World Tour Part X

Friday 20th June 2008 - Sherborne to Sidbury

After a delightful home cooked breakfast, and in full view of the cows in their yard waiting to be milked, we said farewell to our host and left Sherborne. We drove past Cerne Abbass to see the "Giant on the Hill" a figure of a giant which is carved into the hill (a little disappointing to what we expected) so we made our way to Sidford driving along tiny roads and past beautiful English countryside and scenery. Our first stop was Piddletrenthide, a lovely little village on the Piddle River (can you believe these names)! Then through Bridport and onto Dorchester. From here we traveled west onto Lyme Regis and Seton then down to Beer where we stopped at Pecorama - a miniature train enthusiasts paradise which Barrie is and he was in his element to be able to spend the rest of the day here.

We enjoyed Pecorama immensely and was fascinated with the tiny model railway layouts and gardens. We were able to ride the small steam train through the gardens however, unfortunately as the weather was not in our favour we were not able to enjoy fully this beautiful place. Barrie did find a small train to add to his collection though and our time there was well worth it nevertheless.

We drove on to Sidbury, another gorgeous little English village and we spent the night in a lovely, comfortable pub, with so much history.

Saturday 21st June 2008 - Sidbury to Bath

After a fabulous night sleep we enjoyed a lovely English Breakfast and headed south to Torquay. We drove through the lovely little villages of Sidford, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Whiddon Down and Credition, Tiverton, Taunton, Glastonbury, Wells (which was just beautirul) and found accommodation, (eventually) just outside Bath at the Grange Hotel, Keynsham.

As it was Saturday night we had not planned that it would be difficult to find accommodation. At 2 old pubs we found there were weddings and had been fully booked for the night. We drove into Bath and all the B & B's were full also (Bath is very popular for weekend getaways)but one particular B & B helped us by letting us know of a B & B just out of town which might have rooms. Bingo! we were lucky and the distance was very short and we spent (I would not say the most comfortable night as the beds were as hard as rocks) the night just on the ourskirsts of Bath. Jan and I both agreed the next day though, that after sleeping in the Ger in Mongolia any bed was better than that!

On a brighter note it was always nice to stay at places where there were restaurants as after a day of driving, navigating, getting lost and lots of 'debates' it was nice to end the day with a lovely home cooked meal and some fine wine. This night I think Jan must have really relaxed and enjoyed a lot more wine than she had thought!!!!

We met 2 lovely ladies from Australia here also. They had left their husbands at home and had driven from Ireland down to the South of England. We figured out that they know friends of ours from Cowra so as they say 'it's a small world'!

After dinner and a nightcap we retired to bed listening to rain coming down on the roof.

Sunday 22nd June 2008 - Bath to Cirencester in the Cotswolds.

We checked out of our hotel and drove the short distance into Bath where we parked the car in a public car park. We then walked the short distance to where there was the 'hop on hop off' bus and decided this was probably the best way to see this delightful town. Bath is amazing and absolutely gorgeous despite the 'millions' of tourists, however, when we got to the Roman Baths and Cathedral we found it was going to cost 10 pound fifty pence to buy a ticket each (the equivalent of approx. Aus$23-00) and we felt it just wasn't worth paying that money (I had been here many years ago and despite being interesting I did not (and either did the others) think it was worth the cost they were charging so we walked around the square and brought some souvenirs and postcards then went back on got on the bus.

We got off the bus again at the Jane Austen Centre and tea rooms where we met an Australian girl who was running the cafe and had been overseas for some 10 years. People do seem to pick our accents and want to talk about Australia and where we've been and what they have been doing. It's really lovely as when you are away from home for such a long time these occurrences bring home and family that little bit closer!!!! We enjoy tea and fresh scones with jam and English coddled cream - naughty but delicious nevertheless!!

After an hour or so here we wanted to rid ourselves of some of the calories so we walked back to where we parked the car and continued driving on our way towards Cirencester. From Bath we drove on to Oursley, Uley, Woodhester, Frocester then !!!! Uley - Again! We obviously took the wrong turn, which is so easy to do here, but not a problem as we seem to end up where we want to and the scenery is so breathtaking and the roads so easy to drive it is a real joy. The beauty of hiring a car and driving ourselves is the fact that we are able to get off the beaten track and drive the country roads to hidden out of the way places. We feel this is the way to travel and meet the locals. The villages are so close to each other we just treat is as an adventure and look at the map to see where else we might find.

