Maldives – Sunset over Velassaru
Some images from the sunset on Wednesday night. Continue reading Maldives – Sunset over Velassaru
Velassaru – Maldives – Update 1
Not really much to report. Nothing ever changes here, daytime temperature is 31°C and at night it’s 26°C. We spend our days lying on our sun beds either reading, listening to music, sleeping or some combination of these. We make the short walk to the Vela Restaurant for breakfast and a similar one to the Chill Bar at the tip of the island for a tapas … Continue reading Velassaru – Maldives – Update 1
Velassaru – Maldives
First post for some time – been rather busy with the wedding! Yes, Shar did go through with it and we became man and wife on the 31st October 2015. May devote a post to that special day sometime, but for now it’s the honeymoon on Velassaru in the Maldives. Mostly images as it’s far too beautiful here for spending time writing ‘verbose’ blogs. Location … Continue reading Velassaru – Maldives
Ferry Building San Francisco
Our final full day in San Francisco and we decide to take a look at the Ferry Building which has been recently renovated. We park on the top-level of the Millbrae Bart Terminal and realise what fantastic views it affords of the surrounding area, particularly the airport. The Ferry Building makes an impressive presence on the Embarcadero. The view back to the city is … Continue reading Ferry Building San Francisco
Napa Valley
No trip to California is complete without a little wine tasting. So a short break in the Napa Valley seemed appropriate. After an early morning trip to Safeway to ‘stock up’ for Kirstin, Ben and Jamie, Shar and I headed for the famous Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re thinking of making the trip it’s worth knowing a bit about the various bridges and their tolls. … Continue reading Napa Valley
A Week in San Francisco
Well the jet lag has finally gone. I think it took three or four days, so my recollection of the early part of the week is a bit hazy! After our weekend beach trip we decided to go into SF on the train. Millbrae has a large rail terminal and after parking the car ($2.50 for the whole day!) we managed to interpret the ticket machine, … Continue reading A Week in San Francisco
Drive to a beach
After the long journey we had a quiet day on Saturday – the highlight being a monster shop at the local Safeway! Spent the rest of the day feeling a touch jet-lagged. By Sunday we were all a little more with it and decided that a trip to the ocean – note Shaun I said ‘ocean’ not ‘sea’! – might revive us further. Not really … Continue reading Drive to a beach
San Francisco
Well we finally made it after a rather tortuous journey with Virgin Atlantic. The day started well enough. We left the car at the Crowne Plaza Heathrow and caught the Hopper Bus to Terminal 3. On arrival at the Virgin Atlantic area we were asked if we would be willing to give up our seats in exchange for free return flights and hotel accommodation. On … Continue reading San Francisco
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
This is my first post since we arrived and I don’t want to bore you with repeating images etc. from my previous visits. If you want more details and/or images of the area you can look at my blogs from 2011 and 2012 by accessing the ‘Holiday Blogs’ section of the drop down menu. 2014 blog can be found in the ‘Archives’ section. For those … Continue reading Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Lake Orta to Caines (Kuens)
Just a quick post to update you on our whereabouts. Left our beautiful apartment on Lake Orta … … and headed towards Milan. Decided to give the autostrada a miss after that and headed north-east past Lake Como and up into the mountains. Made our obligatory coffee stop at Ardenno. No English spoken here so ordering Jill’s decaffeinated latte proved a bit of a … Continue reading Lake Orta to Caines (Kuens)
Lago Maggiore and Isola Bella
Time to explore a little further. Our apartment is on the north-eastern side of Lake Orta so it was only a short drive through a couple of tunnels to Lake Maggiore. We arrived in Stresa and eventually found a place to park – not that easy at this time of year. The motor launch dropped people off at the other Borromean Islands of Isola Madre … Continue reading Lago Maggiore and Isola Bella
Lake Orta
An early start found us on the boat to the airport by 09:20, where we picked up our car – a Fiat SUV which even by SUV standards was pretty ugly! On the plus side all our cases fitted in the back and despite the total lack of precision in the gearbox we were soon on the Autostrada towards Milan. After a couple of stops … Continue reading Lake Orta
Venice – Day 3
Another sunny day! Perfect for our trip to the islands of Burano and Murano. A few stops up the Canal Grande and change of boat we headed off towards Murano. After a quick 10 minute ride we changed again and headed off to Burano some 40 minutes away. Nicknamed the “Montparnasse of Venice”, Burano attracts droves of painters – hence the presence of Ian and Jill! … Continue reading Venice – Day 3
Venice – Day 2
Woke to a gorgeous sunny day and enjoyed breakfast in the garden. Decided to take the vaporetto down the Canal Grande to the Basilica di San Marco and the Piazza San Marco. Leaving Ian to sort out tickets and chat to the conductor, we found some seats on the heaving boat – did cross my mind whether they had a maximum load but quickly remembering … Continue reading Venice – Day 2
Venice – Day 1
I’ve landed at Venice Marco Polo Airport more than once but never visited the city itself, so I’m excited about our three-day stay there. Thanks to BA’s scheduling we leave at the unearthly our of 06:40. I can hear all the workers out there saying “what does he mean, 06:40 isn’t early”. To which I reply, 06:40 to a retiree is the middle of the … Continue reading Venice – Day 1
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Time to Come Home!
