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Parental Leave Trip
  • Matthew Chapman
  • Laura Chapman
  • Matthew Chapman
  • Laura Chapman

Parental Leave Trip

A 187-day adventure by Matthew & Laura Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 8, 2024
    Parental Leave Trip
    1

    San Francisco

    February 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    1st day of the trip in San Francisco, girls great on plane and no signs of jet lag :)
    Breakfast at ihop "Let's just put that down as an American experience..." Says Matt.
    Spotted sea lions on their purpose made floats at Pier 39.
    Visited the chocolate factory.
    Lunch at Bodins for giant sourdough soup rolls.
    Quick wander round the piers before Bus tour over the Golden Gate bridge and trip to Muir Woods with Coast Redwoods.
    Beautiful views over San Francisco :)
    Poppy mainly asleep, pooping or smiling at everyone.
    Rosie very happy and excited but also sleepy!    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    12

    Super 🏈

    February 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Super Bowl 🏈 🥣 👌
    Got the historic cable car this morning to San Fran centre. Rosie was allowed to ring the bell after everyone got off!

    Travelled up to Golden Gate Park on the bus. Lots of strange people on public transport here - definitely a major drug problem!

    Got some lunch near Golden Gate Park then quick play in the awesome play park and a ride in the carousel. Tried to go to the Botanic Gardens but Rosie was far too sleepy, so we got the bus back. Rosie fell asleep eventually on the bus and slept on Matt for quite a while after we got off. Think the busy days and time difference have caught up with her.

    Dinner out at Pier 39. Great atmosphere with the Super Bowl on, lots of people about. Delicious seafood pasta and local Dungeness crab for dinner - Rosie loved it! S'mores round the fire at the hotel for pudding and got to pet the giant rabbit from the neighbouring restaurant...

    Poppy has been lovely as usual :) slept lots in the sling and really enjoys staring up and smiling at Matt and Rosie when Rosie is being carried.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip

    San Fran Bus Tour

    February 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Did the Hop on and Off Big Bus tour today. Laura started the day with a run - Golden Gate bridge at sunrise was the highlight!
    Yummy breakfast of Acai Bowl at a place Matt found. Quick sea swim for Matt (the water is quite chilly even here!) Then off on the bus to the old Ferry Terminal for lunch (Nepalese dumplings) from one of the many food stands. Picked up some tasty blood oranges too!
    Back on the bus. Rosie slept through the ride over the Golden Gate bridge despite it being extremely windy and going through a very noisy tunnel! Hopped off at Palace of Fine Art (beautiful building with Roman style columns - Rosie giggling lots about chasing us around!). Wandered down to the marina to enjoy beautiful views of the GG Bridge and watched the kitesurfers and a dolphin popping up here and there.
    Back on the bus all the way back to our hotel. Some s'mores on the fire and then of to Pier 39 for dinner - delicious scallops and shrimps.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Alcatraz and Aquarium

    February 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Took the F Historic Streetcar after breakfast but sadly the Exploratorium museum was closed, so we walked back to the Pier to do the Alcatraz tour. Just managed to hop on the next boat. Fog cleared a bit so we could start to see the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and Treasure Island.
    Rosie did great on the audio tour around the cells at Alcatraz which meant we could actually listen to it - creepy but interesting to hear about how the prisoners lived.
    Another delicious crab chowder sourdough bowl from Boudins.
    Matt and Rosie went to the aquarium in the afternoon - Rosie loved the robot guide and the otters.
    Back at the hotel Poppy did one of her first laughs - very cute! And this morning she rolled from her front to her back.
    Lovely dinner at Scomas where they catch the fish and seafood they serve. The restaurant is next to all the fishing boats so the area is low key but lots of very fancy cars parked outside!
    Last night in San Francisco tonight. We've loved the positive vibes, mix of cultures, the tasty seafood, scent of eucalyptus on our runs and how many fun things are going on here. Thumbs up for San Fran 👍    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Tahiti!

    February 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Travel to Tahiti and the first hour of sun light has made it a worthwhile trip!

