Now on last leg of our journey-Singapore.It's hot, damned hot! Looks like a fun place visit though and have already given credit cards a bashing on tax free stuff. We are staying in luxury at Pan Pacific hotel on 37th floor - much to Maggie's horror as she hates heights! Had a drink at Raffles (we'll stay there next time!) and now letting Ali rest before popping out again later.
Went to doctors before leaving NZ and now high on some pretty powerful steroids for my asthma (hope I don't grow another nipple or something)and antibiotics so am feeling much better and able to get around and enjoy sites.
Early flight home tomorrow and then back to that jet lag feeling for a few days -
Hope someone has been actually reading this tripe over last 3 weeks (!)and viewed the photos (of which there are more uploaded to the normal place -see previous links- including some of today in Singapore)
See you all soon
Andy, Maggie, Alistair
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
NZ Part 2
For all those wondering what's happened to us we are still here ! Mo internet access for a few days and also Andy been laid up with flu and bad asthma for about 4 days ! Mags has had to do all the work. Went up North to Bay of Islands which is truly beautiful but didn't get to see too much due to illness etc .
Now in Auckland ready for staged return home (Singapore for 2 nights).
Only a short post as in hotel reception doing this !
See you all soon
Now in Auckland ready for staged return home (Singapore for 2 nights).
Only a short post as in hotel reception doing this !
See you all soon
Friday, November 10, 2006
Taupo Day2
What a difference a day makes. Beautiful weather all day today. Went to see some volcanic activity type shift at someplace that I've forgotten the name of. Despite the previous sentence's undersell, this was a really interesting visit. Also stopped at Huka Falls which was also very good. Alistair a little s*d tonight so never got to go back in the outside tub! He'll pay in future years-you mark my words.
Not quite surewhat we'll do tomorrow as have booked a Lodge up north in Bay of Islands in 2 nights but have just realized that it's an 8.5 hour drive from here (!) so we'll have to break it into sections. What looks a fairly short distance on the map is short as the crow flies but rather winding roads and there are no freeways this side of Auckland.
Lots more photos added for Day 3 Sydney, Byron Bag & NZ(finally bought new cable for computer) All available from http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags
Not quite surewhat we'll do tomorrow as have booked a Lodge up north in Bay of Islands in 2 nights but have just realized that it's an 8.5 hour drive from here (!) so we'll have to break it into sections. What looks a fairly short distance on the map is short as the crow flies but rather winding roads and there are no freeways this side of Auckland.
Lots more photos added for Day 3 Sydney, Byron Bag & NZ(finally bought new cable for computer) All available from http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags
Thursday, November 09, 2006
NZ Part 1
Finally got an Internet connection again so another 10-20 lines of rambling for anyone who has stayed with us this far.
After being waited on hand and feet by our good friends Sam & Damien at their house near Byron Bay(unashamed plug-go to www.breakawayart.com.au or http://www.emporiumgallery.com.au/HTMS/BreakawayArt.htm to see their work) we are now fending for ourselves again. The flight from OZ to Auckland was quite an interesting one with a very ticked off Alistair and rather a lot of turbulence (landed in a storm).
Quick overnight stay in Auckland (best viewed in rearview mirror according to hotel manager-tend to agree with him) we drove down to Taupo. Now in an apartment with great views of lake, an outside spa pool ( on our balcony) and a feeling we are extras in Channel 4'S "Grand Designs" programme .
Went to see volcanoes etc today but saw a load of mist, rain and even snow! The great thing is that off the main drag there are about as many sightings of other people & cars as Dodos
Problem with card reader for camera but some more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/(Byron Set)
After being waited on hand and feet by our good friends Sam & Damien at their house near Byron Bay(unashamed plug-go to www.breakawayart.com.au or http://www.emporiumgallery.com.au/HTMS/BreakawayArt.htm to see their work) we are now fending for ourselves again. The flight from OZ to Auckland was quite an interesting one with a very ticked off Alistair and rather a lot of turbulence (landed in a storm).
