Author Topic: Trip of a Lifetime (Read 22960 times)

RAB · « **on:** November 25, 2009, 10:58:17 am »

Hey All:

In 24 hours we'll be boarding a plane to begin our "trip of a lifetime".

(Yep we decided to go despite Damn Fool's job loss.)

First we fly to Hong Kong for 8 days.

(Hoping to meet up with K. while we're there.)

Then we fly to Sydney for 12 hours.

(Little Steve's meeting us at the airport. God love him.)

Then we fly to New Zealand for 8 days.

(There's a certain certain someone who I'm sort of fond of that lives there.

)

Then we fly back to Sydney for 8 days.

Then we fly back to Hong Kong for 1 night.

Then we come home.

A total of 26 days, 10 flights, more time and day changes then I can figure out, but certainly memories that will be with us the rest of our lives. The timing is awful but screw it. We're going anyway.

RAB

David_CA · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2009, 11:26:06 am »

Sounds like fun! Give that farmer gal in NZ a hug for us! I trust you'll post some pics somewhere. Take care.

emeraldize · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2009, 11:37:04 am »

EXCELLENT!!! Have a blast!

WillyWump · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2009, 12:15:03 pm »

AWESOME RAB! This definately is a "trip of a lifetime", so glad your going! Give the NZ Sheep lady a hug for me!

Wishing you the best time!

-Will

bocker3 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:33:11 pm »

RAB --

Have a fantastic time. I'm not sure that all these places have any idea on what's about to hit them!!

When you get to NZ -- give Jan a big hug for me too.

And JAN -- Please be sure to have the basement all prepared for you guest.

Enjoy!!!!

hugs,
Mike

Snowangel · « **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2009, 05:52:05 pm »

Have a nice trip!

Snow

RAB · « **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2009, 05:52:42 pm »

Thanks everyone!

I've just finished packing (you know, the darn steamer trunks these days just don't hold what they used to!

)

You can bet I'll hug the goat herder for all of you.

I gotta admit I'm getting a little excited.

RAB

P.S.

Bocker:

She doesn't have a basement. The last word I heard was that Damn Fool would be sleeping in the house.

Me?

Apparently Kooni and I are going to become very good friends!

Quote from: bocker3 on November 25, 2009, 01:33:11 pm

RAB --

And JAN -- Please be sure to have the basement all prepared for you guest.

Enjoy!!!!

hugs,
Mike

fearless · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2009, 06:49:52 pm »

Jan may not have a basement, Rocky, but who says you will even make it to NZ!!!

anniebc · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2009, 07:05:47 pm »

Quote from: fearless on November 25, 2009, 06:49:52 pm

Jan may not have a basement, Rocky, but who says you will even make it to NZ!!!

Oh he will make it alright...if he doesn't I know who to go looking for...

.

Mike...no basement as such but we do have a crawl space under the house, I've just finished putting a bed and a couple of blankerts in there...oh, and a torch.

I had a word with kooni and she doesn't want to share her apartment with anyone...

.

I'm looking forward to RAb and DF getting here...I just hope the weather holds out, we have been known to have 4 seasons in one day.

Hugs
Jan

Andy Velez · « **Reply #9 on:** November 25, 2009, 08:13:27 pm »

Rab, the reason why I wasn't invited I guess is separate issue and so I won't hijack this thread to address that at this time.

Go ahead and have a great fun and safe time. We'll deal with the other issue when you return. (LOL)

Big cheers!

aztecan · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2009, 08:25:13 pm »

OK Mister!

I want photos! LOTS of em!

Especially of our Dame Jan and Steve.

If you show me yours (again), I'll show you mine from the Mexican Riviera.

HUGS,

Mark

Who hopes dear RAB and DF have a fab time!

decayingsinner · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:21:50 pm »

I am beyond jealous! Photos! Photos! Photos!

Jody · « **Reply #12 on:** November 26, 2009, 12:26:47 pm »

Have a great trip Rab and Df...And big hugs to Jan and family (2 legs and 4) when you get there and a hug for Steve as well !!!

Enjoy !!!

Jody

AlanBama · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2009, 02:54:32 pm »

Hope you have a fantastic trip honey! Enjoy it to the fullest. Hug everyone an extra time for me, and give one to yourself too....

Love,

Alan

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2009, 05:01:57 pm »

What a fantastic trip! My partner says Hong Kong is amazing and one of his favorite cities. Have fun!

RAB · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2009, 06:17:53 pm »

Quote from: GSOgymrat on November 27, 2009, 05:01:57 pm

What a fantastic trip! My partner says Hong Kong is amazing and one of his favorite cities. Have fun!

Your partner is absolutely correct GSO, it's an amazing city.

