Going down under and other adventures

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More Perth...including the Bell Tower, Lake Cave (Margaret River), Perth skyline and Anzac memorial

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Perth....trip to Margaret River...Rottnest island (qwokkas and cycling)...fish and chips...skydiving!

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Goodbye Australia!

So last Sunday marked the end of my trip to Australia and New Zealand. I left with mixed emotions - I had an amazing time on holiday and cannot wait to come back (I already have thought about other places to visit) but I am also missing my family and friends back in the UK. The time difference between UK and NZ is 11 hours, East coast Australia is 9 hours and Western Australia is 7 hours. It was easy to forget about this when on Facebook or when emailing. Australia and New Zealand are beautiful countries filled with beautiful people of different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. There is a homely and friendly feel to the countries. However the countries are literally on the other side of the world!! So for now goodbye but I look forward to seeing you both again soon.

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Perth….visit to the Perth Mint...trip to Margaret River…Rottnest island (qwokkas and cycling)…fish and chips…skydiving!

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More Melbourne...view from Eureka tower, blue/fairy penguin, sunset at St Kilda's, Queen Victoria market, Federation Square, Melbourne at night, Peninsula Hot Springs, Miss Marple's tearoom, thong tree, raspberry custard tart

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Melbourne - Great Ocean Road tour, wild kangaroos, the Grampians tour (Mackenzie waterfall, Otway rainforest) and anyone for vegemite ice-cream?

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Sydney again - Hillsong Sydney Waterloo campus, rose from Sydey botanical garden, Anzac war memorial, Darling harbour

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Christchurch...old tourist tram...penguin artwork...Pepper and me...the pop-up cathedral...Maori carvings from Canterbury museum

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So here are a few pics from Queenstown - backpacker’s hostel, Mount Cook, Oamaru, view over Queenstown, luge, coast, on the mountain, helicopter in background, Canyon Fox zipline

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The wonder of travelling

Stunning scenery and landscapes are seen on the journey of a traveller but the other important aspect is the people you meet on the way! They can really make or break a trip! So on my travels so far, a few encounters that stand out to me include being welcomed with open arms by a distant relative I barely knew prior to meeting him for the first time, being bowled over by the amazing generosity and kindness of an AirBnB host and being thoroughly interested and intrigued in listening to other people's life stories taking them up until the moment I met them. The stories have been full of diversity and discovery; from a guy in his late 20s who is keen to live/work in as many countries of the world as possible to a lady who came from a small town but has emigrated with her boyfriend and is keen to start a new life in a new country to a young couple travelling for a holiday in Thailand but having to remain patient despite a long and arduous journey. There have been many others but too many to name individually. These encounters have each been brief in time but have left their mark. The world is an amazing place full of a richness seen in people coming from all different races, cultures, countries and backgrounds. This is something to be enjoyed and celebrated. I would encourage you to meet as many different people as possible from all walks of life and ask about their story. You might be surprised. It could be similar to your story or completely different. Either way, by doing this you will find your perspective on life is made bigger, your mind broadened and your life enriched, forever!

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Wellington...home of beautiful bays and Weta Studios and a brilliant exhibition at Te Papa museum about Gallapolli..and not forgetting Happy Mother's Day in NZ!

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Next stop...Rotorua....geysers...mudpools...Maori culture and of course, Hobiton!

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Cycling down Manly bay beach, views from Sydney harbour bridge

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A great start to the Aussie trip! These past few days have included a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a cycle ride down Brisbane river, an evening in South Bank, kayaking at Maroochy river and a trip to the local market !

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Here I come Australia...I hope you are ready for me!

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Leaving on a jet plane!

So I am about to embark on a fun and exciting adventure to tour Australia, New Zealand and Mauritius in 6 weeks! It was a crazy idea... but here goes! Do check out my blog in future days to see what I get up to. But for now... time to sleep before the journey begins!