tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25451067545966089402011-10-19T17:09:37.657+01:00glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-33208009101901272462011-08-18T16:33:00.001+01:002011-08-18T16:33:02.477+01:00

My birthday treat in 2011 has been bringing my blogging up to date. I now have another blog for my poetry and yarn crafts, Glowworm Creative: new entries unrelated to travel will be found there, plus lots of other stuff for you to follow …. looking forward to seeing you there

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-18499807219999334112010-11-03T21:10:00.001Z2010-11-03T21:10:16.612Z

Our second Thames Path walk took us through Greenwich, Deptford, Rotherhithe and finally, into Southwark. London places with public art, history and river views on offer, including a statue of St Peter, South Docks farm, a curlicue …     Walking on with quiet residential mews on our left and an equally quiet river with the Isle of Dogs in the background on our right we came across a

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-75886416740735395222010-10-30T20:04:00.002+01:002010-10-30T20:05:13.667+01:00

Wonderful walk today from Holmwood to Forest Green, returning via Leith Hill and Coldharbour. Eleven miles, autumn colours and houses belonging to famous Surrey residents like Ralph Vaughn-Williams & Charles Darwin  -visiting his sister who married a Wedgewood- in every direction.  Full marks to the staff at The Parrot for good soup served so quickly even though the pub was brimming.  A great

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-63286835373687145162010-10-13T18:45:00.001+01:002010-10-13T18:45:19.211+01:00

Arranging a date for the first walk of our Thames Path Journey was a challenge given the diaries of those of us who have decided to make it one of those things we do (or rather, we start) this year! So it was great to start and walking the first 4.5 miles from the Thames Barrier to Greenwich was a real pleasure on Tuesday (11 10 2010). It was slightly cool in the wind as we made our way from

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-91402794387794126652010-06-29T21:57:00.002+01:002010-06-29T21:57:38.860+01:00

Just back from an enjoyable evening of poetry at the local library. Poetry readings from the Mole Valley Poets Anthology, Celebrating Surrey poems and some fun with everyone trying their hand at a list poem.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-60095032778549030082010-06-01T15:26:00.001+01:002010-06-01T15:26:06.901+01:00

Nine miles from Witley to Chiddingfold and return –why was I walking in the rain I asked myself several times on Saturday. We walked at a lively pace, all the more to reach the pub and be out of the wet for a while. Yes, the Surrey countryside was at its best but between the raindrops and steam on my glasses I saw  very little.  The highlight was in the variety of terrain –meadows, hazel woodland

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-7458326523146392122010-05-29T14:57:00.001+01:002010-06-01T18:00:09.160+01:00

Friday 28 June 2010 –a planned visit to Quilts 1700-2010 at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/quilts-1700-2010 , very well curated by Sue Pritchard. We checked in ticket-wise, hired an i-touch to take advantage of the expert commentary and get some close up pictures of the quilts, and had coffee in a spectacular room that’s now part of the V&A’s cafe. Mary,

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-13228216847145511922010-05-20T13:03:00.000+01:002010-06-01T13:47:21.751+01:00

What a wonderful way to wake up –warm croissants, fresh fruit, fragrant coffee and according to the pilot, a hot and sunny day is forecast for England. Soon I can see those unmistakable London landmarks: Big Ben, the London Eye, St Pauls, Charing Cross station or is Waterloo and the Thames bending its way through the urban sprawl. A smooth landing, my looking-rather-worse-for-wear suitcase with

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-56445218534320627692010-05-18T17:52:00.001+01:002010-05-18T17:52:24.476+01:00

Two good flights to Bangkok and reports say that southerly winds over Europe are keeping the ash cloud away. My little hub seat on the upper deck was comfy enough for a nice sleep and then I watched A Single Man. I’m reading The Little Stranger by Sarah Walters –the last few pages will fill take off time from here … then I can go back to Wolf Hall which is harder work even though I find the

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-40940168192568272732010-05-18T01:26:00.001+01:002010-05-18T01:26:20.260+01:00

Its very quiet here at Christchurch airport … Heathrow will come as a shock. I’m blogging from the lounge, reflecting on a wonderful few weeks, all the new and not so new places I’ve visited and, most importantly, all the friendly people I’ve met. Its a cliché but travel does broaden the mind. we all have so much in common, the small things differ … Light switches in NZ flick up for on, down

