We woke up to rain and it rained all day, very heavily.
Totty didn't get out for a walk as it just poured down with wind and gales and we just could not believe it.
In the afternoon we decided that as we were not going to be able to get out the best thing was to watch TV. We had Australia recorded and so we watched that for nearly three hours and I have to say I enjoyed it as much, if not more than I did when we went to see it at the cinema.
We had dinner and still could not get out with Totty so we just watched more TV and then went to bed.
Such a shame as Jane would really like to get a bit of sun before she goes home!
WEATHER
A lot of rain through the night and VERY heavy rain for most of the day. Lots of land slips on major roads.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
Off to Sydney.
Tuesday
We set off on time and had an uneventful journey to Auckland. After parking the car we went to check in and as Jon is a member of the Air New Zealand Korus Club we get priority check in which speeds things up.
Jon has passes and we are allowed to go into the Air New Zealand lounge and enjoy the very comfortable facilities, food, drink, Internet and most of all comfy chairs and we really enjoyed it all!
The plane was quite new and as we were sitting near the front we had more leg room that the rear seats plus individual TV. I watched The Reader which was very good and of course I cried as I do in most films. The flight was very good and the food was good, too. We arrived in Sydney and it was 29 degrees, we got a taxi to the apartments and were there in about 20 minutes.
Our apartment wasn't ready so we had to wait for 10 minutes and we were then told there was a 'damp' patch behind the door but the housekeeper was looking into it but we could go up. It was on the 3rd floor and when we got there the 'damp' patch was a flood! They sent a man up to mop it with towels but that was a waste of time and then the AC engineer came up and found the waste pipe to be blocked but by then the water had spread to our bedroom and was coming up through the carpet. They sent a carpet cleaner into dry it up but it was still very wet. By this time Jon had spoken to the manager who came up to have a look and agreed with us that it was bad and we would need to move. As it was Australia Day this was a problem as they had nowhere to put us so it was decided we would move the next day and as compensation we got free breakfast for the next four days at the Novotel next door and a promise to move to the 12 floor which would be much nicer.
on had a meeting in the apartment with two colleagues and so Jane and I had a walk around the harbour and a look at the concert that was going on with the stage set up in the middle of the harbour. It was really hot and we managed to find a seat in one of the bars and sat and had a drink before going back to the apartment where Jon's meeting was still going on.
When we got back to the apartment the manager had sent up some nice fruit and a pot of chocolate sauce and a bottle of wine as compensation so all in all a pretty good result but the floor was very, very wet! Jane and I showered and watched all the activities that were going on in the harbour and Jon's meeting eventually finished but by the time he had had a shower and we were ready to go out it was so busy and too late to get a table and finish dinner in time to watch the fireworks so we just went for a drink and would have to have dinner after the display.
We had been given wristbands to allow us onto the roof of our apartment to watch the display and it was a really good view and the most amazing display I have ever seen with fireworks going off from little pontoons in the middle of the harbour and also from jet skies and at the grand finale from the tops of the skyscrapers across the harbour, AMAZING.
After that we went and had a really good meal in a little place just down the road from the apartments. I had veal, Jane had duck and Jon had baramundi and we had profiteroles and chocolate mousse to share for pudding. We then went back to the apartment for coffee.
Wednesday
After a late breakfast we set of on the monorail to the station to go to Bondi Beach. We arrived just in time to catch a train which had an upstairs and a downstairs but they are just as dirty as London trains. After five stops we arrived at Bondi Junction and then we had to get a bus down to the beach.
It was much more built up than I had imagined it would be. We sat and had a coffee and then went for a walk along the beach and had a sit in the sun. Lots of young people on the beach and surfers, very much a young persons place. Lovely clean sand, very pretty colour.
We had lunch at a little cafe on the beach and then went to look in the shops and buy a magnet and we also had to find a place to buy a ticket for the bus as they are all pre pay. The magnets there are double the price they are in Sydney and I just refused to pay that, I don't like to be ripped off.
We got the bust and the train and then the monorail back to the apartment and as it was very hot and we were tired we all had a rest. Jane slept for a few hours so Jon and I had a walk around the Maritime Museum. I would have liked to go in but we didn't have time. We bought a nice cuddly kangaroo for Jane which had a joey in the pouch and a koala on its back, very cute.
We decided to have a takeaway for dinner as we had our bottle of wine to use. We ordered pizza and Jane had a huge club sandwich and we sat on the terrace and had a lovely evening with the best view ever. The cruise ship went out at about 8.00 and as it turned out of Darling Harbour to go under the bridge they had a firework display from the bridge but we couldn't see it very well.
Did most of the packing and after a coffee went to bed.
SATURDAY
We went off for our last free breakfast and did our last bit of packing and were down in reception ready to go to the airport at 9.45. A minibus was setting off with only two passengers on it so the driver said he would take us for $10 each. After our experience last time in Sydney with a shuttle bus I made sure he was going straight to the airport as the last one took us all around Sydney and cost more than a taxi would have! The drive was Eastern European from the language he was speaking on the many phone calls he made and took on the trip, writing down information while he was on the phone and driving! He then poured himself a cup of coffee from a flask all while he was driving. We dropped the two ladies at the domestic departures and then went on to International. When we got out he said that would be $12 each. I said but you said $10. and he said yes but I didn't know you were going to International Departures! We paid him and he didn't get a tip. We are definitely taking a taxi next time!
We checked in through Business Class again and were through very quickly. Jon is only allowed one guest on his Korus Club card but he asked if he could have two and they said that was fine so we were able to go into the Air New Zealand lounge again and so enjoyed the free Internet, food and of course a glass of bubbly.
The flight home was very good and I would strongly recommend Air New Zealand. The only problem we had was from the people in front of us who had a little boy with them, he must have been at least three as he could work the TV on the back of his seat and could talk very well. Anyway he needed a nappy change as he had done a poo and they changed him on the seat making the plane smell very bad and we all had to cover our noses. The air stewardess was not impressed!
We landed and got the car and set off back to Tauranga and had an uneventful journey back. We did pass a car that looked like it had just gone into a ditch near Matamata and lots of police cars, ambulance and fire engines passed us going to it. I found out the next day the drive had died but it really didn't look that bad, very sad.
We stopped to get some food from the chip shop on our way but we were all very tired as it was nearly 10.00 when we got back.
Nice to be back and looking forward to our own bed.
We set off on time and had an uneventful journey to Auckland. After parking the car we went to check in and as Jon is a member of the Air New Zealand Korus Club we get priority check in which speeds things up.
Jon has passes and we are allowed to go into the Air New Zealand lounge and enjoy the very comfortable facilities, food, drink, Internet and most of all comfy chairs and we really enjoyed it all!
The plane was quite new and as we were sitting near the front we had more leg room that the rear seats plus individual TV. I watched The Reader which was very good and of course I cried as I do in most films. The flight was very good and the food was good, too. We arrived in Sydney and it was 29 degrees, we got a taxi to the apartments and were there in about 20 minutes.
Our apartment wasn't ready so we had to wait for 10 minutes and we were then told there was a 'damp' patch behind the door but the housekeeper was looking into it but we could go up. It was on the 3rd floor and when we got there the 'damp' patch was a flood! They sent a man up to mop it with towels but that was a waste of time and then the AC engineer came up and found the waste pipe to be blocked but by then the water had spread to our bedroom and was coming up through the carpet. They sent a carpet cleaner into dry it up but it was still very wet. By this time Jon had spoken to the manager who came up to have a look and agreed with us that it was bad and we would need to move. As it was Australia Day this was a problem as they had nowhere to put us so it was decided we would move the next day and as compensation we got free breakfast for the next four days at the Novotel next door and a promise to move to the 12 floor which would be much nicer.
on had a meeting in the apartment with two colleagues and so Jane and I had a walk around the harbour and a look at the concert that was going on with the stage set up in the middle of the harbour. It was really hot and we managed to find a seat in one of the bars and sat and had a drink before going back to the apartment where Jon's meeting was still going on.
When we got back to the apartment the manager had sent up some nice fruit and a pot of chocolate sauce and a bottle of wine as compensation so all in all a pretty good result but the floor was very, very wet! Jane and I showered and watched all the activities that were going on in the harbour and Jon's meeting eventually finished but by the time he had had a shower and we were ready to go out it was so busy and too late to get a table and finish dinner in time to watch the fireworks so we just went for a drink and would have to have dinner after the display.
We had been given wristbands to allow us onto the roof of our apartment to watch the display and it was a really good view and the most amazing display I have ever seen with fireworks going off from little pontoons in the middle of the harbour and also from jet skies and at the grand finale from the tops of the skyscrapers across the harbour, AMAZING.
After that we went and had a really good meal in a little place just down the road from the apartments. I had veal, Jane had duck and Jon had baramundi and we had profiteroles and chocolate mousse to share for pudding. We then went back to the apartment for coffee.
Wednesday
Went to Novotel for breakfast, very good. Packed our bags and left them down in reception and went off to get the ferry to the zoo. Lovely morning but Jane didn't like the ferry. Nice ride round the harbour looking at the sights and then we arrived at the zoo. It was very warm waking around and with so many hills it is a very hard zoo to see. There is a lovely baby elephant there and it was so sweet when it was playing. Had lunch in a cafe with lots of wild birds landing on the rails around the terrace.
Back on the ferry and very tired. Our cases had been put in our new apartment which was much better and on 12 floor so the view was better, too. After a cup of tea, rest and shower we were ready to go out but as Jane had left the adaptor for her straighteners in the other apartment we waited for them to bring us another but it took so long she went out with her hair in a ponytail. hey did have one for us when we got back from dinner. We had a good dinner, I had chicken, Jon had lamb and Jane had a burger and for pudding we had cream brule, almond and orange cake and chocolate brownie. As we were so full we all went fora walk around the harbour and then off to bed.
Thursday
We were in Novotel for breakfast at 6.30 as the bus was picking us up at 7.15 but it didn't actually get there till 7.25. There were already 4 Canadians on when we got on and we went on to pick up 2 Dutch and then he had a late booking of 8 Indians who seem to have no sense of time and think the world will wait for them. They kept us all waiting ten minutes to go and as the day wore on at every stop they were late getting back to the bus. We set off on the long drive to the mountains and our first stop was at a ridge looking out across a gorge. Our guide told us the best way to look down, as there were no rails along the edge, was on your tummy. Jon managed to get to the edge and I nearly got there but it was very scary. Beautiful views even though the weather was not good.
Our next stop was for lunch at a revolving restaurant. All the tables were set on a big turntable and I have to say I felt quite unwell as it moved so fast. Lunch was very good and after that we were given tickets for the train and the cable car you could use either to go up or down so we went on the train down and the cable car up. While we were waiting for the train an incredible thunderstorm came over and the lightening and thunder were incredible and the rain was VERY, VERY heavy. They put covers on the train and after the power cut we made our decent. It is the steepest train in the world at 52 degrees, not long but great fun. However, when we got to the bottom it was so wet and such huge drops of water coming off the trees we could only do the short walk through the rain forest and would really have liked to do the longer one - maybe next time! The cable car ride back up was good but also hampered by poor visibility. The only good thing about the rain was all the waterfalls were full and very beautiful.
