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Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
  • Tamsin Gallie
  • Kate Saxton
  • Tamsin Gallie
  • Kate Saxton

Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

Post Cancer "Fuck it" World Trip ticking off major ticket items - Trans Mongolian Railway, Russia, Bhutan, Italy etc
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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
    3

    Christmas Day with the family

    December 25, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌬 9 °C

    Happy Xmas day!!
    K and I were up early despite our late night last night. At least the flat was clean and tidy.
    First things first was up to mums to pick up the veg and sundries necessary to get on with the day.
    I had an hour to open presents and prepare lunch before picking up my brothers 3 children to bring them down for an hour. I dropped them back after an hour to get them back in time for their lunch.
    Then finished cooking Xmas lunch for us and only just got it finished before having to go and pick up 2 of my sisters children ( Jake has walked down earlier and Reece was spending the Xmas with his girlfriend)
    An hour or so later and I dropped those kids home. Next I dropped mum and Pete to Pete’s and finally sat down for a Xmas wine at 6pm.... in plenty of time for Xmas Gavin and Stacey special.... and I wasn’t disappointed.
    Jake slept over so he could go to work tmrw ... and there was Xmas done and dusted!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
    1

    Charlestown sea swim

    December 26, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    As is Boxing Day tradition Mum and Pete were going to watch the charity sea swim at Charlestown.
    I just couldn’t resist packing my swim stuff in order to make the decision whether to take part or not. However on arriving in Charlestown the conditions were perfect albeit an extremely low tide so I paid my £10, filled in a liability form and went for a coffee with my participators wrist band firmly stuck on.
    More and more people arrived wearing all their winter coats and boots making it feel colder than it actually was.
    Soon it was time to strip off and head down into the harbour - at this point I realised I had left my swim shorts at home so bikini it was... and K’s woolly hat for good measure!!
    There were definitely significantly more spectators than swimmers but there was a camaraderie between us In various states of dress/undress standing in the sun in the harbour.
    After a safety briefing it was a walk to the sea before the hooter went off and in we went! We had to stay in for 2 mins until the hooter resounded by which time I was enjoying it so much that I didn’t want to come out of the water!!! It was beautiful.
    Back up the harbour we all went feeling quite exhilarated before trying to find somewhere slightly private to put some warm dry clothes on.... I tried behind the ambulance but it really was less than private!
    Half an hour later and the rain came in and the sky was so grey it looked like a totally different day. The weather gods had definitely blessed us earlier.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
    2

    Boxing day lunch and a laundry accident

    December 26, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    After the sea swim in Charlestown it was home for a traditional family Boxing Day lunch of pork, hot chips and peas with half a jar of pickled onions for me!!
    However the bottle of Prosecco got the better of all of us and despite major efforts it ended up with a sliced left index finger which bled like a bugger throughout the whole of lunch- yes I should know better!!!
    After lunch it was home to the flat and then sadly much later that evening we encountered a laundry incident....the washing machine shrunk K’s fave jumper!! Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she really loved that jumper but it was so beyond help or rescue nothing could be done!! Poor K    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Truro and return of the hire car

    December 27, 2019 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    An early start picking up mum and Alfie both who wanted a trip to Truro for a bit of shopping in the sales as we took the hire car back.
    Sadly there really wasn’t anything in the sales so Pete picked us up at 12.30pm and dropped us back off in Falmouth.
    Next Alf helped to disassemble to Xmas cheese plant and take down our Xmas decorations - but kept our “angel” aka woody from Toy Story for memory sake.
    Armed with the decorations and a bag of unnecessary winter clothes we walked to town and dropped them off gratefully at the nearest charity shop.
    Next it was a great catch up with an old friend Tracey who is now Chief Inspector in Cardiff. We hadn’t seen each other for at least 8yrs and the last meeting was a chance encounter at the Great Swim in London that neither of us realised the other would be at.
    After 2 coffees here it was off to Costa coffee for a catch up with Reece, who had had a lovely Xmas and liked his Xmas pressie of a travel adaptor in prep for his first overseas holiday to Spain in May.
    Several jobs later, Alfie had an early bday jumper and then it was back home for dinner and some Tv and Alfies last sleep over at the flat.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Hayle

