I have been reading about the G20 summit that's happening next week (02 April). Seems amazing we have chosen to hold this in our capital city and main financial centre. It's going to be a magnet for trouble makers with all the protest marches and current financial and social climate. I can't see the day passing of peacefully, there's bound to be idiots who converge on the City looking to make trouble, and one small spark could ignite a riot.
Imagine all those people in London, all worked up, one of them passes an RBS Bank where they happened to have lots of money invested which they've now lost, and they lose their temper. Some-one throws something and before you know it it's chaos.
I just hope there are more sensible people than plonkers who think causing trouble is going to solve anything. The last thing we need at the moment is a big clean up bill, and the countries reputation damaged which could out off investment etc. Apparently there might be attempts to crash the London Stock Exchange - just what my investments need right now! I wonder what danger there is of hacking versus financial institutions and online virus' specific to the day being released, worth keeping an eye out for.
The police ought to promote an absolute zero tolerance policy for the day, and maybe the days either side, I have a feeling the majority of us would support this.
Yes I'm sympathetic to people who are suffering and finding it hard at the moment, and who may have lost lots of money or been made redundant, but a big mess on the day isn't going to help anyone.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
DVT scan negatory
Went to the hospital today to have the ultrasound scan on my leg, for the suspected DVT. It was quite an interesting experience seeing the interior of my leg under ultrasonics. The upshot of the scan is that I don't have a Deep Vein Thrombosis in my leg which can only be a good thing. Looks as if it was just a pulled calf muscle after all but definitely was worth checking!
I bought Lucy Wii fit for her birthday and tried it myself for the first time today, more tricky than it looks. Wii fit age not quite what it should be but might be handy to carry on with as an aide to losing a bit of weight.
I bought Lucy Wii fit for her birthday and tried it myself for the first time today, more tricky than it looks. Wii fit age not quite what it should be but might be handy to carry on with as an aide to losing a bit of weight.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Of Mice and Men
Today we mostly cleared out the shed, which mainly involved evicting a family of mice from their various nests they'd built in old cushions and random tat. They'd been quite happy there for some time, feeding on the bird seed we had stored, but it was finally time for them to move on.
The mice are now running around the garden, however it's only a matter of time before the cats home in and nature takes it's course. Unless they all gang up to fight the cat; there are quite alot of them!
Also sorted out the garden a bit today, but didn't have time for any planting. Will have to have another go during the week or next weekend.
The mice are now running around the garden, however it's only a matter of time before the cats home in and nature takes it's course. Unless they all gang up to fight the cat; there are quite alot of them!
Also sorted out the garden a bit today, but didn't have time for any planting. Will have to have another go during the week or next weekend.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Should have done those long haul exercises...
My calf muscle has been hurting for most of the week since we got back to the UK; I think I pulled it whilst I was walking around Norwich on Monday in an effort not to fall asleep and thus avoid jet lag.
Anyway it was pointed out to me that a hurting leg post a long haul flight is also a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, and that I really ought to get this checked. I called the doctors and they very helpfully got me an appointment straight away, and then promptly referred me to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for a blood test just to be on the safe side. I told the nurses that I'd just got back off honeymoon and think I'd pulled a muscle; they thought this was very funny for some reason. Then needles ensued.
The blood tests came back with a slightly raised something or other count which means I have to have an ultrasound on my leg on Tuesday, and in the meantime inject myself with Heparin as a precaution against blood clots. All a bit of an overkill as I still think it's only a pulled muscle however best to be on the safe side.
All in all was quite impressed with the British medical system today. Even though in Switzerland it probably would have all been done at the same time in the doctors surgery, it was pretty efficient here and I didn't have to wait long. Annoying that the scan isn't until Tuesday however they don't happen at weekends and are full on Monday. Hopefully I won't get a thrombosis in the mean time - not that I think I have one anyway.
Anyway in light of all that off to drink some wine now, and maybe eat un morceau du fromage, at Chris and Liz'z birthday party! Wahey.
Anyway it was pointed out to me that a hurting leg post a long haul flight is also a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, and that I really ought to get this checked. I called the doctors and they very helpfully got me an appointment straight away, and then promptly referred me to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for a blood test just to be on the safe side. I told the nurses that I'd just got back off honeymoon and think I'd pulled a muscle; they thought this was very funny for some reason. Then needles ensued.
The blood tests came back with a slightly raised something or other count which means I have to have an ultrasound on my leg on Tuesday, and in the meantime inject myself with Heparin as a precaution against blood clots. All a bit of an overkill as I still think it's only a pulled muscle however best to be on the safe side.
