TravelStream™ news feed for member emanddave on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/emanddave en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:00:20 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1248414528/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1248414528/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1248414528/tpod.html Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:00:20 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Brisbane Australia, Queensland, Australia

Wow, can't believe we last updated this nearly 2 years ago!  Oh how our lives have changed!Now living in Brisbane, having moved out here in October 2007.  Have been incredibly lucky since we have arrived, live in a great area overlooking the sea and have made some fantastic friends.  Even luckier had Archie in January 2008 (18 months ago today in fact).  He is great little boy and is the light of our lives.  Travelling these days is not quite the same as it was, but we do make trips up and down the coast and went back to the UK for Christmas which was great to see family and friends again and show off our little boy.We are now expecting #2 in September which should add yet more excitement to the mix but again suspect our travelling will be slightly less adventurous, for now at least!Dave has done a fair amount of travelling for work since we have been here mainly to Singapore, The Phillipines and Japan.  Not quite backpacking but a different kind of travel, although mostly involving offices and airports.  We hope to go travelling again one day with the kids and see more of Australia and Asia while we are over this way!  We always said our next trips would be Africa and Europe but little did we know we would end up living in Oz! Having said all that we are actually off to Fiji tomorrow so you can't feel too sorry for us.........Loving Aussie life so far.  Its amazing what a difference great, reliable weather makes, especially when you have children.  It is not hot and sunny every day which would just be dull but is certainly less grey and rainly, unlike Britain (sorry!)  Dave works from home most of the time now which is great and we try not to interrupt him too much, but are out a lot at mum's groups, playgroup, etc etc.  We are very lucky and are so glad that we travelled before 'settling down' but also that we have settled in so well in another country.Anyway, enough of my gloating.  For anyone that is still reading our blog thanks for tuning in and hope at least some of what we have written in the last few years has helped in your travels - we are leaving the adventurous travelling to you for the moment!Enjoy!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1177156320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1177156320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1177156320/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:34:29 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Nr Oxford, United Kingdom

Stopped off near Oxford to see Dave Hart (ginger Dave to those that know him) and Rachel plus Lorna (2ish) and their new-born Lily.  Dave went to school with Dave and they still haven't shaken each other off yet.  Again a good catch up, played guitar heroes on his computer gamey consoley thingy and had a great day wandering around Oxford.  Dave has a new job as IT manager for a couple of the posh colleges so we went around those and Oxford generally.  Realised we hadn't really done this before and can understand why its so popular with tourists.  Plus the weather was good too.  Had yet another barbie.  Fab!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183726320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183726320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183726320/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:50:39 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Hammersmith, United Kingdom

I know it sounds superficial but the weather is pretty important to us.  Rain just makes you feel miserable if it is constant.  It feels pretty constant at the moment.  At least it is making me have fewer second thoughts about moving to the other side of the world.Start the week with a new month resolution - to focus on our work and actually get a website up and running by end of the month.  I have it in writing now so we can't get out of it.  Problem is Dave does all the teccy stuff and I just do the touchy feely stuff so don't feel incredibly useful most of the time.  Am also getting scarily interested in Facebook and sucked back into politics again.  I must get out more or find something useful I can do.  I have decided to start writing a book when I can summon up the energy.Some other good news - Dave won a photo competition for a shot taken near Ushuaia Argentina.  It was with Gap Travel.  Link is here:http://www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo_contest_past_win ners
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183728000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183728000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183728000/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:34:16 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Hammersmith still, United Kingdom

After what seems like an eternity we finally had our 3 month scan yesterday for our little baby.  Very exciting!  All appears well so far which is great news as we were both pretty nervous.  I have never willed 3 months of my life over so quickly!Yes, we are finally pregnant and pretending to be responsible adults.  Yes, we are still unemployed, homeless and planning to move to the other side of the world without any real idea what we are doing.  So we are not that responsible really.  (so far apparently resembles a mouse or Homer Simpson - according to our alleged friends)Baby is due on 17 Jan - right in the middle of the Australian summer which should be interesting!  Thus far I have felt crap which has meant keeping our secret pretty difficult.I have felt quite bad not telling people the truth for my non-drinking, sickness and general tiredness but think people will understand.  How people are pregnant and work is beyond me.  I have never felt so knackered in my life.  Generally I sleep about 10 hours a night and have a nap in the afternoon too and I dont even work (properly).  Have felt incredibly sick too and generally went off food for a while but my appetitie is now back.  Cravings thus far extend from McDonalds to loads of buttered toast.  I will try and be healthy soon.Anyway, we are obviously delighted and fingers crossed that all will continue well.  We have one more scan before we leave and apparently maternity services are great in Australia so we should be in safe hands. Parents (esp Dave's currently grandchild-less) are delighted although think they are obviously a bit sad that we are not going to be here (or their grandchild at least).We will endeavour not to bore you with baby questions, news etc over the coming months but can't make any promises!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183294260/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183294260/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183294260/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:19:45 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Wrexham and Chester, United Kingdom

