tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219698032024-03-19T14:20:26.325+11:00The Swiss Cottage<strong>GREETINGS FROM GARRY AND ANDREW. WE'RE TWO AUSTRALIANS WITH A LIFE-LONG PASSION FOR TRAVEL. JOIN US AS WE SHARE OUR ADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD AND HERE AT HOME.</strong>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.comBlogger1325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-57571878466140117762024-03-19T14:03:00.007+11:002024-03-19T14:19:54.406+11:00Creating memories for a lifetime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer9vA3sXaJg5DuYro5p8gc036qQPuqhMDw1m1kHs64AIvxPHTLLrx40ckYxdS9SXNLob3BD_xHG1syrsHp7ebUeO2FzgQVonHiAGerhZEGUNb6rAnlpC_fGE9g4FZiLjTqxPXOmLpM10LxdXIvtjMQqeWR-CKc1qzHLTVTTR1ucFDUpneo-SF/s1000/mum%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer9vA3sXaJg5DuYro5p8gc036qQPuqhMDw1m1kHs64AIvxPHTLLrx40ckYxdS9SXNLob3BD_xHG1syrsHp7ebUeO2FzgQVonHiAGerhZEGUNb6rAnlpC_fGE9g4FZiLjTqxPXOmLpM10LxdXIvtjMQqeWR-CKc1qzHLTVTTR1ucFDUpneo-SF/s320/mum%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I’ve spent a week catching up with family and friends in New Zealand. It’s been six months since my last visit. I’ve filled my time visiting my Mum in her rest home and enjoying several weekend outings.<br /><br />Friday saw me spend some quality time with Mum. She was delighted to see me and still knows I’m her son. We spent the afternoon visiting McLaren Falls and enjoying a light lunch at the local cafe. Sadly, recent dry weather meant the falls weren’t at their best.<div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArBAnuDhQ6CqVuK2fHPqo-5wnfPRyNViYHFB2Njo2FCe7lvEo7XdiZhJa8G3Ysk18Qp2cpHGhT5XG6PuZvqgWt3CKEOX76HdK4ANuL9cVPStcHrxmWc1Hq1Wq6YO3dxc-GiHPJvOdKkfcv0Nc5ljeq8GTnuREtQpy6IIuDQwNS4wWqtGEbM5k/s1000/Race%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArBAnuDhQ6CqVuK2fHPqo-5wnfPRyNViYHFB2Njo2FCe7lvEo7XdiZhJa8G3Ysk18Qp2cpHGhT5XG6PuZvqgWt3CKEOX76HdK4ANuL9cVPStcHrxmWc1Hq1Wq6YO3dxc-GiHPJvOdKkfcv0Nc5ljeq8GTnuREtQpy6IIuDQwNS4wWqtGEbM5k/s320/Race%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg56dXYPOGuFjWDs7Q4ZrQd9Eqa43GI0xWOZDuncNhtGmg5Psb2mmF9DJoPga7lEfGDxzXU4-Yml_xJNf9O0uvz_r3BnN6k9Uhpd0cXoqHxIU80RAfjHsmXYMEhTGkIKbWLZRiy2ji2UCgw_NDI74FYuH-nOWSKcCNp__DkiHkGnNpQ84oGm6u/s1000/Race%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg56dXYPOGuFjWDs7Q4ZrQd9Eqa43GI0xWOZDuncNhtGmg5Psb2mmF9DJoPga7lEfGDxzXU4-Yml_xJNf9O0uvz_r3BnN6k9Uhpd0cXoqHxIU80RAfjHsmXYMEhTGkIKbWLZRiy2ji2UCgw_NDI74FYuH-nOWSKcCNp__DkiHkGnNpQ84oGm6u/s320/Race%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHbVplpiox7Ou6B7RfsWo998B3_XFQElSSL8yfma5bhWt1r9qBxZU70mr1hGWO9pYas1HN9X0gxUEPCKxHPLoXHgDGtoq_xQFJmyJQhKNxEHJlIWQanKcKv4wvio_4bZ6pOzL1o91KQ4CLqQQ59LXy6VqPixkALEmeibSv8TESyKY_kpHiZOK/s1000/Race%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHbVplpiox7Ou6B7RfsWo998B3_XFQElSSL8yfma5bhWt1r9qBxZU70mr1hGWO9pYas1HN9X0gxUEPCKxHPLoXHgDGtoq_xQFJmyJQhKNxEHJlIWQanKcKv4wvio_4bZ6pOzL1o91KQ4CLqQQ59LXy6VqPixkALEmeibSv8TESyKY_kpHiZOK/s320/Race%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />Saturday was taken up with a day at the races in Tauranga. It’s been decades since I last spent time on a racecourse. The weather certainly played its part. Our group enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon under a temporary gazebo. I started well with a healthy win on the first race I bet on. However, by the end of the day, I'd lost more than I'd won.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday was spent enjoying the beach and the last of the Summer sunshine with Mum before joining my brother Matt and his family for dinner in Papamoa. This dinner followed an adults-only session we all enjoyed on Friday night at Nectar in Tauranga.<br /><br />Today saw me returning to Bethlehem Views for a final visit with Mum. It was a sad affair as Mum was struggling to stand and remain alert. Sadly, her dementia continues to take a toll. Her mobility is declining and her cognitive abilities are increasingly unpredictable. It’s hard to know how smoothly future visits will unfold.</div><div><br />As a result, in consultation with my brothers, I decided to extend my visit by three days on Sunday and make the most of my time with Mum on this trip. I fly home tomorrow. I’ll be back in Aotearoa in August. Hamish is heading to Europe for two months so I’m coming over for a week to share Mum's visiting hours with Matt.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinovUZ0gB_QGTBakMFcqtJE3v3g_8HUD5lvYtcS3UNm3ManRte9-MbkEPtDaicQgTXP8Vh_gUwCU8GKxxOVG9yy61FtqQKE26HrCkR1r3-cYtfSgwg6ZeBUWATZ6MNfWYUy-PJ5ALK2fmg-uWXUbMPgcOEczTrkjE_DTfrL0v0SXOu_RwE-nj3/s1000/dinner%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinovUZ0gB_QGTBakMFcqtJE3v3g_8HUD5lvYtcS3UNm3ManRte9-MbkEPtDaicQgTXP8Vh_gUwCU8GKxxOVG9yy61FtqQKE26HrCkR1r3-cYtfSgwg6ZeBUWATZ6MNfWYUy-PJ5ALK2fmg-uWXUbMPgcOEczTrkjE_DTfrL0v0SXOu_RwE-nj3/s320/dinner%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-20435609308113147232024-03-05T22:55:00.009+11:002024-03-09T08:12:32.063+11:00Swept away by history<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9JhI1iuOlQyRcFKl8_C2OswjU_u8EadFrOfJiaRh8BOUHKn4R5ftQTJKZA0NRs_JSftaSLO45RJEJuPsES-FBKbs7d71Y3qUAhf0Jv3tU8yX6xi59-pGsCD-VDWgGSfjEw1dPP4frOw3dbt7NQPPOl3Umqm_vB2H2LbzsIfwdBIaCifUjIpS/s1000/banksy%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9JhI1iuOlQyRcFKl8_C2OswjU_u8EadFrOfJiaRh8BOUHKn4R5ftQTJKZA0NRs_JSftaSLO45RJEJuPsES-FBKbs7d71Y3qUAhf0Jv3tU8yX6xi59-pGsCD-VDWgGSfjEw1dPP4frOw3dbt7NQPPOl3Umqm_vB2H2LbzsIfwdBIaCifUjIpS/s320/banksy%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Last weekend I visited a temporary Banksy exhibition at the Sydney Town Hall. The exhibition features more than 160 artworks from this globally renowned street artist. The art on display includes limited edition prints of his most recognized pieces, a body of work spanning almost three decades.<div><br />Banksy’s artwork often take the form of multi-layered stencils. Some of his most striking art installations also integrate objects already present including street signs and fire hydrants. His work is often satirical, combining dark humour with thought-provoking messages about art, philosophy, and politics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I58u2CO6enHDo5itC41F_Wexv04RikD6bpaTJt74L13fnZyYl51fNyODX_eZX01XAXMiQhUNgXH-t7C8hNOEgNN90I8Gqn1Rh8mTazJd9RQbBBujhcZO3Z-5v29eAcKWZozd1OdfCPy7UdHofa_FHUdP99pvVNltnxvdY7BeAtQ_usHuQVRZ/s1000/banksy%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I58u2CO6enHDo5itC41F_Wexv04RikD6bpaTJt74L13fnZyYl51fNyODX_eZX01XAXMiQhUNgXH-t7C8hNOEgNN90I8Gqn1Rh8mTazJd9RQbBBujhcZO3Z-5v29eAcKWZozd1OdfCPy7UdHofa_FHUdP99pvVNltnxvdY7BeAtQ_usHuQVRZ/s320/banksy%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtGgYfQYhZjAEkxQ2Tb0IiV404AJgm2AOWDRa4ZsH9fgK7j6n64vtT58gSjM_UlXTtKs-fXSC9Fn-DVj4aAyED_N82rCZWAmLZ-K6LE4euxxBWTAtr8cgbFk1FiEw0_q0d6eVRT-miEZukJ_c3vNp-PShAi1JxF42our29-RMMrdfx_sNHplL/s1000/banksy%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtGgYfQYhZjAEkxQ2Tb0IiV404AJgm2AOWDRa4ZsH9fgK7j6n64vtT58gSjM_UlXTtKs-fXSC9Fn-DVj4aAyED_N82rCZWAmLZ-K6LE4euxxBWTAtr8cgbFk1FiEw0_q0d6eVRT-miEZukJ_c3vNp-PShAi1JxF42our29-RMMrdfx_sNHplL/s320/banksy%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHyoG1uS61wwMFlXMX74-7EKw_zGv2DKKE4kjqi-XogG9fcVqBzQCSP5xACYJvBKOj-39caKCZuwtYGQi6S5nHN-3fTZ64BsWB6pf532NxqSJsH2-DRuDjL3K0nW2Zkp8hW2I3H9b5A_l9gWlnguE1POSqW8mznd8Dzwk5MYLwcs1H-oFWnvg/s1000/banksy%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHyoG1uS61wwMFlXMX74-7EKw_zGv2DKKE4kjqi-XogG9fcVqBzQCSP5xACYJvBKOj-39caKCZuwtYGQi6S5nHN-3fTZ64BsWB6pf532NxqSJsH2-DRuDjL3K0nW2Zkp8hW2I3H9b5A_l9gWlnguE1POSqW8mznd8Dzwk5MYLwcs1H-oFWnvg/s320/banksy%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSDmTxZJ95UuDheVopX73BL7NPzy6lVLYs_CzRy0a_XHWIv854d13s5PvRRL8TjrBEbg8_iK_mjf7GP7TWL3zj-ddiUehMhyphenhyphenfdT0MYBa-aEn_uWUoW1yStlDBGKuSmoWrVPl8ZdvKIh_UUJq42qBY3MLwRwzpqUGolHy8GNJsMkna7ZATvCbV/s1000/banksy%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSDmTxZJ95UuDheVopX73BL7NPzy6lVLYs_CzRy0a_XHWIv854d13s5PvRRL8TjrBEbg8_iK_mjf7GP7TWL3zj-ddiUehMhyphenhyphenfdT0MYBa-aEn_uWUoW1yStlDBGKuSmoWrVPl8ZdvKIh_UUJq42qBY3MLwRwzpqUGolHy8GNJsMkna7ZATvCbV/s320/banksy%206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A Banksy original regularly commands valuations in the millions, including iconic works like Girl with Balloon. A original framed copy of this artwork was sold for $1.4 million by Sotheby’s <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_is_in_the_Bin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">in 2018</span></a>. In a classic Banksy move, immediately after the auction ended, a shedder hidden in the frame was triggered by remote control. It partially shredded the piece to protest the folly of capitalism. Ironically, this act instantly increased its resale value. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw5GSYhMvjZvbW7RlCil9i2v3LPkbnsgY6tLyZ_-PLeDMKEGQFELIiC3NOaM7KCiJD3yvy4B9Ci1ulZDMTyyIjx0UXz8_obrLdEBf0wG66pDEy5axUtxtJHUg0fk5FjFPqXWs-Dbk4pZISMsx6Llst3oPu6Pr0NASZb5ITN0ElAIHz3S9o_Xg/s1000/banksy%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw5GSYhMvjZvbW7RlCil9i2v3LPkbnsgY6tLyZ_-PLeDMKEGQFELIiC3NOaM7KCiJD3yvy4B9Ci1ulZDMTyyIjx0UXz8_obrLdEBf0wG66pDEy5axUtxtJHUg0fk5FjFPqXWs-Dbk4pZISMsx6Llst3oPu6Pr0NASZb5ITN0ElAIHz3S9o_Xg/s320/banksy%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>During last week’s exhibition, I discovered that another of Banksy's most recognized pieces, English Maid, was originally painted on a wall in our London neighbourhood. It’s an image of a maid lifting a section of the wall and sweeping dust under it. In hindsight, I have a vague recollection of seeing it outside the Roundhouse on Chalk Farm Road. Sadly the artwork, created in 2006, has long since disappeared. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, it was a superb show. Interestingly, the same organisation that arranged the Van Gogh exhibition we saw <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/02/working-those-sights.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">in London</span></a> is responsible for this event. I love Banksy's whimsical style. I'll be sure to buy one of his works the day I win Lotto. My first piece will be, The Mild Mild West, a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail. Painted in 1999, it was Banksy’s first major street art installation.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEXpEqymxhsS92fuzzqCUhaVm49RvALBtkZPXouobzTK5D-qIeg33SaasnOmavHiL1nPahI2Qp_ms2Zj-EgzoVuSu_Yr6JAIENdueWKTysn0GTEEafzfCOlHxDXF_A0W50VJgnjduqb07xKbOH3FmsUEelwqrplnUTOPlsbtKCN2SYe15ra7y/s1000/banksy%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEXpEqymxhsS92fuzzqCUhaVm49RvALBtkZPXouobzTK5D-qIeg33SaasnOmavHiL1nPahI2Qp_ms2Zj-EgzoVuSu_Yr6JAIENdueWKTysn0GTEEafzfCOlHxDXF_A0W50VJgnjduqb07xKbOH3FmsUEelwqrplnUTOPlsbtKCN2SYe15ra7y/s320/banksy%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Afterwards, my route home took me past another iconic artwork. I walked through Hyde Park as I was keen to explore a dramatic sculpture on the park's western boundary. It depicts four golden bullets and several spent shells standing vigil over passersby. It appeared a few years ago but I’ve yet to discover its origins. I’m happy to report that it's a stunning memorial to First Nation's people who've fought on behalf of Australia. Now that's progress!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCMM8LigROGrx_gq2GCle8JSuM0j3KuU-7kFvStwKOc0ZLalDp3K-fcyJKMg1l63e5Q9acEFqf8Qzcla5NZ-HwOGXx8ijBw59DNOlDi-EoAbbnS0PqB7bbOICAoaI82_qeR-ufDl1X9-RCZ403C21tL4HOVboEW4MCrrA2Wp03OwioVQcVY4G/s1000/bullet%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCMM8LigROGrx_gq2GCle8JSuM0j3KuU-7kFvStwKOc0ZLalDp3K-fcyJKMg1l63e5Q9acEFqf8Qzcla5NZ-HwOGXx8ijBw59DNOlDi-EoAbbnS0PqB7bbOICAoaI82_qeR-ufDl1X9-RCZ403C21tL4HOVboEW4MCrrA2Wp03OwioVQcVY4G/s320/bullet%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV3UMkvm_Sa4a0QzzPjshWd3w4KJSesNUJ-czneLbMd6rbt0Ks8vDtGQiEI5VT2pD-qR5Fb7nC5FFRBLNo4v0rTqKzatHS7Gx4N8rXXx-36fgbdw4uFCS-LrmzFZeLKvDqy9CTDxsgL5Yqa_0Z2PGtiU-_nZ1mgPlHU82uSleG_30s8zqp3QE/s1000/bullet%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV3UMkvm_Sa4a0QzzPjshWd3w4KJSesNUJ-czneLbMd6rbt0Ks8vDtGQiEI5VT2pD-qR5Fb7nC5FFRBLNo4v0rTqKzatHS7Gx4N8rXXx-36fgbdw4uFCS-LrmzFZeLKvDqy9CTDxsgL5Yqa_0Z2PGtiU-_nZ1mgPlHU82uSleG_30s8zqp3QE/s320/bullet%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-48145090648710058872024-03-01T09:52:00.014+11:002024-03-03T06:40:17.041+11:00No.72 locked in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xmikHg_bGMa8FiU1shhEKzF-wHxfrfRtRO6MGNe0LfUykGtvKEN_h2tPjzDXG_Uexf-JYHQNcD73lDId1HRjbSbDnxm7N75nxx0-fhPh3fn4Yx753OwCkhF2E_XltYhHiPWzI_w574prbm5qUAZX6pg2f2a-SpSumBxkDEFv_ho-b021ceWH/s1000/tropical%20vacation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xmikHg_bGMa8FiU1shhEKzF-wHxfrfRtRO6MGNe0LfUykGtvKEN_h2tPjzDXG_Uexf-JYHQNcD73lDId1HRjbSbDnxm7N75nxx0-fhPh3fn4Yx753OwCkhF2E_XltYhHiPWzI_w574prbm5qUAZX6pg2f2a-SpSumBxkDEFv_ho-b021ceWH/s320/tropical%20vacation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Destination number 72 on the list of <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-list-goes-on.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">countries I've visited</span></a> is now locked in. We've just booked flights to Samoa in September for what's fast becoming an annual ritual. For the last seven years, we've been booking an annual Spring vacation in a tropical location (setting aside pandemic border closures).<div><br /></div><div>This annual pilgrimage has included time in <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-best-and-worst-of-bali.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Bali (Indonesia)</span></a>, Fiji (in <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2018/09/platinum-paradise.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">2018</span></a>, <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2019/09/fiji-redux.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">2019</span></a> and <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2022/06/return-to-paradise.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">2022</span></a>) and the <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/09/motu-life.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Cook Islands</span></a>. We've chosen Samoa this year in part to secure Platinum Frequent Flyer status until the end of 2025. Qantas was running a double status points promotion last week. As a result, by choosing flights carefully savvy frequent flyers can secure enough points to maintain or improve their status with less travel. </div><div><br /></div><div>I already have several flights booked including a trip with Garry's parents to Far North Queensland in June. I've also booked flights to New Zealand in March, to Tasmania for a business event in May, and to Melbourne for an annual trade show in August.</div><div><br /></div><div>A round trip to Samoa involves four flights as we have to fly via Brisbane. This extra domestic leg, with double status points locked in, is enough to secure Platinum status for another year for Garry and me. For now, we've only booked our flights. We've yet to finalise a hotel booking. Stay tuned for more details on our tropical plans in the months ahead.</div><div><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-11605383950701471412024-02-29T21:12:00.044+11:002024-03-03T06:36:18.973+11:00News that’s close to home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2aSovk55UXwgNmKeu20Kcc-RhPB2PvNcgTbaI8ly4AOPY4wac8bgnY9VelWgtfk_vL4TVz3m2BzgYmNOW2SMeH0yDZnWk1gG4eIEf5a_1_Rc0ZRzROIL6XZbTLcJzu1m5vicwZDRCWB9wgzTmtTuO3CMR2s0pqqxfpQdX2lqvxePSzLEnOMA/s1000/Luke%20Davis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1000" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2aSovk55UXwgNmKeu20Kcc-RhPB2PvNcgTbaI8ly4AOPY4wac8bgnY9VelWgtfk_vL4TVz3m2BzgYmNOW2SMeH0yDZnWk1gG4eIEf5a_1_Rc0ZRzROIL6XZbTLcJzu1m5vicwZDRCWB9wgzTmtTuO3CMR2s0pqqxfpQdX2lqvxePSzLEnOMA/s320/Luke%20Davis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A Sydney-based same-sex couple was <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bodies-of-sydney-couple-moved-from-crime-scene-as-evidence-search-continues-20240228-p5f8c2.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">allegedly murdered</span></a> by New South Wales police officer, Beau Lamarre-Condon on 19 February. Luke Davies, a 29-year-old Qantas flight attendant, was killed alongside his 26-year-old partner Jesse Baird, a popular TV presenter, at Baird’s home in the nearby suburb of Paddington. Luke is shown far left in the image above.<div><div><br /></div><div>For a myriad of reasons, this crime has attracted intense media attention. First, Sydneysiders are shocked that an officer of the law, sworn to protect others, would commit such a callous pre-mediated act. People are equally stunned he used a police-issued firearm, which he kept at home for days, before finally using it to commit murder. </div><div><br />The crime appears to have been driven by a delusional obsession with Jesse Baird. Stories are emerging of the accused cop stalking him for months, breaking into his home, accessing his phone, and trolling him online. Understandably, commentators are asking how anyone with such dysfunctional behaviour found his way into the force and then went unnoticed as he stalked another man.</div><div><br />Sadly, these men were murdered during the LGBTIQA+ community’s annual Mardi Gras festival. This event has a complex history of both activism and police brutality, after a protest march in 1978 resulted in dozens of people being beaten and arrested by local officers. In recent years, a Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes uncovered systematic failures by the force to protect and defend the rights of community members. </div><div><br /></div><div>Understandably, news of a police officer killing a same-sex couple has cast a shadow over the festival. The community's grief and anger have then been compounded by the NSW Police Commissioner’s clumsy actions. Days after news of the murders broke, she formally apologised for the force’s failure to investigate past gay hate crimes, including unsolved homicides. For a second time in a week, the community was reminded of the violence and hatred it had experienced at the hands of police.<br /><br />In a strange twist of fate, Garry and I recently met Luke Davies. He was a cabin attendant on our flight to Europe last month. He served us and fellow first-class passengers on the Sydney to Singapore leg. We also witnessed him caring for an <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/luke-davies-act-of-kindness-on-one-of-his-last-flights-20240227-p5f84n.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">elderly man with dementia</span></a>, and his distressed wife, during the flight.<br /><br />Luke is also a former resident of Moore Park Gardens, the residential complex where we live. Apparently, he owned a small dog that he’d walk daily in the local dog park. I don’t recall ever meeting him. However, some of our dog-owning friends knew him well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The proximity of Luke’s life and death is rather unnerving. I can honestly say it’s the first time I’ve ever had any personal connection with a murder victim. