Thursday, 28 June 2007
Wimbledon
Last weekend we drove down to London to stay with Hugh and Santanu. Hugh was planning to buy a car and Ian offered to help as it is always great to have another person's opinion, especially when purchasing 2nd hand cars off a dealer!!! Hugh had sussed out a dealer with the make of car he wanted and as it turned out, after much consideration, that was who he bought one off. After lunch Ian and I went to the Tower of London and then Hugh booked us tickets to see Mozart's Opera "La clemenza di Tito" that evening. We had never been to one before and it was a big help having him explain the story to us. However, they also put the words up on a screen as well, even though it is in English. There is a proper name for that but cannot think of it right now! Not subtitles, but perhaps it is an operatic term!! We thoroughly enjoyed it and the Japanese meal after, near the London Coliseum in St Martin's Lane, where the opera was performed. On Sunday we visited the Tate Gallery to see the photographic exhibition called "How we are - Photographing Britain" from their pioneer days to now - really interesting. Before leaving, I rang Joanne Small to have a general catch up and during the conversation she asked me if I'd care for 2 tickets to Wimbledon. Well, she didn't have to ask twice!! It was for the following Tuesday so that meant returning to Gorleston to teach on Monday and returning that same evening to Hugh's, ready for our tennis day. It was much easier to leave our car at Hugh's on a day pass and then tube to Wimbledon. We met Joanne and Daniel for a coffee and she dropped us by one of the gates. It was hard to believe we were actually there!! After a wander around to familiarise ourselves we settled at court 2 for some of the higher rank players' games and then went onto Henman Hill to watch his match on the big screen. Every English person in the complex, was there to support! Thank goodness he won! After lunch we saw Venus Williams and then Baghdatis. We stayed and on until 8.30, always conscious of having to return to Hugh's house to pick up our car and then a 3 hour drive home. Never mind, we hit bed by 2am but it was well worth it. A magic day and weekend really!
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Cambridge & Peak District
One Saturday we left Gorleston early to visit Cambridge for the day as it is only 1 1/2 hours drive away. Cars are discouraged in the inner city because of no "long stay" parking areas and no private cars allowed to drive in that area after 10am. Therefore it was easier to "park and ride" for minimum cost - a really great system. These are usually situated about 5 miles out of a city and the buses leave every 1/2 hour all day long. The cobblestone streets were busy with people shopping, cycling or just wandering around the many bars and restaurants. Unfortunately most of the colleges were closed due to exams or they are no longer allowing visitors in, but we managed to view Trinity College's grounds and Kings College Chapel - a magnificient building with beautiful, original stained glass windows.Henry V11 laid the first stone and Henry V111 had something to do with it too!! The Wren library has very limited visiting hours so by the time we realised this, it was closed. It houses over 50,000 books printed before 1820 including A.A. Milne's original copy of Winnie the Pooh. We also went punting down the Cam river. Well Ian did all the work and I enjoyed the ride. It took him a little while to master the technique but the alternative was to be chauffeured. Well, being a master rower there was no way he was going to sit in a boat and let that happen!!! This gave us a superb river view of the six colleges and the Chapel. We ate our lunch on the campus "Backs" - this is a parklike strip behind the college. We could then watch other novice punters and experts too!! Before heading home, we went to the 5.30 evensong in King's College Chapel which was really special.
Another weekend we left early Saturday morning to go up to the Peak District. This is in the Midlands with some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery in England. It is a great area for walkers, cyclists, cavers and nature lovers, especially by the 3 huge artificial lakes which collect water for the cities of Derbyshire and the Midlands. We walked for over an hour up some slopes amongst the forest and down past the Derwent lake and dam. From here we travelled through Glossop and down to Buxton. This is a town compared to the beauty of Bath. It has an old Opera House, Pavillion and gardens which create its history and beauty. Their grandest constuction is the Crescent. The city has natural mineral baths and a pump room with natural spring water. We stayed the night on a farm at Alfreston and enjoyed a meal at the local pub. The next day we travelled on to Derby and visited the Royal Crown Derby factory and then a little further on to the Denby factory. Just as well we this ware is too heavy for the suitcase!! Finally headed east to home!
Another weekend we left early Saturday morning to go up to the Peak District. This is in the Midlands with some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery in England. It is a great area for walkers, cyclists, cavers and nature lovers, especially by the 3 huge artificial lakes which collect water for the cities of Derbyshire and the Midlands. We walked for over an hour up some slopes amongst the forest and down past the Derwent lake and dam. From here we travelled through Glossop and down to Buxton. This is a town compared to the beauty of Bath. It has an old Opera House, Pavillion and gardens which create its history and beauty. Their grandest constuction is the Crescent. The city has natural mineral baths and a pump room with natural spring water. We stayed the night on a farm at Alfreston and enjoyed a meal at the local pub. The next day we travelled on to Derby and visited the Royal Crown Derby factory and then a little further on to the Denby factory. Just as well we this ware is too heavy for the suitcase!! Finally headed east to home!
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Scotland
Over here the children still have a 3 term year, with a week for mid term break, 6 weeks into each term. Obviously it allows us to travel somewhere for a significant amount of time so this is when we decided to see as much of Scotland as possible.
Ian collected me from school and we travelled as far as Whitby (on east coast of Eng) for our Friday night stay. This would have to be one of the more charming English seaside resorts, with medieval streets that lead to the harbour's fishing port. We stayed at a hostel situated on a cliffside with magnificient views, facilities and grounds. The Abbey ruins next door added to the beauty of the place. From here we were really keen to walk to Robin Hood Bay, but time just didn't allow the 1 1/2 hours to do so, as we were due in Edinburgh by nightfall. So we drove down to this quaint seaside resort with heaps of atmosphere and character and soaked up the holiday mood everyone seemed to in!!
To reach Edinburgh, we travelled on any road that wasn't a main highway and enjoyed the beautiful countryside. We could walk into the city from our B&B, which is always a bonus as travelling and exercise is often difficult to accomplish!!In the morning we explored the castle, certainly a must for any visitor. We walked the Royal Mile and other side streets of interest.
On our way out to Stirling, Ian was very keen to visit Murrayfield. The security guy let us view the field and Ian sat in the stand and visualised the A B's win in September!!!! We spent two nights in Stirling as we were keen to travel out on the Fife Penninsula and look at St Andrews. St Andrews has seven golf courses but of course the Open is always played on the Old Course - quite something! If you want to have a round, you must register your name 2 days before and if it is drawn you will be able to play at £100 a round, with your own caddy provided - mind you so they should for that kind of money!! We returned to Stirling via Perth and Dundee. We visited Stirling Castle which was more "inviting" than Edinburgh - smaller and therefore easier to visualise how it was utilised, well worth the visit. One highlight was seeing the weavers in action, recreating tapestries that were originally in the great hall.The one they are working on now has been in progress for 6 years and will be completed by June this year. The "working" kitchen was amazing. On our way north is the William Wallace Monument. He defeated the English many times but was eventually captured and quarted by them!! He was protrayed by Mel Gibson in the film "Braveheart" - a must see for us, on dvd I guess! We stopped at Pitlochry and visited the smallest brewery and further up the road, the smallest privately owned distillery. What a day!!
Kingussie was a quaint little village for our overnight stay. Our B/B was opposite a pub where we splashed out on a very upmarket meal, for us that is!! Yum! Unfortunately it was raining all the next day when we travelled around the penninsula, but we managed to visit a reindeer farm ( I wanted to take a trip to feed them but my "deer" husband couldn't bear to do such a thing!) before stopping at the Cashmere factory at Elgin. Inverness was our stopping place for that evening and unfortunately the furtherest north we travelled. Time just didn't allow us to go any further.
Luckily we woke up to the sun shining in our window. We needed this as we were travelling by many of the lochs and it would have been so disappointing if we had not been able to take full advantage of the scenery they provide. Loch Ness was the first of many and it was really funny as someone once again claimed they had seen something in the water and it was reported on the news that evening! Not us anyway! We crossed the bridge to Skye and spent some time in Portree before heading back to the mainland and up to Applecross. This is a small village, popular with tourists in the summer and it is easy to see why. It is really pretty but to drive there you have to travel over a one way pass. However in saying that, the road is good and there were many passing bays every 150 mts or so. I wanted to go there as it was where my great grandparents set out from over ??? years ago. I can see why they left as the land is extremely rocky and certainly unproductive for any substantial means of income.
That evening we decided to have a barbeque somewhere handy to our accomodation spot so stopped by Loch Carron, near Stromemore. Over here you can buy little portable barbeque packs, with everything in them except the food!!!! They are all ready to light and suitable for a one off cook up! Well we duly lit it and the midgies arrived. What a pain - I read about them in our Lonely Planet later!! It was a fairly hastie b/que!
Each day we were impressed by the beauty of the country. The beautiful white stone houses nestled on the loch shores and backed by the green hills.
Our lunch stop was at Fort William and then we had a bush walk at Glencoe before stopping at Barcaldine on Loch Creran for the night. Six miles south of here is the peaceful waterfront town of Oban. Time was running out to visit it so we travelled down there for dinner and enjoyed 2 hours of Scottish entertainment as well - highland dancing, bagpipes and singing.
Glasgow was our last stop in Scotland and unfortunately we only had one day here. It is Scotland's largest city and well worth a visit as it has a feel of vibrancy about it.Our morning was taken up in the inner city, exploring in and around George Square. Later we visited the Burrell collection. Sir Burrell began collecting art pieces of all description at the age of 15 until 96, on average 2 pieces per week and donated it all to the city when he died. A top attraction.
Our last Sunday was spent driving east to reach Gorleston by early evening.
A wonderful week but not long enough. I think we say this about every place we visit!!
Ian collected me from school and we travelled as far as Whitby (on east coast of Eng) for our Friday night stay. This would have to be one of the more charming English seaside resorts, with medieval streets that lead to the harbour's fishing port. We stayed at a hostel situated on a cliffside with magnificient views, facilities and grounds. The Abbey ruins next door added to the beauty of the place. From here we were really keen to walk to Robin Hood Bay, but time just didn't allow the 1 1/2 hours to do so, as we were due in Edinburgh by nightfall. So we drove down to this quaint seaside resort with heaps of atmosphere and character and soaked up the holiday mood everyone seemed to in!!
To reach Edinburgh, we travelled on any road that wasn't a main highway and enjoyed the beautiful countryside. We could walk into the city from our B&B, which is always a bonus as travelling and exercise is often difficult to accomplish!!In the morning we explored the castle, certainly a must for any visitor. We walked the Royal Mile and other side streets of interest.
