In my defense we did go away for a week and I have been trying to get some guitar practise in. However, excuses aside I shall begin.
So Rachel has been working really hard and whilst she had booked a week off, we hadn't really got round to booking anything so I decided to take the bull by the horns!
I visited a place called King William Travel with the thought that I would receive some advice of a travel nature from this establishment but this proved to be a misguided notion. Upon entry I was greeted and asked to take a seat for a 'consultant' to become available. As I sat perusing an out of date and well thumbed National Geographic I could hear a 'consultant' placating a clearly irate customer on the phone.
'No madam......I see.....well I'm sorry you feel that way....No, it wasn't a construction zone, they were doing some light repairs......no madam I wasn't there.....No but I can assure you......Well that is of course your prerogative......thank you for your call.' [Slams phone down] ....'stupid bitch' 'oh'
'Hello sir can I help you?'
'Yes I'm looking to go on a working holiday, perhaps a construction site or suchlike do you have anything like that?'
Sheepish grin.
Anyway I explain that I don't really know where to go on holiday as we are new to the country and perhaps they could proffer some suggestions. Half expecting them to say England I was stunned when she said that I had to have some idea in order that I could be sent to the appropriate desk. Deciding to play along I said that I would prefer the southern hemisphere although I was open to suggestion. I get sent to sit a Graham's desk. Feeling mildly like I had been sent to see the headmaster I gingerly suggest Bali as a destination. Within about ninety seconds Graham had read my mind and told me my holiday resort, room type, flight details and price and was asking for my credit card. Stunning considering I had actually only said one word to him, 'Bali'. Perhaps there is only one place with one room served by one flight in Bali.
It was at that point that I decided I would make my exit. I simply stood up and left mildly stunned pausing only to apologise for being such an inconvenience to them.
Undeterred and with the kids in Kindy for another few hours I decide to try my luck again. This time I walk into a place called 'The Flight Centre' at Fulham Gardens. I am greeted by a cheerful chap whose name was Matt. No I was not looking in the mirror but it did bode well.
The experience couldn't have been more different, dare I say polar opposites. Excellent in every way and with advice flowing left, right and centre. Strangely enough I ended up booking Bali and it was fantastic. Thank you Flight Centre Matt!
A few pics for you!
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| Everyone needs a good holiday novel |
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| Groovy. |
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| butter wouldn't melt..... |
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| human climbing frame |
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| Grin on a stick |
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| This is part of an amazing temple complex buried in a forest inhabited by loads of monkeys. It was like a mad film set, incredible!
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| We went to a great water park. The most amusing thing being the safety leaflet saying that the rides we not suitable for pregnant women, or people with a heart or lunch condition. I'm still not sure what a lunch condition is. |
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| This is how room service made up Lucy's bed. Too cute. |
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| Just what you need on a hot day, a can of refreshing chilled SWEAT. |
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| Asleep on the Elephant |
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| crying Buddah |
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| The Bali sunshine had remarkable folical effects. very odd! |
The harmonica is actually being played by the elephant!
Tom shows his appreciation of Balinese music. I'm inclined to agree with him.
Our guide told us that there was a government programme to increase the population which was interesting. But I was mildly alarmed to see this lorry delivering sacks to the hospital!!!
That is some programme!
Other things that have happened......
Tom is going to start school the day after his birthday. It just so happens that you can start the term after your fifth birthday and the term starts on the 17th October so just in the nick of time! We have had a look around the school and it is lovely and Tom is very excited to be going to Big School. It felt very strange and makes you wonder where the time has gone! Another milestone approaching.
The kids have started swimming lessons and are coming on in leaps and bounds which is actually useless in a swimming pool so I have told them to stop leaping and bounding and start swimming!
Going to and from Bali, the 'Trunkies' were like a tourist attraction. People were stopping and staring and many Japanese travellers took photo's of the kids riding them. mildly odd. The kids really got into riding them and caused mayhem. Excellent.
Welcome to the world little Lexie, a new cousin for Tom and Lucy. Congratulations Colin and Sam and Josh too.
Tom's bike riding is getting better by the day. We have a tow-bar thing that we can hitch him to is he get tired but he really can ride a fair distance.
Really looking forward to Gogs and Grandpa arriving. The kids and us are very excited. Not long now.
Loving the guitar but need to spend more time on it.
Some friends we have made are leaving to head back to the UK in a couple of weeks and will be missed. Travel safely Jess, James, Bella and Livvy. Keep in touch.
Officially the 10th day of winter today. 16C and sunny during the day. However it is very chilly in the evenings and early mornings and given that they build their houses here in what appears to be cardboard and single 5mm glazing with draughts everywhere and no heating I will be glad when spring arrives. I've even had to buy a fleece! Given the dubious quality of the buildings and their somewhat temporary feel, I have told the children to be wary of any wolves that they see that are huffing and puffing and to tell me immediately so we can avert disaster.
Well I hope that this has made up for my Blog drought.
Speak again soon.
Missing you all. xx
Amor absentia alitur
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