 "I dont like working". "Me neither". "Want to go travelling?", "Okay!" - Helen and Dave | All Comments |
« back 1 next »
Comments | |
| 4th August 2009 Hodge family | Welcome home! - From: What Can Be Done In 9 Months: An Alternative To Pregnancy Well, we failed miserably to comment on your blogs as you went around the world, but we have followed your journey with great interest, known lots about the highs and lows, and enjooyed your humour. Your blogs have been shared around the family and Oma has taken agreat interest in your progress - although it has mostly concerned the day on which you have been expected home. I am out of time - but we look forward to seeing yopu very soon. from sunny Girona, love Mum, Dad and Louisa |
| 3rd August 2009 Anna | WOW - From: What Can Be Done In 9 Months: An Alternative To Pregnancy Hi Dave, Helen Are you really back? I am sure that you have a lot of catching up to do. Never mind adjusting to the British weather! Poor things… Let me know if you fancy a drink. It would be great to see both of you Anna |
| 27th July 2009 Nick | Niagra - From: Vancouver, Toronto & Niagara Falls: On a train there was a Canadian, an American, a beautiful woman, and a very ugly woman... Must say I agree the town surrounding Niagra falls is pretty tacky - it reminded me of Blackpool. Did you visit the museum about people who went over the falls in barrels? You get to hear great stories, like the one guy who survived it, but then died after slipping on an orange peel - or the other who thought it'd be a good idea to tie himself to weight in the bottom to act as a ballast... the only problem being it was a bit to heavy and it ripped him in half :s. Also, what did you make of the lights they shine on the falls at night? They use various coloured lights on them, which I think is also really tacky - it's only on the rare occaisions they use plain white light it really works. Did you go up the CN Tower? They have a section of clear flooring where you can look all the way down - I couldn't bring myself to stand on it! |
| 21st July 2009 Nick | Street talk - From: Having A Gay Time In San Francisco It's not 'dog', it's 'dawg'! |
| 19th July 2009 Sean Stevens | Camera Setting - From: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: When was the last time you were having a beer and an elephant walked past? Hi, I love your photos with that new camera setting you were using! Please can you tell me what camera you're using? Thanks |
| 17th July 2009 Spaceships | Twitter - From: In Orbit Around Oz: Cairns, Cape Tribulation & The Tablelands Hey guys, been enjoying your blog. I linked to it in Twitter as part of a new thing I'm trying "Spaceship blog of the day". Sad your bed fell apart, was there velcro on it? I made the same mistake with the bandicoot, by the way! Australia has some weird animals. |
| 14th July 2009 Susannah | - From: 7 days in Hawai’i: Checking out the hottest, newest property on the planet (in less than 1000 words) the red bird is a cardinal...you obviously don't recall the obsession I had with them when we lived in Madison....hope the states/canada is good x x x |
| 14th July 2009 Karen | Hello - From: 7 days in Hawai’i: Checking out the hottest, newest property on the planet (in less than 1000 words) Wonderful Photos thanks a lot for sharing really beautiful nature..... ___________________ Karen The best prices for the best Entertainment |
| 13th July 2009 Nick | A Response - From: 7 days in Hawai’i: Checking out the hottest, newest property on the planet (in less than 1000 words) As I mentioned before, I never said your blogs were TOO long - I simply stated that they were quite long ;). You're right about your ugly hire car - it's a Crysler isn't it? Looks like a herse... |
| 28th May 2009 Cat | May birthdays - From: Sea, Sand & Spaceships: Mission Beach to Fraser Island Thank you for the fabulous birthday pressie of a shiny new blog entry! I'm living vicariously through your fabulous photos and stories, counting down the months til the end of my contract when I can jet off too... please don't stop. Keep having a *really* wonderful time in Oz, and don't let our jealousy stop you from being as descriptive as you like. Dave, happy happy birthday for 2 days time!!! Hope you guys are loving every minute (when not cursing the camper van or ticks) Cx |