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Image:</b> Sydney Morning Herald</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-64407141173835147742024-02-24T19:45:00.024+11:002024-03-07T08:55:53.157+11:00Tourists for a day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGUwCNTN_WhQE36erwFQEq5Q3KdIchZ7xmdMQawgmCk3EnVlf7DWub1m-0oARYlfqSmtb97LuSqgKtFAgltKGd2Q9gRNlEfKW79Z5xRICYvD4cUEhjp-yrMdm7KBUDolM80l1j8NGRNXqwhINZbBZtQUhV9R36CfKX5Vvbze7XS_rXR-uJi2P/s1000/castle%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGUwCNTN_WhQE36erwFQEq5Q3KdIchZ7xmdMQawgmCk3EnVlf7DWub1m-0oARYlfqSmtb97LuSqgKtFAgltKGd2Q9gRNlEfKW79Z5xRICYvD4cUEhjp-yrMdm7KBUDolM80l1j8NGRNXqwhINZbBZtQUhV9R36CfKX5Vvbze7XS_rXR-uJi2P/s320/castle%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU69HohtQeIg3rrMfsK0x3AM1fHZsnVuYTHd6qJEzV_2igwBl2SrW20WGJStiMsw2O9p-Bc6aU8UfjDmavFfougY5ahq-xsCTsDwOQG5KgeEiscXsc3IoBROJ3XFiRmH8_A73n5LDZO9n2ZNVrIamBwisB38AfnUh0gTkFlWwoWBK3sIT24CYW/s1000/wall%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU69HohtQeIg3rrMfsK0x3AM1fHZsnVuYTHd6qJEzV_2igwBl2SrW20WGJStiMsw2O9p-Bc6aU8UfjDmavFfougY5ahq-xsCTsDwOQG5KgeEiscXsc3IoBROJ3XFiRmH8_A73n5LDZO9n2ZNVrIamBwisB38AfnUh0gTkFlWwoWBK3sIT24CYW/s320/wall%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> We’ve been going to Nuremberg every year for business (setting aside the pandemic hiatus) since 2016. We’d normally fly in on the day before the opening of Spielwarenmesse, an international trade show, then fly out again on the show’s final day. As a result, we’ve seen very little of the city itself. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2017/03"><span style="color: #ffd966;">In 2017</span></a>, we flew in a day earlier than normal and spent time visiting a few of its famous sights. This month we decided to repeat the exercise. Flights to London were insanely expensive on Saturday, the trade show’s final day. As a result, it would cost far less to stay an extra night and fly the following day. However, the only return flight available departed late evening, leaving a full day for exploring the city.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqKUBOv6hiqnXgzw072xBwGoysLDfSrKuJ2ZtdjL7UAYTo_Qd9HzbQWni48Y2UXTlE__sURfCF_g9gaKV6c6A5SbiSMlzPPU44jItoSQic-myaq730Hf_8H-uiTm_yDPXJWGiqZI5dpqzY3ZF4F6W7ULORITf4jfll-WOtV5QC0xnV0NmuqW6/s1000/river%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqKUBOv6hiqnXgzw072xBwGoysLDfSrKuJ2ZtdjL7UAYTo_Qd9HzbQWni48Y2UXTlE__sURfCF_g9gaKV6c6A5SbiSMlzPPU44jItoSQic-myaq730Hf_8H-uiTm_yDPXJWGiqZI5dpqzY3ZF4F6W7ULORITf4jfll-WOtV5QC0xnV0NmuqW6/s320/river%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNYrSaT2SQ87fss_YRbLsGxnKptCWjA8vB477fv1yJ053m7f0OTeAvC2TiCORI6MsDCaJ81XAYsQH59Kvrygw7VGm1PT7OFTuwH2HPRZ_MScYMkoet45ODQMNV2J_4d4ynldRIJV8cs5DWdoh6Mt5zh53PYeUNUmQrusGnCUZvMFeRxSw7mLh/s2370/old%20town%20river%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="2370" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNYrSaT2SQ87fss_YRbLsGxnKptCWjA8vB477fv1yJ053m7f0OTeAvC2TiCORI6MsDCaJ81XAYsQH59Kvrygw7VGm1PT7OFTuwH2HPRZ_MScYMkoet45ODQMNV2J_4d4ynldRIJV8cs5DWdoh6Mt5zh53PYeUNUmQrusGnCUZvMFeRxSw7mLh/s320/old%20town%20river%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQG2paylVv2uVGX7eRAWEmu4bklxZI-yEV6cRAM77lYixwvmS9FD7nqPYRNCBYrm8xhEA3aD7y9yXnOToe7-DlRRSbGh1qz5m2xRA4VhLv1amLbrHkdMlzSYkqciHujz3s2ephlQ5ypCar5wzLJ-EQG7xKS3g4MvgbcDP9KxFLxTeIgisioSD/s1000/river.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQG2paylVv2uVGX7eRAWEmu4bklxZI-yEV6cRAM77lYixwvmS9FD7nqPYRNCBYrm8xhEA3aD7y9yXnOToe7-DlRRSbGh1qz5m2xRA4VhLv1amLbrHkdMlzSYkqciHujz3s2ephlQ5ypCar5wzLJ-EQG7xKS3g4MvgbcDP9KxFLxTeIgisioSD/s320/river.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>In the Middle Ages, German kings (known as Holy Roman Emperors after their coronation by the Pope) didn’t have a capital but voyaged from one imperial castle to the next hosting congress-style meetings called Diets. In 1356, Nuremberg was chosen to host the first Imperial Diet of every newly elected ruler, a tradition that continued until 1594. As a result, the town and its castle became pivotal in establishing the new leader’s authority. It was this heritage that inspired Hitler to host his infamous militarized rallies here. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kSOHyrHOiV5SgDqBXBUB7k0DIOPUqRux1HImMWay6L9Suf2NkIZJ-VNyGl4dI0YxboCTFAj1MhcHB8Gk5mf2Gk9AMRB4YT_i8W5G_ZtsrKM6vaytFgnpA7-Fvl3BwveclZaLzZ7Sa7uGkgS5QJaBngL91JdsLOpJhFaRX94BM463BHDfvszd/s1000/old%20town%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kSOHyrHOiV5SgDqBXBUB7k0DIOPUqRux1HImMWay6L9Suf2NkIZJ-VNyGl4dI0YxboCTFAj1MhcHB8Gk5mf2Gk9AMRB4YT_i8W5G_ZtsrKM6vaytFgnpA7-Fvl3BwveclZaLzZ7Sa7uGkgS5QJaBngL91JdsLOpJhFaRX94BM463BHDfvszd/s320/old%20town%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEuhuttZwHnzuaA-GQzwnk-bsbAvzMzaBoae3X2ButJ3GBXenhpTNS_CmrvfxEOXJMKX5XNbu_O-w6fy1knN04vzIrC1SMeVAbcsKK4bhjU6BDtYtCREMOg9mTr8SgpiJcECWZtp-WIK-FfVx3-q3cuXjxBIWQ_0Xdc6yfI9-Lz89Gu1_F-Xp/s1000/wall%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEuhuttZwHnzuaA-GQzwnk-bsbAvzMzaBoae3X2ButJ3GBXenhpTNS_CmrvfxEOXJMKX5XNbu_O-w6fy1knN04vzIrC1SMeVAbcsKK4bhjU6BDtYtCREMOg9mTr8SgpiJcECWZtp-WIK-FfVx3-q3cuXjxBIWQ_0Xdc6yfI9-Lz89Gu1_F-Xp/s320/wall%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttQgmblISS8s4Pb-jaCNg2NIiRgx58FFEV5qtTcsz2zwcUkgaK1OdWJEck2w-6MOUviGQnD9V86khW3Iejz2OnP6lTeq85hifs-rGtpuFyqr7RyWbiq5aUmGgDGgR6vC7i6Nowg2kiDQpM3norO_Rws1BGQS5IMzvoWNTKRYa53jGVBtzLFm2/s1000/old%20town%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttQgmblISS8s4Pb-jaCNg2NIiRgx58FFEV5qtTcsz2zwcUkgaK1OdWJEck2w-6MOUviGQnD9V86khW3Iejz2OnP6lTeq85hifs-rGtpuFyqr7RyWbiq5aUmGgDGgR6vC7i6Nowg2kiDQpM3norO_Rws1BGQS5IMzvoWNTKRYa53jGVBtzLFm2/s320/old%20town%20river.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmBwNST_X9j03XSny6TtFDUb1w38kbYf-Q9uQjhBKKIhiQWcmVwwzZ51uBR_RtUTVTGObDsd_d_Lh0OuLhMlnws132LYTA7kj1mcm7S91ODMrDfWToW9lgdVlxCDootJCofwgPXvETShjWYb9C15wjR7wZR1UoBxeMzDF8dLi2-yDDf_zbCvf/s1000/old%20town%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmBwNST_X9j03XSny6TtFDUb1w38kbYf-Q9uQjhBKKIhiQWcmVwwzZ51uBR_RtUTVTGObDsd_d_Lh0OuLhMlnws132LYTA7kj1mcm7S91ODMrDfWToW9lgdVlxCDootJCofwgPXvETShjWYb9C15wjR7wZR1UoBxeMzDF8dLi2-yDDf_zbCvf/s320/old%20town%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />We kicked off our day with a late breakfast, before checking out of the hotel. Our first stop was Spittlertorturm, a defensive tower on the southwest corner of a medieval stone wall that still encircles the old city’s western fringe. In Summer you can climb the tower and walk the wall’s ramparts towards the Pegnitz River. During winter, access is closed so all we could do was follow the wall’s perimeter through the back streets of the old town.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our route took us across the river and, towards the cobblestone pavers of Weißgerbergasse, a picturesque lane framed by half-timbered medieval homes. As we wandered closer to the centre of town we came across a restaurant we’d dined at earlier the week. I was surprised to see it sat in a plaza opposite <a href="https://sebalduskirche.de" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Sebalduskirche</span></a>, a massive medieval stone church.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvQNXUHcvewEUWHWI05J06b7CutTIBpMApvOTYmAIIa_LD0xyxeqClbR1iBK-U7DcrvsnEe8yCOEU2DiLQNRzLTtEe4K9Fen0lqGfuNrSZTRz2d-octawzhdfKrlv0mbeYIWOyY9SgQ9c_B1JmAKca0wv-H1YKxuupjA_8Tn5IvtfG77HY1mK/s1000/old%20town%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvQNXUHcvewEUWHWI05J06b7CutTIBpMApvOTYmAIIa_LD0xyxeqClbR1iBK-U7DcrvsnEe8yCOEU2DiLQNRzLTtEe4K9Fen0lqGfuNrSZTRz2d-octawzhdfKrlv0mbeYIWOyY9SgQ9c_B1JmAKca0wv-H1YKxuupjA_8Tn5IvtfG77HY1mK/s320/old%20town%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQCNE2iN8ULezvy965214psWdMSmXEISKKdhmHAaNviOiI_tQ2TDMYzxq6c2aETcecuDP4RkRUsgJ4ItHiqlJdDdydQppgxdk8vGdfZ2vki7NWUTWL2AfZaP3zELxcHi-KG6euRA-v7WWtOrRwheJhnQKdEmA2uJFKgbudXR8QJ8xQJIXUvs/s1000/clock%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQCNE2iN8ULezvy965214psWdMSmXEISKKdhmHAaNviOiI_tQ2TDMYzxq6c2aETcecuDP4RkRUsgJ4ItHiqlJdDdydQppgxdk8vGdfZ2vki7NWUTWL2AfZaP3zELxcHi-KG6euRA-v7WWtOrRwheJhnQKdEmA2uJFKgbudXR8QJ8xQJIXUvs/s320/clock%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div>As we passed through the Hauptmarkt, we were greeted by an animated midday performance in the <a href="https://frauenkirche-nuernberg.de/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Frauenkirche</span></a> clock tower. This gothic-style Catholic church is home to the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical clock commemorating the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Bull_of_1356"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Golden Bull of 1356</span></a>. In all the years we’ve been coming to Nuremberg we never knew this clock existed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The clock was installed in the church between 1506 and 1509. It depicts the seated Holy Roman Emperor surrounded by his prince-electors (the nobility who vote for his ascension). Once a day, at noon, a chiming bell starts the clock's sequence. A series of trumpeters and a drummer then raise their instruments and proclaim the hour. They're followed by a procession of electors who guide past the Emperor on a revolving platform.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5AdmAHIFn-ciPs7cn3rBuuuSP0iS8a4K5oygo5NLUp0te1Cv8nFnh8QyrIww9jGvyxTAX3y0Mg8gy05oI17e6XpONaQgvyZS2Ft8TjFhOFntJAusgNxilxt_bgzj6U-QXg_Vyvy0Agw7Kw4o7Sf-1bNP39KNuUFcA_JV4aK9Y-KCX6PB3h-M/s1000/lorenz%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5AdmAHIFn-ciPs7cn3rBuuuSP0iS8a4K5oygo5NLUp0te1Cv8nFnh8QyrIww9jGvyxTAX3y0Mg8gy05oI17e6XpONaQgvyZS2Ft8TjFhOFntJAusgNxilxt_bgzj6U-QXg_Vyvy0Agw7Kw4o7Sf-1bNP39KNuUFcA_JV4aK9Y-KCX6PB3h-M/s320/lorenz%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUar9XGqLHTIgUbpmjOPUKqy297_BZw0eUAe4omuCPQLuNFnO_hZ7FRW1mt_3czS-P12xQpoRQS6ovpczGEsEUwjRcaPufBvx2YJqySslMGyH9O-5nrP7mQcUFUZEv5i1qras9KatVD9L5_zzt1SEvRxC3kXGgLXLdsT43cdqzIGKXK0341Ih/s1000/lorenz%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUar9XGqLHTIgUbpmjOPUKqy297_BZw0eUAe4omuCPQLuNFnO_hZ7FRW1mt_3czS-P12xQpoRQS6ovpczGEsEUwjRcaPufBvx2YJqySslMGyH9O-5nrP7mQcUFUZEv5i1qras9KatVD9L5_zzt1SEvRxC3kXGgLXLdsT43cdqzIGKXK0341Ih/s320/lorenz%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA3j-GMuiadRxvNZmlFkw9kNVZwYB3IlkPzIZyzWCL_IqYAYb1pf22qoCtaHR5xN4CJfVvH0VJlxE5iFPk8RlSmb8KGJkh0irK0NpXwXIWrn1YYeJuukUSo4tyznRtdn8pGYgISVmeyGhyphenhyphenM9U14JOtSK-go7IDRfFm3QuFbJ3rj2cMMIq5Tqy/s1000/lorenz%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA3j-GMuiadRxvNZmlFkw9kNVZwYB3IlkPzIZyzWCL_IqYAYb1pf22qoCtaHR5xN4CJfVvH0VJlxE5iFPk8RlSmb8KGJkh0irK0NpXwXIWrn1YYeJuukUSo4tyznRtdn8pGYgISVmeyGhyphenhyphenM9U14JOtSK-go7IDRfFm3QuFbJ3rj2cMMIq5Tqy/s320/lorenz%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePLJmDhHqpB6YcQQMGdTSIpCuuWWQITubFOXQFaSUf2l8dQKv5Zq_mHRj1YtCo4-jgul_nrUHdUuPkNpn1k7dbIpGArdRrOJSyhPxZoNIL8R9zKJ9Ef8lRwcL-zLhWkUxpZ4bauXWuZMl-MTVxzNxhwwIoy2ngqhUCFzJ1-BHuQpRkm0dqHuO/s1000/lorenz%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePLJmDhHqpB6YcQQMGdTSIpCuuWWQITubFOXQFaSUf2l8dQKv5Zq_mHRj1YtCo4-jgul_nrUHdUuPkNpn1k7dbIpGArdRrOJSyhPxZoNIL8R9zKJ9Ef8lRwcL-zLhWkUxpZ4bauXWuZMl-MTVxzNxhwwIoy2ngqhUCFzJ1-BHuQpRkm0dqHuO/s320/lorenz%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLTsr8dB0fqFTMG-Vwxkw4FvhMYcWvfBtDIwRryHtRz5lTCNcu148gx8Yq6HbgCo64gEwyDZxXZNdQjANAobnJ8LoZzxmfn7v3d0jK2T76jdUWTzVmZXO6zmQ9g364f_Ri2eVGBG2QsCoGETdkkmrHJi___s-zG_4u9cCSH8mF3EltXv-8g1f/s1000/bombed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLTsr8dB0fqFTMG-Vwxkw4FvhMYcWvfBtDIwRryHtRz5lTCNcu148gx8Yq6HbgCo64gEwyDZxXZNdQjANAobnJ8LoZzxmfn7v3d0jK2T76jdUWTzVmZXO6zmQ9g364f_Ri2eVGBG2QsCoGETdkkmrHJi___s-zG_4u9cCSH8mF3EltXv-8g1f/s320/bombed.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We stopped to explore the iconic <a href="https://lorenzkirche.de/"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Lorenzkirche</span></a> (Lawrence Church), an imposing Gothic church standing on the old’s town main boulevard. Its original structure was erected between 1243 and 1315. One of Nuremberg’s metro stations exits just outside this building, so we often pass it on our way to and from dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1943, on St. Lawrence Day (August 10), the building was hit by Allied bombs and was significantly destroyed. On January 2, 1945, another bomb caused the entire roof of the nave to collapse. The building was painstakingly restored and reopened in 1952. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe8bhFitDL5kOdMXJ7Fn7AmnLugvfPQG08WaUWEcG_GWQmtC_Zi6mfSmW4QzJk3T2FhQam122K-9XON9AWr5_kWghn5NdlrZKA0sR28FiXf4w2kG1Z1YDOx2p3xATZ8CqNfrnNnbqkw3632fgd2ngWRZmDOvhafokUynJI2yeTOIrahsEuhA6/s2048/castle%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe8bhFitDL5kOdMXJ7Fn7AmnLugvfPQG08WaUWEcG_GWQmtC_Zi6mfSmW4QzJk3T2FhQam122K-9XON9AWr5_kWghn5NdlrZKA0sR28FiXf4w2kG1Z1YDOx2p3xATZ8CqNfrnNnbqkw3632fgd2ngWRZmDOvhafokUynJI2yeTOIrahsEuhA6/s320/castle%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLmmhwR_Gn22ulQ6VDcY2bqcYXJ93UXRnaFYnc0lNdj6UvajmVElnD5m_5CaThVAMzaLRYRrhakcFoXSl0CwzJa0UxVt5fm7jPK8XtSeBaTJb25xJ8Sa7jSADiodu8TMyZaqKcNKGvhn1Pghr19vKEnLwqKKcvsV5XIZWTfbx-K6DHk1Bp5lP/s1000/castle%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLmmhwR_Gn22ulQ6VDcY2bqcYXJ93UXRnaFYnc0lNdj6UvajmVElnD5m_5CaThVAMzaLRYRrhakcFoXSl0CwzJa0UxVt5fm7jPK8XtSeBaTJb25xJ8Sa7jSADiodu8TMyZaqKcNKGvhn1Pghr19vKEnLwqKKcvsV5XIZWTfbx-K6DHk1Bp5lP/s320/castle%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhir7UiBWqkhZlAInFtLQ2at64PRO7YtuhyF6QkcWAq87fGXvybSmLDvI4uPOHWgh_WKVMKvDpCD6MhJLow3XPQpdAHRQj7P7l2VXtrxLsbvN81GL9C7wmBaN61cLpFeILWEMSXhqIO8KzGjpMkY_TiXrv4bIkdZ-mIRHR5ohNqUXkaZH0kru/s1000/castle%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhir7UiBWqkhZlAInFtLQ2at64PRO7YtuhyF6QkcWAq87fGXvybSmLDvI4uPOHWgh_WKVMKvDpCD6MhJLow3XPQpdAHRQj7P7l2VXtrxLsbvN81GL9C7wmBaN61cLpFeILWEMSXhqIO8KzGjpMkY_TiXrv4bIkdZ-mIRHR5ohNqUXkaZH0kru/s320/castle%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Our final stop for the day was <a href="https://www.kaiserburg-nuernberg.de/englisch/castle/index.htm"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Nuremberg Castle</span></a>. In all the years we’ve been coming to town, we’ve never ventured inside this iconic building. It sits on a rocky outcrop on the northernmost fringe of the old town. Posters and pamphlets around town are often decorated with its instantly recognisable silhouette. </div><div><br /></div><div>The entry fee was well worth the effort. It gave us access to the castle’s impressive Tiefer Brunnen (Deep Well), as well as its soaring keep, the Sinwell Tower. The castle itself houses a permanent exhibition about medieval Nuremberg, the Holy Roman Empire and castle life. Several rooms are dedicated to warfare and weapons of the era, including ornate suits of armour and some rather fearsome pikes and swords. <br /><br />The Deep Well was fascinating. Its shaft extends more than 50 metres into the rock outcrop on which the castle is built. A tour guide brings this incredible feat of engineering to life by pouring water into the well. It takes at least four seconds for the sound of water hitting the bottom to reverberate. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKkH3-ChiFP8QY94Hgilg0btrptx7eIB4PdWjyyAObC3Rm1NtgJJvz-ZOAenOtsB1FVZUTXApCTgC9QnTYlRr6RMsHEn0W0CS9EDEG5I_A4Qz8TxF2vF5lGO7JkN4ilpjoGXB8r7-753XWOEOVgJPm-GwrgNORUc5iUg-6dtfk6iZAIy1TQW/s1000/castle%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKkH3-ChiFP8QY94Hgilg0btrptx7eIB4PdWjyyAObC3Rm1NtgJJvz-ZOAenOtsB1FVZUTXApCTgC9QnTYlRr6RMsHEn0W0CS9EDEG5I_A4Qz8TxF2vF5lGO7JkN4ilpjoGXB8r7-753XWOEOVgJPm-GwrgNORUc5iUg-6dtfk6iZAIy1TQW/s320/castle%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_fhqtg84XtgCd6L7U4eZL2VLP7_fipFCUWBahh8-uqJz9T9y1Pvg47B3JBgAV82_1CwZ-4Bk627MINVDhehMV1GPOYpVXdZf16ZYXdX1NwuRNpoePGKE6rif1SaVQs1yyyF3ANgqnguEBfgrQkzilY6kLGe-oOyFlFKrLyW8X9KpXq4IWEUd/s1000/castle%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_fhqtg84XtgCd6L7U4eZL2VLP7_fipFCUWBahh8-uqJz9T9y1Pvg47B3JBgAV82_1CwZ-4Bk627MINVDhehMV1GPOYpVXdZf16ZYXdX1NwuRNpoePGKE6rif1SaVQs1yyyF3ANgqnguEBfgrQkzilY6kLGe-oOyFlFKrLyW8X9KpXq4IWEUd/s320/castle%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Garry and I both enjoyed the permanent exhibition. However, a climb up the wooden spiral staircase of Sinwell Tower was definitely the day’s highlight. The view of the old town from its enclosed turret was memorable, to say the least. However, a stiff cold breeze blowing through its open windows kept our visit relatively brief. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYfMhjsnAS1Sce-Dd1SMV1q2VHQTesMU1ykL6EbN8rRno0sbCSk0d8F3NKNGa-b3-kU8Z2zwr-GL-HnGNB6-aTCdf74A2hRQdjQFUpogH6IrNyXaIuPNKBWNZCLtmQvdd-Br2kox5gZMgMm1zO3Qwti8LjUV_hEDNXFQXTXSHeoNbNIP4fEuZ/s1000/Aedhmar%202024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYfMhjsnAS1Sce-Dd1SMV1q2VHQTesMU1ykL6EbN8rRno0sbCSk0d8F3NKNGa-b3-kU8Z2zwr-GL-HnGNB6-aTCdf74A2hRQdjQFUpogH6IrNyXaIuPNKBWNZCLtmQvdd-Br2kox5gZMgMm1zO3Qwti8LjUV_hEDNXFQXTXSHeoNbNIP4fEuZ/s320/Aedhmar%202024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div> <br />After a light meal in town, we eventually made our way back to the hotel to collect our luggage and head for the airport. We finally reached our hotel in London shortly before midnight. The following day we ventured into Soho for lunch with Aedhmar, my former CEO at Text 100. I’ve not seen her in person since <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2018/11/beachside-reunion.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">November 2018</span></a>, so our reunion was something special. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to believe it's been almost 24 years since we first really connected. While we probably saw each other at a company event in 1998 we don’t recall meeting. We were also based on separate continents. As a result, we first spent quality time together during a two week secondment I took in San Francisco in 2000.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfsjTzBssZLGfMK8UgvLfQntvcf223N1TwVUYq86lsSo62jnN5ezZmO6D0Q0US2r_Rk4I4pTSlUiJ5tulVCPiRwI1jWrhP8j4FWBz6Fs1-arFuQOO0M4EzM7kCK7Ldo4ITNH9fh8HSTQLlQ3WYtKHGslhRTz-pfriMAa4T_D9misyinVJXZL_/s1000/lounge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfsjTzBssZLGfMK8UgvLfQntvcf223N1TwVUYq86lsSo62jnN5ezZmO6D0Q0US2r_Rk4I4pTSlUiJ5tulVCPiRwI1jWrhP8j4FWBz6Fs1-arFuQOO0M4EzM7kCK7Ldo4ITNH9fh8HSTQLlQ3WYtKHGslhRTz-pfriMAa4T_D9misyinVJXZL_/s320/lounge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>From lunch, we dashed back to Paddington to collect our luggage and then onto Heathrow. We gave the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge a try as online reviewers rate it better than the Qantas lounge. I can confidently report that those online accolades are spot on. The lounge was much quieter, with a dedicated dining room and spectacular airfield views. A few hours later we lifted off and our time in Europe was done for another year.</div><div><br /></div>I'll leave you with some unfinished business. Below are images of Narrenschiffbrunnen, an incomplete water fountain installed in a small plaza in Nuremberg's old town, in 1988. Apparently, the city council vetoed donations offered to complete its waterworks and thus remains abandoned on its tiny plinth. </div><div><br /></div><div>According to its patron, the ship should overflow like a fountain bowl and water should bubble out of the galleon figures, the crow and the wine glass. Why the miserable characters? The 3.60 m high bronze sculpture of a little boat, filled with a rather unhappy crowd, symbolises an unsustainable world threatened with destruction. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaXATa21e8sdgYzfn4NxYhTvG3nl200GjVRckPsyJhbWSUjzEMdavmUKBWoPQDswu3X74YNWq6UgLJNfBBFlHyyvIJWuCuuEe7xHTg0HCvw3llQB7PjbZaGLcPCwmZ5o2n46pj72vZMo9RklWnPcdOZEwBTgbpyJYlaGvBrmVxVrCas8GQfaU/s2016/statue%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaXATa21e8sdgYzfn4NxYhTvG3nl200GjVRckPsyJhbWSUjzEMdavmUKBWoPQDswu3X74YNWq6UgLJNfBBFlHyyvIJWuCuuEe7xHTg0HCvw3llQB7PjbZaGLcPCwmZ5o2n46pj72vZMo9RklWnPcdOZEwBTgbpyJYlaGvBrmVxVrCas8GQfaU/s320/statue%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-rZySj8VQDX2Rm2SyjAtd7UODTqAdVI1fIme5CWSnE8FMlzYBfqKHMyMJSCyhHmzSEjyJmsMdgOcT93TuA_VZ6fnMZre8GBCzmmbkLud2SvHQYeQwq6ag3o_yltddxv8D3IAu9Sai1yJVi0JCXWPZcC0MHazvFG6Cp6HBpwgtg-oj900-E6z/s1000/statue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-rZySj8VQDX2Rm2SyjAtd7UODTqAdVI1fIme5CWSnE8FMlzYBfqKHMyMJSCyhHmzSEjyJmsMdgOcT93TuA_VZ6fnMZre8GBCzmmbkLud2SvHQYeQwq6ag3o_yltddxv8D3IAu9Sai1yJVi0JCXWPZcC0MHazvFG6Cp6HBpwgtg-oj900-E6z/s320/statue.