Bangkok-up
Hi all.
What a brilliant time time we had in New Zealand! We were treated like royalty and meeting all the family was a weird experience - it was like slotting in to a big jigsaw - hard to explain, but if you go - and you MUST - you will no doubt see what I mean! New Zealand is a beautiful country (especially South Island) and having family there is just the cream on the cake!
After our disappointment with the helicopter ride over the glaciers (well lack of it) we had more to come when our Whale Watching trip was cancelled due to strong winds. We did re-book for a few days later and we DID go out. Jill was worried about the boat before we even started, and when we booked in, they warned us that there was a 'seasickness warning' and that the swell was 1 - 2 metres! In a small boat that is quite high! I must say, I've been on less scary fairground rides!
We did see a whale - twice in fact, but photos and camcorder footage was left wanting because the swell made it hard to see the whale. The 'tail' shot was impossible both times - firstly because the first dive as a shallow one, so little or no tail popped up. The second one was immediatley swallowed by a wave. Ray and Verig - you spoiled things for us with YOUR footage - we may have to pinch that back again! In summary, a good experience albeit a little lacking. Jill most definatley did NOT like bouncing around in a small boat a couple of miles off shore and probably would not repeat the experience.
Anyway, we had a farewell Barbie which was brilliant - the weather was a bit off, but us 'guys' braved the storm (well light rain anyway!) and huddled as guys do round the BBQ. I did my best to supervise, but for once in my life knew I was surrounded by experts and didn't interfere. There was wall-to-wall steaks, Lamb chops, sausages, grillers as well as specially marinated fish and mussels in garlic butter! That was added to a HUGE spread of salads, dips etc., enough to feed the whale we almost took a picture of!
...the came the day to leave (sniff!). Lal, Val, Cissie, Mark and the kids, Steve (my new mate!) and Gags (Gareth to you) all came to see us off - not sure it was out of love or because they wanted to make sure we left! - kidding. It was sad to leave but I have to get back to work to PAY for the holiday now! So off we left for the long journey to Sydney - all 3 hours of it!
Not many people can say they went to Australia for the day, but WE did. It was funny to turn up with enough luggage for 3 months and when asked how long we'd be staying had to reply 'just 1 night'! It was a SHORT visit - we had a couple of hours in eveing to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and about 4 the next day to see Darling Harbour and the Rocks!
We had HUGE problems at the Airport when we tried to leave - our Hand luggage was soooo overweight! I had to argue the toss with one of the supervisors who eventually let us offload a load of stuff into carrier bags to bring each Flight Case down to less that 9Kgs and they also let us have Business Class Allowance! We may have the same problwm in 2 days time so watch this space!
We are now in Bangkok and I have to say, so far, we are pleasantly surprised. The Hotel is amazing - very upper class without making us feel uncomortable - 2 pools, 5 restaurants! We are right on the River which is WILD with boating traffic (water taxis, ferries, barges etc.,) all day and then Dinner Cruises, Floating Discos at night - the lights on they are hypnotic!
We have booked to see the Grand Palace tomorrow and then a Dinner Cruise in the evening. Our last day here is Tuesday and we have booked to see and Elephant Show (or possibly crocodiles apparantly) to I'll let you know how all that goes too!
Enough for now or I won't have anything to finish off with in a few days! Take care and we'll be home soon!
What a brilliant time time we had in New Zealand! We were treated like royalty and meeting all the family was a weird experience - it was like slotting in to a big jigsaw - hard to explain, but if you go - and you MUST - you will no doubt see what I mean! New Zealand is a beautiful country (especially South Island) and having family there is just the cream on the cake!
After our disappointment with the helicopter ride over the glaciers (well lack of it) we had more to come when our Whale Watching trip was cancelled due to strong winds. We did re-book for a few days later and we DID go out. Jill was worried about the boat before we even started, and when we booked in, they warned us that there was a 'seasickness warning' and that the swell was 1 - 2 metres! In a small boat that is quite high! I must say, I've been on less scary fairground rides!
We did see a whale - twice in fact, but photos and camcorder footage was left wanting because the swell made it hard to see the whale. The 'tail' shot was impossible both times - firstly because the first dive as a shallow one, so little or no tail popped up. The second one was immediatley swallowed by a wave. Ray and Verig - you spoiled things for us with YOUR footage - we may have to pinch that back again! In summary, a good experience albeit a little lacking. Jill most definatley did NOT like bouncing around in a small boat a couple of miles off shore and probably would not repeat the experience.
Anyway, we had a farewell Barbie which was brilliant - the weather was a bit off, but us 'guys' braved the storm (well light rain anyway!) and huddled as guys do round the BBQ. I did my best to supervise, but for once in my life knew I was surrounded by experts and didn't interfere. There was wall-to-wall steaks, Lamb chops, sausages, grillers as well as specially marinated fish and mussels in garlic butter! That was added to a HUGE spread of salads, dips etc., enough to feed the whale we almost took a picture of!
...the came the day to leave (sniff!). Lal, Val, Cissie, Mark and the kids, Steve (my new mate!) and Gags (Gareth to you) all came to see us off - not sure it was out of love or because they wanted to make sure we left! - kidding. It was sad to leave but I have to get back to work to PAY for the holiday now! So off we left for the long journey to Sydney - all 3 hours of it!
Not many people can say they went to Australia for the day, but WE did. It was funny to turn up with enough luggage for 3 months and when asked how long we'd be staying had to reply 'just 1 night'! It was a SHORT visit - we had a couple of hours in eveing to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and about 4 the next day to see Darling Harbour and the Rocks!
We had HUGE problems at the Airport when we tried to leave - our Hand luggage was soooo overweight! I had to argue the toss with one of the supervisors who eventually let us offload a load of stuff into carrier bags to bring each Flight Case down to less that 9Kgs and they also let us have Business Class Allowance! We may have the same problwm in 2 days time so watch this space!
We are now in Bangkok and I have to say, so far, we are pleasantly surprised. The Hotel is amazing - very upper class without making us feel uncomortable - 2 pools, 5 restaurants! We are right on the River which is WILD with boating traffic (water taxis, ferries, barges etc.,) all day and then Dinner Cruises, Floating Discos at night - the lights on they are hypnotic!
We have booked to see the Grand Palace tomorrow and then a Dinner Cruise in the evening. Our last day here is Tuesday and we have booked to see and Elephant Show (or possibly crocodiles apparantly) to I'll let you know how all that goes too!
Enough for now or I won't have anything to finish off with in a few days! Take care and we'll be home soon!
posted by Adrian and JIll | 2:48 PM
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