Friday, April 29, 2005
Fox Glacier
Kia Ora
Thanks to Fiona for newspaper articles re James Martin and to Isabel for up-to-date political comment! Silence from UK based family members--I presume you are receiving these blogs! Have a good weekend in Cawdor, Sam.
Have moved on from Nelson going via the Nelson Lakes NP--disappointing as it is supposed to be "little Switzerland" From there we followed the Buller River to its mouth at Westport. Beyond Murchison is the Buller Gorge with the longest swing bridge in NZ It became a problem when a party of Japanese wanted to take individual photos on the bridge when other folk were wanting across! Had a pleasant trail walk to falls where kayakers were successfully going down them. Visited Lyell which had been a gold mining town 1827-1900 and now is a grassy sward. Life must have been difficult then with poor communications--the river was an important one-- and not much else to do. It was a beautiful run through steep-sided forested hillsides.
Yesterday we came south down the West Coast to the Truman Track and the Pancake rocks. The latter were incredible--layered sandstone rocks which have been punctured by the sea and there were blowholes, sinks, arches etc I've never seen anything like it. We then stopped in Hokititi and Pat found a wonderful Craft shop! The woodwork and jewellry were superb. Then it was a hard drive to Fox Glacier for a 2 night stop.
Today I did a pre breakie walk round Lake Mathieson which usually has reflections of the Fox Glacier--too misty today. Then we walked up to a viewpoint--quite impressive. Next stop via a corkscrew road was to Franz Joseph Glacier--Fiona has scaled it in crampons. We were able to walk to the snout and admire the crevasses, seracs and moraine. It was groaning away! We saw one of the many groups who are guided across the glacier. For the first time it started to rain and we retreated to the cafes! Intend to go for Queenstown tomorrow for a 4 night stay
Hope you are all well
Tom
Thanks to Fiona for newspaper articles re James Martin and to Isabel for up-to-date political comment! Silence from UK based family members--I presume you are receiving these blogs! Have a good weekend in Cawdor, Sam.
Have moved on from Nelson going via the Nelson Lakes NP--disappointing as it is supposed to be "little Switzerland" From there we followed the Buller River to its mouth at Westport. Beyond Murchison is the Buller Gorge with the longest swing bridge in NZ It became a problem when a party of Japanese wanted to take individual photos on the bridge when other folk were wanting across! Had a pleasant trail walk to falls where kayakers were successfully going down them. Visited Lyell which had been a gold mining town 1827-1900 and now is a grassy sward. Life must have been difficult then with poor communications--the river was an important one-- and not much else to do. It was a beautiful run through steep-sided forested hillsides.
Yesterday we came south down the West Coast to the Truman Track and the Pancake rocks. The latter were incredible--layered sandstone rocks which have been punctured by the sea and there were blowholes, sinks, arches etc I've never seen anything like it. We then stopped in Hokititi and Pat found a wonderful Craft shop! The woodwork and jewellry were superb. Then it was a hard drive to Fox Glacier for a 2 night stop.
Today I did a pre breakie walk round Lake Mathieson which usually has reflections of the Fox Glacier--too misty today. Then we walked up to a viewpoint--quite impressive. Next stop via a corkscrew road was to Franz Joseph Glacier--Fiona has scaled it in crampons. We were able to walk to the snout and admire the crevasses, seracs and moraine. It was groaning away! We saw one of the many groups who are guided across the glacier. For the first time it started to rain and we retreated to the cafes! Intend to go for Queenstown tomorrow for a 4 night stay
Hope you are all well
Tom
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Nelson (cont)
Kia Ora
We heard this morning the very sad news of James Martin who lived 2 doors from us in Lochmaben for all his school life. He was a very fine young man who will be greatly missed. He had a great attitude to life and a great love for the outdoors and travel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
We haven't done much here but recover from the ferry journey which featured largely in the press. Yesterday was another lovely day and we motored to Abel Tasman National Park, about an hour's run. It is a 51 km coastal walk which takes 3-5 days. We walked about 2 hours up the track and back and thoroughly enjoyed it--a shaded walk and passing several secluded beaches. There were a surprising number of walkers of all ages out.
