Bonfire Night

Last week end we attended the Bonfire night at BIS where Paige goes to school. BIS being a British school there are traditional celebrations which we have never had the chance in celebrating.

Traditionally in Britain once a year bonfires are lit to celebrate "Guy Fawkes Night". Originally known as Gunpowder Treason Day, the celebration can be traced directly to the events of the 5th November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot was caught guarding a hoard of explosives placed beneath the House of Lords and arrested. Celebrating the fact King James 1 had survived the assassination attempt, bonfires were lit around London and now the day is a public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.
Leading up to the bonfire Paige's class was involved in making "Guy" out of paper which would be thrown on the fire at the Bonfire night.

The evening started out with lots of games which Paige had a good time playing then we headed to the bonfire where "Guy" was thrown onto the fire and the night ended with a display of fire works.

Its always interesting to celebrated other countries traditions and even more interesting doing the research to find out the reason where the celebrations first started.

Picture: Paige taking part in the lucky dip

Paige having a go at the hoop throw game

"Guy" ready for the bonfire

Paige and her friend Jessica

The bonfire

Bernadette, Paige & Ben

Paige and Ben


Guy on the fire

The fire works

More fire works

Melbourne Cup In Jakarta

This year I spent the Melbourne Cup attending the ANZA brunch. With having to get ready, take Paige to school, the time difference between Jakarta and Melbourne and battle with the traffic my day started quite early as I wanted to be on time for the brunch.

It's funny to buy tickets for the brunch you do so weeks before and it isn't until a couple of days before the event you acutally know where the event is going to be held due to security reasons so it always comes as a surprise where you have to go to.

This year the brunch was held at the J W Marriott. I must admit the security entering the hotel was quiet over the top and all this to ensure safety from any bombings. Gone are the days of jumping out of the car and just entering any hotels here, the car is searched then your handbag is checked and scanned then you walk through a scanner yourself like in an airport then they pat you down if the scanner sounds. Completing the security check I was ready for my first champagne.

It was a great day mixing with many different women and men. The food was really nice and the champagne didnt stop flowing. I had a wonderful day and my horse come third in the race.