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Elsa Peters living a new life in Bulgaria  /  My Diary by Elsa Peters  /  OCTOBER 2012
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 1, 2012, 3:43am
Monday. 1st October

White rabbits, pinch and a punch, sky beautiful, it has that blue and orange glow that threatens another really hot day.  Watch out boys, I think it will be a scorcher up on that roof.  Six thirty woke up this morning and I would take a picture of the dawn but I've been and left my camera plugged into the pc so by the time it charges, the sun should be up and charging across the sky.

Have a good day everyone...
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 1, 2012, 5:55pm; Reply: 1
Monday continued

What a day of activity.  Winter clothes hanging up, summer clothes sorted into 'washed and ironed' for holiday, going away probably not to see the light of day and if this fits in the bag it will to all the way to Australia.  Mikey B you would have been so proud of me...the iron has been worked today for the first time since you left and my packing is underway.  Lists have been made...nail varnish and remover and the likes, hair bands and scrunchies sorted and the water board have been informed that any outstanding bills will be paid in December so don't come gunning for blood.

Readjusted the new grey travelling trousers so that they fit and all my gear is ready to jump into on the morning of the ninth.  Even my leather rucksack will take it's place in the travelling bag...this time I want no incumberances but I really must check if alcohol is required to be packed and then shipped to Australia.

Men had a day of it today....it has been so hot and Sally was mixing another load of cement stuff after lunch and Bekir was nowhere to be seen.  I'd missed him asleep under the shade of my huge tree.  I love Sally...he is so conscientious.

So going home tonight I had a flag down sign from the man and lady that were trying to sell half a house.  I didn't stop on the way out of the village but stopped on my way back and was offered another two houses for sale. Now I don't want to make any money out of this.....as long as they pay my builders daily rate and his expenses that's OK.  Should they chose to give us 'finder's fees' that would be OK as well.  I shall tell you what the owner is expecting, if you want to undercut then my builder will negotiate and then it's down to you.  I want no part in this....I was told the same story and got stitched up...believe me I wouldn't do it to anyone else.  

Sewing done...I have made a sun top, a headscarf and belt out of the material I bought the other day.  My grey trousers are adjusted and fit and I went into town since I broke my sewing machine needle and couldn't find the replacement anywhere.  Ten needles...two leva...England eat your heart out.

Lovely night tonight.  Now we had slagged off Senile who had promised his tractor to staighten out the metal for the roof and then he appeared.  I don't know if it was the result of a telephone call but the tractor was at my gate and waiting.  I was sorting out the bed quilts and changing from summer to winter for when I get back but Semile was there, his son ran down the road and jumped up into the cab and the deed was done.  One end of the cable was attached to my big tree and the other to the tractor and it was straightened out in quick sticks.  It is now cut up into lengths and ready for tomorrows final assault on the metal and concrete on my garage and workshop.

So...LN....the men are finishing off the concreting tomorrow and the wood starts....I might even have the semblence of a roof by the time I go to England.  LN...my glass is empty.



Posted by: linda g, October 2, 2012, 6:13pm; Reply: 2
Hi Elsa, Great pics as usual. Are U leaving on the 9th Oct???? where do you fly to, to pick up the ship???? I guessed Singapore.
Not sure if u know, but the smokes limits are in place now, if any asks u to buy them. And not sure about the duty free booze, I think my daughter bought in a bottle of Jacks to Oz from their travels to drink here...

I will P/msg u on FB with my phone number if u need it. Take care and see u soon. :)
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 2, 2012, 6:31pm; Reply: 3
Tuesday 2nd September

Not so early start like six thirty and generally took it easy this morning but was late to pick up the men.  They were even later since they didn't bother buying stuff for lunch until after I arrived...bad boys.

Still had yesterday's bag of cement in the boot so took it steady homeward bound.  Unloaded as soon as we arrived so that it didn't do the circular tour and yet again.  Washing out this morning...had to soak my new roll neck since it's acrylic and had started to dry already with creases.  Got out the two year old fabric softener and it really needs diluting...almost like treacle.

Window men turned up, Emaula turned up so I had five people working on my house this morning.  Windows look amazing...very pretty and now we have an abundence of keys that we have to locate at the right moment...gggrrrhhhh.

Last of the concreting is done on the roof...timber was started today and we had to get down one of the biggies stored over two years ago,  I think we have enough...I have asked the questionand get reassured that we have enough.  I just don't want ...'well we need more' on Friday afternoon.