All in all was quite impressed with the British medical system today. Even though in Switzerland it probably would have all been done at the same time in the doctors surgery, it was pretty efficient here and I didn't have to wait long. Annoying that the scan isn't until Tuesday however they don't happen at weekends and are full on Monday. Hopefully I won't get a thrombosis in the mean time - not that I think I have one anyway.
Anyway in light of all that off to drink some wine now, and maybe eat un morceau du fromage, at Chris and Liz'z birthday party! Wahey.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Back Home
We made it back successfully, arriving in Norwich at 9.00am or thereabouts after driving up from Heathrow, which was nice in the rush hour traffic. Good to see British driving hasn't improved whilst we've been away with people still on mobile phones, not indicating, dropping people off in stupid places, etc etc.
Spent the day trying to sort things out in readiness for the rest of the week. Lucy opened her birthday present - Wii Fit which she's pretty pleased with. However she has been asleep for quite a bit of the rest of the day so not had a go as yet; we're a bit concerned our Wii Fit ages might not be very complimentary.
Good to see we beat the French au Rugby this weekend. I hadn't caught the result as we were in transit. Hopefully this will be the start of great things to come for the England rugby team.
Not good to see the health proposal to put up the cost of drinking - something that would penalise the majority and probably not help much with booze culture. Thankfully Gordon B seems to have realised this would be rather unpopular so I doubt it'll come to pass. Worth keeping an eye on though.
Spent the day trying to sort things out in readiness for the rest of the week. Lucy opened her birthday present - Wii Fit which she's pretty pleased with. However she has been asleep for quite a bit of the rest of the day so not had a go as yet; we're a bit concerned our Wii Fit ages might not be very complimentary.
Good to see we beat the French au Rugby this weekend. I hadn't caught the result as we were in transit. Hopefully this will be the start of great things to come for the England rugby team.
Not good to see the health proposal to put up the cost of drinking - something that would penalise the majority and probably not help much with booze culture. Thankfully Gordon B seems to have realised this would be rather unpopular so I doubt it'll come to pass. Worth keeping an eye on though.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Australia - Cairns
We're up in Queensland now on the final leg of our trip - the tropical North. Staying at a place called Palm Cove near to Cairns.
On our first day we went on the sky rail, which is like a big bubble lift akin to those at ski resorts, which travelled over the rain forest to a village called Kuranda which is higher up and hence a little bit fresher; it's very humid here. Saw lots of Cockatoos and other tropical type birds. No crocs as yet however you never know when one will turn up. The rain forest was pretty impressive - loads of brightly coloured buttterflys. Saw a big Kauri tree as well - most of these were cut down by the loggers ages ago but a few still remain.
Yesterday we travelled out to the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran - to the Low Isles. Spent the day there snorkelling and saw loads of Coral and fish of varying species, as well as turtles which we were able to swim with which was great. Sailing back in the afternoon was also good as a moderate breeze sprang up whisking the boat along.
Today we're mostly relaxing in preparation for travelling home tomorrow - flight leaves at 12.30, stops in Darwin (transfer) then on to Singapore (transfer), then back to blighty. Going shopping this afternoon, and then a nice meal at the 'Apres' bar/grill this evening.
On our first day we went on the sky rail, which is like a big bubble lift akin to those at ski resorts, which travelled over the rain forest to a village called Kuranda which is higher up and hence a little bit fresher; it's very humid here. Saw lots of Cockatoos and other tropical type birds. No crocs as yet however you never know when one will turn up. The rain forest was pretty impressive - loads of brightly coloured buttterflys. Saw a big Kauri tree as well - most of these were cut down by the loggers ages ago but a few still remain.
Yesterday we travelled out to the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran - to the Low Isles. Spent the day there snorkelling and saw loads of Coral and fish of varying species, as well as turtles which we were able to swim with which was great. Sailing back in the afternoon was also good as a moderate breeze sprang up whisking the boat along.
Today we're mostly relaxing in preparation for travelling home tomorrow - flight leaves at 12.30, stops in Darwin (transfer) then on to Singapore (transfer), then back to blighty. Going shopping this afternoon, and then a nice meal at the 'Apres' bar/grill this evening.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Australia - Uluru
Today is day three in Uluru and we're just about to leave for Cairns for the final bit of our holiday, before flying back to the UK (arriving Monday morning). Seems like we've been away for ages as we've seen and done so many different things. Looks like not a lot has changed in the UK with the financial crisis still being a crisis, and I see now the government has decided to print more money to try and make things better; sounds dangerous to me.
