Blogs from Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, Oceania

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a book based in India, from the library. The story was about an Irish alcoholic who meets a budhist monk while he's travelling the East drinking himself silly. The monk turns out to be his saving grace and after a bucket load more beers and much deep spiritual soul searching, the drunk dries himself out and joins the monk in the monastery. Ten years later, he's doing well..., up early... chanting and praying, eating rice, living lean and completely off the booze. One afternoon when he's out and about on monk business he meets an Australian photographer who is in India for a Memorial celebration. The monk's deeply buried passions are aroused and they fall in love. Travels and experiences of the wonders of India follow and then..., ... read more

Worked from home all day, then off to complete the last minute chores before I leave. Strapped Zimmy's bed to the roof racks, landed myself with an octopus strap welt... to the backside!!! Don't ask me how - I have no idea. Drove off to Sunshine Plaza very slowly, partly so the bed didn't fly off, and partly because the car behind me insisted on joining our conversation. I think about it now, and still find it incredible why the metal framed bed did not hit this impinging car when it flew off, but was grateful I didn't have an insurance claim on my hands prior to departure. Red-faced and red-bottomed (remember the occy strap), fumbling on the motorway, I somehow squeezed the bed into the boot, cursing becuase it actually fit and I didn't try ... read more

With only 14 days remaining till 'the big day' i guess its time to share the itinerary ^_^ June 7th - Kuala Lumpur June 8th - Stansted UK June 9th - Derbyshire/Nottingham UK June 10th-12th - Derby UK June 13th - 14th - Barcelona SPA June 15th -17th - Lloret de Mar SPA June 18th - 20th - Ibiza SPA June 21st - Barcelona SPA June 22nd - 23rd - Athens GRE June 24th - 25th - Mykonos GRE June 26th - 28th - Santorini GRE June 29th - July 1st - London UK Contiki July 1st - 2nd Paris July 3rd - 4th Beaujolais Wine Region July 5th - French Riviera July 6th - 7th - Florence July 8th - 9th - Rome July 10th - 11th - Venice July 12th - 13th - Austrian ... read more

Well, we are making progress! We arrived from Auckland on Tuesday 22nd and took SunAir up to National Storage at Coolum, arrivng about noon. All according to plan. Then car wouldn't start! Both batteries down to about 4 volts. Wrestled the generator out, started it (hooray) and clipped to terminals. Left it for 15 mins and then tried car. No go. Gave it another period, still no go. Gave up and rang RACQ. Not bad for having been in Aust less than 1/2 a day. Much shaking of head (his) while he explained that car batteries do not like not being used and that one was definitely stuffed, and the other suspect as it was only taking a 6 or 7 amp charge. Bit the bullet and new battery. Tyres etc on both car and caravan ... read more

Panorama - Sunrise from Moffat Headland I can't believe that I've been out of travel action for 4 months! But then, I really haven't. I have been questioned, by my brother, numerous times, why I don't write about Australia. I've returned home twice now since venturing out 2 1/2 years ago. I suppose when I'm back home, it's like a rest stop for me or I hadn't considered my visit home as part of my travels. Although it was a bit of a waiting game before I returned to Europe, I decided to still look at each day through the eyes of a traveller and I marvelled at how beautiful my home can be. I ventured out each day like a tourist, with the bum bag or backpack. I looked at the sights with new eyes ... read more