We love the lifestyle and the opportunity to meet many people from various backgrounds all travelling to see more of the world. We have made many friendships, with lovely engaging people. We want to continue to travel and to learn much of the world and its people

Safari Tour of Tanzania and Kenya with Tauck Tours  March - April 2014  .

We travelled to with Singapore Airlines to  Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 5th March 2014 where we  stayed overnight at the Conrad Hotel Dubai.  This is a new Hotel opened about 6 months ago and is perfectly located beside the World Trade Centre Railway Station, about 10 minutes from the Airport and 5-10 minutes from the Centre of Dubai.  On previous visits to Dubai we have stayed either at Jumeirah Beach or in the City close to the Dubai Creek.  We thoroughly enjoyed this location and the Hotel was excellent.

We had booked a half day City Highlights Tour for the afternoon, but after a long breakfast in The Executive Lounge, we intend riding the new monorail to Emirates Mall.   The afternoon city tour covered many of the areas we have seen before , but it refreshed our memories and then took us into the desert.

We were picked up late due to the significant traffic congestion in Dubai.  The first part of the tour took us through the city along a 5 lane highway and to the coast and we arrived at the Burj Dubai.   From here we travelled back toward the city and stopped at the Dubai Mosque.   This is a beautiful building but without much of the ostentatious decorations that we have seen at several other mosques in Turkey, Malaysia, and other member States of the UAE.   After a photo stop opportunity, we moved on and travelled past the Emirates Golf Club, a mirage in the desert with its wonderful green fairways and stunning Club House.  We moved on to the Dubai Museum which, we had driven past on several occasions but never visited.  This was very much a highlight.  It appears a relatively simply building with a foyer and external foyer above ground, concealing the spectacular 3 stories constructed underground, which portrait the development of this land from the desert and the remarkable development that has occurred following independence and the discovery of limited oil resources.  Unlike Abu Dhabi, Dubai has limited oil resources which will be fully exploited some 20-30 years.   The rulers have determined to use the wealth from the Oil reserves to construct infrastructure and make this country and city  a financial and artistic hub.  The Museum provides a range of interactive and replicas of life in this country over the formative years.  It is presented  sympathetically and in an interesting educative style, which is intended to inform the locals and all visitors of the struggles and the changes which have and continue to occur.  

From here we are driven along the Dubai Creek to a river station where we travel across the Creek to then visit the Gold and Spice Souk, both interesting and unique.  You have never seen so much gold and jewellery in one place , covering several city blocks.  We enjoyed both elements of the Tour. It certainly provided both a historical perspective of trade , but also the emerging wealth and significance of the Dubai Port as a trading centre.

We returned to the bus and were driven through the City, again facing massive traffic jams, and were amazed at the continuing Building Development and the row upon row of sky scrapers.

We were eventually dropped back at the Conrad after a most enjoyable and informative afternoon.  The City and its new and traditional sites are impressive.   We delayed dinner and decided to have a light meal in the Executive Lounge and a couple of drinks , then an early night.   

Early the next morning we were picked up and driven to the new Dubai Airport, where a significant section of the new Airport has been completed and we fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa, change planes and then fly  Kilimanjaro Airport where we were met by a guide and taken by coach to our accommodation in Arusha.   We stayed at the Arusha Mountain Village Resort for an overnight stay.  This is a Resort about 1 km from the Centre of Arusha , the large Country town, which serves as the kicking off point for tourists to Tanzania and Mt Kilimanjaro.   We  met Kori our guide and were then escorted to our Villa, about a 300 mtere walk along beautiful landscaped gardens.  We had a relaxing dinner and slept well and also undertook a walking tour of the local markets, before we commenced our 13 day tour of Tanzania and Kenya with Tauck tours, with daily Safari and some wonderful excursions. 

We had a wonderful time on the Tauck tour and really enjoyed the friendship and support of the majority of the other 19 tour members.  We enjoyed magnificent accommodations in both hotel and lodges as well as luxury tented accommodation.

The safaris and other excursions were well planted and the implementation was just superb.

The animals were simply amazing.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Tauck tour of Tanzania, Kenya with our wonderful guide Kori.  We have made several friends who we will remain in touch with and meet again along our travels.

From Nairobi, having stayed at the unique Serena Nairobi Hotel, we were driven to the airport late at night for the flight to Johannesburg where we just changed planes and then flew to Capetown, a beautiful city with wonderful atmosphere and culture and scenes to die for.   We arrived on a beautiful morning and Table Mountain was stark and clear and we enjoyed terrific views.   We picked up a hire car ( a Mercedes A180 ) and then drove to our accommodation in Newlands, a beautiful tree lined suburb, about 20 minutes from Capetown City Centre.   We had a superb one bedroom flat, at the property named Park West Cottage. It included large king bedroom with large full en-suite, lounge and kitchen, dining and lovely views over a beautiful garden and pool.   We had 6 nights in Capetown and really enjoyed ourselves, before we drove along the Garden Route and stayed at Pezula, Knysna at the spectacular Conrad Hotel and Resort, Pezula with its superb Golf Course overlooking the Ocean.  The hotel was indeed one of the most spectacular we have ever enjoyed anywhere in the world.  We dined in the Hotel on the first night and enjoyed wonderful service and sumptuous food.  On subsequent evenings we dined in Knysna.  This indeed is a beautiful part of the world 

From here we travelled North along the coast to Port Elizabeth and enjoyed our time, over 2 nights, before driving to the airport and flying to Johannesburg and again collecting a hire car ( a beautiful small Audi) and then driving to Sandton.  We stayed at the Hilton Sandton overnight before our friends, Elly and Berndt Mestrum, picked us up, took us to their home for dinner and to meet a couple of their friends and enjoyed a superb South African meal and good wine.

The next day we departed early to drive to Kruger National Park .   We enjoyed 4 superb days and saw all of the Big 5 on the second afternoon, just an amazing time and surprises with the animal watching.  Our hosts, Elly and Berndt, provided wonderful food and more than adequate liquid refreshments. The accommodation in the Kruger National Park, was comfortable and had all of the required ablutions.  We dined each evening under the stars with a BBQ or Brai and experienced several foods that we had never experienced previously or since.  This was a superb once in a lifetime experience.  For Jeanette the highlight of our whole trip was seeing 2 male lions (brothers) just walking on the road in front of us and then putting on a show before lying down and resting.  

We returned to Sandton after a wonderful experience and then did a tour of Soweto and Johannesburg , using a guide booked through Viator,  and it was a challenging and enjoyable experience.  Henni, our guide took us to a number of areas where there were dramatic experiences of the Apartheid era.  We drove into Soweto and visited churches and saw the "shanty" town areas.  We drove through various areas of Johannesburg and without doubt the most challenging and confronting was the visit to Prison 4 and 5 near the Constitution Court.  These prisons have now been turned into Museums and Memorials and provide graphic testimony and evidence of the life in these prisons as late as the 1970's.  

Dinner that evening was at Hilton, Sandton where we had an opportunity to thank our Hosts for a wonderful trip to Kruger and also comment on our tour.   The venue and meal was first class, service friendly and efficient and we enjoyed a superb South African red wine.  Jeanette had purchased a beautiful orchid as a gift for Elly and Ken had selected one of the best South  African wine.  It was a great evening and we had enjoyed a spectacular visit with Elly and Berndt whom we met some 3-4 years ago on a cruise ship out of Singapore.  We do look forward to seeing them again.  

Next morning we drove from Johannesburg to Sun City, a world famous resort with 2 spectacular golf courses and entertainment facilities about 3 1/2 hours drive north west of Johannesburg.   We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and particularly enjoyed a meal at the Grill at the Palace Hotel.  Ken also played golf at the Lost Ages course and had a great time.  The accommodation was superb, hotel facilities excellent and apart from a minor problem with internet connections , can describe everything as first class.

Back to Johannesburg and to the airport, after a very early start , because we have a flight to Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe where we witnessed the "White Thunder" of the spectacular falls and felt this was a superb morning activity.  we then walked the town.  Our accommodation in Victoria Falls was the superb Victoria falls Safari Lodge about 2 km out of the township and we enjoyed the unique African style of the 2 story unit with our bedroom on the second level overlooking a watering hole where the elephants and other animals come to drink.   The ground floor consisted of a lounge and kitchenette and toilet area.  A highlight here was at lunch time when they fed meat ( from the previous evening's Boma) to the local vultures and about 200 birds come to fight and feed. 

Om or last night we did a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and again enjoyed the elephants swimming and the Hippos in the water.  we also witnessed the world famous sunset.

The next morning we were picked up and transported some 4 hours across rough roads into another National Park and we eventually reached "The Hide" a luxurious tented camp in the middle of no-where.   It is an impressive set up, with a large tent and thatched roof area providing restaurant and lounge facilities and and then 12 luxurious tents.   Food and service was amazing.  We enjoyed the various drives, afternoon, morning and after dark.   The animals were again impressive with many elephants and giraffes as well as the usual monkeys and hippos and rhinos.  During the late afternoon game drive it was getting quite dark and we came across a Cheetah mother and her  2 cubs.   They were so well covered that they were difficult to see.

After 3 days here, during their off season, we departed early to make the long and rough trip back to Victoria falls for our flight to Johannesburg.  At Johannesburg airport we again met with Elly and Berndt, and enjoyed a lively conversation and drink for about 2 hours before our time came to move through Customs and Immigration and make our long flight of almost 11 hours from Johannesburg to Perth.  The flight was very good with a comfortable aircraft and flat beds.  We arrived in Perth on a beautiful afternoon, then caught a Qantas flight home from Perth to Melbourne.  Gavin picked us up and had us home from Melbourne Airport to Glen Waverley in 50 minutes.  

We do love our holidays and travel , but it is also lovely to come home to Australia.

During our trip we had Sam, our painter, paint the exterior of the Home , a massive job with almost 200 litres of paint, given the rendered walls had to be done.  We are delighted with the outcome and the quality.  

We are now home for several weeks before our Japan Holiday involving a cruise on the refurbished Diamond Princess cruise ship and then 14 days touring using the Japanese Bullet trains.  But we have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our African holiday.  

Our Cruise and Land tour holiday of Japan  - June 2014

We have just returned from a wonderful 3 week holiday in Japan.   We flew to Singapore on Singapore Airways  A380 then stopped over at Ambassador transit hotel at Changi Airport.   This enabled us to have a stopover and remain inside the terminal without passing through Immigration and customs or collecting our luggage.  But we had an unplanned extended stopover with our United Flight from Changi Airport , singapore to  to Tokyo Narita Airport delayed from 06.15AM until 12.30PM, so we rebooked another 6 hours in the Transit hotel.  This allowed us to remain inside the airport and get 6 hours sleep in comfort.

The staff of United were terrific and most apologetic as it meant our Tokyo (Narita Airport) arrival was almost 7 hours late and that meant the shuttle bus from the airport to hotels had finished for the day.  Upon arrival we were met by a guide who arranged our Japan Rail pass and all train seat reservations for the 12 days after our cruise on Diamond Princess.

This worked really well and it was only at the conclusion of our total trip that we realised how valuable this first meeting and the ground work completed then.  We arrived at the Conrad, Tokyo hotel  and were whisked from ground level to reception on Level 28.  It is a beautiful hotel and our room on Level 30 is also just a terrific oasis of comfort and fittings.  We slept well and awoke to an overcast day with a view over the gardens and across to Tokyo Bay and Harbour.  After breakfast the weather deteriorated and Ken returned from a walk across the aero footbridge and linking the 2 railway stations.  

We decided not to use the rail and get a taxi to Yokohama City and Port.  We came across the Rainbow Bridge and gained our first view of "the beautiful" Diamond Princess at berth in Yokohama Port.  the weather was now a consistent downpour.  The taxi was an expensive but wise decision.

We were cleared through Customs and Immigration and on board in 20 minutes as Platinum Cruisers.  We were excited and delighted to be back on board the Diamond, one of our favourite ships.   

Over the next 9 days we visit 5 ports in Japan and then Busan, in South Korea, before returning to Yokohama from where we will commence 12 nights touring and travel using the Japan Rail pass and travelling on the Shinkasen Bullet trains as well as several other expresses.

The first 2 days are spent at sea and the weather has turned decidely poor with continuous heavy rainfall as we pass through a rain depression.  The ship rolls a little through the storms but remains pretty good.  The Diamond has undergone a significant refurbishment to create a Japanese focus with large Japanese Baths and a separate Japanese restaurant. 

Our first port is Kanazawa and here we visit the spectacular gardens and Castle.

From here we travel to Maizuru, which is the large Commercial port and gateway to Kyoto.

The next port is Sakaiminato and we undertake a spectacular tour through the XXX Temple and then visit the Geisha part of town and see the historical features of the old town

From here the ship sails to South Korea, visiting Busan the large bustling city which is the commercial gateway to South Korea.  The difference between the organised and timely Japanese cities to the sheer panic and dramatic hurry of Busan is striking.  

We then sail to Nagasaki and Kagoshima both important ports and cities.  

In each port the ship and its passengers are greeted by presentations and then wonderful displays and sail away concerts of singing , dancing and flags.  Quite sensational to see the dramatic differences in each port and the pride of each port.  In Busan we were presented with a concert by young singers and then traditional dancers.  

We have again enjoyed the Diamond Princess, but they have challenges in delivering to the different cultural dynamics of their passengers.  The ship is beautiful and our Cabin Steward , Arlon, had previously been our steward on our last cruise on the Diamond from Whittier, Alaska to Beijing , China.  He looked after is like we were royalty.

We left the ship and had our rail pass to travel from Yokohama to Hakone and then Hiroshima and this all seemed easy enough, but we had to negotiate a local train from the port to Yokohama and make a change / connection. Thios proved a challenge which we negotiated well.   We really enjoyed the first of several trips on the brilliant Shinkasen Bullet trains, but  this from Yokohama to Hakone was a slower express train and very comfortable.   Our trip took about 90 minutes and we wondered how we would meet our guide at Odawara Station.  We need not have been concerned, because as the train arrived at the station a person came to the carriage door, bowed and introduced herself.  She was delightful and was named Ikuko Ishil (kisy@mtf.biglobe.ne.jp)..

We had all of our luggage so we had to then walk out of the Odawara Station through one of the many entrances and find the Hilton Shuttle bus.  Ikuko Ishil, our guide for the next 2 days helped us with the luggage, the shuttle was there and waiting.  We subsequently found that Iku, had spoken to the driver.  The shuttle took about 15 minutes to get to the Hilton Odawara Resort and spa, our home base for the next 2 days.  But Iku was concerned because we were too early for normal check in and despite my comment that we would change after check-in, she believed we would be disappointed but was happy that we could cloak our luggage.  She advised that we had a full afternoon, including a Japanese lunch.

At the Hilton, we were greeted as lost friends, but as Hilton Honors Gold and HGVC Elite members we are guaranteed check in when ever we arrive.  We checked in and we were escorted to our room by two Japanese ladies dressed in Kimonos and Iku waited in the beautiful lounge overlooking the ocean, with a sense of disbelief.  Our first issue re train travel in Japan and meeting our guide had all gone smoothly.

We caught a Taxi to a more central Station and this saved us a 30 minute wait.  From here we enjoyed a variety of train rides on various styles of trains as we change and climb into the wonderful area around Hakone.     Our guide Ikuko Ishii (kisy@mtf.biglobe.ne.jp ) is just a delight. We didn't see Mt Fuji because she was shrouded in heavy cloud and is known to be very shy. 

