Kaye B - World Tour 07

Home At Last - Feb 2008

2009-05-11T04:55:00.001-07:00

- Me and my big brother
Our Domonic n his big mouth!(seen this picture before oz!)
Our David n his funny face! Bless!
-The kit finally unpacked!
Dennis, me n my mam!
The Clan (missing Adam tho aw!)
Cheeky faces!!!
- The big Accident (Scar Face!)
Hi Everyone
Well thats it the big trip is all over and I'm back safe n sound in Kettering with my brother and his family, my mam and stepdad Dennis came too to see me. Coming into land at Heathrow I can remember thinking back on what a fabulous adventure I had had and how many new friends I had met who I know will be with me for the rest of my life and yep I can tell you I had a few tears when those wheels finally hit that London tarmac, I was back in the UK. No more waiting around in the airport for the next boarding, no more looking for where need to be and who was I going to meet. But hey life is for living and I really felt like I had lived it to the full this last year.
Our Steven met me at the airport, with my flipflops n jeans n t\shirt I looked bit worn out but happy to see him, I didnt realise till then how much I had missed my family and friends back here in the UK. As you all might know now it was a sad morning too as we got news of my cousin Trevor death which was totally unexpected but looking back now will be a day I will never forget, the end of my journey and his! We headed home to Kettering and had lovely family meal and the Tamworth crewe headed over to see me too which was lovely. Then headed over to Bridlington for few days where I had all my boxes of goodies I had posted back home. It was like xmas for sure and brought back so many memories, definately the best thing I did was post them all home.
I headed back home the next week and met up with all the girls which was fabulous and yes unfortunately I had an accident yep the pool table and pint glass won the fight!! The scar is fading now but its there on the face as a reminder, what can I say go right round the world and not a scratch and hey back in the UK 2wks and I'm in A & E ha ha!!!!!
Back in my house and started to unpack the boxes and try to settle back into real life again. This was hard initially but gradually the routine slips back, headed back to work April 2008 but a week later than usual as got a really bad flu virus. I thought I had malaria ha ha honest was bit scary but hey I survived!!
Well time to sign off and this will be my last every entry in the blog. I am going to get it published into a book so I can look back when I'm in my nursing home and remember 'when I went round the world'. Can see me now sat rocking ha ha!!! But before I end I need to say a BIG THANK YOU to each and everyone of you, famliy, friends, work colleagues and anyone else who followed my trip through my blog. THANK YOU for your lovely kind,positive comments, for the new friends I made, the laughs, tears and treasured memories. They are all locked away inside my head and I am sure they will get brought back to the fore over the next few years for sure.
Luv n hugs always Kaye. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

24.01.08 - 12.02.08 - Africa, Lake Malawi - Animal n Football Antics

2008-07-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our Goat!
Our Goat!
'The Team!'

24.01.08 - 12.02.08 - Africa, Lake Malawi - Nights out n happenings!!

2008-07-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Stevie, Dougs n Me
Famous Louisha Banda (malawi singer)n the groupies!!
Cool Kids!
Floating Restaurant!
Me, Neale n Saul
Harry resting - African time!
Computer, Stevie n Katherine
Practice the Dougle!!
Aw Dougs asleep!!
More Dougling!!
No comment!!
Im on the Bushpig!

24.01.08 - 12.02.08 - Africa, Lake Malawai - Nights out and happenings!!

2008-07-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

The donuts!!!!
Rose very happy!
My leaving do
Neales south African war dance!
New Crazy in MonkeyBay!
James and Dougs!
Me n Ian
Katherines leaving do!
'The threesome'
'The gang'

23.01.2008 - Africa, Lake Malawi - Kids and more kids ahhh!!!

2008-01-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

The Drum we bought for the school!
The old drum!
My Class Standard 2!
Headmasters Children!
Standard 1 learn under the tree!
Hiya Guys
Sos been while for updates but got loads to tell you. Teaching is very challenging I have approx 138 kids standard 2 in my class well cant call it a class room more like a store room, no desks, just blackboard and floor for them to sit on but the so happy and so want to learn. We getting by some how with bits of Chichewa Ive learnt and lots of sign language, knew that would pay off some time soon. ha ha!!!
New guys joined us two weeks ago, Neale, Ian, Carl, Tracy, Sarah, Jake and James. Carl and Ian now headed off back to south Africa and Katherine back to UK. We are defo having fun and had few good drinking parties with photos to prove it.
Well not long now and I be heading back to UK and look forward to seeing you all soon. Luv and hugs always. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

20.12.07 - 03.01.08 - Africa, Lake Malawi, Monkey Bay - HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Sunset!
Me, Doogs n Rose party!
Meet 'Lemon Squeeze'
Mr Computer 'Come on!'
Drink n be merry!
Our xmas decs!
Xmas Eve!
Our xmas pudding n Joanna (aka Doogs!)
Xmas Eve!
Goats n more goats!
Our friendly spider!
Our Ducks and babies before Benji killed them off one by one!
Aw Symba n Benji (dont be fooled he's a killer dog!)
Village children!
Me and some of the kids
Hiya Guys
Hope you all had fab xmas and new year!!!!

Quick entry on the blog just here for the weekly internet fix, but hard cos by the time I read all your lovely emails and check facebook, the time has gone!!! Anyway had quiet xmas and new year was more rowdy, we went up to Cape McClear and there was lots of drink and shenanigans had!!!! Homesickness has gone now, feeling much more settled and enjoying the african way of life, layed back and chilling ha ha!!

House here is great, comfortable and we go to work every morning and have afternoons and weekends off. There are three other volunteers with me at the moment, Katherine 18yrs, Joanna 28yrs and Steve 49yrs, there are another 4 coming on monday 7th Jan. Food canney but hard cos not lots of variety but only another 6wks then back in good old UK!!!!

The Malawian people are very friendly and also poor, poverty is unreal, honest we dont know how well off we are back in the Western World!!!! Weather is hot but rainy season too. The lake is beautiful and surrounding country reminds me of Hawaii!! Got lots of stories to tell you all just dont have time to put on here every week so keeping a written diary and will update blog when get home for sure.

17.12.07 - 19.12.07 - Africa, Lake Malawi, Monkey Bay - NEARLY XMAS!!!!!

2007-12-19T06:25:00.000-08:00

My new man!!
My 2nd Room
Lakeside view!
The house!
My first room
Back of the house!
Our Garden leading to lakeside
Our Beach next to the lake
Hiya Guys
Made it to Lake Malawi, which is in the middle of Africa what a trip nine half hours from Mumbai to Joeburg then two and half to Llongwei then 5 hours by car to Monkey Bay was a nightmare, the roads here are unbelieveable honest its bump bump bump bounce all the way so rough!!!!!
HAPPY XMAS AND HAPPY NEWYEAR for next week and the week after. We only get to come into town Mangochi which is hour and half drive away so Im quickly filling in something on the blog!!! Feeling bit homesick at the moment but hope it will pass if not can always try and get early flight back home after 4 weeks.
Take care. Love and hugs to everyone and see ya all soon. xxxxx

10.12.07 - 16.12.07 - India, Goa Colva Beach - Work, beach, work, beach!!!!

2007-12-14T03:07:00.000-08:00

Our Beach
Sunset!
Sunset again!
Our Magic Place
Indian Sign Lanugage!
Another Star!
Last Day!
Last Day
Working Hard!
Balloon Race!
Last day!
Our Star!
Hiya Guys
Well since last spoke to you much the same routine for me, work on morning at the special school, back to camp prep for next days lesson, do some laundry (hand washing ahhhh!!!) then I head off to Boomerang Beach Bar for chill out in the sun and a few beers, watch the sun set then head back for shower (still cold!!!) somat to eat and a few more beers.
The special needs school has been really good fun, the deaf children me and Gemma been working with are aged between 4yrs and 10yrs and we've had trying days and laughter and tears too!!! My signing has come back slowly and didnt realise how much energy these youngsters take from you with the games and the constant tapping of you to get your attention. We got a xmas candle made by the special needs children as our goodbye present awwwww!!!!
Head off tomorrow (sat night) on the overnight train again, hoping not on the top bunk again ha ha!!! We reach Mumbai 6am Sunday then Ive some time to kill before heading off to the airport to fly to Africa early hours of Monday morning.
Take care of you all and catch up soon. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

04.12.07 - 09.12.07 - India, Goa, Colva Beach - Voluntary work!!

2007-12-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Me n our class!
Numbers game!
Gemma n our class n their Mr Face!
Mr Cool!
Butterflies gave lots of joy!
Hiya Guys
This been the first week for our voluntary work. Headed off in Tuesday cos Monday was a holiday for Hindi!! Only one of the three teachers there as two had to head off for their salary but we did meet the children in the deaf classes, various ages from 4yrs to 15yrs and all mixed abilities with some hearing children who have learning needs so right mixed bag of abilities.
Gemma wasnt feeling too good so she headed back to the camp and left me with the class, the teacher then asked me to teach honest I hadnt prepared anything but got up there and just winged it ha ha!!! Wasnt too bad and think they understood a bit ha ha!!
Next day Gemma feeling better and we were given the little ones in the class all boys who were great and we managed to do numbers with bingo cards and some signing of the alphabet which was good, hard work and felt really drained when came out but rewarding.
Every day been much the same up and off to work from 8.30am to 11.30am and then back to camp to prepare for the next days teaching.
Friday bit disappointing as the teachers seemed to leave us with more of the children then we had before and felt bit used so we spoke to the coordinator and said we were concerned about this as the children were losing out on learning and hopefully next week we get sorted!!! But then again this is India ha ha!!
Weekend off and some of the gang headed up to Baga but I felt the need for some me time. Good job really cos ended up getting the indian tummy!!!! Yep layed up in bed most of saturday but by Sunday feeling much better so laundry and internet and sunbathing the order for the day. Found Tates sports bar who serve sunday lunch so really looking forward to that.
Feeling ready for home soon, think cos been away so long now and xmas coming but sure Africa be great. One more week here then head off.
Love and hugs to everyone back there and look forward to hearing from you all soon. xxxxx

27.11.07 - 03.12.07 - India, Goa, Colva beach - Train and Basic things!!!!

2007-12-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

'Stars are born'
Dance Comp
Dance Comp
Our beach hangout!
Sunset!
Another sunset!
Colva Market
Waiting to board!
Me n Rod top bunks!
Our train ticket
Our communal area
Kate n our room
Hiya Everyone
Headed off on the night of the 26th for the overnight train to Goa. We were apparently booked into the third class carriages. These have set of six beds in each compartment and each carriage holds 60 people. We were all given our bed numbers and I was near Tony(lady) and Ron (her hubby). The train was 45 mins late which is usual when it did arrive we all piled on with all our luggage that had to go under the bottom beds in the carriages which were small like and the next two beds above seemed so high, I was on the top bunk and was thinking how am I gonna get up there!!!! After clambering with bags to the top I managed to get settled. Ron was opposite me and Tony below I just was laughing!!! Managed to get some sleep and there was people walking down the passage way all through the night and a little indian man kept walking up and down saying 'Chi' which is tea in indian!! Was bit surreal to say the least and the toilets well I just giggled cos they were squat toilets and you could see the tracks through the hole!!!! Defo an experience for sure!!

Finally we reached Goa on 27th at 1pm and headed off onto the bus for our accomodation. We were near the beach and our room wasnt too bad, was very basic and the bathroom needed bit of a clean but armed with disinfectant we got it sorted ha ha!! Power cuts happen regularly in the night time but you soon get used to this.

Next day we headed off to visit the projects which we could volunteer for. This was a hard emotional day I thought cos you were seeing little ones who had nothing being taught in like a garage, visited special needs school and brought back so many memories for me seeing the deaf children and the downs children and the old peoples home was like an institution!! Honest really up and down feelings for sure. Drink was defo in order when we got back to camp and I said we dont really know how lucky we are in UK till we see this with our own eyes!!! I decided I would like to go to the special school and Gemma who Im sharing room with wanted to go here too so pleased me and her going to help with the deaf children.

Thursday we were given an orientation talk about India and the status of women and Goa itself which was canney then we got to chose our placements, lucky for me and Gemma there were 4 places for the school so we got what we really wanted. Had few drinks that night and had Kate and Claudia crash at our place cos they live in house away from our camp area.

Friday we headed off to the special needs school cos they had big dance competition which theyve held for the last three years where all the special schools come along and they are compete for trophys. This was so lovely to see, honest I filled up so many times but held strong, bless they so enjoyed this event and everyone to me deserved to get a trophy!!! Chilled out on the beach in the afternoon.xxxx

24.11.07 - 26.11.07 - India, Lonavla - Ashram and more Ashram!

2007-12-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

Our hotel room
Me n Yoga!
Our Yoga Instructor
The Ashram
Hiya Guys
Three days at the Ashram!! An Ashram is a place for naturopathy centre, yoga and relaxation, no alcohol, meat or smoking allowed in the centre. We had quick guide around on the morning and then chance to book our naturopathies!! Really cheap for what we could have like full body massage, mud therapies etc. I booked for a mud bath, neck and shoulder massage and full body massage for the next three days.
Food wasnt fantastic here but we did find shop outside the place so managed to fill up on crips and chocolate ha ha, so much for trying to lose weight!!!
Mud Therapy was defo an experience, me and Kate had appointments for the same time, we were taken to outside area all walled off with shower and the indian lady just said to us 'Strip'!!! Honest we just looked at each other and started laughing, was defo experience I wont forget, we were friends before but now even more ha ha!! We were covered in mud from top to toe and then told to stand and 'Bake' in the sun area then we could wash it off, was so funny honest!!!!!
Yoga classes were fun, Id never done this before but really enjoyed it and one of the instructors was nice, had fab body so defo worth attending ha ha!! Dawn think will be taking this up with you when get home!
On our second day at the Ashram we did find there was a lot of waiting around so we did get bit bored and started talking about the meat we were missing, I know sad isnt it but most of the food here is veggie cos of hindu beliefs so few of us decided to head off to town to the Pizza place for our evening meal. I tell you what it was like being back in Thailand enjoying pizza and meat ha ha!!
Last day full body massage was ok, the lady doctor did mine, wasnt like anything I had had back home!!! Not sure I will be heading off to an Ashram in the near future.xx

19.11.07 - 23.11.07 - India, Mumbai and Lonavla - Noise and Dirt!!!!

2007-12-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

Night Entertainment
The Gang!
Our faithful companion
Village Children
Mam of 5!!
Irene and camping!
Our toilet!
Making Japatti's
Our views as we trekked
Our home
Feeding time!
- Mr Jungle man with snake!
Hiya Guys
Sorry been while since updated the blog. Been mad time upto now!! The plane journey from Bangkok to Mumbai was so so noisy honest I couldnt believe the noise the indians were making so loud talking over everyone else and wouldnt sit down ready for take off honest unreal!!!!! Even arriving at the airport was like being hearded in a cattle group then reaching outside was again a sea of people all shouting at you!!!!! Driving from airport to the hotel chatted to coordinator who spoke good english, hotel was very basic!! Next morning met the group about 24 of us, various age groups too.
We set off for Lonavla honest the traffic was unreal I kept shutting my eyes honest horns going was total mayhem no way will I complain about english roads again!!!! Hotel was again very basic, not fab clean sheets but sleeping bag came in handy ha ha!! Trekking for three days in the jungle was great fun, we slept one night in a cow shed and another in tents, no showers but was fine!! Ate in indian villages and met the children and people living there. I got to try and make japati's what a disaster!!!! We had Mr Jungle Man and Mr Everest as our trekking guides they were cool and good fun!! Trekking was hard work like uphill and over rocks and finally reached little village, the poverty didnt seem so bad here, I mean they dont have much at all but bit more than in the cities!!. Headed back to the hotel and watched a Bollywood Movie, went on bit too long for me like but was ok!!!xxxx

11.11.07 - 18.11.07 - Thailand, Koh Samed - Beach Week more pics

2007-11-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

June and Carol
Elaine and Kim
Me and Helen
Janes 2nd 40th!
Kim, Me and Michelle
Strongbow Gang!
Cheap Sarongs!!
Our Room
Our Bathroom
Jane and Nicola

11.11.07 - 17.11.07 - Thailand, Ko Samet& Bangkok - Party Island and Fire!!!!

2007-11-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

Our Beach!!
Me being pampered!
Talk of the Town!!
Our dinner!!
Shark Farm
Our transport to Island
Our Beach Restaurant
'The Bong'
Fire Show impressive!
New hair do!!
Hiya Guys
Well its been week since hit Koh Samed apparently Ive been spelling it wrong. The island is T shape and very pretty. We are living right next to the beach and just awlk away from the bars on the beach. Weather has been fab, hot hot and hot I know its cold back home in England. Tan has come back hurrah so chuffed and just checked weather for India and its 95F so sure gonna be even hotter there!!!

