18th November - Presiden Xi Jinping in Hobart

Tuesday 18^th November

Today Grace Darcey, Pete’s granddaughter, is meeting the Chinese president, at a secret location (probably Government House….)  A few months ago one of her Grade 5 teachers at Scotch Oakburn (Launceston) set the class the task of writing to the president, telling him what they particularly love about Tasmania.  They expected maybe a letter back from the Chinese Embassy, saying, nicely, many thanks for writing to us in Mandarin and telling us about the peacock feathers in the cataract Gorge, and the beauty of the Tahune Air Walk.  Instead they got an invitation to meet Mr President himself!

Grace in a rock pool at Ironhouse Point

Late yesterday afternoon I walked down into the city, through lovely West Hobart.

Browne Street houses

Past our old house in Devonshire Square (our last family dwelling…I LOVED this house.)

My iPhone captured glimpses of the city from the hills.

But this morning we went to the 9^th floor of what used to be the AMP building and got an even closer higher view.  Zoe and Rose looked down, thoughtfully, from the window-ledge where I had hoicked them.  "It would be TERRIFYING if the window broke and we fell," said Zoe.  "But it would be OK if there was a big soft trampoline."

I hope President Xi Jinping enjoys his brief glimpses of Hobart, and his chats with Grace and her class!