What you thought about it all

Cake and Champagne - doesn't get much better than this

Well, you've followed us along the way and have humoured us by pretending to be interested in our never ending jolly - only joking, the feedback we've had from everyone about the blog has been so positive that we thought it only fair to mention you and what you had to say now that it has all drawn to an end.......So here are a few quotes from friends and colleagues - old and new:

Helen Spear - personal friend
"Deb & Dan, you followed your dreams and saw the world. Your blog was a journey anybody would have been proud to be a part of. I hope you had an experience that gives you fond memories. I know Cannock isn't the same but you have so many people here that love and care about you - welcome home."

Michelle Green - personal friend (Deb's mate since they were nine)
"Dear Deb & Dan, I followed your journey every step of the way thanks to your fantastic blog. I kept your world map on my wall at work and highlighted every destination as you visited it! Can't believe how the ten months have flown. You finally lived your dream though and what a fab time you must have had...but back to reality now kids...so glad to have you home, missed you loads!!"

John Mcdonagh - work friend

"I have seen and lived in many parts of the world but you two bite the biscuit. I will certainly advise my kids now 17 & 15 before they have their own families to take the mantle and do what you two have done. Good on you."

Ange - personal friend
"Congratulations, you've done it! Welcome back to Cannock (there's no place like home). I thought your blog was fantastic and I got quite excited when you updated it! You became our lunchtime topic in the office. You should be really proud of yourselves. Well done, love Ange xx"

Richard Seager - personal friend

"Can’t wait to see that suit. I’m picturing a nice super shiny double breasted number in a similar colour to Borat’s. Ashley (aka Craig*) was my guest in Wimbledon last night (arriving in a similar suit to the above) & we got suitably hammered in my local boozers & had a great Ruby. So you’ll be back soon. Enjoy the last leg. Looking forward to seeing you & I hope to get up for the 31st for some cheap'uns."

Craig* Wootton - personal friend

"Looking forward to the 31st, get the cheap'uns in. I spent the night at Seag's, he kept on about going over Wimbledon common not sure why?"

Kerry Hemus - work friend
"It's been inspiring"

Leanne Taylor - work friend
"I have enjoyed your blog, following you and Dan around the globe. It's been really interesting, it's just made me sick with jealousy though!"

Mary Lyonette (Mum)
"You certainly are seasoned travellers now. It has been so exciting following you round the world on your blog. Isn't modern technology wonderful? The most memorable picture for me was your car being driven under the big Redwood tree. A close second would have to be your Sydney NYE shots. Looking forward to seeing you. Love to you both, Mum xx"

Jean Toplis (Jean Jeanie) - work friend
"Hi you two, "as you face the final curtain" what wonderful memories you will have to treasure for the rest of your lives. Thank you for sharing it with me, I have enjoyed it so much. I have had plenty of oohs and ahhs and a few goose pimples and tears, it has been wonderful. Enjoy the rest and safe journey back to good old Blighty. Love and kisses, Jean xx"

Roch Jones - personal friend
"Good to hear about your travels. It sounds like you're having a ball. When do you get home? Carry on enjoying yourselves and hope to see you both soon. Have you got any further with your wedding plans yet? Can't wait to hear all about it. Lots of love and take care, Roch xxxxxx"

Bruce, Renata and Tristan Minott - our Brisbane hosts
"Hey guys, I have loved the continual updates and glad to see you took our advice regarding Noosa and Fraser (Oz). It was great getting together, we loved it and hopefully, one day you may even be back. Perhaps for good? Na, too many bugs! Please keep in touch, we would love to know what you guys are up to and how you feel when you return. Let us know how long it takes you to settle into normal life, I guess three months and then you'll be planning the next holiday!"

Darren Wild - work friend
"I think you should hire the Social Club in Stafford and invite all your friends and family who have followed you around the world and do a 21st century variation of the ever-so boring slide show. Other than that, it will be good to see you back in the UK."

Paul Brereton - work friend
"Blog has been a great idea - nevermind being able to keep in touch, having seen what really floats your boat, I think I know you both better. The real trick now is to avoid jumping back on the same hamster wheel."

