Saturday 28th June 2025

Saturday 28^th June

SHE SAID:

Our final day in KL; we decided to do the very touristy tour out to the Batu Caves. We booked it at the hotel & were surprised to have a private car & driver. Baln was our driver, of Indian descent, a very chatty & friendly man.

The hotel “forgot” to tell us that it was a long weekend in KL, so the traffic was crazy busy. It took us longer than usual to get to the Batu Caves, which were full of tourists! Oh well! I did manage the 272 steps to the open karst limestone cave at the top. It was a Hindu “sacred” shrine, with many tacky shop outlets & deities / temples around the entrance & in the cave at the top.

We were also taken to a Bakit shop, the Royal Selangor Pewter HQ, the National War Memorial, the Royal Palace & a small Indian restaurant / shack serving Marsala Tea. It tasted nothing like tea, more a slightly sweet, spiced milk drink; not awful, but I wouldn’t buy myself!

The final stop was the Kingdom of Chocolate outlet, which had about 6 busloads of Chinese tourists crowded into a small area; we didn’t stay very long! We were dropped back at our hotel 2 hours over scheduled time, but it was a nice & different day.

We rounded out our trip with cocktails for me, & Tiger beer for Geoff in the Sky Bar, overlooking the park & twin towers. Before coming to Malaysia I didn’t have any clue about Kuala Lumpur but have enjoyed the 2 ½ days we have had here. The Trader Hotel was perfectly situated for us, a lucky chance for us!

HE SAID:

We didn't get up very early but just a little before we could have. Our breakfast was at the hotel's Gobo Chit-chat restaurant again, but it wasn't crowded this time. On my wanders I saw that there was a section serving Laksa, so grabbed a freshly made bowl. It was very tasty, and brought back memories of our time living in Darwin, when we would sometimes go to Parap Markets for one. 

The day out was good, and interesting. I got very sweaty climbing the stairs to the cave in the tropical heat, but cooled down quickly when back in the car. The traffic was rather dense at times, extending our trip by almost 2 hours, but Baln (pronounced Bal-uhn, as in balance without the c and e) didn't say anything, just continued the itinerary. 

Nachos with our drinks in the bar, and beef rendeng in our room rounded out our last day in KL.

Friday 27th June 2025

Friday 27^th June

SHE SAID:

Breakfast was great, loads of options from local cuisine to western style foods, sweet & savoury too.

After our huge breakfast we booked a tour for Saturday to the Batu Caves & then headed for the Hop on Hop off bus around KL. It was not as good as Dubai, but maybe ¼ of the price! We went to the Bird Park in search of the Rhinoceros Hornbill the national bird of Malaysia. It must have known I wanted to see it as it was hiding high in the trees, I got very poor shots of it.

We also managed to get soaked in the storm on the way back to the hotel. But the weather cleared for the light show at the fountains in the KLCC Park.

HE SAID:

My wife was a bit crazy today, sitting in the uncovered outside part of the bus during a huge downpour at the end of our trip. I asked her many times to come inside, offered her my seat, offered to have her sit on my lap, but she said that after the bus operators had let too many people board, and then said that no-one was to stand, she was OK outside. So she got soaked. I also got quite wet as we headed back to the hotel, so we hung our things as best we could to dry, showered, changed, and wandered back out well after the rain finally stopped.

Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th June 2025

Wednesday 25^th & Thursday 26^th June

SHE SAID:

Two days into one!

We left Mum & Horsham at 7am on Wednesday 25th & got to the Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur around 11am on Thursday 26th! Suitably buggered from the flights, lack of sleep, & a TOTAL stuff around of charging from one plane which was late landing to what seemed like the other end of Dubai terminal to the next plane which was almost ready to depart!

We made it!

Then the STUPID online immigration forms at KL were really hard to fill in; we asked for help from the officials several times. Basic stuff like trying to input the date of expiry on the passport, & unknown information like “in what province” is the hotel we are staying!!! FFS!

Then it wouldn’t accept our information & they had to process us by hand. WTAF!

We had pre-booked a taxi to take us to the hotel, & he was messaging Geoff over the WIFI asking where we were because it was taking so long. Thankfully he waited for us.

Also, thankfully I had asked for early check-in, & we got it, as it was 11am when we got to the hotel. We were upgraded to a “garden view”, which included views of the fountains & the Petronas Twin Tower! I didn’t ask for the upgrade. We zonked for a couple of hours then went exploring the hotel & the KLCC Park & area.

