Kili Trip Agenda

This is the agenda for our hike up Mount Kilimanjaro and Safari in the Serengeti 

February 6 2024- Pick up from the Kilimanjaro airport by our Driver and drive to Mount Meru

Motel or similar where you will Overnight.

February 7 2024 - Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel

February 8 2024 :

Arusha (1400m) - Londorossi Gate (2100m) - Forest camp (2750m)

Hiking: 4-5 hours

Overnight Altitude -8,817

From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head. After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the rorest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eve while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black

and White colobus m onkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp

February 9 2024 - Shira Plateau

Hiking: 6-9 hours

Overnight Altitude 11,300*

As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500* before descending to camp.

Overnight at Shiraz camp

February 10 2024 - Barranco Camp

Hiking: 4-6 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~13,500*

We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300') with its volcanic landscape and then down a bit into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.

February 11 2024 - Karanga Camp

Hiking: 3-5 hours

Overnight Altitude: -13,500*

Ascend the Great Barranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, then hike up and down across some small valleys on your way to Karanga Camp.

February 12 2024 - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Hiking: 3-5 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~15,100*

Hike about 3-5 hours to Barafu Camp, again with some ups and downs across small valleys. Early supper and rest in camp before your wake-up call to start your summit ascent around 11:00 PM or midnight.

February 13 2024 - Barafu Camp - Summit and  Mweka Camp

Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 12-17 hours typical

Summit 19,341*

Overnight Altitude: 10,448*

Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft - 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you - and numerous other climbers - is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (oring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch

and then to weka camp to steep overnignt.

February 14 2024 - Mweka Camp - Mweka Park Gate

Hiking: 3-5 hours

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3.5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your Hotel usually between 3-5 PM

February 15 2024 - Safari Begins

Tarangire National Park

Distance: 140km

Non - game viewing time: 2 - 3 hrs

After breakfast the tour departs. First stop is Arusha Town for any last minute purchases before we head off on safari.

Afterwards we head towards the Tarangire National Park for a game drive with pienic lunch at the park. Tarangire is

well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees. It forms the centre of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras. Dinner and overnight at Ngorc ingoro farm house

MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Bed | Breakfast

ACCOMODATIONINgorongoro larm house

February 16 2024

Serengeti National Park

Distance: 145km

Non - game viewing time: 3 - 4 hrs

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa - the Serengeti National Park - with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. Then heard to the central park

area. known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, leaturing the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti's species. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti national park. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp.

MEALS: Dinner | Overnight HB

ACCOMMODATION: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or Similar

February 17 2024

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Distance: 145km

Non - game viewing time: 2 - 4 hrs

Early morning game drive and after depart to Ngorongoro Conservation area. Late afternoon transfer to Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge where you will have dinner and overnight

MEALS: Dinner Overnight HB

ACCOMODATION: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or similar Accommodation

February 18 2024

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Distance: 21km

Non - game viewing time: 3 - 4hrs

After an early breakfast, You will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro conservation Area supports avast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park, is it's dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually been seen here. Late afternoon transfer to Arusha For dinner and Overnight or airport drop off. Accommodation can be added upnio request for this night at an extra cost

ACCOMMODATION - Mount Meru Hotel

February 19 2024 - fly to Zanzibar (has booked own Zanzibar trip)

The Big Tour - Day 9 - Sunday 5th Feb - Penang/George Town

Best nights sleep so far. Didn’t want to get out of bed! Sorted and packed and left by 9.45am and drove towards Batu Ferringhi as that seemed to be the best beach nearby and why we chose the hotel in the first place. 

Went up and down the strip a couple of times and then found a Starbucks and got coffee, croissant and donut (that’s mine!!). We feel we’re cheating a bit but the bottom line is we don’t want to risk being ill so are not testing too much. We will adapt i am sure as the holiday progresses! But for now…

Found a decent beach and parked on the road and saw it was all Malaysians there dressed in full garb. No skin on show. Tash understandably felt self-conscious even when we found a part that was the other end of the beach as far away as possible. Soon another couple appeared next to us so it was “safety in numbers” with their bikini tips on. I was half expecting a mob with pitchforks and torches to appear, stupid imagination as usual. 

