Roujin wrote:

Going to visit my bro in Oslo for a few days at the start of December, just sorted the flights. Despite being an old man, this is the first time I've ever had to fly anywhere on my own, and with the exception of said brother's stag do in Madrid last year and a weekend in Whitby in the summer this is the first thing approaching a holiday instead of just sitting around at home I've had since 2012.

It'll be great.  I have a soft spot for Oslo as we went there on Honeymoon (it was the first stop, before travelling up the fjords) - the first night we were there, they had a huge firework display at the waterside, and we pretended to ourselves that they'd put it on for our benefit.

(Though, ironically given the conversation on the last page, we also had someone try to break into our hotel room.  Which, yeah, on the first night of your honeymoon isn't ideal - though the would be burglar was almost as freaked out as we were.)

So I haven't had more than 4 days in a row holiday in 9 an a half years. Kids eh?

Friday we fly out to Australia, for 3 weeks.

Fuck me I'm looking forward to it. There have been several times in the last few months when it's looked like we would end up cancelling, but now it seems all engines are go.

First ever time kids will flying (5, 7, and 10) so they are going hard... Wish we luck.

It's a nightmare journey, that third flight is a killer.

Make the most of it once you're there though, where are you going?

We did Newcastle>Amsterdam>Singapore>Perth. Absolute killer, and not even enough time to have a squint at Singapore on the way.

Never been to the east coast, did Perth both times because we have family there.

2 flights ain't so bad. Especially stopping at Singapore as it's a very nice airport and plenty of shops to kill time in if you have a bit of a wait. There's a butterfly garden there too Skade which the kids might like.

If you feel like catching up with some badgers I'm sure we could organise a mini Melbourne stock. Even just for a quick drink. Oh and even though I'm currently away I've been hearing tales of 40degree days and 30degree nights at the moment, so good luck!

I'm sure you'll have plenty of suggestions but I do recommend the Melbourne Zoo, it's really great and you get to be very close to the animals. You can pet a giant turtle! Also there's Red Pandas and they are the best.

Oooof! God speed Shabs.

Luckily it was on time for its delay. The airport was pretty humid though so I was pretty gross by the time we got to boarding. Was definitely glad to be home but I'll be even gladder to be in bed tonight with no work tomorrow!

And no worries Skade. Let us know if you manage to find some time. I'm shift work so pretty easy on time/day.

I've only taken Isla to Cornwall and the south of France. I think kids can have fun doing anything a bit different though, it's all an adventure to them.

Anyone done the Amalfi Coast in Italy? We were looking at driving it but reading online people say it's a nightmare with how busy it is and the other drivers. We're still considering it but just taking a ferry between each town

Wouldn't drive there if I was paid.  Coming out of Napoli airport (on the bus) I barely saw a car that didn't have huge damage.  They don't care.

Soooo planning against driving now lol. Instead will bus/ferry our way around we think

Thanks for the advice guys

How long are you going for? I want to go again one day.

Nice one Reg. Know where you're going this time?

Anyone been to Madeira?

Also, I've not been Florida, so can't help there.
I'm intrigued though, if anyone's been...

I keep thinking of Scarface, crocodiles, and Roger Moore (though apparently, the chase I was thinking of was set in Louisiana)...

Steaks sounds good, no offence Kow.