Hi everyone,
As we were unable to download all the photos from Hong Kong, we are having another go now.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Hong Kong
HONG KONG 26th/27th February
What a tremendous two days we have had in Hong Kong, from the time we arrived, watching Hong Kong emerge out of the fog as the ship made its way into port to the time we left at midnight with the lights of Hong Kong passing our cabin window.
The ship entered the port at about 1.00pm on the 26th after a very choppy night on the South China Sea. As we sailed into Hong Kong, with Hong Kong Island on the port side (left) and Kowloon on the starboard side (right), the view was non-existent, but as we went further and further in the first of the high rise accommodation on the outskirts of the city emerged out of the mist. These buildings were 50-60 floors in height and too numerous to count. As we progressed the accommodation blocks were dwarfed by the tower blocks in the financial centre of the city and the views coming out of the fog were amazing. When we arrived in the centre of Victoria Harbour the ship did a 180 degree turn (amongst hundreds of small boats, ferries, tugs) to berth at Ocean Terminal on the Kowloon side, directly opposite the financial centre on Hong Kong Island. As luck would have it our cabin, which is on the starboard side, had views directly across Victoria Harbour (absolutely magnificent).
Immediately after berthing we left the ship, down the gangway straight into a very large shopping mall, one of the biggest in Hong Kong (Doreen was in heaven). We then walked to the end of Nathan Road, which is the longest road in Kowloon and has shops from one end to the other. We spent the next three hours exploring the shops, during this time we were constantly accosted by salesmen offering to make you a suit and encouraging you to step inside their shops. As we were only exploring the city we resisted their persistent sales approach and returned to the ship empty handed.
The highlight of our day was meeting Valetia (Nicola’s best friend and bridesmaid), who we had arranged to meet in Central MTR Station, Hong Kong Island. This proved to be a challenge as we chose to take the ferry across Victoria Harbour and walk through the rush hour of Hong Kong. However, we did meet Valetia and she took us to a famous Hong Kong restaurant, called Yung Kee Restaurant and had a lovely meal consisting of soup, preserved eggs and sliced ginger (one hundred day old duck eggs which were black). This was followed by a platter of goose, pork and chicken, prawns with mixed local vegetables all washed down with copious amounts of jasmine tea. Finally we had custard tarts and herb jelly. All in all the company and the meal was excellent.
Doreen had previously asked Valetia to take her to a night market, so after leaving the restaurant we went to the underground station and caught a train to Mong Kok to the ladies market. En route Geoffrey had his first lesson in reading Chinese and can now recognise the word “Please”. We came out of the station, turned a corner and could not believe our eyes. As far as you could see down the street was market stalls as high as 15 feet draped in every type of clothing, bags, nick nacks that you can imagine. Under the watchful eye of Valetia Doreen dived in looking and buying (with Valetia bargaining) several items. After one and a half hours of intense retail therapy much enjoyed by all, we decided to call it a day and jumped in to a taxi with Valetia back to our ship. Thanks to Valetia we saw some of the local sights of Hong Kong and were sorry to say goodbye to her.
Next morning we were up at 6.00am to be ready at 7.50am for boarding our coach for a 9 hour excursion around town, including a trip to The Peak, with stunning views over Hong Kong, across Hong Kong Island to Stanley Village and Market, where Doreen used her new found negotiation skills to buy more bargains. Whilst touring around the island Geoffrey was absolutely amazed at the number of building sites, where the scaffolding was totally constructed of bamboo, even of buildings 45 stories high. Back in the coach to Aberdeen via a Jade factory (more retail therapy), down to the harbour, where we boarded a Sampan for a 30 minute trip around Aberdeen harbour, Jumbos, the Chinese floating restaurants and many boats where the boat people live and trade. We then walked along the foreshore to the Yacht Club, a very high class club, where we were served a traditional Dim Sum luncheon. After an interesting !! lunch we returned across the island for a cruise up and down Victoria Harbour in a traditional Chinese Junk. Exhausted, we returned to the ship, just in time for our evening meal, followed by the Aurora Theatre Company’s performance of Carnaby Street, a 1960s theme.
At 11.00pm the ship cast off and we watched from our balcony as the harbour went by, illuminated in its full glory (with laser display). On reflection Hong Kong has come a very close second to Sydney on cities that must be experienced. Although the pace of life and the number of people would be too much for us!!
THIS IS JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN AND ARE HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING PHOTOGRAPHS. WILL SEND MORE LATER
What a tremendous two days we have had in Hong Kong, from the time we arrived, watching Hong Kong emerge out of the fog as the ship made its way into port to the time we left at midnight with the lights of Hong Kong passing our cabin window.
The ship entered the port at about 1.00pm on the 26th after a very choppy night on the South China Sea. As we sailed into Hong Kong, with Hong Kong Island on the port side (left) and Kowloon on the starboard side (right), the view was non-existent, but as we went further and further in the first of the high rise accommodation on the outskirts of the city emerged out of the mist. These buildings were 50-60 floors in height and too numerous to count. As we progressed the accommodation blocks were dwarfed by the tower blocks in the financial centre of the city and the views coming out of the fog were amazing. When we arrived in the centre of Victoria Harbour the ship did a 180 degree turn (amongst hundreds of small boats, ferries, tugs) to berth at Ocean Terminal on the Kowloon side, directly opposite the financial centre on Hong Kong Island. As luck would have it our cabin, which is on the starboard side, had views directly across Victoria Harbour (absolutely magnificent).
Immediately after berthing we left the ship, down the gangway straight into a very large shopping mall, one of the biggest in Hong Kong (Doreen was in heaven). We then walked to the end of Nathan Road, which is the longest road in Kowloon and has shops from one end to the other. We spent the next three hours exploring the shops, during this time we were constantly accosted by salesmen offering to make you a suit and encouraging you to step inside their shops. As we were only exploring the city we resisted their persistent sales approach and returned to the ship empty handed.
The highlight of our day was meeting Valetia (Nicola’s best friend and bridesmaid), who we had arranged to meet in Central MTR Station, Hong Kong Island. This proved to be a challenge as we chose to take the ferry across Victoria Harbour and walk through the rush hour of Hong Kong. However, we did meet Valetia and she took us to a famous Hong Kong restaurant, called Yung Kee Restaurant and had a lovely meal consisting of soup, preserved eggs and sliced ginger (one hundred day old duck eggs which were black). This was followed by a platter of goose, pork and chicken, prawns with mixed local vegetables all washed down with copious amounts of jasmine tea. Finally we had custard tarts and herb jelly. All in all the company and the meal was excellent.
