Under the Southern Cross…

For a while we had been discussing what to do to celebrate my 60^th birthday, because as you may know we always go big for the milestone dates. We also have had some reminders that if you hold off doing what you want to do that you may find yourself unable to as we get older. My own health issues and those of some dear friends brought things into perspective, and so we decided to go the extra mile and make this holiday own to remember. We arranged some unpaid leave so that we could get about seven weeks away.

Australia and New Zealand…

After a joyful Christmas with family, we started our journey on Boxing Day, and at the airport we bumped into Marc, Heather and Elise as they two were heading south on the same flight to Kuala Lumpur, where they continued on to New Zealand and we headed to Australia.

Sydney…

28^th Dec 2025 - We arrived in Sydney in the morning and met up with Chris and Lynne at our Airbnb overlooking Bondi beach. We wandered around Bondi and the lovely beach having a drink at the RSL bar.

29^th Dec 2025 – Walking along the coastal walk to Coogee we enjoyed the many bays and beaches as we strolled. Coogee was a vibrant town with plenty of young, beautiful people soaking up the sun and liquid refreshments.

30^th Dec 2025 - Went into the city and explored the botanical gardens (exotic plants, bugs – spiders, birds, reptiles) and saw some of the New Year Eves preparations (so many people, and areas segregated with restrictions for visitors), and we took ferry back towards home.

31^st Dec 2025 – We found out that many locals went to the golf club to view the celebrations as you can see the city and the bridge from there. We watched the children’s show at 9pm and then went up to the course. Sue and I were talking to some locals and their children (a tomato costume not strawberry), and Chris & Lynne found out there were only two spare tickets at the clubhouse. The locals who we were talking to then invited back to their home, where they treated to drinks and we talked for many hours. One of them was a bit of a celebrity associated with Bondi Rescue. At midnight we went back to the golf course and watched the display. Afterwards we headed home via the beach and almost got our photos taken by a Getty photographer.

1^st Jan 2026 – We wondered up to Watsons Bay with a view of the mouth of the harbour.

2^nd Jan 2026 – We took a ferry to Manly where the girls swam in the lido as there were bluebottles (jellyfish) in the water and the waves were quite high. While we were there the shark siren went off and many swimmers left the water.  

3^rd Jan 2026 – Sue and I took a train up to the Blue Mountains where we used the hop-on hop-off bus to the local mountain view points, ending up at the pretty village of Leura. In the evening we met up with Chris and Lynne in Sydney for the evening.

4^th Jan 2026 – We visited the cricket grounds where Chris and Lynne bought some merch (we had bought some tickets for them to attend one of the days of the Ashes). Later we headed into Sydney to visit the Opera House and afterwards we met up with some of Chris and Lynnes friends and together had a roast dinner. Later we had drinks back at Bondi.

5^th Jan 2026 – We spent our last day around Bondi and we all had a nice meal at The Bergs.

Melbourne…

6^th Jan 2026 – Flew to Melbourne where we stayed at a hotel near Yarra river just behind Flinders Street station. We walked around to orient ourselves and spent a few hours in a riverside bar listening to a fab young band (Hayfever). Later we went up to the Skydeck to watch the sunset.

7^th Jan 2026 – It was a very hot today (in the forties) and so we walked around some of the gardens, past Cooks cottage, old government buildings, up to the museum where we saw a moving first peoples display, and to lunch at an Italian (Il Gambero). We visited the Queen Victoria Market for evening and had a couple of drinks at Brick Lane Brewing.

8^th Jan 2026 – We went to the Remembrance Shrine and the Botanical Gardens, before jumping on the tram to have lunch at St Kilda. We had hoped to catch up with an old work colleague, but they had been advised to shelter due to the bushfires in the area. In the evening we went to Chinatown where visited a couple of bars recommended by our friend – the cute and small Caretakers Cottage, and the trendy Aster where we saw the great band Social Street.

