Happy new year from Pearl Laguna

Hi all,
Took a boat trip up from Bluefields to Pearl Laguna yesterday, through the backwaters.
There's only 2 or 3 actual streets in town, the rest is cement paths.
There's not much going on here, but people are incredibly friendly, as they have been throughout Nicaragua.
I'm surprised there's wifi here in this cafe/pub we are sitting in. The only other place in town with wifi is the central parque, but wifi is not working there today!
Sun is finally out this afternoon,, for the last few hours. Would be nice if it stayed like this.
We had planned to head back to Bluefields tomorrow, then start heading west, but it's a holiday tomorrow, so no boats! So we have another day to chill out here, which isn't so bad.. Maybe we can finally get to snorkel if the weather stays good.

Hi, Hasi here,
Just had a look at the cricket, and WOW, a result - never thought that would happen. Exciting stuff. Happy New Year to all, we still have eight hours to go till midnite, see if we're still awake - way past our bedtime...
Apparently the Inuit (formerly known as Eskimos) have twenty three words for 'snow'. I would like to know how many words for 'rain' the local languages have. Probably even more... Details about the different rain experiences will be given at a later time, over a beer back in Oz.
Travelling is about experiencing different things, eg weather conditions... Yep. Done that.
Our newest theory is that we are in some kind of hidden camera show, where the producers put on some rain whereever we go, or whenever we leave the house... Woteffa.
All the best again, see youse soon. Hasi

And love from me
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All and Happy New Year. Wishing you all you wish for yourselves in 2017. Thinking of you all and sending lots of love and hugs.
Had a quiet Christmas. Took a drive around Gower and had a walk along the Mumbles front. Ran into a few people we know. Stopped into a couple of pubs for a swift half. On our return home we called in to see Cynthia - no change.
My friend Louise had plated up dinners for us so we just had to warm them up, heat the gravy and enjoy - and we did. Yummy!
Didn't get any work during the silly payment season but have done a night this week.
Prediction for snow on The Brecon Beacons tomorrow so we may see some white stuff when we "do the triangle".
Going to brave some shopping later. Jules is still looking for a Christmas gift for Marty. May get it for his birthday if he's lucky!
Not much news from here so will sign off. Enjoying the holiday updates from Kate & Hasi. Thanks both.
Anyone want to let me know what people got for Christmas?
Thinking of you all. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda. xxxx

Greetings from Bluefields

Hi, Hasi here with the latest updates on the weather and woteffa else happened.
Very multicultural here in 'Blewfield', with six main ethnic groups, the Garifuna, Creole, Mestizos, Rama, and I forgot the other two. Mostly descendants from West Indian slaves and British colonisers, and they speak some kind of "English". I know people say that I got an accent, but try to understand THEM! Wow. Bluefields itself is SOME WEIRD PLACE! Hard to describe, but somehow a mix between weird, crazy, normal (?), sleazy, scary, exciting, interesting, and certainly not a place anyone's mother would want their child to hang out in... But I think a few more days here and it'll grow on us.
But that's not gonna happen as we leave tomorrow for Laguna des Perlas (gotta show off my amazing Spanish ability)or Pearl Lagoon, as the locals call it, where, in an ideal world, the water would be cristal clear and turquoise and still, and the sun would shine, and we would be snorkelling and lazing on the beach... AS IF!!! The water will be choppy and brown, the beach full of seaweed and rubbish and it will be overcast and RAINING RAINING RAINING, just as it has every day since the beginning of time! (or at least since our arrival...)
I'm very surprised the place isn't overrun by Welsh expats! I'm sure they would LOVE the place! A dry season that lasts for five weeks (and even in that time it can rain!), (just like the Welsh summer, apparently), good beer, a nice coastline and the people love to sing and spend their time in pubs getting pissed.
Orrright, that's it from me, have a great new year, hasta la vista, baby,
Hasi.
He has basically said it all, so I will leave it to him for today.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Bluefields

Hi All
Best thing today was we got our laundry done, so all our stinky salty clothes are clean and dry!
You know when the salt gets in to things, they are always damp, that's how all our stuff was after a week on the island.
We pay $10, give them our smelly stuff and it comes back clean and folded. Bloody amazing.
We flew from Big Corn Island to Bluefields this afternoon on our 20 minute plane ride!
Bluefields is a city of about 40,000 people. Named after a Dutch pirate, Blewfeldt.
Hurricane Joan destroyed the town in 1988, but it's been rebuilt, although some of the derelict buildings seem like they have been there well before this.
We roamed around for a few hours down town, then found somewhere to eat.
It was 6pm when we left the eating place, and the streets that were completely hectic with people an hour before, were almost empty, with all the shops locked up.
It was so weird, almost a bit creepy. Everyone had disappeared.
We sat out on the front verandah of the hotel to 'watch the world go by' on the street below, but there was just one crazy guy yelling, and that was about it.
And believe it or not, it's still raining. I think yesterday was the only full day of sun we have had on the Carribean coast. Apparently it gets about 6000mm of rain a year, which does not surprise us at all.
Hasi says when we retire we will come back March to May time, as this (3months!) is the dry season.
They say it even rains in the dry season, so you can't even be sure then.
They (the locals) also say that it usually doesn't rain like this in December!
That's all for now
Greetings from Hasi, and love from me
Zak

Greetings from Big Corn Island

Hi all,
This morning we were up at 5am to catch the early boat from Little Corn Island to Big Corn Island.
I was quite apprehensive about the return trip, as going over had been pretty scary with waves metres high breaking all around us and the last half of the trip being done after night fall. As the weather had been so bad over the last week, I was expecting the worst.
Luckily it was a pretty good crossing, thank goodness, and we landed safely.
So today we spent the day wandering along the west coast of Big Corn Island. The weather was beautiful, sunny with a great coastal breeze, that made it very comfortable for walking.
We have a great room for tonight, for $15, which is big, clean and has a balcony outside with a cool evening breeze where we are sitting at the moment.
Tomorrow we will have most of the day here, before flying back to the mainland.
We are only flying to Bluefields, On the carribean coast and it's only an 18 minute flight!
Hasi checked the cricket today, and disappointed that the play had to stop due to rain.
It's only 3 weeks today till we leave Mexico City on our flight home. Looks like we will send most of that time in Nicaragua.
Dad, I don't know whether you have been on Facebook, but Jane C, is on her way across the Nullabor. Check it out if you can still get on.
That's it for now. I definitely need to have a early night.
Hope alls well
Love to all
Zak

Happy Boxing Day from Little Corn

Hi all,
Thanks for the fab photos Annie, and email from Jack and Fran.
Montreal White and below freezing. Must be beuatiful but Tom can have it, I'm no good below 5degrees.
While here in Little Corn it has finally stopped raining. Our Christmas Day was wet, wet and wetter, followed then by a blackout at 6pm, so we almost had to go without dinner.
Luckily the electric came back on after about half an hour, so we could eat.
I had lobster for my Christmas dinner meal, which was tasty, but I really don't know what all the fuss is about.
So because of the hardly ever no rain on this island, we haven't even had our snorkel and googles out.
Today it looks like we may get some sun, yes I can see Hasi has a shadow!
Looks like we may head off the little island tomorrow, over to the big one.
Not sure how long we will stay there, suppose it also depends on the weather.
Hasi is swimming in the carribean, as I sit rocking under the palm trees writing this. The cafe with the wifi is closed, but spent enough money there to use their wifi anyway.
My turn for a dip
Love to all,
Zak

Merry Christmas from Little Corn Island

Hi all,
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Moo 12 -15degrees. Pretty unbelievable for December!
So we have been on Little Corn Island for the last 4 days.
We are having crazy weather here. Massive storms that last for about 15 minutes about 6 times a day, the in between the Suns back out.
Last night there was wild wind and heavy rain for most of the night. Almost a bit scary at times, and hard to sleep with the corrugated roof.
This morning calm and overcast. Humid all the time. Shouldn't really still be the  rainy season here, but if definitely is.
Ok I am drinking a local Beetroot and ginger juice while Hasi is back on the coconut lime, and no Christmas pudding here, so we are sharing a hot brownie with chocolate sauce and ice cream! Yum.
Otherwise lots of sea food here, as prior to tourist being the main industry on this little island it was fishing. Local fish is yellowtail snapper, as well as lobster and shrimps.
I have had a bit of seafood, but I was working towards being vegan till I got here, as I truely worry about all the seafood that is being taken out of the seas. Hasi says I should support the local economy, so have I have had a bit.
Hi, greetings from me too... Sitting in the local bar, looking at the sea, one hour to sunset, drinking juice, listening to cooool music, eating all healthy stuff, I think it could be worse... Sometimes the waves and the wind are too dangerous for the little boats to take you away from here, so if we're lucky, we get stuck here for a few days or a week... Could be worse. Enjoy the activities whereever you are, whatever you do, enjoy the cricket (I'll be following it somehow), see youse all next year, hopefully in as good spirits as we are here...
Hasi.
And love to all from me as well, Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hello All,
Just wanted to say "Hi" and wish everyone a very Happy and safe Festive Season.
Not much happening in No 70 to celebrate. They are forecasting 12-15 degrees tomorrow (25th) here, so not a white one.
Connor, your gift is just about ready to post. Have been working nights so don't function as well as I should. You will have it early in the New Year.
Martin, if there is something specific you want (or just some ideas), let us know. Jules is struggling.
I have put myself available to work, not that I'm likely to get any. It would be madness not to be available though with the ridiculous rate of pay for holidays.
Thinking of you all.A bit of feedback on what gifts have been received would be greatly appreciated.
Much love to all.
From Us xxxxxx