    December 28, 2019 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Started the day with Alfie making us breakfast after we taught him to make scrambled egg the other day. He was well chuffed and it was all v tasty.
    Just spent the rest of the day with mum and Pete and Alfie down in Hayle. Had a coffee and then just dropped Alfie home before having a curry night at Pete’s which he had been preparing during the week.Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Sad farewell - Cornwall to London

    December 29, 2019 in England ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    Days like this are always horrible.
    It started early with breakfast in Wetherspoons with Jake before he went to work at 9am. We had a nice 45 mins before a sad goodbye outside Wetherspoons!!
    Next it was a check out of the Airbnb flat which has been great over the month we have had it.
    Mum and Pete had cleared out the boot of the car before they picked us up, so we could get all of our luggage into the Peugeot 208..... just!!
    Next it was a stop to say goodbye to Alfie and LaCie which resulted in tears as always ... mine more than theirs!!!
    Dead on time we left for the 09.57 train at Truro.
    Pete and mum parked up and came to see us off at the platform but the new barrier system means that only passengers with tickets can get onto the platform so everyone just crowds outside the barrier trying to say goodbye.
    We waited until the last 5 mins before saying a tearful farewell to mum and Pete. This is always so hard.
    Kate went through into the platform and then after one last hug I went to join her..... but the barrier broke!!!
    It is now 4 mins before the train is due. To cut a long story short there were about 10 of us stuck on the wrong side of the barrier. I started to pass my bags over to K and got shouted at by a v inefficient member of staff that had come over to try to reset the barrier!! The guy behind me was going mad as the staff member was saying they wouldn’t hold the train even though it wasn’t our fault we were stuck!!
    With 2 mins to go we managed to pull the barrier open and I rushed through to the platform completely ignoring the stupid staff member asking to see tickets!!
    Just caught up with Kate and in pulled the train- it was manic and added more stress to an already stressful situation.
    Then we got on the train and none of the seat reservations were up so it was carnage finding a seat- bloody trains!!
    Anyway we arrived into Paddington at 14.35 as planned and then the chaos started again.
    We were due to get the tube to Liverpool Street and the train to Stansted where we were staying the night.
    On arrival we found out the tube we needed was closed or the whole day. We went for the National express coach ( right out the back of Paddington) but they were running more than an hour late and took nearly and extra hour compared to the train.
    Back into the station it was 2 x packed tubes and a packed train and we finally arrived at the hotel at 5.30pm.... 1.5 hour later than expected. Poor K was stressed from the negotiating the tubes with all of our luggage so we went downstairs and had a v expensive small wine which seemed to help. Early start tmrw and a seriously much needed unwind.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Stansted to Geneva

    December 30, 2019 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    At 4.30am we were trying to eat our free breakfast at the hotel because it was free!!
    Staying at the Hampton by Hilton at Stansted Airport meant we only had to walk 5 mins to the terminal thank god so by 5.30am we were all checked in and going through security for our 07.05am flight. The airport was packed it could have been 5.30pm!!
    We saw a couple trying to get to their flight through a gate that had closed 30 mins before... and then we were boarded 40 mins early!! Luckily we were in situ so no harm done.
    By 9.15am we had touched down in Geneva!
    There is a machine that dispenses free train tickets for the 6 mins from the airport to the city centre so we v soon found ourselves in downtown Geneva after the most efficient airport transfer ever.
    Next it was off to find the Hotel Montbrillant to dump our bags... and viola there it was right next to the train station.... 5 metres from the station doors. Loving Switzerland already!
    10 mins later and our bags were safely dropped off, tickets for free transport provided and a city map we set off to find a much needed coffee.
    We found a great little coffee shop, had refreshments and then spent several hours walking around the lake and town- Geneva is a v beautiful, clean, easy city- just what we needed.
    Migros supermarket provided us with a quick ( but quite expensive) lunch which we took back to the hotel as we checked in.
    Our room was v nice and so super convenient.
    After meal planning for the next few days it was back to
    Migros and another supermarket for supplies and bottles of wine to take with us to see us through the next few days including New Years.
    In the bowels of the mall opposite the supermarket there was this random little beer cafe full of locals so we decided to join them for a quick beer- it was hilarious!! An unexpected local experience but sadly could only afford 1!!
    Back to the hotel for a relaxed evening and an early night as we were leaving at 08.30am the next day. This was after hanging the bag of food out of the window to keep it cool as the fridge was too small!!
    Leaving at 08.30am sounds like a decent time but it’s dark until this time and quite cold so not so easy getting up early- in fact it’s getting harder and harder to get up.... we need daylight!!!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Happy New Years Eve - quietly

