1. Foreword

It's only fair to say that this trip has been on our bucket list for many years.

Now in 2016, we are indeed very fortunate to be able to turn those earlier dreams into reality and will soon be setting off on a ten week trip to the Antipodes, including stops  at a number of other exciting ports of call en route.

At this point I think it best not to divulge too many details of the journey so as to keep you, dear reader, returning to this little journal for updates! However, I will say that we will be visiting four continents and if all goes to plan, seeing some of the world's greatest natural wonders as well as some of mankind's most iconic engineering masterpieces along the way.

Due to the distances, timings, internet connectivity and time available I do not expect to post every day so I apologise now for any disappointment. However, I hope that the postings, when they do appear, will make up for those brief silences.

Initially, we shall be setting sail from Southampton aboard the Emerald Princess, a 116,000 tonne cruise ship carrying some 2,600 passengers in extremely comfortable surroundings. However, I hasten to add that this is a voyage that several in our respective families have made before. 

Back in 1966 and aged 8, I was one of the "ten pound poms" who emigrated to Australia as part of their scheme to increase the population and start a new and exciting life. We sailed aboard the Fairstar (just 21,000 tonnes), from Southampton to Perth. 

Prior to that and back in the 19th century, my research uncovered the fact that some 9 Jepsons and 30 Talbots were transported out to various colonies aboard the convict ships of the day, sentenced to terms such as seven years for an offence as trivial as "stealing a cap". (The Le Marquands were obviously much more upstanding members of the community!) The difference in travelling conditions between those poor souls and ours is undoubtedly beyond description.

Pictured below are the Emerald Princess, the Fairstar and the Aurora, upon which a William Jepson was transported to Australia in 1833.