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-14891148979713305742010-05-18T00:57:00.001+01:002010-05-18T00:57:22.365+01:00

Christchurch in the rain: willows that weep in more ways than one, splashes from the tram tracks and people shivering because its 10C. Given that I have been travelling in the southern hemispheres autumn/winter months most times the weather has been very kind. My waterproofs and umbrella made it out of the suitcase today and I soon acclimatised. With my first task of rebooking my flight from

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-86829092512599978102010-05-18T00:56:00.001+01:002010-05-18T00:56:05.335+01:00

Sunday16th 8am -I've cancelled my Bangkok hotel reservation –hard decision but the unrest seems to be worsening. UK foreign office advice is not to travel which invalidates my insurance and other websites are telling people already there to stay indoors. There seems little point in being there if I can’t go anywhere. I seem to remember that last time the political situation was very bad the

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-14715864774481899722010-05-17T23:18:00.000+01:002010-05-17T23:18:27.293+01:00

Just about to leave for Christchurch airport, a very long journey and maybe an interruption to my travels by the ash cloud, and I thought the UK and Holland had been asking for cash, not ash, from Iceland. Snow is predicted for Canterbury by the end of this week and I had that in Denver so its time to end this wonderful adventure. I've enough reading on the e-reader to last several flight delays,

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-40228501670094671202010-05-16T09:57:00.000+01:002010-05-16T09:57:39.374+01:00

Quick entry on B&B computer so no pictures but today was not the day for photography -wet, warm and lots of low cloud. Spent the morning at the Art Gallery  - thought provoking installations and a great exhibition based on the colour blue, meant for the kids but many big kids like me were enjoying it. The outdoor market was minimal given the weather but with some interesting local crafts.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-87512570027078663162010-05-14T10:33:00.001+01:002010-05-14T10:33:22.548+01:00

I left Hokitika just after eight and soon said goodbye to the Tasman Sea. It was angry today, with waves throwing spray out any which way. I’m so glad I was also on the West Coast when it was in a good mood. The left turn to the trans-island highway through Arthur's Pass meant steep gradients, more hairpins and very soon a different landscape. Death’s corner is now a scenic lookout point and has

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-37063608074815079672010-05-14T10:32:00.001+01:002010-05-14T10:32:26.367+01:00

Baby Cow was enjoying the rain soaked meadow as I left Fox for Hokitika and, this time, an unplanned B&B stop organised by Karen. Franz Josef was deserted so my errands at the stationers, post shop and garage were soon done. The route took me past the turn for Okarito where the weather changed for the better and, although there was the occasional heavy shower, most of my journey was in

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-48439440923021039202010-05-12T22:30:00.001+01:002010-05-12T22:30:35.276+01:00

The glow–worms were right –rain was on its way. Storms hit the West Coast last evening, first heavy rain,then very windy so no power this morning. The stunning mountains are well hidden and Mrs Cow and her baby look very wet. And, of course, its not a worm but the larva of a gnat that generates light to attract flying insects into its threads to feed on.  It spends 2 months suspended, making

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-91787784777553418032010-05-12T10:51:00.000+01:002010-05-12T10:51:26.930+01:00

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-91591196287393712802010-05-12T10:18:00.001+01:002010-05-12T10:18:22.853+01:00

With heavy rain forecast for tomorrow I decided not to miss the opportunity to see the glacier terminal in the dry even if it was cloudy. My first stop was Sentinel Rock with great views of the Franz Josef glacier and the path all the way to the present end of this mighty structure. It was busy but hardly crowded, lots of people returning from guided climbs, of all nationalities and one or

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-28014571793024796612010-05-12T09:55:00.001+01:002010-05-12T09:55:09.220+01:00

Swade pushed out from the landing stage, read me the safety instructions –the lifejacket was a good windshield, and my personal guided tour began.   There are a few white herons resident here throughout the winter and several of these fairly rare birds were out fishing today, as well as white faced herons, black shags, pied shags, black and white fronted terns, black-billed gulls, royal

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-42420921043905362332010-05-12T09:21:00.001+01:002010-05-12T09:21:28.281+01:00

