Day 23 & 24 - Leonay

Day 23 - 26 Nov - today is Tina's birthday  she was 42 - she had a great day after opening her cards from home receiving a phone call from her Mum and Dad she sat by the pool,  reading and chilling. 

We had a really good Thai meal for dinner, also pink champagne and a surprise birthday cheesecake - which Colette burnt her fingers on by putting the candles on upside down.  Helen spent the day sleeping mostly which is what she needs to do to be fit and well for the trip home on Sunday 28th Nov.

Tina said she felt like she had a 2 day birthday given the time difference, and that it was weird it being warm on her November birthday!


Day 24 (next to last day!! boo hoo)  Leftover cheesecake was called for at breakfast.  Helen slept again lots and Tina, Colette, Michael and Zena went off to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge the twilight walk.  Helen was not allowed to climb and had a doctors note so we managed to get our money back.  


Helen stayed home with her Uncle Alan and drank lots of beer!!





 The walk was amazing seeing Sydney both at day and night was excellent - definitely recommended!!

Day 20,21 and 22 Melbourne to Wagga Wagga to Leonay

Day 20 - We checked out of the Alto on Bourke Hotel on Tuesday morning left the wheelchair behind and went in search of Hertz rental car – Tina was to be the sole driver today as Helen was unable to drive – due to her back and the Valium!

We found Hertz and quickly realised that we had left the credit card at the hotel with the receptionist this was because Helen does not know the pin number of that card and the woman on reception had to try and bypass the system to get Helen to sign instead. Chip and Pin is not standard in Australia yet!! The hotel personally brought the card to us at Hertz.

Finally we got the car which was a Toyota Camry – it was red so Helen was happy – it was also brand new (7 kms on clock!) and was automatic with cruise control so Tina was double happy.

The drive out of Melbourne was fun we went down densely populated streets that reminded us of home – lots of fast food and take away shops with supermarkets interspersed. The people we saw were very mixed culturally which was different to Melbourne city

The country side was very different to the trip from Cairns, there we saw lots of sugar cane and banana trees. The trip down the Hulme Highway to Wagga Wagga was full of green fields, sheep and cows. Helen kept herself happy with the map reading and noticing how many different named creeks with the word mile in it.

After 2 stops one for KFC and one for a little sleep., we arrived at Wagga Wagga.

We were so excited to see Amanda, Sam, Caelan and Hope as we had not seen them since May 2008.

Tina had played hockey with Amanda until she upped sticks and got a job in Wagga Wagga with their council – of course the move would not have been complete with out Sam her lovely Scottish husband and their beautiful children Caelan and Hope. Tina and Caelan share the same birthday also.

When we beeped our horn on arrival at their home we were greeted with the warmest hugs and kisses and were quickly settled into our new room and were told dinner would be ready soon – we had a lovely bbq of lamb – it was yummy. Tina who does not eat lamb really enjoyed it too.

We settled in for a night of catchup and time quickly went by – Tina was tired from driving and Helen was in pain so we were in bed by 10pm.

We were really pleased to hear that all the family were settled and happy and we could really tell. The children's aussie accents as well as Amanda's were great – but Sam will never lose the Scottish accent we are sure.

Day 21 – A very early start for Tina as she played with the children before they left for school. Helen slept late and we finally left the house by lunchtime!!

We explored Wagga Wagga bought a souvenir or two and found a place to hire a wheelchair so we could explore a bit more.

We arrived back at the house late afternoon and had a dip in the pool complete with flotation aids (called noodles). The children arrived home with tales from school along with Sam and Amanda from work. Tonight was to be a food and drink fuelled night with a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir from Hunter Valley that we brought with us, more Pinot Noir and a few beers. We also discovered that the whole family would be in the UK for December. We promised to meet up and maybe try and get a few more hockey girls to come too.

Day 22 – We woke early so we could say a big thank you a big goodbye to the Gray family – it was sad but we knew we would see them again in a few weeks.

We took a quick photo of us with the children before they left for school. We got our things together and set off about 10am.

The total kms from Melbourne to Leonay is 900 kms about 560 miles (Liverpool to London is about 200 miles!) and it was a long drive, but a few songs along the way and cruise control helped.

