Oxford to Hungary.

Ended up spending two very enjoyable days in Oxford. On Easter Monday we again met up with Faye and wandered the streets just getting a feel for the city and place. Climbed a few towers and took a few photos. In the evening bus to London staying in a B&B close to Gatwick again dinner in a 500 year old pub. Tuesday morning off to Budapest this time the flight was on time and two hours later we were there. No boarder formalities unlike previous visits and we were met by my cousin and his wife. Straight in to Ujpest a bit of a family reunion then out for a nostalgic walk, did take a wrong turn and ended up in a pretty wild part of the city. Some great Hungarian food for dinner a bit of a chat which was somewhat slow. Next day the sun shone and we were off into the central part of the city and walked probably 20 kms over the next few days. The centre of Budapest is just delightful having been magnificently restored. Walked the Castle district over numerous bridges crossing the Danube a few times. Spent a good 3 days just exploring and the temps were just magnificent low 20s. One evening went went to the thermal resort Szechenyi pool spent a good few hours there soaking in the thermal waters. Most enjoyable.....
Budapest has certainly changed since we were last here you could in fact be anywhere in the world if it wasnt for the language.

Edinburgh to Oxford

Spent a great few days in Edinburgh so back to Edinburgh airport where easy jet lived up to its reputation again ..a delay of one hour. But our typically casual approach saw us in the end rushing to the gate as we enjoyed sitting in the terminal just a little too much.
Back in Gatwick bus to Oxford where we met up with Faye.
Spent a great afternoon wandering around this most attractive city nice white stone much like Oamaru. Great old streets and numerous universities all very richly decorated.
Even went to a cathedral something Gail wanted to do and listened to some spectacular singing
it was in fact very enjoyable (and warm). Made our escape and dinner in a 400 year old english pub. All in all a great day.

The highlands

When it snow in Scotland it certainly does it in style.
We endured a couple of days when the temps didnt climb above 1deg so we walked the castle area and caught up with one of Gail relatives. On the one fine day we ventured into the highlands getting as far as For Augustus. Spectacular with all the snow and the day was brilliantly clear and fine. Edinburgh is a delightful city not too big and not too busy but its a heavy city with all the grey stone and cloud. Did see a bit of wild life a few red deer but no monster this time round.

London to Edinburgh

Arrived London quickly through immigration and onto the bus and train.
Arrived at the estate and shown our room.
Next day a couple of introductions and a cup of tea with the boss.
Some very notable "neighbors" and one of the lads shot a couple of deer which
I could see from our room. This is a very spectacular location step outside...
forests and fields rich in wildlife and history.
Nice walk around part of the property(could hear the tapping of the wood peckers)
then a tour around the house.
Tuesday back up to London an easy jet flight after an hour delay to Edinburgh
3deg upon arrival with a heavy snow warning issued.
Staying at my step sisters house in Queensferry what a delightful part of the city.
We are going to enjoy Edinburgh.

Singapore

Singapore hot and humid...and somewhat sterile.
But good drinks and food, eating from all the little local eateries.
Walked down to Orchard road via a nice park spent a couple of hours down there before heading back to clark quay which is quite a nice mix of skyscrapers and old singapore.
Ride on a bum boat free of charge so that appealed and back to the hotel to meet up with my old friends Paul and Patsy from the Uk who were coming out to NZ for a re-union.

Our departure

We have always liked quiet exits...so Charissa accompanied by the wee dog took us out to the airport. Nancy Dad Jean and Ray also came to say good bye.
Good byes are always so hard and both Gail and I knew this one would be real tough and it was!
But this is something we have wanted to do for at least 20 years and we are off.
Easy flight to Christchurch and we were met by Nigel and Vicky.
Overnight at there lovely home and Friday morning up early and off.
This departure was much easier as we spent a great couple of hours chatting at the airport
with Nigel Barbara Trevor and Jenny.
A easy non stop 10 hour flight to Singapore, 3 movies and lots of eating we arrived.
31 deg and the all familar feel of tropical heat but no Charissa or Stephanie and that made it
strange. But the Internet is spectacular here so a few emails and a bit skype we are in touch.