Brady & The Buspasses - The World Tour

In response to:Hong Kong: Here Today Gone Tomorrow

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:55:23 +0100

Well you are probably home by now but i have really enjoyed your blog and the details of your adventures.
BTW I am claiming my 'moothfie'.
The reason for the slope registration bureaucracy is because even the slightest slopes have to be regularly inspected to make sure that they are maintained and their is no 'overdevelopment'. They have the same system in Manilla because of the very real danger of landslides particularly during the monsoon. When do I get my prize?

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:15:36 +0100

Get yer big pants on its ****** freezing !!!!

In response to:Queensland 2: Storms and Sharks.

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:21:37 +0100

Hi guys. I see its -4 there! It's really nice weather in Hong Kong - 20 degrees, sunny and no humidity. We watched the harbour 'light show' last night - very impressive.

It's our last full day of our holiday today - seems very odd. We'll bore you to death over many a glass of wine with photographs and wonky videos (of which there are many!.

You may not recognise Tom - he's gone native - wearing jazzy shorts and an Aussie shirt.Oh dear!

xxSian and Tom

xx Sian and Tom

In response to:Queensland 2: Storms and Sharks.

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:02:00 +0100

Hi Tom & Sian!
WOW! What an incredible photograph of that storm! We have of course been closely following the weather situation in Australia by being glued to 'I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here'. So far Robert Kilroy-Silk and Dani Behr have been evicted. Sian, you'll still have time to get hooked to the show when you get back!!!! (sorry Tom!)
Hope you both enjoy Hong Kong...we both loved it.
Can't wait to see you both again, we've really missed you - the blog has been great, and thanks for the emails, cards and the phone call.
Safe journey home...you'll need your thermals!!!
Ian & Andy XXX

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:05:27 +0100

Good to speak to you the other night , so glad you enjoyed Byron Bay wasnt a place I thought you would get to on your trip to Oz , but its such a great little place .
You will have arrived in Hong Kong by the team you may read this . Enjoy its a great place , Victoria Peak for sunset is a must , Kowloon at night for shopping is good ,great food, Lang Kwai Fong area on Hong Kong island were you are staying is a good place a night for bars / restuarants .

Taine now better , after five days of flu . Looking forward to seeing you both next week . yikes !!!!

xx

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:00:43 +0100

good to speak to you today (sat) I was very jealous when you mentioned you had just phoned after having an evening dip in the pool on a balmy evening in Brisbane .its freezing here today ..!! enjoy the gold coast ,surfers paradise is fun bit like a big built up resort you would find in spain ! byron bay were you said you were going is lovely i spent a week there its a small hippy/surfers type place with good bars/restuarants and lovely beach and pretty chilled out .if you want a throw back to your hippy days of the 60,s head to Nimbim close by to byron bay .

off to put on about four jumpers!!

xx

ps if you read this get me a byron bay fridge magnet

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:38:59 +0100

Got your text and have been checking the local newspaper headlines in Brisbane , queensland area on the web looks like you have been hit by a bit of a battering storm after all those weeks of clear blue skies and sun !! maybe someone up in the gods is trying to prepare mentally and physically for a return to winter in scotland !!! we are due to get hit with an arctic blast this weekend
-4 C !! .ps the text photo is of India caught climbing a fence trying to pinch apples from a neighbours apple tree !

did you get to fraser island ?

xx

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:54:59 +0100

Hi great photos...looks brilliant! You have done so many wonderful things...I love the old Holden...it must be about 1966...looks just like a 1965 Vauxhall Victor 101.

Dave X

In response to:Queensland 1: Cairns Tales from the Deep

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:00:53 +0100

Once again great photos and stories !

When I did went on my travels I did a few things , sky dives,rafting,scuba diving,caving etc , judging by more of Danger Women exploits it must have been in my genes !!

I havent shown the kids but they like me will be very impressed to see you were snorkelling with sharks on the barrier reef !! I think the whole travel / excitement thing takes over and you just seem to be both going for it which is the way it should be !

Looking forward to more tails from southern Queensland .

the after that Hong Kong which is fab .

In response to:Cultural Interlude.