Dinner was a local affair in our hotel, & we were back in the room by 7.30pm. Fingers & toes crossed for a reasonable night's sleep.

HE SAID:

It was broad daylight for most of our first flight, to Dubai, so I didn't end up getting any sleep until I grabbed a couple of hours on our way to Kuala Lumpur. Needless to say I was knackered when we got to the hotel. Later in the afternoon we wandered over to the shoppng mall, which was full of high-end shops such as: Rolex, Gucci, Armani and many others. We wandered back to the hotel through the central, but small, park.

Tuesday 24th June 2025

Tuesday 24^th June

SHE SAID:

We had a few things to get done today: the Power of Attorney to the bank, the car to be cleaned inside & outside. Then we had our packing for home to do, & for the case that we are leaving behind in the storage.

In the late afternoon the people who are buying Mum’s car arrived & the paperwork was done to finalise the handover.

We decided on the Tandoori House for dinner, as the next-door Chinese, our first choice, was closed!

"Art" on the path to Bournemouth Pier

HE SAID:

When we got to the bank, which was Varena’s 4^th attempt to sort out the paperwork for Jan’s Power of Attorney, we just said that the paperwork that she had brought the last time was all correct and asked that it be submitted. So, the bloke took a copy and that was that. A shame it took such efforts though.

Jan was surprisingly not distraught at the collection of her car by the new owners in the evening. The topic had been raised many times over the last few weeks, so I anticipated a scene, but it didn’t eventuate. She had agreed to the sale weeks ago, especially when she had it in writing from a doctor, and then verbally from other doctors, that she wasn’t to drive. But the loss of independence seemed to overwhelm the logic for a while. But it is done now; I helped out with the online form that needed filling in, the money was transferred, the keys handed over.

Monday 23rd June 2025

Monday 23^rd June

SHE SAID:

Our trip back to Horsham was uneventful. We had a short stop in the scenic village of Christchurch, then continued through to Horsham.

We arrived around 12.45pm.

We had an appointment in the afternoon at the flat & I made a leftovers Shepherd's Pie for dinner, which went down nicely.

Ruins of a Norman House in Christchurch

LOL!

HE SAID:

The diversion to have a quick peek around Christchurch didn’t delay us by much, and we were back in Horsham for lunch. As usual, Varena made a tasty dinner from leftovers and it went down very well.

Sunday 22nd June 2025

Sunday 22^nd June

SHE SAID:

Mum, Geoff & I headed to Bournemouth today, which is about 96 miles west, in Dorset. Geoff has made contact with a 2nd cousin who lives there, so we went to meet him & his wife. We also decided to stay the night & see a bit of the area.

Luke & Anna were lovely & we chatted away for ages at a cafe then we all walked to the beach which was nearby, though we had to get the lift/ funicular railway down as it is a steep descent to the water. It was rather cool & blowy along the esplanade, but we braved it for a while.

Saying our goodbyes to Luke & Anna we headed for the Marsham Court Hotel, which was further along the coast in Bournemouth central. I was a little disappointed with the hotel; it said it was 4 stars, but I have my doubts. Anyhow it was OK, not “flash”.

We enjoyed drinks down on the water at Sandbanks, & dinner at Turkish restaurant, which was very nice.

WT....a doggy menu at the hotel...FFS!

HE SAID:

Meeting my cousin Luke and his wife Anna was good, and interesting. They are both relaxed, happy people, and we got on well, chatting away about all sorts of things, but mainly family.

Later, Varena and I took a walk along the beach to the pier, and were amazed at the brave souls swimming, or wandering around in swimmers, in the very cool and blowy weather. After leaving the pier we wandered through a park seemingly chockers with girls warming up for their cheerleading routines at the nearby Bournemouth International Centre.

Saturday 21st June 2025

Saturday 21^st June

SHE SAID:

I managed to see one more new to me orchid, on my final orchid hunt whilst here in England. I was very happy to see it.

Geoff & I continued on to Sue & Al’s place in Crowborough after the stop in Ashdown Forest. We were taking them out to lunch at The Middle House in Mayfield. We all had tasty meals, though I kept mine light as I was still recovering from yesterday’s dinner! It will be our final catch-up before we leave on Wednesday.

Back at Wakefield Court there was an informal gathering to “celebrate” the Summer Solstice, organised by Carol, the youngest "60-ish" resident. There were about 14 of the residents who went out into the garden & enjoyed wine, bubbles & nibbles. So, Geoff & I gatecrashed for about an hour, along with Mum, who was invited. It was a really warm evening & everyone seemed be enjoying themselves.

