Mum Hi Matthew, Glad to hear you check your messages - it was nice to hear from you. Hope you are enjoying Bali. The photos look good - keep them coming! I have just got back from a very enjoyable trip on Jackies boat. The weather was great most of the time until the final day of cruising, but the shower didnt last long. Had one little mishap when we were approaching a bridge(there is only space for one boat to go through) and waited for the on coming boat to come through. Then to our amazement when he was nearly through he accelerated and steered straight into to us - crash! Everything fell off the shelves the cupboards sprung open and I grabbed hold of KC, as she was standing on the bow tied up, or she would have gone over board! It was a hire boat with obviously a couple of novices trying to steer it - badly! The wally drove straight off without even an appology - we were gobsmacked to say the least. Obviously a MCP- couldnt stand to see 2 women doing a better job than he was!! Now I am back to the grindstone as Kathy is going to Jersey for a week with Maureen tomorrow. It is a very long and laborious day with only 2 of you. The good thing is now that Kathy and Nick realise what hard work my job is, and now plan to reorganise all the tasks - so that was worth the holiday! Enjoy the rest of yours, look forward to the next update. Much love to you Mum xxx

Pop, Janet & Gran Hi Matt, Good to hear from you Keep up the good work Cardiff's highly rated midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to join Arsenal Topsy Ojo insists he is ready to face New Zealand on Saturday (14th June) when he makes his England debut in the first test in Auckland! We are all fine and wish we were there Love and Best wishes from Us

Matt Hi all, Contrary to mum's wonderings i do often check my messages so thanks a lot for all of them. Will try and copy some of the pictures across when we find some faster internet connections. Currently in a small island North West of Bali called Gili Trawangan and the internet is understandably pathetic. This took 25 mins. Love to all, Matt.

Janet Hollands Hello Matthew, I must continue to say your blogs are wonderful, its like reading a book I look forward to the next chapter with eagerness. Your trip sounds just amazing. Do you think you will carry on diving? Swimming with the fish must be very peaceful and calming, unless you see a shark of course! Nick's got some diving gear up here so you can have a go - not guite so warm though! Mind you we have had better weather than the south so far. We have been very busy now since beginning of May which is good. I go away to Jackies tomorrow for 10 days, so I hope the good climate continues. I will catch up on your adventures when I come back. Enjoy Bali and try and post some pictures please. I wonder do you ever read your messages? Look after yourselves and continue having a good holiday. Much Love Mum xxx

Gran Hello Matthew, I sent a message before but the server broke in at the end and said there were problems so I am not sure if I am repeating myself. Anyway, I did enjoy your blog and the photos - especially the two taken in the hidden lagoon. Seems most reomantic to me and something out of a film set. Life on your return to Britain will seem so mundane to you. Glad your'e having a great holiday. Enjoy every moment. Lots of love to you. Gran. x.x.x.

Papa Adrian & Janet Hi Matt, Great to see you're still alive and looking well. Your story telling is excellent....keep it up! Janet & I have returned safely from sailing the Cheshire ring.....a week in Manchester and we had glorious weather! We were in Manchester city centre when Man U won the Premiership! Arsenal have lost Flamini....& are trying to hang on to Hleb and Fabregas....I think we need them for next season but I hope Arsene gets another good goal scorer...?? Love Pop & Janet

Janet Hollands Hi Matthew, What an amazing account of your latest venture it sounds absolutely tranquil, its more beautiful than I imagined. You sound like you have had an exiting time and hopefully you got more pictures than you posted. You should pick up a decent camera there!! Keep on reporting all your adventures, I really look forward to reading them. You are certainly looking well and relaxed in your photos, so the food and drink must be good!! We have actually had some sunshine here recently, but not the same as you. You won't want to come home after experiencing all the different cultures. Have a wonderful time, I don't know how you did the chair fall!!! Much Love Mum xxx

Janet Hollands Hi Matthew, Just looked at Charlottes blog absolutely amazing ! You really are living life to the full - good on you! New Zealand looks wonderful so much to see, are you enjoying the freedom you have - it looks like it! Did you enjoy the bungy? The rafting looked superb as did the canoeing, infact it looks fabulous. Keep them coming its good to know what your up to - livens up the mundane life here(compared to yours anyway) Enjoy yourselves, looking forward to the next update, Love Mum xxx

Gran Hi Matt, Glad to hear you have left South America. I did worry though tried to keep it under control. I have read so many stories of mishaps there. Now, New Zealand, that sounds safe! I have a fried who lives in Nelson who visits me quite often and I understand that life there is more laid back than here. Your father told me that you had been bungy jumping and white water rafting but I didn't read that on your blog. Am I only reading a sanitised blog? Am off now to read Charlotte's blog and see the photos. Enjoy yourselves. Love Gran x.x.x

Mum Hi Matthew, Glad to see you have added to your blogs, sounds fabulous (apart from the tent) keep them coming. Thanks for the card it was great hearing from you. New Zealand will be quite different from your last few months - look forward to reading about it. Life here is much the same, had quite a few guests in. The weather is variable but still a little cold. Kathy now has her caravan and is busy sorting it. We now have to be out by 12th May so still plenty to keep us busy. Can't see if you are going to China, if so be careful. Look forward to hearing from you. Love Mum xx

Pere Adrian Hi Matt, Stu had a good time skiing and as of 29th March moved in to a flat with Amy...so he has been keeping very busy! No worries, I will still be at 85 when you return! Enjoy yourselves. Love, Dad

Mum Hi Matthew, Have just posted a message on Charlottes blog and realized I could have done it on yours! sad aren't I? I have enjoyed reading both of your blogs I feel that I am actually with you when you describe incidents,and the photos are brilliant. What a fabulous experience you are having. You really are looking well on it - and the weather is so much better than ours!! I am really jealous!!! Did you purchase a new camera Mat? Surely you will need one after New Zealand. I see your next stop is Chile(according to your flights) Look forward to the next report with anticipation. Keep them coming they make my day. Kathy and Nick send their love too. Happy Easter Love you Mum xxx

matthollands Hi guys thanks for the messages. Gran- sorry for the lack of photos but i cant be bothered to spend all that time downloading and uploading charlottes photos when you can look at hers. Thanks for the stars but I actually just rated my most recent entry one star by accident. There goes my career as a travel writer. Dad- well done with the handicap. Thanks for the updates too although in our BA appartment we have cable and Iv seen all the games and sports news of late including the England game. Luxury. Take care

Pop Hi Matt, Arsenal are 1-0 down as I type (against Middlesborough) things are not going well...let's hope they can turn it round before the match ends! England won against Ireland at Twickenham..a bit better I hear, Wales are winning v France in Cardiff but only half time I have applied to drive a London bus to Beijing...not likely to be selected but always game for a laugh Look after yourselves, Love Dad

Gran Hi Matt, I rated your blog with five stars but you need more photos - borrow Charlottes! Your travels make my hitch hiking days seem very tame. I am most envious and I enjoy reading about your travels from my armchair. Keep up the good work. Whereto next? Look after yourselves. Love Gran ,