Greetings from Little Corn Isalnd

Hi all,
Found a place on the island that has wifi for its customers, so we are both sipping on a coconut and lime juice. Very delicious!
Yesterday we travelled from Masaya to Managau airport for our flight to Big Corn Island.
The plane was small, only about 40 passengers, and was a bit bumpy at times.
From Big Corn airport, caught a cab to the ferry dock. The cab driver packed four tourists and their packs into his little car, as he charges by the persons.
Ferry was supposed to leave at 4.30, but prob didn't leave till about an hour later.
It is 15km from Big Corn to Little Corn, and was dark by the time we got here.
The ride was pretty hairy at times, as there was quite a bit of swell around. The navy monitors the weather and if winds are more than 25km, or swell more than something, the boats are not allowed to make the crossing.
So last night we slept in our beach bungalow, with wild wind and rain outside!
This morning it was clear and sunny, and we have been strolling round the island.
The only problem is, I haven't really found a good spot for swimming. The water is pretty churned up after the wind and rain last night, so will give it a miss for today.
That's it, Hasi is very happy to be on this little tropical island. We will definitely be here till after Christmas.
Love to all,
Zak

Annie, Moo, Mart

Hi guys,
Thanks for the emails.
For some reason now I am not able to send emails, so see if this blog gets to you.
Mum told me about your job Mart. Congratulations, it's really awesome.
I already knew you were going to get it, as I was calling out for you. (Explain that one later)
I look forward to seeing the photos Annie, and even better having dinner on the new set!
Good to hear alls well with you and Jules Moo. Hope it's a white Christmas for you.

Heading to airport.
Merry Christmas
Love Kate and Hasi

Greetings from Masaya

Hi all,
Another day in the bustling town of Masaya.
Went to the arts and crafts market today. So many beautiful things to buy!
However we did not buy anything, as are very conscious of not adding weight to our packs till after our flight to the island.
Which means we may have to come back here.
Had a pretty easy day today, sitting in the park, buying a few supplies to take to the island, having an afternoon siesta.
The room we are in, has fly screens for about the last half metre up the top, this joins the shared bathroom, and on the other side of the bathroom is another room with fly screen. Hence it was a pretty noisy night last night, with the old couple talking, snoring, going to the toilet several times, then showering and shitting early hours of the morning. It was the first time I wish I had ear plugs.
Hasi did have ear plugs in, but was still moaning about them this morning.
Looks like no one is in that room tonight, so should have a better sleep.

Hasi is now watching the first Harry Potter movie, in Spanish of course, with the night security guy.

So tomorrow we are off to Big Corn Island, then we take a boat over to Little Corn Island.
Little Corn has no cars on it. Maybe some horse and carts, I'm not sure.
There is no electricity between 6am and 1pm, and only a few places have wifi, and this is via satellite, so costs around $450 a month.
We plan to stay about a week, depending on how we like it and the weather.
It should be very good snorkelling here. We have carried our snorkelling gear this far, so I hope we get to use it.
So I will be in contact when I can.
Merry Christmas to everyone from Hasi and me. Have fun and lots of laughs.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses to all
Love me and Hasi

Greetings from Casa Mi, Masaya

Hi all,
Today we left Granada. We may have stayed a few days longer, but we were unable to stay in our luxury room, as it had been booked, so decided time to head out.
We were on the bus at 11am to travel 16km up the highway to Masaya. We reached Masaya at 12.15.
Longest 16km of my life. I had my backpack on my lap, and the guy sitting next to me, kept falling asleep and leaning on me.
This town is almost the same size as Granada, but with only about half a dozen tourists, as opposed to every second person in Granada being a tourist.
Of course, not being geared for tourists means, no luxury rooms.
Tonight we are in our cheapest room yet, at $14 . It is pretty basic, but clean, so we are happy.
We had a wonderful afternoon roaming around town, and down to the malecon.
The malecon is a promenade with park that looks down onto Masaya crater lake and across to Masaya Volcano, where we went to a few nights ago to see the magma flowing.
Being Sunday afternoon lots of people were out enjoying the space.
And if they weren't strolling the malecon, they were gathering outside their houses, rocking on rocking chairs.
Nicaraguans love rocking chairs and hammocks! Me too, I'm rocking in one as I write this.
Tonight we stopped to eat a a local restaurant, and the owner, Herman, took a photo of us to put on his site on TripAdvisor. He was amazed that we had travelled from Australia, and having a beer at his place.
Masaya is famous for its art and crafts market, which we will check out tomorrow, but probably won't buy anything, as we have a strict baggage limit for our flight to The Corn Islands. We will just browse, and mayb buy stuff on our return, but I really hate adding weight to my pack. I like it under 10kgs, much easier to handle on the buses etc.
Ok, shower and bed, as it's already after 9pm.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Casa del Agua, Granada

Hi all,
Well today we organised our trip out to the Corn Islands, about 70km off the Carribean coast of Nicaragua.
We were hoping to travel tomorrow or Monday, but first available flight is Tuesday.

Of course I wanted to travel overland, which would have taken us at least 2 days. Hasi always wanted to fly, and people were telling us it was a pretty tough overland trip, so in the end, I agreed to fly.
Makes it all a bit too easy I reckon!
Anyway we then spent at least an hour queuing up in the bank to organise money.
We then wandered round the market and Hasi bought a new day pack.

Dad, the masters game backpack you gave us, from the ninth masters games in 2003, has to go to the tip in Granada!! It has had a long life for a backpack and been with us in Central America twice!

Hasi phoned his mum today and I've just spoken with mum, dad and Fran.
Always peace of mind to hear alls well at home.
Not sure about Internet or phone availability on the islands, so may be out of contact for a while. Having said that I have been amazed at the amount of wifi available.

The phone call home today cost the equivalent of $1.20, and Hasi paid the equivalent of  $1 to call his mum, but the local call we made to the airline to book our ticket cost the equivalent of $9! That is pretty crazy.

Still haven't worked out how to put photos on the blog, so I have emailed some. I'm sure it's very simple, if I could just work out how.

So lots of love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Granada

Hi all,
Today we travelled about 10 km out of Granada, to Laguna de Apoyo.
This is a volcanic crater lake about 6km in diameter and 175metres deep.
The water was about 23degrees, so you could just stay in it for ages.
We floated around on rubber tyres, swam out to a jetty, and just generally soaked up the amazing place.
The geography of this place is incredible. It is part of the pacific ring of fire.
Today we finally saw a whole volcano, called Mombacho, so yes there are really volcanoes in Nicaragua, and we are basically surrounded by them at present.
It really is a stunning country.
Tomorrow we need to make plans for our next leg, just have to decide what that is.
Friday night, and there's so pretty bad music, blasting through the wall behind my head. Hope it doesn't go for too long!
Hasi is well, and really back to his old self, thank goodness.
Unfortunately his year twelve class didn't do as well in the HSC as he had hoped they would, which wasn't good news for him. I wish his colleague hadn't even emailed him, but of course he needed to know.
Now I really want that music to stop, but it's not even 10pm, so probably no chance of it stopping for quite a while yet.
Hope alls well with everyone,
Lots of love
Zak

Greetings from Granada

Hi all,
Today we did a boat ride on the Lago de Nicaragua, in an area where there are 365 small islands, and about 4000 people living on them. We swam in a lagoon area where the water was about 25 degrees, I'm not sure why this was, but it was lovely.
Lots of bird life on the water, howler monkeys in the trees, difficult to see, but they make a great sound.
In the evening we went about 20km out of town to Masaya volcano. From the rim of the crater you look down to see flowing magma (lava still in the ground is called magma) which was a totally amazing. You can only see this 3 places in the world at present, here at Masaya, Hawaii and somewhere in the Congo. The wall of the crater looked amazing as well, and I would love to see it again in daylight. We were there after dark as it's the best way to see the magma flow.
There was a explosion on this crater earlier in the year, so the magma has been pretty high up the crater wall, for the past few months, but is slowly receding, so we are lucky to see be able to see it.
Pretty exhausted now, but really want to read at least a chapter of a novel I've just started, before I turn out the light.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Casa del Agua Granada

Hi all,
Hasi is definitely on the mend, as we have just returned to our room for the night and it is after 8.30pm!
We had to move from our accommodation we stayed in last night, as they were fully booked for tonight. It didn't bother me too much as I thought the room was hot, and the bathroom had no ventilation and was very dark, but it's always a hassle looking for accommodation I reckon.
Do you take the first you find, because it's hot and you can't be arsed, or do you keep looking.
I think we had looked at 3 others, when we got to this one. As soon as Hasi saw the upstairs room with balcony, he said yes. The others had been a bit too cell like, where as this is open and light.
Anyway we have truly found the creme de la creme of Granada, the Casa del Agua, the house of water.
It is an amazing old hacienda, with 2  swimming pools in two different courtyards.
We look down from our balcony to the pool and open kitchen.
It is hot and humid here, so is wonderful to come home and jump into the pools.
It is owned by an Irish guy, Gerry, who bought the place in 2010. He is from a small town called Gorey, in the south east of Ireland. He left Ireland in 2009, when hard economic times hit and he was made redundant.
He has done quite a bit to the original hacienda, adding rooms, pools and fences.
He is a very warm and happy guy, and it's always lovely to hear the Irish accent!
We spent the day, strolling around town. The architecture is amazing and of course the buildings so colourful.
Hasi went to the barber for a haircut and shave. His hair is shorter than ever, and his face as smooth as a baby's bottom, as they say. The barber also trimmed his eyebrows, which are usually like a mad scientists, and trimmed hair also from his ears and nose.
I sat and watched and took photos. Great old barber shop!
It's quite a big city of 100,000, and I'm sure most of the population were at the market this morning.
I checked out the second hand shop today. I think most of the people there were quite surprised to see a tourist in there. I came out empty handed, but of course loved rummaging round.
So that today's update.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Granada