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Water Gardens

    February 15, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Breakfast and a swim in the gorgeous hotel pool this morning - sand under your feet is much nicer than tiles! We then travelled down the coast to visit the Water Gardens. Had lunch in a shady (but partly flooded) spot opposite the garden. Rosie wanted to chase the Cockerel!
    Water Gardens were quite small, especially as half of it had flooded, but amazing flowers. Also saw an eel in the pond!
    Did part of the trek up the mountain from the gardens - Matt carried Rosie and I had Poppy in the sling. Crazily steep and mosquitoes to contend with if you stopped!
    Had a quick snack at a viewing spot before walking back down.
    Rosie helped get some bits from Carrefour on the way home. Just had time for another quick swim before dinner.
    Poppy spent a lot of the day sleeping and feeding - think she's still adjusting.
    Rosie being quite silly by dinner time - needed to eat earlier really! But she enjoyed her mahi mahi.
    Off to Mo'orea on the ferry tomorrow! Staying there for a few nights before Bora Bora.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    13

    Moorea!

    February 16, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Moorea is just beautiful. We got the ferry yesterday from Tahiti then checked into our Airbnb, not having air con has taken some adjustment when it's 32degrees inside! The scenery and marine life are worth sweeting for though. Rosie stroked her first sting Ray today which she loved :)Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    21

    Moorea^2

    February 17, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    More fun in Moorea, looking forward to air con again though... The car has been reading a max of 43degrees during the day and it doesn't drop beneath 32degrees at night!

    Drove up to Belvedere Lookout this morning, stunning views of the two large bays. Was going to stop at an archeological site on the way up but got attacked by mosquitos so decided not to!
    Saw some cyclists at the top which is impressive as it was a long, relatively narrow and very steep road with lots of switchbacks.
    Rosie seemed to get a bit grumpy in the car so she got out to help buy stuff for a picnic lunch.
    Lovely cuddles between Rosie and Poppy this morning. Poppy decided she was ready to get up around 5am and Rosie slept in until 7am - would be great if they chose to do the same thing!
    Had our picnic on the same beach as yesterday as it's so beautiful there. Took a while to get shady enough for playing in the sea though. Matt and I took turns to have a quick snorkel and Rosie and Poppy were very happy playing. Although Poppy was quite tired as her naps have been interrupted today.
    Dinner out nearby. Rosie loved her grilled fish and chips despite being very tired. And she did some lovely dancing to the live jazz music - lots of twirls in her dress.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    12

    Last night in Moorea

    February 20, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    More rays, sharks and family time 😀

    What we loved about Mo'orea:
    - Coral gardens with incredible snorkeling (so many different fish to see)
    - Lush tropical forests on the mountains
    - The local public beach - just about the perfect beach! Shallow blue water, sandy shore, shade from palms and amazing snorkeling.
    - The friendly sting rays and black tip sharks    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    21

    Bora Bora!

    February 21, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Just amazing! The over water bungalow is perfect 👌
    Flight from Mo'orea was a bit delayed but still nice to fly from and to such a small airport and on a short flight!
    Took the airport ferry from the airport island to the main island - very swish boats for the fancy resorts!
    Hosts met us with the hire car and showed us where things were in the town.
    Can't believe how amazing the overwater bungalow is.
    Got some supplies from the supermarket - tuna was just £5 so had pasta and tuna steak, very tasty. Used a bit of raw tuna to see what fish we could attract which Rosie really enjoyed doing - got some big bites!
    Beautiful sunset, so nice to see it as we often didn't in Mo'orea.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    311

    Day 2 in BB

    February 22, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Another day in paradise 🌞
    Saw dolphins right outside our bungalow this morning which was so special.
    Matt took the kayak to the outer islands for an explore whilst Rosie and I had a chat with Mark and Kat - Rosie has been missing Kat very much. Today she asked me who are my friends that I miss. When I told her she'd say no they're my friends, you're not allowed them! 😂
    We've booked a boat hire for tomorrow morning which is exciting.
    Poppy has been especially smiley and cute today. She's getting better at rolling to her side.
    Bought some more bananas and pineapple from a road stall - the pineapples are so sweet here and almost creamy!
    Rosie had a go in the kayak with Matt when we got home. She did really well and came back very happy.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1324

