A very hot difficult day 23 November 2014

now then this is a lesson in beware of what you wish for Unlike back home the weather is very hot and humid even more so today,  but I decided that I would go into the city last night to photograph it at night from the ferry,  but got lost, had sandles on for a change so ended up with blisters, made worse by the fact I got lost walked much further than I should then just missed the ferry(well thats not so bad you all think but it gets better ) I should of just been able to cross over and return, no such luck so stuck there with poorly feet for an hour, never mind tomorrow is another day.

so today Sunday I was packed and ready for the off ordered a taxi for the airport, blisters still very painful. Trip ok got some blister plasters,  went to check in, oh I forgot to say normally I would of been able to use the ferry and train but not working due to engineering works. Got to check in young woman said could not find my booking asked for itinerary informed me i was a day early, checked she was right, ooops rang hotel they had noticed but could not get in touch, but room free. Now got free bus into town so as to catch ferry, what a mistake, so did everybody else and Sydney was hot and full, finally got back here after 2 hours, now exhausted foot painful  cannot walk so lying here to hot typing this,  wish I was home, worse I have to do it all again tomorrow.

This was a good time to catch up with various websites and e mails plus to do this blog, sorry I am not really that bad just frustrated with my feet, life could be much worse, plus had a chat with Jane and felt much better for that. But then decided eould go to the village for something to eat so sorted out shower and foot, another issue when on your own who dresses your foot if you need help, but got there, then off I went, in the end decided to try a pizza, went in went,  Rob had warned me about the mans attitude, still hard to accept, went into restaurant section and young ladies very helpful, pizza was good, went to pay man, still rubbish attitude and overpriced just as well not need to go back again. Got some bits for tomorrow just in case returned tried to watch film as foot still very painful but kept falling asleep. Believe it or not next we had heavy rain storm but not any cooler,  for a change had another chat with Jane before packing case for tomorrow.

Second day in Sydney 22 November 2014

Today I decided I would do a favour for my friend Geoff who is looking after my flat. He was looking for a new car possibly a land cruiser but that they no longer have them in this country with the spare wheel on the back. With the help of Rob at accommodation I tracked a dealer down, now I was hoping that over here they were a different breed, but should of realised when he did not offer help with getting to the dealership, instead it took 2 buses and he was dealing with someone else so his colleague spoke to me instead.
I explained that as I was here that I would help my friend by looking at their range of vehicles and exploring about how he could buy. First obstacle Toyota dont want personal exports so there would be no warranty and there were issues to do with registration if leaving the country.  It seems the best vehicle is the Prada,  by coincidence his is for sale, I felt he wad not really interested unless I was buying now left and will explore on the internet instead.

I then got the bus into town and noticed that the rail service to the airport was cancelled over the weekend so could be a problem for me tomorrow, although there was a replacement bus service working. I went for something to eat and then went looking for the tower,  so could take photos, I know it sounds silly but it was quite difficult to find as the entrance was in the middle of a shopping centre. I paid my money and went up in a lift, the views were fantastic so I took a series of photos to show everyone on my return,  at the end I went to stand and wait for the lift, I was told by the attendant that I had to go round the other way,  well as there was nobody else there at the time it all seemed very pointless  but I did as he asked and went round to the same point again,  why do these people have jobs dealing with the public if all they want to do is stick to a very rigid view of their rules, well at least he managed to press the right button to send us down.

Next something to eat, for a change I went to KFC at least it was air conditioned, also my feet were starting to hurt with all the walking,  off back for a rest to the hotel and a cooling shower.
One of the things I have not mentioned in my blog is that in the last few months I have found a new special friend called Jane and she tells me and others that we are "  An item " our relationship started a few months ago and is going very well, more of our story another time,  but just to say many of our friends and families are aware of this, just a shame that so early on we are apart for a month but due to the wonders of technology we have been able to keep in touch as I wander from place to place and when I have felt tired or lonely she has been there for me as well as enjoying listening to my stories of the trip, thanks ever so much Jane.
Now back to the plot, I did think it would be nice to see the city lit up at night so I would do a trip this evening. Now to toally confuse you and myself I have actually posted the next bit in tomorrows blog so think will leave it there as it fits, but this is a  reminder of how confused we can get when crossing time zones and moving place to place, that often I am not sure what day of the week it is or where I should be.