Did my student and don't think the text was really stretching but the homework I though was.  Imagine an interview with the man who invited the bicycle and what questions would ask him.  Let's see what he comes up with.  Bought some meat and bread from the supermarket...home around five thirty...men home at six, cooking supper around eight after I'd watered the garden and for goodness sake...it's October and still watering.

Supper over....book about to be started...got the message tonight that Amazon America screwed up on the cost of sending to Bulgaria and they want to compensate...take that as being a yes then.

LN....I'm about to take to my couch....it will be  a long day tomorrow and a parting of cash for the windows... :-/ :-/
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 3, 2012, 5:36pm; Reply: 4
Wednesday 3rd October

Slow start to the morning...six thirty start for me and then it was all hell let loose.  Over to pick up the men.  Emaula was chopping, ney chipping old wood to get rid of last year's stuff before we move into the next.  The men were up on the roof but that was after they had done the negotiations with various village vendors and we had four loaves of 'dog bread' and thirty kilograms of pidgeon food.  I was asked by the driver if I spoke German and it transpired that he had worked in Belgium for four years so he thought he'd try me out.  I resorted to Bulgarian and told him it was a better option since my German had come from my uncle's prisoner of war handbook. :-/ :-/

Saw the men scratching their heads and Bekir checking out my 'E' shop for bits so suggested we went into Djebel and got what he really needed.  Twelve big bolts, washers and what goes on the ends of bolts (nuts) and they are now securing two five meter lengths of wood and supporting the roof timbers...shimple.  Emaula chopped for Bulgaria but I had to stash it away in the little house...short attention span that guy.  

Off to Momchilgrad to pay for my windows and came back with a fly screen that they had forgotten for the bathroom but since it is stuffed with wood don't see that it would be a problem this year.  Asked me if I would like a coffee at the yard and suggested that after paying for the windows a double vodka might be in order...I settled for water since I was driving.  Roof coming on in leaps and bounds...tomorrow should see the wood and the hardboard (I know not what for) and then we should be into my bitumen.  I've told the men that if they want to work while the cat's at play they can.  Log the days and payment eventually.  

Lovely cloud formations tonight but Bekir was fascinated by an apple tree that had apples and blossoms.  We reckon that it has a 'cuckoo glava' (bird brain) and doesn't realise that we are in autumn.  I left him with the camera after I saw beads of perspiration beginning to appear on Sally's brow as I snapped away and drove at the same time.

Home now....update is late...that cloud formation decided to become very noisy and there were a few flashes of lightening.....all cleared now hence the update.  Meanwhile had a shower...feel so much better....and off to bed with my Kindle....good Gresham book.  LN...tomorrow is another day.
Posted by: 50 (Guest), October 3, 2012, 6:50pm; Reply: 5
These are wonderful photos of the clouds Elsa, very dramatic and atmospheric.  You are so good with that camera of yours.  I love seeing what you catch with it each day.  
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 4, 2012, 6:50pm; Reply: 6
Thursday 4th October

Well thank you kind lady...I do what I can.  Most times it's only point and shoot but I suppose it depends what you're shooting at.

Thundered and lightened all night and it was flash, flash, flash.  The thunder tripped my outside light and it was like Blackpool illuminations so it was switched off at the mains to try to get some sleep.  As I said it was all night and woke me several times so at five thirty I was out of the virginal pit and making coffee but the dogs were howling as well so out with the Kindle and eventually got into action at around seven.  The rain stopped about this time and there was a hint of pink in the sky so men were on for today.

I phoned my librarian this morning and could only assume she was feeding the ten thousand and eventually she returned my call.  She came over, viewed the estate and the improvements, has decided to order her wood from whence mine cometh, and off we went to Kardjali.  She had immigration papers to clear and I needed to go to the bank to make sure that there was enough money in one account to pay my electricity bill whilst I'm away. Not that it would affect me but I think I might come back to a mush from the freezer.

Men still working on the roof and it was obvious that they hadn't put in enough support timbers in their normal belt and bracers fashion so more was found and is now in place.  Spent the late afternoon sorting out the terrace and removing 'decorations', like terracotta pots and wooden antiques to the house for the winter.

