Hiow are you Lauren? From the Postcard that you sent from Hong Kong and the photos we get the impression that all is well.

The Shots of what we used to know as Bamboo Bashas - local dwellings - are in themselves most certainly a culture shock but if you are stuck with them for a while they are surprisingly cool but not all that Mosquito and sundry other insects free.

Life here is trudging along very much the same as always. The M.20 has been blocked for some 6 days with large trucks awaiting the chance of returning to the continent. Sea France is on strike. I think the block has been cleared now, but, as there are severe channel storms on at the moment and the Port of Dover has been shut as a consequence it is perhaps only a question of time before Operation Stack as it is called starts up again. Put your money in mal de mer pills.

Grandma & I went out for lunch with her pal Marjorie and a friend of hers another John to celebrate their birthdays which are a day or so apart We went to the Wheatsheaf near Bough Beech Reservoir. One of the old world sort Deer's heads on the walls the occasional Fox head etc, but the food was terriffic. Pity I was driving as I could have slept all the way home.

We have of course played a couple of games of Bowls in my case the first went very well but the second brought me back to the realms of reality.

At a dinner the other night one othe guests in his reply speech said that that his host was a War Baby. The host claimed he was not that old. The guest said he should learn to spell. When the Hosts mother took him out in his pram people looked in and said "WAH". I laughed any way.

Enjoy and don't miss anything enjoyable or memorable.

Very much love.

Grandma & Pop xxxxxxxxxx

WELL done. It all looks amazing and I think you're all fantastic.

Love the pictures of the night train.

Can't believe you have only been gone three weeks and you have done so much already.

Love to all

So good to hear the tales from Thailand. 9 days.......PHEW!!More soap,more shampoo,more photos!!!!

Lots of love to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxX

Hello Lauren,

What a lovely surprise to receive your card from Hong Kong - very envious. It was really sweet of you to find time for us, much appreciated.

Your pictures are fabulous but at the same time like going down memory lane for us. Hope Thailand has been good. The Hostels sound a bit trying!!

Excellent news - Olivia has passed her 11 Plus AND got onto Southend High which is exactly where she wanted to be. She was beside herself last night. We are so proud of her - everyone is so pleased.

Last Sunday was very good with all of us at Great Grandmas for Mothers Day. I have managed to wreck my back getting out of a LOW chair there so David is now the Chauffeur and dog walker for a few days!! He does very well.

I will keep reading all your very interesting messages, such a good way to keep up!

Fondest love to you,

David and Sally

Hello Lauren,

WISHING YOU A VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR TODAY - the 3rd March. What a wonderful place to be on your Birthday. Hope all goes well - so many more exciting things to see.

Have a really great evening.

Fondest love from

David Sally and Alex and of course Barley xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

As it's 1am in Thailand,it must be your 19th Birthday. Wiashing you a the most wonderful day.

All our love

Mummy,Tom,Ella and Téa x x x x

PS. Harvey X

PPS More photos....as tich says.no pressure !!

How are you doing Lauren?

According to our calculations you are somewhere in Thailand. We expect it is possible that you will not be able to pick up this Blog on your Birthday. Nevertheless enjoy the day and remember it as when the next one comes along you will be entering a new decade.

We and Sally's Family met up at Grt Gransma Pegs this mornig to wish her a Happy Mother's Day. Karen provided cake, Rogers House the Coffee and all of us the nattering.

Afterward G & I went offf for lunch at the Bowls Club. We were there last night for a Race Night. G one three pounds as I lost on 7 of the 8 Races. That winner only netted £2. So I now have no money for Peppermints.I am trying to find where she stashes her handbag. I have a rough ides where it is but I do not want to hurt my hands on the barbed wire.

Keep on visiting. Watch our and keep on taking the Tablets. Malaria is horrible we both know.

Bye the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY

All our love

Grandma & Pop xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN FOR MONDAY 3RD - have a great day, hope all is going well still and that you are soon going to send more photos as we love to see them (no pressure there then!) Lots of love Tich, Tony, Sarah and Katie xxxx

We want pictures!

Hello again,

From the carefully edited - by you - reports of your trip all seems to be going well. Good on ya an expression you might find useful in the Antipodies.

Life here goes well. Grandma is off for her second game of bowls this week. Today is Tuesday. I martyr that I am up in the back bed room playing - so it is said - on my computer. No complaints tho.

G and I spent two nights in Eastbourne last Thursday & Friday really enjoyed the stay and a trip to the Theatre there. I over ate and am now on a self imposed diet - two Cow Pies a day.

We spent a few days in Hong Kong in the early 80's. The thing I remember most is having a meal at the Peninsula Hotel, but before that meal sitting in the Cocktail Bar where the Matches in their containers were as big as the average pencil.

Keep on enjoying yourselves You could make a few pence when you get home in writing a comparison of Chow Ming in Beijing. Los Angeles and Tenterden. Look what the food trade did for Celia Smith.

Enjoyed your photos.

Bags of love and affection.

Grandma & Pop XXXXXX

Hi Lauren and friends, We are enjoying your blog and photos -sounds like you are having a great time! Don't spend too much money - leave some for Oz - you will need it to see all the great sights. Looking forward to your next installment, love Tichxxx

Photos are superb,...... The shot of the Great Wall is incredible so very envious,not quite so envious of the COLD! Any sitings of other Cranbrookians, I take it that the Fat Buddha was an Icon and not Presnell stalking you!!! Love to you all XxXxXxXxX