 Daren Grover & Abbie Reynolds - Dal and Ab | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 16th January 2009 simone | you are both such an inspiration - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. i came across your totally by accident and like a voyeur i couldn't resist reading about your adventures. Your decision to get married in this way will forever hold much weight when in your futures you come across a rocky patch in your relationship. You did this for yourselves without having to worry if you were doing it for your family...or anyone else for that matter. I am inspired! Congratulations to you both! |
| 5th January 2009 Mimannee | - From: Across a continent in six days... Wow. I started looking for option on getting from Asia to Australia on some vague whim tonight, and I got so into your blog I want to do the whole journey now! I laughed quite a bit and I loved your random wedding. Amazing. |
| 12th January 2008 Jessica | Different approach - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Hi - This was a very interesting blog. I myself am Cambodian and went back there for the first time since I was 4 a few years ago. I did notice the begging and the selling, but didn't really find it any more or less than when I was in certain places in the Bahamas or Mexico, or basically any place where poverty can be seen outright. Also lots of kids asking for money or trying to sell things to you there too. I think the difference could be because I am Cambodian, and although I still look like a tourist, I did speak the language well, and I was with local relatives who knew where to take me and how to barter. Prices I thought were super cheap (I mean $1 US dollar for a full meal!). If you know how to barter right, souvenirs are also cheap as well. I brought back several beautiful paintings from there, each at $9 US Dollars. I found that exchanging $20 US Dollars gave me plenty of money to pass out to beggers. Most of the kids that beg ask for $100 Reils ... which comes out to about less than $0.03 cents US dollar. $1 US Dollar exchanges to $4,000 Reils!! As for the stomach pains and running to the bathroom ... I don't think it has too much to do with the "khmer curry", but rather that your body is just trying to adjust to new foods, flavors, seasoning, the way things are cooked, etc ... Even though I grew up on Cambodian food, when I was there, the entire 3rd week of my stay was pretty much stomach pains and running to the bathroom, but once my body finally adjusted to the difference, I was perfectly fine and happy and was able to go on as normal for the rest of my trip. Overall, Cambodia was beautiful with a lot of rich history. I would completely suggest visiting, but definitely do your research and pick out a really good touring company if you don't have local contacts there. |
| 15th June 2007 Aisha & Chris | Thanks .... - From: East cape at Easter for a great time at the East Cape. Well, what a great blog - very jealous that you have managed to keep this up to date, yet Chris and I back in the UK are slacking behind!!! Not had a chance to sort all our photos out, so was great to be reminded of the fun time we had there. Can't wait to get back there...one day soon!!! |
| 8th June 2007 RP | blankaty blank - From: East cape at Easter Nice blog guys, I think im going to save for a visit next year. Can you set me up with a mauri woman, one with lots of land. Cheers, RP |
| 5th May 2007 Andy Horsman | Hi - From: Why do we need jobs? This is much more fun... Hi there - thanks for the shout on my blog. Congrats on making it overland, a very lucky coincidence for Hamish that we all used the same freighter company! Have a great time settling down in NZ and all the best for the future, Andy |
| 12th April 2007 Mimi | Excellant writing! - From: Why do we need jobs? This is much more fun... I have read your blog from beginning to end during the last couple of weeks. I have truely enjoyed your views of your destinations and process of travel. Your writing style and senses of humour are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Congratulations as well! Cheers |
| 23rd March 2007 Juz Andy | - From: Why do we need jobs? This is much more fun... Hi, just passing through & your blogs drew me in... Congrats on the proposal, wedding & travelling across the globe overland! Amazing & inspiring, i'd love to take a freighter back to Oz, what an experience that would be. Once again congrats. |
| 18th March 2007 Sarah in Malmo | Hello possums! - From: Why do we need jobs? This is much more fun... Hello sweeties, I miss you both very much and wish that you would move back ! Damn those good beaches and lamb chops ! Anyway, just wanted to say hello and that all is good here in Sweden. Coming into spring now so the winter thaw has started. Lots of Love Sarah and Ecke. |
| 20th February 2007 Carla & the Clacton Pearces | Good Luck - From: Why do we need jobs? This is much more fun... Good Luck with you new jobs love us all xxx |
| 8th January 2007 Nidge Cann | Well Done - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa I have been following your journey with great jealousy and i`m really pleased that you made it "home" in one peace. I wish you both a great new life and maybe one day in the future have the opportunity to get together for one last beer eh Daz ? Take care - and happy New year Nidge |
| 4th January 2007 Monika | Congrats! - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Congratulations on the end of your trip!! But I have to say, I'm a little sad its over. Over the last few months I've really enjoyed reading about your adventure. |