| 7th May 2009 wisa | - From: Wanaka to Bay of Islands: Leaving New Zealand On A High It took me a little while to figure out that the naked david story and the happening upon a particularly nice muffin story weren't connected....obviously too many inuendos in my mind! some of the scenery looks lovely, and so does the food! good fajitas it's got to be said :) I gave blood today :s not the greatest experience, but free biscuits so cant complain! :D do you realise it's someones birthday in a mere 23 days!? hehe speak soon! lots of love xxxxxxxx |
| 15th April 2009 Nick | A Theory - From: Darwin And Around - Visiting A Small Part Of A Big Country Maybe that croc was called Michael Jackson because it preys on small children? |
| 9th April 2009 Jay | blah! - From: Darwin And Around - Visiting A Small Part Of A Big Country I like the croc and jellyfish safety signs. They do, after all, need all the protection they can get. Happy Easter (slightly early, yes) and don't forget the choc (Dave) :) |
| 3rd April 2009 Laura | Hello :-) - From: Singapore: Or In Our Case - 'Singapoor' Hello :-) I thought I would send you a quick message to say hello -I have been enjoying reading your blogs - normally whilst "working". Hope you are having the best time - it looks amazing - apart from the spider pictures. Trying to think of any news we have - Hale has managed to get into the police force - he won't have started when you get back but he will be glasses free as he is about to have his eyes lasered - how strange will that be - and don't ask about the procedure - it involves using a lser to lift a flap of the eye - I think I turn green everytime we talk about it! We have been trying to sort out wedding stuff but it's driving me mad - ooooo and I had the rudest email back from some event assistant at Homerton - I am just composing my reply to tell her to get a new job. Also so glad you went to Borneo - Ed can talk to someone with actual knowledge now rather than me talk about it - I have gained my knowledge from Orangutan diray. Looking forward to the next installment. Laura x |
| 16th March 2009 Ben&Emma | Hiya! - From: Discovering Borneo Part 2: Cruising Rivers, (Almost) Climbing Mountains And Surviving Another Total Dump So it looks like all your avid fans have given up and stopped posting messages then, including myself! Sorry it's been a while, I've (Emma) been away training for the last 8 weeks as you know but I'm finally finished and start the job tomorrow. Apparently we're not allowed to mention on websites what the job is, which I find very strange, but I know you both know what I'm talking about! ANYWAY...I've still been trying to read your blogs and I'll try harder now that I'm back home with full web access. Lots of wildlife and amazing scenery to summarise...? Would that be about right?! The photos are fab, the ones of you two are handy in reminding me what you guys look like! Can't believe Asia is coming to an end, Oz next then I think. Run out of money yet? Annoying each other like crazy? You're gonna HATE coming home! I can't wait to see you guys, when are you planning on returning? Not much else to tell you. Ben had a birthday, the weather has turned spring-like all of a sudden, economy collapsing blah blah blah. Well, hope you are both happy, I'm still very jealous but I wish you continued health and fun on your travels. Bye for now, Emma and Ben xxx |
| 20th February 2009 Nick | Update from the UK - From: Island, Highland and Kuala Lumpur (well you try and think of something else that rhymes!) Hello guys - well done in keeping up with the travelblog; rest assured we are reading it (at work, naturally - when travelblog.org is actually working). I thought I'd let you know how things are here - though I must say, comparing it to what you're up to can be depressing. You're getting temperatures of 30 degrees, we're getting arctic winds (though the snow was nice), you get to see monkeys at temples and I get served by monkeys at Co-Op, you meet Sting's tailor and I meet Gary Glitter's paperboy (not really, but I wouldn't be surprised). I guess I'll start with the bungalow - it's coming along ok, though obviously we're kinda restricted to only working weekends, so it probably won't be finished for a while yet. Thankfully we've finished painting all the rooms, which means no more scraping/sanding which had become the bane of my life - I'm sure I breathed in enough plaster to make a whole other wall. The next task for me I think is to replace the kitchen floor (with difficulty supposedly ranging from 'moderate' to 'very hard' depending on who