A heart that loves is always young… ~ Greek Proverb HE SAID... Today we were continuing to explore the ancient city of Athens. Wide awake at 5:30am, our bodies still adjusting to the eight-hour time difference between Greece and Australia, we used the early morning stillness to prepare for a self-guided walking tour of central Athens. This time there would be no disgruntled tour guide. Armed only with a small map and endless enthusiasm, we were looking forward to a day of fortuitous adventure. But first there was breakfast. We loved the breakfast room at Hotel Attalos, not only for its fabulous and slightly eccentric array of breakfast provisions, but also for the unexpected (and entirely free) entertainment provided by hotel guests – especially the grumpy ones. There’s nothing more amusing than an unhappy camper who ... read more

The learning and knowledge that we have, is but little compared with that of which we are ignorant… ~ Plato, Greek Philosopher HE SAID... Today we were travelling from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Athens (Greece). As we lifted off from Dubai International Airport in the late afternoon, I stared down at the surreal Dubai landscape below as our plane climbed steeply into the sky on its northwest route to Athens. The plane was virtually empty, so we had plenty of room. Dinner was served within the hour, and it was nice to enjoy a cold beer after Dubai’s relentless 40+ degree afternoon heat. When the pilot informed us that our flight would take just over four hours, it dawned on me that I finally had time to start my travel writing! I typed feverishly between ... read more

He who is outside the door has already a good part of his journey behind him… ~ Greek Proverb HE SAID... Greece. It’s difficult to put into words the number of discussions, concerns, risk contingencies, alternative plans, COVID articles and extenuating factors we considered before embarking on this trip. It would be a major understatement to say this adventure has been a long time coming. A long time planning. A long time worrying. And yet it is finally here. Finally! Ren’s birthday trip. Ren’s 50th birthday trip to be precise. We’re finally, finally going. The last time we travelled internationally was in January 2020. During the trip, as we floated down the Mekong in a long wooden boat, we heard snippets of news that a virus was spreading out of China. It was causing chaos at ... read more

Some roads aren’t meant to be travelled alone ~ Australian Proverb The West Coast of Tasmania has always held a special place in Andrew’s heart, and I too fell immediately in love with it on my very first trip to Tasmania in the mid-90s. I’ve now visited the region quite a few times, and I should be able to say I know it reasonably well; but it has a certain mysterious quality that makes me think it would take a lot more than a few trips to get under the tough skin of the West Coast. Andrew’s family lived on the West Coast for a few years when he was a little kid, so his understanding and appreciation of it comes from within. When you live somewhere as a child, there’s an honest and candid acceptance ... read more

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour ~ Australian Proverb This blog covers Days 2 and 3 of our trip to the far south of Tasmania… to celebrate our 15th Anniversary. Franklin I absolutely loved waking up and taking in the early morning view of the misty Huon River from our attic bedroom window. It was like looking into an ever-changing real-life painting. It was a very special and beautiful start to our 15th Anniversary. By the time we had a quick breakfast and got going, the light had changed rather dramatically – the mist had lifted and the light was clear and strong. The only comparison I can make is the cloudless sunny bright day that magically appears after an early morning frost. I also loved our walks ... read more