| 3rd January 2007 cheryl | appreciaton - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa I have enjoyed every bit of your blog and I am really pleased you are going to continue - I think your experiences over the next months (and perhaps years) will also be very interesting. Congratulations on completing the journey. Happy New Year. X Cheryl |
| 3rd January 2007 Janette | Welcome home! - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Both of you..... |
| 2nd January 2007 Rich | Fantastic News - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Delighted for you both - what a great story it's been! Your blog's been an inspiration and a joy to read all the way through...please keep it going so I don't have to start writing e-mails in return! |
| 2nd January 2007 Andy | well done - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa biggest congratulations on getting to the other side of the world. pleased to hear you're proud because you should be. thanks too for the blog which has provided very welcome diversion from work at crucial times. All the best for future in NZ!! A |
| 1st January 2007 Christian | Great achievement - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Abbie & Darren, Congrats on completing a fantastic journey...I enjoyed reading about your adventures. It was a real inspiration. Good luck with your life in NZ and keep in touch! |
| 1st January 2007 Sez and Ecke | Well done darlings! - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Hello darlings and well done. It was hard to believe that when you first posted your blog that this was going to be a journey for you and so many other people. I've enjoyed your fun and emotional moments and whilst it may be a while before we see you again. You will both have places in Ecke's and my hearts even so far away. Miss you both like crazy, still no snow in sweden! No sun either! Love you both Sez and Ecke |
| 1st January 2007 Justin Hornby | 2007 - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Happy New Year! |
| 1st January 2007 John and the Lee family | Amazing ! - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Well done to both of you on (a) reaching New Zealand without cheating (b) alive and still talking to each other! Duncan age 7 and 3/4 cannot get over the size of the ships you've used. Good luck in 2007 and beyond - and do keep sending out the blog reports - it brightens up our wet boring days in GB! |
| 1st January 2007 Dave McLaughlin | YAY! - From: Due east to the land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa Great to have you "home" Abbie. Look forward ot meeting you soon Daren! Cheers, thanks alot ....Dave |
| 26th December 2006 Helen | When are you covering the rest of the world? - From: Across a continent in six days... What a fantastic blog..have you guys thought of becoming travel writers? I have really enjoyed reading about your journey. Hope you finally made it home to NZ for Christmas....All the best, love Helen |
| 19th December 2006 GO! Smell the flowers... | Great to see flower smelling... - From: Across a continent in six days... Geat journal guys... Well done - we've posted you on our Blog - see it through www.gosmelltheflowers.com - we're based in Dubai and publishing our travel exploits in late 2007 after taking a year out from corporate... Happy and safe travels, Jim N Em (not Eminem!) |
| 17th December 2006 Justin Hornby | Better late than never - From: Across a continent in six days... About time I got around to sending my congratulations!! The wedding photos look great. Darren - good luck! Really enjoyed reading the blog, when's the sequel? Best wishes to you both. |
| 12th December 2006 steph in Bath | Air Miles - From: A ship came into the harbour carrying a cargo load of... Hello darlings! Feeling slightly guilty about flying to Sydney for christmas now, does planting some gum trees in my garden offset the miles????!! Loving the blog, what will I do at work when you arrive home and blog is over? Hope you like my home town.... |
| 11th December 2006 Laura | great adventure! - From: A ship came into the harbour carrying a cargo load of... Thats awesome that you sought a means of travel that most people would never use or only remotely consider. |
| 10th December 2006 grantcorp | This is something I've always wanted to do! - From: A ship came into the harbour carrying a cargo load of... Good report, helps me keep the dream alive! |
| 10th December 2006 Toula | - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Came upon your blog by accident, while desperately researching Khmer curry and where I may possibly find the spices. If anyone knows of a place in Canada, please let me know!! Loved the blog and the pics. I adored Cambodia and, while having packed so much Immodium I was literally a walking pharmacy, I managed not to get sick at all. And I certainly ate it all - trust me. Maybe I have an iron stomach. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Either way, I"m grateful. Thanks for sharing. :) |
| 10th December 2006 Catherine | WOW! - From: A ship came into the harbour carrying a cargo load of... Hi This is the first time i have commented on your journal-mostly i've just wanted to sit back and travel with you silently. I've followed you all the way from London and it's been an exciting adventure throughout. I really am hoping that you make it back to NZ in time for Christmas. It would be a great way to end your trip I can't wait to see the next installment, yet am a little sad that this blog is soon coming to an end hehe Take good care Catherine (Leeds, UK) xx |
| 8th December 2006 anonymous | just checking in - From: Malaysia - Reaching for the sky, but why? Love the pictures. We are still in Chiang Mai--been here for 2 weeks with maybe another 2 to go then the plan is Bali for a month or so. Who knows? Will keep track of you guys. Liz and Matt from Canada |
