A busier day

Sunday 31st July; after yesterday's relaxed day we decided to set off early today and have a proper look around the city in the day. Firstly we walked back to Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay where we went the other night to visit the IMAX. In the day the place is packed, probably more the usual because of the Boat Show:


There are fountains everywhere and cleverly, they are all designed to be interactive:


That's Calum sitting on the rock in the middle of the fountain!

Also in the bay is the Australian National Maritime Museum so we payed a visit, including going on a old HMAS Submarine and the Frigate HMAS Vampire as well as touring the museum itself.

The place is buzzing! People everywhere and such a good atmosphere. To get back to the town centre part of the harbour we get the ferry. The ferry runs like a bus service and is only $2.50 for a hop on, hop off service. The route takes us under the bridge with great views of the Opera House and the city:


When we lad we walked around to 'The Rocks' which are one of the oldest parts of town, finished in 1788, it was built by convicts brought to Australia from England and is located at the south side if the bridge. Today there is a festival called 'The Aroma' with foods and drinks from around the world in particular Turkey and the far east. Jen says she's never seen this many people in one place with such a good atmosphere. All the streets have stalls and music. Down on the front are Turkish dancers:


Calm and Jen enjoy some of the local fayre!

We chose to walk everywhere despite there being lots of steps, currently Jen is walking like she just got off a horse when climbing or descending on the steps. We think it's because of the bridge walk, either that or her undies are to tight!


After wandering we set off back to the hotel for food. Tomorrow we get picked up at 7.30am to go to the Blue Mountains for a wildlife safari. Can't wait:

We like Sydney a lot, More to follow:


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A day for chilling

Saturday 30th July. After the hectic last week, we took a day off to do some chilling and actually did very little. A quick stroll down to the quay by the Opera House to take some pictures:


Jen and Calum with the bridge behind them, taken from the side of the Opera House.



The very impressive and magnificent Opera House.

We the went for a walk around the nearby botanical gardens and took a look at the large flying foxes (fruit bats that hang in the trees above your head:


Then a bit of food shopping and back to the room for a quiet evening in!

Busier day tomorrow, more to follow:


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Bridge climbing, Hard Rock and IMAX!

Third time of trying with this Blog, I keep erasing it by accident!

Anyway, here goes; bridge climb first!

After getting our complementary Bridge Climb hats we get the breath test, the overalls and 'Bat Belt'. I call it that because it contains our safety line, radio, Bagged up Fleece, earphones etc, attached to our overalls are glasses leashes and if we want them - gloves and beanie hats. We also have freshly laundered handkerchiefs attached to bands on our wrists. The idea being you are not allowed anything on the bridge that might drop onto the eight lanes of traffic or the two railway tracks. All personal items go into a locker. After an hour of sorting us out and briefing, we set off on the walk. The hardest part is manoeuvring between narrow passages and along narrow walkways with low overheads before climbing a series of ladders onto the top of the bridge. We then walked up the top to the tip of the arches. Then across the middle at the tip and back down again. We have a group of 14 with a guide - Richard - who gives us a commentary on the way and tells us all about the bridge and landmarks.

As we are unable to take anything onto the bridge we can't take cameras, however Richard takes various pictures on the way including our free group photo which we get with our certificates of achievement. We also buy an additional picture of the three of us with the Opera House in the background.





This is a quick shot of the bridge from the Opera House

After the climb we headed back to the hotel via a wander around 'The Rocks' area near the base of the bridge.

At the hotel we decided to go to the cinema in the evening. We find the IMAX in an area called Darling Harbour. Like London, everything is nearby so we walk that way to get some food and then watch a film. There are loads of restaurants in the harbour area and we decide upon Hard Rock Cafe. Great food and good atmosphere then onto the IMAX where we see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt2 3D (Calum & Les had already seen it in Esher on opening night but were happy to watch again with Jen). The screen is described as the biggest IMAX screen in the world, we don't know if that's true but it is huge!

After the film, back to the hotel arriving just before midnight, very tired and needing our beds!

More to follow:

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Outback to civilisation!

Thursday 28th July: We had to be out of the room by 10.00am but were able to lock our bags away with the porter in his 'Cabin'! We still had an hour and a half to kill before the coach arrived to take us to the airport so we went for a short walk to a raised viewing point in the centre of Ayers Rock Resort.