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:23:20 +0100

I note with interest (and of course a degree of concern)that on the day that you arrived in Brisbane the city was struck with the worst storm it had seen in 25 years!! News captions down here include "Brisbane declared a disaster zone" and "soldiers and prisoners called in to help repair damage caused by one of the biggest storms to hit the city in two decades". I remember one of your earliest blogs Tom, telling us of the mayhem and mishaps you have previously encountered on your travels, and see that you have obviously not lost your touch! I only hope that the power has returned so that you are able to cook me one of your delicious meals and ensure that the chardonnay is adequately chilled when I arrive this weekend!!

Can't wait to see you both, again!!

Much love,

Diane xxx

In response to:Cultural Interlude.

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:02:05 +0100

.....
another couple of places near you whilst looking at the map ..Noosa which I never went to but believe is very nice . and further a field if you had time would be up to the Whitsunday Islands /Airlie Beach but maybe just to far but its stunning .

x

In response to:Cultural Interlude.

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:39:27 +0100

Hello ,

Great to have a quick chat on saturday , sounded like you enjoyed Cairns and your barrier reef trip ,mind you be hard not to enjoy it !

Think you will now be in hervey bay after your flight to brisbane , just shows you how big australia is when you are still in queensland after a flight .

enjoy hervey bay area , dont go to the Vic
hislop shark museum its rubbish !!

Fraser Island is fantastic , do spend 2 - 3 days on it if you can , 4 wheel drive jeep is a must , but its great fun driving around . Most people camp but dont leave your boots out or the dingos will get them !
Take you swimmers to Lake Mckenzie inland its beautiful for a swim and safe!! the water is so clear . other places are India head at the top of the island and the champagne pools , just take a slab of VB and BBQ food !
one word of warning we got was ,there is a bit of a tiger shark problem around fraser island , basically dont even think about going for a swim in the sea !!!

enjoy , only two weeks to go so make the most of it , regads to ainslie .

Kids fine

The aussies will have enjoyed there defeat of england at the rugby on sat !!

ps if you get a chance of getting a fraser island fridge magnet if possible , thanks .
xxx

In response to:Cultural Interlude.

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:37:13 +0100

Hello Tom and Sian,

Interested in your comments about sport. I once was quite briefly in Australia. I did see some Aboriginees. I didn't get to speak to them, but they seemed quite likeable. Apart from them I thought the inhabitants fairly indistinguishable from the Estuary English - the same whiney accent and an inexplicable ability to be hearty about cricket, the merest mention of which in my case induces acute narcolepsy.

Still, I was hardly in Australia long enough to get beyond the stereotype, and I do know an Australian in Edinburgh - a lecturer in maths - who seems to have fled the place of his birth, among other reasons, to escape the cricket.

But they do have a pretty smart Opera House, that I grant you. It seems an odd sort of observation, but there was something about Sydney that put me in mind of Glasgow. Not the weather, obviously - something to do with the slightly gallus brashness of the place perhaps, a lot of culture too, and the grid pattern of city centre streets.

Beaches are a sort of nightmare to me. I learned to fear them as a small boy when I was taken as a wartime "treat" to Carnoustie, prodded forward into the sea wearing an already damp and hardly figure hugging woollen bathing costume in a brown and yellow wasp striped pattern (not at all the sort of garment you'd see these days at Bondi), only to be slightly stung by a feeble and very probably frightened Scottish North Sea jellyfish. So why anyone would go within a mile of any ocean when contact with the water is likely to result in instant death from creatures who spend their days patrolling the waters looking for people to kill, is a mystery to me.

So I feel nothing but awe for the mettle, the daring, the sheer boldness of Danger Woman, and Tom's sheer indefatigability in keeping up with her. Her exploits continue hugely to entertain, and to shame me for my timidity.

Keep writing,

Scott

In response to:New South Wales 3: Bye-Bye Sydney

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:03:31 +0100

sorry ps to last message
can you get a Cairns /or queensland fridge magnet if you get the chance .x

In response to:New South Wales 3: Bye-Bye Sydney

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:28:04 +0100

Hope you have arrived safely in northern queensland .Your weather looks pretty hot enjoy it while you can !! hope you get a barrier reef trip booked

Just back from Taines first parents evening , and he seems to be doing pretty well which good and they all like him at the school .

