A few pics from the Coromandel - more to come at some point!!

The Last Post

I can't believe I'm writing this. I can't believe it's been 7 months since we arrived in the beautiful country of New Zealand and our adventures began. It's making it really hit home thinking of all the things that have happened to us on our way to this moment, and all the people we've met. It's a bittersweet moment indeed. It has been, and will always be, one of the most amazing experiences we could ever have, we have been so blessed. I know how much it has changed both of us for the better, and helped us to move forwards in ways we never thought possible. There's so many moments that have been really special to us that we haven't been able to share with you, and we wish we could, but we just wouldn't have the time. We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as we have enjoyed writing it; it's been like taking all of our family and friends along with us for this awesome journey. Of course, the journey will continue, with both of us beginning new adventures, but for now, the time of us being dearest companions has come to an end. And so it seems only right to end this blog, as we began it, together. What can we end by saying? We've had the most breathtaking, heartwrenching, sidesplitting time in this incredible place. The only thing I can say that seems to do it justice is that we've lived fully in every moment, whether laughing, crying, or dancing. Farewell to you all. Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Kt and Sally xxx

P.S. For the next part of Kt's adventure go to www.ktnz.blogspot.com. For the next part of Sally's adventure, ring her up (don't text her it's pointless). ha ha!!

A Rushed Ending

Oooh, we've been having all sorts of blog dramas over the last week or two (you might have noticed the dramatic decrease of postage) Lack of internet access and spending hours trying to unsuccessfully upload pictures means that I only have 40 minutes to try and get you up to speed with all our adventures... and this may well be my last blog, as Katie and I are parting in a days time!
Hopefully pics will appear soon to illustrate our high jinx on the Great Ocean Road outside Melbourne and Waheike Island. We headed straight to Waheike on our return to blessed New Zealand soil, and had three great days enjoying beautiful landscapes and an entire hostel to ourselves (apart from a lovely Scotsman called Craig and a lovely dog called Jess). Then we headed to Kate and Pheebs for a weekend of fun (see below).
Now we are in the absolutely stunning Coromandel Peninsula, which is one of the most breath-taking places in this most beautiful of countries! We are staying in a tiny seaside town and have hired a car (the very sexy and hip-hop Carnye), and have spent the last few days bezzing about the countryside. On Tuesday we drove to Coromandel town down the 309, a slightly terrifying track complete with blind hairpin bends and landslides over the road; however, we arrived safely at Coromadel, after stopping in at an ace water park, which had the most amazing playground for adults- flying foxes, a huge hamster wheel, and a flying bicycles ride (wait for the pics, they are awesome!) At Coromandel we went to the Driving Creek Railway, which is a tiny railway built by a sculptor to bring wood and clay down to his pottery. It runs through gorgeous woods and hills, with lots of sculptures nestled in to the bush as you pass- an absolutely amazing place! To top off a simply ripping day, we grabbed fish and chips and ate them by the seaside as the sun went down.
Yesterday we awoke to rain that would not stop for the entire day. We decided that the only thing to do in such weather was eat A LOT of food. So we hot-footed it down to New World supermarket and had a roast chicken dinner for lunch (and scones with jam and cream for afternoon tea). OH MY GOD! The biggest news that I can't believe I haven't mentioned earlier- I have started drinking tea! (Okay, so maybe only Newsomes will understand the hugeness of this event, but believe me, after 24 years of never touching the stuff, this is a big change!) Hello, kt here. Sal didn't know how to continue this post because she didn't know how best to mention the latter part of yesterdays events (hee hee). After our chicken lunch some new folks arrived at the hostel, one of whom was a gorgeous young man by the name of Scott. We had a jovial game of NZ Genius Edition trivial pursuits with said hottie, and his dad Steve, and later that evening we accompanied them to the local karaoke, along with their travelling companion Helen. To cut a long story short, myself, Helen, and Steve went home to bed about 12, but Sally and Scott stayed out and took the long way home, not returning until 3.30ish. I'll leave her to tell you what happened when she sees you. Oy oy!!
Today the sun came out and we had a gorgeous day. We drove to Hot Water Beach and dug a little pool to soak our feet in, very enjoyable. We then drove to hahei (great name) with the hope of having a chocolate fudge brownie at luna caf, but it was closed. Nevertheless we had a scrumptious meal at another caf. We then walked to Cathedral Cove, and then winded our way home for our penultimate night togther before the parting of the ways. More about that above. Adieu. xxx

