After visiting Alex in Windhoek, we wended our way to Otavi - more exactly to Alex's geo camp at Kombat where there is an old mine. Alex is exploring for various minerals in the area, so we went along to check things out. After that, we prepared for our camping trip. We set out Monday morning buying provisions at Grootfontein and continuing north to Rundu, then Divundu, Katima Mulilo then a large loop to Kongola and back through Divundu etc. The trip was 660 km long altogether. We came back dirty and pleased with some aspects, and not so thrilled with others. There were 6 of us, so 2 vehicles (4xd) and all we needed. at this time of the year if you don't book, all accommodation is taken except for the camping.... But lovely campsites ... read more

After all the festivities, the following days were languid and filled with massages and shopping , albeit hop-a-long.......... read more

Now the Javanese wedding ceremony is a traditional ceremony that is not religious.. There is an elaborate dressing of the bride and groom's family. As well, the bride and groom dress in sarongs ready for the first part of the act which is the asking for forgiveness from the parents for past sins, thanks for raising them and asking for good wishes for the future. This is then followed by a washing of the person by the parents and relatives, and finally a feeding for the last time as if a baby... Then the bride and groom change into their wedding finery for the congratulations by all. The mother of the bride receives money (tokens) for food which is distributed to all... not sure why... a lovely celebration that started in the early afternoon and continued ... read more

France Photos of our final day..... London We were here for only a short time but we seem too have been busy all the time! Between sightseeing during the day, we met Maura and Tony's daughter, Fiona and fiance Matt's friends at night for dinner or drinks, so our 3 days there were action packed!! The wedding on Saturday was absolutely fabulous. St Paul's Chapel at St Paul's Cathedral was magical and the journey through London on the double decker bus was great fun! We were dropped off at the Reception Centre - Le Gothique Restaurant ( an old lunatic asylum in Wandsworth) where we drank, ate and partied. Finally - we went home - to Perth!!! Very tired!!! Very cranky!!!! The end of this trip NOW to start planning the next!! NEXT YEAR - Emil's ... read more

Germany Jana, looking the same except a little older, and her dad took us from Hannover airport to Bad FallingBostel via the country roads as the Autobahn was already clagged with some problem and had been for quite some time - apparently a common occurrence. As we were travelling down a small country road, a large British tank passed us - there is a large group from the British Army nearby - a remnant of the war I think. Good for the local economy. Everything here is green neat and clean, unlike what we have seen in the previous several countries. Jana’s family is larger than remembered - a sister Mirja and two brothers Torsten, and Lars, who is currently on exchange in the US. We had a German barbecue the first night - pork fillet, ... read more