you believe and how the current floor was held down) - which I must admit makes me a little apprehensive as I'm learning as I go. It shouldn't be much of an achievement to drill holes in your wall, but it was to me - I think putting the blind up in the bedroom is currently my proudest achievement (it's level and everything!), which again is a little depressing. Still, you've got to learn haven't you? I've taken some pics here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=77678&id=561387756&l=f9fa9 Other things... I found out yesterday that I passed my December exams, which was especially good seeing as I was a little nervous over one of them (not helped by being out with glandular fever if you recall) so I'm chuffed with that. I also 'passed' my Music Technology course - I say that because it was only a college certificate, not a qualification and I think the only thing you need to do to get it is simply turn up. However, I've taken a couple of days off work to go into the studio and things began to really click - what used to be jargon and machines with an intimidating number of buttons, switches and dials make a bit more sense and I'm able to record myself (albeit having to set up the equipment outside and running back and forth into the studio). I'm sure you'll be happy to hear Bristol City beat Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road a few weeks back - we're now in 8th spot, just outside the playoffs, while Norwich are in 22nd, just inside the relegation zone. Never mind Dave - think of it this way: if they do go down at least ticket prices should be cheaper. Glad you're having a good time - let me/us know if you have any questions about what's going on back home. Nick PS. Dave - can't help but think that that picture of you with the birds perched on you looks remarkably like that scene in Ace Ventura, where Ace has convinced his landlord he doesn't have any pets... |
| 11th February 2009 Big sis | - From: Ko Phangan? Ko Samui? Nah.. Go To The Similan Islands! Little nemo fish - ohh, how lush! It seems like forever since your last blog but it was worth waiting for. However, I've come to the conclusion that I probably shouldn't be reading these at work (besides the fact that I should actually be doing some work) because when I laugh out loud (especially the Yang tree bit) I get stared at like I'm some kind of loon!! The pictures on shutterfly are great too. Lots of love xxx PS - I got your postcard from Vietnam yesterday! |
| 20th January 2009 Cat | My, how time flies... - From: 2 Months In - Replying To Your Comments And The Journey So Far 2 months already?! How?? I mean, you have an excuse - having fun and sleepless nights and excitement and monkeys and all that - but I'm in Cambridge. Which is even less exciting due to my not watching Match of the Day. (actually, India for Christmas/ New Year was pretty cool:) ) Sounds like you're having a fantastic time, and I'm exceedingly jealous. Keep up the exotic blogs - and I'm living vicariously through you, so please have a pie or two for me in Oz. Thank you. Cx |
| 16th January 2009 Jay | Yo! - From: 2 Months In - Replying To Your Comments And The Journey So Far How's tricks?! Happy Birthday Helen... for yesterday (Yes, I know it's a little late, but not my fault, honest!). Looks like you two are having a funky time. I particularly like the pictures of the monkeys (simple things...). I expect that you're missing the Great British weather though. Deep down : ) Anyway, keep having a blast! That's an order. P.S. More pictures of monkey's please X) |
| 15th January 2009 Ben and Emma | - From: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: When was the last time you were having a beer and an elephant walked past? Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Helen, happy birthday to you! Btw I start my PCSO training next week so when you return I'll be in uniform and slapping parking tickets on every illegally parked car I come across!!! Oh and Nick, there's always Wilkinson for your pick&mix...x |
| 15th January 2009 Nick | - From: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: When was the last time you were having a beer and an elephant walked past? That's nothing; Woolworths have closed down - where are we going to get our pick & mix now?! ...oh, and happy birthday Helen! |