Nice to be able to relax, read, write the diary entries I am behind with and sleep in the warmth of full sun. 

After a couple of hours we then drive into the centre of George Town and found our next place to stay, the Blue Mansion. Oh my goodness, absolutely beautiful place. It’s a UNESCO protected building that was restored and is a main tourist attraction!! Dumped our stuff and made contact with James and Amy agreeing to meet them at a bar near us at 6.00pm so we went out for a walk and wandered around the Indian district and then the Chinese quarter and also the Street Art area. Pretty busy and vibrant areas. 

Went to the all day bar, that didn’t open until 6.00pm!! So found another one and we called them as they walked past and it was lovely to see them. They’ve been travelling since September and are going to do at least a year, but the way they were talking about working in Australia it sounds they’ll push to be even longer. 

We’d already decided to treat them as if they were Charlotte and Miles so we paid for the whole evening on drinks and food. They’re really counting the pennies and making their money go as far as it can so they did appreciate it which we knew they would. 

We ended up having quite a few drinks which I enjoyed too, Amy got the cards out and that was fun and competitive and in no time it was past midnight so we made our ways back to hostel and hotel respectively. Wished them well and parted ways, unsure of when we’d see them again. 

Quite jealous of their adventure but wouldn’t be able to do the budget places they are so it evens itself out. 

They were shocked when we said where we were staying, we knew they would be because they’d even posted it on their instagram feed. 

We are very fortunate we can do this! 

The Big Tour - Day 8 - Saturday 4th Feb - Cameron Highlands/Penang

Woke up early. 

Neither of us slept very well. Just expected to be bitten and have bed bugs!! We didn’t but fact of the matter is we didn’t like it and decided to definitely leave. 

Before doing so we got some coffee and breakfast and started on one of the trails that everyone go to Cameron Heights for. We chose trail 10 and it was difficult to even find the beginning of it. Had to ask some workmen and that explained why, we needed to slide past a fence and through an allotment!! 

It got us going though so that was good and away we went. Tough going but I’m getting better/fitter I think. We both agreed our recovery time is quicker now. We made it to the top quite quickly and it was a great view from the electricity pylon at top

Saw a number of people making the trek, even some from the village so we knew we were going ok! At the end of the trail we’d chosen we came out couple of miles from town and walked back. Tash striding out at the front as usual leaving me behind. She doesn’t acknowledge it but I took photographic evidence to show her!! 

Back to the hotel we loaded car and checked out after finding a hotel in Penang and booking it. Quite expensive but we’d decided cheap isn’t really “our thing”. Won’t go in about it now though, that’s done and as always, chalk it down as a funny experience.   

It was about a 4-5hr drive to Penang but we had to navigate the indy roads out of Cameron for 58km. Had a lorry right up behind me most of the way. Very aggressive and irritating, I made it worse because whenever he planned to overtake I just sped up to piss him off!

It was then a motorway all way to Penang without incident, but the views of this country were spectacular, very often limestone outcrops like I think we’ll see in Halong Bay. The only sad bit, like the trees cut down, is where the rocks are being quarried and huge amounts dug out of them. We then had to cross a bridge that was about 4 miles long to get to George Town which is very big and built up. 

We found the hotel which was very nice and settled down and then crossed the road to the beach. Weren’t too bothered about staying too long, just pleased to get some sun at last. There was a cafe on the beach so we had some food for dinner and a beer. Decent enough and then back to pool to lounge before making use of nice room and shower etc

Went downstairs for an hour or so playing crib, Tash thrashed me and then posted 40 odd photos to Facebook and got nice comments. I think people are enjoying seeing what we’re up to as opposed to possibly g them off. 

Hopefully the weather will be nicer than we’ve experienced so far and we can enjoy the beach and relax a bit. We will see soon enough. 

The Big Tour - Day 7 - Friday 3rd Feb - Cameron Highlands

Up and packed nice and early, it was absolutely pissing down with rain and I felt sorry for anyone trekking through the forest today. In fact I think I heard someone say that treks were not happening. Might be my imagination as surely you’re ready for rain in a “rain” forest. Anyway, it was bloody heavy and would not have been much fun. But that wasn’t our concern!

Had decent breakfast again and geared ourselves for getting wet again, no point waiting else we’d never leave. We got the little ferry across and found our car fine and set out for a long drive to Cameron Heights. 