Doreen had previously asked Valetia to take her to a night market, so after leaving the restaurant we went to the underground station and caught a train to Mong Kok to the ladies market. En route Geoffrey had his first lesson in reading Chinese and can now recognise the word “Please”. We came out of the station, turned a corner and could not believe our eyes. As far as you could see down the street was market stalls as high as 15 feet draped in every type of clothing, bags, nick nacks that you can imagine. Under the watchful eye of Valetia Doreen dived in looking and buying (with Valetia bargaining) several items. After one and a half hours of intense retail therapy much enjoyed by all, we decided to call it a day and jumped in to a taxi with Valetia back to our ship. Thanks to Valetia we saw some of the local sights of Hong Kong and were sorry to say goodbye to her.
Next morning we were up at 6.00am to be ready at 7.50am for boarding our coach for a 9 hour excursion around town, including a trip to The Peak, with stunning views over Hong Kong, across Hong Kong Island to Stanley Village and Market, where Doreen used her new found negotiation skills to buy more bargains. Whilst touring around the island Geoffrey was absolutely amazed at the number of building sites, where the scaffolding was totally constructed of bamboo, even of buildings 45 stories high. Back in the coach to Aberdeen via a Jade factory (more retail therapy), down to the harbour, where we boarded a Sampan for a 30 minute trip around Aberdeen harbour, Jumbos, the Chinese floating restaurants and many boats where the boat people live and trade. We then walked along the foreshore to the Yacht Club, a very high class club, where we were served a traditional Dim Sum luncheon. After an interesting !! lunch we returned across the island for a cruise up and down Victoria Harbour in a traditional Chinese Junk. Exhausted, we returned to the ship, just in time for our evening meal, followed by the Aurora Theatre Company’s performance of Carnaby Street, a 1960s theme.
At 11.00pm the ship cast off and we watched from our balcony as the harbour went by, illuminated in its full glory (with laser display). On reflection Hong Kong has come a very close second to Sydney on cities that must be experienced. Although the pace of life and the number of people would be too much for us!!
THIS IS JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN AND ARE HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING PHOTOGRAPHS. WILL SEND MORE LATER
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Cruising Cairns to Hong Kong
Wednesday, 20th – Tuesday, 26th February (At Sea)
This is our longest time at sea – six days. Geoffrey is getting a little bit restless, but I am finding it quite relaxing, except for the rough sea times. Don’t like those very much.
Today we had a bridge tour – No I don’t mean the card game, I mean a tour of the Bridge with the Captain. This captain, however, is getting off the ship in Hong Kong and we are getting a new one – let’s hope he is as good. Anyway, just to give you a rough idea of what we have been doing.
The first few mornings on board we used to go and breakfast at the Orangery, which was self-service, but now we go to the Medina, which is waiter service. We find this much nicer. After breakfast we scan the days events to see what there is we want to do. For example, I have been to the Napkin Folding demonstration, which was quite interesting. Also I have been to a class on Diet and Fluid retention (my ankles are like balloons) – I didn’t enjoy this as the Spa were just trying to sell one of their little machines (little in size, but not in price £400). We have been to some of the Port Excursion talks, but these are also recorded and shown on the television, so some we watch on the tv – these are very helpful as they give you ideas about your next Port of Call. Geoffrey has been to presentations by Colonel Bob Stewart (the first British UN Commander in Bosnia) and also one by the Captain on how he got to where he is. He found both of these very interesting. Most days at 2.00pm there is a quiz called Scattergories, which I go to (teamed up with a couple on our dinner table) and we have won this a couple of times, but we are up against some teachers – so not that easy to win.
Now the evenings. We dine at 6.30pm at the same table and dinner companions (see photo). On the table we are all retired (a banker, a plumber and ex-hotel owners) so the evening conversations are always interesting and varied. Then after dinner at 8.30pm there is the first of the evening entertainments. We have had The Aurora Theatre Company perform Oh Boy and Rave On – both excellent. Also we have had two comedians – one not very good at all but the other was quite funny (he used to appear on Tiswas on tv with Chris Tarrant) and finally we have had two singers one male and one female, Tim Beveridge (from New Zealand) singing Frank Sinatra type songs and Diane Cousins, a very powerful Welsh singer who puts a lot of humour into her act and presents a very entertaining performance. After the main show we usually walk around the ship and go for an evening drink in one of the many bars. However, a couple of evenings we have had two shows on. Each evening, as you regular cruisers will know, they have a different category of dress on ship from Smart Casual/Semi Formal/ and Formal, which is evening dress and dinner jackets for the men. See photos.
The rest of our free time we just sit around on the Lido Deck, Promenade Deck or one of the many lounges people watching. We have decided that there are many different types of cruisers: the sun worshipers, who spend every available minute lying the sun (you can tell these by the burnt, leathery skin), the sloaths, who are either eating or sleeping on the loungers in the shade getting fatter by the day, the readers and puzzlers, who are always seen in their favourite spot on the ship with their noses in books or puzzles, the must do everything, who spend all day running around the ship with the itinerary clutched in their hands to make sure they attend every activity without missing any meals, of course. Then of course there are the “Mrs. Buckets” , you know the type. Now we don’t come under any of these. We are slowly progressing from the sunworshipers/readers and puzzlers and starting to join the activities (see picture napkin folding).
However, the most exciting activity on the whole ship is the launderette. Here you find people that are very friendly at the dinner and lunch tables turning true to form as they fight amongst themselves for the use of the washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing boards. Not a place for the fainthearted, so Geoffrey sends Doreen into battle. We did hear a story of two couples who were thrown of the ship for fighting in the launderette (but so far not on this cruise), but we do have twenty one days to go.
This is our longest time at sea – six days. Geoffrey is getting a little bit restless, but I am finding it quite relaxing, except for the rough sea times. Don’t like those very much.
Today we had a bridge tour – No I don’t mean the card game, I mean a tour of the Bridge with the Captain. This captain, however, is getting off the ship in Hong Kong and we are getting a new one – let’s hope he is as good. Anyway, just to give you a rough idea of what we have been doing.
The first few mornings on board we used to go and breakfast at the Orangery, which was self-service, but now we go to the Medina, which is waiter service. We find this much nicer. After breakfast we scan the days events to see what there is we want to do. For example, I have been to the Napkin Folding demonstration, which was quite interesting. Also I have been to a class on Diet and Fluid retention (my ankles are like balloons) – I didn’t enjoy this as the Spa were just trying to sell one of their little machines (little in size, but not in price £400). We have been to some of the Port Excursion talks, but these are also recorded and shown on the television, so some we watch on the tv – these are very helpful as they give you ideas about your next Port of Call. Geoffrey has been to presentations by Colonel Bob Stewart (the first British UN Commander in Bosnia) and also one by the Captain on how he got to where he is. He found both of these very interesting. Most days at 2.00pm there is a quiz called Scattergories, which I go to (teamed up with a couple on our dinner table) and we have won this a couple of times, but we are up against some teachers – so not that easy to win.