RAB

anniebc · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2009, 06:42:05 pm »

Well we farmers down here in the country can't compete with Hong Kong or Sydney for bright lights and gourmet restaurants..but I can put a couple of fairy lights in the tress and stick some tinsel on kooni if you like...and I have been known to make a wicked Vegemite sandwhich...

.

Hugs
Jan

bocker3 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2009, 09:13:02 pm »

Quote from: anniebc on November 28, 2009, 06:42:05 pm

Well we farmers down here in the country can't compete with Hong Kong or Sydney for bright lights and gourmet restaurants..but I can put a couple of fairy lights in the tress and stick some tinsel on kooni if you like...and I have been known to make a wicked Vegemite sandwhich... .

Just remember this RAB -- while all Jan says may be true about what farmers can and can not do -- they do not like to walk too far (and they have trouble measuring distances, I hear) -- trust me on this point.

However, you can score points and maybe even get to spend one night in the house, if you can magically make a taxi appear in front of her.

Hugs,
Mike
(who REALLY hopes that you are bringing your Scavenger Hunt trophy to torture her with....)

bear60 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 29, 2009, 10:28:00 am »

Congratulations!

fearless · « **Reply #19 on:** November 29, 2009, 11:41:51 pm »

So, is it Friday or Saturday night that i am picking you up from the airport? i'm all confused $:-\$

RAB · « **Reply #20 on:** November 30, 2009, 05:24:05 am »

Quote from: fearless on November 29, 2009, 11:41:51 pm

So, is it Friday or Saturday night that i am picking you up from the airport? i'm all confused $:-\$

(RAB's heart stops.)

Um er it's still Saturday if that's works for you.

(Suspect my chains being yanked--LS is in so much trouble!

)

Jan:

If you can put tinsel on Kooni and keep it there--well then you're just as amazing as I assumed you were.

(BTW--Gourmet restaurants? Since when did McDonalds count as gourmet?)

Quote from: bocker3 on November 28, 2009, 09:13:02 pm

However, you can score points and maybe even get to spend one night in the house, if you can magically make a taxi appear in front of her.

Hugs,
Mike
(who REALLY hopes that you are bringing your Scavenger Hunt trophy to torture her with....)

Mike:

I don't think they have taxis where she lives. I think it's more like donkeys and stuff. As far as the scavenger hunt trophy? Sadly, it was stolen! I don't have it. (See other thread regarding Jody and Aztecan!)

Everyone:

Yesterday we left Hong Kong and went to Tung Chang. We then road the cable car to Ngong Ping (sp?), the site of the giant buddah. (It truly is a giant buddah.

)

Climbing those stairs reminded me of that darn pyramid in MC.

On the way back I nearly got arrested. Seriously

DF went across the street from the MTR to take a picture and I was smoking a cig on the sidewalk. When I was done I foolishly stomped in out and threw it into the street.

As I was crossing the street to join DF, I heard this:

"Excuse me sir!"

I turned to see what was going on.

You can imagine my horror when two uniformed police officers approached me and demanded to see my Hong Kong I.D.

"Um I don't have any."

"Then show us your passport."

"It's back at my hotel."

"Do you know why we've stopped you."

(Urine runs down pants.)

"No sir I don't."

"Do you have any identification on you?"

I pulled out my drivers license.

They examine it.

"What is this?"

"It's my driver's license."

"You threw your cigarette butt onto the public area. That carries a fine of $1500.00 HKD."

"Oh god I'm so sorry, I had no idea."

"Do you have any other identification?"

"No"

(they consult among themselves)

"Go back and pick it up!"

Which I promptly did--obviously.

We returned to HK late in the afternoon.

It was such a wonderful day despite wetting myself.

I need to go take a nap now I also need to quit smoking.

RAB

fearless · « **Reply #21 on:** November 30, 2009, 05:45:03 am »

Phew, lucky I checked.

Saturday is then

I told you I'm disorganised, but everything will be fine on the day. I'll manage to pick you up and have you back at the airport in time for the next morning's flight - trust me, when i say there is no way you will sleep in past 6 at my place - I'm about 2 mile north of the airport directly under runway 3.

I should warn you though - I stopped smoking over three months ago. The penalty for putting your cigarette out on my carpet or throwing the butt in the yard will be severe.

I'll set my two ferocious attack cats on to you.

minismom · « **Reply #22 on:** November 30, 2009, 06:20:03 am »

RAB, sounds like you're having a great time! I had to laugh about you almost getting arrested. Just remember to keep your passport in your hotel - NEVER give it to anyone. I learned that lesson the hard way (why, you ask? I'll never tell

)

Mum - who is as pure as the driven snow (but who's driving?

)

AndyArrow · « **Reply #23 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:15:48 am »

I'm sorry I missed this thread earlier.

It sounds like you are having a great time (you're not supposed to leave your passport in your hotel, it's supposed to be on you silly) and I hope it just gets better and better. (note to self: RAB is into w/s & men in uniform)

Have a great time!!!

(I'm very jealous!!!!)

hugs!