Ive mainly chilled out on the beach working on the tan, had couple of beers and then back out on the night for a few more. We've had couple of really drunken late nights so suffered bit the next day ha ha!!! Its not too busy on the island as it is winter time but lots of nationalities here. I did have bit of scary experience with one of the famous stray dogs, yep it went for the butt, it really shook me up. The self same dog went for Helen too this was on the Monday and by the Weds we had heard that it had gone for another 3 people and whilst we were having our evening meal heard a lady shout and yep bit her too!!! So we all went down to reception and demanded that this dog be removed cos was dangerous. After a while two rangers turned up and that night the dog was removed thank goodness. Tell you what it really put me off stray dogs for sure. Good job Ive had my rabbies jab eh!!!!

Im not sure if would head back to this island but defo would come back to Thailand and head south to see the beaches there. I had my hair plaited which been great for the beach and going out, think might adopt this style back home ha ha!! Also whilst on the beach, you can have any beauty treatments you want, foot massage and pedicure which was great, hair plaited, thai massage (painful)manicure, head massage. The thai ladies just come around and ask you what time and they come back while you sit in the sun you get pampered and its so cheap about 300baht for foot massage which is about 4.50pounds mad eh!!!!

Off to Bangkok tomorrow for couple of days then fly to India on Monday get there late so catch up soon and hope gets bit warmer back home.

The first night back in Bangkok in the Hotel De Moc there was four of us left from the original group. Jaunted down Ko San Road where Michelle was brave and had tatto!!!! It did cross my mind to have one and did like some but after seeing Michelle's face I changed my mind, what a wuss eh!!!! Anyway back in hotel couple of drinks and hit our rooms. At 2.30am approx we heard shouting outside our rooms and thought whats that, I thought someone drunk then Nicola said no she's shouting FIRE!! What!! Yep oh my god we opened the door and smelt but couldnt see the smoke and I remember thinking what the f***in my head (sorry mam!!) Anyway no lights or alarm going so I just grabbed my bag, not unpacked stuff so small rugsack had tickets and passport and handbag had cash and cards and knew my head torch in the rugsack. Headed out to the stairs and everyone was coming out and the staff finally arrived with torches. Outside there was all the guests and emergency services. We just sat watching them, no one was telling us anything at that point and finally after about two hours they said fire was out and we could go and get our bags!! We sat downstairs waiting for the all clear to go back to our rooms, finally back in at 6.00am and to be honest think thats when I really thought about what had happened. It was apparently electrical so thats why the lights and the alarms had not gone off, I know in England its different circuit but hey we in Thailand!!! So another adventure to add to the list one I defo dont want to experience again!!!!

So fly tomorrow (19th Nov) to India for new adventures, apparently very hot there so hopefully tan wont fade ha ha!!! Cant believe how quickly time is going only 12 wks before I head back to cold England and the credit card bills ha ha!!!!
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

05.11.07 - 09.11.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Takham School Pics

2007-11-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

How fetching eh!!
Setting the style!!
Story time
See I am working!!
Yep still got the gob!!
'Teacher, Cowboy!!'
Look out Butch Cassidy
Their butterflies!
Working on 'our magic garden'
Our Magic Garden finished
Proud owners of new art work
Final 'Cowboy' game aww

Hiya Guys
More pictures from my teaching week and a couple for you to laugh at, me dying my hair again to cover the grey!!! Im sure since Ive turned 40 Im getting more ahhh!!!!
luv and hugs always. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

05.11.07 - 09.11.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Takham School, more pictures

2007-11-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

The School Band
Singing National Anthem
Commemorative Dance
Little ones (Mayo at front lives on our camp awwwww)
Class 5 - loved pics
Working on 'Our Magic Garden'
Concentration brilliant
The much loved 'Cowboy' game
Game of 'Kim says'
Tony Hart look out!!!

05.11.07 - 09.11.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Chumchonwatklangtakham School (Get ya gob round that!!)

2007-11-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

Boys from Class Five
The angels
Our future teachers and doctors
Posers or what!!
Making Butterflys
My Clock!!!
Letter writing
All their letters!
The trouble makers!!
The thinkers!!
Hiya Guys
Rest of the crew apart from Kim have headed off to do the Trekking so we've been left behind at the camp for our teaching week. We got some information about the school before we headed off on Monday. Its called Chumchonwatklangtakham (Public School) Takham for short. There are 383 students, 23 teachers and 11 classes and they have 14 computers. It is an ambitious school with a wonderful English teacher and welcome the Greenway volunteers (thats me and Kim). The school isnt far from the camp and the head teacher came and picked us up and dropped us off every day. They asked us to focus on communication and pronounciation, I know I know what you lot are thinkin, I cant talk english anyway ha ha!!!!

Monday was bit nerve racking meeting our class, we had Class Five, there is about 42 children even mix of boys and girls aged from 10yrs to 11yrs old. Stephen Elliott thank you so much for the game Sheriff, or should I now say 'Cowboy' they loved it and they kept asking me 'teacher cowboy, teacher cowboy'!! We had to play it everyday and I had to take my cowboy hat for the Sheriff to wear whilst playing!!!!!
Initially we assessed their level of english which was pretty good which was good thing cos my thai not fab at all. Kob ko khan - thank you, Kortoad - sorry, Sowadika - good morning.

The head teacher told us that most of the children were from single parents or orphans and tried to provide most things they could at the school for free which was really great even down to the school uniforms. The children were so happy and friendly even the little ones, when we walked past they were high fiving us and shouting 'hello teacher'!!!!!

Every morning the whole school meets on the field and they have a band playing and they sing the National Anthem and raise their flag and then undertake a old ritual with sticks to commemorate the war heros from here against Burma.

For the week then we sang songs like 'If ya happy and ya know it etc.., Itsy Bitsy Spider, the Rainbow song and we played games, Sheriffs, Cat and Mouse, Potato and spoon etc. We read story books and got our english across by doing some interactive learning in smaller groups. We created 'Our Magic Garden' too. We taught from 8.30am to 11.30am every day and had lunch at the school then headed back to camp to prep for the next days lessons. We found some fab cheap resource cards and books and paper etc in the department store which only cost us 1000baht approx 7quid!!

It was a real privilage to teach the children, they were enthusiastic and wanted to learn, yep we had couple of trouble makers like you always do in the class but they were great and I had so much fun and loved every minute. Hope you like the pictures. We got handmade cards and little presents like keyrings, individual sweets and I even got a small ring from one of the little trouble makers!!!! Honest I could of cried they were so nice and wanted us to stay awwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! We also got certificate from the school for teaching which will defo look good on the CV Im sure.

Head off to Ko Samet on Sunday for week on the beach so hopefully can work on the tan!!!
Luv and hugs always. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

04.11.07 - Thailand, River Kwai and Pizza!!!!

2007-11-09T03:23:00.000-08:00

PIZZA!!!!!
View under the bridge
One of the many party boats

Cemetery British area
War Hero!

Im not scared!!!
Remember the movie!!
Bridge over River Kwai!
Jane, June n Me
Original train!
Original Bridge remains
Models of prisoners
More models
Depicting the death toll!
Hiya Everyone
Lovely to hear from Julie E and Julie (ucc) thanks for your messages, Ive put reply under your comment so check it out by clicking on the comments button on the post you left yours on. Also for those who dont know Ive got new mobile number it is +447924424630 its being bit temperamental with texts sometimes I get them sometimes I dont.

Sundays are our days to do what we want so as group decided we would like to go up to the River Kwai. It took us about 3 hours to get there, left about 7am and had a breakfast stop, hot dogs were good ha ha!!

When we got there we went first to the Art and War museum which was set up by the monks and has part of the original bridge that was blown up in World War II. The museum was great lots of information and history on the building of the bridge and the prisoner of war camps, sad how they had to live to survive. The museum over looks the river and the bridge. While I was stood there I could see the film and the end when they manage to get to blow it up. The water level was higher than on the movie but I was transported right there with those men!! You can go across the bridge on a train or walk, I did manage to go across the bridge but only to the middle cos you know me and heights. Walking over you only had small iron middle bit with train track either side then there was gaps and you could see straight down into the water!!!!! At points there was look outs too and there was so many people on the bridge it was really scary I thought cos one push and whoops in the water you went!!!
After this some of the crewe headed for the market but me, Kim, Jane and June(our coordinator) decided we wanted to go on the long boats up the river. These had motorboat engine on the back and flew up the river, the more we shouted the faster he went was fab!!!!. Further up there were lots of party boats, honest it was like Blackpool on the river (Girls might have to have trip there ha ha!!) Everyone on these boats was dancing, drinking and music blaring out, they were waving like mad when we went past it was great to see and such a hoot!!!!

Back on dry land we headed for lunch in a restaurant facing the bridge and river and had really nice meal, with no rice!!! Next we headed off to the Burma railway museum of death. This told the story of the planning and building of the railway and how the Japanese treated the prisoners of war. Was very moving and heart wrenching watching the video footage and when the whistling of that tune from Bridge over the river Kwai came on well I was no more good, goose bumps on goose bumps!!!!
Opposite the museum was the cemetery. After the war ended the English, Australian, Dutch, American, native Indian's and Singapore who had died in all the camps were found and brought here to one place. This was so moving to see but such a peaceful place. In the English area I found a grave with H Bannister - not sure if was a relative but did say prayer for sure!!

Before heading back to camp June asked us if we wanted to go for Pizza, well we had been talking about this last Sunday and we jumped at the chance. Eeeee we were like kids at Xmas, we were drooling, honest you forget how much we take for granted back home in good old England!!! We ordered starters and salad and four pizzas they were gorgeous, my mouth still waters thinking about them ha ha!!!!! Headed back to camp and hit the sack had had bit of an emotional but great day, defo worth a visit if you this way
Take care luv and hugs always. xxxxxxxx

03.11.07 - Thailand - Pictures Market and Zoo

2007-11-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Clyde!
White Tiger
Leopard pacing!!
Thai Benjarong Pottery
Samchuk old Market
Food glorious food!!
Like the new bird??
Aww aww I know aww again

02.11.07 - 03.11.07 Thailand - Wang Yang Spa Resort!!!

2007-11-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

Ahh Vodka n Coke!!
KIm, Jane, Helen n Nicola
Jane's entertainment
Yep Karaoke again!!
Thai people joining us!
Me n Jane working on tan
Our pool!!
Our rooms posh eh!!
Foot massage circle
Ow Ow that hurts!!
Hiya Guys
Headed off today for the spa resort yipeee!!!! On the way never know us to get so excited cos off to Tesco Lotus Suphanburi!!! Just like being back home in Tesco's everything under one roof but so so much cheaper!!! Got two vest tops for 79baht each so they about 1.10p ehhh!!!! Found some proper cheese vintage chedder!!!!!! Honest simple things here we take for granted back home so hard to find really makes me appreciate food back home. On the camp we mainly get veggie meals cos they dont eat meat and didnt realise how much I missed meat till its not there, tofu and beancurd just dont taste the same!!!! Sorry to you veggies out there but Im defo a meat girl ha ha!!!!
Arrived at the Wang Yang Spa resort, first impressions really nice, rooms were nice and we had hot showers hurrah!!!!! Checked out the pool area, not bad, was bit run down but pool clean and weather good so guess what we chilled out and worked on the tan!!! Jane found a ball and rubber ring which we had good fun with!! Was going to have full body massage but there was only one beauty therapist there so by the time rest of crewe booked in no time slots left so decided would wait till get to Ko Samet. Hit the bar area for dinner, cocktails were to be the order of the day but they were so sweet, no wonder the thai people have lots of missing teeth, sugar is one of their staple diet foods for sure!!! So had to have Vodka and coke at 100bahts a go, they were defo doubles for sure!!! There was a thai works do with karaoke and yep you guessed it we ended up with them singing and dancing, great fun. Jane kept us entertained too she a cracking lass. The bar ran out of vodka and they had to send someone on their bike to bring another and more wine for the thai works d funny where ever we go they run out of alcohol why???? ha ha
Next morning lie in and left about 11am. Headed off to Thai Benjarong pottery and Samchuk old market, this has been going for 200yrs!! The pottery was lovely and I bought three small vases, yep I know more stuff for another box to post home, but I may never be back this way!! The market was great, there were so many food stalls and just watching the thai people making various things of which you couldnt tell what was what but they kept giving us bits to try. There were so many different fruits, sweets, meats, and the smells, colurs were just amaxing to see. Around each corner was bargins to be had, I was really good and only bought two black and white photos.
Next we headed to Bueng Chawak Zoo where we saw some baby lion and tiger cubs they must have been about 2 months old awwwwwww. Some of the girls headed in to hold them I was going to then saw Helen get bit and thought maybe not, I know chicken!! Walked around and they had lots of tigers and lions in cages, I really hate seeing them in their, they are pacing back and forth and look so unhappy. There was some oranutangs and they had one dressed in sports top and shorts posing for pics, looked really uncomfortable, I know the thai people there loving getting pics but for me just thought no dont do that to them. Baby one appeared later, and clung to Michelle was lovely to see but still prefer to see them in the wild.
Headed back to camp, couple of beers and chill in the bar before heading off to bed early start on Sunday off to River Kwai.
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

31.10.07 - 01.11.07 Thailand, Singburi - Chilling !!!!

2007-11-06T03:26:00.000-08:00

Our seating area smokers corner ha ha!!
The gardens
Our small temples!
Back gardens with badminton net
New seating area
Our room!!
My comfy bed
Our table etc for prep work
Little sink aww
The Cold Shower brr!!
Hiya Guys
Chilled out at the camp for two days with Kim and Nicola. The rest of the crewe have headed off to spend the day and night with the monks at the local monastry. Wednesday we had lazy start, late breakfast and headed off for the heady lights of Singburi and some retail therapy!!! Lunch had KFC, what the doctor ordered after lots of rice and more rice!!! Department store in Singburi has supermarket inside along with hairdressers so think need to book appt cos the grey's starting to peep through ahhh!!!! Back at camp chilled out couple of shandies at the bar again!!
Thursday was very chilled again, never felt so relaxed apart from when in Hawaii aw miss Hawaii and Peggy!! x Washing day today, bucket and soap powder at the ready, I will never complain about washing at home again, defo realise your luxuries back home when you dont have them. Getting used to cold showers too !!!!!
Hope you all well back home and dont forget only 50 days to Xmas!!!!!!!! Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

29.10.07 - 30.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Cultural Week

2007-10-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

- Wat Mahathat Temple
Baby Ellie 4 days old!
Sunset on way home
Smiles all round
Girls on the Elephants
Wat Mahathat
Tricks from Elies!
Hiya Guys
This week is our cultural week.
Monday 29th
Headed out to Ayutthaya which used to be the capital of Thailand. We went to the Elephant Kaal Pavillion where we all went for rides on the elies which was great fun and saw the ruins of Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya. Back at the pavillion we had chance to feed the elies and see the baby ones doing some tricks. It was great when giving the little bananas the elies were in line and one after another their trunks came up like a mexican wave was so great to do. What was also fab was all the money made here went back into saving the elephants and paid for their food and keep at the elephant village. The Mahots (elephant riders) were so funny singing for us and scaring us by coming up behind on the other elies and pretending it was their trunks. Next bit of retail therapy in Ayutthaya Park and Shopping Mall - handbags and shoes were in abundance!!!! Next onto the Elephant Village where we saw lots of the elephants but really special we saw a 4days old baby elephant who was so cute but such a bugger, he kept ramming into everyone and thought if he this strong in 4days god knows what be like when older!!! Later the Mahots arrived back with their elephants and we watched them bathing and feeding them ready for the night. Dinner (tea) was by the river which was quite pleasant only we did get few more mozzie bites, yep dot to dot coming along great ha ha!!!

Tuesday 30th
Very early up this morning 5.45am to give alms to the local monk! What is alms I can hear you saying, well all the local villagers take part in this every week same time and the monk walks around the village and everyone comes out and gives him food or washing stuff eg toilet roll etc and they are blessed by him to have long happiness. So thats what we did the crewe, waited for while like, really weird like cos as women we not allowed touch monk so have to bow and place on steel plate he has then he gives blessing. Back to bed for some of the crewe rest of us stayed up cos awake and chilled out reading. This morning we watched film about Buddah! This was really interesting telling us about the history of the first buddah and then we watch Keanu Reeve in Little Buddah which was really strange to watch and see him playing this monk!!!.
Later we headed out to see more monks and where we could spend the night if we wished. I wasnt impressed with the monastry, it really wasnt what I expected at all, the abbot had mobile phone and there was a tv there and lots of dogs and cats and not many other monks!!! So I decided because I have a 3 day Ashram stay in India I wasnt going to go along to stay overnight but stay in camp. Chilled out in bar on night couple of shandies as usual ha ha!!
xxxxxxxxx

28.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Chill day!!!!!