Kardjali shopping was fun but who was the bright spark that forgot it was Thursday and my student and only remebered while we were sitting having lunch so had to phone and apologise but it's rescheduled for tomorrow.  I was having so much fun in the shoe shops over here and came back with three pairs for my holidays (photos to follow) just too tired to do it today.  Supper was pan fried pork fillet and with it I finely sliced a potato and an onion and pan fried that....not slimming but really delicious.  Note to self..remember that...and do it again.

Enough for tonight...it's almost ten of my clock and my head is thinking about getting horizontal...I have men to pick up in the morning.  LN...back to my Kindle.
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 5, 2012, 5:00pm; Reply: 7
Friday 5th October

The Kindle didn't last long last night...early to bed, early to rise makes what of a woman?  Six start but it was dark as you like and when there was a glimmer of daybreak I thought someone had stolen my mountains.  Nothing, zilch but at least the garden was damp over again so my hose pipe could remain unattached to the outside tap.

Picked up men, sorted outside bringing in the sun umbrella, built a cow wall between the house and my tumbledown at the front/side of the entrance gate, lawn mower in, more pot plants in, had a bonfire, coffeed the men and into Djebel for my student.  The text today was about designer clothing and sweatshops so maybe I am improving his education.  He loves his Nikes and Adidas so maybe he will think twice.  His attention had gone when the lesson was three quarters way through so now is the time to introduce the crossword.  If I know the word in Bulgarian then I will give it to him but we have some anomalies where the Bulgarian for 'rabbit' is the same as Bulgarian for 'hare' but we got there in the end.  I gave him some homework but we'll see.  I shan't be here for a few weeks so he might have forgotten all about me in that time but his homework has been pretty good of late.  I'm thinking he might be looking forward to the lessons. ;)

Home by fourish.  My sheep farmer stopped me in Djebel and said that my librarian who visited me yesterday must have been asleep when she was driving home and there was....to use his words...almost a 'catastroph'.  Now he is prone to exaggeration so maybe he had to move over slightly...the speed he normally travels at I've nearly copped it a time or two myself with him or his brother at the wheel.  The Brits fight back.  My ladies called round today and I have more photos to get done for tomorrow.  They asked for three, then four and so I offered five or six...like buy one get one free.  They did ask the price but I said that it was more than they could afford so we'd discuss it later.  Now you know that the price is nothing...but they don't.  Remsir came round and she had not heard that I was off to the UK for a short while.  I showed her my Bulgarian trousers and top and she asked if they were a present and I told her that I had bought them but had made a belt and a scarf for the set.  She was so surprised but they are delightful....and photos will follow. ;) ;)

Men home...supper in the slow cooker tonight.  I've got tired of having to think about it so I have chili spicey sausage with pototoes already cooking and as we speak ready to serve.  Men have been banging away today and insist on working tomorrow and Monday to give them a fighting chance of securing the roof for winter.....we probably wont have tiles but the bitumen and battens will be in place.  I'm saying goodnight now...checked out the work that Emaula has done pricewise and he is eighty leva for this week.  Got a phone call on the way back to say that the police were active in my men's village and were my documents in order....how they think about me.  Yes they were active but I drove through unscathed.  I wasn't even pulled and considering that on paper my car is still owned by the previous, previous, person and the annual tax can't be paid because his mother is dead...explain that in Bulgarian...I wouldn't know where to start.

Supper is about to be served...LN...tomorrow is about getting all my chargers in one place and packed with my undies and the evening stuff that I have managed to get together.  LN...I've got food to serve up... ;) ;)

Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 6, 2012, 5:57pm; Reply: 8
Saturday 6th October

Early start like three thirty so read for a while and then got my head down again until seven...what is it with me?  Number seven is still playing up and sometimes I'm not sure where to put the pillow for comfort but I stopped the tablets so that my head was at least in the right place.  You know what  it's like.

Men working away, Emaula swanning it beautifully but now I have the answer.  There is a pile of stone that needs moving and I'm going to ask Bekir how many days he thinks it will take....I pay him for the job...not the days...result.  My roof is fully boarded and Monday we have hardboard (and I still don't know why) and then my bitumen going on with battens.  I think that is all that we'll manage for this year unless they want to work while I'm away.  If it's tiled when I get back and the cement floors are in place....yippee.