Frank Whyte - work friend
"I've just been shown your "Walkabout" site. It looks as though you are both having a great time. Good on ya sport. I've been to several of the places you've visited but you've opened our eyes to some others which we might visit ourselves soon. You seem to have been at the site of several of England's sporting failures this year. Will you be back in time for the RBS Rubgy tournament? Continue having a good time."

Dave Walker - work friend
"Well, what can I say...excellent blog. Bet you've had the time of your lives."

Dave Swadling - work friend
"Thanks for keeping me up to date with the world tour - what a lift this morning to read the Thailand installment after struggling for an hour and a half on the M25 on a Monday morning! You both look well (some better than others, obviously) and I just wanted to compliment you both (although it appears to be the work of an articulate, interesting and humorous individual and that would count you out on all three Dan - so please extend my compliments to Debra) on what is truly a fantastic blog which I forward to (my Wife) Caron who now feels like she knows you both. You have helped provide a valuable insight to the rest of the world through your camera and words so cheers. Safe onward journey and hope you continue to enjoy the remainder as much as you have both clearly enjoyed the first eight months. Let me know when you're back in circulation Dan as it would be great to catch up for a beer or seven and to hear some more stories first hand."

After the proposal......

Justine & Mark Ducommun - personal friends

Justine: "Hi Dan and Deb, really enjoying reading your adventures on the web, it's the highlight of my day!! Sounds like you're both having a fab time. Congratulations to you both on your engagement, Duke and I are really happy for you both. Deb I love your ring, very elegant and good girl getting Dan to take you to Tiffany!!! Take care both of you. Love Justine and Duke xx"

Mark: "I never heard of anyone having an elegant ring before!!!! fnar fnar. Seriously, nice selection but you've let the side down, that must have set u back a small fortune.......... Justine has commenced the moaning already!!! Keep up the blog............ great work and it's good to know what you're upto."

Paul Sesnan - Cousin
"Got this (the blog link) just as I'm about to go on a twelve hour night shift in Moss Side !! Great timing, Danny!! Looks fantastic and I look forward to having a proper look through when I get the chance to properly appreciate them. Happy New Year and best wishes to you both . Hope to catch up in person this year, Paul."

Alex Grose - personal friend
"Nice one D-Bone. Congratulations to you both. Bag of chips to celebrate? Looking forward to sharing a drink with you both soon (that'll probably be a few months then)."

Nick Shaw - personal friend
"Congratulations Danny Boy. I like your style. Really really pleased for the two of you. Get in!"

Jim Leeke - personal friend
"WOW….Came in to work early to finish something and ended up reading pretty much most of your tour! Thanks!!!! Looks awesome – and that engagement story….you are a charmer Senior Lyonette! Deb must have been chuffed!"

Kate Fuller - personal friend
"I bet you can't stop beaming. That's such cool news. I bet you're getting excited about the Big Day. Have you had any thoughts of when / where it's going to be? Your travels sound amazing, it looks like you're having such a fab time, I'm soooooo jealous."

Julian Hewitt - personal friend
"A huge congrats to the both of you. Well, I'm well chuffed for the pair of you. I thought it was only a matter of time before one of you did the decent and honourable thing. Well done. When's the party because you know I like a bit of a do!? Keep in touch, it's great hearing about your exploits."

Howard Riddell - work friend
"Blimey, well done, got a proposal and a couple of Amaretto - nice move. Congrats to you both. I'm sure you'll be very happy. Danny is a very lucky man. Although he committed a fatal error, should have bought the ring beforehand. Lost control of the budget! Fatal. Nice one, love Hxx."

Kerry and Simon - personal friends
"Hi Deb and Dan, just read your news. Bl**dy brilliant. So happy for you both. Lots and lots of congratulations, love Kerry and Si xx."

Alastair Payne - personal friend
"Well, congratulations. Sounds fantastic and a great place to propose. Glad you're having fun. Thanks for the photos, x Ali."

