Home Sweet Home

We are back in our home thanks to Qantas and Mary and Graeme who waited patiently at Tullamarine.

I've been to London to see the Queen

We dressed in our best hats to visit Queen Lizzie at Buckingham Palace.

She was in - but didn't have time to join us for tea.

After the pomp and ceremony we caught the ferry to Greenwich passing Tower Bridge on the way.

Greenwich had many displays related to astromony and time. At one stage Cathy was in the East and David was in the West - we held on tight to ensure the world didn't fall apart!!

The sign in our hotel reminded us that we have to go home from our wonderful holiday.

From London to Chicago

A hearty English breakfast was required before setting off down Regent St for a morning of shopping. After an hour of playing in Hamleys, David exercised his credit card and we walked away with a bag of goodies. Then there was Liberty of London, M&S, Carnaby St and more to look through before regrouping at our hotel. While David had a "nanna nap", Cathy relaxed with a massage in the spa salon. Soon it was time to walk to Covent Gardens for a delicious indian dinner and show with Olivia and Ian. "Chicago" was vibrant and lots of fun. An Irish coffee completed the evening and there was no time to blog before collapsing into bed.

Devon to London

After a cup of tea in the sunshine, we made our way along the Devon "rat runs" to the train station for the trip to London. Whilst sad to leave our Devon family - we were excited to get to London. We naviagated our way on the Underground to our hotel near St James Park. After checking in, we wandered along the Thames - enjoying the sights and sounds before our Champagne flight on the London Eye.

Olivia (David's ex Uni Buddy and Work Mate) met us for champagne, cake, coffee and a great chat about the "missing" years.

The Tarr Steps

David and Cathy had a b*i*g sleep in after a night of ales, lagers, homemade wine and port. Jess and Andy took us to The Tarr Steps to sample the "Devonshire Cream Tea".

The scones were so big, they will be henceforth known as "Jam and Cream Burgers". We needed a long walk along the river where we found the money tree.

Unfortunately, we couldn't find a cutting to bring home with us :(

A trip to the beach

The sun came out especially for us today so we headed for the beach. We had to stop off in Exeter for a cup of tea and tour of the cathedral whilst Thomas got his tick of approval from the orthopods. Daisy was the only one on the school bus this morning.



There was a quick spot of shopping for Cathy to buy a new hat and wallet (in case there's any money left after the trip!) From here on, Cathy will be known as the English Rose.



Jess has been missing the beach so we were the perfect excuse to go to Sidmouth where she managed a quick dip in the Atlantic. Cathy confused all the oldies in the Connaught gardens who thought she was part of the garden beds and took her photo.



We filled up on fish and chips by the beach before heading home to pick up Daisy from Brownies so she could get home to play duets on the piano with Cathy.

Pub Grub

We reluctantly dragged ourselves out of our warm beds for an English cooked breakfast by the campfire. I think England moved closer to Siberia overnight and we were frozen by the invisible snow. It was time for some warm pub grub so the Landrover became HOME46 as we headed down narrow hedged country laneways to the Cruwys Arms. Rod pulled the beers and cooked a fantastic pub lunch followed by a short trip home for a little nap.

Travel to the UK

We packed up and left Ireland flying into Exeter International Airport (A few tin sheds next to the runway). Andy and Jess were unmissable in their hats - Andy's beaten up akubra and Jess with her Guiness swaggies hat. No sooner had we had a cup of tea than we were packing the land rover for a camping trip.

We enjoyed the full woodlands camping adventure in Mongolian Yurts. If it wasn't for the fire-making skills of the boys, we may not have survived the Siberian winds.

Leprechauns and Vikings

The tram dropped us right at the door of the National Leprechaun Museum. We had a delightful visit including walking through the rainbow, visiting the giant's room and drawing pictures of Leprechauns. This excited Cathy so much she went and bought a book "How to draw Leprechauns"!!

After a quick coffee we all got on an old Army Duck for "The Viking Splash Tour". Our "dishy" guide provided an excellent and humorous tour of Dublin including a splash in the Grand Canal. However, Dublin's 11 degrees felt more like minus 11 - we all got off feeling very cold.

The New Locum is in Town

It was a slow start after a big "session" last night. Serena and Cathy had a cooked breakfast of eggs, toast and various medications before speeding off to Dublin along the motorway to get some Guinness. Cathy learned to pour a pint and was awarded a certificate which she plans to frame at home. The others were content to have theirs poured at the Gravity Bar at the top where they carved little shamrocks in the froth - a skill Cathy has yet to perfect.

