Great Barrier Reef

2nd Sep. I am in Port Douglas at the moment with Jan and Katie. Great place here. Actually went for an introductory dive on the reef two days ago! Brilliant, also saw a whale in one of the bays yesterday. Amazing!

Post Ozbus - Sydney

Since the last blog I have been having a busy but interesting time in the great cosmopolitan city of Sydney. So much to do that a week is not enough time, the Sydney Tower, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Aquarium, the Zoo, the Walk from Bondi to Coogee, the ferry to Manly, the walk around the Opera House and Sydney harbour Bridge, exploring the Rocks and the walks around the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Harbour Speed Boat Trip and that's not even mentioning the shops and numerous other museums and art galleries!! And I nearly forgot the day visit to the Blue Mountains yesterday which was awesome!!

But the real plus of the week has been seeing Jan and Katie for the first time in over three months!! They have slowed me down though, I am so used to going through cities at a rate of knots with OzBus that they have been left puffing behind me as I rush to do all the sights. On the down side the OzBus’ers have slowly been saying goodbye over the last week and a half. Some have gone west whilst others have gone south and some like me north. Some have also gone to New Zealand to do the grand tour there for a further 18 or 27 days. Lucky things.

Today (27th Aug) I made it to Cairns in Queensland whilst Jan and Katie take a slower pace for three nights in Brisbane. I have a day’s snorkelling planned for tomorrow and a trip to the Rainforest for Friday. The Aboriginal Art is also something I want to see more of in this area!

I have been trying to slow down since coming off the OzBus but seem to want to keep on going!! How will I cope with the same house and bed every night? The last week has been really strange, one bed and one backpackers lodge!

I hope soon to post some of my photos of the trip so keep on watching!

Best wishes from down here to all up there!

Final leg to Sydney

18th August. Since the last blog we have completed our travelling through the length of Australia!

11th August we travelled to the world famous Kings Canyon. 12th to Ayres Rock and seeing the sunset on Uluru. The 13th started with a 5am awakening to see the sun rise on Uluru! The nights of the 12th and 13th were my first experience of sleeping in a swag bag, and it was under the cold Australian sky. The stars were awesome even though it was minus 2 degrees and frosty, the bag was so warm and comfy! We also visited the Olgas, a group of rocks very near to Uluru and equally impressive.

The 14th meant a long journey to Coober Pedy, made famous by the discovery of the worlds best opals. Coober Pady is a desert town and the safest place to live is underground. Everything was underground even the churches and we visited the 'underground Catholic Church' which sounds very suspicious! But not to be left out the Anglican Church was also underground. Our accommodation was a large dormitory cut out of the rock which was surprisingly comfy and warm on a freezing evening - it was the remains of an Opal mine!

The 15th meant another long drive to our first large Australian City. Adelaide was impressive and the girls on the bus were very happy to find out the shops were open late for a bit more shopping. The 16th meant that Narrandera was our destination. A small out of the way place with very good camping facilities. We were told that we were only 100 kilometres away from the snow line here and it felt like it. With the exception of Adelaide, Coober Pedy and Darwin our evenings were spent under canvas! The other nights have been in hostels.

The 17th was the final leg, leaving Adelaide and going via Canberra to Sydney. Canberra was reminiscent of an old American town of the east coast and it was great to visit the Capital and the Parliament building. We arrived at Sydney just after 6 last night to have photos taken overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Last night meant a PARTY!! And we all enjoyed ourselves at "The Gaff" which provided us with free meals. (Great to have fish and chips).

So what else can be said? Australia has meant really long days on the bus travelling on really long roads through deserts and between salt lakes seeing sheep, kangaroos, cows, wallabies and loads of wedge tailed eagles eating road kills. And loads more!! Our guide Mark Raine of Venture Tours Australia made this part of the trip extra special. So thanks to him.

So much more has happened. There have been arguments and fall outs and making up and laughing and crying. Making new friends and also meeting people who you perhaps wish you never had. In fact this journey would have been a great Big Brother TV programme. Perhaps this will happen soon.

But this has been a wonderful time and has given me so much to think about. I have especially been challenged by the faith of many people from all over the world from all types of religions. (Also the faith and spirituality of those who say they have no faith!!)

As I am running out of time all I can say is "Thanks" to all who have accompanied me on this journey and made it so special. I have moaned at times but it has all been a part of the journey. I'll try to update the blog with photos soon or even get up and running with Facebook!!

Thanks for reading.

Martin

Darwin to Alice Springs

Getting to Oz (6th) has been another culture shock. Leaving behind the rice and noodles and cheap food of Indonesia and Asia generally, to be served a beef pie on the plane to Darwin (delicious) and then experience the reality of having to pay a proper price for your meal.

Oz is now in winter but Up Top (Northern Territories) and here in the centre it is not too cold during the day. The nights however are freezing and we notice it in our tents when our sleeping bags most definitely require the additional liners we were advised to bring with us.

Darwin was a sleepy kind of city and we awoke on the first morning having to find our own breakfast due to a mix up with bookings. This was no problem and for me, egg and bacon was on the cards.

We wasted no time and by 10am were on the road with our new tour guide Mark. He is FAB and gives us so much information about Australia and the Aboriginal tribes of the NT. There are about 700 tribes in Oz with their own languages and religions, and the places we have visited have had numerous examples of Aboriginal art that needed to be described for us. Many have children’s stories behind them that underline a moral or principle of religious belief.

The understanding of the earth and various rocks are also described in similar ways. The Devils Marbles which we visited yesterday were breathtaking and again our guide told us how they were formed and about the Aboriginal beliefs surrounding them.

We have seen some interesting pieces of water while being here. Edith Falls was a great place to swim but we were warned about salties! Katherine Gorge (8th) was a great place to canoe or take a boat. In fact the very first morning in Oz we visited the local river to see salties being fed. Some of them are over 100 years old and can still jump for their dinner!! (Catching pieces of meat dangled from a rope).

We have seen some amazing sunsets too. The evening at Ubirr watching the sun go down sat on the huge red rocks overlooking the plains to the sea was ...!! (Can't describe the beauty). However, we were warned to get off the rock asap after sunset as it took only 10 minutes for the rock to be covered by mosquitoes!