    December 31, 2019 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    The 09.12 was boarded easily after a smooth check out from the Hotel Montbrilliant and a trip to the small Migros for a couple of breakfast pastries.
    The Swiss trains r so on time, efficient and well laid out that there is ample room for luggage and more than enough comfortable seating.
    A quick change in Aigle and we boarded the mountain train towards Champéry getting off at Chemex.
    Sadly the 5 min walk to Lowenas house in the mountains took nearly 25 mins as we went the wrong side of the railway tracks. Finally we turned up to be greeted by Lowenas dad Gerald, step mum Pam and ther friend Susan who had been staying for Xmas and were getting the train out in 30 mins.
    This allowed change over instructions, how much not to feed the cats, that the underfloor heating was automatic etc etc
    Lowenas family r from Saltash, Cornwall so despite us bringing the largest tub of clotted cream with us.... there were 2 more tubs in the fridge- heaven!!
    We said goodbye and then we settled in for some much needed relaxation.
    An hour or so later we were back on the little
    Mountain train up to Champéry to suss our if we were able to hire some ski gear and if there were beginners slopes.
    Champéry is a lovely little village with a Gondola further up the mountain however the very helpful lady in the info centre informed us the beginners slopes there weren’t that nice so she recommended Morgin instead.
    All info and maps gathered we got the train back down to Chemex and we were back home on the deck with a coffee in 30 mins. Lowena has a total slice of heaven with her place.
    Wine and cheese started our NYE festivities which involved watching a doco on Lynx and then Kate fell asleep on the couch at 8.30pm. To be fair she did wake up at 11.56pm and we watched several different firework displays both up high and down low in the valleys for about 20 mins but our evening was seriously lacking the party atmosphere to be honest.... maybe next year!!! Happy 2020!!!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Happy New Year from Troistorrents

    January 1, 2020 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Happy 2020!! Although no chance of waking up with a hangover here. Actually we both felt a bit low in energy today so just relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine and the haven of Lowenas fabulous chalet.
    We spent most of the day reading and watching TV although after lunch we did walk the 30 mins into the little village of Troistorrents.
    We had a v funny exchange in the patisserie when the owner tried to wish us Happy New Year and something else in French when we went in to get a loaf of bread.
    Another customer came to the rescue with some English and luckily found the funny side of the communication ( or rather lack of it).    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Troistorrents

    January 2, 2020 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    K was feeling rough so we sacked plans to go to the beginner slopes at Morgins.
    Whilst she rested and slept I read The Molecules of Emotion by Cassandra Pert.
    Lowena arrived home at midnight poor thing after flying in from UKRead more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    First day skiing at Chatel in France

