So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye!

Well we've almost come to the end of our holiday. I can hardly believe it. And you know, even after 6 and a half weeks away I still wish we could stay here just a little longer. We have had such a fabulous time with Jenine and Richard, we have been laughing for 3 days straight. It has been the perfect end to our holiday.
So now it's time to say 'goodbye' to cummingsandgoings and I have to say a big thank you to you all for sharing our adventures with us. It was a major part of our day to come in, log on and read your comments and emails. It made is feel connected and somehow not quite so far away.
We now have a plane to catch and just one last bottle or so of bubbles to consume in the air. We can't wait to see you all. So I guess it's all round to ours to see the photos!
Love
Fiona and Robert xx

Chilling out in California!

Well we've almost come to the end of our holiday but we're going out on a high staying with Richard and Jenine here in Carlsbad.We were greeted at the local airport by Richard wearing this sign! It was a welcome sight at the end of a very long day. We had a stop-over in Tahiti which afforded us views of the airport lounge but at least we were greeted back on board the plane with Veuve Cliquot - it would have been rude to refuse even at 2.30am! I have to say that Immigration in LA was very swift even though I had dreaded it, but the woman there was VERY scary!
I think we may have to move to California - we haven't seen Jenine for 9 years and both she and Richard look younger than ever. I want some of that!

Pic catch up

These are (hopefully!) photos of the views from our room in Pacific Resort Aitutaki.
And one taken on our Lagoon Cruise. Beautiful or what?

Sad news

Just before we leave our lovely cool room with a view for a long day ahead we have sad news to report. Gordon Gecko has met a very sad end. We heard a strange noise in the air-conditioning unit and saw a tail wriggling frantically. Realising it was Gordon (or one of his mates) we shut the thing down only for Gordon's tail to be spat out - still wriggling - minus head and body. I am very very sad.
The Island Evening did indeed involve attractive women in not so much grass skirts as grass belts and some very impressive hip wiggling and shaking. I spent the entire evening in a state of controlled panic in case there was 'audience participation' something I dread. And indeed there was. But it was Robert who was asked to participate and not me. He declined. Thank God as everyone else who did get up made complete tits of themselves!

It's a hard life!

Today is the first day in 5 weeks that we have had a full day of just chilling out and it has gone something like this: leisurely breakfast followed by a relax on the deck, a stroll along the beach for 25 minutes which rendered us exhausted and sweating unattractively, retreat to air-conditioned room to cool down, chill on deck, swim/snorkel, dry off then lunchtime drinks. Relax in sun on deck, swim/snorkel, swim in infinity pool, shower, relax. Now typing this on deck before 'island evening'. No idea what the latter entails but I think it may involve very attractive women dancing in grass skirts!
At the bar the barman asked where we were from, when we replied 'London' he looked askance and said 'you don't look as though you're from England, you're all tanned up!' Robert is indeed as tanned as ever whilst I am tanned up on arms and face and have my customary stripes on my back and chest a result of different tops on different days and varying amounts of high-factor suncream!
We will leave Aitutaki tomorrow with very very fond memories and head to California so a personal note to Richard and Jenine: 'THE FREELOADERS ARE ON THEIR WAY'! And I do believe we are in for a hellish ordeal at LA on the immingration front so a very large drink may be the order of the day when we hit Carlsbad! Can't wait to see you guys.

A Room with a View!

Sadly you'll just have to imagine the view for the moment, bit of a glitch with the photo!
Have been on a cruise of the lagoon today - ANOTHER boat trip! I must admit that after around 11 times on a boat this holiday I was feeling a bit boated out before we set off, but it was truly fantastic. I know I keep going on about this but the water is the most amazing range of shades from pale turquoise to almost a jade. It is so peaceful and just the most perfect place to relax. We had to weave our own plates out of palm leaves on th journey. Mine was crap, Robert had to bail me out -again! (Not literally obviously, the boat was perfectly safe!) And One-Foot Island where we ate lunch was a real desert island and very hot! We've got a stamp in our passport to prove we've been there though.
There seems to be a flourishing amount of wildlife on Aitutaki; goats on the roadside, hens running around the hotel and even falling asleep under the table on our deck, and the funniest big crabs around. One bit of wildlife decided to share our bedroom last night - Gordon Gecko was tip-tapping under the beams against the rattan ceiling. Not a problem. Until it croaked from a point right behind us at which point I flew out of bed shouting 'OhmyGodOhmyGod!' and it took ages before I could get back to sleep. Mind you it probably shocked the poor gecko quite a bit too!I didn't even know they could make a noise.

Groundhog Day!

We flew to Rarotonga yesterday and arrived the day before we set off, how cool is that?!! So now instead of being 13 hours ahead of London we're 10 hours behind you - it takes some getting your head around doesn't it? But please God I don't end up waking up where I was this morning. It said it was a 'boutique' hotel but was actually more like a Youth Hostel - nightmare! Especially at 10pm + when everything was closed. At least there was fizz in the fridge and even though we had drunk more than enough on the plane we opened that to drown our sorrows.
BUT if I wake up everyday where I am now...I will be a happy girl. They say that Aitutaki is the best place in the world and you think yeah yeah that's tourist talk but actually flying in and you see the lagoon all around the island and then arrive here it really is paradise.
I was hoping to post a photo but am having to use the computer at the hotel - hopefully tomorrow. We have swum in the lagoon and Robert has snorkelled and seen lots of fish including an electric blue starfish. I am a wimp and don't like anything over my face (!) but even I can see everything if I wear my goggles and breathe in!
It's worth checking out the Pacific Resort Aitutaki on Google just to see the lagoon

Goodbye New Zealand!