Sydney Today 20 November 2014 I Think

Today was not to early a start so tidied the room had something to eat and drink and finished packing. Coach arrived on time 10 30am was only a short journey to the airport, then usual ritual of checking in whilst in the queue a woman tried to push past so I commented,  she said she was trying to get to her husband who was at the front of the queue,  I said not a problem but would been nice if she had said excuse me,  group of american men were nodding to my comment, why are so many people so rude these days, as usual explained help I needed particularly when got to Sydney, woman said it was all sorted out, at the gate I was last to board as young woman used buggy to get me to the plane, settled and off we went. Now on the flight there we were provided with a meal and drinks free but not on this flight, only drinks, which is odd as it was a longer flight. After a while I needed to go to the toilet, but there seemed there was a problem with the 2 of them that number ones were ok but not no 2s, well luckily I wanted ones, now it seems very bad to me that a flight with so many passengers on did not have a working toilet,  I am now thinking of writing in for their comments.
Well we eventually reached Sydney and disembarked only problem no chair to help me to exit. I went to Virgin Atlantic desk and explained seems nobody had booked it, so man at desk took me through airport to baggage as was only a short distance to taxis.i explained to the driver where I was going and route, he seemed confused but eventually we got to the destination ok.

I was shown round and had forgotten that firstly there was no air con only a fan that did nothing other than move the air, the toilets and showers were shared but on the good side there was a communal kitchen with cereals bread and hot drinks plus fruit, only thing is nobody seemed to be speaking to other guests. I unpacked yet again, then decided to go for a meal the owner Rob suggested a number of places but particularly the sailing club so off I set, unfortunately given the heat humidity and my lack of energy it was a long walk. Eventually I reached it but found out I needed to be a temporary member so sorted that then went to order my meal, well just then the noise increased tremendously, oh no it was BINGO the last thing I needed, luckily they had a veranda which was peaceful and quiet the meal was pleasant but after I decided to return to the accommodation relax and do some work on the blog which was getting behind,  I cannot have you readers disappointed.  Well again the owner sat there eating his meal and a couple of other sets of people but nobody said hello or acknowledged each other or myself,  all very odd,  maybe someone had warned them what a chatterbox I can be LOL,  so I eventually had enough so went to my room to relax and went to sleep thinking about what to do tomorrow,  well sadly I remembered I needed to do some laundry first, so much for being on holiday.

My adventures at the Great Barrier Reef 18 November 2014

I was up early and looking forward to my excursion for the day by boat to a unit berthed about 2 hours to see the coral reefs and all the exotic fish there. But first I needed something more suitable for my feet, so went mad and bought a pair of flip flops now you may be thinking so what, but I have worn sensible walking shoes for some time, well found some and changed before boarding the vessel.

It was much larger than I thought it would be, air con inside fresh air outside, it all seemed very organised so I found a seat at the rear of the ship so I could take photos as we went along. There was a man sat down next to me, but he did not seem to want to chat neither did the 2 women who were with him.  We soon set sail so I took a series of photos some including Chico. The ship was moving quite fast, whilst taking my photos I was fascinated by a woman who was possibly Chinese who was taking lots of photos of herself in a whole range of poses.  I offered to take one of her from a greater distance and she seemed happy with that.