Yesterday (10th) was the longest travelling day in Oz, we left at 5am and arrived in Alice Springs at 8pm last night. We did of course make a few stops at interesting places on the way and last night was a first for many of us as we arrived at Bojangles Saloon for a meal. SUPERB! I had Kangaroo whilst others had crocodile or camel or buffalo. I managed to taste most of what was on offer and it was GREAT!

We have swam and walked and laughed and done so much in a short period of time here in Oz. Perhaps the funniest experience was whilst camping at Daly Waters (9th). Only about 6 people live here but the pub and camping site had about 150 people there. We enjoyed the beer and food whilst being entertained by an old Australian touring entertainer. He sung us Waltzing Matilda whilst wearing a hat in the shape of a house and he then put his live hen on top. He described this chicken as some type of Eagle...He got us laughing and having a real good time.

Thank you to him and the rest of Oz for giving us such a great welcome!

Australia

Clancye is the greatest!

Not long now before the short flight to Oz!

In the meantime Indonesia has been a surprising discovery. People are so friendly and the scenery has become more breathtaking the further south we travelled. I always imagined that crossing the Equator for the first time would be special with the sun shining. However the reality was a very dull day. But we still enjoyed the moment with plenty of photos being taken.

On the ferry to Java the highlight was seeing Darren attempt to dance with a karaoke singer in the executive suite! This sounds posh but only consisted of a comfortable seat and air conditioning for which we had to pay a small fee.

Reality also set in well and truly with some very long days again on the bus, some of up to 14 hours, e.g. today we left Mount Bromo at 5am to arrive in Bali 14 hours later! But it has all been worth while. We have seen whole communities fishing on the beaches of Pangandaran. The beautiful Buddhist stupor of Borobudur was followed by what for me has been the most breathtaking scenery of the whole trip - Mount Bromo, a volcano over 2200 meters above sea level. We walked to the volcano passing a Hindu temple at its base. Then climbed the side and looked into its heart. Several of us (including me) managed to walk the circumference of the peak and spot several other volcanoes in the distance, this included Clancye which is described as the greatest! (I did promise to mention this on the blog). The late afternoon meant a jeep ride to the nearest mountain top for photos of the sunset. I can't describe the beauty. Several volcanoes were spouting out their smoke and were lit by the fading reds and oranges of the sleeping sun.

Today the crossing to Bali was choppy and one of the first things to notice was that this island is most definitely Hindu. This contrasts so much with the rest of this former Dutch colony which is Muslim with a significant Christian population too.

I suppose I should also mention that the bus has certainly had some tensions amongst its people. The main difficulty being the rush for a good seat with leg room each morning. This has got worse in Indonesia as the bus had seats with different leg lengths. The bus was also smaller that previous busses used so we have had to carry luggage in the passenger area. Not a too pleasant experience for some!! Hopefully this will not happen from now on. I have been told that the busses in Australia are good.

We now rest in Bali tomorrow before going to "The Land Down Under".

As a final note I think I should mention something our guide Anto said in passing about the religions of Indonesia. He explained that the majority of people are Muslims but that all people here are tolerant to each other and for that reason people all get along together. On that note I think I should go to bed and look forward to a rest tomorrow.

"Night night and God Bless"

Back to the tough road!

What a week it has been!

I write from the southernmost part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra but we have been through Malaysia, as well as Sumatra, at breakneck speed in one week!!

Malaysia seems just a blur now. e.g. We only managed to have 3 hours at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Still it was very impressive and whilst we did not manage to get to the observation bridge we had a great time shopping in the ultramodern shopping mall at its base.

So far Indonesia has been something very different! The roads are bumpy and unmade in lots of places and I was expecting to see huge forests, but the deforestation has been tremendous. The first 3 days of our travels have been through miles and miles of plantations of Palm Oil trees. There also seems to be loads of motorbikes on lorries making their way somewhere, but I don't know where. Can any one tell me as there are thousands of them!!?

Days on the bus have been long here with travel times of between 12 to 14 hours every day. Boredom is tending to creep back in again, so the crosswords and games are doing the rounds.

Some people have also decided to leave the bus and catch up later. Some are in Kuala Lumpur. Others are in Singapore whilst the party animals have gone to Bali to await our arrival in a weeks time. They knew this stage of the journey would be hard so they have taken another option!!

One highlight of the week was the crossing of the Equator. We duly left the bus for photos at the sign that simply read Equator. It was great for those of us who have not been so south before.

So we have been this week:
22nd July we left Koh Samui for Hat Yai.
23rd July we entered Malaysia and stayed in Penang.
24th To Malacca
25th To Indonesia and Pekanbaru
26th To Jambi
27th To Lahat
28th To Bandar Lampung

I need some dinner now so till next time BYE!

Back to Thailand

Since the last blog I have been reflecting about the experience in Myanmar. Thailand is so modern and up to date, yet the country next door has so much need. Words cannot describe the difference and it brings home to me the need for a government who cares for its people.

Since coming to Thailand the group has divided and some have chosen to do their own thing avoiding Myanmar. We are more or less back together now and have spent time sharing our experiences.

Our first night on Koh Samui (18th) there was a full moon party on Ko Pha Ngan. There was also a torrential storm during the evening which put some of us off going - including me. The following morning I discovered that it was "a good night" but there were some mishaps! One of the group was robbed, another lost 1000 Bhat. One of the group fell of the jetty into the briny whilst trying to save their bucket of gin. Yet another ended up in hospital with a foot injury! Loads had hangovers but the music was reportedly wonderful.

Whilst the hotel was quite with the sound of hush from recovering party mongers....I spent the next day with 3 others hiring a jeep. We were told to put in 300 Bhat of petrol and that would be enough. We managed to see some impressive waterfalls and drive round the island before the jeep broke down on the way to an evening meal. I had to get a taxi home and then entered into debate with the hire company about compensation for the taxi and petrol used. They were very good and handed over all I asked for! We got the jeep for nothing! So result!

Today (22nd) we travelled to Hatyai Songkla which is in the very south of Thailand. We go to Malaysia tomorrow. Tonight was a meal with friends as a local group sang John Denver’s well known song "Im aleavin osa jeet Stain". Wonderful, it kept us amused.