The Heath Fragrant Orchid, my final new one for the trip

The Lady & Monkey Orchids I saw in previous
trips out, in Kent

 The amazing looking Lizard Orchid, also from Kent

Summer Solstice party at Wakefield Court

Chocked full of flowers, the Pyramidal Orchid

HE SAID:

We both got a bit sweaty as we wandered around in the sun in Ashdown Forest looking for orchids. Luckily we found what Varena was looking for. At Sue and Al’s we enjoyed a champers before heading along to lunch at The Middle House. Lunch was fine, with the girls having a salad and Al and I having burgers. When I went to pay the already very overpriced bill (think $40 for a burger and chips) I queried the extra ten pounds “Service Charge”. I asked what it was, with the reply “It’s for the staff”. I then asked if it was an American thing, or aren’t the staff paid well? The waiter took the charge off. What a rip off! A Service Charge for nothing. No way!

Getting Jan out to the solstice do in the back yard made it 3 evenings in a row!

Friday 19th June 2025

 Friday 19^th June

SHE SAID:

Mum, Geoff & I went off to Alfriston, a village about 50 minutes away from Horsham. I had found a little National Trust place called the Alfriston Clergy House. It was the first place that the NT purchased in around 1890’s. It was a quaint little place, just like the village, which we walked around after the house.

In the evening I had my catch up with my old school friends. The original booking at La Pizzaetta Italian Restaurant was for 12, but during the week it dropped to 8, then only 5 of us actually made it to the restaurant! 

Geoff & Mum joined us for drinks at the Red Deer, then headed off to Ask for their dinner. I think we all had a good time.

Alfriston Clergy House

Drinks with Philippa. Elaine & Claire
at the Red Deer

Dinner with Julie, Diane, Claire & Elaine

HE SAID:

The day out was warm and interesting, with another unbelievably old place to walk around and wonder at. The evening went well, too. A couple of pints while we chatted with Varena’s school friends, then a tasty Italian meal. The recent proliferation of tipping culture is getting on my nerves here though. I was pestered about 4 times when trying to pay for dinner about including a tip. There was nothing wrong with any aspect of the meal. But that is just the basic minimum. Why are customers being fleeced for more? I didn’t tip.

Back at Wakefield Court I convinced Jan to have a Bailey’s out in the back yard as it was such a warm evening. I took out a couple of generous glasses of the stuff and found several other residents there already. Jan said that she never goes out there, so now we have shown her how easy and enjoyable it can be. Hopefully she’ll do it some more after we’ve returned to Australia.

Thursday 19th June 2025

Thursday 19^th June

SHE SAID:

Mum & I walked along the Arun River to the old St Mary’s Parish Church, in the Causeway. The Horsham Flower Festival started today. It has been running for over 60 years. I remember going when I was a kid, so it has been 45-50 years since I last went to it!

At 1.30pm we all went to South Lodge, the “poshest” hotel in the Horsham area, for afternoon tea or High Tea! It was a very fancy affair with a price tag to match, but Mum was happy to take us, it was lovely.

Mum & I started with a bubbles cocktail, then came the food. Sausage rolls, egg brioche, then ham & mustard sandwiches on spinach bread, cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches on tomato bread, & salmon blinis. Next was a selection of fruit & plain scones with strawberry jam & clotted cream, then some fancies to finish with tea & coffee.

We asked for “doggie bags”, which were boxes like little bags! Plenty of leftovers! We were so full after our feed.

The day finished with a glass of wine in the Wakefield Court garden. In 11 years, it is the first time Mum has sat out there; it was a beautiful warm evening! Great suggestion Geoff!

Flower festival at the old Parish Church

South Lodge for High Tea

HE SAID:

With flower shows not on my chores list I stayed in while Varena and Jan went for a look. The afternoon at South Lodge was good. We managed to squeeze the little Vauxhall into a carpark full of Bentleys, Audis, Mercedes, and Jaguars, then wander along to have our flash high tea. Everything was good, as expected.

As it was another warm evening I suggested that we head out the back and utilise the seats out in the shady, and fairly private, back garden. Surprisingly Jan agreed, so we enjoyed a tipple al fresco.

Wednesday 18th June 2025

Wednesday 18^th June

SHE SAID:

We had two outings today. Lunch was first, with John & Michael in Henfield, at John’s place, Red Oaks. The staff made an effort putting us in a nice lounge, linen on the table, wine glasses, the whole works. We were served a 3-course meal, which was good.

We finished up in the reception area lounge for a cuppa, chatting on till nearly 4pm.