We drive onto Stroud and after driving around the many one way streets, we eventually find a lovely old pub in Cirencester, The Talbot Inn which we decide to stay here for 2 nights as it is so central and will save us time looking for accommodation. This will give us a chance to really discover this area and before long we are enjoying a wine and beer in the bar while we discuss our plans for the next 2 days.

Monday 23rd June 2008 - Cirencester

After breakfast we head out to Bourton-On-Water a short drive into the country. This is the real Cotswolds and a picture postcard village. We decide we won't spend time here as we think we will come back here and stay tomorrow night. That way we can do some more discovering of this area. We drive onto Broadway - another delightful village. I gave Jan a small gift of a Lilliput Lane miniature cottage and co-incidentally this exact cottage is a replica of a cottage that is in this village. After some difficulty and confusion of direction we eventually find the cottage. It does not appear to be an exact replica but after closer investigation, we feel it must have been modeled a few years ago. We take photos before driving the short distance back to town where we park the car and decide to see it all on foot. If every you are in the UK the Cotswolds and this area and these villages are a 'must see'. It certainly is, and I'm sure Jan would agree, a highlight of our trip so far.

This is a delightful village, not quite as crowded with tourists as Broughton-On-Water and very easy to walk around. After a couple of hours we find a lovely little cafe and for some English tea and cake then decide to drive further.

I have a small collection of miniature Lilliput Lane cottages and pubs. I had brought one of the 'Fleece Hotel' a beautiful old Pub which we found in this area. The fleece was built in 1500 so more photos and a beer/stout each and talked to some the locals and showed them the model. Most of them were intrigued and had no idea that there was a replica.

The Fleece Inn is a most impressive black and white half timbered building. It was handed down through the same family, Byrd, since the days of Chaucer, until being left to the National Trust by Lola Taplin (a direct descendant of the Byrds) in 1977.

The building was originally a longhouse, built in around 1400 to house a farmer and his stock and first became a licensed house in 1848. The structure has remained largely untouched since the mid-seventeenth century and it has retained a wonderful atmosphere - not to mention an amazing pewter collection displayed in the 'Pewter Room' for over three centuries. On the floor in front of the hearth there are some curious markings. The three rings are so-called 'witch circles' which were said to prevent witches from coming down the chimney.

After about an hour we headed back to Cirencester and did our usual of meeting for a drink in bar before dinner.

Tuesday 24th June 2008 - Cirencester to Bourton-On-Water.

We said goodbye to our hosts at the Talbot Inn and headed north. We drive through the picturesque countryside through beautiful hamlets and villages of the Cotswolds. We arrive into Broughton-On-Water at around lunchtime and find a delightful B & B called "Cotswold Cottage" where we check in for the night. The rooms a rather small with ensuites but are lovely and clean and have a beautiful view out the window to a lovely garden and as the weather is warm it is very pleasant.

We all decide to walk into town about 10 minutes away however, Tuesday is the busiest day of the week for tourists which we are informed by our hosts, we decide to venture out anyway. There are many tourist buses in the car park and lots and lots of people picnicking on the river bank. The atmosphere is lovely despite the crowds.

Nick and Barrie find a lovely little cafe by the river so this is where we enjoy tea and sandwiches before walking through the lovely streets and alleyways of this delightful little place. The boys decide to leave us girls and head off together while we enjoy the shops (window shopping) on our own.

I am feeling quite weary as although it is quite easy driving through the countryside we've had 6 full days of travelling so I'm keen to spend the afternoon relaxing in the garden with my book while Nick, and Jan and Barrie watch the tennis.

In the evening we meet Jan and Barrie and head down to have dinner. the difference in this village without the busloads of tourists is astounding so we find a lovely riverside restaurant - The Rose Tree' and settle in at a lovely table overlooking the river.

