Ilkley, United Kingdom

Hi from cold little Ilkley!

Well i've been back in the UK for a week now and am slowly starting to acclimatise to the freezing cold temperatures over here! I really have been such a wimp since i've been back, and won't leave the house without wearing a ridiculous number of layers!  And sadly even the tan is starting to fade......But i have so many fantastic memories, photos and experiences of my travels which i shall never forget. Thankyou so much to everyone that i stayed with during my travels, for your excellent hospitality, fabulous company and for making my time with you truly wonderful. I cherished the time i spent seeing old friends and family and loved seeing the lives you lead and living them with you - albeit too briefly! I had the time of my life whilst i was away and i'm finding it very hard to believe it's all over! I shall enjoy taking my time to make up a scrapbook and photo album of all my adventures and re-living it all. However, i have a feeling it won't be too long before i plan my next adventure and inundate you all with new travel blogs!! Also, thankyou to everyone who has been reading my blog and writing messages - it was always so lovely to hear from you and always made me feel not quite so far from home!

On the plane home, i had a bit of time on my hands - as you may imagine - and i started calculating a few things!!

I spent 91 days travelling around 3 unique countries.

I caught 10 different flights - and got stopped at customs only twice!

I stayed in over 20 different hostels - and lived to see each new day - just!

On a more serious note, I realised and achieved things i never thought i was capable of and I feel I came home a different person to the one that left.

I had one incredible adventure but countless unforgettable memories.

So it's goodbye for now from this travel blog but watch this space for news of my next little adventure. I may be coming and knocking on your door again before you know it!

Lots and lots of love,

Sarah

Auckland, New Zealand

Hi,

Just writing a short note to say this shall be my last day in NZ (for now!) as flying to Dubai tomorrow. It's been such an amazing time, seeing everyone here and exploring New Zealand - think it will take a while for it all to sink in! It has been the most incredible adventure. i shall write more later but for now, hope you enjoy the last few pics from my travels in South Island.

Dad, if you're reading this, get yourself on the mend soon- i'm expecting a big hug when i see you at the airport!

All my love,

Sarah

xxx

Christchurch, New Zealand

Hi from Christchurch!

This is my last day of hostelling for this entire trip.......unless Doug and Emma decide to kick me out in Auckland! I have to say though that I will actually miss being on the road! I met some really lovely people and shared some truly memorable experiences.

Arrived in Christchurch yesterday after a long 8hr journey. Met a really nice girl on the bus so we checked into the same hostel and then went to explore the city together. Ended up having cocktails and wine well into the night! Was good fun! She left on the bus this morning though so i had a quiet day exploring the city. Went to the cathedral and climbed to the top to see views over the city, then went to an aquarium and kiwi house and saw my first kiwi! They are so cute! Their beaks are so unusual though that it honestly looks as though they're eating with a pair of chopsticks! So funny to watch! Walked alomg the River Avon and around the Botanic garden and Hagley park, then ended up at Christchurch museum. It was actually a very interesting museum - in my opinion better than Te Papa in Wellington (for those who know what i'm talking about!) Christchurch is a nice little city and i can see why they all say it is very English - the river and some of the architecture look like they have come straight out of a typical English town.

Fly to Auckland tomorrow, where i will spend my last 4 days with the family. Then it's on to Dubai where i'm really looking forward to seeing everyone there- it'll be strange to be back in Dubai- seems like an absolute lifetime ago when i was last there!

So it's goodbye from the South Island  until my next little visit!

Lots of love,

Sarah

Queenstown, New Zealand

Hi,

Thanks for your messages - great to hear from you Chenoa! I arrived in Queenstown yesterday. It is beautiful here. I have to say this is proabably one i my most favourite cities and nothing at all like i imagined. With it having the reputation of being the 'adventure capital of the world' i imagined it being very tacky and gimicky but it's not at all. It's really pretty with quaint little shops and cafes and surrounded by the most stunning mountains and a lake. Went up in a cable car up to the top of the city yesterday with some friends i've met and then went luging which was great fun!! It's basically go-karting but going on winding tracks downhill and quite fast!! Really enjoyed it! Went out for a few drinks last night with all the people from the buses that we've been travelling with for the last week. It was a good night and a fun end the week.

Had an early start this morning - went to Milford Sound. It was a long journey there - took us 5 hours to get there but it didn't help that we had a small accident on the bus on the way there. The roads around here are narrow and windy and go aroung jaggedy cliff faces. Our bus came around a corner and there was another vehicle coming around too fast and in the middle of the road. So we hit the rocks! It wasn't bad but one of the windows on the bus shattered and bits of the bus fell off! Everyone was fine though. I couldn't believe that there were actually people getting off the bus to have their picture taken holding up bits of bus debris!

Anyway we had to wait for another bus to take us to Milford but we made the ferry on time. It was beautiful cruising the fjord, right out to Tasman Sea. Views were amazing and well worth the long journey to get there! It was a stunning day too which is quite unusual there. Went to an underwater observatory as well which was very interesting. The fjord is made up of sea water with about 5 meters of fresh water on top, due to the heavy rainfall. This means that a lot of the light is filtered out and so gives dark conditions you would usually find 50 metres deep. So at just 8m below sea level we saw amazing fish, black coral and all sorts! Very interesting!

