Saturday 28 April 2012

Friday April 27th 2012    Sussex England

Yes we have finally set off and are on day 4 of our adventure.  On Tuesday night we left Australia and headed for Dubai, where we were to meet a cousin for the first time.  We had planned a 2 night stopover so that could meet them, but it really wasn't enough time as we were made so welcome and got along so well.

After a Dubai style barbeque, after a long day with just a few drinkies we collapsed in a screaming heap at about 9pm.

Thursday was a great day and we went out sailing with a friend of our cousin - it was an amazing afternoon sailing in the Persian Gulf, and although we did not see any marine life, we did see one of the traditional Dhows in full sail which was pretty impressive, and it gives you a whole different perspective of a place to see it from the water. (will add some photos to the photo diary soon!) 

Called in to the big shopping mall where they have the indoor ski run for a bite to eat after our sail, and while we were eating two local men sat down at the next table after saying hello to us.  When the waiter brought our bill over, one of these guys stood up - took the bill and said he would be taking care of it!!   An incredible end to a really great day....and its only Day 3!!

Today we were up early 4am to get ready and get to the airport for 8pm.  There was a delay with the flight so we did not arrive in the UK until 3pm, but after a pretty dodgy landing effort we arrived safely, and are now sipping on a British Beer and planning the next few days.





Monday 16 April 2012


The countdown is on!! 8 days to go and panic mode setting in!!  
Will we get everything done in time??  
We are very lucky to have family who will finish any items still to do after we leave but are determined to get as much done as we possibly can.  This weekend the weather has been against us a bit. We also had friends stay overnight and then another friend called in for a last goodbye!  Last weekend we had a family day Easter Sunday, and also another day with friends on the Monday.  We always have time and are never in a hurry when friends call in.

This sometimes leads to very hectic days in between!!

Travel insurance has been arranged and we just have to send them copies of the valuations for our bike which we have listed as specific items of luggage.  Want to make sure they are covered if someone decides to take a fancy to them.  We have really good locks but you know the old saying - they only keep the honest people at bay!

Have to make an effort this week to do a final weigh in of all our gear, the bikes, bags, boxes, including all those little last minute items that we have not considered before this.  

We have put a stop on buying anything else before we leave.  What we don't have we will purchase when we get to the UK.  If we do find ourselves overweight we have decided that we will have to weigh up the cost of excess baggage versus the cost of replacing certain items once we arrive.

So its action stations all the way and very full days..........