tonyandsharon

Sri Lanka Maldives

After spending some quality time in Chennai airport with no wifi as we weren’t with vodaphone. Did have a yummy biryani though. Skyroam our little portable wifi device was blocked. Super weird ……. We were so hanging out for some connection to the world . Just had to wait a few more hours…..

After a short flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka only an hour, we arrive, yeah……….Skyroam is on as soon as we touch down. Super excited so ridiculously silly but we have been deprived. Going through customs was so easy those immigration guys are super relaxed they didn’t even look at our visa or the immigration card thingo. We were having a moment of what’s the address where we are staying, couldn’t find it, stressing out for no reason so wrote nothing . It didn’t seem to matter. Coming into the duty free area is super funny you could pick some whitewoods washing machine dyer even a new fridge if you so desire or a large flat screen there were so many stores selling this. We just bee lined it to the gin shelve and bottle of Mmmm Bubbles . After getting a wad of Sri Lankan rupees from the ATM our driver was there to take us on a nearly 4 hour drive to Marwella Hideaways near Tangalle.

We arrived about 10pm at night starving but totally caught up with social media that kept us busy in the back seat while our driver drove like a man with a mission along the freeway. We thanked our driver for getting us there safely. The staff at the house met us with broad smiles Indika and Malkanthi the cook had dinner ready and waiting. It was like wow…… Tuna, Dahl and two different salads of okra and beans. So tasty…. Very much appreciated. We thought we are in for a treat of delicious food.

http://www.mawellabeach.com

Mawella hideaways was bought by Nicola & Ewan after the 2004 tsunami they were given permission to renovate the 3 houses and they did an excellent job keeping it simple with a very natural decor. No air con just the lovely breeze from the ocean everyday keeps things just right and ceiling fans. We loved hearing the sound of the ocean its like lullaby going on in the background so soothing beautiful for the soul. The decor was very pleasing to the eye and easy to live with for our 10 days of heaven. Its is situated on a horseshoe cove with a very strong presence of the fishing community. Many large and very small fishing boats on the beach. Mainly the small fishing boats would go and catch the local fish. It wasn’t the season for the larger fishing boats as they are apparently for larger fish. Two evenings a large Catamaran parked out the front of the bay in front of us. Looked beautiful. Most days we would walk for about 40 mins up the beach to swim in front of the other hotels for a swim as the swell would sometimes be around 2m but mainly close outs quiet a strong swell though but fun your bathers would be full of sand . We came back and read for the afternoon, dinner was usually at 7pm.

We had decided after the first night that we would just let Indika and Malkanthi do all the cooking as it was so tasty. Super cheap too. Breakfast was a spread of fruit most days Malkanthi would make beans of some description . Also the curd and treacle was amazing, we would eat a whole pot of it. Piggies, I know but a great Sri Lankan combo. The chick peas with a chilli sambal and freshly grated coconut was the winner. Coffee of course. She would cook enough for 4 people breakfast so we would have the leftovers for lunch. Perfecto…. After breakfast they would ask what we would like for dinner, curry was most diners or grilled tuna, lobster, Curry tuna sounds weird but worked, curry prawns, curry potato, curry pumpkin, curry beetroot, and some stir fried greens Okra salad and sambal of coconut. She also made some pakoras one day hoppers and string hoppers that you would have Dahl or a veg curry with and chilli sambal. So healthy hardly any carbs so I think we lost weight, weird I know.

Tony one day walked up the side street to find a shop to buy some nuts to have with beer. Every day at 5ish we would have a gnt or beer sometimes you just need a little snack with those beers. So off he went down the winding path towards somewhere hopefully a little shop or something. The local dogs were harassing him so had to be very mindful not to be bitten on the ankles. An old local guy came rushing out of house climbing out of the window with sarong on with his big belly protruding said g’day mate which took Tony by surprise, asking where you goin?, to a shop, Tony replied he ran back inside grabbed his shirt was very willing to take Tony to his favourite shop as I don’t think to many Australians come here, mainly British folk according to the guest book and walked with him to the shop which was just next door. Tony got some nuts, local guy wanted a reward for showing him the local shop and very keen on a cake so Tony was very happy to buy him his treat which he scoffed down like no tomorrow. We rarely saw any locals just on the beach the fisherman we would have a chat with. One day the department of Environment was on the beach doing a survey about groins. They asked us our opinion about them and I remembered Tyron did a project at school in geography about them so recited that and looked half intelligent, they took that on board and bid us fair well. Happy to help. Another day we were walking back and many locals on the beach gathering we thought it was the local neighbour hood watch meeting as the ladies were there as well as the children. But we were wrong a local guy was in the water had been for 2 days had fallen off the large rocks around the corner must have been fishing and the swell had been huge the last few days as it was a full new moon. That was sad to hear and witness.

We had dogs around the house a black and white one and another tan dog they belonged to Indika, would like to hang with you or come for a walk with you down the beach sit and wait while you swam and come back. There was monitor lizards in the garden those cute little squirrels, a mongoose we think after consulting Indika saw some monkeys one day but briefly.

We didn’t really go out and explore at all only just walked the beach was totally slack I know but we thought we where in heaven. No tourists like ourselves. Travelling for such a long time we need to consolidate finances. Keep it simple and relatively cheap sometimes.

On the 23rd March Tyron and Marley were having their engagement party. We had been chatting with them up to the lead up. Super excited about the party at home. Ruby organised for us some beautiful flowers and a lovely bottle of bubbles for them both. Very much appreciated. They were very surprised. They had around 50 guests even though we couldn’t be actually there as part of their day we had a couple of FaceTime chats and cracked the bubbles and cheered with them to a great happy year ahead planning the wedding which is on March 14th, 2020. Yes, we will be back by then.T

Bentota about 3 hours drive north of Marwella Beach. Villa Bentota, http://www.paradiseroadhotel.com  So beautiful the decor was similar to the house we just came from. Natural timbers with black and white and a good smattering of antiques and art. Right on a very quiet beach of Bentota. The quirky part of this place to stay was there was the train that runs to Galle going straight through the bottom of the garden. Didn’t really hear it during the night. We ate some beautiful food the staff were wonderful. We even got a room upgrade. That was amazing. It was a wonderful 5 nights. Swimming in the ocean was so warm, eating ,chilling. Had a lovely chat with an Indian lady at the pool one day she was a, grandmother she was there with her family and two of the sweetest little boys. When you tell people what you are doing and your journey for this year. It’s always a look of whaaattt, you’re doing what……..

Time to leave paradise road and head to the Maldives. Just a very short flight of 90mins. We came to the Maldives last in 2015. Staying in a more up-market island. Which are amazing the rooms are beautiful but you pay good money for that privilege, not this trip. This time we are returning to a place we came to in 2005 the year after the tsunami had hit the islands. Dhonveli it has a surf break that only guests of the island can surf, Pasta point also another surf break you can get to on a Dhoni called Sultans or Honkys and Jails. Arriving we can see that things have changed in the last 14 years and I am not sure for the best. Tony first came here he is thinking in the early 1990’s when there was not much here with Mark & Leo and they had a little shop in the middle he remembers that sold hash. That would have been handy for some chilling under the umbrella, me thinking. I think our neighbours in the next room could do with that OMG, arguing at 7.30pm about mundane things then at some ungodly hour of this morning she was going off with every second word F—k. I think she needs some chill pills if only that shop was still here. the walls look like they are made of stone but maybe its paper.??