2007-10-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Local pool
Helen, Nicola and Elaine chilling!!
Hiya Guys
Ohhhhhhhhh bit of fuzzy head this morning for sure, but nothing cup of nescafe and couple of nurophen wont cure!!!
All of us headed off in the local tax, which was a pick up truck with seats in the back and roof on to the local pool for some sun bathing and chill time. Lovely and hot today, too hot at times so pleased for the pool to cool off!!! Few of us defo felt bit worse for wear and thought a KFC would help. So bless, Mr Taxi driver took us into town to indulge our apetites and then Kim bought us all donuts for after dinner (100baht) (about 1.20) for twelve - you cant be robbed!!!!!
Great chill day just what we all needed for sure. Early night too, think the sangson defo catching up on me ha ha!!!!xxxx

27.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Local Life and crafts

2007-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Singburi boat race
Proud of my achievement
9.5 bracelet
Old Scrubber!!
Palm climbing
Palm Fruit
Me eating again!!
Hiya Everyone
Today we headed out with Mr Ben and our little minibus, bless the air con is crap so we just have to open all the windows and be blown but hey at least the windows open. We met a guy who took us into the country to demonstrate palm picking. He was lovely only 52yrs old but had no front teeth, apparently many of the thai people loose their teeth because of all the sugar that they cook with and eat!!! Amazing he was straight up the tree, no ropes or nothing to the top and then hacked down the palm fruit and lowered it down, then climbed back down and started to chop up the fruit with a massive machette, amazing to watch. They use all of the fruit and skin to cook with. On our way to the handicraft place the equivalent of our Cambridge to Oxford Boat race was taking place on the river near Singburi so we stopped and watched. The locals found us westerners very amusing and were pointing at us, felt like being in the zoo!! At the handicraft place we met two lovely ladies and their families in their back garden where they made jewellry. We all had a go at making a bracelet from coconut circles, I was really proud of mine and I got a 9.5 out of 10 so you never know might take this up when I get home ha ha!!!
Back at camp for lunch, yep you guessed it more rice and noodles, but slimy noddles and vegs but hey Im surviving!!! Mr Ben took us to the local swimming pool, this was great, only us and about 5 other thai people in their, great to chill out and relax in the sun, tan hopefully will be back!!!!
Back at camp we all headed off to the local bar next door, Daniel who met in Aussie had told me about Sangson (Thai Rum) so thought well be rude not to try. Five half bottles later, me, Jane, Helen and Nicola were rather merry!! The rest of the crewe stuck to beer, so funny, Carol who 60yrs old said to me she had never danced on a table and would like to, so I was right hinny come on up ya get. There she was dancing on the tables in the makeshift bar, the locals thought funny!!! Headed off to bed about 1.30am think!!!
Luv always. xxxxxxxxxxx

26.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Yep more temples!!

2007-10-28T06:02:00.001-07:00

HIV Community
HIV Community
Wat Phrababt Temple
Buddah Foot Temple
Buddah Foot Imprint???
Stairway gorgeous!
Somdet Phra Narai National Museum
Monkeys
Monkeys living quarters!
Somdet Phra Narai National Museum
Hiya Guys
Today we headed out of Singburi to Lopburi province which appeared more affluent than Singburi from the buildings and shops. Arrived and traffic was really busy and we could see the ruins of buildings with lots and lots of monkeys around!! Michelle scared me cos she said one of the girls had been bitten by one badly and they grab everything so I was like, sos will go so far in but I aint walking near them!! Big Softy eh!!! They were like lightening running around and over the stalls.
Next onto the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, which was interesting and the buildings outside were the remaining ruins and you could imagine in its time these would have been rich and lavishly decorated.
Lunch at local restuarant and for a change we had choice of what we ate, ham salad, was lovely to have something plan and not with hot chillies and rice ha ha!! Think by time I get back I wont want to see rice again!!! Then headed off to see apparently the Buddah's foot imprint which was in a very lavish temple with three stair cases running up to it. I did my fortune using sticks and apparently according to Mr Ben's translation everything is good for the future so thats good eh!!
This afternoon we headed out towards the country and mountains to visit the Aids Temple, Wat Phrabaht Namphu and Wat Phraputhabaht temple. This was a real moving place. It was a community that had shops, living areas, hospital wards and doctors and nurses to look after HIV+ people. There were men and women and families all living there and there was a museum where those who have died have donated their bodies for research and to be mummified so others can see this dreadful disease. We all made donations too and I felt good that I could help just a little. Shame they were so far away from other communities but I suppose with the prejudice about the disease they have at least some safe haven to live out rest of their lives.
Afterwards headed to restaurant again for dinner, eeee honest wasnt that nice at all, whole fish on plate which did not appeal to me at all and this curry dish that honest looked like vomit, so it was bit of rice for me and when got back to camp raided our goodie draw ha ha!!!
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

25.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - More Temples!!

2007-10-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Carol,Elaine, Helen, Nicola, Jane n Me at the bar!!
Bang Rachan monument
How big!!!!
Lying down Buddah
Thai massage!!
Ow my shoulder!!!
Wax monk looks so real!!
Wat Phranonjuksri temple
Fat Buddah how big!!!
Wat Phranonjuksri temple
Beautiful Dragons
Wat Phikulthong Temple
Hiya Guys
Day 4 of introduction week and we headed off to see more temples!! Visited Wat Phikulthong Temple, Wat Phranonjuksri temple and Bang Rachan monument. The temples were really lovely and the architecture and stones used are just so rich and colourful. In the first temple there is a wax model of the Monk who founded this temple and the university for the community, this was so real, we all thought he was real and was bit spokey sitting there, have a look at his picture and see for yourself!! We saw some enourmous Buddahs and one really big fat one which I thought was cool!! Headed off next to see the Bang Rachan monument and museum, this is famous monument as it shows the heros of thai people who fort against Burmha in the many wars over lands and riches.
After lunch we headed back to camp to learn Thai massage. Elaine was our volunteer and the lady was amazing she pulled and pushed everywhere on her body and amazing strength. My shoulder still playing up bit so I asked is she could help. I tell ya what initially fine but when she started really pushing there was some pain and the girls said my face was picture ha ha!! But saying that touch wood its fine and been great since. Defo going for full massage when we hit the beach, be totally new woman ha ha!! Had chilled out night, apart from the mosquitos, by god they are pain in but and Ive got few bites sure dot to dot will be great when I finish in three weeks. Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

24.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Kaye cooks Thai!!

2007-10-25T06:30:00.001-07:00

Michelle,Me n Jane howling!!
Karaoke Queens
Local pool
Me n Jane tanning!!
Local fishing boat
Local villager preparing sweets
Village temple
Our river crossing transport
Me thai cooking!!
Hiya Everyone
This morning was our orientation walk around the village. Really really interesting to see the thai people in their own surrounding doing their everyday work, fishing, wood chopping, cooking for the family or just chilling outside their homes. We are on the river and walking along we passed some houses which were like shacks on stilts and then some which were more elaborate and made from brick!! They seem like very simple living people and everyone was so friendly smiling at us, the kids are on holiday from school so they were following us around, they must have all been thinking 'here we go next set of mad english volunteers'!!! We crossed the river on like a pulley boat to see the village temple, only one monk lives here but masses of buddahs to pray too!!! All along the road was wild chillies growing, fruit trees, coconut and banana trees. Back across the river and walked along to the local shop which had fresh produce to buy and what ever else you could want really so Im not as far away from civilisation as I thought. We passed the only public phone in the village which sometimes works so we will see ha ha!!!
Back at camp and thai cooking was on the agenda. Papaya Salad and Noodles and kale stirfry. Chillies are the order for the thai food and to be honest I hated chillies but Im gradually building up my resistance. It was great fun using large outside wok to fry everything, no meat for us cos we have a vegetarian and a girl allergic to nuts so our main meat source is soya meat or tofu!! Hey I might loose the weight Ive gained !!!! Next was our Thai lesson, this was so much fun, it seems great when you have it written down in front of you but about 10 mins later I had forgotton the lot!! Defo need to do some learning before head into the school but we seem to have plenty of free time so swotting it is!!
Swimming this afternoon in the local baths, really good to get in pool again and do few lengths then chill out in the nice sun reading the book, its a hard life. We went for dinner in town and had thai style bbq. This was gorgeous and again the chillies are getting eaten ha ha!!! Afterwards Mr Ben took us to the Singburi Palace Hotel singing lounge. Well there was three other people and us eight but we made the best of it and yep your right after a few bottles you couldnt get us to sit down!! Thai karaoke was fun for sure!!!

23.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Big Town visit!!

2007-10-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Singburi view from our truck!
Hiya Guys
Slept great first night, must have been the couple of shandies!!! Cold shower this morning, going to take bit of getting used to but got 3wks so sure by the end of it I'll be fine brrrrrrrrr!!! Weather great not too hot but hot enough, nice breeze too. Today we headed back into town for our orientation visit. June gave us a map not to scale but had the main shops and internet, post office, banks etc. Again we the only westerners I saw so thai people were looking but again if we just smiled they smiled back so felt good. Big department store which sells everything, smaller version of our Binns!! Prices are amazing here honest everything is so so cheap, I got a gillette lady razor and 3 blades for 350 baht (five quid!) Beach towel for same price!!! Bargins bargins galore. We stocked up on some snacks cos Im sure I aint gonna cope well with all the rice for sure!!! Back to camp and had some free chill time so read our Thai culture (Do and Dont's) Need to remember to use right hand only and not left when passing things, the monks are the hierarchy here along with the King then everyone else. Great to have the info just need to remember now! Getting old memory not that good ha ha!!!
After dinner we had Thai Movie with English subtitles, this was really good but confusing cos everyone looked the same!!! They were chopping heads off left right and centre, the kings fighting the other kings, there was a princess who gave her life for her people and a high consort who was a bitch totally!! Anway apparently it was a true story and big part of the thai history so at least we know bit more now.
Speak soon. xxxx

22.10.07 - Thailand, Singburi - Thai travel and movies!!!

2007-10-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

How little bless!!
Me thai dancing not!!
Crewe on Welcome night
Smoking Area - Jane, Michelle n Kim
Home for next 3 weeks
Micehelle, me and Kim n the luggage!!
The Public bus
Hiya Everyone
Set off today for Singburi we got mini van from the hotel with all our kit to the main bus station in Bangkok and hopped on the local bus to Singburi, our equivalent is the National Express. We were the only westerners on the bus and the thai people did look at us bit strange but they did smile!! On the bus we had courier who brought us round drinks and we watched a thai movie, well I didnt have a clue what was going on but made up my own story watching it and it was really strange with lady boys and thai boxing and karate happening in parts made me giggle!!! Arrived at Singburi and we piled into the back of an open air pick up truck with our luggage bit of a squash but great air conditioning!!! We are about 10km from Singburi itself out in the country.
Arrived at the camp, great outdoor seating area, tv and dvd. Shown to our rooms, which twin share with ensuite!! Yep defo posh this project, got two fans, cold showers and you cant put your loo roll down the loo!! Food is typical thai and lots of rice. We got our introduction to the program which sounds great lots to do and see and the teaching and then the beach for a week. Internet is round the corner at the end of the village and is about 30 bahts for an hour so less than 50pence!!! The staff did a welcome party for us on the night, well really it was one lady who danced in typical thai costume the others sat and watched!! Next door is the makeshift bar so we had to visit to see what it was like!! Only us in there and 50 bahts for a bottle of beer which has about three halfs in so hey hey we sorted!!!
Luv n hugs xxxxx

20.10.07 - 21.10.07 Thailand, Bangkok - Mad Traffic & Tut Tut!!!

2007-10-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

More Lady Boys!!
Lady Boys in Show!!
My new Tut Tut!!
Thai Crewe!!
Kohn San Road
Original thai massage instructions
Reclining Buddah - Huge!!
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
Me and thai tour guide
The Grand Palace
Hiya Guys
Well flight over from Sydney to Thailand was experience. I was on a Airbus, never been on one before but was really fab, sat in seat 44a - wing seat middle of this massive plane which I never thought would get off the ground. Flight was fab, food was fab, got everything you needed, loads of seat room cos no one sat next to me so I slept about fours hours, those tablets I have are great!!! (THANKS DAWN!) We had to fly to Brisbane then to Bangkok 9 hrs later arrived 6.30am their time so Im only 6 hours behind you guys now!!! After picking up my bags and going through customs hit this almighty crowd in the arrivals area. There were signs everywhere with peoples names but not mine!!! Walking along following the instructions to find 'Greenway' I was asked so many times 'taxi lady, taxi lady' I was like no no no no ahhh no!!! They never gave up! Half an hour later still couldnt find 'Greenway' so went to information desk, who paged them, waited waited still no one. So I rang the coordinator number after having to get change!!!! He was at home, didnt expect me till later so would I get taxi myself to the hotel!! Ahghhhh went outside and managed to weave through more taxi men to the public taxis and finally got to the hotel 8.30am!! Traffic was mad in Bangkok, tut tuts, motorbikes, scooters and cars, buses and lorries everywhere, horns going mad!!!
Hotel was canney but pool wasnt available due to maintainence work!! Room was good, air con and basic but really clean. Met rest of the group about 10am, there are 8 of us, all ladies, 3 younger than me in 30's couple same age as me and rest are older but not too old!! We set off for the Kings Palace which was amazing, the jewels and architecture of the buildings fab! Then onto the Jade Buddha and the Reclining Buddha and onto where thai massage was originated. Mr Ben is our tour guide his english is hard to understand and he is like a whippet out of the blocks, crossing the streets and leaving us stuck at the other side wondering how to get across the mad traffic ha ha! We took the free tut tut from the hotel, an experience in itself fun fun totally!!! Mr June (another tour guide)took us out for dinner(tea) to Kohn Son Road, first impressions was that it was really busy and lots to see and bargins galore to be had!! I expected Bangkok to be more dirty but it wasnt and not really muggy but maybe that was just me! Back to hotel for few shandies, 200 Bahts for jug of lager (64 bahts = 1 pound, cigarettes are 60 bahts defo great value for money think Im gonna enjoy spending here ha ha!
Next day we set off in two pink taxis to JJ Market, which was fab, lots of bargins to be had and outside was market stalls like I'd never seen for animals, there was a live cock fight going on, little rabbits dressed up in cages, every type of animal you could wish for your could buy and no westerns to be seen, me and Kim walked down one aisle and we thought, think we come the wrong way so quickly headed back out and into the other part of the outside market with clothes etc!! Bit hairy to say the least but we live and learn!! Went to jewellry store where we watched short video and then when we left there was one thai sales assistant to each of us and they chaperoned us around the store, mine was like glue couldnt loose her so I couldnt get good look, as soon as I stopped to look she was like, you try you buy. In the end I tried loosing her by walking fast through everyone around but when got to the gift shop at the back and picked up a bag, she was behind me again saying this is blah blah......!!!! I wanted to say'Leave me alone' but didnt dare so just walked out. The others were outside too and said the same mad how they follow you!! Night time we headed out to see Calypso show - lady boys!! I tell you what some of them were gorgeous and I mean I couldnt tell the difference unless looked closely at their necks for the adams apple or at their hands, but some were not that pretty to say the least!!!! Fab show though defo worth going to see. Back at hotel and we had few shandies before heading bed ready to leave tomorrow for Singburi!!
Luv and hugs xxxx

11.10.07 - 18.10.07 - Australia, Melbourne - Nicoles Haven!!!!

