The McKenzie's Official world tour site
# Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Getting ready - Part 2

Here we go - it must be well time for another blog.......
We hit a obstactle in the 2nd part of our intended route - being Mongolia and China. It is now obvious that we are not able to drive unattended through China.......We would need a Special Permit and a Government Agent with us at all times. Also a written invite to get a visa in the first place. Too many complications that leave us with no solution other than to abandon the idea of including the Eastern block in this trip. It seems to us that Human Beings have made this beautiful world now more difficult to 'go and see' - maybe next time? Our emotions have been through a roller coaster of frustrations and disappointments as we realise that we couldn't use this part of our chosen route. Phil's need for an extended challenge was especially hard hit.

HOWEVER- now we have had the chance to re-route in our heads, our excitement and enthusiasm has returned - albeit in a different light! We are busy checking prices and routes again. We are now looking at initially staying a bit longer in Europe and then going 'the other way round'. From UK straight to Norway - Sweden - Finland - Russia - Estonia - Latvia - Lithuania- Poland - Germany - Switzerland - France -S. Spain - Portugal - hope to ship to USA (Baltimore) - Chicargo (to see Phil's brother) -Route 66 to LA - Australia  (Papa New Guinea? + Tasmania?) - New Zealand - Canada - USA - (Mexico? and hopefully Alaska) - UK........ The definate POSITIVES are that the new route will allow us longer in USA, Australia and New Zealand the most apprehensive parts of our journey have been removed (out of our control) - hopefully making for a less stressful family adventure.

We should not need any more injections now - and save the children from looking like pin cushions! AND the BEST BIT is that none of our route is set in stone - we have the flexibility to pick and choose as we go along............. The whole family are over the moon with 'Nessie' (the motorhome) and Phil has been continuing to personalise her : We now have extra security locks on every door - a shelved wardrobe - an extra fold down table top - installed flat screen TV/DVD and a reinforced bed ??!! We have taken Nessie on a first long weekend trip and have loved every minute of the experience. We have also had chuckles from  the neighbours as we were seen on a trip to the local supermarket! Phil is just loving to be in the driving seat' and is taking every opportunity to be there......Until next time......Thanks for your interest.... P.S -Sent the children's passports off for renewal today!! They would be fine for us to go but would have run out before we get back!!


Tuesday, 25 March 2008 19:08:32 (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [1]  HOME

Sunday, 27 April 2008 19:12:21 (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
Phil, Sharon & kids, At least you have longer in Australia!! I'm Neil Robinson, youngest son of Ken & Lois....I believe Ken gave you $20 Aus dollars last time he was in the UK. Looking forward to meeting some more of my cousins!!
Robbo
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