Stuart's round-the-world trip Feb 08

[Stuart H]

Hi Everyone!

I've started this thread to keep all my photographs and experiences in one place. I leave the UK next Tuesday from Heathrow, and fly to Thailand where I spend four days in Bangkok before leaving for New Zealand on the 9th February. I land at 3.30 on 10th after a brief stopover in Sydney.

I will pick up a car and then head to Christchurch City where I am staying with Cheryl Doig, the recently retired Principal of Fendalton Primary School - Hayley's old primary school!

Allowing myself a few days to get acclimatised to the jet lag, and visit some local schools, I'm traveling with Belinda to Queenstown on 15th Feb - its along way but Ive planned a pretty route and have booked 2 nights in a guest house. I'm attending the Arrowtown concert on the 16th Feb. and then driving back the following day to attend a second concert at Waipara which is about 40 minutes from Christchurch.

On Tuesday 19th I'm traveling to Blenheim for a concert that night and staying over for an additional day or two to tour the Marlborough Sound area. I'll be back in Christchurch for the weekend and leaving on Monday 25th for Honolulu, having spent 15 days in NZ. I then fly to Honolulu, staying for four days before returning to the UK via Los Angeles on 29th February.

I know I'm packing a lot in but theres a lot of NZ to see, and the concerts are the vehicle for seeing much of the South Island.
I will be taking lots of photos that will appear in this thread, as well as the concert photos which will be in the relevant threads.

I cant wait to start this adventure!!!!

Watch this space!

[dutchjoyce]

Hi Stuart,
OOhhhhhhhh, that sounds very very GOOD !!!
I want to wish you a very pleasant trip around the world and a nice holiday too!!!
Hope you enjoy it, best wishes from the Netherlands!!!
Joyce.
(Can't wait to read about your travelling, and i'm sure there are coming the most wonderful pictures!!!)

[roger]

Hi Stuart,

OMG, what a trip! Have a safe and wonderful time. I wish I could see Hayley's reaction when she sees you on her home territory... or does she know you're coming?

I'm not jealous really.

Bon voyage!
Roger

[Martin]

Hi Stuart
Excuse the cliche but this really will be a holiday of a lifetime. Good luck and give Hayley all our love and best wishes from the UK also saying that we look forward to seeing her in March and April.

Bring me back a stick of rock (only joking ).

Best Wishes
Martin

[Mark]

Hi Stuart

I know you'll have a fantastic time and I'm so looking forward to hearing all about it and of course - the photo's

As Martin says - be sure to give our love to Hayley and tell her we are really looking forward to seeing her again .

Best regards
Mark

[Stuart H]

Hi Roger,

Yes, I did tell her at Bath but I still think it will be a suprise to see me on her home turf!

I'm looking forward to seeing her family as well - I havn't met Gerald yet and I'm hoping to meet up with him if Belinda can organise something.

I am also hoping to visit Cobham Intermediate School where Hayley attended after Fendalton, and where there is a music centre named after her which she opened during her last visit.

Stuart

[gordon]

Hi Stuart,

Have a wonderful trip and I look forward to seeing your photos and reports.

Keep Safe,

Gordon

[thomas]

Hi Stuart!

I wish you all the best for your wonderful trip! This will be an unforgettable tour you will see!
You're going to spend many days in CHCH and that's very good. It's the nicest city in NZ.
I'm sure Belinda will show you many things. She's the best tour guide.
I hope you're going to see Gerald in CHCH. I think he will make it possible if he can.

Keep us updated with reviews and pictures!
There's a good internet cafe called "E Blah Blah" at Cathedral Square (hint, hint ). Belinda can show you.

Best wishes,
Thomas

[Steve H]

Hi Stu,

Any room in your suitcase?

Steve

[gra7890]

Hi Stuart,
that really is a action packed grand tour. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif
I look forward to all your photos and thoughts.

I don't really need to say enjoy yourself do I

Best Wishes; Graham

[roger]

[Thinks...] Mmm, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Los Angeles. At this rate we'll have to give Stuart his own sub-board!

Roger

[James]

Stuart,

I'm sure you don't need us to tell you you'll have a fabulous time.

Reading your reports and seeing your pictures will be the next best thing for those of us who can't be there. Don't forget to pack the tie!

Best wishes,

James

[Nordly]

that sounds like fun! say hi to my aunties in Aus for me! Just kidding about that of course! Have fun!

[grant]

Hi Stuart

So you're finally off on your big adventure. Does sound like a trip of a lifetime, trouble is, when you've had one you want another!

I'm sure you are going to have an absolutely amazing time and I know that Belinda and the kiwis will look after you. Enjoy your concerts and I know you will take loads of pictures for us to enjoy.

Have a great time!

Best wishes
Grant

[Joe]

Hello Stuart,

I wish all the best to you! Have a wonderful time. Thanks for thinking of us when you're going to be so busy.

I shall look forward to your brilliant photos i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Joe