tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2009-11-15:/MokoFeed2009-11-15T02:33:45+01:00tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/monday_9th_april~2069029/Bosker2007-04-11T02:33:35+02:002007-04-11T02:33:35+02:00 <p>Packed the bus and set off for Bell beach for the ripcurl surf championships - unfortunately they move the actual surfing up and down the coast in pursuit of the perfect surf - so there was no surf competition happening there. It was interesting to see the venue etc.</p> <p>There was live rock music but not much of an audience...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/08calum_DIRTYEGO.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/09surfposter.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Later we moved on to Torquay beach where long boards were hired and we show'ed em how it was done (well sort of...)<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/10dougels.jpg" alt="" title=""><br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/11longboardcal.jpg" alt="" title=""><br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/12longboardlil.jpg" alt="" title=""><br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/13longboarddoug.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We left about 5pm for the 2hr drive back up to Melbourne<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/14melbourneabstract.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>..back to Christeen & Kris's to ONCE AGAIN unpack and repack ready for the next (and final) part of the holiday - Singapore.</p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/15thefour.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/monday_9th_april~2069029/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/sunday_8th_april~2069021/Bosker2007-04-11T02:24:43+02:002007-04-11T02:24:43+02:00 <p>Blue skies and an excellent day for the beach, so we hired another body board and wet suits and had fun in<br> the surf! </p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/04surfdudes.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/06elspsurf02.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>In the evening we went for a meal - it was a beautiful warm evening and a short walk to the main street<br> along the seafront </p> <p>On the way out...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/07evening.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>At the restaurant...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/07evening02.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Back at the Boat Hoosie...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/07evening03.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/sunday_8th_april~2069021/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/saturday_7th_april~2069010/Bosker2007-04-11T02:17:50+02:002007-04-11T02:17:50+02:00 <p>We set off for trip down the coast to the highest tree-top walkway in the world. This was a bit scary because it rocked about a bit. There was a mental high tower which we climbed - it rocked about even more! The we went along the a dead-end cantilever bridge look-out which was swung about all over the place! Yuk.</p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/02CK_LC.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then we went to the "12 apostles" a popular tourist attraction and amazing to see at sunset.<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/03apostles.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/saturday_7th_april~2069010/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/more_friday_6th_april~2069002/Bosker2007-04-11T02:13:55+02:002007-04-11T02:13:55+02:00 <p>Since we were equippped with a hired 7 seater Kia minibus to head off down the Great<br> Ocean Rd, it started off as the happy bus<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/01happybus.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>...and later on as the surf bus - seen below with Christeen and two, 9ft surfboards in it!<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/01surfbus.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>On Friday, after a good night's sleep at the self catering 'boat house' at Apollo Bay,<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker2/01hoosie.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>we went for a wander and the kids went surfing with their new 41" body board - Kris went in too, to give them some instruction, but the rest of us waited until Sunday when it was forecast to be warmer, before having a go. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/more_friday_6th_april~2069002/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/friday_6th_april_apollo_bay~2049138/Bosker2007-04-07T13:14:34+02:002007-04-07T13:14:34+02:00 <p>Lilian Surfing...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/24lilian_surfing.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Lilian - cool surfer pose...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/25lilian_surfer.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/friday_6th_april_apollo_bay~2049138/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/thursday_4th_april_melbourne_apollo_bay~2048765/Bosker2007-04-07T11:48:53+02:002007-04-07T11:48:53+02:00 <p>Lilian speaking,<br> This morning we all finished off packing for the great ocean road <u>BY</u> 10 in the morning because we decided the night before to get up early. Then Christeen n Kris told us that we didnt have to leave for 3 hours yet!! So Douglas,Calum n Lilian went to the park for a bit. When it was time to go, Elspeth, Christeen and Lilian went into Melourne to market to get food n lunch n more food while Kris,Douglas n Calum went on train to collect the minibus.