How time flies!!

Time has flown by since I got home and it's time to finish the travel blog and once again keep in touch with family and friends on my Family and Friends Blog.

I have had the post holiday blues big time!!! it's been a struggle getting back into the swing of day to day living again. The Body Corporate 'stuff' took up a lot of time and emotional energy when I get back. My Uncle's death in Zimbabwe came as a shock and that too has caused us some angst.

But then there are all the lovely things happening here, the grandchildren are all well and gorgeous, it's lovely to see friends, My Mum and my sister... and a glass of red wine at Y&J on a Sunday afternoon is great!!!

Where to next? I may go back to UK so much I didn't see, perhaps the Greek Islands who knows, it's good to dream. I have been asked what the highlights were and to be honest.. every day was a highlight, I can recall many lovely mornings enjoying the Scottish air, eating my porridge and counting my many blessings, the long walks over the sand dunes in Findhorn, catching up with my schoolfriend Flo and having the best time!!! Santorini was great with Nik. as was the camping with my friend Jock from Zimbabwe days. I loved the camping didn't whinge too much! I thought I did really well considering I hadn't camped before other than in Zimbabwe many years ago. Rose and I had fun in London, Georgie Fame looked just a tad older, Carnaby Street wasn't quite the same but the London pubs are great, very welcoming on a warm summer's day!! It was great to see Family and other friends and visit places I hadn't seen before.

The suitcase was overloaded on the way back, the bank balance was (and still is)very low but it was worth it. Redundancy is good!!!

Catch up with what I am doing on Family & Friends

I have talked all day!

Well it's great to be home, I have caught up with the family & grandchildren - I have talked on the phone to friends, unpacked the suitcase, checked the e-mail and still had time to look at all the photos once more!!! (Several hundred) The washing will get done tomorrow and then Monday the post holiday blues will kick in!! I think that's how it goes....
I will miss writing up my blog, it's kept me in touch with my friends and family and I now have a record of my travels.
It was great to see the grandchildren today lots of cuddles and hugs, looking forward to lots more during the weeks ahead.
The highlights of the trip are too numerous to mention - every day was a new experience and adventure.
I suppose it's time to look ahead now and think about a job?
Probably one or two more posts and photographs, once I get them all loaded on to my home computer
Til next time....

Back home in Mordialloc

Letting you know that I arrived home safely this evening, was a long time journeying to get here...
Perhaps I will do a post over the weekend
til next time

Time to say goodbye yes it's time to get home

Looking forward to being home with my family, but sad to leave behind my very dear friends and family. It has been so much fun to see so many people. i have travelleda lot of miles just in the u.k!! I have loved being here and hopefully it wont be too long before I am back.. just have to earn the money.. waiting to get on the plane
well till next time whichwill be when I get home....

Packing the suitcase....

Packing! What can I say, I seem to have accumulated so much in the last 8 weeks. I have so many coloured brochures of where I have been and yes they would be great for scrapbooking, but I almost need a separate suitcase just for that, and of course the postcards for my collection and those fridge magnets!! and shall I pack the rocks from Findhorn? or the lovely carrier bag with the beautiful Charles Rennie MacIntosh design from - 'The Willow Tea Room' in Glasgow. I don't know what to leave out!! Perhaps I will just pay the excess baggage charge and bring it all home.

What I can bring back quite easily are the memories! great fun, getting lost in the camping ground at Aviemore, losing the shower key in Monifieth and couldn't go to Loo when I woke up in the morning ( and no bushes), the lovely lads in Birmingham who helped me to get to my hotel, meeting new people, meeting my son-in-law's Mum for the first time, catching up with 'old' friends, meeting up with friends from Melbourne in Birmingham and London drinking wine in London with Rose, chatting almost non stop with Flo for 12 hours!! my lovely holiday in Santorini with my friend Nik, spending time with my relatives, time with friends from Zimbabwe days, camping with Jock in Scotland, don't laugh the weather was great and I had my hair dryer!! the thrill of reaching John O Groats and then Land's End - too many things to mention here, fun things, sad things a couple of anxious moments, one not so great bus trip and only one 'disagreement' with bar staff in Stratford!!!

One last trip to London tomorrow to see Flo and a last chat before heading home on Thursday morning. I leave Taunton at 7 am..

back to packing and til next time.....

Trish loved the show 'The Jersey Boys'

I loved the show from beginning to end.. What an exciting performance, definitely want to see the Melbourne show when I get home, So many good old songs!

It was a warm day in London yesterday and very busy. J & I had lunch at a lovely old pub - The Three Greyhounds - opposite the theatre and a quick walk into Oxford Street before the performance, then tube back to Hammersmith and coach back to Taunton at 6.45pm. Today we visited Cheddar Gorge, was a popular place today!! Almost too busy... a lovely place to explore with the shops and all the cheddar cheese, pickles, fudge, sweets and other produce of the area.

