75 comments to “Happy New Year”

1. By Natalie January 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 am

   Sorry to hear the senior J & J are sick. Speedy recovery to you both. Happy new year all and bon voyage to London. If you’ve caught up on our blogs, you’ll know we’ve been hanging out in the baddest way for news of y’all. I know it’s been bitterly cold in London as I’m in daily touch with friends there. Mind you, it’s not much warmer here in Melbourne either. We had the heating on last night!!!!!! Continued enjoyment until you all get home safe and sound. Au revoir and bon chance.

2. By Caroline Piesse, Melbourne January 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 am

   Thanks for keeping us up to date despite the dreaded lergy. Just hope this does not remain as your memory of Paris. Lergy & that meal in the same message!
   Have a smooth ride across the Channel. Good sale of Ping and a safe flight home.
   Hear you in a few weeks.
   Happy 2009 to the three of you.
   Caroline
   East Bentleigh

3. By Edward January 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 am

   WHAT terrible luck, Jon and Jan Faine …. to be laid low with a lergy in the City Of Light.
   Across the channel in London it’s been freezing, but not as bad as in Harlech, north Wales, on Tuesday (Dec. 30th). Up there the temperature was actually minus 6.5 degrees halfway through a frigid afternoon.
   Front page yarn in today’s Daily Mail cites U.K. doctors issuing an urgent plea to flu sufferers — stay home !
   Luckily on the health front we have been lucky with just the Nile Pile stomach disorders from Egypt earlier in December.
   Rug up when you eventually get to London. Two degrees to five degrees — tops — are the norm here.

4. By Geoff from Mentone (now in Dili)!!! January 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 am

   Hello Jon, Jan and Jack

   Commiserations on the lurgy from all three of us here - me, Gabriela and the Childe Jessica Maliana - on a gray, drab, wet season day … and my birthday.

   Gabriela and Jessica just gave me a “Global Shortwave Self powered Radio with Spring and Solar Power”. Well, where are the pedals, I want to know.

   For Christmas here in Dili we dined parsimoniously on a bit of this and that local produce — nothing exotic, just buffalo and chicken sasatay, lobster, mud crabs, barbecued fish … usual fare. Ho hum! And, of course, volcanically hot chilli.

   Off to Venilale for a couple of days ina couple of days. That will be good fun. Gabriela’s great aunt died, sadly a few days ago there (her home) and all the traditional stuff came up about who could do what, and who couldn’t, very complex. We couldn’t be directly involved.

   Must go. Birthday party shopping call. Best to you all. Get well soon. Flu and a stomach virus have been going around in Dili too.

   cheers
   geoff

5. By Kel Luke January 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 am

   Dear John & Jan,

   I know you are both unwell and best wishes for a speedy recovery then a Happy New Year! However,just to set the diagnosis straight, according to my best Goon dictionary you have the dreaded Lurgy.

   Best regards,

   Kel

6. By Anne January 2nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm

   Such a bore, getting ‘flu in magnificent Paris, of all places! However, alarm was significantly lessened by your reports of your Christmas feast: we all know the old adage - ’starve a fever, feed a cold’.

   At least you’ll have some sort of immunity against fabulous London’s dreadful weather. I was there in winter, once, and although cold, it wasn’t as insupportable as it seems to be this year. Family members in the UK have decided to return to Australia, early, and at additional cost, as they just can’t cope with the gloom and extreme cold, and remain stunned by the shockingly high food prices,and even though they’re aware that Melbourne is experiencing an unusually chilly holiday season. Still, with our water shortage problem, that’s not such a bad thing.

   I’m eagerly anticipating your return to 774 and hearing more of your and Jack’s adventures. In the meantime, Happy New Year to the three of you, and Nigel, too.

7. By GREGIEM January 2nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm

   Happy New Year to all the Faine family and all the people who have followed their travels across the globe.
   Sorry to hear that Jan & Jon are laid up in Paris, I hope you get well soon so you both can enjoy yourselves.
   Jon,I am looking forward to having you back on 774 to telling us more about your trip.