Quick overnight stay in Auckland (best viewed in rearview mirror according to hotel manager-tend to agree with him) we drove down to Taupo. Now in an apartment with great views of lake, an outside spa pool ( on our balcony) and a feeling we are extras in Channel 4'S "Grand Designs" programme .
Went to see volcanoes etc today but saw a load of mist, rain and even snow! The great thing is that off the main drag there are about as many sightings of other people & cars as Dodos
Problem with card reader for camera but some more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/(Byron Set)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Byron Bay area
(TO ALL THOSE WHO STILL CAN'T SEE PHOTOS GO DIRECTLY TO http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/ )
Well, this is our last morning at our friend's house near Byron bay. Great weather mostly and great hosts. Have to move on as so far have been snake free and don't want to push my luck !
We've had a great day by the coast and a couple of days simply chilling out. Now looking forwards to putting a sweater on and dealing with the brit typoe weather in NZ. No activities planned there apart from a few days in Taupo and a few in Bay of Islands on the North Island. Thinking of booking Mags a bungee jump or similar so long as I can push her at the start. (Note to self - check holiday insurance)
Alistair couldn't give a monkey's where we are so long as there is as many bananas on tap like there is here (hanging on the veranda in massive bunches)
Sorry for lack of photos but the uplink here is very slow so will upload some when I can 'borrow' a wireless link in NZ.
Well, this is our last morning at our friend's house near Byron bay. Great weather mostly and great hosts. Have to move on as so far have been snake free and don't want to push my luck !
We've had a great day by the coast and a couple of days simply chilling out. Now looking forwards to putting a sweater on and dealing with the brit typoe weather in NZ. No activities planned there apart from a few days in Taupo and a few in Bay of Islands on the North Island. Thinking of booking Mags a bungee jump or similar so long as I can push her at the start. (Note to self - check holiday insurance)
Alistair couldn't give a monkey's where we are so long as there is as many bananas on tap like there is here (hanging on the veranda in massive bunches)
Sorry for lack of photos but the uplink here is very slow so will upload some when I can 'borrow' a wireless link in NZ.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Sydney-day 3
( I'VE FINALLY CHANGED PERMISSIONS SO PEOPLE CAN SEE THE PHOTOS !!)
So, final morning in Sydney. Had a great but short visit to the China Gardens in Darling Harbour. Poured down with rain but still quite fun.
Had a great time in Sydney but will be very glad to leave the noise behind. Everything is noisy ! The traffic, the aircon, the bustle ........
Flight to Gold Coast a pretty short one (1:20) with quite a lot of turbulence. Hired a car in Gold Coast which would never still be used for hring in UK ! Rather high mileage for hire car (50k) and seats have seen better days but will serve the purpose. Arrived near Byron Bay at friends house and rather unbelievable that it has been 7 years since we were last here. Not a great deal seems to have changed and feels like only last year that we saw them. Will probably spend a few days chilling out before or trip to NZ.
(Apologies for dull post but not a great deal happened today !)
Some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594358586657/
So, final morning in Sydney. Had a great but short visit to the China Gardens in Darling Harbour. Poured down with rain but still quite fun.
Had a great time in Sydney but will be very glad to leave the noise behind. Everything is noisy ! The traffic, the aircon, the bustle ........
Flight to Gold Coast a pretty short one (1:20) with quite a lot of turbulence. Hired a car in Gold Coast which would never still be used for hring in UK ! Rather high mileage for hire car (50k) and seats have seen better days but will serve the purpose. Arrived near Byron Bay at friends house and rather unbelievable that it has been 7 years since we were last here. Not a great deal seems to have changed and feels like only last year that we saw them. Will probably spend a few days chilling out before or trip to NZ.
(Apologies for dull post but not a great deal happened today !)