Back on the bus and off to Ferndale a small animal park where we were able to stroke koalas and have photos taken. Unfortunately, as with all bus tours, you don't get time to linger and it was all a bit rushed to fit everything in.
We got back on the bus and it took us to the ferry to get us back to Sydney and we went through another thunderstorm.
In Circular Quay where we got off a huge cruise ship had docked - 5000 passengers and 2000 crew and it looks very posh. We walked back to our apartment and were very tired.
We went out to an Italian place to eat but as it was raining we had to eat semi indoors. The food was not the best we have had but it was probably because we were all so tired so went back for coffee and bed.
Friday
When we woke another cruise ship had docked but it was in Darling Harbour so we could see it clearly, not as big as the one yesterday but still looks good.After a late breakfast we set of on the monorail to the station to go to Bondi Beach. We arrived just in time to catch a train which had an upstairs and a downstairs but they are just as dirty as London trains. After five stops we arrived at Bondi Junction and then we had to get a bus down to the beach.
It was much more built up than I had imagined it would be. We sat and had a coffee and then went for a walk along the beach and had a sit in the sun. Lots of young people on the beach and surfers, very much a young persons place. Lovely clean sand, very pretty colour.
We had lunch at a little cafe on the beach and then went to look in the shops and buy a magnet and we also had to find a place to buy a ticket for the bus as they are all pre pay. The magnets there are double the price they are in Sydney and I just refused to pay that, I don't like to be ripped off.
We got the bust and the train and then the monorail back to the apartment and as it was very hot and we were tired we all had a rest. Jane slept for a few hours so Jon and I had a walk around the Maritime Museum. I would have liked to go in but we didn't have time. We bought a nice cuddly kangaroo for Jane which had a joey in the pouch and a koala on its back, very cute.
We decided to have a takeaway for dinner as we had our bottle of wine to use. We ordered pizza and Jane had a huge club sandwich and we sat on the terrace and had a lovely evening with the best view ever. The cruise ship went out at about 8.00 and as it turned out of Darling Harbour to go under the bridge they had a firework display from the bridge but we couldn't see it very well.
Did most of the packing and after a coffee went to bed.
SATURDAY
We went off for our last free breakfast and did our last bit of packing and were down in reception ready to go to the airport at 9.45. A minibus was setting off with only two passengers on it so the driver said he would take us for $10 each. After our experience last time in Sydney with a shuttle bus I made sure he was going straight to the airport as the last one took us all around Sydney and cost more than a taxi would have! The drive was Eastern European from the language he was speaking on the many phone calls he made and took on the trip, writing down information while he was on the phone and driving! He then poured himself a cup of coffee from a flask all while he was driving. We dropped the two ladies at the domestic departures and then went on to International. When we got out he said that would be $12 each. I said but you said $10. and he said yes but I didn't know you were going to International Departures! We paid him and he didn't get a tip. We are definitely taking a taxi next time!
We checked in through Business Class again and were through very quickly. Jon is only allowed one guest on his Korus Club card but he asked if he could have two and they said that was fine so we were able to go into the Air New Zealand lounge again and so enjoyed the free Internet, food and of course a glass of bubbly.
The flight home was very good and I would strongly recommend Air New Zealand. The only problem we had was from the people in front of us who had a little boy with them, he must have been at least three as he could work the TV on the back of his seat and could talk very well. Anyway he needed a nappy change as he had done a poo and they changed him on the seat making the plane smell very bad and we all had to cover our noses. The air stewardess was not impressed!
We landed and got the car and set off back to Tauranga and had an uneventful journey back. We did pass a car that looked like it had just gone into a ditch near Matamata and lots of police cars, ambulance and fire engines passed us going to it. I found out the next day the drive had died but it really didn't look that bad, very sad.
We stopped to get some food from the chip shop on our way but we were all very tired as it was nearly 10.00 when we got back.
Nice to be back and looking forward to our own bed.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Monday and we need to pack.
I was up early this morning as I had a lot to do and was out with Totty at 7.15.
When I got back I dyed my hair as although it looks very blonde with the sun the roots were looking bad so I just had to get on and do it. I caught up with my blog but it is short and sweet as I didn't have much time.
Got two loads of washing out and managed to get it all ironed this afternoon.
Jane and I went to Fraser Cove to look around the shops and have a coffee. We bought some sushi for lunch, Jon did not come home as he had a meeting.
It was nearly 2.00 when we got back so we had our sushi and I caught up with Neighbours.
Jane sat in the sun on the deck and I did my ironing with the fan blowing on me.
I took Totty to the kennels at 4.30 and I really hate the house without her but as we need to leave by 8.00 in the morning it was better she went tonight. I just hope it doesn't thunder as she hates it!
We had chilli from the freezer for dinner so that was easy and then I did the packing, all quite relaxed really. Now I just need to paint my nails which I will do when Jon goes to bed as he hates the smell.
WEATHER
It has been really hot and sunny today. The forecast was for thunder this evening but so far that hasn't happened.
When I got back I dyed my hair as although it looks very blonde with the sun the roots were looking bad so I just had to get on and do it. I caught up with my blog but it is short and sweet as I didn't have much time.
Got two loads of washing out and managed to get it all ironed this afternoon.
Jane and I went to Fraser Cove to look around the shops and have a coffee. We bought some sushi for lunch, Jon did not come home as he had a meeting.
It was nearly 2.00 when we got back so we had our sushi and I caught up with Neighbours.
Jane sat in the sun on the deck and I did my ironing with the fan blowing on me.
I took Totty to the kennels at 4.30 and I really hate the house without her but as we need to leave by 8.00 in the morning it was better she went tonight. I just hope it doesn't thunder as she hates it!
We had chilli from the freezer for dinner so that was easy and then I did the packing, all quite relaxed really. Now I just need to paint my nails which I will do when Jon goes to bed as he hates the smell.
WEATHER
It has been really hot and sunny today. The forecast was for thunder this evening but so far that hasn't happened.
Another day in Rotorua - Sunday
We didn't manage to get away early today as our neighbours were packing a trailer to go away camping and we couldn't get across the driveway.
We went to Te Puia thermal park and as the 12.15 cultural show was full had to book for the 3.15 show. We had coffee first and then walked around the park but had to wait for a long time to see the Pohuto geyser go up but it was worth it.
We went into the kiwi house and did manage to see a Kiwi bird pecking around with his long beak.
We then had lunch and did more walking and were very glad when it was 3.15 and we could go and sit down and watch the show which was not as good as the other two we have seen there.
We got home by 5.00 today so Totty was fine and we took her out for a walk and then came back and we had a very good bbq and it was still very warm.
WEATHER
Cloudy but with lots of hot sun.
We went to Te Puia thermal park and as the 12.15 cultural show was full had to book for the 3.15 show. We had coffee first and then walked around the park but had to wait for a long time to see the Pohuto geyser go up but it was worth it.
We went into the kiwi house and did manage to see a Kiwi bird pecking around with his long beak.
We then had lunch and did more walking and were very glad when it was 3.15 and we could go and sit down and watch the show which was not as good as the other two we have seen there.
We got home by 5.00 today so Totty was fine and we took her out for a walk and then came back and we had a very good bbq and it was still very warm.
WEATHER
Cloudy but with lots of hot sun.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
A day in Rotorua - Saturday
We managed to get out early and arrived at the Skyline and luge in time for coffee.
We all had a great time on the luge even though I could only find a big helmet and it kept slipping off my head.
From there we went to Rainbow Springs to see the birds and try and spot a Kiwi bird but we didn't manage to see one.
We went into Rotorua centre to the Fat Dog cafe for lunch which was very nice and we saw the local celebrity who pushes a pushchair around with about 11 little dogs in it!
We then had a walk by the lake before going onto the park to see the thermal pools and mud pools.
Then we drove up to Lake Tarawera and found a lovely cafe overlooking the lake and we stopped for a cup of tea. By this time we were very tired and set off back to Tauranga stopping at the supermarket on the way to get some meat for a bbq on Sunday.
Poor Totty had been on her own for a very long time and was ready for her dinner.
We had some nice lamb swirl things in pastry with salad and sat outside as it was very warm.
WEATHER
Lots of cloud but warm sunny spells. Lovely evening, warm enough to eat on the deck.
We all had a great time on the luge even though I could only find a big helmet and it kept slipping off my head.
From there we went to Rainbow Springs to see the birds and try and spot a Kiwi bird but we didn't manage to see one.
We went into Rotorua centre to the Fat Dog cafe for lunch which was very nice and we saw the local celebrity who pushes a pushchair around with about 11 little dogs in it!
We then had a walk by the lake before going onto the park to see the thermal pools and mud pools.
Then we drove up to Lake Tarawera and found a lovely cafe overlooking the lake and we stopped for a cup of tea. By this time we were very tired and set off back to Tauranga stopping at the supermarket on the way to get some meat for a bbq on Sunday.
Poor Totty had been on her own for a very long time and was ready for her dinner.
We had some nice lamb swirl things in pastry with salad and sat outside as it was very warm.
WEATHER
Lots of cloud but warm sunny spells. Lovely evening, warm enough to eat on the deck.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Kiwi 360 visit
We went to visit Kiwi 360 and enjoyed the little tour as there was lots to see and a lot of fruit.
After a bit of shopping we got back home in time for lunch.
After lunch we went down and sat in the sun in Rotary Park. Bronwyn and Peter came down with the dogs and invited us back for a glass of wine which we did at 5.00 and we didn't get home till 6.40!
Jon went out to get the fish and chips and took Jane with him for his usual beer while he was waiting for the fish and chips.
WEATHER
A lot of rain overnight again and pretty heavy first thing. Cloudy in the morning but much better in the afternoon and evening.
After a bit of shopping we got back home in time for lunch.
After lunch we went down and sat in the sun in Rotary Park. Bronwyn and Peter came down with the dogs and invited us back for a glass of wine which we did at 5.00 and we didn't get home till 6.40!
Jon went out to get the fish and chips and took Jane with him for his usual beer while he was waiting for the fish and chips.
WEATHER
A lot of rain overnight again and pretty heavy first thing. Cloudy in the morning but much better in the afternoon and evening.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Jane's first day Thursday
Jane didn't wake until late so I took Totty out. We intended to take Totty our for a bath but Bronwyn called to ask if she could bring the money over for the whisky we brought back from Oz and she had a coffee and we sat chatting so we decided to take Totty after lunch.
Jon came home for lunch and we went straight off after that to get Totty bathed. Jane loved the pet shop and the puppies they had for sale and the kittens and the rabbits.
With a clean Totty back home we then went over to BayFair Shopping Mall as the weather was not looking good enough to do much else. I now they have declared a drought just north of here and we haven't had much rain since October but couldn't it just rain at night for the next two weeks.
We enjoyed the shops and comparing prices to the UK and tried a few things on but didn't buy much. We then did a supermarket shop followed by a trip to Farmer Jones for the meat.