The food and atmosphere is lovely and we are lucky to get a table as it is filling up fast. As it doesn't get dark until late (10pm)and the weather is lovely and mild there are obviously many locals enjoying the outdoors also.

Wednesday 25th June 2008 - Bourton-On-Water to London

After breakfast we leave Bourton-On-Water at around 9:30am and decide to drive directly to London. I am still driving and Jan is not quite confident navigating through London so Barrie takes her place. After listening to many 'locals' who say driving in London is very daunting option. I am not feeling so confident but don't tell the others. I'm sure If I take my time, drive in the slower lane and keep my wits about me we won't have a problem! I am fully confident in Barrie's navigating skills so I'm sure we, as a team, will get to our final destination safely.

Our drive to London is uneventful and Barrie's navigating skills are 'spot on' which makes may job that much easier. However, once we arrived into London we had to find Kings Cross where we were to drop off the car. We were travelling fine until the last 500 metres when there was a fork in the road and some confusion with road signs. I took the wrong turn and we ended up going around a
roundabout several times on a one way road.

Before long we were back on track and at the car hire place delivering the car.

We found a taxi to The Strand Palace Hotel, checked in and found our room to be comfortable and clean although a little bit noisy as this area is close to West End and, although in a great position it is very busy.

On our arrival Jan and Barrie had received our tickets to Wimbledon which we were going to tomorrow. We were so excited and with that made our way to a local Italian Restaurant not far from our hotel for dinner where we enjoyed lovely food and again relaxed with some very fine wine.

Thursday 26th June 2008 - London

Today we have woken up to brilliant sunshine and our anticipation at finally going to Wimbledon is huge. We meet at 1/4 to 8 for breakfast before heading out to tackle the London Rail System (underground tube) to get to our destination. Gates open at 10:30am so we have allowed plenty of time. We walk the short distance to embankment Station and board the underground train. This takes about 30 minutes before we get out at Wimbledon.

We arrive at the gates and security, understandably, is very tight and after Police search everything we are allowed in. The size of the area is daunting but we make our way to buy a Programme complete with map so we decide to head to court 17 where Arnaud Clement and Benjamin Becker are scheduled to play in just over an hours time. Our seats are excellent so Jan and I leave Nick and Barrie and we head for the Wimbledon Shop. It's enormous and after purchasing just a few times we head back to the courts. Amazingly, seats have filled very quickly and what we thought was great seats we didn't realise there would be many people allowed to stand. Despite this we still had a great view, took some fantastic photos and enjoyed some great tennis.

After the third set we all decided to go to have a look at some more tennis on other courts.

We have some lunch separately then meet up at the courts where Alicia Molik and Jonas Borkman are playing in a doubles match. We have excellent seats and the Aussies are out in force. It was a great match and despite losing the first set they came back to win the next two. It was fantastic to watch our Aussie girl playing and the atmosphere was electric.

We enjoyed the traditional (but expensive) strawberries and cream which were delicious and after a fantastic and exhausting day we were back at our hotel and in bed by 10pm. I think I was on such a high and despite being still daylight I think I eventually dropped off to sleep at about 12midnight.

At 2am the was a dreadful noise in our room. It resembled an alarm but my immediate thought was it was only isolated to our room. I felt sick but wasn't sure what to do. The noise was piercing and so loud. We figured it was the smoke alarm and I wasn't sure what to grab first. Nick spent the next 5 minutes running around looking for clothes to put on, jackets, shoes etc then grabbed our passports. We opened the door to find not a soul so we headed quickly to the stairs.

When we got to the street there were hundreds of people, in all sorts of dress, standing in amazement outside our hotel. There were 2 fire engines and many many fire fighters running here and there. I couldn't see Jan and Barrie and beginning to get a little concerned until I spotted them coming out of the fire exit. As serious as this was I couldn't help having a little giggle at the site of Jan. She was dressed in pajamas and a jacket and no shoes. Her feet must have been frozen! Nevertheless, I was glad to see her and Barrie and rest asurred they were safe.

It seemed like ages before we were directed back into the building and safely back in bed. It didn't feel like we had had any sleep the next day though so I was not going to plan anything big!

