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Elsa Peters
November 1, 2012, 10:22am Report to Moderator

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Thursday 1st November

White rabbits....blue nose...the temperature dropped last night but it was up in the high seventies this morning...Went to Geraldton but we had to use the tender to get ashore and it was hopelessly delayed and again getting on the ship again this evening.  

Getting ready for supper now, drinkies at seven fifteen so I'm not going to get back to you today.  A few photos of today I'll post in the morning....

Tomorrow is Fremantle and then to Perth to see my cousin...and I'm getting excited now.....Linda...I'm on my way...

LN to the rest of you....
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Elsa Peters
November 1, 2012, 11:58pm Report to Moderator

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Friday 2nd November

Morning Fremantle...and in about one hour....morning Linda and hello Perth....I feel it will be a good day...
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Elsa Peters
November 3, 2012, 1:46am Report to Moderator

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Saturday 3rd November

A quick update from yesterday....I made it to see my cousin in Perth and sixty years and family arguments didn't get in the way.  We swapped stories from each side and laughed at it.  We'll never know the truth but with so much water under the bridge does it really matter...Thank you Linda G for making me welcome and making it possible for the oldest of our genearion gathered together and your four generations gather together.  Lots of tears were shed and somewhere along the line we should have always been friends but that's families for you.

So on the train from Perth and back to Fremantle a little shopping round the town and back onto the ship for supper and early to bed which was just as well.  Mornings on this ship are normally quiet but there were doors banging at silly o'clock and fairly high voices in the corridor.  I stuck my head out of the curtains to the balcony and there was a......helicopter and the ship had virtually stopped.  About one hundred meters off there was a destroyer so I popped my head out of the cabin and the emergency fire doors were shut.  Back to the balcony and that helicopter just got nearer and at first I thought that we had a man overboard but it turns out that we had a passenger airlifted off, the cabin next to us was evacuated, fire hoses rolled out and all hands on deck in case the helicopter got it wrong. Hope it's all good when she gets to the hospital.

Now time for breakfast to pick up the rest of the gossip and a swapping of photos.  I'm happy with mine now let's see what will post....A day at sea and hoping that it get's warmer or I'll have to get out my fur lined swimsuit.....have a good day.  



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linda g
November 3, 2012, 2:49pm Report to Moderator
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Hi Elsa, Great pics and abit of excitement..Wow, It could have been me stowed away...lol sad but I couldnt get in the front door...lol.
Still reeling in the fact that we have finally met again after such a long time. and I do think that if circumstanaces had been different, I agree we would have probably been great friends all along. So lets hope we are from now on. Hi to martin. Take care. Linda & all.x
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createdbyme4you
November 3, 2012, 7:53pm Report to Moderator

Hi from London but longing to be in Bulgaria
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wonderful  as they say better late than never  
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Elsa Peters
November 5, 2012, 12:05am Report to Moderator

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Monday 5th November

Bugger bugger ....tried to get on last night and for some reason the internet wasn't playing so yesterday's pickies are todays.

November the fifth and I've offered to light the bonfire on the deck but the Captain didn't agree and I'd lined up a few 'guys' but they might have to go overboard instead.  As you can see from the map, another day and sea which means another layer of the brown stuff now that the sun is out.  It hid for the morning yesterday then came out with a vengeance and I'm beginning to look more like a local each day....of India.

So breakfast over and the nice thing is that you have different table companions each morning and today there were a lovely couple from north of Sydney and an American couple that didn't want to discuss the elections but did anyway.  Interesting concepts of politics but there is a universal opinion that we are part of the minority groups from each country and it might have something to do with 'middle society' wealth that seems to be eroded as each year progresses.  I think secretly one or two envy my hillside....off to the deck to see what I can get up to and to check out if there are any activities that I want to raise the energy for...



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Elsa Peters
November 5, 2012, 2:08pm Report to Moderator

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5th November continued

So this afternoon was sunny but the wind was cold and we are told that that could be the end of the good weather...

