Maureen's Travel Blog

Woke quite late, avocados spread on toast and freshly squeezed fruit juice again, this time a Pray Mantas (just a little one) joined us for breakfast on the terrace!

Today we were setting off for the mountains with a picnic.  The Great Dividing Range is Australia’s most substantial mountain range and the third longest in the world. It is more than three and a half thousand kilometres from Dauan Island off the north east tip of Queensland and running the entire length of the eastern coastline through NSW then on to Victoria before finally fading into the central planes of Western Victoria. It’s width is 160-300k.

It must have been about an hour’s drive up to the mountains and the most awesome scenery together with diverse wild animal, plant and birdlife. One of the first sounds I picked up on was the magical Bellbird. You couldn’t see him, but could hear him all around just as if there were little bells hanging on the trees and blowing gently in the wind and echoing throughout the forest. We travelled higher and higher along a fairly good road which narrowed into a loggers’ track on the ridge, and kept on going further and further along the ridge and then into the forest.

There was a whole new set of scenery before us around every bend. We were indeed “on top of the world” and as close to heaven as you could get today (thinking of you all back home in Charlbury bellringing and singing).

Sometimes I had to remind Kylie how perilously close we were to shear drops as she happily described some of the vegetation to me.

We stopped from time to time to check out interesting plants like the Giant Stinging Tree which looked completely harmless to me and I wondered why it would want to sting anyone. She said a possibility was that, because there are many growing on the edge of the forest, it was maybe trying to keep people out! She also pointed out the stinging nettle…. haha we have those In England!!!

I cannot find this bird in our book, does anyone know what it is, please post a reply if you think you do.

Before long we crossed over a stream, which I said we would call a brook in back home, a babbling brook even! It came down the hillside through the tree ferns under the loggers’ track where it fell over rocks and stones and continued its way on down through the forest.

We stopped the car for a paddle and to stretch our legs. As Kylie’s game little car motored on over the stony track, avoiding ridges caused by the loggers, we arrived at our picnic spot, a patch of grass in dappled sunlight under the tall pines where we spread a blanket and tucked into ham rolls, specially prepared chunks of fresh vegetables, cheese and fruit. The sound of silence was awesome, save the occasional call of birds we tried desperately to locate through my binoculars. There were tiny birds flitting about in the undergrowth which I felt sure must be some sort of flycatcher but just couldn’t get near enough. Now after seeing Kylie’s Rainforest poster in the loo, I’m wondering if they were some kind of Rufous. We also suddenly caught sight of a wallaby among the tress…. this was still a thrill to me although I was to see many of them in the fullness of time. We relaxed at this spot for a while just taking in the wonders and sounds of nature. Ash went off exploring and brought back some huge pinecones as well as minute flowers to identify.
We eventually packed up and motored on now through unexplored territory for Kylie. Suddenly she slammed on the brakes. There on the track in front of us slithered a rather large snake (by UK standards anyway).

We took a few photos to identify it but decided to remain in the relative safety of the car, although I was told best to keep the windows shut as they can rear up and it is likely to be a killer! Yay is that my third Aussie killer critter! He eventually slithered away into the grasses. We looked him up later and he is a Tiger and (as Ash so rightly says) is one of the top five: i.e. 45% untreated mortality.

Potaroo!! Exclaimed Kylie, damn I missed it… There were so many different species of plants and flowers along the way that I just took photos and we would identify them together later. One memorable plant deserving of a mention was the aerial epiphyte, which trailed across the branches of the trees like filigree. It has no roots and is not a parasite like the Australian Mistletoe.

We finally got to a point where we could go no further; the track became almost impassable although we bravely continued for a bit until we reached a gate which was clearly private property. I found this quite astonishing since we seemed to be in such a remote place.

However it was time to return as the sun was dropping in the sky quite rapidly. It was good to be able to recognise various landmarks on our return journey through the mountains. The blue haze of the distant mountains was caused by the vapour from the gum trees. Kylie had earlier scrunched up the leaves in her hands and the smell of eucalyptus was quite pungent.

The light from the setting sun mingling with the blue haze behind the structural pine trees and stark white bark of dead gums left standing was of course a watercolour painting waiting to happen. We stopped often just to get out and admire the stunning panoramic views.

