From Lucy Birch
Hi Donna! How are things?! Sounds like you had a great trip after we left you in Vic Falls! Ollie and I just got back from travelling and the depression is starting to kick in...I'm sure you know the feeling!
Do you have a facebook page?
Response: Hi Lucy,
Thanks for getting in touch. Will and I managed to be out of the email loop... try as I may, couldn't get your or Ollie's email address. Glad you found me! All well with me; rest of trip was good, actually missed you guys and our little UK / token Aussie group! We all got very sick... but I met this awesome guy and we are still dating. Going to visit him in South Africa in Sept and then will probably move over there next year. Yes, got facebook, looks like you found me. The depression will pass, just onto new projects.
Take care, say hi to Ollie, stay in touch.
Love Donna X
From michael byrne
hey donna,
this is an amazing website! dont know how you did it but so good! love the photos!
mick
Response: Hey Michael,
Didn't know people were still looking at my site... I really should update it a bit more often! Glad you enjoyed the photos. I'll be back in Melbs early May, I'll be in touch and hopefully we can chat up soon. How is Ella? Hope all is well with you. Love Donna X
From Bronwyn
hey it's good to hear friom you! Mel has been keeping me informed a bit about how you're going. Your African experience sounds fantastic if uncomfortable at times.
Bron
Response: Hi Bron,
Wow, this is a surprise. How are things with you? Enjoying being back in Sydney? I've seen Mel a couple of times, once in Sydney and for a week in Melbs. Take care, Donna X
From Donna
Hey donz,
Me being the slacker I am have only looked at this website for the first time and wow sounds like your trip was amazing, something I've always wanted to do. Your photos are absolutely brilliant you budding photographer you!!! Me in process of getting a residency visa so fingers crossed coz me a bit illegal here at the moment hehe. Glad you got work ok and you sound very happy to be at home. Good for you!!! Love ya Donna 2
Response: Hi there Donna No. 2,
Great to hear from you. Being illegal isn't much fun, hope you get your visa soon! Thanks for the message, love Donna No.1
From Beck Bourke
Great web site Donna! I am jealous! I may be going to South Africa in september to visit a friend, lets hope so!
Response: Hey Beck,
Let's catch up for a drink again soon... I need to hear about how your Valentine's Day went and any other Geelong gossip. Been getting enough work, but MISS having my own class. See you soon, Donna X
From Melanie
Donna, those African photos are FANTASTIC-they really tell a story and what amazing memories you will always have every time you look at them! I know you've been busy but have you started putting any in the album yet?
Mel xx
Response: Hi Mel,
The photos took forever to put on, so I am glad you have enjoyed them! I started my first album yesterday, starting with 'The Pub' photos. I believe Ireland was the first holiday, so that will be next! I need to get some tips from you. Take care, Love Donna X
From Richard Mr Lawrie
Great web page and thanks for sharing your adventure.
Love from us all
Response: Hi Mr Lawire,
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you at 'Family Fun Night' this Tuesday at netball (crazy sister that I have). Love from Donna X
From Julie
You go girl. Great to here you are settling back in well and getting loads of work to keep you busy. London is missing you. It snowed the other day which was nice. Catch up when I am bac in oz.
Julie
Response: Hi Julie,
I am missing London! It can be a bit lonely doing supply work, I am hanging to get my own class. Great, see you when you get back, Love Donna X
From Rik
When looking at your nice pictures I'm sure I ever have to do the Capetown - Vic falls Tour with ATC.
If I could I should leave now.
Rik
Response: Hi Rik,
You will definately have to do the first half of the trip, it was awesome. And I recommend Jo, Sirus and Monthongu! Cheers, Donna X
From lisa
Wow fantastic thanks for putting on such brilliant photos that show are wonderful trip.
Lxxx
Response: Hi there, now which Lisa is this... Lisa from Africa I am guessing?? Glad you enjoyed the photos. Trust you got the photos I emailed you as well. Enjoy Cornwell, Donna X
From Tara
Hello Donna!!
