It is left to me (Stuart) to solemnly declare this trip and this blog closed. The final words of this mighty tome are set out below. Read and weep. Planes and Boats and Trains Our epic journey homewards began with an overnight trip on the train from Melbourne to Sydney. Everyone looked tired and there were no hyperactive kids in the seats around us so I was hopeful that we would get some sleep. Of course I had forgotten Karen's nutter magnet and boy was ...

The long train journey was worth it as we have had lots of fun in Melbourne. The main reason for the visit was to meet up with some work colleagues at Monash University. After months of not having to use my brain it was a relief to find that I have not completely forgotten everything about the world of careers! My meeting with Jon and Amanda was brilliant and a great way to gently ease myself back into the swing of things. I am really looking forwa...

Sorry to keep the gap between blogs so long. We have not really done a lot since we arrived in Australia and internet access away from Sydney has been expensive and patchy. Get it hot Where is the good weather? Certainly not in Sydney where it rained a lot and long trousers have been required on occasions. Let's get this in perspective though - the average temp is still high teens /early twenties Celsius and the evenings are still warm compared to UK earl...

I have a new man in my life. He has dark droopy eyes , long curly hair and shows lots of affection especially when I give him his dinner. His name is Tahoe and Stuart and I are having lots of fun looking after him whilst his real Mummy and Daddy are on their holidays. We are currently house- sitting for my old friends Vanda, Russ and their children Amity and Lincoln. They live in a lovely house in Loftus just outside of Sydney. Life in suburbia is a...

A final blog from New Zealand (written in Sydney!). One final top walk and a few random thoughts will complete our Kiwi odyssey. Dennis Moore "Your Lupins or your life". These plants are everywhere in New Zealand, brightening up the roadsides in multiple colours. Fab. There were many Lupins on our way from Te Anau to Fairlie as we headed back up the country towards Christchurch. It's an enjoyable drive up the centre of Otago through wide valleys an...