Almost exactly two years since my arrival in the UK, I was once again off to the Big Chill - this time with two festival virgins. They acquitted themselves admirably, and I think each of them might even be prepared to try another festival. (I am sure the presence of the ‘champagne garden bar’ assisted in this regard! Apart from the first night, there was little rain (thank goodness) and a great time was had by all. Not much else to report - apart from noting that the beer carrier with the handle was a great item ... should be available [View Full Entry]

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My first English wedding took place this weekend in Stratford -upon-Avon - Shakespeare’s country. OK, OK, I admit it, it's only half English - Terry is an Aussie, but Jai is definitely an English rose (who once got asked out by Russell Brand!). It was lovely, and I got to wear a hat - which was fun. (although there was a disappointing number of hats among the 'English' half of the guests). The 'wedding festival' was an extravaganza. Brigid and I drove down on Friday night to meet the 'advance crew' at the hostel which was hired in its entirely for [View Full Entry]

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Although the weather in London has stayed closer to an Australian winter (ie I was still wearing jeans and long sleeves) than summer, I am finally starting to feel a bit summery (thanks to a couple of days of nice weather). I then had a truly inspired idea (if I do say so myself). Why not adopt the Australian tradition of Christmas in July (whereby you have the full on cooked roast dinner and wear a santa hat (or suit for those who wish) in the temperature to which it is more suited and without sweltering to death) with a difference? [View Full Entry]

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Almost a year to the day since my last trip to Ibiza, I was back again ... and for another bux do.....! I think this could be my third bux ... is there some kind of rule that I should be aware of like 'Three time on a bux do, never a bride?' Oh well, it's done now. This time it was to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Terry and Jai. Brigid and I arrived on the 'party plane'(1) from London at 2 am on Friday morning. For once, we did the sensible thing and went to bed rather than joining [View Full Entry]

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What do you get when you mix 18 mates, Pimms, picnic food, sun, more champers than you can drink ... oh and some rowing? A bloody good time. Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since (except during the two World Wars). It was originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a one day public attraction with a fair and other amusements, but now it is all about the drinking ... sorry ... rowing and has become a 5 day extravaganza. It apparently occupies a special place in the world of rowing [View Full Entry]

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It's Adam's birthday again - so that must mean it is time for another weekend in Wales! This time we headed off for a canoe/walking adventure in the Brecon Beacon National Park. Saturday was canoe day and we hired Canadian canoes (except for Pete, who was on the 'rescue' surf ski) and canoed from Wales back into England along the River Wye. The canoe adventure was a very sedate one (those of you that hear from Adam will know about his 'great UK search' for rapids) but very lovely. This also meant that we got to appreciate the fauna, including a [View Full Entry]

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A land of fjords, waterfalls, seafood and mountains - seems like my kind of place. So I headed to Norway for an extra long weekend at the end of May. We flew into Oslo on Friday morning and checked out the sights (although we took it pretty easy, knowing we had a big couple of days ahead). A highlight was the Munch museum where we saw the famous 'Scream' painting, which had only just been returned to the walls after having been stolen in 2004 and recovered in 2006. The painting had been damaged by the thieves and the museum spent [View Full Entry]

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(He can do you a good deal) People are, by and large, lovely in Jordan. Normally, conversations with the locals commence like this: "Hello, where you from?" "Australia." "Australia?" "Yes." "Ohhhh. Welcome." While it is true that quite often this is followed by an attempt to sell you something, no one is so pushy as to not take no for an answer. And they have some good lines. In the morning, as you wander around Petra, you will be greeted by requests to ‘Open my day’. Likewise, in the evening, you will be invited to ‘Close my day’ with one last [View Full Entry]

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The Javea netball tournament has become an annual event, so April found me there again, playing netball under the Spanish sun. This time spent some time checking out Valencia as well. Had a great time, we came third, I did NOT lose my passport, there is not much else to say - but here are some pictures. [View Full Entry]

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It is March, it's been cold and the snow is falling in Europe again - seems like a good excuse to organise another ski trip. Being reluctant to head away from the convenience of 'an hour from Geneva', but wanting to try somewhere new, we headed to Flaine (well actually we stayed in Les Carroz, but we skied Flaine). Apparently Flaine is known as the 'white desert' for its excellent ski cover long into the season (it is very high), but it is a dangerous desert. The mountains in the Grand Massif (the name for the ski area around Flaine - [View Full Entry]

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