I spent time this afternoon working on my photos, made the Sotland ones into a DVD with lovely Scottish music

Tomorrow I begin the packing - I seem to have so much more to fit in the suitcase - I bought some envelopes in case i have to send some parcels home.... - a bit more shopping too tomorrow!

Last visit to London on Tuesday to meet Flo.

I am feeling sad that the holiday is almost over, and yet looking forward to being home, I am missing my grandchildren and family. Baby Koby has grown so much since I left on 20th June - Candice has been posting photographs on Facebook, so I can his progress...

Til next time

Back in Taunton after visit to St Ives

An empty sreet in St Ives

Beach at St Ives

Grey skies today in Taunton, unlike yesterday - a lovely summer's day. In Cornwall it was beautiful and it was busy in St Ives. It was so busy, the beaches were full, the tiny picturesque streets were busy, many restaurants were full and queue's for ice cream were extra long. Despite that I enjoyed my day out and loved St Ives, with its narrow streets and pavements and the many beautiful shops and crafts. As I wandered into the craft market, I looked up and saw a restaurant called The Loft. I climbed the stairs and found a delightful restaurant, I sat at a table by a window and enjoyed the peace and quiet. - it was empty inside as everyone wanted to sit outside. The food was yummy, the piped music pleasant and the view magnificent. I think the waiting staff were quite amazed that I didn't want to sit outside...

Many of you will know that my sense of direction isn't all that great at times!! and I got a bit lost, if you have been to St. Ives you will understand the narrow winding streets I found my way back to the bus stop in time and enjoyed the uneventful trips back to Taunton.

Prior to St Ives the coach stopped at Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moors the scene of Daphne Du Mauriers famous novel. That was a was a bonus as I hadn't expected to stop there.

Well a quietish day here in Taunton doing some washing - catching up on e-mails and downloading photographs. Tomorrow is the Big Day out in London to see 'The Jersey Boys' looking forward to that.

One more trip after that Flo and I are meeting in London, a last minute plan, but one that will be lots of fun, maybe a bit of shopping therapy afternoon tea at the Ritz!! Who knows what we will get up to.

May not have time to write up the blog tomorrow don't get back from London until quite late

So til next time...

I've been everywhere man !!

Land's End
St Michaels Mount

It was a great day today, I started off the day with a good English breakfast, followed by a brisk walk along the promenade here in Penzance, the Cornish ice cream looked good along the way and it was hot!! I indulged.. (will have to get back to those early morning walks when I get home and the healthy diet) I caught the explorer bus from the bus station and I managed to get a seat upstairs - open top and I am now nursing the sun/wind burn..still it was worth it.

First stop for me was Land's End - that was after a major traffic jam, which occurred after the stop at Porthcurno Telegraph museum (also the Porthcurno beach car park). The road is very narrow and the bus did not have the room to manoeuvre out of the car park and into the road, this meant that the cars were piling up further up the road which in turn presented difficulties as there was barely room for the bus to get passed all the cars once it did get out of the car park. The driver was amazing!! He had to get out from time to time and direct the cars closer in to the side so we could manoeuvre past. there was no road rage it was fun from the top of the bus as I could see the drivers folding up the side mirrors and anxiously checking the closeness of the bus. The hazards for me were the low branches and the hedges at the side of the road.....

Land's End is very commercialised, but move away from that and the view is magnificent. I didn't have enough time to do the cliff top walks even tho I had almost 2 hours there, By the time I had taken pics and sat for while dwelling on the meaning of life it was almost time to jump back on the next bus....oh and have a Cornish ice cream, toffee-fudge flavor this time.

I stayed on the bus until it arrived at Marazion (St Michael's Mount) The tide was out and I was able to walk along the causeway to the island and castle - check it out , it was a beautiful sight. i had a wander around , didn't really have enough time to visit the castle, the climb alone would have taken quite while. not sure when the tide was due in but you can be sure that by now it will once more be an island. I stopped for an ale at the Godolphin Arms pub overlooking the beach, causeway and island. Wonderful.

The bus travelled via St Just & St Ives but as I am travelling that way on Thursday I didn't stop to explore. The countryside was just as I had imagined it would be, beautiful green patchwork of fields with fat cows ( are you allowed to say that?) blue skies and blue sea, the beaches were packed - hundreds of people - but with the tide out there was more than enough room for everyone. well I could go on and on..

Back to Taunton tomorrow - leave here at 2.30, so still have a bit of time to look for the pirates....

I am not going to Paris.. decided to give it a miss, save it for the next trip...as I said previously I have a day trip on Thursday, a show in London The Jersey Boys on Saturday and still making up my mind about a day trip to Bath

Til next time..

Greetings from Penzance in Cornwall

I arrived in Penzance this morning. I travelled by train today which made a change from the coach. It rained all the way down here, this afternoon the sun was shining in between the showers and it's certainly wasn't cold. I went out for dinner and a walk and it's lovely evening. I am sure tomorrow will be a warm and sunny! I have noticed that the good weather follows me ;) i am catching an explorer bus tomorrow and will travel first to Land's End - after that I can hop and off the bus as I wish.