    January 3, 2020 in France ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Lowena kitted us out in her spare ski gear, packed us in the car and drive us across the border into France for our first day skiing in 10 yrs. K wasn’t feeling great but felt well enough to give it a go as it was such a stunning day.
    First stop was the Crepy ski hire shop where we managed to get some boots and skis fitted and hired for a relatively cheap price (€32 for both of us), god ski boots are as uncomfortable as I remember- surely someone can design more comfortable ski boots these days??
    Lowena found a great car park right at the beginners slope and before we knew it we were ungainly snowplowing down the v v gentle learners slope. That conquered easily we made a total hash of the “magic carpet” lift with both of us activating our beginners lift pass before being able to get ourselves through the turnstile!
    I managed to slip around the side, get my skis back on and get on the lift.
    Meanwhile k got in carrying her skis with lowena behind her. Next thing I knew the attendant had shouted at them to get off at which point Lowena fell over!! It was v funny seeing she is a v good skier!!
    Finally they emerged and we decided to move to a harder slope with a pommel/ drag lift.
    More good skiing ensued so next it was a coffee and then up on the chair left for a harder beginner slope.
    It was such a stunning day and thoroughly enjoyable but not wanting to push ourselves too hard on day 1 we returned our boots and skis all v happy about 2.30pm.
    Whilst we had to wait for the supermarket to open we went for a coffee/ wine in a bar in the town before picking up food and wine in the well stocked french supermarche.
    Back home it was lunch out in the sun on the deck before a basic dinner of lasagne and salad. Surprisingly the legs weren’t too bad so there is hope for tmrw’s skiing. Great days on the slopes!!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
    1

    Lovely day in Morgins

    January 4, 2020 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C

    Kate and I went skiing in Morgins with Lowena. After getting boots and skis for the day it was Up to the top of La Foilleuse chair lift to start on a much harder slope today. Sadly Kate was feeling really ill and had no energy to make her turns so after a few runs decided it was time for coffee.
    Lowena who had finished her telemarking trial along with Tom took me over for some harder and longer blue runs.
    I survived but not so without doing a bit of breakdancing spinning 360 degs on my back with my skis in the air as I made a stylish fall!!
    By now i seemed to have lost the use in my legs and I couldn’t turn either so it was a couple of lifts and some ugly skiing back to the cafe where Kate had bagged a front table and was enjoying a glass of red!
    After lunch it was a couple of practice short runs before k got the chairlift down and lowena kindly helped me ski back to car park.
    Once home at 3 pm it was coffee in the sunshine on the deck followed by cheese and wine with Lowenas neighbours, Tom and Ronnie, Mary and Richard.
    We watched Babe in the City film before getting to bed quite knackered at 10.30pm - great day

    https://www.regiondentsdumidi.ch/en/region/morgins    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    A lost crampon and a sick K

    January 5, 2020 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Poor K was feeling really rough after a v hot, sweaty night so sadly had to stay in bed whilst Lowena and I drove to Le Crosets for some snow walking.
    Little crampons on and it was up a steep slope immediately to follow walking route 5.
    We walked for about 40 mins before arriving at a cafe/ restaurant called Relais where we stopped for a coffee before visiting their alpacas and miniature ponies!
    The resident cats Tic and Tac were super cute and sought out a warm lap as the sun rose.
    Sadly at this point I realised one of my crampons has pinged off somewhere along the way ( I hadn’t even noticed!).
    Anyway it was so super beautiful we carried on for another half an hour before turning back around to the cafe for a wine this time!
    Back down retracing our steps we managed to spot the errant crampon!
    We returned home at about 2pm for lunch after walking about 9kms in the most stunning snowy scenery.
    The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing before cooking a roast for dinner. Totally top day    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Switzerland to Stansted

    January 6, 2020 in England ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Early start for us as up at 5.30am to sadly leave Troistorrents on the 06.25 train to Aigle and then onto Geneva Airport.
    The easyJet check in was chaos and despite getting there 2 hours before we didn’t have 1 minute to spare between arriving at the airport and boarding our 10.40am flight back to London.
    We ended up sitting next to the nice young plumber boy we met on the way out.
    Arriving in Stansted at 11.25am ( due to the hour time difference) we were far too early to check in to the airport hotel so we braved the crowds and had a coffee and a sandwich squashed into the small seated area in the arrivals hall.
    Next it was an early check in to the Hampton Hotel by Horton where we were reunited with our left luggage.
    The afternoon was spent repacking and just sorting for onward travel and dinner was back to M+S in the arrivals hall!!
    Tmrw it’s off to central London    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Stansted to Bromley

