2007 Yearly Review

2007 was a momentous year for us; dominated by a single protracted event – our world trip. Indeed it’s easiest to think of the year in two halves – the first half the trip, and the second, the recovery. ;)

Guess where we are! :)

The trip itself was over 3 months in length, visiting 4 countries – Japan, Greece, France, and the USA (in that order). Spike kept a blog of the trip – barlowodyssey07.blogspot.com – where you’ll find thousands of words and dozens of photos. Even the blog doesn’t do justice to the experience of the trip, so there’s no way here to cover it appropriately. However the highlights included Zoe seeing where she was born in Japan; visiting all our old friends in Japan (it made Maria and Spike very homesick and make a vow to return soon); Maria meeting for the first time many members from her father’s side of the family in Greece; a lengthy stay on the Greek island of Santorini with its cliffs, white houses and blue church spires where Grant played soccer daily with his 3rd cousin and the other village boys; romantic Paris, including cruising on the Seine and climbing the Eiffel Tower; a wonderful few days at Disneyland (California) and a massive road trip in the USA that took in such national parks as The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Crater Lake and even Alcatraz (yes, it’s a national park, and no we didn’t drive out to Alcatraz). The trip ran from March till June, with the first couple of months of the year being consumed with seemingly endless trip preparations ranging from not only travel and accommodation arrangements but trying to learn 2 languages (Greek and French) and do a major brush-up on a third (Japanese). This wasn’t helped by the last minute nature of the plan- Spike’s typical procrastination and decide-a-phobia – where, as an example, we were picking up tickets and making significant purchases (suitcase) on the day before we flew-out. It was truly a great time for us, and if you wish to know more we highly recommend the blog above.


Returning home was a double edged sword – there *is* no place like home; but returning to life’s routine of work, soccer trainings, school, music lessons, etc. was more than a bit of a culture shock after the freedom of more than 3 months on the road. Zoe and Grant returned to school, where they were minor celebrities for approximately 2 days (Zoe made a great Power Point presentation about our trip and there were readings from their journals); while Maria returned to her part-time special teachers’ assistant position at the kid’s school; with Spike returning for a heavy session 2 teaching load and additionally the duty of directing a research centre.

Graduation Disco!

2007 was Zoe’s lat year as a primary school student: exciting and scary stuff. Being away when all the local high schools had their information and admittance nights made it somewhat tough – but Zoe was able to get into her first choice of Lyneham High as part of the music program. Other highlights for the year for Zoe included performing in the ACT Bandstrav, playing in both outdoor and indoor (Futsal) teams and making big improvements; and the graduation week with all her friends at the primary school.

Showing off the winners cup!

2008 will see Grant move into year 4 at Miles Franklin. Upon return from the OS trip he slotted right back into the outdoor soccer team; and despite being a few kilos over ideal weight, immediately made a big impact. Grant also played as part of the year 3-4 school Futsal team in the ACT championships – which they won convincingly against quality opposition. Continuing the sport theme – a pivotal focus of Grant’s life – he also played in a regular Futsal team, as well as in a Modball (very similar to softball) team composed of Miles Franklin students.


2007 saw Maria continue her passion for art and other topics. On returning she completed two ‘Life Drawing’ courses and a one day workshop on Drawing and Life Drawing.  Indeed, she displayed two pieces at a community art exhibition, and this has further fired her enthusiasm. She also returned to her other life passion, martial arts, though this time, it was the gentler art of Tai Chi.

Upon returning from OS, Spike took over coaching Grant’s outdoor soccer team – again trying to find the happy median between passion and commitment, and a more dispassionate philosophical view. Spike also continued Jujitsu; though due to a clash with an evening Masters course he was teaching, he could only train once per week.

Of course, the Canberra Barlow clan is larger than Grant, Zoe, Maria, and Spike. It was with great sadness that we had to put down our cat Pushkin due to advanced throat cancer. More than 14 years old, Pushkin had ‘adopted’ Spike and Maria when they lived in Brisbane. “One door closes, another opens” – the passing of Pushkin allowed us to introduce a dog to the menagerie at 42 MacDowell St. After much searching of RSPCA, pound, and animal rescue sites we selected a rambunctious Border Collie cross (probably with Cattledog and Kelpie) by the name of Julia (the name sticking despite her being anything but a lady). Her energetic, playful, and ohh-so-friendly manner has won over all family members (well, with the exceptions of the rats and chickens who are rightly wary of her) such that walks, training, and play sessions with her are looked forward to by all.



Seasons greetings and all the best for the New Year!
Love the Barlow Clan. xo