Breakfast at 8 am, a call from Franz Joseph Glacier Flights to say they were flying but the weather could close in and ground them by midday so I headed north to FJ for a two glacier flight. Sadly no-one was doing the heli-hike but at least there were others like me wanting to fly –the minimum they take is 2 so I needed those 4 other tourists. I sat next to the pilot with a perfect view of

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-49877285665367650182010-05-12T08:28:00.001+01:002010-05-12T08:28:49.082+01:00

One or two more stopping places en route to Fox. First Whataroa with its wonderful Maori art gallery -some historic pieces and lots of carvings for sale (too big and too heavy) and then Okarito where The Piano was filmed (I think) and Keri Hulme, author of The Bone People, lives. So peaceful by the estuary …    By now the journey to Fox was taking me rather longer then planned so I

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-50090684728053373282010-05-12T08:25:00.001+01:002010-05-12T08:25:43.893+01:00

After lots of tips from Jan about where to stop and what to see I set of south this morning. Breakers B&B is certainly the place for a relaxing stay in this part of the West Coast …   Spotting a quilt shop was an unexpected treat just after Greymouth –my fabric purchase was well within my rules being light, flat, local and a useful addition to my stash. With more time I might have stayed for

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-12076743939563962462010-05-10T09:54:00.001+01:002010-05-10T09:54:45.570+01:00

I ended a wonderful day walking along the beach below the B&B, accessed via the garden, creating some beach art for the seagulls and then watching the best sunset I can ever remember seeing.                       One more night in this very comfy place with the Tasman sea as lullaby. I wish I could capture that sound to play during my travels in place of the dreaded

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-21485810054945460422010-05-10T09:49:00.001+01:002010-05-10T09:49:14.152+01:00

Today was a rest day from driving –I went a few kms north to Punakaiki and just beyond, driving one of the best coast roads in the world. The 3 blow holes were relatively calm. Patience was needed (that’s shadowy me waiting) to see the spray that bursts forth when the crashing waves hit the pillars of limestone pancakes that formed 24 million years ago. Unsurprisingly I encountered

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-64848495054278161022010-05-09T07:23:00.001+01:002010-05-09T07:23:40.092+01:00

I said a teary goodbye to Heather early this morning for my reverse journey over Takaka Hill, destination Greymouth. There was very little left of the cloud that covered the hills yesterday so again there were great views. My few days in Golden Bay were very special and made me realise that going back into the past can be very worthwhile. Thank you, Heather, for looking after me so well-it was

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-35653159403785996222010-05-09T06:05:00.001+01:002010-05-09T06:05:33.163+01:00

Another cloudy warm day at the Bay and a visit to Simon and Kerry’s new house at Patons Rock. With all around views, neighbourly young cows and plenty of birdlife, the attraction of building a house in this spot is clear. The interior is slowly taking shape –including logs stoves and bedrooms with balcony’s to take in the views. We were able to compare living in very different houses that are

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-80251666474306124822010-05-08T00:59:00.001+01:002010-05-08T00:59:46.358+01:00

I made my way north today along the coast to Farewell Spit. First stop Pupu springs –the largest freshwater springs in NZ and the clearest in the world. The walkway skirts the ‘lake’ filled with water gushing from marble rock rifts and is surrounded by a replenished forest of manuka and kanuka trees and ferns. The gold mining industry destroyed much of the forest that once covered Takaka valley.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-85386113134453259332010-05-08T00:58:00.003+01:002010-05-08T00:58:53.684+01:00

Some cloud this morning but still bright and warm as I headed for Ligar Bay for a walk on its golden sand. Again, my companions were the birds, either paddling in the shallows or busy in the bushes. A pair of gannets flew across, wide, white wings with a flash of colour on their back, they caused a little alarm amongst the oyster catchers and seagulls. The sand has an ever changing surface –

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-64757070049587367022010-05-08T00:58:00.001+01:002010-05-08T00:58:14.206+01:00

Heather kindly did the driving this morning to Pohara, Tarakohe and the wonderful coastline eastwards. The area has become a sought after place to live –lots of splendid houses with beach access and others with views of Golden Bay and Farewell Spit. Up the Gully (as Pohara Valley Road is locally known) we found the School, now a Maori meeting house and the house my family lived in.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-73289262346348894262010-05-08T00:56:00.001+01:002010-05-08T00:56:23.753+01:00

