Quite a trip..
Can't disappear without a few thoughts, so here they are:
The four nights, five days we spent in Singapore were extremely intense... we just had to see as much as we possibly could, so fascinating was this place. From cutting edge architecture to colonial buildings, there were surprises each day. From the immense wealth of the business district to Little India and Chinatown, the contrasts were stark but it all seemed to work together somehow.
It was interesting how the administration promoted civil cooperation, consideration and tolerance; it's quite unlike anywhere else. Although some might find the posters and tannoy exhortations in the Metro to be good citizens bordering on the Kafkaesque - it seems to work: a fascinating place, indeed.
Our decision to spend five or so days in Christchurch, New Zealand, prior to the start of the tour was a good one as it gave us chance to absorb some of the culture and atmosphere. We really appreciated this earthquake-devastated place in the process of being transformed into a modern, thriving city. The people we met were open and friendly here, too.
Joining the group to explore in our hired motorhome, we covered around 5,200km - considerably more than the minimum possible on the itinerary - it's just that there was so much to see. The South Island held so many wonderful experiences - a revelation, indeed. Moving on to the North Island revealed a slightly different New Zealand, particularly the rift geology but also in the fascinating culture of the Mauri influenced North. The details are in the previous pages, so I won't repeat them here.
It's easy to see why so many people fall for the obvious charms of this country, in some ways so like the UK, in others so very different. The culture throughout the country is a contrast to our European experience and, for us, there were aspects with which we were a little uncomfortable. Many will find the absence of 'political correctness' refreshing - and in some ways it is - but isn't that an inevitable part of the journey to consideration, tolerance and respect?
(Edit 16/06/17: the concerns raised in this BBC article are broadly consistent with our reservations as expressed above)
It was, as always, so difficult to hand back the motorhome and say goodbye to new friends and companions - so many shared moments of awe and laughter but with the freedom to travel as we like. This is why we will continue to do this as long as we are able.
So finally, to Bangkok: crazy, wonderful Bangkok, as we say in the earlier description. A city of contrasts so great, it's difficult to comprehend. We used the developing mass transit systems of Metro, Skytrain and Boat to move around as we took in the rich historical sights and observed the manic buzz of the working city. After six days we were worn out: hot and tired - but we'd really only scratched the surface of this complex place. A visit we'll always remember.
And so it ends. New experiences, new thoughts, new friends - a little richer again.
Want to see more? Here are some hints on using the blog
Can't disappear without a few thoughts, so here they are:
The four nights, five days we spent in Singapore were extremely intense... we just had to see as much as we possibly could, so fascinating was this place. From cutting edge architecture to colonial buildings, there were surprises each day. From the immense wealth of the business district to Little India and Chinatown, the contrasts were stark but it all seemed to work together somehow.
Our decision to spend five or so days in Christchurch, New Zealand, prior to the start of the tour was a good one as it gave us chance to absorb some of the culture and atmosphere. We really appreciated this earthquake-devastated place in the process of being transformed into a modern, thriving city. The people we met were open and friendly here, too.
It's easy to see why so many people fall for the obvious charms of this country, in some ways so like the UK, in others so very different. The culture throughout the country is a contrast to our European experience and, for us, there were aspects with which we were a little uncomfortable. Many will find the absence of 'political correctness' refreshing - and in some ways it is - but isn't that an inevitable part of the journey to consideration, tolerance and respect?
(Edit 16/06/17: the concerns raised in this BBC article are broadly consistent with our reservations as expressed above)
It was, as always, so difficult to hand back the motorhome and say goodbye to new friends and companions - so many shared moments of awe and laughter but with the freedom to travel as we like. This is why we will continue to do this as long as we are able.
So finally, to Bangkok: crazy, wonderful Bangkok, as we say in the earlier description. A city of contrasts so great, it's difficult to comprehend. We used the developing mass transit systems of Metro, Skytrain and Boat to move around as we took in the rich historical sights and observed the manic buzz of the working city. After six days we were worn out: hot and tired - but we'd really only scratched the surface of this complex place. A visit we'll always remember.
And so it ends. New experiences, new thoughts, new friends - a little richer again.
Want to see more? Here are some hints on using the blog
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