From here you get great views of the rock and can also see how near we are and also how small the resort is. All the complexes are built in a similar style to the hotel we previously described including the school and shops.


1140am pick up arrived at 11.50am to take us to the airport. No one rushes here, it's great! Picked up and off to the airport. The coach driver makes a sales pitch for the resort stating she hoped we enjoyed our stay and would call again and more importantly tell our friends about it. We would certainly recommend it, but you do only need a couple of days. What we discussed is that it would have been really good to stay in the centre and maybe travel up to Darwin.

Anyway, we arrived at little old Ayers Rock airport. Everything is surrounded by red sand and bush. Uluru is clearly visible and very nearby. Through security and into the departure lounge. Just enough time for tea and coffee before being called. Then a short walk across the airfield to the aircraft, no mod cons here.

Small aircraft, half empty, inflight film and a sandwich! During the flight, flying over Lake Ayer on route to Sydney and approximately 30 minutes into the flight. It is huge and stretches out in all directions.

On the flight we fly over acre upon acre of wilderness, mountains desert and brush lands. Eventually it becomes farmland, looking like giant patchwork quilts until we hit suburbs and then the city when coming into land.

At the airport we are lost! Do we get a bus, taxi, train? If so where to? We stood reading a leaflet when a guy offered to help. He then said he runs a shuttle bus to the hotels and would take us to our hotel for $40. Off we drive into the city arriving shortly after at the Mantra Hotel. We end up with a suite on the 11th floor. We've got our own balcony, split level floor with our own kitchen, bathroom with walk in glass shower and washing machine/tumble dryer. Jen and Les in a queen size bed with our own TV and Calum in the lounge area in a fold up bed and the main TV at his disposal. There is a gym for guests on the 19th floor and a rooftop pool and jacuzzi. I'm sure we'll make use of all those things over the next 5 days.

Once settled in the room, we went for a walk into the city for some food. The quay is nearby and we see trips are available around the harbour (we'll probably give that a go later in the week). What we do see is Sydney harbour bridge looking spectacular. Tomorrow morning we go on the bridge climb to the top of the bridge!

It is odd being in winter. The weather so far had been either mild or very hot except for the early start at Ayers Rock which was cold. Stranger still is that it gets dark early i.e. at about 5.30pm and is dark until about 6.30am. The two don't seem to mix we still have our UK summer heads on. Because it's hotter and sunnier than it was when we left UK we keep expecting it to be later in the day than it is.

Very tired now so off to sleep for a big day tomorrow!

More to follow:


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Early mornings and getting the hump!

Wednesday 27th July. We were up this morning shortly after 5.00am ready for a pick up 6.15am and a drive to Uluru to watch the sun rise. Beautiful blue skies but absolutely freezing! The sunrise was beautiful although I think we all agreed the sunset had been better. That said, it was still good and then off to Uluru itself. It really is truly amazing, apparently there are a number of theories about how it came to be here but no one is certain. All they do know is that it's a monolith (i.e. A rock on it's own). What's also interesting is that it's on its side which can be seen by it's striation markings. They had a shop with genuine aboriginal art and carvings at the information centre, but the cheapest painting was about $300 and the carvings, such as genuine boomerangs were a similar price!



Back to the hotel at about 1100am and sitting by the pool in the boiling hot sun. Calum has taken a dip but the water is freezing.



This afternoon it's Camel riding! Picked up from the Hotel at 2.00pm and taken into the bush to the Camel Ranch, then paired up and put onto camels. Les and Calum shared a camel whilst Jen shared with a young girl called Louise.

We then followed a trail into the bush with views of Uluru. Great fun but you feel like you've done the splits when you get off! Jen's camel - Ned- was even famous having stolen the show on the film Australia staring Nichole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and Ned (sadly Ned is only seen during the opening credits!)



Jenny with Ned



Calum and Les on Apollo.

After the ride, into Ayers Rock town for a bit of food shopping and coffee then back to the room to clean up and rest.