On our way out to Stirling, Ian was very keen to visit Murrayfield. The security guy let us view the field and Ian sat in the stand and visualised the A B's win in September!!!! We spent two nights in Stirling as we were keen to travel out on the Fife Penninsula and look at St Andrews. St Andrews has seven golf courses but of course the Open is always played on the Old Course - quite something! If you want to have a round, you must register your name 2 days before and if it is drawn you will be able to play at £100 a round, with your own caddy provided - mind you so they should for that kind of money!! We returned to Stirling via Perth and Dundee. We visited Stirling Castle which was more "inviting" than Edinburgh - smaller and therefore easier to visualise how it was utilised, well worth the visit. One highlight was seeing the weavers in action, recreating tapestries that were originally in the great hall.The one they are working on now has been in progress for 6 years and will be completed by June this year. The "working" kitchen was amazing. On our way north is the William Wallace Monument. He defeated the English many times but was eventually captured and quarted by them!! He was protrayed by Mel Gibson in the film "Braveheart" - a must see for us, on dvd I guess! We stopped at Pitlochry and visited the smallest brewery and further up the road, the smallest privately owned distillery. What a day!!
Kingussie was a quaint little village for our overnight stay. Our B/B was opposite a pub where we splashed out on a very upmarket meal, for us that is!! Yum! Unfortunately it was raining all the next day when we travelled around the penninsula, but we managed to visit a reindeer farm ( I wanted to take a trip to feed them but my "deer" husband couldn't bear to do such a thing!) before stopping at the Cashmere factory at Elgin. Inverness was our stopping place for that evening and unfortunately the furtherest north we travelled. Time just didn't allow us to go any further.
Luckily we woke up to the sun shining in our window. We needed this as we were travelling by many of the lochs and it would have been so disappointing if we had not been able to take full advantage of the scenery they provide. Loch Ness was the first of many and it was really funny as someone once again claimed they had seen something in the water and it was reported on the news that evening! Not us anyway! We crossed the bridge to Skye and spent some time in Portree before heading back to the mainland and up to Applecross. This is a small village, popular with tourists in the summer and it is easy to see why. It is really pretty but to drive there you have to travel over a one way pass. However in saying that, the road is good and there were many passing bays every 150 mts or so. I wanted to go there as it was where my great grandparents set out from over ??? years ago. I can see why they left as the land is extremely rocky and certainly unproductive for any substantial means of income.
That evening we decided to have a barbeque somewhere handy to our accomodation spot so stopped by Loch Carron, near Stromemore. Over here you can buy little portable barbeque packs, with everything in them except the food!!!! They are all ready to light and suitable for a one off cook up! Well we duly lit it and the midgies arrived. What a pain - I read about them in our Lonely Planet later!! It was a fairly hastie b/que!
Each day we were impressed by the beauty of the country. The beautiful white stone houses nestled on the loch shores and backed by the green hills.
Our lunch stop was at Fort William and then we had a bush walk at Glencoe before stopping at Barcaldine on Loch Creran for the night. Six miles south of here is the peaceful waterfront town of Oban. Time was running out to visit it so we travelled down there for dinner and enjoyed 2 hours of Scottish entertainment as well - highland dancing, bagpipes and singing.
Glasgow was our last stop in Scotland and unfortunately we only had one day here. It is Scotland's largest city and well worth a visit as it has a feel of vibrancy about it.Our morning was taken up in the inner city, exploring in and around George Square. Later we visited the Burrell collection. Sir Burrell began collecting art pieces of all description at the age of 15 until 96, on average 2 pieces per week and donated it all to the city when he died. A top attraction.
Our last Sunday was spent driving east to reach Gorleston by early evening.
A wonderful week but not long enough. I think we say this about every place we visit!!
Monday, 11 June 2007
Life in Norfolk
We have now been here in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth for 7 weeks. The house we are living in is on the coast and we just cross the road to the beach and a sandy one at that!!! Before we left NZ I registered with a teaching organisation called "Timeplan" who have agencies throughout the UK. There were many teaching positions available but we chose to come up here because of the cheap accomodation. So far, so good. I am at a Middle School (yrs 4 - 7, 8 - 11 year olds) and working in a specialsit area with small groups of children from all the above years. My junior teaching comes to the fore!!! Each day I travel by bus which takes about 40mins using a £10 weekly ticket. Everyday I come home with a story from "on the bus" - just unbelievable. i wish i could imitate their accents as it would be a real party entertainer when we arrive home!!! Our house is shared with 2 other NZ ladies, supply teaching as well.However Linda's time is up and she is now on her way back home to Nelson. Gillian (Wellingtonian) has been here in the UK the same length of time as us and will probably leave at the end of the year too.
Our first weekend was spent looking for a cheap but reliable car (can both criteria be met?). Well Ian knew every available car for sale in every car yard from here to Gt Yarmouth! He studied the local papers and by the end of the week knew what he wanted. Weh the local came out on the following Tuesday he spotted a Toyota Corina, 1992, 2 owners, 70000 mls for £250. He was first to ring the owner who collected him and drove him to his house to view it. After due consideration, Ian knocked him down to £225 and the deal was done! The insurance cost more! Anyway, it just purrs along and may it continue. We had it serviced and the cambelt renewed so hopefully it will take us around the UK and Europe over the next 6 months.
We drove up to York one long weekend, a city of extraordinary culture and historic wealth, enclosed by a magnificient 13c wall. Luckily we found a handy park on arrival, wandered through the city centre to the Saturday Market which was one of the better markets we've visited so far. It just oozed with atmosphere and quality goods to purchase. We restrained ourselves!!From here we meandered through their cobbled streets to the Shambles with its overhanging Tudor buildings, offering hints of what a medieval street might have looked like. In the afternnon we explored the Minster. This is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world and dominates the city of York. We climbed the tower's 275 steps, an exhausting exercise but well worth the awesome view of the city. The stained glass windows are just unbelievably beautiful. Down in the undercroft archeologists uncovered Roman and Norman ruins - just mind blowing for people like us coming from a country with such a young history. Well we just knock down anything with a bit of history and build something new don't we?? On our way back to the car we were tempted into buying some delicious looking breadrolls for a late lunch. Mine was a chicken and salad one while Ian chose beef and horseradish. I made the right choice but by Ian's remarks and his sweating brow, the horseradish jur had obviously emptied out onto his roll!! To complete the day we finished off with an Iandian meal!!
On Sunday we took advantage of one of the walks around the city, taken by volunteers. This was a most enlightening 2 hour walk, helping us to understand some of the history of the various landmarks in York. It seems that everybody has wanted a piece of this land at some point in history.
Our timeplan coordinator was celebrating her 40th that Monday evening, so we returned in time for her barbeque.
Great Yarmouth is like so many other seaside resorts here, packed with amusement arcades and greasy cafes. Gorleston, south of Gt Y is exactly the dsame. However the beaches are sandy and we enjoy our strolls along their shores. Gorleston beach has numerous groynes spaced out along the shore. An unsightly view when looking down the coastline but they obviously serve their purpose holding the sand in place as the North Sea can certanily be harsh on the landscape.
Norwich is our nearest city so we drove over there one Saturday and visited their castle / museum. I've noticed most museums really cater for children with "Hand on" experiences for them - great for us as well!
Bizarrely, Norwich casle has had a gigantic shopping centre grafted onto it, a quirky blend of modern and historic. If you visit Norwich another must is also a walk dwon the medieval Elm Hill.
Another Sunday we drove southward to Southwold, a pretty coastal resort town and then on to Snape Maltings - a renovated group of buildings that house top qua;ity homeware, art, clothing and a musical theatre and school for the arts. Amazing place in the middle of the country. There is just so much to do and so much to see!!!
Our first weekend was spent looking for a cheap but reliable car (can both criteria be met?). Well Ian knew every available car for sale in every car yard from here to Gt Yarmouth! He studied the local papers and by the end of the week knew what he wanted. Weh the local came out on the following Tuesday he spotted a Toyota Corina, 1992, 2 owners, 70000 mls for £250. He was first to ring the owner who collected him and drove him to his house to view it. After due consideration, Ian knocked him down to £225 and the deal was done! The insurance cost more! Anyway, it just purrs along and may it continue. We had it serviced and the cambelt renewed so hopefully it will take us around the UK and Europe over the next 6 months.
We drove up to York one long weekend, a city of extraordinary culture and historic wealth, enclosed by a magnificient 13c wall. Luckily we found a handy park on arrival, wandered through the city centre to the Saturday Market which was one of the better markets we've visited so far. It just oozed with atmosphere and quality goods to purchase. We restrained ourselves!!From here we meandered through their cobbled streets to the Shambles with its overhanging Tudor buildings, offering hints of what a medieval street might have looked like. In the afternnon we explored the Minster. This is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world and dominates the city of York. We climbed the tower's 275 steps, an exhausting exercise but well worth the awesome view of the city. The stained glass windows are just unbelievably beautiful. Down in the undercroft archeologists uncovered Roman and Norman ruins - just mind blowing for people like us coming from a country with such a young history. Well we just knock down anything with a bit of history and build something new don't we?? On our way back to the car we were tempted into buying some delicious looking breadrolls for a late lunch. Mine was a chicken and salad one while Ian chose beef and horseradish. I made the right choice but by Ian's remarks and his sweating brow, the horseradish jur had obviously emptied out onto his roll!! To complete the day we finished off with an Iandian meal!!
On Sunday we took advantage of one of the walks around the city, taken by volunteers. This was a most enlightening 2 hour walk, helping us to understand some of the history of the various landmarks in York. It seems that everybody has wanted a piece of this land at some point in history.
Our timeplan coordinator was celebrating her 40th that Monday evening, so we returned in time for her barbeque.
Great Yarmouth is like so many other seaside resorts here, packed with amusement arcades and greasy cafes. Gorleston, south of Gt Y is exactly the dsame. However the beaches are sandy and we enjoy our strolls along their shores. Gorleston beach has numerous groynes spaced out along the shore. An unsightly view when looking down the coastline but they obviously serve their purpose holding the sand in place as the North Sea can certanily be harsh on the landscape.
Norwich is our nearest city so we drove over there one Saturday and visited their castle / museum. I've noticed most museums really cater for children with "Hand on" experiences for them - great for us as well!
Bizarrely, Norwich casle has had a gigantic shopping centre grafted onto it, a quirky blend of modern and historic. If you visit Norwich another must is also a walk dwon the medieval Elm Hill.
