We arrived in Devonport at 6 pm and after a lengthy car inspection operation at the wharf, we got under way to Hobart was already 7 pm. The trip was uneventful and we made it to Kingston Beach almost at mid-night. Next day started the preparation for the Xmas party and last minute shopping for presents. Hobart was boiling with excitement not only due to Xmas but mainly due to the arrival of the boats participating in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Before going to bed Isabella left some carrots, milk and a beer for Santa and his reindeer and left the keys of the house in an envelop because her house does not have a chimney.

On Xmas day a very excited Isabella came to our room hoping we would take her upstairs where Santa had left the presents. Rita told her that she was not allowed to peek at the presents otherwise Santa would take them back and obviously she did not want to test the theory. In the afternoon Jamie’s family arrived to celebrate Xmas and we had a good time exchanging presents and just having a merry Xmas lunch.

With Xmas celebrations over we enjoyed spending time in Salamanca Square and Constitution dock. Hobart put up a show called Taste of Tasmania during the arrival of the yachts. Most of the Tasmanian producers set up stools displaying the best foods and produces. The docks area and Salamanca Square turn into a gigantic restaurant with music, basking groups, entertainers all competing for the attention and the dollars of the visitors, locals and yacht crews. We had a great time savouring the delicate food Tasmania is famous for. During all that the yachts keep on arriving rapidly filling up the Constitution dock. The crews were too happy to talk to people and tell them about their achievements in the race and therefore the ambient around the boats was unbelievable; it resembled a monstrous fair. I am sure everybody that came to Hobart had a whale of a time like us.

On the 29th Bruno, Erica and the kids arrived. We visited the Shot Tower to show Miguel how shot was made in the olden days.