Well it’s been an amazing adventure, 51 days by the time we arrive home. We’ve caught up with family, visited amazing places, seen some stunning sights, eaten (mainly) good food and drunk some fine (and not so fine!) wines. It’s now 0900 on Monday 23 March. We take off from Tullamarine airport at 22:25 and after a short stop in Dubai arrive at Birmingham Airport around … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Time to Come Home!
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – More Parks, More Walks
Another gorgeous day for walking so we set off for the Queen Victoria Gardens, Kings Domain and the Royal Botanical Gardens. These are all part of a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands. My daughter calls this lazy blogging, but I think the pictures alone will show you what a beautiful area of the … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – More Parks, More Walks
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – World Cup Cricket and the MCG
Time for the World Cup Cricket Quarter Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). There was a possibility that we’d be watching England. Suffice to say it didn’t happen so it’s India v Bangladesh! Think it’s a good job we kept the ear plugs from the Grand Prix! Weather forecast is very interesting. A predicted high of 32°C followed by a cold front passing through … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – World Cup Cricket and the MCG
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – River Yarra and Williamstown
Never actually been on the River Yarra so we decided to take a boat trip to Williamstown, situated on the west coast of Port Philip Bay. Main aim of the trip was to have a nice lunch at the Anchorage Restaurant. The route takes you through Docklands, Port of Melbourne and finally into Port Philip Bay. A short walk from the jetty brought us to the … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – River Yarra and Williamstown
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Weekend Treats
Friday evening saw us on The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, our Christmas present from Gareth and Jaz. These glossy burgundy restaurants on wheels are claimed to be the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world. We enjoyed a fantastic restaurant quality meal, a good selection of wines and spirits and tremendously friendly and professional staff as we cruised along the streets of St Kilda looking out … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Weekend Treats
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – A Walk in the Park
Thought it was time to show Shar some of the Melbourne sights and what better way to start than a walk in the park. Melbourne’s weather is very simple to understand, NW wind (from the desert) hot, S wind (from the Antarctic) cool to cold. Today it’s from the SW, so perfect for a walk. The Information Centre in Federation Square is a great place … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – A Walk in the Park
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Previous Blogs
As this is my 4th visit to Melbourne I’m not going to bore you (further?) by repeating my earlier blogs. If you want more info on this wonderful city then click on the menu ‘Holiday Blogs’ in the top left corner or if you can’t find that follow this link : https://worldofmerles.wordpress.com/holiday-blogs/ Here you’ll find links to my visits in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Previous Blogs
Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Hello Melbourne!
We’ve finally made it to Melbourne and the second family reunion. Having a quiet few days after our busy trip to New Zealand, so just a few photos of our first days in Australia. Tramcar Restaurant, Australian Grand Prix and a World Cup Cricket Quarter Final at the MCG (minus England!) to look forward to! Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Australia – Hello Melbourne!