| 11th January 2009 Ben and Emma | Alright me luvvers! - From: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: When was the last time you were having a beer and an elephant walked past? Hi Helen and Dave, Still following your progress although it's hard to hold down a full-time job and keep reading your blogs-there just aren't enough hours in the day for both!! I do believe Helen's birthday is fast-approaching, are you doing anything special? What was Xmas and New Year away from home like? You're sure seeing and doing a lot, you'll start forgetting places as the months roll on. Hope you're still loving the experience and not getting on each others' nerves! Back home it's cold and gloomy, and the country's falling apart if you believe everything on the news. You should probably know your M&S simply food in the Grafton Centre is due to close, along with dozens of other companies. I know you'll appreciate me keeping you updated. Well that's all for now. Love us x |
| 7th January 2009 wisa | - From: Christmas In Ho Chi Minh City -Jacuzzi, Football and Yorkshire Puddings awww well despite the erm...interesting yorkshire puds..?!( think I'll pass that recipe onto the Deli...), it all looks ammazing!!! when can i fly out and meet you!? hehe have to say, i think pink is just your colour david, that hat suits you :) and you both look so tanned...damn you people in your hot places! Glad it's all going great still...oh and i liked the anniversary car...almost as sloppy as the one me and sus managed to find :) enjoy the swanky hotel in huahin! am not jealous at all!! xxxxx |
| 25th December 2008 Katie | Happy Christmas!! - From: Halong Bay - Dang, It's Beautiful Hi you two, Hope you both have a great Christmas. I'm enjoying reading all about your trip, loads of love Katie xx |
| 25th December 2008 jean | Great photos - From: Halong Bay - Dang, It's Beautiful Hey, looks like a wonderful trip. Great photos! Like the one "boats down there somewhere" in particular. Very tranquil and dream-like feeling. Happy holidays! : ) http://www.OurExplorer.com local guides, local wisdom |
| 23rd December 2008 Chris Wakefield | Happy Christmas - From: Halong Bay - Dang, It's Beautiful Hi, Just a quick note to say Happy Christmas. Sounds like you are having an amazing time. Chris |
| 22nd December 2008 Kelly Kemp | Tigers/Lions?!! - From: Chaing Mai - Part 1 Dave, I told you you MIGHT get eaten by a lion &/or a Tiger, glad that you didn't though!! Looks like you are enjoying yourselves (apart from the French guy at the boxing - you know how I hate the French......) It is really entertaining reading what you have been up to. Catch up soon Kel x |
| 14th December 2008 Nick Hamblin | How many dong? - From: Hanoi - So Many *Beep*ing horns... '32,000 Vietnamese dong for £1'? I bet that's much better value than in Bangkok! My apologies - but I found it funny. What're you guys planning on doing for Christmas? Most of the places you're visiting are predominantly Buddhist aren't they? Lights on the palm tree? I'll post pics of my bungalow soon enough - I've got the 'before' pics and I'm into the during stage now, so I might wait until I've at least got a lick of paint on the walls. I've got my sofas set for delivery tomorrow (hopefully), which should go some way to making it seem more 'homey' - at the moment it just seems like an empty building. My tonsilitis is gone thankfully - though that was secondary to glandular fever, which actually sent me to hospital for a weekend - which wasn't ideal preparation for my exams, but the only other option was pushing them back 6 months, at which point I'll have three others! I think I did ok in the end: one's a sure thing, the other though is touch and go... will find out in february... Only other news I can think of is my braces are now off! If you'd like I could post a picture of my now sparkling smile? Or are you thinking that's part of the reason you went away? Sounds like you're both doing well - thanks for the perk of telling us you're broke :). Nick |
| 10th December 2008 Ben and Emma | Greetings from Bristol - From: Lovely, Lovely Laos It seems like you are both having an amazing time, loads of great pictures - Emma especially likes the one of the cats!! "I felt just a little bit like Bruce Parry" - I don't remember him falling flat on his ar*e like in the last blog. Not long 'til Christmas now, do you know where you'll be? Not a great deal to tell you about here except Emma is going to be a PCSO - she starts next month. Its been icy cold the last couple of weeks, not like where you are by the looks of it. Everyone seems to go shopping on the weekends, what's that all about - pilgrimage or something? Oh and Woolworths has gone bust! As I said not a lot to tell! Ben and Emma xx |