Friday 27th June 2008 - London

Woke up extremely tired so decided to lay low for the day. Barrie and Nick are both keen to go to see Lords Cricket Oval so arrange to meet our friend Peter Briscoe, from Australia who is staying in London with his wife Carol while they await the birth of their little grandbaby. It is nice for them to have a 'boys day out' and are sure they will enjoy it.

Jan and I meet for coffee but not before me having some trouble trying to cancel the car we had booked to hire for us to get to Gatwick. Alamo are not the easiest company to deal with and just trying to find a phone number and someone to speak to (not a recorded message) is quite difficult. I ended up having to phone my Travel Agent in Australia and asking him to try to contact the company. After several phone calls and only god knows how much money it cost, we eventually got a confirmation call.

While waiting for phone calls etc I was able to phone my (2nd) cousin Graeme, the son of my cousin Pixie. We had a lovely conversation and catch up and despite not having time to get together it was lovely nevertheless.

Nick came home that afternoon full of enthusiasm after a most enjoyable day. With his contacts in Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground he was able to go into the Museum and do a tour of the Club. It was certainly a highlight for him and Barrie to be able to do this. Tonight is Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday celebration with a huge concert in Hyde Park and Jan and I have booked a dinner cruise for this evening so hope the boys aren't too tired for that.

London at night is breathtaking and it is lovely to see all the lights and landmarks lit up while enjoying a delicious meal on a boat on the Thames.

Saturday 28th June 2008 - London

We decide to have a big day today sightseeing and the best way to do this is to do the London Hop on Hop off bus. Jan and Barrie are not keen to go so early so Nick and I head out early in time for the first bus. We want to see and do so much so need to go early to fit it all in. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens at 11am and we want to see lots before that so off we go. St Paul's Cathedral is impressive and it is nice to learn of the history of this vibrant city.

We get to Buckingham Palace in time to watch the Changing of the Guards and despite the crowds we get a birds eye view. Viewed Marble Arch, Big Ben, The Globe Theatre, No. 10 Downing Street and Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey as well as London Bridge and the Tower of London. Lots and lots of fantastic sights before we decided to get off and walk to Knitsbridge and to Harrods. I found some lovely shops and Nick was happy to sit on "the board husbands chair" while i tried on lots of clothes. It was great fun and while ever Nick has his book he is happy!

We enjoyed lunch at Harrods then brought a few souvenirs and took photos of the Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed Memorial - which is lovely - we caught the bus to where the London Eye is. The crowds were huge but I was determined to go on it.

After buying our ticket we stood in a queue and passed the time talking to an Australian family. It wasn't long before we were in our capsule and slowly slowly moving around. The view were fantastic and I am so glad we took the time to do this as this also was a wonderful way to see the city.

We had tickets to see Mousetrap on West End tonight so we were back at the hotel in plenty of time to get ready for the performance. Mousetrap has been running for 56 years, an Agatha Christie Mystery.

I had a distressed call from Jan and Barrie to say they were held up somewhere in London waiting for their hop on hop off bus to get them back to our hotel. Apparently, it was 'change over' time so their bus was delayed. We arranged that we would meet them at the theater to save time so hoped they weren't going to be too rushed.

Nick and I walked to near where the theater was and found a nice little French Pub. We had a snack and wine and got to the Theater just in time to meet Jan and Barrie. We enjoyed the performance but after a huge day we were all looking forward to bed.

Sunday 29th June 2008 - London to Gatwick

Our taxi picked us up from our Hotel as arranged at 10am and it was pleasant sightseeing as we were driving through the streets of London. Sunday morning is a dream on the roads and quite enjoyable. It took about 2 hours to get to our hotel - and once there and settled in we spent the afternoon watching the tennis and the old movie 'Tora, Tora, Tora, drinking Pimms and eating strawberries before heading off to bed to get ready for our departure tomorrow and 7 hour flight to Dubai.

