Ian McLennan - IanMcL | All Comments

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18th October 2009 Peter Edwards	- From: Blackall on the way back Hi Chris and Ian, Another great blog and the pictures are up to their usual standard. I look forward to hearing about the trip. Cheers Pete
17th October 2009 John	Great work! - From: Blackall on the way back Great work Chris and Ian ... keep the news flowing!
16th October 2009 Audrey	Hi - From: Blackall on the way back Sounds like a great holiday. Glad you are good and enjoying yourself. See you soon. Audrey
13th October 2009 Peter Edwards	Photos and finesse - From: Kakadu at last (from Darwin) Hi Chris and Ian, I have been printing out the blog for mum and John and are enjoying the read. Ian, you forgot the mention that you probably have a glass of beer or wine as you sit beside the pool typing the blog. I'm sure Lonely Planet will be getting in touch to offer you both a position writing and visiting unknown places and typing a blog. The quality of the writing and description of the journey is both very impressive and very enjoyable - must have something to do with that 0.5%!!! Glad to hear you are enjoying yourselves. Cheers Pete
12th October 2009 Peter Edwards	Instalment 11/10/2009 - From: Katherine (from Darwin) Ian and Chris, The photos and blog look great and I am pleased you managed to attach the photos. When I toured Katherine Gorge the river was flooded and it was a little hairy to say the least. I noticed in the paper the other day that a new viewing platform for Uluru Rock was opened last week - did you get to stand on it?? The Homestead looks great and I will be interested to hear about Kakadu since on my two trips to Darwin I missed Kakadu because of the rains. Thanks for the blog and enjoy the trip. Wish I was there!! Pete
10th October 2009 Peter Edwards	- From: Darwin or Bust Hi Chris and Ian The trip looks wonderful and brings back many memories of my travels in the same direction. My one claim to fame is that I camped at Uluru in the same camp ground and the same week that the dingo took Lindy's baby. The blog site is great! We caught up with all your children (including Kate and Lachlan) during the week and had a wonderful time. So I will keep an eye on your travelas via the blog. Cheers Pete
5th October 2009 Marilyn	G'day - From: Darwin or Bust G'day to both of you. Sounds like fun so far. Keep safe & well. Love, Mer xx
4th October 2009 IanMcL	Fawlty Towers. - From: Darwin or Bust Thanks for the comment. The supermarket in Yulara is fine. Reasonable prices and a good range. Didnt see any alcohol however, so if that is important, come prepared. Enjoy.
4th October 2009 Mandy	Sounds great - From: Darwin or Bust Hi ya, your trip sounds great so far. I have updated Cooper's photos for your benefit on my facebook page.. Enjoy!
3rd October 2009 Pauline	from another grey nomad, to be... - From: Darwin or Bust We are planning to follow in your footsteps next year, good to read your comments. We will be in a campervan so will miss the "Fawlty Towers" experience.
18th November 2008 Robyn Wood	Valparaiso - From: Home sweet home ............ I am sure everyone has enjoyed reading the Sth American blog. Thanks so much Ian . My teaching at Belo Horizonte was great fun and I have been invited to return there ,so next time I will certainly go to Patagonia. Thanks to the information supplied, I will know what to leave OUT.Ted suggested that I visit Valparaiso en route home, as I had a 2 night stop in Santiago. What fabulous advice. Given that I had had a "motion sickness" problem with the bus, I opted for a private tour guide for the day and that meant a driver as well. What a day to remember. We drove through a lush valley which grew everything except bananas and pineapples. The vinyards were superb and we stopped at one of the better ones for a tasting ...must have been 12.00p.m. somewhere in the world !My guide spoke 5 languages and was a wealth of information ,but unlike Allan the Bolivian , he could read his "passenger" and quickly gathered that Cathedrals etc were to be seen but not dwelt upon . Valparaiso was a unique mix of Unniversity town and Bohemian areas ,old town ,new town ,beautiful rugged beaches complete with relaxing sealions atop the rocks. Its importance diminished as a port when the Panama Canal was built , but prior to that it was the last big port before facing the Cape.It is still