We got back late as Jon was off out having a haircut I had plenty of time to cook dinner which was poached chicken breast on a bed of roasted leeks and red pepper with a Dijon mustard sauce and it was very good. We had Kiwi style Pavlova with banana and toffee sauce for pud.
It looked brighter after dinner so we took Totty out for a walk and to show Jane the park. I hope the weather will be better tomorrow.
WEATHER
A lot of heavy rain through the night. Rain and heavy cloud all morning but warm. Bright afternoon but heavy rain showers and a bit of thunder in the evening.
Jon came home for lunch and we went straight off after that to get Totty bathed. Jane loved the pet shop and the puppies they had for sale and the kittens and the rabbits.
With a clean Totty back home we then went over to BayFair Shopping Mall as the weather was not looking good enough to do much else. I now they have declared a drought just north of here and we haven't had much rain since October but couldn't it just rain at night for the next two weeks.
We enjoyed the shops and comparing prices to the UK and tried a few things on but didn't buy much. We then did a supermarket shop followed by a trip to Farmer Jones for the meat.
We got back late as Jon was off out having a haircut I had plenty of time to cook dinner which was poached chicken breast on a bed of roasted leeks and red pepper with a Dijon mustard sauce and it was very good. We had Kiwi style Pavlova with banana and toffee sauce for pud.
It looked brighter after dinner so we took Totty out for a walk and to show Jane the park. I hope the weather will be better tomorrow.
WEATHER
A lot of heavy rain through the night. Rain and heavy cloud all morning but warm. Bright afternoon but heavy rain showers and a bit of thunder in the evening.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Back up to Auckland - Jane arrives
Wednesday Weather
Cloudy but warm, sunny spells and a few very light showers
Really warm and sunny but with cloudy periods.
Cloudy but warm, sunny spells and a few very light showers
We dropped Totty off at the kennels and headed up to Auckland and couldn't stop for coffee as Jon had to go to a meeting for 11.30. Arrived at the hotel and they let us check in and Jon went off to work.
I went to the bar and had a coffee and a muffin! Well I hadn't had any breakfast!
Back to the room and into the swimming togs and off to the pool with my book. I had a lovely morning just sitting reading with the occasional swim when it got too hot.
Jon came back at about 1.00 and we had a very nice steak baguette for lunch by the pool. He was working though as he had to take a few calls on his mobile! We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool, which we had pretty much to ourselves and then at 5.00 we went back to the room for a cup of tea.
After a shower and change we went to the restraunt for dinner and it was very nice. I had ratatouee in filo pastry and Jon had three different pates followed by venison, all very good.
On our way to bed we saw on the arrivals screen in the foyer that Jane's plane was due to arrive at 6.29 - 30 minute early! We had booked an alarm call for 6.00 and thought, as we were only 10 minutes from the airport we would have plenty of time so off we went back to the room for coffee. Jon set the alarm and asked me if I was sure it was 10.30 as he didn't think we had spent that long over dinner. I checked my watch and said yes it was.
We went to sleep and I didn't really sleep well getting up a few time through the night and the AC wasn't that good and I was hot but had fallen into a nice sleep when the alarm went off and Jon shot out of bed and got into the shower. I thought he must have set the alarm a few minutes early as the alarm call from reception still hadn't come through. He came out of the shower and I went in and was thinking of telling reception that they were not very good with alarm calls. I finished in the shower and came out and Jon said don't rush we are an hour early! So he had been right the night before and in future I should put my glasses on to read my watch!
We got to the airport at 6.20 and her plane landed at 6.25 but we waited a long time for her to come through and eventually she came through at 7.20. It was lovely to see her but she had not enjoyed the flight as she had arrived at the airport to check in a bit late due to an accident on the M25 so instead of getting an isle seat she was sat between to people and was uncomfortable but she said the food was good.
We set off back to Tauranga and stopped for breakfast and then we stopped again in Paeroa by the big bottles that advertise Lemon and Paeroa drink. We also stopped at Karangahake Gorge for a photo.
We got back and Jane had a shower and then we went down to the Mount for lunch. After lunch we went for an ice cream and a walk around the Mount. Then off to the supermarket and then off to pick Totty up. I felt so tired after getting up at 5.00
We had some nice fish for dinner but by 9.-- Jane could stand it no more and had to go to bed but that was OK as she could then sleep a full night.
Really warm and sunny but with cloudy periods.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Monday two more days till Jane arrives!
I didn't sleep very well last night. Our neighbours bought a big paddling pool for their children for Christmas and they have put a pump in it. Unfortunately it is near our bedroom window and the pump goes all night and it sounds like I am sleeping next to the fridge! It isn't loud, just annoying. I probably should speak to them but I don't want to upset them. I know it will only be there for the summer but it could be a long summer!
I took Totty out and then got stuck in to my housework and washing. it is amazing how many dead insects there are in the living room and they get behind the furniture and in the blinds.
Jon came home for lunch but was late and I had already eaten mine as I was so hungry.
After lunch I did the bathrooms and made up the bed for Jane and then I got stuck into the ironing which, as the Australian tennis was on is not such a chore!
I had to cook a meal tonight, the first one for nearly two weeks! We had spaghetti and it was really nice to have a normal meal and we really enjoyed it.
Malcolm phoned tonight to say he had been into hospital again and had to cancel his trip out to see us. We are all very disappointed but there is now way he can travel like he is so the best thing he can do is get it sorted out and them book again to come in the spring Oct/Nov maybe.
Got our things ready for tomorrow as we have an early start. We need to drop Totty off and then get up to Auckland for an 11.00 meeting that Jon has. I will go to the hotel as it has a pool and a garden and so I can just hang around there and read my book.
WEATHER
Very cloudy all day today and we had rain overnight. The forecast for tomorrow is good but then we could be in for three days of rain. Jane is not going to be happy!
I took Totty out and then got stuck in to my housework and washing. it is amazing how many dead insects there are in the living room and they get behind the furniture and in the blinds.
Jon came home for lunch but was late and I had already eaten mine as I was so hungry.
After lunch I did the bathrooms and made up the bed for Jane and then I got stuck into the ironing which, as the Australian tennis was on is not such a chore!
I had to cook a meal tonight, the first one for nearly two weeks! We had spaghetti and it was really nice to have a normal meal and we really enjoyed it.
Malcolm phoned tonight to say he had been into hospital again and had to cancel his trip out to see us. We are all very disappointed but there is now way he can travel like he is so the best thing he can do is get it sorted out and them book again to come in the spring Oct/Nov maybe.
Got our things ready for tomorrow as we have an early start. We need to drop Totty off and then get up to Auckland for an 11.00 meeting that Jon has. I will go to the hotel as it has a pool and a garden and so I can just hang around there and read my book.
WEATHER
Very cloudy all day today and we had rain overnight. The forecast for tomorrow is good but then we could be in for three days of rain. Jane is not going to be happy!
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Sunday already
We took Totty out and as it was overcast she seemed to enjoy her walk much more and loved walking along the edge of the water and took a lot of persuading to get her away.
We were just about to go out for coffee and Heather called so we had a little chat and then went out to the local garden centre for coffee and when we got back Heather phoned again for another little chat!
Apart from some ironing I had a very restful day just putting stuff away from holiday and sorting out the photos and my blog.
The sun came out and as there was no wind we were able to sit out and have our bbq and then we watched The Queen which I enjoyed again!
WEATHER
Very overcast this morning but warm. Cloud cleared a little but not much sun. Warm enough to sit out for a bbq this evening.
We were just about to go out for coffee and Heather called so we had a little chat and then went out to the local garden centre for coffee and when we got back Heather phoned again for another little chat!
Apart from some ironing I had a very restful day just putting stuff away from holiday and sorting out the photos and my blog.
The sun came out and as there was no wind we were able to sit out and have our bbq and then we watched The Queen which I enjoyed again!
WEATHER
Very overcast this morning but warm. Cloud cleared a little but not much sun. Warm enough to sit out for a bbq this evening.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
We are back and I need to catch up with my blog
After a good night's sleep we were up and ready to go. Jon went off to work and I managed to get two loads of washing on the line and then be up at the kennels to collect Totty by 8.30. I brought her back and gave her lots of cuddles before going off to do my stint in the Red Cross shop which was busy all morning.
I was home in time to make a chicken salad for Jon and I and then in the afternoon I did got a lot of ironing done.
Peter called to invite us over to a bbq with them tomorrow.
We took Totty out for a walk in the evening and then Jon went out for our usual fish and chips - well it is Friday.
SATURDAY
It was nice to have a bit of a lie in but not too long as we had to get out with Totty and back as Heather said she would give us a call which she did and it was lovely to speak to her and catch up.
We then went into Tauranga and had a coffee before going to the library to change books. We then went to Number One shoes and I bought two pairs of doggy walking shoes, same style, as they were so comfortable. Hopefully when one pair wears out I can just slip into the next pair.
After that we went to do a supermarket shop before going home for lunch.
I did some ironing in the afternoon and then we went across to Bronwyn and Peter's for a bbq. Alison and Doug where there and another couple, Shirley and I can't remember her husband's name but they were very nice. Their daughter is pregnant with her 11th child and the oldest is only 18! her husband is a school principle down in the south island and they just love children - very brave lady I say.
It started to rain but was still warm so we moved over to the porch for more chat and drink and had a really good evening. The rain was very welcome and made everything smell fresh and clean.
I was home in time to make a chicken salad for Jon and I and then in the afternoon I did got a lot of ironing done.
Peter called to invite us over to a bbq with them tomorrow.
We took Totty out for a walk in the evening and then Jon went out for our usual fish and chips - well it is Friday.
SATURDAY
It was nice to have a bit of a lie in but not too long as we had to get out with Totty and back as Heather said she would give us a call which she did and it was lovely to speak to her and catch up.
We then went into Tauranga and had a coffee before going to the library to change books. We then went to Number One shoes and I bought two pairs of doggy walking shoes, same style, as they were so comfortable. Hopefully when one pair wears out I can just slip into the next pair.
After that we went to do a supermarket shop before going home for lunch.
I did some ironing in the afternoon and then we went across to Bronwyn and Peter's for a bbq. Alison and Doug where there and another couple, Shirley and I can't remember her husband's name but they were very nice. Their daughter is pregnant with her 11th child and the oldest is only 18! her husband is a school principle down in the south island and they just love children - very brave lady I say.
It started to rain but was still warm so we moved over to the porch for more chat and drink and had a really good evening. The rain was very welcome and made everything smell fresh and clean.
Day 8 Going Home
I slept very well and the alarm call came through at 4.50 - ten minutes early! The car was collecting us at 5.55 so we both got up and showered and were waiting in the entrance when he arrived in a very nice Cadillac limo in black this time.
We arrived at the airport and checked in and were in the Emirates lounge having breakfast by 6.45! It is a different world travelling business class and one I could easily get used to. The Emirates lounge at Brisbane is new and built down near the departure gate so you just walk straight to the plane. We had a lovely breakfast and then I went onto have a look at my emails where one of the waiters came round to ask if I would like a glass of champagne! It was 7.15!!!!! Our flight was 10 minutes late arriving from Dubai and then when we did board there was a delay taking off as so many planes were landing but sitting with a glass of champagne makes it easier to bear!