Potaroo! Kylie exclaimed again and again as they crossed our path, but they were too quick for me. Finally I spied one just sitting on the side of the road and it jumped up and ran in front of us. POTAROO I yelled POTAROO!!!! What a strange marsupial creature, I’d never heard of this one before…. It looked like a cross between a wallaby, a rabbit and a rat.

It was almost dark as we saw movement beside the track …. two ducks, what on earth were they doing in the mountains, we tried to take identifying photos because they were definitely not your normal ducks (although they quacked quite clearly), but it was way too dark by now and we could only marvel at them in the headlights. The final sighting in our headlights as we left the mountain trial was of a Brush Turkey, a large dark bird with a flat fan shaped tail. I had now seen most of the creatures on Kylie’s rainforest poster.  We finally arrived home and started up our barbecue.

It was just so lovely to sit round the fire at the end of the day enjoying steak, sausages, patties, garlic bread rolls and to finish, yes double marshmallows cooked on gumsticks – awesome. Jera also entertained us with his incredible flame throwing and fire-eating skills. These Aussies never cease to amaze me!

Ok, just enjoying my second glass of the best Australian Shiraz, so maybe a good time to update (or maybe not). Let me think back… ah yes, breakfast outside on the terrace, freshly squeezed orange juice, advocado slices, followed by peanut butter on toast and tea – how cool is that! And already the sun is hot at 9am. Ash joins us and a tiny penny lizard also. We chill out this morning and make a few scrabble moves, then Kylie, Ash and I go down to the river to check out one of their favourite places.

En route Kylie pulls in to point out a colony of flying foxes which have almost decimated a number of trees. I told her that our bats only come out at dusk and spend daytime in belfries and dark places. These hang upside down in the hot sun all day long, I’m amazed they’re not barbecued bats!!

Anyway on down to the river (this is that special place Himali, wish you were here). There is the perfect big gum branch to sit on by the river. It is soooo peaceful except for the sound of so many different exotic birds. But first, there sitting on a log before me was a handsome Water Dragon posing for me and, as Ash so rightly said, showing his best side for my photograph.

We walked along and fed some ponies then returned to the special spot and lay down looking up through the gum trees, just wonderful.

I actually saw may varieties of birds always in pairs, Rosellas, Mudlarks, Kookaburras, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, TopKnot Pigeons, Noisy Mynahs, Galahs

We went shopping in IGA, Ash tells me they’re a chain of supermarkets. We bought provisions for lunch. Yummy ham salad rolls, they were huge!! We chilled out a bit in the afternoon while it was hot, catching up with scrabble and stuff. As it cooled down the kids went out for a bike ride together and Kylie took me to the Dam. Unbelievable! The sun setting over the water with the mountains and the lake was just beautiful.

But more to come, I was just over the moon when I saw not one, two, but about 15 wallabies, and two of them had baby joeys in their pouches. As I was photographing these guys, who should saunter along in front of my camera shot but two Eastern Rosellas! Perfect!!

We returned via the wine shop where I asked the wine merchant for his best red Aussie wine on offer (not knowing much about local Australian wines)… a Lindemans Shiraz for $8. We all enjoyed a delicious steak and salad dinner and the Shiraz just slipped down a treat. Will definitely get some more. I introduced the kids to Take That, couldn’t believe they’d never heard of them but when we played them at high volume on YouTube, they recognised them and all was good. We are having such a good time…. and hot chocolate with marshmallows is on the way!!!!

I didn’t sleep very well because I was so excited at meeting Kylie, the first of my scrabble friends, I hadn’t yet met! We have been playing scrabble on FB on and off for around 18 months and have got to know each other pretty well chatting during that time (see January post). Today I was actually flying into Brisbane and she was meeting me at the airport! It was another beautiful morning and, all packed, I had a quick slice of toast, fruit juice and tea. As there was no one about I thought I’d go for a last walk round the neighbourhood. I walked down to the railway where the bee swarm had been. Just a few bees still hanging around as the swarm had been relocated by a local beekeeper. I returned to find Melinda had just been out to the shops and hoped to return before I’d surfaced. Anyway I finally said my goodbyes to Melinda and Dennis.

They had been just wonderful to me and I would miss them very much. Melinda drove me back into the city for the last time and I boarded the plane for Brisbane. As the plane taxied ready for takeoff, I noticed stretches of water on either side, which was kind of strange. The runway must have been a peninsular out into the sea.