Went for a snorkel this morning as we could remember the best reef in the lagoon it was full of colour and fish. Thinking 14 years later that reef should be awesome. It’s gone, all dredged or something hardly any fish all dead coral. My heart is so sad, disappointing. Expecting coral and it’s gone.

One night it was earth night they had a huge bonfire on the beach and some locals girls dancing it was a really hot night especially with the bonfire.

When we got here 4 days ago the surf was pretty good. Tony went out but as we aren’t travelling with his own board and just hired one. He wasn’t happy with that so didn’t go out very much. The right equipment makes the experience a lot more enjoyable when it yours. So I am led to believe.

Last night and afternoon Atoll Travel took us out on their boat to do some snorkelling. We saw turtles and reef sharks it fabulous drifting along with the strong current. There was 16 of us on the boat, some of the surfers have been coming here for the same week for the past 15 years or more. Really nice group of men and others have been coming here for some 40 or more years. Now that is commitment. They are now in their 70’s and still out there ripping it apart. Tony I hope you don’t think it time to hang up the board yet because those guys are certainly and inspiration to the sport they love. They all look super fit too.

It was a fun night last night they had a cocktail party for the “Returners” Yummy snacks and GnT’s a great band played too. It was from 7-8.30pm but I think the last song was played at 9.30pm. It was so hot dancing our bodies where encased by sweat. Had a fantastic dance with one of guys from Byron Bay he was 72 my he could dance. The whole night was a blast. Today mmmmmm………..Been awhile since we drank more than two drinks. Then we missed dinner. Had so much fun, dancing and chatting.

Tomorrow we leave paradise pack those bathers away for while as we are heading to Nepal,Tibet and Bhutan for 20 days. Another amazing adventure awaits.

Andanman Islands, Havelock Island

So getting to the Andaman Islands isn’t as easy or a fluid as you might think. We flew to Singapore then to Chennai from Saigon. Had an over night in a hotel 5 mins from the airport in Chennai. Didn’t sleep so well as we had to be down stairs at reception by 7am. We got in last night at 11:30pm then time difference. Feeling a little weird today.

We are flying indigo a local budget domestic airline to Port Blair. But we are the only gringos in the airport. Like on little Britain and he says he is the only gay in the village. We are the only white people in the airport amongst all the Indians. To funny. It’s a nearly 2 hour flight over. Then we get picked up by this Indian guy that has the personality of a piece of cardboard. He drops us at some dodge hotel come restaurant says stay here for an hour, have some lunch as your ferry isn’t due until 2pm. Ok…. Picks us up, drives like a mad person to the dock were the ferry is, says nothing just points. Lucky there are heaps of military men around as Port Blair is a military base they point us in the right direction and get us through the Indian lining up to pass through to ticketing . I guess they are so use to pushing and shoving living with so many people all the time.

So we board the ferry finally find our seat . Sit down and watch these group of Indians run around like grown up 12 year olds super excited about being on the ferry. It was too funny to watch. We arrive at Port Blair they unload your luggage but all the Indian just stand so close you cant get past them to collect your bags, to funny really, again. We arrive at Jalakara and greeted by Mr super cool himself Mr Pawan the manager. Takes us up to our room. Which is a really nice room with a garden and outdoor sitting area. This is our space for the next 8 nights. NO internet NO phones well I think the phones do work but not really needed. Reading,eating. Relaxing is whats happening here. We aren’t near the beach but about a 20 minutes ride by jeep to lovely beach called Radanagar or No 7, soft sand no rubbish blue water I think we will come here everyday for a few hours in the afternoon. Or to another beach. Food here has been beautiful . There is only 7 rooms mainly the guests are from Germany and another couple from London and us. A group of 6 germans guys are on a fishing charter and come back each night with amazing fish they have caught and they cook them up for them.

This morning went down to the pool area for a yummy breakfast as usual. Came back went to our room go into the bathroom and Tony goes to do a wee in the toilet and there is a mini rat inside the toilet. Tony squealed like a little boy hahaha, the next 5 mins we are trying to coax ratty out of the toilet and outside. The bathroom is open air so ratty had very good opportunity to come in and grab drink from the loo. Note to selves close the toilet lid. Last night must have been bull frog mating night. We have a pond in the garden it was the place of meeting your new mate, so loud never quiet, heard such a noise. Nature…

Yesterday we decided to go out snorkelling it was quite expensive but we thought a little adventure under the sea would be fun. You have to get a permit with your photo on it as the water we are snorkelling is in a national park area. We are taken down to the harbour in the local jeep taxi thats an experience in itself with some Bollywood Indian music cranked up. The harbour is quite busy with boats carrying supplies in for the island and ferries collecting and donating people back to the island. We get on this tiny boat for a short trip out for 4 hours of snorkelling. The water is so warm its like you are in an aquarium with so many different species of fish swimming in large schools. Did see Nemo, well a family of Nemo’s that was great to see, swimming with its best friend the anemone . I loved watching them for a while telling any interested fish that would swim by just to move on this is my space, my anemone . It was a fun 4 hours. Tony cracked me up while we are snorkelling, I made this comment how big are the sea slugs or sea cucumbers he was calling them sea sausages , well he was pretty much right they did look like huge black sausages . The sea wasn’t like snorkelling in the Maldives were the coral has so many colours. But it did have a lot of fish. The best thing was no plastic floating in the sea or nestled in the sea bed.

When we got back showered and went down for drinks before dinner as we would every night a beer or GnT still not convinced its actually gin. Beer isn’t to bad Kingfisher beer. We met some new guests from the Guernsey Islands nice couple. Some more germans have arrived too. Dinner was yummy as always but Naz the chef who had trained under Gordon Ramsey was out selling his food. We had the yummy Calcutta street food first Panta Puri which are these crispy balls that you break a hole in the middle then fill them with potato and tomato chutney, spouts and nuts then a small dash of tamarind juice. One mouthful. So tasty. Next he suggested momo dumplings with lobster in the middle they were made from squid ink you dip them into spicy tomato paste so tasty. Tony had a wonton soup with noodles some vegetables he said it was so tasty I asked Naz to make up something for me as I was getting full so more momo dumplings with salad, perfect dinner. Another night we had a lobster that you order in the morning and it was grilled Indian style with spice it was ok but a little dry and tough not like our lobsters at home not that I ever eat them at home very often, way to expensive. We have also had a yummy fish curry with papaya. Lunch time we have these kanti roll with fish or veg. So yummy like a yiros but made with roti with a yummy spicy filling. The staff are so lovely so polite and gentle Especially Ujjal he is a Ghurka from the Himalayan state of Darjeerling his village made quinine for the very first tonic water. One night they had food from his village so we had momo dumplings again but a different sort and style but super tasty, a veg soup, stir fried veg noodles with a stir fry of fish with this incredible sauce. Seemed so proud presenting his local village food. It was the best.

