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.
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.
Liverpool is well worth a visit. Not only is it a city of football and music but it has a rich history of migration and this is the story I found particularly fascinating. It is a port city located in northwest England, is a vibrant destination that offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Liverpool is home to a number of iconic landmarks and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
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.
I travelled by the P&O cruise ship Pacific Eden to Papua New Guinea and loved the experience. When travelling by cruise line there are a few different scenarios when disembarking at port. The easiest for the passenger is when the ship is docked at the wharf and you can just walk off the ship. Another scenario is when the ship cannot dock at the wharf because the water is not deep enough or for any other number of reasons cannot pull up to a wharf. This means that the passengers have to be transported to the shore by tender. A ship’s tender is a boat used to transport people or supplies to and from the shore. Smaller boats like yachts usually have tenders that are dinghies. In the case of the Pacific Eden it was the lifeboats that were used to transport the passengers ashore.
The trip from ship to Kiriwina Island was no problem at all but when we got to the Conflict Islands the wind was so strong and water so choppy that it would have been dangerous to transport us to shore. Therefore we spent around four hours being able to see the shore but no one was able to make it onto the island.
I travelled to Papua New Guinea in September 2016 with two very good friends Dianne and Mark aboard the ship Pacific Eden. It is quite difficult to move between the islands of the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea by public transport and so when we found out about a deal for $389 for 7 days to PNG we jumped at the chance. New Guinea and Australia were once one piece of land so it was significant for us as Australians to visit. None of us had been to New Guinea before so we were rather excited about the trip.
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.
Cappadocia (Kapadokya in Turkish) is a fairytale like place right in the centre of Turkey. I say fairytale because the landscape varies between the ‘fairy chimneys’ to underground dwellings to beautiful mountains and valleys. You can amble up rocky hillsides and check out houses and churches built into the side of mountains or you can venture below the surface (literally) and explore the subterranean network that form underground cities. Before I started planning my trip
You can’t help but notice the Burj Khalifa when you are in Dubai. By the way Burj means tower in Arabic. At around 830 metres high it’s not far off being a kilometre into the air. It dominates the skyline and dwarfs all other buildings.