India has a bad cold at the moment , and keeps running to daddy saying "bubbles" basically a snotty nose for daddy to deal with, and gung is back in favour (daddy isnt ! ) with her while she feels sorry for herself !

have fun .
Matt , taine & india
XX

In response to:New South Wales 3: Bye-Bye Sydney

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:33:19 +0100

Would you like me to go round to have a chat with Mr Menzies, taking Nightmare with me? He has a long and distinguished record of dealing with unimaginative Bank of Scotland Managers. His methods are vigorous, direct, not for the squeamish, but seem to work.

Mr Menzies is now in effect a public servant, a fact he should not be permitted to forget.

Can nothing be done to curb the excesses of Danger Woman? I suppose not. Your narrative expresses the very essence of Bradyism - exhilarating, improbable, dangerous, erudite, fun.

We're just back from a few days with friends in the Isle of Skye. Waves driven by severe storm force gales from the Minch onto the rocks a couple of hundred yards from the front door, hail storms, some snow, much laughter and rather more to drink than strictly prudent.

Our friends are about to set off on a trip similar to yours - Singapore, New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia. They're staying with us for a day or two on their return and would very much like to meet you and spend a Returned Antipodean Travellers Evening of Reminiscences with both of you. So if you could manage that on January 11,(a Sunday, and stay here overnight), we'd all be delighted.

And could you email me to let me know what they need to connect their lap top to Antipodean power supplies which I suppose means what kind of plugs, and whether a transformer is necessary.

Looking forward very much to seeing you both, 1 Dec,

Scott and Sheila

In response to:New South Wales 3: Bye-Bye Sydney

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:17:05 +0100

Hello

Firstly thankyou for my birthday presents and lovely to speak to you . Had a quiet with the kids and ceri and loran popped round later with a chinese and a birthday cake which the kids enjoyed . India for some reason decided to strip naked during the proceedings !

Any hoo hope you have enjoyed the delights of Sydney .those clear blue skies make me jealous.

Next stop Cairns , which will pretty tropical but its a good time to visit just now as its not the rainy season . Would recommend a couple of things .

1/ Head up to Port douglas i never got there but believe its lovely and not far from Carins
2) Cape Tribulation
3) Kuranda Railway line goes through the tropical jungle area .
4) Quicksilver day trip to barrier reef , or any to other boat day trip out to the great barrier reef , you have to do a trip out to the reef ! its a once in a lifetime . either go snorkelling or what did was what they call a resort scuba dive . Basically they will give you some various scuba diving instructions and techniques and take you down on the reef for about 30 mins it really is amazing you wont regret it (danger granny this is your next assignment !! )

Looking forward to your next instalment.

Matt , Taine and India
xxx

Ps since your heading much further north watch you out for box jelly fish, sharks, ,saltwater crocs , red back spiders and king brown snakes !!!

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:23:56 +0100

Hello darlings. Seems so long since we were at your BBQ the weekend before we left for our 'big adventure' (thank you for making it so special for Tom). We played part of the video we took on that night at a family get together at Diane and Dale's house and positive admiring comments were made about your kitchen!

We are nearing the end of our week in Sydney. What a fantastic place. You would LOVE it. My feet are knackered from all the walking we've been doing so I've insisted on a shopping morning today - to Tom's delight (he can fiddle about with the Blog in the Internet cafe we have been using near the hotel!).

Huge hugs to you both and, of course, to Patsy and Oscar. Good luck with switching on the lights....and hold on to your underpants this time!!

xxx Sian

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:25:17 +0100

Mrs Brady...not wishing to cast doubt over the claim of your new wardrobe, but I'm sure that fasinator has made a previous appearance!!!
I'm trying to think what exciting news I can bring you from back home ... other than there was an attempted murder outside the Rainbow Inn last weekend, and that Scotmid has had a week-long refurbishment and now has an improved selection of fresh baked produce.
Even more exciting, next weekend I will be hosting the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes, with special guest CBeebies TV personality Nina - from Nina and the Neurons.
Hurry back you're both missing all the fun!
Love Ian XX

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:24:36 +0100

I didn't need a hat when we used to meet by the bins on Thursday mornings, darling!My leopard skin dressing gown was enough.

