Lisa K Hi Marie, How is your bum? Hey, news travels fast these days! I hope the jellyfish was ok - probably needed some serious counselling after that ha ha. Just wanted to say Merry Christmas - I've made my cream of chestnut soup and stuffed pork wrapped in parma ham (things have changed a lot you know!) and I'm ready to sit down with a Baileys and wait for santa. Nic has been making reindeer food for the kids at school but I drew the line at line - mainly cos' Jack would just scoff it. Well I'm sure you're having a fab time still, the blogs are amazing and I'm always very jealous. Nearly home time though and we're looking forward to seeing you - have a good xmas and a safe trip back. Lisa & Stevo xxx

Steve Kean Hi Marie, Hope you are OK and everything going well in Australia. Where are you and what is going on? There doesn't seem to be any update from you for a while. Should I be leaving a message? It doesn't seem to be the thing that blokes do!! Your trip so far sounds amazing. Hope the rest is going as well without the problems you had in India. We came back from Africa striaght in to the Xmas rush and non stop Xmas adverts on TV. The tree and decorations are up everywhere and it's been freezing here last few days! Have a good time and make sure your back for NY party! Sx

Diane Hi Marie Well here I am in sunny North Carolina, continuing to read your exploits, well it doesn't get any easier for you does it? I presume you did eventually get to Aussieland, let hope it plain sailing from now on, don't get lost in the bush, whatever happens you can deaden the pain with that great Austrailian Shiraz. Love Diane x

Mags Hi Mazzer Where are you now? Still in India? I hope not... sounds like a nightmare! Best of luck for the rest of the trip... enjoy your Christmas! Love and hugs Mags

Heather Hi Chica, After a delicious bite by an Indian doggy and lots of queues in the airport and almost couldn't catch the flight, are you still feeling excited!! I feel more comfortable while I am sitting in the sofa drinking my mulled wine when I am thinking of you... Just joking, don't shout at me!! really be safe, see you soon

Mags Hi matey Just caught up on your latest adventures. Not sure India is top of my visiting list now! Sounds like an experience though. Good luck with your future travels... Mags xxx

Diane Hi Marie Well what can I say, after reading your exploits, anything else would sound boring. What a fantastic experience you are having, apart from the dog and jabs and the root canal bit, I bet you don't want it to end. Keep up the entertaining diary. Alison is moving to Richmond, Virginia in the New Year, so I will be staying on to help with the move, so hope to see you soon after I get back. Missing you x

Lisa K P.S. thanks for all the stuff you sent from Cape Town - was very useful!

Lisa K Hello there my intrepid friend - hope you are fully recovered from the rabies, food poisoning and whatever else you have encountered in the last couple of days! It's been great reading about your trip and it sounds completely mental - some phenomenal experiences and lots of scary stuff too (you have enough dinner party material for the next 10 years!). We've just got back from South Africa and we had such a great time - pretty much everything you did: whales, penguins, wine, beaches and also a mini safari which was one of the highlights. Got a great pic of me stroking a purring cheetah (how cool was that!). Saw a few whales in Hermanus - what a sight to behold, it doesn't look quite real does it? Steve nearly crashed the car twice while I was screaming at him to pull over while trying to leap from the car with my camera. We got out and about a bit but didn't make the Garden Route, however, we will be going back and hopefully seeing more of the country (and beyond?). Things have changed so much here in the 2 weeks we've been away - winter has definitely set in and the Christmas adverts are out in force. We're really missing you and I haven't made it to running club in a long time (your fault!!) - thanks for the advice on the neighbour problem, will let you know how it goes! Anyway, look forward to you next installment - take care! Lots of love, Lisa & Steve

Gertie Hi Fanny Your journey so far sounds superb (apart from the savage attack by the rabied dog!). The Taj Mahal is supposed to be a spiritual place built for love, so the fight must have been about a crime of passion. No changes here at Barlow White just the usual chaos, no organisation and mania ( a bit like Delhi airport). Keep safe and enjoy your big adventure. Love Gertie, Bertie and Dickie

Craigy The Taj Mahal sounds incredible and a lot of fun. It seems like your having a real intense dose of another culture. I hope that everyday brings you new adventures and encounters like the ones you have already experienced. I know its difficult but keep up the blog cos its great to read your japes and is bringing a big fat smile to my massive face . Missing you loads Missy Craigy xx

Daz Hi Marie you lucky sod. From your write ups its sounds great. Ive only just got this message board off ya mam. Did my first treasurer job last sunday te he what a laugh? dont know why ive got the job (cant add up) will tell ya when you come home. take care flower love and miss ya loads Daz xx

Mags Hi Mazzer Just had an update on your fabulous adventures...you should be writing for a travel guide girl! haven't written for ages as don't have internet at home so have to steal a few minutes from work tut tut! What's new... well I fell down the stairs at work a few weeks ago and ended up with a chipped ankle and a week on the sofa. Still managed to go to Barcelona over half term though and hobbled around for 3 days. Just about managed to get by on my non-existant Spanish ole. Well adios amiga (?) looking forward to the next installement. Love and hugs Mags

Di Hi there traveller, Glad to hear you're having such a fab time and really jealous of your adventures. I am at Malcolm's today (bet you miss that)!!! Wish I had some interesting news for you but it is same old same old. Take care of yourself and keep safe. Love Di x

Tricia Hi Marie Just been catching up with your travel news and it all sounds truly wonderful, a world apart from us here in Manchester. Hope you are enjoying the whole experience. I can just imagine the kick you gave the school children with you musical renditions, keep your dance moves to yourself!! Have fun and keep up the journal its fun to read. Love Tricia