Unfortunately, it was 08h10 when I surfaced this morning. Despite having an early night (22h30), I’d slept solidly and was awoken by the children arriving at the adjacent school. The sun was already in climbing in the clear sky and the omen for a good weather day was good. Breakfast was a hurried affair; toast, Alison Holst’s muesli (I don’t think she noticed it was missing), fresh coffee and orange juice and, once the washing up was done, it was a case of ensuring the van was unplugged from the mains, the LPG was off, all the inner doors secured and [View Full Entry]

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Compared with the day time temperature, it was a cold night and sleep wasn’t all that easy in coming. With the coming of the dawn however, all the birds started singing their little hearts out - which, when you’re camping beneath the trees, resulted in sleep disappearing rather quicker than when it came. Having washed and dried the breakfast dishes and readied the van for departure, I sat down to re-plan the day ahead; the previous evening, a local had suggested three must see sights although I would only have time for two of them. However, before I reached those sites, [View Full Entry]

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There’s nothing quite like waking up by the side of sandy beach, trees gently rustling in the warm morning breeze and the seabirds’ cries welcoming the new day. Today was nothing like that. Clearly the cockerel had had problems with its voice and the day was greeted by the braying of a donkey. I’d slept surprisingly well. The duvet was warm, the site was quiet and the boiler was off (as I found out when I had a wash). My first morning in the sun! Like every other camper it was a case of improvising breakfast, which in my case consisted [View Full Entry]

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After the very heavy rain of last night, Sunday wasn’t to disappoint - it was still raining. It was also the day when I was to check out of the hotel and move into a new home. After a shower, I quickly packed and, grabbing my phone numbers, went into Auckland for breakfast. Walking back to the hotel, I called the rental company and arranged my transfer. Within 30 minutes or so, I’d checked out and was waiting in hotel reception for my taxi. It soon arrived, driven by a Chinese gentleman going by the very oriental name of Billy. Billy [View Full Entry]

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I can’t say that I slept particularly well what with the city traffic, Friday night revellers and jet lag, but I did stay in bed until 08h45. One look outside at the blue sky sparked me into action - and to define the day’s events. A shower preceded a flick through 1001 Things to see and do in New Zealand after which it was clear that I should cross the harbour to the North Shore and the historic town of Devonport. The name Devonport may immediately remind you of a Naval Base and, indeed, you’d not be wrong. This Devonport is [View Full Entry]

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Despite not getting into bed until 02h30, the day came round a little too soon. I had set the alarm, but was awake far too early. I’ll put it down to the fact that it was my first night in a strange bed. Drawing back the curtain, I could see a blue sky. The rest of the view from the window doesn’t deserve any mention, except to say that it is a cheap car park! Having showered, I went down stairs to breakfast and feasted (well, not really) on coffee (only one cup as the machine ran out), tea (Ceylon and [View Full Entry]

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Considering we were over an hour late leaving London, the flight kept time (probably improved a little) and we arrived in Singapore only an hour late. With no news of our transfer gate, we disembarked and, having faith in the airline’s reputation for efficiency and customer service, I was not surprised to find that our onward flight had been delayed to allow us to connect. It transpired that there’s only one flight a day and they didn’t want us to miss it. Briefcase in hand, we legged it past the shops, the flowers and the coffee and made it to the [View Full Entry]

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ManchesterThe day has finally dawned. In fact, I'm lying - it's not dawned, it’s only 04h00. I'm not sure which is worse; the fact that it's only four in the morning, it's dark or that it's -1.5 degrees outside. It was a totally uneventful drive across country to Manchester Airport, arriving on time at 05h15. I donned my walking boots and deposited the car in the car park before heading off to check in. I was asked to use the self-service check-in, despite having a rather large suitcase. All went well until I was asked to prove my identity with the [View Full Entry]

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Having lived in Amsterdam in 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down but unable to afford a visit, I finally managed a visit in March 2007. Although I've been to southern Germany a couple of times, I was very unsure of what to expect of Berlin. Verdict - a thoroughly enjoyable week! Stayed at the Marriott hotel, courtesy of points accumulated almost 10 years ago; but only stayed there to sleep. When travelling, I prefer to eat as a local - so - breakfast was taken at various stalls near Alexander Platz, lunch in local cafés and evening meals in or [View Full Entry]

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Because we're to be emigrating to New Zealand later this year, this trip to Paris was more for daughter's benefit, i.e., a trip to EuroDisney! Stayed in the heart of Paris and, having spent a year working there, made the most of Le Metro and local knowledge of restaurants. Whilst EuroDisney is not necessarily my idea of an ideal Parisian entertainment idea, there are things one must do as a family! Weather was definitely in Paris too - with rain most of the time and rather cold. After a while, there was little point in using the umbrella as the rain [View Full Entry]

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