In the morning we walked into town--it was all closed down as it was Anzac Day. The shops open at 1 pm. We were interested to see Anzac supplements in the papers. There seems to have been some friction between Oz and NZ at what is happening at Gallipoli. Got some news of BBC plants in a Tory meeting--little else has been said re the election.
The countryside round here is heavily cultivated on the lower ground--vineyards and orchards of apples, oranges and pears. There is quite a lot of cattle and sheep but the high ground of which there is much is heavily forested.
You'll be glad it is a short blog tonight
Hope you are all well
Tom
We heard this morning the very sad news of James Martin who lived 2 doors from us in Lochmaben for all his school life. He was a very fine young man who will be greatly missed. He had a great attitude to life and a great love for the outdoors and travel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
We haven't done much here but recover from the ferry journey which featured largely in the press. Yesterday was another lovely day and we motored to Abel Tasman National Park, about an hour's run. It is a 51 km coastal walk which takes 3-5 days. We walked about 2 hours up the track and back and thoroughly enjoyed it--a shaded walk and passing several secluded beaches. There were a surprising number of walkers of all ages out.
In the morning we walked into town--it was all closed down as it was Anzac Day. The shops open at 1 pm. We were interested to see Anzac supplements in the papers. There seems to have been some friction between Oz and NZ at what is happening at Gallipoli. Got some news of BBC plants in a Tory meeting--little else has been said re the election.
The countryside round here is heavily cultivated on the lower ground--vineyards and orchards of apples, oranges and pears. There is quite a lot of cattle and sheep but the high ground of which there is much is heavily forested.
You'll be glad it is a short blog tonight
Hope you are all well
Tom
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Nelson, South Island
Kia Ora,
I've just spent 30 mins on a blog to lose it, so here goes again! Thanks for e-mails, Isabel & Betty and the text from Sheila. No word if the blogs are reaching the Wades, Dickies or Canada? Glad NE Fife election going well--DCT seem to be doing OK in my absence. Hope you had a good day at Blair Castle, Sheila. No luck with a blog from mum, Ken--trust your cold is away.
On Thursday we changed our plan and went south to the Tangariro National Park which is a World Heritage site and contains the volcanoes---Tangariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. We got fixed up at the bottom of the Bruce Road and then drove up to the terminus of it at 1630 m Pat couldn't walk to the cafe and the view from there was non-existent--mist right down. We had a good meal at the Motel and I had a Scotch steak. The next morning I cooked NZ porridge which is easier to make than ours and tastes different--it was cooler as we were at altitude--over 1000m The weather was glorious and Pat feeling better and we completed a pleasant circular walk (6 km) to the Taranaki Falls which spout 20m over a lava flow. The path wended its way through scrub and woodland.
In the afternoon we drove to the end of the Bruce Road and took 2 chairlifts up Ruapehu to 2020m--they kindly provided anoraks free of charge! From there we slowly walked up to the Skyline ridge at 2200m where we were rewarded with magnificent views of the volcanoes and even Mt Egmont appeared above the clouds--it is on the west coast! Many signs of volcanic activity as Ruapehu last erupted in 1995. The National Park is also where much of Lord of the Rings was filmed--Wall of Mead, Sauron and Gandolf country. There were patches of snow and we had our picnic on the ridge in solitary splendour!
Sam, gran asked me to take her a run in the car after the walk and she fell asleep just like you! hope you are still enjoying your food--Gran and I send our love! We missed seeing another
Sam when we visited friends of your Mum & Dad outside Auckland as he was out with his Mum and a friend. We saw his big brother, Joshua and his Dad, Rob and a friend of his. Rob is a real friendly guy and we spent an enjoyable hour with him--he was in the middle of chopping logs for the winter.