Well we are leaving New Zealand this morning and heading for the Cook Islands for a chill before we freeload with Richard and Jenine in Carlsbad and we are SO looking forward to seeing them again.
We have really loved Queenstown, it's buzzy withour being too cool for its own good. It feels like a ski resort surrounded as it is by mountains and a huge lake, and of course it IS a ski resort in winter when apparently it is party town. And I can believe that.
Yesterday we did a quick tour taking in the sight of the first bungy jump. We did see 2 jumpers but weren't tempted ourselves. Then on to see the place where a scene from 'Lord of the Rings' was filmed before a wine tasting - yummy!
Hope you are all well and happy. Looking forward to seeing you all again, and it won't be too long now.

Flying High!

We're now in Queenstown and have just had a MAJOR thrill! We went to Milford Sound this morning, early start, long coach journey. The scenery is spectacular lots of mountains, lots of waterfalls. The journey on the Sound itself is great too, and we got soaked - the photo was taken before that (just to prove I am where I say I am and not shirking Ian!) Anyway we were due to fly back on a small plane but due to the weather it wasn't going to be able to take off. There was no way we were going to suffer another 4 hours on the coach so we took the alternative - a helicopter! Now I don't know about you but whenever I think of helicopters I think of big metal things (preferably with soldiers leaping out of them) and then we saw this one....it was a bubble with blades, held 4 passengers and the pilot, and guess who was sitting up front?? It was FANTASTIC! We soared and dived through the mountains and looked as though we were heading straight for them then up up and suddenly the whole of the valley was below us. And then we landed on a glacier - hence the photo. It was the thrill of the holiday for me. Awesome.
Apologies for 2 photos at once, there will probably be no more of me - honest!

Whale of a time!

We flew down to Christchurch on...let me see, where are we now? Oh yes it must have been Thursday (the days are blurring into one a little bit now.)We had been told that Christchucrh is very 'English' and it is: the River Avon meandering its way through the city, quaint little houses, a crappy department store and youths running amok in the evening. Although quite frankly I'm not surprised about the last bit, you should see the school uniform the boys have to wear: shorts, LONG SOCKS and blazers! And when you see strappng 6ft boys walking around like that, well it's just wrong.
Yesterday we went on a coach to go whalewatching. I don't 'do' coaches as a rule as it means making nice with strangers, but actually they were all very nice. The coach driver was great and had the palest blue eyes I have ever seen. He also had a nice line in understatement: 'there's a bit of grief up ahead' = a lorry's just gone over the cliff!
Anyway after lovely fine days we had a day of fog and rain so couldn't see much on the drive up. (Apart from sheep - lovely big fat healthy sheep I'm glad to say.) The boat was very fast and Robert and I thought very smooth but lots of people were going green about the gills before we saw our whale. A magnificent 18m long one spouting out and lying on the surface as sperm whales do before they dive. And then there was his tail fluke as he went. If you're not an animal lover then you won't understand but seeing that brought tears to my eyes and shivers to the spine. It was the only whale we saw but it was a thrill. Not so much on the way back when people were vomiting prolifically and you all know how I feel about that!
A wine-tasting on the way home was fun and then back to The George for a chill.
The day is cold again today. Just going for a wander around Christchurch and we'll try not to get mugged!(I'm only joking it's not really bad. In the daytime.)
I've had to wear jeans and cargo pants for the last 2 days Jules, it's not good!!!

Dodgy Geyser!

It's been a day of firsts and pleasant surprises. As we're in the area of so much geothermal activity we went to Wai-O-Tapu to see what it was all about. First up was the geyser above - Lady Knox Geyser - which erupts at 10.15am precisely, thanks to some added soap! After man's intervention on that front we could be forgiven for a certain amount of scepticism for the sights to come, but in reality they were amazing. Now my knowledge of geology is virtually non-existent so it's over to Stan and Edward for a quick lesson on our return. What I do know is that the landscape created by so much underground activity is nature in the raw. Like a prehistoric film set in technicolour. And there was a Champagne Pool bubbling away too!
However the best thing for us was the mud pool which wasn't part of the area but which mesemerised me so much we stayed for ages. You could hear the mud bubbling, gurgling and plopping before you saw it. And then little mounds in a trembling lake suddenly erupted spurting out great grey plumes. It made me laugh and it was entrancing.
Just as we had to see kangaroos and koalas in Oz so we had to track down the Kiwi in NZ. Sadly it is now endangered so we went to a native wildlife place to see one. Now I'm a bit scared of birds but this one is very cute: fluffy and big and unable to fly, snuffling around in the dark with its long beak. I'm glad we saw one.
On returning to Rotorua we had a stroll around the lake and what a surprise that was. Away from the town it was a real haven of wildlife. I've never seen so many swans before, black ones too.
It's been a real day of contrasting landscapes. A good day. We head off for Christchurch tomorrow. It's been a week since we last went on a plane - and that's a long time for us!