2007-10-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

View of Melbourne Skyline from Elwood
Elwood Beach front opposite side
Elwood Beach front
Val, Ducan n friends
Duncan, Me n Val
? (scottish guys brother), Nicole n Me
Lou, Sara n ? Scottish guy
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub!!
Sara and Lou
Me n Nicole
Nicole what a way to chill!!
Nicoles Balcony
Hiya Guys
Made it to Nicoles weds night, bit of luck at the airport they put me on an earlier flight sweet!!! Nicole's new apartment is lovely just like being at home, got my own room too!!! Mainly been chilling out, catching up on internet and putting on pics from my travels.
Went out on Saturday night with Nicole, met Sara and Lou in St Kilda, had cracking night and got home about 2.30am and did some drunken phone calls to back home, sos Lorraine and Sarah ha ha!! Set alarm for the Rugby as on at 5am but woke up 8am thinking ahhhhh!!! Checked BBC sport and GET IN we won, so chuffed!!!!!
Sunday afternoon I headed off to see Val Rutherford (emigrated here 3 yrs ago) Had lovely time, met all her family and friends and was so great to catch up on all the news and adventures we'd both had.
Got four more days to chill out, weather is better today (Monday) so gonna head down to the beach and chill with my book. Me and Nicole off to see Priscilla of the Desert Musical on Weds night should be fun!!.
Priscilla of the Desert was fab, costumes, scenery and script were all great, funny as at times couldnt believe the bus it was amazing and having a moving stage created the image of them moving along through the country. Defo worth a look if it comes to England.
Not sure when next be updating the blog but will defo try in Thailand when can. Take care and love and hugs to everyone. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

07.10.07 - 10.10.07 - Australia, Sydney - Old and New Wakeup Crewe

2007-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Love my beer!!
Tongues ahh!!
Two handfuls ha ha!!
'The boys!!'
Me n Carley
Me n Baxter (wont tell you what he just did smile says it all ha ha!!)
Me, Si, Baxter n Kemp
New Crewe!!
Carley n Simon
Hiya Everyone
Bit of headache this morning (Sunday)after the rugby!!! Chilled out did bit of internet and met up with Carley about 2pm we both needed hangover food so Hungry Jacks (Burger King) was our destiny. After walked down to Circular Quay so Carley could get some pics of the bridge and opera house, was shame was bit dull and we did have bit of rain. We headed over to the Rocks for the market and on the way was a massive tv screen reshowing the England game, we watched again and was still nervous at the end but cheered loudly even though we knew the score!!! Funny as!! Early night for me for sure!!!
Monday we headed down to the harbour and took the Thunder Jet, this was amazing and we got very wet, well I defo did for sure!!!!!!!!!!! Headed back to hostel and arranged to meet up with Lou and Sara, Kemp and Carley for food in Sidebar. Baxter, Simon, Adele and George came down. It was great to catch up with them all, cant believe the guys had bleached their hair not the best look for them!!!!!
Tuesday - Carley headed off for Perth today aww sad to say bye but she off to see her best mate Jo and sure she will have fab time. Headed for the post office I had so much stuff needed to go home in total 7.5Kg so fingers crossed the bag will be under 20Kg now ha ha!!! Last night for me in Sidebar and the old crewe showed up again. Lisa, Dan, Baxter and Simon had really good time and was hard to say bye to them but we all agreed will meet up when we all back from our travels and facebook defo helps to keep in touch!!!!! Heading to Melbourne tomorrow to stay with Nicole really looking forward to seeing her again.
Take care guys and hope life back home is good. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

06.10.07 - Australia, Sydney - England V Aussies Rugby

2007-10-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Luanne, Donna, Carley, Sara, Lou and Kemp!!
Englands top fan Donna!!
Come on England!!
Donna, Nancy, Carley and Kaye
The Crewe!!
Lets Trek TShirts on tour!!
Hiya Guys
So Im back in good old Sydney at the Wakeup Hostel again. Felt a bit like coming home ha ha!!! Carly and Donna, Lou and Sarah all staying here too for few days. The rest of the gang, Nancy, Kemp, Ana and Luanne all at the travel lodge. Chilled out when got in my lovely double room with ensuite totally luxury.
Met the rest of the guys and we went for Chinese which was gorgeous and enormous all for $8 (four quid!!) then we headed for Scruffy's to have few shandies and get ready for the big rugby match.
The place was canney packed but by the time the game was ready to rock it was heaving. The atmosphere was cracking and when we scored the roof lifted a bit and I thought great few pommies in here but when we got to the final minutes of the game the whistle went honestly I thought the roof was coming off!!!! We had fab night and so chuffed we beat the Aussies and was so good to be in Aussie land when we did it ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME ON ENGLAND, SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOTS!!!!!
Hope you all well and Im sure your all supporting the boys from back home too!!!

27.09.07 - Australia 42 day tour - MY BIRTHDAY - Airlie Beach

2007-10-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

The Morning After!
Time for Bed!!!
Birthday Kiss!!
Table Dancing!!
More Pics
More Drinking!!
More Dancing!!
Dancing!!!
Singing!!!
Sexy or wot!!!
Champagne lovely
Me n Nancy hoisting the sails!
Whitehaven beach
Carly, me n Ana in stinger suits attractive eh!!!
Ragamuffin Sailing Boat
The tent!!

Above is only a tiny selection of the pictures taken there were so many - My Facebook has many more!!!!

33 - MY BIRTHDAY BIG 40!!!!!!!!!!! - Aw the Girls had decorated my tent and filled it with ballons and decorated the trailer it was lovely. I got cards and pressies from Carly and Nancy awwxx They had made me a birthday sash too and got me a leia to wear whilst on the Ragamuffin Sailing day. We went to Whitesunday islands and to Whitehaven beach which was beautiful, drank along the way VB(victoria bitter), Champagne, smirnoff ice too!!! Got loads of lovely text and email messages from back home THANK YOU SO MUCH xxxxxxxxxx Back at camp and we all went to Chinese for meal. The guys had decorated the table and I had princess crown to wear along with birthday sash and some groovy illuminating glasses (see pics) we also had poppers and got card and birthday cheesecakes ha ha!!!. We hit the bars and couldnt believe it Chris another guy from Wakeup in Sydney was there and he and mates came with us for drinks. So many more drinks later along with a few shenaigans and sing song, I was ready for bed. Me and Nancy had to string all the ballons together before we could find our sleeping bags, funny as!! BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE MY BIRTHDAY ONE I WONT FORGET XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia, 42 day tour!! - Week 4

2007-10-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Me, Nancy n Carly Ellis Beach
Ellis beach the crewe
Me, Matt n Carly Ellis Beach
Fred our Mascot
Mater mater waterfall
Me n Joe n the Snake!!!
BIG n Hot Croc!!
Queensland Border
WEEK 4

25 - Cloncurry - Early rise again and passed over Queensland border, drove onto Mount Isa and then onto Cloncurry.

26 - Mount Surprise - Long long drive today, stopped at the largest made croc in Normanton and passed through Croydon onto Mount Surprise where we camped and you would have been proud of me, I felt and held a snake ahh!!!!!

27 - Ellis Beach - DJ today on the bus, called at Innit hotsprings, Mater mater waterfalls,large crater and onto a cheese and chocolate factory. Had to buy some cheesecake was gorgeous!!! Onto the large Fig Tree and finally arrived at Ellis Beach went for swim at 5pm water was luke warm and me, Matt and Carly did some body boarding which was great fun!!!! Drinks on the beach and few self portrait pics funny as!!!

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia 42 day tour!! Week 6

2007-10-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Fred eating again!!
Our tour guide Joe and Kemp!!
The gang !!!
Arrrha mi hearties!!!
Port Maguire
Port Maguire
My kissing dolphin aww!!
What a whopper!!
Big Prawn
Byron Bay viewpoint
Sunset at Byron Bay
Most Easterley point of Aus
Carly, Nancy and Me ferry to island
Moreton Island
Moreton Island
Moreton Island
Moreton Island
Horseriding again
Chilling at Mayella
WEEK 6

Day 34 & 35 - Baralaba - A little hungover but not too bad I sat in front to navigate and incase was gonna be ill ha ha!!! Went to McD's for brekky was just wot the doctor ordered for all of us!!!! Drove to Tropic of Capricorn and then to Rockhampton for lunch, few hours to kill so had walk around shops managed to get great cowboy hat that fits!!! Finally arrived at Mayella Farm Stay where we chilled on the night and next day we milked cows, fed chickens and went for a trail ride. Not as good as my Blazing Saddles ride but still good fun!! Chilled in hammock in the afternoon, defo decided want one of these so comfortable!! England won the rugby hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!

36 - Redcliffe - Long long long 720km drive today!!!!!!! Didnt get to camp till late so tents up and food then pack ready for Morton island. Met Matt's twin sister who another tour guide, funny as she talking to me and Carly and she said somat and we both went 'Sounded just like Matt!!'ha ha.

37 - Morton Island - 6am start yawn!!! Caught ferry across to island and were picked up in 2 4WD's then drove along the beach onto the sand roads with roadsigns was really cool and journey so fun with the bumps we left our seats so many times and made us giggle all the way!!! Drove out to Northern Point and Honeymoon Bay,boogie boarded in the sea, was glorious and not many people around. Then onto the Blue Lagoon which is fresh water lake on the island, it was hot hot hot, lovely chilled out day, few drinks on the night met load of young aussies good chatting to them. Next day had bit of lie in then we were back in the 4WD's to go sandboarding which looked great but with me having contacts not a good idea!!! Then we climbed highest sand due in world - Tempest, great view but bit overcast, back down to the beach for the ferry and drive to Byron Bay. Arrived late so had takeaway pizza (mine and Nancy cook duty) easy one!!!!

38 & 39 - Byron Bay - Up early today, my arm and shoulder really painful so decided to give surf lesson a miss shame but hey ho cant do everything!!! Off into town for some retail therapy and Carly and me did 'Ladies who lunch' inbetween the shopping ha ha!!! Joe picked us up and drove us to the most easterly point of Australia and saw another sunset across the bay, really cool!!

40 - Port Maquire - Drove past a big shrimp and big banana today, aussies love their big things in their towns!!! We went to Dolphin and Seal park where we got pics of being kissed by both aw!!!!!!! Set up camp and then headed into town for meal at seafood restaurant, back at camp went for couple of drinks down the beach good chill night.

41 - Barrington Tops - Nice late start today, had lovely walk along the beach and up to view points of Port Maquire, really beautiful again. The east coast for me had been really memorable. Got to Barrington outdoor adventure place and had chill afternoon writing some post cards and downloading pics, was lovely looking back. Me and Carly had such laugh brought back lots of great moments and memories aww!! Last night and fancy dress party arranged by Donna or party organiser. What a laugh pics are fab!!! Great way to end the tour for sure.

42 - Lie in again great, then up and drive back to Sydney. Great not having to say bye to everyone as most of us were staying on and meeting up that night for food and of course to watch the England V Australia rugby match. Me, Carly, Donna, Lou and Sara were staying at good old Wakeup and Luanne, Nancy, Ana and Kemp at the Travel Lodge.

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia 42 day tour - Week 5

2007-10-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

The gang n Dave!!
Water again!!
White Water Rafting
Luannes Birthday!!
Arrrhh!!!
Awwww again!!!
Awwww!!
Mission Beach bit overcast aw!
Josephine Falls
Cairns front
Snorkling !!
Part of the Great Barrier Reef
Me n Carly on Passions of Paradise
Me n Roxy!!!
WEEK 5

Day 28 & 29 - Cairns - Chill morning for us was fab not to have to be up and decamping didnt leave till 11am so managed to get some much needed laundry done!! Arrived at Cairns in a hostel hurray beds again for two nights luxury! I went horse riding with company called Blazing Saddles, was absoultely fab because I got to go on my own with Sam (english girl working there) and we trotted and cantered all over the cattle station. Managed to get lovely big bruise but hey was worth it totally. Night out at the Woolshed, cheap eats and few drinks all round, Carly broke her thong (flip flop) on our way to Gilligans, great place for backpackers, watched the Rugby - come on England!!!!! Next morning up early for our trip to great barrier reef. Passions of paradise was our boat and we had awesome day, snorkling and scuba was on the agenda. I couldnt believe I was there it was amazing!!! Nightmarket was great and I had a body massage for $15 which was much needed I was aching all over!!

30 & 31 - Mission Beach - Quick shopping in town where manage to get new top for my birthday and necklace to match (only 40 once ha ha)!! Drove to Josephine falls then onto Mission Beach to set up camp and 4 of the girls went off to do skydive onto the beach. We went to watch them land but the guy told us the wrong end of the beach so we saw them but not up close. Watched their DVD's which were fab!!! Next day was our white water rafting down the Tully river. Grade 3 and 4 rapids and waterfalls. This was fab really great day out, Donna and Luanne didnt enjoy at first but we all survived!!!! Meal at Scottys and had Kangaroo steak was delicious, I know sorry for eating skippy but needs must when in Aussieland.!!

32 - Airlie Beach - Luannes birthday 26th Sept and we went to the Billabong Sanctury where we got to cuddle a Koala and hug a Wombat, hold a croc, the pics are great!!! I know I ate Kangaroo night before but hey would do it again ha ha!!! carley kindly dyed my hair and gave me a quick trim, funny as doing it this time in the toilets and not in middle of the camp like in Utah!!! Out for drinks for Luanne, boogie on down in couple of the bars. Couldnt believe John who met at Wakeup was in the same bar - small world eh!!

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 -Australia, 42 day tour Week 4

2007-10-11T02:30:00.001-07:00

See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil!!!!
Bush Camp both crewes
Sunset Bush Camp
Joe and Matt - termite mounds??
Me n Carly after Skinny Dippin!!
Edith Falls
Yellow Water Cruise
Sunrise Yellow Water Cruise
Nourlangie Lookout
More Aboriginal Rock Art!
- Sunset Ubirr
- Aboriginal Rock Art!!
Kakadu National Park
Window of the Wetlands
WEEK 4

Day 21 & 22 - Kakadu - Drove to the jumping crocs, then onto the Wetlands window. Got to camp and much needed swim in the pool before setting off to climb Ubirr to see the rockart and the sunset!! Next day off to Nourlangie Art rocks which were really interesting to see and then climbed up to the lookout for a great all round view of the bushland!! Drove onto camp weather so hot much needed swim again in the pool before it was mine and Nancys cook duty, spag bol cant go wrong can you!! Chilled in the bar with a couple of shandies great way to end the day.

23 - Mataranka - Early start for the Yellow Water Cruise, saw great sunrise lots of birds and salt water crocs. Drove onto Edith Falls and then onto Mataranka where there were thermal pools. Annemaries birthday today so couple of drinks in the bar and then of course a bit of skinny dipping by a few was had ha ha!!

24 - Bush Camp - Back on the road driving back down the middle, through Daly Waters Pub again then in the middle of no where where we met Bockeys group and camped. Me and Carly shared an intimate moment with a shovel and some loo paper ha ha so funny!! Few shandies round the camp and lead to see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil (see the pic)

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia - 42 day tour !! Week 3

2007-10-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

More shenaigans, the limbo that didnt work ha ha!!
More drink and more dancing!
Dancing on the tables!!
Me in air guitar competition!!
New and old Crewe in Darwin
More shenaigans!!
Jagger shots all round shenaigans starting in Darwin
Darwin - Mindil Beach sunset (Best Yet!)
Big big croc!!
Cathedral Termite mounds
Carley's Mosquito Bites Ow!!
Wangi Falls
Wot crocs???
Florence Falls
Swimming at Buley Rock Holes
Katherine Gorge

WEEK 3

17 - Katherine - Cruise in the gorge was really lovely, then we swam at Buley Rock holes onto another bush camp with only a pit toilet (not nice smelling ha ha!!)

18 - Litchfield National Park - Visited Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, Wangi Falls where we swam in each of these and apparently after Wangi falls Joe our tour guide told me and Carly there were salt water crocs eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Onto Cathederal and Magnetic termite mounds these were amazing things to see, then onto see a farm that has large crocs cool!!!!

19 & 20 - Darwin - Really party place!!! Shenanigans was had by a few ha ha!!!Arrived and went to Midel Market to see sunset and next day was free day to explore, I had little bit of hangover so chilled out and did bit of sightseeing. Sad cos lost 4 of original group Karen, Isa, Val and Nell. Five new crew, Luanne, Lou, Sarah, Kemp and Ana who all joined the rest of us on the night and we went to Vics bar, where we ate cheap, drank and danced on the tables. Bonus for me was that I won the Air guitar Competition $50 bar tab hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia 42 day tour!!! Week 3

2007-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Trying to make some fire!!
Throwing the spear
Aboriginal painting
Yep Kangaroo tail - was yummy to eat!
Manyallaluk - me eating green ants yummy!!!
Me and Karen much needed refreshment!!!
Daley Waters - cool bar!
Watching the stars - "If I just lay here ....." (Song - Chasing cars)
- Sunset at Devils Marbles
How big are those boulders!!
Camping under devils marbles
- Wycliffe Wells
Iron Man!!

WEEK 3

Day 15 - Devils Marbles - Drove past Aileron large aboriginal statue, mango winery more booze, then we came to the alien centre of australia. Finally reached Devils Marbles lots and lots of large rocks in real weird shapes and formations. Here we saw another amazing sunset and slept out under the stars!!!!!!! Awesome!!!!! When you woke up all you saw was millions of twinkles above you!!!!!!

16 - Manyallaluk - Drove through Tennants Creek, Renners Springs and Daly waters and swam in Mataranka Bitterpools.Slept at Aboriginal community and next day had great cultural experience, we bush walked and ate green ants (good for stomach probs tasted like lemons) did aborginal painting, ate kangaroo tail, did basket weaving and learnt how to throw a spear. Awesome day!!!!!!!

26.08.07 - 06.10.07 - Australia - 42 day tour!!! Week 2

2007-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

A thorney devil
Which way to go in Alice Springs
Desert Park more wallabies!!
- Aboriginal dancers
- Aboriginal Cultural Day - Boomerang throwing!!
More of Kings Canyon
Garden of Eden inside Kings Canyon
Kings Canyons own rocking horse!!
Kings Canyon Rim Trail walk
Kings Canyon Sunrise, me, Joe and Isa
Mt Connor Lookout
Me, Joe, Annemarie and Donna Katajuta walk
Sunset at Katatjuta
Sunset at Katatjuta
Walking round Uluru
Sunrise at Uluru
Val, Carly, Nancy, Me, Karen and Isa enjoying the wine and cheese!!!
Sunset at Uluru
The crew at Uluru
Entering Northern Territory!!
Underground living!!!
Coober Pedy cool place!
Nancy and Gunter cook duty!
Our tents Mt Remarkable

WEEK 2

Day 8 - Mt Remarkable - Tents and campfire hurrah!!!! Wild wallabies and Emus

9 - Coober Pedy - Cool place people live underground - opal mining, slept in dugout was cool!!!

10 & 11 Uluru - Long long drive but totally worth it sunset with champagne and cheese then sunrise and hike around the famous rock!!!! Hot hot!! Katatjuta sunset too!!

12 - Kings Canyon - Another sunrise - amazing and fabulous rim hike hot hot and hotter!!!! Quadbiking - not my favourite thing but gave it a go prefer a horse!!!