Penzance looks very pretty I love all the narrow streets and interesting buildings i went into a great old pub today called the Dolphin - i had to shelter from the rain..

More tomorrow after i have explored

tel then.....

Quiet Morning!

Beautiful day here in Taunton, having a quiet morning ironing and packing suitcase for my short trip to Penzance on Monday. This will probably be my last trip - most of the other things I am doing are day trips. I have been sorting through all the brochures I collected during my 4 weeks travelling. I have taken heaps of photographs - lots of lovely memories.

I felt a little homesick today, at this very moment my family are having fun at my cousin Ian' s 50th birthday party in Melbourne. There was a big surprise as Ian's sister Dianne and her husband John (who live in Perth Scotland and I visited just two weeks ago) arrived in Melbourne on Friday and surprised everyone this evening at the party!! I hope they are all having lots of fun - and I get to see Dianne when I get home before she heads back to Scotland.
til tomorrow....

Back to Taunton

Coventry Cathedral

I arrived back in Taunton last night - an uneventful journey this time!! I felt sad as I said goodbye to Flo and left Coventry, what a wonderful time we had. I hadn't seen Flo since 1982 when I left Zimbabwe and it was great to catch up and talk about school days, time in Zimbabwe, our families and our own adventures!. A favourite topic being our grandchildren. We both enjoy being a 'hands on' grandma - it was fun to share our adventures and the times we each spend with our grandchildren.

It's a beautiful day here today in Taunton, getting back here last night I realised that I only have 2 weeks left of my holiday.

I head off to Penzance, Cornwall on Monday morning for 3 days, hopefully I will get to Lands end. Probably go to Weymouth on Sunday, the weather forecast is good!!!

Til next time....

Last Day in Coventry

Flo & Trish - happy days!

Stained glass windows in Guildhall

Rain this morning for a short while and then sun this afternoon - lovely last day in Coventry. This afternoon we visited the Guildhall which was magnificent, had afternoon tea in Lady Godiva tearoom and then visited the Herbert Museum. We spent some time in the History centre - bit of a shock to find many things I enjoyed as a child featured in the current display!! i resisted all the beautiful scrap booking items in the huge craft shop we visited on the way home.

This evening we had a lovely meal at the Old Mill just outside Coventry. thank you Flo! We have taken some weird and wonderful pics using the self timer on our cameras!! Lots of fun. I wish I could stay longer - but hopefully there will be 'next time' either here or in Australia where we can have more fun, reminisce and talk over 'old' times. I wonder if any ears have been burning. It's 50 years since Flo and I met at school we can hardly believe it!!

Till next time...

Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou?

The Garrick - oldest pub

Stratford public library

Had a great day in Stratford-upon-Avon. First visit for me and I loved it! We took a bus tour to begin with and then walked and enjoyed the beautiful old buildings. From time to time we had to duck into a shop to escape the rain!

We decided to have lunch in a pub - The Rose & Crown - We had planned to have a picnic but the rain was too heavy at that point to enjoy lunch al fresco. (Will tell you the story of lunch when I get home!) Later in the afternoon we enjoyed a drink at the oldest pub in Stratford The Garrick - a beautiful old pub. A stroll back to the car park took us past many historical places of interest, small shops with quirky gifts, the river with the Original Old chain Ferry (the last surviving one) , the canal boats, the brass rubbings and gift shop, some lovely old pubs and modern restaurants...... I could almost see Will scribbling away, - so many beautiful words and plays..

Til next time....deciding at the moment what to do tomorrow

Coventry Cathedral, The Canal Basin and shopping

and don't forget Lady Godiva..

The old Cathedral

We managed to leave the house by 12 mid-day - we were delayed! I wonder why... Our first stop was Coventry Cathedral, the old and the new. The old Cathedral was bombed in 1940, and the new Cathedral consecrated in May 1962. and I have provided a link to the cathedral website, if you want to find out more about the Cathedral. I found the old cathedral a stark reminder of war destruction at the same time it seemed a very peaceful place to sit and reflect. The new Cathedral is magnificent, with it's beautiful stained glass windows - the Baptistery Window and the beautiful and perhaps confronting Christ in Glory tapestry.

I admired the statue of lady Godiva and marvelled at her acceptance of the challenge to ride naked through the town of Coventry. A challenge thrown to her by her husband when she pleaded with him to reduce the high taxes he had imposed on the people of Coventry in the 11th century.

We then enjoyed the canal basin - a holiday on a canal boat sound fun and ended the day with some afternoon tea and shopping.! Another lovely (mostly) sunny day.

Tomorrow we are heading off to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Til next time. Don't forget to tick the box and give me your feedback!!!

Coventry and friends

Near Aviemore - taken from bus


A tree carving of a monk - spotted in Coombe Park today

I arrived safely in Coventry after the very brief stay in Birmingham. Flo and I chatted almost non-stop from 1.15 when I arrived until bed time (about 10 pm) We had a lot of news to catchup on! After the dull weather yesterday, today was blue sky and sunshine and we had a lovely relaxing day with Flo's family. Late afternoon we headed off to Coombe Park, fed the ducks and wandered around the lovely parkland's.We haven't planned tomorrow as yet.