From here we then travelled to Hiroshima and we found the visit to the Peace Park and Museum challenging yet inspirational.  The daily diary provides more detailed commentary. It is still amazing to see the Dome and the area where the Atomic bomb was detonated. The following day we rode another train and then visited the Island of Miyajima and took in the most photographed site in Japan - The Floating Torii Gate.  Miyajima Island is a famous wooded island located in the inland sea approximately 30 minutes from Hiroshima

From here we again started to return to the major cities of Kyoto and Osaka we used the Bullet train as our primary travel means.  They are a superb means of navigating through this busy country in comfort on clean, efficient and on time transport mode.   We visited the Castle and thoroughly enjoyed the city of Kyoto.

We really enjoyed the visit to Osaka Castle, arguable Osaka's most famous landmark.  We then caught the metro to the district of Dotonbori which has become widely known as Japan's kitchen.  The area was formerly a pleasure district but is now an amazing shopping and restaurant area.  Just amazing to see so many people in such a concentrated area.  We were dog tired as we had walked a long way to get the metro train.

We stayed overnight at Hilton Osaka and thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the Hotel.  Thank you Hilton.

Next morning we had a tour and then a cultural experience to visit a traditional Japanese house and then try on Kimonos and have an Induction to "the Tea Ceremony " which is a quintessential part of Japanese Culture ( at least historically). 

The next day we explored the former Imperial Capital of Kyoto with an experienced and competeent guide Marinko Okunishi.  We started the day at the Nijo Castle ( Over the Road from Crowne Plaza Hotel) .  This ornamental palace was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence and is surrounded by stunning gardens.  The main building was completed in 1603 and is famous for its Momoyama Architecture decorated sliding doors and chirping floors. 

We continued from here to the Golden Pavilion , Kinkakuji, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun  after his death it became a Buddhist temple and is now one of Kyoto 's famous temples.

Later in the morning we visited Daitoku-ji Zen Temple complex which consists of one main temple and 22 sub temples, which was founded in 1464 and has one of Japans best Zen Rock gardens and perfect for Zen meditation.

After lunch we visited Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple .  From the 13 metre high verandah jutting out from the main hall you do get an mazing view of the whole of Kyoto.

We walked for miles and by this time we were exhausted but we still had to engage and walk through the atmospheric Higashiyama district with busy lane ways selling everything. 

After a lovely meal and banquet and a good night's sleep we travelled the next morning to Nara by regional train.  For 74 years during the 8th century Nara was the Capital of Japan.  We visited the Todaiji Temple and saw the spectacular and the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha and Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine.

We also wandered through Nara Park with the thousands of Nara deer in close proximity seeking any food. 

We had the afternoon to ourselves to see more of Kyoto.

The next morning we left Kyoto and and went by train to Takayama a 3 1/2 half hour train ride, initally on the Shinkasaen and then on the Regional express Hida Wide view train.  It is a scenic trip through tall mountains and stunning gorges.  Takayama is a beautifully preserved Japanese town and we stayed in a superb Ryokan named OYADA KOTO NO YUME ( a Ryokan hotel ) where we changed into Kimonos and our room was traditional Japanese. Ken decided that he had to use the Japanese Hot bath , which he really enjoyed ( you park your modesty at the door).  We feasted on a superb traditional Japanese banquet and upon returning to our room found our bed prepared on the room floor.  It was very comfortable.  We then had a traditional Japanese breakfast for Jeanette and a modified Japanese breakfast for Ken.  The stay at the Ryokan has been a high light of the whole trip to Japan.

The next morning we had our last trip on the Shinkansen as we travelled back to Tokyo .  The weather had turned nasty so we caught a Taxi ( very clean and comfortable) back to the beautiful Conrad Hotel Tokyo.

After a hearty breakfast we met our guide  George ( Mr Takeo Shimizu ) and we explored Tokyo under his guidance using the superb Metro.  We arrived at the spectacular Meiji Shrine at 9.00AM and beat the crowds.  .  The Park surrounding the Shrine consists of 120,000 trees of some 365 species and it does make you forget that you are in the world's largest city. 

Next to Meiji Shrine is Harajuki which is Tokyo's youth fashion mecca and next door is Omotesando commonly referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysee with its broad tree lined roadway featuring every fashion flagship that you can think of.  We enjoyed Coffee and biscuits at the France Cafe .

Then we caught the Metro to Ginza  which is Tokyo's famous upmarket shopping and eating area.  

Our last stop was Asakusa, part of Tokyo's Shitamachi or old town area.  Here we visited the spectaculka Sensoji Temple which is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple.  This is also the cities oldest Geisha district and there are stil in excess of 100 geisha ladies.    The streets and lane-ways have many traditional Japanese shops have many traditional Japanese shops and stores.  Really quite interesting. 

 You can read more in our daily diary.

Then back to the Conrad for a drink in the Executive lounge overlooking the City.

Then dinner after a hot and long shower.  we were both exhausted but slept very well.

Next morning breakfast in the executive lounge and then check out.  We had booked the "Executive Tourist limousine Bus " to the airport.  Everything arrived on time and our luggage was checked through. 

Our flight involved flying on A380 Asiana airlines flight to Seoul , South Korea and then to Bangkok.

From Bangkok to Melbourne we flew Thai Airways and had an excellent flight and once our beds were made we each slept for about 6 hours. 

We had enjoyed an excellent holiday always good to return home to Melbourne.

Backyard Travel and their representative Tuck had organised a superb programme.

Gavin met us at the airport with a trolley for our luggage and we were home in 45 minutes.

Queensland Holiday at Palm Beach and Coolangatta  3-22 August 2014

After a relaxing period at home we went to Queensland for about 3 weeks of holidays in the warmth of the beautiful Gold coast based at Palm Beach for the first week and then at Coolangatta in The Beach House Resort for the final 2 weeks.  We flew to the Gold coast with Jetstar and picked up a hire car.

Yes the weather was generally superb with day temperatures of 21-23 degrees and cool nights.  this was a change after the very cold winter of Melbourne.

We relaxed read books and walked each morning along the board-walk with the beach as the backdrop.  Ken Ken played several rounds of Golf and enjoyed Royal Pines Golf club at the RACV Resort.  He played with several people including some from Melbourne, Foster NSW and from New Zealand. 

You will see the daily or several days recorded in the diary in greater detail and quite a few photos of the beautiful beaches.

Whilst Jeanette did cook the majority of meals we also ate out at several surf clubs and enjoyed the meals.  We particulalry enjoyed the Coolangatta Surf Club with superb meals and service overlooking the magnificnet beach.

We also attended the Twin town Services Club and saw 3 shows being the Neil Diamond Show, the Daryl Braithwaite Theatre show on the second Saturday night with another 700-1,000 people all enjoying wonderful singing and music and then finally on the last Wednesday their back to the Tivoli live show.

We had enjoyed 3 weeks of relaxing in glorious weather before a strong cool change arrived on the Friday morning and it turned wet and very much cooler.

We arrived back in Melbourne to almost perfect "Queensland" weather very much like we had enjoyed whilst away, but it only lasted 2-3 days before turning wintry and wild again, with another strong cold change.  The holiday was enjoyable and we came home refreshed and relaxed.

Ken would say just in time for the AFL football finals.

Holiday and Cruise to Canada, USA and Caribbean Cruise on Ruby Princess.

We have just returned from a great holiday in Canada, USA and several cities, then a cruise on The Ruby Princess out of Fort Lauderdale for 2 weeks cruising both Eastern and Western Caribbean and finally after breaks in San Antonio and Scottsdale, Arizona we enjoyed 5 days in Honolulu staying at Hawaiian Village Resort in Waikiki, Honolulu.

Ken has maintained a daily diary which is included in the separate section for holidays together with many beautiful photos.

It all started on 8th October 2014 when we were picked up and taken to Melbourne airport by our regular driver, Gavin, who is just reliable, friendly and makes it happen and does look after our luggage.  We boarded a Singapore airlines flight to Singapore, where we had a two hour stop over.  We thought we were flying the A380 but it turned out to be a B777 and their business class is just terrific in terms of the fit out, comfort and impeccable service.  We enjoyed a very good meal and then decided to rest.  Ken watched a couple of movies and the flight was over in no time.  Perfect in every way and their business class is as good as it gets.

Our stopover in Singapore was only a couple of hours but when visiting a lounge we met up with close friends Lindsay and Bev, from around the corner in Glen Waverley returning from an extended holiday in Europe, so we talked for quite a time.

Then we were off to Hong Kong after an easy stroll from the lounge. This was another Airbus and again we enjoyed the fit out and food as well as having a sleep.   We arrived in Hong Kong and were through Immigration and customs in less than 30 minutes and walked with our luggage across the terminal to the Shuttle Bus parking area,   We caught a shuttle to the Novotel, Citygate and as Accor Advantage members were able to check in and be in our room again in less than 15 minutes.

Ken had determined the need to change over his luggage as a suitcase was broken on the last trip.  He determined to go to the Ladies Market and caught the train from the hotel to Mong Kok and thought this would be a simple issue.  Unbeknown to us, the student protests were happening in the area directly beside the station and the Ladies Market area was impacted.    There were concrete barriers and police on every corner, but he did manage to purchase the case and then decided to return , rather than spend any more time near admiralty or down near the Ferry Terminal.  A wise decision because within an hour of his leaving the student push against the government saw further noisy protest.  we dined in at the Novotel Hotel that night and had an early dinner as we had to get the first shuttle to take us back to the airport to catch Air Canada flight to Vancouver. 

The shuttle worked well, we were processed and inside the air Canada lounge area within 25 minutes.  The long flight of almost 11 hours was again very enjoyable and we both slept very well after a good breakfast.  The beds were as comfortable as those on Singapore Airlines. We landed in Vancouver late afternoon and we were again processed very quickly and then had almost a 3 hour wait for our flight to Victoria, Vancouver Island.   Fortunately, we found a small lounge and used the wifi to catch up with emails etc.  

We eventually were directed to the Air Canada small domestic terminal where we waited for a very small turbo prop aircraft.  It was very tight with only 48 people on the fully booked flight and we wondered as to our luggage.  The total airtime was 12 minutes after you got off the ground, but the taxi from the terminal to the runway took almost 20 minutes and then the taxi at the other end took 8 minutes.  But we need not have worried our luggage arrived on time and then to hire a car.  We knew we had about a 25 minute drive to the Westin Bear Mountain Golf and Spa resort.   Into a Sonata and plug in the GPS and drive.  Well it was about a 30 minute drive in quite heavy traffic and then quite a drive up the Mountain.  The resort was quite beautiful with a superb main building for check in and restaurants.  Our accommodation was in the first block away from the main building and after driving in underneath , we unpacked the luggage from the car and made our way to our bedroom.  Of course at night you see the beautiful lights but have no perspective of the area and the surrounds including the views.  Our accommodation can only be described as breath taking with a lovely condo with lounge, kitchen, master bedroom and large bathroom and balcony overlooking the golf course with views back to the city.  All of the fittings and furnishings are just first class.

It has been a long day, but all has gone well.  We both sleep very soundly and awake to a very pleasant but cold morning.  We have breakfast back in the main building.  It is very enjoyable and we have superb views over the golf course, very similar to those that greeted us when we opened the drapes this morning in our condo.  After breakfast we telephoned Alec and Linda our hosts and they came to pick us up for a day exploring Victoria BC and we drove around for the best part of 6 hours seeing a whole range of places and issues.  They are dear friends with a similar appetite for travel and we get along very well.

We end the afternoon sitting in a restaurant having a beer and coffee overlooking the beautiful harbour with the Grand hotel behind.  We have seen so much, which is detailed in our diary.  We then are dropped off at our Hotel where we spend the evening. But we do enjoy dinner at the restaurant which their daughter and son in law own and mange and have a beautiful evening. The following day we are by ourselves and plan to shop and also get some presents because we have Canadian Thanksgiving dinner .   We also will spend time at the spectacular Buschart Gardens after a quite wet evening we have a superb day.  The gardens are quite stunning and we have now seen them in late Autumn as well as early spring as we witnessed some 20 plus years ago.    That afternoon Ken played Golf at Bear Mountain - Mountain Course and had a great time playing with 3 others.  A tough course with superb views.

The evening turned out to be quite special with a Thanksgiving dinner for all of the family and with us as overseas guests.  there were 22 people in attendance and we enjoyed a very special evening, enjoying the food and the family banter and discussions.  We were made most welcome and had a great time.

Following this we again awoke to a morning that was Cold and overcast and we had planned to visit Victoria Harbour see BC Museum, The Grand Hotel and see and hear the beautiful Carilyon before walking to the parliament building.  We were able to do all of these things as well as attend lunch at the same restaurant where we had enjoyed coffee before.  

The evening was held at neighbours and we again enjoyed partaking in a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner.  The conversation covered many topics and you could have been in Australia, Canada or the USA and we all have similar political and national issues.  Any way it was another most enjoyable meal and we thoroughly enjoyed the company.    But our time in Victoria passed too quickly and tomorrow we must make our way to the Airport to fly out on a late afternoon flight with Westjet on a B737 to Edmonton.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the time and the open friendship of our wonderful hosts Linda and Alec and we do look forward to seeing them in the future.  The weather has also been good to date but the next few days will tell.   

We land at Edmonton at a reasonable hour but it is dark and we have a 25 minute drive along freeways, to find the Hotel in West Edmonton. We eventually check in to the hotel at 9.25PM and the weather has deteriorated a little.  We are tired and decide to go to sleep without a meal and have a good breakfast tomorrow morning.  We wake and it is almost a perfect morning and we have the scenic drive to Jasper in the Rockies and we are staying at the fabled Fairmont Jasper lodge hotel.  It is a 4 hour plus drive through initially undulating relatively flat countryside and then we enter the foothills and then the Mountains of the Rockies.   It is stunning scenery of varying colours and the trees are also changing colours.  We arrive at about 2.00PM and the building is as spectacular as the promotional material suggests.  But even better we are to be housed in a cabin with stunning views over the lake.

Our unit isn't ready so we have lunch in the spectacular views over a perfectly flat lake with snow covered mountains in the background.  We are able to check in at 3.00PM and we are in our unit and unpacked within 45 minutes , then we go walking around the lake, with a slight breeze and this is really a piece of paradise.  we have dinner that evening in an Italian restaurant in the small township of Jasper, which at this time , being the last week before winter closing is down to about 1,200 people.  We enjoy the meal the walk back to the car in the cool or cold air and then the 5 mile trip back to the Jasper Lodge.  It has been a special day.  We had seen several types of wildlife including deer and moose.

After having a drink in the main lodge with roaring fires, we turn in because tomorrow we are to be picked up and driven on tour to the Columbian Ice-fields and Glacier.  Incredibly, the weather forecast is also turning and becoming decidedly colder with a change of rain and ice showers coming tonight and tomorrow.

