A month in Tasmania, after our week in downtown hustling bustling Kuala Lumpur, has been very different! In KL staying indoors seemed a good option because of the Haze. Compare and contrast Tasmania, cleanest air in the world, where we have walked on stunning beaches and along beautiful bush paths. Friends came over from Melbourne and we went north to Cradle Mountain National Park, and saw pademelons, echidnas, and a wombat. We’ve revisited favourite haunts in Hobart, and followed in the steps of Darwin to the top of Mt Wellington. (He walked for five hours to get there. We didn’t. He also discovered, in 11 days in Hobart in 1836, 63 new species of insect. We didn’t do that, either). And of course we went to the Freycinet Peninsula, where Fred and John took part in the Freycinet Challenge, running and cycling (Fred), kayaking and mountain biking (John). And the same again the next day. It was sunny and warm, the area is extraordinarily beautiful, and we stayed in an apartment overlooking the bay, sipped delicious Tasmanian wine and listened to the surf. The Pommie Granites acquitted themselves honourably, especially on day 2 when they clocked up some very good times. There were no injuries, despite one decleating incident*, **. Opinions were divided as to whether this was caused by equipment failure, or operator error.

The food in both Tasmania and Malaysia is renowned. As novices in KL we resorted, successfully so far, to the ‘pick and pray’ method of choosing from what was on offer. In Tasmania I tried wallaby pie for the first time. Very tasty, although I was a bit worried about the source. (No, don’t be silly, not the sauce – that was very good). I know wallaby isn’t farmed, and I’ve seen a lot of roadkill… Knowing Tasmania is famous for its pies and putting my concerns aside, I did enjoy it.

This weekend we’re packing up and we’re off again, moving into our flat next week, and – well, let’s see!

*Translation: Fred fell off his bike

**Commentary: this may not be a surprise