8. By Mary Jones January 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm

   Glad to see that you’re inPAris. Bet you and Jan were glad to be together again, despite the lurgy! Look forward to hearing you again on 774.
   Safe trip back to Aus.
   Happy New Year
   Cheers,
   Mary

9. By Ros, Melbourne January 2nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm

   Happy New Year. Sorry to hear you and Jan have been ill. Hope you are feeling much better by now. Obviously, that is why we have not heard from you since your arrival in Paris and we thought you were having too much fun!
   Good trip home.
   Looking forward to your return to 774.

10. By isobel cowan January 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Time to come home John !! I’m suffering withdrawal!
    Your replacements have been very good and informative,but,we need the continuity of your [sometimes irritating] opinions Enjoy the rest of your trip and if in London go and see the refurbishment of Pancras Station !indescribable! A good and safe trip home

    p.s. DON”T bring that Flu home !!!

    Isobel

11. By Jacqui January 2nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    Happy New Year Hope 2009 will be a fantastic year for the Faine family.
    Sorry to hear that two of the J’S are poorly.
    Hope you revive quickly and very soon, holiday time nearly up and you must come home feeling well.
    Will you be sad leaving Ping behind? and don’t forget we want to know why you chose Ping for 4×4’s name.
    We also had a fire last nigh tas it was down to 7 degrees at Wongarra and those poor souls camping in Apollo Bay got a little wet as we have had a little rain during this festive season. We are pleased but I am sure the tourists are not.
    Safe trip home and look forward to hearing you back on the radio.
    You have had such an amazing trip and it was very interesting hearing about meeting up with the other family and reading about their trip too.
    Cheers for now & take care.

12. By James January 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Awesome effort by you both. Can’t wait for the book and to find out how much you get for the 4 wheel drive!!!!!

13. By David January 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Well Jon we are middle of rally season(old cars)so when you do get back you wii be albe to get the old girl and take her to Kalorama we missed you this and meant we didnt have stoped half way up LOL Jon.
    Any how try enjoy London it’s got some great car museum’s . Dave

14. By Robert Cudlipp January 2nd, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    Well done on having made it.

    Guess you have already stated what you plan do with Prado; I missed that, if it was posted. Are you selling in London or wearing cost of returning a vehicle to Melbourne where you would have no use for it?

    How often did you need 4WD capability and diff locks?

    Robert Cudlipp
    Glen Iris

15. By Matthias Schaper January 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 am

    Hi folks,
    New Zealand officially celebrates the 2nd of January as “Day after New Year’s Day”. In the same spirit you are entitled to an extension of the schedule of your Dreamtour.
    Take it easy, get your Health right and cross the Finish Line in an enjoyable mood.
    All the best
    Matt

16. By Jim Kennedy January 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 am

    Well Done both of you Hope you found Jan in high spirits. Dont bother about being brave & fighting off the flu with ‘Aussie manhood’, she’ll be right ,you really need antibiotics over there esp. in winter, it gets into your chest & cant be shaken. Melbourne warming up today supposed to be 24* Good luck for the rest of the trip, time is drawing nearer. Happy New Year.

17. By Barry M King January 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 am

    Happy New Year, Well done to you both on a very epic
    journey.Enjoyed it all along the way.Now get back to 774.

18. By Darren January 3rd, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Sorry to hear you are unwell. When will you be launching your big push for Blighty?

