Hello again – this time from Hong Kong.

We arrived yesterday late morning and are enjoying the hustle and bustle of this very busy place, filled with its own style of drama – of people, lifestyle and geographics! Overpowering impressions for Raeline (as a first-time visitor here) are of the huge concentration of population (yet also the kindness and interest of everyone we have met), the huge concentration of buildings – whether apartments or commercial blocks, it’s just about all “high-rise” – no, make that “HIGH-rise”! Truly it is a city that never sleeps – we were out last night until 11:30 p.m. and the Night Markets were still operating at full swing! On a “Peak-Tram” journey we had the opportunity to see the spread of the city from a high point on Hong Kong Island. The MTR (metro) is a great and quick way to get around – buses are interesting and very scenic (traffic!! but at least they seem to obey the rules here!)

Today we will look at some more of the sights and see some more markets – expected to be 33 degrees so we’ll be nice and warm; then the air travel home – about 11 hours to Auckland then the trip from there to Christchurch. We arrive soon after midday Thursday.

A few words about our final full day i Portugal to finish this series of Web-posts….

It was Sunday and we got away at 8 a.m. in the Dias parents’ car and went to Ana’s place – picked her up and she became the chauffer for the day. Our travels took us out of the city and to two beautiful places – Sintra – a very old, traditional village with real “picture-book” sights to see. We went up a high and winding hill to the Palace then spent just over an hour looking through this 6th – 11th century building. It’s called Palace Pena (Palace of the Rock) and was fascinating, both in terms of structure, views and its contents – the people must have been small (seen by the size of the beds and the height of some of the doors!)

Next we went on to Cascais – a seaside town that has developed in more recent years. Originally a fishing village on a dramatic and beautiful coastline, it is now a popular tourist and holiday place. There were little boats in the are – many there fore the festival which was taking place in Lisbon 5-7 September. While there we had a traditional Portuguses meal at a restaurant that is apparently a family favourite. Tasty!

Later in the afternoon we went back into the city of Lisbon and saw some more of the local sites – a fort that was originally there to protect the entrance to the harbout, then became the prison for royalty when the Spanish invaded and captured the King.  Then it was on to a traditional afternoon tea – we met up with Ze (for the first time), Paula and Rodrigo, also Fabe – Ana’s husban. Went into a large building – ex-Monastery – that was filled with many, many hundred of people – also a long queue – to have these light and beautiful custard tarts – a secret recipe that is the only thing catered here! A walk across the busy street took us to see Paulo’s school and a very large church linked to it. Then to a large square, which recognises the explorations of the Portuguse people throughout history.

Final goodbyes the next day were special and a little sad – we look forward to seeing the Dias family members again befrore too long – hopefully next time will be in New Zealand. Of course, we look forward to seeing our own family again in a short time, including Paulo – our own New Zealand-Portuguese son.

Love to you all and thanks for your interest in our travels.

See you aoon!

Peter and Raeline

Hello to each of you reading this. We are now in Lisbon – arrived Thursday afternoon.

Our last posts have been brief and a little rushed, so we are glad for the opportunity of a bit more time at a computer and the opportunity to recall a few more highlights (and just one lowlight!)

Our time in Paris was super – Raeline,s very limited French language knowledge got dusted off and well used – actually to ghood effect most of the time. Amazing how the memory comes back even after all those years ago at school that it was learned!

On our first day there we went into the city and got orientated, then visited Notre Dame. What a wonderful place that is. We had been there before, but this time we were able to spend more time there and even to share in a service that was taking place. Something special indeed. Next we walked along the Seine riverside, admiring the many street artists and their stalls, and soaking up the atmosphere of this stunning city. Our Hotel was a Formula One place – very modern, inexpensive, clean and safe…all we needed! We became good at negotiating the metro system, getting on and off the trains, changing lines etc. Marvellous system all around the city and beyond.   