    January 7, 2020 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We had a lie in and made the best of the free breakfast and free newspapers at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, Stansted Airport.
    Leaving at 9.45am we caught the train from the airport to Tottenham Hale and tube to Victoria.
    We then walked to Belgravia and stashed our big bags for 2 days using stasher.com a great new app that allows u to store luggage at registered shops, hotels, addresses for an hour or several days. Left with only our moderately heavy hand luggage it was back to Victoria Station where we caught a train to Bromley South.
    Next up it was a 20 min walk to Bromley North station where I was reunited with my new lenses for my sport sunglasses finally after being caught out by a super efficient company posting them before Xmas.
    The afternoon was spent in and around Bromley getting some new books and bits and pieces before heading to Lou and Nats for when they came home from work.
    A v pleasant evening was spent catching up over a home cooked veg lasagne and a v nice glass of wine for us ( Lou and Nat r doing dry January which is great bit we r on holiday!!).
    Tmrw it’s in to Greenwich and central London.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Greenwich Maritime museum/ Naval College

    January 8, 2020 in England ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    An early start for us saw us on the 216 bus to Lewisham and then the DLR to Cutty Sark/ Greenwich arriving at 9.30am.
    The Greenwich market nor museum were open to 10am so we found a great little bakery and had a coffee and pastry whilst reading the Metro free newspaper.
    2 hours were then spent around the marvellous Greenwich Maritime Museum mainly in the polar exhibitions as they r my favourite. However sadly I was a bit disappointed as my all time favourite exhibit of John Franklin’s boot was no longer on display- actually I was a bit gutted as I was looking fwd to seeing this piece of North West Passage history.
    However all exhibits were good even if they were not in a great order and each room seemed to contain 3 classes of primary school children!
    Next it was a walk through the Naval College although we decided not to pay for the £12 ticket to each see the newly renovated Painted Hall as I have been before and K wasn’t that interested.
    We walked around the beautifully restore Cutty Sark before we got back on the DLR and tube to Decathlon to replace some of our travel/ sports gear and then it was off to Covent Garden. This old fave never fails to disappoint.
    All too quickly it was time to get the train and bus back to Bromley to spend the evening with Lou and Nat after their long days at work.
    To save cooking we went out for a curry just 200m down the road.... got to love the UK for the proximity of its Indian restaurants and pubs!
    Another great day but just never enough time. The Embankment and Tattershall Castle will have to wait until next time.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Mariti…

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Royal_Naval…

    https://ornc.org/

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutty_Sark    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Day in London and an Oyster malfunction

    January 9, 2020 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Had a breakfast cuppa with Lou and Nat before they headed off to work and we headed off into London for a day of sightseeing and last minute shopping. Our flight was at 9pm from Heathrow so we had all day and we weren’t due to pick up our big bags until 4pm-5pm.
    Got the bus and then the train to Victoria Station with plans to head to the V and A museum. The Mary Quant exhibition is on but is sadly ticketed and quite pricey so we planned to do free viewing only.
    At Victoria we topped up Kate’s Oyster card, went across to the tube... and it immediately stopped working! Luckily she had the receipt to prove she had just topped up not a minute before. What ensued next was a totally British farce. After trying several times the tube staff member told us we had to go back into the main train stations were to sort it out. I had to be let back through the tube barrier as I had tapped on.
    Up to the station and explained the scenario to another staff member who insisted it just needed topping up until he also unsuccessfully tried the card reader despite us telling him repeatedly. Next we got sent to the Visitors Centre where our only options were to buy another oyster card for £5 and then call to transfer the balance over - he could not do this for us! However it would take at least 30 mins to do this so we could buy another ticket to where we wanted to go. However we were working on a capped day rate (£13.20) for multiple journeys having taken the bus and train already.
    No other option we purchased another oyster and then went to Wetherspoons ( yes I hate Wetherspoons!) as it was nearby and had free coffee refills whilst we sorted this all out.
    40 mins later with our breakfast being given to the next table, the oyster transfer was complete except the £5.10 we had already spent this am that could not be put towards the daily capped rate as planned nor could they/ would they compensate us for the inconvenience of the total hour taken out of our day.
    Off we went on our way ( I was later overcharged £7.50 for tapping on and not tapping off within the hour whilst sorting this which meant another 25 mins on the phone at the airport trying to reclaim this!!)
    Anyway we finally got to the V and A, did a bit of last minute shopping, tried unsuccessfully to sort out my travel bag with its non functioning handle ( it needs to be sent away to be assessed- not helpful when it’s full of 23 kgs of gear and can only be posted back to UK and can’t get an immediate replacement etc etc), had a coffee and then got soaking wet at the last hour before heading to the airport!
    China eastern check in was smooth and all in time and we must admit that both of us were more than ready to take off and head home for the summer sun.
    Goodbye UK    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Shanghai to Brisbane- on way home!!