19. By wendy January 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Hi there,
    Happy New Year to you.
    Here was I thinking you were sitting back with a good champers and hearing Big Ben chime in the new year.And how envious I was of you.Also thinking you had forgotten those of us who have followed your every move online.Get better very soon and a safe trip home.
    God Bless,
    Wendy

20. By Paul McKessy January 3rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    I dips me lid ter yer both, I have a 15 year old boy and I’m inspired, perhaps we could drive the vehicle back for you!
    cheers fellas,
    Paul

21. By Klaas January 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Hi Folks,
    What an amazing adventure you have undertaken and to share it with others via the Internet. As a reader, saying ‘thanks’ seems so inadequate. Your candid stories and photo’s are almost priceless. Can’t wait to buy the book. Klaas

22. By Terri January 3rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    Hi, sorry to hear that you and Jan are sick. Your article got printed in The Age today 3rd Jan, ‘09. Very interesting. You may have a title for your book??!!! Let’s hope it is not too rough on the ferry to Dover. It’s is quite cool in Melbourne, but to you it will seem warm. I thing Ping is a suitable name for a car, because if something breaks guess what happens! Congratulations on making it to Paris and enjoy the rest of the trip.

23. By Simon Mackay January 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    France, especially Paris, is where you are meant to be having a good time rather than holed up in bed with the flu. Once you are on your feet, make sure you have a good time around Paris, especially eating at the cafes. You can’t leave France without eating at those cafes.

    Simon

24. By Mary MacInnes January 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am

    Happy New Year to the Faine family. Our son found the Lurgy in Paris when he was there..such a waste!! We are hearing the adverts on 774 for your return, John
    My old ears thought they were advertisng the return of “JOHN WAYNE’. Have a happy time in London.

25. By Wally January 4th, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    Hi J J I am still here following your every move. Happy new year ,another year older a few more grey hairs ahh what the hell we did it. So many of us dream but do we have the get up and go. I wonder how many of your fans who have been following your adventure and have said to themselves YES I am going to do it What ever they have dreamed about.It may not be as adventures as what you have done, But 1 day I also plan to drive around Australia taking all the back roads.I have been intouch with my son John Who is holidaying in Laos and he will be meeting up with D S M R. Please let all your fans know when you will arriving in Aust so we can have the brass band playing and also I will bake you a cake, just let me know what you would like.Hopeing to hear from you soon your one of many fans WALLY.

26. By Edward January 5th, 2009 at 7:13 am

    IF u lot are here in London you’ll be well rugged up
    It’s Sunday evening, Jan 4th, and we have just emerged from the movies at the huge O2 complex, down near Greenwich where we saw Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes in The Reader.
    Out into the car park at 7.40 pm —- 1.5 degrees, and a bit of a breeze coming in too.
    Good luck with your few days in London Town. Well rugged up in the mandatory hat/scarf/gloves/coat like all the rest of us!!

27. By Maureen from Aberfeldie January 5th, 2009 at 7:13 am

    Hi Jon, Jan and Jack, Sorry to hear that you have been unwell and hope you recover very soon to continue to enjoy your big adventure. Your article in the Age was very interesting and I enjoyed reading it very much - more of the same to come in the “book” which I look forward to. One question! Where, actually, is the finish line in London? Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye? Wherever it is, rug up and enjoy!
    From Maureen from Aberfeldie

28. By Maureen January 5th, 2009 at 7:34 am

    Hello and happy new year from M,A,Z and M to J,J,J, Nig, Marci?? Had to send something somewhere to let you know how moved we were by The Age article - shed a tear we did.
    Really look forward to seeing you all and hearing stories (famous five as well). Look after each other and we’ll see you in the safe and cosy environs of Melbourne (the only place where you can trust anyone!!)

29. By Maureen January 5th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Will we ever hear about Europe? Without buying the book? Look forward to another post.

30. By Lois January 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Hey J, J & J,

    So sorry to hear that the senior Js have been stricken with the DL. Nasty. Hope you are hale and hearty very soon.

    I agree with Simon that you need to sample the food. I think the French make the BEST ice-cream. Angelic. So GET BETTER… Thats an order!

    Looking forward to your safe return.

    Lois.

