GREAT OCEAN ROAD

From Melbourne we took an overnight trip to Port Fairy.

The Great Ocean Road is a challenging 250 km drive from Torquay to Allansford as it snakes warily around the rugged limestone coastline.

We stopped for breakfast at Cunningham Pier, Geelong, where the only other couple in the place where expats from Preston!

The coast's natural limestone and sandstone rock is being eroded by the sea forming stacks known as The Twelve Apostles.

Along the way we came upon some wildlife ...

Some more appealing than others!

There was much to enjoy along the way with compelling vistas and treats to enjoy.

Definitely a trip to remember.

MOVING ON TO MELBOURNE

This is the first part of the trip where it has been just the two of us.  Picking up the hire car at the airport, trying to master the sat nav and driving into Melbourne was a bit of a shock to the system, but we managed.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne has been named as the most liveable city for three years in a row due to low crime rate, stable economy and good public transport.

This was our room with a view ...

We were advised that we wouldn't find the real Melbourne on a tourist map so we set out to explore the secret laneways that lie at the heart of the city.  On a recommendation from the concierge we found the perfect little 'speakeasy' behind this unassuming door!

Three flights of dimly lit stairs led to a splendid rooftop bar with views over the parliament buildings and cathedral.  Some interesting tapas and a glass or two of fine Australian wine made for a memorable evening.

The next day we met up with Marjorie, daughter of May, penfriend of Denis's mum for many, many years.  After a personal tour of the city Marjorie treated us to a special meal aboard a Colonial Tram.

It is wonderful how quickly friendships can be formed and we will definitely be keeping in touch.

PASSING THROUGH PERTH

So, we've been away just over a week and visited some amazing places.  Two hotel upgrades without even asking.

We arrived in Perth around midnight and Dolly (Lade's sister) and Nigel met us at the airport, which was a most welcome last minute surprise.

Our accommodation is in a new apartment block, well situated next to the Swan River, at the western edge of the city, with lovely views from the window.

Perth is an attractive city with a real mix of buildings.

We particularly liked travelling around on the free CAT buses which run around the central district passing most of the main attractions. 

We didn't mention the cricket!

We took the train to the old port city of Fremantle, a place full of well preserved 19th century buildings. 

There was time to look around the markets

and we managed to find the local brewery for a well earned drink.  Why are we the only ones sitting in the sun?

In the evening we took the ferry over to South Perth which gave us a good view of the city and our hotel.

Next day we visited Kings Park which over looks the Swan River.  Wonderful botanical gardens with treetop walk.

In the afternoon Nigel, Dolly and family took us on a sightseeing tour including a visit to see Perth Mint.  

In the evening we enjoyed pizza overlooking the Indian Ocean at Hillarys Boat Harbour.   A great time of fun and fellowship.  

Thank you Nigel, Dolly, Andrea, Amelia and Emmanuel for giving up your time to show us around Perth and for looking after us so well. 

SINGAPORE STOPOVER

First impressions; clean and green with lots of friendly, welcoming people.

We spent our time:

Swimming and snorkelling at the Adventure Cove Water Park where:

Glenda managed to overcome two of her worst fears by swimming with the fish and putting her face in the water!

and Denis managed a great impression of a minion from 'Despicable Me'

                                                                                                                 

Visiting the Supertrees at the Gardens by the Bay - an interesting mix of man-made structures and exotic plants.

Enjoying a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles

followed by a wonderful meal at the Long Bar Steakhouse ... thanks to Martin and Lade.

The weather has been perfect, not at all humid and no rain, which apparently is quite unusual for Singapore.

All too soon it was time to say our sad farewells to Martin & Lade as they headed off to Dubai and we continue on our journey to Aus.

Our time in Singapore flew by all too quickly, but we enjoyed it immensely.

ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK ... (well, two actually)

Met up with Glenda's case and with Martin and Lade.  Phew!

Fabulous evening, dining al fresco at the Vertigo Restaurant on the 61st floor.  Great views.

Sunset at the Moon Bar

Busy day sightseeing.  Visiting Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace) - Temple of the Emerald Buddha

and Wat Pho, which is home to the rather impressive reclining Buddha.

Evening Dining Cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

Brief but enjoyable visit.

Bye Bye Bangkok.......

LIFT OFF

 Glenda's case gone AWOL already! Made a dash for Bangkok without us.  Looking forward to meeting up with it later (hopefully).

HERE WE GO

Another photo of the cases.  Can't believe we've only used half our allowance.  Have we got everything?  Still plenty of room for purchases along the way.  Just waiting for Richard to drive us to Manchester airport for our first flight.  Overnight at London Terminal 5 (in a hotel!) before the long flight tomorrow.  Thanks for all the good wishes, prayers, posts  and messages.