We went on a kind of safari tour for our first two days in Uluru, camping out in the desert overnight which was excellent; we did have a big tent and a bed so no particular hardship other than remembering to check for spiders and snakes in shoes, under toilet seats etc. The stars at night were amazing; saw the southern cross and all that. Heard one dingo howling during the night but no snuffling at the tent flaps which was lucky.
On day one we visited the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and had a walk round there. This lies several kilometres away from Uluru but is just as impressive and you can walk round more of it. Temperatures have been around the mid thirties in the hottest part of the day so drinking water has had to be pretty constant.The scenery with the red sandstone, and desert flora and fauna has been fantastic to see - got lots of photo's to bore people with, usually with either Lucy or I in but not both.
In the evening we watched the sunset at Uluru which was pretty cheesy but good to see - wide variety of colours as the sun went down on the Rock. Then we were up early again to watch the sunrise as we walked around the base of Uluru. It was lovely to do this at dawn when it was a lot cooler, and our guide dropped us off at a point where there were no other tourists so we didn't really see anyone for the first hour and a half; meant it was a lot better for taking it all in. One slightly worrying point was around sunrise when a lot of dogs started barking and howling nearby, might have been dingo's or wild dogs, or just aboriginal camp dogs. Luckily they didn't get any closer so I didn't have to fend any savage beasts off with a water bottle.
Saw quite a few people climbing up Uluru, even though there are lots of signs asking you not to and the Aborigini's find it very disrespectful. A shame really but some people obviously don't have any manners to. We certainly didn't want to, far too hot a climb for one thing. Visited the Aborigini cultural centre and read lots of their stories which was interesting. All in all an organised safari is a good thing to do round these parts.
Anyway running out of time so more updates when we get to Cairns.
We went on a kind of safari tour for our first two days in Uluru, camping out in the desert overnight which was excellent; we did have a big tent and a bed so no particular hardship other than remembering to check for spiders and snakes in shoes, under toilet seats etc. The stars at night were amazing; saw the southern cross and all that. Heard one dingo howling during the night but no snuffling at the tent flaps which was lucky.
On day one we visited the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and had a walk round there. This lies several kilometres away from Uluru but is just as impressive and you can walk round more of it. Temperatures have been around the mid thirties in the hottest part of the day so drinking water has had to be pretty constant.The scenery with the red sandstone, and desert flora and fauna has been fantastic to see - got lots of photo's to bore people with, usually with either Lucy or I in but not both.
In the evening we watched the sunset at Uluru which was pretty cheesy but good to see - wide variety of colours as the sun went down on the Rock. Then we were up early again to watch the sunrise as we walked around the base of Uluru. It was lovely to do this at dawn when it was a lot cooler, and our guide dropped us off at a point where there were no other tourists so we didn't really see anyone for the first hour and a half; meant it was a lot better for taking it all in. One slightly worrying point was around sunrise when a lot of dogs started barking and howling nearby, might have been dingo's or wild dogs, or just aboriginal camp dogs. Luckily they didn't get any closer so I didn't have to fend any savage beasts off with a water bottle.
Saw quite a few people climbing up Uluru, even though there are lots of signs asking you not to and the Aborigini's find it very disrespectful. A shame really but some people obviously don't have any manners to. We certainly didn't want to, far too hot a climb for one thing. Visited the Aborigini cultural centre and read lots of their stories which was interesting. All in all an organised safari is a good thing to do round these parts.
Anyway running out of time so more updates when we get to Cairns.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Australia - Sydney Day 3
It being Sunday we're having a lazy day today; started off with a Banana Smoothie down in the harbour.
The Mardi Gras last night was exceedingly crowded and hectic, but a good atmosphere. We didn't stay too long before retreating to a bar in a quieter area, and thus escaping some of the rather more scary outfits, some of which didn't seem to involve a lot of material - lots of sequins, shiny pants, and quite a bit of gaffer tape I reckon.
We visited the Maritime Museum this morning and looked around several ships including a decommissioned destroyer - The Vampire, a Submarine, and the HMS Endeavour - Captain Cookes ship. The latter reproduction was very authentic and interesting, and considerably roomier than the submarine we'd just been on.
Of for a spot of shopping and lunch now. Tomorrow we leave Sydney to travel up to Uluru for a night's camping in the bush whilst taking in 'The Rock'.
