Crossing Arctic Circle plus Bodo & Lofoten Wall Friday 8 December 2017 The Arctic Circle marks the border to the Arctic region. Today was the day for crossing the Arctic Circle. This occurred about 7.30am. On the land was a lit-up globe which I almost missed but got to take some terrible quality photos of it in the distance!!! We continue sailing along the beautiful coast of Helgeland up to Bodo. Later this afternoon the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall appeared on the horizon. The charms of the Lofoten Islands were revealed in all the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere. Crossing the Arctic Circle is when the hunt for the Arctic light began. We are hoping for clear skies but that might not happen until arriving in Lapland. Stopping at Bodo ... read more

Wednesday 6 December 2017 Alesund We were told that Norway’s crowning glory is its fjord heartland, and that travellers are spellbound by soaring mountains, mystical forests stunning lakes and shimmering fjords. The coastline hides remote communities, fishing villages and quaint medieval towns. They said a Hurtigruten voyage is the best way to experience authentic Norway. Sailing alongside the coastline, deep into the heart of Norway’s spectacular landscape and closer to the country’s people and wildlife, was fantastic. From the moment we stepped on board, we were treated to relaxing days, sublime cuisine and the warm company of like-minded adventurers. In the morning we had the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord. As we sailed past the West Cape we experienced a rare venture into open sea. Then the ship navigated through skerries and ... read more

Norway, Lapland, Finland and Estonia, and Shanghai – Tom, Pam & Sheryl, 3-23 December 2017 We were really looking forward to this action packed itinerary begins with a seven day cruise through Norway’s majestic fjords, visiting remote islands and coastal communities not normally accessible by other means. Your adventure continues by taking you deep into the heart of Finnish Lapland where you will delve into the rich culture of the region’s Sami people and explore pristine Arctic landscapes. We will be stopping off at Shanghai on the way home for 3 nights. Sunday, 3 December: Leaving home at 6.00am by uber taxi, we went through the usual international airport routine and departed on China Southern (flying KLM airlines) at 9.55am, on time. We arrived in Guangzhou, China after a 9 hour flight for our 7 hour ... read more

Day 17: Alleppey - Kumarakom 4 October 2017 Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam famous for its backwater tourism. Debbie was keen to buy some copper pots and Moran said there might be some for sale in the markets of Kottayam. We parked the van and walked along the busy market street, moving from one shop to another. The results where that we both bought sari material and Deb also found several small copper bowls but sadly, no large ones were found. The men also found a café which sold excellent cappuccino so we all had one, including Mohan. Fishing, agriculture and tourism are the major economic activities in this area. Kumarakom's perfectly balanced tropical climate is very conducive to cultivation. The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields ... read more

Day 15: Cochin - Thekkady 2 October 2017 This morning after breakfast, we drove to Thekkady (191 km/ 4.5 hrs approx.). It was another beautiful drive with better roads. There were rubber plantations, coffee trees, pineapples, and as we climbed higher, tea plantations. On arrival to Thekkady, we found a casual restaurant which had a lot of Indians so we knew it would have good food – and it did. After lunch we checked into our hotel. Soon after Debbie and I decided to have a massage on the recommendation of Mohar. It was one of the most ‘interesting’massage I have had. I totally undressed and was put on a firm table on my back and a large amount of heated ‘medicinal’ oil was poured over me. The lady whipped me into shape!!!! I wasn’t comfortable ... read more