The Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Well what a week that was. We were warned that India was an onslaught on your senses and it didn't disappoint. 

I was lucky enough to be invited on the Phil Hoffmann Travel top achievers trip for the first time along with 12 others from the office including CEO Pete Williams. With flights provided by our good friends at Malaysia Airline, we were on a specially arranged Insight Vacations trip which was to take in the golden tourism triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Right from the off we were treated to a ride on the back of the cycle taxi and were bustled and jostled through the streets of Old Delhi. Our man was certainly working hard moving our heavy butts around the busy streets. Amazing sights and sounds with all sorts of cables and potentially live wires hanging from every doorway and alley.

We were taken to a Sikh temple and saw the many volunteers preparing and helping to serve some 15,000 free meals a day to people of any class or creed, no matter as long as they needed feeding.

On other days we saw the stunning Tajmahal and the Red Fort at Agra both built by the Shah Jahan.

I think the groups favourite city was however Jaipur which entranced us by it's architecture, history and people. Everywhere you go in India people are happy. They just go about their everyday tasks and routines and just get on with it, no matter what the weather or situation facing them.  We were travelling during Monsoon season so had some humid and wet days, but the Indians don't seem to notice any of that. Nor are they concerned by the dirt and pollution all around them. They know no different anyhow.

In Jaipur we visited the Amber Fort and at night returned to the City Palace where we were treated to a magnificent show and parade of customer guards Elephants, Camels and traditional dancers. Following this stunning show we were escorted into the private quarters of the Palace normally reserved for dignitaries. The Rajastan Royal family still live here today and in the private room we dined in, were pictures of Charlie boy and Princess Diana in the very same room. Very probably during the same trip as the famous shot of Lady Di at the Tajmahal all those years ago. We were honoured to have been given the chance to experience such a rare and special treat.

Of course our trip was very much a taste of India. We stayed in a range of top 4 &5 star hotels and were treated to magnificent fine Indian dining be it breakfast lunch or dinner. The curries Dal's and Thals did not disappoint. I just wish one of these restaurants was just around the corner at home. No doubt my brothers and other friends who have had longer periods in India and have backpacked their way across this wondrous place, will have experienced a vastly different India. But for a taste of India in just one week I can highly recommend an escorted tour. Insight Vacations were fantastic at every step and their guide Manjit very knowledgeable and humorous.

Operation Flinders - a taste of the outback

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in what was effectively my first taste of the real Aussie outback, up in the Flinders Ranges to the far North of the state of South Australia. I was invited through my contacts at the Operation Flinders to see at first hand how they run their charitable foundation and support children at risk (more later). I have taken part for the last 3 years in the excellent Trailblazer challenge and that is my fundraising for this venture. In 2008 my first year here we entered a team of 4 and did the 34 k walk. We have now progressed to the 50k challenge, and I have now roped in 28 walkers for this year and hope to be the largest company fund raiser for the event and therefore Operation Flinders.

Anyhow we left Sat morning in a 12 seater Cessna from Adelaide and arrived at Leigh Creek about 75 mins later. We were given a quick tour of the camp and operational HQ and told all about the operation, introduced to the staff and volunteers and how they organize the program and go about challenging the kids aged 13-17 to 8 days and nights out in the Aussie Outback.

We were taken out into the outback in 4 wheel drive cars into quite rough terrain and marveled at the endeavor of these guys to have bought 1000's of acres of land for just $650000 odd (the price of a decent house in Adelaide). Imagine a plot of land the size of Hertfordshire and running outward bound campaigns in it during the year.

On the first night we were escorted out by 4 wheel drive thankfully to a camp where we met some the youngsters and their team leaders around their camp for the night. We were entertained by an Aboriginal leader who spoke about their culture, told some stories and sang some traditional songs to us around the campfire. 

I invited my good friend Andrew Tatlock to share with me in this experience, as he has walked the Trailblazer with me these last 3 years and know he shares my commitment to help change some of these youngsters lives and help get them back on the straight and narrow.

One of my most treasured memories from my short time here in Oz. 

For more pictures click here Operation Flinders weekend trip

Wirrena Golf & Resort

Just spent a lovely weekend at the Wirrena Resort and Golf club just one hour to the south of Adelaide. We went with good friends Paul & Lesley Dunning and Gerald & Liz Morris. It was a scoupon special deal bought by Debi as my birthday treat and was fantastic value. Leaving work a touch early on Friday we enjoyed drinks and nibbles on the terrace overlooking the pretty golf course and rolling hills. As we enjoyed a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz we were entertained by a leaping cascade of Kangaroos passing as dusk fell. We joined them on the nearby 10th hole at dusk with a spot of wine inspired pitch and putt.

Dinner followed at the excellent Leonards Mill, a real surprise package out in the middle of nowhere. 3 superb courses and great hospitality from the husband and wife owners, just 10 minutes from our resort.  A few customary swallies at the hotel bar before retiring for the night.

A nice brekky was followed at midday by 18 holes on the surprisingly good Wirrina Golf Course. Paul, Gerald and I out first, followed by Debi, Lesley and Liz in a 4 seated electric buggy. They had all the sparkly and wine as the incessant laughter and pandemonium behind us evidenced. The Royal & Ancient at St Andrews will be writing to them I'm sure! Long and difficult course with excellent country, hill and sea views in abundance. Also enjoyed playing to a gallery of 15 or 20 Kangaroos out in the wild in the winter sun. I'm sure our antics spoiled their weekend...

Saturday night and we went off by taxi to nearby Normanville, a favorite haunt of lucky enough to own a beach shack down South. For beach shack read bungalow or holiday home by the sea. We dined at the Courtroom where a previous GM of Blackwood Golf Club was the chef and manager. Another good find although we did question the attitude of the front of house staff.

 A proper cooked breakfast on Sunday morning and then off via Normanville Beach, a coffee on the seafront and a beautiful coastal drive along the coast back to join the main south road home. More pics from the trip here Wirrena Resort weekend

Picked up the kids at friends Ashley and Andrew's house and then Charlie from the kennels and home for the rest of Sunday. Debi must have enjoyed her time as she spent most of the arvo "relaxing in bed". I took Charlie out for a quick 3pm run/walk and the weekend was done, other than taking in some of the last round of the British Open from Lytham St Annes. Ah the best of Blackpool...