Linda's world tour

2007-01-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th July, 2006.

2006-07-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Cannot believe it! Just finished writing by final journal entry and the blasted thing disappeared before I had a chance to save it!!!! Well it's late and I'm tired so I'm off to bed in a sulk and will try again another day, hopefully tomorrow.

Naturally we had to finish with a food photo. Fish & Chips chez Tid & Andy. Delicious :)

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd July, 2006

2006-07-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a beautiful day. Genelle had a couple of errands to run so I tagged along and got a guided tour of downtown Sydney from the car. Then we made a stop at a shop called Ecohome run by my old friends from Johor Bahru, the Hills.

Here's Genelle & Cinamon browsing while Graham looks on.

Later we met up with the Hills en masse at Darling Harbour for a drink but like a complete dope I forgot to take a photo :(
Sunday, not quite so sunny but nonetheless a lovely day. Off we set on foot for the ferry terminal at Birch Grove, just 5 minutes from Genelle's home in Balmain. Brilliant way to travel into the city, our destination was, of course, Sydney Opera House.

The obligatory photo in front of the Opera House. Believe I'm saying "Well, there it is!"

And let's not forget the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Here's not such a commonly seen photo taken by the Opera House with the Botanic Garden in the background.

Went for a lovely walk through the garden and particularly enjoyed the settlers garden ref the info about the early settlers and their disasterous attempts at farming. How much easier things would have been if they'd have asked the aborigines!

We found a poor little Possum in the garden. Lost it's Mummy and a hurt back leg, the park rangers had to be called.

Then Genelle went bats! :)

Having spent a very enjoyable couple of ours at the Art Gallery we then met a neighbour of Genelle's for lunch at Wooloorooloo.

Here's Genelle & Margaret just before we attacked a very welcome late lunch.

Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th June, 2006.

2006-06-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting FREEZING in Sydney. Actually it was a beautiful day and lovely in the sunshine but now the sun has gone and I'm chilled to the bone. Don't think it's that cold, I'm just a whimp. Completely lost Wednesday going from east to west across the time line. Feel a bit miffed actually as I have so little of my lovely holiday left.

Am off to sleep the sleep of the dead after that bottom numbing journey from Toronto, will get the camera out tomorrow and see what I can find. TTFN :)

Sunday 25th to Tuesday 27th June, 2006

2006-06-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Holly returned from her trip to Ireland, I'm so glad I stayed so that I could see her. We all sat up much too late considering Holly & Katherine both had work on Monday.

Monday evening we spent doing our favouite things, i.e. eating (delicious pizza), drinking & talking. However all good things come to an end and Tuesday I'm Sydney bound.

Would you believe we almost fogot to take photos??? Here's Holly, Maggie, Jared & Katherine.

Actually Jared had gone to bed to leave us girls to it so we had to get him up again to take and be in photos!

A final bye bye to Katherine :( Don't know what she's looking so happy about considering she doesn't know when she's going to she me again? Surely a terrible blow to anyone???

Monday 19th to Saturday 24th June, 2006

2006-06-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

So excited to arrive in Toronto and see Katherine waiting for me that completely forgot to get out the camera for the first two days, sorry. Monday was for catching up not only with all Katherines news but recontecting with an old friend from the Maldives, Sanjay. Great fun. Tuesday was for exploring The Danforth, a wonderful area of Toronto with a Greek flavour. Then a super evening at Sanjay's house with the most wonderful Indian meal (can't believe I forgot to take a photo of that spread!!) and more catching up. This time Sanjay's children joined us and a good time was had by all.
Wednesday I actually did some work (?!) but it was then time to meet all Katherine's friends for a night out.

Parked near The Needley Thing so thought I'd photograph it coming out of Katherine's head.

Starting from the left: Amanda, Linda, Christa, Julie, Katherine & Deb

Finally someone other than me pigging out :)

Thursday we walked around downtown then hit the shops before collapsing in a handy cocktail bar. We will be serving Mohitos at Sea Gypsy as soon as I get back!

The Needley thing and The Gargoyles, plus obligatory flags.

Look Richard & Jade, this is a Mr. Whippy, remember me telling you about the ice cream vans that used to come around the streets selling the yummiest whippy ice creams? I'm only holding Katherine's while she takes the photo, honest!

Friday Sanjay came to take me out to lunch

This is taken on the steps of Holly & Jared's house where I've been staying...

...and this is Maggie, with Katherine, Holly's "baby" that we've been walking while she's away. Lots of lovely parks locally to walk in, i really love this area around The Danforth.

Friday evening we drove to Katherine's parents for dinner.
Me with Tony, K's father

and K with her mother, Karen.

That girl is such a piggy, can't imagine who she reminds me of???