Gavin and Mand Bailey - personal friends
"Hello Deb and Dan, great to hear from you both. Just been checking out your blog. Absolutely fantastic mate. You both look like you're having the time of your lives. Really cool pics on there. Loving the beard mate. Fantastic news about the marriage. Congrats to you both. Very touching piece on your blog about it. Really pleased for you both. Reading all that has brightened up my wet, windy Thursday afternoon though I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. See you soon kids, have fun and keep posting the great pics and words. Going off to book a holiday now because I suddenly feel like I'm leading a boring life. Love to you both xx."

Homeward Bound & the Welcoming Parties

After twenty two flights, fourteen countries, four continents and 293 days away from home, we finally returned to good old Blighty on 28th March. It's safe to say that Danny and I have had the experience of a lifetime, one that will stay with us forever.

A lot can happen in ten months but after being back for just over three weeks, you soon realise that things at home very much stay the same. For us, this is great as it means we can settle back in without too much disruption. Everything is rosy at the moment as we look for jobs, make our house a home again, catch up with friends and family, and look forward to our future together.


Ruby with Uncle Danny


At last we get to see our Niece Ruby...and Deb


Master Finlay - our lovely Nephew


Dad and Deb


Deb's beautiful best friend Michelle with her Son (and our Godson) Thomas and her chap Lee


Mr and Mrs Wootton - Dan's best mate (and soon to be Best Man) and his lovely wife, Kerry


L -R: Martin (Dan's Brother), Tom (our Nephew), Michelle (Tom's Girlfriend), Jim (Deb's Dad), Mary (Dan's Mum), Lee and Danny


L-R: Deb, Kerry, Michelle, Dan Snr, Antonia, Jean (Deb's Mum), Helen (Dan's Sister) and Craig


Dan's Dad, Dan Senior and our Niece Antonia


Deb back at the ranch - Cannock


Our welcome home cake arranged by Dan's Mum and Sister (Mary and Helen)


Vanessa, Nick and Alex who, along with Oli and Lucy, treated us to a welcome home meal


Oli and Lucy who kindly picked us up & put us up the night we returned home - Kew, London


The flight to London Heathrow is announced


Oh no, it's finally arrived. Deb awaiting our homeward bound flight at Narita Airport - Tokyo


Dan looking a little sad at Narita Airport - Tokyo

Japan

A tree at the Heian Shrine holding paper fortunes (tied to the tree in the hope they come true)

Our time in Japan was wonderful. For me, it was one of the best destinations. With only seven days available, we decided to spend three in Kyoto and four in Tokyo and I think we got the mix just right.


Sashimi


The infamous Fukuzushi Sushi Restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo


Polar Bears at the Ueno Zoological Gardens, Tokyo


Ling Ling the Giant Panda at the Ueno Zoological Gardens, Tokyo


Cherry Blossom - Tokyo


Tokyo Street


The Asahi Brewery HQ - Tokyo


Deb at Nakamise Market - Tokyo


Dried squid or octopus - not quite sure


Definitely octopus amongst other delights


Ameyayokocho Market - Tokyo


Shibuya - Tokyo

From Kyoto we boarded a Shinkansen or Bullet Train to Tokyo. The 500km+ journey takes only two hours and twenty minutes. We arrived in Tokyo reasonably fresh from our journey and prepared ourselves for a whistle-stop four day tour.

During our time in Tokyo, we ventured to the Nakamise Market where you can buy lots of traditional Japanese souvenirs. We also went to the Ameyayokocho Market and saw some weird and wonderful food stuffs. We ventured to the zoo in Ueno to see the Giant Panda Ling Ling but we weren't overly impressed by the zoo's facilities and some of the animals appeared to be a little distressed so we didn't stay for long.

The highlight of Tokyo for us though was Karaoke. Danny and I headed to Shibuya which is a bustling area in Tokyo boasting huge pedestrian crossings that appear to cater for thousands of people at any one time. We found a restaurant called LOHB situated on the eighth floor of a tower block so as to have a great view of the goings-on. After a suitable amount of the very tasty Kirin Ichiban lager, we made our way to Karaoke-Kan. Again, this venue is featured in the film Lost in Translation and we managed to get room 701, one floor up from that used in the film. If you've seen the movie, you'll know that Charlotte and Bob (Johansson and Murray) spend a night singing tunes by the likes of Roxy Music and Blondie whilst overlooking the Tokyo streets. Well, we did exactly the same. We'd planned on spending an hour in there for the bargain price of 3000yen (twelve pounds) but with this you get all you can drink. Three and a half hours later, Danny and I finally dragged ourselves out of the very brilliant and very hilarious Karaoke-Kan and attempted to make our way back the hotel. We missed the last tube so had to grab a cab but it was absolutely worth it. We have some video footage which we thought would be excellent for the blog but having watched it again sober, there is no way these films will ever be brought into the public domain!


