tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12370444985265351052011-07-28T22:49:12.207+01:00Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.comBlogger221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-54562370837526111672009-11-26T15:50:00.002Z2009-11-26T15:57:38.329Z

And so, dear friends, we came to Goa, for a relaxing week of sunshine on the beach before facing reality back in the UK.From almost the first moment in Goa, we found a complete contrast with the chaos associated with the rest of India. Our guest house was adequate but the guys running it were great and their was just an amazing amount of cheap eats to choose from in the evening. The last night we

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-64418349844496870182009-11-21T08:04:00.002Z2009-11-21T08:48:43.050Z

And so to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and another very different side of Indian life. Jaipur is known for the Pink City, which is the walled Old town which was painted pink in honour of a visiting British monarch. However, it's not that pink anymore - which is understandable.Anyways, we got to the train station not knowing where we would be staying so we popped into the government travel

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-84907772330667352432009-11-18T09:08:00.003Z2009-11-18T09:34:47.224Z

After the smelliness of Delhi we had a 5am(!) train up to Amritsar to see the Golden Temple. We had a fantastic day walking around the Sikh temple and even got a free lunch! It's a really interesting place and the contrast of how people act inside compared to outside is stark - no spitting or littering in sight.The next day we had planned to see the border closing ceremony on the India -Pakistan

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-45739043102784896232009-11-10T10:37:00.002Z2009-11-10T11:04:43.296Z

And so, after spending the majority of our day on the plane we arrived in Delhi. Unfortunately none of the cash machines were working so we had no way of paying for a taxi to our hotel. However, it turned out we had enough spare baht (just) to convert and secure our transport.First impressions of Delhi are that it is rather smelly, rather smoggy, very busy and extremely noisy. Ben was in India a

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-41399290099548820552009-11-04T16:07:00.002Z2009-11-04T16:21:49.600Z

We arrived into Phuket to be met by torrential rain and by the time we had settled into the guesthouse we barely had time to have a quick look around and get dinner before crashing in bed (strangely rather than sheets or duvets, the guesthouse provided large towels to sleep in - nice).The next day was Kat's Birthday - a considerable change from her usual backdrop of fireworks and chilly weather

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-59140687639323459242009-11-04T15:47:00.002Z2009-11-04T16:07:46.499Z

After a(nother) short boat we arrived on Phi Phi Don, an island in the Andaman Sea. Strangely it has no motorised transport so rather than people asking us whether we wanted a Taxi or Tuk-Tuk, we had water-taxi and boatride touts to contend with as well as the massage and suit sellers.We imagined Phi Phi Don to be a idylic island paradise but it has been spoilt with rampant tourism. The central "

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-37872922205845638672009-11-04T15:24:00.002Z2009-11-04T15:47:37.867Z

After the hectic surroundings of Bangkok we whizzed down to the West Coast by Thai Airways (including some questionable in flight refreshments) to our 4 star hotel in Ao Nang.The room was fantastic - the biggest of the trip. We had a balcony overlooking the pool and the bed was huge - at least 2m by 2m! On the first day the hotel was empty but the next day we were joined by a coachload of Germans

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-44914526904057292702009-10-27T07:59:00.002Z2009-10-27T08:50:15.978Z

And so we just about got to Bangkok, though slightly jetlagged from our jump four hours back. It was a complete contrast to the clean, organised, western countries we had just come from - but definitely in a good way!The first thing that hit us was the humidity - pretty soon we were very sweaty! But we made our way to find our hotel room off Khao San road (backpacker central) and we were

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-29803927612991452282009-10-26T08:51:00.002Z2009-10-26T09:11:10.296Z

Flying into the Sydney airport we got some fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach and the bright sunny skies were just what the doctor ordered. After a bit of time trying to get a hotel we checked in and after a wander round the local streets (which were......interesting!) we got an early nights sleep ready for the next day.Our first stop was the botanical gardens and

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-31294697233178627512009-10-23T04:35:00.004+01:002009-10-26T08:51:14.277Z

After wonderful 30 degree temperatures in Fiji we headed back to New Zealand to explore the South Island. After a slight hitch with trying to hire a camper we were back on the road - 2500km in 11 days...We headed straight towards the mountains, stopping in at Lake Tekapo on the way. It was an awe inspiring place - eerie still blue waters with a backdrop of the Southern Alps. High recommended to

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-7737990272464915182009-10-08T05:34:00.004+01:002009-10-08T05:54:15.179+01:00

Sorry for the delay in this post - but we've been on Fiji time!Anyways, after our sailing adventures we headed back to Nadi for three nights. Nadi is a bit rubbish but we did head off to find the Garden of the Sleeping Giants which was very beautiful. It used to be owned by the chap from Ironside and is just some really nice gardens with lots of orchids. We decided to save some pennies so we took