Spa (ghetti) and the luge

Wow, it feels like ages since we told you anything of our travels. We've been back in NZ for almost a week now, but didn't really have internet access for most of it, hence no updates. It's probably easiest if we start with the present and work our way backwards. We are now at Saturday night, and are in Cambridge once again with the fab Kate, Pheebs (and of course Jason - the sexy beast). We arrived here yesterday afternoon, whiling away the time before Kate and Pheebs finished work with a bit of pool and juke box action (plus a bit of tequila for Sally). We then had an evening of comfort eating, preparing ourselves for a day of both relaxation and fun fun fun on this day of Saturday. This morning we were awoken to Eggs Benedict (cooked by Pheebs - very yummy), then after a bit of trimming the verge we made our way to egg town (aka rotorua) and went for a dip in the termal pools at the polynesian spa. Toasty. (This is us 'beyonceying' in the water). After a spot of lunch we headed up the skylift for lugeing it large, and how we loved it. There is talk of Kate and Pheebs getting a season pass. Anyone who passes through rotorua should give it a whirl it's ace. We finished our day with another round of spag bol and chocolate rum cake, this time with the added delight of pate to start. A good day was had by all.

Wahey NZ, we're home!!

Yo! Just a quick post to say we are back in this beautiful country of New Zealand, and what better way to return than to a gorgeous immigration inspector - phwoar!! NZ men, we love em!! xx

Stingray Swings!

Mine and Katie's mission to meet all of the cast of Neighbours came a step closer to completion last night... we met Stingray! We went to see his band play, unsure what to expect, and stunned by what we found. He was playing in a lovely little bohemian bar, that served raspberry gin fizzes (yum) and had huge sofas to lounge about on. I think we were the only backpackers in there- it was filled with people that all appeared to be friends of the band, including one crazy cat who was doing the splits and wearing a bicycle helmet as a fashion accessory. The band itself was ace! They played jazz and swing standards (certainly not what we expected), and Stingray crooned such classics as 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', 'Mr Bojangles' and 'Feelin' Good'. We were having a fab time already, but then the evening got even better. During his break, the man himself came and sat down next to Katie and started chatting to us! He told us that he was tired as he'd been working all day, but we were both far too cool to shriek "We know! You're in Neighbours!!" In fact, we were a bit too cool- we didn't ask him for a photo with us. But here you see me with a box of matches he picked up off the floor- yes, Stingray's hand has touched them. It was a great night and Stingray was lovely; perhaps I might have got a little merry as the evening progressed, but under the circumstances, I feel it is entirely justified!

Sally is it you?!!

Yes, my friends, since you last saw Sally in the last post that you saw, she has undergone a hairy transformation!! Ha ha you fools, no she has not suddenly got loads of body hair transplanted on to herself , who would do such a thing?! No, she has had the snip and is now the gorgeous lady that you see below (yes I know she was already totally gorgeous - and a lady, but she's now got an extra smattering). Ta da....















And not only that but we went for a little shop after our reuniting, and she found this beautiful dress in Portmans. Your votes are needed as to whether she should buy it or not (results will be posted here shortly). Regarding the post below, instead of EVERYONE saying hi, perhaps YOU ALL could vote, and thus make us aware of your existence. A simple yay or nay will suffice.

P.S. Sally can't stop touching her hair, i keep catching her out of the corner of my eye. hee hee, she knows she looks ace!! (And no Anna, I don't mean like Ace Parker, though I'm sure he looks ace too!)

Phillip Island

Wow, what a lot of response to the last post - and from people we haven't heard from in a while - we're lovin it!! Now I don't know if we should tell you all this, but you don't really get much chance to speak to the guys at the neighbours night, and especially not Toadie. Ned and Libby chatted a bit while we were sorting ourselves out for the photos, but there's quite a few people there, and they have to get round every table so everyone gets a photo. Toadie was like "do you want a photo? ok" then posed and away he went. He's pretty vocal on the old mic but that's about it. It is a good night overall though, with a nice atmosphere, so if you're ever here then go (not that you'll need much persuading I'm sure). I think the tour of Ramsay Street may be a better way to meet some of the cast for more of a chat. Anyhoo. Yesterday (being Wednesday) saw us move from Urban Central (a backpackers that had been recommended to us, but was not up to our standards at all - the kitchen was tiny with no washing up liquid, no tea towels, my food got stolen, and we were put in a mixed dorm which we were not expecting, and i know they can't help it, but boys smell). Yes, anyway, we moved from there to YHA Metro, a much better establishment for the likes of us. We were then whisked away on a tour (oh how we love going on tours) to Phillip Island with stops at a winery...