Unfortuately we only had 90 mins to visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington but what we saw was impressive--the contents, the layout and the building I got domr photos of the 1995 eruption! You'll all be relieved that I have only taken 600+ photos so far!!!!!!!!!!! Much editing will be done
Today we crossed from North to South Island--a 3 hour crossing that took 6/7! Overnight it was wild--gales and hail. We boarded late and the sea was heaving You cross SE to NW, not N-S We had negotiated the open part of the Cook Strait and had reached the entrance to the Marlborough Sound when the captain announced they had a technical problem and didn't have enough power to negotiate the narrow entrance safely and emergency services were standing by! There was the possibility that we would return to Wellington! We went back 5 miles into the sea to get power restored and another ferry stood by. We then went a long way round and in through a wider channel with a press helicopter circling us and a lifeboat alongside! Fortuantely the sun was shining. Pat unfortunately had a miserable journey and will only visit the North or South Island separately in future!
The good news is we are safely in good accommodation --it is costing $100-120 (20-24 GBP) and we are able to provide all breakfasts and many evening meals and picnics People are most friendly. Looking forward to the South Island--already different--vineyards and very hilly to get to Nelson.
Glad to hear that Fiona has got a bed constructed for the old folk
Best wishes
Tom
I've just spent 30 mins on a blog to lose it, so here goes again! Thanks for e-mails, Isabel & Betty and the text from Sheila. No word if the blogs are reaching the Wades, Dickies or Canada? Glad NE Fife election going well--DCT seem to be doing OK in my absence. Hope you had a good day at Blair Castle, Sheila. No luck with a blog from mum, Ken--trust your cold is away.
On Thursday we changed our plan and went south to the Tangariro National Park which is a World Heritage site and contains the volcanoes---Tangariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. We got fixed up at the bottom of the Bruce Road and then drove up to the terminus of it at 1630 m Pat couldn't walk to the cafe and the view from there was non-existent--mist right down. We had a good meal at the Motel and I had a Scotch steak. The next morning I cooked NZ porridge which is easier to make than ours and tastes different--it was cooler as we were at altitude--over 1000m The weather was glorious and Pat feeling better and we completed a pleasant circular walk (6 km) to the Taranaki Falls which spout 20m over a lava flow. The path wended its way through scrub and woodland.
In the afternoon we drove to the end of the Bruce Road and took 2 chairlifts up Ruapehu to 2020m--they kindly provided anoraks free of charge! From there we slowly walked up to the Skyline ridge at 2200m where we were rewarded with magnificent views of the volcanoes and even Mt Egmont appeared above the clouds--it is on the west coast! Many signs of volcanic activity as Ruapehu last erupted in 1995. The National Park is also where much of Lord of the Rings was filmed--Wall of Mead, Sauron and Gandolf country. There were patches of snow and we had our picnic on the ridge in solitary splendour!
Sam, gran asked me to take her a run in the car after the walk and she fell asleep just like you! hope you are still enjoying your food--Gran and I send our love! We missed seeing another
Sam when we visited friends of your Mum & Dad outside Auckland as he was out with his Mum and a friend. We saw his big brother, Joshua and his Dad, Rob and a friend of his. Rob is a real friendly guy and we spent an enjoyable hour with him--he was in the middle of chopping logs for the winter.
Unfortuately we only had 90 mins to visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington but what we saw was impressive--the contents, the layout and the building I got domr photos of the 1995 eruption! You'll all be relieved that I have only taken 600+ photos so far!!!!!!!!!!! Much editing will be done
Today we crossed from North to South Island--a 3 hour crossing that took 6/7! Overnight it was wild--gales and hail. We boarded late and the sea was heaving You cross SE to NW, not N-S We had negotiated the open part of the Cook Strait and had reached the entrance to the Marlborough Sound when the captain announced they had a technical problem and didn't have enough power to negotiate the narrow entrance safely and emergency services were standing by! There was the possibility that we would return to Wellington! We went back 5 miles into the sea to get power restored and another ferry stood by. We then went a long way round and in through a wider channel with a press helicopter circling us and a lifeboat alongside! Fortuantely the sun was shining. Pat unfortunately had a miserable journey and will only visit the North or South Island separately in future!