    Bora Bora boat trip

    February 23, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I didn't know anywhere could be this beautiful! Rosie loved driving the boat too 😃
    Saw lots more sting rays. They are much smaller than the ones in Mo'orea and definitely less tamed - probably because people aren't feeding them! So beautiful to see them swimming in the crystal clear water.
    Fantastic snorkeling today with schools of fish between the reefs and bright purple coral.
    Had both Poppy and Rosie asleep on me in the boat at one point!
    Spent the afternoon at our place swimming, kayaking, painting and doing some Moana and Frozen themed yoga videos 😂
    We've all had a lovely day.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    3

    Chilled day in BB

    February 24, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Spent the morning at Matira beach. Beautiful white sandy beach with huge shaded area. Very handy as Poppy had a sleep whilst Rosie and Matt went for a swim. I had a quick swim afterwards and came back to shore to Rosie shouting "Mummy" as she ran out to meet me. We built a sandcastle with sea defences which kept getting washed away. Rosie would just smile and say "don't matter, we'll build it again!".
    Lunch at Snack Matira - fish and chips for me and Rosie and raw fish in coconut milk for Matt.
    Chilled afternoon at the bungalow with some more swimming. Matt found a lionfish! Then pizza for dinner followed by feeding the scraps to the fish. The water was so still and clear it was like an aquarium.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    22

    Kayaking and cuddles

    February 25, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Swim for Matt in the morning, then a kayak for Laura to the beautiful bay near ours. Quick trip to Matira beach and lunch with a sleepy and hungry Rosie at Bora Bora Yacht Club - stunning location overlooking Coral garden with lots of fish.
    Trip to the shop to buy dinner before heading home. Matt took Rosie for a kayak whilst Poppy and I played and had cuddles. Rosie fell asleep though so couldn't appreciate the scenery!
    More fish for dinner and feeding fish from the jetty afterwards.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    111

    Breakfast with rays

    February 25, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Rosie loved feeding the sting rays until one bit her hand.. She was quickly back on it though and even tried her first snorkelling with them. Amazing beach and almost no one else there 😃 The kayaking sent her to sleep in 30 seconds yesterday evening so I had to paddle round with a dead weight on my lap!Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    11

    Guns and coral gardens

    February 27, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Visited two lots of canons used in WWII. Tried to get out as soon as possible so we could do the walks whilst it wasn't too hot. First one was very steep but a very short walk. Nice views of the Motus (outer islands).
    Second one was a much longer and hotter walk! All 4 of us were very sweaty by the end but it was totally worth it for the views of Mount Otemanu.
    Quick dip back at the bungalow before lunch out and some time hanging out play Matira beach - definitely seems best for snorkeling and shade! Saw so many different kinds of fish when snorkeling today. It was amazing! Huge shoals of fish lurk around the drop off and there are beautiful Coral gardens with all sorts of different fish. Wish I knew what they were!
    Rosie did some great swimming today and is getting more confident dipping her head into the water.
    Poppy was so happy and smiley this afternoon and has been great fun to hang out with.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip

    Manta Rays

    February 28, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Turns out there are manta rays a 5 min kayak from our bungalow! They are a lot bigger than I expected, so graceful too..
    Plus lunch in Bora Bora yacht club, not many yacht clubs are built onto beautiful reef!Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    11

    Bye Bye Bora Bora

    February 29, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Really sad to leave Bora Bora but looking forward to the next part of our adventure.
    We'll miss:
    - Our idillic overwater bungalow
    - The incredible snorkeling and graceful rays
    - Swimming, kayaking and feeding fish off the jetty
    - Seeing local families playing at Matira Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches you will find!)
    - The vivid blue of the shallow waters
    Couple of nights in Tahiti then on to the Cook Islands!    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Off to the Cook Islands 😎

