Newlands

I always love catching up with my friend Steve, that's 8 years now we've been meeting in random places and this time it's at the airport in Kuala Lumpur. He's just arrived from the US and I'm just down from Langkawi on route to Scotland. So we catch transport into Chinatown and have a bit of an explore round. I booked us into the Traveler's rest guest house for the night and we went out for dinner which was fabulous fish at the local Chinese hawkers which was delicious followed by a wander round the markets and a beer or two at the Reggae Bar . We didn't get out of Chinatown but I enjoyed the night anyway. Next day we left for the airport again with Steve heading off to Cambodia and me heading to ... read more

A Scottish friend on the island gave me a wee taste of home... Slanj... read more

Working on Aria has been an incredible experience. I have learned so much not only about the whole design of yachts and reasoning behind things, but the whole shipyard and refit experience is one I will never forget, for many good and bad reasons. So at the moment, we've been out of the shipyard for 8 months and finally the work and jobs are finished, we're now onto general maintenance and upkeep. The sea trials have been completed, everything is in working order and looking fabulous. The work we achieved has more than complimented the boat she is now modern, simplified, with many new features and designs both inside and out. From flush teak decks, new seating areas and a new swim platform outside to a basically new engine room, electrical systems, plumbing, water maker, fridges ... read more

Finally time to make it official... Although they had a civil ceremony in Langkawi with a Pirate Party afterwards it was time to make it official. As they have now left the boating life and moved to Darwin, it allowed Joe's family all to be there (well almost). His oldest son baby decided to arrive the same day so a double celebration was to be had! The ceremony was lovely and emotional as these occasions can be, and enjoyed by close friends and family. It was lovely to be there and witness the vows made, having his family there this time was very special and made the occasion. Congratulations Mr & Mrs McDonnell. ... read more

I really feel part of the family at Joe's, they have all welcomed me openly and it has been lovely getting to meet his son's, daughter in laws and grand-daughters. A beautiful family who are loving their Dad being back home. Joe and Anita showed me around Darwin and outlying areas with a memorable trip to see the crocs and other native animals. I find it weird that they have both salt water and fresh water crocs here, there is definitely no swimming at the beach. The crocs are huge... powerful animals and i loved watching feeding time at Crocodylus Park. All the crocs here have been rescued from different situations and have their own pens, they also have a huge breeding centre and research facilities. We joined a tour round the park followed by holding ... read more