't possible to remain in the apartment! Building Management was bombarded with complaints and after taking shelter behind the law and Strata Management regulations, finally admitted that adequate notice and warnings hadn't been provided and that the builders were likely using equipment more suited to an outside rather than internal demolition project!

But that really didn't mar a visit that included birthday parties, hanging out with various friends and relatives, a brief stop at Samara's high school graduation dinner....and of course, the 10K Bridge Run!!