Last day to day we have one night in Port Blair due to our flight and ferry don’t really flow to well. So I am a little worried what that will be like. Then tomorrow fly back to Chennai and on to good times in Sri Lanka for 15 days. It has been so lovely to really chill and not be distracted by your phone or netflix or whats going on with the rest of the world. We have both read a few books each, went to the beach and just swam and laid around sleeping when you felt you needed it. How awesome is that. Played back gammon chatted with the other guests the ones we could. Ate tasty healthy food, pretty much all the time. I worry that Havelock Island is going to get too busy as when you are taken to the beach there are quite a few small resorts being built. One thing is guaranteed is that No 7 beach will never be built right on the beach so it will always remain so beautiful. It was voted the best beach in Asia. Also we have noticed that it is honeymoon heaven for the Indians they are all so super cute.

Lets talk about leaving Port Blair first step security ties on bags then one around our bag all have been through the screener.Next step through to departure area. In India there is the women and men seperate areas to pass through so put my carry on and back pack through screener two. Then I am personally scanned. but wait they seen something in my carry on. Open your bag lady, from a female soldier. Thinking what’s in there?? Ok a mirror I bought in Singapore airport that has a light and it magnifies. Get it out, they ask what is this, so fascinated with it. That it had a light and you could see yourself really close. Showing it to there other soldiers men and woman. Funny moment number 2. Tony was had it worse had to just about empty his whole bag. We carry this portable safe thing we keep our money etc in. Tony had to open show them what it is. Show them every charger cable. Port Blair is a military airport so security is very high. But wait we have more screening to come just getting on the bus to get to the plane looking in my bag then an another body screen. Tony had to unpack his carry on again. I guess it’s better safe than sorry. Just not sure what you might get in the departure lounge when there was nothing there to get. Same thing happened in Chennai airport, fascination for my mirror. I could have sold quite a few going through security, they loved it.

By the way the hotel in Port Blair was really good. We had a few beers before dinner watching Australia defeat India in a one day cricket . Of course again we are the only Australians in the hotel so we are the novelty to stare at. Food was really good for dinner and breakfast curry ,curry yum……

Next adventure Sri Lanka. Love Sri Lanka the people are so nice and the food OMG….

thailand, cambodia, vietnam

After bidding farewell to beautiful Bali after spending 2 weeks of reading eating and relaxing and watching beautiful bodies go by. Boy, did we see some beautiful bodies. It was time to head to Thailand and get some exercise. We have signed up for a 14 day epic bike ride from Bangkok to Saigon a lazy 490kms 10 days of actual riding with Grasshopper adventures. We have ridden with them on 5 other adventures through Asia and it is always a good mix of riding and cultural involvement.

But before we start with that part of the story let’s start right at the beginning our flight to Thailand. We had great seats for many reasons or not that good seats depends how you view the situation. Great seats for exiting the plane, right next to the door, great seats for getting a gin & tonic fairly quickly all sounds positive doesn’t it for flight that was only 4 hours, right. Here comes the interesting part of our flight. Seated in front gringo and Thai girlfriend. Next to them a lady in window seat. Nothing unusual about that you wouldn’t think. So gringo and Thai lady ask for a blanket each, nothing unusual about that . The usual routine of a meal is served drinks and so forth. Those Thai hostess had it all done in lightning speed too. So lights are dimmed so we can be distracted by watching a movie. Now wait for it, here comes the crescendo. Thai girl puts her seat back, me I have full view of the next events. As I am in the aisle seat. So lots of snuggling and whispering sweet nothings to each other which I get as it was Valentine day the day before. But hang on is that what I think is going on, the motions are all right. Man in aisle seat is getting a hand-job from Thai girl-friend. Ok, which way do my eyes look left to the screen or slightly right as it was all in full view. Awkward then my mind wondered how was man going to deal with his own crescendo. I will let you think a few minutes about that. Poor lady sitting in window seat which way does she look. Lady in window seat gets up and man think bingo, time for a big old boob grope up the shirt while lady is gone. It was really hard to look at them when we are all standing around the baggage collection area staring and waiting. Does he get a pat on the back of good on you or a look of, really . If you are thinking they were drinking, nope water. Obviously the juice of love for some.

Good start and welcome to Thailand. We had two nights in Bangkok before the ride started and were booked into a hotel in the backpackers area Khoasan like the cold chisel song, that’s played through my head time a few times. One day we did a canal tour to fill in a few hours as Bangkok isn’t our favourite city. We had previously been before, seen all the tourist hi-lights. It was a great way to escape the business and chaos on a long boat with the huge motors on the back. We went to a floating market and had the best mixed fruit salad freshly made by a lady with the beautifully laid out boat. So fresh and presented in a banana leaf bowl. Very hot day but it didn’t seem as hot as Bali. Also one night we walked down a side street and found a restaurant called Madame Musur tasty Thai food but a bit like tourist food though after a couple beers and some people watching it did the trick you can see why they call it the backpackers area. As further up the street you have the tuk tuk drivers holding out little signs of wanting to take you to see some ping pong not the kind that you use a bat to hit your balls over a net with either, wink, wink …….

Time to meet the new squad we are riding with this evening as well as our Guide Karn. We have Carla from Rio and Mirella from Sau Paulo Brazil. Also we have David from Seattle. We are all doing the whole journey to Saigon. We drive 3 hours out of Bangkok and meet another car with the other squad members which we have David from Scotland, Sam from Lebanon, Alec & Cristina from NYC and Campbell from Sydney, Sven who works for Grasshopper coming along on the ride too. First ride of 50kms is to Chanthaburi not a bad ride just cruising along the coast to our hotel with a lovely pool which is so welcoming at the end of day to cool the body down and chill out before dinner. Then some tasty local Thai food of the area for dinner. Next morning up and onya bike by 7.30am. To beat the heat of the day. Today we are crossing the border into Cambodia. This had its hi-lights. Just buying your visa then going across to the next window and getting your stamp and taking your finger prints was experience in itself. As Tony got the wrong visa and then they gave him back the wrong passport with someone elses visa, hilarious, didn’t even take all of his finger prints either so that was super weird. Just inside the Cambodian border is lined with casinos too. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr Packer doesn’t own one these. As Casinos are illegal in Thailand. Once all this was done. It was midday and my god the heat was beating down. Seriously hot with undulating rolling roads to ride with our New guide Mr Lot. Couldn’t wait for this day to be done. Welcome to Cambodia.

So we stopped the night in Palin apparently famous for harbouring some senior members of the Khmer Rouge after the fall of the tyrannous regime. Gems too if you were on the hunt for some. Seriously didn’t get taken anywhere near somewhere that sold gems. Which is lucky in hind sight.

