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ACT - AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

First stop, kicking off Bronte & Frank's whirlwind Aussie tour, is Canberra to visit family and explore a unique attraction called Cockington Green.  Family owned and operated now by 4 generations, it opened in the late 70's and continues to expand.  This award winning tourist location consists of meticulously crafted miniature buildings and gardens. Originally featuring an English village, Cockington Green now hosts an International display, doll collection, mini steam engine ride etc.           MORE PICTURES.

Other places Bronte & Frank love to visit in Canberra:
National Museum of Australia          National Zoo & Aquarium          Australian War Memorial
Questacon - Science & Technology Center          National Botanic Gardens          Royal Australian Mint
Tidbinbilla          Namadgi National Park & Visitors Centre          National Dinosaur Museum

Pictureview from Taronga Park Zoo
SYDNEY

There's no place like home.  SO true.
And for animals in a zoo... it can be true too!
Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney and San Diego Zoo in California are arguably two of the best in the world.
Bronte & Frank just happen to have regular access to both and agree that the well cared for residents enjoy fantastic surroundings with lush flora and breathtaking views.   

Picture'WIND IN THE WILLOWS'
OTHER THINGS BRONTE AND FRANK LIKE TO DO WHEN IN SYDNEY:

See Australian Shakespeare Company's performance of 'Wind in the Willows' in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Catch the Harbour City Ferry to Taronga Park Zoo or Luna Park.

Spend all day at Darling Harbour.  For families there is so much to experience, including the Maritime Museum, the Chinese Gardens, and quite possibly Australia's best playground (not kidding) - the Darling Quarter Playground which is free!   While there, visit the Sydney Aquarium.

Bronte and Frank can't do this yet, but if you are 10 years or older and not afraid of heights, then the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is for you - book in advance!

Bronte Beach
It's a Sydney beach just south of Bondi and yes, Bronte 
(true lover of Frank) is named after this gorgeous eastern suburbs surf spot (in case you are wondering, it's pronounced Brontee).  Smaller and less crowded, Bronte Beach features a natural sandy pool at the southern end (perfect for introducing toddlers to the ocean), an adult ocean wave pool built into the rock for the serious sea swimmer, numerous BBQ booths also offering shelter, tables and benches and a vast stretch of green lawn enclosed by magnificent gum trees providing most imperative shade from Australia's brutal sunshine.  

UV ALERT - NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE INTENSITY OF THE SUN DOWN UNDER!   REAPPLY GOOD QUALITY SUNSCREEN REGULARLY! DON'T FORGET EARS, TOPS OF FEET & HANDS, BACKS OF KNEES, EVEN IF YOU ARE IN THE WATER, WEAR A HAT - IF YOU'RE SURFING OR ON A SPEEDBOAT CONSIDER AN SPF SCALP & HAIR SPRAY (ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE FAIR).  PAY ATTENTION TO THE UV ALERTS - IN DAILY NEWSPAPERS, ON BEURAU OF METEOROLOGY WEBSITE, RADIO AND MOBILE WEATHER FORECASTS - OR DOWNLOAD THE UV ALERT APP CALLED SUNSMART FROM ITUNES -  THERE'S ALSO A FREE WIDGET AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CITY FROM THE CANCER COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA.

PictureBronte and the beauty of Byron Bay
BYRON BAY

In the 1960's, longboard surfers arrived in Byron Bay and in the early 70's The Aquarius Festival (Australia's equivalent to Woodstock), celebrating alternative thinking and sustainable lifestyles was held in Nimbin (inland from Byron Bay).  The festival was such a success, many participants stayed on, establishing the birthplace of Australia's hippie movement, as it is today.

There is something for everybody in Byron, from whale & dolphin watching, sea kayaking, sky diving, swimming with sea turtles, circus classes, surfing classes, spas, arts & crafts, ballooning, fishing, kite festivals, music festivals... OR
you can do nothing at all - bliss.

PictureRoyal Children's Hospital, Melbourne
MELBOURNE

The week Bronte & Frank went down to visit friends in Victoria, Bronte became quite ill and ended up in emergency for 3 nights.

If you are visiting Melbourne and experience something similar, head straight to the Royal Children's Hospital.