Our driver and bus arrives at 7.00AM to pick us up and we only have one other couple to pick up in town and then we drive to the Ice-fields.  It is the drivers last day and the last tour for the season and he informs us that we will be incredibly lucky to make it today.  We leave and visit a beautiful lake , then as we go higher in the Rockies the weather deteriorates quite significantly.  We initially experience quite heavy rainfall but then come across snow showers.  The driver advises that e doesn't have snow tires on so we may have an issue.     We make the 3 hour drive and arrive to quite heavy snow flurries.  We are dropped off at a bus pick up and drop off point.  From here we transfer to large buses specifically built for travel on the glacier.  They are amazing as you climb the 5 steps up into the fairly rudimentary cabin.  Then you are driven up and across the glacier for about an hour, before stopping to let us out on the middle of the glacier, with a 40 mile per hour freezing wind blowing as well as ice and snow showers.   We walk across defined areas, but it is as cold as we have ever been.  We are also surprised that the glacier ice is a light blue with several different shades.  The Glacier is retreating by about 100 metres per year and it is amazing to see nature at work in this remote area.  We have an amazing 2 hours here before we then go back and take lunch at the glacier resort restaurant.  The weather now deteriorates quite markedly.  We have been fortunate and there are no further tours scheduled for the next 3 hours due to the weather.   Another week and we wouldn't have been able to do this.  

Our next stop on the way back is the spectacular walk way where you walk along a ravine and there is then a glass footpath and walkway.  We have enjoyed a wonderful tour and excellent activities. the Glacier was just amazing.  Back into Jasper after a long hot shower and we dine at a Pizza Restaurant and enjoy ourselves.  Tomorrow is our last day, we had planned to ride the Chair lift and the Jasper Sky Team , but we find they closed last Saturday for the season.

We wake to another cold but clear day, the rain has gone.  We drive to see 3 or 4 different lakes all with a Glacial history and take in the beautiful scenery.  We have our own lunch and then take another long walk around the resort.   Ken had hoped to play golf at the spectacular course here at Fairmont Jasper but that closed late Sunday afternoon for the season, so instead we go to watch the train come from Vancouver, stop here and change engines and then 3 hours later move on toward Toronto. 

The next morning comes quickly and we check out at 5.00AM for our 4 hour drive to Edmonton before we then Fly to Toronto, Canada  and then to Washington DC.  We have really enjoyed our relaxing time here at beautiful scenic Fairmont Jasper on the Rockies. We leave with many beautiful memories.  Our drive is on good Freeways but in the dark.  It is a challenging drive for both of us. 

We arrived in good time and beat a dramatic storm as we got to the Edmonton Airport.  Check in was again smooth and we were in the lounge in good time for our flight to Toronto and the stopover worked well and flight to Washington DC was comfortable and all worked well.  When we got to Washington we caught the shuttle to the Car Rental area and got to Hertz quite late. We then took an eternity to get our car hire finalised despite a voucher and having paid almost A$60 back in Australia.  Then we had to drive some 25 minutes to Embassy Suites at Georgetown and that proved easy enough until we had to get off the Freeway and then find the hotel.  We managed to confuse the GPS after it diverted us to ass street, But we could then see the Hotel and its car park some 400 metres away.  So we had made it, checked in and we were very pleased because it was comfortable and a good location.  We slept well it had been a very long day.

Next morning we had breakfast at the hotel, then caught the shuttle to the Station and then purchased rail tickets and caught the train to the US Naval Museum station, where we were scheduled to join a tour of Washington sites and highlights.  But unbeknown to us the railways were undergoing maintenance on this Sunday and only one track was operating so everything was slowed.  We got to the pick up point at 10.15AM and the bus was just about to leave.  Ken ran from the Station and yelled and waved arms, they saw him and stopped and waited we were so lucky.  The tour guide was Andy and he was just excellent and we spent nearly six hours walking at stop off points to the major sites and tourist attractions around Washington DC .  The first stop was the Capital Building, and not surprisingly it had scaffolding around the top as it is repaired.  We then drove down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.   I won't go into specific detail because it is better reflected in the daily diary.  Suffice to say we have enjoyed an outstanding day with a terrific passionate tour guide who did give us a unique insight into the history of Washington and its Monuments.

We returned to our hotel late afternoon, tired but over joyed as to the tour and its many highlights.  The train service was back to order after the servicing work.  for dinner we decided to try an Italian Restaurant in Georgetown which had been recommended to us.  We caught the hotel shuttle down to the centre of the township, then walked along the street.  It was just a terrific restaurant with great food and wonderful service.

After a good nights sleep were were up bright and early to go back into town and Ken wanted to see the White House from the famous South gate and south Fence line with the rose Garden.  We walked from the Station to the North Fence , took some photos and then walked around the perimeter of the building toward the South face of the White House.  It is a stunning building and whilst security has been increased again , you can still take great photos.

From here we rode the Hop on Hop off bus and gained a totally different perspective.  There are a multitude of museums and sites of interest.  After walking all day to see a number of different sites , we returned to the Hotel because we have a night tour booked.

So after changing and showering , we again caught the shuttle to the Station and went back to the pick up point from where we had a tour of 22 people and saw  the Washington monuments and the various and sites all spectacularly lit up with a variety of coloured lights.   Perhaps the Vietnam Memorial was the only monument that didn't benefit from the night lights.

The next morning we drove from Washington DC  to Williamsburg , the special restored township of life in the period of the Civil War with all of the political and social challenges.  We stayed at Marriott's Ford Colony Resort, an impressive time-share resort some 15 minutes from the township of Williamsburg and 35 minutes from Jamestown.  We really our 2 days here investigating the Colonial lifestyle and the recreated homes, stores and lifestylew of the times.  the daily diary again reflects these events quite well in far greater detail. 

We left Williamsburg a day earlier than we had initially planned to fly to Atlanta GA and stay overnight with Kathy and Frank prior to Frank and Ken attending the College football game between Clemson and Syracuse.   This involved driving 2 hours to the University town of Clemson and then experiencing the famed "Tailgate" luncheon, before the players walked right past us in the "Tiger Walk" from their buses to the stadium.  The Tailgate was a delicious spread of food.

College Football is the big thing in the south and this is a traditional football match.  The noise from 85,000 people all dressed in Orange and yelling "Clem...son" continuously for the first 20 minutes was unlike anything Ken has seen or heard previously.  We saw Clemson prevail after after a sloppy game.  Then we had the long drive back to Duluth, eventually arriving home at 1.15AM.  It had been a special day and a memorable day as far as sport.  We have a reasonably early start on Sunday to drive to Hilton Head Island South Carolina.

Kathy and Frank are joining us for the week at our time-share on Hilton Head Island , South Carolina.  It is a comfortable 4 1/2 hour drive on Interstate Highways from Atlanta, Georgia to Hilton Head.  It is a beautiful Autumn / Fall morning and the beginning of a special week.  

We reach BluewaterMarina Drive, Hilton Head Island and the Spinnaker Resort called Bluewater at about 4.00PM having enjoyed lunch at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant, a chain serving country style food.    We will spend 5 days with them.

 We checked in, as owners we do receive favoured treatment, and we are in Building one and unit 6135 on the third floor.  We have a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo overlooking the lagoon with the one alligator below.  It is a lovely resort and Kathy is delighted and surprised with the whole set up.  We decide to eat in on evening one, take our time and do some shopping.   

The weather remains just glorious and we explore the island on Monday morning and Frank and Ken play golf at the beautiful Country Club of Hilton Head late morning on the Monday.  We have an enjoyable game both playing OK.  Dinner tonight is at Catch 22, one of our favourite restaurants and it is a night of fun and enjoyment. The next day we spend the day exploring other parts of the Island including the around the famous light house and have to have ice-creams and sit in the rocking chairs overlooking the Yacht harbour.  Unfortunately, we only see dolphins playing in the distance.

In our planning we had intended to visit Charlston or Savannah, but it was recommended that we visit the charming town of Beaufort, which is a historical plantation township with a long history of being one of the major cotton export centres. There are many homes maintained and restored to their traditional colonial heritage style. We ride a horse drawn carriage and really enjoy the history and the points of interest.  It is a special day taking in this history and the wealth that was generated from cotton and the associated activities including the slave trade which was endemic to the agriculture success.

But the impact of the American Civil  war and the changing terms of labour as a consequence  also led to the town going through major period of change. Today, this is a vibrant community largely based upon tourism and being a holiday and golf venue adjacent to Hilton Head and the other Islands of south Carolina.  We had a most enjoyable day.

We had another game of golf, did some shopping at the outlets and dinner on the last night with Frank and Kathy was at the nearby speciality fish restaurant named "Hudson's" and had a superb meal.   We have enjoyed a terrific 5 days and we will enjoy our last 2 days relaxing.  We are blessed with great friends who also travel and we enjoy one another's company.

From here we travel to Kissimmee , Orlando and stay at Silver Lake resort just behind Disney World.  It is a very comfortable, yet large resort and a favourite for accessing Disney World and Epcot Centre.  We have about a 5 hour drive on Interstate Freeways and it is a pleasant drive.  We have stayed here previously but on this occasion we are in a recently refurbished one bedroom unit, which is well fitted and very comfortable, with direct access to a very good pool for these 2 buiuldings and away from the larger super pool.

We shop, visit Disneyworld The Magic Kingdom and have a great day.  the detailed daily diary provides a clear detailed account of activities.  Ken also plays golf and we just enjoy a very enjoyable 5 days relaxing by ourselves.  We are visited by Gary and Vicki, for lunch on one day.  we spend nearly 4 hours talking and catching up on recent cruises.  We have a most relaxing and enjoyable luncheon, they are great company and good friends.

From here we drive almost directly across Florida to Tampa and Tampa Bay, Florida and then drive the 25 miles fro Tampa to Clearwater Beach with its pure white sand and glorious beach.  Unfortunately, the weather deteriorates and we experience a real storm.  The Hilton Hotel is a landmark building here at Clearwater and the ideal vantage point for tomorrow's Triathlon.  We dine in at the Hilton because it was too wet to go outside.

The Sunday morning is a very busy time with the whole area taken over by the Triathlon and our departure is delayed somewhat although we have an easy drive to Naples Florida across some of the amazing Causeways.  This is an amazing area being so flat and we can certainly understand how the season of Hurricanes, Cyclones and Tornadoes does some much damage as these massive storms race across the open flat land.  

Naples is a pretty Residential / Retirement community on the Gulf of Mexico and we enjoyed our time here staying at Double Tree Suites.  We did several day trips up and down this beautiful coast.  Ken played golf at Raptor Bay Resort which includes one of only 6 courses in the world with an environmental certification.  It was a brilliant course with lots of water and amazing bird life on every hole of the course.  Played OK but 97 strokes reflected how tough this beautiful course proved to be. WE visited the famed Naples Pier and walked the pier enjoying watching the Pelicans and the fishermen.

We have 3 days break in a resort just outside Fort Lauderdale in a suburb called Weston.  We enjoyed these days but were disappointed that our planned meeting with victor , our tour Airline tickets advisor, has been cancelled.  We subsequently find out he had a medical appointment and treatment in New York.  He had done an excellent job with our airline and First / Business class fares across the world over the last 7-8 trips.  We hope to catch up next time.   We also spent an afternoon at Saw Grass Mill the largest Mall in the world and we replaced Jeanette's I-pad.  We left exhausted and with very sore feet.

The next afternoon we went to Saw Grass Recreational Park and rode and Air-boat and found alligators and then all sorts of bird life and birds of prey.  It was amazing to travel through the Everglades in the Air-boat.  Just sensational fun and to be so close to the Alligators.

We were now ready and excited for our Cruise from  Fort Lauderdale on the beautiful Ruby Princess, one of our favourite cruise ships as we sail both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.   The check in excellent as we progressed through the Platinum/ Elite line and we were soon in our mini suite D332 on the Port Side and we were greeted by Catherine our room steward.  Our luggage arrived in good time and we celebrated with a glass of champagne.  We attended the lifeboat drill and then we were out on the balcony awaiting the sail away.  There are 7 ships all leaving within a 2 hour period.  This is just an amazing port with the ability and facilities to handle this volume.   We enjoy the sail away and the dramatic exit from the breakwater and harbour with ships horns aloud. The daily diary details the ports and activities, but we met a lovely couple Helen and George and hope to remain good friends.  The food, entertainment and general activities were just excellent, this is a fun ship with excellent facilities.  There were 4 Live production shows in the Princess Theatre and each was new and very enjoyable and the new digital lighting in the theatre is nothing short of amazing.  We became friends with George and Helen and hope to remain friends for years to come.

We came back to Fort Lauderdale after the first week of an enjoyable cruise and departed the ship and caught a taxi to the local Galleria Shopping Centre  where we replenished supplies, after being ripped off by the Taxi driver.

The second week was quite different with a totally different population with many families joining the cruise to celebrate American Thanksgiving and there were many more children, mostly well behaved.  The weather deteriorated after the third day with an aggressive cold and wet and very windy change coming through that created quite a roll in the ship and many passengers found this quite uncomfortable.  In fact it was so windy that the Captain found it difficult to berth at the last two ports.  Jeanette found some nice semi formal clothes and Ken bought a very nice piece of jewellery for her.

We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise on this beautiful ship, with excellent food in the dining room and superb entertainment and that was an improvement upon the recent cruises we have undertaken.  Importantly, we achieved Elite status with the consequent free laundry services, which to us is a significant benefit.   We departed the ship very early with us taking all of our luggage off, because we have an early flight from Fort Lauderdale International Airport back North to Atlanta, which is a Delta Hub, before we fly to San Antonio, Texas.

Our flights went very well and we arrived in both Atlanta and San Antonio almost right on time.  We collected our luggage from the Baggage Carousel and then proceeded to exit the airport and telephone Gil, who was to be waiting to pick us up.  He arrived 3 minutes later in the gold Prius and managed to comfortably fit our luggage.  We had met Bonnie and Gil on the cruise around Australia.  We then drove 26 mile to the Kestral Air-Park where they live on an air field and there was great excitement as we met Bonnie at the entrance to their garage.  They live on an acre of land with a beautiful home and a large hangar for Gil's aircraft with direct access to a taxi-way and the air field and runway.  Gil is a pilot with Delta and Bonnie is a part time Music teacher and music professor.   They are great company and good friends.  We enjoyed seeing their home and the work undertaken with the back area and the outdoor Pizza Oven, just very special.

Bonnie prepared an excellent meal and we sat and talked for an extended period.  They had invited neighbours, who had worked in Australia, in the far north of Queensland at the Bauxite mines at Nhilumbuy .  But we were somewhat tired after a very long day and went to bed early after dinner.  Morning came very quickly after we both slept very well and after a cooked breakfast we walked along a taxi way and took in some of the other properties in this large estate.

We then left to visit "The Mission" , then off to the Alamo ( a national treasure) and finally the Riverwalk where we sat and enjoyed a cold drink and watched the passing traffic both pedestrian and on the waterways of the river.  Again the diary includes far greater detail.   We had stopped for lunch at a superb Mexican restaurant in down town San Antonio.  We had enjoyed a superb day taking in some amazing history with both The Mission and then The Alamo and reliving all of the associated dramas and political and religious intrigue.

The following day we had a later start after the morning at their home then we travelled to the historical township of Gruene, where we visited a number of shops and stores, then visited the old Dance Hall and had a beer in the very rustic bar.  But on the way we visited Buckeye Service / Gas station and Store.  it is the largest Gas station and convenience in the world with 240 pumps and a store which had everything.  we were served by a chap named David, who has relatives in Geelong and Adelaide in Australia.  He proceeded to serve us samples of Jerky and cheese and then introduced us to "Dippin' Dots", which are small pellets of ice cream served in a small sampler container.  You then choose your ice cream and the pellets are served in a larger container.    It was then off to Dinner, which  was then to be in an old Cotton Mill now converted to a very fancy Restaurant, named Griss Mill,  along the Banks of the river and with a blazing fire in a very large "Texas" sized fireplace.  Bonnie joined us after 5.00PM following her afternoon of work.   We had a delightful Texas meal of specialty Ribs and a good local wine.  A great end to a special couple of days had been enjoyed by all and our hosts have looked after us Regally.

