So after a couple of days with Steve and family in Wells our trusty Renault Scenic got us back home to Castandet on Monday teatime.
I hope that whoever has ploughed their way through this journal has enjoyed reading it and seeing the photos.
I hope also that someday in the future my four grandchildren may come across this and previous journals because as well as writing it for my friends and family in the present I would like to think that my grandchildren will enjoy it at some point in the future.
Goodbye, au revoir, haere ra, hasta luego.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Thursday 28th March
We both slept well until almost 7am which was great. Felt much better than yesterday.
We had the very good buffet breakfast and after some research online decided that we would get a taxi to the Paradigm Mall. No point going anywhere it’s not air conditioned!
Asked the reception for a taxi and he said the hotel car would take us for 90 ringitts (5.6 ringgits to £1). We thought that was expensive as it’s not that far so asked for a taxi instead. They were not pleased but called what we later learned Grab who sent a taxi within 10 minutes and we were charged 9 ringitts.
So we arrived at the mall which was huge. Had a good look round and then a coffee, Starbucks!
N wanted to get a haircut and I wanted to have a manicure, I’d never had a professional one! We had seen one nails place but apparently there was another one in the mall. Anyway we found a hair place for Nigel and I left him there and we arranged to rdv at the seat by Starbucks.
So I found the other nail place and decided to go there opposed to the one that we had seen earlier.
I enjoyed being cosseted but it did take quite a long time, 45 minutes perhaps.
By the time I got to our rdv there was no sign of Nigel. I sat down and connected to the free internet but by the time 45minutes had passed I was quite concerned. The only way I could contact him was by messenger if he had returned to the hotel. Thankfully he was back there. I say thankfully but couldn’t think what else may have happened. Apparently he had gone to the other nail place who said that I hadn’t been there. He then went to the enquiries desk and they put out an announcement on the tannoy. The tannoy certainly didn’t work in the nail salon so I didn’t hear it! So he thought best thing to do was to return to the hotel. One of these days I may get him to use a mobile phone!
So a sigh of relief that I knew where he was and I went outside to find a taxi. The car valet man kindly got me a taxi with a female driver which was very kind of him and I got back safe and sound.
Now to taxis here, what a rip off they are! We asked the hotel to book one for us to return to the airport and they quoted 190 ringitts.
I spent at least an hour researching online and hopefully we can get one with Grab. Grab is the equivalent of Uber apparently. Something I know nothing about but it seems to work. One downloads the app, enters where one wants to go and one is given an arrival time, fixed price, name of driver, make of car and its number plate and voila it arrives! I was a bit concerned that I didn’t seem to be able to book it in advance but as soon as we were ready to check out I initiated the process and 10 minutes later, Ahmed, driving a Honda CRV arrived. He drove us to the airport for 75 ringitts and we had a very pleasant journey despite the very heavy traffic.
Our flight was on time and we landed 15 minutes early, at 5.15am
We had the very good buffet breakfast and after some research online decided that we would get a taxi to the Paradigm Mall. No point going anywhere it’s not air conditioned!
Asked the reception for a taxi and he said the hotel car would take us for 90 ringitts (5.6 ringgits to £1). We thought that was expensive as it’s not that far so asked for a taxi instead. They were not pleased but called what we later learned Grab who sent a taxi within 10 minutes and we were charged 9 ringitts.
So we arrived at the mall which was huge. Had a good look round and then a coffee, Starbucks!
N wanted to get a haircut and I wanted to have a manicure, I’d never had a professional one! We had seen one nails place but apparently there was another one in the mall. Anyway we found a hair place for Nigel and I left him there and we arranged to rdv at the seat by Starbucks.
So I found the other nail place and decided to go there opposed to the one that we had seen earlier.
I enjoyed being cosseted but it did take quite a long time, 45 minutes perhaps.
By the time I got to our rdv there was no sign of Nigel. I sat down and connected to the free internet but by the time 45minutes had passed I was quite concerned. The only way I could contact him was by messenger if he had returned to the hotel. Thankfully he was back there. I say thankfully but couldn’t think what else may have happened. Apparently he had gone to the other nail place who said that I hadn’t been there. He then went to the enquiries desk and they put out an announcement on the tannoy. The tannoy certainly didn’t work in the nail salon so I didn’t hear it! So he thought best thing to do was to return to the hotel. One of these days I may get him to use a mobile phone!