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com090 Nuremberg, Germany49.4521018 11.076665449.450706869733033 11.074519632788085 49.45349673026697 11.078811167211914tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-16798091869598941962024-02-10T22:57:00.033+11:002024-02-23T00:07:08.877+11:00Bamberg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oq745gevvOKcPhUwzRDT432n565BMfgX0JB3-JH4cs4wjHATeyJKl_s9wK0xp5-U6EjcC374BDIFLFQ-oeAZjw1Zix3K6gpSmacR438BMvd9b8TmRWw9v_GD8N1GLoqPYsZZOSaLF7XKVqEKdjJycxXuKIUWeKFL-5mNTguYSG2CN6H_VZWp/s1000/bamberg%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oq745gevvOKcPhUwzRDT432n565BMfgX0JB3-JH4cs4wjHATeyJKl_s9wK0xp5-U6EjcC374BDIFLFQ-oeAZjw1Zix3K6gpSmacR438BMvd9b8TmRWw9v_GD8N1GLoqPYsZZOSaLF7XKVqEKdjJycxXuKIUWeKFL-5mNTguYSG2CN6H_VZWp/s320/bamberg%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We flew into Nuremberg late evening on Sunday in preparation for the annual Spielwarenmesse trade show. The event didn’t start until Tuesday so Garry and I took a day trip to Bamberg on Monday. The town was recommended to us by friends who’d stayed here while attending Spielwarenmesse last year.<br /><br />Bamberg boasts a remarkably well-preserved medieval old town that straddles the banks of the Regnitz River. For a time, it was the ecclesiastical capital of Bavaria. When Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, became King of Germany in 1007 he made Bamberg the seat of a bishopric, intended to become a 'second Rome'.<div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_f0N3Usk4xy7QNT0mDsoXQPLH6-43vvXCwa6VM7blKlqpb5gYij19XZ1GDV5swai3UMqlyvhcuDSZYHY_AxoD9gwm9W_BUdei72JAWS8vnDD1KFyzOHxlAFHeBDijFpER6SV2caHHK4OXQXWxP05Rqyc9haQZHSs1UROoVCL5xkCaALk56Fi/s1000/bamberg%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_f0N3Usk4xy7QNT0mDsoXQPLH6-43vvXCwa6VM7blKlqpb5gYij19XZ1GDV5swai3UMqlyvhcuDSZYHY_AxoD9gwm9W_BUdei72JAWS8vnDD1KFyzOHxlAFHeBDijFpER6SV2caHHK4OXQXWxP05Rqyc9haQZHSs1UROoVCL5xkCaALk56Fi/s320/bamberg%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As a result, the town boasts some impressive buildings including a massive cathedral, a sprawling hilltop monastery complex (complete with its own impressive church), and a series of secular government buildings. One of its most iconic buildings, is the old <a href="https://www.bamberg.info/poi/altes_rathaus-4656" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Town Hall</span></a>, a colourful multi-story building straddling a narrow islet amid a river channel.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we caught the train to Bamberg, arriving shortly after 11:40am. We then spent several hours wandering the pedestrianized streets of the old town. This included Maximilianspl and on towards Obere Brücke, an elegant stone arch bridge that links to a passageway through the old town hall's eastern wing.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe6b379VdichQWkrl40TG1EBYCCVRdkCk-HmQ0hyphenhyphenWAc1Pl2RgkO9SKrzLV3IQxwJLGBpb5fLWT0N_zxnOZmz0f54a3K5-sgwXehqOk7Iki3rIzKPQhhSM-DCNkSETEyTKGNN7yS6cP0jNKmk_J2ciQXN8T3E6AOGpwN297rjDLYsvf1i9jfzg/s1000/bamberg%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe6b379VdichQWkrl40TG1EBYCCVRdkCk-HmQ0hyphenhyphenWAc1Pl2RgkO9SKrzLV3IQxwJLGBpb5fLWT0N_zxnOZmz0f54a3K5-sgwXehqOk7Iki3rIzKPQhhSM-DCNkSETEyTKGNN7yS6cP0jNKmk_J2ciQXN8T3E6AOGpwN297rjDLYsvf1i9jfzg/s320/bamberg%206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3OipNA3x8kDqij10FJCrcb3XUPuKBmIYLHiXkSxz7rymDFxPJ91OPr2DGm0BMflnOP1dEqhD6whm58Y282eWsr_BYaRd4mfMbmvMlRjj2Rdv-hIB7ypzHKvs-vL4o3gnFONt-rMe9yz1EQRRfQvpTMrLtawEqBTy87voA69ZE6rvAZeVHZZW/s1000/bamberg%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3OipNA3x8kDqij10FJCrcb3XUPuKBmIYLHiXkSxz7rymDFxPJ91OPr2DGm0BMflnOP1dEqhD6whm58Y282eWsr_BYaRd4mfMbmvMlRjj2Rdv-hIB7ypzHKvs-vL4o3gnFONt-rMe9yz1EQRRfQvpTMrLtawEqBTy87voA69ZE6rvAZeVHZZW/s320/bamberg%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHqDmNiuz5uFD-Aejt6Vm8BUWdtwbNSn6X2rQ4utLJckUfI8OPQJRz4vNGUzU3iKwi-AYL8_SpewlMEqpM0ueQt8HFC83eg8ZK24xABB0EG0SYpV2oacT4EJyZ7NkgVkIqpw-7iXv8MzbJpXybkhE_bo1LKUWZihZ32_0BQDbOaJIqhbNLHE-/s1000/bamberg%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHqDmNiuz5uFD-Aejt6Vm8BUWdtwbNSn6X2rQ4utLJckUfI8OPQJRz4vNGUzU3iKwi-AYL8_SpewlMEqpM0ueQt8HFC83eg8ZK24xABB0EG0SYpV2oacT4EJyZ7NkgVkIqpw-7iXv8MzbJpXybkhE_bo1LKUWZihZ32_0BQDbOaJIqhbNLHE-/s320/bamberg%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHtMj6D5HHXyBixCRG-LQOYsOYST7AZmKiB_R5w0ppSFVQfbsLIBhJzVzfg0f4XxVhyvSJAUs8et4ScNzjj_CkUVa1T-LvNp19h3EU8HjIEF6G4d2F9-vh-esnDeo7tzjK3vmrk3sME7lNJZIxDd70a-wmbNjwdaXzWQDu6Ge6DE5CeBCg4As/s1000/town%20hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHtMj6D5HHXyBixCRG-LQOYsOYST7AZmKiB_R5w0ppSFVQfbsLIBhJzVzfg0f4XxVhyvSJAUs8et4ScNzjj_CkUVa1T-LvNp19h3EU8HjIEF6G4d2F9-vh-esnDeo7tzjK3vmrk3sME7lNJZIxDd70a-wmbNjwdaXzWQDu6Ge6DE5CeBCg4As/s320/town%20hall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Altes Rathaus is a landmark building for obvious reasons. Its eastern facade is framed by dark beams reminiscent of English Tudor architecture, while its northern and southern facades are decorated by massive murals covering the entire wall. Both ends of the building protrude over the edge of the river channel making the building look a little too big for the island on which it resides.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9dpxITi1tzQrW7IGks7NOesv5ROoMXl-WM2MUX53tRwUhjqmEJ2WsJRR2Muv9zn5v1_GhO-EhAm9y473g6oY3FnnPa8swMx8RemTQ9uy4vyMQMrh-cjuLgpOa83nirdPqQCHAa4lY55IO6sYzPuUOXklL-d8g-cxy14AppSesa7uQuiygQn/s1000/bamberg%20veiw%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9dpxITi1tzQrW7IGks7NOesv5ROoMXl-WM2MUX53tRwUhjqmEJ2WsJRR2Muv9zn5v1_GhO-EhAm9y473g6oY3FnnPa8swMx8RemTQ9uy4vyMQMrh-cjuLgpOa83nirdPqQCHAa4lY55IO6sYzPuUOXklL-d8g-cxy14AppSesa7uQuiygQn/s320/bamberg%20veiw%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPSvCgxxlTh8bqOtGdqrpU3buVOm_fx6QiDPZvM5-M4GjWBZX8AQETb3CzlMzhFOXtXmiAg7fivY3clF4OMBKET09lLLwFf225zhtp-G7NC1m7svRie4HeKXYg7IHURqrN59CM5Q0kWUJ0i_JkLW666atCDPeuWJdviJGTpSZMebFdCOCI44Y/s1000/bamberg%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPSvCgxxlTh8bqOtGdqrpU3buVOm_fx6QiDPZvM5-M4GjWBZX8AQETb3CzlMzhFOXtXmiAg7fivY3clF4OMBKET09lLLwFf225zhtp-G7NC1m7svRie4HeKXYg7IHURqrN59CM5Q0kWUJ0i_JkLW666atCDPeuWJdviJGTpSZMebFdCOCI44Y/s320/bamberg%20view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then walked up to Michelsberg Monastery to soak in views of the region, including the red-tiled roofs of the old town. Unfortunately, the complex itself was closed for renovation and many of its picturesque buildings were enclosed in scaffolding. Instead, we walked back down the hill and stopped to explore the <a href="https://bamberger-dom.de" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Bamberger Dom</span></a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPWdlQgdrBAwEFdXsVTCqyc9zlo0L0ny0vHrlA_eYTQQAxbmUkBuNaxxleQ1rt4v7M91uJiiKfQusj4tWYevFfOSWjF3vIs2M7edvQO-8Uml2Lb4yIswXvU1ryUnTEjD6Gd2gsq20YORF_rUckAy59Og6xB0b5XrjC9q3FItCkojFCgLL_PbD/s1000/bamberg%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPWdlQgdrBAwEFdXsVTCqyc9zlo0L0ny0vHrlA_eYTQQAxbmUkBuNaxxleQ1rt4v7M91uJiiKfQusj4tWYevFfOSWjF3vIs2M7edvQO-8Uml2Lb4yIswXvU1ryUnTEjD6Gd2gsq20YORF_rUckAy59Og6xB0b5XrjC9q3FItCkojFCgLL_PbD/s320/bamberg%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHQ4ZjJ93ztfZC8oMr34tXNao8gLDx_fYqVdfa8pyLbpoLfNWg-Duky-UOVz7kJrTLd_zbztY49nVJZ9Kqr4CAOQpvSc3oFRFjKeKkZaoji9vLw7RE39CYDn14QpgJvcOtXZnZoU-q0unPeHWNITbN-dNPVCjuP9BvhOsrCW9_9XpA1jm7Ywp/s1000/bamberg%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHQ4ZjJ93ztfZC8oMr34tXNao8gLDx_fYqVdfa8pyLbpoLfNWg-Duky-UOVz7kJrTLd_zbztY49nVJZ9Kqr4CAOQpvSc3oFRFjKeKkZaoji9vLw7RE39CYDn14QpgJvcOtXZnZoU-q0unPeHWNITbN-dNPVCjuP9BvhOsrCW9_9XpA1jm7Ywp/s320/bamberg%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7RbsZNXiOgMc9CmeVj6_6P8uP_M9g4IvbZjZwVPJjpY_u5VvMF9ThV3ZoVwzxL74276isAWUGOerSqNi_mZJOiq4CEMi-j1NDTMNvx21DncpyYnILO5gVIAOaVJCkYmQyT0I2_zp2qSrYOWGm8saKWsy8JPfYPGysGPq9eQb6w8x8L8Ubu_h/s1000/bamberg%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7RbsZNXiOgMc9CmeVj6_6P8uP_M9g4IvbZjZwVPJjpY_u5VvMF9ThV3ZoVwzxL74276isAWUGOerSqNi_mZJOiq4CEMi-j1NDTMNvx21DncpyYnILO5gVIAOaVJCkYmQyT0I2_zp2qSrYOWGm8saKWsy8JPfYPGysGPq9eQb6w8x8L8Ubu_h/s320/bamberg%2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4x-7YsgxoBMOG7jcwQN56k8iQHFjHzEW2QkpN-jPzx17DmIE1jXHQzyEonf5oiWEAMN5QyRwBLrhHAaAfcWKe2b8XOh3Wuf0ovR60y8qkZR4TARh1G39rRpIgm1wcuQ1KouQJMwguDaP9uOPNkR-Z7Gc9eXWjCrxslHRnfQavOPJUyFGTkM0/s1000/bamberg%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4x-7YsgxoBMOG7jcwQN56k8iQHFjHzEW2QkpN-jPzx17DmIE1jXHQzyEonf5oiWEAMN5QyRwBLrhHAaAfcWKe2b8XOh3Wuf0ovR60y8qkZR4TARh1G39rRpIgm1wcuQ1KouQJMwguDaP9uOPNkR-Z7Gc9eXWjCrxslHRnfQavOPJUyFGTkM0/s320/bamberg%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bax__JRq2pDCgD0N9p226aSfmj6ohQt3FzfKXiNomjJ0WjKeAq85zFy_wTy2GKfH_Nnxu52MfZ4NDf32HcgFRnPn8NrBvUDZ7G-RAzPY5SAp6RkcqYhr8ZWEgVv_tZa8GfordAoAwUARPh8wp1xeqM9T6Jhb9yOJi-aqyWO8sElZ7tmBmj9d/s1000/relic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bax__JRq2pDCgD0N9p226aSfmj6ohQt3FzfKXiNomjJ0WjKeAq85zFy_wTy2GKfH_Nnxu52MfZ4NDf32HcgFRnPn8NrBvUDZ7G-RAzPY5SAp6RkcqYhr8ZWEgVv_tZa8GfordAoAwUARPh8wp1xeqM9T6Jhb9yOJi-aqyWO8sElZ7tmBmj9d/s320/relic.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The cathedral was consecrated by Emperor Henry II on 6 May 1012. In 1185 the cathedral and the neighboring buildings were gutted by a devastating fire. The cathedral was rebuilt and reopened in 1237. This resurrected structure has remained largely unchanged until today. <br /><br />I was surprised to learn that it’s also the final resting place for one pope. Although one of its weirdest highlights must be a venerated bone relic from Bishop Otto the First. This gruesome artifact sits in a bejeweled glass display in a small stone crypt under the main altar. Catholic traditions can be a little odd.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeTUmr48RyyWWkL2XFK20QOh1R3O4lOUhrCnDYIu7NTfeb6yhaP41LWfWPm1ZNfYpf87fbBkc8h4HlcBYDpBRp0pCjpG-ber9k67xuXzfhaSoVOXPLCNzvz1eYPEbJNGhG-UMA41cfFj3XuCo4Fn-QXlTxU0sLUjAF6KIN00aOplIN4nYrQku/s1000/bamberg%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeTUmr48RyyWWkL2XFK20QOh1R3O4lOUhrCnDYIu7NTfeb6yhaP41LWfWPm1ZNfYpf87fbBkc8h4HlcBYDpBRp0pCjpG-ber9k67xuXzfhaSoVOXPLCNzvz1eYPEbJNGhG-UMA41cfFj3XuCo4Fn-QXlTxU0sLUjAF6KIN00aOplIN4nYrQku/s320/bamberg%2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then stopped for a leisurely late lunch at <a href="https://www.zumkachelofen.de" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Kachelofen</span></a>, a tiny hole-in-the-wall Franconian restaurant set in an old, ramshackle timber-clad parlor. The venue was full, but the staff found us space on a shared table where we made friends with a lively Bulgarian entrepreneur. He was very excited to meet his first real Australians. </div><div><br /></div><div>The image above, ripped from the restaurant's website, gives you an excellent feel for this quirky venue. Our table was to the left of this image in the opposing corner of the room. No prizes for guessing Garry's meal; another pork knuckle and potato dumpling platter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XX4mucuKrRpl_m88AIG2NxJUNiPIJrTLOZGl9XtfzeCcA-IdsKaMDHzP-1wlSZVKdGFJEeggSLcDZ-W2nUwU98uM8pq8ykE4jqC1ug57oRqwL7Oz1EMWH1h9DwY03qPWbzTO5x3JKn44J_J8nFClFGN5RH582gp44PnA5D9CWwLlb8nLbfto/s1000/bamberg%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XX4mucuKrRpl_m88AIG2NxJUNiPIJrTLOZGl9XtfzeCcA-IdsKaMDHzP-1wlSZVKdGFJEeggSLcDZ-W2nUwU98uM8pq8ykE4jqC1ug57oRqwL7Oz1EMWH1h9DwY03qPWbzTO5x3JKn44J_J8nFClFGN5RH582gp44PnA5D9CWwLlb8nLbfto/s320/bamberg%2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bl3AFe7XVZI9IkXRFMsNtXnTaboCne1ineimViwmbH3FstM1_pkG9sti4jvru3z-nf6MBl8gKfrIu-QZjOEcQ8g1d7Qocqiiq8zN48j0QFu_TEdPRj9IWQCj-1Dc_tlCnzOIhNvqfZ9WYypg7TcR-5MuTT3dAtqsf3cNGyGgAyD7gUlGTlqI/s1000/bamberg%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bl3AFe7XVZI9IkXRFMsNtXnTaboCne1ineimViwmbH3FstM1_pkG9sti4jvru3z-nf6MBl8gKfrIu-QZjOEcQ8g1d7Qocqiiq8zN48j0QFu_TEdPRj9IWQCj-1Dc_tlCnzOIhNvqfZ9WYypg7TcR-5MuTT3dAtqsf3cNGyGgAyD7gUlGTlqI/s320/bamberg%2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N_aGUrrT8l79x7_kezn-xE9iVBTy_zUfvGHOch-OjYgzTDYkSoJUOKcXMDO_cs0jUXkCEqi1ES5g9jU74_VnsLnvVM65xtSI7fLNWTXYwM4FLGkQJG5zoj5sPRgqfJa-mHSurOeGHkihjoJko4xb6zZK_koPNr9IF-DZHLo2dGYheoSp-DSU/s1000/bamberg%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N_aGUrrT8l79x7_kezn-xE9iVBTy_zUfvGHOch-OjYgzTDYkSoJUOKcXMDO_cs0jUXkCEqi1ES5g9jU74_VnsLnvVM65xtSI7fLNWTXYwM4FLGkQJG5zoj5sPRgqfJa-mHSurOeGHkihjoJko4xb6zZK_koPNr9IF-DZHLo2dGYheoSp-DSU/s320/bamberg%209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2g71tnJj5IQADpHOCLUNuJ_WYKFyp0gc1zypIDEysdwJaHDYwEAtrKH9w383c0hnBThqiWhN0jxsJtq1FJyzcHru-4QQkFxcX3SE2fxjqOcLXAuejCO-AKYX_hnWjImJgpMlNLc2AX1e9OBLUwGMG-6YQYN-tXkq6Z_ZSspHKqpCmlp9QT-7/s1000/bamberg%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2g71tnJj5IQADpHOCLUNuJ_WYKFyp0gc1zypIDEysdwJaHDYwEAtrKH9w383c0hnBThqiWhN0jxsJtq1FJyzcHru-4QQkFxcX3SE2fxjqOcLXAuejCO-AKYX_hnWjImJgpMlNLc2AX1e9OBLUwGMG-6YQYN-tXkq6Z_ZSspHKqpCmlp9QT-7/s320/bamberg%2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once lunch was done we made our way back to the station via the scenic Little Venice riverbank district where we caught the 4:00pm train back to Nuremberg. Bamberg was a picturesque old town. It was also clear from the infrastructure we saw that it’s a popular destination in Summer. I can only imagine the crowds it attracts when the weather is warmer.<div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5umb-p8NuwBDbO3MDHBWa6B5WcNPrPDMU4uZ_ENLnGcDX0Ct0_kImN2f6RFmdtf9vGHXAQknxlHpbReriRJud5Ngii-j4qPMIR-blLmFPQjOuq-qAlJDfkMfv_NfgASgN5h6WAw1EfsfeAi6GHnbn1_1kOpsZvOcaV9a2C9cnUy6LwBi2ifK/s1000/bamberg%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5umb-p8NuwBDbO3MDHBWa6B5WcNPrPDMU4uZ_ENLnGcDX0Ct0_kImN2f6RFmdtf9vGHXAQknxlHpbReriRJud5Ngii-j4qPMIR-blLmFPQjOuq-qAlJDfkMfv_NfgASgN5h6WAw1EfsfeAi6GHnbn1_1kOpsZvOcaV9a2C9cnUy6LwBi2ifK/s320/bamberg%2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-74588265950001654492024-02-07T23:02:00.125+11:002024-02-27T22:07:39.088+11:00Cruising down memory lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwoZ9qiuL_BXEt9AScLiEm3TjEYtDpThg_jfN2tFzuysllmd72evz-abP0Td753gJXoBXOTXY2P1KwnUYKeXjFM7i8_ZVt6myiSdhoNXB9mRGn-dwbN0TyNybe-rtvMBOGMa8AarHt27xcAZ7w-T1FuWUdJHCOBkIN1RUM-lllmbEYFTl11RR/s1000/cruise%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwoZ9qiuL_BXEt9AScLiEm3TjEYtDpThg_jfN2tFzuysllmd72evz-abP0Td753gJXoBXOTXY2P1KwnUYKeXjFM7i8_ZVt6myiSdhoNXB9mRGn-dwbN0TyNybe-rtvMBOGMa8AarHt27xcAZ7w-T1FuWUdJHCOBkIN1RUM-lllmbEYFTl11RR/s320/cruise%209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>On our final day in London, Garry and I took advantage of the unseasonally sunny weather. We checked out of our Airbnb apartment, put our bags into storage, and made our way to the Thames via Embankment Station. We then walked along the riverfront, past the bas relief Battle of Britain memorial, as far as Westminster.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyaTgtaAkESk-XmjROSoUK6nZ5eq2bsf8Ph3XhByEv1c2gPtn7G0pe6CX6nsy_xmPNu6pObvgTGyXbiGdxzvR3g4NGRmrrsaKc1-n_Gwoods2o2T1jQ3ulo_0wVN3aSPYTK5Xudq7zccjETDurj-VL1zwYrzvCMzBRbJaiGD16btVlJ_viNVA/s1000/cruise%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyaTgtaAkESk-XmjROSoUK6nZ5eq2bsf8Ph3XhByEv1c2gPtn7G0pe6CX6nsy_xmPNu6pObvgTGyXbiGdxzvR3g4NGRmrrsaKc1-n_Gwoods2o2T1jQ3ulo_0wVN3aSPYTK5Xudq7zccjETDurj-VL1zwYrzvCMzBRbJaiGD16btVlJ_viNVA/s320/cruise%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFwmFirUP4teVvcl8nOs3JdJJiFraqsl6gb7qPZsMus480tIdX7q7XOHyS4E3M-HnyMFW2yE-jmDDwAPYA38YEcYQyOTfvY2d7T9wRIVql4aCXO6_AvY1bqRK-8B9WNVAgZ1Tnu7qlreUzhzvTakgAHePFK_o1ZSUThlaGUOOWqpNtLQX2f44/s1000/cruise%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFwmFirUP4teVvcl8nOs3JdJJiFraqsl6gb7qPZsMus480tIdX7q7XOHyS4E3M-HnyMFW2yE-jmDDwAPYA38YEcYQyOTfvY2d7T9wRIVql4aCXO6_AvY1bqRK-8B9WNVAgZ1Tnu7qlreUzhzvTakgAHePFK_o1ZSUThlaGUOOWqpNtLQX2f44/s320/cruise%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8ZiOKbRLBkxAlaFkFYebZS4j4fHfDsfcETgCdc0W5-ENvMi1541Splz7CAvIN4VBlP0xOz-PCnE2ghl9q2vs-bDM67GXRBNVadPhonnZk5u45X1uM-FebRlivAQzoWkGzK6NNTUiqBRStabsi6Ne21NJqM5GgSbUcULkvSfrW440NZudy4Pa/s1000/cruise%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8ZiOKbRLBkxAlaFkFYebZS4j4fHfDsfcETgCdc0W5-ENvMi1541Splz7CAvIN4VBlP0xOz-PCnE2ghl9q2vs-bDM67GXRBNVadPhonnZk5u45X1uM-FebRlivAQzoWkGzK6NNTUiqBRStabsi6Ne21NJqM5GgSbUcULkvSfrW440NZudy4Pa/s320/cruise%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On a whim, we decided to book a cruise down the Thames. We honestly can't recall ever doing this while living in the UK. The boat took us from Westminster to the Tower of London, passing the London Eye, the Royal Festival Hall, the Tate Modern, and The Shard, among other sights. It was the perfect end to an incredible week of remarkably good weather. I still can't believe we sat on the boat's open-air top deck in late January soaking up the sights under blue skies. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmzWKi65SgzX4B6T-VKpxjtU_mUh3DTvqev9SVZk84Fn1H0k1FuVE3r-Wyl3yDeR_YUfFFwQi9ztiZNC4On2XCCCmQwvHfGHwR0uu1Ywa7Durlh76XOHYaXGddDXakxyhva_VgBDOHwWwueyMUGUaNBICdauROu1QCk4bS1Y96NMGwlb3bOVR/s1000/cruise%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmzWKi65SgzX4B6T-VKpxjtU_mUh3DTvqev9SVZk84Fn1H0k1FuVE3r-Wyl3yDeR_YUfFFwQi9ztiZNC4On2XCCCmQwvHfGHwR0uu1Ywa7Durlh76XOHYaXGddDXakxyhva_VgBDOHwWwueyMUGUaNBICdauROu1QCk4bS1Y96NMGwlb3bOVR/s320/cruise%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvSCx-Q4Jl9va6wQ2OqbahrTIY1ITi-oLnGKtTbF80OqWfhC7PMQyqg0ggSeF1u5p-fO4j8rSwtpZBB9b9VGaAwUbLYCJgUI8JjOrBeN0iIgFZ-q6I9_jMGVs2LRZ8Lfu9QHE5lAtlL_DO7d2FxMSJVpaNN7FQ0wlrk0DVTtS_KeYVfjwDRP_/s1000/cruise%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvSCx-Q4Jl9va6wQ2OqbahrTIY1ITi-oLnGKtTbF80OqWfhC7PMQyqg0ggSeF1u5p-fO4j8rSwtpZBB9b9VGaAwUbLYCJgUI8JjOrBeN0iIgFZ-q6I9_jMGVs2LRZ8Lfu9QHE5lAtlL_DO7d2FxMSJVpaNN7FQ0wlrk0DVTtS_KeYVfjwDRP_/s320/cruise%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZETT9X9BjszZiYBoWBTzm0d8ZpwY97xTO8vpx3BflFz33AxQ8V6WfRuKYHQXOHsO_L_Xa8PiA73P7bYtLniXFDrcWuRyNvzp8H2o5rZIWad87KuLZfQo2VLtTo5oEEclyS-1htNVvx6SR49orbetXrWj3sCbRc_jgpv-ZS7lLa882Ted41P2C/s1000/cruise%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZETT9X9BjszZiYBoWBTzm0d8ZpwY97xTO8vpx3BflFz33AxQ8V6WfRuKYHQXOHsO_L_Xa8PiA73P7bYtLniXFDrcWuRyNvzp8H2o5rZIWad87KuLZfQo2VLtTo5oEEclyS-1htNVvx6SR49orbetXrWj3sCbRc_jgpv-ZS7lLa882Ted41P2C/s320/cruise%2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After disembarking, we took a walk past the Tower of London, the old Roman Wall, and up Minories Road to check out Garry's old office building. I've often wondered why the section of wall from Roman times remains standing near Tower Station. A plaque near the wall finally solved the mystery. Until the 1950s this section of the wall had been incorporated into the structure of a building that stood here for centuries. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99omH36FgQi39YK9Gq8p2pBsejZqKMpSprfMFChHRFhNxo2giwcleKi5nCMnfFpIBGlgVmS_Sd7ajBcdvfQaHyryzElXmx6Sl0_qd1yfZ0CrK_WoPyCwXuesRa9PidgzDBDEAMcY0weAC66-qQQ8adsGzBeGcO92mmUMZ3va0bTpNyj7NAzoT/s1000/cruise%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99omH36FgQi39YK9Gq8p2pBsejZqKMpSprfMFChHRFhNxo2giwcleKi5nCMnfFpIBGlgVmS_Sd7ajBcdvfQaHyryzElXmx6Sl0_qd1yfZ0CrK_WoPyCwXuesRa9PidgzDBDEAMcY0weAC66-qQQ8adsGzBeGcO92mmUMZ3va0bTpNyj7NAzoT/s320/cruise%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpIq4GDgYgJfbV5fLUQJx9JZRd5S6YT-t3scs1kxyY2_sbeaWsTATLnjNTblOT4GeICR-pBkZ6v4KKyTsI1FItzCE65Wgiw_3zGjbyxRiYGI_LJ_2C82eEaH3lZDvkQCaTqbDY0Jscmhj-3fxI9nfqSEUEMQWSX9jZs4Mj5IK-iQyNv1AQ2As/s1000/cruise%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpIq4GDgYgJfbV5fLUQJx9JZRd5S6YT-t3scs1kxyY2_sbeaWsTATLnjNTblOT4GeICR-pBkZ6v4KKyTsI1FItzCE65Wgiw_3zGjbyxRiYGI_LJ_2C82eEaH3lZDvkQCaTqbDY0Jscmhj-3fxI9nfqSEUEMQWSX9jZs4Mj5IK-iQyNv1AQ2As/s320/cruise%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q2__ddA9W1m7OwDBBFGk9xOMoZHcK6rouBJwzPP3tr8jbFz3Dk8LwOTnWn-bus0oh0d5vOBstdWKqWgPTYMU-c3BTATXKwBIOyzi1kd3G0y0g22Tk73_4T3gtIK6OiuTOCppvBm3V-IccNSpW2p3BIxBH7JOJbqB1j3cJC3AqJYY_y_Dbol8/s1000/cruise%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q2__ddA9W1m7OwDBBFGk9xOMoZHcK6rouBJwzPP3tr8jbFz3Dk8LwOTnWn-bus0oh0d5vOBstdWKqWgPTYMU-c3BTATXKwBIOyzi1kd3G0y0g22Tk73_4T3gtIK6OiuTOCppvBm3V-IccNSpW2p3BIxBH7JOJbqB1j3cJC3AqJYY_y_Dbol8/s320/cruise%2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We finished our trip down memory lane with a walk across Tower Bridge, then made our way along the Thames as far as London Bridge Station. Along the way, we spotted several quirky animal sculptures from the Sculpture duo, <a href="https://gillieandmarc.com/blogs/find-our-art/a-wild-life-for-wildlife-in-london" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Gillie And Marc</span></a>. This included a gang of African wild animals on a bicycle made for ten, plus an appearance by two familiar characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, riding a moped with an exhilarated Zebra. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmHsZ2J_rL0KMz3yNLEYNs5M3YBBVD6VnkFG8VQy5x450U73x53lIwRiSSjs6Qay3ZfcyEtD7kKMUHll-MbazoqBTpC6uRh944Cl69l1EfNIw65dPGACvAqpYd728uFDmgwSJaDHvg2kXoZLzbaXXKbGpAyNJkW6_f_Vi7y1JXwa66qJC5lh5/s1000/dogman%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmHsZ2J_rL0KMz3yNLEYNs5M3YBBVD6VnkFG8VQy5x450U73x53lIwRiSSjs6Qay3ZfcyEtD7kKMUHll-MbazoqBTpC6uRh944Cl69l1EfNIw65dPGACvAqpYd728uFDmgwSJaDHvg2kXoZLzbaXXKbGpAyNJkW6_f_Vi7y1JXwa66qJC5lh5/s320/dogman%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqudb2oa-tlAosQxX_Mc_cLxmQoHIach6t6P6Ngc9XD5DXvVKj_DkPWRFEtW2hwRa_dlfeLdULAsdLrkmZwoHaq-dgKhjS0OB_V72aAVXqYtrnGGX8FmsMu_gpwXvuNkGg2yeJpG98np4THaorL5WUlLMDSouhaFfMvy38-_UBPXNiDhfQ7cy/s1000/dogman%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqudb2oa-tlAosQxX_Mc_cLxmQoHIach6t6P6Ngc9XD5DXvVKj_DkPWRFEtW2hwRa_dlfeLdULAsdLrkmZwoHaq-dgKhjS0OB_V72aAVXqYtrnGGX8FmsMu_gpwXvuNkGg2yeJpG98np4THaorL5WUlLMDSouhaFfMvy38-_UBPXNiDhfQ7cy/s320/dogman%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>These sculptures are part of a temporary exhibit of 11 sculptures scattered around central London. Each is designed to draw attention to the plight of animals whose habitats are dwindling in the face of human encroachment. It runs from November 2023 until September 2024. Earlier in the week we'd spotted Rabbitwoman and Dogman commuting to work in a motorbike and sidecar outside Spitalfields Market.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we reached London Bridge Station, it was time to head back to Paddington and transfer to Heathrow for our flight to Nuremberg. We had just enough time for a quick meal in the First Class Lounge before it was time to board. Our flight departed early and arrived ahead of schedule. As a result, we checked into our hotel in Nuremberg shortly before 11:00pm.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlNXJEiV_bPBO6FtT-w15F-4qg9uu2P7_swqLF4JR2ZfIQaHRlnQKD3Q0uGOwSqDxuTKeAg13K1AYbVBi4pC02EPGOpDPFXo2P2rv623tfBjg6-DGWmK92LI9_cqE3g94ZwC_5HJWKeco-zTlS9ZkTA-lv3hjNWSoZ7qeTIBemuOux0P5X40a/s1000/cruise%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlNXJEiV_bPBO6FtT-w15F-4qg9uu2P7_swqLF4JR2ZfIQaHRlnQKD3Q0uGOwSqDxuTKeAg13K1AYbVBi4pC02EPGOpDPFXo2P2rv623tfBjg6-DGWmK92LI9_cqE3g94ZwC_5HJWKeco-zTlS9ZkTA-lv3hjNWSoZ7qeTIBemuOux0P5X40a/s320/cruise%2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-41971732623104872232024-02-04T22:46:00.009+11:002024-02-23T00:23:29.564+11:00Viva the evolution!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsYe3NJvM6Alzf_86E2a5bd9_3p6cuyzV5dnMJUvwihl-y0JBr8cC4D4aF4xr2qaaP0wvGGz5rmSJsEmA-qk97XAYMR2tYC9qFHrdHLm5Lyg3QZ2eKc1rbg4vYntU4WRCS_W-pf13iSFtC7Y9Ka9hzAkSMdK3TSDY9OTpGCDCcI_fV1RjDzBL/s1000/comedy%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsYe3NJvM6Alzf_86E2a5bd9_3p6cuyzV5dnMJUvwihl-y0JBr8cC4D4aF4xr2qaaP0wvGGz5rmSJsEmA-qk97XAYMR2tYC9qFHrdHLm5Lyg3QZ2eKc1rbg4vYntU4WRCS_W-pf13iSFtC7Y9Ka9hzAkSMdK3TSDY9OTpGCDCcI_fV1RjDzBL/s320/comedy%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />London has continued to evolve since our return to Sydney. Many projects that were underway or on the drawing board have since been completed. This includes the opening of the Crossrail link, now known as the Elizabeth Line, The London Shard, and the recent multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of Battersea Power Station (which includes two brand new Tube stations and tunnels).<br /><br />On Sunday, while Garry caught up on end-of-month bookkeeping, I took the tube into town to visit an exhibition centre I’d only recently discovered. In the east wing of Guildhall, the city’s old town hall is the <a href="https://thelondoncentre.org/"><span style="color: #ffd966;">London Centre</span></a>. The centre is home to three detailed scale models of London in a setup that’s reminiscent of the extraordinary display found inside the <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/06/shanghai-for-beginners.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center</span></a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2ePvaUEGx0hxnx84J3wmWg_zwkoIiWcRZLxxCu-nL5VEo-PaHRniy12YT5kfFjej71hVyG0FDkIlTTlX4bhN8O-YKia2Ui1YVSGUaxVpb4afgdhGOV0RwF8EtDMV-wQJrygq7qpGYfimxqgA08smUtt7g-IFqI-5C7q0AnAtcJDUHEPKAeV3/s1000/model%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2ePvaUEGx0hxnx84J3wmWg_zwkoIiWcRZLxxCu-nL5VEo-PaHRniy12YT5kfFjej71hVyG0FDkIlTTlX4bhN8O-YKia2Ui1YVSGUaxVpb4afgdhGOV0RwF8EtDMV-wQJrygq7qpGYfimxqgA08smUtt7g-IFqI-5C7q0AnAtcJDUHEPKAeV3/s320/model%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3XcPWWXQ_akajGCcJoYsx5_xPbgnMb1ceCt4HGoiCPATCN31l9H5XDTNTJutTweT0J1p00IMkyyDvjNalN-xTJKyopec-lOXKgAI6cFP0IjhRvPBzAQmWWoG_IgKuyVCIq0hIEr8K-vuXoN5Zc3aZBsnyqwvYPTCmObNcxOA0RgSZMPytZMV/s1000/model%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3XcPWWXQ_akajGCcJoYsx5_xPbgnMb1ceCt4HGoiCPATCN31l9H5XDTNTJutTweT0J1p00IMkyyDvjNalN-xTJKyopec-lOXKgAI6cFP0IjhRvPBzAQmWWoG_IgKuyVCIq0hIEr8K-vuXoN5Zc3aZBsnyqwvYPTCmObNcxOA0RgSZMPytZMV/s320/model%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVONA_EBzj_ZO3mCjvYOgy75hQQVinoI_gllPH_xNJhLfl4zvwMyKEXmTLe1cbUI2XkXpC-9rPzkNlB7GlKmcSHACSrh1pPPAL2BqO4R0eh0LnE0eT7eeTxCm4XV5O3FAYFzpv3SPuG_Ng4dcG5VvD5Z8z2c0bfuijXjv7i_x8Aobtx1S_-5i/s320/model%202.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UB4CqU7gRXNRnUsk45t2uW8otcUrMaZFvZF8uNiEB5QPEjaQ6N0uafifCv-Y4ZQ2JBXgYbK2JvQuLjSy9cK07a7dU_-sJXi501PF5y-EmzvqdJPMcYCfg78vjIxIs2DMcBb9Epau9RJ_pqblhnm4iRs4uGeELN_J9XAc4p79b0l2LAtKgR3d/s1000/model%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UB4CqU7gRXNRnUsk45t2uW8otcUrMaZFvZF8uNiEB5QPEjaQ6N0uafifCv-Y4ZQ2JBXgYbK2JvQuLjSy9cK07a7dU_-sJXi501PF5y-EmzvqdJPMcYCfg78vjIxIs2DMcBb9Epau9RJ_pqblhnm4iRs4uGeELN_J9XAc4p79b0l2LAtKgR3d/s320/model%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9JQ1XqUxuuMD5dt4d-crikPI8feA8mzUFEo088WLFwVrS15qMYszZoBt0sapF94fc0AaemnCnEUdkvggwb8PLfjnzmo78JK0pcENESF25pCXgOMEMgn19rOPmygnOMIRo1NLVg3LjF964elMJIwksr5kEg3MwNvi0RKnUqV196oeBq7KWB5/s1000/model%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9JQ1XqUxuuMD5dt4d-crikPI8feA8mzUFEo088WLFwVrS15qMYszZoBt0sapF94fc0AaemnCnEUdkvggwb8PLfjnzmo78JK0pcENESF25pCXgOMEMgn19rOPmygnOMIRo1NLVg3LjF964elMJIwksr5kEg3MwNvi0RKnUqV196oeBq7KWB5/s320/model%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The London Centre’s display includes a model covering the area between Wembley Stadium and London City Airport, plus a more detailed model of developments in the City of London and a second covering a comprehensive revitalization of the Royal Docks and London City Airport that’s only just begun. Each model depicts every building constructed in London, plus those with planning approval that have yet to be built.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzOoKPNQBbe4QS4uLzr2LTFTXSYKMampvEhlQmw7f6MC4BZOg3TopnCbS5aUkXEwERWdi19ewcl_XSjZuU2IJH4OaSQhbgEoLvl9TGzqx-sjfgYyfNDEtTx7dZbbb88aV-N7xu6OiUHUN1ytJoJsgEfbwbokmrwvND_d6y8opVXMxBC2OR1kK/s1000/statue%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzOoKPNQBbe4QS4uLzr2LTFTXSYKMampvEhlQmw7f6MC4BZOg3TopnCbS5aUkXEwERWdi19ewcl_XSjZuU2IJH4OaSQhbgEoLvl9TGzqx-sjfgYyfNDEtTx7dZbbb88aV-N7xu6OiUHUN1ytJoJsgEfbwbokmrwvND_d6y8opVXMxBC2OR1kK/s320/statue%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgSgmw0wxpJLceMoCfddaHsBHP5mJ9ZFvPnn08Zr__gCtYMm53EOWAGNPsovPGnm2ZcjOY7JGvOHY514Iv-3RMgg4AG4egMzvYoO1J9cuLIrgImZZRSvSzSh43aOxLy50_lUa4tEWYqMXanZqP5VDckg1kbJqWphRHMKyoVNdNYT30z3INNyk/s1000/bank%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgSgmw0wxpJLceMoCfddaHsBHP5mJ9ZFvPnn08Zr__gCtYMm53EOWAGNPsovPGnm2ZcjOY7JGvOHY514Iv-3RMgg4AG4egMzvYoO1J9cuLIrgImZZRSvSzSh43aOxLy50_lUa4tEWYqMXanZqP5VDckg1kbJqWphRHMKyoVNdNYT30z3INNyk/s320/bank%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG1AbLt8o1kj9ZfoUU1OTrubstKaRacPFHqFIDUhFktIupKoeXt-eir4362TQW1iYMEWf4Ni0hH6h9SA0jvFhwrKvYoGFady3-vImO9RbnTA8Bdl80UiF09y0XCs_zwingblwKGt0S6KqKps9s4nVomnqN2kjUAVzzvF2sGREAriva8LzEawv/s1000/statue%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG1AbLt8o1kj9ZfoUU1OTrubstKaRacPFHqFIDUhFktIupKoeXt-eir4362TQW1iYMEWf4Ni0hH6h9SA0jvFhwrKvYoGFady3-vImO9RbnTA8Bdl80UiF09y0XCs_zwingblwKGt0S6KqKps9s4nVomnqN2kjUAVzzvF2sGREAriva8LzEawv/s320/statue%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once I’d had my fill of scale model wonderment, I walked to Bank Station to revisit the forecourt of the Bank of England. From here I caught the tube down to <a href="https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Battersea Power Station</span></a>. This last-minute side trip was well worth the effort. The redevelopment of this derelict industrial complex on the banks of the Thames is nothing short of extraordinary. It only opened in October last year, so it's still very much the hottest venue in town.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtIV5uXPDcWA6p6otpijILpQaYIiQMUhB8cbz33FsXqcAg0uKfEbuKIBPnaq7TpfXiWGlqmZ_-2avSiXN7CgX4_7zd4_CN7F9UybEH6TVucukFje0FAU-KFnklytayxYRP7v6ccByLvZQhJjWJmZ4Ca11rV80CPcbdcF0zuP_AdzShqagxLy3/s1000/battersea%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtIV5uXPDcWA6p6otpijILpQaYIiQMUhB8cbz33FsXqcAg0uKfEbuKIBPnaq7TpfXiWGlqmZ_-2avSiXN7CgX4_7zd4_CN7F9UybEH6TVucukFje0FAU-KFnklytayxYRP7v6ccByLvZQhJjWJmZ4Ca11rV80CPcbdcF0zuP_AdzShqagxLy3/s320/battersea%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVroywwltTyjCCV_I_-z-m3wFeOqaHtwRLvIrr0t7Klyu6O2iGOyynjlknO4w4yrBzVbax48_0g2k_qVEYcViCODWzmeGdLVHaKuanHeHf-DXnKNjuHtkQoa3cq8JitzRn3tV00FTnGW_7ZnnPIXLvHQbX8-ZuVFVZvtFAcGfkeiyji6AuT6Ah/s1000/battersea%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVroywwltTyjCCV_I_-z-m3wFeOqaHtwRLvIrr0t7Klyu6O2iGOyynjlknO4w4yrBzVbax48_0g2k_qVEYcViCODWzmeGdLVHaKuanHeHf-DXnKNjuHtkQoa3cq8JitzRn3tV00FTnGW_7ZnnPIXLvHQbX8-ZuVFVZvtFAcGfkeiyji6AuT6Ah/s320/battersea%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Its two turbine halls have been transformed into a massive indoor, upmarket shopping centre filled with designer brand boutiques and an array of restaurants and eateries. It even features a champagne bar where empty flutes await you at the table of your choice. The centre also includes an elevator ride that takes you up one of the preserved chimneys. Unfortunately, the ride queue was snaking across its mezzanine entrance and out an entry gate. It’s clearly something you need to book well in advance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH6o7pQtKLgJQz4FZWxUJoKFokPzv-lYWZ6gNGPVx19tpoMFqaPZRjFKkyXkEMpOYTw8uY-l_vnImTjoiYQkNySJLmqoHAiDEbEORGMoNvp5E7jTkRczLxjQsvvT232RDuj_nmzkFFuScf-OZbF8wt77Cb34WIP8dkc73s9BbPtNik2xn5_BH/s1000/comedy%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH6o7pQtKLgJQz4FZWxUJoKFokPzv-lYWZ6gNGPVx19tpoMFqaPZRjFKkyXkEMpOYTw8uY-l_vnImTjoiYQkNySJLmqoHAiDEbEORGMoNvp5E7jTkRczLxjQsvvT232RDuj_nmzkFFuScf-OZbF8wt77Cb34WIP8dkc73s9BbPtNik2xn5_BH/s320/comedy%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Later that evening, Garry and I ventured back into town to enjoy a session at Top Secret, a comedy club in Covent Garden. The venue had been recommended by a comedian performing on our cruise ship last month. The two acts we saw were both hilarious although the Master of Ceremonies came close to upstaging everyone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS02d9MP21kNkePaA8tYlzCrBZUFXezurCoLx7qkvuexxdSLMTQ_4dnaG7xc6cuiC-paXRhltS8sFm6eAZWGmmZ5aFWXEfOGPRdREgMkBSO90_puifVOCP6j-SAyF6XCOIH1zgxSGE7N2AegV1Oy0_pJVbcS68oO9kPH9dvJRpdoeoQ8h3A-6/s1000/theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS02d9MP21kNkePaA8tYlzCrBZUFXezurCoLx7qkvuexxdSLMTQ_4dnaG7xc6cuiC-paXRhltS8sFm6eAZWGmmZ5aFWXEfOGPRdREgMkBSO90_puifVOCP6j-SAyF6XCOIH1zgxSGE7N2AegV1Oy0_pJVbcS68oO9kPH9dvJRpdoeoQ8h3A-6/s320/theatre.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A few nights earlier, we also got our fill of West End entertainment for another year. Months ago we booked tickets to see Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York’s Theatre in Covent Garden. The play is set entirely in Clarence House and tells the story of a 24 year partnership between The Queen Mother and her private secretary, William Tallon. Tallon’s formal title was Page of the Backstairs in Clarence House, hence the play’s title. The play was a hoot. I also loved the theatre's ornate ceiling rose.<br /></div><div><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-22559999086501755672024-02-04T09:43:00.082+11:002024-02-18T13:16:58.025+11:00Working those sights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdckmA3aCYvg32ccCym4WRw5NP86CB6AeFTJ64J5nLFZrAIypN5YaZXBw48nMdLk4z1AkhQIMevLPHia2Hj9Z4Wm8-ccb0wEs_Ocj2r-GqfcyqHhCRljLjnk7uIhfSwJi_ZgAjFcwodVMV-qkK5Bq0H9-OOk8ajYCIP4bGCKXrwJjp4sMwJKM/s1000/london%200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdckmA3aCYvg32ccCym4WRw5NP86CB6AeFTJ64J5nLFZrAIypN5YaZXBw48nMdLk4z1AkhQIMevLPHia2Hj9Z4Wm8-ccb0wEs_Ocj2r-GqfcyqHhCRljLjnk7uIhfSwJi_ZgAjFcwodVMV-qkK5Bq0H9-OOk8ajYCIP4bGCKXrwJjp4sMwJKM/s320/london%200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHCOAXVXkc5zYgOnPPoMHDTQH-Da7T16ay0wLdwT1pzdKC79ttRnrqcjB8gycvH4uGrmAUM_wk2z208TaYQ7CdGbAXYcnQSZMQxYuBdpAfzq2STWfy6021pxhAnF9U0RrsDAF_Zo-X5or0Ta7G3RHuUTrgOYJzkjJdrpV7vLSZUPMV2mvuzw1/s1000/london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHCOAXVXkc5zYgOnPPoMHDTQH-Da7T16ay0wLdwT1pzdKC79ttRnrqcjB8gycvH4uGrmAUM_wk2z208TaYQ7CdGbAXYcnQSZMQxYuBdpAfzq2STWfy6021pxhAnF9U0RrsDAF_Zo-X5or0Ta7G3RHuUTrgOYJzkjJdrpV7vLSZUPMV2mvuzw1/s320/london.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Every year we travel to Europe to meet up with incumbent suppliers and prospective brands for our company. Our standard itinerary includes a week in London attending the British Toy Fair followed by a week in Nuremberg attending Spielwarenmesse, the toy industry’s largest international trade show.<br /><br />While in the UK we meet two of our top five brands before they go to Nuremberg, thus freeing up time for other meetings in Germany. The British show also gives us an inside edge on new and emerging brands before they exhibit at Spielwarenmesse. Over the years this strategy has resulted in us nabbing two impressive brands ahead of the competition, Bigjigs Toys, and HEADU.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxDSvAeXot_JEZF1vBgC0vmfuVemiQ3-z6VCPaBIgs3odTX6sBZONF7A4Oy6ukaZHeaG04knvgGzh4jDNzjy3wVdenX2NzHF5GcNyeiATceH6d-WG01dK-0R5zmgNosulmrZ8KkROHuhmT1BNNC8knq8AuWSbVYiM2m_yxNenHJZXdMDS6NnP/s1000/show%20meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxDSvAeXot_JEZF1vBgC0vmfuVemiQ3-z6VCPaBIgs3odTX6sBZONF7A4Oy6ukaZHeaG04knvgGzh4jDNzjy3wVdenX2NzHF5GcNyeiATceH6d-WG01dK-0R5zmgNosulmrZ8KkROHuhmT1BNNC8knq8AuWSbVYiM2m_yxNenHJZXdMDS6NnP/s320/show%20meeting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />This year, while in London, we also met with the UK-based investor behind our new third-party logistics warehouse in Sydney. Scott Sully was our first meeting in London. We joined him for a light breakfast a few hours after we arrived in the UK. Traditionally, we’ve based ourselves in an apartment in Soho for the week. However, this year all of our prior haunts were charging insane rates, so we ultimately opted for a refurbished apartment near Edgware Road Station in Marylebone.</div><div><br />This location allowed us to explore parts of London we hadn’t seen since leaving the city in 2010. While in the UK we had to buy a suitcase to carry toy samples back to Sydney. On a whim, we decided to take advantage of some good weather and combine our shopping expedition with a walk from Marble Arch, through Hyde Park, and past Kensington Palace, before stopping to buy a suitcase at TK Maxx on Kensington High Street.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eN07qlYQgqk_leW4jPt485GTbnJKbtrmVqTpiPBjeSKKp5c1S9tJGZXu_DLDTwfec1QvV13GMQ36z_YMB9-iEaQt7eiC4O8T4tx_rWuj98iQFIvlhQUQgMGX1IaPd1NB0ouN_FgPFBebIwMl34gMQOAH3RHyfiap1pYUtAKOTv5DVePqPAd1/s1000/albert-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eN07qlYQgqk_leW4jPt485GTbnJKbtrmVqTpiPBjeSKKp5c1S9tJGZXu_DLDTwfec1QvV13GMQ36z_YMB9-iEaQt7eiC4O8T4tx_rWuj98iQFIvlhQUQgMGX1IaPd1NB0ouN_FgPFBebIwMl34gMQOAH3RHyfiap1pYUtAKOTv5DVePqPAd1/s320/albert-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VycJ-1cyEoCXSXGcArCr0T2CbFdclN1vvnYwcKmFIhonQCN-knuG6Dqviq2q94gWyOiZRYNcSa1fyBJdORc19crcjaES9Rr_zfO06OSSaVROeY7BDEMgn7LM-1_n6fW5dQNLqkfjs09oo2Dn7SPco4whSwELJGlN-geBJnW0NyW_j0o6xMOT/s1000/diana%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VycJ-1cyEoCXSXGcArCr0T2CbFdclN1vvnYwcKmFIhonQCN-knuG6Dqviq2q94gWyOiZRYNcSa1fyBJdORc19crcjaES9Rr_zfO06OSSaVROeY7BDEMgn7LM-1_n6fW5dQNLqkfjs09oo2Dn7SPco4whSwELJGlN-geBJnW0NyW_j0o6xMOT/s320/diana%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHDJe7SgLrJXtOFcvYL0xGFzLyihNwP8jigLPJI9Na4PL5yiEiF3bJtQ2KYQHhF60l8FQIYAVoDN0TdC8bvW7VfRzeIQcTEzqP4CNpKt661ZmBfUl8fTpHxLRBgzPyX7Ifg5VFxNzeMbRXuyUnAz2J9RX8SvFs5lXostfMorSeod0MnSI5Usb/s1000/diana%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHDJe7SgLrJXtOFcvYL0xGFzLyihNwP8jigLPJI9Na4PL5yiEiF3bJtQ2KYQHhF60l8FQIYAVoDN0TdC8bvW7VfRzeIQcTEzqP4CNpKt661ZmBfUl8fTpHxLRBgzPyX7Ifg5VFxNzeMbRXuyUnAz2J9RX8SvFs5lXostfMorSeod0MnSI5Usb/s320/diana%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br />We eventually walked more than 5 km, stopping briefly to view the Albert Memorial and Albert Hall, before stopping at Kensington Palace to view the Princess Diana Memorial Garden and the recently unveiled statue of Diana surrounded by children. While the gardens were bare for winter, this meant that we enjoyed a relatively private viewing of the statue, as tourists were few and far between.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium84c6ObPX-finBPM0w-Yfc0K2-MOytCEVGxvM639pyAYtsUux9MaWui2VkLmBPDOf4Hxoh34l2H6Gq5DEuCDw_K4xSllgnI6PcXSqSu4zg9AQgSRdXsN1DFuaEiBkv5aXqQG_NAwlvFmCgq4aBjOPetW4UkPUKQdkNpd04I7mA0TGTAMtMsv/s1000/leaden%20hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium84c6ObPX-finBPM0w-Yfc0K2-MOytCEVGxvM639pyAYtsUux9MaWui2VkLmBPDOf4Hxoh34l2H6Gq5DEuCDw_K4xSllgnI6PcXSqSu4zg9AQgSRdXsN1DFuaEiBkv5aXqQG_NAwlvFmCgq4aBjOPetW4UkPUKQdkNpd04I7mA0TGTAMtMsv/s320/leaden%20hall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5yh37BLNRCmhEMqfxYHHvR6Rg6TmrUnh5AheWTx7H2P9qEVx-4X-UR_BZr-MUp7HxWdFWDU6c4CpQtjmEceNUAXUBqbO1jdcxTzh2iLpzszg2sXnCHURDdAGKYu_InoBqlkWgKZ7ZD2pg8da7I27iLjo8s9Hb6JvKKUsAXsHq1_cx3Fa9XyZ/s1000/horizon%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5yh37BLNRCmhEMqfxYHHvR6Rg6TmrUnh5AheWTx7H2P9qEVx-4X-UR_BZr-MUp7HxWdFWDU6c4CpQtjmEceNUAXUBqbO1jdcxTzh2iLpzszg2sXnCHURDdAGKYu_InoBqlkWgKZ7ZD2pg8da7I27iLjo8s9Hb6JvKKUsAXsHq1_cx3Fa9XyZ/s320/horizon%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzYVWtELSu1t0baqfs7qwfox2H49U-OLSoQWYunnPqfGr7wxXZ3XMxTOgLwpI-l8i_zua_QtvD5Xg9vZjQjNwa6tTRlijJga146SbB0KpzlfYao2Ogj6mmVH12Bjw4tgLcjup9SkMdsNmWsfakGAAjIz4YLbNB96LHS9vHcIkHgYLO3ZjiFCI/s1000/horizon%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzYVWtELSu1t0baqfs7qwfox2H49U-OLSoQWYunnPqfGr7wxXZ3XMxTOgLwpI-l8i_zua_QtvD5Xg9vZjQjNwa6tTRlijJga146SbB0KpzlfYao2Ogj6mmVH12Bjw4tgLcjup9SkMdsNmWsfakGAAjIz4YLbNB96LHS9vHcIkHgYLO3ZjiFCI/s320/horizon%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSv-fpo4o_sFSSNIscGtfld155eYftXXbfOidmzCdb48zzPa3ascI1uV_OWhnYMf8CvdHxEAX892hc0WGksdaDv1mwjKjkhsuo4zGgszAm-GDbY50ZJ7do7u1zLUFsypesG8G7rRrRVveYCk04RZ10mqbs42-7jD8gsYxwDagAJqCxxnqpIMH/s1000/london%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSv-fpo4o_sFSSNIscGtfld155eYftXXbfOidmzCdb48zzPa3ascI1uV_OWhnYMf8CvdHxEAX892hc0WGksdaDv1mwjKjkhsuo4zGgszAm-GDbY50ZJ7do7u1zLUFsypesG8G7rRrRVveYCk04RZ10mqbs42-7jD8gsYxwDagAJqCxxnqpIMH/s320/london%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xrdxti-tOGQoS4MaaX1ULQKAHNc4WtBmP5I8p5NQjdc_3qAvJ2mllkgE5X7IXPgX9e7YlSUdPRkqmiUC_5dh-UgJ7iCb6-kbh92JyUBTxDNzdv-7oiO7xFDUp4mzzAYIp_5aYuCkcSZqG_XmFveBcJMKl5GckoehJZOui15l3pwlMXYPHRqF/s1000/london%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xrdxti-tOGQoS4MaaX1ULQKAHNc4WtBmP5I8p5NQjdc_3qAvJ2mllkgE5X7IXPgX9e7YlSUdPRkqmiUC_5dh-UgJ7iCb6-kbh92JyUBTxDNzdv-7oiO7xFDUp4mzzAYIp_5aYuCkcSZqG_XmFveBcJMKl5GckoehJZOui15l3pwlMXYPHRqF/s320/london%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The following day, Australia Day, was spent exploring a few new sights and sounds in the City of London. This included a visit to the recently opened Horizon 22 observation deck which delivers an impressive uninterrupted view of the Thames, including The London Shard. We also took time out to enjoy the immersive Vincent Van Gogh Experience in Spitalfields, before making our way back to Monument Station via Spitalfields Market and the stunning Victorian Leadenhall Market.