We made a few stops along the way – once for ice cream – Tina needed a fix! We even saw a man running in the 30 degree heat MAD!! As well as plenty of trees, sheep and cars of course!

We got the car back to Penrith which is not the lake district – but the town next to Leonay where we caught a taxi to Colette and Michael's house. Colette parents – Helen's Aunt and Uncle are also staying with them so we all had a lovely dinner – which included shrimp. After a few wines the tiredness got to both Tina and Helen and we went off to bed early.

Day 18 & 19 Melbourne

Day18 - Well Sunday (21Nov) we tried and tried to hire a wheel chair so we could at least still get around and do all that we had planned and booked and paid for.

After many phone calls (including the hospital!) with help from the hotel we got a wheelchair from Melbourne Mobility Centre - we sighed a big sigh when they called us - even better it was half price as the hotel had recommended them!  They even dropped it off for us. We even made a quick call to check the disabled access to the tramcar restaurant and the penguin tour we had booked later that day.

We left the hotel went past Batman Park  - could not see Robin though - there was a helicopter parked next to the park maybe that was his!!  We were in search of the tramcar depot as we had to leave the wheelchair there - we were treated so well and we got to go on first and take photo's whilst it was empty which was cool.

The tramcar was excellent - we had a delicious meal, wine, champagne and liquor - we could have had kangaroo but we could not eat skippy!!  The tramcar was full today and we had a family sat by us who were celebrating their mothers 80th birthday about 15 of them.  They gave us a running commentary as the tram went round the city - it was great.  We were so glad we had booked it.

We arrived back about 3pm and were getting picked up at 3.50pm to go on the penguin tour.  We headed over to the pickup point the Crown Metropole Hotel.  We ended up chatting to a concierge who offered us a tour of the hotel - we took him up on the offer and ended up on the executive 28th floor which had the most amazing views.  We were told how Gordon Ramsey was running all the food for the hotel and how he had had to get a wheelchair for Missy Elliot when she was there a few weeks ago!  We promised to stay there next time........

The coach arrived at 3.50pm and Deborah was the driver - she went around Melbourne and picked up lots of other people.  We set off about 5pm and arrived about 7pm - it was a great scenic drive and we were told tales of towns around who had potato princess competitions and earthworm contests which was pretty weird.  The journey for Helen was painful but the pills did help.

We were told that on no account could we take photos of the penguins as it frightened them and they could be sick and then their chicks would starve as they regurgitate their food to feed them.

We had bought a middle viewing platform ticket which was an excellent choice.  You get a free drink, an MP3 commentary and a better closer view of the penguins as they come back to their homes from fishing all day.  As Helen was in the wheelchair we were right the front and saw them all coming home - they were so cute - unbelievably cute in fact.  We wanted to take one home but had to take a stuffed toy instead.

Day 19 - The day started late and we contacted Kellie (Aussie Kel) to try and meet up but she had to go off for work so it was not to be.

Today we decided to do the MCG tour.  It was something that Tina was not really looking forward to but really enjoyed.  We did the tour and looked at the Sports Museum.  We were not allowed on the pitch but Helen did do a talk on the microphone in the media room announcing England winning the Ashes.

We finished our time in Melbourne with a spot of shopping and a lovely italian meal and a walk home.  Melbourne is a lovely place - we wish we had longer here but we are off again tomorrow to pick up a car to drive to see Amanda & Sam Gray and family in Wagga Wagga.

Just so you know Helen is standing up a lot straighter today and our aim is to ensure that she is well enough to travel home next weekend, fingers crossed.

Day 17 - Airlie Beach to Melbourne

Helen awoke this morning to the most excruciating pain and could not walk very well at all.

We said our goodbyes to the other passengers on the boat, paid the bar bill and headed to Airlie Beach Doctors when we docked.

Helen saw the doctor which did not cost as much as we thought ($70) and the he wanted her to have a MRI scan but she promised to rest as much as possible until we returned home and if it got worse that we would go to a Dr in Melbourne.  We left the surgery with a prescription for Valium, Panadeine and Ibuprofen.  We were getting picked up at 12 to be taken to the airport for our Melbourne flight via Brisbane and we made it to the pick up point by 12.10 - plus we still had to go to the chemist!  The transfer guy was fab and waited for us.  Also the prescription did not cost as much as I thought it would - $41.