9^th Jan 2026 – It is another hot day (the temperate fluctuates between 20 and 40 depending on which direction the wind comes from), so we visited some old Victoria style malls, the beautiful library, and the fabulous national gallery.

Ocean Road…

10^th Jan 2026 – this morning we checked out and picked up a car and headed south, driving to Torquay, then to the Split Point Lookout, through Lorne (where there was a festival on and an ocean swimming competition), through Apollo Bay. We were sent on a diversion due to local bushfires through Great Otway National Park, on to the spectacular Twelve Apostles, through Port Campbell (where there was a car show on), and eventually to our very cute BnB at Warrnambool.

11^th Jan 2026 – Leaving Warrnambool we head towards Robe, travelling through Port Fairy, Mt Gambier (with its volcanic craters and sinkholes), and Beachport.

12^th Jan 2026 – We are staying in Robe for another day, first taking a lovely walk around the headland, having lunch at a local pub where Sue enjoyed a bucket prawns. We walk through a part of woodland created for kids as the Pixie Hollow.

13^th Jan 2026 – We drove to Victor Harbor along the coast seeing Larry the Lobster on the way. At Victor Harbor we explore. We had missed the horse drawn carriage but saw the steam train depart for its last run of the day. We walked to the island across the bridge seeing pelicans, lizards, camels, and seal. We had fish and chips at the motel and talked for a while with other residents.

14^th Jan 2026 – This was a long day (I tried to do too much in a short time, underestimating the effort of so much driving, also feeling oversold by the tourist advertisement). We to a (bumpy) ferry to Kangaroo Island (bumpy ferry) visiting the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, and on to Adelaide we saw a large mob of kangaroos in a farmer’s field. It was getting late when we arrived, and it was difficult and frustrating getting into our (poor/cheap) accommodation.

15^th Jan 2026 – We explored Adelaide today first to Chinatown and the wonderful market, then visiting the lovely library, art gallery, to the Botanical Garden (and wine centre), and in the evening we listened to music at Mempis Slim’s House of Blues (Dusty Lee’s Blues Jam).

16^th Jan 2026 – We took a trip out of town to the seaside town of Glenelg where we saw a quaint local museum (toy exhibition) before having a nice lunch at an oyster bar. Back in the city we explored the river before heading back to our accommodation along Rundle Street and a few bars.  

Cairns…

17^th Jan 2026 – It was an early pick up to get to the airport and there were still many people enjoying the entertainment and liquid refreshments as dawn was breaking. It was very hot and humid when we arrived and so we took time to orient ourselves by walking down to the waterfront. We booked a few excursions for the next few days. After we picked up a few supplies and got caught in a short, sharp thunderstorm.

18^th Jan 2026 – We took a boat (yes, Sue on her favourite mode of transport) to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef where we saw many fish (glass bottom boat), birds and majestic sea turtles. Back at our accommodation we saw many fruit bats fly over in the evening.

19^th Jan 2026 – Our next excursion was to Karunda, heading up by a scenic train, and returning down on the Skyrail (we couldn’t linger as there was another thunderstorm rolling in).

20^th Jan 2026 – we went out to the small but perfectly formed Botanical Gardens, the cute Art Gallery. We had a fabulous Thai meal at Finn Finn.

21^st Jan 2026 – We had a full day tour out to the Daintree Rainforest, we were warned by our guide of all the dangers giving us a feeling that everything in Australia is out to kill you, the first peoples introductory talk was enjoyable. We had hoped to see some of the larger animals, such as crocodiles and cassowary but other than, spiders, insects, and lizards we did not see much other wildlife.

22^nd Jan 2026 – This was our last day in Cairns, and we stayed around town. Sue swam in the impressive lido, and we had our evening meal at the Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse.

Brisbane…

23^rd Jan 2026 – We flew down to Brisbane. When we arrived, we stroll around town and through the city gardens (there is a lot of construction ongoing and the large multilane freeway along the river made the walk not very pleasant. The evening we took a bus up Fortitude Valley (an area renowned for its entertainment), here we spent the evening at a simple bar where there was live music playing.

