Remember, remember the 4th of November ( well practically all of it)

November 25 Dubai, Tasmania, Perth, and Singapore

Romagna/Tuscany metreat 2025

It’s been a long held dream of mine to go to Italy and learn some authentic Italian cooking skills, so when Honor met Sofia and they put together a plan, I was in. My cousin Jo was to join us too, so we paid our deposit and kept up with a growing itinerary with excitement.Continue reading “Romagna/Tuscany metreat 2025”

Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders

A year in the planning after a member of the magical midlife group said she’d like to do this, there was enough of us interested to get a group together. There was much talk of footwear, training, choice of sock, clothing, backpack choices, snacks and anything else in between. On the 4th May, 14 ofContinue reading “Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders”

Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering

On Wednesday night Georgina called me with the saddest news: the death of Liam Payne from 1Direction. Georgina has been a fan from 2011 and beyond their hiatus in 2016. Five young men of similar age to her, she met them in March 2011 and again in March 2012. We followed their journey to stardomContinue reading “Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering”

September gone in a flash

Where is this year going? September has gone so quickly. Lots of photos of Ramsay, time with River after his holiday. Walks with Georgina and Ralph. A trip to Warwickshire for pram shopping. Shoe shopping for the Camino walk next year. I’ve set myself a few little projects to complete, and I want to spendContinue reading “September gone in a flash”

Scotland bound

After a busy few days we made the trip to Scotland on Thursday for my cousin Brian’s funeral. He was only 63, always a part of my life. I remember spending so much of my childhood with him and his siblings. Those bonds with all my cousins remain today. In adult years with marriage andContinue reading “Scotland bound”

Last day of our amazing adventure

We arrived in Buenos Aires, and even though our hotel was a few minutes from the Port it took over an hour to locate the passengers to make the short journey. Once ensconced in the hotel Emperador we sat outside in the warm sun and enjoyed lunch and drinks. Kevin and I went for aContinue reading “Last day of our amazing adventure”

Weather not permitting and New Island

Overnight with the weather being less kind, the captain and crew made their way to Carcass Island . The wind and swell made it too hard even for the tenders to get to land, so we moved on to try to land at West Point, again no joy, so we cruised around and were offeredContinue reading “Weather not permitting and New Island”

To the Falklands

Two days at sea after our amazing five days in Antarctica. Travelling across the Scotia Sea, with conditions due to change, for this time of year, still relatively easy. I did wear my sea sickness bands though. The crew are adept at providing activities and lectures which helps pass the time. With specialists on boardContinue reading “To the Falklands”

Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay

The second continental landing and to visit a gentoo colony was the morning’s mission. I watched from the explorer lounge with a mocktail, as the zodiacs made their way through the brash ice to land. Kevin was due to go out kayaking, but as weather was providing us with the whole gamut of options itContinue reading “Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay”

Getting set for Antarctica

We booked this trip to cruise with Hurtigruten expeditions and our ship is the Fridtjof Nansen ( an intrepid explorer). We embarked on the ship and our cases were in our cabins. We did the ‘housekeeping’ elements and made our way to the cabin via the very impressive lift. A sail away was arranged forContinue reading “Getting set for Antarctica”

Tierra del Fuego….

We flew from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, it was a very early start! We were greeted by the sight of snow and mountains and began a bus tour of the National Park, Tierra del Fuego, Land of Fire. It was named this as when Magellan passed the archipelago in 1590 he saw many fires alongContinue reading “Tierra del Fuego….”

Antarctic experience Part 1

It may take some time to document this trip and do it justice, but I have to start. Part 1 covers the first few days in Buenos Aires.

Approaching the Ides Of March

The saying is Beware the Ides of March (15th March), but I don’t want to dwell on a negative connotation. February with extra day has come and gone, and March is going to be full of lots of exciting things. I definitely feel a lot better this week, and have managed to get a fewContinue reading “Approaching the Ides Of March”