The drive was fine, pretty much only a couple of roads again but it rained the whole time so that was tiring. We’d been warned that the road to the Heights would cause car sickness and yes it was VERY windy but nothing we’ve not done in the Alos or Cornwall…it was fine. Just slow going as it was about 35 miles!

About 4hrs after leaving the forest we came across the main Cameron Heights tea plantation and stopped for a cream tea, yep, you heard right, tea, strawberry scone and jam. Very civilised, although the mugs of tea were pre-filled with sugar and super sweet, I liked it but had to get Tash a new cup as she couldn’t drink it…snob!

We then did a walkway within the plantation itself and the views were spectacular they really were. Interestingly the place was predominantly Malaysians and school kids. Not many white tourists at all. Doesn’t bother us, just an observation and you almost forget they have holiday la themselves and it’s their equivalent of going to Devon or the Lake District. 

After that we drove through Kuala Tahan where we’re staying to get to THE Lavender Farm. That was an experience! It wasn’t so much as the lavender plant being grown as everything was (mostly) lavender themed; ice cream, other flowers, even a princess castle! They also had PYO strawberries which we did and they were lovely. Strawberry farming is huge here, along the drive in they were everywhere all over the mountainside on an industrial scale, not cute farmers as a side income. Very serious indeed. 

Ate our strawberries in the car then drove back to hotel to check in, it wasn’t a hotel but a lodge (effectively a hostel) and to be quite blunt we both hated it. We didn’t really voice it so as to not bring the other down, but we both made reasons not to stay the two night we had booked. It was clean etc but you just itches and your imagination got the better of you and to be honest we don’t need to do that at our age, we can afford better. It might be the small room, shared bathroom and general dampness as our clothes were still wet from rainforest so it likely didn’t help our moods. 

Anyway, we’d booked and we’re staying the night so went out and walked through the main road and found somewhere to eat and had great food and then went back and picked up our washing and went to laundrette and worked it all out and set off the wash, went and got a beer, half hour later got it in the dryer and had another beer and then all done for about 11.30pm. 

Everything cleaned and dried so that was a bonus. Kept clothes on in bed…we’re such lightweights!!

The Big Tour - Day 6 - Thursday 2nd Feb - Taman Negara

Not a good nights sleep, wide awake at 2.40am and couldn’t get back to sleep, obviously did at some point and then the alarm went at 6.30am so we could return to the hide before sunrise but we were about 10 mins late and it was getting light. No animals at all to see. 

As much as the opening was light under the canopy as we walked along the walkway it was an eerie pre-dawn grey light. I was pleased that a number of times I recognised trees and routes that I’d seen last night. It was raining a bit as we walked through but that was fine. Back to the lodge and then breakfast. Pretty decent and a mix of Malay and Western food

We then went to the meeting point and the 10 of us from the night before met up and started our trek. I felt that to have an authentic experience of the rain forest that I shouldn’t cheat by having a rain coat on so stayed in shorts and t-shirt. 

It rained quite literally for the next 3 hours, we were all completely soaked through but weather from sweat and rain I couldn’t tell you. 

The guide kept stopping and explaining what some of the plants were good for and it was really interesting. So many medicines and cures just there at your fingertips. We climbed two hills to get to decent viewpoints of the rain forest and he would often take us off the main track so we were climbing up mud trails and tree roots etc. A bit challenging I felt, but as we kept telling ourselves it’s all good training for the mountain climb in a couple of weeks. 

Really enjoyed it though, seemed so surreal being in a proper rain forest. 

So we were out there for about three hours and then went back to dry off and change clothes, have dinner then meet up again and make our way down to the river front. We shared small boats (almost like motorised punts) and set off down the river. This was enjoyable and it was so interesting to see the dense forest and all the different types of trees. We stopped and got out at one landing site and viewed the oldest tree in the forest that was hundreds of years old. Bloody huge it was. 

We then continued on and stopped again, more trekking and this time the end result was some rapids that had made a pool and we were able to jump in and swim in the pool. A bit cold but it had to be done, we’re only at these places one in our lifetimes!! Tash got a leech sucking on her leg, I didn’t have much choice other than to pull it off. Not easy and it drew blood. 