AA

(edited: because I'm a bad proof reader)

dixieman · « **Reply #24 on:** November 30, 2009, 12:03:50 pm »

I travel alot ... I always have copies of my passport and information with the closest embassy when I''m in another country... I shocked you were not taken in for littering... your very lucky the police let you pick up your cigaret butt... I myself would have given you a fine and taken you to jail... Have a safe trip.

RAB · « **Reply #25 on:** November 30, 2009, 08:25:16 pm »

Quote from: fearless on November 30, 2009, 05:45:03 am

I should warn you though - I stopped smoking over three months ago. The penalty for putting your cigarette out on my carpet or throwing the butt in the yard will be severe. I'll set my two ferocious attack cats on to you.

Don't worry LS I'm trypically a polite smoker. I don't even smoke in my own home, so I won't be in danger of those "attack cats" MEOW!

Quote from: dixieman on November 30, 2009, 12:03:50 pm

your very lucky the police let you pick up your cigaret butt... I myself would have given you a fine and taken you to jail... Have a safe trip.

Yikes!

(Would handcuffs be involved?

)

Everyone, we spent the better part of yesterday on the Kowloon side looking for a gift for DF's mom. (Whatever mama wants--mama gets.) We finally found what she had asked for.

Then we visited a couple of nearby temples.

Today we're off to Ocean Park.

RAB

Edited to stop the dang jumping cursor thing.

Basquo · « **Reply #26 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:33:27 pm »

Holy cow!! about you almost getting busted for ditching your ciggie butt! Oh my I think I would have pissed myself too.

I must tell you, though, when you get to NZ PLEASE give a good smooch, hug or even a scratch on the nose to my baby Cora, the sweetest sheep in all NZ.

komnaes · « **Reply #27 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:43:24 pm »

Hey RAD, sorry I couldn't get a hold of you guys .. if you read my last post on "diarrhea" you'd know what's been happening to me since I returned home last Friday and sorry that you did catch me in a bad time. I had to take yesterday off too and just returned to work this morning.. and later in the afternoon I need to help in an event for World's AIDS Day so hopefully we can still catch up before you leave Hong Kong.

Shaun

aztecan · « **Reply #28 on:** December 01, 2009, 01:07:35 am »

Quote from: RAB on November 30, 2009, 05:24:05 am

On the way back I nearly got arrested. Seriously
...

I also need to quit smoking.

OK, let's take these in order, shall we?

First, you should be used to almost getting thrown in the clink after that Montreal episode!

Second, yes, you do.

HUGS,

Mark
(Who only said the bit about smoking because he wants RAB to be around for a long time because he gives me hope I can survive to be his age someday.)

RAB · « **Reply #29 on:** December 02, 2009, 05:44:22 pm »

Quote from: aztecan on December 01, 2009, 01:07:35 am

OK, let's take these in order, shall we?

First, you should be used to almost getting thrown in the clink after that Montreal episode!

Second, yes, you do.

HUGS,

Mark
(Who only said the bit about smoking because he wants RAB to be around for a long time because he gives me hope I can survive to be his age someday.)

Harumph!

Mark you know darn well that the only trouble that happened in Montreal was caused by you and Jan.

Not me!

Everyone:

Yesterday we went to the Chinese Cultural Center, HK museum of art, walk of the stars, and somewhere else I can't recall right now. (All of these are on the Kow Loon side.)

We had lunch with Komnaes. And just let me tell you the man is witty, smart, and such a pleasure to be around. I'm glad we finally got to meet up with him. (We're going to try and get together again on Friday evening for drinks and dinner.)

Today DF is taking a day trip over to the mainland. (Hope they let him back out!

Sorta!).

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I think I'll just get on one of the subway lines and see where it takes me. I love walking the neighborhoods, people watching, and strolling through the shops. (There isn't a square ~~foot~~ inch of this city that they haven't made use of for some business or other.)

More soon.

RAB

fearless · « **Reply #30 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:04:11 pm »

Sounds like you are really enjoying Honkers. Glad you met up with Komnaes and found him witty and charming.

Oooh, I'm getting excited.

I'll spend all day Saturday cleaning the house and baking a cake - just in case you are hungry on arrival.

Also, my neighbour across the road is having Chirstmas drinks on Saturday night and has kindly invited the three of us over, depending on how you feel after your 10 hour flight. I'm guessing you may be buzzing with excitement and want to stretch your legs, but i'm aware you/we have a fairly early start the next day.

Jody · « **Reply #31 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:48:14 pm »

It sounds like you are having a blast Rab and it is just the start of your thrilling vacation. Good to see you are well, it is nice that you met komnaes and will soon see Jan and Steve. It's a bit like one of your own mini AMG's where by virtue of the sheer fate surrounding being a member of this web site you are connecting wiith great folks throughout the world there's a good chance you never would have known otherwise. Fate can bring great treats.