Head back to Wrexham again to see Den and Jo and also Nick and his family (Nick kindly sponsored our Cargill night out in Bangkok last year).  Saturday we are all due to go to Chester races.  Den and Jo are in the posh hospitality tent c/o Cargill or some supplier.  We are due to go in a pergola with our uni mates.  It is shockingly tipping it down so instead we all go to Paul Levie's house instead to occasionally sit out the garden and catch up with everyone which is great.  Is great to see people again and will do in a few weeks too at Tony and Kathy's wedding.  Levie is best man.  I am scared for them.Great to catch-up with Uni mates again Jo, Andy, Mark, Fin.Have a great pub roast on Sunday and head back to London in the glorious summer sunshine - one day it will arrive.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183121340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183121340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1183121340/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:19:07 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Hammersmith, United Kingdom

Back to Hammersmith to annoy my parents (yes I think we have pretty much annoyed everyone we know by now - if not please let us know and we will stay with you.).  We continue our work and Dave has some telephone interviews for jobs in Oz just in case we decide to do something sensible at some stage.Wednesday I spend most of the day glued to the telly watching PMQs and TB leaving and GB arriving.  It is quite an emotional day really.  For the first time in 2 years I wish I still worked for the party and were part of it all as its difficult to explain to 'normal' people!  Also learn of the Sedgefield by-election which is no great surprise.  Am pleased for all concerned that it will be quick.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182775680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182775680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182775680/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:18:41 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Niton, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

Arrive back in Chelmsford at Dave's parents (who have just gone to Spain as Jane has manage to collapse her lung again - but is ok now - fingers crossed) to find the patio door wide open.  We spend the next 10 mins stalking the house with kitchen knives and the phone poised to dial 999.  On discovering the house empty and untouched we ring Dave's parents to ascertain whether they may have left the door open and taken 10 years of our lives.  They find it very funny that they have done this.  One day I might agree.After a couple of days in Chelmsford and the dentist (whoopee!) plus more work we head to Hammersmith to cadge a lift to the Isle with my parents.  They bought a house virtually on the beach last year and haven't stopped talking about it since. I can understand why now.  It is a great position, middle of nowhere and great views.  While we are there the Round the Isle Yacht race is on with about 1800 yachts and we watch hundreds of them pass as we eat our breakfast by the sea. Very civilised.  Spend lots of time hunting car boot sales, charity shops, in the amusement arcade and trying to avoid the rain.  Shame as place would be even better in the sun.  Never mind still have a lovely time and also celebrate Dave's birthday here with a great lunch in the Folly Inn near the Ferry Terminal.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182084420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182084420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1182084420/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:17:57 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Brussels, Belgium

Dave's parents kindly dropped us off at our next stop - just south of Brussels with Robert (Dave worked with him in Brussels), Hannah, Sofie (3ish) and newborn Thomas.  They have built their own house which is great.  Spend a few days chilling as I am feeling a bit under the weather.  Think all the travelling around is starting to get to me - not that I should complain really. Also spend the day in Brussels with Robert which is cool to do again and have a massive lunch on the touristy seafoody street.Is weird playing with Sofie with our lack of Dutch and her lack of English but somehow we manage to get by.On Friday we are informed that Charleroi airport is on strike on Monday - the day of our flight.  We look into various other options of how to get home as need to be back for Tues. All v expensive.  Eventually decide on cheapie Eurolines coach leaving at 6am (ouch) on Sunday.  Was not v painless until got to Calais and took a while to get on the eurotunnel and then ages driving up to London.As we approached Victoria we got a text from Ryanair informing us the strike was off.  Not happy bunnys.Get back to Bishops Stortford by tube and train very tired and generally not best pleased - home by 5pm.  Rest of family very supportive - not.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181652240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181652240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181652240/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:13:35 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Ste Croix, Switzerland

Head for the hills and Rosie's lovely apartment overlooking the Ste Croix valley.  Weather is very temperamental but manage to achieve our key priorities - eating in most of the mountain restaurants - copious amounts of cheese.  Have fondue, croutes (like cheese on toast), ham and rosti (yes I know thats not strictly cheese), meringues (and that) and generally pig out.  Weather too bad for many walks - shame!Do visit some local towns, etc and Rosie joins us for a few days plus Gloria who we met in Chile/Bolivia on our trip and lives in Bern.    Is very cool to see her again and discuss travelling - she has just done the Dragoman Columbia/Venezuela trip we did and we swopped notes.Left Switzerland in the rain and heading northish to Belgium staying overnight in some southern Belgium town which was nice.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181236440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181236440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emanddave/worldtrip2006/1181236440/tpod.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:13:15 -0400 Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you' - Trans-siberian, SE Asia, Oz & NZ, most of South America (inc. Easter Island), Antarctica, Central America, US and then home!

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Lausanne, Switzerland

Drive up the lake to see Dave's Aunt Rosie for a few days.  She also has a great flat overlooking the old part of the city.  Enjoy the nice weather exploring the town, nearby Gruyere and other towns and food and wine.  Also visit their great charity shops, thankfully the car is too full to buy too much more stuff.Sorry no pics for a while as our camera is broken.
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