Hi all,
I was up, showered and packed ready for the 7am bus, however just couldn't bring myself to waking Hasi, who was sleeping so soundly.
However we were on the 8am bus to Moyagawlpa, where we caught the ferry back to the mainland.
We travelled further north round the lake to Granada, an old colonial town, with some amazing architecture.
We had also read it had 'a vibrant nightlife', but we think that may be a myth, as was the volcanoes, as we have roamed the downtown area, and are already back at our hotel at 8pm!
Im a little pissed anyway, as I had 2 beers this evening, which is the most alcohol I have drunk in quite a while.
There seems to be a massive second hand clothes shop just down the street. I'm not sure if I was dreaming, and will check it out properly tomorrow. Not that I  need more stuff in my pack, but I am very curious.
I remember from last time we were in Central America, they get loads of clothes from America, and are cheap as chips to buy. Very exciting!
The accommodation tonight is complete luxury, compared to the last few nights, so time to hit the sack, pink and black linen!
I read that it's been pretty hot over there. Keep up the fluids and whack the aircon on!
Hope alls well
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Altagracia, Isle de Ometepe

Hi all,
Like lots of things in life, travel doesn't always turn out quite as you imagined it would.
This is the case for us on the Isle of Ometepe.
This place was one of the highlights that Hasi had been looking forward to.
Beaches round the lake, where you can swim while watching the volcanoes, swinging in the hammock by the lakeside, cycling through the villages in the sunshine.
Except none of this has eventuated.
We left our cell this morning and caught the local bus to the next town, Altagracia.
We thought this might be a bit more interesting.
This is a rural island, where main crops seem to be bananas, papayas, tobacco. There are pigs and chickens roaming the streets of town, Cowboys on their horses and horse drawn wagons.
The people are poor.
Hasi says it's depressing here.
Unfortunately the weather is not on our side, and after an overcast morning wondering round the town, it poured raining all afternoon. We have now decided there are no volcanoes in Nicaragua,it's a myth.
So tomorrow we will leave the isle and continue on our travels.
We hope the sun is out at our next destination.
Tonight we are staying in another cement cell, just a bit bigger and cleaner than the one last night, and Hasi reminds me, it's half the price of what we paid last night.
Nicaragua is not as cheap as we had expected.
I think we are getting old and unable to cope as well as we did when we were younger! Cement cells would not have phased us, this is the way people live here, so why should we expect anything else?
Having said that I am sending the email crew a photo of the "view" we have from our verandah. It really is pretty bad. Also one of our room here.
Anyway, that's travel, you never know what's around the corner.
So again we should be in bed by 8pm by the looks of it, so we can get up,and on our way, first thing in the morning.
So that's our lot,
Love to all, Zak

Greetings from Ometepe

Hi all,
So today we left San Juan, and travelled  a bit north and west to Ometepe.
This is an island in Lake Nicaragua made up of two volcanoes with an isthmus joining the two.
The lake is the biggest in Central America, and the crossing took an hour.
We had an idea of where we wanted to stay, but when we got there it was not at all what we expected,  and we moved on.
The next little village we came to had one home stay, which wasn't great either, but as it was pouring rain, and we decided to stay for tonight and explore further tomorrow.
The room is a bit like a cement cell, and could do with a fresh coat of paint and  a bit of character.
Anyway, it's clean enough for the night, but we will be up and out early morning.
I will email you a photo of the island, taken as we were approaching.
Thats it for now
Love to all, Zak

Greetings from San Juan

Hi all,
What's really amazing about travelling, is even when you are not doing much, there is so much that you are seeing and experiencing.
Breakfast at the market, watching the local vendors organising and selling their wares.
Over to the church, where there was a funeral.
Back at the church later, there was a wedding,
Down at the beach, a massive cruise ship had anchored off shore, and a few thousand people came in to town for the day. I chatted with a couple from Vancover who were doing the 17 day cruise from Los Angeles to Brazil.
Then a guy sat beside me who was selling CDs of Nicaraguan music. While he was on the phone the wind swept through and all his CDs went flying. I ran all over the place chasing them and retrieving them for him, which he was very happy about.
I walked the beach a few times in the late afternoon and watched the most brilliant sunset, and the bride, who we had seen earlier in the day, was now on the beach for photos.
Local life all there right before my eyes. Wonderful.
Hasi thinks he,s up for some travelling tomorrow, so we will leave this cosy town, which I have loved.
Hopefully there is wifi, where we go next, so I can keep you posted on out travels.
Time to pack, so we can make an early start in the morning.
Love to all,
Zak

P.S. Check emails for photos of town.

Greetings from San Juan Del Sur

Hi all,
Well we are still hanging out in this colourful little town of San Juan.
Today we found a doctor for Hasi. He was very thorough, listening to his chest and asking heaps of questions.
He asked if I was a doctor, as I seemed to know everything he was talking about.
He says it's a viral infection of his sinuses and throat. Chest seems to be clear.
Prescribed him a few different potions,  and told Hasi to rest, drink lots of fluid, and swim in the sea, before 3pm, due to the temperature dropping after this.
Basically what I had been telling him for the past 2 weeks, but hopefully with correct medications, it might help.
Starting to drive Hasi crazy with frustration. I'm being the calm, supportive wife, as always!!
Hasi thought about moving on tomorrow but I have said no to this. We will spend at least another day here.
This afternoon I spent ages on the beach trying to take photos of birds. It really was quite ridiculous, but I was determined to be patient, and some may look OK on the big screen.
Walking and swimming, taking photos, that was my day, while Hasi basically rested in bed.
Hope things improve tomorrow.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from San Juan Del Sur

Hi all,
In the court yard of the hostel and listening to two guys, from France and Sweden talk about all their travels. The Swedish guy is raving about Australia, particularly Cairns and far North Queensland. Lovely to listen to them.
Today was slow and restful. I laid in a hammock and read a book by Janet Frame called A State of Siege. Pretty weird, and The ending was bizarre. I need to talk to someone who has read it!
It was a wonderful day for walking, as it was overcast and milder in temperature than it has been, n the last few days here.
I walked around the beach and over the rocks to the headland, which was great.
MoreMaria celebrations this evening with the young people of the community having a procession through town, carried a big wooden float on their shoulders of Mary. It must have been pretty heavy as, the 10 guys had to rotate with others to carry it through town, and poor Maria was rocking round quite a bit.
Luckily no imaging, DJs or big band, and minimal explosions!
We will stay here at least another day, while Hasi is recuperating.
Great beer here, Victoria Maestro, a fine tasting beer.
Also they make a rum called Floro de Cano, which is quite smooth.
Was thinking of Marty with his interview today.
That's all for now,
Love Zak

Hi there

Wot a day... Travel is about experiencing diffrent cultures. Yep. Done that today. Don't know wot Kate wrote, but here's my version...
I've always had probs understanding that religion thing, especially the Catholics, but tonite made everything even weirderer... It was all about Mary, or Maria, the Spanish version/virgin. That's the easy part. And about the poor girls concepcion. Apparently it's all about sex. Or the lack of it. Immaculate. Hmmm. Probably IVF. I didn't know they had that back then. I'll have to google that. So they blow up big fire crackers all day long in Maria's honour- not quite sure how that relates, but it REALLY pissed Kate off! I suggested that it's about her concepcion coming with a Big Bang or sth, and that the Americans made a tv series about it? Not sure, but then it got even weirder.
Big stage, rite in front of our place, next to the beach, massive sound system, and we're like, oh cool, party, and more and more people showing up, just after sunset, and an oompah band, Nicaraguan version, more like a marching band, and they were then constantly trying - unsuccessfully - to compete with the sound system...
Great PA, massive mixer, all the mod cons, and, for reasons that completely elude me, they hired the worst ever DJ in the history of mankind. He only played ONE song, again and again, turning it down a bit to give some speech about Maria and her concepcion, then turning it up again and again and again, no eggsaturation, twenty, thirty times, interrupted by the oompah marching band, who, to their credit, played sth totally different, with a diffrent tact, and occasionally changed their song, and by the constant bangs and explosions celebrating Maria's lack of sex.
To make it worse, the DJ, with unerring accuracy, managed to get to the stage the worst ever singers in the universe (I mean, I don't sing, and there's a reason for this, but give me three bottles of tequila and rip my tongue out and strangle me at the same time, and I would sound MUCH better than those unfortunate girls, who, after massacring that poor mic for ten seconds always ended SCREEMING 'la concepcion de Maria') and as soon as they finished this, he turned his favourite, and only, song back up, and I mean REALLY up....
After suffering this cultural escapade for hours and hours (OK, probably only half an hour) we went outside, where there was a million people queuing up for reasons unknown, and when we came back out again, the place looked completely thrashed, rubbish everywhere, plastic bags n stuff, lots of the women looked totally stoned, with this weird smile in their face, and the DJ turned his song back on, again, and big bangs everywhere, and then all of a sudden, everyone just left. ...
WOW. Then we went and had some Pina Coladas, and that is that...
Greetings from Nicaragua. Hasi.

