Monday 28 March 2011
Braeside
Sun Had a delicious freshly cooked full english breakfast with fruit toast etc, set us up for day, had a nice chat with the owner sitting on their verandah overlooking all the mountains how lucky they are, lovely parrots, galahs and it made my day when a wallaby came onto the lawn to have a look at us eating our brekky. Janice went off to brisbane to a craft fair, Brisbane is 2 hours away but to them its like us popping into town. We went off to Bangalow Sunday market about 45 mins away, it was a huge market, crafts, produce, loads of different foods to try, we had an organic blackberry jam filled massive doughnut the best we have ever eaten. Spent the morning here no problem could have spent a fortune but unfortunately cant get the stuff home, there were buskers there and it was lovely but very very busy. We then took ourselves off to Tweed Heads, I drove, have done a lot of driving, Ken still gets tired so dont want him over doing things. Tweed Heads is absolutely stunning, two beaches, one in Queensland and the other in NSW. Great hot day again and the surfers are out in force have never seen so many in one place not even at Bondi Beach. Had freshly cooked Barrimundi and Snapper for lunch, found an internet cafe as Paula had sent message to Dawn to get us to check our e mails, Air Asia have changed our flight to Penang, thankfully it is half an hour earlier!! Got back to our cabin around tea time, showered etc and off to the pub for some food, certainly see life here, all hillbillys, hats and beards to boot, but friendly aliens. Monday 28-3-11 Delicious breakfast again this morning at 8am, sat on verandha talking to Keith and Janice until 9,30am then we had to say goodbye, to head off to Brisbane which thankfully is an hour behind here so it is really only 8.30am. Drove past brisbane to a place called Redcliffe, bit disappointing, many places still closed from the floods went to Tourist Info who were as much use as a chocolate tea pot so we headed back to the centre and booked into a motel just 25 mins from airport for our flight tomorrow to Melbourne, Dawn phoned she is so excited cooking us a meal tomorrow night which I am looking forward to and shes got the wine coooling!! Went out tonight and had chinese at a noodle bar lovely. Catch ya later xx
Thurs
Second day at Caribean Hotel, took drive to to Sawtell Beach where we had breakfast in town after wandering around we decided to head for the rainforest centre, it was lovely and we went onto Danger Falls after all the rain in the area there was plenty of water around another hot day, headed back for a late afternoon return. We had done a lot of walking today an decided to pop across and get fish and chips which we ate in our room and they were lovely, especially being washed down with a beer and glass of wine. Friday 25-3-11 Left fairly early after a freshly cooked breakfast at the motelmthis was run by a lovely couple. We headed off to Byron Bay which was packed, with scantily dressed people, camper vans and it seemed if you were over 20 you were too old to be there! It is a lovely place tho, old colonial buildings all down the main streets and the beach was lovely, we decided not to stay here and instead we headed off into the rain forest to a tiny village called Uki, on the edge of Mt Warning an defunct volcano, we phoned a place called Braeside B & B and our faithfull sst nav got us there around 2pm it is so beautiful here surrounded by peace and quiet and mountains, we are staying in a wooden cabin with all facilities, needs a bit of tlc but its okay, real nice couple who are looking to move as Keith husband is 74 and suffering from shingles!!! and its all too much for him how , whoever buys it will get a bargain and it could be made into a spectacular home, its a real oldy day homestead. Janice is a very clever lady who makes patchwork quilts etc paints does everything really showed me some gorgeous items she has made. After settling in showering etc we went into the village we are very high up, up a winding drive, so Im not driving down that thank you very much! 'We ate a pub meal in the only pub along with all the locals all pissed out of there heads and very talkative.l
Thursday 24 March 2011
Weds
Weds 23rd
Lazy day todaym wandered round Nelson Bay looking in shops etc, atea steak and kidney pie at Neds - these Aussies sure know how to make a pie, 50 varieties of fillings but stuck to my faithful choice. Walked down to beach put up umbrella, its so hot again, waves very high so I didnt venture in sea, another shark attack last night so not many brave people!! Headed back to Hideaway and went for dip in pool, then Ken had a nap whilst I read my book. Went to the pub for some food and another day has gone.