THINGS BRONTE & FRANK WERE PLANNING TO DO IN MELBOURNE:

Visit Federation Square and shop at the Queen Victoria Markets - go to the Melbourne Zoo and camp overnight for Roar 'n' Snore - head over to the Melbourne Aquarium and hand feed sharks and stingrays at the Australian Shark & Ray Center - pop into the Melbourne Museum and learn all about Captain James Cook's life at Cook's Cottage - then drive 30 minutes out of town to see the internationally acclaimed rose gardens at Werribee Mansion and while there, check out the African style safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo - in-between, enjoy long lazy walks around St. Kilda - Melbourne's vibrant seaside playground.

PictureSea World on the Gold Coast
BRISBANE

Final stop for this year's Aussie jaunt is Queensland's capital city Brisbane.  Bronte & Frank wanted to spend time together on the road, so they were driven to Sea World on the Gold Coast.
They arrived just in time to sea the Fish Detectives Sea Lion Show, although what Bronte really wanted to do was become a dolphin Trainer for a Day, mostly because it includes the opportunity to swim with dolphins.  Maybe next time B!  
PHEW!  THAT WAS A SUPER AMBITIOUS ADVENTURE, SQUEEZING IN FOUR EAST COAST STATES/TERRITORIES OF AUSTRALIA IN JUST THREE WEEKS - BRONTE & FRANK THE TRAVEL TROOPERS!!

 
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Bronte's Russian birthday party was held at the Hard Rock Cafe, I know, not the most appropriate venue for a mob of toddlers, however when in Moscow.....
Hotdogs 'n' fries were appreciatively devoured.

Favorite family friendly venues where Bronte & Frank enjoyed SUNDAY BRUNCH:
Scandinavia (fave summertime spot)
Le Pain Quotidien (no smoking section)
Starlight Diner (great Thanksgiving turkey)
21 Prime (steakhouse)
BB Cafe (the canary restaurant)
Bublik (another Ginza project) 
Coffeemania (amazing cakes)
Elardzhi (another Ginza project)
Gusto 
Piccolino (another Ginza project)

BRONTE & FRANK'S VIDEO RESTAURANT REVIEWS 

 
PictureLong weekend in Kiev
Anybody who travels regularly for business and is faced with overstaying a 'tourist' visa, will no doubt have experienced the inevitable 'visa run'.  Often they're annoying, sometimes they're scary, however, with a little luck they can become an awesome adventure.

In Moscow, if you're a US citizen, the 'visa run' country of choice is Ukraine.  Although Bronte & Frank were only south of the Russian border for an extended weekend, they experienced Kiev's welcoming energy, dancing one night into the wee hours, urged on by a loud, local band and the ever so restless natives.

TIP - BEFORE RE-ENTERING RUSSIA, ENSURE THE DETAILS LISTED ON YOUR EXPENSIVE NEW VISA ARE CORRECT - BRONTE & FRANK WERE HELD UP FOR HOURS AT IMMIGRATION IN MOSCOW, HER VISA STATING QUITE CLEARLY (IN CYRILLIC) THAT SHE WAS A BOY.

 
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Bronte (about 20 months old) & Frank piled their stuff into storage (mostly stuffed toys) and headed to Moscow, not knowing what to expect (aside from a brutal winter).

Women's groups such as the International Women's Club of Moscow and your local embassy, play a crucial role in supporting expats of all nationalities.

Bronte attended P'tit Cref, a trilingual (Russian, French, English) school in Moscow for 12 months, where she was immersed in their French program.  International schools are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people with kids of similar age.  

Children in Moscow is an excellent resource for families in Moscow - they have Bronte's Jet Lag Tips posted in their editorial section.



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PictureCentral Park
Holiday road trip, from Richmond VA to NYC for NYE.

 
PictureERAGON, the movie shot primarily in Hungary
This picture taken from the 'Varden' set, built into a crater near the Hungarian border with Austria. 
Bronte turned 1 in Budapest.

 
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Bronte & Frank busted out of Budapest to London for a bit, where they bumped into Bobbies in Hyde Park.

 
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At 8 months of age, Bronte & Frank ventured to Hungary for 3 months or so, during autumn/winter.

 
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In just two weeks, Bronte & Frank visited three states in Oz, including the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria.  

 
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At the tender age of 12 weeks, Bronte & Frank left Los Angeles for the first time, to meet family and friends in Australia. 

Frank was the same size as Bronte back then, plush, perky and beige)...