Greetings from San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Hi all, A slow day in San Juan today.
Hot and sunny, and even now, after 8pm, it still must be in the mid twenties at least.
Changed accommodation this morning from down town, to beach side. Just needed a bit more space, as the room we had last night was clean and colourful but basically just a bit more room than space for the bed. Now we have 2 double beds, one for us and one for all our stuff, plus a shaded central court yard with tables and chairs and hammocks, where I am sitting writing this.
There's a few guys on guitar and mouth organ jamming which is lovely, plus some others folks eating and chilling out.
Unfortunately Hasi is unwell again today. Whatever is happening is not going away. Tomorrow we will look for a doctor as he is just not getting better. He,s got no energy and spent long periods of the day in bed. He did manage a slow stroll on the beach this arvo and another this evening. Now at 8.30 he is ready for bed.
I was happy swimming in the Pacific, but would have liked him to be enjoying with me.
The water must be about 23 degrees, so you can stay in for hours.
This evening was the continuation of the feast of the Mary thing. Most of the town were out, and singing and calling out for Maria! There were some presents given out to the kids, and some really shocking performers singing for Maria. Thank goodness it only went till 8pm. To add to the celebrations they let off crackers, which are loud, and for me, extremely distressing, just heaps of continuos explosions that is just a racket. Hopefully that has stopped for th night as well.
Well I better go in and check on my husband.
Love to all, Zak

Greetings from San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.

Hi all,
Just spoke to mum and dad on the phone. Very happy to hear all is well with them, and lovely to hear their voices.
Mum you will be pleased and maybe surprised to hear that the call only cost $3!
So we were finally on the 6am bus from Santa Elena this morning. It took us down and round the mountains to meet the transamerican highway.
We jumped out there and stood on the side of the highway till a bus came by that was heading to Penas Blancas, the Nicaraguan border.
Borders are always hot, dusty, stressful and a little crazy, but we made it out of Costa Rica and into Nicaragua with out any hassle.
We are now in this beautiful little seaside town, San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific Ocean.
Tonight we watched a brilliant sunset over the Pacific. That sounds weird doesn't it.

Central Americans are mostly Catholics, and they are presently celebrating the immaculate conception of Mary ( without sin?). There has just been a massive float of Mary, accompanied by a band and people following it, down the Main Street.
Along the beach front are altars that people have made to celebrate the feast.
It is hot here and sunny, which is a big change from rain and cool mountain weather.
Swimming in the Pacific tomorrow!
 Still can't work out the photo on the blog stuff, so I will email a few photos to mum and dad, Annie and Moo. Sorry I don't have anyone else's email here.
Anyway love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Santa Elena Costa Rica

Hi all,
So our plans to move on from Santa Elena today did not happen, due to Hasi being unwell again last night.
It seems there is a virus going round the community here, which may be what it is, I don't know.
Anyway after resting for most of the day today, we have been for a stroll this evening and he seems to be feeling OK.
So we plan for the 6am bus again tomorrow.
So today was a rest day, sudoku, reading, Spanish lesson, diary writing and reading, with a bit of walking and eating.
And I finally got my clothes dry after washing them on Saturday morning. Bit like Wales the weather here. Luckily today was sunny for long enough to get them completely dry, but note to self, no more clothes washing in rain forest areas.
We are restless to be on the move again after 5 nights here in this beautiful place. The people here have been very hospitable and caring.
Hope alls well back home
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Santa Elena

Hi all,
Well it's Sunday afternoon here. We are 17hours behind Sydney time, so I'm thinking you guys are getting up now on Monday morning.
Yesterday Hasi went zip lining. This is where you are in a harness and are clipped on to wires that you fly on over the top of the rainforest canopy.
He was nervous to begin with, but enjoyed the challenge.
I opted not to do it, and instead bought myself a pair of binoculars with the equivalent money, as I had forgotten to bring mine from home.
So many amazing birds in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and I thought there probably wouldn't be too many opportunities to get some in other places.
Of course the only shop that sold binoculars was selling very expensive, top of the range binoculars starting price of  $ US 350!!!
I explained to the lovely dread locked guy that I was backpacking and didn't want to travel with something worth so much money, and that was also very heavy.
Luckily he had a pair for $50, the only pair for this price in the shop, so I grabbed them.
So I had a pottering around day yesterday, washing, yoga, reading in the hammock, walking around town.
We had plans to head out of Santa Elena today but Hasi seems not too be very well again, so decided he needed a rest day.
It has been pissing rain all day so a great day for him to rest in bed.
I have been working on my Spanish today. I'm sick of the rain, it seriously hasn't stopped all day.
Made it to the supermarket to buy some supplies for dinner, but that's about it.
Hopefully when we get down from the mountains we will have some fine days.
I hope Hasi is up for travelling tomorrow, as I'm getting itchy feet now. Bus leaves at 6am, so we have to be packed tonight, and up bright and early.
The 6am is the last bus of the day! The earlier ones leaving at 4am and 5am.
So that's all the current news from Central America. We did hear that Fidel Castro died. We met a couple who had been in Cuba when his death was made public, and they said it was a very interesting time, as the Cubans were very sad. They stopped playing music or doing anything of enjoyment for 7-9 days.
So lov to you all,
Zak

Greetings from Santa Elena

Hi all, just a quick note as its 9pm and I want to go to bed.
Firstly great to hear Annie got her scholarship. Now the girls are finished studying, they will be able to take of her while she is doing hers.
We had a first day of sunshine, without a drop of rain, for a week. It was wonderful. We spent several hours in the cloud/rainforest which was beautiful and very peaceful.
Actually Santa Elena is a very peaceful little mountain town, and I could really just kick back here for several more days.
Hasi seems to be fully recovered from his illness which is awesome.
We have been spending some time this evening thinking about our next plan of action after leaving here and will probably head into Nicaragua.

Amazing that every place we have stayed has wifi, hence all the blogging, but we have been unable to find a public phone in town for both of us to ring home. My phone also has no reception in Costa Rica.  Also not many Internet cafes as it seems everyone has a phone and can access wifi. Anyway I make the oust of it will I can.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Hi all,

Today we travelled by road and water to reach Santa Elena, a mountain village surrounded by cloud forests. A little bit chillier here, I'm not sure how high up we are, but I've got jeans thermal, scarf and hat on. It was a spectacular journey!

Have just been watching a street parade of school bands from all over the region. This is for the beginning of th festive season.

I forgot to mention yesterday that we saw 2 sloths up in the trees sleeping. They were all curled up, which was a bit of a shame as I would have loved to see them moving. Apparently they are like the koalas, they eat the leaves of the tree they live in and sleep up to 18 hours a day.

Also saw a kingfisher, that I spotted gliding across the water and well as herons and egrets.

There is heaps of vultures here as will that hang in the thermals, and they sit with their wings out, like cormorants to dry themselves.

Today I nearly fell out the window, as I saw 3 toucans up in a tree. So amazing. Costa Rica is a bird lovers paradise.

This place is the home of rip lining, which is when you are in a harness and fly along wires through the rainforest. The longest is 1500 metre long and I think about 150metres high, with speed up to 60km!!

Hasi is up for it in the next few days, but I'm a bit freaked out by it. 

Tomorrow we will go walking in the cloud forest, with some suspension bridges which might be adrenaline pumping enough for me.

So hope alls well with everyone

Love to you all,

Zak

Greetings from La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Hi all,
So here we are in La Fortuna, the land of extreme activities.
Apparently people come to Costa Rica just to do these extreme activities.
It's also famous for its hot springs.
Every costs a fortune. To visit a hot springs, you need to visit a resort, and pay around $100 for the day. And there is nothing natural about these resorts, the pools look like municipal pools, some with slides like at a theme park. Revolting. I told Hasi there was no way I was going to one of these, even though I really love hot springs.
Anyway a bit of research and I found there was a river that the springs ran into, about 15km out of town and its free. Of course it's where the locals go, so I'm going there.
I wanted to hitch out and back, thinking that Hasi was too unwell to come with me. Anyway, mum you will be pleased to hear, there was nowadays Hasi was going to let me hitch alone in Central America! O it was Yale or taxi. Hasiopted for the taxi, as he still wasn't 100%
Anyway it was awesome, lazing in the warm river in the rainforest!!

Today we went white water rafting. I'm hoping Liam Jack classifies this as an extreme activity, as I  definitely think it is. I have done this once before in New Zealand, about 30 years ago, and Hasi had never done it.
We really loved it. Awesome, exhilarating, scary, adrenaline pumping!!
I think it's pretty dangerous as well.
Anyway still here to tell the tale!
And not to be forgotten, The  guides, who were amazing, so skilled, and watching out for our safety the whole time.

Went to an organic farm for lunch, which was lovely. Everything we ate was grown on the farm,, including the coffee, sugar cane and a guaro, a local alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane.

And still it rains. We are not going to see the whole of the Arenal volcano before we leave here
tomorrow. We saw about three quarters of it , and we could see the form of the peak beneath the clouds, but not a good clear view. The still have tomorrow morning, so fingers crossed.