Coming up smelling of sulphur!

These are 2 pics from yesterday - Hot Water Beach and a beach which sums up New Zealand so far - blue sea, white sands and empty!
Drove to Rotorua today - more twisty roads, more forests etc. A couple of things struck us though: since we've been in NZ we've seen a lot more cows than sheep, strange when you never hear about New Zealand Beef. I love cows so I'm always happy to see them but some look terribly bony, that makes me very sad. Also at some picnic areas there were lots of hens running about. Where did they come from? Very odd.
Rotorua is one of the busiest places we've been to yet and a bit of a mish-mash - a long street of shops, bars and restaurants and then a huge lakefront with nothing. That's the best bit because it's nice and quiet.And my God the smell - a waft of sulphur hits you as you drive in and never seems to leave. It's the area of lots of underground activity - geysers, mud pools and the like, that's why everyone comes here I guess.
I had intended to have a run in the gym but felt a bit knackered so went for a swim instead, then we tried one of the private geothermal baths. Now that WAS an experience. It looks like a deep murky pool but actually the water is clear it just has millions of bits of ash floating about in it. And you should have smelt us when we go out! Now I'm not sure what effect the water is supposed to have but sadly I look just the same as I did when I went in. I don't think I'll ever smell the same again though!

Not so Pukka Puka

The QM2 thing proved to be fun, if a little long. The ship is massive and I suppose very impressive. It looks like a cuise ship should anyway. But I guess someone once said that about the Titanic! It was fun following in the flotilla as she left. Not quite so much when our captain seemed hell-bent on being on the last boat following her. At one stage we thought we would end up back in Sydney!
Yesterday we drove down to Panaunui to stay at the Puka Park Lodge. The drive was impressive as always: long mountainous twisty-windy roads. When we arrived at the hotel we were met by a film crew and staff so intent on having their 15 seconds (it was a short film) of fame that we guests were very much an irritant. I'm not sure who the manager is but I'm pretty sure he's tall, has a moustache and goes by the name of Basil.We were told that our room would be 10 minutes. Fine, chance to have a drink, catch up on my journal etc. So we messed around for 45 mins only to be told that the room would be another hour! And so it has gone on...and on...Don't get me started about the meal last night(because it's annoying isn't it Adrian?!) But I do think that Pietr the Porter(yes really) deserves a special mention because if I haven't punched him in his stupid face before we leave tomorrow it will be a miracle bigger than the wine and water thing.
I have to say that the setting of the hotel is superb and our chalet large and airy, but the whole thing was breaking point for me yesterday. It felt like we'd been away from home for a long LONG time.
However today is another day and we've had a great time. We went to Hot Water Beach when 2 hours either side of low tide you can dig a hole which fills with hot water from a volcanic spring below. It was a fun place and kind of unique. I'm pretty sure that kind of thing doesn't go on at Leigh-on Sea!
On our way home we stopped at a lookout on a mountain top which afforded a panorama of forests, clear blue seas and islands in the distance. It was just the kind of view that my dad would have loved.

Late Pics

We drove back from Bay of Islands this morning - lovely views, lovely relaxed drive, until we got to Auckland. What should have taken us 5 mninutes took us more than 45. And why was that? I hear you ask. Well a certain Queen Mary 2 is moored in the harbour. Now correct me if I'm wrong but should a cruise liner like that sail up the Thames I really don't imagine the whole of London would snarl up. Ok so it is her maiden round the world voyage, and there will be fireworks. And at this point I have a big confession to make. I know that I said that massive cruise liners are my idea of a nightmare and QM2 is the biggest of all nightmares, but this evening we are going out on a much smaller boat to view the aforementioned fireworks from the water then watch QM2 sail off into the distance. Cheesy? You bet it is. Could be a really bad 3 hours if the mix of people is wrong and of course there's no way yet of knowing what that mix will be. But you know what, a bit of cheese never did anyone any harm, we're never going to do it again, and besides, what else were we going to do in Auckland on a Saturdaay night?
Have a great weekend.

happy happy birthday Robert

Well happy birthday and hope you celebrated sufficiently and what a way to go to escape us all.Sounds fantastic trip -serenaded by dolphins and sunshine.Love the photos and details of your day to day adventures.Missing absolutely nothing here-so don't rush back.Have a great birthday and look forward to hearing the next installment.with love from Stan Susan Edward Fi

challenge new malden

hi, everytime I try and send note all crashes badly.Ed had 2 hour lecture on sedimentology so hopefully geothermic reactions are next.Sounds amazingly fantastic -very jealous of everything you have seen.Nothing quite like it here though.Enjoy the rest of your time away, and looking forward to the slide show.Love Stan Susan Ed Fi

Happy Birthday Bobby!