Til later....

Goodbye Scotland Hello Birmngham

Pictures of Inverness

Good Morning from Birmingham. I farewelled Findhorn on Thursday morning caught the bus and was soon in Inverness. The B&B was easy to find following my google map instructions although I was taken a longer route and with back pack (which was slightly heavier owing to pebbles gathered in Findhorn) suitcase and handbag with laptop I decided that a taxi would be the way back in the morning as my bus was leaving at 6.30. The B&B was great - hosts very friendly and the offer of a packed lunch for my long coach trip the next day was gratefully accepted (just as well I said yes). My room was the tiniest room I had ever seen but for one night it was great.

I did the walking tour of Inverness, although J & I had been there 2 weeks prior, there was plenty more to see - it rained again and that was the excuse to call in at the oldest pub in the Highlands. Inverness is a lovely town, very popular with the tourists and this being "homecoming year" for the clans there seemed to be a rush on kilts and all things Scottish!! At times it seemed expensive to eat out in Scotland , more so than London, however I found this great restaurant with a beautiful view of the river. The deal was early dinner two courses plus glass of wine for 10.95 GB pounds Definitely one of the best meals I had in Scotland, I couldn't resist dessert a great way to end my lovely holiday in Scotland.

Friday morning I was at the bus stop at 6 am ready for the bus - thank goodness I had this lovely packed lunch as nowhere was open! The trip to Glasgow was pleasant great scenery as we stopped in Aviemore (no clouds or rain), Pitlochery and Perth.

I had to change bus at Glasgow I wont bore you with all the details, enough to say, smelly water over the floor we started the journey with the toilet locked as it wasn't working. The driver seemed to be in an otherwise was mood and the traffic got heavier and heavier on the motor way. We had pit stops but being held up with traffic, and with strange odours (lol) coming from the toilet, the journey was long and tedious! The bus broke down 13 miles from Birmingham!!! What was fun, however was the group of Glaswegians sitting in the back seats, their humour and colourful language was great fun! I can't write it all down here, but it was a bus trip I wont forget. (I wonder if video taken got to the national Express Head office or the News of the World paper!!)

While we were waiting for a bus to come and rescue us, I got the chance of a lift into Birmingham, I was dehydrated by this time didn't want to drink as there was no toilet. Thanks lads for taking me to my hotel even when it was difficult to find. One young Finnish man with a Scottish accent who was on the bus and his two mates who came to pick him up from the stranded bus! Thank youso much - you have paid forward, I hope you get good Karma back.

The hotel is great and I did finally catch up with my friends from Melbourne, (even if for a much shorter time than we planned) - the reason for going to Birmingham. It was great to see Gordon & Nick - hope you enjoy the cricket and the post game socialising!!

However Birmingham is very close to Coventry which is where I am heading to next, in about 3 hours. Catching up with my school friend - we haven't seen each other for about 27 years so I am sure we will have lots to talk about.

I have blethered on here hope it's coherent!! I drank about a gallon of water once I got to the hotel. I am having a good time.. thanks for all the e-mails! Did I mention that I got to B'ham at about 9.30 only 4 hours late - 15 hours Coach travel !!

Til next time

Last Day in Findhorn

Taken on this morning's walk

Lots of walking today, I called back at the B&B to refresh etc but heading out for another walk.

Amazing walks round here with the beach and the sand dunes check it out on the google map and you will see shape of the coastline, with bay etc. The tide was out this am.

Not sure where I will walk next I may walk to the bird hide.

yesterday afternoon i visited the heritage centre and the Findorn Ice House, where all the ice was kept before fridges!! The ice was captured from the bay/firth in winter, stored in the ice house, and used during the summer to transport the salmon. Prior to that the salmon were smoked or dried.

Til later.....

It was hardwork today!

The tide was out as I walked home

today.

This morning I headed back to the Findhorn Foundation to spend some more time working in the garden. I chose to weed the herb garden. The herb garden is being re-established by a volunteer as most of the time and energy of the garden staff is spent producing the vegetables . The weeds were huge! it was lots of fun. shovelling compost, digging up the weeds, smelling the herbs and enjoying the freedom and fresh air. Then in no time at all it was lunch time...beautiful lunch very colourful - the vegetables and the fruit today straight from the gardens. I can't believe I ate so much.

I walked home - not as warm today as yesterday -and organised a quuick trip to Penzance when get back to Taunton. Not much else has happened today - til next time....

Monday morning!!

Yes Monday today I had my gardening work. It was a beautiful morning, I helped harvest the cucumbers and picked flowers and made up bunches to sell in the shop. Washed some dishes and helped get Morning Tea. I then had a delicious lunch.
I called back 'home' as I need to get to the post office the mobile phone needs topping up. I will go back to the foundation for dinner.

