Postcards from Near the Edge

Sunday lunch at the pub

2006-08-20T05:32:00.000+12:00

Sunday lunch at the pub
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So we finished things off with sunday lunch in a village pub, sun shining, beer in pint glasses and good old pub grub.

A lovely re-union with great people that will hopefully not be the last!

(PS Donald assures me that he was actually enjoying this occasion)

Checking around

2006-08-20T05:29:00.000+12:00

Checking around
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

A lovely day out in Bath.

Cast includes:

Matt (the fish)
Mieke (I'm not actually worried)
Donald (english coffee rocks?!)
Janaya (the japanese tourist)
Sarah (the smiler)
Rob (the hidden tour guide)

Donalds

2006-08-20T05:26:00.000+12:00

Donalds
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

This has to become a life long project!

The Goodalls visit the Douglas family home

2006-08-20T05:25:00.000+12:00

The Goodalls visit the Douglas family home
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

We took them home to our place (actually this is the East wing).

In England everyone lives in houses like this.

PS....New Zealand visits Bath

2006-08-20T05:23:00.000+12:00

New Zealand visits Bath
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Hang on, just to complete things, I should show you how Hamilton has now touched home.

The arrival of the wonderful Goodalls and the equally lovely Matt and Mieke.

These guys came over to see what all the fuss about home was, so we had a great time showing them around.

So all good things finally come to an end.

2006-08-20T05:20:00.000+12:00

So all good things finally come to an end.
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

A lovely meal and the last night of our travels and adventures.

Not sure what to put to sum it up - but it has been an incredible year away.

It's been fantastic for us and we'll have so many memories that we'll be able to bore children and grandchildren for years!

My wife is fantastic. I love travelling with you babe. Lets do it again sometime!

For everyone else who has checked the site, I hope you've enjoyed it because we definitely did!

God bless

Rob and Sarah

Flash drinks

2006-08-20T05:16:00.000+12:00

Flash drinks
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

...pleasantly surprised.

Flash enterance

2006-08-20T05:15:00.000+12:00

Flash enterance
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

...and we were....

The Pen

2006-08-20T05:14:00.000+12:00

The Pen
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Visually exhausted we adjourned for a simple meal and drinks. As one does in Hong Kong we decided upon The Penisula

Laser light show

2006-08-20T05:12:00.000+12:00

Laser light show
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Hong Kong by night

2006-08-20T05:10:00.000+12:00

Hong Kong by night
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then a light show using all the skyscrapers

Water show

2006-08-20T05:09:00.000+12:00

Water show
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

This was a light and music show using one of the fountains on the water front, very cool they projected pictures onto a curtain of water!

...as the sun goes down.

2006-08-20T05:01:00.000+12:00

...as the sun goes down.
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

G & T as the sun sets! Life feels quite good.

...on our junk...

2006-08-20T04:59:00.000+12:00

...on our junk...
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Cruising

2006-08-20T04:58:00.000+12:00

Cruising
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

We managed to get a cruise in around the Habour, but no-one else joined us.

So we had the junk to ourselves!

Pretty steep

2006-08-20T04:57:00.000+12:00

Pretty steep
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

And the cable car route is pretty steep, they say they've never had any problems!

Cable car up to the Peak

2006-08-20T04:55:00.000+12:00

Cable car up to the Peak
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

The peak is accessed by a cable car

Up on Victoria Peak

2006-08-20T04:54:00.000+12:00

Up on Victoria Peak
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Next up to Victoria Peak which is a big hill on HK island that overlooks everything.

Lesser spotted mango pecker

2006-08-20T04:53:00.000+12:00

Lesser spotted mango pecker
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

You can tell by the yellow beak

Aviary

2006-08-20T04:52:00.000+12:00

Aviary
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

The park included a cool aviary which was enormous and filled with all sorts of birds

A little oasis

2006-08-20T04:51:00.000+12:00

A little oasis
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Nice little places here for a city lunch break

Hong Kong park

2006-08-20T04:50:00.000+12:00

Hong Kong park
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then on around the city via the park

..but struggling with some of the tastes

2006-08-20T04:49:00.000+12:00

..but struggling with some of the tastes
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

...but did struggle with my sesame seed jelly thing!