The next morning, Bonnie advised that we were departing for a wine tour at Becker's Winery, one of their favourite wineries and then planning to visit another couple of old towns.  We enjoyed the winery and the tasting, very much with an interesting choices of wines with quite different bouquets.  We sampled cheese and savoury biscuits as well as local jams at one of the other stores.  We then travelled to another old town with the oldest local post office.  Again a very interesting bit totally different morning.  Back home for an early lunch and then Bonnie took us to the airport and we thanked Gil for a wonderful almost 3 days.  

Our flight to Phoenix was uneventful and we picked up the Rental car and drove to the beautiful Fairmont Princess Resort in Scottsdale.  We arrived near dark and the whole resort is decorated in lights for Christmas and there are nightly displays and presentations.  Our villa suite is just superb.  We arrive in time to see and hear the light show and the synchronised music.  It is quite an extraordinary display and the creative genius is inspiring.   This is a very large Hotel and Resort, a real oasis in the desert .  We overlook a garden festooned with a variety of Christmas lights and decorations and down the other end of the hallway about 50 metres away is access to one of the several beautiful pools.   We spend two nights here and as it is a short stop over decide to eat within the Hotel complex.  On the first night we eat at in at the casual eating venue and enjoy a Pizza.  we sleep very well after a long day , comforted by the knowledge that we are in a superb resort and access to the Airport is very easy.

The next day Ken arranged to play golf at the TPC Championship Course which is located close by the Fairmont Princess and adjacent to the TPC Players Course where the PGA Event is played annually with the infamous 16th Hole,  Par 3 which is totally surrounded by Grandstands to create an amphitheatre.   The course was just superb and a good fair challenge.  Ken played with a couple from outside Calgary Canada and we subsequently enjoyed their company for drinks and dinner at the Burgundy and Steak Restaurant at the Fairmont, because they also wanted to witness the amazing light show.

We enjoyed each others company on the golf course played pretty good golf on a challenging course and after a drink on the 19th Hole ( Clubhouse) Ken also purchased a wind-breaker jacket. The meal in the restaurant was excellent but frightfully expensive, but we had a very good evening.

The next morning we had a late check-out and then drove to Sky Harbour airport  in Phoenix AZ , dropped off the car and made our way to the US airways Check in for our flight to Honolulu, Hawaii.   We were surprised that despite flying first class for this 6 hour flight , there was no lounge access.  The flight was very good and we arrived in Honolulu at about 20.00PM and caught a taxi to  Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort , Waikiki, Honolulu Hawaii.  This is a wonderful resort and one of our favourites.  We are not staying in our time-share , but in the Rainbow Tower ( A hotel within the complex) and in Room 1414.  Well fitted out with views over the Lagoon and across to the Lagoon Tower , where we own our Hawaiian time-share.   We have 5 days and nights here and it is just the most amazing view, the colour of the ocean, little or no breeze and 25-27 degrees Celsius .  On the Friday night we discover, too late that we are on the wrong side of the Rainbow Tower to have a first hand view of the Show and spectacular fireworks, but we have enjoyed them many times previously.

Ken walks each morning  and swims every day in the lagoon or pool.  we do some shopping and have dinner at the famed Roy's restaurant in Waikiki on our second last night.  Just superb and the food is wonderful and service excellent.  The last night we eat at Outback Restaurant, a chain serving meals based on Australian names.  It is good solid food and we enjoy it.  Jeanette describes the resort as a little part of Paradise, with its gardens, birds, fish and animals as well as the several restaurants, shopping of all varieties and 6-7 towers.

We eat breakfast out on the balcony.  we then pack up and leave the building as we have an early flight with Jetstar back to Melbourne.  The flight is very good, comfortable seats at 1 J and 1 K, food good and we each slept for about 5-6 hours of the almost 11 hour flight.

Gavin meets us at the exit to Customs and Immigration and we are whisked home, arriving in Glen Waverley at about 6.15PM .

We have had an outstanding holiday , catching up with friends , but also relaxing and enjoying the whole process. We enjoyed the cruise with Ruby Princess a beautiful ship,. The weather has been remarkably good , the accommodation just first class.  We have almost achieved budget so all has gone well. 

We love the holidays and cruises , but it is always wonderful to come home. 

Fly to Singapore and Bangkok and then Cruise on Oceania Nautica sailing from Bangkok to Istanbul over 35 days then a brief stopover in Istanbul, Adu Dhabi and Singapore before returning to Melbourne on 26th May 2015

We departed Melbourne flying Singapore Airlines and enjoyed an excellent flight after Gavin picked us up and delivered us to Tulamarine Airport.  We checked in and were through Customs and Immigration inside 15 minutes and then sitting in the Singapore Kris-flyer Lounge enjoying a drink .

The flight was usual Singapore efficiency and their Business Class is just superb and this was followed by an excellent meal.  The flight passed quickly and it was a very short stopover in Singapore before our connecting flight to Bangkok was called.  There were only 12 people in Business and again a very enjoyable flight.  arrived and were whisked through Customs and Immigration where were met by our driver and taken to the beautiful Conrad Bangkok.

The Bangkok city was less crowded as it was their celebration of New Year and many people were absent on Holidays, but we still enjoyed 2 spectacular days before we boarded the small but beautiful Oceania Nautica.  Again check in was quick and efficient and we were escorted to our Suite (Penthouse P3) 8002.  Given the length of the cruise we decided to opt for the larger suite and extras, including champagne on arrival.  We were greeted by our butler "Samrat" and Cabin attendant Nina and they looked after us very well.

There is a daily diary detailing all aspects of the cruise.  Similarly , there are a variety of photos.

We have met and made friendships with a number of people of similar ages and interests.  The food and entertainment has been excellent.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and appreciated the opportunity to visit many ports and countries that we had previously considered likely that we would never get to see and enjoy.

The itinerary covered the following :

• Bangkok

• Singapore

• Phuket

• Cruising the Gulf of Thailand

• Rangoon, Yangon, Myanmar, Bangan

• Cochin ( Southern India)

• Mumbai, India

• Cruising the Arabian Sea

• Cruising the Gulf of Aden

• Cruising the Red Sea

• Aqaba, Jordan

• Haifa, Israel, Jerusalem

• Cruising Suez Canal

• Alanya, Turkey

• Rhodes, Greece

• Istanbul, Turkey

We were privileged to see different cultures and different people.  All were magnanimous and gracious.  We arranged a variety of small excursions covering lifestyle, history, ruins and architectural wonders.

We completed the cruise and then spent 2 days in Istanbul staying at the beautiful Conrad with spectacular views over the Bosphorus Straits, which is a busy and beautiful waterway separating Asia and Europe.  We visited both sides of the straits and also took in the abundance of historical sightseeing sites.   We then did a day tour to beautiful Princes Island where we enjoyed a carriage ride to the top of the hill with superb views.

Then we departed the Conrad and negotiated the Istanbul traffic to get to TAV Ataturk International Airport and flew with Turkish Airlines to Abu Dhabi.  The weather went from a temperate 75-85 degrees F in Istanbul to 105-110F in Abu Dhabi.  We arrived at 2.40am and we were met by the rep from the Shangri-La Hotel and escorted to our vehicle for the 25 minute drive to this spectacular hotel.

We checked in at 3.45am, local Abu Dhabi time, and then were ushered to our suite, then straight to sleep and woke at 10.30am after a reasonable night.  We enjoyed breakfast, but the weather was so extreme that we decided to lie low until a visit late afternoon to the Grand Mosque.  Just amazing and the photos depict the excellent experience.

The following day we decided to have a relaxing day, with a quiet time, swim around the pool but also staying inside with the air conditioning.  It was 112 degrees F at 10.40am and just too hot to do anything.  We enjoyed a superb celebratory dinner in the Bord Eaux, French Restaurant at the Shangri-La to reflect upon and celebrate our holiday. 

We departed the Shangri-La and were met by the driver and driven to Dubai International Airport and covered the 128 km distance in just over an hour, then we came upon a traffic jam where there was no movement for 20 minutes, before being delivered to the Airport.

An excellent flight Dubai to Singapore , then a 3 hour stopover before flying home.

Just a wonderful holiday, how fortunate are we to be able to see the world in all of its facets, enjoy the different cultures , whilst also cruising and travelling in luxury.

Always wonderful to travel home and again reflect upon our wonderful life together and then to joyously celebrate our return with our family.  In this case David our eldest son celebrated his 40th Birthday , during our holiday.   We had a birthday party on Saturday evening with Chris and Peita and Seb and Oliver to celebrate David's birthday.

We now have 4 weeks to prepare for our next holiday travelling from Darwin to the  Kimberleys and then across to Broome, Western Australia before flying back to Melbourne.

Our Kimberley and Northern Territory Holiday following 3 Days in Central Australia visiting Uluru ( Ayres Rock ) and the stunning Olgas. 

Our Kimberley and Northern Territory holiday has been in the planning for several months.  we left Melbourne on a cold morning in Mid-June 2015 excited as to our holiday yet wary as to the degree of difficulty to be faced in the walking and climbing.

Our direct flight to Uluru, was uneventful, but you clearly begin to get a picture of just how big Australia really is and how remote these places are.   Uluru is about 4 hours 30 minutes flight from Melbourne and is a town established in the traditional Aboriginal land holdings and is supported by infrastructure established for the tourists visiting the rock.  We were transferred by bus to Sails in the desert resort, a 5 star resort with the rock some 15 minutes away and a shimmering sight in the afternoon sunlight.  Our flight arrived on time and we had the afternoon to ourselves after having a sandwich lunch and checking in and un-packing.  We then walked through the town and had dinner at one of the restaurants.

The night sky is just unbelievable to sit and watch the stars.  there was also an aboriginal stage show presented by local artists, singers and actors.  It had been an interesting day and again the isolation is quite stunning.

We woke the next morning and we had the morning to ourselves and Ken went out on a helicopter ride over the Rock and the Olgas.  It was a 30 minute flight and quite stunning in terms of the colours and the rugged country.  Our official tour with AAP Kings commenced at 1.30 PM with a pick up for an afternoon tour of the Olgas with a very good guide and in the comfort of a big bus.  Following the guided tour and several long walks we stopped to have drinks and nibbles and watch the sunset and the amazing range of colours from Red to purple. 

An early bedtime because we had a very early start to be picked up at 05.30 AM for the trip of 15 minutes out to the viewing platform to wait, have coffee and biscuits and then await a perfect sunrise on a clear blue sky morning.  We really enjoyed the opportunity in the cold to watch the first sun rays climb over the horizon and then present us with spectacular imagery of this beautiful rustic country.  The colours again changed fundamentally as the weather changed and the few clouds disappeared.  For the next 45 minutes we took in the changing colours and the range of pinks. oranges, purples and finally vibrant gold as the sun rose and the shadows disappeared.   We were then guided on a walk around Uluru, where Jeanette and I did almost 7 km of walking and being instructed by the guide.  But we were also struggling at the fast pace that the guide and other members of this tour were walking.  We stopped for a drink and morning tea at the site of the climb up the Rock , which has only recently reopened, before deciding that we would get a bus back to the resort rather than complete the remaining 4 km of walking.  We made a very wise decision as several others also struggled.  The tour was a long 4-5 hours of walking and we felt that 2 1/2 was all we needed as far as walking given what we have ahead over the next 3 weeks. 

We enjoyed a breakfast in the open before going back to the resort.   

The various aboriginal groups presented shows and highlighted skills and their history.  We did learn a little of the culture.

Another afternoon tour, with walks and guided instruction of the history of this land and the significance of "The Rock" then the highlight was a sunset where we saw the splendid colours and the amazing changes in atmosphere as we tansitioned from a warm day to a cold frosty evening with amazing stars.  But the afternoon in late June watching the sunset over Uluru , will be something that you never forget.  We watched in amazement as we saw the Rock change from normal colours to Gold and then to a bright Crimson red.  Our group for this late afternoon consisted of more people our age including several who were staying over in Uluru after travelling from Darwin on the Ghan (north-south Railway passenger train of 3 days each way ie. north and south from Darwin to Adelaide). 

We concluded the tour in the pitch black of darkness with the stars sparkling and all agreeing that this sunset had been something really special.  We dined at Sails in The Desert and had a very enjoyable meal.

We had a reasonably early start after breakfast we were taken by bus / shuttle to the airport to await our short flight to Alice Springs from where after 2 hour's wait we flew to Darwin.   Jeanette and I agreed that this has been a very special 3 days exploring the rugged Central Australia and in particular the spectacular beauty of the Rock, being Uluru and The Olgas.  We were surprised by the beauty and the immense grandeur of scale and yet isolation of Uluru and The Olgas provide another insight into the history and traditions.

Arrival in Darwin and Transfer to the Mantra Pandanus Hotel.

After the short 45 minute flight Uluru to Alice Springs and then the 2 hour flight from Alice Springs we were ready to be met and taken directly to our Hotel.  We were greeted at the luggage claim area by a very enthusiastic "Territorian" who then proceeded to give us a detailed explanation as to life in the North, all of the beauty and the unique opportunities, before then moving on to the cost of living etc.   We arrive in Darwin, close to the Esplanade some way out of the City Centre and checked in and had room 1602.  Mantra Hotel is comfortable and we sleep well.  We awake to a perfect morning, have breakfast at 6.15 AM, before we check in for the tour and meet our guide.  Vaughan Dunn is our driver and guide with a passion for this unique part of the Country.

APT Kimberley and Northern Wilderness Tour  (Darwin, Northern Territory to Broome, Western Australia)  June / July 2015

We board our "Coach" at 7.00 AM and are ready for what we envisage will be a wonderful tour of this remarkable yet wilderness part of Australia and the world.   Our coach is an Isuzu Truck with a capsule which seats 20 people bolted on to the truck body with very heavy springs and shock-absorbers.  Quite frankly, it is not what we expected, but within 2 days we realise that the corrugated roads and rough conditions require something truly unique in terms of transport and in many places later in the Kimberley a traditional bus would not make the journey.

For the next 16 days we enjoy and endure a unique lifetime experience travelling across this remote, barren and stunning landscape of Northern Australia.  we traverse some of the worst roads you will ever travel.

The individual Diary records reflect the difficulty of the travel , the numbing terrain across corrugated roads,  the stunning and beautiful scenery and the hospitality and outstanding accommodation of the wilderness Lodges and the food, which was a glorious surprise in such remote locations.

Our group consisted of 8 couples all of similar interests and aged ( 60-70 approx) from around Australia , together with a younger Chinese Australian family of 3 with the adults early 40's and the son 18.   It was an enjoyable group with many spontaneous but enjoyable events.  All people related well and got on well together. There are daily diary pages detailing our trip.

We have enjoyed an excellent holiday covering very rough terrain, but producing wonderful memories of enthralling outback Australia particularly showcasing the Kimberleys and Kakadu.  We have several months until we travel to thew USA and meet up with several friends before we join the Ruby Princess for back to back Cruises in the Carribean and Mexico.

October 2015 and Holiday in USA with time in Lake Tahoe, Reno, Salt Lake City , Branson, St Louis, New Orleans, Houston, San Francisco and Princess Cruise , then Honolulu, Hawaii.

