From Ella
Hello Florence and Alex,
Happy New year again to the both of you! Hope it was amazing.
I cant quite get over how fantastic everything you have been doing sounds! I am beyond jealous. Currently avoiding writing an essay to read through them all again!
And how fantastic was it seeing the giraffes!!! They look beautiful in that photo.
Would love to skype soon, if you can fit me in! I know youre so busy with everything.
Miss you lots and lots, sending big hugs. Take care both of you, love you lots. xxxxx
Response: Hello!
Happy New Year to you too, although I apologise for being extremely late with that, I have been really rubbish with Planet Ranger recently!
I think since you wrote this post, we have skyped :) But we will again soon, possibly at a time when Conor is there too?
Lots of love to you and your family xxxx
From Gillian, Celia & The
Uncle David sent me the link to your blog - and I'm glad he did! What a great read! Sounds like you are having a wonderful time and we all love the photos of Taronga Zoo! We hope you continue to have amazing adventures and watch out for the 'critters'!
Have a magical Christmas!!
Response: Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the blog, and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Ours was very different this year, but still had a great day!
From Bryony
Skype soon?? Miss you! Just let me know when you have wifi! Lots of love, Bry xxxx
Response: I'll skype you as soon as you are back from your hols? I want to hear all about it! xxxx
From Mark & Jacqui
Flo
Have you met any luvvies in Oz yet - bound to be some in Cairns hanging out on the Barrier Reef!! Don't forget to practice your luvvie greeting!
Enjoy the sunshine. Days cold and very short in UK now. We have the wood burner going most evenings. Put up Xmas tree/decorations today so that's cheered us up.
Hope you don't mind but thought it would be 'hip' to send Joel a message via Oz about the choc' digest'.
JOEL - I dropped the biscuit in Flo's room about 3 years ago - thought Brinkley had eaten it - I know he licked some of the chocolate off. Anyway, hope it went down OK - or should I say stayed down OK!!
Flo/Alex - enjoy Cairns and safe journey back to Jon's.
Love - M & J
Response: Thanks Mark and Jacqui! Most of the Aussie's seem to cool to want to join in with the 'luvvie' greeting unfortunately, I think I'll have to save it for when I'm back home! Jon and I were telling Alex all about your lovely house and the amazing area that it is in, so we would love to come and visit when we are back if that's alright with you?!
Haha Joel, I do hope you see this message!
Lots of love Florence and Alex xx
From Gill Ben Sophie
Hi Florence and Alex
Great catching up on your blogs. Sounds like so much fun. We didn't make it to Fraser Island when we were in Oz but will definitely go on our next visit. You really sold it to me. Went to see Lee Mack on tour yesterday and my jaw aches from laughing so much! Two weeks left at work till Christmas hols - yay!!! Sophie is home for the weekend and has gone out for Christmas dinner with her old friends from Phase 8. Ben has handed in his resignation and joins you with the travel bug in March 2015. Good luck with the fruit picking. Lots of love Gill Ben and Sophie xxx
Response: Yes I would definitely recommend it to anyone, it's incredible!
Sounds like you've all had a lovely Christmas, and looking forward to hearing all about Ben's plans soon! Any chance he's starting in Oz? We'll be here until end of April and then we are off to NZ. Lots of love xxx
From Jane
Hi both, wow this has just brought back heaps of amazing memories reading about your time on Fraser Island. It is an incredible place.I spent 3 days there when I was backpacking - It's definately worth every penny hey, Flo when you're up in Cairns you have to do at least a day trip out on the Reef.If possible organise a dive. I went on the boat "Falla" a great crew lunch on board and then a dive you can also just do snorkeling if you prefer. It's only money Flo well worth the memories that you will have forever. Look after each other.Happy December to you - Smiles Jane xx
Response: Thanks Jane, yes Fraser Island was just incredible!
We did do the reef, I didn't dive though unfortunately. Snorkelling was lots of fun though and we still got to see lots of fish and the gorgeous reef. It was a really lovely day.
Absolutely right Jane, I'd rather have the memories than the money any day!
Lots of love xxx
From David
Wow! What fantastic experiences Flo!
So glad you are enjoying your adventures.
I am really enjoying the blogs you and Alex are posting - keep them coming whenever you are able.
All fine here - your photos and tales are keeping me very warm even though the days here are short and getting colder!
Lots of love
David x x x
Response: Yes, loving every minute of it!
I must say though, it does make me jealous hearing about all the cold days - you know how I love the winter!
Lots of love xxxxxxx
From Joel
Flo, it sounds amazing! Nice to hear you're having a great time. Was mental seeing the kangaroos on Skype. Doesn't get much more Australian than that.
I found a stray chocloate digestive in your room and ate it, any idea how old it is?
Have fun, loving the blog xxx
Response: Yeah pretty crazy! Haha, I would imagine a good few months? How did you feel after eating it, that will give us some indication. I'll skype you soon, lots of love xxx
From Mum
Hi Florence and Alex
Sounds like you are managing to pack loads of exciting experiences in to your travels so far!!
Good to hear that Alex has now recovered from his nasty insect bite.