Enjoy every minute Rab and our friends in the Pacific.

Jody

komnaes · « **Reply #32 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:48:58 pm »

Quote from: RAB on December 02, 2009, 05:44:22 pm

We had lunch with Komnaes. And just let me tell you the man is witty, smart, and such a pleasure to be around...

What? Not "dashing and handsome"? Just witty and smart?

Guess I will always be Miss Congeniality... sigh...

Dale Parker · « **Reply #33 on:** December 03, 2009, 01:44:45 am »

Hey Rab I lived in Kalgoorlie Western Australia for a year. It was amazing. On my way back to Canada I drove around southern Western Australia and traveled to most of the big cities. Sydney was nice and actually has an all gay McDonald's in Kings Cross. I saw my first submarine in Sydney Harbor. If you can manage it try to get to Western Australia. It's not as busy as the east but the scenery is just amazing.

RAB · « **Reply #34 on:** December 03, 2009, 08:45:19 pm »

Hey Little Steve

You don't have to clean for us. Seriously! About the drinks @ your neighbors--well I'm always up for a little libation.

If we get tired we'll simply go back across the street and go to bed.

Quote from: Jody on December 02, 2009, 08:48:14 pm

It sounds like you are having a blast Rab and it is just the start of your thrilling vacation. Good to see you are well, it is nice that you met komnaes and will soon see Jan and Steve. It's a bit like one of your own mini AMG's where by virtue of the sheer fate surrounding being a member of this web site you are connecting with great folks throughout the world there's a good chance you never would have known otherwise. Fate can bring great treats.

Enjoy every minute Rab and our friends in the Pacific.

Jody

Jody:

You're right--we are having a great time. And it is sort of like a travelling mini AMG. When I first joined these forums in 2003--I certainly didn't expect for that to happen.

Quote from: komnaes on December 02, 2009, 08:48:58 pm

What? Not "dashing and handsome"? Just witty and smart?

Guess I will always be Miss Congeniality... sigh...

Komnaes:

I had planned to keep that little tid bit to myself. Now you've really done it mister!

Quote from: Dale Parker on December 03, 2009, 01:44:45 am

Hey Rab I lived in Kalgoorlie Western Australia for a year. It was amazing. On my way back to Canada I drove around southern Western Australia and traveled to most of the big cities. Sydney was nice and actually has an all gay McDonald's in Kings Cross. I saw my first submarine in Sydney Harbor. If you can manage it try to get to Western Australia. It's not as busy as the east but the scenery is just amazing.

Dale:

Thanks for the suggestion buddy. I doubt we'll be able to get to Western Australia though. And you say they have an "all gay McDonald's?"--now there's something I never thought I'd see.

Everyone:

Tomorrow at this time we'll have said goodbye to Hong Kong and will be winging our way to Sydney.

I got hundreds of photos, some of which I plan on posting here (if I tried to post them all I think Tim Horn would ban me for taking up so much bandwidth [or whatever I'd be doing])

, but it will have to wait until we get to Jan's. The internet service here in the hotel is sorta hit and miss and downloading photos seems to be the worst. Also we only have DF's computer and I don't know how to change the size so that the forums will accept them.

RAB

anniebc · « **Reply #35 on:** December 05, 2009, 03:45:54 pm »

I have it on good authority that the lads are at the airport in Sydney just waiting to board the plane for NZ..would you believe the last 3 days have been beautiful with temps at 23 C...this morning it's raining and will be for the next 3 days...bloody NZ weather.

If we waited for the sun everyday we would never leave the house or go anywhere..the reason we have so much greenery is because we have so much bloody rain...

I'm sure they will still love the beautiful country side NZ has to offer....but you know what these city boys are like...sometimes there's no pleasing them..

Hugs
Jan
(who is looking forward to seeing the lads again)

fearless · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2009, 04:18:11 am »

Despite a few (OK, many) blonde moment by yours truly I managed to not only pick them up from the airport but deliver them safely back there the next morning.

I have it on good authority they are having a merry ol' time down in Gore.

Enjoy Jan's hospitality boys. See you in a week or so - what day do you arrive again. lol

Cliff · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2009, 04:39:17 am »

I'm glad they are having the time of their lives!

anniebc · « **Reply #38 on:** December 06, 2009, 05:46:39 am »

Well after a few Manhattens....and a few Bailey's ,we have managed to sort out the problems of the world, not to mention the cell phone, computer and the camera.

Tomorrow is another day and will probably start off with a hangover...

Hiugs
Jan

RAB · « **Reply #39 on:** December 06, 2009, 01:05:36 pm »

Quote from: anniebc on December 06, 2009, 05:46:39 am

Well after a few Manhattens....and a few Bailey's ,we have managed to sort out the problems of the world, not to mention the cell phone, computer and the camera.

Tomorrow is another day and will probably start off with a hangover...