Who did I sit with this time I hear you ask. Well he was a very nice young man who was on business in Sydney and returning home to his family in Brisbane. He had two young children and they were all currently on the beach (he had just texted his wife). He was intrigued by my adventure and proceeded to tell me a little about Brisbane and its surrounds. Then our sandwich lunch came round and the short flight was over almost before we had time to finish our drinks.

As I stood at the top of the stairs to the baggage hall I suddenly caught sight of two arms waving frantically and straightway recognised Kylie and Ashling. Oh wow, I couldn’t believe I was actually here meeting them after all our planning and on-line chat. We just hugged and hugged (some hugs for Himali who I had hoped to pick up en route or at least visit in Sri Lanka). We were grinning from ear to ear as I waited what seemed like forever for my bag on the carousel. Finally it came and Ashling grabbed it (she already had my rucksack on her shoulder) and took them out to the car like she’d travelled the world. Ash is just thirteen years old!

We picked our way through the busy traffic and Kylie pointed out a few of the sights of the city before we got onto the open road to Warwick.

It was quite a drive but the distance was hardly noticeable as we chatted and chatted. There was just so much to talk about and the sun was going down by the time we neared the mountains, but oh what a sight.

The mountains were covered with trees that made them look prickly and were darkly silhouetted against the huge pink skies, as the sun finally disappeared and with it took the heat of the day.

We arrived ‘home’ to be greeted by Jera, Kylie’s son, who had been out for a two and a half hour bike ride that afternoon. We all enjoyed a delicious chicken casserole,

then I got to hear some of Jera’s musical talent, playing the guitar and singing. We continued to chat together until my eyes were beginning to droop from the excitement of the day and I finally fell into bed….. not even time to update my blog as I was asleep instantly. Needless to say, it is now the witchy hour so an opportunity to catch up.

My last day in Sydney! Today I met Melinda’s mother Gladys and what a lovely lady! Melinda drove the three of us out to a Reptile Park near Gosford. I was looking forward to seeing some stinging, biting and killing creatures, especially the Tunnel Web Spider and the Crocs, and I wasn’t disappointed.

However, apart from an excellent selection of scary reptiles, there were also some beautiful birds and animals of the more cuddly variety. Don’t worry Kyile, the Koalas were all asleep so I didn’t really get to see them properly. I did see my first kangaroo (not in captivity) though.

The park was very well laid out with open enclosures and bush paths, with many of the animals and birds freely moving about amongst the visitors.

After the Reptile Park, we went to WoyWoy, a Pacific Ocean Beach (well all the beaches are on the Pacific Ocean of course). It was a beautifully warm afternoon and again, I wished I’d brought my cozzie.

Melinda and Gladys went up to the café overlooking the beach, while I headed out to sea again for a paddle. On the way, I noticed some very colourful succulent plants growing in the sandbanks.

I recognised them from garden centres at home but just couldn’t think of the name. Can you help Leigh? After paddling in the surf, I sat on the warm sand to survey the scene before me. My new clever mobile phone told me I was on Palm Beach, wow how cool is that (sorry Kerrie, hope I didn’t wake you with that message).

I rejoined Melinda and her mother then we headed off to see some friends of Melinda’s who lived nearby, just on the off-chance they might be home.

Graham and Ann live in a very desirable area overlooking a large expanse of water, an inlet which I noticed was inhabited by a great variety of birds. When I exclaimed at a passing pelican, Graham very kindly offered to take me for a walk to Pelican Island, just ten minutes away. I was conscious of Melinda’s tight schedule but this was just too good an opportunity to miss, and she agreed to this expedition.

In fact we sighted many birds in just 15 minutes or so, including a pair of galahs, rosellas, cockatoos, cormorants, mallards, and delightful little wagtail (not at all like ours) he was more black and wagged his tail from side to side. But the cream on the cake was a whole colony of pelicans on their very own island.

Periodically a flock of them flew across in formation. By now the sun was going down and Melinda wanted to get home before dark.
The four of us went out for a very nice dinner at their local Rugby Club to celebrate Melinda and Dennis’s wedding anniversary which was yesterday and wishing me well in my onward travels. Now I must go and pack! Goodbye Sydney, hello Brisbane!

Quite a hot day today so shed my coat and thermals for a teeshirt and put some thinner jeans on. After a lovely cooked breakfast (thanks Melinda) I got the train back into the city. Lots to cram in on my penultimate day in Sydney!