I wandered round the ship and had a drink. I decided to go on the top deck surprise surprise there was the same lady and her friend posing for herself still. I suddenly noticed as a contrast a young woman and I presume boyfriend near the back of that area of the ship, what made her stand out was that with the wind, her long blond hair was streaming behind her, she sermed totally unaware of what a stunning sight she was. I now regret not taking a series of photos of her she really was something to see and the fact unlike the other woman she was oblivious and natural which made the better scene. In the end i decided to approach her and explain how she looked and to ask if she wanted a photo of herself to see what i was talking about. She had a simple camera so i took the photo and suggested she have a look. I took the photo and returned the camera, she still did not seem to understand, they seemed such a lovely young couple so much nicer when real beauty is not abused.

The weather was beautiful if anything a little to hot for me so I stayed under the shaded section at the rear, finally we reached the dock, there seemed to be all sorts of options, such as helicopter rides snd scuba diving,  being a terrible swimmer there was no way I was going to try the latter and felt for the price the helicopter ride was not that good. Instead I went down on the submerged part of the platform to look at the coral and colourful fish, it was straight out of finding Nemo, then went for a trip on the submersible,  it was great to see all the different types and depths of coral and what amazing colours, the guide wad very good in his explanation the only issue wasthat someone gad brought a baby on board and it never stopped crying which detrated from it all.
I did debate again about trying the snorkeling but devided in the end my energy levels were not good enough plus the following morning I had an early start to Ayres Rock, so instead spent some time watching a film about the reef. Then it was announced thay thete would be afternoon tea served, in this case it was tea or soft dtinks with cheese and biscuits, so I helped myself and then went looking where to sit. One of the ladies  from earlier saw me and invited me to join them,  which I was happy to do, we got chatting and it turns out there were two Christines and a Sharon, that they met up some years ago became good friends and now holiday together,  they have travelled many places together over the years. They asked more about my trip and I introduced them to Chico, explaining his role, they decided they would like photos of him and them, which I was happy about but they also took a couple of me and Chico, they have said they will send the photos on to me soon,  I also gave them details of how to find Chicos Facebook page.
It was interesting because they also had noticed the chinese lady and her extravegant poses also how I had offerred to take her photo. I mentioned the young woman and   her photo also and how I now regret not taking one of  her but had not wanted to intrude. The time passed quickly and soon we were back at the port, so said our goodbyes, back to reality I went to the supermarket for something for my evening meal plus for the trip the next day, when I got back I realised I already had more than enough to last, so had to leave some for whoever used the apartment next, I repackef my suitcase but found it difficult to settle as I was worried I would oversleep with such an early start in the morning.
I went down to the pool for a while and whilst relaxing noticed what seemed to be huge bats flying overhead, I had always thought of them and small creatures, it was pleasant and quiet there, just what I neeeded, but soon felt was time to return and finish off tidying the apartment,  the time seemed of flown so fast at all of my stops.

Port Douglas Australia 16 November 2014

Sadly it was only a brief trip to Auckland so needed to be up at 3am local time to do last minute packing and tidying up, right on time Heather was there to pick me up, its such a shame I did not have more tome in the beautiful relaxing setting that Robert has created at Maison De Rose, hopefully I will return in the not to distant future.

At the airport I was quickly processed but unfortunately the lounge was not open so I had no chance to eat before boarding the flight, I do wish they could find a better way of calling for me over the public address as sometimes I go and its not me and other times they have callled a couple of times, maybe they could issue vibrators or flashing units as used in some restaurants possibly something to explore on my return.

For a change a pleasant young man was sat next to me, in fact he offered to share his I pad to follow the flight, also he reminded me  that the time had changed again and it was 2 hours earlier than when I set off.  We talked about a range of topics, he explained he had been born in Vietnam but now was an Australian citizen, I mentioned issues with flight changes including the one today. He told me that there was the G20 summit there and lots of protests, shows how out of touch we can quickly become. Also mentioned Virgins change to my flight with no thought to the effect on people such ad myself who are not in a position to change plans that easily, he said it was a regular occurance.

At Brisbane the staff were very good getting me from the terminal, also in helping me with my case, I do not understand why they did this as usually when transfering flights my luggage once processed seems to just find its way to my destination. I then had to use a free bus to transfer to the other terminal and someone would meet me there,  unfortunately something went wrong so I had to to to the helpdesk, but then was ok. On this and the previous flight they were very good with bringing soft drinks round to prevent dehydration, shame united airlines did not do this.

