JD - the cat

This blog could easily be called 'spine chilling cat noises in the night'.    

But first I need to talk about JD.  He belongs to Darren, Jay and Jespa.   He is 13 years old, blind in one eye  which is the result of a fight with another local cat, has mangy fur, fleas and is thin.   He either suffers from forgetfulness, as he meows to be fed, even though he has just eaten his food, or he is a very clever cat and thinks he is going to get more food, which often happens.   He is well loved, and knows it.

But on this particular night, I did not love JD.   Even though I thought I might have been responsible for his demise.  

It all started about 12 o'clock at night.   The house was quiet and dark.   Then I heard a repetitive scratching noise, 'scratch, scratch', pause, 'scratch, scratch', pause, and so it went on.   Then silence.   After five minutes, an almighty howling started, spine tingling howling.   The type of howling that occurs when an animal is in pain.    I nudged Walter to go and investigate.   Brave man.   Walter saw JD and thought, 'out he goes'.   Then we heard the sound of howling again, an animal in pain, outside this time, then the sound of a fight, and something hitting the back patio door, and finally a loud thud against the tin fence.   Silence.  Panic. JD has got into a fight with a large lizard, or another cat, or a snake or something.   But there was no way we were going to go out to investigate.    Cowards, I know.   We could not face seeing a mangled cat, outside, in the dark.   And mangled he must be, because nothing could survive being thrown against a tin fence.  How where we going to explain his death to the children.   But the next morning JD walked in the back door, happily, and meowed for his breakfast.

But the truth came out later on in the morning.   Scott told us about his experiences with JD the previous night, and it was then we realised that the events and noises were not as we thought the previous night.   JD scratched at Scott's door, so Scott let him in.   JD immediately went to sleep beside Scott's pillow.   Scott started to pat JD, and then saw a flea.  As much as Scott loves JD, he did not relish fleas in his bed.   So Scott tried to pick JD up to put him out, but JD went all limp, and refused to move, or stand.   So Scott dumped JD outside his bedroom, and JD started howling and howling (in anger), which is when Walter arrived and put him outside.   JD did not have a fight with another creature.    Oh no, JD was so angry, he threw himself at the door, the side window and the fence, before he finally gave in and went to sleep on a chair outside.   Temper, temper, temper!     

So lots of life left in this old cat, then.    A cat with a temper!  He gets no sympathy from me.   Oh no!  You are on your own now, JD.  

Australia Day, Aldinga Beach

Another gap in blogs, due this time to a slight illness, something we picked up on our travels, and not due to alcohol, seeing that it is off limits for Walter and slightly off limits for me.  Of course, I have succumbed to a small tipple of red wine, just to be sociable, of course.   But Walter is staying firm and resolute.   I admire him greatly.  

We all picked up a stomach complaint in Malyasia, not unusual I know, and then shared it with Jackie, and this complaint lingers and lingers, not helped by hot weather.  But today, after two days of cool weather, we are clear of it, thank goodness.        

Saturday, was Australia Day, 26th January.    The official day.  Although the public holiday was today, Monday 28th January.  And it rained today so not too many people down on the beach celebrating, they were all down at the Aquatic Centre in Marion, with us, swimming in the heated pools, under cover.

But on Saturday, it was sunny, and warm, and windy, and great surf down on Aldinga Beach.    So we loaded the car with beach things, food and drink, plus the barbeque, collected a few more children and off we went to the beach.    

Scott went for a swim in the sea! Something he has not done for a long time down in the South of France.  And was not interested in doing so, when on the Gold Coast.   In this picture he was wondering how he should tackle body boarding, and yes there was a skill involved too.   I should know, I tried it last year.

The first job was to erect the tarpaulin, for shade.    This needed three men, and much advice from the friendly men in the adjoining car.

And time for a rest, for Walter.     Note the Australian flag on the adjoining car.    Our patch was not very patriotic.  No flags, or signs.   But someone did have an Australian towel.    Which counts of course.

Shade, glorious shade.   The tarpaulin made such a difference.

It was busy on the beach, vehicles and people drinking and eating, under shade.  This was South Australia. These two vehicles were not racing each other, or at least I do not think so.   Actually there were more vehicles, than people in the water, I think.   No people lying in the sun, getting fried, either.   Definitely not South of France.   Nor the Gold Coast.

Double celebration in the Southern Vales, as the Tour Down Under, Stage 4, took place on Saturday.    The cyclists came past three times, although I only went down to the corner once to see them go past, as we were busy preparing for our afternoon on the beach.    

Unfortunately the beach became too windy, and our tarpaulin blew up into the air.    The thought of a barbeque in the hot sun was not so appealing, so we packed up the barbeque and food and drinks, and drove home again.    It was definitely more comfortable sitting out in the shade in the back patio, eating our kangaroo kebabs and sausages.  

Still a very enjoyable Australia Day, with at least some of the time spent on the beach.     So Australian.