Saturday so it must be golf, well for Katherine and Jared (different venues), I just flopped about and pretended to think about doing some work but managed to avoid it. Did however get attacked by a delicious mango cake as i happened to be passing the fridge :)

Jared looking like the professional golfer whilst K worries if her hair is right for golfing?

Wednesday 14th June to Monday 19th June

2006-06-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday 18th June, 2006.
Off to Lake George to see Sylvia & Fred's new house. Fred has (is still in the process of) built this beautiful home virtually single handed. Wonder if Aziz could do the same for me???

Thought if I gave Fred a good cuddle he might come to Johor and build me one :) Otherwise just have to spend lots of time at Lake George, just in summer though...

The Golden Girls looking gorgeous as usual.

Had an early dinner at a wonderful restaurant called the Docksider on Glen Lake. Can heartily recommend it.

Sylv & Fred with Chris the owner of the Docksider.

Now that's the fattest cat I've ever seen! Just about what's going to happen to me if I keep on eating my way round the world!!

Sylv tells me we have to kiss the moose at the Docksider, can't remember why??

Sat 17th June, 2006.

Ted goes out to party with his American cousins, plus of course Sylvia & Fred's "babies" (our Henry's cousins).

Friday 16th June, 2006.
Sylvia & Fred whip up a delicious turkey dinner.

In the UK it must be beef, in the US it must be turkey!

Here we go again....

Thursday 15th June, 2006.
An intersting day as we missed our flight to Albany. Those that know me will think this was entirely my fault as i am notoriously "last minute" about everything but you'd be wrong, there was an accident on the freeway. Strangely enough Ma and I had a lovely day and enjoyed the adventure, finally arriving at 9.30p.m., better late than never!

The Bean enjoys the delights of Philadelphia Airport, a place we were not expecting to visit!?

Wednesday 14th June, 2006.
Everything to ship packed and gone, garage sale successful & everything else to the Sally Ann it was time for a few last farewells.
Mum & Auntie's favourite supermarket, couldn't resist one last visit for a bottle of champagne. Had to say a proper farewell to PG & Burnt Store.

This one is especially for Richard & Jade - yes, it's Juicy Lucy. It was as ever YUMMY!

One last photo of Ma's house on Summerfest. It's been a lovely home and we will miss it but a new adventure awaits.

Olive & Mitt drop by to say goodbye, and collect that 12 place dinner service Olive cannot resist (sorry Mitt).

Ma says a say farewell to her "baby" (personally I still miss Crystal).

Sunday 11th to Tuesday 13th June 2006

2006-06-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's here and the house is still standing so it's time to pack. Heartily recommend Robert Flinn Moving & Storage (well, unless it doesn't arrive in Malaysia, I'll keep you posted! :) so thank you for finding them Suzi.
Evan & L.C., two of the most charming and jolly packers you could wish to meet.

On Monday we wondered if the rain would ever stop when Ma's friend Stacy said we should try listening to the news, Hurricane Alberto was on it's way and headed straight for us. We wondered whether there would be anything left to pack & ship by Tuesday??
Teddy found some new friends in Punta Gorda to party with. Not much else to do but hit the Milky Way spread on such a rainy day. Well, except for heading to Walmarts and finding brilliant bargains....lucky Ma gave me another suit case!

On Sunday a last visit to Fisherman's Village was a must. The shops have changed a little since Hurricane Charlie but it's basically the same and still full of wonderful holiday souvenirs (watch out for your next parcels Richard & Jade!)
Beany looking wind swept & interesting just before the rain started.

Monday 5th June to Sunday 11th June

2006-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Finally back to blogging. To my many "followers" so sorry for the delay but getting hooked up to the internet here in Punta Gorda took me longer than anticipated. Also the reason I'm here, i.e. to help Ma pack up & ship out, has been interfering with my fun! All is now sorted (figuratively & literally) so it's back to blogging and holidaying :)

Day 1 and there's only one place I wanted to go to - The Red Lobster!

Whilst chomping on my favourite cheesy scone thingy & slurping Chablis it's sooo hard to decide what to eat but you can be sure some king crab legs will be included. Oh, and the lobster...and the scallops....

...OK, so we decided to have some of just about everything....yummy. How does Ma manage to stay so young looking??? If I knew I'd bottle it and become a squillionaire!

Could have cropped this to conceal the ever growing tummy but thought I should warn others of the danger of eating your way round the world....what the 'eck!

Day 2, Wednesday so it must be bowling. Love it.

The Queen of the Lanes is disgusted, even before the bowl hits the pins.

With Claire & Phil, old friends from the Park. This bowling involved cards & gambling but I couldn't quite get with the plot.

1st to 4th June

2006-06-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Nancy lives in Barnes, London in a super house I've fallen in love with.

She shares the house with Anita.

First night we pig out on my favourite Chinese take away.

First day and it's straight to M & S for undies!