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-58201450291506628862009-09-28T03:24:00.003+01:002009-09-28T03:55:32.087+01:00

wow!! Its hard to think what to put in words about the sailing safari and the four days we were out on a deserted Island in the South Pacific. I will try anyway, the trip was organised by Fijians on a tall ship called 'spirit of the pacific' which left Nadi and headed out towards a group of Islands called the Yasawas. On board was a crew and 10 guests (including Ben and I)all from various

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-22661357424378433212009-09-28T02:55:00.004+01:002009-09-28T03:24:10.237+01:00

After a night in very cold Rotorua we decided to find some hot baths, not just any baths!! I drove (Kat) through the beautiful countryside to a very small valley which had hot springs and a spa, so we enjoyed around three hours in various pools of hot water - it was by far the most fantastic feeling and so relaxing. It was so cheap as well it cost around 15pounds for both of us. we then set off

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-43847307422997203152009-09-20T23:56:00.004+01:002009-09-21T00:18:20.786+01:00

With jetlag slowly going we spent another day wandering around Auckland. We first headed to the museum which was excellent - loads of mauri artifacts and some really good exhibitions about the world wars. In the evening we headed to a food hall which was fantastically cheap and tasty. Tired and fed we headed back to the hostel.Next morning we headed down into the city to pick up our luxury

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-8429214347248611322009-09-16T06:21:00.002+01:002009-09-16T06:53:40.903+01:00

I write this with my body quite unsure of what time, or indeed day, it is. We flew from LA at 9.30 on Monday and landed at 5am in Auckland. Unfortunately the place we are staying wasn't open when we arrived but luckily the girlfriend of the owner was headed out for an early morning run and let us in to the common area. So rather than heading straight for bed we ended up watching the

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-21106583274173636912009-09-14T19:14:00.004+01:002009-09-14T19:30:56.751+01:00

Hey everyone - kat here!! i actually get to write on our blog while Ben finds us somewhere to stay in New Zealand. Well yesterday was a very interesting day, we got up and headed to Grace Community Church, its John McCarther church!! wow what an experience, we really felt that God wanted us to be at the service, as every step of the way we had help from the locals and every bus just arrived! the

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-79005106909663317062009-09-13T02:57:00.002+01:002009-09-13T03:10:07.461+01:00

Well, we woke on September 11 to find that the East coast of America seemed to be experiencing a tornado. Nice - not quite what we had hoped for....Anyways, not to be put off we ventured back into Manhatten to see some more sights including a rather rough ride to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty. Pretty impresive stuff, as was the Empire State Building. Less impressive so was Maceys,

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-4867912886737193892009-09-11T02:57:00.002+01:002009-09-11T03:10:39.805+01:00

We just about managed to pack our bags and catch the train to Manchester Airport and a after a couple of flights we found ourselves in America to sample whatever New York could offer! After getting a taxi to the hotel we managed to last until about 10pm before falling asleep (3am BST) and then found ourselves wide awake at 4am. Just about managed to get back to sleep before tucking in to a

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-19601026586254492042009-09-08T16:51:00.002+01:002009-09-08T16:58:58.434+01:00

Whilst packing for our trip, we decided to sort of some change of addresses that we hadn't got around to since we moved house. So we called into a couple of banks, Kat phoned her car insurance, an extra £16 then Ben called his car insurance. That'll be an extra £2,200!!!!!!!!!"I'm sorry" Ben said in disbelief. "That's what we got back from our underwriters" the voice on the end of the phone

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-68552077075555931122009-08-25T19:57:00.002+01:002009-08-25T20:04:42.327+01:00

What an exciting few months it has been! Kat has quit her job, we've bought a house and we're just finalising the trip.Jabs have been jabbed, visas have been obtained, and money has exchanged hands for the tickets - no turning back now.The plan is to go around the world in eighty days. It was going to be 78, but 80 is far more literary.First stop is New York, then on to LA before flying down to

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-34901812838902884032009-05-20T18:07:00.005+01:002009-09-04T10:51:18.209+01:00

Ben's dodgy arthritic right knee has swollen up to roughly three times the size it should be, but it only hurts when he bends or straightens it! Somehow he injured himself sitting at his desk on Monday, but still insisted on going to footy in the evening, but only lasted 3 minutes - probably not the wisest decision. Thankfully work gives him private medical insurance, so rather than having to

Kat & Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808310445741242962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237044498526535105.post-77067803897953065462009-05-17T20:53:00.002+01:002009-05-17T21:29:09.011+01:00

Well, unpaid leave has been authorised, resignation letters have been drafted and the Congleton Cruses are gearing up for the big adventure! Just got to decide where we're going.......Plan so far is heading westwards to the States to see New York & L.A. before making our way to Fiji, New Zealand & Oz. Then heading up to Thailand, onto Delhi, a quick pitstop home then off for a spot of safari in

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