Up early again which you totally get as the days are so very hot. To ride dirt tracks, yeah…… We are heading towards Battambang. But first stop is a temple or stupa on top of the hill very golden and some very weird statues of gore which I think it represents in Buddhism that you can go to not a pleasant place if you have been a bad person. Karma I am thinking. We are riding 55 kms on the road or black top as Mr Lot would call it. So sweaty. Todays snacks where some local sticky rice. I really can’t believe we are eating when we just had breakfast 2 hours earlier. But it was tasty. We arrive in Battambang to a really nice hotel have an hour or so of rest then back on the bike for an afternoon ride of 25kms out to a temple a really old 11th century one that you have to climb 300 steps up to. Yeah so excited. Riding is fine but 300 huge steps up not so much but you do it. To take the photo look at the view and decend. Day done.

Next day we are taken by a local guide around to view the local industries in food. First stop was a lady who made dried banana from a special little lady finger variety. It was really tasty. She was telling a story that when the Khmer Rouge were in power you had to hide and eat as the food by order That all food was given to the soldiers if not, you where shot. So a lot of sneaking around to feed the children and themselves how horrible that sounds. I guess this is how the the locals started eating bugs and rats for protein. We also tried some rice wine more like grappa had a punch to it and some sticky rice cooked inside bamboo. Mr Lot loved it…..pass for me.

Heading to Siem Reap 3 hours in the van as the roads are so bad, building a new freeway takes many years. We arrived at the best hotel we have stayed in so far for the next 3 nights.

Next morning we are up at 4am to be picked up by 4.45am to go to a ticket booth to get a ticket that has your photo on it so you can enter the Angkor Wat. Seems so silly as there could be a better way to do this. On-line could be on option but then you need to print it. I guess its stops people trying to resell their tickets for a profit. It was really nice sitting on the steps of the moat watching the colours immerse from the sky behind Angkor Wat very peaceful.

After we had breakfast changed into riding gear and set off to ride around and look at the temples that surround this area. So many tourists at some spots. The most famous of all the temples is the one featured in Tomb Raider. Maybe because its dry season didn’t really have the feel of lushness and green. But as usual the Chinese are so dam pushy trying to get a photo in front of the iconic temple with the strangling fig growing out of the roof. We got a snap just need to point and shoot with lightning speed.. Lunch we had was not so good. Being a vego is very much the struggle as meat with feet is more common and fish. Everything would taste the same, boring. Mr Lot would try though as he would order for the table. We also went to local circus produced by kids that have had a rough life and have been given a chance for some direction. It was a great performance like a mini cirque soliel. Rest time over, back on ya bikes slackers.

Bring on rest day so massage drinking GnT’s is the plan for rest day. Eating anything other than Cambodian food. So we went down the street for some Cambodian Mexican it was ok but full of Americans like bees to a flower. So weird they must be missing their fish tacos. The hotel we stayed was wonderful too. So spending 3 nights there was heaven.

We also picked up some new punters for the ride from Canada Janet & David they had come from -25 degrees in Canada so they were feeling the heat poor things did feel for them. So pale. What a nice couple great sense of humour and seem like a lot of fun.

On our way to Phnom Penh we stopped on the side of the road as we were on a bus for some snacks of insects, spiders, bugs you name it. Its was there to be eaten if you so desire. Not for us, it was horrendous baby chicks that where probably only a day old, fried up and older ones two. Disgusting, such a circus. Our guide Lot bought some crickets as a snack, he loved them with a beer he said.

Today we head out to Kampong Thom to see some 7th century Temples. But first lunch which was not good so I didn’t eat anything much. Maybe we rode 50kms I think, Mr Lot never does tell us exactly the number. Big mistake it was really hot, like super hot today. So I am thinking I may have got a bit of heat stroke riding along feeling very sick in the stomach isn’t a good feeling. Once we stopped for fruit and cold towels I could cool down but that wasn’t a good ride. By the time we got to the hotel that pool was very inviting to cool the body temp down and have a little nap before a very yummy dinner at he hotel.

We also rode to a temple on top of a hill which housed many statues of buddha . I received a lovely blessing from a monk, he had the best smile so much warmth in his face. I wish I took his photo he made my day.

Another day we caught a ferry down the Mekong Delta to Chau Doc in Vietnam some 4 hours later on a really loud ferry. Thank god for noise cancelling ear phones. Met our new guide Bao and crew. Well, first off better van, better bikes hotel is ok, super weird.. Bao paid for our drinks at dinner, win, win. As none of the other guides have. First Ride is around the canal area, nice paths over little bridges seeing life unravelling. Catching the little ferries over to see a silk woven into scarves etc So much greener compared to Cambodia on our way to Long Xuyen. 75 km One of our bigger days of riding . Hotel, holly molly, so weird the bed is so hard the breakfast is even weirder. Get me out of here.

Another big day coming up have 70kms not sure if we do that or not, the guides always along the way seem to fudge the kms a little. But today was the worst day of the whole ride it was so bumpy my bum Tony’s ass was killing him we couldn’t escape the bumps. Your wrists, shoulders the whole dam body was shaken just wanted the day to finish please, plus it was hot. We did stop along the way at some craft places a lady had amazing skill making grass mats on a machine. So a moment of respite. We did finish with a beer and a cold towel today how good is that on a tray, five stars to you Mr Bao. the accommodation was really nice for the second to last night. We were up next morning doing a boat ride to the floating markets very interesting indeed but I think I would love to have been there at dawn when the real business of food trade is happening. To many tourists boats like us.

All done and dusted 490kms. We are pretty well over riding, wearing nappy pants wearing non breathing jerseys, sweating and riding in the sun. Give me a beach I need it now. Slow down Sharon & Tony we still have 2 days of big city time in Saigon. Last night we booked into a nice hotel in Saigon and Mr Bao takes us on a walk after being in the bus for 3 hours around the French quarter to the Independence Palace built in the 1963 some quirky 60’s furniture and the bunker room was interesting I guess. I am not good at listening to guides bla, bla, bla. Tony is good, I just walk away and take photos we are more like speed tourist, if that is a thing. So goodbye dinner thanks for having us turned into a disaster for Bao. He took us to a restaurant looked pretty cool but service was a little to be desired. Food came out spasmodic, drinks did too. So Mr Bao had a huffy fit and spat the dummy. We are out of there not much dinner and went to this other restaurant not that good either, fail for last dinner. Lucky Canadian couple bailed from that, good choice. Janet and David.