Sydney tomorrow - should be able to send the last three Blogs (including this one) from there - more to follow:


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Ayers Rock Resort

What a shocker! When arriving in Ayers Rock by air, the journey is fantastic. Only a short flight but views of deserts, lakes, scrubland etc out of the airplanes windows. The plane is only small and flys really low for a passenger plane.
Suddenly you see 'Kata Tjuta' towering over the desert. Uluru (Ayers Rock) must be near. Then you see it. On it's own surrounded by relatively flat land it is huge. It looks remarkable. There are no roads to speak of only red dirt tracks. Slowly the plane banks right. And defends rapidly to Ayres Rock airport. Off the plane and onto the red dust covered tarmac. Into the arrivals lounge collect bags and then off to the resort by coach (10 minute journey).

From the outside the resort is not very impressive at all. Looks a bit like tin covered huts and buildings with bits of canvas covering the open areas. Only when you disembark the coach do you realise there are a series of hotels, homes, shops etc all hidden amongst the trees and joined by a shuttle bus service (as in Perth it's free).



We book in and then make our way to our room which turns out to be clean tidy and functional with a relatively new bathroom. There is a tourist office on site so after booking in a quick visit is made to plan tomorrow. We sign up for 'Sunrise at Uluru'. Pick up at 6.15am then into Uluru national park for a guided tour and history after watching the sun come up. The in the afternoon a camel ride around the outskirts of the park. We're told a packed lunch is advisable so off to the supermarket to buy the bits and a cool bag. Bearing in mind it's the middle of winter, it's really warm!

Back to today and at 5.05pm we get picked up at the hotel for the 'Sounds of Silence' bar-b-que. Into the bush the coach drove, down red dusty tracks finally dropping us off within a short walk of a view point for Uluru. We can also see Kata Tjuta (described by Jen as looking like piles). as the sun goes slowly down you see the light over Uluru change it's colours with various reds, oranges, browns and even purples. Champagne on arrival for those that wish and soft drinks for anyone who wants it. Then out comes the entrees - made from Kangaroo, Crocodile, Salmon or vegetable Sushi. All of which tasted superb.



All good up to now, except: Les tried to take a photo of Jen and large elderly man stood in front of Les. Les moved, so did man. Les gave up, thinking 'I'll do it later'. Jen "let's try and get some entrees" queued up, as got to the tray, large elderly man stood in front of us and ate the last ones. Joined another queue. As got to the tray, large elderly man did the same. Third time lucky we tried the entrees.

The sun set. Called to dinner. Walked further into the bush and when arriving at the tables each couple or group was called forward. Oh yes, you guessed it, we are next to large elderly man and his wife!
In fairness he turned out to be okay! At the table with Les, Jen & Calum were a newly we'd Italian couple from Rome, a hippy Aussie guy, a very eccentric Canadian lady and the elderly old guy and his wife who were from America.
What a fun night, we talked about everything from Harry Potter to deadly spiders to stars and capital cities. It was a great night. The food was a cooked buffet with Chicken sausages, lamb, kangaroo, crocodile salad etc. All cooked to perfection and eaten out under the stars.



And, talking of stars, as this was so far from cities etc the sky way a blanket of stars. After the main course of the meal set to accompaniment of a digeridoo the table lights were turned off, the buffet bar lights went out and a guide talked about the stars whilst pointing them out and telling ancient stories about them. Including the Southern Cross which adorns the Australian flag. With all the lights out the 'milky way' was clearly visible like a huge glimmering river across the sky from one horizon to the other. It makes you realise how much of our night sky is wiped out by light pollution.

Then, lights back on for desert. Whilst eating there is the opportunity to look at Saturn with it's rings through a telescope.

Then coffee and back to the hotel by coach after the best day yet (apart from dumping the scooter!)

More to follow:

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Calum Bin Scooter

Tuesday 26th July, Up nice and early for our next trip to Ayers Rock. Nice easy check out. Calm forgot to pack his scooter into his luggage and so decided to use it as hand luggage (it comes in it's own holdall). Off to the airport we drove, got lost, drove through the city, found the freeway and headed to domestic departures, stopping to refuel the car on the way.

AVIS were brilliant. They have attendants in the car park to check the car and take your keys which makes it nice and easy. Into the departure area for Quantas and booking in. First attempt at auto booking in and it fails to recognise us. Fortunately a member of staff is at hand and she was extremely helpful and sorted the three of us out in a jiffy. Bags into the deposit area then round to security. Calum first: yes, it had to happen, the scooter is too big for the cabin and needs to be booked into the hold. Jen and Calum return to try and book in the scooter into the hold. Les had already removed his belt and belongings so would have taken ages to go back. After a short while Jen reappears "it will cost another $30 to deposit the scooter". Now whilst that doesn't sound a huge amount, the scooter is only worth about £15 and is old and tatty to say the least. A decision was made 'dump to scooter' and the scooter was left abandoned at Perth airport.