31. By Barry M King January 5th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    So you have a runny nose, Well what a week is was for me, firstly being attacked by some madman with a bloody chain saw, sort of made a bad start and things just continued to deteriorated from then on, next a 28 year old spunk of a nurse jumps on top of me & proceeds to insert a 6mm hose up my penis, my continual screams did little to deter her. Clearly she was from the other side of the river and failed maths,as a bloody 6mm hose will not fit up a 4mm opening. wrong again King.Next I’m woken to bangs and clatters as now I’m in bed being pushed at high speed down corridors around bends past midwifery and into Coronary Care where upon a multilitude of cables attched to machines which flashed continually and went beep beep throughout the day and night. I now have a fibrillation problem, noe 3 days later no improvement BOB the Cardiologist, with a drinking problem, decides to put a couple of paddles on my chest and ZAP the living Crap out of me. Now I have a total new metal knee but I’m on a diet of paint thinners and ratsack and you Jon are worried about a Bloody runny nose.Look forward to hearing your voice as I go through a lengthy rehabilitation program
    Cheers Barry M King

32. By Gez January 5th, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    Dear Faine Family
    I’m sorry to think that the posts on the website, and your amazing trip, will all be ending with your return to Australia - it’s been so fascinating following your trip from Melbourne to London. However, I can imagine how lovely it is for you to be together with Jan and how the conversation must be endless. Looking forward to hearing little snippets on 774 - Allie did a fine job Jon and I am sure she will agree, along with many of us, that it will be fabulous to have you back on the airwaves in a few weeks. Safe home.

33. By Elizabeth Andrews January 5th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Hello and thank you, Jon, Jack and especially Jan for the wonderful “peep into a travel saga only dreamt of by me and many others”.

    Jan, you are behind the scenes of these two “renegades”! :o))

    Jon, you’re a wonderful radio host! Intelligent as well as being empathetic.
    Relax after a mighty trip and, please come back to Aus. with stories to fill a “week or two” on 774 - minus the dreaded “lurgy”!

    There are many “fill-ins” such as Ali Moore, who did a wonderful job but, you fill the breach “just fine”! Stay with us!!!

    Betty from the Mornington Peninsula,

34. By Terry January 5th, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    Well Jon if you, Jan and Jack are still in Paris today, we’re being treated to a somewhat rare event, I gather. It’s snowing in Paris with maybe a cm on the ground. Must admit it’s beautiful! Hope you have recovered from the dreaded lurgy and have had some time to enjoy Paris properly! Congratulations on finishing your trip. What an adventure and even better for having shared it with Jack! Look forward to streaming you back to Paris on 774 when you return to the airwaves!

35. By Alex Dunn January 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am

    To Jon and Jack I have read your article in The Age Newspaper on January 3rd. Very interesting indead. It is an experience of a lifetime to do.It makes one appreciate how good Australia is and how we take our lifestyle for granted.I have read snippetts of your travel log on your website and found them to be even more interesting and fasinating as I read them. Hope you get over the DL Safe trip home to Good Old Melbourne Town.

36. By mark Tischler January 7th, 2009 at 5:33 am

    Your probably lucky I had an overnight train from Paris to Venice and arrived feeling out of it and spent the next week inside a pension with the killer flu going through europe at the time The doctors at the hospital wanted me to stay in a bed but my youth at the time and stubbourness got me through for a few days and then I went to recover with a friend in Munich. Looking forward to hearing you on the airwaves, so envious of your trip. But we get our recreation by going Bushwalking and are of to Tassie for 4 weeks. Mark

37. By Joan McDonald January 7th, 2009 at 8:59 am

    John and Jack congratulations on the completion (almost) of your wonderful journey and I am happy you are both safe. John your reunion with Jan would have been something to witness and despite your lurgy the christmas lunch celebration would appear memorable. Hopefully you all have a safe and uneventful trip back home where I am sure John and Jack will need a well deserved rest. John, as already said Alli did a wonderful job but you are eagerly awaited back on the air. A very happy new year to you all and again thank you both for sharing the past six months with us.

38. By Jen January 8th, 2009 at 10:33 am

    Hello to the three J’s, sorry to hear that the erlders have the lurgy but hope you will be better soon. Still cold here in comparission.
    Have so enjoyed reading your travels, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us all. Have missed you terribly on the radio, it is just NOT the same without you. A big thank you has to go to Jan for having the courage to be without you for 6 months. I wonder if Jan cleared out your garage and shed? Have a wonderful time in Paris and London. Safe travel home.