I emerged from Central Quay to the usual sound of the didjeridoo . The harbour was as bright and bustling as ever. I wandered across to Macquarie Street towards the Botanical Gardens where I thought I would spend a leisurely morning.

I have to say it was a beautiful place so relaxing and laid back. People were happily jogging along the harbour wall or just relaxing in the sun. There was even a Japanese newly married couple being photographed on the rocks with the iconic backcloth.

We were told on the bridge climb that the Japanese come out to Sydney especially to get married and then fly out again. Apart from the many beautiful botanicals in the gardens,

there were some unusual birds and strangest of all were groups of huge bats hanging upside down in the treetops fanning themselves in the heat.

I think they may have been fruit bats. The highlight of my bird photography however so far was my first kookaburra. The birds are so tame in this country and this Kookaburra just sat there on a branch looking at me about two metres away.

As it was such a lovely warm day, I thought a trip over to Manly would be a good plan. I bought a ticket for the ferry and settled in a seat up in the bow to eat a snack lunch bought on board. This was a great way to view the whole harbour and get a different angle on the Opera House and Bridge.

The trip to Manly took about 25 minutes and what a great seaside town and a surfing beach on a par with Bondi (I read in the information brochure). I would have to give Bondi a miss as I was running out of time. As I arrived at Manly Wharf I could not resist a pick n mix candy stall. 100grams for $3.50. I thought I could keep this down to 100 grams…. Just a piece of Turkish delight, 4 liquorice allsorts, 3 chocolate disks covered in hundreds and thousands and a few chocolate covered peanuts. Trouble is they were all giant so they weighed twice as much and I made myself thoroughly sick, but happily so! I walked through the wide pedestrianized street, lined with holiday type shops, to the beach… a gorgeous strip of blue with soft yellow sand.

You’d ‘ve thought it was summer not just the end of winter. The beach was busy with surfers and sunbathers. I took of my shoes and rolled up my jeans wishing I’d brought swimming gear. The temperature was a comfortable 27 degrees and the water was warm and clear. I spent an hour or so relaxing on the beach before heading back to the wharf. The next ferry back wasn’t for half an hour so I took the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery nearby. Their current exhibition was swimwear over the years, which was very amusing, especially some of the bathing hats people used to wear. As well as this there was an exhibition by a group of artists from the Scottish Island, some of which I loved and others that didn’t really appeal.

On my return to Central Quay, I made my way up the hill to St Mary’s Cathedral. The organist was playing as I entered and it was wonderfully peaceful after the bustle of traffic outside.

I lingered for the first part of the evening service which of course was all in Latin but the acoustics from the cathedral choir in the cloisters were just amazing and it was nice just to sit awhile after the uphill walk.

As I set off for the train, I noticed how close I was to the Sydney Tower, one of the tallest structures in Sydney. The sun was just setting by this time and I thought the view from the top would be worth the $25. The lift took about a minute and my ears popped but the panoramic view stretching as far as the eye could see, including the Blue Mountains, was just stunning. My camera could not do it justice.

I was pleased to finally settle myself on the train passing through some wonderful Aussie named stations like Wahroonga, Turrumurra, to Waitara, which was my stop. I was somewhat surprised and delighted to see that my clever new mobile phone seemed to know the name of each station as we approached it. That was just so useful! Melinda insisted on meeting me at the station and I am grateful not to have to walk another step I am just so tired I will just fall into bed. However, Melinda had a lovely fish supper and a glass of wine waiting for me when we got back.

Just lovely to get message from Kerrie sharing her birthday celebrations with grandad, Emily and Matt from the Quod!

Well another beautifully sunny morning and Melinda and I went to meet up with her friends from the Church which she does regularly. It was so nice to connect with both Shirley and Joyce.

Shirley has MS but it doesn’t stop her from enjoying life – such an interesting person. And Joyce, well she was so brave and came to Sydney 50 years ago by ship…. BY SHIP!!! when she was only 16 years old. It was called the ten pound poms. And there’s me talking about a trip of a lifetime! She came over and got a job as a secretary, married an Australian and stayed.

The three of us chatted and chatted about the 60s, music, the Royal Family, our families, people and places… loved it.

There was an opportunity for a bit of local photographing this afternoon. So many spring flowers out. I was particularly taken by the camellias in many different colours and huge trees of them, not just small bushes.

One even had three different coloured flowers on the one tree.