Hiugs
Jan

Just for the record. It's 7:00 a.m. here. I've had my coffee, played fetch with the dogs, read my email, and everyone else is still sound asleep. Sheesh.

Oh and I don't have a hangover.

But the land of Jan is everything I imagined and 100 times more. My god!

RAB

P.S. Hugs were delivered as ordered.

RAB · « **Reply #40 on:** December 08, 2009, 04:00:49 am »

Quote from: fearless on December 06, 2009, 04:18:11 am

Despite a few (OK, many) blonde moment by yours truly I managed to not only pick them up from the airport but deliver them safely back there the next morning.

Little Steve:

A "few blonde moments?"

Good lord man obviously you don't understand us "Yanks". Our daily lives are defined as "blonde moments" (though we don't put the "e" on the end).

You mister were so generous and giving we can't even express our appreciation.

We only hope to make a small gesture in return when we revisit Sydney.

Love ya buddy.

RAB

RAB · « **Reply #41 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:01:57 pm »

Hello:

Sadly, today we leave New Zealand.

This past week has been one hell of a good time.

We've seen sights that were breathtaking (photos to follow later), we've met all the famous (infamous?)
animals (two posts with pics of Kooni to follow), and we've had a truly memorable experience. (Alpaca haircut day photos posted in a separate post.)

Jan's home is wonderful. (see below)

Her yard isn't just garden like it's a friggin park. (photos below will be followed by even more and better ones).

We've been to Milford Sound (more than 1000 waterfalls--pics later), LakeTe Anau (gorgeous lake and city), experienced some really awful Karaoke

, Queenstown

, and travelled through wine country, orchards, forests, beaches, mountain tops, and deep valleys. (New Zealands charm and beauty changes with every twist in the road.)

While I'm feeling somewhat melancholy about leaving, Damn Fool and I have loved every minute of our time here.

The only things more awesome than New Zealand itself, would be Jan and Jim.

RAB

and

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #42 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:06:20 pm »

Kooni, well what can I say.

The poor dear is even larger and more ugly in pigson (person) than she is in previous photos.

Lord.

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #43 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:21:22 pm »

One of the funniest moments was the day Kooni broke into the house.

She has gotten so large that her time of being in the house has probably past.

But once in she refused to leave. Seriously.

I laughed so hard at Jan trying to get her back out I nearly wet myself.

RAB

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #44 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:25:40 pm »

Tuesday was Alpaca haircut day. It was pissing rain, but we were all under cover.

Alpacas are funny creatures, they look cute, adorable, and cudly, but in reality are pretty skittish and can be somewhat rude.

Watching them getting sheered was amazing.

The photos below are before pics.

The next post will be after pics.

Can you believe the difference?

RAB

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #45 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:28:32 pm »

As mentioned above these 3 are the "after" photos.

Who would have known they were such tiny little things under all that beautiful coat?

RAB

[attachment deleted by admin]

Cliff · « **Reply #46 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:31:13 pm »

Love the photos. Kuni is massive!

WillyWump · « **Reply #47 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:36:35 pm »

It looks like the black Alpaca was so embarrased after the shaving that he put on a bad hairpiece!! and the pig!! oh my!!!

GREAT PICS! Love them! Especially seeing Jan in her "natural habitat"!

-Will

pozniceguy · « **Reply #48 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:03:24 pm »

Fantastic report and the pig is huge. love the alpacas both before and after. I can see why you hate to leave. such great folks such a beautiful place...,,

keepsending reports.....

Nick

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #49 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:16:38 pm »

What terrific pictures! I loves the alpacas.

bocker3 · « **Reply #50 on:** December 12, 2009, 02:24:04 pm »

Thanks for the pics RAB. What a beautiful place -- and something tells me that Kooni gets to do whatever Kooni wants to do....

It so nice to be able to track your travels online -- it's almost like being there.

Hugs,
Mike

Andy Velez · « **Reply #51 on:** December 12, 2009, 05:06:06 pm »

Great pictures and stories. I am so looking forward to the NEXT trip of a lifetime that is impossible to happen but then you swing out and make it happen.

Yes, I am! Go, Rab!!!!

minismom · « **Reply #52 on:** December 13, 2009, 08:08:33 am »

What amazing pictures! Jan, your home is beautiful - the gardens are exquisit. Is that Jim or DF with Koonie?

Willy, the big guy is King Elrond. He's quite the handsome devil, isn't he?

RAB, where to next?

fearless · « **Reply #53 on:** December 13, 2009, 06:09:35 pm »

Thanks Rocky,

I cannot believe how green everything is in NZ.
As for Kooni, all I see is bacon and pork chops. Sorry, Jan.

Now I have to put up with them for 7 or 8 days. There's just no way I can top your NZ visit.

anniebc · « **Reply #54 on:** December 13, 2009, 09:24:45 pm »

Quote

As for Kooni, all I see is bacon and pork chops. Sorry, Jan.

