We're leaving (on a jet plane) tomorrow!

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Hi

Tomorrow we start off on our latest (planned in 2008 when the global economy was fine) sojourn overseas. Our flight to Bangkok leaves from Sydney (we start in Brisvegas!) and we sincerely hope that there aren’t any angry bikies lurking around the Sydney domestic terminal!

After a couple of days in Bangkok eating some excellent food and just checking out (??) the shops, we depart for Beijing to see our friends Chris and Ping. We’ve mainly visited Hong Kong in the past and of course spent lots of time hanging around the airport lounge. This time we’re going right to the heart of China. We’re very excited!

This week has been enormous for us. Sandy had an extremely important exam as part of her PhD. It involved submitting a 50 page document about her thesis topic and then doing a public presentation which was attended by 27 people. She did extremely well and passed with flying colours! She is now officially a PhD candidate. Watch this space-we expect to have Dr Sandy Beach in our midst in 2013!!

Having completed the renovation of his late mother Helen’s unit- Peter listed it for rental about a month ago. On Monday we had a tenant signed up and yesterday they backed out! That threw a bit of a spanner in the works! Our good friend Mausie is going to look after this while we’re away. It’s all a bit of a problem.

Cleo (Sandy’s cat) has two different friends coming to stay with her while we’re away- Dan & Chris. She also has a huge packet of biscuits (20kg) and oodles of cans of food to keep her happy!

Special hi to Sandy’s Mum Rose who had an operation yesterday and is recovering well.

While the trip was originally focused on Sandy’s academic conference in Copenhagen- Peter has incorporated a pilgrimage to the distilleries of Islay!! Of course you’ll be amazed to know we’re going to Scotland again!

To Ob1, hecky40, Modolius2, sandrajones and skink, we thank you for your hospitality and look very forward to seeing you.

Cheers
Pj & Sandy

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Comments

[Daniel Brennan]

clarification
Just a technicality. I don't stay with cats, cats stay with me. Enjoy your trip. They say a change is as good as a holiday so I will be going on my own holiday tomorrow.

[Robyn]

Congrats on the trip and have a wonderful time. Hope to catch up with you later in the year in Sydney.

[B2]

BKK
So , how's BKK ??

[Dr sandy]

Good
Hi Brucie BKK was good. As you have said previously, it's more westernised now. We're in Beijing now and it's freezing! We're off to the great wall and possibly seeing some rabbits that have been kept out. I'm keen to do a reccy of the furniture stores for you. What should I be checking for? Sandy

[Dr sandy]

No slave!
Dan, You can't fight the inevitable...you have now entered cat slavery. I hope you enjoy your holiday in Balmoral. Sandy