There were a couple of albatross following the ship this afternoon and I tried really hard to get shots of them.  As you know I am still managing with my old camera so managed to get one of them in the shot at full stretch but you'll have to enlarge it to see it.  Anyway...this evening has now ended with a search of the cabin for the tour tickets for the rest of the voyage...goodness knows where they've gone and I've decided not to worry about it and get to bed.  Perhaps the poterguist will return them overnight

I've now decided to look out for the Ancient Mariner to go with the albatross....perhaps he's got the  tickets....



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Elsa Peters
November 6, 2012, 7:34am Report to Moderator

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Tuesday 6th November

Two weeks today we shall be flying back to the UK.....it's amazing really, it has seemed such a long holiday yet it has gone quickly.

Today was a really good day.  I didn't see much of Adelaide but we did the Barosa Valley and the wine yards and actually went to visit Jacob's Creak but there wasn't much water in it.  Three wine estates, lunch closely followed by a breathalyzer that I failed completely.  I wasn't nominted to drive the coach home.

Back on board at five thirty complete with two bottles of Tawny port.  Now the instructions when boarding state that all alcohol will be removed and stored until the ship arrives at its final destination....not true.  Into security, rattle, rattle and straight through.  Over lunch someone came up with the idea of running a sweepstake for the Melbourne Cup that was staged today.  We pulled over on the coach to listen to it and there was a winner that got paid out fifteen dollars, and also second and third payouts.  I believe mine had only three legs and ran accordingly.

Now time to shower and get ready for supper....and an early night.  Those damn tickets never showed up but were replaced by the tour desk after confirmation from reception that they hadn't been cancelled....As if I would.  Smart time....LN



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Elsa Peters
November 7, 2012, 8:24am Report to Moderator

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Wednesday 7th November

Woke up pretty early after a brilliant night's sleep and took to the deck to see what was happening.  I was very surprised to see a forty foot motor yatch heading towards us with lights on and wondered what the heck it was up to.  Five seconds later and there is the warning sirens from the ship, two bodies appeared on the deck of the boat and the engines were cut and it drifted back in our wake.  Lucky for some that we had people keeping watch since it could have been a bit of a mishap.  Not sure that anyone on the deck noticed it and there has been no mention of it from the crew today.  

As you can see I caught the dawn again and the clouds were amazing.  The rest of the day has been very relaxed.  We went down to the quiz and helped one of the  teams but were told severely to keep quiet so that they didn't get disqualified since they were only supposed to have six in the team and I thought it was a bit of fun.....obviously not.  Sat out on the deck this afternoon reading a very good John Gresham and up to seventy five percent so early to bed tonight I think again.

Tomorrow Melbourne and shopping for a fleece I think.  It is getting colder as we head for New Zealand and who came away a little unprepared....yep me....LN...time to get ready for supper.



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Elsa Peters
November 8, 2012, 1:13pm Report to Moderator

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Thursday 8th November

Well Melbourne today and took the free courtesy coach in but discovered that we should have had tickets and didn't...doh.  Went up the tallest building in the city and the views were spectacular and ended up in Melbourne Jail...arrested for growing canabis and spent at least about five minutes in a holding cell...all play acting but very real...then on to the jail itself and saw the gallows and posters of the notorious criminals and head masks.  I found it creepy and was pleased to get back on the tram and back to the ship.  Again it was  a free ride.  Apparently they are changing the charging system and introducing something like the Oyster card operational in London but I'm told by a local that you are supposed to scan your card when you get on and off and nobody seems to be doing that so I got another free ride.  

Back on the  ship...stopped off and got a couple of bottles of the red stuff for the cabin,  down to dinner and on to the show which was absolute rubbish.  He was supposed to be a Rod Stewart impersonator but didn't do it for our party.  We sat at the end of the row by the aisle and managed to get out unnoticed after the first two numbers.  Into the bar, clocks go forward tonight as we head for New Zealand...few pictures from today....LN



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Elsa Peters
November 9, 2012, 11:49am Report to Moderator

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Friday 9th November

Slow morning this morning.  We had to adjust out clocks as we headed westwood but the downside is that now we are heading eastward we have to lose another hour tonight so breakfast seems to come round quickly.