Another Sunday we drove southward to Southwold, a pretty coastal resort town and then on to Snape Maltings - a renovated group of buildings that house top qua;ity homeware, art, clothing and a musical theatre and school for the arts. Amazing place in the middle of the country. There is just so much to do and so much to see!!!
Ireland
Ireland
We had just over 2 weeks before we joined the real world of work so decided to take the opportunity to fly to Ireland. Within 24 hours we booked our flight with Ryanair to Cork, hired a car and secured accomodation for our 13 night stay. Due to the fact our flight left from Stansted at 6.30am, we travelled out by taxi - 40 GBP and well worth it at that hour of the morning. Arriving in Cork at 7.35am, obviously gave us the day to explore a little before checking in for our nights accomodation. The seaside town of Kinsale was our first little village and a great introduction to Ireland. We found a bakery that also serves coffee - little did we know that that was the beginning of a daily ritual - coffee and scone!! From here we then went out to Blarney Castle where Ian kissed the Blarney Stone. I kissed it 38 years ago and didn't notice any lifestyle change so gave it a miss this time around!! Our accomodation was right in central Cork so great to walk and familiarise ourselves with the city.
Day 2: Out to the west coast via Skibbereen, Bantry, Glenariff and back inland to Cork again.Just like in England, we enjoy weaving through the little villages and exploring the varied coastline.While at Skibbereen Ian viewed lots of cattle trailers on the road. He couldn't resist asking "Is there a sale on?" Sure enough the next hour was spent viewing the cattle market. The prices are similar to NZ in Euro.The problem is-- there are two NZ$ required to buy one Euro$.
Day 3: Up to Killarney and through the beautiful National Park before continuing on around the Kerry Pennisula. Our lunch stop was at Portmagee, a lovely little fishing village recommended to us as "a must" visit. Certainly worth the extra little drive. Sara had given us travel vouchers for 7 nights accomodation, at a variety of hotels and farmstays (all B & B's) - we just had to choose where! Soooooo, our first homestay at Castlemaine (beginning of Dingle Penn) with Mrs Murphy (what other name could be more appropriate?) was a delight. Many farmers have had to supplement their income by converting their farmhouses into homestays and there are literally hundreds to choose from, everywhere in Ireland. For our evening meal we just wandered 200mts down to the village, enjoyed a pub meal with the locals and watched gaelic football!!
Day 3: We carried on around the Dingle Penninsula, through Tralee and up to Limerick where we found a restaurant serving a Sunday roast! Hadn't had one of those since leaving NZ. We stayed at a farmstay in Shanagolden for the night. It was comfortable but it didn't meet Mrs Murphsy's standard!!
Day 4: Westward from here we caught a ferry from Tarbert to Killimer, which saved us many extra miles of driving. As we drove down to the wharfe and wondering if, how, when we could go we saw a man furiously waving us on to the ferry waiting there. No sooner had we parked, the gangplank went up and we were on our way. No time for 2nd thoughts!!!! Most of the day we spent driving up some of the coastline and also inland to arrive at Galway where we were staying for 3 nights at Jury's Inn.
Day 5:This was a low key day, exploring the city, walking beside the Corrib River and crossing the many bridges leading to the pleasant walkways and canals.On the northern side of Galway is where Ian spotted the Galway rowing club with the roller door up. Unfortunately there were no master rowers to talk to, only school gym training in action.
Day 6: Connemara is the N.W. Penninsula and renown for its diverse beauty. We weren't disappointed - we experienced a variety of lakes, barren mountains and blue ocean. Our refreshment stop was at Clifden for coffee and scone before travelling on to Kylemore Abbey and gardens, situated across a beautiful lake. It is home to the Irish Benedictine nuns and a girls' boarding school.We came inland back to Galway.
Day 7: On to Donegal via Sligo. These roads were fairly quiet as it was Easter Sunday, but the carparks in the many Catholic churches were overflowing! Donegal is a very quiet township but well worth a stop over. Our last "free" accomodation for 2 nights - this time at the very comfy, Mill Park Hotel.
Day 8: The coast once again provided more varied and stunning scenery. We stopped at Killybegs - the biggest fishing port in Ireland and then travelled on as far north as The Rosses - a vast expanse of rock strewn land - obvious why settlements are by the sea. On our way back Ian had to travel through Kilmacrenan as it was the name of Hughie Green's livestock company(a client / competitor in the Auckland / Waikato areas).
Many times during our travel we would chat to locals and find out their faoutie spots to visit - always turned out to be well worth the extra mile or two of driving.
Day 9: Early exit for Derry - a fasinating town with a 17century wall surrounding it.
We walked right around as it gave us a good overview of the city itself. As this city is immediately before the border of the Republic, we were interested in what procedure would take place when crossing over. However a big disappointment! Other than the odd sign announcing a money exchange post, you wouldn't know you were in another country! Antrim was always going to be a Clotworthy highlight. This is where their family name began!! We spent time wandering through the gardens of Antrim Castle. The building itself was totally destroyed by fire in 1922 but the carriage house and stables now house the Clotworthy Arts Centre. Local artists hold exhibitions of their work there and occasionaly international exhibitors too.It was quite an amazing experience for Ian to actually view and walk around a significant place where his ancestors originated from. A short drive north to Ballymena was our next accomodation for two nights.
Day 10: Out to the East coast and in and out of the various points of the penninsula. This day involved much walking which was great - always a challenge on how to include exercise when travelling!!We veered off the main road out to Torr head, climbed up the hill and caught our first view of Scotland, 12 miles away!! Further on was the Rope Bridge connecting the mainland to Carrick - a rede Island, an important commercial salmon fishing area.The Giants Causeway was a definite must to walk and view. The basalt rock formations are amazing and well worth exploring. A really great day.
Day 11: We stopped at Belast on our way south to Dublin. The titanic was built here and the City Hall had an exhibition on, showing its construction and also the diving expeditions carried out since, to lay plaques on it. Most enlightening.I also wanted to visit the west where 25 years of conflict took place - the Catholic Falls and Protestant Shankill area. There is little now to indicate their troubled past, apart from an array of Loyalist murals and street names familiar from news bulletins. Ian spotted the National Steeplechase Derby on at Fairyhouse. Being the keen horseman, it was an opportunity not to be missed. Unfortunately we were too late for the Irish Grand National, but he had time to place a bet on the following race and win $140NZ - at that point we left!! Well disciplined for Ian---going to the races only staying for one race!!
Day 12 & 13: This time was spent exploring the city including Trinity Hall. The Guiness Storehouse was a "must do" and just far more fasinating than we'd ever imagined. We squeezed in a trip to Dublinia as well - an exhibition on the Vikings coming to Dublin. Our day was completed with dinner on the south coast.
Day 14: Drove down to Cork where it all began! As we had time, we travelled on the secondary roads so we could enjoy our last day travelling through more little villages and enjoy the countryside!!!Our plane left at 6.30pm and we were back at Hugh's house by 9.45pm!!
Our Hampshire job has turned to custard, so we are now leaving for Great Yarmouth on 14th April. I will be teaching and hopefully Ian will be able to find something to give hime some job satisfaction. It is the best option, with cheap accomodation and guaranteed work for me.
We had just over 2 weeks before we joined the real world of work so decided to take the opportunity to fly to Ireland. Within 24 hours we booked our flight with Ryanair to Cork, hired a car and secured accomodation for our 13 night stay. Due to the fact our flight left from Stansted at 6.30am, we travelled out by taxi - 40 GBP and well worth it at that hour of the morning. Arriving in Cork at 7.35am, obviously gave us the day to explore a little before checking in for our nights accomodation. The seaside town of Kinsale was our first little village and a great introduction to Ireland. We found a bakery that also serves coffee - little did we know that that was the beginning of a daily ritual - coffee and scone!! From here we then went out to Blarney Castle where Ian kissed the Blarney Stone. I kissed it 38 years ago and didn't notice any lifestyle change so gave it a miss this time around!! Our accomodation was right in central Cork so great to walk and familiarise ourselves with the city.
Day 2: Out to the west coast via Skibbereen, Bantry, Glenariff and back inland to Cork again.Just like in England, we enjoy weaving through the little villages and exploring the varied coastline.While at Skibbereen Ian viewed lots of cattle trailers on the road. He couldn't resist asking "Is there a sale on?" Sure enough the next hour was spent viewing the cattle market. The prices are similar to NZ in Euro.The problem is-- there are two NZ$ required to buy one Euro$.
Day 3: Up to Killarney and through the beautiful National Park before continuing on around the Kerry Pennisula. Our lunch stop was at Portmagee, a lovely little fishing village recommended to us as "a must" visit. Certainly worth the extra little drive. Sara had given us travel vouchers for 7 nights accomodation, at a variety of hotels and farmstays (all B & B's) - we just had to choose where! Soooooo, our first homestay at Castlemaine (beginning of Dingle Penn) with Mrs Murphy (what other name could be more appropriate?) was a delight. Many farmers have had to supplement their income by converting their farmhouses into homestays and there are literally hundreds to choose from, everywhere in Ireland. For our evening meal we just wandered 200mts down to the village, enjoyed a pub meal with the locals and watched gaelic football!!
Day 3: We carried on around the Dingle Penninsula, through Tralee and up to Limerick where we found a restaurant serving a Sunday roast! Hadn't had one of those since leaving NZ. We stayed at a farmstay in Shanagolden for the night. It was comfortable but it didn't meet Mrs Murphsy's standard!!
Day 4: Westward from here we caught a ferry from Tarbert to Killimer, which saved us many extra miles of driving. As we drove down to the wharfe and wondering if, how, when we could go we saw a man furiously waving us on to the ferry waiting there. No sooner had we parked, the gangplank went up and we were on our way. No time for 2nd thoughts!!!! Most of the day we spent driving up some of the coastline and also inland to arrive at Galway where we were staying for 3 nights at Jury's Inn.
Day 5:This was a low key day, exploring the city, walking beside the Corrib River and crossing the many bridges leading to the pleasant walkways and canals.On the northern side of Galway is where Ian spotted the Galway rowing club with the roller door up. Unfortunately there were no master rowers to talk to, only school gym training in action.
Day 6: Connemara is the N.W. Penninsula and renown for its diverse beauty. We weren't disappointed - we experienced a variety of lakes, barren mountains and blue ocean. Our refreshment stop was at Clifden for coffee and scone before travelling on to Kylemore Abbey and gardens, situated across a beautiful lake. It is home to the Irish Benedictine nuns and a girls' boarding school.We came inland back to Galway.
