The Northshore Beaches of Sydney

As expected we woke early this morning with it being our first outdoors for a while. Mark disappeared down to the beach around 05:30 and took pictures of the sunrise and the surfers who were already out looking for that wave (mad 1 percenters).

After a healthy breakfast of Crunchy Nut cornflakes we set off to explore. We had a full packed day visiting 7 beaches just north of Sydney. We did some sunbathing at some, took photos at some and had a great packed lunch with the seagulls. It has been a fantastic day for weather with bright sunshine and a cooling breeze. It's a great start to our camping experience and we are really looking forward to making our way up towards Brisbane before Christmas.

Thanks to cousin Jen and Joe for the recommendation of seeing this brillant area of the country.

Tonight we are going to make fajitas and chill out maybe with a drink or two in the eating area of the campsite.

Tomorrow we head for Port Stephen (about 150km) up the coast.

Love to all at home.

Mark & Rach. xxx

Sydney

Early Tuesday morning we arrived in Sydney after a good flight from Singapore. We collected our hire car and set off towards Hornsby (North Sydney) where we were staying with Rach's friend Kate who used to work at Haydon. After a few hiccups with the directions and a bit of a detour through central Sydney and over the Harbour Bridge we found our way and arrived at Kate's flat. It was great for Rach to catch up with her, however, Mark was soon bored on the teacher talk!
After a cup of tea we decided to get the essential shopping trip done to buy our camping gear. Mark had seen a place online and Kate knew where it was so we set off. We bought a little but adequate tent and an inflatable matress, then went to Kmart and got plastic cutlery and crockery. Once the shopping was done we were both exhausted as neither of us had slept at all on the flight. A nap was in order, so whilst Kate took our washing over to her sister's house we got a couple of hours kip. We woke about 6pm feeling refreshed and ready for a beer.
That evening we walked to a great cafe nearby for dinner and then went to a pub before going back to the flat for a good nights sleep ready for our full day sightseeing on Wednesday.
After breakfast we got the train into Sydney, getting off just before the Harbour Bridge. Kate was our tour guide and had a route planned. We walked across the bridge, getting fantastic views of the harbour and Opera House and then walked down to the rocks and along to the Opera House where we sat outside for a coffee. After lots of photo taking we wandered through the Botanical gardens before getting some lunch. After lunch we walked through town to Darling Harbour and went for a drink at Bungalow 8 bar looking out at all the big yachts. When we were in Sydney 3 years ago it was raining and cold so it was great to see the sights in the sunshine. By 4.30 we were all pretty tired and had covered lots of ground so we got the train back to Hornsby. That evening we had been invited for a BBQ at Kate's sister's house with her husband and two children. We had a fantastic evening and were very spoilt with a sensational Aussie BBQ - the first of many we hope!
This morning after breakfast we left Kate's flat behind and started the camping expedition of our trip. All equipped with our new gear we arrived at 'Sydney lakeside holiday park' and pitched our tent for the first time. The campsite is really well equipped with a camp kitchen, BBQ areas and best of all it's situated 5 minutes walk from a stunning beach. We did some food shopping, made lunch and then walked down to the beach. Sitting on the golden sand we watched the surfers catching waves. As per usual when we first arrive somewhere the weather wasn't quite as we expected. Fortunately it has dried up now but we've had a few rain showers. Fingers crossed for sunshine tomorrow!
Hope all is well at home and everyone is getting set for Christmas.
Lots of Love
Rach & Mark. xxx