Went up to the deck and caught morning and the television on the big screen,,,,coffee back to the cabin and left my co traveller fast asleep and went off to breakfast.  Indoor bowls seems to be the competitive sport and tomorrow's match is Australia against the rest of the world.  Could be a good match.

Slept on the deck out of the wind and got another layer of the brown stuff despite wearing a couple of sweaters,  Whale watch spotted killer whales but you really have to look hard at the photo or blow it up to a sensible size.  Heading towards NZ the weather is getting colder and the sea rougher...Back in the cabin and early sleep with the hour going forward.....LN...I need my beauty sleep.



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Elsa Peters
November 10, 2012, 6:21am Report to Moderator

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Saturday 10th November

What a lazy day today.  This putting the clocks on one hour meant that this morning I didn't wake up until eight forty five which for me is unheard of.  So missed morning TV out on the deck, headed for the open buffet area for breakfast which has been described as a horror zone by some of the guests mainly because there are some passengers that appear to 'graze' most of the day.  Down to the main lounge for the general knowledge trivia quiz which has become a bit of a challenge and this morning we scored thirteen so we are getting better...until tomorrow's questions prove me wrong.

Out on the deck after lunch in what has become the quiet area for sunbathing but this afternoon a couple of us thought it would be a good idea to put up a 'Library' sign to frighten off one stray man who seemed to like the sound of his own English voice despite his wifes best intentions.  A man overboard exercise almost became the real thing.

In from the sun now with a little red before supper.  I have thirty minutes but no gold lamee this evening...smart casual is on the cards for this evening. Supposed to be a stormy night with high seas and we have been advised to keep off the open decks.  I'll report how I fare across the Tasman sea tomorrow.  LN...I'm off to eat...



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Elsa Peters
November 11, 2012, 4:38am Report to Moderator

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Sunday 11th November

So this morning's cruise news sheet caught out several people.  The daily events log said that we would be going into Milford Sound at six thirty and the advice from the bridge said seven forty five.  Breakfast in the Horror Zone as it has come to be known was in full swing and all I wanted was honey, lemon and hot water to self administer a remedy for a sore throat that woke me up at silly o'clock.  One of the restaurant stewards prescribed it with hot lemon tea so fully equipped I sat on the deck away from the herds or hoards and took my medicine.  Down to the cabin to wake the dead and off back to the deck to see the entry into the Fjord and exit into open sea.  Very fortunate...the sun forced its way through and I have the feeling that that's all we're going to see of it today.  Two minutes silence was observed at eleven by the Captain and he  said a short prayer.  Forewent the service....said my own words to the departed, those still fighting for what some perceive as being worth fighting for and the parents of those involved in skirmishes everywhere.  One day war might cease.

Heading along the rest of the coast and can hardly see the shoreline....washing is out so that might mean that it rains for the rest of the day...sod's law has been evoked.  Having a break now to see what I can get up to....

Well we've done the three fjords and the wind has gotten up something chronic.  It is forecast to be sees of three meters tonight and we have been warned to batten down the hatches, move around the deck with caution and watch out for slamming doors and deck furniture living a life of its own.  It should be fun tonight watching th caberet trying to keep in time with the music and keeping in step....my wicket sense of humour.  LN...going to get this posted and then think about supper time.  LN



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Elsa Peters
November 12, 2012, 6:11am Report to Moderator

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Monday 12th November

Not much to report today except that my cold has really kicked in and I've been sorry for myself this afternoon.  Did the morning trivia quiz and we seem to have settled on thirteen out of twenty and it is always the same team that gets the prize.  The will  either be raffling off the proceeds or they will appear on ebay at the end of the voyage.