We made it to the airport on time and was greeted by a fellow sailing passenger - Marjoram - she was a welcome face and helped us with our bags as I had to get Helen a wheel chair.  All checked in and Marjoram helped us so much we were so grateful - she is a corporate lawyer taking a year out to travel the world, we could not thank her enough for help, she even helped us to our taxi in Melbourne.

We are now at our Hotel which is Alto on Bourke - which is described as a Boutique Eco Friendly hotel.  We have been upgraded to a one bed apartment which is super fantastic smashing great!  They have dial out menu for lots of places in Melbourne so we have decided to stay in and chill and let Helen's tablets do their job so that we can go on our planned excursions tomorrow.

In sickness and in health springs to mind!!

Day 14 to 16 – Airlie Beach-Pacific Sunrise sailing

Day 14 - We checked in at the sailing office and left our bags in storage and went in search of breakfast. Fresh coffee and pastries for Helen and a small pile of pancakes bacon and maple syrup Canadian style for Tina.

We wandered around Airlie Beach shopping for souvenirs and finding a wifi spot to update the blog before we boarded the Pacific Sunrise. What a sailing boat! 17 passengers and 5 crew. Learning everyone's name was going to be fun. It was a lovely mix of people and ages but no one under 21.

The Linderman Suite complete with air con and on suite bathroom was going to be home for the next 3 days. We set 'sail' from Able Point Marine at 4pm past Pioneer Rock into Molle Channel then onto Whitsunday Passage through Hook Island passage heading south to Tongue Bay. Champagne and canapes as the sun went down followed by a delicious 3 course meal. An early night was in order. The gentle rocking of the boat sent us into a deep sleep.

Day 15 - After a hearty breakfast we took the tender onto the island. A little walk to Betty's beach where we had a dip in the ocean wearing our high fashion stinger suits. 

These protected us from the harmful jelly fish. Baby sting rays swimming around us. A couple of hours quickly passed by and a short climb to the lookout point to view Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

A light lunch of prawns and chorizo with basil pasta. Rosco the chef is a culinary delight. Off we sailed to Border Island where it rained hard. But being British the rain wasn't going to stop us. Tina and 3 other people went snorkelling whilst Helen tried Scuba Diving for the first time.

Tina saw lots of beautiful fish and some coral whilst Helen saw some cray fish and swam through a coral passage – she managed to get down to 8 meters and was very proud of that.

Today was also Marcie's 50^th birthday and Rosco made a cake that was so delicious and we all sang happy birthday and the evening was spent partying and Tina was asked to sing Ricki Martin which then made others get up and sing and a war of the i-pods ensued to see who had the best music, it was quite fun. Bed was before 10.30pm.

Day 16 - The following morning we awoke to us being sailed north round Pinnacle Point, we ate breakfast on the way to anchoring at Maureens Cove at Hook Island. It had also become apparent that Tina had been eaten by either mosquitos or sandflys, either way my legs, feet and a finger! were very itchy and swollen. Helen had gradually been stocking up on ibuprofen and painkillers for the previous few days and today she was having a bad day with her sciatica. She had to borrow a backbrace from Rosco which has helped and she is walking around gingerly but is still smiling!!

We both decided to stay on the boat this morning as others went off to dive and snorkel. Lunch was a delicious Thai Curry. We ate our lunch with Jo and Michael originally from Liverpool who now live in Dubai and Sarah and David who are Australian and Scottish who live in Paris and dance at the Moulin Rouge. Sarah and David are fab and we are hopefully going to stay in touch.

After lunch Tina went off snorkelling and saw all kinds of fish and it was so much better than the previous day. Helen stayed on board and watched a movie.

On the boat we have a mix of people from England, Australia, Belgium, Canada, America which means there is only one person whose first language is not English.

We moved to Luncheon Bay to have dinner - Helen is really suffering and we had to resort to wine tonight to ease the pain.

