TRAVELS WITH MARYANNE
Welcome to Alotau, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Papua New Guinea. This off-the-beaten-path destination is a true paradise for adventurous souls seeking to explore the untamed beauty of the South Pacific. Alotau offers a unique blend of natural wonders and rich heritage that will leave you awe-inspired. I travelled to Alotau by cruise ship and so my post is from the point of view of someone arriving by ship.
Are you ready to embrace the sizzling heat and embark on an unforgettable adventure to hot climate destinations? From tropical paradises to desert landscapes, travelling to hot climates offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Picture yourself basking in the sun, savouring exotic cuisine and immersing yourself in vibrant cultures. But before you set off on your hot climate escapade, it’s essential to be prepared with the right essentials. That’s where we come in.
Today I am combining the two greatest loves of my life into a post. No this does not involve a person or a pet! LOL. Art and travel are two of the most powerful ways to enrich your life, especially after 50. As you age, it’s important to find ways to stay curious, engaged, and excited about the world. Whether you’re exploring a new city, attending a cultural event or immersing yourself in a new art form, the benefits of cultural immersion can be profound. In this article, we’ll explore how art and travel can help you live a more meaningful life after 50.
G’day, folks! If there’s one thing Melburnians know how to do right, it’s throwing a party. From the lively streets to the vibrant laneways, Melbourne is a city that knows how to celebrate. And when it comes to festivals and events, this place takes it to a whole new level. So grab your dancing shoes, put on your festival hat, and join us as we dive into the world of Melbourne’s festivals and events, where culture and creativity come together in one big, colourful fiesta!
Edinburgh is such a beautiful city; however, it can get cold so make sure you check the weather forecast and take some warm clothes. Edinburgh, Scotland is a city rich in history and culture, offering a wide range of things to do for explorers. From historical landmarks and stunning architecture to world-class museums and vibrant festivals, there is something for everyone in this charming Scottish capital. This city is a fun place and Scotland in general has some very unique takes on life and leisure. Whether you’re here for the Whisky or the golf or to listen to the bagpipes there certainly are many unique experiences in Scotland.
London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world, and it is packed with things to see and do for visitors. From its rich history and culture to its world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, there is something for everyone in this bustling metropolis.
One of the top things to do in London is to explore its many historical sites and landmarks. The city is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. Visitors can take a tour of these famous buildings to learn about their history and see them up close.
Almost 28 hours after I left my house I finally arrived in Dallas, Texas.
The day got off to a slow start when United Airlines decided to delay the flight by an hour and forty minutes. Liberace was flying the plane (ok it only sounded like him) and I had a pleasant surprise when I ran into an ex student on the Melbourne to Sydney leg. David was on his way to New York to teach and take some dance classes.
The Sydney to Los Angeles sector ended up leaving 2 hours late but arrived only one hour late. Oh my God this flight seemed to take forever. I sat next to a lovely young man who was a Phd student on his way to Canada to present his paper on conservation. I ended up watching 3 movies with sound and one without. I just couldn’t sleep even though I was exhausted. The first movie was Valentine’s Day (a lot of dribble). The second was Ghost Writer (a Roman Polanski film), the third was Invictus. The fourth I never caught the title but it had Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford. Without the dialogue I got that Brendan Fraser had some sick children and Harrison Ford was trying to find a cure.
On the Los Angeles to Dallas leg again I was seated next to a lovely young man with dive in eyes. There is a God in Air Travel Heaven. This flight was about 3 hours but went fairly quickly.
Ok so I’m here now. Things that I have observed so far, are the Texans have really nice manners and they like big road signs. Oh and they like big buildings with huge mirror type windows. The people are also very friendly and genuinely interested in talking to an Australian.
I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer so went to bed and looked forward to exploring the next day. Night night…
The other day I was cleaning out a cupboard when I came across a rather gaudy looking photo album I had made after a trip to India. As I flicked through the pages fond memories of the days I spent in this wonderful country came back to me. India has aways had a mystical and exotic appeal for me and so, some years back, when I had the chance to travel to India I jumped at the opportunity.
I was lucky enough to apply for and attain a fellowship with the Asia Education Foundation (Australia) and as it was funded by the foundation I only had to pay $500 for the whole trip. This was not a solo journey, however, but a journey with a group of educators which took in tours of schools and the chance to meet some very interesting people.
Petra is extraordinary.
A Swiss chap named Burckhardt rediscovered Petra in 1812 and we are so glad he did. The first sighting of The Treasury as you reach the end of the Siq is just breathtaking. The spectacle of the whole site is just wonderful. When you stop to think of the engineering involved in building such a city built into rock faces and that this occurred around the 3rd century BC it is even more amazing.
I was in Jordan during the 2nd week of November 2015. As I was travelling around it became apparent that tourist numbers were down. On enquiring about this I was told that this was their high season but this year it was like a low season in terms of tourist numbers. I asked what their next real low season would be like