Then, Geoff & I headed out around 6.15pm, to Siobhan & Dickie’s place, for drinks & nibbles. They live a couple of streets away from Mum’s, so we walked there. We had a chatty few hours with them & a friend of theirs who is moving to Australia in September & wanted to pick our brains.

 HE SAID:

Today was a busy one for me, sort of. With the second State of Origin match at 11am I ducked in to Horsham’s town centre to get a couple of small things, making sure that I was back, showered, and ready to go to John’s in time for the kick off. All good. Around noon the three of us drove over to Henfield for lunch with John and Michael. I was rather impressed with the food. There was a limited choice of courses, as expected, but the meals we all had were good. Quite a step up from what my dad was regularly offered at Bupa Calwell in Canberra.

After a couple of hours back at Jan’s Varena and I wandered down to Shiv and Dickie’s for a light supper. Their house and yard were quite impressive, with the back yard probably 40m long. The new caravan was also impressive, being a touch longer than ours, which seems extra large to most people we’ve mentioned it to. We enjoyed the company outside in the pleasant evening for a few hours.

Tuesday 17th June 2025

Tuesday 17^th June

SHE SAID:

Mum & I had another fruitless trip to the Bank. Then we headed out with Geoff to the Frog & Nightgown Inn & Tea Rooms, in Faygate, for lunch. It was a 15-minute drive from Horsham.

We chose to sit outside in the sun; they enjoyed fish n chips & I had a burger & chips. I couldn’t find anything online as to why it is called the Frog & Nightgown. I think it is a cool name!

HE SAID:

Varena is getting mucked around by the bank while trying to help Jan sort things out. It is very frustrating. 

Somehow Varena managed to get an electrician to attend just a day after calling. Well done. Jake is a regular here at Wakefield Court, he said, as someone randomly got him in once and then others just thought they'd also use him. It worked for us. Anyway, Jake went through exactly the same process that I had done, and was equally as exasperated at his failed outcome. He said that I had done everything right. But, being a qualified professional, he then thought of something that I couldn't do, which was to change the joining block for the electrical wires. This was the answer! A super-cheap 10-cent part was the cause. Annoying.

Our lunch outing was a nice time, enjoying the warmth, food, and limited country views. I even managed to try a couple of new beers.

Monday 16th June2025

Monday 16^th June

SHE SAID:

Mum & I headed to Hilliers Garden Centre for a look around, & a cuppa. Then we went into town for a couple of things.

We had an appointment in the afternoon, at the hospital, which went well. Otherwise, it was a quiet day.

Black-clad Morris Dancers Geoff saw at 
The Malt Shovel in Horsham

HE SAID:

I left Varena and Jan to do their morning garden centre thing and remained at the flat. The hospital visit in the afternoon will hopefully help Jan get some health-related answers.We’ll see. The doctor was running about half an hour late, which I guess is normal, but with paid parking everywhere I had to dart out and attend to the car. And lucky that I did, as there were about 4 minutes left on our voucher and an inspector doing his rounds of the carpark.

Sunday 15th June 2025

Sunday 15^th June

SHE SAID:

After a busy week we decided to stay in today. Geoff tried to fit a new light in Mum’s bathroom, but the new one wouldn’t work either. So, we are guessing it is wiring that is stuffed, so Mum will need an electrician.

We had an hour-long Teams video chat with Julian & Kiyoka; they seemed well.

I caught up with the Blog & continued with my photo sorting.

Photos from the Leonardslee trip in May

HE SAID:

Jan’s bathroom light above the mirror had died, so I did the obvious things, but to no avail. I checked the existing tube, then bought a new tube; no luck. Bought a new light body, tried the old and new tubes; no luck. So, without a multi-meter, and being in a block of oldies flats in a different country, I gave up and an electrician will be called. Bugger.

My sister Kathy, who is doing the England leg of the El Camino (well, that is what she is calling it) called me via Whatsapp as her Telstra roaming has buggered up. It was about 3:30pm when she called, and she said that she still has a 5 hour walk ahead of her to her accommodation, so she was a bit cranky, even as I was trying to help. The phone is a "security blanket" for her as a single female walking alone in the countryside, so I can see why she wants it fixed. I couldn't really help her at the time she called as I was in Aldi, doing some shopping, but I have since messaged her by Whatsapp for when she next gets wifi, about the 112 emergency number, perhaps I buy her more roaming credit, clearing the Telstra app cache, and also Google Offline Maps, even if it takes her off the Camino route, just to be safe.