Paul and Ims

Our flight from Bangkok to Kolkata was filled with apprehension at what awaited us upon landing. Our fears were slightly allayed on the plane as we read a copy of the Hindustan Times which had photographs of India featuring familiar items like buses and houses. However, on arrival we soon discovered that our initial fears were correct - we had arrived in a third world country. Kol-Kacka We had the foresight whilst in Bangkok to research what we might find at Kolkata airport. We knew there would be money changing facilities (you can't get Rupees outside of India) and a government run pre-pay taxi scheme to hopefully help minimise the chances of being totally 'taken for a ride' (sorry). Of course, as with all best layed plans, this went to pot the moment we got through ... read more

Oh no, not another bus! cried Paul when he realised how we planned to get from Singapore to our next stop in Kuala Lumpur. But this was no ordinary bus. It was a Super Luxury Sleeper Bas Ekspres! This means a full size ultra-modern coach but with only 18 seats and there was enough legroom even for lanky types like us to stretch out fully without even touching the seat in front. The 6 hour journey cost us just under 14 quid each. National Express could learn a thing or two... Kuala Lumpur It was easy to tell when we had arrived in Kuala Lumpur. The empty highway suddenly became an enormous traffic jam and exhaust fumes started to filter into the bus. All of a sudden we had 'arrived'. The driver told us to get ... read more

Q. What's worse than 11 hours on a bus? A. 13 hours on a bus! ...and that's how long it takes to get from Sydney to Byron Bay up on the East Coast. Again we travelled overnight which saved on a night's accommodation and also allowed us to collect some spectacular bruises trying to use the seats as beds. Damn those armrests... Paul would like to pass on his thanks to everyone who attended Paulstonbury that same evening back in England. (For the uninitiated, 'Paulstonbury' is his yearly birthday do in England). We're just sorry we couldn't be there, because we'd have probably had a better night's sleep despite the drunken revellry! We are aware people were trying to call us but as our fellow bus passengers were sleeping around us and due to the prohibitive ... read more

G'day all! I just wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone for all the texts, emails, faxes and carrier pigeons that have arrived over the last couple of days wishing me birthday greetings. Just for the record as a couple of you asked the question, we are currently 9 hours ahead of the UK. You'll understand that we had to do something a bit special seeing as Imogen got to fly over the Grand Canyon for her big day. As we are in Sydney, what could be more appropriate than crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge? And if you're thinking I mean we had a pleasant stroll across to the other side, had a pint and walked home again, you're wrong. I mean we climbed over the archy bit! But first things first, a fry up ... read more

Hi All, Just to give you an update, Dave AKA Rufous and Mr Jimbo Hunt have both been technomological and have managed to salvage most of our lost blogs! Many thanks to them both for their hard work - it means a lot to have salvaged those memories. We're slaving away rewriting our recent adventures in the South Island (unfortunately lost as we hadn't published them) so expect to see those shortly. See you soon! Paul & Ims... read more