13 & 14 Alice Springs - visited camel farm. Went for steak Bojangles was fab!! Next day visited aborignal cultural centre was amazing to find out about their history and traditions which still being carried on today.Then onto the Kangaroo rescue centre and then to Desert Park - wild animals and everthing from spiders to thorny devils really cool place but was hot hot hot!!!!

26.08.07 to 06.10.07 - Australia - 42 day Tour!!!! Week 1

2007-09-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Aboriginal Art in Adelaide
Me, Donna, Matt, Karen and Carly having fun in Glenelg!!!
Sunset Glenelg Bay
Kay's Brothers Winery!!
Big Lobster on way to Adelaide!!
Lochard Gorge
- The 12 Apostles
- Yes you guessed Im in Ramsay Street
Recognise this house???
- Me and Mr Nice!!(Neighbours actor)
The Trek Crewe!!
'Cow up a tree' - Art in Melbourne!!!
- Melbourne - Tallest building!!
-Joe's bus decor!!
- Canberra
Hiya Everyone
Sooo sorry taken while to update the blog but its been a whirlwind tour and never seemed to find lots of time to spend on the internet. Well its all over now and Im Ive been back in Sydney for few days then headed to Melbourne to stay with my friend Nicole and hopefully to catch up with my friend Val (who used to work for PCT).
Right this is the 42 day trip week by week and have added a selection of pictures from each place.
The first crewe were Joe and Matt our tour guides, Me, Nancy, Carly, Donna, Karen, Isa, Nell, Val, Gunter, Monica, Inga and Annemarie to Darwin
The second crew was Joe and Matt our tour guides (Matt left us in Cairns!) Me, Nancy, Carly, Donna, Luanne, Sarah, Lou, Ana, Kemp, Monica, Gunter and Annemarie

WEEK 1

Day 1 - Canberra - visited the sights (this was a really sad day due to a tragic accident, and unfortunately we lost Inga our thoughts were with her family and friends so much that night xxxx)

2 - Lakes Enterance - hit the beach for the first time was bit cold!!

3& 4 Melbourne - 2 nights in hotel and rode the tram to see the sights did Neighbours tour!!

5 - Port Campbell - Fabulous drive up the coast road and saw many natural sights but the 12 Apostles amazing!!

6 - Robe - Saw Tower Hill Reserve wild kangaroos and koalas, visited Mt Gambia

7 - Adelaide - Whilst on our way was the winerys nice free samples ha ha we stayed just outside of Adelaide and saw lovely sunset in Glenelg

23.08.2007 - 26.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - Last few days!!!

2007-08-31T04:33:00.000-07:00

Me, Dan and Lisa
Me, Lisa, Dan and Sarah (not sure who other guy is??)
Hiya Guys
What a last few days in Sydney with the Wake up Gang. We had a blast, few drinks as usually and a few more on my last night. Managed to get some pics to put on also Lisa (from Ireland) has some of them so when she emails them will be able to put them on too. Really sad to say bye but Ive got their mobiles so when Im back in Sydney on 6th October we are all gonna meet up and have a few more drinks!!! Surprise surprise eh!!!
Luv and hugs to everyone, thanks for the posts from Glenys, pleased you got your card, Anne Y - hope the new job goes well and finally

22.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - Blue Mountains!!!!

2007-08-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

- What we should be seeing!!
This is what we got!!
Look at that view!!
Yet more Mist again!!
Yep you guessed more mist!!
- My kinda shop!!
Hiya Guys
Thanks to Sarah, Julie, our Kelly and Elizabeth for your last comments, great to hear from you all.
So after our mad night in sidebar a few of us had arranged to get out of Sydney for the day and head off to the famous Blue Mountains, approx 2 hours away by train. 9am bit of bad head and Gaz who was also feeling worse for wear made it up, Baxter and John opted for their bed!!!!! Said bye to Steph before heading out she flew later that day. We got to the train and tried to sleep but we had four german girls talking constantly!! When we got off the train the cold hit us along with the wet and mist!!!!! I just kept laughing and saying well what can we do about the weather, eh we had all this time and we pick today of all days to head up here to see the famous scenery!! We jumped on our hop on hop off explorer bus but to be honest we couldnt really see anything out of the windows cos of the mist. Hot lunch was in need and the pub beckoned!!! Back on the hop on hop off bus and our plan to try and see some of the sights was made over lunch. We managed to see a little bit not that the pics show that but saving grace for me was a Xmas Shop in Leura!!! Worth the whole trip ha ha!!! Anyway decided when I get back to Sydney Im gonna try and head up there again to see them again!!!
Take care for now and sending luvs and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

21.08.2008 - Australia, Sydney - Sidebar night out!!

2007-08-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

'Help!!'
Fiona & Rosalyn - new candidates for 'So you think you can dance!!'
- More candidates!!
Alcohol Kicked in!!
Me n Scottish John
Baxter and Gaz 'The floor dance!!'
Declan enjoying the singer!!
Gaz, Steph, Fiona and Rosalyn
The Wakeup Crewe!!
Hiya Everyone
Few pics from our mad night in Sidebar, few of the crewe moving on this week so we getting smaller but had great night before many of them left for pastures new. Sure you agree good night was had by all!!!! xxx

17.08.2007 - 21.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - Still Here!!!!!!

2007-08-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

- Baxter, Declan and Rowan(drunken night out again!!)
Hiya Guys
Hows things going back there????????? Well Im still in Sydney, not done alot since last post apart from socialise and had couple of bad hangover days!!!! Liver is defo taking a bit of toll need to try (notice I say try) to stay off the alcohol for while. ha ha!!! Rang my mam and Loz the other night rather drunk, bet they laughed so much about what I was saying!!!
Went back to Manly beach with Karen, Gaz, Baxter and John we sat on the beach but it was canney cold!!!! Karen left next day to do tour up east coast she txt me to say its going good, hope it still good Karen???
Steph arrived last night lovely to catch up with her news from the Yoga retreat, so funny some of the stories she telling me, went out and she had meat for the first time in 3 weeks!!!!!!
Looking forward to starting my own tour on Sunday 26th August, new group for 42 days!!!! Had message from someone re having trouble with leaving comment, you didnt leave name so not sure who to email to let you know what to do!!!!
Take care and catch up soon. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

14.08.2007- 16.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - Still Exploring and yep drinking!!

2007-08-13T21:24:00.001-07:00

- My transport for the harbour tour
- Watson's Bay
The Gap - Apparently a famous suicide spot in Sydney!!
- Had to travel in this to top of the Zoo, height fears faced yet again!!!
- Feeling the affects!!
-Long lost relative??
-How did they get there???
Joadie and Baxter booze kicking in!!
Karen feeling the affects!! Gaz supporting!!!
Me, Jodie, Karen, Gaz, Andy and Lisa
Heights again!! Worth the view from Skytower
-View from the SkyTower
Hiya Guys
Well its now Tuesday and been few days since I updated the blog. Since then Ive been up the Sydney Tower and done the Skytech experienc, which left me feeling bit sickly!!! Ive explore and found all the great shops in Sydney, with a little help from my flexible friend ha ha. Chilled out in the Botanical Gardens with the sun shining down. Ive had a few nights out in the Sidebar, with girls and guys met in the Hostel. Ive caught up with Nicole again when shes jetted back from Melbourne. Ive had a couple of hangovers too from those nights out so chilled out in my room, so pleased I have tv in there so can just lie and recover!!!!!!!!!! Some of the girls and guys met in the hostel moved out last night to Bondi beach to house so they gonna text me and Im going to go over and they gonna cook for me which should be great. Took a boat around the harbour and stopped off at Toronga Zoo and Watsos Bay all which was really lovely to see. Steph who I met on the New Zealand tour is coming back to Sydney on Monday 20th so we gonna meet up and have couple of days before she heads back to USA.
Finally Halifax have sorted out my fraud problem and its all steam ahead again and BIG THANK YOU to Lorraine for perservering with the phone calls and paper work and to Mam and Dennis who have just told me theyve sent my picture card to Fuji and theres a CD on the way to them with 2895 photos on that I thought Id lost in Nelson New Zealand.
Didnt realise how hard it is when you travelling and you have problems here but then when you get to hear about bad news from back home it does make me feel miles away from everyone and you think wouldnt it be nice to be back home for your family and friends but you know you cant so Im sending love to Lins, Duc and her Mam in Florida, Pamela and Richard hope things getting better, our Elaine and family, Stephen and Mags and Aunty Abigal and family back home in UK.
Ive added most recent pics. Take care all and catch up soon. xxxxxxxx

09.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - What Ive been up too!!

2007-08-08T18:32:00.001-07:00

Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Opera House

Gud Day to ya all!!!
Well guys what have I been up to here in Sydney, hopefully youve seen the pics of some of my adventures and the ones from New Zealand. I arrived on Monday 30th July flight was 3 hours delayed but eventually got to Sydney Wake up hostel. Really nice hostel with lovely room and ensuite too!!! Steph from my New Zealand tour came and crashed for couple of days before she set off for her Yoga retreat for 3 weeks.
On Tuesday we set off for Bondi beach and took the coastal walk along to Cogee beach which was really lovely and weather nice too, not too hot but for their winter not bad at all and after New Zealand defo warmer for us. I met Nicole on the night for drinks and dinner, she took me to Circular Quay and the Opera House Bar for drinks where we caught up on all the gossip and could gaze at the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge all light up really weird cos Id just seen on the Tv but here I was right there infront of them!!!!

Wednesday set off to find the two embasseys for my visas, Indian and Thailand, about 30 mins walk away was chuffed to find them easily. Have to go back though cos can only lodge applications am and collect visas pm and gonna take 14 days for Indian visa and have to wait till Oct to get Thailand visa but hey ho got time in Sydney before tour so chuffed about that. Feeling bit crappy today, got crap cold and been to get meds good old beechams cold and flu so hope helps to shift it. Met Nicole and her friends for drinks at Martin Place (posh business area)on the night time, had really good time and few bevvies followed!!!

Thursday headed down to Circular Quay to meet Nicole to go to Manly to see her friend Jen who due to have baby soon. Ferry ride was great, got big choppy and Nicole bit twitchy, reminded me of when we were on the boat in San Fransisco ha ha!! Had lovely lunch with girls in place which overlook Freshwater beach really lovely, me and Nicole had walk along Manly beach and quick look in the shops before heading back. Chilled out on the night, cold still being pain, but now got cough which really irritating and not letting me sleep!!!

Friday Raining today, didnt get much sleep last night cos of this cough so decided to head up to Indian Embassay to sit in queue and hand in application and passport, weird how you hate letting go of your passport but needs must!!! Headed back and did some emails at internet cafe then headed down to the SideBar of the hostel and met lady who teacher and two guys travelling the world too, cough still pain, but eased after couple of drinks ha ha!!!

Saturday headed down to Darling Harbour big boat show this week, wow I need a millionaire for sure if I want a helicopter and now one of these fab boats!!! Had look around the maritime museum, the endeavour and navy boat and sub around didnt go on but got pics for you Dennis and Daniel sure you will appreciate them!! Chilled out on the night met two lovely girls from Ireland, cold getting slightly better but the cough still driving me insane, got some cough medicine fingers crossed will help !!!

Sunday headed down to 'The Rocks' this is a great area and had fabulous outdoor market with loads of different stalls and guess what a Xmas stall!!!! Yep spent about half an hour there and managed to get lovely decoration, defo gonna need two xmas trees come 2008!!! Feeling bit fed up cos not got my cash card yet so treat myself to dinner by the Opera House on the credit card!!!! Walked through the Botanical Gardens which was really nice to see, so green and lush then onto the NSW Art Gallery. I know me in an art Gallery but really enjoyed it and it was free, there were pictures from all round the world and great aboriginal section. Chilled out on the night cough really getting me down cos cant seem to shift it!!!

Monday up later than usual had hard time sleeping again!!! Hurrah my cash card came today so Im a woman of means again!!!! So headed out to Darling Harbour to visit the Aquarium and Wildlife centre. Treat myself to lunch on Pier 29 which was really lovely to sit outside and watch all the boats and people in the glorious sunshine. Cold clearing up but cough still there!!!!!!!

Tuesday - woke up and felt really crappy today, think cos not been really sleeping cos of cough so ventured to chemist who prescribed me stronger medicine fingers crossed this helps, headed back to room and chilled out for the day.

Wednesday woke up feeling much better but had really thick head, thought walk will do me good. Headed down to the trendy shope area in Market Street. Everyone here must be size 00 and only 4ft tall with no boobs!!! Nightmare to try and find anything to fit!!! Headed back after couple of hours cos started to feel bit dizzy think its the medicine kicking in so slept for couple of hours and felt much better when woke up. Headed down to side bar and had food and met Kirstie and her boyfriend for couple of drinks which enjoyed. Theyve got jobs here and move to their own place couple of weeks so they dead excited, defo wish Id been younger cos think would have loved to have been here for a year and worked!!!!

Thursday today woke up and feel like me again hurrah!!!! Medicine defo done the trick!!!! Thought right get internet sorted few pics on the blog for you all to see and what Ive been up to. Going to go up Sydney Tower today and think will treat myself to hair cut and colour, grey is creeping through!!!!

Well hope you all well and look forward to hearing from you all soon. Luv and hugs to everyone back there and hope the floods easing now and fingers crossed that foot and mouth doesnt head up north again!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

01.08.2007 - 09.08.2007 - Australia, Sydney - Gud Day 2 ya!!!!

2007-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

- Steph off on her travels to Yoga retreat!!
Bondi Beach Wall - Future idea for work!!!
-Bondi Beach Wall again!!
-Bondi beach!
Manly Beach
- Opera House beautiful sight!
Me and Nicole on Manly Ferry
Sydney Harbour Bridge!!
- Darling Harbour - Boat Show
Just for Dennis and Daniel!!
Shark!!!!
- More Sharks!!!!!
- Under the sea!!!
- Baby Kangaroo aww!!!
- My Koala aww!!!

31.07.2007 - New Zealand - More Pics from tour!!

2007-08-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

- Waterfall in Bay of Islands - how much water!!!
- Us in the thermal pools nr Taupo

Hiya Guys
Sos thought I could download some more pics from my CD from Lockey but for some reason can only get these two on, must be the high pixels he's taken them on but never mind you can see them when I get home.
Take care though and enjoy pics. xxx

31.07.2007 - New Zealand - Pictures as promised!

2007-08-08T03:57:00.000-07:00

Milford Sound (one of many)
- Road driving to Milford Sound
Mirror Lakes on way to Milford Sound
- Lord of the Rings ride - the cause of my jolted neck!!!
- Alison, Julia, Fiona and Me our first ski lesson!!
- Road down into Queenstown - bit hairy!!!
View on way to Queenstown
Franz Josef Hostel
- Hostel in Franz Josef
Sanz Josef Glacier

- Pancake Rocks
Punakikai sunset
- My Auditon for Olympic skating!!
- Arthurs Pass
- coastal view

31.07.2007 - New Zealand - Few Pics for now more to follow!!!

2007-08-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

- View from beach national park Nelson
- Me and Fiona sea kayaking like the hats!!!!
- Sunset Nelson
- Celebrations cos we didnt flip!!
- Us hitting the bottom of the 7ft waterfall!!
- Us rafting the 7ft waterfall!!(me second row)

29.07.2007 - New Zealand, Mt Cook - At the end!!!!

2007-07-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hiya Guys
Sos been while again to do diary but finally getting chance now. So last time I left you I was off to explore Kaikoura in South Island. Woke up to that fab view of the sea and mountains, bit cloudy today but off for coastal walk 2 hours, was really nice but cold wind, great views and great pictures (promise on blog soon). Alison and Fiona went whale watching and saw 6 photos were fab, so when get them will pop them on the blog too. Drove to Christchurch on afternoon, not too bad arrived at YHA hostel which really nice and few drinks and meal out tonight, Thai food which was really lovely, starting to get a taste for this so think when get to Thailand should be expert in what to eat ha ha!!!

Not too much of bad head this morning after me and Alison managed to drink all our beers (24 case eeeee!!!) Picked up two new group members today, Dorothy and Ben from Paris really nice couple. So off to Punakaiki today. On the way stopped off another waterfall, sure Lockey is obsessed with us seeing every waterfall in NZealand ha ha!!! Drove further up the coast road which was really scenic and arrived our hostel on the beach. This is one of the most lovelest places Ive stayed in New Zealand, me and Alison chilled out on the balcony watching the sun go down and having of course few beers, well you know it has to be done!!!!! Went up to the Pancake rocks which were really unusually formed like layers of pancakes on top of each other with the waves crashing in on them was really lovely to see.

Next day up early again packed bus and set off for Hokitika, chance for two hour walk or shopping, I choose the latter, feeling bit tired and in need of bit retail therapy. Terry was queueing for the new Harry Potter Book - mad mad mad fan, and in this little town there was a queue outside the only book store, was funny to see all the kids dressed up too!!!! Walked down to the beach with Alison it was so pretty and quiet, found some fab stones and drift wood. You know me and my collection of rocks!!!! Set off for Franz Josef and on the way was a great walk with 360 degree views of the south mountain range. I tell you what steps wasnt in it, me and Julia and Fiona were at the back and cursing as we went up and up and up and up!!!! View was great though and worth the climb, Lockey so funny said to us only few steps up we were like, oh yeah wait till we get back!!!!! He just laughed at us!!!! Arrived tea time at Franz Josef at this cool hostel, had a "Luv Shack", hot tub and fab verander with hammock to chill out, weather nice too, still cold but sunny.