What!!!...I'll have to get the guys to wash your mouth out with soap and water young man.

It was sad to see RAB and DF go but I'm happy they are going to warmer weather, although the weather wasn't too bad here, except maybe the day they left..(see photo) this is NZ in summer...taken at a BBQ at our sons place an hour or so after the guys left...how lucky are they heading off to 105 degrees..and no doubt sunning it up on the beach..

I certainly got the impression they both loved NZ and the enjoyed the places we visited, Milford Sound put on a good show for them, hundreds of Water Falls on the day we arrived.

My female Goat, Jenny, took a real fancy to DF, when he bend down to do something she started nibbling at his ear and didn't want to stop..I think she's in love..

They both saw things they never thought they would see..Alpacas being shorn and screaming their protests, Alpacas being sewn up with a needle and cotton from my sewing box, an oversized pig who refused to do as she was told, and didn't like being told off so as a pay back she peed in the lounge..and of course free chicken porn...not sure what they will miss the most..

I miss them, and Jim and I really enjoyed having them here.

Hugs
Jan

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #55 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:10:10 pm »

Hey Everyone:

No visit to Jan's house would be complete without a visit with the goats. They are so friendly, kind of like dogs always following you around. They are curious, mischievous, and friggin escape artists.

If you don't give them the attention they want, they'll demand it of you.

Jan will have to come in and identify them by name, I got confused. Except for Jody who got a wee bit too friendly with Damn Fool. See below

RAB

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #56 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:15:11 pm »

After sheering the Alpacas on Tuesday, we drove to Te Anau on Wednesday.

We then travelled on to Milford Sound. Although the weather was lousy, that actually worked to our advantage, because the # of waterfalls increases to over 1000 when it rains so hard.

Literally every mountain has dozens and dozens of waterfalls cascading down their side.

The photos don't really bring it into perspective, but trust me it was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen.

[attachment deleted by admin]

RAB · « **Reply #57 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:18:10 pm »

After arriving at Milford Sound we boarded a tour boat that took us to the outlet into the Tasman Sea.

These photos were just silly shots of Jan, me, and Damn Fool hamming it up.

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RAB · « **Reply #58 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:20:43 pm »

Last one for awhile I promise.

These photos were also taken on the boat tour.

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anniebc · « **Reply #59 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:29:16 pm »

The goat nibbling DF's ear is Jenny, the one having a wee look under DF's shirt is Jody, well he was either checking out the shirt or chewing on the zipper..not quite sure which..

...it's their way of getting attention.

As RAb said the photo's don't do really do justice to the water falls they are thousands of feet high but it doesn't show up on the photo's.

I forced them into the "Jack and Rose" pose at the pointy end of the boat..it had to be done..

Hugs
Jan

fearless · « **Reply #60 on:** December 14, 2009, 12:14:36 am »

Beautiful pictures. I understand why it is so green now.

Jody · « **Reply #61 on:** December 14, 2009, 08:45:17 pm »

What a great trip this has been for Rab, DF, Steve and komnaes and certainly Jan and Jim and family to all hook up to be together and see so many beautiful sights. The waterfalls look fantastic, enough natural beauty down under for a lifetime...And I'm certainly glad my favorite goat on the other side of this big ball got in a nibble or three!!!

Have a great last round of the South Pacific guys and speak to you when you get home.

Jody

RAB · « **Reply #62 on:** December 15, 2009, 02:05:58 am »

Quote from: Jody on December 14, 2009, 08:45:17 pm

...And I'm certainly glad my favorite goat on the other side of this big ball got in a nibble or three!!!

Have a great last round of the South Pacific guys and speak to you when you get home.

Jody

Seems to me he takes after his namesake!

Just sayin!

Today we did the "Bridge Climb"! It was so cool. The entire tour takes 3 1/2 hours, is pretty spendy, but worth every penny.

Tomorrow, Little Steve is taking us "Beaching". Where he assures us the scenery will be um er, pretty darn impressive. Oh and I hear there's water and stuff too.

I'm so far behind on the pictures I've wanted to post I'm just about ready to bag it.

Heck I haven't even posted anything from Hong Kong!

Tomorrow, I'm going to force DF to up load the rest of the pics onto the computer (I don't have anything since Queenstwon), so I can re-size them and put up a few.

RAB

Edit to add: I'll share this one of Jan and her good friend on the "bad karaoke" night (Te Anau). I suspect she's now playing for the other team-- if you know what I mean

. And she hadn't even had a drop of liquor before swishing around the dance floor like that.

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anniebc · « **Reply #63 on:** December 15, 2009, 04:22:26 am »

Air Kisses Dahlin'..just Air Kisses...I thought the other one of Karen and I in full vocal was the one you threatened to post..

.

Doing the Brige Climb is no mean feat..well done you, I'm sure you will enjoy the beach, if it's the one I'm thinking about...