So a sigh of relief that I knew where he was and I went outside to find a taxi. The car valet man kindly got me a taxi with a female driver which was very kind of him and I got back safe and sound.
Now to taxis here, what a rip off they are! We asked the hotel to book one for us to return to the airport and they quoted 190 ringitts.
I spent at least an hour researching online and hopefully we can get one with Grab. Grab is the equivalent of Uber apparently. Something I know nothing about but it seems to work. One downloads the app, enters where one wants to go and one is given an arrival time, fixed price, name of driver, make of car and its number plate and voila it arrives! I was a bit concerned that I didn’t seem to be able to book it in advance but as soon as we were ready to check out I initiated the process and 10 minutes later, Ahmed, driving a Honda CRV arrived. He drove us to the airport for 75 ringitts and we had a very pleasant journey despite the very heavy traffic.
Our flight was on time and we landed 15 minutes early, at 5.15am
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Wednesday 27th March
Had meal soon after take off, quite a lot of turbulence so busy making sure didn’t spill anything!
I managed to sleep, fitfully, for about 4 hours and then doze on and off till breakfast was served a ccouple off hours before we landed. We had to have the Malayan option as the scrambled eggs had run out. Not a great problem as I remember the scrambled eggs on the flight there were inedible!
We landed in Kuala Lumpur on time 111/2 hours later at 5.30am local time. There was someone there waiting for me with wheelchair and we were soon through immigration and picked up our bags. Through customs and picked up taxi voucher and we were soon on our way to our hotel.
https://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/kuala-lumpur/kulhi/hoteldetail?newRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99636806&icdv=99636806&glat=SEAR&qSlH=KULHI&setPMCookies=true&qDest=1%20Jalan%20Usahawan%20U1/8,%20Shah%20Alam,%20SE,%20MY&dp=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqe6kuo6i4QIVy46PCh0KCwWmEAAYASAAEgLsVvD_BwE&cid=131069&srb_u=1
The hotel is set in beautiful grounds adjacent to a golf club. Nice view from our room of the hotel gardens and pool.Sadly the pool is closed for maintenance which was a bit of a disappointment for me.
We showered and then slept for a couple of hours and went down for lunch.
Both of us feeling pretty shattered so no plans to go anywhere.
It’s not possible to walk very far as it is so very hot and humid.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
In the evening we walked a short way to a Japanese restaurant and had a very nice meal.
I managed to sleep, fitfully, for about 4 hours and then doze on and off till breakfast was served a ccouple off hours before we landed. We had to have the Malayan option as the scrambled eggs had run out. Not a great problem as I remember the scrambled eggs on the flight there were inedible!
We landed in Kuala Lumpur on time 111/2 hours later at 5.30am local time. There was someone there waiting for me with wheelchair and we were soon through immigration and picked up our bags. Through customs and picked up taxi voucher and we were soon on our way to our hotel.
https://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/kuala-lumpur/kulhi/hoteldetail?newRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99636806&icdv=99636806&glat=SEAR&qSlH=KULHI&setPMCookies=true&qDest=1%20Jalan%20Usahawan%20U1/8,%20Shah%20Alam,%20SE,%20MY&dp=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqe6kuo6i4QIVy46PCh0KCwWmEAAYASAAEgLsVvD_BwE&cid=131069&srb_u=1
The hotel is set in beautiful grounds adjacent to a golf club. Nice view from our room of the hotel gardens and pool.Sadly the pool is closed for maintenance which was a bit of a disappointment for me.
We showered and then slept for a couple of hours and went down for lunch.
Both of us feeling pretty shattered so no plans to go anywhere.
It’s not possible to walk very far as it is so very hot and humid.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
In the evening we walked a short way to a Japanese restaurant and had a very nice meal.
Tuesday 26th March.
Busy morning packing and tidying up . Anne and Tony went out at midday and popped in to say goodbye. Really nice people and they have been so helpful.