..for a wine tasting sesh, where we both discovered that we liked port, when we both had previously thought we disliked it. Then onto a wildlife sanctuary where we got to meet a koala, stroke a wombat, and feed some cheeky Wallabies and Kangaroos

The Koala below was carrying a little baby (koala obviously) in her pouch, which you can just make out if you look closely enough. oh and we also saw some Tazmanian Devils "arrashplggha" - that was an attempt at writing Taz's noise. Not very successful I feel.

We had a bite to eat at the caf, and then those who wished to could go on a helicopter flight over the surrounding coast, but seeing as we'd already been on probably one of the best helicopter rides in the world, we opted for time at the beach instead. And what a gorgeous beach it was (there would be a picture here, but blummin blogger won't do it for some reason argh). Then it was on to see some non-existent seals and far too existent seagulls, and finally to the penguin parade to see the little penguins make their journey from the sea up to their homes. They're quite noisy wee things, but sooooo adorable the way they waddle, especially when they try to go fast. But there can be no pictures of that as flash blinds them, and so they wouldn't be able to fish and would die. Not something we want to happen. Today is mooching around Melbourne, but another tour is planned out to the Great Ocean Road in the next couple of days, and maybe a trip to the Gaol and Fitzroy Gardens. Pitcures will surely be taken.

Last but not least my good fellows, we have a request to make of you ALL. We have come to understand that many people view our delightful little blog, but for one reason or another do not make us aware of their presence. We would love it if everybody who payed us a visit (even those who have previously commented - yes we mean ALL) could just leave their name - no need to write a comment, just your name, and maybe a hello - so that we know you are there. That would make us unbelievably happy. Kt and Sal. xx

Everbody Needs Good Neighbours

Here they are guys, the pics you've all been waiting for ever since yesterday!! Are you all jealous, i think you are?! Hee hee, we love this one, us and Toadie!!
Ourselves and Ned..

Us with Libby..

And one from the dancefloor where we were rocking out to Dr K and 'Waiting Room'!!

Pics from the Blue Mountains

Ok, we know they're late, and the neighbours photos are much more exciting, but just so you didn't miss out on a week of our Australian travels, here are the first few of some photos from our week of travelling that saw us in the Blue Mountains, Central Mangrove, and back to Syd. We had two days of rain as seen below, but soon the sun came out and revealed stunning landscape:

Here's Katie with the three sisters behind her (those big rocks):

And me descending the giant's starway (900 steps in all, note I said descending, not ascending):

...Australian bush...

And the route of the scenic railway, the steepest railway in the world- it was more like a fairground ride than a method of transportation, and they played the Indianna Jones music too! We started at the white blob in the valley, and ended at the white blob on the top of the cliff, the whole journey taking about 30 seconds with us clinging on for dear life:

The beautiful blue mountains in the late afternoon light...

...And me in my ace hat!

Yes they are very blue indeedy...

And here are some caves. Not containing Ted, Dougal, or Richard Wilson, damn it! They were very spectacular nonetheless and very big.

A Happy Birthday

Thanks for all the birthday wishes guys! I did indeed have a most glorious day. It started off in the best way it could, with chocolate cake for breakfast at the Lindt cafe:
Then Katie and I took a stroll down the botanical gardens where we enjoyed more food (a salad this time!) before heading to the opera house to see Lakme. This is us, excited on the opera house steps, though whether we were more excited about seeing the opera or eating more Lindt chocolate was hard to say.

The opera was ace, exquisitely staged and beautifully sung. And who should we find waiting for us as we came out but Sarah (the lady whose magical fairytale house we stayed at last week). We headed for the gardens again, as Katie was determined to get a picture of me with a cockatoo on my shoulder wearing my birthday pressie. That didn't happen, but nevertheless, I present a photo of me for your viewing pleasure:

That's right! Katie got me a Jack Sparrow hat for my birthday (also thanks to Rhys for the 'tache and eyepatch). Wow! It's the coolest hat in the world. Costumes for halloween are now sorted for the rest of my life. She also got me a big book about pirates, that I intend to read on the plane on my way home. Here's a picture of the cut-throat herself, and Sarah, with a beautiful Sydney sunset:

We then went to Darling Harbour for a meal and drinks to round off a lovely day. Chocolate and dressing up on my birthday- surely this means it will be the greatest year ever!