OK, just thought I had lost the whole blog, still learning this machine, so am going to sign off now, just in case I lose it all again.
We hit the road again tomorrow morning to go further up,the mountains.....stay tuned
Love to all, Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Enjoying the travel updates Kate. Hope Hasi is feeling better. Give him our love.
Winter has come in with a vengeance. It is cold here - but dry for the moment.
Had a great day in Cardiff last week with Louise. Christmas markets, shopping, lunch and a few drinks along the way. We really should do it more often.
Darts are going well this season. We are playing knockouts at the moment. last night was Captains and I won our venue! This means I play on finals night at the end of the season and will either be the winner or runner up.
There is plenty of work at the moment so getting the shifts I want.
Not much other news at the moment so will sign off. keep the travel updates going and enjoy Kate.
Love to all. xxxxx

Greetings from La Fortuna, Costa RicaI

Hi all,
Today we packed up, and headed to the bus station to find a local bus to La Fortuna, further up in the mountains.
Costa Rican buses are very organised, on time, and in good condition. The roads are very good as well, with wide deep gullies on either side for all the rain water to drain into.
Also the toilets in Costa Rica are also incredibly clean(so far)   Today was the first time we had to pay to go to a public toilet at the bus station - 400 colones, which is about 80c!!
Australia must be one of the only countries where you don't have to pay to use a public toilet, and please let it stay that way.
So after an amazing four hour bus trip through mountain villages, coffee and banana plantations we arrived in La Fortuna. This area is famous for cloud forest and also Arenal volcano which is still active and last exploded in 2010. It is not allowed to climb the volcano, but it's a tourist town full of other activities like hiking, canoeing, swinging through the forest canopy on rip lines, soaking in thermal hot springs.
Of course it all seems to costs a fortune, but then again tourists have money!!
I am sitting on the verandah of our hotel, and if there was no cloud cover, I would presumably be looking at Arenal Volcano. Again the weather is not allowing us this opportunity today, but the locals say, the weather may clear tomorrow. Costa Ricans love to make you happy, so we wait and see.
Hasi is still not well. Fever, sweating, nose running. Seriously he is no fun at all at the moment, so hope he improves in the next day or so.
Annie you should see the hydrangeas here. They are enormous, and when it stops raining , I will take heaps of photos to show you. Mostly pale purple, blue.
Still raining!! Why do we travel so much in the wet season? Crazy.
OK, time to wake Hasi up for dinner. Seems to be several vegetarian restaurants in town.

Hope alls well with everyone.
Love Zak

Greetings from Alajeula, Costa Rica

Hi all,
So we went up to Poas volcano today, way up in the cloud forest.
Very unfortunately the weather was not on our side and we didn't get to see either the crater or the lake, as it was raining and covered completely in mist.
I suppose you have to expect this, in a cloud forest, where the humidity sits around 100% most of the time and it rains between 3000 to 5000mm of rain a year.
Nevertheless I loved it. Hasi was still a bit crook, so went back to dry out after not seeing the crater.
I must say my investment of a very good wet weather jacket, I bought before going to Europe in July, proved its worth today, and was worth every cent I paid for it, as well as my shoes

I was hoping to see some exotic bird life, but it was tricky in the rain.
Tomorrow we travel further north in the highlands for more cloud forests.
We have decided to skip both the Caribbean coast and the pacific coast in Costa Rica due to the hurricane.

The main park in town always seems to have something going on. This afternoon a band was playing, and older couples dancing,and this evening the same spot was being used by young guys doing break dancing and another group doing circus stuff. Great feeling of community.
I went to the cathedral this evening, which had the most amazing murals on the ceiling.
I was looking to light a candle, as Annie and Moo always did when we were in Britain, but suprisingly there was no candles, which I found very odd.

That's it for today.
Love to you all, Zak

Try to add photo

Hi again,
No I can't work out how to add photos, will have to play around some more.
Hopes all well with everyone
Love zak

Greetings from Costa Rica

Hi all,
Believe it or not, I somehow worked out how to get into the blog, hopefully Iwill be able to continue to sign in.
So we sent three nights in Mexico City at our favourite family home stay Frieda and Diegos.
Lovely to be with the  family again. They are so welcoming, hospitable and helpful.
The only negative is the pressure of the showers, which is almost non existent.
We felt at home in Mexico City, going back to our favourite cafe for morning expresses, and dinner at   Tonos, a great local eatery which the locals love.
Yesterday, friday, we were up early to fly to Costa Rica.
As you may have heard, there was a hurricane a few days ago in Costa Rica. This effected the east coast and the south east coast of Nicuaragua. So we won't be travelling to that area, as we had previously planned.
So we are currently in the midlands/highlands, in a city called Alajuela. I love this first stop in Costa Rica. The people are lovely and already in the festive season. Do people in Australia already have Christmas stuff out?
We had planned to do A day trip today to Volcan Poas, but Hasi woke feeling crook, so we will do that tomorrow.
Today we have just hung around town, checking out the market, drinking coffee, watching the locals, enjoying the local talent with a concert in the park, and we also did a big shop and gave it to the Red Cross that is collecting for the hurricane victims.
The weather here is high humidity, due to the hurricane and also as this area is famous for cloud forests. Last night there was a constant mist hanging over the town which was eerie but also very beautiful, sort of like when you see those frosted photos that soften everything.
The woman in Central America love tight and tighter when it comes to clothes. They don't worry about the bulges bubbling out the side or tops of their clothes, they just strut their stuff and I love it.
Maybe one day I will feel as confident as them, and go for the one size smaller.
I want to try to add a photo or 2, but not sure if I can so I will sign off on this blog and try to reopen a new one. Fingers crossed

I sent a few emails to mum  and dad and Annie, as they were the only address I had, hope you got them. This iPad is new for me, and I'm still trying to work it all out.
Moo I tried to write to you on vibes several times, but I couldn't get through.

So love to all,
Zak and Hasi

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Just a quick hello as I haven't posted for a while.
Greatly enjoyed the spa day. Was a good deal and we will definitely do it again.
Saw plenty of baby seals on our walk. Stayed in the van in Solva. The wool show was a bit of a disappointment but it got us on the road.
It's halfway through darts season so we are playing knockouts for about six weeks. At the halfway mark we are played seven won seven so doing OK.Knockouts are not going so well.
The weather is cold and damp so not happy about that, but it has been quite mild until now.
As you know by now, we won't be house-sitting for Kate & Hasi whilst they are away. Hope to get back to Aus before too long though. Will let you know. Safe and enjoyable travels.
All good here overall. No real news to report.
Thinking of you all and sending lots of love and hugs.
Take care. xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Well I managed to have my first full weekend at home in quite a while.
So bloody much to do, when you leave the garden for a few weeks, especially when I bought a truck load of mulch a few weeks ago.
Too crazy!
Unfortunately I got swayed into buying a wisteria on the weekend, when I actually wanted a passionfruit vine! I'm going to return it to the nursery and swop it, if I get time today.
Quite interesting having dads car at the moment, can get to do all those little chores, I usually have to wait till the weekend to do.
Makes you fat and lazy but, and I definitely don't read as much, as I do when I'm on the bus and train.
So this Friday, I can even get to the monthly greenplan sale, which I love, but usually have to get Hasi to take a sickie, for me to get there.
So the rains started so I will have a op shop on the way home, nursery and then sewing when I get home.
Suppose I should make Hasi some dinner, as I've already made some for the olds.
So that's it for now.....stay tuned
Love to whoever, that probably is just you Moo
Zak

Welsh Greetings

My last post was before Jack and Fran's visit and they are back in Aus so better get blogging.
Was great to have Jack and Fran here. We saw quite a bit and the weather was mostly kind to us. Fran kept you all updated on our goings ons so I haven't. Look forward to hearing more about their Scottish adventures.
So we have the house back to ourselves and life goes on. I have been getting a bit of work and Jules has been getting on with a few things on the  house.The days are getting shorter and the weather cooler. Have not yet put the heating on! - but mostly because I haven't really been here in the evenings with work, darts, pub, etc.
Darts is going OK this season - played four won four. Still can't get anyone to take over the captaincy so I'm still organising everyone.
There is a wool show in Narbeth tomorrow (Saturday) which we are planning on going to. Jules wants to take the van and stay somewhere overnight. Seal pup spotting on a walk on Sunday then.The weather is looking OK for it.
Jules gave me a spa package for my birthday. On Monday evening Louise and I are going. Four hours of spa with a half hour treatment followed by dinner. Will be having a back, neck and shoulders massage. Very much looking forward to it.
Pretty much all good here. Hope it's the same for you all.
Take care.

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Does anyone want to discuss the census.
yes I do.
If you complete the census on the night the whole country is asked to,
but the system crashes because of paranoia, or it just not being able to cope with the whole country jumping on line...have you actually completed the census??

well the answer is no.
even if you dispute this, the answer is still no.
So what do they do to punish you when they have stuffed up?

they stuff reminder notices in your screen door every day till you give in...as it completely drives you crazy, because you are refusing to do it again

so I gave in, sort of.
some of the questions were answered, some were not.
The main reason for this, is that "they" damn well know where you live and who you are already and basically everything about you.

So what a bloody waste of time and money.!!

Anyway, Moo has more summer visitors at the moment, which is lovely.
I have been hanging out quite a bit with the olds, so is quite a novelty to be home tonight, having dinner cooked for me by my gorgeousness, and oh my goodness ,he is doing the dishes!!
I will not disturb him, to put the kettle on for a peppermint tea just yet, I will just enjoy watching.

And believe it or  not, I have introduced dad to peppermint and green tea. Not a complete convert, as we both love a god pot of tea, but its hot and wet as he says, so he will give it a bash.
We can consume several pots of tea in a day, which isn't really the best.
Next up lemon and ginger!!