Finally through security. Jen gets stopped for a explosive search and swabbing (it must be us after the same happened to Les in Singapore). Time for a quick coffee then onto the flight to Ayers Rock.


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Horses and Roo's

On day one, Calum and Jen decided they fancied horse riding. We were busy until today but first thing she put in a call to Ron's Ranch in Joodalup on the Wanaroo Road, about a half hour north of Perth.
An appointment was booked for both at 12.00pm. They asked and were told that Jen had very little experience and Calum had none. It all sounded great, riding right into the bush on special horse trails for approximately two and a half hours.

Off we went up the route 2 freeway, onto the Wanaroo Road and look out for Ron's Ranch. Now I've seen westerns, I've even seen some Australian films so I was fairly confident I could recognise a 'Ranch' when I see one. Suddenly Calum said "that's it" and as we sailed past we saw a hand painted sign saying 'Ron's Ranch'.
We quickly turned the car around and in we drove. The 'Ranch' consisted of a number of containers and huts along with a number of Horses in paddocks. Jen got out and spoke with the lady who appeared to be in charge. Only $70 each so no issues with the price. Again Jen was asked if she was experienced and again she said very little and Calum had none. "Oh" said the lady "did you want a guide?", now bearing in mind the ride is over two hours long, and goes into the bush where obviously Jen and Calum had never been, and even if they had they wouldn't be confident on horses this seemed an odd question. "Well yes" said Jen "Sorry" she replied "We haven't got one as they all went back to school today. Would you be okay without one?" incredibly they were prepared to let a novice and an absolute beginner go into the bush, on horses they don't know, without a guide. Jen reluctantly declined and the two very disappointed prospective riders got back in the car with Les and drove back towards Perth!

We all decided on the way back to call in at Caversham Wildlife Park. We were so glad we did. It was brilliant. Lots of birds, bats and other creatures like wallabies etc but most importantly Koalas:


And Kangaroo's:


You could feed and stroke the Kangaroo's but they explained you could only stroke certain Koala's for a certain amount of time as they get "stressed" - makes you wonder what people used to do to them! It's now illegal to hold a Koala in Australia!

The park was amazing and there was lots to see including a motor museum etc. There was a number of raised view points where you could see for miles, including in the distance Perth:


This was the view point we used:


Tomorrow morning, off to Ayers Rock, more to follow:


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Chinese and Lemsip

Off we went back into the city for food. First meeting up with a friend of Jen's cousin Jackie called Virginia who is over here on business. A very nice person who knows Perth well and was able to make suggestions about what to see and where to go.

Now the free bus service I mentioned before - the Blue Cat - only runs until 7.00pm on Sundays so although we got a lift into town we would have to make our own way back to the hotel (just a thought - wasn't there a Magic Roundabout film called 'Dougal and the blue cat'?)

After meeting we went walkabout, through the city to the same street as last night. It was a whole lot quieter and had a lot less thigh on display. As is normal when meeting and asking about where shall we eat the conversation went something like this:
"What do we fancy?"
"I don't mind"
"I'm easy as well"
"What is there here?"
"How about Pizza?"
"We had pizza last night"
"What would you like?"
"What would you like?"
"I really don't mind"
"I really don't mind either"
Now by this time we had walked most of the street. The conversation could have gone on forever but for Calum who proudly announced "I want Chinese!".
Thank heavens for youngsters.
Chinese it was then. The last restaurant in the street was a Chinese and looked pretty good. As we entered I noticed a fish tank full of fish and eels swimming about. 'Nice' I thought, just like the fish in Uzzals. We sat down and ordered a dish each and a rice each. Even better, no MSG at our request!
You may have picked up from previous Blogs that eating out is not cheap here, what you have to say is they make up for it with quantity! Last nights pizza's were huge and each of these portions would have been enough for four and we had one each!

The restaurant was quite quiet, the main customers being a large Chinese family of about 10 at another table. They had the fish. We know they had the fish because the waiter fished it out of the tank into a tray and showed it to them before taking it to the kitchen for execution!