Took a few photos for my memory bank!
Finally, 3pm and time to leave.
Last trip on the car ferry and off to Kaikohe where Rob was waiting. Said goodbye to Richard and thanked him for use of the car.
Into Robs car and off to the airport at Kerikeri.
Was in tears when we arrived so once Rob had got our luggage out of the car and into the terminal we had a big hug and I sent him on his way. I can never bear long farewells.
Uneventful flight, 5.45 to 6.30, down to Auckland. Dannimwas there to meet us and we had a snack and a drink. She was able to stay for an hour, so pleased she came to see us.
Then transferred to the international,terminal and checked in. Not very helpful there, N got a wheelchair but he had to push me, no help as is usual at airports.
Anyway we made it through security and immigration and settled down to wait for our flight.
Flight was on time and took off at 11.40pm.
Took a few photos for my memory bank!
Finally, 3pm and time to leave.
Last trip on the car ferry and off to Kaikohe where Rob was waiting. Said goodbye to Richard and thanked him for use of the car.
Into Robs car and off to the airport at Kerikeri.
Was in tears when we arrived so once Rob had got our luggage out of the car and into the terminal we had a big hug and I sent him on his way. I can never bear long farewells.
Uneventful flight, 5.45 to 6.30, down to Auckland. Dannimwas there to meet us and we had a snack and a drink. She was able to stay for an hour, so pleased she came to see us.
Then transferred to the international,terminal and checked in. Not very helpful there, N got a wheelchair but he had to push me, no help as is usual at airports.
Anyway we made it through security and immigration and settled down to wait for our flight.
Flight was on time and took off at 11.40pm.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Monday 25th March
Our last full day here.
Went into Russell at 9pm as N not been feeling great for the ,ast few days. Got appointment with doc at 11.15. Went back then and he got a prescription for his meds.
Late pm we went down to Russell for our last stroll and sit on the waterfront.
Sad to have our last apéro on the terrace but a beautiful evening for it.
Went into Russell at 9pm as N not been feeling great for the ,ast few days. Got appointment with doc at 11.15. Went back then and he got a prescription for his meds.
Late pm we went down to Russell for our last stroll and sit on the waterfront.
Sad to have our last apéro on the terrace but a beautiful evening for it.
Sunday 24th March
I went to church, 10.30am sung Eucharist. Such an atmospheric church despite its small size.
Back home and out again for our last Sunday lunch at the RSA.
The kitchen ladies kindly agreed to be in a photo for us. Happy memories!
Back home for a lazy afternoon.
Rob and I walked down to Boundary Waters at the bottom of the road. A house with a history.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/bay-islands-mansion-built-drug-dealer-mr-asia-market-again?variant=tb_v_
Back home and out again for our last Sunday lunch at the RSA.
The kitchen ladies kindly agreed to be in a photo for us. Happy memories!
Back home for a lazy afternoon.
Rob and I walked down to Boundary Waters at the bottom of the road. A house with a history.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/bay-islands-mansion-built-drug-dealer-mr-asia-market-again?variant=tb_v_
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Saturday March 23rd
Rob and Anne from upstairs’ brother,from Queensland, went out fishing .
N and Jonny opted to stay here so Danni and I had a morning together, a rare and special treat.
We went for breakfast t the York Street
cafe and then for a look around the churchyard. Then to Long Beach for a walk along the shoreline.Danni didn’t want to get her feet wet, she said it was too cold. C She had said previously that she wanted to swim but sadly she chickened out.
Back home and she and Jonny left shortly afterwards.
Rob and Anne’s brother then back with 4 snapper and a Kowhai after what had been an enjoyable mornings outing.
N and I went down to Russell and then came home to the usual Saturday steak BbQ.
N and Jonny opted to stay here so Danni and I had a morning together, a rare and special treat.
We went for breakfast t the York Street
Back home and she and Jonny left shortly afterwards.
Rob and Anne’s brother then back with 4 snapper and a Kowhai after what had been an enjoyable mornings outing.
N and I went down to Russell and then came home to the usual Saturday steak BbQ.
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