Morning up and out to do my walk up to the Glacier Valley, I didnt do the hike cos Lockey said with my fear of heights might not be good idea as I might freak with the height of the glaciers and walking over or through them so it was the good old feet for me. Met three guys on the shuttle bus and can you believe one of them was from Newton Aycliffe (what a small world eh!!) There were in the army and on exchange programme. Walked with them up to the Glacier and then I took the Callery Waiho walk back on my own - 3 half hours later and two suspension bridges arrived back at Franz Josef village. Really pretty walk and really enjoyed some me time on my own. Chilled out for the rest of the day and did laundry and internet. Managed to get insurance to go skiing in Queenstown for me and Alison so really looking forward to that.

Off next day early start again to Queestown, we drove over Arthurs pass which had fab scenery and stopped off at points, we were in snow!!!!! Sledged down hill on cardboard which was good fun, snowball fights broke out along the way too!! Lockey had cracking shot and hit Alex on the head so funny had to be there though!! Frozen lake on the way we all out on it sliding around was so cool, few cracks appeared and some of us made a run for it!!! Lockey made me sit right at the front for the drive down into Queenstown, talk about twists and turns on narrow roads, my heart was in my mouth couple of times!!!!! Defo fear of heights is getting better I think!! Arrived in Queenstown, which looks cool and happening place, snow in the mountains and went to Pig and Whistle for some homely grub, pie peas gravy and chips, was fab with couple of beers to wash it down. Me, Alison, Julia, Fiona and Terry headed on to another bar for few more drinks and so funny Fiona not had drink and she was the one who fell over in the bar!!!!! Tuesday 24th Skiing today, felt really weird with boots on and ski's, had lesson and really enjoyed it, didnt fall over until after lunch when back on slope for lesson 2, enjoyed it but dont think its a sport for me, for one too expensive and I hated getting knocked over by others who couldnt stop!!! Alison is hooked, sure we will see her soon in the olympics, watch out for little un!!!! Tonight bit of disaster, found out someone managed to scan my cash card and took 1500.00 out of my account little sh*** eh!!!!!!!!! Bless Lorraine in England my saviour and helped to get sorted out with the bank, fingers crossed will get back but take about 3 weeks so not got cash card, Fiona helped me out bless her. So night out for us to -5 bar which was really cool, bar made of ice with sculputures, had to wear coat, gloves and booties only allowed in half an hour cos of coldness, but really pleased we went in and got drink with price !!!!. Off to more bars, with more drink and dancing!!!! Eventually wobbled home at about 3.30am happy!!!

Next day bit of bad head but lie in and full breaky made for us from Lockey. THANK YOU!! Horse riding today, raining but hopefully will help to clear the hangover!! Travelling up to the valley, I felt so sickly even though sat infront of the van but managed to keep it in!!! Ride was great we saw places where Lord of the Rings was filmed and the guide was really great and told us loads of info about the making of the film and we had two of the horses who appeared in the film and she told us the secret about the Orkes!! Did you know they were really all women dressed with padded suits and they carried those large shields and spears!!!! Power to us girls eh!!!! My horse was really strong and going down this hill decided he would jump down instead of step, yep guess what jolted my neck ahhh!!! Third bad luck thing I hope. Early night for me with hot bottle on neck and bed.

Next day up early, 6.45am left on big tour bus for Milford Sound, five hour drive and two hour boat cruise on the fjord. Really long day, but worth it for the scenery and views of dolphins in the sea!!! Back about 7.30pm, few of us started to get bus rage near the end we just wanted to be back!!!! Last day in Queenstown so I popped into town to post some stuff back home, quick email check and then off to Arrowtown to pan for gold. We didnt find any like shame !!! Went up on the Gondola, this is a small lift for four people which goes up the side of the mountain to give great views at the top. Well you can imagine me, Lockey so cruel got in my lift and I was cursing somat rotten, eyes shut most of the way but managed it, had to come back down too like!!!! Saw some guys bunjee from the top of this, I felt physically sick and had to leave really strange cos watched bunjee at Lake Tapo but think cos I was on the ground much easier. Headed back down with Terry and Fiona and still had to shut eyes so far down!!!!

Off to Mount Cook today - 28th July - really remote place with highest mountain in New Zealand, fabulous views again and a lake so blue and more glaciers to see!!! On the way called at salmon farm for fresh salmon for dinner tonight, we fed them then half an hour later they were ready for us to take!!!!! Tasted great!!!!!

Last day of tour today, back to Christchurch felt like forever to get back but finally there. Chilled out and in hotel for the night, managed to sneak Steph into mine and Julias room so she can fly out to Sydney with me tomorrow. Went out for Indian food really different to ours back home but still nice was craving nan bread!!! Fly to Sydney 30th July so will check in with you guys when get there and promise try and get pics downloaded too.

Luv and hugs to everyone and send me your news. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

18.07.2007 - New Zealand North and South Islands - Thermals at the ready!!!!

2007-07-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

Hiya Guys
Sorry been while since Ive posted what Ive been up to but hard to get to internet when on tour and hostels so busy and sometimes expensive for time. Anyway what have I been up too?????????

Arrived on 8th July and Kara and Emily - Kiwi's from America tour met me from the airport bless them, had lovely day catching up with them and meeting family and Karas's two little dogs, lovely walk along the beach, tried not to sleep cos lost full night and day so wanted to make sure slept night at hotel before the trip.

Set off on the 9th July on our trip, met group there is 10 of us including Lockey tour guide. There is Alison, english girl travelling the world too, Julia, Katherine, Caroline, Terry, Fiona all english, Stephanie and Alex (only guy)american and we have two french joining us in Christchurch later on the trip. All really nice and we getting on well. We had two days in the Bay Islands and cos its winter here knew weather would be bad but didnt expect what we got, there was storms and a state of emergency was called while we were there, unbelievable floods everywhere and bit hairy in the hostel with the trees and wind blowing a gale, but we survived and headed out on the only road open to Waitomo. Here we visited the caves and saw the glow worms who live there, was like lots of small green xmas lights everywhere. We then went on night walk which was so funny, Julia and Steph were really scared in the bush walk, so funny, saw more glow worms and caves with unusual features. The night sky was amazing to see all the stars and we even managed to see a shooting star!!!

Next day we drove to Rotorua and visited the Maori Arts Museum with thermal area and geysers, reminded me of Yellowstone National Park but still nice to see but smell just as bad, smelly socks defo!!!!!! On the afternoon, me, Fiona, Katherine and Lockey went white water rafting. This was really brilliant we went over the largest water fall, 7ft high and other smaller ones, the river is classed as a 5 which is the highest for rafting allowed!!! There were 14 rapids too, this was amazing and the pictures coming down the waterfall and parts of the river are just fab cant wait to show you them!!! Night time we went to a traditional Hangi concert and dinner which showed us the New Zealand culture and song and dance, great night and great food. (Chocolate log was gorgeous!!)

Next day we set off for Lake Taupo and on the way Lockey took us to a thermal pool where we all went in swimming, was lovely and hot and relaxing only thing missing was the bottle of beer or wine to go with it ha ha!!! Then we hit 'Rocking Ropes' dont ask me how but I got talked into doing a 45ft high platform swing. Most of you know I hate heights and I was harnessed up and shaking at the bottom, climbed up the pole and so far to the top I honestly could have cried, infact when got to platform and it was swaying I did cry and was hyperventilating (dont you lot laugh!!!. Caroline came up too and held my hand - thanks to her!!!! Well it was jump time and I just shut my eyes and when the guy shouted 1,2,3 jump went for it, I couldnt believe how much I felt I was stuck in mid air and then a big jolt and the swing swang across the area. All the group cheered at me and shouted at me to open my eyes - I did give them a few choice words but then opened eyes and felt great for doing it, but not sure if ready to do bunjee ha ha!!!!!!!!!! Visited Huka Falls later on that afternoon and walked by the river to town, needed to buy new boots cos mine leaking like mad, well not mine really borrowed off Farrah (drama group member) 6 years ago and never got them back to her!!!!!!!! Cold too so bought thick pair of trousers and thermal socks. Drove up to Mt Ruapehu, hostel was cold like we ended up in our sleeping bags and blankets too!!!!

Big Hike today between the mountains, was really cold and frosty but walking we got warmer and warmer, so stripped off the layers. Hard work but fabulous scenery, saw the volcano where they filmed Lord of the rings!!! Can see why they filmed them all here too the scenery is so changing and great to adapt for the films.
Next day set off for Wellington, long drive got to the hostel, which was more like a hotel and had a chill afternoon, so laundry sorted and visited local museum. Really interactive fun place could have spent more time but had to be back to cook. Went for couple of drinks in Irish bar, really liked this place pity didnt have more time to explore but sure will be back cos Terry lives here now and said would come back to visit, you know me more free beds!!! ha ha

Up early for the ferry across to the south island, beautiful crossing, usually can be rough but we had fab one. Watch Shrek 3 too in the cinema with Terry passed couple of hours, on getting to South island the scenery changed again was beautiful and can see why they say the South is the prettier island. Drove to Nelson, this is Lockys home town and got to hostel, had free afternoon so thought would hit the internet cafe and do the blog and pictures!!! What a big mistake, the guy there said I could use my xd card in the sd reader, AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It scrambled it and now I cant get any of my pics off, so really sos, no pics of the above till I can hopefully get an expert place to try and unscramble if they can. Cried like a baby was so sad on Monday night but hey ho chin up and emailed the gang from america trip and some going to send me cd with theirs so at least will have some. It learnt me though no way will I put my xd card again, will use camera everytime. So plea out to Trish, Yvonne, Lindsay and Sharon and Peggy to send me any pics from Canada, Winston Salem, Jacksonville Florida and Memphis and Hawaii!!!!!!!!! Poor Lockey when he checked on his computer and we then check my CD which thought had backed up but was blank I just cried and bless the rest of the group were so brill and supported me. BIG THANKS TO FIONA AND ALISON XXXXXXXXXXX Rang my Mam bless and her and Dennis trying to get intouch with fuji to see what we can do. BIG THANKS TOO XXXXXXXX
So onwards and upwards cos had trip booked next day to do Kayaking in the sea and costal walk in national park with a water taxi out and back. This was lovely day and really hard work on the sea cos wind was up but me and Fiona managed to get to where we needed to be and it wasnt too cold. ha ha!!!! Night out for the gang too, headed for Sharkys bar with great deal 4 beers and shooter for $13 cant be robbed. How funny it was that the oldies (Me, Alison, Lockey and Fiona) were the only ones left towards the end of the night. A couple of vodkas and coke later and we set off home and we had the giggles so much when we came out, Alison ended up in the construction site posing in the trucks for pictures, I nearly wet myself laughing, it was so funny!!!! When we got back to the hostel, Steph said we were like teenagers laughing in the room!!! EEEE what am I like, showing bad example to the young ones!!

Had bit of lie in today lovely didnt get up till 9.15am, shoulders sore from kayak but no bad head thank goodness. Decided to head out for breakfast cos not setting off till 12.30noon so had, eggs, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms and toast and fresh orange, which was the best Ive ever had!!!!! Set off for Kaikoura four hours to drive, passed the seal colony on the way, they looked so cute but great to see in own natural habitat. Short walk to another waterfall, which was cool to see. Arrived at hostel and our room has the most fab view of the sea, mountains and snow on the tops. So promise pics taken and will try and get them on the blog soon.

Lovley to get your comments on hawaii pics check out what I said back by clicking on that page. Off to explore Kaikoura tomorrow so will check in with you guys later in the week.
Love and hugs to everyone. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

04.07.2007 - America, Hawaii, Oahu - Independance Day!!!!!!!

2007-07-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

- Fireworks (sorry wrong way round)
- Peggy and Me - Yep drinking again!!!!
- sun set Cruise!!!
- Gorgeous beach (like the new hat!!!)
- the Screamer!!!
- Peggy and Me on the Screamer
- One of the views from our hotel room (14th Floor)!!!
- The original funnel of the Arizona ship
Inside the Arizona Memorial
- Pearl Harbour
- One of many pictures of the show
- Me with Mr Right ha ha!!
- Canoe Padgent
- Tonga (Korean Guy was so funny!!)
- New Zealand Village
Aloha Guys
Hows things back there in rainy England, everyone keeps telling me about the crappy weather your all having so sorry Ive got sunshine and blue skies, but just to make you all feel better I leave on sunday and head to -2" in New Zealand, thermals will be back out and new coat will be first purchase ha ha!!!
Anyway back to Oahu and my days since my last post. What havent me and Peggy done wow!! Saturday 30th we went to the Polynesian Cultural Centre which was fabulous and had meal and the show was just really pretty to watch, the costumes are so gorgeous. Whats really good about this place is that all the people who attend here have been studying at the university here and to pay back their student loans they work here for a year or two and then move onto jobs. Also they are all from the islands that are represented which is even better cos they are learning about their own culture and keeping it alive to pass onto others well worth a visit if you ever here this is one tour not to miss.
Sunday 1st July we headed up to Pearl Harbour and the famous Flea market. The Arizona Memorial is a really special place and when you see the film and names listed of all those that died it really touches you. Flea market was great and we got few bargins, yep I was that tourist and bought tacky too, got a coconut that is a postcard and other stuff. Mam another box heading to you after today with more of my goodies in and xmas decorations, honest think will need three trees by xmas 2008. ha ha!!!!!!!!!!
Monday 2nd July we chilled out but then went for a boat ride on 'The Screamer' yep exactly what happened this was so exhilerating (sos spelling not good) we got so wet but had such great fun and laugh and scream was amazing 45mins of pure pure speed and turns and fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Found really great bar, yes I know me and booze again!!! Its Nashville bar - country and western, Sean, Joyce you would love it!!!
Tuesday 3rd July, poor Peggy not too well so she stayed home and I headed off on beach experience on other side of the island. I got there early and there was no one on the beach, picture should be above. Then started filling up but it was lovely and chilled out, but we were robbed said we had bbq lunch, was from the takeaway restaurant next door!!!!!!!!!!! Never mind you live and learn. On the night time we headed off on a Sunset Cruise across the bay and to Diamond Head and back to port to watch the fireworks at the Alamona Tower. These were great and we had prime viewing spot.
Tomorrow we are off to Big Island Hawaii, Im doing half tour with hike up the volcano and lava flows, so Adam I will try and get you pictures to show your science teacher that your Aunty Kaye's was there too!!! Peggy doing a full day tour round the island we both have to be up early so it will be couple of cans and bed by 9.30pm I think (yep know what your thinking, dont think so!!!)
Peggy leaves Friday morning be sad to see her go weve had a blast both here and in Turlock but Im sure we will meet again as the song says and sure her and the family will be heading over to England to meet you all too.
Anyway guys time to hit the beach one more time before the snow and the rain of New Zealand beckons. Take care and catch up soon, might be while again before get on internet cos on 21 day tour, so Martin dont worry its just Im finding it hard to get to internet access.
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

29.06.2007 - USA - Hawaii, Oahu, Wakkiki - ALOHA!!!

2007-06-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

- North Shore (Surfer Coast - no surf due to summer ahh!!)
- Recognise the mountains - (Jurassic Park!!)
- Turtle Island
- Beautiful Beach (Forgot Name already - too many beers!! ha ha)
- "From Here to Eternity' Beach!!
- Wakkikki Beach

Aloha Everyone

Hanging loose (so they say here!!!) Well what can I say, left Turlock and LA and arrived Oahu, Wakkiki on Monday 25th June and been hanging loose since then. Hotel really nice and luxury defo after the tents. Peggy arrived safely on Tuesday and weve been checking out the sites of Oahu, we have sussed out the beach, restaurants and ofcourse the bars but not hit these as yet but its Friday today and sure we will have a few. Weird cos we now three hours behind California which means Im 11 hours behind you guys in England so body clock is taking some getting used to the new time here and been awake each morning about 5/6am ahh!!
Yesterday we did the Grand Circle Island Tour, Shannon Obrien was our tour guide, he was really cool and knew so much about the islands history, he kept us entertained through out the day. We did have a big blow out on the road to the pineapple plantation and sure he was more scared than the rest of us on the bus ha ha!!! Me and Peggy laughed so much cos we were then driving on the hard shoulder and there was a dip down to the right and we had visions of us toppling over cos he was so close to the edge!!!! But hey Steve another tour driver came and rescued us back to civilisation. Hurrah!!!
Chilling out today and found internet cafe where can download pics and its only $15 for two hours but my blog site signs in Japanese how good am I I can read it ha ha!!!
Weather is nice about 88F with nice breeze so you can lie and bake on that sun and watch the world go by and the surfers and the lifeguards ha ha!!!
Lifes good and relaxed right now really enjoying and not missing work at all, but defo miss the guys there. Well must shoot, beach and water beckon!!! Catch up soon and malhao!!!