Thurs 24-3-11
Woke early to bird song already very hot had breakfast and loaded car for onward journey to Coffs Harbour which is about 5 hours driving, Said our goodbyes to Kathy, I drove for just over two hours and then we had a break in Tamee went in cafe and had the most enormous egg and bacon roll which was lovely. Ken took over the driving nothing on these roads a pleasure to drive really. 1pm and we call into the Billabong Wildlife Park to check out the Koala Breeding section
and we stroked and fed the kangeroos, saw the tiniest joey feeding off its Mum, delightful, it is now steaming hot and too much to walk about much more in it so back on the road arriving in Coffs, managed to get the last room, a spa room where Ken had looked at, The Caribean Motel, very nice, can see the harbour and boats from our room, perfect. Take advantage of the spa bath and out for an Indian Meal - and so to bed,
Lazy day todaym wandered round Nelson Bay looking in shops etc, atea steak and kidney pie at Neds - these Aussies sure know how to make a pie, 50 varieties of fillings but stuck to my faithful choice. Walked down to beach put up umbrella, its so hot again, waves very high so I didnt venture in sea, another shark attack last night so not many brave people!! Headed back to Hideaway and went for dip in pool, then Ken had a nap whilst I read my book. Went to the pub for some food and another day has gone.
Thurs 24-3-11
Woke early to bird song already very hot had breakfast and loaded car for onward journey to Coffs Harbour which is about 5 hours driving, Said our goodbyes to Kathy, I drove for just over two hours and then we had a break in Tamee went in cafe and had the most enormous egg and bacon roll which was lovely. Ken took over the driving nothing on these roads a pleasure to drive really. 1pm and we call into the Billabong Wildlife Park to check out the Koala Breeding section
and we stroked and fed the kangeroos, saw the tiniest joey feeding off its Mum, delightful, it is now steaming hot and too much to walk about much more in it so back on the road arriving in Coffs, managed to get the last room, a spa room where Ken had looked at, The Caribean Motel, very nice, can see the harbour and boats from our room, perfect. Take advantage of the spa bath and out for an Indian Meal - and so to bed,
Tuesday 22 March 2011
holiday 2011 Oz
At last we have managed to find some internet, our accommodation has no wireless connection!! So today I am sitting in the local library on free internet and will start blogging lol.
Thursday 17-3-11
Easy journey to Heathrow, underground OK arrived in plenty of time, dropped off bags having already checked in on line. Boarded at 9.20pm took off down runway when captain announced he had left a passenger so we had to return to bay, Eventually took off at 10.10pm for a somewhat bumpy flight, we were lucky enough to have four seats so spread out and managed to sleep for a few hours. On leaving airport we took a taxi/limosine to the Dorset Regency, it is a lovely hotel, we are on the 27th floor so hoping there is not earthquake here, the lift zips us up in no time at all. We settle in, shower and go out in search of food, we went to a restuarant named Shakura which has been recommended to Ken by someone online, have to say great meal,
20 pound for two with drinks. Walk back to hotel for an excellent well earned sleep.
18-3-11
Wake at 8am have a cuppa in room then down to a good buffet breakfast, fried eggs perfect, beef bacon...mmm..quite good actually, fruit, yoghurt, and danish pastries, full to bursting - will see us through to our meal tonight.,
Out onto streets now and walk to new shopping malls - not far from us a nice walk, its very hot but humidity not too bad. Bought watches for kids priced up other goods so we have an idea when we got to the market and chinatown tonight what the going rates are so we have a bartering price in our heads, love it.
Didn't need lunch but had a lovely coffee, was coerced by Ken to had a foot massage/reflexology, dont really like people touching my feet and I had to try hard to suppress my laughter when she first started, however I thought it was supposed to be relaxing but how can you relax when someone is pummelling your feet and legs and pulling your toes until they crack, then they charge you! It was 50 ringitts each for half an hour. Ken wants a neck, head and shoulder massage tomorrow, I'm not sure about that one the woman I was watching did not seem to be enjoying it judging by her facial expressions.
Walk back to hotel to freshen up, get taxi to Chinatown for night market and food. Buy a couple of bags and eat at a market stall, delicious food downed by a couple of drinks, met nice English couple from Warwickshire and spent time talking to them, got taxi back to hotel and so to bed.
Sat 19-3-11 Tys birthday
Woke early so went down for early breakfsat then walked into centre, Ken needed some new earplugs for his MP3 player and we bought some gifts for the kids. We are all walked out by 1pm oso on our 3way back to hotel stop to eat some satay chicken and rice downed by a cold drink. We are checking out later and being picked up at 5pm to go to airport. Very misty here this afternoon after being so hot and sunny, looks like heavy rain is coming so goodbye to Kuala Lumpar.