    January 10, 2020 in China ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    We have just arrived at Shanghai Airport for our 5 hour transfer time before boarding our plane to Brisbane.
    It’s wet and dark here too so hoping Brisbane puts the sunshine on for our arrival.
    Can’t get WhatsApp or Fb or even BBC World news herein China so Find Penguins it is and then back to my book.
    Brisbane here we come!!.... ( well in about 15 hours)    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Hello Brisbane! And Hello Nathan!!

    January 11, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    We arrived in Brisbane early at 8.30am but then spent an hour on the runway as there was no parking space available.
    In typical Brisbane efficiency we were through customs , got our bags and were out within 45 mins.
    After a quick shower at the airport we got an Uber to our accommodation at I River Stay in Albert Street where by some miracle we could check in early.
    Next it was off to Toowong for a haircut with our fave hairdresser Crispin and Village Hairdressers. Some lunch and a coffee helped us to stay awake for a while linger but only just!
    It was all perfect timing to meet Nathan who we were catching up with for an early dinner.
    A lovely evening in our apartment with a cooked chicken and salad was had but to be honest I was delirious fatigue by the time we went to bed at 09.30pm having not slept on the plane. V grateful for a comfy bed.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Trish and The Book of Mormon

    January 12, 2020 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Woke up at 6am due to the daylight which was an unusual change after the UK winter.
    Luckily it was overcast so not too hot as we walked the 30 mins to West End to meet Trish for brekkie.
    Had a v pleasant couple of hours and couple of coffees catching up with news before parting and heading back to the Southbank.
    K had booked us some tickets to see The Book of Mormon which had returned to Brisbane. We had seen this in Melbourne about 3.5 yrs ago and it was as funny today as it was then. It is so clever and politically incorrect and just brilliant.
    By the end of it at 4pm it was definitely time to head home as we both had “ding dong.... hello.... this is Elder Price....” and “ I believe” going around in our heads.
    Once home I promptly fell asleep and on waking joined Kate watching the Tim Minchin series Upright which was v good.
    Tmrw we have K’s Oncology review and then dinner with the Aussies we met on tour in Mongolia.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Hospitals and Hospitality

    January 13, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Never a great start to the day when u r on the bus to the RBWH hospital by 9am.
    Plan was for bloods and then leave for breakfast before returning for K’s oncology review at 1pm.
    The reality was discovering a thyroid review appt for next week she didn’t know she had so after some v efficient shuffling by the hospital staff it was bloods, 2 x thyroid ultrasounds, brunch (across the road as the hospital is enough to kill even my appetite!) and straight back to the oncology dept ( which is enough to make even the miserable person grateful to be alive).
    After great news that K is still all clear we finally got out of the hospital 5 hours after we entered.
    Time for a bit of shopping before home for half and hour and then out again at 4.45pm.
    We got the bus to West End for a lovely reunion and dinner with our Aussie mates from our Mongolia Tour.
    Libby and Neil hosted us at their west end apartment, which weirdly was directly across the river from our old Toowong apartment which u could see into the balcony with their binoculars!
    Phil brought his wife Kathleen so we finally got to meet Isobel’s mum that we felt we already knew after being on holiday with Phil and Isobel.
    After Neil BBQ’d a v good steak accompanied with Libby’s salads we settled down to watch Erica’s slide show of our Mongolian holiday- it was fab as we haven’t had to chance to view our photos yet. We r now excited to being reunited with a laptop so we can plough through 1000’s of our holiday snaps which feels like have taken years ago.
    Anyway the 11.10pm 199 bus saw us back home just before midnight. A long but great day.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Another hospital visit and the Regatta