Next day we booked into a Spesh place just up the road from last nights hotel the Reverie OMG……. Words cannot explain how the decorators and architects come up with these ideas. So OTT our room had amazing views so comfortable so lush we stayed there most of the day. After a bit of shopping at Zara, our go to store to re stock on T-shirts that laundry had destroyed. So let’s talk a little about that. I was supposed to buy and chuck out, that was how to keep the bag under 18kgs. Well, no judgement here please, I have failed big time so this is my purchases so far with minimal chucking. Black cool jump-suit , 3 t-shirts that’s NZ. Bali two dresses two t-shirt. Saigon 1 dress, one shorts two singlets. Chucking list one T-shirt dress, one t-shirt, 2 nappy pants bikes shorts, 4 jersey riding tops. I will briefly touch on Tony so he is still sitting under 16kg of luggage but he has bought 3 t-shirts one shorts. chucking nappy pants shorts and one 4 jerseys tops. grr…

So goodbye Vietnam has been short but sweet . The ride in whole has had its challenges but you would never experience what we have if you were in a car or on a bus just wizzing by. Met some awesome people in our squad Carla and Mirella had the best laugh and their take on the English language was so funny. David from Seattle had a warped sense of humour and was up for any challenge even eating bugs and Durian. love ya work David. We were the original bikers did very well to complete the whole ride.

So on to next adventure getting to the Andanman Islands for 8 nights…..

Selamat datang – BALI

*a curious white cloud when the day was 28 degree day, heatwave for Wellington*

We have left the islands of the long white cloud. Had a great few days in Wellington. Hired E-bikes for about 4 hours and rode around the foreshore of Wellington. The homes that are built right up to the edge or just hanging off the hillside are magnificent. The architecture we have seen all through NZ has been very inspiring. Inspiring enough to want to build one day. You can only dream as can’t imagine that ever happening.

bali

Flying is part of the whole adventure but do we enjoy it ? Only part I really enjoy is landing at the new destination. So I better get use to it as we have 40 flights this year and 3 down already. Flying a silver capsule up at 32,000ft with all the other punters given food that you think, oh that should be good, then are disappointed. Having a glass or two of bubbles helps the situation a little but I am kidding myself. I just hope no-one saw my dribble or bobbing head as trying to catch a little nap.

Still love coming to Bali, we have since the early 1980s’ because it’s familiar or the beautiful people with their genuine smiles. I am not sure. Or the places you find on airbnb. All those things just give me a great big smile.

This is the first time we have ever come in February it’s wet season so humidity is certainly up when is rains it pours and the odd crack of thunder which oddly I quite like.

Seminyak

We found this beautiful house In Seminyak, Africa House .www.islandhomes.com #islandhomes it has 3 bedrooms all just beautiful. The garden is lush, the pool is refreshing. It has a huge outdoor living spaces and a fantastic kitchen not that I am going to use that. I do like looking at it though. We have it all to ourselves. Very lush and loving it.

We went to many restaurants. So let start with Sarong http://www.sarongbali.com last night, have been many times. The food was sensational as always. Those betel leaves with a tuna mixture on top so delicious. We had a beetroot curry, tandoori broccoli with a pumpkin makhani and garlic Dahl it was all delicious . I must say Bali have some amazing restaurants the staff are just beautiful so eager for you to have the best experience. So this might turn into a restaurant review. We also tried La lucciola right on the beach. We went there for lunch first and had small plates of salad that was so good. The staff weren’t to busy and just hanging around you and wiping your table for slightest bit of condensation on the table from your Bintang beer talk about amazing service. The restaurant has the best position with lawn, palm trees swaying in the wind and that cool sea breeze whipping through your arm pits, so no sweating at the table. We went there for dinner as well and snagged the best seat in house up-stairs right in the corner at the front. Great for snaps of the ever beautiful sunset. That night we ate a beautiful seafood stew each but it was actually a soup but still so tasty. Had a wonderful walk back to villa along the beach in the moonlight. So romantic you are probably thinking. But by the time you get back you are all sweaty and just need a dip in the pool to cool down and refresh. Very romantic, wink wink!!

Next on the list was Kilo, http://www.kilokitchen.com. Well, google took us an adventure that evening I think we did a loop and nearly came back to where we started at our villa. At any other time we would just have a laugh and go, wtf google. But we had a booking at 7.30pm. They were calling us and saying where art thou Sharon & Tony. Great design again of the building. Tonight a cocktail, big seller in Bali I am never sure if its actually rum in my mojito. I reckon its Arak, mmmm……… But wait the food was sensational we just decided to have some of the small plates. OMG, I was having one of my hungry nights. Wasabi Tuna, Grilled corn furnikake (btw they are mini corn) so good, Black & white prawn ravioli wait there’s more crab yuzu roll and soft shell crab. Ok, done now. Management gave us free cocktail at the end. Now that tipped us over edge of fullness and arak-ness (not sure that is a word) Thank goodness its a 20 mins walk back for a dip in pool all sweaty-humidity.

The best is yet to come. We came across a restaurant called Sister-fields http://www.sisterfields.com we just had a light dinner of fish and polenta chips and Tony had a poke bowl it was great. The restaurant design was really cool. But the hi-light of a restaurants in Seminyak is when we found that sister fields had a really sexy big sister called Bikini http://www.ulookhotinbikini.com. now doesn’t that just make you laugh their web address. From the moment we walked in the door the experience had started. The restaurant fit out with its pink painted dripping walls and super-lush leather banquet seating and vertical garden at one end.

We had a cocktail each mine was a bloodless Bloody Mary so the tomato juice had been clarified with drip each of chilli oil and basil oil floating on the surface . Tony had a Bloody Mary he said its was the best he had ever had. Even the head cocktail maker come over and explained the process of how our drinks are made. Love the detail of that. Lets get down to the serious business of eating. We chose the feed me option of vegetable dishes and fish. So not long after our waiter Wayan introduced himself that snacks had arrived at the table. Kimchi crisp. chargrilled baby corn, potato croquette. beautifully presented. That got the taste buds alive. Next crisp eggplant with a yellow curry the dish was all black. But the taste was unbelievable, ceviche of snapper, stracciatella cheese with smoked tomatoes,roasted carrots with smoked yogurt and quinoa, Barramundi, clams and and an oyster cracker. Desert was strawberry compote with liquorice ice cream. OMG I am not that big on deserts but that was amazeballs. The whole night was wonderful to talking to front of house a french lady to talking to all the staff, so beautiful. A lasting memory.

Canggu

Time to leave Africa house it has been wonderful. To move north to Canggu about 60min drive to The Slow http://www.theslow.id have been following them on instagram for while, very super cool. For the super cool. Trying to fit in but do I have to ?? How they, the super cool keep seeking these cool places. Looking like not much effort went into being who they are. What makes a place cool to ones in the know ? Is it their feed on social media or the style we all want to live in 24/7 and can only wish. I do love the simpleness of everything the colours the plates our breakfast is served on, I want it all. Can I get that to go ???? Pretty please……

Back to restaurant reviews in Canggu

We ate at the The Slow a few times mainly breakfast it was so delicious. The coffee was perfect, their juices just amazing and the choices was just perfect for breakfast. From a bowl of tropical fruit to seeded breaded with avo and corn fritters. One night we had dinner it was so yummy the hi-light was KFB which is Korean fried broccoli, prawns ,mini corn and bbq squid with a cheeky creme brûlée which was chocolate. So good

We have dined at Ji Japanese restaurant it was good nice to have some Japanese http://www.jirestaurantbali.com. We have also had lunch at The Lawn thelawncanggu.com a couple times. The service and food have been so yummy but I am not sure if I really get into the voyeurism of watching guys prance around like puffed out prancing stallions. Girls with amazing bodies am I wishing I was 20 again its bum getting older. Keep sunnies on and try not stare is the motto. Not sure Tony is nailing that yet he needs more practice. Tattoos I might just have to say a little something about that. When will it be cool to have a clean bodies of no tattoos ?? Guys a get that in some instances not when do your neck and look like you belong to another tribe with elongated necks. Beautiful woman and girls with tattoos across their chests and necks. Out there sunning there bodies and all that money your spent on doing this art will turn into a green splat. So I am done having my say on this. But I have thought about joining the tribe but only tiny, tiny. Watch this space it took me all this time to pierce my nose so I still have time to do so.The book isn’t closed yet.

