This was my second visit and first overnight in Avignon. It is a lovely city with two main sights. The famed Pont d'Avignon about which the children's song was composed and the Palace of the Popes where the papacy resided in the 14th century to evade chaos on Italian soil. Reflecting on the statue of… Continue reading Reflections on Avignon
Farewell to Paris – continued…
Due to technical issues with the wifi at the Hotel d'Horloge in Avignon, my most recent post did not go out with all the pictures. Sorry.
Paris Day 2 -Musee d’Orsay and Montmartre
Eleven hours of rest and we are ready to hit the road again. Our evening lasted till 130 in the morning including a dinner cruise on the Seine on Bateaux Parisens which took us along the scenic highlights of Paris. Due to work on the RER, we had to take the bus to Thierry and… Continue reading Paris Day 2 -Musee d’Orsay and Montmartre
Round the world stats…
On my last leg and of the journey now, on board Air New Zealand's 777-300 from Auckland to San Francisco, I wanted to take a moment to share the stats for this incredible journey I was privileged to partake in. Many of you have asked. I circled the globe on 6 long distance and two… Continue reading Round the world stats…
Last day in Auckland
After a restful night and packing all my stuff up for my journey home, 5 of my trip mates joined in a last excursion to Piha bay and the rain forest outside Auckland. Along the way we passed the beach where Jane Campion filmed the dramatic beach scene of the movie "The Piano". This experience… Continue reading Last day in Auckland
Discovered Paradise – Waiheke island
4 hours worth of workshops wrapped up and our small group gathered for a drive over to Waiheke island by boat. Our guide Gary drive us around this slice of paradise with never ending vistas, beaches and windy roads. An amazing discovery. As on previous excursions, our tour included wine tasting and a fantastic meal… Continue reading Discovered Paradise – Waiheke island
Down Under Answers 25th Anniversary celebration – the reason for this magical trip around the world
Everyone has gathered in Auckland at the renowned Langham Hotel for a day of workshops and learning. And tonight we all  join in a celebration of Kirk Demeter and his company as he marks the 25th anniversary of his business. What a fabulous meal and ceremony!  I feel so privileged to be a part of… Continue reading Down Under Answers 25th Anniversary celebration – the reason for this magical trip around the world
Perth to Auckland
With 24 hour delay to fix a mechanical issue on Air NewZealand's Boeing 787-9, our group took off on the last leg of the trip together. I eagerly anticipated this flight as it was my first on this type of aircraft. Once on board, it became clear to me quickly that this is a Boeing… Continue reading Perth to Auckland
Flight cancelled
After s long 3 hour wait, the technician declared the highly anticipated flight on a Dreamliner cancelled. This is s good reminder for everyone flying that sometimes things happen. That is why it is essential to have travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses. We are all at an airport hotel awaiting updates on our next… Continue reading Flight cancelled
Bye bye Pearth
After a fabulous day with our Western Australia sales manager Sandy and our amazing driver Peter (Go in style), we are now all gathered at the Quantas lounge ahead of my long anticipated flight on Air NewZealand Boeing 787-9 to Auckland. Due to technical issues boarding has been delayed. Throughout the day, we visited the… Continue reading Bye bye Pearth
Adventure day in Margaret River
The most spectacular coast line of Australia's West coast. This secret spot along the "Cape to Cape" walking trail that spans 137 kilometers along unspoiled coastline is just breathtaking. It is even more special for me as I had to hike through the tiger snake mating area with low brush and all. Not fun for… Continue reading Adventure day in Margaret River
Sunrise over AustraliaÂ
Another restful night behind me, I rose before sunrise and walked to a scenic overlook with Pam, one of my fellow travelers to watch the sun rise over Australia Enjoy.
Margaret River area south of PerthÂ
After a short night in our fantastic suites at the Crown hotel in Perth, our guide Sandy and driver Peter picked us up at 7am for a scenic drive down to the world renowned wine region of Margaret River. Upon arrival, we experienced a flight of wines with corresponding Amuse Bouches. It was a one-of-a-kind… Continue reading Margaret River area south of PerthÂ
Welcome to Western Australia
After a short 5 hour flight within the same time zone, we arrived in Perth. The most important thing first, temps dropped to mid 70s and the humidity is gone. It only took a few mi utes to get acclimated and feel like L.A. Weather again. Back in 1992/93, I had travelled through Perth with… Continue reading Welcome to Western Australia
Raffles Hotel – final thoughts
Our time in Singapore is rapidly coming to an end. While I won't miss the humidity, I will miss the cleanliness,orderliness, and as my traveling companion Matt Knowles noted "2 days without sirens". We never heard a police car or ambulance in a city of 5.3 million, that is an accomplishment. We are now saying… Continue reading Raffles Hotel – final thoughts
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