There is something both terrifyingly alien, yet comfortingly familiar, about landing in a new country. I don’t know about you, but my senses work overtime to try and work out the new environment, and how I – as essentially a fly-by-nighter – coalesce with it. Sometimes the landscape – both natural and built – echoes my own: trees, gardens, buildings,…
My trip to China in 2011 flying Qantas had the effect, among other things, of making me quite paranoid about my luggage not arriving. Three days without your stuff is not pleasant. Last year I flew Singapore Airlines, and had no such drama (I’m flying with them again for this year’s trip). My bag arrived in Rome the same time…
I learned very early on that when I travel, I really, really, really like a routine. It’s not-negotiable for a number of reasons. A routine helps me sleep better*, which means I’m a happier traveller, and enjoy wherever I am much more. There is nothing so awful as wandering around historic and cultural sites like a zombie, close to tears…
I picked up my travel documents today from my travel agent today. Which means, of course, that I’m flying out in about eight days. And I’ll be out of the country (Australia, just in case anyone is wondering) for around seven weeks. And I’ll be gallivanting around eastern Europe. As I was driving home from my travel agent’s (yes, I…
In a few short weeks, I’ll be jetting off to Europe. Again. Tough job, I know, but someone has to do it! Cruising the Mediterranean for three weeks last year gave me a taste of where I wanted to spend more time. For those of you who followed my travels last year, you will remember that I just loved the…
Touring can be tough and tiring. There are a hotch potch of personalities and group dynamics to navigate; hotels that differ in size, facilities and comfort; historic sites that are (mostly) crowded and noisy. All this is made a whole lot easier to deal with when you have an excellent tour leader. I have been mostly lucky with tour leaders.…
I am a very lapsed Catholic. I only go to church (if I have to) for weddings, funerals and baptism. I don’t pray to God in the traditional sense. I certainly don’t partake in any Catholic rituals like Communion or Confession. I hate the propaganda and dogma of the Catholic Church. Not to mention the corruption and abuse of power…
…that has not already been said before? It is a truly beautiful city. The canals, the architecture, the history, and its people filled me with awe. I visited San Marco Basilica and saw the wonderful mosaics that decorate the church; the Palace and its golden staircase and gorgeous artwork; the Bridge of Sighs (so-called because it was built next to…
I have been on the road for nearly a week, and I have to say that even with all the living out of a suitcase thing, I much prefer this sort of travel to cruising. I have breakfast, lunch and dinner companions. I have a dedicated tour director, Guiseppe who, quite frankly, is amazing. Impeccably dressed, he is super organised…
I think I mentioned that there are mostly Americans on this tour. The majority come from New York: The Bronx, Long Island and upstate New York. Others are from Texas, Ohio, Connecticut and California. The most annoying thing about having so many Americans on this tour is that most – but not all – just can’t understand a word I…
It’s lovely being back on land. The freedom to just wander round a strange city, exploring, can and should not be taken for granted. This morning, I had brekkie in the restaurant with some of my tour people, who I met yesterday when I checked in. There is a retired Australian couple who are doing their first overseas trip, and…
I had intended to post photos here, but for some reason it’s been hit and miss with the upload. Not sure if it’s because I’m using the Android app or not, but I’m having to delete and reload, and it’s a pain in the proverbial. So, I’ll post to Instagram instead, and just load normal text posts here and fix…
There is an ad screening on South Australian TV that shows a woman (Rhonda is her name) in Bali (or similar) who has saved money on her car insurance, and can therefore afford a holiday. She lies on a beach, drinking cocktails served to her by the delightful Ketut, who tells her she is “hot like the sunshine” and “eyes…
Taking a tender (shuttle boat) from the Noordam to the old port of Santorini, I must admit I thought: “What’s all the fuss about?”. I spent a day on the island and now I know. I also know a day is not nearly enough time to spend on Santorini. I have merely scratched the surface. Santorini (named after Saint Irena)…
For some reason, I feel more connected to Greece than any place I have visited on this cruise thus far. Yesterday, I watched the sun set over the isle of Corfu as we sailed out of the port, and was incredibly moved by the moment. I admit I did shed a tear or two (not in a bad way) and…
October 8, 2012
Corfu has got to be one of my most favourite spots in the Mediterranean so far. I say this knowing that I still have Turkey and Santorini to go, though. The landscape is just so pretty: towering mountains protecting quaint villages; monasteries decorated with art from the Byzantine era; an old town boasting Venetian architecture (at least, that’s what I…
I woke up this morning and looked out my window porthole, and for the first time in a while was wowed. Dubrovnik is such a pretty town. White houses with terracotta roofs are built into the mountains like layers of cake either side of the Port. The protective fort and walls surround the old town. Narrow steep streets branch off…
Today, we are sailing to Dubrovnik from Civitavecchia. It is a sea day, and I have done absolutely nothing, which I have needed to do. I ordered room service for breakfast and lunch, and snoozed and read my book in between meals. I have only just gotten up (it’s 1pm) and had a shower because I need to do some…
I have settled into a bit of a routine on the ship, and it goes something like this: 7am – 7.45am – have breakfast (I have room service and my breakfast is usually delivered by a lovely Indonesian boy) 7.45am – 8.15am – get ready for day tour (shower, get dressed, pack day pack, check tour tickets, wallet, passport, camera…
Sicily is a gorgeous island. Or rather, it could be. It’s landscape is dotted with flat-roofed houses and blanketed with a patchwork of fig, citrus, olive and eucalypt trees. Prickly pears are par for the course, with the fruit of this succulent being sold in markets. Its volcanic past is evident in the mountains and valleys that form the island.…