Walked back and relaxed a bit, the guide showed us how they use rocks for making different coloured pastes for make up and then we enjoyed the boats back through mini rapids and where we thanked and said goodbye to our guide. He’d been excellent. 

Changed again and packed for leaving tomorrow and went and had dinner, again it was fine. We had a beer each but were so tired that we actually went to bed around 9.00pm. 

It’s been a good place, really enjoyed it, but it’s very clear why it’s called a Rain Forest!! 

The Big Tour Day 5 - Wednesday 1st Feb - Taman Negara

Got up fairly late this morning, we weren’t in any particular hurry so I let Tash sleep in. Once ip and about we packed up our stuff, not as carefully as if we were flying and once sorted went and got some breakfast, coffee and checked out. 

It seemed quieter on the road as it’s a holiday day in KL but it was still a bit difficult getting out of the city. I missed an important turn as I’d not really got used to the roads and Maps.me directions but in a few miles time I was back on the road I should be on and ticking along fine. 

The journey was about 4 hours and pretty uneventful other than when the traffic in KL stopped for a huge snake to get across the road and when I was into the rain forest type vegetation and roads I had to stop twice for monkeys!! 

We found the village where the boat crossing was, Kuala Tahan, and eventually found the recommended parking place. Tash was clever in suggesting we didn’t really need all our luggage so we decanted what we needed to the rucksacks and made our way down to the jetty. 

Across in a small boat in minutes and we’d arrived at the resort. Did the stuff to check in and found our lodge which was lovely. Air con, decent internet, the works. 

We then had a WhatsApp call with Lewis and Charlotte which was lovely and then had an explore of the resort we’re staying in. Had a beer and checked out the plan of activities we have scheduled so we’re going to be busy which is good. 

Nighttime walk planned after dinner, should be interesting!! That’s to come in about 2 hours time so I’ll update you later!! 

Went for dinner at 7.00pm, it okay, pretty standard but not appalling as some reviewers have said before. We then met up for the walk and a guide took 10 of us round the wooden trail set up within the forest. My headlamp was shit, I had torch envy for much of the time. The guide was good and we saw massive spiders, geckos, deer, snakes, wood scorpions, huge bloody great ants and magic mushrooms. 

It was very dark under the canopy of trees and leaves but the sky had a bright moon so it wasn’t pitch black when the lights were all turned off. 

It was a good hour exploring, enjoyed it. Made sure I checked the bed and towels and toilet when we got back…just to be doubly certain!! 

The Big Tour - Day 4 - Tuesday 31 Jan - KL

Better sleep last night and got sorted and made our way over to Petronas towers just in case we were able to get tickets on the day because they were recorded as sold out online. 

Sure enough, no problem with a 10.30am booking so we went to McDonalds for coffee and I had some breakfast then back 20 mins later. Waited as a group and it was just four of us, a couple from Argentina who were nice enough and chatty. Tash says I have to pretend I support a team so I can engage in banter with people because it’s a few times I’ve been asked. 

We visited the sky bridge walk first and that was good but then went to 88th floor to the observation deck and that was impressive, the views across the city were amazing as we had such a clear day too. Really enjoyed it. 

We could even see the golden Buddha through the telescope which is where planned on going next. So when we were done we went to McDonald’s for the wifi and  go a grab taxi to the Batu Caves. About £4 which as we later found out was direct cheap compared to what the taxis were charging to get back. Ripping off the tourists!! 

There is a golden statue there and Hindu temple within the caves that required walking up 272 steps that have been painted. They’re nicknamed the Instagram steps because of how vivid they are and what a great photo opportunity they offer.  There were also monkeys along the side that were grabbing food that people had and pretty much anything else. I could see my phone being nicked so held onto that very tightly!!

We went up the steps and into the caves that was called the cavern which was huge. High ceilings and pigeons flying around that I first thought were bats. 

Wandered around, not much to see but took it all in and enjoyed the experience of viewing it all. 

Made our way down the steps, carefully, and walked through the market and back to the front gates to get a taxi but too much so went back to the train station and used that instead which was cheap. 

Back on familiar ground we walked back to the hotel and as soon as we got wifi my WhatsApp pinged with the car hire people. It’s a holiday in KL tomorrow and they asked if I could get the car today instead so we both walked round and eventually found the offices and got a decent sized car. They drive on left here so all was fine and I got us back to the hotel!