Now the evenings. We dine at 6.30pm at the same table and dinner companions (see photo). On the table we are all retired (a banker, a plumber and ex-hotel owners) so the evening conversations are always interesting and varied. Then after dinner at 8.30pm there is the first of the evening entertainments. We have had The Aurora Theatre Company perform Oh Boy and Rave On – both excellent. Also we have had two comedians – one not very good at all but the other was quite funny (he used to appear on Tiswas on tv with Chris Tarrant) and finally we have had two singers one male and one female, Tim Beveridge (from New Zealand) singing Frank Sinatra type songs and Diane Cousins, a very powerful Welsh singer who puts a lot of humour into her act and presents a very entertaining performance. After the main show we usually walk around the ship and go for an evening drink in one of the many bars. However, a couple of evenings we have had two shows on. Each evening, as you regular cruisers will know, they have a different category of dress on ship from Smart Casual/Semi Formal/ and Formal, which is evening dress and dinner jackets for the men. See photos.
The rest of our free time we just sit around on the Lido Deck, Promenade Deck or one of the many lounges people watching. We have decided that there are many different types of cruisers: the sun worshipers, who spend every available minute lying the sun (you can tell these by the burnt, leathery skin), the sloaths, who are either eating or sleeping on the loungers in the shade getting fatter by the day, the readers and puzzlers, who are always seen in their favourite spot on the ship with their noses in books or puzzles, the must do everything, who spend all day running around the ship with the itinerary clutched in their hands to make sure they attend every activity without missing any meals, of course. Then of course there are the “Mrs. Buckets” , you know the type. Now we don’t come under any of these. We are slowly progressing from the sunworshipers/readers and puzzlers and starting to join the activities (see picture napkin folding).
However, the most exciting activity on the whole ship is the launderette. Here you find people that are very friendly at the dinner and lunch tables turning true to form as they fight amongst themselves for the use of the washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing boards. Not a place for the fainthearted, so Geoffrey sends Doreen into battle. We did hear a story of two couples who were thrown of the ship for fighting in the launderette (but so far not on this cruise), but we do have twenty one days to go.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Brisbane to Cairns
S
Sunday, 17th February
The weather was certainly quite rough last night as the Captain had to put out the stabilisers. Then it was OK, but the ship was certainly rolling beforehand. Since being on board we have been to the Orangery, a self service restaurant for breakfast. This morning we decided to treat ourselves to a “silver service” breakfast in the Medina Restaurant, a much nicer experience. Today was basically our day of leisure with visits to the computer room to register our computer, to the Orangery for a light lunch, and the afternoon was spent lazing around the Terrace Pool. Although there was no sun, there was a nice cooling breeze and it was very pleasantly warm and relaxing. We then returned to our cabins to prepare ourselves for our first formal evening. Geoffrey in his tuxedo and Doreen in her Ann Balon. We shook hands and spoke to our captain on arrival sitting down to another five course dinner. The show this evening was a new production called Happy Holidays, and involved the 15 young ships company to entertain us with a fast moving song and dance variety show, which was well received by everyone. We then adjourned to the bar to have a drink with Tony and Barbara (cousins to our friends Carol and Richard), who seem a very nice couple.
Monday, 18th February
As advised by the Captain last night the weather had deteriorated further and all excursions for the day were cancelled, including our planned trip to the Great Barrier Reef, which was very disappointing. However, we were able to take a tender ashore to Hamilton Island, which is a newly developed island with hotels, marinas and some very expensive apartments. As it was raining very heavily we decided to hire a “golf buggy”, which everybody uses to get around the island and braved the weather going up and down the steep hills to explore all four corners of the small island. After a pleasant four hours ashore we returned to the ship a little wet and guess what, !!!! prepared ourselves for our evening meal. Entertainment tonight was a comedian called Ian “Sludge” Lees, who turned out to be very funny (and clean).
Tuesday, 19th February
We awoke to find the ship at anchor off Yorkeys Knob (near Cairns), and pleased to say the weather, although overcast, was at least dry and the sea calm. We had a quick breakfast before boarding the small ships tender (lifeboat) for the 3 mile trip to Yorkeys Knob, where coaches were waiting to take us up to Karunda. Firstly, we were to visit a Butterfly Sanctuary, which was filled with hundreds of highly coloured tropical butterflies – they were absolutely beautiful, and after a walk through the obligatory shops and craft market we boarded the start of a 17 ½ kilometre cable car ride, which was split into three legs. The first to Baron Falls, which after heavy rain over the last few weeks was in full flood and absolutely spectacular. The second leg of the cable car was over the top of the rainforest with spectacular views of basket ferns, stag horn ferns and other epiphytes clinging high on the many native trees and despite Doreen being petrified of heights she had to admire the lushness of the vegetation. The final leg took us higher into the rain forest before we dropped down through thick cloud to Carabonica at the base of the mountain, where our coach was waiting to take us back to the dockside. We then boarded the ship’s tender for a twenty minute ride back to the ship. Now it is that time again to get ready to go down for dinner.
Tonight we realised that we are leaving Australia for the last time on this trip, we feel very sad as we have only scratched the surface of what New Zealand and Australia have to offer and I am sure time and money permitting we will revisit these countries again in the future.
Speak to you again soon.
The weather was certainly quite rough last night as the Captain had to put out the stabilisers. Then it was OK, but the ship was certainly rolling beforehand. Since being on board we have been to the Orangery, a self service restaurant for breakfast. This morning we decided to treat ourselves to a “silver service” breakfast in the Medina Restaurant, a much nicer experience. Today was basically our day of leisure with visits to the computer room to register our computer, to the Orangery for a light lunch, and the afternoon was spent lazing around the Terrace Pool. Although there was no sun, there was a nice cooling breeze and it was very pleasantly warm and relaxing. We then returned to our cabins to prepare ourselves for our first formal evening. Geoffrey in his tuxedo and Doreen in her Ann Balon. We shook hands and spoke to our captain on arrival sitting down to another five course dinner. The show this evening was a new production called Happy Holidays, and involved the 15 young ships company to entertain us with a fast moving song and dance variety show, which was well received by everyone. We then adjourned to the bar to have a drink with Tony and Barbara (cousins to our friends Carol and Richard), who seem a very nice couple.
