36th Birthday in Australia 2002

Gday Mates,

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone that has sent me birthday cards in the mail and email cards. I appreciate all of the kind wishes.

I realize that even though I’m now 36, I’ll never stop loving the whole birthday celebration thing. For those of you that know me, you already know that. You will have figured out that what makes my birthday most special to me is having all of my friends in one place at one time to celebrate together. Maybe it is an annual excuse to throw a party. But Australia made it impossible this year. But thanks to a little birdie who knows how important my friends are to me, I have been able to wake up with an enormous smile today even though I’m so far away from all of you that I love so much. Thank you for knowing me so well and for spreading the word that since I couldn’t throw my own gala event, it would mean a lot to me to hear from my friends. You are so right. I appreciate that you sent out my address to everyone. I was quite surprised and excited at getting cards in the mail. It was awesome and I was like, how did they know where I was staying? I should have known. Good on you! Thanks Kev!!

After Molly’s wonderful and surprising call this morning, which made me jump out of the bathtub, I realized how lucky I am. People may be far away in miles or kilometers, but true friends are always close at heart. Thank you all for helping me celebrate my birthday today.

Well I am going to celebrate with a friend for lunch and then go out tonight as well. It worked out ok. Whew! I’m sure if I knew enough people here and there was an Air-Tel, I would have thrown a party here. It will just have to wait till I’m home. That is if anyone wants to see pictures.

Well, there is not much I can say about the opera house pic. I think the pics show the charm of the city. I loved being up there going from day to night. The sun setting was like a bright fireball hiding between the clouds and after dark straight up in the sky, there was a black rainbow above our heads. It was amazing, this perfect dark rainbow reflecting from the bridge lights in the clouds above.

The whole thing was magnificent.

I really love Sydney. Thank you all again for taking the time to write to me. For all of you that have had your birthdays since I have been gone, best wishes for an ultra special year.

If you want to respond, please write to me at [email protected]. Thanks

Hugs & Kisses,

Elisa