When we left the restaurant it had just started spitting outside. Very light so not a problem. It was still warm. We walked Virginia back to her hotel and decided as the weather was now dry and warm to walk back to our hotel. We are so close to the centre it only took about 20 minutes. Once back we popped into the bar for Jen to have a wine and Les and Calum to have Coke and a Lift respectively whilst planning what to do tomorrow.

Why 'Lemsip' you ask? Well that goes back to Les's last few days at work when his co-trainer had a rotten cold. "Don't go giving that to me" Les told him "I don't want it in Australia". Famous last words. Sore throat, chesty cough (not the Russian footballer - Chesticov) and blocked nose - thanks Andy. Anyway, we walked past a pharmacy on the way back so first thing tomorrow it's off to the Chemist's for Lemsip'.

More soon - cough, cough!

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A more sedate day

Up again reasonably early then off in the car to meet the relatives.

Jen's cousin's dad Paul - that would make him an uncle by marriage to Lina (now deceased) - lives in the suburbs, in an area called Bassendean.

This is the first time we've gone to the suburbs so we don't know what to expect. Needless to say we are once again pleasantly surprised. Everyone has a bungalow and seem so very friendly.



In the picture from left to right are Jen, Sally (Paul's sister), Paul, Milly (his wife's granddaughter), Linda (his wife) and Calum.

Good conversation and learning about Jen's family history was truly fascinating.

After a good couple of hours chatting it was off again to visit a tropical bird emporium just round the corner from Paul's.




A quick picture of one of the many birds for sale at the centre!

After the quick visit, it was back to Kings Park so we could have a nice walk and take some photos.







We're off out for a nice meal now, so more updates later!

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More About Fish and Hips...

Back to the hotel and the free bikes. We all had 'Giant' mountain bikes. For those who don't know, that doesn't mean they belong to a 30 foot high mythical creature or are enormous bikes, too big to be ridden but are in fact made by a company called 'Giant'!

The bikes were quite good, Calum loved his, Jen's was good although Les's front wheel was slightly buckled! We all had to wear helmets (a legal requirement in Australia) and Calum found three that 'fitted' us. Jen's was so loose (and couldn't be altered) that every time she shook her head it fell to the back of her head, looking like a giant grey mushroom growing out of her neck.

Off we went to find Kings Park. We had read the reviews in the leaflets and had seen an advert on the plane and it looked fab.

We knew it was somewhere behind the hotel but were not sure how we got into it. We cycled along the roadside/riverside until we found a flight of stairs heading up the hill behind us. We knew the park was somewhere at the top and so decided (influenced by Calum) to carry the bikes up the stairs. As we started we were met by a nice young couple who has just come down the stairs. They advised us it was probably not a good idea as the stairs go on and on and on and get steeper and steeper.

Well, you know us, not to be deterred, off we went. Now if you can imagine walking up the stairs at Leigh Hill, carrying a heavy mountain bike in the hot sun you are somewhere close to imagining what it was like!

The reward at the top certainly made up for the effort. The views were spectacular of the city and the bay. Kings Park is also the memorial gardens for all the Western Australian men and women killed in action since 1914. It is by far the most magnificent memorial we have ever seen. Unfortunately due to being on bikes we didn't have the camera with us so we're going to drive up tomorrow to take some pictures.

The park itself is huge. It goes on for miles and is a great ride for bikes with paths for bikes, pedestrians or both. As you go around there are view points and children's playgrounds, picnic areas or just places to sit and watch the world go by. You are not encouraged to go off the beaten track and we sussed out this is probably to do with snakes etc.

After the ride it was back to the hotel, lock up the bikes and off into to city for food.

The best way into the city is via the free bus service. They have three free routes called Red, Yellow and Blue and the busses are called 'Cats' (we haven't worked out why yet!). The Blue Cat passes the hotel and goes on a loop passing all the places in the city you might wish to visit. It's a great idea and there is a bus every 15 minutes.

Into the city for food. Don't know what to say really. We walked up and down the road trying to decide what we fancied. Nothing sprung out at us. Les got approached by a tramp, obviously drunk and wanting money. He managed to avoid giving him any!

Eventually we decided on Pizza which because it was so warm we ate alfresco.
We met the chef who was Italian and the Pizza was superb. It might be expensive to eat here but you do get huge portions.