| 5th December 2006 Jaizki & Susana | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations couple!!! if late. I was so happy when I saw your wedding pictures, it looks really cool to get married like that. Now our wedding in Denmark looks like peanuts... anyway, best of luck in this even longer travel which you endeavour now and hope to see you some time again. Cheers. |
| 4th December 2006 Jude Harris | Thoughts on Malaysia - From: Malaysia - Reaching for the sky, but why? Hi guys, I have just read your blog (for a spot of reminiscing about our time in Malaysia recently) and it was good to hear someone else voice my thoughts about the people and culture. It's an odd kind of place, isn't it? Hope you continue to have a good trip :-) All the best, Jude (blogname Inspirado) |
| 29th November 2006 funkypancake | a mighty hair cut - From: Malaysia - Reaching for the sky, but why? wow. quite drastic before and after hair cut (based on the photos on the next page). unless the barber is actually fitting a wig ? |
| 29th November 2006 Judy | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. What a fabulous story ......wedding on the beach in a very exotic place. We are all thrilled for you. Pat and I celebrated with a bottle of Bubbly on Saturday...you will see the photos. Looking forward to sharing a bubbles with you both in NZ Fondest best wishes. The Nobilos |
| 28th November 2006 Andrea Sheridan | - From: Malaysia - Reaching for the sky, but why? Wow. Lots of love. So is it a baby conceived in OZ for the next headliner? |
| 28th November 2006 Sez and Ecke | Crying by proxy - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Well it is official - and sorry for the rudely late, congratulations. I don't even need to be at a wedding anymore to cry. Sat at my desk and blubbed when i saw and well i'm only just recovering now. I'll send you my wedding speech i had prepared if i'd had a little more notic eof the big day event you could have read it at the ceremony for me :) Lots of love Sez and Ecke |
| 26th November 2006 Tarald | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Hope you both get a good job, work hard and build a big house with a own guest rom because I am coming to new zealand in some years. |
| 24th November 2006 Joanne | BEAUTIFUL - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Ive just spent the last 20 mins reading your blog and looking at the photos which has brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. Congratulations you two, you both look so happy and in love 'BEAUTIFUL' |
| 24th November 2006 Bill | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Hope you both had a brillant day Daren I knew you always would turn out fantastic, and of course Abbie is as well. You two dont do things by half and I know you are both good catches, I wish you both all the best, very envously yours. Daren? as good as a formular one drive it must be, love Bill xxx |
| 24th November 2006 Pelle&Linda(Julia/Melvin and Viggo-the cat) | Congratulations!! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. We are sitting here in the north of Sweden, looking out at the snow and just waiting to get away. We´re right behind you and arrives next Wednesday the 29th. We got extremly happy that there was an easy way to do it (get married without having to stay at Sheraton and spend a several thousands Bahts on elephant trekking and treeplanting and so on). We will copy your wedding. Good luck in the future. PS. Viggo-the-cat will be staying home |
| 24th November 2006 Neil haywood | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Sitting at work envious of you guys doing all those exciting things. Congrats on the wedding - saved Pat a huge lot of stress doing it like that see you when you get back to Ngatea |
| 23rd November 2006 Clinton Lawgun | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Wow! Abbie, clearly your sense of adventure hasn't waned. Looking forward to having a celebratory drink when you get back to NZ. |
| 22nd November 2006 Aisha Chris | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations you two, hope to catch up and celebrate in the near future. Enjoy the rest of your journey, both the NZ and the future. Aisha & Chris |
| 22nd November 2006 Torie | Congrats! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Lucky this news was passed on to me! That's great news, looking forward to catching up... sometimes in the next 5 years hopefully, and meeting the new husband. |
| 22nd November 2006 Aunty C | We are so excited - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations beautiful people. Great Journey. We can't wait to see you. but keep having a ball over there, life will be different when you hit the mainland. Love & Sunshine from us all x |
| 21st November 2006 anonymous | funkypancake - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. fantastic ! hearty congrats all round |
| 21st November 2006 anonymous | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Just sniffing back a little tear or two as I read your lovely story far away in grey old London. Well done both of you - hope you have a few great parties (invitations on the best embossed buff-coloured email) in various countries wherever friends and family are gathered. What gorgeous pictures! lots of love from Ali S xx |
| 21st November 2006 anonymous | That's just so damn cool!!!! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations that is fantastic! Looking forward to throwing some rice over you both when you get back to NZ. Huge Hugs from us!!! |