This is my first look at your webpage and it's great! So good to see your photos and read about your adventures....though I'd like to know a little more about Neil ;)
Good to hear you've been getting some work, I have to start supply teaching soon too. I'm sure you'll enjoying living in Melbourne. Am hoping to get down there sometime so will keep you posted.
Take care and we'll speak soon.
Love Tara xxxx
Response: Hi Tara,
Good to hear from you. Enjoy supply teaching - I hope you get enough work. Neil... what do you want to know, how about I give you all the gossip after my trip to South Africa? Will def see you in Melbourne when you are down. Take care, Donna X
From Melanie
Hi Donna,
I must mention that it was amuzing that in spite of being jetlagged and feeling sick, the first thing you wanted to do when getting to my place after your 14 hour plane trip was to look at all my photo albums!
It must be great to be back home finally! Sounds like you are enjoying it. Did you need us to bring sleeping bags? See you tomorrow at the airport, this time you'll be picking me up! Thanks for that. Mel and Lyndall x
Response: Hi Melanie,
I LOVED looking at your photo albums. I LOVED spending time with you in Sydney, honestly, it was the best end to the best 2.5 years! See you in a few hours at the airport. Its raining here, first time in months. Donna X
From Taryn
Hey Donna,
Hope you had a fantastic time in Africa, sounds like you did!
Just read through all your diary entries and you have done really well! Wow, really proud of you and that makes you a super chick!
Have a fantatic time in AUS, I am sure you are glad that you will be returning home.
Love Taryn
Response: Hi girl,
Lovely to hear from you. Happy to be returning home to AUS after such an awesome experience. Hope you are settling in well and things are good with you lucky man. Take care, Love Donna X
From Melanie
Hi Donna,
If by chance you read this before your flight to Sydney, could you please confirm your flight details, I know you get in 830am Sunday but could you let me know your airline and flight number. Thanks! See you at the airport, we've SO much to catch up on.
Mel xx
Response: Hi Mel,
Really looking forward to seeing you. I have so much stuff, I hope it all gets to Sydney!! My flight is with Emirates, obviously from Dubai. It arrives at 8.45am on Sunday 14th Jan. Flight number is: EK418. Thanks so much for coming to collect me. I can't wait to see you and Australia. Love Donna XX
From Neil
Hey there. This is the boy you had to say goodbye to and he just wants to say how much he wishes he was still with you. He misses you terribly and is looking forward to hearing from you. I hope you are having a great time and enjoying yourself which I'm sure you are. Take care, travel safely and read you mail when you get a chance. Missing you.
Response: Ohhh, thanks....
Im in Dubai now, by the pool, Africa seems so far away!! Was not so happy to be leaving yesterday, I had the best time there. Will check my email now. Donna X X X
From Amanda
Hey my sweet, well back in Willesden - feels like I was never away..... been so good following your travels, brings it all back. Can't wait till you're back in Aus and we can have a big catch up over the phone..... Miss you so much hun! xxxx
Response: Hi darl,
Can't believe you are back already. I must go back and read your website again, would love to compare our trips now that I understand these places. All good with me. Will def call Willesden when in AUS (you need to be home at exactly 9.30pm Monday night!!!) Love you, Donna X
From Nikki
Can't believe I've been so rubbish and this the first time I've read the site since Dubai and now the trip's almost over - sooo sorry- I didn't forget you, I promise, things have been really busy. Good in a way though as I read the whole Africa diary as a proper story. Was insanely jealous up to Botswana but then it sounds like it's been pretty tough. Certainly an experience it seems - I admire your good spirits.
Take care and hope the remainder of your trip is happy, healthy and brings some more amazing experiences.
xxx
Response: Hi Nikki,
Yes, second half a little tougher than the first, but all is good now and really enjoying my time. Don't be jealous, you will just have to come to Africa as well! Thanks for the message. How are things with you?? Donna X
Response: Thanks Roger, will do so when I am back in AUS.
