tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84690453759749924832024-02-07T19:32:52.677-08:00Olivia & Tama's travels!This is our diary of the wonderful experiences that we have had travelling around different parts of our beautiful planet. The places we have been, the people that we have met and the food we have tasted. These memories will always be with us and we wanted to share them all with you and maybe inspire someone to go and check out what is over the horizon someday.
Arohanui Livi and Tama xxOlivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-13729266220072707402009-01-28T13:40:00.000-08:002009-07-20T02:08:44.212-07:00THREE COCKS, WALES.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Three Cocks, Wale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>In memory of Marty. We will remember you often, especially when good food and red wine are around. You are, and always will be, missed enormously by us both.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRbQHcozRgFEuo_C6zrVITH7ooIUm5u0t70MpS4MkCXBU0wiKhBFgnRPpHtB7epq-Czz9vP2teIPKXoVltKWibqEwCLnNtivvZUufdTpEO3pc-_vwmvwNkox-G5oAdIhPn2v0vQ3GKPYA/s1600-h/n560478059_791498_3595.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650943169707298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRbQHcozRgFEuo_C6zrVITH7ooIUm5u0t70MpS4MkCXBU0wiKhBFgnRPpHtB7epq-Czz9vP2teIPKXoVltKWibqEwCLnNtivvZUufdTpEO3pc-_vwmvwNkox-G5oAdIhPn2v0vQ3GKPYA/s400/n560478059_791498_3595.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></span>We got a lovely invite from my cousin Katrina (Treen) and her husband to go up to Wales to where his parents live for the Easter long weekend. So on Good Friday we caught a couple of trains to Reading and were met by Katrina at the station and drove to their house. They are both amazing cooks and she started a lamb curry when we got there and she and Olivia cracked the first of what would be three bottles of bubbly whilst she threw the ingredients together. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpKEUdz42uj5qjI3ATlZqSmC9zBn5Wmrd9Mj6bFAGWRXev7RZVUSvCuoSUQBnHj7FUQovMHlHk83XmiCYhuJySmXVhIdwswyhybIz8miWAspurC0qMqfIPhEm22y7S7Yg-FDHiz32bs6x/s1600-h/DSC02727blog.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpKEUdz42uj5qjI3ATlZqSmC9zBn5Wmrd9Mj6bFAGWRXev7RZVUSvCuoSUQBnHj7FUQovMHlHk83XmiCYhuJySmXVhIdwswyhybIz8miWAspurC0qMqfIPhEm22y7S7Yg-FDHiz32bs6x/s1600-h/DSC02727blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238002876195346738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpKEUdz42uj5qjI3ATlZqSmC9zBn5Wmrd9Mj6bFAGWRXev7RZVUSvCuoSUQBnHj7FUQovMHlHk83XmiCYhuJySmXVhIdwswyhybIz8miWAspurC0qMqfIPhEm22y7S7Yg-FDHiz32bs6x/s400/DSC02727blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Martin was at work and so the three of us enjoyed a few drinks and waited for diner to cook. The smell in the kitchen was divine and little did we know that this was a sign of things to come for the rest of the weekend. When Martin finally got home we ate and it was well worth the wait. The curry was incredible and went down a treat. He had to work in the morning and we picked him up after lunch and headed off for the valleys of Wales. There had been really intermittent weather that week in England and it continued on our drive too. For a while there it was snowing really hard which was really exciting and we all hoped that there would be heaps of snow when we got to Wales too. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NTVSr5WUT8Q2rjfGfI9oWGACrqdG9QetE-QWtbkk9uowhfokh_47TKZsZeqXP2-bOGiQKAJtHD1MGEoHR0XDyKYTcIYD9fI6DZ_4ProPRJz_FRg3DGAtVBFe2x81ckvUliD5UqQpNrvS/s1600-h/DSC02728blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238002879368314882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NTVSr5WUT8Q2rjfGfI9oWGACrqdG9QetE-QWtbkk9uowhfokh_47TKZsZeqXP2-bOGiQKAJtHD1MGEoHR0XDyKYTcIYD9fI6DZ_4ProPRJz_FRg3DGAtVBFe2x81ckvUliD5UqQpNrvS/s400/DSC02728blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>We arrived at Martin’s parents place that afternoon and sat down for some home made cheese sticks and Treen's big bottle of Champagne!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMX37pfwsuhIx5pONYPtxWqrOl7Vy7kffehulStkH0slJxBLbxpd_GMeXhD3KtH3gURXLNouoY8NDwLsxG_rVDXZaHTSZJLDDsQCc73JeeDIqQPyhRE6ASbcm7jonz8c20wWBQ_gj5sCB/s1600-h/DSC02733blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238004933933708098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMX37pfwsuhIx5pONYPtxWqrOl7Vy7kffehulStkH0slJxBLbxpd_GMeXhD3KtH3gURXLNouoY8NDwLsxG_rVDXZaHTSZJLDDsQCc73JeeDIqQPyhRE6ASbcm7jonz8c20wWBQ_gj5sCB/s400/DSC02733blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> Martin had warned us that his mother spoils them whenever they go there and he was so right. She had cooked up a huge roast leg of ham and chicken with all the trimmings with probably the best cauliflower cheese either of us had ever had. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nNBBl3wGAvfYMrB4QrsbOIh18NNC6qrNV1JeR6OVDPkM0RapiH_T8qGFbONynluw1dTF-uJx4ScyIqzArHuiiwky-vUY-ZOlUKSwcHM83AbmkUgiqXX_7bEk6n_yBQeT8HtWkhr_12SU/s1600-h/DSC02734blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238004940323396834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nNBBl3wGAvfYMrB4QrsbOIh18NNC6qrNV1JeR6OVDPkM0RapiH_T8qGFbONynluw1dTF-uJx4ScyIqzArHuiiwky-vUY-ZOlUKSwcHM83AbmkUgiqXX_7bEk6n_yBQeT8HtWkhr_12SU/s400/DSC02734blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>To cap things off she had also made an enormous trifle that was also delectable.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Ef0wsLhMqbjceOOio6WTGBJAoMgQiD12qFKMhJx-VH7CSSNuUwydqWPimRBiSK17tvDISNceAGALaYvdj7FQootnpHlm1MJUOQWj8ruAFHAFFVxKU4M0IjktkWcGnzfIlisilo2fo7o/s1600-h/DSC_7034blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001509914978946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Ef0wsLhMqbjceOOio6WTGBJAoMgQiD12qFKMhJx-VH7CSSNuUwydqWPimRBiSK17tvDISNceAGALaYvdj7FQootnpHlm1MJUOQWj8ruAFHAFFVxKU4M0IjktkWcGnzfIlisilo2fo7o/s320/DSC_7034blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the amazing dinner we played a game called ‘Deal or No Deal’. Martin’s family got the game on another holiday but nobody could be bothered to figure out how to play it so we persevered and finally sussed it out. We had a great night to say the least.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGvhyphenhyphenl62YYq5Dp5tuS9IZ3tTetrX4fzsH1wMbNDCoPTuh-GYpkle_P_ZxcifsvH7dP6nxvfuUcVpKTTccfFUxk5okshllxVyF-dyuG68b570jCLh2dAvSYGd5ldVBpXvaTxv1N170umOk/s1600-h/DSC_7047blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001514939693122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGvhyphenhyphenl62YYq5Dp5tuS9IZ3tTetrX4fzsH1wMbNDCoPTuh-GYpkle_P_ZxcifsvH7dP6nxvfuUcVpKTTccfFUxk5okshllxVyF-dyuG68b570jCLh2dAvSYGd5ldVBpXvaTxv1N170umOk/s320/DSC_7047blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> On Easter Sunday Martin’s father took us for a drive up into the surrounding hills and countryside. It was so stark and beautiful and Martin and Olivia took their fair share of photos whilst the rest of us stayed put in the car. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ8WW0-QwCSibJu-Q1QOjXPHDHKR4ST7ZeURXk2A-b68bXYmS2NxIzZlGIj2udx8RJPMs1AvyTQjPZ_M0VJW0cCfgz08BDVWLUNFyYXnvrs6M0Q_MKV1pzOJE9hjuw9APDrHCnw9b9t1i/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+1+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238005435487890674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ8WW0-QwCSibJu-Q1QOjXPHDHKR4ST7ZeURXk2A-b68bXYmS2NxIzZlGIj2udx8RJPMs1AvyTQjPZ_M0VJW0cCfgz08BDVWLUNFyYXnvrs6M0Q_MKV1pzOJE9hjuw9APDrHCnw9b9t1i/s400/Wales+landscape+1+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wHghwvfAIVO-E3LftRJt4nO1J912RIyuGngwPrtJE8Ux4FEnMmkhP5gGv5fibl4b1fuhrXHZ9sNu1jMgvkxPYy2eR7eyzaHXeIX-5VlquvDcFUsm9GVhbjIKDyY-AP7XbGrVytSX6Pj6/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+2+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238005438074703426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wHghwvfAIVO-E3LftRJt4nO1J912RIyuGngwPrtJE8Ux4FEnMmkhP5gGv5fibl4b1fuhrXHZ9sNu1jMgvkxPYy2eR7eyzaHXeIX-5VlquvDcFUsm9GVhbjIKDyY-AP7XbGrVytSX6Pj6/s400/Wales+landscape+2+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfNPDm3PiOK19eMwaSMQ7uSHA6epg3uoAkW2p4rgs364uNt4ceTcZ_-unaw1Tep9jx38FP2qyDp5MoAbjRwe-czNzFYi_aU41r8a3AVNgjZZpjVaWNE0GIhyphenhyphenZNBRj08AMe8A5BaSjNrHZ/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+6+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238006042377927186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfNPDm3PiOK19eMwaSMQ7uSHA6epg3uoAkW2p4rgs364uNt4ceTcZ_-unaw1Tep9jx38FP2qyDp5MoAbjRwe-czNzFYi_aU41r8a3AVNgjZZpjVaWNE0GIhyphenhyphenZNBRj08AMe8A5BaSjNrHZ/s400/Wales+landscape+6+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHrKMhTLCtpqfHSysQ0uNpvVV35g7wwwC31bvljNxcYw7syp9BAIlUyFq23pz0q4sRrlTs2_zsLQU9p8hLdFRXWRJ2C8BW0BFEFC3piYjeYKGC4zUY8md9wZgkLlggQp9KOrAdiYjGduy/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+9+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238007345353175970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHrKMhTLCtpqfHSysQ0uNpvVV35g7wwwC31bvljNxcYw7syp9BAIlUyFq23pz0q4sRrlTs2_zsLQU9p8hLdFRXWRJ2C8BW0BFEFC3piYjeYKGC4zUY8md9wZgkLlggQp9KOrAdiYjGduy/s400/Wales+landscape+9+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFqwivYeTGpXHXZ8awMW_D3StkSeWadZYWNCdWlmVrpnR9mE0ClGRpE73hSfbeOB29itud99AxHaL9g4Z0lv0ugMTGqD2KJtWlpYaYmlARlJTPshaLYbGiPBXN-fyNvlxg2X-MQ16ZHt-/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+10+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238007346288047810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFqwivYeTGpXHXZ8awMW_D3StkSeWadZYWNCdWlmVrpnR9mE0ClGRpE73hSfbeOB29itud99AxHaL9g4Z0lv0ugMTGqD2KJtWlpYaYmlARlJTPshaLYbGiPBXN-fyNvlxg2X-MQ16ZHt-/s400/Wales+landscape+10+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGohvdYuaZeaet-20X5GBVciYFHPWNqjk9dIUfVWLN4JWeSPF7pGRbhYgULsapeo24GfA5oxQaVCUhtlXvhHbmztXPG6cMGHpFexc04NkfRCR6cXBej8OKzE1b6WCje9pEjf75zj2DMTCw/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+3+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238006039876210482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGohvdYuaZeaet-20X5GBVciYFHPWNqjk9dIUfVWLN4JWeSPF7pGRbhYgULsapeo24GfA5oxQaVCUhtlXvhHbmztXPG6cMGHpFexc04NkfRCR6cXBej8OKzE1b6WCje9pEjf75zj2DMTCw/s400/Wales+landscape+3+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3Nx1NY0p9XlIPtNAy8yz-dBiMRCjtTCof96cjntapJZc8uNL4GjcH_tin6IlckxShiKHxxi09ERzFmWXDRencRG1dq2B9C2W-0u-ne-PUJOofq3Dgi5g1jAF2etqjlOPjBbXHJVWe9bO/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+8+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238006048645460354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3Nx1NY0p9XlIPtNAy8yz-dBiMRCjtTCof96cjntapJZc8uNL4GjcH_tin6IlckxShiKHxxi09ERzFmWXDRencRG1dq2B9C2W-0u-ne-PUJOofq3Dgi5g1jAF2etqjlOPjBbXHJVWe9bO/s400/Wales+landscape+8+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> When we got back to the house Martin, Treen, Olivia and I went to the pub across the road for a quick pint before we all left for Easter lunch at a favourite local restaurant of theirs called ‘The Griffin’. We had no idea of how much of a treat we were in for. The food was amazing and the wine list extensive. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdlqE2bxExg-ijEzj1_UWiMz4uBe9lVrtb4ykKb0kfSTpSTL9np3XheqU0GPoU31wAPIG3hB_y4cEKJHaV0bVpWUfe51BxBke1XGu-AEGWmYOZBx1izaJXBY_7uct9ZbRaZ6dGeW7udw5/s1600-h/n560478059_791603_1051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650943015669362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdlqE2bxExg-ijEzj1_UWiMz4uBe9lVrtb4ykKb0kfSTpSTL9np3XheqU0GPoU31wAPIG3hB_y4cEKJHaV0bVpWUfe51BxBke1XGu-AEGWmYOZBx1izaJXBY_7uct9ZbRaZ6dGeW7udw5/s400/n560478059_791603_1051.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjwLPfiNVO7adyBu9hPSvg5xb24wiU8vElRH_50XR3d8ufmC-Apvdi3BIp0CPLggRntTKluFW16l9_fnkeT1S_rO67-eNnyvYeXKsiPec846r1TVFTfmKBwKfLaMPxHw78na0nJxCz793/s1600-h/n560478059_791512_9018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650942658426946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjwLPfiNVO7adyBu9hPSvg5xb24wiU8vElRH_50XR3d8ufmC-Apvdi3BIp0CPLggRntTKluFW16l9_fnkeT1S_rO67-eNnyvYeXKsiPec846r1TVFTfmKBwKfLaMPxHw78na0nJxCz793/s400/n560478059_791512_9018.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfmg-pwDDcgWsd3AEiyOsB4edN4vnGQEiuHFYNCMg0GZWBzkGHJBoXk5gxQwvvSS_3qlFLGo9ACDms_1cLfzKYPzzkxHzVghcR-_5806KwBYmyjAz4xHCfSdrbdeC2peLZw-heXWpKSkV/s1600-h/DSC02749blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238004937378152418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfmg-pwDDcgWsd3AEiyOsB4edN4vnGQEiuHFYNCMg0GZWBzkGHJBoXk5gxQwvvSS_3qlFLGo9ACDms_1cLfzKYPzzkxHzVghcR-_5806KwBYmyjAz4xHCfSdrbdeC2peLZw-heXWpKSkV/s400/DSC02749blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we had finished eating Martin’s parents went home and left us at the pub. Treen had bought us an Easter egg each that you decorated yourself. So we asked the other people that were waiting for a table and the waiting staff to judge whose egg they thought was decorated the best. We put a 10-minute limit on the decoration time and set to it. It was so much fun and the results were hilarious. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aAjEeQ4qOm9hNkugQF4LNnIi9C7gG6_U0ujoTLD7KsGE1Kny1XLwSRBLw1NWmTtNmnL_BNENLpAu168IQ9pp4X8ocJ6YM1bAPAOkI6JA9hMF9zc8udUjBE9dZII5AyIGunt7gWUGHN7d/s1600-h/DSC_6915blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001507274648818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aAjEeQ4qOm9hNkugQF4LNnIi9C7gG6_U0ujoTLD7KsGE1Kny1XLwSRBLw1NWmTtNmnL_BNENLpAu168IQ9pp4X8ocJ6YM1bAPAOkI6JA9hMF9zc8udUjBE9dZII5AyIGunt7gWUGHN7d/s320/DSC_6915blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuuTxSAS2bs1xfuMXUSFV0acFgmY3MOynwnjG_1wrdg-FqXFXzggoaqH-NCVmgsZgcoyx0MQAMUGgtAOlKEfoaNitrS0SGLPkg4oQdndl6DFYzCGB04kd0YvLHnhUky2Ta7Hh-zEc1XBh/s1600-h/DSC02753+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238004939050495474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuuTxSAS2bs1xfuMXUSFV0acFgmY3MOynwnjG_1wrdg-FqXFXzggoaqH-NCVmgsZgcoyx0MQAMUGgtAOlKEfoaNitrS0SGLPkg4oQdndl6DFYzCGB04kd0YvLHnhUky2Ta7Hh-zEc1XBh/s400/DSC02753+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyx3HLx7YKFLvlqiG9bx2lepD3QLy1290SF3n8g3ME2tHDLwtmM-CuZ65OfYsUduLXljgvcesqOWEMrlcRnERKNOh_hfcpUq4JMVAhHTYEDLp9y8eOs9qgRgDg-XHaqB-LlZhAr24bGwJ/s1600-h/DSC_6930blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001510907462706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyx3HLx7YKFLvlqiG9bx2lepD3QLy1290SF3n8g3ME2tHDLwtmM-CuZ65OfYsUduLXljgvcesqOWEMrlcRnERKNOh_hfcpUq4JMVAhHTYEDLp9y8eOs9qgRgDg-XHaqB-LlZhAr24bGwJ/s320/DSC_6930blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>We finally called it quits and caught a local cab back to the house and started another session of ‘Deal or No Deal’. After a ‘few’ nightcaps we finally headed off to bed for a well earned sleep.<br />The next morning we had a huge breakfast and then hit the road for the journey home. The first stop were the ruins of an ancient Priory. It was bitterly cold there but was well worth it as it was such an incredible setting and beautiful. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc04V7OtkzU9YEDLvU6Q_2ZkI_TsM_YCADUyhOreMxp5LV-LqU7kcBzmOC9pdixZakALIVj9MuSWQMK66GR-VEOnyn4b6ZlXGhxYc6N0OjhmtnYpayzedsaSWPAHMQ2YLBRRHhLbCNLNT/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+11+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238007347654781282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc04V7OtkzU9YEDLvU6Q_2ZkI_TsM_YCADUyhOreMxp5LV-LqU7kcBzmOC9pdixZakALIVj9MuSWQMK66GR-VEOnyn4b6ZlXGhxYc6N0OjhmtnYpayzedsaSWPAHMQ2YLBRRHhLbCNLNT/s400/Wales+landscape+11+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Yx19r4zD1t5_FFksbRXNqdivLgWaPy37k-5qD3Be-MAeAxixBxU4dJcrFxr3EzlE4OdyE7rDd_ELSsei8C2djFn7v-jr_Cs-yDOta831UVewC_Vivg3u91lMGAVpEvYgYPJTxVYodM-O/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+12+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238007347075261954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Yx19r4zD1t5_FFksbRXNqdivLgWaPy37k-5qD3Be-MAeAxixBxU4dJcrFxr3EzlE4OdyE7rDd_ELSsei8C2djFn7v-jr_Cs-yDOta831UVewC_Vivg3u91lMGAVpEvYgYPJTxVYodM-O/s400/Wales+landscape+12+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5GxEErbLP6xDfkuMo6OPdXDAtnu-4kx1oRnFTFnn6XkkJNdFnKv5EVTKOtKJGstX-zaAD43IDAGMdZs-5NkmQtgcVfjFVqiQ3aMUDOerR-siMmTF_rVkdDiRlPfxAfRfB0Oc3_4Z_F-H/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+13+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238007353046213970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5GxEErbLP6xDfkuMo6OPdXDAtnu-4kx1oRnFTFnn6XkkJNdFnKv5EVTKOtKJGstX-zaAD43IDAGMdZs-5NkmQtgcVfjFVqiQ3aMUDOerR-siMmTF_rVkdDiRlPfxAfRfB0Oc3_4Z_F-H/s400/Wales+landscape+13+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0or8-KD6ULBTYXPnjC_fd1xoMc6HQ9VQrQXC0PF96a9zBmI3ggRpJ0cgLVDyZfSZZoHTsR26hT0QY0vXN0pqeewvZcWyPtflgLs8ukerenZfV_MIox4e98pF_502lRa59nkhYn_QMGlhI/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+4+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238006043841856770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0or8-KD6ULBTYXPnjC_fd1xoMc6HQ9VQrQXC0PF96a9zBmI3ggRpJ0cgLVDyZfSZZoHTsR26hT0QY0vXN0pqeewvZcWyPtflgLs8ukerenZfV_MIox4e98pF_502lRa59nkhYn_QMGlhI/s400/Wales+landscape+4+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE5W8a3CDuNDV_FYuS0cAUlh5SP26aQ7k991SlnYElmIbuBOfMg-Rs62SCGnuf1_j1KpXVeJSDu3yNE5cLIAi2s4BA_n49fHhdNLt4YKE-5k79b9alALy0y55SWCnqphyphenhyphenopLv9t6_uT1N/s1600-h/Wales+landscape+7+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238006049568434834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE5W8a3CDuNDV_FYuS0cAUlh5SP26aQ7k991SlnYElmIbuBOfMg-Rs62SCGnuf1_j1KpXVeJSDu3yNE5cLIAi2s4BA_n49fHhdNLt4YKE-5k79b9alALy0y55SWCnqphyphenhyphenopLv9t6_uT1N/s400/Wales+landscape+7+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8TZKjvZeJ7JrdoreTT3brkFUUnqBwTOANNe2j0plZb_gaAb0XVRpgTIlF-zC9H7_UUKvigX3XQqHFIAy2BbCq9307Pb8ntw9jlYY04A1bco5Dsq0hANgxoVc4GvxLQpv_7Fj5okMlwP-/s1600-h/Lamp+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238005435239997602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8TZKjvZeJ7JrdoreTT3brkFUUnqBwTOANNe2j0plZb_gaAb0XVRpgTIlF-zC9H7_UUKvigX3XQqHFIAy2BbCq9307Pb8ntw9jlYY04A1bco5Dsq0hANgxoVc4GvxLQpv_7Fj5okMlwP-/s400/Lamp+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuRBzw9PrQRCawtpf1BcLbeqP109f7lopQ3GIT7DXKDXUHx6kNHYfacg9Y5PRbOpV4KomR2aQKl9jN78QTfU2wYzQUtRLN0Bl81AMEVABk6Hp3gijvgRzvlMUvoMLlq5lJv6T33nwDE9V/s1600-h/DSC02768+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238004945579729762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuRBzw9PrQRCawtpf1BcLbeqP109f7lopQ3GIT7DXKDXUHx6kNHYfacg9Y5PRbOpV4KomR2aQKl9jN78QTfU2wYzQUtRLN0Bl81AMEVABk6Hp3gijvgRzvlMUvoMLlq5lJv6T33nwDE9V/s400/DSC02768+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2N-IEKxcAN3jfzzevL5Y64pOjwlsxwf45XmQe8UBAEmqqJvEpuyy80YWvqZc1O_9M8XzUnYpPljuC6wjP4AOg-GQShyphenhyphenjn46fR3lMa9IM2D6jmcB5MYwwiW7atOuf7QBTC0NsqD2h3TnI/s1600-h/The+Priory+in+Wales+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238005431600271282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2N-IEKxcAN3jfzzevL5Y64pOjwlsxwf45XmQe8UBAEmqqJvEpuyy80YWvqZc1O_9M8XzUnYpPljuC6wjP4AOg-GQShyphenhyphenjn46fR3lMa9IM2D6jmcB5MYwwiW7atOuf7QBTC0NsqD2h3TnI/s400/The+Priory+in+Wales+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVHMm1l9DBS56AcAd1KfJJSK9ljDJW1GqyK7w8WdqX1XUE2Fzw5_5mUPwWnRm3-tJv6MKBsRVZoDjnwAD3IjaFfn9GbI9hcos1M8eS8eZeHTxUd4Ycpk0wXZMMmM-KqOc7IyPG5lm2sXt/s1600-h/DSC_7081blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001944882802322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVHMm1l9DBS56AcAd1KfJJSK9ljDJW1GqyK7w8WdqX1XUE2Fzw5_5mUPwWnRm3-tJv6MKBsRVZoDjnwAD3IjaFfn9GbI9hcos1M8eS8eZeHTxUd4Ycpk0wXZMMmM-KqOc7IyPG5lm2sXt/s400/DSC_7081blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNE7VS7w-tNJiD_FsbNUVKx4ZsCQPP7Yu47TEt3uQl8mtPtZw13uXmKgLw8TCxEhQ1vwPdIEQ_MuDI3MT2nV-a_K6jJbQowTqygvXZpIl79tv1CULHJ6Tv6Z4UEajv5d0j0_CnhXKaqnF/s1600-h/DSC_7094blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001947767582610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNE7VS7w-tNJiD_FsbNUVKx4ZsCQPP7Yu47TEt3uQl8mtPtZw13uXmKgLw8TCxEhQ1vwPdIEQ_MuDI3MT2nV-a_K6jJbQowTqygvXZpIl79tv1CULHJ6Tv6Z4UEajv5d0j0_CnhXKaqnF/s400/DSC_7094blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>From there Martin and Treen were keen to take us to this little village they had been to years before for some extra special bangers and mash but when we got there the kitchen was closed and there was no food at all. We tried pickled eggs but they weren’t anything special. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP50SOaSwUUmoxMQqDa1gATPjI0-JKd2aF_l1lCci8IVHq_CD5LngcUpFQ9diMXYcFfY7fqyErG911iNO6MMt3W2aSkpZSSCLmMSSU9Ce59aBje_wbptZafB9hxWFDA6XE3H1tMwdPc120/s1600-h/n560478059_791496_1704.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650939693942338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP50SOaSwUUmoxMQqDa1gATPjI0-JKd2aF_l1lCci8IVHq_CD5LngcUpFQ9diMXYcFfY7fqyErG911iNO6MMt3W2aSkpZSSCLmMSSU9Ce59aBje_wbptZafB9hxWFDA6XE3H1tMwdPc120/s400/n560478059_791496_1704.jpg" border="0" /></a>So we continued on and were all getting really hungry by now when we came across a famous local restaurant called ‘The Bell at Skinfrith’. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkpls8zhyphenhyphenylWs1CCxhtBtC7u-Rb8Px7YtrhUzqB6OAPZ3xxXiJDRD-OUOcgJEuIuI2y-FHzaXGIF_ul7xd3G_-kfTlJLK8WKrOhT6GQUBbb93JhbscU7vWHm61Arm5YVZXuasLJUSyzVU/s1600-h/DSC02786+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238005429417104754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkpls8zhyphenhyphenylWs1CCxhtBtC7u-Rb8Px7YtrhUzqB6OAPZ3xxXiJDRD-OUOcgJEuIuI2y-FHzaXGIF_ul7xd3G_-kfTlJLK8WKrOhT6GQUBbb93JhbscU7vWHm61Arm5YVZXuasLJUSyzVU/s400/DSC02786+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Treen suggested that we try in there and Martin insisted that there was no way on Easter Monday that you could just rock on up and get a table at this of all places. He was sure that we would need a booking. So she went in and minutes later came out with a triumphant smile on her face and said, “I told you so. We have to wait a few minutes for a table for four!” It was well worth the wait also. The food was once again sublime and the red wine that went with it superb. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTjLfsrjD_E9_L99eFEGxaweUc6z4IaCSUcnBVfMHuJuEIq78nrLxQK1sHzz5zc1WresoflK3n6kV8gbjMzJ74kL6WbFSHcKEhKtxnZHIsVbtU4sFjYpnzuJqzEGbVL_a3KZFqoK2UWMJ/s1600-h/DSC_7154blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001944136364834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTjLfsrjD_E9_L99eFEGxaweUc6z4IaCSUcnBVfMHuJuEIq78nrLxQK1sHzz5zc1WresoflK3n6kV8gbjMzJ74kL6WbFSHcKEhKtxnZHIsVbtU4sFjYpnzuJqzEGbVL_a3KZFqoK2UWMJ/s400/DSC_7154blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N9Fx9yTRwCn1u32iQG0du7BH9wb9n3JSsChrm_lQNbJTkKE5m1I2w-Kem9vEn21FhL1XkEryF8-YHcyUlY4ikRn8lg4wgzrIDpGFYOUOnKWO9MXcHPKpUxi4dhY4O6citJ-I16F43NJ1/s1600-h/DSC_7167blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001951442471522" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrylbr4WTvgLAGKlUjD4cYqTLOSpe_y8smPG-gF531KT9pxNbG0ihrrZh230a64oqxBG36q7jrU1SS1B3W9RFi7jV1EM3OPcqxn4QUWpOmpkQbOOjTiW9XnCJauRgoaPLDmaO9JkDELUef/s400/DSC_7181blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpWbx54kRhylr7maKr4ZmOdpjP4g3pmy_OopfdnaEzgDfVfMJWU-33iV8pKwR_cAHcOdpP01IlYSpT0yraBw0SwEEZKOJ__ZpWpcTJVx39g3UIdnSb02cFS-BCrGA0EjD8ICZrRxVpKyd/s1600-h/DSC_7185blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238002874732698770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpWbx54kRhylr7maKr4ZmOdpjP4g3pmy_OopfdnaEzgDfVfMJWU-33iV8pKwR_cAHcOdpP01IlYSpT0yraBw0SwEEZKOJ__ZpWpcTJVx39g3UIdnSb02cFS-BCrGA0EjD8ICZrRxVpKyd/s400/DSC_7185blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekY9GPEGmSyvQj1uPv75gTPQu_m2s2gT-IgU8EreAemGu72c0FDST1gjgkQhkgWRUKOVZuxIH02aBUQ0PGr2qCNrHK2fG4YJ_Eap1gHUpeFXgIbCbd8glSLBQihjqN09_By8vyk1BWJhi/s1600-h/DSC_7175blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238001950406570866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekY9GPEGmSyvQj1uPv75gTPQu_m2s2gT-IgU8EreAemGu72c0FDST1gjgkQhkgWRUKOVZuxIH02aBUQ0PGr2qCNrHK2fG4YJ_Eap1gHUpeFXgIbCbd8glSLBQihjqN09_By8vyk1BWJhi/s400/DSC_7175blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNKiJvfwZQHT_fQSstD1nw0PJ4UfPGrQQFYM-cuNgYfjeQpfk2EcYBcG3B5BvnRAWHjKfeh28J7QXWOzZFEYRBhj8sCbjEiDLkIu50wYMEW2Rd1-q8IWed1sRa6f4WROQ4toFYPJa5PyX/s1600-h/DSC_7188blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238002879227274610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNKiJvfwZQHT_fQSstD1nw0PJ4UfPGrQQFYM-cuNgYfjeQpfk2EcYBcG3B5BvnRAWHjKfeh28J7QXWOzZFEYRBhj8sCbjEiDLkIu50wYMEW2Rd1-q8IWed1sRa6f4WROQ4toFYPJa5PyX/s400/DSC_7188blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our final meal capped off an incredible weekend of gastronomic wonders, great company and beautiful landscapes. It was almost a relief to get on the train at Reading and head for home to rest after all that feasting.<br /><br />Arohanui Livi and Tama xx </div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-22906154921808722652009-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:002009-07-20T03:43:36.038-07:00PRAHA / PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC<span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Praha – Prague, Czech Republic</span> </span><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqV9ndF9AtIz4wrV0MyLN1F9ZVRIHdaSfRLiqLmw6BaXbOscFUEuxOVupy-f9JVMCvMxbAfZ3oMcLw_mYvP_sJV8E18qWfVBpzwIOJZgk6mYVZnIm080XCjaOABMm6WN_d7M0S1GsVMR/s1600-h/n560478059_927754_7775.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306641807665291074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqV9ndF9AtIz4wrV0MyLN1F9ZVRIHdaSfRLiqLmw6BaXbOscFUEuxOVupy-f9JVMCvMxbAfZ3oMcLw_mYvP_sJV8E18qWfVBpzwIOJZgk6mYVZnIm080XCjaOABMm6WN_d7M0S1GsVMR/s400/n560478059_927754_7775.jpg" border="0" /></a>In December 2007 we met a woman named Petra from Prague at a Christmas Party in London. She was on her way to New Zealand for a 3-month trip and we told her to get in touch with my family in Wellington. She did and ended up staying with them for 5 days. She then went up to Te Kaha in the Bay of Plenty to stay with more of my relations there and since then had emailed us endlessly about coming to visit her. So we did. She met us at the airport and drove us back through the city to her office. She gave us a cell phone to use whilst there and we agreed to meet up later on that evening when she would take us to meet her friends for dinner. Olivia and I caught the local underground (metro) into the centre of Prague and started exploring. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07nIwI04tS9USJhrFcA1h9jM6_auW_DMUpiI_3Pzb4dVthTfzMnMtIqOu1B9uvYn59x6iiudxCGkoR9G45nsjgYpDAvktE1kg2HNHdkMWti-Sh7b3oR1FATRpEoIprYL-tFSKvmWeFylG/s1600-h/n560478059_927726_6677.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297444575207823218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07nIwI04tS9USJhrFcA1h9jM6_auW_DMUpiI_3Pzb4dVthTfzMnMtIqOu1B9uvYn59x6iiudxCGkoR9G45nsjgYpDAvktE1kg2HNHdkMWti-Sh7b3oR1FATRpEoIprYL-tFSKvmWeFylG/s320/n560478059_927726_6677.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1vA7_Re5cjJlCalqm_WWmZLjl-CGCB7X5gpsWlUKzYaVruWW4fL6KHTBUwSFgUwZr5m5A8HTHxRXhjPaLeitMgyezjB0Z2cDRBw526t763Rk4mG0GeRyw5e9XQqEvHovbOdxFs8ooZVc/s1600-h/n560478059_927765_1131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297444582303279202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1vA7_Re5cjJlCalqm_WWmZLjl-CGCB7X5gpsWlUKzYaVruWW4fL6KHTBUwSFgUwZr5m5A8HTHxRXhjPaLeitMgyezjB0Z2cDRBw526t763Rk4mG0GeRyw5e9XQqEvHovbOdxFs8ooZVc/s320/n560478059_927765_1131.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZQtFTerLblNiyeEOnVOOEevryBEmAdCmLrAVPEvVKBqIXju2fMc0tBMfCI8C-l93ChmX2g_EoXoq851vrGP5DIN3Pafsq6GqNM7up3v-n5TGfO6AgRJFJRNpGzsZxN5DwEEP8pJaWNb4/s1600-h/n560478059_927738_833.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297444581181359890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZQtFTerLblNiyeEOnVOOEevryBEmAdCmLrAVPEvVKBqIXju2fMc0tBMfCI8C-l93ChmX2g_EoXoq851vrGP5DIN3Pafsq6GqNM7up3v-n5TGfO6AgRJFJRNpGzsZxN5DwEEP8pJaWNb4/s320/n560478059_927738_833.jpg" border="0" /></a>Petra called us and we met up and then walked through the city. It was so stunning and the camera virtually didn’t stop snapping. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQPu7hPHp_Z4a224AyidIOyYYVAFyAZCa4wz9e3rR7RXx44TDnddZkbxbfRQEx7ou10KrMsJequ8PQsQeeEZlRK3YMVSgl13ayQFIfPO_vrkRuJgjooq4Cp6SCHvmm1NMWapJgyASOpT6/s1600-h/n560478059_928250_3916.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650494254890882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQPu7hPHp_Z4a224AyidIOyYYVAFyAZCa4wz9e3rR7RXx44TDnddZkbxbfRQEx7ou10KrMsJequ8PQsQeeEZlRK3YMVSgl13ayQFIfPO_vrkRuJgjooq4Cp6SCHvmm1NMWapJgyASOpT6/s320/n560478059_928250_3916.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8Tz07kWw7kKEF-JgSROjehSiquHMG2TNY9Wk5e3U3MUUnOi4n4RAtL_yA5jveRI9mWntrZRse3Av3E6VWgjoBmmKghjQVTKQlclwSnUPVG1_2m4LrUagOgZ_VOxZGInfNk90UXS4N9ni/s1600-h/n560478059_928243_229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643854401698130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8Tz07kWw7kKEF-JgSROjehSiquHMG2TNY9Wk5e3U3MUUnOi4n4RAtL_yA5jveRI9mWntrZRse3Av3E6VWgjoBmmKghjQVTKQlclwSnUPVG1_2m4LrUagOgZ_VOxZGInfNk90UXS4N9ni/s400/n560478059_928243_229.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPld7P2MH73KVROabRBt4l9KywsqndSa4_6W14JsVmocxTCs9q3WxmfpMkCa8UyYrMLhEQMxCMuAKIpVrvgKZA9pxurXOJGvn1hvrExQFi7TA7LgAk_gyNpt1HC_D3BLHsSxFe_m0PnNA/s1600-h/n560478059_927823_4577.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306642318520699394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPld7P2MH73KVROabRBt4l9KywsqndSa4_6W14JsVmocxTCs9q3WxmfpMkCa8UyYrMLhEQMxCMuAKIpVrvgKZA9pxurXOJGvn1hvrExQFi7TA7LgAk_gyNpt1HC_D3BLHsSxFe_m0PnNA/s320/n560478059_927823_4577.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9sKxssioDPSgX9nBJrZwgDiF_j5r_aM36cR2z4yS1kga9x6lEoGXDyrBnqqMBDoLuqycycPM2iJyzaCi_-SIwASg0y_bYF3gPzaK413xfQGynFRENaFBYRLQ7d2u5SgeKMZd4AjrH9CA/s1600-h/n560478059_927758_9379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650186727940722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9sKxssioDPSgX9nBJrZwgDiF_j5r_aM36cR2z4yS1kga9x6lEoGXDyrBnqqMBDoLuqycycPM2iJyzaCi_-SIwASg0y_bYF3gPzaK413xfQGynFRENaFBYRLQ7d2u5SgeKMZd4AjrH9CA/s400/n560478059_927758_9379.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3KFbxEAoRwHkKljOZTXDz1YFmli7ReSYtV5fL0N2A-eZXOZolKhHDxIwj9OdPQP5xTqmSxHoswpqcww9E7Eu8Q-C63lZarwYtNgkU0PDvyfmYqYXXG3GqR1i-da_bs5eQtSCU4OxYsQf/s1600-h/n560478059_927822_3770.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306642318810256418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3KFbxEAoRwHkKljOZTXDz1YFmli7ReSYtV5fL0N2A-eZXOZolKhHDxIwj9OdPQP5xTqmSxHoswpqcww9E7Eu8Q-C63lZarwYtNgkU0PDvyfmYqYXXG3GqR1i-da_bs5eQtSCU4OxYsQf/s320/n560478059_927822_3770.jpg" border="0" /></a>We ended up at a restaurant called ‘U Vejvodu’ which was nothing short of amazing. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpnoq0i3b-wCeCRR_hHlxWPlseu27PRSk_RiwKFrMEh9T9_nrZ8gAiiaVhxgvXHZZuXzLeNAB9W4Zxlta8RegbHTaLc2eL9R6S6O7cQvvS_Q5Ej2rozBLfJe1I_VCfYKDawTSnH2B1WH5/s1600-h/n560478059_927826_6240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306858060017491458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpnoq0i3b-wCeCRR_hHlxWPlseu27PRSk_RiwKFrMEh9T9_nrZ8gAiiaVhxgvXHZZuXzLeNAB9W4Zxlta8RegbHTaLc2eL9R6S6O7cQvvS_Q5Ej2rozBLfJe1I_VCfYKDawTSnH2B1WH5/s320/n560478059_927826_6240.jpg" border="0" /></a>Most of the women at our table were drinking a local dark beer, which is apparently good for the breasts so Olivia decided that she had better have one of those too. I settled for a pilsner and the massive glasses they came in had me smiling from ear to ear. For dinner Petra recommended that Olivia have a Czech lamb dish and I have the ribs. She was right on the money. They were scrumptous. When we had finished we went for a walk through Prague and when we got to the Town square were absolutely blown away by everything. It was so stunning all lit up at night and you could see why Walt Disney had based his famous castle on the one here as it was truly magical. We then met up with our friends from London Greg and Ana and went to an Aussie bar for a quiet drink.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nD6h5OaleKO6_ExM5cxIWVZkY-E6yHNQOx72iYmryql-0UoFDlL8ZIiiFmmSnUi-bjmucP8cNqG7vjhvRUUhz1elHJF44FQ10jI5Mb_G3dKbivgwI-0KBG6K9MBOSzxN-f_jyzLTLVkV/s1600-h/n560478059_927741_2102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297449464404072514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nD6h5OaleKO6_ExM5cxIWVZkY-E6yHNQOx72iYmryql-0UoFDlL8ZIiiFmmSnUi-bjmucP8cNqG7vjhvRUUhz1elHJF44FQ10jI5Mb_G3dKbivgwI-0KBG6K9MBOSzxN-f_jyzLTLVkV/s400/n560478059_927741_2102.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> After organising that we meet up the next day whilst sightseeing, we all went home for bed.<br />We caught the bus and tram into town the next morning to check out some of the sights. We decided to start back at the Town Square so that we could see it in the daylight. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn dominates one side of the Old Town Square. It's a powerful looking Gothic church with a baroque interior. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">The </span></span></span><a class="bodycopybold" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=596"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock are opposite the church and are also fabulous, it's such a beautiful square - fairytale like!</span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGhYpzqU-9U9Z1tUp8aVCo3B7iEzxdxsQhgLLSH5P-S83R-wcdEgh801RNvFJCxbpdibNweMnf4aVO9_X4ERRF4OAjE70BQ4GKAPRQxS0xyzoOfTGA36bycLCtn2mZzS0xkpVXXYGNATX/s1600-h/n560478059_927725_6341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297449961336193554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGhYpzqU-9U9Z1tUp8aVCo3B7iEzxdxsQhgLLSH5P-S83R-wcdEgh801RNvFJCxbpdibNweMnf4aVO9_X4ERRF4OAjE70BQ4GKAPRQxS0xyzoOfTGA36bycLCtn2mZzS0xkpVXXYGNATX/s400/n560478059_927725_6341.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo80KTeqQHAGk2nKE-2SEcRm8yBFsLyqpsMTaLLWBvmFrTideaVas2DcZhHk-GBjmtCmVlsLsSTh-aCox8NMH4gb1UU4bO28YWoTA6ClR2_j9aE7jlmeXpOtVzWfxIUFBILAdIdzbyfH8/s1600-h/n560478059_927817_1603.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306641812233707138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo80KTeqQHAGk2nKE-2SEcRm8yBFsLyqpsMTaLLWBvmFrTideaVas2DcZhHk-GBjmtCmVlsLsSTh-aCox8NMH4gb1UU4bO28YWoTA6ClR2_j9aE7jlmeXpOtVzWfxIUFBILAdIdzbyfH8/s400/n560478059_927817_1603.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhmPLgfwo4MadrhyphenhyphenAx4MFRIuCnJpeAHEYnWn36_VAUwVtBwnHNuRIDkAlssaQtzMl_ANv4-GxSuiIBNL6ST1flU_18MOWksqMxhUyDF5si-QCCvq4yyjB94pflkIreqXUt08F0OYw8QuP/s1600-h/n560478059_927818_1973.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297452229434903682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhmPLgfwo4MadrhyphenhyphenAx4MFRIuCnJpeAHEYnWn36_VAUwVtBwnHNuRIDkAlssaQtzMl_ANv4-GxSuiIBNL6ST1flU_18MOWksqMxhUyDF5si-QCCvq4yyjB94pflkIreqXUt08F0OYw8QuP/s400/n560478059_927818_1973.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzEoeco_6U8EH5o9zTLzk5KQ3bpj5fYSskcC7KKYCpxeqvispszDqaPe3Qsv1vXhvrNwx9LbMuXvrMDBURacc2Oj5HPPjXmi1v2JP3a3LbB29baH4tkCJnjyYTpzLHhmsWH1xbbKta01n/s1600-h/n560478059_927724_6006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306641805037798946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzEoeco_6U8EH5o9zTLzk5KQ3bpj5fYSskcC7KKYCpxeqvispszDqaPe3Qsv1vXhvrNwx9LbMuXvrMDBURacc2Oj5HPPjXmi1v2JP3a3LbB29baH4tkCJnjyYTpzLHhmsWH1xbbKta01n/s400/n560478059_927724_6006.jpg" border="0" /></a>After endless wandering around the little lanes we ended up back at the Town Square and decided that it was beer o’clock and sat down at one of the pubs for a rest. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphennj8br01uqfUD1PyjQ4DbezonyhkJNWz2EmuEvBcykkX_8KpFQH-cg09O72Xu2lGuORRPA9BOy8VJf4AOY1oXcdIia8xDb01XJlo4eWQ7PmA2zwT0kZqsLGblFjsaprShyFZvTBvTFan/s1600-h/n560478059_927819_2361.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306642315075788818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphennj8br01uqfUD1PyjQ4DbezonyhkJNWz2EmuEvBcykkX_8KpFQH-cg09O72Xu2lGuORRPA9BOy8VJf4AOY1oXcdIia8xDb01XJlo4eWQ7PmA2zwT0kZqsLGblFjsaprShyFZvTBvTFan/s320/n560478059_927819_2361.jpg" border="0" /></a>Greg and Ana met us there and we told them about ‘U Vejvodu’ and said that we would love to take them there for lunch. So after a bit more exploring we arrived back at ‘U Vejvodu’ for what was another incredible meal. Ana had ghoulash, Olivia had a yummy anti-pasto and soup, Greg had the ribs and I got a kilo knuckle of pork. When our meat arrived Greg and I got out our cameras and took some video clips of them and the girls just rolled their eyes at us. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPi33evbm7Q960C2JWRcCz7ohLgTtZxPNSPOHXDM9UZQvhf3wsHyR7eGbViIpUfxkAHsKr6UpJcIJ4gCzOfLxK9-PRJZ-E-OJuB74fEXP5ez-Sz_E7a_naWSdCJ0aIGVlofK7XeXxMkl7/s1600-h/n560478059_927824_5155.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306642318082444050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPi33evbm7Q960C2JWRcCz7ohLgTtZxPNSPOHXDM9UZQvhf3wsHyR7eGbViIpUfxkAHsKr6UpJcIJ4gCzOfLxK9-PRJZ-E-OJuB74fEXP5ez-Sz_E7a_naWSdCJ0aIGVlofK7XeXxMkl7/s320/n560478059_927824_5155.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwHhcOYhyyw6gmR_MKNI6e2cArKs-VxUVXMRGQ4wspECv1PqOvIDhD7WIze627hdS7zvmtlpp1J6-srEzG2EblDMWtQ63rAfxwQvF8vDA0josaukWQmMvvZTbfAkGdkOsRB9OaFiQ0dsB/s1600-h/n560478059_927825_5710.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306642322619298210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwHhcOYhyyw6gmR_MKNI6e2cArKs-VxUVXMRGQ4wspECv1PqOvIDhD7WIze627hdS7zvmtlpp1J6-srEzG2EblDMWtQ63rAfxwQvF8vDA0josaukWQmMvvZTbfAkGdkOsRB9OaFiQ0dsB/s320/n560478059_927825_5710.jpg" border="0" /></a>After lunch we caught the tram up to check out Prague Castle and the monastery that sit atop the hill overlooking the city. An undercover tram guard asked us if we had tickets and Ana and Greg handed theirs over. They had bought tickets that were valid for 24 hours and according to the guard they were expired by some 35 minutes or so. He then demanded 70 Crowns each as a fine. They had no choice but to pay this. Luckily for us we had valid tickets so we escaped that penalty. The castle was amazing especially the monastery and the view from up there was awesome. We had a big walk around up there before walking down the big hill back in to town.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQIVbsX9iruFk8ZRf6Q4sBLjhGCma52JS6UtXxL05uBtG03cV4xBP6JyuxiSuhqzKB7w-JZcTUaBWx9uwA2X2gZ2DHdfJPViTzazzwA0S24cTZKpIXYbYgWAWK3QS8PMRrTCmmyaUv6zG/s1600-h/n560478059_927875_7564.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643856834215986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQIVbsX9iruFk8ZRf6Q4sBLjhGCma52JS6UtXxL05uBtG03cV4xBP6JyuxiSuhqzKB7w-JZcTUaBWx9uwA2X2gZ2DHdfJPViTzazzwA0S24cTZKpIXYbYgWAWK3QS8PMRrTCmmyaUv6zG/s400/n560478059_927875_7564.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntALzI42V5Vs8aJDvYZdrP_j5UPwCIJuXekxvq4S4KnwKd9fRL19C9lr-jsE7JtQ02vRFbN6smvLYX2OlHj1ozgo8BnJce5pAOq9SJFK7nEssw-aytDlKJwvWvAvuMQNiW4Hcc6L4hKc8/s1600-h/n560478059_927832_9051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306644199423000546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntALzI42V5Vs8aJDvYZdrP_j5UPwCIJuXekxvq4S4KnwKd9fRL19C9lr-jsE7JtQ02vRFbN6smvLYX2OlHj1ozgo8BnJce5pAOq9SJFK7nEssw-aytDlKJwvWvAvuMQNiW4Hcc6L4hKc8/s400/n560478059_927832_9051.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNPjWJhGXFkV1XGS0dg8m29_WC2z3_hpDj7rO75OX1o0m4BVK218EOrNd1oUUF_quVg3qVxn3GRxYTUEGZW4LuPXxfL7B6t3HemtHLW60fg9tcTNIGXeSCAUVsDxQqI0l41P-bGtY9VDO/s1600-h/n560478059_928246_2283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643394414094018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNPjWJhGXFkV1XGS0dg8m29_WC2z3_hpDj7rO75OX1o0m4BVK218EOrNd1oUUF_quVg3qVxn3GRxYTUEGZW4LuPXxfL7B6t3HemtHLW60fg9tcTNIGXeSCAUVsDxQqI0l41P-bGtY9VDO/s320/n560478059_928246_2283.jpg" border="0" /></a>That night we met up with Petra and she took us to another restaurant where we met some more of her friends. After another delightful meal we all went nextdoor to a nightclub for a night of dancing. Not long after a Sri Lankan workmate of Petra’s called Vajira arrived with his friend Tomas. He took us up to the bar and got us some shots of some local drink and it seemed like every time we turned around he would be saying time for another one aye? Needless to say we had a great night that night and he said that he would love to catch up with us again before we went back to London. </p><p>The next day was another day filled with sightseeing. We spent a large part of the day around Charles Bridge on the river. It's a very romantic sight and was nice to stroll across although it is of course vert touristy with lots of people selling art etc. We had some nice wines at a bar overlooking the bridge. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZB_OaigD9dcUDCVmuAWOi5nMG5shCk6mSHdPkKnKD-Ej6ISwLvXFdvBiLnwTIJRMNCYjXub8KVO3Pd9xRzx2qUsXGerzWbK3PNzvnFE_FywIiX_cvcjbeMNTHc64hVdT0tJP_RcyPAKn/s1600-h/n560478059_927759_9754.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306858056198066210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZB_OaigD9dcUDCVmuAWOi5nMG5shCk6mSHdPkKnKD-Ej6ISwLvXFdvBiLnwTIJRMNCYjXub8KVO3Pd9xRzx2qUsXGerzWbK3PNzvnFE_FywIiX_cvcjbeMNTHc64hVdT0tJP_RcyPAKn/s320/n560478059_927759_9754.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0TfFGanzQ02PMn2NHVhm_rRTEJwkuHbjPPhCfcUbteqD2f30L4mrTY1IVBrNyBBiOuQlc-SFKT2wTICatr-cPORmZ16wIy8bgJMmKXhntgUp2Pwft9ASzKqxwpVe7aew6HCUs17piZoO/s1600-h/n560478059_928242_9901.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306644200682054050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0TfFGanzQ02PMn2NHVhm_rRTEJwkuHbjPPhCfcUbteqD2f30L4mrTY1IVBrNyBBiOuQlc-SFKT2wTICatr-cPORmZ16wIy8bgJMmKXhntgUp2Pwft9ASzKqxwpVe7aew6HCUs17piZoO/s400/n560478059_928242_9901.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy1n24xsEqtDzipg6n2VXGeS_TlV2Fw8oizGMk0YcytktyxyDL4qxk6bXZ5wqfxCJPHpsxvufhCKsASd-MTOMfIAPMuWU0ucPRpI0OKDH7C-O4w39a-0nTE7mRjhEoJEgQeMLNW8IKepc/s1600-h/n560478059_927830_7957.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306644195110322402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy1n24xsEqtDzipg6n2VXGeS_TlV2Fw8oizGMk0YcytktyxyDL4qxk6bXZ5wqfxCJPHpsxvufhCKsASd-MTOMfIAPMuWU0ucPRpI0OKDH7C-O4w39a-0nTE7mRjhEoJEgQeMLNW8IKepc/s400/n560478059_927830_7957.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhXmW1-zj3nAlM17wQcoqtqtw9zibGeG2SjuoparNOmHsVBL9FiMyPFnRormAVJGC7IXdQXAkVb0xWnjQUvB3uT_B7LlcCB97yZMOXYHjlU5K3fNfvSQ7mia-YKlSnShtVwMFmd8h5Dzp/s1600-h/n560478059_928299_8786.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643389766909954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhXmW1-zj3nAlM17wQcoqtqtw9zibGeG2SjuoparNOmHsVBL9FiMyPFnRormAVJGC7IXdQXAkVb0xWnjQUvB3uT_B7LlcCB97yZMOXYHjlU5K3fNfvSQ7mia-YKlSnShtVwMFmd8h5Dzp/s320/n560478059_928299_8786.jpg" border="0" /></a>There are also great views of the castle from the riverside.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KAag12t7qJegewT4_MwACQhTfeCHHlO1zanZ_9qkmAB8YcTubNCL59YPm9dtGKUQNdyFoRZGdQMZmrBQuKO_SH9P9XEZ91HNYFUEzDoSOiLaIeU1aKGwhuq4Jt61zqZbiHsXCDZgHCkb/s1600-h/n560478059_927972_7890.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643855917153970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KAag12t7qJegewT4_MwACQhTfeCHHlO1zanZ_9qkmAB8YcTubNCL59YPm9dtGKUQNdyFoRZGdQMZmrBQuKO_SH9P9XEZ91HNYFUEzDoSOiLaIeU1aKGwhuq4Jt61zqZbiHsXCDZgHCkb/s400/n560478059_927972_7890.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Cheb & Františkovy Lázně, Czech Republic</span><br /></span><br />Petra had taken a couple of days off work so she could take us to her hometown to meet her parents and stay with her Mum. So the next day we got in her mates car and headed off with her cousin for Cheb. We were about two thirds of the way there when we heard this almighty bang and felt the car lurch. She stopped driving and I looked out my window and saw that the wheel had come off the hub and was grinding against the undercarriage. We were so lucky that we had been driving slowly up an incline and that nothing more serious happened. She called her father and he got a local mechanic to come out to take a look. I changed the tire and put on the space saver spare and her parents came out to meet us on the road. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT4WbrLNHI3c9VKtCeUZBQqMQaHsZ-QwWVeWJ-BY9YWjZK-Ww3XQj3ZXkTE7-BXUyA61y0FwoefX9MlqzMZWJvjAPjGAWPFp-TT2HMA_aZGNLM2_BM__cz6y6oWpkBN3abaIAbZzfsza4/s1600-h/n560478059_927744_3237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306648931077571298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT4WbrLNHI3c9VKtCeUZBQqMQaHsZ-QwWVeWJ-BY9YWjZK-Ww3XQj3ZXkTE7-BXUyA61y0FwoefX9MlqzMZWJvjAPjGAWPFp-TT2HMA_aZGNLM2_BM__cz6y6oWpkBN3abaIAbZzfsza4/s320/n560478059_927744_3237.jpg" border="0" /></a>We got into her Dad’s car and she drove the other car to her Mum’s place in Cheb. Her Mum had cooked some local specialties for dinner and as you can imagine it was outstanding.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bYRynTRPvv1huFT_HbFlTRo2qdxpShyphenhyphenGNo0L_VfM4y6cZp8GXAj3b1Hb-5Cz5lVQCUV_OOjELiFmGsZAIib_Aa3LEqOU62u5IP_LmcTMvRbTDYVJ_lLFQ8ee_uBV1ltRAsx1nCoiNjsM/s1600-h/n560478059_927746_4023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306641810565537346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bYRynTRPvv1huFT_HbFlTRo2qdxpShyphenhyphenGNo0L_VfM4y6cZp8GXAj3b1Hb-5Cz5lVQCUV_OOjELiFmGsZAIib_Aa3LEqOU62u5IP_LmcTMvRbTDYVJ_lLFQ8ee_uBV1ltRAsx1nCoiNjsM/s400/n560478059_927746_4023.jpg" border="0" /></a>The area where she lives is famous in the Czech Republic for spas and treatment centres. Unfortunately we were unable to get booked in for the whole spa treatment that day but the massage was so good. In former days Europe’s royalty would visit Frantiskovy Lazne and stay at one of the spas to utilise the healing properties of the natural spring water of the area. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWfE4pjH7S4NwhX4JVn1UFu87E4N8LW4gAMsPNwU0e9DC63pdZl45Oic65eqlTXNO3eAUzlaAJYYUcjCJmMri-OjKKSzsS7zPuTTHC_DbxUr0merhqtXwbv3faDvVbXeZ1ClECu8aSnjN/s1600-h/n560478059_928254_5523.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643396988026114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWfE4pjH7S4NwhX4JVn1UFu87E4N8LW4gAMsPNwU0e9DC63pdZl45Oic65eqlTXNO3eAUzlaAJYYUcjCJmMri-OjKKSzsS7zPuTTHC_DbxUr0merhqtXwbv3faDvVbXeZ1ClECu8aSnjN/s320/n560478059_928254_5523.jpg" border="0" /></a>The architecture there is incredible and there are buildings that have been operating as spas for centuries. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAXaAVpuur8HBrXm30zd2VwO06lWMd9LvwlB7YjZAAPi-NnUW7GlGmkz5GV4Unyy4KAce7DkNc5PdMwWKY_jrbRXqvG8XEwPm4AnXpvVy2tXbxhJNe5eNKIErTcHizRq1fdT_eAtwLdLK/s1600-h/n560478059_928251_4238.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650191402765938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAXaAVpuur8HBrXm30zd2VwO06lWMd9LvwlB7YjZAAPi-NnUW7GlGmkz5GV4Unyy4KAce7DkNc5PdMwWKY_jrbRXqvG8XEwPm4AnXpvVy2tXbxhJNe5eNKIErTcHizRq1fdT_eAtwLdLK/s400/n560478059_928251_4238.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-4z8HiCC9EX6hP8IyDVcgQHQyiWy_v1nxQidBwkD2I-J6jedD9uu1lGPCghvieBkgRX4n67PwI_T3S9ZzSlFk1YHZlrMZWjzO_-7Fa7fqyTWH8AqpvgKRTJoP3SDKGtW3AuXkOAzYVvh/s1600-h/n560478059_928255_5855.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650575287696642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-4z8HiCC9EX6hP8IyDVcgQHQyiWy_v1nxQidBwkD2I-J6jedD9uu1lGPCghvieBkgRX4n67PwI_T3S9ZzSlFk1YHZlrMZWjzO_-7Fa7fqyTWH8AqpvgKRTJoP3SDKGtW3AuXkOAzYVvh/s320/n560478059_928255_5855.jpg" border="0" /></a>We all went for a walk in F.L and Olivia was told to rub the stomach of a statue of a little boy as it’s supposed to bring good luck with future pregnancies. We also got to try some of the spring water from one of the many fountains and to be honest they were really salty and quite foul. We finally stopped at a hotel that Petra’s father used to manage when she was a child and had hot chocolate there. Petra’s mother disappeared and came back with some three packets of these special wafers that are particular to that area as a present for us that was a pleasant surprise for us both.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw6MDHlCrDGVM6CSYfeP4YiS09WVkleH200geHC9c7WOPsNMtkjhAhv7UMOECjiI9YhW3FmOfuGfEM_BQO3hfS7sDHdzcBSZSwf4N8ZSQqo2F52PpGlmaeP-nozBX-wXvDdRQSoOl4GGd/s1600-h/n560478059_928235_7504.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650489759299218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw6MDHlCrDGVM6CSYfeP4YiS09WVkleH200geHC9c7WOPsNMtkjhAhv7UMOECjiI9YhW3FmOfuGfEM_BQO3hfS7sDHdzcBSZSwf4N8ZSQqo2F52PpGlmaeP-nozBX-wXvDdRQSoOl4GGd/s320/n560478059_928235_7504.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfZ-GEIIuGNvw1IzHzos2phTU2KLL3T6XOf65RyOsvjhiJC_Ova4lzagWZncpwWMUbQJkqhnTA-xXDQLyafvXrhwHVau5KFgSftRqPTTLsjr0mmF7sc8kzHi16zJW9kwYgssxkuYmClOY/s1600-h/n560478059_928230_5895.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650492235115234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfZ-GEIIuGNvw1IzHzos2phTU2KLL3T6XOf65RyOsvjhiJC_Ova4lzagWZncpwWMUbQJkqhnTA-xXDQLyafvXrhwHVau5KFgSftRqPTTLsjr0mmF7sc8kzHi16zJW9kwYgssxkuYmClOY/s320/n560478059_928230_5895.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPrAYzXtVoHzeXVSGdPoAiShFyjMzRdMdpDt7a6ROxMjhtUGjB1PqoSsGLftUGqm2R7VwBDDjEfMCbm1arJGI4UTXzLLjafuyzMSRMNdgbzGgo3eH81Ut0E0_-aPM96L9byWAoZ3W5jAU/s1600-h/n560478059_928233_6885.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650190355540258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPrAYzXtVoHzeXVSGdPoAiShFyjMzRdMdpDt7a6ROxMjhtUGjB1PqoSsGLftUGqm2R7VwBDDjEfMCbm1arJGI4UTXzLLjafuyzMSRMNdgbzGgo3eH81Ut0E0_-aPM96L9byWAoZ3W5jAU/s400/n560478059_928233_6885.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we got back to her Mum’s house Petra suggested that we go to a local pub near to her house where we would meet one of her childhood friends. It was called the ‘Royal Taps’ and it was a really cool bar. Basically you sat at a table that has its own taps. Each of you gets a glass and then you fill your glass as you drink it. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wHd1Jl65e_6Gkvyx8yLx2hmt268pILGAEXUYziBY6hTPLlAMZFw_O2RDrku1l4H-4oagWdbfsVHAdOBRcEhcox4EsaoABQPnTLCeN1NH3eXA_Wiu8H9HFcUdmuh9H_MCaF6c47EcYjJi/s1600-h/n560478059_927747_4552.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306641812331172402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wHd1Jl65e_6Gkvyx8yLx2hmt268pILGAEXUYziBY6hTPLlAMZFw_O2RDrku1l4H-4oagWdbfsVHAdOBRcEhcox4EsaoABQPnTLCeN1NH3eXA_Wiu8H9HFcUdmuh9H_MCaF6c47EcYjJi/s400/n560478059_927747_4552.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the end of the night or when you have finished they tally up how much you have had and then you pay that bill. The cool thing is though that there is a big screen with all the table numbers listed on it. Each time that you fill up another glass that volume is added to your table. When you fill a virtual glass on the screen an animated man comes walks across the screen and then puts a tally mark next to your table name. If your tally becomes higher than the table above you move up the ranking. (paste video clip here) We had so much fun at this bar as you can imagine. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IJY4HxJ_1tKP1VVW_jhB1suvFGpTk9ML4wCHdpo4rRi1jcT9SIpynkkyc_67Nr2Ilg5KSoW1Yuacx8Rn-go-X8Vt8pZBehB36NLVDymbWmCO5h0IJ9Gp-H5ArB9gOVD6cjFn6XJW_5lM/s1600-h/n560478059_928240_9243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643854557394418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IJY4HxJ_1tKP1VVW_jhB1suvFGpTk9ML4wCHdpo4rRi1jcT9SIpynkkyc_67Nr2Ilg5KSoW1Yuacx8Rn-go-X8Vt8pZBehB36NLVDymbWmCO5h0IJ9Gp-H5ArB9gOVD6cjFn6XJW_5lM/s400/n560478059_928240_9243.jpg" border="0" /></a>After that we sat up in the lounge talking and I played on the guitar that was in the lounge. Petra’s mother got out a special bottle of vodka that he brought from Russia and had been saving for a special occasion and we had a few shots of this and all the while she was making an apple strudel from scratch. The smell of fresh baking filled her flat and we couldn’t wait to try some the next morning.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEsST68ZTMZEEGiXTwjOn6ljgj4fzwm01lTYFI9oGy2Y8bfQt2uPEKt3VUU5vNP6byJMLn7M3NCczn9luUJHOiQAg96ZQZjjiAD8Zgd4gcGrmYYciJRcS4mW1wShq3clH8i9_BpPooJvX/s1600-h/n560478059_927748_4944.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306648933211153602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEsST68ZTMZEEGiXTwjOn6ljgj4fzwm01lTYFI9oGy2Y8bfQt2uPEKt3VUU5vNP6byJMLn7M3NCczn9luUJHOiQAg96ZQZjjiAD8Zgd4gcGrmYYciJRcS4mW1wShq3clH8i9_BpPooJvX/s320/n560478059_927748_4944.jpg" border="0" /></a>After breakfast the next day we went to the hotel that Petra’s father managed for a massage. It was fabulous! Then we drove back to Prague and on the way stopped at the Krusovice brewery for a quick look and toilet stop.</p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Back in Prague...</span></strong><br /><br /><br />Petra had taken an extra day off work so we could go and see her friend Jana at her place and we went over there for what was supposed to be afternoon tea (or so we thought). When we got to their place we met Jana's partner Radim who plays basketball for one of the local Men's teams and must be at least 6 ft 10. He was seated when we came into their kitchen and we he stood up to greet us he just seemed to keep going up and up! He was massive! We also had the pleasure of meeting their daughter and Olivia absolutely loved that! Radim had gone out to buy some local cake treats and Jana brought out this massive box of all these incredible cakes and pastries for us to try. Talk about decadent. To go with it she offered us a coffee and then a shot of a local plum brandy called slivovice which her grandmother had made. It was delcious. We then had some port and decided to have a couple more as you do. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNmcmWdMOUuZ5S1wYbnL_UoaS8_0e99UOfIqIegcrhhhVj9kfkaRhnPD1-1oz2MxfSIw0xbM9BOThk6VUWHYDUHEURK_IXKJ3qQCXvuG7FttboKL-nBamc9IVy8W-6Zx9IXTbjPLFrPny/s1600-h/n560478059_927753_7100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306648937001372930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNmcmWdMOUuZ5S1wYbnL_UoaS8_0e99UOfIqIegcrhhhVj9kfkaRhnPD1-1oz2MxfSIw0xbM9BOThk6VUWHYDUHEURK_IXKJ3qQCXvuG7FttboKL-nBamc9IVy8W-6Zx9IXTbjPLFrPny/s320/n560478059_927753_7100.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTYeOT1YRumdubMoD424yDUL460OZDWRB97VyrwhfiOpUYrXz-GFvhvHghyvSZQ1RmLaspfIAMHmwLP20ZtxoMQic9pFqq477F6JBPuI8_tmPtS2vVCRjMrmyouhqTGMShR_DQC7Mph9t/s1600-h/n560478059_927752_6720.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306648938110703794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTYeOT1YRumdubMoD424yDUL460OZDWRB97VyrwhfiOpUYrXz-GFvhvHghyvSZQ1RmLaspfIAMHmwLP20ZtxoMQic9pFqq477F6JBPuI8_tmPtS2vVCRjMrmyouhqTGMShR_DQC7Mph9t/s320/n560478059_927752_6720.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then they asked us if would like to go swimming at a local pool which had slides and saunas so we all packed into their car and off we went. It was great fun! We met Radim sister there and had a very relaxing swim and sauna and of course played on the slides. Radim's sister then asked to come around to her house for dinner and once there she cooked us a stunning dinner typical Czech style. YUM! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR-YHndM1VDe7e6-m24qp29KLqhezT1fT2FNbsRrqADZhRcdU0UFCprwZ9BBeGO0vB2C17fFkKwAMuyzLjUQC16S_LOQjc7_Nz6MJV-sHljExqa2_FPisSIM5LIYRhEbIS2C2Q-9o0oO_/s1600-h/n560478059_927732_8773.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306646624949387570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR-YHndM1VDe7e6-m24qp29KLqhezT1fT2FNbsRrqADZhRcdU0UFCprwZ9BBeGO0vB2C17fFkKwAMuyzLjUQC16S_LOQjc7_Nz6MJV-sHljExqa2_FPisSIM5LIYRhEbIS2C2Q-9o0oO_/s320/n560478059_927732_8773.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next day Olivia and I arranged to meet Vajira in town by the riverside overlooking the famous Charles bridge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiLsGsoFPNi5GkqYgrfjkem8sAMBBT9-cRYv1dwqfmRvX7DyfLnFqMT8b3JeGMk6PR0s3voYJtGGKDtqy8blvs3ObRxFLSKi6BkSQ7y9BmPnHFWcE_CQ7QGUdDBTpJRQZAXJPyrXWQlBE/s1600-h/n560478059_927703_8689.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297449223350502322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiLsGsoFPNi5GkqYgrfjkem8sAMBBT9-cRYv1dwqfmRvX7DyfLnFqMT8b3JeGMk6PR0s3voYJtGGKDtqy8blvs3ObRxFLSKi6BkSQ7y9BmPnHFWcE_CQ7QGUdDBTpJRQZAXJPyrXWQlBE/s400/n560478059_927703_8689.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScZIX1idPOul7jIVjbUBnvlAOgPzJ5ZHcbfXFf2qN31kCmNatjkiTATNfAEa4TX0baDF_Pfj2Dv2TCgoRKmlnD-aLjAePsbNzBC1B31JiKbeygx7ZmwPMytFZbpgQryAwVbK3SWhLhnEu/s1600-h/n560478059_927705_9265.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297448713104250194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScZIX1idPOul7jIVjbUBnvlAOgPzJ5ZHcbfXFf2qN31kCmNatjkiTATNfAEa4TX0baDF_Pfj2Dv2TCgoRKmlnD-aLjAePsbNzBC1B31JiKbeygx7ZmwPMytFZbpgQryAwVbK3SWhLhnEu/s400/n560478059_927705_9265.jpg" border="0" /></a>We then spent the afternoon walking around Prague and went up to the top of a park that bordered the town from which there was a commanding view of the whole of Prague.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfO6HKXISD_03DtX1LwSVmsyVFB0ic6h8RRrnCMppE9YFooRjCu3SsdJUrfjNlGQ3tDRScZe3IPp0ba_JTYGvvqRI6fsJMhTiLmP3wYRJouPBWnv4VDPnPDu2wW6a0RzNiidoAQ6lyzCj/s1600-h/n560478059_928244_546.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643395043752194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfO6HKXISD_03DtX1LwSVmsyVFB0ic6h8RRrnCMppE9YFooRjCu3SsdJUrfjNlGQ3tDRScZe3IPp0ba_JTYGvvqRI6fsJMhTiLmP3wYRJouPBWnv4VDPnPDu2wW6a0RzNiidoAQ6lyzCj/s320/n560478059_928244_546.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WbUhgw6abOzvuphHw5y3Ew0rpImL7AaSmNC7ayKLdJD4q77LqiW3Ez1qdFG3E6bD0FMM7MRaMl4wAdcQy7nJnlqYgXtgj6oHCJNnzTy14wxxKtiTDyfcwC19-vHaq0r8y_DTz6PBihyphenhyphenp/s1600-h/n560478059_928245_1493.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643394178286210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WbUhgw6abOzvuphHw5y3Ew0rpImL7AaSmNC7ayKLdJD4q77LqiW3Ez1qdFG3E6bD0FMM7MRaMl4wAdcQy7nJnlqYgXtgj6oHCJNnzTy14wxxKtiTDyfcwC19-vHaq0r8y_DTz6PBihyphenhyphenp/s320/n560478059_928245_1493.jpg" border="0" /></a>After a good look around there we walked back down and Vajira asked us if we would like to go out for dinner together and took us to this gorgeous little restaurant on the river that specialised in fish & seafood. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXN3_NpnBqnYG7SUeiUaYbxtjbLHDkpn37H6hep8McOw_JSxpN3YUs-BqxIKIAsSaE_9q-LhcfoUXQUAq3uwQpS9mHNFOjpEn8sxCqEZ04ZynGG1jvvVOxLf1QmMconuGsDMmtPNG-qT9/s1600-h/n560478059_927707_9884.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297448038111542386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXN3_NpnBqnYG7SUeiUaYbxtjbLHDkpn37H6hep8McOw_JSxpN3YUs-BqxIKIAsSaE_9q-LhcfoUXQUAq3uwQpS9mHNFOjpEn8sxCqEZ04ZynGG1jvvVOxLf1QmMconuGsDMmtPNG-qT9/s400/n560478059_927707_9884.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our meals were so tasty as was the local wine the Vajira chose. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1Acg2le5EF46H6DbGlXetpqUmtq-7aLyYCYqXSIbGCns-eotQGLoCLlaK6Y5PPMWc7tUo4irMqUW84EMr1lh1aCGb6p-0eaTsI_96YJPQ_PlifzQ4dbtvCUwh_soMqMEErVkVyL8SDbZ/s1600-h/n560478059_927710_892.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297448235344051746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1Acg2le5EF46H6DbGlXetpqUmtq-7aLyYCYqXSIbGCns-eotQGLoCLlaK6Y5PPMWc7tUo4irMqUW84EMr1lh1aCGb6p-0eaTsI_96YJPQ_PlifzQ4dbtvCUwh_soMqMEErVkVyL8SDbZ/s320/n560478059_927710_892.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABV_dEITxd3BkAsBykDigAUtkiQGlRlZqcXdY0fMgzywGSpfTGNIV6viJ94MaVaXcUZj42T4zR9xonV-7h3pOex9zlSDzI0jeRnE7AXHxGlnyf81q3wIPEWIFWhareNxWEPNJql2fhCvN/s1600-h/n560478059_927708_351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297448422430068642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABV_dEITxd3BkAsBykDigAUtkiQGlRlZqcXdY0fMgzywGSpfTGNIV6viJ94MaVaXcUZj42T4zR9xonV-7h3pOex9zlSDzI0jeRnE7AXHxGlnyf81q3wIPEWIFWhareNxWEPNJql2fhCvN/s320/n560478059_927708_351.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the end he insisted that it was his treat and refused to let us pay some of the bill saying that it was his pleasure to meet us and to take us out. He's such a lovely guy and we hope we can return the hospitality when he comes to see NZ one day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-rcFFr5qY_XLSrrHQA0Mkk6skbvHQX6HEk8dLvQdRclP1oh_TxD-vPewnkwok-bCACMIBAyNVi8rkLaodkE4dZ2aznSGurtYWNNnkHU9EMU8KBVhaQ6qk6prf-hfk8JShhiYVgArZxtE/s1600-h/n560478059_927709_626.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297447745668553058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-rcFFr5qY_XLSrrHQA0Mkk6skbvHQX6HEk8dLvQdRclP1oh_TxD-vPewnkwok-bCACMIBAyNVi8rkLaodkE4dZ2aznSGurtYWNNnkHU9EMU8KBVhaQ6qk6prf-hfk8JShhiYVgArZxtE/s400/n560478059_927709_626.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next day we went sightseeing in the Jewish quarter and saw some amazing old architecture and again took lots of photos. We stopped at a really nice little pizzeria and had a delicious lunch before continuing on our self guided tour of this awesome city. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_94kmp66FiT-X_MBQVI8hID29MOEVIFt0Nfj0fGTnnLIUU4g5zl0Mmg4yqSxLmlWqRzMCtcCdA4rpRpbfvacEkpVaC32tcF_2UOM1vH4RgAD9ZpZwxtXBL8Io26At_F3M9DlbE8tZq_di/s1600-h/n560478059_928249_3411.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650489219055890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_94kmp66FiT-X_MBQVI8hID29MOEVIFt0Nfj0fGTnnLIUU4g5zl0Mmg4yqSxLmlWqRzMCtcCdA4rpRpbfvacEkpVaC32tcF_2UOM1vH4RgAD9ZpZwxtXBL8Io26At_F3M9DlbE8tZq_di/s320/n560478059_928249_3411.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZhXCwuUqLyrkjGEPqQf4f4IAvQ71walMmt4I-D9MPsT73_GXqoEBDpteifDOG2r3IdWNRhd1xI-SArBOjBaiLIMo42HjolHF3cHy4wSHsD016cOvo2x2HNq7N-Y_bjI1718UZHCOwRYb/s1600-h/n560478059_928248_3081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650492982214962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZhXCwuUqLyrkjGEPqQf4f4IAvQ71walMmt4I-D9MPsT73_GXqoEBDpteifDOG2r3IdWNRhd1xI-SArBOjBaiLIMo42HjolHF3cHy4wSHsD016cOvo2x2HNq7N-Y_bjI1718UZHCOwRYb/s320/n560478059_928248_3081.jpg" border="0" /></a>For dinner that night we ended up back at … yup you guessed it ‘U Vejvodu.’ As sad as it sounds the fact that we went to the same place three times in 1 week gives you a good idea of how great the food was there! We usually try different places everytime!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Uul-yXe8RelQeRShK0jqND9-LjF1zo6Y4dk3OswSSfIeC6ieqpHKcA_Zk03HE1NYWewOkiD19gzTOjhxtqHTryxUBWhIV8Dxd1pDZjKP5GcnknizSepWpuOfi6XTfh_H7jY32nqPE_YX/s1600-h/n560478059_927827_6702.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306643857257358178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Uul-yXe8RelQeRShK0jqND9-LjF1zo6Y4dk3OswSSfIeC6ieqpHKcA_Zk03HE1NYWewOkiD19gzTOjhxtqHTryxUBWhIV8Dxd1pDZjKP5GcnknizSepWpuOfi6XTfh_H7jY32nqPE_YX/s400/n560478059_927827_6702.jpg" border="0" /></a>Before going to the airport we went into Prague on the final day and did the tours that we mentioned earlier. It was really sad to see how badly the Jewish people had been treated, not only in the World Wars but also over history. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF_eeHvFMjNQpW6UcG_8QWvzh4Gg4bPBkKuHbOJBLFZDLoWpbDL0ZiuU_xFstpFS7y_U1G27aBQliYnKef4MWy-dgjAXyEd9BImsmuQtBKapAKiuDQ9u1YRK8I8HusgO9WclX3MpHy6-r/s1600-h/n560478059_927718_3610.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306646624639934370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF_eeHvFMjNQpW6UcG_8QWvzh4Gg4bPBkKuHbOJBLFZDLoWpbDL0ZiuU_xFstpFS7y_U1G27aBQliYnKef4MWy-dgjAXyEd9BImsmuQtBKapAKiuDQ9u1YRK8I8HusgO9WclX3MpHy6-r/s320/n560478059_927718_3610.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsEka2Jd7QNPwD4huypLcdz29HrXtwAe21ONLZOHyBZANegFVD_0PLXZm6Gebg3IKQYx-7WDyLIvJlwDEdE9EqoeV4JRY_TS8Q8NBI8MWWcn2unzGE3UJce7bR-zLdzYUX67N5ngHUoun/s1600-h/n560478059_927737_483.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306646629800660850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsEka2Jd7QNPwD4huypLcdz29HrXtwAe21ONLZOHyBZANegFVD_0PLXZm6Gebg3IKQYx-7WDyLIvJlwDEdE9EqoeV4JRY_TS8Q8NBI8MWWcn2unzGE3UJce7bR-zLdzYUX67N5ngHUoun/s320/n560478059_927737_483.jpg" border="0" /></a>Their cemetery had many layers to it as it had been filled and then reused again and again as the city wouldn’t allow Jewish people to be buried elsewhere. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0slFthMd39frAddtFpO88Qlz7s7jDfgSz6NAv5syuDvYMR5sSKHx-KTC6mpkAKRP4kym1MFP83AJ_IwDookj1rnjvuhj2kAGobMg1SJCpQbCtATCFLcxKBxJFmWyz8RBb2syw2Ijycwnr/s1600-h/n560478059_927756_8536.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650186243988882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0slFthMd39frAddtFpO88Qlz7s7jDfgSz6NAv5syuDvYMR5sSKHx-KTC6mpkAKRP4kym1MFP83AJ_IwDookj1rnjvuhj2kAGobMg1SJCpQbCtATCFLcxKBxJFmWyz8RBb2syw2Ijycwnr/s400/n560478059_927756_8536.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTFrK6WSFppVkXo-BZlyazMJKNsMi9hXArOh2mGAMbdGjtwTw4ijIFWbqrwjXZK4TK4uzhOKVL0zZVBcIERW4gIb5hCuPjrmmgRWD3IA6eqBhuNX1Bj7I9nLG0zYjr0hADAay0S__O8tS/s1600-h/n560478059_927736_144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306646629209473906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTFrK6WSFppVkXo-BZlyazMJKNsMi9hXArOh2mGAMbdGjtwTw4ijIFWbqrwjXZK4TK4uzhOKVL0zZVBcIERW4gIb5hCuPjrmmgRWD3IA6eqBhuNX1Bj7I9nLG0zYjr0hADAay0S__O8tS/s320/n560478059_927736_144.