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Welcome to GA's (his) & SP's (her) online album. Despite the fact that we live at Sans Souci in Sydney, Australia (which can best be described as a little piece of heaven right here on earth), we love to travel and to experience the thrill of seeing new places and invariably making new friends throughout our journeys. Please feel free to join us on our travels - hope you enjoy our journeys nearly as much as we did.

We have also added albums covering our family, friends and "people with paws" - we hope you enjoy those too!

Galleries

Solly : Solly was the stray who adopted Dad a few years ago. We think Solly may have had a bit of a "rough" youth - his left ear was very tatty. When Dad passed away in August 2008, we adopted Solly, who took no time at all to make himself very much at home at his new home. He was easy to love - despite the fact that he was capable of throwing a true "hissy fit" every now and then. When I look through this album, I realise all Solly seemed to do was spend his day sleeping - there aren't too many "action" shots in this album and now sadly, there never will be. It is with a great sense of loss that we advise that Solly passed on 10 February 2010. He was privately cremated and his ashes have now come home to us. We feel so very lost without our Solly being with us. I miss him terribly but I am grateful for the 18 months that we did get to share with him. We love you Solly, oh yes we do......

Solly

Solly was the stray who adopted Dad a few years ago. We think Solly m ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2009 2:14am CDT

People with Paws : A selection of our family's "people with paws".

People with Paws

A selection of our family's "people with paws".

Updated: Aug 16, 2010 9:13pm CDT

Greg & Suzie : We won a voucher for a free professional photo shoot at the Great Australian Shave fundraising function earlier this year. We took up the offer but, of course, it didn't turn out to be "free" because you had to buy the photos you wanted. We restricted our order to ten, due to cost and here they are. All Suzie can say is "God bless Photoshop" !!

Greg & Suzie

We won a voucher for a free professional photo shoot at the Great Aust ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2013 2:36am CDT

Queen Mary 2 "In Port" Tour : We were lucky enough to be guests of Captain's Choice Tours for an "in port" tour of Queen Mary 2 whilst she was in Sydney on Thursday, 7th March 2013. What a magnificent ship but I, for one, would need to be on board for a long voyage to get my bearings locked in. We also had the pleasure of enjoying a 3 course meal on board before disembarking at around 1430 hours. Thanks Captain's Choice!

Queen Mary 2 "In Port" Tour

We were lucky enough to be guests of Captain's Choice Tours for an "in ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2013 7:04pm CDT

Vivid Festival, Sydney : 9 and 10 June 2012 - Stayed at the Shangri La Hotel on Cumberland Street in Sydney to view the 2012 Vivid Festival. REM: Room 3507.

Vivid Festival, Sydney

9 and 10 June 2012 - Stayed at the Shangri La Hotel on Cumberland Stre ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2012 12:02am CDT

Sydney Taronga Zoo : Spent a weekend at Sydney's Taronga Zoo earlier this year to do a basic photography course. Had an absolute ball and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Zoo, which I hadn't done for many, many years. Hope you enjoy some of our Australian fauna and, of course, the "internationals". I loved Taronga so much I've since become a Zoo Friend, which will allow me to visit on a regular basis at a reduced cost. Roll on warmer weather................

Sydney Taronga Zoo

Spent a weekend at Sydney's Taronga Zoo earlier this year to do a basi ...

Updated: Jun 20, 2012 3:42am CDT

1 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Singapore : This was our 7th Captain's Choice holiday - "Equatorial Explorer 2012" - a Monarch Airlines' charter from London to Sydney which officially ran from 13th February to 6th March 2012. GA & SP flew out of Sydney on QF 31 at 1730 hours on Sunday, 5th February to spend two nights in Singapore to break the long flight to London. We hadn't been to Singapore since our China 2010 holiday and fortunately for us, the new hotel property Marina Bay Sands was now well and truly open and operating, so that's where we chose to stay. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is currently the largest hotel in Singapore and with its three towers soaring 200 metres above the Bay, it is conveniently located in the heart of Singapore. Perched 200 metres in the air, Sands SkyPark extends out to a gravity-defying cantilever upon where the SkyPark Observation Deck is perched. It also has the world's largest and highest infinity pool. What a fabulous hotel property this is - absolutely six star and with the huge shopping mall attached, we really didn't leave the hotel/shopping mall complex during our entire stay. The only part of the hotel we chose to ignore was the Casino! We paid to stay in a "Club Room", which meant breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails & canapes were complimentary daily - all of these wonderful "events" took place in The Club Lounge on the 57th floor of the hotel - the SkyPark - with the infinity pool to take your breathe away directly in front of you while you dined and drank. Not half bad!

1 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Singapore

This was our 7th Captain's Choice holiday - "Equatorial Explorer 2012" ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2012 11:04pm CDT

2 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - United Kingdom : We departed Singapore on QF31 in the wee hours of Wednesday, 8th February and, due to the time difference, arrived at Heathrow at 0630 hours on the morning of Wednesday, the 8th. We left the balmy heat of Singapore to minus degree temperatures in London - a bit of a shock to the system! On arrival, we made our way directly to the Royal Garden Hotel on High Street, Kensington, which was to be our home for the next 7 days. We were delighted that our dear friends, Marion & Cliff, were able to join us in London on the Thursday and Friday and their visit was only marred by the fact that Greg was sick on the Thursday and couldn't join us for dinner that night. We were also delighted to have the opportunity to visit Auntie Edna & Uncle Albert in Swanscome on the Sunday and spend the day with them before returning "home". Suzie spent a full day at the V&A on the Monday but without doubt, the cultural highlight of the trip was our visit to the Wallace Collection, which is a national museum in the heart of London. Neither Greg or I had visited this wonderful museum before and God willing, it won't be our last visit there either! The collection was assembled entirely in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is one of the finest collections of fine and decorative arts in the world and it chronicles the fascintating history of its Founders, the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. The museum is housed in Hertford House, the Wallaces' former home. This wonderful collection is a mere stone's throw from Selfridges on Oxford Street. Please do yourselves a favour and add the Wallace Collection to your list of "must see" when you're next in London. On the Tuesday night, we had a CCT Group Dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel where we met the majority of our fellow passengers on Equatorial Explorer 2012. At this dinner, we were delighted to learn that Dot & Ross P were also on the tour - we had the pleasure of travelling with them on two prior CCT trips - in 2007 and 2008.