Did some admin and the got ready to explore an area we’d not done before, and very much benefited from doing so!!

Stopped at a bar for a drink and starter and then carried on and found a strip with bars and food and neon lights that was great. Chose one of them and shared a pizza and got talking to an older couple on the next table and they travel all over so we saw parallels with what we will be like in the future. 

Said our goodbyes and moved on and then came across another strip that was full of restaurants but the ones with plastic chairs and that. “Typical” Asia setting. Walked through and then had to stop for beers and people watch. Great fun. 

Made our way home through the rest of the area which was buzzing with people and noise. Whole row of foot massage shops!

Made it back to hotel no problem, just to prove how good the hotel location is we were only 15-20 mins walk. 

That’s it. The first part, and probably the easiest part of the Big Tour done, we’ve been in a normal city really, quite luxurious compared to our expectations but it’s got us settled in, body clocks and jet lag done, understanding some of the people so we’re in good shape and have started well. 

What will tomorrow bring??

The Big Tour - Day 3 - Monday 30th January - KL

Disjointed nights sleep because of our time difference but ended up with some sleep and woke up around 9.00am. Pottered around whilst planing the day ahead and the set off about 10.30am. 

Stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and I had a donut and felt a bit guilty, but not for long. 

We walked towards China Town as we were aiming for the botanical garden that were a mile the other side of them and had in mind some buildings and landmarks that we wanted to see along the way. 

Went into the oldest mosque in the city and we both had to borrow clothes to cover up and be respectful. Wasn’t too big so weren’t there long, good photo opp though as Tash looked like something out of Harry Potter!

Onwards and we walked towards the Botanical garden which were good, quick drinks break and then back ourselves to the National Monument to the fallen soldiers in the Second World War. Impressive area and imposing statue. Back to walking through the gardens which was peaceful and not at all busy. Gave us a bit of a glimpse of what we can expect in the jungle, just without the city blocks in the background!!

Went to the City museum and looked at a dragon exhibition there and we weren’t very impressed, that was until we walked around the other side and realised we were literally in a side room and the museum itself was massive!! We’re idiots! Didn’t go in and continued up the road to the central mosque that was closed to non-Muslims but that was fine. It was pretty modern and not like the ones in Istanbul it seemed. 

Decided to go to the Hindu temple in the middle of china town and got a bit lost trying to use a shortcut, so went to the Central Market and got some food and after we’d left I realised about 10 mins away I’d left my bag of life at the table. I went sprinting back and crossed the road without a care and back to our place and very luckily the rucksack was still there. That was a shock to the system!!

We started our search for the temple again and found it under restoration and closed, so we carried on and stumbled across a Chinese temple here and went it. It was a very different experience to a Muslim one. They have noise, smoke, incense and even a ritual where they went under a table x3 times before putting their prayer paper into a fire. I need to look up the significance of that particular ritual. 

We were getting tired now so we went back to the hotel and up to the pool area where Tash had a swim and I had a snooze. 

Showered and changed and then out to the bright lights of the City. This area we visited was the richer part, a bit like the City area in London. There is definitely money here. I think it’s called the Golden Triangle. Anyway, we got a taxi to the restaurant I’d found online and it was very lovely. Rooftop dining and looked very exclusive as we were led through to our table, thankfully when we read the menu it was UK prices so we didn’t have to suffer the indignity of leaving…!!

The view as you’d expect from as impressive and it was nice to relax and enjoy good food and the surroundings. 

After the meal we walked around and headed towards the Petronas Towers, we passed various malls and rich like but when we got to the towers themselves they were very impressive and it was enjoyable just looking at them and taking them in. They light them up and the colours change and it’s such a tourist attraction but to be fair it wasn’t manically busy. Lots of people trying to make money off the tourists as you’d expect but we avoided them or politely turned down their advances. 

Got some decent photos. 

We were too far from our hotel now so wandered back and then stopped at an Irish Bar for a couple of beers and use of the internet. Bit expensive when we got the bill, seems that alcohol is a lot more expensive than food. 

Back to the hotel and the end of a very full on day, we’ve done a lot of waking but it’s surprising how quickly you recognise places and where to go. The explore yesterday certainly helped with the first part of todays travels. 