No photos I'm afraid as the Internet wouldn't work in our room so having to use Internet Cafe in Russell. A pity really as have some good ones today, guess you'll have to wait until tomorrow.
So, we drove from Auckland to Paihia yesterday and what a drive it was, like Scotland but with lots of tree ferns amongst the spruces. We didn't have high hopes for the place we're staying after a negative comment on the Internet (but don't believe everything you read on there Ian, isn't that right?!)But actually the Paihia Beach resort and Spa is great, right opposite the beach and with a great swimming pool, plus our suite has two bedrooms just in case we have a row!!
The morning started with a chorus of 'Happy Birthday' from Yorkshire which Robert was thrilled about, then it was off for a Dolphin Cruise. Now after our luck on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Blue Mountains, we weren't holding out much hope and an hour in we hadn't seen anything. Then we saw a Bottlenose called Popeye which was a thrill in itself, but better was to come. We suddenly found ourselves in the middle of literally hundreds of Common dolphins. It was incredible and really quite moving. They were leaping and swimming alongside the boat. And even better, we then spotted 2 Fin Whales. We'd never seen whales before so that was a major thrill.
Coming back, Robert lay on the bow and had dolphins inches from his face. He was totally exhilerated. Saved me a present!!!!

Happy Valentines Day

(Never sure whether there's supposed to be an apostophe there or not!)
It's easy to see why they call Auckland 'the city of sails' there are boats wherever you look, from very small yachts, through what they term 'super yachts' (stonking great things - definitely my idea of what a boat should be like) through to massive cruise liners which dwarf the surroundng buildings (my idea of what a nightmare boat looks like!) We sailed around the harbour this afternoon: I kind of like seeing what a city looks like from the water. It's a nice city but not one you could spend a week in. We did discover a nice district called Parnell this morning. It was a longish walk to get there, but worth it. Lots of lovely little boutiques, wine bars and restaurants down hidden little passages. It's a pity it's not nearer to our hotel because that's definitely where we'd be dining this evening. As it is we're maybe going to one of the restaurants on the harbour. The first sign of any red roses though and I'm out of there!
It's been great to hear from so many of you today - a phone call from Pam and Geoff was a nice surprise this morning, the posting from Serena and a very funny Blue Mountain card from Chris and Nigel. Thank you all. You've made Robert slightly older than he actually is because it's not his birthday until Friday, but he was thrilled anyway!
Moving on to Bay of Islands for a couple of nights tomorrow.
Hope you all have a lovely day.

Nearly halfterm

Dear Fiona and Robert

Glad to see you are having fun except for the mossies! We actually saw the sun today.. all sounds exciting where you are...

Three days to go, am ready for a well earned rest, nothing stunning to report except have finally bought a new car, Michael says its a bit 'girly', a Silver Pluriel C3 cabriolet....not recommended on Top Gear but then I like the open top bit and something I can park round Earlsfield.

We are down to Kent on Fri, back Sun then I take Mum and Dad to see Hamish and Liz in Brighton on Mon, my old car is going to be re-cycled down there. Hopefully measuring up for new hall carpet at flat on Tue before it rots completely.

Tim and Teri have come back from their cooking at Ric St in Padstow, seemingly thoroughly enjoyed it so more than likely I will be treated to a re- Acreation.

Unfortunately Jackie's dad has been in hospital with kidney failure but Vic appeared quite lucid last night, might be different when he receieves the electricity bill in 000000

Anyway hope you got your birthday text if not Happy Birthday from afar

love SERENAxxx

Kia Ora

No that's nothing to do with that dreadful stuff we used to drink at the cinema, it's a Maori greeting meaning 'be well' and I thought it fitting as we are now in New Zealand.
Our day started very early in a still foggy and damp Katoomba from where we had a 2 hour limo ride back to Sydney airport. We finally drove across the Harbour Bridge and had a last glimpse of the Opera House. Very sad.
You will be pleased to hear Jennie that I DID have a glass of champagne (and a bit) in the lounge just after 10-ish, then it was a lovely cosy flight on to Auckland. Now the city isn't as stylish as Sydney by any means but we're in a buzzy part of it right on the harbour and it feels like a good place to be.
We're staying in the Sebel Suites which we booked as I was having a panic about having to eat out every night and it has proved to be a good choice tonight as we were tired, not really hungry but just wanted to chill out with a few nibbles and a bottle of fizz (I know, I really must stop!) and that's exactly what we've done - sitting on our balcony watching everyone doing their thing below us. And that's where the photo is taken from.
I am going to sound extremely sad now but I am ridiculously excited that the suite has a washing machine and a dryer so I can get to grips with the laundry which is kind of building up. Anyway enough of that now, let me get back to my drink!
Have a good day. Missing you.

Hard to Bear!

I would love to tell you that the Blue Mountains are absolutely gorgeous but I wouldn't know because we haven't seen any. Literally. We left Sydney in sunshine yesterday and just before we arrived at Katoomba the fog came and has never left. And today it has poured down every single minute. It has been too heavy to set foot outside so we have been relaxing in the comfort of Lilianfels, our hotel. We feel as though we are somewhere in the Cotswolds - afternoon tea, restrained elegance and lots of Japanese people filming everything in sight! We did have a lovely long swim in the rather special pool which we had to ourselves and I discovered that my swimming attire is NOT suitable for backstroke (the maintenance man got more of an eyeful than he bargained for I fear!) On the note of swimming Robert would like me to tell you that we went to Bondi Beach before we left Sydney. It was a bit disappointing really, not the beautiful people we had expected and a bit seedy like any seaside town, but the surfing was very cool.
This is our last day in Australia and we're sad to be leaving. It's been fun but we're looking forward to the next part of our adventure in New Zealand.
Can I just give a general apology for any typos which may occur on the blog or in emails. I don't have spell check on either and although I do try to correct any mistakes I spot I do know that some are slipping through. SORRY!