Monday 30th June 2008 - Gatwick UK to Dubai

It was so much easier to spend the night at a hotel close to the airport and the Crowne Plaza was very comfortable. We had an early departure and as we were flying Emirates Business 2 lovely cars arrived to pick up the 4 of us and our luggage. It took us 15 minutes to get to the airport and within no time we were checked in and enjoying the comforts of the Business Class lounge.

Our flight was scheduled to depart at 10am which it did and once in the air we were ready to enjoy the inflight service Emirates has to offer.

Well! There were some very lively, noisy little children who were with their nanny, and Mum and Dad were up in First Class. These people were obviously Arabs and the parents only came down twice during the 7 hour flight to check on the children. We thought the flight attendants were going to murder them. They were the worst behaved children I have ever seen and their nanny had no control. Parents were useless and I think many of the Business Class passengers were not impressed. It was a nightmare to say the least.

As we arrived into Dubai at 8pm the temperature was 40 degrees but it is not long before we are whisked away by a car and driver (compliments of Emirates) and taken to our hotel - Sheraton Dubai Creek.

Our room was lovely, big rooms, big beds, and fantastic views overlooking Dubai Creek.

Tuesday 1st July 2008 - Dubai

This morning it is amazing as we look out the window - the smog and pollution (sandstone apparently) is amazing. Quite unbelievable the beautiful sight of a clear night with fairy lights to a city that we couldn't see.

Jan and Barrie have been here to Dubai before and did not like it very much so we decide to 'do our own thing' for the next few days. No matter what I hear I am keen to discover places for myself and make up my own mind. I am not very keen on the high temperatures though so we will see!

Nick and I decide to head out to find a bank as we need to change some money. There is a bank very close by so we walk (in the 52 degree heat) and once in the bank are greeted by a very helpful young man who directs us to where we need to go.

I am fascinated by the dress of the Arabs here as when in Sydney I take no notice but there seems to be a mystical, even romatic air to the way they look. I guess it reminds me of one of those Arabian movies with Omar Shariff in the lead role or those very wealthy Sheiks who frequent our Melbourne Cup in their long white robes and white veils and black head band. The Arabian people in their own country are very helpful and friendly.

After our attempts at trying to change money at the bank we are told we have to go to an official money changer. We take a taxi into the heart of Dubai and after spending time in a queue, waiting for other people to change wads of huge amounts of money, our small amount seemed insignificant. Nevertheless, we change it and because of the heat head straight back to our Hotel.

We have arranged to do some 'dune bashing' tonight which is a 'must do' while here. So, we are picked up at 4pm sharp by a lovely young man in a bright shiny Toyota 4 wheel drive. We are joined by another couple and their son from the UK so having done that we head into the desert.

Our first stop is to buy petrol where we are stunned at the 40cents a litre price tag. I had to take a photo of the bowser!

Before long we are in a convoy of Toyota 4 wheel drives and as we are the lead car I think we are in for a treat. There are about 4 other vehicles with the same as us - tourists - looking forward to our adventure.

After about an hour and into the 'real desert' we headed for the dunes. Well! all I can say is that it was exhilarating. We have done a bit of 4 wheel driving before so knew what we were in for. It was exciting driving on the edges of the dunes though and a lot of fun all the same.

By sunset we had arrived at a Bedouin Camp where we were treated to an authentic delicious BBQ of beef, lamb and salads. At the same time being entertained by a beautiful young belly dancer. The atmosphere in this place was magic and reminded me of when we were in the outback, camping in the middle of nowhere, and the quiet, and stillness and smell was so fresh and clean.

By 9:30pm we were heading back to our hotel after having a night of fun and entertainment something that is well worth doing if every you visit this country.

Wednesday 2nd July - Dubai

We are still trying to adjust to the time difference here so we get up late and have breakfast. This hotel is a lovely hotel and we enjoy having breakfast we we watch the very expensive boats sailing up and down the river in front ofus.

We get a message from Jan and Barrie to meet them in the lobby which we do and they have decided they don't want to see or do much here. As I mentioned before they had been here last year and were also very tired. This trip with the strenuous pace has really taken it out of both of them so they, understandably, are keen to lay low for a while! With the 52 degree temperatures I don't really blame them but as I don't know if I will ever get here again Nick and I are both wanting to see as much as we can.

