The question “Is it a life experience?” has launched us into some amazing cultural exchanges such as volunteering in Tanzania, floating in a canoe down the Amazon, snorkeling in Alaska and walking among the wonderful creatures on the Galapagos Islands.
Never tire of early morning walks through the park to Shelley beach. Watching the surfers as they do their morning run, eager to catch the waves as the sun comes up!
Walked up through Shelley and over the top to North Head with Caleb. Watched the dolphins play climbed through the secret wall on up to the rock pools, where the frogs croaked contentedly in their new pool. 
Loved being able to celebrate Diana's birthday... what a great cook she is! 
Seems like all the orchestras have guest conductors at the moment. Benjamin Schmid did a great job both conducting and on the violin. Missed Richard Tognetti.
While we were cheerfully going to composting courses, upgrading our computer skills and playing golf, Caleb was going through an amazing life experience. An aneurysm of the brain. What a scare for us all. One minute everything is fine and then it is off in the ambulance to Neurosurgery and intensive care.
We know how to have fun......went to the tip, to do a course in composting and all that kind of stuff. Now have a very successful compost, worm farm and veggie garden.
So back to Manly. Great being back, spent a day doing the things we love. Walking on the beach at daybreak, breakfast on the verandah... and getting our birthday presents... for Roger "potty putter" from Caleb
Hey... This is an all time first. I managed to finish my travel blog!
No trip to Bankok is complete without a temple visit. We ducked through stormy squalls to visit one of the most famous temples. Absolutely stupendous. At first we didn't know what the tinkling sound was... and then realised. Hundreds of coins being dropped into metal dishes lining the temple!
What do you want? It's all there in Thailand. Mail order bride? Original oil painting where you are the centrepiece of a Renoir, Goya or even a Picasso.