Cold London

After a few days rest and some well needed jet-lag recovery time, we headed up to London to have a look at the sights and the Christmas lights.
The first stop was the London Eye, which was pretty cool, you hop into a capsule with about 10 other people and have a ride on one of the biggest ferris wheels around.  You get a 360 degree uninterrupted view of the River Thames and of London, all in the comfort of a heated capsule that moves slowly and smoothly, you are also given a 360 degree photo of London so you can easily pick out the different monuments and historic buildings, along with some of the more modern sights.
Laura and Amy all rugged up with the Eye behind them.

The lights around London were great, and although these photos were taken from about 4pm onwards it is more than dark enough to get a wonderful christmasy feel walking along amongst them all.  You can get quite jostled at times trying to get a great shot as others are rushing either side of you heading to the nearest tube and home. But London wouldn't be London without the crowds and the crush of the underground.  As we told the girls it's all part of the experience!

A quick stop at the International Market on the South Bank for a nice warming glass of mulled wine for Pete and I and some hot chips for the girls.

Hot Bangkok

 After the long flight from Auckland to Bangkok, Thailand we have at last arrived in Bangkok. The first thing we decided to do was to have a look at some of the temples in Bangkok.

Inside the temples are amazing statues, some made from pure gold and other made from concrete and covered in gold leaf.  This one is the 3rd biggest in the country and understandably made from concrete and covered in gold leaf

Some of the spectacular architecture around Bangkok's temples.

The next day we took a tour further afield, and drove out of Bangkok for about an hour and went to

the floating markets, which were great fun but quite touristy. 

A quick drink of local coconut milk to cool us down before the river cruise.

Laura trying her hand at bartering for the 1st time, and the clever fold away fan hats she purchased for herself and Amy.

Some of the local houses down at the rivers edge

 

The next stop was to the little town of Maekong where the local market is situated across the railway lines and sells a very large selection of fresh foods including smoked and fresh frogs, it was very interesting to see especially when the train whistle blasts to signal a train is on its way....

Almost off!!

Well after many weeks of frantic sorting, finishing the house and packing it is at last time to start our adventure.  But first is a Bon Voyage party for Laura and Amy at the school pool. Everyone had a great time even though the pool heating system had broken down the day before and the water was a little chilly, Pete did a great job with the sausage sizzle and after everyone had eaten it was time for another quick dip in the pool before the final farewells.

Tickets Booked

Well we are at the very beginning of our adventure. 
We have just booked our tickets to the UK with a 3 day stop in Bangkok!!   We still  have lots to do before we can buckle our seatbelts and take off on the first flight of our journey which is up to Auckland on the 5th of  December.