My plan for an early start to the day was hindered by some difficulty with paying for the 3 nights B&B in Nelson. I booked all my stays with a reservation agency and all worked fine in Wellington but in Nelson the host wanted my credit card details herself. After a long telephone call to the agency to convince her that I had already given these and payment would be made via the agency. A lesson

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-20981529462440447052010-05-03T07:12:00.001+01:002010-05-03T07:12:28.162+01:00

I worked out my driving distances for my route down the South Island last night –not too much on any one day but enough to have another slow mainly walking about day today. My Dutch host had breakfast ready for me at 9 am including a ginger, lemon and manuka honey drink to help me resist any travel bugs. Paulina offers listening therapy in her grass roofed studio. Earlier I’d had my own version

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-45502930867898954672010-05-02T08:56:00.001+01:002010-05-02T08:56:18.423+01:00

The Nelson Sunday flea market is much like any other –and reminded me of the Sunday morning attic sales that Paul, Tracey and I go to during the summer in and around Puycasquier.  I soon found somewhere for brunch –eaten outside in the sun which has shone all day. Nelson’s Museum is small, easily navigated and full of the history of this important city. Significant events include the site of

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-60427106292116471392010-05-01T09:18:00.001+01:002010-05-01T09:18:23.314+01:00

Helped by the satnav I found the Boat Shed tonight –a Nelson institution, according to the Lonely Planet’s Guide to eating in this compact city. Rather nice and rather posh –roses, candles and Late Junction music, and willing to give a table to this tired, shabby and hungry person. The whitebait and snapper were perfectly cooked by the on-view chefs who only had to ring the servery bell once for

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-1810070964527186882010-05-01T06:08:00.001+01:002010-05-01T06:08:27.795+01:00

A trouble free transfer from ferry to hire car and I was soon on Queen Charlotte Drive heading for Havelock. This scenic route westwards is on one very good road (made hiring a satnav seem superfluous) with frequent lookout points. I can’t do justice with words to the landscape, its autumnal colours amongst the pine forests and the bird song that accompanied my photo-stops …  

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-29444589217072363832010-05-01T06:05:00.001+01:002010-05-01T06:05:36.321+01:00

A smooth journey to the Ferry Terminal at 07 30 after I’d called for a second taxi! I’m not sure what happened to the one that Dean ordered … at least this driver knew the way. I’m slowly getting used to taxi drivers who expect passengers to know how to get to their destination and to explaining that I’m a visitor and one reason I’m in their taxi is that I don’t know the route. Blessings on all

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-78298272711916114192010-04-30T08:42:00.001+01:002010-04-30T08:42:05.463+01:00

A slow day today enjoying Wellington and some more of Te Papa with so much NZ history. This city is contained within a crescent of land bordered by the sea and hills –its easy to get from one side to the other especially when the wind blows you along. The forbidding clouds stayed away from the city centre today apart from a 5 min shower –not what was forecast but I’m not complaining. I’m now

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-34122052205209044002010-04-29T08:16:00.001+01:002010-04-29T08:16:32.296+01:00

Spent the day in this compact city, buffered by the wind from west to east as I exercised up and down its wide streets. The quayside walk has reminders of the first people to land in this harbour and Queens Wharf must have been where we disembarked last time I was here (aged 9). First job was to book my ferry ticket on Saturday and then it was uphill all the way to the house where

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-86567510694245446032010-04-28T11:07:00.001+01:002010-04-28T11:07:05.817+01:00

Don and Joy saw me safely onto the Wellington bound coach this morning. Joy picked two Nelson College roses for the breakfast table -we are both ‘old girls’ although I was not there very long –thank you Joy for such thoughtfulness.  My time with Don and Joy was very special and has given me some wonderful memories –thank you both very much.  We had great chats about the past and the present. I’m

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-32528961648039695102010-04-28T10:28:00.001+01:002010-04-28T10:28:25.084+01:00

This is my last day with Don and Joy –its been wonderful talking about the time they and my family lived in Golden Bay. Don’s photos and their memories of that time have helped me to remember lots more about those 3 years of my life. We had a gourmet lunch today at the Mission Winery –again some great views and an excellent Sauvignon Blanc. Later Joy showed me many of her quilting projects …

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-71556558017932980772010-04-28T10:14:00.001+01:002010-04-28T10:14:39.029+01:00

