More pics of London!!!

Who is that with Mel at Buckingham Palace?

Who is that with Mel at Buckingham Palace?
Originally uploaded by melvan2006.

Just some pics of our time in London so far. Went and did the tourist thing the other day and we really felt like we were in London for probably the first time since arriving. Very impressive to see all the things we have seen in movies in person and all so close. The Ritz, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Paliament, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. We will put up more in next few days but have reached monthly photo limit.

Check out bloke in the background. Yes it is the King at Buckingham Palace.

Click picture of Mel and the King to see more London pics.

Cheers Melvan

Elephant trek 1

Elephant trek 1
Originally uploaded by melvan2006.

Hi again, this seems to work better.

Click elephant picture and view more photos through Flickr.com

Koh Samui Update 2

Hi All, we just thought we should update you with some pics of the rest of our Koh Samui trip. We had a great time there and already can't wait to go back in January for Brooke and Matt's wedding. Mel battled through the illness well and Evan managed to avoid any of her severe symptoms.

Included are some pictures from BIG Buddah where we were asked to sign some bricks that are to be used in the construction of a new temple - or something like that!!! This was a nice spot to visit and our most adventureous scooter ride to that point.

We also went on Elephant trek one day. This was again an interesting experience and well worth it. Our guide spoke little English put had a go at using every line he knew. When we told he we were Aussies he proceeded to chant "Aussie,Aussie, Oi,Oi". We attempted to correct and get him to say it three times but he was well rehearsed. Mel found the experience a little HAIRY which he loved and whenever we became a little uneasy he would come out with, "Oh my God, Oh my Mum, Oh my Dad" - we found it pretty funny (guess you had to be there). Ev drove the elephant (save the sick comments) for about half the journey and the guide kept referring to him as 'Big Aussie Man'. He also referred to the Elephants big 'Ding Dong' (no pics of that included) on regular occasions with great joy!!!

There are some other photos of us out and about and one at a Brazillian Bar and Grill that friends Carly and Dave told about. The best meal of the trip to date and very entertaining with the Brazillian ladies dancing for us.

Anyway hope you enjoy and hope they bloody work this is attempt no. 156.

Keep in touch - look forward to hearing your comments.

Cheers Melvan

We Made it to London

Hi All,

Just wanted to quickly update you all on what has been happening over past week or so. We left Thailand early last Wednesday morning headed for London and after numerous delays eventually arrived about 15 hours later. We were met at the airport by Tam (Mel's sister) and her friend Shani who were driving us to our new house. Despite having no idea where any of us were going Tam and Shani did a great job of battling the London traffic and getting us to our place where we met Ben and Meagan (our Aussie freinds who we are living with). Ben cooked up a storm for breakfast which was much needed by the time we got there.

No rest for the wicked and in an attempt to catch up with our new time zone re resisted the need for sleep and went off to purchase a few things for the house. This was our intro to shopping over here - and what an intro it was. We went to a store called Argos, which any of you who have lived here will have shopped at. At this store you flick through a massive catalogue, pick what you want, take the code number to a counter and get your gear. Unusual for us to shop this way but it was quite cheap and QUICK!!!

Since then we have had a pretty busy time acquainting ourselves with our new home and local area. It is a really nice apartment and we are just a few minutes walk from the Docklands which is probably best compared to Melbourne Docklands and South Bank. Meagan have been great in giving us the local run down and putting up with us sorting ourselves out.

Saturday we all went to the Geelong V Port game at the oval. It was a really fun day despite the quality of the footy. Tam laid what is now known as the greatest tackle ever on the oval on a guy trying to steal our ball and Evan kicked the ball into a ladies face (accidently) which wasn't terribly popular. The streakers were another highlight letting everything hang out. We met up with Flemma and Rhys from Melb which was great and later headed into Leischter??? Square for some drinks and dinner.

Have to run now as time is up but will update with photos soon. Mid term break at school this week so Ev starts next week as Mel hopes to.

Stay tuned for pics and more updates.
Love ya work.

Melvan