2 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - United Kingdom

We departed Singapore on QF31 in the wee hours of Wednesday, 8th Febru ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2012 3:29am CDT

3 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Sao MIguel Island, The Azores : Wednesday, 15th February 2012. We departed the Royal Garden Hotel for Harrods VIP Terminal at Luton Airport, where we joined our Monarch jet for the start of our Equatorial Explorer adventure. Our first destination was the Azores - the first of four new destinations for Greg and I. Flight time from London to Ponta Delgada was around 3 hours 40 minutes. The nine islands of the Azores archipelago are a thousand nautical miles from anywhere else. They exist where the tectonic plates for Europe, Africa and North America meet. These are wild and diverse islands, built from ancient volcanic eruptions. The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are unlike anywhere else on earth. Situated about 1,000 miles from the European coast and about 2,000 miles from North America, the Azores consists of nine unique islands divided into three groups: * the eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria) * the central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) * the western (Corvo and Flores). It is said that in the Azores, people still remember what the rest of the world has forgotten. Life moves at a different pace. While these are without question some of the most beautiful islands in the world, they remain an emerging destination. Rather than focusing on the mass tourist market, the government of the Azores has nurtured an infrastructure to welcome the visitor who seeks a personalized and unique experience. In the towns, valleys, and seashore, fine hotels have been built in ancient monasteries and palaces. Azoreans are truly pleased to share their homeland with visitors and this was evident by our guide and bus driver during our stay. Both were obviously extremely proud of their homeland and just so excited to be able to share its wealth of natural beauty with us all. The islands were created by dramatic volcanic activity hundreds of millions of years ago, building an environment that is both unexpected and varied. From the 7,700-foot peak of Pico island, to the blue and green lakes at Sete Cidades on São Miguel, the Azores offers a lush and sculptured landscape that is reminiscent of many places: The green fields and gentle hills resemble Ireland. The baroque cities and classical architecture are like those of the north of Portugal. The mountains and valleys resemble northern California. The geysers and craters remind one of Iceland. There are sapphire blue and emerald green lakes; stone wall-lined prairies, volcanic cones and craters; wild hydrangeas and azaleas; 15th-century Gothic churches, and grand manor houses. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round (between 57°F and 71°F) and is lightly populated with 240,000 inhabitants in 868 square miles. The volcanic origin of the Azores is unmistakable. Thousands of years of vegetation cannot hide the deep craters, some of which are filled with deep lakes today. Geysers and sulphur springs are common. The Azores are also known for their rolling landscapes, sprinkled with tiny settlements of whitewashed or black stone houses. The hillsides are planted with vineyards, tea, and fruit orchards. Some coastlines are strewn with black rocks, rugged and often plunging hundreds of feet into the emerald sea. But, there are plenty of welcoming bays, natural pools, beaches, and inlets for swimming and sunbathing (the water temperature is warm enough year-round). Watersports, fishing and whale watching are widely available.

3 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Sao MIguel Island, The Azores

Wednesday, 15th February 2012. We departed the Royal Garden Hotel for ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2012 2:54am CDT

4 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Cuba : We departed from Ponta Delgada, Azores at 1045 hours on Friday, 17th February 2012 and arrived at Havana, Cuba at 1515 hours, which represented a 7 hour flight. Whilst the original intention had been to have a 1 hour refuelling stop in Bermuda, due to favourable winds, we were able to fly direct to Havana. This was GA & SP's second visit to Cuba (the first being in November 2006 on our SAMAC charter) and, in reality, very little had changed. Except for perhaps, sadly to our way of thinking, a dramatic increase in the number of relatively modern motor vehicles. In 2006, most of the vehicles were "Yank Tanks" from the 40's and 50's - they are still to be seen but represent a much smaller percentage of vehicles on the road. What a difference six years can make! On reflectionl, both GA & SP agree that Cuba is a country that you only need to visit once in your lifetime.

4 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Cuba

We departed from Ponta Delgada, Azores at 1045 hours on Friday, 17th F ...

Updated: Mar 28, 2012 7:10am CDT

5 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Guatemala : On Monday, 20th February 2012 we departed from Havana at around 1300 hours for the 1 hour 50 minute flight to Guatemala City, Guatemala. We arrived into a special customs hall where a "local market" had been set up with some wonderful items available for purchase and some local musicians playing "music to shop by". At this "airport market", I discovered my idea of bartering goes something like this: "How much is this?" Reply "40 US Dollars" to which I automatically reply "Perfect, here's the money"!!! After clearing the Airport, we were loaded onto a fleet of modern buses for the 1 hour journey to Guatemala's old capital, Antigua. We were to spend 3 wonderful nights here at the stunning Hotel Camino Real.

5 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Guatemala

On Monday, 20th February 2012 we departed from Havana at around 1300 h ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2012 8:58pm CDT

6 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Panama :

6 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Panama

Updated: Apr 25, 2012 1:09am CDT

7 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Peru :

7 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Peru

Updated: Apr 25, 2012 2:41am CDT

8 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Galapagos Islands :

8 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Galapagos Islands

Updated: Apr 25, 2012 4:51am CDT

9 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Galapagos by Klein :

9 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Galapagos by Klein

Updated: Apr 25, 2012 9:58pm CDT

10 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Easter Island :

10 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Easter Island

Updated: Apr 26, 2012 12:01am CDT

11 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Tahiti :

11 - Equatorial Explorer 2012 - Tahiti

Updated: Apr 26, 2012 3:18am CDT

Bill Peach Great Southern Aircruise - Sep/Oct 2011 : Departed Sydney on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 and returned at 1800 hours on Sunday, 2 October 2011 - a period of 12 days, filled with new destinations, adventures and experiences. This was our second Bill Peach Aircruise to discover some new parts of Australia for us both. We were lucky enough to have some great travelling companions and, importantly, crew. Indeed one of the pilots, Steve W was one of the pilots on our previous Bill Peach Journey. It was unseasonally cold on this trip so most of us were under-dressed and ill-prepared for the cold weather but that certainly didn't stop us from having a wonderful time. Being a lover of animals, obviously the highlights for me were the whale watching cruise in WA and the visit to Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island. Another first for me was seeing an echidna in the wild on Kangaroo Island - just brilliant. I didn't know which end was which until our guide enlightened me! At the end of this trip, I was certainly reassured that Australia is truly a diverse country, rich in natural beauty, flora and fauna. Who'd want to live anywhere else?

Bill Peach Great Southern Aircruise - Sep/Oct 2011

Departed Sydney on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 and returned at 1800 h ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2011 2:59am CDT

1 - ARA 2010 - Bangkok, Thailand - Forward Journey : Departed Sydney on Thai International on Sunday, 31st October 2010 for a 4 night stopover in Bangkok before flying onto London to join the Remote Africa 2010 air charter. Due to our visit to Mali and Timbuktu being dropped from the itinerary, I have now renamed this tour "ALMOST Remote Africa 2010" or "ARA 2010".

1 - ARA 2010 - Bangkok, Thailand - Forward Journey

Departed Sydney on Thai International on Sunday, 31st October 2010 for ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2011 11:25pm CDT

2 - ARA 2010 - London, UK - Pre ARA 2010 : Arrived into London on the night of Thursday, 4th November 2010 - one day prior to the arrival of the Captain's Choice Group coming directly from Australia. Spent a very brisk Friday walking through Kensington Gardens (adjacent to our hotel) and going to Oxford Street for a spot of retail therapy. On Friday night, we enjoyed a Welcome Dinner in a restaurant close to our hotel - at which we were advised that Mali was a 'NO GO' due to a British Government "Do not Travel" warning for all of Mali, as opposed to "Do not Travel" warning for Timbuktu. At this dinner, we were advised that the substitute for Mali and Timbuktu was to be Marrakech, Morocco. The following morning (Saturday), we were bussed to Luton Airport to join our charter aircraft, which was to be "home base" for the next 3 weeks.

2 - ARA 2010 - London, UK - Pre ARA 2010

Arrived into London on the night of Thursday, 4th November 2010 - one ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2011 2:11am CDT

3 - ARA 2010 - Marrakech, Morocco : This was the third visit to Marrakech for SP in 5 years and a second visit for GA in the same period. So, unfortunately for us, it was very much a case of "been there and done that". Everyone on the charter was obviously disappointed with the deletion of Mali and Timbuktu from the itinerary but there's no holiday destination on earth that is knowingly worth risking life and limb for. Sadly, though, Greg and I must come to grips with the fact that we will now probably never experience Mali or Timbucktu - we can't really see ourselves getting another opportunity to visit that country.