From
Dear Donna, What a great distance you have travelled! You must be getting tired from being on the move all the time. Maybe not: you're young! We have seen the Big 5 and it is certainly a thrill. To shoot animals with a camera is so exciting and I can't comprehend anyone wanting to shoot them with a gun. There is mystery and the thrill of the hunt around every corner isn't there? Happy New Year and a safe trip home, Sandra
Response: Hi Sandra,
Yes, we finally got the big five the other day, saw a leopard in a tree in Senegetti. Only a few days to go now, can't believe it. Will see you in Geelong in the new year. Donna X
From Valmai & Dennis
Hi there Donna.
Just been reading up on your latest adventures. Wow you really are having the time of your life arn't you? Have a great New Year, and hope you have a great time on the beach too. Love Val $ Dennis
Response: Hi Valmai and Dennis
Thanks for staying in touch. Only have 10 days to go, but still having a wonderful time. Love Donna X
From Roger
Wow, you saw a kill.
Pleased to hear you had a good Christmas (in the end).. New friends that give you something wierd on your skin!!
Well after I left you guys, I made it down to Joburg, met up with friends, and left at 5am for a long drive to north arriving at about 4pm at my new home for a week. Wow day 2 Leopard. That means I managed to see the big 5 at last (5 years it took). Then anther and another (4 complete big 5's in 7 days) what a trip. (picutures to follow.
Then returned to Capetown for a relaxing few days before I flew home to the wet and cold...
Catch you again soon. Have a good new year, pass on my best wishes to everyone.
Response: Hey Roger,
Was wondering when I would hear from you!! Yes yes, saw a kill, funny story about the rest of the group not seeing it. Was very wierd to mix with the new group, missed everyone for the first week! Leopard, no way, Roderigo would be jealous! Will pass on the wishes to Rudy, Chang, Will and the crew. Stay in touch. Love Donna X
From Mum
Donna, we really had a fuuny Christmas. Went to Uncle Peter's.Dad,Amanda, Grandma and Pop, Di, Andrew and Kate.
There were 9 and Kate.
Only 6 seats at the table. I held kate while Di and Andrew got their lunch. Amanda was in the lounge with Video pops .on the giantscreen. Not her choice . By the time I went to get my lunch, there was only small plates left. So there was Amanda and I, having our Lunch on the couch watching the loudest music, we both couldn't help but laugh. We didn't open the presents till 3.00.Peter and Sandra said thy will have it their next year. !!!!!! I thought it would make you smile.have a Happy New year. love you. Mum.
Response: Hi Mum,
So good to get three messages from you, I feel so loved! Great to read about your Christmas. I will def be at Chrissy next year! Love you, Donna X
From Mum
Donna, thinking of you , missed you at Christmas. I wished you a Merry Christmas when I woke. I am sorry to hear what a bad couple of days you had. hopefully you will be better by New Year. You will be looking forward to seeing Sherilee.I love you so very much and will look forward to you coming home. Take care sweetie.Mum.
Response: Hi Mum,
Thanks for the Christmas wishes, I did feel them. I am much better now, all my fungus and sunburn has cleared up. I am looking forward to seeing Shiralee. See you soon, Love Donna X
From Bleheim Palace Crew
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!!! Everyone is missing you here. Sounds like Africa is living up to all your expectations.
Hi guys,
Been thinking of you all, can't believe I am not coming back! How is everyone, did Amanda get to AUS safely? Africa is fantastic. Thanks for the message. Miss you. Donna X
From Melanie
Hi Donna,
MERRY CHRISTMAS, I was thinking of you on Christmas day and what an amazing time you must still be having! I'm sure it will be a Christmas you'll remember. Your expereince of white water rafting brings back memories of my expereince in Austria on Contiki- I was the unlucky one from our group that got stuck under the raft when it tipped too. In the dark and in the bitterly frezzing water from the Alps, it really wasn't a pleasant expereince- I've never been so cold.
That sounds terrible about your skin, you poor thing. I hope the anitbiotics and cream is working now. Not long to go, see you in a couple of weeks! Love Mel xx
Response: Hi Mel,
All better now. Thanks for thinking of me on Christmas, hope you had a good one too. It rained and rained on Christmas, but it was good to be somewhere so different. See you soon, love Donna X