I am a Laydee...!

We've been in Sydney for 2 days now, so what have we been up to? Well, we've been on a harbour cruise, walked miles across the city (the only way to see anywhere), had fizz outside the Opera House and watched people braver than ourselves climbing Harbour Bridge, we had a fab meal with Jane and her family on her terrace with the city spread out beneath us. We've seen a koala at last, explored The Rocks and done some shopping (well it would be rude not to!)
I love it here because a) anything goes at any time - from the tiniest shorts to the full works with stilletoes (although I've told Robert 'no' to those) b) people commute on boats, how cool is that? c) it seems quite normal for people to be drinking at 10.30 in the morning although (and Nigel I'm talking to you here) I haven't done that myself and d) everyone really does say 'no worries' all the time - and means it.
I will be really really sad to leave here tomorrw. 3 nights hasn't been long enough.
So to the title. Well apparently U2 always stay here at the Park Hyatt whenever they are in town so as we were havng breakfast I said to Robert 'I wonder if there's anyone famous here at the moment' and literally 2 minutes later who should sit next to us but David Walliams and the very attractive actress in 'Neighbours' who used to be a nun (I think, I don't watch it). Now she WAS gorgeous, but...You see I'm not too much of a Laydee to dish the dirt!

Sydney Calling!

Just after I'd posted yesterday we had a blackout on Hayman caused by the adverse weather conditions, which was pretty scary at the time. Then when we returned the room we had notification of a 'cyclone warning' - the peak time estimated to be around 4 this afternoon. All night the wind raged and I was convinced that we wouldn't get away. We dutifully got up at 4.45am, were on the boat at 6.30 (I KNOW - I can get ready in 15 minutes I could have had an extra hour in bed!) the boat was choppy but after yesterday anything was OK then we landed to discover that our plane had been cancelled and the next one (if we were lucky) would leave at 14.30. Even Robert was saying he wanted to come home!
He did get us into the lounge on the strength of a RTW business ticket which made the wait bearable and finally at 15.30 we took off. I have never been so relieved for an aircraft to leave the ground before. But how perfect is Sydney for our next destination?! I love it here. I have seen photos of the Opera House so many times but it sill made me gasp to see it floodlit in reality. And the bridge. and the gorgeous buildings on the harbourside. And the cool bar with live salsa music. And the fact that I rang Jane who we met at Longtitue 131 and she was so thrilled to hear from us that she invited us over to share Friday evening with her friends and family. So after a really crappy day there is a massive silver lining. I like it here!

What a Wash-out!

The Great Barrier Reef - that means calm waters, clear-blue skies, fish nibbling your ankles right?! Well WRONG WRONG WRONG here today. Thank God we are good sailors in a having strong stomachs kind of a way, not fiddling about in the rigging. I have never been on such a rough sea crossing. It was like 'The Perfect Storm' all over again, only not so perfect for us. And 1 1/2 hours each way ...bit of a nightmare really. Poor Robert was all geared up to go snorkelling (well he hadn't quite got into his latex suit but you know what I'm saying here) and then they stopped anyone going out because it was so rough. I was quite relieved actually, because it looked pretty damn scary from where I was standing. Scuba diving looked like the best option, so Martin Groves you'd better pass on your expertise when we get home. You would have loved it here.
Sydney tomorrow. And guess what? They're forecasting storms - fan-bleeding-tastic!
Really really missing you all now.

Pictures at last!

Naked Traveller!

We got up at the unearthly hour of 4am for our onward journey to Hayman Island and that has kind of been how the day has continued. At the airport we were told that our cases were too heavy as the plane was only small so we had to decant some stuff into awful little laundry-type bags and these would follow on the next plane - tomorrow. AND HURRY BECAUSE YOU DON"T HAVE MUCH TIME. So there we were dragging our clothes out for all the airport to see - knickers and bras flying everywhere, it wasn't good. She eventually let our cases go even though Robert's was still slightly heavy. We got to Hamilton Island boarded the very smart launch, had a reviving glass of Bucks Fizz (at 10am) and were then told that we only had 1 piece of luggage - all 4 others would arrive, all being well, weather permitting etc. etc. tomorrow. So poor Robert only has the clothes he arrived in and has had to buy a pair of Crocs as his mosquito bites were too itchy in his trainers. We're both bitten to death and look as though we have measles!
The Hayman Island resort is pretty flash - massive pools, the rooms are all spacious suites, and there are lots of restaurants (but none with any food I really want to eat). It is supposed to be the perfect place for honeymooners but all we seem to have seen so far are drunken Aussie blokes necking great goldfish bowls of cocktails.
It can only get better I guess.

The Rain it Raineth....