39. By RJ January 8th, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Good to see you guys made it here. I trust you are in the UK now and well wrapped up in the sub zero temperatures. Only seems like yesterday that I saw you guys in Laos. If you need any assistance in the UK, let me know.

40. By Anthony January 8th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    Welcome back to civilisation I guess the culture shock has already hit. I recall when I returned to Switzerland having been in Ukraine for some time how out of place I felt. It takes some time to recover. Sad you did not get to visit Ukraine the home of your roots.

    When you look back at your journey think of all the things you missed and realise that the adventure continues every day and every minute. Adds new meaning to the notion of alternate realities and parallel universes.

    When are you back in Melboure?

41. By Natalie January 9th, 2009 at 6:52 am

    Good Moaning J/J/J
    You must be in London now and I know it’s brass monkey weather there. Do hope you manage to squeeze all the sights and sounds in before you leave on your homeward journey. We’ve all gone into withdrawal mode now because we know this adventure is drawing to an end. Not so many hits appearing on here. How will we cope??? How will you cope??? Like all of my fellow bloggers, I look forward with great anticipation to hearing you back on the morning programme tout suite. Don’t go walkabout for a long time. Any lesser person could glean how we’ve missed you on air.
    Bon voyage and hear/see you soon. A tout al’heure.

42. By David January 10th, 2009 at 12:48 am

    HAPPY NEW YEAR J & J & J!!! Just caught-up on your journey since China - glad to hear that you’re travelling safely & almost there. Enjoy the remainder of your journey & I look forward to hearing your voice back ‘on air’ Jon

43. By Paul N January 12th, 2009 at 8:34 am

    Hi Jon,

    A speedy recovery to you. As a grumpy old man I take umbrage at your spelling: It’s Lurgi!! Coined by Spike Milligan in innumerable goon shows.

    Safe journey and looking forward to your return to 774.

    Paul N

44. By Lorraine Haldon January 12th, 2009 at 10:31 am

    Congratulations Jon and Jack on completing such an amazing adventure and such a wonderful trip. Loved hearing you on ABC Melbourne radio from time to time and reading your stories on your website. It must feel great to be home now and appreciate that Melbourne is truly a marvellous place to be. Looking forward to hearing you again soon. Happy New Year!
    Regards
    Lorraine Haldon

45. By Sharon January 12th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    what happened to London?
    feel cheated,as though it should have been called Melbourne to Paris…………….
    Please, please update

46. By Steve January 13th, 2009 at 6:34 am

    I wonder when good old Jon gets to London? Is there some kind of event? I am sure a few expats would come and buy you a drink.

47. By Ann January 13th, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Hi! Welcome home to the Faine family. Your trip has been fantastic and I have followed it from the Mornington Peninsula, I have envied you every inch of the way, (well almost) Your welcome home will be great and at last we are begining to have summer weather, well the tourists in the Te Tree, will be happy, there are more down here than ever before,hence I usually try to go away at Christmas.
    Your tour has been most interesting and for my big BD in May I will request the coffee table book, but I doubt if it will be out in time.
    Cannot wait to hear you on 774, there seem to have been so many fill-ins on all the programs, we will soon be back to normal! You, Red,Tony, Macca and many others, but you have been the Most Missed. Welcome Home. Ann

48. By Henry in Melbourne January 14th, 2009 at 12:45 am

    Enough of this. When are you back on-air in Melbourne Jon?