Look forward to seeing more photo's.

Miss ya
Hugs
Jan

RAB · « **Reply #64 on:** December 15, 2009, 04:11:31 pm »

Quote from: anniebc on December 15, 2009, 04:22:26 am

Air Kisses Dahlin'..just Air Kisses...I thought the other one of Karen and I in full vocal was the one you threatened to post.. .

Look forward to seeing more photo's.

Miss ya
Hugs
Jan

Ask and you shall receive.

RAB

Edit to remove duplicate photo.

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anniebc · « **Reply #65 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:12:55 pm »

Oh very funny..I meant more photo's of Sydney and you know I did..

It's quite sad really, I knew all the words to the song, it's jsut a pity I was so off key because it was really painful to listen to, I have to tell you all at this stage RAB was trying to get me out the door, and yes I was sober..no Baileys that night..

Have you been to the beach yet?, just remember to make sure you have plenty of 35+ on, that Sydney sun will burn your little bum to a crisp..

.

Hugs
Jan

fearless · « **Reply #66 on:** December 16, 2009, 03:13:26 am »

I tried and tried Jan but they kept insisting that they don't get burnt.

factor 15 was the most they would do. i may have looked silly, but i'm not sunburnt.

there were plenty of nice sites to take in but i think i may have walked them into the ground. i let rab give you all the gory details

RAB · « **Reply #67 on:** December 16, 2009, 02:41:16 pm »

Quote from: fearless on December 16, 2009, 03:13:26 am

I tried and tried Jan but they kept insisting that they don't get burnt. factor 15 was the most they would do. i may have looked silly, but i'm not sunburnt.

Neither am I little buddy. Just an attractive shade of PINK

Quote

there were plenty of nice sites to take in but i think i may have walked them into the ground. i let rab give you all the gory details

Bronte, Tamarama, and Bondi were 3 very different but truly beautiful beaches. The walking wasn't that bad and the scenery (UHUM) certainly made it worth it.

Everyone:
The only thing Little Steve likes more than the ocean, is being in the ocean. If that man could make a living by swimming, he'd do it in a heartbeat. It's absolutely his passion.

It was such a great day.

RAB

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minismom · « **Reply #68 on:** December 17, 2009, 05:48:34 pm »

What beautiful beaches! Glad to see you and DF are having such an amazing time. Is that a swimming pool next to the ocean in the bottom picture? Steve, didn't you almost get eaten by a shark when you were younger (or am I relying on Peanut's memory)? LOL - maybe that's how you learned to swim so fast

Mum

fearless · « **Reply #69 on:** December 17, 2009, 07:22:10 pm »

Must be your peanut memory, Mum. I have swum with sharks but never been nearly eaten.
And, yes, it is a pool. Most of the beaches have an ocean pool at one or both ends - from times gone by when swimming in the ocean was seen as too dangerous.

We actually swam in the pool at the first beach, Bronte. See my pic from a different angle and different day - only a few day earlier though. lovely

Will be catching up with the boys again for dinner tonight before sending them on their way back over to the good ol' USofA.

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minismom · « **Reply #70 on:** December 18, 2009, 05:59:41 am »

Oh, well, I'm getting old, what can I say. And, it wasn't my peanut memory that was in question - it was Peanut's (aka Mim's) memory

. I was reading her RAB's posts and she thought you'd posted once that you'd almost been eaten by a shark.

I wish they had those pools here. I HATE the beach - sand, salt, critters, and waves. Those pools look clean, critter-free, no sand, and still water. Those I could do.

RAB and DF - here's to a safe and uneventful travel back home. I look forward to hearing more stories and seeing more pictures of your great adventure.

Mum

Jeff G · « **Reply #71 on:** December 18, 2009, 03:59:43 pm »

Thanks for sharing your pics of the trip . My pics of New Zealand from my trip there in 2000 are with my ex . I will one day go back to visit that country again if possible . It was the most beautiful place I ever traveled to .

We stayed a few days at Aurthur's Pass on a sheep ranch . At first I was not that excited to be there after spending New Years in Sydney . We stayed in New Zealand for almost 3 weeks and it turned out to be my trip of a lifetime . Thanks for the memories .

RAB · « **Reply #72 on:** December 18, 2009, 05:25:44 pm »

Last night Little Steve came by our hotel and guided us to his neighborhood on the train. (Lord knows we'd never have found it on our own.)

He lives in a up and coming area near the university. The streets are lined with lots of restaurants, shops, and what not.

We had dinner with Steve and his boyfriend then caught a taxi home.

The food was wonderful, the company was even better.

RAB

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RAB · « **Reply #73 on:** December 18, 2009, 05:36:40 pm »

One thing about Sydney (besides how incredibly expensive it is) that I could do without are the darn

BATS!

They are everywhere, hanging from the trees during the day and at dusk they take to the skies in these massive swarms.

