Coffin Bay - South Australia

Hello!
Well, here we are in Coffin Bay.....which has nothing to do with coffins, but everything to do with Vanessa's family, the sea, fresh air, wildlife (kangaroos, emus, dolphins, multi-coloured birds, massive pelicans and bugs a-plenty!), and yummy seafood. Fun!
We've spent a whole bunch of time relaxing, walking and enjoying the local scenery. It's been great for Vanessa to catch up with her fam. and friends from a long time ago, and good for Derek to meet everyone.
It's also a good chance for us to get everything sorted for the next part of the trip after Aus. (S.E Asia), which we predict will be slightly more hectic than now!
Next week we're off to Adelaide to catch up with Vanessa's friends and rellies, and experience a bit of what Adelaide has to offer these days in the way of nightlife (see ya there Matt!).
But for now....feet up and enjoying the views!
Enjoy the pics.
Vanessa & Derek xx


Wally's birthday party - Derek, Sue (mum), Vanessa, Wally (grandpa), Peter (dad)

Nowhere else in the world

These wee ones were having a boxing match just before this shot was taken

Big, curious papa

Fishing off the jetty in front of the house

Pelicans drying off

At Little Douglas Beach

South Australia

G'day!
Here we are in Australia now. We spent a fairly good time in Bali (actually just 7 hours in Dempasar Airport being harrassed and trying out the Bintang beer), and then on to Adelaide to be picked up by Vanessa's parents. Been spending a whole lot of quality time drinking and eating with the fam. and travelling about the place. So far, we've spent time in Adelaide City, and then off to the Barossa and Clare Valleys. We explored some nice wineries, tasted some fine South Aussie wines and ate till our stomaches burst ("our eyes were bigger than our bellies" - Wally).
Recommendations: Rockford's Alicante Bouchet 2005, Seven Hill's Gewurztraminer 2005, Skillogalee's Sparkling Reisling etc.
Derek enjoyed his first Aussie BBQ, including the famous sausage in bread and tomato sauce, and of course a night at an Aussie Pub (where we just happened to run into some of mum's cousins!)
Enjoying some chill-out, wind-down time after our hectic last few weeks in Japan. Will keep you posted with some more stories etc in the near future.
Love you all!
Derek & Vanessa xx

Derek "skullin' the wine"

Vanechan in the roses at Chateau Barrosa

Derek vs. The Sausage

Rockford Winery

The Mitchell's at Mitchell's Winery in Clare Valley

World Trippin`

Well, it`s taken us about a year to plan this trip but it`s finally all coming together nicely. Although saying goodbye to Japan is very sad, we're really excited to get movin! Thanks to everyone for the awesome send-off...we`ll always remember you.
First stop is Australia to hang out with Vanechan`s family and catch up with old friends.
Just chillin` at Shannon and Yasuyo`s place in Numazu until tomorrow morning when we have to catch the 525am bus to Narita....no sleep tonight but we`ve got the SuperFrendz to keep us entertained...


The SuperFrendz


Yasuyo, Shannon, Vanessa, Derek


Ken and Akiko