The Mardi Gras last night was exceedingly crowded and hectic, but a good atmosphere. We didn't stay too long before retreating to a bar in a quieter area, and thus escaping some of the rather more scary outfits, some of which didn't seem to involve a lot of material - lots of sequins, shiny pants, and quite a bit of gaffer tape I reckon.
We visited the Maritime Museum this morning and looked around several ships including a decommissioned destroyer - The Vampire, a Submarine, and the HMS Endeavour - Captain Cookes ship. The latter reproduction was very authentic and interesting, and considerably roomier than the submarine we'd just been on.
Of for a spot of shopping and lunch now. Tomorrow we leave Sydney to travel up to Uluru for a night's camping in the bush whilst taking in 'The Rock'.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Australia - Sydney Day 2
Quick updates today on what we've been up to. Needless to say it's all pretty Bonza, not had any barbies yet though.
The aquarium and wildlife park were both great. Walking through the underwater tunnels and seeing the sharks and rays, as well as Duogongs (a herbivorous dolphin (sea cow)) was great. Then saw lots of Roo's, Koala's, snakes and spiders, parrots of warying design. All lovely little fella's.
The Opera House was as expected, interesting to look at, however the Botanical gardens next door were better; loads of Sulphur crested cockatoo's and trees full of fruit bats. Quite lucky we didn't have any fruit pastels otherwise we'd have been for it.
Incidentally seeing the Watchmen film at the Imax theatre was great, better than I thought it was going to be - quite dark which was good. Well worth going to see if you haven't already.
Off for Mardi Gras this evening post a walk around the Chinese Gardens. Need to find some pink teeshirts to wear apparently, or a tutu; that's for the Mardi Gras/Gay Pride march not the Chinese Gardens incidentally.
The aquarium and wildlife park were both great. Walking through the underwater tunnels and seeing the sharks and rays, as well as Duogongs (a herbivorous dolphin (sea cow)) was great. Then saw lots of Roo's, Koala's, snakes and spiders, parrots of warying design. All lovely little fella's.
The Opera House was as expected, interesting to look at, however the Botanical gardens next door were better; loads of Sulphur crested cockatoo's and trees full of fruit bats. Quite lucky we didn't have any fruit pastels otherwise we'd have been for it.
Incidentally seeing the Watchmen film at the Imax theatre was great, better than I thought it was going to be - quite dark which was good. Well worth going to see if you haven't already.
Off for Mardi Gras this evening post a walk around the Chinese Gardens. Need to find some pink teeshirts to wear apparently, or a tutu; that's for the Mardi Gras/Gay Pride march not the Chinese Gardens incidentally.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Australia - Sydney
Made it to Sydney just in time, apparently there's a Cyclone headed towards New Zealand; it was pretty cloudy and raining as we were leaving.
Checked into our hotel which is in Darling Harbour. This morning we're going to visit the Sydney Aquarium, and then have a general wander maybe to the Botanical Gardens. Might go and watch the new Watchmen movie at the big Imax theatre as seems like too good an opportunity to miss.
Tomorrow is Mardi Gras in Sydney so that should be fun.
Best go and find Lucy now - she' shopping somewhere!
Checked into our hotel which is in Darling Harbour. This morning we're going to visit the Sydney Aquarium, and then have a general wander maybe to the Botanical Gardens. Might go and watch the new Watchmen movie at the big Imax theatre as seems like too good an opportunity to miss.
Tomorrow is Mardi Gras in Sydney so that should be fun.
Best go and find Lucy now - she' shopping somewhere!
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
New Zealand - Waihi Beach
We left Rotorua early today and drove up to Waihi Beach, a small seaside town popular with surfers, but quiet at this time of year as it's getting close to the end of the season.
Drove through acres of Kiwi plantations on the way, and stopped briefly in Tauranga which is a big port but still retains character with lots of restaurants, bars and cafes; not to mention several Deli's and Sushi bars where we stocked up for dinner.
Waihi Beach is a lovely place to stay, on the Pacific Coast, with lovely beaches and a great coastal walk we did this afternoon; took us to an almost deserted beach just to the North.
Last night in New Zealand. We drive back to Auckland tomorrow morning to drop the van off, before getting a flight over to Sydney. In just a few days we have seen amazing caves, forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, geothermal terrain, some beautiful countryside and now finally the pacific ocean and a stunning beach. Everywhere has been very laid back and the driving was quite easy. There was so much more we could have done however we can save that for next time.
Drove through acres of Kiwi plantations on the way, and stopped briefly in Tauranga which is a big port but still retains character with lots of restaurants, bars and cafes; not to mention several Deli's and Sushi bars where we stocked up for dinner.