So must go and just hang out with my gorgeousness.
Hope alls well with everyone, and the two people who will read this blog.
Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
We have just enjoyed a lovely bank holiday weekend. The weather was lovely so we made the most of it.
On Saturday we went to Rhossili. We had heard about an art installation there to promote tourism in Wales and I wanted to see it. It was a glorious day and the car park was overflowing. Good weather certainly makes a huge difference. The installation looked amazing. It says EPIC in large mirror faced letters - google it! it will be moving elsewhere this week and has been at several sites before Rhossili. Great idea brought to you by hte people that did "the ball in the wall" apparently.
On Sunday we packed up the van and headed to Pembrokeshire. Finally got to Barafundle Bay which I had first heard about many years ago. Another beautiful day so lots of people enjoying the long weekend. It was as beautiful as I had been told. The water was too cold for me to immerse my body, so just paddled my feet. After spending some time on the beach, we had a walk around the cliff tops. Returned for another sit on the beach before heading off to find somewhere to eat and stay. Had planned to stay in a pub in Angle we had stayed at before but new landlord who doesn't allow people to stay in the car park overnight. Had a chat to a local woman who suggested another pub where we could stay so we went there. Great night, met the landlord, who loved a chat, and stayed in the van. Spent Sunday at The Stackpole Estate. A magnificent area of lily ponds, woods and beach with the beautfiul cliff tops to walk on as well. It's near St. Govan's chapel Jack (if you read this), so thought you and Fran might enjoy a visit. Such thoughtful tour guides, doing reconnaissance for our visitors.
We were extremely lucky to have some glorious weather to enjoy it all. It was great to get away. Jules always loves driving the van and he takes no encouragement to get away for a night.
Got washing and cleaning to be getting on with so shall sign off. Looking forward to Jack and Fran arriving on Sunday.
Take care all. xxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Well Moo welcome back to the blog. Its you and me baby.
However now that dads been playing around on facebook, have we lost our last hope to keep the blog alive??
Go Louise  to organise a surprise party for you!!
Did she get the photos printed that Annie and I sent her? Was a lovely evening going through old photos to pick some for you. I could have sent heaps more once I got started, but had to contain myself.
Hope you re Ok going back to work, I still cant really get my head around it, thank goodness its only 3 days a week for me.
Ive been doing some paving since Ive been home. Nothing new, just repairing some of the dodgy bits that were damaged when the guys did the gabbion baskets.
Need to do one more wall of mosaicking before I get cracking on repairing the stained glass windows, we want to put up on the south side of the deck.
Well, just wanted to drop in a few lines.
Love to all
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Just a quick hello to keep the blog alive.
Maria has returned home safely to her family and the house is much quieter. I have had a fabulous time with Kate and Annie and Maria. Always love to have visitors to show this beautiful country off to. Not long until Jack and Fran arrive. Marty, any plans?
As all the visitors have left,  we have some glorious weather this week. What August should be!
Should be back in work tomorrow. Shall be a shock to the system.
Hope everyone is WELL and happy.
Thinking of you all.

greetings from the south coast

A few of my favourites. Annie looking a bit worried it is alive

 Cider for breakfast at the Borough markets

 On the Gower

3 sisters at 3 Cliffs bay

 Lunch at St fagans

Folks at number 70.

Such a wonderful, wonderful time.

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Well Kate and Annie have returned safely to the southern shores. Annie back in work and Kate will be also by the time you see this probably. I am still holidaying as Maria has another two weeks with us.
We continue to be tourists and marvel at the beauty of this lovely country. Maria is a very enthusiastic visitor and enjoys seeing the sights as much as she enjoys lying about the house and chatting.
Unfortunately, the weather is not being kind to us today. It is chucking it down. Have planned a trip to the beautiful Brynamman cinema, a sight in itself, to see Finding Dory. May even stay on for The BFG.
Maria has made a list of a few things she wants to do but many of them are fine weather activities. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to do them all.
Have put a few posts with photos on facebook for those of you who have access (if anyone is actually reading the blog still).
Hope all is fabulous in Aus. Thinking of you all. Take care.
Moo xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Lovely to be met at the airport by Hasi, after the long trip home.
Somehow the return trip seemed longer than the way over, especially the first leg of 12 hours. I was really annoyed when I woke up after about 7 hours. I thought they were serving breakfast before landing, but it was basically a midnight snack with 5 more hours to go. Thank goodness for sleeping tablets.
It would have been quite a struggle on the train with our luggage, mine 17kg and Annie's 28.4kg!
Had a great first night sleep, waking a few times a little disorientated but to be expected.
Very weird not to see my sisters for over 24 hours now. I did wake yesterday morning wondering for a brief time where they were.
Walked on the beach for the afternoon. Lucky I did that yesterday, as it looks like rain today.
Have unpacked the pack, done a few loads of washing, and was falling asleep in front of  the television last night at 7.15. Have now been awake for several hours, so decided just to get up.
My mind seems to be a bit scrambled, as I have been texting Moo, thinking for some reason it is evening there, and she has texted back saying he is going to sleep. Oops 11.30pm, not 5.30 as I was thinking.
Hmm Hasi is still sleeping so I will brew up another chai, and head up to the chooks and hang out with them for a while.
Love to all,
Zak

greetings from Ponte

Hi all
So left Llangollen this morning and made our way back home to Ponte.
More amazing countryside, charity shops and tea shops.
Jules welcomed us home with a big pot of curry and rice.
We went to watch Moo play darts. Unfortunately they did not win tonight, but it was a great challenge as the other team were also pretty good players and had great fun playing..
What is the word to describe a dozen welsh women playing darts?? It is really very entertaining.
Already midnight so time to hit the sack.
Love to all
Zak

greetings from Llangollen

hi all,
Woke in our room in Travel Logde and looked out the window onto a scrap metal yard and what I thought was Mt Snowdon. Moo told me it wasnt, but i wasnt convinced.
Porthmadog is a pretty dismal looking town, with several charity shops which were also pretty dismal. However the redeeming factor was a fine indian restaurant for dinner last night.
Anyway the purpose of our stay here was that it is the nearest town to the very kitschy Portmeiron, where we spent several hours at today. Of course we all loved this place.
What an excentric man.that Mr Ellis was. He wore breeches withlong yellow socks. He couldnt have been a welshman, far too tall and thin.
Tonight we are in Llangollen. Another beautiful town in Wales. The wild river flowing through the town and the canal above the town. Lovely to stroll along the canal this evening and then dine by the river.
We are staying in the Hand Hotel which was built in the 1700s and was a coach inn. This place has a reputation for being haunted.
 An employee here hung himself when he found out his wife was pregnat to her lover. He can be heard playing the organ some nights. The organ is right outside our rooms, so see if he gives us a tune tonight.
And theres a female who died in childbirth, and Albert, who died of TB. Anyway its all on the www and stay tuned to hear of any ghost sightings.
Tomorrow we will head back to Ponte via mid Wales. Moo has her last darts game of the season so we willl all be there to cheer her on.
Thats it for now.
Love to you all
Zak

Greetings from Porthmadog

Hi all
It's quite late and I'm feeling dizzy from all the wonders of Wales we are seeing.
left Ponte yesterday, heading to St David's then up the coast to Newport. Stayed in a wonderful B&B above a cafe called Blas , which means taste. Celebrated our girlie road trip with a bottle of merlins, yum
Breakfast was included so we all had a massive cooked breakfast. Maria was keen to try welsh cakes and had some straight off the man(what they call the thick griddle that they are cooked on) which was a great treat.
This morning only got as far asCardigan before finding a car boot sale. This is really a welsh thing and they do them so well usually, and today was no exception. Each of us came away with at least one small treasure. There was so much we would have loved to purchase , but the problem of getting it back to the Southern Hemisphere, stopped us buying more.
Unfortunately The weather wasn't great when we reached Aberystwyth. One my first visit here the sun was shining, and I didn't mention it to the girls but boy does it make a difference. Really not as fun walking the promenade in pouring rain.  Nevertheless a beautiful place.
Up into Snowdonia area and then along the  coast to Barmouth. Long wide beaches to one side and the most incredible dry stone walls to the other. The stones used on these walls were sometimes huge, and they Criss crossed the countryside. They are such labour intensive and at the same times works of art.
Almost midnight, and I can't quite get the words and sentences as my brain wants them to be, so will finish up for tonight.
Hope you are all well
Love Zak

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
Well after our dismal failure at op/ charity shopping in Neath on Monday, yesterday Moo and I headed to Morriston for another go. Luckily St Vincent de Paul (patron saint of charities) was on our side, and we both did Ok. I got 3 dresses amd a t shirt, so was very happy. Its enough to add to the back pack with out too much hassle.
The arvo I just hung out with Moo in the kitchen while she did some baking, and organised the picnic for this evening. As anyone who has had a welsh picnic with Moo and Jules knows, it consists of boiled eggs, tomatoes and  potatoes always, then she baked some chicken as well. For desert she had fruit buns, chocolate and apples.
Meanwhile she cooked up a boiled fruit cake for Jules. I drank tea, chatted and mucked around on the www and watched the tour de France. Really great to just hang out with her in her home.

We picked up Annie about 7pm, off the bus from Bristol, returning from her few days inFrance, and headed out to Three cliffs bay for an evening walk and picnic.
Jules used to camp here as a kid, and he showed us all his old haunts. A very beautiful place, and lovely to make the most of the long summer evening.

On the way home we dropped in to a local club, for a ...what would you call it??  Local folk, mostly in their 60s and 70s as well as one woman in her 80s, getting up and singing some old tunes, accompanied by a guy on the electric piano. It was pretty interesting and quite entertaining.

Today we headed to St Fagans, otherwise known as the Museum of Welsh life. This place is incredible. Its the second time I have been here with Moo, and I loved it as much as the first time. The time, money, skills and passion that has gone into this place is amazing.