Til next time....

Changing weather in Findhorn

From my bedroom window (left)

view as I walked home...


• I decided to head out about 12.30 today, the rain had eased. I had lunch at the Findhorn Foundation and then joined a tour of the community. Very interesting. some amazing eco houses made out of whisky barrels. other houses built some years ago as latest eco type house but already out of date in comparison. Check out the website of the Foundation. i am going there tomorrow and Tuesday on the short term visitor program. i am working in the garden so lets hope it's not raining!! walking round the community I thought about my next door neighbour and the dispute (at vcat) I have to deal with on return. We could share the garden and both enjoy it... i don't think she would agree. interestingly on the roads within the community, pedestrians have the right of way!! then cyclists, then the cars...
  
• The weather changed this afternoon and I enjoyed walking back, it was sunny and warm. the sun is still shining. There has been a festival/fun day here today and at 6.30 there are songs of praise on the pier if fair.
  
• Another thing about Findhorn is that there was quite a large group of the Davidson Clan lived in this area. Perhaps that's why I feel so much at home here !!! (my mother is a Davidson)
  
• More tomorrow after I have worked in the garden, i also get my meals too, lunch and dinner.....


• Till next time.....

Findhorn, warm yesterday, cold today!!

Two Pics of Findhorn at diffferent times of the day

Hello from Findhorn, I arrived yesterday travelling from Dundee to Inverness by train and then bus to Forres and another to Findhorn. When I got here yesterday it was so warm, and very picturesque. I got lost (so what's new!) in this small village and was rescued and driven to my B&B by a very kind man who was repairing a wall! I was walking in circles with back pack, suitcase and computer!!
I soon found my way around and went to the pub for lunch. i had to wait for lunch and was given a complimentary drink as an apology!. The salmon was delicious when it arrived. Perhaps it had to be caught first. So a good start to my stay in Findhorn.
A lovely breakfast this morning and a great chat with my host Rose. Just unfortunate that the weather is not as good today. To be honest it's cold! First time I have made that comment.
I will go out soon, but only as far as the pub for lunch
Tomorrow I will head out to the community,
til then.....

Greetings from Perth in Scotland

The Silvery Tay - the Tay road bridge Dundee

taken from Arbroath Cliffs

Just a quick note before we head out for dinner, I am spending time with my cousin and her family. Did a bit of exploring round Dundeethis morning today Tomorrow I head off to Inverness by train and then on to Findhorn. Not sure when I will next have access to Wi Fi. I am posting a couple of photos.. have had quite a bit of rain today...

Til next time

Hello From the Discovery Point in Dundee

Hello have got free wi fi here at Discovery Point in Dundee. This place is home to the restored Royal Research Ship Discovery. The ship was built here and set sail to the Antarctica in1901. with Scott & Shakleton. It's a great display and really interesting to look over the restored ship with the lifelike figures!! Moving on to the shops and to visit my Aunt & Uncle. til next time....

Check out the website..http://www.rrsdiscovery.com

Greetings from Dundee Scotland

Well the camping days are over... I am now the backpackers in Dundee for 3 nights. At moment i am sitting in MacDonalds enjoying their free Wi Fi.. Have had great time camping.. we had a fair bit of rain last night, thunder and lightening and I lost the key to the showers!! So had to hang around this morning waiting for someone to shower and open the door. Left Monifieth this morning after a great few days being back in the village where I spent the first few years of my life!!

Monday we drove to Montrose north of Dundee, then back to Arbroath and did a great walk along the cliffs.. I have caught up with family here - J headed off to Edinburgh today. I will be here til Sat morning when I catch the Train to Inverness.

I haven't been to Dundee since1981 it is so changed.. will spend time with family and exploring the city.

Macca's just about to close so will post more at another time...beach is Lunan just outside Montrose. Other pic is taken a Arbroath cliffs just as the sun disappeared behind a big rain cloud!!

We made it !!

Yes John O groats, now I have to get to Land's End!!

Well we have had a great day today, despite what people have said to us about J,O G we loved it... The owner of the camping ground told us about Duncanby Head just before you reach JOG and so we turned off the main road and reached Duncanby Head.. what an amazing place! The coastline is magnificent and the bird life is prolific. We walked and walked (not too cold) talked to the sheep and watched the b irds.

From there we went into JOG and took the necessary photos and then went to the northern tip of UK Dunnett Head. Again beautiful coastline with views over to the Orkney isles. When we reached Duncanby Head this morning the mist was over the Isles, but by midday the mist had cleared and the isles were clearly visible .

We pottered around for a while and then drove back to the camping ground via Thurso.

May be add some more in later... not sure when next posting will be as we move on tomorrow to the Cairngorms/Grampians.

till later....

Hello from Dunbeath in Scotland

The Picture on the left here is of Loch Ness and the above two are taken at kinloch Leven

Warm greetings from Dunbeath, Caithness in Scotland. the weather is warm except when it rains!! Having a wonderful time, managed to get wi fi at camp ground. the only thing is the battery on my laptop is running low.