Our bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo is announced


One of the bullet trains (or Shinkansen)

"Kyoto, with its hundreds of temples and gardens, was the imperial capital between 794 and 1868 and remains the cultural centre of Japan. Its raked pebble gardens, sensuously contoured temple roofs and mysterious Shintō shrines fulfill the Japanese fantasy of every Western cliché hunter.

With an astonishing 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shintō shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens and museums, Kyoto is Japan's cultural treasure house. Seventeen of Kyoto's ancient structures and gardens have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites." - Courtesy of Lonely Planet's Online Destination Guide


Deb putting incense in sand at the Nanzen-Ji Temple - Kyoto


Nanzen-Ji Temple - Kyoto


Cherry Blossom


Dan at the aqueduct found in the Nanzen-Ji Temple's grounds


Murin-An Garden - Kyoto


Wooden plaques - Kyoto


Gate at the Heian Shrine - Kyoto


Cute sushi sign - Kyoto


"Tea's up"


Deb at the Heian Shrine - Kyoto


Dan admiring the lanterns at the Heian Shrine - Kyoto


Girls in Kimono

The Heian Shrine and the Nanzen-Ji Temple are featured in the film Lost in Translation, a favourite of ours, so we felt it only right to pay them both a visit. We also visited the Gion district in the hope of seeing Geisha but unfortunately, we weren't lucky on this occasion.

Kyoto is a calm, clean and spiritual place and I don't think anyone could fail to be touched by this very serene and beautiful city.


Toilet - Japan style

China & Hong Kong

Chinese lanterns lining the streets in Hutong, Beijing

From Bangkok, we flew to China and the temperature plummeted. We left behind 30° sunshine for 10° cold, wintry weather. Suffice to say one of our first excursions in China was to buy coats, hats and gloves - no joke.

In contrast to Thailand, which is affectionately known as the Land of Smiles, China is referred to as the Land of Elbows. Manners seem to evade a lot of the population and clearing your throat followed by spitting on the floor is somewhat common place and not only for the men. There is no concept of queueing and quite honestly, it was refreshing being able to barge your way in bus queues and the like.

Eating with your mouth open, burping audibly, smacking your lips and slurping, coughing and sneezing without raising a hand to your mouth well, this is all normal and to be honest, who are we to judge? No-one other than us was offended by any of this and why should they be. This is their way of life and how they conduct themselves.

China and its people are fascinating. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite the cold weather. Whilst in Beijing, our day at the Great Wall in Ba Da Ling was mesmorising and although it was minus 7° but feeling like minus 12° with the wind chill factor, we wouldn't have missed it for the world and it was probably our best experience in China.

Shanghai was a little difficult to negotiate at first with the language barrier but after a visit to a concierge in one of the upmarket hotels, this was remedied and we successfully explored the city before heading to Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, we were both polaxed by colds so didn't get to do as much as we'd have liked but it was great nonetheless and will probably be worth a second visit at some point in the future.


Danny's suit packed and ready for home courtesy of one of HK's finest - William Cheng & Son


The King's Road in Hong Kong Island's Fortress Hill area


Victoria Harbour waterway between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island


Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise


View from Victoria Peak or "The Peak" - Hong Kong


View from Victoria Peak or "The Peak" - Hong Kong


Where there's a wall there's an advertisement


Skyrise - Hong Kong


The Star ferries coming in and out of Central Pier - Hong Kong


Star Ferry - Hong Kong


Star Ferry - Hong Kong


William Cheng & Son on Hankow Road, Dan's suit makers - Hong Kong


MTR Subway, how clean??? - Hong Kong


Crossing from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island - Hong Kong

Although a little under the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed Hong Kong. Being a former British colony, there is a lot of Western influence and it was therefore very easy for us to get around. We explored the very busy Central area, Tsim Tsa Shui in Kowloon, Temple Street Night Market, Victoria Harbour and we even managed to venture to "The Peak" which is Hong Kong's premier scenic outlook. Finally, Danny got a gorgeous suit made for his imminent return to work.


