Life Without Lottie
How I Coped (or didn't) During My Daughter's Gap Year
England - Hong Kong - Australia - Bali - Singapore
'Definitely a strong contender as debut book of the year'
'Uncompromisingly unputdownable!'
*** Summer 2008 Release ***
Message from Fiona:
The enormous thrill when I opened our post box, removed the ubiquitous red rubber band which held our mail together (see Chapter 17), and discovered a post card from Lottie, was fantastic! Even though the news on the cards was 'not new' to me as we had exchanged texts, emails and phone calls, it was wonderful to receive something hand-written and, yes, another postcard to add to our collection in the Breakfast Room! I treasured her postcards then, and still do. Her first card came from Hong Kong:
"Had an amazing time in HK! Went to lots of street markets, ate authentic Chinese food, went to highest point in HK with breath-taking views but scary as long way down! Saw the 'spectacular' light display over harbour – v. tacky and not very spectacular! Went to Botanical gardens & saw a jaguar, chimps, giant tortoise, crocs and 'Burmese' pythons (commonly found in HK!!!). Really great city, so easy to get around and so clean! Missing you all lots & lots, wish you were here!"
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"Here's another card for the shelf above the rayburn! Having great time in Perth, going whale watching on Sunday (Friday...8th today, I think!). Went on pub crawl with hostel, was great! Going on trip up west coast next week, get to go sand-boarding, wine tasting and swim with wild dolphins! Haven't seen any wild snakes yet! Missing you all lots and lots, love and kisses + hugs."
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"Happy Xmas!!!! I hope you all have an excellent day and drink lots + eat loads of yummy food! I will be thinking of you so much and missing you millions! We will be sitting on the beach drinking fizzy wine and having the traditional Aussie Xmas bbq! Love you all so much. And a PS from David: Merry Xmas! Lots of love, David. 'We live here!' Y.H. in Manly"
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"Hi! Had some surfing lessons and making progress slowly! Board flipped back and hit me rather hard but okay now! Hoping to buy our own board soon. Had major tropical storm last night so went to a good bar! Lots of 'happy hours' so cheap drinks! Lots of love and kisses."
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"HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY! Going into the city to party + see all the tall ships and naval displays in the harbour. Should be good fun! Weather v hot, doing lots of surfing! Can't wait to head up the coast – bought walkie talkies for the van with range of 3km - can pick up other people on different channels. Still haven't seen any wild kangaroos! Missing you all lots."
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"Hi! Staying in Rainbow beach, heading to Fraser tomoz. Went to Australia Zoo on the way to Noosa, got to stroke kangaroos, joeys + koalas! Saw the famous croc show and 'crocoseum'. St. Patrick's Day today so off to drink some Guinness! Lots of love and speak soon!"
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"Hi to everyone! It's even better than the photo! So tired after v. early start and 10 hours in van. Weather so so hot now (38 today). Rest tomoz! Loads of love."
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"Fish are just amazing! Quick pc as packing for flight back to Sydney! Sold the van... Hope to speak soon! Lots of love."
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"Greetings from Bali! Hotel good and clean with bar in pool! Went to this temple in Ubud which was amazing. Boiling hot weather, drinking lots and swimming lots too! May do monkey trip next week. Great speaking to you. See you SOON!!! Lots of love."