We couldn't really get a good picture of them in flight, but here's what we did get.

RAB
(Who found them quite unnerving!)

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GSOgymrat · « **Reply #74 on:** December 18, 2009, 06:41:51 pm »

Very cool pictures! I hate mosquitoes so I love bats.

AlanBama · « **Reply #75 on:** December 19, 2009, 02:32:57 pm »

Wonderful pics honey, and I am so glad you are having this fantastic trip! What a wonderful way to spend the holidays....

Love to both of you,

Alan

PS how cool that you got to meet Steve....he's someone on the forums I would love to meet in person someday (along with another certain Australian we all know and love....)

RAB · « **Reply #76 on:** December 19, 2009, 10:15:00 pm »

Thie first one is for Mini.

Obviously.

The other two I just found interesting, one will be my new mantra in life. I'll leave it to you to decide which.

RAB

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RAB · « **Reply #77 on:** December 19, 2009, 10:17:23 pm »

Some more beach photos.

RAB

(Who promises to stop soon.)

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RAB · « **Reply #78 on:** December 19, 2009, 10:20:43 pm »

The Opera House is certainly one of Sydney's most recognized landmarks. What I never knew is that it isn't just one building, but actually 3 seperate.

Don't let the photo mislead you, the place is huge.

RAB

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RAB · « **Reply #79 on:** December 19, 2009, 10:27:41 pm »

Some random shots from around Sydney.

The first of Saint Mary's (actually don't hold me to that--I'm suddenly forgetting what the name is) Catholic Cathedral. (Less that 2 minutes from our hotel.)

The second from a park closer to the Botanical Gardens.

The third. . . .crum is that Government House?

RAB

(Who obviously wouldn't make a very good tour guide.)

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Ann · « **Reply #80 on:** December 20, 2009, 08:45:09 am »

Quote from: RAB on December 19, 2009, 10:17:23 pm

RAB

(Who promises to stop soon.)

Don't you dare!

I know I haven't commented in this thread before now, but I've really been enjoying hearing about your trip and seeing the photos. I'm so happy that you and DF got to make this trip despite your setbacks earlier this year. Way to go!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

minismom · « **Reply #81 on:** December 20, 2009, 10:15:34 am »

What a cute picture, RAB, thanks for posting it for her. That's actually how she got her name. I had a friend that we called Mimi. I had no idea what her "real" name was. Anyway, when Mini was born and we announced her name, our friend shared that it was her actual name. So, from then on, it was Mega-Mimi and Mini-Mimi.

When are you and DF scheduled to be home? I agree with Ann, keep the pictures coming.

Mum

BTW, who is the serious hunk on the beach?

RAB · « **Reply #82 on:** December 20, 2009, 03:01:45 pm »

Quote from: minismom on December 20, 2009, 10:15:34 am

When are you and DF scheduled to be home? I agree with Ann, keep the pictures coming.

Mum

BTW, who is the serious hunk on the beach?

Sadly Mum this afternoon we board a flight back to Hong Kong. (9 1/2 hours)

We're in HK for 12 hours before boarding a flight to SFO, we lay over there for 2 hours, then fly home.

As far as who the hunk is. . .well I could lie and say he became my new best friend, but alas that wouldn't be true. BTW, while he's gorgeous, you should have seen some of the others.

Quote from: Ann on December 20, 2009, 08:45:09 am

Don't you dare!

I know I haven't commented in this thread before now, but I've really been enjoying hearing about your trip and seeing the photos. I'm so happy that you and DF got to make this trip despite your setbacks earlier this year. Way to go!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

Thanks Ann but remember I haven't posted a single photo from HK yet, and thats where the whole adventure began! I finally got a handle on the most efficient way to resize the photos all at once instead of trying to do them one at a time. (Stupid me.)

Everyone:

Yesterday we went to Darling Harbor and last evening we went back to New Town for our final supper in Sydney.

RAB

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RAB · « **Reply #83 on:** December 20, 2009, 03:07:24 pm »

Pics from New Town (little Steve's neighborhood)

I just couldn't resist posting #3, that poor fool had no idea! LOL

RAB

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fearless · « **Reply #84 on:** December 20, 2009, 06:10:07 pm »

Ciao and bon voyage buddy,
It's been wonderful to finally meet in person and to spend some time with you and DF.
Steve.

ps. isn't that me in the pic from Bondi Beach?
pps. RAB should have pointed out that those bats they were troubling him so much have a wing span of between 2 and 3 feet. they are enourmous

Basquo · « **Reply #85 on:** December 20, 2009, 08:41:17 pm »

Quote from: RAB on December 20, 2009, 03:07:24 pm

Pics from New Town (little Steve's neighborhood)

I just couldn't resist posting #3, that poor fool had no idea! LOL

RAB

I see Sydney has a crack problem like the one I found in Mexico City.

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