Sponge and makeup bags sorted.  Most of the makeup had to be ditched...I just don't wear it these days.  Chargers ready sorted and all electrical ready to go.  Tomorrow I'm off the the fair...for a brief while, spending the night at my librarians and will pick up the men on Monday.  She needs a crash course in connectivity, email and skype so I have my duty to do before I leave.

Recieved my confirmation that my booking at the hotel is confirmed so Tuesday night is sorted and then over to Terminal one for the easyJet to Gatwick.  Train and bus down to my house and then I'll wait for the visitors to arrive...no hope or Bob.... :-/ :-/

Supper tonight was chicken wings with tomato and honey glaze with chunky crispy bread washed down with my first beer for ages.  Thanks to the abstinence I have taken off ten pounds which suits me just fine.  So food over, I'm now down to a little Ouzo before I hit my virginal couch...village fair tomorrow and not sure if or when I shall make my presence felt.  House clean is on the agenda for tomorrow...I want it  nice to come back to.

LN.....about time to chill and then to my Kindle...it's beginning to hot up at 50 percent down....LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 7, 2012, 6:21pm; Reply: 9
Sunday 7th October

Yes I'm late again and the best laid plan of mice and me are shot to pieces again.  So tonight I was going to see the librarian and crack open a bottle but it all went lady's anatomy skywards.  She's is not on the tinternet and since I am paying my internet provider while I'm away I decided that she could use my old laptop and to stop confusion I decided to set her up with her own log on.  Now that part was easy but I also wanted to update the Avast and Malaware bytes for her protection as much as mine and that was where the fun started,  I've not given her administrator rights since she's not even sure what the mouse is and has already called in Rentokil at the mention....so thought it best not to.  She has a lovely email address that I have conjured up for her but the password is really imaginative so she has to remember that as well.   So back to where all this started.  The database for Malaware was goodness knows how many days out of date but at last I managed to do a quick scan still in the hope of heading for that bottle but as the time dragged on I realised that there was no way that I was going to make it this side of midnight so I phoned and gracefully declined.

As for the rest of the day.  The morning was pretty productive.  I cleaned all through, got the washing out early and expected the world and all its friends round since it was a fete worse that death in the village.  I decided not to go.  Instead I became that photographic studio and produced the said works of art for my Byser and co. and Gouldjan appeared this afternoon and we swapped Skype details that we promised to do ages ago and never got round to and fortunately no one came.  Next week for her at work is going to be a challenge.  They have no director, are having to do the documentation themselves and are up for review by the powers that be....I don't think she is looking forward to it....

So tonight's supper was toasted cheese and ham sandwiches....as I said I was looking forward to being waited on but it wasn't to be.  Tomorrow it's...pick up men, head over to her house for about eleven, get the lesson underway and over by about three, back here and homeward with the men at about six thirty.  Busy day,

Nine thirty my time thereabouts....I'm in for an early night and some good news...apparently I'm going to be reimbursed for my outlay for the tax on my 'Kindle' gift.  I now need to calculate exactly how much it cost me but I notice that they even charged me import duty on the carriage....tova e Bulgaria....LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 8, 2012, 5:09pm; Reply: 10
Monday 8th October

Up at silly o'clock and finished my Gresham book and I wondered why I bothered.  The baddies got away with it and that's twice now that I would have put a different ending on.  Maybe he's a realist and I'm a romantic or still believe that good should prevail. :-/

Over for the men thinking it was their last day and I could have the morning to myself and pamper and pedicure tomorrow but it's not to be.  The roofing bitumen is half on or half off as the case might be so tomorrow I have to get one more roll and I'm picking them up at their normal time and they will find their way home like little lost sheep.  By that time I shall be on a coach heading for the delights of Sofia and to the Holiday Inn where I plan to take in the swimming pool, sauna and bar samplings.

So this morning got the men established, over to the librarian for a crash course in the use of a computer and hotmail and she was feeling quite chuffed that she managed to send me three that unfortunately all ended up in my junk folder but at least she did it.  I've left her with the old laptop and without the internet connection but tomorrow she is having it and why not....it's being paid for anyway.  I did forget to set her up on this site though but when I'm in England I'll do it for her and email her the instructions so watch out for her.  She also had a crash course in Word and seeing that she's not up with technology she did pretty well.