On our second day there we went to Versailles and visited the royal Palace that Louis XIV had built when he decided the Louvre was too small!!! (It`s huge!!) Well - Versailles is massive and very lavish with gold and artwork everywhere - ceilings, walls, not many gaps! We walked many many kilometres that day – must be a lot more fit than when we left NZ!

The next day we spent also in Paris (just too difficult to get out to the battlefields again) and saw the Louvre – one of Raeline`s dreams – it was most interesting. All sorts of artworks and history of the site too. Prior to that went to the Army Museum – extremely well set up and interesting to us both. We finished the day with an evening meal at a French cafe, sitting on the street enjoying the atmosphere of this very French thing to do (the other of Raeline´s dreams!)

Next day we got to the airport with no difficulties and MUCH more quickly than our jtourney to our Hotel when we arrived. (That took two and a half hours with all the rail changes – this time only one hour andone change from bus to ail. Excellent!) This was the second of our Easyjet flights and we have found them excellent – must have done everything how they like it! Had no excess baggage weight and packed our liquids etc VERY carefully, so that may have helped! Thanks for the warnings girls!

Then it was our arrival here in Portugal on Thursday afternoon. Touched down about 2:30 p.m. We were met by Paulos Mum and Dad. They were standing at the front of the crowd holding photos of our shared grand-daughters and our daughter (their daughter-in-law) – what a delightful welcome. This set us up for what is proving to be a very special time here.

The one lowlight referred to earlier was a pickpocket incident shortly afterwards. We had to take public transport as access to the airport was restricted due to Condelisa Rice (spelling??) arriving in Lisbon. The bus we got on was very crowded and someone seized the opportunity to somehow remove the bag containing money and one credit and one eftpos card from Peter´s pocket. What a shock to discover that! We got off the bus at the Police station and Margarida took Peter in to report the matter. The Police were just wonderful. While he dealt with that the other three of us went to their house and offloaded the luggage and had a cold drink. Then Margarida grabbed my hand saying ´Pedro` and off we went. With them speaking no English and us no Portuguese it has been great fun being and making ourselves understood. Lots of laughs and many mysteries about what was hapening and where we are going. This was the first! Walk, bus, walk, bus then we arrived at another Police centre – that deals with international issues. Peter was there and at 5;15 pm we left, cards cancelled, including a phone conversation with NZ credit card people at 2 am NZ time, Police report done and explained and all sorted. Later a chat with Deidre and her work the next day on the phone confirmed our travel insurance will cover our losses. Thanks Dee! And, in case you´re wondering – we had a joint Visa and account so have access to money too. As Kristin so often says `It`s all goòd!`

Yesterday here we visited the old part of the city of Lisbon including a castle. Went back to their house about 2pm and after a rest and something to eat got back on the sightseeing trail about 4:30 p.m. This time we went to the place where the bullfights happen – massive and impressive. Had lots of fun doing our Oolays!  No events while we are here, but it was great to see where this traditional entertainment happens. Superb shopping centre under it too – great icecreams (glaces) and very modern shops.

Today Paulo,s dad has driven us to two towns north of Lisbon – Mafra where we saw a huge convent and church..even some weddings happening while we did our sight-seeing! Beautiful gardens next door where Dee and Paulo, Margarida and Tulipa visited on their way north at Christmas time. Also saw a model village and enjoyed traditional food – warm bread filled with chorizo. Lovely. Then to Ericeira where there is a model typical older Portuguese village – fascinating.

Next was some family visiting – met a neice and her husband and children, then Paula (daughter-in-law) and 5 year old Rodrigo. All delightful people and its so good to meet some of the wider Dias family. Now we are at the home of Anna and Fabbe where we will share dinner together…and unlimited compter time! Thanks Anna!

Living here is very different from NZ – transport around the city is mainly on public transport (great system) and housing is predominantly highrise apartments….masses of them! The Dias parents (compadre and commadre to us) are in an apartment which is situated quite centrally. Compact, very nice and on the second floor of the building. Their son Ze and Paula, with son Rodrigo are also in a high rise building of apartments in a town about 15 km out of Lisbon city. Anna and Fabbe are in a high rise apartment in Lisbon about 10 minutes drive from her parents. With the population of course it is the only logical way, but so different to what is normal for us kiwis.