Some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594358586657/
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Sydney day 2
Hmm, the issue for Alistair is not the long fight etc but the jet lag! Mum & Dad like zombies at different times of the day due to lack of sleep.
‘Never mind, still had a good day walking to ferry terminal and catching ferry to Manly. The ferry journey is one of the best for views of the Opera House, the bridge and Sydney. We remembered enjoying the ride 7 years ago. Manly not fantastic but beach, good weather and 20 minutes from major city isn’t bad. Alistair liked ferry & the bridge but non too plussed about the Opera House (see photos)!
Off to Byron Bay tomorrow to see friends –should be good as remember it being quiet and rather a hippy town! (Apologies for lack of sarcasm today. Have made note to try and redress tomorrow )
Today photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594356936717/
‘Never mind, still had a good day walking to ferry terminal and catching ferry to Manly. The ferry journey is one of the best for views of the Opera House, the bridge and Sydney. We remembered enjoying the ride 7 years ago. Manly not fantastic but beach, good weather and 20 minutes from major city isn’t bad. Alistair liked ferry & the bridge but non too plussed about the Opera House (see photos)!
Off to Byron Bay tomorrow to see friends –should be good as remember it being quiet and rather a hippy town! (Apologies for lack of sarcasm today. Have made note to try and redress tomorrow )
Today photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594356936717/
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Day 1- Sydney
Alistair, not being able to contain his excitement, meant a poor night’s sleep & a late start. Went for a walk along , Darling Harbour and had lunch there. Very similar to Coventry there if you discount the sun,water, views ....Alistair flirted again.
Mags persuaded Andy to go into Wildlife Centre snakes (not being Andy’s favorite thing in the world (argument for snakeskin handbags might be supported here) and behold, snakes in abundance! Love the Ozzie boasting about the sheer numbers of things that can bite, sting or kick /scratch you to death followed by the inevitable “they usually hide and only attack if provoked”. Unfortunately the word ‘usually’ and the lack of guidance of what constitutes ‘provoking’ has not reassured Andy that much.
Alistair checked his shares later at coffee shop (see photos) and early crash out.
Today’s photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594355284935/
Mags persuaded Andy to go into Wildlife Centre snakes (not being Andy’s favorite thing in the world (argument for snakeskin handbags might be supported here) and behold, snakes in abundance! Love the Ozzie boasting about the sheer numbers of things that can bite, sting or kick /scratch you to death followed by the inevitable “they usually hide and only attack if provoked”. Unfortunately the word ‘usually’ and the lack of guidance of what constitutes ‘provoking’ has not reassured Andy that much.
Alistair checked his shares later at coffee shop (see photos) and early crash out.
Today’s photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594355284935/
Travelling
Well, Australia is no closer than it was 7 years ago when Mags and I were last here. Door to door it’s about 8 nappies and a lack of sleep. Alistair too busy laughing at female passengers & stewardesses to bother about serious sleeping but this also meant a lack of tears.He played with his bricks on or flying over 3 continents and finally lost the will to flirt or play any longer at Sydney Airport.
The new baby carrier that we bought for the trip got to Singapore absolutely fine – trouble is we are in Sydney.
Appt quite nice & we are ready to start save exploring tomorrow –Mags wants to tour Sydney on back of Harley Davidson (note to self; Ask Jon if they are in line triples or 15 cylinder bikes) Andy might try climb over Harbour Bridge. Alistair thinking of putting 2 fingers in mouth to stop teething pain.
(Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594355279240/ )
The new baby carrier that we bought for the trip got to Singapore absolutely fine – trouble is we are in Sydney.
Appt quite nice & we are ready to start save exploring tomorrow –Mags wants to tour Sydney on back of Harley Davidson (note to self; Ask Jon if they are in line triples or 15 cylinder bikes) Andy might try climb over Harbour Bridge. Alistair thinking of putting 2 fingers in mouth to stop teething pain.
(Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/sets/72157594355279240/ )
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