Myanmar "the Happy Room"

I have made it through Myanmar!

I never really thought that this part of the trip would happen. The recent typhoon on top of the political situation in the country meant I was not really expecting to have the chance to visit. I also had the personal decision to make about going to the country and possibly getting in the way of any aid work that might be going on there.

However, we did go and I am so glad we did.

The title for this blog comes from our local guide in Myanmar called Min who would describe a toilet as a "Happy room". He was great and told us so much about the places we visited. He really loves his country.

The first stop at Inle Lake (13th) introduced us to those people in Myanmar who live quite literally 'on the water'. Going for an early morning boat ride across the lake we saw children going to school by boat, large vessels carrying vegetables to the markets and fishermen using their legs in order to paddle boats in a very peculiar way. There were also floating gardens which seemed to cover miles of water, all floating on weed and bamboo and supporting loads of tomatoes and peppers! The only noise was the occasional motor boat going by. Everything else was paddle power!

Our visit to Bagan (14th) introduced us to what I would consider to be one of the wonders of the world. Over a plain there were 4,400 temples and stupas. We were told that at one time there were over 50,000 stupas here. All the stupas pointed upward and you just kept bumping into them. At sunset the sight was breathtaking. Golden and red and brown and white spires glowing in the reflective beauty of the sun.

At Pyay (16th) I managed to find a Baptist church and walked into a prayer meeting at 7.00 in the morning. I joined them and was given a lovely welcome.

We eventually arrived in Yangon (17th) and drove passed the office of the democracy movement. No lights on but a small sign defiantly stating its purpose. This was just around the corner from our hotel. The hotel also overlooked the Shwedagon Temple which we later visited. The temple was the site of the freedom riots last year and there was a large police presence as we entered. Strange going to a place of worship that was so well protected by the police and army!!

We also discovered that Myanmar has now got a new capital. Instead of Yangon it is Naypyidaw. This is nearer to China and away from any troublesome Buddhist temples! This change only happened a month ago and the old government buildings are now left empty. The old university is also standing empty, this was a place of student riots in the past. Because of this the government closed the Uni and moved it to the villages. We saw the old army headquarters which was directly opposite the city zoo. The army HQ had 3 fences around it, the zoo had only one! Who do you think are the most dangerous?

This leads me to comment on the storm damage of the recent Typhoon. There was a lot of it in Yangon which was the northern most part of the storm. We were not allowed to travel anywhere near the area of real need. We did however see a row of Red Cross lorries waiting outside the Red Cross HQ. They looked loaded up and ready to go.

As we left Yangon we also organised a collection amongst ourselves which we gave to local sources. We also raided our first aid kits and backpacks for anything that might be useful to leave behind. These things were again left with a local person who assured us that it would get to the points of need quickly.

The day we arrived in Yangon we visited the Taukkyan War Cemetery. In this cemetery are the remains of 27,000 soldiers, mainly allied forces from the Second World War. Within 2 minutes of being there I discovered 2 VC's and hundreds of soldiers from Welsh and Yorkshire regiments - very touching for me as these are the 2 places of the UK that touch my heart. Many died in November 1944 fighting for Freedom. It seems to me that in Myanmar the fight still goes on.

People we met who were brave enough, told us how fed up with their government they were. But most are afraid to say anything.

There is so much poverty in this country that is also rich in natural resources.

We saw very expensive houses in Yangon which are owned by Government people. They were surrounded by razor wire! In contrast ordinary people were scratching a living and many complained that since the typhoon things were worse because there "are no visitors to purchase our goods". We were told that at the present time only 50 tourists a day are entering Myanmar! We were a part of that statistic.

Now in Thailand again (18th) there is such a lot to think about. The contrast is so big with Myanmar which is struggling to become a happier place for all its people.

Indonesia

Namaste

The way of greeting people in Nepal is to put your hands in the praying position and to say 'Namaste". Nepal has given us all a great bit of Namaste! The welcome has been amazing and the whole experience one not to be missed. Since my last blog of a few days ago I realised that one or two items were not mentioned and really should have been. One was the waterfall shower we used during our 2 days rafting. It was one of those Hollywood moments that you never expect to happen in reality. Claire especially enjoyed this and I think she would have stayed there for ever! Another high was the rafting experience and seeing Marshall fall in the water a few times - it certainly cooled him down! Having meals prepared for us at the side of the river was also a high spot. Such good food and then we washed the dishes in the river for next time!

Coming back to Calcutta India (or Kolkata as it is now known) was a reality check though, AWFUL HOTEL! Nepal has many problems to face, e.g. I was severely challenged by seeing so many children sniffing glue openly in the streets. There were a few occasions when these kids were also begging and instead of giving money I gave a bottle of pop or a packet of biscuits or crisps, They ran away like animals in order to feed (I would love to do something to help these kids). But Calcutta was indescribable, the poverty, the smell, smoke, noise and garbage... At 7am I went for a 10 minute walk and there were people sleeping everywhere. It needs to be experienced to believe. Again a great challenge and I would not know where to begin!

I was glad to get to Bangkok! Clean hotels and great food again! A late night party with a mix of us middle aged and younger ones which led to too many drinks being had! (I hope I did not disgrace myself but I will never drink Tequila again!). I was told buy Irish Laura that "I needed to just learn how to drink it" – lick salt first, then drink, then bite the lime. Never again.

During the night I did also manage to have an interesting chat with Dan about faith. We talked about Stephen Hawking and lots more. I think we bored those around us but I really enjoyed it. I love it when people are not afraid to talk about faith issues. They challenge me and keep me asking questions about so many things, poverty and suffering in particular.

Now (11th) I am in Chiang Mai. Only 24 of us have come. We have a new Oz Bus which is so clean and smart. Later today we travel to see some Buddhist temples and countryside. Then to the Myanmar border. I have decided to go to Myanmar as I don't think not going will do any good. Perhaps the more people that go the better for the people of that country.

Best wishes to all.

Viva Nepal

In Kathmandu we encounter Hindu and Buddhist worship in all its colour and splendour, there are temples and monasteries galore. Many in our group were fascinated by those temples celebrating the Karma Sutra! (I didn't look).