The flight back was very smooth and I watched 'My Sister's Keeper' which was a big mistake as I cried nearly all the way back and looked very red eyed! Lovely film though!. I really wasn't hungry after the breakfast we had eaten but they brought round some very nice nuts and I thought I would take them home with me and then I remembered the VERY strict laws they have in NZ and had to leave them. They served brunch which was a lovely fruit salad followed by scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes and spinach. I ate the fruit and eggs but couldn't eat anymore and had to leave the lemon curd tart.
I managed to take some good photos of Auckland when we were landing and then it was all over! Back to the real world! But we would be too late to get Totty tonight!
The Air New Zealand mini bus was waiting for us along with a crowd of people waiting for Lily Allen to arrive. The car had been washed and they put the cases in the boot and we were on our way, all so smooth.
We arrived back in Tauranga at 7.00 and popped into the supermarket and did a bit of shopping - a ready roast chicken being the main item - and then we got home and had a nice salad and the chicken. We were very ready for bed tonight and it was nice to be back but we need the dog to make it feel like home!
We arrived at the airport and checked in and were in the Emirates lounge having breakfast by 6.45! It is a different world travelling business class and one I could easily get used to. The Emirates lounge at Brisbane is new and built down near the departure gate so you just walk straight to the plane. We had a lovely breakfast and then I went onto have a look at my emails where one of the waiters came round to ask if I would like a glass of champagne! It was 7.15!!!!! Our flight was 10 minutes late arriving from Dubai and then when we did board there was a delay taking off as so many planes were landing but sitting with a glass of champagne makes it easier to bear!
The flight back was very smooth and I watched 'My Sister's Keeper' which was a big mistake as I cried nearly all the way back and looked very red eyed! Lovely film though!. I really wasn't hungry after the breakfast we had eaten but they brought round some very nice nuts and I thought I would take them home with me and then I remembered the VERY strict laws they have in NZ and had to leave them. They served brunch which was a lovely fruit salad followed by scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes and spinach. I ate the fruit and eggs but couldn't eat anymore and had to leave the lemon curd tart.
I managed to take some good photos of Auckland when we were landing and then it was all over! Back to the real world! But we would be too late to get Totty tonight!
The Air New Zealand mini bus was waiting for us along with a crowd of people waiting for Lily Allen to arrive. The car had been washed and they put the cases in the boot and we were on our way, all so smooth.
We arrived back in Tauranga at 7.00 and popped into the supermarket and did a bit of shopping - a ready roast chicken being the main item - and then we got home and had a nice salad and the chicken. We were very ready for bed tonight and it was nice to be back but we need the dog to make it feel like home!
Day 7 Back to BrisbaneI
I woke at 4.30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I took a photo of the dawn but it is not very good.
After breakfast we went to the Australia Zoo shop to but a magnet, we have collected so many on this trip and then we set off back to Brisbane.
I was really worried that we wouldn't be able to find the car hire place with one way streets etc but with the help of the 'Yellow Pages' map we got back with no problems. Straight into a taxi and back to the same hotel we stayed in the first night. We had coffee in the bar and then set off sightseeing in Brisbane which is a lovely city. We went to Anzac Square and then onto the lovely cathedral which looks old but was only finished in 2001 although it was started in 1901! We then went down to the river and had lunch at a bar there with some very, very cold beer and sat watching the world go by. We walked along to the Botanical Gardens and had a look around there and an ice cream. We both felt very tired and when you consider what we had done over the last few days, not to mention the heat, it was no wonder.
We went back to the hotel and I closed my eyes for a little five minute nap. Nearly three hours later I woke thinking we could go for a cup of tea and Jon said it was ten past six! So it was shower and out for dinner.
We stopped for a drink at the Stamford Plaza Hotel on the river and watched lots of big bats flying around.We then found a very nice place further along the river called Jade Buddha and it was an open air place serving Asian/Vietnamese/Indonesian food and we had a lovely meal served to us by a very jovial Irish waiter! Duck spring rolls with lime chilli sauce to start followed by lamb strips cooked with sugar snap peas and shallots in a coconut spicy sauce.
Then it was back to the hotel where we booked a 5.00 alarm call!!
After breakfast we went to the Australia Zoo shop to but a magnet, we have collected so many on this trip and then we set off back to Brisbane.
I was really worried that we wouldn't be able to find the car hire place with one way streets etc but with the help of the 'Yellow Pages' map we got back with no problems. Straight into a taxi and back to the same hotel we stayed in the first night. We had coffee in the bar and then set off sightseeing in Brisbane which is a lovely city. We went to Anzac Square and then onto the lovely cathedral which looks old but was only finished in 2001 although it was started in 1901! We then went down to the river and had lunch at a bar there with some very, very cold beer and sat watching the world go by. We walked along to the Botanical Gardens and had a look around there and an ice cream. We both felt very tired and when you consider what we had done over the last few days, not to mention the heat, it was no wonder.
We went back to the hotel and I closed my eyes for a little five minute nap. Nearly three hours later I woke thinking we could go for a cup of tea and Jon said it was ten past six! So it was shower and out for dinner.
We stopped for a drink at the Stamford Plaza Hotel on the river and watched lots of big bats flying around.We then found a very nice place further along the river called Jade Buddha and it was an open air place serving Asian/Vietnamese/Indonesian food and we had a lovely meal served to us by a very jovial Irish waiter! Duck spring rolls with lime chilli sauce to start followed by lamb strips cooked with sugar snap peas and shallots in a coconut spicy sauce.
Then it was back to the hotel where we booked a 5.00 alarm call!!
Day 6 Tuesday
Had some good toasted fruit bread for breakfast with citrus butter.
Went to the tourist office to book the cruise from Noosa but they needed two more to be sure it would go but we didn't want to take the chance as there was one that left at 12.00 every day, just turn up. It didn't go to the everglades so wasn't quite what we wanted but it was better than not going at all.
We drove up to Noosa Marina at Tewantin and had coffee and I popped into a bar to ask if they could make us sandwiches which she said they could but it would take sometime so I chose little feta and ham tarts which she warmed and put in a takeaway box with some salad, napkins and knives and forks just in time for us to get on the boat. We were the only ones on to begin with but he picked up another 11 passengers along the way but it wasn't crowded. We could help ourselves to tea and coffee and biscuits and buy cold drinks if we wanted, all very casual.
We went down Noosa River and then onto the many canals, he said we would see lots of stingrays but what he didn't know was that the Trevennas were on board and we haven't had much luck with wildlife and it didn't change, we saw one! We saw lots of beautiful houses worth millions of dollars. They all back onto the canals and have boats moored to the jetty. You can see right into them as the backs are all glass doors that slide back so it is open. They are like something from a Hollywood film. There are some old ones but mostly they are modern with white furniture and infinity pools. However, if I paid that much for a house I would not want to feel I was living in a fishbowl! Over the Christmas period the skipper told us they rent them out at £5000 a week!
We then went out to the mouth of the river which is very shallow with lots of sandbanks and clear blue water, people just anchor their boats and sunbathe on the sandbanks. You can hire flat boats out for the day and some have a bbq on the front and there were lots of families enjoying themselves. You can also rent houseboats and there were many of them on the river, with patios and sun loungers on them. We were on the boat till 3.00 and our lunch was really good.
We got back to Mooloolaba and I went for a swim in the pool which was lovely as it was just me and two children. I then had five minutes in the hot spa by the pool.
We thought we would go to 'See' again but on our way we found a nice looking Thai restaurant and went there instead and had a really good meal, I really like Thai food.
Went to the tourist office to book the cruise from Noosa but they needed two more to be sure it would go but we didn't want to take the chance as there was one that left at 12.00 every day, just turn up. It didn't go to the everglades so wasn't quite what we wanted but it was better than not going at all.
We drove up to Noosa Marina at Tewantin and had coffee and I popped into a bar to ask if they could make us sandwiches which she said they could but it would take sometime so I chose little feta and ham tarts which she warmed and put in a takeaway box with some salad, napkins and knives and forks just in time for us to get on the boat. We were the only ones on to begin with but he picked up another 11 passengers along the way but it wasn't crowded. We could help ourselves to tea and coffee and biscuits and buy cold drinks if we wanted, all very casual.
We went down Noosa River and then onto the many canals, he said we would see lots of stingrays but what he didn't know was that the Trevennas were on board and we haven't had much luck with wildlife and it didn't change, we saw one! We saw lots of beautiful houses worth millions of dollars. They all back onto the canals and have boats moored to the jetty. You can see right into them as the backs are all glass doors that slide back so it is open. They are like something from a Hollywood film. There are some old ones but mostly they are modern with white furniture and infinity pools. However, if I paid that much for a house I would not want to feel I was living in a fishbowl! Over the Christmas period the skipper told us they rent them out at £5000 a week!
We then went out to the mouth of the river which is very shallow with lots of sandbanks and clear blue water, people just anchor their boats and sunbathe on the sandbanks. You can hire flat boats out for the day and some have a bbq on the front and there were lots of families enjoying themselves. You can also rent houseboats and there were many of them on the river, with patios and sun loungers on them. We were on the boat till 3.00 and our lunch was really good.
We got back to Mooloolaba and I went for a swim in the pool which was lovely as it was just me and two children. I then had five minutes in the hot spa by the pool.
We thought we would go to 'See' again but on our way we found a nice looking Thai restaurant and went there instead and had a really good meal, I really like Thai food.
Day 5 Monday Australia Zoo
Had a really hot night last night and woke a couple of times and couldn't get back to sleep. Had some berry yoghurt for breakfast and then just a cup of tea at the cafe and Jon had the fruit and muesli.
We went to Australia Zoo which is just about 20 minutes drive away. Very busy and glad we didn't go on Sat or Sun.
We went to the big show arena for the 11.00 show but were really disappointed as the first half hour was all Bindi Irwin doing her songs from a new DVD she has made and although the songs are cute and all the children in the audience loved it, it wasn't what we had come to see. However, it was our mistake as it did say on the board that she was on followed by the show but we got really hot and annoyed waiting. They then had an auction and the prize to the highest bidder was a tour of the zoo with Terri Irwin, Bindi and the son Robert with the money going to his charity. There were only two bidders and the final bid was $1500 which is about £750. A lady behind us put it into words 'they must have more money than sense'. The zoo is not that big so I hope they were given a bit more than that for their money, it was a family of five that bid for it. After that they brought on snakes and had lots of birds flying around and then the big croc, Murray, came in and did his bit. We found it all to be too commercialised with his wife and little son taking part along with Bindi. I don't know if it would have been like that had Steve Irwin not died but it was all a bit much.
After the show we went across to see the elephants and the tigers. All the compounds are beautifully kept and the tigers have better lawns than most houses here in NZ! We then walked through the koala enclosure. They keep them in macadamia nut trees as they are not too high and so they can get them down when they need to. The eucalyptus branches are brought in fresh for them to eat and put in the nut trees. You can actually stroke them in the enclosure with a keeper there to make sure all is well. We then went into the kangaroo enclosure. They are red kangaroos and only the females are kept at the zoo as the males grow too big and they would be too hard to manage. We saw one with quite a big joey in her pouch but were bitten by insects while taking the photos and my arm came up quite swollen. After saying we had no problem with insects, we spoke too soon.