Home at two thirty and the men were gasping for coffee so it was the first job I did and the second was to get them more of the stuff for sticking the bitumen onto the roof.  The long side is fully battened and the tiles can go on in the new year or in December if the weather is good which it normally is.  So men home, another night of toasted sandwiches and tomorrow I switch the fridge off  It has a habit of freezing up so it's best off.  Managed to weigh my holdall and it's 18.5 kilograms so perfectly acceptable and I've go my leather rukkie to fill yet with the extras.  Keys to be distributed tomorrow morning, plants already on vacation to the librarians and some over to my Avatar.  What's left out will have to take pot luck and I'll keep my fingers crossed that they survive.  My rhubarb already has its jacket on for the winter and there is a rosemary and a fig that I think will have to go somewhere.

I'll say LN....last pickies of my sunsets or rather cloud formations today....it's got a little chilly tonight...so on with the thick PJ's, on with the bedsocks and I'll find another quilt from somewhere.  From door to the terrace open to battening down the hatches in one day...tova e Bulgaria.....LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 9, 2012, 6:45am; Reply: 11
Tuesday 9th October

Well six o'clock start after a disturbed sleep.  You know that everything is done but you still keep wondering.

Caught my final sunrise and it was over to pick up the men for that one last day.  Went down to the materials yard and we have one more roll of bitumen and by the end of the day I shall be watertight....tidied up and straight for the winter.  On the way back I was flagged down by one of the other sheep farmers and he mentioned the word 'gulup' to Bekir and his eyes lit up.  Apparently he had a pidgeon that didn't fit in with the rest of the birds and now it's in my house leaving messages in Angela's bedroom.  I did suggest a box but I'm reliably informed that it would be fine as it bashed itself against the window trying to get out. :-/ :-/  There again...I'm not a pidgeon keeper.

Might take some time for my next update.  I shall be exercising gently in the pool and bar later this everning....catch you all sometime tomorrow...have a good one. ;) ;)
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 10, 2012, 8:56pm; Reply: 12
Wednesday 10th October

Reasonable night's sleep in the hotel and on to the courtesy bus and to the airport.  Slept most of the way on the plane and lumping the suitcases round Gatwick and on to the train has undone the work regarding number seven.   I think that I shall be taking a tablet tonight.  

Went down to the local for a fish and chip supper and then on to church for a quick update (I kid you not) and back to the church where they have handles on the prayer books for a little liquid to dislodge the fish and send t on its way.

Off to my virtuous pit that I haven't slept in for a couple of years or so....I didn't realise how many clothes I had left behind and I have some serious sorting to do before moth and dust doth corrupt.  I'll say LN....and do a better job of this tomorrow....tablet time....LN

Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 12, 2012, 8:10am; Reply: 13
Friday 12th October

Zilch yesterday and apologies.....packed, unpacked and had trouble trying to sort out the baggage allowances with the particular airline and wondering how to get a quart into a pint pot....eeekkkks.  It looks to be clearing up but it's not like sitting watching my hillside.....rain rain and yet more rain.

Sorted out two years of mail and the shredder was going hell for leather and this afternoon had a very tearful reunion with my Princess and became a mum again instead of a free spirit and it was lovely.  She was admitting her guilt.  She's been nobbling my wardrobe and promised to return everything when she eventually finds it....that's daughters for you.

Tele was on last night and I mourn the decline of decent stuff to watch.....we did get a bottle of the red stuff out last night but sleep was catching up on me so finished the rest of it when I woke up leaving my associate and travel companion asleep in the other chair.  This morning my body clock kicked in at four thirty which is about right for Bulgarian time but lousy for here but out with the Kindle and an hour with Mrs Harry Potter and her latest book and  that soon put me to sleep again.

This morning out to the jewellers in Lewes and getting them to resize my rings since I can get none of them on due to swollen joints.  Bugger, but I suppose I don't need them any longer to adorn the beast.  Two years on a hillside with neighbours that have very little...seems very overkill but I'm expecting to see lots of it over the next month or so.

Packing three quarters complete...catching up with A this afternoon, supper tonight with Princess, hubbie and CJ and early to bed.  Only got chargers to sort out so that we don't overkill the goose to save on the packing.  Onwards and upwards on Sunday.....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 12, 2012, 8:10am; Reply: 14
Friday 12th October

Zilch yesterday and apologies.....packed, unpacked and had trouble trying to sort out the baggage allowances with the particular airline and wondering how to get a quart into a pint pot....eeekkkks.  It looks to be clearing up but it's not like sitting watching my hillside.....rain rain and yet more rain.