We have found the immense value of a dictionary – English to Portuguese – and also have become very good at gesturing – maybe we will be masters at charades when we get back!

Well – your Sunday will be getting underway. We do pray it is a good one for you all and of course we will be especially thnking of those of you at the Christchurch City Corps. We will share with you there agin next Sunday – seems difficult to imagine that though, still being on the other side of the world!

Love to you all – our long-service holiday time is fast coming to an end. We leave here on Monday and travel home, a stop in Hong Kong, then home on Thursday. See most of you soon!

Peter and Raeline

Hi – just a few ,inutes online but better than none. (working with a french keyboard so forgive us)

Today webt to Le Louvre and the Army museum n- both fantastic.

also a French cafe meal tonight – a treat.

Interesting asides – at our hotel the toilets and showers auto,atically clean the,selves after each use; WoW;

Had lady on train give us a begging note – interesting.

Bye now – will contact you fro, Portugal:

 

xx xx xx xx

Hi everyone

Sorry we have been unable to access an internet lately, but now got one in Paris – Tuesday evening – you will be all waking up soon on Wednesday.

We started our Saturday in Kirriemuir and sent our last blog from there. Its a charming little town – birthplace of JM Barrie who set us all up with Peter Pan etc.

Next stop was Glamis Castle – spectacular sight to enter the massive gates and view the long drive with the royal castle at the end. This is where the Queen Mother grew up – north of Dundee in Scotland. It was then on to Dundee where we experienced their tremendous hospitality – being so well helped to find Hertz.  Visited SA across the road then a bit of shopping. Travelled on to Alva where Raelineès great great grandparents had lived.  Found many family names (Rennie) in cemetery. Ochill Hills just behind the little town. Then visited Stirling Castle briefly and headed for Edinburgh for the night.

Sundqy ,orning walked the Royal Mile from the cqstle at top to Holyrood Palace at bottom – twice over. Saw new Scottish Parlianenbt buildings before attedning SA at Gorgie Corps. Made very welcome.

Then travelled thru rain to Paisley – other side of Glasgow. Checked into q very nice B and B then took off for Dumbarton – where another great great grandmother grew up. Visited cqstle and town.

Monday mornig had brief trip to airport – snoothly thru systems of Easyjet to Paris. On arriving here what an interesting time trying to get to Formula One accommodation close to airport. Got directed via central Paris – carted bags for over 2 hours to get there but finally did. Late Monbday afternoon quick look at Louvre buildings then to service at Notre Dame. Walked some of Champs de Elysses. Looked around Arc de Triomphe then home – had it.

Tell you about today next time – time is up.

Love to all.

Peter and Raeline

Hello to everyone who reads this – do trust you are all well and happy!

Yesterday we travelled (much of it in the rain) from Oban in the west across to Aberdeen in the north east.  The weather got better as we travelled and ended up very mild and pleasant. Saw a colourful sunset as we travelled too.

Spent a delightful lunchtime having a picnic with lots of friendly ducks by Loch Earn. Then went to a very cute rural town Crieff, where we sent a little blog from the library. Next travelled on to the city of Perth – the home of the Black Watch. This has special links for Raeline because of her greamother’s (Allan) family. Rae’s great-grandfather Walter Rennie was a member of the Black Watch and a piper. The Black Watch is no longer a regiment in its own right – it is now a battalion in the Royal Scottish Highland regiment. Its history stretches way back and to visit the castle/museum is an experience.

We then battled our way through the oneway system and the no-access streets to find the St John’s Kirk – an old historic church where John Knox preached his radical sermon on idolatry, which played a part in starting the Reformation.

