It does seem to have been a longer silence gap than usual but that is because we are spoilt. You have kept us all in touch miraculously and we now believe that every mountain village has an internet cafe. Just reading about some of your journeys is exhausting. We now you made really detailed plans bfore you set off but were you prepared for 8 hour journeys in Indian buses? When we used to travel in India with the Hamlyns we did so in min-coaches followed by a car containing freezer boxes of champagne and smoked salmon and stuffed quail for picnic lunches. We stayed in palaces with wonderfully dressed soldiers standing outside the door all night. We travelled with boxes of rose petals which were strewn over the dinner tables at night. So that's one way of seenig a country but your's is certainly more valid as an experience of reality in foreign parts! And in spite of our luxurious travel somebody always got the Delhi-belly - so the price of the food has little to do with its purity.
You will be missing at least two celebrations, of course. Simon's 18th. and Pippa's 50th. Pippa has chosen to have a picnic and Paul has chosen the cliff tops of the Seven Sisters cliffs near Beachy Head as the site. The weather has been so mixed and frequently cold that we are only now opening the pool. Global warming is global cooling in Provence. I expect you have already heard that Simon was one of eight musicians to play at a 'leaving' concert at school Mum and Dad were there and give a glowing account of Simon's performance. Well, they would wouldn't they? But in this case we are sure they were right.
We think you are about to separate (already done it?). We wish both you a continuation of wonderful adventures with happy relaxation times in between. Good luck, whatever. Much love and big hugs. G and T

really good to see your trek photos at last, it feels like we've been waiting patiently but infact you've only been out of contact for a week or so. The trek looked amazing: the combination of the seriously massive icy clad mountains, seducative floral forests and glades and goldilocks colour coordinated shacks is a real winner. Tom must be looking forward to his next stage. So, whats happening with the blog it seems to have decoupled from the photos, maybe you plan to reset the coordinates in the next few days? Hannah must be in Bankock now or heading towards the Thai beaches for a week of warm water wallowing. Lotsof love to you both and be careful .... mumma Charlotte xxxxx

Hey hannah! Wow Nepal looks amazing. I bet you're having a great time. What kind of food do you eat over there? I'll miss you at Simons 18th love you lots Milly xxx

Love the blog and pics as usual. I have replaced as screensaver the pic of Hannah squashed against the glass/tent thingy with 'boat ride at dawn' - the one with the boat that appears to be sinking, with 2 guys pointing, it seems, at something in the water. Somehow this picture seems to sum up life - there's a story, I don't quite know what it is; the boat is sinking, or is it?; some people are pointing the finger of blame; while others just sit and stand by. Another day dawns on the world. Enigmatic, poignant. What is going on? Have fun ... and avoid the sinking boats. J xxx

Hello you two, the sunrise boat trip looked amazing, i got goose pimples! its soo gorgeous, the colours and the random cows in the train station i love it!! i hope u are both ok, tom, u are looking thin, eat more and hannah havn't seen a pic of u in week or two, so put a couple on! love u xx

I'm glad you liked Orchha,my favourite place in the world.but what a pity you didn't contact Indu who was looking out for you!I talk to him regularly on the phone.You would then have had a really good insight into Indian life.

Varanasi is mad by comparison but somewhere you have to see to get a feel for India and Hinduism

Love

Sylvia

Was actually squashed up against a tent. But yes lovely isn't it!

Oh, and by the way, loved the photo of Hannah's nose squashed up against the glass so much that I have saved it as my screen saver. Dahhling! J xxxx

Hi guys, In Uganda's Murchison game park early one morning (many years ago), driving in an open landrover through the long grass, we suddenly came upon a mad, bad, male elephant, flapping his ears, raising his trunk and generally booming at us. I looked at the driver and watched his eyes pop out of his head and little balls of sweat pop out of the back of his neck. Very physical reaction. The driver somehow managed to get us away, in reverse, avoiding the mahusive holes in the ground, while the elephant kept coming. On the river, later, the American tourists were throwing empty coke bottles into the yawning mouths of the assembled crocodiles. Later, one of these morons fed a sandwich to a hippo. I'm thinking "Oh God she's about to loose her arm", and looked at one of the guys running this boat .... and he had a grin going from ear to ear! (I could tell what he was thinking ... with some reason). Anyhow, glad the monkeys didn't get ya! Love, J xxxxxx

Hi Hannah and Tom- just logged on to your travel page having heard about it from Simon and Andrew and yes its true -it looks and sounds like you are having an amazing time. Have really enjoyed your stunning photos and editorial to go with them- what a fantastic experience so far.. and lots more to look forward to . We have just returned from our trip to Verbier and the boys had a great time skiing while I enjoyed my first season as a chalet girl!! Ate far too much and am now sitting at my desk with a plate of salad in front of me catching up on emails while Al is watching Ben playing football in the Spring snow of South Wales!!Becca is on a Lacrosse trip in U.S.A ending up at the weekend in New York sightseeing, shopping and then on to see the New York Knicks v Orlando- nice! Am loving all your blogs- the food sounds as colourful as the surroundings and hopefully by now u are the proud owners of 2 cast iron stomachs!! I remember the traffic in Columbo in Sri Lanka- crazy- you take your life in your hands with any attempt to cross the road!! So keep up with the fab photos and all ur news- we are all very jealous - look after yourselves and of course we all send lots of lovexxxxxx S,A,B and B

It's good to see you both so happy and healthy! News from this neck of the woods is that we have shared our first week in Provence with Sara and Sam. After one day of rain we had a successiuon of beautiful days so Sara , the sun worshipper, has quite a tan to take back to hectic London. Sam has been huddled over his computer for at least 4 hours every day, studying for his A level exam and writing essays with philosphical messages. We were pleased to hear that Dad skiied without damage but sad that Simon missed most of the fun with a tummy bug for company. Spring in Provence is market time so G has been having a ball, choosing plants for her pots and sampling the seasonal vegetables like blett. Our garden is in excellent condition, the chery and almond trees have just finished their blossoming but the big Japanese Cherry tree at the bottom of the lawn is in full bloom with burgundy coloured flowers and berries. In the evening, though, we still have a huge log fire and watch favorite TV programmes. Just had a phone call froma friend in Oxford to say that she couldn't take out her car because the snow was too thick! Sam's summer job is being a waiter in a rather posh LOndon restaurant that is very small so there may not be enough room for customers. Charlie has been sussing out Cambridge collehes and has returned quite enthusiastic. We are not sure if he has gap year plans.G and Sara have been planning the food for Pippa's birthday picnic on a beach to be located by Paul. That brings back memories of your great birthday party on the beach. Fortunately we have photos of that happy time. We are all intrigued by the way your last message ended in .... and have been guessing what the end of the sentence should be. You'd better start with that in your next message to put us out of our agony.
Much love and big hugs and.....

We have SO enjoyed reading your accounts.and what wonderful photos.I've just come back from two weeks in my favourite place of all,Orchha.Isn't India fascinating and aren't the people great,never a word of envy but just curiosity and friendship.Having said this I still haven't understood completely what makes them tick.