Hindus also believe Kathmandu is the home of Kumari, a living goddess. We saw her and it caused a great deal of discussion amongst group members. Apparently the Hindu believes that the Kumari is an incarnation of one of the gods. She is chosen by holy men to be the Kumari at about the age of 4, and she then retains this position until she starts menstruation when a new Kumari is chosen.

For me and 5 others who stayed in Kathmandu white water rafting in the Trishuli, Marshyangdiand Kali Gandaki rivers was the order for the next 2 days (4th/5th). We had great meals produced on the river bank and in the home of the one of the locals that put anything organised by Ozbus to shame - that would not be hard from my experience.

Then to Pokhara (5th) for 2 days trekking (Sarankot Hill, and Peace Pagoda via the Devi Falls) in the hot sticky weather. The hotel has been good, the food great and cheap, and the walking so spectacular. We awoke today to see from our bedrooms the tops of snow capped mountains in the Annapurnas.

Others have also done their own thing and those on the bus have had to face travelling back to India on a minibus as the big bus has broken down!! Not surprising given the roads we have travelled, the bus has been through a lot!!

Tomorrow (8th) the six of us return to Kathmandu, then Calcutta on Wednesday for one night before going to Bangkok! The border between India and Mayanmar is closed so we knew that we needed to fly for this short part of the journey.

I already know I want to come back to Nepal.

Nepal redeems all!

Varanasi was a place of culture and religion that lifted our view of India. Most of us managed to visit the various Ghats dedicated to the Hindu gods. We also enjoyed a few trips up the Ganges to observe the funeral pyres - these are continuous (24/7)!!

We were all told different things about the reason why some Hindu's are not cremated. I was told that babies, deaths from cobra bites, Holy Men, homosexuals and lepers were not cremated as cremation is passage to heaven for the Hindu and all these categories need to be reincarnated to reach perfection for heaven. Cremation is the only way to heaven.

I also asked if any people got sick from washing in the river and drinking it. The guide said that the 'Ganga' was his mother and that his mother would do nothing to hurt him or other Hindus. We observed a huge number of cremations and also dead bodies and dead cows and dogs floating down the river. Despite all this it was a moving experience.

Whilst here another trip going to Australia from London pulled in. It was a large lorry with a converted container for people to travel in. They had started their journey in March and don't get to Aussie till November!! I am truly glad not to be on that one. I also met a girl from York on that trip.

From Varanasi we went for a stop over in Gorakhpur (1st July). We spent ages looking for western style restaurants but the nearest we found was "Choudreys" an Indian style MacDonald’s. The food was fine. But the town...best to say nowt!

During all this time many, including me, kept having stomach problems so we have needed to eat wisely and only small amounts. We are nearly all recovered now with only one of us having to go ahead to Thailand in order to recover!!

Yesterday (2nd) we travelled to Kathmandu in Nepal, another trek! We left at 6am and arrived here at 10.30pm.!! The crossing from India was pretty straight forward and the difference when we crossed the border very noticeable - more order and tidiness etc.

This morning we awoke to a great breakfast which included fried potatoes! Then off for a flight around Everest which was another WOW! Already Nepal is proving to be amazing! We have also got great cafes and bars here with great menus so what else do we need!!??

As things have been so hectic and illness so rife many of us are taking the opportunity to stay longer in Nepal and then catch up with the OzBus in either Calcutta or Bangkok. In fact half of us are staying. I have decided to have two days white water rafting then going for 3 nights to Pokhara. The first day in Pokhara will be a trek, then a day to chill out and see the town. We will return to Kathmandu on the 8th to fly to Calcutta on the 9th.

Someone has asked about the things we do to pass time on the bus. Well we do have ‘Fact of the Day'. We try to find an interesting fact to share and also decide who might like to sponsor the fact, e.g. did you know that the people of Ireland send more text messages per head of population than any other country in the world?

Just thought I should also mention some of the painful things people do here in Kathmandu, e.g. Jenny and Kate had their tongue pierced. Jenny said it was done down a dirty backstreet for only seven quid! I think it looks good but none of my daughters had better get it done! I think they did this after serious thought and not just after the boredom of the trip yesterday.

I now need to get my kit ready for the next week so perhaps no blog for a while! Unless we find some internet in Pokhara.

Taj Mahal

June 28th. The Taj Mahal at 6am, a wonderful sight. The Taj Mahal itself was smaller that I thought it would be, but a very peaceful experience. The biggest hustle was to get a photo on the Princess Diana seat - I managed to get one.

Then we then faced a journey to Lucknow. After taking a wrong turning we found our way on the road to Varanasi so we carried on and are here for 3 nights. It was a long and tiring drive from Agra involving a 2 hour wait on the highway for an accident to be cleared following monsoon rains. We left Agra at 9am and arrived at 2.30 am!!! We explore Varanasi today and tomorrow.

We have played a naughty game to pass away the time on the bus, counting the number of people we see peeing in the street, we had quite a number after 18 hours!!

We go to the Ganges tonight to view the funeral pyres and then to the various religious ceremonies that go on.

Hot and sticky here, and it is great to have Anthony back from hospital, he flew here from Delhi yesterday looking very thin.

Speak soon.

India

The highlights and lowlights of the first week in India has been the great contrast between the countryside and hills and the filth and pollution of the cities. We have also faced a lot of illness with another two of us being admitted to hospital in Delhi with the dreaded Delhi belly!!

The Golden Temple in Amritsar (22nd) was another breathtaking stop where we saw the kitchens and food production machine in full swing. The Temple produces 15,000 free meals every day!! People also go there to pray of course!

During all this time my stomach was letting me down and I needed to ensure toilets were nearby!!! Indeed for the whole week.

Then to the black hole of Delhi (23rd). I can’t believe how many people go to the toilet in the streets in India (number ones and two's).

I was relieved to get to the Tiger Reserve at Corbett in the north on the 24th. I booked two safaris and saw loads of monkeys, water buffalo and elephants, but NO tigers (saw footprints though). We think the guides must have put them in before we drove off.
The camp was great with some really big rats being spotted, one in a bedroom. I also cornered a massive spider and fought with it. I eventually won the fight and a friend caught it and put it outside to fight another day. Breakfast at camp was also good, baked beans!!