Next we travelled on to Dundee, skirtng the city of the King’s Highway and continued up to Aberdeen. Didn’e spend a lot of time there, but journeyed the main street called Union Street. Even found The Salvation Army’s Balmoral Castle-type building at the top of the street, near the mercat cross (marking the town centre). The SA has a massive building that will obviously cost millions to do the restoration work currently underway. It gave no indication of who to contact or much information for anyone who might be enquiring. It was labelled “In the heart of the city, with a heart for the city”.

After that we tried to find one of the beaches but ended up at the busy port. This granite city is large - about 200,000. It was a nice evening, so we decided to turn back and come back on the highway to get a little closer to Edinburgh etc where we will head today.

We stayed in a little village called Kirriemuir – a tiny and beautiful story-book village set in a valley. Not far from Glamis Castle (5 miles down the road) and is the birthplace of JM Barrie – of Peter Pan etc. Even found a hotel named “Hook’s Hotel”. Stayed in a B & B “Crepto” up a little lane – the name related to their jobs (He a Chief Refrigeration Engineer in the Navy and she a Post and Telegraph Operator.) Just finished a big Scottish breakfast and now we’re off.

Oh – must tell you about our time in the town centre last night – we were looking for something to eat – about 9:30 p.m. – and came across a bunch of young guys – aged 16-17 years probably. They were very jolly, hanging around. Happy to chat – one only answered “Aye” to everything, others very chatty (told us he was a “drunken idiot” at the moment because it was Friday night and that’s what they do on Frday night. Sadly it seemed there was little else to do for them. They told us we were “nice people” so that was good! Saw a security/Police camera following areas around the little town square and two police on foot patrol. Delightful though – completely safe and innocent “fun”. HLittle open to eat, but ordered a pie and a few chips at the local shop. THEY DEEP FRIED THE PIE!!!  Interesting!?

Well – we’ll hit the road.

Love to you all

Peter & Raeline

Hello everyone

Again we are on a time limited link – like yesterday we may make an abrupt ending – just warning you!! 

Yesterday 28th we drove from the Isle of Skye down to Oban – quite a long way, and on roads very like NZ secondary routes. We came across the Eilean Donan castle – impressive – just out of Kyle of Lochalsh and also a Commando Monument at Spean Bridge way up in the highlands. Moving to see tributes to commandos from WW2 right through to within the last few months in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We drove on to Oban, a place on the west coast that Peter visited with Ross and Annette Gower in December 1991 – while at ICO. Stayed the night there in a B & B. This town grows from 10 to 30 thousand at this time of year. They had had the Highland Games tere during the day and at night we went for a walk and attended a traditional Celtic concert (accordian, fiddle, snare drum, bagpipes, female Gaelic vocalist, and a highland dancer. It was i a Cetlic pub – great atmosphere, great music. At the end we all had to get up, join hands in a circle and sing Alud Lang Syne (just like old times in Timaru at New Years for Raeline!)

Bought some hot chips and wandered our way home – went the long way – did one circle twice – oh well – great exercise!

Again this morning a fantastic Scottish breakfast (even tried the oat cakes) and then on our way to look around Oban in the rain. Now travelling east to Dundee and maybe on to Aberdeen – we’ll see. The weather has increasingly improved – fine and warm now.

Had a picnic lunch at the side of a loch – just great! (Same menu as usual – bread, vegemite etc)

 Love to all

 

Peter and Raeline

Hi everyone – our time is short on this computer so it will be sketchy blog this time – to be filled in more later hopefully!

We are now on the Isle of Skye – Ali – we can so imagine why this is such a favourite place for you and Dave – trampers’ heaven!

Yesterday had a day of following up family history – started in Dingwall near Inverness where Raelin’e great great grandfather lived and great grandfather was born. Later to Lochcarron where he was married and on to Applecross where he and his parents and others in the family lived. Fascinating. Even saw the tiny settlement – Castle Strome – including remains of a 15th century castle where my great great grandfather was born. Lots of headstones at several cemeteries gave huge evidence of Finlayson ancestors. Great to “stand on the earth and breathe the air” of my historic roots. Gathered a few stones to keep too.