We had dinner at fish bone local http://www.fishbonelocal.com food was ok nothing really to rave about it did the job but we got totally ripped off. Seriously we should known this but sometimes you want GnT. We ordered two Hendricks GnT double shot. It smelt like Hendricks so I am thinking they haven’t watered it down or put arak in place of. So ordered two more doubles big night for the Blunts something is fishy at fish bone it tastes of tonic water and that’s about it. Here comes the punch in the guts moment it cost us $100 Aus for 4 drinks totally ripped off to max. So Fish bone you have left a bone stuck in my throat, so never again. We should known better and have learnt again. Like sticking your hand in the fire over, over again just to see if you really will get burnt and of course you do, but you still do it. Doh…

One afternoon we spent a La Brisa, labrisabali.com sat on low chairs and a couple of beers watching the guys out front surfing Tony wasn’t going out not good enough for the old man, ha. Great vibe very ship wreck on a deserted island with all the mod cons feels. Or Robinson Crusoe feel. Staff were great no prancing stallions and hot bay watch kinda girls. Great vibe. so fitted in not that I need to have that feeling. It seems like I need that doesn’t it.

The weather is pretty hot even for the Balinese standards. Did have a spa moment just up the road from The Slow called Spring, springspa.com a franchise form New Zealand Tony and I massage together, well did have our own massage lady and man. I had a body scrub after he had reflexology moments on his feet after his massage. I went back next day and had facial of natural products . It was wonderful. The staff and setting is second to none. Could sneak in another something or other before we leave only have a few days left on beautiful Bali.

Today we caught up with some locals Sam & Ade. Sam and Ade have built a house in Canggu it is really nice but holiday rental now. He has the creative desire to build another one, we went and visited it today. Had a lovely lunch too at Coffee & Coconuts. Great looking building had a lot going for it, food maybe they need to work on that. But it did the trick. He took us to the new building site and its 3 months away from completion but you can see the amazing curves and vision he has got going on. The vibe he is creating. It will be amazing. So many good products in Bali and a reasonable price. We can’t wait to see the finished product. We wish them luck. Did have a beer at http://www.comohotels.com/en/umacanggu nice beach front hotel spot not sure about the vibe and finishes of this place it looks like they have run out of money in the finishes. Exposed everything, the industrial beach side look.

Next restaurant to choose on the street is Mason https://www.masonbali.com We had a beautiful dinner here sitting next to beautiful yummy mummies and the cutest blonde hair little girl and handsome dad from Canada. Next to them was the sweetest little baby and gorgeous parents. I am sure we looked like that too when our boys were young and the cutest little blonde hair babies. When we came with Tyron back when he was 3, blonde hair was quite the novelty in children so he received a lot of attention from the locals touching his hair. I am sure Tyron doesn’t remember that. Let’s keep to task at hand, food at Mason. We first had smoked tuna dip with flat bread yum, then broccoli chopped salad, tomato salad and spinach a ricotta filo pastry dish Tony had barramundi which he said was divine. A cheeky desert of lemon curd tart. Perfect dinner. Makes me hungry writing about this. Last night we tried going to the new kid on the block right next door to The Slow, Billy Ho. Wasn’t quite ready to have paying customers still perfecting the whole menu and staff training. It’s owned by Will Meyrick who owns Sarong and 5 other restaurants. They assured us Wednesday night, can’t wait Japanese influenced menu apparently.

Walked down the beach so disappointing to see so much plastic on the beach it really breaks your heart. The beach is covered in dead trees and anything that might wash up from the sea. Finns beach club, nice bamboo looking building a little tired. The food was very average. Not returning there any time soon. Compared to The Lawn. Well, there isn’t a comparison at all . The Lawn wins hands down.

Tonight we went to Billy Ho the new kid on the block right next door to The Slow. We have been watching Billy ho come alive with the beautiful blessing of the restaurant and the tempting staff telling us come back soon. We did have chat with the beautiful and engaging Sharon front of house. What a lovely human being she is, not because of her fabulous name. She was just so welcoming after our chat a few days before apologising that weren’t open and please come back in a few days and of course we did. We weren’t disappointed either. To the very tasty cocktail of coconut mojito and Tony had an amazing bourbon whiskey appretive kind of cocktail. Many thanks to Sharon as they were on the house cause we came back. See put my hand in the fire again did I burn it? The jury is out on that one. It was yum, the food, Japanese infusion we had a sashimi plate, tempura lobster, tempura oyster, octopus skewers like a yakitori and salt and pepper grouper with a salted egg. So full…… The staff were so eager to please especially our waiter Wayan and Sharon was so lovely had some funny stories to tell us from managing hotels and restaurants around Asia. We are going back tomorrow night for our last dinner in Bali as there is more to try on menu.

Selamat tinggal- Bali

kia ora – part 2

We left Raglan this morning after checking the point break. It looked great if you are a grommet, small 2ft waves. As we are heading towards Taupo and had a few stops planned first was a waterfall called Bridal Falls beautiful walking into not far out of Raglan. Then heading towards thermal area what a sight in itself driving into with steam billowing into the air. Great for thermal energy. We decided not to go to Rotorua and chose a geothermal tourist site of Orakei Korako-The Hidden Valley it was really fascinating place to visit of gushing geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools. We stayed in Taupo for the night.

Taupo to Whanganui the drive not the best drive, I will take that back the scenery was magnificent as a passenger. But Camper van started to fail wasn’t sure it was the driver or the camper van itself. As the driver thought he was driving a sports car through the hills but camper van thought the other and said no sports car driver. Flashing engine lights says I will put a stop to that and give you no power. Good work camper van you win. So we limped in, in search of a caravan park near the sea. Whoops again chose the beach but dodgy part of Whanganui. Just for the night all will be fine. Called camper vans parents and they said to a repairer you go. So Camper van went to be repaired we wondered around Whanganui for 3 hours like homeless ones. But found smashed avo all was fine.

Mt Ruapehu, Wkakapapa

So let’s talk about the good parts of the drive a bit to much focus on the dodgy part. We drove from Taupo to Wkakapapa- aka- ( fuckapapa) or Mt Ruapehu what a majestic sight with it snow capped tips. We had lunch in Whakapapa village it was yummy so many hikers doing their thing, hiking up, good work hikers in your hiking out fits. Lunch was done and on to the above paragraph. Wrong order but had to get that out. I am fine now if you are wondering.

