We are going on a two month holiday to New Zealand and Australia with Peter and Immy.
After 2 months of planning, and a lot of excitement, we are ready to leave this coming Wednesday Feb 8th and returning Apr 3rd 2012.
Going to New Zealand first seemed like the better plan. The weather might be a little cooler by the time we get to the outback in Australia. Cooler meaning 30c plus. After many many changes in plans, we finally decided to rent a motor home in NZ for the 2 weeks we are there, and also in Australia for 3 weeks. Definitely the cheaper way to go and we are used to travelling by motor home. Just not on the left side of the road. We are in Australia for a total of 6 weeks. Other than the 3 weeks with the motor home, we will be flying to various cities, renting a car and staying in villas or hotels. Most of the excursions have been planned.
It takes about one day of travel to get to New Zealand, with a stop over in Los Angeles.
Also flying over the international date line and losing a day. So will arrive on the 10th in Auckland, New Zealand. There is no Feb. 9. None at all. Where it went exactly I couldn't tell you. All I know is that for one 24 hour period in the history of earth, it appears I had no being. Well, to be fair, they give you the day back on the return journey. Thus arriving in Los Angeles before you left Sydney, which is an ever neater trick.
Paul & Janice, dear friends of ours in Trenton have an amazing daughter and son-in-law living near Sydney Australia. We have skyped with Chrissy and Ian several times and if it wasn't for Chrissy's endless energy, we never would have this big trip planned. I'm sure we had about 50 emails going back and forth. Each one from Chrissy having new ideas and savings...lots of savings. Always more excitement when the daily emails arrived. When we had an idea, she would say "just hold on till I check it out". And sure enough Chrissy got it at a cheaper prize. We can never thank her enough. We feel sooo blessed to know her, and have since adopted her into our family.
To top it off, they have also welcomed us in their home for the first 4 days we are in Australia. They were able to get a 7 passenger van and are taking us to the Blue Mountains, opera house and whatever else is in or near Sydney. Unbelievable. We are so looking forward to finally meeting them and their Karena and Nathan.
I have attached the itinerary of our trip at the end of the blog.
We also hope to have a blog for you to look at.
Our love to all of you.
Alida & Marcel/Mom & Dad/Grandma & Grandpa
Dear Auntie Alida and Uncle Marcel,
ReplyDeleteWhen we were at Mom and Dad’s house to celebrate Mom’s birthday we heard the news of your upcoming trip. I had still been hoping that we might be able to visit with you since the weather this winter hasn’t been so snowy (thus good for driving) but your trip put that idea on hold. I hope you have a fantastic time and can enjoy seeing so many new things. I trust we’ll be able to learn of your adventures on your blog!
We are starting out on a kitchen updating adventure. On Monday our contractor will be here to start the work. We’re quite excited, although we don’t look forward to living through the transition. However, we expect things will be much better when all the work is done.
Please know that our prayers are with you as you travel.
Love Sue and family
Hi Alida and Marcel,
ReplyDeleteWhen we saw you Sunday and had our hugs we just couldn't believe it was time for your trip to start.February snuck up on us. Thank you so much for sharing your itinerary with us. It all looks so exciting and interesting. My cousins live in Port Marquarie which is in N.S.W and a friend is in Hacket A.C.T. So we know that you are going to see some amazing places in Australia.. We hear from another friend who has a son in NZ that the north and south islands are breathtaking. So enjoy it all ,we will travel with you in our hearts and prayers, God Bless you on your wonderful adventure. We will look forward to heardng from you whenever you have the time !!!.
God bless you , bon voyage
Love Gwenda & Ken xx
WOW! what a trip.
ReplyDeleteWishing all of you all the best during this time and always.
Looking forward to reading and seeing your trip log.
Alida: Your level of photography is wonderful.
Thank you for keeping in touch.
Thinking of you often.
Marlene & Ralph
Hi Alida and Marcel
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are about to take on a trip of a lifetime! I deliberately didn’t show you our DVD again because I want everything to be fresh and new and exciting for you on your own. Enjoy every precious moment of it and tell our beautiful little family in Australia just how much we love and miss them. You are going to love them!
We are going to miss you so much here, but will just stop and remember where you are and what you are doing.
All our love and have a safe and happy trip!
Love Janice & Paul
Dear oompie en tantetje,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are looking forward to your "Down Under-trip", we sure can imagine.
We can not wait to be 60+, so we can travel for more than 3 or 4 weeks, a "few" years to go!!!
You will enjoy very much, no doubt about it. Stay safe and keep left, oompie!!
Can't wait to receive your first report and pictures.
ENJOY
Ingrid and Roel
Sounds like an awesome trip- drive safely- and have fun!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun. have a great time. We look forward to your regular reports online so that we can 'follow along' with you. Stay away from places called Steinbeck.
ReplyDeleteKarl & Gloria
Wow, sounds amazing. I hope you have a great time!!!
ReplyDeleteandrew
Hi Alida.Thanks for your letter. Brenda and I wish you and Marcel and Peter and Immy a wonderful trip. Don't forget Peter and Lisa. As I told you he is the pastor of the Reformed church in New-Zeeland and his wife Lisa.I just got an e-mail from him and I told him about you coming. God bless you all on this big trip. Warm Greetings to you and Marcel in particular. Peter + Brenda
ReplyDeleteMarcel and Alida,
ReplyDeleteWhat exciting news! Enjoy you trip, have fun, make tons of memories, and be safe. I look forward to the photos and stories that you will bring home.
Michelle
Sounds very exiting ;hope it's all you dreamed it would be and more!!!! God grant you a safe trip and keep you in His care. We will keep in shape at home on your accuciser.
ReplyDeletebye for now
BnK WINK
Hello everyone;
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful vacations. It sounds like you will be busy the whole time you are away. I'll be waiting to see photos and stories of your trip.
We are leaving for Japan on Mar 13th to Apr 1st. It should be fun.
Travel safe
Hugs to all
Liz
I(Herman)did not get a chance to give you a hug last Sunday. Just use your imagination for a moment now.
ReplyDeleteReading all the above stuff, we are even getting exited.
Enjoy the green scenery of New Zealand and have a hopping good time as you explore Australia.
Be save!
Herman and Amanda
have fun down under xxxxmargaret
ReplyDeleteisn't nz beautiful!!!! xxxxmargaret
ReplyDelete