the2moons

. . France - and a bit more: Episode 4 (Weeks 5 +) This blog describes our 2023 journey to Europe; specifically France but also neighbouring countries. As always, we segment the 'blog' into roughly weekly or fortnightly posts (this being the 4th). Our travel blog has been written for family and friends to 'travel with us'. We now recognise we write the blog for ourselves; it is how we revisit our past adventures and remind ourselves of the the enjoyment. Thus, there is more detail included than merely a brief discourse for family and friends. BTW, if you want to see the picture in a larger size, just click on it. Oh, and if you missed Episode #1, you can find it here, and Episode #2 here and Episode #3 url=edit-entry.p... read more

. France - and a bit more: Week 2 This blog describes our 2023 journey to Europe; specifically France (with the possibility of a small foray elsewhere as both Italy and Spain are 'next door'!). As always, we segment the 'blog' into roughly weekly or fortnightly posts (this being the 2nd). Our travel blog has been written for family and friends to 'travel with us'. We now recognise we write the blog for ourselves; it is how we revisit our past adventures and remind ourselves of the the enjoyment. Thus, there is more detail included than merely a brief discourse for family and friends. BTW, if you want to see the picture in a larger size, just click on it. Oh, and if you missed Episode #1, you can find it here. . May 21 - ... read more

. As per our previous 2 'blog' entries, we are currently in the Philippines on the island of Palawan (which is SSW of the island of Luzon on which Manila is located). In the 2 previous 'blogs', we wrote of our current journey in Japan (skiing), and the first week in the Philippines; (Manila, Basuanga , diving on coral reefs, and our travel from Coron to El Nido with Tao Expeditions ). This 'blog' describes our journey in El Nido, the bus ride from El Nido to (island capital) Puerto Princesa, and our stay in the capital. From Puerto Princesa we depart via Manila and Singapore to home. . DAY 1 . . The previous afternoon we had departed the Tao 'base camp' near Dipnay (local name - San Fernando the government name) at the very ... read more

Having enjoyed a day at Suginohara Ski field last year while staying elsewhere, we eagerly sought a longer visit this year (assuming bodily capabilities). The 'bodily capabilities' issue arose about a month before departure as Judy experienced a painful inflamed knee issue which was not getting resolved. Just before departing, Judy confided that she doubted she'd get skis on this year! This year we were joined by one of our children and his family. Adrian had married a Japanese national - Mari - and now have 2 children; Sakura 10 and Jack 7. Though they had visited the snow some years ago for a day, we assumed a prolonged ski holiday would be a novel experience for them. Having Mari help with accommodation turned out to be a blessing. Mari was able to secure accommodation in ... read more

Greece - The Antiquities . We've called this Travelblog 'Greece: The Antiquities' for two reasons. One, we're describing our journey through the ancient Greek icons. And, two, after the heat and the go,go,go, we feel quite antiquated. We'll let you choose the 'source' for the description. As always, if you want to see the picture in a larger size, just click on it. Day 1 - Friday 7 June; Arrival After departing Istanbul early, we arrived in Athens and made our way via metro to Monastiraki a central suburb close to the sites of antiquities. Compared to our experience of other airports and public transport on this particular trip, Athens is light years in arrears. On a different note, the Athenian graffiti offers more colour than the (quite scruffy) city proper. Having secured an apartment for ... read more