I'd forgotten about the smog/pollution in some parts of China; what a surprise when you're in such a beautiful place with so many interesting things to see. Are you still painting or are you just too busy to stop? News at home...Rayburn serviced at last so heating on!! Getting dark early in the evenings, getting colder, quiet here now that both you AND Emma are away, went to the cinema at the weekend. Such excitement! We're loving reading about each part of your journey, and glad that you've teamed up with Bonita for a little while. Take care, lots and lots of love Mum xxxxxxx
Dad
Your blog is getting a lot positive comments Alice, although not everyone that is reading it leaves a comment, keep up the good work.
It must be nice to be somewhere where you are spoilt for choice when deciding what to do. I guess that the food will be good as well? Tell Tom that Dave is seriously jealous now that you are in China but he is more than compensated now that he can visit Emma and Drew in Murcot!
Have a fab weekend, lots of love Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mum
We're watching the news on the television with interest in case we see you and Tom in the background as the BBC films David Cameron!! There seems to be uniformed guards on every street and I imagine that must seem strange after your time in Mongolia. I hope you get to see lots of the Chinese artwork, as well as the Great Wall. I'm loving reading the reports of your travels; how about becoming a foreign correspondent?!! At the very least, this will all make a good scrapbook.
Take care, love and hugs, Mum xxxx
Arntee Elaine
Hi Alice, your blog is ama-zin, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to give such a full account of your travels. As much as I envy your adventure I have to be honest and say that I would certainly struggle with alot of what you are experiencing. Lungs and liver with fat being one of them ! The sunrises and sunsets sound awsome. Your dad tells me that today you are in Beijing, great you are now somewhere that I can pronounce the name of! It's lovely to see you and say hello when you skype, I look forward to the next time. We are all well in Mabbottland, Lottie has been poorly and has had to have an eye removed, however she has recovered well. We are finding that we have to make allowances for her partial sight because she (like Ned with his missing leg) is carrying on, completely oblivious of the scrapes she is getting into! Lots of Love Alice, stay safe. Arntee Elainexxx
Mum
Great to hear that you are back safely, and what a lot of very unusual experiences you're having. Glad to read that you are trying out lots of the local foods. How would a vegetarian like me cope??!! I'm hoping to see the photos of you and Tom on the camels. Keep painting; lots of good reminders of your travels.
Lots and lots of love, Mum xxx
Mum
An exciting start to your time in Mongolia, following the exit from Russia! I've looked on the ger to ger website; an interesting selection of photos from previous travellers. I'm sure you're going to really enjoy living and working as part of a community, and a change from sight-seeing.The homes look very cosy, hopefully warm if you have snow there. I wonder when you'll get to read this blog as I'm unsure when you'll next find a computer.It looks as though you'll be living a very rural and simple life for a while; have fun. Hello to Tom; I hope that you too are enjoying the next step; possibly working on a farm?
Lots of love, Alice, lots of hugs, Mum xxxxx
Mum
How lucky you are to see so many famous places; this really is a trip for unforgettable experiences. Sounds like you're visiting lots of good galleries and exhibitions too. Molly is well again; ever the labrador, still trying to eat everything even with an upset stomach! We had a good party with Marilyn's family at the weekend; lots of food, drink and games. You're travelling as I write this, so I hope that it all went well. Hopefully, too, Tom isn't too long for the train beds again and can get a good rest. Love and hugs, Mum xxxxx
Robin Walker
Hi Alice
Good to see you've got the new blog up and running,I expect we will hear more news via you than we will from Tom. Good to see an itinerary with dates - we had a vague list of destinations, but this is much better thanks! Have a fabulous time, and we look forward to hearing your news.
Best wishes
Robin and Linda
Mum
Hooray!! We hoped that you would be able to get a ticket for the ballet while you were in St Petersburg. I'm really looking forward to speaking to you and hearing all about it. So Happy Birthday from your dad and I and we will put money into your account for that.
We've had a lovely family get-together in Oslo for Henning's confirmation.LOADS of photos taken and so you will be able to get an insight into a Norwegian celebration when you see them.
Hello to Tom (how worried were we??! Glad you got there) Enjoy the next part of the journry, love Mum xx
Darren
Happy Birthday Alice!
According to your itinerary you should be somewhere in Russia - so have a fantastic birthday today, and steer well clear of the Russian Vodka!
I hope you are enjoying your travels and having the time of your life.
Lots of Love,
Darren, Sarah, Woody, Lola and the Zakmeister
Arntee Elaine
Hi Alice, I am a little confused as I have just written a mesij for you but it said it would "send an email" so maybe I have got it wrong. Anyway if I leave a mesij here as well I am bound to find you (I think)Will talk again when I have sussed out what I am supposed to be doing. Hope you continue to have a brilliant time. Lots of Love from Arntee Elaine xxxxx
Mum
Hooray!!! A new blog. It is now 5 weeks since we saw you, but I know that you're enjoying yourself. How was the train ride to Salzberg? Maybe a little more comfortable than the trip in the Volvo. Enjoy the Austrian culture now, especially the food!! Hello to Athen and Reb, and lots of love from all of us xxxxxxxx