Coming back to Delhi (26th) was not something I looked forward to. I prefer the tranquil side of India but people are still friendly everywhere. Last night I shared an 8 hour taxi tour which was a nightmare. We managed to get fined for parking - we had to pay the fine. And everywhere we wanted to go we were told "It is closed" or "There is no parking there'. We decided to come home early and complain about our hotels instead. Hotels have been a real mixed bunch of experiences. We expected better in India but have not got a good deal. Dirty rooms, bed linen, towels, and squashed insects and geckos on the floors - does this build character?

Another highlight this week that I only just remembered was when a colleague decided he would empathise with the locals and also have a pee in the street. He also thought he could have his own back by then shaking hands with the locals without washing his hands. Good man!!

Today we travel to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal tomorrow morning. I hope the hotel is good!

I finish now by saying "Thank God for rehydration salts and Imodium".

Best wishes to all.

Lahore & the border closing ceremony

We travelled to Lahore yesterday (20th) and saw the Gadaffi Cricket Stadium where Pakistan play cricket (a religion here). I was ill on the bus, had the runs and was sick. TERRIBLE!! I went straight to bed and only surfaced today at 4:30.

Our last night in Pakistan was a real treat. I was well enough to go to the Wagha border crossing to see the ceremonial closing of the gates between India and Pakistan. A lot of shouting and singing from both sides and the soldiers all dressed up in dress uniform. It was a great laugh to see grown men in costume pull faces, stamp their feet at each other, flashing their guns, the whites of their teeth and also saluting! We were cheering for Pakistan as we were given places of honour on the Pakistan side. It was an amazing experience. On the way home loads of people asking us about what we think of Pakistan and who performed the best at the crossing.

Equipment, camping and passing the time

Responses to some questions I have received:

Most of the equipment I brought was spot on but too many clothes - 2 pairs of trousers, some flip flops and 2 shirts would have been fine. Just wash and wear. I did bring 2 novels which I have not started to read as I want to see the world go by (I have now lost the books as they were too heavy to carry). I also made a mistake buying a new tent as after Europe we don’t need our own tents and have been encouraged to give them away to anyone who needs them - Australia will be our next camping site and we use pre erected tents there.

The camping went well but we often arrived late at the campsites and were in a hurry to put the tent up before dark. The campsites have all been okay, but there was sometimes a shortage of proper toilets. People out here seem to prefer the hole in the floor type of loo and it takes a bit of practice especially when caught with stomach cramps and the Delhi Belly!

In camp we have usually catered for ourselves and I have been busy on the cooking team. Plenty of pasta and rice dishes have been the order of the day and we even endured an evening meal of mash and hot dog sausages!! Yuck, but tasty given we were really hungry.

Some of the journeys through Iran and Pakistan have been long and tiring. The longest being 18 hours to cross the border to Pakistan. We have played ‘Guess the famous person’, Battleships, done crosswords, quizwords and even ‘I Spy’ which was very difficult when looking out at Pakistani desert for over 12 hours.

We also stopped at a village in the middle of the desert at the end of a sand storm. We had drinks and discovered we were standing in the local mosque which was a few bricks and stones forming an outline on the floor. The locals were very forgiving. It was also strange being in the village in the dark, so quiet and hearing voices in the distance talking away.

The group have known about me being a vicar since the first week of the journey and I have had several interesting conversations. Covering subjects like homosexuality, spirituality, guilt, the trinity, the Catholic Church and church’s wealth. People really do want to talk about these and many other issues. I have found the conversations with lapsed Catholics and some of the Muslims especially rewarding. Today (19th), talked to our local guide about faith, he was quite gened up about things and I felt he was very defensive of Islam. Okay by me as I defended my faith too.

Indian sub continent

Iran, police escorts, and delightful Pakistan

Forgot to mention that in Yazd we visited a mosque and we were fascinated by the Zoroastrian Fire Temple which has a fire that has been burning for over 1500 years! In Kerman discovered an Anglican church (St. Andrews) which has now closed down and people did not want us to visit, but we managed to get some photos!

Due to the threat of the Taliban, we have had a heavy armed escort since Kerman. Travelled on the 14th to the ancient Citadel of Bam where 15,000 people died a few years age in a huge earth quake. The Citadel is now being rebuilt, a stark reminder of how the world we live in is so fragile.
Then on the 15th to Zahedan. On the 16th over the border into Pakistan and miles of desert road to Quetta. This was an 18 hour journey and does not include the 2 hour crossing of the Iran/Pakistan border. We had mangoes in Quetta, and the highlight of having a tuk-tuk ride home from a restaurant.

A long hot journey to Sukkur on the 18th where we went on a trip around the city on horse pulled rickshaws. Poor horses, with limps and so badly treated. But we were welcomed like royalty. We went to a Hindu Temple in the middle of the Indus River and people went wild with such a welcome for us. The Hindus are a minority group here and treated as outcasts, so for us to visit was a great honour to them. The Priest later phoned our guide to apologise for the children’s behaviour! Oh yes, last night at Sukkur the local TV station turned up.

Today, 19th June, we arrived in Multan in the Punjab with dancers and drums playing for us. We had 40 Elite Police of the Punjab escort us and they are now outside the hotel with guns at the ready. Tonight we visited a local mosque and met loads of people all wanting to shake hands and have their photos taken. I met 3 lads on the way home and they asked if I was a Christian and they told me they were also Christians. I was amazed! I was also asked what my job was tonight at the local mosque. After I told the questioner, his reply was "But are you a Muslim?" I think he realised his mistake and smiled later asking for a photograph.

Pakistan has insulted all the senses, the colour and smell and the poverty. Everything is all so much but the welcome has been amazing. We also get frequent power cuts so things are still a bit difficult.

Life is busy and the world full of amazing and kind people!!

Love to all.

Central Iran

Today (Friday 13th) we have had a long journey to Kerman in central Iran and the temperature is hot, hot, hot!