It was now nearly 2.00 and the photo session was due to start with the koala and so we went over to wait for that. There were only seven in front of us so we didn't have long to wait. Now, you have to understand this and get the idea and put yourself in my shoes. It was HOT, really, really HOT and I felt like a rag with my hair plastered to my head and I was going to have a photo taken with a koala, something I have longed to do so I wanted it to look good as you only get one go at it. Jon took my photo so I could see what I looked like and I manged to comb my hair into something OK. At last it was our turn. The keeper holds the koala and puts one hand up its chest so his arm acts like a branch and he carefully puts her on your hand and she cuddles into you. What you can't see on the photo, obviously, is that the keeper has koala poo all down his shirt as after each photo she does a little poo, a bit like rabbit poo, he then slides his foot across the floor and scoops it away. He does it all very nicely and it is only when you have your photo taken that you see what he is doing with his foot. I was glad we were number eight to have ours taken as by the end of a session there could be quite a pile there! But really it was lovely, Mila was so soft and cuddles into your body as if to say 'just let me sleep will you'.
We then went off to get some lunch but not before we washed our hands! We shared a small pizza and a salad and it was very good. They have the dinning area all open with fans blowing water across you in a very fine mist, very welcome.
We then went to see the snakes and there were lots of them and very active and very poisonous after that it was the wombats who are really cute. We then had a lovely ice cream, I had macadamia and it was yummy. After that we had a walk through all the alligator area and that was enough. Time to leave.
The Glass House Mountains lookout is only 10km away so we went up there to have a look around, very pretty but very hot.
Back to Mooloolaba for a very needed cup of tea. What a tiring day but very enjoyable.
I had surf and turf and Jon had baramunid for dinner, not as good as Hot Pipis but OK. The pudding though was to die for. Chocolate semi fredo with wafers and a white chocolate basket filled with vanilla ice cream mmmmmmm!
We went to Australia Zoo which is just about 20 minutes drive away. Very busy and glad we didn't go on Sat or Sun.
We went to the big show arena for the 11.00 show but were really disappointed as the first half hour was all Bindi Irwin doing her songs from a new DVD she has made and although the songs are cute and all the children in the audience loved it, it wasn't what we had come to see. However, it was our mistake as it did say on the board that she was on followed by the show but we got really hot and annoyed waiting. They then had an auction and the prize to the highest bidder was a tour of the zoo with Terri Irwin, Bindi and the son Robert with the money going to his charity. There were only two bidders and the final bid was $1500 which is about £750. A lady behind us put it into words 'they must have more money than sense'. The zoo is not that big so I hope they were given a bit more than that for their money, it was a family of five that bid for it. After that they brought on snakes and had lots of birds flying around and then the big croc, Murray, came in and did his bit. We found it all to be too commercialised with his wife and little son taking part along with Bindi. I don't know if it would have been like that had Steve Irwin not died but it was all a bit much.
After the show we went across to see the elephants and the tigers. All the compounds are beautifully kept and the tigers have better lawns than most houses here in NZ! We then walked through the koala enclosure. They keep them in macadamia nut trees as they are not too high and so they can get them down when they need to. The eucalyptus branches are brought in fresh for them to eat and put in the nut trees. You can actually stroke them in the enclosure with a keeper there to make sure all is well. We then went into the kangaroo enclosure. They are red kangaroos and only the females are kept at the zoo as the males grow too big and they would be too hard to manage. We saw one with quite a big joey in her pouch but were bitten by insects while taking the photos and my arm came up quite swollen. After saying we had no problem with insects, we spoke too soon.
It was now nearly 2.00 and the photo session was due to start with the koala and so we went over to wait for that. There were only seven in front of us so we didn't have long to wait. Now, you have to understand this and get the idea and put yourself in my shoes. It was HOT, really, really HOT and I felt like a rag with my hair plastered to my head and I was going to have a photo taken with a koala, something I have longed to do so I wanted it to look good as you only get one go at it. Jon took my photo so I could see what I looked like and I manged to comb my hair into something OK. At last it was our turn. The keeper holds the koala and puts one hand up its chest so his arm acts like a branch and he carefully puts her on your hand and she cuddles into you. What you can't see on the photo, obviously, is that the keeper has koala poo all down his shirt as after each photo she does a little poo, a bit like rabbit poo, he then slides his foot across the floor and scoops it away. He does it all very nicely and it is only when you have your photo taken that you see what he is doing with his foot. I was glad we were number eight to have ours taken as by the end of a session there could be quite a pile there! But really it was lovely, Mila was so soft and cuddles into your body as if to say 'just let me sleep will you'.
We then went off to get some lunch but not before we washed our hands! We shared a small pizza and a salad and it was very good. They have the dinning area all open with fans blowing water across you in a very fine mist, very welcome.
We then went to see the snakes and there were lots of them and very active and very poisonous after that it was the wombats who are really cute. We then had a lovely ice cream, I had macadamia and it was yummy. After that we had a walk through all the alligator area and that was enough. Time to leave.
The Glass House Mountains lookout is only 10km away so we went up there to have a look around, very pretty but very hot.
Back to Mooloolaba for a very needed cup of tea. What a tiring day but very enjoyable.
I had surf and turf and Jon had baramunid for dinner, not as good as Hot Pipis but OK. The pudding though was to die for. Chocolate semi fredo with wafers and a white chocolate basket filled with vanilla ice cream mmmmmmm!
Day 4 Sunday Our Anniversary
Jon has had an annoying cough since Christmas and last night he was up and sitting on the balcony as he couldn't stop.
After our breakfast of fruit for me and cooked for Jon we set off to drive to Rainbow Beach which although a long way it was a place I really wanted to see. We drove for what seemed like hours but it was only two. The problem was the last hour I really needed the loo and there was nothing and I really mean nothing but trees. Some of the area had obviously had a forest fire and that must have been awful as there only seemed to be one road in and out so had you been caught up in it - I shudder to think. Makes you realise how people get caught in bush fires.
Well we eventually arrived and stopped at the first place we saw and after a visit to the loo we had coffee. Feeling much better we drove on to the beach. We stopped to look at the beach near a bbq area and while walking back to the car, Jon was ahead of me, the biggest lizard I have ever seen ran across my path! I shouted to Jon as he had the camera and he came back to take a photo. The lizard very kindly climbed a tree so we could get a good look at him and once we left he came back down again.
We found a spot to park near the beach and set off to walk along it. 4WD can actually go along the beach and where the lifeguards are and the bathing flags it was quite busy but further along it was empty and it was soooooooo beautiful. The water was a lovely blue and the sand a lovely pinkish colour, There were no shells or stones just beautiful clean sand. It is called Rainbow Beach because of the lovely different coloured sand behind the beach which is very unstable so you can't climb up it. We walked a very long way and then back again. Who would have thought 30 years ago that Jon and I would be in Australia on our anniversary!
Not sure if it was the heat or not but when we got to a bar for lunch I really didn't feel well and had a bit of a panic attack and couldn't eat my lunch. I had a drink and once we got back into the car with the AC I felt better.
We then drove back down and stopped in Noosa. We had thought we would have liked to stay in Noosa but after trying to drive through and park it was a bit of a nightmare. We did find a parking spot in the Nature Reserve and had a lovely walk through the bush once again spotting lizards, very common it seems. Noosa is pretty but very crowded.
On the way back we stopped at Noosa Marina and went into a bar for a cup of tea. Just English Breakfast tea would have been fine and what is most popular here. They had all types of tea but not that so we settled on what we thought would be the closest 'Bush tucker tea' and it was very good!
We would like to go on one of the cruises from Noosa that go up the river and into the everglades. There is an all day one with a bbq lunch or an afternoon one with 'tea' so we need to have a look at those.
Got back and had a nice cool shower. Went for drinks but still not feeling 100% so just had a lemon, lime and bitters which is very refreshing.
Went to Hot Pipis again, seems to be a very popular place to eat as it is always busy for whatever mealtime. Being on a corner it is usually quite cool, too as you get a breeze. Jon had a lovely steak and I had summer chicken which was quite light and very tasty with an orange sauce. We had a lovely chocolate pudding to share and by the end of dinner I was back to normal.
After our breakfast of fruit for me and cooked for Jon we set off to drive to Rainbow Beach which although a long way it was a place I really wanted to see. We drove for what seemed like hours but it was only two. The problem was the last hour I really needed the loo and there was nothing and I really mean nothing but trees. Some of the area had obviously had a forest fire and that must have been awful as there only seemed to be one road in and out so had you been caught up in it - I shudder to think. Makes you realise how people get caught in bush fires.
Well we eventually arrived and stopped at the first place we saw and after a visit to the loo we had coffee. Feeling much better we drove on to the beach. We stopped to look at the beach near a bbq area and while walking back to the car, Jon was ahead of me, the biggest lizard I have ever seen ran across my path! I shouted to Jon as he had the camera and he came back to take a photo. The lizard very kindly climbed a tree so we could get a good look at him and once we left he came back down again.
We found a spot to park near the beach and set off to walk along it. 4WD can actually go along the beach and where the lifeguards are and the bathing flags it was quite busy but further along it was empty and it was soooooooo beautiful. The water was a lovely blue and the sand a lovely pinkish colour, There were no shells or stones just beautiful clean sand. It is called Rainbow Beach because of the lovely different coloured sand behind the beach which is very unstable so you can't climb up it. We walked a very long way and then back again. Who would have thought 30 years ago that Jon and I would be in Australia on our anniversary!
Not sure if it was the heat or not but when we got to a bar for lunch I really didn't feel well and had a bit of a panic attack and couldn't eat my lunch. I had a drink and once we got back into the car with the AC I felt better.
We then drove back down and stopped in Noosa. We had thought we would have liked to stay in Noosa but after trying to drive through and park it was a bit of a nightmare. We did find a parking spot in the Nature Reserve and had a lovely walk through the bush once again spotting lizards, very common it seems. Noosa is pretty but very crowded.
On the way back we stopped at Noosa Marina and went into a bar for a cup of tea. Just English Breakfast tea would have been fine and what is most popular here. They had all types of tea but not that so we settled on what we thought would be the closest 'Bush tucker tea' and it was very good!
We would like to go on one of the cruises from Noosa that go up the river and into the everglades. There is an all day one with a bbq lunch or an afternoon one with 'tea' so we need to have a look at those.
Got back and had a nice cool shower. Went for drinks but still not feeling 100% so just had a lemon, lime and bitters which is very refreshing.
Went to Hot Pipis again, seems to be a very popular place to eat as it is always busy for whatever mealtime. Being on a corner it is usually quite cool, too as you get a breeze. Jon had a lovely steak and I had summer chicken which was quite light and very tasty with an orange sauce. We had a lovely chocolate pudding to share and by the end of dinner I was back to normal.
Day 3 Saturday
Slept very well. The AC is not much use but there is a ceiling fan in the bedroom and living room and they work really well, much better than AC I think.