New Plymouth & Oakura

We drove to New Plymouth and found a caravan park at the beach only to realise that it was next to the port those reviews are somewhat dodgy. It was fine. Got on our bikes after sitting all day and rode the coastal path to Belt Beach and back 16kms if you are wondering again, with a strong head wind. Found a great little cafe/bar for sunset drinks while watching kite boarders, tick. Back to caravan park, dinner, then we get the phone call and Mark & Kristen are outside our van we are snugged down with a movie. Awkward clothes on, so excited they made it. Kristen had injured her ankle at home in Byron Bay perving at a VW camper van – don’t ask – so they weren’t coming. Vino was had in celebration. We met them next day for a bike ride and we had the luxe time at ahu ahu beach villas for the next 3 days. So good to be out of camper van life.

We had fabulous 3 days hiking in Lucy’s gully eating out, driving up to Mt Taranaki for a walk but weather was raining but it was so fab to spend time with these two they are very special to us in many ways. We loved meeting the owners of ahu ahu beach villas David & Nuala Marshall what an amazing paradise they have created on a beautiful peninsular at Oakura. http://www.ahu.co.nz.

Goodbye Mark & Kristen have a safe trip back to Byron. We left early for a 3 hour drive heading towards Waitomo Caves. That is what NZ is all about, adventure. So we signed up for 5 hours of wetness, darkness and glow worms and that is what we got. In super heavy wetsuits with white rubber boots that you would wear if you worked in a dairy. Just 6 of us in our group Mr & Mrs Hong Kong, girl & boy from bris-vegas (Brisbane) and parental gappers. We had a great guides Wayne, Lacey and Man (cause I can’t remember his name). We abseiled down a 35m gap into the depths of darkness shuffled along to a zip line and zipped into darkness cause that is fun, not so Mr Wayne guide. We jumped into freezing water with a ring to keep us a float and floated along like a chain of glow worms which aren’t actually glow worms its their poop that glows and they are maggots. Trudged along the caves it was fabulous really, squeezing through gaps walking along in middle earths streams. We got hot chocolate and snacks. Win, win. double tick

Waitomo Caves

We left middle earth drove to Napier good 3 hour drive through a landscape mainly pine forest plantations so goodbye seeing the tree fern for now. Arrived in Napier and went for bike ride around the Art Deco township buildings as there was an earthquake back in the 1930’s and they rebuilt the town in that era and not my favourite architectural look. The tourist loved it as there was a cruise liner in and the old cars of the era were taking them on tour. Good for business I am sure. As you can see didn’t take one photo , whoops………

Napier

Love this sign, the local footwear bar

After spending a night in Hastings it wasn’t a bad caravan park. We were given a shady spot and no neighbours thank goodness, cooked an awesome meal of fish laksa quite impressed with myself as we have one meal out a day then cook dinner, with a couple of GnT’s or Pinot Noir depending on what’s for dinner. We love New World supermarkets they have a Wine & beer isle, how good is that, not a thing at home. Come on Australia.

Most nights after a few games of backgammon by the way I am winning but its early in the challenge. Don’t count your chickens until they are hatched as they say.

Cape Kidnappers

We decided in the morning to head for Cape Kidnappers for a look not the best day, grey dark and cloudy. We had look, not really impressed at all. So let’s head around to Ocean Beach cause what great name to call a beach. Great drive for one really good reason we past this impressive looking winery called Craggy Range Winery. Which I googled as you do. Owned by billionaires in Brisbane the Peabodys. Love ya work Peabodys. So went around to Ocean Beach beautiful beach with a small enclave of Bachs (shacks) very nice, loved it.

Hastings

But Craggy Range was on our mind so we booked on-line quick wardrobe change in the van as you do. We had the best food so yum, fabulous chef and staff the room was beautiful. So over a couple Pinot Noir we decided to step out of camper-van life for some luxe moments. One night in their on-site cottages So, so beautiful, the rain shower was amazing, the best. Still dreaming of it sitting here in camper-van, Communal shower block isn’t our thing, so over that.

craggy range winery

We headed to Martin-bough about 3 hours drive everything seems to be 3 hour drive. Tony has been driving all the time. More sedate than the usual rally car driving in a 7m camper van will just let your mind wonder about that.

camper-van life

Booked into a caravan site plugged in, got the bikes out as Martin borough is really flat so wine tasting is the order of the afternoon. We had a great lunch at Tirohana Winery really delicious with a couple of glasses of the their best. Ended up at square in Martinborough at the pub first then looked across to the other corner I think all the cool people were there so we needed to try and meld in with the cool people.

Martin borough

After hanging the with cool people for a while and having a few Pinot Noirs. We thought should ride back to the camper-van as she might be lonely with all the other punters in the park and a lot more have gathered like bees to the manuka flower. BTW that Manuka honey is so dam good.

Next morning we headed towards Cape Palliser so then we would have been to the very north of Cape Reinga and the very south of Cape Palliser. Very baron landscape and extremely windy but we climbed the 237 steps to the top if only we had a step counter we would have nailed stair climbing today. We pulled camper-van over had some lunch read books and just chilled that day. This isn’t our usual thing, we always looking at things and exploring. Rally driver is always looking at the tour guide for what’s next!!

Cape Palliser

Lake Ferry

Tonight was our very last night in camper-van I am so glad that its over. I am totally done with dodgy caravan parks . Tonights tops the cake. Lake Ferry, mmmm….. you need to do some cleaning and upgrading of your communal showers, eek. What the funny thing is we didn’t have any cash to pay the owner so we paid in some left over coins as we would gather them in a tiny bag. Some caravan parks charge you for a 5 min shower so coin was needed 50 cents $1-2 it varied. So the owner was paid in an espresso machine we bought for the trip she got the deal of century. If I could add an, emoji here I would and it would be crying laughing one.

Wellington

We are in Wellington for 3 days just hanging around looking not too much planned. Certainly enjoying the Sofitel so good to have a clean beautiful room for a few days. We did go to great restaurant last night for dinner called Havana Bar recommended to us from a chef in Oakura we had lunch in his cafe. Great find, delicious food and service was fantastic.

We leave in a few days and bound for Bali.

Ka Kite Ano – (I’ll see you again)

Kia ora part 1

ferny island

Jan 2nd , 2019 the beginning of our 12-13 month world discovery came, my heart was feeling quite heavy and I was trying to keep it together as Tyron drove us the airport. Zac and Ruby came to airport too. As we had already said goodbye to Marley and had a few tears. As I saw them all together my heart was heavier and then I just had a cry with much heart felt hugging. Just writing this makes me want to have a little cry. Being a mum you never stop even if you are far away for a long time which this is the first time.

