rtw9

Maui was everything we pictured a Hawaiian island to be- Beaches, palm tress, lush rainforests. We explored a little, and relaxed a lot.

Although it was very picturesque, I wouldn't really recommend it as a destination for a beach holiday for Europeans. Seychelles/ Maldives are easier to get to from Europe, and don't have that over-developed feel that all those American fast-food joints and big roads give to Hawaii.

We really enjoyed San Francisco. Our friends from California, John and Carolyn, met up with us and we spent a day and a half with them around the main sights: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, downtown, the crooked street, Fishermans Wharf. We rode the cable cars and hung out- the place had a really great atmosphere that few big cities possess.

We did a night trip to Alcatraz- a fascinating trip, and an atmospheric place, especially after dark.
It was freezing inside though- we actually felt warmer on the outside. No pics from inside as the replacement camera was now almost wrecked- no flash, due to being dropped 3 times!

the last day was spent looking around the shops, and buying presents, and things for ourselves- (only one flight left to carry them on).

so that was our trip! We had 9 fabulous weeks, we couldn't pick a favourite place, everywhere was great. We're now back at home, saving up for the next one!
We hope you've enjoyed looking at the pictures too. Thank you for your interest!

Singapore-Melbourne                  Tasmania                    Sydney-Ayers Rock-Kings Canyon
(big cities and great coasts)     (devils, koalas and roos)       (operas, bridges and big rocks)

Alice Springs-Cairns                 New Zealand North Island      NZ South Is. Kaikoura-Queenstown
(reptiles and fishy stuff)           (big balls and gas masks)          (dolphins 'n' ice)

Routeburn Track-Milford Sound         Honolulu-Hawaii Volcanoes NP      Maui-San Francisco
(mountains, waterfalls and 4 wheels) (Volcanoes and Active Lava Flow)   (beaches, bridges and prisons)