</p> <p>On the way down we saw kangaroos and koalas, arriving at Apollo Bay early evening. Flashed up the wood burning stove and relaxed in the house with the roar of the nearby ocean. </p> <p>Kangaroos we spotted on way to Apollo Bay on a golf course!!<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/26roos.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Koala up a tree.<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/27koala.jpg" alt="" title=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/thursday_4th_april_melbourne_apollo_bay~2048765/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/tuesday_2nd_april_aukland~2047233/Bosker2007-04-07T01:29:54+02:002007-04-07T01:29:54+02:00 <p>Lilian and Elspeth went off for some retail therapy with Elaine while D, C & M went out in their speedboat for a blast around the bay, nozying at multi-million $$ yachts - them anchored to do some fishing... SCORE: Mark=0 Calum=2 Douglas=2+a tiddler!!<br> Getting the boat back out of the water was 'interesting' Douglas had to reverse Mark's newish Ute (pickup truck) and boat trailer down a slimy ramp into the water while Mark powered the boat onto the trailer for D to wade in and hook up before driving back out. No loss of life or expensive machinery ensued.<br> The ladies meanwhile, took Holly the puppy for a walk to the beach where Lilian went swimming.<br> Evening: we went out for a Vietnamese meal (delish!)</p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/24dougfish.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/25calumsteering.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/26calumfish.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>------------------------<br> Wednesday 3rd April<br> Flew back to Melbourne - unpacked then packed for next trip - expedition down the Great Ocean Road to do some surfing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/tuesday_2nd_april_aukland~2047233/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/monday_2nd_april_aukland~2047185/Bosker2007-04-07T01:07:27+02:002007-04-07T01:07:27+02:00 <p>Went to Aukland - visited museum, learned about the history and teh volcanoes - had lunch at an amazing outdoor cafe, chinese / japanese food etc.<br> Went shopping then went to Mount Victoria for an amazing view of Aukland then kids went sledging down the steep grassy hills on bits of cardboard (as you do!)<br> Evening - collected fush and chups carry out (including visit to pub for me and Mark) then ate outside on one of the several decking areas - this one has an outdoor log fire! Met neighbours Damien (who has software development company) and his wife Debby and their kids. Kids were younger so Lilian spent a lot of the evening attached to the puppy, Holly.</p> <p>Calum & Rachel amusing themselves:<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/19calum_rachel.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>New Zealand skyline:<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/20NZskyline.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Sledging<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/21NZsledging.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Small dog:<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/22holly_puppy.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Lilian & Holly:<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/22lilian_holly.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>New Zealand has lots of Volcanoes...<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/23volcano.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/monday_2nd_april_aukland~2047185/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-06:/2007/04/07/sunday_1st_april_off_to_new_zealand~2047131/Bosker2007-04-07T00:51:52+02:002007-04-07T00:51:52+02:00 <p>Packed and flew to NZ - amazing in-flight entertaiment, with individually selectable systems; music, films, Catherine Tait series, Little Britain series, Top Gear series etc etc.<br> Elaine, Mark and Rachel met us at the airport (Elaine is originally from Fraserburgh, Mark from New Zealand, they moved from Stuartfield to nr Aukland 5 years ago). Despite all the Ozzies telling saying "ooooh - Aukland? you'de better pack yer woolies" we felt a bit silly with our winter jackets on, it was 22 deg C with the sun going down, E, M & R were in shorts and sandals. How they laughed.<br> It was great to see them again, we travelled by their car(s) to their amazing house in Greenhithe about 30 mins out of Aukland. The house is on 5 levels. We met the 3 dogs, had food and met neighbours had a few beers and planned outings.</p> <p>Our transport<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/16airNZ.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Arrival (with jaikets!)<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/17NZarrival.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/sunday_1st_april_off_to_new_zealand~2047131/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-06:/2007/04/07/saturday_31st_march_melbourne~2047089/Bosker2007-04-07T00:37:53+02:002007-04-07T00:37:53+02:00 <p>Christeen & Kris took Lilian & Calum for a surprise outing to an animal sanctuary, saw Kangaroos, Koalas, snakes, Tasmanian Devils, Wallabies etc. then to an amusment park and out for their tea.</p> <p>Elspeth and Douglas off to the art gallery and then to Melbourne International Flower Show. I went up the Rialto Tower to take some high-up pictures of the city at sunset. Oh I do like heights. Not. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/saturday_31st_march_melbourne~2047089/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-06:/2007/04/07/wednesday_29th_march_geelong~2047024/Bosker2007-04-07T00:20:02+02:002007-04-07T00:23:43+02:00 <p>Off to visit Lynne and Jez at Geelong (J'long), Lynne is originally from Cairntrodlie! (Peterhead), but met Jez 21 years ago and has been an Oz citizen for 10 years. They have always - and still do - travel the world; they work for a while then set off for a few months. They are about to do it again, they are coming to the UK in a few weeks then off to explore China and Japan for a few months!!!<br> It was great to see them - last time was when they visited us in Crichie about 3 years ago. We had a great meal with them at their beautifully extended and decorated house.</p> <p>---------------------<br> Thursday 29th March - Geelong and area<br> We borrowed Jez's car (leaving him to cycle to work for the first time in 5 years; HE GOT A PUNCTURE on the way...).<br> We went for a drive to Queenscliffe, Ocean Grove - stopped off for a while in a ghost town called INDENTED HEAD. Not really scary!<br> Later on stopped at a Winery which, despite the 'open' signs was Mari Celeste-ishly deserted. Which was odd.<br> Had another good chat with Lynne & Jez over Pizza, wine etc. Hope to see them in Stuartfield next month.<br> ---------------------<br> Friday 30st March - Back to Melbourne<br> Train back to the city, met Christeen and Kris then went to Aussie Rules fitba - very entertaining and OUR TEAM WON! (St Kilda 93 : Melbourne 62)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/wednesday_29th_march_geelong~2047024/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-04-06:/2007/04/06/piccies_so_far~2043569/Bosker2007-04-06T12:46:57+02:002007-04-06T12:55:35+02:00 <p>pics so far...<br> Calum at the aquarium (he's the one without the fin!)<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/01calum_shark.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Calum in the pool at Singapore hotel<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/01singapore_calum.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Lilian & Elspeth at the pool<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/01singapore_lilian.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Dragon boat racing - Lilian on the drum, Christeen + Kris front rowers<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/02lilian_dragonboat.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>The race - in the lead<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/03dragonboat_race.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Brighton beach huts<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/04brighton_beachhuts.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Calum at St Kilda beach<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/04calumpaddling.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Aussie rules footie<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/05saints2.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Aussie rules footie<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/06saints.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Melbourne<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/07melbourne_city.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Lynne Jez + Calum at their house in Geelong<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/08lynnejezcal.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Lilian & Calum at INDENTED HEAD!!<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/09lilcal_indented.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Maritime museum<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/10lilcal_diver.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Elspeth at Melbourne Art Gallery waterwall<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/11elspeth_waterwall.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Melbourne Garden Exhibition<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/13garden_show.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Melbourne sunset<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/14melbourne_sunset.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Mwlbourne at night<br> <img src="http://www.dometest.co.uk/bosker/15melbourne_night.jpg" alt="" title=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/04/06/piccies_so_far~2043569/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/tuesday_27th_march_2007_melbourne~2001695/Bosker2007-03-30T08:38:15+02:002007-03-30T08:38:15+02:00 <p>Me Elsp and the kids borrowed Christeen & Kris's bikes then set off walking, then train, then walking again, to hire bikes for Lilian and Calum. We then cycled to the beach, had a picnic lunch (it was about 29 degree C), then Elspeth and the kids went to the beach while I went off for an extended cycle exploration along the beach front; loads of funcy hooses wi big gairdens and posh plunts - apparently worth millions of dollars each.<br> Tuesday evening - we went to see the FINA international swimming competitions in Melboune. This was a proper night of competitions, with no less the THREE new world records being set; ,uch excitement but too much playing of the american national anthem (for my liking).<br> There were some UK swimmers for us to cheer along, including Kaitlin McLatchy the Scottish swimmer who one a medal (or two) at the Commenwealth games last year (it was last year wasn't it?). </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/tuesday_27th_march_2007_melbourne~2001695/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/monday_26th_march_melbourne~2001668/Bosker2007-03-30T08:32:26+02:002007-03-30T08:32:26+02:00 <p>Kris off to work, Chisteen, Elspeth, Lilian and Calum all off to the beach, while I stayed at the house and did some work!!!