3 - ARA 2010 - Marrakech, Morocco

This was the third visit to Marrakech for SP in 5 years and a second v ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2011 4:42pm CDT

4 - ARA 2010 - Livingstone, Zambia : This was our second visit to the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia - the first visit being in 2003. It is truly one of the most wonderful hotels in which we have stayed throughout our travels. This time around we were in Room 5018 - an ideal room for viewing the zebras and the giraffes. Next time, God willing, Greg and I hope to be able to stay at this fabulous hotel for more than one night! Obviously, it was also our second visit to Victoria Falls. On both occasions, we have visited the Falls in the Dry Season, so we have yet to experience the full drama of Victoria Falls in the wet season and witness the maximum power of the Falls, which we are told are awesome. So on our wish list is at least one more visit back to Victoria Falls and the Royal Livingstone Hotel - in May or June of any given year!!!!

4 - ARA 2010 - Livingstone, Zambia

This was our second visit to the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia - t ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2011 5:12am CDT

5 - ARA 2010 - Cape Town, South Africa : It was an absolute joy to revisit Cape Town once again. We only joined the Captain's Choice tour activities for the trip up Table Mountain (one NEVER misses an opportunity to go to the top of Table Mountain - particularly on a clear day) and for the very special dinner at the Buitenverwachting Restaurant (translation from Dutch is "Exceptional Expectations") in Constantia, where we had Pete and Beatie join us along with the rest of our fellow travellers. On the Saturday, we spent the day at the V&A Waterfront and lunched with Pete and Beatie again - this time at Quay Four. Brilliant to catch up with Pete again and to meet Beatie for the first time - wouldn't have missed it for quids!

5 - ARA 2010 - Cape Town, South Africa

It was an absolute joy to revisit Cape Town once again. We only joine ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2011 9:55pm CDT

6 - ARA 2010 - Madagascar : This was the first of two new destinations for us on ARA 2010. Madagascar was absolutely nothing like I imagined it to be - I imagined a rich, lush landscape and I was certainly in no way prepared for the high level of poverty we saw during our stay. But it was a rich experience nonetheless - I absolutely fell in love with the Lemurs we saw in an urban sanctuary. Part of the group spent most of their stay in the Perinet National Park - I had originally put my name down to go to the NP, whilst Greg opted to stay in Antananarivo - then for some unknown reason, I changed my mind and decided to also stay "in town". That choice did afford us a visit to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, which is a site of cultural and historical significance for the Malagasy people, located approximately 24 kilometers to the east of the capital city of Antananarivo. The site consists of a walled historic village including residences and burial sites of several key members of the royalty of Imerina, the ethnic community that rose to power in the 19th century and united much of the island nation of Madagascar under its administrative authority. The site, one of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina, is associated with strong feelings of national identity and has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years. The compound was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001.

6 - ARA 2010 - Madagascar

This was the first of two new destinations for us on ARA 2010. Madaga ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2011 10:06pm CDT

7 - ARA 2010 - Zanzibar, Tanzania : This was our second visit to the island of Zanzibar - the first visit being in 2003 on our "Cape Town to Cairo" trip with Captain's Choice. In 2003, we stayed at the Serena Inn Hotel in Stone Town, whilst on this occasion we were an hour's drive from Stone Town (right across the island) at the Ocean Paradise Hotel Resort. Upon reflection, we would rather stay in Stone Town - the Ocean Paradise Hotel was really fabulous but the reality is you could have been in Fiji or Noumea or any other tropical island. When you're in Stone Town, you KNOW you're in Zanzibar!! One of the best nights on ARA 2010 was held on our first night at the Ocean Paradise - a beachside BBQ dinner, with balmy ocean breeze and loads of fabulous food. PLUS the best band ever had us all up dancing with the sand between our toes. Greg and I did our own thing on the Monday, which included a leisurely morning at the Hotel before taking a taxi into Stone Town for a late lunch at a hotel that is now known as "236 Hurumzi". 236 Hurumzi, along with mosque minarets, temple towers, church spires, and the Tower Top Restaurant, forms an integral part of the skyline of Stone Town. (It is in fact the 2nd tallest building in Stone Town). Once the residence of a fabulously wealthy man in the Swahili Empire, 236 Hurumzi has recently been restored to its former glory. The furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of various styles and origins. Our appraisal - Well worth the climb to get to the rooftop restaurant!!!! Dinner back at our hotel on this our second night - this time "pool side" with more fabulous local entertainment.

7 - ARA 2010 - Zanzibar, Tanzania

This was our second visit to the island of Zanzibar - the first visit ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2011 3:43am CDT

8 - ARA 2010 - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania : This was our second visit to both Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. Last visit was in 2003 and what a difference those 7 years have made. In 2003, after leaving Arushua, we bumped and grimaced our way along RED dirt roads for about 6 hours (from memory). Today most of the road is tarred which made the journey far more pleasurable. As it turned out on this occasion, we had only a fleeting visit to Lake Manyara National Park (one has to wonder if it was even worth stopping for such a short while) before continuing the still long but (by comparison to 2003) far more enjoyable drive to Ngorongoro. We spent two nights at the Sopa Lodge on this trip - which Greg and I loved and much preferred to the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge that we stayed at in 2003. The other major plus was that it seemed to take far less time to descend into the caldera for our game drive on our only full day at Ngoro2 but then, time does play tricks on one's memory.

8 - ARA 2010 - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This was our second visit to both Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2011 6:50pm CDT

9 - ARA 2010 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia : On Friday 19th November 2010, after departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport, we flew to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. You will not see any photos of the airport here - it is a military airport and photography is strictly taboo. This was the second and final new destination for Greg and I on this trip and what a treat it was for us both. We both enjoyed Addis Ababa and truly adored our visit to the stone hewn churches of Lalibela, a 40 minute flight from Addis. We were also both struck by what a handsome race of people the Ethiopians are - both male & female. Addis Ababa (the name means 'new flower') is of fairly recent origin - Menelik 11 founded the city in 1887. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and standing 2,400 metres above sea level it is the third highest capital in the world. The city has a population of about two million. Before moving to the present site of Addis Ababa, Menelik had established temporary capitals at six different locations caused by exhausting the fuel wood at each of these sites. Addis itself was in danger of being abandoned until the introduction of fast-growing eucalyptus trees from Australia provided the city with a regular source of fuel. Addis Ababa is an important administrative centre not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. The headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa was established here in 1958 and it is the site of the OAU's secretariat.

9 - ARA 2010 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

On Friday 19th November 2010, after departing from Kilimanjaro Interna ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2011 12:09am CDT

10 - ARA 2010 - Lalibella, Ethiopia : Sunday 21 November 2010 - our long awaited visit to Lalibela. As it happened, this fell on St Michael's Day which made the visit even more special. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are exceptionally fine examples of a long-established Ethiopian building tradition. After the decline of the Axumite state, a new Christian dynasty emerged in the 12th century. This Zagwe dynasty made its capital in Roha, some hundreds of kilometres south of Axum. According to a legendary account, King Lalibela was born in Roha. His name means 'the bee recognises its sovereignty'. God ordered him to build 10 monolithic churches, and gave him detailed instructions as to their construction and even their colours. When his brother Harbay abdicated, the time had come for Lalibela to fulfil this command. Construction work began and is said to have been carried out with remarkable speed, which is scarcely surprising, for, according to legend, angels joined the labourers by day and in the night did double the amount of work which the men had done during the hours of daylight.