| 21st November 2006 jubeedoo | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. The title of your entry drew me in, I had to read it! And a huge congrats to both of you. It was a very brave choice to do your thing without your families, but your day looked beautiful and it must have been very romantic. And you get to have celebration parties all over the world - the celebrations can be spread out for ages! Congrats and thanks for a lovely read! :) |
| 21st November 2006 lizarazoo | yay! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations! us backpackers in cambodia are very happy for you! |
| 21st November 2006 Angela | Congratulations from all the Khon Kaen Klan! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Hey Abbie and Daren. Sounds wonderful.....So happy for you that it all came to gether. Look forward to seeing you in early 2007???? I must try and get to Railay. Big hugs from me and all the kids...Ange xxx |
| 20th November 2006 KipnKat | Awesome story! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Fellow travelblogger sending lots of hugs to you both - what a cool story you two! good luck and well done and nice one and cool and congratulations. Loved your story and to be honest I will have to read the end of it another time as you had me welling up in the internet cafe......! |
| 20th November 2006 Carol Leo Craig Shirley | Congratulations from Hamilton - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. So happy for you both and you did it in Thailand too. Angela will be over the moon too.Catch up when you get home.Reynolds family en masse |
| 20th November 2006 Liz and family | Congratulations!! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations from everyone this end, Liz, Doug and baby George. Mum, Dad, Charlotte and Sean. It looks absolutely amazing!! xxx |
| 20th November 2006 Rob_n_Lorenza | - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Was just surfing some blogs - congratulations to you both & hope your travels & life in NZ are fantastic for you |
| 20th November 2006 Dave T | Posh & Becks Tie The Knot - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations to you both, nice dress Dal. What country do you plan to have the kids in??? I am not jealous at all, I always wanted to marry Grover on a beach!! Seriously, all the best and have a great life together, it has certainly started well for you. DT (IMOM) |
| 20th November 2006 Kate Hildebrand | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. It looks like a great way to have a wedding |
| 20th November 2006 Jay | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. So you finally did it - many congratulations to you both. A bigger adventure now is in store for you both (but I am sure you'll cope). Nice one and best wishes to you both for the future. |
| 20th November 2006 cheryl | congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations on your marriage - whole wedding sounds really lovely.X cheryl |
| 20th November 2006 Claire | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. What can I say - fantastic news and I'm not totally surprised! The wedding sounds perfect. I'm really thrilled for you both. Have you told your parents yet?!! Enjoy the rest of the trip and I'll keep watching for the next installment. |
| 20th November 2006 Lisa and Rob | Congratulations - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Wow - congratulations. |
| 20th November 2006 jaxw17 | congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Congratulations to you both. How can this marriage not be happy. when things seem mundane in the future just look back to these glorious days. Hope you are as happy as me and my hubby we have just been married 32 years. Heading out to krabi in December. Third time in Thailand this year. Think we like it. |
| 20th November 2006 Justin | Well, I never... - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. I am equally scandalised and happy for you both...perhaps a honey moon in NZ? |
| 20th November 2006 BlackManx | Congrats! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Just a random passer by but congratulations is surely in order!!! All looks very romantic, what wonderful pics!! |
| 20th November 2006 sam | congrats - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. enjoy the journey |
| 20th November 2006 Janette | Wow! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. Wow! My comment title says it all, really. Good effort, you two. Congratulations! Looking forward to raising a glass to you fantastic adventuresome characters some time soon. |
| 20th November 2006 KateOnTheGo | Congratulations! - From: It's Friday. This must be Thailand. Let's get married. This has got to be the best blog i've read in ages. Not to mention the fact that you randomly got married on one of my favourite beaches in the world. If your married life is even half as exciting as its beginning, then you two will be the luckiest people on the planet. |
| 18th November 2006 funkypancake | telecoms regulation - From: This is my cousin Angela... fantastic stuff. kind of puts the importance of the UK telecoms regulatory world in to perspective ! |
| 16th November 2006 Lynne | Wow - From: This is my cousin Angela... Can't believe what a wicked and no doubt life changing experience you had with your cousin Ang and the little kids! They all look so happy and healthy (including you guys!). NZ is good, work is good too, got a car, weather a bit unsettled, move into a house next week (freemans bay) so will start to feel a bit more settled then. Sick of working, playing and going to weddings out of a suitcase....can't wait til we UNPACK! Looking forward to you guys arriving in Auckland! Lx |