This afternoon I found a handbag that I knew I'd brought with me and could I find it??....could I buggery but this evening turning out one of the stowing cupboards there it was but the other sandle is still  missing and gone awol.  I think with the packing fiasco it might even be still in the UK but thank goodness it was the only

So supper calls.  The routine is beginning to impregnate and I think it's time that I got off before I become one of the ocean wanderers going from meal to meal.  Tomorrow we stop off at Wellington and are destined for the Storm Coast Drive so I'm expecting to see bodies washed up and if I don't I want my money back.  A little red wine calls, I can hear it now....LN...and I really must take a few shots of the masterpiece of creations that the chefs on here prepare....something to aim for when I get back to my hillside...LN
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linda g
November 12, 2012, 3:41pm Report to Moderator
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Hi Elsa, Just realized that Prince Charles And the Missus, are  following u around...lol. Have u been watching our news..

Hope you are still enjoying the cruise. But as you say its nice to get home again.. Safe journey. love the pics. Take care Linda & all.x
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Elsa Peters
November 13, 2012, 4:40am Report to Moderator

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Tuesday 13th November

And I thought the flags and the buntings were out for me Linda.....lol.

Well last night we danced the night away with our dining table compatriots until.....midnight and we were the only ones about.  I believe the average of the age of passengers was eighty but that has gone down since there are a few in the mortuary and we have had some real oldies off and a few children on so it might have come down to seventy five.  We worked out that the longer the cruise, the more chance there are of pensioners on it....the others can't get the time off work.

Set the alarm for six thirty this morning and down for breakfast and off the the theatre this morning to catch a bus for the storm coast.  Really nice bus driver ~tour guide who kept us shepherded until we got to the final destination ....sheep farm on the storm coast.  Excitement struck the bus at the sighting of the first sheep..they would love my hillside.  Stopped off on the beach and loads of driftwood that I would have loved to collect for making stuff....not allowed due to local regulations so only photographed for posterity.  Managed to save a woman from falling flat on her face when the ground gave way as she was coming down a slope....crooked my arm, she grabbed it and saved her going base over apex and I  was amazed at my reaction.  Second incident was a similar happening on the beach when another slipped on the shingle and ended up like a beached whale.  This time it was the driver and myself that managed to get her on her feet and walk her back to the coach.  Good job there are a few of us young ones around when it really matters.  Waiting for the third but it never came thank goodness.

Arrived back and weather picked up a little to lie on the deck with outside clothing due to the wind and watch the film of which I saw only about ten minutes before the eyes glazed over and awoke at the end of it.  Grabbed an icecream and now about to watch the ship leave Wellington and tomorrow we are in Napier with no tour booked so we are on our own.  Now about to do research so that at least we managed to see something of the town.  LN...off to the ship's library....internet on board too expensive to google it....LN



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Elsa Peters
November 13, 2012, 4:44am Report to Moderator

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November 13, 2012, 4:35pm Report to Moderator
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Just wanted to say Elsa, how much I am enjoying both the account of your travels and the photos.  What wonderful memories you are storing up.
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Elsa Peters
November 14, 2012, 5:42am Report to Moderator

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Wednesday 14th November

Thanks Danuta....back to the cold soon and normality...the last week is going quickly...

Silly o'clock start and went up on the deck suitably dressed but still needed another sweater on.  Lemon and honey hot drink presented to me my the restaurant supervisor so my requirements go before me.  The throat is still playing up but I seem to have kept the hacking cough at bay just the occasional tickly outburst...thanks air con.  

So the pilot was dropped off and helped us get into the port without incident.  We had a couple of tugs to help us manoever into the industrial wharf and it was the tightest for security that we have been into yet.  Napier was flattened by an earthquake in 1931 and was rebuild with Art Deco buildings and the whole theme of the area is regeneration.  Dressed up warm for the shopping expedition but the one and only item purchased was a fleece sweater and as the lady said do you want it wrapped I replied that I wanted the labels removed and it wrapped round my body.  Now thawing out beautifully we looked at the rest of the attractions.

Back on board for late lunch and down to the cabin to catch up on that sleep that I missed out on this morning.  Woke to watch the departure and the reinforcements returned to get us out of the wharf and through that gap and now we are on the open seas heading for Taruanga.  This time we have a tour booked so again up with the lark and out on the town.  