We went down for breakfast to Hot Pipis where we had lunch yesterday.I chose fruit salad and Jon had muesli and fruit salad, both really big portions but the fruit is delicious.
We went to the Tourist Information office and the man there gave us maps and books and suggestions of places to visit. He suggested Maleny which is one of the places up in the mountains that I had been looking at on the Internet.
We set off up some very windy roads and we saw our first koala sign which said 'Drive carefully, we live her, too'. It felt quite unreal to be driving around where there were real koalas. We drove up very high into the mountains and the views were spectacular right across to the coast but we hadn't been driving very long. We came across a lovely little cafe where we stopped for coffee. It was also an antique shop and was crammed full of all sorts of stuff and a huge collection of silver. It was so out of the way I don't know how they made a living as he must have had a small fortune tied up with all the stock. We had coffee and raspberry scones with cream sitting out on the porch overlooking the valley and it was lovely. The mugs and plates were old willow pattern china.
We then drove on to Maleny which is famous for its arts and crafts shops and lots of hippy looking people. The lady in the tourist office was from Bury St Edmunds and moved to Oz 20 years ago. She suggested we visit the Mary Cairncross Reserve about ten minutes away so after a look around the town we made our way up there. It was lovely as there was a little cafe with the most beautiful views across to the Glass House Mountains. We sat and had lunch and then took a walk through the rain forest which was lovely with some very big, old trees. Down near the creek they have huge worms, two foot long and you can see the holes they make in the bank, fortunately we didn't see any of them or the many snakes. You could hear lots of birds and we saw a little wallaby between the trees.
We drove back to Mooloolaba and had to get back before 5.30 when the reception closes as Jon had lost our door key (a credit card type thing) and you had to pay $50 to get another one if it was out of hours. It must have fallen out of the car somehow, well he was not trusted with the key after that!
We went across to the beach for an hour. The sand is lovely and so clean. Then it was cup of tea time before going back to the apartment for a bit of a rest before dinner.
We stopped at a cocktail bar 'Deco' and I had a pina colada and Jon had a beer. They have some really good beer in Australia and it is always served really cold and in chilled glasses. We then went back to Hop Pips for dinner and I had a very good Thai fish curry which was huge. I could have had a Moreton Bay Bug with it and you pay extra but I am glad I didn't, it had mussels, prawns, calamari and scallops in with a lovely coconut, curry sauce and served with rice and poppadoms on the side. Jon had snapper with lemongrass which was also very good. We shared a pudding of sugar basket with mango ice cream and strawberries. I didn't like it much but then I think I was already too full from the curry. The strawberries in Australia are very good and more like the English ones, in NZ they are more like the Spanish ones, a bit too crunchy.
The apartment is very cool and we can leave the doors open and are not pestered by insects but the sea is noisy with the waves crashing non stop and I don't think we have ever stayed in a place like this. Well yes we did, part of our holiday in Cuba was on the beach but it was gentle waves not the big surf like they have here.
We went down for breakfast to Hot Pipis where we had lunch yesterday.I chose fruit salad and Jon had muesli and fruit salad, both really big portions but the fruit is delicious.
We went to the Tourist Information office and the man there gave us maps and books and suggestions of places to visit. He suggested Maleny which is one of the places up in the mountains that I had been looking at on the Internet.
We set off up some very windy roads and we saw our first koala sign which said 'Drive carefully, we live her, too'. It felt quite unreal to be driving around where there were real koalas. We drove up very high into the mountains and the views were spectacular right across to the coast but we hadn't been driving very long. We came across a lovely little cafe where we stopped for coffee. It was also an antique shop and was crammed full of all sorts of stuff and a huge collection of silver. It was so out of the way I don't know how they made a living as he must have had a small fortune tied up with all the stock. We had coffee and raspberry scones with cream sitting out on the porch overlooking the valley and it was lovely. The mugs and plates were old willow pattern china.
We then drove on to Maleny which is famous for its arts and crafts shops and lots of hippy looking people. The lady in the tourist office was from Bury St Edmunds and moved to Oz 20 years ago. She suggested we visit the Mary Cairncross Reserve about ten minutes away so after a look around the town we made our way up there. It was lovely as there was a little cafe with the most beautiful views across to the Glass House Mountains. We sat and had lunch and then took a walk through the rain forest which was lovely with some very big, old trees. Down near the creek they have huge worms, two foot long and you can see the holes they make in the bank, fortunately we didn't see any of them or the many snakes. You could hear lots of birds and we saw a little wallaby between the trees.
We drove back to Mooloolaba and had to get back before 5.30 when the reception closes as Jon had lost our door key (a credit card type thing) and you had to pay $50 to get another one if it was out of hours. It must have fallen out of the car somehow, well he was not trusted with the key after that!
We went across to the beach for an hour. The sand is lovely and so clean. Then it was cup of tea time before going back to the apartment for a bit of a rest before dinner.
We stopped at a cocktail bar 'Deco' and I had a pina colada and Jon had a beer. They have some really good beer in Australia and it is always served really cold and in chilled glasses. We then went back to Hop Pips for dinner and I had a very good Thai fish curry which was huge. I could have had a Moreton Bay Bug with it and you pay extra but I am glad I didn't, it had mussels, prawns, calamari and scallops in with a lovely coconut, curry sauce and served with rice and poppadoms on the side. Jon had snapper with lemongrass which was also very good. We shared a pudding of sugar basket with mango ice cream and strawberries. I didn't like it much but then I think I was already too full from the curry. The strawberries in Australia are very good and more like the English ones, in NZ they are more like the Spanish ones, a bit too crunchy.
The apartment is very cool and we can leave the doors open and are not pestered by insects but the sea is noisy with the waves crashing non stop and I don't think we have ever stayed in a place like this. Well yes we did, part of our holiday in Cuba was on the beach but it was gentle waves not the big surf like they have here.
The rest of the Journey and Day 2 Friday
We had a glass of champagne as we boarded and I had a seat by the window. Take off was really good and as it was so clear I had a lovely view of Auckland.
I watched Julia and Julie and enjoyed it very much and in between I had a lovely meal of canapes, then a duck breast starter followed chicken breast, fresh asparagus, potatoes and garlic pure - all very good. A dish of fresh fruit salad and then the most delicious chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce. White wine to drink followed by coffee and a chocolate. all served on china plates and real knives and forks. Just managed to get to the end of the film and we were ready to land. These planes have a camera underneath and you can watch the landing but I was too busy looking out of the window.
We landed at 6.45 and had cleared immigration and collected our bags and were in the car on the way to the hotel at 7.02 and arrived at the hotel at 7.20 all very impressive. It was very nice having the car and driver waiting for us all courtesy of Emirates a very nice limo it was, too.
The weather was very humid and once we had checked in and unpacked what we needed for one night we set off to have a look at Brisbane. We found our way to the river and enjoyed a nice walk alongside. When we came back we took a wrong turn and it took us a bit longer to get back to the hotel! When we did a nice cold beer was called for. We were by this time very tired but felt we couldn't really go to bed at 9.00 but it was the time difference that made it hard - it was midnight in NZ and we had had a busy day!
I slept well but woke when Jon got up to go to the loo and I said What time is it? and he said 5.30 and I said What? 5.30 in the morning? And then went back to sleep. Three hours time difference seems to be worse than 12 hours.
We had a good cooked breakfast and as we couldn't pick the car up till 12.00 we went out down to the river again with a view to going on one of the many ferries. We bought a ticket to go on the River Cat and you can also use the buses and trains for a whole day, really cheap. The River Cat goes a long way up the river which we did and then we went all the way back and down the other way. In all we were on it for two hours and although it was cloudy we got very red. It was lovely to see the city from the river and there are some lovely houses along the way. We also saw the South Bank area which has a big wheel and all the arts and museum things there. Brisbane River runs through and snakes through the city with many twists and there are lots of bridges across the river. The centre has some really tall, modern buildings but there are also many old brick built buildings which we don't have in NZ.
It was then back to the hotel to collect our cases and we got a taxi to the car hire office. We asked for a map expecting a small map of the coast but instead we were given a huge book that was the size of Yellow Pages and apart from being a map is the telephone book. It certainly wasn't the size to fit in the glove box and there is no way you would want to walk off with it. I found it quite hard to use and so we made do with a tourist map I had picked up at the hotel and we found our way out onto the Sunshine Coast M'way. It was much busier than NZ but driving felt the same as in NZ.
The motorway was not like a UK motorway as some parts were just two lanes, other parts one lane in each direction and they have crossroads!!!!!! I'm glad we didn't have to use one!
The journey to Mooloolaba was good and took about an hour. We were very hungry by the time we got there and went for lunch before looking for our apartment. We both chose a burger with Turkish bread and salad and really one would have been enough to share so we were a bit stuffed. I don't usually eat burgers but this was very good and thick and juicy. While having lunch we saw a man ride past on a scooter with his dog sitting between his legs and the dog had goggles on, it looked really funny! The waitress was really nice and started to chat to us and it turns out she is a Kiwi and over in Oz since Nov to end of Jan when she goes back to uni. We didn't know it at the time but the place we had lunch was right below our apartment block. Across the seafront are lots of apartment blocks with shopping malls and bars underneath and the entrance to the apartments is usually at the back or the side.
On our way back to the car we had a tropical shower that lasted all of five minutes but we got quite wet as the spots were huge. We checked in and our apartment was on 8th floor with lovely views of the ocean to the front and the wharf to the side, you could even see Brisbane 98 kms away. The kitchen area was bigger than the kitchens in some houses and we only ever made coffee in it. There was a laundry area with washer, dryer and sink all behind what looked like cupboard doors.
We went out for a walk and later had a cup of tea before going back to unpack and get ready for dinner. We walked to the Wharf area and found a restaurant called 'See' which served lots of seafood. It was lovely and cool inside and overlooked the marina and the canals.
After having such a big lunch we really didn't feel like a huge meal so on the advice of the lady waitress and the lady who looked like the manager we chose the seafood platter which was supposed to be for one but was an awful lot of food. On it was a Moreton Bay Bug (this is like a big crayfish or maybe a mini lobster, shame about the name!) which was very good, oysters, smoked salmon, coconut crumbed prawns, tiger prawns, calamari, snapper, chips and lots of fruit like melon and passion fruit. We had a good crack at it and did very well but we did leave the chips. How one person could eat all that I don't know!
After a rest we had pudding which was a sharing dish of six different puddings but small portions of each - brandy basket with macadamia nut ice cream and strawberries, sticky toffee pudding, creme brulee, rum and raisin ice cream, vanilla ice cream and kiwi fruit all really, really good.
We bought a jar of decaf coffee on our way back and had coffee back at the apartment.
Mooloolaba is much bigger than we thought it would be and nosier than we are used to.
I watched Julia and Julie and enjoyed it very much and in between I had a lovely meal of canapes, then a duck breast starter followed chicken breast, fresh asparagus, potatoes and garlic pure - all very good. A dish of fresh fruit salad and then the most delicious chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce. White wine to drink followed by coffee and a chocolate. all served on china plates and real knives and forks. Just managed to get to the end of the film and we were ready to land. These planes have a camera underneath and you can watch the landing but I was too busy looking out of the window.