Tonight we were told that we have to pack all our things and be up and ready for breakfast at 7.30am tomorrow so we are now off to our room to pack. We arrive at 10.30am back to Able Point Marina were will pay our bar bill!! then head off to to the airport for our next adventure in Melbourne.

PS – we have been married for 3 weeks now....

Day 13 - Cairns to Airlie Beach

Today was to be an opportunity to see Oz by Greyhound Bus. We were up early - 6am and were at the bus station for 7.30am after a hearty breakfast.

The journey from Cairns to Airlie Beach was to take 11 hours with a few stops along the way. The coach was full to the rafters and we chatted to a few people along the way. We had every nationality, german, dutch, irish, english, chinese and many more. But the best laid plans... We had light failure on the freight trailer, whilst it was being fixed Helen had time to smell out the nearest offy and came back with 2 G & T's. We ended up two hours later than expected.

We arrived into Airlie Beach at 9.30pm checked into our accommodation Whitsunday on the Beach - a fantastic apartment right next to the lagoon.  Our bags got lashed into the room and off we went in search of food.

We both missed our mums tonight and called home to our over the moon mothers.  We had not spoke to them since Singapore!

We are now off on a sailing trip for a few days back on Saturday. 

See ya. 

Day 11 and 12 - Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Cairns

Sydney to Cairns to Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation to Cairns

Started the day around 8 am even though Tina slept till 9 !. Colette & Michael kindly drove us to Sydney airport even tho they were driving back into the city later that night. Arrive in good time. Managed to get some more fantastic food at the airport. No curly butties for us. Lol

On arrival to Cairns our transport was waiting to take us to Port Douglas along the coast road where the Pacific Ocean rolls on forever. 'By the Sea' was our destination accommodation and we really wished we were staying more than the one night.

We did not arrive till after the reception had closed and quickly realised that they would not be open when we left the next day – so where would we leave our bags!! - We contacted the owners on their emergency number and it was no problem they would come in early for us in the morning – nothing was any trouble for them.

We ventured out for the evening and went to the Central Hotel. Inside it seemed a little lets say rough but there is a lovely veranda with sofas to take in the night and a few gins.. ;-) On the way back we discovered an ice cream place that had 42 flavours – it was rude not to try at least one or two of them......

We were up early the next day for our long awaited Cape Tribulation tour with Daintree Discovery Tours. We were greeted by Adrian who was the most informative tour guide we have ever known. We were a small but elite group of 6 travellers with another honeymoon couple from New York and a couple from Scotland.

We started the day with morning tea on a secluded beach with the opportunity to go sea kayaking, we had a walk in the rain forest – getting shown the oldest fern in the world, palm trees,

untouched and amazing rain forest. We had a swim in a creek before lunch in the forest and an hour long trek through the rain forest with Adrian pointing out so many amazing things and we came upon a carroway – big bird looks like a cross between a turkey and an emu! 

We were then taken for a boat trip along the Daintree River to spot crocodiles, snakes, bird and frogs. The day was the best day yet – we are so glad we did it.

View on Beach

As our Cape Tribulation tour ended we stepped off the bus and our transfer transport to Cairns arrived. Perfect timing!!

We set off back along the coast road and arrived at Hides Hotel for one night it is ok we suppose but only one night mind.

We are writing this as we have just had a seafood rattler – which had marinated prawns, crumbed prawn cutlets, beer battered Spanish mackerel, salt & pepper calamari, barramundi, salad, chips and dipping sauces. We did not finish it all but had a good go!!

We are now off to find an internet wifi spot so we can post this.

We are up early again tomorrow as we are off to catch the greyhound bus at 7:45am! To Airlie Beach, where another adventure begins.............

Day 9 and 10 Sydney & Hunter Valley

Day 9 - Friday 12 Nov.  Today was our day to find the airport ! in order to pick up Colette and Michael from their flight from the UK.  We had a slight panic over whether we had to pay a toll or not or if  indeed the car had a device to pay for the toll for the motorway, we fought the early morning traffic, noticed that cyclists are allowed on the motorway!! and managed to park ok in time for their arrival at 07:30am.