On the way back we saw a penguin as well! I took lots of photos for Amelia Ellie!! I think it was a royal penguin as it had yellow crested feathers either side of its head. Didn't get back until 8 tonight so was a long day. Went and sat on the beach with the friends i've met and watched the sun setting over the lake - just beautiful - i could stay here a while!!

Going to have a quiet day tomorrow just looking around the town i think. Then it's off to Christchurch on Thursday. Can't believe how quickly this trip is going - i don't want it to end! I leave NZ a week tomorrow! Will be so sad- don't even want to think about it!

Lots of love - keep the messages coming!

Sarah

xxx

Wanaka, New Zealand

Hi,

Arrived in Wanaka today and you wouldn't believe the change in weather just from crossing the Southern Alps. Left Franz Josef at 7.30 this morning (early!) and headed to Lake Matheson which is beautiful but it was rainy and overcast. As soon as crossed the Alps it was was like someone had just flicked a switch to turn on the sunshine! So have spent the afternoon making up for lost time, after all the wet weather on the west coast, and sat on the side of the lake taking in the glorious sunshine and views.

The Franz Josef Glacier was AMAZING!!!!!!!! Best thing i have ever done - or a close 2nd to the Tongariro! I absolutely loved it! We were up on the ice a good 6 hours and is was unbelieveable - we were wearing t-shirts and summer clothes as it is surrounded by rainforest on either side. It is quite surreal to be walking through narrow ice crevasses  with just a t-shirt on! I loved the climbing (crampons are great!!!!) and we got to see some stunning ice caves - the ice was all blue as well (and i had to explain to the whole group why that was the case!) We had a good group - only 11 of us which was a good number and our guide was execellent. He went ahead of us carving out the ice for us through the crevasses - truly an amazing exerience!! I took 150 photos which i will no doubt bore you with later! Going out to a BBQ at another hostel tonight. A german girl and i decided to get away from the masses today and stay somewhere different from the rest of the bus, but she's now completely lost her voice - think she may have larygitis actually. So haven't got much company and thought i might go and meet some friends at the other hostel.

Going to Queenstown tomorrow but thought i might climb a mountain in the morining before we go - Mount Iron. Don't think it's big but it gives stunning views apparently!

Be in touch again from Queenstown! 2 weeks today i arrive in UK!

Love Sarah

Franz Josef, New Zealand

Hi,

Had a very hectic last few days. Left Ellie's on Wednesday (2 days ago) with a very emotional farewell. It was so sad saying goodbye to her and all the family - we'd had the most fantastic few days together- you would never have known we hadn't seen each other for 10 years. It was also 19 years to the day that she emigrated to NZ so that was a weird coincidence! I actually had all of the bus crying when i was picked up - they could all see us saying goodbye out of the window and it set a few people off apparently! They all wanted to know the story when i got on!

We travelled down to Nelson Lakes and then on to Westport and i realised what everyone meant when they say the west coast rains!!! It absolutley poured down! Nothing at all to see in Westport (though our driver liked to comment upon the inbred locals!) Next day we headed to Lake Mahinapua, stopping in Greymouth to get our outfit for the fancy dress party that night! Yes really!!!!! We were told we had to wear something along the theme of 'bad taste'! Needless to say i was not really up for dressing up like an idiot amongst total strangers! It was kind of compulsory though and we figured you'd stand out more if you didn't dress up so off we trudged to the salvation army for some inspiration. Two girls i met and i decided to look like out-patients of a mental asylum - don't judge me- i did say it was bad taste!!!! I have to say i rather enjoyed dressing up once we got into it and i looked rather fetching in my lace nightie, sparkly belt, bare feet, ghostly make-up and massively back-combed hair, with a few twigs and leaves in there for good measure! It was actually quite good fun!!!

Today we travelled down to Franz Josef where i'm staying for the next 2 days. It's beautful here. The town is set amidst all of the snowy mountains and i went for a long walk when i arrived to see the mouth of the glacier. It looks stunning. Tomorrow i'm up early and we're doing an all day hike through the glacier. Takes 8 hours apparently so should see some amazing stuff! They kit you out with all the gear, including crampons as i believe the ice can be a little slippery! Looking forward to it.

I do feel a bit like a sheep being herded everywhere at the mo though. As it's peak season, there are 2 kiwi buses running everyday so everywhere we go, there's 70 odd people also there at the hostel, doing the activities etc. I find myself wanting time to myself as we're constantly being shepherded from place to place, en masse. I hope tomorrow on the hike we'll be split into small groups. I'm sure i'll still really enjoy it though. Maybe i'm just getting old!!

Anyway going to go and get my things organised for tomorrow. Be in touch again soon.

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxx

Nelson, New Zealand

Hi everyone!

It's great to be here in Nelson! Have not stopped for a minute since i've been here. It is amazing spending time with Ellie and her family - her kids are so much fun and it's great getting to know them! We went raspberry picking yesterday, bounced on the trampoline, climbed trees in the garden, got stuck in the tree house (!) and that was just Ellie and I!

Went out for dinner last night with Ellie's friends which was lots of fun - needless to say , we certainly weren't a quiet table!!!!! The poor table next to us actually moved!

Ellie here...............well we were rather LOUD!! but we all were enjoying ourseleves those poor people really didn't know  what they had got them selves into!! haha

Anyways.............it is totally fantastic having Sarah here i cant really believe it that she is here with me finally after all these years! I think that i might kidnap her and keep her here! Amelia really seems to enjoy Sarah's company even talking about going to England with her, just to check england out!! 