The past few days have been eventful. On Tuesday (10th June) we spent hours at the Pakistan embassy in Tehran trying to sort out our visas. Wednesday to Esfahan where we visited the Blue Mosque (Imam Mosque) which was stunning, and the Lady Mosque (Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque), reputedly the most beautiful mosque in the world. Thursday saw one of our number taken to hospital with a broken arm after a nasty fall on one of the bridges in Esfahan. She is being well looked after and will be going home after an operation today (Friday). Hopefully she will rejoin us on the journey.

Thursday we also went to Yazd and the bus flew over a speed bump while looking for a petrol stop, we really did fly! Once the bus was checked we found petrol and managed to fill up with 247.6 litres at 165 Rials a litre. The total being 40,854 Rials. Sounds a lot but in sterling only just under two pounds fifty! How's that for value?

My toe is also doing well, and we have decided that there is a problem period for us between 12 noon on a Wednesday and 12 noon on a Thursday as all our accidents have happened between those hours! Two lost toe nails (including mine), a nasty cut finger and now a broken arm. So far we have managed one hospital visit a week, one in Bulgaria, two in Turkey and one in Iran.

Mishaps and hospitality

In Bulgaria our Irish friend Darren managed to knock off the toenail on his left large toe, a trip to the hospital for him!
In the Turkish Baths in Göreme our French friend Claire fainted in the heat and needed a taxi home.
On the way to Sivas our bus developed a problem with the suspension and needed a garage stop which delayed our progress and the search for a camping site.
During one stop our eldest traveller Cliff (who I think is 69) fainted, I think he enjoyed the attention of the ladies and he needed a quick visit to the hospital.
And Claire (again) managed to sink into the mud at a hot spring. Sinking to her knees in just two seconds she had to say au revoir to her flip flops.

On my wedding anniversary I managed to copy Darren's accident of a week before and caught my large left toe on a tent peg ripping the toenail! En Route to Erzurum we discovered an out of the way hospital and the following happened.

"Stop the bus quickly there is a hospital", so the bus pulls up to a garage opposite. Viv, the tour guide, and I walk to the hospital. When greeted by the receptionist I point to my toe. I’m shown in to a clean new room where the nurse cuts off the bandage (no English). A doctor looks in, a second doctor looks in, a third and a fourth.

Eventually a pretty lady doctor comes in who speaks a little English, the toenail needs to come off!! Doctor one places my foot over a bin half filled with old dressings and blood, and pours on iodine. Then the only bit of Turkish I understood for the whole visit, I just knew that Doctor one said to Doctor two "Distract him for a minute". Needles go in and the nail is pulled off.

By this time we have been joined by two local coppers who want to know what the bus is doing at the garage opposite. They look on and smile, by now the room is full of people looking on at my pain and smiling.

I am told to dress the wound daily and take antibiotics! Where do we get dressings and antibiotics from? Two minutes later our lady doctor appears with dressings and tablets. I am then ordered a porter who takes me in a chair to the police car outside. The police were then told to drive me to the bus, which they did! The bus is now surrounded by locals asking questions and laughing.

Our lady doctor then explains she was finishing at that hospital and was only there to say goodbye to friends. What a miracle! She then discovers that our hotel in Erzurum was opposite her home. She then gets a lift for herself and family to town showing us the way.

All this was done for FREE as well, no questions asked. Thank you to all at the hospital and the people Turkey.

Turkey to Iran

Göreme - amazing underground cities and churches cut in to the hills to explore! We camped here for 3 nights, then on to Sivas (4th June) and camping next to a huge lake. A really cold night here and I managed to have an accident that meant a visit to a Turkish hospital.

5th June, our Wedding Anniversary - love to Jan. Travelled to Erzurum and stayed one night in a small hotel in the centre of town. Then we set off for the famous Doğubeyazıt (also know as doggy biscuit) in the shadow of Mount Ararat, famous as the resting place of Noah's Ark. I stayed in a cabin as I couldn't be bothered with camping after such a long trip.

Saturday 7th June off to Iran, a long border crossing and on to Tabriz with our Iranian guides aboard. Next day to Zanjan where we spend the evening partying with the local people! Now in the capital, Tehran, where I now sit typing my blog after a long journey and a few hours at the British Embassy getting a letter for my visa for Pakistan.

Coming through Turkey and Iran has brought in to contact with literally hundreds of people. Some have described themselves as Turkish or Kurdish or Iranian or Sunni or Shia or Christian. Many have gone out of their way to help us when we are lost - yes, the Oz Bus does get lost nearly every day. No matter what, people have shown us courtesy and kindness. They have laughed with us and stared at us, they have offered us food and drink and time to talk, they have wanted to speak, listen and practice their English skills.

A great example of this was just last night in the Iranian town of Zanjan. We went to a local fairground at 8pm after a meal. We go on a Swinging Boat and the ladies opposite us, all dressed in black veils, copy us when we start to put our hands in the air. We all start to laugh. This continues throughout the ride and we are followed to the Big Wheel and then the Swan shaped paddle boats. We laugh and laugh together. The locals take pictures and Darren shows the luck of the Irish by winning on a Wheel of Fortune. We are stopped and photographed and a great time was had. We even managed to share our candy floss with a little girl! A highlight of the trip for sure.

Companions

An interesting group of people from gap year students to those out to discover a new life. Jane D. says ‘my journey is one of reflection and development’. Others are on their way back home to Aussie after travelling the world. There are two groups, the young ones partying all night, and the middle aged (me) and older ones. There are a number of couples including one couple from Hong Kong who leave us at Bali to go to the Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

As we travel from country to country we need small amounts of money so a few people have been withdrawing money and sharing for drinks etc. This avoids us all getting money from the ATM. It is great to see the travellers help each other.

Tomorrow (Sunday 1st June) we go to Göreme a town in Cappadocia central Turkey, a trip of 11 hours! But it is supposed to be an outstanding place to visit, and hot air ballooning on Monday.

The Near and Middle East

From Romania to Bulgaria

Earlier today (28th May) we left Bucharest in Romania after visiting the presidential palace where the dictator Ceauşescu made his last infamous speech and was eventually overthrown. We had spent the night camping and the youngsters managed to play music until about 2.00am, which I actually slept through for the most part. There were a few complaints this morning though!