10 - ARA 2010 - Lalibella, Ethiopia

Sunday 21 November 2010 - our long awaited visit to Lalibela. As it h ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2011 4:16am CDT

11 - ARA 2010 - Tripoli, Libya : This was Suzie's third visit to Libya & Greg's second visit since 2005 - despite that, we still thoroughly enjoyed our short stay in Tripoli. On each visit to Tripoli, we have stayed at the Corinthia Bab Africa hotel - this time in Room 1059 in the smaller of the two towers. Not our best room in this hotel property on this occasion, but you have to take the good with the bad. As per usual, no alcohol permitted in Libya so our final two nights were very DRY.

11 - ARA 2010 - Tripoli, Libya

This was Suzie's third visit to Libya & Greg's second visit since 2005 ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2011 6:34pm CDT

12 - ARA 2010 - Sabratha, Libya : Tuesday, 23 November 2010. The main tour group went to Leptis Magna, the stunning Roman city dating from the 6th or 7th century BC, which lies 124 kilometres to the east of Tripoli. Greg and I and a small number of other passengers who had already been to Leptis Magna on one or more occasions, were extremely pleased to have the opportunity to view another of Libya's ancient ruins - Sabratha, which is also a World Heritage site. I must say I was really impressed with the mosaics, both in the museum and, on a few occasions, in situ amongst the ruins. It is just a wonderful experience to appreciate such fine artistry from so long ago. Sabratha was a Phoenician and Roman port on the North African coast , which had been excavated by Kathleen Kenyon between 1948 and 1951. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC (I personally refuse to use the politically correct "BCE"), it quickly became a major trading port. It was annexed to the Roman world in 46 BC, later becoming one of the three cities of the Roman Tripolitania, alongside Oea and Leptis Magna. The port was an important part of the sea-routes of the western Mediterranean, but also served to connect the sea-borne trade to the overland routes used by the trans-Saharan caravans. The city enjoyed great prosperity during the early empire, and in the 2nd century AD was made a colonia. A number of bath buildings and the Antonine-period theatre survive from this period. Sacked by the Austuriani in AD 363 and the Vandals in the 5th century, eventually the city enjoyed a second period of prosperity as part of the Byzantine empire in the 6th century AD. New walls were constructed, albeit enclosing smaller areas than in earlier times. Occupation of the site ended about AD 643, when the city was taken by Arab forces.

12 - ARA 2010 - Sabratha, Libya

Tuesday, 23 November 2010. The main tour group went to Leptis Magna, ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2011 3:16am CDT

13 - ARA 2010 - London, UK - Flight back to & Post Tour : We arrived back in London in the late afternoon of Wednesday, 24th November. We were transferred back to the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, where we spent another 4 nights. I took the train from Charing Cross down to Swanscombe early on Thursday, 25th November to visit my Auntie Edna and Uncle Albert. I had a really fabulous day with them, as per usual but they did insist that I leave Swanscombe fairly early in the afternoon so I would not be out wandering around London "in the dark" - God bless them. Our dear friends, Marion & Cliff came down by train from Solihull on the Friday and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with them at Maggie J's, just around the corner from our hotel that evening. Then on the Saturday morning, we went shopping on Oxford Street (yes, to buy another suitcase thingo) and then we all caught up with Grace, Gabriella & Aimie for a fish and chips lunch, before Marion & Cliff headed back to Solihull on the train. After our farewells, Greg and I headed back to our hotel for the second last "pack" of this trip.

13 - ARA 2010 - London, UK - Flight back to & Post Tour

We arrived back in London in the late afternoon of Wednesday, 24th Nov ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2011 2:50pm CDT

14 - ARA 2010 - Bangkok, Thailand - Return Journey : From London, we flew back to Bangkok and the Krungthep Wing of the Shangri La Hotel for a further 2 nights before finally flying into Sydney at "sparrow's" on the morning of Thursday, December 2, 2010. Another great trip for us both.

14 - ARA 2010 - Bangkok, Thailand - Return Journey

From London, we flew back to Bangkok and the Krungthep Wing of the Sha ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2011 3:04pm CDT

1 - China 2010 - Shanghai and Zhouzhuang : After a long travel day from Sydney to Shanghai (22 hours "from pillow to pillow") on Thursday 6th May, we were up bright and early on Friday, 7th May for a full day's touring in Shanghai , which Greg and I both had previously visited in 2007. On Saturday, 8th May, Greg took a rest day and I joined the other 13 of our fellow travellers for a full day trip to Zhouzhuang - one of the many ancient water cities in this area of China. In 2007, we had visited Suzhou so I was well pleased to visit a different water city on this occasion. What will I remember most about my trip to Zhouzhuang? My tri-gold earring (bought on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence) somehow mysteriously falling out of my right ear straight into the only muddy drain within a 10 kilometer radius of where I was standing after I had alighted from the bus! With my top lip quivering to hold back the tears, one of the workers at the silk factory came to my rescue and went delving into the black, murky waters in the drain. Miracle of miracles, he found the earring, which I might suggest is the equivalent odds of winning Lotto. Again, thank you kind sir.

1 - China 2010 - Shanghai and Zhouzhuang

After a long travel day from Sydney to Shanghai (22 hours "from pillo ...

Updated: May 31, 2010 4:30am CDT

2 - China 2010 - Victoria Katarina Cruise on Yangtze : This album covers the wonderful 4 night cruise (from Sunday May 9 to Thursday May 13) that we did on board Victoria Katarina. The highlight of the cruise was the Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam, as well as many wonderful shore excursions, most of which required climbing up 85,000 stairs to get to the start. Apparently if you do the cruise in winter, there aren't quite so many stairs to climb as the water level rises dramatically in winter. The cruise was really fabulous - it also afforded us the opportunity to meet lots of other travellers from other groups, as well as continuing to get to know our fellow travellers much better. Apart from revelling in the dramatic scenery throughout the duration of the cruise, what will stay in my memory most of all are the two "entertainment" evenings that the crew of Victoria Katarina gave us. Two memorable evenings, which were pure joy to watch.

2 - China 2010 - Victoria Katarina Cruise on Yangtze

This album covers the wonderful 4 night cruise (from Sunday May 9 to T ...

Updated: Jun 14, 2010 6:34pm CDT

3 - China 2010 - Guilin : The city of Guilin was founded in the Qin Dynasty in 314 BC as a small settlement on the Lijiang River. It became increasingly important following the construction of a canal joining the river with another further north, providing a transport link with the Yangtze. The town became the provincial capital in the Ming Dynasty, and remained so until 1914, when the capital was moved to Nanning. Our boat journey downstream from Guilin to Yangshuo offered 30 miles of breathtaking scenery - particularly on the day we did it. It was an extremely bleak day which somehow seemed to heighten the drama of the scenery. Must go back one day to do this cruise on a fine, sunny day. Guilin proved to be an absolute highlight of the trip for both Greg and I. But, without doubt, the lunch served on our boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo had the dubious distinction of being ONE OF THE WORST MEALS I have ever been faced with.