24^th Jan 2026 – In morning we walked along the south bank where we saw the riverside beach and pools full of families, saw the open-air screen showing the tennis, along the craft market. Our lunch was at the delightful Asian restaurant Southside on Fish Lane. We travelled out to the large Botanical gardens but was unable to get up to the viewpoint at the top of the hill for sunset.

25^th Jan 2026 – We took a boat upriver to the Lone Pine Sanctuary where we finally saw some of the Australian exotic creatures. When we returned, we further explored Fish Lane and had a drink watching people dance as part of the Semba and Kizomba outdoor classes. We travelled back to Fortitude Valley for dinner but came back to the city and to the Miss Demeanours Laneway Bar near our restaurant where we watch a lovely jazz band. We back in our rooms when a large and impressive thunderstorm broke overhead.

Gold Coast...

26^th Jan 2026 – We picked up a car and drove to Yamba via Byron Bay (heaving with people on the beach and enjoying the Australia Day entertainment). At Yamba Sue swims in the lido and we have an evening meal up on the hill where we have oyster Fitzpatrick with a view. Later we enjoy watching the dramatic Australia day celebrations on TV.

27^th Jan 2026 – Onwards to the lovely Port Macquarie via Coffs Harbour (where we walk the harbour wall to Mutton-bird Island to see the nesting site. At Port Macquarie we stop for a while at the Little Shack after walking the beach and promenade where we see painted rocks.

28^th Jan 2026 – We travel inland to the luxurious Convent Hunter Valley hotel, and we have a lovely meal at Circa 1876 restaurant a short stroll from the hotel.

29^th Jan 2026 – We take a wine tour of Hunter Valley Vineyards on the iHop bus (originally a group boking, but the others pulled out, so we had the tour to ourselves) – we visited the Pepper Tree (at the Convent location), the Wine House, Bimbadgen (great view but busy, so staff were less attentive), Mercer, and Leogate. It was near the end of the season, so it was relatively quiet, which we enjoyed.

30^th Jan 2026 - Drive to Sydney airport via walk at Girrakool where we saw lovely scenery and a huge lizard and to a small port of Brooklyn where saw pelicans pestering local fishermen. Eventually (after being directed to the wrong terminal to drop off the car) we ended up at the airport hotel.

New Zealand…

31^st Jan 2026 – Flew to New Zealand and picked up a car to drive over to Pukekohe where we were staying at mum’s place, and we caught up with family.

1^st Feb 2026 – We drove with mum down to New Plymouth and arrived in the sunshine, seeing the iconic Mt Taranaki that dominates the view (when you can see it – as frequent mists and clouds often hide the mountain). We walked along the boardwalk into town and later met up with Nic and Carol (who live nearby in Stratford) where we ate at Gusto (recommended to us by a couple that we met in Adelaide).

2^nd Feb 2026 – The weather turned inclement, and we tried to find places out of the rain. We sheltered in the local museum and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye (where we saw some bizarre moving artworks). We travelled out and saw some (those covered parts) of the lovely Pukeiti gardens.

3^rd Feb 2026 – We drove on to the Republic of Whangamomona via the Fun Ho! toy museum and the Burroughs home for tea. Watching the animations at Stratford in the Glockenspiel Tower. The republic has a collection of historic buildings, and we stayed in an old cottage and ate at the old pub.

4^th Feb 2026 – We returned home via dramatic and wild Forgotten World Highway. Along the way we saw some of the golfcart buggies that run along the unused rail.

5^th Feb 2026 – We had a very emotional visit with Ian and Susan as he battles with the final stages of his cancer. As a counterpoint we later head to a 60^th birthday party for Chris (and me) held at Greg and Fi’s house. It was a late night and bleary eyed in the morning we played a few boardgames before heading home.

6^th Feb 2026 – My 60^th Birthday party with family was at Gary and Catherine’s place where Gary cooked a BBQ.