| 15th November 2006 Jay | memories of China - From: China - Arse ninjas and Love Soldiers concussing the world together your exploits brings back good memories of our visit to China a while back. Like you found the people extremely polite but really curious - and yes they do love to practice their English with you. Mind you on the flip side go to meet a family that gave us a master class in using chop-sticks - they could see were struggling and came over for a chat. Did you try the fried scorpians in Beijing's street food stalls- apparently very good for you (so they said anyway) - I declined. Hope the rest of your trip goes well. |
| 14th November 2006 gary emma and scarlett | Are we there yet? - From: This is my cousin Angela... Hi guys, still finding your adventures fascinating and couldn't be anymore jealous if i tried. Just thought you might want to know emma gave birth to little scarlett sofia on 31st october (halloween baby!!) and we've all been awake ever since! take care guys |
| 1st November 2006 anonymous | - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Im heading to cambodia in a few months and loved your blog and sweet pics.Thanks guys.carry on having fun!! |
| 1st November 2006 Uncle Chop Chop | Great blog - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Hey guys...just a passer by who saw your blog on the front page.... was in cambodia myself a month or 2 ago, and agree, the begging does put a little dampener on the whole thing.. and can completely sympathise, picked up dodgy stomach myself in Battambang after....A Khmer curry!! Keep up the good work. |
| 1st November 2006 Erik L | Great Pics, Nice story - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Like your story and nice pictures. Been there so can understand how you felt! There are too many tourists, yes, Koreans, and i myself don't like them much! Sorry...! :) |
| 31st October 2006 Hayesworld | - From: Cambodia - Picturesque Poverty Awesome photos! Thanks so much. Loved the blog. Good job. |
| 28th October 2006 Sarah | Is anyone else amazed that the wheels on Daren's suitcase are still working? - From: Vietnam - Land of water and reflections -Dal brought a suitcase on a 5 month trip backpacking ????????????????????????????????????????????? Sorry D just had to make a sarcastic note of this ! |
| 26th October 2006 Julian | Nam - From: Vietnam - Land of water and reflections Only Nam I've been to is Chelt'nam. (so original). The pics looked amazing, especially Halong bay. I also like the pic of the 2 women through the arch of the Temple of literature. V beautiful. |
| 19th October 2006 JessicaDawn | oh Vietnam, thanks for the blog! - From: Vietnam - Land of water and reflections I was in Nam in April, and reading your blog brought back all of the great memories. It just reinforced what I already knew, I have to go back. I especially liked your pics of Halong Bay, as I think that was the area of Vietnam that really struck me, the beauty was unreal. But I have to say unfortunatly I found the same thing with the amount of trash on the river banks, I wish we could blame it on the typhoon. |
| 19th October 2006 Logan | Kashyelky - From: Trans-Mongolian train journey - Moscow to Ulaanbaatar For those who may be interested (I suspect that's just Abbie) this means wallets. Presumably, people were trying to sell them to you rather than demanding you hand them over (Russian thieves, while not subtle, can do better than that - I know this from experience. Normally they lift the wallet, take the cash and credit cards, then phone the owner, pretending to have found it, and offer to sell it back complete with driver's licence and all that other stuff that is worthless to the thief but a complete pain to replace. Most people I know abandon principle and play the game. Of course, I didn't have any business cards in my wallet so they never called. Story of my life - but I digress...) |
| 10th October 2006 Andrea Sheridan | Loving it - From: Mongolia and Trans-Mongolian train journey - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing Firstly congratulations. Perhaps you could fit in a baby too? Loving the diary although very heavy going for a single sitting. Thoroughly envious. Any chance you could mail me a set of four flights to join you? |
| 4th October 2006 Sez | Hello - From: Mongolia and Trans-Mongolian train journey - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing Just makin gsure you are okay, not heard from you in a while and looking forward to the next installement. All well in Sweden, darkness is upon us early and well summer is for sure OVER given the 4 thunderstorms we have had in the past week. Love you lots Sez |
| 2nd October 2006 Ross & Steve | G'day Sweeties! - From: Mongolia and Trans-Mongolian train journey - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing Hi Guys, Looks like a brilliant trip! Let us know if you need a place to stay in Sydney on your way through. Have a great time time Vietnam - we hired a scooter for a day in Hanoi which you might want to try - it was fantastic. Take care, Ross |
| 23rd September 2006 steve grover | - From: Mongolia and Trans-Mongolian train journey - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing hello daren and abbie, mongolia looks cool better than westham, even with our two new argie superstars. Its great being a grandad, george is 5 weeks today, getting biggerand fatter by minute. alls well here look 4ward 2 next diary entry. love every1xx |
| 22nd September 2006 Tara Caldwell | Wow - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Hi Guys,m Well Darn I don't know you, and Ab it has been a while. These photos are great. I am heading to Russia in later October for four weeks to do some volunteer work and your notes have both excited and scared me....my Russian is absolutely not anywere near where it should be and you guys sound so prepared. I hope you are having a fantastic tome - cause it sounds like you are. Hopefully we will catch up in Oz some time soon. Tara |