In the absence of a TV... - en route from Shanghai to Hong Kong


Dan aboard the K99 from Shanghai to Hong Kong


A Vegetarian's dream - tukker aboard the K99 from Shanghai to Hong Kong


Amazing what a few Tiger beers will do and no, I'm not embarrassed


Not another Brummie - Dan, Adrian & Deb at the British Bulldog - Shanghai


Our attempt at Chinese writing to circumnavigate Shanghai


Real old city Shanghai


At the entrance to the Old City - Shanghai


Pagoda, Old City - Shanghai


Old City - Shanghai


Zoom in and take a look at item #2 - made us laugh (taxi notice)


Dan outside the Science & Technology Museum - Shanghai


Shanghai's night time skyline as seen from the Bund


Dan at the Bund - Shanghai

Shanghai, with a population of 17 million, is a busy city but in contrast to Beijing there seems to be more suburbs so the crowds are effectively dispersed. There is the Old City, the French Concession Area, Pudong, the Bund and many more sprawling enclaves. We ventured to each of areas mentioned above and despite struggling initially to get around (our hotel reception staff spoke very little English), we managed to get a tourist map and destination guide in English from a very helpful concierge at the Intercontinental in Pudong so after that we were suitably equipped to tour Shanghai successfully.

There would appear to be a number of ex-patriots in Shanghai and as a result there are quite a few British and Irish pubs. Naturally, Danny and I felt it our duty to go and sample their wears so made it to O'Malley's one night and the British Bull Dog another where we met Andy from Erdington of all places. We thoroughly enjoyed an evening of Tiger beer and Cornish pasty and chips!

The highlight of Shanghai for us though was the Bund. The view of the Pudong skyline from the other side of the river is spectacular.


Deb in our deluxe sleeper aboard the train from Beijing to Shanghai


Dan looking suitably pleased with our deluxe sleeper compartment


Jeff, Danny and Jordan at the Zhong An Hotel - Beijing


Toilets Chinese-style


Chinese chess being played in the streets of Beijing


A colourful little spot - shop in Beijing


With a population of 13 million, Beijing is bustling


Food market vendors - Beijing


A portrait of revered Chairman Mao at Tian'anmen Square (read more about him at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_Zedong)


Duanmen


The Great Hall of the People


The National Museum of China


Zhengyang Gate


Tian'anmen Square Map


Dan near Beijing Station


The Great Wall at Ba Da Ling - near Beijing


The Great Wall at Ba Da Ling - near Beijing


Traditional souvenirs at the Great Wall


Warrior statues


Don't know what it says but thought it looked pretty cool


A chilly Dan at the Great Wall


The Great Wall of China at Ba Da Ling, just outside Beijing


View at the Ming Tombs - Beijing


Statue of one of the Ming Emperors


Trying to stop my ears falling off - Ming Tombs, Beijing


Pagoda at the entrance to the Ming Tombs - Beijing

Beijing was our first stop in China and probably the most memorable. The daytrip to the Great Wall was absolutely brilliant and although it was incredibly cold, climing the wall and actually visually taking in what was achieved there was inspiring. The toil and hard work that went into creating the Great Wall is unimaginable and considering that construction of the Wall commenced in 700B.C., the mind boggles as to how building materials were made available and how the workers coped with the weather.

Whilst in Beijing we also visited Tian'anmen Square. The square is said to be one of the largest open spaces in the world and it can accommodate upto one million people. The area is surrounded by official buildings and when you make your way through Duanmen (which has a huge portrait of Chairman Mao on it), this is how you reach the Forbidden City. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late in the day so couldn't get into the Forbidden City but it is said to be much changed from its former days when many artifacts were on display and the decor was opulent and rich. We were told to watch "The Last Emperor" instead as apparently the Forbidden City is depicted in the film as it was all those years ago.