family of four

So there we have it. Unbeknownst to some of you (though certainly beknownst to others), we have returned from our 8 month tour of duty and are now domiciled back in the UK. Just in time for both Easter and the Queen’s birthday- events which are always marked joyously in our household. Before extrapolating on what the trip did for us, and what we gained (and perhaps lost) from it, it is important to fulfil the requirements of a travel blog and relate the events of the last few weeks in South Africa (the astute reader will have ascertained that, whilst this is apparently brought to you from Brazzaville, it, in fact, isn’t). When we last spoke, family of four had just arrived in Durban. Actually, it was Umhlanga, a beach resort about 15 kms north ... read more

Hello there. It's been a while. I bet you all thought we had disappeared or something in the vast expanses of the Autralian outback. No such luck, tempting as it may be. Too many flies, for one thing. No, we've just been busy. The new year has brought many exciting developments. When last I wrote, I seem to recall we were in Ubud in Bali. My, how things have changed. 2006 has so far brought with it an ear infection for Mia and a chest and sinus infection for me. On a brighter note, for those who don't know, Claire is expecting (a baby) in July. We have also made it out alive from Bali and are now half way up the west coast of Australia. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Bali was lovely, we ... read more

Hard to believe, but we have reached the half way point of our epic, life-changing, round the world (sort of) adventure. And where are we, four months in? Melbourne. There may be something significant in that, but I'm damned if I know what. Melbourne is, though, a city we all like a great deal. It has an air and feel that Sydney didn't have. It also doesn't have riots on the beach. We are off to Bali on Wednesday for three weeks, which will take us nicely out of Australia over the extortionately expensive Christmas and New Year period and deposit us back in Perth just in time for the schools to restart. Since leaving Sydney, all those weeks ago (three, I think), we have had adventures galore. One day, I may even tell you some ... read more

Hello again. I know, it’s been a while. My initial concept of updating this thing weekly (if not daily) appears to have been a tad optimistic. Anyway- apology over, on with the blog… As you can see from the location, we are currently in a cold and wet Auckland (the change in temperature, it has to be said, is not one of the highlights of the trip so far…). As you can imagine, much ground has been covered since last I wrote, so best to crack on. After leaving Koh Samui, we headed south, in the direction of Malaysia. Heading south in Thailand, the country becomes more Muslim- lots of Islamic schools, and virtually all the women wearing hidjabs. It would no doubt be an interesting region to spend some time, but unfortunately it is not ... read more