I must admit to having my first strop of the holiday this morning. You know it's alright people telling you that 'at least the rain is warm' but it's still wet isn't it? And from 7 this morning it was teeming down. Not fun. Not fun especially as we are leaving at 4.30 tomorrow morning and we were warned yesterday that if the rain gets too heavy the road floods and they have to get a boat out. Really not fun.
But after a grumpy breakfast we got a lift into Port Douglas. And the rain cleared up. As it's rainy season everywhere is very very quiet, which is good. Port Douglas was one street full of funky bars, clothes shops and 'bottle shops'. Great when it's quiet, not so great in the height of the season I would imagine. But we enjoyed it. had a drink overlooking the sea, then came back to Silky Oaks for a a swim in the saltwater pool which is sort of a free-flowing part of the rainforest and pretty cool.
The hotel is very quiet, there only seems to be about 10 of us staying this evening. A meal overlooking the river then an early night - with 'brekkie bags' in the room for us so we don't go hungry tomorrow morning!

Bad Hair Day!

Well it is POURING down here, but I guess you might just expect that in the rainforest - in rainy season!
I seem to be doomed to look crap on holidays. In Zambia I looked like a wreck every day and bloody hell you should see me now! Or maybe I'm glad that you can't. We've been on our rainforest walk which sounded all nice and lovely despite the rain, until we were told to spray ourselves with vinegar because leeches don't like it. EXCUSE ME? So with that, even if a tree kangaroo had fallen down on me I wouldn't have noticed because I was so worried about the blood-suckers. Fortunately we didn't encounter any but were eaten alive by mosquitoes as we were hand feeding some tame kangaroos! Bloody hell this is supposed to be a holiday! Actually it was worth it to see the kangaroos close up. Went on a river cruise and saw some crocs. so quite a good wildlife-spotting day all in all. Especially me looking like a gonk! No photographs I promise you.
Going to hit the gym now.
ps We're staying at Silky Oaks hence yesterday's title!

A Silky Stretch!

We flew from 40 and dry heat at Ayers Rock this morning to Cairns and 30 with 90% humidity this afternoon. Phew! A major surprise was that we were met by a stretch limo for the hour drive into the rainforest - I LOVED that despite myslelf. but no champagne, what's all that about then?! Our treehouse is bang in the rainforest but they assure us that there are no serious bugs around. Will keep this brief as there is only in computer in the resort. And it's dial-up! you may not hear from me for a while!

Going Walkabout!

The meal under the stars last night was wonderful and we met some lovely people. In fact we're hoping to meet up with a couple when we get to Sydney which is cool. The 4am start was actually a pleasure in our fab bedroom. At the start of our drive though I did question the wisdom of it when we spent almost an hour driving around Uluru to find that it looked like - a big rock! However when the sun came up and we started our 9km walk around the base it all made sense.
This afternoon we had another walk, learnt more aborigine tales and had champagne and canapes in a clearing - perfection! More lovely people too.
In all honesty 2 days at Ayers Rock is probably enough but at Longtitude 131....? Well that's another story!
Hope you're all well and happy and not too cold. Missing you.

Bowled Over!

I discovered yesterday evening why Perth was so busy when we drove back - there was a certain cricket match between England and New Zealand apparently.We only discovered when a whole load of people tipped up in the bar at the hotel when we were having a drink and we asked the barman what was going on. Then the boys themselves trooped in looking a bit glum. All except Freddie who was mouthing something to someone in the bar. Not me. Well I don't think it was, I have no idea what he was saying if it was!
Anyway we are at Ayers Rock and in our trip to Oz there were just 2 places I insisted upon staying at, one being Longtitude 131 where we are now. And I was bang on the money. It is the best place I have ever stayed in my whole life EVER. Not only are the views breathtaking, and I don't use that expression lightly - Uluru smack bang out of the floor-length windows in the bedroom, but the decor is super stylish and luxurious. And there's a help yourself bar!!!Champagne, the works.
We've just been on a trip to Uluru (mixed bag of fellow guests, guess you can't have everything!) and are going to dine under the stars later after a sundowner. A 4am start tomorrow though....
Sorry no photo, using the computer at Longtitude.

Not such Perth-ect timing

For those of you expecting to see a photo of me holding a koala at this point, all I can say is that you've been spared. Time ran out for us after our drive back from Margaret River and we opted for a visit to Fremantle instead. In retrospect we should have opted for the furry ones.
Fremantle is a real mix of styles and has some very funky bars, coffee shops and the rudest T-shirts on the planet (I gave them a miss as I didn't think they would go down well at Ayers Rock!) It was also kind of quiet around the back streets and as Robert remarked the buildings looked as though they were cardboard cut-outs.
Driving back towards Perth someone ran into the back of us. It wasn't serious, no-one was hurt but it's just hassle all round. Exchanging details etc. delayed us so we hit Perth (bad choice of expression) in rush hour: it certainly wasn't KL, it wasn't even central London but it was BUSY. Glad to get back to the hotel really.
A week has already gone and it has flown past. No drinking at lunchtime, but no working out either. Am definitely going to have a drink now and sod the run!

Spit or Swallow?!

I was a bit disappointed yesterday that we didn't see any kangaroos. I thought they'd be popping about all over the place. But today we saw these guys as soon as we drove out of the hotel. I've yet to see one jumping though!
We did the driving touristy bit this morning - Margaret River, Augusta, some lighthouse or other - the sea is the most beautiful aquamarine and inland there are just acres of vines. The driving is very relaxing, not that I've done any personally of course, but the roads are great and very quiet.
We thought we should 'do' a vineyard (well it would be rude not to) so chose Vasse Felix which was the first in the area. So to spit or swallow? Well the latter of course! You only get a couple of sips per glass and as we only did the one vineyard we were allowed to taste them properly (or not so properly if you're a wine buff I guess). If you sampled at all 100+ vineyards though you would be in trouble! I can heartily recommend the Vasse Felix Semillon 2005 (Robert wasn't too impressed with the Shiraz though!)

