Have recently arrived back from attending a wedding at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. A weekend away provided a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and to do some exploring (and just a little wine tasting).

The afternoon wedding took place in a little chapel in a stunning rural setting, after which guests were taken by bus to the reception at one of the local vineyards. After lots of celebration and fun and a rousing send off for the newly weds we arrived back at our hotel to be treated to the charismatic voice of Canadian singer k.d. Lang, who was performing at the Tempus Two vineyard opposite. We had a somewhat long distance view of the stage from a grassy hill outside the hotel but the acoustics were A1. I only wish I had thought to pack the binoculars.

I am always on the look-out for a convent offering accommodation and am happy to report that I was in the right place. This one is a former Brigidine convent from Coonamble in western NSW, which was removed lock, stock and barrel and resurrected in the rich, fertile soil of the state’s premier wine country. There are no nuns here anymore but their former home is now an upmarket hotel. The helpful manager showed us around and said that many former pupils come back to visit. He told us that some get quite emotional on seeing their old dorms and classrooms.

After the rebuilding was completed, the Brigidine sisters were invited back to inspect the ‘new’ convent and approved to such an extent that they presented the new owners with the original leadlights from the front doors, which they had kept as a memento. The convent chapel, now a guestroom boasts its own resident (friendly) ghost.

Guests can examine a book of memorabilia which includes photos of the original convent, the nuns and their pupils. I came across a photo of Sister Faye, a friend and nun who taught two of our children at a Brigidine school in Lindfield, Sydney. The Australian Brigidine Order is not the same as the Bridgettine Order mentioned in the book (Good Night and God Bless). The Australian branch of the world-wide Brigidine religious order hails from Ireland originally. The convent in Coonamble was the first to be established by the order in Australia (1909). The Bridgettines are a Catholic order founded by St Birgitta of Sweden (1346). Bridgettine Sisters can be easily recognised by a distinctive grey habit and a veil held in place with a unique cross shaped ‘crown’. Their convents are located throughout Europe.

‘Til next time…..

Hello from a cool, overcast Sydney.

The rain will be welcome so I’m not complaining.

This is my first posting which relates to my new book Good Night and God Bless. Gathering the information about convents and monasteries which accepted overnight guests was once a hobby of mine - however, over the past few years it turned into a bit of an obsession, (as my family and friends will testify) especially as I had experienced first hand the difficulties of finding out about these places by traditional means. However it was a very pleasant obsession, I must say. I do love to stay in a convent or monastery when I am away from home. Would you believe my kids do as well (so they tell me - or is it the free drinks!).

It makes me really happy that I can now share some hundreds of contacts with others who are interested in seeking out something different when travelling. I hope you will also treat yourself to a unique experience and stay at one of these wonderful places.

I would love to hear about your experience.

Trish.