We have just returned to Ireland, having spent almost 2 months visiting our son, his wife and three children, 12, 7, and 23 months, in Mornington Vic.,for the first time in almost 3 years. Those 2 very happy months were spent in Nicky and Michael's tranquil retreat in Mt Eliza. It is indeed peaceful and beautiful, from the rose garden outside our bedroom window, to the lovely pool to which which we had constant access, and from the fruit and veg. gardens where Nicky and Michael urged us to take what we needed, to the tennis court where the grandchildren were delighted to take the raquets provided and play when they visited us. Nicky and Michael could not have been more generous and caring hosts. They stocked our fridge with everything we might need, gave us baskets of tomatoes, eggs(from their own chickens) delicious lime marmalade, home made bread, wine, lemon cordial...I could go on! They were always available to help and advise, and nothing was too much trouble for them. Needless to say, their lovely apt. was totally comfortable, filled with light, and well supplied with every appliance and implement we could need as well as TV, books,magazines, puzzles, games, and a chest full of dressing up costumes!
Nicky and Michael embraced our whole family; they even gave our little grandson a christening gift. Nicky baked a delicious chocolate cake for that occasion, and another, just as popular!...an orange and poppyseed cake this time, for our last day with the family.
We were privileged to spend time with them in their part of the house before we left, exchanging information about both our countries, and learning a lot about the beauty, skill and intricacy of Aboriginal painting, an interest they both share.
We just do not have enough superlatives to describe our wonderful stay in Nicky and Michael's Air BnB. We hope to have the chance to stay there again...it would be very hard to go elsewhere or find a match for such a special property, and such exceptional hosts!!
Instead of just saying a mere 'thank you' in Irish, we prefer to say 'Le míle buíochas'/ 'A thousand thanks'.... Máire and Dónall