49. By Phillip January 14th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    Well guys, what are thorough and amazing achievement that your odessey is now drawing to an end.
    Sorry that I did not email more upon you leaving the shores of Australia, but I did not feel as though I assist you further on you many journeys.
    Cameras are therapeutic in times of potential tension. During our around Australia odessey my partner took some three thousand. I am in the process of learning how to fly small planes and shall upon taking my partner for our first flight shall ensure that he has his camera handy.
    Joh, you chose well with diesel. It would seem that motoring is undergoing the most radical change since Ford got his production line going. Diesel would seem to be the most practical world/local option until diesel electrics come on line, and eventually technology and batteries are so advanced as to allow viable electric cars for the long road trip. And, oh while on the topic, the price of diesel has come down in Australia.
    Enjoy France. I have never been although my partner has several times. We hope to be over there just post Tour de France (and Amsterdam, Berlin and Barcelona).
    You and Jack have succeeded in an adventure that you no doubt reflect upon for the rest of your lives. Well done (even for straight boys)!

50. By Natalie January 14th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    This if for my fellow bloggers. Have heard Jon will be back on air on 27 Jan. Don’t know where he is right now. They all vanished into the ether in Paris! Maybe some of you know something we don’t know. I’ve actually cancelled an appointment to be home for that first broadcast. Am I pathetic or what?

51. By Marian. January 14th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    Hi All.

    So glad to hear you all made it to your destination with only the flu to deal with!!!
    We will be glad to hear about the trip on air.

    Have you kept up with all the news here?

    Keep well and enjoy your freedom.
    What a wonderful experience for the both of you, A lifetime of memories.
    Joy.

52. By Maureen January 15th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Sharon, I think it should be called Melbourne to Turkey. Whatever happened to anything in Europe? I live in eternal hope, but the hope is fading. And did they ever get to London? Perhaps we should hold the congrats until we know what happened in the end!

53. By Lois January 15th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    Jon, Jon, where art thou? Did you recover from the Dreaded Lurgy? Did you make it to London? Are you returning to Melbourne? Canardly wait to have you back on 774. I’ve been forced to listen to RN in your absence. No mcomparison. Have a six-month bundle of JF-deprivation to dissipate. Won’t you come home, Jon Faine, won’t you come home????

    Lois

54. By Narelle January 15th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    Congratulations on completing such a great trip. It has been interesting to follow your journey.

    All the best for 2009.

55. By kym jenke January 15th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    congrats jon and jack
    you made it ! I was out pruning in my vineyard in the Barossa , during the winter and heard an interview from you while your were waiting for the boat to Dili on 891 abc adelaide ! I joined your site and recieved the updates , and actually heard another interview you did with ‘ matt and dave’ abc adelaide , from china and have been hooked to your journey ever since… and continued from a far following your epic journey from your site ! I wish you a safe journey home and thank you for sharing your trip with the rest of us in OZ ! you are an inspiration to all , what wonderful life memories you have shared not only between father and son , but plenty of us at home envious of you fullfilling your ” dream ”

    Cheers from the barossa !

    kym jenke

56. By John January 15th, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    My kids always ask are we there yet as we back out of the drive way, so I will ask are youse(!) home yet? You will note that I have recently been in Queensland for Christmas only doing a 4500 k round trip!

    Looking forward to the 27!

    trust you will have recovered from the flu by then.

    John, Bulleen

57. By Rob Wag January 17th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    We look forward to hearing you back on the air,and listening to your story of the trip.
    We have enjoyed your blogs on your trip via this site.
    Thank you and welcome back to the world of oz.

58. By Henry January 19th, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Jon heard on 774 - 19 JAN 2009 at 09.34.

59. By Natalie January 19th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Hi gang
    The Faines are back. Heard Jon on 774 this morning.

    Guess we’ll never have the blogged end to the story, unless it’s in book form. We were cheated!!!!

60. By Maureen January 20th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Big time. I won’t be listening for a while. Might start a relationship with Radio National. I feel really let down.

61. By Joy January 21st, 2009 at 11:40 am

    Hi Jon & Jack
    We need an update on how your last part of the trip went - selling the car, traveling home etc … please don’t leave the website with unfinished business …
    Just heard (Wed 21st Jan) a promo for your return to radio on 27th - mentioned ‘Jon Faine the musical’ - that I would like to see!!!
    I will be listening on Tuesday!