    March 1, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Had a lovely couple of days in Tahiti. Strange being back in a hotel with lots of other tourists after being in our own place though.
    Rosie has loved swimming in the sandy pool and we did an awesome drive up into the mountains today, although it was very steep, windy and pot holey! We had lunch at O Belvedere which had amazing views out over the coast of Tahiti. And the views into the tropical forest on the way up were beautiful. Especially the huge trees with bright orange flowers, the massive vines, bananas and other tropical plants.
    Beautiful sunset this evening with clouds lit up over Mo'orea.
    Poppy has been very active today, trying to get us to do raspberries back at her when she's doing them and showing us how she can hold her toes. She also moved my hand to bring my book closer to her this afternoon - clever sausage.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    11

    Welcome to Muri Beach

    March 2, 2024 in Cook Islands ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Arrived at Muri Beach around lunchtime. Rosie and Poppy did great on the flight, although Rosie was getting a little bored by the end. Was only a couple of hours!
    Walked down the beach to explore a bit. Lots of sea slugs washed up on the strand line which seems odd. Cool to have some Motus (outer islands) opposite our beach. Looking forward to exploring those on the hotel's kayaks. Looks like there should be some good snorkeling too and maybe even some wind for Matt to go kitesurfing at last!
    The room at our hotel overlooks the pool which is going to be great for the girls. We had a swim in the pool in the pouring rain. Poppy was very happy in the pool even in the rain. She seems to love swimming.
    And Rosie did some great jumping in with Matt. She's getting more and more confident in the water all the time.
    Takeaway dinner on the beach tonight with a beer. A nice way to chill out at the end of the day. Both the girls were asleep or falling asleep at dinner!
    Much cooler weather here than French Polynesia. A lovely cool breeze too.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    21

    Happy Sleepy Day

    March 3, 2024 in Cook Islands ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Went for a quick run on the beach this morning as it's actually cool enough here thanks partly to the breeze. Saw lots of baby reef fish in the shallows. Nice to do a bit of exercise!
    Matt went for a kite but it wasn't quite windy enough. He managed to launch and land in the lagoon (which is how the kiters get out here) so hopefully when there's more wind he'll have a good session.
    The girls have been great for most of the day. Very happy to hang out by the hammocks and go swimming. Poppy tried a bit more papaya today which went down well!
    Had a delicious lunch at LBV bakery which is just over the road. And dinner at the night market outside our hotel - so many tasty dishes to choose from with lots of different vendors. There was a real buzz with lots of people there and local music playing over the speakers.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Paddling about

    March 4, 2024 in Cook Islands ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Rosie and I kayaked over to the middle Motu (island) that's opposite our beach. It w as a little windy but very sheltered at the other island. Rosie did great on the kayak and she really enjoyed building a sandcastle at the Motu beach and decorating it with some coral.
    Poppy was quite hungry whilst we were out so had some banana and absolutely loved it! I think she's going to enjoy her food.
    Matt managed to get out on his kite in the morning and afternoon, just quick sessions but he was happy to be doing some kiting again ☺️
    Before dinner Matt took Rosie out on the paddle board quickly and a turtle popped it's head up right next to them! Rosie was so happy.
    Delicious dinner at the Raratonga Sailing Club. Poppy was exhausted from her afternoon dip in the sea so slept through nearly the whole dinner and woke up just in time to charm some New Zealanders before we left. She gives the best smiles.    Read more

  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Turtles and Coconuts

    March 5, 2024 in Cook Islands ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Matt watched the sunrise with Poppy whilst Rosie and I were asleep. Quick 4k run for me before it got too hot! A 'wandering' (not stray) dog accompanied me for part of it.
    Matt had quite a good kite session as it was pretty windy this morning.
    Did some admin to sort some boat trips over the next couple of days.
    One of the groundsmen really kindly showed us how to open a coconut and gave us the juice and flesh - it was very yummy! Along with some bananas from the garden.
    Rosie and Matt went for a kayak and Rosie came back and excitedly announced "We saw that many turtles (holding out 4 fingers)". Sounds like they were really close to the kayak!
    It was the Night food market outside our hotel again tonight and had a delicious dinner - tuna for Matt and Mango chicken skewers for Rosie and I.
    Walked back along the beach and had a game of throw the baby coconuts into the hole with a nice couple from Fleetwood.    Read more

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