Singapore

Our journey from KL to Singapore took just over 5 hours. We had booked seats on a coach recommended by the Balfour mob and unknown to us it turned out to be a luxury coach service! So we reclined in our seats and watched 'Pretty Woman' on our individual screens! We were also given dinner which wasn't bad either.
Arriving on the the outskirts of the city we jumped into a cab and headed towards Clarke Quay where Sharon (KPMG friend)had kindly offered her place while she was away - its great knowing people around the world (thanks Sharon). The apartment was ideal - great location and very comfortable. Our first evening was spent walking along the Quay to grab a quick bite to eat before calling it a night so we could make the most of the following day. We woke and made use of the complimentary breakfast before heading to Sentosa Island. Unfortunately the weather wasn't kind so we spent the day dodging the rain and visiting the various sights on the Island like the Lion monument and the aquarium. That evening we walked along Boat Quay stopped for a drink and admired the skyline (in the rain) and then went to Tent for dinner, a Mongolian BBQ restaurant we had been to before back in 2006.
On our second day Rach wasn't feeling too good so we had a gentle start and got the chores done - more washing. In the afternoon with Rach feeling better we went to the Singapore Zoo and then to the Night Safari which was next door. Both venues were fantastic and a recommendation for anyone. Unlike most zoos the one in Singapore used moats to keep the animals in which allowed you to get closer and take better pictures. The Night Safari was the real highlight though. Being able to walk around and see how various creatures behaved after dark was incredible and you gained a different perspective on their lives.
Our final day in Singapore was spent wandering through Chinatown and Little India before finishing off the packing a grabbing a taxi to the airport. As we sat in the airport having a drink we reflected over our 3 months spent in Asia and how different our experiences have been in the 6 countries visited. It has been an amazing adventure so far and we are really excited about getting to Australia.
Hope all is good at home and you've done your Christmas shopping.
Love
Mark & Rach. xxx

Penang and KL

Checking out of our hotel we received the cashback as promised due to Mark not being happy with the room and the original price associated. The ferry trip back to Penang flew by due to both of us chatting to an Australian family about almost everything.

Arriving in Penang we were met by Stuart shouting amongst the 'other' taxi drivers for our business. Clara was waiting in the car and after packing our bags into the boot we headed for a quick drink before going to a gallery opening of one of their friends. We looked quite scruffy compared to all the other guests but they didn't mind! We stayed for a while and then went for some food in 'Batu Ferringo' along the coast from Georgetown. We met up with more friends of Stu and Clara's and spent the rest of the evening catching up. It was fantastic to see them and as ever with Stu on the way home we popped into the local for one (several) for the road. The bar was called 'Daya' and Stu told us a story of how this bar used to be just a fridge and some lights when he first stumbled upon it. Since then and obvious support (buying drink) from Stu it now had tables and chairs out the front. In typical Stu style he told that story several times before realising he'd already told us!

The following day we woke up at their Penang pad and chilled for the rest of day in the town and by the pool in their complex. Well, it wasn't very chilled by the pool as Stu was asked to leave due to his shorts being to long and not the correct attire despite them being swimming trunks! He told the security officer in no uncertain terms 'if you want my shorts then you'll have to get in the pool and physically remove them!' - Very entertaining!

We travelled back to KL on the Sunday, kindly driven back by Dave and Sukhvin, the friends we met a couple of nights before - thanks guys. Straight away we started the chore of the washing our clothes. That evening Stu had hockey training so after dropping him off we went grocery shopping with Clara and Alex. After picking Stu up from hockey we went to the local food hall for dinner.

Yesterday we went into KL centre and spent the day walking around the various districts (Golden triangle, Chinatown & Little India) and using the MRT/LRT. After spending the last week or so chilling on beaches it was great to explore again and feel like travellers rather than holiday makers. We met up wth Stu, Clara and Alex for an evening meal at a local German restaurant and Mark had proper sausages! Thanks to having internet on tap we also booked some tent pitches for Austalia and booked our bus ride to Singapore this Friday. Its been great to stay with the Balfour clan in KL and much appreciated. Alex has kept us entertained throughout our stay with her cheeky smile and chatter!

Hope all is well at home and you are all getting into the Christmas spirit!

Love

Mark & Rach. xxx

Langkawi - with plenty of sunshine!

Well after our moaning about the rain we've had beautiful sunshine for the past few days! Due to the fantastic weather we don't have a lot to report as we have pretty much bummed around on the beach, sunbathing, swimming and playing frisbee. In the evenings we've been spoilt with some excellent food and stunning sunsets!

We did try to explore more of Langkawi but needed a motorbike license which obviously neither of us have. So reluctantly we went back to the beach for more sun worshipping!

Tommorrow we get the ferry back to Penang where this time we are definately meeting up with Stu Balfour and spending the next week with him, Clara and Alex (wife and baby daughter) in Penang and then KL.