Gavin picked us up early on 1st October, 2015 and we enjoyed an excellent trip to Melbourne aiurport, where we were scheduled to fly on United Airlines Dream liner flight UA 99 to Los angeles before then flying from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington State.  We enjoyed the arrival and then checked in and were through Customs and Immigration in Melbourne inside 20 minutes.  

The flight was terrific with departure on time and First class / Business class being very comfortable.  We departed at 9.15 AM and were scheduled to arrive early morning ( same day) at Los Angeles at 6.45 AM.   We arrived a little early and then passed very quickly through the new automated immigration system and then as we were exiting the terminal, we happened upon Bob and Pat Jones, friends from out of Los Angeles returning home from a break in Hawaii.  We all laughed and talked for some 15 minutes.  We had cruised with them on Oceania , Nautica last year and we hope to see them in 2016 in Melbourne.

We then walked several hundred metres to the domestic terminal where we caught UA 5608 from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington State, departing at 9.10 AM and arriving Seattle at 12.05 PM, where we picked up a rental car and drove to downtown Seattle where we stated at Home-wood Suites by Hilton in an excellent location in Seattle.  We would spend the next 2 days exploring Seattle and thoroughly enjoying this pretty city.

From here we drove into Oregon State and spent 5 days with Tom and Cathy Akins in 2 beautiful resorts and we had a great time which is detailed in our diary updates.

After 5 days of relaxation , eating and thoroughly enjoying ourselves it was time to move on and we had a lengthy drive to South Lake Tahoe, where we stayed at a beautiful Marriott timeshare property called Timber Lodge, in a perfect location in this spectacular mountain and beautiful lake vista.   There was much to see and do in this amazingly beautiful holiday township.  

From here we drove to Reno, not to gamble, but to then fly to Salt Lake City, and one of the holiday highlights was our flight arrival over the salt pan and salt lakes with the brilliant white and pink salt glistening in the late afternoon sunlight.  We didn't stay in Salt Lake City but picked up a rental car and drove to Marriotts Mountainside in Park cityUtah, where we again stayed in a unique timeshare resort in the old historic section of Park city.  this is a ski destination and there is much to see and do and wonderful scenery.   We did return to Salt Lake City to explore the city and to visit and take in a rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  We can only describe it as a wonderful evening.  We also enjoyed the Mormon customs and hospitality so evident in Salt Lake City.  we also visited the Olympic sites used in the winter Olympics and thoroughly enjoyed the tours.  

Our next stopover entailed driving further into the Rockies and visiting the world famous ski resort of Vail, Colorado  where we stayed at Marriott’s Steam-side another picturesque resort.  we arrived and checked in during a blizzard and the snow and colours were amazing.  Ken golfed the next day on the very last day of the season prior to closure ahead of the winter snow and ski season.  Over several days we explored Vail, Breckenridge and other ski resorts as well as some golf courses and did some shopping.  Vail is itself a unique township with both 5 star accommodation and restaurants and then every other level.  We were to experience 4 days of quite cold and heavy snowfall, but it din'y impact our plans or local travel arrangements.

The end of our time here allowed us to visit Denver, Colorado from where we flew to St. Louis and again picked up a hire car and drove to Hilton St. Louis where we enjoyed several days.  The Hilton Was directly adjacent across the road beside the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and you can imagine Ken's excitement notwithstanding that the season had ended. He enjoyed a tour of the stadium and the locker room and then stopped for a beer and hot-dog at the famous restaurant over the road and sat upstairs watching the field.   this was also where we caught up with Steve and Ruth-Ellen, who we had previously travelled with on our earlier Tauck tour of Kenya and Tanzania.   They were gracious hosts over 2 full days showing us their city and we dined at a local Italian Restaurant before joining them for a lovely dinner in their home and we celebrated Halloween with all of the trick or treating.   We have detailed the day's activities in our diary .   We have many wonderful photos.  

It was a relatively short drive from St. Louis to Branson, Missouri, where we next visited and stayed at a beautiful Timeshare Resort called Stormy Point Village Summerwinds Resort which was located on a headland above the lake and with superb views over the town and valley.  The weather has changed a little and is getting cooler. But we enjoyed a wonderful 7 Days in Branson and visited several live shows , which were all terrific.   We also visited Dolly Parton’s Showtime resort and Theatre.  Just amazing with all of the Clydesdale horses.   Ken also played golf at 2 noteworthy courses and thoroughly enjoyed himself.   To this stage St. Louis and Branson were highlights of what is a totally different holiday in the USA.

We had a short drive to Springfield Regional airport where we flew to New Orleans and can only say we enjoyed a wonderful 3 days staying at the magnificent Roosevelt Hotel, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel ( Hilton)  in a beautiful suite adorned with period features and furniture.  We loved New Orleans and its slightly quirky architecture, friendly bright people, amazing restaurants and the Mississippi which can only be described as an amazing river and the tour we took on the Paddle Steamer “Nanchez” was pretty special.

But our short stopover then had us flying from New Orleans to Houston Texas, where we had originally planned to stay with Cathy and Harold Armstrong, but a change in meeting arrangements meant that they had to apologise and we did our own thing in this big bustling city.  The road system is amazing.  Ken visited the Houston space Centre and had a wonderful day.

He also played golf at a wonderful course arranged via Hilton Honors and thoroughly enjoyed himself.  Jeanette shopped but during this period became ill with a virus which took several days to recover from.  We also dined in a couple of very nice restaurants.  

So whilst sorry to miss Cathy and Harold, we had a great time as our diary reflects.  

On 14 November we flew Houston to San Francisco and we always enjoy the beauty of San Francisco, we stayed out at a Double Tree by the airport and despite being regular visitors to this city decided to visit downtown and then have an early night because tomorrow we board the Grand Princess for our Cruise to Mexico  and the Mexican Riviera over 10 days.  We had a wonderful cruise on a very comfortable ship and enjoyed the company of some very pleasant people.  Jeanette celebrated her birthday in style and all in all another excellent cruise.  

Upon return to San Francisco we had a flight late morning from San Francisco to Honolulu, UA 300 departing at 11.25AM and then arriving honolulu, Hawaii at 2.45PM, where were were picked up by Blacklane and whisked to check in at Hilton Hawaiian village , Honolulu.  We stayed in the Lagoon tower in a two bedroom suite, (which is the timeshare type we own in this resort).   We again enjoyed beautiful Hawaii and Honolulu, with much to see and do and then a special celebratory dinner at Rob's .

We had an early start to get to Honolulu airport for our flight back to Melbourne, Australia.   

An excllent holiday doing so many different things and visiting several cities and areas, that we had not visited previously on earlier visits.  We throughly enjoyed our time with our American hosts who were great tour directors and guides and thoughtful caring hosts.  

Gavin, as usual greeting us as we came though Immigration and Customs and drove us home to Glen Waverley .  Always wonderful to return home, but we also realise that this will be one of the last holidays where we return to our home in Caithness Crescent, Glen Waverley.  A great holiday and we have returned to perfect weather here in Melbourne during a period of superb spring weather.

March April , 2016  -  Wonderful - A Portrait of India with Tauck March / April 2016.

We have been planning our trip to India via a short Singapore stopover, for over 15 months.  We are excited because our prior Tauck experience in Kenya and Tanzania proved wonderful with fantastic guides .   Following our India adventure and the completion with additional days in Mumbai we will begin our trip home with a stopover for a week in Thailand and then 2 days in Singapore.

Ken has completed an extensive daily diary with a detailed explanation of our travels and the individual excursions.  so this is very much an overview.   We have returned to India with an expectation that was created following last year's cruise from Bangkok to Istanbul on Oceania Nautica.  We did spend time in several Indian ports and cities and of course fell in love with Mumbai, with the enthusiastic friendly people, the stunning colours and the fragrances which taunt your senses.

So let us give a brief description of each location and our superb accommodation, appreciating that there are detailed diary reviews elsewhere.

We flew from Melbourne to Singapore and then onto Delhi on Singapore Airlines, with a stopover in Singapore before boarding an early morning flight to Delhi.   We arrived in Delhi and experienced our first Adrenalin rush on meeting our guide and being transferred to the Oberoi, New Delhi.

We arrived and passed through the Hotel security to gain entrance to this beautiful hotel in the diplomatic centre of the Capital of India.   We were wisked through check in and given the early hour were shown to our room and then slept to almost lunch time.  The Oberoi Hotel is amazing in terms of the decoration, comfort and pure luxury.

So the afternoon was ours to see and take in some of Delhi before the official meet and greet tomorrow morning.  We did meet a Scottish couple downstairs and Jim and Rosie were to become good friends and colleagues , with whom we will maintain contact.  So we took the opportunity to take in the contrasting cultural feel of Delhi with its beautiful wide avenues and grand vistas and many Colonial mansions , we deferred travel to New Delhi until tomorrow after our meet and greet.  New Delhi is the home of the Imperial Government and the Embassy District.  It is a beautiful collection of mansions and administrative buildings highlighting the colonial past and the new Indian government centre.

It is a vibrant city, with a totally different character to any areas we have seen on our prior visits to India.  We dined in a superb restaurant in the Oberoi and had a pleasant evening and again waved and said hello to our fellow guests from Scotland.  Little did we know that they would become good friends and colleagues.

We woke to day2 and following a breakfast we wondered who was on our tour.  Tauck took over the cocktail bar at the Oberoi Delhi where our guide Peter Pappas from New York, introduced himself and then went through our itinerary and the fascinating iterations, which we would see over the next 3 weeks.   We were each introduced , but the formal welcome and introduction would be at a Cocktail function in the hotel this evening , where we would each introduce ourselves.

The afternoon involved an excursion and bus drive with various stops in Delhi .  We viewed the 5 storied Qut Minar Victory tower , built in 1193 and then visited the Mahatma Ghandi National Museum, housing his personal letters and diaries.

After lunch, we went on another sightseeing tour with the classical Secretarial buildings , the home of the massive Indian bureaucracy, Parliament house and the Presidential Palace flanking Vijay Chowk, a grand piazza known as Victory Square.   We saw the famed "India Gate", commemorating Indian and British soldiers and earlier had visited and enjoyed the inspiring Humayun Tomb, a UNESCO world Heritage Site, set in beautiful Persian Paradise Gardens.

We were then scheduled to have a drinks and introduce ourselves at a Tauck cocktail party prior to dinner.  This was really the first opportunity to talk and meet one another and we each explained our backgrounds and where applicable our prior tours and experiences with Tauck.  So the welcome reception and dinner in the superb Oberoi restaurant was a terrific means of getting to know our fellow travellers.

Day 3 brought a significant change as we again explored Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th-18th Centuries.   We toured the wonderful Red Fort and took in the sumptuous palaces of the Red Fort.  It is a time honoured powerful symbol of Indian Nationalism.  We also visited the Raj Ghat the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandi.  later in the day Ken went to Delhi Golf club and enjoyed the whole experience including the amazing collection of current elite vehicles.  

Day 4 commenced with an early wake up and following breakfast transfer for our flight We flew to Varanasi and witnerssed the stunning Ceremonial burials of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges river.   Varanasi is one of the world's  oldest surviving cities, nestled on the scred banks of the sacred River Ganges.  Varanasi has been a spiritual home to pilgrims since the 6th Century, blessing and purifying them with the river's "Holy waters" in sacred daily ceremonies.  A sightseeing tour of this eternal city took us to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon and we visited the National Museum, home to a superb collection of sculptures dating from 3rd century BC.  It was an amazing day.

The next morning we had a 4.00AM rise to be ready to depart for the river cruise on the Ganges and them to witness the spiritual ceremonies of religious devotion from births, weddings to death along the ghats - long flights of wide stone stairs leading down to the water.   We then flew later in the day from Varanasi to Agra for a 2 night stay at the superb The Oberoi, Amarvillas and we see and will subsequently tour the Taj Mahal.

Following a superb buffet breakfast and walk through the grounds of this beuatiful hotel we travlled 5 minutes by bus to the entrance to the Taj Mahal.  Awe inspiring are apt words for the Taj Mahal completed in 1643 and it is rightly called a monument in various ways as " a vision, a dream ,a poem, a wonder".  It is resplendent with refined aestethics that give the tomb a mystical aura as the sun shines and produces differnet angles of light upon the structure.   We had our photos taken from variuous angles.  The visit to the Taj Mahal is one of the greatest experiences we have enjoyedf on our travels to date. 

It was a sensational morning, one we will never forget.  

This afternoon we drove to the massive Red Sandstone Agra Fort , a UNESCO world Heritage Site built by the Emporer Akbar between 1565 and 1573.  Aghra Fort is an amazing construction but also as a strategic military installation as well as clearly a major residence for the Royal Family.    It is also designated an an outstanding example of Mughai architectural splendour at its height.   We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon visiting and moving through this wonderful palace and military site.  

Quite simply one of the most amazing days of travel we have experienced in all of our travels.

Our accommodation at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra are quite simply one of the nmost stunning hotels and residences complex that we have seen anywhere in the world.  Ken still talks of sitting in the bar enjoying a wonderful local beer with the Taj Mahal in the background.  something really special.

How the days  are passing and it is already February 24, 2016 and we art travelling from Agra to the Pink city of Jaipur.  It is known as the Pink city because of its pink stucco architecture used throughout the city.  The werather is warmer, but we travel through this beautifully laid out city and we see such treasures such as the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

The Hawa Mahal palace was originally constructed to allow women of the court the opportunity to watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets from behind ornate stone carved screens.  The entire building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head.

The City Palace covers a large area measured as 1/7 of the city area in the heart of Jaipur.  The first floor houses fine muslins, Benares silks, local hand printed cottons and enbroidered coats fron North India.  

We commenced our afternoon visit at the Jantar Mantar Observatory, which is a fscinating collection of geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars and their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining celestial altitudes.   It is a really interesting expose of these measurement tools.

From here we drove to a very special dinner at a Palace where we were greeted by musicians, and a bevy of elephants, camels and other animals all dressed in ceremonial gear.

We dined and thoroughly enjoyed our night of opulence under the stars.  How enjoyable with good friends, enjoying wonderful food and entertainment with local dancers  in a superb venue.

Then followed a tour of the palace including several restaurants and then out onto the lawns flanked by spectacular fountains.

After a leasurely start with a relaxed breakfast and the chance to take in some of the facilities at our beautiful hotel. Ken walked through the grounds and the pool area and came back talking having seen many peacocks.  Then we were rounded up and made our way by coach to the immense Amber Palace with its massive gateways, pillared pavillions and a multitude of palaces which pay tribute to the Ancient Kingdoms.  The Amber Fort is spectacularly located on a hillside overlooking Moatha Lake  and the building structures reflect a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu Architecture.  The construction features an exacting combination of red sandstone and white marble.  We chose jeeps to acend to the Palace entrance, although some did  ride elephants to the centre inside the walled palace and Fort grounds.  We then visit and tour the Amber Fort and Palaces which house the royal apartments.  Here we see manty elegant frescoes and and fascinating Jali (lattice-works) screens.  We throughly admire the fascinating Seesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the wonderful etchings on display.  Here we see thousands of mirror pieces which adorn the ceilings and the walls and any streak of light , makes them sparkle and illuminates the whole room.  Just amazing!!

We enjoy a wonderful dinner following Cocktails with Jean and bill and Rosie and Jim, great company and we have a stunning night with dinner outside on the terrace overlooking the lake.  Our accommodation here is at The Oberoi Udalvilas of Udaipur, is  hard to describe the scope and exotic wealth of this resort. We are left speechless after a stunning dinner outside in the comfort of the terrace surrounds.