Right better go, off to a pilates class with Ellie and Heather! Should be interesting!

Speak soon,

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxxxx

Wellington, New Zealand

Well they weren't kidding when they nicknamed this place windy Wellington. It's cold, rainy and very very windy!!!! First time i've had to wear all my warm clothes (aside from when i've been up a mountain!). It was quite an exciting bumpy ride on the plane getting here from Auckland! Today i've been to the Te Papa museum which was interesting and very interactive. Then caught a cable car up to the top of the city and walked back down through the botanic gardens. From what i've seen so far, Wellington's nice but just so cold at the mo! I really hope this isn't a taste of things to come as i travel further south!!

Back to hostelling tonight then it's a 7am pick up to go to the ferry tomorrow to South island. I suspect i could be in for a choppy crossing!

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxx

Auckland, New Zealand

Hi all,

Thanks for all your messages - i can't believe how much snow there is in the UK! I don't think I've ever seen that much snow! Actually a little jealous! Hopefully there'll still be some left by the time i come home in Feb! It's quite the opposite here- scorching sunshine!!! Though apparently it's cold and rainy in the South Island, where i'm heading in a couple of days, so not much looking forward to that! I've already raided Emma and Fiona's warm clothes to take with me!

New Year in the coromandel (seems like a lifetime ago now!) was just amazing! We had 5 days of glorious sunshine and it was just so nice to get away with all the family together. We walked to Cathedral Cove one day, which was stunning, but pretty busy with tourists. So the nest day Doug, Emma an i went sea- kayaking around the whole bay first thing in the morning, when there was no-one there - it was so beautiful and well worth it! We kayaked around all the volcanic islands and the marine reserve, and saw lots of stingrays! Doug and Emma even saw a penguin! On New Year's eve we went to a thermal spa in the evening so we started the evening off drinking G&T's in the hot pools! Not a bad way to start the night! Pure luxury! We had a lovely dinner at the spa then champers on our balcony at midnight, back at the apartment. All in all it was just a wonderful few days and think we all were quite sad to leave.

I'm heading off to Wellington tomorrow, staying there for a day and night then catching the ferry across to Picton, and then on to Nelson. Just can't wait to see my oldest friend Ellie and all her family in Nelson. We haven't seen each other for 10 years! Will be so amazing to finally see her, here in NZ, after 18 years of writing letters and promising to visit one day! I'll be in Nelson for 10 days then on the Kiwi Bus for 2 weeks travelling around south island! Can't wait!!!! Already psyching myself up for hostelling life again!! I've become quite accustomed to creature comforts recently!

Fiona and i are talking about going snorkelling this afternoon, to see some more little (or big!) fishes! Have got a bit hooked on snorkelling - it's an amazing experience!

I'll be in touch again soon, but for now, if you're in the UK, have lots of fun in the snow!!!!

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxxxx

Whitianga, New Zealand

Hi all,

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe how much snow there is in the UK! Looks so pretty everywhere. We had a lovely day over at Fiona and Hugh's. It was a very different Christmas from usual but so lovely to spend it with everyone here in NZ. It was a beautiful, hot and sunny day so we all sat outside drinking champers as we opened our pressies! We had a lovely meal and then spent the afternoon paddling about in the river! We finished off the day sitting outside around a campfire until the early hours - lots of fun! There were a few sore heads in the morning!

Doug, Emma and I headed to the beach on Boxing Day and enjoyed a lovely swim in the sea! We had a good walk in the Waitakere Ranges yesterday as we all felt in need of a bit of excercise after the last few days!

We're off to the Coromandel today for New Year, with everyone. Staying until Sat so should be a lovely relaxing break. Looking forward to it!

Hope you all have a great time seeing in the New Year, and i wish you a very very happy 2010! Hope it brings you all that you wish for.

All my love,

Sarah

xxxxx

Auckland, New Zealand

Hi!

Well done if you spotted i was in Australia the last few days! Was just testing your observation skills! I can't actually figure out a way of changing it so now and forevermore it looks like I popped to Australia for 3 days, just like the jetsetter i am these days!

Doug, Emma and I had a lovely few days in the Bay of Islands (in New Zealand!). We stayed in Paihia, in a very plush apartment, complete with swimming pools, hot pools, the lot! Just a small step up from the hostels i've become accustomed to!

We went to Waitangi where they signed the Treaty of Waitangi - a very important bit of New Zealand history. The treaty was signed in 1840 between the Maori and the British Crown, in light of the arrival of all the European settlers, to ensure that they can live in harmony. It established British control over New Zealand (or governance if you're reading the Moari version). It was a massive thing of the time as you can imagine and is still very relevant today as it guarantees the rights of both Moari and Pakeha (White settlers) in NZ. In my opinion, it is very interesting to see how this treaty has enabled both cultures to work and live so haroniously together, and compare this with Australia - and the problems they have faced with the two cultures converging (but that's another story!).

We spent a day over in Russell, the once capital of New Zealand which was a really nice chilled out day by the beach. We then went on a big day trip up to Cape Reinga on the North Cape - a significant spot for the Moari's with this being one of the northernmost points in NZ, it is believed to be the place where the spirit of the deceased leaves the land. We also went sand tobogganing down 100m sand dunes which was fantastic - far better than when i did it in Australia, probably because we were on boogy boards this time rather than a flimsy bit of wood!