G'DAY!

I must confess that I wrote the last post in KL airport as I said (no dancing ensued though) but could not post until now when we have finally arrived in Oz. We landed at Perth at 2am but were spared nightmare immigration queues by being off the plane sharpish!
Robert woke up with a dodgy tummy which meant the prospect of a 3 hour drive to Margaret River wasn't exactly a pleasant one! However we finally made it. We did discover that not having a map was a slight drawback resulting in the jouney taking 4+hours involving retracing of steps various times but it was through vineyards so it was quite pleasant! Cape Lodge where we are staying is certanly worth the drive - it overlooks a lake and is calmness itself. We're just having very English afternoon tea in the Drawing Room (very English in the respect that 2 of us are tapping away on our laptops) and we're just going to chill out later hoping that Robert recovers in time fo some wine-tasting tomorrow!

Our Hosts in KL

Here's the lovely Kula, Ray and their two gorgeous boys! We said a very sad farewell to them a short time ago. They have shown us the real Malaysia and we feel privileged to have had such generous guides. Who'd have thought Robert would have been getting down and dirty with a plateful of crab last night (I gave that a miss) and noodles and dim sum for breakfast!
We're now sitting in the airport at KL having a glass of wine and listening to ABBA (if 'Dancing Queen' comes on I'm up there!) and waiting for our flight back to Singapore. We don't have too long a wait there (hopeully) before our flight to Perth. What a difference in cultures! The heat is pretty much the same though, although maybe not so humid in Oz. We leave here when it is 34C and are heading to temperatures of 40C apparently. Oh gosh sorry, it's kind of cold for you guys in England isn't it? Missing you all.

Keeping Cool in KL!

This is an added bonus of our trip as we're staying with Kula and Raymond in KL. It's a year since they left London and we've missed them so it's great to see them here in their new home. And ever since we landed yesterday afternoon we have been SPOILT! They introduced us to the delights of KL traffic (Robert is now totally bald after near misses with several scooters) and some different culinary experiences which we would never have dared try without their guidance. We travelled to the top of the KL tower to see the city sprawled beneath us, the Petronas Towers really are very stunning in their design. On a shallow note, a real bonus came last night when they arranged for a masseuse to come to their lovely home for some much-needed relief from jet lag which was followed by a meal and a catch-up by candlelight on their verandah! FABULOUS! One of the highlights though was meeting Ethan and Owen their 4-month old twins who are gorgeous and smell just as babies should: I keep having a good deep snort of them whenever I can!
Today we've visited an elephant sanctuary a couple of hours' drive away. We all fell in love with the two baby elephants and contemplated tucking them in the back of the CRV to bring back home with us. Now I'd love to go out walking with a couple of those beauties in the morning!

Singapore Slings!

Well we have finally arrived in Singapore and I have 1 tip for you all: Business Class is the only way to go. We went through check in and fast-track security in 15 minutes - fan-bleeding-tastic! Enough time to enjoy the pleasures of the lounge before partaking of the very generous servings of champagne on board. 12 hours zapped past although I wasn't quite as au fait with the bed mechanism as I might have been and of course didn't want to 'fess up that we didn't always travel that way. So by the time I'd arsed around having my legs in every conceivable position (!!) it was almost time for breakfast. And Singapore Airlines took my request for 'fish meals' very literally.
So once we'd landed we had time for a quick shower before heading to the 'Long Bar' at Raffles hotel where casting your peanut shells on the floor is obligatory. I couldn't quite bring myself to ask for a 'Singapore Sling' as the 101 English people who were already in there (many clutching M&S carrier bags) had already done just that!
Just time for a quick turnaround now before heading out for the evening. Hope you're all enjoying the cold weather. It's a bit steamy out here!

Faking it!

There comes a time in every woman's life when faking it is the only answer. That time has come for me now and God I wish I'd done it sooner! White limbs just aren't going to cut it on the beach are they? I'm going to look like a 'pasty Pom' and no mistake. So I've been using a rather daring cocktail of the famous Johnson's Summer Sun and the ever reliable St Tropez but fear I may have left it all a bit late. Just as long as I don't have streaks and/or a nasty rash when I board the plane tomorrow it might just be OK!

Cummings to Freeload in San Diego area

Have a wonderful and safe trip,,,,and Crikey stay away from the bloody Crocs..Good On Yer Mates ,will pick you up and put you in quaranteen when you get to Carlsbad...love Rich and Jenine

Our first ever post to a Blog !

Not so much a last supper, nor indeed a last lunch really but Cafe Rouge was certainly a pleasant enough place to say bon voyage (not sure yet of Aussie translation !) to Fiona & Robert as they prepared to set off on another journey into the unknown.

With Fiona giving her boots a last airing for a few weeks and Robert donning his wooly hat in a defiant farewell to the british weather we said our goodbyes beside a Wimbledon Common basked in winter sunshine.