Helen, Colette and Michael share one passion and that is Liverpool Football Club so Helen had made a YNWA sign (You'll never walk alone) and she proudly paraded it above her head outside the arrivals gate, the looks from people were so funny.

Despite traveling for god knows how many hours Michael insisted on driving home.

It was so good to see them as we had not seen them since the wedding and had plenty to catch up on.  We went out at lunchtime to the local pub for some food and got some shopping in for a barbie for tea. It was 30 degrees very hot and sticky so many dips in the pool were taken today.

We stayed outside most of the night chatting and drinking beer it was a great night.


Day 10 - Sat 13 Nov - Hunter Valley

Our day started at 7.30am in order for us to arrive in the Hunter Valley at 10.30.  Michael had volunteered to drive many weeks ago and was still happy to oblige.  We started wine 'tasting' at Peterson Champagne House where some delicious pink bubbly was the best so 2 bottles were purchased for Tina's birthday on the 26th, along with a new pink apron - for Tina of course!!

We then made a visit to the chocolate shop next door for a couple of smooth creamy chocs.

2nd wine tasting was at  directly opposite at Kevin Sobels Wines - we sampled a few but decided to leave as this was full of hen parties.

We then proceeded to Scarborough Wines which was the best by far on experience and taste, we purchased some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (2007).  We even managed to get a wine glass to take with us with the companies name on.

We then went and had a fantastic lunch at Blaxlands Inn, Steak for Helen and a very large Chicken and Mushroom Pie for Tina - it was yum and much needed to soak the alcohol up. 

Next stop was at First Creek which was interesting as you could see all the vats and barrels with the wine in but we think we had been spoilt with the wine at Scarborough that we decided not to purchase although Michael was persuaded with a nice Shiraz.

We decided to let Helen pick the next one and she chose a funny name Hanging Tree - this turned out to be set in the most loveliest of places  and it had a very nice but small range and we purchased a lovely chardonnay that will get drunk whilst we are here I am sure.

Our final stop was at Peterson House which by that time we had all had enough - but this winery has the best views for miles around so it was a great spot to take photos.

We travelled home with Helen, Tina and Colette all falling asleep within minutes of setting off.

We enjoyed a leisurely evening  packing for the next leg of the journey - we are off tomorrow to Cairns on a 1.25pm flight with Quantas - but don't worry it wont' be on an A380!!

Day 8 - Sydney - Three Sisters

This morning we had a sunny start to the day.  Helen cleaned the pool area ready for Colette & Michael's return home. Could really do this as a living. lol. After a light breakfast we headed out on our adventure to the Blue Mountains. 

After an hours drive we reached Katoomba and Echo Point.  Here we viewed the 3 Sisters rock formation and across the valley to the surrounding mountains.

We had been there about 20 mins and the thunder and lightening started.  Considering we had left a very hot Leonay wearing shorts and vests - we were suddenly freezing and getting wet.  We opted for the visitor centre after taking a few snaps, and quickly moved to the Three Sisters Cafe that served some very good coffee and ham and cheese croissants yum yum.

The weather certainly damped our spirits today and we headed back to Leonay.  We went to the local supermarket and got a healthy tea of chicken and ceasar salad. and sat out by the pool to enjoy a few beers (Michael and Colette have a beer fridge!) we found a few out of date slightly so had to drink them of course - be rude not too.

Did some last minute emails to forthcoming events and hotels just to confirm we will still be coming.  Tina decided to take the first swim of the season in the pool. Wasn't as cold as the pool in Ayers Rock.!


Just going to check on Colette & Michael's flight arrival as we pick them up from Sydney Airport on Friday morning.

Day 5,6 & 7 - Ayers Rock

Day 5 started with a very early bus (6.32am) to Emu Plains to catch 2 trains to the domestic terminal at Sydney Airport.  We managed to check in ok.

As we went through security they chose Helen for an explosive test - she was made up - it was just like the telly program, unfortunately they let her go as the test was negative!

The flight to Ayres Rock was 3 hours and they are 1 and half hours behind Sydney which is weird! Same country differing time zones....

We arrived to 35 degree heat with no airport security or passport control and 1 baggage carousel - small was the order of the day.