<br> They had a great time with Lilian and Calum burying each other in sand.<br> In the evening, me and Elspeth went out for a Vietnamese meal ON OUR OWN! while the rest played board games. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/monday_26th_march_melbourne~2001668/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/sunday_25th_march_melbourne~2001639/Bosker2007-03-30T08:25:04+02:002007-03-30T08:25:04+02:00 <p>Christeen & Kris off early to compete in Dragon boat racing; last competition of the season. Kris phoned to say that they were short of people and asked if Lilian would like to take part as the boat drummer! I went along too and was invited to take part also - good fun but very hard work! The boats are only about 2 ft wide and have (up to) 20 rowers a drummer and a sweep (stands at the back steering). They race 3 boats at a time a straight 200metre sprint. We came 3rd overall in the days tournament out of 11 teams, with me taking part in 3 of the races and Lilian in them ALL!</p> <p>Later we went for shark and chips, then took tram to shopping centre then the train home to Christeen and Kris's. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/sunday_25th_march_melbourne~2001639/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/saturday_24th_march_melbourne~2001605/Bosker2007-03-30T08:18:12+02:002007-03-30T08:18:12+02:00 <p>All off to the city - visited the Aquarium then had a walk along beside the river, where Calum got involved in a street theatre escapology performance! He actually go paid for it too - but then donated it back in the collection which ensued. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/saturday_24th_march_melbourne~2001605/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/friday_23rd_march_melbourne_arrival~2001593/Bosker2007-03-30T08:15:46+02:002007-03-30T08:15:46+02:00 <p>Melbourne airport - nearly got arrested by customs for smuggling undeclared tinned haggis! Thought about telling them it had been planted in our luggage by unscrupulous trafficers but decided against it.<br> Airport had dozens of people welcoming travellers, but only Christeen and Kris had flags, baloons and an inflatable kangaroo!<br> Kris went off to work, Christeen drove us to the house before going off to work and leaving us to catch up on sleep - despite the 39 deg C heat!<br> In the evening, Elspeth and Christeen went out for a meal while me, Kris and the kids went to Calder park to see the drag racing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/friday_23rd_march_melbourne_arrival~2001593/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/thursday_22nd_march_singapore~2001546/Bosker2007-03-30T08:09:42+02:002007-03-30T08:09:42+02:00 <p>After breakfast at the hotel (vegetable curry again!), Elspeth and the kids went to the hotel's outdoor pool. We then checked out of the hotel and went to the harbour-front. On the way I asked the taxi driver what was imported and exported from the huge container port, to which he thought a minute and then answered "containers". Ho hum.<br> Lunch was Calum's choice - a sushi restaurant. We then got the monorail across to nearby Sentosa island where we went up a viewing tower lift for a brilliant view of Singapore and the surrounding coast. Me and the kids went on a luge thing which is a downhill track on plastic cart contraptions - very fast and good fun, we overtook a group of about 12 frightened looking Japanese tourists on the way down.<br> We collected our luggage from the hotel which almost fitted into the taxi to the airport, where we caught the Melbourne flight.<br> On the flight, Elspeth kept us a running time commentary... "only 5 hours and 40 minutes to go" ALL NIGHT! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/thursday_22nd_march_singapore~2001546/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-22:/2007/03/22/singapoaring_rain~1950787/Bosker2007-03-22T03:31:02+01:002007-03-22T03:31:02+01:00 <p>...well it did yesterday for a while. Still, it's warm rain :-)</p> <p>Flight was good, although none of us slept much. We arrived 5pm ish at the hotel, walked zombyish to get some food (including Calum's vindaloo fish soup!) then we all slept well. </p> <p>Wednesday - went shopping (spending money allways makes me feel dizzy - so I didn't enjoy the experience). Lots of posh shops like Gucci and stuff, but a good mix down Orchard Street (or road or avenue???)</p> <p>Afternoon went to Wild Wild Wet waterpark, great fun with flumes and slides (and the kids enjoyed it too!). Then a sudden megga thunderstorm arrived when Lilian and I were at the top of a huge slide - we were last down before they closed the park for safety reasons. Got dried / ate more food / taxi back to hotel / slept all night again! Jet lag? not us!!<br> Over and out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/22/singapoaring_rain~1950787/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:bosker.blog.co.uk,2007-03-13:/2007/03/13/6_days_and_counting~1899084/Bosker2007-03-13T21:06:37+01:002007-03-13T21:06:37+01:00 <p>Good evening viewer.</p> <p>Well - this is a test blog entry to check it's all working before next week, when I may, or I may not update it more regularly. Like you care. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://bosker.blog.co.uk/2007/03/13/6_days_and_counting~1899084/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>