active as a port ,but not to the same extent . The views were quite spectacular , and there was a fabulous shopping area near the Unniversity which featured handcrafts made by handicapped people. Well , I could not let them down could I ?? Yes , I had to buy an extra suitcase for the home journey . The quality was just terrific......no polyester to be seen . I was shown where the seawater used to come to in the city square, prior to reclaimation efforts , and before I knew it ,there were super photos being taken with a "Hollywood trained llama" and a couple of great looking soldiers. Lunch was magnificent seafood overlooking the beach. One interesting security thing happened. A lady was upset in the city square when she went to take a photo. She pulled out a cake of soap instead of her new super camera ! A very well dressed "business man " had offered to take her photo ,then he pointed out something to her. Voila!! That was the switch time .Take care folks,thanks for your company,until some of us maybe meet again. Hugs Robyn
3rd November 2008 Marilyn	- From: Weird place this .... More great photos. How cold is that place! You look frozen yourselves. It seems food is a major issue. Hope you have picked up some good ideas in that quarter. You must be getting close to packing up for your homecoming. Life will seem pretty dull when you get back. See you all soon. Love, Bob & Mer.xxxx
29th October 2008 Mandy	Not mentioned - From: Tang Tango Tango (special edition) You forgot to mention that the male dancers were good looking... (except the old guy with the broom!) Looked like fun. And Da, you even dressed up for the occassion!!! hehehe (just joking..)
28th October 2008 Simon	- From: A little bit of Paris After being away from the internet for over a week, it has taken me nearly another week to read all your blogs and see all your photos - I hope you are not spending all your holidays on the computer!!!!!! A couple of points - 1. Mum, you looked really nice on your b'day (HAPPY 60th!). Looked very relaxed... Dad - loved the Holden shirt. 2. Loved the photo of the plane - best shot yet!!! :) 3. It appears that there is no shortage of street lamps in South America. Just kidding, good photos! Simon
28th October 2008 Timmy	I agree with your analysis - From: A little bit of Paris Having a look at your photos I would agree that it looks like Paris - Imgp7016 looks like the place I stayed at when I was in Paris last year. A couple of things: 1 - It would seem that it was a bit of a dead end tour (sorry but someone had to say it) 2 - Tell mum that the longer she leaves purchases the more expensive they become given the way the Aussie is going at the moment 3 - I am noticing that there are more Maccas stops on this holiday than on previous one??? 4 - Your photos are fantastic - some of the colours being picked up are brilliant and 7062 (the clock one) looks like it should be in a brochure! BA looks like a beautiful city - can't wait to go there (I think I've said that about all the cities so far!)
27th October 2008 mark	hi all - From: Rain Rain Rain belated happy birthday chris i hope those two pisspots didnt embarrass you....you be able to get your revenge when you get home by marching them onto the scales....could use a bit of your rain here, 34deg today but it snowed on the way to bathurst last wed!!!.....cant find the spell check button its making me nervous....best mark
26th October 2008 Marilyn	Party - From: Iguassu Falls Party looked like it was pretty special. Photos are fabulous, seem to get better with every stopover. You all look to be having a great time. Keep drinking and having a ball. Love, Mer and Bob xx
26th October 2008 Mandy	Rio & Iguassu Falls - From: Iguassu Falls Wow, i think Rio looks fabulous... I want to go there even more now - guess i'll prob have to put it on the back burner! :0) Mum, you look really nice at your party. Dad, you did as well, but perhaps you could have traded the Holden shirt for a button up shirt like Pete!!! Pete, looking good also. See you soon. Luv Mandy and Steve