Monday, 18th February
As advised by the Captain last night the weather had deteriorated further and all excursions for the day were cancelled, including our planned trip to the Great Barrier Reef, which was very disappointing. However, we were able to take a tender ashore to Hamilton Island, which is a newly developed island with hotels, marinas and some very expensive apartments. As it was raining very heavily we decided to hire a “golf buggy”, which everybody uses to get around the island and braved the weather going up and down the steep hills to explore all four corners of the small island. After a pleasant four hours ashore we returned to the ship a little wet and guess what, !!!! prepared ourselves for our evening meal. Entertainment tonight was a comedian called Ian “Sludge” Lees, who turned out to be very funny (and clean).
Tuesday, 19th February
We awoke to find the ship at anchor off Yorkeys Knob (near Cairns), and pleased to say the weather, although overcast, was at least dry and the sea calm. We had a quick breakfast before boarding the small ships tender (lifeboat) for the 3 mile trip to Yorkeys Knob, where coaches were waiting to take us up to Karunda. Firstly, we were to visit a Butterfly Sanctuary, which was filled with hundreds of highly coloured tropical butterflies – they were absolutely beautiful, and after a walk through the obligatory shops and craft market we boarded the start of a 17 ½ kilometre cable car ride, which was split into three legs. The first to Baron Falls, which after heavy rain over the last few weeks was in full flood and absolutely spectacular. The second leg of the cable car was over the top of the rainforest with spectacular views of basket ferns, stag horn ferns and other epiphytes clinging high on the many native trees and despite Doreen being petrified of heights she had to admire the lushness of the vegetation. The final leg took us higher into the rain forest before we dropped down through thick cloud to Carabonica at the base of the mountain, where our coach was waiting to take us back to the dockside. We then boarded the ship’s tender for a twenty minute ride back to the ship. Now it is that time again to get ready to go down for dinner.
Tonight we realised that we are leaving Australia for the last time on this trip, we feel very sad as we have only scratched the surface of what New Zealand and Australia have to offer and I am sure time and money permitting we will revisit these countries again in the future.
Speak to you again soon.
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Sydney to Brisbane
Thursday, 14th February
At 11.30am we boarded the Aurora for our cruise home to the UK. After a busy and long afternoon unpacking our six!!!! cases, we walked round the ship to familiarise ourselves, then dressed for a 6.30pm dinner, where we met our six dinner companions for the next 42 nights. They are a mixed bag of people, but think we will have fun during the voyage. After dinner we went to a show of aboriginal dance and songs and then went up to the top deck (Lido Deck) to have a last look round Sydney at night, before the ship departs. Despite only being in Sydney for 10 days we felt quite upset to be saying goodbye and as we left the quayside to the tunes of Waltzing Matilda and Rod Stewart singing “Sailing” we both felt quite emotional. It was nice to receive two text messages from Nicola and Alison, who were watching our departure from Sydney on the ship’s web cam. It felt that others were enjoying the experience as much as we were. Finally we went to bed about 1.00am to experience our first night at sea (which thankfully was not too rough)!
Friday, 15th February
The day entailed getting our stomach systems used to the eating regime on board, which involved breakfast (cereals, fruit, full English and coffee), then morning coffee, then lunch (lamb curry and rice, with pappadoms – declined on the dessert), afternoon tea (with sandwich), then evening dinner at 6.30pm, which consisted of five courses, not including the coffee and jellies. Our day isn’t really dominated by food, although it may seem so to you. We spent the rest of the day in between eating familiarising ourselves with the ship, a short sunbathe around the pool and in the evening after dinner we went to two shows one a singer (Michelle Montiouri) and second a comedian, can’t remember his name, both of which were enjoyable.
Saturday, 16th February
This morning at 7.00am the ship berthed at the grain terminal!!!! In Brisbane Port (which is about 30mins from the town centre). We had pre-arranged a coach trip to Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin) and the Sunshine Coast. Unfortunately the weather didn’t live up to its name and for the majority of the day we had extremely heavy showers in between the dull and overcast sky. However, the Australia Zoo was very interesting with close encounters with crocodiles, kangaroos, dingos, and snakes. We returned to the ship at about 5.00pm to prepare ourselves for dinner at 6.30pm (another five courses). This was followed by a show starring a comedian, Kevin Duncan (from Essex) – he was very amusing. We have now left port and turned north towards Whitsunday Island and the weather seems to be getting a little rough. Will report tomorrow.
At 11.30am we boarded the Aurora for our cruise home to the UK. After a busy and long afternoon unpacking our six!!!! cases, we walked round the ship to familiarise ourselves, then dressed for a 6.30pm dinner, where we met our six dinner companions for the next 42 nights. They are a mixed bag of people, but think we will have fun during the voyage. After dinner we went to a show of aboriginal dance and songs and then went up to the top deck (Lido Deck) to have a last look round Sydney at night, before the ship departs. Despite only being in Sydney for 10 days we felt quite upset to be saying goodbye and as we left the quayside to the tunes of Waltzing Matilda and Rod Stewart singing “Sailing” we both felt quite emotional. It was nice to receive two text messages from Nicola and Alison, who were watching our departure from Sydney on the ship’s web cam. It felt that others were enjoying the experience as much as we were. Finally we went to bed about 1.00am to experience our first night at sea (which thankfully was not too rough)!
Friday, 15th February
The day entailed getting our stomach systems used to the eating regime on board, which involved breakfast (cereals, fruit, full English and coffee), then morning coffee, then lunch (lamb curry and rice, with pappadoms – declined on the dessert), afternoon tea (with sandwich), then evening dinner at 6.30pm, which consisted of five courses, not including the coffee and jellies. Our day isn’t really dominated by food, although it may seem so to you. We spent the rest of the day in between eating familiarising ourselves with the ship, a short sunbathe around the pool and in the evening after dinner we went to two shows one a singer (Michelle Montiouri) and second a comedian, can’t remember his name, both of which were enjoyable.
Saturday, 16th February
This morning at 7.00am the ship berthed at the grain terminal!!!! In Brisbane Port (which is about 30mins from the town centre). We had pre-arranged a coach trip to Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin) and the Sunshine Coast. Unfortunately the weather didn’t live up to its name and for the majority of the day we had extremely heavy showers in between the dull and overcast sky. However, the Australia Zoo was very interesting with close encounters with crocodiles, kangaroos, dingos, and snakes. We returned to the ship at about 5.00pm to prepare ourselves for dinner at 6.30pm (another five courses). This was followed by a show starring a comedian, Kevin Duncan (from Essex) – he was very amusing. We have now left port and turned north towards Whitsunday Island and the weather seems to be getting a little rough. Will report tomorrow.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Our final day in Sydney
Thursday, 14th February
Good morning everybody. Happy Valentines Day.
Today is our final day in Sydney, this is the day we board the Aurora and I will be quite honest with you I can't wait.