Time to get ready for supper....this weather seems to be following us and I suppose we will have this all the way to Sydney now.  Cabin fever might set in on the last three sea days or I might even have to take up some of the craft options to keep me out of mischief.  LN....time for supper.



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Elsa Peters
November 14, 2012, 5:44am Report to Moderator

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Elsa Peters
November 15, 2012, 10:29am Report to Moderator

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Thursday 15th November

Docked at about seven this morning at Tauranga and took a few pictures of the sun....rare sight now that we have hit NZ.  Down to breakfast and into the lounge to await the tour of the thermal hot mud fields, lunch on a paddle steamer while being serenaded by  a Maori group.  This afternoon we did a kiwi regeneration project and that's the bird not the fruit.  Lovely day out and took just over two hundred photos and too knacked this evening to go through them and select a few treasures for you so you'll have to wait until tomorrow.  Docking in Auckland tomorrow and sadly it will be the last stop before Sydney and weather dependent as to whether we go ashore or not.  

Show tonight covered the British music invasion around the time of the Beatles and still unsure what they were trying to achieve.  Off to my virtuous pit...photos will follow...promise....LN
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Elsa Peters
November 16, 2012, 6:23am Report to Moderator

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Yesterday's pickies...Tauranga



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Elsa Peters
November 16, 2012, 6:28am Report to Moderator

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Friday 16th November

So we arrived in Auckland and the view of the sunrise from the balcony promised an iffy sort of day for weather but the sun came out and only a few light showers this afternoon.  We went ashore and walked round the city but it was too big to get it all in and yesterday was quite a tiring day so back on to the ship for a late lunch.  The film 'My Fair Lady' was showing on the big screen so I watch the second half and reminisced that it was probably fifty five years ago that I saw the play in London with my mother....or even longer.

So tonight is supposed to be a deck party but I think some of the passengers have started early.  The ship has been a little more relaxed about bringing alcohol on board so there have been a few bottles cracked open since it is out last port of call and now it is a three day sea treck to Sydney. I think I shall forgot the festivies....having successfully managed to stave off a serious cold with honey and lemon despite the evil intent of some of the other passengers that cough and hack all  over the place....don't want to tempt fate.

Took pickies of the small boats in the harbour and our departure.  Auckland bay is huge and it appears to be completely built up.  It's a long way to the open road toad.

Hair washed, showered and time to glam up....LN...I have things to do...



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Elsa Peters
November 17, 2012, 6:32am Report to Moderator

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Saturday 17th November

Well the 17th brings back memories....it would have been my sister's birthday today but the dreaded 'c' got in the way.  

As for the cruise...we are in the middle of the Tasman Sea....the waves are going well as are the rain and the wind.  Had a minor glimpse of the sun today as I waited outside for the morning TV on the big screen but the weather got the better of me and I returned to the warmth of the cabin.  The main reason for going up on deck was to bring back the lemon and honey hot water speciality that seems to be keeping the germs away.  The ship is full of sniffers and coughers and I think I've done well to managed to stave off most of the germs.

Picked up a Patricia Cornwell from the  library this morning and I have precisely three days to read it.  I saw it there in the first week but when I went back for it it was on loan so grabbed it and ran this morning.  I'm not sure if I've read it before but it must have been a few years ago.  The story seems distant but it's still a good read.

Tonight's entertainment is a talent show made up of the crew that work at other jobs.  There was supposed to be a passengers talent show this afternoon but only three managed to avoid the dreaded lurgy mantling the ship.  Tonignt's dress is smart casual so not a lot of effort will go into it.  A little red before we go up for supper.....and hopefully we will have a full table of six tonight but I'm not holding out much hope on one,  He missed last night and this afternoon I did concoct my special flu remedy and sent it down to the cabin with his wife....let's see if the miracle cure worked....LN....supper calls...
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Elsa Peters
November 18, 2012, 10:57am Report to Moderator

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Sunday 18th November

Well the sun was shining this morning although very weakly so down to the back of the ship after breakfast, on with the swimming costume which only got uncovered briefly until back the sun went behind the cloud and back in for a warm.  Only managed to knock up nine points out of twenty in the quiz today, down this afternoon to watch the newly formed passenger choir and back to the cabin this afternoon with the rest of my book to finish before we land.  Had a bit of a surprise...there were whales out and suddenly there was something bigger.  The Dawn Princess was sailing towards NZ but there was not horn tooting as we passed which was a bit of a surprise but maybe our bridge were asleep thinking that there wouldn't be anything out in that weather.