Tom says that you'd better be ready for 3 card brag when he gets home. Start saving your money now!

Tasting all this Aussie wine and visiting Bondi Beach (as we did today) is stressful but we're bearing up!

See around Xmas sometime.

xxxx Sian and Tom

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:45:35 +0100

WOW !!! It looks fantastic - what a great time you are having - you do realise there will be many daredevil challenges waiting for Danger woman ( or is that crazy woman!!)on her return. The programme is being devised as we speak !
You also have a waiting list of 2 at the moment for a course in wine fishing!
As for the outfits that case must be a tardis !!
I was thinking of you on your way to Sydney - me on my way to Springburn !!! Especially as I passed the social work building - oops sorry Fort Apache!
All looks amazing wish we could pop over for a couple of hours! Maybe you could send that tardis! Off to see Matthew and the kids later with birhday cake in tow I shall claim it as 'MINE'! That has become the latest catch phrase thanks to India! Shall take some picks on the mobile and send them. Have a great time in Sydney. Just brilliant seeing the photos ,first time ive been able to see the blog for 2 weeks. It'll be getting warmer now , never mind we are basking in 24 degree heat and endless sunshine too you know (well at lease at sunset beach tanning shop).
Take care, have fun (as you always do )- have you not impressed them with your ceilidh dancing yet ?
love and hugs Ceri and Lorna

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:35:56 +0100

Hello!

Eeh by gum! The Beckhams have got nothing on you two! The Melbourne races! Tasmania, Sydney next...it's a scandal...and there's me slipping down to the Co-op in me fluffy mules because there's some corned beef on offer this week..think Les Dawson...

aaw...only kidding, you both look great, hope Sydney goes well...have a drink for Obama..

Lots of love

Dave X

In response to:Victoria 2: The Melbourne Cup.

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:21:09 +0100

Well Mrs Brady what a looker , well I have always said that about you anyway . A bit of style with the hat on . I think that is the first time I have seen you with a hat on , lots of scarves and curlers underneath but never a full blown bunnet , great . Mr Brady you are looking more like Les ( Dame Edna ) every day maybe its you being in Australia , or perhaps its being on the wine every day . As for your hat well I would have that in my collection any time . As usual Tom you turn out lucky on the betting yet again, you always have had the luck on cards and horses . Your pictures are great , shows that your both having a great time, enjoy . All the best Dougie & Susan

In response to:Victoria 1: The Great Ocean Road.

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:57:01 +0100

Hi We are in an Internet Cafe across the road from Central Station in Sydney - a lot cheaper than using the hotel's system.I'm so sorry that i missed Taine's phone call the other night. I blubbered when I got his message of course! Tell him it was LOVELY to hear is little voice. We had a great day at the Melbourne Cup. Being there with Dian and Dale made it extra special.

We arrived here yesterday mid-pm and have spent today just trying to orientate ourselves a bit. Walked to Darling Harbour and around in what felt like blistering heat. It's great to be here for long enought to explore properly. I can't wait to see Bondi Beach.

Thanks for your phone number. I'm so pleased that Ceri will be with you for your birthday. Tom and I will have a toast or three to you!

xxx Mum

In response to:Victoria 1: The Great Ocean Road.

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:17:20 +0100

Hi

Think you will be on route from Melbourne to Sydney today to your swanky apartment . Hope you had a good one at the Melbourne Cup and backed a few winners ,looking forward to seeing the photos .

I now have a home phone , number is 0131 672 2002 so for you it will be 00 44 131 672 2002 i think if your calling . Ceri popping over saturday tea time about 5.00 ish for cake and perhaps a chinese takeaway with the kids .

Hope you enjoy all that Sydney has to offer ,looking forward to further updates on Danger Womens next episode!

Matt, Taine & India
xxx

In response to:Tasmania 4: A little more.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:41:09 +0100

Hi Thanks for all the tips and hints for Sydney. Great. We've enjoyed everything you've suggested so far.

We left Geelong yesterday morning and arrived in Melbourne in time to meet up with Diane and Dale and see a pre-race parade thourgh the city - past winners of the Melbourne and other cups, bands is etc. Very colourful and great to see.