Looking confident...

2006-08-20T04:48:00.001+12:00

Looking confident...
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Started out ok...

Chop stick skills

2006-08-20T04:48:00.000+12:00

Chop stick skills
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then on to a variety of steamed Dim Sum, sort of spring rolls, little buns with sesame seeds, and a few odd gelatinous things.

Tea and Dim Sum

2006-08-20T04:44:00.000+12:00

Tea and Dim Sum
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So we looked through the long list of types of tea and ordered two. Then we had this freshly prepared infront of us, and then we were watched expectantly after tasting and asked for our comments on our choice.

"Yeah, it's great it tastes like tea?!"

The tea house

2006-08-20T04:42:00.000+12:00

The tea house
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then time for some food

Fruit market

2006-08-20T04:36:00.000+12:00

Fruit market
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Fish market

2006-08-20T04:35:00.000+12:00

Fish market
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Flower market

2006-08-20T04:34:00.001+12:00

Flower market
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Bird market

2006-08-20T04:34:00.000+12:00

Bird market
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Down town Hong Kong

2006-08-20T04:33:00.000+12:00

Down town Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So off we went exploring

Hong Kong taxis

2006-08-20T04:31:00.000+12:00

Hong Kong taxis
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Plenty of cheap taxis

Hong Kong trams

2006-08-20T04:21:00.000+12:00

Hong Kong trams
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

In fact Hong Kong has got lots of cool public transport that make it very easy to get around the city.

The Star Ferries

2006-08-20T04:08:00.000+12:00

The Star Ferries
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Which means using the famous Star Ferries, which have been crossing this water for decades.

Crossing over from Hong Kong Island

2006-08-20T04:07:00.000+12:00

Crossing over from Hong Kong Island
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

We stayed on Hong Kong island which meant we needed to catch the ferry across to the main land part of Hong Kong.

Bamboo scaffolding

2006-08-20T04:05:00.000+12:00

Bamboo scalfolding
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

However, some buildings are not what you'd expect. This one shows the common use of bamboo as scaffolding around buildings.

Apparently it's cheap, light, strong and flexible and gets used in most projects!

..and funky buildings.

2006-08-20T04:03:00.000+12:00

..and funky buildings.
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

pretty tall.....

2006-08-20T04:02:00.000+12:00

pretty tall.....
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

This is the IFC (international financial centre) 2, which has 88 floors and is currently the tallest building in HK. Plans are underfoot for a new building that (i think) will be about 150 floors!!!!

Plenty of...

2006-08-20T03:57:00.000+12:00

Plenty of...
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

This is an amazing city, with incredible buildings and a history of great architectural one-up-manship

Hong Kong

2006-08-20T03:55:00.000+12:00

Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So we move on to Hong Kong, warmer weather and lots of shops.

Harbour Bridge by night

2006-08-08T06:09:00.000+12:00

Harbour Bridge by night
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So Sydney, fun city with loads to see and some great places to have a drink and see the city lights..

With this our time in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere is quickly coming to an end.

But there is still Hong Kong...............

Harbour at night

2006-08-08T06:03:00.001+12:00

Harbour at night
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Downtown Sydney

2006-08-08T06:03:00.000+12:00

Downtown Sydney
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Darling Harbour

2006-08-08T06:02:00.000+12:00

Darling Harbour
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Opera House from the ferry

2006-08-08T06:01:00.000+12:00

Opera House from the ferry
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So a few more days exploring

Hillsong

2006-08-08T05:49:00.000+12:00

Hilldong
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

A really good time, 30,000 people, lots of worship and some brilliant speakers. Came away with alot to think about...

Harbour Bridge

2006-08-08T05:47:00.000+12:00

Harbour Bridge
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Still looks good after all these years

2006-08-08T05:46:00.000+12:00

Still looks good after all these years
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Sydney

2006-08-08T05:45:00.000+12:00

Sydney
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Next another flight onto Sydney - to meet up with friends for the Hillsong conference.