The Big Tour - Day 2 - Sunday 29th Jan - KL

At KL airport we were met by x2 colleagues of Tasha’s who they’d only worked together over Skype so it was lovely that they wanted to help and welcome us when we touched down in KL. 

They drove us the 45 mins to the hotel and it really helped as they gave us various hints and tips especially with respect to driving and the tolls etc. It made such a difference, they even gave us some coffee which means we have to carry it around for the next 6 weeks!! 

Got to the hotel around 3.00pm, they left us to check in, KL looks a busy and large city. It’ll be interesting to see how much we cover. The hotel was nice and it had a rooftop pool and we got our bearings and then set out. 

It was hot (30 plus degrees) but quite overcast, so we weren’t in full sun. Right next to us was the KL tower, a bit like the Toronto Tower, a huge needle-like building which we was an obvious landmark we want to tick off our list. We walked around the gardens there and then continued our walk towards the China Town district. It wasn’t far to go and we were soon in the thick of it. 

The main road here was Petaling Street which was bustling with food stalls and souvenirs. Around this area was loads of quite run down buildings but in the background you have the gleaming sky scrapers which creates quite a contrast. We just walked through and had an idea of landmarks and areas that we wanted to cover. We also had a tourist map so we were able to have a focus of things to go to. 

As it’s only been since 1957 that Britain handed back Malaysia its independence you get a real feel for British colonialism in the buildings etc. they drive on the left side too. 

We saw quite a bit as we walked around and got a decent feel for he area. It was busy but didn’t feel ‘mad’. Loads of scooters and that but loads of cars, no tuk tuks for example. 

We resisted the temptation of a McDonald’s or KFC and went to a vegetarian Indian restaurant and chose what a family were eating there and it was good. The father chatted to us as they left, a family full of pharmacists!!

We paid, very cheap, and walked back to our hotel. We had to walk past the KL Tower and decided tonight was as good a time as any to go up it so went in and the views from it of the lights and city were great. Got a really good view of the Petronas Towers which we will visit another time. 

When up the Tower there were glass boxes that you can have to yourselves for 90 seconds. You’re literally in a glass box extended out over nothing. It’s horrible and makes your legs go to jelly. Pretty decent photos as a result though. When we’d had enough of the heights we went back to our hotel and relaxed in the pool area before it all closed down and we went to bed. 

A good start all told, KL appears to just be a “normal” city really. 

The Big Tour - Day 1 - Saturday 28th Jan

Up early and finished things off. Showed Charlotte and Miles around some of the features of Vinnie as they’ll be using him whilst we’re away. Zoe and Niamh came round as a surprise to see us off which was lovely because Rash was a bit sad that she’d not heard from her. 

Various well wishing messages in the morning that was nice and at 9.00am we were on our way!! Traffic to Gatwick was no problem at all and said our goodbyes and let Miles drive off with Vinnie and we ventured into the terminal for the start of our 6 week adventure!

No problems at all, although I got picked up by the scanner and they said “get used to it” when I said about my metal hip! 

Breakfast and beers and posted on social media what we were doing and of course then got loads of good luck messages which was great. Lots of tears from Tash each time the kids wrote. But at the time of writing this she’s fine (we’re on the plane and 20mins from Doha). 

Flight has been good 6hrs. Food was fine and had a number of beers!! Decent films and music. We’re in Doha for an hour or so waiting for our connecting flight. So just about to land and will update this later. 

A good start so far!!

Arrived in Doha and through checks, VERY busy airport. 3hrs ahead. Leaving at 1.30am local time. Tash taking sleeping tablets! This is a 7hr flight and the flight demo was a brilliant video. V funny. 

Very good flight. Arrival at the KL airport was 1.00pm on day 2 so I will close this diary entry off for today. 

A great start to why we hope will

Be an amazing adventure. 

Sunday

Fry up breakfast and then a walk around the place with the dogs. 

Back to house for food and the. 10 pin bowling. Good fun

Sat around after and then swimming in the dark

Back to ours for pulled pork dinner  

Mum’s 75th Birthday

Mum is 75 today, not sure about her but that makes me feel old thinking she’s that age. Obviously we’re really fortunate in that she doesn’t act or feel old and we consider her a “young” 75. As she’s still fit and able and joins in with things. 