After leaving Taunton we spent the first night at Blackpool and the next morning set off for Galashiels, a lovely town in the Borders area. We spent the night there with old family friends from Zimbabwe. it was a happy occasion with lots of laughs and a few tears

Next morning we headed off to Glasgow and set up camp. We spent the night there at a lovely campsite. I met up with my son-in-law's Mum for the first time that was fun as we gossiped and chatted about the grandchildren. Happy Days.

Next day saw us at Fort William, FW is very close to Ben Nevis and we found a lovely campsite in Glen Nevis right at the foot of Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Scotland (& UK). We have had quite a bit of rain,but in between the sun has come out and it has been very warm.

The scenery is stunning so many places I have not seen before, and here we are only 40 miles from John O Groats in a tiny village called Dunbeath, quite lovely. The camp site is small and quiet not as modern as the last one (no hair dryers) but it does have wi-fi!!

Tomorrow we will head up for John o Groats and the surrounding areas

I wish I had been able to write up the blog everyday with our activities and what we have seen etc, will add snippets as I go and hope that I can remember everything. I haven't written in my notebook!

Yesterday we caught the Gondola up the Nevis ranges that was quite spectacular. We BBQ,ed last night luckily missing the rain. up early this morning we headed off to ward Inverness - the road running along side Loch Ness. Didn't stop in Inverness although did find a lovely little tea room with lots of home baked cakes!

Then on to Dunbeath where we set up camp around lunchtime.

Hopefully more again tomorrow when the laptop has been re-charged.

til then....

Goodbye Taunton

The car is loaded up with tent, provisions, plates and cutlery and the blankets and warm clothes! I think we will need the warm clothes in John O' Groats. We are leaving tomorrow lunchtime and heading for Blackpool ! That will be fun. Don't think I will take a ride on any of the 12 roller coasters in the park!! The highest one being 235 feet and it maxes out at one point at 74 mph – !!
On Saturday morning we will be on the road again to Scotland...
Not sure when the next post will be. I will have my laptop, but will depend on the availability of wireless.... til next time...

Trisha Trisha where have you been?

I've been to London to visit the Queen - well almost... there was a formal wear event on at Buckingham palace as I passed by yesterday unfortunately I wasn't dressed for the occasion :)!

On a more sombre note, yesterday was the anniversary (7/7/2005) of the bombings in London underground. There was a memorial service in Hyde Park yesterday attended by the pm Prince Charles and his wife, and as you can imagine there was tight security . I watched for a few minutes. The formal service and ceremony was only for family and friends of victims, the pillars unveiled yesterday were to be open to the public later in the day. It was very obvious in London yesterday the very tight security, I felt a little wary myself. Still it was an enjoyable day despite the rain! - a real Cook's tour of London on foot with a short trip in a bus to eat lunch and escape the rain. My new jacket was well and truly christened yesterday. Still it's dry and warmish today so won't complain. Not much on the agenda today. I caught up on family emails, chatted online to Shelley - we both happened to be online at same time - and a few chores to do. The visit to London started at 7am when the bus left Taunton and ended on return to Taunton at 9.45, delays both ways due to traffic around London. It takes about 3+ hours - train would be faster, but it's much more expensive and I am enjoying the coach trips. I relax listen to my music and stare out the window.. til next time

Monday Morning in Taunton

As promised some more news of Santorini, some pics and news of the next part of the trip. The weather has changed and it is slightly cooler today, will have to think about Scotland trip and camping, perhaps the bikini can be left behind!!

I am having a lazy day today I have an early start tomorrow bus leaves at 7 am for London. I am catching up with a friend from Melbourne, haven't decided what we will do as yet, probably will depend on the weather.

I loved Santorini , so beautiful, so picturesque just as the websites described. I only wished I had a few more islands to visit. Cruising round the Greek Isles would be great. I met up with my friend Nik in Athens and we flew to Santorini, I didn't get to see anything of Athens but I guess that can wait til next time. We had booked our accommodation in Perissa, Santorini via the internet some weeks ago - The Princess Santorini Villa - it was budget accommodation nothing grand but charming, with fridge hotplate etc if you had wanted to prepare your own meals .The owners were lovely - friendly & helpful, there was free wireless if I had taken my laptop, breakfast and snacks available , beer & wine etc - to be recommended if you want to stay in Perissa. .

We decided to take a day tour on the Wednesday and chose an excursion departing from the Athinios Port (new port) on a traditional sailing boat,. We sailed to the Volcano, then had a long trek up to the top of the crater, It was very hot, but worth it. The active volcano is still smouldering!! but no activity forecast for that day thank goodness.

We then sailed on the hot springs.. I was a bit disappointed here as the boat was unable to get close to the hot springs and I didn't think I could swim the distance to enjoy the hot springs. Friom there we sailed to Thirassia, we had lunch at one of the many delightful Taverns and then went swimming. We chose not to climb up all 187 long steps to the village at the top of the cliff, as we knew that when we reached Ia we had to climb over 200+ LONG steps or get a donkey taxi!