The next time we hear from them they will be in another continent with the summer sunshine providing the backdrop to their holiday of a lifetime (part two).

All that was left for us to do was to get home, turn on the pc, log onto 'The Blog', prepare to post and here it is, our very first post to a Blog - we can now share in the adventure that is 'cummingsandgoings07'.

Enjoy - love from us all x

A View From The Bridge

Yesterday I had my last work-related meeting before going away. A year's hard work is finally coming together and I'm disappearing to the other side of the world for 6 weeks leaving Ian with all the business stuff to deal with. I feel very guilty about that. The whole business scene is very much his domain though and if I was here I would probably be more of a hindrance than a help, so I'm sure that he's very glad that I'm not going to be around for a while. But thanks to modern technology I can at least still nag him from Down Under - something to look forward to Ian, eh?!
We meet in Covent Garden and I absolutely love the walk there. The view along the Thames from Waterloo Bridge is one of my favourite views in the world. Whatever the weather I see all that amazing architecture and it lifts me. And without fail I always think 'I am so lucky to live in London'. I do so love it here.
Yesterday that walk was particularly poignant as I won't be doing it again for a while. But I'll be seeing some amazing sights over the next few weeks and visiting some incredible places. And just as visitors to London see the same things as I do but through new eyes, I'll be doing exactly the same while I'm away. And hopefully I'll be standing alongside people who are as passionate about their homes as I am about London.

Heavy Weather

With the wind howling outside it was a morning for snuggling back under the duvet and staying there. But get up I did and thought how much everything has changed. Not the getting up part, the weather part. When I was little we endured weeks of winter weather (and in Yorkshire the weather could be horrendous) and the pay-off was the lighter days of Spring and the earth coming back to life. The first sighting of a snowdrop was something to be excited about (that's growing up in Yorkshire for you I guess!) But now nature seems screwed.
We were walking back from friends' at 2 the other morning and birds were singing merrily away - truly, it wasn't the alcohol. Very strange. Then we were woken at 6.30 by a very loud owl. Something's a bit wrong surely?
So I am looking forward to some conventional weather away - warmth, sunshine, not so much wind thank you. But if Britain is so badly affected by climate change, it must be affecting everywhere else as well, mustn't it? We'll probably get to Uluru and be unable to see anything through the blizzard!

Spiders

Forgot to mention the Huntsman spider. Absolutely huge (but harmless - unlike the Redback and Funnell Web). Remember - always look under the toilet seat (you wont find a Huntsman there, they can lift it by themselves)

Talking Dirty!

The worst part of any holiday is looming - the packing! Preparing for our trip to Zambia was a piece of pie compared to this. Then it was a case of tossing assorted items of khaki clothing into a bag, checking that weight = 10kg - SORTED! This time I have to cover lots of bases from city chic to poolside chilling, getting-up-and-going clothes to downtime lolling gear. And that's before I start on the wedges, the sandals, the flip-flops and of course the boots. But my major dilemma concerns my underwear! I have to cover all eventualities, so to speak, but how much to take? I am rather ashamed to admit that taking enough to last the entire 6 weeks isn't exactly impossible. But the practicalities of that in the long-term are, frankly, just nasty. But how much is enough before I submit to that ultimate decadence - 5* hotel laundry service for my lingerie?!

Gym and Tonic!

I was in the changing room at the gym this morning where 2 Korean women were chatting (in English obviously, my Korean isn't up to much) and one was telling the other how she hadn't been to the gym for 2 months. Her friend looked her up and down and said "You can tell. You're looking very flabby!" I thought flippin' heck, thank goodness for good old British reserve. And then I thought, I'm going away for 6 weeks and I don't want any dark mutterings behind the treadmill on my return. So Rule No. 1 for our 'Big Trip' is that I must work out seriously at least 3 times a week. And Rule No. 2 is no getting into 'holiday mode' and drinking at lunchtime. Flab would be the least of our problems if we did that for 6 weeks. (Rule No.2 obviously does not apply if we're flying: alcohol on an aeroplane is ALWAYS medicinal!)

Boots Update!

Robert has told me that he thinks it probably is a good idea if I DO take at least one pair of boots away with me. Is this because he fears for my sanity if I am parted from them for too long? Is it because he is concerned about the damage to my credit card when I realise that Uggs are in fact rather more stylish than I had originally appreciated. (And according to this morning's 'Times' that is indeed the case.) Actually no. Apparently he thinks boots might be just the thing as they provide a certain amount of protection from snakes - not exactly the kind of reassurance I was looking for!

These boots are made for....

I am finally getting my head round the fact that we're going to be going away for 6 weeks in ooh...9 days time. I'm even getting (and whisper this softly) a little bit excited about the whole thing. But I'm going to be homesick I know. So what am I going to miss the most - my family, my fab friends, my lovely home or....my 20 pairs of boots!! I mean come on - I'm missing 6 weeks of British boot-wearing weather, what a waste! I'm toying with the idea of taking a token pair (or 3 ) with me....swinging in a hammock in a bikini and a nice pink pair, or maybe tramping through the rainforest in my leopard print flatties. And don't tell me I can stock up on a traditional pair of Aussie Uggs...not really my style darling!