Home and Away (D 12)

Palm beach is the setting for the soap op. Home and Away. It is north of Sydney about an hour away and that's where we set off to in the morning.

On the way we first pass, but then call into, the Sydney Baha'i House of Worship. It is an impressive yet simple structure and seats probably 2-3 hundred people when full. There are about half a dozen of these throughout the world on each continent. Local communities have their own smaller versions. This is like their Cathedral. The Baha'i faith seems to be my kind of faith. Inclusive. They believe all faiths are valid. It originated in Persia in 1844 by The Bab, the last prophet. He was executed for his trouble. In 1863 Baha'u'llah declared himself the One prophesied by Bab and went on to establish Baha'i. They have special large meetings for world peace, women's day, refugee day etc and one 'Teacher appreciation day'. I think the prophet's missus must have been a teacher. They believe in equality of races and genders, the pursuit of science and rationalism, and recognise the oneness of humanity with God. It supports my One Faith, many paths, view of religion. There appear to be no catches, they didn't even ask for money!

Then on to Palm beach, lunch and a beer. We climb the trail to Barrenjoy Lighthouse. From here you get a spectacular view of the Pacific facing Palm Beach and Pitt Water - a calm water inlet - separated by the strip of land we've just come along. It also overlooks the Ku-ring-gai Chase National park where there are ancient Aboriginal carvings.

There's no time for this though. We need to get back for a party being held in my honour. It is being hosted by Marie-Claire, one of Viv's sisters and all available cousins and offspring will be there. The order has gone out.

Sure enough the gathering is large. I'm introduced to them all, who until now, have been just names. I tell you we turn out some gorgeous girls, and the boys aren't bad looking either. Rachel, Nadja, Melonie and Anja. Matthew and David. All my female cousins are now Grandmere. I refuse to be Grand Tonton (uncle). Marie-Claire, our host, is younger than me. I only remember her as three or four years old. She's been over to England a few times but we've always missed each other. She's a social worker and is delighted to hear that my Lizzie is going to be doing that course at uni. The house is lovely, open plan and on split level. There's a new thatched sun shelter in the garden. Jeugen, Marie-Claire's German husband has done it himself that very afternoon. I think he had a deadline. There's a pool, BBQ and everything. Right out of a TV show. Very Aussie.

Matant is also there to make sure it all goes smoothly.
Jean-Daniel or Gilbert or Zant, depending on your fancy, is also there with his partner Kim. Marilyn, me and him were the three musketeers. We were like those kids in the film Slumbdog, until they grew up suddenly. At least that how my memory likes to recall it. I'm going to the blue mountains with Jean-Daniel so will get to know him again there.

Meanwhile, like the omnibus version of a soap opera in fast forward, I'm trying to catch up on missed episodes.