Day 7: On to Donegal via Sligo. These roads were fairly quiet as it was Easter Sunday, but the carparks in the many Catholic churches were overflowing! Donegal is a very quiet township but well worth a stop over. Our last "free" accomodation for 2 nights - this time at the very comfy, Mill Park Hotel.
Day 8: The coast once again provided more varied and stunning scenery. We stopped at Killybegs - the biggest fishing port in Ireland and then travelled on as far north as The Rosses - a vast expanse of rock strewn land - obvious why settlements are by the sea. On our way back Ian had to travel through Kilmacrenan as it was the name of Hughie Green's livestock company(a client / competitor in the Auckland / Waikato areas).
Many times during our travel we would chat to locals and find out their faoutie spots to visit - always turned out to be well worth the extra mile or two of driving.
Day 9: Early exit for Derry - a fasinating town with a 17century wall surrounding it.
We walked right around as it gave us a good overview of the city itself. As this city is immediately before the border of the Republic, we were interested in what procedure would take place when crossing over. However a big disappointment! Other than the odd sign announcing a money exchange post, you wouldn't know you were in another country! Antrim was always going to be a Clotworthy highlight. This is where their family name began!! We spent time wandering through the gardens of Antrim Castle. The building itself was totally destroyed by fire in 1922 but the carriage house and stables now house the Clotworthy Arts Centre. Local artists hold exhibitions of their work there and occasionaly international exhibitors too.It was quite an amazing experience for Ian to actually view and walk around a significant place where his ancestors originated from. A short drive north to Ballymena was our next accomodation for two nights.
Day 10: Out to the East coast and in and out of the various points of the penninsula. This day involved much walking which was great - always a challenge on how to include exercise when travelling!!We veered off the main road out to Torr head, climbed up the hill and caught our first view of Scotland, 12 miles away!! Further on was the Rope Bridge connecting the mainland to Carrick - a rede Island, an important commercial salmon fishing area.The Giants Causeway was a definite must to walk and view. The basalt rock formations are amazing and well worth exploring. A really great day.
Day 11: We stopped at Belast on our way south to Dublin. The titanic was built here and the City Hall had an exhibition on, showing its construction and also the diving expeditions carried out since, to lay plaques on it. Most enlightening.I also wanted to visit the west where 25 years of conflict took place - the Catholic Falls and Protestant Shankill area. There is little now to indicate their troubled past, apart from an array of Loyalist murals and street names familiar from news bulletins. Ian spotted the National Steeplechase Derby on at Fairyhouse. Being the keen horseman, it was an opportunity not to be missed. Unfortunately we were too late for the Irish Grand National, but he had time to place a bet on the following race and win $140NZ - at that point we left!! Well disciplined for Ian---going to the races only staying for one race!!
Day 12 & 13: This time was spent exploring the city including Trinity Hall. The Guiness Storehouse was a "must do" and just far more fasinating than we'd ever imagined. We squeezed in a trip to Dublinia as well - an exhibition on the Vikings coming to Dublin. Our day was completed with dinner on the south coast.
Day 14: Drove down to Cork where it all began! As we had time, we travelled on the secondary roads so we could enjoy our last day travelling through more little villages and enjoy the countryside!!!Our plane left at 6.30pm and we were back at Hugh's house by 9.45pm!!
Our Hampshire job has turned to custard, so we are now leaving for Great Yarmouth on 14th April. I will be teaching and hopefully Ian will be able to find something to give hime some job satisfaction. It is the best option, with cheap accomodation and guaranteed work for me.
London
U K - London
Well here we are in London in the Spring, with the daffodils flowering and new leaves on the trees. We are very fortunate to have Hugh's house to stay at until we are sorted, job wise. He has been very accomodating, as it is taking us longer than we initially anticipated. Most days when we set out, we walk along the canal at the end of his road which is a lovely change from the bustling city streets. For our first week we walked and explored Regents Park, Hyde Park, Madame Taussauds, National Art Gallery, Kew Gardens, and other tourist attractions, plus used our family gift voucher on the London Eye. We had sunshine everyday. Never mind, little did we know the next week was going to be back to winter and we spent time in a variety of Charity Shops, hunting for a good warm coat. I purchased one in Kensington and very pleased to have it!!
Our cold week was spent applying for jobs and deciding whether to teach and Ian find something in the same area or still hang out for a couple position!! We placed an advertisement in "The Lady" for the above - a number of responses but nothing to really excite us. Soooooooooooooo it looked like teaching was what it was going to be! On Friday we hired a car and headed up to Norfolk as that was one of the many teaching counties offering work, but this one provided accomodation as well (at a very reasonable rate) for both of us. The people organising the Norfolk County are a NZ couple and are just so helpful and accomodating. We stayed at Great Yarmouth and attended the Friday teacher gathering they have once a month and obviously met many others like us(NZers, Aussies & S.A's)- a variety of ages and a variety of reasons why they are teaching there. We looked at the accomodation which was a delightful house on the coast, so most appealing. On Saturday it was just very cold and miserable, so we travelled over to Norwich to look at the city and we were able to stay in the teacher accomodation for that night. It too was very pleasant. These are the two places we would be choosing to live and work from. On Sunday, we received a call in response to our advert, from a lady in Hampshire, looking for a mature couple to look after their house and 3 dogs. She is away for at least 3 months of the year and her husband absent for at least 8 months. She wanted to meet with us on Monday morning so this altered our direction again!!!!! We weaved our way down to Oxford through delightful little country villages along and down from the Norfolk north coast, so we would be handy to Newbury for our interview the next day. It appears to be the exact type of work and position we are looking for so we are probably going to accept it and hope it works out for us all.There are too many good points to write in this blog but stay tuned and I will tell you more as we go along!!!!! As we won't start work until the weekend after Easter we are now trying to book a trip to Ireland for 12 days before we become like most others and join the real world. What a shock for our system!!!!!
Well here we are in London in the Spring, with the daffodils flowering and new leaves on the trees. We are very fortunate to have Hugh's house to stay at until we are sorted, job wise. He has been very accomodating, as it is taking us longer than we initially anticipated. Most days when we set out, we walk along the canal at the end of his road which is a lovely change from the bustling city streets. For our first week we walked and explored Regents Park, Hyde Park, Madame Taussauds, National Art Gallery, Kew Gardens, and other tourist attractions, plus used our family gift voucher on the London Eye. We had sunshine everyday. Never mind, little did we know the next week was going to be back to winter and we spent time in a variety of Charity Shops, hunting for a good warm coat. I purchased one in Kensington and very pleased to have it!!
Our cold week was spent applying for jobs and deciding whether to teach and Ian find something in the same area or still hang out for a couple position!! We placed an advertisement in "The Lady" for the above - a number of responses but nothing to really excite us. Soooooooooooooo it looked like teaching was what it was going to be! On Friday we hired a car and headed up to Norfolk as that was one of the many teaching counties offering work, but this one provided accomodation as well (at a very reasonable rate) for both of us. The people organising the Norfolk County are a NZ couple and are just so helpful and accomodating. We stayed at Great Yarmouth and attended the Friday teacher gathering they have once a month and obviously met many others like us(NZers, Aussies & S.A's)- a variety of ages and a variety of reasons why they are teaching there. We looked at the accomodation which was a delightful house on the coast, so most appealing. On Saturday it was just very cold and miserable, so we travelled over to Norwich to look at the city and we were able to stay in the teacher accomodation for that night. It too was very pleasant. These are the two places we would be choosing to live and work from. On Sunday, we received a call in response to our advert, from a lady in Hampshire, looking for a mature couple to look after their house and 3 dogs. She is away for at least 3 months of the year and her husband absent for at least 8 months. She wanted to meet with us on Monday morning so this altered our direction again!!!!! We weaved our way down to Oxford through delightful little country villages along and down from the Norfolk north coast, so we would be handy to Newbury for our interview the next day. It appears to be the exact type of work and position we are looking for so we are probably going to accept it and hope it works out for us all.There are too many good points to write in this blog but stay tuned and I will tell you more as we go along!!!!! As we won't start work until the weekend after Easter we are now trying to book a trip to Ireland for 12 days before we become like most others and join the real world. What a shock for our system!!!!!
Back in Hong Kong
Back in Hong Kong
Scott met us at the station, which was a pleasant surprise. We are never quite sure if he will be in the country or not!! It was just so good to be in a clean city again and be able to drink water from the tap and use it to clean our teeth as well! We were both very tired that evening and slept in until 8.30 - very unlike us.
Scott was able to take an "R" day (replacement day for a weekend day of work) so we enjoyed a bus ride around the bays and eventually to Stanley Bay. A very picturesque bay nestled amongst the hills of Hong Kong. We wandered through the markets and enjoyed a yummy pizza for lunch. We hadn't had one of those for many a day! Later in the afternoon we visited the Wan Chai Electronic shop (just such an amazing place) and purchased a camera for our computer to use when hooked up to our skype programme. For those who are not familiar with this (Ian knows more than me!), it is a very cheap way to speak to people around the world. Scott set it all up for us. We had used it in NZ to speak to Scott but didn't have the camera. After this, Scott took us to CNN. What an interesting evening. CNN are on the 40th floor so you can imagine the views! We met many of his colleagues and saw the preparation work in action, ready for the 8pm news from CNN Asia. We then sat in the control room, where all the timing and prompts regarding incoming interviews etc are given to the presenters through their headphones, as they were live in the studio next door. During the add breaks there was banter going on between the presenters,control room personal,Scott,Judy and Ian included.Now we know what goes on behind the scenes during news bulletins!!! All work colleagues spoke well of Scott and how he is a very valuable cameraman within CNN. Mind you, we knew this anyway but its always complimentary to hear it from others!!!
The next day Scott was able to join us again, so we took the opportunity to ferry over to Kowloon and explore that city before returning in time for an evening at the Happy Valley races. Scott had booked a table for dinner for us and some of his work mates. We didn't make our fortune but a most enjoyable time had by all. It was just such an experience to go to a race track, surrounded by sky scrapers in the centre of a huge city. It is obviously a very popular, almost weekly event. All the track's infield space is taken up by a variety of sports codes - grounds,grass and astroturf.Today we are repacking (this is going to be like a broken record as our year progresses!)once again, ready for our 13 1/2 hour, 11.25pm flight to the UK.
Scott met us at the station, which was a pleasant surprise. We are never quite sure if he will be in the country or not!! It was just so good to be in a clean city again and be able to drink water from the tap and use it to clean our teeth as well! We were both very tired that evening and slept in until 8.30 - very unlike us.