3 - China 2010 - Guilin

The city of Guilin was founded in the Qin Dynasty in 314 BC as a small ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2010 11:07am CDT

4 - China 2010 - Xian : Xian, the historical city, was called Changan in ancient times, and is now the capital of Shaanxi province. Xi'an is situated in the centre of Weihe Plain with the towering Mt. Qinling in the south, the meandering Beishan mountain system in the north and eight rivers around it, all of which are on the Guang Zhong Plain (the centre of passes). Historically, it was famous for being called "a gold city stretching a thousand li" with its fertile soil, mild climate, adequate rainfall and rich products. Xian has a long history. Since the earliest times, humanity has thrived here. It has served as a capital for twelve dynasties, including the Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui and Tang dynasties, spanning over 1120 years. It became the oriental cultural centre of the Silk Road. Sadly, today I doubt that people who live in Xian and its surrounds would ever see clear blue skies or indeed the sun. The power source for the city of Xian is coal and the pollution is horrific. Our desire to see the Terracotta Warriors surmounted the pollution and we can definitely recommend that you include Xian on your itinerary in China, despite the pollution.

4 - China 2010 - Xian

Xian, the historical city, was called Changan in ancient times, and is ...

Updated: Jun 16, 2010 11:04am CDT

5 - China 2010 - Beijing :

5 - China 2010 - Beijing

Updated: Mar 13, 2011 1:50am CDT

6 - China 2010 - Singapore : Return to the Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore for the first time in 5 years. A couple of quiet days in Singapore before heading back to Sydney - most enjoyable! It was also pleasant not to be in "group travel" mode for a couple of days before our return home.

6 - China 2010 - Singapore

Return to the Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore for the first time in 5 ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2010 3:37am CDT

1 - Europe 2009 - Thailand Outbound : We departed Sydney on Thursday, 9 July and flew directly to Bangkok (BKK) for two nights before flying to a "new destination" for us both - Chiang Mai. After three nights in Chiang Mai, we then flew back to BKK for another two nights, before then flying out to London on the next leg of our adventure. An 0445 departure for the flight to London was a bit worriesome, but we managed to cope!!! Chiang Mai ("New City") is the northern capital of Thailand and is often referred to as the "Rose of the North". It was founded by King Mengrai on 14 April 1296 and is sited approximately 700 kms north of Bangkok on the River Ping in the fertile Chiang Mai valley . ChIang Mai is 310 metres (1,027 feet) above sea level, which accounts for its slightly drier and cooler climate (and for this we were particularly grateful) . The population is estimated to be 250,000 and as well as Thai nationals, it is home to various colourful minorities including the Lua, Mon, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Hmong and Muser peoples. Indeed, our visit to a tribal village settlement at Baan Tong Luang was THE highlight of our short but delightful stay in Chiang Mai. To the west of Chiang Mai is Myanmar (Burma), while the adjacent provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang and Lamphun. We could definitely recommend a visit to Chiang Mai next time you're planning a trip to Thailand

1 - Europe 2009 - Thailand Outbound

We departed Sydney on Thursday, 9 July and flew directly to Bangkok (B ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2009 10:46pm CDT

2 - Europe 2009 - Kent, UK : We flew out from BKK at the ungodly time of 0445 hours on 16 July and, due to the time difference, arrived at LHR at 1100 hours on the same day! We collected our rental car from Avis and drove down to Swanscombe in Kent, which is where my Aunt Edna & Uncle Albert live. We spent the week pottering around and only headed up to London for one day for SP to do some shopping at Frey Wille. The highlight, apart from spending lots of time with Auntie Edna & Uncle Albert, was a visit to Ightham Mote in Kent - a National Trust property. It is one of the oldest and loveliest medieval manor houses to survive in England. It has never been a grand manor but it is the product of six centuries and it has well and truly stood the test of time. Its hidden site at the foot of a wooded cleft of the Greensand Ridge in the Kentish Weald would have made it almost unapproachable in winter before the lane surfaces were hardened. Definitely worth a visit if you meandering around Kent any time soon.

2 - Europe 2009 - Kent, UK

We flew out from BKK at the ungodly time of 0445 hours on 16 July and, ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2009 4:33am CDT

3 - Europe 2009 - Warsaw, Poland :

3 - Europe 2009 - Warsaw, Poland

Updated: Oct 24, 2009 4:31am CDT

4 - Europe 2009 - Lithuania :

4 - Europe 2009 - Lithuania

Updated: Sep 18, 2009 7:00pm CDT

5 - Europe 2009 - Latvia :

5 - Europe 2009 - Latvia

Updated: Sep 19, 2009 8:56pm CDT

6 - Europe 2009 - Estonia :

6 - Europe 2009 - Estonia

Updated: Sep 21, 2009 6:10am CDT

7 - Europe 2009 - St Petersburg, Russia :

7 - Europe 2009 - St Petersburg, Russia

Updated: Sep 22, 2009 11:29pm CDT

8 - Europe 2009 - Yusupov Palace, St Petersburg, Russia :

8 - Europe 2009 - Yusupov Palace, St Petersburg, Russia

Updated: Sep 23, 2009 8:55pm CDT

9 - Europe 2009 - Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia :

9 - Europe 2009 - Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

Updated: Sep 24, 2009 8:51pm CDT

10 - Europe 2009 - Catherine's Palace, Pushkin, Russia :

10 - Europe 2009 - Catherine's Palace, Pushkin, Russia

Updated: Sep 26, 2009 3:06am CDT

11 - Europe 2009 - Peterhof, Russia :

11 - Europe 2009 - Peterhof, Russia

Updated: Sep 26, 2009 6:12am CDT

12 - Europe 2009 - Moscow, Russia :

12 - Europe 2009 - Moscow, Russia

Updated: Oct 03, 2009 10:54pm CDT

13 - Europe 2009 - Minsk, Belarus :

13 - Europe 2009 - Minsk, Belarus

Updated: Oct 05, 2009 11:57pm CDT

14 - Europe 2009 - Return to Warsaw, Poland :

14 - Europe 2009 - Return to Warsaw, Poland

Updated: Oct 06, 2009 11:36pm CDT

15 - Europe 2009 - Paris, France :

15 - Europe 2009 - Paris, France

Updated: Oct 15, 2009 10:16pm CDT

16 - Europe 2009 - Versailles, France :

16 - Europe 2009 - Versailles, France

Updated: Oct 17, 2009 3:50am CDT

17 - Europe 2009 - Fourges & Giverny, France :

17 - Europe 2009 - Fourges & Giverny, France

Updated: Oct 18, 2009 7:03pm CDT

18 - Europe 2009 - Marion's Heritage Quilt, Solihull, UK :

18 - Europe 2009 - Marion's Heritage Quilt, Solihull, UK

Updated: Oct 18, 2009 10:34pm CDT

19 - Europe 2009 - Solihull & Birmingham, UK :

19 - Europe 2009 - Solihull & Birmingham, UK

Updated: Oct 19, 2009 9:56pm CDT

20 - Europe 2009 - Taffy, Leeds, UK :

20 - Europe 2009 - Taffy, Leeds, UK

Updated: Oct 20, 2009 2:01am CDT

21 - Europe 2009 - Leeds & Yorkshire Dales, UK :

21 - Europe 2009 - Leeds & Yorkshire Dales, UK

Updated: Oct 21, 2009 3:24am CDT

22 - Europe 2009 - Nottingham, UK :

22 - Europe 2009 - Nottingham, UK

Updated: Oct 23, 2009 5:30pm CDT

23 - Europe 2009 - Return to Bangkok, Thailand :

23 - Europe 2009 - Return to Bangkok, Thailand

Updated: Oct 24, 2009 4:06am CDT

Flora and Fauna : A mixed bag.

Flora and Fauna

A mixed bag.

Updated: Jan 06, 2009 6:31am CDT

Sans Souci Sunsets 2008 : A selection of sunset shots from our back yard throughout 2008.

Sans Souci Sunsets 2008

A selection of sunset shots from our back yard throughout 2008.

Updated: Jul 17, 2008 5:52am CDT

Norfolk Island - 6 to 13 December 2008 : A last minute decision to go to Norfolk Island for the "Jazz in the Pines" festival in December 2008. It was a repeat visit for GA and an inaugural visit for SP. It was a very relaxed pace but thank goodness for the Jazz Festival, otherwise it would have been a tad too quiet for SP. The history of Norfolk Island is extremely interesting and the opportunity to visit Kingston and view what remains of the three settlements of Norfolk Island was just wonderful.

Norfolk Island - 6 to 13 December 2008

A last minute decision to go to Norfolk Island for the "Jazz in the Pi ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2009 9:20pm CDT

Darwin & Arnhem Land, Northern Territory - 14 to 24 May 2008 : A group of fellow Kogarah Lions Club members attended the MD Convention held in May 2008 in Darwin, Northern Territory. After a week in Darwin, four of us then flew onto Peppers Seven Spirit Bay Resort in Arnhem Land (also in the NT for our overseas friends). My apologies for the multitude of sunset shots - I'm a devotee of sunsets and sunrises, which I guess is quite self-evident.

Darwin & Arnhem Land, Northern Territory - 14 to 24 May 2008

A group of fellow Kogarah Lions Club members attended the MD Conventio ...

Updated: Jun 04, 2008 1:27am CDT

Grayson & Stephanie Kinnane's Wedding : Saturday, 26th April 2008 saw the marriage of Grayson & Stephanie. We extend to them our best wishes for a long and happy life together.

Grayson & Stephanie Kinnane's Wedding

Saturday, 26th April 2008 saw the marriage of Grayson & Stephanie. We ...

Updated: Apr 27, 2008 4:19am CDT

1 - Wonders of Asia & Africa (WAA) 2008 - Mauritius : Another Captain's Choice Air Charter. Departed Sydney on the morning of 20 February 2008, and returned on the evening of 9 March 2008. This is the basically the same trip that SP went on and that GA couldn't make in June 2005, due to his Father's passing (see WAA 2005 album on this site). First stop this time round - Mauritius......

1 - Wonders of Asia & Africa (WAA) 2008 - Mauritius

Another Captain's Choice Air Charter. Departed Sydney on the morning ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2008 10:55pm CDT

2 - WAA 2008 - Tanzania : We were originally supposed to go to Nairobi and then onto the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya but what can only be described as post-election civil war within Kenya meant a late change of plans. We landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania (as opposed to Nairobi) and all passengers visited various game lodges within Tanzania. We were delighted with our destination - Migration Camp, which is located on the banks of the Grumeti River, raised up on the side of an impressive kopje known as "Poacher's Lookout" in the Serengeti National Park. "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in Swahili and it is an apt name for this national park. On this occasion, the actual game viewing was certainly not as good as we've experienced on previous trips (vis a vis limited variety of game sighted during our stay and what game we did see seemed to be particularly shy. Put it this way I've never seen so many animals' arses in my entire life!). But every cloud has a silver lining and this was the first time we have stayed in what could reasonably be classified as a semi-luxury safari tent lodge. Food and accommodation were excellent. Each tent has its own ensuite toilet and shower and is either raised on stilts above the ground or perched on granite boulders. Each tent also has its own guard to ensure you do not receive any unwelcome visitors in the night and at evening meal time your guard escorts you with a flash light safely to the dining platform - a few minutes' walk away. It is an intensely atmospheric experience to sleep in the Serengeti with only a layer of canvas to separate you from the wildlife outside – and here it can be done in complete comfort. Thanks to the General Manager, Sandy and his lovely wife, Brenda for making our stay so special - particularly as Greg celebrated his 60th birthday on our first night at Migration Camp. Greg is still talking about how wonderful his birthday dinner was.....and it was indeed very special. And it would be very remiss of us not to specially acknowledge all the staff at Migration Camp, who were simply fabulous.

2 - WAA 2008 - Tanzania

We were originally supposed to go to Nairobi and then onto the Masai M ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2008 5:47am CDT

3 - WAA 2008 - Libya (Tripoli & Leptis Magna) : From Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, we flew to Tripoli in Libya for only (fortunately) a 2 night stay. I say fortunately because Libya is a "dry" country and you can't have any alcoholic drinks at all. I don't know about anyone else, but I certainly need a couple of drinks at the end of each Captain's Choice day to help me recover! But the reality is I'd go a month of Sundays without a drink to revisit Leptis Magna - I find it absolutely awe-inspiring. If you enjoy the ruins of ancient civilisations, then Leptis Magna simply must go on your "Bucket List" (to paraphrase the title of a recent Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman movie).

3 - WAA 2008 - Libya (Tripoli & Leptis Magna)

From Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, we flew to T ...

Updated: Mar 23, 2008 2:48am CDT

4 - WAA 2008 - Morocco : From Libya, we were off to Marrakech in Morocco. Marrakech is also known as "the Red City", as all buildings are the same "ochre" colour. Pretty stunning actually. Marrakech is one of Morocco's imperial cities and the second oldest in the country. It was founded by the Almoravids in the late 11th century.

4 - WAA 2008 - Morocco

From Libya, we were off to Marrakech in Morocco. Marrakech is also kn ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2008 2:50am CDT

5 - WAA 2008 - Jordan : King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John the Baptist were closely linked with the Dead Sea and its surroundings. The prophets knew it via the infamous Sodom and Gomorra. It is also said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical plants in the area. Later on, the wily Nabateans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from the Dead Sea, which was needed by the Egyptians for embalming their mummies. Aristotle wrote about the remarkable waters. In Roman times the Essenes settled in Qumran on the Dead Sea's northern shore and on the heights of Masada a small group of rebellious Jewish zealots held out against the might of the Roman Legion. The remoteness of the region has attracted Greek Orthodox monks since the Byzantine era. Their monasteries such as Saint George in Wadi Kelt and Mar Saba in the Judean Desert are places of pilgrimage. Bedouin tribes have continuously lived in the area and more recently explorers and scientists have arrived to analyze the minerals and conduct research into the unique climate. Since the 1960's, tourists from all the world have also explored the Dead Sea region.

5 - WAA 2008 - Jordan

King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John the Baptist were closely linke ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2008 9:20pm CDT

6 - WAA 2008 - Petra, Jordan : Please note that I have separated the shots from our full day tour to Petra from the general "Jordan" album. The shots contained in this Petra album actually precede by one day those photos of the Baptismal Site, Mount Nebo, Madaba and our evening of fabulous entertainment at our hotel contained in the "Jordan" album. Around 30 million years ago there began a series of cataclysms that tore open the face of our planet. The effects of this ancient turbulence remain - the Great Rift Valley, which runs southwards from south eastern Turkey, through the Jordan valley, the Dead sea and the waterless Wadi Araba, rising to sea level at Aqaba, then plunging beneath the waters of the Red Sea before striking deep into the eastern side of Africa. Hidden in the convolutions east of Wadi Araba lies Petra, famed for the monuments which the ancient Nabataeans carved into the faces of the rock using primitive tools. Indeed the word "Petra" is derived from the Greek word meaning "Rock". This was Greg's first visit and my second visit to Petra. Could I go again? Oh yes, without a moment's hesitation.

6 - WAA 2008 - Petra, Jordan

Please note that I have separated the shots from our full day tour to ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2008 4:07am CDT

7 - WAA 2008 - India : From Jordan, we flew to New Delhi in India for an overnight stop before heading down to Agra by bus the following afternoon. This album covers our brief pitstop in New Delhi; our trip down to and back from Agra and our visit to the Red Fort in Agra. Our photos of the Taj Mahal are contained in a separate album, immediately following this album.

7 - WAA 2008 - India

From Jordan, we flew to New Delhi in India for an overnight stop befor ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2008 7:53pm CDT

8 - WAA 2008 - Taj Mahal, Agra, India : The Taj Mahal is aptly called a "dream in marble". It is a monument to the love between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his second wife, Empress Arjumand Bano Begum. Emperor Shah Jahan christened Arjumand Bano Begum as "Mumtaz Mahal", which means the "chosen one." Mumtaz Mahal passed away during the birth of their 14th child, when she accompanied Shah Jahan on his Burhanpur military campaign. Mumtaz Mahal is believed to have secured a promise from her devoted lover and husband during her last breath that he would construct the most beautiful memorial in the world for her. Many designs were submitted to the Emperor but, ultimately, the design of Ustad Isa Afandi of Turkey was selected and the construction of the Taj Mahal started in December 1631 and it was completed in 1648. It is believed that Emperor Shah Jahan wished to construct a mausoleum that would be a replica of the Taj in black marble for his own tomb. This plan never materialized and the emperor was laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal. More than 1000 elephants were made to transport construction materials during the construction process. Artisans, architects, stonecutters, masons, calligraphers, inlay design experts and garden designers were summoned from different parts of the world to help construct the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Approximately 32 million rupees were spent for the construction of this monument and about 28 different varieties of semi-precious and precious stones were used to decorate the Taj with exquisite inlay work. Each and every stone at the entire Taj Mahal complex is in perfect symmetry. The only asymmetrical thing in the entire complex is the Emperor Shah Jahan's resting place that was constructed later by his son Aurangzeb. According to common belief, Shah Jahan is said to have debilitated all the workers and craftsmen who were involved in the construction of this massive mausoleum so that they could never build anything like this ever again. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Individual captions aren't really necessary for this album.

8 - WAA 2008 - Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is aptly called a "dream in marble". It is a monument ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2008 11:10pm CDT

9 - WAA 2008 - Macau : Last Stop - Macau. The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is situated on the Cotai Strip. The guest accommodation exemplifies the philosophy of giving guests the best of everything. The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel's 3,000 suites take elegance to a new level - at more than 70 square meters (750 square feet) each, complete with lavish Italian marble bathrooms. As Greg and I had been to Macau a couple of years ago, we took the opportunity for some well deserved R&R in this remarkable complex, which wasn't difficult to do. The highlight, of course, was the shopping complex on Level 3, which is Venice transported to the Cotai Strip, with canals and gondolas included!

9 - WAA 2008 - Macau

Last Stop - Macau. The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is situated on t ...

Updated: Mar 28, 2008 2:34am CDT

JK's 60th Birthday Party : At the Kinnanes on Saturday, 4th August 2007. Welcome to the old fart's club JK!

JK's 60th Birthday Party

At the Kinnanes on Saturday, 4th August 2007. Welcome to the old fart ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 6:59pm CDT

1 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Brunei : Another Captain's Choice air charter tour - departed Sydney 29 May 2007 and returned on 14 June 2007. Countries visited were Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Viet Nam, China and Japan. This particular gallery (# 1 of 9) only covers our overnight stay in Brunei.

1 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Brunei

Another Captain's Choice air charter tour - departed Sydney 29 May 200 ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 7:42pm CDT

2 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia Phnom Penh : This album covers our stay in Phnom Penh but the next album covers our trip to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

2 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia Phnom Penh

This album covers our stay in Phnom Penh but the next album covers our ...

Updated: Jul 03, 2007 9:03pm CDT

3 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia - Angkor Wat : This album covers our visit to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

3 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia - Angkor Wat

This album covers our visit to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

Updated: Jul 03, 2007 10:06pm CDT

4 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia - Killing Fields & S21 : This album is intended to provide a chilling overview of the the Khymer Rouge's rule of terror in Cambodia's recent history - 1975-1978. Rot in hell Pol Pot.

4 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Cambodia - Killing Fields & S21

This album is intended to provide a chilling overview of the the Khyme ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2007 2:31am CDT

5 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Myanmar : This album covers our visit to Mandalay, Mingun and Pyin Oo Lwin on our EA 2007 charter tour.

5 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Myanmar

This album covers our visit to Mandalay, Mingun and Pyin Oo Lwin on ou ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2007 7:06pm CDT

6 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Viet Nam : This album covers our visit to Hanoi and Halong Bay on our EA 2007 charter tour.

6 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Viet Nam

This album covers our visit to Hanoi and Halong Bay on our EA 2007 cha ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2007 9:29pm CDT

7 - Exotic Asia 2007 - China : This album covers our visit to Shanghai and a day trip to Suzhou

7 - Exotic Asia 2007 - China

This album covers our visit to Shanghai and a day trip to Suzhou

Updated: Aug 01, 2007 10:33pm CDT

8 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Japan : This album includes our visit to Kyoto (which I loved) and Nara. Both ancient capitals of Japan.

8 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Japan

This album includes our visit to Kyoto (which I loved) and Nara. Both ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2007 11:58pm CDT

9 - Exotic Asia - The Flight Home : QF 6034 was Party Central on the flight from Osaka back to Sydney. It was a great way to end a great trip! No captions are really necessary but I've included a few - the pictures are just intended to give you an idea of the fun and frivolity on the flight home.

9 - Exotic Asia - The Flight Home

QF 6034 was Party Central on the flight from Osaka back to Sydney. I ...

Updated: Aug 01, 2007 12:09am CDT

10 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Other People's Pix : Covers various cities/countries visited on EA 2007. Thanks for sharing the pix with us!

10 - Exotic Asia 2007 - Other People's Pix

Covers various cities/countries visited on EA 2007. Thanks for shari ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2007 9:21pm CDT

11 - Exotic Asia 2007 - My Japanese Doll : I know I'm probably too old to be buying dolls but the Japanese dolls at the Handicraft Centre in Kyoto were just too gorgeous. This one screamed "adopt me SP" - so I did!

11 - Exotic Asia 2007 - My Japanese Doll

I know I'm probably too old to be buying dolls but the Japanese dolls ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2007 9:27pm CDT

The Jacka Wedding - November 2006 : Suzie's sister, Denise married her Prince Charming, Ross on Saturday, 4th November 2006. A wonderful day of joyful celebration. One very special friend of D&R's travelled from London for this celebration - well done, Di.

The Jacka Wedding - November 2006

Suzie's sister, Denise married her Prince Charming, Ross on Saturday, ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2007 6:06pm CDT

South America, Mexico & Cuba 2006 - aka SAMAC 2006 - October 2006 : Captain's Choice Charter Tour to South America, Mexico and Cuba. Departed Sydney on October 6, 2006 and returned on October 22, 2006.