Sorted out two years of mail and the shredder was going hell for leather and this afternoon had a very tearful reunion with my Princess and became a mum again instead of a free spirit and it was lovely.  She was admitting her guilt.  She's been nobbling my wardrobe and promised to return everything when she eventually finds it....that's daughters for you.

Tele was on last night and I mourn the decline of decent stuff to watch.....we did get a bottle of the red stuff out last night but sleep was catching up on me so finished the rest of it when I woke up leaving my associate and travel companion asleep in the other chair.  This morning my body clock kicked in at four thirty which is about right for Bulgarian time but lousy for here but out with the Kindle and an hour with Mrs Harry Potter and her latest book and  that soon put me to sleep again.

This morning out to the jewellers in Lewes and getting them to resize my rings since I can get none of them on due to swollen joints.  Bugger, but I suppose I don't need them any longer to adorn the beast.  Two years on a hillside with neighbours that have very little...seems very overkill but I'm expecting to see lots of it over the next month or so.

Packing three quarters complete...catching up with A this afternoon, supper tonight with Princess, hubbie and CJ and early to bed.  Only got chargers to sort out so that we don't overkill the goose to save on the packing.  Onwards and upwards on Sunday.....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 13, 2012, 4:38pm; Reply: 15
Saturday 13th October

This weather is giving me the creepy jeepies...the lawn this afternoon was white over with hail of all things.  It is cold, it is wet and miserable and I still have packing to do.  Why is it that when you are packing for one you know exactly what to put in.  When trying to negotiate whether you have chargers for the same thing and the question is....why take two when you could pack shoes and clothes instead....now that's girl talk.

Went last minute shopping with CJ and Princess this morning and bought a tablet....and grandson had the job of setting it up and trying to explain the workings of it.  I think it might even be donated to his charity when I get home.  So television got swithched on this afternoon and the film Bicentential man had already started so it was eyes down, legs up and watched the rest of it.  I really love that film and now it's over....I want to get to the stage that everything is done tonight except deciding what I am wearing for travelling in...decision, decisions.....I think it's time to get the wine out.  Camera charged and packed away....so you will have to wait until my feet are back on terra firma again like the day after tomorrow.  It all seems a long way away and such a lot of effort...LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 16, 2012, 9:35am; Reply: 16
Tuesday 16th October

Somebody as stolen a day....I went to sleep on an aircraft on Sunday night and woke up in China last night...sat around for a few hours in the airport....boarded another plane and got to Sydney at ten this morning....and it's now Tuesday.  Bit of a shock ...the coach transfer organised by Iglu deposited us at the wrong hotel so into another taxi and off the the sister hotel....don't you just love it when that happens....Iglu's attention to detail seems to be lacking somewhat.  They even couldn't confirm the luggage allowance and I almost asked the company to delay the flight so that I could go back and get more....

Did the walk today and went to see Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House..managed to catch the local but and find my way back to the hotel....so I'm still in one piece but still confused about the day...perhaps I'll get it back on my return...

LN...I'm about to get my head down....it's been a very exhausting day and I promise pickies tomorrow....I just need to sort out how to achieve with my little PC...LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 18, 2012, 3:02am; Reply: 17
Thursday 18th October

Sitting in a shopping mal and waiting to get on the ship this afternoon.  Luggage packed and yet again and this time hopefully, we shall get deposited at the correct ship otherwise I could be whisked off to places unknown which could be quite and adventure...
Posted by: linda g, October 18, 2012, 1:22pm; Reply: 18
So you have arrived in our great land....lol. Have a great trip round and will see u on the friday in Freo....Take care Linda.x ;)
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 18, 2012, 11:35pm; Reply: 19
Friday 19th October

Yes Linda...we are here and I'll private message you with phone numbers etc.....

Happy Birthday Harry....it would have been my pop's birthday today.  I'm not sure what he would appreciate more...my hillside or this lovely ship.

Last night left Sydney at around seven thirty and watched as we went under the bridge and out to the open sea.  Took a few glitzy photos of the ship, supper delicious and we are on a table with four Australians so are getting into the culture well.  Lovely pianist aboard who did all the requests that were given to her and those she didn't know she made a note of.  Slept really well and woke up at seven so my body clock has at least started to kick in.....off to the pool for a spot of sunbathing....catch you later...
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 20, 2012, 8:46am; Reply: 20
Saturday 20th October

Early start this morning....we were on a day out to Brisbane for wine tasting, glow worm caves and I would add why at this point and a two hour river cruise.  So we swapped one for another.