Sydney is a wonderful, vibrant, lively city and with blue skies it is one of the nicest I have been to, but again this morning, when I look out from behind our blinds it is a grey and very wet day. Have a look at the P & O website for the Aurora and notice the weather. At least when we are on board the Aurora we won't really worry too much what the weather is doing. There will be many other things to do, and No I am not just thinking about eating, well not all the time. I will do a report of on board activities in our next blog.
So from Doreen and Geoffrey, this is Goodbye Sydney.
Good morning everybody. Happy Valentines Day.
Today is our final day in Sydney, this is the day we board the Aurora and I will be quite honest with you I can't wait.
Sydney is a wonderful, vibrant, lively city and with blue skies it is one of the nicest I have been to, but again this morning, when I look out from behind our blinds it is a grey and very wet day. Have a look at the P & O website for the Aurora and notice the weather. At least when we are on board the Aurora we won't really worry too much what the weather is doing. There will be many other things to do, and No I am not just thinking about eating, well not all the time. I will do a report of on board activities in our next blog.
So from Doreen and Geoffrey, this is Goodbye Sydney.
Tuesday, 12th February
Today the weather started beautiful so we boarded the Bondi Explorer, which is a bus which takes you on a circular tour down the coast via Woolloomooloo Bay, Rushcutters Bay, the centre of the Yachting Club area, Double Bay, where the rich and famous do their shopping, on to Watsons Bay, which we had visited a few days earlier, then on to Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, where we got off the bus and walked for about an hour back to Bondi. This walk was a coastal walk along the edge of the cliff with spectacular views of the sea below (see photos). This gave Geoffrey his first opportunity to take off his shirt, but we looked the typical British holidaymakers amongst all the bronzed and well toned bodies of the locals. After an hour walking we reached Bondi Beach and had a very pleasant lunch in a restaurant overlooking the beach, where we met one of Buster’s puppies (see photo Nicola – has Buster ever been to Australia?). We then caught the Bondi Explorer for the return trip to Sydney, however, just as we arrived and got off the bus the heavens opened and there was another downpour. We returned to the hotel and after a light dinner the weather had improved so we walked down to Darling Harbour area, which was heaving with life and activity and had a real buzz about the area (see night photo). After soaking up the atmosphere we returned for a well earned rest after a long day.
Wednesday, 13th February
Well folks this is our penultimate day in Sydney, having been here for 10 days in all. We had a quiet morning walking round The Rocks for last minute shopping and views of the Bridge and Opera House and then returned to the hotel to pack our cases, yet again. Geoffrey took the opportunity to unwind after a stressful four weeks and had a 2 hour massage in the hotel Spa (NO photos available). Tomorrow we board the Aurora for our 42 day journey home. We will try to keep you updated on our progress as we go.
Today the weather started beautiful so we boarded the Bondi Explorer, which is a bus which takes you on a circular tour down the coast via Woolloomooloo Bay, Rushcutters Bay, the centre of the Yachting Club area, Double Bay, where the rich and famous do their shopping, on to Watsons Bay, which we had visited a few days earlier, then on to Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, where we got off the bus and walked for about an hour back to Bondi. This walk was a coastal walk along the edge of the cliff with spectacular views of the sea below (see photos). This gave Geoffrey his first opportunity to take off his shirt, but we looked the typical British holidaymakers amongst all the bronzed and well toned bodies of the locals. After an hour walking we reached Bondi Beach and had a very pleasant lunch in a restaurant overlooking the beach, where we met one of Buster’s puppies (see photo Nicola – has Buster ever been to Australia?). We then caught the Bondi Explorer for the return trip to Sydney, however, just as we arrived and got off the bus the heavens opened and there was another downpour. We returned to the hotel and after a light dinner the weather had improved so we walked down to Darling Harbour area, which was heaving with life and activity and had a real buzz about the area (see night photo). After soaking up the atmosphere we returned for a well earned rest after a long day.
Wednesday, 13th February
Well folks this is our penultimate day in Sydney, having been here for 10 days in all. We had a quiet morning walking round The Rocks for last minute shopping and views of the Bridge and Opera House and then returned to the hotel to pack our cases, yet again. Geoffrey took the opportunity to unwind after a stressful four weeks and had a 2 hour massage in the hotel Spa (NO photos available). Tomorrow we board the Aurora for our 42 day journey home. We will try to keep you updated on our progress as we go.
Monday, 11 February 2008
Sydney - 8th-11th February
Friday, 8th February
Today we caught the ferry across to Taronga Zoo and spent several hours walking round looking at the animals. See the picture of Doreen looking across the harbour towards Sydney. The animals looked to be well treated and we had close encounters with crocodiles, kangaroos, snakes and even spiders, which were in the trees above the walkways, which Doreen certainly didn’t like. Note to Alison, the new aquatic centre was not yet open, as they are having problems with leaks???
We then returned to Circular Quay. Geoffrey walked around the quay area whilst Doreen investigated the shops on The Rocks.
Saturday, 9th February
Today it was raining heavily, and it rained all day long!!!! So Doreen persuaded Geoffrey that the only thing we could do was to go to the shops. So he reluctantly agreed and we went to the famous Queen Victoria Building, which looks more like a Museum than a shopping precinct, but contains five floors of retail therapy for Doreen. Geoffrey went round photographing the interesting architectural features whilst Doreen did the shops. After five hours of shopping we returned poorer and exhausted to the hotel. Let’s hope for a better day tomorrow.
To cheer us up we decided to have a “sumptuous buffet of seafood delights” which consisted of as much as you can eat buffet of all types of fish from King Prawns, lobster, crab, blue eyed cod (whatever that is), oysters, mussels, etc. etc. Needless to say we made a number of trips to the buffet before starting on the many deserts.
Sunday, 10th February
This turned out to be a fabulous day. We stumbled across a Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown and watched the magnificent floats and many varied costumes (see photographs). In need of a restroom we came across a Chinese Walled Garden, which turned out to be a peaceful haven right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a very busy city, and we spent a relaxing two hours walking around the gardens. We then strolled along Darling Harbour for lunch at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant and had a delightful meal, watching the world go by.
As if this wasn’t enough, we decided to go to the Aquarium, where we had a close encounter with Jaws in the walkthrough tunnel (see photo), after which we strolled back to the hotel for some relaxation.
Monday, 11th February
UP AT 05.45am to meet our coach at 7.15 for a tour to the Blue Mountains. Although a very tiring trip it was well worth it for the 3-4 hours we spent in the Blue Mountains. We saw the Three Sisters, the blue mist over the forest and then a scenic skyway trip across the canyon, followed by a trip on the steepest railway in the world at 52 degrees, a walk through the rainforest and finally a cable car trip back up the mountain to pick up the coach again. (I must just add that I did the cable cars and railway trip on my own, Doreen saw it and said NO, NO, NO – I’m sorry I just can’t.) The coach then took us back down the mountains and to the site of the Olympic Games (19??), for a very quick look round before we caught the Sea Cat ferry fast back down the river to Sydney (45mins), with spectacular views of Sydney suburbs.