25th October 2008 John	A word in time.... - From: Rio Part 2 Well it's just as well we gave Peter that electronic dictionary/translator and to see that has pulled a few words out of it for his blog. I am sure in time he'll be able to look back at the site and say, "I wrote that!" Well done Peter! And to Ian for the mentoring sessions to get him there. Christine gets off the hook because she is in all the pictures! It's good to see that Peter is becoming streetwise. The next time he sees a nine-year old he'll probably give him the boot .... but which one, the injured boot or the other one? Speaking of which.... Do enjoy your stay in Rio, and we'll be disappointed if Chris doesn't finish handling all the merchandise before she leaves. John
24th October 2008 John	What pictures???? - From: Rio Rio Rio Well I guess we'll have to wait for them. By the way, I gave your blog site to John Szady, Pter's mate from the choir who was keen to see what you were all up to. You may get a few comments from John. Enjoy Rio. John
24th October 2008 Marilyn	Happy Birthday - From: Rio Rio Rio It looks as though the party has begun. Have a very special Happy Birthday Chris. Lots of Love from Bob and Mer.xxxxxxxxxxxx
22nd October 2008 John	Where's the photo of the injured boot??? - From: The adventure that is La Paz If Peter is too drunk to pen a few words for the blog then the least he could do is to show evidence of that accosted boot! And who's the chic Peter's speaking with in P1040935?? Is there something you're not telling us?? John
22nd October 2008 John	Your trusty respondent.... - From: Down to 3600 Metres - At last Well certainly it is a different place over there. I am fascinated by the reed islands, is it any wonder the locals only inhabit them when the visitors arrive? I have to say I have heard of reed islands, do you thnink that is where Kevin Costner got his idea of Waterworld?? By the way, I told Peter prior to going that he should get the pedomoter with 100,000 steps, but you know how cheap he is!! Well we have now officially run out of red wine in this household, and I haven't a clue where it goes to. But as I have got quite bit of writing to do this weekend I suspect I had better leave the Octoberfest to you folk over there. By the way, that 8500 sq km lake is pretty big. If it were circular it would be 102kms in diameter!!! John 11:41 GMT Weds
21st October 2008 Mandy	One more thing.... - From: The adventure that is La Paz One more thing, dad, in photo P1040869 - is that you or pete in the gay hat??? I dont think it is - but just wanted to confirm?? It looks a bit like the smurfs!
21st October 2008 Mandy	La Paz (and more...) - From: The adventure that is La Paz Hi y'all (trying to get into some American lingo), La Paz sounds very interesting. I am confused as I thought (obviously ignorantly) that South America was all jungles - seemingly not! Looks very barron... Nonetheless, still looks like you are having a good time. Mum, I was speaking with Gail from your work this morning and they were asking of you. I gave them a brief update but they said to say Happy Birthday for Saturday! (from all of them!!!) Anyway, will speak soon, luv mandy.
21st October 2008 Timmy!	Is Pete's boot ok??? - From: The adventure that is La Paz Hiya Yet again you've managed to get me in stitches with your wacky account of your holiday - some very interesting stories particularly about the historical findings - I guess you can use stats and individual pieces of information to prove anything - 98% of people know that! I'm starting to wonder wheter in fact you are on a contiki tour with the amount of alcohol being consumed - this will only be confirmed once someone moon's from the bus! Its good to hear that mum has indeed found the diabetec restaurants of Sth America - perhaps she does historical information too ;) I look forward to the next instalment of the blog - have a good flight to Brazil and I'll chat soon Cheers Tim
19th October 2008 stephen new	Cusco - From: Cusco City Hi folks, not sure if you have received previous emails - am on a steep learning curve with these blogs but have been following your documentary with genuine interest - have gr8 admiration for your spirit of adventure - does'nt sound as if you have to put up with too many "long drops" - am almost looking forward to the Super 8 movie night, if we can get the film developed OK ....... cheers Stephen & Angie
19th October 2008 Mandy	Barry - From: Down to 3600 Metres - At last Hi ya, the landscape sure looks different at every place you go. It looks like you were all walking in the desert - but then around the corner, crystal clear waters.... I do have one question for you all, did you find it difficult not to break out in song in Copacabana? I did reading your blog! Her name was lola ....