We then travelled through the stunning countryside of Romania and Bulgaria to the central city of Kazanlak. I would strongly recommend anyone to come and visit these lands before they become too developed. There are the old soviet style housing blocks and the ancient ways of living trying to compete with societies breaking into the 21st century.

We have now seen a great change from western to eastern cultures and tomorrow will be even more fascinating as we head for the Turkish border and to Istanbul, it will be a long drive. But tonight we have the luxury of sleeping in a superb hotel, hot showers and large beds! Here’s to a good nights sleep.

Hello from Eastern Europe

Since the last post we have been to Budapest in Hungary, which was quite an experience!! We were given loads of instructions about personal safety, yet one of our tents was slashed whilst we were in Budapest generally having a great time! Despite the risks of being in Eastern Europe (in the cities) it has been a truly wonderful time.

From Hungary we travelled to Romania. Our first night spent in a luxurious (tongue in cheek) hotel in Cluj. From there through the rural outback of Romania spending three hours in the picturesque city of Sighisoara. A great time was had including the strange experience of ordering a pizza in a restaurant, only to see the owner get on the phone and call the local pizza delivery firm (it was fun to see). The pizza took an age to come! Vlad the Impaler lived here and there are loads of accounts about Count Dracula!!
We then moved on to Brasov where we stayed last night in another hotel. A superb city with loads of culture for such a small place. A great meal last night at a place recommended by the Lonely Planet Guide, we actually met the English guy who made the recommendation to the LPG! He was sitting at the next table with some tourists. He was also wearing a T-shirt stating "Australia is a very long way". Today we go on to Bucharest and camping.

Romania has been great though! The rural country especially. Let's hope the country will benefit from membership of the EU but not loose its rustic charm. There are still loads of old Communist Factories.

It has not been easy to find time to blog so I will do my best keep this up to date as we move along.

Off and running

The first part of this great journey started on Sunday by me being late for the bus. I should have been there for 7am, but at 7:15 I was the last to arrive. Left London at 7:30 for Bruges and had a great first night at a hostel. Monday included an evening bike ride round the city.

Tuesday morning was an early start for Heidelberg. And the first camping!! We had one night there and the city was truly amazing.

Then to the Czech Republic and Prague and for two nights, but the weather was poor for camping. It’s a great city with huge history and a wonderful place to get lost in the architecture.

Yesterday we travelled to Vienna and camping for another two nights. Explored the city today, more amazing sights and churches galore! Tonight we’re off to a beer garden for a meal.

We have now been through Western Europe, tomorrow to Hungary and Eastern Europe.

I have been allocated work on the cooking team, not poisoned anyone yet.

The group dynamics are really interesting as we are a very mixed bunch - Australians, Spanish, Irish, French, British and two from Hong Kong. So far we have all been trying to find our places.

The First Leg of the journey

Thanks and goodbye!

At last the day has come! I have packed the bags and gone through them several times taking things out to reduce the weight (I still think I am taking too much). I leave for London today on the 3.57 train from York and stay tonight with Andy And Amalia Butler at their flat in London. I married Andy and Amalia two years ago and this will be my first vist to see them in their London home. I am so grateful to them for looking after me.

I am also grateful to the many people who have sent cards and presents over the past few weeks and days. And even several emails received this morning wishing me well! In addition I have been given the names, addresses and phone numbers of quite a few people to visit on the way.

Yesterday I received a call from my mother in law who was very "up beat" about my trip. She then told Jan that she thinks I will, "be glad to get home, after visiting all those awful places!" She does make me laugh and is a very lovely lady.

A phone call this morning from my sister-in-law to wish me well. It was good to hear from her and I'll ring my mum this afternoon before I leave.

Last night it was a farewell pint at the local with my good friend Roy. Thanks to Roy for his great friendship!

Yesterday, Jan and I had our final meal out together at Lunchtime. Yesterday also had two other lovely surprises. Katie came round for tea and Sarah came home from Uni just to say goodbye! I am so fortunate!

Bring home only memories, leave only footprints

At last I have a tent I can use and my passport has been returned from the Visa company. Unfortunately the Pakistani Visa has not been granted. I have been assured however, that everyone on this trip is the same position and that we will need to apply for visas at the point of entry to Pakistan. That part of the journey could be interesting! I'll let you know what happens when I get there!
There are a few jobs to do before saying goodbye. I have just altered the message on the answer phone so that callers will know who to contact over the next few months. (The message definitely states that any recordings wont be responded to, but I bet some people will leave messages anyway). I have also cleared my emails to that all the mail-boxes are as empty as possible. Tomorrow it will be last minute shopping for odds and ends like wet wipes and calamine lotion.
Tonight I will have to try to pack my bags. Then another day nearer the journey!
One lovely person told me that I should seek to "Bring home only memories, leave only footprints." Not bad advice I think!

Bits and Pieces and Reflections

Last weeks terrible news about a devastating disaster in Myanmar with millions being killed has been added to this week with the news of thousands more killed in China by an earthquake. These are terrible tragedies that are very difficult to explain. They are certainly a challenge to anyone with a religious faith.

When such tragedies happen, we often hear of people who survive and are so thankful saying that "God was with them". They were certainly very fortunate and God was with them but my faith tells me that if God was anywhere He was also most certainly with those who suffered and died. For me, this is the whole point of the incarnation. Christians believe in a God who reaches out and walks alongside us in the realities of life. Well, that's enough of the sermon! I do hope that the relief agencies will be able to get on with their work and that many people will be able to support the work they do.

Such tragedies put my own problems into perspective. Last week I discovered that my tent wasn't big enough, so I purchased a replacement over the internet. In order to ensure the tent would be with me by last weekend I phoned the supplier. They promised me that it would be, provided someone stayed in on Friday to sign for it. Friday came and Jan stayed home all day. At four o'clock I phoned the supplier as the tent still hadn't been delivered. I was told, "Sorry, we've run out of that model tent and would like to offer you a different one".

The different one was too heavy, so I had to start again. Back to ebay and another tent ordered by a different supplier. They promised that it would be with me by today (Tuesday). They were true to their word, but when trying to erect the tent I discovered that it was incomplete and lacks a pin in one of its corners! They promised to get a new pin to me for tomorrow!! (I keep praying). (Here's me worrying about a tent when so many are just worrying about life itself).