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKBBo6Qjjk0SwEzA6Fv6Zu9Rc9EU-qQePP8bZgGM0QVLDRFRGy255RzR56W91s6Jm_4AQ32JFaTGuu0hrbF-GGZbdyp3dCAyjcwEe2vu-4IZIjn1zyqEfEJlmqkw4T9lOtMiD6HrgvZkr/s1600-h/n560478059_927735_9816.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306646626709122610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKBBo6Qjjk0SwEzA6Fv6Zu9Rc9EU-qQePP8bZgGM0QVLDRFRGy255RzR56W91s6Jm_4AQ32JFaTGuu0hrbF-GGZbdyp3dCAyjcwEe2vu-4IZIjn1zyqEfEJlmqkw4T9lOtMiD6HrgvZkr/s320/n560478059_927735_9816.jpg" border="0" /></a>We went back through the main square one last time and once to have a last look at the stunning buildings. We then had one last meal of Czech food and met Petra briefly to say our farewells.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzzwIRr41nMm0j7R0q1UV4E8RhEu_1PTHEqiluzz7gk-UMIZaFE2kQJW1HkvKNOo3YzNsexndDufMN4JxTyfQA8q6UpR5KcVaTd69LcAnCPl8Ypx-MS8zePDlZaS_s_1_fcNIyBivaQk8/s1600-h/n560478059_927750_5690.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306648934273887090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzzwIRr41nMm0j7R0q1UV4E8RhEu_1PTHEqiluzz7gk-UMIZaFE2kQJW1HkvKNOo3YzNsexndDufMN4JxTyfQA8q6UpR5KcVaTd69LcAnCPl8Ypx-MS8zePDlZaS_s_1_fcNIyBivaQk8/s320/n560478059_927750_5690.jpg" border="0" /></a>When that was all said and done we collected our bags from her flat and caught the bus to the airport for our flight back to Stansted. We will never forget our trip to Prague, Cheb Františkovy Lázně nor our wonderful, generous host Petra and her lovely family. It was so nice to have a local to show us the places to go that us tourists would usually not find. We hope that we can show some of those places to Petra in New Zealand one day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44JZEJa8iahBooQ-KA6S3jSJtF2MPo6PVQZmiioXrjAyvNKAFp8Iiy23CGE5mFIU4k5maGbz1Tz4NZHMN7qN6CbGa33JmmypgQ5JirM_kYAsE1ccnOgRZPFDH_wXQZ8JPt4WiODNMZZQR/s1600-h/n560478059_927971_7536.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306650185509390130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44JZEJa8iahBooQ-KA6S3jSJtF2MPo6PVQZmiioXrjAyvNKAFp8Iiy23CGE5mFIU4k5maGbz1Tz4NZHMN7qN6CbGa33JmmypgQ5JirM_kYAsE1ccnOgRZPFDH_wXQZ8JPt4WiODNMZZQR/s400/n560478059_927971_7536.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Lots of love<br /></div><div>Livi and Tama xx </div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-78494611239191724542009-01-20T01:26:00.000-08:002009-07-20T02:57:58.974-07:00BRIGHTON, ENGLAND.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:large;">Brighton, England</span> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After trying to get it organised we finally went out to stay with our friends Andrea and Kris in Brighton. Andrea and Olivia went to University together and she and Kris had come into London on another occasion for a hangi so now it was our turn. (Kris works for Disney as an animator in Brighton, so when they first moved to the UK it made sense to be near work).Andrea met us at the train station and Brighton had turned on an amazing day for us. After going to their flat and dropping off our stuff the four of us walked the short distance from their place down to the Brighton Promenade. It was so refreshing to be able to smell the sea air and hear seagulls crying overhead after having lived in London for so long. Man talk about make you homesick! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQF2FZU0ivwO9pCKOcXa-DjCg0ztQeSYT6QUgPD-JyL3y9kEyQGHi-Xbb64tgXQEvlLVtXPD4ncA7c8RhaHuFShrua4G_lmtyWrDIK9I8Wd1j-cDxU-4C8tbzv-mg17RVf7c6fR2_ch/s1600-h/DSC04485blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999985503384034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQF2FZU0ivwO9pCKOcXa-DjCg0ztQeSYT6QUgPD-JyL3y9kEyQGHi-Xbb64tgXQEvlLVtXPD4ncA7c8RhaHuFShrua4G_lmtyWrDIK9I8Wd1j-cDxU-4C8tbzv-mg17RVf7c6fR2_ch/s400/DSC04485blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Eventually we came to the world famous Brighton Pier.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PdD6kuP0zjCHDVCu9tyYX0sH5j43s2t0Dj7U6VKtNUxIXlxBH9FnBh5smiVO8A3gX6XxB9ZSt6O4pQlDbEjLdLPGKb3znDsojO2TjpESHU9Aaj0TZWGN6eVlYTkhjTAsCJeFJoCaJoMO/s1600-h/DSC04444blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999602019254882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PdD6kuP0zjCHDVCu9tyYX0sH5j43s2t0Dj7U6VKtNUxIXlxBH9FnBh5smiVO8A3gX6XxB9ZSt6O4pQlDbEjLdLPGKb3znDsojO2TjpESHU9Aaj0TZWGN6eVlYTkhjTAsCJeFJoCaJoMO/s400/DSC04444blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> Surrounded by pebble beaches (not too appealing to be honest) the pier had all that you would expect. Lots of sideshow attractions and rides and of course lollies and takeaways galore. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yT4lQQCaEamUZ9eHepBzI5F8jUMC0xC3_1W_K18fnQxOg4Aare0nxUDIC4M35meqTUerAzKfjgyhVxK08HioJvlxSUJOtCbCT0qJZ-k2LTzpIl425H1mlGi9VqTM_PbQofufFABmQBlY/s1600-h/DSC04351blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237998174244881442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yT4lQQCaEamUZ9eHepBzI5F8jUMC0xC3_1W_K18fnQxOg4Aare0nxUDIC4M35meqTUerAzKfjgyhVxK08HioJvlxSUJOtCbCT0qJZ-k2LTzpIl425H1mlGi9VqTM_PbQofufFABmQBlY/s400/DSC04351blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx0XYhAZmo0ViCbFVVx-J9w0Q87fXi5Lzun1wlDLakA4ZgpRBIkZWS0b-dvb4c9Pj7REm2AYIyZhkX9Ndr0P14qJFg_PE_Yzk8Bd5N18Bh1W6wqMUqYDZNhkPPsqR2UA-Kex19tL9KL2Z/s1600-h/DSC04355blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237998180632926354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx0XYhAZmo0ViCbFVVx-J9w0Q87fXi5Lzun1wlDLakA4ZgpRBIkZWS0b-dvb4c9Pj7REm2AYIyZhkX9Ndr0P14qJFg_PE_Yzk8Bd5N18Bh1W6wqMUqYDZNhkPPsqR2UA-Kex19tL9KL2Z/s400/DSC04355blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBMhcdD7rhEQgMl7klEAqo5OekLO_EPaCMKAj1r48DEFw4sVKazABX6_nuWLQes1FDxHp0P09GkPREK6FhDCpBFEgmGeOtLeBxdKTOC_Rq4m1Q7IZHP7jaI2GbpyebDCERTcgZPLojnbZ/s1600-h/DSC04367blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237998185075980978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBMhcdD7rhEQgMl7klEAqo5OekLO_EPaCMKAj1r48DEFw4sVKazABX6_nuWLQes1FDxHp0P09GkPREK6FhDCpBFEgmGeOtLeBxdKTOC_Rq4m1Q7IZHP7jaI2GbpyebDCERTcgZPLojnbZ/s400/DSC04367blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDa9wM8JW2uYxDdBLy_raHl_vGgTskxSzVUwrVWTU6haSXo47XpSdSOhBqJVLfwpWFues0_qkdMAuVLS1h-XywSCnXsVBp6Im7nJ_lNSXTouHpH71c58amZYyN4MMY5B3_P0LDCeblmA2/s1600-h/DSC04372blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237998182743415298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDa9wM8JW2uYxDdBLy_raHl_vGgTskxSzVUwrVWTU6haSXo47XpSdSOhBqJVLfwpWFues0_qkdMAuVLS1h-XywSCnXsVBp6Im7nJ_lNSXTouHpH71c58amZYyN4MMY5B3_P0LDCeblmA2/s400/DSC04372blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHdj9SXIQOO8DGU1mN6zZnR1bW2T1FUlK0PNE89Su-YXJLWcTI2NXy7aUB_crC9TIrf_UpAd4weKCymMt-3veneQqskBTnccs7lHWVzPdm4NTJJabGXxq2vI640h61Bn6gEpTX8Z2LN30/s1600-h/DSC04387blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237998188930137842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHdj9SXIQOO8DGU1mN6zZnR1bW2T1FUlK0PNE89Su-YXJLWcTI2NXy7aUB_crC9TIrf_UpAd4weKCymMt-3veneQqskBTnccs7lHWVzPdm4NTJJabGXxq2vI640h61Bn6gEpTX8Z2LN30/s400/DSC04387blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Andrea and Kris bought us some of the local specialty called Brighton rock (candy) and then we all had some chips before continuing on down the promenade to check out the stalls and find a bar as it was almost beer o'clock. The sun was shining and it was a gorgeous afternoon and they took us to one of the local favourite spots where we watched some really good live music whilst having a couple of beers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2lBFgVNgxlaxBFEquaLijw0nrexgbfeipDxgEdY5ketfM8-eN_hP8fa2nlCRnpW-HlFrfLQ2PLJLF9IKf__VHhIUW3e37ARqdgvMhM0QZPT4xELUbJ64Vr5_qGrB10uT9eazUtm4CEU7/s1600-h/DSC04399blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999596396320610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2lBFgVNgxlaxBFEquaLijw0nrexgbfeipDxgEdY5ketfM8-eN_hP8fa2nlCRnpW-HlFrfLQ2PLJLF9IKf__VHhIUW3e37ARqdgvMhM0QZPT4xELUbJ64Vr5_qGrB10uT9eazUtm4CEU7/s400/DSC04399blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was almost like being back on Oriental Parade. After a few beers we decided to go for a walk through Brighton and check out some of the other sites. We eventually found a little Italian place to get dinner and after a lovely meal and a couple of wines we headed back through town to check out the waterfront lit up at night. One thing that Olivia and I weren't prepared for was the number of stag and hens nights being celebrated in Brighton. We lost count of the groups we saw in various costumes and states of inebriation. We had planned a night out at our friend Olly's nightclub Audio that night but once we got back to Andrea and Kris's place and a couple of nightcaps later and no one really wanted to go anywhere. </span></div><div>We awoke to a delicious home cooked breakfast with all the trimmings which set us up nicely for another day of sightseeing. On the way to town we hit the coffee shop across the road from Andrea and Kris's flat to kick start our day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DMBQWPpt6DvoeOR0tPakasDW5H0V8gjq0HhBG5jI-Osy4jXLDXgsi71rmEX1B5Vke3Lk_QYdPWLiYR8rtloIivq69_kEioccugRXEgfYjQ0nRu3MmLnAb057zE23I6ngg9h7acEvBtQz/s1600-h/DSC04478blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999606732711170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DMBQWPpt6DvoeOR0tPakasDW5H0V8gjq0HhBG5jI-Osy4jXLDXgsi71rmEX1B5Vke3Lk_QYdPWLiYR8rtloIivq69_kEioccugRXEgfYjQ0nRu3MmLnAb057zE23I6ngg9h7acEvBtQz/s400/DSC04478blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>We walked along the waterfront again and checked out the Sunday market at the beach. Olivia and I bought us some flash new hats for our upcoming summer trip and then we were off to find the pub for some lunch! It is such a cool town with alley ways and little lanes all over the place, full of quaint shops, pubs and restaurants and we found one basked in the sun and even had some incredible buskers playing jazz right next to our table. After a hearty meal we walked around a bit more and came across a huge street parade making its way through the town centre. We parked up and watched what seemed an almost endless stream of costumed dancers and street entertainers. There were even marching bands and floats and was a neat surprise to come across so unexpectedly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzIZ1KuU8729sa_MSkTnNfKzRNs9673Z5KJBrAb6hoi9YbYkHuRc07B8uHSbIf1pNLXO0_Rofy5jkhM8Dz5QT7O8bEOGKTCvn9RX39OdyuC8uM8KTymVwjLImEvad7BGKa7P_yIYZGkt6/s1600-h/DSC04508blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999997619177138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzIZ1KuU8729sa_MSkTnNfKzRNs9673Z5KJBrAb6hoi9YbYkHuRc07B8uHSbIf1pNLXO0_Rofy5jkhM8Dz5QT7O8bEOGKTCvn9RX39OdyuC8uM8KTymVwjLImEvad7BGKa7P_yIYZGkt6/s400/DSC04508blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>After that Olivia and I went to check out the Royal Pavillion. It's a rather eclectic piece of architecture for England to say the least. From the outside it looks like something straight out of India or Middle Eastern Asia.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9RAnlAYPVBA_2YiBYGjdu912piSjSdh1ae4IrvBV0eGVVQIqYGlhRtmASFwggDDUq1BVKCKONTmSe382CUipdIpRyCKxE2Y1se4yz0J8bxeTKWEXswyBkgSyTNcQvUJyZZJcxqVm3P_D/s1600-h/DSC04422blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999594529669346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9RAnlAYPVBA_2YiBYGjdu912piSjSdh1ae4IrvBV0eGVVQIqYGlhRtmASFwggDDUq1BVKCKONTmSe382CUipdIpRyCKxE2Y1se4yz0J8bxeTKWEXswyBkgSyTNcQvUJyZZJcxqVm3P_D/s400/DSC04422blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl3PbgRbb1qHPdIlUOfcga-bLnREYjN5cCMAgTINrYwvYBKoh8P6FPHOwKVFTjKLI3HMcTaubEwa7mogN8N01Ea4VVtFzc1G3jw9rwaOJbgCtDxxjwTjTpu5Mow3BHWQYyAxNz6bdtUF-/s1600-h/DSC04431blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999602629028018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl3PbgRbb1qHPdIlUOfcga-bLnREYjN5cCMAgTINrYwvYBKoh8P6FPHOwKVFTjKLI3HMcTaubEwa7mogN8N01Ea4VVtFzc1G3jw9rwaOJbgCtDxxjwTjTpu5Mow3BHWQYyAxNz6bdtUF-/s400/DSC04431blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Once you get inside the trend continues. The carvings, sculptures and fittings made this the once Royal getaway one of the most envied and famous buildings of its time. Many a noble and foreign dignitary was hosted here and it truly was magnificent. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrG0DCvuEXiCLIxKpgcT-xw-ofY-a1-FXXhvMOPPI9sniQdfBBh7nUR64TNzkdLna81U-2M1i5g9zWKcRXa5cSXesyEu_c7wTptveYiX_3PvQqY1Sb-GQAigFGp-Q0OJeY4TqtnVSJwjx/s1600-h/DSC04561blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999997424871938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrG0DCvuEXiCLIxKpgcT-xw-ofY-a1-FXXhvMOPPI9sniQdfBBh7nUR64TNzkdLna81U-2M1i5g9zWKcRXa5cSXesyEu_c7wTptveYiX_3PvQqY1Sb-GQAigFGp-Q0OJeY4TqtnVSJwjx/s400/DSC04561blog.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>When we have finished our look around, Andrea and Kris met us and took us back through "The Lanes" to another part of Brighton that reminded me of upper Cuba Mall and Cuba St. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05yTVCW9J5BmYvQ3nMXaFQsDZJR7Itb4J5TASIqmhkKjWZ8KyNo6qrHs4IwrKlA0nYFsUy4t_iotN8HSOfeWkKBGR49L3O4y3CPWH4SPefh8ainO0MSbFW5nzUvfRzJp5iVI4ekQ912sY/s1600-h/DSC04494blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999993067338738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05yTVCW9J5BmYvQ3nMXaFQsDZJR7Itb4J5TASIqmhkKjWZ8KyNo6qrHs4IwrKlA0nYFsUy4t_iotN8HSOfeWkKBGR49L3O4y3CPWH4SPefh8ainO0MSbFW5nzUvfRzJp5iVI4ekQ912sY/s400/DSC04494blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPa4DbUKKR0OeVncPRuUrD4nmPOw2nwLeQPjnGnWN1IVBDaVjm42wZbPa3rQRkK1CosBf6cCOo0ye3HrFmFN1e-vhyphenhyphenWux5pCXgVjE87kIJjQxY9hAKgZaelg4gs4mG7cX1kgWfDooEEf0h/s1600-h/DSC04506blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237999992869229202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPa4DbUKKR0OeVncPRuUrD4nmPOw2nwLeQPjnGnWN1IVBDaVjm42wZbPa3rQRkK1CosBf6cCOo0ye3HrFmFN1e-vhyphenhyphenWux5pCXgVjE87kIJjQxY9hAKgZaelg4gs4mG7cX1kgWfDooEEf0h/s400/DSC04506blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>After looking unsuccessfully in every shoe shop for some new jandals we ended up going to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen or GBK for short for dinner. Originally started by three young Kiwi guys with the aide of a Burger Wisconsin franchise book GBK can now be found all over the UK. The best thing about it is that you can buy Steinlager and Mac Gold and everything about the decor and menu has a real Kiwi flavour to it (excuse the pun). I had a Kiwi burger which was amazing, complete with beetroot,egg, pineapple and cheese. It was so delicious and with a cold Steinie was the perfect way to end an awesome weekend.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCE9ERwXjH0T1E8XdjlhHLLekssXpd3ZbPx5Wwmww_RNDGcPAP5A1o0RlnhBpxcdpQh5F3DS2SUk4NbXtQCPZgYVJRnfHxtxeP7aoG9PbtZzi29leewTumZ5pG4HsNz7XpVGhVKgQfiI5/s1600-h/DSC04576blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238000261210660578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCE9ERwXjH0T1E8XdjlhHLLekssXpd3ZbPx5Wwmww_RNDGcPAP5A1o0RlnhBpxcdpQh5F3DS2SUk4NbXtQCPZgYVJRnfHxtxeP7aoG9PbtZzi29leewTumZ5pG4HsNz7XpVGhVKgQfiI5/s400/DSC04576blog.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Completely stuffed and feeling the effects of a long, fun filled weekend we walked back to Andrea and Kris's apartment and collected our things and gave out heartfelt thanks and goodbyes before catching the bus back to the train station and the long journey home to Romford. </div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-30962508421246078852008-11-27T15:41:00.000-08:002008-11-27T15:43:32.850-08:00BACH, AUSTRIA.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bach, Austria</span></span><br /><br />We received an invitation from the Steens to go and join them at their holiday home in Austria for the mid-term school holidays and we jumped at the chance. They have some close family friends that live in Broadstairs, Kent nicknamed ‘Mr and Mrs Rock’ who offered to take us with them as they were driving there for a holiday too. The plan was that we get the train out to their place and stay with them the night before our trip and then we would get up and catch the 6am ferry from Dover over to France. There was an incident at Romford train station that evening but we eventually made it and were welcomed with open arms, a scrumptious roast chicken dinner and glass of New Zealand wine. They were the most generous people and made us feel right at home straight away. We were all up bright and early the next morning and ‘Mr Rock’ packed up his chilly bins with meals he had prepared and frozen for the holiday and we stored many bottles of wine in the roof rack with our gear and were off to the ferry. Once through customs we parked the car on our assigned deck and went upstairs and had breakfast with ‘tea’ in a rather posh restaurant. It truly hit the spot and prepared us well for the long drive ahead. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmFhF_MVEGIp0KUWFl7d95AClk3J42g58G-Ie2WH0eNDEk9nP8yoOT_EsFBss17Nwof9AB4lADPEBgZUZV1bfG5nTAUwNlSMqbQPZTCBmN-Wt8385vR0tVUkUA2Lw82WcAxd4xG84TPq/s1600-h/DSC02367blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmFhF_MVEGIp0KUWFl7d95AClk3J42g58G-Ie2WH0eNDEk9nP8yoOT_EsFBss17Nwof9AB4lADPEBgZUZV1bfG5nTAUwNlSMqbQPZTCBmN-Wt8385vR0tVUkUA2Lw82WcAxd4xG84TPq/s400/DSC02367blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994256738616338" /></a>When we reached Calais the temperature was a balmy 3 degrees celsius and as we continued across Europe it continued to drop. We made a few coffees and toilet stops along the way and felt the air getting colder almost by the km.<br /><br />Many hours later as night fell we crossed into Austria and the cars thermometer told us that it was -4 degrees and falling still. There was more and more snow visible and as we got deeper into the Lechtal valley it covered the ground and trees. When we finally got to the Steen’s house it was completely dark and it was -12 degrees – OUCH! Olivia had told me how beautiful it was there but being so dark I could only make out the outlines of the house etc and was very much looking forward to the next morning. The house hadn’t been heated properly that winter yet and it was like a fridge and we wore our poly-props, beanies, hoodies and winter socks to bed to keep us warm.<br /><br />The next morning after a hearty breakfast and getting our ski gears on I went outside to see Bach in all its winter glory. It was literally one of those postcard moments with snow everywhere and a bright blue-sky overhead. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcjg81DqIS5fFYWlzFVn0mab5gESgZ_j0F1duH-7TDCuTzX1ZEJs7d3O76RCYz7tLHf4BimuiynqH8efa10LIn7CrF0iWwV1v08J4bgSjRS9ViSaWVT9VxkFzF8d0VK3mnFFGW2s_4uFx/s1600-h/DSC_6778blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcjg81DqIS5fFYWlzFVn0mab5gESgZ_j0F1duH-7TDCuTzX1ZEJs7d3O76RCYz7tLHf4BimuiynqH8efa10LIn7CrF0iWwV1v08J4bgSjRS9ViSaWVT9VxkFzF8d0VK3mnFFGW2s_4uFx/s400/DSC_6778blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237993931653176706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymGUlueT4F3ELwYYY2pDWU7knExyG6NRCi7vJ9r5hVRRiYf33U-fHEZKB2JpQsanWjRjtXMl8sY9DaXWdG22pxv_eu0wNivHRq0GDxRceXUF2BTBQ4g3JEC8ENDSRC2HZqtw65_WTUE6b/s1600-h/DSC_6783blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymGUlueT4F3ELwYYY2pDWU7knExyG6NRCi7vJ9r5hVRRiYf33U-fHEZKB2JpQsanWjRjtXMl8sY9DaXWdG22pxv_eu0wNivHRq0GDxRceXUF2BTBQ4g3JEC8ENDSRC2HZqtw65_WTUE6b/s400/DSC_6783blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237993935317454530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkcjORG_uhM4t8YSZIS44uA-HPf6t7I9cXXa-DpZxjbX4EnI56LR4ybnpjdX425c11JXih7-LLx5kPc30SrM382VeKaRFUTeXBBW9yh4-tCi9l5GKtz0gmwuYEpzqb5-gV3FNE9tWCken/s1600-h/DSC_6796blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkcjORG_uhM4t8YSZIS44uA-HPf6t7I9cXXa-DpZxjbX4EnI56LR4ybnpjdX425c11JXih7-LLx5kPc30SrM382VeKaRFUTeXBBW9yh4-tCi9l5GKtz0gmwuYEpzqb5-gV3FNE9tWCken/s400/DSC_6796blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237993934446563602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTkFpBSKZpYdnRF3Zy02vFdg4Iln5vVnYSxiFfz1xQ5QCzFDm6lQK99NdkQKipTZ_3mxidqIdkw-thW56CTXZzJj0gA31olAUNO6egzQMq-hmf-nzDcLf1Xpb36L5XnUi8oIMKDCO-w3y/s1600-h/DSC_6798blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTkFpBSKZpYdnRF3Zy02vFdg4Iln5vVnYSxiFfz1xQ5QCzFDm6lQK99NdkQKipTZ_3mxidqIdkw-thW56CTXZzJj0gA31olAUNO6egzQMq-hmf-nzDcLf1Xpb36L5XnUi8oIMKDCO-w3y/s400/DSC_6798blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237993941251230146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhuDR1lAFfNADMp8Upx_-vUIPvKAxAepfg_OW5km_J0somGRsMW4jRE_CW1v3TNFDDbITEAHz0yacWO3heS8WhyW6owVDX2jMC5TGoyjlricisHxkUvK2bys2_66baC04huC1N7GjofTs/s1600-h/DSC_6809blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhuDR1lAFfNADMp8Upx_-vUIPvKAxAepfg_OW5km_J0somGRsMW4jRE_CW1v3TNFDDbITEAHz0yacWO3heS8WhyW6owVDX2jMC5TGoyjlricisHxkUvK2bys2_66baC04huC1N7GjofTs/s400/DSC_6809blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237993940375109378" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ipUg3cGh0WeWOeEJ-l7Jdg7OqEKXFRjL8v7j9-6_pdbW7zkSXEuR9Y70oeWnLiZxVEVcheO-sjDHKgQlnjLK4tKkKywSFHZKzuPlXq3E9vC0AUmSSjXAQmNZR0Z7B3Mbui2rBghQ1s5/s1600-h/DSC02372blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ipUg3cGh0WeWOeEJ-l7Jdg7OqEKXFRjL8v7j9-6_pdbW7zkSXEuR9Y70oeWnLiZxVEVcheO-sjDHKgQlnjLK4tKkKywSFHZKzuPlXq3E9vC0AUmSSjXAQmNZR0Z7B3Mbui2rBghQ1s5/s400/DSC02372blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994257396782018" /></a>Daf and I went up the road so that I could hire a snowboard and then we all went up to the local lift for our first day skiing of the trip. This was about 10 minutes drive away and the snow was in amazing condition considering there hadn’t been any new snow for almost 3 and half months. I was so excited as I hadn’t been snowboarding for 5 years and couldn’t wait to get up there. Olivia had only even been skiing twice and was very apprehensive about being able to get the hang of it at all. The best thing was that Martin, Anna and Mikey Steen and Daf all ski instructors and she ended up having one on one lessons throughout our stay there. We left Anna and her star pupil on the learner’s slopes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoOhdHlkpCOed5rT65wMZxikg3XRh1Irtpu-ooRIinP1YXub-cFdrCGk3MKeaJGtOePbP1pGmzFyMKGWZt8beWyEwTxdrgMOTeQvQ3gMgfCWzrFH6N1ObrncwkXaQfj32Jj9dIL9zbQ6C/s1600-h/DSC02382blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoOhdHlkpCOed5rT65wMZxikg3XRh1Irtpu-ooRIinP1YXub-cFdrCGk3MKeaJGtOePbP1pGmzFyMKGWZt8beWyEwTxdrgMOTeQvQ3gMgfCWzrFH6N1ObrncwkXaQfj32Jj9dIL9zbQ6C/s400/DSC02382blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994691362249362" /></a> The rest of us headed up the lift, which took you about 300 metres vertical and hit the snow. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jtcXReHaBNnsZzU5YlJ4D32CbiljV-JmfL3r6LKjANqqY9pMCjkWOXpaynJR5bHtArTqBQb0Cmxwv0RD8yR5ZvP_BKn_j8mx4iU35SfjCwNVyM_XJpvUawQvyurhbmIKZdXxdv_59lvS/s1600-h/DSC02375blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jtcXReHaBNnsZzU5YlJ4D32CbiljV-JmfL3r6LKjANqqY9pMCjkWOXpaynJR5bHtArTqBQb0Cmxwv0RD8yR5ZvP_BKn_j8mx4iU35SfjCwNVyM_XJpvUawQvyurhbmIKZdXxdv_59lvS/s400/DSC02375blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994261272843458" /></a>I got the rust out at the top of the hill with a couple of silly falls but after that was tearing down the hill, it was so much fun.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgFYVFdcd91ntpaZs4B0yj2_b_RxnXI8SoT5MrBjzePHgZX2YK9ONYU_Y48pqMQgGYckqgCj9xwaGagFluPRqHIEA0xvb7Yhz82qnhqkbcg9bMYQQW8zRgIt9JDNFeyLB6bUid9vOT9n-/s1600-h/DSC02470blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgFYVFdcd91ntpaZs4B0yj2_b_RxnXI8SoT5MrBjzePHgZX2YK9ONYU_Y48pqMQgGYckqgCj9xwaGagFluPRqHIEA0xvb7Yhz82qnhqkbcg9bMYQQW8zRgIt9JDNFeyLB6bUid9vOT9n-/s400/DSC02470blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237996593809087442" /></a> I went and checked on Liv after a couple of runs and she had made great progress that morning. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlb71SxUW98vu5APgL7NGAA_TGR22QSPsEu3ftRzQcaEXbJOpIJ1uZB3mWCnqIXq6Yk68ZQmcR_DlGqYcOxGqyc9nQGQylsK2qyh_B35ywMhW3WDCIVxmTU9uYUzyiyhTGA_IZZLsYPTe/s1600-h/DSC02401blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlb71SxUW98vu5APgL7NGAA_TGR22QSPsEu3ftRzQcaEXbJOpIJ1uZB3mWCnqIXq6Yk68ZQmcR_DlGqYcOxGqyc9nQGQylsK2qyh_B35ywMhW3WDCIVxmTU9uYUzyiyhTGA_IZZLsYPTe/s400/DSC02401blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994695406557250" /></a>We all stopped for a ‘drinks’ break, which was a Weiss beer, gluvein (mulled wine), jaegar tea or the favourite or ‘Hot Chocolate mit (with) Rum’ and then got back to the skiing. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS88oMt7312XGElQzOTV2ZiE2WquAdYQ_Rk8WaJ11Al1KnN1JOR_Y_rbYlzNEEUbQ36uj8X3rt6iaY3RWegRGUSWf5l7lKUJ1YOtj63tpg_L_RpDG2XLu5KnVAyVD4JayijEgOOCOQyigp/s1600-h/DSC02537blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS88oMt7312XGElQzOTV2ZiE2WquAdYQ_Rk8WaJ11Al1KnN1JOR_Y_rbYlzNEEUbQ36uj8X3rt6iaY3RWegRGUSWf5l7lKUJ1YOtj63tpg_L_RpDG2XLu5KnVAyVD4JayijEgOOCOQyigp/s320/DSC02537blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997288231154514" /></a>A couple of hours later we all met up again at the bottom for another break for lunch and more beer, gluvein, jaegar tea and hot chocolate mit rum. We could tell that we were going to like this kind of skiing.<br />That night we had more aperitifs and nibbles before an amazing meal (which would prove to be the case every night) of jacket potatoes that Olivia helped cook and more New Zealand wines. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNUPlIVG0mxwTWdwM4WDTt4C2v1-bZgtBgR_snpAfu5iTSqFjRSBals8cLgQAuoSxIjLRI2QF6HBKKwQ_idBvd4lA_64HvnCGh7A1WBpfKYXPZvxXLw-IK-kbPKavJ63yaMFeUZr-WEki/s1600-h/DSC_6859blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNUPlIVG0mxwTWdwM4WDTt4C2v1-bZgtBgR_snpAfu5iTSqFjRSBals8cLgQAuoSxIjLRI2QF6HBKKwQ_idBvd4lA_64HvnCGh7A1WBpfKYXPZvxXLw-IK-kbPKavJ63yaMFeUZr-WEki/s400/DSC_6859blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994257157089442" /></a>Charlotte also made a point (which she did every night) of getting people to come upstairs to the loft and play some table tennis in the freezing cold before the first of our nightly games of ‘TP’ or Trivial Pursuit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB1Usrfv18aFcVnm4hQPhqZosdWHqU08wa9Hd-a9_paKcyCMClHkwRgBER9t32LgII92hv305h9ORLnxmsVL5CGM9cg5ZCPZ4jPVQgYnrtxhyphenhyphen5fnf6UWkBevkxAs30IVwWVDesGpc1XLW/s1600-h/DSC02518blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB1Usrfv18aFcVnm4hQPhqZosdWHqU08wa9Hd-a9_paKcyCMClHkwRgBER9t32LgII92hv305h9ORLnxmsVL5CGM9cg5ZCPZ4jPVQgYnrtxhyphenhyphen5fnf6UWkBevkxAs30IVwWVDesGpc1XLW/s320/DSC02518blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997287950725890" /></a>Day two saw more of the same. Up early, good breakfast and then up to the local lift again. Mikey and Martin joined us as they had been ski touring in the back country the day before and Liv then had the pleasure of two instructors with Martin and Anna sharing the honours so that one or the other could ski. It was decided after the first drinks break as called by Charlotte after an hour or so skiing, that we should have lunch at the restaurant at the top of the mountain. So at lunch time we picked Olivia up and rode up the chair. We had an amazing meal overlooking the valley floor <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1deLnCYCi0Aeu91wbWxhi4DGx-2eiUUTtCJcizdAUSuht1MaZ7lOPSb6XPkEWXIaKjftUeHrkirA0-o6-ZqCxVeyprD0VcycwfKn1_LWiYQ0mAnuh6T7imRVJwOjNxSfSosltXtovYAmB/s1600-h/DSC02385blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1deLnCYCi0Aeu91wbWxhi4DGx-2eiUUTtCJcizdAUSuht1MaZ7lOPSb6XPkEWXIaKjftUeHrkirA0-o6-ZqCxVeyprD0VcycwfKn1_LWiYQ0mAnuh6T7imRVJwOjNxSfSosltXtovYAmB/s400/DSC02385blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994692170525106" /></a> and finished off with a sampling of Daf’s local desert called ‘germ keneurdel’ which was pretty much a jam filled bun (a lot like a chinese steam bun) covered in custard and sesame seeds and Charlotte’s apple strudel - YUM! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQy7LT4q-qjK7jJEzoNxCYE3TZUx_eOpsVf3ikdk9qteYBzbCDsC_pb7OyfJ8MyP3x9Bn7vpxV3lrnAgRe7VLVfz4lVElStz2cCpgPQK8Qw8OiOqFDq__qB79yvHs9Jvdr9SKNlPeMX6k/s1600-h/DSC02392blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQy7LT4q-qjK7jJEzoNxCYE3TZUx_eOpsVf3ikdk9qteYBzbCDsC_pb7OyfJ8MyP3x9Bn7vpxV3lrnAgRe7VLVfz4lVElStz2cCpgPQK8Qw8OiOqFDq__qB79yvHs9Jvdr9SKNlPeMX6k/s400/DSC02392blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994697109501346" /></a>Then it was back to more skiing and ski lessons and we wrapped what was an amazing day off with some après ski aperitifs at the bar by the car park in the setting sun. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkr3iD_mDaMf79NWI_xILacNwUWAieg6IlkBXMktUUu-HSxqj5ZZnnPulbPnUUJs3uuiBqKMRi2V2bota9T7Y7mBqqveimYxtaWG3lxYmMGRy_zBZ-BjtsFH0DXd8EEs-Zw0cxi961g-D/s1600-h/DSC02442blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkr3iD_mDaMf79NWI_xILacNwUWAieg6IlkBXMktUUu-HSxqj5ZZnnPulbPnUUJs3uuiBqKMRi2V2bota9T7Y7mBqqveimYxtaWG3lxYmMGRy_zBZ-BjtsFH0DXd8EEs-Zw0cxi961g-D/s400/DSC02442blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237995275514931954" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_bupbIV9tSigskIVXvQSZ2m_U3kEzDBZ8ZPXRkmrXehiMuj64pUFt8ra5W2vUHIfS8mqo5qtIIkR7Us1-K6v38PrrlosH3I0-J2m5Z9ter7OiJIlSJVTTvPXDCeaxmCmafLrirl01Fa/s1600-h/DSC02425blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_bupbIV9tSigskIVXvQSZ2m_U3kEzDBZ8ZPXRkmrXehiMuj64pUFt8ra5W2vUHIfS8mqo5qtIIkR7Us1-K6v38PrrlosH3I0-J2m5Z9ter7OiJIlSJVTTvPXDCeaxmCmafLrirl01Fa/s400/DSC02425blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237995269783161858" /></a>Martin introduced us to a local game where you try to hammer a nail into a log of wood using the blade end of a hammer. The winner was the one who drove his nail completely into the wood first. Whoever lost shouted the others a round of schnapps. Martin, the barman and I played and I won the first round much to the surprise of the barman. He got us some schnapps and asked for a re-match that I won again. I liked that game!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXhcs_fpAsofUUJD_hFWLr_qw3ytex25eZpt_kMQUjvXBNjsCZ37uBhjcurNxHeMbdwr77u8fjgUqpgv8Mcp2DJCxCgOqFpODVvIvYuJyAr-1J-Gjbp6MWTZUF1fbd5jobYjOPrBuzn9e/s1600-h/DSC02418blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXhcs_fpAsofUUJD_hFWLr_qw3ytex25eZpt_kMQUjvXBNjsCZ37uBhjcurNxHeMbdwr77u8fjgUqpgv8Mcp2DJCxCgOqFpODVvIvYuJyAr-1J-Gjbp6MWTZUF1fbd5jobYjOPrBuzn9e/s400/DSC02418blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237995270696588450" /></a>Once we had finished our drinks Olivia, Mikey, Daf and I got into Martins car and prepared to drive home. All of a sudden there was a horrendous noise and the car lurched to a halt. We jumped out to find that the bumper of the car had been pretty much ripped off by the snow bank and was only hanging on by a couple of screws. Daf was horrified but Mikey assured him that it would be ok. He rang Martin with the news and we left the bumper at the side of the road and drove back to the house amidst many strange looks. Poor Daf didn’t get to live that down at all as everyone took any chance that they could to give him a bit of cheek about it at every opportunity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIz8iY2EzlMDLwoRavE27mxK3F5uHQz3HEJ_Cn6Vvw52gpd1_fN9mTkNX1-SUL50IGEYK0lmLPvouo1YQkU3xG7TfCvnZGQgZJBbyc7oGYrh1SYRcilE2Pqrjms_52tTB7LeboBDqKl-V/s1600-h/DSC02430blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIz8iY2EzlMDLwoRavE27mxK3F5uHQz3HEJ_Cn6Vvw52gpd1_fN9mTkNX1-SUL50IGEYK0lmLPvouo1YQkU3xG7TfCvnZGQgZJBbyc7oGYrh1SYRcilE2Pqrjms_52tTB7LeboBDqKl-V/s400/DSC02430blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237995269274268034" /></a>Dinner was a special treat as Anna cooked as local and Austrian speciality called ‘schpetzle’ which is sort of like macaroni but better.<br />Daf had to go back to London the next day so after we had finished breakfast we bid our farewells and then Anna, Charlotte, Mrs Rock and I caught the bus to the big ski field at the end of the valley called Warth. (Martin, Olivia and Mr Rock were driving there.) In New Zealand terms it was huge. There were so many chair lifts that it made me giddy. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfDzf_GFZd-uPJPIQEOTf98crE7LDtn3G2phJ8VbB3Z2d8m8I437QtGt6mTwSyeVPCeY2BgDvbzoYtoxvMqPf4XmOLB5uUeoL6ARTtoO-9GN_CIv0pDiz8_lyV1rR1-CDP03amy07DZi5/s1600-h/DSC02541blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfDzf_GFZd-uPJPIQEOTf98crE7LDtn3G2phJ8VbB3Z2d8m8I437QtGt6mTwSyeVPCeY2BgDvbzoYtoxvMqPf4XmOLB5uUeoL6ARTtoO-9GN_CIv0pDiz8_lyV1rR1-CDP03amy07DZi5/s320/DSC02541blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997292739359330" /></a>There were even two six-seater chairs that had heated seats. Awesome! Each chair had its own bubble that you could pull down if the weather got to bad to keep the elements at bay. We had a few runs before we met up with the rest of our crew for the first ‘drinks break’ of the day and we saw Olivia skiing on the slope and I got a great clip of her on video!<br />She had been skiing with Martin on the learners slope and then graduated onto the bottom of a blue run. After some more great skiing we all met up to have a picnic that Martin had prepared and carried up the mountain in a daypack. It was so surreal to be sitting on the side of a mountain in the sunshine complete with bread, cheese, pickles, speck (smoked ham), sausages, and sparkling wine! Talk about classy. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNm-I9lv8aInMWxDmrN4tnlMY77CDe_AxnKJ4-O3fsVdwWZks65XLMfHrBIL4W5sniNkSYZGwoeitwBmtr_22vHMijRUTNFyOu-LpiwMFfQapLqwoYYjGbRcdGhgzKtjKuGwddewrhfm7/s1600-h/DSC02474blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNm-I9lv8aInMWxDmrN4tnlMY77CDe_AxnKJ4-O3fsVdwWZks65XLMfHrBIL4W5sniNkSYZGwoeitwBmtr_22vHMijRUTNFyOu-LpiwMFfQapLqwoYYjGbRcdGhgzKtjKuGwddewrhfm7/s400/DSC02474blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237996592518703554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDNMItHAoL4WKi-ULyf74V6fxpgDM2dN2DYVRIpzsoa6D-vvYnGNdrwxgVW1tjqyArwM8G30Lv70PQQyTVqdPZyzEbEOT2_O24blI2MgbsHbWy-SoXorq9IGd3onDJsQiErdPp5CJyt41/s1600-h/DSC02475blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDNMItHAoL4WKi-ULyf74V6fxpgDM2dN2DYVRIpzsoa6D-vvYnGNdrwxgVW1tjqyArwM8G30Lv70PQQyTVqdPZyzEbEOT2_O24blI2MgbsHbWy-SoXorq9IGd3onDJsQiErdPp5CJyt41/s400/DSC02475blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237996597898057474" /></a>The skiing was even better after that and of course another drinks break that afternoon. On our last run Martin asked that Mr Rock and Olivia pick us up part way down the mountain as he was going to take me on down a back way that would meet up with the road so that we could find some fresh snow. It was such a great run and true to his word we found lots of pockets of untouched snow that capped off an amazing day, or so I thought. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsCTg0LlfKJzrfKEAw6_VZIF7_aYFx-7FPMDJVS6OUutnz40sKXZWiStM6pRzX9gjUp52uAigMO_9TsavyvpL-PPn3OUajxnLs3ivNsNBdqkx1rdv3Xp_PZ-1ahbYJLcVv3Gv6WnNiOU_/s1600-h/DSC02379blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsCTg0LlfKJzrfKEAw6_VZIF7_aYFx-7FPMDJVS6OUutnz40sKXZWiStM6pRzX9gjUp52uAigMO_9TsavyvpL-PPn3OUajxnLs3ivNsNBdqkx1rdv3Xp_PZ-1ahbYJLcVv3Gv6WnNiOU_/s400/DSC02379blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994693463744354" /></a>After we were picked up Martin asked Mr Rock if he would mind driving us up to a village that overlooked the road back to Bach. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FwhEuRUYSdrWNlFhLLrk7NEbcUnpfJlIUN_GYBk9KmleyPZW9fBs4LpK6lDUEq2sOlWewWTLrO3pB0IpouS94Gqt5yf6ghwoe1fy4lfwFyFdNQdFPTx2KGOfBKf8HBhbi9jRPmB62_ry/s1600-h/DSC02512blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FwhEuRUYSdrWNlFhLLrk7NEbcUnpfJlIUN_GYBk9KmleyPZW9fBs4LpK6lDUEq2sOlWewWTLrO3pB0IpouS94Gqt5yf6ghwoe1fy4lfwFyFdNQdFPTx2KGOfBKf8HBhbi9jRPmB62_ry/s320/DSC02512blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997288970574882" /></a>There was a place he had wanted to ski on all his life that he had never seen anyone skiing on that he wished to do. So Mr Rock and Olivia dropped us off and Martin and I skied off down a virgin slope. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLpWCx7r0xMSXmNNQOEUbT37JHmXfzBLiYn9MO8xUZbH6xxC6tqx27MHIMEGWxZxlm-SBcz3rOUcsCtjonNo-LVVurXMnaIW5-ObE55dftdDBS7Zs6RKQOjDyx3Kaz_IAjd5nbMLEwwiJ/s1600-h/DSC02510blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLpWCx7r0xMSXmNNQOEUbT37JHmXfzBLiYn9MO8xUZbH6xxC6tqx27MHIMEGWxZxlm-SBcz3rOUcsCtjonNo-LVVurXMnaIW5-ObE55dftdDBS7Zs6RKQOjDyx3Kaz_IAjd5nbMLEwwiJ/s400/DSC02510blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237996596556700258" /></a>The snow was amazing and so was skiing in an area with just one other person. When we reached the bottom I thanked Martin for sharing that experience with me and it will remain one of my fondest skiing memories.<br />That night we were treated to more New Zealand wines and an amazing casserole that Mr Rock had brought with him. Now that man can cook. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B2zdxZfAM8BjV4vs0lnpiZ2Kkj3K385yDRJlxpWjNgwznJM1ikQ3XDuRlubxEx0ghP7cdDDesiQ6xrdMm_vAsVtFNXPWyiWlH2FKDprrkyC5zmmPlB3D0nd9Aw1jOMQIbRIv-6p5q3Kz/s1600-h/DSC02434blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B2zdxZfAM8BjV4vs0lnpiZ2Kkj3K385yDRJlxpWjNgwznJM1ikQ3XDuRlubxEx0ghP7cdDDesiQ6xrdMm_vAsVtFNXPWyiWlH2FKDprrkyC5zmmPlB3D0nd9Aw1jOMQIbRIv-6p5q3Kz/s400/DSC02434blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237995274508761554" /></a>Martin packed another amazing picnic for the next day and took Olivia under his wing that morning so that Anna could go skiing with the rest of us. As per usual after some amazing runs Charlotte said we MUST stop for a drinks break and who were we to argue. Charlotte, Anna and the Rocks took me to some other parts of the mountain that I had yet to see which were awesome and then we all met up at the pre-ordained spot for lunch. Of course it was delicious and Martin even went so far as having champagne with real glasses this time. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcP3LsnoeAojzqEOYZCkb-jEXC0LbWU2Nn-6vrndqsX3AdYBMapd3jfZ4iQQTInHhN1_gi5P5DeKDKC7YTvddIjkQTaAEaaAkzVX78z5atbS_GeM86keiywVgwQOzYrHpAeWzv5xDB_B8/s1600-h/DSC02539blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcP3LsnoeAojzqEOYZCkb-jEXC0LbWU2Nn-6vrndqsX3AdYBMapd3jfZ4iQQTInHhN1_gi5P5DeKDKC7YTvddIjkQTaAEaaAkzVX78z5atbS_GeM86keiywVgwQOzYrHpAeWzv5xDB_B8/s400/DSC02539blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997685410808434" /></a>After lunch Olivia went skiing with the Rocks and Charlotte whilst I went off with Martin and Anna for some fun. We organised for another pick up from down the mountain and we took Anna down the run we had done the day before. It was just as good with some fresh stuff still around.<br />The following day it was just the Rocks, Olivia and I that went to Warth as Anna decided to stay home to do some study and Martin and Charlotte had gone to visit Mikey who had gone back to St Anton to work. Mr and Mrs Rock were so awesome that day as they took turns Skiing with Olivia and showed endless patience as they helped her around the mountain. She even managed her first blue run and part of a red run that day which was quite an achievement considering she was on the learners slopes only a few days earlier. We stopped for lunch at one of the restaurants on the mountain and sat out in the sun on some deck chairs whilst sipping on a cold beer and hot chocolate mit rum (again!). We had some great skiing for the rest of the day and Olivia made some excellent progress no thanks to the Rocks and all their help that day too.<br />On the way back to the Steens we got zapped by a speed camera (stink) and Mrs Rock was most annoyed as she was the one driving that day and had been warning Mr Rock all that week about speeding – ironic aye. That night we all chipped in and made wiener schnitzel which was a lot of fun and well worth the effort once we were done (accompanied of course with NZ Wine etc).<br />The next day we had a day off skiing as the weather wasn’t all the flash and so Martin took us on a hike instead. It was a really beautiful and scenic walk that ended at a mountainside inn, which overlooked the valley and the Steen’s house. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNcGa8rA9C30NIiE48Q-jv5d9RioNKFdjlvp27MMn4qY2OIsrpOTtV5zWzXsXhORNyqy2DdM_mETSoLRV-V2VpVYpcYHChbrWG_Q1HAImvGz6TJt5kEs1Pg3nlO5TkvmG47Z4poO1Vnd/s1600-h/DSC02551blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNcGa8rA9C30NIiE48Q-jv5d9RioNKFdjlvp27MMn4qY2OIsrpOTtV5zWzXsXhORNyqy2DdM_mETSoLRV-V2VpVYpcYHChbrWG_Q1HAImvGz6TJt5kEs1Pg3nlO5TkvmG47Z4poO1Vnd/s320/DSC02551blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237997293366341698" /></a>We had lunch there and then walked back down to the village where Martin met us in the car and took us back to the house. That afternoon we all went to the local bowling alley and played the local version of ten pin bowling with skittles and little wooden balls. It was very old fashioned and we had a great time even though we had no idea how it was scored or who won in the end.<br />Martin’s brother Ed and his wife arrived that evening to stay and he certainly added character to the mix.<br />Our final day’s skiing was eventful to say the least. We had all agreed to meet up for another of Martin’s famous picnics later on that afternoon and set off on our various ways. Olivia, the Rocks and I were skiing on a run that she liked and we all agreed to meet at the top so we could start heading over to find the Steens. However in the process Olivia got lost and as we waited and waited for her at the bottom of the chairlift there was still no sign of her. So Mr Rock and I decided that we should go and look for her around the mountain, but alas to no avail. She was nowhere to be found. Unbeknownst to us she had managed to ski all the way down the mountain along a run she had never done and then did her own search for us as well. She covered almost the whole mountain whilst looking for everyone and she did it all by herself – pretty amazing aye! After the rest of us had lunch we finally saw her pretty much at the end of the day on our way up the mountain as she skied under our chair. Mr Rock and I called out and then we all waited for her at the top. She was so relieved to see us and understandably a bit shook up by the whole ordeal and we left her there to eat her picnic whilst we got in a few more runs. We all made it down the hill in one piece (eventually) and had an après ski drink at the bar at the bottom to cap off a memorable week.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3haa3k3rhYDIicOSG4xNgLOMiuzY_uDb1XzdfpQ7L6PzNdsBimco-zWBoQ9LYSEfDOLn4MEoqwaA176vWCiyLe5DGhsrDRzbV51BZpqBtnIh4vrU1Wf5DRlhw9MfAHiGCb4FxXS2F1J6/s1600-h/DSC02458blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3haa3k3rhYDIicOSG4xNgLOMiuzY_uDb1XzdfpQ7L6PzNdsBimco-zWBoQ9LYSEfDOLn4MEoqwaA176vWCiyLe5DGhsrDRzbV51BZpqBtnIh4vrU1Wf5DRlhw9MfAHiGCb4FxXS2F1J6/s400/DSC02458blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237996591393283810" /></a>We had a really delicious home made chicken soup that Ed had been fussing over along with dinner that night and the last of the New Zealand wine and a couple of beers. The final game of TP was a tight contest with the boys winning (YAY!) before heading off to bed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t6G2_skMehDD6I4V_ubKhq2WxkEhQVY7Gud4DE596DCwKO_Fd0OGTq6Ch426oUzFpsHz7oeIpK4GwTXL0NnSnmtQ6fYACXYOwos32aT-DCu3sV1PI9iVDrr2od6i_7yY72fBD38jpwa7/s1600-h/DSC_6817blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t6G2_skMehDD6I4V_ubKhq2WxkEhQVY7Gud4DE596DCwKO_Fd0OGTq6Ch426oUzFpsHz7oeIpK4GwTXL0NnSnmtQ6fYACXYOwos32aT-DCu3sV1PI9iVDrr2od6i_7yY72fBD38jpwa7/s400/DSC_6817blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237994251752562242" /></a>After an early breakfast we said our thanks and goodbyes and set off with the Rocks on our return journey back to their place in Kent. We had a great drive back to Calais and on the ferry home Olivia and I got them a little thank you present for all that they had done for us and helping make this holiday so special.<br />The next day Mr Rock dropped us at the train station and we caught our return train back to Romford and of course back to reality.<br /><br />Lots of love<br />Olivia and Tama xOlivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-70464454512872389432008-09-01T04:12:00.000-07:002008-09-01T04:13:04.502-07:00CARDIFF, WALES<div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Cardiff, Wales - Coupe Du Monde 2007 - Rugby World Cup 2007</span></strong></div><div><br />We got off the train some 45 minutes of or so later in Cardiff and there were All Black and French jerseys everywhere. The atmosphere was already electric as everyone was anticipating the biggest game of the World Cup so far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cex7QbyQR0YB15k-CGkKMVQh-4MNnBCzmomu-yyQxDTXb1gv2XJMnuL4lemRh6uV8-MgasHDXSI9-ya2ZLMGHslDGvOfH6a5H_wCHvQFvMeLstIHwO8wRunwwf-ogBp7VvPQfKPH-dlH/s1600-h/DSC01623blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cex7QbyQR0YB15k-CGkKMVQh-4MNnBCzmomu-yyQxDTXb1gv2XJMnuL4lemRh6uV8-MgasHDXSI9-ya2ZLMGHslDGvOfH6a5H_wCHvQFvMeLstIHwO8wRunwwf-ogBp7VvPQfKPH-dlH/s400/DSC01623blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992750184521922" /></a>Olivia's Aunty and Uncle we in town for the game as well and she spent a bit of time on the phone trying to suss out where to meet up. They had come all the way from NZ!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXnJKQxUIC8_oyR8dOP2XKAl02dQ7D_850IxT6f3nUPCOBaua1cbGYxhIAv7G8DViGQJFAGp1d93lvpB0-9YHreA6qKVQLg6HOsGdKXfEt2I7H86A-OD4JM28gJ7Amdgufd7kTS4QRIjL/s1600-h/DSC01624blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXnJKQxUIC8_oyR8dOP2XKAl02dQ7D_850IxT6f3nUPCOBaua1cbGYxhIAv7G8DViGQJFAGp1d93lvpB0-9YHreA6qKVQLg6HOsGdKXfEt2I7H86A-OD4JM28gJ7Amdgufd7kTS4QRIjL/s400/DSC01624blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992752278925794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjnHAYGFawMrv_wz7ds-Mi5bd2OG1mZgPqiqAjI-oWqOPsAJXe58gAtbV5tnFCJJUDVTjeeGJ-23i_a4JHwChZJPDhrIy2HxyAu3pe_dP41sh96MIpQAjOEF5-stJOxDoMWFm3Fj8HOtJ/s1600-h/DSC01625blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjnHAYGFawMrv_wz7ds-Mi5bd2OG1mZgPqiqAjI-oWqOPsAJXe58gAtbV5tnFCJJUDVTjeeGJ-23i_a4JHwChZJPDhrIy2HxyAu3pe_dP41sh96MIpQAjOEF5-stJOxDoMWFm3Fj8HOtJ/s400/DSC01625blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992751498382306" /></a>As we had arrived very early in the morning we had plenty of time to look around so we went and got a coffee and met so many Kiwis all primed for the game. After finally locating them we went and met Olivia's Aunty Trish and Uncle Les. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnDZImvLVMNUet-CVRRo_y4W6tyL04okmLYpHPu5I_BxshjOQmNT-5AFOLMHdUH6fH6e3AssKkdq3PBS25TX5Mg_bNtvrZIFZNyQSGuwhyphenhyphenzFKrJnANRWtu87JTBB1EsyezAIQc_vQpJ-E/s1600-h/DSC01626blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnDZImvLVMNUet-CVRRo_y4W6tyL04okmLYpHPu5I_BxshjOQmNT-5AFOLMHdUH6fH6e3AssKkdq3PBS25TX5Mg_bNtvrZIFZNyQSGuwhyphenhyphenzFKrJnANRWtu87JTBB1EsyezAIQc_vQpJ-E/s400/DSC01626blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992917414802770" /></a>We went to the infamous 'Angel Pub' where All Black Keith Murdoch punched over a security guard and became the first All Black every sent home from a tour for a couple of pre-match beers. It was really great to see them both and to share in the ocassion and moment and whilst we were there my Dad rang and I met him out side the pub with our bags so that he could take them back to his hotel for us.<br />From there we went and met our mates and my cousin Charmaine and Ty in another pub in Cardiff where we watched the Aussies go down to Perry and his England team. Jared and I started chanting 'Four more years George!' as a poke at George Gregan for his comments in the last World Cup. The rest of the pub that was pretty much All Black supporters joined in and we were all hyped and ready for the Quarter Final against our arch World Cup nemesis France. It was here that one of the funniest (but tragic) things happened. I was taking a photo of Olivia and the others when a kiwi guy asked me if I wanted him to take one for us. So I said yes. While he was trying to usher us all into a group he dropped our camera into his full pint glass of beer. It hit the bottom of his glass with a plonk and I didnt know whether to get angry or laugh! Trevor and Jared cracked up laughing as good mates would and I grabbed the camera and ran to the bathroom to see what I could salvage. I put the camera under the hand drier but alas to no avail it was stuffed. Luckily the memory stick was in tact but that meant no more photos from our camera- which sucked as I was so looking forward to going to the Millenium Stadium as I had heard so much about it. This was the last photo our camera took!:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aCKyQZTA7Q28k1fhirCJnwGo3L9JgCSmIVmUYMfVFgicQcgLZZ3nNd8rhnue5uOZ9nUN_yoXQl3yjeSZ5T8btFuD5Bwt9c0sdv8RB2Yo1yfVP8oBc__B5q0PiLkV_h5b92b5j8dKubMc/s1600-h/DSC01627blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aCKyQZTA7Q28k1fhirCJnwGo3L9JgCSmIVmUYMfVFgicQcgLZZ3nNd8rhnue5uOZ9nUN_yoXQl3yjeSZ5T8btFuD5Bwt9c0sdv8RB2Yo1yfVP8oBc__B5q0PiLkV_h5b92b5j8dKubMc/s400/DSC01627blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992918103016050" /></a>So we made our way to the stadium later on that evening and mingled with the masses walking through the streets to the stadium. There were French and All Black jerseys everywhere. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCRC7wVCtTxhaLA7E-U4lUTnG8ANyDwOIvIlZzuNDviAeFeuyPae27RiezJJvX-iyn1da5ttMxH1xh34O6va2TOgQ7Y47lLLjl7Yl9fuYGf-JcvFVo1Y8EhsDgu7suXPRKlgbVK_hcgDI/s1600-h/DSC01622blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCRC7wVCtTxhaLA7E-U4lUTnG8ANyDwOIvIlZzuNDviAeFeuyPae27RiezJJvX-iyn1da5ttMxH1xh34O6va2TOgQ7Y47lLLjl7Yl9fuYGf-JcvFVo1Y8EhsDgu7suXPRKlgbVK_hcgDI/s400/DSC01622blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992747889345682" /></a>I was quietly apprehensive about the game as the French had always seemed to play well against us in the World Cup and little did I know that this would come back to haunt us again soon! The stadium was amazing and the atmosphere inside electric. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGK45mXiTZG7iMEZfnItQlbqJWwTdtdPV08GrZLca6uiCwO4SWCGdcyjyzAJWoiWFI1RzmzyObCyTQyfCLpQowoLEuQ7Mvw55jRARn6Se6QPZAhvzL2Tn8_3pKHZa_Mf4vyuQyvqw7hWT/s1600-h/DSC01619blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGK45mXiTZG7iMEZfnItQlbqJWwTdtdPV08GrZLca6uiCwO4SWCGdcyjyzAJWoiWFI1RzmzyObCyTQyfCLpQowoLEuQ7Mvw55jRARn6Se6QPZAhvzL2Tn8_3pKHZa_Mf4vyuQyvqw7hWT/s400/DSC01619blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237992747935505570" /></a></div><div>The rest they say is history and I must be honest and say that we both shed a tear when the final whistle went. It was such a disappointment although the French fans were so gracious in victory and kept telling us to keep our heads up and not to look sad! Easy for them to say they hadn't just fell over the last hurdle in yet another World Cup. </div><div>We went into Cardiff with Martin, Katrina and Aunty Fay after a couple of sad quiets at the stadium and sat at a table surrounded by other desolate Kiwis all very quiet and shocked. Then we walked back to Dad's hotel and crawled into bed with the full impact of what had just happened not quite a realisation. </div><div>The next morning the restaurant was like a morgue of distraught New Zealanders all absolutely depressed. I had breakfast with Olivia's Aunty and Uncle and she joined us a bit later. I felt really sorry for Dad and his workmates as they had bus loads of clients that they had to keep happy even though some of them had literally just arrived for the that game and the semis and final. </div><div>Dad drove us back to London on his way to Dover and Calais (AGAIN) and we caught the tube to Trev's and had yet another post World Cup failure analysis. At least we didn't lose to England.</div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-15610010741821932652008-09-01T03:57:00.000-07:002008-09-01T03:58:29.798-07:00BRISTOL, ENGLAND<div><span style="font-size:130%;">Bristol, England</span></div><br /><div>Olivia was really excited about going to Bristol as she had spent some time growing up there when she was a child. Her Dad was training to be a doctor at Bristol Hospital and she had made friends with Anna Steen at school and they became best friends. They had kep in touch over the years and when we got to the Steen's place the two of them had a wonderful reunion. It was so great to see where she had lived and to finally meet Anna and her younger brother Mikey too. We had a great time that evening with the Steens and it felt awesome to be in a family home once again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRq3j__nT64fIGMGxfQlKKFcTWtkI_Qf7lBOitDqBmSXxrEnnUQ5YrB7w_Hjg7HXT4AGfogkIIQZkA8QZr7q3_9wR1X3KaNSVM05j89aO5-H4vr4W04cQjkS-F70aLStNEC1MzY747SaA/s1600-h/DSC01582blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRq3j__nT64fIGMGxfQlKKFcTWtkI_Qf7lBOitDqBmSXxrEnnUQ5YrB7w_Hjg7HXT4AGfogkIIQZkA8QZr7q3_9wR1X3KaNSVM05j89aO5-H4vr4W04cQjkS-F70aLStNEC1MzY747SaA/s400/DSC01582blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990148816283250" /></a>The next day Olivia and I went for a walk into Bristol town to have a look around. It's a really beautiful city and the University is a stunning piece of architecture. There are buildings along the waterfront that are kind of similar to Wellington and made for a really picturesque setting.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGwCJcl46tAx-BmGTVxwmotAGgqKYySh4eEuQpDX_YHmiZuHIfjN-k4-0P4qRRrE1ZJSBQgtse8D668PGzWUJNYcsoXnqv43Ukk0e3xwpdgx2OJsu5JtqC6XZ3NxGc9OuRnbcnIZEIzqQ/s1600-h/DSC01605blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGwCJcl46tAx-BmGTVxwmotAGgqKYySh4eEuQpDX_YHmiZuHIfjN-k4-0P4qRRrE1ZJSBQgtse8D668PGzWUJNYcsoXnqv43Ukk0e3xwpdgx2OJsu5JtqC6XZ3NxGc9OuRnbcnIZEIzqQ/s400/DSC01605blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990453006301970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKhaf2I1XxOieDmHENz1xOxyFmnPFh_SFZyNI7eOoYndUhbyjxBX3008TIt83uFvzDtVm-Ly9bMaq8nwl6HSxbmwHaNIQkSsLtNfH3McBIDdfUBnhuCYPlof7cruZ-_50rA3Bck4HIbdw/s1600-h/DSC01590blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKhaf2I1XxOieDmHENz1xOxyFmnPFh_SFZyNI7eOoYndUhbyjxBX3008TIt83uFvzDtVm-Ly9bMaq8nwl6HSxbmwHaNIQkSsLtNfH3McBIDdfUBnhuCYPlof7cruZ-_50rA3Bck4HIbdw/s400/DSC01590blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990151380953522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVkzdaSzk6eKVWZLQaIqDMEdAXpl_i0KBV1NRakm3n_UP-YXio7lTw3V8ZQuGA43TYTXnQk7yyDthypWZdawE_yuUv4NCz3mxYyCnl9doTlKOCUMwtuOlv4rSuxaUzMduUPLLt8fx1wXK/s1600-h/DSC01595blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVkzdaSzk6eKVWZLQaIqDMEdAXpl_i0KBV1NRakm3n_UP-YXio7lTw3V8ZQuGA43TYTXnQk7yyDthypWZdawE_yuUv4NCz3mxYyCnl9doTlKOCUMwtuOlv4rSuxaUzMduUPLLt8fx1wXK/s400/DSC01595blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990149992867954" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWijqpV4bWlPGQviCsSBTCELm-qztWV8l4gbtaGdp3_kSqTI6rnVIwHzWpAlzMou_e-KyG58cWc-M9G-LVTxYBTpMOIPGAeKNLM-r2fNbUD6nDks0GyVmy8cGfZqZFJBsQgCjmdzgL83Ii/s1600-h/DSC01614blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWijqpV4bWlPGQviCsSBTCELm-qztWV8l4gbtaGdp3_kSqTI6rnVIwHzWpAlzMou_e-KyG58cWc-M9G-LVTxYBTpMOIPGAeKNLM-r2fNbUD6nDks0GyVmy8cGfZqZFJBsQgCjmdzgL83Ii/s400/DSC01614blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990456545114978" /></a>The next night Olivia cooked everyone her Chicken curry which went down a treat! After dinner Anna and her partner Daffyd (Welsh for David) took us to a local pub down the road for a quiet beer. This gave us a real good opportunity to get to know him and of course for me to get to know them both better.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TnVB-3YdYerxgwL2W0BaNXjMtwka7P52-JDBSbffW8faQsVzlRsvCDUh5Vpj_17Irnyj8DHwpYHTC5G3kDkVP9y3DQdynLN7hW_5ziWTu89s3-6A2tD_ZVSlCRA41ghEBKVgEyG31cUg/s1600-h/DSC01562blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TnVB-3YdYerxgwL2W0BaNXjMtwka7P52-JDBSbffW8faQsVzlRsvCDUh5Vpj_17Irnyj8DHwpYHTC5G3kDkVP9y3DQdynLN7hW_5ziWTu89s3-6A2tD_ZVSlCRA41ghEBKVgEyG31cUg/s400/DSC01562blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989805790924018" /></a>Charlotte is a teacher at a local private school and she thought that it might be a good idea for me to go with her one day to see how British School Children operated. I had a fun day there with the PE teachers going with them to their lessons and seeing what I might be in store for when I started work in a couple of months time. Whilst I was at school, Olivia went for a walk with Mickey on the Downs which is a big grass area very near to their house.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoFYvZAbSvWVDP7YPpMv2LSO_i7E7kkcJpMqkXDngplQ_hkdp6qDBCYQoVuSPe7AHZpkH2uvrwhTm5zO_BJ1L651L4eIMTdQtNYhL2ZMorBKvKId4EyiBqI6cN5PxsyPrpE_wKFzY1TV4/s1600-h/DSC01571blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoFYvZAbSvWVDP7YPpMv2LSO_i7E7kkcJpMqkXDngplQ_hkdp6qDBCYQoVuSPe7AHZpkH2uvrwhTm5zO_BJ1L651L4eIMTdQtNYhL2ZMorBKvKId4EyiBqI6cN5PxsyPrpE_wKFzY1TV4/s400/DSC01571blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989810670576610" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUvNabxzgzHHPFAa8j4C7HDyp7eKq6RBptpriRnDJpbad5IfWMsJVsQ0R1VHWHXXbvrmz-6jnnQeGQVF4-SnuV8_fUTD3Qh5dEtDMn1Fj4-Vo3abVeDflWbuP9WAc6WuJvz7_GC_lITZO/s1600-h/DSC01577blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUvNabxzgzHHPFAa8j4C7HDyp7eKq6RBptpriRnDJpbad5IfWMsJVsQ0R1VHWHXXbvrmz-6jnnQeGQVF4-SnuV8_fUTD3Qh5dEtDMn1Fj4-Vo3abVeDflWbuP9WAc6WuJvz7_GC_lITZO/s400/DSC01577blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990144927388130" /></a></div><div>Later that afternoon Martin came home and had a surprise for me. He took me in his car to show me the games of 'Racquets' and 'Real Tennis' that he plays. This was an awesome experience to see where the modern day games of squash and lawn tennis came from. That night Mikey insisted on taking us to his fabvourite cider house where we could try some 'real good cider'. Man it was strong but really delicious.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkvOmpukVfHA6Ty-RLxibe5YkGiGh4PnNt7MoKMWzO1OJOKizwRiFkWYZPzG5gHqs3pRo1r87w2YM__iHln_rIe2jRrk5l-tDoRx0EL1CtIQJ9yUlOM4vYngX9xtV91DC3r0N_RcfIY9s/s1600-h/DSC01563blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkvOmpukVfHA6Ty-RLxibe5YkGiGh4PnNt7MoKMWzO1OJOKizwRiFkWYZPzG5gHqs3pRo1r87w2YM__iHln_rIe2jRrk5l-tDoRx0EL1CtIQJ9yUlOM4vYngX9xtV91DC3r0N_RcfIY9s/s400/DSC01563blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989802825910994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi-nQQovvYb7ioqcZsFMPlI6WST48O4fZmc73QFpHoOHakoeJaYPVxVcgDP3MaKI06-df5mITa5-KF_fI4WywF3bcNHs7hIB02opl7AnheQ1OjBvOBx8SNq2Vqa2TgJtGipnNJgvZoY8l/s1600-h/DSC01565blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi-nQQovvYb7ioqcZsFMPlI6WST48O4fZmc73QFpHoOHakoeJaYPVxVcgDP3MaKI06-df5mITa5-KF_fI4WywF3bcNHs7hIB02opl7AnheQ1OjBvOBx8SNq2Vqa2TgJtGipnNJgvZoY8l/s400/DSC01565blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989809932880050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD5p5rt_DJmieTVExZNdZGuGk0XEUrue5j5Jh35wBNHKyEGBw-Fihc_Eb_d08p9dxcqlZE5ORnPhG-RF0w605P9k6MqQ-kZb149Ly_H5KVw7kCiJ4ILqXo9q8h70-klHfNpTIjx-vpSlL/s1600-h/DSC01567blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD5p5rt_DJmieTVExZNdZGuGk0XEUrue5j5Jh35wBNHKyEGBw-Fihc_Eb_d08p9dxcqlZE5ORnPhG-RF0w605P9k6MqQ-kZb149Ly_H5KVw7kCiJ4ILqXo9q8h70-klHfNpTIjx-vpSlL/s400/DSC01567blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237989811625355170" /></a></div><div>The next day Martin invited Olivia and I to come and watch him in action in the local courts as he is a barrister. After taking us to lunch we went into the courtroom to see him in action. His case ended up being suspended to a further date so we spent the rest of the afternoon watching a case about a local teacher that was on trial for molesting some of his former students. It was very interesting to say the least.</div><br /><div>We went from the courtroom and met Anna and Daf' at a local micro-brewery called Zero Degrees. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZQbxnh0A45cs_JRzHctDBoN3dS00ufHVgYzRE7rLCTw_7B9Ij-Hm6jC7hv0TA0YLPSb_zOIC6h9mtsR49Obc58vPPlcAmr3P5_dsh_EAangNNI6F5E6oqQ29ZJnf8Ejpm-bfj_ZOAVAJ/s1600-h/DSC01604blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZQbxnh0A45cs_JRzHctDBoN3dS00ufHVgYzRE7rLCTw_7B9Ij-Hm6jC7hv0TA0YLPSb_zOIC6h9mtsR49Obc58vPPlcAmr3P5_dsh_EAangNNI6F5E6oqQ29ZJnf8Ejpm-bfj_ZOAVAJ/s400/DSC01604blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990448088901250" /></a>The beer there was great and we enjoyed a lovely evening chatting before going back to the Steens place where we had something else to drink and dinner. We decided then to go outside and go in their hot tub. It was so relaxing and was beautiful sitting under the cold winter night sky in the hot steaming water.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0sR9RqBJUL_QgvgFILbEfPA_35YqsOu6BmP005emqh6CXoytaPEn0wJfjph7DnIAhKAZKRWn1UwPfOasIF-RxZsLT6bgpYmbZ3QuYIhwKl5fDiRiTnnFI3Uo3_ONBES2x2Vt3w8FU79q/s1600-h/DSC01585blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0sR9RqBJUL_QgvgFILbEfPA_35YqsOu6BmP005emqh6CXoytaPEn0wJfjph7DnIAhKAZKRWn1UwPfOasIF-RxZsLT6bgpYmbZ3QuYIhwKl5fDiRiTnnFI3Uo3_ONBES2x2Vt3w8FU79q/s400/DSC01585blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237990145674384722" /></a><div>The next day we went to meet up with my Dad at a local hotel. He was over here working for a tour company that had clients from all over New Zealand that had come over to the UK for the Rugby World Cup. One of those clients suitcase had been put on the wrong bus at Heathrow airport and had ended up in Bristol. Dad had driven from Cardiff in Wales where the All Blacks would be playing France this weekend to come and pick up her suitcase and while he was waiting for the coach to arrive with it we went to a nice local pub for lunch. Dad brought a really nice bottle of New Zealand wine which went down really well with the bangers and mash that I had. Liv had a delicious Caesar salad. It was really good to see him and catch up on everyting that he had been up to over the last few weeks. He said that we could stay in his hotel room when we went to Cardiff that weekend and as we bade him farewell he gave Olivia a t- shirt that Mum had brought for her and my big puffy Kathmandu jacket that he had brought with him from home. </div><br /><div>Saturday morning arrived and we said goodbye (for now!) to The Steens, got our supporters gear on and caught the train to Cardiff....<br /></div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-68849287845558398922008-09-01T02:48:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:25:57.591-08:00LONDON part 2. Dad/Ken's award ceremony.<div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Dad's award ceremony London, England</strong><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />When we got back to London we collected our stuff from Puna and Shane's place and made our way across town to a hotel right near the famous cricket ground 'The Oval.' My parents were coming to London as my father was going to be awarded an 'Honorary Fellowship' to the Royal College of Gynecology and Obstetrics. We settled into our room and Tama went to the local shops to see where we might all go to dinner when Mum and Dad arrived. I was so excited when we got the call from the front desk that they were in reception and it was amazing to see them both as the last time we saw them was in Hong Kong three months ago. We went to a lovely French restaurant about ten minutes walk away and had a gorgeous meal and lots of catching up talks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwmKMKpOVgA8ck00igCOvEHdPq9EzFBO2ffgBzBcdtdtxBrQm46svBQ4MxY8ztarFC9Mage3S_EoRt_X2aHRc-dYVbUpz6Z_QvEaDWUPGJtJX8AsCE5AOa2fBIoYAWk2s5-YccapXYkZS/s1600-h/DSC01520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwmKMKpOVgA8ck00igCOvEHdPq9EzFBO2ffgBzBcdtdtxBrQm46svBQ4MxY8ztarFC9Mage3S_EoRt_X2aHRc-dYVbUpz6Z_QvEaDWUPGJtJX8AsCE5AOa2fBIoYAWk2s5-YccapXYkZS/s400/DSC01520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225795699776123026" /></a></span></span>After breakfast at the hotel, we all went into central London for a look around the shops. First stop was Oxford St and we had a coffee before hitting the clothing outlets. Dad wanted to go to Jaeger which is one of his favourite shops and ended up getting a suit and a couple of shirts and ties. He also bought Mum a beautiful top there. After looking around a bit more we went to Knightsbridge and Harrods where we were going to have lunch. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-cZYOSGWppoG1T39uy9Jpf30vFXo9bfZjrac928e0r_hLwpsilgrviDOlJkuPuzWuXsxnFuPxzcQB4lH3hYOQbLPtwceaJP3W7bGJlv1LU7aRTzqp95iMeVp1roXiwJ8WAl-aPxL-IuZ/s1600-h/DSC03245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-cZYOSGWppoG1T39uy9Jpf30vFXo9bfZjrac928e0r_hLwpsilgrviDOlJkuPuzWuXsxnFuPxzcQB4lH3hYOQbLPtwceaJP3W7bGJlv1LU7aRTzqp95iMeVp1roXiwJ8WAl-aPxL-IuZ/s400/DSC03245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225783722423082690" /></a>Talk about spoilt! We had wood-fired pizza for lunch and it was incredible. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANdapPcAwnnnW3DjsyDAvr4LzQUoDIHk3npweSMRdl5w9C9s91kRhtAaxiUePLN7Y-swX6nfkkPgYvK5wrF0zUVLFg0cuqLlEk-xMWChpXIUtq-qeOko6PwCyntY4WFa5-bKrSuG7596/s1600-h/DSC01524.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANdapPcAwnnnW3DjsyDAvr4LzQUoDIHk3npweSMRdl5w9C9s91kRhtAaxiUePLN7Y-swX6nfkkPgYvK5wrF0zUVLFg0cuqLlEk-xMWChpXIUtq-qeOko6PwCyntY4WFa5-bKrSuG7596/s400/DSC01524.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225796246859858546" /></a>After a lovely glass of wine for Mum and I and a beer for Tama and Dad we left Harrods with full stomachs and caught the underground to Piccadilly Circus. After getting the compulsory tourist shots we walked to Trafalgar Square and went to have look at the amazing collections in the National Gallery.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOJmaKnllhnCz09b2b_Y50AYjhFGQIuVAclXavL71Q5Ztl6HgfTp3B2yXwOSD9bHsB8zY5Uvrn9_0kqygZ_xTIjbfY4xg8WbhearHYSGB5wrt_NlPVmyZ6aq8YWVzu_m5vKAy6icbsMUF/s1600-h/DSC01532.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOJmaKnllhnCz09b2b_Y50AYjhFGQIuVAclXavL71Q5Ztl6HgfTp3B2yXwOSD9bHsB8zY5Uvrn9_0kqygZ_xTIjbfY4xg8WbhearHYSGB5wrt_NlPVmyZ6aq8YWVzu_m5vKAy6icbsMUF/s400/DSC01532.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914296435592050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hUsFlkIhTqaDPhPLCO-uE4hQCd5dt4v3C8f53IKAq0zGKFMqwg0nIj1RWe6zkNQ9_M82U2E8SK69aRheCPEVfcDYiQYQJXtkdPWqQHyZVAzZYzQm0vHJ2IKNPuLFznJIwQD2rwZN27Mf/s1600-h/DSC01529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hUsFlkIhTqaDPhPLCO-uE4hQCd5dt4v3C8f53IKAq0zGKFMqwg0nIj1RWe6zkNQ9_M82U2E8SK69aRheCPEVfcDYiQYQJXtkdPWqQHyZVAzZYzQm0vHJ2IKNPuLFznJIwQD2rwZN27Mf/s400/DSC01529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914293158993458" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRCGrUIGkzPs9mwpUNGb2Q_r7mmp6mWZ9k7tIBcj5fMmOOCdZ3XGmbA_YxAw0IpeETlqSpCXCLlvDzFlQEbgY2m8T-0dyyU1OIyM1LPNPsfRmm0fZtMQW2mo9N14qJxfcEVkui9VbaKB7/s1600-h/DSC01530.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRCGrUIGkzPs9mwpUNGb2Q_r7mmp6mWZ9k7tIBcj5fMmOOCdZ3XGmbA_YxAw0IpeETlqSpCXCLlvDzFlQEbgY2m8T-0dyyU1OIyM1LPNPsfRmm0fZtMQW2mo9N14qJxfcEVkui9VbaKB7/s400/DSC01530.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225913728981100002" /></a>That night we were treated to a very special treat indeed. Dad had booked us in for dinner at a 5 star Spanish restaurant. It was quite the experience. The wine and food was incredible and the service impeccable. We had some lovely starters which were accompanied by freshly baked rolls.<br />Mum and I had traditional paella for two as our mains and then when the dish came out there was easily enough to feed at least 4 people. It was enormous. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiewK4XcAWf8VaOCjUCdI5JYPfAHJjlNspKhKWoZNAIAttTqCYftZxZjoIcuxhFf2UGFLgMPR6SK_JTMk0ucm3QV8pjBMoYS004X-7u68dOXhei3cbhkkVPGz1OQS4-eKauuhDWbzp55G/s1600-h/DSC01541.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiewK4XcAWf8VaOCjUCdI5JYPfAHJjlNspKhKWoZNAIAttTqCYftZxZjoIcuxhFf2UGFLgMPR6SK_JTMk0ucm3QV8pjBMoYS004X-7u68dOXhei3cbhkkVPGz1OQS4-eKauuhDWbzp55G/s400/DSC01541.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914313091380002" /></a>Tama had a steak meal that he polished off and so Mum and I told him to have some of our main as there was no way that we were going to finish it. It was a truly memorable dining experience and one that we won't forget.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqcNwA0nuj27YXfyMtXrubx6o7cQaqQ-1fwyhun7vj3lsqmMkT3fe2HQHhBzEi6xeDuXZzie_4BWynADemwV9HvdqAEA20fYG8h1tQyZkBkB1E37TFD23c9iB8EcIgWO3QS4V8p_dXRC7/s1600-h/DSC01537.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqcNwA0nuj27YXfyMtXrubx6o7cQaqQ-1fwyhun7vj3lsqmMkT3fe2HQHhBzEi6xeDuXZzie_4BWynADemwV9HvdqAEA20fYG8h1tQyZkBkB1E37TFD23c9iB8EcIgWO3QS4V8p_dXRC7/s400/DSC01537.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914305385883906" /></a>The next morning was the big day of Dad's award ceremony at the Royal College. With another scrumptious breakfast out of the way we went back to rooms to get dressed. This was especially good as I finally got to see Tama wearing the lovely new suit, shirt and tie that we bought in Vietnam. When we were all ready we walked to the College about 10 minutes away. The ceremony was full of pomp as the Royal College is very much a British Academic Elite arena. Dad was one of 6 recepients of an Honorary Fellowship which recognised their contributions and achievements to the fields of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Dad was given the honour of speaking on behalf of the recepients and did an outstanding job of course. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F84jypf948uaeJeTNwdreVBI0n0nAvsd_LI6DkyC8Fgbt-MICGd2fdwZuxxUwXB1k3sEJv75D19XVhroRi8S3SxBPGetyXrd_6jw_nsXbJsNk0mmlI5pBmo7veTb877vkJ-_sUhti-Om/s1600-h/Dad5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F84jypf948uaeJeTNwdreVBI0n0nAvsd_LI6DkyC8Fgbt-MICGd2fdwZuxxUwXB1k3sEJv75D19XVhroRi8S3SxBPGetyXrd_6jw_nsXbJsNk0mmlI5pBmo7veTb877vkJ-_sUhti-Om/s400/Dad5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225788591574505506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouF3aWKe3yu4mNE-FIexO-ObT1puA3j2UKEdaOa4cM6qbhKmmdQFK9-GtbgjEc3NNuA4WEtOi2q9C0MPLxA8-24VC6QEinBcVpn3JgVIalNI61L6cXtwTUd54w_a7sBAvKvmJqKyeaypJ/s1600-h/Dad7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouF3aWKe3yu4mNE-FIexO-ObT1puA3j2UKEdaOa4cM6qbhKmmdQFK9-GtbgjEc3NNuA4WEtOi2q9C0MPLxA8-24VC6QEinBcVpn3JgVIalNI61L6cXtwTUd54w_a7sBAvKvmJqKyeaypJ/s400/Dad7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225788596078348658" /></a>The final act of the proceedings was to appoint the new chair of the College. When this was all done there was an after function of finger foods and drinks. We all toasted Dad's success with glasses of champagne and I was so very proud of him. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1tYzCgl6h9OJbZ92RXTSBC-4X5ghbbJYlkvEbJJgYc3YPHWUgXkLMZ545xZzaVApVZPXbNYfgcUwPoO6o-MjzuNtduGjNqGncUmdFqoVMX57mNYyrWDL1OXDvhHNi9F-GtriGX0Tj31r/s1600-h/DSC_6590.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1tYzCgl6h9OJbZ92RXTSBC-4X5ghbbJYlkvEbJJgYc3YPHWUgXkLMZ545xZzaVApVZPXbNYfgcUwPoO6o-MjzuNtduGjNqGncUmdFqoVMX57mNYyrWDL1OXDvhHNi9F-GtriGX0Tj31r/s400/DSC_6590.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225788604032581202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ZQU9shDQnKQnQere77bN4kvoQGQgE_AElDCXVGTIkJWXIjwkL5zWgU1HCNfnR_A0TRvayJRGG1OVZxhBLWp7bI29NhezeEZMUmosv2ueX2DuHA1xsLQ44ZX6sgdOFXlYWTfgFKnRqz4/s1600-h/DSC_6595.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ZQU9shDQnKQnQere77bN4kvoQGQgE_AElDCXVGTIkJWXIjwkL5zWgU1HCNfnR_A0TRvayJRGG1OVZxhBLWp7bI29NhezeEZMUmosv2ueX2DuHA1xsLQ44ZX6sgdOFXlYWTfgFKnRqz4/s400/DSC_6595.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225788609549243938" /></a></div><div>From there we caught a black cab into London and went to Selfridges for yet another treat! Dad took us to 'The Wonder Bar' which is a wine bar in the store that sits above the most amazing wine store I think that I have ever seen. At 'The Wonder Bar' you put credit onto a swipe card and then chose from the extensive wine list the wine that you want to taste. Once you have made your selection you make a note of the number code of the wine and then find it on the wine dispensing machines that line the walls of the bar. There are trays of stunning crystal wine glasses everywhere and you take one and then insert your card into the machine. Then the prices of each size of sample of wine come up and chose the one you want and press the button. The machine then fills your glass to that amount and debits the correct amount of money. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVcpZJLVJzYTPcO2WmO3FBgoiEAXWLyfY7U5-YbdUMpeDT7vCwP3ByInLbQX3TM0mmNj3VpJ21ASocHZarSEA1ZBkxUwV1bjoWAvSz87EVNrL1lVkkS6K1HAKjipRLMQpJiR3anq4WkiH/s1600-h/DSC_6607.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVcpZJLVJzYTPcO2WmO3FBgoiEAXWLyfY7U5-YbdUMpeDT7vCwP3ByInLbQX3TM0mmNj3VpJ21ASocHZarSEA1ZBkxUwV1bjoWAvSz87EVNrL1lVkkS6K1HAKjipRLMQpJiR3anq4WkiH/s400/DSC_6607.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225788615693372738" /></a>It was so much fun. We also had some beautiful rare tuna and other nibbles. That night Mum and Dad went to the black tie dinner event at the College and Tama and I went and saw some friends for a drink and a bite to eat.<br /></div><br /><div>The next day we had planned to meet up with some dear family friends of ours, The Steens from Bristol. We had met them when Dad was in training at Bristol Hospital and I was going to school with their eldest daughter Anna. She and I became best of friends and by coincidence their house was merly a stones throw away from ours. Our parents struck up a friendship that has lasted to this day. Mum and Dad went into London to meet them for brunch while Tama and I stayed in our room so he could watch the next All Blacks game against Romania. We had tickets to this game but we decided to give them up so we could come to London for the presentation instead. After the game finished with another resounding win to the All Blacks we met up with Mum, Dad and Charlotte and Martin Steen at Westminster where we boarded a ferry for a cruise down the Thames to Greenwich. It was such a great view of London and we saw lots of the major tourist sights along the way.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hT0oc_G5-6WidmKlC29fU7_PR3gkoCDHZWBIgz0Q-R4HO0mfvYAAHj0jNZj7Nv9Hv-KMBRETbQYyRKPReA_ThTe5J0sxvTX0m8b7gsLbqtupVC6H9rTmO4JKH72aBK8ujLKaN_XBUwZ/s1600-h/DSC03627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hT0oc_G5-6WidmKlC29fU7_PR3gkoCDHZWBIgz0Q-R4HO0mfvYAAHj0jNZj7Nv9Hv-KMBRETbQYyRKPReA_ThTe5J0sxvTX0m8b7gsLbqtupVC6H9rTmO4JKH72aBK8ujLKaN_XBUwZ/s400/DSC03627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225916843628160162" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrnrzqeAPBepbQK10vpl0dsO1bDMf7JWoN_TD7fvkSVgDdhK_YNe53yXUOxHy2H2UObPNoPiua70sx9Jo_USapBckqGP4SrJcpVuzublywugbln4ExhaUEj8OmZSs7EcI9MgKXTKWz_aE/s1600-h/DSC01547.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrnrzqeAPBepbQK10vpl0dsO1bDMf7JWoN_TD7fvkSVgDdhK_YNe53yXUOxHy2H2UObPNoPiua70sx9Jo_USapBckqGP4SrJcpVuzublywugbln4ExhaUEj8OmZSs7EcI9MgKXTKWz_aE/s400/DSC01547.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225915632763619986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GEskrwqaJ0ozpeu2youB4cOxPu2dSWD_uB9Ab920qnOwapegBPZ7kYqj9YJjBsh-tqxKi45ck3BeBhLrSmdNV7sPp7vLJIDiiJXrkXh3Y1vwL2mv9GbY8xsjPffk9kfrK9pDngVs15CO/s1600-h/DSC01549.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GEskrwqaJ0ozpeu2youB4cOxPu2dSWD_uB9Ab920qnOwapegBPZ7kYqj9YJjBsh-tqxKi45ck3BeBhLrSmdNV7sPp7vLJIDiiJXrkXh3Y1vwL2mv9GbY8xsjPffk9kfrK9pDngVs15CO/s400/DSC01549.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225915636208259138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5aSjaJaHIQki9NuJdPhCOZnkxg912sf1CMiwbOZ3cJUpA22jkHFCYemXWgjuy5h1pqDD0O35tAP9NWYdp3Bu7iXvD9vxBWao2DI5T30qgvB_EeBQNxjNhq9HSP1KM_wfar25jkhBpgG_/s1600-h/DSC01550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5aSjaJaHIQki9NuJdPhCOZnkxg912sf1CMiwbOZ3cJUpA22jkHFCYemXWgjuy5h1pqDD0O35tAP9NWYdp3Bu7iXvD9vxBWao2DI5T30qgvB_EeBQNxjNhq9HSP1KM_wfar25jkhBpgG_/s400/DSC01550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914320482492434" /></a> It was so good to see them both and after the cruise we all went to Knightsbridge for coffee and scones and yet another look around Harrods. That night we went to Angel for dinner with their daughters Anna & Laura and had some really lovely Turkish food. </div><br /><div>After breakfast in the morning Mum and Dad got ready for their return trip back to New Zealand. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLYR7PFVVSI87ab30f1SsU-yS0QDCstBvZAGIl8VsLGeg-_L8eDLdz_NllTdx8UaDByM2o26H0tDQJa1UOsZmEC7iUlT2pgNd8LYEI2bs6F-MMd5nYgpsNIfLOJ4vKY3lATg57u_wGQa0/s1600-h/DSC01559.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLYR7PFVVSI87ab30f1SsU-yS0QDCstBvZAGIl8VsLGeg-_L8eDLdz_NllTdx8UaDByM2o26H0tDQJa1UOsZmEC7iUlT2pgNd8LYEI2bs6F-MMd5nYgpsNIfLOJ4vKY3lATg57u_wGQa0/s400/DSC01559.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225915646863285266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKG4rrTT34LC947VJCbHpsJIRT0X1hzQObqMJ74azcEs1u9A6vmjmuM_FTH984whB1bh9BdbUzDam-E3J5wX9zmR-75F7kYxJa00qJYAvIPvFvfbC_aTHHyHejtq5og9ukkBWf1t6xO5t/s1600-h/DSC01560.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKG4rrTT34LC947VJCbHpsJIRT0X1hzQObqMJ74azcEs1u9A6vmjmuM_FTH984whB1bh9BdbUzDam-E3J5wX9zmR-75F7kYxJa00qJYAvIPvFvfbC_aTHHyHejtq5og9ukkBWf1t6xO5t/s400/DSC01560.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225915649193076866" /></a>Martin and Charlotte came to pick us up and we said our sad farewells and headed off to Bristol to spend some time with them. </div><div><br /></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-5482103838185103352008-09-01T02:45:00.000-07:002008-09-01T02:46:11.230-07:00EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND<div><strong>Edinburgh, Scotland</strong><br /><br />We arrived at Kings Cross St Pancras at 7.30am in the morning to catch our train to Edinburgh for the World Cup quarter final Scotland vs All Blacks. In a short time there were All Black jerseys everywhere and the atmosphere was building quite nicely. What we didn't know was that the train we would eventually be catching was stopping off in Newcastle and that they were playing Westham that day in football, so the train ended up being packed with rugby and football fans. The other thing was that they didn't have our trains platform displayed yet so everyone was watching the boards and listening for the announcement and when it finally came there was a huge mad sprint to get seats (as they are not reserved unless you have First Class ones). I ran ahead of Olivia and got us a couple of seats in a carriage that was mostly rugby fans and we settled in for our journey. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsyqaquX6qjTXvYDHEDFx1v7lj9HruIzT2ZHERF2I-D0BcYFKBqcL4VKhv2F7p4yQ1bUqWFpcst03gN70bPQaSyCHpMeS2k1UXwLILb19DIo5Y_9csr5VrzwcNKne5FGOnoJzCHi-1nWC/s1600-h/DSC01444blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsyqaquX6qjTXvYDHEDFx1v7lj9HruIzT2ZHERF2I-D0BcYFKBqcL4VKhv2F7p4yQ1bUqWFpcst03gN70bPQaSyCHpMeS2k1UXwLILb19DIo5Y_9csr5VrzwcNKne5FGOnoJzCHi-1nWC/s400/DSC01444blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987500601732946" /></a>If all went well we would arrive with about an hour to spare to get to the stadium before kick off! Of course British transport being what it is this didn't happen. Our train ended up being delayed for an hour on the tracks because of a fault on one of the lines which meant that all the trains heading North had to to use ONE BRIDGE! Talk about useless! This gave us time to chat to the people on our carriage and share a beer or two in the process. One of the guys that we met was a man named Victor who turned out to be a doctor. When we asked him where he practised he said Palmerston North Hospital, (talk about small world!) Olivia laughed and asked him if he knew Ken Clark (his boss) and he said "Yes I do." She laughed and said' "Well it's a small world isn't it because he is my father!"</div><div><br />It ended up that the train was so delyed that there was no way we were going to make the pre-match proceedings like the anthems and haka and probably even the kick off. It was really disappointing as I had always wanted to see and hear the Scottish National Anthem being sung at Murrayfield and now we were so close but yet so far! When we finally got to the station there was a mad rush as people jumped off the train and started running towards the stadium. Olivia was so nice and said that I could take off so that I didn't miss much of the game and she would come along soon. Eventually I found my seat and the game had started! The worst thing about this game was that the All Blacks were more like the All Greys as they were wearing their alternative strip and it was so difficult to tell the two teams apart!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fOWf1R0Uul8XqERxvIscpt5vHIyMGpZG1IMA4K-p6oAx0XJPgCwVp1659O_llSMIeVC63aPSNcpyzo8lXA5egjA3Hvp2_1RAiZmuPetQGzyywm-e0vjYaeJwqBLz8CJ-KH7oOnlA0RjD/s1600-h/DSC01447blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fOWf1R0Uul8XqERxvIscpt5vHIyMGpZG1IMA4K-p6oAx0XJPgCwVp1659O_llSMIeVC63aPSNcpyzo8lXA5egjA3Hvp2_1RAiZmuPetQGzyywm-e0vjYaeJwqBLz8CJ-KH7oOnlA0RjD/s400/DSC01447blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987507612392722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJJaewT7QUdt6Jlp7lRr93GRbkxSjnfAEfQimufyR71H5gZ2rhCwUlCq64hSnws6rhdfkR1fz2jc_vQ9xG5DIBRese9xasEehamxy8IBsXIlHypEJpvX3pfuInpSXt-YocxfGLcGVuj6W/s1600-h/DSC01450blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJJaewT7QUdt6Jlp7lRr93GRbkxSjnfAEfQimufyR71H5gZ2rhCwUlCq64hSnws6rhdfkR1fz2jc_vQ9xG5DIBRese9xasEehamxy8IBsXIlHypEJpvX3pfuInpSXt-YocxfGLcGVuj6W/s400/DSC01450blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987505883581394" /></a>Olivia went off at half time to get us some beers and didn't come back until the game was almost over because the stall where she had been queueing for about 25mins closed just as she was getting to the front and all the people had to go elsewhere! ONLY IN THE UK!!!!!!!! At least we won this game though!</div><br /><div>After the game we met up with my cousin Charmaine and her husband Ty and it was great to see them. We also ran into a whole lot of people from Wellington. Our friends Trevor, Barrett and Jared joined our group along with Dr. Victor. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-_Df0X2iA-yDW-UPdknW07URNbIqtF04uPwaiD-JFFuTulTCdEx2ecB6_hyTz9fbCW1leLGStL6DVx6GRlKFedU5Gu0W59ksJVh8FLvbwbGQyPcli3k2xM18ZtGY2ynM4u1aRrfZmsdh/s1600-h/DSC01458blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-_Df0X2iA-yDW-UPdknW07URNbIqtF04uPwaiD-JFFuTulTCdEx2ecB6_hyTz9fbCW1leLGStL6DVx6GRlKFedU5Gu0W59ksJVh8FLvbwbGQyPcli3k2xM18ZtGY2ynM4u1aRrfZmsdh/s400/DSC01458blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987511141228050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn3S-bitBWtyHkpW0L6tZlziYXs0gSeFWyyJuBjeYIuBNTZ1BFViiXD4Jg15ul_e80CHNaUaQA0RzlU7DtU1cSLdaULatHHdrqnegbPG8IWumLxOKR36qAh9Y2q1j6HrMBeIDj109Mhrg/s1600-h/DSC01460blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn3S-bitBWtyHkpW0L6tZlziYXs0gSeFWyyJuBjeYIuBNTZ1BFViiXD4Jg15ul_e80CHNaUaQA0RzlU7DtU1cSLdaULatHHdrqnegbPG8IWumLxOKR36qAh9Y2q1j6HrMBeIDj109Mhrg/s400/DSC01460blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987989312681026" /></a>We all went on a bit of a pub crawl back towards Edinburgh and there were Kiwi and Scottish fans everywhere. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HklGftW-X2DWRIMXnX4XadsSULPSnXzp43GYINkLqTCyICjz6ZSijNqchTd1P6lyBt1StXuKLE06qs7nZkcmHV7v7AWlRYJaB6lhn1eDqF3Nak6Df2v1I-IngnwulTNFCaSpxglTaDmW/s1600-h/DSC01462blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HklGftW-X2DWRIMXnX4XadsSULPSnXzp43GYINkLqTCyICjz6ZSijNqchTd1P6lyBt1StXuKLE06qs7nZkcmHV7v7AWlRYJaB6lhn1eDqF3Nak6Df2v1I-IngnwulTNFCaSpxglTaDmW/s400/DSC01462blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987993513114914" /></a>Further down the road we caught up with Guy (who is Charmaine's sister Waitaha's partner) and his brothers as well as what seemed to be the rest of New Zealand. </div><br /><div>Trevor and I left the others and took mine and Olivia's things back to the apartment where we would be staying the night and then met back up with everyone at a pub called 'The Scotmans Arms.' It was just off the magic mile (basically the centre of Edinburgh), full of locals and it was awesome!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAwNlQEMoqVwviQJRnQ7OQwtN4dlOf3gSq7m0qc4E5xEQIEKthxl6eY5Y4lYSY-VTVCkqUQI_3Q7eLogIgRExIvuj0nRPlJ5Ucp5FszBsiO5SPp9HpXt_cPJkVGAjNqGBfkxw9iqVB12C/s1600-h/DSC01484blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAwNlQEMoqVwviQJRnQ7OQwtN4dlOf3gSq7m0qc4E5xEQIEKthxl6eY5Y4lYSY-VTVCkqUQI_3Q7eLogIgRExIvuj0nRPlJ5Ucp5FszBsiO5SPp9HpXt_cPJkVGAjNqGBfkxw9iqVB12C/s400/DSC01484blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988419497782210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEDY-nODWCNZPfKE6TT0QzgK8770R8CmWsqjFfeb1ieKCBnQXiyPsS0UNv-SnB7UR4znoVx8Kpi0s6cQQSNdW8nuyW9nYq_04zaY_VovFAFS7Cmh0vM2HEHjMCDfww_7So3kVMdfbNwaZ/s1600-h/DSC01472blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEDY-nODWCNZPfKE6TT0QzgK8770R8CmWsqjFfeb1ieKCBnQXiyPsS0UNv-SnB7UR4znoVx8Kpi0s6cQQSNdW8nuyW9nYq_04zaY_VovFAFS7Cmh0vM2HEHjMCDfww_7So3kVMdfbNwaZ/s400/DSC01472blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988422054439922" /></a>Whilst we were in there we met a couple of local Scottish lads and someone mentioned to them that I missed the Sottish National anthem at the game and had been so looking forward to it, so they started singing it and the whole pub joined in. It was incredible. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5R4BGKYJB-Di1bHtgTnnM5-yor3HZo-DLUxGq83WyyLKkA8tDKtgnIil37H8lGYWRstbM3tsN_IqWceb_6WiZuSgr7HJw8-OpFUrTcytp36INg4Fg6LZ-T1OiBz02xtYZCje83nk5cdC/s1600-h/DSC01469blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5R4BGKYJB-Di1bHtgTnnM5-yor3HZo-DLUxGq83WyyLKkA8tDKtgnIil37H8lGYWRstbM3tsN_IqWceb_6WiZuSgr7HJw8-OpFUrTcytp36INg4Fg6LZ-T1OiBz02xtYZCje83nk5cdC/s400/DSC01469blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987996713806210" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0OnNg8JiWXy0Th9fps_HG3ROhhZHXBDRoTxzlLdc0aOZALmpi5cC2v6nE_A5RXBPijh_Bg_M2EjV6lQw2e2T1ZqHCdnX3bRPo8Xh6BqaObRKoSuBvrPiySL39L_t7ojoBJILbs27b__l/s1600-h/DSC01468blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0OnNg8JiWXy0Th9fps_HG3ROhhZHXBDRoTxzlLdc0aOZALmpi5cC2v6nE_A5RXBPijh_Bg_M2EjV6lQw2e2T1ZqHCdnX3bRPo8Xh6BqaObRKoSuBvrPiySL39L_t7ojoBJILbs27b__l/s400/DSC01468blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987994203297746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT39cUlZ3ZaELGAKF7wDbdMSGHSDkrm_vhwVWE3hoEVZo4DZdf20TBrU7mKeuIpbo_nKR7VCi0yg1yePbMcBK4NQ6te386DbVxIlmHr3-ktrJNfZ_cul51iZq4QXHRBusV504PGi8YVhV/s1600-h/DSC01471blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT39cUlZ3ZaELGAKF7wDbdMSGHSDkrm_vhwVWE3hoEVZo4DZdf20TBrU7mKeuIpbo_nKR7VCi0yg1yePbMcBK4NQ6te386DbVxIlmHr3-ktrJNfZ_cul51iZq4QXHRBusV504PGi8YVhV/s400/DSC01471blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987999138744914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SwU2_rI6Iqj07ak0NQWT55Rwo7i38VNmaLHUTKVKARjqDZAetVsNNR1-YBpkzWqKcEZQkRuI7scWdO7oCYZPFd8SR8FtArFItvwYbra2IdmMuReZOn0CagVKzk0o1B0URvzJPj_hvttX/s1600-h/DSC01492blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SwU2_rI6Iqj07ak0NQWT55Rwo7i38VNmaLHUTKVKARjqDZAetVsNNR1-YBpkzWqKcEZQkRuI7scWdO7oCYZPFd8SR8FtArFItvwYbra2IdmMuReZOn0CagVKzk0o1B0URvzJPj_hvttX/s400/DSC01492blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988423814281874" /></a>Later on the night we met the publican who was your stereotypical Scottsman with a big beard and kilt and he got up on stage with a set of bag pipes and played for about half an hour including another hearty rendition of 'The Flower of Scotland.' There was also a one man band guy with his guitar and eventually I asked him if I could have a go and played a couple of songs for everyone to sing along to.<br /></div><br /><div>The next morning we gingerly got up and went for a 'Scottish breakfast.' We found a pub on the magic mile and when it arrived it was worth the wait - haggus, black pudding and all - delicious!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8lIaFgDbj43C0CZM42ddUs7uFd2demlxbhbYnl077CcLQQN2iHWArtBviI3yWsLCJKPHOiUx88URfSeY0kjlj4x3WoCc2xPxahdZ3RvE7siib7Ncztd7UH5kmnHQTjRNGtDu3Tw-RwRR/s1600-h/DSC01499blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8lIaFgDbj43C0CZM42ddUs7uFd2demlxbhbYnl077CcLQQN2iHWArtBviI3yWsLCJKPHOiUx88URfSeY0kjlj4x3WoCc2xPxahdZ3RvE7siib7Ncztd7UH5kmnHQTjRNGtDu3Tw-RwRR/s400/DSC01499blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988426101135042" /></a>Then Olivia and I said farewell to everyone and went and checked into our hotel as we were going to be staying one more night so that we could have a look around. On the way we stopped off at Footlocker to get Olivia some new shoes and something warm to wear. We got a really nice thick 'hoodie' each and were sorted.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb7HWwpLTv4QeB1XADsEQCyAqwjSNMMjAUdcG9cZIDiRnX5kBlLhLGzRt9FAJTjREYoXiGMcnMlzgLRLLrXWqtGd6ob5hTBvINxxe_m7VXPQ8ytT1T_PiID0165-I6hFMXQoFt1vlCJtn/s1600-h/DSC01496blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb7HWwpLTv4QeB1XADsEQCyAqwjSNMMjAUdcG9cZIDiRnX5kBlLhLGzRt9FAJTjREYoXiGMcnMlzgLRLLrXWqtGd6ob5hTBvINxxe_m7VXPQ8ytT1T_PiID0165-I6hFMXQoFt1vlCJtn/s400/DSC01496blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988425905805042" /></a> We managed to get a great deal on lastminute.com and our hotel was really beautiful. Once we had checked in we went for a walk around Edinburgh in the drizzle and got ourselves an amazing jacket potato for lunch, it was soooooo good, especially on a chilly overcast day.</div><br /><div>Ater that we caught one of the many hop on hop off bus tours around Edinburgh and went up to see the famous castle which didn't disappoint.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q4sxd3NMBtjzCzG75vHn6tnC9j4mopNZddsaKiwFQcpdOGUpha_T-9YtlfGe-CSfqixYTCJwtv8laIFXbjBt269WAZ6IhWy-pI0meOV2_2-u2-ilHuSR08D3zzV0KW4KjynK2aX5QkW3/s1600-h/DSC_6474blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q4sxd3NMBtjzCzG75vHn6tnC9j4mopNZddsaKiwFQcpdOGUpha_T-9YtlfGe-CSfqixYTCJwtv8laIFXbjBt269WAZ6IhWy-pI0meOV2_2-u2-ilHuSR08D3zzV0KW4KjynK2aX5QkW3/s400/DSC_6474blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237986824330761730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7efp0QP9-9_MX2OAzPAECapxjUj-bdD9zb7S_3pDBNJVubtij0JgUVHJjG1ctUQS3wN4yHDmTNmdH9rqKSzHxsf1_mZXN8TV9QQPBb3oa_u7lb8mJMrfAjpCzvSAsMgTxe_LLDzx6AnX/s1600-h/DSC_6480blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7efp0QP9-9_MX2OAzPAECapxjUj-bdD9zb7S_3pDBNJVubtij0JgUVHJjG1ctUQS3wN4yHDmTNmdH9rqKSzHxsf1_mZXN8TV9QQPBb3oa_u7lb8mJMrfAjpCzvSAsMgTxe_LLDzx6AnX/s400/DSC_6480blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237986823859897106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxE78HAG5KA7yK-q8RmLSNsmp9vmvrMYdrBSGut5JnQ7E6k3eLi8CWBmvmTuBRR4d_A6Qvq0Tudk5-2bjI5qQyTyxFD4Ow0gu5zGidT7knag558q5Tzu-_yzKfiPPJs2udIX6tp67Qr75/s1600-h/DSC_6481blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxE78HAG5KA7yK-q8RmLSNsmp9vmvrMYdrBSGut5JnQ7E6k3eLi8CWBmvmTuBRR4d_A6Qvq0Tudk5-2bjI5qQyTyxFD4Ow0gu5zGidT7knag558q5Tzu-_yzKfiPPJs2udIX6tp67Qr75/s400/DSC_6481blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987155844305426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlTo3Mm20HwrLcUX9adJxqxrYScLVi6biugUeRMtRq8KApcLAPwYXOC9aNKUqtKglD2WeeMB32yxvmW246e6ekQS-HMlJY3wbND0MU69-11xNrVlLIM6CoUrkmIAssbeapF55TNMvtGp7/s1600-h/DSC_6487blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlTo3Mm20HwrLcUX9adJxqxrYScLVi6biugUeRMtRq8KApcLAPwYXOC9aNKUqtKglD2WeeMB32yxvmW246e6ekQS-HMlJY3wbND0MU69-11xNrVlLIM6CoUrkmIAssbeapF55TNMvtGp7/s400/DSC_6487blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987153215473234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb-rFacgF9RZUAyq2H10Sr7yNAL7ZrK0PUzE-ycSfBraSh96OqFwKchW8gODDUdlqpp4QhVzA6DlPFf_zGtMkdw64g0BbEapnRI9kvSW9hp0nnSFvj9CbhpzcpYUTbl1XS__r5wWChEzM/s1600-h/DSC_6504blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb-rFacgF9RZUAyq2H10Sr7yNAL7ZrK0PUzE-ycSfBraSh96OqFwKchW8gODDUdlqpp4QhVzA6DlPFf_zGtMkdw64g0BbEapnRI9kvSW9hp0nnSFvj9CbhpzcpYUTbl1XS__r5wWChEzM/s400/DSC_6504blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987157780624674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLXSG5MNb_i-z7B9Y234EGoxJ2yWZBUXMvoepygMDe9rdZdI5i4T5swkAvZ6WAH37I965FW7uwRh1fCQ1qenlOsp_hT3fFC1mF0b4OjNK1ILgGCmpH9I46EQOuI4XEsu9o0tcorbt0D_Y/s1600-h/DSC_6515blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLXSG5MNb_i-z7B9Y234EGoxJ2yWZBUXMvoepygMDe9rdZdI5i4T5swkAvZ6WAH37I965FW7uwRh1fCQ1qenlOsp_hT3fFC1mF0b4OjNK1ILgGCmpH9I46EQOuI4XEsu9o0tcorbt0D_Y/s400/DSC_6515blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987158262750594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-0JUVrYc_FrcX7gU-paeZCC82O1IYKvOaPRulu9rWS0VIynO7pL4xUfoBOD6UNB59HWvskctJ2eKAiEFtAxNqi2OAASeJVLBvky8exSmlYd6WR0GxJwqxoysWPGBT2mu-2wXHG1l4lLk/s1600-h/DSC01504blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-0JUVrYc_FrcX7gU-paeZCC82O1IYKvOaPRulu9rWS0VIynO7pL4xUfoBOD6UNB59HWvskctJ2eKAiEFtAxNqi2OAASeJVLBvky8exSmlYd6WR0GxJwqxoysWPGBT2mu-2wXHG1l4lLk/s400/DSC01504blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237988683318413778" /></a> From the castle we got back on the bus and finished the scenic tour. </div><br /><div>After a quick shower and change of clothes we met up with Dr. Victor for dinner and went to a local Indian restaraunt that had been recommended by our tour guide earlier in the day. It was in an old Church and was stunning. The cool thing about the restaurant was that although it was unlicensed you were able to go to the pub next door and get something to drink and all you had to do was tell them you were eating at the restaurant and you could take it back with you. When we ordered dinner Olivia asked for a particluar curry and the waiter said, "Oh no you don't want that one as it will be too spicy for you. You should have this one instead." The three of us were totally shocked! "No I want this one," was her reply, "as I like spicy food." Again the waiter insisted that it would be too spicy for her and offered her an alternative. What a cheek! Anyway once that was all sorted we ended up having a very pleasant dinner and evening (Olivia got her original choice and it was perfect for her!). </div><br /><div>The next morning we had our 'Scottish Breakfast' at our hotel and then went into town to check out an 'Andy Warhol' exhibition at a local museum. Olivia was so excited about it as she had studied him at school and University. It was an amazing spectacle and we bought ourselves a Marylin Monroe print on wood as a momento. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ8tzX4m6CCwb7C5QiV2teV1Tib52ooaMP2wXLOnISZFRkLWZ_80LEmyHvqiKGpzC20NO8Adsm34IODOeBZUkeMfh4v69CwIYeQGPBlt0hVn3_2DmkTnvcFqdCoRIzGJolOGv7luuIIa7/s1600-h/DSC_6535blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ8tzX4m6CCwb7C5QiV2teV1Tib52ooaMP2wXLOnISZFRkLWZ_80LEmyHvqiKGpzC20NO8Adsm34IODOeBZUkeMfh4v69CwIYeQGPBlt0hVn3_2DmkTnvcFqdCoRIzGJolOGv7luuIIa7/s400/DSC_6535blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987164645128226" /></a>After some more sightseeing we checked out of our hotel and met Dr Victor at the train station for our return journey back to London. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKggqkGB9m5BK-oKUyw0hzaJC1ght4ZVxKFvs6qV0gXABr_yX7X8MZREq3riBhimbqMsv9iy8fF3YYlg9nEUwZjhHSQm0doIdG0iBYYtARx98OhR3prbxv0fErbR-KFUz_80iXth27hbMN/s1600-h/DSC_6542blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKggqkGB9m5BK-oKUyw0hzaJC1ght4ZVxKFvs6qV0gXABr_yX7X8MZREq3riBhimbqMsv9iy8fF3YYlg9nEUwZjhHSQm0doIdG0iBYYtARx98OhR3prbxv0fErbR-KFUz_80iXth27hbMN/s400/DSC_6542blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237987498782278370" /></a></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-60137533948253486062008-09-01T02:43:00.000-07:002008-09-01T02:45:26.417-07:00LONDON part 1!<div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">London, England (Part 1)</span></strong></div><br /><div>At last we reached our destination. It was quite a surreal feeling to think that we had finally made it. It seemed like yesterday that we had been planning this all out and next thing you know we were going through customs, getting our stamps and on the bus from Stansted airport into Oxford Street. We got off in the West End and walked along the length of Oxford Street with our packs on our backs and other bags in tow and after going the wrong way (because of my mis-directions) we eventually found Puna and Shane's place. They lived right smack in the middle of London about two minutes walk from Carnaby Street, Soho, Regent and Oxford Streets. How lucky were we to stay there as our 1st taste of living in London! It was so good to see Shane and to put our bags down and catch up over a cold beer. The view from their place was amazing. You could see the London Eye and all sorts of other London icons. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBypRuknTMt35x2w2ODzHHT5XNg-AfDHoyVID59swy8NW8OIXiUjs3f_NQbKb1RpIVG7mtA_8dcLOzk_pL4IafdQa5jLPV7Ldf43g8-ht_25XOi0u0dauWNhE8h8lUejGaDTvUbFU0avgU/s1600-h/DSC_6459blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBypRuknTMt35x2w2ODzHHT5XNg-AfDHoyVID59swy8NW8OIXiUjs3f_NQbKb1RpIVG7mtA_8dcLOzk_pL4IafdQa5jLPV7Ldf43g8-ht_25XOi0u0dauWNhE8h8lUejGaDTvUbFU0avgU/s400/DSC_6459blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238012775963120402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWw6my6zK4eqAFfNLNeZpP6SGwnfM3cVEKwoqElW2WH-tzpChXF-xW1BYEW86dl0wReE71oyDFkHqnoiUWeiEG3d4OOHr7LyR3xuEuVUtR14P2_6K8dn3hyPJeIBuPgfBpIPOkIpBYsU8/s1600-h/DSC_6460blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWw6my6zK4eqAFfNLNeZpP6SGwnfM3cVEKwoqElW2WH-tzpChXF-xW1BYEW86dl0wReE71oyDFkHqnoiUWeiEG3d4OOHr7LyR3xuEuVUtR14P2_6K8dn3hyPJeIBuPgfBpIPOkIpBYsU8/s400/DSC_6460blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238012780536531026" /></a>Puna finally got home from work and we had a really lovely evening. The next day we went shopping as neither of us had any winter wear and of course the weather here was much colder than in Asia or Europe. We went to a shop called Primark. You can get pretty much anything there really cheap! However the catch is that there are also hundreds of other people trying to do the same thing so the queues are so long and take ages (yes it's true they love to queue here!) .</div><br /><div>That night we went to a Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. We are told to check it out to see if it was authentic. The food wasn't all that bad, but couldn't compare to Vietnam either in taste or cost! Man the pound hurts on the NZ dollar! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABtPQSv0dMH6cXZQEAKErj0SqqPOY34w4dZ8Yu6bkdkcI0ni2ql5zfLDhtzGpsam64wlzawLPMeomMc5_Ie_nqrdYLpDcaA7yTMSmRMh3PZasx-nky8Ju83aUQfuYzkppeaGG1Ynd_Azr/s1600-h/DSC01434blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABtPQSv0dMH6cXZQEAKErj0SqqPOY34w4dZ8Yu6bkdkcI0ni2ql5zfLDhtzGpsam64wlzawLPMeomMc5_Ie_nqrdYLpDcaA7yTMSmRMh3PZasx-nky8Ju83aUQfuYzkppeaGG1Ynd_Azr/s400/DSC01434blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238012783303106786" /></a>From there we went out to a pub called O'Neills for our first London pub experience to watch some rugby and have a cold pint. In the UK a PINT is a PINT! The glasses seem huge compared to home, but no complaints here! Liv and Puna had a cider which is very popular over here.</div><br /><div>The next night I took Olivia to a place called Wagamama for our third year anniversary. It was a really lovely evening and the food there is delicious. They serve Japanese food and you sit on large tables sort of like you would see in a dining hall and share them with all the other diners there. It's quite a cool experience.</div><br /><div>It was just a quick stop in London and the time soon came for our next little trip. So we got out overnight bags together (it was so good to be able to leave the bulk of our stuff behind and not lug those packs around!) and headed for Kings Cross station to catch our train to Edinburgh, Scotland for the All Blacks next game!</div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-73055860378893058912007-10-25T05:03:00.001-07:002008-12-09T19:26:20.140-08:00BARCELONA, SPAIN<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BARCELONA, SPAIN</span><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>After a few more sun filled days in Perpignan with Fran and Sasha as well as a couple more dips in the pool, we left France behind and jumped on another train bound for Barcelona, Espana! It was a beautiful ride along the Catalan coast and on the way we met a student from Belgium named Sofie. She was really nice and gave us some walnuts from her mother's boyfriends tree. They were really delicious, almost as good as the ones from Olivia's grandparents. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAitWTuiHv9_i_34zO3zz5t27SLkCL9iv-TraQX8aMGx7c1GEqyMkDHzLmuOw8xzuoHJsKxtLwKuCcyJa9KVDZpt6Q247N-yGkJdBGYAd3h9-8etio-jjPvw7vHX9Odw9bLm3i-w7vHVMQ/s1600-h/DSC_6295blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAitWTuiHv9_i_34zO3zz5t27SLkCL9iv-TraQX8aMGx7c1GEqyMkDHzLmuOw8xzuoHJsKxtLwKuCcyJa9KVDZpt6Q247N-yGkJdBGYAd3h9-8etio-jjPvw7vHX9Odw9bLm3i-w7vHVMQ/s320/DSC_6295blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223746175512221906" /></a>We arrived at the main station in Barcelona and had to change trains for Tarragona where our friend Tony from New Zealand's Aunty Jo lived. He had given her a call on our behalf and sent her an email and she welcomed us with open arms. She picked us up from the station and when we got back to her house we met her husband Jordy and shared a couple glasses of wine before going to bed. </div><div>We were up early and caught the train into Barcelona to start our sightseeing. We were both really excited and when we arrived at the station we bought a three day bus pass and tube pass and set off. The first stop was the Parc Guell. Olivia was super excited as she had studied Gaudi and his architecture whilst at university. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE-IrphjSrLxIyYqTesoEmlDv9LXwj4DKlObylfIQF6Tpuy-r5f9BhLhnM_SAntqq_o7xB1-tV98esU0GO_8M7149LkExDdI3zlVYey7RjccGpPCCf0Hb2Ap4ISCSFGQmQy9j1rpmjjHD/s1600-h/DSC_6298blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE-IrphjSrLxIyYqTesoEmlDv9LXwj4DKlObylfIQF6Tpuy-r5f9BhLhnM_SAntqq_o7xB1-tV98esU0GO_8M7149LkExDdI3zlVYey7RjccGpPCCf0Hb2Ap4ISCSFGQmQy9j1rpmjjHD/s400/DSC_6298blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223702786205845250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeFqVN7KTU33Wwz0RPhwE0UHT0Jj3AOf3RFfU9BWf3jnDJlLBasjwDzFNumXP49LMM9ZcuQF7pSEHqR6DWDT5p-R76x-tVVfhMwEa0ad9mlZoaNYT4yEaESp95Y2613l3bzUe-ATNF_jB/s1600-h/DSC_6343blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeFqVN7KTU33Wwz0RPhwE0UHT0Jj3AOf3RFfU9BWf3jnDJlLBasjwDzFNumXP49LMM9ZcuQF7pSEHqR6DWDT5p-R76x-tVVfhMwEa0ad9mlZoaNYT4yEaESp95Y2613l3bzUe-ATNF_jB/s400/DSC_6343blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223715942007786258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs51zeC0LYmduQ5ja6kIJgsJo6G4dKmJXYgsBV2xkF7n_w_WheOsTX1YD5CbYmI9Qf9rmsWeSN-rpmFuKoi13o-D0UITuzZdy9Fd3Hejw-JmwskuL4ya1UMeZce_1cjGRNYqMTlKMygiA/s1600-h/DSC_6306blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs51zeC0LYmduQ5ja6kIJgsJo6G4dKmJXYgsBV2xkF7n_w_WheOsTX1YD5CbYmI9Qf9rmsWeSN-rpmFuKoi13o-D0UITuzZdy9Fd3Hejw-JmwskuL4ya1UMeZce_1cjGRNYqMTlKMygiA/s200/DSC_6306blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223703635349163250" /></a>It was quite breathtaking to say the least and we knew that we were in for a couple of incredible days sightseeing if this was anything to go by. It's quite hard to accurately describe the design of the architecture and sculptures everywhere but it is very evident that he got a lot of his inspiration from nature and was truly unique in his concepts. There were lots of bone like shapes and curves and he used mosaic techniques everywhere. It was amazing and very colourful in places.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2QA5U7jNXBBTyq-nZNgkdTQIdga6HXGHDW7HOTK0GMC67I1j2_fHsCooWZQXGUNqCV1JLxPQimJKQpKEQzR_CZKIw3vfLCY_dlJ7cj65oEOOY3UHUR8X656Z42OoU5TpJWmZzlfvLwty/s1600-h/DSC_6326blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2QA5U7jNXBBTyq-nZNgkdTQIdga6HXGHDW7HOTK0GMC67I1j2_fHsCooWZQXGUNqCV1JLxPQimJKQpKEQzR_CZKIw3vfLCY_dlJ7cj65oEOOY3UHUR8X656Z42OoU5TpJWmZzlfvLwty/s400/DSC_6326blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223715172012119602" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zTsULLoAOoqYzD-3QuYjPalNKqn8ySedxFL3T2w6_UzzREIBAXOZQd8MfmYGDSJuac5FCyCiufoQNYfxaFIHXUXf5LrBWhfUkwymgI9hEwkkqtSZEHkcdGNeT5rECClRNQ-4i1SD5yDz/s1600-h/DSC_6318blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zTsULLoAOoqYzD-3QuYjPalNKqn8ySedxFL3T2w6_UzzREIBAXOZQd8MfmYGDSJuac5FCyCiufoQNYfxaFIHXUXf5LrBWhfUkwymgI9hEwkkqtSZEHkcdGNeT5rECClRNQ-4i1SD5yDz/s320/DSC_6318blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223712976729038962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbcq7pYMMQZ7seQshfsBFERbY7uyOiXahIU7TtwDleD7uyR4OsSetV3CyGQZ_EwC5eiQ_kB8aY4CzCOc4QxO7sVF1o3ml2pQ-IKNEsxO5TmCw0TxhSwiRlaeBmodvp-EQF-5qlc2-6Gyi/s1600-h/DSC_6315blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbcq7pYMMQZ7seQshfsBFERbY7uyOiXahIU7TtwDleD7uyR4OsSetV3CyGQZ_EwC5eiQ_kB8aY4CzCOc4QxO7sVF1o3ml2pQ-IKNEsxO5TmCw0TxhSwiRlaeBmodvp-EQF-5qlc2-6Gyi/s400/DSC_6315blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223712844890985666" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyrrbTaDzPbQoDwl1BJJNsM3jnE0cbUy1l6WTDiJh99dLUo6Bddm68p-6E8J2dz27ZwzqPnlxq1ygP4f_aJmNCdL0WLrRzQxsuUf5EhSGD7Va9J38xYqnnv7DrTLszf2RpFHL_9CYfw-5/s1600-h/DSC_6345blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyrrbTaDzPbQoDwl1BJJNsM3jnE0cbUy1l6WTDiJh99dLUo6Bddm68p-6E8J2dz27ZwzqPnlxq1ygP4f_aJmNCdL0WLrRzQxsuUf5EhSGD7Va9J38xYqnnv7DrTLszf2RpFHL_9CYfw-5/s200/DSC_6345blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223746773483480658" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyrrbTaDzPbQoDwl1BJJNsM3jnE0cbUy1l6WTDiJh99dLUo6Bddm68p-6E8J2dz27ZwzqPnlxq1ygP4f_aJmNCdL0WLrRzQxsuUf5EhSGD7Va9J38xYqnnv7DrTLszf2RpFHL_9CYfw-5/s1600-h/DSC_6345blog.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyrrbTaDzPbQoDwl1BJJNsM3jnE0cbUy1l6WTDiJh99dLUo6Bddm68p-6E8J2dz27ZwzqPnlxq1ygP4f_aJmNCdL0WLrRzQxsuUf5EhSGD7Va9J38xYqnnv7DrTLszf2RpFHL_9CYfw-5/s1600-h/DSC_6345blog.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a>After spending a good couple of hours walking around the park looking at all the gorgeous buildings and taking lots of photos we walked back to the metro station and headed to central Barcelona. Our first stop was a place called the 'La Rambla' which is a pedestrian only avenue that leads down towards the waterside from the famous Plaza de Catalunya. It's huge and makes Cuba mall look like a neighbourhood cul de sac. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhMMnQrf7nxVvjQyLEsjLDH_ZxMC8dYqsV-r77NMJ4FQPCGsSKlnboA3I5EhPymeUmyc9a8FCDzrkEihtN7QSlWyXBG-K9ImKvOHm-YtZTAN_676GJogES50Yb_sNKq2AEthxzSKefv_0/s1600-h/DSC_6351blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhMMnQrf7nxVvjQyLEsjLDH_ZxMC8dYqsV-r77NMJ4FQPCGsSKlnboA3I5EhPymeUmyc9a8FCDzrkEihtN7QSlWyXBG-K9ImKvOHm-YtZTAN_676GJogES50Yb_sNKq2AEthxzSKefv_0/s400/DSC_6351blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223718849612318626" /></a>You can find any label you want along the way as well as a myriad of restaurants, cafes and pubs. It is a hive of activity with street performers doing their utmost to relieve the unsuspecting tourist of their money! About half way down 'La Rambla' is the most incredible market called 'Mercat de la Borqueira.' Talk about mouth watering, there was the most delectable food everywhere with hamon (jambon or ham) , fresh fruit and vegetables. Fromage, sausages, salamis, fresh meat and poultry, but the best part was the SEAFOOD! There were things there that we had never even seen before but it all looked so fresh and soooooo yum! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLgitOf0-AfER2iDqDtNVg7MpIsCMAT64Egaq45BLrwPxHe10JiFy-Ef7LbFc8Ca88FQU_HZ9njzZRw7nNLIW0k5w0_sED_Hg7FXIK2I9xFX-OJlLnGUXnZyNMya6g4-YOPzqNX4POlnE/s1600-h/DSC_6365blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLgitOf0-AfER2iDqDtNVg7MpIsCMAT64Egaq45BLrwPxHe10JiFy-Ef7LbFc8Ca88FQU_HZ9njzZRw7nNLIW0k5w0_sED_Hg7FXIK2I9xFX-OJlLnGUXnZyNMya6g4-YOPzqNX4POlnE/s400/DSC_6365blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223719827426990802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DiWSpaO3eikacRo-_aqHQML8YOkOXdF8dmO2POsYQNsfHEK05h3-YBV0AGY37P5huWjdUQD1IyypQ0rLMgfphSVQy1ztZUS8-RUVn1uOfDozyq7fHaKeVmBH4v_Edo91GDKX1fTvv4SH/s1600-h/DSC_6367blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DiWSpaO3eikacRo-_aqHQML8YOkOXdF8dmO2POsYQNsfHEK05h3-YBV0AGY37P5huWjdUQD1IyypQ0rLMgfphSVQy1ztZUS8-RUVn1uOfDozyq7fHaKeVmBH4v_Edo91GDKX1fTvv4SH/s400/DSC_6367blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223720060662631810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CPdkr45_OGkjy3hyphenhyphen0QNwEeWdiH06-61SwZjeRlqWgUrF4hBDXiNMpPbsIInxuNHa24Dgfr7r9ejHaP4fhLiuZxltbLSuCrT8hV0fqYUNRDoPALXSEA6a_3gIX2EUR_DvxFWetdZ5Opt1/s1600-h/DSC_6361blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CPdkr45_OGkjy3hyphenhyphen0QNwEeWdiH06-61SwZjeRlqWgUrF4hBDXiNMpPbsIInxuNHa24Dgfr7r9ejHaP4fhLiuZxltbLSuCrT8hV0fqYUNRDoPALXSEA6a_3gIX2EUR_DvxFWetdZ5Opt1/s400/DSC_6361blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223719954691443074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFczhTOvfwWryYrmg7qKXkvVMQjqR5IF2me04oMi6142mLYqBsG2WlqRjDmHlyrDhajF995GrnCBuXsyiFJMu4R2-INmT3gOm5OhRRjxtndeKy1_qnVHP3G2tKjJkpUKKPg7D2H702Iwj/s1600-h/DSC_6381blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFczhTOvfwWryYrmg7qKXkvVMQjqR5IF2me04oMi6142mLYqBsG2WlqRjDmHlyrDhajF995GrnCBuXsyiFJMu4R2-INmT3gOm5OhRRjxtndeKy1_qnVHP3G2tKjJkpUKKPg7D2H702Iwj/s400/DSC_6381blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223998533247120658" /></a>Unfortunately we missed the lunch serving time and decided that we would come back the next day to sample some of the goodies as we had lots more to see. We went on a walk around the streets nearby and took in some more of the local sites. After a while we wandered back to the 'Rambla' and a quick check of the time and we realised that it was 'BEER O'CLOCK.' So we stopped for some tapas and a drink. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDYoMOk6FpWottZs6eMB0xEnwWdWjVzd9Ao2j15HHBhLNu84CW8f5R57FsXBkykd9bMQzsKbUWWVGqhDnUBIxtaU6hl4Te9B7FLiJxx7qneUInAh5E0t_QTP4cv8tsWNEgo2aY-vlErr3/s1600-h/DSC01347blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDYoMOk6FpWottZs6eMB0xEnwWdWjVzd9Ao2j15HHBhLNu84CW8f5R57FsXBkykd9bMQzsKbUWWVGqhDnUBIxtaU6hl4Te9B7FLiJxx7qneUInAh5E0t_QTP4cv8tsWNEgo2aY-vlErr3/s400/DSC01347blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223736886101014130" /></a>After that we headed to an area lined with bars. We chose a bar that had outside tables and ordered 'dos cerveza.' While we were waiting for the beers we met a group of American guys and joined them. The waiter arrived with two huge 'STEINS' of ice cold beer. We were both surprised with the size of them but I think that Olivia's was more out of shock, whereas I was stoked! Needless to say we ended up having a great evening with them talking about the All Blacks and the World Cup and promised that we would look them up when we finally got over there.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT8wzxkMl5fEG-NJB35cMb-XPAVxI_6yvfPo0qnL-Bd_rW2fIOEE_XbijkYaSaLZMVurEPtsjw0qhfLhvwTu3MHNmp1Q_C6qHvdl32PiYvyioomuAQq-6ZdngGS_adNw8dGLXSOoQmnYM/s1600-h/DSC01352blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT8wzxkMl5fEG-NJB35cMb-XPAVxI_6yvfPo0qnL-Bd_rW2fIOEE_XbijkYaSaLZMVurEPtsjw0qhfLhvwTu3MHNmp1Q_C6qHvdl32PiYvyioomuAQq-6ZdngGS_adNw8dGLXSOoQmnYM/s400/DSC01352blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223748691678374242" /></a></div><div>We caught the train back to Tarragona where Jo picked us up and surprised us by taking us to their favourite local restaurant where she treated us to a scrumptious seafood dinner. It turned that after our chat with Jordi on the night we arrived about our love for seafood that he had suggested to Jo to take us there. The owner and head chef is a long time friend of theirs and we were treated to a veritable feast complete with a bottle of Rose.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN__Ko5ykWuRQqez2JZkLoHwduJG8plj0AMAczhEQasWysF9BbGZ0bM7KVjfkt3Zkqu2Lcn-E2YHuS4diBK11cxY8HL5oyr3pPMgQjvBNjxc_BQOQlbjKuMIgbjUsIL9vxqK2YsEKfehyC/s1600-h/DSC01354blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN__Ko5ykWuRQqez2JZkLoHwduJG8plj0AMAczhEQasWysF9BbGZ0bM7KVjfkt3Zkqu2Lcn-E2YHuS4diBK11cxY8HL5oyr3pPMgQjvBNjxc_BQOQlbjKuMIgbjUsIL9vxqK2YsEKfehyC/s400/DSC01354blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223749509231402690" /></a></div><div> </div><div>The next day we went to see Gaudi's 'Casa Battlo.' The roof of this building looked like a dragons back with scales for roofing tyles and the design of the rest of the building was unreal. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxn2rwsW0AvLzyTYPxL0TVTJaWO85BvoXz2ROqMz01ku1wcuh0GVeW3fPWL0pqlZ_ht0P-V_CiA6paYYMXFzCw1D4drxYhGyK23XAz_Tl4d-QMpbQVVpBMT-u7nJwe1_XKDGJr-tjG-2Y/s1600-h/DSC_6392blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxn2rwsW0AvLzyTYPxL0TVTJaWO85BvoXz2ROqMz01ku1wcuh0GVeW3fPWL0pqlZ_ht0P-V_CiA6paYYMXFzCw1D4drxYhGyK23XAz_Tl4d-QMpbQVVpBMT-u7nJwe1_XKDGJr-tjG-2Y/s400/DSC_6392blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223750447833351010" /></a>From here we then went to see 'Casa Mila' which is a majestic building. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Ce2FiuuNI_kN4gn4anxjan_WT5Ah36t5k0rQP2H5XF6cjibH-SlJmMlvYxEXfezjhfWfm13JWMWVZMuTsQeBDimieFh-lA28MkEnUYMTHc7DOI8zCj-NFsilV2d0OTUHjuqh076ISVY/s1600-h/DSC_6394blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Ce2FiuuNI_kN4gn4anxjan_WT5Ah36t5k0rQP2H5XF6cjibH-SlJmMlvYxEXfezjhfWfm13JWMWVZMuTsQeBDimieFh-lA28MkEnUYMTHc7DOI8zCj-NFsilV2d0OTUHjuqh076ISVY/s400/DSC_6394blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223758987944309458" /></a>We decided to go inside and take a look and weren't disappointed. The architecture inside was as incredible as the outside. On the top floor there was a exhibition that gave us a real insight into Antonio Gaudi the man and his inspiration. There were 3D models of his buildings and the most ornately carved wooden furniture. It didn't stop there. Out on the roof the theme of amazing design continued. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ5QVO095OoI9drBk3fC09hHom1lC5IOB-cQLv6u5IJgaI-D5ltKj2cW8gHEV5HuDYwgMPyE4IDL8tR_Y86ZGHNOVl7hyphenhyphenWz1FLASaDrU1yW7TstoBQmOZGlpZmbADGCnSV-7eNGRrdKfX/s1600-h/DSC_6414blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ5QVO095OoI9drBk3fC09hHom1lC5IOB-cQLv6u5IJgaI-D5ltKj2cW8gHEV5HuDYwgMPyE4IDL8tR_Y86ZGHNOVl7hyphenhyphenWz1FLASaDrU1yW7TstoBQmOZGlpZmbADGCnSV-7eNGRrdKfX/s400/DSC_6414blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223752127434567522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjlUAc4Y9vUI6_F2lQj90yTZqdDDtPMDMsH2IRHXOS41-psKBTezNVApkPI7ZbAUxJhFPLSqDivzDe8sH4htZA9eP-F6lOKcLZwSW25oELl1oS-XikTOHGaTrE0_Z363otZx4f0QFFIPT/s1600-h/DSC_6423blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjlUAc4Y9vUI6_F2lQj90yTZqdDDtPMDMsH2IRHXOS41-psKBTezNVApkPI7ZbAUxJhFPLSqDivzDe8sH4htZA9eP-F6lOKcLZwSW25oELl1oS-XikTOHGaTrE0_Z363otZx4f0QFFIPT/s400/DSC_6423blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223752770513202546" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcJZLta597UpcE6Zs6THSHBsSFgxpQjTyq5tbgvzN6wzC9slfOCREqUOVBRi6LmVh65-ap0iIpKQJ8bVouzUfQ4LkcfPXh6piPWkSc5dY_kwGiRIu8nr5EpdYriYK1on1SzWNlAsT_s4e/s1600-h/DSC_6438blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcJZLta597UpcE6Zs6THSHBsSFgxpQjTyq5tbgvzN6wzC9slfOCREqUOVBRi6LmVh65-ap0iIpKQJ8bVouzUfQ4LkcfPXh6piPWkSc5dY_kwGiRIu8nr5EpdYriYK1on1SzWNlAsT_s4e/s400/DSC_6438blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223753056645326738" /></a>Coupled with an outstanding view of the city it was truly incredible. We capped off our visit here with a little purchase in the store on the ground floor of a Gaudi inspired silver ring for Olivia to celebrate our third anniversary. </div><div>Next on the list was the 'Sagrada Familia' which unfortunately Gaudi never got to finish as he died before it's completion. In fact they are still building it today and it won't be finished for some years yet. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrbFrHBdgj9aNR8pvZuRaB7sjNzW8TIrgvjEycchsesEBpeuVH7rbsrtKFRHq7AHjx52bE3H500KfFN2PCxyaTCXZ0yV4XXCCHnCUr8FC6XebFCa3wPrKVsrUtAWdlDo4nZ_yBmVxLJK_/s1600-h/DSC01378blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrbFrHBdgj9aNR8pvZuRaB7sjNzW8TIrgvjEycchsesEBpeuVH7rbsrtKFRHq7AHjx52bE3H500KfFN2PCxyaTCXZ0yV4XXCCHnCUr8FC6XebFCa3wPrKVsrUtAWdlDo4nZ_yBmVxLJK_/s400/DSC01378blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223755069757056914" /></a>We then walked down the 'Rambla' to the waterfront and on the way saw a 'break dancing crew' putting on a show to a huge audience. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pBlLcJXjJKcjHPrgka53HEzWXYB7OYbUrNQ3AyNZXDCmCkWfeAOyyZ_smkyg5ExBJdSsEza5VfjDNTTO1y5xumc-IwtewhSzaB7nrS3LjePaJMvDT4Np3r3qYBG8I1illgorUGfVwCjM/s1600-h/DSC01390blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pBlLcJXjJKcjHPrgka53HEzWXYB7OYbUrNQ3AyNZXDCmCkWfeAOyyZ_smkyg5ExBJdSsEza5VfjDNTTO1y5xumc-IwtewhSzaB7nrS3LjePaJMvDT4Np3r3qYBG8I1illgorUGfVwCjM/s320/DSC01390blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223756099295589794" /></a>After checking out the shops we headed back up the 'Rambla' to a tapas bar that Olivia thought looked quite nice so we went there for some more incredible nibbles and yes some more wine and beer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4WWJouyu6BbkBfdPz6DWrG6hnvrPWIQ_vJLGIyht875EQwe6XkcEGis8dcglVy2hwaKPO7pDZA90NdXw_6AbSxVvnL0iaB6MXN61VE5uQlEjMG0LI9T8DFQH8Uk1VkZ9zPsqZVzg3IvO/s1600-h/DSC01401blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4WWJouyu6BbkBfdPz6DWrG6hnvrPWIQ_vJLGIyht875EQwe6XkcEGis8dcglVy2hwaKPO7pDZA90NdXw_6AbSxVvnL0iaB6MXN61VE5uQlEjMG0LI9T8DFQH8Uk1VkZ9zPsqZVzg3IvO/s400/DSC01401blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223755948308104290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LofysZkM3on1xpXQavCQsFOUuAGJoHlKTceFgpDhCR1UhdhTEIgyeC82U6s4irQSmC8EFc__RgUIuvH7TD9mrDyaZpNNet6lBwDEkbRq923FZl5FND9Zf1Ve0Pv_rhP904WxqMDR6dp0/s1600-h/DSC01398blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LofysZkM3on1xpXQavCQsFOUuAGJoHlKTceFgpDhCR1UhdhTEIgyeC82U6s4irQSmC8EFc__RgUIuvH7TD9mrDyaZpNNet6lBwDEkbRq923FZl5FND9Zf1Ve0Pv_rhP904WxqMDR6dp0/s320/DSC01398blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223756212652662114" /></a></div><div>Our final stop that evening was Museu National d' Art Catalunya. We had to catch the metro there but it was well worth it. Although we missed the famous fountain show there as it was out of season, the promenade leading up to the building was stunning as was the building itself.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNzFOpN7EvkjFYv6zN-X_fmDsxeHWv5w_9wFSoMIsXQM71LUBcnKAJfemo0fw_PmkeVJWlGe31Opk3vYY_5RZb5X03uKlBT-aBuyBcu-doQ7wtQiFUdImZA1MO1p3sELXs-lg1VgkvXg9/s1600-h/DSC01419blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNzFOpN7EvkjFYv6zN-X_fmDsxeHWv5w_9wFSoMIsXQM71LUBcnKAJfemo0fw_PmkeVJWlGe31Opk3vYY_5RZb5X03uKlBT-aBuyBcu-doQ7wtQiFUdImZA1MO1p3sELXs-lg1VgkvXg9/s400/DSC01419blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223869309471343506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided we wanted one last look at one of Gaudi's buildings so went back to see the 'Casa Battlo' all lit up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx5eZus7ZryZLfz826SXIYwqmt6J6LqxRi3tpCI0W4bmXhcOs0kutnyS0GaSAPJoSUQisUXe4Lcy2hVUFsNm5zFQBiagelz9cqcsMWGcUAgqp85GwVZgtdUy1amv5GE25P13wsEjdncBF/s1600-h/DSC01422blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx5eZus7ZryZLfz826SXIYwqmt6J6LqxRi3tpCI0W4bmXhcOs0kutnyS0GaSAPJoSUQisUXe4Lcy2hVUFsNm5zFQBiagelz9cqcsMWGcUAgqp85GwVZgtdUy1amv5GE25P13wsEjdncBF/s320/DSC01422blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223756368806674802" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2z5N8rV2rXdBTaAYQP1viqnhCGkrpOAwEtu-EWpF6IuVKEcjyvU8SZxcMWQ4KTv0kpgTspVoLc7e3XuwwR25Sd4ZWF3VQEG1nqB_0ckaJ0L2OIiQEE4w9pxUSoxPC-6uddn0w2FPKGlcf/s1600-h/DSC01425blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2z5N8rV2rXdBTaAYQP1viqnhCGkrpOAwEtu-EWpF6IuVKEcjyvU8SZxcMWQ4KTv0kpgTspVoLc7e3XuwwR25Sd4ZWF3VQEG1nqB_0ckaJ0L2OIiQEE4w9pxUSoxPC-6uddn0w2FPKGlcf/s400/DSC01425blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223757550930457538" /></a>It was a fitting way to end our stay in Barcelona and on the train journey home we reflected on a wonderful couple of days. </div><div>That night Jo and Jordy had more surprises in store for us. Jo works for Paco Rabanne at the International Airport and she gave Olivia a whole lot of women's perfumes and samples. She also had a couple for me. She took us down into their garage to get them and the whole garage was full of Barcelona Football Club trophies and photographs. I asked Jo why that was and it turns out that Jodi had been the manager of Barcelona Football Club for many years. I was blown away. It was no surprise then that Jodi gave me a whole lot of Barcelona supporters gear as a going away present. Talk about generous aye? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE5SLGYj-aVI6UG98wNB8YWGEbQF_vxUtcsGRpMpouR7V0uUT8vAzBFRWigYMEsn2_kNuJEptOliAeA8Hgn_gfDGgMArPzZ0pr3Vo47bvMnRwPc6rLoSB5qmAJXIYsdKkHJWBesbwaxrA/s1600-h/DSC01432blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:right;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE5SLGYj-aVI6UG98wNB8YWGEbQF_vxUtcsGRpMpouR7V0uUT8vAzBFRWigYMEsn2_kNuJEptOliAeA8Hgn_gfDGgMArPzZ0pr3Vo47bvMnRwPc6rLoSB5qmAJXIYsdKkHJWBesbwaxrA/s320/DSC01432blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223759976590559010" /></a></div><div>We left their place the next morning for the airport totally humbled and were so thankful for their amazing hospitality and making us feel part of the family. They said that we were welcome to come back at any time and who knows we may very well take up that offer sometime in the future. Next stop......LONDON!</div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-84827495331024817982007-08-31T08:25:00.002-07:002008-12-09T19:26:33.116-08:00COUPE DU MONDE de RUGBY 2007, FRANCE<span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Coupe du Monde de Rugby 2007 </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Marseille</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""></span><div><br />A week or so later we were off to Marseille for the All Blacks opening game against Italy. Whilst on the train from Perpignan which was constantly filling up with more and Kiwis along the way we met a Maori guy called Grant who was heading to Marseille to meet his French partner and had everything crossed that he could get tickets to the game! When we finally arrived the train station was packed with people wearing All Black jerseys and a surprising number of them were French.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze54TNV5D82eaypBgptHXdvKnrOHSGItoexkPedVUrdPVkqRz3qd5Vx-TRoEIdzUNv5vMgqsMkTwGetdNSG6y3WWClOVfFZg5w52wssb2tvm0JsC2TNJAo1nT4g9MGzF5kPYOr9mHwTsi/s1600-h/DSC00910blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze54TNV5D82eaypBgptHXdvKnrOHSGItoexkPedVUrdPVkqRz3qd5Vx-TRoEIdzUNv5vMgqsMkTwGetdNSG6y3WWClOVfFZg5w52wssb2tvm0JsC2TNJAo1nT4g9MGzF5kPYOr9mHwTsi/s320/DSC00910blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215757520985719986" /></a> It was such a hot sunny summers day that Tama ended up just wearing his flag and sun glasses.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_TY9Gsmq5GxXz3yd74J5mT6uZXW2AA02aYt5mQzWvdRPAduDPUB7FTLbuP4gPrDwhDgY_qeIFyCtufbyUg9sN0A4dWSvEovefDUXi2RAbxLgPF70ZGl8x8Puv8LIL_quTjqkMIj23P5C/s1600-h/DSC00911blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_TY9Gsmq5GxXz3yd74J5mT6uZXW2AA02aYt5mQzWvdRPAduDPUB7FTLbuP4gPrDwhDgY_qeIFyCtufbyUg9sN0A4dWSvEovefDUXi2RAbxLgPF70ZGl8x8Puv8LIL_quTjqkMIj23P5C/s320/DSC00911blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215757525075441186" /></a> A couple of drinks and a baguette later, we went into the stadium and found our seats and to our surprise there was former Mayor of Wellington Mark Blumsky in the row in front of us. We were practically on the half way line and had a great view of the game that the All Blacks ended up winning very convincingly.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3ytU8vi1PydsdhJy7R7Eu8Dmh57pL5aKIrKascndPRW7xcdtYEcmaiInDGrkXIsLCh34lSjQxkyEdewzI6AE2HR1NzMHdI7dLghMedsIsFJ4lgcvtNmehgS6H5C-eAM3t7XPDXmukBRQ/s1600-h/DSC00920blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3ytU8vi1PydsdhJy7R7Eu8Dmh57pL5aKIrKascndPRW7xcdtYEcmaiInDGrkXIsLCh34lSjQxkyEdewzI6AE2HR1NzMHdI7dLghMedsIsFJ4lgcvtNmehgS6H5C-eAM3t7XPDXmukBRQ/s320/DSC00920blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215757523393349010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcXty6ZkBn_sPoCDaX8Zu1z5T4UvE2sY_eBvTPUb7ywl74do3NpHgnm8c93PsNpcv0W7nEyvKwQQ_OWOW_OwrvWHFSkL1VCpI_0K5D4s3iAqMqvLSu7tOICTPdKo4-2wq9FcY1m8-c_WN/s1600-h/DSC00929blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcXty6ZkBn_sPoCDaX8Zu1z5T4UvE2sY_eBvTPUb7ywl74do3NpHgnm8c93PsNpcv0W7nEyvKwQQ_OWOW_OwrvWHFSkL1VCpI_0K5D4s3iAqMqvLSu7tOICTPdKo4-2wq9FcY1m8-c_WN/s320/DSC00929blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215757531942226914" /></a> </div><div>The celebrations afterwards were awesome. We met up with Tama's cousins Sean and Katrina, her husband Martin, Aunty Fay and Uncle Mike and others.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM-uhEyj86aYr1gHWqyKB2yYq7kOf0xrgjy-XmCqObVww81DE6q7DAqniNL86fmLlC-hL0irh_pCLhZTBWs2NnrabBHBqBXtzUfPJLh95sXE6hCmfDf1nhbxXRs1Yu7zgHw2VRvJ8aSR1/s1600-h/DSC00939blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM-uhEyj86aYr1gHWqyKB2yYq7kOf0xrgjy-XmCqObVww81DE6q7DAqniNL86fmLlC-hL0irh_pCLhZTBWs2NnrabBHBqBXtzUfPJLh95sXE6hCmfDf1nhbxXRs1Yu7zgHw2VRvJ8aSR1/s400/DSC00939blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215758541981205426" /></a> We had a couple more Heinekens in the sun before heading down the port of Marseille where the festivities continued on into the wee hours. We had a great night and caught up with Grant and his partner Ginie (who managed to get tickets in the end) and Barrett and Sparrow. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPVPR7bYntJwaqvXMMG7enymVkK7lo-eujOMCvOTxet9Z9rumdRVgrMpBpIH89eMs9I-mudO7FAi0WKO0SsMUD2VMA7cKSaTtJXXNcYqb5QmLgz57w-9jk7yVOkATZ0jlZJnC4bdOiWrK/s1600-h/DSC00952blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPVPR7bYntJwaqvXMMG7enymVkK7lo-eujOMCvOTxet9Z9rumdRVgrMpBpIH89eMs9I-mudO7FAi0WKO0SsMUD2VMA7cKSaTtJXXNcYqb5QmLgz57w-9jk7yVOkATZ0jlZJnC4bdOiWrK/s400/DSC00952blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215758548032467458" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZwXhDG46mCMZc4MeB5QmK-KQTgkc94peaqz7_rpKa9HtEsbhMKL8cl2pGDXpLZNy96HK3ClFjysWhUXBLLca8X8O6GmFUvtwoJwiAln0ykEKHkFMi7kBUUhoWUljq8jZxuNbGlxWkaoY/s1600-h/DSC00983blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZwXhDG46mCMZc4MeB5QmK-KQTgkc94peaqz7_rpKa9HtEsbhMKL8cl2pGDXpLZNy96HK3ClFjysWhUXBLLca8X8O6GmFUvtwoJwiAln0ykEKHkFMi7kBUUhoWUljq8jZxuNbGlxWkaoY/s400/DSC00983blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215762582281100834" /></a>The port was a hive of activity and we finally made it back to our hotel room a bit worse for wear. We had been very lucky as Mike Te Whata had offered us the spare double bed in his hotel overlooking the harbour so we awoke to a spectacular view of Marseille.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTgAg-peyvxYU_uawvZ3JWmQ8NbIP5im-nREa9NfEwD8D7rasjP5BAQD_DFNJ282v7nslGDxpEp2yyo7DNpEhG_Zsrr-6kcIpskagRZkSSEsnYQmYEr33jUm6dMNd-MrDt0nSHKHgLnSs/s1600-h/DSC01015blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTgAg-peyvxYU_uawvZ3JWmQ8NbIP5im-nREa9NfEwD8D7rasjP5BAQD_DFNJ282v7nslGDxpEp2yyo7DNpEhG_Zsrr-6kcIpskagRZkSSEsnYQmYEr33jUm6dMNd-MrDt0nSHKHgLnSs/s400/DSC01015blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215762590802866114" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVFGnKD0olk8jChAKLI_IlYz44_akUx0SQg4Nb5Kbdc7es1YmCz5w3ucCCn8nhF_I073zA6FQF-7YAt3U88cl60j6nkmIv_WUbJXISfAJqvu5wFv_9x-n5xcT7xkkoj0OWsYPFegn9o3-/s1600-h/DSC01043blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVFGnKD0olk8jChAKLI_IlYz44_akUx0SQg4Nb5Kbdc7es1YmCz5w3ucCCn8nhF_I073zA6FQF-7YAt3U88cl60j6nkmIv_WUbJXISfAJqvu5wFv_9x-n5xcT7xkkoj0OWsYPFegn9o3-/s400/DSC01043blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215766424301747010" /></a></div><div>The next morning feeling a tad under the weather we caught up with Grant and Ginie for brunch. They told us all about the amazing jobs they have in France working on luxury yachts for millionaires and mixing with the rich and famous celebrities of the world - what a hard life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI3jK20dnXB_W0KAfssEX_Re6LuGiJpGKnNu8PX63dfq129GwiZF07ctusADYo0NG7R4s6C02gNlhFS21652frL7YG_9I83xM5VcvgE7kbodobFl65f7hLI1f51gP9TMNJY-CBCJx-Ywd/s1600-h/DSC01022blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI3jK20dnXB_W0KAfssEX_Re6LuGiJpGKnNu8PX63dfq129GwiZF07ctusADYo0NG7R4s6C02gNlhFS21652frL7YG_9I83xM5VcvgE7kbodobFl65f7hLI1f51gP9TMNJY-CBCJx-Ywd/s400/DSC01022blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215766417948560242" /></a></div><div>We then went to an Irish pub to wait for Katrina and Martin and watch some more World Cup Rugby. Whilst there Tama ran into some friends from New Zealand (surprise, surprise).We were going to be moving on to Toulon that afternoon but when Katrina and Martin arrived they had a special surprise for us - they had shouted as a hotel room in Marseille for the night so that we could spend the day together and catch up properly. Very generous! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZff-ccLTJ2gGviUv1BjrP_dhe-fQxpI2e2sb737dWNT5QmuVlTum0hPnNaDGlXX6Vw3qz03pVl7RYqzewurp0DGo8G_D5Ibi1d7Z_Wytarw5ls6iqkioF3HLtDbfXaRlEarZrnisJZw9i/s1600-h/DSC01032blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZff-ccLTJ2gGviUv1BjrP_dhe-fQxpI2e2sb737dWNT5QmuVlTum0hPnNaDGlXX6Vw3qz03pVl7RYqzewurp0DGo8G_D5Ibi1d7Z_Wytarw5ls6iqkioF3HLtDbfXaRlEarZrnisJZw9i/s400/DSC01032blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215762599553673794" /></a>So once the last game had finished for that day we went and checked into our room and dropped off our bags. We decided that we would go on a harbour cruise that evening so we walked along the harbourside to where we would catch our boat. Katrina had run ahead to make sure we wouldn't miss it and when got there she was having apertifs with some people on the wharf. We assumed that this was part of the cruise so when they asked to join them we said thank you and had a drink with them. The next thing we knew the captain of the boat we were going out on came over and asked us if we were going on a cruise and if so could we hurry up and board so we could leave. It turned out it was a local dive clubs drinkies! </div><div>We left the harbour and the views from the sea of Marseille were breathtaking as was the gorgeous sunset that followed. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lEvL8ee1XlnxtKFJspkniIIEnuHNOXy3VaicdrzZFquorQ2nYIr2HYsz1nEWmElKuZK6d1TqQH4HJkojYoyvKDcsQ4L48sDZu1SQa3GF9CcvqhcPTdTrjQGqZ3nEFzQg0NPjS80t3538/s1600-h/DSC01059blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lEvL8ee1XlnxtKFJspkniIIEnuHNOXy3VaicdrzZFquorQ2nYIr2HYsz1nEWmElKuZK6d1TqQH4HJkojYoyvKDcsQ4L48sDZu1SQa3GF9CcvqhcPTdTrjQGqZ3nEFzQg0NPjS80t3538/s400/DSC01059blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215762608215752994" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ROFhJttisPHbLnFUYM2W1JaO-Wi3s0yQw5jOmZHY_dmlV-PuckHoV5KyOOnUXcMgcRZGnIZKYIIZg_x8Qpiu4DtUMyhuK8U_kduA8P9pcidPm31eB3j1gvcbPwHukUbMVPRMkr66_5Ce/s1600-h/DSC01066blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ROFhJttisPHbLnFUYM2W1JaO-Wi3s0yQw5jOmZHY_dmlV-PuckHoV5KyOOnUXcMgcRZGnIZKYIIZg_x8Qpiu4DtUMyhuK8U_kduA8P9pcidPm31eB3j1gvcbPwHukUbMVPRMkr66_5Ce/s400/DSC01066blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215762620916182146" /></a>We met another Kiwi couple, Selena and Angus on the cruise who had been to the game the day before as well. As we swapped stories Selena said that she worked at MTV UK and that I should send in my CV as I might be able to get some work at the Anuual MTV Awards in Munich later on in the year. We sailed out to an island and anchored off the shore and then the captain offered everyone a drink of rose or picard ( a French liquer). We all had a toast and then we heard a big splash as Katrina and Martin jumped off for a swim. It was a beautifully still night and when we sailed back into the harbour Marseille looked like incredible all lit up. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvbuZ4jTemTjxzyY7Q3zLLWejR5zH-Nijz_pWXVJe-QiPBpOZxJVKJNxgzKfmYhcW9qqxnZsm62gjNVYXr3x47bOMKxgWKbF_kr6u17O_kAaMiy2dLldydQQu_pp7dhbzDQkHBi_8K101/s1600-h/DSC00957blog.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvbuZ4jTemTjxzyY7Q3zLLWejR5zH-Nijz_pWXVJe-QiPBpOZxJVKJNxgzKfmYhcW9qqxnZsm62gjNVYXr3x47bOMKxgWKbF_kr6u17O_kAaMiy2dLldydQQu_pp7dhbzDQkHBi_8K101/s400/DSC00957blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215758546369899106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcW2hUYS14j52qrbC25Ajpw0tpSTo8zSDotyl0dlBUo4enr8x891CHptuyq1N0AdhuJa5WEF4dWZJaq_r0qy6TQOi3zcR2jPe9svXi3iZ-rrk9tdCBb5BX0K_NSPK6R7aSWdeKtcWWo8N/s1600-h/DSC01114blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcW2hUYS14j52qrbC25Ajpw0tpSTo8zSDotyl0dlBUo4enr8x891CHptuyq1N0AdhuJa5WEF4dWZJaq_r0qy6TQOi3zcR2jPe9svXi3iZ-rrk9tdCBb5BX0K_NSPK6R7aSWdeKtcWWo8N/s320/DSC01114blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215764869156927490" /></a></div><div>A quick shower and change back at the hotel and then the four of us went out for dinner. We found an amazing restaurant and settled in for what was to be a delicious feast! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnzsfANfz5hkT_8u7-3Y-Yc468qinoaFVbnANPRm8NIBwTKxvxVaYs74AsftjbNGfpBFiB9nCBe5uYCgOIQF8q3uci67BUz5LKAjxcC7yOX372uqr5aptaiGgCOkafl4v36A0fgUV-Eom/s1600-h/DSC01143blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnzsfANfz5hkT_8u7-3Y-Yc468qinoaFVbnANPRm8NIBwTKxvxVaYs74AsftjbNGfpBFiB9nCBe5uYCgOIQF8q3uci67BUz5LKAjxcC7yOX372uqr5aptaiGgCOkafl4v36A0fgUV-Eom/s320/DSC01143blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215764874241645154" /></a>The menu was incredible and we were starving and thought that we would order a main each at least! What happened in reality was we ordered a "Stella Pizza" to share which had four different cheeses on it for a starter which disappeared before it touched the table. Katrina spotted a gorgeous looking pasta on the table next to us so we ordered that as well as another "Stella" this time "avec champingon" - with mushrooms. The wine continued to flow and when we knocked those dishes off we realised that we may not be as hungry as we had thought! So it was yet another "Stella" but this time "avec champignon, avec chorizo". YUM!<br />The next day we had a coffee and croissant in the foyer of the hotel then went for a walk along the harbour. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8lJNW6bPGABVKk3VamytjcxFqQDJ8wn16dZlGEiv2t-8mFxiHV8mHdvbiamSPqVgUOC71PPKCRB1mTpnQDPVVZPu-XSh0SCxKVFLzgo4cBBKw4aUj5a7D3Ko5pMocijdCZ4FthfuWu6_/s1600-h/DSC01152blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8lJNW6bPGABVKk3VamytjcxFqQDJ8wn16dZlGEiv2t-8mFxiHV8mHdvbiamSPqVgUOC71PPKCRB1mTpnQDPVVZPu-XSh0SCxKVFLzgo4cBBKw4aUj5a7D3Ko5pMocijdCZ4FthfuWu6_/s320/DSC01152blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215764875432008146" /></a>We all went to a seaside restaurant for a seafood lunch then to a beach for a swim. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuvf6j_z26FAXhmiV1wrUnPotcUPg_rcEgZgxDV-VHG0CSkOM7lo7iR3fGQO0FJvd8i07Hpsrs8q660RfQF0rzrthEgf-PJA2-XewRFafGIkb9pnbHxfJsKuAOE9rf3AiGL39_6YmcfHe/s1600-h/DSC01155blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuvf6j_z26FAXhmiV1wrUnPotcUPg_rcEgZgxDV-VHG0CSkOM7lo7iR3fGQO0FJvd8i07Hpsrs8q660RfQF0rzrthEgf-PJA2-XewRFafGIkb9pnbHxfJsKuAOE9rf3AiGL39_6YmcfHe/s320/DSC01155blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215764878447785570" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKQi55XFAKnxzPHRgw26hunV7NtDuXZTyVPMKgsAGaoseEAMPkX6qLvaUV1O0tSxQgjsCJ4CQNy-Ky8Zgjwb-VPh8kBD4ME6aG3bRIgJCS-WRuyIY9IV4DGl2dcUHtVz9ZiZ4RPzx4saV/s1600-h/DSC01166blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKQi55XFAKnxzPHRgw26hunV7NtDuXZTyVPMKgsAGaoseEAMPkX6qLvaUV1O0tSxQgjsCJ4CQNy-Ky8Zgjwb-VPh8kBD4ME6aG3bRIgJCS-WRuyIY9IV4DGl2dcUHtVz9ZiZ4RPzx4saV/s400/DSC01166blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215766413855626418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TzO7s2EUHmmntP_hxk4todZaQBUHwt5CKDTrG1NVIHliGNwJThpKNrkZ7t9Rnq1CHdJN8KxoVjDQNh8IFgnPQfo7djC1SIAxc9KbpLu1ES8tPs_x3EFz1hDPos-nCIVdt6qMJliR1kjc/s1600-h/DSC01169blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TzO7s2EUHmmntP_hxk4todZaQBUHwt5CKDTrG1NVIHliGNwJThpKNrkZ7t9Rnq1CHdJN8KxoVjDQNh8IFgnPQfo7djC1SIAxc9KbpLu1ES8tPs_x3EFz1hDPos-nCIVdt6qMJliR1kjc/s400/DSC01169blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215766414009480322" /></a>After that we packed our bags and jumped on the train and headed off to Toulon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMwqsULvu30wfSlIgB9if5JJv4u2WEZw542FU_nIlHRDEgFQiEQosqm8Hu8lPgpoFNBx76bEu91zSDAaifFhs7QPG6z9yXcVja5yQbFXpLf1ew5Cfr2NYWbQSvmRAz_J3jW6FY85k73yV/s1600-h/DSC01219blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMwqsULvu30wfSlIgB9if5JJv4u2WEZw542FU_nIlHRDEgFQiEQosqm8Hu8lPgpoFNBx76bEu91zSDAaifFhs7QPG6z9yXcVja5yQbFXpLf1ew5Cfr2NYWbQSvmRAz_J3jW6FY85k73yV/s400/DSC01219blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215766420105365634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Toulon</span><br /><br /></span></span>We arrived in Toulon after a short journey and were picked up at the station by Sean's cousin in law Francois who we met in St Jean Pied de Port. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnsM5qGxELx4Iv2q-vhd9foj3xdVtW_Rylx3pLkse2MB_C7NxUgHDkIWSz_kp1XBWbJKbm2NCssOVBGsMmnerQKZghTMZVJeD-cT024-XM4l4fKcOHehC8-CzwWPUlDOuhXg7zmfof0de/s1600-h/DSC01218blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnsM5qGxELx4Iv2q-vhd9foj3xdVtW_Rylx3pLkse2MB_C7NxUgHDkIWSz_kp1XBWbJKbm2NCssOVBGsMmnerQKZghTMZVJeD-cT024-XM4l4fKcOHehC8-CzwWPUlDOuhXg7zmfof0de/s400/DSC01218blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215779310197363698" /></a>He took us to his house where we met his gorgeous children and after dinner crashed out so we could get an early start to look around the next day.<br /></div><div>The next morning we caught the bus into town and went sightseeing. We got off outside the Toulon rugby stadium where Tana Umaga had just returned from New Zealand to take up a position as player coach and wondered about the waterfront where we eventually had an amazing seafood lunch. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlZWSUjccUityTDN-q4da6F_MkuzvXluWjZ6ybZrm0SQueUnAJNYES7qaBQ83ZmphRnuGxXzGIyCJOSVboT-Beh5Agj2TorLOrQndRhXhmVxPjXZaPRScAIvJHDq7OnMhv6d6yeZnQMDZ/s1600-h/DSC01174blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlZWSUjccUityTDN-q4da6F_MkuzvXluWjZ6ybZrm0SQueUnAJNYES7qaBQ83ZmphRnuGxXzGIyCJOSVboT-Beh5Agj2TorLOrQndRhXhmVxPjXZaPRScAIvJHDq7OnMhv6d6yeZnQMDZ/s400/DSC01174blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215779296969527522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRlzxOf49-oyEax_Poxz9oQBVkqsg7qXAuczNQKVMntVS85gSnNVo3bF0vhrHAi2qE8L7LlE-cOJcMP7wOPLfw3CYDLvgDuWlna4ZIpiXkTR2sKV7UZ9iIX4ycp2YkAsNjoTiEwryOA5q/s1600-h/DSC01173blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRlzxOf49-oyEax_Poxz9oQBVkqsg7qXAuczNQKVMntVS85gSnNVo3bF0vhrHAi2qE8L7LlE-cOJcMP7wOPLfw3CYDLvgDuWlna4ZIpiXkTR2sKV7UZ9iIX4ycp2YkAsNjoTiEwryOA5q/s400/DSC01173blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215780207223945282" /></a>From there we strolled through the stunning buildings and once again were blown away by how beautiful European cities truly are, especially in baking sunshine. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQncQYaLwmnsSk25Momj2YJiwSnln6Ng5pT1HWuHbHZSLtIqJahIPyB1QC8dnDEzV5zuUfU3fjoAM7rfUcsIWs9DTNatZ3bS4tWP6Zjc7UxsNeOccWciayz_ibjn3AueTEPdVKLcxGpuM0/s1600-h/DSC01182blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQncQYaLwmnsSk25Momj2YJiwSnln6Ng5pT1HWuHbHZSLtIqJahIPyB1QC8dnDEzV5zuUfU3fjoAM7rfUcsIWs9DTNatZ3bS4tWP6Zjc7UxsNeOccWciayz_ibjn3AueTEPdVKLcxGpuM0/s400/DSC01182blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215780206768128962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYO1BGXZM7T8xczLnEgJKvE6eVpG5CYDYUmOYKGzo8-9kGyYgcUAbiQ0txoxW1jcCAKnNe8r7WKj3EGXK8SQJrYairzCYkaLOC6RAy6RS2zqdAzsjz0GK47Pq_rCVIkjGVKAN0Y9ZXvaD/s1600-h/DSC01194blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYO1BGXZM7T8xczLnEgJKvE6eVpG5CYDYUmOYKGzo8-9kGyYgcUAbiQ0txoxW1jcCAKnNe8r7WKj3EGXK8SQJrYairzCYkaLOC6RAy6RS2zqdAzsjz0GK47Pq_rCVIkjGVKAN0Y9ZXvaD/s400/DSC01194blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215780291228322546" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OYRZmwMX1R-ZJulpiLPttsPU5oHrTpkWx7XcC9CF-JNf3KRHSSyawIGhLbFoN8ThFxADclYO4L7CRPi92zq_pMbNl9t5AfJoInlotaTWuAoLWmqOpVwowjvQZCOUwkHE4Be5N370vIBN/s1600-h/DSC01188blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OYRZmwMX1R-ZJulpiLPttsPU5oHrTpkWx7XcC9CF-JNf3KRHSSyawIGhLbFoN8ThFxADclYO4L7CRPi92zq_pMbNl9t5AfJoInlotaTWuAoLWmqOpVwowjvQZCOUwkHE4Be5N370vIBN/s400/DSC01188blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215779300644677698" /></a>When we got back to the house, Francois and Chantalle packed up the children and we headed off down to the beach for a dip in the "Med". To say it was a breathtaking setting would be an understatement. The water was like a bath and the view down the coast was accentuated by the evening sun. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKYruJaW3deHttcu0kerVD5W9gKfaOxbQyt8-go48w2wi0OxeIr8ikX8HKG3vVJ3ogBL44scnJnFk9DQ1MSh01IDWjQQsulJmUBFpWEGBU1ClkCaHFnBZeg7jrVeO6ZBqKxwhlcLe_Tpr/s1600-h/DSC01198blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKYruJaW3deHttcu0kerVD5W9gKfaOxbQyt8-go48w2wi0OxeIr8ikX8HKG3vVJ3ogBL44scnJnFk9DQ1MSh01IDWjQQsulJmUBFpWEGBU1ClkCaHFnBZeg7jrVeO6ZBqKxwhlcLe_Tpr/s400/DSC01198blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215780294955334002" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzfVY7VedKSjqb_yNupychy4xtJA3-rVROVckXMROGrDiOK4Ssx4KtJj3pM6cmuzNTvlO3Tv0mQJ6pReyHoOo9YOJMqHnFu4TSlkyO6-l8MFICNiIewcsR0QlF7QCpTBbLwPMLM54Ao7R/s1600-h/DSC01205blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzfVY7VedKSjqb_yNupychy4xtJA3-rVROVckXMROGrDiOK4Ssx4KtJj3pM6cmuzNTvlO3Tv0mQJ6pReyHoOo9YOJMqHnFu4TSlkyO6-l8MFICNiIewcsR0QlF7QCpTBbLwPMLM54Ao7R/s400/DSC01205blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215780302244718370" /></a>Feeling totally refreshed we ordered pizza for dinner and weren't disappointed when it finally arrived. Over dinner Francois had a little surprise for us and asked if it would be ok if we went into his school the next day to give a talk to some students. The group would be made up English language students and some that were involved in playing for the schools rugby team. Of course we said yes and the next day we went to the school and ended up doing a presentation to about 40 kids. It was a great deal of fun and Olivia and I told them all about New Zealand and I am gave them a demonstration of the haka. There were many questions about the All Blacks and all in all it was a lot of fun. The kids all wanted Tama's autograph after he did the haka! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j0wQQl7l3Wdi5Dhn0XmqNQFE0Lo2jGlXypQW_kECKNzQFS9O-TZaSOkP03v2DqcUjI23eLNZLDPxK2eYwvWNldBnrxlk94_J726oaJfh6cL2kNUhfBAcEssTdQdufFyiHbdO6FI1Znnu/s1600-h/DSC01207blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j0wQQl7l3Wdi5Dhn0XmqNQFE0Lo2jGlXypQW_kECKNzQFS9O-TZaSOkP03v2DqcUjI23eLNZLDPxK2eYwvWNldBnrxlk94_J726oaJfh6cL2kNUhfBAcEssTdQdufFyiHbdO6FI1Znnu/s400/DSC01207blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215781071337011442" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz6JSd7QX1SEKk3tN6TZ8er4MLY1UpB5jKqrNoVy3xX9Bp9I9LwkApg7idnL1-bnarxS1p9dpRUenU-Oqsg9qgnDDUKSKWTEWHGumwVDCriapUTRNQd7D3jgPqIsTb0hfWOE3cwoXFcTz/s1600-h/DSC01212blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz6JSd7QX1SEKk3tN6TZ8er4MLY1UpB5jKqrNoVy3xX9Bp9I9LwkApg7idnL1-bnarxS1p9dpRUenU-Oqsg9qgnDDUKSKWTEWHGumwVDCriapUTRNQd7D3jgPqIsTb0hfWOE3cwoXFcTz/s400/DSC01212blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215781071350686050" /></a></div><div>Francois lent us his car as he had to work for the rest of the afternoon and we went for a drive to the coast to check out the local market. What can you say about the French and their markets - unreal! This had all the trimmings plus it was set right on the beach. We got some olives, jambon and baguettes to take back to Perpignan.</div><div>We drove back to the school in time for Francois to drop us off at the station and we settled in for our homeward journey. We read and played some more Grass and Fran was there to meet us at the station to take us back to their place. We spent some more time in Perpignan and a week or so later we were primed and ready for the next game of the All Blacks campaign.....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-size:large;">Lyon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>We caught yet another train to Lyon and were lucky enough to find a room at an Ibis which was quite literally 800 metres or so from the entrance to the stadium. Getting off the train we got a connecting Metro to our stop and found our hotel right across the road. There were All Black and Portugese jerseys and flags everywhere and a festive atmosphere was already in swing! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4MWOMI9iirNesUdbYMJc_089uLtp72SB3o44V-htt4hKvzkuli6HCtO8TCR_ehpf00PEOWaw5mSIjyuJN4DK_A3vYQ7n-Mvnkxv19lm11nV_9dQiXHLnQKfTn7Ne2bQNZvjmJZiZGDKk/s1600-h/DSC01243blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4MWOMI9iirNesUdbYMJc_089uLtp72SB3o44V-htt4hKvzkuli6HCtO8TCR_ehpf00PEOWaw5mSIjyuJN4DK_A3vYQ7n-Mvnkxv19lm11nV_9dQiXHLnQKfTn7Ne2bQNZvjmJZiZGDKk/s400/DSC01243blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215788839068334354" /></a>We checked in and went down to the bar where we waited for Uncle Mike and Aunty Fay to arrive as we had a couple of spare tickets for them. A couple of nice cold beers later they arrived and we al headed off to the game. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy73ZWq2xIzZWmgU4yLWasnjb7bIVQvIQU_dpskqV58BITbZ9t9qrKuJEbnGgHkccG-B74y2CPx_93EBNezCa_99QoUpoXc1yUx4IAyGCoXS9Nnr6XCadrOuJ9d74VIK41hn2ynvSnOFM/s1600-h/DSC01253blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy73ZWq2xIzZWmgU4yLWasnjb7bIVQvIQU_dpskqV58BITbZ9t9qrKuJEbnGgHkccG-B74y2CPx_93EBNezCa_99QoUpoXc1yUx4IAyGCoXS9Nnr6XCadrOuJ9d74VIK41hn2ynvSnOFM/s400/DSC01253blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215788852064848866" /></a>The stadium at Lyon is in another class to the one in Marseille. It was so well laid out and it was an easy transition through the turnstiles and searches by the guards. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwB_NwmQ4nK_ZLCMLSeFJRSMlYhBWKwDzJgBsLysQ_DUWlKeekYBdBO0hDUNi6gwZbY25TR14W_HJ7YZQkw3SKtAogzyQuRSi7xV5FbbnRlJKfFalQGu-CUpq2UtA9CbtKJV6nDdkEVfT/s1600-h/DSC01248blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwB_NwmQ4nK_ZLCMLSeFJRSMlYhBWKwDzJgBsLysQ_DUWlKeekYBdBO0hDUNi6gwZbY25TR14W_HJ7YZQkw3SKtAogzyQuRSi7xV5FbbnRlJKfFalQGu-CUpq2UtA9CbtKJV6nDdkEVfT/s400/DSC01248blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215788848068035794" /></a>Once in the ground we found our seats, which were once again AWESOME and watched the All Blacks absolutely run riot over the poor team from Portugal. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtLM0msrdFfU85w-TBc-_xP973o6kSQVOWOeM6hzdC7ZWCmEME9ktz5yw5yi8hCZ7i4B8wNz1bgqm2xJCAfNq9gKAyx1ES6GyXOcXCtwjT119TfnAc4jpJ7h3sidVteaaNfJhp3dNfn6U/s1600-h/DSC01262blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtLM0msrdFfU85w-TBc-_xP973o6kSQVOWOeM6hzdC7ZWCmEME9ktz5yw5yi8hCZ7i4B8wNz1bgqm2xJCAfNq9gKAyx1ES6GyXOcXCtwjT119TfnAc4jpJ7h3sidVteaaNfJhp3dNfn6U/s400/DSC01262blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215788862174614482" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbazv_rddhU8tMRwnugaa2ISYBbV-DMrlGGklA1oQM-oBYP6XPT8C3xrw2K-1tDbH5XfwM9fHWnjFq6rqlhz6WEzx71S2hWNUU4ww5P-AodrrI2xzGmiuqO3aSnzh9iot3223o_9emzQE/s1600-h/DSC01264blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbazv_rddhU8tMRwnugaa2ISYBbV-DMrlGGklA1oQM-oBYP6XPT8C3xrw2K-1tDbH5XfwM9fHWnjFq6rqlhz6WEzx71S2hWNUU4ww5P-AodrrI2xzGmiuqO3aSnzh9iot3223o_9emzQE/s400/DSC01264blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215789530885206098" /></a>To their credit though they scored a try which was hugely popular with everyone in the ground.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2xPZF6Xq_fnCM_T57MhFUtNsQy6aKa0DvEzawY7BTceYcUGJMo2K5sF1SAiJGoNrfLz1athi85HcvLnACO58yr8HsnKv-NuaLeR8EICGyerwuQxyLjVg819YjM7Dx1ySug0A_1e64vMw/s1600-h/DSC01255blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2xPZF6Xq_fnCM_T57MhFUtNsQy6aKa0DvEzawY7BTceYcUGJMo2K5sF1SAiJGoNrfLz1athi85HcvLnACO58yr8HsnKv-NuaLeR8EICGyerwuQxyLjVg819YjM7Dx1ySug0A_1e64vMw/s400/DSC01255blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215788855272477842" /></a></div><div>After the match we said farewell to Uncle Mike and Aunty Fay and went back to the hotel bar to watch another match. There we met a whole crowd of other Kiwis including one group that we ended up going out with in town. We caught the train into the centre of Lyon and went to have a beer at a local pub/ cafe which was a lot of fun. From there we trekked off to find the "Maori Cafe" which was owned and run by a Maori guy who had been living in France for 20 odd years after a career in Professional Rugby League. It took awhile to find it and we saw group after group of All Blacks fans enjoying the Lyon cafe and bar scene until we finally found The Maori Cafe. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrXCDkge9mfeKvzLLIWZIcZ2VVaQ0edUflCij9n7jLepYXgc4H4WYIcKdrSYCVWindgS__J76TaNqHv6zugAfERajQ_2Jqn2ehP-zahX9M92rBoyjH9L-sHJS-PcPMuaEAJQkh7JyL9j0/s1600-h/DSC01282blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrXCDkge9mfeKvzLLIWZIcZ2VVaQ0edUflCij9n7jLepYXgc4H4WYIcKdrSYCVWindgS__J76TaNqHv6zugAfERajQ_2Jqn2ehP-zahX9M92rBoyjH9L-sHJS-PcPMuaEAJQkh7JyL9j0/s400/DSC01282blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215789532151566386" /></a></div><div>It was amazing to go into a bar in France and see New Zealand beers and hundreds of pictures of our gorgeous homeland and the All Blacks. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcdS8tv_Ei1_LZr_CsKYGcemEovjhxXFNemonmDz744CrOJve9XtzVT-ROY8s-vyBzUDHIHjqsgXAYbzreRNKLMAhfESkZkq7lQYthh5f_C17AQKFI3AwT9owxTaX3zhfLaGZDe4ZbQxK/s1600-h/DSC01284blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcdS8tv_Ei1_LZr_CsKYGcemEovjhxXFNemonmDz744CrOJve9XtzVT-ROY8s-vyBzUDHIHjqsgXAYbzreRNKLMAhfESkZkq7lQYthh5f_C17AQKFI3AwT9owxTaX3zhfLaGZDe4ZbQxK/s400/DSC01284blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794129024442226" /></a>We met Tai the owner and ended up buying Tama a t-shirt as well. For dinner we ate these incredible Kiwi burgers which were yum! We continued partying for awhile there listening to Kiwi music and after Tama got a buzz out of meeting an ex-All Black captain and great Tane Norton we all headed for the train back to our hotel. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyfrmb1xxQurozKjiau-4Gt1dPfbMxKwit0uKKL253NrNAf5rLxUj1Qot43jWBfeqtCjQjN1a032_RZ3SEScjGtwQtcQGU7TI2KDkoMnEOcOMBdNhVhHn2r6-f2B33dEkydZos8XyQ1uG/s1600-h/DSC01289blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyfrmb1xxQurozKjiau-4Gt1dPfbMxKwit0uKKL253NrNAf5rLxUj1Qot43jWBfeqtCjQjN1a032_RZ3SEScjGtwQtcQGU7TI2KDkoMnEOcOMBdNhVhHn2r6-f2B33dEkydZos8XyQ1uG/s400/DSC01289blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794132348982498" /></a></div><div>The next day we went into town again to find somewhere for breakfast and ran into Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald and Andy Ellis. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IruS1G_srdi7Z-9QpzV5swE4tUqOgBk_sn67rVQ9UjcPfB4M-zHGXqXzfgRTsndKgUyCR4_sSwqKP-i_jGjuyz2XajSYlYot4tOJ5ejBMj9iiO75hQQKoG2TxDdyzm4v6XHe7IDhkCST/s1600-h/DSC01309blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IruS1G_srdi7Z-9QpzV5swE4tUqOgBk_sn67rVQ9UjcPfB4M-zHGXqXzfgRTsndKgUyCR4_sSwqKP-i_jGjuyz2XajSYlYot4tOJ5ejBMj9iiO75hQQKoG2TxDdyzm4v6XHe7IDhkCST/s400/DSC01309blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215789533010242306" /></a>After a quick chat (in passing) we had a good walk around the centre of town looking at all the sights and beautiful buildings, fountains etc. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46UD8eXan3rt2DUYz14DAoG0HscoP_lrGPN3LyllLFCPTR6DN0FoMbrVlJdwCURU66BuMm6T5BIRBD8UqF3YWvFM3kghwKFWXa7fXIIOZhFLThYVE9cIpvqMxi__RjRA4LxJHEuv7P9Pz/s1600-h/DSC01325blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46UD8eXan3rt2DUYz14DAoG0HscoP_lrGPN3LyllLFCPTR6DN0FoMbrVlJdwCURU66BuMm6T5BIRBD8UqF3YWvFM3kghwKFWXa7fXIIOZhFLThYVE9cIpvqMxi__RjRA4LxJHEuv7P9Pz/s400/DSC01325blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215797360715607778" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib52zaiamwXOowPJj_2Ci7wXBRx7alBMzopQ28BYm8-MDq_tZqc0DocuBAVZnYsgll8-6y0ripXInxWRYXbetnQuJwjnHngohoB2N9FYLe4e0CpuVnSeoJcNgYLLPkyPcOIOqKe-7Q8oK/s1600-h/DSC01334blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib52zaiamwXOowPJj_2Ci7wXBRx7alBMzopQ28BYm8-MDq_tZqc0DocuBAVZnYsgll8-6y0ripXInxWRYXbetnQuJwjnHngohoB2N9FYLe4e0CpuVnSeoJcNgYLLPkyPcOIOqKe-7Q8oK/s400/DSC01334blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215789535130132178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kynuMJcW1LqQWGdbAvI85rPD8wnBd8zb-KMwH4elltmcEt6Sr5KeKRbh1os4-RnrA0vRoMTnfyMgrwMA5Zcg6XdJtuddZ5dUfQjhfDlOJ7QVcMY_47us3HSThlI2aAW1qBuLNXfNJh-h/s1600-h/DSC01276blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kynuMJcW1LqQWGdbAvI85rPD8wnBd8zb-KMwH4elltmcEt6Sr5KeKRbh1os4-RnrA0vRoMTnfyMgrwMA5Zcg6XdJtuddZ5dUfQjhfDlOJ7QVcMY_47us3HSThlI2aAW1qBuLNXfNJh-h/s400/DSC01276blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794124305522514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7_lRlQjAV9QhA0VOs3Ff1gNyZb7Ne4pfjtORaQtw1sk7BLsIFHDTfvMzUiSAHYBGfzvJ_PMFuntlONS6egB0DmrpW5TmSbngQeoc3gbAchp6ayDxr7pt0V2u7HKlc52Kh88lN7NcKuVN/s1600-h/DSC01327blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7_lRlQjAV9QhA0VOs3Ff1gNyZb7Ne4pfjtORaQtw1sk7BLsIFHDTfvMzUiSAHYBGfzvJ_PMFuntlONS6egB0DmrpW5TmSbngQeoc3gbAchp6ayDxr7pt0V2u7HKlc52Kh88lN7NcKuVN/s400/DSC01327blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215797366343670290" /></a>Then we went down to the side of the Seine where there was a gorgeous farmers local market where we found fresh oysters, empanadas (Argentinian Cornish Pasties), fromage and coffee!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyy1uwiLj_v60o1n66XvsZMBjOYMTAnR0JwNnVRbGavHztr8X36XR2xK4kPN7IT7VQWlEikMhSGfp6BXp5d5k2WUtcHfUA0AFqlDJSS4h0ZESvuYYVTN7QmVLwdxp1KSzSkYJ7KIkIKhv/s1600-h/DSC01322blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyy1uwiLj_v60o1n66XvsZMBjOYMTAnR0JwNnVRbGavHztr8X36XR2xK4kPN7IT7VQWlEikMhSGfp6BXp5d5k2WUtcHfUA0AFqlDJSS4h0ZESvuYYVTN7QmVLwdxp1KSzSkYJ7KIkIKhv/s400/DSC01322blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215797359442921346" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-LsghhmPcIX8AUBCyI6xuSpLLPGTBCWD8lgfLfJ_sE6gPWOIyJS5vd-NZnQJZjd7SJU4QqfNsB9d1tdRXaFpelb_B2z7tS1lzGVdYIgu6J0hyphenhyphenWuQn-85kmxddPPg7wbqlbi4J8xL5pXw/s1600-h/DSC01319blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-LsghhmPcIX8AUBCyI6xuSpLLPGTBCWD8lgfLfJ_sE6gPWOIyJS5vd-NZnQJZjd7SJU4QqfNsB9d1tdRXaFpelb_B2z7tS1lzGVdYIgu6J0hyphenhyphenWuQn-85kmxddPPg7wbqlbi4J8xL5pXw/s400/DSC01319blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215797354161430994" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRas73YTJo7_OYOystITnlsQT6CjCvUIWgsUYJvJWvya1tQdb8Kosjl-BPVJ5YpNZ1PgZmIYp2Vvw4WBgvup9_yv72o_-h5Vdm3e4qCmDByyGxWKxBHzLPgz_inMl_dMvjpCSJ3Ya6KYW/s1600-h/DSC01316blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRas73YTJo7_OYOystITnlsQT6CjCvUIWgsUYJvJWvya1tQdb8Kosjl-BPVJ5YpNZ1PgZmIYp2Vvw4WBgvup9_yv72o_-h5Vdm3e4qCmDByyGxWKxBHzLPgz_inMl_dMvjpCSJ3Ya6KYW/s400/DSC01316blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794432050746514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEawN3mwCTC0hRnib4aICf4E0SlkIejbdzjTUtJojVke_oljKaIWQEGZcSQSWvDwVnHIeV6Sm99MqG0C2HlFdW1g1KFh44oitOXZD2p0mz-dNMnD4K4-IHn8wVg4tCzShYjA90H02C_bs/s1600-h/DSC01311blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEawN3mwCTC0hRnib4aICf4E0SlkIejbdzjTUtJojVke_oljKaIWQEGZcSQSWvDwVnHIeV6Sm99MqG0C2HlFdW1g1KFh44oitOXZD2p0mz-dNMnD4K4-IHn8wVg4tCzShYjA90H02C_bs/s400/DSC01311blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794133251527410" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4yiNo_qCFExgkeeuPTaNsZqSla4bZYDQOrdyVu25DHxqyaxdl775CeTle_fcPGe1a9cjRG4f4ehen2x1WPzjErnE9Qty-bd_m44T_rsiSVtwbcYrbFrbIRaapg2o6K9BpH8MoobiMkft/s1600-h/DSC01312blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4yiNo_qCFExgkeeuPTaNsZqSla4bZYDQOrdyVu25DHxqyaxdl775CeTle_fcPGe1a9cjRG4f4ehen2x1WPzjErnE9Qty-bd_m44T_rsiSVtwbcYrbFrbIRaapg2o6K9BpH8MoobiMkft/s400/DSC01312blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215794138172934610" /></a> All eaten on the side of the Seine - magnificent.</div><div>It was a fitting end to a wonderful couple of days and so reluctantly we headed back to Perpignan. Lots more fun to come though! </div></div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-60433889050477256632007-08-31T08:25:00.001-07:002008-12-09T19:26:37.664-08:00PERPIGNAN, FRANCE<div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Perpignan - Cote Catalan</strong></span></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EiwN36ia_QLuqdjhziv-GHsDbmRthp-eKSQ7tUvjmLBmeu4SAmpvBbuLc49wVglE91KXLFZHz8VcifRgV2kcOq0k_R7GZExSewOOHz9NG48l_JGued7czQsxYuXa9pvTyFnhNfto-7Sk/s1600-h/DSC00886blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EiwN36ia_QLuqdjhziv-GHsDbmRthp-eKSQ7tUvjmLBmeu4SAmpvBbuLc49wVglE91KXLFZHz8VcifRgV2kcOq0k_R7GZExSewOOHz9NG48l_JGued7czQsxYuXa9pvTyFnhNfto-7Sk/s320/DSC00886blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211309387207249730" /></a>Aunty Fay, Marylene and the boys saw us off at St Jean Pied de Port station and we caught the first of three trains which finally saw us arrive at our next stop - Perpignan on the Cote de Catallanes, which is on the south coast of France near the Spanish border. It took us about 9 hours to get there and when we arrived we were met by our friend Fran Freshwater who married Tama’s best friend from College Perry Freshwater. Perry is a professional rugby player and is captain of Perpignan and was also chosen to represent England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. It was really awesome to see her as Tama had been a groomsman and MC at their wedding in December of last year and we had both been looking forward to finally seeing their house (and newly finished swimming pool). They had recently got a new puppy called Sasha and she was a ball of energy and fun and needless to say we were smitten straight away. Perry’s mother Eva and her husband Barry were also there and it was great to see them both as well.<br />Like in St Jean Pied de Port it was great to be in a home with our own bedroom and a kitchen etc (and the bonus of a swimming pool in the backyard). Their house and garden are beautiful.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68I8O9U3nrVoDgoFExmMvjYTa79vPZKMNQQDg4NUkrGKDQobY1Wcyvio-qduQHwG7wRwC0sVJcOdrsJ6IJtoTVdBtgDu-hGHDTy0DiM3gxi1UjFUE0kD59s3bhjIqR41TZlsxwXjcE1JK/s1600-h/DSC00879blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68I8O9U3nrVoDgoFExmMvjYTa79vPZKMNQQDg4NUkrGKDQobY1Wcyvio-qduQHwG7wRwC0sVJcOdrsJ6IJtoTVdBtgDu-hGHDTy0DiM3gxi1UjFUE0kD59s3bhjIqR41TZlsxwXjcE1JK/s400/DSC00879blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211335540946108482" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl126fWB5E4YxkumZWsBm4ZEDt3tsRF0pL09QF0sTkHbM4sg3_OSbh08dPT7KkmL1_yJFMR6PqzACj_CdgAMPCcudFRUNzEijU2YO7yHXGtmuaDWatcbAiWzHQ879aVj78JXM3Kcrwg2M/s1600-h/DSC00883blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl126fWB5E4YxkumZWsBm4ZEDt3tsRF0pL09QF0sTkHbM4sg3_OSbh08dPT7KkmL1_yJFMR6PqzACj_CdgAMPCcudFRUNzEijU2YO7yHXGtmuaDWatcbAiWzHQ879aVj78JXM3Kcrwg2M/s400/DSC00883blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211342158255915442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mWQq997F7FS7LzDanpTqZnK8bh__ABzSwwayEFpbgXa_z_0lzRZjc7lQtad9-izT8HeJSbPa5i0J5ovMJENOzVStiVsGU1oKgdvm0NC-FcIGDj60wPtEOlWsWiUHhb_pia0BC3B8OpzX/s1600-h/DSC00874blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mWQq997F7FS7LzDanpTqZnK8bh__ABzSwwayEFpbgXa_z_0lzRZjc7lQtad9-izT8HeJSbPa5i0J5ovMJENOzVStiVsGU1oKgdvm0NC-FcIGDj60wPtEOlWsWiUHhb_pia0BC3B8OpzX/s320/DSC00874blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211309386979760658" /></a>The next day we cycled into Perpignan with Barry and Eva. It was a lovely scenic ride along the river that took about 30 mins. Once we arrived we went sightseeing through the city centre.<br />It was a gorgeous city and once again we were both blown away by the historical architecture throughout. There is a castle, a cathedral, a little stream and lots of little narrow lanes lined with gorgeous buildings. We stopped at a little cafe in a beautiful square for a drink and looked in some shops. Eva kindly got Tama and I a map of Barcelona as we were planning to go there in between world cup games!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisHn_yeKou56wln3lEgQaq8kOb1Hfh8njV2X_OhMd23Gc5_tGQl8SdFpO3aDcP9DMutibizOH_hFxLWLSK-Eg-3y-tcUNaSpgC-2nCp2NSz-pxu3Cz0p0sPFITcw3HO8mIpa16RMO2XpX/s1600-h/DSC00890blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisHn_yeKou56wln3lEgQaq8kOb1Hfh8njV2X_OhMd23Gc5_tGQl8SdFpO3aDcP9DMutibizOH_hFxLWLSK-Eg-3y-tcUNaSpgC-2nCp2NSz-pxu3Cz0p0sPFITcw3HO8mIpa16RMO2XpX/s320/DSC00890blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211346494266952402" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LLQqZipqDkuhBNWjP8P8H-nmsN6koIlhiQ66rjvpV8-OP8SFO3BXWaixQkakB6wILoD2SssN8dom1JlS-FJrxLpGXhUdku9Y8di4x_t7Cbh6i1Zltnp0FgZxSrND2TsrWNORJbawPgUt/s1600-h/DSC00907blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LLQqZipqDkuhBNWjP8P8H-nmsN6koIlhiQ66rjvpV8-OP8SFO3BXWaixQkakB6wILoD2SssN8dom1JlS-FJrxLpGXhUdku9Y8di4x_t7Cbh6i1Zltnp0FgZxSrND2TsrWNORJbawPgUt/s400/DSC00907blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211341312983512738" /></a></div><div>When we got home that afternoon it was wine and cold beers by the pool with a lovely dinner. We also watched Perry's rugby game. We all wore one of Perry's England rugby jerseys to support him. We found it hard supporting England! Only for Perry! Don't think we'll ever wear an England jersey again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf0NyEH2C8R30KYvIwaE2Rf5nAWaYJ1H4plvP-bEycI-JIVUN4fLr6F4chElNJux2QLtZNJJEgQ4rSlWlO9Jv4LvaxZLTYhMf5dfPouVWWGQB7ryOt03G_yniDtlButOmuMjqsO3Ss64Z/s1600-h/DSC01235blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf0NyEH2C8R30KYvIwaE2Rf5nAWaYJ1H4plvP-bEycI-JIVUN4fLr6F4chElNJux2QLtZNJJEgQ4rSlWlO9Jv4LvaxZLTYhMf5dfPouVWWGQB7ryOt03G_yniDtlButOmuMjqsO3Ss64Z/s400/DSC01235blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211338877338111106" /></a>Eva and Barry left to go tramping around Europe and Fran flew to London to be with Perry and the England team in the their hotel as they prepared for the World Cup so we were left to house, dog and swimming pool sit! We thoroughly enjoyed this time using Fran’s car to drive up and down the coastline going to the Plage (beach) soaking up the sun and having a good look around. We went to a couple of their local beaches and also for a day trip to Cannes which was gorgeous.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OR9tUr1I4W5RZJ3oio7wqy4XZZr9GlOZj0rcQJEqISxqknZyJR223KIJshqSPhDwvgZpwsIswczjsO7uq9gEPKDLASIlpIoqpz9Am3r-TrYuTLSeADw5uprsNtwgp3GXmOiWlZ0OdtWV/s1600-h/DSC_6271blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OR9tUr1I4W5RZJ3oio7wqy4XZZr9GlOZj0rcQJEqISxqknZyJR223KIJshqSPhDwvgZpwsIswczjsO7uq9gEPKDLASIlpIoqpz9Am3r-TrYuTLSeADw5uprsNtwgp3GXmOiWlZ0OdtWV/s400/DSC_6271blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211307134050152466" /></a> Probably one of the highlights was when we went to a beachfront avenue that was lined with rustic shack like buildings that all sold fresh seafood. We had the most incredible oysters as well as some beautiful rose and baguette. YUM!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAuQW-ZI4gkV3Djf35FrH3dspIbEOHUemYroNsUaOlLaF9jWEnoW6fANDoCJFHuv9OkpQfd_IpF7lSGJDs6wjnpW5pUaMV53hgmyi4PQEZN1i9o8YDiBC5zf6riK_-Y1QaNrRy_Lnpq2K/s1600-h/DSC_6279blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAuQW-ZI4gkV3Djf35FrH3dspIbEOHUemYroNsUaOlLaF9jWEnoW6fANDoCJFHuv9OkpQfd_IpF7lSGJDs6wjnpW5pUaMV53hgmyi4PQEZN1i9o8YDiBC5zf6riK_-Y1QaNrRy_Lnpq2K/s400/DSC_6279blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211307144718463522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMhKQvalJVQBwsMgkLaR7kpfZf92vrX5cXJhAQReQMjVM8VZhq1GQFEhwGay4uktbLvOP5RchO8C8o9uUkVVyF-jHvrvK2Cnw3_VMggjEaQ3iKs5iZVJc320HVz7Nveu__Q-sE5Y8hW7b/s1600-h/DSC00897blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMhKQvalJVQBwsMgkLaR7kpfZf92vrX5cXJhAQReQMjVM8VZhq1GQFEhwGay4uktbLvOP5RchO8C8o9uUkVVyF-jHvrvK2Cnw3_VMggjEaQ3iKs5iZVJc320HVz7Nveu__Q-sE5Y8hW7b/s400/DSC00897blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211334535565085074" /></a>When Fran got back from England we all went to one of her and Perry’s local beachfront restaurants called Zaza’s. It is only open during the summer months and the seafood there was divine. You can’t really beat seafood that fresh and cooked with that French flair, plus the fact that we were sitting on big cushions around a table on the beach looking out over the sea – yup horrible I know!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHsLLYcNW1MjB68PC-wZP5yOzfnJhLzcoHloMPKZN0Fd9EEfy06SFnZw62lPCrsn3vrDdkMgXi7X3VuY5Ke8xJfTDHoUtoPhbrAdl74nC_TDFFhGMkOmA1lOsHK31ZrvzbZrf-KXCHGrO/s1600-h/DSC01229blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHsLLYcNW1MjB68PC-wZP5yOzfnJhLzcoHloMPKZN0Fd9EEfy06SFnZw62lPCrsn3vrDdkMgXi7X3VuY5Ke8xJfTDHoUtoPhbrAdl74nC_TDFFhGMkOmA1lOsHK31ZrvzbZrf-KXCHGrO/s400/DSC01229blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211335018769294530" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJpq7r2iomU7BHLoR9kQFqEW4IUXoOmn_t8tRBTSCxQY5gBJ9FZ0NyS0DMgR1t04T9D-JfPcAQvfNI0v0neuELjqtxDLlrKC1PC5je0urRq7s5AEsiT5ZvoSdwuBu3-jq0W1nkMmEK9B_/s1600-h/DSC01234blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJpq7r2iomU7BHLoR9kQFqEW4IUXoOmn_t8tRBTSCxQY5gBJ9FZ0NyS0DMgR1t04T9D-JfPcAQvfNI0v0neuELjqtxDLlrKC1PC5je0urRq7s5AEsiT5ZvoSdwuBu3-jq0W1nkMmEK9B_/s400/DSC01234blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211342165293293570" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpGnKA1WEgSskC4w6j9APvZdrGzqc8WshaDBp7k-T5W7AM1RHwoPAnde8toSLydo0Pwe35Gmiw9uXPghumPLwQ6AQBcIofbg3Wk_qRC6to8T9CJ65gpv59PTDhEtLRL_hhP0mkabEc6Qw/s1600-h/DSC01231blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpGnKA1WEgSskC4w6j9APvZdrGzqc8WshaDBp7k-T5W7AM1RHwoPAnde8toSLydo0Pwe35Gmiw9uXPghumPLwQ6AQBcIofbg3Wk_qRC6to8T9CJ65gpv59PTDhEtLRL_hhP0mkabEc6Qw/s320/DSC01231blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211346489600038290" /></a>While we were in Perpignan a special package arrived from New Zealand courtesy of our friend Iain Jamieson – tickets to every All Black match up to the Quarter Finals of the 2007 World Cup. Tama was excited to say the least. When the courier finally figured out where to come to, he tore open the envelope and you should have seen his smile!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI_8HDnqc8YgDnHxGOk3HItUFRwNFJe6zuYGlNKtry3xSFHZXdSyvV3g-XCOsutDgzbR6fBapMoh0Wgbq0-kQdHT3gVDjfTgheYQnaMpjww7to5YTs4NYFHiI2Oappm3CuQ0PcQMvHevt/s1600-h/DSC00900blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI_8HDnqc8YgDnHxGOk3HItUFRwNFJe6zuYGlNKtry3xSFHZXdSyvV3g-XCOsutDgzbR6fBapMoh0Wgbq0-kQdHT3gVDjfTgheYQnaMpjww7to5YTs4NYFHiI2Oappm3CuQ0PcQMvHevt/s400/DSC00900blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211330762037911122" /></a></div>The next thing you knew we were planning our next big adventure to go off to the Coupe du Monde 2007 - Rugby World Cup - first stop...... coming soon!<br /><div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-62463021146804787102007-08-31T08:24:00.002-07:002008-12-09T19:26:43.941-08:00ST JEAN PIED DE PORT & BIARRITZ, FRANCE<div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>St Jean Pied De Port, Biarritz - Cote Basque</strong></span></div><br /><div>From Paris we caught the TGV (the French fast train) down south to Biarritz on the Cote Basque where we were going to stay with my cousin Sean and his family. He picked us up at the train station along with is three gorgeous sons, Max the eldest who is 6 and twins Tom and Sam both four, (that's Max at the front, Sam in the middle and Tom at the back in this pic).</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBDRQFFUKrzSpknSB02Jo8-nhkP285ttVrBkBTqitad3Qf7hffrN8NTo7YLQmVYLAGxPr-0GkDMfmXp8MkqJrpu0G4vDK7cAWYoyBuOhBnBoSEn7LgiJkvJszCIx_DC6Cfp4nkYw0bcVI/s400/DSC008621.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154962462424741090" /><div>Sean works as a rugby agent and the previous night one of his clients was involved in what has become a very famous incident – he was the guy who punched Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll. We went to Bayonne and took the kids for a walk through the town while Sean had a meeting with Mike to sort out what needed to be done. </div><div>The boys proved to be a real handful but were a lot of fun too and it was great to watch them playing together with BOUNDLESS energy.</div><div>We then drove back towards St Jean Pied De Port that is a village at the foot of the Pyrenees mountain ranges and finally arrived at Sean’s new house that they had just recently finished building. It is in the Iroulegy area and was set in the countryside amongst rolling farmland. It had a stunning view of the Pyrenees and the peak that overlooked Sean’s wife Marylene’s parents farm in Ahaxe (a small village about 15 mins drive away).</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk7D5NC2Pzhw8P6ylOCwHgj0XPccwLK-Oi3erdR0eHVKryK5_f3vfWTCeCvtClFTVIA3XVwubuQ7bLI4nx51-Iol6KUNVyCHAtEYUTpPG290XVV1wigGxAQ0YNPwx5DEhpwhtJ2wlVbAd/s320/3333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154955062196089938" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKzm0VDMjoiPLBbl1ENhsclzMPhmm8P_XtfS6oUPDFDFMRvKsy3Rf8kFHiTenX-QrGEsRx0B85dW-p4kod0MyqJDjS46U364kx73iXzETMAtkV21U-M4Ir-UoVqbn9jU3Hk07lfZc3vh_/s320/DSC00769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154951329869509618" /><div style="text-align: center;">Whilst guests at the Koanga (Maori for Spring - which is Sean's surname) Maison, Sean spoilt us by cooking the most mouth watering French meals for lunch and dinner daily. We also had to put up with aperitifs of beautiful French wines, usually accompanied by delicious local<br /></div><div> fromage, jambon (cured ham sliced paper-thin) pickled chili peppers, olives and many other yummy treats. It was a real struggle but somehow we managed to get through it all! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP3WL7WpEUxIH0ho6UqYN1z5dTPhoSw05iVo9THb5-cHME6CcYWGZomVTTjfmIIU7dBj5EpZ168ZA1pwlbCyEYKOACu_UJCbaO_eWkysH8BTYINdsKC9NKa6kQBD3GkBzBkuuNl9Fx7K7/s400/xfj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154950913257681890" /><div>It was so great being in a real home after four and a half months of living out of backpacks in hotel/ hostels and having to lug them to the next bus or train to the next place. We were finally able to wash our clothes ourselves, (as we mostly used laundry services throughout Asia which had varying degrees of success) use a bathroom where the shower head wasn't directly over the toilet bowl and use a kitchen to cook in as we hadn't done that since we left New Zealand. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQjnKzZ5mCi6O4ZLLA5ac1SLTBR_GPqdbzz1je8qX6XjHrqmbV0QfEW6YXHzdAGCn0TvPpy1PNy1Ll17KeR3ZnpaZW26NJv7QoMGxu7Ynwe3F7sEwe_Y8yG065fWwtvJzcr7MfyfL586n/s320/xh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154956075808371874" /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqYgrNObKLC5lwxSs_j_fWyl7A9RkODTtgSAc9oX-8VLZdYVEN4nRk3GKA147PFufTGEP93qUDcHh1ucHqpqyp-D4EflZKnrlxkmKfChmvl7LYj1F8BaobNW2LB7ybLoU4rhALk7qRu_I/s200/max.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154951909690094594" /><div>Marylene is a district nurse and she was working very long shifts while we were staying with them and when Sean had to out for a work meeting etc we would look after the three boys. The only one of the three that could speak English was Max so quite often we found ourselves asking Max what Tom and Sam had said to us in French. We felt so silly sometimes as the boys would ask what was obviously a serious question and we would have no idea what they were saying most of the time answering with "Oui" or "Non". </div><div>They loved to ride their bikes down the drive and took us on a couple of bike rides with them too which was a lot of fun. One thing that amazed us both was that these young boys loved vegetables and salad.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ABZ14dscdK8-obRjTHQ8Anzbq2rDeUp8A9xX7P3DIp0ZOw4dO-4Azs3ryMz6ihth5shkQ1-vMOwK1TPWDAMM6zlsumEZPdt4TkrfICuz_KYTC7p7xCf6qzZ6tIDXYrfdmn9v2Zt-Qkc/s320/huhgvjkv.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154955066491057250" /><div>Considering the twins were four and Max was six we couldn't believe our eyes when we saw them clean up their plates of all their greens without complaint even asking for seconds! Quite often we would feed the boys early in the evening and then wait for Marylene to come home and then the adults would eat and the boys would ask for MORE salad. </div><div>It was obvious that the Southern French attitude to fresh food and good ingredients had already rubbed off on them. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBpXujWWlyYMMubyJVXTiM3guBrGUDs79xMuf25ayilwlzhMFii8IYX6DQBOexkRwtAL3szN2PVlrM07BMQww9nYITIkE5tZj9xRPNFeXqaMU3oQ5qvm7nH0aWANLKHAEdHicxttFE7Ht/s1600-h/dddd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBpXujWWlyYMMubyJVXTiM3guBrGUDs79xMuf25ayilwlzhMFii8IYX6DQBOexkRwtAL3szN2PVlrM07BMQww9nYITIkE5tZj9xRPNFeXqaMU3oQ5qvm7nH0aWANLKHAEdHicxttFE7Ht/s320/dddd.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154970335099794706" /></a>This was no doubt helped by the fact that their Dad was such a foodie and that they took weekly trips to the market in St Jean Pied De Port which was full of gorgeous fresh local produce.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFLZc8ltLETs9VDC2iwNYltX4zGIHWMhQu1e7dPpCs1xbrC4QRTUAK01YINOpRivPjXeSWc0FMehuZS6f7Lki-_lUSkHYQ3kF6XqYFQKkHSmGEUNtH9z705Su5GbaSHnyc-pE_lurkLuV/s1600-h/dddfg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFLZc8ltLETs9VDC2iwNYltX4zGIHWMhQu1e7dPpCs1xbrC4QRTUAK01YINOpRivPjXeSWc0FMehuZS6f7Lki-_lUSkHYQ3kF6XqYFQKkHSmGEUNtH9z705Su5GbaSHnyc-pE_lurkLuV/s320/dddfg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154956058628502658" /></a> It literally made your mouth water following Sean around while he told us all about the various cheese houses, vineyards and butchers that were on display. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44lhLfnIKD8_ATygBcbdaElwBof1gOxofDFk7504FTxma1e6PsK9ffIPs_PhVebRlFuSpBqFQn3FdpCXr7lVYZNprEYu6sMBAwYl52iNgp58SxU503Zgr3hFyTZ-I-9G6LoGnEGlR3MNu/s1600-h/cccxc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44lhLfnIKD8_ATygBcbdaElwBof1gOxofDFk7504FTxma1e6PsK9ffIPs_PhVebRlFuSpBqFQn3FdpCXr7lVYZNprEYu6sMBAwYl52iNgp58SxU503Zgr3hFyTZ-I-9G6LoGnEGlR3MNu/s400/cccxc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154962355050558658" /></a>One night we made out little contribution by making garlic bread with the leftover day old baguette and from that night on Marylene asked if we could make it for them.</div><div>The village itself was also a beautiful sight to see. Set at the foot of the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains, St Jean is the village where the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage ends. Thousands of tourists walk this route to this day and they are greeted with cobblestone streets and an ancient fortified inner village, complete with old canons still in their placements.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBwWgx3pWZ80I8JM7V9-wK4uvaHcOrvPqSC8HyQFOQhXGpYOvv_BylVaZ_Q2B4mDKbINl0oDAGO0D655o_-8SBPDmTVc0512Oe2kLzHw7veKwGnKs4ah2_MTzaR0EFMCYrHnF16w1DUCh/s1600-h/DSC_6157.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBwWgx3pWZ80I8JM7V9-wK4uvaHcOrvPqSC8HyQFOQhXGpYOvv_BylVaZ_Q2B4mDKbINl0oDAGO0D655o_-8SBPDmTVc0512Oe2kLzHw7veKwGnKs4ah2_MTzaR0EFMCYrHnF16w1DUCh/s320/DSC_6157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154971258517763362" /></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnhRQQ_e_cZmgg6Ev6xzwLuBv6z9pVHb13e3bwV0S2SiX4xCB9h6If-vCZ6nZkvmjlq7_K0cdCUopv07UtJ95JAPHHDOTN8SBrFV-PspuMtSTs2974S_MXQYBm0E6eI78391CIly3TfAa/s400/ffs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154962432359970002" /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wjffK9Wf9qxetYN9zoFQCLmxPqQJtdgW6ZL6x7FrLJp3tDseyBm3Ie2NvVCIMONVG8clZvnNzn28UExbChTYo9tPQYzDA2I1Tzt75oW4Ek7qrYZbPeXe5tjLzalsAIJNGMRxaIxtg_S1/s1600-h/xfhj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wjffK9Wf9qxetYN9zoFQCLmxPqQJtdgW6ZL6x7FrLJp3tDseyBm3Ie2NvVCIMONVG8clZvnNzn28UExbChTYo9tPQYzDA2I1Tzt75oW4Ek7qrYZbPeXe5tjLzalsAIJNGMRxaIxtg_S1/s400/xfhj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154978624386676066" /></a>The region is commonly known as Pay Basque and it stretches over to the Spanish side of the Mountains. We went for a walk up a hill to a point that looks out over the area. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ3GpzuQdkdR_NQ71NirhLMHPLkXwBDr7GKqVesW8FyQnIq-YE2iD78ljBApWDPWQmnmyrbFzC5GWKPRHtLcgu6HOY7Vk72KqJah5p-5RiC6mGfFE897_Hu7cZ4kt5XwmDyiF-6bYEnqZ/s1600-h/kiu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ3GpzuQdkdR_NQ71NirhLMHPLkXwBDr7GKqVesW8FyQnIq-YE2iD78ljBApWDPWQmnmyrbFzC5GWKPRHtLcgu6HOY7Vk72KqJah5p-5RiC6mGfFE897_Hu7cZ4kt5XwmDyiF-6bYEnqZ/s320/kiu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154971267107697970" /></a>The local people speak two languages - French and Basque and they also have their own culture. They play Pelote (which the boys absolutely love) which is the name for a variety of court sports played with a ball using one's hand, a racket, a wooden bat (pala) or a basket propulsor, against a wall - a lot like squash. Like any other French region they are also mad about rugby and the local club team has many loyal supporters.</div><div>Being so close to Spain allowed us to drive there a couple of times - yes its that easy! In fact that's where Sean and Marylene would go to do their supermarket shopping about 20 minutes away. </div><div>One day we borrowed Sean's car and drove to Biarritz on the Pay Basque coast about 45mins - 1 hours drive away. It is such an amazing city and you can see why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, especially in the summer. Situated on the beach the buildings and houses give it such an amazing air and feel that is so unique to this part of France. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN-ln5NllV71bwKlTbKjfthvq0c6NncATSFXVcG-W7FThRA-Da9DNhCqMLJ1kxJahGV7ADNuFXK4QAT9QKQlPD659SpsyQhG414642JtLadl0XNJl-AUdQ2MCHy1W53OJWYQK1DUSZ4eW/s1600-h/Town.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN-ln5NllV71bwKlTbKjfthvq0c6NncATSFXVcG-W7FThRA-Da9DNhCqMLJ1kxJahGV7ADNuFXK4QAT9QKQlPD659SpsyQhG414642JtLadl0XNJl-AUdQ2MCHy1W53OJWYQK1DUSZ4eW/s320/Town.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154982429727700370" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFbepnzYsEqASM7-b2kH5plYsL74RC-ZQwhmUZP3NqliK2UPWKVKseYuVvcc1kV34ynoE9vMXPXE5nRMh7flV4bD2HRECwZUur7j_ro3fYHLc1W-jFJePGiyUSwy2G73kUqcSnYBF9p3R/s1600-h/Beach+above.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFbepnzYsEqASM7-b2kH5plYsL74RC-ZQwhmUZP3NqliK2UPWKVKseYuVvcc1kV34ynoE9vMXPXE5nRMh7flV4bD2HRECwZUur7j_ro3fYHLc1W-jFJePGiyUSwy2G73kUqcSnYBF9p3R/s400/Beach+above.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154981300151301490" /></a>When we arrived we were both excited about finally being able to go for a swim in the sea again (the last time was 2 months ago in Halong Bay, Vietnam). However when we parked the car and looked out over the beach which was packed with people, there was not a single person swimming in the water. We thought that this was a little strange and when we got to the beach someone told us that it was because of pollution in the water??? There are a lot of farms around this area and it had been raining a lot over the last week or so and the run off had overflowed into the sea turning a lovely brown colour! GUTTED! So we just lay on the beach in the sun and to cool off had a cold shower - CRAZY AYE! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1p26Lc0QVBrDvZEi0hDWeSgQ8KsrnZprJo7jAWwV4KXmdcSErO3Feo8IOV1dqIauBmSVGvMw5fRTrDprVsF8GN3hNYF0vZXqDd5lxnaEILWovQVKgYz1PQDY5IGi8-ieUnG2mEyGj72I/s1600-h/Beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1p26Lc0QVBrDvZEi0hDWeSgQ8KsrnZprJo7jAWwV4KXmdcSErO3Feo8IOV1dqIauBmSVGvMw5fRTrDprVsF8GN3hNYF0vZXqDd5lxnaEILWovQVKgYz1PQDY5IGi8-ieUnG2mEyGj72I/s320/Beach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154982421137765762" /></a>After the beach we found a lovely little restaurant that by sheer coincidence was owned by Sean's good friend Peio. He served us and in the course of the conversation we found out that we both knew the same person - small world aye? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcDtc_ZfBN3G72S2dwcRI3Wys1vjv4vJr6yx4Z4OLevaiUR0r4BdNKQf7L3PJg83RuDxIlgY-AUvf6EyuV_DGE53YzD3hRvKUNsKBpxmqesq3iXlwQjZHLS3R6YyEka-HMGRFcv7XDdEK/s1600-h/lunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcDtc_ZfBN3G72S2dwcRI3Wys1vjv4vJr6yx4Z4OLevaiUR0r4BdNKQf7L3PJg83RuDxIlgY-AUvf6EyuV_DGE53YzD3hRvKUNsKBpxmqesq3iXlwQjZHLS3R6YyEka-HMGRFcv7XDdEK/s400/lunch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154983181346977186" /></a>Our meal was delicious - Paella and Moules (mussels). The mussels in France are tiny but still yum! </div><div>We also went to Marylene's cousins house for dinner and that was simply incredible!England (GO PERRY) and France were playing rugby that night and as per usual there were many aperitifs flowing to start everything off. When the meal started we didn't realise that there were going to be more than one course. First up was a local dish called Pepperade with fresh rolls and we thought that this was the main course and even had seconds. Then out came STEAKS and salad and if that wasn't enough - desert too! So now we were on the verge of bursting and with any French meal the fromage came out. WHEW!!!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk6LcGWw0evWgqUgVCtulUBmdkIEdwEDPjdDe2nxoySrxE0EdmGomFEun2MNi3CuRcVH34PbFrHfwNiCBE2N5rp96quNwhDmzpN7T20KqW3zWvpwWcRxAvc2pDuJ4i9WHEQFWv1Es3OM2/s320/bb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154955049311188018" /><div>Sean's parents Aunty Fay and Uncle Mike arrived and over the next few days we went swimming at a friends of Sean and Marylene's place, watched a bull fighting show where young men jumped over bulls that were running straight at them (or at least that was the idea anyway) and enjoyed lovely evening meals on the porch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjZHgsWaLjFHgLBYU_ZOH7wvIdbyY9qcHcj3d8R-rDGb3gdkfaP6ibCdgMsS4LATCtAI0DOfc9j2yZ7eVvtcIv-uKxSLSmUtyDHiCjTGUi9w2K_OD7or4daUjnzuv8n1x36uMrYx6qlIN/s1600-h/xgjj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjZHgsWaLjFHgLBYU_ZOH7wvIdbyY9qcHcj3d8R-rDGb3gdkfaP6ibCdgMsS4LATCtAI0DOfc9j2yZ7eVvtcIv-uKxSLSmUtyDHiCjTGUi9w2K_OD7or4daUjnzuv8n1x36uMrYx6qlIN/s320/xgjj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154977563529753922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP_suAQUN9WZ-7Kl6aP3s6ro2ePz0_SsJzTCoYBIvVWtLzyEVqwP-5N1GrL1dfHL8cbLCMq0u7xwvFpVFV_f3eZUEFjVtspdnWkTIC6nrXSSmpdqF1Q8IvHx6lVemZwX5vSYCdvXx6vnV/s1600-h/DSC_6252.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP_suAQUN9WZ-7Kl6aP3s6ro2ePz0_SsJzTCoYBIvVWtLzyEVqwP-5N1GrL1dfHL8cbLCMq0u7xwvFpVFV_f3eZUEFjVtspdnWkTIC6nrXSSmpdqF1Q8IvHx6lVemZwX5vSYCdvXx6vnV/s320/DSC_6252.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154956067218437266" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSEl6mMo5_rHwVMRYe-FSLUPTiJcQ3U2lJfSTsyBO_664Pi0u54pe9yRuLEITTltW6jP68Ef2LdqxbrzyUrKNRzpWrMmTyB5MGdDAA0_D9hmYl5c01uD_AoM-OGpe9n-dgO28ExZ6aH8P/s1600-h/cfj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSEl6mMo5_rHwVMRYe-FSLUPTiJcQ3U2lJfSTsyBO_664Pi0u54pe9yRuLEITTltW6jP68Ef2LdqxbrzyUrKNRzpWrMmTyB5MGdDAA0_D9hmYl5c01uD_AoM-OGpe9n-dgO28ExZ6aH8P/s320/cfj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154970326509860098" /></a> It was really great to see them both as the last time we saw Aunty Fay was at our farewell in April and Uncle Mike as their 40th wedding anniversary in Canberra a couple of years ago.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIbCl1Y9H27XkE79WXX1WmTC3Svn8lie_tMygX_KOQQWXauvCQYMuXBSe8jKRq1aIVyGluGyua2Er4pmSpRBB3MS2PridNuXPSANfxa_cI_ZbMJzMtb6Kr7U-vUsBxSjy431lxO7VC2PK/s1600-h/jkj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIbCl1Y9H27XkE79WXX1WmTC3Svn8lie_tMygX_KOQQWXauvCQYMuXBSe8jKRq1aIVyGluGyua2Er4pmSpRBB3MS2PridNuXPSANfxa_cI_ZbMJzMtb6Kr7U-vUsBxSjy431lxO7VC2PK/s320/jkj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154977567824721234" /></a></div><div>On our last night we made raw fish salad and garlic bread to go with another Sean creation and sung songs around the table with the guitar watching the sun set over the Pyrenees. It was a lovely way to complete an amazing stay. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrMtA73Foa_veEUsYvXTzyE_ov_acV6jt4Emo6BAFw9ToABEewF_TtO46wD5wMSaN4k8FAOferhGlxU96_FucPM27eb1owxph8MRlgWRgqqJGWxMPDHUAmXZrrUyhjhCwZXtdJivm-eol/s1600-h/singing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrMtA73Foa_veEUsYvXTzyE_ov_acV6jt4Emo6BAFw9ToABEewF_TtO46wD5wMSaN4k8FAOferhGlxU96_FucPM27eb1owxph8MRlgWRgqqJGWxMPDHUAmXZrrUyhjhCwZXtdJivm-eol/s400/singing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154984083290109362" /></a>The next morning we were up early to catch the train to our next destination.....Perpignan. We got a lovely send off from Marylene and the boys.</div><div> They boys ran along with the train til the end of the platform! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5n70ZDvQggmh3yei17NiuXJf-OWo8Kx4l57xiGh725PkUrEZrefQgIJQW1j5OYvJTccascC8ev0MgsvMfttt0oLkTFFVmgj_cQvm2HKLb7R2LqBM7QvOacPK9bjr7N-Sr7LMEgtY84Cb/s320/2222.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154955053606155330" />Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-85911670243346267662007-08-31T08:24:00.001-07:002008-12-09T19:26:50.617-08:00PARIS, FRANCE<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Paris</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WOYAH6bEQvrqVLVm9y2Lov69oGe3FxT8dSWP9ha4MuWwsH5-Rx84VHEZYC4GHnbAVNER6k6TTLqNXRYC-8gt0MdusuTt-n3KPVFXvBu5xuJ3kRvnjTxQlTNTjFQ3RNG7XsIt5TRpJZyK/s1600-h/croissant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124974095957016258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WOYAH6bEQvrqVLVm9y2Lov69oGe3FxT8dSWP9ha4MuWwsH5-Rx84VHEZYC4GHnbAVNER6k6TTLqNXRYC-8gt0MdusuTt-n3KPVFXvBu5xuJ3kRvnjTxQlTNTjFQ3RNG7XsIt5TRpJZyK/s200/croissant.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bonjour! We made it to gay Paris finally and it didn't disappoint one bit. Our hotel was a short walk from the metro station which made it easy to get around to see the sights. It was really excting to be here again and we were both looking forward to exploring this amazing city once more. <div><div>We woke up to a traditional french breakfast of croissant, bagette, preserves and cafe ou lait at our hotel. The breakfast was just as we remembered French breakfasts to be like from our previous trips to France, yummy!.</div><div>One thing that was clearly evident is that Cup Du Monde - Rugby World Cup 2007 fever definitely had Paris in its grasp. There was a sport shop around the corner from our hotel that had a huge promotion in the window of the All Blacks - which was bigger than the one for France.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106443865032946050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vAgaRxHvk3irBqQEuXdVRhNvViV_yC-8HZjj-qpDgGHuLp88oxCmo2FuoqUzvZog-C-qa3PaU1eaVW-bd93x8les0KPMYqZDYlDLClcBkJeGXjaigU19E5aSRQIJcU8bLSGE2ctJuLzB/s400/tandtheblacks.jpg" border="0" />The All Blacks are huge here and they love them almost as much as their precious Les Bleus. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_nF-f-ps57KgJe4Yh-xWJUPix3bRlwlpLqcjyOl8cLy47SPYcHRNkjcoxXS-R2f8DrO7oQM_Luf8xDlKOFFiGpBB9_g4AsYhTzj_yIY05EPgHqsUYnVHkvFec345sXjVXcfPn-q2NwaW/s1600-h/eiffeltowerandus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124930459089288722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_nF-f-ps57KgJe4Yh-xWJUPix3bRlwlpLqcjyOl8cLy47SPYcHRNkjcoxXS-R2f8DrO7oQM_Luf8xDlKOFFiGpBB9_g4AsYhTzj_yIY05EPgHqsUYnVHkvFec345sXjVXcfPn-q2NwaW/s200/eiffeltowerandus.jpg" border="0" /></a>That evening we caught the metro across Paris to go and see the famous Eiffel Tower. When we got there the weather had taken a turn for the worse but it was still such an amazing sight to see. We got some photos but it was so cold compared to the heat of the Asian summer that we had left behind and to make matters worse it was drizzling so we decided we would come back another day to see it at night. We had some French wine and cheese at our hotel YUM then later went out for a lovely dinner of mussells. We noticed that they were little compared to NZ mussells but there were heaps of them and they were very flavoursome and yummy. (We do like trying to make people hungry whilst reading our blog!) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124933826343648866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1rk_hsXJZWE7OvjJWZuOVElkB9kC0LgQF8jyQpchZNS_cFjwRzxABUFJcotygiqliUUpbtIOpEa-P7tTdAr8EL_7v-33Nb4S_6g5xQkjle0OvSkHKBFfgoDwvfaKq74aGpOV1iyTsETr/s320/mussells.jpg" border="0" /> The next day we went to see Notre Came cathedral. What can you say other than STUNNING! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106445969566921138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtit0-QyBBzgYXGysaFYdGPYVyNgtfJt_hCXKtgVxUZ7hyphenhyphenYbwJMGwTlr-_PIQWSUZVhCjRo7vsv8vzH_KEcfp9DgkRV71dFJ9YUxSaxL3LiGs0z92sB6VA1cBTY_TvX1JRonNEj0LH7DAq/s400/notredame.jpg" border="0" />There were people everywhere and the queue to get in was so long. So we took a page out of the Asian queueing techniques and went in through the exit instead. We never actually did this in Asia but we did at Notre Dame! Yes it was a bit cheeky but worth it as the interior was quite incredible and we were extra lucky as there was a service in progress with a wonderfully melodic choir singing as well.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124929874973736434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpOZbQy_NH3cIiGvEtym6caUnhznugGm4evk-wEvtzU3BlfJxob8Kg2c9yePejbzH822zJZuacDvMHwiwHZcc-B6ctHI7ofUncHQBuLAL1u1BL1j1iPXyH9XDUaaJwuxoEEh1trJ4jgSW/s320/insideND.jpg" border="0" />Then Tama played with a rugby ball for awhile on a temporary sand rugby pitch outside the Hotel de Ville (I guess it was for the World Cup!)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124977763859087106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyPhpy7AHrkMeIqipCoqj26eMVlP3myytO6Xe_wYCPB_Wdzi9Fr1eWgWnSKgSARj_yYTI7cTsBvwvhCPdBXqr5cGtDxAh3LTEoT6KpmIzeNn05nEx3AAuqnaGYkDW2rQkmcYuflGC88DY/s320/rugby1.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We then traipsed across Paris to the Musee de Pompedieu. It had big escalators up the sides of the building and amazing views of Paris from the top floors. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124931421161963058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiLXImWXTYYGl_K_L_e21MtIpWFsgPjAuxzYLiP1UzuZmCsN_c6iCo-NxIqxUAPMrHweC_DioZHmCbdv80_JJfgy0ppVwgWZlItoyCU1VBjRicIdPyNgbcu2MYbhIAKGpl3FgxNeTVu88/s320/DSC_5736.jpg" border="0" />It was huge and full of amazing modern works from a number of very famous artists like Jackson Pollock and Picasso. There were also some definite UNIQUE pieces to say the least (some very odd installation stuff like big stuffed toys that drop from the ceiling!). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124977755269152498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRY6vWCjthO6lvrvVuP0dnkvcOxYSBdcrlE2ZlN6eOGHJN8yu1_kBYJ5LBYrTQmJZXJFn5EsKVivexjI0cwPK1a1dOPcTjWRqgdsreVNbz4-82ta7ZAW74F3mRHFZAOJZipfdfz8Slxk5s/s320/pompart.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>From here we walked through the gorgeous streets and found a wonderful restaurant where we had a delcious meal for lunch finished off with une cafe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr75IkAQhJW51r_gyqZRRak5AQ0ql-Z-11LuYnwrnBUqj6f3ilUqx1TuO3wyzdbXictx9qzgQhh2rf4bo1JRCvIUTcRXik5Im9aS0pjcBcOTnhNY3ekq6ibbr_Hf9LV4Mm6bzsVArcdDf/s1600-h/DSC_5790.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124930867111181858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr75IkAQhJW51r_gyqZRRak5AQ0ql-Z-11LuYnwrnBUqj6f3ilUqx1TuO3wyzdbXictx9qzgQhh2rf4bo1JRCvIUTcRXik5Im9aS0pjcBcOTnhNY3ekq6ibbr_Hf9LV4Mm6bzsVArcdDf/s200/DSC_5790.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our next stop was the famous Musee de Louvre. The weather once again let us down and it began to drizzle. We donned our rain jackets to keep warm as well as dry and got the compulsory tourist pictures. There was a cute old man feeding the birds so we sat and watched him for awhile (he did have quite a lovely backdrop behind him as you can see!) There wasn't much time left until the museum closed so we decided to come back another time so that we could have a decent look around. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106443847853076818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV62ZGdK4Re-RAJJtaTI8thqKlpgXoHSNW44-bZnUzhrE9bYeLIz21nl_yXogR9xXmEsxs6rcVR1-fYtW9eFbQprnp7-IFetpW4UIsUJLe7SkqD1px8NlGfp6_ih2cHjIIx70fs093Z_mc/s400/birdman.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz00NRXGbYEW8oy2DmM28UFwM6ZSVwHbsSKDphelcEj8NX141tdMemUbasOgQIt9v-Z6_zYpeRAaFIouiuMCjM0hkAxocZ4hisYE-ouSSM9n4NKN6RpJJvD7CFNiKWSLjezqc7EIyfhG1V/s1600-h/tamaarc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124933371077115474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz00NRXGbYEW8oy2DmM28UFwM6ZSVwHbsSKDphelcEj8NX141tdMemUbasOgQIt9v-Z6_zYpeRAaFIouiuMCjM0hkAxocZ4hisYE-ouSSM9n4NKN6RpJJvD7CFNiKWSLjezqc7EIyfhG1V/s200/tamaarc.jpg" border="0" /></a>Instead we walked to the Champ Elysees and on the way Olivia's jandal broke. A couple of days earlier my jandal broke in Shanghai so we decided we would go shopping in one of Paris's most famous retail areas. We ended up getting a flash new pair of jandals each and then walked up to see the Arc de Triumph. There was some sort of ceremony or celebration going on at the Arc so there were lots of people at every possible vantage point taking photos. We got some of course as this was one of the sights that Liv was really looking forward to seeing whilst we were here.