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Northland and Bay of Islands
After leaving Whangarei we continued north to our overnight stop in Paihia, the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located close to the historic towns of Russell, and Kerikeri, 60 kilometres north of Whangarei. More beautiful coastline to view. Some ‘people shots’ in Paihia. Next morning we took the short ferry trip to Russell, formerly known as Kororāreka, and the … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Northland and Bay of Islands
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Final Week
Into our final week in New Zealand. Hopefully these pictures will tell the story. Next and final stop in New Zealand, Bay of Islands in Northland. Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Final Week
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Whitianga and the Coromandel
After an excellent meal with Shaun, Stacey and Olivia the evening before we were ready to see the sights – Cathedral Cove and Hot Water beach to be exact. Not a great day for it, sunshine and showers, but still pleasantly warm. First a coffee fix at Hahei Beach. A short drive and we arrive at the descent for Cathedral Cove. A 35 minute walk … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Whitianga and the Coromandel
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Lake Taupo
After our sojourn by the sea we headed inland for our next destination, Lake Taupo. Our route from Havelock North took us along the Thermal Explorer Highway which runs from Hawke’s Bay through the centre of the North Island into areas Lake Taupo, Ruapehu, Rotorua and Hamilton & Waikato, before continuing up to Auckland. Our home for the next two nights was the Rive Gauche B & B just … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Lake Taupo
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay
Wifi has a been a little hit and and miss on our travels around the North Island – hence the erratic nature of the posts! However, the weather has been very kind to us and it was no different when we arrived at our little cottage in the Tuki Vineyard just outside Havelock North. Shar was missing the coast line after our stay inland so … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Martinborough
After a scenic drive from Wellington we arrived in Martinborough. Our hotel, The Martinborough Hotel, looked as if it had been used in a John Wayne movie or a remake of Ned Kelly. The hotel dates back to the 1880s and its walls are covered with interesting memorabilia. After settling in we decided that an organised wine tour would be the best option and I … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Martinborough
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Wellington
Time to leave Shar’s family and head off by ourselves. First stop Wellington. After a short flight and a drop in temperature of 10 degrees we arrive in the ‘Windy City’, pick up our car and check in at our hotel. We make the short walk to the harbour front and feeling peckish settle into the quirky ‘Crab Shack’ for lunch. A walk along the … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Wellington
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony
Pleasant Saturday afternoon trip to the gannet colony on Muriwai beach on the west coast of the north island, about an hours drive from Auckland. Once they are old enough the young gannets fly off to Australia where they stay for a number of years. Eventually they return to Muriwai to find a mate and breed. Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Waiheke Island
After all the family reunions and parties it’s time for a more relaxed phase, a four day break to Waiheke Island. Mark and Jen have found a house to rent and the four of us plus Shaun, Stacey and Olivia have an early start to catch the ferry at Half Moon Bay. Poor Mel and Bryan have to work but we’ll be spending some quality … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Waiheke Island
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – The Flight
Those of you that know me well will appreciate that the idea of going up in the sky in a little plane with one, I repeat one, very small engine is not top of my ‘to do’ list. However, much to everyone’s surprise and my amazement Mark was able to ‘sweet talk’ me into it. I suppose that if you are going to risk life … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – The Flight
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Family Reunion Weekend
We woke at Mel and Bryan’s to a beautiful morning. Driving over to Mark and Jen’s we took the scenic route! I thought I’d let the images tell the story of a great family weekend. Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Family Reunion Weekend
Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Meet the Family
Thought it might be useful to introduce the cast. These are the main players but others will appear from time to time. Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – New Zealand – Meet the Family
Antipodean Adventure – Stage 2 – New Zealand – Arrival
Our final day in Dubai consisted of lazing by the pool and eating a fabulous meal in the Oberoi’s restaurant. Our Emirates’ chauffeur delivered us efficiently to the airport next day and after breakfast in the lounge we boarded the A380. What a fabulous plane! After a brief stop in Brisbane for showers and a quick change of clothes we set off on the last … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Stage 2 – New Zealand – Arrival
Antipodean Adventure -Stage 1 – Dubai continued
Tuesday February 3 After a brief sleep, 0300 to 0800 – not really commensurate with our status as retirees – we ventured down from our 17th floor room for breakfast. The term room doesn’t really do it justice. The bed is so large that we had to use our phones to communicate and the bathroom managed to house every cleaning device known to man – … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure -Stage 1 – Dubai continued
Antipodean Adventure – Stage 1 – Dubai
Monday 2nd February 2015 It seems a long time since my last post – Madeira 5 months ago! We’ve been planning this trip for months. On reflection we’ve been ‘not planning this trip for months’! Had the flights booked a long time ago but only managed to put some ‘flesh on the bones’ a couple of weeks ago. So excited that neither of us slept … Continue reading Antipodean Adventure – Stage 1 – Dubai
No Posts!