Scott was able to take an "R" day (replacement day for a weekend day of work) so we enjoyed a bus ride around the bays and eventually to Stanley Bay. A very picturesque bay nestled amongst the hills of Hong Kong. We wandered through the markets and enjoyed a yummy pizza for lunch. We hadn't had one of those for many a day! Later in the afternoon we visited the Wan Chai Electronic shop (just such an amazing place) and purchased a camera for our computer to use when hooked up to our skype programme. For those who are not familiar with this (Ian knows more than me!), it is a very cheap way to speak to people around the world. Scott set it all up for us. We had used it in NZ to speak to Scott but didn't have the camera. After this, Scott took us to CNN. What an interesting evening. CNN are on the 40th floor so you can imagine the views! We met many of his colleagues and saw the preparation work in action, ready for the 8pm news from CNN Asia. We then sat in the control room, where all the timing and prompts regarding incoming interviews etc are given to the presenters through their headphones, as they were live in the studio next door. During the add breaks there was banter going on between the presenters,control room personal,Scott,Judy and Ian included.Now we know what goes on behind the scenes during news bulletins!!! All work colleagues spoke well of Scott and how he is a very valuable cameraman within CNN. Mind you, we knew this anyway but its always complimentary to hear it from others!!!
The next day Scott was able to join us again, so we took the opportunity to ferry over to Kowloon and explore that city before returning in time for an evening at the Happy Valley races. Scott had booked a table for dinner for us and some of his work mates. We didn't make our fortune but a most enjoyable time had by all. It was just such an experience to go to a race track, surrounded by sky scrapers in the centre of a huge city. It is obviously a very popular, almost weekly event. All the track's infield space is taken up by a variety of sports codes - grounds,grass and astroturf.Today we are repacking (this is going to be like a broken record as our year progresses!)once again, ready for our 13 1/2 hour, 11.25pm flight to the UK.
Bangkok / Thailand
Thailand / Bangkok
Our one and only day in Bangkok was spent exploring a little of this big city.We walked from our hotel to the King's Palace but unfortunately we weren't allowed in. I had long trousers on and my shoulders covered but Ian had long shorts (passed the knee) but this was unacceptable. Never mind, we viewed it from the outside and it looked very impressive. From here we went out to Ayutthaya, the old Bangkok. It used to have canals and streets and was always referred to as the "Venice of the East".
We farewelled our travel companions from Canberra, who had been with us from Hanoi.(The other mature couple on our first tour!)
The next day was a public holiday (consequently many shops closed) so we just wandered around the local hotel area, before packing and travelling to the airport for our flight back to Hong Kong.
Our one and only day in Bangkok was spent exploring a little of this big city.We walked from our hotel to the King's Palace but unfortunately we weren't allowed in. I had long trousers on and my shoulders covered but Ian had long shorts (passed the knee) but this was unacceptable. Never mind, we viewed it from the outside and it looked very impressive. From here we went out to Ayutthaya, the old Bangkok. It used to have canals and streets and was always referred to as the "Venice of the East".
We farewelled our travel companions from Canberra, who had been with us from Hanoi.(The other mature couple on our first tour!)
The next day was a public holiday (consequently many shops closed) so we just wandered around the local hotel area, before packing and travelling to the airport for our flight back to Hong Kong.
Friday, 8 June 2007
Siem Reap
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Siem Reap
We flew to Siem Reap and arrived late morning, which gave us a free afternoon. However, Ian was still not 100% so we just relaxed and caught up on correspondence. I joined our group for a tasty dinner in the city centre, while Ian rested.
Siem Reap has a sleepy, rural atmosphere about it and certainly worth a visit but its main attraction is for accomodation to visit the Temples of Angkor.
These Temples were built between 9th & 16 centuries and rediscovered in 1860. There are 100+ temples, some still hidden in the surrounding forest.
On our first morning visit, we explored Angkor Wat, which is the largest and most breathtaking. It is also the best preserved. It was a hot, humid day so wandering around this vast monument and concentrating on all the history being told to us by our leader, sapped all our energy. We returned to our hotel for a break and travelled out again in the afternoon for another go!! This time we walked and climbed over Angkor Thom and Bayon. Ian joined us this time, but he couldn't last the distance so we both found a spot with a little breeze, to rest and wait for the group to return.
Day 2 was my favourite. This was the temple of Ta Prohm which has been left to be swallowed by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments appeared when rediscovered. About 10k from here we then visited the Banteay Srei which had well preserved, fine carvings in pink sandstone. Just an amazing experience and such a disappointment Ian couldn't be part of it. To enter The Temples of Angkor we had to purchase a 3 day pass. This was a laminated paper with our photo on it and had to be shown at various checking points. This was not a problem, but i am concerned about the number of visitors they allow in each day (over 2 million each year) and how everyone is allowed to walk over and touch this treasure of Cambodia. Really it is up there with the wonders of the world.
After lunch we both took one of our tour options out to the Tonic Sap Lake. This was just so depressing, but certainly gave us an insight as to how a large section of the community try to live without any government assistance! Their houseboats are one room shacks and their meals must be mainly fish from the lake. Surprisingly, there are a great variety of fish and a plentiful supply. The water was once again, neither pleasing to the eye or nose!! I can't even begin to envisage what life must be like for these people in the wet season, as the lake swells from 2,500sq.kms to 10,000.
We had an early evening as our bus was leaving at 7am for the Thai border and on to Bangkok. Bung (our tour leader) warned us about a bumpy ride but no warning would prepare us for what was to come. The 20 seater bus was a 2nd hand Jap import and built for Japanese leg room between the seats!! It was 100kms to the border and took 4 hours on a road of foundation rock rather than a smoother upper layered gravel road. Bloody rough. I just thought the only consulation for this torture might be that the constant vibrating might do something for hip reduction! We stopped for one toilet break (i opted out of this one - a fly ridden hole in the ground!) so made sure my water in take was just minimal!But, more to come, our driver discovered a flat tyre at this stop too. Soooo that was another additional hour, but better there than in the middle of nowhere. Finally we reached the border and had to wait once again in the sticky heat to pass through into Thailand. Relief on the other side - an airconditioned new van with comfortable seats and a smooth road into Bangkok. That took another 3 hours but was painless in comparison!! That evening was our last meal together and the end of our Intrepid Tour. We would certainly travel with them again.
Siem Reap
We flew to Siem Reap and arrived late morning, which gave us a free afternoon. However, Ian was still not 100% so we just relaxed and caught up on correspondence. I joined our group for a tasty dinner in the city centre, while Ian rested.
Siem Reap has a sleepy, rural atmosphere about it and certainly worth a visit but its main attraction is for accomodation to visit the Temples of Angkor.
These Temples were built between 9th & 16 centuries and rediscovered in 1860. There are 100+ temples, some still hidden in the surrounding forest.
On our first morning visit, we explored Angkor Wat, which is the largest and most breathtaking. It is also the best preserved. It was a hot, humid day so wandering around this vast monument and concentrating on all the history being told to us by our leader, sapped all our energy. We returned to our hotel for a break and travelled out again in the afternoon for another go!! This time we walked and climbed over Angkor Thom and Bayon. Ian joined us this time, but he couldn't last the distance so we both found a spot with a little breeze, to rest and wait for the group to return.
Day 2 was my favourite. This was the temple of Ta Prohm which has been left to be swallowed by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments appeared when rediscovered. About 10k from here we then visited the Banteay Srei which had well preserved, fine carvings in pink sandstone. Just an amazing experience and such a disappointment Ian couldn't be part of it. To enter The Temples of Angkor we had to purchase a 3 day pass. This was a laminated paper with our photo on it and had to be shown at various checking points. This was not a problem, but i am concerned about the number of visitors they allow in each day (over 2 million each year) and how everyone is allowed to walk over and touch this treasure of Cambodia. Really it is up there with the wonders of the world.
After lunch we both took one of our tour options out to the Tonic Sap Lake. This was just so depressing, but certainly gave us an insight as to how a large section of the community try to live without any government assistance! Their houseboats are one room shacks and their meals must be mainly fish from the lake. Surprisingly, there are a great variety of fish and a plentiful supply. The water was once again, neither pleasing to the eye or nose!! I can't even begin to envisage what life must be like for these people in the wet season, as the lake swells from 2,500sq.kms to 10,000.
We had an early evening as our bus was leaving at 7am for the Thai border and on to Bangkok. Bung (our tour leader) warned us about a bumpy ride but no warning would prepare us for what was to come. The 20 seater bus was a 2nd hand Jap import and built for Japanese leg room between the seats!! It was 100kms to the border and took 4 hours on a road of foundation rock rather than a smoother upper layered gravel road. Bloody rough. I just thought the only consulation for this torture might be that the constant vibrating might do something for hip reduction! We stopped for one toilet break (i opted out of this one - a fly ridden hole in the ground!) so made sure my water in take was just minimal!But, more to come, our driver discovered a flat tyre at this stop too. Soooo that was another additional hour, but better there than in the middle of nowhere. Finally we reached the border and had to wait once again in the sticky heat to pass through into Thailand. Relief on the other side - an airconditioned new van with comfortable seats and a smooth road into Bangkok. That took another 3 hours but was painless in comparison!! That evening was our last meal together and the end of our Intrepid Tour. We would certainly travel with them again.
Ho Chi Minh & Cambodia
Cambodia
Sunday 25/02
We left at 7.30am by coach and reached the border by 1p.m. Our leader told us we'd arrive around 3.30pm so that gives you an idea of our driver's speed and hair-raising ability to weave around the other vehicles! This journey involved 2 ferry crossings - the Mekong and Bassic rivers. Unfortunately Ian hasn't been well and hit with the dreaded diarrhoea. Our lunch venue was hot and humid with lots of bodies in a small space. Suddenly he stood up, went white and started to reel backwards. Luckily a strong man was nearby and grabbed him! Following this he has had a quiet couple of days, foodwise and sleeping heaps. However it hasn't stopped us from exploring the important aspects of a city.He is recovering now family, so don't worry!
Later in the evening, 8 of us took a motorbike ride, hugging the Cambodian border and up a mountain to view the sunset. This also gave us an opportunity to view the countryside and see for ourselves the poverty and basic living conditions of so many of these people. Their houses would be condemned by our standards. Some of their pole houses are above the stagnant canals - no wonder there is a mosquito problem!!
Their income is from duck farming and rice growing. During the rainy season the water rises up to their backdoor and all the ducks take the opportunity to visit the other farms!! How they sort this one out I don't know!! Our restaurant was on the Bassac River, and the next morning during breakfast, there was a hive of activity. All means of transport, many of the boats off to catch their fish for the day.