Coldplay

2006-08-08T05:44:00.000+12:00

Coldplay
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

They were really good

Fix You

2006-08-08T05:43:00.000+12:00

Fix You
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Some of you may know we lost out on our U2 tickets as they had to move their show until after we left the country.

So getting last minute tickets to see these guys was a major lift.

Oh I love Melbourne

2006-08-08T05:38:00.000+12:00

Oh I love Melbourne
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

..and an international concert venue... all of this within walking distance of our backpackers!!!

I like this place.

Why do all the aussies leave this to come to London??

The Melbourne Cricket Ground

2006-08-08T05:36:00.000+12:00

The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

...a 30,000 seater stadium (where we watched an Aussie rules football match).....

Old shopping arcades

2006-08-08T05:35:00.000+12:00

Old shopping arcades
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

some fancy places to shop...

Princes Theatre Melbourne

2006-08-08T05:34:00.000+12:00

Princes Theatre Melbourne
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

...there's a bit of culture.... including an international puppet show when we where there......sadly no muppets though...

Trams

2006-08-08T05:31:00.000+12:00

Trams
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

There's a great tram network to get you around central town...

Just cool and gothic

2006-08-08T05:30:00.000+12:00

Just cool and gothic
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Melbourne was built on a lot of the gold rush money that came in. So many of the buildings are really ornate and full of character....

The Twelve Apostles

2006-08-08T05:26:00.000+12:00

The Twelve Apostles
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

The Great Ocean Road is also home to the 12 Apostles - although I think there are only ten now due to general wear and tear

Bells beach along the Great Ocean Road

2006-08-08T05:24:00.000+12:00

Bells beach along the Great Ocean Road
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Melbourne is also the enterance to the Great Ocean Road. Along which you find Bells beach - home of the annual Ripcurl Pro competition. (didn't surf here)

Mighty mighty Melbourne

2006-08-08T05:23:00.000+12:00

Mighty mighty Melbourne
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Mighty Melbourne

2006-08-08T05:22:00.000+12:00

Mighty Melbourne
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then we flew on to Melbourne - an extremely cool city

The Iron Bar in Port Douglas

2006-08-08T05:20:00.000+12:00

The Iron Bar in Port Douglas
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

We celebrated the famous meeting of Jo and Matt Hann - but sadly found no racing toads.

Curtain Fig tree

2006-08-08T05:10:00.000+12:00

Curtain Fig tree
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Apparently this is the most photographed tree in the world?

Can't remember, but a waterfall

2006-08-08T05:09:00.000+12:00

Can't remember, but a waterfall
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So generally lots of exploring around in the car

Bleedin' National Treasure I am

2006-08-08T05:08:00.001+12:00

Bleedin' National Treasure I am
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Road to "THE OUTBACK"

2006-08-08T05:08:00.000+12:00

Road to "THE OUTBACK"
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Red dirt, for as far as the eye can see.

Cape Tribulation

2006-08-08T05:05:00.000+12:00

Cape Tribulation
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Then on up north past Cairns to Cape Tribulation - where the rainforest meets the ocean.

Sunset

2006-08-08T04:58:00.000+12:00

On one island we recieved complimentary fly-bys from a local fish eagle.

Quite up-lifting

2006-08-08T04:55:00.000+12:00

Had a fairly positive effect on Sarah

Whithaven Beach

2006-08-08T04:53:00.000+12:00

Some lovely beaches....

Whitsundays

2006-08-08T04:50:00.000+12:00

So we had three lovely days sailing around, on a big yacht with a random collection of other travellers. Quite nice really.

To arrive in the Whitsundays

2006-08-08T04:47:00.000+12:00

Then on up further to the Whitsundays. Here we were able to book onto a sailing trip to explore around the famous whitsunday islands - playground of the rich and famous & access to the Great Barrier Reef!

Rockhampton

2006-08-07T02:58:00.000+12:00

To Rockhampton....