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106445948092084626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgHlRGNjVfvaTu8QgCiErxjEMB-BAzi59mjVB_HNZnS9CLQh1nV1GbtOzyWOfdiUYm5wTWzacAFBKHldRNXqUu703xbfsk4yfcT-83lFZ5rZ5cmjPSzSWgS_xwH_FV1pOflhSU508Mywd/s400/arcdetriompe&liv.jpg" border="0" /> That night we went for a big walk up the hill to Sacre Couer (hope I spelt that right?)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124973370107543186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgDFe3cOAtqMvthwx0mYiN3uOrQqDWrazPCJAHD4J6nIUAUprliItEb7hAJ8DEpXpE99Al-bAbtmCU75o4H3gqZ4_0mSpQyw5BmA87BwVmkHzax4Uv4_sAxupIEQr6v0ZmD7Kuh7G6z1i/s400/DSC_5889.jpg" border="0" /> It was gorgeous as ever and the merry-go-round at the bottom of the stairs leading up to it is so cute. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124973391582379698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi593X0qW3lwNcVB9effYHbR8qvLEuL7egBqnOmXncO3fOl1lxbmRgBoN_fDir9doNxHIDzRL3DJMF69p6IljzlBQq344-FxKo772oq5yamlNGe3GlyLOGB7_el_l7wxIC9xprYpoNE2XxZ/s400/merrygoround.jpg" border="0" />We went inside which we hadn't done before (that I can remember anyway, did we in 1999 Mum and Dad?). The inside was stunning esp looking at the big dome in the roof from underneath. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124930145556676098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_JH4bggED2JRFrIYEPhzn33rxufWJ5msV-KZ8PZfmcgJ46tWNbvKCq2SGZm8gZtqOPn3ybnDVU91loGGhGO3rZoqAJ_bEW3jAhjwOnpbrpNYlubTHcYeGNuxNtQBwmt4rYPYm9Ey1Cu3/s320/insidesc.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106443856443011442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWPScMNwPLxDpnB800F5hGPoP2ANgDpH77wlQkW-c7kjoaqIfQtjJzu5lEuHoMHZ3l1906_n4xegjN-60fjPM_0cxu0n-yygrvwmA8nRdqRQfaAj5d5cLDJego2zL71-qYRQ9WDfMWB-n/s400/sacrecouer.jpg" border="0" />We had a delicious french meal with french red wine nearby in Montmatre..... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124934255840378482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOU0KuTd_rK6llXLUqVj2t9qT5Tb80cHwa5h2N7HVxEtU3gkfCa7jd-QWehP8N6Bdt4alPS5Ne-OWlvlbJsqTzUbLjBD67QDBhdgOpF8dalYB7JXt46pM4ctqV96z22monEDLN6hYjDy6/s320/tkai.jpg" border="0" />then walked back down the hill and got on the metro back to our hotel. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124977750974185186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLh5T-cHSbUy-0wn4nw3Q9NScA_rmV1_GTordDqC6XOccl1pypOWJzq2s9kqHmvf933Du9mUAK6lFZK4FXOevXyR5GftxCzpK6fRfoaNgE1HGK1Dc9RZE0an91VFMG3ktC4aubwn6YSkn/s320/metro.jpg" border="0" />On our final day in Paris we went back to Le Louvre and went inside to the magnificent museum. We got photos at the place famous in the novel the Da Vinci Code where the holy grail ('holding grill' in Asia's version of the film!) is suppossed to be kept :) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106445960976986530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0UwNpw2OKALs7TatpQ4tFlTyMQreuNYilPiJuXKBMH3b0yr_M5bkFE5_t9-MvrIeT0-iDVZQX3loSga_3T4mS1Bgrhgxy5h4o0sFXNCLAglf4irHM395uRFE-l3JMsCamE-bNaGnos2_/s400/louvre&liv.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124973382992445090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoYKdS6SfRK-yYT3JctdcB4rzg4W-j37QgDQtOQYpP1DX5DcfOg2VYjqk6vjcZhTH7eeWkqV8IET6AoS532R6g_lqMTKNNDbLjEf8xYwXh4R5_64SmmBbZuwu73BOD3y-03OO750Bf4fO/s400/louvre.jpg" border="0" />We spent a great few hours looking at all the amazing old paintings and sculptures including of course the Mona Lisa (see photo below to see how many other people wanted a look at the same time we did! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106443852148044130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmOHc8SjppZkAlTDfGdCttd4nR_Ko0dYVzQq-y9qE0fu_5WChSzfAlIbUyg2vGBScqywg66x25IZX9mLHyaus1o5RTS1Pl3HjUJMJqXpibTqISxOE9HGpsGFQ1oaaiQqX30gO3rSfYQoA/s400/monalisamayhem.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124977798218825506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxI-1GjD2SWwEOkMNRN_XC6CDmulgMGWVTp1w2mpyfboACDF1PCq9cpu0kb4VR_I3vsX3Mmk-Ss8Tp1_eA_uxCPPw_31el8YNrHTh5PPkG3CKV3NnwY8KlzrYDUN8TD32bFjZo6eM5Pbi/s320/spinkz.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124977768154054418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWO9xEkd9UEJZTcc5YC5o41BHJc6ehyJ-YUeqawDa010XpBn3QqfbBSJWEGA1po93t9rBvRCBCB3FQjJ08NnB5W-Ab-oy_UHzZzfpJ7wD8qTQdo1oz7lBJFHmdPJ8Sq8qHWJeYqVRv8Oo/s320/thedyingslave.jpg" border="0" />The cakes in the shop on our way out were so beautiful they should almost have been displayed in the museum too. But at 5euro each we decided to pass! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106443839263142210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Hd8OuuS7FGB94MMNHjeEWXh8X6vdZl7CJqSGsUGBGzwunUC_ncmBwSMdt5ELcUbOKnM2R96f0b4LITWAoQCAoCOqgYjgM0yV8V4jxWwUJkFUXlS3rAU9TbT2A80T5tdiMU7k0glHfgr/s400/beautifulcakes.jpg" border="0" />On our last night we went back to the Eiffel Tower and watched the light show it puts on everynight. It was very pretty and kind of majical since it's such a famously romantic thing to do and all! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124976831851183826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgo6LdgZYvXaOtGAv9dQDWyFON5xKNhOiuNhowD4dAMgA_ya3vmQ9n2niSQMGR_G2NMuh_NQFvxICCyq2ZC0O1OMToY-wrzpCFbORYejcrjTr-ZAtxn3DBqBkKa_4tCCnrhicBJKN4qhoT/s400/tower.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124972712977546882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIszwNmaNkUsgcUI1TbpxRb1b-WWE4uD2a3k-FyEfbmyJbQHwESoGm5LAWpu33c9SX910VowtAzUS0JjCGrA_CLYQeFTbk6uTPB8RVoNSylZkoOa9YhUR82gbHrT1p_Lwut2lBUcfS_1VA/s400/tower2.jpg" border="0" />Next stop St Jean Pe De Port in the south of France!.....</div></div></div></div></div></div><p>Much love as always</p><p>Liv and Tama xx</p></div></div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-58158774474135720712007-08-30T05:35:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:26:54.129-08:00FRANKFURT, GERMANY<strong>Frankfurt</strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>We landed at Frankfurt airport and after clearing customs went to the information desk to get some directions to our hotel. The lady was very helpful and told us that we had to catch a train to Ostenstrasse station and the hotel shouldn't be too far from there. We followed her directions and once we got out of the station we both thought that this didn't really look like the area that we had read about on the internet. We must have looked a real site as some locals that had got off our train asked us if we were lost and we both said 'Yes!' They hadn't heard of the hotel nor the area that is was in but they knew there was nothing of that name anywhere close to where we were. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk5xM_D6WRUkx1KjOncPt6yarh2GRo2xtx8pujMQyRrvHr_G8PrKWy0hDmETCfFlDK80nf4AehAaZXFCtUcVddhdW_6QjBelOS6lKP0FvfE-G-zo_sAhVHqGn0Sg7FioZp24ibVE2Y5Xz/s1600-h/hoteleuropa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106778447280272082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk5xM_D6WRUkx1KjOncPt6yarh2GRo2xtx8pujMQyRrvHr_G8PrKWy0hDmETCfFlDK80nf4AehAaZXFCtUcVddhdW_6QjBelOS6lKP0FvfE-G-zo_sAhVHqGn0Sg7FioZp24ibVE2Y5Xz/s200/hoteleuropa.jpg" border="0" /></a>So one of them offered to ring the hotel on their cell phone and made enquiries on our behalf. Eventually they told us that we had to catch the train back to Frankfurt Hautbanhoff (the main station) and we would find the hotel pretty much right there. After thanking them for being so helpful we did just that and found Hotel Europa around the corner from the station. It was a lovely little place and was right in the middle of the city.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTAcdpAzECPoxqaETSIAkg-f3UHygNm1u0wohGj7-deW9bavbcv-FQoQSxeKtuIY2lTG090JoICfr5G8tgtBP6_IKkT3uIYdIN9ZQQNyW68uwITZmiJQYDGu09tZZVCMGcLvjSijqqPjI/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106778030668444338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTAcdpAzECPoxqaETSIAkg-f3UHygNm1u0wohGj7-deW9bavbcv-FQoQSxeKtuIY2lTG090JoICfr5G8tgtBP6_IKkT3uIYdIN9ZQQNyW68uwITZmiJQYDGu09tZZVCMGcLvjSijqqPjI/s320/breakfast.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had a pleasant surprise the next morning as we found out that continental breakfast was included with our room. What was even better was that there was REAL COFFEE (as opposed to most of the stuff we dared to try in Asia) and real bread too. The food was so different from what we had gotten used to in Asia (i.e noodles and dumplings) and absolultely delicious. After a scrumptuous breakfast we set off to explore Frankfurt for the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeoDNRSzq-zMPg5tcyjPNCwVbWwDtOJxKy2GdsfvwA2Lan8xGarDg59ISxg3DLtQG0x6Jgm-kz3Gr3yS-1KcFmvOtFNuIEv-Qvkkh3c7qE99XqbTiI9wRTp90_BgqRz_Lx6wefj8qT396/s1600-h/church.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106778442985304770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeoDNRSzq-zMPg5tcyjPNCwVbWwDtOJxKy2GdsfvwA2Lan8xGarDg59ISxg3DLtQG0x6Jgm-kz3Gr3yS-1KcFmvOtFNuIEv-Qvkkh3c7qE99XqbTiI9wRTp90_BgqRz_Lx6wefj8qT396/s200/church.jpg" border="0" /></a>The first stop was outside the train station which was gorgeous. From there we walked through the city streets and really noticed the difference between a city whose population is 600,000 (Frankfurt) compared to 20 million (Shanghai). Of course the architecture was very different to that in Asia too. We spent a few hours that morning just strolling around adjusting back to Western culture, people, everything! We went it to the town church, had photos with fountains, buildings and sculptures and wandered around the town squares and shopping malls. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106778966971314914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVjuRQlFsT4CGf9VV9tTrD9RNs-GZ-zb30OVgbpmppnNwOgTjqs5EjJB5rz2bU753p4nKB0yX7fmRF_ewcIMHqslKjm6_Z249uLSpNtcsCMtv2f1yCKbcnE5n_lO4S73pUavshO0SAH4o/s320/buildings.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106775685616300706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrwLjhpnTiQFyFcKXbUxP4MB_EkzDMhi7Ua9TW4u74Uw27qRcG65baVFNomiU0hD3DVVs9NCKkr7-80Qha2MMxqBDOyHwAz33KsLC5iBMJR9EDyZ7JOm0MM6CZbGrlANygrvC5TW4816B/s320/fountain.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106772786513375714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K0bKtrMtVQYLeTImYjMuE_Dt4lpqVe7B9NHeBSW5HlWJVYD0nr3Mq3iXnm_S69Ay7WyHrfZznuAvh3zim1WYK14L54gaBVfxxnGcXE0YhW6hQF2lbEgq-c5_JyKuqUGFd0_rdKCdxdKc/s400/architecture.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37Y2UmM7dyE64dDm4CHqhV_ZUgcdThVq-bJKAx4TEELtOKsuLIdcpdtDfs0eaVc4Wz8p23pxTbJRFanAs0YE4aTjxtP9-kvkvQoDovrEdScO5W2v5UYrUS8FMK8cHGxSbXlX1Ci9MjnOI/s1600-h/church.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106778971266282226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYC2lz7NQb315g3vjrNHUOPNcWpsRXkgXRYt4FbsRHiJmC8OPJ9hbPcvcuEo1zUepgNA_F63OngxWIMGkHVXx_IpvaAjeQibJbTaOnUubYzz9sKUT55SMjwpz6Xi1uCQLPo8p59WtvSXu/s320/tamaonstreet.jpg" border="0" />It was also great to finally be able to go to shoe stores and find some that would fit as this was night on impossible in Asia. We were pleasantly suprised to see that things weren't as expensive we had thought they were going to be and in a lot of cases totally comparable to those back home.<br />For lunch we got a Bratwurst hot dog with fritz (fries) and mayonnaise and a gyros (otherwise known as kebabs in NZ) - not that healthy but oh soooooooo good - we got one of each and shared so not too many carbs!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106775681321333394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j2mbwwGgqvkxt0Xcdyj0g_wZYGm5AdjvQUyuf4uU_oOeu_VjwtfdzhVPZSCtMFrT9jYAinmtRcQOyMlrEpNJoJeTxVNS2ezxFHTechdzMMKHBmSCMtIlta5wJjt4co4zEfwUesCkvaBd/s320/sausage!.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106775677026366082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADfn2zjWBHHER979BG1IsDMPDCTfd3oMVMzBrnKQH02WeP1js4vn1iW6jGVv5T7Iq5Vwy_XKDAlCxtyvyWJpIxKqfuO-FqhqRULUy7AMyrLpiJtDXKupKwtQYuGUyHLmuS9N9VF03TivW/s320/geros.jpg" border="0" />I had been hanging out for these treats since I lived in Cologne and wanted Liv to try them and as we were only there for one day we had to get them both - oh well someone had to do it.<br />We had some trouble trying to get one of the filters off the lens of Liv's camera and took it a shop to get fixed. The old man that was there couldn't speak any English but was so nice and had it off in a jiffy and refused to take any money for it. His shop was full of every type of camera you could think of and Liv loved it. After that we were walking through a mall and came across this incredible cafe/ restaurant. There were crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains and stunning furniture. The bartender showed us a back dining room that was amazing.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106775668436431474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETvALba9KKrvyniNP_F3p9F7CxstNa5BL2gGOp99BOTXhSjEzHPWWeW-YGqL9vVklupuXJifR99_CiaXei_ZpYho1A4IaFCWfP6iSlUnahWBwW5U3vJrmmMliaJYkeRrfXolmQjIxr6CK/s320/bar.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We then walked slowly back through the city to our hotel where we got refreshed and headed out for dinner. The guy at the front desk recommended we take a walk to a place called St.Peter's square and there we would find a nice place to have a meal. The walk was gorgeous and eventually we found a small little pizzeria where we decided to eat. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106772799398277634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOvtzSuwNX-2UM_KW1OMXGnebYShBmKyniTGswj-OHaN0EQug4IxjA0dxWeuoYVTMFmrLWusaQs_OrxA2yIOMb298Js9ijrwQof9UkOQiPq6PM_Piqwz-Ts3pZxsQQy7J5UCeLK5K7ZtI/s400/pizzeria.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xOQRU7-laYvfoL4SvKKNIeDqfFI27k7pgVOQNcaq7ipPNHFFXwQfMW4fTmiVG1ZiPsfLDiZEzT4EMfrZLviKXjn-9X4S8ZuMytCt_KR0Kr6tfjnTxM3nBwdIso9w9xaU-ugi2wg_IWoD/s1600-h/pizzeria2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106774053528728082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xOQRU7-laYvfoL4SvKKNIeDqfFI27k7pgVOQNcaq7ipPNHFFXwQfMW4fTmiVG1ZiPsfLDiZEzT4EMfrZLviKXjn-9X4S8ZuMytCt_KR0Kr6tfjnTxM3nBwdIso9w9xaU-ugi2wg_IWoD/s320/pizzeria2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ordering was quite funny as the people behind the counter couldn't speak any English at all, but luckily for us there was a man and his daughter there who helped us place our order. The man then explained that this shop (that was run by an elderly couple) only opened for the first two weeks of every month and then would close. He also told us that it was extremely popular with locals and the constant stream of people coming was evidence of that too. We had to wait half an hour so for the pizza's so we had a glass of red each to pass the time. It was so worth the wait as the pizza's were astounding. There was a bowl of chilli sauce that we went to add and the old man warned us that it was very hot. We had been eating chilli sauce throughout Asia and were not worried at all - we were so wrong. IT WAS SOOOOO HOT! The hottest chilli sauce I think we both have ever had. We had a good laugh as did the man behind the counter and it typified a brilliant night out. </div><br /><div>On the way home we took some photos of the riverside buildings which were all lit up and then went back to the hotel for a well earned sleep. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106772795103310322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Yw2HGsmLUB62ylcO_EfIOEYEGPlD9p6cDtbqNdjm2Lnq6jtjfAgMUTzXQFNyDpuRteMnvTjnVLIU6VVptUE74G-ZTBQfDlkptlZfh336KFEOTVnZE-PTwX3QMUD7HlZ7W_QBawba1a3V/s400/bridge.jpg" border="0" />The next morning we had another amazing continental breakfast checked out of our room and caught the train to Frankfurt airport to get our plane to Paris. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106772777923441106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODrUIhPgB2gA_B8PLmHHtRWSX4DVJ4tryxcoRYbpDhyVVg6N75-WREXjMVnU7JLFTnQTertyrqmtpM4vPzNx-Nr9TAYGMmd8ZGHKbgNy2WyXvRbiouZEhd19T3PHgwK2gI9aZlOx8Xhbx/s400/airport.jpg" border="0" /><br />Arohanui<br />Livi and Tama xx<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-80826738506732983852007-08-10T11:07:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:27:01.184-08:00SHANGHAI, CHINA<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Shanghai </strong></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105023918780117170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2r9Ea-zV1HnD0pT8x43MRJyA7wM_0Jh8EXrDmNPiOJwJIiZS4rTdnRANN1Gy_Zl3ZNF6av0Oh6gFM8j7snd3D8jn4hZ68P8t2b833c0ZhBci7iWDe3uTAR4ab1pkFlhxsrR9aBAmFtKX/s400/thumbsup.jpg" border="0" /> Believe it or not we reached our final destination in Asia. We both found it hard to fathom that we left New Zealand 4 months ago and now only had 5 days til we flew to Europe. Although we were excited to be heading off to Germany and France, we were also a little sad to be leaving Asia behind. We checked into our hotel which was very central and our room was awesome. We were only minutes walk away from town and the famous waterfront area called The Bund...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104971399920021426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARwhOEuK0XkCAqfFJ1wUkEyKUEYIth1UxcQz_Xm1X_HBXyL3HPQmG3OU1ydROVQ8sDj92jUOOGO4gl5VqmpxF2FnFd0Gz2yL3BaAOhNYA7CZD7paQXRwrUz6U3fI33PufuzXRgYp8B7jz/s320/harbourdaytime.jpg" border="0" /> Nanjing Road (which is like a huge Cuba Mall as most of it is pedestrian access only and shops galore) was also only a few minutes walk away. Its such an amazing, incredibly vibrant place and its hard not to like it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6aMb1Oy3hFsZVFjSh3x1cR1leJKYg54eQZMn34QXYeEq6AfGXIJZDC9kl88hyou51EPCL2M6fpLeZiQ6Wvc0bGBu6Qew1jSVr4prxfH8snR5v2JIV4hnY279wLHZLKkpRiTMyYewqzTa/s1600-h/liviinthecity.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105173147418816818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6aMb1Oy3hFsZVFjSh3x1cR1leJKYg54eQZMn34QXYeEq6AfGXIJZDC9kl88hyou51EPCL2M6fpLeZiQ6Wvc0bGBu6Qew1jSVr4prxfH8snR5v2JIV4hnY279wLHZLKkpRiTMyYewqzTa/s320/liviinthecity.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AGGo3AbQ5bDJ7lwjM6081cPzseNN7N3MH0ATCU9YFMyL5XUFAeaMKrWtPYYMv9laf9DF_1KSBd49OMle5THiU48rNWVFXJ4GtaWJY2jtZbHAdSj3tlAgzjz07YbIWTlN2UCfoZ3AB9Zo/s1600-h/coca2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104973629008048114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AGGo3AbQ5bDJ7lwjM6081cPzseNN7N3MH0ATCU9YFMyL5XUFAeaMKrWtPYYMv9laf9DF_1KSBd49OMle5THiU48rNWVFXJ4GtaWJY2jtZbHAdSj3tlAgzjz07YbIWTlN2UCfoZ3AB9Zo/s320/coca2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Walking through Nangjing Road at night was awesome as there were neon lightgs everywhere - the most impressive one being a huge coke bottle that lit up. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJYZFUHmMzHpMLK8FtTYllEy40anCdmKqt35kv_1L4HKTeR6g3U6rW6YkOgvF4BDJO8oXCmi6vSQ7J9XVDe6IAv7_7hdZA-a7qy9HCH2XV3wJPbqfOURY1RfSk_PO6rKpmaIpSVsOdGtD/s1600-h/36degrees.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104972550971256786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJYZFUHmMzHpMLK8FtTYllEy40anCdmKqt35kv_1L4HKTeR6g3U6rW6YkOgvF4BDJO8oXCmi6vSQ7J9XVDe6IAv7_7hdZA-a7qy9HCH2XV3wJPbqfOURY1RfSk_PO6rKpmaIpSVsOdGtD/s320/36degrees.jpg" border="0" /></a>There was also a massive thermometer on the side of a building that told us it was 36 degrees at 10pm at night. There is a mix of the old (in the Bund) and the new with huge skyscrapers and a skyline not too unlike that in Hong Kong. Like Hong Kong the metro was also really easy to use and it was a great way to get around and about. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104971387035119506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw_UPKoyARFeBNalAiCCQTXOKieF3kw02fp97m8_jfSuO9DzWPmSaVej0NdbSAKzDvzOAWdOG6xDUDp4PDyx83CS2BUGI82OLWFy0KrULqNJmSAn1L4MYB1fUzD5ZyBxwU2rx3P1o_l-9/s320/antiqueshopping.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHnCeNNk6Fb0Fg2rEq_O-Svt6zHuGrFtnzuWur00-eqHRbXBo_0Ao-BQiqay1ZhkFnHvD4qdXQOV619dUb5qxHlnBGEzMdVed_JtRGfm8epgFLaJe8nabsxwthJhReTPWpz32wN7dawmD/s1600-h/oldtown1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104973641892950034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHnCeNNk6Fb0Fg2rEq_O-Svt6zHuGrFtnzuWur00-eqHRbXBo_0Ao-BQiqay1ZhkFnHvD4qdXQOV619dUb5qxHlnBGEzMdVed_JtRGfm8epgFLaJe8nabsxwthJhReTPWpz32wN7dawmD/s320/oldtown1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We went on a walk around the city to check out the market areas and the first stop was Dongtai Road Antique Market. There were lots of beautiful items and we managed to get a couple of pressies sorted here. Then we walked through the area called 'Old Town' to Xiangyang Road Market which is right next to the Yuanyuan gardens. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104975196671111266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSisa1Q77WD3t36fyiFGaQjKZAnUpF4AIdxV9R3IYOVxbh9Ol0TGYoMqMS_ZUK8QuM37g1LKEDKqPGFSKw_QSrCt4LZ36AeANPUTOpTvjVUaR-qP9rSqwl1bVpV_wNgjFb2FtSNFHwi6Y/s320/oldtowntama.jpg" border="0" />The architecture of the buildings here was stunning and we bought ourselves one of the few souvenirs of our trip - a scroll written in Chinese that has the word love and our names on it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104969785012318050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLByZ1Pj75Kula3IXsh-WkNw5gyQoCT6f-M1vCTDvyHkLdQ9rK4ls9lanFhJxIiws8fKoVZoyen9kH0QhlOWvPF4Qj3KO8hNcoK91y_RjSQDI7QCKg3XfzdXbK4ORWf8gO0Otx71SH1j4/s320/banner.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104975200966078578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv28Z5pGPwLcfYXpSzIQTtqyRsrc-cWHp1dtLRWBhqNrPp6jII3JzBo8Rd_N7dYXYNF6ob8QwpmSb9ygEP02ksRKj2FQQEVyoSoyyLNXno9WI8PWZic-tLtkWT5Gs0CZjN6ZHNxNolT-P/s320/ourbanner.jpg" border="0" />That night we went to an Indian restaurant for dinner that was recommended in our trusty Lonely Planet - it was brilliant as the review said it would be!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104971404214988738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTyZcBHE_mV0oZ6e2Q2kmJi6a2l5oqJRb5oGh6h2ESmS_Lrno8lsrX6H0NOycnu_14e4H-chhQ1ye-_2vJIJ1rKpxHSpZI3bBssY_yD9l_WpCaMvmD9bk_KsP_wtx-3Vuv5j3MdpB4NoK/s320/indian.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYGCdXSF1t7Yp9SYarVgwiXvOK8vqgamyWrCj5wWMKMiKZIHqnSiEtIEpsFAnYW7LI6a0x7j1dW_xe9IvSagLfA-whIaNjGl0RpF2_KpVHo7jFA9_BedQsFEXl2Wz4_wzRmtbAY6fPYhQ/s1600-h/livshairdo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105169947668181250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYGCdXSF1t7Yp9SYarVgwiXvOK8vqgamyWrCj5wWMKMiKZIHqnSiEtIEpsFAnYW7LI6a0x7j1dW_xe9IvSagLfA-whIaNjGl0RpF2_KpVHo7jFA9_BedQsFEXl2Wz4_wzRmtbAY6fPYhQ/s320/livshairdo.jpg" border="0" /></a>Olivia got her hair highlighted as her regrowth was getting a bit obvious and we thought it would be a good idea to get it done here where things are cheaper than Europe. We went somewhere upmarket in a nice shopping mall that used Schwartzkopf products and dyes. When they first did it she was soooooooooo BLONDE - like platinum! That's what you get when they are used to colouring black hair! Man it was scary! But they were really good about re-doing it (for no extra charge) as it was obvious that it was way lighter than the colours she had shown them! It ended up looking really nice so she was very happy! Liv spent one day walking around with platinum hair as they said it would be too damaging to her hair to do it all in one day. She got a lot of looks from Chinese men that night! I also got a haircut as they were offering two for one. There was a little bit of a communication breakdown and instead of getting a number one, it ended up being a zero! So Olivia ended up BLONDE and I ended up BALD! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28v6oifJOHSDJIlyaZ6iKj7jJgv1YcLJa6T1hzXwSroDZA1T0KMpn-SBDKQO0TLESHUGzhm2GREUZub_GjmtYA9dwFZeefgPBO1yFwzJLEzn3nsP3ZM_tPh-2BtnSj0Ud4M1D_nxOgak/s1600-h/usintown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105171798799085858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28v6oifJOHSDJIlyaZ6iKj7jJgv1YcLJa6T1hzXwSroDZA1T0KMpn-SBDKQO0TLESHUGzhm2GREUZub_GjmtYA9dwFZeefgPBO1yFwzJLEzn3nsP3ZM_tPh-2BtnSj0Ud4M1D_nxOgak/s400/usintown.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next day we took the metro to People's square to do a bit of window shopping! There were so many shopping malls and they were all HUGE! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104975205261045890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae1Aw3AwW5PQQvaTTvqHCjnZfGhpju2v7ocpKKwIc1jC-Fcsvj-Sx4pWOVMyL7M1pcrlWB7rmKmMiGGmlOgZ3_D8jlZwV1Fcc1rbcIpTNx1baPwgB6Byzie2FOfNklASeC7u2vxL3xriQ/s320/peoplessq.jpg" border="0" />We ended up in one in particular that was a maze of escalators and there was even an indoor ice skating rink. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSse-Lsjh5dbhD14EVm_6a_6JZFLCqybttFbKUPDh_7LDQcUkl6AuGMCV-fsZyFZPrEY2wRG-ysvOvayS7ICwTwTSJX9VHpXOisswZqofr_o-KZlLQCnY9-oij_ZbiKvRHZfCZLJDMjnp/s1600-h/shoppingmall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105170858201248018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSse-Lsjh5dbhD14EVm_6a_6JZFLCqybttFbKUPDh_7LDQcUkl6AuGMCV-fsZyFZPrEY2wRG-ysvOvayS7ICwTwTSJX9VHpXOisswZqofr_o-KZlLQCnY9-oij_ZbiKvRHZfCZLJDMjnp/s320/shoppingmall.jpg" border="0" /></a>The 8th floor was full of games and we met a really nice guy that worked there that gave us some tokens so that we could try out some of the games. We had a great time and it saved a couple of YUAN too. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104971395625054114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yQ1PfqJgb-Qu6fNkL2au7E2XLhqzslECwQvDjr8lGmY5ip0SiGOpIZpS62376_nbduHhGpbeHjorg9iPkSl_TLZsmVRiPSQ5CfwMF57zqSopQ9A37jC0V_n0_xuaXMVKR_icEE_Mo7WR/s320/games!.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104974333382684706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVjsveYMynyUPhYTbrKgw96q2HFEPTdS_ynD14QkKaAwJv_MFZO3VI1uSFrByEoIAZjtQv1f8lkFKpo1zURDJIIkHjBJyMCzXnYIm1zSlffCEE2DppwFfeoAUJoQqKpzhq1Vbh7fcxw5n/s320/livandviewfrombar.jpg" border="0" />When we were in Yangshuo we met a couple of guys from Switzerland who told us that there was a really flash hotel where you could go up to the 65th floor to a bar there which afforded an incredible view of Shanghai.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104969797897219970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU_XUVjecOrdE4PCXYlm9HgE5sgYfDMUxZdCoiquvv8-JcM9N11uqHO1Ih3drPyFJcMLhPKWLI61JVTCTzbMKV01N2dCRMb6C1vmUrMIQ-VNd_QzcZnsO0pxl44a0aXXpS8cR8jcmvFvh/s320/viewfrombar1.jpg" border="0" /> Most tourists go up the thermometer shaped Oriental Pearl Tower which is rather costly<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104975213850980498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tzyD8mjT5cDFE2Rys0JkORAN15trrnNh7mZaVgmol2dArgrlDeeYwx3-HOT8aFuOAyk-4OU4WoBTDPSLrrsfODVlaGJuDpEYGz0TxF9LQZA37U6wKTOrhlKIa_do59580rHlGMFJKwTr/s320/orientalpearl.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jn99sXfdv0FHo5M0PnTbcX9ZH1UHGGwRLOIdQVhyCgKhGA3Je622ccTSrde7h5YgFp_og3o4T9UpdoHiONTUMgKYMZ51LFEgDDurddhjhvb2Lzj5y6kUzhuHtGkq5NphYK6EwNJxz50C/s1600-h/royalmeridian.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105168903991128290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jn99sXfdv0FHo5M0PnTbcX9ZH1UHGGwRLOIdQVhyCgKhGA3Je622ccTSrde7h5YgFp_og3o4T9UpdoHiONTUMgKYMZ51LFEgDDurddhjhvb2Lzj5y6kUzhuHtGkq5NphYK6EwNJxz50C/s200/royalmeridian.jpg" border="0" /></a>but the Royal Meridian was free so we had tanqueray gin and tonics instead and gazed out over Shanghai as the sun set and the neons came alive. The bonus too was that you could see the Oriental Pearl (one of Shanghai's landmarks) rather than being inside it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20R6yxavkl092Q0-Qi6CiWIgs_cNnenY8SE4moLgwwxKbXlyeur2lFgHXMHA7goXZLCO3cfBT4-OJOQR6DqKwxPp33E8V0InYpfb-cxTVF4qlCK3iqXpWO84GrBZMNSBcnt4qM2C3tBcP/s1600-h/viewfrombar3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104974341972619330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20R6yxavkl092Q0-Qi6CiWIgs_cNnenY8SE4moLgwwxKbXlyeur2lFgHXMHA7goXZLCO3cfBT4-OJOQR6DqKwxPp33E8V0InYpfb-cxTVF4qlCK3iqXpWO84GrBZMNSBcnt4qM2C3tBcP/s320/viewfrombar3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqoSH_-_Ub7FG6KK4SUTUwXendWV6jOKOSOU_tt7TcvRkwTmchET7D380Ohyphenhyphen4g8HjDahww56DrJ_2hzZ2cH-vIsSTg4ZwQzZu8UVIKpkcZbpJqnnqhxiS74rQsrXkbRzoN9TVISzzgJk3/s1600-h/breadthings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104972555266224098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqoSH_-_Ub7FG6KK4SUTUwXendWV6jOKOSOU_tt7TcvRkwTmchET7D380Ohyphenhyphen4g8HjDahww56DrJ_2hzZ2cH-vIsSTg4ZwQzZu8UVIKpkcZbpJqnnqhxiS74rQsrXkbRzoN9TVISzzgJk3/s320/breadthings.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just like in other parts of Asia the hawker food in Shanghai was amazing. We found this one stall in particular that we both fell in love with. He made these things that were a cross between a steam pork bun and a dumpling - pretty much a stuffed piece of bread with either vege or meat fillings. Once they were cooked he would cut a split in them and add some chilli sauce and they tasted incredible. We liked them so much that we went there everyday and got at least a couple each. </div><br /><div>On our final night we went to Ajisen Ramen (a nationwide chain of Japanese/ Chinese noodle restaurants) AGAIN for our last meal (which was delicious). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104975188081176658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xZKOEpNICKCdARVpgfUXAMfEbbyREPG6glYVKg74sidhO6l81ArJiUuC-SamyLWv23ZU33onW3mu8F_7RRTFfXAtg2p2pyyCiSpTdekgH4gBIFnlxb0f5jhgaBW9i2eODX35ZZxUMKSR/s320/tamanoodsatairport.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxRg0ngQAZJP93bCnTebxow_7LXEqyYf8JSpTwbk-6g5KpAzKSR_KdqsVLgIW86QIHKNE0MQo9hxqWfBlx52i6CQ0P6dXM9u7ZjYMeY8GYFDohEiG3nv3-QMyiT5Hx97UriQ5mfBa_6lC/s1600-h/kites.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104973633303015426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxRg0ngQAZJP93bCnTebxow_7LXEqyYf8JSpTwbk-6g5KpAzKSR_KdqsVLgIW86QIHKNE0MQo9hxqWfBlx52i6CQ0P6dXM9u7ZjYMeY8GYFDohEiG3nv3-QMyiT5Hx97UriQ5mfBa_6lC/s320/kites.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPpXy38KGytZxu-434SUeRsmwX_0-03U0Y-cuFGsKfADnoHs12G0Y0BolaJLQilGYucVFu4UHBrGPj4fBPo9VqoibUY0U9EPJcRfLE4Fj66vDL9Riw1_7PSixH66KhNLpDM-gUn74_OFO/s1600-h/piggies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105168637703155922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPpXy38KGytZxu-434SUeRsmwX_0-03U0Y-cuFGsKfADnoHs12G0Y0BolaJLQilGYucVFu4UHBrGPj4fBPo9VqoibUY0U9EPJcRfLE4Fj66vDL9Riw1_7PSixH66KhNLpDM-gUn74_OFO/s200/piggies.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then we went for a stroll taking in the mass of neon signs and people for the last time and went down to the Bund to see it at night. Like in Xi'an there were hawkers galore trying to sell their wares and the inevitable kite flyers too. It was so surreal knowing that it was our last night in Asia and that tomorrow would bring new experiences and new adventures. The last four months travelling was amazing to say the least. South East Asia is such a diverse and exciting place to see and experience. We knew that this wouldn't be the last time we would visit, such was the impact that it had on us both. But onwards and upwards as they say and the next morning we caught our flight to Frankfurt, Germany. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105020130618962082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxcw9O1948cP-ydm-k7pGmDXuk9Zvx1c9oA-mAGPCtnF_QElGZeIO0FNLUax-CJ1xWbL6x_urL8WoxJ3KEwEc1x5UC3ntt_sGXVwH7CwPJaoHtaYdZBeQZNjG2eEmYY6wcFlSH4c0gWYX/s400/leavingasia.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Arohanui<br />Livi and Tama xx </div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-91058645893967163472007-08-07T17:54:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:27:10.429-08:00BEIJING, CHINA<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Beijing</strong></span><br /><br />We eventually found ourselves a hostel after a few hours traipsing around Tianmen Square and the surrounding area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeG0H847B9GNJGgiEm97sOWLvYxTpF4DC0qt9nDeo6Tl8Ka2aFJaW-BhDoGnitKWJXJ84fOwCmlRigBz7UvQWOh3dHanvRHZKkJrXJNPmhSpohlkErcP8ZUwBNGPuzvuzC9DcQLql8uXk/s1600-h/wallpaper.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeG0H847B9GNJGgiEm97sOWLvYxTpF4DC0qt9nDeo6Tl8Ka2aFJaW-BhDoGnitKWJXJ84fOwCmlRigBz7UvQWOh3dHanvRHZKkJrXJNPmhSpohlkErcP8ZUwBNGPuzvuzC9DcQLql8uXk/s320/wallpaper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104876270689382082" /></a>Once again we could only get a twin room but it was clean, big, had it’s own lounge and cool wallpaper with Chinese characters on it. We also had free Internet access in our room. This proved invaluable as we managed do a lot of catching up on our blog as we had fallen a little behind. <br />Beijing is immense and you really get a sense of how big it is when you see the roads here. There are at least two lanes everywhere and the motorways have 8 going in each direction and they are pretty much always chocka with cars and buses. The buses are always full of people and there are big wide bike lanes throughout the city, which make cycling around Beijing very easy and a lot of fun, too.<br />Of course when in the capital one must go to the Great Wall so we decided to take a tour organised by our hostel to a place called Jinshangling about 4 hours drive away. Most tourists head to Badiling but we were told that it’s always crowded there and would be even worse at this time of the year during the summer holidays. Like with Angkor Wat it’s hard to describe what it’s like when you first lay eyes on the Wall. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-KDLH4Ynd0oY0ge80USR2VPtFuafiIVaU7lzIiCiNEvlFektu2uMepMd8N8Koz8mpR5VdKfS0-PvXKSwOQd8D7UZXo78sfsKaWNX9fHzjE7uFDV8gn-RgxVQwkSEQZXr4aE2lMZuZIzt/s1600-h/wallthroughwindow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-KDLH4Ynd0oY0ge80USR2VPtFuafiIVaU7lzIiCiNEvlFektu2uMepMd8N8Koz8mpR5VdKfS0-PvXKSwOQd8D7UZXo78sfsKaWNX9fHzjE7uFDV8gn-RgxVQwkSEQZXr4aE2lMZuZIzt/s400/wallthroughwindow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104875690868797106" /></a>It literally goes on forever as far as the eye can see in each direction. If there was ever a more aptly named landmark this was it – THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nIiSNoPTwRiG1kSG4fUuOaKyGGJPpWjFwN7yYpMKDrTs3h360mW2SNmxmB6V1lMtP1h_pyRw3zclE2zUSu1UHU923ypwVI2jYA3p3YifKrEC-PltxM9dnDmFGHGl0T7AWDsY0lqNyeGE/s1600-h/usonwall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nIiSNoPTwRiG1kSG4fUuOaKyGGJPpWjFwN7yYpMKDrTs3h360mW2SNmxmB6V1lMtP1h_pyRw3zclE2zUSu1UHU923ypwVI2jYA3p3YifKrEC-PltxM9dnDmFGHGl0T7AWDsY0lqNyeGE/s320/usonwall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862973470633490" /></a>We had a hard slog up a track to get to the wall but all the effort was worth it. When we finally made it there it was breathtaking. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf2D4EAPfQgYqxorjX34sfGoiYX6io1LSsPm4u8bcDRXE5LY7PPeGkHhIZOX4K6dkVDg8lMCWaqjOSRajvVwn_CuNHBuRDXoqMh8jfF_iLev_GEgT1wG1Zs2mWnz4iZrTPDx2sEzg0idg/s1600-h/greatwall2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf2D4EAPfQgYqxorjX34sfGoiYX6io1LSsPm4u8bcDRXE5LY7PPeGkHhIZOX4K6dkVDg8lMCWaqjOSRajvVwn_CuNHBuRDXoqMh8jfF_iLev_GEgT1wG1Zs2mWnz4iZrTPDx2sEzg0idg/s320/greatwall2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862054347632082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ1I-m3Krqb9nhDXsIM0uyE8psOiny72RLcT_l4i2MS7_nA15MMR1FobzR5d1N2jPEyUn601XWcYmx0yw7J8NWFbryNdt7F6izcpd7SYdds3W2jL4XGL6vua8nEX8KhV9AfUFZUgUUjoz/s1600-h/wallfloor.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ1I-m3Krqb9nhDXsIM0uyE8psOiny72RLcT_l4i2MS7_nA15MMR1FobzR5d1N2jPEyUn601XWcYmx0yw7J8NWFbryNdt7F6izcpd7SYdds3W2jL4XGL6vua8nEX8KhV9AfUFZUgUUjoz/s200/wallfloor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104876683006242514" /></a>The first part of the walk (which was going to take us from Jinshangling to Simatai about 10.5kms away) was on a section of the wall that hadn’t had much (if any) restoration done to it so it was pretty tough going especially in the parts that were steep. The best thing about Jinshangling is that there was basically no one else there other than our tour group and maybe one or two others so we were able to get great photos without lots of other people in the shots. To think that the Emperor all those years ago decided (at the same time as he was getting his tomb constructed by 720,000 people) to get this built to keep out invaders is mind-boggling. The terrain that it covers is so barren and remote that it must have been such backbreaking work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEdkgbsdHkkS5Uhjj_ibmiwOSKmhaPgPhBLyX7XaqxU8RDiFp2sPCKw_neUkE8rtWJJxVsaE7dVJsE73EndOEkhixNzlicxO0tM12TRz4TgzWpboAgOFtzqGk6P3fnHle99F6RyvZkU-A/s1600-h/Great+Wall+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEdkgbsdHkkS5Uhjj_ibmiwOSKmhaPgPhBLyX7XaqxU8RDiFp2sPCKw_neUkE8rtWJJxVsaE7dVJsE73EndOEkhixNzlicxO0tM12TRz4TgzWpboAgOFtzqGk6P3fnHle99F6RyvZkU-A/s400/Great+Wall+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096339417361001122" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44Qy7QQvQvAfLlTPZ_uDaIJ4yoGMZZ8-2GO-kj9B4AT8JC2izEBe-UR4iDMXQRg9pr0n3yZAuf2d8CqFxJtVhrclTE5yFNsFuTuLnFozslpcBXHB6LoAfLBIcwRXmqKLb682yL1EwacAR/s1600-h/flyingfox.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44Qy7QQvQvAfLlTPZ_uDaIJ4yoGMZZ8-2GO-kj9B4AT8JC2izEBe-UR4iDMXQRg9pr0n3yZAuf2d8CqFxJtVhrclTE5yFNsFuTuLnFozslpcBXHB6LoAfLBIcwRXmqKLb682yL1EwacAR/s320/flyingfox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104877108208004834" /></a>About two thirds of the way through the walk we had to cross a swing bridge over a gorge that of course had a toll of 5 yuan – that was on top of the entrance fee for the Jinshangling and Simatai sections. This is due to the fact the different provinces look after those sections so they each charge their own rate. We decided to take this flying fox down the valley to where a boat was waiting to take us across this little reservoir to the car park where our tour group was meeting. It was so much fun and was a great way to end a brilliant day. From the car park we were driven to a restaurant for a buffet meal that was included in the tour fee before we drove back to Beijing. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDEv42pnKPBH7wGNF-GR-bsyiEaZ86OlxxowNzksYrH0JlO_ghgj_i2qs11lhUYjVCeQ09kpfQ9NPsBXeo_DKg3CeeVQtiISP3q5Qlk_clkMMKJTzgeF0W41N5lxAWnPBy_DW2i_aM2qi/s1600-h/tamadoorFC.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDEv42pnKPBH7wGNF-GR-bsyiEaZ86OlxxowNzksYrH0JlO_ghgj_i2qs11lhUYjVCeQ09kpfQ9NPsBXeo_DKg3CeeVQtiISP3q5Qlk_clkMMKJTzgeF0W41N5lxAWnPBy_DW2i_aM2qi/s200/tamadoorFC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104865829623885394" /></a>The next stop on our sightseeing was the Infamous Forbidden City. Once again we were overwhelmed by the number of people queuing for tickets to get in and also just hanging around in the courtyard out front. This place is huge and unfortunately due to facelifts being done for the Olympics a couple of the main buildings were covered in scaffolding but it was still so impressive. The Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties basically never left this palace unless the really had to as everything they would ever need was there. It was like a huge museum full of historical artefacts created by master craftsmen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0nRXOoeP81q5OX0e1pemXnBfKMkSaoZjVeUncOmgh4CNfig6SdUjcv-MGD28dM-zfiuz4pk5d35-mOilZONOwnh6wi6zeVJPx8drhhuKrnVjD7quAlj4yxbc_dtY03SRgu7bpUYZM29w/s1600-h/ceilingFC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0nRXOoeP81q5OX0e1pemXnBfKMkSaoZjVeUncOmgh4CNfig6SdUjcv-MGD28dM-zfiuz4pk5d35-mOilZONOwnh6wi6zeVJPx8drhhuKrnVjD7quAlj4yxbc_dtY03SRgu7bpUYZM29w/s320/ceilingFC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862050052664770" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrNWVA63SV_PbnqslWxhKYV_FrAKjED39XsfZ8rs84-5dD2xTQ0FM2RR96gy0rohM8rpe0na-u4Chvc1_BvwoP3w5ISY2BmrfF18D_vDGT2tHgZM8BmxwYmzJARwe2qG2kS0Tkb_dHzpa/s1600-h/FC.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrNWVA63SV_PbnqslWxhKYV_FrAKjED39XsfZ8rs84-5dD2xTQ0FM2RR96gy0rohM8rpe0na-u4Chvc1_BvwoP3w5ISY2BmrfF18D_vDGT2tHgZM8BmxwYmzJARwe2qG2kS0Tkb_dHzpa/s320/FC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104877683733622514" /></a>It is said that the central courtyard could fit 100,000 people in it and there were paintings depicting such ceremonies. There were also so many wings to it and at the back was a massive garden full of stone displays and gorgeous trees and flowers. One thing that you say about the Chinese Royalty – they never did things by half! Some girls asked Tama if they could have their photo taken with him so I took one too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkBiYWGyo3j2tDO_aaQTmUSMP4Kv0nKsBqj4CcustD3xeR-w8qyVK37YcwRlM_hsDGqO0LPAf9DOFOc0ohfsamN7lQYFRUo4TTvpjL6-rwleWnO44UtW93lRG3uf99-5de-2qRnusVwh1/s1600-h/tamaandtouristsFC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkBiYWGyo3j2tDO_aaQTmUSMP4Kv0nKsBqj4CcustD3xeR-w8qyVK37YcwRlM_hsDGqO0LPAf9DOFOc0ohfsamN7lQYFRUo4TTvpjL6-rwleWnO44UtW93lRG3uf99-5de-2qRnusVwh1/s320/tamaandtouristsFC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104883125457186642" /></a><br />We also had a look around the famous Silk St market which was 8 stories of shops that sold copies of pretty much everything and anything from sunglasses to golf clubs. It was full of other tourists and the stall holders were shouting out their pitches as we walked passed at every opportunity. As we mentioned in the Yangshuo blog two lads from England and Wales gave us a tip about a good restaurant to go to in Beijing so we went there for dinner. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoeyuu-Woz2UDuVcKlFEyNkoddvmpbag8WzWf5s4vmthm8O0taoJ0OE0EDlIiu7KyTjqg7RYqkYZfLLs3RwHnU59QBCjkted0oouXwUU-gfkRd9Apy5XiJMX01TFCjvnkkB92OUesWiwo/s1600-h/pekingduck.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoeyuu-Woz2UDuVcKlFEyNkoddvmpbag8WzWf5s4vmthm8O0taoJ0OE0EDlIiu7KyTjqg7RYqkYZfLLs3RwHnU59QBCjkted0oouXwUU-gfkRd9Apy5XiJMX01TFCjvnkkB92OUesWiwo/s200/pekingduck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104865816738983474" /></a>It was called Xiao Wangs Home Restaurant and it is famous for its Peking Duck so of course we had to try it seeing as we were in the city that is the home to this world reknown dish. It was superb as were the other two dishes that we ordered. We didn't get any email addresses from those boys but if by some chance you guys read this thanks heaps for the tip! You were dead right! Unfortunately the rice and beef dishes we ordered didn't arrive until the rest of the meal was finished, which turned out to be ok in the end as we were full already. So we told the waiter that we were full and it was too late for those dishes and typical of the amazing service there he accepted it and took them away. 5 minutes later he returned with a platter of cold watermelon and apologised profusely for the inconvenience they had caused with the late dishes. It was a brilliant night out.<br />We decided that the next day we would do some cycling around the city so we got some bikes from our hostel and set off. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5Ar9RJG665kWc6igjrPmU2tjewKp19wH4rEpf85MPsIfbTKg_gjHSVwLtqMx1EieAM34RHD_Wcp67RzQdYLS2ChMn1RuGXas972BVnQMP5zGfxeDTWtzInYAPIZopR5a5f79enPoNbM/s1600-h/tsquare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5Ar9RJG665kWc6igjrPmU2tjewKp19wH4rEpf85MPsIfbTKg_gjHSVwLtqMx1EieAM34RHD_Wcp67RzQdYLS2ChMn1RuGXas972BVnQMP5zGfxeDTWtzInYAPIZopR5a5f79enPoNbM/s320/tsquare.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104879010878516994" /></a>We rode around the walls of the Forbidden City and then over to Tianmen Square – reputedly the biggest central public square in the world. Not surprisingly so as it was HUGE. We captured our touristy photos with the famous Mao portrait then continued on our ride. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93rds3pFSJgUjZXH97rWBwaLhbvt1O3f1W68XzXGz6BQvh3QqI3FRnMGdLgsEU__SDtPSbISGd5WeYzIzjgao5ALGffHRql6NYIcx44O1zUuY5oiFZ34LueSMfwRXSqRCrJNvPTB4lmBl/s1600-h/mao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93rds3pFSJgUjZXH97rWBwaLhbvt1O3f1W68XzXGz6BQvh3QqI3FRnMGdLgsEU__SDtPSbISGd5WeYzIzjgao5ALGffHRql6NYIcx44O1zUuY5oiFZ34LueSMfwRXSqRCrJNvPTB4lmBl/s320/mao.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862969175666178" /></a><br />They were gearing up for the one year countdown celebration to the Olympics so there were massive lighting rigs and speakers going up and on one side there was an actual countdown clock that we had to have a photo with. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWBs4Go9mvCVWT3oX22yzY3iH4wpyy8OtI5vqrt1uFqyV61CDPggIzVtDaDaChu9JPPkeQxnO6VyG_mpcax0Qqa_UVGYbxK7EqCH7tvvtv058iIc-9Ln1U-aSiNTTlG5mdHoqJlm4B8Fw/s1600-h/olympics.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWBs4Go9mvCVWT3oX22yzY3iH4wpyy8OtI5vqrt1uFqyV61CDPggIzVtDaDaChu9JPPkeQxnO6VyG_mpcax0Qqa_UVGYbxK7EqCH7tvvtv058iIc-9Ln1U-aSiNTTlG5mdHoqJlm4B8Fw/s320/olympics.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862067232534002" /></a>The funny thing was that when we stopped to take some photos all these Chinese people came over and asked if they could take photos with us in front of the clock too. It was quite hysterical. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8vVUHN7cig-8aUJo_GI_PFBxYefU5N1x22dZDnIyW2pRJQHy2-6-4fQ10ZVQKcYCqMuknjVRCumQDr44mUndxKxUsYhtrKrOb90i5Kb7mzNBIUgd2gKx8WFy0J8HgnQhsXZwMirSDViv/s1600-h/crysies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8vVUHN7cig-8aUJo_GI_PFBxYefU5N1x22dZDnIyW2pRJQHy2-6-4fQ10ZVQKcYCqMuknjVRCumQDr44mUndxKxUsYhtrKrOb90i5Kb7mzNBIUgd2gKx8WFy0J8HgnQhsXZwMirSDViv/s200/crysies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104865821033950786" /></a><br />We rode on through the city to the Temple Of Heaven Park. It was a beautiful park with lots of gardens and temples that the Emperors would come to in order to pray for good harvest for the coming year. (Dad they had Chrysies here's the photo for you!) One of them had a wall called the ‘Echo Wall’. It was a circular in shape and designed in such a way that if one person stood at one part of the wall and another stood quite a long way away all they would need to do to be able to hear each other would be to lean over and whisper at the wall and the sound would carry right around it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfzsBQktnVWWvaiwEeFV6idAtoSC1C0z1kdiJ9QjR3TJThOvZi6s5emZrb1fMeI3Crse9OyXrVzUV8U8SwPNdUlcd4egV28YBGyFj2wQxeFS6A4n9fY-dr98nohbMBrl_ZW0tqRdFyKEU/s1600-h/echowall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfzsBQktnVWWvaiwEeFV6idAtoSC1C0z1kdiJ9QjR3TJThOvZi6s5emZrb1fMeI3Crse9OyXrVzUV8U8SwPNdUlcd4egV28YBGyFj2wQxeFS6A4n9fY-dr98nohbMBrl_ZW0tqRdFyKEU/s320/echowall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104871069483986530" /></a>We tried it out and even though there were a lot of people there shouting to each other we could hear each other clear as day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lcrx3SAlKdDF_pbbftY3pJeR5pfJ8U5ruTAUfPV2KecRxYaFywHd8MuoPFkcrS76xCSvcbyV14ngcaHGPacPUbQCaIK6WSENgO2aqpI-QCaeeIZVi2vI27rYJFYV7-Ea-cSSKMfczM4a/s1600-h/acrobats2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lcrx3SAlKdDF_pbbftY3pJeR5pfJ8U5ruTAUfPV2KecRxYaFywHd8MuoPFkcrS76xCSvcbyV14ngcaHGPacPUbQCaIK6WSENgO2aqpI-QCaeeIZVi2vI27rYJFYV7-Ea-cSSKMfczM4a/s200/acrobats2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104852227462458786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJXwGmF4OdiL7ehcPV3srGY7JX2LqmiOEWayYfNMtyEQTYdkPB8z4EBgHp4596DI5aqFLgn6HxmeOeCf0vJs7K4h7Fu-3AOX83TjQrYq4NNCtIvvlBPWqbiEfXBZuKK9MTVyp0aPMcntC/s1600-h/acrobats3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJXwGmF4OdiL7ehcPV3srGY7JX2LqmiOEWayYfNMtyEQTYdkPB8z4EBgHp4596DI5aqFLgn6HxmeOeCf0vJs7K4h7Fu-3AOX83TjQrYq4NNCtIvvlBPWqbiEfXBZuKK9MTVyp0aPMcntC/s320/acrobats3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104874599947103890" /></a>That night we went to a Beijing acrobatics show. The Chinese are of course famous for their amazing acrobats and they didn't fail to live up to their reputation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTh1fyrkvfnFgTtBhZ1bB7b9DqklX6vQkShG9nml42AOu-Ulsf-xV898Bt40wGKPErysiDgFLGF375YUxZd1WwTgAIw_-sJas2Nr5Ft8Q4VtCQggSaCTeRjKk5z9kG91TcJ61qymzSI1I/s1600-h/acrobats1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTh1fyrkvfnFgTtBhZ1bB7b9DqklX6vQkShG9nml42AOu-Ulsf-xV898Bt40wGKPErysiDgFLGF375YUxZd1WwTgAIw_-sJas2Nr5Ft8Q4VtCQggSaCTeRjKk5z9kG91TcJ61qymzSI1I/s200/acrobats1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104852236052393394" /></a>It was incredible, they were so talented. We were sitting in the very front row so had a brilliant view of the girls contorting themselves, spining plates etc and the boys fliping off poles, spining through hoops etc! Was fabulous!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppmjCSL3rWJbXxFyNCNVf-4Z16M57dpMNACuETcaFBQy8ZTyZ-KFo67Gc974ykcCQZs36WIGetIfHL0kdsrOxgBoekSupRUUADRbpxRsX22U3WY70KcvXjND8TpHKNSo3L-miDaRXle1w/s1600-h/acrobatsrope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppmjCSL3rWJbXxFyNCNVf-4Z16M57dpMNACuETcaFBQy8ZTyZ-KFo67Gc974ykcCQZs36WIGetIfHL0kdsrOxgBoekSupRUUADRbpxRsX22U3WY70KcvXjND8TpHKNSo3L-miDaRXle1w/s320/acrobatsrope.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104875158292852386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83a3RXIwJRhKBFaGfCvEX6IhdF6o2ZlzklFEIZHan8ZdWxURfCwgqOO55Cino1PaARolG5J8CR05Ej4keR1NCoRNsklds57_3b63KeEcalKqCKZ-7GXFjF93epDiMt_oEMcpOsZMOPDnt/s1600-h/insence.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83a3RXIwJRhKBFaGfCvEX6IhdF6o2ZlzklFEIZHan8ZdWxURfCwgqOO55Cino1PaARolG5J8CR05Ej4keR1NCoRNsklds57_3b63KeEcalKqCKZ-7GXFjF93epDiMt_oEMcpOsZMOPDnt/s200/insence.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104880320843542290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YW51vqYVaT6RPcmJzf3lUG2VoLH8XvYvpyEfJgsy6o7342ADk4HtQLaC0QdafLOpWwNvrYhgpygzBiUl4I-ICWr_Xf94upC_W7-PRNVrWnIVlyPijnSkm5oCQKGKqRYtJlbg9VZtC8hH/s1600-h/praying.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YW51vqYVaT6RPcmJzf3lUG2VoLH8XvYvpyEfJgsy6o7342ADk4HtQLaC0QdafLOpWwNvrYhgpygzBiUl4I-ICWr_Xf94upC_W7-PRNVrWnIVlyPijnSkm5oCQKGKqRYtJlbg9VZtC8hH/s200/praying.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104880496937201442" /></a>We had two days to go and decided we would go to the Lama Temple and leave the Summer Palace till the morning of our last day before catching the train to Shanghai. We would live to regret that decision but more of that later. The Lama Temple is the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet and is a beautifully peaceful place. The buildings are typical of the ornate architectural designs of the era in which ts was built - in the Qing Dynasty around the same time as the Forbidden City (1400's). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOENtyF61egtxsveeLMPkN8WgV64SR6eRbU6oH7e3xZOb3LvQi5Bkyg3tEUmvk-k6lsZ8z9_a_CLBiTgUYd8_TTUl6Wt5Wjb0I1a6rUjQeJVq3pw3ylBtNg_Rv-zVPdJFVSfDIA5rkxYv/s1600-h/lamatemple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOENtyF61egtxsveeLMPkN8WgV64SR6eRbU6oH7e3xZOb3LvQi5Bkyg3tEUmvk-k6lsZ8z9_a_CLBiTgUYd8_TTUl6Wt5Wjb0I1a6rUjQeJVq3pw3ylBtNg_Rv-zVPdJFVSfDIA5rkxYv/s320/lamatemple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862062937566690" /></a><br />The main attraction here was a 18 m high buddha figure that is carved out of white sandalwood which was quite stunning as far as budhhas go. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos of it as protcol dictated otherwise. <br />When we went to the Summer Palace the next day we didn't realise how long it would take to get there - about 2 hours. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMopd7QBMOa1QlHBi7uzXDuY4qA2b5NdmGS_FoDLimeR0-a8VdGgUEWvByQJenB0-f12RNz5PJTeV-Xb0c1g8YLQTINtJGfWBkCifSGpgt01BOyLTBmaD917NTL7ShwzeugZE65qvx6gB9/s1600-h/summerpalace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMopd7QBMOa1QlHBi7uzXDuY4qA2b5NdmGS_FoDLimeR0-a8VdGgUEWvByQJenB0-f12RNz5PJTeV-Xb0c1g8YLQTINtJGfWBkCifSGpgt01BOyLTBmaD917NTL7ShwzeugZE65qvx6gB9/s320/summerpalace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104871086663855746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v-bg4yNV2TLab1MII2vqfj9Z9sH3v0YjxP8EKbN-d8ws-vSbGv8XXduYdYUnYH_UErSl3KSr0dPt8fnjrwyVmaXAigOa7tPKi7ZtLty99AhAwsZCqgw806wMgkfRMgzcmbheMrezQq7R/s1600-h/lion.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v-bg4yNV2TLab1MII2vqfj9Z9sH3v0YjxP8EKbN-d8ws-vSbGv8XXduYdYUnYH_UErSl3KSr0dPt8fnjrwyVmaXAigOa7tPKi7ZtLty99AhAwsZCqgw806wMgkfRMgzcmbheMrezQq7R/s200/lion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104882197744250690" /></a>This meant that we would only have around just over an hour to see it all in order to get back in time to catch our train that night. We had made a major misudgement as there was no way that we would see this magnificent palace in that time because it was enormous. To put things in perspective the Summer Palace is situated on Kunming Lake. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi76J_YduUHWGcbZif81UcNz14WaAodIl0hb1-JJ3ySdowW2_0NfleLP9L4kj4jxiJ75DyP7WjLgtL-6rxCClEmBW-OgSrCbkpEu83BN4uOrjVSHFta1jSM2NK-gnkkqYp_LpPzUu1A5vn/s1600-h/lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi76J_YduUHWGcbZif81UcNz14WaAodIl0hb1-JJ3ySdowW2_0NfleLP9L4kj4jxiJ75DyP7WjLgtL-6rxCClEmBW-OgSrCbkpEu83BN4uOrjVSHFta1jSM2NK-gnkkqYp_LpPzUu1A5vn/s320/lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104862982060568098" /></a>When the Emperor had the palace built he thought that the original lake was too small so he got 100,000 people to make it bigger and deeper. We rushed as fast as we could to get glimpses of as much as possible and managed to see most of the main buildings but still left a lot unseen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7bD2hgvF_f0o7GKkT88fj__sro_QaIYQE0n-RCRNe-3Ctxps2ZmdSBAgHNnakSyxytOH9JYDAqi7-0CyyyHYnAPJuJFSfnsZUOC-ykvGBMqB32hs30dsNEP9cbqGx2V6TpjN5zUtwMZT/s1600-h/hills.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7bD2hgvF_f0o7GKkT88fj__sro_QaIYQE0n-RCRNe-3Ctxps2ZmdSBAgHNnakSyxytOH9JYDAqi7-0CyyyHYnAPJuJFSfnsZUOC-ykvGBMqB32hs30dsNEP9cbqGx2V6TpjN5zUtwMZT/s320/hills.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104881025218178866" /></a>We were so glad that we had made the effort to get there though as it was such an impressive place and the buildings were incredible.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH86DgfQbEurdiFDo7l9hQo5NCU3G_-Htjg66dnr8mU_tRfq37ppQ9ALlF3YwL_OYO3_F0zQhMc8M-qecffS5jkQU4Snnc7O7Qu96VqQcNvWQo6FJzTouQRpLYGDgyENs8Z_7MiAunQfL/s1600-h/gatesp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH86DgfQbEurdiFDo7l9hQo5NCU3G_-Htjg66dnr8mU_tRfq37ppQ9ALlF3YwL_OYO3_F0zQhMc8M-qecffS5jkQU4Snnc7O7Qu96VqQcNvWQo6FJzTouQRpLYGDgyENs8Z_7MiAunQfL/s320/gatesp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104871078073921138" /></a> <br />When we finally found our way back to the hostel to collect our bags we had enough time to grab a cold beer and then get to the station to catch our overnight sleeper train to the last destination on the Asian leg of our trip - Shanghai. <br /><br />Arohanui <br />Liv and Tama xxOlivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-69949805769038105662007-08-05T01:28:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:27:16.359-08:00XI'AN, CHINA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6xuOJXgWjd1ycOrjvuwsyh4L7iXog-nXkLqJku5OzGNvXoSCpbANhdoJ9-QEEWia9OwmlpiyCH5EbTer56hAuJsc1lSDqSO2Q3hnkzUEgiY5riDjoK_lch8TFHlMjjJqlCDO8UyXQ7Zi/s1600-h/outsidewall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6xuOJXgWjd1ycOrjvuwsyh4L7iXog-nXkLqJku5OzGNvXoSCpbANhdoJ9-QEEWia9OwmlpiyCH5EbTer56hAuJsc1lSDqSO2Q3hnkzUEgiY5riDjoK_lch8TFHlMjjJqlCDO8UyXQ7Zi/s200/outsidewall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327782294596226" /></a><div><strong>Xi'an - Home of the Terracotta Warriors</strong><br />Our flight arrived late at night and we caught the bus from the airport into the city and found ourselves a hotel to stay for the next few days. After a good sleep in we went and hired bikes on the city wall that circles what was the site of Xi'an when it was the capital of China some centuries ago. We rode right around the city and took some amazing shots of the most intact city wall and historical relic in China. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ArpmPw2wR9DugEaAGXpSvls0bIjOr8mIVaKTVMg7Xee6_p0OxsK4XuU0nzzFF-dzeC0WKbG4q9a8cZspDcKZ_Iw3n_vWHB2UuQ4WkyP-Jj_WbqaxITAtC0AkhQTYu5acLCppEAjAa9dV/s1600-h/livbiking.jpg"><img style="float:centre; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ArpmPw2wR9DugEaAGXpSvls0bIjOr8mIVaKTVMg7Xee6_p0OxsK4XuU0nzzFF-dzeC0WKbG4q9a8cZspDcKZ_Iw3n_vWHB2UuQ4WkyP-Jj_WbqaxITAtC0AkhQTYu5acLCppEAjAa9dV/s320/livbiking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096290639417420178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOWXnAyAb8s2keFkhzn-p2rKoXUjavxCYiWGw9EMRQEBClrgA596UOgLt8ystrFdqZimRfEiZy9k8wiIFDbfIkFAcu7m5SulyhFaSixskCcFP4sI_vRVtfQ_3iF4nh_JcwTOBpZ25BMJh/s1600-h/tamabike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOWXnAyAb8s2keFkhzn-p2rKoXUjavxCYiWGw9EMRQEBClrgA596UOgLt8ystrFdqZimRfEiZy9k8wiIFDbfIkFAcu7m5SulyhFaSixskCcFP4sI_vRVtfQ_3iF4nh_JcwTOBpZ25BMJh/s320/tamabike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096318152977918370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissfwD2g-hfeu4ToHAgn3p9_RrSB8XYeOgh9ulyftbhVmpVo8x_7gg8Z8kQ34UsCLQD9rd1U_Ucc2qw8dgh6Oc06oCf6d4Yx1NQ4HVgcby5b5iDh2wIRAJcW5mL2DIiwf0iHS7X06gFlwD/s1600-h/mahjon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissfwD2g-hfeu4ToHAgn3p9_RrSB8XYeOgh9ulyftbhVmpVo8x_7gg8Z8kQ34UsCLQD9rd1U_Ucc2qw8dgh6Oc06oCf6d4Yx1NQ4HVgcby5b5iDh2wIRAJcW5mL2DIiwf0iHS7X06gFlwD/s200/mahjon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327636265708146" /></a>After the ride we walked around some of the parks that were at the foot of the walls. Lots of people were playing mah-jong and cards. There was also something like Chinese karaoke going on in the park. There was an orchestra or band of people playing Chinese instruments and people would take turns from the crowd singing what must have been well known Chinese folk tunes (at a guess) They recieved rapturous applause from the crowd although we didn't really like the singing which was quite high pitched and nasaly. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnUO5SuEk-ZqCg797Q8S45xV1dSHB_IdMev2reyd3JTpC4s7S32qtMXojQFFiovVeEsU6_BNzlaE8kR6Yd9aixViwFpyWHOfDC6cathEpL8rqrvDBtKl5caPfRltRoHgaQ_ne6121RNpu/s1600-h/kareoke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnUO5SuEk-ZqCg797Q8S45xV1dSHB_IdMev2reyd3JTpC4s7S32qtMXojQFFiovVeEsU6_BNzlaE8kR6Yd9aixViwFpyWHOfDC6cathEpL8rqrvDBtKl5caPfRltRoHgaQ_ne6121RNpu/s320/kareoke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327339912964690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeUvtvkJVo7t-r3tsagew7h8nnzJTJCzVmN5LUw1az9xl8grl-HzGZuP33duLdcsUI381w6YllIwFAuHTQdFL7RrnMXTtaW9mZb5nvo922Px5dkaphRurSw2by48t8G7Qlq1MmEMEqWvL/s1600-h/baby.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeUvtvkJVo7t-r3tsagew7h8nnzJTJCzVmN5LUw1az9xl8grl-HzGZuP33duLdcsUI381w6YllIwFAuHTQdFL7RrnMXTtaW9mZb5nvo922Px5dkaphRurSw2by48t8G7Qlq1MmEMEqWvL/s200/baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096326536754080242" /></a>We went to buy something to eat and drink from a stall and next thing you know we were literally surrounded by onlookers staring at us doing so. It was really strange. So we moved off to the side to watch what was going on and more people just stopped and stared at us. One young boy even stopped on his bike and simply gawked. Even a baby was staring at us! We watched an old lady do some calligraphy in water on the pavement. It was beautiful to watch, Manderin is such a gorgeous language in the written form.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriyxtHlmn1XjmfImZNUPAmGAHk786QZh4AeIeieg45jXL06Fy4hoZj8EFosMSy5Mbp4vqSLJ08a_xWuvajwotV-Lfm1zM0bdnCU9qqjQOc8ym6qnVC4j6Pl5GSKY3Xa2dOlWjUZRtVoBr/s1600-h/pavement.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriyxtHlmn1XjmfImZNUPAmGAHk786QZh4AeIeieg45jXL06Fy4hoZj8EFosMSy5Mbp4vqSLJ08a_xWuvajwotV-Lfm1zM0bdnCU9qqjQOc8ym6qnVC4j6Pl5GSKY3Xa2dOlWjUZRtVoBr/s320/pavement.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096318496575302066" /></a><div>That night we went to the centre of town near the Bell Tower and found our way to the Muslim Market and quarter. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDwsA_S2iV97HTmNFIMF0vXspxBJizdm_7mIMl7R8zg20kIlC9z6wQIRKUYvyd4KDXMCsq4p6cJuRNxd7GxffafMiffSC1U-8-bQZ0aFK0O4THXryIsEe0DiV8kX9sW8jdhQDrrqyEJIA/s1600-h/drumtower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDwsA_S2iV97HTmNFIMF0vXspxBJizdm_7mIMl7R8zg20kIlC9z6wQIRKUYvyd4KDXMCsq4p6cJuRNxd7GxffafMiffSC1U-8-bQZ0aFK0O4THXryIsEe0DiV8kX9sW8jdhQDrrqyEJIA/s320/drumtower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327485941852770" /></a>We had the most amazing Islamic dinner with kebabs and bread all done on the bbq and gorgeous vegetables.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRgfkheJGoJPcq4DfManSAvJqqhfXf11DtI_BCYYuFst2xTHrl_gsRqUni87oxX-vFRaa_2qiuyrtNDKcUtWm7oNUJSG6gPt2RdrUeq0Khb-pmq3LpMND1XSZZpLk0_S30_d3SFUuuJjd/s1600-h/dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRgfkheJGoJPcq4DfManSAvJqqhfXf11DtI_BCYYuFst2xTHrl_gsRqUni87oxX-vFRaa_2qiuyrtNDKcUtWm7oNUJSG6gPt2RdrUeq0Khb-pmq3LpMND1XSZZpLk0_S30_d3SFUuuJjd/s320/dinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327052150155810" /></a><br />The next morning we were up bright and early and got picked up by the tour bus that was going to take us to see the Terracotta Warriors. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzXWLe1zYaoE1ORPzBzfz9w1pDV09PvZC6Y13q7yIeQ1EaLfEQ7wdcEiVuPtKTeKnmKUc40Oz7bmGnxqEpWt0_25Mi-uhCQtcM88kVK8xHE8f53ImIuwcsTv5XsEBXKZCwdW3a45ubGXi/s1600-h/blower.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzXWLe1zYaoE1ORPzBzfz9w1pDV09PvZC6Y13q7yIeQ1EaLfEQ7wdcEiVuPtKTeKnmKUc40Oz7bmGnxqEpWt0_25Mi-uhCQtcM88kVK8xHE8f53ImIuwcsTv5XsEBXKZCwdW3a45ubGXi/s200/blower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096326953365907986" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kMhO4FHPBSjw1xY0tbq5rb_bctHc1no1JlYUl0Cdlipte0cXEXru7FIuO4HhsZ_yqeLsO2eYXfbfYPKcLYdcA1HuGXhSih7ryhlpLOZVAKhkIPG5VHHjicOU3qWu9KJOIqYyuHnLaKL/s1600-h/painter.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kMhO4FHPBSjw1xY0tbq5rb_bctHc1no1JlYUl0Cdlipte0cXEXru7FIuO4HhsZ_yqeLsO2eYXfbfYPKcLYdcA1HuGXhSih7ryhlpLOZVAKhkIPG5VHHjicOU3qWu9KJOIqYyuHnLaKL/s200/painter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327898258713234" /></a>Little did we know but our bus was also going to be stopping at 6 other places during the day but we decided not to go to them and either sat in the bus reading or had something to drink instead while waiting for the others to return. We stopped at a factory where the process of making the warriors was explained to us and we saw how they copied them there. Of course there was an opportunity to buy them in all sizes (right up to full scale) and for around $1500 NZ you too could own your own Terracotta Warrior (which included shipping). </div><br /><div>The Warriors were found in March 1974 by a local farmer who was digging a well and some pieces of pottery came up in his bucket. He took them to be examined at the University and so began the greatest archaelogical discovery in the 20th Century. The 8000 or so Warriors are part of a 57 sqkm tomb that was built for China's first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi of the Qing Dynasty. It is only a small fraction of what archaelogists and historians believe is still buried in that area. The tomb is believed to have taken some 720,000 people 38 years to build. It was a massive complex surrounded by tourist shops and after lunch we went in with a couple we met (Ulrika from Sweden and Uffe from Denmark) to see building 1. It was an incredible feeling when you saw them for the first time. Rank upon rank of soldier still in the pits that had been constructed to hold them all those years ago. The craftsmanship was truly remarkable. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoXvbTU8FZ4pZ1skc_tHWk4186bzrElsFH2G6QppiLqHFpD8Sy7iQDyMu_tf7GP2mYBYPi5oRq2x1pmLHL_bRHn_pO2fRqg55bGA2Im797Yjjs1iJhyWS6VQ7NX6OH8y_xzq6_l6joFsK/s1600-h/warriors2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoXvbTU8FZ4pZ1skc_tHWk4186bzrElsFH2G6QppiLqHFpD8Sy7iQDyMu_tf7GP2mYBYPi5oRq2x1pmLHL_bRHn_pO2fRqg55bGA2Im797Yjjs1iJhyWS6VQ7NX6OH8y_xzq6_l6joFsK/s400/warriors2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096322228901882306" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0HJG8zyIgQ4GnL_ICrVMzr0M8kD2Wut7BxKtOU6bG9_iPtGT9dxnixhwNjaPtAvpJInSD3ZBL-CTnIh-CsriuPtt9hBwGGthueN2hXQAJgYZuCD_A1Y88OYaXewec2Xx5gmIuVafWi_j/s1600-h/warriors1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0HJG8zyIgQ4GnL_ICrVMzr0M8kD2Wut7BxKtOU6bG9_iPtGT9dxnixhwNjaPtAvpJInSD3ZBL-CTnIh-CsriuPtt9hBwGGthueN2hXQAJgYZuCD_A1Y88OYaXewec2Xx5gmIuVafWi_j/s400/warriors1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096290321589840258" /></a>From here we went onto the smaller building number 3 and then to number 2. Work had been put on hold at the site as the archaelogists were trying to figure out how to stop the paint that was on the warriors, when they were excavated from peeling off after a year or so. They decided until a successful process was found that they would cease all further digging. In building 2 they had the only completely intact figure found thus far - which was a crouching archer. He along with other good specimens of the various soldiers etc were in specially constructed glass cases and trying to get a look at them was virtually impossible with all the people crowding around. The final buidling housed two scale bronze chariots that were incredibly detailed. There were also examples of weapons that had been found with the warriors which due to being covered with a chrome type substance done by a process still used today, were still as sharp as when they were made and buried with the emperor in 210-209 BC.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfNaGR94N3t4xQBjR375DA_3LIaBK6N7-rPmeQN46YVvqN6QCPC6uL2T2HnixSes-aH3eQOMWbnRJgclTLBLIpw6U0uhtMkwVSEx5BuZC7s4KLI20fmAZRbU3JMCjaxmWMbOsJLmsw5dZ/s1600-h/warriors3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfNaGR94N3t4xQBjR375DA_3LIaBK6N7-rPmeQN46YVvqN6QCPC6uL2T2HnixSes-aH3eQOMWbnRJgclTLBLIpw6U0uhtMkwVSEx5BuZC7s4KLI20fmAZRbU3JMCjaxmWMbOsJLmsw5dZ/s400/warriors3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096322357750901202" /></a><br /><div>That night we went to dinner with our new found friends in another Islamic restaurant in the Muslim quarter and it was just as delicious. We swapped emails and bid Uffe and Ulrika farewell until we hoped to meet again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_MvGeMyrbh9cp69MJucqrxsSFHXNWS70v4mz7QD0gLpMXeMnsZXS7YtnGTSUGz_o0gzZ51QhsVmEq-IzUJ9Igt9GarkQaIQ2t8MHjIH4E4H1BInzvRpDEF3Cjz0LI0VAB4eQ_Berm_IQ/s1600-h/dinner2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_MvGeMyrbh9cp69MJucqrxsSFHXNWS70v4mz7QD0gLpMXeMnsZXS7YtnGTSUGz_o0gzZ51QhsVmEq-IzUJ9Igt9GarkQaIQ2t8MHjIH4E4H1BInzvRpDEF3Cjz0LI0VAB4eQ_Berm_IQ/s320/dinner2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327138049501746" /></a></div><br /><div>Our final day was spent exploring the Drum and Bell towers in central Xi'an. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacHoZsIe3uKKehusBP8YuX_ra49SHbF5zquabDNz-V6mXfDxSqIcMBJeIWgoEwrELoGKixoQA_McNUAXl3dwHWaViTXHhhDogI4ja-5I0koPWZTUO0GfYV2GV2hNP0WBf2hDA2lzQgFTz/s1600-h/bell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacHoZsIe3uKKehusBP8YuX_ra49SHbF5zquabDNz-V6mXfDxSqIcMBJeIWgoEwrELoGKixoQA_McNUAXl3dwHWaViTXHhhDogI4ja-5I0koPWZTUO0GfYV2GV2hNP0WBf2hDA2lzQgFTz/s320/bell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096326820221921794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KlUxVqojzBZ7HoZbbQNb76MJj5eGkC8WXA3RcUWDa_MBgfPFnNAYAxhQonN77jnW19eUjuNtrS1ZrEvlA73xL3ySGG5MkVixEgmBqn2SnNaznuiHP5w0DV-NzUB54FobpNYKlajHRP1V/s1600-h/Belltower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KlUxVqojzBZ7HoZbbQNb76MJj5eGkC8WXA3RcUWDa_MBgfPFnNAYAxhQonN77jnW19eUjuNtrS1ZrEvlA73xL3ySGG5MkVixEgmBqn2SnNaznuiHP5w0DV-NzUB54FobpNYKlajHRP1V/s400/Belltower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096323818039781858" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh1XN102Yt5rzaK0cansVcvWjLrXsSvg-LF-VpF9j8iYckf7YDSkOjiUabkKIucEer4Vhg8oP3Zjq-P2sBDyD0NSnCSD22w-8fDqf5CFLFSfjGqTUoVKi0zNy4eq_JkM9HbpkMTMoMHpA/s1600-h/drum.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh1XN102Yt5rzaK0cansVcvWjLrXsSvg-LF-VpF9j8iYckf7YDSkOjiUabkKIucEer4Vhg8oP3Zjq-P2sBDyD0NSnCSD22w-8fDqf5CFLFSfjGqTUoVKi0zNy4eq_JkM9HbpkMTMoMHpA/s200/drum.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096327236833749570" /></a>We timed it perfectly so that we got watch some brilliant drum and bell performances in each one. The views over the city was amazing and it was a great way to cap off three brilliant days in an incredible place. That evening we jumped on another train and set out for the nations capital Beijing.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Lots of love </div><br /><div>Liv and Tama xx </div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-32311921446397904852007-08-04T21:16:00.001-07:002008-12-09T19:27:23.735-08:00MACAU, CHINA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayKb6wHHaZr_IVxLNkSPTVXLd9AMnfjtpCDL8FwUKgi7amc6dGeDO53LQCzBFyvkU2yLs7ZTuH3Y8Z_YVz1DfgBfVx82rVefqZrfMhawHPaxJg0_fllQsvu20CBTuJ6sKBZN09TXdqeGI/s1600-h/lamppost.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayKb6wHHaZr_IVxLNkSPTVXLd9AMnfjtpCDL8FwUKgi7amc6dGeDO53LQCzBFyvkU2yLs7ZTuH3Y8Z_YVz1DfgBfVx82rVefqZrfMhawHPaxJg0_fllQsvu20CBTuJ6sKBZN09TXdqeGI/s320/lamppost.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095869281650845874" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Macau</strong></span><br />Viva Las Vegas - Asian style! We caught the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau. It was quite flash because most of the people who use it are rich gamblers from Hong Kong and China (gambling is illegal in China except for Macau). 45 minutes later we were at the Macau ferry terminal enquiring at a travel agent about a place to stay. We were really surprised to find 3,4 and 5 Star hotels for very affordable rates (as it was mid-week and a lot of the gamblers only come on weekends). So we stayed the first night in the Taipa Hotel across the harbour from Macau. It was pretty nice although we had to wait for about 2 hours for the complimentary bus to pick us up - so when we kicked up a fuss they updgraded us to a suite. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x2rult5MP3lqDQL1mHB4xqPsFuF1Dzy0rOMlhVL1oxK1NSnY6tJmVaQ5ABhD7uPAuhwQaXgT2Fqmj8OmwgEwkK8U1d3SoECvhLC1U3bvYJTfSa01TSVJECN-rVPVD8f4J_5oKM_7ISrk/s1600-h/galo2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x2rult5MP3lqDQL1mHB4xqPsFuF1Dzy0rOMlhVL1oxK1NSnY6tJmVaQ5ABhD7uPAuhwQaXgT2Fqmj8OmwgEwkK8U1d3SoECvhLC1U3bvYJTfSa01TSVJECN-rVPVD8f4J_5oKM_7ISrk/s200/galo2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095848979340437490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRWmd0-g22RMImueynm3usZcdFBm2PfUdVLX1bH7fF7aYKUllL_4tH-O-zNPYt5HkBVBG6xqydfGZg8kXDWLygmCog5HHonK9n3kpU6NEStJe4KYNrKHh8M8HR30C5DcB0CLr7T2vGCGB/s1600-h/galo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRWmd0-g22RMImueynm3usZcdFBm2PfUdVLX1bH7fF7aYKUllL_4tH-O-zNPYt5HkBVBG6xqydfGZg8kXDWLygmCog5HHonK9n3kpU6NEStJe4KYNrKHh8M8HR30C5DcB0CLr7T2vGCGB/s200/galo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095848850491418594" /></a>The Lonely Planet came to the rescue again when we wanted to go somewhere for dinner and we ended up at a local restaurant called Galo where they specialised in Portugese food (and wine). The meal was superb and we vowed to return before we left. The next day we decided to change hotels and got an incredible deal on a 5 star hotel called 'The Greek Mythology Hotel - New Century'. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnkIEZF5Mzllq1L6sDhAI9KrVhWQtyexJp3wDLoMvIPRMMrEr-9HYwXmP4JTyauoZY3dnm7HFFy32BjTrAiuR9oBmFNrUK6F_ZjT37HBkQsk4xRMF9-m7uKMMsJrcgceGbkioUXqK-kYC/s1600-h/greekm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnkIEZF5Mzllq1L6sDhAI9KrVhWQtyexJp3wDLoMvIPRMMrEr-9HYwXmP4JTyauoZY3dnm7HFFy32BjTrAiuR9oBmFNrUK6F_ZjT37HBkQsk4xRMF9-m7uKMMsJrcgceGbkioUXqK-kYC/s320/greekm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095849228448540674" /></a>We checked in and cheekily asked if it was possible to get a room with a sea view as it was right on the harbour and the desk clerk said that she would see what she could do. She gave us our key and told us the concierge would bring our luggage up and we got in the lift and pressed the 10 floor button. We got to our room number 1001 and when we opened the door we couldn't believe our eyes. We had the corner room that had not one but two ceiling to floor windows that gave us a view overlooking the harbour and Macau. It was so beautiful and so was the room. The room itself was easily comparable to the one we had at the Langham except that this was a HUGE Kingsize bed and also the shower, bath and toilet were cordoned off from the rest of the bathroom by a fancy glass door. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_rvmPl9is1gF5Svym_avAPnUa1LtKy-DzduMy-juIgcvx31Pd7b6tO60vpWQe9XprYY_SWIrWuUZwP77UX59KAnyIUslXsViiCRVfY6GXOL3vLfUvCeK8oymKifqMFUlb4MW673ndX6N/s1600-h/roomm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_rvmPl9is1gF5Svym_avAPnUa1LtKy-DzduMy-juIgcvx31Pd7b6tO60vpWQe9XprYY_SWIrWuUZwP77UX59KAnyIUslXsViiCRVfY6GXOL3vLfUvCeK8oymKifqMFUlb4MW673ndX6N/s320/roomm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095852544163293298" /></a>The rest of the hotel was very 'casino like' as in a bit tacky and over the top but it was such a fun place to stay. The photos below are of the view out our windows. We could see all the main casinos including the huge dome of the Lisboa. All the flashing lights made for a pretty nice view at night.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCZGS9VSRXhlfuhwRZkkYkJdOn-BlJ4BXUFbrtW5YnqDxzoZ-Tr4vIYugpCO4YYmdDGMzdDb2kHyheBV2k1ub2q1Un0THtGzGZCGdxcT5iIfMHhDX7A61qRP59N3ugjxWEt3XhbqD7CMw/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCZGS9VSRXhlfuhwRZkkYkJdOn-BlJ4BXUFbrtW5YnqDxzoZ-Tr4vIYugpCO4YYmdDGMzdDb2kHyheBV2k1ub2q1Un0THtGzGZCGdxcT5iIfMHhDX7A61qRP59N3ugjxWEt3XhbqD7CMw/s320/view.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095850272125593682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFilUvKJBLn9tRxoUFjEWTB-pQ0rj9K8nhmRuHF2PDZChn4WuQ3XcfVTIWwwXyyKe785S1Im-f9X4RvbKafWF9rqSdKhjGwQknZM8xpfA9s5jt2s_B96snluVsgivaXN5AiFGir-7rRYIK/s1600-h/view2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFilUvKJBLn9tRxoUFjEWTB-pQ0rj9K8nhmRuHF2PDZChn4WuQ3XcfVTIWwwXyyKe785S1Im-f9X4RvbKafWF9rqSdKhjGwQknZM8xpfA9s5jt2s_B96snluVsgivaXN5AiFGir-7rRYIK/s320/view2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095850602838075490" /></a>That night we went for a look around the casinos, we bet all of about 20 macau dollars (about $3 NZD!) on the pokies and won nothing of course but it was fun just looking at these places. The Grand Lisboa was the biggest and had a huge dome of lights out the front which was pretty impressive. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1jVs-ocQCukbv-7kwlTK1XIe1OQfk296DHKQXGH83cxpLrvoiGnyQwtHzsX4Yv81837Dj2_19YspjnmoN5iZvtV6D10y4mb6me9xhxDct5HHRUhZBJjWfXSuhAT9FLcbCToZl2yc-wBh/s1600-h/lisboa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1jVs-ocQCukbv-7kwlTK1XIe1OQfk296DHKQXGH83cxpLrvoiGnyQwtHzsX4Yv81837Dj2_19YspjnmoN5iZvtV6D10y4mb6me9xhxDct5HHRUhZBJjWfXSuhAT9FLcbCToZl2yc-wBh/s400/lisboa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095849408837167122" /></a>The toilets were pretty flash too, check out the basins in the ladies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_42mlumZWLJJWSP6Zu5Gxz1wfPwsU99R1igxQxlP5pXbamMwU0I6vyadWMXBOEMv-GN3w4zoxaqulBYrOaaL83NeM61VAy0rzwf4mEjxOXtoVwToH4kVzY7hIOMC63lGWcEH6Xvlbrl8/s1600-h/toilets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_42mlumZWLJJWSP6Zu5Gxz1wfPwsU99R1igxQxlP5pXbamMwU0I6vyadWMXBOEMv-GN3w4zoxaqulBYrOaaL83NeM61VAy0rzwf4mEjxOXtoVwToH4kVzY7hIOMC63lGWcEH6Xvlbrl8/s320/toilets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095849864103700530" /></a>One of our favourites was the Wynn casino. It was very trendy and stylish and also had a lake performance out the front which consisted of fountains and lights 'doing a dance' to music. It was gorgeous. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-E1omyHw_bS7i9oD6ixQiNJlGe8vyRExnJGomK58YtbRhZcLqu05le4P2SHNTETBEcQvQEiZ3phBeLZ2QtSZNtleaJBCuM1hGPqL7TfejYC8k2CAQxUKUWr4LX4T1oCj75KQ-uonfjxN/s1600-h/wynn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-E1omyHw_bS7i9oD6ixQiNJlGe8vyRExnJGomK58YtbRhZcLqu05le4P2SHNTETBEcQvQEiZ3phBeLZ2QtSZNtleaJBCuM1hGPqL7TfejYC8k2CAQxUKUWr4LX4T1oCj75KQ-uonfjxN/s320/wynn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095850087441999938" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCckGVLXv7UxVzltu0_ukKWO804FjSN7JwdeoTIfdbg77SmX-u0Ik0dkNuWVaHEyQ8h8wAo-udU74U39pOs8hBDOw_jatevf9M3gcTU7nWgG4PWVEXVqSdkoLKwUfRFEN3-q_vxtStu3Y2/s1600-h/wynninside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCckGVLXv7UxVzltu0_ukKWO804FjSN7JwdeoTIfdbg77SmX-u0Ik0dkNuWVaHEyQ8h8wAo-udU74U39pOs8hBDOw_jatevf9M3gcTU7nWgG4PWVEXVqSdkoLKwUfRFEN3-q_vxtStu3Y2/s200/wynninside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095879722716342546" /></a>It had plush red carpets and big red chandaliers. The casino at our hotel had a show on every night which was a laugh. It was of various dance performances, mostly featuring scantally clad western women to keep the Chinese male punters entertained! There were also some very talented Portugese men who had these woodern balls on strings (kind of like hard poi) that they were smacking on the ground in a very rythmical, energetic way. It sounds strange but it was fantastic! The Crown casino was the flashest (along with the Wynn). We ended up playing on the pokies there for awhile (playing 5cent games with our 20bucks!) The waiters must have thought we were betting more than we were because they brought us free beers and Portugese egg tarts! We weren't complaning though.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ8AdhK5HfCGvm4-b0KuG0ANhPIMgpCsyvHDQHKcPu6ERkl175lBQDPOq5T2vtqglKBsgdHTQMXPz6575nqFbUyDt49yL3e_NgQV_HW6YxKoH0HZH1iYgd4H61bl59wHStjumK_XbI6Ny/s1600-h/canon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ8AdhK5HfCGvm4-b0KuG0ANhPIMgpCsyvHDQHKcPu6ERkl175lBQDPOq5T2vtqglKBsgdHTQMXPz6575nqFbUyDt49yL3e_NgQV_HW6YxKoH0HZH1iYgd4H61bl59wHStjumK_XbI6Ny/s320/canon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095871149961619650" /></a>Speaking of Portugese egg tarts... as some of you will know Macau has Portugese heritage. As a result there is still a lot of Portugese food available and it is wonderful. The egg tarts are one of the traditional foods and are kind of like a very eggy custard tart. We had a few Portugese meals while we were there which was a nice change from Asian food (as much as we love that too). There is also a lot of Portugese architecture in Macau so the next day we got up early and did a self-guided walking tour of all the famous Portugese buildings. It was such a brilliant day and the buildings we saw were really beautiful. It was very easy to follow the well sign posted route on the tour and everything about it and Macau was very tourist friendly. The historic landmarks that we saw were amazing buildings and probably the most impressive of all was actually a ruin of an old church called Old St Paul’s near the centre of the city. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU3kKQxatdiC6T6VA2nehGJthsYCHbe0dUKwt6f5VZ9yFL0N6dLM-P86l84YVjOGGhkIbdyjXEEHRPfOUJ5cgg5B3AxgIhz0kTck_1qU_-WQvFwsMCir3bQqn6cD7vG4CkT5cyiyn-41-/s1600-h/oldstpauls2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU3kKQxatdiC6T6VA2nehGJthsYCHbe0dUKwt6f5VZ9yFL0N6dLM-P86l84YVjOGGhkIbdyjXEEHRPfOUJ5cgg5B3AxgIhz0kTck_1qU_-WQvFwsMCir3bQqn6cD7vG4CkT5cyiyn-41-/s400/oldstpauls2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095849670830172194" /></a>Many years ago it had been gutted by fire and now only the front façade still stood at the top of a little hill and the pathway up was lined with beautiful flowerbeds and cobbled streets. There were also some other beautiful churches, a garden, some barracks and a temple. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2gWUmb6hHjVUJJxVcQ3ABRJF-kez8iPl3pz-qI-K_W9y8BGKcecILcQBejmkXKTTojSIikY8MOPZWi_3S1xK78hx-Z8SShYO8H7coxbiHkWpmuRfpDpypk90Fwo8QCuVhLUQLtq8c2in/s1600-h/map.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2gWUmb6hHjVUJJxVcQ3ABRJF-kez8iPl3pz-qI-K_W9y8BGKcecILcQBejmkXKTTojSIikY8MOPZWi_3S1xK78hx-Z8SShYO8H7coxbiHkWpmuRfpDpypk90Fwo8QCuVhLUQLtq8c2in/s320/map.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095873284560365778" /></a>Once done, we walked back through the town and checked out some shops. There was a gorgeous central square with black and white tiled patterns on the ground with a big fountain in the middle of it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlQfRssTNy0Abay9gZSMSq97FFNHHMSdpoaTVXlClCPeXBjStH3hDaR0M24Pikc9haKGq9IuzrFs_v9hgbjFPg3iJfzA_dqWTxUe6gCPbu5nXKBJqpV1U2d-XQ0O8YhsRDf7y4mbT84ip/s1600-h/square.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlQfRssTNy0Abay9gZSMSq97FFNHHMSdpoaTVXlClCPeXBjStH3hDaR0M24Pikc9haKGq9IuzrFs_v9hgbjFPg3iJfzA_dqWTxUe6gCPbu5nXKBJqpV1U2d-XQ0O8YhsRDf7y4mbT84ip/s400/square.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095868173549283458" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOWdVnQ4GF54MwwHlasqXsf2n4HqgKTYP4ObWI8-9BMUX2qNBJJ0Eru4iBhmF5f1myLULYXNZmhv6sTfloFeQ3xjF4deE7nVW4FoRjJ5f69bq3KlB01sR65sW5-fu1MU2f5MNcbwPjBsK/s1600-h/coffee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOWdVnQ4GF54MwwHlasqXsf2n4HqgKTYP4ObWI8-9BMUX2qNBJJ0Eru4iBhmF5f1myLULYXNZmhv6sTfloFeQ3xjF4deE7nVW4FoRjJ5f69bq3KlB01sR65sW5-fu1MU2f5MNcbwPjBsK/s320/coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095880646134311218" /></a>There were shops all around the edge and lots of little side streets of shops coming off it. It was a really enjoyable place to spend the afternoon looking around. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU6iFcJElzsu_jMJ7YtUOgwTGA32vpawG-x99PrYanBBZ7IL_ND69LMGQnvtAVWCRjzcHlAlteFPWJYC0jug7p6OaAv-PNifxU_p2CLWBZRRXrAl34Zn04-yv_7OtN5626Z6JCqVBDWrc/s1600-h/church.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU6iFcJElzsu_jMJ7YtUOgwTGA32vpawG-x99PrYanBBZ7IL_ND69LMGQnvtAVWCRjzcHlAlteFPWJYC0jug7p6OaAv-PNifxU_p2CLWBZRRXrAl34Zn04-yv_7OtN5626Z6JCqVBDWrc/s320/church.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095868504261765266" /></a><br />That night we had another little look around the casinos, again only spending 20 Macau dollars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid97pw7GKpb46TJztrrTwPtsoZk6eb6cC-1O6VqviL5stG_5YWklcvpSM1iQyoUhP7ECIjxhppmrS7Dy5RFoN34hUCeOFcWwTRzHrTkAnhyCz1dL5f-14IQB7lvjUQ0tsWlu5H_NOKr9yI/s1600-h/casino.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid97pw7GKpb46TJztrrTwPtsoZk6eb6cC-1O6VqviL5stG_5YWklcvpSM1iQyoUhP7ECIjxhppmrS7Dy5RFoN34hUCeOFcWwTRzHrTkAnhyCz1dL5f-14IQB7lvjUQ0tsWlu5H_NOKr9yI/s320/casino.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095879873040197922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgRq3DI2KMp3hRsWjEp0Vtc2b29gRnvC4W3NaCD2_wrwV6oUKrF4bagYPJX8h2cxnjKgSphyXHiS1yzuFTnD2pPG4tcKmtFNVuFRHiUySnZJ3Z5N7Ek_m6tqtsQnwMK_G8CNC_6jtRQwJ/s1600-h/squid.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgRq3DI2KMp3hRsWjEp0Vtc2b29gRnvC4W3NaCD2_wrwV6oUKrF4bagYPJX8h2cxnjKgSphyXHiS1yzuFTnD2pPG4tcKmtFNVuFRHiUySnZJ3Z5N7Ek_m6tqtsQnwMK_G8CNC_6jtRQwJ/s200/squid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095884893856967010" /></a>The next day we caught a bus out to Hac Sa beach on Taipa Island and were very surprised at what we found there. The sand was a kind of black colour and the sea was BROWN! Not just slightly off colour but BROWN. However it was still very refreshing when we went for swim and then we got some squid kebabs and a couple of cold Tsing Tao beers and read our books. That night we went back to Galo restaurant in Taipa Village as we both really wanted to taste the gorgeous Portugese food they served once more before we left.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRj7tyvEqYglmdOFChB_WASylZwmARH7YGfAq4Gs29xPQ-EXw0juReC7beg7H0vK8i5VTGprfcujeJVE_n9OOUVa7GuwN6QuBd-S-e386Yn7zATCItqqJC17c2o_F6GCE9RtIfVtuoJGw/s1600-h/rome.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRj7tyvEqYglmdOFChB_WASylZwmARH7YGfAq4Gs29xPQ-EXw0juReC7beg7H0vK8i5VTGprfcujeJVE_n9OOUVa7GuwN6QuBd-S-e386Yn7zATCItqqJC17c2o_F6GCE9RtIfVtuoJGw/s200/rome.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095873761301735650" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0ngQs5xwztyYyCWvU5nNqLfhiol0di5_FX9gU4rzpAyfMtHti3Y8Whj6FOsiDkwl8w_7Tl4Sr2ZSQS2xEKtc0e-kqqkpNiSHKPCn07dT47UDBDNV1sySX0YY91fsMknOmWqjb9bevMRd/s1600-h/village2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0ngQs5xwztyYyCWvU5nNqLfhiol0di5_FX9gU4rzpAyfMtHti3Y8Whj6FOsiDkwl8w_7Tl4Sr2ZSQS2xEKtc0e-kqqkpNiSHKPCn07dT47UDBDNV1sySX0YY91fsMknOmWqjb9bevMRd/s200/village2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095874057654479090" /></a>We did some sight seeing around a place called Fishermans Wharf – which was basically a scale model village that represented different parts of the world. It was amazing! There was a volcano part, a coliseum, a part that looked like the Art Deco area of Miami Beach and the dock area was made up to look the piers in Venice and the place was full of designer shops as well as a Casino called the Babylon. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ccMIQKoljJOygVDwlDVTMmb06QtU9sdLUrCNJZqHiVdZucE_ORRV7Fzqsx2F52TxoYajzSlmnoH8bbA_4RZvsIv9RYxtzQQzR4bLYq24grnNyZ5N_7FVDPI4Nh4CsAbqFnxo0IMQnMt/s1600-h/village.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ccMIQKoljJOygVDwlDVTMmb06QtU9sdLUrCNJZqHiVdZucE_ORRV7Fzqsx2F52TxoYajzSlmnoH8bbA_4RZvsIv9RYxtzQQzR4bLYq24grnNyZ5N_7FVDPI4Nh4CsAbqFnxo0IMQnMt/s320/village.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095874366892124418" /></a>That evening the All Blacks beat Aussie in the final game to claim the Bledisloe and Tri-Nations Cup and we had an early one so we would be ready for more travelling the next day to the mainland. <br /><br />Lots of love <br />Liv and Tama xOlivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-15898147696919708022007-08-04T17:41:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:27:32.936-08:00MAINLAND CHINA - YANGSHUO<div><strong><font size="4">Yangshuo</font></strong><br />We caught a bus in the morning to the border crossing from Macau and passed through customs into mainland China.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoENL7_cE0MwXM-ySZ4tUO8HZlwRNWwstZWbSiMvVZ-JI7VPL1WOYmYuMYQK5uJCaVzRh_we8MgHYbqgNrkFkOjMar7rGCelo5AO-HpYTy9Or54eEraobxGOyZoN7EQLUv8Hb5M_LDzeiA/s1600-h/boarder.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoENL7_cE0MwXM-ySZ4tUO8HZlwRNWwstZWbSiMvVZ-JI7VPL1WOYmYuMYQK5uJCaVzRh_we8MgHYbqgNrkFkOjMar7rGCelo5AO-HpYTy9Or54eEraobxGOyZoN7EQLUv8Hb5M_LDzeiA/s320/boarder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095881264609601858" /></a> Immediately we were struck by just how many people there were here. From there we caught another bus to a city called Guanzhou about 4 hours or so away. Unfortunately the Chinese driving skills aren't much better than anywhere else in Asia and they too love honking the horn. We arrived safely in Guanzhou (somehow) and there we met a translator/ guide who offered us his services for a small fee of course. That turned out to be the best decision we made to hire him for when we finally made it to the train station to ask about tickets there were so many people there and everything was written in Chinese only. He made enquiries on our behalf and there were no tickets to where we wanted to go to so we trudged over to the bus depot and he got us tickets to a little place called Yangshuo that Olivia had just been reading about in the Lonely Planet. We only managed to get a normal coach and not a sleeper which we were told were not available for that route. Surprisingly enough the seats were quite roomy and we had the laptop with us so we watched one of the DVDs we had bought which helped pass the time. We got to Yangshuo in the wee hours around 4.30am and were met there by a tout that could speak good English and said that he had rooms that ranged from 80-150 yuan. So we went with him along with an American couple to see the rooms. All and all they weren't too bad and we asked him when he showed us the first one 'Is this room 80 yuan' to which he replied 'yes'. After we had seen the next room we aksed again him again 'are those rooms 80 yuan?' and then he said 'NO - they are 200 yuan' We all looked at each other with 'is this guy for real' looks on our face and said to him 'you just told us before that they were 80 yuan'. 'Impossible' he said - there is no way I said that. So we all decided we would go elsewhere to look and this guy followed us - the whole time assuring us that he had the best rooms at the best prices and that we would never get a room in Yangshuo for less than 90 yuan anywhere. We had finally had enough and decided to go and look somewhere else. This set him right off and he said pointing at me 'You are crazy and people of China will not like you. You look like a woman and wherever you go in China noone will like you. You should sleep in the gutter for free where you belong!' We just laughed at him - like I look remotely like a Chinese woman at 6 foot one, black and 110 or so kilos. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGBFoxKOR4iiQoaoZ-so80rTjsZK4ggQtMvv9EUkE_moV_Bk2RH5WdtSRHq1CM2CMIBwETkmSeOKhI_2RKQBYoQ6XjJO_l8nxaDo742Pny4VrSQeazMhYpUDEu3RzeEC1h8Co50RKsG75/s1600-h/noodles.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGBFoxKOR4iiQoaoZ-so80rTjsZK4ggQtMvv9EUkE_moV_Bk2RH5WdtSRHq1CM2CMIBwETkmSeOKhI_2RKQBYoQ6XjJO_l8nxaDo742Pny4VrSQeazMhYpUDEu3RzeEC1h8Co50RKsG75/s200/noodles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095816414898398914" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45oKPoqONM8eIMVIOaPgXKbLV8znVBM1xBXdSLhMivVB-SAWV4jmsOVy1LWqmHHxgKYo_ussmMjroMO5809QhbJ_XXolO55yAxoDFeiNWFKaQj4voqzdgNpEXtSpRpTDeJqklJsWPQ4i_/s1600-h/bf1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45oKPoqONM8eIMVIOaPgXKbLV8znVBM1xBXdSLhMivVB-SAWV4jmsOVy1LWqmHHxgKYo_ussmMjroMO5809QhbJ_XXolO55yAxoDFeiNWFKaQj4voqzdgNpEXtSpRpTDeJqklJsWPQ4i_/s200/bf1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095422970124281282" /></a>Sure enough the first place that we made enquiries in after that had a room for 50 yuan which we stayed in for the whole time we were there. That morning I asked the receptionist who spoke great English where was a good place to get some noodles etc for breakfast and he said 'two doors down' - and he was so right. I got a bowl of beef noodles for Liv and some wonton noodles for me and a serving of steamed Chinese dumplings and something like Maori fried bread that you break up and put in the soup sort of like dumplings also. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43TeF3r3yenYUH2HL8v8JWmpRGVt3T1_mF6U0gtNbpINfzwkFkhyphenhyphenAVVdVw3S_h4BBkHrchxJEinmFdrgyu8sn8ou6WCPER-HLFPhPxAklfv8wc-pJHq_N5eXTCcxk5EtLaGwG8JBPnt25/s1600-h/bf2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43TeF3r3yenYUH2HL8v8JWmpRGVt3T1_mF6U0gtNbpINfzwkFkhyphenhyphenAVVdVw3S_h4BBkHrchxJEinmFdrgyu8sn8ou6WCPER-HLFPhPxAklfv8wc-pJHq_N5eXTCcxk5EtLaGwG8JBPnt25/s200/bf2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095422974419248594" /></a>It was so delicious that we ate there for the next 6 days for breakfast and were really sad to leave it behind. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhbvi6cAiQ3wQgV85Xm7-3Wu9OAvzFYhxWLTXnA0_DGjvA0VV3HDQ4XbHAxzvagNrYHA2tIqwRXwU_QOEwt5w4gt8ZMM9CiQHiLtt54GwwIgVOR3uE_4oBqvRXUGM5RTHOGXGLv62sb1s/s1600-h/town.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhbvi6cAiQ3wQgV85Xm7-3Wu9OAvzFYhxWLTXnA0_DGjvA0VV3HDQ4XbHAxzvagNrYHA2tIqwRXwU_QOEwt5w4gt8ZMM9CiQHiLtt54GwwIgVOR3uE_4oBqvRXUGM5RTHOGXGLv62sb1s/s320/town.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427823437326002" /></a>We loved the food and service there so much that we tried tipping the waitress but she would get all embarassed and refuse. So in the end we would just give her the money and walk out without the change - which worked in the end and she was very grateful.<br />Our first day in Yangshuo wasn't too eventful as we hadn't gotten much sleep on the bus the night before so we had a nap after breakfast and then went for a walk around the town. It was such a beautiful little place and the main street called 'Xie Jie' or 'West St' was extremely colourful and full of character. So is the area around too. There are hill formations that look just like the islands in Ko Phi Phi and Halong Bay everywhere and they give the area a very serene feel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne2vPfzPBv28pk0K0RAsmE4Q8mS6ZQafRTgzZ6hI2o81TVedDyLAleU6CsUAPO9NQFOa19aUGIFLzJOakmFI-2O_AJ8dN8ZE3yNgUE3J2tPKy1-Lw-9ERDmCe4wtfRS8eIa_rw3q5Tn-4/s1600-h/river.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne2vPfzPBv28pk0K0RAsmE4Q8mS6ZQafRTgzZ6hI2o81TVedDyLAleU6CsUAPO9NQFOa19aUGIFLzJOakmFI-2O_AJ8dN8ZE3yNgUE3J2tPKy1-Lw-9ERDmCe4wtfRS8eIa_rw3q5Tn-4/s320/river.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427346695956114" /></a><br />We looked through the shops and walked down to the riverside where there were people having a dip and Liv dangled her feet in to coold down. On the way home we stopped at a bar for a cold drink and ended up talking to these two boys (one from England and the other Wales) about all of our travels. They had been to Xi'an and Beijing where we were heading and gave us some great tips, one in particular about a restaurant in Bejing that served the most amazing Peking Duck (which was in the Lonely Planet) So we made a mental note to go there. When dinner and drinks were done we strolled back through the town streets and into bed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO9lbEenhcgT7vZMdBk2MzZDbghoSjhVByZP0g7yYA0fbRDHH4jAtcBLDDyj-AWku454Zm4kdCCRKraRLoz-8bzVJAAaITE83NvMK315CUJgnccQUL4DyILYKUgUDb2N-2ybHa-8Izn4o/s1600-h/night.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO9lbEenhcgT7vZMdBk2MzZDbghoSjhVByZP0g7yYA0fbRDHH4jAtcBLDDyj-AWku454Zm4kdCCRKraRLoz-8bzVJAAaITE83NvMK315CUJgnccQUL4DyILYKUgUDb2N-2ybHa-8Izn4o/s400/night.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095833259760133874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwp6-e6297plcII-Pg9LMwLgjaYeAcLP_GGqxZQiehmk_WkMeDNkuZ0vt8IBLK5boUXcRjmVArrBolQ7f6inzUd0L3zESGNbibeQHpzxj1S18VyVtruoBHKrGp5PatEau7eJK1h1k1JJW/s1600-h/rafting.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwp6-e6297plcII-Pg9LMwLgjaYeAcLP_GGqxZQiehmk_WkMeDNkuZ0vt8IBLK5boUXcRjmVArrBolQ7f6inzUd0L3zESGNbibeQHpzxj1S18VyVtruoBHKrGp5PatEau7eJK1h1k1JJW/s320/rafting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095426487702496850" /></a>Day two and we decided that we would go bamboo rafting and to one of the scenic attractions called 'The Moon Hill Water Cave'. Included in the cost of the trip was free bike hire and a guide on a motorbike who we followed to the rafting some 25 minutes away. We left our bikes (which they would truck down river for us) and got onto our raft and set off down the Yu Long river. It was magical and we couldn't resist diving in for a swim in the cool clear waters. All along the river there were floating shops selling water, beer and a variety of foods. As soon as we would come within earshot they would start their pitch - even if it was clear that we were already drinkning a cold beer or bottle of water! There were also a series of rapids that we went over and at the foot of each one there were floating photo shops in the middle of the river - complete with computers and printers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnXrNg_CmR8kZtpp6xajmCMvzitdwctJZULDvt2hpYZdnEIDsixt4pglCf0rCHrRfJQH6206AXTHkyrST4txP4JoAFMI-5SY6BWtvyHTXxU-K6EvmZIeBMInQnVswUruBo3iX63WIYcji/s1600-h/rafting3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnXrNg_CmR8kZtpp6xajmCMvzitdwctJZULDvt2hpYZdnEIDsixt4pglCf0rCHrRfJQH6206AXTHkyrST4txP4JoAFMI-5SY6BWtvyHTXxU-K6EvmZIeBMInQnVswUruBo3iX63WIYcji/s200/rafting3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427011688506978" /></a><br />They would snap a shot of you coming over the rapid and then try and sell you the 'VERY BEAUTIFUL' picture they had just taken. We didn't get one as the looked pretty tacky as you can well imagine.<br />When we finished rafting we got our bikes off the back of the truck and then followed another guide on motorbike to the ticket office for the Moon Hill Water Cave. We got our ticketand waited for a van which then took us to the cave entrance about 15 mins drive away. At the cave we got our helmets and torches and got into a small boat which took us inside. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVzcBGv5xKB7tudWKGq4SePwadTBKKOMhdnPyRSxzHFOmJrfTR3Du9smjG1_1mDRQGUJYd8okvOc3Y3tIv1F3jxz9clyHNPRPpBs4cu9UX_Zp1PkVFw4SBVO0JIvlzkT3BKHWIZ_757R/s1600-h/caving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVzcBGv5xKB7tudWKGq4SePwadTBKKOMhdnPyRSxzHFOmJrfTR3Du9smjG1_1mDRQGUJYd8okvOc3Y3tIv1F3jxz9clyHNPRPpBs4cu9UX_Zp1PkVFw4SBVO0JIvlzkT3BKHWIZ_757R/s320/caving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095425568579495426" /></a><br />It was very cool and peaceful inside the cave and when we reached an embankment we got out and continued on foot. Our guide was very enthusiastic and sweet and she showed us many 'features' throughout the 3.5 km trek. As in the caves in Halong Bay there were the rocks shaped like buddha and various animals etc. We came across what she called the wishing stone and we placed our fingers in grooves that were shaped like a hand and made our wishes there. The hightlight of the cave was the mud pools where we got to swim in mud. The water was so dense with mud that you floated. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X7Wzxw1PHs0HaE2m-I8IiBHI3hsjFRk3zHDgO7lw1ITiONqushqNKOCZfwIlv_OomPLWP-xOHkwo0ohBreKbfhBJu5BrWr95rQ7B1zGlKo6-b9OBdnFKNuAzY5aF0WgE_p00GcIkk2TA/s1600-h/mud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X7Wzxw1PHs0HaE2m-I8IiBHI3hsjFRk3zHDgO7lw1ITiONqushqNKOCZfwIlv_OomPLWP-xOHkwo0ohBreKbfhBJu5BrWr95rQ7B1zGlKo6-b9OBdnFKNuAzY5aF0WgE_p00GcIkk2TA/s320/mud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095426268659164738" /></a><br />It was impossible to sink which was a very strange sensation. There was a mud slide that I had to try and when I slid down into the pool mud went everywhere! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI648l6zyVXfywMkCf0Rt0UtjKbLCcBi6EB64pd18VbZynx5kqD4HkOrwgIeMNH-q0bla1iA9cTFnO380s_UGvswcYV3zY05vsjlXJSHqETMu2xC6pfLY1TKsY32EVnw3xiGetDCvd0jAi/s1600-h/biking.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI648l6zyVXfywMkCf0Rt0UtjKbLCcBi6EB64pd18VbZynx5kqD4HkOrwgIeMNH-q0bla1iA9cTFnO380s_UGvswcYV3zY05vsjlXJSHqETMu2xC6pfLY1TKsY32EVnw3xiGetDCvd0jAi/s320/biking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095425194917340642" /></a>We cleaned ourselves off in some freshwater, then continued on our walk through the rest of the cave. When we reached the exit we still had about a 15 min walk back to the entrance and it was through beautiful countryside and the views were spectacular. Back at the entrance we went for swim in the pool that was there and there was a diving platform also. I couldn't resist again and had to do some bombs. Olivia laughed at me saying what a little kid I was and to tell the truth that's exactly how I felt. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMYlwG6mYk8dJ75rngp_yqHGvjSn_lMhQOOxqFlb2t2lykL91bfR9quzR9AqW5JSoMnhQu6s8UQEL25wtd3uXklrS3HdNLEiHQQC-RrEdqZ3PSTPQdmJ19vzMpIi-5F1FqHHNuz_O1cZh/s1600-h/rice2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMYlwG6mYk8dJ75rngp_yqHGvjSn_lMhQOOxqFlb2t2lykL91bfR9quzR9AqW5JSoMnhQu6s8UQEL25wtd3uXklrS3HdNLEiHQQC-RrEdqZ3PSTPQdmJ19vzMpIi-5F1FqHHNuz_O1cZh/s320/rice2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427630163797666" /></a>After the swiim we were taken back to our bikes and then we rode back to our hotel for a well earned shower and some dinner in town.<br />The next day we slept in and after a meal in town at a nice cafe and some emailing (with the free wireless) we decided we would go to a town called Xingping about 45minutes drive away in the public bus and then go on a river cruise up the upper reaches of the Li River. On the way there we saw some really beautiful countryside and were determined to come back the next day to take some pictures. We arrived in Xingping and were met by a guide that put us in tuktuks that would take us to the boat. What we didn't know was that this was about 25 mins drive away. The scenery was stunning and about half way through our trip we stopped on embankment to allow people to stretch, take photos and get refreshments from the hawkers set up there. We got a couple of ice cold beers and some taro croquettes ( like potato fritters only with taro) which were scrumptious. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p8_b4j03m43pTmSFkRM5WkmL-jQZyvGe7F-QSr_Xs4n1rRWLf3FZeOBnsxX72BAyRHooEV-KyOY_Qnl5cguFTafh0wHQCON61STP-sp_wDh9RqBOhwOSo_l4D1ziH6YzqUuvvE3OwABp/s1600-h/snacks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p8_b4j03m43pTmSFkRM5WkmL-jQZyvGe7F-QSr_Xs4n1rRWLf3FZeOBnsxX72BAyRHooEV-KyOY_Qnl5cguFTafh0wHQCON61STP-sp_wDh9RqBOhwOSo_l4D1ziH6YzqUuvvE3OwABp/s320/snacks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095833822400849666" /></a>One of the sights we pasted on the way was the '9 Horse Fresco' cliff face (see photo) we weren't sure we could see 9 horses in it, more like 9 kind of humps but it was pretty none the less! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFBdH17NqW5Kbx4KzjHGM2rZQDCcRCN3_j_mJPaJrXHPvUElSZBmoL0qsnj401DsCBPYsNYawRjeSsDp1aUwNrja1_hNlh41VI1V_HnqJ6kKNrJvXXsTkR_TEmz6UbaoI5h_-ZaIuxypC/s1600-h/9horses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFBdH17NqW5Kbx4KzjHGM2rZQDCcRCN3_j_mJPaJrXHPvUElSZBmoL0qsnj401DsCBPYsNYawRjeSsDp1aUwNrja1_hNlh41VI1V_HnqJ6kKNrJvXXsTkR_TEmz6UbaoI5h_-ZaIuxypC/s320/9horses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095820336203540178" /></a>On the way back to Xingping we stopped to check out the rock formations that are printed on the 20 yuan note. Next thing you know all the tourists on the boat (including us) had 20 yuan notes out and were taking pictures with the rocks as the backdrop.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP90jtauvzAcbB15O4WzRag3vy7I7TJwvSpVTWHkwTIhyphenhyphen7AF8tT2lgLV2lqtmOLx6zdaMHJz6-8ychtNievcZbyL2r7fakuAUSFDyUDtxqXOoDf63m50qpSpnVVFE46kQ-xSEYVgyTZYmZ/s1600-h/20yuan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP90jtauvzAcbB15O4WzRag3vy7I7TJwvSpVTWHkwTIhyphenhyphen7AF8tT2lgLV2lqtmOLx6zdaMHJz6-8ychtNievcZbyL2r7fakuAUSFDyUDtxqXOoDf63m50qpSpnVVFE46kQ-xSEYVgyTZYmZ/s320/20yuan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095833010652030690" /></a> Later we met up with a couple of Swiss guys we had met briefly the day before as one of them knew alot about Nikon cameras and in particular Livs model. He had one previously and he generously showed us how to set the self timer mode and some other functions that neither of us had any clue to do. Liv was so excited that now she would be able to take self timer shots!<br />After another amazing noodle and dumpling brunch we went looking for a post office to send some mail and whilst walking through the town were approached by a number of groups of young children who were in Yangshuo for a summer camp learning English. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxdSO28bkxoT6dYTVYC8UCvqQ_HqjyCDLJ0YEl8rVCAFe06vH7ChJ6KAv56p-tntL9Xv5uRifsbVRw8IVun-VH0Iid4OZQg7ytMG0Ywq-eI0vDF9Ab_skKMvFo_09ASC-6C_qwEBfG6TF/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxdSO28bkxoT6dYTVYC8UCvqQ_HqjyCDLJ0YEl8rVCAFe06vH7ChJ6KAv56p-tntL9Xv5uRifsbVRw8IVun-VH0Iid4OZQg7ytMG0Ywq-eI0vDF9Ab_skKMvFo_09ASC-6C_qwEBfG6TF/s320/kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095425740378187282" /></a><br />They all asked very politely if would like to join them at a party that night at the College where they were staying. At that stage we had planned go to a lightshow but we changed the tickets for the next night instead so we could go along and check it out. We were supposed to meet some school reps at a cafe at 7.00pm but somehow we missed them but we ran into a Kiwi couple that we had met briefly in Hong Kong. Taki and Simone were also travelling through China after stints teaching in China and Korea. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblxpEaXalCGwbF-Ib46doacC3yytETa-JY8ZQ8p42cPRjWYz27SbLM5Ka84hwDFa-7GspCg72-tdWYuen4HksaDXUxkTpQDs6Gf7SKE5E3j_Vw0hyphenhyphenE-ow5RIluVwNwKUWsR2IWRdkL-CC/s1600-h/kids2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblxpEaXalCGwbF-Ib46doacC3yytETa-JY8ZQ8p42cPRjWYz27SbLM5Ka84hwDFa-7GspCg72-tdWYuen4HksaDXUxkTpQDs6Gf7SKE5E3j_Vw0hyphenhyphenE-ow5RIluVwNwKUWsR2IWRdkL-CC/s320/kids2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095425912176879138" /></a>They were a wealth of advice and knowledge and taught us some really useful phrases too. We told them we were going to the kids party and they said they were going to an Aussie pub later on for a pub quiz so we agreed to meet them there. There was another man at their table from New Zealand who was also a teacher in the Northern reaches of China who took us to the College a short walk away. It was an awesome experience with the kids who ranged in age from 4-12. We were amazed that children this age came away on camps like this without their parents, especially as it was for two weeks. They all made huge efforts to ask us questions in English and have small conversations with us and they all had English names that they had chosen for the camp. All and all we had a great time with the children and they certainly gave us an insight into the modern Chinese way of life. We then went and met up with Taki and Simone at the pub quiz but we didnt fare to well as the questions were nigh on impossible but we still had alot of fun. We agreed to meet up the next night after we had finished going to the lightshow and they walked us back to our hotel and we all called it a night.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbsEqTR_o2vq5Dsr2tsyPVCPpMKa4WYD-hVmwcIHwCXplKEKyP2vpZK8WvAsDP98rwYr8mEHFV5YOJee0s2-ONSYvYOAHgw2sfbX3oTMXgH8dIWdNNpkq-Y3t8YUBPt4kNa5L55oe8c3-/s1600-h/motorbike.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbsEqTR_o2vq5Dsr2tsyPVCPpMKa4WYD-hVmwcIHwCXplKEKyP2vpZK8WvAsDP98rwYr8mEHFV5YOJee0s2-ONSYvYOAHgw2sfbX3oTMXgH8dIWdNNpkq-Y3t8YUBPt4kNa5L55oe8c3-/s320/motorbike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095426122630276658" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb8ZkCtuL1aJhvIpTDZPS5WHLlB1yeGH7X17uLheAOQLJuS9GvEP_dy-h43YgKIfmvGANKe-ukWfrEQSFvctdnBpaczxfaQBoOnqJOHxuKi4NNOeFOWygpzijo2X-BNHVwuBYSBMAB5_7/s1600-h/rice.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb8ZkCtuL1aJhvIpTDZPS5WHLlB1yeGH7X17uLheAOQLJuS9GvEP_dy-h43YgKIfmvGANKe-ukWfrEQSFvctdnBpaczxfaQBoOnqJOHxuKi4NNOeFOWygpzijo2X-BNHVwuBYSBMAB5_7/s200/rice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427028868376194" /></a><br /><br />The next day was special in that it was day 100 for our trip! We hired a motorbike and rode out to the road to Xingping to take some photos. It was a stinking hot day but Liv managed to get some amazing shots before we decided to ride back so we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK2yrAwty-GQ2w_9Biiuz0jWu09PfkE1h8avcGl6eJrNOh6g9_tpeE3u-l9MJA7jTxpIiaenGA95mFPqlu6R_G1pZAqjmxGq-6D-bPQPYUHzJSO2FuPsPGKA6ASXWGJgOfZkhbYouVxti/s1600-h/ricecart.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK2yrAwty-GQ2w_9Biiuz0jWu09PfkE1h8avcGl6eJrNOh6g9_tpeE3u-l9MJA7jTxpIiaenGA95mFPqlu6R_G1pZAqjmxGq-6D-bPQPYUHzJSO2FuPsPGKA6ASXWGJgOfZkhbYouVxti/s200/ricecart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095427020278441586" /></a>would have enough time to get showered and ready to have dinner and catch the bus to the lightshow which would be picking us up at 7.00pm. For dinner we went to a restaurant right nextdoor to our hotel and had these rice-hot pot type dishes where you got to chose what would be cooked from a buffet like set up. We both chose all kinds of vegetables and Liv had chicken and I pork. <br />The resultant meal was out of this world! The rice had a sort of paella/ risotto consitency and the veges and other accompaniments were cooked to perfection. The bus arrived shortly after and we drove out to the outdoor theatre where the lightshow would be held. There were so many people there and in typical Chinese style people were hoiking and spitting everywhere and pushing and shoving each other out of the way in the rush to the stadium. We found our seats that weren't too great but still we got see a pretty decent show. It was all in Chinese so we really didn't understand what they were talking or singing about but the lighting on the surrounding hills and on the performers themselves was brilliant and all and all we had a nice night. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAJIoAahpYeRVNk384_PTGVRNLTYmzhyphenhyphenwINvBPEuaJyVCfTESd2CxDwjfQShiYjus9F_fvywTQU3qCwQs3u11MzqUjYAjIu8-opQuIMPCzPtb1ZDhtoGXRcDF-a7FqjZG1umaiF4fa1nV/s1600-h/lightshow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAJIoAahpYeRVNk384_PTGVRNLTYmzhyphenhyphenwINvBPEuaJyVCfTESd2CxDwjfQShiYjus9F_fvywTQU3qCwQs3u11MzqUjYAjIu8-opQuIMPCzPtb1ZDhtoGXRcDF-a7FqjZG1umaiF4fa1nV/s320/lightshow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095425362421065202" /></a><br />We met Taki and Simone and went for a night cap and had some desert and made plans to meet before we had to leave for Guilin to catch our train the next day where we would get our flight to Xi'an.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRUBdroY9asXijdreNysWUkcLDYJ79GLFIuZRZqTrJdROQoRP-SubNV0IuKSzh2yx5QD3NPIHo7Yl8Reh4NXX6FiWhxv3kyfcqfOOs6V5jizUWzFZaW98G518CtlLRAUJkD9lswD0UgRn/s1600-h/wallet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRUBdroY9asXijdreNysWUkcLDYJ79GLFIuZRZqTrJdROQoRP-SubNV0IuKSzh2yx5QD3NPIHo7Yl8Reh4NXX6FiWhxv3kyfcqfOOs6V5jizUWzFZaW98G518CtlLRAUJkD9lswD0UgRn/s200/wallet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095881552372410706" /></a>After our final noodle breakfast (boohoo!) we went shopping and Liv bought a 'REAL PRADA' leather wallet (leather is actually real, passed the lighter test!). The price has started at 1800 yuan and she ended up getting it for 120! The girl in the store told her that she was a very good bargainer (should be after 4 months practice). We had some ice cream and watermelon with Taki and Simone and they walked us back to the hotel to get our bags and then helped us take our luggage across the road and gave us our first send off since Wellington. Thanks guys and hope to see you both somewhere again wherever in the world that will be. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAcigY2dbpLoafszOmXcMY8Su4oFUyHbXEV5BvOqdj-sBrG6vKQJH0pZqgy1dUeikX5UbLfV2udorwF22F9CgpWrPB28m_th-fYxwPUL8EI3U_hhgtDcczT4qN90R5bDjojqvHaezE_Kr/s1600-h/sendoff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAcigY2dbpLoafszOmXcMY8Su4oFUyHbXEV5BvOqdj-sBrG6vKQJH0pZqgy1dUeikX5UbLfV2udorwF22F9CgpWrPB28m_th-fYxwPUL8EI3U_hhgtDcczT4qN90R5bDjojqvHaezE_Kr/s320/sendoff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095422390303696306" /></a></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Arohanui<br />Liv and Tama xx</div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-20786051313464227242007-07-31T21:10:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:27:38.562-08:00HONG KONG, CHINA<div><strong><font size="4">Hong Kong</font></strong><br />We were a bit sad to leave Vietnam as we had both really loved it there, however, we were of course looking forward to the next step of our trip - Hong Kong. It was especially exciting to be going there as we were meeting my family there for a couple of days on their way back from their holiday in Europe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwybzTiIyBrQGogrJsR3TLlZEW57-B-D3CdngBg7NXfb4zJfj3HW-VyqffSHfIg50r3NJqodIzl6fbJ51h0jBZyA6LJsEPvB282WLTlsBcufgoZz4XcjcqgQZRWseP2aLqib6-RuwF1JOT/s1600-h/THE+parcel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094770972613910466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwybzTiIyBrQGogrJsR3TLlZEW57-B-D3CdngBg7NXfb4zJfj3HW-VyqffSHfIg50r3NJqodIzl6fbJ51h0jBZyA6LJsEPvB282WLTlsBcufgoZz4XcjcqgQZRWseP2aLqib6-RuwF1JOT/s320/THE+parcel.jpg" border="0" /></a>We flew from Hanoi to Bangkok then Bangkok to Hong Kong as (strangely) it worked out cheaper to do it this way than to fly directly. It was our third time in Bangkok! It turned out to be a worthwhile stop over as this time we finally got our money back! If you recall from our Bangkok blog update we had stupidly fallen for a jewellery scam. We were told by the police that we would be able to get at least 80% of the money back but we had to wait for the jewellery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kLVEe3Np9iKpG5Q0Fo-Spixn0djIcnkk3PF9YBALp__JcuSuK3E0erInqKb3fZy7dSbMJHxkjqDaIpJIN6iCYonbIrp-_OteBqgm-4APcIJio64uW8p9Y4GRX1ZmlhNNMGGvC4yOge7V/s1600-h/airport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094771724233187282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kLVEe3Np9iKpG5Q0Fo-Spixn0djIcnkk3PF9YBALp__JcuSuK3E0erInqKb3fZy7dSbMJHxkjqDaIpJIN6iCYonbIrp-_OteBqgm-4APcIJio64uW8p9Y4GRX1ZmlhNNMGGvC4yOge7V/s200/airport.jpg" border="0" /></a> to be returned from Paris in the post. Finally it returned (we had never been and probably will never be so happy to see a little courier package) and we ended up getting 96% of the money back! We were so happy but also kind of afraid because they gave us the money in cash and they were some seriously dodgy mafia guys so we were really keen to get out of there and on the plane to Hong Kong. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpB1RJfrLq0_q8y9TjV3o6ZZ-oIM95bpO2FBblTBvJn4AWooupDVK9Vba505MgGCAh9mE44qpeUzq3aVYwuva0Q0Cyc1yQlaf-SaobyK1tshxb1e4Ipy1EwSrHPy1YiY5MrgBeAjRKV2L/s1600-h/hk1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094770130800320434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpB1RJfrLq0_q8y9TjV3o6ZZ-oIM95bpO2FBblTBvJn4AWooupDVK9Vba505MgGCAh9mE44qpeUzq3aVYwuva0Q0Cyc1yQlaf-SaobyK1tshxb1e4Ipy1EwSrHPy1YiY5MrgBeAjRKV2L/s320/hk1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We basically went straight from the jewellery shop to the airport even though we had to wait there for about 5 hours! We just wanted to leave! Bangkok airport turned out to be MASSIVE and there was plenty to look at in the shops. It also looked like something out of startrek! (see photo)<br />A happy ending at last, yay! It had caused us a lot of headaches but it was finally over.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSv6Qax1XCtewaQT7nkTm9vZYjrI1bLpDXtLYbS2rwehfZSOvf8MI-sWgLBbNU-VklePOgn3hW8P_WG2Fg89VbDlDNu7e33RePYgZRsUI2EJ4Hsly8c1et0fc9nF551vwH9L9nTtazGLu/s1600-h/plane.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094772011995996130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSv6Qax1XCtewaQT7nkTm9vZYjrI1bLpDXtLYbS2rwehfZSOvf8MI-sWgLBbNU-VklePOgn3hW8P_WG2Fg89VbDlDNu7e33RePYgZRsUI2EJ4Hsly8c1et0fc9nF551vwH9L9nTtazGLu/s200/plane.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our flight into Hong Kong was with Emirates and it was brilliant, what a great airline. Good service, comfy seats, individual entertainment screens and even French wine! This was the first glass of wine we had had on our whole trip as wine isn't really what they drink in Asia (probably because imported wine is really expensive and Asian wine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwMvzn3bUhShCjYaZrs55kdEli-5mYk105sDnIPvJu2gHnjib5PbkboAZ01-OLmR16E1Tu_snMmZhdMsO1iYEZQ0x6AFJVAQGplaFeWrWDK4h5cjc9aTfFnhafT7eV4EEfDNHvgI7jjK3/s1600-h/cupboard.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwMvzn3bUhShCjYaZrs55kdEli-5mYk105sDnIPvJu2gHnjib5PbkboAZ01-OLmR16E1Tu_snMmZhdMsO1iYEZQ0x6AFJVAQGplaFeWrWDK4h5cjc9aTfFnhafT7eV4EEfDNHvgI7jjK3/s200/cupboard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095152223975875474" /></a> is horrible, I tried one sip in Vietnam and it tasted like cough syrup).<br />We arrived in Hong Kong at about 1am and were absolutely exhausted after two nights of late flights in a row and a day of taxis all over Bangkok sorting out the jewellery fiasco. We checked into a horrible cupboard sized room and slept.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPYj14HjsMfCcYx6ixwx-6ppivBty0Pxm3bPIArTLvUk396PkKLELsrt_2tdlgdGAsSY8kiHUzWcPhYjJnmK-UqAd8WMGvFpt-946OYOANNpywlJTf9P74PebWbumQ__q7ET-aEUyBoDz/s1600-h/hardrock.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPYj14HjsMfCcYx6ixwx-6ppivBty0Pxm3bPIArTLvUk396PkKLELsrt_2tdlgdGAsSY8kiHUzWcPhYjJnmK-UqAd8WMGvFpt-946OYOANNpywlJTf9P74PebWbumQ__q7ET-aEUyBoDz/s320/hardrock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095152589048095650" /></a>Next day we woke up super excited as my family (minus my sister) were due to arrive that afternoon! I couldn't wait to see them! My Mum and Dad had booked a hotel room for us at the place they were staying so we checked out of our cupboard and found the Langham. Wow it was sooooo flash, we weren't used to this kind of hotel and probably looked a bit out of place walking in to the very grand lobby with our backpacks and cargo shorts! We had to wait for an hour or two until our room was ready so we went to The Hard Rock Cafe Hong Kong for brunch where we had a cocktail and toasted getting back our money! We also went to the Harbour City shopping complex (a huge and really nice mall that we would come back to many times) to get some drinks and nibbles for when my family arrived. We got some Verve Cliquot champange as a special treat to welcome them. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCR5GBHHlKiP2-KBFFgeC1-1pbsc_oFdcnvpbJPqqLeFmDLyZv0kr9kT-l1RER5wRiJ72mNdme8KnxS0kbd3o4lrbpVPyMBLjASh85bj7Oc31iu7UhqgvMdj5mWZZ9lPAtdAKV3HaUu2W/s1600-h/roomhk.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCR5GBHHlKiP2-KBFFgeC1-1pbsc_oFdcnvpbJPqqLeFmDLyZv0kr9kT-l1RER5wRiJ72mNdme8KnxS0kbd3o4lrbpVPyMBLjASh85bj7Oc31iu7UhqgvMdj5mWZZ9lPAtdAKV3HaUu2W/s320/roomhk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095153503876129714" /></a>Then we went back to the room. It was beautiful! Amazing marble bathroom and big bed with nice linen, what a treat. We also went up to the roof to see the pool which was GORGEOUS. And there were little rolled up towels and fridges with little mineral waters and bowls of apples etc etc. Very posh.<br />We wrote some postcards in the lobby of the hotel while waiting for them to arrive then they finally did arrive and it was so great to see them and have big hugs! My brothers had grown even more! We had the drinks in our lovely room and told them the news of getting our money back and toasted once again! Then we went out for dinner to a wonderful Chinese restaurant. It was a great meal and lots of stories were told over the table about our travels in Asia and their holiday in LA, Greece and Italy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pVWL67yiMl-x671P-sl93AcP_Xdz-xMYbWTBmIvczJEuLyY57x1EzJ4dIP_xZR6a8Cx3V7JlaQOHAu_l_QQLsgYzL0kel3Bwix2FzPFWjqVxClupZzR37_ArBDjkFvDtcJJ3S0ao8TBF/s1600-h/table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pVWL67yiMl-x671P-sl93AcP_Xdz-xMYbWTBmIvczJEuLyY57x1EzJ4dIP_xZR6a8Cx3V7JlaQOHAu_l_QQLsgYzL0kel3Bwix2FzPFWjqVxClupZzR37_ArBDjkFvDtcJJ3S0ao8TBF/s320/table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095157094468789282" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREy29BSD4fIbUrN2LDVp3PVEmS6fH2H6Uw8i0_iJl5cJd2xGR-tZl__JGHK7fWpdgDfi308dzQWlIg3rX_QoK_lF2vaH6XLPA2x9uXt68LzhHb8pgOGgwynV5X6MBkRcz_XR1NE_m41ec/s1600-h/pool.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREy29BSD4fIbUrN2LDVp3PVEmS6fH2H6Uw8i0_iJl5cJd2xGR-tZl__JGHK7fWpdgDfi308dzQWlIg3rX_QoK_lF2vaH6XLPA2x9uXt68LzhHb8pgOGgwynV5X6MBkRcz_XR1NE_m41ec/s320/pool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095153744394298306" /></a>After dinner Mum and Dad went to bed and Tama, my brothers (Richard and Simon) and I went for a swim in our pool which was a lot of fun even though the boys kept dunking me under the water and my eyes got sore from the chlorine!<br />The next morning we had THE most amazing buffet breakfast ever at the hotel. They had everything including proper fresh coffee without any condensed milk in it! Then we went on the ferry across the harbour to Hong Kong Island and took the cable car up the famous Victoria Peak. The view was as incredible as we'd anticipated. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb7D2_UY9X7Bi8K-AIoaDWNMu-kLb2kVj04kKwV0DWJEHj_6bR_A6b7CXs1fjFDEVa1iZyiX65ugUVI68-FGmxhNU8LsvIt4KcTSWBml0iW_yspWVVNy2O1UpjCbQ9gvA8tPKjlVBFaSC/s1600-h/view+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb7D2_UY9X7Bi8K-AIoaDWNMu-kLb2kVj04kKwV0DWJEHj_6bR_A6b7CXs1fjFDEVa1iZyiX65ugUVI68-FGmxhNU8LsvIt4KcTSWBml0iW_yspWVVNy2O1UpjCbQ9gvA8tPKjlVBFaSC/s400/view+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095154895445533666" /></a>Dad also pointed out Stanley from the peak which is where my Great Grandfather worked as a prison guard. My Grandma was born in Hong Kong. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOKwMCaB1Kg8cj59ldZ8oEbfy2vIsGh1BDwMnJmEj6vydDI4ef1nxFjHWTx8NQyQy_eJ8UU-jN3oqL0oF621j3_itpMsNTWFETaFI3EPt3rYnHy87ukTOQoo_EVVHlimbMmmWh9xWcVTF/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOKwMCaB1Kg8cj59ldZ8oEbfy2vIsGh1BDwMnJmEj6vydDI4ef1nxFjHWTx8NQyQy_eJ8UU-jN3oqL0oF621j3_itpMsNTWFETaFI3EPt3rYnHy87ukTOQoo_EVVHlimbMmmWh9xWcVTF/s320/view.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095155690014483442" /></a>After having a good look around and having another coffee, at Mum's request:-), we went back down and then found a shopping mall where we had a nice wrap sandwich for lunch at the foodcourt.<br />Back at the hotel Mum and I got pampered with an amazing massage and sauna while the boys all went for a swim. We then got dressed up and went to a lovely bar for a cocktail and on to another brilliant Chinese restaurant for dinner. We had some really nice wines with the meal too.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ3aAU2vCnJLmSvXidWjxf4xEJ7wlbi1O5qaDx1t03xPlfpTI2eDHVm85NULzCYNQgHCKSrkfdg5KdVFSKYUmPei2KvOw2dNJjbBZg59S12Z6lFyaH1dNkf9GRfPb_XkXN8kZvUv_VL1Q/s1600-h/family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ3aAU2vCnJLmSvXidWjxf4xEJ7wlbi1O5qaDx1t03xPlfpTI2eDHVm85NULzCYNQgHCKSrkfdg5KdVFSKYUmPei2KvOw2dNJjbBZg59S12Z6lFyaH1dNkf9GRfPb_XkXN8kZvUv_VL1Q/s320/family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095154513193444306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpF4mRBqWCZU3k8HLXMQF68UZ2Q6vfm6BNeaPj6FSVtDUniB8MvOPv9kS0ctsEPyscWUqQj1quL3V4bBJZu37luVxts0hrPSDHWgPXZ7DKhhtiw8a8z_P1bdztBOl09DFLP7pU3Idh_Ze/s1600-h/boys.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpF4mRBqWCZU3k8HLXMQF68UZ2Q6vfm6BNeaPj6FSVtDUniB8MvOPv9kS0ctsEPyscWUqQj1quL3V4bBJZu37luVxts0hrPSDHWgPXZ7DKhhtiw8a8z_P1bdztBOl09DFLP7pU3Idh_Ze/s320/boys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095151888968426370" /></a>The next day we did some shopping and Mum and Dad brought me a gorgeous leather handbag which I was so excited about as I had been looking all through Asia for one but hadn't managed to find what I'd been looking for. Richard got a laptop for uni as they were much cheaper there than in NZ and Mum and I got some nice clothes too. Then they had to leave and I was a bit tearful <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vhSD8DSlIfdGewBjvjcZPIdC_8Aa3F36LVKc0tRoFo_IQ22X1fH-9ADdXaVoOazIMkihwEGVZ3zf9fZEd7s6fGBcfoBXsUjfqpV3UEdVRGAfEVDCPU8TfvI5yRuz7ROw6NNGoyQwML-w/s1600-h/rich.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vhSD8DSlIfdGewBjvjcZPIdC_8Aa3F36LVKc0tRoFo_IQ22X1fH-9ADdXaVoOazIMkihwEGVZ3zf9fZEd7s6fGBcfoBXsUjfqpV3UEdVRGAfEVDCPU8TfvI5yRuz7ROw6NNGoyQwML-w/s200/rich.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095156231180362754" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqwV08tzxXUnSHQEFhrM_JwvyhzkzlRIStLBlBBoihFgdOHXlu0uuJ4ssW6o0WkarCblNwTx4NPaAZSdEtwUdIyCadEDGFeUHn3mxpSBbxsTtv-WrgyB21GO8FPgWPpSTPsZXCGkFb3Fe/s1600-h/si.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqwV08tzxXUnSHQEFhrM_JwvyhzkzlRIStLBlBBoihFgdOHXlu0uuJ4ssW6o0WkarCblNwTx4NPaAZSdEtwUdIyCadEDGFeUHn3mxpSBbxsTtv-WrgyB21GO8FPgWPpSTPsZXCGkFb3Fe/s200/si.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095156488878400530" /></a>as I don't know when I will next see my brothers. I will miss them heaps as I make sure to see them regurlarly in NZ. Luckily I get to see Mum and Dad in September when they are coming over to London as Dad is becoming a member of the World College of Obstetrics and Gynocology. There will be a big presentation for that and Tama and I are invited and hope to make it over there from France.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dVkTuPFxZRPH3zs52HtIzWQGfbWTz6SQktUIGrDHlT5or6CZytM195VWflIm-_h-0FmkCoeZDL9nshVEVBXMzbhVgnclHwa3X5EOMDZef4fqjP69iHKDfTmwquQlGWvY5paTUyVj1HOy/s1600-h/night.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dVkTuPFxZRPH3zs52HtIzWQGfbWTz6SQktUIGrDHlT5or6CZytM195VWflIm-_h-0FmkCoeZDL9nshVEVBXMzbhVgnclHwa3X5EOMDZef4fqjP69iHKDfTmwquQlGWvY5paTUyVj1HOy/s320/night.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095157867562902578" /></a>We didn't have to say goodbye to the hotel quite yet though as they had booked an extra night for us! Weren't we lucky! That night Tama and I went to watch the Symphony of Lights show on the waterfront which is a show with music of lights on the various skyscrapers that form the amazing skyline of Hong Kong. We just had a light soup for dinner as we had had a big lunch earlier in the day with my family. Then it was off to bed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES0RiF3rbE0-BqUp7OywEDn0-L5dLL2lJ79XRf0YgShVycIN_pBDVb0RXcEMU_97hwyQgKZbb5h8Gww8aXnwE4tQJK_C81cJi4hnIZ5mutzGkY2sO1UTyB31RyuLMuJqL0Y7jQOrSkEMg/s1600-h/lightshow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES0RiF3rbE0-BqUp7OywEDn0-L5dLL2lJ79XRf0YgShVycIN_pBDVb0RXcEMU_97hwyQgKZbb5h8Gww8aXnwE4tQJK_C81cJi4hnIZ5mutzGkY2sO1UTyB31RyuLMuJqL0Y7jQOrSkEMg/s320/lightshow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095158563347604546" /></a>We enjoyed our last night of luxury and our last Langham breakfast then spent the day at Ocean Park. It's a theme park with lots of rides and Panda bears, acrobatic shows etc.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNaX891X3Zog5JrIMaMwRFh8tFsHpMMzTmAoXqXEDU7i7VVgDTC4SxpfTQi5M8AJZEtoWOnnYD2blfUQ9qJ9yBzKWmuOqjIdMe0N7fWq-F4-fbn2sgP3KqLGiPRq-nqdvrz9y3lvVd1XX/s1600-h/oceanpark.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNaX891X3Zog5JrIMaMwRFh8tFsHpMMzTmAoXqXEDU7i7VVgDTC4SxpfTQi5M8AJZEtoWOnnYD2blfUQ9qJ9yBzKWmuOqjIdMe0N7fWq-F4-fbn2sgP3KqLGiPRq-nqdvrz9y3lvVd1XX/s320/oceanpark.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095161406615954546" /></a> It was a great day but incredibly hot and humid. I don't sweat very easily but I did that day, it was boiling. What made it worse was that we had (stupidly) gone to the park on a Saturday so it was packed and we had to queue for all the rides in the hot sun! Still a good day though. Like the night before we went for a nice walk along the waterfront as the Hong Kong skyline is so pretty at night (in a big city kind of way!). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9QgKBhZ0ZbgaZB6pITNFj36wG12mziPrUlV-xfuhy6BYwSb8pp-tSPA2rpYR7tFpXs2Ca8WIZ5xdRxFH0f7X85b2_ikDA_50Rbovyo4XHYa1Q1K7MmI12LF25WgGPB3uvA-qo2-LqM87/s1600-h/light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9QgKBhZ0ZbgaZB6pITNFj36wG12mziPrUlV-xfuhy6BYwSb8pp-tSPA2rpYR7tFpXs2Ca8WIZ5xdRxFH0f7X85b2_ikDA_50Rbovyo4XHYa1Q1K7MmI12LF25WgGPB3uvA-qo2-LqM87/s320/light.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095160075176092770" /></a>We watched the light show again that night as they also have fireworks on Saturdays so it was even more spectactular than the previous night.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zotcwG8L3tt1sttqVRC2E11FauKMkokVbSBlLWNz-C9ZDeMZQi_C1TUGHqN0QRn1brSVXs-tRsSA99uwKWf-zyoFbmljzaaa13xUSrqMTY7h8uDiOvhQ8cJInSJbZNFDqTGiFXrfxSgd/s1600-h/lightshow2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zotcwG8L3tt1sttqVRC2E11FauKMkokVbSBlLWNz-C9ZDeMZQi_C1TUGHqN0QRn1brSVXs-tRsSA99uwKWf-zyoFbmljzaaa13xUSrqMTY7h8uDiOvhQ8cJInSJbZNFDqTGiFXrfxSgd/s320/lightshow2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095159701513938002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblGAeqZXvAfrWMDgaQ-UyR-WGPuNbvJczHISlBcpJIBmu9MCQ5znWXwKnB-Lssxgk8bodXKslamn4ptbDk3Um8eDoCc9ZQ98IouZv3Fmc3Q_bjhAvYeD5cF7V84faTHkukAVtS4opIwf0/s1600-h/temple.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblGAeqZXvAfrWMDgaQ-UyR-WGPuNbvJczHISlBcpJIBmu9MCQ5znWXwKnB-Lssxgk8bodXKslamn4ptbDk3Um8eDoCc9ZQ98IouZv3Fmc3Q_bjhAvYeD5cF7V84faTHkukAVtS4opIwf0/s200/temple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095163133192807554" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKrKoZaCs4dr0UxeN7_0wyt-kqOAAFPHFLKTIiyf3QUT42dTOaqLCE0DtUHIlWz-e2_FDfhOeJzSvZIB37yztpknfVM2pkwO5N7XU2TQal0biXimdb5DSgE9PJZswh8hDOqCIPQDJZ9zS/s1600-h/templest.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKrKoZaCs4dr0UxeN7_0wyt-kqOAAFPHFLKTIiyf3QUT42dTOaqLCE0DtUHIlWz-e2_FDfhOeJzSvZIB37yztpknfVM2pkwO5N7XU2TQal0biXimdb5DSgE9PJZswh8hDOqCIPQDJZ9zS/s200/templest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095163446725420178" /></a>We had one more day in Hong Kong looking around and we went to the Temple Street market which was another big street of stalls much like all the other markets we've seen in Asia. We went to a great little street-side restaurant there for a chinese dinner and stayed in our hostel in Chungking Mansions. It was most definitely a few stars away from the Langham but the Indian guy who ran it was very friendly and did all our washing for us which was nice although Tama's white Shinga t-shirt came back pink!<br />We decided our next stop would be Macau so the next morning we caught the ferry and got another stamp on our passports....