24.06.2007 - America, Turlock - The Gang Here!!

2007-06-24T16:11:00.001-07:00

- Peggy
- Sharon and Jim
- Travis, Seandra, Maddison, TJ and Chance
- Sharons Mam and Patty
- Patty, Jim, Sheila and Rick
- Melise, Matt and Ashley
- Lexy - Jim and Sharons baby!!
- 'The Chilli Cook Off' - no Im not drinking again!!

24.06.2007 - America - Honest nearly done with pictures!!

2007-06-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

- USA Hostel Pub Crawl Crewe!!
- Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park
- San Francisco (sorry cant remember name right now!!)
- Famous Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz was amazing too!!
- How Drunk!!!
- The Red Room bar - San Francisco - I could get used to these!!!

- Our last meal together (Aww!!)
- San Francisco streets!! (Can still hear Nicole screaming!!)
The basketball rough game!!
- Last washing up team!!
- Last supper in Monterey - Sean did cracking job!!!
- Monterey beach - gorgeous place.
- Coast road Highway 101 (I think that the name!!)

24.06.2007 - America - Nearly done with pictures!!

2007-06-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

- Universal Studios - Waterworld
- Universal Studios - 'War of the Worlds' set
- Universal Studios - 'The Grinch (could be spelt wrong)
- Universal Studios - Mexican village flooding!
- Universal Studios (Back to the Future - clock and townhall ring bells!!)
- Me at Universal Studios
- Venice Beach gorgeous!!
- 'White men cant jump' - recognise the picture from the movie!!
- Venice Beach - Muscle beach!
- The Famous sign!!
- Hollywood Boulevard - Marylin Monroes hand and feet prints (how tiny!!)
- LA - The Kodak Theatre
- LA - Mandarin Theatre, Hollywood Boulevard

24.062007 - America and still more pictures

2007-06-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

- Boys will be boys!!
- The three girlies!!
- San Diego 'The Band Karaoke Night' (More beer and few more sore heads next morning)
- Me, Joyce, Nicole on Mission Beach
San Diego - Joyce, Nicole and Elaine (whoops that beer again!!)
- Few of the gang!!
- New York New York Casino
- MGM Casino at Las Vegas
- Route 66 on way to Las Vegas

24.06.2007 - America and the pictures still keep going!!!

2007-06-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

- Sunset at the Grand Canyon
- Sunrise at the Grand Canyon (amazing sight)
- Proof I did it with Kara in the helicopter
- Helicopter view
- Grand Canyon first view awesome!!!
- The big one!!!!!
- Canyon De Chelly National Park
- Sunset in Monument Valley!!
- Our Campsite (wot a view eh!!)
- Jimmy our Navajo Guide entertaining us
- Monument Valley (Directors favourite view we are on the rock if you look closely)

23.06.2007 - America, Turlock and more pictures!!

2007-06-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

- Beginning of Monument Valley (I think!!)
- Navajo Dam (Enormous!!!)
-Lake Powell
- Elaine waiting for that Cowboy!!!!
- Reiko - plodging in the Narrows (paddling for foreigners reading)
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon - We walked down and back up - hot hot hot!!!
- Me trying out the timer (got it wrong!!!)
Hiya Guys
Hope you all well, had few emails from you lot out there but would love to have more so keep them coming. So Im still hanging out here in Turlock with Sharon and Peggy and their families, being spoilt rotten with fabulous weather, great food, great company and of course plenty of beer (coors) I know not the cider you lot back home know I drink turning into a redneck I think been lead astray by the gang on the trip and these guys here ha ha!!!
Leave my haven on Monday and head off to Hawaii Peggy is joining me on Tuesday for fun and hula skirt frolics no doubt if Beale Street anything to go by my beer gut will be growing more!!!!!
Hope you liking the pictures hopefully they nearly all on there now from places I have visited.
Take care and hope it stops raining in England, Jackie told me. Gemma hear your 21st birthday party was great sorry I wasnt there, Big Brother happy belated birthday and also Aunty Lynne (Birmingham crewe). Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

18.06.2007 - And theres more pictures and pictures!!!

2007-06-18T17:28:00.001-07:00

'The Risk' Addicts (they seeking help right now!!)
- Boulder Ranch Relaxing!!!
-Keiko's Birthday
- Scenery on way to Boulder Ranch
- Me, Jackie and Nicole on Hummer Tour
-The Gang again!!
- Kara giving me a heart attack
- Our nightly ritual - Beer beer & more beer!!!

18.06.2007 - More pictures and pictures!!!

2007-06-18T17:10:00.001-07:00

- Canyonlands - Views awesome!!
- Me & Joyce - Canyonlands National Park
- Me, Kara & Nicole - the view Canyonlands
- Canyonlands National Park
- Me and Nicole (Arches sunset)
- Arches National Park
- Arches National Park - Sunset Walk (amazing!!)
- Amazing Views again
- Grand Teton Park

18.06.2007 - More pictures and pictures!!!

2007-06-18T16:55:00.001-07:00

- Grand Teton National Park
- Sign outside store on way to Grand Tetons National Park (made me smile!!)
- Moab
The Gang again!!
- Yellowstone Park - Hot Springs - Me and Jackie (my tent buddy)
- Yellowstone Park - Eagles nest

18.06.2007 - Pictures and pictures and pictures

2007-06-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

- Old Faithful hot geyser in Yellowstone Park
- Yellowstone National Park - one trail!!
- Yellowstone National Park - Byson on the move!!
- Our trusty steed/trailer!!
- Only a couple of beers!!
- BATH on tour!!!
- Misty Falls Yosemite - Yep i climbed to the top of the waterfall!!!!!!!!!
- The Gang
- Big Red Cedar in Yosemite Park
- Baby Bear in Yosemite National park
- Missisipi Riverboat Trip

18.06.2007 - Pictures and pictures and pictures

2007-06-18T16:26:00.001-07:00

- My new Car!!!!
- Me the new elvis
- Me, Peggy and Sharon on Beale Street
- Elvis's pool
- Elvis Living Room
- Me at Graceland

18.06.2007 - America, Turlock - Home from home

2007-06-18T14:03:00.001-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Well here I am in Turlock, California to stay with my friends Sharon and Peggy who I met in Memphis. This is like being home from home. Sharon, Peggy and the family all live on the same street. I tell you what I thought I had a big family but hey this one takes some beating. Met Sharons sons, Peggys hubby Paul, daughter Andrea, granddaughter Brianna and then Sharon and Peggys Mam and sisters and trying hard to remember everyone's name. Lexi and Ceaser are the pet dogs who are gorgeous and sassy the cat!!
Its really hot here at least 95F everyday but luckily Sharon has a pool in the garden so we can all cool down. It was Fathers day yesterday here and so had big bbq at Travis (Sharons oldest sons house) where everyone met and I met Seandra (Travis wife and then Maddison, TJ and Chase Travis children) Then Todd (sharons other son) arrived with wife Chris and more of the children, and some were at home!!! Then there was Seandra's mam and dad, sisters too phew you lost off cos I sure am. Sharons other sister Patty and Sheila Ive met too then there was friends and more!!!
Been really lovely to chill out and catch up on some well needed sleep and home comforts!!! BIG THANKS TO THESE GUYS FOR MAKING ME FEEL SO MUCH AT HOME XXXXX
When left San Fransisco was bit hungover from the Pub Crawl party night at the hostel, met loads of new people again and yep had one vodka too many but hey thats what this is all about isnt it?????
Gonna chill here for few more days before I head over to Hawaii, Peggy has managed to get a flight over there day after me so shes coming along and sure we will have a ball just like we did in Memphis.
Catch up soon. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

10.06 - 14.06.2007 - America, Golden Gates of San Fransisco Bay

2007-06-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys
Well arrived San Fransisco about 2pm and got checked into our hotel, most of the group leave tomorrow so we all heading out tonight for meal and final drinks before the tears begin. Lovely hotel but not in the best area of the city but big group of us, Sean took us to fab Thai restaurant and I had a green beef curry(mild) and by the end my lips were tingling and some of them were doing hot I was like no way but Steven sure you would have had the crazy hot. Moved onto the Red Room bar, and yep was totally red everywhere (pics to follow). Cheap cocktails flowed for most and more for others poor Kara (New Zealand) nearly fell off stool, good job Peter and Joyce either side to save her!!! Nicole met chap who offered to take her out and we were go girl go girl!!!!! Walked back about 2am pleased was few of us like cos had to walk past Tenderloin area which not the best neighbourhood in San Fran but we were fine.
Few bad heads again next am but I felt great, spoke to Mam who said Im a seasonal drinker, not sure what she meant by that do you???????!!!Said bye to Peter and Joyce, Jackie, Rob and Arena, Keko and Reko. Sad to see them go but sure we will all be in touch for sure.
Off to explore Pier 39 and Fishermans wharf was our plan of action, me and Nicole took the cruise ship around the bay, when we hit under the Golden Gate Bridge was a swell and by cum did we tip and Nicole went bit white and all I could do was laugh, sorry Nicole but was so funny, made it back and past Alcatraz. Couldnt believe my feet though, I had done 28 day treking experience and only got couple of blisters but today with flipflops got two enormous ones on balls of my feet, really sore had to buy new shoes and call for rescue remedies at Walgreens(bit like our Boots!!)
Weather is fab, bit cold wind on the pier but apart from that really gorgeous, factor 30 still the order of the day like cos burn so easily when out all day. I headed off to my hostel before me Nicole, Elaine, Emily and Kara had last meal out. Im feeling really tired think all the excitment and long days catching up ready for good sleep, said byes to the girls and taxi back.
Tuesday and the hostel is really nice everything I need and its in a really great location for exploring San Fransisco. Amy still here from the group so we gonna explore more of the famous sights of San Fransisco. Headed out to Alcatraz which was really great with audio tour and pics to follow. Then we had sea food really lovely hear so fresh and everything you could wish for!!. Headed back up to Union Square for bit retail therapy and sightseeing of the posh shops, Elaine you would love this place too!!!! Booked tickets to see Jersey Boys (show about Frankie Valli and the four seasons for weds night only $85). Nice couple of vodkas and dr pepper before hitting the sack.
Weds up earlish met Amy at 10am and we headed for the Golden Gate Bridge on public transport, $1.50 for whole morning and you can jump on and off as many buses as you like. Bridge was fab site and we walked so far across the vibrations bit scary in parts but amazing views of the bay area. Headed next to the Museum of fine arts, gorgeous buildings with a lake that was green unreal to see. Off then to Golden Gate Park where we explored the museums and Japanese tea garden and had really lovely food too. Then heading back called at Almo Square where the only Victorian houses left standing after the earthquake they look fab on the hill slope, pics to follow. Off to China Town for new kit bag, need wheels mine real pain managed to get good one for $35 so mam another package should be winging way back with back pack in Is sure. Back to hostel, quick change and off to theatre, show was great, defo worth going if it comes to the UK or if you see on your travels, we were rocking in the aisles to 'Oh what a night' yep can hear you all singing along ha ha ha!!! Said bye to Amy and gonna catch up with her in Melbourne when I there.
Chill day thursday, need to do emails and update the blog and do some laundry before my friends Sharon and Peggy who met in Memphis coming to pick me up Friday to spend time with them and their family 90 miles away from San Fransisco, be great to catch up with them again. Might try and do couple more sights before leave need to do the cable car and time to repack my kit, Ive aquired few more things so need to be ruthless before fly off to Hawaii.
Well guys must shoot and do the laundry, hope you all well and take care and keep sending the comments and emails, so good to catch up. Miss you all loads luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

09.06.2007 - America, Gorgeous Monterey

2007-06-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Travel up to this place was great, was fantastic coast road and scenery, saw loads of elephant seals along the way just basking in the sunshine and how clear blue the sea is just gorgeous. Arrived Monterey camp site Marina Dunes we had cracking spot in the kids play area with tables and patio area with basket ball stand and balls, right next to the showers, laundry and what massive bbq we had could roast a whole hog and still have room for more. Luxury for sure.
Last night so plenty of beer flowing while Sean cracked on with the bbq wait till you see the pics of the steaks, chicken and more we had. Brill night had few basketball tournaments which did get bit violent and had to call in the ref to sort out the girls who were kicking the boys badly. (me the ref go girls go girls!!!)
Had walk down to the beach later at night with couple of cans in hand, was beautiful to lay there and look up at the sky with all the stars and the waves crashing onto the shore, was just really lovely and a memory I will remember for long time, could see the lights of Monterey and San Fransisco in the distance too. Small group of us shared some of our highlights from the trip and talked about how much we had done and seen in such short time but worth every penny. So anyone out there want a good trip look up Lets Trek America the footloose tours if you 30+ and go for it. Sean if you read this remember tell the boss so I get bit more discount for recommendation!!!
Few thick heads next morning but de camped and heading off for San Fransisco. Excited cos didnt get to see much when arrived so pleased got 4 days to explore.
Luv and hugs always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

07 & 08.06.2007 - America, Rich and Famous LA

2007-06-14T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
So we made it to Los Angeles and before setting up camp hit the sights. Traffic, traffic and more traffic, what a nightmare honest I thought the M25 was bad but hey it doesnt have anything on this place!!!!!!!!!!!!! Passed the airport and called at supermarket to stock up on food. Sean said this was best place cos everywhere else further into LA can be bit dodgy (Im thinking where are we going???) Finally we reached Hollywood Boulvard and had hour to look around. We walked up and down the street looking at the stars on the floor and bypassing the tour guides trying to sell you this trip and the other!!!!!!!! The chinese theatre and Kodak theatre were impressive and great to see all the stars hand and foot prints in the concrete, got few good pics, Marilyn Monroe had really small hands!!! Apart from few souviner stores nothing much else to see bit tacky I thought but at least done the walk of fame so they say. Headed up the Beverley Hills to see the famous Hollywood sign from a viewing point and a great view of the city, we were lucky cos some of the smog had lifted, yep there is so much pollution coming from this city sometimes you cant see it cos looks like fog errrr!!!
Next headed out to Venice Beach, the place where they filmed, 'White Men cant Jump' and where the body builders work out and there are apparently many strange people lining the beach side. Yep that was totally true, many hippies and homeless around and selling anything and everything for quick dollar but lovely beach area and great to see basket ball courts and yep sorry guys the musles were defo worth a look ha ha!!!
Back to bus and fought our way back across the traffic to our campsite in Malibu National Park, which was empty but us and couple more RV's so great to get out of the city and breath fresh air and few beers again!!!!
Next day Universal Studios beckoned us!!! Arrived early ready for them opening some stood in one line and some in another, can you believe it our queue was the wrong one, what a nightmare we ended up pushing in like and getting in finally after 20 mins!!! Headed off to do the tour which was really good fun and was amazing interactive tour with Jaws, the Mummy earthquakes and floods and the set of Desperate Housewives, just needed the crewe and we were set!!! They did offer me a part in the next big movie but had to decline cos didnt want the fame and fortune ha ha!!!!!!
Headed out of LA yes more traffic and more traffic but managed to get to campsite in good time, set up tents again and by come it got cold, had to put on jeans and fleece to sit and have few beers. Group all taking about only few days left and how no one wants it to end, we did plan to hijack the van and trailer and tie Sean up in the back and take off. How funny would that be the news would read 'Trek group hijack tour leader for ransom of more days on the West Coast' ha ha!!
Off to Monterey tomorrow our last day and night before heading back to San Fransisco and have to say bye to everyone. Aw sad I can hear you all crying, hankies all round eh!!!
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

05 & 06.06.2007 - America, San Diego

2007-06-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hiya Guys
Sorry been while since I posted anything its just been a whirl wind since vegas and not really had any internet access. Well we left our hotel room behind and headed up the coast to San Diego where we camped for two nights, yep back to the tent and sleeping bag and toilets and showers right away from the tents, but hey all good fun and good exercise cos been drinking far too much Coors beers, defo starting to get beer gut!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we set up camp and then went out to Pacific beach which was lovely and had the day to explore the city. Few of the group headed off the the famous Zoo but few of us wanted to explore the old town and chill on the beach (top up the tan more like)!!
We even took public transport up to Old town, hey really getting into this travelling thing eh!!! Old town was really pretty, pics will be posted as soon as can. Then headed back into the main city which was really lovely to explore and shops similar to ours but hey you know how us girls need bit or retail therapy now and again and I did need new socks cos my white ones gone bit grey and red from the Grand Canyon dust!!!! Sean was our taxi driver for the day and picked us up and dropped us at the beach, went for few beers, like you do met lovely irish waitress who chatted to us and told us the best spots to head to later that night, big tip left for her info!!! ha ha. Beach was lovely, windy but really great to lie out and chill, defo topped up the tan cos all four of us fell asleep (I know I had factor 25 on so didnt burn thankgoodness!!)
Back at camp we headed out for meal instead of cooking and the bar had live band on so some of us stayed, well the beer crewe that is. The group put my name forward to sing, apparently it was karaoke with live band. Well you know me cant sing for toffee but hey few beers later and my rendition of 'Brown Eyed Girl' got me a free drink so cant have been too bad and the gang cheered loud they had had few beers too!!!!!
Back at camp and we were bit rowdy and got shouted at by Sean cos quiet hours 10.30pm and it was 2am when we landed back so sorry Sean!!! Few sore heads next day but managed to be de camp and be ready for our trip to LA.
Take care and catch up soon.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

04.06.2007 - America - Viva Las Vegas!!!!!

