just so everyone knows if you havnt heard from us in a bit. we all managed the nevis bungi jump and survived to tell the tale. videos are too big to put onto facebook but we will do our best to get them online somehow. we are now back in christchuch about to make our way to the north island to see what fun we can have up there. hope everyone is well back home, we will be seeing you all in about a months time

After the recent news about the bush fires (yes, I know, Oz is a big place...) glad you're on the move to NZ, although I'll be amazed if you find anyone there other than other Brits, as I seem to meet is a Kiwi!

Hi boys

Good to read you latest blog although we have been keeping up with you on facebook! Glad to hear you are still managing to enjoy yourselves - all sounds amazing.If you see any promotions for Backpacking for Retirees let us know. Belated Happy Birthday Chris, no doubt you celebrated in style.We are looking forward to snow next week, just hope it's enough to close school Enjoy Melbourne & looking forward to seeing some mopre pics.

lol Mum xx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS from everyone back home in sunny uk.

Hi Boys

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2 u all!!!!!
Hope you all are well and hope to see you soon..

Can't wait till you come back martin coussy.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Bi bi love ya

Sammy

we all survived the new year celbrations and greated the new year watching fireworks off the top of one of the bars overlooking the sea, pretty cool.

i hope everyone had a good christmas and a happy new year. i hope 2009 is a good year for everyone.

x

Hi Chaps,

Glad to hear that you've survived Christmas, only New Year to go! Not sure which of you was in the picture on your latest blog, all I can say is it is clearly true what they say about exposure to the sun. Your not missing much back here, all the news is filled with horror stories of the past year, coupled with promises that next year will be even worse! Well at least the news providers will stay happy. Well done them.

I know the feeling about arriving in a place and the locals taking pity. Same thing happened to us in Lawton, Oklahoma. As soon as I arrived in Washington and the locals realised where I was heading they started to feel sorry for me. Having said that, we had a great time, and if it's any consolation you'll have stories different to those who have just followed the 'Australia on Tour' package. If anyone asks, just say you wanted to see some real Oz.....warts and all. Hopefully not literally speaking.

Happy New Year to you all, stay safe, but have a great time!

Jon

Hi

Happy day after Boxing day to you 3. Christmas hols has given us a chance to catch up with your news and photos which Grandma has enjoyed also! It has been great chatting to you, hope you are enjoying Darwin. Dad is taking Grandma, Grandad & Auntie Lil back today, Laura has hit the sales & we are all meeting up later @ Gary & Jo's for a quiet night! Bach 2morrow to catch up with the Thomas' (including the Cornwall branch )for another quiet night!!

Speak soon

Love Mum xx

happy christmas from all of us over in darwin. hope everyone has a good christmas and a good new year. missing family right now and hope all is well.

mike

Hi Everyone! ive been getting alot of people ask me what we are actually doing on this trip because they have only see us drink! whilst that has been a factor, i can confirm we have done alot more than this! the trip around the islands of phi phi was amazing, we got to see dolphins and the snorkelling was fantastic! we are off to singapore zoo tommorrow where we are going to do the night safari so as long as non of us get killed the photos should be up soon!! much love x x

the photos will keep on flowing and dont worry jem and jon, no speedos will be deployed, boardies are the way forward. jon the people over here find any reason to have a beach party...usually involving the moon, full moon parties are the biggest but then they have black moon, half moon, no moon etc..

...by the way, 'black moon party'? Is it safe to ask what the hell that is?!