The gentleman who is at the Tour Desk at the hotel is very helpful and arranges for us to have our own driver who will pick us up in the afternoon at 1:30pm and will spend the next 4 hours showing us 'his city'! It is all amazing and reminds me of the Gold Coast only 'BIGGER'! We think it is a fantastic place and have a vision as to what it will be like in a few years time when all the development has been done.

We drive past the Burg Al Arab Hotel - the only 7 ******* hotel in the world. It is stunning! We decide we would like to see this hotel inside but our driver tells us the only way we can do this is to either stay there or have a meal. With a cost of between $2,500 and $11,000 per night we opt for the cheaper and book dinner at the buffet (still exxy at $130-00 per head) Wine and drinks extra.

We continue our sightseeing and our driver is keen for us to see the Dubai Museum. It is one of the best museums I have ever seen (and we have seen a lot) and the 1 hour we arrange with our drive is really not long enough but with such limited time we don't have a lot of choice. Maybe next time!!

We get back to our hotel and after discussing with Jan and Barrie what we have decided ask them if they would like to join us. They decide not to join us so we hurriedly get ready and armed with our confirmation letter for the hotel doorman we catch a taxi there.

Well! It is probably the most impressive hotel I have ever seen and we arrive at the entrance and are greeted by about 11 doormen. One of them takes us into the foyer and offers to take our photos. He advises us that the cocktail bar is on the 27th level and has beautiful views (we think not in this smog) however, after we look around the floors we are permitted to we catch the lift up to the 27th. It is lovely and we are shown to a table by the window with views of the ocean. I order a Margarita (my favourite) and at $30-00 a glass although stunned I know I will never do this again. Nick has a beer which is half the price and we sip our drinks very very slowly to enjoy them and decide not to think of the cost!

When we are ready (after our 1 drink) we go back down to the restaurant where we are shown to a lovely table in the corner. There are waiters everywhere but despite that we do not feel over powered by them. The food is out of this world and I enjoy the seafood very much and don't care that I have a whole lobster, several prawns and oysters plus a taste of anything else that took my fancy. I wouldn't say it was worth the money but it certainly was delicious and probably the best seafood buffet I have ever had.

Our taxi picked us up at around 10:30pm and we headed back to the hotel after a fantastic night.

Thursday 3rd July 2008 - Dubai

We wake up this morning a little tired and decide we won't do much today. As Wimbledon is still on we think we will spend the day at the hotel, reading and watching tennis. It is nice to just relax and as we have seen and done so much it is a nice change.

Tonight we are booked into Verre (meaning glass in French) Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel. This is the first Restaurant outside the UK opened by Gordon Ramsay the chef we see on TV who uses all the swear words. I am not a huge fan and must admit I have never watched his programme but Jan and Barrie, being keen diners booked us in for a meal here. Once we are there we make our way to the restaurant where there seems like 100's of waiters all dressed in pale purple shirts with darker purple cravats and black pants. Obviously the 'cool' uniform they have to wear.

The meal was lovely, well presented and delicious but so, so expensive and we all agreed it really wasn't worth it. The restaurant was fairly ordinary, too many waiters who overpowered you and really I'm sure it was only name that made it popular. I was never a fan of Gordon Ramsay and I can honestly say I am still not a fan. Despite this, we enjoyed Jan and Barrie's company over dinner.

Friday 4th July 2008 - Dubai to Kuala Lumpur

We were picked up from our hotel at 1/4 to 8 sharp and taken in a luxury car to the airport in time to check in and catch our 9:55am flight to Kuala Lumpur. After another 7 hour flight we arrive into Kuala Lumpur airport late (the time difference is 4 hours from Dubai) and as my brother David, his wife Liz and their son Nicholas are having a holiday in Malaysia we had arranged to meet at Traders Hotel where we are all booked into. The arrangement was that I would phone them in their room once we arrived and checked into the Hotel.

The temperature here was ONLY 27 degrees and a pleasant surprise from the 52 degrees in Dubai that we had been experiencing over the last 4 days.