The good news is we are safely in good accommodation --it is costing $100-120 (20-24 GBP) and we are able to provide all breakfasts and many evening meals and picnics People are most friendly. Looking forward to the South Island--already different--vineyards and very hilly to get to Nelson.
Glad to hear that Fiona has got a bed constructed for the old folk
Best wishes
Tom
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Rotorua
Hi folks
Thanks to Ken, Isabel & Joann for their replies! Weather here is cooler today--no rain on trip so far but this could change! Glad Sam is eating well. I tried to send 2 blogs from Auckland but the system I was using was strange and I lost them both
Last day in Sydney we spent in the Gallery of Modern Art--superb photos by Rosemary Leach. Then wandered thru the Rocks--Pat got some beads for cards and admired the many craft items on display I walked up Observatory Hill and over to the Bridge. We then took the ferry to Manly, walked up the main street to the beach and the Pacific Ocean Like Bondi it is quite small and the surfing doesn't look as impressive as that off the English and Scottish coasts. We had magic sail back to Circular Quay as it was dark and the Opera House, City Centre and the Bridge were alight. Later after a meal on the concourse between the Quay & the Opera House we decided against a play--too tired!
Early start to get plane to NZ--first Qantas flight and it was on the tarmac for 90 mins! Late into Auckland meant we only had a stroll to the Quayside for a meal at Esquires--it was very good. Our accommodation was basic but central On Sunday am we took the Circular Bus--free and like the other city buses run by Stagecoach! It circles the city centre. We got off at the Sky Tower and were rewarded with superb views of the city and harbour The glass bottomed lift and parts of the Observation gallery were exciting! It is the highest structure in the southern hemisphere. We also saw people flying down from above us in a harness and fixed wires for $200!
At noon we picked up the car--supposedly upgraded--an ancient automatic Nissan Sunny Ezy cars don't deal in new cars and it is only $30 a day (12 GBP) We successfully navigated our way out of Auckland--it was good it was Sunday. The 100k limit is not a problem as everyone adheres to it. We took under 3 hours to get to Rotorua where we booked in for 4 nights in a studio--large room--sitting room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom--very comfortable and we breakfast there as well as 3 evening meals--Pack and Save supermarket very good.
I had an early am walk along the lake and after breakfast we visited Whakarewarewa Thermal site where we saw the evidence that Rotorua is part of the Volcanic Girdle-mud pools, thermals, geysers etc We were entertained to a Culture show of Maori song, dance and story--met 2 girls from Dublin. In the afternoon we saw 4 lakes and Mt Terewara which exploded in 1889 and destroyed many settlements--it was much bigger than Mt St Helens. In the evening more Maori culture at a Hangi and Concert--the Hangi is a meal cooked over several hours in the earth--lamb, chicken, sweet potatoes, vegetables--covered with sacks. The concert was different illustrating the different Maori tribes. After the meal--the above + salads and sweet we went for walk in the forest to see the glow worms, silver fern etc.
Yesterday went to another thermal area--more like Yellowstone--Wai-O-Tapu. The Lady Knox geyser is induced with soap flakes! There were spectacular features--Champagne lakes, huge craters, different coloured pools etc. Met people who had lived in Melrose! After lunch went south to Waikato River--saw water released from dam thru a gorge--only done for 30 mins a day and then on to Huka Falls where the river narrows from 100m wide to 15 and 5 m deep to 15m!--quite impressive. Had an undulating walk along the river for about an hour + and then on to Taupo, scene of another volcanic eruption and huge crater lake.
Today we had a session in our motel thermal pool and then went to the Maori Cultural Centre and saw more thermal activity, another show and more info on Maori custom and history as well as watching trainees carving some of the Maori traditions. In the afternoon we went to the Roturua Museum and Bath House. Pat's back is playing up and I hope it will be OK tomorrow when we aim for Napier, an Art Deco city which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931.