There were also azaleas in many colours and gorgeous tangerine coloured lilies growing in lush borders along house frontages as we would perhaps have hydrangeas back in the UK. I have taken so many flower pics, too numerous to put on here but will put them in a gallery when I get more time. As I made my way along a footpath down by the railway track I was suddenly surrounded by my first killer critter experience! Big Australian bees!! I turned around slowly to see the biggest bees nest I have ever seen in my life and gently moved away for fear of mass attack!

The afternoon became quite warm and I decided to change into a teeshirt at last. Melinda drove me over to a very pretty area called Bobbin Head which was a deep ravine with Hawkeshead River at the bottom. We went deeper and deeper following a winding road until we came out into a beautiful spot with a marina containing some exceedingly expensive looking yachts.

Kylie, is this a magpie?

Just a brief update as, strangely enough, with only a 3 hour time difference, I am suffering from jetlag. The floor keeps moving up and down! However just wanted to let everyone know that I have finally made it to Australia!!!! I was rather disappointed when we landed in Sydney in thick cloud and rain. I always had in my mind that it was a bright, sunny and sparkling city and I would suddenly see the opera house and harbour bridge rise out of the water glistening in all their splendour like in the glossy handbooks. No worries mate, I’m sure it will be sunny tomorrow…. damn cold though – I’m glad I brought all those winter clothes after all. But on the drive back to Melinda’s I was stupidly amazed at the blossom on the trees and the young green leaves, of course, silly me, it’s spring. I asked Melinda what was that big white bird, thinking I’d just seen a barn owl. “It’s a cockatoo”, of course it is, there are several of them sitting on the street lamp, and she tells me there are galahs also that swing on the cables. I know about those don’t I Kylie ^ _ ^ Pics tomorrow after a sleep.

The Blue Mountains
Today Melinda and Dennis took me off for a weekend trip to the Blue Mountains, a couple of hours drive from Sydney. After we came off the main freeway, the roads became increasingly windy as we made our way higher and higher up into the mountains. I thought the scenery on the way up looked very much like the Fells in the Lake District. When we got to the vantage point, the panoramic view was just breath-taking and I can’t do it justice in a photograph.

While up there I saw my first aborigine and was amazed to find him virtually naked and bare-footed on such a bitterly cold day! He was sitting playing a didgeridoo (not sure of spelling).

I then took a few rides, first on a train that went almost vertically down the mountainside (not recommended with those suffering from vertigo), originally used to haul coal up from the mines. Then followed a walk that took us through the history of the mines with various displays and also descriptions of the flora and fauna along the way.

I was then taken back up the mountain by cable car and then finally across a deep ravine between two mountains by Skytrain with a clear floor…. again breath-taking views all around. Many cockatoos here!

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a ride on the ZigZag Railway, a voluntary-run steam railway running up and down the mountainside over viaducts. The engine kept being switched from one end of the carriages to the other in order achieve he required zigzag incline.

We then made our way to Katoomba, a lovely little town, where we stayed the night in a guest house. I have to say, I will remember how cold it was there. We found a very nice twenties style restaurant for dinner in the evening,

But getting warm in bed at night proved to be a major problem despite the fact that the aircon was switched to heat 24 degrees. I made use of a portable electric radiator to heat blankets for my bed! Am I really in sunny warm Australia I asked the receptionist rhetorically! Anyway, we survived the night and the reward was a good cooked breakfast.

We then made our way to the Jenolan Caves, about an hour away along an amazingly twisty narrow road descending very steeply down to them. We booked ourselves to go round the Orient caves which were supposed to contain very pretty coloured crystals. It was actually spectacular! Again photographs cannot do it justice.

We made our way along a narrow railed staircase built into the crystallised crevices of the cave which went deeper and deeper, always opening into incredible displays of stalagmites, stalactites’, shawls (which were my favourites) and columns. The lighting effects were a major feat of design, as were the many winding staircases.

Our guide Craig had a very dry sense of humour and sometimes it was hard to know if he was serious or not.

As we finally emerged into the bright sunlight I noticed again the many spring flowers, which seemed so odd to me in September, pretty japonica, narcissus and primroses.

Even the Wisteria was about to burst forth. We had a spot of lunch and were joined by Rosellas (as my painting!) and Magpies (I think).