Ia is where most tourists go to watch the sunset in Santorini. We had chosen the trip that included the sunset and we left the boat there, (The journey back to Perissa was by bus at 9 pm after the sunset.) I chose the donkey taxi and Nik decided to walk up all the 200 and something steps. I have no photograph of my little donkey!! but he was smaller than the other donkeys and mules - I felt sorry for him - he did such a good job! but this huge (maybe I am exaggerating) mule next to us kept bumping my little donkey and I thought I was going to get squashed, my leg got caught against the wall and I lifted my leg up to stop it being scraped against the wall and almost fell off the other side, it was an experience and I had the bruises to prove it!! ( I don't think the donkeys there are as well looked after as the ones at the old port where all the cruise ships come in plus wealthy tourists!!)

The village of Ia is absolutely beautiful - exactly as the famous prints and pictures of Santorini show. We found a beautiful cafe to enjoy a glass of wine and a meal and soak in the amazing view. Watching the sunset was less glamorous! we watched from the old castle along with a hundred or so other people !

The other days were spent exploring the village of Perissa, tasting the different Greek dishes, we also caught a ferry to Kamari beach and spent time there swimming and enjoying the lovely cafes. Evenings we stayed in Perissa enjoying the food and local Santorini wine.

Before we flew back to Athens we caught the bus to Thira it was quite lovely and I enjoyed breakfast in a lovely cafe with a magnificent view. We caught the cable car down to the old port - would have like to have ridden another donkey but I had a dress on and didn't think I could do it elegantly! It was all over too soon and it was time to fly back to Athens and then back to London and then Taunton.

We have been planning our tip to Scotland. We leave on Friday lunchtime and will drive as far as we can. Sat we will visit some friends of mine in Galashiels, spend the night there and head on to Glasgow on Sunday morning. In Glasgow I plan to visit my son-in-laws mother explore some of Glasgow and be on our way on Tuesday morning tol visit Dundee and Monifieth before heading up to John o' Groats then back to Dundee. Jock will head back to Taunton via Edinburgh on 22nd July and I will spend time in Dundee before heading up to Inverness, and Findhorn where I will spend a few days enjoying the Findhorn Foundation activities and the beautiful village of Findhorn. I will have my laptop with me and will update the blog as I can. I wont be back in Taunton until Thursday 6th August as I plan to catch up with friends in Birmingham and then visit a school friend in Coventry.

til next time... more pics at end of postings

Good Morning from Taunton

Got back to Taunton last night, Experienced delays on flights from Santorini and then from Athens yesterday. I treated myself on Friday evening when i got back to Athens, I stayed at the Sofitel at the airport. I was tired after a long delay at Santorini airport and decided not to take bus to Nik's sister's as I had to be back at airport in the morning for my flight to London. Could get used to staying in expensive hotels!! It was a good way to end my stay in Greece, which was too short but perhaps next time I can stay longer.
No photos as yet as I am posting these comments while unpacking, washing and writing the list for the next trip which is camping in Scotland!
It's warm here in Taunton which is great - let's hope the good weather stays with us when we head up to Scotland. At the moment we are hoping to get all the way to John O Groats.
More on Santorini next time.. heading up to London on Tuesday for the day
Til next time.....

Hello and almost goodbye from Santorini

Kalemera - it's been a wonderful few days in Santorini, when I get back to Taunton I will spend some time on the blog and post some photo's. I wish I had brought the laptop as there was free wireless and hotel, and it doesnt' take long to write a few words each day. I may have difficulty in describing what I have seen! Stunning views, amazing food, lovely people. good beer and wine and wonderful memories... I could stay for a few more days -not long enough just getting to know the way around!
It is very hot and I have tried to keep covered as I didn't want to get burnt the first day.
I have done lots of things but also have relaxed and soaked in the local ambience - I will write more next time.
Til then....

Sunday - another day of rest!!

Another day of warm British weather, well not in Scotland. I phoned my Aunt & Uncle in Scotland today and it's cool on the east coast of Scotland. Yet another lazy day, enjoying the glorious summer weather. I packed my suitcase - ready for Athens and Santorini. That took up a morning and with phone calls to family in UK and Oz, visiting the local pelargonium show and catching up with friends plus planning the trip to Scotland, the day has just flown by.
I won't be taking my laptop to Santorini so if the blog is inactive for a week that's the reason..
Til next time.. xx

Those Lazy Days of summer holidays!

Enjoying the slower pace of life here in Taunton and loving the warm weather! I explored the main street in Taunton today (shopping!) and this evening enjoyed a BBQ with J's daughter and her family.
Packing my case and looking forward to my trip to Athens and Santorini.
Til next time...