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23CjXMyluPHBP8-YfuK05TODO9N8uTWeqs2G2ukzafYSby8anGa8Pkin2UwfzscY0OJyuPdiSDa5fbZLzLTOhOYoLlZ_gt6YEdPPZkHlNNur_KpE2yv3WwVQJiirFW4VWkV5eUwp_rFP3cRzsoi0Ul0PxzGObU_x33oDIPm2sxMU7T6OSgCag/s1000/van%20gogh%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23CjXMyluPHBP8-YfuK05TODO9N8uTWeqs2G2ukzafYSby8anGa8Pkin2UwfzscY0OJyuPdiSDa5fbZLzLTOhOYoLlZ_gt6YEdPPZkHlNNur_KpE2yv3WwVQJiirFW4VWkV5eUwp_rFP3cRzsoi0Ul0PxzGObU_x33oDIPm2sxMU7T6OSgCag/s320/van%20gogh%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ5itLL8om1kevZGa8d6Ss7vh_vJbTcuZRzCVXwWFo3pPtlFZZ96IXCnWg9zznoYWjYTwS6D4yHdivvhTkqBjZfCHYtHQ1qgC9URt-D1BUheilhjxUdz919zEd_ltUr5toEIZ_T9fw7-jQaSSXhUUOOG-MlTzVOLlCOprijTnjhZkCP9NTmpz/s1000/van%20gogh%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ5itLL8om1kevZGa8d6Ss7vh_vJbTcuZRzCVXwWFo3pPtlFZZ96IXCnWg9zznoYWjYTwS6D4yHdivvhTkqBjZfCHYtHQ1qgC9URt-D1BUheilhjxUdz919zEd_ltUr5toEIZ_T9fw7-jQaSSXhUUOOG-MlTzVOLlCOprijTnjhZkCP9NTmpz/s320/van%20gogh%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFREK0bM5xI_VXBTApk5q-djb3Lkbd4aaxxX-RgW6r8DLRax-5DE2cqUiYr_74nZc457Q0a6ok1VbKS_FVi3ov2PgoBj_L35TO-gGkruPcLYOrpsqlKXB_KVd5m4NZQNeUd6GtdcK007xty3y1sRD7_VSzhg98XbEMBIaVkQu4HsxshC8owsb/s1000/van%20gogh%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFREK0bM5xI_VXBTApk5q-djb3Lkbd4aaxxX-RgW6r8DLRax-5DE2cqUiYr_74nZc457Q0a6ok1VbKS_FVi3ov2PgoBj_L35TO-gGkruPcLYOrpsqlKXB_KVd5m4NZQNeUd6GtdcK007xty3y1sRD7_VSzhg98XbEMBIaVkQu4HsxshC8owsb/s320/van%20gogh%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Van Gogh Experience was something different. The event wasn't showing any original works by the artist. Instead, the venue delivered a range of immersive, and interactive, experiences that explored the essence of his art. Without a doubt, the highlight for both of us was a virtual reality fly-through of his most famous pieces. It was simply mind-blowing to put on a VR headset and then wander through his bedroom at Arles or through the wheat fields as crows flew by.</div><br />The 360 projection room was equally impressive, Using technology to recreate animated displays of his masterpieces you’re immersed directly in the paintings themselves, looking up at The Starry Night and watching the stars dance around the room in Van Gogh’s iconic style.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9Mn0B_7UDlTakDRoC3SzUCs8ibkWBC5IeIXQRb_AAUBCmbn4soVNrNqHgkDNt-U6XQUqWeXC2olq-_j5Lu6WYiOllfRjG-PaB3mQEvJz5S0MhfDcgO5JNK4fev_utRVQshdSBfKgaa5JqCiqmKKKW9JEWspOPtNcxC1WK7rMyX3NwmK2a5OK/s1000/martin%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9Mn0B_7UDlTakDRoC3SzUCs8ibkWBC5IeIXQRb_AAUBCmbn4soVNrNqHgkDNt-U6XQUqWeXC2olq-_j5Lu6WYiOllfRjG-PaB3mQEvJz5S0MhfDcgO5JNK4fev_utRVQshdSBfKgaa5JqCiqmKKKW9JEWspOPtNcxC1WK7rMyX3NwmK2a5OK/s320/martin%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>Later that evening we caught up for dinner with our good friend Martin at the highly acclaimed Argentine restaurant, <a href="https://www.zoilo.co.uk/"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Zoilo</span></a>. It was a wonderful evening reliving old memories and catching up on events since our last meal in January 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFnRLTRK-BbI_3x9fYfcpDT6AqS8QiL1yDq3JfKWyfkeFxX5mKPQlz3c2BifRC1IKx1kbCjV_9mFkdLvoam4JLXRLsXw7twTGpGbhpHrrdMdctCJS1E6z8m82DDXC7wwMd63cFIq5ACXIehC8bjfuBeUFZM2h_JcGcejLOFvdRogJ-IVr2X80/s998/horizon%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="998" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFnRLTRK-BbI_3x9fYfcpDT6AqS8QiL1yDq3JfKWyfkeFxX5mKPQlz3c2BifRC1IKx1kbCjV_9mFkdLvoam4JLXRLsXw7twTGpGbhpHrrdMdctCJS1E6z8m82DDXC7wwMd63cFIq5ACXIehC8bjfuBeUFZM2h_JcGcejLOFvdRogJ-IVr2X80/s320/horizon%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-58451973784007577392024-01-27T09:10:00.227+11:002024-02-23T00:36:13.813+11:00Portsmouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuR2xskNF3wLKcKhhx4PTlFazhZrB-nYKr3o9v7mBg_tjgBvmn-lABaXHMdDeAGc-czT4k76PL3wJ2LZeC6SQK6K9m5nxUtfBgXeq8ZNOiuLc46Rjwx_8XjvbYhehDE_vi0bAS_4DATuZy6tbW0ae2hiWSDyp2XHiwI_UrylVsBpwOkidFb0b/s1000/warrior%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuR2xskNF3wLKcKhhx4PTlFazhZrB-nYKr3o9v7mBg_tjgBvmn-lABaXHMdDeAGc-czT4k76PL3wJ2LZeC6SQK6K9m5nxUtfBgXeq8ZNOiuLc46Rjwx_8XjvbYhehDE_vi0bAS_4DATuZy6tbW0ae2hiWSDyp2XHiwI_UrylVsBpwOkidFb0b/s320/warrior%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqLOl0edaSnnC3V3ZIu9Of4t5t5mz-EhEAkvJUzvfh3xHmfJ0aVjqIgssKtxN78VvH8EwxITQmMdz4vB-6L02jwCWpAyGPqlC9AHnDtGh4NQH9FCYzeo0cEHJeH0qwmBAx2zkl0EMoythUp5mRnVSZ1MBSNV2YCg0pIbtRvwVUOrk4gmWWeQh/s1000/tower%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqLOl0edaSnnC3V3ZIu9Of4t5t5mz-EhEAkvJUzvfh3xHmfJ0aVjqIgssKtxN78VvH8EwxITQmMdz4vB-6L02jwCWpAyGPqlC9AHnDtGh4NQH9FCYzeo0cEHJeH0qwmBAx2zkl0EMoythUp5mRnVSZ1MBSNV2YCg0pIbtRvwVUOrk4gmWWeQh/s320/tower%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCA1gTG8K_HECpOaUP33SKZq-1sSmd1kdcy4m3VSDZ7IRYUVKfetVGOvsvoGFb_PvqswWu0jB7MsRsMHo4aSi1l87Nei89z3jY8VoxTOXCWCtLRc8-0mCF-zLOGBxcPD-7Xh3uW5heTUUsH64ArwthzOoH82qDR8yEx4b4p9dmrux0numxnoV/s1000/victory%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCA1gTG8K_HECpOaUP33SKZq-1sSmd1kdcy4m3VSDZ7IRYUVKfetVGOvsvoGFb_PvqswWu0jB7MsRsMHo4aSi1l87Nei89z3jY8VoxTOXCWCtLRc8-0mCF-zLOGBxcPD-7Xh3uW5heTUUsH64ArwthzOoH82qDR8yEx4b4p9dmrux0numxnoV/s320/victory%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> In all the years we lived in London we never made it to Portsmouth, the historical home base of the British Royal Navy. As a result, we decided to set things right with a weekend stop there after completing a business meeting in Kent. I booked us into a Holiday Inn Express located on the edge of the redeveloped Gunwharf Quays. This was our base for two nights before we began making our way back to London for a week of trade show meetings. <div><br /></div><div>We spent most of Sunday exploring the <a href="https://historicdockyard.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Portsmouth Historic Dockyards</span></a>. This included a visit to the Mary Rose Museum, a guided tour of Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, and a self-guided tour of the Warrior, the UK's first ironclad, steam-powered warship. Without realizing it, we’d scheduled our tour of the dockyards in chronological order. As a result, it was fascinating to see how naval military technology advanced from Henry VIII’s Tudor era, through to the Victorian era. I was surprised to see cast-iron cannons were still a feature of warships as late as 1863.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4aCRUASu3CJuiGOmh_FZl3c1ZGSj8Nn9VtyaVGe15n6Ju4W3-dTwtLKILPQNwNh2ELPDg5R3Ec_DjAGEsEBbMqhswZNy8lkSf48RNZs-7rgbj3W70zH8Q38upP36qlOr7ymC1LNQKZKp8_HIyK0pnjz5-ED75MLBYAMOyUlK7yNqTEAZ5Ojq/s1000/victory%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4aCRUASu3CJuiGOmh_FZl3c1ZGSj8Nn9VtyaVGe15n6Ju4W3-dTwtLKILPQNwNh2ELPDg5R3Ec_DjAGEsEBbMqhswZNy8lkSf48RNZs-7rgbj3W70zH8Q38upP36qlOr7ymC1LNQKZKp8_HIyK0pnjz5-ED75MLBYAMOyUlK7yNqTEAZ5Ojq/s320/victory%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoBYiyoWvhdQNT4LytYwTzZtwUccQY-Kdl9zrLKYUzhopuBDA3HK81XwpfBN0gWDeUxNPVhb4OoW7MCS8Zc1cWqmi_LoDrYf0FFcGhqKzdfXaXYykLNp_zi5QGIYCZ7FHtTcqszhdAlS9wZszq8mYBwCSV2SXVEP-RLDdEOhxDXWWtP9H_U99/s1000/victory%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoBYiyoWvhdQNT4LytYwTzZtwUccQY-Kdl9zrLKYUzhopuBDA3HK81XwpfBN0gWDeUxNPVhb4OoW7MCS8Zc1cWqmi_LoDrYf0FFcGhqKzdfXaXYykLNp_zi5QGIYCZ7FHtTcqszhdAlS9wZszq8mYBwCSV2SXVEP-RLDdEOhxDXWWtP9H_U99/s320/victory%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcyakww3UEnhVXg46x0eo6szmLZ7ieH7-YeTKlmCfmMM6BecbHPRmWUJX-qGWIp_01R3Mm85We08hABb6d8XFF0BwmrHC9KaVJTYnQ9BVQ-WvvvRMJcSOzfDmmMdx900nqEqC-CphrirSnhgjQXjDbZZPrPDDZ3l5dGvfr-jEKusp9oJifADn/s1000/victory%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcyakww3UEnhVXg46x0eo6szmLZ7ieH7-YeTKlmCfmMM6BecbHPRmWUJX-qGWIp_01R3Mm85We08hABb6d8XFF0BwmrHC9KaVJTYnQ9BVQ-WvvvRMJcSOzfDmmMdx900nqEqC-CphrirSnhgjQXjDbZZPrPDDZ3l5dGvfr-jEKusp9oJifADn/s320/victory%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm1lDdskuDD9NN7OglkuNP2ShdDJbkZquyoFSrfg-q9sc131Rcitl7gBxo87yxw2koCKGwayP4Qv9d_0qJZa1L5D2S77vDpOz4LWIFpdZ81168wD25v0emd8jS1STY3IlcuOFVZfvl8dkCNRkuZRBllIh6dTOesaHR0Y3hv01S6FsSCASwAuj/s1000/victory%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm1lDdskuDD9NN7OglkuNP2ShdDJbkZquyoFSrfg-q9sc131Rcitl7gBxo87yxw2koCKGwayP4Qv9d_0qJZa1L5D2S77vDpOz4LWIFpdZ81168wD25v0emd8jS1STY3IlcuOFVZfvl8dkCNRkuZRBllIh6dTOesaHR0Y3hv01S6FsSCASwAuj/s320/victory%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Much like at Battle, on board the Victory, we had an opportunity to stand at the exact spot marked by a bronze plaque where Nelson was mortally wounded during the Battle of Trafalgar. Equally memorable was the experience below deck. We learned that the sailors lived on the gun deck among the cannons. At night they slung hammocks over the cannon barrels, while during the day they dined and played board games at tables and benches that hung from the ceiling in between each cannon carriage. Let's just say it was a far cry from the comfortable cruise ship cabin we'd enjoyed earlier this month.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD7HA3u4l6oJi8rVS5xV_yFbWppwJHRNGg2tq5dLGemtXRxz9g72LMvjn-Kn135n7NEUnDH4PdaP8umOinYpk7q1P-gK77s_m7_BTj9iqHuKq4WuMm3n4vGvjlQ4jZCZltvfcpAbtAzJzBUemlOBSuTPG7ySEOTFlwtjITa3yrF35VevHIfzp/s1000/mary%20rose%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD7HA3u4l6oJi8rVS5xV_yFbWppwJHRNGg2tq5dLGemtXRxz9g72LMvjn-Kn135n7NEUnDH4PdaP8umOinYpk7q1P-gK77s_m7_BTj9iqHuKq4WuMm3n4vGvjlQ4jZCZltvfcpAbtAzJzBUemlOBSuTPG7ySEOTFlwtjITa3yrF35VevHIfzp/s320/mary%20rose%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LfpXxdRVT9NMTitFBFbunNXc_F6mk3TtsDWKGnvaV5syyBsRuTmCmLcwXovxY5d1hJ9NuKL9eUFzhxM8HvrWLvGU1Lt6bzbAqK_MpZz8bCAMBAkQiVGac_UTHg7fdl4P3H6g4B9vorcSG8L5C-C19g_24jALQhdkSIne3UeQetm8lUKc6L9G/s1000/mary%20rose%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LfpXxdRVT9NMTitFBFbunNXc_F6mk3TtsDWKGnvaV5syyBsRuTmCmLcwXovxY5d1hJ9NuKL9eUFzhxM8HvrWLvGU1Lt6bzbAqK_MpZz8bCAMBAkQiVGac_UTHg7fdl4P3H6g4B9vorcSG8L5C-C19g_24jALQhdkSIne3UeQetm8lUKc6L9G/s320/mary%20rose%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtKU-LXgPb3hcmSNnzLtVkbJJ1Rw7KzoYOQK2BiSNgTcLb1f4COiiW52ZXBbV9ZQZmWvBM2E3CwlqkVsHs1FlDXM0u7klpD-K9yPJvbzA6nnhcoZcYUWYPqHZcAOg5ghgxE4b_mIVc2VI35XaO8krTzko5bKA5TQlPmmnvEjNxedrg0qnBQjK/s1000/mary%20rose%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtKU-LXgPb3hcmSNnzLtVkbJJ1Rw7KzoYOQK2BiSNgTcLb1f4COiiW52ZXBbV9ZQZmWvBM2E3CwlqkVsHs1FlDXM0u7klpD-K9yPJvbzA6nnhcoZcYUWYPqHZcAOg5ghgxE4b_mIVc2VI35XaO8krTzko5bKA5TQlPmmnvEjNxedrg0qnBQjK/s320/mary%20rose%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Mary Rose was a real treat. At the time of its construction in 1511, it was the most advanced warship of its time. It quickly became the flagship of Henry VIII's rapidly expanding navy. It was substantially rebuilt in 1536, transforming an impressive ship of 500 tons into one of 700 tons. On 19 July 1545, during the Battle of Solent, near the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, the Mary Rose suddenly heeled (leaned) heavily to her starboard (right) side. Water rushed in through the ship's open gunports and it quickly sank. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95WJHpBpdGn7wzDj-mzvvq52daORvHc8LM1RnQwQueKFE7MRGMMXHEt-7OLs6XPfYETKZKZksol90yW35KpJLJeXg5ae_zI8pM89mu0BtG4KhnVHYQ7o6vixi8ysdW4A28CK-pt0LYxyxuXB9KeTgfFKJAwa48ckp3z5apupMGo8Px6sbGzU6/s1000/mary%20rose%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95WJHpBpdGn7wzDj-mzvvq52daORvHc8LM1RnQwQueKFE7MRGMMXHEt-7OLs6XPfYETKZKZksol90yW35KpJLJeXg5ae_zI8pM89mu0BtG4KhnVHYQ7o6vixi8ysdW4A28CK-pt0LYxyxuXB9KeTgfFKJAwa48ckp3z5apupMGo8Px6sbGzU6/s320/mary%20rose%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYiRDv-YBvakwv4YY-eiV9L2VwwuaFpC7fuvW2LDbO0Sq1tbR51ZubcIHQ3U2PX_ln1hO9CFMLQAhqyT34pjukvVY0Sn9F4QTEeM0OnXRi0y62h7FN3Ke7A3PCngc3GtGa9rDCFKC_WC7QkflZVvXWfTptFkthV53aTneHZeOQPCm_X79ZI1f/s1000/mary%20rose%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYiRDv-YBvakwv4YY-eiV9L2VwwuaFpC7fuvW2LDbO0Sq1tbR51ZubcIHQ3U2PX_ln1hO9CFMLQAhqyT34pjukvVY0Sn9F4QTEeM0OnXRi0y62h7FN3Ke7A3PCngc3GtGa9rDCFKC_WC7QkflZVvXWfTptFkthV53aTneHZeOQPCm_X79ZI1f/s320/mary%20rose%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREypwJTD4ks1Rom0nFBKpdjjVxB2XXdxS9BczkoRywG76dLQft9ye6KrlSSsba1gUNu-TOvfYiAfGZXtxUc7rwhhvx4GuvjnRTku1XPT3BP2uQgtOII-Tb03b-t6IghZ8f2ZbWlX5CfKu2v3mKhWOxNVxTGGnyQ01-G3gFPs2eOtyvqEDXsfR/s1000/mary%20rose%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREypwJTD4ks1Rom0nFBKpdjjVxB2XXdxS9BczkoRywG76dLQft9ye6KrlSSsba1gUNu-TOvfYiAfGZXtxUc7rwhhvx4GuvjnRTku1XPT3BP2uQgtOII-Tb03b-t6IghZ8f2ZbWlX5CfKu2v3mKhWOxNVxTGGnyQ01-G3gFPs2eOtyvqEDXsfR/s320/mary%20rose%206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_1AlRiGFe7-xWulSG-i_W7JZX_1EEHDohC3AodH6g4dtD4W5OBm0ijQp2TYZxTZkhTzea8Q1aN6feY8LVOXmr-gV2uVhjtPeFtOTq2GxelusPwwbMkLO6L-5Ik28Om8kbEI9eU_xGFwi4F41uxQvBG0tI_qPzeZlVQQpy6aUzv2e4N6fQiRy/s1000/mary%20rose%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_1AlRiGFe7-xWulSG-i_W7JZX_1EEHDohC3AodH6g4dtD4W5OBm0ijQp2TYZxTZkhTzea8Q1aN6feY8LVOXmr-gV2uVhjtPeFtOTq2GxelusPwwbMkLO6L-5Ik28Om8kbEI9eU_xGFwi4F41uxQvBG0tI_qPzeZlVQQpy6aUzv2e4N6fQiRy/s320/mary%20rose%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S_y3U7x1DSR9f18b0CPCzGD-WrAEs80XeAqkYHd9IgZYoAX2YxFjH3rQDojhVCaoOBMpugRMBXiKmnM11DFDgI1f96x5USquOcmpoivKkg1VRttfcO-MVgH7oqywy29jSGjKZhxK9JYkuXIwW0KLIUhPY5jUIHPaafKiwR9H9rLZhAWwn9Fs/s1000/mary%20rose%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S_y3U7x1DSR9f18b0CPCzGD-WrAEs80XeAqkYHd9IgZYoAX2YxFjH3rQDojhVCaoOBMpugRMBXiKmnM11DFDgI1f96x5USquOcmpoivKkg1VRttfcO-MVgH7oqywy29jSGjKZhxK9JYkuXIwW0KLIUhPY5jUIHPaafKiwR9H9rLZhAWwn9Fs/s320/mary%20rose%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The boat sat covered in silt until it was rediscovered by fishermen in 1836. After a brief, largely unsuccessful salvage mission, the boat's location was soon forgotten until it was located again in 1965. Finally, in the spring of 1982, the remaining third of the boat's hull was raised intact from the seabed. <div><br /></div><div>Thirty years of preservation work followed before the vessel you see today was finally unveiled for public viewing. <a href="https://maryrose.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The museum</span></a> does a superb job of displaying the hull and the thousands of artifacts recovered from the seabed. This includes massive cast-iron cannons and the personal effects of several seamen including ship's cook and carpenter.<br /><br />Constructing a warship of the size of the Mary Rose was a major undertaking, requiring vast quantities of high-quality material. For a state-of-the-art warship, these materials were primarily oak. According to Wikipedia, the total amount of timber needed for the construction can only be roughly calculated as only about one-third of the ship still exists. One estimate calculates that about 600 mostly large oaks were used, representing about 16 hectares (40 acres) of woodland.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTb7WP2uCzon1L9JwVye90SyijlBtDUPYPnwRb61WXhB5-XAI6wEK0NDJ3lxO_Ipri-ew0siU2BpfgNde76VKNE1VrCek2Xd5Wn0dgWQf73rUNXhf0Ok35244_wdJ3BAWZxqM130rbzlgTbUH4q-bUjgXyB95QA5FuH6in9UoOcdXhFndxnEJ/s1000/carrier%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTb7WP2uCzon1L9JwVye90SyijlBtDUPYPnwRb61WXhB5-XAI6wEK0NDJ3lxO_Ipri-ew0siU2BpfgNde76VKNE1VrCek2Xd5Wn0dgWQf73rUNXhf0Ok35244_wdJ3BAWZxqM130rbzlgTbUH4q-bUjgXyB95QA5FuH6in9UoOcdXhFndxnEJ/s320/carrier%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7gXUcu1CyanDHatAZqpiIfJFmFoOTIWWzaVoWu56oAkYoCFG6MffwZiFgrumiXVuq4srm4Nu2pToApo-3Q3u0UrSjcZa2WhKXTnt3KgVnR8YcZGnKN09es2KN6jajE1o-t3QdpMP0M8-ZfiMp9BS_Ix5JAFddphiiPpwpTo7zZVupNn9Qrmu/s1000/carrier%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7gXUcu1CyanDHatAZqpiIfJFmFoOTIWWzaVoWu56oAkYoCFG6MffwZiFgrumiXVuq4srm4Nu2pToApo-3Q3u0UrSjcZa2WhKXTnt3KgVnR8YcZGnKN09es2KN6jajE1o-t3QdpMP0M8-ZfiMp9BS_Ix5JAFddphiiPpwpTo7zZVupNn9Qrmu/s320/carrier%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>This technology stood in stark contrast to the Royal Navy’s latest additions, its two recently commissioned Elizabethan aircraft carriers. We were lucky enough to see both the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth in port. While neither vessel was open to the public, it was surprising how close we could view them through a nearby dockland fence.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pGjnV2GIaoi7KYZyFVanVdTrR7eNbDZ9Zg2b6t-g_mTKKekPeXnMS6B1ABr3rSBrEcB1vHLXFJHwej04b0MVUdaMeIJRxnDMuiBd0W09A8sIwdIowmCRHMGJ5wj2hnv1JqtHwirsZ7d8JMQWfz8X8SPtahyphenhyphenoL3Uq7lJ6Ab2_1oBYeafL-fft/s1000/tower-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pGjnV2GIaoi7KYZyFVanVdTrR7eNbDZ9Zg2b6t-g_mTKKekPeXnMS6B1ABr3rSBrEcB1vHLXFJHwej04b0MVUdaMeIJRxnDMuiBd0W09A8sIwdIowmCRHMGJ5wj2hnv1JqtHwirsZ7d8JMQWfz8X8SPtahyphenhyphenoL3Uq7lJ6Ab2_1oBYeafL-fft/s320/tower-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0XY6VORtwx85Mx22VRuMGf1m-Mcyx2XzXruPfXcWnNLK_tnqhnBlWQR_PCV_1tYujFSn2D9g4Ps92_qYG-FypwkgYp0w1cItKyqNOHTjUNMocDyaSC87fMib7zX2qJi87d38SzbAt9mm85t-moz_U7WqOoqGd53bK5nFK9guJy7K6zZS1RT4/s1000/tower%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0XY6VORtwx85Mx22VRuMGf1m-Mcyx2XzXruPfXcWnNLK_tnqhnBlWQR_PCV_1tYujFSn2D9g4Ps92_qYG-FypwkgYp0w1cItKyqNOHTjUNMocDyaSC87fMib7zX2qJi87d38SzbAt9mm85t-moz_U7WqOoqGd53bK5nFK9guJy7K6zZS1RT4/s320/tower%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />We then finished our afternoon with a quick trip up the <a href="https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Spinnaker Tower</span></a> to take in a dramatic view of Portsmouth Harbour and the surrounding coast. This included a superb, unimpeded view of the Navy’s aircraft carriers. During our visit, we got to see the regular Hovercraft service speeding across the Solent towards Southsea, as well as take in the many defensive structures erected over the centuries around the harbour.