Once we checked in I phoned David and Liz to tell them we had arrived (it was midnight) but they were keen to come and greet us. They invited us up to their room for a welcome champagne drink and despite us being exhausted and only really wanting to go to bed we reluctantly agreed!! After all we are here with them for a few days so we had plenty of time to socialise.

Not long after we arrived into their room Nicholas made a phone call to 'Room Service' and said that we were ready for 'the champagne'.

I wondered why, when the knock came at the door, David was insistent that I answer it. After all it was only going to be the arrival of the champagne, so I thought. I still didn't catch on as I was going to answer the door he was busy with his video camera. When I opened the door I got the biggest surprise of my life. There was my sister Jan and her husband Alan standing there. They had arrived the day before, organised to stay at the hotel with us before flying off to Penang where they were going to holiday. Jan and David had been cooking up this surprise while I had been away and I can only say, I was shocked, surprised and excited all at the same time and I 'as mim' would say, I just can't believe it. We could just see her looking down and being so happy that 3 of her kids were happy and together.

We all then went up to the roof top bar (or nightclub) as it was at that time of the night to enjoy some champagne. It is one of the best moments of my life and a great welcome back for us. It was about 3am before we all got to bed and I can say, despite the champagne didn't get much sleep as I was so high on excitement.

Saturday 5th July 2008 - Kuala Lumpur

Today Nick and I, Jan and Barrie, head off to KL to find the 'Fish Reflexology' place we are recommended to go by the others. As they have been here for a couple of days they have done a few things and tell us this is well worth it. David and Liz and Alan and Jan decide to do their own thing separately and we will meet later for a drink and have dinner together. Once at the 'Fish Reflexology' place Barrie and Nick decline but Jan and I are brave enough to 'have a go'.

We find ourselves sitting with our toes on cushions with our feet dangling in a long fish aquarium. These little fish nibble all the dead skin away and make your feet feel so soft and smooth. After a long day of shopping in Kuala Lumpur for bargains this is just 'what the doctor ordered'!!

We slip our feet into the luke warm water and they soon feel as if they are being brushed by soft fish kisses, although we are told the fish actually suck the dead skin cells from your feet and legs. It sounds gross, but it's a surprisingly pleasant sensation.

The fish are garra rufa, imported from Turkey. $10-00 for 30 minutes and worth every cent. Barrie and Nick take delight in taking photos of us with our pants rolled up to our knees and all these little creatures taking delight in our feet. 30 minutes went too quick and we were trying to figure out how we could get this concept into The Gold Coast or even Sydney. We are sure it would be a winner!

We meet David, Liz and Nicholas and hire a taxi to take us to the KL Museum and the Royal Palace which we all enjoy.

That evening we all met for drinks and had dinner at a lovely Thai Restaurant. The food was delicious and we all had a fun night.

Sunday 6th July 2008 - Kuala Lumpur

David, Liz and Nicholas are leaving for a long bus ride to Penang today. They have been there before and loved it so are going to have a holiday there before coming home. They drop by our room to say goodbye before they leave and I must say I feel a bit sad at them leaving as it seems that we have all just arrived. We will catch up back in Sydney when we all get home.

Jan and Alan, Nick and I decide we will go into Kuala Lumpur and catch a taxi to the centre of town. I want to buy sunglasses (have my prescription with me) so Jan takes me to a place she got hers from. From there we go looking at shoes, handbags, jeans, clothes etc. We leave Nick and Alan on the "Bored Husbands Seat" which they are happy to do while we go shopping. I enjoyed this so much as she knew all the places to go for bargains and we were so quick the boys didn't have time to miss us. We meet them after a couple of hours and find a local pub where we have cold beer which is refreshing and welcoming in this heat.

We send the boys back to the hotel while Jan and I go to have our hair done, cut and coloured and nails. We spend a lovely few hours together and we arrive back at the hotel looking gorgeous! so we think and get ready to go for dinner with Jan and Barrie at a local restaurant where there is a floor show, recommended to us by one of the doorman at the Hotel.

We have a lovely night and some fun. The meal was a bit ordinary (I guess I have been spoilt by the Burg Al Arab) but it was tasty and a nice way to end our trip.