Scott with Jay and Jespa.    Jay and Jespa have climbed up the side of the fence.   Scott normally towers over them.    A very tall cousin.

Our car from Rent-a-Wreck, or that was what the rental place used to be called.    Now it is called Acacia Car Rentals, but it still has cheap cars for rent, but admittedly, although old, they are not the wrecks they used to be.    On one trip Walter made, he went through about three of these 'wrecked' cars.   This car, a Mazda 121, is a bit gutless on the hills, but otherwise goes well.   It is also airconditioned, thank goodness.   And quite cheap too.

And so begins our lovely long trip to Adelaide and the surrounding areas.

Gold Coast, Queensland

Out and about on the Gold Coast, often in very hot weather.     And I know people in Europe, are suffering in extreme temperatures at the other end, but being very hot is not ideal either.

The first stop, Carrara Markets, where it was blistering hot, especially as most of the roofs were made of galvanised iron.  And they radiated heat.    Our first stop was for coffee of course, and the latte was weak and unpleasant.   Drinking hot milk was not a good idea really, but old habits die hard.    At least we did not try the greasy cooked breakfasts.

The people below were dressed for the occasion, but the sunny asphalt pavements made it almost unbearably hot.   

But what is this, the set for the 'The Raiders of the Lost Ark'?   Actually it is the setting for mini golf.   Great imagination.

This is not the best part of the markets, a salty mangrove creek.   Minus the salt water crocodiles but plenty of mosquitoes, I think.    

However, Carrara Markets are normally a really great place to visit, with an interesting array of very reasonably priced goods, but not on a very hot day. 

We visited our friend June, who has the most adorable pup called Micky, a ball of fast moving fluff, and not keen to be part of a photo session with Scott.  

Palma Serena, where Jackie lives on the Gold Coast, is a lovely secluded and quiet gated community.    And for us, it is luxury holiday resort.  

There is a beautiful swimming pool, shaded, and with very comfortable sun lounges,

and a very smart sand based artificial lawn tennis court.   A little hot for tennis, for us, anyway.   But not for the players taking part in the Australian Open Tennis Championships in Melbourne.  

We visited the old shopping centre of Mudgeeraba, for morning coffee.    It was very pleasant sitting among the tropical trees.    Jackie and I look very happy after our morning coffee.   And the weather is much cooler, thank goodness.

And finally a visit to Sanctuary Cove, created out of a swamp twenty five years ago.  And now a boat and golf haven.   Very upmarket too.   And with an American flavour, no doubt.

A walk under a very high verandah.

 The yachts are equal to any boats sitting in the St Tropez harbour.   No posers sitting on the back of the boats though.    This is Australia, after all.    No room for posers here.

 We then travelled around Sovereign Island, with its landscaped waterways and streets and magnificent houses.   Some money here.   I hope the residents like sand flies, as I know there will be lots here.

 And of course each house is equipped with a small jetty, and attached to it the requisite large boat.    Where do people find such large amounts of money.    I must admit I had a very senior moment, and thought that these large boats only cost $3,900 each.    I forgot to add the remaining zeros.   It was a very funny moment.

The line up of the girls from New Zealand - Nola, June and Jackie.

Tomorrow we say a very reluctant goodbye to Jackie, June and the Gold Coast, and head off to Adelaide.

Marina Mirage

Today we visited Marina Mirage.   And within seconds Scott announced, 'There is Palazzo Versace!"    For those people who watch "I am a celebrity, get me out of here", they will be aware of the significance of this hotel.    I always thought the filming in the jungle took place beside the hotel, but of course the people actually do go out into the jungle.   But they have this lovely sumptuous hotel to return to.    

We had a look inside the building, and found it to be very extravagant and luxurious, and expensive of course.    The swimming pool area, with its soft lounges, looks as if it has come straight out of a Roman baths film set.    Very decadent.       Even the floor in the main foyer has imitation Roman tiles.   

We decided it was all too much, too overwhelming, so went next door to McDonald's, and to reality.

So after a comforting ice cream, we recovered from so much opulence.   Jackie taking advantage of the free wifi connection.

Marina Mirage is like a mini Mediterranean seafront, with all the yachts, blue skies and glamorous people.   Scott is deep in thought about how he can afford one of the boats.

A view across the water.    The tall buildings of main beach.

Is this Venice?    The gondolas certainly add a bit of glamour to the marina.  Although a little bit out of context.

We also had a look around the shops in the marina, very nice.

Surfers Paradise

We took Scott to Surfers Paradise.    Down memory lane for us, but a new experience for Scott.    We remember Surfers Paradise when it was possible to park on the road beside the beach, and where the highest building was two stories high, and there were only two main pubs with fantastic and busy beer gardens.  We have spent some time in those beer gardens, when young of course.

But now there are high rise buildings from Southport to Broadbeach, and the centre of Surfers Paradise is filled with shops and cafes and people everywhere.    