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl230xVvhwUXrf1kdb4b2foH4-R0OnHS1qbKuitNnHxD9abzsK7fUgEN648qlGUNEQ148hTfewKVbxclRIO3eE1XXHnmtDBPha3GN6KyHLDO0GHYH3fsDje4x5V0DMeDgwT1IrglhOiQPVHC1zswOHui_Yp28LfKSEvqHIh9K8kEGRvNhdwsh/s1000/carrier%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl230xVvhwUXrf1kdb4b2foH4-R0OnHS1qbKuitNnHxD9abzsK7fUgEN648qlGUNEQ148hTfewKVbxclRIO3eE1XXHnmtDBPha3GN6KyHLDO0GHYH3fsDje4x5V0DMeDgwT1IrglhOiQPVHC1zswOHui_Yp28LfKSEvqHIh9K8kEGRvNhdwsh/s320/carrier%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yBFhvFshBC8hYwlQr7CD1bkipfKRo0vA0thkCWJMqgQS0l1HYqEB5KTLURHFSh3XZF175wLF2h4D7-ZA3-KLHqYpyoT99RttYdWq2-vAPbxDwW45xh_dnZ0zfiJzaQIaoZjjfLpDof4ZtVIAMq8IZmaak3VIpIf1P_oR9Uu5mHMTVel9Ct0u/s1000/harbour%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yBFhvFshBC8hYwlQr7CD1bkipfKRo0vA0thkCWJMqgQS0l1HYqEB5KTLURHFSh3XZF175wLF2h4D7-ZA3-KLHqYpyoT99RttYdWq2-vAPbxDwW45xh_dnZ0zfiJzaQIaoZjjfLpDof4ZtVIAMq8IZmaak3VIpIf1P_oR9Uu5mHMTVel9Ct0u/s320/harbour%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOfRmGYqlRD-wE_kzeLQqS4v4HOKqAzus0S_baoFSrHZfR4ZONwL3_RFpXUL_xr64yVSR6X1eelupl5CMEJyzi6V8Qw4K8k29Jz0cMhVhwWxMPK0_ROMrQn37vgsncgiMFfF5SWGES0VGWjXXpfhycp7ZxzpVxfGVEz8KgBO3ss1m9hQso7Bv/s1000/harbour%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOfRmGYqlRD-wE_kzeLQqS4v4HOKqAzus0S_baoFSrHZfR4ZONwL3_RFpXUL_xr64yVSR6X1eelupl5CMEJyzi6V8Qw4K8k29Jz0cMhVhwWxMPK0_ROMrQn37vgsncgiMFfF5SWGES0VGWjXXpfhycp7ZxzpVxfGVEz8KgBO3ss1m9hQso7Bv/s320/harbour%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, due to poor weather, the Historic Dockyard's transfer boat to Gosport wasn't operating. As a result, we never got to visit the Royal Navy's highly-rated submarine museum. I'd also hoped to visit the Hovercraft Museum near Gosport. However, this was closed for its mid-winter break. I guess this means we've got a great excuse to return to Portsmouth at some future point.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-atlU-qu3MHrrlJDLuiGeK-V9kjgGhBku6OJYUwHUpenVDpkEx8cY78HsXmk4e9ByklIA6U9J74_l57rSevU7Nz0o96Ieg8I3Ke86ojIJPWtCsTWiLUvVY7_iyBZwTS8so2DsXIGJ9DinQkv_5hIhQ8lg_M9Kf2lATMIejzPu-l5rN1lGYe7/s1000/hover%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-atlU-qu3MHrrlJDLuiGeK-V9kjgGhBku6OJYUwHUpenVDpkEx8cY78HsXmk4e9ByklIA6U9J74_l57rSevU7Nz0o96Ieg8I3Ke86ojIJPWtCsTWiLUvVY7_iyBZwTS8so2DsXIGJ9DinQkv_5hIhQ8lg_M9Kf2lATMIejzPu-l5rN1lGYe7/s320/hover%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />The following morning, after checking out, we took a quick detour to the Southsea Hoverport to watch the Isle of Wight Hovercraft glide up the beach, then spent an hour or so exploring the nearby World War Two <a href="https://theddaystory.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">D-Day Museum</span></a>. The museum includes access to Landing Craft LCT 7074, a lovingly restored landing craft that took part in the D-Day invasion. The atmosphere on board was hard to describe. For a brief moment, thanks to the craft’s high side walls and their sound muffling effect, I swear we could viscerally feel the energy and tension of this historic day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5M5F-D4Lt1VF-Pfmzu-Q_vXjf8lKpopEF1ijBNH9IyKSS5UmCyIXSziwAD8C_kySAAYPK0VwUSrWoL_OhFuRElh64b_RbMIYm8Can9vSkYVShdKYAvK9C2P3dYMq3-UOE3jyX-fkD4DHfzU-UCABkeSeCyEX1NsNP38OGUPDqcIxwQk7h2P-/s1000/dday%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5M5F-D4Lt1VF-Pfmzu-Q_vXjf8lKpopEF1ijBNH9IyKSS5UmCyIXSziwAD8C_kySAAYPK0VwUSrWoL_OhFuRElh64b_RbMIYm8Can9vSkYVShdKYAvK9C2P3dYMq3-UOE3jyX-fkD4DHfzU-UCABkeSeCyEX1NsNP38OGUPDqcIxwQk7h2P-/s320/dday%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUSytN9d137FxJzJNm49E46Obpb27lMJaNl9Skbu25wRcskonUvukLNnXI10CCroXF8w-BFoi5lmCuVw2jHackhdWFCN44YEwNL1How6kP5v86zlZCqQIhzCRhXvA530d_6gvgzcZpn1nUi49Zw1-WS3fb0MTIP-nA2M59RvpLJQvpCL424G2/s1000/dday%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUSytN9d137FxJzJNm49E46Obpb27lMJaNl9Skbu25wRcskonUvukLNnXI10CCroXF8w-BFoi5lmCuVw2jHackhdWFCN44YEwNL1How6kP5v86zlZCqQIhzCRhXvA530d_6gvgzcZpn1nUi49Zw1-WS3fb0MTIP-nA2M59RvpLJQvpCL424G2/s320/dday%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmRhoZXJ_zpxHdBQh3xJ3oC5wA0fuSAB8YYCvovG-KnI-6oscNkc84JzGVLPEeB6U4Gwa-I4Hr7DBhSXYSKuySOqmRVBcb7L9Deo9W1vXoNBqi8GS5MnX9rYQqVRzxBjTNVYYm_m4VOJy58cK7CVxHawpBSbaTOTZIWJ41hTziXq4A_7aO_IW/s1000/dday%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmRhoZXJ_zpxHdBQh3xJ3oC5wA0fuSAB8YYCvovG-KnI-6oscNkc84JzGVLPEeB6U4Gwa-I4Hr7DBhSXYSKuySOqmRVBcb7L9Deo9W1vXoNBqi8GS5MnX9rYQqVRzxBjTNVYYm_m4VOJy58cK7CVxHawpBSbaTOTZIWJ41hTziXq4A_7aO_IW/s320/dday%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1s71ZjuVdqCfW9LAon6NQJWar9W3PzaZfysWhKLw_5jNjCJU_HoJmCFHoNxr9aSd6cO9VfqgH2SNSJXqN_7ULfCbGMpW4IoZ1IQGj-HjyjkKaPfoLHmJupRKAGy5Uy_yWJqDJLoKt3brgiR9OzFe6Ye51EnUV_nC8oMLpDEWMwrMA1fiBBIB/s1000/dday%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1s71ZjuVdqCfW9LAon6NQJWar9W3PzaZfysWhKLw_5jNjCJU_HoJmCFHoNxr9aSd6cO9VfqgH2SNSJXqN_7ULfCbGMpW4IoZ1IQGj-HjyjkKaPfoLHmJupRKAGy5Uy_yWJqDJLoKt3brgiR9OzFe6Ye51EnUV_nC8oMLpDEWMwrMA1fiBBIB/s320/dday%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENV0ZUwCJdnbTe1c_9mvi9EbnvDsONykYyQePQW_rw5BGXTQr0QVTG1O5BJgfduhgpiEfL5KO6SUDba4B69I97otmVbHvpH7nNes4TLxjHz0Hk6uWtUCMb4Qtcue3YW5KcrJrZznvi8I_ikd6fEZJEuYmXb__2HzQvwE8IZD18kS9aw9Xf0Mm/s1000/dday%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENV0ZUwCJdnbTe1c_9mvi9EbnvDsONykYyQePQW_rw5BGXTQr0QVTG1O5BJgfduhgpiEfL5KO6SUDba4B69I97otmVbHvpH7nNes4TLxjHz0Hk6uWtUCMb4Qtcue3YW5KcrJrZznvi8I_ikd6fEZJEuYmXb__2HzQvwE8IZD18kS9aw9Xf0Mm/s320/dday%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next to the museum is the Legacy Gallery. This is home to the <a href="https://theddaystory.com/discover/overlord-embroidery" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Overlord Embroidery</span></a> commissioned in 1968 to remember those who took part in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The Overlord Embroidery tells the story of this extraordinary battle in 34 extraordinary hand-stitched panels that collectively extend a total length of 83 metres. Some of these panels were truly breathtaking in their design.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SbJXyzsOZG4Q30uKf90sF7WNfgKCzfj-f8EwzSs2vwxYlN_7UotAj36aBseG365G8ISSik17IxF6bCCvo95CYip8cEbNtOzM6JnsNkCNzqoHzS92IxyqIkEXEmpaps5U2LbQJmwBTMaRG2q9q8iM3aUatUCpamVoSwvCg6YCZqXTV_c7OLP6/s1000/hilary%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SbJXyzsOZG4Q30uKf90sF7WNfgKCzfj-f8EwzSs2vwxYlN_7UotAj36aBseG365G8ISSik17IxF6bCCvo95CYip8cEbNtOzM6JnsNkCNzqoHzS92IxyqIkEXEmpaps5U2LbQJmwBTMaRG2q9q8iM3aUatUCpamVoSwvCg6YCZqXTV_c7OLP6/s320/hilary%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A business meeting we’d scheduled in Dunsfold was canceled shortly before we flew out. As a result, we found ourselves with additional free time on Monday. Garry and I decided to spend an evening visiting my cousin Hilary and Michael, her new husband. We were both stunned by the comprehensive “Grand Design” style renovation they’ve recently completed. The old Fernhurst property was barely recognizable. The following morning, we took them for breakfast at <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/cowdray-farm-shop-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Cowdray Farm Shop & Café</span></a> in Midhurst. <br /><br />The drive back to London was uneventful. We also secured an early check-in at our Airbnb apartment. This meant we could return our rental car and drop off our bags before venturing into Olympia for our first working day on the floor of the British Toy Fair. Dinner that night was a business affair. We dined with the supplier who’d canceled our Dunsfold meeting the day before.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgbuezBZvSzMdW0PXTn3FOPPqfJg7DbCgzdZqs0tHlSmjY4GkAJmCWxfDfGPoatsTb7bR8IZa2w7hbULF-opZ4CebLheKhlYaj0wN4ZobPiAhsH7Mn84YyXv8IjlLYtxYId4gECosdyp1FzzmoXmoMi9XIJZ-1c0HIzZdCE9mZdezRu9NrD8J/s1000/toy%20fair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgbuezBZvSzMdW0PXTn3FOPPqfJg7DbCgzdZqs0tHlSmjY4GkAJmCWxfDfGPoatsTb7bR8IZa2w7hbULF-opZ4CebLheKhlYaj0wN4ZobPiAhsH7Mn84YyXv8IjlLYtxYId4gECosdyp1FzzmoXmoMi9XIJZ-1c0HIzZdCE9mZdezRu9NrD8J/s320/toy%20fair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-12399149682554040692024-01-24T22:27:00.000+11:002024-02-18T11:17:17.182+11:00Rebuilt in 1420<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKuba88a5JFudao7q4T-K6rJHkUirn3Hy1RClp_dSqMNFHC9e8xtb1MFVXjmh68QSZFGO_BVXWVgoQglGXdWEucaeiin32233O5m1ONrQ3sPmZCQEIG3kaW08bJ7sEQke6w4EW7uRU1NXf6O4d1-mMAogsT86sbXg5lpmiXfo2OzmOZBbSCzc/s1000/inn%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKuba88a5JFudao7q4T-K6rJHkUirn3Hy1RClp_dSqMNFHC9e8xtb1MFVXjmh68QSZFGO_BVXWVgoQglGXdWEucaeiin32233O5m1ONrQ3sPmZCQEIG3kaW08bJ7sEQke6w4EW7uRU1NXf6O4d1-mMAogsT86sbXg5lpmiXfo2OzmOZBbSCzc/s320/inn%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXah0c20pBr6BmStICAJcD15ef2FIl9d4h2gndbFPtZyc0BOjrPfoeTcNppGYmVxs54GF83t9c1WJsI0NHBh6EkNcp9I1YM_y90x82dZs6QoetoJdZWj-f5cHIAewpvv_laQtWayXbTZ-VUORzUvl_YuMdrBwmrJ94sqfe5kowTeunN7gu4oq/s1000/inn%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXah0c20pBr6BmStICAJcD15ef2FIl9d4h2gndbFPtZyc0BOjrPfoeTcNppGYmVxs54GF83t9c1WJsI0NHBh6EkNcp9I1YM_y90x82dZs6QoetoJdZWj-f5cHIAewpvv_laQtWayXbTZ-VUORzUvl_YuMdrBwmrJ94sqfe5kowTeunN7gu4oq/s320/inn%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBjyY8S8_WM0sF3Iux6m9j9FIihRU6QM_Vak9tddTwJRZu1sFyDSiyQe7hB8XzZ3Qff0CKOp25aupub9IftJByzq3c030ngzOTFCPjqIRCfMR2G3v2G64s3pkWxo1dfH_823dtClAnTLvs9xb1U7q0jioQENKwGud8F-_f4co3LjUfaFUnnGg/s1000/mermaid%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBjyY8S8_WM0sF3Iux6m9j9FIihRU6QM_Vak9tddTwJRZu1sFyDSiyQe7hB8XzZ3Qff0CKOp25aupub9IftJByzq3c030ngzOTFCPjqIRCfMR2G3v2G64s3pkWxo1dfH_823dtClAnTLvs9xb1U7q0jioQENKwGud8F-_f4co3LjUfaFUnnGg/s320/mermaid%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our first few days in London were a whirlwind of meetings and driving. We landed shortly after 6:00am following uneventful flights from Sydney. Qantas came through with a First Class points upgrade all the way. This meant that we kicked off our trip with a visit to the First Class lounge. This included an express facial in the Spa, followed by a leisurely champagne lunch. I stayed awake for the entire leg to Singapore reading and watching movies. I then slept for almost seven hours on the final leg to Heathrow.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbfhJPMgU2y7ZX5CPOW-YBXIdikpDdJuRf3pHwqILMr89PowwYC6gQ9vn1ctwzy0YP87P1BQZzDzSGE6JdVwc3vZnirAq4BrLmUDypU7JGo1gLjtzheWpMqfUW4ZG6PrjBYFCHDmTHOsqhPU8bd0zriK6WylQbDO-4dstf9g1twFR2e9XONXe/s1000/lounge%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbfhJPMgU2y7ZX5CPOW-YBXIdikpDdJuRf3pHwqILMr89PowwYC6gQ9vn1ctwzy0YP87P1BQZzDzSGE6JdVwc3vZnirAq4BrLmUDypU7JGo1gLjtzheWpMqfUW4ZG6PrjBYFCHDmTHOsqhPU8bd0zriK6WylQbDO-4dstf9g1twFR2e9XONXe/s320/lounge%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKOZVGKAbWMF9fAJahxetodPiX00obSTBFO3NGeui-mAt6gaLYM0XEyCZE6RuYIG_so9rjF31et9hBrEVT8dD-rCpZC8Dgr36k_a51KFu_nSX-b-2t3Dp5mRiv0zD_TicoHGqN3uZHk7dGLrf_sTTwT6BEojSWraj6iY16up4eAyPeVNXbOQq/s1000/lounge%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKOZVGKAbWMF9fAJahxetodPiX00obSTBFO3NGeui-mAt6gaLYM0XEyCZE6RuYIG_so9rjF31et9hBrEVT8dD-rCpZC8Dgr36k_a51KFu_nSX-b-2t3Dp5mRiv0zD_TicoHGqN3uZHk7dGLrf_sTTwT6BEojSWraj6iY16up4eAyPeVNXbOQq/s320/lounge%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />Our first business meeting kicked off shortly after 8:30am at the Heathrow Hilton by Terminal Four. We then drove our rental car to Folkestone for the day’s second meeting. We finished up shortly before 4:00pm and drove directly to Rye, a distance of less than 32 miles. For our first night in the UK, I booked us into the <a href="https://www.mermaidinn.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Mermaid Inn</span></a>, one of the town’s oldest hotels.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm-oFcFsZahq3tHtYLT1B9qaDE2lg9yZeaYZ4yX_kEEy7Eo1WKfTHJFISRpsP5P3owtc4WT19yseGbTJnBBnYlmnTemxP6h01QXJqsXbMPjBWoj5gTrk6eL51IuYF2uAH5-eGcueAVCuJXaVWRsahgLpSBGCWb2HklI7K4zOeh0E_cm2oSdM5/s1000/inn%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm-oFcFsZahq3tHtYLT1B9qaDE2lg9yZeaYZ4yX_kEEy7Eo1WKfTHJFISRpsP5P3owtc4WT19yseGbTJnBBnYlmnTemxP6h01QXJqsXbMPjBWoj5gTrk6eL51IuYF2uAH5-eGcueAVCuJXaVWRsahgLpSBGCWb2HklI7K4zOeh0E_cm2oSdM5/s320/inn%202.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The inn sits in the heart of the old town on a steep and narrow cobblestone street. It was built, or rather rebuilt, in 1420. According to the room guide, the building’s cellars date from 1156 while the current building was rebuilt after The Mermaid and the town of Rye were burnt to the ground by French raiders on 22 June 1377. I had to chuckle when I saw a "Rebuilt in 1420" sign over the hotel entrance. That's my new definition of old. "Founded in" and "Established in" signs are so last year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c3ymCZS_eB_5zyQpPt84I71vRtYcAQh1ji0OPjxYa3IneRETnAEoUEEjzTUrtJtwu41XfnmNQN_4TSnoeUKLTncINzLVTsoJKhWmjKF6djKMG3lA232igmjKJ44baJtylYcK8pXfushq02HxIRBpqaMzcBVD_orgegf_ach-djX-N8qfYCwF/s1000/mermaid%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c3ymCZS_eB_5zyQpPt84I71vRtYcAQh1ji0OPjxYa3IneRETnAEoUEEjzTUrtJtwu41XfnmNQN_4TSnoeUKLTncINzLVTsoJKhWmjKF6djKMG3lA232igmjKJ44baJtylYcK8pXfushq02HxIRBpqaMzcBVD_orgegf_ach-djX-N8qfYCwF/s320/mermaid%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEQmOpK_DpzE_KoHMvxNuHfTH7bNqGoZJnN5oa33T2i7sZGVBAdFVvun4qsyaTnNDB1FDztbtehqogFn8fp0Ei_FE2GZfRmqonV29WGlCZJdpS7BHiMto8SiqfvOE1PKUHgeTuSXd9GQ1zcFnmCUmgedXBut3AAGH3Ao-NMWafRkt-wLWzhxq/s1000/mermaid%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEQmOpK_DpzE_KoHMvxNuHfTH7bNqGoZJnN5oa33T2i7sZGVBAdFVvun4qsyaTnNDB1FDztbtehqogFn8fp0Ei_FE2GZfRmqonV29WGlCZJdpS7BHiMto8SiqfvOE1PKUHgeTuSXd9GQ1zcFnmCUmgedXBut3AAGH3Ao-NMWafRkt-wLWzhxq/s320/mermaid%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjP3mxXSiFWcA0tZKeSx6hCWaLvIsWNjp4UhsmbQQGIlbAwCNvZnPEfQhwgKLJOwLeREjvbnpbAmOVEKPQJ1pqNWhSdnoR5y2YyUREytGQpianNDD3dPRjZgaDY3q-pRa91hESUOT56IK-1zekwO-hnilNLuK7cVaLtrBdvrJbDloWMyS1-2W/s1000/mermaid%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjP3mxXSiFWcA0tZKeSx6hCWaLvIsWNjp4UhsmbQQGIlbAwCNvZnPEfQhwgKLJOwLeREjvbnpbAmOVEKPQJ1pqNWhSdnoR5y2YyUREytGQpianNDD3dPRjZgaDY3q-pRa91hESUOT56IK-1zekwO-hnilNLuK7cVaLtrBdvrJbDloWMyS1-2W/s320/mermaid%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our room was on the first floor. It was accessed via two sets of stairs, one set up and a shorter set down. The room itself was framed by dramatic oak beams and similar Tudor-style walls. Although I swear there wasn’t a level surface or right angle anywhere in the room. At times it was rather disorienting and played havoc with our jet lag. For example, I woke in the middle of the night and, thanks to the gently sloping floor, nearly toppled over on my way to the bathroom.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg990gvB5btXi_3B_5mJvCrCmerLdOLRD2yJWw28TV8yS5bZwREbk8nx55nz87UIQPyQn_-1HADzqR01LEdafCdwKRKWaY03yYhZ2112xXJyu1BpJa9a2IgT0g7c8x_nJlhK05xmLh3dTHHVnnpVl_48F0DV_TxxH2azRS5JCL5sm4a5S_dTBYr/s1000/rye%20dinner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg990gvB5btXi_3B_5mJvCrCmerLdOLRD2yJWw28TV8yS5bZwREbk8nx55nz87UIQPyQn_-1HADzqR01LEdafCdwKRKWaY03yYhZ2112xXJyu1BpJa9a2IgT0g7c8x_nJlhK05xmLh3dTHHVnnpVl_48F0DV_TxxH2azRS5JCL5sm4a5S_dTBYr/s320/rye%20dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Rye was a real treat. We walked through the old town for dinner at <a href="https://www.webbesrestaurants.co.uk/section.php/3/1/_webbes_at_the_fish_caf__" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Webbes Fish Café</span></a> shortly after checking in. Much to our delight, the town seemed to be celebrating Scallop season. This shellfish seemed to feature on every menu we encountered during our stay.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVwEk9geoRACjkwbmCdT88V5i_ePxKWl4Io2LyFpAhhirYDaJnBGrmBcgnS7TaY5BaKrvmyLN3KYZ751yyTbQ8McbHQdmtOcendgdwSG3kkN1q7VAnw_rKqgkToZJtE6a-isy4uPnh80aDClyj5Yew4-p225F3cmQaKPU6NDCjKSkNj6-J53K/s1000/rye%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVwEk9geoRACjkwbmCdT88V5i_ePxKWl4Io2LyFpAhhirYDaJnBGrmBcgnS7TaY5BaKrvmyLN3KYZ751yyTbQ8McbHQdmtOcendgdwSG3kkN1q7VAnw_rKqgkToZJtE6a-isy4uPnh80aDClyj5Yew4-p225F3cmQaKPU6NDCjKSkNj6-J53K/s320/rye%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJrAM6v6H-G2sfwFU7hFycSqQMy0csRN6AbpqoYShwTrlvaJY5zQIEbcqH3g6dYGmk6IxoBde-13vBM_vkcurfUziXca-Yrxibhict8dzM_hZIwN05-_oTgMR9iaLT6AFZs_JA7FjGZL8otKnUCCEbi4t0BCkqkvTJH9zFFRWrvYJtfI4DF5U/s1000/rye%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJrAM6v6H-G2sfwFU7hFycSqQMy0csRN6AbpqoYShwTrlvaJY5zQIEbcqH3g6dYGmk6IxoBde-13vBM_vkcurfUziXca-Yrxibhict8dzM_hZIwN05-_oTgMR9iaLT6AFZs_JA7FjGZL8otKnUCCEbi4t0BCkqkvTJH9zFFRWrvYJtfI4DF5U/s320/rye%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozaIKNKdVDl0EnmQitq2nBpirMnJ5DCz5Wm54CnsODBWMofL3YwKSDZFMbh3AA8R1VKUhTXPnQKr8DObv8_GKYHIRxohvaUyw8weJr-eBRmaE-XP3k1_bUWDHudRq2WCGTlrOIDRGkY5DWj63Bo7PpIKGONrvgGEdALgmC9ygHMwX-oyt_Pux/s1000/rye%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozaIKNKdVDl0EnmQitq2nBpirMnJ5DCz5Wm54CnsODBWMofL3YwKSDZFMbh3AA8R1VKUhTXPnQKr8DObv8_GKYHIRxohvaUyw8weJr-eBRmaE-XP3k1_bUWDHudRq2WCGTlrOIDRGkY5DWj63Bo7PpIKGONrvgGEdALgmC9ygHMwX-oyt_Pux/s320/rye%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYaad4z8ZoLlJdFLCqarck5_nfwbhQO_0vf3C14kjWzFujsUoUdizhJLYsRyVzf1VhnarHPpSG9iCM-1p3-TK4pq6ETcLG4V5Lup7ixfH8jfxj64Z1KVXEZyMM0DSMGnxfVPKyTlFC4QQOPiaIAq-EaF222qYTV8UlG5kFly7qegdOfjQAT3t/s1000/town%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYaad4z8ZoLlJdFLCqarck5_nfwbhQO_0vf3C14kjWzFujsUoUdizhJLYsRyVzf1VhnarHPpSG9iCM-1p3-TK4pq6ETcLG4V5Lup7ixfH8jfxj64Z1KVXEZyMM0DSMGnxfVPKyTlFC4QQOPiaIAq-EaF222qYTV8UlG5kFly7qegdOfjQAT3t/s320/town%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>The following morning we retraced our steps with a walking tour of this ancient town’s “ye olde delights”. This included a return visit to the Landgate, the only remaining arched section of a defensive wall that once surrounded the town. We also climbed 84 steps up the Bell Tower of <a href="https://www.ryeparishchurch.org.uk/history.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">St Mary the Virgin</span></a> church, which sits on the town's highest point. Sections of this building were first erected by the Normans in 1180. The views of River Rother and out to the Camber Sands coast were spectacular. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR5hkFzEHk9Gj5nKwSRN5xqmhaSTqJuaxZ3NJee4rCJw3mPoAq9pw79FvelgnTMcIvneQVDXblGmwEZti7s-1VOOIhj2_2miGTk3wOWfoFCt35g5PfUIJBEeK3wnSdtN1m5yKcAaOVmTgi0vkTNBcm00i2LUB54OIr5zAs8DHcmNrW7vZZoNQ/s1000/church%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR5hkFzEHk9Gj5nKwSRN5xqmhaSTqJuaxZ3NJee4rCJw3mPoAq9pw79FvelgnTMcIvneQVDXblGmwEZti7s-1VOOIhj2_2miGTk3wOWfoFCt35g5PfUIJBEeK3wnSdtN1m5yKcAaOVmTgi0vkTNBcm00i2LUB54OIr5zAs8DHcmNrW7vZZoNQ/s320/church%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPYcfYokxVOzycFncZ28Y88gdP-cisXIa7bF96f0jv8jJoI35gI6431XUBKX91nWj0MkEUTfudWW1EkR-RU03OHh0cxnUW-KdjkhTjRO7hcQ-b2O7_lsaJhVk3NLBY4sGcOzUt53xkfBljQZcO_hULfOObFBHVRsi13-nZ4NkzJZBTZre2r5J/s1000/church%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPYcfYokxVOzycFncZ28Y88gdP-cisXIa7bF96f0jv8jJoI35gI6431XUBKX91nWj0MkEUTfudWW1EkR-RU03OHh0cxnUW-KdjkhTjRO7hcQ-b2O7_lsaJhVk3NLBY4sGcOzUt53xkfBljQZcO_hULfOObFBHVRsi13-nZ4NkzJZBTZre2r5J/s320/church%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_s8k_4jB6H0bgOV7AvYPx9j1fh4BYft8pzq_I7R_1jPY3i7Huu10lLxmW0aSXAGUFovoHpWnLRmxT-FDWrJaHEIgdhLDr26huaNMLrIo5Kj2hYeHg67pJbGOrIM69bkkbJ9CtpsitywouACQTZ6Ah3rReidLAklEYaEIPdZFxfiGAl8iWo6R/s1000/church%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_s8k_4jB6H0bgOV7AvYPx9j1fh4BYft8pzq_I7R_1jPY3i7Huu10lLxmW0aSXAGUFovoHpWnLRmxT-FDWrJaHEIgdhLDr26huaNMLrIo5Kj2hYeHg67pJbGOrIM69bkkbJ9CtpsitywouACQTZ6Ah3rReidLAklEYaEIPdZFxfiGAl8iWo6R/s320/church%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirchdLXo6KDYv8wyNibJGazWurOUdZmphLYOBfYYkELuOkP15HXJ7AuwLhaj7p-7FShe-rcv0MKRKhmgKoY2592gyv6gpY_1bj9PbKgEhtIEPr7-hxxq9UmhGxl6wlcEApHcSP4KsOIB1asL0c_5Sdml8o-XbNbQdvTCmYogok2bpQW7lgqiTv/s1000/church%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirchdLXo6KDYv8wyNibJGazWurOUdZmphLYOBfYYkELuOkP15HXJ7AuwLhaj7p-7FShe-rcv0MKRKhmgKoY2592gyv6gpY_1bj9PbKgEhtIEPr7-hxxq9UmhGxl6wlcEApHcSP4KsOIB1asL0c_5Sdml8o-XbNbQdvTCmYogok2bpQW7lgqiTv/s320/church%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Surprisingly, Rye was once a bustling harbour town. There’s even a nearby village called Rye Harbour that’s surrounded by paddocks and drainage lakes. Apparently, the name of Rye is derived from a Saxon word for island. Medieval maps show that Rye was originally located on a large coastal cove called the Rye Camber, which provided a safe anchorage and harbour. Over the centuries the bay has silted up leaving only a deep tidal river channel that was clearly visible from the church tower.