2007-06-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys
What can I say Vegas at last, an amazing place sorry I know keep saying that about everywhere Ive been but cant belive what Im seeing. Stephen Elliott you would love it here totally, but think Tracy might have to keep your budget tight!!!!
We arrived yesterday about 2.30pm and Sean (tour leader) took us to casino where we had all you can eat buffet from around the world for $29.99 (15quid) was lovely and really great value!!!! Then we headed off for bit of pamper to our hotel, La Quintas fabulous rooms, two double beds, telly, fridge (for the beers!!!), microwave, shower and jacuzzi bath how cool is that eh!!! Two nights of luxury defo needed.

Headed out last night on the town, Sean took us to the old strip of Vegas and saw the famous lights, cowboy and cowgirl, live bands playing as you walk along and how cool you buy a drink and can walk along in and out of the casinos and bars FAB!!!! Lorraine, Marie, Sarah, Jane and Jo we must have a return visit you would love it. We then headed down to the new strip with the massive and I mean massive casinos with shows going on outside, unbeliveable, there is so much to see we only managed to see one half so it'll be back out tonight for the other half and a few more shandies!!!! Rest of the gang headed back to hotel but Me and Nicole stayed up till 7.30am right through. We met couple of guys from Aussie (her country)in a R & B club and had such good laugh!!!!!!!!!
Well guys must be heading off now for my jacuzzi bath before heading back to the Vegas strip for more fun and frolics Im sure. We off to San Deiago for more camping up the california coast then back to San Fransisco on the 10th June, this has been an amazing trip up to now and really gonna miss the gang but made some new friends and got few more free beds for my travels so hey thats a good deal.
Luv and hugs to everyone back there and speak you soon. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

01.06.2007 - America - Grand Canyon - Me and the helicopter!!!

2007-06-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Hope you all well, sos been while since posted on the blog so hard to find internet cafe, yep found one in the Fed Ex store over the road from our hotel in Vegas.
So since my last entry Ive been to Monument Valley, sos pics still cant download, Lake Powell both beautiful places with fabulous views and rocks and mountains.
Then onto Grand Canyon, guys must say this is the best of the National Parks and yep went up in helicopter $235 but worth every penny. Was great when took off and flying across the trees then when we reached the mouth of the canyon must admit my stomach and swear word did pop out, Nicole, Kara, Jackie, Elaine, Amy and Ariena all were in one and someone videoed it and you can hear us all scream a bit !!!!! The view across the canyon was amazing it felt as though we werent moving but we were going at 110mph really great sensation in a helicopter and have decided I would like one so any offers out there???? Next day we watched the sunrise over the canyon and then hiked into the canyon which was great going down but hard work coming back up. We were back up by 8.30am cos the weather is so hot hot hot cant walk in the heat, spent the rest of the day chilling and then went and watched the sunset over the canyon, something I wont forget and have great pics so you all gonna have to have a spare night to look at them.
Last night in the tent off to Vegas tomorrow for two days of luxury in hotel !!!! Cant wait really need to scrub the feet they have ingrained black muck from the dust in the campsites but hey all good living outside!!!!!
Take care guys and keep your comments coming please. Luv and hugs always. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

28.05.2007 - America, West Coast Tour

2007-05-28T16:59:00.001-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Managed to find internet access at our next camp site. I thought would be able to dowload some pictures but for some reason I cant??? Also my blog is now in German for the instructions really not sure what happening???? Paul if you out there in England have check for me and let me know please.
Well what can I tell you since my last post. Weve travelled on in Utah still did Bryce national parks, Ive done a Hummer tour, which was amazing in large jeep vehicle going up the boulders and mountain sides, like big roller coaster but slower, I did scream loud and few choice words came out cos I was at the back with Nicole and Jackie!!!!!
We have just left Boulder Ranch where we went horse riding, this was really good, up in the hills and no one but us around really great place to relax and chill and we had great food and beds for two nights. Did have bit of saddle sore though!!!
We arrived last night at Zion national park and had free day to go and do walks we wanted to do the scenery here is amazing in all the National Parks but it just seems to be getting better and better. Its memorial weekend here so camp was busy yesterday but now quieter thank goodness, was weird cos weve not been round lots of people just been us 13 in the group. Weather is really hot 90+ so tan is defo getting worked on gradually cos cant sit out in it and have to do activities on morning cos by 2pm you wiped out with heat.
We move on tomorrow to Monument Valley and Lake Powell and then the Grand Canyon for couple of nights where Im going to do the helicopter ride (yes I know me in a helicopter but hey might never get to do again and Nicole (Aussie on trip) is going to hold my hand) (ha ha Sarah at least it not you this time)
Well guys must go. Got no signal on mobile phone so cant text or get them yet till get signal. Really hope the girls had fab time in Blackpool for Jo's hen weekend and look forward to seeing the pics.
Promise try and get pics on when can but have got some amazing ones and seen things I never thought I would see in landscapes where the pictures just dont do it justice you all need to come and see these sights cos they are breathtakin.
Right must shoot but love and hugs to everyone and keep the comments and emails coming.

21.05.2007 - America, Western Tour, National Parks

2007-05-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Sos its been while since been on blog, really hard to get internet access when on the road and camping in various places. Luckily Amy one of the girls on the trip has a laptop and we have stopped in Utah and we have free internet access so Im quickly putting somat on, sos cant download pics still but will try and get some on soon.
Been to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Caraters of the Moon, Grand Teton, Jackson and today arrived in Utah. Weather been fab upto now but now got some rain so camping not that much fun in wet and wind so sure that will make you all smile. Group are great we are really all getting along fab and having few beers each night and good laugh around the camp fire. The national parks are awesome, the natural scenery is unbelievable and even the pictures dont do it justice.
We have a mini bus and trailer to get around and me and Emily (new zealand lady) are the 'Food Mama's' which means we got to make sure we have enough food and do the shopping list but get to send everyone else to fetch it for us, also means we dont have to cook which good thing really cos Im not fantastic without a microwave.
America is such a vast country and the landscape chances everyday. My tent buddy is Jackie from Lancs and we getting along fine, she not heard me snore as yet but said been purring!!!!!
Well must go to my nice warm tent ha ha managed to get new sleeping bag from our tour leader Sean cos mine wasnt very good and was freezing my butt off so need to return when get back. Off to Dinosaur National Monument tomorrow and new campsite in Utah. By the way nightmare to get alcohol here cos mormon state so we having to go to Colerado to stock up.
Take care and keep comments coming promise pics as soon can. xxxxxxxxxxxx

15.05.05 - San Fransisco and West Tour

2007-05-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

hiya Everyone
Quick hello cos costing me $1 for 4 mins on internet and wont l et download pics still sorry will be loads when I find somewhere to do it. Havin great time group of people with on tour are good and met one lady who from Australia and she says to see her when go so free bed and board again great eh!!!!! San Fransisco only saw the hotel cos tour went next day early in national parks at moment and touring round for 28days so diary entries might be short and sweet. Havin ball weather fab, scenery is fabulous, Sue you would love it. must go only 3 mins left and want to publish this.
love and hugs and keep sending emails and comments. luv and hugs always xxxxxxxxxxx

10.05.07 - Memphis - Elvis is in the building!!!

2007-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
What an awesome experience today been. But let me tell you about last night first.
Beale Street is the place where all the jazz and blues clubs are and the hotel offers a free shuttle down there and back. So you know me outside chatting to everyone while having a tab (sorry Dawn still on them!!!) Got talking to couple from Staffordshire way, couple from Manchester and two couples from Ireland. They gave me all the inside information about the hotel and Graceland tours etc what needed to do.
Later went with Mr & Mrs Davies (Manchester) to Beale street and we had great time in the bars with live music. One of the bars last song and they played, 'Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong, well most of you out there will know this was my Dads favourite song, goose bumps and welled up for definate to think me here in Memphis and they choose that song, weird totally.
Moved onto City Blues Bar where live band on called Dempseys they were just amazing for three young guys they rocked totally and had everyone rocking along. Really good time, did have alcohol in hand too so that always helps the night go with a swing doesnt it!! ha ha
Today got took for breakfast by my Irish friends (Dedrie, Betty, Tony) had traditional america breakfast with pancakes and blueberries and cream mmmmmmmmmmmmmm I can see you all now licking the lips!!! Corrinne lady who took us local driver, then took us to see the original house Elvis lived in before he bought Graceland, not many know this and then took us to see Al Green (famous soul singer) his church where he is now the Pastor. (Cant get this on your ordinary tourist jaunt how lucky am I!!!!) Back at hotel and had to say bye to Irish and Manchester friends cos they all away today then hotfooted across the way to do my Graceland VIP tour.
This was just amazing totally and saw everywhere that Elvis lived and so much of his treasures, was just amazing and me being total Elvis fan thinks really helps too!!! Pics to follow soon promise when get chance to put them on. Mam and Aunty Dawn thought about you all lots today and defo promise I need to bring you both here for this experiens infact think everyone should do this experience for sure, gonna go later and sign name on the wall outside the gates and get picture at night cos light up then tomorrow trip into downtown Memphis and possible trip on the Mississipi riverboat.
Take care everyone and speak to you all soon, keep sending your comments and emails lovely to hear from you all. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

06.05.07 - 08.05.07 - Jacksonville, Florida - Out and about

2007-05-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Got internet access now at hotel staying so can update you on the last few days of my travels.

The weather been fabulous till sunday then it rained so tanning has had to go on hold for a while, but the cool weather is bit of a relief cos was getting really hot each day and you know it takes it out of you when you have to lie around a pool all day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday Lins Mam and Dad came and collected me for a trip to the town, I managed to get package posted to Mam, really hard cos collecting stuff that really want so need to post it back cos need to be travelling light, saying that sure my backpack is heavier now than it was before!!! Think its that extra trainers and shorts I bought!!!! ha ha

Tuesday Lins Mam and Dad picked me up again, bless they my tour operators for Jacksonville, we went to meet their friends, Teddy and Lisa who are well travelled for breakfast and we talked about their travels around the world and mine yet to come, Teddy gave me his brothers contact in New Zealand so will give him a call and say hi from Teddy and Lisa. My next stop was the beach, due to change in weather it was windy and high waves but got some nice pics, and hey managed to collect more souveniers from great little beach shop, posted back to Mam again and when get back, the kitchen is gonna become my beach haven I think !!!!!

Well guys time to shoot and pack up stuff ready to head out to Memphis and Elvis experience. Two flights tomorrow early so catch up soon. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

09.05.07 - Memphis, Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Here I Come

2007-05-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Well Im sooooooooooooooo excited to be here at the Heartbreak Hotel and cant believe the experience, it is defo for elvis fans, 24 hr movies, concerts playing in the bar and everywhere you look pictures and pictures. Aunty Dawn you would be in seventh heaven Im sure. One day I would love to bring you here to experience this all too. x
My room is great Ive got two double beds and pictures of Elvis above them. Not sure if can download pics here but got free internet access so you might just have to wait for the pics of Graceland when I get chance to download.
Its 3.42pm here and need to head over to the box office at Graceland to get my VIP ticket tour for tomorrow, then need to sort out my visit to downtown memphis there is loads to do and the hotel offers free shuttle bus so that should be canney too.
Take care and thanks for comments from our Lee and Kirsty and Dawn, keep them coming. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

01.05.07 - 05.05.07 - Jacksonville, Florida - Chilling Time

2007-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hiya Everyone
Quick post sos no pics at present but sure some to come, Im staying in Motel not far from Lins and Duc its really nice and pool too, I know I know no more pics of pools you cant take it cos its cold back in England I hear!!!! Im have nice time chilling out and catching up in the sun, spending today sat with Lins and Danica, she is gorgeous so sure pics will be of her soon on the blog.
Short and sweet this one cos only at Lins for short time but sure will be longer postings soon.
PS thanks for your comments from our Kelly, Sarah (A & E) Our Ingrid and anonymous, see the last post for their comments.
Luv and hugs always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

30.04.07 - Jacksonville, Florida

2007-04-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

New Shades (Any comments!??)

Lins and Duc's place

Hiya Everyone

Managed to recover from my exciting day in Disney, still buzzing from the sights and been great putting pics on the blog for you all to see. Ive edited it three times cos kept remembering stuff that happened!!!

Up later today, Lins and Duc not at work till 3.30pm, poor Lins migraine still giving her probs. Weird here you can go to docs but they charge you about $75 for consultation then you have to pay for pills too!!! I know we complain about the NHS but hearing from Yvonne and Lins about the health care here think weve got a really good deal for what we pay!! Given Lins some paracetamol and these helping but we cant seem to find them in the shops to buy here, Yvonne gonna email you for some advice!!

So today weather glorious again Danica (Ducs daughter due to stay this week) Lins and Duc only got one bedroom apartment so be bit of a squash so weve found studio down the road for $35 a night (17quid) so gonna book in tomorrow for rest of my stay to help keep us sane!!

Order of the day been to do some washing, a bit of shopping, sorted out some stuff that needs sending home cos couldnt not buy bits as going round, managed to get xmas decoration from everywhere been up to now so Mam parcel be winging its way soon for safe keeping. Updated blog and emails, then think spell round the pool and then got movie to watch (Clive Owen ooooohhhh my man in Children of Men). Lins & Duc at work till 9.30pm so Im home alone till then.

Tomorrow Lins off work so think we gonna go to beach for morning then get room booked and I can chill round the pool here till they home. Rest of the week not too sure but sure the tan will be making good progress. Lins Mam and Dad off to Shrimp Festival at weekend and asked me to go along, Lins and Duc at work so they gonna show me more sights in Florida, Im lucky I know.

Take care everyone and miss you all, keep sending the emails and comments please. Luv and hugs always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Do you like the new shades??? Found them at Disney abandoned on the floor they apparently really good make - so if they yours let me know but till then I'll keep care of them for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

29.04.07 - Orlando, Florida - More Pics!!!

2007-04-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Me with my date Mickey!!!!

Chipmunks are go!!!!

'Sorry me not know what you say!!!'

Johnny Depp in a barrel?!!

'Splash Soaking Mountain!'

Possibly my new pad, Minnies considering my offer!!

Mickeys attempt at DIY in the Kitchen, defo a candidate for SOS!!

Me and Lins in Mickeys Garrrage check out the power tools behind us!

My Friends xxxxxxxx

The Little mermaid and Nemo

29.04.07 - Orlando, Florida - Date with Mickey Mouse!!

2007-04-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just like the brochures but so much better in seeing is believing!

(The Man!!!)Walt Disney & Mickey

Woody(Toy Story) Parade

Minnies House (Fabulous details!!)

Mickey Mouse (Night Parade & Fireworks display) gave me goosebumps!

Pirates of the Caribbean (For our Dominic)
HELLOooooooooooooooooooo

Disney world - where dreams can come true!!!!!!!!!!!! This was more than what I thought it would be, I definitely stepped back a few years and became that little girl again!!

Early rise and a Starbucks later we were off for my date with Mickey!!! We arrived and got parked up and took the ferry across to the park I was so excited I just couldn't believe I was finally gonna be in Disney!!! The lady who gave us our tickets gave me and Duc badges with 1st timers in Disney badge (last time Duc was here he was 9yrs old) and Lins got an honoury member (she was our awsome tour guide) When we got through to Main Street and I looked up and saw the castle at the end I was just in awe and with goose bumps and full eyes I was so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to jump up and down and go 'yeah Im here!!!' (Marie it is defo everything you said and more!!!! No wonder you love it here so much!!!) Lins could see from my face and was like ' Aw darling theres more to come!!!' I was like a mad person with the camera clicking this that and everything as you can see from next post, but hey I dont know when would be back so needed to make sure got what I wanted to remember such a fab day.

It was hot in the park but loads of places to eat and drink and not that expensive, if this was in England not sure how much they would have been charging!!!! We did the works, we went to everything and rode all the rides we could, fast pathed to some of the bigger rides but I was just soaking up the atmosphere and having so much fun!!!!! Splash Mountain was great, me and Duc and Lins sat at the back and thought we not get too wet, oh how wrong we were, as we were setting off round one car was coming down the big 50ft splash and we got the backlash of their water, we were soaked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So funny cos we didnt really get any more wet further on!!! Poor Lins been suffering day before with migraine and it came back with vengeance but she soldiered on for me, bless and stayed till the bitter end so I could see the parade and fireworks.

The night parade was magical and the floats and music transported you back to being little again, watching the little ones faces was so lovley they were in awe, so was I like too!!! The fireworks around the castle with the voice of Jeramey Cricket and music was so moving and again those eyes filled up and goosebumps rose!!!

Set off back about 11pm, just want to say BIG THANK YOU to Lins and Duc for a day I will always remember and treasure. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Peter (PTS driver) thanks for your texts made me smile, think you should release the song could make number one by the time I get back!!! Miss you all loads, but still having a rocking time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx