May 19, 2019 - Tehran, becoming aquainted

Well an interesting day with many challenges. Not quite what I expected of Tehran, perhaps a little more downtrodden, not quite as modern or open as expected, truely mixed emotions about this city not easily explained. As usual, we did the city free walking tour, the highlight of our day and where we learned so much about what keeps Tehran ticking over and much more about life as an Iranian from our local guide. So much general information whilst visiting interesting areas and learning more about the history of Iran. Of course there were...

May 18, 2019 - Shalom and Inshallah,we arrived

Yes, finally in Tehran, not the best couple of days of travelling but I guess that the hassles, delays and sheer frustrations are all part of travel. Our flight was late, we missed our connection and spent 6 hours awaiting a new connection in Doha (always an ‘upside’ - we were eligible to spend the time comfortably in the Airport Business Lounge, no alcohol but comfortable with plenty of food), we missed our walking tour in Tehran and complimentary Airport pickup. On arrival in Tehran, again things picked up (after consuming 4 breakfasts en...

May 17, 2019 - On our way ......

At last, our big day arrives, let the Adventure begin Ohhh what a Feeling.... A quick stopover in Doha and then on to Tehran arriving at 4,30am ugh, I hope they will be as pleased to see us at that time of the morning as we will be to see them. Watch this space, next entry from Tehran....

May 16, 2019 - Day 1&2 - Fly to Frankfurt & Mainz

Day 1&2 - 16 & 17 May 19 ( We’d/Thu) - Mainz Rise 0620 - heater on. Up at 0645hrs . Very easy relaxed start, no panic. Tracey picks us up 0900hrs for Virgin departure at 1035 hrs - baggage booked through to Frankfurt. Virgin flight to Melbourne on time and comfortable arriving at domestic 1200 hrs - turbo prop aircraft. Walked to International snacking on a shared burger and wine. Depart Melbourne for Singapore on time at 1540 hrs - 7hrs 20 mins flight - all good. 2 hr 50 layover. Flight to Frankfurt uneventful arriving on time at 0650 hrs....

May 9, 2019 - Today is finally here!

A quick entry while I wait at Gate 14 in order to board what looks to be a very full plane. Wonderful news that I know you will be delighted to know! My suitcase weighed 16.6kg! Yay me! The rain (which I didn’t hear any of last night) appears to have stopped so our flight shouldn’t be affected in any way. Ok - that’s it for now. Next stop - VANCOUVER!

May 9, 2019 - It’s nearly time!

Nearly ready to fly! Packed (as minimally as I can)... no idea how much the bag weighs as I don’t have any scales and the ones Nicola loaned me were pretty useless (sorry, Nic, but they were). I think/ hope the bag weighs less than 23kg... if it doesn’t too bad... I need my 5 pairs of shoes!! After a nice farewell breakfast with Nicola and a Mother’s Day picnic at Soph’s Kinder, it was off to the bus stop to get the Skybus to Tullamarine airport. Then a 3 minute ride in a shuttle van to our hotel for the night.... I think it took longer to...

May 8, 2019 - Accommadition and Travel Costs

Accommodation Costs 2018 to2019 28/08/2018 to 1/09/2018 Melbourne Pullman Albert Park $612.00 = $153.00 per/night Disappointed Room good, breakfast good BUT no help with bags on arrival (noticed other guests were carry their own bags too), room key not programmed properly, coffee machine in Executive Lounge overflowing necessitating us to clean it, dirty dishes not cleared away, USB ports in the room disconnected necessitating a maintenance man working for 30 mins only to be told they had deliberately been disconnected by staff (perhaps you...

Apr 26, 2019 - A step closer!

Today, Cheryl and I picked up our tickets,vouchers and other travel documents. We also got a few good tips from our travel agent who has just returned from New York. As a result, we booked a couple of extra little tours in NY. In just two weeks, we will be setting off on this wonderful holiday! Anticipation Excitement building Researching, planning, packing Counting down the days Holiday!

Apr 25, 2019 - One more sleep before takeoff

Hello family and friends, I am preparing to leave Melbourne tomorrow night for eight months in Europe. Once again I intend to use this journal to write about my adventures but if you would prefer not to get my updates, please let me know that you would like to opt out. No pressure. Cheers, Jude

Apr 24, 2019 - London - Here we come.

LONDON here we come. Such a different feel to departing this time by not going to Congo after 10 years. Great farewell at Brisbane airport by Ian and Robyn, then flight to Sydney to quickly connect to Singapore flight on the A380. “No Heather,” said David, “don’t go to that Gate, or you’ll end up on the African flight.” Um.... now that’s a thought worth considering! Smoothe flight to Singapore. After long walk around Changi Terminals, and a midnight train ride, we arrived @ Airport Hotel and settled in room by 2 am ( Aussie time) Crashed on...

Apr 21, 2019 - Sailing the South Pacific

We are 6 days into our Trans Pacific cruise. We are playing Hand and Foot card game, watching the ocean slide by and eating good food. We have watched the surfers do the flowrider, the I-Fly and rock climbers. Have thought of doing that myself. 3100 Aussies on this trip. Really enjoying the Diamond lounge.

Apr 21, 2019 - Day 3 Tour de Cowra Day

Woodstock Loop Distance 60 km. Elevation gain: 540m Nice ride with delightful scenery and great road surfaces Dinner at the Quarry Restaurant with a walking return on unsealed trails through the orchards and vineyards Aziza and wife Larnie joined us at the table