We then embarked on the long drive home (not by Aussie standards though). As we rounded the first bend, Denis just happened to mention that he’d seen a Wallaby on the hillside when he collected the car to pick us up!!! What!! I had been keeping my eyes peeled for a Roo or a Wallaby or even a wombat…. the best I could do was a photo of a road sign!

Must be off to bed – it’s the big climb tomorrow!

Monday 12 September – Happy Birthday Kerrie xxxx
I woke up to a beautiful warm spring day. I am so pleased because it’s the day of the Harbour Bridge Climb! Emotional news of different kinds on the tv, remembering those who were caught up in the horrors of that fateful day in New York a decade ago today. But also the brilliant US Open win for Sam Stosur for Australia.
After a later start this morning, I took the train into the city and caught my first glimpse of the Harbour Bridge just before travelling over it on the train.

Then immediately caught sight of the iconic Opera House. It was such a beautiful sparkling day to be leisurely walking by the harbour and taking in all the boating activity as well as the many eating places and finally the entrance to the Opera House. Shiny modern high-rises soured above into the blue spring skies.

This is just how I imagined it to be, a far cry from that cloudy damp morning of my arrival. I booked a tour round the Opera House which was very informative and fortunately included a rehearsal in the main hall by a pianist. It seemed that we weren’t supposed to be in there but the accoustics were just amazing. We were told the organ had over 10,000 pipes!

Then a spot of lunch watched eagerly by a row of seagulls just a foot away on the harbour wall. They nearly knocked over the table getting to the spoils as I got up to take my leave. It was a good 15 minutes’ walk uphill to the Bridge Climb entrance where we were togged up for the ”climb of our lives”.

Melinda had suggested a 3.15 slot (which lasted 3 hours) because we might take in the sunset, and she was absolutely right. Although I was a little nervous climbing the see-through gantry at the start, I soon became confident as various points of interest were pointed out and described in the panoramic view before us. I have to say the whole experience was awesome to put it mildly. We even watched the moon rise over the opera house as the sun set on the other side. All in all a full and wonderful day! I love Sydney.

Well finally the big day had arrived and I was escorted down the M40 to Heathrow full of both fear and excitement at my forthcoming adventures. “Chill out mother”,” I wish I was going”, “safe journey”, “you’re going to have a fabulous time!” Emily and Kerrie were great and we finally said our goodbyes at the departure gate not without some emotion. Yikes, on my own now as I passed through security and on to miles of moving walkways before boarding the Qantas 747 bound for Bangkok.

As I struggled to put my rucksack into the overhead locker, this Welsh voice asked if he could help me and I turned around to see this gorgeous young man, not only tall, dark and handsome but also a perfect gentleman! As I settled into my seat by the window, I couldn’t believe it when he sat down beside me. It turned out that he was a Welsh rugby supporter and was off to New Zealand to support his favourite team in the World Cup. We chatted happily together about our travels until we were fed and the lights were eventually turned off for the long night across northern Europe and Russia. I dozed on and off during the night a bit fidgety as I tried to stretch my legs out under the seat in front while my companion seemed to be sleeping like a baby with his blindfold on. After about 8 hours in the air – I knew this because I kept checking the progress of the flight on the little screen in front of me – I saw that we were flying over Tibet and Nepal , and just skirting around Mount Everest, well we were actually 33,000 feet up but I remembered flying round it in a little Yeti jet with my Dad only a few years before on a visit to Nepal. By now it was light outside – we had followed the sun and caught up with it, or had we? Must’ve done cos we were now 7 hours ahead of what my watch said!

Anyway, my neighbour finally stirred and, with an engaging smile, wished me good morning. We went on to enjoy a good cooked breakfast together of scrambled eggs on toast and bacon, fruit and coffee, oh and a miniature croissant, before eventually going our separate ways. He was flying on to Sydney en route to Christchurch while I was staying on in Bangkok.

It was such a relief to see my name being held up as I emerged from the passport control queue finally allowed into the country. A happy Thai face greeted me and escorted me out into the hot and humid air and then into a comfortably air conditioned vehicle. She gave me a brief tourists’ overview of what I needed to know in the area as we made our way through the busy traffic to The Bel Aire Princess Hotel, which was to be my accommodation for the next 3 nights.

