broondog
Graeme Brownlie Joined: September 20th 2009
Logged in: May 10th 2010
Logged in: May 10th 2010
Travel Blog Posts
Well we're in the UK. Flight good as per last line however we have some issues with Heathrow... what - is it not ok to find fault? T4 arrivals are rubbish. No more said. A walk to a bus to another terminal.... took us nearly 45 minutes. Then, we hit the new T5. I'm a big fan as its served me well until now - nice new shiny building without any hassle until now.... Early morning a pile of flights appear. We all descend on passenger transfers and the area grinds to a halt. There is a back log in security such that the people when arriving at the top of the escalator find a wall of people queing to the top of the escalator. Whilst it was a tad dangerous, it was fun watching peoples ... read more
Well - its here .... not sure this is really day 18 but we leave Sydney at 5pm but wait - you've guessed it - we're delayed 1 hour due to a lighting storm coming in!!!!! We do get away about half 6 local time, 1 hr behind. We've bagged rows 28 H&J in economy where a 2 seater exit row seat right at the front of economy so hoping for plenty of sleep. A simple travel strategy - stay awake until we leave Bangkok then sleep as much as possible on that leg to arrive in London refreshed 6am. We'd be even more refreshed in business - a spare / empty seat right in front of us to Bangkok - our limited charm however with the crew fails to secure that slot. The flight goes ... read more
Geoff & Jeans
Finally - we are here.... the end (nearly!*) of my first ever - and depending on more feedback - possibly the last blog too! We awake about 7.30am. The great thing about being out on a farm in a rural area is the tranquility - that is until the frogs start croaking, and the dogs jump in and out of the flap sending it crashing on the door and stirring us... never mind, just great to be out in such a lovely place with fine people. We arise and put down a quick breakfast - denying Geoff the chance to whip up some eggs and bacon opting for fruit toast. We take in the final photographs of the place that is looking particularly stunning today as guess what - the day we're off the sun is ... read more
An early start this morning - 6am for a 7am departure. Left a moderately tired Shelly and baby Kayla smiling with us heading for the airport with taxi Craig. Big thanks to all for hosting us for a few days so early in to parenthood, the baby is beautiful and gladly report that upon departure, both parents well and enjoying the little monkey. Arrived at Sydney on time on one of the Qantas flights that appear to be nearly every half hour between the cities - more at peak time apperently.... not going to like the imcoming climate change targets proposed by federal government me thinks. As we walk off the plane, we're not 100% sure what Geoff looks like, been a long time since we seen last. Luckily, there was a chaffeur sent holding up ... read more
A quiet Sunday was had by all to recover and recharge prior to the final leg on Monday heading out to Sydney. Claire got some antibiotics to clear the lingering ear, nose & throat irritation prior to flying home on Tuesday coming. We had a barbie after Craig and Shelley had a few friends around to catch up. That was about it thankfully as we relaxed on the day of rest. For the remainder of the day, bloggers day off. ... read more
Great Ocean Road
We awake at 0645 slightly dusty after several bottles of wine the previous evening. The plan for the day relatively simple - head out for the 12 apostles. 1 good breakfast down - recommend our B&B btw albeit a touch expensive perhaps but really really good. We’re on the road at 8.30pm ahead of schedule and on route. Given we’re ahead of time, we decide to do at least 1 site en-route to the apostles, we opt for the Cape Otway. We take the long drive down from the B100 stopping 3 times enroute to admire the Koala bears - Claire was adoring them. We eventually get to the light house then a category 1 situation arises. I turn to Claire and say; “It’s a bit breezy, do you think we should take our jackets? Sh*&, ... read more
PA020232
We awake about 8am, only heard the baby once last night although she did not have the best night. Craig and Shelley look absolutely knackered so there is no room for me to moan about being tired, none the less I try to slip one moan in! Craig cooks some nice bacon and eggs on the barbeque with egg in the middle of the bread - first bacon Shelley has had in some time. I get snapped holding Kayla for an hour as she’s trying to sleep after her own breakfast feed - Claire is keeping her distance as although better, is not wanting to risk giving the baby any lingering bug that may be in existence. She is desperate to hold the baby however! We headed out about 12pm in our ride for the next ... read more
Craig & Kayla
Our first night sleeping with a 2 week old baby … woken briefly twice albeit nothing compared to the parents that actually have to get up and look after her! We got up relatively early and decide to head into city using the train. It appears that the 26km journey takes nearly an hour so we’re not taking high speed transit - however, for a relatively low fare, saves us all the hassle of traffic parking etc. We arrived at Flinders Street about lunchtime and headed to the tourist information office and then into the main shopping areas. We had intended to eat on the south bank but ducked into a shopping arcade where what looked like a quaint tea room with nice cakes would fuel us perfectly. The food was ok, but a touch expensive, ... read more
Beehive
Today is a day of travel so not much going on, set alarm for 7, and got up at 8 - Uncle Donald would be unimpressed with that efficiency! The weather upon inspection from our hotel window proved to be what I’d describe as; miserable squally rain with wind. Am I back at home? Nope, the yellow buses with the pantograph confirmed we’re still in Wellington. The flight is at 3pm so we’ve just a few hours this morning to see what the place has to offer - noting the weather, bang goes the cable car trip and resolution of the meaningless argument last night, was looking forward to that to view the city, never mind. A decent breakfast down, we head out around 9am. We head towards the government buildings for the first part of ... read more
Black Beaches
Tue 29th September 2009 Give me that blog back crazy woman… only joking - good job Mrs B. We’re up early and down for reasonable breakfast - Claire feeling better although not perfect so still manoeuvring for a little moan mid morning I think! We looked outside and then were totally confused with what we’d seen - in fact - we could not believe it. Yes, it was SUNNY and there was NO RAIN! For now! We drove around Napier for about 20 minutes - the buildings are well cool, and this place went from zero to hero with daylight and a little sun. One theme of NZ today in the buildings has been a lack of uniformity and development control in areas - sort of every building totally different - here however, EVERYTHING is art ... read more
