Kathryn's 30th Birthday

May 21, 2005 and Kathryn finally succumbs to turning 30....
What better way to do it than sailing around the islands of Hong Kong with your friends? Antony organised a brilliant day on a fully catered boat, with a special surprise birthday cake, cool tunes and nice weather for my special day, and it was brilliant.
Edd even came over on his travels to join in and stay for a week or so, and it was wonderful to see him and catch up.





With Georgia & Jobina

K & Jobina





Antony & Edd

Floating bar

A weekend in the Philippines...Anyone?

13th May, 2005 and Ants and I jet off to a long weekend in the Philippines. How decadent to be able to say that! This is why we live in Asia. The Philippines is a new country to me so I am excited. It feels like ages since I've had that new country feeling.
We took a direct flight to Cebu, in the middle of the country, which is mainly made up of small islands. Delighted to be out of work, and only a 2 hour direct flight away, we had a private car pick us up and take up to the Shangri-la resort. Not knowing what to expect we were very pleased with the resort and the beautiful sea!
The Philippines is a very poor country and reminded us of elements of Laos and Cambodia. Driving into Cebu city one day we saw many wooden houses and local corrrugated iron shops and eateries.

The Shangri-La Hotel



We spent each day on the beach, ignoring the pools in favour of the lapping of the sea and sounds of Bob Marley in the background. Heaven. More frozen Margaritas please. Managed to nearly finish my book, although Ants ploughed through another to win the reading trophy!



In between sleeps that was...



The local transport is in "Jeepneys", large minibuses elaborately decorated and with no glass windows or doors. Looks like fun!

Jeepneys