Then on to the Soutside -lots of great restaurants, view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground etc and, of course, the casino. We went for a drink there. Tom kept disappearing for long toilet breaks....Mmmmmmm!
Seemed to have less change in his pocket when he returned!

We;re staying at the Adelphi hotel. Very swish and ultra-modern/trendy. A bit too minimalist for me but great to languish in for a couple of nights!

All togged up just now and ready to leave for the Melbourne Cup. We're going on thre train to Flemington Race Course. First race is at 10.30. The last one is at 5.30 so a long and glorious day I hope. It's lovely to be going with Diane and Dale. They are such great company.

Your birthday is fast approaching. Do hope you have a loely day. Will, of course, phone you from Syndney.

Much love to those little halloween scamps. Wish I could have seen them with their outfits on and painted faces.

Must rush - got to get my bets sorted out!!

xxx Mum

In response to:Tasmania 4: A little more.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:51:24 +0100

Hi

Lovely to speak to you on Saturday and have a change to chat with the kids , there faces were still covered in halloween make up ! Had fun trick or treating and Taine enjoyed his halloween party .

Hope you enjoyed the great ocean road and have a great day at the races for the melbourne cup let us know if you win . Pity you dont more time in melbourne it has plenty to offer ,however you cant do everything .

Sydney on thursday i think , suppose you have had brief view of sydney during your flight change . Had a look at your apartments for sydney , again very central . Some recommendations .

1. Do the ferry over to Manly and get the return back into Sydney Harbour heading towards sunset .
2. Darling harbour for lots of resturants and bars .
3. Night boat trip around the harbour .can get these in darling harbour even use the little yellow water taxis which are cheaper .
4. FOR THIS WEEKEND Sat and Sunday Head down to the Rocks (near the Opera house ) area there are all sorts of markets on , the bars are busy and there is great vibe . High recommend this for the this coming weekend .
5. Glebe and King Cross area were i stayed . I liked glebe nice local feel to it .
6. Taronga Zoo in Sydney is very good and has spectacular view over the harbour .
7. Oxford st area (good people watching )
8. Day trip to Blue Mountains if you have time .
9. Bondi Beach (just to say you have been there ) !
10. Off the course the Sydney opera house area .
11. Weather should be that bit warmer than Melbourne so enjoy the out door cafes and bars !! .

Its getting cold , dark back here so enjoy the good weather .

Matt , Taine & India
xxx

In response to:Tasmania 4: A little more.

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:07:11 +0100

Hello you two
I would liked to have been a wall fly when Tom was given the airport staff his opinion on their inadequacies in relation to letting a flight go earlierthan scheduled...

I shudder when I look at Sian leaning into that gorge.
You know what I am like with heights, I would have been crying.

Good luck on the Melbourne Cup bet.
love Bdette and Dougie, and yes, Tanque is still alive.xxx

In response to:Early Training Session

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:06:22 +0100

Just reading your airport experience is giving me anxiety! I don't need any more stress what with jumping off bridges, holding killer snakes, shooting down slides into dismal swamps at the speed of light and, today, tree top walking and other adventures at some wild life place near the Great Ocean Road in Victoria state!

We've only been in Aussie for 3 weeks but I've adjusted well. Tom's brother gave him an authentic 'Akubra' Aussie hat that I've taken to wearing (just call me Sheila!). I've also been learning Aussie lingo. So you can expect me to 'rock up with bells on' some time before Christmas!

Seeeeee ya!

xx

In response to:Tasmania 3: Bye - Bye

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:20:22 +0100

I'm sure that we would be hard to forget with all our antics!!! Hehe. We are a mad lot. I have to say we are missing you already and hope you are having a fabbie time on the Great Ocean Road. (I had to cook tea myself last night Tom - a bit of a shock to the system after being spoilt with your culinary delights). The weather here has come out so hot the past 2 afternoons but I see it is looking a bit bleak over there. Hopefully it will be just nice for the Cup on Tuesday. Can't wait to see you in Melbourne (and you thought you had gotten rid of us!!! Hehe). Oh, and I am looking forward to the photo of you both at The Twelve Apostles. Hope you are not as 'windswept' (aka gail blown) as we were!
Have fun!
Diane