When we sat to eat, we didn't notice that on the opposite side of the road was a sleeping nightclub/bar. During the meal, this came to life 'thump, thump, thump' went the music. We found it quite funny really. We also noticed a short distance away a nightclub with bouncers on the door and many, many scantily clad women going in and out. They all seemed to be having a great time, laughing and joking and even wandered over to our restaurant to laugh with the customers. Needless to say Les found this very distracting and totally unnecessary (yeah, right). It culminated in a young girl who obviously worked there and was wearing a Ann Summers type maid outfit wandering over to the Pizza restaurant, apologising to us and then walking up the steps into the restaurant (where she was obviously known) and showing us her naked hips and buttocks.

After the meal we had to stand outside the nightclub whilst waiting for the Blue Cat. Whilst waiting a van pulled up and the doors opened at the side to reveal it to be fitted in luxury with a huge flat screen TV in the back and approximately 10 girls rolled out for a hen night. What a great idea for a van!

Back to the hotel and off to sleep, another great day was had by all!

More soon


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Fish and Hips

A good nights sleep. Just what we needed after the long flight and that's just what we got! We all fell asleep with the TV on at about 8.30pm.

Next morning though and up around 8.30am and down to breakfast. First thought after a glance at the menu was 'very nice and obviously comes in a solid gold bowl and is served in a luxurious room in which a team of beautiful maidens pander to our every whim including cleaning and even flossing our teeth after the magnificent fare before us'.

My second thought was more 'are these prices right!'

If they were, I would have expected the full treatment listed above, but no, for Calum's breakfast of 2 boiled eggs, bacon and sausage, Jenny's cereal and toast and Les's bowl of melon 42 dollars or about £30.00

We soon realised these prices were normal and it is the same everywhere. Good job we allowed for this before going or it could have ruined the holiday before it started.

Anyway, on to 'Fish and Hips'

We decided to go visit 'Aqwa' (spelt correctly before anyone says it should be Aqua). Aqwa is Australia's largest aquarium and is about 30 minutes up the coast from Perth. It was great, it has the largest underwater tunnel of any Aquarium anywhere, there were no queues and it was no more expensive than any aquarium in the UK.






-
Not only that, the sun was out and it got positively hot. The aquarium is at a Marina called 'Hillary's Boat Harbour'. It is beautiful and is under development to improve all the time. It has millionaire boats in the Marina and quirky shops and places to eat and drink coffee everywhere. They also have a kids park for little ones and those of Calum's age. Needless to say he went on the climbing wall etc.








After that it was back to The hotel and the free bike hire.

More to follow:

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On the flight

Well now, what can you say about the Airbus 380 except wow. Quantas staff were fab and very attentive and the flight to Singapore was brilliant (except for the full cup of apple juice that was spilt over Jen's lap - Jen blamed Calum, Calum blamed Jen!).

As promised by the pilot, we did make up some of the lost time, arriving in Singapore 8.25am local time (1.25am UK time). We were told the flight to Perth had been delayed to 9.15am from 9.05am to allow us time to change planes. That sounds good, except we had over a hundred people changing from the A380 to the Perth bound A330. All those people - including a large girls hockey team who couldn't move any slower if you strapped them to their hockey sticks and nailed them together - had to clear security at Singapore.

Despite being armed to the teeth, the security staff were friendly. We all had to remove our shoes to go through the scanner, and then were searched .To be honest, one look at the sidearms on display and we would have removed all our clothes if asked! Anyway after the searching and the swabbing for drugs, explosives etc we boarded the Airbus A330. By now it was 9.25am so running late again! Take off was at 9.35am.

Normally this is quite a big aircraft but after being on the A380 it was like getting onto a WWII troop transporter.

The flight was good. Calum slept the whole way, Jen dried out (still smelt of apples) and also got some sleep and even Les managed to get an hour or so's kip.

Finally we arrived in Perth 2.27pm. Picked up our luggage after Jen threw away the bananas she had illegally imported into Australia (read rules on importing foods products to Australia).

AVIS rentacar let us have a lovely big Toyota saloon (bigger car than we ordered but at no extra cost) and out into the pouring torrential rain we went!

A quick 30 minute drive to the hotel - should have been 20 minutes but as map reader, Jen thought Les could guess the directions rather than telling him the right route!

Into the hotel and into our room. We made it! Looking out of the window we saw two kookaburra's sitting on a balcony opposite - we have truly arrived!