| 17th September 2006 Pat and Ian | Good to hear from you - From: Trans-Mongolian train journey - Moscow to Ulaanbaatar Good to hear from you. Go well. Love Pat and Ian |
| 13th September 2006 Jutta Merkt | Jutta congratulations and just wow - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Hi you two, however we did not have the chance to meet Daren, so Abbie, what a wonderful trip and I could not stop reading your stories and watching your pictures. They are just sooooo impressive. Enjoy Mongolia and greetings to all those friendly people you are going to meet, kisses, jutta |
| 11th September 2006 Dan, Ros & Leo | Congrats - From: Proposals in Poland and Literally a day in Lithuania Guys, Amazing news, wonderful. Great to see your enjoying the trip and with us getting married next Sunday can't wait to welcome you to the club! |
| 11th September 2006 Justin | Marvellous - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Well done :-) Very happy for you both! Who is the photographer - the images are really good. I used to play midget soccer with Logan Wright! Wondered where he ended up! Send me his email address! Justin |
| 8th September 2006 IMOM | Congratulations - From: Saying Goodbye - preparing for 'The Long Way Home' Congraulations on the engagement, i assume you have got engaged from all the other messages!!!! Just a quick note from sunny old England, opposed to flooded old Oz. Hope things are going well, not quite sure where in the world u r at the mo. If u r anywhere near Argentina or Brazil thank them from all the West Ham fans back home. Take it easy and keep in touch. IMOM |
| 8th September 2006 Paul brisby | - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Just read your entire blog from the beginning. (Well, ok, I looked at the pictures.) Many congratulations on the engagement. The trip looks amazing - brilliant photos. Enjoy the rest of the trip. P. |
| 6th September 2006 Annette | A Ginga in Rome - From: Italy - art, scooters, pasta and scaffolding Tee hee - sorry to hear Italy is wearing you down a bit Abbie. As a fellow Ginga, I found (in Rome particularly) trying NOT to look German (as a stern ginga can at times) assisted me greatly in not being spat at by the locals. You get very used to being the only stroppy one in good old New Zild. In my experience Romans match ginga strop blow for blow every time, regardless of the language barrier . Great to hear you are doing so well generally and congratulations on the engagement! Can't WAIT to catch up when you wind your way back down here....I have a very short ginga for you to meet who is stroppier than us both put together! Love, Annette |
| 5th September 2006 Matt | Is it Darren using his Russian connections? - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Fantastic news on the engagement. Well done to you both. I'm also impressed at your continued work with Russian businessmen. West Ham are at the centre of some more very dubious dealings and it just happens that Darren is "in country". All seems very convenient. Are you using new connections to pull some strings? If so, well done sir! Cheers Matt |
| 4th September 2006 Julian | CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Just caught up on all you goin's on. What exciting news! Strategic master-stroke on D's part I think; what a great way to time the "Will you......" question! Glad to hear all's well. As ever my admiration / jealousy-omitter is going all over the place. It was Andrea's first day back today Ab, she'd managed to lose the Blog link so I think you will be hearing from her soon. Lots of Love Julian, Zoe and Bebe |
| 4th September 2006 Ecke | must go! - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Very cool! Russia looks like a really great experience! |
| 4th September 2006 Claire from Bulldog | Congratulations - From: Russia - St Petersburg and Moscow Hey you two! Been meaning to say congrats on the engagement - pretty cool. I'm really pleased for you both - am expecting an invite to the wedding! Sounds like you're really cramming it in. Hope you're not getting travel weary just yet...... |
| 3rd September 2006 Dal and Ab | Thanks for all the congratulations - From: Proposals in Poland and Literally a day in Lithuania Thanks Leanne, and thanks to everyone else who has sent us congrats too. We'd love to reply to you all, and will try to once we've got a bit more time up our sleeves. |
| 30th August 2006 Leanne | - From: Proposals in Poland and Literally a day in Lithuania Congratulations on your engagement ! |
| 30th August 2006 Ecke | Congrats!!! - From: Proposals in Poland and Literally a day in Lithuania Congratulations on your engagement, guys! Well done! Have an excellent trip! Hope everything is okay with the waiting visa. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog by the way. So many cool places to visit. Ecke |
| 29th August 2006 Carla | congrats - From: Proposals in Poland and Literally a day in Lithuania Good luck with your long journey ahead you pair of love birds! Were in Aberdeen from 18th Sept so spending Cassie's 3rd birthday with the Scots and Dad of course, she is speaking much more now even said Marky last week when he stayed and is at the stage of copying so have to be careful of what we say! Thanks for history lesson love the Clacton Pearces xxxxxx |
| 29th August 2006 Janette | Congrats! - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best Hi A and D (we'll meet soon I'm sure) Congratulations! Great trip, great blog, great news! Being engaged is by far the most romantic part - I wish I could refer to Steve as "my fiance" for ever!!! Hope your smile muscles are still sore!! |