Sunday 25th,April is ANZAC day –nationwide there are lots of ceremonies to recognise the contribution of NZ service women and men both at dawn and, as in Don and Joy’s small town of Taradale just outside Napier, mid morning at the town’s memorial. The hour long service was very well attended with school children, local volunteer organisations and the MP amongst those laying a wreath. The NZ

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-79303921187126199862010-04-28T09:26:00.001+01:002010-04-28T09:26:43.340+01:00

Thank you, Mel, for my safe delivery to Brisbane airport on Friday morning  –I was soon eating breakfast in the Qantas lounge and then taking off for NZ. During lunch I learnt more about the people who are presently migrating to Australia. My fellow passenger was a recent South African immigrant on a business trip to Chile for the mine he works for in Queensland. He wanted his family to grow up

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-3816728157927348632010-04-22T08:11:00.001+01:002010-04-22T08:11:52.153+01:00

Wonderful to wake up and see the sun today, I caught the local train to Central Station to explore some of Brisbane. First stop an Aveda salon to get my hair cut –their neck and shoulders massage features wherever you are in the world and felt very good today. Then I explored the South Bank arts complex –museums, galleries and a Hat exhibition that was at the V&A in London some time ago. The

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-82135266891108752662010-04-21T13:16:00.001+01:002010-04-21T13:16:48.506+01:00

Watched another very good movie, Le Concert, tonight in the Graceville cinema, just a ten minute walk from Mel’s house. Great direction by Radu Mihaileanu and wonderful music. It is the comic and often sad story of a Russian conductor fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a cleaner at the Bolshoi, he learns accidently of an invitation to the Bolshoi orchestra to play in Paris, gets together his

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-75215478933555758772010-04-21T08:03:00.001+01:002010-04-21T08:03:09.156+01:00

Woke up to heavy, straight rain -just what everyone here wants.  I’m just hoping for a dry day tomorrow when I plan to see some of the city. My lunchtime meeting with IPE colleagues meant I visited another UQ campus –this one is St Lucia. The suburbs here have a wonderful mix of names that tell the story of the origins of present day Australians. Aboriginal mixed in with English, Scottish and all

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-70724352771799224982010-04-20T13:05:00.002+01:002010-04-21T07:44:22.109+01:00

08 30: Some great bird sounds as I woke this morning and then a birthday breakfast for Imogen who is 17 today. The humidity is rising and rain is forecast so this will be a good day to be inside giving my lecture at UQ’s medical school. I’ve now downloaded the photos I took on my phone during my tour of the Melbourne gardens where Captain Cook’s cottage now rests after its transportation from

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-64672885456571478062010-04-19T09:39:00.001+01:002010-04-19T09:39:37.310+01:00

The start of another week and I saw Captain Cook’s cottage this morning before going to the airport. Qantas are top of my airline list at present –cheerful cabin staff, wide seats and, so far, punctual flights. But I’m one of the lucky ones not travelling to Europe this week! I’m keeping track of the volcano ash cloud and wondering just how long it can last. From seat 2F I have an aerial view of

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-710721240438913842010-04-18T12:11:00.002+01:002010-04-19T11:08:32.582+01:00

Jersey Boys was just what I needed to keep me awake after 2 conference days in Mildura. It was great to be reminded of so many sounds of the sixties -I hadn't realised how many hits Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons had! This morning I headed for St Kilda’s on the 96 tram  -a warm and sunny day so a busy beach and crowds at the Arts Market.  St Kilda’s is a typical seaside town with one unique

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-42783702407250294062010-04-18T12:10:00.002+01:002010-04-19T11:05:08.968+01:00

Two days in Mildura, a Victoria/NSW border town, for a local conference at the Rural Clinical School. I learnt lots about the arrangements for health science undergraduates to gain clinical experience in rural and remote communities and the interprofessional education initiatives in many sites outside Victoria’s metropolitan areas. Dinner on Friday evening was at a art gallery restaurant with an

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-57078874328614690202010-04-14T22:52:00.001+01:002010-04-14T22:52:22.111+01:00

A quick and comfortable flight from Sydney to Melbourne this morning and an afternoon getting to know the geography of this bustling city. The free hop on and hop off city tour bus offers the best way to see what there is to see. I stayed on the bus until the Immigration Museum which occupies the old, very grand Customs House building.  History, the politics of Australian immigration past and

