Last year I (Gill) decided that I would like to research both sides of my children's family tree. I have spent many many hours sitting at the computer working through a number of family tree websites. However it is never possible to say 'I have finished' as there is always more to do. It is possible to become quite addicted! Peter's maternal grandparents came to New Zealand in late 1922 and his mother, Julie, was the only child born in New Zealand. The older thre...

A late dinner was served during our flight from Hong Kong to London, then the lighting was dimmed and sleep encouraged. We both dosed our way through the night but the twelve hour flight seemed to go on and on. Our flight path took us north over China and the over Russia before eventually west to England. A light breakfast was served just prior to arrival at Heathrow at 04.45 am. Again a fast train ride took us to baggage claim and we departed via the "no declara...

We flew with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, leaving Melbourne at 2.20 pm. The flight was full. We had reasonable seats, with a window and aisle seat. We were impressed with the service provided by Cathay Pacific. We were served lunch and later a light dinner and throughout the entire nine hour flight the attendants offered drinks etc. Our flight took us over Central Australia from Melbourne to Darwin passing near Uluru and Alice Springs then continued north to Hong...

We arrived in Melbourne in 1 May and Peter, in particular, has been very busy since. He has been meeting up with some business colleagues in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney as well as spending many hours sitting at the computer. As for me, my time was mainly spent socialising! We had a lovely evening with a large group of Melbourne friends, many of whom had travelled to our home in Mt Maunganui in March. We always enjoy time together and can easily fill in the tim...

We are always happy to return to Melbourne, and it is still like coming home. We collected a rental car from the airport and drove ourselves to our friends' home in Wheelers Hill. This will be our home for the next couple of weeks. Greg and Jocelyn are heading north for the winter months as many Australian grey nomads do! They leave on Tuesday with their car and caravan and will be away about four - five months. It is so good to spend a few days together before t...