Bangkok 27th - 28th January 2014

After a lot of complications about flights and returning to the airport twice due to delays on our flight we managed to get onto a Bangkok flight on the 27th. We were also delayed 2 and a half hours so we began to think we were destined not to get here. Luckily the flight itself wasn't too long but we didn't mid as we were soaking up the luxuries that Business class had to offer - not to mention the endless glasses of champagne! We arrived into Bangkok at around 1:30 am local time and finally settled into our hotel at 2:30. We were definitely ready for a good night sleep but as Rob dosed off...Katrien struggled to sleep with the noise of the city that doesn't sleep (and doesn't stop hooting their horns either!!) but our hotel is lovely though and we have explored all aspects - including the 21st floor roof which gave us a fantastic view of the city!!

Today we took it upon ourselves to explore the city. We started off in a Tuk Tuk and asked them to take us to the Golden Buddha - we were dropped off and quickly directed to somewhere across the road - The Buddha was nowhere to be found. We then found a lovely little restaurant where we had a early lunch ( we missed breakfast as Katrien discovered the ear plugs and got some sleep) and we discussed the gender of a waiter/waitress. We also asked the staff - the only one with a slight bit of English about how to get to the Golden Buddha and she loosely directed us to a taxi. After refusing 2 taxis we opted again for a Tuk Tuk. The driving out here is an experience in itself.. There seems to be no rules. Our driver was weaving in and out of traffic (he was a skilled traffic dodger) and we were whizzing around Bangkok. He took us to a temple (not where the Golden Buddha was) and we have no idea what it was called but it was beautiful and we took lots of pictures. Our driver said he would wait for us and take us to two other temples, we immediately became suspicious. When we got back in he said he wanted to take us to his sponsor to get a stamp for his free petrol and we turned up to a back alley knock off shop where we can only assume was his way to con us! We swiftly gave him the money and walked away!

After our little miss hap with the Tuk Tuk driver we were both skeptical about them and the Taxi drivers as they refuse to use their meter and just want us tourists to pay, so instead we opted for the good old fashioned way of walking. We walked what felt like the whole of Bangkok and all that its bustling streets had to offer. We were surprised at how laid back the vendors were and you could buy anything from a fake wallet to cutlery for next to nothing. We also encountered the protests and for the whole day we were uncertain about what they were protesting about until we read about it on the internet. Luckily it is all very peaceful and the majority of people just want you to buy a 'set Bangkok Free' T-shirt. We had a brilliant day walking around but we definitely need a sit down and maybe a nice Thai foot massage after all that walking!

Tomorrow we will be joining our Tour and will keep you updated on our next steps!!

(we're not missing you all too much yet)

Lots of Love Katrien and Rob xxxxxxx

Change of plans - 27th January 2014

After desperately trying to get on flights to Melbourne for 2 days, and failing to do so we have decided to go straight to Bangkok form Abu Dhabi. 

We have a flight today and we hope that we can get on this one. We should hopefully be arriving in Bangkok about 1pm English time (there is a 7+ hour difference). We will be starting our tour on the 29th so it gives us a few extra days in Bangkok to explore!!

Will update soon,

Katrien and Rob

Abu Dhabi 22nd and 23rd January 2014

We have had a couple of nice and relaxing days in Abu Dhabi, enjoying playing with little Aila in the garden and loving the 'mild' temperatures. We have also been enjoying some BBQs and sitting outside chatting with family and friends!!

We also had a felting masterclass by Katrien's Aunt, Louise where we made some coasters by Rob and a purse by Katrien - someone lucky will receive the presents when we return!! Yesterday we went shopping at one of the malls here in Abu Dhabi and Katrien enjoyed the sales and bough some nice things for travels!! 

We will hopefully try to get on a flight to Australia tonight but the flights are looking pretty busy. We will keep you all updated with our next steps :)

Tuesday 21st Jan - Day 1 Abu Dhabi

Today was our first day of being travellers in Abu Dhabi.
We had a brief encounter with Dublin but had a nice evening in a lovely Irish pub. We flew out of Dublin on monday and after a lovely flight in business class we arrived at Katrien's family just in time for bed. We tried to get an early night to try and get used to the 4 hour time difference but that didn't really go to plan and when we finally got to sleep we were forced awake by the national prayer call that is all over the city at 5:30am - we did manage to fall back to sleep!!

Today the weather was a nice 22degrees and after a nice lay in we went to one of the many vast and immaculate shoppings malls that Abu Dhabi has to offer. After a little walk round and some lunch we took a taxi to the Grand Mosque. It was a real WOW factor! We went on one of the guided tours around the Mosque and it was really good to hear about the traditions of Islam as well structural information about the construction of the Mosque itself. An interesting fact we learnt was that the carpet in thee mosque is the biggest in the whole world! Our guide was brilliant and she explained in detail all aspects of this amazing building. It really was a truly wonderful and amazing sight to behold. 

Finally we went to Katrien's cousins' (Nadia and Euan) school to watch a music concert 'Pop and Rock' that the students had put on. There were some impressive performers! After a much longer than expected taxi ride home (the driver got lost) we were home and ready for bed (lets hope this night is better than the last). 

Day 1 complete!