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-26556595482284892932010-04-14T22:51:00.001+01:002010-04-14T22:51:48.921+01:00

We joined the early evening gathering at the Opera Bar, soaking up the sights and lights around the harbour. Its clearly the place to be on a Friday evening in Sydney –very buzzy, international and great for fashion watching. The performance was a multi media production of modern dance, tap & ballet with voice synchronised with film … plus Gershwin’s music: so much to watch and listen to. The

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-3047011837307731552010-04-13T11:11:00.001+01:002010-04-13T11:11:08.019+01:00

Another warm blue sky day and my last trip on the Many Ferry to the city.  I've spent most of the day in the Museum of Contemporary Art enjoying the many aboriginal pieces on show and their current exhibition of video installations by a French artist who travels the world collecting live art commentaries from ordinary people.  Sydney is full of national and international tourists. Stopping

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-40519995821749858442010-04-13T11:10:00.003+01:002010-04-13T11:10:43.104+01:00

A suburban train ride this morning to the newest campus of the University of Western Sydney for a meeting with colleagues doing a best evidence medical education systematic review. Back in the city after lunch I explored some of the shopping malls; very quickly I felt I could have been anywhere in the world so headed for the more individual nature of Circular Quay where once again I boarded the

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-19935800691568585922010-04-13T11:10:00.001+01:002010-04-13T11:10:14.114+01:00

A wonderful day meeting my Australian family –Auntie Peggy, half cousins Pam and Barry, and several once removed cousins.  After a train & replacement bus trip that introduced me to another part of NSW I quickly spotted Pam, Ken and Carley at Sutherland Station with their Welcome Cousin sign. We continued by car along a stunning stretch of coastline; the route includes a road bridge that’s an

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-89945012671982251312010-04-13T11:08:00.001+01:002010-04-13T11:08:40.827+01:00

Sightseeing around Sydney via several ferries: a wander around The Rocks market, then the zoo and finally Watson Bay for a meal at Doyles Fish Restaurant. I have countless photos of the Opera House but every angle is worth another click … and almost as many of Australia’s native animals. Jill was our guide to The Rocks with its Saturday market full of temptation and numerous cafes. Liz and I

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-73769006651643963122010-04-09T08:44:00.001+01:002010-04-09T08:44:46.361+01:00

All Together Better Heath 5 finished with audience participation in Waltzing Matilda. I’ve left my colleagues in the bar to get ready for a night of Gershwin at the Opera House We’ve been mulling over what a very good time we’ve all had and how nice it will be to meet again in Japan in 2012. The sky is full of birds screeching their way to their roosts. My family visit on Sunday is all arranged –

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-35321573899134169452010-04-09T05:44:00.001+01:002010-04-09T05:44:43.067+01:00

An afternoon off with Liz and Susanne –we took the Manly Ferry to Central Quay, headed for the Opera House and toured the Royal Botanic Gardens.             Every which way you look at the Opera House the dimensions are different, the structure aligns at a new angle with the skyline and light bounces along the fins in a surprising angle. The local advice was that we should finish with a

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-64786447245856211672010-04-09T05:43:00.003+01:002010-04-09T05:43:41.845+01:00

Woke up to rain (its following me around the world) although thankfully in Sydney at this time of the year it is the warm variety. The conference is in full swing … the highlight today an inspiring keynote about University of the Western Cape students collaborative practice experiences in community settings. These types of interprofessional education events in South Africa and other places have

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-73449217929052167422010-04-09T05:43:00.001+01:002010-04-09T05:43:20.399+01:00

My day starts with a quick walk, and the occasional slow jog, along Manly beach. People are running, swimming, surfing … the waves are rather gentle, a hopeful sun lurks behind light cloud. Its the first day of ATBH5 and our group from the UK Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education is running a pre conference workshop at 09 00. The room is full and soon we have the

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-5495218105100249672010-04-09T05:42:00.001+01:002010-04-09T05:42:27.400+01:00

I crossed the Bay Bridge one more time en route to SF airport and my flight to Sydney. The BA lounge looked identical to all their others in UK airports –they clearly bulk buy china, furniture and refreshments. The one exception was the direct entry onto the plane which meant I was quickly settled into seat 1K on the 747, filling in my breakfast menu card and choosing a bedtime movie. The Lovely