7^th Feb 2026 – Today we headed out to Otara Market (next to where I used to go to Technical Collage – now no longer there), the fish market down at the viaduct (where we had lunch), and then on to Bastion Point and to have an ice-cream at Mission Bay.

8^th Feb 2026 – In the morning we visited the Car Show at Ellerslie and in the evening we caught up with some of mum’s friends at her home.

9^th Feb 2026 – We drove north to the Sculptureum at Matakana where we saw a most impressive display of artwork and where I bought a set of copper stingrays with the money provided by the family. The village was also lovely to wander around and we also stopped briefly at Orewa beach on our way home.

10^th Feb 2026 – we visited Howick cemetery/church where the family plot is. Sue and I continued on to have a final visit with Ian & Susan. Later we regrouped at mum’s and then travelled down to Clarks Beach where we scatered Cleo’s ashes in the sea and had a picnic at beach.

11^th Feb 2026 – We spent in and around Pukekohe where we lunch from Danny’s kiwi bakery (the steak and double cheese pie was delicious).

12^th Feb 2026 – Our last day in New Zealand and we all met up and had breakfast at the Botanic Gardens before Sue and I continued on to the airport to fly home.

And Home…

It was a long and turbulent flight where neither of us got a good rest. Our lovely neighbours, Howard & Anne, came out to the airport early in the morning to pick us up. They also treated us to a wonderful and unexpected lunch to welcome us home.

End of February…

Back in UK we struggled to adapt to the time difference with our jet lag lasting many days. We did keep us occupied getting together with friends and family. Spending time with Sue’s family. Dinner for friends to catch up with them and Alexis, visiting from Corfu. Out at the inaugural Dorking Festival of light. Going on a lovely long walk in the countryside (from Westcott to Betchworth) via pubs (one with meerkats). Having other friends over for dinner – Deb, Dave, Chris, Carole, Paul, Lorraine, and Deb. We also had a ‘lack of ram’ dinner with Deb, Dave, and Tom.

Late Summer…

 July

Later in July we visited the Chipstead Village Flower Show & Fair, where friends had a stall. Here in the grounds of a lovely old house there were many stalls, a flower/veg and cake competition, a selection of old cars, and a display of exotic reptiles. It was a hot sunny day, and the ice-cream van was doing a brisk trade.

A fun venue to visit is the nearby Dropkick Brewery and here with friends we enjoyed The Collective AKA perform their energetic ska music.

August

As the summer progressed, we enjoyed many garden parties and BBQs and outdoor activities.

The first blackberry picking gathered many juicy fruits for the larder and freezer.

We visited Ashridge House with Terry and Katharine

A small yet entertaining event we attended in Sutton, run by Sound Lounge, was the Folk in the Park.

September

Our major festival event of the year was the End of the Road Festival which had a wide variety of music, both mainstream, heavy, dance, and acoustic. The weather was not great as it was cold and wet for a lot of the weekend. As our aging tent had been thrown away earlier, we decided to pay for pre-set-up tents – these were closely arranged in rows and had the appearance of a refugee camp.

Later in the weekend after late nights and poor sleep I experience a couple of disturbing episodes, firstly my hands became so cold I was unable to use my fingers to grasp anything until they warmed up and as we were packing up to leave, I had a collapse – I was carrying a heavy load walking uphill and I could not get me breath. I was brought to my knees, though did not lose consciousness. It took a while for me to regain my breath. We originally though this might be to an early diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, but later when we talk to a specialist, he did not believe this was the cause as my diagnosis was ocular only. Therefore, something else had caused the collapse, so my GP arranged an ECG, which picked up suspected arterial fibrillation. We used our private medical to arrange a consultation with a cardiac specialist.

A regular local event is Pippfest, where a small stage hosts local acts and is something that we had visited for many years with friends, however now it seems they may not be continuing next year.

Something that had caught my attention for a while was book nooks (a small self-build diorama that fits on a bookshelf). We saw one on sale in a garden centre and I bought it and spent a weekend building what was a little view up a river between builds towards a bridge with a tram crossing. It was one of the most relaxing and therapeutic moments that I have had in a while, bringing back memories of when I was young making model kits. It also looks quite cool on the shelf.