Today we caught the ferry across to Taronga Zoo and spent several hours walking round looking at the animals. See the picture of Doreen looking across the harbour towards Sydney. The animals looked to be well treated and we had close encounters with crocodiles, kangaroos, snakes and even spiders, which were in the trees above the walkways, which Doreen certainly didn’t like. Note to Alison, the new aquatic centre was not yet open, as they are having problems with leaks???
We then returned to Circular Quay. Geoffrey walked around the quay area whilst Doreen investigated the shops on The Rocks.
Saturday, 9th February
Today it was raining heavily, and it rained all day long!!!! So Doreen persuaded Geoffrey that the only thing we could do was to go to the shops. So he reluctantly agreed and we went to the famous Queen Victoria Building, which looks more like a Museum than a shopping precinct, but contains five floors of retail therapy for Doreen. Geoffrey went round photographing the interesting architectural features whilst Doreen did the shops. After five hours of shopping we returned poorer and exhausted to the hotel. Let’s hope for a better day tomorrow.
To cheer us up we decided to have a “sumptuous buffet of seafood delights” which consisted of as much as you can eat buffet of all types of fish from King Prawns, lobster, crab, blue eyed cod (whatever that is), oysters, mussels, etc. etc. Needless to say we made a number of trips to the buffet before starting on the many deserts.
Sunday, 10th February
This turned out to be a fabulous day. We stumbled across a Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown and watched the magnificent floats and many varied costumes (see photographs). In need of a restroom we came across a Chinese Walled Garden, which turned out to be a peaceful haven right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a very busy city, and we spent a relaxing two hours walking around the gardens. We then strolled along Darling Harbour for lunch at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant and had a delightful meal, watching the world go by.
As if this wasn’t enough, we decided to go to the Aquarium, where we had a close encounter with Jaws in the walkthrough tunnel (see photo), after which we strolled back to the hotel for some relaxation.
Monday, 11th February
UP AT 05.45am to meet our coach at 7.15 for a tour to the Blue Mountains. Although a very tiring trip it was well worth it for the 3-4 hours we spent in the Blue Mountains. We saw the Three Sisters, the blue mist over the forest and then a scenic skyway trip across the canyon, followed by a trip on the steepest railway in the world at 52 degrees, a walk through the rainforest and finally a cable car trip back up the mountain to pick up the coach again. (I must just add that I did the cable cars and railway trip on my own, Doreen saw it and said NO, NO, NO – I’m sorry I just can’t.) The coach then took us back down the mountains and to the site of the Olympic Games (19??), for a very quick look round before we caught the Sea Cat ferry fast back down the river to Sydney (45mins), with spectacular views of Sydney suburbs.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Sydney 4th - 7th February
Sydney, Monday,4th – Thursday, 7th February
Hi folks,
We have now finished our time in New Zealand and have returned to Sydney for ten days. We had a good flight from New Zealand to Sydney, taking about 3 hours, but our landing was anything but. We could not see the ground for cloud and mist until about 100ft up and the landing was a little bumpy, but when we saw the weather the pilot had done well, because boy was it raining, and I mean raining. Now unbelievably this rain has continued in the most part except for a short time yesterday.
After we landed we got a taxi straight to our hotel, still pouring with rain. When we checked in to the hotel we found that because we were staying for more than 3 nights we had been upgraded. We were on the 33rd floor out of 34 floors, so not quite the Penthouse, but the views are magnificent. We have breakfast included (served between 6.30am and 10.30am), and tea and coffee served throughout the day. We get broadband internet free, so this comes in handy for our blog and speaking to the children on SKYPE. Also included are evening beverages and canapés from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Sometimes this means we do not need to go out for a meal, if we are tired – and that is most evenings (or it is raining!!!!!).
On Tuesday, 5th the weather was overcast and humid so we didn’t feel like doing much so we had a wander round the Botanic Garden quite good, but not up to English standard. However, one thing they had that we don’t is one foot bats. Over the café area were hundreds of bats (flying foxes), mainly in the trees, but a few flying about. We then walked down to the Opera House, along with hundreds of other people. Quite an impressive building.
When we woke up on Wednesday the 6th. Hurray, it wasn’t raining and we had blue sky. It looked as though it was going to be a gorgeous day, so we creamed up and decided we would go to Watsons Bay, famous for Doyles a well known fish restaurant. Watsons Bay was quite attractive and we walked around the headland, accompanied by some man who just started talking to us. He was about 70+ and he had been based in Sydney during the war and showed us all the gun emplacements. We than went back to the main area with the intention of having lunch at Doyles, but the queue was horrendous, so we jumped on the ferry and headed back to Circular Quay. We thought we would try Doyles there – this proved to be a better option and we had a very nice lunch. John Dory and Barrumunda. Our time this day seemed to be spent jumping on an off ferries. We got on a ferry round to Darling Harbour, saw the Maritime exhibition, more shops, (much to Geoff’s disgust). We then returned to the hotel and eventhough I had creamed up I had got sunburnt on the bits I had missed. It had started to rain again, and guess what a thunderstorm. Ugh.
Thursday, 7th we woke up again to cloudy blue skies, looked like being another nice day, but how wrong can you be. We jumped on the ferry and went for a 40minute ride to Manly. Alison, you didn’t tell us about the swell as you go round the point. Didn’t like that very much. Anyway Manly looked very nice, lots of guys with their surfboards doing the waves. As it had then decided to start spitting with rain, I decided to wander around Manly and Geoffrey went for a walk to Shelly Beach. I am sure you remember this well, Alison. The spitting of rain got to a downpour, the developed into a full blown thunderstorm. With lightening and thunder over Sydney. I was OK, as I was jumping in and out of shops, but when Geoffrey returned he was like a drowned rat and soaked through to his …….. I’ll let you guess. Anyway we found a nice restaurant and after a beer and steak sandwich and chips, we felt reinvigorated and jumped on the ferry back to Circular Quay for guess what, another walk round the shops (Geoff even more disgusted). While I am typing this he is lying on the bed looking through the Angsana Spa (at the hotel) booklet, trying to see what will help with his stress, because of my retail therapy. However, might I just add, that I have no money, so I will need him if I see anything. Ahhhh, perhaps this is why he needs the spa therapy. We are just thinking of going down for drinks and canapés, don’t think we will go out tonight, it is still pouring of rain!!!!!!!