Flight left at 10.50pm for a seven hour flight to Sydney very full flight owing to sharing with KLM and Sri Lanka airways no spare seats, we had a young child who cried and screamed for five hours bless her she was knackered but wouldnt give in, felt for her Mum, but kept wishing she would give her some medicine lol. Breakfast on board was crap, yoghurt and choc muffin which was awful, fortunately we had taken some sandwiches on board so we ate them. Malaysia
Airlines (like them all I suppose) seem to have really cut back really did not like the food this time.
Sun 20-3-11 Rachels birthday
Arrived in Sydney airport at 9.20am had to wait for luggage then went to Hertz counter to pick up car, all went smoothly, go to car park where car is parked check it over, and off we go to Salamander Bay which is about two and half hours drive from Sydney, set up Sat nav and we are off. The rain is torrential, water lying on road very dangerous, traffic moving slowly, get out of Sydney very easily and settle in for a long drive, Ken is driving, so much rain and it is very misty at times. However the further we travel the better the weather is getting and as we arrive at our destination the weather is perfect, sunny and hot. Arrive at Baydreamer hideaway and it is beautiful, our own place, they place breakfrast every day. It is owned by a Canadian couple, who have looked after the wildlife in the area for many years, Kathy is particularly fond of the koalas and possums and she is very interesting to listen to having nursed many back to health after road injuries and bush fires. We have our own swimming pool and it is all very lovely, settle in and go into small town to buy a new Sim card for phone so that we can phone Rachel on her birthday and also check on how Paula is. Buy some rolls and ham etc for our lunch and take back to Hideaway, relax by pool with wine! It is time to ring Rachel which we do and have a nice chat with her and Leah, Owen not interested. Pleased she had a good morning and she was looking forward to her lunch out. Spoke to Paula and Isabelle also.
Out for meal at night to local pub great food, again this is a place where you have to eat fairly early as restaurants close early!
Monday 21-3-11
Had lie in this morning didn't get up until 8am although Ken up at 7.30pm which for him is a major lie in! We decide that as the weather is not going to be good we would drive to the Hunter valley and visit some wineries. Guess the Aussie weather forecasters are as good as ours as it turned out to be a fabulous and hot hot day. However we really enjoyed the wineries and also the brewery where you get six samples of different beers for 7 dollars and when you take back the sample rack empty they give you a glass of your chosen beer. Ken liked them all but as he was driving I had to finnish them off what with that and the wine was feeling a little light headed on the way back! Called in the cheese shop and chocolate factory, all very expensive. Arrived back at tea time, showered and out for a meal. Dawn is texting all the time lol.
Tuesdsay 22-3-11
Early breakfast enjoyed with doors open it really is a lovely spot to stay, decide to go to shops then to beach, Ken went for swim and convinced me to go in too, the water is lovely and warm, some of the waves were too high for me so I got out after 15 mins and being soaked and sat and read my book. We left the beach around 4pm and travelled back to Hideaway, calling in at Coles to buy some steak to barbecue, Ken enjoyed doing the cooking and we had a lovely dinner, then spent the evening relaxing and reading, lovely.
Weds 23-3-11
Early breakfast then to library to do blog will catch you later.
Thursday 17-3-11
Easy journey to Heathrow, underground OK arrived in plenty of time, dropped off bags having already checked in on line. Boarded at 9.20pm took off down runway when captain announced he had left a passenger so we had to return to bay, Eventually took off at 10.10pm for a somewhat bumpy flight, we were lucky enough to have four seats so spread out and managed to sleep for a few hours. On leaving airport we took a taxi/limosine to the Dorset Regency, it is a lovely hotel, we are on the 27th floor so hoping there is not earthquake here, the lift zips us up in no time at all. We settle in, shower and go out in search of food, we went to a restuarant named Shakura which has been recommended to Ken by someone online, have to say great meal,
20 pound for two with drinks. Walk back to hotel for an excellent well earned sleep.
18-3-11
Wake at 8am have a cuppa in room then down to a good buffet breakfast, fried eggs perfect, beef bacon...mmm..quite good actually, fruit, yoghurt, and danish pastries, full to bursting - will see us through to our meal tonight.,
Out onto streets now and walk to new shopping malls - not far from us a nice walk, its very hot but humidity not too bad. Bought watches for kids priced up other goods so we have an idea when we got to the market and chinatown tonight what the going rates are so we have a bartering price in our heads, love it.
Didn't need lunch but had a lovely coffee, was coerced by Ken to had a foot massage/reflexology, dont really like people touching my feet and I had to try hard to suppress my laughter when she first started, however I thought it was supposed to be relaxing but how can you relax when someone is pummelling your feet and legs and pulling your toes until they crack, then they charge you! It was 50 ringitts each for half an hour. Ken wants a neck, head and shoulder massage tomorrow, I'm not sure about that one the woman I was watching did not seem to be enjoying it judging by her facial expressions.