<div><br /></div><div>Also visible from the tower was Ypres Tower, one of the town's oldest buildings. It was built in 1249 as "Baddings Tower", to defend the town from the French, and was later named after its owner, John de Ypres. We'd originally followed tourist signs directing us to "the tower" and mistook St Mary's Bell Tower as the intended destination.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl_Hw5oTOptYg4D5KxkFP_mYfsDjDcoyqL-xTP1UvcRG9vfvTNuuBBp64spRy5Z1kOFwuo4GDuz0hjDRaI_JyonNJe3i_ZvpvM7TyfZrZ3MTQSt5KtDAPgFwTvInkFnd1NNZ8m8cAGthdIIo2w6cmC5JLHAhVzJnjvb_xCjqhjwNLHdvDNGFg/s1000/beach%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl_Hw5oTOptYg4D5KxkFP_mYfsDjDcoyqL-xTP1UvcRG9vfvTNuuBBp64spRy5Z1kOFwuo4GDuz0hjDRaI_JyonNJe3i_ZvpvM7TyfZrZ3MTQSt5KtDAPgFwTvInkFnd1NNZ8m8cAGthdIIo2w6cmC5JLHAhVzJnjvb_xCjqhjwNLHdvDNGFg/s320/beach%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzsUe66Nc5f8FiEojxZnySX3eog1yWYXGnT1Uf6Yfm_cQrOC6c_8uXWuavFN2GVyN4ilhuVei8LdqhheCHejrRl9wCWgqIZaMYQ0mBnqnP95EpRPZH8PToiDZtqz_-DoJa-Mv4fEcag7-WbSS1yzmLOrOmroz6C7sJgTLINyXtEtlDTmTpsve/s1000/beach%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzsUe66Nc5f8FiEojxZnySX3eog1yWYXGnT1Uf6Yfm_cQrOC6c_8uXWuavFN2GVyN4ilhuVei8LdqhheCHejrRl9wCWgqIZaMYQ0mBnqnP95EpRPZH8PToiDZtqz_-DoJa-Mv4fEcag7-WbSS1yzmLOrOmroz6C7sJgTLINyXtEtlDTmTpsve/s320/beach%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>From Rye, we drove four miles to check out the famous Camber Sands. This is reputably one of the south coast’s most scenic beaches. However, the day we visited it was cloudy and blowing a gale. As a result, a quick walk on the beach left us mildly sandblasted. Garry couldn’t get over how many people were out and about on such an unpleasant day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCni1e-4gWddFEVGwyNJle9Dq-ZlmSrqpTA8LsJOCjNUWPZ2U6dsCx3pDH3XyuGw7lVrn12udAgXB97lJtmoXFum5anucd4gD3BxNAmXHHyRQmb6DBF6IiXdYpJEJRfalMtueLtqBnaH3F9cQug3tIkqEFt8Q2OyuE9s7Oo7LG7T34x43pGQxa/s1000/battle%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCni1e-4gWddFEVGwyNJle9Dq-ZlmSrqpTA8LsJOCjNUWPZ2U6dsCx3pDH3XyuGw7lVrn12udAgXB97lJtmoXFum5anucd4gD3BxNAmXHHyRQmb6DBF6IiXdYpJEJRfalMtueLtqBnaH3F9cQug3tIkqEFt8Q2OyuE9s7Oo7LG7T34x43pGQxa/s320/battle%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NVCI0A2aons7OKx96XEk9u260DX6bm60pmuutFCGvqiKENULxm86xTecv_019rvs4yjjdlwcuOw7dO4zs6Z6NO_eQ9khGrfIpTSeUs_ZW-_JXCKsukJKtNGSs57UNf9fIebnb-Hlapx9YXRwLAjOXdKRmR3IUBRzSMhQmdE71gvWQkz1W7Ey/s1000/battle%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NVCI0A2aons7OKx96XEk9u260DX6bm60pmuutFCGvqiKENULxm86xTecv_019rvs4yjjdlwcuOw7dO4zs6Z6NO_eQ9khGrfIpTSeUs_ZW-_JXCKsukJKtNGSs57UNf9fIebnb-Hlapx9YXRwLAjOXdKRmR3IUBRzSMhQmdE71gvWQkz1W7Ey/s320/battle%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLsf5yo8VI-AlIcqROeb0R12E-VvF09BZQMZNobohN7OUMXYDN08zdPRcGPZtdnQE9MAfV-7pCw511DpVs7gVvdf9CKSTOgkNn9SOgN4nvqcDGciYCOQFkUgQDuxCid7QRJUctzWFuMOw48xrkOVtbcdIyO9KMze96yT7Yb_ryrp-fVNuHQsv/s1000/battle%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLsf5yo8VI-AlIcqROeb0R12E-VvF09BZQMZNobohN7OUMXYDN08zdPRcGPZtdnQE9MAfV-7pCw511DpVs7gVvdf9CKSTOgkNn9SOgN4nvqcDGciYCOQFkUgQDuxCid7QRJUctzWFuMOw48xrkOVtbcdIyO9KMze96yT7Yb_ryrp-fVNuHQsv/s320/battle%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeqOWd_bIlZuIkrmPLyC6Ta7JFajyUa5ojW5U3HaCqi6vBsaNXBrmVcRnb9rnQIKjeuoV61ZoKJ_UsTb3usPxQtN0qOB6qPvDhDsyQfQmIQNsFXy68jM3Y14HW_bayd9SvWckjFnQ52d6_TV-FWh1QE82w2wxtk5PgvDLqDkbEbKFGe_A_lee/s1000/battle%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeqOWd_bIlZuIkrmPLyC6Ta7JFajyUa5ojW5U3HaCqi6vBsaNXBrmVcRnb9rnQIKjeuoV61ZoKJ_UsTb3usPxQtN0qOB6qPvDhDsyQfQmIQNsFXy68jM3Y14HW_bayd9SvWckjFnQ52d6_TV-FWh1QE82w2wxtk5PgvDLqDkbEbKFGe_A_lee/s320/battle%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The rest of our Saturday was spent driving from Rye to Portsmouth via Battle. We stopped for several hours in Battle to explore its ruins and learn more about the revolutionary Norman invasion in 1066. The township is built on the edge of the battleground where the Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066. Its highest ground is home to the ruins of <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Battle Abbey</span></a>. On this spot, William the Conqueror built an impressive stone church to atone for his bloody conquest. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh357a_VCNE6lVvpmO0gmLOGq5GmGYxO9hFAWqJDFbdVAnRD-1nOBiUdcLKG46gQ69_UaufUG-BgfKfstn7d2bras0hA8jdrHp64MxSrmUwYSXq0GyLgeXKwrrV53BE2z4hiqx_MrLZnd6HkkfU2lzSZKv1t6SU1Qhyphenhyphena9B7PR4Ey-jQHuudPiGw/s1000/battle%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh357a_VCNE6lVvpmO0gmLOGq5GmGYxO9hFAWqJDFbdVAnRD-1nOBiUdcLKG46gQ69_UaufUG-BgfKfstn7d2bras0hA8jdrHp64MxSrmUwYSXq0GyLgeXKwrrV53BE2z4hiqx_MrLZnd6HkkfU2lzSZKv1t6SU1Qhyphenhyphena9B7PR4Ey-jQHuudPiGw/s320/battle%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_0AkYHbeHue0qh0zqJ65ZjQQChoFLbUPna0YTGfytUShzqZc15owsm39Duwu8yKBXK5K6pdCcpdw5S14-w-9ELZAnY3hoThtmxBbx-Yi2zmkyvna0-8PKgljpv0OAYy_MmpsQSSvSsfEd-rfhUjpZknyfcCeysvWg_hjWL_W1m7Krd_3oDNt/s1000/battle%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_0AkYHbeHue0qh0zqJ65ZjQQChoFLbUPna0YTGfytUShzqZc15owsm39Duwu8yKBXK5K6pdCcpdw5S14-w-9ELZAnY3hoThtmxBbx-Yi2zmkyvna0-8PKgljpv0OAYy_MmpsQSSvSsfEd-rfhUjpZknyfcCeysvWg_hjWL_W1m7Krd_3oDNt/s320/battle%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A6ct4okPgkJPwwpFJIToxGxstrKoD_QqJdS9nDnyE1vdsRILZGmlY06ac4XN2p1Jb7vnfLO2Vjkd5tRh9zJFuyhBO1gxSPWZrOI5NUOGC0K5CRGbxTpq9dD6zdYw6T0_0Eu_zNJNH_NWarB5X2D3k5KCRchkQVaaK2OZdQQqNX3OiBaVUFwg/s1000/battle%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A6ct4okPgkJPwwpFJIToxGxstrKoD_QqJdS9nDnyE1vdsRILZGmlY06ac4XN2p1Jb7vnfLO2Vjkd5tRh9zJFuyhBO1gxSPWZrOI5NUOGC0K5CRGbxTpq9dD6zdYw6T0_0Eu_zNJNH_NWarB5X2D3k5KCRchkQVaaK2OZdQQqNX3OiBaVUFwg/s320/battle%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Abbey stood for hundreds of years until it was demolished during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1538. Today all the remains, are the abbey's foundations, monastery ruins, administrative church buildings, a defensive stone wall, and a dramatic arched gatehouse leading into the complex. The gatehouse includes an excellent museum. Unfortunately, during our visit, recent storm damage had closed access to a series of hillside fields that make up the actual battleground. However, we were able to survey the area from a path that ran along the crest of the hill.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from the gatehouse, perhaps the most impressive structure still standing is the Dorter. This huge room was the dormitory where the monks slept. It dates to the 13th century and was originally a single open space without any heating. Monks slept communally and their single beds were arranged in rows along the stone side walls. The roof collapsed in the 18th Century leaving behind the dramatic open-air ruin you see today,</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX8DGuDxuKg0wgFYmOC0aFjoNBU0sjn7MpnWzMhe3wn2rGw6jGlEtqQ-m3fNtNv-YddK1WLAJZiEvF4_xgubFvHdt2zWAPglrvJQYy0K1m1ar-fMXADQ3ZEIbrhH4znsCR8BUmNGds60LsyhXDyjwjejbiPeAumtP0jtOeQoaU9-0KC1bxuSE/s1000/battle-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX8DGuDxuKg0wgFYmOC0aFjoNBU0sjn7MpnWzMhe3wn2rGw6jGlEtqQ-m3fNtNv-YddK1WLAJZiEvF4_xgubFvHdt2zWAPglrvJQYy0K1m1ar-fMXADQ3ZEIbrhH4znsCR8BUmNGds60LsyhXDyjwjejbiPeAumtP0jtOeQoaU9-0KC1bxuSE/s320/battle-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />William built the high altar of the church on the spot where King Harold was reputedly felled by a Norman arrow (in the eye according to some legends). While the abbey itself has gone the spot is still marked by a marble flagstone. There's something to be said for standing on the spot where history was made 957 years ago. I've always remembered the date 1066 and the Battle of Hastings. As an Antipodean, this was an esoteric event in a land far, far away that had little or no reference to anything tangible in my world.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOH4m0bmFzgW_0UIhPJb5xUzxjtzNMjaGqYDM7RdGL0R3VuSqBuC6p0x-Pg38BWnSQz0_xfg56n8AvzQXLK3av6RKK-ZWVpiczG4-J_1w63EJCNrcNe9MTcafChdpMLsqDbxP4qdZGTrLHGxkH-Ft7StgwVZO2oBPuDRoHVle234vlF3jIwsU/s1000/rye%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOH4m0bmFzgW_0UIhPJb5xUzxjtzNMjaGqYDM7RdGL0R3VuSqBuC6p0x-Pg38BWnSQz0_xfg56n8AvzQXLK3av6RKK-ZWVpiczG4-J_1w63EJCNrcNe9MTcafChdpMLsqDbxP4qdZGTrLHGxkH-Ft7StgwVZO2oBPuDRoHVle234vlF3jIwsU/s320/rye%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-24978579764516822912024-01-09T16:13:00.023+11:002024-01-18T05:59:54.053+11:00Cruisy memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAGEciEfUzXmkk3JrAtxomovj-3BFRzSqv89yP7Cielv5wcwpgUVPEAW8Jxg7YbBpKzMLrkguMUT_xyOD3BPA2bnA6rOEeecGXcgcPajUaXCjwW220WiI_MybZ7bLznT6Mdpi8SVSnpYTIUuWmP667_YtKzn7lSYB_km5LKnEWgdZX4SYVk19/s1000/sydney%20end%20of%20cruise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAGEciEfUzXmkk3JrAtxomovj-3BFRzSqv89yP7Cielv5wcwpgUVPEAW8Jxg7YbBpKzMLrkguMUT_xyOD3BPA2bnA6rOEeecGXcgcPajUaXCjwW220WiI_MybZ7bLznT6Mdpi8SVSnpYTIUuWmP667_YtKzn7lSYB_km5LKnEWgdZX4SYVk19/s320/sydney%20end%20of%20cruise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPPry9epfigYDKSOhecZmqe4IeNZLcc36V1I6ACKU0CVftOXXJ3Q_6LNFl0GDitqXGUboSKH_RrTyOo5OdRl5mvNG7oRjWeSy94lkPftk55pZ-W9Bp9RfczUqIFEzjozXRYMWIFRhND8JWNCRdQdXfZkwYgtOCybHhjelmfyDPd7KJuNSUOXk/s1000/final%20morning%20breakfast%20menu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPPry9epfigYDKSOhecZmqe4IeNZLcc36V1I6ACKU0CVftOXXJ3Q_6LNFl0GDitqXGUboSKH_RrTyOo5OdRl5mvNG7oRjWeSy94lkPftk55pZ-W9Bp9RfczUqIFEzjozXRYMWIFRhND8JWNCRdQdXfZkwYgtOCybHhjelmfyDPd7KJuNSUOXk/s320/final%20morning%20breakfast%20menu.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3Askw5j4rPzYxWYamY2DO2SncxRf81z6viJiGTUiL6GSRywpj4597svqlmLynbX9pZX8VXMlwbAnbpBDb0RP9XBUi8tWzSxZQPxswQqVkJOybiJqFQh3TspTRy8RSqAXiSky_vLd5zXLi8uZc6Zfw9mFlpjxtwK514obRvAYMfC1vKJQ7QON/s1000/garry%20final%20day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3Askw5j4rPzYxWYamY2DO2SncxRf81z6viJiGTUiL6GSRywpj4597svqlmLynbX9pZX8VXMlwbAnbpBDb0RP9XBUi8tWzSxZQPxswQqVkJOybiJqFQh3TspTRy8RSqAXiSky_vLd5zXLi8uZc6Zfw9mFlpjxtwK514obRvAYMfC1vKJQ7QON/s320/garry%20final%20day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Our 11-day cruise to <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/nouvelle-caledonie.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">New Caledonia</span></a> and <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/port-vila.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Vanuatu</span></a> is officially over. We sailed into Sydney Habour shortly after 5:30am this morning and docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal half an hour later. When we pulled back the blinds in our cabin we were greeted by blue skies and sunshine flooding Campbell Cove. <div><br /></div><div>We finished off our cruise with a complimentary breakfast courtesy of our Premium Key pass before finally disembarking. I have to say, the menu on offer was probably the best we'd seen for breakfast during our entire cruise.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been an awesome vacation. We've both returned rested and relaxed. I knew I'd finally unwound after spending the afternoon napping yesterday. Those who know me well will testify that I rarely nap during the day.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U5laKaw10WbZdjMoXvWnOAGU2hVFMzIyCgQacaMJdQADe4iv8vZFYPfgkFe67tbjljE4USy0w9ulziMJSsZsRxn9X82Xit9zmokPWOcLrvDKi-4jOJi4sLO8xFTOTw3zpQKd1uuziT-ELPAUz8fndRt0-F2bsD-ZqyohPs4ehS9NO1v39chX/s1000/baz%20gaby%20cruise%20buddies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U5laKaw10WbZdjMoXvWnOAGU2hVFMzIyCgQacaMJdQADe4iv8vZFYPfgkFe67tbjljE4USy0w9ulziMJSsZsRxn9X82Xit9zmokPWOcLrvDKi-4jOJi4sLO8xFTOTw3zpQKd1uuziT-ELPAUz8fndRt0-F2bsD-ZqyohPs4ehS9NO1v39chX/s320/baz%20gaby%20cruise%20buddies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We also met some fabulous people on board including a young couple, Basil (Baz) and Gabrielle (Gaby). We dined together one night and met for lengthy cocktail sessions on three other nights. This ambitious couple met five years ago but most of their relationship thus far has been a long-distance affair. Gaby is British and thus was shut out of Australia for several years during the COVID-19 pandemic. She finally relocated to Sydney in July last year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Baz and Gaby were fascinated by our decision to walk away from a corporate career track to run our own business. Apparently, they have ambitions to set up their own business. As a result, they quizzed us endlessly for plenty of hints and tips from our own experience. It was very reaffirming to think that our life's journey over the last decade is inspiring others.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK8M4fBg8IEAVgYrmmMFiLjVDXxRUmd7x51IU9vICQZ3NwQ_FOOMjv8_3Qak-37x_SLnnBFr3ArNp097KIpU56-lDkJluJwL0yp-IWbNOWenDy3146ureWfi36eDY_SUxAIcR11bYuwN-oCD2-IK9tRvPjJMNGTCT9KULDHo8bLx8lodIP4h3/s1000/sunset%20after%20lifou.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK8M4fBg8IEAVgYrmmMFiLjVDXxRUmd7x51IU9vICQZ3NwQ_FOOMjv8_3Qak-37x_SLnnBFr3ArNp097KIpU56-lDkJluJwL0yp-IWbNOWenDy3146ureWfi36eDY_SUxAIcR11bYuwN-oCD2-IK9tRvPjJMNGTCT9KULDHo8bLx8lodIP4h3/s320/sunset%20after%20lifou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYAGsb4pWw0JuVffjolMgARB5GY_ORfBgxsVVNs-08F7QmAQ_8F1-H11OIT79c8CY4PYP6YSz4oCfMdgzUY4yB2lhSgzfJQGMik1-Ngs5aju0dIsmlrtFIWef7q_iNMzyn9UeGIpTrWcGG8-6f130GiovlhQ6EersboCrPE4mVpZYQ7rjk4MZ/s1000/blue%20tasman%20sea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYAGsb4pWw0JuVffjolMgARB5GY_ORfBgxsVVNs-08F7QmAQ_8F1-H11OIT79c8CY4PYP6YSz4oCfMdgzUY4yB2lhSgzfJQGMik1-Ngs5aju0dIsmlrtFIWef7q_iNMzyn9UeGIpTrWcGG8-6f130GiovlhQ6EersboCrPE4mVpZYQ7rjk4MZ/s320/blue%20tasman%20sea.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIj2HbYYbX1I5QT-YV0j-dNkurYGxBiSX1W-0wa3z7ZDYKFRbwDbQxSWUsyVj0VyAfbGDzy50C5KUg3e_MRfavBEk2g60EspP8IcIUzd_fybmgp4Jopve3enyNQY32JAMx14NEHjklmaVtJrHqd17PF7rO723Z7ZzXlSz5ElvqfX7SI0YQA7N/s1000/headline%20act%20cruise%20belinda%20marks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIj2HbYYbX1I5QT-YV0j-dNkurYGxBiSX1W-0wa3z7ZDYKFRbwDbQxSWUsyVj0VyAfbGDzy50C5KUg3e_MRfavBEk2g60EspP8IcIUzd_fybmgp4Jopve3enyNQY32JAMx14NEHjklmaVtJrHqd17PF7rO723Z7ZzXlSz5ElvqfX7SI0YQA7N/s320/headline%20act%20cruise%20belinda%20marks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The remainder of this post is a montage of images that caught my eye during our final days onboard. This includes a stunning sunset as we sailed away from Lifou, the incredibly blue hue of the Tasman Sea, and <a href="https://belindamarks.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Belinda Marks</span></a>, the evening headline act on Day 8. Belinda was simply outstanding. It's not often you hear someone sing pitch-perfect classics from the likes of Witney Houston, Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, and Dolly Parton.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgcCxGLAHt9kd5dJBrDT4-TU3FmCGxoB__OfyELdw0PGjbTHQgc0SgViivO-z-ORXzGa9OXD48FJYjO6Wrkf1nqVz9_egjhLJVRD1l3qZrpc85q2v72KDHv-Ax5b2He1Hq4bSqokTbwk1jsw2vnfooE2oFTe5jyuyLl1HZJfT_xqPemfGmRY7/s1000/big%20band%20tribute.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgcCxGLAHt9kd5dJBrDT4-TU3FmCGxoB__OfyELdw0PGjbTHQgc0SgViivO-z-ORXzGa9OXD48FJYjO6Wrkf1nqVz9_egjhLJVRD1l3qZrpc85q2v72KDHv-Ax5b2He1Hq4bSqokTbwk1jsw2vnfooE2oFTe5jyuyLl1HZJfT_xqPemfGmRY7/s320/big%20band%20tribute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2nKNZAZ2V8PGwrxmcwvFB98xCoQVgFeI02qVzy366yCmlcnEIUBeArggbL10726HMmRCVOekm3jYdnqIZLyXrX2uohVk9lKdhI3Ucm5UZfcOPc_jUgDZgS4ey1O9RkW6UZM1Iyfk7n3uqHT0yWPXBqt1JwFq8V8BpwPWkLKOrUCksScrMntu/s1000/tango%20show.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2nKNZAZ2V8PGwrxmcwvFB98xCoQVgFeI02qVzy366yCmlcnEIUBeArggbL10726HMmRCVOekm3jYdnqIZLyXrX2uohVk9lKdhI3Ucm5UZfcOPc_jUgDZgS4ey1O9RkW6UZM1Iyfk7n3uqHT0yWPXBqt1JwFq8V8BpwPWkLKOrUCksScrMntu/s320/tango%20show.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="#"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDY88XuK8s4hnO5UK8Y5_vng9knBndQndjXkVYhtTvXNTashAbAu0fwGJxeHnR0PduenmyxpHiA5XmiGYWUFD8K0LaTZQpmg-4XKY8CfOqOtyWitvyRxuvEdK7xtUNjv_kGFnet7lH2LzHF0U_3vEWMN9DMlfMAI0B9LqmSNzhe0OCpZFg7F5/s1000/jazz%20show.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDY88XuK8s4hnO5UK8Y5_vng9knBndQndjXkVYhtTvXNTashAbAu0fwGJxeHnR0PduenmyxpHiA5XmiGYWUFD8K0LaTZQpmg-4XKY8CfOqOtyWitvyRxuvEdK7xtUNjv_kGFnet7lH2LzHF0U_3vEWMN9DMlfMAI0B9LqmSNzhe0OCpZFg7F5/s320/jazz%20show.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Belinda was easily the best act we saw onboard. The previous night we'd watched a Big Band show tune tribute. Sadly, while the stage set looked the part, the artists involved were very average and were often out of tune. However, the Australian comedian, Michael Shafar, we saw on Day 1 and again on Day 4 was another highlight. Likewise, the Tango Dance Spectacular on Day 4, headlined by a talented South American couple, and the Jazz ensemble on Day 5 were also memorable.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKykUR-pIUdE2t-d8GTEycHuHBod_NmZy3xhENRGnNIRQIgd9b9-UuF6BYCtUfOY0CQjW2t3bCpeiDBkhXSy3iL9wIonNwh-QVOfxzCgz2P43RtUxZL6-reC0snxgi0xY-zPrRWiiBk8GjAAyBLt5PRpCSnFfz2qM6vbderrX-RJaM8XK72ony/s1000/comedian%20act.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKykUR-pIUdE2t-d8GTEycHuHBod_NmZy3xhENRGnNIRQIgd9b9-UuF6BYCtUfOY0CQjW2t3bCpeiDBkhXSy3iL9wIonNwh-QVOfxzCgz2P43RtUxZL6-reC0snxgi0xY-zPrRWiiBk8GjAAyBLt5PRpCSnFfz2qM6vbderrX-RJaM8XK72ony/s320/comedian%20act.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We met Michael at lunch one afternoon. He gave us some great tips on where to enjoy live comedy in London. As a result, we've booked an evening at <a href="https://thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Top Secret</span></a>, a hot new comedy venue, while we're in town later this month. Stay tuned for our critic's review.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DnadIp27-GwmH4x9-UDSlxSd0HdXzVyXiCTmR5AAn3EcGLf34DwovZQmmNHya3zdHPpOKeOHR6rbd5OXILFuzRdDI-tIQDagMq4C14VHzqpA5uq6zfE1sa4eCXRKs03_hCgwMx5BOXBd3dIMUU6vaHpBbTUP2PWBfQBbpqWRYrWcd5Fz3YJY/s1000/roughest%20sea%20on%20cruise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DnadIp27-GwmH4x9-UDSlxSd0HdXzVyXiCTmR5AAn3EcGLf34DwovZQmmNHya3zdHPpOKeOHR6rbd5OXILFuzRdDI-tIQDagMq4C14VHzqpA5uq6zfE1sa4eCXRKs03_hCgwMx5BOXBd3dIMUU6vaHpBbTUP2PWBfQBbpqWRYrWcd5Fz3YJY/s320/roughest%20sea%20on%20cruise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The image above shows the roughest seas we encountered during the entire cruise. On Day 10 we experienced a two-metre swell and moderate winds. This created a subtle roll on board the boat and generated small white caps out to the horizon. However, as you can, the sea remained remarkably flat. In essence, we enjoyed smooth sailing for 11 days and thus had no use for the sea sickness tablets we'd brought with us. </div><br />Finally, a shout-out for one of the artistic highlights of our cruise. A menagerie of towel animals appeared in our cabin during turn-down each night. By the end of the cruise, we'd been progressively greeted by a peacock, an anteater, a rabbit, a swinging monkey, and an elephant.