Final Destination: Bristol

So, Bristol it is then. After some soul searching and many job applications we've decided to live in the lovely city of Bristol. It's been a crazy time- we can't believe we've been back in creamy old England for 4 months now! But Bristol seems to be a good choice, the waterfront has been gorgeous in the June sun & we can't wait to explore the surrounds- the mendips, somerset, cotswolds, malverns...etc and Emma is happy to be a west country lass once more. The pensive bronze fellow is John Cabot watching his ship the Michael sail off to America. He got there before Columbus you know.

We'll keep putting news on here for far flung friends & rellies.

Back in Blighty

There really is nothing like a good old British pub.

Cheers!

Last few days on the road... Singapore

The last few days of the trip were spent in Singapore. We were passing through so we thought, why not stay a few days. It's a rather bonkers place: we felt a bit like we never really left the airport because of the superfluity of spotless, shiny air-conditioned (dare I say soulless) malls, as shown below. What we liked more was the fabulous zoo and night safari (We officially love mouse deer!!) which treats its animals so well: better than we've ever seen in a Zoo. The Indian quarter was fascinating and uncannily like really being in India.

Stupendous Sydney

We spent just about 3 weeks downunder and spent most of that in Sydney (will have to come back to see the rest sometime...) It's a really fantastic, beautiful city. There's SO much to do - museums and cafes and walks and beaches and incredible views. We loved it! Here's a few iconic Sydney shots and Em writing a postcard or two. Wendy's friend Liz was kind enough to put us up for our stop in Sydney and even took us to the Opera house to see the Magic Flute. That's got to be on the list of things to do before you die, right?

Rarotonga, the Cook Islands

This place was beautiful. It was the hottest and muggiest place ever though! The air humidity can hover around 90%... isn't that like breathing in water?! It didn't cool down a jot in the night either. We also got bitten to pieces by mosquitoes. Which just shows that paradise really isn't as simple as washing up on a desert island!

Did some amazing snorkelling in the lagoons which circle the whole island. You can walk out to this small island in the pics from the beach - the water reaches about to your waist. The water is crystal clear and warm... properly warm, like bathwater!

Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula

First settled by the French, this is a lovely little village south of Christchurch that is nestled in the hollow of a large volcano. This was our last jaunt in New Zealand before flying on...

Road warning sign from Oamaru...

You don't get many of these in Old London Town.