| 10th December 2008 Sarah (the one from Keele who doesn't like knees) | - From: Lovely, Lovely Laos Howdy!! I thought I'd sit down with a cup of tea and spend a few minutes reading your travel blog. A few minutes turned into an hour -mainly cos I'm a slow reader, and also because I haven't been able to stop laughing at the thought of Dave doing an impression of a Tiger. I'm glad you both seem to be having a fantastic time. Most jealous about the elephant ride (just to compare, the highlight of my day today was having a checkout opened for me in Tescos when there was a massive queue....) Will keep tuned in to see how things are going. Love to you both x x x |
| 6th December 2008 Alison | Catching up! - From: Chiang Dao - Nestled Up High Hi Helen and Dave Finally managed to speed read through the blog to date, glad everything (well mostly everything) is going well. Could you try and find some grey clouds to send pictures of - all this summery weather is a slap in the face! No doubt you're aware that winter is here, alive & well! Good luck, looking forward to more updates. Alison |
| 5th December 2008 wisa | - From: Chiang Mai - Part 2 ooo, you can make pad thai for me too!!! :) shall look forward to it! Also, just to let you know..that as a far superior human being i went and passed my driving test first time! apparently that means i can't be a Hodge according to sus, but i guess that's just something I'll have to deal with. hehe hope you've been openeing your advent calendar...not long till xmas! lots of love xxxx |
| 1st December 2008 Susannah - your lovely little sister | - From: Chiang Mai - Part 2 oh the pad thai comment was me! |
| 1st December 2008 anonymous | - From: Chiang Mai - Part 2 I expect you to remember and make me Pad thai when you get back home- i love it so you better be able to cook it well!! hope your having a nice warm monday, it's freezing here, and i mean literally! x x x |
| 27th November 2008 Nick Hamblin | Hello from Keynsham - From: Chaing Mai - Part 1 Hi guys - good to see you're have such a good and varied time already after just two weeks! It makes my week in Madeira seem quite weak by comparison - though it was nice and relaxing, and the apartment was pretty swanky. Unfortunately things haven't been great since I've gotten back, as I've come down with a particularly bad bout of tonsillitis, which has kept me at home for a week now - I'm seeing my doctor again tomorrow and he may even suggest going to hospital for treatment. In better news, I've completed the purchase of the bungalow! I'll post pictures when I can, but like I've said, I haven't really had the chance to go round there to do stuff yet. Hopefully it won't be long after Christmas when I get to move in, though I am now officially poor. I will genuinely have evenings when I need to decide whether to close the blinds to keep the heat in, or leave them open to let the light from streetlights in... I'll keep in touch - keep up the excellent blog both of you, it's nice so keep up with how you're doing. |
| 26th November 2008 Ben and Emma | Monkeys and protests - From: Monkey Mayhem Hi guys. We're loving your blog but wonder if you'll still be updating it quite so frequently a couple of months down the line?! Whereabouts in Thailand are you (North, East, nr Bangkok)? I only ask cus of the protests and unrest which we read is happening in Bangkok, esp in the airport. Very worrying. Anyway, sounds like you've really thrown yourself into the travelers lifestyle and are having some awesome experiences (the monkey town sounds cool!) Take care of yourselves. Everyone is well here. Love Em (and Ben who's at work) xxx |
| 22nd November 2008 Claire | Cheeky little monkeys : ) - From: Monkey Mayhem Hello!! Glad to hear that you are both having a fab time - I'm sooo jealous though. Are you even missing home a tiny bit?! Love all of your photos, make sure you keep us updated. I have some news... I bought a house the other day : ) It's a cute little 2 bed in Longwell Green (Gilroy Close, just off of Longbeach Road) It was a absolute bargain... I almost felt sorry for the lady selling it. (Almost, but not quite) Fingers crossed, I'll be moving in January sometime. I'm nearly a grown up, yey!!!!! xxx |