Warning signs

2006-08-07T02:55:00.000+12:00

So we headed further north

Surfing take two

2006-08-07T02:53:00.000+12:00

....we tried some surfing again, a little warmer up here.

Noosa by day

2006-08-07T02:50:00.000+12:00

Lovely beach resort, so.......

Noosa

2006-08-07T02:45:00.000+12:00

On to Noosa, another great Australian beach resort.

Koalas

2006-08-07T02:40:00.000+12:00

Koalas
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Old gramps

2006-08-07T02:39:00.000+12:00

Old gramps
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

It's funny (maybe it's just me) but you get this close to a kangaroo and you find youself saying
"What's that Skippy....three men... trapped down a well."

They must get so bored of it - skippy here didn't seem too impressed.

Crocs

2006-08-07T02:37:00.001+12:00

Crocs
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Roos

2006-08-07T02:37:00.000+12:00

Roos
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Good chance to meet some of the locals

Australia Zoo

2006-08-07T02:36:00.000+12:00

Australia Zoo
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So we hired a car in Brisbane and headed north. We dropped in at Australia Zoo - just to see if Steve was in - pretty cool place.

The Hann's

2006-08-04T08:56:00.000+12:00

The Hann's
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

So our time in Brisbane with Joe and Matt came to an end. Aussie hospitality of the highest quality.

Shipwrecks

2006-08-04T06:45:00.000+12:00

Up to our knees

2006-08-04T06:43:00.000+12:00

The lovely Sarah and Jules

Lake McKenzie

2006-08-04T06:39:00.000+12:00

Lovely bit of beach around a lake (apparently - I was in the UK at this point)

Fraser Island

2006-08-04T06:34:00.000+12:00

Sarah took a brief trip up to Fraser Island. Just up from Brisbane (whilst I made a quick trip home for an interview). The whole island is made of sand, you hire 4x4 jeeps to travel around, camping at night listening for dingos.

More beach

2006-06-11T01:04:00.000+12:00

More beach
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

bit like cornwall really.

waiting for our set

2006-06-11T01:03:00.002+12:00

waiting for our set
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

.....then out we go.

Lesson on 'popping'

2006-06-11T01:03:00.001+12:00

Lesson on 'popping'
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

quick bit of revision ...

hitting the waves

2006-06-11T01:03:00.000+12:00

hitting the waves
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

when in rome etc, decided we should get a surf in

hot chicks on the beach

2006-06-11T01:02:00.001+12:00

hot chicks on the beach
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

A good Aussie beach

2006-06-11T01:02:00.000+12:00

A good Aussie beach
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

The brilliant Jo and Matt Han live out near here in Brisbane, and have shown us all around. No stone unturned, no grain of sand not walked on.

Surfers Paradise

2006-06-11T01:00:00.000+12:00

Surfers Paradise
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

so we fly out of NZ with heavy hearts. to the warm and comforting heat of australia. surfers paradise. it helps ease the pain.

last supper with the lovely boyds

2006-06-11T00:58:00.000+12:00

last supper with the lovely boyds
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Lee and Andy (with his special photo face!)

Heellloooooooo!

wonderful people who again made an enormous difference to our time in Hamilton, it really wouldn't have been the same without you!

Nick

2006-06-11T00:57:00.000+12:00

Nick
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

Nick the man who has lived everywhere, what a wonderful talent and thoughly decent chap. Will miss you lots and sorry we never made it out surfing together!

auckland harbour

2006-06-11T00:56:00.000+12:00

auckland
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

last NZ supper with the wonderful bundys

2006-06-11T00:55:00.000+12:00

last NZ supper with the wonderful bundys
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.

James and Dizz, you both made the most incredible difference to our year. It really wouldn't have been the same without you, plus what on earth would we have eaten with/on/in, no music, nothing to sleep under.

This photo and similar meals with had with you were very special!

Many thanks!

pihia beach

2006-06-11T00:53:00.000+12:00

pihia beach
Originally uploaded by douglasnz.