Updates to follow x


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Off we go!

Here we go, here we go, here we go!

6.00am and we're up and getting ready. Bags packed, dog gone on holiday and we're waiting for Lisa to take us to the airport at 8.30am. Les has already been to the loo (not a sign of nerves).

8.30am, no sign of Lisa. Probably stuck in traffic, we're hoping not for long.

8.45am, still no Lisa, not to worry, we've still got time. Les needs the loo (might be nerves).

8.55am and Lisa arrives, all is well with the world and after loading the car off we go. Lisa does a great job of getting us to terminal 3 despite not knowing the route and having to be reminded to stop for red lights (although to be fair it was only the once!).

So after hugs, kisses and goodbyes, it's into the departure terminal and to the Quantas desk. We were met by a very pleasant and smart young man who asked if we were booking in. He then took us to a machine to do auto booking in. For some reason it recognised Les and allowed him to book in. It also showed Jen and Calum but wouldn't let us book them in. "No problem" said the nice young man "We'll go to the luggage desk and you can book in there".

Off to the desk we go and try to deposit our luggage, very nice man behind the desk "I can't find your booking, the computer says you've cancelled your tickets, have you cancelled at some point?". Now, it might have been a clue to most people, but us being at the airport with a load of luggage indicates that to be very unlikely. Anyway it does recognise Les but not Jen and Calum, but says the ticket numbers are cancelled. He suggests we go to the BA ticket desk around the corner as they deal with the Quantas tickets.

A very nice lady behind the desk asks if she can help. The story is explained: "No problem" she says in a cheery voice "I'll look it up and we'll get it sorted" she taps at the computer "Oh, it says here you've cancelled your tickets, did you cancel them?" I'm beginning to think I'm the one going mad, maybe lots of people go to the airport with luggage and passports etc with no intention of going anywhere! "No" we say. "I'll have to get onto your agent" she says, and she's told it was Trailfinders in Brighton. "Does this mean we can't fly today?" asks Jen, the tears beginning to well in her eyes, the nice lady does the politician thing and doesn't answer the question "I'll give them a call and see if I can find out what's happened". She makes the call. We see her writing down numbers on our copy of the itinerary and then she comes off the phone. "For some reason they were cancelled but take these numbers to the Quantas desk and you should be able to book in.

Back to the Quantas desk to book in. Hurrah, the numbers work and we're booked in. Les needs the loo (almost certainly nerves)!

Through security and into the departure lounge. Time for a quick tea and a coffee and then off to gate 1 where we see the Quantas Airbus 380. The biggest passenger aircraft we've ever seen!

Show boarding passes and into the gate area waiting to board.
Announcement: "There is a slight delay in boarding due to a medical emergency"
No problem, flights not due until 12.05pm and it's only 11.30am.
Announcement: "We apologise for the continued delay in boarding, this is due to a medical emergency"
No problem, flights not due until 12.05pm and it's only 11.45am.
Announcement: "We apologise for the continued delay in boarding, we hope to have the problem rectified shortly, this is due to a medical emergency"
Now, owing to the fact it's 12.00pm and the flights due to take off at 12.05pm and no one has boarded, you kind of know that we are going to be late taking off! More alarming is the fact that we only stop for an hour in Singapore and have to change planes. This might make us really late. But wait, what's this? It's only London Ambulance Services finest to the rescue! Well actually it's a slightly portly female paramedic on a mountain bike cycling through the departure lounge and onto the plane.
12.10pm and we board the plane. 12.55pm and we're in the air.
Announcement: "This is your Captain speaking, welcome aboard. We are running late but conditions are looking good and we should have no problem making up the lost time, we hope you have a good flight".

Once again, all is well with the world.

Les really needs the loo!



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Only two days to go

Only two days to go, Jen's getting excited, I'm getting excited and I think even Calum's getting excited, although you wouldn't know it to speak with him!

I think Harry has sussed it out, he's done nothing but sulk for the last couple of days. He'll have a great time on his own holiday, he just hasn't realised it yet.

Next blog should be from Perth!


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Trying out the photo's

Just trying the system with a photo of Harry!


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Location:4 days until we go

Never done this before

Well, here goes. It's about time we set up a Blog. The main idea being the family can follow us on our travels.

No interest for anyone else, so if you've found us by chance - sorry to waste your time!