We arrived back today, stopping off at Waipu, a really interesting place as this is where nearly 1000 Scots came during the Highland Clearances. Went to the museum there and I found it so interesting to hear the Kiwi 'version of events,' to see their journey and how they built a life for themselves over here. It really brought back so many emotions of when i was doing my dissertation on it! They do tell a slightly different story though to the ones I heard in the beer tent of the Agricultural show in Dornoch - as you may imagine!

Just a short note on last week as loads of you have asked how i found the Tongariro Crossing - i loved it! Obviously i survived but there were times when i was 2000m up a volcano, with the snow and wind blowing, my fingers freezing with frostbite, and i was crawling on my hands and knees up a narrow cliff face, that i had my doubts! No, seriously, i would do it again in a flash as the sense of achievement i felt when we got to the finishing point was just incredible. You had to go through all that for it to feel worthwhile.... i think! It was absolutely freezing when we set off at 7.30am - there was snow and frost on the ground, and, not being well equipped for the sheer cold,  i remember thinking how on earth will we cope up the mountain! I did the walk with the 3 people i was sharing a room with in Taupo and it was great cos we all gave each other moral support and it was great to be doing it with friends. We completed the walk in just over 6 hours which wasn't bad for 20 km up and down steep alpine tracks!

So what with the Tongariro Crossing, white water rafting and sand tobogganing, i wonder what will be next? I quite like the look of para-sailing......

So we're now off to the supermarket to get supplies for Xmas dinner at Fiona and Hugh's. I've nominated myself to cook the starter - think i may come to regret that decision!

I shall write again before Christmas, but just want to wish everybody the happiest Christmas,  wherever you are. I hope you all have a really wonderful time with your families. I hear it's going to be a white Xmas in the UK. That will be so special. I'm missing you all so much this Christmas - my thoughts shall be with you all as we celebrate from different ends of the Earth!

Lots and lots of love and Merry Christmas!

Sarah

xxxxx

Bay of Islands, Australia

Just setting off for a wee holiday with Doug and Emma up to the Bay of Islands! Very excited! Will write more when we're up there and fill you all in on everything!

Hope you're all having fun in the snow over in the UK!

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxxxx

Rotorua, New Zealand

Hi,

Hope you've managed to find this ok! I know loads of you have had problems with my password etc. Hopefully it'll be ok. I'm in Rotorua now. Went white water rafting this afternoon - i absolutely loved it!!!! Now thinking of where to do the next one!! We went on the Kaituna river - (Kai meaning 'eat' and tuna meaning 'eels' as there are loads of eels in the river apparently - that we were told only come out at night!!!) It had quite a few rapids and waterfalls and a 7m drop which is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world - and we didn't flip over!!!! It was fantastic - such an adrenaline rush! I bought the photos which are very funny!

Gotta go unfortunately - my money has run out on internet - will write again soon,

Sarah

Waitomo, New Zealand

Hi,

I travelled down to Waitomo this morning from Auckland - about 3 hrs on the bus. This is a very pretty area and my hostel is lovely - a little lodge set amongst the hills! Was a little reticent about hostelling again after a week of comfort, staying with the family, however, this is probably one of the best i've stayed in and is so friendly.

Went to Waitomo caves this morning which i really enjoyed. The limestone caves provide a perfect habitat for millions of glowworms all over the roof of the caves! We went on a boat through the caves and it really feel quite magical - you look up and it's like looking into a galaxy - the roof was just covered with glowworms - pretty amazing! It's fascinating to learn about their life cycle too - they only live for 6- 9 months (depending on how much food they get and how quickly they grow). All this time is spent as larvae and their organs glow to emit a light to attract the flies from the water. They drop these threads which catch all the flies, ready for them to eat! After about 8 months, they change into a pupae and then hatch, into adults. However, they have no mouths so they have to quickly reproduce as they then die within a couple of days! Imagine that after all that effort! Although the adults look like giant mosquitoes so it's probably a good job they don't have mouths!Think my blog must be on a par with David Attenborough's documentaries! I found it interesting anyway!

I then decided to do a bit of a walk and walked for 3 hours, across rolling countryside, to some other caves. It was a good walk - 5km - but felt pretty tired when i got back. Not sure how i'll cope on Wed when i'm doing a day's walk across the Tongariro Crossing - they say it can take up to 8 hours to walk it!

Off to Taupo tomorrow - my first day on my Kiwi Experience bus! Decided to do a bit of the leg this week whilst everyone's still busy working. Planning on being back in Auckland on Friday. Thinking about going down to a place called River Valley in the South of N. Island where they do grade 5 white water rafting (I think if it's grade 6 it's too dangerous!) on the Rangitekei river. Well i thought if i'm going to do it, i may as well do it properly! It may be tricky for me to get myself back up to Auckland though so the rafting may have to wait til another day!

Hope you all found me ok now there's a password!

Be in touch again soon,

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxx

Auckland, New Zealand

Hi from New Zealand!