Next morning we pack and after breakfast travel to the airport where we board flights for Udaipur , whose origins date back to 728AD.  We have 3 nights here in a superb Oberoi property along side Lake Picola and we see and visit some of the most exclusive real estate in the world.    This is a magnificent lake side resort with every imaginable facility and wonderful deluxe suites.  We are excited as to enjoying 3 wonderful nights in this location beside the beautiful lake.  

This spectacular man-made lake, named Lake Pichola, is a stunning scene with spectacular 5 star hotels and resorts rimming the lake.  We dine at a restaurant overlooking the lake and take a lake cruise.  Something very special.

We wake to a near perfect morning of clear blue skies and after breakfast depart for a cruise on the lake and explore the sites of Udaipur and the 18th Century fountain gardens of Saheliyonki Bari, built as a pleasure park for the 48 maids of the Maharana's wife.  We also see the beautifil marble pavilions and carved lotus pools within the superb gardens.  We then have time for a stroll through the gardens and take in the superb scenery.  

Our tour guide then introduces us to another local guide, who takes us on a guided tour of Jagdish Mandor Temple, which is decorated with stunning friezes of dancers, musicians, elephants and horsemen and the spectacular city Palace a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed, galleries and unbelievable marble temples.

We dine for lunch at a superb local restaurant ( TripAvvisor - 5 Stars)  with servers dressed in stunnig local Indian dress and the presentation in silver plates, dishes and with multi layered chandeliers, was another unique experience.

We have the afternoon to ourselves, back at the Resort,  and we use the time to swim and do our post cards , before the group reconvenes for drinks and then a quiet dinner. We host a cocktail function for 6 guests and then dine in the Indian Restaurant and can onlty say the food was sumptous and scrumptious.  A great night was had by all.

The balloon flight was cancelled due to the winds, so all members took off on an amaxing auto-ricshaw ride around the famous spice and vegetable markets of Udaipur, followed by a long and interesting walk through the market area.  Surprisingly clean and frequented by a whole range of people.  We used the afternoon to rest and have an afternoon sleep, before also doing some washing and going for a walk around the resort.  

The following morning we embark upon our travels to Cochin.  Jeanette and Ken visited Cochin whilst on the Oceania Cruise and look forward to this return visit.   From the airport, we have a spectacular drive into the city of Cochin (Kochi) in the  wealthy, enchanting state of Kerala, where a mosaic of coconut groves, paddy fields and verdant canals invite discovery.  Follwing check in and unpacking at the Taj Malabar Hotel we enjoy a spectacular cruise to take in the spectacular sunset on the Arabian Sea, as local fishermen bring in the day's catch.  We also again see the Chinese fishing cranes and nets.  But there are fewer and it is a dying occupation.

Dinner is "a spectacular" in a stunning restaurant overlooking the canal and waterways.  Again a fun evening .  Earlier we had enjoyed a lenghty presentation by the world renowned Kathakali Dancers, performing classical dances of this unique part of Southern India.  Our hotel the Taj Malabar hotel is comfortable with beautiful reception and lounge areas overlooking the busy waterways.

The city of Kochi in known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea and we use our time well to explore this interesting and vibrant city.  Unfortunately, a large cruise ship is also in port and this complicates our touring and travles.  We visit the Mattancherry District, home to the Jewish quarter that was established some 600 years ago.    Today it is vibrant with merchants selling tea, spices. wood carvings and antiques.    We visit the Dutch Palace, the St Francis church( dating dfrom 1510 and the temporary burial sirte of Vasco de Gama.  We travelled to Fort Cochin , the oldest European settlement in India.  

Following a quick shower and change at the hotel we visit the home of one of India's leading Television Chefs for a culinary demonstration in her home.    Here we learn more of the spices and seafood that have made Kerala world famous.    We enjoy a beautiful freshly prepared meal.

After a good nights rest following two long and hard days in the heat and humidity, we rise and following breakfast, we join the busses for our trip to our next resort at Kumarakom, passing through a variety of small villages predominantly fishing based and arrive for a late lunch.  we have again passed the Chinese Crane fishing nets.

There is much activity and we have a significant dance presentaton this evening of Mohiniattam entertainment, Mohiniattam means "Mohimi's dance" .  It is an endearing dance performance with the main theme revolvingaround love and devotion to God.  We have several dancers entertain us for about an hour.  This is an idyllic environment beside the seaside.

This morning brings another perfect day with cooling sea breezes and we board the Famous Kerala Houeboats for a cruise through the beautifil still lagoons of this city known as the "Venice of the East" and we sail across Vembanad Lake whilst we enjoy a Keral style buffet luncheon cooked in the tiny kitchen at the rear of the houseboat.  We arrive back at 2.15PM and then decide to have a swim in our private pool out front of our Villa.  Several members of our party have booked the world renowned spa treatment.

The evening brings a stunning martial arts presentation . We have enjoyed a wonderful couple of days here at Kerala.

An early start with breakfast then check out and a quick trip to the airport for our flight to Mumbai.  All goes well and we are inside the airport inside 45 minutes.  The flight is also enjoyable, we meet our guide, whose name is also Jeanette, at the arrivals gateway and we are then ushered to our bus for an orientation tour of amazing Mumbai and we do visit the Cricket ground and stop to look over the laundry.  The laundry covers a large residential area and they collect washing and it is then washed and returned over the day from a large number of adjoining areas.

We are dropped off at our Hotel, The Oberoi Mumbai, following a drive around the Marine Parade and take in the wonderful Necklace a spectacular boulevard.  Mumbai is surrounded on 3 sides by the Arabian Sea,and the influence of the sea is everywhere.  It is the economic powerhouse of India and the capital of the state of Maharashtra.   It is a beautiful city with stunning architecture from the British Imperial days as well as a bustling lifestyle.  We have been here for several days on our prior trip and there is much to see and do.

The evening brings our farewell cocktail party where everyone contributes by commenting upon the tour and the highlights.  It is an emotional evening and we have enjoyed the company of the group.  Most people have got along very well and we have enjoyed the beauty and vibrant lifestlye of this amazing democracy.

India and this tour have met and surpassed our expectations and we have also made some friends who we wil stay in touch with over the years ahead.

We go to the bar in the Hotel to celebrate with friends and say goodbye to other people some of whom we have become close friends with , including Jean and Bill and Rosie and Jim.  Jeanette and Ken have booked an additional day to do a local city tour, have lunch at a famous restaurant (refer our diary) and then back to pack after a swim for our night departure from Mumbai to Bangkok via Thai Airlines.   We then fly the Silk, regional airline, internally from Bangkok to Phuket where we are met by a driver and taken to our resort at Khou Lak.

We are staying for 7 nights at the all inclusive J W Marriott Khou Lac resort, which is a superb International resort about 70 km from Phuket.  The resort is a man made resort with 3km of waterways shaped in a large Capital "E" shape around the centre perimeter of the resort.  These waterways are superb pools.   The resort is beside a beautiful beach and there are many long walks.  However, the weather in late February is exceptionally hot and humid , to the extent that Ken decides it is too hot for golf. 

April 2016  -  JW Marriott -  Khou Lac Resort ,  Phuket, Thialand.

We are tired after a most enjoyable but strenuos holiday touring the amazing triangle from Delhi to Jaipur and Udaipur and then to Kerala and Mumbai, undertaking a Tauck tour.  It was an amazing experience, but we wisely decided to have a week in Phuiket, Thailand at a 5 star all inclusive resort.  

We enjoyed a superb Silk air flight from Bangkok to Phuket ,where after clearing customs and immigration we searched and found a tour representative and then we were ushered to a waiting van.  It was just us advised, after meeting our rep and then driving along a good road through lush forests and we were driven 75 minutes through Phuket to finally arrive at what can only be described as a beautiful resort in idyllic conditions.

Our driver spoke no english so any attempt at communication was futile. Check in was quick and also a challenge as so much was explained as to interests and activities.  We had upgraded to a deluxe pool room, where we have direct access to one of the most amazing pools we have ever seen.  Our suite was just beautiful, with a large master bedroom, stunning bathroom and dressing room and immediate access to 3 spectacular specialist restaurants as well as the large main dining room. So we walked out from our balcony directly into a heated pool.  That pool is then snaking itself through the resort over a 3km winding route.  The gym was also excellent, we didn't use the spa facilites although they were heavily promoted.

The resort has several restaurants of different culinary and cultural dimensions and we tried them all and probably enjoyed the Thai and Chinese restaurants as favourites.  The Japanese and American restaurants were also  enjoyable.  We had drinks at the beach , but didn't eat at the beach restaurant.

The resort is based along a beautiful beach with the stunning vista of swaying palm trees and white sand beaches.  It is a large resort based upon its all inclusive features.   Ken had intended to play golf at the local championship course, but it just proved too hot and the humidity was stifling.

We have travelled through Phuket on this and prior vists and the resort, is just sensational in terms of a relaxing R & R experience, but the township is in a remote small country township with hundreds of tailors and restaurants, but little else.  The resort is fun and games for the families.  There are many Germans, Dutch and English guests all enjoying the warmth and sun.   Surprisingly, we are also meeting many Russians who travel to Thailand and Phuket in particular

Jeanette and I enjoyed this whole experience, we needed it. But it was a stunning breathtaking relief from the intensity of the wonderful Tauck tour of India.   We also enjoyed our time together, where we could do our own thing and then relax and dine at 7.30pm with local entertainment.  

From here we flew with Silk Air from Phuket to Singapore, where we had a stopover and day where we rode the Singapore City tour and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, before having a quiet private dinner and relaxing in this clean and enterprising city, which we enjoy both as to its people, the many attractive sites and the dynamic environment.  We then flew home to Melbourne and Gavin did meet us at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne and then transported us to our Glen Waverley home.   These are exciting times as we travel and enjoy the world with our friends and meet new friends, whilst also refining our home life with our new home to be finished, the move completed and to also settle and plan our ongoing domestic arrangements.   

This has been an outstanding holiday with the Tauck experience of India exceeding our expectations and the food, accommodations and guide experiences were outstanding.  In summary, this has been a wonderful experience, which we hope our daily diary reflects.  The Thailand experience at Khou Lac was timely and comfortable in terms of a period of personal rehabilitation in wonderful sourroundings.

We have found our Indian experience, to be above and beyong our predictions and expectations.  Over the last several years we have seen much of South East Asia, China and Japan and South Korea, then the Cruise through South East Asia to the Middle East and Eastern Europe, but none has left the dramatic impression as the last several weeks in India

Holiday to Canada and USA with Cruise from Montreal to Miami on Oceania RegattA

October- November, 2016.

Following our return from India we commenced detailed preparations for our holiday to USA and Canada including another cruise with Oceania from Montreal to Miami.

Our travel took us to the USA and landing at Los angeles following an excellent flight with UA 99 out of Melbourne.  We enjoyed an excellent meal and then both slept for 7 hoursa or so in very comfortable flat beds.  After arriving in LA and then progressing through Immigration and customs ( quite quickly) we had a 3 hour wait for our flight from Los angeles to San Francisco.  Time was tight particulalry after a delay caused by incleent weather, but we still had plenty of time to get from San Franciso airport into the city to Hilton San Francisoc and then that afternoon undertake a Viator tour of San Francisco Bay from Pier 33 to Alcatraz.  Our Blacklane driver met us as arranged but the luggage was extremely slow and our trip into San Francisco ,was slow.  We arrivede checked in and then had a taxi take us the 15 minutes from the hotel to the pier.  We arrived just before they closed the gangway for that trip and we couldn't have got on the next .  

The tour of Alcatraz was very enjoyable and we followed the guided tour.  We then had an ice-cream before returning to Pier and catching a taxi from the pier back to the hilton.  Ken then went outside to walk and take photos of the Cable Tramdown the bottom.  Surprisingly, he also met several ladies from Portsea Golf Club, so then went to an Irish pub just around the corner from the Hilton.  We dined that evening in a local Cafe.

A strong cold front was due to arrive late evening and we woke the next morning to torrential rainfall.   We had to pick up the rental car from over the road and the Concierge escorted us over the road under his umbrella.  We checked out and used our GPS to get us across the Bay Bridge and then to Oakland where we commenced a drive of 120 miles from the Bay city to Oakdale CA a farming community where we will stay and catch up with Betty and Gene, whom we had previously net on a cruise in Australia.

The weather which had been diabolical with extreme rainfall and thunder and lightning, improved after some 30 minutes of difficult driving.   We arrived at about 11.45AM and were greeted enthusiastically by Gene and then Betty.  Lunch of sandwiches and fruit followed and we talked incessantly for almost 3 hours, before Gene showed us their beautiful garden.  They previously had some 400 rose bushes all beautifully tended , but they have reduced this to a spectacular garden of 100 plus roses.  Our time here passed quickly following dinner with their family.  All very family and american oriented.  A pleasure to catch up with them.

The next day we spent the morning with them and then made our way back to San Francisco where we stayed at Double tree, Brisbane near San Francisco International Airport.  Our drive was easy and the weather was perfect and we took in so much more of this significant ruaral agricultural community.  We checked into the hotel at 4.15PM and Ken then returned the rental car to the rental company near the airport and caught the shurrle bus back to the hotel.  but again the weather changed dramatically.  A severe electrical storm passed through.  We had an early start the next mornng needing to depart at 7.45AM for our flight at 10.25AM from San Francisco to Vancouver where we are staying at our Club Intrawest timeshare in the Sheraton Tower and then meeting friends Alec and Linda who are coming across from Vancouver Island and Vixctoria.

The flight went well and we flew Air Canada ( Dreamliner ) from San Francisco to Vancouver, passed quickly through Immigration and customs.  Our flight had been delayed some 2-3 hours with the weather, but wqhen we came out expecting our Blacklane driver , there was no one.  We waited for 20 minutes before getting a taxi into downtown Vancouver.  This was a little annoying but we love Vancouver having been here on several occasions.  We checked in and went to our suite on 28th florr of the Club Intrawest residences.  We are delighted with wonderful views over the city, but again the weather has changed.   We decide that we will go to the nearby Marketplace (Supermarket and Deli) and purchase food to eat in as well as provisions for the next several days.    We get outside and the rain continues to frustrate our holiday planning.  We eat in then have an early night.  Morning comes quickly and we receive a telephone call from Alec and Linda advising that they will pick us up downstairs in 20 minutes.  thus satarts a terrific 12-13 hurs with them.  They came over to Vancouver last night on the late ferry and then drove into Vancover and stayed with Alec's son.

We started a day with them by driving our of Vancouver to the Capillano Bridge a beautiful area of stunning nature with forests , long walks and Capillano Cantilever bridge over the gorge.  This was planned as a spectacular start, but after light rainfal it again became a torrent of hail and heavy rainfall.   We lunched at the BC Golf course at University of British Columbia, which thjey both attended.  Very enjoyable, the rain had reduced and we walked through the grounds and down to a reservoir.  Then around a park taking in the wonderful garden varieties.  We are nort visiting Ridley Park  on this visit.

From here we went to the Universityu of BC, Archeological Museum where we soent some 4 hours wandering through outstanding displays. But after some 3 hours our legs were aching and we decided to find an Irish Pub , jusyt outside the Uni campus.  Here we relaxed fror some 2 hours, laughing and talking and catching up.

Dinner was in another area of Vancouver that we hadn't been before.  It is a favourite of our hgosts and we thoroughly enjoyed almost a home style meal and several glasses of wine.