I forgot to say the temperature and humidity had greatly increased by this time.  At the airport again staff were very helpful getting me to my baggage,  then I was to be met by a shuttle service, well what a miserable greeting and then having to hang about, the vehicle was a toyota that usually have good suspension, unfortunately not this one, so I was relieved when I finally got to the Port Douglas Retreat, I was quickly processed and into my room which was very pleasant,  only thing was I realised I needed the safe key and a pool towel and the owners had gone out for the afternoon it being Sunday.

Never mind, I quickly unpacked the setting was beautiful and the air con worked,  next a trip into town, well I say town but not really that large a place, plenty of places to eat buy souvenirs etc and fortunately for me a decent supermarket as there was no food available at the apartment,  so stocked up with things I felt I needed, then had a wander down to the bay, the view was beautiful and peaceful, its interesting but all the bars and cafes had music playing some louder than others but at least not at the volume I put up with in Vegas.
It was a pleasant change and just the peace quiet and tranquility my body needed before the next leg. I haf nought a couple of pizza's so had one gor my evening meal finished off with fruit and apple juice, I had an early night, tomorrow I will decide what if any excursions to go on, I would like to visit the reef and see the marine life, but we will see.

My visit to Auckland 15 November 2014

I woke up early today, but Robert the owner had said he would give me a lift to the rail station so I sorted out my washing had breakfast, caught up with e mail and Web chat, then a shower and I was ready to go. Robert was on time and soon we got to the station,  I had said I would walk back but realised maybe it was a little more than I could cope with. Eventually managed to obtain a ticket from the machine then into town. Robert had given me good instructions so I swiftly found my way to the ferry, it was only a short time before it departed.
I went up on the top deck in the hope I would get plenty of good photos but it was to misty also there was a strong wind and the boat rocked a lot, soon we were at the island and disembarked. It was a shock to find out it was an hour and a half  walk to the summit, I set off quite well but soon with the heat,  humidity and effort of walking up a constant slope which was quite rough with nowhere to stop and rest took its toll and I slowed down quite a bit.
Eventually I found somewhere to rest so had a drink, before resuming I also took my coat off as I was getting very warm. As I climbed I took a series of breaks but it still seemed a long time before I finally reached the top.  I had spoken briefly to a couple of young women and taken photos of the two of them.  When I reached the top they were there so I asked if they would take a photo of myself and Chico, they were happy to do this, I rested for a while then off back down in the hope that I would be early enough for the ferry back.

It worked out well but now I was tired and took a couple of pain killers and was pleased when the boat finally arrived. The sea was quite rough and it started to rain quite heavily and I decided to abandon the trip up the tower when we landed. Instead I went for something to eat to make it easier on my return to the apartment,  iy was raining very heavily when we docked, so I found my way to a fast food place. After it was raining heavily so I made my way to the station, bought my ticket and was just in time to catch it with a couple of minutes to go, just hope I do not miss my stop with typing.

By the way I am conscious that there are no photos yet but most of the good ones are on the other cameras,  if I find a way I will happily post them on here