We travelled to Phnom Penh by boat (seats for just the 13 of us) - once again it was supposed to take 51/2 hours, but our driver reached there in 4!! However we were drenched in the process - a huge wave came through the front hatch - left open for ventilation! Ian and I sat in the front seat as we thought there would be more leg room (for Ian obviously!)but not a good choice on this occasion! Our biggest fear was we'd sw2ollow some of the water. All the way up the Bassac we passed rice factories, boats stacked high with bags of rice, fishing nets and boats everywhere.
The river has a viiety of uses and I can see why it is so vital to their livelyhood. People bathe in it, cattle bathe in it, people clean their teeth in it and urinate in it - no doubt the other too but didn't actually witness it!!! The pvc piping leading down into it from the houses didn't leave much for the imagination!
Coming through the Vietnam border, the authorities asked us to pay $100 U.S. or have our bags scanned! We chose to scan the bags, dragging them up a very unstable ramp and back down again!! The Cambodian border was a littlw more civil and took less time - even without any bribes.
Phnom Penh is a bustling city at the confluence of Bassac, Mekong and Tonic Sap rivers. Once again, very hot, humid and quite dusty but also relatively free of garbage lying around.
Day 2 was spent at the Tnoi Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. The musuem was once a school but the Khmer Rouge used it for their prison. It was a very graphic and grizzly reminder of the Cambodian's tragic past.The Khmer Rouge were extremely cruel and inflicted unimaginable torture and methods of killing, on their victims. 50% of Cambodia's population is under 17. From 1975-1979, the middle class civilians were exterminated.
After this sombre experience we visited another one - the killing fields. 149 mass graves with up to 70 bodies in some.14 of these graves have had the bodies exhumed and their skulls and clothing displayed in a 3 story tower, on view for the public. Many thousands lie in peace in the river and will be left there. Even now, during the wet season, there are many bones and clothing unearthed. This experience certainly brought home the tragic life experiences these people have had to endure, through bloodshed and political instabiltiy.
We dined out at 2 different restaurants, organised by a non profit making group, to help street children gain work experience. Very tasty food too.
For our last evening meal, we were asked to dine at a resident's house (he was our guide for the musuem & fields) - wow, how lucky we were. They live in a 5 room house, 7 families sharing.Each evening, he teaches English to 13 underpriveliedged children in the neighbourhood. This happens 6 days a week for 1 hour each evening. What a delightful group of children who were so eager to practise their English with us. To enable the children to attend school, the parents have to pay (literally, as that is the teacher's wage) and they are just so enthusiastic to learn. They would be a treat to teach!! It is just so heartbreaking to think of all the books and paper wasted in our schools, that would benefit these children here. The government and workers are so corrupt, nothing like this could be sent by post as it would never reach them. any assistance like this would have to be posted to Intrepid to depots in Vietnam or Thailand to be passed on. Our meal was absolutely delicious.
A special chicken curry, chilli soup, banana fritters, spring rolls, pork meat balls and noodles, beef in noodles and rice. - sounds like home but it wasn't!! Not with all their delicious spices to and additives to supplement each dish. A very special evening. The only difficult part was sitting on the floor with our legs tucked in beside!!
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam airline flew us down to Saigon and it was a shame it was only business class for an hour.Beggars can't be choosers - as the saying goes!
Our first morning was spent visitng places of importance by cylo. I would loved to have a video of the traffic criss-crossing each other, buses passing within inches of us, and our cyclos weaving amongst it all. An experience not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. Firstly, the War Remants Museum, which portrays very graphic photos and displays of war crimes and the aftermath effect for the Vietnamese people.The end of the war was announced from the Reunification Palace and it is quite an impressive building even by today's standards.For lunch we found a Pho 24 and enjoyed a Vietnamese meal. Pho 24 is a chain of restuarants with cheap and tasty food. Later, most of our group went to the renowned Ben Thanh Market. Ian and I went up one isle of it and decided to find real shops instead. We just couldn't face the haggling - you buy, you buy, very cheap for you ............... in the hot, humid weather so explored the very pleasant air conditioned shops instead! For dinner, we were taken to a street (our on the street amongst it all) eating place. If we had not been on our tour, none of us would have eaten there. However, it was a real Vietnamese experience - we cooked our meat on a clay tile placed on hot coals in a ceramic pot. Once the meat was cooked we added it to the salad and noodles on rice paper, wrapped it up and dipped it in chilli sauce. Very yummy.
I have been reading a book called :The Tunnels of Cu Chi" so I was looking forward to our morning visit out there. This tunnel network, 230kms of it, displays the undaunted will, intelligence and pride of the Cu Chi People. Too hard to describe in a few words but an experience embedded in our minds forever.A few of our group ( Ian included) went through some!Ian also lined up at the firing range and fired off two rounds with an AK47!It caused more damage to his ears than the target!!
We've farewelled 5 of our group and 6 of us are travelling on to Cambodia tomorrow, joined by another 6 - unknown as yet!
Sunday 25/02
We left at 7.30am by coach and reached the border by 1p.m. Our leader told us we'd arrive around 3.30pm so that gives you an idea of our driver's speed and hair-raising ability to weave around the other vehicles! This journey involved 2 ferry crossings - the Mekong and Bassic rivers. Unfortunately Ian hasn't been well and hit with the dreaded diarrhoea. Our lunch venue was hot and humid with lots of bodies in a small space. Suddenly he stood up, went white and started to reel backwards. Luckily a strong man was nearby and grabbed him! Following this he has had a quiet couple of days, foodwise and sleeping heaps. However it hasn't stopped us from exploring the important aspects of a city.He is recovering now family, so don't worry!
Later in the evening, 8 of us took a motorbike ride, hugging the Cambodian border and up a mountain to view the sunset. This also gave us an opportunity to view the countryside and see for ourselves the poverty and basic living conditions of so many of these people. Their houses would be condemned by our standards. Some of their pole houses are above the stagnant canals - no wonder there is a mosquito problem!!
Their income is from duck farming and rice growing. During the rainy season the water rises up to their backdoor and all the ducks take the opportunity to visit the other farms!! How they sort this one out I don't know!! Our restaurant was on the Bassac River, and the next morning during breakfast, there was a hive of activity. All means of transport, many of the boats off to catch their fish for the day.
We travelled to Phnom Penh by boat (seats for just the 13 of us) - once again it was supposed to take 51/2 hours, but our driver reached there in 4!! However we were drenched in the process - a huge wave came through the front hatch - left open for ventilation! Ian and I sat in the front seat as we thought there would be more leg room (for Ian obviously!)but not a good choice on this occasion! Our biggest fear was we'd sw2ollow some of the water. All the way up the Bassac we passed rice factories, boats stacked high with bags of rice, fishing nets and boats everywhere.
The river has a viiety of uses and I can see why it is so vital to their livelyhood. People bathe in it, cattle bathe in it, people clean their teeth in it and urinate in it - no doubt the other too but didn't actually witness it!!! The pvc piping leading down into it from the houses didn't leave much for the imagination!
Coming through the Vietnam border, the authorities asked us to pay $100 U.S. or have our bags scanned! We chose to scan the bags, dragging them up a very unstable ramp and back down again!! The Cambodian border was a littlw more civil and took less time - even without any bribes.
Phnom Penh is a bustling city at the confluence of Bassac, Mekong and Tonic Sap rivers. Once again, very hot, humid and quite dusty but also relatively free of garbage lying around.
Day 2 was spent at the Tnoi Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. The musuem was once a school but the Khmer Rouge used it for their prison. It was a very graphic and grizzly reminder of the Cambodian's tragic past.The Khmer Rouge were extremely cruel and inflicted unimaginable torture and methods of killing, on their victims. 50% of Cambodia's population is under 17. From 1975-1979, the middle class civilians were exterminated.
After this sombre experience we visited another one - the killing fields. 149 mass graves with up to 70 bodies in some.14 of these graves have had the bodies exhumed and their skulls and clothing displayed in a 3 story tower, on view for the public. Many thousands lie in peace in the river and will be left there. Even now, during the wet season, there are many bones and clothing unearthed. This experience certainly brought home the tragic life experiences these people have had to endure, through bloodshed and political instabiltiy.
We dined out at 2 different restaurants, organised by a non profit making group, to help street children gain work experience. Very tasty food too.
For our last evening meal, we were asked to dine at a resident's house (he was our guide for the musuem & fields) - wow, how lucky we were. They live in a 5 room house, 7 families sharing.Each evening, he teaches English to 13 underpriveliedged children in the neighbourhood. This happens 6 days a week for 1 hour each evening. What a delightful group of children who were so eager to practise their English with us. To enable the children to attend school, the parents have to pay (literally, as that is the teacher's wage) and they are just so enthusiastic to learn. They would be a treat to teach!! It is just so heartbreaking to think of all the books and paper wasted in our schools, that would benefit these children here. The government and workers are so corrupt, nothing like this could be sent by post as it would never reach them. any assistance like this would have to be posted to Intrepid to depots in Vietnam or Thailand to be passed on. Our meal was absolutely delicious.
A special chicken curry, chilli soup, banana fritters, spring rolls, pork meat balls and noodles, beef in noodles and rice. - sounds like home but it wasn't!! Not with all their delicious spices to and additives to supplement each dish. A very special evening. The only difficult part was sitting on the floor with our legs tucked in beside!!
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam airline flew us down to Saigon and it was a shame it was only business class for an hour.Beggars can't be choosers - as the saying goes!
Our first morning was spent visitng places of importance by cylo. I would loved to have a video of the traffic criss-crossing each other, buses passing within inches of us, and our cyclos weaving amongst it all. An experience not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. Firstly, the War Remants Museum, which portrays very graphic photos and displays of war crimes and the aftermath effect for the Vietnamese people.The end of the war was announced from the Reunification Palace and it is quite an impressive building even by today's standards.For lunch we found a Pho 24 and enjoyed a Vietnamese meal. Pho 24 is a chain of restuarants with cheap and tasty food. Later, most of our group went to the renowned Ben Thanh Market. Ian and I went up one isle of it and decided to find real shops instead. We just couldn't face the haggling - you buy, you buy, very cheap for you ............... in the hot, humid weather so explored the very pleasant air conditioned shops instead! For dinner, we were taken to a street (our on the street amongst it all) eating place. If we had not been on our tour, none of us would have eaten there. However, it was a real Vietnamese experience - we cooked our meat on a clay tile placed on hot coals in a ceramic pot. Once the meat was cooked we added it to the salad and noodles on rice paper, wrapped it up and dipped it in chilli sauce. Very yummy.