Wow it is so amazing to be here! Stepped off the plane and had Doug, Emma, Fiona and Hugh all waiting there for me - was just so lovely to see them all. I've been here nearly a week now - and as you can probably tell have been so busy i haven't got anywhere near a computer! I stayed with Doug and Emma the first two nights in their lovely little apartment in the city centre. Got to see a bit of the city - went up the sky tower with Emma which gave incredible views all around. There were even people bungy jumping off it - you'd be looking out the window at the view and all of a sudden, you'd see somebody fly past the window - utter madness! Don't worry - i won't be doing it!

Went to the maritime museum and learnt a bit about boats! No it was quite interesting to read about how the Moari first travelled across here from Polynesia all those years ago. I'm looking forward to finding out a bit more about the Moari history. Very intersting.

Came aross to Fiona and Hugh's on Tuesday - and literally haven't stopped since i've been here. I just love where they live- this is what i shall aspire to. Completely out in the country, stunning views across the valley, acres and acres of land and loads of animals! The first morning i was here, Fiona and i were up at the crack of dawn, herding sheep  into a pen and i was her little assistant as she wormed them all, vaccinated the lambs, sorted out their hooves - it was pretty impressive - little Fone in there with all these great big sheep and she just got on with it. I stayed on the right side of the fence and just passed her what she needed! I 've also been herding the belted galloways as they had escaped into the hay paddock, driving quad bikes - with Jimmy and Bella - the dogs - on the back and watching in horror as fiona set about chpping down trees with a chainsaw! She really is incredible! So in between manging te animals etc, Fiona and i have had a great time going out to places - we went snorklling two days ago - what an experience! Think it tops the penguin one! We went to Leith up near Goat island, near the Bay of Islands, where there is a marine reserve. We hired snorkels and swam with the most amazing fish for about an hour! It was a bit daunting at first cos i've never done it and i saw some huge fish - easily a metre long - and i just wasn't too sure if they might decide i was their dinner! But it was just incredible and i loved it! Yesterday went to some hot springs in a place called Miranda which was amazing.

Gotta go - Fiona and i are going for a ride on her horses! Can't wait!

Be in touch later,

Lots of love,

sarah

xxx

Sydney, Australia

Hi,

Just got back from an AMAZING two days in the Blue Mountains! Absolutely loved it! So glad i was there for 2 days as it meant i could do some good walks in the rainforest. Yesterday, after i arrived, decided just to do a little tour or the mountains. Ended up walking for 3 hrs by myself through the bush! It was so amazing! It was so peaceful to be away from everybody and be surrounded by absolutely stunning scenery and the wilderness. It was so exhilarating. Definitely tops my list of things i've done so far! I ended up getting so carried away walking that i forgot to think about what time my last bus left to go back to Katoomba where i was staying. Luckily i had befriended a father and son form Switzerland who gave me a lift home. I'd missed the last bus hours ago! Typical me!

Got back to the hotel (if you can call it that!) and it is the type of place that you might expect right out in the country, with proper aussie pub etc. It was built in 1880 and i honestly don't think they've done any work on it since then! But i loved it! It was so so friendly - with a really warm, welcoming vibe about it. AND....i had a huge bedroom all to myself!!!!! Not even bunk beds either! I thought i'd gone to heaven!

Ended up going down to the bar in the evening, where i was clearly the youngest there by a good 40 or 50 years! There was live music playing good old country / folk music and after a couple of pints of cider (!) i was itching to dance! So, i got up and invited a rather elderly lady to join me! It was so much fun! I then got chatting to another chap and i think i may have made his night a little as we danced all night - til 1 in the morning! We were the last dancing when the music stopped! A great night!

Today, i went to the mountains again and went on the scenic railway down into the forest - it's the steepest railway in the world (I think) and has an incline of 52 degrees. Went through a cave on the way down! It was originally built to send coal up from the mines, but then in the 1920s, they adapted it to allow tourists from the city onto it - which is how it is today. Bet you feel you're getting so well educated with my blogs! I then did another small bush walk for about an hour then caught the cable car back up, and a skycar (like a cable car but goes across) across the Jamison valley.

I really didn't want to leave Katoomba - could have easily stayed there. I was made to feel so welcome and just loved it. As i was getting my rucksack, a chap at the bar offered to carry my bag all the way from the hotel to the station for me! I couldn't believe how kind he was - and it was a fair distance as well! i said i'd send him a postcard to say thanks!

Back in Sydney now, back to sharing a room! Going to airport at 6 in the morning so going to bed soon. Can't wait to get to New Zealand!!!!!! So excited!

I'll be in touch from Auckland!

Lots of love to you all,

Sarah

xxx

Sydney, Australia

Hi,

Just a quick note as am going off to the Blue Mountains this morning. It was good fun to go out in Kings Cross- certainly very 'risque' but it was really good to see some of the Sydeny nightlife, as i wouldm't go there by myself! Seem to remember getting quite lost on the way home with Justin, the friend i met, but we got home in the end!!!

Yesterday, went to Darling Harbour which is quite impressive. In the last ten years, Darling Harbour has undergone a massive regeneration project - the biggest in the world of its kind, spanning 50 hectares apparently! There are Chinese water gardens, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, plus loads of cafes, shops etc. All very nice but very very expensive! Caught a ferry across to Circular Quay from there which had amzning views of the Harbour bridge and opera house. Then caught another to Manly, in the north of Sydney. I liked Manly - you are away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and the beach was lovely (if not really windy!).