    January 14, 2020 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Back on the bus at 08.45am saw us off to the Thyroid clinic at RBWH. By 9.30am K had been discharged from anymore follow ups and we were off on the bus to The Regatta for breakfast and a newspaper. Good result.
    The Regatta holds so many memories for us and it was nice to revisit for a coffee and Eggs bene.
    After breakfast it was too hot to walk back along the walkway as planned so we enjoyed a ferry ride back to the city.
    This afternoon was spent relaxing and completing annoying jobs like trying to log into several internet banking apps with 20 verification steps on the new phone etc.
    It’s so nice to be back in Brisbane with its warmth and relaxed atmosphere.    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Nathan and nothing much else

    January 15, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We started the day by meeting Trish for a coffee. It was absolutely pouring with rain so luckily we had arranged to meet in Coffee Anthology just around the corner.
    After another nice catch up it was off to the Flight Centre for some options for the next part of our travel. Sadly it was a bit of a waste of time as we found cheaper flights ourselves last night in 5 mins of looking.
    Then it was off to China Eastern to ask how we could claim Qantas frequent flyer points from our recent flights from London. They were surprised to see us but helpful.
    Target, Chemist Warehouse snd then Coles saw an end to our Aussie shopping.
    Nathan came around for a steak dinner and enthusiastically discussed camper van conversions with K - looks like we may be getting a camper van at some point- meanwhile I’m trying to work out how to get to Chile the cheapest way possible.
    Packing is mostly done and dusted.
    Tmrw it’s a catch up with Pat and Lesley Palmer and a flight home to NZ!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Pat and Lesley and a delayed flight

    January 16, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Started the morning by checking out of iRiver Stay and walking along the river to the new events spaces under the Story Bridge. We found a lovely place for a coffee with the newspaper and spent a pleasant hour.
    However sadly on the way back the heavens opened and despite sheltering for more than 20 mins it didn’t look like the rain was going to stop so we had to walk back to pick up our bags in the torrential rain. We arrived so drenched the receptionist handed us a towel each!!
    We got an Uber out to Chermside as it was still raining and arrived at Pat and Lesley Palmers still soaked to the skin.
    We had a lovely lunch and catch up with Pat and Lesley who had also recently left Bougainville for retirement and both were looking v well for it.
    Arriving at the airport the Virgin check in was seamless snd with an hour until boarding all was well.... until the plane has been delayed for increasing amounts of time.
    We were due to leave at 6pm with the current time of departure 7.15pm..... this is not too much of an issue except the arrival time is now 01.50am!! Hope the kiwi shuttle waits!!    Read more

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Moeraki we r home!!

    January 17, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    After our delayed flight from Brisbane we finally arrived in Dunedin at 01.50am and then after getting our bags, making it through customs without being searched and then waiting for the shuttle we finally got dropped off at Vals at 03.15am - straight to bed it was.
    Had a lovely brekkie and catch up with Val in the am and then Meem kindly drove down and picked us up.
    A quick stop at the supermarket for essentials ( where we nearly fell over at the price of food) it was home to Moeraki.
    Despite being greeted by thistles and cobwebs it was so lovely to be home as we let ourselves into the warm and sunny crib.
    A bit of unpacking later we set off for a walk on our beautiful beach.
    Next it was down to Meems for a delicious lamb roast and then back up the hill for an early night- can’t wait for more sun and long hours of daylight trmw.    Read more

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