27.4.2012 Chefs table dinner last night was interesting, the Exec Chef cooked for us in the kitchen, it was quite noisy but a lot of fun. There were six of us, another couple from the states who were at a VET conference, she was the vet and her husband worked for Sandvik which John had too a few years ago, that it is a small world! Lobster, prawns, souffle, - gut busted again! Then moved up to the Ice Bar, the bar is made of ice, and had a couple of martinis before heading off to sleep. Spending day in St Thomas today, it really is postcard perfect, such a lovely port and the weather is superb. John decided to buy me a laptop for our anniverary, I said come ON!! I am fed up with ... read more

23.4.2012 BASTETERRE, STKITTS, WEST INDIES Captains dinner last night was a lot of fun, a few Americans, Puerto Rican couple and us (10 in all), didn’t have to pay for wine or any drinks, all on the house, way to go! Food was sensational too! To think out of 2000 people on board we were invited was just amazing, he does this twice only on the week long cruise. Docked as usual 8.00a.m. Very pretty island 35 sq miles, had a tour of the island which took about 3 hrs, took in all the local sites and the old Fort, a Batik factory and the touristy beach areas. There were loads of diamond merchants etc as they say people come on these cruises to buy jewellery as it is so much cheaper than in the US, ... read more

Have had a wonderful day exploring San Juan, breakfast (all included) early on the top floor of our hotel overlooking the areas around us, so beautiful!! Then off to the Old San Juan to explore, the Spanish architecture is just exquisite, with all the wrought iron balconies with flowers and creepers cascading over the edge, all the colourful homes etc and the people are so friendly even if we don't communicate in English, a smile gets us by. There is a lot to see - the island is 100mile x 35 mile so its not that big and there is a lot of history - invasion by the Dutch - they must have been very busy back when!! They also invaded Indonesia - they have a history everywhere. Blake and Suzi had to work in the ... read more

Well had a wonderful dinner at Mulates, great food and loads of Cajun dancing, we all had a fun night! Sunday Tim and Debbie went to mass at Blake's Uni Loyola early, (a stunning old church there) then we all headed down to the French Quarter once again, music and bands everywhere, oh and some sights for sore eyes too, went to Conservation Hall (a very famous music hall) in the heart of French Quarter. Gazing along the streets looking at all the different colored houses with their shutters and iron balconies is just beautiful. It was Mike Suzi's brothers birthday and he was heading back to Lafayette Sunday so met everyone at Acme Oyster Bar for brunch, wonderful oysters and most of us had a Poboy as well!! Spent the afternoon wandering from one stage ... read more

Finally arrived in Lafayette after 24 hours travelling. Had a really great trip, Premium economy seats from Sydney to Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, then an hours flight on a 40 seater down to Lafayette. Blake and Suzi live in a gorgeous community, it is Easter Sunday here today and having loads of family over for lunch and drinks around the pool, the weather is mid 20's and very bright and sunny. Everything is very clean, green here in the South. Have been for a drive around Lafayette town and it seems quite rural similar to Bendigo I would say. We are off to Baton Rouge tomorrow to the outlets to have a bit a spend up, looking forward to that, we are about one hour from the outlets at Gonzales just out of Baton Rouge.... read more