Sophie Hey Els, An Aussie at work reckons the reason why they call bedding "Manchester" is cos in the old days that was what was written on the packing crates that were exported from Manchester where the sheets etc were produced. The name stuck (just like crockery being called China - that's where it came from back in the very early days). Bit weird but now you know and can share the knowledge! Soph xxx

Linds Hey Ellie and Reub's, Wow, just been looking at all of your photos, looks like you are having a ball. Brings back amazing memories for me....ahh! When you get to Wanaka make sure you visit the cinema its called paridiso or similar, its very cool...puzzle world there is good fun too. Then when you get to Queenstown make sure you visit Winnibaegos and the world where they serve drinks in tea pots! random hey! Thanks for the birthday message, had a chilled out one this yr but a very nice one. 1 month today till the big day....yea! lots of love and stay safe missing you! Linds xxxxxx

Eeeeeeeeeeeee Wowwwwwww looks like you guys are really experiencing New Zealand. I love looking through all your photos, brings back so many memories. Looks like you are having a fab time. Enjoy the South Island! Love you and miss you lots E xxxx

Sue Wow Ellie, It sounds fantastic!!! I feel as though I've been away again reading about your Amazon Adventures. I'd love to think I would be brave enough to do it but who knows, maybe one day!! Good on you girl, I'm very proud and envious of you xx

linds Hey Traveller! Like all of your other chums, really proud of you for getting out there on your own and exploring the world. I loved Vietnam, did you go to Hoi an yet? Lou and I had to buy another suitcase there, after we had sooooo many clothes made for us (that didnt fit when we got home!) and for all of the bags we bought! Bet you have met some cool/crazy people out there! Take it easy and stay safe love you lots Linds xxxxx

Erica (EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE) Wow Els, I've had time to sit down and read your blog in detail and its fantastic! I love hearing all your stories, you've experienced so much already! I love this blog lark, its so much more organised than the long emails I used to send! I want to know where you are headin next.... I think you are so brave doing it all alone and am very very proud of you. Stay safe though and avoid russian men that are sweaty and the guys that just stare at your boobs! got your email my darling, let me know when are free to chat! Until the next installment, I wait patiently. Lots of love xxx

Sue Hi Ellie You sound as though you're having so much fun. I'm really missing the Centre and everyone and dream about it all every night. Love reading the blogs, a very good idea eh???? I heard from Abby the other day. She was asking after you Take care and have fun Sue x

Brainy Hi Ellie, Really enjoyed reading what you've been up to so far. Bet you're really looking forward to see Reub's. FYI, theres a full moon party on Ko Pagnan on 22nd Feb so if your there during this, your going to experience a party like you've never seen before. Highly recommend!!! Keep safe, we're all missing you. Love Brian x

B'bob Hey El, Loving the blog updates - brings a little ray of sunshine to these cold February evenings. Looking forward to more travel tales and photos soon. Happy travels - Lots of Love, Han xxx

nats Living vicariously through you, sister!! Love to hear you relishing every experience, both good and bad. Sending lots of love to you over the waters!! xoxoxo nats

Mum Hello lovely Great blog - much easier than email. Glad you are safely arrived and comfortable although I suppose that is relative. We love the photos of you and the elephants, and look forward to seeing some of Vietnam. Loads of love M & B

Angela Hey Ellie, Love the blog!!! Looking forward to hearing all about Vietnam.. much love, Angela

Penny Hi Ellie I thoroughly enjoyed reading your wonderful blog. So much news and so descriptively written, well done. I almost felt I was with you! I can't believe you have come to end of the first part of your trip. Time seems to have gone so quickly. I hope you and Reuben have a wonder few days together in Vietnam. Much love Penny and Peter