Can't wait to hear about your trip to Fraser Island. I googled it, and then felt very jealous. Hope you took lots of pics. I heard from Jon that you showed him how to use his fridge during your stay there!!!!
Miss you lots and lots x x x x x x x x x
Response: Yeah Fraser Island was just amazing. I will upload pictures tomorrow, am just about to run out of Wifi for now though! We opened the advent calender this morning, thank you so much!! It is stuck up on the wall to remind us that it is actually December and not August! It's VERY hot here. Love you lots xxx
From Mark & Jacqui
Flo/Alex
Your Aussie stories are bringing back happy memories for J & me so keep them coming. We flew everywhere (having just a month) so you're doing Oz the 'proper way. We loved the Gold Coast as well, particularly the hinterland. Jon had booked us an apartment almost on the beach so it was great getting up every morning seeing the sea.
Enjoy your journey up to Cairns - we had a great time there not least of which spending a day on the Barrier Reef which I'm sure you'll do.
Love M & J
Response: Thanks Mark and Jacqui! We are having an amazing time, Fraser Island has been the highlight so far but I'm sure the Great Barrier Reef will provide some strong competition!
Hope you are both well, and will see you when we are back I'm sure. Love to you both xx
From Jon
Hello Florence and Alex,
Been a pleasure having you stay at mine for the 2 nights. Was really weird having all that stuff in the big white box in my kitchen though. (So that's what a fridge is for!!). Have a great trip up the East Coast. Dyolf is really going to miss you both, will be well bored now it's just me to throw his ball, etc. Well impressed with your accuracy in getting the ball to hit the right spot and go down the side of the house Alex. Look forward to seeing you both in a few weeks. Been checking on-line re work options and if other work a bit slow when you want to work looks like there is a bit of fruit picking, peaches/plums relatively close to Gold Coast, circa 2.5 hours away from Nov - March. You can google it. Will be nice to spend more time with you after your trip North but Forever seems a mighty long time Florence!! Look forward to showing you the Gold Coast sights when you get back. Hope the trip to Hervey and the stop in Brisse went well. Take care of each other, Cheers Love Jon XX
Response: Thanks so much for having us Jon - Was really nice to see you and looking forward to spending a bit more time catching up when we are back that way... I promise we won't stay forever though! That sounds good, we are thinking that fruit picking will probably be the best option for us, the pay is good and we can just do it for a few weeks at a time! Thanks for checking it all out for us :) Speak soon, lots of love, Florence and Alex xx
From Bryony
Hey Flo and Alex! Great to read your posts. Well done for coping (sort of!) with the bugs. You won't even notice them by the end of your trip.... promise :) Look forward to reading the next blog. Have fun! Lots of love xxxxxx
Response: Hey! We are beginning to tolerate them now, I think it's just the fact that no mater where you are there is no getting away from them so we may as well get used to them!
Will try and skype you soon
Lots of love
Florence and Alex xxxxxx
From Jeanette & Pete
Hi Florence & Alex
Writing this from Amy's house in sunny Overseal (well there is a patch of blue sky) whilst we wait for the Xmas cake to cook. It has become a tradition that Amy makes the cake, so we transported all the necessary down here. Thought of grandma as we added in the port - may have a port and lemon later in her honour.
Pete & I spent all yesterday 'doing jobs' whilst Amy was at work, helping to get the house ready to go on the market in the new year. So we're all having a more relaxing day today - and heading to the cinema early evening to see 'The Imitation Game'.
Anyway, it was great to read your travelogue - brought back many happy memories of our time in Sydney and our trip to the Opera House to see some opera extracts. Pete had needed persuading to buy the tickets before we left England, but it was amazing and he absolutely loved it. We also had drinks at the Opera Bar and watched everywhere lighting up.
Can imagine your horror at all the insect life: Alex will just have to 'man up' - it's definitely a man job to deal with wildlife!! Mind, I seem to remember Tom pushing Jo out of the tent to fend off the baby roos who were attacking the biscuits they'd left under their fly sheet!
Jo is now 15+ weeks and keeping well, but understandably tired. Jess and Si are with them this weekend, before heading up to Sarah & Lee's on Sunday to meet their new nephew.
Anyway, we trust that your adventure continues to be awe-inspiring and exciting. Give Jon a big Xmas hug from us when you get there - and have fun messing about in his poo!!!
Love from Jeanette & Pete xx
Response: Hi Jeanette and Pete, hope you are both well.
I'm very jealous of the Christmas cake! It's very strange seeing christmas decorations here in Oz, when the weather is so hot! It just doesn't feel quite right. Hope the cinema was good, I've heard it's a very good film.
Glad you're enjoying the blog - we've had access to Wifi far more often than we thought we would so have been able to do a fair few blogs already!
Really happy to hear Jo is doing so well, and that everyone else seems good too.
Jon told us about his poo...! it is a lovely pool though, even Dyolf loves it!
Lots of love
Florence and Alex xx
From Ella
Hello beautiful people,
Wow this just sounds absolutely amazing! Couldn't be more jealous. Conor keeps telling me how jealous he is you are actually in a 'real-life campervan'!! Wish i could say the same about the weather but as you've guessed its nasty here.