Hi folks,
We have now finished our time in New Zealand and have returned to Sydney for ten days. We had a good flight from New Zealand to Sydney, taking about 3 hours, but our landing was anything but. We could not see the ground for cloud and mist until about 100ft up and the landing was a little bumpy, but when we saw the weather the pilot had done well, because boy was it raining, and I mean raining. Now unbelievably this rain has continued in the most part except for a short time yesterday.
After we landed we got a taxi straight to our hotel, still pouring with rain. When we checked in to the hotel we found that because we were staying for more than 3 nights we had been upgraded. We were on the 33rd floor out of 34 floors, so not quite the Penthouse, but the views are magnificent. We have breakfast included (served between 6.30am and 10.30am), and tea and coffee served throughout the day. We get broadband internet free, so this comes in handy for our blog and speaking to the children on SKYPE. Also included are evening beverages and canapés from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Sometimes this means we do not need to go out for a meal, if we are tired – and that is most evenings (or it is raining!!!!!).
On Tuesday, 5th the weather was overcast and humid so we didn’t feel like doing much so we had a wander round the Botanic Garden quite good, but not up to English standard. However, one thing they had that we don’t is one foot bats. Over the café area were hundreds of bats (flying foxes), mainly in the trees, but a few flying about. We then walked down to the Opera House, along with hundreds of other people. Quite an impressive building.
When we woke up on Wednesday the 6th. Hurray, it wasn’t raining and we had blue sky. It looked as though it was going to be a gorgeous day, so we creamed up and decided we would go to Watsons Bay, famous for Doyles a well known fish restaurant. Watsons Bay was quite attractive and we walked around the headland, accompanied by some man who just started talking to us. He was about 70+ and he had been based in Sydney during the war and showed us all the gun emplacements. We than went back to the main area with the intention of having lunch at Doyles, but the queue was horrendous, so we jumped on the ferry and headed back to Circular Quay. We thought we would try Doyles there – this proved to be a better option and we had a very nice lunch. John Dory and Barrumunda. Our time this day seemed to be spent jumping on an off ferries. We got on a ferry round to Darling Harbour, saw the Maritime exhibition, more shops, (much to Geoff’s disgust). We then returned to the hotel and eventhough I had creamed up I had got sunburnt on the bits I had missed. It had started to rain again, and guess what a thunderstorm. Ugh.
Thursday, 7th we woke up again to cloudy blue skies, looked like being another nice day, but how wrong can you be. We jumped on the ferry and went for a 40minute ride to Manly. Alison, you didn’t tell us about the swell as you go round the point. Didn’t like that very much. Anyway Manly looked very nice, lots of guys with their surfboards doing the waves. As it had then decided to start spitting with rain, I decided to wander around Manly and Geoffrey went for a walk to Shelly Beach. I am sure you remember this well, Alison. The spitting of rain got to a downpour, the developed into a full blown thunderstorm. With lightening and thunder over Sydney. I was OK, as I was jumping in and out of shops, but when Geoffrey returned he was like a drowned rat and soaked through to his …….. I’ll let you guess. Anyway we found a nice restaurant and after a beer and steak sandwich and chips, we felt reinvigorated and jumped on the ferry back to Circular Quay for guess what, another walk round the shops (Geoff even more disgusted). While I am typing this he is lying on the bed looking through the Angsana Spa (at the hotel) booklet, trying to see what will help with his stress, because of my retail therapy. However, might I just add, that I have no money, so I will need him if I see anything. Ahhhh, perhaps this is why he needs the spa therapy. We are just thinking of going down for drinks and canapés, don’t think we will go out tonight, it is still pouring of rain!!!!!!!
Monday, 4 February 2008
Franz Joseph Glacier to Sydney
Sunday, 3rd February
Kiora everybody.
Doreen had a lie in this morning, however Geoffrey was up at 5.30am to have breakfast and be picked up by minibus to be taken to the Helicopter, which was based in a field just behind the hotel. At 7.00am the helicopter took off with four other passengers for a 30 minute journey of a lifetime up the Fox Glacier and down the Franz Joseph Glacier. It is impossible for me to describe in words the magnificent views and the sheer size of the glaciers. The helicopter landed on top of the Fox Glacier and we walked around for 10 minutes absorbing the wonderful early morning views across the glacier and mountains. Took loads of photos but none seem to show the grandeur of the views. However, a short camera video I took does give you some idea of the experience I had. Only too soon we had to take off again and return via the Franz Joseph Glacier back to our hotel, where the other guests were just leaving the restaurant after breakfast. A tremendous start to the day.
At 8.15am we were in the coach again driving north to Punakaiki, located on the coast in a National Park where we viewed the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, which regrettably didn’t blow for us (see picture). To get to the rocks we had to walk along a path surrounded by naturally growing Phormiums in mass (the New Zealand Flax), together with many other New Zealand plants (Raoulia, I think John, but I need to look this up), but the noise made by the Circadas (New Zealand Crickets) was absolutely deafening.
We then returned south and crossed the Southern Alps for the fifth and final time via Arthur’s Pass. At Arthur’s Pass we caught the Trans Alpine train (one of the top six train journeys in the world) and headed for Christchurch. Geoffrey spent the whole 3 hour journey standing on the open viewing carriage taking many more photos, whilst jostling with other photographers, including many Japanese. The journey went through many tunnels and over many viaducts with many spectacular views down gorges and river valleys. We finally arrived in Christchurch at 6.30pm for a end of tour dinner in the hotel, where we had to say goodbye to our new friends, especially our tour director, Nellie, and coach driver, John, who made the journey so enjoyable. They were appreciated by all.
Monday, 4th February
Hurray, a lie in, getting up at 8.00am. We had a quick walk around town and then repacked our cases for the fourteenth time and left the hotel at 1.00pm for the airport. Flight was a little delayed but eventually took off and we had a very comfortable flight across New Zealand and the Alps and then lovely blue skies across the Tasman Sea. However, as we approached Sydney the weather deteriorated and as we came in to land we only saw the ground when we were 100ft from landing, as we dropped out of the cloud. The pilot really did need a big congratulations. The weather was worse than at home with a really heavy downpour in progress (home from home!!!). Things looked up when we arrived at our hotel as we had been upgraded and had a room on the 33rd floor (there are only 34 floors in the hotel, so not quite the Penthouse), but we also have our own private breakfast room on the 31st floor (Alison do you recognise the view from our Restaurant).
Kiora everybody.
