Wardy’s Travel Blog

No sex please… they’re British

Anyone between the age of 20-38 and planning to come to England to sow their oats better think again. If you are single that is!!! According to a report from the ONS (Office of National Statistics) there is almost a 40% chance that you will not succeed.

Click here for more details: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20648266-13762,00.html

Funny reading…

Ripley bonfire night… Believe it or not!

Last night I vetured with some friends into the village of Ripley (Surrey) to help celebrate the annual “Ripley Bonfire Night”. This event has run for many years and is held the week before Guy Fawlkes night.

And what a wonderful night was had. It all started with a couple drinks waiting for the parade… which lasted about a half pint as the 3 floats went past. The crowd, obviously entranced by the procession, followed the floats to the fair grounds where a MASSIVE bonfire was lit. And I did forget the marshmallows!

We all cashed up big and hit the rides in the fairground. It was great to have some fun at a show again and enjoy fair rides. But when the rain started, as predictable as only English weather can be, we decided to particpate in another english tradition. A pint at the pub!

A real funny night! Now bring on Guy Fawlkes for some great fireworks!!!

oh yeah Dad… I have asked to go back with my camera so I can take some photos of the fire brigade… if they have one!

Happy Birthday Chris!

My other brother, Christian in sweden celebrates his 31st birthday today! Have a great one buddy!!!

Check the links section and you can find some photos and more info on the wonderful lad, his beautiful fiance Anneli and their gorgeous daughter, Stella.

The nerve!!!

Over the last few years the US has come up with some unusual laws and rulings, but their current stance on Vegemite takes the cake! Because of a technicality in the FDA rulebook, some Aussies are being checked for “illegaly” importing the taste of Oz: Vegemite!

The recipe of our favourite spread includes folic acid which in the US is only allowable in Breads! Click here for more info:http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20623973-2,00.html

Such a sad day… is there something we can let them win to placate them into changing the rules? Maybe if Thorpie and Hackett tie their legs together when they swim and let the Americans win more golds…. mmmm

BA - Bloody Annoying?

Last week I had the privilege of flying to Frankfurt for a training course. And as usual lately I chose to fly BA: an airline that I have been very impressed with. But as luck would have it, that came crashing to the ground in a marvellous thud on Saturday.

I turned up the obligatory 90 minutes before my flight to be told that due to inclement weather in London, my flight was cancelled. OK… no problem… A good book, some free food and I am fine for my 6 hour wait. It is not the first time I have spent 6 hours in Terminal 2 in Frankfurt… Honest!!!

But what really pressed my buttons the wrong way was that my newly scheduled 2020 flight was delayed by an hour and we weren’t told until someone went and asked why we were still sitting around at 2015.

So in the end I finally made it home at 0030 after getting up at 0530. Exhausted but happy.

Oh yeah… I had a great time in Frankfurt!

Happy birthday Kris!!!

My good friend Kris celebrated his birthday yesterday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATE!!!! 28 years old. Damn you are old!

London pub crawls…

Well… what an experience. 23 pubs, 30 minutes at each, one drink at each (1/2 pint), 10-15 people all wearing hats = one drunken experience.

As I moved house I got a leave of absence for the first half of the day but got to experience the fun and frivolity later on. And what fun it was. Ahh the memories! Walking through Soho singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody was certainly a stand out moment.

From what I hear there are websites dedicated to designing London pub Crawls. The two most famous ones are:
- Monopoly - self explanatory and not for the faint hearted
- The Circle Line - for the insane! Especially on Waitangi Day when what appears to be 2 million kiwis crammed into every train on the circle line drinking copious amounts of alcohol.

Londoners bring a whole new meaning to going out for a big night!

Well done Broncos… thanks for a great season Storm!

Another season of Rugby League has finished and my team, Melbourne Storm, unfotunately lost the grand final but won the season. And the hearts of a nation with their amazing gamesmanship, spirit and ability.

Thanks for the memories boys!

To the victors: Congratulations from a Queenslander. From what I have read they played a great game and a re deserved victors.

Seeing that the first team I supported in the top national grade was the Broncos, I have a bittersweet feeling of joy at their victory.

Now… for Queensland to win the State of Origin again next year…

Ciao for now…
Ian