Your blog about the creepy crawlies really made me giggle can just see the both of you!
Hopefully the jet lag is passing now and 5.30 am isnt a regular occurence.
Looking forward to a skype whenever you are free and have wifi again. Fingers crossed it will be soon.
Sending massive hugs to you both..Miss you very much. Take care both of you and hope you continue to have an amazing time.
Love you lots chica xxxxx
Response: Hello!
Yeah the campervan is very cool, it can get a bit crowded even with just the two of us, but it's so handy to be able to go anywhere we like! Yes I will be sure to skype you soon, It's just so hard with such a big time difference.
Miss you more, and love you lots and lots xxxxxx
From Mum
Hello Florence and Alex
It was lovely to Skype with you, Alex AND some kangaroos this morning!!! How fantastic to have kangaroos mooching around your campsite!
We are really enjoying both of your blogs and look forward to each instalment of your adventures.
Have a fab time at Jon's.
Lots and lots and lots of love x x x x x x
Response: I know, it was crazy! We have had a lovely time at Jon's. We're leaving this morning to head on up, but really don't want to! It will be hard making the transition from a nice comfy bed back to the back of the camper! Speak to you soon, Lots of love, Florence and Alex x x x x x x
From Mikee
Hi Flo and Alex!
Sounds like a good start to the trip!
But I must say guys... Wokingham is so much better than Oz... Rain, traffic, Clarkes, Subway...overpriced beer..boring same face day in day out... Can't understand why you left??? ;-) x
Response: Haha, you think it's overpriced beer there, try $12 for a beer here! I'd take £4.85 for a pint any day! I'll give you everything else though - It was 45c yesterday! Good to hear from you, take care x
From Gill
Hello Florence and Alex
I am well jel here back in rainy Essex . It all sounds amazing there in Oz. Enjoy every minute of it as it all goes so quickly. Your hotel accommodation sounds fab and how wonderful to have a little possum up close and personal! Went to see Beverly Knight in a show called Memphis up in London on Saturday - incredible. Also moved Sophie into her new pad in London yesterday - end of an era as I now have the house to myself!!!
Well make sure you both enjoy this very special time together - make memories every day
Love Gill xxx
Response: Yes I must admit it is nice to have some sun! Ooh sounds amazing, and very jealous of Sophie moving to London. I saw pictures on facebook of her new room, looks lush! Speak to you soon, take care, Florence xxx
From Jon
G'day Florence and Alex,
Welcome to Australia. The flight over here isn't too unbearable if you just resign yourself to it is it. Find yourself really looking forward to the air line food though. Guessing it's starting to feel a lot like Xmas with all the shops selling Xmas stuff. Wait till you hear 'I'm dreaming of a white Xmas' when you are walking through the mall in 30 degree + heat!!! Looking forward to seeing you when you get to Gold Coast. Was 38 degrees here over the weekend so spent a lot of the time with Dyolf in the poo!! Sorry the pool. Have a brilliant time and see you soon. Cheers Love Jon
Response: Thanks Jon! No it really wasn't as bad as we were expecting it to be, the time flew by and before we knew it, we were on the other side of the world! It was very surreal walking out o the airport to 30c heat but seeing a huge Christmas tree in front of us! Can't wait to see you, we're in the campervan now so making our way up to you and Dyolf! love Florence and Alex xxx
From Charlotte (Seaford r
Good luck to you both... Exciting adventures await you. Have a wonderful time... Take care of each other and enjoy making your memories! Much love Charlotte, H and M xxxxx
Response: Thanks Charlotte, I'm sure we will! Take care, Florence and Alex xxx
From Mum
Hi Florence.
Lovely to keep in touch and hear all about your travels on here. How amazing that you saw a possum just outside your room!!
Hope you are both beginning to recover from the jet lag and look forward to reading more about your experiences soon (and maybe see some pics)!!
Lots of love x x x x
Response: We have taken quite a few pictures already, just need to work out how to upload them! Speak to you soon, lots of love x x x
From Bryony
Hey Flo and Alex! So glad to hear you arrived safely. It's amazing being on this website from the other side...! Think I might leave you messages a lot... :) Hope the jet lag eases soon. Enjoy Sydders! xxx
Response: Yes please do! It's nice to hear from everyone :) I am still very much feeling the jet lag, as you could tell from our Skype sesh just now! However hopefully after a good nights sleep tonight I will be feeling better. Lots of love xxx
From David
Loved this blog Florence.
So glad you've arrived safely and that all is working out so well.
I was sooo sad when I left you at Heathrow but your first Skype has been a real tonic - I can't believe the quality - it's as if you're in the next room!! Poppy was pleased to see and hear you!
Much love to you and Alex - have a great adventure - make the most of it! Time goes all so quickly!! xxx
Response: Thanks Dave. Yeah I was a bit of a mess when it was time to say goodbye! But I will be back before you know it, with lots of stories to tell! Make sure you keep me up to date with everything that's going on in little old Wokingham, love you lots xxx
From Joel
Can I have your room please?
Response: I haven't even left yet! I'll miss you too...