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-62596449105793198742010-04-04T01:03:00.001+01:002010-04-04T01:03:23.112+01:00

The weather forecast was spot on –it rained all day Friday so reluctantly I did some work! Just a gentle reminder about the sessions I am involved in at the All Together Better Health Conference next week. Kirsten (my sister-in law’s sister in law) invited us to dinner –  artichokes and a wonderful chocolate tort were part of the menu and we heard all about her camping trip to Death Valley. Her

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-86106253536802714582010-04-02T16:34:00.001+01:002010-04-02T16:34:39.337+01:00

I wonder what sort of weather today will bring! I’m looking forward to weather that does not invite comment … maybe in Australia it will be just one sunny day after another. Enjoyed the company of Pauline and another group of her friends at the movies last night. First a meal at a local restaurant –good Italian food and an owner who understood that we needed to be out of there in under an hour.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-42657400742677638352010-04-02T00:52:00.001+01:002010-04-02T00:52:24.189+01:00

Thor made his feelings clear this morning as Pauline and I set off for our morning walk around the lake on our own … apparently he would have slowed us down and had done his circuit with Kris much earlier. In the garden the camellia’s are in full blossom along the path to the chicken coop View Full Album The latest additions to the Holst farmyard are being nursed to point of lay in the

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-27111622647261089292010-04-01T02:40:00.001+01:002010-04-01T02:40:56.092+01:00

A quick walk around the lake in the early morning sunshine started Wednesday for me, with ducks, busy blue backed birds and lots of wild flowers on show on my way. Onto a local quilting shop –what temptation! Stacks of fabrics, some fine quilts on display and books galore on all sorts of sewing crafts. Its a good job I have to match my purchases on this trip to the little space I have left in my

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-13409303530487484122010-03-31T01:38:00.001+01:002010-03-31T01:38:55.846+01:00

Pauline and I took the BART into SF this morning to meet Peter for lunch. The second Mexican meal of my visit, this time in a busy lunchtime restaurant in the heart of the financial district –I  recommend the Nopales (cactus) Prawn Burrito and the beer. We spent the afternoon looking at the 75 year Anniversary Show in the SF Museum of Modern Art and some large scale sculptures in the roof

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-44150824379359154152010-03-30T03:08:00.001+01:002010-03-30T03:08:28.295+01:00

  The view of the Rockies from above lived up to my expectations –it looked just like the whitest meringue as far as I could see, changing to a landscape of canyons and desert as LA approached. The weather delayed my flight from LA to San Francisco –one of either the rain, fog and snow seem to travel with me as I move westwards! It’s good to be settled here in Orinda for a few days with Pauline

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-21430144901434177232010-03-30T02:55:00.002+01:002010-03-30T15:37:34.869+01:00

I’m waiting at Denver Airport for my flight to San Francisco; there’s a great view of the Rockies this sunny early morning and I’m looking forward to seeing them from above in a short while. Elizabeth, Jim, Katherine and Edward made my stay in Colorado very special; thank you all so much. Elizabeth, Katherine and Edward deserve special thanks for waking up early today for lots of goodbye hugs,

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-33426596489748534772010-03-29T01:54:00.004+01:002010-03-30T15:34:54.976+01:00

Katherine is helping me to write the blog today… first we went to The Garden of the Gods, where there are lots of red sandstone rocks including the kissing camels. Katherine and Edward held up the Balancing Rock, we walked on one of the trails where Katherine was our tour leader. After lunch we went up Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway, up beyond the tree line, we couldn't go any further because

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-80274796197698607722010-03-27T22:30:00.001Z2010-03-27T22:30:52.401Z

Just a light covering of snow (on top of the previous many inches) this morning as we set off for the Denver Art Museum. Katherine and Edward introduced me to the Embrace Exhibition with some great temporary installations. I stood in a room of light magic, admired the ‘word’ art and walked through the bungee room! The floor devoted to the American first nation’s people was a learning experience

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-78817920655659473582010-03-27T00:12:00.002Z2010-03-30T15:40:34.650+01:00

I've had a great day with Elizabeth, Jim, Katherine and Edward; visits to Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rock Theatre and the  Bug Museum as the weather closed in and the snow came down. I'm told this is typical Colorado and the next two days will be fine.There were plenty of Dinosaur footprints and bones on show on the Ridge and the Red Rocks provide a wonderful open air auditorium and some great views of