<br /><br />Love Olivia and Tama xx </div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-20265486388178354452007-07-16T08:26:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:28:01.382-08:00VIETNAM<div><strong><font size="4">GOOD MORNING VIETNAM<br />Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh </font></strong><br /><strong><font size="4"><br /></font></strong>Our bus ride from Phnom Penh brought us to the capital of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon.We got confused as people still call it both so we weren’t really sure what we should call it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZP06LdzZNkqkH9E6k-lh4QxdIftJfjrMSvpBLNOtzNc0r4rqfBtRqeqt7jc7mKWkPAkLTboPt4mD9dUnPQ_DZ2tbU7_7j0VuCKmswLTYYiHCDj4vChz-RXw7X3qJeqsHKh1dmWJFVsYn/s1600-h/pho.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094468426527645330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZP06LdzZNkqkH9E6k-lh4QxdIftJfjrMSvpBLNOtzNc0r4rqfBtRqeqt7jc7mKWkPAkLTboPt4mD9dUnPQ_DZ2tbU7_7j0VuCKmswLTYYiHCDj4vChz-RXw7X3qJeqsHKh1dmWJFVsYn/s320/pho.jpg" border="0" /></a> We found a nice little guesthouse in the Pha Gnu Lao area, which is where many of the backpackers and tourists stay.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEzBeUEkkX2OlLNcYrXDsIijiOwMlbplJtuysu2HsfXT1G8LaRcE_jcv20_SToK8UDkaXogHmdl4PaufwB6lCkJLSGfQTy4oHt832DSYtfk_8tV-HN4bnNLT2GVCbpqzMM-rtN_8jgxTq/s1600-h/DSC_3096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091392358065348130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEzBeUEkkX2OlLNcYrXDsIijiOwMlbplJtuysu2HsfXT1G8LaRcE_jcv20_SToK8UDkaXogHmdl4PaufwB6lCkJLSGfQTy4oHt832DSYtfk_8tV-HN4bnNLT2GVCbpqzMM-rtN_8jgxTq/s200/DSC_3096.jpg" border="0" /></a>On the morning of our first day we decided that we would do a self-guided walking tour that is outlined in the Lonely Planet which takes you throughout the city and guides you to all of the tourist attractions along the way. The first place we went to was a restaurant called Pho 2000. Pho is the Vietnamese word for noodles and this restaurant was made famous because a certain President Bill Clinton and his first lady went there to try this national Vietnamese dish. So we decided that this would be a great place to have some breakfast (as locals have noodle soup for breakfast regularly). They were absolutely delicious and we would have many more bowls throughout our time in Vietnam.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpvs-NfZwQZGliSg2IFMdWtUDM3MKAgED4AjWeHWfM5PkNjg8vN1A-gu9P4hN9zcJ0Pygz7ZuS9-blXtwQCZev2K0erSAlh41uBUdVpk6Ap2x-YvObxOSo-xbCKijgvWtOTlfDgpx97Rh/s1600-h/DSC_3082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091391413172542994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpvs-NfZwQZGliSg2IFMdWtUDM3MKAgED4AjWeHWfM5PkNjg8vN1A-gu9P4hN9zcJ0Pygz7ZuS9-blXtwQCZev2K0erSAlh41uBUdVpk6Ap2x-YvObxOSo-xbCKijgvWtOTlfDgpx97Rh/s320/DSC_3082.jpg" border="0" /></a>We continued on throughout the rest of the city and visited the Independence Palace where the Viet Cong stormed with tanks when they overran the once American protected Saigon and renamed it Ho Chi Minh City.<br />As the All Blacks were going to be playing South Africa in the opening Tri-Nations match I was desperate to make sure that we could see the game and mistakenly thought that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4unxr9d0Yh0TMcZ6wfhHqALz511Yips_d7nm5Ov-y2_9A2XZR6gOdhoFDUQGAoWOfGQteA2cXpsJse8i7xMar6cDMev3DCOwl7XM0SBIvotSE6vFXhQ941O8mhbVQ9sjtaoMge4mRFQq/s1600-h/fountain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094467842412093058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4unxr9d0Yh0TMcZ6wfhHqALz511Yips_d7nm5Ov-y2_9A2XZR6gOdhoFDUQGAoWOfGQteA2cXpsJse8i7xMar6cDMev3DCOwl7XM0SBIvotSE6vFXhQ941O8mhbVQ9sjtaoMge4mRFQq/s200/fountain.jpg" border="0" /></a>it was on early in the afternoon so we checked out an Australian owned pub called the Blue Gecko where we hoped it would be on. We found out that it would be on that night at 7.30pm instead so went to see the War Remnants Museum. We had 50 mins or so to see it before closing and even in this time we got yet another terrible reminder of man’s atrocities to his fellow man. There were horrific photographs of disfigured children attributed to the side effects of Agent Orange that the US Air force sprayed extensively over the jungle during the Vietnam War. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuUQyeCFVmHVLGpJkKY9xjDRA7cWVm6HyJH6N4QcS4OQYhWh_ZUA80fOhtwbQfMuJzS_lIu5VAWLGhZKHqNhk4I87iiWuaK2AkzKjJ57-ogDca4VAlvC5qWyYX8NqeVKXsD080VBE6e8z/s1600-h/DSC_3101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091393139749396018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuUQyeCFVmHVLGpJkKY9xjDRA7cWVm6HyJH6N4QcS4OQYhWh_ZUA80fOhtwbQfMuJzS_lIu5VAWLGhZKHqNhk4I87iiWuaK2AkzKjJ57-ogDca4VAlvC5qWyYX8NqeVKXsD080VBE6e8z/s320/DSC_3101.jpg" border="0" /></a>There were numerous other photos depicting soldiers in all different situations and various war paraphernalia to be seen also.<br />One thing that anyone will tell you who has been to this city is that crossing the road is an adventure in itself. We had never seen so many motorbikes in our lives and intersections were absolutely chaotic. Basically if you wanted to cross the road you just picked out a spot, focused on it and then walked at a steady pace towards it. The key was not to stop so that the motorcyclists could avoid you - which they did but it was still unerving to say the least.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeJy-V_zE4aBel7ttYPvv7-8tBJpB4veGvRpx7-ym5tussaqGwAueOqNrp4ZErm-Dfa4KqOFVyg-k4bXDzIQr_gyrLC95GkFaUiMpgGxRjZJq0nwFAjqF88z7XIRGTMOB3ySQMHv4o3FX/s1600-h/DSC_3107.jpg"></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094465707813346898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeJy-V_zE4aBel7ttYPvv7-8tBJpB4veGvRpx7-ym5tussaqGwAueOqNrp4ZErm-Dfa4KqOFVyg-k4bXDzIQr_gyrLC95GkFaUiMpgGxRjZJq0nwFAjqF88z7XIRGTMOB3ySQMHv4o3FX/s320/DSC_3107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We finally made it back to our hotel, got changed and caught a cab to the Blue Gecko and had about 45 minutes to kill so we popped next door to a cool restaurant called 33. Outside on the footpath one of the chefs was cooking a whole suckling pig on a spit and we knew we were in for something special. There were many different types of meat on the menu so we decided to try crocodile meat. We got our own little barbeque on which to cook the meat and it came in a gorgeously delicious marinade. It was so much fun preparing our own dinner in this way and it tasted absolutely amazing. It came with some local vegetables that also tasted great cooked in this way. When dinner was done we went back to the Blue Gecko in time for kick off and watched the All Blacks triumph over South Africa in a tight fought encounter.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKHJ28q1XhpJzkb2uaEz6xL89oCK1NZqbqlH2o_BcuCgtLkL_q4Nqlyx3KGixMYQfWGp-c2icOVRXuMljWMXVpDYrJu5vSXCSOOeCpRKSFn3zVhIAD7pVzWn6brDfR2UJQIhT3lk4D_t/s1600-h/pig.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094472274818342642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKHJ28q1XhpJzkb2uaEz6xL89oCK1NZqbqlH2o_BcuCgtLkL_q4Nqlyx3KGixMYQfWGp-c2icOVRXuMljWMXVpDYrJu5vSXCSOOeCpRKSFn3zVhIAD7pVzWn6brDfR2UJQIhT3lk4D_t/s320/pig.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtAMpE3E5fVhst7MwPrZjRHJmxg-VDbWnwyJ7Uo2ZoJyGLfxILnrZ7H4DgCi8UnD0WqqEx6_41byBMKm7AZpLa4ErR4ZLPoFWUEnKM3QmJ378XFjTOrk5J4N1hsLitttEDK2VztNiIvp_/s1600-h/hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094469083657641634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtAMpE3E5fVhst7MwPrZjRHJmxg-VDbWnwyJ7Uo2ZoJyGLfxILnrZ7H4DgCi8UnD0WqqEx6_41byBMKm7AZpLa4ErR4ZLPoFWUEnKM3QmJ378XFjTOrk5J4N1hsLitttEDK2VztNiIvp_/s320/hands.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next day we went on a half-day tour to see the famous Cu Chi tunnels. On the way we stopped to see a factory where lacquer furniture and other items were being made. It took about 5 months to complete one item and one of the steps of the process was to do the designs using egg shells. It was amazing to watch the incredibly intricate and delicate work unfolding before our eyes. They were true craftspeople.<br />We got to Cu Chi which was an area where the Viet Cong used a network of tunnels some 200 or so kilometres long to outwit the US Army and its allies in an incredible show of guerrilla warfare and ingenuity. So intricate were these systems that there were even underground kitchens for cooking which had specially designed chimneys that would take the smoke away from the cooking fires and dissipate it slowly out into the surrounding jungle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYb2ZQwtz_8MCiop5DJ6aqF2eMLFzVqU7h_ZBNtAXdj6fRs0s5hNbpPRrhVks33K0fRhyRxxfXEIfS-MyP3MCOOXE8htP6RJED7eRs35vaUdtyw5-8YNGJZ-ns5lV2k8a_mhGFW0neKXq/s1600-h/rice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094481878365216674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYb2ZQwtz_8MCiop5DJ6aqF2eMLFzVqU7h_ZBNtAXdj6fRs0s5hNbpPRrhVks33K0fRhyRxxfXEIfS-MyP3MCOOXE8htP6RJED7eRs35vaUdtyw5-8YNGJZ-ns5lV2k8a_mhGFW0neKXq/s320/rice.jpg" border="0" /></a>The smoke was fed into another room dug out of the earth and then fed via an underground vent to a pile of earth made to look like a termite mound. Once it came out it merely looked like mist and didn’t alert the enemy. We went to see how rice paper for spring rolls and rice wine was made. They had some people demonstarting using traditional methods.<br />There were trenches dug all around the area that allowed the Viet Cong to ambush enemy troops while under good cover and then retreat quickly back into tunnels to escape to somewhere else. Their ingenuity didn’t stop there. They would collect unexploded US bombs and then cut them open and take the gunpowder out of them and make booby traps and land mines of their own to fight with. They made any number of other gruesome booby traps from various types of pit traps to even ones for doorways that almost always involved some sort of impalement.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgznhkyDQp0Hoq2PXaQFpoxiP28SBTQvHECjny40PxP06EisfN9iI1R6AapH0SbFcWTNHydJB5j-n0MVrYtE_B9RhQ5tVKnUvQEDQEFzYc-eAJmuoiCa7qhsE0hxZN_igHEFVfXwpF-VA/s1600-h/tunnel+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094470750104952514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgznhkyDQp0Hoq2PXaQFpoxiP28SBTQvHECjny40PxP06EisfN9iI1R6AapH0SbFcWTNHydJB5j-n0MVrYtE_B9RhQ5tVKnUvQEDQEFzYc-eAJmuoiCa7qhsE0hxZN_igHEFVfXwpF-VA/s320/tunnel+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-Bl2nlVuIgnIAD8WRqQ4RGcQGTEpeJKDNc6ICdlzLYdNjQ7jxJutK_M8fh5fIkgV9RDIL7hmixbApAsT6M8BkKKwtjycSTKQgOndznDHn02dhZ7suamFZ9Mi-Dbex-Q9efL25XXO3vmo/s1600-h/tunnel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094470543946522290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-Bl2nlVuIgnIAD8WRqQ4RGcQGTEpeJKDNc6ICdlzLYdNjQ7jxJutK_M8fh5fIkgV9RDIL7hmixbApAsT6M8BkKKwtjycSTKQgOndznDHn02dhZ7suamFZ9Mi-Dbex-Q9efL25XXO3vmo/s320/tunnel.jpg" border="0" /></a>Eventually we got to go into some of the tunnels to see what it must have been like. Luckily for us our guide gave us the option of using the original tunnels or some others that had been widened for Westeners. At first being somewhat claustrophobic I couldn’t bring myself to get in the tunnels and backed out. Olivia however charged right on in leading the way for our group – she was amazing. There were two Kiwi boys from the South Island – one a farmer and the other a plumber who wouldn’t let me not give it a crack and at their insistence and support (one in front and one behind me) I finally got through and was totally relieved to come out the other end some 30 metres or so away unscathed. Olivia then told us that when she went through at the head of our column she took a wrong turn and ended up <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQRsP_DBaNfP5ChmJTvJo4fkzxStLVnRb-zaN38RxPC6FB1JePo0m2nL3lOcPyZ1bAk_bQupkWdvIrPdb7XtD3x3DWWgLNlfwTbmkwvPs8w1BUr5qwB7uO_mzIcmtky4F76kIMRlVIZAh/s1600-h/tun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094470994918088402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQRsP_DBaNfP5ChmJTvJo4fkzxStLVnRb-zaN38RxPC6FB1JePo0m2nL3lOcPyZ1bAk_bQupkWdvIrPdb7XtD3x3DWWgLNlfwTbmkwvPs8w1BUr5qwB7uO_mzIcmtky4F76kIMRlVIZAh/s200/tun.jpg" border="0" /></a>down a dead end tunnel and had to back out. She gave someone one heck of a fright when her legs and backside came out of nowhere and into the tunnel as there wasn’t that much light down there. We had another go in another tunnel that was about 50 metres long. This one had a couple of tight turns and also different levels too. After the tunnels we went to a shooting range where you could try and shoot AK 47s through to M60s.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAJOOjWPJJAqjJlAx2pxmvxi-jVRHUiRVOa2QT_faMOTK5M72u4XgM5Gc5dRVC44RrlQt1oxgjXfpURcsNNSuhGralJxJTci-hZb5oFv8LhUdp-O1Bg8rH_2x-FlwSiR0xoXU5w8InrFV/s1600-h/gun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094471527494033122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAJOOjWPJJAqjJlAx2pxmvxi-jVRHUiRVOa2QT_faMOTK5M72u4XgM5Gc5dRVC44RrlQt1oxgjXfpURcsNNSuhGralJxJTci-hZb5oFv8LhUdp-O1Bg8rH_2x-FlwSiR0xoXU5w8InrFV/s200/gun.jpg" border="0" /></a> Finally we went to an outdoor dining area where we got sample some local green tea and tapioca (in Fiji cassava or tavioka) which was one of the root crops that allowed the Viet Cong to survive during the war.<br />We got back to Saigon later in the afternoon and went shopping and we ended up buying some more DVDs. Olivia was wrapped as she managed to pick up the entire series, yes that’s 7 seasons worth of her favourite show ‘Sex in the City’ amongst the 80 other movies we got in some box sets all for about $40.00 NZ. That night we went to a travel agent and bought some bus tickets for future legs of our journey and organised to leave for a small beach side town called Muine the next morning.<br /><br /><strong><font size="4">Muine</font></strong><br />The new day dawned and we checked out of our hotel and went to pick up some washing that we thought would be ready to collect at 7.30am which would then give us good time to go around the corner and wait for the bus. Of course the Laundromat was closed wasn’t it. So there we were standing outside this Laundromat waiting for our clean clothes and hoping that the bus would be late so we could still catch it. In the end we had to miss our bus, as the laundry still wasn’t ready, rebook for the next day and check back into our hotel. How useless aye!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6ml56HW8O6-IICbIgnfg26s8c3pOjgSA0OPm4bzyrzhJZ_OEHrQNSsMuzKrLaAwGjKwNt8vy7eKSq8q22CAFJOu8PvHaagrAeeWF828CF6RhD2aDKjKwJfogVHkFKHPmjnuB9Hk5Abt/s1600-h/dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094481487523192706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6ml56HW8O6-IICbIgnfg26s8c3pOjgSA0OPm4bzyrzhJZ_OEHrQNSsMuzKrLaAwGjKwNt8vy7eKSq8q22CAFJOu8PvHaagrAeeWF828CF6RhD2aDKjKwJfogVHkFKHPmjnuB9Hk5Abt/s320/dog.jpg" border="0" /></a>After one more unplanned day in Ho Chi Minh we set off for Muine. This was a relatively short bus trip or about 6.5 hours. When we arrived we stopped outside a restaurant and there we saw our Canadian friends Tom, Marc and Anna sitting having lunch. What made this even more of a coincidence is that they didn’t even stay at that guesthouse but had only decided to go there and try the food for their final meal before catching the bus to the capital. They showed us where they had been staying and we got ourselves a room right on the beach and sat down and caught up before seeing them off on the bus a half hour later or so. We then took a dip in the sea, had a shower and changed clothes and went to a restaurant about 10 minutes walk down the beach and had the most amazing dinner. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5Eunp5ZoL6zWmKyx_pwmg45bIjWtuzcHB1McmiQWH_xD86a2euJSfV0zwwcxp7P9LC9Z-VrrOOWOlDiAYwkjV7WW3rST2pI0606w5rxd2AomG_nGmfchGmFlJG0PoDLXTXABWuWPZesw/s1600-h/beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094481603487309714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5Eunp5ZoL6zWmKyx_pwmg45bIjWtuzcHB1McmiQWH_xD86a2euJSfV0zwwcxp7P9LC9Z-VrrOOWOlDiAYwkjV7WW3rST2pI0606w5rxd2AomG_nGmfchGmFlJG0PoDLXTXABWuWPZesw/s320/beach.jpg" border="0" /></a>The waitress recommended a local speciality – ‘Muine Fish Salad’ and it was out of this world. There was a platter of marinated fresh snapper sliced into thin strips with salad, rice wraps and peanut sauce. You basically made a parcel out of all the food dipped it in the sauce and ate it. Silly thing was normally we had experienced that Asian portions were really small – but this time they were huge. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12J2C-Kw5RD0QUSVqKw7BUGPWmjb3G2QqwbRzIzm5Mms_Sn7APeaVueRvLcsJF7jxTaR6PzaSaOKzOP8XQOy2l6afDr4W2lfbiqMIutzgdhavC9W6BbPzbXDI4YcXEMPxUGXei0PLZ23r/s1600-h/sandlily.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094479125291179826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12J2C-Kw5RD0QUSVqKw7BUGPWmjb3G2QqwbRzIzm5Mms_Sn7APeaVueRvLcsJF7jxTaR6PzaSaOKzOP8XQOy2l6afDr4W2lfbiqMIutzgdhavC9W6BbPzbXDI4YcXEMPxUGXei0PLZ23r/s320/sandlily.jpg" border="0" /></a>To make matters worse we also ordered a BBQ platter that had BBQed samples of meat and seafood on it. We were absolutely stuffed when we finally finished that meal!<br />We had booked to catch an afternoon bus at 1.30pm the next day so we got up early had some breakfast and then hired two Motos (motorcycles with drivers) to take us around to see the sights.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5bbya6_aOXMH3AKj03gdITPCbzHrr0X2jvzqKM8__2FBuJ1N6qsWnbKKD3X9VcQe9xs7a8gXTMnxcR3Rgqft3WdAzQYdK2fcWTq4b2TDKG4rXRR2U_fFQjLWKApUyx3jN69cxy1-ZdF/s1600-h/sand1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094477707951972098" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5bbya6_aOXMH3AKj03gdITPCbzHrr0X2jvzqKM8__2FBuJ1N6qsWnbKKD3X9VcQe9xs7a8gXTMnxcR3Rgqft3WdAzQYdK2fcWTq4b2TDKG4rXRR2U_fFQjLWKApUyx3jN69cxy1-ZdF/s320/sand1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNkK6IrZHJF-fiVJygloQ5DWM800F6y_aLuMXYCKZtxEhtWMO_EuwFa05tPNaGh8vn21B0JjTa9vbVUmwpInd2e-cWtuI4yTpRqxGCLYAZr-pvFklFnZ4aprNFDWuBEpu2uX1uVyuopwp/s1600-h/sand2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094478098793996050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNkK6IrZHJF-fiVJygloQ5DWM800F6y_aLuMXYCKZtxEhtWMO_EuwFa05tPNaGh8vn21B0JjTa9vbVUmwpInd2e-cWtuI4yTpRqxGCLYAZr-pvFklFnZ4aprNFDWuBEpu2uX1uVyuopwp/s200/sand2.jpg" border="0" /></a>First stop was the White Sand dunes that were about 45 mins ride away. We drove past some absolutely gorgeous coastline and scenery on the way and what we saw when we arrived was breath taking. The dunes looked like something straight out of the Sahara desert but sitting right next to a lily shored lake. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedWlxTPPr0EUpdGnFCgNH9ASJThckZsQWpRuwMhKqX5sE6luiEMw1ykHTmT6qzEeUswHSGGrCRumeFRikLZeFtyN60wFp0b4s1f-LPtckseRcL0a1xp4vg0yjS5pLwifymQNEx08EGk7Z/s1600-h/horse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094478506815889186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedWlxTPPr0EUpdGnFCgNH9ASJThckZsQWpRuwMhKqX5sE6luiEMw1ykHTmT6qzEeUswHSGGrCRumeFRikLZeFtyN60wFp0b4s1f-LPtckseRcL0a1xp4vg0yjS5pLwifymQNEx08EGk7Z/s200/horse.jpg" border="0" /></a>We walked up the dunes to take a closer look and got some amazing shots.<br />Our next stop was the Red Canyons, which were quite remarkable. The red of the sand like soil made it look like the Australian outback.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphV5yes0Zblhop_5Z7dleMlnJA8LXtCglu_YrTPigD5C57v8wIZm8FIZqVEd111vulqH_aE1FKYUOkOg0qvVIY-34cYoxISEnprxv3AEqI_chKHE-X7-7Q_sSnxVrKRm9F5fo7L_ZtXt8/s1600-h/redcanyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094479486068432706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphV5yes0Zblhop_5Z7dleMlnJA8LXtCglu_YrTPigD5C57v8wIZm8FIZqVEd111vulqH_aE1FKYUOkOg0qvVIY-34cYoxISEnprxv3AEqI_chKHE-X7-7Q_sSnxVrKRm9F5fo7L_ZtXt8/s320/redcanyon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7_1iZCMnp7Dq4TE0uxdA-N6PWVHm9hf45JKpBHrFWd5RvgYafv-GD96enpAvaAY1H8dkBFFHUiB6SDU8C01DaC-xGywaNu4xpVvfCcLw0sj9Ya3OlZiCpc8wPjkxNg7qPs6ZJAxwvqAa/s1600-h/pink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094479919860129618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7_1iZCMnp7Dq4TE0uxdA-N6PWVHm9hf45JKpBHrFWd5RvgYafv-GD96enpAvaAY1H8dkBFFHUiB6SDU8C01DaC-xGywaNu4xpVvfCcLw0sj9Ya3OlZiCpc8wPjkxNg7qPs6ZJAxwvqAa/s200/pink.jpg" border="0" /></a>Next up were the Pink Sand dunes and they too were a beautiful spectacle. We then stopped off at a little fishing village to watch the fisherman at work, it really stank but was interesting to have a look. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB5AECQjdh97zm-jVtJ2q8Tv06HvG5LS1aEwuaZsNnZEqArUtVaDiKz6z5NpPEKFlmILX0IcN96bmQEmqfYaYjdi9UmCQtVrG33e0P23uQMwKkN64KY8IpaJYK74uuJxA2X7y80JxRQAh/s1600-h/fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094480680069341026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB5AECQjdh97zm-jVtJ2q8Tv06HvG5LS1aEwuaZsNnZEqArUtVaDiKz6z5NpPEKFlmILX0IcN96bmQEmqfYaYjdi9UmCQtVrG33e0P23uQMwKkN64KY8IpaJYK74uuJxA2X7y80JxRQAh/s200/fish.jpg" border="0" /></a>We rounded off our tour with a visit to Fairy Stream and ended up with two young “guides”. At the end of our little tour they asked us for a tip and when we gave them some money as if on cue the younger one started sighing ‘Oh no, oh no… one more, one more’. It was a nice wee walk though and was refreshing to have a paddle through the stream. The bank on one side of it was really cool as it was pink and white sand in pretty formations. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt4XuCxyGgfUI10rey7jS9ALFupb8AAXf6-_AEGChdYmCtXDAnJ_V7rhj0n_p64nRcxJiehQxltErG_BdNx53rL10yb4gLEOQYfsGzRA1InNwXpCyja5aAo28wxWbZHoFwT1nZaYAAztg/s1600-h/fairy.jpg"></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094481324314435442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt4XuCxyGgfUI10rey7jS9ALFupb8AAXf6-_AEGChdYmCtXDAnJ_V7rhj0n_p64nRcxJiehQxltErG_BdNx53rL10yb4gLEOQYfsGzRA1InNwXpCyja5aAo28wxWbZHoFwT1nZaYAAztg/s320/fairy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We got back to our guesthouse in time for a refreshing shower and something quick to eat before catching the bus for Nha Trang.<br /><br /><strong><font size="4">Nha Trang </font></strong><br /><strong><font size="4"><br /></font></strong>Once we had escaped the clutches of the touts trying to get us to stay at their hotel etc we walked off determined to find somewhere on our own. WIth the Lonely Planet in hand we set off for the area it said had the best value for money accomodation. Not even 5 minutes later is absolutely bucketed down! It came so fast and heavy that we were soaked in a matter of seconds so we just continued walking in the monsoon downpour and got some very funny looks from locals and other tourists alike. Luckily we had out trusty pack covers on our bags but we found out once we finally found a hotel that even they couldn’t keep our bags completely dry in rain that heavy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBhnDt_745Vg1Qki78Z4U9TT1Q9vHQqMx6E-qDfrWxM1mFqogy7Pw0Rsaor4kj4ajiSMxcapfNSKVoD-eMyymaA62qNOidN0SBiXY898YKO1CE1ZDGyJCV7AQzkbjH4JY81fzDcg-Bs-0/s1600-h/temple.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBhnDt_745Vg1Qki78Z4U9TT1Q9vHQqMx6E-qDfrWxM1mFqogy7Pw0Rsaor4kj4ajiSMxcapfNSKVoD-eMyymaA62qNOidN0SBiXY898YKO1CE1ZDGyJCV7AQzkbjH4JY81fzDcg-Bs-0/s320/temple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094840168832016370" /></a>Some of our stuff was a little damp so our room turned into a drying rack with things hanging all over the place – including our portable clotheslines courtesy of Kathmandu and Aunty Penny.<br /><br />The next day we hired a motorbike and rode off to see the sites. First up was yet another temple and then we rode to the local Mud Spa. We opted for the Mud Spa Experience package and had a 45-minute massage at the end thrown in for good measure. The Experience started with a hot mineral water shower that was surprisingly refreshing considering how hot it was. Then we got into a huge spa-bath that was filled with mud and literally bathed ourselves with it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mt7MMAAcCP5-Vo6PhvS4i_p6zaACg0yFZECfRq7VnHN_Is6T23yphcR8LOwIZAUbiM0OE41FdEHlC8vv6hYmKjYA6JAmzQZ79H4VROhXi3MX8JFjjV6yX4ghwvLJtrvHGh5M8t_EPc-1/s1600-h/mudbath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mt7MMAAcCP5-Vo6PhvS4i_p6zaACg0yFZECfRq7VnHN_Is6T23yphcR8LOwIZAUbiM0OE41FdEHlC8vv6hYmKjYA6JAmzQZ79H4VROhXi3MX8JFjjV6yX4ghwvLJtrvHGh5M8t_EPc-1/s400/mudbath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094841118019788802" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvxMMwP_ScE0ZZTnJzXK9gWHrABMyPSxZRalLwatyoLN4gQV5qBDbU7k9b1lr04le1QPCMt44GIJPVtlPT2PkTl-BbPupCqsScvBofh4g31ROatZhBKSE3s4X1VpvO-Q5qhjJM9F5z23N/s1600-h/mud+drying+t.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvxMMwP_ScE0ZZTnJzXK9gWHrABMyPSxZRalLwatyoLN4gQV5qBDbU7k9b1lr04le1QPCMt44GIJPVtlPT2PkTl-BbPupCqsScvBofh4g31ROatZhBKSE3s4X1VpvO-Q5qhjJM9F5z23N/s200/mud+drying+t.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094841792329654290" /></a>It was so much fun ladling mud over each other and it felt absolutely amazing on the skin. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx04hS5huizgofw-MwPLKKV02i1siX0Lm-1TCQDAVs77AbVtPcLsysskaAFqQ_j0sPNlSPcfb-zVZ1_ls3PnDOZOX3fnbTzdyxbpdiKuK5_AHb1IU-LWMJ2BKn55qS9_MAXiD8ibRGG5H/s1600-h/mud+drying.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx04hS5huizgofw-MwPLKKV02i1siX0Lm-1TCQDAVs77AbVtPcLsysskaAFqQ_j0sPNlSPcfb-zVZ1_ls3PnDOZOX3fnbTzdyxbpdiKuK5_AHb1IU-LWMJ2BKn55qS9_MAXiD8ibRGG5H/s200/mud+drying.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094842668502982690" /></a>After 30 mins or so of that we got out and lay on some terraces where the mud dried on our skin and once this was done had another hot mineral shower. Then we went to this cool ‘shower corridor’ where we were sprayed with more hot mineral water from either side. We met this really nice young English couple and we all jumped into the last stage of the process that was a ‘Jacuzzi’ type pool where we had one final soak. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkoGD1Q6I83sLDf0rDrd8Xhtanl6KDwDGRZcWvt_s93WY0ee7oEHCXT_UlgLfXCNNInxvis_EYazad1kqlNDIINbkhjzJZKc19wzIetSi2QnKbWWCuDCHJ1NoOT1sc642ypD4gTA6zVS-/s1600-h/olivia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkoGD1Q6I83sLDf0rDrd8Xhtanl6KDwDGRZcWvt_s93WY0ee7oEHCXT_UlgLfXCNNInxvis_EYazad1kqlNDIINbkhjzJZKc19wzIetSi2QnKbWWCuDCHJ1NoOT1sc642ypD4gTA6zVS-/s320/olivia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094843007805399090" /></a>After this we were all ready for a massage and after 45 mins of the masseuses walking on our backs and twisting our limbs we emerged floating on air. It was an amazing experience to say the least! We had dinner at a little restaurant called 'Olivia' which was really nice and then headed off for a sleep.<br />The next day we rode our bike about 40 kms out of town to another magnificent waterfall called Yas Bay. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDBw9Ci_EymXCoqwqmCBxMIYcDSJYMYjUnkB__zCDIZVT2C8KJ4h3LtePDm1zYBvexH42irXuzh7awu8sh90s1yq24z7fC_PYbbQs4UsRh3emvRpS-IIrztMTjoiq_X0P6vvdq0-pnU9G/s1600-h/waterfall.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDBw9Ci_EymXCoqwqmCBxMIYcDSJYMYjUnkB__zCDIZVT2C8KJ4h3LtePDm1zYBvexH42irXuzh7awu8sh90s1yq24z7fC_PYbbQs4UsRh3emvRpS-IIrztMTjoiq_X0P6vvdq0-pnU9G/s200/waterfall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094844090137157698" /></a>We took a wrong turn on the way and decided to stop for directions and something to eat. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkkD1mVYbIyYGiKKWp6aOsBqKO9qNGG4PXYLBcDxeqkqrI7TSfbfDU5PXvUMS60Qz4c4WOUwaqKIJnYD8sbtThuNEaK_OIk80OiF9NvCpPF2xwKJN5bWHmVRXyh1XpyJii9eaoIg3bbD6/s1600-h/waterfall2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkkD1mVYbIyYGiKKWp6aOsBqKO9qNGG4PXYLBcDxeqkqrI7TSfbfDU5PXvUMS60Qz4c4WOUwaqKIJnYD8sbtThuNEaK_OIk80OiF9NvCpPF2xwKJN5bWHmVRXyh1XpyJii9eaoIg3bbD6/s320/waterfall2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094844300590555218" /></a>This was the first time on our whole trip when we truly experienced what it was like to be somewhere where no one at all spoke English. Somehow we managed to order what turned out to be a really nice lunch and even get instructions (a lot if miming and hand signals) too. Once we arrived there we of course had a swim in the beautiful falls which was pretty nice after our long hot bike ride.<br />That night we went to a bar/ club called ‘The Nga Trang Sailing Club’. It was all that you can imagine a place with a name like that being. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB28ZP-hOxlFGdLWu37AoHgSWfUatrn8nkAdCo8JyrDY5VzNr75TwFvW31TZ3NtvAIJFDrrui3RdI11ypNGNhnfuNux4gTULBUYb36oBDCmB82qv7LHmNoX45lecNON44MhmDzBnd-Jrh/s1600-h/party.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB28ZP-hOxlFGdLWu37AoHgSWfUatrn8nkAdCo8JyrDY5VzNr75TwFvW31TZ3NtvAIJFDrrui3RdI11ypNGNhnfuNux4gTULBUYb36oBDCmB82qv7LHmNoX45lecNON44MhmDzBnd-Jrh/s200/party.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094846005692571746" /></a>We met some other travellers from various parts of the world there and have a real fun night – so much so that we decided that after we checked out the next day we would spend the day on the beach, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ9SEDHj1fH9qWkj-JtqUuvIqoalgLU7HzKKJUtX5vRjsQx-Xyc6nyDUiZQI1abkn70fTIPrHclnV9WlA7_QYONf82W9nz5Uf3qfNdMjh4xFnOyNjkGu95TBN9AFlF4nHNUp2nEwY8Jt_/s1600-h/beach2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ9SEDHj1fH9qWkj-JtqUuvIqoalgLU7HzKKJUtX5vRjsQx-Xyc6nyDUiZQI1abkn70fTIPrHclnV9WlA7_QYONf82W9nz5Uf3qfNdMjh4xFnOyNjkGu95TBN9AFlF4nHNUp2nEwY8Jt_/s200/beach2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094846851801129074" /></a>lounging on the deck chairs there while waiting to catch our train later that night.<br />So we did :) We left our bags at reception of the hotel and parked up on two deck chairs and basically spent the day lazing, reading books, swimming and sipping on cocktails. For lunch we had a special treat <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsNQ_UAxk5aDcNY1qH7xTXTglUPNf60I-drO76vcmrVTgUkrsH6LSLsW0BENENRW9YrgmXzYeADDeptAoRmYCPFrLIM4JIJYicTohKid5WEqkVmqxD-JANoUvgHnLm8LI1a9EaDUsMCPs/s1600-h/cray.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsNQ_UAxk5aDcNY1qH7xTXTglUPNf60I-drO76vcmrVTgUkrsH6LSLsW0BENENRW9YrgmXzYeADDeptAoRmYCPFrLIM4JIJYicTohKid5WEqkVmqxD-JANoUvgHnLm8LI1a9EaDUsMCPs/s320/cray.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094848037212102802" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHi0HRcUSgtayoYqCwIJKBsY4cIAs6l72e9PteZbSRHoSAOapaW61GaNn3-o4y695fGfZKoG1J7bOl1gw_RjjROfKZaIIEG-I1b9WUVwjSuHqzDnjO_GE6WtObsC7SypUEjBe_RNUa0-C/s1600-h/beach.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHi0HRcUSgtayoYqCwIJKBsY4cIAs6l72e9PteZbSRHoSAOapaW61GaNn3-o4y695fGfZKoG1J7bOl1gw_RjjROfKZaIIEG-I1b9WUVwjSuHqzDnjO_GE6WtObsC7SypUEjBe_RNUa0-C/s200/beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094847328542498946" /></a>as there was a local lady cooking fresh seafood on a portable barbeque right on the beach. So we got a crayfish and two crabs for next to nothing and topped it off with some New Zealand Natural ice cream - hard life aye!<br />That night we watched the All Blacks play Australia in a local Irish bar but had to leave with 10 minutes to play so we could get to our train to Danang on time. It turned out that we lost that game so it wasn't so bad that we missed the end. We met a couple from Australia - Tony (originally from New Zealand) and Claire - from Melbourne who we would end up seeing and spending time with further along our trip.<br />We only managed to get soft seats on the train which doesn't sound so bad, but when its a 12 hour journey its terrible. The air conditioning was turned up so high that is was freezing and then some bright spark thought to turn it off and it was the complete opposite - baking hot!<br /><br /><font size="4"><strong>Hoi An</strong></font><br />From Danang we caught a mini bus to our next stop - Hoi An. We stayed at a hotel called the Tran Binh III and it was awesome value for money, especially as it had a pool, buffet breakfast and free internet. Hoi An is a beautiful quaint town situated on a river and is known amongst the travelling community for one thing - TAILORS! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFjh-E1Ai_W6UPKm1IvXXVB1H2zBQ4Lau_LGyh5NQr9Cd4Vi8GlJFdVjwm7pbg2SMsts-CBLy84NFIhfzsMxX5MYD5E7iZd_8Y0fEAAu5X-xrkGSFootsxNVGYh5470ldJyUXWJJ5SKwD/s1600-h/vietnam+hats.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFjh-E1Ai_W6UPKm1IvXXVB1H2zBQ4Lau_LGyh5NQr9Cd4Vi8GlJFdVjwm7pbg2SMsts-CBLy84NFIhfzsMxX5MYD5E7iZd_8Y0fEAAu5X-xrkGSFootsxNVGYh5470ldJyUXWJJ5SKwD/s200/vietnam+hats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094851267027509458" /></a>There are tailors everywhere in Hoi An and you cannot go anywhere without someone offering to make you a suit or dress. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWjYs66HGvnicRLJiMC90XLWLdYzFeptI5cagfAU8HdCdlG3sWjyk3QU6BZHK61hT6cjN3eSWJUe3Wn_zncxgJPMwSDwSb4qakkM9s2K-cfffiOPDTX9ynLqT7cJGqhZYmdMzEjvX6x5F/s1600-h/tailor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWjYs66HGvnicRLJiMC90XLWLdYzFeptI5cagfAU8HdCdlG3sWjyk3QU6BZHK61hT6cjN3eSWJUe3Wn_zncxgJPMwSDwSb4qakkM9s2K-cfffiOPDTX9ynLqT7cJGqhZYmdMzEjvX6x5F/s320/tailor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094850270595096770" /></a>They also make shoes, belts, handbags and pretty much anything that you want. If you can show them a picture they will make it for you. We were recommended a place called Yaly by some people staying in our hotel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Uhd_HMOprAA0kCWqpPh38wjSat2c7szJApMgWiS7pMuLzBfgBdZK3KfgEqf21sdS51SY3UxqPrUfUB-NoGdMKS6KlCtnGTVHCISxy0QlzvC4MBU2b0zorR2iVLqgjZoTWigCfEKp4qWW/s1600-h/ties.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Uhd_HMOprAA0kCWqpPh38wjSat2c7szJApMgWiS7pMuLzBfgBdZK3KfgEqf21sdS51SY3UxqPrUfUB-NoGdMKS6KlCtnGTVHCISxy0QlzvC4MBU2b0zorR2iVLqgjZoTWigCfEKp4qWW/s200/ties.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094851928452473058" /></a>They were a bit more pricey than their competitors but the quality was top notch. We both had clothes made there - one suit, two business shirts, a full length woolen trench coat, a dress and two skirts. We were measured up in the morning of the first day and that evening had a fitting for the clothes which fit perfectly. A couple of items needed minor adjustments but the final products were awesome.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvz-6RVgpj6T9zdGNq82pt6JoRbC-QREXtJ8kdcJ787yeGRhWDrAxodsmbDekTDwvXwxbnVV8h5dj9-lnetC56xZ614rBO7VvDLeZJ_xo8LOpRT43toQ36fbKt-Us81vQFJM9eyLcOFVE/s1600-h/beach.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvz-6RVgpj6T9zdGNq82pt6JoRbC-QREXtJ8kdcJ787yeGRhWDrAxodsmbDekTDwvXwxbnVV8h5dj9-lnetC56xZ614rBO7VvDLeZJ_xo8LOpRT43toQ36fbKt-Us81vQFJM9eyLcOFVE/s200/beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094849527565754546" /></a>We also hired bikes and cycled out to the beach about 30 mins away and spent the day lounging and swimming there before riding back into town and having a lovely meal down on the riverside.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePyMH0bQ1xtGSuR5Ffa9LDrleIIRe1ah70pG4UOFmsDr0VLls96S47MgMfttkrxFe6XXH33RiOPeQXXZTMq4wJaim3VnWTLz7lDaU0VX01OYZzYGPgkn_hWQaD_lpz_-Qbw59NLNiBcIB/s1600-h/lanterns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePyMH0bQ1xtGSuR5Ffa9LDrleIIRe1ah70pG4UOFmsDr0VLls96S47MgMfttkrxFe6XXH33RiOPeQXXZTMq4wJaim3VnWTLz7lDaU0VX01OYZzYGPgkn_hWQaD_lpz_-Qbw59NLNiBcIB/s320/lanterns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094848788831379618" /></a> The town was quiet a spectacle at night with beautiful laterns on sale everywhere that lit up the streets.<br />We had been swimming in the pool and discussing whether or not we would be going to Sapa in Northern Vietnam and an Australian girl suntanning said that we definitely should. When we told her of how long we had she insisted that we could squeeze it all in and told us to ring Hanoi Backpackers Hostel and that they would be able to sort it out for us. So we called them and Michael the owner (An Aussie too) said that we had the time to do all of our trips if we wanted to and that he would organise it for us. It was such a relief to talk to someone that could speak good English and we decided that we would do the tours through him. This meant that we would fly to Hanoi and arrive in the early afternoon. Take our bags to the Hostel and pack a day pack each. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-Jybie8uwIgPiRXCSDzrdN1Lij1QvIkBMPCEjm7wwQWOf6gGNV3c0EsFSg8FgWAo9s-Q3cUCVUqFk4XaEUK2G1dIFFzhH3OAWvWB2E2_5605Mg70hSFMUYTG2NFVNXfMiRhCenIoqCo4/s1600-h/hotpot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-Jybie8uwIgPiRXCSDzrdN1Lij1QvIkBMPCEjm7wwQWOf6gGNV3c0EsFSg8FgWAo9s-Q3cUCVUqFk4XaEUK2G1dIFFzhH3OAWvWB2E2_5605Mg70hSFMUYTG2NFVNXfMiRhCenIoqCo4/s200/hotpot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094855609239445762" /></a>Leave our big packs with them to look after and then catch on overnight train to Sapa up north. We would spend a night in Sapa on a homestay then catch another overnight train back to Hanoi with a quick stop at the Hostel- get a change of clothes and go straight to Halong Bay. We would spend one night there and the next day get back to Hanoi at 4.00pm ish where we would stay one night. Finally we would fly via Bangkok (for one night) to Hong Kong the next day! PHEW! With this all sorted and due to time constraints (as we had to meet Ken, Amanda, Simon and Richard in Hong Kong on June 11) we caught our 45 min flight and our new friends Tony and Claire were on it also. (You will recall we had met them watching the rugby in Nha Trang and ended up meeting them again in Hoi An and having dinner with them at this cute little restaurant on the river where we had a really good Vietnamese hot pot).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSathxVJsjRNKfFfLcZINgDv58DLUgGRqaur_UXOpufqghkaB9hK6wnSpHp3qHOEOgmiqXYb2Y2jK0OH72MF0A_b-_ypzTlLObfrZwL08WPtI2D97sZtfhCBCZTTX-rWZdNIBKdKKzL2ah/s1600-h/restaurant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSathxVJsjRNKfFfLcZINgDv58DLUgGRqaur_UXOpufqghkaB9hK6wnSpHp3qHOEOgmiqXYb2Y2jK0OH72MF0A_b-_ypzTlLObfrZwL08WPtI2D97sZtfhCBCZTTX-rWZdNIBKdKKzL2ah/s320/restaurant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094854939224547570" /></a><br /><strong><font size="4">Sapa</font></strong><br />We got to Hanoi Backpackers hostel and Michael greeted us with a nice cold beer as he went over the details for the next few days with us. We packed our day packs and went out for a walk around the area where we were and ended up having dinner at a place simply called 'Pho'. It was so delicous and incredibly cheap and we said that we would be sure to go back there again. One of the staff from the hostel took us in a cab to the railway station and there we met Martin and Alex from Switzerland and Carol from England. We found our Soft Sleeper - First Class cabins and bedded down for the nights journey. We were woken up by a train guard banging on our door around 5.00am in Lao Cai and then caught a mini-bus from there to Sapa township. Once there we were met by our guide Vim at the tour office. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqVyiTh4NIzEW-6ImdcZ0ufW5DrYJKvk7mkEXmHlieOWIbg6Ff3dGOZWl9CGLc8G28ed06sINTphQjSd10TlzO5OOlcTBgqLD6VJkPVoUxPoAa8zl9MhksQLQ-EFJavx_zRyaI9jPcZIe/s1600-h/sapatown.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqVyiTh4NIzEW-6ImdcZ0ufW5DrYJKvk7mkEXmHlieOWIbg6Ff3dGOZWl9CGLc8G28ed06sINTphQjSd10TlzO5OOlcTBgqLD6VJkPVoUxPoAa8zl9MhksQLQ-EFJavx_zRyaI9jPcZIe/s200/sapatown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094856476822839570" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEZ_qiiBRkeI3kInzEaWbqLbB5anifu1J39ofNsScUBEGRYeEIH2qz6vnqxPjJtYJicFyuFJGUt6JzPQR5S0KiqyZ6kMf0-cgoVxXS9ACGlPtXQvR_fCLr9yD8UTc3L-Ri7wzhGaASo-b/s1600-h/ladies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEZ_qiiBRkeI3kInzEaWbqLbB5anifu1J39ofNsScUBEGRYeEIH2qz6vnqxPjJtYJicFyuFJGUt6JzPQR5S0KiqyZ6kMf0-cgoVxXS9ACGlPtXQvR_fCLr9yD8UTc3L-Ri7wzhGaASo-b/s320/ladies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094857400240808226" /></a>We all had showers in the hotel and were about to have breakfast when Tama realised that he had left his whale bone pendant on the train and began to freak out! I was trying to calm him down and so was Vim but he was absolutely distraught. It was decided that Vim and Tama would go and get a picture of it printed up so that they could send it back to the train station (an hours drive away) to see if anyone had found it. After a couple of phone calls it didn't look promising! However the guy at the place where the picture was to be printed asked what had happened and Vim told him to which he asked - 'How much are you willing to pay to get it back?' <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQzzgwnY0aEhINpdwuYKc3bOhYXcfE5F3bSoXfAd2u_seYlsRgzZfA51EsQ3SIaNrwfWaLBbjTqFGhjYkMeb4gGkNyNC3osYQtoXt7o4OqBjejk92-UfiNWEJ-pAetdVS5AGvAqrPXv_v/s1600-h/girl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQzzgwnY0aEhINpdwuYKc3bOhYXcfE5F3bSoXfAd2u_seYlsRgzZfA51EsQ3SIaNrwfWaLBbjTqFGhjYkMeb4gGkNyNC3osYQtoXt7o4OqBjejk92-UfiNWEJ-pAetdVS5AGvAqrPXv_v/s320/girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094859277141516610" /></a>Tama told him $10 US and asked how come? (He would have paid more but that's a lot to them so we started at that!) The guy replied 'I know station big boss - he can get for you - it will be here tomorrow when you come back from your trek!' Man was Tama (and I) so relieved and the others in our group were so supportive as well.<br />With that all out of the way our day trek started with a drive in a van about half an hour out of town to a little village. We were met by a group of locals tryng to sell us there wares and they followed us as we began our 8 hour hike. Little did we know but they would be with us for most of our journey that day. The hike took us through many villages of the various tribes of the area and some spectacular scenery. The rice paddies on the sides of the valley floor were so beautiful and it was hard not to want to take pictures of everything. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkJY43YAZyXD_ZyLAsZPwxuYPRxGlnD9dX8uP7dHyatLybiJVPnU0jxDcnHNmWst5xy2Ubew0JZJdP_zJdz9komyh82_k2F8hMQ4kLl5bUkq1yPwBY07IpfX6wdCrHkzW9iyd-eKAdMrW/s1600-h/paddies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkJY43YAZyXD_ZyLAsZPwxuYPRxGlnD9dX8uP7dHyatLybiJVPnU0jxDcnHNmWst5xy2Ubew0JZJdP_zJdz9komyh82_k2F8hMQ4kLl5bUkq1yPwBY07IpfX6wdCrHkzW9iyd-eKAdMrW/s400/paddies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094858237759430962" /></a>It was a really hot day and the going was pretty tough in some parts and we were all relieved when VIm asked us if we would like to go for a swim soon in a waterfall? Of course we all said yes and about half an hour later we arrived at a waterfall tumbling to the valley floor below. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g7SBvOpYCE22PJmme1QgjcRO1AeNKa0nieZopEAxhRKZU5UOhBt1SJPAvlPzrHEniQk1oZjvz2jOZoNYsscL2Orx-HEi5It_P7VUqARMipBLtmDXgy939wldBVo7dARbD3f6V1i4-XbO/s1600-h/water.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g7SBvOpYCE22PJmme1QgjcRO1AeNKa0nieZopEAxhRKZU5UOhBt1SJPAvlPzrHEniQk1oZjvz2jOZoNYsscL2Orx-HEi5It_P7VUqARMipBLtmDXgy939wldBVo7dARbD3f6V1i4-XbO/s200/water.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094863567813845410" /></a>Tama got straight in (of course) and I followed soon after. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy1B4OQb-vq_Gqevvu9t1hZtE6kW3HfONhjf_Von6i81Qutmb2FhAYhupgJ0UjngcTcv0ZLkPpiTr4nDQDQGWq06r4URUcM1lGUciBYpeSYWulC34WicfKVlx0130UUI6UNvQJBbaguvg/s1600-h/lady&bub.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy1B4OQb-vq_Gqevvu9t1hZtE6kW3HfONhjf_Von6i81Qutmb2FhAYhupgJ0UjngcTcv0ZLkPpiTr4nDQDQGWq06r4URUcM1lGUciBYpeSYWulC34WicfKVlx0130UUI6UNvQJBbaguvg/s320/lady&bub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094861536294314354" /></a>The water was so refreshing and cool - just what the doctor ordered. After our swim we set off again and were soon walking through a shady bamboo forest. We descended to the valley floor and crossed a swing bridge to the other side of the river and then it was a steep hike up some steps to a little village where we stopped for lunch. All the while we had been doing this a determined old local lady had been continuously trying to get us to buy things off her. She was really sweet and the poor thing sounded like she was on deaths door as she would bark as if she was coughing up her lungs every couple of minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8KjW0g1RfyDOBl2D9KSZWI0zPl9Db-U3_pv1YEax5IKA61J47jHwbW9CkXb7VG7VBRl4uUE_nmZAbJMQqerNdajsNzBWpgHlQpn958Rxc7-igTbkJhmrSitQm8xMu4cQzUH91F8yfq44/s1600-h/planting.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8KjW0g1RfyDOBl2D9KSZWI0zPl9Db-U3_pv1YEax5IKA61J47jHwbW9CkXb7VG7VBRl4uUE_nmZAbJMQqerNdajsNzBWpgHlQpn958Rxc7-igTbkJhmrSitQm8xMu4cQzUH91F8yfq44/s200/planting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094863920001163698" /></a>The funniest thing about that was when we stopped for lunch she tried her sales pitch again but this time for what turned out to be some sort of mouth organ thing. She gave us a lovely demonstration and then proceeded to try and get us to buy it! This had us all in fits of laughter. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfbV0hPLOuNsrjBkD0Jw5NJZehtAjzmhQ64zos4TGxuGAn0fGub5sEUamWwRactgFLOQekWP6UyUc6suk2_ULoL8MlymNrQnbErJArpwLuA-ngg857vL2SsFt1u3QOK9lounoDuOXwKUK/s1600-h/paddies2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfbV0hPLOuNsrjBkD0Jw5NJZehtAjzmhQ64zos4TGxuGAn0fGub5sEUamWwRactgFLOQekWP6UyUc6suk2_ULoL8MlymNrQnbErJArpwLuA-ngg857vL2SsFt1u3QOK9lounoDuOXwKUK/s200/paddies2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094862163359539586" /></a>We continued on after lunch and walked on through more gorgeous scenery. Our Swiss friends were feeling the heat and put towels under their hats and did their best Laurence of Arabia impressions. The final part of our trek was a steep descent again to the village of Ban Ho where we would be spending the night at the homestay. The track was trecherous and Vim told us that we would be climbing back up it to our transport out of there the next day. None of us were too keen on this idea as it was so steep and slippery. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W4fCP463gc0zM4prldhkAez2blxaaneHIVL6B3_rHAu2PAkWG0IzkOs7iOUSLEDu5oivybSWB7zZcOa8mjMGhdDPL8Ewwc7LaQ_VAdu6wpbRGUGT7VgfvhTNyW0kc3ATwG25Z9RkJlnt/s1600-h/toast.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W4fCP463gc0zM4prldhkAez2blxaaneHIVL6B3_rHAu2PAkWG0IzkOs7iOUSLEDu5oivybSWB7zZcOa8mjMGhdDPL8Ewwc7LaQ_VAdu6wpbRGUGT7VgfvhTNyW0kc3ATwG25Z9RkJlnt/s320/toast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094862579971367314" /></a>Once at the homestay we had a cold beer and stowed our packs in the lodge. Then we got into our togs and walked about 10 minutes to an incredibly gorgoues river for a swim. There was a huge waterfall here and a big rock that Tama, Martin and Alex swam too and of course Tama had to do some bombs and staples off of. We all decided there and then that we didnt really want to be doing any more hiking the next day but would rather spend the morning swimming and relaxing back here at the river instead.<br />When we got back to the homestay Vim, his wife and the hosts had been busy in the kitchen (which was an open fire) making the most delicious Vietnamese meal we had had to date. We had a starter of fries with garlic (seemed strange but was delicious) and then 5 incredible dishes rounded off with desert of fresh fruit. They also gave us some local rice wine to have with dinner which was not too bad either.<br />We taught our friends how to play grass and they loved it - so once dinner was over we back into the cards. We had a really lovely night playing cards and having a couple of drinks and being in the countryside with only the sound of the river and the breeze in the trees was a welcome change to the constant noise of honking horns and screaming touts in the city. Later on that night though we were awoken by the loudest thunder storm I think any of us has ever been in. The rain was bucketing down and we all had rather restless sleeps after that.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwkEgk3kj1VlB-rZ3QmHi6N79DzkO3dxrwMlUYqa84tYZ45juo-vreeq1YxtgjmOuS-HzAMBnTsRYxpMOjEMIsWHjIMyABxtEvuxSBQNI4CcFtvMF8XV8fio9Hl4Ln0l99K5HPwTiojXj/s1600-h/river.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwkEgk3kj1VlB-rZ3QmHi6N79DzkO3dxrwMlUYqa84tYZ45juo-vreeq1YxtgjmOuS-HzAMBnTsRYxpMOjEMIsWHjIMyABxtEvuxSBQNI4CcFtvMF8XV8fio9Hl4Ln0l99K5HPwTiojXj/s320/river.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094860179084648786" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_BozGK618hANt5qzehmQW6l9wxzZKJx5prnB11BbIyjxJGnC2Rs7VzezAUZTY9m4eaEMSJkiWYHxkAO5H0Z45tMQZqcztCoyZhDA-eW7A4v9cPxjgC5uTWUWDQpxhWnNLB-0Z8Nqic9H/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_BozGK618hANt5qzehmQW6l9wxzZKJx5prnB11BbIyjxJGnC2Rs7VzezAUZTY9m4eaEMSJkiWYHxkAO5H0Z45tMQZqcztCoyZhDA-eW7A4v9cPxjgC5uTWUWDQpxhWnNLB-0Z8Nqic9H/s200/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094860857689481570" /></a>Breakfast was just as good as dinner - pancakes with freesh fruit and fresh hot Vietnamese coffee. After breakfast we packed up our stuff and went to spend the rest of the morning before lunch at the river. Due to the rain it had risen somewhat since the previous day and the currents were really strong. We had another enjoyable and relaxing swim and then returned to the homestay where there was yet another delicious meal waiting for us. This time it was fried noodles and plenty of fresh fruit for lunch. We all agreed that there was no way that we would be able to climb back up the path especially now that it had been rained upon so Vim organised for jeep to come and pick us up. The jeep that arrived was a Russian one from the Cold War era and it had no problem whatsoever climbing up the dirt/ mud road and then taking us back to Sapa. Once there Tama was able to collect his necklace but the price had risen to $20.00 US (the price always changes over here!) then we went for a lovely dinner and a beer to celebrate. After dinner we all jumped in the mini van to the train station and caught the overnight train again back to Hanoi.<br /><br /><strong><font size="4">Halong Bay</font><br /></strong>We arrived in the early hours about 5.00am and got a cab back to the hostel where our big packs were. Once there we had a shower and repacked some clean clothes for out trip to Halong Bay. We had some freshly baked bagguettes with NZ butter and jam for breakfast and then the bus picked us up and we were off again. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnt_qenW9gGuZlxlcsv1gwD_tweMNk2jfP15GPCHolvfz4lx3Ks7QdMTRO3qpTp0IgSKbChpo_YjECbhCEh0dLWcoTWY_qHCucfjXnMm5qp615L5euN8Jo_R-I8Fbft6yT4yGhW2VZuCt/s1600-h/room.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnt_qenW9gGuZlxlcsv1gwD_tweMNk2jfP15GPCHolvfz4lx3Ks7QdMTRO3qpTp0IgSKbChpo_YjECbhCEh0dLWcoTWY_qHCucfjXnMm5qp615L5euN8Jo_R-I8Fbft6yT4yGhW2VZuCt/s200/room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094865517728997858" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgLsQSIDbgJz5a-iCF1SD1pYmRcpH5TT-uvNJfBzeqjms8Op8BOAFiDPYspRGLDOTQrRZ3tD3PFBn_5kpBAY_vhUhCjOSgy2FXIgvkE58ltt3bbFd4XeubAJ1K6JJbYkYbwgaqFZ0IUgM/s1600-h/sunbathing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgLsQSIDbgJz5a-iCF1SD1pYmRcpH5TT-uvNJfBzeqjms8Op8BOAFiDPYspRGLDOTQrRZ3tD3PFBn_5kpBAY_vhUhCjOSgy2FXIgvkE58ltt3bbFd4XeubAJ1K6JJbYkYbwgaqFZ0IUgM/s320/sunbathing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094867059622257170" /></a>On the way we stopped at a trashy tourist place for us to look at souvenirs which was supposed to be for 15 mins but turned out to be about 40 instead. From here it was straight to Halong Bay pier where we boarded the junk/ boat that would be our floating hotel for the next couple of days. It was an amazing boat and the inside looked like a 5 star hotel with all the trimmings. Once on we checked into our rooms and we got a twin room that had a fan over each bed, air cons, towels, soap, shampoo and even a toothbrush with toothpaste. It was gorgeous.<br />Then we had lunch and the food was incredible. We knew then that we were in for something special. From the pier we sailed across Halong Bay and the spectacle was nothing short of breathtaking. The islands rose out of the sea like huge rocks and they reminded us of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVYP8ymeChctc3A0mt4LTrQhJORFL_f4Z8mQdk4rdXTxELiA4RS_zBfwoqhJFAFsUBt1AUptF62ofW97dth1f5KslQPX-9nM8jwRSIWf_VjwMnkBJUYGAhGcmSsckNd38EYYdLiEZKeBd/s1600-h/cave.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVYP8ymeChctc3A0mt4LTrQhJORFL_f4Z8mQdk4rdXTxELiA4RS_zBfwoqhJFAFsUBt1AUptF62ofW97dth1f5KslQPX-9nM8jwRSIWf_VjwMnkBJUYGAhGcmSsckNd38EYYdLiEZKeBd/s320/cave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094864950793314770" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83S4H-sedfx5qEyZ21FM-7e7j0w9Lhn329W05lNliG7sfYp_RuG7e0Ol2F47w_7RnO1vQxdVTAQ6bwgKOP6Gg5kZDhmpQfZwblcTETXP_AoinULY2j6nH99O4yxyQxOQ-_yB-L342yBkT/s1600-h/sea.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83S4H-sedfx5qEyZ21FM-7e7j0w9Lhn329W05lNliG7sfYp_RuG7e0Ol2F47w_7RnO1vQxdVTAQ6bwgKOP6Gg5kZDhmpQfZwblcTETXP_AoinULY2j6nH99O4yxyQxOQ-_yB-L342yBkT/s200/sea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094871616582558290" /></a>We arrived at a landing where we all got off and climbed a steep path up to this amazing set of caves that we explored with our guide. The people here tend to be able to get some sort of religious twist to everything and this was no different. Our guide showed us animal and people shapes all throughout the caved and many of them you needed a great deal of imagination to see what he did that's for sure. On the way back to the boat we saw these little dinghies that were basically floating shops. You could buy pretty much anything off them but our guide told us that it wasn' the best idea as the produce was usually well past its use by date. From the caves we sailed further into the bays (alot like sailing through Malborough Sounds actually) and stopped at another jetty where we all got kitted out to go kayaking. Right next to the kayaking place was a fresh seafood market where the fish and seafood were swimming in floating nets attached to the pontoon that we were standing on.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3afV6aMestrGMcxt9WZ1kc9b2XAJG0ZGHCu2qTKst5tz9Xtl-MSoVIDH2agUzH8_TRZPBJ2fdAJGUR0hVTc6V33YSVzTYO8XpA_ZJo-g439RECfaMMj5RrTd_wDnsuIx2sPrRYqFRC6F6/s1600-h/tama.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3afV6aMestrGMcxt9WZ1kc9b2XAJG0ZGHCu2qTKst5tz9Xtl-MSoVIDH2agUzH8_TRZPBJ2fdAJGUR0hVTc6V33YSVzTYO8XpA_ZJo-g439RECfaMMj5RrTd_wDnsuIx2sPrRYqFRC6F6/s320/tama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094868214968459826" /></a><br />We jumped into our kayak and paddled off into the bay to have a look around. We all followed our guide who took us around into another bay where we paddled through a hole in the rock (not as good as the one in New Zealand) into a lagoon. We paddled around in there for a short while then returned to the pier and were back on the boat heading for our next stop. We ended up anchoring in this huge bay and then we all went swimming. Tama was in his element as we were allowed to jump off the boat into the water and he loved it - BOMBS AWAY! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDARJWP3u9AqumgautOLacjv4AlEoO95JX3NFL7mDlt4JtSGUvki8RdqGGvvRI__2tjVW0KmAX_6f1qzPQgJr7sHFWjRAExf3_jXFwqQiPpbG_gApx9TmEBLKtHaXP71rP1NnPowkfKCnV/s1600-h/boat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDARJWP3u9AqumgautOLacjv4AlEoO95JX3NFL7mDlt4JtSGUvki8RdqGGvvRI__2tjVW0KmAX_6f1qzPQgJr7sHFWjRAExf3_jXFwqQiPpbG_gApx9TmEBLKtHaXP71rP1NnPowkfKCnV/s200/boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094868043169767970" /></a>I forgot to take off my bracelets when I jumped in and one that I bought in Thailand came off and disappeared into the bay below. We were swimming for an hour or two when the guide shouted out from the boat that fresh fruit was being served on the roof top deck, so we all got out and went up to the roof for some refreshments. The sunset up on the deck was stunning with the sun setting behind the islands. All the tourist boats had anchored in what was pretty much a huge circle in the bay and it made a pretty picture. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgrNFxptkls9P87Lfsz4gG3tKzpTuuLxNjn-mdm0R5A8bvcWZot5qP6WSYNQ4I-5Is9Wte9u4eHj4IbFgcznBpUEwTjur_ejDrTWO6ViVE6mbcHUL3ucjyQA6vrRnapRfOOA7_zouaFz4/s1600-h/bay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgrNFxptkls9P87Lfsz4gG3tKzpTuuLxNjn-mdm0R5A8bvcWZot5qP6WSYNQ4I-5Is9Wte9u4eHj4IbFgcznBpUEwTjur_ejDrTWO6ViVE6mbcHUL3ucjyQA6vrRnapRfOOA7_zouaFz4/s400/bay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094864508411683266" /></a>Dinner was served in the dining room and it was incredible. We had entrees of steamed clams (little ones like cockles) followed by prawns. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH_6AcLfLvUmmoruB7hA0K38F0qtxih7PuefeMVkh2JAChCCfdtrnRewbCytx9MCRqexcj35hSMOMxQt3scBNuPG8TxAmq0PUiLFO7PWWxSN87LyNP1bc1W2GDFxWs34jtu93DB0_b6XV/s1600-h/dinner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH_6AcLfLvUmmoruB7hA0K38F0qtxih7PuefeMVkh2JAChCCfdtrnRewbCytx9MCRqexcj35hSMOMxQt3scBNuPG8TxAmq0PUiLFO7PWWxSN87LyNP1bc1W2GDFxWs34jtu93DB0_b6XV/s320/dinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094865792606904818" /></a>After that we had a crab each done in a chilly sauce and then mains which included a whole cooked fish with rice and vegetables. This was all followed up with more fresh fruit for desert. After dinner our host announced that he had something very special for us - KARAOKE! It took awhile for everyone to get into it - especially as the guys running it kept choosing randon Maddonna songs and asking people to sing them. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzFojI0Uv9Iv3IaK2OMO5M60EbGUKw7ytXsvrfHpnuC7CQwWSIdgnifriwDlCdL__I3eKmGu1p3MNsTi_8oXFRIbsUfa2krHQApM3ydo0vMsmkW65maWgLWd499RPpKhq10qGWSqW3yir/s1600-h/crabs.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzFojI0Uv9Iv3IaK2OMO5M60EbGUKw7ytXsvrfHpnuC7CQwWSIdgnifriwDlCdL__I3eKmGu1p3MNsTi_8oXFRIbsUfa2krHQApM3ydo0vMsmkW65maWgLWd499RPpKhq10qGWSqW3yir/s200/crabs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094871354589553218" /></a>Tama finally had turn singing a Frank Sinatra number - My Way and we were all getting into it when they turned it off and we all had to head off to sleep.<br />Breakfast the next day was another delicious meal and we stopped off to drop off people on our boat who were doing the two day tour option on the island where they would be staying and pick up those that had just spent the night there. Next thing we knew we saw Tony and Claire (our friends from Hoi An) getting on the boat. We had a good catch up as we sailed back to shore and decided we would all meet up later that evening when we all got back to Hanoi for dinner and drinks. Once back on shore we all went to a hotel for a smorgasborg lunch and then it was into the mini-buses for the drive back to Hanoi.</p><p><font size="4"><strong>Hanoi</strong><font size="3"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNXdFhnd12XhBEboQyvi45SC3Uk_ubOhSpao9RbEYEWz6hNGTUTMGwj1hgWWtq03QQ8yY2uGhyjSkr26pqyj7nLNZTKn1JFNx-8LkKGv05G8UIJ1bV6fpyQFjaxCNYyMsnU6S7jczkzER/s1600-h/pho.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNXdFhnd12XhBEboQyvi45SC3Uk_ubOhSpao9RbEYEWz6hNGTUTMGwj1hgWWtq03QQ8yY2uGhyjSkr26pqyj7nLNZTKn1JFNx-8LkKGv05G8UIJ1bV6fpyQFjaxCNYyMsnU6S7jczkzER/s200/pho.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095035911966532242" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLG2lOil74S3Ncf40_ixHAx4Kzm9lzVxGnxVLIiu07FU_cfQw_VAP9DYvp0HMetBMMwh-XMOgb74ujtJEZM-97R6qz632NIzPkn3wqFQ5oGiY_N36zHv0JRGuJrjExYGAu02uLs7XAGz3/s1600-h/roads.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLG2lOil74S3Ncf40_ixHAx4Kzm9lzVxGnxVLIiu07FU_cfQw_VAP9DYvp0HMetBMMwh-XMOgb74ujtJEZM-97R6qz632NIzPkn3wqFQ5oGiY_N36zHv0JRGuJrjExYGAu02uLs7XAGz3/s200/roads.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095036839679468226" /></a>We got back to Hanoi and retrieved our packs from the hostel and checked into a nice little hotel called the New Prince just down the road. After a shower and change of clothes we met Tony and Claire (who had incidentally checked into the same hotel as us on our recommendation) and went to the Pho restaurant around the corner to have noodles for dinner. Once again we were not disappointed as they were so delicious. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFi4ktXl8WcBJ0ph_Wxo-M2TCxTWyPBYE7aM_G1dBU25B40F7qHxnRq8izemEonBGcQHqg6eBw8m1FM09LTInZa7KOyHCZnpNBkfkGLCSsOj5vgHWTx1CbDtwAmfcuVp9TgmiAZiYy34g/s1600-h/claire.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFi4ktXl8WcBJ0ph_Wxo-M2TCxTWyPBYE7aM_G1dBU25B40F7qHxnRq8izemEonBGcQHqg6eBw8m1FM09LTInZa7KOyHCZnpNBkfkGLCSsOj5vgHWTx1CbDtwAmfcuVp9TgmiAZiYy34g/s200/claire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095034335713534578" /></a>After noodles we went to bar down by the lakeside (which is in central Hanoi) and had some desert and a couple of cold beers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FisCo_8We_vYyP9uqA6tTPHblg2A9PxuXXSzq7csjDEPeTtAOVdmryO-qOYYZlk650-ywwdbY5hdrQj39oH6Tmh1FC8cCnq5hB5mQdJnyuP3aloU8GiH9XTwFuEQYS1DVRHHpDAGJFcE/s1600-h/beer.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FisCo_8We_vYyP9uqA6tTPHblg2A9PxuXXSzq7csjDEPeTtAOVdmryO-qOYYZlk650-ywwdbY5hdrQj39oH6Tmh1FC8cCnq5hB5mQdJnyuP3aloU8GiH9XTwFuEQYS1DVRHHpDAGJFcE/s200/beer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095036569096528546" /></a>After that we went to meet some people that Tony and Claire had met on their Halong Bay trip and then went to a place that is called 'Bia Hoi' junction. 'Bia Hoi' is something that was started in Hanoi and is basically a small shop that sells beer from the keg very cheaply. In the Lonely Planet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvIpNNc0Df4deEVIBLInrN3KMeksRugXk2HQNVy2HZtfM2FIbApdPiX1AP6tnMAsqXVkP5Uzd4k7tnM6VtCDCfAte3ZtdquucZMS9SkEsTbHwa8PlOOYI_43hpIrJMYsW4Vba716I_Ztu/s1600-h/tony.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvIpNNc0Df4deEVIBLInrN3KMeksRugXk2HQNVy2HZtfM2FIbApdPiX1AP6tnMAsqXVkP5Uzd4k7tnM6VtCDCfAte3ZtdquucZMS9SkEsTbHwa8PlOOYI_43hpIrJMYsW4Vba716I_Ztu/s200/tony.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095034919829086850" /></a> is says that if you go to 'Bia Hoi' junction with $10 US in your pocket you would be able to shout everyone there a glass of beer. We thought that this couldn't possbibly be true but it was. At the junction there was a 'Bia Hoi' on every corner and they all sold a glass of beer for was equated to 18 cents NZ each. We ended up having a real fun night and walked home with Tony and Claire once our little shop closed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3J3wHdZCMB4JB-oI09wXKyoWlfgxzQzlULvdAFv-r80AOVSZaZIkAb_WFUYuglbjZpnE2kccWtOvvHe_2Um-fgdjGJsrooieNrjZwgcJkMkhqbnbaTGehdQbP0S-HH3Qol9fZAY9q9OF/s1600-h/cyclo+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3J3wHdZCMB4JB-oI09wXKyoWlfgxzQzlULvdAFv-r80AOVSZaZIkAb_WFUYuglbjZpnE2kccWtOvvHe_2Um-fgdjGJsrooieNrjZwgcJkMkhqbnbaTGehdQbP0S-HH3Qol9fZAY9q9OF/s200/cyclo+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095036689355612850" /></a> The next morning we were up nice and early and after breakfast at a nice cafe around the corner we went for a walk through Hanoi. After checking out the shops we got a couple of cyclos (rickshaw type bikes) and got them to take us to the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison. This place was given its nickname by the American servicemen that were held prisoner here during the Vietnam war. After the prison we walked back into town and had lunch before going back to the hotel for a quick shower and change then catching a cab to the airport to get our flight back to Bangkok. </font></font></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXfGlcbOYAFpatXdQ6W36jF0qcnxXLb9BKxzi0cDbgEFB7EauYmVuLS2t2G9XM0tpI8UFj9eAwTdSNGtckPYcFCMFhGNkL7Q9GgJ978PaoOBzuJrKr-2x-5Ck7a7bA-KziyBWS-EAq-Ro/s1600-h/cyclo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXfGlcbOYAFpatXdQ6W36jF0qcnxXLb9BKxzi0cDbgEFB7EauYmVuLS2t2G9XM0tpI8UFj9eAwTdSNGtckPYcFCMFhGNkL7Q9GgJ978PaoOBzuJrKr-2x-5Ck7a7bA-KziyBWS-EAq-Ro/s320/cyclo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095033785957720674" /></a>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-71702416938956337922007-07-13T21:55:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:28:09.418-08:00CAMBODIA<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Siam Reap<br /></strong></span><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091361640459246658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4KjhZ33XKZ59cdlgJoP8Ccj9DY3TdUpWM66sOLyuQwEcrF-Od6wf3pNXge8nLSg-V6LBbLeATUp4tUKPDir8Rzu5x23PuthhkqDc7J2lKJxVjyp4qQdyrQdqasg8TFvkiEhyM75xqQVy/s320/DSC_2682.jpg" border="0" />After yet another night in Bangkok we started the day long journey overland to see the temples of Siam Reap. Typical of tourist operators in Asia, ours was no exception trying desperately to get everyone that didn't have a Cambodian VISA to pay him 1200 baht so that he and his company could sort everything out for us. He assured us that there were always long queues at the border where VISAS were issued and so we wouldn't hold the bus up and other passegers they would get the VISAS sorted for us. Most of the people on the bus paid up, but Olivia and I held out along with a couple from Sweden and two British ladies. Once we got close to the Thai/ Cambodian border we stopped for lunch at the Tour Operators office which was coneveniently situated next to a restaurant. Once there they passed out the appropriate VISA forms for us all to fill out. Then our guide asked me to come into the office and proceeded to tell me that in order for us not to waste time at the border they would offer the same VISA procurement service to those of us that hadn't accepted it yet for 1000 baht instead and that I wasn't to tell the others of this. Suprise, surprise!