62. By Joy January 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am

    home at last

63. By Matt Schaper January 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 am

    Hi folks,
    Your departure feels like “Leaving Saigon in 75″:
    Ping pushed into the Seine and the Faines had grasped the last Chopper back to Oz.
    Come on, guys, you’ve got Austalia Day Long Weekend to give this story a sound landing.
    Lg Matt

64. By Natalie January 23rd, 2009 at 6:44 am

    This is my final blog. I heard Jon on 774 yesterday by chance. By his account, he’s not going to be talking about the trip on his regular programme, so be warned folks.

    We’re all disappointed and feel we’ve been left hanging, with no closure on the magnificent journey.

    I was longing to hear about Verona and more especially London, my birthplace but alas it wasn’t to be.

    Jon, you have created a monster and you have left it “unslain”. How could you do this to us???????

    You said you’ve been overwhelmed with our interest and we’ve been left a bit underwhelmed with your disinterest in us.

    Still, I for one am glad to have you back. Now all’s right with my radio world again. Au revoir and adios.

65. By Raoul & Ruth January 24th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    We have been away on holiday up north and have only now caught up with your disappointing start to the new year. By now you 3 should be in London in better health battling the frigid conditions, the economic gloom and those exorbitant food prices. We wish you a grand 2009 in which you can commence the reminiscences of a rich and wonderful journey which you have been kind enough to share with the rest of us. Like others who commented we hope there will be some further instalments before you settle back to the daily grind in Melbourne. After all, what else could you possibly find to do in the dark and frozen wastes of little old London! Lie back and think of Paris?

66. By Raoul & Ruth January 24th, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Ooops. We obviously hadn’t finished reading the previous comments. We see you’re all home again (and well, we hope). CONGRATULATIONS on your tremendous achievement.
    Добро пожаловать домой
    Bienvenue chez
    欢迎回家

    You get the picture!

67. By Julie January 25th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    You took us all for the journey, and we lived every moment with you. You’ve let us down at the end, by not writing/photographing the last chapter - London and then to home. Why?

68. By Rod January 26th, 2009 at 7:41 am

    “Where the Bloody Hell were you.”

69. By annie January 29th, 2009 at 7:32 am

    Why did you write ‘ Melbourne to London ‘ when you only got to Paris. I was not impressed with your comments about not writing any further after Paris. What is it - are you going to try and sell a book.!!! Yes I did enjoy other presenters while you away. What a shame they are not still on.

70. By Eddie January 29th, 2009 at 10:39 am

    Thank you for reports thus far. Have read them all ,so my messages 21 and 22 to your Dec 9 Ooops,etc. were unnecessary. However I share with many others the wish for some sort of closure, fate of the Prado, etc.

    Regards, Eddie

71. By Natalie January 30th, 2009 at 4:02 am

    I note my final blog was not moderated so this is my final, final blog.

    AMEN and HALELLUJAH

    We got an ending of sorts. Now do we get preferencial copies when the book is published???

72. By Robin February 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am

    Hi John…Welcome Home…Great to hear you back on 774,like you’re many listeners I’ve been anxiously awaiting your last update began to think you had disappeared in France and we were being hoodwinked to believe you were back here! I’m happy now and really looking forward to your book, what a wonderful way to have a permanent record of your trip to pass on to family and future generations.
    A happy listener
    Robin

73. By food warmer April 27th, 2010 at 6:31 am

    Very easily, the post is really the greatest on this precious topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will certainly thirstily look forward to your incoming updates. Simply just saying thanks definitely will not simply be enough, for the extraordinary lucidity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Genuine work and much success in your business endeavors!

74. By Peter June 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    Would love to one day travel the world such as what you’ve done!! I wonder where you are now?

75. By Steve June 22nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Some of your photos are great. i spent that new years in melbourne, dreaming about Paris - I’m still dreaming about Paris.. I so want to go to Paris now!

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• Jack and Jon Faine

  Jack and Jon are from Melbourne Australia. Jack is 19, Jon will turn 52 on the trip. Jack is a student at the University of Melbourne, deferring his studies.

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