G'day from Adelaide, Oz!

Seems like ages since we last blogged on, so before we leave Adelaide tomorrow let us recap what we've been up to.

After Koh Samui in, we hopped on the ferry north to another island Koh Pha-Nang, famous for its Full Moon Parties. We did manage to get to a Half Moon Party which was an experience! Pha-Nang was one of the best islands we stayed at - just the right size. Great beaches. Amazing food at the local markets (I had a massive barracuda steak with noodles for around about a pound!). Nice people. We even bumped into a girl from our trek in Chang Mai, and met up with Tom from our India trip there. As you can see from the pics we hired a jeep for a few days which was a good idea. It was great havong the freedom to explore more of the island. Whilst we were here we also bumped into someone from Street in the middle of the jungle. Small world, isn't it?!!

We were both really sad to leave Thailand. It was such a great place. The Thais are really friendly and love to have a laugh, and the scenery and beaches are amazing!

From Koh Pha-Nang, we embarked on the 'Incredible(ly long) journey' - over 2 days, 4 countries, countless minibuses and coaches through the rest of Thailand, all of Malaysia, singapore (again!) and onto Australia.

We think we got ripped off a couple of times on the way - being sold a ferry crossing ticket from Malaysia to Singapore when we ended up taking the bridge!! But we made it to Singapore in the end!!

Even though Singapore airport was amazing with loads to do (including a massage which Emili had, and an interactive 65 inch HD TV which i amused myself with!) - after 10 hours there we couldn't wait to get on the plane to Oz!

Eventually at 9.05am on the Saturday morning we touched down in Adelaide. We took an hour to get through immigration, they even wanted to check the soles of our shoes for foreign soil! We finally met Emili's relatives. It was so nice to see them after many emails. We were given a very warm welcome with a traditional Aussie 'barbie' that evening with the family.

As result of over 2 nights without any sleep, we slept in until 3pm the following afternoon. But after that day to recover, we've been chauffered around and shown all the sights. We've ridden quad bikes, fed kangaroos, stroked a koala, got soaked, been to the BIGGEST rocking horse in the world, seen a wild dolphin, sampled some wine in the Barrosa valley, spent the day in Adelaide city, and had a great view of the city at night, been to the Whispering Wall, paddled on the River Murray, played some Aussie Rules, and of course tried some Vegemite!!

We've been staying in Lobethal (which is in the Adelaide Hills, to the east of the city). The scenery has been fantastic, and Jo and Lily have been good driving us around and showing us the country. It has been nice to have had home comforts for a week, and not to have had to worry about packing our bags up every few days!

We've been well fed and watered, and have been made to feel really at home. Emili has enjoyed meeting her relatives.

tomorrow we head from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. We've hired a car for a few days and are going to stop a couple of nights on the way, arriving in Melbourne Thursday night to spend the weekend with friends we met in India.

tomorrow night we're Going straight to Jail, not passing go and not collecting 200 pounds! Its a hostel converted from an old prison. Should be an experience! I'm looking forward to it, but Emili's a bit spooked!

you may notice from phots that finally the beard has gone!! it took all of 2 hours to shave it off - its didn't want to go!

we're going to try and upload some more photos of adelaide now.

Lots of Love

Tim and Emili