Walk back to hotel to freshen up, get taxi to Chinatown for night market and food. Buy a couple of bags and eat at a market stall, delicious food downed by a couple of drinks, met nice English couple from Warwickshire and spent time talking to them, got taxi back to hotel and so to bed.
Sat 19-3-11 Tys birthday
Woke early so went down for early breakfsat then walked into centre, Ken needed some new earplugs for his MP3 player and we bought some gifts for the kids. We are all walked out by 1pm oso on our 3way back to hotel stop to eat some satay chicken and rice downed by a cold drink. We are checking out later and being picked up at 5pm to go to airport. Very misty here this afternoon after being so hot and sunny, looks like heavy rain is coming so goodbye to Kuala Lumpar.
Flight left at 10.50pm for a seven hour flight to Sydney very full flight owing to sharing with KLM and Sri Lanka airways no spare seats, we had a young child who cried and screamed for five hours bless her she was knackered but wouldnt give in, felt for her Mum, but kept wishing she would give her some medicine lol. Breakfast on board was crap, yoghurt and choc muffin which was awful, fortunately we had taken some sandwiches on board so we ate them. Malaysia
Airlines (like them all I suppose) seem to have really cut back really did not like the food this time.
Sun 20-3-11 Rachels birthday
Arrived in Sydney airport at 9.20am had to wait for luggage then went to Hertz counter to pick up car, all went smoothly, go to car park where car is parked check it over, and off we go to Salamander Bay which is about two and half hours drive from Sydney, set up Sat nav and we are off. The rain is torrential, water lying on road very dangerous, traffic moving slowly, get out of Sydney very easily and settle in for a long drive, Ken is driving, so much rain and it is very misty at times. However the further we travel the better the weather is getting and as we arrive at our destination the weather is perfect, sunny and hot. Arrive at Baydreamer hideaway and it is beautiful, our own place, they place breakfrast every day. It is owned by a Canadian couple, who have looked after the wildlife in the area for many years, Kathy is particularly fond of the koalas and possums and she is very interesting to listen to having nursed many back to health after road injuries and bush fires. We have our own swimming pool and it is all very lovely, settle in and go into small town to buy a new Sim card for phone so that we can phone Rachel on her birthday and also check on how Paula is. Buy some rolls and ham etc for our lunch and take back to Hideaway, relax by pool with wine! It is time to ring Rachel which we do and have a nice chat with her and Leah, Owen not interested. Pleased she had a good morning and she was looking forward to her lunch out. Spoke to Paula and Isabelle also.
Out for meal at night to local pub great food, again this is a place where you have to eat fairly early as restaurants close early!
Monday 21-3-11
Had lie in this morning didn't get up until 8am although Ken up at 7.30pm which for him is a major lie in! We decide that as the weather is not going to be good we would drive to the Hunter valley and visit some wineries. Guess the Aussie weather forecasters are as good as ours as it turned out to be a fabulous and hot hot day. However we really enjoyed the wineries and also the brewery where you get six samples of different beers for 7 dollars and when you take back the sample rack empty they give you a glass of your chosen beer. Ken liked them all but as he was driving I had to finnish them off what with that and the wine was feeling a little light headed on the way back! Called in the cheese shop and chocolate factory, all very expensive. Arrived back at tea time, showered and out for a meal. Dawn is texting all the time lol.
Tuesdsay 22-3-11
Early breakfast enjoyed with doors open it really is a lovely spot to stay, decide to go to shops then to beach, Ken went for swim and convinced me to go in too, the water is lovely and warm, some of the waves were too high for me so I got out after 15 mins and being soaked and sat and read my book. We left the beach around 4pm and travelled back to Hideaway, calling in at Coles to buy some steak to barbecue, Ken enjoyed doing the cooking and we had a lovely dinner, then spent the evening relaxing and reading, lovely.
Weds 23-3-11
Early breakfast then to library to do blog will catch you later.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
We are off
Well todays the day, we catch the train to Heathrow at 3.05pm, plenty of time as our flight(HM1) is not leaving until 10pm. Should be in Kuala Lumpur around 6.30pm on Thursday evening. Staying at the Dorcett Regency for two nights then on to Australia.
Love to you all, going to miss you but hey the sun and fun will make up for it alittle!!
Love to you all, going to miss you but hey the sun and fun will make up for it alittle!!
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