We landed at 6.45 and had cleared immigration and collected our bags and were in the car on the way to the hotel at 7.02 and arrived at the hotel at 7.20 all very impressive. It was very nice having the car and driver waiting for us all courtesy of Emirates a very nice limo it was, too.
The weather was very humid and once we had checked in and unpacked what we needed for one night we set off to have a look at Brisbane. We found our way to the river and enjoyed a nice walk alongside. When we came back we took a wrong turn and it took us a bit longer to get back to the hotel! When we did a nice cold beer was called for. We were by this time very tired but felt we couldn't really go to bed at 9.00 but it was the time difference that made it hard - it was midnight in NZ and we had had a busy day!
I slept well but woke when Jon got up to go to the loo and I said What time is it? and he said 5.30 and I said What? 5.30 in the morning? And then went back to sleep. Three hours time difference seems to be worse than 12 hours.
We had a good cooked breakfast and as we couldn't pick the car up till 12.00 we went out down to the river again with a view to going on one of the many ferries. We bought a ticket to go on the River Cat and you can also use the buses and trains for a whole day, really cheap. The River Cat goes a long way up the river which we did and then we went all the way back and down the other way. In all we were on it for two hours and although it was cloudy we got very red. It was lovely to see the city from the river and there are some lovely houses along the way. We also saw the South Bank area which has a big wheel and all the arts and museum things there. Brisbane River runs through and snakes through the city with many twists and there are lots of bridges across the river. The centre has some really tall, modern buildings but there are also many old brick built buildings which we don't have in NZ.
It was then back to the hotel to collect our cases and we got a taxi to the car hire office. We asked for a map expecting a small map of the coast but instead we were given a huge book that was the size of Yellow Pages and apart from being a map is the telephone book. It certainly wasn't the size to fit in the glove box and there is no way you would want to walk off with it. I found it quite hard to use and so we made do with a tourist map I had picked up at the hotel and we found our way out onto the Sunshine Coast M'way. It was much busier than NZ but driving felt the same as in NZ.
The motorway was not like a UK motorway as some parts were just two lanes, other parts one lane in each direction and they have crossroads!!!!!! I'm glad we didn't have to use one!
The journey to Mooloolaba was good and took about an hour. We were very hungry by the time we got there and went for lunch before looking for our apartment. We both chose a burger with Turkish bread and salad and really one would have been enough to share so we were a bit stuffed. I don't usually eat burgers but this was very good and thick and juicy. While having lunch we saw a man ride past on a scooter with his dog sitting between his legs and the dog had goggles on, it looked really funny! The waitress was really nice and started to chat to us and it turns out she is a Kiwi and over in Oz since Nov to end of Jan when she goes back to uni. We didn't know it at the time but the place we had lunch was right below our apartment block. Across the seafront are lots of apartment blocks with shopping malls and bars underneath and the entrance to the apartments is usually at the back or the side.
On our way back to the car we had a tropical shower that lasted all of five minutes but we got quite wet as the spots were huge. We checked in and our apartment was on 8th floor with lovely views of the ocean to the front and the wharf to the side, you could even see Brisbane 98 kms away. The kitchen area was bigger than the kitchens in some houses and we only ever made coffee in it. There was a laundry area with washer, dryer and sink all behind what looked like cupboard doors.
We went out for a walk and later had a cup of tea before going back to unpack and get ready for dinner. We walked to the Wharf area and found a restaurant called 'See' which served lots of seafood. It was lovely and cool inside and overlooked the marina and the canals.
After having such a big lunch we really didn't feel like a huge meal so on the advice of the lady waitress and the lady who looked like the manager we chose the seafood platter which was supposed to be for one but was an awful lot of food. On it was a Moreton Bay Bug (this is like a big crayfish or maybe a mini lobster, shame about the name!) which was very good, oysters, smoked salmon, coconut crumbed prawns, tiger prawns, calamari, snapper, chips and lots of fruit like melon and passion fruit. We had a good crack at it and did very well but we did leave the chips. How one person could eat all that I don't know!
After a rest we had pudding which was a sharing dish of six different puddings but small portions of each - brandy basket with macadamia nut ice cream and strawberries, sticky toffee pudding, creme brulee, rum and raisin ice cream, vanilla ice cream and kiwi fruit all really, really good.
We bought a jar of decaf coffee on our way back and had coffee back at the apartment.
Mooloolaba is much bigger than we thought it would be and nosier than we are used to.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Off to the Sunshine Coast
Very relaxed morning after taking Totty out for a walk I took her to the kennels where they had to pick her up and carry her in as she didn't want to go. That is the only part of going away I don't like.
Jon went into Tauranga t0 get some Australian dollars and then we went out for a coffee.
Now I must pack the case and we intend to leave at about 12.00
So until we are back that is me blogging off for now.
Well here I am back again. We had a good journey to the airport and check in was amazing, I could get used to Business Class, no waiting , extra baggage and pre check security. We bought some whiskey for Bronwyn and then went into the Emirates Lounge. I really can't believe I am in an airport!. Lovely comfy chairs, beautiful loos, magazines and papers and the Internet! Hot food, made to order sandwiches, cakes snacks and tea and coffee and we haven't got to the bar yet. As soon as you put your plate down a very nice lady clears it away. We don't want to eat too much as we get a three course dinner on the flight and drinks so I will save myself for that. We have just a bout an hour before we board so I will sign off now and go and enjoy the facilities.
WEATHER
Nice and sunny again today but with a bit of light cloud.
Jon went into Tauranga t0 get some Australian dollars and then we went out for a coffee.
Now I must pack the case and we intend to leave at about 12.00
So until we are back that is me blogging off for now.
Well here I am back again. We had a good journey to the airport and check in was amazing, I could get used to Business Class, no waiting , extra baggage and pre check security. We bought some whiskey for Bronwyn and then went into the Emirates Lounge. I really can't believe I am in an airport!. Lovely comfy chairs, beautiful loos, magazines and papers and the Internet! Hot food, made to order sandwiches, cakes snacks and tea and coffee and we haven't got to the bar yet. As soon as you put your plate down a very nice lady clears it away. We don't want to eat too much as we get a three course dinner on the flight and drinks so I will save myself for that. We have just a bout an hour before we board so I will sign off now and go and enjoy the facilities.
WEATHER
Nice and sunny again today but with a bit of light cloud.
Back to the hot pools
I was up very early this morning as I wanted to go to my aquacise class which starts at 8.00.
As I turned onto the road around Pilot bay, just before the hot pools, I saw a cruise ship coming round the Mount and it looked so lovely I just had to stop and take a photo which made me a little late for my class but not to worry. We had the Brazilian instructor today and he really made us work hard, some of the older ladies were really struggling but it was a good class.
Les, Carol and I then went down to have coffee with some of the other ladies and sat and enjoyed a chat about what we had all done over the holidays. Les had been up to Auckland and had a good time with her son and daughter-in-law. Carol is getting all her paperwork in order to go over to spend six months in the UK with her daughter.
I have been feeling quite relaxed about going on holiday and don't feel nervous at all maybe I will tomorrow!
When I got home I took Totty out for a late walk but fortunately it wasn't too hot today.
The rest of the day was spent doing a bit of housework and getting clothes out ready to pack.
Jon came home and we took Totty out. Poor Totty knows when the cases come out what is going to happen and she stays in the bedroom with me when I am sorting things out, poor little dog.
We are just about ready now. We need to get Totty off tomorrow morning and plan to leave about 12.00. I was told today that Mooloolaba is very humid at the moment so hope it won't be too bad.
WEATHER
Clear skies and sunny all day.
As I turned onto the road around Pilot bay, just before the hot pools, I saw a cruise ship coming round the Mount and it looked so lovely I just had to stop and take a photo which made me a little late for my class but not to worry. We had the Brazilian instructor today and he really made us work hard, some of the older ladies were really struggling but it was a good class.
Les, Carol and I then went down to have coffee with some of the other ladies and sat and enjoyed a chat about what we had all done over the holidays. Les had been up to Auckland and had a good time with her son and daughter-in-law. Carol is getting all her paperwork in order to go over to spend six months in the UK with her daughter.
I have been feeling quite relaxed about going on holiday and don't feel nervous at all maybe I will tomorrow!
When I got home I took Totty out for a late walk but fortunately it wasn't too hot today.
The rest of the day was spent doing a bit of housework and getting clothes out ready to pack.
Jon came home and we took Totty out. Poor Totty knows when the cases come out what is going to happen and she stays in the bedroom with me when I am sorting things out, poor little dog.
We are just about ready now. We need to get Totty off tomorrow morning and plan to leave about 12.00. I was told today that Mooloolaba is very humid at the moment so hope it won't be too bad.
WEATHER
Clear skies and sunny all day.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
A year to the day we left UK
It seems amazing that it is a year since we left the UK. At the beginning of the year time was passing so slowly but now the time flies by. I look back on how I was feeling this time last year and wonder what I was so worried about. Apart from missing the girls so much we have had a really brilliant year. I now know who my real friends are as they have been so good keeping in touch via email and Skype and I really appreciate their support. I did say to Jon that for some people it is as if we have died and I wonder why I wasted so much time on them. A hard lesson learnt! On the plus side I have made contact again with friends and some cousins that I had lost touch with and for that I am so grateful to the Internet. We have seen and done so much but we still have lots of places to visit and things to do before we go home so we will continue to enjoy it all.
I was up early this morning to take Totty out as Heather said she would phone and she did so we had a nice chat and she filled me in with all her news.
I then had to go into Tauranga and take some library books back and go to Farmers (that is a shop much like Debenhams) Jon had bought some swimming shorts from them the other day and they hadn't taken the security tag off so I had to take them back and ask them to remove it - good security if the alarm didn't go off as we walked out of the shop!
I had a nice cup of coffee and then went off to have my hair cut. My hairdresser is a bit hit and miss but fortunately for me he had a hit today and it looks very good.
I then went to buy another pair of cropped trousers as I wear them all the time and thought I needed another pair to take away.
Got back and apart from a break for lunch when Jon came home I spent a lot of time answering email that I had received over the Christmas period.
Jon came home and we took Totty out for her walk and then we came back and had salmon for dinner.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny all day.
I was up early this morning to take Totty out as Heather said she would phone and she did so we had a nice chat and she filled me in with all her news.
I then had to go into Tauranga and take some library books back and go to Farmers (that is a shop much like Debenhams) Jon had bought some swimming shorts from them the other day and they hadn't taken the security tag off so I had to take them back and ask them to remove it - good security if the alarm didn't go off as we walked out of the shop!
I had a nice cup of coffee and then went off to have my hair cut. My hairdresser is a bit hit and miss but fortunately for me he had a hit today and it looks very good.
I then went to buy another pair of cropped trousers as I wear them all the time and thought I needed another pair to take away.
Got back and apart from a break for lunch when Jon came home I spent a lot of time answering email that I had received over the Christmas period.
Jon came home and we took Totty out for her walk and then we came back and had salmon for dinner.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny all day.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Last day of the holidays
It was really wet this morning so Totty didn't get her walk.