So we sent the usual Birthday wishes and she got a lot of love on Facebook and had a nice day. 

My day was normal, did a training session for a couple of hours in the afternoon which I’ve not done in a while so that was odd. Also I was knackered. 

In the evening we had a meal booked at the Greyhound pub so Charlotte and Miles came to ours and I drove us over. Sue and Simon came too and obviously mum and we had a really nice meal. Food was very good. 

Mum enjoyed it as we gave her presents and cards and the kids were really thoughtful in having things sorted, especially Lewis and Emily with a bag they got her. Emily’s influence we’re pretty sure of!! Same with Jack and Jodie, we think the girlfriends were the organisers of the presents. Which is great. 

Was I’ll in the night and threw up downstairs where no one could hear me. Nothing to do with the food but all the phlegm and coughing in my throat. Horrible. 

I also think the caffeine kept me awake. That’s a fist that I’ve noticed that before. Wide awake at 12.30am. Not ideal!

A nice birthday though. 

Bit of a nothing day

Still struggling with this bloody cough. Hate it. Busy morning working and was focused on getting things done. Managed it. 

Stayed out the house all morning because we had an Airbnb who stayed extra for an interview for a job online. Wasn’t ideal but she was grateful so that was my good deed for the day. 

Made a nice dinner and then took Bess for a walk for an hour. Not fast and she keeps stopping, it irritates the shit out of me and I should go on my own really. Or go when it’s light and walk across the meadow so she’s loose. Anyway, another hour walked, bit stuff in the right hip and hamstring if I’m honest. I really don’t think im going to make this mountain walk. 

Got home and sorted packing for Centre Parcs and other chores. 

Fairly productive day I reckon. Bit worried that Emily is going to drop out of the weekend as Lewis messaged mum saying she’s not feeling well. That would be a shame as all of the boys and girls are going. We will see. 

Bob Marley Show and London Lights

Enjoyable evening - but hard to understand much of the chat as it was patois!

Wouldn't be bothered about going again to be honest

Big Tour. Malaysia planning

Going well - very exciting to be planning and sorting out all the places we're going to visit

Babysitting the boys. Theo and Ralph

Bit of a heavy head this morning. Nothing too bad though to be honest. 

Up and tidied up so we were ready for the boys and Vic’s and Danny are having to work as things are tight at the pub. We don’t mind of course, they’re lovely lads and no trouble. 

We knew today was going to be nice weather, which it was, so we had ideas as to how to keep them occupied. First we finished housework and the Airbnb rooms, alone we have Jacks one being used. Then we let they play in the garden and then went up the road to the park. That was nice, I sat outside the pub as I had Bess and she can’t go into the playground part with the swings and slides. 

We then went to the lakes to feed the ducks. Ben Molyneux is house sitting at the top of the road so he wandered down to the lakes as well with Eimily and Jorge. Goodness they’ve grown up, hardly recognised them. 

Came back to ours and got the pizza oven going to use the last of the dough and then Ben and the kids came over for an hour. It was nice. 

They had plans so when they left Tash took the boys into the hottub and I tidied up, they loved it. Got them bathed and sorted and I then decided to go to the golf club to see if I could manage to swing a club or not. Tash was happy to let me drive so off I went about 4.15pm, got there and the carpark was empty, I had the whole golf course all to myself, it was great. I was a bit nervous of my hip and played within myself but it was fine, there was no pain or reaction so I went round and did 9 holes. I was tiring and aching but it confirmed that I’d be able to play so that was great. 

Had an okay round, parred the 1st which I don’t think I’ve ever done and birdied the 4th, the rest of it wasn’t too good. My wedge work was appallingly bad. Came home after 9 as it was getting dark, but that was enough for me. 

Had a bath to relax aching muscles and Jack got home from seeing Jodie in Bournemouth and we watched a good film. Twice we guessed how long left and I was 55 minutes and 21 minutes and got it right both times. Really funny and a bit spooky!

Busy day, busy weekend and back to work tomorrow…no doubt even busier!!

Cream Tea in Chipping Camden

Very nice!