I have been reading a book called :The Tunnels of Cu Chi" so I was looking forward to our morning visit out there. This tunnel network, 230kms of it, displays the undaunted will, intelligence and pride of the Cu Chi People. Too hard to describe in a few words but an experience embedded in our minds forever.A few of our group ( Ian included) went through some!Ian also lined up at the firing range and fired off two rounds with an AK47!It caused more damage to his ears than the target!!
We've farewelled 5 of our group and 6 of us are travelling on to Cambodia tomorrow, joined by another 6 - unknown as yet!
Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City / Vietnam
Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City
I actually typed all of this out the other day plus made some alterations to the previous blog and I'm not sure what happened, so sorry if this comes up again from somewhere!!
We travelled to Hoi An by coach and enjoyed the countryside as we came over the Hai Van Pass and along the coast. When we stopped at the top of the Pass, we were told about the damage Agent Orange caused to the vegetation and the people of course. Three generations later and this poison is still causing deformaties within the families. Nearby, where we were standing, there was a live mine, left as a reminder to everyone how they are still everywhere and still causing casualities. This pass is the dividing line for the North and South. Most of the houses along the coast had sandbags on their iron roof as there are at least 7 tornados per year in this mid region of Vietnam. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring, so of course Ian and I had to try it out!!!! I think we were ripped off but guess that is also part of travelling!! However, we both have 4 new garments and much cheaper than NZ! One of our highlights was biking out to the communal gardens. Many families are involved in growing a variety of vegetables, very healthy looking too. Every family member works to help out, so I don't think there is any retirement pension at 65!!! We are enjoying the variety of transport and activities provided for us. After our dinner, we hit a night club with the younger members of our group and it was a real fun night. Our leader took us for a tour of the city in the morning and in the evening we discovered a really tasty restuarant for dinner. This took a little longer than expected, so we were forced to hire a ride on a scooter back to the hotel and I kept saying to my driver, slow ...........very slow! Yes I know he said so obviously he has had passengers like me before!! It was quite a laugh at the airport as 6 of us were upgraded to business class, so we were really given the message from the remaining members of our group!!! All good fun.
Vietnam
Thursday was a free day for us before our initial Intrepid meeting and dinner together. To make the most of the day, we paid for an excursion out into the country. We visited a ceramic village first, but because of Tet, the ceramic village had stopped producing although there was still plenty for sale. Apparently the potters work on the pavement outside their shop. In Vietnam, especially in the town and cities, the pavement is an extension of their house. All the family live together (sometimes up to 4 generations) in a 10 x 10 living room and the same size bedroom upstairs, so they need the pavement to cook and eat. I've even seen them clean their teeth there too. As we travelled along the road, there were women selling their limes; a basket beside them together with their scales. No one else around for miles. Once again, many mandarin trees available - essential to have one in your house for Tet. The more mandarins, the more luck you will have in the N.Y. In another village we visited one of the two remaining families who still produce paintings by the old method: stamping the picture on, portion x portions and using 5 colours altogether. (A little like our printing pictures we teach at school!)
In the small villages, their markets don't appear to adhere to the same health regulations like NZ!! I've been forced to become a vegetarian, after observing the slabs of meat and chicken on planks of wood, ready for sale. I must admit they did make an effort to relocate the flies with a dirty old cloth!! Most of these markets were really dusty and dirty but we were always greeted by happy and friendly people. Near by there were brick producing areas and numerous "drying" sheds around, obviously working by the smoke being emitted from the chimneys. They didn't stop for Tet!
In the evening we met the other 9 people who will be travelling with us. There are only 2 older couples and the rest young. Your guess for our category! All interesting people who have travelled heaps!
Friday Tet eve (N.Y. Eve)
We all travelled by bus out to Halong Bay (about 4 hours) and boarded our boat about midday, in time for a delicious lunch. I have to tell you what else we saw being transported on a scooter on the way - a live cow doubled up and tied onto the back and on another, 3 sides of pork across the area where the driver's feet go. Not a happy site I must say. Halong Bay has 3000 limestone islands in the bay. Even though it was misty, we could still see the islands and enjoy the tranquility of the bay. On one of the islands there were 3 HUGE caves with many stalactites and stalagmites. After dinner there were fire crackers and music to see the NY in. I didn't think about having 2 NY's in '07 but at least I could start again with the resolutions!! On our return to the jetty, there were many boats moored already, but we literally barged our boat in, pushing the other boats aside. We didn't observe one raised voice or see any fingers given!!!On our return to Hanoi (must be the quietest day on the road in Vietnam!) we explored more of the city and purchased food for our 14 hour train journey to Hue.
We shared a sleeper cabin with the other "more mature" couple!! Sleeping wasn't too much of a problem - may have had something to do with the vodka and beer!! We arrived in Hue at 8.30am, had breakfast and a refreshing shower! After our lunch we walked around the Imperial Citadel but everyone was starting to fade fast through the heat and tiredness. Our second day in Hue was spent travelling up the Perfume River on a dragon boat to the Monk Monastry and Emporer's tomb and gardens. All the cafes and restuarants we have been to have been supurb and served delicious food. So far, really great.
I actually typed all of this out the other day plus made some alterations to the previous blog and I'm not sure what happened, so sorry if this comes up again from somewhere!!
We travelled to Hoi An by coach and enjoyed the countryside as we came over the Hai Van Pass and along the coast. When we stopped at the top of the Pass, we were told about the damage Agent Orange caused to the vegetation and the people of course. Three generations later and this poison is still causing deformaties within the families. Nearby, where we were standing, there was a live mine, left as a reminder to everyone how they are still everywhere and still causing casualities. This pass is the dividing line for the North and South. Most of the houses along the coast had sandbags on their iron roof as there are at least 7 tornados per year in this mid region of Vietnam. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring, so of course Ian and I had to try it out!!!! I think we were ripped off but guess that is also part of travelling!! However, we both have 4 new garments and much cheaper than NZ! One of our highlights was biking out to the communal gardens. Many families are involved in growing a variety of vegetables, very healthy looking too. Every family member works to help out, so I don't think there is any retirement pension at 65!!! We are enjoying the variety of transport and activities provided for us. After our dinner, we hit a night club with the younger members of our group and it was a real fun night. Our leader took us for a tour of the city in the morning and in the evening we discovered a really tasty restuarant for dinner. This took a little longer than expected, so we were forced to hire a ride on a scooter back to the hotel and I kept saying to my driver, slow ...........very slow! Yes I know he said so obviously he has had passengers like me before!! It was quite a laugh at the airport as 6 of us were upgraded to business class, so we were really given the message from the remaining members of our group!!! All good fun.
Vietnam
Thursday was a free day for us before our initial Intrepid meeting and dinner together. To make the most of the day, we paid for an excursion out into the country. We visited a ceramic village first, but because of Tet, the ceramic village had stopped producing although there was still plenty for sale. Apparently the potters work on the pavement outside their shop. In Vietnam, especially in the town and cities, the pavement is an extension of their house. All the family live together (sometimes up to 4 generations) in a 10 x 10 living room and the same size bedroom upstairs, so they need the pavement to cook and eat. I've even seen them clean their teeth there too. As we travelled along the road, there were women selling their limes; a basket beside them together with their scales. No one else around for miles. Once again, many mandarin trees available - essential to have one in your house for Tet. The more mandarins, the more luck you will have in the N.Y. In another village we visited one of the two remaining families who still produce paintings by the old method: stamping the picture on, portion x portions and using 5 colours altogether. (A little like our printing pictures we teach at school!)
In the small villages, their markets don't appear to adhere to the same health regulations like NZ!! I've been forced to become a vegetarian, after observing the slabs of meat and chicken on planks of wood, ready for sale. I must admit they did make an effort to relocate the flies with a dirty old cloth!! Most of these markets were really dusty and dirty but we were always greeted by happy and friendly people. Near by there were brick producing areas and numerous "drying" sheds around, obviously working by the smoke being emitted from the chimneys. They didn't stop for Tet!
In the evening we met the other 9 people who will be travelling with us. There are only 2 older couples and the rest young. Your guess for our category! All interesting people who have travelled heaps!
Friday Tet eve (N.Y. Eve)
We all travelled by bus out to Halong Bay (about 4 hours) and boarded our boat about midday, in time for a delicious lunch. I have to tell you what else we saw being transported on a scooter on the way - a live cow doubled up and tied onto the back and on another, 3 sides of pork across the area where the driver's feet go. Not a happy site I must say. Halong Bay has 3000 limestone islands in the bay. Even though it was misty, we could still see the islands and enjoy the tranquility of the bay. On one of the islands there were 3 HUGE caves with many stalactites and stalagmites. After dinner there were fire crackers and music to see the NY in. I didn't think about having 2 NY's in '07 but at least I could start again with the resolutions!! On our return to the jetty, there were many boats moored already, but we literally barged our boat in, pushing the other boats aside. We didn't observe one raised voice or see any fingers given!!!On our return to Hanoi (must be the quietest day on the road in Vietnam!) we explored more of the city and purchased food for our 14 hour train journey to Hue.
We shared a sleeper cabin with the other "more mature" couple!! Sleeping wasn't too much of a problem - may have had something to do with the vodka and beer!! We arrived in Hue at 8.30am, had breakfast and a refreshing shower! After our lunch we walked around the Imperial Citadel but everyone was starting to fade fast through the heat and tiredness. Our second day in Hue was spent travelling up the Perfume River on a dragon boat to the Monk Monastry and Emporer's tomb and gardens. All the cafes and restuarants we have been to have been supurb and served delicious food. So far, really great.