South America, Mexico & Cuba 2006 - aka SAMAC 2006 - October 2006

Captain's Choice Charter Tour to South America, Mexico and Cuba. Depar ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2007 7:35pm CDT

SP's 60th Birthday Party - August 2006 : GA organised a surprise 60th birthday party for SP (with some help from SP's sister, Denise) on Saturday, 26/8/06 (a couple of days after the actual birthday). Another great surprise was in store for SP - a new Honda Civic sedan to replace her aging but much loved Honda Prelude. Fabulous day - a few tears but loads of laughter. Thank you so much to GA & DBP.

SP's 60th Birthday Party - August 2006

GA organised a surprise 60th birthday party for SP (with some help fro ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2007 10:21pm CDT

Bill Peach Aircruise - May 2006 : An aircharter holiday (in a Dash 8) in May 2006. Key destinations - Birdsville, Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park, Darwin, Kunanurra, El Questro, Broome, Mount Tom Price, Karijini National Park, Uluru and back home for a rest.

Bill Peach Aircruise - May 2006

An aircharter holiday (in a Dash 8) in May 2006. Key destinations - B ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2007 6:37pm CDT

Thailand 2006 : FIT trip by GASP - Arrived from Hong Kong on 2 January 2006. Departed for Sydney pm 7 January 2006, arriving Sydney 8 January 2006.

Thailand 2006

FIT trip by GASP - Arrived from Hong Kong on 2 January 2006. Departed ...

Updated: Feb 25, 2007 10:28pm CDT

Hong Kong, Guangzhou & Macau - December 2005 : FIT trip by GASP. Departed Sydney on 26/12/05 and departed Hong Kong for Thailand on 2/1/06.

Hong Kong, Guangzhou & Macau - December 2005

FIT trip by GASP. Departed Sydney on 26/12/05 and departed Hong Kong ...

Updated: Feb 25, 2007 8:45pm CDT

Europe 2005 - Part 1 : A 7 week tour of Europe in August & September 2005 (departed 4 August and returned 22 September). Part 1 gallery covers Bahrain to Vienna at the completion of the Highlights of Eastern Europe tour.

Europe 2005 - Part 1

A 7 week tour of Europe in August & September 2005 (departed 4 August ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2007 9:12pm CDT

Europe 2005 - Part 2 : A 7 week tour of Europe in August & September 2005. Part 2 covers Vienna post HEE tour,Salzburg, Rome and then our Villa reunion in Umbria and finally onto Singapore.

Europe 2005 - Part 2

A 7 week tour of Europe in August & September 2005. Part 2 covers Vien ...

Updated: Mar 06, 2007 11:02pm CDT

DDB Reunion - 2005 : A small, select bunch of "ex Doyle Dane Bernbach-ers" got together for a lunch the city in mid 2005 to celebrate Gaye's 50th birthday.

DDB Reunion - 2005

A small, select bunch of "ex Doyle Dane Bernbach-ers" got together for ...

Updated: May 22, 2007 1:08am CDT

Inaugural Wonders of Asia & Africa - 2005 (aka WAA 2005) : A Captain's Choice air charter tour (departed 2 June 2005) to New Delhi, India (with side trips to Agra & Taj Mahal); Amman, Jordan (with side trip to Dead Sea and Petra); Marrakech, Morocco; Tripoli, Lybia (with side trip to Leptis Magna); Nairobi, Kenya (main stay at Masai Mara); Mauritius for a little bit of R&R before flying back home to Sydney. For sad personal reasons, SP's sister substituted for GA on this trip.

Inaugural Wonders of Asia & Africa - 2005 (aka WAA 2005)

A Captain's Choice air charter tour (departed 2 June 2005) to New Delh ...

Updated: Mar 12, 2007 4:33pm CDT

Gerringong, NSW - April 2005 : April 8 to 10, 2005 - GA & SP's first weekend down to Gerringong (near Kiama) on the South Coast of NSW - a 2 hour drive from Sydney. This has now become an annual event for us to catch up with Bon & Keith

Gerringong, NSW - April 2005

April 8 to 10, 2005 - GA & SP's first weekend down to Gerringong (near ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2007 8:31pm CDT

Australia Day - January 2005 :

Australia Day - January 2005

Updated: Mar 14, 2007 10:32pm CDT

GA & WJA Trip to Dubai - 2004 : GA treated his elderly Dad, WJA, to Bahrain, Dubai (for Dubai World Cup Racing Carnival) and Singapore in early 2004. WJA had been to all major horse racing carnivals with the exception of Dubai - so GA's gift of this trip allowed WJA to complete the dream before he passed away in May 2005.

GA & WJA Trip to Dubai - 2004

GA treated his elderly Dad, WJA, to Bahrain, Dubai (for Dubai World Cu ...

Updated: Mar 28, 2007 8:40pm CDT

Great Ocean Road - 2004 (aka GOR 2004) : A motoring holiday to Melbourne and then onto the Great Ocean Road drive in Victoria. Stopped off at Nowra and Kiama on the last leg home to catch up with some friends. The absolute highlight was experiencing Sunrise on the 1st January 2005 at the Twelve Apostles - just brilliant!

Great Ocean Road - 2004 (aka GOR 2004)

A motoring holiday to Melbourne and then onto the Great Ocean Road dri ...

Updated: Mar 13, 2007 6:05pm CDT

SP's Broome, WA - 2003 : Post Christmas 2003 & January 2004 - FIT holiday to Broome. Main highlight - becoming engaged NYE 2003.

SP's Broome, WA - 2003

Post Christmas 2003 & January 2004 - FIT holiday to Broome. Main high ...

Updated: Mar 13, 2007 3:56am CDT

GA's Broome, WA - 2003 : Photos taken by GA on Broome trip - 2003/2004. The flower shots were taken by SP using his camera!

GA's Broome, WA - 2003

Photos taken by GA on Broome trip - 2003/2004. The flower shots were ...

Updated: Mar 13, 2007 4:28pm CDT

SP's Cape Town to Cairo - 2003 (aka CTC 2003) : Our first Captain's Choice tour - departed Sydney 17th September 2003 and returned home on 23rd October 2003.

SP's Cape Town to Cairo - 2003 (aka CTC 2003)

Our first Captain's Choice tour - departed Sydney 17th September 2003 ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2010 9:17pm CDT

GA's Cape Town to Cairo - 2003 (aka CTC 2003) : A Captain's Choice tour - GASP had a 2 week FIT sector, prior to our joining the Captain's Choice tour in Cape Town. On our FIT sector, we visited Pretoria, Cape Town, Hermanus and Stellenbosch before returning to Cape Town to join the official CC tour. The CTC 2003 tour included South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania (including the island of Zanzibar; Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara), prior to boarding a commercial flight from Nairobi to Cairo. Along with several others on CTC 2003, we extended the CTC 2003 tour to do the 4 day cruise down the Nile from Luxour to Aswan. The side trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan was a true highlight.

GA's Cape Town to Cairo - 2003 (aka CTC 2003)

A Captain's Choice tour - GASP had a 2 week FIT sector, prior to our j ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2007 4:50pm CDT

Other People's Pix - CTC 2003 : An assortment of other people's shots from CTC 2003.

Other People's Pix - CTC 2003

An assortment of other people's shots from CTC 2003.

Updated: Mar 21, 2007 10:06pm CDT