Tough Day

Hard day at work

Busy

Drove out and got golf membership 

Hello fresh. Prawn Thai red curry

More work

Exercise for 30 mins

This week I have been mostly cooking "Hello Fresh"

 Lewis sent Tash a voucher for Hello Fresh meals as an introductory offer and this week we had a delivery of the ingredients and recipes for x3 meals. 

Tash used this as an excuse to get me to cook! Bit lazy if you ask me. In saying that, I really enjoyed it, they give you very good instructions and the ingredients are exact. It was quite interesting how small the rice and pasta portions were but when cooked they were more than enough for Tash and I, in fact we even had enough for me the day after one of them. 

The meals were vegetarian chilli, pasta bake and beef mince with black bean and potato wedges. All of them were very tasty and yes, I did really enjoy doing it. We are going to do it again next week and have a better choice of meals. But it’s me that will do them again. 

Jack's Bedroom conversion

Up bright and early today and on a mission to get things done. We’re going to change Jack’s bedroom into an Airbnb room but it needs a bit of an update. So we gave it a new coat of paint and we’ve bought new linen so it’s good to go. 

I still have a bit of wood I need to sort for the skirting board but that’s it, need to take some new photos and get it advertised. We will charge a bit more for it as it’s a larger room but won’t go overboard on the cost. We will also likely not rent it out all the time as Jack will want it sometimes when he’s home. 

I also set up the new Rattan furniture and that looks good. 

Tash did loads of gardening and we got loads sorted. Even had her nice homemade tomato soup, sadly it’s not the tomatoes from the garden, I think those will only be good for chutney sadly. We will see, some of them are ripening. 

About 4.00pm we went over to Sue’s and did some jobs and then a lovely lamb roast, it really was very tasty! Treacle pudding with custard for dessert so I was happy!! I also had three large gin and tonics, instead of lager, made the most of Tasha having to drive instead of me for once!!

Came home and still more jobs and getting ready for the working week. Charlotte has been down in Devon with GG and Ev, they look like they’ve had a fantastic time. Jack has poured fat down his sink and been blocked for 2 days!! Getting stressed with mum and her solutions. Not heard from Lewis really. 

Nice day and nice weekend. 

Ikea Shopping Trip…with meatballs

Had a shit night's sleep again, keep being wide awake at 4.00pm. Woke up around 9.00am and spent the next hour doing Wordle and Quordle and wasting time on the socials. So much to catch up on, this government under Liz Truss is a fucking nightmare. Anyway, can’t be bothered with that. 

Didn’t do much the rest of the morning other than working out the flights and plans for the Big Tour. It’s going to be upwards of £7k, we’re going to use the £5k from great grandma as I think travel is a good homage to her and use of her money. I hope she agrees. 

Quite excited about it, we’ve got some dates and need to get it cleared with work, but pissed off that we couldn’t use the BA companion voucher, that would have reduced the cost by half. Odd we can’t. 

We then went out and met Charlotte and Miles and went to IKEA in Milton Keynes, wandered round, I kept stopping. It was fine but it’s a bit dull and lacking interest for me. But for Charlotte, it gave her the chance to spend her birthday vouchers and she did well. We ended up spending £95 on god knows what!! Had meatballs for dinner of course! And bought a big bag of Daim bars so I’m happy with that!

Came home and relaxed, watched the end of a series we’re into and then had an early night. 

Just realised that the trip is 4 months away, I need to be walking fit but also beach fit…that’s going to be a VERY interesting challenge. I wonder how I will do!

Blenheim grounds walk

Felt knackered all day today. Slept on the floor in the front room when trying to do exercises, not ideal. 

Bit of an odd day really, tried to sort the problems either stop cock out the front but was unsuccessful and a waste of time and didn’t get much else achieved. Much to Tasha’s criticism…no further comment. Didn’t need it though. 

After nice lunch we went over to Blenheim and wandered through the grounds and got a coffee in the courtyard. I did okay, it was a lot of walking and it tired me but I keep telling myself it’s what I need to do and need to get the miles under my belt.

Came home and had a couple of Gin and Tonics and just chilled - also started looking properly into the flights for the Big Tour, need to get things in motion. 

Only spent an hour or so and also bought a new set of Rattan garden furniture - that was £1k!! Mad

Watched a bit of TV and waited on the next Airbnb to arrive