Day 2 and I'm working hard (?) in London....

....where we found the most fantastic Scottish restaurant, The Albanach, in Trafalgar Square. Highly recommended!

Day 3 and it's off to visit Grandad at Wey Hill. Here he is outside his home at Ramridge Park.

Day 4 we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a long walk on the toe path along the Thames.

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This is for my Asian friends that think of London as nothing but a big city. Here's Barnes, just 15 minutes from Picadilly Circus!

The pond in Barnes, so many cute baby ducks. Tomorrow it's off to Florida and much as I'm looking forward to it I wish my London visit could be longer.

30th May 2006

2006-05-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Day 6 - after 2 nights with Marg in Horley catching up on 4.5 years of gossip it's time to leave, but not before we take some photos of Oliver.....
Marg & Oliver

Oliver & Linda

Could not resit popping by the old homestead on the way from Horley to Clapham. The whole trip was a blast from the past and brought back a kalidescope of memories, all good.
Look - Croft Road!

Good old number 55 :)

A little later than intended but we finally made it to Auntie Pat's. Lots of laughter, catching up and the BEST fish & chips ever. Can feel those pounds creeping on.... :( oh well, I'm on my hols, time to diet when i get home :)
Did Auntie Pat shrink? or did we get bigger??

Marg with John & Penny

One more photo before Marg has to leave :( hope it's not another 4.5 years till we're together again.

A Poppy for Poppy

2006-05-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jade, this is Auntie Marg trying out the blog and I love this picture your Mummy took in France! Made me think of you 'cus she calls you Poppy xx

28 May 2006 - Apres Lunch Walk

2006-05-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

In a vain attempt to burn up some of the 20 million calories the ladies go for a walk. The men stayed at home to contemplate what to have for tea!?

I know, I know I'm at the flowers again, Buttercups this time, can't help id they're SO lovely. Nothing like spring in good old blighty.

Look, a horse!

Want a carrot horsey?

More flowers, this time through the Bluebells.

Always time for a game of Pooh Sticks.

The dinner party has ended by Uncle Dave

2006-05-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

For more photos visit http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/3103212

Sunday, 28 May 2006 - Lunch with the Gang!

2006-05-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

The morning of Sunday 28 May dawns and is a beautiful spring day. The sun is shining, the blossom is out and the smell of roast beef and the sound of King Edward potatoes being scrapped reverberates around the sleepy Sussex hamlet of Copthorne. The table is set and the pudding waits patiently for it's moment to arrive. British rasperries and posh cream from the Channel Island of Jersey await the guests.

I think the table says it all, yummy.

Sue & Dave, mmmm.... designer water.

Nancy & Roxanne

Carol & Mick

Michaella

Think all that wine must be making us squiffy?

Serious business this eating!

This close up is for Richard & Jade :)

My favouritist desert in all the world. Then came ice cream, cheese cake, rhubarb crumble followed by a cheese board. Over indulgent perhaps??? Eat your hearts out Richard & Jade!

David sets up the blog after buying Rosbif

2006-05-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Rosbif - that's what the French call the English because the English adore Roast Beef! Which is why David Gunner prepared for the UK section of Linda's world tour by purchasing a magnificent piece of Rib roast beef from the highly acclaimed butchers shop at Crawley Down village in West Sussex. The joint - pictured here - will form the centrepiece of an exotic dinner which will include Yorkshire Puddings, carrots, cauliflower, runner beans, roast potatoes, parsnips and gravy. Then it will be followed by fresh english raspberries (more expensive than gold), strawberries, cream, Ben and Jerry's Fossil Fuel ice cream and Mr McGinns exotic home made rhubarb crumble.

Saturday, 27 May 2006 - Loic and Margaux

2006-05-27T03:27:00.000-07:00

Time for the family photos and Kit Kat the cat had to get in on the act.

Margaux & Loic looking suitably serious at the prospect of Auntie Linda's departure the following day.

One for the album, lucky Loic has long arms.

Think there's a family resemblence?

My escort Ted found a new friend.

Kiss your Auntie you won't see her till next year.

Friday, 26 May 2006 - Aix with Margaux

2006-05-27T03:13:00.000-07:00

Day 2 and after another wonderful walk in the country it was time for the big smoke....

....well, Aix en Provence at any rate.

And another square!

But seriously, Aix is a beautiful city (must be, has a cathederal) and well worth visiting.

Ah, time pour le cafe, including the most arrogantly awful service for which France is rightly famed!!!

Thursday, 25 May 2006 - Poppy Walk

2006-05-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

First day of my holiday. Having spent the day drinking wine and catching up with Margaux it was time for a walk, I'd forgotten just how beautiful France is.

Could not resist this avenue, almost a poster waiting to be printed!

Fields and fields of poppies, very beautiful ....

.... surely Monet's inspiration and no wonder.