Auckland

Arriving in Auckland we stayed on the wharf at the Hilton great location for a few days. Hired bikes rode along the foreshore to Mission beach and rode around the viaduct harbour so many restaurants to choose from very busy and the boats in the harbour, wow some rather wealthy people in Auckland. It was our wedding anniversary too 31 years on the 3rd Jan. This time last year we were in Rathjastan riding bikes with grasshopper and met our inspiration Jim & Mark and here we are at the beginning of our #parentalgapyear

After 3 days of Auckland it was time to pick up the camper van load up supplies at Countdown not the music show we all watched back in the day its a supermarket to funny. We headed north about 3 hours to Russell traffic was a little hectic but Tony was driving and totally had it.

Russell, Bay of Islands

Russell was a really nice holiday town and a great place to slid on into campervan life and caravan park life as we both have never done either, it was a new experience . We had an awesome spot with a view to the ocean and over the other punters camping with their kids screaming with joy or cracking it never was happy medium. These cute little birds “Weka” were always curious of any snacks we might offer them. We rode our bikes which we hired with the van around the town having lunch at the The Duke of Marlborough Hotel and loved there motto ‘Refreshing rascals and Reprobates since 1827’ We definitely fit it with the rascals category . Had a delish lunch, oysters are very much the thing growing on the rocks everywhere. We rode around to Long beach which was a short 10 mins ride for swim and get that fair skin out to the sun. Well, we were only there for maybe 2 hours bbq-ing our bodies. Boy did we bbq, red was the colour for the next few days so no photo needed just your imagination as it wasn’t pretty.

We caught a ferry over to Paihia for some lunch in a different location as you do. So over lunch brilliant me talked Tony into taking a helicopter ride out over the Bay of Islands. I was super excited Tony was cool as a cucumber. So we had a 45min ride out to The Hole in Rock Island or Piercy Island. Which I bagged the front seat, really excited now. It was so beautiful the colour of the water the islands the homes that were sprawled on their own islands or coves so amazing. Sailing boats everywhere or if you’re lucky a mini cruise liner. So we landed on top the island the pilot was amazing how he manoeuvred the big black flying machine on to this small platform with the greatest of ease

Northland- Cape Reinga & more

After our 3 days in Russell our initiation was complete into camper van life. Time to move further North to Cape Reinga about 3 hour drive. Where the Tasman and the Pacific meet or according to Maori Legend where the boy meets the girl not sure which ocean was the boy or the girl. It was a spectacular place to visit and for the other 100s of tourists quiet busy. On our way we stopped at Puketi Forest Kauri walk just out of KeriKeri for some much needed tree hugging. Beautiful majestic trees with a smooth textual bark.

West Coast upper North Island

As part of the everyday is the decision where shall we camp this van what’s for dinner do we have enough beer for a drink before dinner. Such serious stuff but important in the scheme of things. So after making sure all that was in order we parked the van this time at Ahipara next to 90 mile beach which isn’t really 90 miles but whose measuring anyway its 88 if you really need to know. The water was wonderful so warm and refreshing and now we are facing west so a sunset hopefully. We rode on the beach on our bikes we could have rode for miles but it was like a freeway for everyone gunning in their 4wd drives, motor bikes or even just the normal small sedan not sure how they got that one there without getting bogged. But hey they did. We like Ahipara simple town caravan park was pretty good cause we got a spot away from everyone and with shade.

We left Ahipara after two days thought lets go back to the East side to Pataua after trying to work where to spend the next day or two at which caravan park. We could free camp but I love a warm shower and power is great to run our coffee machine and the toaster. The small things. We chose this caravan park which I won’t mention it had horrendous showers they were hideous had to pay 50cents for them when they had already charged us a bomb to stay. No shade so one night and we are out there. We drove to Mangawhai Heads for lunch and to check out the beach. So beautiful driving in the homes the location the lushness. The beach was amazing with homes that were right on the beach, I think I am in heaven.

So tonight again searching the maps the internet and Martins Bay looked ok emailed them that had powered site one row back from the beach sounded ok, charge was ok. Done , sold lets go. Mistake big time when we came over to hill to look down on the caravan park wholly Molly . I think sardines have more room in a can. So freaking in your face everyone is but they seem happy, not us. One night dinner, sleep, breaky we are outta there.

East Coast & more

Another big drive today the weather is raining or pouring depending how you look at it. We drove to Whanagamata a surfing town and it would be if the swell was doing the right thing but hey not today. Lunch was found and it was pretty tasty. Gathered some supplies and headed to Cathedral Cove and Hahei which we over shot by an hour so had to back track. All was good. You have to park out of town get a bus then a 45 min walk along a lovely track to the cove. It was truly spectacular sight. Pretty hot today, so sweating was a thing, so not hot in temperature but I reckon it was close 90% humidity and when you come from a dry state where the heat is dry humidity is a thing you have to get use to, great for your skin though.

West Coast, Raglan

We left Heiha with a night stay in a nice park but time to move as the weather was grey and it is the islands of the long white cloud that carry a fair bit rain as we found out today driving through the rainforests and those beautiful tree ferns. love them. Through Hamilton to Raglan to caravan park near the beach which is pretty good but seriously caravan park owners plants some trees. Showers and bathrooms are clean and they had an oven in the kitchen so super excited to have roasted veg for dinner the simply things make the world go around.

Tomorrow we heading inland to tourist area with all the thermal areas which will be very interesting just stay away rain filling in time before we need to be in New Plymouth by Friday to meet Mark & Kristen who are coming over from Byron for a few days, super excited.

westa

seeya later party

dec 28th 2018…

After a very hot and humid day setting up our seeya later party. Our beautiful friends and family some we have known for over 30 years some it feels like it has been 30 years, all have come to have a few cheeky gins and graze the table of snacks. Boy did they have a few cheeky gins the amount of empty gin bottles this morning. Everyone had a beautiful time dancing on the lawn to 90’s hip hop as the sun dipped the night turned into a wonderful summer evening. Our poor neighbours but hey seeya later neighbours .

the biggest surprise of evening was my brother Brenton and beautiful wife Gayle surprising me and flying over from Perth for the party. Will hopefully see them later in our travels in theGreek islands.

4 days to go now before we board the big jet plane to our first stop NZ. We have had all the injections gathered all the information in so many different forms. Now its the clothes selection that is really doing my head in but I have whittled it down now to be under that 20kg limit . Tony he has decided and it’s almost in the bag, so jealous he can do that.

Itinerary is done

Here we are 30 days out from leaving on the trip of a life time. The itinerary is set pretty much. We are excited and have butterflies all at the same time. Still have things to do but the list is shorter, Phew… Cause I think my brain might explode soon with all the details.

Jan- 2019 New Zealand

Feb- Bali

Feb-March Bike ride with grasshopper Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam

March -April- Andaman Islands, Sri Lanka, Maldives

April- Nepal-Tibet-Bhutan

May- South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius

June- Cairo, Jordan, Israel

July, August, September – Italy, Greece, Spain, Paris

October – NYC, West Coast America

November- Cuba, Peru

December- Mexico

January 2020 – Mexico

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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