Hello from Taunton

It's warm & humid here in Taunton, Somerset. Glastonbury is close by and the festival is on at the moment - no wonder it's raining!!! Wouldn't be Glastonbury without the rain.
Yesterday Rose headed off to New York and I caught the coach from Victoria Station to Taunton, it was very warm on the bus - not complaining!! just commenting. The weather is great - so nice not to have to wear jumpers and jackets.
Quiet morning here.. I did chores like unpacking and washing. I will be based her until I leave UK on August 20th. I haven't been here before, it looks a lovely town and I am looking forward to exploring.
Good to catch up my old friend from Zimbabwe - tonight J is having a dinner party, there will be 6 of us who camped together in Zimbabwe some 14 or so years ago. I am sure there will be lots of reminiscing!
I head off to Athens on Monday - not sure if I will take my laptop with me. I will have my camera and if I get a chance I will log on to the blog from an Internet cafe.
I am enjoying writing the blog, it will be a record for me when I get home. I loved London, could have stayed on for a few more days, I tr wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be, prices much the same as Melbourne
Till next time....

Goodbye London

Getting packed up ready to check out of hotel.

Last night was great! Older Georgie Fame may be, but still great.. the band too 6 talented musicians, the only disappointment was NO encore!! he finished playing and we left!

We got there early so we could get a good place to stand, probably too early. Had one horrible moment when I realised the box office was closed and we had no tickets. However the tickets were inside waiting for us! Good venue, with something on every evening.

I managed to squeeze everything back in the suitcase plus the few extra purchases!

Not sure when my next update will be. Off to Taunton at 3.30 (on coach) - staying with an old friend from Zimbabwe days, we haven't seen each other for about 13 or so years. Will be packing my bags on Sunday evening to fly to Athens on Monday, then on to Santorini on Tuesday Morning.

Til next time :)

Last night in London

Well it's the last night in London. Tonight's the night we see Georgie Fame. looking forward to it! Today we went to Harrods, the food was amazing! (prices too), it was fun. Then back to paddington for lunch before tackling the suitcases and me wondering how to get everything back in!
Yesterday was lovely we spent time at Covent gardens market and surrounding area, then went on to see the Ken Roach film "Looking for Eric". Great film high standard as usual, black humour, realistic lots to think about. We visited a couple of pubs - I love the old pubs in London I have started keeping a note of the names of the pubs. I love reading the history of the pubs

Dinner out in Paddington Dining out not expensive pretty much the same as in Melbourne.
Rose heads off to New York tomorrow and I am catching a coach to Taunton to stay with a friend.
I will be back in London on7th July to catch up with a friend
Next posting from Taunton in Somerset

What Plans for today?

Monday was a shopping day. I was going to update the blog last night but was just too tired!!Oxford Street was as busy as I remember! The shops are great, the summer fashion colours are very bright and colourful, with lots of purple, hot pinks & turquoise a real contrast after the Melbourne colours of winter. I saw the most amazing chocolates in Liberty - I resisted!! I love the London buses and it was fun to sit in the window at Garfunkels on the corners of Oxford & Regent streets watching the world go by. Pots of tea for Rose & I and banana splits with out the cream. Stops at pubs are vital in London, for a beer or tonic water, but mostly to soak in the atmosphere of a London Pub!

Carnaby Street, was interesting but I think it may have been more fun some 41 years ago!! Perhaps that was when I could wear the latest fashion? Lots of fun and interesting shops there. Evening saw us back at the hotel - it was Italian food last night. Meals are not too expensive here.

We have e booked tickets at the Jazz Club in Camden for tomorrow evening we are going to see GeorgieFame - looking forward to that!! Standing only as tables all booked out. If you are wondering who Georgie fame is here is a link to the Jazz Cafe http://www.jazzcafe.co.uk

What's on today? Maybe Covent Garden markets and then the movies. There is a new Ken Loach Film out called "Looking For Eric" a tale of redemption and fandom.

Wimbeldon's on just catching glimpses on T.V. .

Til, my next post..... :)

Hello From London

I made it! We had a good flight over, just the last 3 hours i had had enough then! Found the hotel, great location. and yes we are having fun. Both Rose and I agreed NO MUSEUMS and where did we find ourselves yesterday? At the V&A in the magnificent Raphael room listening to a Gospel Choir!! Glorious! We found a music festival and listened to Jazz at the Goethe Institute, gospel at the V&A and then music in Kensington Gardens. Walked back to Paddington from K gardens enjoying the sun, the Serpentine ducks! and speakers corner in Hyde Park. By that time a rest was needed at a pub and we enjoyed a glass of wine (outside). Going ok with jet lag!! Sleeping well. I have to pinch myself, I can't believe I am here!! Pics next time!

Packing Madly

Will it all fit in... do I really need that?

Departure day - 20th June 2009

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!
Leave Mordialloc travelling to airport on 19th June about 10 pm to board flight :-
Emirates
Flight EK 409 20th June @0255 – arrive Dubai @11.10, 20th June
Flight EK03 20th June @14.15 – arrive London @ 18.40 , 20th June
First stop will be
Norfolk Towers
34 Norfolk Place Paddington Westminster, London W2 1QW