In addition to this, I have had problems obtaining a Pakistani Visa. First of all the Pakistan Embassy required a different form to be completed. They now require evidence that I can financially support myself when in the country. The Visa company is going spare, as am I. We are due to leave this coming Sunday! I suppose it wont matter if I can't get into Pakistan. Other things in life are far more important.

Jan's favourite pass time!

Doesn't she look georgous? Especially with that glass in her hand!

Two Belles

Me and Jan in Greece

Strensall Vicar World Tour

Following this week's press publicity, people have been asking all sorts of questions about my trip and also commenting about how they would feel riding on a bus from England to Australia. Some said they would love it whilst others were more guarded. (They would hate it!)
The funniest thing to happen this week was the bill board outside the local Tesco Store. It read "Strensall Vicar World Tour". I could have died when I saw it! It made me sound like Brian Adams or Take That!
On the down side my tent is too small!! Either that or I am too big! I bought my tent in January (in the sales), but only managed to erect it yesterday. I could hardly get myself into it, yet alone my back pack and sleeping equipment as well! I purposely bought a two person tent as I though it would be enough room for one. (I was also concerned about the weight). This week is going to be interesting then, as I need to get a tent sorted out pretty quickly. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. As I have now got the knack of publishing photographs with my blog I also include a picture of Katie and Sarah with this one!

Me proving my love of Greece?

Another week gone!

After reading a blog comment left by a friend I thought I would take her advice and use my blog as a record of all the things I need to take with me on my trip.

I haven’t managed to get round to that yet as this week has been so busy. Most of the time I have been attempting to get my work commitments sorted out, and that has involved endless meetings.

I was so busy yesterday that I even managed to miss an investigator (Oops! Reporter), for the York Evening Press. He was trying to contact me for an article about the trip.

Apparently they have published something in the local newspaper today but I haven’t managed to see the article yet. (Just a minute….Jan has entered the room with the newspaper…….!)

Not too bad but apparently I am going away for a sabbatical year. (It’s 3 months). And the photograph is terrible. (It must be at least 3 years old. I haven’t had a moustache for 2 years). Where did they dig that up from? I am sure they deliberately look for the worse they can find. (Vein creature that I am).

Actually its not too bad an article, but I always hold my breath when the press are reporting as they inevitably leave something positive out that you would like them to say or get an important bit wrong.

However, there are a few other things I need to mention today.

Firstly, the kindness shown by many people since I mentioned my trip in the Parish Magazine. Many words of encouragement have come my way, and also a few gifts to wish me well before I leave. I have been really moved by all the positive feed back. (Last night the children at “Fridge” gave me a special notebook so I can keep an accurate record of my journey. They had all signed a bookmark and got it laminated too).

Secondly, I am so grateful for all those in the church who are pulling together and doing more to ensure that things continue to run smoothly when I am away. I am so grateful to have such a dedicated group of people to work with here in Strensall. Thank you all very much.

Things done this week!

Been to school this week to talk to the older children about the Oz-bus. They were very good and seemed genuinely interested. I also received my final injection against Japanese Encephalitis. My passport is now returned from the Myanmar embassy to the visa company. I only have the Pakistani visa to collect before departing. All other visa’s are obtained en-route! I also got myself an i pod to help pass away the hours on the bus.

“Are we there yet?”

Bart and Lisa Simpson were being driven to a theme park by Homer and Marge. They can’t stop shouting, “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?….etc”.
I am beginning to know how Bart and Lisa felt and I am just waiting for the day when the journey begins! What will it be like after three months on a bus?

The Countdown Continues

I visited our local village school today (The Robert Wilkinson School) in order to arrange an assembly to talk about my trip.

Some of the classes are going to follow my blog and plot my progress across the world. They will also be encouraged to send me some questions about the places I visit. I hope they are not too difficult! Children always ask the best (most difficult) questions.

It will also be great to hear news from the children. They will hopefully keep me informed about the really important things that are happening back home.

Time flies

Time is passing quickly and lots of preparation still needs to be done.
All the relevant visas are applied for and I am awaiting my passport being returned from the visa company. Only one more travel vaccination remaining (Japanese Encephalitis) and then the courses are finished.
The next big decision is what to take? Clothing for both hot and cold weather. Something for the rainy as well as the sunny days.
I have also decided to buy the most comfortable travel mattress I can find. No good traveling all that way and being miserable due to lack of sleep.
I now need to concentrate on the practicalities of such things as practicing pitching my tent. I would like to get my tent up and down as quickly as possible. When the weather allows I’ll get into the garden to start practicing.
I have also made a start buying some sun cream and insect repellent!
A real nuisance at this time of year is the need to complete and file a Tax Return. I need to get this done quickly. I also need to complete a student loan application form for daughter number 2. All to be done before I leave in May!! Will it all get done?

In the Beginning

I am about to have a Sabbatical and I am amazed at the amount of preparation that I have had to do in order to get ready for it.

Originally I was intending to go to Mount Athos in Greece. Athos is known as the ‘Holy Mountain,’ and there are 21 monestries scattered around a rocky and beautiful promontory of Halkadiki.

In order to get to Athos I needed to apply for permission from the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople (Istanbul). Unfortunately permission was a long time in coming, as the number of foreigners (Especially those who are not of the Orthodox Faith), are limited on the mountain. After waiting for quite a few months I decided that I needed to arrange to do something else instead.

At that time I heard about the Oz Bus, which travels from London to Sydney through 20 countries stopping at some interesting and out of the way places. For most of the way camping in the preferred method of accommodation and of-course the mode of transport a bus! I was so intrigued by this idea that I decided to explore this as an alternative option to Athos.

After asking a few questions I booked my place! (My permit for Athos arrived the following week!).

So I shall be travelling across Europe to Turkey and then south through Iran and Pakistan to India. Then to Nepal and Myanmar and south through Indonesia. The only flying will be from Bali to Cairns and then we drive through the heartland of Australia.

I don’t know what this trip will bring. Perhaps it will be like life itself. A journey with a beginning and an end and lots of different and exciting experiences in-between?!