I think i saw the most amazing thing yet as i was sitting on the boardwalk, watching the sunset, on Manly wharf. there were loads of fish of all shapes and sizes swimming about in the crystal clear water below me. Then i spotted something darting through the water really quickly. It was about 30 cm long, black, had two wings and two flipper feet....yes - it was a little penguin!!!!!! Could not believe it! I wanted to scream and tell everyone but by that time it had gone. Such an incredible moment. Think that made my whole trip worthwhile if nothing else! I didn't know you found penguins along the east coast  -just the south - but there's no mistaking what i saw! 

Caught the ferry back and then was in The Rocks, taking pictures of the opera house at night.  I spotted a chap who had all the camera gear - tripod, the lot. We got talking and he mangaged to put my camera on his tripod and i've got a cracking picture of me in front of the opera house!! Turned out he had gone to the Blue Mountains that day so we decided to go out for dinner and talk about it! So random but he was a really nice guy. He's from Hong Kong but living in Lake Geneva in Switzerland. He's going on to New Zealand too so we may see about meeting up in Auckland.

It's so amazing how kind people are- that's the thing i've really noticed. You can be a complete stranger and not know a sole, and you can so quickly find yourself chatting to people and finding you have things in common. i was even just given a present by one of the Korean girls i was sharing a room with! How lovely was that!

Going to go to the station now - it's a 2 hour train journey into the blue mountains. So looking forward to it! Back on Sat night for my last night hostelling in Oz!

Lots of love,

Sarah

Sydney, Australia

Hi everyone,

What a mammoth journey - i won't be doing that again in a hurry! It's great to be in Sydney though. Hostel's quite nice and i'm in a 4 bed female ensuite dorm - sheer luxury!!! Sharing with 2 Korean girls who seem lovely. Went for big walk today, when i arrived, to check out the city. Walked up to the harbour bridge which is quite impressive- could even see people walking over it! Saw the Opera house too - it's so amazing to see something that is such an iconic image of Sydney. Yes, the area around the rocks is lovely! Wish i was staying in that area! Lovely, bustly cafes overlooking the harbour- if only i had someone with me to share it all with...! Went through the botanic gardens which are beautiful and then into Hyde park. It's interesting to compare it to the cities i've already been to. From what i've seen so far, i really like it - there's lots of parks and grassy areas which are pretty. It is very busy though but i guess you'd expect that! It seems to have a bit more character than all the other cities - which are mostly based on a grid system so all the streets look the same. It's funny cos Melbournians think that's the problem with Sydney and that you can easily get lost , but i think it adds to its charm.

Going to catch a ferry to Manly beach tomorrow and maybe do a walking tour of the city.  It's actually going to be my last day for me to do anything in Sydney as will be going to the Blue Mountains on Friday, staying overnight, and won't be back til late Sat night.

I'm hoping to go out for a few drinks tonight. Met a guy from Indonesia last night at the hostel in Coff's Harbour. He and his friends were driving down to Sydney today just for one day. Think we might be going out into Kings Cross area. I'm waiting for him to come to my hostel but think he must have got lost so will have to go and call him. It's so annoying that i can't use my mobile for calls - have to use a pay phone. As soon as i get to NZ i'm getting a  NZ sim card, which will make calls and texts so much cheaper.

I bet the walk up the dales was lovely Dad - i really am a bit jealous. No matter where you go - that will always take some beating.

Lots and lots of love,

Sarah

Coffs Harbour, Australia

Hi guys,

How exciting - i've just noticed i'm travel blog of the week!!!! Went to the homepage and thought the main picture looked a bit familiar!

Yes it's not long at all now til i'm in NZ - getting very excited now!!! Hope the weather's good. I know i'm in no position to complain but it's been raining here all afternoon! At least it's still warm (ish) though. It's definitely getting cooler as i travel down the coast. Had to even wear a cardi today  - can you believe it?

I like Coff's Harbour - it's a quiet little fishing village set amongst some pretty hills. Not a lot to do here but subsequently, there are very few tourists, which is such a welcome change from all the hustle and bustle of Byron and the cities. Went for a long walk yesterday - think i actually walked for about 3 1/2 hours! It was really nice walking along the creek - spotted some interesting wildlife - beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets in a palm tree. They are so colourful. I still can't get over how amazing it is to see such beautiful wildlife, just walking along the street! I also saw a weird looking green and yellow crab in amongst the marshes of some mangrove trees! I then walked over to an island called Muttonbird Island which is home to lots of muttonbirds (funnily enough!) who nest in burrows there. Didn't spot any though. It may just be me getting old but it has been so nice to come to a really friendly little town, where the locals are so nice, the hostel is so welcoming and you feel you're not just one of thousands of tourists!

Having said all that, i think today (maybe it was the rain as well) i felt i'd seen all there is to see here. I'm quite ready to leave for Sydney. I leave at 1 in the morning which isn't a great time, and it's a 9 1/2 hr bus journey!! Can't wait! I'll try and sleep a bit before i go i think. Although, i can't be sure, but there may be bed bugs also sharing my bed! Woke up this morning covered in weird little bites! Think i got a sandfly bite walking along the creek today too! Either that or it was a spider! Thought it had been a long time since i'd last been attacked by the little nasties!  Met a nice girl from Guildford who arrived today. She's going to Sheffied to study speech therapy and has spent loads of time working at a playcentre for children which special educational needs. She was really interesting to talk to. I'll see if there's something similar up Yorkshire way.