The countryside here is quite hilly and the autumn tints are just appearing
Hope all this makes sense and that everyone is well
Had a phone call from the Lib Dems this am--my mobile at that!
Tom
Thanks to Ken, Isabel & Joann for their replies! Weather here is cooler today--no rain on trip so far but this could change! Glad Sam is eating well. I tried to send 2 blogs from Auckland but the system I was using was strange and I lost them both
Last day in Sydney we spent in the Gallery of Modern Art--superb photos by Rosemary Leach. Then wandered thru the Rocks--Pat got some beads for cards and admired the many craft items on display I walked up Observatory Hill and over to the Bridge. We then took the ferry to Manly, walked up the main street to the beach and the Pacific Ocean Like Bondi it is quite small and the surfing doesn't look as impressive as that off the English and Scottish coasts. We had magic sail back to Circular Quay as it was dark and the Opera House, City Centre and the Bridge were alight. Later after a meal on the concourse between the Quay & the Opera House we decided against a play--too tired!
Early start to get plane to NZ--first Qantas flight and it was on the tarmac for 90 mins! Late into Auckland meant we only had a stroll to the Quayside for a meal at Esquires--it was very good. Our accommodation was basic but central On Sunday am we took the Circular Bus--free and like the other city buses run by Stagecoach! It circles the city centre. We got off at the Sky Tower and were rewarded with superb views of the city and harbour The glass bottomed lift and parts of the Observation gallery were exciting! It is the highest structure in the southern hemisphere. We also saw people flying down from above us in a harness and fixed wires for $200!
At noon we picked up the car--supposedly upgraded--an ancient automatic Nissan Sunny Ezy cars don't deal in new cars and it is only $30 a day (12 GBP) We successfully navigated our way out of Auckland--it was good it was Sunday. The 100k limit is not a problem as everyone adheres to it. We took under 3 hours to get to Rotorua where we booked in for 4 nights in a studio--large room--sitting room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom--very comfortable and we breakfast there as well as 3 evening meals--Pack and Save supermarket very good.
I had an early am walk along the lake and after breakfast we visited Whakarewarewa Thermal site where we saw the evidence that Rotorua is part of the Volcanic Girdle-mud pools, thermals, geysers etc We were entertained to a Culture show of Maori song, dance and story--met 2 girls from Dublin. In the afternoon we saw 4 lakes and Mt Terewara which exploded in 1889 and destroyed many settlements--it was much bigger than Mt St Helens. In the evening more Maori culture at a Hangi and Concert--the Hangi is a meal cooked over several hours in the earth--lamb, chicken, sweet potatoes, vegetables--covered with sacks. The concert was different illustrating the different Maori tribes. After the meal--the above + salads and sweet we went for walk in the forest to see the glow worms, silver fern etc.
Yesterday went to another thermal area--more like Yellowstone--Wai-O-Tapu. The Lady Knox geyser is induced with soap flakes! There were spectacular features--Champagne lakes, huge craters, different coloured pools etc. Met people who had lived in Melrose! After lunch went south to Waikato River--saw water released from dam thru a gorge--only done for 30 mins a day and then on to Huka Falls where the river narrows from 100m wide to 15 and 5 m deep to 15m!--quite impressive. Had an undulating walk along the river for about an hour + and then on to Taupo, scene of another volcanic eruption and huge crater lake.
Today we had a session in our motel thermal pool and then went to the Maori Cultural Centre and saw more thermal activity, another show and more info on Maori custom and history as well as watching trainees carving some of the Maori traditions. In the afternoon we went to the Roturua Museum and Bath House. Pat's back is playing up and I hope it will be OK tomorrow when we aim for Napier, an Art Deco city which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931.
The countryside here is quite hilly and the autumn tints are just appearing
Hope all this makes sense and that everyone is well
Had a phone call from the Lib Dems this am--my mobile at that!