Monday 7th July 2008 - Kuala Lumpur

Jan and Alan leave today to fly to Penang. We say our goodbyes and spend the rest of the day packing and getting organised for our flight home tomorrow.

Monday 8th July 2008 - Kuala Lumpur to Sydney

We organise a late check-out today as I flight doesn't leave KL until 10:30pm tonight. We have breakfast and spend the day in our hotel room, reading and relaxing before we check out at 3pm. We meet Jan and Barrie in the foyer and leave the hotel separately to go to the airports. We are to leave from the KL International airport and Jan and Barrie are leaving from another airport. They are flying into Brisbane. We say our goodbyes and although anxious to get home we reminisce about the experiences we have had during the last 3 months (or as Barrie would say 76 days). We had a fantastic time with lots of highs and a few lows. That is what travelling is all about and here I sit completing this blog and am starting to think about where we can go next!

Until our next blog to 'who knows where'!!!

xx Wendy and Nick

World Tour Part IX

Wednesday 18th June 2008 - Dover UK

After all the work I did yesterday, washing and packing we realized that needed to either buy ANOTHER suitcase or send some more clothes home! Jan and I had already brought a medium sized suitcase each a month ago and we had already sent 2 boxes of winter clothes home from Prague so somehow we have accumulated more things and have a real problem. Must have brought too many clothes in Italy!

So, today in Dover Nick and I venture into town to the Post Office. We have packed up 2 bags of more 'winter clothes' and purchase a post box which will fit it all in. $150-00 Australian Dollars it costs us to send. I guess when you add it all up its probably better to send things home rather than pay exess baggage and as we are hiring a car and driving throughout the south of England we don't want to have to be lugging suitcases along with us.

After taking care of this task we walk into town. Surprisingly this is quite a lovely little town, easy to get around and quite quaint.

We find a lovely little outdoor cafe and order a beer and steak sandwich while Nick reads the paper (he hasn't seen an English speaking newspaper for so long so is quite novel and is interested to catch up with what's been happening in the world. I am happy to do some 'people watching' and after an hour and a half we decide to go back to the ship to finish our packing.

We decide to have an early dinner and early night as we begin another adventure tomorrow.

Thursday 19th June 2008 - Southampton, United Kingdom

We rise early and have a light breakfast before going to the Pursers Desk to pick up our passports so that we can disembark. Once there they hand me my passport but have a problem locating Nicks. We had arranged to meet Jan and Barrie at a certain time so that we could all disembark together but we were in the hands of the cruise staff now and didn't have any other option other than to wait.

After about an hour and with some alarm the Purser arrived with his passport. Apparently, there are 4 safes on the ship and they couldn't find which one they had put his into. I think they need a better system as we were completely at their mercy as we were unable to go anywhere without those passports.

We met up with Jan and Barrie and before long were in a taxi heading to the location to pick up our car.

I was the designated driver, Jan was the navigator and Nick and Barrie were our 'crew'! i.e. they looked after the finer points of finding accommodation, finding places to stop for sightseeing, rest stops, coffee and just a general look around. This arrangement worked perfectly.

Tonight we are already booked into "Stowell Farm", a 15th Century Farmhouse in Sherborne a couple of hours drive from Southampton.

As we are not due to be there until 5pm this evening we decide to take a slow drive and have a look around the countryside on the way.

We arrive at the farm at 5pm as arranged and are greeted by our hostess Liz. She is a lovely English lady and welcomes us with a lovely afternoon tea before showing us to our rooms.

This is a working farm so it was fascinating to see the cows waiting to be milked. It brought back memories of when I was a little girl and loved to visit my aunt and uncles dairy farm at Ingleburn.

As the sun doesn't set here until about 11pm at night Nick and I made the most of the daylight hours and had a walk around the farm. It is absolutely beautiful and we were fascinated reading the inscriptions on the headstones of the graves in the adjoining church.

We decided we would drive a few Kms down the road to the local pub, "The White Horse Inn" for dinner and enjoyed meeting some of the locals, plus our hosts who enjoy Thursday nights here playing indoor bowls which is very popular here in the south of England.