The hotel is all that I expected from Trailfinders… spacious and modern with more luxuries than I would ever need. After dumping my stuff, I called up my friend Dot who was also staying in the same hotel. WHAT?? you may ask…. I’d better fill you in here….. Dot and I met about 5 years ago when we were both on the same Saga holiday (I with my Dad) in Kenya on Safari. The following year we coincidentally shared the same hotel for one night in Kathmandu. (makes me sound like a seasoned traveller I know, but I just went on 3 wonderful Saga holidays with my Dad after my mother died which felt right at the time as he enjoyed travelling to far flung places and I am happy to accompany him. Anyway, Dot just happened to be on a trekking holiday at the same time. We became firm friends and have stayed with each other back in the UK, where we both live in quite desirable parts of the country, I in the Cotswolds and she in the Lake District. Well…. I couldn’t believe it when she called me up after hearing I was flying via Bangkok. Would I mind if we share our few days in Bangkok? She was planning her next trip to Tibet. Perfect! So last night we were out in the hot steamy backstreets around the hotel, taking in the bustle of the colourful stalls where local people were selling their wares. We eventually sat down outside in a street restaurant and enjoyed a delicious Thai green curry, river prawns with chicken fried rice and pineapple and cashew fried rice (beautifully presented in a pineapple cut lengthways) all washed down with a couple of bottles of ice cold Chang beer. This is a great start to my adventures…. I wonder if I’m going to ramble like this throughout? Well you did ask for details on my blog and I think this could be sporadic as my days are going to be filled with adventures…. Tomorrow we are off on a tour of the Grand Palace and the following day a half day out of Bangkok to the Floating Markets…..I also hope to fit in a Thai massage before I leave Bangkok! More later…………………….

Tuesday 6 September
We discovered a good place for breakfast just a stone’s throw from the hotel where you could eat as much as you like for 120 Bahts (just under £2.50). An interesting selection of mainly Thai food was on offer although you could also have eggs, sausages, toast and coffee. I chose a selection including spring roll, pancake and suchi.
We decided on a visit to the Grand Palace in the morning and what a spectacle of intricate design, including mother of pearl, beautifully illustrated wall stories of King Rama, monkeys and demons; and almost everything was touched with gold, I’ve never seen so much gold in one place! I knelt down in the temple and dripped holy water over me with lotus buds. It was good to be out of the sultry heat outside and feel a coolish breeze through the temple.

Just for the experience we took the Skytrain back to our hotel. Quite a feat of engineering and reminded me somewhat of Canary Wharfe only on a much bigger scale as it passed between shiny high rises way above the grid-locked traffic below.

The rest of the day was spent pampering ourselves – a lazy afternoon lounging by the pool with a few beers. Then some reflexology followed by a pedicure and a welcome cup of green tea. While we were inside there was a tropical thunderstorm and the place was suddenly awash but in no time the sun shone and everywhere was bone dry again and it was hotter than ever.

The menu for dinner in the hotel looked very appetising offering a variety of Thai specialties. We decided to try some of everything which, of course was far more than we could eat but was so delicious that we did…. eat it all I mean. So felt exceedingly full and vowed to have just a snack the next day.

Wednesday 7 September
An early start to head off to various interesting markets outside Bangkok so no breakfast but we stopped en route at a bamboo centre where we tasted a by-product of the bamboo which was just like fudge. There was also a beautiful orchid plantation. By this time we were quite hungry and able to get a bowl of Thai food with rice and Guava fruit drink- perfect. We then arrived at a bustling market selling all manner of exotic and colourful vegetables, fruit, meat and fish – very little that I recognised, and some that I did but didn’t expect to see, like frogs and squid and weird spikey fruits and vegetables.

Although we hadn’t yet reached the floating markets, the highlight of the day was next. A market place situated on a railway track! I had seen a clip of this on Facebook and could hardly believe it then. I even made some comment about living on the edge. But seeing is believing, and I took a movie of this incredible sight. At the appointed time, although I think it was a bit late, along came a full size passenger train, on the very track that moments before had been covered with boxes and baskets full of produce for sale and people winding their way in and out of stalls. Awnings were pulled back to allow the train through and, as soon as it had passed the awnings and produce were put back as if nothing had happened – just incredible! And this happened 8 times a day!  Here is a pic of the track.

Anyway our next bit of fun was to travel on high speed but somewhat precarious Thai junk type boats along canal waterways amongst the mangroves to the water markets. Along the way we saw the interesting lifestyle of the Thai people in those parts living in wooden stilted houses.