Lots of love to all

P & R

Hi to you each

We were unable to get a blog written last night, so here’s two days’ comments!

We started Monday morning (Bank Holiday in London) with our £5 all day travel tickets from Denmark Hill. These gave us travel on trains, tube and buses around the city of London. It took us 10 minutes to get to Victoria Station and then we were onto the tubes and buses for the rest of the day. First stop – Harrods. Didn’t buy a thing – but used the classy loo, after-shave included! Then it was off to Madame Tussauds, but the queye was too long and we didn’t want to miss the changing of the guard at 11:30 a.m. Eventually got to Buck Palace – thousands there (Bank Holiday), but it was close to an hour before the action happened!? Saw guards march off and on and bands parading…one brass band and one drum and fife band.

Next headed for Regent Street and something to eat. The Italian cafe we ended up at cost us £8.50 for a sandwich and a can of drink each. The Italian lady was such fun, and the Portuguese shop assistant was veryexcited that we were to go to his country soon, and even had one of his people in our family. Next we had another trip to Madame T – but the queue was even longer – 2 hours just for a ticket, then queye to get in! Decided we didn’t want to devote the rest of our day to that, so flagged it and headed for the London Eye – and while Raeline enjoyed that huge ride (always did like Ferris wheels!) Peter went to the Battle of Britain memorial. Peter had been on the Eye a few years ago, so that’s why only Raeline went yesterday. Peter found the list of Kiwis who had served, and in particular Sgt Alan Bennison (soldier at Christchurch City Corps – and known from Ashburton). He’s taken some photos to show Alan, including his name engraved in bronze. Next – a walk on the Millennium Bridge beside SA IHQ, then to St Pauls Cathedral for evensong. Very restful and magnificent singing. After that we went to Trafalgar Square for a walk around – Peter tried to find Sir Keith Parkes’ monument, but without success – maybe it’s still to be put up!? He was the Kiwi who masterminded the British response to the Battle of Britain.

Then, time for another drink and on with the journey home. Got there and met the rest of the Grinsted family – the two older boys had been at the Reading Music Festival – little sleep and lots of rock music. They were tired but happy. 

Our day ended with a great time chatting to Debbie and her husband John on the phone. She so sounds like a Kiwi, even after all her years in London. Deidre – she said I sound like you – that pleased me!  She mentioned that she had enjoyed receiving contact from Steph – through Facebook. Small world eh, between travel and the world wide web.

This morning we were up at 5 a.m., and away from the Grinsted home by 5:45 a.m. Carol had got up to get us breakfast (even after a late trip to return her eldest son to Canterbury late last night) and Stephen drove us to Liverpool Station to get the train to Stansted Airport. They have been so good to us – good friends who we so hope will be able to visit us and see New Zealand.

The trip went well, train ended up right in the air terminal. A few hitches – like only 15 kg each of baggage allowed and we had 20! Got charged for 5 rather than 10 – but even that cost us £60! Ouch!! Then the security!! Well we certianly felt safe when we eventually got on the plane… every thing in everyone’s hand luggage was checked, opened, chemically tested, re-xrayed, etc etc etc it seemed. Even to go through the metal detector, we had to get half undressed!! jackets, belts, shoes… Quite an ordeal! But – finally we got on the plane and somehow it got away and arrived on time in Glasgow Prestwick – then picked up a rental car we had booked online last night, and off we went in beautiful Scotland.

It’s been a lovely day travelling through the Scottish countryside – and into the highlands. Stunning scenery, even through the “Scotch Mist” (we call it drizzle) – though must admit much of the time it WAS just mist.. not drizzle. The temperature in Glasgow was 15 C and buy the time we got further north it was 13 C. Quite cool really! Stopped at lots of places – like the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.. even picked blackberries by the lakeside; Glen Coe – a rugged mountainous beautiful place lined by waterfalls, a valley road, highland cattle, etc… stunning countryside; Fort Augustus where we saw the Caledonian Canal locks being activated; the Loch Ness (missed the monster – probably obscured by the mist); then to the smallish city of Inverness – heart of the highlands. We were struck by how much like NZ it is up this way – except for the old buildings and the quaint, gorgeous setout of the towns.