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpjSVlbX-LCW16K5NjzndnuaE4JnvHx_3WxoTUmW6PGhPtFtbUNZZPdLwXJmQ1l1oOlx-hzMeicra_aMIDoqEEQXBjk4HxQCNIfQKIRjFMuUvdaj4jK73BXSLzBnEwQPn8LXh-YOpvhpC/s1600-h/Laos+090.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091362812985318482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpjSVlbX-LCW16K5NjzndnuaE4JnvHx_3WxoTUmW6PGhPtFtbUNZZPdLwXJmQ1l1oOlx-hzMeicra_aMIDoqEEQXBjk4HxQCNIfQKIRjFMuUvdaj4jK73BXSLzBnEwQPn8LXh-YOpvhpC/s320/Laos+090.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we reached the Thai border it began to pour with rain - great timing aye! We hurried through Thai Immigration and our guide took us to the counter where we could get our VISAS from. There wasn't anyone else in sight and there were big signs over the counter saying TOURIST VISA $20.00 US. So we approached the Customs Official and asked for a TOURIST VISA and he replied 1000 baht ($30 + US). When we asked why it wasn't $20.00 US as the sign said above him he said that if we wanted to pay $20.00 US then the process would take about 4-5 hours. What was so ridiculous about that was the other officers were sitting back with their feet up on the table doing absolutely nothing. Then he said BUT if you pay 1000 baht we can give you the VISA immediately! Talk about blatant corruption or what? So not wanting to hold everyone we up we all paid the inflated price and got our VISAS.<br />Once through Immigration we boarded a bus that took us to the bus station where we would catch the bus to Siam Reap. The guide on the bus told us all that all the ATMs in Siam Reap were currently down and also that no-one in Siam Reap would accept Thai Baht so it would be a good idea to get money changed in Poipet first before we left.... and guess what - he just so happened to know where a good money excange place was - convenient aye! Of course we went to another one so that we could compare rates and our guide didn't like that too much accusing Olivia and I of not trusting him to which we promptly replied - 'No we don't'.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V7HGKXDBj5oxU8x71HiNPzacHID0ynKLniJhs27KEeveILmeJ_fn4sb2L-7Yp30lCc2TKYKwbGzmVIxf82AcDCaMdPsnHO9p4fM-2UbXw3DfGkpycD18OHF0Fr1-aXU2iosDz_f8Z20R/s1600-h/Laos+117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091364651231321202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V7HGKXDBj5oxU8x71HiNPzacHID0ynKLniJhs27KEeveILmeJ_fn4sb2L-7Yp30lCc2TKYKwbGzmVIxf82AcDCaMdPsnHO9p4fM-2UbXw3DfGkpycD18OHF0Fr1-aXU2iosDz_f8Z20R/s320/Laos+117.jpg" border="0" /></a>The road to Siam Reap was dirt pretty much all the way and there were roadworks everywhere. To make matters worse the rain had made it pretty muddy also. When night fell we could see all these fluorescent lights on the side of the road and our guide told us that they were to catch crickets and other bugs that locals ate. The light would attract the insects and the nets would catch them. 5 hours or so later we hit the outskirts of Siam Reap and what an unexpected sight it was. As we passed the exit to the airport we came upon this long road that had the most amazing 5 Star resorts and hotels all along it. This was such a change from what we had just experienced on the way from the border. The bus took us to a hotel called 'Siam Reap Hilton' - but before you get too excited it wasn't of the famous Hilton chain unfortunately! We decided to stay there for 3 nights, especially as our room was only $3.00 US per night for a double room with fan and hot water bathroom and TV. They also offered a free tuk-tuk service to town a 5 minute drive away.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7igfy8CKVismS1TH_OFcXHrG6BiSEQvnfQ_xEcGLZPpHtAG9HwBfabBwxjRGkfHC2VtrjucIyYCtm_oft9Oz5CkjCNwkL6gw5N4FL5oBuk9pQ2C2YfQwExr6P58oSw1pfYb8RGgFoQSU5/s1600-h/DSC_2698.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091363491590151266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7igfy8CKVismS1TH_OFcXHrG6BiSEQvnfQ_xEcGLZPpHtAG9HwBfabBwxjRGkfHC2VtrjucIyYCtm_oft9Oz5CkjCNwkL6gw5N4FL5oBuk9pQ2C2YfQwExr6P58oSw1pfYb8RGgFoQSU5/s320/DSC_2698.JPG" border="0" /></a>The new day dawned and after a quick breakfast and some negotiations with our driver for the next couple of days - Kang - we agreed that he would drive us around Angkor Wat etc for $10.00 US a day. First stop was to buy our multi-day pass which is a must for seeing the temples. After getting our three day pass we went on what is known as the 'small circuit' which allows you to see a number of the temples that are relatively close together comfortably in a day without having to rush too much. On the way we passed the mighty Angkor Wat and the first glimpses were nothing short of breathtaking. The sight of the massive moat that surrounded it and then coming around the corner to see it finally was something that you have to see to believe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABMEUP0R7AhBhHxj-E28aAN5Yoyrk0KfhvIxdV3p_4HBadGte1cmLS5t8iSRzka8AlebBHg7B73gJHDySs57zSNWPHcwwMc79o__nwjVBNSyaBmfHBWb5PyOTgjyZjk8dB8UnXHPwWDFL/s1600-h/DSC_2732.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091367339880848530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABMEUP0R7AhBhHxj-E28aAN5Yoyrk0KfhvIxdV3p_4HBadGte1cmLS5t8iSRzka8AlebBHg7B73gJHDySs57zSNWPHcwwMc79o__nwjVBNSyaBmfHBWb5PyOTgjyZjk8dB8UnXHPwWDFL/s320/DSC_2732.JPG" border="0" /></a>Still recovering from that visual feast we drove through that Eastern Gate of Angkor Thom and arrived at our first stop - Bayon Temple, which is famous for the 'bas-releif' faces that are carved in the rock. What immediately strikes you is the immense size of the blocks that make up this and of course the many other temples in the area. Added to this is the fact that originally they didn’t use any mortar to hold them together and you can’t help but marvel at the engineering brilliance of the people that constructed these wonders. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqp2Wcy6ZWpNr0XidPaHX54qIazFdGRW8gUw6gVFHRPT44qS9zpZWVJW-54jxDB7_tPqcFvtfUI-LT7F7Gk3f03CxlOYyseiL7aO1gTwkGvbV6WC4iIrdDB5FJNWA2ei4t5hh7S_4bO67/s1600-h/DSC_2706.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091365617598962818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqp2Wcy6ZWpNr0XidPaHX54qIazFdGRW8gUw6gVFHRPT44qS9zpZWVJW-54jxDB7_tPqcFvtfUI-LT7F7Gk3f03CxlOYyseiL7aO1gTwkGvbV6WC4iIrdDB5FJNWA2ei4t5hh7S_4bO67/s320/DSC_2706.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What is even more incredible is that the stone that was used to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiCJyIM-TNMnldL1gre7PUJrWaLlJjEgEfFxwqAEvwLHA3rd_aemuUj4Q0dCqS_w27tKsmQM50D6HoUIU1XJE-ucrbdX5pRhtIcE5llyZEFtfD6vvmOzgSt2uozwhzEKbfHofkgKufGbX/s1600-h/DSC_2736.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091368422212607138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiCJyIM-TNMnldL1gre7PUJrWaLlJjEgEfFxwqAEvwLHA3rd_aemuUj4Q0dCqS_w27tKsmQM50D6HoUIU1XJE-ucrbdX5pRhtIcE5llyZEFtfD6vvmOzgSt2uozwhzEKbfHofkgKufGbX/s200/DSC_2736.JPG" border="0" /></a>build all of the temples in and around Siam Reap was brought here by elephant from the mountains some 5 miles or so away. We left Bayon and went to get the first of our many bottles of water. As soon as you leave any of the temples there is a cacophony of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ_ufKPey5jhuPSKuUBC-k9dmCUj6A9xZwIqklK8HYFC5G4xIjnxLnnY834rmY14PlhxpMVreBlh_CaA246Jgr4XxY102mmwBYOREy0_Oz0PWQG_PXTebMMpAw5rnqqZ9FfG4yIpLNBX9/s1600-h/DSC_2947.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091375594807991586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ_ufKPey5jhuPSKuUBC-k9dmCUj6A9xZwIqklK8HYFC5G4xIjnxLnnY834rmY14PlhxpMVreBlh_CaA246Jgr4XxY102mmwBYOREy0_Oz0PWQG_PXTebMMpAw5rnqqZ9FfG4yIpLNBX9/s200/DSC_2947.JPG" border="0" /></a>sound from children and stall holders all trying to get you to buy their wares – anything from a vast range of souvenirs, cold drinks and food through to books on any number of topics. They all shout at you at once trying to get you to buy whatever they have to sell. What makes this an even more trying experience is that even though you say ‘no’ any number of times – they still keep trying. They will try and trap you too saying when you finish at the temple you must remember me and if you are going to buy anything you must get it from me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2Lz17FA8G_Qh7PirFiCO-3cDe3o7TObQ8vCTeSdrhx9oCYAe_qUKb_sVqoaUMtNdHmmS6n7DbW6vtPGYNB7yUJoMsSJzuko4Tz5hdGrnwfIcy-jY_YBRWh3gp7s8VyOx3u31s-wPiskd/s1600-h/DSC_2955.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091376243348053298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2Lz17FA8G_Qh7PirFiCO-3cDe3o7TObQ8vCTeSdrhx9oCYAe_qUKb_sVqoaUMtNdHmmS6n7DbW6vtPGYNB7yUJoMsSJzuko4Tz5hdGrnwfIcy-jY_YBRWh3gp7s8VyOx3u31s-wPiskd/s200/DSC_2955.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091377759471508818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnOb5WCFiLZPgfoDszxaaDopZLKBMELvN7aqoZAxCGGg7h21JiMtpyUNuxRPwZcxbdAYYCH9n9xUOsYxa7dN7_klokarNt2t159UXtaD-KLquOdjTMXaqvC3apmPH7luv47BzDwB6LMvv/s320/DSC_2981.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0aJWqFfyPbsoLejyOHrZsj0yWH3e4g1uh28Znuoe2Tc9vY5-G42OidNZY_OqrVibJwD3VZOS7dhGuhW81_tkZgpvp6_wSuVoilQdQqA9ZIaYZilv2zAO-p-JjjSnhVP2-UoySvfo80nE/s1600-h/DSC_2971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091377115226414402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0aJWqFfyPbsoLejyOHrZsj0yWH3e4g1uh28Znuoe2Tc9vY5-G42OidNZY_OqrVibJwD3VZOS7dhGuhW81_tkZgpvp6_wSuVoilQdQqA9ZIaYZilv2zAO-p-JjjSnhVP2-UoySvfo80nE/s320/DSC_2971.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4cSi3iiEMOP17Z_GxsKciNH6k3KRO2yM-61XdFmKPHiQggfWx-ID_wUWcvk6bljsvn3cCkjGYEUYFkBgHJug9NCJaVeHW0Pi2meHfyv-C_G6CB4UGheeLj1pxdOSiKjCJpJD9ezS6Alw/s1600-h/DSC_2739.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091369169536916658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4cSi3iiEMOP17Z_GxsKciNH6k3KRO2yM-61XdFmKPHiQggfWx-ID_wUWcvk6bljsvn3cCkjGYEUYFkBgHJug9NCJaVeHW0Pi2meHfyv-C_G6CB4UGheeLj1pxdOSiKjCJpJD9ezS6Alw/s200/DSC_2739.JPG" border="0" /></a>Once through that gauntlet we walked over to see another temple that was under renovation and caught some children having a swim in a very murky pool. As refreshing as it looked for it was incredibly hot not even that could tempt us to join in the fun! We next went to see the Elephant terraces, which are long terraces that have war elephants carved in many different poses all along them. Next to those were the terraces of the Leper King which goes without saying were amazing also. Our tuk-tuk driver told us to meet him at restaurant 11 so Olivia and I walked over to find him and had to endure the barrage of storeowners and hawkers once again. We were soon to learn <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXH_ike0lpeqcftTJQt36pFYM2friH1_4fnNa8P1XvqjH0cFvlrYjF88yNYIRV_u5povYgLQDfvm7YyWdQ5GU_M_TDidWg9RoxwnEkBCQMBIJrohZ8V-PaevIvOJ1xWax-_WonMifGZ78w/s1600-h/DSC_3017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091378502500851042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXH_ike0lpeqcftTJQt36pFYM2friH1_4fnNa8P1XvqjH0cFvlrYjF88yNYIRV_u5povYgLQDfvm7YyWdQ5GU_M_TDidWg9RoxwnEkBCQMBIJrohZ8V-PaevIvOJ1xWax-_WonMifGZ78w/s320/DSC_3017.JPG" border="0" /></a>that this scene would be repeated time and time again over the next couple of days.<br />Our driver Kang then drove us out one of the other gates of Angkor Thom to see three more temples that would complete our days circuit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8_amPcgmu2lIJ22Qi45HALxlOPBi6IQhsVf5myf0uBF_CVNGBXQl1HgC2aa9h3FK_zWXEgFgENxPTQWBNZk-RSr4ZBOiM21QGRnB-qikaLAAnm3_wxbkAjO5mIStWKSXIB5BVEzyoTm8/s1600-h/DSC_2757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091371072207428818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8_amPcgmu2lIJ22Qi45HALxlOPBi6IQhsVf5myf0uBF_CVNGBXQl1HgC2aa9h3FK_zWXEgFgENxPTQWBNZk-RSr4ZBOiM21QGRnB-qikaLAAnm3_wxbkAjO5mIStWKSXIB5BVEzyoTm8/s200/DSC_2757.JPG" border="0" /></a>The most impressive of these was Tha Prom that featured in Angelina Jolie’s film Tombraider. Unlike many of the other temples Tha Prom hadn't undergone quite as much extensive restoration and the jungle still claimed many parts of it with massive root systems from huge trees and vines that had overgrown them many centuries earlier. It is truly an illustration of the power of nature and gives an insight into what Angkor Wat and the rest of these magnificent structures must have looked like when re-discovered by French Explorers at last century.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091370419372399810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZPJ78q_0_f8Lo4-ZnEhN_fivRDFq2khBFz5tWF1Cw4rxNaUx3-r0mTGxJ3kZaqHP0Icc6btOhNMJiPh_NnBXKVFBqXs3lZyuEhf6ezb6hqjftVqFjaQNE1TAohZROGv0dcyX3RPqaW3D/s400/DSC_2756.JPG" border="0" />Fianally we went to the goliath of all religious temples – Angkor Wat. It is hard to truly reflect on the magnificence of this place. Trying to explain the splendour and sheer scale of it is nigh on impossible and no list of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHXfAtd-XKu9jZIQIctqEZH4y5MRAl3KeyWs4iEMQ6C-YOWPu9JMt2kCbNvKDDjkXpIM4L-DK1dotkr5XKUwTuoRqllC64-lUa58CbyAPAQuvFlazKxiv_LV6iB7OnZZrSWMCHoyxhryx/s1600-h/DSC_2831.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091371871071345890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHXfAtd-XKu9jZIQIctqEZH4y5MRAl3KeyWs4iEMQ6C-YOWPu9JMt2kCbNvKDDjkXpIM4L-DK1dotkr5XKUwTuoRqllC64-lUa58CbyAPAQuvFlazKxiv_LV6iB7OnZZrSWMCHoyxhryx/s200/DSC_2831.JPG" border="0" /></a>adjectives can really do it justice. To give an example of how truly colossal it is – the moat that surrounds Angkor Wat covers an area of 3.5 square kilometres and remember that it was all man made without the aid of any modern machinery whatsoever a couple of thousand years ago. Our driver dropped us off at the end of the huge causeway that is the entrance of the temple and the only way to get over the moat. Immediately two carved lions greeted us on either side seemingly guarding the sacred grounds from outsiders. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina183cHJnJ0ZChW405GG6PUGncjIQ312bFsoGJ5ij1eABou6rv9M596SFPvvO3hxu8_WR39k6nPMzlW82c19QPN7odFtPzxLZ_CWqNCH91nV0iBmHlWYm8r_tponPjYWJNv9hyphenhyphen6i45GvQ/s1600-h/DSC_2835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091372876093693170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina183cHJnJ0ZChW405GG6PUGncjIQ312bFsoGJ5ij1eABou6rv9M596SFPvvO3hxu8_WR39k6nPMzlW82c19QPN7odFtPzxLZ_CWqNCH91nV0iBmHlWYm8r_tponPjYWJNv9hyphenhyphen6i45GvQ/s320/DSC_2835.JPG" border="0" /></a>As we walked across we could only stare in awe at what lay ahead and when we finally breached the front <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuoVTNttz0uk-2q8dMH0j6ibjhEua4ln6awMDBSkgDuufNNHIRToOurVgbxa9UEVpNN8pKkrSu9X7qDEydJrdK1623KM14gqt55nFC0I7KGC4Ls-boSgnxwzwnH3h3aW0BlUaj2SxX-B1/s1600-h/DSC_2828.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091396094686895682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuoVTNttz0uk-2q8dMH0j6ibjhEua4ln6awMDBSkgDuufNNHIRToOurVgbxa9UEVpNN8pKkrSu9X7qDEydJrdK1623KM14gqt55nFC0I7KGC4Ls-boSgnxwzwnH3h3aW0BlUaj2SxX-B1/s320/DSC_2828.JPG" border="0" /></a>entrance way and walked through into the massive courtyard that laid inside the walls we were both at a loss for words. We walked up to the temple passed the big reflection pool out front and up the first flight of stairs that took us into the corridors inside the walls. These were covered in ornate carvings depicting the deeds and battles of Hindu gods. From here we walked up and through many different layers and areas of the temple until we came to the central towers. We then literally climbed the stairs to the top, which were about 70 degrees steep. What makes it even more frightening is that they are very shallow as well so there is not much room for error and it’s a long way down! Once at the top the view was breathtaking and again we were reminded of what an incredible engineering feat had been achieved here. After a rather tense climb down the stairs we grabbed a cold beer from one of the stalls and watched the sunset as our first day came to a close. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091373881116040450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQWbuN18lXoxQcgs4IQdVoI_Dci-vo5tmGDZSsm9L8oXYzwsNBktpP8fl5483ATKhaqej4nRYLvhBmiBAN9YCBO1haK4yUpCzKAdmODFrrWCgm0d3iXEEbTJ9BaADTdu4nAiZ_1oBWhso/s400/DSC_2856.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfgVJG39NP3CuG9TtmKESODVAyfRmV-hEd5oKbPqeKXcKDlIPpkzwG-gzqOgLyf57jhyphenhyphenasYBoTo14K5NK32wriIfkqK9hprFzvgxGKkcT_24kr6bCxoTzIg8o4d6-2AOa979Yn-6ea1g7/s1600-h/DSC_2909.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091374877548453138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfgVJG39NP3CuG9TtmKESODVAyfRmV-hEd5oKbPqeKXcKDlIPpkzwG-gzqOgLyf57jhyphenhyphenasYBoTo14K5NK32wriIfkqK9hprFzvgxGKkcT_24kr6bCxoTzIg8o4d6-2AOa979Yn-6ea1g7/s200/DSC_2909.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiqKsiE3IDD4jMHRIR6zKE64ERCsyTPdVDC7YIikFNuuWPU45ZgKSoOKfDRsH8hSTmnzUrNIrAie85Q1AzRmmtS1rcekTX-daSzGyd4nD7UbQo6wGKaEDV-pHF4KJBu6C-5O_wV2AgtlS/s1600-h/DSC_3025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091379288479866226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiqKsiE3IDD4jMHRIR6zKE64ERCsyTPdVDC7YIikFNuuWPU45ZgKSoOKfDRsH8hSTmnzUrNIrAie85Q1AzRmmtS1rcekTX-daSzGyd4nD7UbQo6wGKaEDV-pHF4KJBu6C-5O_wV2AgtlS/s320/DSC_3025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Day two took us to 5 more temples and they were all just as amazing as those previous. We decided that Pre Khan was probably our favourite of all and is incidentally second only in size to Angkor Wat. It had an amazing aura about it and the way that the lichens coloured many of its carvings definitely made it stand out. We finished this day with a 10-15min hike up a ‘mountain’ / hill which had a temple at its peak to watch the sunset from here. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNQrnW9aoE7TBDmyyYh5gtKTfCchvcEXIbCxsEC3T53u9uZXdWdipDhkdDrXJxY7xw4Nm_lXJOlyzO6eVPEZinBGSGdbqPBOalu4TR1KmIp7b9zk9uE5K-KEpeuRYSDTbCUBfyQwPOBOK/s1600-h/DSC_3042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091379906955156866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNQrnW9aoE7TBDmyyYh5gtKTfCchvcEXIbCxsEC3T53u9uZXdWdipDhkdDrXJxY7xw4Nm_lXJOlyzO6eVPEZinBGSGdbqPBOalu4TR1KmIp7b9zk9uE5K-KEpeuRYSDTbCUBfyQwPOBOK/s320/DSC_3042.JPG" border="0" /></a>It had incredible 360-degree views and was a great place to wrap up our temple adventures. Although we had planned to do three days – two proved more than enough as we were beginning to get 'templed out'.<br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Phnom Penh</span></strong></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrsRqr3183ZTQjBcRiLNYnwhd3j8Kln4OuT9f2zcXc-V4mbFQpctev3XmM24yOqGJd70WVDDdOBfla5esrx9qdKSlIFBabVsgZ4NSTZNOYpkQm9UszRZu-7C83RHcLgHN685Z_h21FkVV/s1600-h/DSC_3067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091380710114041234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrsRqr3183ZTQjBcRiLNYnwhd3j8Kln4OuT9f2zcXc-V4mbFQpctev3XmM24yOqGJd70WVDDdOBfla5esrx9qdKSlIFBabVsgZ4NSTZNOYpkQm9UszRZu-7C83RHcLgHN685Z_h21FkVV/s200/DSC_3067.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next morning we caught yet another bus to the capital of Cambodia – Phnom Penh. This would prove to be the worst bus ride we had ever had. We ended up sitting in the back row of seats in the very corner that proved very COSY to say the least. What made matters worse was that we were sitting directly over the engine and the floor got so hot that we couldn’t even put out feet down. It was like sitting over a fan heater for most of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6oQ2qKa8Ekd_yEmQ04V_E9lMUs9s8YYO5va8FvI83TFroleKwHhv_6zm7k6WCEWtOCwxRcbauZmQXaApciUj_6Qo2YZlYsrr2AVuRt7a_PZcG9rGq7f7Z5GSoOnXxN8zr3Y8f36uy9R2/s1600-h/Laos+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091383020806446530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6oQ2qKa8Ekd_yEmQ04V_E9lMUs9s8YYO5va8FvI83TFroleKwHhv_6zm7k6WCEWtOCwxRcbauZmQXaApciUj_6Qo2YZlYsrr2AVuRt7a_PZcG9rGq7f7Z5GSoOnXxN8zr3Y8f36uy9R2/s200/Laos+025.jpg" border="0" /></a>6-hour journey and we couldn’t even feel the air conditioning. Once we arrived we checked into a nice little guesthouse at the Lakeside district and went and had a couple of drinks and dinner at a gorgeous restaurant/ bar called Carabodja. It had only been open for three weeks according to its Swiss owners but the atmosphere was lovely and the meals were amazing. The portions were absolutely HUGE! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb0rQ_UFsCy4ZQETu7WUNuOnxe907eDYmo7tP58TGi_NB6svjbRNc5QzO65u462tkopSdwvIjfTaqadx4a6fFF33DqmCgkaMxGk12YCXJ7QDNIS77D4V0wo9M1AJJqvjWmXkYx-MhyD0Z/s1600-h/Laos+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091383896979774930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb0rQ_UFsCy4ZQETu7WUNuOnxe907eDYmo7tP58TGi_NB6svjbRNc5QzO65u462tkopSdwvIjfTaqadx4a6fFF33DqmCgkaMxGk12YCXJ7QDNIS77D4V0wo9M1AJJqvjWmXkYx-MhyD0Z/s320/Laos+033.jpg" border="0" /></a>We got up nice and early and organised ourselves a tuk-tuk driver to take us around the sights. Our first stop was Tong Selong otherwise known as S-21. Now a museum, this was formerly a school that had been turned into a prison by the Pol Pot led Khmer Rouge regime. It had held many prisoners in its day and stories told of the horrific conditions that they had to endure whilst undergoing torture before being sent to their deaths. In some of the classrooms that had doubled as torture chambers there were pictures on the walls of victims of maimed and disfigured bodies that had been found murdered and left in the beds they were killed in when the prison was liberated. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaciJ2NRrMEX50xDSvRt3x5hS2tcdhre39oypX_8ex7dqhD4q3NOo-_khIF2tw0mfqlbvcXgKWkFIxgu9CGnOb_90c1ymcBMBHYGS7bTnWkXHdFjDJMaXEyP8NdTNik7Aw9sg_BJ-u_zCj/s1600-h/DSC_3055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091381298524560802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaciJ2NRrMEX50xDSvRt3x5hS2tcdhre39oypX_8ex7dqhD4q3NOo-_khIF2tw0mfqlbvcXgKWkFIxgu9CGnOb_90c1ymcBMBHYGS7bTnWkXHdFjDJMaXEyP8NdTNik7Aw9sg_BJ-u_zCj/s320/DSC_3055.JPG" border="0" /></a>They were haunting as you were standing in the very room that this had happened and the bed was still there. It was a very sad place and one couldn't help but be moved by the photos of the innocent people including children that hung in what were once prison cells but were now galleries.<br />We then went to what are commonly known as ‘The Killing Fields’ where many of the prisoners of Tong Selong were taken by the truckload to be executed. The most frightening thing of all about this was that in order to conserve ammunition people were bludgeoned to death with tools and then their bodies dumped into mass graves. There is a huge tower there that was built as a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4cfaA1DNHTdyxavJ03wnaVwbOW7-6uZXME7rs_ncDJ8uDMJZ07o18VQQ-4aDTo3yCwfYLENHsBQcF1is7yYQpfeD6IKJMHcy_7C3DGGDIhp8YSNhoPpK9N27GGuZUwyofjmUNyowm_3f/s1600-h/Laos+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091384786038005218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4cfaA1DNHTdyxavJ03wnaVwbOW7-6uZXME7rs_ncDJ8uDMJZ07o18VQQ-4aDTo3yCwfYLENHsBQcF1is7yYQpfeD6IKJMHcy_7C3DGGDIhp8YSNhoPpK9N27GGuZUwyofjmUNyowm_3f/s320/Laos+035.jpg" border="0" /></a>memorial for all the people killed there and inside it are the skulls and bones of about 400 or so people. The traumatic way they died was clearly evident and again we couldn't believe that one human being had done this to another. When walking around the site you could still see clothing sticking out of the ground and in some places even human bones. It was an incredibly sobering experience and what's more this had all happened as late as 1978 only 29 years ago. Other tourists were taking photos of the mass graves and bones in the memorial (and in the cells at S-21) but we decided not to out of respect for those that had died in those places.<br />That afternoon we had fun shopping at the ‘Russian Market’ so named as it used to be the site where you could buy all kinds of Russian weaponry from AK47s to tanks. We got some nice presents and some real cheap DVDs and then headed back to the guesthouse to get packed and ready for the bus ride the next morning to...........</div><div>Love from Livi and Tama x</div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-37108961931730285852007-06-19T01:42:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:28:15.439-08:00LAOS<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Chiang Kong - Thai Border</span></strong><br />From Chiang Mai we headed for the next country of Laos. This was going to end up taking us a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxkVqmVhd9IJVslDLj-NxIswul1f2lLQAlF2-MJ9rIe85gTJ9teB-pV2kLaDpDtAzYA-ONZmT-RbwFbOMDqcjKjjNFSIhJlwavebyviF05Yo-xhRmFtTxti8xgkoygNwsWuXuQtvfcuKK/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+110.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0apT5zd_eYbRFG-DRWW34KQLEZTVc3ItQrwiX4NWf29lfnocLKAl6Ymi2MGM9L2rJzqwE6QY-97F4FONnW-IXaoXkU4cBP0D6StoWdaPRlfLZIy6OYu7r8sn9MUY2aEbfFYYLCI95Zjq7/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+113.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079929866544003506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0apT5zd_eYbRFG-DRWW34KQLEZTVc3ItQrwiX4NWf29lfnocLKAl6Ymi2MGM9L2rJzqwE6QY-97F4FONnW-IXaoXkU4cBP0D6StoWdaPRlfLZIy6OYu7r8sn9MUY2aEbfFYYLCI95Zjq7/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+113.jpg" border="0" /></a>total of three days to get to our next stop of Luang Prabang which used to be the capital city before Ventianne. The first leg of our journey was a mini-van to the Thai/ Laos border which took around 4 hours (including stopping at the tour office to get the paperwork started for our LAOS VISAS). We reached <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLdOOKJkCE61HnwlFWN7IHX_LdAcuaIw4Jq_aTUcKeJT9i5lwKpx0cxSc8dvhRJa-ZAHvBmaryaDxaQkcndQwvf6Zgh_rOEcFgzWpidkuj7HTFtyrIMQ6ttlmJyLtvvcdEo8m6gbvyc_Z/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079929875133938114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLdOOKJkCE61HnwlFWN7IHX_LdAcuaIw4Jq_aTUcKeJT9i5lwKpx0cxSc8dvhRJa-ZAHvBmaryaDxaQkcndQwvf6Zgh_rOEcFgzWpidkuj7HTFtyrIMQ6ttlmJyLtvvcdEo8m6gbvyc_Z/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+115.jpg" border="0" /></a>the sleepy border town of Chiang Kong and checked into our humble abodes for the night on the banks of the Mekong River. In our van was the two Irish lads - Paul and Phil (who were on the one day trek with us) a guy from England named Lee and a lovely Australian couple Paula and Ken. We all got on like a house on fire and ended up banding together for the next week of our trip. We had a couple of cool beers with the people from our van outside our rooms and then went for a walk through the town to have a look around a bit. Livi had another massage and then we all had dinner together (which was part of the package we had bought) and hit the sack.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Huay Xai - Laos Border</span></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo0gebZ0ewyY60wGr-LjmA-kBLNieXuRL0FhwQ9b2bNUipTwPA-ch3gfI21MHhkNQfSjIKfgeqV2nO2FpAKa3oIdUjjulk44SmBGCRbYzhOtOneqEfjhuKsx-ZMuCUXmbTxxqEUfiDhbh/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079931807869221346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo0gebZ0ewyY60wGr-LjmA-kBLNieXuRL0FhwQ9b2bNUipTwPA-ch3gfI21MHhkNQfSjIKfgeqV2nO2FpAKa3oIdUjjulk44SmBGCRbYzhOtOneqEfjhuKsx-ZMuCUXmbTxxqEUfiDhbh/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+122.jpg" border="0" /></a>Early the next morning we went to the border after getting our passports back with our Laos VISAS in them and caught a longtail boat across the Mekong from Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos. On the other side we went through the border control and then were taken to the 'SLOW BOAT' which would be taking us down the river to Luang Prabang. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nZwBUO5sD-UueXEC2qb83i1l1KiIiXFjKLAYQzd5B21k5rPmZEqwwmm-Cqe9YHV8a0mn25uvq7tbD9r8qwsiLTIsAyxDRHhgsPYxl8IY6XFAjZ8MLPh3I0dpz4NSrGCKQYZo35Brx8Xs/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+123.jpg"></a>It <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPNJwmHFkZ7MIOIcigVXNyB4WZ8FxdwABxAkMVEStYRGIJ1JylAHVvrl0toK4iKvbHA82jTpDKfQMQyiIrIIzXXj_qhMmGdX826AjxYseMoxk6mrwZs6DzpRTBXfdaqrEXFwPPVvRTY7H/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079933839388752402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPNJwmHFkZ7MIOIcigVXNyB4WZ8FxdwABxAkMVEStYRGIJ1JylAHVvrl0toK4iKvbHA82jTpDKfQMQyiIrIIzXXj_qhMmGdX826AjxYseMoxk6mrwZs6DzpRTBXfdaqrEXFwPPVvRTY7H/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+128.jpg" border="0" /></a>was by no means the most comfortable of trips sitting on wooden benches with thin cushions on them, especially as day one of the trip took almost 7 and a half hours. The 'SLOW BOAT' is aptly named not only because it travels rather slowly down the river but it stops all the time to either pick up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVyTbQQZD3V6uqRzqJMhmw8yglQbz-Nnhf2YzZBuUWZ7VSXsDjcYr1FVECWokQtpD-p5myg1G3hG1bteUCpAO5rvcjAMqC1EL7TALAtcAd3RG9ecEeEi3cxJ3-mHSgkevqQKHcCkOUQgP/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082231770983969522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVyTbQQZD3V6uqRzqJMhmw8yglQbz-Nnhf2YzZBuUWZ7VSXsDjcYr1FVECWokQtpD-p5myg1G3hG1bteUCpAO5rvcjAMqC1EL7TALAtcAd3RG9ecEeEi3cxJ3-mHSgkevqQKHcCkOUQgP/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+129.jpg" border="0" /></a> more locals or for villagers to be able to try and sell things to the passengers.The scenery along the way was nothing short of spectacular as we passed many villages and rolling hills covered in jungle. The Mekong is definitely 'MIGHTY' to say the least. There are rocks and whirlpools and strong currents that buffered the boat as we travelled and made it even more of an adventure.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087795460398726850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzHxNe82R8EfiWHgf3ro2rcNDMoEobwGegrn3-2X5q2VOQ2vd-b6lVNVFdQT8-ytADdt5D8iNYUJPmWMtLVfPoauwmrncH_D0E-_MfKutXksHvvtAoNQ8H0MO0Oba8svZVf1xSGgrGyti/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+212.jpg" border="0" /> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Pak Beng</span></strong><br />We arrived in Pak Beng where we stayed the night. For dinner both Livi and I tried water buffalo. She had it in a curry and I had it in a stroganoff type dish. It was absolutely delicious!<br />This remote little town out in the middle of nowhere only has power from generators so the power at our guesthouse went off at 10.30pm which meant a very hot and sticky night.<br />The next day the 'SLOW BOAT' took us the rest of the way to Luang Prabang. There was more beautiful scenery and lots of time consuming stops too. It was an incredibly hot day and we were all glad to get to the other end.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087789692257648242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7F92zd-UBKvj2eKzFzau7gbQeS4uRMn0kFEdaaVVG_qP89iYHmBPDDNXZ6EFp5jIdU8y4LmKCZSTx5AoyVrxJppjd3ptAJznsotumHtBmksXXzRDXFSoUcMXjFdM4HTQdBwWWjI47l_F/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+245.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Luang Prabang<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk0TQxUtwybMjKdoTCU0QUm8tbnYiu2UpTEh4cSi773_DPCPvuG72jfXrFAQ-HLRjZv1zW5ndzhYUSY9O7n98nfONX3nI3msg_SdCLkMYTuE8h6nVF8x3p3lseUg21dPah-Y1WZQQnigy/s1600-h/palm.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087798870602759906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk0TQxUtwybMjKdoTCU0QUm8tbnYiu2UpTEh4cSi773_DPCPvuG72jfXrFAQ-HLRjZv1zW5ndzhYUSY9O7n98nfONX3nI3msg_SdCLkMYTuE8h6nVF8x3p3lseUg21dPah-Y1WZQQnigy/s200/palm.JPG" border="0" /></a>We were all relieved to finally be off the boat and then came the tedious task of finding somewhere to stay. Livi, Lee, the Irish boys and I found a really nice guesthouse that was pretty much brand new and most important of all CLEAN! The only problem was - there was no electricity in the whole city as there were some major repairs going on somewhere. This didn't help matters as it was hideously hot and the water in our shower was barely a trickle (as it was fed with an ELECTRIC PUMP) so getting clean and refreshed was near on impossible. Liv and I went into the the little township worried that it could be yet another STICKY night without a fan and went to a nice restaraunt in town where we had PIZZA by candlelight. About half way through our meal the power came back on and there was a mighty cheer from not only all the people in the restaraunt, but all the people in the street too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwteR0GHUCVySEDWlr0ii_93hVYgvF5bfEDNv4GmkYYmiViWP_uiyooC2twDNKzvWpF41loQT9DN-2EYkI6RXDn0-gQZhQyDewqWV8Y56ybI-z_Ug1B4-jnsE_aBieRcgMlkvMAC0QBbF/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+279.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087791255625744002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwteR0GHUCVySEDWlr0ii_93hVYgvF5bfEDNv4GmkYYmiViWP_uiyooC2twDNKzvWpF41loQT9DN-2EYkI6RXDn0-gQZhQyDewqWV8Y56ybI-z_Ug1B4-jnsE_aBieRcgMlkvMAC0QBbF/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+279.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>The next day our little group all headed out to the Kouang Si waterfalls that are top on the to do list in Luang Prabang. We got a pickup truck tuk-tuk to the falls which are about 35kms out of the city. Of all the falls that we had visited so far these were by far the most impressive and beautiful. The water comes from Limestone springs and is an amazing aqua-marine colour. There are a number of smaller pools that you come across as you make your way up the main falls that people swim in and picnic around. The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6TRstSSDFh4CdfTqvL7zlIi3lGybzj7ZoTviUoWNHi3wGIXSeOeKwJ-dzrBt-loPQwtfi_NR6YGOt6-grm2L6gKcI4YvMzk5JKQWvgQpZLkg8czLnL1uDqY2TKdybhGCB-7KnHlMEcu1/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087792226288352914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6TRstSSDFh4CdfTqvL7zlIi3lGybzj7ZoTviUoWNHi3wGIXSeOeKwJ-dzrBt-loPQwtfi_NR6YGOt6-grm2L6gKcI4YvMzk5JKQWvgQpZLkg8czLnL1uDqY2TKdybhGCB-7KnHlMEcu1/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+283.jpg" border="0" /></a>main falls were breathtaking. We had worked a little bit of a sweat getting there so we all ignored the strategically placed sign that said 'DANGER NO SWIMMING HERE' and headed straight in. The water was wonderfully refreshing and we all had a great time swimming there (yes Perry and Brent - I did some staples on your behalfs) and taking photos. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43WYeV9o942i-FVCeuWn_JCVBc5xo_BlV3zDtu0iKpm48_ofME9Vhx4MWAKmCxeQtIQKvZyZqjyu6LwQrlcsPF5ojOc0I3vwBKEHL914jVVVFXVUuXCrkDlOSlXqbpGXvCcxcdNwZKeIx/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+325.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087793265670438562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43WYeV9o942i-FVCeuWn_JCVBc5xo_BlV3zDtu0iKpm48_ofME9Vhx4MWAKmCxeQtIQKvZyZqjyu6LwQrlcsPF5ojOc0I3vwBKEHL914jVVVFXVUuXCrkDlOSlXqbpGXvCcxcdNwZKeIx/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+325.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Liv and I then went on a bit of a hike up a track on the left hand side of the falls which eventually took us to the very top to a swamp that looked like something out of Lord of The Rings. You <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SvEjCkufs1sfiaK6rSWsHSO13QIt2sAS73l8ZYgTmycv-88xYrJY5KbWrW7mcKkXEhobPrdzLEzolW1S340XUG_13kNvA7XE38mOGYpONZHmMp6t2scLg3zDrFtezUxGZlYObqza40Dr/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+357.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087794068829322930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SvEjCkufs1sfiaK6rSWsHSO13QIt2sAS73l8ZYgTmycv-88xYrJY5KbWrW7mcKkXEhobPrdzLEzolW1S340XUG_13kNvA7XE38mOGYpONZHmMp6t2scLg3zDrFtezUxGZlYObqza40Dr/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+357.jpg" border="0" /></a>could see for miles up there and the view over the falls was awe inspiring. We then climbed down to the top tier of the falls where there was an enchanting pool surrounded by what seemed like hundreds of falls. You could swim up to the edge of the pool and look out over the edge to the waterfalls below - it was awesome! To get down from here we had to climb down another small waterfall to get back to the track which turned out to be pretty easy as the rocks weren't slippery at all. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz_zQyvShxsQucT-hENDbnsPFOp2WaovmgPNniO-a3zhcKcp7h43vGpJVC__5ip28R7lwHk9ISo_jxp2rdAKCuQvi0eUzQoJtS_46NMsV3QqsI6TrjbNq6eOIrtwT_iTr2LCewtFE4WGp/s1600-h/Laos+105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087810806316875602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz_zQyvShxsQucT-hENDbnsPFOp2WaovmgPNniO-a3zhcKcp7h43vGpJVC__5ip28R7lwHk9ISo_jxp2rdAKCuQvi0eUzQoJtS_46NMsV3QqsI6TrjbNq6eOIrtwT_iTr2LCewtFE4WGp/s320/Laos+105.jpg" border="0" /></a>That night we went out for dinner with Paul, Phil and Lee and had a couple of beers at a local bar called the Hive while playing GRASS. The bars close at midnight and if you want to kick on here you have to go the local bowling alley. All the tuk tuk and moto drivers are waiting on the road and harass you to go bowling - so of course we did. Liv, Paul, Phil, Lee and I had a laugh bowling and met some more Kiwis from Christchurch and many other people from all over the world. When the place closed we went out to the carpark which was once again full of tuk tuk and moto drivers begging for our custom. The one that we ended taking started out with about 7 people in it. However a couple of minutes down the road and he decided to pick up another dozen or so. There were people hanging off this thing left, right and centre. It was quite a funny way to end the night.<br />The next day was spent lazing around and sorting out transport to our next port of call.....</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Vang Vien </strong><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Lee, the Irish lads and Livi and I caught and early mini van from Luang Prabang and set out for the 'TUBING' (will become more clear what this is soon) capital of the world Vang Vien. The journey took us through incredibly winding roads over amazing hills and almost mountain like <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSe86kj1TUqpIai_TAa8mSft01Dalc-xKG-JsD8CWftV7m4puRLKgmiXMzsMG0-ue-e_QgA4Vt_hKRho9t5zDwbx8kHju7fswOyaMbv0i71Bd93e1QyZUC_otuOE1P1e00-PZx449kXXZ/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+152.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087796443946237650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSe86kj1TUqpIai_TAa8mSft01Dalc-xKG-JsD8CWftV7m4puRLKgmiXMzsMG0-ue-e_QgA4Vt_hKRho9t5zDwbx8kHju7fswOyaMbv0i71Bd93e1QyZUC_otuOE1P1e00-PZx449kXXZ/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+152.jpg" border="0" /></a>countryside. We passed many a local village on the way and it was truly an eye opener to see the conditions that most of them lived in and yet seemed so content going about their day to day business. About half way there we stopped for lunch and got a heck of surprise to see two guys barely into their 20's with AK 47s slung over their shoulders. They stood there smoking their cigarettes quite oblivious to the fact that our whole mini-bus was freaked out by it all. </span><br /></div><div>With lunch out of the way we continued on and reached our desitnation in the late afternoon. After trekking around doing what we have now dubbed "the backpacker shuffle" looking for a place to stay within our budget, the boys and us found a place and then went for swim in a tributary of the Namkong river that our balconies overlooked to cool off. The water was beautiful and cool and we all got very excited about what lay ahead for us the next day. This was the view from our balcony:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087800627244383986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCYaqme7MJzAAfSFccDNhcI1How5I4V9Z0hyphenhyphenuQzMaO60ZyDk_G3urhZA0IHWQ8NNFNCB3sfJvOCY3w23Nb5IjgQHSjdMKiN6DX3Iaj_92fhIOymemfjQbclTYEh-laClPBq33uXvChnZn/s320/DSC_2668.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Vang Vieng is a strange sort of place that many a backpacker has wound up staying for weeks after originally only planning a couple of days. There isn't much too it but a whole lot of guesthouses around a main town centre with lots of restaurants and bars to cater for the tourists. The weirdest part about the whole place is that unlike other tourist meccas like the Thai and Malaysian islands where the restaurants typically play the latest pirated DVD movies - in Vang Vien they seemed obsessed with only playing re-runs of Friends and in the odd place 'The Simpsons'. I don't know who told them that these are the shows that backpackers want to watch when eating breakfast, lunch and dinner but they all seemed to have listened to that same wise man??<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO1hjFNR7sCqLVJ1NDM7s4gT39iAxVvnGs3ThbNbkUzP5npfw9N_nRcd3o1lsgDhIZkvbXOZRlvOAm-823JTyq82KjrcBDMeaLcpXLSEVztKY6_QZmKQQ_LL-zi3oqLTQExHsx92CFhDZ/s1600-h/Laos+120.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087802031698689794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO1hjFNR7sCqLVJ1NDM7s4gT39iAxVvnGs3ThbNbkUzP5npfw9N_nRcd3o1lsgDhIZkvbXOZRlvOAm-823JTyq82KjrcBDMeaLcpXLSEVztKY6_QZmKQQ_LL-zi3oqLTQExHsx92CFhDZ/s320/Laos+120.jpg" border="0" /></a>Day two saw us all sign up to do what most Westeners come to Vang Vien to do 'TUBING'. The name is pretty much self explanatory. You hire a big inner tube and then everyone loads into tuktuks piled high with people and tubes and they take you about 5kms or so up the Namkong river. The driver drops everyone off and you grab your tube and jump on it and simply float down the Namkong. Now I know that a lot of you back home will be saying - well how is that any different from doing the same thing on any river at home? Well firstly it was about 35 degrees that day so that water was extremely refreshing. Secondly dotted along the shores of the river are all these bars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsqANDD2V5mxl_Ja8FIx1y0866Jf5rEOCCR1Se77yzpUdPg6HkJW2pNeFnTEP1iaL2kH0qMXCBmCoekSc069MUHMkwClHR9r7RXLLDq9wW3QGGXu-aYCZQ7h11oeecqHStEuU1L5KZeDz/s1600-h/Laos+137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087803268649271058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsqANDD2V5mxl_Ja8FIx1y0866Jf5rEOCCR1Se77yzpUdPg6HkJW2pNeFnTEP1iaL2kH0qMXCBmCoekSc069MUHMkwClHR9r7RXLLDq9wW3QGGXu-aYCZQ7h11oeecqHStEuU1L5KZeDz/s200/Laos+137.jpg" border="0" /></a>What happens is that as you float down you can paddle yourself over to get close to the banks and then someone will stick out a long bamboo pole and pull you over to their bar which is more or less a bamboo platform built onto the bank. Each bar either has a flying fox or huge swing at it also and so the idea goes that you buy a Beer Lao and then have a crack at the zip line or the swing. Every bar also offers free shots of a locally made whiskey called 'Laolao' which is incredibly potent. After having our first free one at the first bar we went to we all decided that even that was one too many! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087804338096127778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4Z8PTpXR4sxqgVur60aByNX4zLt8tJA_9jaoOfb9-k-FkTLHgvPwGe8ieux_sgXDE7bHbmz3g-VigjU_EGaoRQQh9dbcnUQt9Ogg_vK8F2Mmk15laDJANMjBAHERuLmDifIzTPeBSOnI/s320/Laos+108.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiLpCxlOmOzyZcfTpA4dYy7tW2S914voY_Ja7utwdl-37pLmr6hN0DIdXaRf9_Gj0VINeVcnh4onBHJxa0XQk7FEj6Y4L7IcXxqJ97AJg2OnFWcORLzroqeFXZSII3K5oC7pCaDh6UoWQ/s1600-h/Laos+132.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087805094010371890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiLpCxlOmOzyZcfTpA4dYy7tW2S914voY_Ja7utwdl-37pLmr6hN0DIdXaRf9_Gj0VINeVcnh4onBHJxa0XQk7FEj6Y4L7IcXxqJ97AJg2OnFWcORLzroqeFXZSII3K5oC7pCaDh6UoWQ/s200/Laos+132.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had the most amazing day. We met people from all over the world including a contingent frome home and had an absolute blast on the swings and flying foxes too. Part the way down the river we got to one bar where we had planned to stop for a beer when the winds began to howl and the heavens opened up. Man it was as torrential a downpour as you are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwddTsEoryREjI9QAKSwVgwMIvGSZBd7NRI-fn2dL3JTnQJEZCqmINs-AcAYL0COKSydP-gAFSQ8qbFYblEl9TfG4wN6vWI4vjqXHVAlxoLxy2NzmkVFmDG8k1MAB7HqvLaa9Q3hbUoze/s1600-h/Laos+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087807945868656450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwddTsEoryREjI9QAKSwVgwMIvGSZBd7NRI-fn2dL3JTnQJEZCqmINs-AcAYL0COKSydP-gAFSQ8qbFYblEl9TfG4wN6vWI4vjqXHVAlxoLxy2NzmkVFmDG8k1MAB7HqvLaa9Q3hbUoze/s200/Laos+066.jpg" border="0" /></a>ever likely to see. Instead of dampening everyones spirits it had the oppposite effect and once the rain had died down the crowd hit the river and floated down through a series of rapids to the main bar on the trip. It had the second to largest swing and a volleyball court as well. While Livi watched and took some amazing photos the boys and I were like little kids on that swing and Paul took control of what was a very competitive game of volleyball from all reports. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087814590183063394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF41X8DWUYq_50hO8C5HqgVHrQ_VL_NvX8V7vfIZPzIK0_xULCVnnikzc61rweyS8hNJ7a_3dwlG71bwcCvGEmQRW3jIcomIZcmkCt3fOxMpgL_uAvRpEgs90W4VrGy7qp31ucP3Gcl66d/s400/Laos+052.jpg" border="0" />The day ended with us all being a little on the tipsy side and in total darkness. Livi and I got seperated from the rest of our group and when we finally dragged ourselves from the river she lost her tube and it floated off down the river in the darkness. Luckily the guys at the tubing place thought she was a bit of a dish so they let her off for the indiscretion saying that it happens all the time and not to worry about it. The funny thing was that Paul lost his tube also and they charged him an extra $7.00 US!<br /><br /><div>The new day dawned and Livi and I decided that unfortunately we would finally have to part ways with our mates and move on. The last week or so travelling with those guys was so much fun and it was kind of hard to say goodbye but we made our farewells and caught the supposed VIP Bus to the capital Ventianne.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ventianne</span><br /></strong>We spent one night in the capital and had a lovely Indian meal which was right up there with the meal that we had in Penang almost two months ago. The next day we caught the overnight train back to Bangkok where we spent one more night before setting off on the next stage of our trip.<br /></div><br /><div>Arohanui<br />Livi and Tama xx</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Olivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469045375974992483.post-87408554915229309542007-06-16T02:04:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:28:20.999-08:00CHIANG MAI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PFoikMv0dD3Qz8qwB38bgndkBdlGKn7y6n6J0jkuRsmBKdCV2D1XhF47GjHUdbJ7ptK4g-fHIjOyE7OEcG7VryXesKDrpRbJX6MSntNDuL5BHxWYOooKF52ZzeUTePQJie5nQ7a0xn38/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079639028538586978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PFoikMv0dD3Qz8qwB38bgndkBdlGKn7y6n6J0jkuRsmBKdCV2D1XhF47GjHUdbJ7ptK4g-fHIjOyE7OEcG7VryXesKDrpRbJX6MSntNDuL5BHxWYOooKF52ZzeUTePQJie5nQ7a0xn38/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>From the mass of tuk-tuks and smog we headed north on our first overnight sleeper train for the southern capital of Chang Mai. I was not too impressed to say the least when we got on the train and saw our seats (which incidentally become your bed) and the ceiling fan that was to keep us cool. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZQYgZOvQOSqAuGP5qOmk6hy2oBGTCc3q2O-brhNUR23N4emg-gRFie5nEizw_-fbrPK1RpiTTUlaN6xl5A2uixrQr-4oPGBGs_P2qI3svr6cRwbWjy5iEdpTPFw15oyKihogf83-uCOe/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079875131480782962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZQYgZOvQOSqAuGP5qOmk6hy2oBGTCc3q2O-brhNUR23N4emg-gRFie5nEizw_-fbrPK1RpiTTUlaN6xl5A2uixrQr-4oPGBGs_P2qI3svr6cRwbWjy5iEdpTPFw15oyKihogf83-uCOe/s200/Chiang+Mai+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>Anyhow once we were into the journey it proved immeasurably better than travelling by bus. The guard put up a table for us and we played<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZNvhDj6k0xSNe3NphNVFXlYp8AdI8A4UfWnFXGWxSNZ0rXCnsEEwGkaljNla419ChuFAodOjkMdgJoe55J1wR41ZmxLJyDWrbkUd5FdMbNn7sNYuXNKHFla5Z_U28zx3fFs6PmdJqayZ/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+007.jpg"></a> some more GRASS and read our books over a couple of Singhas. This journey was to end up taking 15 hours or so and around 7.30 - 8.00pm the guard swept through<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47u7ZFrokId23EliWayQ__hD7YL91wF7GBGE_UJE8J4VRybfvUVKRAp5YKfxFPUMaIM0s87Hk-rYzG6Cccuq0uXwCr1EgkX356pbC9oILONwdUnoTLjwwIDZShlHph2L9T_csKK5EvCsS/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079640746525505410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47u7ZFrokId23EliWayQ__hD7YL91wF7GBGE_UJE8J4VRybfvUVKRAp5YKfxFPUMaIM0s87Hk-rYzG6Cccuq0uXwCr1EgkX356pbC9oILONwdUnoTLjwwIDZShlHph2L9T_csKK5EvCsS/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZNfxe8amvV8ZSVGCnaj41Xzkj-8AgpzMjIODnX5Iuq5zXveGM_JmJlkRQwTCIZzJn4-kw9BU8frWRrGUMnwygn_02A5-1HNET0TSUmPZ4OjPlovJV4bOe2vVxpTNNwAk7GfdwMLDTV8k/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079875144365684866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZNfxe8amvV8ZSVGCnaj41Xzkj-8AgpzMjIODnX5Iuq5zXveGM_JmJlkRQwTCIZzJn4-kw9BU8frWRrGUMnwygn_02A5-1HNET0TSUmPZ4OjPlovJV4bOe2vVxpTNNwAk7GfdwMLDTV8k/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+006.jpg" border="0" /></a>carriage and moved the seats so that they became a bed and unlocked the overhead bunk so there was an upper and lower berth. They were actually quite comfortable and had fresh sheets, pillows and blanket (as if you would need one!) and also very cheap considering the distance travelled.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079922440545548626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlMymBmUZN5RALrgcTo26BnxByTEwHNA8jvXCmXxyJQEQcdbjVH3mdXB-e0gWQ2uK0eXhycW1trhguoMVJ6ZBooEqr-F6lErMvSVsPAafmELP9pZ9oRwdJ9jOtlTbzcAcOc60WaaYUwE6/s320/h%C3%B4tel.JPG" border="0" />When we arrived in Chang Mai at around 6.30am, being as prepared as we always are (not) we got a ride to a guesthouse to see what it was like and decided that this would be our home for the next couple of nights. It was called the Royal Thai Guesthouse and I would say that in its heyday was something to behold as it was yet another place where maintenance was a bit lacking but it had a pool and a neat little restaurant too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhtge6boKq1aVZYbV18HKa7gamzmXrsiexgoVsesjAKvJriWvqoEV0Eyfgrg5A-T0cMqp2szgLI7o9yWb3-x-g6u0RefsPh-2x-O0XZHfMatOa1tLMkQVCLfQ5gTSL-9q-sPGgy2MF5RI/s1600-h/pool.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079924630978869618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhtge6boKq1aVZYbV18HKa7gamzmXrsiexgoVsesjAKvJriWvqoEV0Eyfgrg5A-T0cMqp2szgLI7o9yWb3-x-g6u0RefsPh-2x-O0XZHfMatOa1tLMkQVCLfQ5gTSL-9q-sPGgy2MF5RI/s200/pool.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFLbUpTI3crmuB5Sykxte5Nj3osz-x9W_XPre4RVtfxwNRQJK9qHv8r1BVwj7tpOEnxH-x3ToeQz3Mn0IKji9XjfNQI2etJCI3wrGPuDsH4zHKoq6-y3ASzWTV7GgPZQ4ayQLVFnRHvxz/s1600-h/ele.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079912274357958898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFLbUpTI3crmuB5Sykxte5Nj3osz-x9W_XPre4RVtfxwNRQJK9qHv8r1BVwj7tpOEnxH-x3ToeQz3Mn0IKji9XjfNQI2etJCI3wrGPuDsH4zHKoq6-y3ASzWTV7GgPZQ4ayQLVFnRHvxz/s320/ele.JPG" border="0" /></a>We weren't sure what we were going to do that day as we were quite tired from the train trip, however an old woman that ran the inhouse travel agency asked us while we were having breakfast if we would like to join three others on a day trek which included elephant trekking, visiting a couple of villages and a waterfall and bamboo rafting(this was basically a three day trek condensed into one). As we were wide awake anyway we decided why not and scoffed down our breakfast and set off for the day. In our group was a guy from Japan named Aki and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs6DSNOrzZsqqLWG1ov5p4_xNmSVpUsuXdisTj9sIBiQex91QM0MsX60vietic6c7tp9BozFCu1RSFzVMlvrezxEAOwZhG6d_q6COlj77QHR-QDfecMq5bLKFjjjZZ1972GBtF_FVzdxn/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079649168956373010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs6DSNOrzZsqqLWG1ov5p4_xNmSVpUsuXdisTj9sIBiQex91QM0MsX60vietic6c7tp9BozFCu1RSFzVMlvrezxEAOwZhG6d_q6COlj77QHR-QDfecMq5bLKFjjjZZ1972GBtF_FVzdxn/s200/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+008.jpg" border="0" /></a>two Irish lads called Paul and Phil. Unbeknownst to us but the boys from Dublin would become our travelling mates and good friends over the next week or so. We went to the elephant trekking first and it was such a buzz to see these beautiful animals up close and not in a zoo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-DDiaUyDpkDEshU58WWZqja-xbwzikYxbChBWX5xGro0aaovTOtsiedLn0TP1ug43_X7Fdnk2sui2BpHljSU5-pPbBcg13dPpRXsjis_lPmScdabprNrkObK3gxJV82Vi0eETmdA-BHy/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079877626856782002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-DDiaUyDpkDEshU58WWZqja-xbwzikYxbChBWX5xGro0aaovTOtsiedLn0TP1ug43_X7Fdnk2sui2BpHljSU5-pPbBcg13dPpRXsjis_lPmScdabprNrkObK3gxJV82Vi0eETmdA-BHy/s320/Chiang+Mai+079.jpg" border="0" /></a>Olivia and I rode Pucho and he was the dominant male of this particular camp. He was HUGE! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-zdOg_0WjMS5bF-IS6_prcgCwx3Sdz4G3yKP5jMP7ff7h-HCIxkY40FzOVIggdmWwofikEV_QZoUTUr3_qr7OSdshPMruEGXK6aEAkWJGYcspBruUBdKHJODBmhqPwaAzVES_tMnG9A/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079647339300304882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-zdOg_0WjMS5bF-IS6_prcgCwx3Sdz4G3yKP5jMP7ff7h-HCIxkY40FzOVIggdmWwofikEV_QZoUTUr3_qr7OSdshPMruEGXK6aEAkWJGYcspBruUBdKHJODBmhqPwaAzVES_tMnG9A/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>The two Irish boys had a slightly smaller one and Aki had one to himself. The secnery that surrounded us was breathtaking as we rode through the jungle for about 50 minutes in total. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluGkyzOrsOTixBcDqU3kSIDiLHW6dXsvH-vWlabQQhU2a2Vg_8P1cYwS9nhTv2zTwqSrMPgtSWnyOI8k4ITiY7DB6jQBUuHBwbL7zD9TGaaHCc4QBdQX4gB67l3E7Ec10OWUlURnn26rI/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079879959024023762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluGkyzOrsOTixBcDqU3kSIDiLHW6dXsvH-vWlabQQhU2a2Vg_8P1cYwS9nhTv2zTwqSrMPgtSWnyOI8k4ITiY7DB6jQBUuHBwbL7zD9TGaaHCc4QBdQX4gB67l3E7Ec10OWUlURnn26rI/s200/Chiang+Mai+049.jpg" border="0" /></a>As a treat for the elephants and a good little earner the locals and mahoots sold bunches of bananas that you could feed the elephants <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlT2pUrlcuZnuBeHAdTFad-LVAUYRaOkVTfZm3aEBGgbqvnV-X-aAba4S7-ewH02aBgyJn5XW-xyKRyD2LVPl2R4za0EgX63YammFfWe_QBZfQj0yPboPCpZdLzlxi4MTwPZQQEywtcup/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+075.jpg"></a>while riding them so all of us got a bunch each and kept our charges fueled throughout the jouney. There were also sort of fill up stations <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iaXqt1JK1SWhmOc5uah5E43aKIo-9l6tZ7gWdMRICDMqFyeGS7fcKo-0A_T2DCfulrmxO8bjXMqFd___m2bSsx7-iHp0T-ICuQRnWxUoUD2gzux7_e71fO9EzmlINL7stcodlqo-h4Rk/s1600-h/ele+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079913704582068482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iaXqt1JK1SWhmOc5uah5E43aKIo-9l6tZ7gWdMRICDMqFyeGS7fcKo-0A_T2DCfulrmxO8bjXMqFd___m2bSsx7-iHp0T-ICuQRnWxUoUD2gzux7_e71fO9EzmlINL7stcodlqo-h4Rk/s320/ele+2.JPG" border="0" /></a>along the way where you could convenienlty buy MORE of bananas or sugar <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwya3_8r8f2EAegzpanFzR033gqhqxBSg4vkCvSZenZyhM25M87CMZYumTFfkrXZGmBlq4MTNKrTNAQXMKc64cGNzcvJopgX_F1Yu6ZuHd1jbQL2qeI1Uhl6eNzsQ5xhspMYakOYzliutq/s1600-h/ele+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079915246475327762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwya3_8r8f2EAegzpanFzR033gqhqxBSg4vkCvSZenZyhM25M87CMZYumTFfkrXZGmBlq4MTNKrTNAQXMKc64cGNzcvJopgX_F1Yu6ZuHd1jbQL2qeI1Uhl6eNzsQ5xhspMYakOYzliutq/s200/ele+3.JPG" border="0" /></a>cane too. It was so much fun feeding Pucho as he would snake his massive trunk back over his head and reach out so that we could place a banana or piece of sugar cane in it for him to eat. You could also feel the immense power that he had riding up on his shoulders and his skin had the most incredible texture to it almost like a leathery rough carpet. The view from up on his back was so picturesque as we gazed over the rolling jungle covered hills that typify that part of Thailand.<br /><br />Once we had recovered from the excitement of the elephants we drove to the next stop which was a 20 minute hike along a gravel road to a small village that has home to one of the shortneck Karen tribes. (Their famous cousins are the Longneck Karen tribe) The Karen people have been relocated by the Thai government from the Thai/ Cambodian border as their main source of income had been growing marijuana and opium.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079926997505849730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY1qOLfe2KkRkCg8rTwGfUm6n6r0kgpWvt5US1pPOWIWGCiyWGFWPmYuro2h0bNFDUAgRZ1LWx_QprUU-zi0pxM7_mtQGWphFNF6skLcKUsB8kpFvuLMQQmKnpdDB0Ofqpu7jwGCijZvX/s320/paddies.JPG" border="0" />In order to try and control the production of both these illegal substances the government moved them away from the border and provided them with land and shelter etc and taught them how to grow other crops that they could sell instead of drugs. From there it was a short walk to a the waterfall and we all had a welcome dip in its cooling waters. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079916779778652450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEgoKU-aECKw3G5gl-AyAYTB99xQ8agc8Fxk8gtO6p1pMuXlkXiF5alDTdFspf2mzcp4fOTOGzTcggjFxwRHc7PpTQiPlAgF4YoJWDOg0u5li7uEP9orJmMNUQ56Ns6tKKT7V2jjbPHuZ/s320/water.JPG" border="0" />Once we had refreshed ourselves we walked on the track through the jungle to our van which took us to the next village where we saw some local women using these amazing looms to weave intricate and delicate fabrics. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079920911537191218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMUusN-2y4xr1RL0L39H7OtFDidOoKjdHKGY6Us8L6k14Ybk2rBY1y-2bkqMb1C9Yrl_ttkkyse5x20onwXI8C88rtCJw5Wu-7in7mXMWalOoEtyizLjPKWTNU7LIpujM3Hb3szSZKdy7/s320/weaver.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6gtQ2BDOnScbPr1AA7RB-4U3_0Q1oBZjYelamh2JqEtGoRjFE3jSkquUDP9PjsRth58_y8yPcN4QoFx38KTb_wGMgjEafCZ94539ExOIZQwrGCt606e4S_s450YJleJeIjr016pKFMb8/s1600-h/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079644191089276850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6gtQ2BDOnScbPr1AA7RB-4U3_0Q1oBZjYelamh2JqEtGoRjFE3jSkquUDP9PjsRth58_y8yPcN4QoFx38KTb_wGMgjEafCZ94539ExOIZQwrGCt606e4S_s450YJleJeIjr016pKFMb8/s320/Chiang+Mai+-+Luang+Prabang+014.jpg" border="0" /></a>Next stop was lunch and then we headed for the last part of the day and one of the most fun - the bamboo rafting which was litrally that - floating down the river on rafts made from huge pieces of bamboo. Aki and the two Irish boys went on one and Olivia and I went on the other. I was given a big bamboo pole to help in the steering of the raft and Paul took the first shift on their one. It wasnt long before the boys got in trouble and Paul more or less sunk their raft trying to stop himself falling in. Phil had a go after that and didnt do any better - in fact he broke it into pieces and lost his bamboo pole! Liv and I made it down unscathed and so ended a very full on but fun day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXffksN3Y79GztYmC957JgTdAp6N9uNLcw2l0vdH_cdnspqeIh6TF4q97gjMhy8NLm_6A6xOG_9JOoj3ksaV2_s4zFLljXnpxvZSo1yNLZnFmxY-2HdR9MosARNDemLt6VbjifNxdJCkAj/s1600-h/market.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079931043365042642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXffksN3Y79GztYmC957JgTdAp6N9uNLcw2l0vdH_cdnspqeIh6TF4q97gjMhy8NLm_6A6xOG_9JOoj3ksaV2_s4zFLljXnpxvZSo1yNLZnFmxY-2HdR9MosARNDemLt6VbjifNxdJCkAj/s200/market.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next day we decided to do a one day Thai cooking course which we also booked from our guesthouse. We got to choose 6 different dishes each and Olivia and I made sure that the ones we would learn were all different. We were picked up from the guesthouse and taken to the local market where the lady that would be our teacher for the day explained all about the ingredients that Thai's use in their cooking and of course purchased what we would need also. We then went to her house about 20 mins away and were given an apron and hand towel each. Their carport had been turned into a purpose built cooking school with about 12 cooking rings and a couple of big tables to teach around. The first thing that we all learnt to make was curry paste. Each person made the paste that they would need for their first dish, which in my case was red curry and in Liv's her favourite Masaman Curry. This was a lot of fun as you chose how hot your curry would be and then pounded the chillies and other ingredients with a mortar and hand pounder.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079929437047273874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7NbDjfuhFvv1UNH-JkA91Q8b54BMZSG2JaB8b6ES_BscoTlXMooGFDYyTNrj7LXw5DI78v6cLlYnG7_5-5NSmxBxjVT2M6bX4xA8ozi7xkgojOuIQ6FrqjMWti7c4DeW96EqNvqTvjYd/s320/cookin+group.JPG" border="0" />When done this was added to the rest of the ingredients to make your curry. What was even better was when everyone was done making the first two dishes of the day that they had <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_JuhfEwAaPPiEtf5DYy4XHkZ8vAWAFkXCEKczsL5PsYDhaVYxSEgkIa-cxvR9xkezZe7wZQVrjYsmiZW-I_p0DUrqemBGZ5uHrf8yDVdJaxZbxZT__id5k8lyiYC7xhYjNeDBpWijJE4/s1600-h/tama.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079934195871037986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_JuhfEwAaPPiEtf5DYy4XHkZ8vAWAFkXCEKczsL5PsYDhaVYxSEgkIa-cxvR9xkezZe7wZQVrjYsmiZW-I_p0DUrqemBGZ5uHrf8yDVdJaxZbxZT__id5k8lyiYC7xhYjNeDBpWijJE4/s200/tama.JPG" border="0" /></a>chosen, we had a break and tried them all! Everyone shared so we got to try some amazing food and basically cooked and ate all day - TERRIBLE AYE. By the end of the day we were all so full and ended up taking doggy bags home with leftover spring rolls. It was absolute heaven!<br />That evening we went out for dinner and went to check out the local night market - it was massive. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB5Zj602AHH0Bbzj_I8l5gVHSgAl995yWIYJe6pX75ywO_4UIc3_yjn0Zi4ypyrFL25DI8ScvDJQrkaupR4sNzXPZVzQ7KlgZg46W2fAkbOwKtz7U2jHijdNr82JDxSw-VdqUN6FQqZnM/s1600-h/spring+rolls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079932855841241586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB5Zj602AHH0Bbzj_I8l5gVHSgAl995yWIYJe6pX75ywO_4UIc3_yjn0Zi4ypyrFL25DI8ScvDJQrkaupR4sNzXPZVzQ7KlgZg46W2fAkbOwKtz7U2jHijdNr82JDxSw-VdqUN6FQqZnM/s200/spring+rolls.JPG" border="0" /></a>Liv got a massage and I got a couple of cool t-shirts, my favourite being one that says SAME SAME on the front and BUT DIFFERENT on the back. Anyone who has been to South East Asia will know what it means - its their way of saying that things are similar!<br /><br />Chiang Mai was a really lovely city and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there and once again after packing up our bags for the umpteenth time we got up bright and early the next morning and headed for..........<br /><br />Arohanui<br />Livi and Tama xxOlivia & Tamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008514620526330630noreply@blogger.com1