Doreen had a lie in this morning, however Geoffrey was up at 5.30am to have breakfast and be picked up by minibus to be taken to the Helicopter, which was based in a field just behind the hotel. At 7.00am the helicopter took off with four other passengers for a 30 minute journey of a lifetime up the Fox Glacier and down the Franz Joseph Glacier. It is impossible for me to describe in words the magnificent views and the sheer size of the glaciers. The helicopter landed on top of the Fox Glacier and we walked around for 10 minutes absorbing the wonderful early morning views across the glacier and mountains. Took loads of photos but none seem to show the grandeur of the views. However, a short camera video I took does give you some idea of the experience I had. Only too soon we had to take off again and return via the Franz Joseph Glacier back to our hotel, where the other guests were just leaving the restaurant after breakfast. A tremendous start to the day.
At 8.15am we were in the coach again driving north to Punakaiki, located on the coast in a National Park where we viewed the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, which regrettably didn’t blow for us (see picture). To get to the rocks we had to walk along a path surrounded by naturally growing Phormiums in mass (the New Zealand Flax), together with many other New Zealand plants (Raoulia, I think John, but I need to look this up), but the noise made by the Circadas (New Zealand Crickets) was absolutely deafening.
We then returned south and crossed the Southern Alps for the fifth and final time via Arthur’s Pass. At Arthur’s Pass we caught the Trans Alpine train (one of the top six train journeys in the world) and headed for Christchurch. Geoffrey spent the whole 3 hour journey standing on the open viewing carriage taking many more photos, whilst jostling with other photographers, including many Japanese. The journey went through many tunnels and over many viaducts with many spectacular views down gorges and river valleys. We finally arrived in Christchurch at 6.30pm for a end of tour dinner in the hotel, where we had to say goodbye to our new friends, especially our tour director, Nellie, and coach driver, John, who made the journey so enjoyable. They were appreciated by all.
Monday, 4th February
Hurray, a lie in, getting up at 8.00am. We had a quick walk around town and then repacked our cases for the fourteenth time and left the hotel at 1.00pm for the airport. Flight was a little delayed but eventually took off and we had a very comfortable flight across New Zealand and the Alps and then lovely blue skies across the Tasman Sea. However, as we approached Sydney the weather deteriorated and as we came in to land we only saw the ground when we were 100ft from landing, as we dropped out of the cloud. The pilot really did need a big congratulations. The weather was worse than at home with a really heavy downpour in progress (home from home!!!). Things looked up when we arrived at our hotel as we had been upgraded and had a room on the 33rd floor (there are only 34 floors in the hotel, so not quite the Penthouse), but we also have our own private breakfast room on the 31st floor (Alison do you recognise the view from our Restaurant).
Queenstown to Franz Joseph
Friday, 1st February
This was supposed to be a day of rest in Queenstown! But as usual it was anything but; Geoff was up early to catch an 8.00am ride in a 4x4 landrover driven by a woman driver!!! (off road) up and over the mountains and down river valleys for 4hours. On the way panning for gold in Arrowtown, the famous gold town. Found gold, but not enough to pay for the holiday, (or Doreen’s shopping expeditions). The drive picked up many of the well known film locations for the film The Lord of the Rings. All in all an exciting and hair raising experience. Meanwhile, Doreen was in town, and guess what, yes she was shopping again, and unbeknown to me bought herself a rock opal necklace. The afternoon it poured with rain for the first time on this trip so we relaxed in the hotel. However, at 5.00pm we were off again to catch a genuine working steamboat, the TSS Earnshaw, for a 40 minute trip across the lake to a sheep farm for a evening meal and another sheep shearing demonstration. This is where Mum met a very large kiwi (see photo). On the way across the lake we spotted some seagulls hitching a lift on the lifeboat (see photo). They seem to have a lot of sheep here in New Zealand, (we are told 24million, which is six times the population of NZ) and I believe England is one of their biggest importers of lamb. On the journey back to Queenstown we were handed a song sheet and everyone had a sing song. The journey was very enjoyable and went very quickly.
Saturday, 2nd February
Another 5.45am alarm call to start our long journey to Franz Joseph, through the picturesque mountains and Lakes Wanaka, Hawrea and Dunstan, and then over the Haast Pass and seeing Thunder Creek Falls. After the falls we stopped on the Haast River for a thrilling 40 minute jet boat ride downriver. After some persuasion Doreen joined the trip and enjoyed every minute of it, even the three 360degree spins. The jetboat was driven very fast by Brian nicknamed Wacky, who gave a commentary on the flora, fauna etc. Brian was obviously very interested in conservation and gave us a lot of information on changes in the environment due to global warming. At the end of the trip Brian invited us all round for a BBQ, provided we bought the beer. It was intended for Geoff to get his helicopter ride this evening but due to bad weather conditions the flights were cancelled. Let’s hope for better weather tomorrow.
This was supposed to be a day of rest in Queenstown! But as usual it was anything but; Geoff was up early to catch an 8.00am ride in a 4x4 landrover driven by a woman driver!!! (off road) up and over the mountains and down river valleys for 4hours. On the way panning for gold in Arrowtown, the famous gold town. Found gold, but not enough to pay for the holiday, (or Doreen’s shopping expeditions). The drive picked up many of the well known film locations for the film The Lord of the Rings. All in all an exciting and hair raising experience. Meanwhile, Doreen was in town, and guess what, yes she was shopping again, and unbeknown to me bought herself a rock opal necklace. The afternoon it poured with rain for the first time on this trip so we relaxed in the hotel. However, at 5.00pm we were off again to catch a genuine working steamboat, the TSS Earnshaw, for a 40 minute trip across the lake to a sheep farm for a evening meal and another sheep shearing demonstration. This is where Mum met a very large kiwi (see photo). On the way across the lake we spotted some seagulls hitching a lift on the lifeboat (see photo). They seem to have a lot of sheep here in New Zealand, (we are told 24million, which is six times the population of NZ) and I believe England is one of their biggest importers of lamb. On the journey back to Queenstown we were handed a song sheet and everyone had a sing song. The journey was very enjoyable and went very quickly.
Saturday, 2nd February
Another 5.45am alarm call to start our long journey to Franz Joseph, through the picturesque mountains and Lakes Wanaka, Hawrea and Dunstan, and then over the Haast Pass and seeing Thunder Creek Falls. After the falls we stopped on the Haast River for a thrilling 40 minute jet boat ride downriver. After some persuasion Doreen joined the trip and enjoyed every minute of it, even the three 360degree spins. The jetboat was driven very fast by Brian nicknamed Wacky, who gave a commentary on the flora, fauna etc. Brian was obviously very interested in conservation and gave us a lot of information on changes in the environment due to global warming. At the end of the trip Brian invited us all round for a BBQ, provided we bought the beer. It was intended for Geoff to get his helicopter ride this evening but due to bad weather conditions the flights were cancelled. Let’s hope for better weather tomorrow.
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