And now – Dad – we are in Dingwall - The place of the beginnings of our Finalyson family. In a B & B run by some very friendly people. The town is lovely – has real character. Looking forward to investigating it more tomorrow, then looking further into the family historical places.

Well – time for a cuppa and a nice sleep in our upstairs room.

Hope you are all well – so nice to speak with you last night Dee – thanks for calling. Sorry we missed your first call – sorry Dad we missed yours too, but got your message and appreciated it.

Love you all

Peter and Raeline

As we said a few hours ago, we were going to the Baptist Metropolitan Church for their 6:30 p.m. service. Well – we went and it was a great experience.

The service was very formal – started with a prayer by Pastor (Doctor) Peter Masters, followed by a hymn, then Psalm 46, another hymn (based on Psalm 46) then scripture – Acts 16:12-30, the announcements and offering, another hymn (Just as I am – all 7 verses) then the Bible message. This was based on the verse “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” This was the question asked by the Roman jailer of Paul and Silas at Philippi. What an interesting message when we had actually been to the very spot just a few days earlier! Pastor Peter Masters said it was more about an earthquake in the heart of the hardened jailer that brought about change. He finished by saying “It seems that for many of us it takes an earthquake in the heart to move us.” His final words were – “There are some here who let all this run over their head – your independence and your pride get in your way, and until you go on your knees before God and say I need Christ,  not a lot will happen. May your heart ne open to see your need; may you see Jesus Christ and all He has done for you; may you be changed to a new depth.” Then his prayer - ”Lord, take away our foolish resistance.”

The congregation was 300 -350 , about 60% of whom were of African ethnicity. Heaps of young people, including students, and although the service was not what we would expect them to respond to, they just love it and hang on every word of the preaching. What a great Bible teacher he was. He has been the pastor of this church for over 30 years.

Following the service Stephen and Peter met with Pastor Masters in the vestry. He showed us paintings of Spurgeon and others who had been pastors of this church, then an original Spurgeon sermon and we also held Spurgeon’s preaching desk. Came away with books that he presented to us, plus a copy of the morning and night messages on CD.

A fantastic experience – particularly in view of Raeline and myself having been at Philippi a few days ago.

Now – a cuppa and off to bed. Hit the city of London tomorrow.

Today is Sunday and so far we have visited King Henry 8th’s famous home. We will go to church tonight – Baptist Tabernacle.

This morning we woke up at 8 a.m. – have certainly adjusted to UK time it appears.

Following breakfast we tookoff on a cool, drizzley morning to get the bus to Waterloo Station and the train to Hampton Court. This is King Henry 8th’s palace – very sumptuously and lavishly and elaborately decorated – all part of his intention to prove he had great wealth apparently. One room of tapestries cost as much as it would have done to build a palace. ..used gold and silver thread in them. They also protayed many biblical stories. We saw the rooms where the various Queens lived, had children, etc. The huge kitchens there were actually operating – and included a massive fireplace for spit-roasting and big 16 century style BBQ fires for the cooking pots.

The gardens were just beautiful – very geometric and “royal” – actually reminded Raeline of some of her childhood books - was it Noddy?? Not sure! Private temmjis court, wine cellar, the largest and oldest grapevine in the world (certified in 1995), banqueting hall – and on it goes.

Again there was a very good audio guide system, plus a number of people in period costume giving commentaries – even King Henry 8th himself appeared, along with an accompanying Duke of somewhere.

Just had a lovely roast dinner (first for 3 weeks) and now heading off to the Central Baptist Tabernacle Church to hear Rev Masters – great speaker apparently.

Tomorrow a day in London city. Tonight it is a nice still London evening – 6 p.m. Must get ready for church!

Love to everyone

Peter and Raeline