Tom
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Sydney
Hi folks Sorruy for the hiccup--it is 7 am and Pat is fast asleep
Thanks for e-mail Isabel--if you go anon i can't reply as I have no addresses with me!!
Last day in Bangkok was spent going to the World trade Centre to find it was closed!! We used the Skytrain which is an impressive aerial railway in the city Then spent 2 hours in the hotel lobby watching the world go by, reading and having afternoon tea--could get used to 4 * luxury!!!!!
Flight to Sydney was early--didn't see much as it was overnight Plane not full so got 3 seats to ourselves Arrived at 6 am--beautiful sunny day--16 C with a breeze--later 25 C Got in by minibus with Yanks from Minneappolis Room at hotel not ready so went for a walk to Darling Harbour--only McDonalds open at 8 am!! Got a snack at a bar and ate it on the waterfront Walked back by the city centre Our hotel is on the edge of the city centre--about 20 mins walk to Darling Harbour and the Opera House We have an apartment--sitting room/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom Convenience store next door so we have our own breakfast
After a snooze we went back to Dar Harbour and visited the acclaimed Aquarium--it was terrific, esp the Barrier Reef section
Yesterday walked thru park to Art Gallery--excellent exhibition with a Palotzzi (cant spell) sculpture--took a few photos after attendant showed me how to turn off flash! Lots of youngsters going around which is great Continued wander thru park to Opera House--it doesn't get less impressive--and Circular Quay where all the ferries leave from Watched street performers for about an hour, including some aborigines. Took the train back to the hotel
In the evening we met Paul Wade, son of one of our neighbours in Lochmaben We caught a train to Newtown but it was not the right one--fortunately Canberra was not the next stop! We got off and returned down the line to Newtown (10 mins) Then we tried to spot the restaurent but missed it--all in all we were 30 mins late--sorry Sheila & Jack!
We had a lovely evnening with Paul, his wife, Greta and their son of a few months, Kurtis at the Peasants' Feast--it does Medieval banquets would you believe! Their daughter, Ruby was away camping They were in good form and Pat got over her "Sam blues" by cudling Kurtis Paul had been for an interview that day and thought it had gone quite well and Greta is likely to have an insert in the Sydney Herald for her interior decorating business Got the correct train home!
My credit is running low so I'll have to close!
May make the Modern Art gallery today and Manly beach--its a hard life! Back to pick up the washing and then it is NZ at 7 am tomorrow
hope you are all well and receiving this
Tom
Thanks for e-mail Isabel--if you go anon i can't reply as I have no addresses with me!!
Last day in Bangkok was spent going to the World trade Centre to find it was closed!! We used the Skytrain which is an impressive aerial railway in the city Then spent 2 hours in the hotel lobby watching the world go by, reading and having afternoon tea--could get used to 4 * luxury!!!!!
Flight to Sydney was early--didn't see much as it was overnight Plane not full so got 3 seats to ourselves Arrived at 6 am--beautiful sunny day--16 C with a breeze--later 25 C Got in by minibus with Yanks from Minneappolis Room at hotel not ready so went for a walk to Darling Harbour--only McDonalds open at 8 am!! Got a snack at a bar and ate it on the waterfront Walked back by the city centre Our hotel is on the edge of the city centre--about 20 mins walk to Darling Harbour and the Opera House We have an apartment--sitting room/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom Convenience store next door so we have our own breakfast
After a snooze we went back to Dar Harbour and visited the acclaimed Aquarium--it was terrific, esp the Barrier Reef section
Yesterday walked thru park to Art Gallery--excellent exhibition with a Palotzzi (cant spell) sculpture--took a few photos after attendant showed me how to turn off flash! Lots of youngsters going around which is great Continued wander thru park to Opera House--it doesn't get less impressive--and Circular Quay where all the ferries leave from Watched street performers for about an hour, including some aborigines. Took the train back to the hotel
In the evening we met Paul Wade, son of one of our neighbours in Lochmaben We caught a train to Newtown but it was not the right one--fortunately Canberra was not the next stop! We got off and returned down the line to Newtown (10 mins) Then we tried to spot the restaurent but missed it--all in all we were 30 mins late--sorry Sheila & Jack!