| 24th August 2006 Mark and Rocky | Wow - does this mean Darren can get a kiwi passport? - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best What fantastic news Abbie and Daren. Think you make such a cool couple together and can't wait to celebrate with lots and lots of mandatory champagne on your return. Very adult....mind you. Very special.... enjoy enjoy - and keep your eyes peeled for expensive rocks. I will put a bottle on ice in anticipation. all of our hugs and kisses from 12000 kms away, Mark, Rochelle and Sophie |
| 23rd August 2006 eddie&sharyn | - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best congratualtions looks like you might be having kids with the last name grover |
| 22nd August 2006 Lynne & Tim | Congrats! Woo Hoo! - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best Hey all the best of British AND Kiwi to you two! Wicked news! :0) It's a cool club to be in - we're so pleased you're joining it! Am eating Cheezels in celebration (yep, been to the kiwi shop to feed the cold before it's starts...!). Should be downunder end Oct preparing Auckland for your return soon after! LOL Lynne (& Tim - who's actually at work today so incluing on his behalf although no doubt he'll want to have his say too!) xxx |
| 22nd August 2006 Dave McL | Congratualtions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best Big congratualtions to both of you on the engagement. Very cool!!!!!!!! |
| 21st August 2006 Michelle | At last!!! - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best Congratulations to you both. I hope you are very happy together. Being engaged is fabulous because it is the first step towards a lifetime together. Not to be too sentimental but "love is like a precious jewel, it's treasured more each year" |
| 21st August 2006 Mic | congrats - From: Checking out the Czech Republic, and Germany - Where Wurst is Best Congratualtions you two. Our very best wishes to you both. I see challengers to our 36 years married in the wings!!! Mic & Pauline. p.s. It really isn't a life sentence as people might say. Just work through each problem and remember you are both right ... a bit. (mic) |
| 10th August 2006 Mike Perrott | Whatever happened those Aussies in Hvar? - From: Croatia, Slovenia and a surreal lunch in Italy Well, yes... we bravely, err stupidly, err optimistically got off in Stari Grad on Hvar Island without accommodation and no immediate means of transport... After speaking to the local tourist information fella we decided that Hvar town would be the place for us - where all the action was... However, we were too late and he had nothing left in Hvar town for that night... Everything seemed fully booked... So we decided to rent a car for 2 nights - worse case scenario we could sleep in the Renault Clio (good luck!)... So we drove to Hvar town and Rebecca jumped out and quizzed all the local old ladies on their various rooms... no one had anything appropriate and I kept on getting pushed on by the local traffic warden and had to keep circling the block... but eventually we found a sweet old lady with a double room... the price though... was 400KNs (57 euros) per night though! And was the cheapest we could get without a tent and without booking further in advance... And so started our rapid descent of the bank balance over the next 5 nights... I spent 2 hours at the internet cafe one day at the cost of 14 euros... A taxi from Stari Grad to Hvar Town was 43 euros... hrmmm... But all in all we both returned having met some really cool people, drinking copious amounts and tanning our little white socks off! Rebecca went back to Dubrovnik afterwards and I've headed onto Sarajevo. Hope all goes well with the Whist! |
| 10th August 2006 Julian | Salamanca - Coruna - From: The Spains - Basque Country, Galicia, and well... Spain Hello, Really glad you liked Salamanca - it's my favourite Spanish city. The "church" D is standing by is, I think, and Abbey with real nuns and everything. Glad you didn't drop into Valldolid, - if you think La Coruna is ugly, Valladolid is really grim. Franco may have been in charge when they re-built it, but his architects must have been Russian. there is an excellent sculpture museum there though..... |
| 9th August 2006 Judy Nobilo | Dubrovnik - From: Croatia, Slovenia and a surreal lunch in Italy Great to read about your travels. Did you realise that Dubrovnik is Ivan's family home. His fathers home is still there on the water front. Love Judy |
| 7th August 2006 Claire at Bulldog | Ahhh, Italy... - From: Italy - art, scooters, pasta and scaffolding Having just got back from Italy myself, can sympathise with your 'challenges'(!) - and the fab ice-cream! Although have to say, the south was a little quieter. Hope Croatia has restored your balance. Looking forward to the next intsallment. Cx |
| 30th July 2006 steph in Bath | strop in Italy - From: Italy - art, scooters, pasta and scaffolding Have some gelato and cool down, then please go to the Vatican and say three hail mary's and one our father! love and hugs xx |
| 28th July 2006 Christine Allen | - From: More of Spain and France Wow, what a journey your having, am thinking of you both living your dream, keep in touch guys. love to you both. Chris xxx |
| 27th July 2006 Rich | More Nudity Please - From: More of Spain and France OK - sun-dried tomatoes are nice, leek's are good...but if you saw Jodie Kidd in her Ferrari why didn't you get her to pull over, drap herself over the bonnet and a couple of more 'racey' efforts to spice up your blog! If Monaco was a bit vulgar I bet the Russians will redress the balance for you!!! good luck and keep on keep keepin on |
| 27th July 2006 Tim | - From: More of Spain and France Nice hat Daren |