Berthed out at Fisherman's Island and not the prettiest setting but into the coach and headed for the city.  Water cruise showed us some of the super rich houses but I think my little pad would have looked just as good as any of those if I'd have picked it up and was able to afford the plot and put it down.  Morning cream tea on the boat, lunch after the glow worm caves and I feel as full as a little tick with evening meal to go....

Back on board after the coach developed serious clutch problems on the way back so we forfeited the shopping trip on the way back so that we were back in time for the sailing....oh well the money will wait for tomorrow.  Now about to get showered to get on my party frock....LN
Posted by: 50 (Guest), October 20, 2012, 6:09pm; Reply: 21
Sounds like you are having fun.  Love the photos.  Last year at this time I was on Moreton Island off the coast of Brisbane.  Saw some beautiful sunsets too.
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 21, 2012, 2:12pm; Reply: 22
Sunday 21st October

So tonight was the first formal dress for dinner and weren't there some sights that shouldn't have been out after dark....nice evening and the table compatriots at dinner are opening up and we are having some good laughs.  Not much activity today...it was a Sunday which became a sun day....and colouring up beautifully.

Just a few shots....tomorrow is another sea day and we go through the islands off Cairns tomorrow which is supposed to be really beautiful...just lots to see.  Update tomorrow....LN from me...
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 22, 2012, 8:49am; Reply: 23
Monday 22nd October

Ship day today moving up the east coast and towards out next destination....Port Douglas.  Got a tour booked so out with the camera and there should be a few more shots of land and adventure and not of sunrise and sunsets.

Food is still maximum interest and it seems to be ever forthcoming so after a week or so it will be back to monitoring the intake but for this first week...giving my body lots to process.  A little bit of the duty lobster this evening which should turn a very pleasant brown by the morning...and exercised number seven gently in the swimming pool before lunch but rested it for a couple of hours in bed this afternoon so I'm ready to party tonight....now dressing for dinner...LN
Posted by: linda g, October 22, 2012, 3:35pm; Reply: 24
Photos are great as usual. Are u on the ship that came into harbour in Sydney on the news...... if u are it looked huge. ;D

Any way counting down the days...lol  Take care and enjoy it...x
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 23, 2012, 9:19am; Reply: 25
Tuesday 23rd October

Just for you Linda....there is a pickie of the ship and yes it is huge....

Today we were in Port Douglas and off to Cairns and the surrounding area.  Back to the ship at four thirty for an evening sailing but an eventful start....the tender that we were on got half way to the shore this morning and broke down limping back to the ship which meant all change into another boat.  Coach last tour, boat this but let's hope that there is no third time....

Not much script...a picture says a thousand words and they are more interesting...LN....post and then party....trouble posting so let's see what happens...
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 24, 2012, 8:56am; Reply: 26
Wednesday 24th October

So very restful day today.  On board all day and watched sea snakes, giant turtles and sharks from the deck as we went by the reef.  Decided to go to the cinema after lunch and unfortunately I thought the young lady was bringing the ice creams round but all we got was the offer of milk and cookies.  Refused the milk but partook of the cookies....well why not.  Swam before and did forty minutes in the pool after the film and back to the cabin, showered, hair washed and ready for a deck party tonight after supper....Hard life.    Darwin tomorrow and no tours booked so let's see what we get up to....LN..supper time....
Posted by: KingDom, October 24, 2012, 11:00pm; Reply: 27
Sounds like you are having fun on your floating hotel!  You will be back to work soon though http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9630862/Elderly-should-do-community-work-or-lose-pension-peer-says.html ;D
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 25, 2012, 9:37am; Reply: 28
Thursday 25th October

Thanks Dom...there I am doing you a favour and sorting out moorings for you and you have to come in with the big guns....I'll look at it when I come back from the bar...

Lazy day round the pool...watched Pirates of the Carribean while doing about thirty lengths of the pool.... pool party last night was really jumping...hard life isn't it.  Tomorrow Darwin and a free internet connection to give you a proper update...not so cheap on the ship.

