Home now! Thought we would update just to complete the blog We decided to book a couple of flights and make the most of our last week. First stop, San Francisco. Accommodation was really in a great location next to Chinatown, just a couple of blocks from Union Square. We found another chain restaurant to replenish our tired selves, set out to look like a 50's diner with plenty of artery-clogging cheese topped mains! Took the option of doing a day trip to Yosemite, which means another early start to get there by Bus. We saw the rocks, saw some large [View Full Entry]

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A little cooler than we have been use to, Vancouver was still nice and sunny when we arrived but a reminder that we have now entered another season with all the views of snowcapped mountains surrounding the city. Our hotel was great, backing onto stanley park and a short walk to the heart of downtown all for 25 quid a night! We spend the day preparing for our five days skiing shopping for cold weather gear as well as taking in a bit of the markets at Granville Island (not really an island, but certainly has an isolated feel to it [View Full Entry]

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We are now back in the UK if this comes across a little confusing. Unfortunetly internet (well computer access) is quite hard to come by in the States. Seems laptops are one of travellers essentials now! After a short bus from Vancouver, and much probing by customs (much like a five year old - 'why are you going there?', 'why are they family?' etc!) we finally got to Seattle. Interesting city, if a little grey and cold winds. Pike Place is a really great large market where you can get anything and everything, as long as it has cinnamon! We fatally [View Full Entry]

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Its been a while since we have had the chance to update, some of you may know we left NZ a fair while ago! So, the bad weather persisted although the crossing through the Strait from Picton to Wellington was quite smooth. One of the planned stops was Himatangi Beach for some kiting, and even though the weather certainly was not going to allow any outside activity we needed a rest from the long journey. The following day we decided to carry straight onto Lake Taupo and wait for the weather to clear to do the Tongariro crossing tramp. Certainly a [View Full Entry]

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Well, comparerd to the other international flights we've endured, Melbourne to Christchurch was a piece of cake, so short, it was great! Though it was pretty cold when we got off the plane, a far cry from the heatwave in Melbourne. Spent our first 2 days in Christchurch, had a wander round the city, botannic gardens, the museum, coffee (see picture!) - very cultural! We went to pick up the campervan, though it wasn't quite what we were expecting. First off, it was a Toyota, not a Hyundai and then to our horror, it was automatic, neither of us have driven [View Full Entry]

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We had an initial stressful day in Melbourne (our only day may we add!) trying to sort out accomodation for the grand prix weekend - we had booked with the Claremont Hotel in South Yarra, but they lost our booking and wouldn't do anything for us - yes that's the Claremont Hotel, South Yarra - we do not recommend them! Such a shame after our great Oz Experience trip. As you can see in the picture, we forked out and found somewhere slightly outside of the centre. All good Anyhow, picked up our hire car and headed off out of Melbourne [View Full Entry]

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After meeting up with Julie surprisingly easily at Singapore Airport (considering there are 3 terminals!), we made our way to a quiet surprisingly warm Sydney. We couldn't have gotten more central with our hotel (well done Greg), it was great for walking everywhere which we certainly did plenty of! So glad we didn't miss out on the grand final of the National Sausage Competition, most amusing on Darling Harbour, though not too sure about Aussie tastes in sausages. They sure do take their snags seriously though! Took in all the must see sights; Sydney Harbour bridge, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, [View Full Entry]

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The night previous to travelling to Palawan the group went on another bender in Boracay, minus ourselves - either we are boring or sensible! We knew we had an eventful half day of boats, jeepnees and planes ahead, unbearable for some seeing the state they were in All went pretty smooth, apart from the having to unpack all our luggage on the runway due to our western body weights hitting the kg limit alone. Understandable when you look at the size of the plane! Finally we arrived at El Rio Y Mar. All bad thoughts of luggage arrival and hangovers were [View Full Entry]

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Arriving at Manila airport, a quick intro from the hotel and then a short transfer through the city. So nice to have everything arranged (thanks Marrem!), just sit back and watch the madness! The others were due to arrive from the UK that evening so we just enjoyed the cloudy but hot weather for the afternoon. The following evening we were all invited to the Claveria welcome party all treated like local celebrities. Given the free barrel of San Miguel beer on offer, the night went pretty much downhill from there. Balut delicacy followed for those with tough stomachs (much to [View Full Entry]

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Just a short entry as it was only a short stop in HK. After a long flight (even longer for the people who were continuing onto Sydney) of 12 hours we arrived in Hong Kong. Public transport's a lot better than Plymouth as well, trains from the air port, regular taxis and a really cheap tram system, going up and down the centre all day. Got scared by really expensive designer shopping malls, but then we found the busy market streets with their cheap cafes, much more our style. A nice trip up to the peak pretty much took up the [View Full Entry]

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