Today Auckland new Zealand 14 November 2014

Hi folks well last there I was at Vegas then Los Angeles,  finally it was time to board the plane, due to my request for assistance I was amongst the first on the plane, I went through the business class but could not see my seat, well actually the seats were my premier economy class,  but much better quality than anything else I had come across in mu travels,  the only problem was trying to work out how everything was controlled, fortunately one of the cabin staff was there to assist.
Despite this I still had issues with hearing voices using their headphones or even mine snd it seems they dont have hearing loop systems or sub titles for the films, maybe something to bring up about in the future. The meal confused me because some coursrs were delivered before the main,  so needed to check I was doing correctly, oh I forgot to day that I was sat on my own at this time. I was given a glass of orange to drink but my table was a little unsteady so, we put it on the table next to mine,  unfortunately when I reached across I managed to knock it on the floor luckily no damage was done other than to soil the cushion. Then I settled down to watch a film it was a nice simple one so no issue with following the plot, when it finished it was quite late so I settled down to sleep and apart from trips to the toilet slept quite well.
When I woke there was a man moved in next to me, that would not of mattered but for the fact he had put the pillow and cushions for that seat on my table,  when offerred them back and suggested thay he put them on the floor he did not deem impressed,  I never gound out why he had moved to this seat. I started to watch another film,  again I could follow due to simple plot, them breakfast which was very good, before I could finish it was time to land. I wad by now totally confused as I had been flying for 13 hours but it was the next morning. At the airport the lady who assisted me was very pleasant and took me right through all the sevurity and customs, I have never had cabin luggage scanned

as well hold luggage on the way into a country before.

Outside as promised was Heather who took me to the car, it was quite cool wet and windy,  quite a change from America, we stopped along the way for me to buy food then off to the apartment,  what a change it was in a lovely  peaceful quiet countryside setting, I met Robert the owner and he showed me round and kindly sorted out the washing machine so I could wash the backlog of clothes I had as well as have something to eat. I haf a shower and unpacked it was still raining for a while, but Robert came round to ask would I like to come with him to a couple of places to the views.

I realised I had chosen well by the roads and views it was all so peaceful and quiet, Robert took the time to show me various view's of the city and area, we stopped for a drink and discovered a shared interest in photography do chatted about this for a while,  then returned.  I had got totally confused on my days and dates with all the moving round and then realised that in reality I only had tomorrow because I had an early flight the following day to Oz. Robert kindly had a look at times for me to visit the city and travel on the ferry as well as visit the Skytower subject to the weather.

I had something to eat sorted out the washing and then rested, in fact I fell asleep for a while, now trying to catch up on  blog and e mails as well as FB, will try to have an early night so ad to be able to enjoy tomorrows adventures.

The Next Leg of our Trip leaving Vegas 12 November 2014

Sadly this was my last day with Paul, it has been great to have this special time with him, but unfortunately sometimes the nicest things have to come to an end. We did some more packing, then were going to find Subway for breakfast but had to make do with McDonald's instead, then we tried to find somewhere to change american dollars into new zealand currency, would you believe thete is nowhere in the hotel or locally that does it, also we tried to sort out my boarding card but again with no success, returned yo the room finished off packing then signed out of the hotel.
Our shuttle to the airport arrived but this time went to a number of other hotels picking up, when we got to the airport,  it was some distance away from the entrance to check in but sorted it out, Paul and I then had to part as he was going to another terminal for his flight. I went to the lounge to wait and was very surprised it was tiny, no toilet, few seats and very small selection of snacks, but at least peaceful and quiet. Eventually it was time to go for my flight.
All went well with this it was a much better and shorter flight with American Airlines,  then I used the mobility service to negotiate through the airport, the first man did not seem happy, it seemed I needed a vehicle to get me to the check in the man pushing the wheelchair had a fallout with the driver,  which I felt was not very professional on eithers part, I was quickly processed then again immigration and security, but the pusher had disappeared,  luckily it was only a short distance to the lounge and departure gate.  The lounge was bigget and better but it seems the restrooms were out of order so if needed would have to use public one on the concourse, the choice of food was a little better, so am now sat here passing time until it is time for my flight to Auckland of 13 hours at 9 30pm, it seems that I lose a day as I cross time zones.
Hope you are enjoying the read.

Grand Canyon 10 November 2014

The three of us got up very early for our coach pick up at 6 35am after a late night. We settled in our seats on our coach only to find it was a feeder coach and we would be changing to another after paying the outstanding balance, plus we would have the chance of a snack and a drink before we set off. We were quickly processed then off on our trip, the coach was quite comfortable, our driver Larry initialy I found ok but after a while I found his voice irritating, not sure why, because he was quite informative.