By the time I had finished chatting to the girls on MSN and then on the phone it was gone 11.00 before we got out for our coffee.
We went to look for a new swimming costume for me as I find one is not enough over here as I wear them a lot more. I found a very nice black and white one. I would have preferred a coloured one as my other one is black and white but I didn't see a style I liked.
We did a bit of shopping as we decided a roast would be nice so bought some lamb. We also bought pies for lunch from the baker.
We didn't so much else apart from some ironing and watching the cricket. We took Totty out this afternoon down to the beach.
It had warmed up a lot and I was regretting the idea of a roast dinner but it was very nice as we haven't had one for ages.
Had a chat to my friend in the UK tonight as I haven't spoken to her since August.
Must get myself sorted out tomorrow to go away.
WEATHER
We woke to rain this morning and very overcast. The rain stopped by 10.00 but it was overcast till evening. Very humid and then quite windy by bedtime.
By the time I had finished chatting to the girls on MSN and then on the phone it was gone 11.00 before we got out for our coffee.
We went to look for a new swimming costume for me as I find one is not enough over here as I wear them a lot more. I found a very nice black and white one. I would have preferred a coloured one as my other one is black and white but I didn't see a style I liked.
We did a bit of shopping as we decided a roast would be nice so bought some lamb. We also bought pies for lunch from the baker.
We didn't so much else apart from some ironing and watching the cricket. We took Totty out this afternoon down to the beach.
It had warmed up a lot and I was regretting the idea of a roast dinner but it was very nice as we haven't had one for ages.
Had a chat to my friend in the UK tonight as I haven't spoken to her since August.
Must get myself sorted out tomorrow to go away.
WEATHER
We woke to rain this morning and very overcast. The rain stopped by 10.00 but it was overcast till evening. Very humid and then quite windy by bedtime.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Still holiday
We don't rush about in the mornings these days and don't get Totty out till 9.30ish. Down in the park the tide was in and very high. After dashing off after the dog the other day Totty was back to her usual scared of the water self. She did eventually go in at the shallow part. I don't mind as sometimes the water is very messy with leaves and sea lettuce that comes in.
After our walk we went to the tip to get rid of our rubbish and then onto Classic Flyer's to have coffee. We then went into Bunnings DIY to take one of the pots of deck stain back as we had bought too much. We bought a watering can as we only have a small jug to water the herbs on the deck and it takes a long time.
We then went down to the Mount shopping area. It was very busy as the Sea Princess cruise ship was in. I found a nice had with a floppy brim, just what I need. It has such a lovely holiday feel down there.
We then went to Bay Fair to look for a new swimming costume for me but couldn't find one. We bought a lovely, white, fluffy bear which sings Happy Christmas. This will eventually go with all our other singing Christmas toys back in the UK. The girls will hate it.
We finally found a new strip light for the dressing room so we can now see what we are going to wear!
Back for a late lunch and then Jon pottered around in the garden and I answered emails before bringing in the sheets and duvet cover and ironing them.
After a nice walk with Totty Jon cooked a BBQ.
I will have to get organised tomorrow and think about what we need to take on holiday with us.
WEATHER.
Very warm and sunny with clear skies this morning. Clouded over a bit this afternoon but still very warm. Lovely evening, no wind, very warm.
After our walk we went to the tip to get rid of our rubbish and then onto Classic Flyer's to have coffee. We then went into Bunnings DIY to take one of the pots of deck stain back as we had bought too much. We bought a watering can as we only have a small jug to water the herbs on the deck and it takes a long time.
We then went down to the Mount shopping area. It was very busy as the Sea Princess cruise ship was in. I found a nice had with a floppy brim, just what I need. It has such a lovely holiday feel down there.
We then went to Bay Fair to look for a new swimming costume for me but couldn't find one. We bought a lovely, white, fluffy bear which sings Happy Christmas. This will eventually go with all our other singing Christmas toys back in the UK. The girls will hate it.
We finally found a new strip light for the dressing room so we can now see what we are going to wear!
Back for a late lunch and then Jon pottered around in the garden and I answered emails before bringing in the sheets and duvet cover and ironing them.
After a nice walk with Totty Jon cooked a BBQ.
I will have to get organised tomorrow and think about what we need to take on holiday with us.
WEATHER.
Very warm and sunny with clear skies this morning. Clouded over a bit this afternoon but still very warm. Lovely evening, no wind, very warm.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Racing AND Cricket
We were up and took Totty out to Rotary Park.
I then got a picnic ready and we went out to coffee followed by the races.
There were more people than the last time we went, in fact, it was very busy. We did really well picking out horses to begin with and we had a first, mine, and Jon got the second in the first race. We did very well until the last couple of races but all in all only lost $2 over the whole day.
It was the Summer Festival and so there were lots of families around with picnics and gazebos and sunshades. In between races they had races for the children and one of them was the three headed T shirt race and was very funny.In the egg and spoon race they use fresh eggs!
We had our picnic sitting on the grass bank and then went back to the stands as it was so hot. We stayed for six of the nine races and then onto our next event.
We went to Bay Oval where they were playing the first of the HRV 20/20 tournament. There were many big name players but the biggest was the captain of the NZ side. It was very relaxed and very exciting as it went down to the last over.
We then made our way home and let Totty out, she must have been disparate!
Jon went out to get fish and chips but it must have been an off night as it was not as good as it usually is on Fridays.
Still haven't heard anything from the girls so they must be OK.
We watched James Bond Quantum of Solace - what a load of rubbish worst Bond film I have ever seen. We didn't know what it was about, rubbish!
WEATHER
Really hot and sunny all day.
I then got a picnic ready and we went out to coffee followed by the races.
There were more people than the last time we went, in fact, it was very busy. We did really well picking out horses to begin with and we had a first, mine, and Jon got the second in the first race. We did very well until the last couple of races but all in all only lost $2 over the whole day.
It was the Summer Festival and so there were lots of families around with picnics and gazebos and sunshades. In between races they had races for the children and one of them was the three headed T shirt race and was very funny.In the egg and spoon race they use fresh eggs!
We had our picnic sitting on the grass bank and then went back to the stands as it was so hot. We stayed for six of the nine races and then onto our next event.
We went to Bay Oval where they were playing the first of the HRV 20/20 tournament. There were many big name players but the biggest was the captain of the NZ side. It was very relaxed and very exciting as it went down to the last over.
We then made our way home and let Totty out, she must have been disparate!
Jon went out to get fish and chips but it must have been an off night as it was not as good as it usually is on Fridays.
Still haven't heard anything from the girls so they must be OK.
We watched James Bond Quantum of Solace - what a load of rubbish worst Bond film I have ever seen. We didn't know what it was about, rubbish!
WEATHER
Really hot and sunny all day.
Friday, 1 January 2010
New Year's Day
Got up this morning still feeling a bit flat after the non event of New year's Eve. I had promised Jon that I would cook him a full English today and so I had to keep my word. It was very good but won't get too used to it.
We took Totty down to Rotary Park and there was quite a stiff breeze blowing. When we had walked through the woods we got down to the water and she was happy walking along the edge as the tide was in quite high. There were tow golden retrievers playing in the water and having a lovely time and Totty, who has never bothered to go into the water by more than an inch over her feet decided at the tender age of 9 that she would join these two dogs and off she went. It was really funny and a shame we didn't have the camera. I was worried that she would not be able to swim but the owner of the two dogs told me not to worry that 'All dogs can swim'. She didn't go out as far as the other dogs but she certainly enjoyed herself and had people laughing at her as she was barking all the time and obviously enjoying herself. I tried to get her to come out but she wouldn't and the man eventually had to call his dogs out so that I could get her out. Even when the other dogs got in the car to leave she was pulling on the lead to go back in. It will be interesting to see if she will go in without any other dogs - we will find out tomorrow.
We then went out for coffee and popped in to buy some apples to the supermarket. I took Jon into the new sushi show and he couldn't resist so we bought some for our lunch. On the way back we had to go to the garage to refill the gas bottle which had run out while I was cooking the dinner last night and we had to change it for the bottle on the BBQ.
We thought the girls might call us at midnight so we stayed in just in case. I sat on the deck and it was really hot. We ate our sushi and then just sat around for the rest of the day. We did think we would go down to our local beach but Jon still has a cold and didn't much feel like it. It did get too hot on the deck and so I alternated between the sun, the shade and writing the odd email. Our neighbours have gone away so it is very quiet around here.
I had forgotten to take meat out for the BBQ so Jon went out to the supermarket to get some and we had a very nice dinner in the evening. Our next door neighbour put the sprinkler on and as it was so windy it was blowing over us as we ate our dinner so I had to call her to move it, she was very apologetic.
We had a lovely pudding, raspberries with crushed meringue and cream with a chocolate truffle mmmm very good.
I feel better now the New Year is over in the UK as I really felt I was missing out. We will arrange to do something next year.
WEATHER
Quite a cold wind this morning but so hot for the rest of the day. We got up to 29.5 on the deck in the shade. Cool breeze in the evening.
We took Totty down to Rotary Park and there was quite a stiff breeze blowing. When we had walked through the woods we got down to the water and she was happy walking along the edge as the tide was in quite high. There were tow golden retrievers playing in the water and having a lovely time and Totty, who has never bothered to go into the water by more than an inch over her feet decided at the tender age of 9 that she would join these two dogs and off she went. It was really funny and a shame we didn't have the camera. I was worried that she would not be able to swim but the owner of the two dogs told me not to worry that 'All dogs can swim'. She didn't go out as far as the other dogs but she certainly enjoyed herself and had people laughing at her as she was barking all the time and obviously enjoying herself. I tried to get her to come out but she wouldn't and the man eventually had to call his dogs out so that I could get her out. Even when the other dogs got in the car to leave she was pulling on the lead to go back in. It will be interesting to see if she will go in without any other dogs - we will find out tomorrow.
We then went out for coffee and popped in to buy some apples to the supermarket. I took Jon into the new sushi show and he couldn't resist so we bought some for our lunch. On the way back we had to go to the garage to refill the gas bottle which had run out while I was cooking the dinner last night and we had to change it for the bottle on the BBQ.
We thought the girls might call us at midnight so we stayed in just in case. I sat on the deck and it was really hot. We ate our sushi and then just sat around for the rest of the day. We did think we would go down to our local beach but Jon still has a cold and didn't much feel like it. It did get too hot on the deck and so I alternated between the sun, the shade and writing the odd email. Our neighbours have gone away so it is very quiet around here.
I had forgotten to take meat out for the BBQ so Jon went out to the supermarket to get some and we had a very nice dinner in the evening. Our next door neighbour put the sprinkler on and as it was so windy it was blowing over us as we ate our dinner so I had to call her to move it, she was very apologetic.
We had a lovely pudding, raspberries with crushed meringue and cream with a chocolate truffle mmmm very good.
I feel better now the New Year is over in the UK as I really felt I was missing out. We will arrange to do something next year.
WEATHER
Quite a cold wind this morning but so hot for the rest of the day. We got up to 29.5 on the deck in the shade. Cool breeze in the evening.
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