2nd day in Hong Kong & Vietnam - Hanoi
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Intrepid Tour: Vietnam/ Hanoi
It was early evening when we arrived here and as soon as we left the terminal we were bombarded with taxi drivers wanting to take us to the city. 20 dollar, 20 dollar but out came Ian's bargaining skills and finally as we moved along the line until he negotiated a $10 ride! Everyone who has been here told us about the scooters, but it is just an experience like no other!! There are 4 million people in Hanoi and 2 million scooters! The population is preparing for their N.Y. in two days time but I am sure this is just the normal scooter scene, regardless! There is everything on their bikes from a metre+ mandarin tree to a basket full of chickens. We saw one with about 18doz beer (Ian spotted that one!), a large dressing table and even a guy txting among this chaos as he rode along!!! How everyone misses each other I will never work out, but I didn't see any anxious faces as our taxi headed toward them and they swerved!! I thought I would be quite nervous butI wasn't - not too much I can do about it and that is the nature of the country. I'm even crossing the road amongst it and not too bothered - the rule is to move slowly across, don't hesitate and they swerve around you. I just look at the ground and don't turn my head either way!!! It's worked so far! by worthyadventures 17/02/07 Delete
2nd day Hong Kong
I missed day 2 of Hong Kong which was a really busy, walking day. We began by walking from Scott's flat and up to the Peak, which has been really developed for tourists with a new viewing section opened last year. Unfortunately it wasn't a clear day, but it certainly gave us an idea of the layout of the island. Scott left us at this stage as he had to go to work so Ian and I caught the tram down and walked some more to Wan Chai. We wanted to find the best software shop in H.K. for another memory stick and battery for our camera. I'm pleased I left these purchases until we reached here!!Thank goodness Ian has a good sense of direction! From here we caught a tram back to Central, up 13 escalators to Robinson Road (Scott's road) to purchase some groceries and cook tea for our flatmates!!!
Day 4 we packed and caught up on correspondence before to flying to Hanoi to begin our Intrepid Tour.
Posting Settings Template View Blog Create Edit Posts Moderate Comments
New Post
Intrepid Tour: Vietnam/ Hanoi
It was early evening when we arrived here and as soon as we left the terminal we were bombarded with taxi drivers wanting to take us to the city. 20 dollar, 20 dollar but out came Ian's bargaining skills and finally as we moved along the line until he negotiated a $10 ride! Everyone who has been here told us about the scooters, but it is just an experience like no other!! There are 4 million people in Hanoi and 2 million scooters! The population is preparing for their N.Y. in two days time but I am sure this is just the normal scooter scene, regardless! There is everything on their bikes from a metre+ mandarin tree to a basket full of chickens. We saw one with about 18doz beer (Ian spotted that one!), a large dressing table and even a guy txting among this chaos as he rode along!!! How everyone misses each other I will never work out, but I didn't see any anxious faces as our taxi headed toward them and they swerved!! I thought I would be quite nervous butI wasn't - not too much I can do about it and that is the nature of the country. I'm even crossing the road amongst it and not too bothered - the rule is to move slowly across, don't hesitate and they swerve around you. I just look at the ground and don't turn my head either way!!! It's worked so far! by worthyadventures 17/02/07 Delete
2nd day Hong Kong
I missed day 2 of Hong Kong which was a really busy, walking day. We began by walking from Scott's flat and up to the Peak, which has been really developed for tourists with a new viewing section opened last year. Unfortunately it wasn't a clear day, but it certainly gave us an idea of the layout of the island. Scott left us at this stage as he had to go to work so Ian and I caught the tram down and walked some more to Wan Chai. We wanted to find the best software shop in H.K. for another memory stick and battery for our camera. I'm pleased I left these purchases until we reached here!!Thank goodness Ian has a good sense of direction! From here we caught a tram back to Central, up 13 escalators to Robinson Road (Scott's road) to purchase some groceries and cook tea for our flatmates!!!
Day 4 we packed and caught up on correspondence before to flying to Hanoi to begin our Intrepid Tour.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
We arrived here on Saturday, 10 at 6. 30pm, about an hour later than scheduled. The reason for the late departure was due to an engine piece having to be replaced and then the video link needed to be repaired so i was just hoping there wasn't a third "thing"! Scott was at the station to meet us, which was a surprise to both of us as we were unsure he would be back in time from Vietnam where he had been filming for the last week. Phil and Scott's flat is very comfortable and within walking distance to Central HK so we are doing heaps of walking. He insisted we must begin with a real Chinese meal before we retired for the evening! Of course the population is gearing up for Chinese NY so everywhere there are mandarin trees, lanterns, floral displays and elaborate decorations. Scott thought the city was quiet as people had travelled out of the city for NY but it didn't look like it to me!!
On Sunday, the three of us wandered down through Central, exploring their market of fresh produce. However the fish were too fresh for my liking, as they have to be alive before anyone will purchase them so they are kept in these bubbling water tanks. I felt for the live frogs piled on top of one another in a glass jar as well!! Another fascinating sight was the maids who gather in any spare area in the city to meet with all the other maids in HK for their day off (always Sunday) to play cards, sing, chat, share food..... There are hundreds of them and due to the fact they are mainly from Indonesia / Phillapinnes of course they have no home to go to so this is where they spend their day off. All women!! From here we caught a tram out to Shau Kei Wan where we ate lunch and caught a cab to the beginning of our walk to Big Wave Bay at the end of the island. To return to the beach we had to come down millions of steps ( I'm pleased we didn't have to go up them!) and it was here we decided to have our dinner which we were all ready for at this stage! It was a most enjoyable day out and our tour certainly gave us an idea of the layout of HK.
On Monday we caught the ferry over to Macau, the biggest casino in operation in the world - taken over from Los Veges. Absolutely amazing. We needed our passports as we were entering China, and we were able to purchase a visa for the day. We employed a tour guide for 2 hours and saved our feet this time. He was well worth the money for our short stay. We didn't arrive back to HK until 7.30pm. S, I & I rang up for a Lebonese meal - certainly covering the nations!!
Today it is packing again, but a smaller amount of clothes this time, ready to leave for Vietnam / Cambodia this afternoon.
We arrived here on Saturday, 10 at 6. 30pm, about an hour later than scheduled. The reason for the late departure was due to an engine piece having to be replaced and then the video link needed to be repaired so i was just hoping there wasn't a third "thing"! Scott was at the station to meet us, which was a surprise to both of us as we were unsure he would be back in time from Vietnam where he had been filming for the last week. Phil and Scott's flat is very comfortable and within walking distance to Central HK so we are doing heaps of walking. He insisted we must begin with a real Chinese meal before we retired for the evening! Of course the population is gearing up for Chinese NY so everywhere there are mandarin trees, lanterns, floral displays and elaborate decorations. Scott thought the city was quiet as people had travelled out of the city for NY but it didn't look like it to me!!
On Sunday, the three of us wandered down through Central, exploring their market of fresh produce. However the fish were too fresh for my liking, as they have to be alive before anyone will purchase them so they are kept in these bubbling water tanks. I felt for the live frogs piled on top of one another in a glass jar as well!! Another fascinating sight was the maids who gather in any spare area in the city to meet with all the other maids in HK for their day off (always Sunday) to play cards, sing, chat, share food..... There are hundreds of them and due to the fact they are mainly from Indonesia / Phillapinnes of course they have no home to go to so this is where they spend their day off. All women!! From here we caught a tram out to Shau Kei Wan where we ate lunch and caught a cab to the beginning of our walk to Big Wave Bay at the end of the island. To return to the beach we had to come down millions of steps ( I'm pleased we didn't have to go up them!) and it was here we decided to have our dinner which we were all ready for at this stage! It was a most enjoyable day out and our tour certainly gave us an idea of the layout of HK.
On Monday we caught the ferry over to Macau, the biggest casino in operation in the world - taken over from Los Veges. Absolutely amazing. We needed our passports as we were entering China, and we were able to purchase a visa for the day. We employed a tour guide for 2 hours and saved our feet this time. He was well worth the money for our short stay. We didn't arrive back to HK until 7.30pm. S, I & I rang up for a Lebonese meal - certainly covering the nations!!
Today it is packing again, but a smaller amount of clothes this time, ready to leave for Vietnam / Cambodia this afternoon.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Our stay on the Sunshine Coast
Our stay on the Sunshine Coast
We arrived in Brisbane on Wed. 31st and we were met by a blossoming Amy (4 days past her due date) and Charles. Their new house is in Currimundi, an hours drive north of Brisbane. I have to say we just arrived in time as "things" began to happen for Amy the next day! As her contractions were fairly spasmodic, we took her out for a drive up and around the coast (with her bag in the boot!!). That evening, her contractions appeared to be stronger and more regular according to Poppa Ian who was the time & record keeper!! At about 10pm she decided to go in to the Nambour hospital but Chloe Kay wasn't born until Friday, 2nd at 8.15pm weighing in @ 9.2lbs. She is a very healthy, cute little girl and gave her mother a fairly stress free entry into our world. Ian and I visited her on Saturday, and then drove further north to the Ermundi markets and then up to Noosa. It took us approximately 5 mins at the Ermundi market to be "sucked in" to the grandparent mode where we purchased a headband with Chloe written on it. People did warn me about this!!!!! Noosa was really crowded and having been there before, we cruised through and then back down the coast to home. Amy came home on Monday so we went to the cricket at the Gabba (NZ v Eng) on Tuesday to give the 3 of them time to themselves. I've never attended a cricket game and always wanted to attend a 1 dayer but it was worse than watching paint dry!! Each morning we have walked to the Currimundi beach which is approx. 40 mins each way and a most enjoyable start to the day. Chloe's first outing was to Buddrim, a delightful little township with an Austrian Cafe and cakes to die for! We are looking forward to our next stage of our journey, leaving for Hong Kong on Saturday morning.
We arrived in Brisbane on Wed. 31st and we were met by a blossoming Amy (4 days past her due date) and Charles. Their new house is in Currimundi, an hours drive north of Brisbane. I have to say we just arrived in time as "things" began to happen for Amy the next day! As her contractions were fairly spasmodic, we took her out for a drive up and around the coast (with her bag in the boot!!). That evening, her contractions appeared to be stronger and more regular according to Poppa Ian who was the time & record keeper!! At about 10pm she decided to go in to the Nambour hospital but Chloe Kay wasn't born until Friday, 2nd at 8.15pm weighing in @ 9.2lbs. She is a very healthy, cute little girl and gave her mother a fairly stress free entry into our world. Ian and I visited her on Saturday, and then drove further north to the Ermundi markets and then up to Noosa. It took us approximately 5 mins at the Ermundi market to be "sucked in" to the grandparent mode where we purchased a headband with Chloe written on it. People did warn me about this!!!!! Noosa was really crowded and having been there before, we cruised through and then back down the coast to home. Amy came home on Monday so we went to the cricket at the Gabba (NZ v Eng) on Tuesday to give the 3 of them time to themselves. I've never attended a cricket game and always wanted to attend a 1 dayer but it was worse than watching paint dry!! Each morning we have walked to the Currimundi beach which is approx. 40 mins each way and a most enjoyable start to the day. Chloe's first outing was to Buddrim, a delightful little township with an Austrian Cafe and cakes to die for! We are looking forward to our next stage of our journey, leaving for Hong Kong on Saturday morning.
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