6 month down, 6 to go

Hey all

Well Lynn and I are 6 months into our year around the world, or as much of it as possible. We've had a fantastic time so far, we've seen some amazing places, met some great people, tasted a variety of beers, ate some outstanding food and spent quality time together.

We fly to Fiji on December 21st and then on to South America on Dec 28th. After 3 months in New Zealand and Australia it will probably be quite a culture shock. At the same time, it will be very good for our budget! South East Asia was remarkably cheap and we lived well on only 50 pounds a day (for the 2 of us). That included a number of internal flights.

Australia is much more expensive. On a par with the UK and in the case of Sydney, more expensive! New Zealand is cheaper though and both countries have provided us with fond memories. Here is a little list of some of my highlights. I'm sure they are some of Lynn's as well.

Thailand
Chiang Mai night market
Feeding, walking with and washing elephants at www.elephantnaturepark.org
Haad Yao beach
Falling down a waterfall in Pai

Laos
The slow boat ride down the Mekong Delta
Hanging out in Luang Prabang, a gorgeous city.
Luang Prabang waterfalls and pools
Tubing and caving in Viang Viene

Vietnam
The junk boat cruise and overnight stay in Halong Bay
The gorgeous old town of Hoi An
A 4 day motorbike tour
Cu Chi tunnels
Saigon and the War Museum

Cambodia
Visiting an orphange for kids with Aids and taking them rice, fruit and footballs
The Killing Fields and the S21 museum - unbelievable to contemplate what went on here
Siem Reap
The Angkor Watt Temples - truly beautiful and awe inspiring

Malaysia
Trekking in the Cameron Highlands and Teman Negara Rainforest
A top night out in Melaka with Frank and Kate - singing on stage with the band
Kuala Lumpar

Philippines
Hanging out with Ken and Gwen
Swimming with a dolphin and false killer whale
Boracay Beach

Singapore
The zoo and night safari

Australia
The Great Barrier Reef
Fraser Island - we'll be back
The Whitsundays - we may be back
Sydney - gorgeous city
South West Australia - green and fresh, chilled and relaxed
Ayers Rock - camping out under the stars
Chill Island Music Festival
Hanging with friends Amy and Simon in Perth, Maureen and Innes and Julie, Andrew and Andrew in Adelaide.
Hanging with Ian, Felicity and Meg in Melbourne.
Enjoying home comforts with all of the above!

New Zealand
Hanging out with my 92 year old Great Aunt Betty, her daughter Jennifer and grandsons Peter and Andrew
Lynn's folks coming out
Lynn's folks paying for a few things!
The South Island - jaw dropping, lip smacking, tongue wagging scenery
Canyon Swing and River Boarding in Queenstown
My first ever game of golf with Lynn's Mum
Milford Sound plane trip and cruise
Helicopter ride and walk on the top of Franz Josef Glacier
Hike up Franz Josef Glacier
Meeting old friend Chris Chung and going caving in Clifden
The Waitomo Caves
Our hike in Tongariro National Park
Auckland - a cool city and somewhat under-rated

Fave beers
1. Monteiths Zesty (New Zealand)
2. Chang Beer (Thailand)
3. Beer Laos (Laos)

Fave food - Thai
Fave meal - Silver Elephant Restaurant in Saigon for Lynn's birthday

WOW - we've experienced quite a bit and I could easily add to that list. I have to thank the friends and family we've hung out with and stayed with in Oz and NZ for their hospitality. We're also delighted to hear that our friends Fraser and Craig are coming out to see us in Brazil and Peru. It will be great to catch up with them in person.

Our rough plan for South America is - Chile for January, Brazil for February and then the only other thing we know is that we'll be in Peru at the end of March if not before. Bolivia, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are also on our wish list and we hope to end with 3 or 4 weeks in Argentina. Our flight back is booked for June 10th, hopefully our money wil last. We return to two weddings, our friends Kenny and Marjorie on June 14th and Lynn's brothers on the 19th. So it will be great to catch up with so many friends when we get back.

Oh, and if anyone knows of any good jobs going around that time, please get in touch!

Not sure when we'll next be online, probably after Fiji so have a fab Christmas and all the very best for 2008.

Love
Murray and Lynn
xxx