Waihi Beach is a lovely place to stay, on the Pacific Coast, with lovely beaches and a great coastal walk we did this afternoon; took us to an almost deserted beach just to the North.
Last night in New Zealand. We drive back to Auckland tomorrow morning to drop the van off, before getting a flight over to Sydney. In just a few days we have seen amazing caves, forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, geothermal terrain, some beautiful countryside and now finally the pacific ocean and a stunning beach. Everywhere has been very laid back and the driving was quite easy. There was so much more we could have done however we can save that for next time.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Rotorua - Bog of Eternal Stench
Well actually it's not that bad once you get used to it. However the Geothermal Park we initially visited on the way down from Taupo was pretty stinky - lots of Sulphur!
Great to see bubbling pools of mud, steam vents, amazing mineral deposits of varying colours - yellow, red, green etc, and volcanic lakes that can be deep blue, vibrant green, or just pretty murky.
We're in Rotorua at the moment - just recovering from a very nice Curry (great Tandori Chicken). We visited a Maori centre today and saw two of the biggest Geysers in NZ - the Prince of Wales and Pohutu (spelling could be iffy on the latter). They had a wood carving and weaving school at the same place; was interesting to see the traditional techniques they use and what goes into making the amazing wooden carvings and statues you bump into all over the place.
Had a wander around Rotorua for the rest of the day taking in the lake and several souvenir shops. There were several planes taking off and landing on the lake which was pretty cool.
Off on the final leg of the NZ journey tomorrow, up to Waihi Beach for the night before heading back to Auckland and catching the plane to Australia on Thursday.
Great to see bubbling pools of mud, steam vents, amazing mineral deposits of varying colours - yellow, red, green etc, and volcanic lakes that can be deep blue, vibrant green, or just pretty murky.
We're in Rotorua at the moment - just recovering from a very nice Curry (great Tandori Chicken). We visited a Maori centre today and saw two of the biggest Geysers in NZ - the Prince of Wales and Pohutu (spelling could be iffy on the latter). They had a wood carving and weaving school at the same place; was interesting to see the traditional techniques they use and what goes into making the amazing wooden carvings and statues you bump into all over the place.
Had a wander around Rotorua for the rest of the day taking in the lake and several souvenir shops. There were several planes taking off and landing on the lake which was pretty cool.
Off on the final leg of the NZ journey tomorrow, up to Waihi Beach for the night before heading back to Auckland and catching the plane to Australia on Thursday.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
New Zealand - Fellowship of the Camper Van
We're in Taupo now and just about to leave for Rotorua, bit of a crappy Internet connection so only a quick post. Spent 30 mins on the phone to my bank this morning getting them to unblock my card after they'd put a fraud alert on it as I tried to use it here; this is after I'd phoned them to tell them I was going away and signed up for mobile text alerts whilst away; very annoying but sorted now.
Yesterday we climbed up a bit of Mount Doom to Ithilien, and saw some nice waterfalls (Waitanga falls I think). Next we drove North to Taupo; Lucy drove the beast (aka the Van) down some pretty windy passes which was quite 'exciting' on a couple of occasions.
We went out for a late afternoon sail on Lake Taupo and saw some Maori carvings next to the Lake. The boat was an old Ketch once owned by Eroll Flynn; it had been rebuilt once after it sank in Auckland harbour, and then transported to Lake Taupo. A very nice sail in the evening sunshine - we managed to avoid the torrential rain of earlier in the day. Had a nice meal down on the waterfront as the sun set.
Off for some rambling through geothermal parks now, plus maybe some jet boating, and an outside chance of a bungay jump although Lucy isn't convinced by the latter.
Yesterday we climbed up a bit of Mount Doom to Ithilien, and saw some nice waterfalls (Waitanga falls I think). Next we drove North to Taupo; Lucy drove the beast (aka the Van) down some pretty windy passes which was quite 'exciting' on a couple of occasions.
We went out for a late afternoon sail on Lake Taupo and saw some Maori carvings next to the Lake. The boat was an old Ketch once owned by Eroll Flynn; it had been rebuilt once after it sank in Auckland harbour, and then transported to Lake Taupo. A very nice sail in the evening sunshine - we managed to avoid the torrential rain of earlier in the day. Had a nice meal down on the waterfront as the sun set.
Off for some rambling through geothermal parks now, plus maybe some jet boating, and an outside chance of a bungay jump although Lucy isn't convinced by the latter.
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