The resort is run by one company - the hotels they have are differing in style and price.  There is a resort bus which takes you around the complex which takes all of 15 mins.

We stayed at the Desert Gardens Hotel which was very nice with lovely pool and bar restaurant. We hired a car for 24 hours so walked round to the resort centre to pick it up.  The resort centre has a couple of shops, cafes and supermarket as well as the tour operators. We ate at the Gecko Cafe for lunch before taking the car back to the hotel. 

It was so hot that a dip in the pool was beckoning before a wee nap.  Dinner was at the Outback Pioneer nothing that special but we did have a couple of beers.

They say the world is a small place. And it really is as Helen bumped into a work mate and husband who were touring Oz at the same time. (Tracey and Baz Kabi). We said an early goodnight as a 4 o'clock start was heading our way.



Day 6 - We were up and out at 4.30am driving to the national park. We were 2nd in the queue waiting for the gates to open for the short drive to Ayers Rock for the sunrise.


It was quite magical watching the sun come over the desert and the rock changing its colours to red and brown with the sunrise creating a blue hue around it. 

It was well worth getting up so early for the experience of the sunrise.  We continued over to the Olgas after Ayers Rock and then headed back to the resort for a hearty breakfast.

We had a massage and total experience booked at 4.30pm so spent time at the pool and had a snooze before heading to the spa for what was an amazing chill out session.

We headed back to the Gecko Cafe for a delicious dinner and had a most lovely passion fruit cheesecake for dessert.

Day 7 - Check out was at 10am today so  we were up handy and went off for breakfast.  The flight back was 12:50 pm and was on time.  The weird thing was Helen was able to go in an out of the security checks to go and have a smoke - which is odd!!

We got back to Sydney about 5pm had a bit e to eat at the airport, caught the train then a bus and arrived back at Leonay about 9pm.  We had bought a bottle of pink Tattinger Champagne at Singaport airport and have decided to drink it whilst blogging and doing the washing!!

There are currently rolls of thunder above so we will see what happens overnight with the weather to decide what we do tomorrow.

Day 4 - Sydney

Today was started with a very lazy morning - all that gallivanting had left us with a need for sleep!!

The weather today was a better 25 degrees which meant shorts, t-shirts, hats and sun cream.

Helen & Koala

We  decided to stay local and after getting driving directions headed to Featherdale Wildlife Park. 

Trust us to meet some scousers on arrival as well!



















We saw kangaroos, koala's, peacocks, buzzards, eagle, kites, goats lots more and a tazamanian devil!

I am writing this whilst watching Helen removing a blockage from the cleaner for the pool - we are not swimming yet but you never know.

Tomorrow we are off again on our travels and have a very early start (6.32am bus!)  We were going to get the airport pick up man but are confident enough on the public transport point that we are going green all the way!!

Day 3 - Sydney

We are getting very proficient with the transport systems now and love the fact that on the trains you can turn the seats around if you want to travel backwards or forwards!

Today our journey took us to circular quay which is where the ferries to various places leave from and is the home of the Opera House.

The weather was a bit dire today (rain) but it did not stop us or the street entertainers!!  We walked around the outside of the opera house - did not realise how big it was.









We then caught the ferry over to Manly Beach - we watched the surfers and walked along the seafront.

We happened upon the Fish Cafe where we had the best and we mean the BEST fish and chips ever!!  If you ever go to Manly it is a must.


Today we were nodding off at the drop of a hat so  decided to head back home early and both of us slept on the train.  Funny thing happened on the train - the driver missed a stop! They pulled up just after it but could not reverse back so had to make an unscheduled stop for people to get off and cross over to get to their original stop.

We got off the train at home and went to Woolworths (yes that's right!)  It is the local supermarket, we stocked up on goodies to enjoy whilst watching TV tonight.

Day 2 Austrailia - Sydney

Yesterday we stayed home. Well Colette & Michael's home (Colette is Helen's Cousin).  Unpacked then  went for a stroll to the local 'corner' shop.  We decided to have a domino's pizza for tea as no inclination to cook.!!