We had a lovely evnening with Paul, his wife, Greta and their son of a few months, Kurtis at the Peasants' Feast--it does Medieval banquets would you believe! Their daughter, Ruby was away camping They were in good form and Pat got over her "Sam blues" by cudling Kurtis Paul had been for an interview that day and thought it had gone quite well and Greta is likely to have an insert in the Sydney Herald for her interior decorating business Got the correct train home!
My credit is running low so I'll have to close!
May make the Modern Art gallery today and Manly beach--its a hard life! Back to pick up the washing and then it is NZ at 7 am tomorrow
hope you are all well and receiving this
Tom
Monday, April 11, 2005
Bangkok
Hi folks
Happy Birthday, Isabel--remembered whilst being pampered in hotel lobby by attentive Thai girls on their knees serving lunch! Sorry for mistakes but I can't read the Thai keyboard!
Flight was fine but the heat & humidity hit us when we arrived--35 C First night didn't sleep and then had a full day trip to Floating Market some 70 miles from Bangkok. It was very interesting. Later we visited a coconut processing plant, a furniture factory and the Rose Garden where we had a superb buffet lunch, saw an elephant show and went round a "Thai village" where native crafts were on display--potter, weaver, silk thread extractor etc. Finally saw a "cultural " show with Thai dancing, music, kick boxing and a football juggler. Were exhausted at night and ate in our room
Today visited the Grand Palace--yes it was breathtaking Michael jnr! Incredible decoration Were taken to jewellery factory where Pat declined their generous offer of a 100 GBP ring! Showered at lunchtime and no in nearby shopping centre at Internet cafe
Starting to wind down now--off to Sydney tomorrow
Hope you are all well
Tom
Hope your cold is better, Ken and that Sam is still enjoying his high chair!
Happy Birthday, Isabel--remembered whilst being pampered in hotel lobby by attentive Thai girls on their knees serving lunch! Sorry for mistakes but I can't read the Thai keyboard!
Flight was fine but the heat & humidity hit us when we arrived--35 C First night didn't sleep and then had a full day trip to Floating Market some 70 miles from Bangkok. It was very interesting. Later we visited a coconut processing plant, a furniture factory and the Rose Garden where we had a superb buffet lunch, saw an elephant show and went round a "Thai village" where native crafts were on display--potter, weaver, silk thread extractor etc. Finally saw a "cultural " show with Thai dancing, music, kick boxing and a football juggler. Were exhausted at night and ate in our room
Today visited the Grand Palace--yes it was breathtaking Michael jnr! Incredible decoration Were taken to jewellery factory where Pat declined their generous offer of a 100 GBP ring! Showered at lunchtime and no in nearby shopping centre at Internet cafe
Starting to wind down now--off to Sydney tomorrow
Hope you are all well
Tom
Hope your cold is better, Ken and that Sam is still enjoying his high chair!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
D-day has arrived
Only a few hours to go! I'm just testing this to see that I will be able to cope with it abroad. We seem to be all packed and all that remains is a visit to the local hairdresser for a "holiday cut". Good news this am is that the Lochmaben website made it on to Page 1 for the first time!
Wonder how David & pupils are getting on doing their 4 day canoe trip on River Spey, camping on the way. The weather forecast is snow & rain so it is maybe good preparation for their Alaska excursion this summer.
Don't know when or where the next blog will be!!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes
Pat and Tom
Wonder how David & pupils are getting on doing their 4 day canoe trip on River Spey, camping on the way. The weather forecast is snow & rain so it is maybe good preparation for their Alaska excursion this summer.
Don't know when or where the next blog will be!!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes
Pat and Tom