After St Fagans, we went to Cardiff airport to meet Maria B. She had flown in from Milan, and will spend 3 weeks here with Moo, and will be with Moo for her 50th birthday, which will be lovely.
So this evening we have shared a wonderful dinner together, cooked by Jules and then a evening on the patio sipping Pimms and champagne. They are still out there chatting away, while I have ducked in to the kitchen to write this. Its now 10.30pm and time to sneak up to bed, as we want to be on the road early tomorrow to head for St Davids.
This time next week I will be home in my own bed, but theres still lots of adventures in stall for us before then.
Love to all
Zak

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
So whats been happening...
Yesterday had a very easy day, mostly reading. The temperature got up over 30 degrees, so it was a good day to take it easy. Of course being tuesday darts was on, at a at home game, so we went up to the Gwyn arms for that. Moos team won 7 to 4.
Moo had put her car in to mechanic on Monday afternoon for a part to be replaced, but it of course has turned into something bigger than Ben Hur, and consequently the car is still at the mechanic till tomorrow.
Fortunately they gave us a replacemnt car so today we went up to Builth Wells for the Royal Welsh show. This is the biggest agricultural show in Europe!!
High lights for me were...
the pole climbers. These guys jimmied up a 30 metre pole with shoe spikes, the best doing it in about 12 seconds. It was really amazing.
The final climber was an 83 year old guy, who was not in the competition, but was the grandfather of one of the competitors, and he had been doing it for what?? more than 60 years. he was pretty good, but it certainly took a lot out of him.
Then the woodchopping, which is always a favourite of mine.The muscles on those guys are incredible.
The vegetable displays were great. The most perfect specimens of onions and carrots that I have ever seen.
And the flowers were absolutely beautiful. Mrs Rosemary Payne won several awards. I would love to meet this woman and spend some time with her in her garden.
Of course the favourite for the welsh folk was the welsh cob stallions. Mighty beasts they are.
Then the goats sheep cattle and highland cattle, that were all lovely. Very hot for these beasts today, and several of the farmers and farm hands looked pretty wiped out by the heat as well. I think the temperature got to about 26 degrees today.
Tomorrow evening we pick up Annie, back from her France experience, and hopefully head to Three Cliffs Bay for an evening walk, if weather permits.
Thats about it for now.
Peppermint tea then off to bed.
Love to you all,
Zak.

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
Finally got to Neath op shops today, and after the big wait to get there, neither Moo or myself got a thing!!
Will try again tomorrow in The Mumbles.
If the weather holds out we may be taking a dip in the sea at Caswell tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Have bought some Pimms and lemonade for Moo and I to celebrate a glorious summers day, this evening.
I did get the spelling of Crn wrong, if anyone has been trying to look for it on a map, as Moo and I spent quite a while doing this morning. Looks awesome, Annie will be loving it.
That's all for now
Zak

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
So sunday afternoon in Ponte.
Moo and I put Annie on the bus in Swansea this morning for her trip to Korn/Toulouse.
Of course, even though it wasnt an airport, I was crying as I  * cwtched her goodbye. Feels weird not to have her around, as we have been together for the past 2 weeks. Nevertheless I am very excited for her to be having a few days in her 4theuopean country. (is Britain actually classified as european?? the welsh would definitely say no, actually most of Britain probably would)

Jules, Moo and I did a drive up to Llandovery today for sunday lunch. I passed on the roast dinner, and opted for a jacket potato with tuna and mayonnaise, (with loads and loads of raw onion.) True british fare, with a good strong cup of tea for only 80 pence.

After finding out I had been totally ripped off by buying a £2.50 pot of tea last week, I am keen to find good quality tea at a reasonable price. Luckily I have a fine teacher with Jules by my side.

I long along learnt that it is ridiculous to try and buy a decent coffee at a welsh caffi. The one and only exception to this is a small Italian cafe in a back lane in Swansea, that Moo and I found on a past visit.
The Italian caffi that we visited in Treorchy, was the caffi on my first visit to Wales, that I decided to forget
about finding a decent coffee in Wales, even if it is an Italian one.
However we did have a wonderful experience in the Treorchy Italian caffi the other day. We were all enjoying a fine cup of tea,(£1) b there, and had started singing, when a local welsh woman, aged in her 70s I suppose,came and sat in the booth next to us. After enjoying our singing, she told us that she was learning welsh at a local college, and had recently won 2nd place at the eisteddford for recitation in the Welsh langauge. She asked if we would like her to do her recitations. We of course were very keen and off she went. This was one of those great moments in travelling, we loved it.

Hmm the weather today... well we did have a few brief periods of sunshine, however on the whole it was overcaast with intermittent rain. We were unable to see more than a metre ahead of us, as we crossed the Black mountain on our return trip home. I am in three layers of clothing at present, as well as socks and boots. The locals are in tshirts.
Jules is saying that the next few days are going to have temperatures up to 26 degrees!! I will believe it when I see it.
Actually as I write, I may be seeing a glimpse of sunlight in the backyard!! May as well get out for a stroll.

Cant get my photos on to the blog, so you will just have to wait in anticipation for the 'slide show' when I get back to Oz.

Love to all,
Zak


*cwtched - anyone can cuddle, but only the welsh (and relatives) can cwtch

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
Yesterday Moo,Annie and I did 'the triangle' with  extension.
The triangle is a drive Moo and Jules often do on  a sunday, encompassing the majestic Black Mountain and through the Brecon Beacons national Park.
So amazing this area. Probably my favourite area of Wales.(did I say that about the Gower?)
Of course had a few, OK several charity shop stops. This could cause issues later when we are repacking our bags to come home, but we figure we will deal with that when the time comes.
We had lunch/afternoon tea in St Marys church, Brecon. This was really a great thing.
Instead of this beautiful church just being used for a few hours a week for services, the communty have set up a cafe with kitchen in the church. There was tables chairs, lounges, a play area for the kids.
The church was alive with the sound of life, and smells of baking, opposed to being left empty for most of the week.
Hasi rang this morning and it was lovely to hear his voice after 2 weeks of being away. Unfortuantely he is already at the end of his holidays, and will head back to work next week. Lucky us we have 2 more weeks to go!!
Pumped up the chiminea last night in the front garden. Actually got it going so well that I think we burnt most of the fuchsia plant and lilies growing behind it. At one stage Moo was worried about embers going in her bedroom window and causing a fire. I was more concerned about setting the overhead electrical wires alight. Needless to say, it was a good fire. We had a few glasses, oops bottles of bubbles shared with Moo's lovely friend Louise.
Time now for another coffee and breakfast, before Jules takes us out for  a scenic drive today, and maybe a few more charity shops.
Love to all
Zak.

greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
Cant really add much to Annie's words about Caldey Island. My second visit there with Moo, and as serene, stunning and dramatic as last time.
As we were travelling around the coast I was amazed as always at the tides here. I especially was thinking about Marty and Claire. The tides in Darwin are I think up to about 7 metres in difference when there is a high high tide, but the Bristol channel has high high tides up to 13 metres. It is the second highest tidal fall in the world, the first being somewhere in Cananda.
It really is amazing.

Sleeping under 3 welsh tapestry blankets here in Ponte, a lovely Welsh summers night. This is quite a weight, as anyone of you who know welsh tapestry blankets will know. Wonder what happens in the winter??

Purchased my first two items yesterday from a Welsh op shop, this visit. I try not to look too much at the furniture and bric a brac, as its too frustrating that I cant buy any...just have to enjoy looking.

Time for breakfast, then back out on the road again, heading up to Brecon and surrounds today.
Moo loves showing us this amazing country, and we feel very spoilt.
Jules had a vegetable curry ready for us last night when we returned home..perfect hosts.

Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Ponte

Hi all,
So yesterday we left London behind and headed to beautiful Pontardawe.
Jules was there to meet us a Neath station, and it was wonderful to see him again. Not looking a day older than the last time I saw him.
So lovely to be 'home' at Moo and Jules 's place. (welsh tapestery everywhere)
Dont worry mum, I will take a heap of photos to show you.
Had an eveing stroll through Ponte town, followed by champagne on the front porch, before enjoying a dinner made for us by Jules. Sat around the table for hours catching up with news from Jules and discussing plans for a our time in Wales.
Of course first up today was the magnificent Gower. This area is so incredibly dramatic and beautiful, it never ceases to take my breath away. It was overcast and windy, with a bit of threatening rain, which abaited, but it just made it all the more dramatic and awesome.

On our way home we called in to visit Jules's sister, Cynthia.She is so gorgeous and warm and welcoming.
She talked about how much she loved hanging out with mum, and how they giggled together.
She said the time she spent in Australia was amazing and she felt so well and healthy there.
She is always very generous, and today gave me a pair of marquisite and amethyst earrings. Very beautiful and a real treasure. I call them my Welsh family heirloom.

Now we are back home. Jules has gone off to the gym and Moo has gone off to play darts. Annie and I will stroll down to The Ivy Inn once Ive finished this and watch Moo throw some darts with her team.

Tomorrow we are off to Tenby and Caldey Island.
In the next few days I will endeavour to put on a few photos, if I can put my SD card from my camera into the computer, because I dont think I bought the connector with me, but I will need Moos help for that.

So off to cheer on the Gwyn Arms A team.

Love to all, Zak.