A Night Out - O'Connor's Pub

After an Italian meal at Roberta's we moved down the road to O'Connors Pub. James, Sarah, Tony and Yvonne made the long drive from Broadford to enjoy a last drink with us. An excellent night was had by all surrounded by lanterns, bloomers and drunks.

Shane, Serena, Cathy and David

Yvonne and Serena, Sarah and James, Tony and Serena

Cathy's Claddagh Ring

Irish Motorcycling

Whilst Serena was getting her thermals, leathers, gloves etc - David grabbed her helmet and went for a quick ride up and down the driveway of the estate.

Serena ready to "Rip with Reuben"

The Leprechauns Made Me Do It!

A morning shopping in Galway.

Tuesday 4th May

After a sleep in, we ate a delicious fry-up by Serena. We chatted on Skype with Mary and caught up on the Jone's family history so that we can find the place where one of her ancestors was clubbed to death with a pitchfork! We fed the swans and other birds at the Claddagh with old bread.

Off to Connemara to see where Serena did a GP locum and visit the coral beach.

The weather improved when we got to Kylemore Abbey to see the castle and it's amazing walled garden (the largest in Ireland - 6 acres!!).

Cathy had rhubarb envy and took heaps of photos in the garden before wandering through the abbey and gothic church.

David was glad to catch the bus. Followed by an awesome seafood dinner at O’Gradys by the Pier – one of the top seafood restaurants in Ireland.

Foolin in Doolin

Up early to pack our bags and another Irish Fry-Up for breakfast. We said our goodbyes to Yvonne and Tony.

We caught the ferry from Doolin to Inis oirr (the small island). Unfortunately our small ferry was working it's way into and across a swell. Sarah and Serena didn't cope very well - so it's was straight to the pub for a double brandy!! Then off for a short walk through the numerous stone fences and small houses before returning to the pub for lunch. Fortunately the trip back was much improved - a bigger ferry running with the swell made things grand.

The ferry took us to the base of "Cliffs of Moher". These 200+ metre cliffs are heavily populated with birdlife. We also managed a walk along the top before heading home for Indian food.

An Interview with Serena

D: Hi
Serena: For goodness sakes man, can ya get on with it!!
D: Does being a Doctor suit you?
Serena: I was made for the fast life. The Old Man (James - Donkey and Cart Adjustment Services) always said "You can be anything you want to be" - so saving lives was it.
D: Of course, you watch a few die in your former recreation.
Serena: Formula One driving is a dangerous past time - I've seen a few hit the wall - and fast.
D: Ouch!
Serena: And being a Doctor lets me use the "Crash Cart". That thing is crazy!! No steering at all.
D: Tell me about Rueben.
Serena: I love riding my new Kawasaki motorcycle. Ireland is very suited to motorcycle riding - narrow roads, sharp corners, snow and ice - my legs tingle just thinkin' about it.
D: You are mad??!!!
Serena: No No - only if I'm held up by Sunday drivers - then I'm furious!!
D: I better get going before next Sunday
Serena: You're already late - now p*ss off.

Ireland Day 1

We arrived at Shannon airport. Serena was there to pick us up. Her parents James and Sarah welcomed us into their home with a very special late night supper. We were very tired after 35 hours of travelling and fell asleep as soon as we stopped moving.

We woke around 9am - just too late to attend mass with the family. They returned to produce an extraordinary "Irish fry-up". Serena then took us on "The Castle Tour". First off was Craggaunowen Castle, an archaeological open air museum in County Clare.

Bunratty Castle was modern in comparison but huge and very well restored. The furniture and fittings were exceptional and added greatly to the experience (the hare in the pantry did NOT please Serena). We had our first taste of Genuine Irish Guiness at the nearby village.

Cathy put on some floral wellies and we had a walk through the cow sh*t and electric fences to inspect the property. Charlie (the dog) also enjoyed his walk - in between laying down for cuddles.

Too tired to shop in Heathrow

Getting through immigration is a breeze flying business so we had plenty of time to explore. First stop was for fresh air outside the terminals but we had to clear the smokers to find any. Cathy had a cup of tea and David a latte before we checked in and found the Diners club partner lounge. Finally the jet lag caught up with us. One more flight to go before we catch up with the bird-murdering leprechauns!

Hong Kong - Shops closed

First leg of our flight to Ireland is complete.  Cathy can't believe that the shops are closed in Hong Kong airport and feels sure that David arranged this in advance!!  Cathy tried out her Qantas PJs and had a snooze in the skybed after trying out the massage function.  David has been working through the documentaries - BASE Jumping is bad for your health. We both managed a quick shower before flying on.