| 24th July 2006 Gary Sayce | I'm so envious - From: Morocco - the sights, the sounds... the smells Morocco looks great but i don't think i could handle the hassle, i'd have to buy an iuzi 9mm!!!. How did you get to tangiers, did you go through tarifa?.Your pictures of salamanca were great, i remember standing looking for that frog thing on the door for hours, think i gave up in the end and went for tapas. I hope your practising those useful phrases i taught you in barcelona, " saca las tetas puta de mierda", that could come in handy!!. Its appears that you're both having a whale of a time and seeing some amazing things, those pictures of scotland were beautiful, maybe we need to have a visit there when the little'n arrives. Take care of yourselves then and keep up the fabulous word play!! Gazza |
| 21st July 2006 mike levy | Lol i love the bathroom pic - From: Morocco - the sights, the sounds... the smells Guys ... you shouldnt be posting thoz kind of pix for 2 reasons : - you prolly chose to stay at the cheapest hotel of the country (im sure about it since in that same city of marrakech there is a hotel called LA MAMOUNIA WWW.MAMOUNIA.COM which has been ranked for the 13th year in a row as the best hotel and most luxurious hotel on earth ... yeah even better then our waldorf astoria in new york... there are a lot of luxurious and 4 stars hotels that are affordable in Marrakech... |
| 20th July 2006 Adrian Wyatt | Cast Iron Guts - From: Morocco - the sights, the sounds... the smells What happened to the Grover of old who would have tackled any foods. Dodgey tummy my arse. I wanna see pictures of Grover eating rank stuff (sorry I mean local quisine) from around the world, including sheep heads. Looks like you are having a great time. Sod those temperatures though. That is quite extreme. Mind you even the UK has been hitting the temeratures of 36C this week. Ollie says hi, he is now 12lb 2oz, almost doubled in weight. Sarah is loving being off work. Take care and look forward to the next instalment of your epic journey across the globe. Aggy. By the way, believe it or not, I only recently worked out how to post a comment. Doh !!!!! |
| 13th July 2006 Domhnall | La Coruna v Scotland - From: The Spains - Basque Country, Galicia, and well... Spain Oi! What's this? The title intrigued me, comparison with God's country? La Coruna must be blessed with fair weather, friendly people and gorgoeus scenery (especially in light of your previous gushing comments about your time in Scotland). But it's "butt ugly"??? Don't see the connection - unless this was a subtle reference to Glasgow and another wind up for Colin :-) Glad to hear you're still enjoying the trip. I'm enjoying reading about it and am growing more jealous by the hour! |
| 30th June 2006 Domhnall | Wine - From: And so now for a bit of kulchur I can't believe you didn't like the wine! What happened to "if it's wet and white....." ? Am also horrified that you seem to want Darren in socks and sandals - have you been out in the sun too much? Domhnall |
| 30th June 2006 RP | Vino - From: And so now for a bit of kulchur I wasn't impressed with the French wine either. Maybe they export all the good stuff.. |
| 29th June 2006 funkypancake | lux interior - From: And so now for a bit of kulchur how bizarre. i was in luxembourg on the 20th June so may have been there when you were ... glad to see you are having a great time, but also finding time to keep us up to date (and jealous). great photos by the way, 'specially the scottish ones. see ya dave |
| 27th June 2006 Dan, Ros & Leo | Good Luck - From: Saying Goodbye - preparing for 'The Long Way Home' Hey Guys, Hope the beginning of the trip finds you guys having fun and enjoying all the different routes your taking! Ros & I say hi and Leo says WOOF WOOF. Enjoy |
| 26th June 2006 Leah | So where are you now....! - From: Neeps, Tatties & Chips with everything... Hi guys, Hope you're both ok (and Daren's still able to speak - Abbie, hope you haven't had to dispose of Darens tongue yet!). It's soo cool to be able to read about where you are and what you've been up to. Daren - silly thing to say but hope you're keeping up with the World Cup, oh and West Hams first game of next season is at home to Charlton!! And ta for the CD, I can't believe you put so much music on there...Genesis and Yes are accompianing me into work now! Anyway, take care and don't get too sunburnt! Look forward to reading the next installment! Lots of Love Leahxx |
| 20th June 2006 sarah & Ollie | Naps, Nappies & sicks with everything...... - From: Neeps, Tatties & Chips with everything... LIFE from a different angle Very good read at 6 am on a tuesday! Sounds like you are having the best time!! Very well written by the way, will it be in the shops by the time you get to NZ? THe Daren & Abbie green travel guide. Ollie has put on wieght and grown...supprise! apparently he is going to be very tall!!! Take care and have lots of fun. |
| 12th June 2006 Domhnall Dods | See you soon - From: Saying Goodbye - preparing for 'The Long Way Home' Good luck guys and see you in Edinburgh on the way to the ferry. With the weather the way it's been this week we may even get the barbie warmed up before you go!! Domhnall |
| 11th June 2006 Leanne and Mark | - From: Saying Goodbye - preparing for 'The Long Way Home' From Australia, we'll watch the maps distort as you make your way down under. Have a safe trip, look forward to seeing you and perhaps relieving your parched travelling lips with an Australian Ale or two upon arrival in Sydney. |
| 7th June 2006 cheryl wells | Farewell - From: Saying Goodbye - preparing for 'The Long Way Home' Good Luck and Goodbye. I will follow your adventures. Lots of pictures please. X Cheryl |