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-67845191368706675022010-03-26T15:45:00.002Z2010-03-29T01:34:01.467+01:00

Undaunted by the continuing rain Mattie and I spent Tuesday out and about in Rochester. First stop City Hall and a photography exhibition and then to the Library to listen the the Director of Public Health review a recent book on international health policy. Coming just as the President was signing the new Health Care Bill this attracted a large audience with pertinent questions from the large

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-57410499645128376742010-03-23T11:25:00.001Z2010-03-23T11:25:09.650Z

Mattie and Mike have given me a warm welcome into their beautiful house which was built with lots of Californian Redwood. Outside my window two small clumps of snowdrops provide the only green shoots in a rather bleak landscape. I’m told that Rochester competes with Seattle for the most cloudy days in the year. No surprise then: it’s raining We drive east along the New York State thruway, our

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-30403748171530569092010-03-22T23:35:00.001Z2010-03-22T23:35:14.036Z

An early start and Heathrow Terminal 3 was, as always, groaning with trolley pushing people. Babies and senior citizens travelling at ease in their carriages and lots of people making their way home for Passover. It was good exercise getting to the gate –the travelators were all out of action and AA87 left from the far reaches of the terminal. I was deep into yesterday’s Guardian Review when

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-86113491394724149662010-03-20T20:25:00.001Z2010-03-20T20:26:24.897Z

I've been reflecting on how different the solo journey I start tomorrow, which will eventually see me in New Zealand, will be to my first journey to NZ when I was 9. That was a family trip, six weeks by sea to a new country so Dad could manage the building of a cement works in what is now a National Park. We stayed in a London hotel before travelling to Southampton to board the SS Corinthic. Lots

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-49518680778210863472010-03-19T21:04:00.000Z2010-03-19T21:04:04.656Z

Just checked the weather at my first 2 stops. Rochester is looking good at 17C but its -2 in Denver!! So is there space in my suitcase for some more cosy clothes or shall I just hope that the warm sun they had earlier this week greets me next weekend. Decisions, decisions. its a tough life ...

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-23684966730435182452010-03-16T19:41:00.001Z2010-03-16T19:41:05.599Z

Some last minute things to do tonight including checking that I remember how to write a blog entry offline. It seems a long time ago since I booked my round the world ticket and James showed me how to do this!!! My first flight leaves two hour earlier thanks to the BA strike but I am so grateful that I could change to American Airlines. No pictures to attach yet but there will be plenty very soon

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-51982000923826058942010-03-10T20:20:00.000Z2010-03-10T20:20:38.948Z

Getting ready for my trip has generated a long  to do list... My car is now SORNed from 01 April and I've ordered foreign currency after a very long spell at the local PO counter!!

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-5080963906778350512010-03-04T11:14:00.000Z2010-03-04T11:14:27.207Z

I'm working my way my thro' my to do list; credit card companies informed, currencies ordered, e-reader with some new books to read and a huge pile of 'I might take this with me' on the bedroom floor. Watch this space

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-77038564008504645542010-02-21T09:38:00.000Z2010-02-21T09:38:51.058Z

Lots of planning news to catch up with. I've been in touch with many friends and family on my route and have some great reunions to look forward to including the Holts and Hansons in US, my primary school teacher and next door neighbours in NZ, and many colleagues in Australia. I've now booked accommodation for my South Island trip -with much help by several B&B hosts about mileage and what to

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-65504670234063392502009-12-29T10:39:00.000Z2009-12-29T10:39:30.002Z

Spent some time yesterday planning my trip around NZ. Looks like a coach pass is the best way to travel -I can see and experience the local settings and stop off when and where I want to. Might also do some whale watching in Christchurch. Need to book accomodation in NZ and a hotel in Bangkok.

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545106754596608940.post-80356687705127862002009-12-28T08:53:00.000Z2009-12-28T08:53:36.790Z

Well, my ticket is at booked -a complicated, time consuming and expensive task. Four continents, pleasure and business visits with family, friends and colleagues, back to some childhood places and new cities to get to know. Now the big picture is planned more decisions are needed; what hotel in Bangkok, how shall I  spend my time in NZ and how many books will I need to fill all those flying hours

glowwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18036556099356889648noreply@blogger.com0