Franz Josef Glazier its on the west cost of NZ is one of three unique glaziers in the world- the other being 20 mins down the road and the 3rd in Argentina. What is so unique is that the glazier is not in a cold area rather a rainforest tropical one in NZ. The Southern Alps mountains receive so much rain and when it settles on the top of the mountain it settles as snow. This then compacts as ice and slides down the mountain like a river- it is actually flowing! So we booked our guided hike with some trepidation as this was one of the highlights for me and would it live up. The photos show it did, 7 hours hiking on snow, crawling through crevasses and climbing through naturally made tunnels. The day ... read more

Sunday 10thMarch….Last night we sat and had our tea at the Airlee beach front using the communal barbies and we had our first taste of skippy- like chewy steak with a very meaty aroma. A lazy Sunday starting with a campervan breakie courtesy of our residence breakfast chef Monsiouer Robair Cookson de Paris. Then onto Cedar Creek for an outdoor swim in a freshwater creek and waterfall- beautiful and relaxing spot and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Although the warning signs stated diving from the cliffs can be fatal, there were plenty of young Aussie lads up for the adrenalin thrill of a possible fatal dive. The signs didn’t live up to their billing and no Aussies were harmed in these local Sunday games. Left behind Airlee beach and (temporarily) Sheila (the campervan ... read more

Croc hunting! Well, we are in the wet season for Cairns but not had a drop!! Experiencing glorious sunshine! Cairns often gets slagged off for being tacky, but actually it’s a nice, funky place. Having said that by the 2nd day we hired a car and drove up to Cape Tribulation, home to the most ancient rainforest in the world and the home of the only part of the planet where two world heritage sites ) rainforest and the reef) meet. It’s stunning – we spent the day going on walks through the rainforest, and even spotted a cassowary (very rare, funny emu like bird!) Found hidden waterfalls and creeks…highlight of the day was going crocodile hunting down the Daintree River! We saw a tree frog and tree snake, and some baby crocs (all very lovely ... read more

It look like we might have made it to the end of our 1stleg and leaving Asia for Sydney. Really enjoyed the experience since arriving on a magic Monday in Bangkok. Then we left for Cambodia full of hopes and fears not knowing what to expect, but quickly turned into a fantastic week as we meet people from all over the world in Siem Reap, mama mia what a place! The visit to Angkor will always be on my mind, so too will the street kidz and anyone who had a heart would be touched by the poverty and lack of any hope to change your life. The whole of Asia is often contrasted between the beautiful, dirty, rich of the west and locals, most of the time, enjoying their rural and family life. I am ... read more

thought i'd add a few more pics of Ninh Binh - know as the halong bay on land; it is simply a fantastic place - we visited loads of countryside, saw great paddie fields. Their regional speciality is goat - bit difficult to eat them when you keep seeing little cute baby goats everywhere! Went on a rowing boat with a canadian couple, and was rowed through stunning caves at Trang An - a fantastic place. Passed on the Pagoda 9trust me, there are only so many temples and pagodas you can see). Also went to the great Van Long - love te expereince of Vietnam - the culture, friendly kids, cheap beer (the record so far is 12 pence!). Got here via the sleeper train which was a great way to travel (especially compared to ... read more