I'll be in touch again from Sydney - my last stop before NZ!

Oh, nearly forgot - happy first day of advent! Hope you've all opened your advent calendars! I felt quite sad today when i realised what day it is! Felt a bit homesick looking at all the tacky Christmas things in the shops!!

Bye for now.

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxxxx

Byron Bay, Australia

Hi,

Wow - how lovely to have so many messages! It's great to hear from you all. I'm waiting for the bus at the mo to take me down to Coff's Harbour  (in-between Byron bay and Sydney). It's a 4 hour journey. Feeling VERY tired today- roomates kept me awake all night!!!! Oh the joys of hostelling!! They were all good fun though. I've liked Byron Bay - it's a lovely little town and the beaches ae beautiful. I walked for miles yesterday all around and saw a wallaby in amongst a woodland area. It was 2m away from me! It was an amazing moment! Got a great photo too.

Can't wait to see everyone in NZ - less than a week to go now!

Better go and wait for my bus. Hope the floods / snow/ winds.....in UK aren't too bad!

Lots of love,

Sarah

Byron Bay, Australia

Hi!

I'm now in Byron Bay. Bus journey was fine though did feel a little bit tired after the pub crawl last night! THere were only two of us on it though + the two tour guides! It was good but think it would have been better with more people! I had to hike for miles to find my hostel with 25kgs on my back, in the scorching heat! THis place is a lovely place - as far as hostels go - but it is so hidden away. It's hidden among 5 acres of land with ponds, a pool, health spa, didgeridoo making workshops, yoga sessions....you name it! It's the ultimate hippie hideaway from the 70's.

Went for a walk around the town today and went to the beach. It's a nice place and makes a welcome change from all the busy cities i've been too. Having said that, it's heaving with tourists here and schoolies- high school leavers who flock to the gold coast at this time of year when final exams are over.

Would you believe it is now pouring with rain!!!! Oh well think we've a long way to go before we catch up with the amount you seem to have had!

My room seems ok - it's a 6 bed dorm - all female as far as i know as not met them all. From Switzerland, and Norway i think. They're nice girls. I do feel a bit lonely though!

Going to have an easy day tomorrow as quite tired. Thought i'd go on a long walk up to Cape Byron which has stunning views and a nice lighthouse! It's the most Easterly point of Australia i think.

Thanks you for all your messages all the time. I really do appreciate them and it's always so lovely to hear from you all.

Lots of love,

Sarah

Brisbane, Australia

Hi everyone,

I can't believe i'm leaving tomorrow. The last 3 days have just flown by. The first night was pretty hard - felt a littlle out of my comfort zone but it's amazing how freindly and chatty people are. After the first night it felt more like my room as well as everyone else's, if that makes any sense. And as for the comments about the men all having something to worry about - well let's just say i very quickly found my feet and we have got on pretty well with them all!  Last night we were drinking rum and cokes in our dorm and playing card games!! Lots of fun!

The boat tour to Moretone bay was a bit of a let down really. Didn't do any snorkelling so was really disappointed as that was my main reason for going. The driverwas quite unenthusiastic about everything and i got the impression he didn't want to do it so in the end we strangely didn't have time for it! Anyway i met a really nice American couple from Santiago who i spent most of the day with. Saw them again today whan we went on a free tour of the city for 3 1/2 hours. That was really interesting. The same tour people are doing a pub crawl tonight so think i might do that. I'd like to see a bit of Brisbane nightlife as everyone says it's so good - hence the nickname Brisvegas! I've not wanted to go out at night by myself though so this way i think it should be good fun. THe couple from Santiago said they might go and my one of my roommates - the one from Nebraska - might come  too.

I spent the afternoon on Southbank beach - the famous one! It's a man made beach/outdoor swimming pool that has been built on the side of the river. It was really nice so went in for a quick dip today to cool off. It's been so hot - i even had to buy a hat!

Have to be at the bus terminal for 7.45 in the morning (not good after a pub crawl!!!) and head off to Byron Bay. It's so funny - there's a one hour time difference between Queensland and New South Wales (where Byron bay is) so they're one hour ahead (12 hrs from uk i think).

Going to see Christmas tree lights being turned on later too - so weird when it's so hot outside!!!

I'll be in touch from Byron Bay,

Lots of love to you all,

Sarah

Brisbane, Australia

Hi everyone,

I've arrived in Brisbane! It's a lovely city - went for a nice walk around today to get my bearings. Went to a market selling all sorts of amazing food and things and walked around the Botanic gardens. It's a really buzzing place but  pretty as well.

Finding it a bit tough at the mo but think i'll be alright in a couple of days. My room is a 10 bed dorm full of all men except one foreign girl. 3 are Canadian, one's from Nabraska, one's from germany and not sure about the rest! They're all really nice but it feels a little bit weird sharing a room with so many men! I realised i should have upgraded my room to a girls only dorm but don't want to offend them now by moving out. I decided to book myself on a tour so i can meet some friends as felt quite lonely today (sob!!!) so looking forward to that. I'm going at 6.45 am to Moreton Bay which is an island just east of Brisbane. Sounds good fun - you go a cruise out to the island then see dolphins, whales, sharks and stingrays. You then go snorkelling with the fish around some mad-made ship wrecks in the sea. You can go sand-tobogganing as well. So that should be fun.