Alec and Linda dropped us off at our Club Intrawest Accommodation at about 10.25pm.  We had enjoyed a special day together.

So we had no trouble sleeping that night and we woke the next morning to a better day.   Ken walked and took phoytos.  Jeanette did some shopping for post cards etyc.  We ate dinner at the Sheraton Inhouse restaurant and enjoyed the meal.   Next morning we fly late morning from Vancouver to  Montreal.  It is a clear and dry morning , but another heavy storm is forecast for later in the day in Montreal.  A good flight and we are met by our Blacklane driver, who takes us into the old town of Montreal where we have booked 3 nights accommodation in a converted loft style accommodation.  We had eaten on the plane so decided to miss dinner.  The accommodation is just lovely apart from the stairs from our ground floor to the Bedroom area.  We had been alerted by email that we were on the 3rd floor of trhis converted property.  That meant 3 floors of stairs on each occasion.  Fortunately, the Hotel staff took all of your luggage up the 3 flights of stairs.

Weather here remained remarkably changeable and morning arose and we got to see the Old Port area of montreal for the first time.   We breakfast at the Hotels traditional old style restaurant and enjoy a big breakfast of traditional french style food.  We are wary of the weather but have a tour booked to see the Basicilica and also do a tour of the the Old Port area.  We thoroughly enjoy the tour of the superb Basilica / Cathedral with its ornate decorative style and lighting effects as well as the wonderful Pipe Organ.  We spend almost 2 hours of our late morning here, before completing and moving on , only for extremely heavy rainfall to return.  Jeanette and Ken then do a 2 hour walking tour through the historical arera of the largely renovated "old port" area of Montreal.  

However, come 2.45pm we are both wet and cold and decide enough is enough so go back to our accommodation and change and have a hot drink.  Tonight we are dining at one of the upmarket old French Style resturants in the immediate precinct.   The rain doesn't let up and really is impeding our plans.  We enjoy a meal and some good french wine, then return to our place and watch a movie.  The rain continues all evening, heavy and with thunder and lightning.

The next day we undertake a tour of  Montreal and also visit some of thre underground shopping areas.   We also visit 2 museums.  This is a beautiful city and the unique Old Port area has been sensationally restored, but we are not seeing it at its best because of this continual heavy rainfall.

We awake the morning of our cruise departure, but the weather tremains problematic.  We do pack and then walk the 2 blocks to have breakfast, albeit late, before our pick up at 11.45am for transfer to the Cruise Terminal, which is a 20 minute drive from our hotel to the port / terminal access point.  We quickly come to the terminal facility and see the Oceania Regatta.  We are excited by the forthcoming cruise and its interesting itinerary and the opportunity to catcup with Jean and Bill in Willimasburgwhen we depart the ship in Norfolk, VA and then pick up a rental car from Norfolk Airport and drive to their home in Ford Colony, Williamsburg.

We are cleared through our embarcation procedures within 20 minutes as Suite guests and board Oceania Regatta at 12.20pm and are advcned that our luncheon is in the Terrace Restaurant and our suite will be available at 1.00pm

We have provided a detailed cruise summary in our diary.  Suffice to say we enjoyed an excellent cruise on a very good ship and with good food and enjoyable entertainment.

Our cruise experienced wonderful warm sunny weather following the second day in Quebec City, where we encountered the same storm that had drenched us in Montreal.  We had excellent weather right down the East coast of USA.

The cruise conclude on a perfect morning in Miami, we said good bye to several people and then made our way to pick up our rental from downtown Miami, but we had a difficult time with Dollar and despite departing the ship after breakfast at 9.00am , we didn't get served at Dollar Miami until 10.45am and then were advised there were no vehicles of the category (SUV Medium) and we would need to be driven to another Dollar Car Rental site some 25 minutes away, but that couldn't happen for another 15-20 minutes.  So we waited and eventually we were presented with a Jeep Patriot .

But surprise surprise the weather was about to change with a severe electrical storm with heavy rainfal and thunder.  We had almost a 4 hour drive to Hilton Daytona Beach and the first 2 hours were likely to be in torrential rainfall.   It did take us another 15 minutes to get on the Interstate and then we drove sedately at 75-80 miles per hour for the next 2 hours then stopped and got a sandwich and drink before JKeanette then drove to Daytona Beach, passing the International Racing Track before we pullinto the hotel at 4.20pm.  Ken had made a booking at Joe's fish / Oyster and Scallops restaurant on the Daytona Beach pier , but we cancel that booking due to the extreme winds.  We do eat light snacks internally then watch some television.  The beach here is in a state of repair after Cyclone Matthew did unbeleivable damage some 10 days ago.  We will no doubt see and learn more about that event in Hilton Head Island.

The next morning is perfect, with clear blue skies and the sea looking crystal clear and the wind has dropped quite dramtically.   We depart at 10.30AM for our 4-5 hour drive to Suth Carolina and Hilton Head Beach, where we are staying at our timeshare at Bluewater Marina and Resort.  It is an easy drive on great interstate freeways of between 4 and 6 lanes of traffic in Florida and then 3-4 lanes in South Carolina.  We do stop for information and a toilet break and are informed that Hilton Head Island has been devastated by Cyclone Matthew with some 10,000 large trees down and several marinas significantly damaged.  There are 1500 residences including some resorts with significant damage.  There are major issues with golf courses and some 35 have been closed and even now, 10 days after the storm, only 4 courses are open.

So we do have a sense of the damage, but in reality we have no idea and the early signs as we begin to see massive ples of trees in large stacks suggest an immense tragedy has unfolded with tis and other islands being evacuated, significant property and vegetation damage but no loss of life.  The winds were blowing at 230-270 km per hour at the perak of the strorm.

We arrive at Bluewater after witnessing immense damage.  The resort is fine apart from the damage to its pier on the intercoastal waterway, which has been destroyed.  We are in the process of checking in and our guests Frank and Cathy from Duluth,  AtlantaGA arrive.  We have a hug and welcome and like us they are finding it hard to believe the scale and magnitude of trhe damage wreeked by Cycloe Matthew some 10-11 days ago.   We have a 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom unit, with views back across the Intercoastal waterway.  It is superb accommodation.

Unpacking does take some time, but we all disappear to get settled.  We then have a coffee and chat before deciding that we will dine at Hudsons one of our favourite fish restaurants.   It is wonderful to see our good friends and catch up.  We then make plans for the next several days before Ken goes for a swim and hot tub in the indoor pool.

Monday is just perfect weather here in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and we are adjusted to the immense damage that has occurred.  The girls do shopping for our food etc whilst Ken and Frank play golf at Hilton Head Country Club, which has some 450-500 trees f all shapes and sizes down or needing to be cut down.  We have a lovely day then return for drinks before cooking steak and potatoes with Salads.  They are excellent company and dear friends, with whom we do get along with so well.  They have also had difficult years with some health issues.

On our last visit to the area, we stayed with them in Duluth and Frank took Ken to Clemson for a Football match.  He is again hopeful that this yerar they may win the College football.

In several evenings we have the voting for the President of the USA and we decide that we will provide Hot chickens and vegetables and slalds and then nibbles and snacks.  There is great sense of expectations and Hilary Clinton is the favourite and on this occasion I sense our guests want her to win.  The polls have her 5-7 points in front.   We are interested given we were here for Obama's election night and his speech.  But we also do sense a call for change and notwithstanding many people's view of Trump, we sense even in our group of American friends that there is a yearning for some change.  The evening begins and very early there is a sense of something occurring, but even at this time the commentators still call a Clinto victory predicated on her retaining tradition bell weather States.  But by 10.00 pm, it is apparent that a major shock has occurred with Donald Trump, now likely to be victor and future President of the USA.

We decide to go to be at 10.45 pm and Frank remains viewing the outcome until 1.30 am , disappointed and shocked with the outcome.  

The next day we visit Harbour town one of the favourite mooring marina for some of the largest yachts and motor vessels in the world.  It also features the famous Lighthouse and rocking chairs where we sit and watch people walking by whilst we enjoy ice-creams.  We also are surprised that the pier and wharf are no longer exists, it was destroyed by the Cyclone.  So we cannot go out and watch the Dolphins swim and play , just off the beach.  But we do see the dolphins playing.

The damage bill for the rebuild is estimated at 8-10 million US $ to reinstate the wonderful marina and associated wharf here at Harbour Town and Sea Pines.  

We do a range of other activities, Kathy and Frank leave us after 5 days .  We have enjoyed our time with them.  good people and excellent friends.

We do not plan to return to Hilton Head in 2017 , but will visit in November 2018.  We look forward to seeing the recovery processes restore the beauty of this whole area.

Our trip takes us next to Orlando, where we have an overnight stop at Homewood Suites Orlando,  before we out of Orlando FL to Phoenix AZ and visit friends in Scottsdale AZ.  This has been really enjoyable.  We have also resolved our problems with Club Intra-west through Spinnaker Resorts and amended our time Share ownership here in Hilton Head Island.

There are challenges in arriving in Phoenix after an excellent flight from Orlando , because we do have to get the shuttle around to the Car Rental area, then pick up our car and then have about an hours drive from Phoenix to Scottsdale AZ.  It is dark and the time is about 8.00 pm when we get in the car and it takes all of an hour to drive around the ringroad to Scottsdale and then we have to find their address in a gated community out of downtown Scottsdale.   We make it and Peter comes down the drive and greets us then leads us to their home.  There is great excitement as we arrive and share a late meal / snack with them.  We have much to talk about but are surprised that Wendy has had her knee done 3 weeks ago and is up and about but still hobbling and in some pain.  We cannot see much of the area other than an amazing starry night.  The night sky in all of its splendour is an amazing scene. 

We woke early the following morning having enjoyed our conversation with Wendy and Peter.   We found Peter out beside the pool relaxing with coffee reading the morning paper having been for his morning constitutional walk.  We enjoyed a cooked breakfast, talked more and after an early lunch Jeanette and Ken took themselves off to the Desert Botanical Gardens, about 40 minutes drive from Scottsdale in Phoenix and we walked and enjoyed a terrific 3 hours appreciating the many abuntant species of cactus and related plants.   It was quite amazing to see the range of flowering desert plants.  Then we drove back to Scottsdale and had a drink.  We enjoyed a home cooked meal and drink and discussion.

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast with friends, following a 30 minute walk around their gated community,  at a terrific outdoor restaurant in the nearby shoppping centre and then Ken went and played golf with one of the couples from nearby Scottdale on a beautiful Public course.  Golf was enjoyable and weather was near perfect.  He played well until a double bogey on a very difficult 18th hole.  We retunred mid-afternoon for some drinks and cheese and greens.  Then had a swim, before our planned dinner.  Dinner was at Arivadercchi- Italian Restaurant, a favourite of Peter and Wendy and we celebrated Jeanette's "special birthday" and had a wonderful evening.  It was enjoyable to celebrate with good friends.

The following morning we drove out into the desert to Canyon Lake one of three large lakes built to manage water supply , but which now are terrific venues for water activities from boating ,sailing ,swimming and a whole range of other activites.  We rode on a small Paddle Steamer and had a terrific morning.  Luncheon was served in an old Western Style Pub with all the trimmings of an 1850's Saloon.  It was different great fun and just special.

From here we returned to Scottsdale after driving through the desert for approximately 90 minutes.  You do get a real feeling of how hard life must have been during the "Wild west" years for all involved.

We enjoyed our last night with Peter and Wendy and planned for a lunch time departure because we have flights in the afternoon from Phoenix to Albuquerque then an hours frive to Santa Fe, New Mexic where we are staying with Sandy and Karen.  The weather has again changed fron hot and dry to a desert storm with torrential rainfall.

We flew American Airlines out of the Large Phoenix Sky City Airport to the smaller Albuquerque Airport, where we collected our luggage and made our way to the Shuttle to the Car rental site some 7-10 minutes from the terminal.  We used Hertz here and had a mid size vehicle and then got onto the Interste freeway for the 50 minute drive to Santa Fe.  This sounds very easy but our friends live in a gated community some 15 minutes from the centre of town.  But everything was pitch black, there was of course no street lights inside their estate, so we did drive around for about 20 minutes before finding the correct entry to their property.  We greeted enthusiastically and Sandy and Karen were concerned that we were late.

They welcomed us to their stunning contemporary desert home with the highlight being a wonderful central lounge, dining and entertaining area.   We then unpacked and changed for dinner and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a beautiful dinner and good red wine.  We talked until after 11.00pm and our friends are excellent hosts.  The next working we awoke to a perfect autumn / fall morning with clear blue skies.  Following breakfast we were escorted to the City Centre of this picturesque Desert community with a beautiful Catholic Church/ Cathedral and then given a brief 35 minute tour of the city.   We now had an excellent understanding of the city centre, the world renowned artist precinct as well as the Museums.  We had driven our vehicle and parked near the State Parliament buildings and then proceeded to walk through the City to take in the wonderful historic areas, the significant Spanish and Mexican influence in Architecture, dress, food and lifestyle.   We did spend a couple of enjoyable hours at the

Dinner this evening involved the 4 of us together with another local couple, including an expatriate Australian, who has a long term career in films and movies.  A superb meal of local favourites and interesting conversation made for an enjoyable evening.  Earlier, we also had enjoyed several hours during the afternoon at the world renowned Indian (American Indian) Museum, which gave a unique insight into the life history and struggle of the "American" Indians.   

Another morning and another perfect day, where we relaxed and talked and then again went into the famed City Square, walked and looked at the jewellery and other locally made artifacts and knitted garments and rugs.  Then we went to the artists district and looked for a special momento, without luck, given the weight and cost of shipping home.  About 11.30am we wnt to visit Susanne, our friend from the Tauck Indian trip, and we enjoyed meeting here in her Santa Fe property where she lives for 6 months of the year during the cold winter of Illinois.  We enjoyed lunch at a local cafe/ restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed catching up in a lovely environment.

Our hosts had invited 2 other couples for dinner and we enjoyed a superb buffet dinner and again excellent local and French wines.  It is apparent that whilst we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here in Santa Fe, New Mexico we have only scrateched the surface of this picturesque high desert environment.   It has stunning mountain scenery, yet also embodies the high desert  atmosphere.  You can well understand the beauty of the snow in winter.  

Early the next morning we depart to drive back to Albuquerque for our flight back to Phoenix.  This is a superb highway with easy driving at 80 mph and we enjoy the scenery of the drive.  Our flight to to Phoenix is comfortable and we arrive early afternoon, pick up a rental and then have a 4 hour drive from  Phoenix to Palm Desert.

This is an enjoyable but long drive through largely barren desert.   We drive in 2 periods with a 15 minute break for drinks and snacks in the middle.  Jeanette does the second part and we eventually enter Palm Desert at about 8.15pm having driven through several desert cities with their amazing neon lights.

We know Palm Desert well and arrive at Club Intrawest with a sense of excitement although we have had a long drive.  Following check in to our 2 bedroom lock off unit in buiolding 28 ( 2nd 3) we decide to go to the local supermarket and get our food and supplies for breakfast and the next few days.  This is a beautiful resort with excellent accommodations in a true desert environment but also overlookiong the wonderful Desert willow golf Resort where there are 2 Championship courses.  We eat in on the first evening and watch some televisdion and then crawl into bed after an enjoyable day.

Ken plays golf at Derst willow on the next day with a 12.30 hit off in alomost perfect conditions.  He plays well and enjoys the day.  That night we meet Lani and Jim friends from LA, who are also holidaying in Palm Desert.  We dine at a terrific fish restaurant and chat like magpies and then go back to their unit at their resort for Lemon pie and ice cream and coffee.  