LN....no pickies....too busy getting on another coating of that brown skin....LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 26, 2012, 3:11am; Reply: 29
Friday 26th October

Up this morning to catch the sunrise and coffee on the deck which with one swift movement of the ship or my arm ended up on my t shirt so I ended up wearing it......back to the cabin and down for breakfast after doing the 'not so smalls'.

Ship tied up in Darwin and in an internet cafe at much cheaper rates than on the ship....and checked out your link KingDom....I am already doing community work as well you know but for the next few weeks I am concentrating on International relations.....way to go....post the dawn pickies later and also those of Darwin....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 27, 2012, 3:08pm; Reply: 30
Saturday 27th October

So I've just done the Trivia quiz with a couple of dinner table compatriots and we failed hopelessly....but there again it was our first time up against the seasoned cruisers....we'll try again and our spirits were not downcast at the end of it.

Just wanted to post the photos from yesterday that I promised.  There won't be many today unless we sight whales or anything moving in the calm sea.  The next big photo opportunity comes the day after tomorrow in Lombok, Indonesia.  We've been warned to watch out for the sharks that cruise the embarkation points looking to change Australian Dollars to the local currency.  Far more dangerous we are told than those that dwell in the sea.

Let's try to load the pickies....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 28, 2012, 2:45pm; Reply: 31
Sunday 28th October

Not much to report today.  It was hot, hot, hot and burnt to a crisp this morning.  The ship was heaving a little and the pool looked like it had a wave machine thrashing the water about.  One or two of the older ladies appeared to be threatened with being beached on the pool surrounds but I managed to survive.

Food has been very impressive so far but the joke is that there are some that seem to be 'grazing' from morn 'til night but that is what cruising is all about for some of the fellow passengers... :-/

Beautiful pickies of sunsets but i think you've had enough of those.  Indonesia tomorrow and off for a scheduled 'trip' on to Lombok which is the next island to Bali so I should have some interesting stuff to post tomorrow.

LN...my clock has gone back by another hour tonight but I'm not waiting for the night that we have to add it all back on and more when we get to New Zealand.  I better get some early nights in ready.....LN...off to my virtuous couch....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 29, 2012, 5:07pm; Reply: 32
Monday 29th October

Well what a day.  Out on the deck at six this morning taking photos and down to breakfast by six thirty.  On to the tender for eight fifteen and a bus ride to the various temples, mosques, artisan shops and manufacturers, lunch at the Sheriton Hotel in downtown Lombok and a gigantic thunders storm with lashing winds.  Most of the population buy motor scooters using a three year credit agreement and it was fun to watch them when the roads got flooded.  It was such a downpour that it was even managing to lift the drain covers.

Back to the ship.  I did forty five minutes in the swimming pool on my lonesome and got out to take the pictures of the sunset and then back in again.  For supper I had a huge rare steak and it was delicious followed by icecream and meringue..finished off the evening with the cabaret that should never have happened and into the bar for the final pint of the night.  Back to the cabin now and we have instructions to meet up with the Australian Immigration as does the rest of the boat and our personal invitation is for 9.30 in the morning so I might be coming back to England sooner than expected....(joke).

Pickies of today...here we go and let's hope that they post quickly....LN
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 30, 2012, 4:08pm; Reply: 33
Tuesday 30th October

Not much to report today.  A beautiful morning down by the pool with a lovely calm sea and this afternoon sat out on the balcony in the shade with a book until sleep overtook me so down for a little nap.

Deck party this evening which we chose to ignore and we had an evening on the beer listening to a band in one of the lounges.  The staff were very busy tonight decorating for Halloween.  It looks amazing in the atrium and pictures will be posted tomorrow.

LN...time for bed....
Posted by: Elsa Peters, October 31, 2012, 7:38am; Reply: 34
Wednesday 31st October

And ghosts and gouls roam but there were few on the deck when I took the photos at silly o' clock this morning but some were already force feeding.  Any way....I achieved what I set out to do and sat on the deck with a coffee, back to the cabin and did my washing and then out for a swim.  Not much of one, clouds rolled in and the wind got up so I'm not confirming indoor activities....don't intend lying out there just for the fun of it.  There was a Marty Feldman and Gene Wilder film showing but even that could not pursuade me to stay.

Formal night tonight or Halloween costumes so I might just cut a hole in the bed sheet and design somethin original or just get out the party glitz.  Heck of a decision...and tomorrow we are in Geraldton and going ashore by tender followed Freemantle and off I go to Perth....exiting times.

LN...
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