Sadly terminal lethargy has set in, hence the dearth of posts. We are full of good intentions but the lure of the roof top terrace with views, pool, sun beds and a bar is proving too strong a magnet. We venture out for dinner and have enjoyed eating by the Marina and last night spent a lovely evening in a local restaurant chatting to a … Continue reading No Posts!
Monte and Jardim Botânico
Time to blow away the cobwebs and venture more than a couple of hundred yards from our hotel! On the hottest day so far, we wander through the streets of Funchal’s Old Town to catch the cable car to Monte. This hill-top retreat was developed in the late 18th century as a genteel and healthy retreat from the heat, smells, noise and commercial activity of … Continue reading Monte and Jardim Botânico
Lazing by the Pool
More rain overnight, but we’ve been lucky and not had any during the day. Lovely morning so breakfast in the garden. Enjoyed it all apart from the dreaded papaya masquerading as mango. I hate its smell, taste and texture. It seems to follow me around – I was plagued by it on my first trip to India. I haven’t managed to sample the freshly squeezed … Continue reading Lazing by the Pool
Madeira
After a very civilised journey to Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese Island of Madeira (12:45 p.m. flight from Gatwick with Monarch Airlines) we were picked up by our driver in a people carrier with a large dent in the side. After being driven a little way it was soon clear who was to blame for the damage! The Vine Hotel, situated in the centre … Continue reading Madeira
Home
We enjoyed a fabulous final meal in the restaurant 'Au Fils du Zinc' and some beautiful wines from Chablis and Irancy. Japanese chefs and French cuisine do work well together! More fine weather on our drive to Calais and managed to catch an earlier ferry and amazingly avoided all the chaos caused by the train breaking down in the tunnel. These two men were a … Continue reading Home
Aosta to Chablis
After a fabulous evening in Aosta we had an early breakfast and headed off towards Mt Blanc, it’s tunnel and France. Blessed again with beautiful weather we had some stunning vistas as well as long drives through numerous tunnels, the longest being the 12 km or so of Mt Blanc. The views on the French side were even more stunning particularly as we dropped down … Continue reading Aosta to Chablis
Aosta
Nothing much to report on our last couple of days in the Süd Tyrol. Most of our time was spent swimming and soaking up the sun! One exceptional dinner with a main course of beef which we enjoyed with a superb bottle of Amarone. The food in general has been very good and the Schrott family and their staff have looked after us splendidly. Saturday … Continue reading Aosta
Verona
Woke up to lots of cloud and the prospect of a grey day. A look at the weather forecast showed Verona as 28°C and sunny – no contest! A quick drive on the autostrada, less than 2 hours so it must have been fairly rapid, and we were in Verona. The real Italy at last – they actually speak Italian rather than German! We found … Continue reading Verona
Viglijoch Vistas
Woke up to sunshine and a little bit of apprehension. Going up the Viglijoch mountain solo – well, Shar will be with me but no Christof, Philip, David or Ian to guide me! First bit was accomplished successfully as I managed to drive to Lana and find the car park for the lift. Good job I wasn’t sure where I was going and hence driving … Continue reading Viglijoch Vistas
Lazy Days
We’ve decided to have some ‘down time’ over the past few days, hence the dearth of posts. David and Liz left us on Saturday and we spent the day with Philip and Anne dozing in the sun or swimming in the indoor pool. Sunday was the Herz Jesu celebration involving burning crosses and hearts on the mountainside. Sadly the weather was very poor with heavy … Continue reading Lazy Days
Meandering into Meran – Merano
Another fine day so we decided to meander down to Meran – Merano, the former being the German name and the latter the Italian version, with Philip and Anne. The hotel is atop a very long and steep hill so we first drive down to the village of Riffian – Rifano before walking through apple orchards to the valley bottom. The Passeier Valley (Italian: Val … Continue reading Meandering into Meran – Merano
Süd Tyrol
Our first full day at the Hotel Sonnenhof and after a breakfast sitting outside in the morning sun we decide to take a gentle stroll on the Hirzer Mountain with Philip and Anne. The weather is perfect for our walk, photography … … and hang gliding! The Alpenrosen, actually rhododendrons, are in full flower and provide a magnificent backdrop … … as well as being … Continue reading Süd Tyrol
Merles' World 