Think i might go and see if my roomies(!) want to go and have a drink at the bar. If i get through tonight, tomorrow will be easy!!!!!!

No it's not so bad, just feeling a bit lonely and wishing i had my friends here with me.

Lots of love to you all,

Sarah

xxx

Adelaide, Australia

Hi,

The Reisling trail was great fun! 13km  we did -  not bad considering the way back was a little more wobbly than the way there!!!! Little stopover at a wine cellar was only mandatory! So much fun wine tasting though! I really could get into this lifestyle. You know i'm going to be a wine snob when i get back home....for about 5 minutes!!!!

Spent yesterday looking around Adelaide  and then in the afternoon went sailing on John's boat  (who i'm staying with). Was so cool! Today met up with Fiona, Ro' daughter and her 2 kids who are so cute. We went wine tasting (again!) and then spent the afternoon at the beach which was lovely. Had lots of fun building sandcastles and playing in the sea!!

I hope the weather picks up in the UK. It was quite hot today so maybe my curse has lifted! I'm flying to Brisbane in the morning. THis is where the backpacking adventure starts! I'm excited but quite nervous. Since i left on my travels,  i've lived with such lovely families and been totally spoilt! I've seen and done things many tourists wouldn't even know about so feel very lucky. Anyway, this time tomorrow night i'll be sharing a room with goodness knows who, above a pub, in the middle of Brisbane!!! It'll be a great experience!

Lots of love to you all,

Sarah 

Adelaide, Australia

Hi all,

Thanks for all your great messages - i love hearing from you all! I arrived in Adelaide yesterday. You would not believe it but i seriously am starting to think i am bringing Bristish weather with me wherever i go. I arrived in Melbourne where it was a pretty chilly mid- 20's (the days prior to that had been in the mid 30's) and then i arrive into Adelaide to pouring rain. The day before i arrived it had been the hottest November day on record at 43 degrees and the whole week had been in the 40's. Starting to wonder if maybe it's me! It's actually good though cos already there's been bush fires and everyone's been worried, especially with it being only springtime here. I hear you're all having floods back in the UK? Where are they? It's so weird cos i never see any UK news so please fill me in on stuff back home!

Today i travelled up to Clare (which is a wine region near the Barossa valley) with Ro who i'm staying with. We're staying overnight at her daughter Caroline's for the weekend. We went for a bit of wine tasting this afternoon which was lovely (!) and tomorrow we're all going on a bike ride on a Reisling trail. Hope there's wine at the end of it....!

Be in touch again soon,

Lots of love,

Sarah

xxx

Melbourne, Australia

Hi,

You will not believe where i've been to today! You'll all be so jealous (don't deny it!). On the Neighbours tour!!! It was incredibly cheesy and i did feel a little embarrassed on the bus but it was so much fun!!!! We saw Erinsborough High School, went to the studio complex, saw carpenters mechanics, the cast were even there filming at Lassiter's Lake! We then went Ramsay Street and i had my photo taken in the street, at the Kennedy's house. The whole street is tiny - so much smaller than you imagine. We then went to meet a star from the show and i was so excited. It turned out to be Janelle Timmins ( the really loud and brash mother of Jannai,  Brie etc) though so was a bit disappointed. Needless to say however i had my photo taken with her and she signed her autograph for me! She was actually really nice - not at all like her character. If i can i'll see if i can put some photos on here soon so you can all see them!

Thanks for all your messages! It's so great to hear from you all. I'm looking forward to that wine already Fiona! I'm really loving Melbourne. I'm actually staying with Lyn and Pete for another couple of nights rather than stay in a hostel as they've invited me too and they've been so welcoming. I'm going on a tour tomorrow to Philip Island to see the fairy penguins so can't wait! Will tell you all about it! Going out tonight with Kris and Michael (Kris is Mum's old friend) to a nice place in St Kilda so looking forward to that. I've had to (yes i did have to!) buy a new pair of trousers cos i was bitten to death by sandflies in Dubai - really badly - so can't wear my skirts at the mo or i might scare people!

Hope you're all well and not too cold!!!!!

Lots and lots of love to you all,

Sarah

Melbourne, Australia

Hi!

Just a very quick note to say i've arrived safe and sound in Melbourne. Flight was great and not at all jet-lagged! Probably will hit me tomorrow! It's really nice to be here and Lyn, Pete and Charlie, who i'm staying with, are so welcoming. Be in touch again soon.

Love Sarah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Hi!

Having a wonderful time in Dubai! It's amazing how quickly the time has gone though and i'm flying to Oz tomorrow! We haven't stopped all week, whether it's been sliding down various shutes at the water park, going tobogganing at the snow park (yes really - inside a shopping mall!), going on a desert safari on a 4x4, camel rides, belly dancing.... Needless to say i haven't had a minute to stop and update my blog! But that's how it should be! It's been wonderful spending time with the family and seeing the life they lead out here. Will write more later but have to go and as we're all going out to the creek now- the oldest part of Dubai and going to the gold and spice souks. 

I'll be in touch again when i'm in Oz! 

Hope you're all well,

Lots of love,

Sarah

Ilkley, United Kingdom

This time in 3 days....I'll be flying!!!

Ilkley, United Kingdom

Can't believe it's only 6 days before i fly to Dubai! Getting so excited now, but pretty nervous too! xx