Blackheath (D35)

It was cold, drizzly and grey. I shivered in my flip-flops and shorts. No I wasn't back in Manchester, though the weather was just like it. I was waiting outside Sydney airport for Jean-Daniel to phone.

That morning I'd flown back from Brissy. The plan was to phone JD when I landed and he would come and get me. Just one tiny little floor. Yes I had got his number, and yes there was enough on the battery, just. I had meant to charge it up the night before but forgot. So no problem with Viv's pay as you go Aussie phone. Except..... when I tried I got 'you do not have enough credit to make this call'. Shit, panic. I don't know how to top it up, and there aren't any shops anyway.

I know I'll use my ordinary phone. Double shit, my phone wont work either. I don't know why, the key paid wont respond. -it's not locked, I thought of that, it just wont bloody work. I feel like giving it a severe thrashing after I repeatedly tell it to work. It's no good. 'What is the point of having you? I mean really WHAT IS THE POINT' I think to myself in my best Basil Fawlty. But seriously, what do I do now? I'm stuck. JD is waiting for a call. He'll be wondering what's happening. Remember I've only met him briefly at Marie-Claire's barbecue a couple of weeks ago, after a 40 year gap. He'll think I'm being rude, or stupid. What am i going to do?

Fortunately, before full panic sets in, my phone goes and it's JD. I explain briefly and he's on his way. Phew. I've had a few phews lately.

We stopped off at Botany Bay for a coffee. This was where many were dropped off and it in now a Greek and Italian place. Then back to his, before picking up Kim, his partner from Parramatta.

We're off to the Blue Mountains. Yeah. Only it feels still like Manchester on a November morning. As we get closer the mist descends. It's normally a fabulous view from here, they assure me.

They have a house up here and it's gorgeous. They rent it out mostly as a holiday home, but obviously stay in it themselves when they want.

It was previously owned by an older lady who was into mysticism and Buddhism and Hinduism, but moved to Queensland for a new challenge. The house is well proportioned and full of character. They have left much of the decor, which is slightly new age, but I think works perfectly. Pinks and purples, oranges and yellows, and flowery motifs. There's a fire place if we need it. The bathroom and kitchen are modern. The garden is well cared for and there's a Buddha looking peaceful, if a bit damp today.

We'll have to have indoor activities for now, so the beers are opened. One inquisitive male cousin makes for a lively and interesting discussion about mutual recollections of childhood. JD particularly liked coming round to our house because it was always relaxed, lots to play with and interesting. The only thing was having to go to bed early if they stayed over. Mum and Dad were always kind and welcoming. It was fun coming to our house, it was a happy house.

I heard about what it was like for him when they came over to Australia. I didn't realise that they spoke no English at all. On the first day of school he was dropped off at the gate and had to go into a class where he understood nothing. When the register was read out he didn't understand his name being called, only Cheron, his surname in an Aussie accent. Then it was Jean Daniel(le) Cheron, in Aussie, much to the hilarity of the class and embarrassment of Jean-Daniel. After that his teacher suggested he be called by his second name, hence Gilbert.

I wont laugh, you're still Jean-Daniel to me. Kim is also lovely. After 6 or so years she feels part of the family, and remembers my mum and dad when they last came here. She doesn't understand the creole stuff but knows whether it's funny angry or serious by the intonation and body language. J-D and Kim share ownership of this house, where we will be for the next few days. It's going to be fun as they are both easy to get on with.