P.S. clarification from Gen that Moo and I were in Brixton with her in 2010!! I thought 2006 seemed too long ago.

greetings from london

I all,
Sunday evening in London. Last night before we travel to Wales tomorrow.
Yesterday we started at Borough Markets for second breakfast, which included half a pint of cider, and freh baked pretzels..yum.
The food and stalls were amazing. My favourite here was the massive wheels of cheese and amazing breads
From there I headed to Brixton while Moo and Annie headed to the Tower museum.
I love Brixton. This is where I had my outfit for Annie and Steve's wedding made to order by an African seamstress. Gen also lived her for a while while she was in London and Moo and I stayed with her here.
The colour and sounds , and the smells are amazing. I had plans for a Carribean lunch from a woman who made amazing food from a caravan in a back lane....but that was last time I was there eleven years ago so no suprise she wasnt there any more.
Can that be right that the last time I was here? I know I came in 2005, as we were just about to buy the house and start paying a mortgage, and I thought I would never be able to afford to travel again, so I raced out and bought a ticket to London!! I'm thinking it cannot be right as Gen isn't old enough to have been living there 10 years ago is she? Will have to check with Moo when she gets out of the shower. OK Moo reckons it was in 2007 with Gen. Need Gen to clarify this at some stage.
Anyway although there is talk of developers wanting to bulldoze the old market area, for now it is still alive and kicking!!
Met  back up with Moo and Annie at Camden markets. The local expression is 'heaving' and this is certainly a very apt description.So so so.many people. I sometimes think the IGA supermarket at Woonona is too crowded, so this was a complete blowout. However it wasn't too busy that we didn't find a few treasures to purchase.
Acta
As we had nothing planned for Saturday evening Annie decided to see Showboat. Moo and I whiled away a few hours watching street theatre at convent garden, which was great fun.

Today we headed to speakers corner. What has happened to this great public speaking arena? I loved coming here in the mid 80s when I lived here.
Today there were only 2,speakers but of course several hecklers. Actually one was not even speaking, he was just standing silently with is eyes closed holding a Torah. The other guy was a Muslim and of course he was the one with several hecklers.
Then headed, via Selfridge's to the V&A. Oh my goodness I forgot how awesome this place is. Time just vanishes as you are mesmerised for hours by the collections in this place. An afternoon does not do.it justice.
Tonight a modern hip hop /salsa musical 'In the heights' which was great fun and a fine finale for our stay in London.
Just now there's fire crackers going off and people partying as Portugal wins the European cup.
Time to repack the backpack
Love to all,
Zak

greetings from London

Hi all
Where to begin,
The flight I can narrow down to eating,crying and sleeping,for both Annie and myself.
Then beautiful Amsterdam. We had a lovely few days strolling long the canals and seeing the sights of the city,with the constant aroma of hashish never far away.
Forgot how much I love this city. So easy going, the people and the pace. Cycles are the fastest moving objects. Of course it was a bit tricky at first looking in the opposite direction for traffic, then checking for cyclists,then for trams,before you even get to thinking about cars.
Hmm good strong coffee and muesli and apple turnover and stroopwafel for breakfast!!

The accommodation was in a great location, right at a tram stop. Only problem was that they did not have kettle in the room,which I thought was outrageous, and I told them so.
Their explanation was that it was not sustainable to have a kettle in every room. I suggested that they could offer to customers and only give to the ones that requested one. No cuppa in the morning and herbal before bed,is no good for me.
The second evening we headed out of Amsterdam to visit my wonderful old mates, Lance and Trish and their son Kain. So lovelyto be with themin their home. Very special time.

Wednesday
 the big day of the meeting of the three sisters!!
We met at Kings Cross station,just by 9 3/4 platform, for all you Harry Potter fans.
Lots of hugs and kisses.
Really unbelievable to be hanging out in London together. Some tears s well cause Steve isn't here withAnnie, but he is definitely with us in spirit.
So London. I thought we had booked an apartment for ourselves,however that was not the case. It wasa four bedroom flat(apartment sounds way too sophisticated) we three in one room with share bathroom and kitchen and people in the other three bedrooms who we rarely saw. Its OK ad we feel comfortable here.
London, I know it and love its craziness. A great city to visit in the summer! Sometimes a bit too much hustle and bustle, especially peak hour on the tube, but its always moving and shaking.
Probably won't get to see all my favourite places, but will definitely get to see a fewfew.
Always love the. Front et of the double decker buses. The best way toexplore London and get your bearings.
There are two major change since I was last here. 10uyrars ago.
Black cabs are changing colour and also the bikes!!
Hundreds of people cycling to work everyday.Moo says this is due to Boris Johnson making it a priority, and what a bloody great job he did of it. Prior to this you took your life in your hands cycling in London. I know I have done it.
And of course the beautiful long summer evenings, that are co.mpletely blowing Annie mind at the moment and specially the first few evenings in Amsterdam.
OK that is all for now. Midnight and need to get to sleep for an early start to Borough markets tomorrow,.
Will endeavour to be more diligent with writing now we have sorted the technology out.
.

Amsterdam

Hi All,
Was in touch with Kate yesterday. She and Annie were enjoying their first day in Europe.
Kate is unable to get onto the blog at present so can't post her updates.
Just thought I'd let you know in case you were waiting for posts.
Should be able to sort something when we meet up - one more sleep!
All for now,
Moo xxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
The time has arrived. Annie and Kate will be flying tomorrow and it is only four sleeps until I meet them in London. Exciting times!
Jules and I had a lovely few days in New Quay in west Wales this week. Spotted dolphins by the harbour on most days. The weather wasn't great but we managed to get out and about without getting too wet. Had a walk along the coastal path one day - beautiful!
The next few days will be cleaning and last minute preparations for Kate and Annie's visit.
Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit as well. It's dry but not really warm enough for Kate. I have plenty of wood to light the chiminea to warm our evenings. We also have wood available to light the wood burner inside if needed.
Not much news otherwise. Will keep everyone posted with the adventures of the three sisters.
Take Care.
Moo xxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Today is Father's Day in Britain and it will already be Kev's birthday in Aus as I type this, so Kev has been in my thoughts today. Happy Birthday Kev!
The three sisters reunion approaches very quickly. Next week (27th June - 1st July) Jules and I are going to New Quay, West Wales. Only back for a few days and I am on the train to meet Kate and Annie.
Maria, Kev & Jerome are now on their way to Italy so it's only just under 5weeks until Maria lands in Wales as well. A girly road trip is in the planning stages.
Saw Cynthia yesterday. She was asking after you all. Will have to make sure we visit while Annie & Kate are here.
We are having some rain at the moment but hopefully it will be all sun for July. I have a pile of wood ready for burning in the chiminea on the front patio if the evenings are cool.
Have started making a list of places to go and things to do with Kate & Annie, if there's any time after Annie's list!
Shift booked for tomorrow, hopefully get a couple more in before my holidays.
Don't think I have anything else to add at the moment.
Love to you all. xxxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
The excitement grows as the date approaches for Kate and Annie's visit.
We are making preparations here. Have been buying window coverings and new bedding. Having visitors is a good motivator to complete the things we have been meaning to do.
The big news is we have a flushing toilet downstairs! Yes, Jules has plumbed in the toilet. I bought a new seat for it as well. We now need the basin plumbed in so we can wash our hands as well.
The weather has been quite summer like. This week we are getting some rain but happy to have it now so that July/ Aug/Sept can be gorgeous for our visitors.
Work is a little on the slow side. I have had only one shift a week, but it gives me time to get things done in the house.
That's about it for now. Four weeks today Kate, Annie & I will be leaving London to return to Wales, but who's counting!
Love to All,
Moo xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
times ticking, and travel time is almost here.
With the olds today, having quite a hectic day with loads (and loads) of stuff going on.
New blinds in front bedroom, the olds room and the bad room. Front bedroom with be much better for sleeping now as the blinds are block out .It was always a bit too light for me.
Looks like its going to be a fine weekend for gardening and getting to the beach. The low tides in the morning, so no excuse not to get down there early. Water temperature is still 22 degrees, and the sea is a whole lot more calmer than it was this time last week.
So hope alls well with everyone.
Happy weekend

Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Thanks for posting the Christmas list Kev.
It is six weeks today until Annie arrives in Wales for her first visit. The second toilet should be flushing by then!
The weather here over the weekend has been glorious. Hopefully it is the start of a fabulous summer. We need to keep our visitors warm.
Had an e-mail from Jack to confirm his & Fran's arrival date as well.
We are looking forward to all our visitors!
Jules and I went walking on The Gower yesterday. Had to make the most of the weather.
Jules is mowing Cynthia's lawn today. I should be painting a table we gave her but am not keen. We did a swap of outdoor furniture. We got the better deal.
I would like to get some things done in our back garden today. May make a start whilst Jules is away.
Time to get out in it.
Love to all. xxx

Hi All,
Here is the Christmas List for 2016, worked, with much hilarity by Moo and Zack, under the watchful eye of Mum and to the entertainment of Dad.

KEVIN                  buys for             JULES

JOAN                    buys for             FRAN

JACK                    buys for             HASI

FRAN                   buys for             KEVIN

TOM                                               CLARE

LIAM                                              MOO

CONNOR                                       KATE

MARTY                                         ANNIE

CLAIRE                                         LUCY

KATE                                             JACK

HASI                                              TOM

ANNIE                                           CLAIRE

LUCY                                            JOAN

CLARE                                          LIAM

MOO                                              CONNOR

JULES                                            MARTY

Happy Hunting for the "just the thing" which in each case and each person can be so radically different. What a wonderful time is Christmas!
                What a delightful family bonding.

Love to All.
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/Kev.