| 21st November 2008 Dave Jones | animal-world band - From: Wat's with the ants? Sounds like you two are having a good time but more importantly "animal-world band" Do they take requests?! |
| 21st November 2008 Louisa | - From: Parks, sickness and the cinema! yoyo :) hope you're both feeling better and enjoying the thai sun, it's bloody cold back here!!! was told about those cinema's by my athletics coach...but we never managed to find them...looks awesome!! also, just remebered about thai sweet egg pancake things they sold on little stalls on the street with condensed milk and banana and stuff...make sure you keep an eye out for them, they were yumscrum! enjoy yourselves, and look forward to an update sooon! :D ooo and helen, you're missing some serious hollyoaks storylines, don't know how you're coping! hehe love xxx |
| 17th November 2008 Chris Wakefield | Cinema? - From: Parks, sickness and the cinema! Hi. Great to read what you are up to (nice to meet you Helen!). Are you sure that was a Cinema and you didn't just rent two hours in First Class on a local airline?! I also like the stopwatch telling everyone how long you have been travelling - David, is it ok if I post a second one to keep track of how long it is until you come back to work.........3 months right.....?! |
| 14th November 2008 Helen's Mum & Dad | Prison?? - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very pleased you arrived Ok and no doubt after a good night's sleep will be up and running around like 2 year olds - although at the moment it is 4am where you are so running seems unlikely at this particular moment. If we could have forseen that your first message was going to include the words "Bankock" and "prison" in the same sentence we would probably have shredded your passports last week! I have been listening to Murray Head's (Murray!!) song from Chess "One Night in Bankock" today. Closest I'll get to Thailand I guess. Anyway I'd better get back to Children in Need. Can't miss Terry Wogan (or Girls Aloud) can I? The most important thing is that you enjoy yourselves and you never know, maybe Norwich City & Bristol City will get 6 points between them in the Championship tomorrow - that doesn't happen very often though. Speak soon. Dad & Mum x |
| 14th November 2008 Ben & Emma | Re Haircut - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the haircut Helen, very trendy! Glad to know you've arrived safe, the food in Bangkok sounds gert lush!! Passed my PCSO test btw. Have fun guys and keep us posted. xx |
| 14th November 2008 Kelly Kemp | Business Objects - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hi Dave (& Helen although we have never met) I can't get business objects to work Dave!!!! Glad to hear you arrived safely but we are slightly concerened that your safety deposit box in your room appears to be on wheels....?!! KK x |
| 14th November 2008 Becca | - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you've made it there. Looking forward to hearing about what you get up to - it's cold and rainy here! |
| 14th November 2008 Becky, Kate, Jill & Alex | Remember us - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you have arrived safely, get use to hostel live. Missing you. Kate is keeping your desk warm and enjoying the new view. |
| 13th November 2008 Susannah | - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay! glad you've arrived ok :-) enjoy exploring the sights and sounds of bangkok! x x x x |
| 13th November 2008 Laura | Haircut - From: We're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew you'd get it all taken off - good choice. I know this won't help now but I have seen today, for sale in the Grafton, the travel pillows that Helen was after - how annoying is that! Enjoy fun times - we'll miss you! |
| 8th November 2008 Katie | Have fun!! - From: Countdown.. Wow, Jealous! Have a fab time, Katie xx |
| 7th November 2008 JamesAllen | Please dont go ..... I love you more! - From: Countdown.. Hey guys, will miss you loads whilst you are gone! Seriously you sure that we cant convince you not to leave? If not then we still need to all meet up in Vegas! |
| 7th November 2008 Sharon | Please dont go ..... hey I love you so !! - From: Countdown.. David Hodge David Hodge ..... please come back ... David thank you for all your help over the last couple of weeks or so it has been very much appreciated. You guys have loads of fun and enjoy yourselves - make sure you make the most of every second... Loads of love and keep in touch Shaznay xxxx |
« back 1 next »