Another regular event that we try to attend is the Open House in and around London, where you get the opportunity to visit places you wouldn’t normally get access to. This year we took Terry and Katharine with us and we visited – Royal Courts of Justice, Dr Johnson’s House, Livery Halls (Founders, Painters, Coopers, and Drapers). We had lunch at the old fashioned Ye Old Cheshire Cheese.

Friends, Greg & Fi, were visiting Sicily with several of their children, and they asked us to join them there, so we had a long weekend in Taormina in a fabulous villa in the shadow of Mt Etna. During our time here we visited the local town, took a drive (along roads resembling a goat track) to the remarkable Villa Romana del Casale that had stunning mosaics, and then a short visit to the ruined town of Morgantina as rain passed over. We also had a private boat ride out to the Aeolian islands where several of our party, including Sue, swam in the waters of Vulcano (I had an unplanned dip getting into the boat, luckily with minor physical injury). Another treat was that a local chef had been hired to come to the villa and to cook some regional delicacies, all very tasty (after Sue and I had left he returned to teach the others how to cook the same dishes). On our way home we visited the town of Catania.

October

Jamie and I visited the Peckham Conker Championship and tried our hand at the schoolyard game. It was a vicious and enthusiastic competition with a very large number of excitable attendees.

Several of us visited the Sound Lounge and thoroughly enjoyed the musical arts of Chris Difford.

We had been given a gift of a self-guided tour called City of London Mystery Adventure, where you follow clues to solve an imaginary historical crime, and as you do explore parts of the area that you would have not known about before. Our party included Blonde-Deb, Dave and Tom, Deb, and Jamie. We had a lovely meal afterwards at the Keu Vietnamese restaurant.

One of my highlights of the years is a visit to the Essen Spiel Game Fair in Germany. And I had a fun time with gaming friends as we explored the enormous event, bought a few games, played a few games, and partook of the local cuisine.

November

The ‘girls’ had a wild weekend out at Butlins to celebrate Carole’s birthday, seeing several musical acts including Wet, Wet, Wet.

We had a few lovely Autumn walks in the countryside, including a pub or two.

Festive sights are starting to appear everywhere seemingly earlier every year.

We travelled to Tring to partake in Terry’s birthday with the family at a local pub.

The first snow flurry hinted at a distinct change in the weather.

Anne and Howard invited is to join them watching the Illegal Eagles at Dorking Halls.

I had my Cardioversion, a ‘relatively’ minor procedure where they knock you out and jump start the heart. The worst part for me was the anaesthetic they used on my throat where they but a sensor in to scan from the inside. It was over quickly, and the heart came back into rhythm on the first attempt.

The neighbours, and Deb, came over for an Italian evening, where Sue made some of the dishes that we had in Sicily, in particular a splendid tiramisu. 

December

Chris, Carole, Deb, Sue, and I had an evening out in Dorking, starting with a Thai meal. The girls went to the ‘Go Your Own Way Fleetwood Mac’ show at Dorking Halls, and Chris and I went to play games at Game N Play. 

On our way out to my uncle’s regular Christmas Carols event Sue and I first visited Wisley Gardens, and then Tring Natural History Museum.

It has been a long time since we visited the Grape Variety, a wine bar with a lovely aesthetic, unfortunately the service was somewhat slow, but fun was still had with – Deb & Dave, Chris & Carole, and Deb.

Several of the local pubs get together and arrange musical events across the weekend and we like to join in watching the entertainment.

Sue and I had a lovely walk in the countryside and ended up at The Drummond in Albury for a meal.

A group of us get together at Christmas at Borough Market for a drink or two, and this year afterwards several of us (deb, Carole, and Jamie) went to see Jon Cleary play at the Jazz Café.

Another tradition is to host Blondies birthday at ours and once again we had a full house - Deb, Dave, Tom, Ollie, Chris, Carole, Paige and Deb.