This evening there was the captain's leaving party with free drinkies, then on to supper, cabaret and then the balloon party in the atrium with the resident group working its little socks off.  Managed to last through until eleven fifteen but we  have the saving grace of gaining back one of the hours that we lost on our way to NZ and tomorrow we get back the other.  So ready to turn in....packing tomorrow and working out what needs to be left out of the suitcase for the journey home.  Ready to go....it's been a long time on the ship....LN and just a few pickies of the events.



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Elsa Peters
November 19, 2012, 6:50am Report to Moderator

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Monday 19th November

So where has the last five weeks gone.....I've just finished my packing and it's again like trying to get a quart into a pint pot.  Haven't bought anything except two bottles of exceptional port that were too good to miss but my luggage seems to have put on weight just the same as I have.  And yes I have...the saying goes that we come on as passengers and go off as cargo.

Tonight there is the invitation to party until dawn but I think I'll give it a miss.  There will be the usual round of swapping emails and addresses and the promise that 'well if you are ever in the UK or BG look me up.  It would be nice to think that some will but I'll just have to wait and see.  I have my email connection until tomorrow morning when I get off and so I might update if there is anything to report but I'm eyes down and thinking about the onward journey.

LN....it might be a couple of days but by then I should be in and around our own time zone so it might even be only one day.  Got a job to do when I get back.  While I have been away there have been three and a half thousand applications to join the site from the advertising specialists with most peculiar email addresses and user names...no chance or fat chance....LN....supper calls...
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Elsa Peters
November 22, 2012, 12:25pm Report to Moderator

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Tuesday 20th November

Up at silly o'clock to watch the sail in under the bridge back into Sydney.  Very nostalgic.....it seems ages since we left and now back to sense and sensibility.  Off the ship by ten and out with old friends who live south of Sydney to catch a few more sights and over to the airport for seven for the ten thirty flight.  Saw Bondii Beach, had lunch in a super fish restaurant further along the coast south of Sydney and watched hang gliders take off and land.  Fed friendly birds on the hotel roof while sipping a beer and filling in time until we went to the airport.  Panicked a little at weght in and had to remove a couple of items from my luggage and put it into hand luggage....I seem to do it everytime.

Just a few of the last hours.....



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Elsa Peters
November 22, 2012, 12:34pm Report to Moderator

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Thursday 22nd November....

Well I'm back to the UK.....washing blowing in the gale force winds...suit case unpacked and stuff ready for packing.  The flight was long, boring but the hospitality between flights by China Southern cannot be faulted.  So just a couple taken from the plane on the journey and I've had my first sighting of snow but rain and howling winds greeted us as we landed last night.  Ah well....let's get on with the day...



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Elsa Peters
November 23, 2012, 4:54pm Report to Moderator

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Friday 23rd November

I'm cold, I'm missing the sun and the television is rubbish.  I have so much to do and I know that I shall be leaving it all to the last minute.  It confirms that I've moved on from England and miss having the routine of Bulgaria.  

So while I'm here I might as well think about Christmas shopping and get them packed up and under early trees and cards written.  It's been a couple of years since I sent out other than family so I shall be able to post early for the festivities which should please the post office.

Had a bit of a panic on this morning....the card on my camera was full and I'd changed the power input cable end to Europe by removing the end of the plug and could I find it, could I buggery.  I turned out all the corners and now battery restored to full power and I can download the photos on to the laptop.  My next job is to go through them and put them in some sort of order and delete the rubbish.  You only had the tip of the iceberg but the best may I add.