Scott and Walter are standing in front of a familiar sign which states that it is Surfers Paradise.   It was extremely hot, and again we were overdressed for the occasion.

 The beach scene!    It looks as busy as Cote d'Azur, but this picture only shows a large number of people swimming between the flags, the beach is very empty where there are no flags.

 The edge of the safe swimming area, with the Surf Lifesaving vehicle and lifesavers keeping a close eye on the swimmers.    The Gold Coast beaches can be very treacherous, with rips and under currents to take the unwary swimmer out to sea.

There were groups of lifesavers practising for a forthcoming carnival, probably for Australia Day, which is on the 26th January.      Aaron, Donna, Darren and Emma belonged to the Nippers when they were children, and I can remember attending the carnivals with them, usually in the baking sun.     They ran races and took part in obstacle courses, all in the sand.     They also took part in swimming and board races too.   All very exciting, even if it was hot.

 The main street, which leads down to the beach.

We were pleased to get back to Jackie's where it was lovely and cool, air conditioning of course.

Rainbow Bay, Queensland

We have not disappeared between Malaysia and Brisbane, Australia!  But rather the absence of blogs is due to trying to find a quick internet connection, and also hot weather lethargy.  Yes we have been experiencing extremely hot and humid weather here, which is quite the reverse of the weather in the United Kingdom and Europe.

But today there has been a cool change, and it is raining, and for once I am not complaining!    The internet connection is strong as well.    So here goes!

Off to the beach, namely Rainbow Bay, which is the last town on the Gold Coast strip, and a few metres from Tweed Heads, which is in New South Wales.    And a time difference of one hour.   Queensland does not have daylight saving, but New South Wales does, which is very difficult for the people who live in the twin towns.

The beach!    Beautiful white sand, and plenty of surf.    But where are the people?   All out swimming, safely, between the flags.

 The family line up.

 The small swimming pool, being enjoyed by a group of children.   Actually this little pool used to be the home of some dolphins.   There is a fuller explanation of this pool, in my November, 2011 blog.

Scott in his super cool sunglasses, enjoying the sunshine.

 The Surf Lifesaving Club, where we ate a delicious, and cheap, lunch.

 Jackie and I bracing ourselves against the strong breeze.

The Surf Lifesaving lookout, No 1 (they are all numbered on the Gold Coast), with the utility vehicle beside it, surf boards on the ready for rescuing hapless swimmers.

We did have our swim suits with us, but after a large lunch we decided to paddle instead.    We felt a little overdressed on the beach.

And more about beaches in the next blog.  

Batu Caves, Palaces and shopping

Today we cruised around in our chauffeur driven limousine, for the second day in a row.    Such luxury, but it was worth the money, it was air conditioned, had soft comfortable seats and a driver with great local knowledge.   And very friendly.   I just hope we are not spoiling Scott too much.

The first stop today, was the Batu Caves, on the edge of Kuala Lumpur.    A Hindu place of worship.   Very grubby, but that could have been due to a celebration the previous day.

First we had to face the 250 plus steps up to the caves.    They were very steep, and it was very hot.   But we managed very well.

 There were plenty of monkeys clambering around, and pestering people for food.   One monkey snatched a plastic bag containing two water bottles.    This scared the girl that was carrying them.  I am not keen on monkeys in places such as temples.    They can be very aggressive.   Probably due to all the rubbish food they eat, such as crisps.  This one looked very cute.

 Finally we reached the top of the first set of steps, and I must say we were very impressed with the initial view of the cave.

 Then up the second set of steps, the light shining down through the opening certainly gave the cave plenty of atmosphere.

 We posed for Walter, and tried to avoid the birds flying around, or more likely their droppings.    No bats in this cave, thank goodness.  I like them less than the monkeys.

 Then the driver took us to view the King's new palace.    There are nine Sultans in Malaya, and they take turns in being the King of Malaysia, for a period of five years each, I think.    This sounds a very sensible arrangement.  Perhaps the Royal Family in the United Kingdom could try doing the same thing.     Spread the working load a bit.

 I think Malaysia must have copied the horse guards from the United Kingdom.    Looks very familiar.

 Then we visited the King's old palace, which is open to visitors.    At least three rooms were open.    There was a display about all the recent Kings, but I became very confused by who was who, so no information.    My apologies.

But I did take a picture of the King's throne (and his wife's throne) which are used when the new King is being crowned.

 The view from the front of the palace included the two tallest buildings.    The Petronas Towers are on the right.

 And finally we went to China town to do some more shopping, and bargaining, in order to buy more fake goods.    Luckily we only had an hour, otherwise we would have bought more.    I especially love my new earphones.    I wonder how long they will last.

And tomorrow we reluctantly leave this lovely spacious hotel, with its excellent food, and friendly staff, and set off for Brisbane, Australia.    We have been spoiled here.

However, we are looking forward to seeing Jackie, and spending time on the Gold Coast.