Hope all is well at home.

Love from

Rach & Mark - bronzed and happy!!!

xxx

Langkawi - If this is the dry season.....whats the monsoon like!

We took the ferry to Langkawi and Malaysian timings are just like Thai timings! We were told it would take 2.5 hours - 3.5 hours later we arrived and yep it was raining.

We checked into our hotel but had to wait a couple of hours for the key so we explored the surroundings. We're staying on Cenang Beach which is on the West side of Langkawi. The accommodation is slightly disappointing for what we've paid but Mark managed to get some money back today after explaining to the Manager he wasn't happy! Despite that, the place on the whole is ideal; a long golden beach, a good selection of bars and restaurants to choose from and when the sun is shining we're happy beans. We spent the remaining part of yesterday getting our bearings, doing some washing and managed to speak to most of the family members which was great. Calls from Malaysia are very cheap despite it being on the mobile - good news! That evening we had an early dinner and a drink and were ready for the sun tomorrow.

This morning it was overcast but like tough Brits we hit the beach anyway determined to enjoy the weather. Our determination paid off as within a couple of hours the sun came out and we felt the warm rays on our backs. Sadly that didn't last long and while Mark was walking down the beach the heavens opened. In response we headed back to the hotel, got changed and went for lunch. With it still raining we decided to visit the local aquarium which was quite good really. It did, however, sell very unusual gifts in the shop - fags, alcohol and a a lot of fish based snacks!

When we left the sun was out so we headed for the beach again to soak up the last of the days warmth and watched the sunset with a drink. Tonight we're going Thai and may play a couple of hands of cards before bed. Tomorrow subject to the weather we may hire a motorbike and explore the island further but if the sun is out the topping up of tans will be the order of the day.

Love to all at home. Thanks for all the messages - keep them coming.

Mark & Rach. xx

We're back on the Indian Curries - blame the Irish!

Sadly we had to leave Ko Phangan and in fact Thailand early due to our visa expiring which made us quite sad really as we'd enjoyed the tranquilty of Ko Phangan and the fact we didn't do anything but chill out and read. The journey to Penang took over 15 hours (boat, coach and 2 mini-buses) but we arrived safely last night at around 9pm. Fortunately we'd shared some of the journey with fellow travellers (1 guy from Bath and a couple from Ireland). Apart from the occasional concern due to the drivers forgetting they were in minibuses and thinking they were in a Ferrari the journey was uneventful and again it was raining!
Not having anywhere to stay (due to a miscommunication with Mr Balfour) we walked around the city for an hour trying to find somewhere. After trying five places we went back to where we were dropped off right outside a guesthouse - convenient hey (driver commission)! So bored with hunting we decided to drop our bags at the Banana Guesthouse (not the best but it did the job), grab a quick beer, talk about the trip down with the other travellers and then go for a bite to eat. The Irish couple mentioned they fancied an Indian curry and because we haven't had one since leaving India we also thought why not. Taking the recommendation from the guesthouse we ambled down the road and tucked into a mixture of dishes (no beer though).
Being tired from the long journey we returned with our bellies full and hit the sack.
Apart from being woken up at 04:20 due to someone calling the UK outside our door we slept well. To be honest it was a blessing in disguise really as Mark had fallen asleep with his contact lenses still in - idiot!
Waking up later at a more reasonable hour our main objectives for the day were to find another place to stay as the Banana Guesthouse could only put us up for one night, get a Malaysian SIM card for the phone, see if we could book an extra days stay in Langkawi and then book a boat for the following day to Langkawi! By lunchtime we'd completed all our tasks and deserved a spot of food - an Indian again!
Luckily a number of the tasks meant we had to walk around a fair bit of Penang. Most of it was around the Chinatown and Little India districts (near the port). You can tell that Penang used to be a very important place for the East India Company when the British Empire was alive and well with some very impressive colonial buildings (now looking worse for wear). Tonight we plan to frequent a drinking establishment (might not need food after our big lunch) and people watch.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Langkawi and hopefully we'll be lucky with the weather. Another couple of days chilling by the beach!
Love to all and remember - someones got to do it and fortuntately it's us!
Mark & Rach. xxx