We spent a fantastic two weeks with my family in Adelaide. We stayed with my Uncle Denis, Anne (who will kill me if I call her “Aunt,” as she’s not even ten years older than I am), and my cousins Kieran and Ryan. I’ve been lucky enough to see them three out of the last four Christmases: ‘03 in Oz, ‘05 in L.A., and ‘06 back in Oz.

One of the family traditions is to go up to see the X-mas parade at Lobethal, a historic German township in the Adelaide Hills. It’s a place that’s hardly lacking in characters, as the pub scenes that follow will reveal. The night ended up in a balloon portrait extravaganza. » Keep reading »

But first, a few shots of the parade. As I looked back at my photos from the last trip down, I couldn’t believe how different my cousins looked.

Here are Kieran and Ryan in 2003…

And 2007, with the boys on opposite sides in this one.

Anne, Emma, Ryan, Kieran and Denis on the parade route.

There were the obligatory four guys singing Kumbaya in unison—all looking slightly more intense than your usual Jesus-strummers. (I think it’s a “Creed” thing.)

Then we had Elvis with a Roman soldier, Cleopatra, and some Mod kids with guns and moustaches, all dancing to “Hound Dog.” Awesome.

Emma Jane was digging it, even with the unseasonably chilly weather.


The temps dropped enough so that we eventually found ourselves on a desperate mission to find somewhere to warm up. The local pub gave us warmth, drinks, and a little local flavor. Kieran and I both blinked here, but it’s the only group shot from the pub.

We were soon in the midst of handlebar moustaches and tattoos. We felt left out, being the only people without large knives hanging from our belts.
One of the locals briefly mistook Kieran for a girl and stopped for a chat.


He wished us a very Merry Christmas, then made sure Ryan’s ears were covered before telling us, “No, no—F*CK the Merry. Have a SAFE Christmas.”

I apologize in advance, but the full effect of his presence cannot be appreciated without a close-up. This was about the distance he stood when talking to you, both hands braced on your shoulders. Just be thankful you’re only getting the visual.

We made our excuses with our new friend, as we had some balloon portraits to take care of.

We finished our drinks, and newly warmed, went out to see the Christmas lights.

tags: australia, family, holidays, travel | link to this entry |