The next day we have a relaxing and peaceful day to ourselves and drive out into the desert to see the famous wind farms and take in more of the desert dunes ans scenery.  We have been here several times previously and love the environment at this time of year , when the heat of the desert is blunted and the nights are clear with brilliant starry evenings.

dionner is again with Lani and Jim at a Japanese restaurant where the meal is cooked in front of you by a Japanese Chef.   We are at a table for 10 with a family from Los angeles staying at the nearby Westin Resort.   An enjoyable evening is had by all.  

We are invited to join Lani and Jim for lunch with family members for Thanks giving at the hilton , Palm Springs.  We feel honoured and privileged to enjoy such a family occasion with them.  A very enjoyable afternoon.

Following 2 further days, including another game of golf for Ken at the Marriott desert Springs Resort here in Palm Desert, we have enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing time here in the Desert.

We have arranged to drop in for lunch with Lani and Jim in their property on the beach in a suburb out of Los Angeles, and we have a 4-5 hour drive from Palm Desert to Los angeles on amazing interste freeways .  Jeanette drives all of the way after a short 20 minutes from Palm Desert.  We have an enjoyable luncheon  and as we lprepare to leave a strom arrives in the area.  for the next 45 minutes we drive through extreme conditions as we make our way to Los Angeles airport for our flight to Honolulu.

The Car Rental area is some 5-10 minutes drive from the terminals and we are selected for a triasl programme by Dollar where we are driven in a chauffered vehicle to the terminal  It did make a difference because we had no bus transport and avoided the weather.

Our Delta flight to Honolulu was first class, with an excllent meal.  We arrived late in the evening and were met by our Blacklane driver and assistant.  We were then wisked through HGonolulu to Waikiki where we entered the Hilton Hawaiian Village property, checked in by 11.30pm and we were in our unit on level 21 by 11.45pm.  We have a 2 bedroom lock-off and with beautiful views over the laggon and out across Waikiki Beach.

This has been a remarkable holiday , catching up with good friends in amazing venues with excellent accommodations and activities in a variety of interesting locations.  We love our final stopover in Honolulu, where we enjoy the balmy warmth of the locale, we eat out at excvellent quality restaurants, relax and generally enjoy this stopover on our way home.  Our time here serves several purposes, including winding down and relaxing prior to returning to our routine of homelife.

Our return to Melbourne was exciting as we were greeted by Seb and Olivert, with Peita and Chris not far behind.  We talked for some 20 minutes then Gavin arrived to take us home.

A wonderful trip, to see several good friends, an excellent cruise and then several cities provided wonderful experiences.  We certainly value our friendships but also appreciate our ability to travel the world and enjoy the diverse cultures and people from across many environments.  Hopefully you enjoy our daily diaries and the photos.

SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA and ZIMBABWE

April, May 2017 .

We completed a wonderful 5 week holiday to South Africa then a package tour of Botswana , followed by a couple of days in Zimbabwe.   This is very much a summary with more detailed commentary featuring in our daily blog.  The weather was just beautiful, we saw fantastic wild life and all arrangements worked well including our accommodation at superb Game Parks .  Perhaps a highlight was the various parks in Botswana, which were all Sanctuary Properties and just superb.

The  Blog provides a summary of this trip but the daily diary includes the full detail and tour particulars.  During this trip we also managed to spend 4 days with our good friends, Elly and Berndt including 4 days in Kruger Lodge Resort just out side the amazing Kruger National Park.

In summary, we arrived in South Africa having spent a full day in Perth and enjoying a beautiful Dinner with our friends Lindy and Terry.   During the day we had visited Kings Park with its beautiful gardens then the War Memorial and lunch in the adjacent restaurant overlooking the Swan River and the bustling Perth CBD, then drove over the River to see the stunning new Stadium, which will be used for AFL in 2018.   We then drove South down the Coast for an hour or so then back to Cottesloe Beach for afternoon tea, again at a Surf Life Saving club before driving to City Beach.   

We enjoyed dinner with spectacular sunset views.   Following an enjoyable dinner and a good chat as to many issues, we drove back to Perth International Airport, where we dropped off the rental car and checked in for our flight to South Africa.   We had a glass of champagne and then relaxed.  We boarded at 11.15 PM and the aircraft departed approximately 12.00AM.  We decided against any food and had our beds converted by staff and we then slept for almost 8 hours.  A very good flight on South African Airlines B777.

We arrived in Johannesburg then had a 3 hour wait for our flight to Cape Town.   We thoroughly enjoyed the flight to Johannesburg and then Capetown on South Africa airways Boeing 777.  didn't bother with the early morning dinner , but went to bed after the staff laid our the bed, enjoyed nearly 8 hours sleep and then had an excellent breakfast.  We arrived early morning after a very good flight.  Then a short stopover in Johannesburg prior to our flight to Capetown.  

Again an excellent flight, landed in Capetown mid morning and picked up our luggage then we were met by the tour company guide and taken to the Car Rental area, then picked up our BMW 320D which would be our vehicle for this ground section of this holiday.  In hindsight we should have had a SUV, but this was a terrific little comfortable vehicle.  Weather in Capetown was quite changeable, with a heavy cold wind and intermittent showers.

Drove the 10km into downtown Capetown to the Hilton.   We checked in and our suite was ready.   We were still tired but we were delighted to check in and unpack.

August 2017   Family Holiday   South East Queensland  -  Coolongatta.

We have been planning a family holiday for the last couple of years.  Jeanette was very keen to have a family get together in Queensland on or near the Gold Coast, where David and Peita and Chris and the Boys would join us for a period of 2 weeks or so whilst we enjoy almost 4-5 weeks in this part of the world.

Ken and Jeanette stay in Coolongatta and Ridges  for 2 night then travel to the Gold coast to stay at the new Marriott Timeshare resort right on the beach at the Gold coast.  We then return to Coolongatta and stay at the Beachcomer International for a week ( Chris and Peita had the previous week) .  Ken and Jeanette also have a week at Cabarita Beach and the weather has been superb.   We also visit the RACV Resort at Royal Pines , where Ken and David play golf.

It is simply a wonderful period in idyllic weather to get together with the family, relax and cook BBQ etc.

October/ November / December 2017 -  -  Singapore , Istanbul, Prague , Rome, Italy and Venice .   Then Cruise on Oceania Marina from Venice to Miami, then to Phoenix and Scottsdale and finally a week in Honolulu Hawaii.

 We have been planning this extensive 8 week holiday for quite sometime.  We fly Business Class on Singapore Airlines to Singapore for a week's holiday in one of our favourite Cities..  Initially we stay in the Singapore at a beautiful boutique hotel named Sofitel So , where we have a comfortable Suite and use this as a base to see quite a bit of Singapore, which we do know reasonably well.   Here we dine out 2 nights at the local market directly in the street next to the Hotel.  We also visit Marina Bay, the beautiful new Gardens and also have dinner at Singapore Cricket Club.

The time here passes very quickly and we move from this property to a luxurious resort on the island of Sentosa, where we are booked at The Sofitel Sentosa Resort  and Spa.  It is a superb resort , with superb beautiful gardens and pools and a variety of restaurants.  We also do a very interesting day trip a total island and t detailed in our diary.

Ken also visits the Sentosa Golf Club, just down the hill and hits 100 balls on the amazing range.  The course is closed for the Asian Women's PGA Qualifying Championship event.

We love Singapore and we dine in a beautiful restaurant in the Marina Bay Complex and watch the light show. 

From here our Blacklane Limo takes us back Changi International Airport and we fly to Istanbul and then after at stopover fly to Prague on Turkish Airlines.  

Prague is a breathtakingly beautiful City, and we enjoy our three full days here.  We are staying at Hilton Hotel, Prague, which is a large Hotel and accommodating the IOC Committee meeting .   You can imagine the Security to access and leave the Hotel.  We have breakfast in the Executive Lounge and on 2 days undertake small guided tours using Viator and we tour the Castle, and walk the Old town and then do a Cruise on the River..  We have great days , but the weather is cold and wet with thunderstorms late afternoon.  We also went to a Superb concert at the Spanish Synagogue, which was a real highlight of this part of the Trip.

The last day we do our own thing, ride trams, undertake a short small train excursion up to the Castle and then around the OId Market and Walk through the new town and eventually back to the Hotel.  we dine the last evening in a beautiful old restaurant.

The next morning our driver is waiting for us following breakfast and we are delivered to the Airport for our flight with Alitalia to Rome.

We spend 3 fantastic days in Rom staying at the Roma Lifestyle hotel , a new style hotel about 7 km from the City centre and sights but with a shuttle each morning to drop us off near the entrance to the Vatican.     We have a junior suite, which is very comfortable.  We use this shuttle each day.   Rome is also one of our favourite Cities, with its history , wonderful monuments and so much to see.   We dine in the second night and enjoy the very different countries of the World restaurants.  We dine at a local Restaurant about 5 minutes walk on the first evening and enjoy a stunning Italian meal and very good wine at quite reasonable prices.  Ken also negotiates some laundry with a local  dry cleaning and laundry service.  We wave our hands and eventually come to an agreed price of Euro 21 for 7 Shirts laundered and pressed.  

The next day we do a tour of Rome on Hop on Hop off Bus and also do a lot of walking.   To be fair Ken is struggling with his ankle and issues.  WE are somewhat frustrated in the morning as much of the city is set up for the Rome Marathon, with 30,000 runners.   

The next morning we do a tour of the Vatican City and also the Sistine Chapel, in the Apostolic Palace, the Official residence of the Pope in the Vatican City..  It is also a wonderful chance to enter St Peter's Basilica, where there is an organ recital in one of the wings.  The tour is interesting but we are again amazed at the accumulated wealth of the Vatican with its are , floor coverings and wonderful gifts of all shapes and sizes.  We have wonderful 4 hour morning tour from 10.00AM through until almost 2.30PM.   We then have a luncheon near the Vatican city and then catch the taxi back to the Hotel, where Ken has a swim prior to us packing and going out for dinner.

Our Blacklane driver meets us in the foyer and it is pouring rain and we have to get from Termini Station,Rome catching the FrecciaRossa, high speed train from Rome Termini to Venice S. Lucia.

Our driver assist us to the Station despite parking some 200 metres from the entrance and lounge.   We board our train with our luggage and as we are travelling first class, have no difficulty with our luggage.   We will see what happens in Venice.  The trip is excellent, we do get a decent meal and small bottle of red wine.  The landscape is interesting and the train flies along at almost 300km per hour.  It continues to pour rain.  

We arrive almost exactly to time.   At our carriage door is a lady with our Name on her I-pad in large letters.  Behind her is a Porter with a very large Trolley.  He comes on and she supervises and has us await on the platform.  He goes ahead with our 2 large suitcases and 2 small cases, we are directed to a beautiful luxury water launch ( taxi/ limo) .  She puts us on board, checks that our luggage is fine and correct and says goodbye and wishes us a great holiday.  We are then driven quickly across the lagoon to the Kempinski San Clemete Palace Hotel.  Words cannot describe the opulence and luxury.   Jeanette is celebrating her birthday next week, but they delight and do their best.   Our suite is stunning, the building and grounds are amazing.  Our Suite looks down to the gardens and across the Lagoon to St Marks Square.  How amazing !!

After unpacking, we are ready for a drink and welcome so we have our chilled champagne.  It is still very wet outside but warm and welcoming inside.   We dine in tonight in "Acquerello" and enjoy a superb corner table with a view back across the Lagoon and a wonderful celebratory dinner.  The "Red Ladies"  the in house female concierge, make sure that Jeanette is sung to and then in our room are a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries and a birthday cake and more champagne.  You couldn't ask more.

We have a View across to the Tourist areas and the lights of Venice.

Breakfast is served in another restaurant named "Insieme" and it is also top quality.

But the weather remains decidedly wintry with heavy squalls and cold winds.  We do venture across the Lagoon to St Marks Square and wander the side streets and have an early lunch at a typical Venice restaurant.  We enjoy, but the weather is a put off.   We return to the hotel at 3.15 pm and discuss plans as we have tickets tonight for a Vivaldi 4 Seasons concert at the famed Vivaldi Church.  Jeanette decides to remain in the Hotel and Ken goes to Venice on the launch, but is warned that with a very high tide and the Square flooding that the launch will depart at 11.00 pm at a different location where there is a higher entry ramp.  Ken dines at a Hotel next to the Church.  There is a long table set up for quests.   There are 15 people joining together for dinner ( set menu of Euro 25 including wine) .

The concert is superb, with a group of 6 including a solo violinist.  But following the concert at 10.30 pm we enter a completely different Venice, with flooding of about 10 inches across the whole promenade.  The Square is flooded to 6-8 inches.  You have to walk to the berth along raised boards which are on steel tressles.   The launch arrives and we are boarded, but our 20 minute boat ride is quite rough.   We are greeted by staff with umbrellas and then a hot chocolate.  Then back at our suite we talk for almost an hour.

But our Red Ladies apologise for there is a problem as the Hotel closes tomorrow, but inadvertently, they accepted our booking for another night.

They are apologetic and arrange for us to transfer to the Marriott Resort on another island 5 minutes away.  They wish to help us pack and then transfer us.  We  understand, following breakfast we pack and check out.  We are escorted to another launch and transferred to the Marriott Resort with apologies and also a booking for dinner.  

The Marriott Resort is a relatively new Resort and Spa hotel and contemporary in nature.  We have a superb Junior Suite with a view over the Gardens to the Water.

It is exceptional in quality and fit out.  We are quite comfortable.

The next morning we are due to check out at 11.00AM and transfer to the Cruise Terminal.    We are also advised that the Hotel will also close today for the winter.   We are transferred by Water Taxi to the Cruse Terminal , where we are met by staff who take our luggage.   We are then escorted to the transit bus for the short, 300-400 metre transfer to the Check in area.  We are escorted through Customs and quickly checked via Immigration processes.  

From here we have a very short walk through the back of the Terminal to the Ship.   We confirm our details, check in and have our photos taken as we enter the 5th floor reception area.

We are advised that our Suite will not be available until 1.00pm but lunch is served and suite passengers have first access to the Terrace Restaurant at the back of the ship.   But due to the abysmal weather the external areas are closed.    Our lunch is buffet style and we elect a cold soft drink and coffee with a n excellent sea food platter and salad.  We then enjoy an ice-cream just as it is announced that Owners and Pent house Suites are available to guests.     We go to our penthouse 3 suite/ cabin 10002.  It is right at the front of the ship.

Our butler then comes and introduces himself, inquires if we would like him to unpack , but we say no.  We also suggest not to open our Champagne, we will wait until later in the cruise.

We have about an hour before we have the lifeguard and life jacket safety meeting.  We are in the Riviera Lounge.  

Diner tonight for us is in the Main Dining room at 7.00pm following pre-dinner drinks in the Main Members lounge .  It is a beautiful meal and we share a table with 2 other couples.

Tomorrow we have a planned excursion with a motor launch tour through the Grand Canal, then island visits to Murano Glass and the picturesque island of Burano with its colourful houses.   Unfortunately, this weather is likely to persist for another day or so.  It is wet and windy and just so uncomfortable

We sail a little late in unpleasant weather with heavy rainfall and squalls.   This is a wonderful itinerary and our daily updates and diary will provide a detailed update of our activities, excursion, visits and activities.

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