19th October 2008 John	Order by date - at last!!! - From: Arrival on the Shores of Lake Titicaca Thank God you found the order by date button! I was dreading having to work my way to the bottom of 35 entries. Although they did keep us in suspense I have to say. But the last date first is a far better option. Also love the extra photos, they are quite spectacular and reflect the varied life and culture of the place. Tell me about the food - is it largely Spanish or predominantly of a local flavour? John
18th October 2008 Marilyn	Hi - From: Arrival on the Shores of Lake Titicaca g'day All. What outstanding photos. They are sooooooo colourful and very interesting. Sorry it has taken a bit of time to catch up, we have been living it up in good old Melb. Went to a MAV dinner on Thurs. night and Bob was awarded a 15 years service medal with a certificate under seal for "outstanding service". Its just as well someone appreciates what work he is doing for the community. we are both pretty chuffed I might say. Will tell all when you come home. Have a ball. Love, Mer xx
14th October 2008 John	- From: MachuPicchu Well I have to say you are looking quite relaxed and becoming part of the scenery. The photos are great and tell an awesome story. Macchu Piccu is a wonderful looking place, I am sure you will enjoy every moment you spend there. John
14th October 2008 Marilyn	- From: Peruvian Amazon to Sacrd Valley Where has that week and a bit gone? Looks very interesting. Can't wait to see the dvd version with commentry when you get home. Alls well here. Love to you All xxxMer
13th October 2008 John	A new member of the tribe... Owen James - From: Peruvian Amazon to Sacrd Valley Just to let you know that Ged had a baby boy, Owen James, on Saturday. After almost a week of hard labour I think she thinks three is enough! Yes the pottery is something else isn't it!! After that climb to 11,000 feet I imagine a cool beer was the only thing on the mind on the way down. Keep the pictures and commentary coming, it's great to see what you are up to. John
13th October 2008 Tim	Pottery - From: Peruvian Amazon to Sacrd Valley Ok I'll bite - it looks as though its a jug of some sort given it has a handle yes??? And the water looks amazing - good enough to ski on but I'm thinking the caimans might have a bit to say about that. Keep the photos coming - looking forward to seeing the next batch from macchu picchu!
11th October 2008 Mandy	Camera - From: Peruvian Amazon to Sacrd Valley Oh, da, forgot to mention, we bought a new camera today. Is pretty nifty - Canon IXUS 970IS. We have 4 weeks to work out how it can be so different from our previous IXUS (although i concede that the other one is 6 yrs old!). Have fun... ADxx
11th October 2008 Mandy & Steve	Hi - From: Peruvian Amazon to Sacrd Valley Hi All - looks like you are all having a great time. The photos are great. Pottery is interesting! Mandy & Steve.
10th October 2008 John	Thanks for the update. - From: Lima exposed Thanks for the update, it's nice to know what is going on and where you are at and what you've seen. And it makes for far more interesting reading and viewing than watching Wall crash and taking everything with it. One thing's for sure - I don't think retirement is anytime soon!! Someone has to fund the Wall Street banker's performance bonuses!!! Enjoy the jungle. John PS I went to the hospital today about my broken hand (fractured 5th metacarpal on the right hand). They didn't see any advantage to putting a pin in it and I have come away without the need for any further treatment. The hand is quite bruised but functional. At least I am able to type two handed now. JE
7th October 2008 John	Talking to the lama... - From: Formal tour of Santiago I think you might need to add a conversation bubble to let us in on the conversation between the lama and the bloke. Did the lama come from the cathedral perhaps? John
7th October 2008 Amanda Daley	Looks good! - From: Formal tour of Santiago Hey ya Looks like you are all having a good time. Place looks nice! Weather looks good! Look forward to the next instalment. Incidentally, we have decided it looks like a good idea - the travel blog. We will do one as well. Luv Mandy & Steve.
7th October 2008 John	Tim's not the only one..... - From: In South America I got my first text message from Peter at 4:45 am.... and that's after setting up Santiago time on his language translator! Speaking of which, I imagine Peter is becoming pretty fluent in Spanish by now. Looking at those pints of beer in the photo I can almost guess what his first Spanish phrase was! By the way, tell Peter he's expected to put a photo up now that he's got a new digital SLR ... and not a close-up of hte beers either. John
6th October 2008 Marilyn	Fun - From: In South America G'day All, Looks like the fun has begun already. Have a Ball. Love, Mer xxx
6th October 2008 Tim	Sorry! - From: In South America Sorry about waking you up - I thought you'd like to know who won the B&F and also that my bbq works well! I'll get the time zones working next time Great photos already - I like the size of those beers in the 3rd photo (IMGP5452) have fun Timmy =)