After watching LFC against Napoli first thing on Friday (I may be on my honeymoon but it is Liverpool) Tina drove to

 for us to catch the intercity train into Sydney.  Journey took about 1 hour with few stops.  Sydney seems to be a maze of shopping centres all linked to the underground.  Which ever one we entered we always seemed to end up at Queen Victoria Building (QVB).


We then boarded the Sydney sightseeing bus for a tour to Bondi Beach. and surrounding Bays.  As the weather was not great(Better than Blighty) we said that swimming in the ocean was a no goer. 
We also took the bus round The Rocks and Darling Harbour. This is where the cruise liners dock if they can fit underneath The Bridge.

Tomorrow more sights around Sydney and maybe a trip to Manley Beach.

Singapore Day 3 and landing in Oz

Day 3  &4 and the jet lag waves are subsiding, only to go and gain/lose more hours on our trip to Sydney.

I am writing this whilst sat on Colette and Michael's sofa in Leonay, Australia feeling rather spaced out today.

Our 3rd day in Singapore was hot, hot, hot it was 33 Degrees and we found it difficult to not stay in the air con forever!!  We did the hop on-hop off bus and went over to China Town where the sights and smells and the temples were amazing.  We also made it to Raffles hotel for a Singapore Sling made with Bombay of course!

We arrived in Sydney today at 07:00am and were kindly met by the loveliest airport pick up man who took us to Colette and Michael's house.  The flight was very good and Singapore Airlines presented us with a a cake and champagne to celebrate our wedding (we are not sure how they knew yet??)

Singapore Day 2

Well last night we went off to Hard Rock Cafe and had a ball!!

We set the alarm  last night for 8.30am however the jet lag and the lack of a snooze button stopped us from getting breakfast - but we were up in time for our massage at 11am - it was so good - after the long journey the day before our backs needed it.

Today was a total hop on hop off experience as we went on a journey on the sightseeing tour to The Flyer (Big Wheel) (picture is from the top) which is also surrounded by the Formula 1 track - Helen and I did stand there going zooooommm zooooommm with strange looks from passers by!!

We also went to Little India which was excellent - I could have got everything for the wedding from there!  In Singapore there is a very large Indian population and the area has most certainly earned the title of Little India.

It was Tina's Mum's birthday today so we spoke to her and sang her happy birthday.  This was swiftly followed by a Japanese meal in the hotel restaurant which was very good but there was some strange textures going on.......

Finally we bid goodbye to Swaran the Duty Manager who was finishing tonight to spend time with his family and to celebrate Dwalli.

We are planning a fun filled day tomorrow, off to Raffles and China Town as well as getting some last minute bargains before we fly off to Sydney on a 10pm flight.  PS We have set a wake up call and set the alarm so we wont miss breakfast.

Day 1 in Singapore

After a 15 hour flight with a stop in Munich (where Helen found the smoking room!)  We have finally arrived in Singapore 8am local time.

We took a taxi from the airport and made the mistake of talking to the driver who proceeded to invite us to his massage place, and gave us his number for us to call him if we needed anything - this was after we had said we were together   He was odd to say the least and we were glad to get out of his car

On arrival at the hotel our bags were whisked away by the concierge and our jaws dropped as we entered the main hotel lounge.  This was not our check in area as we had booked a Horizon Club room and we were escorted to the 24th floor.   All checked in by two of the nicest men ever and we went to our room which I can only explain as heaven with views across Singapore and a bath room the size of my living room complete with two sinks plush is the word!!

The jet lag was starting to kick in and we slept in a bed big enough for 5 for 2 hours - waking refreshed we showered in a shower that could hold 7 people!!

We ventured to the lounge were we had complimentary tea, coffee juice and scones.  Off we went to the shops on the courtesy bus.  How many shops we said!!  All the names you can think of including a M&S....

Its hot, hot, hot and we welcomed the air conditioned shopping malls.  After a few hours we returned to the hotel to the lounge for complimentary cocktails and have just sat with the nicest couple Peter and Wendy from Eastbourne who were returning tonight after 8 weeks away.

Peter is a GP so we bemoaned the NHS etc and partook of tiger beer, wine and nibbles.

Just got back to the room were our bed has been turned down and fresh flowers put in the room. We are trying to stay awake right now and are off out for another walk.

See you!!