First stop was Hoover Dam, unfortunately it was only long enough to take photos from a distance before setting off again,  it would of been great to of had time to explore the place. We carried on for some time, the scenary was much the same for quite a while so we watched a series of videos and films on the monitors, about the area inclufing Route 66.

We eventually reached our lunch stop, there were about 4 or 6 coaches to deal with at the place but they were geared to it, it was a buffet style with plenty to eat, we were sat next to a man from Venuzwalia initially he spoke but then got on with the task of eating his meal.
We travelled on for some hours, I had learnt to take my shoes off on these sorts of trips on coaches and planes, but its always a problem to put them on again after to cope better when I got to my destination, I am sorry not to go into much description of the trip but I slept for much of it until we got to the Grand Canyon at last.

I took Chico with me for a series of photos but got seperated from Paul, the sheer size of the canyon was breathtaking, but I found as with many of the tourist attractions, people are often more interested in taking photos of themselves and friends than the actual view,  also that there is often a selfishness by some and lack of consideration of others who also would like to share the view. It was do hard to even guess how deep the valleys were and round each corner there was a totally different scene, I only wish I had had more time to explore the area, maybe another time and an overnight stop to view before and after the tourists had gone, not sure what that makes me, when I was also taking photos, of Chico. Eventually Paul and I caught up again just before the coach was due to depart. 

It wasn't long to our next stop and more beautiful scenary, plus whilst wandering round, we saw an old steam engine and four deer, they seemed unworried at our presence and we took photos of them, sadly I managed to miss the sunset, but as the light changed the whole valley also did. Paul bought a couple of items then off to the coach again for another long journey,  to our last stop where the coach refuelled and we bought some food, it was the biggest beefburger I have seen for a long time. The driver had put on another couple of videos to pass the time. At long last we were the first drop off, so went to the room and decided to sort out boarding cards it would of been one more thing done. 

We struggled with the various sites and eventually managed to sort out Pauls for Ryanair, but discovered that it was to early to do the others. Paul went off to bed,  I tried to Skype Jane and Bren, with no success, in the end though managed to get them on my mobile, they seem to be having a great time in Liverpool, then back to the room for a bath and bed.

9 November 2014 part two

I thought it would be easier to break this into two sections, Andy tells me there is a problem with posting comments so will habe a look also to look and see if I can finally post some photos of the trip either on here or Facebook, hope those reading are enjoying,  so sorry am behind its because I need to write up when its quiet and then find Wi Fi.

Now then about these topless dancers, im the end I booked for us both more of the actual show later,  but as a total contrast we also booked to go to the Grand Canyon by coach, I worried it would of been a very long drive, but Paul felt we would have longer there, he had goven up on the bike ride as nobody eould snswrt the phone. We seemed to get a very good deal for the trip and I was happy it was going ahead because its why the whole adventure started in the first place.

We had found out, well Paul had that there was a meal deal in the buffet wherein we could pay $35 each and use the buffet as often as we liked in the day, most probably we ent more but had a wide range of dishes to choose from and as much as we wanted.  What an odd collection of food we had across the day. Its interesting that this is not obviously advertised,  maybe they dont want people to be aware of it generally.

Well we had a walk then got ready for the show, it was only a small theatre of about 350, I was surprised at how many couples attended, but maybe its mr who is old fashioned,  plus I thought the show would start on time but no such luck. The dancers as far as we could see were attractive and good dancers, I must honestly say that seeing them topless did not really add to it for me, but going by the noise the same could not be said for others. There was a female singer but she was to loud, plus a female comedian, so in actual fact there was not a lot of time that the dancers were on stage, given the skimpy outfits I cannot see costume changes would of taken long. The girl who did a dance using draps was good as was pole dancer,  who was more athletic than provocative to me. At the end the girls posed for the audience to have their photos taken with them.Up close some of them looked older and tired so we left so we could have a good nights sleep and feel relaxed