So time for another coffee with maybe a little brandy to warm the cockles....I think a trip down to the local for fish and chips might be on tonight....cooking seems to be out of the question...LN...shopping in Brighton tomorrow.
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linda g
November 24, 2012, 12:38pm Report to Moderator
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Hi Elsa, Glad you made it back ok. Was thinking of that long trip back for you both. Hope you did enjoy your time away. As I said before great to see you and hope it was the same for you. Look out for small xmas gift coming your way and a letter I forgot to put in is also on its way.lol   Take care and have a wonderful xmas and New Year. xxxx Linda.
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Elsa Peters
November 25, 2012, 6:02am Report to Moderator

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Sunday 25th November

Thank you Linda....I hope the Postie dresses up to deliver the said goodies but I guess I shall have to wrench it from the said proffered hand and wait to open it in private.  I've mentioned before that they normally stay around so that the village knows who and why people are writing to me.  Believe me....meeting up with you all was a privilege for me and thank you for your hospitality.  

So as for yesterday....what a none day.  The weather was absolutely rubbish.  Rained all day more or less and dark by three thirty in this neck of the woods so I stayed in, played with a tablet that I bought to go away with and never really used, messed around with my photos, did my packing of things that I had unpacked so that it wasn't littering the bedroom and watched television.  Now from one that hasn't got one in BG I now know the reason why.  I think the highlight was Strictly and I fell asleep at the end of it so I don't know who's in or out.  Brucie still going strong but the panel have got far more outlandish....Bruno ...sit down and stop performing.

My body clock has reverted to halfway between Australian time and here and can't make its mind up.  Yesterday it was four when I awoke and this morning I opened my eyes at two, read for a while, off to sleep until four but I was awoken but strong winds, lashing rain and something being blown around the patio. I'm now wide awake and hugging a coffee.  Welcome to UK weather but at least we haven't experienced the flooding and my heart goes out to those who have.

Church this morning and if there is any hint of a dry spell, maybe into Brighton...let's see what the day brings...
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Elsa Peters
November 28, 2012, 8:09am Report to Moderator

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Wednesday 28th November

I've been neglecting you all.  My Princess wasn't well yesterday so I spent the day tending the sick and getting back in touch with my lovely CJ who came back from school with a fantastic headache.  So I was administering to one while she was administering to the  other.

The weather seems to have subsided a little.  The winds have dropped and there is a glimmer of sun from my bedroom window and again I am going to face the shopping malls in Brighton to get Christmas presents so that I don't end up sending them back from whence they came in the first week of being home.  I was depressed by my first shopping outing.  Everything is very commercial...lots of people spending lots of money....theirs or the banks who is to know except them.  

Had an online conversation in Bulgarian last night with CJ by my side and he was trying to understand what was being written.  He could pronounce it since it was written in English speak but that was as far as it went.

So now to my techies out there.  I was trying hard yesterday to get the kindle application on a tablet that I got for my hols and it was coming back with something called the 'white (or was it shite) shopping basket that I didn't have access to.  One more try today and then I'll give up.

So quick wash, catch the bus at the end of the street, machete in hand, off to face the foe....
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Elsa Peters
November 29, 2012, 11:57pm Report to Moderator

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Thursday 29th November

Shopping yesterday a complete success.  Presents bought, today they were gift wrapped and tonight they are winging their way to London courtesy of my first born after a lovely evening out in Brighton.  

Went to A's house for coffee this morning but unfortunately the house had developed a water leak.  Quick visit to her daughter in laws and she was scrubbed clean again and so back to her house for lunch and it wasn't quite songs round the gas fire but by golly is it cold today in the UK.  The water and heating had had to be turned off but hopefully it should all be back to normal over the next day or so.

So tomorrow I have little to do so am concentrating on finalising the packing and seeing what I can leave out....I suppose summer clothes that I took on the cruise can remain here...don't think I shall have much use for them until around April next year.  LN....I'm feeling relaxed after a lovely evening out.  A small brandy and hot water now that I'm home has hit the spot....one thing I forgot to mention.....I took some lovely photos of the sunset over the South Downs this evening and one of the North Lanes lit up for Christmas but the data cable for my Nokia is in BG not here......you'll just have to do with text again....sorry....LN
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