After an exhausting but exceedingly exciting morning, needless to say we chilled out by the pool in the afternoon and a head and back massage seemed like a good idea. Oh what a life…… actually she nearly killed me – I’ve never had a back massage like It before, oh the pain but I kept telling myself it was all good, she was removing the knots acquired through serious scrabble tension!

This was to be our last night together. Dot was leaving at 3am for Delhi en route to Kathmandu and I would be on an early evening flight the next day to Sydney. So we thought cocktails were in order, well several….. then feeling a bit peckish, we ordered some interesting deep fried chicken wrapped in banana leaf parcels and spring rolls. We said our goodbyes and safe journeys. We both agreed we enjoyed our few days in Bangkok very much. Excellent food, very friendly people, a couple of exciting trips out, and some good body toning for the next stage of the adventure.

Thursday 8 September
Packed my bag ready for check out….. but just one more bit of pampering before I leave Thailand….. a ginger and coconut body scrub! How does that sound? Very good for dry, ageing and sun damaged skin – I think that’s me. I may as well have the works while I’m here, ready to face that hole in the ozone. I have my top factor sunblock at the ready!

Next stop Sydney and hello Melinda and Dennis

… continuation on Thursday

Well I may as well give you an update as we sit here on the tarmac in the middle of a tropical thunderstorm, yes the works, constant violent thunder and lightning, and the airport is flooded. In fact the departure lounge was leaking too!

Anyway, back to earlier today. It was strange without Dot around but took the opportunity to pop in over to the internet outlet to check my mail and just as well because there was a flight detail to put right. Then back for my final bit of treatment, the full body scrub with coconut oil and ginger. It smarted quite a bit but ‘no pain no gain’ as they say. The feeling afterwards was definitely worth it…. Baby soft all over. The next job was to get my new “Rolex” watch fixed. A little pin had dropped out – probably into the pool Dot sad! I had haggled for this watch at one of the markets the previous day because I needed a cheap one for my adventure for local time. It is difficult to change the time on my own watch so at the moment have one on each wrist! My new Rolex is diamond studded however! Am I rambling? Probably, because I’m feeling just a bit more than a little nervous sitting here in this horrendous thunderstorm. I hope they’re gonna bring round the alcohol soon – a strong G&T would go down a treat just now! Back to earlier…. I returned from my simple watch repairer (a helpful little Thai man with a street stall just near the hotel, knew him well by this time as he fitted it with a battery yesterday) I returned… to the hotel for a light lunch and a Chang beer – chicken salad Mexican style – not bad, and the waiters were just impeccable! They always bowed their heads and put their hands together prayerlike. I find myself doing this automatically now.

After lunch a spot of sun by the pool with the Oz handbook. I actually dropped off to sleep briefly and was woken by the intense heat, so went in to the cool aircon of my room to finish packing ready to check out. My transfer driver was waiting for me in the lobby so we got to the airport early – 3pm. IT IS NOW 7pm!!! And we’re still on the tarmac. Sorry Melinda …it’s going to be another wait again!

Hopefully the next update will be from Sydney. Oh I almost forgot, my companions on the flight are a charming. A Thai couple about my age and oh we chatted, such interesting people. They had brought their own bag of fruit all cut up into pieces which they insisted I try…. various exotic fruits as well as something that looked like acorns but tasted like cob nuts which I was assured was extremely nutritious. She is a retired nurse and he an engineer. You might have gathered by now that not only did we finally get off the ground but I got my G&T and we have been wined and dined. I also wanted to share with them an experience of my own. The first time I crossed the equator was when I visited my brother in Indonesia many moons ago, (which incidentally we are just passing now) an amazing trip in itself, but I remember my neighbour on that flight saying I should share a bottle of bubbly with her if it was my first time across the southern hemisphere. So naturally I offered the same gesture to my Thai friends as it was their first time also. We toasted each other on crossing the equator and to happy travels! Yay more friends I hadn’t yet met! Now settling down to sleep and when I wake we shall be over Oz….Hey Kylie, I think we pass over Warwick, look up around 4am (just after the witchy hour) for a 707 with a roo on the tail! Trouble is I won’t get this update posted in time. No worries mate…… I’m soooooooooooo excited!!

I have just received the most amazing birthday present from my family – a pass to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge….. and just remembered I have a fear of heights…. but hey the views will be awesome!!!! 🙂 thank you guys

Hey check this out – Musgrave Island. Kylie and I and the kids are planning an adventure to the Barrier Reef. How cool is that!!