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__tXD879NA_dG7eG7N9F8N6pL4UCW7MelG2Ybf1WeSqOPI95YkD4nRwYW2tO8U6P0yMUcQuU3Y8UAnbKp9XNLL-50G3_6JZnYwdbBTCijZYO3Ebz3I4sDs3a48CW6SK-4LBo2RcXIXVPm6Kj6muiDk6HmEZaCVz1jJohRQ7EDbelStygcKQjm/s1000/towel%20animals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__tXD879NA_dG7eG7N9F8N6pL4UCW7MelG2Ybf1WeSqOPI95YkD4nRwYW2tO8U6P0yMUcQuU3Y8UAnbKp9XNLL-50G3_6JZnYwdbBTCijZYO3Ebz3I4sDs3a48CW6SK-4LBo2RcXIXVPm6Kj6muiDk6HmEZaCVz1jJohRQ7EDbelStygcKQjm/s320/towel%20animals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: 10 January</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Poor Garry has tested positive for COVID overnight. I've tested negative and feel fine. However, Garry is feeling poorly and has taken to his bed. He did get a booster shot about 14 days before we sailed. Unfortunately, it looks like he left it too late to secure full immunity before we sailed. I caught COVID <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/11/riding-wave.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">in late November</span></a> which appears to have boosted my defences.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: 18 January</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Garry is finally on the road to recovery after a rather lethargic week. I’ve continued to test negative. We’re all good to go for our flight to London this evening. No doubt Garry will sleep most of the way!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-3912602335585807892024-01-07T14:38:00.022+11:002024-01-18T06:06:55.800+11:00Drama on the high seas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9st2BtQspxqyupnXVrfp-jLOnHa3m37KNTVHpqlh-U_EoYuwQS8i2pV_KzE_KjVi3xsK5nBDzUpC2LeFwgUD9GjTyVhyphenhyphenxLifHHyuhyphenhyphenyV-oxexCPxUYaoXKC8LWYim2mE9YJAU_WQ6dUzvQ-cUIn31qVYb2WRjoURya5RRdu-MJtHlkwMkrE2/s2767/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2075" data-original-width="2767" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9st2BtQspxqyupnXVrfp-jLOnHa3m37KNTVHpqlh-U_EoYuwQS8i2pV_KzE_KjVi3xsK5nBDzUpC2LeFwgUD9GjTyVhyphenhyphenxLifHHyuhyphenhyphenyV-oxexCPxUYaoXKC8LWYim2mE9YJAU_WQ6dUzvQ-cUIn31qVYb2WRjoURya5RRdu-MJtHlkwMkrE2/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhJ0LtR9_XSg-8CI4nRVwVC86DigXB_8cdcou6GrrLUaefaGlNEnSpg7frBAmkJcUwBW0zl5Admi5cT8W6W4rkNfMvqJS9UeIKzq0GwhOwQrBdj0uvH6zWvbAqsZ2ju1BciHTX3AehDP3H3aONuVH_BSWnOw8HGUzjTLI63WfdgUSHm-jambq/s1879/IMG_3247.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1879" data-original-width="1306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhJ0LtR9_XSg-8CI4nRVwVC86DigXB_8cdcou6GrrLUaefaGlNEnSpg7frBAmkJcUwBW0zl5Admi5cT8W6W4rkNfMvqJS9UeIKzq0GwhOwQrBdj0uvH6zWvbAqsZ2ju1BciHTX3AehDP3H3aONuVH_BSWnOw8HGUzjTLI63WfdgUSHm-jambq/s320/IMG_3247.jpeg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwj9_JFV4kKWf8ANLBnVZHCs8Wjrq4OUU5RTsRjOXViHm_BpwuRrVj4UeHfruGtpD2kQ0i2wYQebXM7mKqv6HZAoXwQ_smw44RJEJV5yeisTmX9jWVTQ5-FmD2fTvGiYshZc9DV3PWFI9gZAgAiChqK8hz4GogZRzVhD3-j4X_-NROBCiML24/s4032/IMG_6160.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwj9_JFV4kKWf8ANLBnVZHCs8Wjrq4OUU5RTsRjOXViHm_BpwuRrVj4UeHfruGtpD2kQ0i2wYQebXM7mKqv6HZAoXwQ_smw44RJEJV5yeisTmX9jWVTQ5-FmD2fTvGiYshZc9DV3PWFI9gZAgAiChqK8hz4GogZRzVhD3-j4X_-NROBCiML24/s320/IMG_6160.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Our cruise was scheduled to visit a fifth port called Mystery Island. This is an idyllic sandy atoll located just off the coast of Aneityum, the southernmost island in the Vanuatu archipelago. However, shortly after leaving Luganville, this port call was cancelled when a passenger experienced a “medical incident” requiring urgent evacuation to a hospital. <br /><br />Our boat initially diverted to Port Vila, but soon after announcing news of this unscheduled stop, the captain decided to sail directly to Noumea. As a result, we spent an extra day at sea before reverting to our original itinerary on Lifou Island. While disappointing, the diversion resulted in a second scenic transit through the narrow strait of Canal Woodin and along New Caledonia’s southern coast. <div><br /></div><div>The images above were taken during the more scenic parts of our diversion, while the map shows our subsequent return to schedule. The relocation route was a curious one. I suspect the captain was buying some time to ensure we didn’t arrive too early in Lifou.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_cVlyOTla5lbUSPExSY9uEN0qMMbNVxd8fgQZ4-xS6X0_1Z5zV2n1PW-7Yh3rkkCdbL0CtwIc9bewJeRO4WqtLWnFgl1_4dO8hGwz4gIpO-EIW7ARUZHjart3R4m4E3eZeuck9_CpQLBl8pTyO73v23DbwVotkY_clF5sQERfwo88PMuWSgq/s1000/evacation%20boat%20arrives.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_cVlyOTla5lbUSPExSY9uEN0qMMbNVxd8fgQZ4-xS6X0_1Z5zV2n1PW-7Yh3rkkCdbL0CtwIc9bewJeRO4WqtLWnFgl1_4dO8hGwz4gIpO-EIW7ARUZHjart3R4m4E3eZeuck9_CpQLBl8pTyO73v23DbwVotkY_clF5sQERfwo88PMuWSgq/s320/evacation%20boat%20arrives.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvu7jN037XA-rhmos3B2FnDxB9wqfdDNPxctk8ulT8onsWQ76sSXPVD6bOOn3HP9kGMYcxG-vfGnajkYe00HnoILRnNK3U0veC6SOm61rqhdRsoeaNqj2OAjEGF4k4BzFkUMW9U5zJL3zvpE26-r2cP88sQ7rMoL2FV0GbVTwrFytWh-f_kPDl/s1000/evacation%20boat%20docked.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvu7jN037XA-rhmos3B2FnDxB9wqfdDNPxctk8ulT8onsWQ76sSXPVD6bOOn3HP9kGMYcxG-vfGnajkYe00HnoILRnNK3U0veC6SOm61rqhdRsoeaNqj2OAjEGF4k4BzFkUMW9U5zJL3zvpE26-r2cP88sQ7rMoL2FV0GbVTwrFytWh-f_kPDl/s320/evacation%20boat%20docked.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA0fahMKFj_by2cDoc07QU_GcIjOB7Pgw7ZxEvf1yzssV15QwXg-2n7YmBlOPTynEawK5uI-NKaX3Fpl1UjODmxYCjdsvniITN92lf5uluQCHq19gbCJaLZT68KyalHQJfI9FuUQX_hd7aeYecaEOBYixrLlJI3TIpLmGG1rxlDAJ9bXbKpFg/s3024/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA0fahMKFj_by2cDoc07QU_GcIjOB7Pgw7ZxEvf1yzssV15QwXg-2n7YmBlOPTynEawK5uI-NKaX3Fpl1UjODmxYCjdsvniITN92lf5uluQCHq19gbCJaLZT68KyalHQJfI9FuUQX_hd7aeYecaEOBYixrLlJI3TIpLmGG1rxlDAJ9bXbKpFg/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />The passenger transfer eventually took place just outside the entrance to Noumea harbour. It was fascinating to watch it unfold. The captain turned the ship so that its gangway entrance on Level 2 was sheltered from the prevailing wind. He then held this position using the ship’s bow and stern thrusters. This skilful manoeuvre resulted in remarkably calm waters forming alongside the vessel. <div><div><br /></div><div>The patient was then evacuated by wheelchair using a temporary pontoon platform normally reserved for tender transfers. In a final touching gesture, passengers like myself who’d watched the drama unfold spontaneously applauded as the Noumea Coastguard rescue boat pulled away.<div><br />Garry and I had originally booked a cultural excursion to a local Melanesian village on Aneityum. However, after regularly quizzing our guides on earlier excursions, I don’t think we’ve missed much regarding tribal life in Vanuatu. The cruise company subsequently refunded our excursion fees. We’re not complaining. This credit all but covered the cost of a spa treatment we enjoyed earlier in the cruise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDzSrQDdkNwhBx5L-9z8X329M0psn89-ZuK8hHD_Gb2BhkFsCAGEwRwj1nBLEQxyS0DcDBfgO-hTAWQPFURAKmMW_sF_OAiirA2TxYeA1XJDNarIefV4ZPS3AJKzKK-aa-ZoX_IQzBCtYBEcqbzrNE-E1vt8od0BeQvasxo3N7742h-BLERnu/s1937/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1937" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDzSrQDdkNwhBx5L-9z8X329M0psn89-ZuK8hHD_Gb2BhkFsCAGEwRwj1nBLEQxyS0DcDBfgO-hTAWQPFURAKmMW_sF_OAiirA2TxYeA1XJDNarIefV4ZPS3AJKzKK-aa-ZoX_IQzBCtYBEcqbzrNE-E1vt8od0BeQvasxo3N7742h-BLERnu/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyI35PDwI-1T-DoIVkmFor3jJo5Xt9UDn7oS-CR9bJ9bkhAMZaFpMq7ZRzCs9eTTHw6q2VjqtRuWOE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>During the diversion to Noumea, we experienced our own “medical incident”. As we returned from breakfast we were greeted by our cabin attendant. He explained that a rather bedraggled, sickly looking, seabird had been found on our balcony. A quick Google search confirmed it was a White-tailed Tropicbird. They're easily identified by a slim tail feather that extends almost three times the length of their body.<br /><br />A short time later, the ship’s “bird man” arrived. He scooped the forlorn bird into his hands and removed it from our balcony. However, I have no idea what happened next. Although, as Garry rightly noted, “The guy’s hardly going to wring its neck in front of passengers.” A fair point.<div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0Nouméa, New Caledonia-22.2716866 166.4398627-50.581920436178848 131.2836127 6.0385472361788466 -158.4038873tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-72852159355938334212024-01-06T18:52:00.024+11:002024-01-18T06:20:23.147+11:00Life in Lifou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGheow5gMawMzNJmbpBaseWt9xRH0247BP13Q-F8qDvhf08XWcKBlYp4nWWG-osYETHC7duovqvE185ArwG25_ECvowfVD9fFEgLJzNsKEiBJ_VaRDEVEpp3Hzk4hrb47J3qM2bCwd2DAQNmOtZ-9j3Xt6QM-UbX1ItdSIeFAhcvJEM4k88Oi3/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGheow5gMawMzNJmbpBaseWt9xRH0247BP13Q-F8qDvhf08XWcKBlYp4nWWG-osYETHC7duovqvE185ArwG25_ECvowfVD9fFEgLJzNsKEiBJ_VaRDEVEpp3Hzk4hrb47J3qM2bCwd2DAQNmOtZ-9j3Xt6QM-UbX1ItdSIeFAhcvJEM4k88Oi3/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid83Mori1cxZsgRAWQmFVolfIWx8uC0kEQJl0SNsgUpeG_v6H9LE97j8toOyKHqP18su-T_CIjGk_g4YsO_BuDmrFxaqiVzuKozwle4YHPMovHX3Uv4XV_re7UkeRGVlMTCmw_pLGHyLIUPl2nNmUtATTUeJ7u-bG-dDLmK3hgf9TVm4dFbIIo/s3933/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2949" data-original-width="3933" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid83Mori1cxZsgRAWQmFVolfIWx8uC0kEQJl0SNsgUpeG_v6H9LE97j8toOyKHqP18su-T_CIjGk_g4YsO_BuDmrFxaqiVzuKozwle4YHPMovHX3Uv4XV_re7UkeRGVlMTCmw_pLGHyLIUPl2nNmUtATTUeJ7u-bG-dDLmK3hgf9TVm4dFbIIo/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands, was our final port of call today. Our cruise ship anchored offshore in Santal Bay. After a leisurely breakfast, we caught a tender to shore and spent a couple of hours exploring the village of Easo. Initially, misting rain sent the humidity soaring making for a rather sweaty, steamy walk.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEAV5g2Rkchoh5Ba1iVvCU-w-nSPenA1TmOVhVVm7Sok0mm4s94tAU1AWohrzBPBUAI3MwAWdGr_kzcS-Ie0IKKI_hP2ci1j2bCDaQYN9sUnqMpqXPsKf0ch2mAFVK1yFs1hppFf9LuQOP49jLzMOGZDr1h_UpKDrxQFrKexYz40ka-vKkS1Y/s4032/IMG_6195.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEAV5g2Rkchoh5Ba1iVvCU-w-nSPenA1TmOVhVVm7Sok0mm4s94tAU1AWohrzBPBUAI3MwAWdGr_kzcS-Ie0IKKI_hP2ci1j2bCDaQYN9sUnqMpqXPsKf0ch2mAFVK1yFs1hppFf9LuQOP49jLzMOGZDr1h_UpKDrxQFrKexYz40ka-vKkS1Y/s320/IMG_6195.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdAP4M7t_hfZccuT66-RYKYXtB_BdyqHcZvLrbHHYOAWc0puf1mVXCyfHkp55-FJbJsaDvsQwyXKcjBoHDnVGZ17XzvMOi1J9nDZqeoElLlxhLnL4uW1LD60gTdh_w0RbpHlXMyChBpNBnlarU89ZnFP4rIhCykUODapLT17hJHrPrichhNbZ/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdAP4M7t_hfZccuT66-RYKYXtB_BdyqHcZvLrbHHYOAWc0puf1mVXCyfHkp55-FJbJsaDvsQwyXKcjBoHDnVGZ17XzvMOi1J9nDZqeoElLlxhLnL4uW1LD60gTdh_w0RbpHlXMyChBpNBnlarU89ZnFP4rIhCykUODapLT17hJHrPrichhNbZ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM3JG6wVu4MXE2kcf-MCKGd5lSyjNlvpWaHUxtL47g46ay_t30KcQ8EZVbL503rVwsyw-sUvFn3XE04vvREK6YknBL9ZYzzqkxF23dSvoBAG7eNGdxosaDUunV6rd8fHwLSIOQqoxzjXyzd0f13jgiWXeJrcx-ltx-lWUxCh1g1cGHlCGlWOo/s2677/IMG_6213.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2677" data-original-width="2008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM3JG6wVu4MXE2kcf-MCKGd5lSyjNlvpWaHUxtL47g46ay_t30KcQ8EZVbL503rVwsyw-sUvFn3XE04vvREK6YknBL9ZYzzqkxF23dSvoBAG7eNGdxosaDUunV6rd8fHwLSIOQqoxzjXyzd0f13jgiWXeJrcx-ltx-lWUxCh1g1cGHlCGlWOo/s320/IMG_6213.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIyuT_PAeijA6i1unHwIQKLBfrbg92hbdBwJtP4TGNhcj6R6cc9MAU02lK1_B_5vsDliRY-1L_FMVU9dCVZDiA6C662HFFN3oIPS_eFk_7BUMPl8899X5y36w-evzuHxPElu-iXgEKf5Qo1o_f71IfRLf1w2EmtqobWl6ysRHs-704EizLuvH/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIyuT_PAeijA6i1unHwIQKLBfrbg92hbdBwJtP4TGNhcj6R6cc9MAU02lK1_B_5vsDliRY-1L_FMVU9dCVZDiA6C662HFFN3oIPS_eFk_7BUMPl8899X5y36w-evzuHxPElu-iXgEKf5Qo1o_f71IfRLf1w2EmtqobWl6ysRHs-704EizLuvH/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9ti9S55hNszonyZrJknOHNSNU4Mi6mwL_NbFhFrGEaT6cbXiMwercur_Xmm6KzFG5ZsPvOSzRMbNvEm5yu-xjaGBDQs-7E8KsrZm2elkSsC6yE08YVPBqSnupnN2lizpFvDnFS3IxEuCjPUExjY0jCvU18mtcaYcUhUX0b35XNwPCpm7mvii/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9ti9S55hNszonyZrJknOHNSNU4Mi6mwL_NbFhFrGEaT6cbXiMwercur_Xmm6KzFG5ZsPvOSzRMbNvEm5yu-xjaGBDQs-7E8KsrZm2elkSsC6yE08YVPBqSnupnN2lizpFvDnFS3IxEuCjPUExjY0jCvU18mtcaYcUhUX0b35XNwPCpm7mvii/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBCeUa0tQQpj_uRFrgIkkbv4bCslyM2qDZ38YSsE9gqyRTRpPWTtLQcne-DCRFzVHEHSu0uD27De-YTleNMeFQm-xQI7HgWhs43iLnm1RbBfL5_PiEwDk-8LDfofOBLgvWNkAGqGee09GmIXN9dVfP4FpPp_bljfJvBnUD4NjVC-F2I34YCdW/s1373/FullSizeRender.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBCeUa0tQQpj_uRFrgIkkbv4bCslyM2qDZ38YSsE9gqyRTRpPWTtLQcne-DCRFzVHEHSu0uD27De-YTleNMeFQm-xQI7HgWhs43iLnm1RbBfL5_PiEwDk-8LDfofOBLgvWNkAGqGee09GmIXN9dVfP4FpPp_bljfJvBnUD4NjVC-F2I34YCdW/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Our first stop was a small chapel called Notre Dame de Lourdes. It sits high on a bluff overlooking the bay and is crowned by a cast iron statue of the Virgin Mary. A sign at the entrance says the statute weighs more than two tonnes. Despite the humidity, the sweaty, 800-metre walk and final hill climb were well worth the effort. The views of the coastline were spectacular, including a rather Instagram-worthy view of our ship.</div><div><br />According to a sign in the vestibule, the roof of the church, statue, and all, lifted off during a cyclone in 1880. The roof was eventually located on the floor of the bay by divers and hauled back to its rightful location which must have been quite a feat. The statue, which fell into the chapel, seemed to survive the ordeal unscathed. However, the salty sea air is taking its toll as sections of the Virgin are covered in rust.<div><div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNq7H99Tgnl2X3M1_0gPlq7EuKNd942pvF355JUUFpUx3KaK6AbnZQm_id0KTG_4QK7_4DIlQPT7Wqp6jROm12fHrFH8gfBioHG0qOZ_E-Jdnw5CB7Xk_6VnUAI5iutqba8sE0VGvbgMagW1IbdOpfyUfqDoC_nr1YVXmjlsJ_tyx3_c2GDIB/s3654/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3654" data-original-width="2740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNq7H99Tgnl2X3M1_0gPlq7EuKNd942pvF355JUUFpUx3KaK6AbnZQm_id0KTG_4QK7_4DIlQPT7Wqp6jROm12fHrFH8gfBioHG0qOZ_E-Jdnw5CB7Xk_6VnUAI5iutqba8sE0VGvbgMagW1IbdOpfyUfqDoC_nr1YVXmjlsJ_tyx3_c2GDIB/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0twhVRTZ1QSbNroBAQFroCfspofFFq3nOT0uh49DcJsmSEGUQKLOwtB6ad9vt9bOsStGegfvGqUkhaiqMLDqd3gJ5cZ8RvK2w1eaitfBLpsH-p9co403vTKL9wifJWettUFkrts_KHGQvgpMDsZe_VCl9afLzwwCUbGCe88dB701nk0sjLzH1/s2181/IMG_6236.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="1636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0twhVRTZ1QSbNroBAQFroCfspofFFq3nOT0uh49DcJsmSEGUQKLOwtB6ad9vt9bOsStGegfvGqUkhaiqMLDqd3gJ5cZ8RvK2w1eaitfBLpsH-p9co403vTKL9wifJWettUFkrts_KHGQvgpMDsZe_VCl9afLzwwCUbGCe88dB701nk0sjLzH1/s320/IMG_6236.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cWfbH4BC1MWoYJ6_XpmjfzfiDzCmRiPon0fYcej6PEsrxSkibUvxaPrDujuSrw6sDTKrhGjD0PO8UDuMAU3WySCs2K4Lrt5zRYE25eJflZeWlESzZsqSa0TeSzD4TUEYqb3lol1gErBsdslChDJiuUU8snbVOHDCsEFMRMQ3Ona4dUqibIb/s1000/catholic%20church%20lifou.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cWfbH4BC1MWoYJ6_XpmjfzfiDzCmRiPon0fYcej6PEsrxSkibUvxaPrDujuSrw6sDTKrhGjD0PO8UDuMAU3WySCs2K4Lrt5zRYE25eJflZeWlESzZsqSa0TeSzD4TUEYqb3lol1gErBsdslChDJiuUU8snbVOHDCsEFMRMQ3Ona4dUqibIb/s320/catholic%20church%20lifou.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then made our way in the opposite direction to an impressive white-rendered Catholic Church called Eglise Catholique ne Drehu. A bilingual sign outside explained the history of the building. Apparently, the stone used in its construction comes from stalactites and stalagmites extracted from nearby caves more than ten metres below ground. Unfortunately, the church doors were locked so we made our way back to the landing pier. </div><div><br /></div><div>The heavens opened up shortly after returning to the pier. For almost 15 minutes it bucketed down. Garry and I briefly debated abandoning our pre-booked excursion to Luecila Beach on the opposite side of the island. However, we decided it was worth the drive if only to see more of the island and its local life. I’m glad we didn’t let the weather beat us as the rain cleared during the thirty-minute trip to the beach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSc0hN_8iEAqMdNT7mA4_JKnNgb1dkGe7n3rnhC0CxSRmbqNLZV7MxCSmCVLFWaoaEvLZO_vs8awydMsQai3tEuyhfBAvRSmqLB-YfC32LUJ9GvpzhIhFnOxcLxhid7y6uiaxLEvPQNdQ4BM2YetAoLzC-aqoPKcI6KVeeKotXxC3yjaAEaYn/s3729/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2797" data-original-width="3729" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSc0hN_8iEAqMdNT7mA4_JKnNgb1dkGe7n3rnhC0CxSRmbqNLZV7MxCSmCVLFWaoaEvLZO_vs8awydMsQai3tEuyhfBAvRSmqLB-YfC32LUJ9GvpzhIhFnOxcLxhid7y6uiaxLEvPQNdQ4BM2YetAoLzC-aqoPKcI6KVeeKotXxC3yjaAEaYn/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdnn0UiksclT-mhNpIVzwSz05ANhaizN9yZWRUnaCEciCW7w3HZLv8xtbl-2hFDoXsmIFxC-fyCtXVI2qpWwCQN8d_oUQaczt8lZBqZQrG2Q1WL367b5-QynfBaKj8FYqd-Z_BEmuxlz2KYhOV7HkMyIXuq8QHy6EEIv8n9o0PnUIXmCaaRiq/s4032/IMG_6261.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdnn0UiksclT-mhNpIVzwSz05ANhaizN9yZWRUnaCEciCW7w3HZLv8xtbl-2hFDoXsmIFxC-fyCtXVI2qpWwCQN8d_oUQaczt8lZBqZQrG2Q1WL367b5-QynfBaKj8FYqd-Z_BEmuxlz2KYhOV7HkMyIXuq8QHy6EEIv8n9o0PnUIXmCaaRiq/s320/IMG_6261.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwOQPPdNZyt1MFI_eMszaLio9bAlurnkrkUUNK4BPb7_TepWo0gSKD7hudU6FThzIdlIo7XI6VMvLkZ5HSO8govAjRZVAG6kp6DKd2UhuGFR-ngIRku8s14Ew9Pq8LbQ-7YKy0SYEEBnnlEC1LVFcvBOPsTT94zg8JE7_RPjewqMw-iVIeqQx/s4032/IMG_6309.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwOQPPdNZyt1MFI_eMszaLio9bAlurnkrkUUNK4BPb7_TepWo0gSKD7hudU6FThzIdlIo7XI6VMvLkZ5HSO8govAjRZVAG6kp6DKd2UhuGFR-ngIRku8s14Ew9Pq8LbQ-7YKy0SYEEBnnlEC1LVFcvBOPsTT94zg8JE7_RPjewqMw-iVIeqQx/s320/IMG_6309.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Luecila Beach was another spectacular destination. Its crystalline white sands arc around the vibrant azure waters of Chateaubriand Bay. We spent a couple of hours swimming in the warm tropical waters and resting in the shade. It really was the perfect way to finish our cruise through the Coral Sea. <br /><br />While we were at Luecila Beach, I took a walking tour with one of the locals through the neighbourhood village of We. He explained that Lifou is home to about 10,000 people, who belong to 37 tribes led by a local chief. The largest of these is in We with approximately 700 members. The island’s tribes are also grouped into three administrative districts, each led by a Grand Chief. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC0T-OTSg5aPlVtEJ4NDWxWATrLZMpdnFSQp0DdkTsBIRkPnj66gQQgpmrtuIoK-78uCL-w9vghEpluOPY0EcWM6vWX8sLl2knvWn198mltPpGTJMvHlYGe1qXQ5zdnBActHBNn305sIDiYYGrlRqfyiLnIgpfpPO8JeSt8Xn0-9s2o5uK47M/s4032/IMG_6246.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC0T-OTSg5aPlVtEJ4NDWxWATrLZMpdnFSQp0DdkTsBIRkPnj66gQQgpmrtuIoK-78uCL-w9vghEpluOPY0EcWM6vWX8sLl2knvWn198mltPpGTJMvHlYGe1qXQ5zdnBActHBNn305sIDiYYGrlRqfyiLnIgpfpPO8JeSt8Xn0-9s2o5uK47M/s320/IMG_6246.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_as4AB8dJNLGV66xfHc6baDFoO7v1NYZ1F_dDV4M2X9bwP602wtOH-hAwtj01eXI62yGKoPV6-X6GbwCpV_dBqOyooTgniu1_Gs3U2Ak4anxLyGHrlMj38-nYZP0tNdZcdJR-AAo49ly1n5dmvGNO9FXilD5rui1J7yN_fMm7acyGaA-NhnD/s4032/IMG_6250.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_as4AB8dJNLGV66xfHc6baDFoO7v1NYZ1F_dDV4M2X9bwP602wtOH-hAwtj01eXI62yGKoPV6-X6GbwCpV_dBqOyooTgniu1_Gs3U2Ak4anxLyGHrlMj38-nYZP0tNdZcdJR-AAo49ly1n5dmvGNO9FXilD5rui1J7yN_fMm7acyGaA-NhnD/s320/IMG_6250.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eChhKpf90l126C-n17eL0MyBev5RvEm0wG_W1fD3jK94m3lhIOmSz2PyUTnFpw8l-O4nMTfFWzOAIRgrn4ahS2tqExiEdcAc81baST9wVWvE0pAEJaS5DcpYZzrEgdZGHuvt4bKZ8W6mhAIx2tfKN_wQg3I2w1oyhqGZtFiPiS19kvem5jC1/s4032/IMG_6258.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eChhKpf90l126C-n17eL0MyBev5RvEm0wG_W1fD3jK94m3lhIOmSz2PyUTnFpw8l-O4nMTfFWzOAIRgrn4ahS2tqExiEdcAc81baST9wVWvE0pAEJaS5DcpYZzrEgdZGHuvt4bKZ8W6mhAIx2tfKN_wQg3I2w1oyhqGZtFiPiS19kvem5jC1/s320/IMG_6258.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our local guide shared some fascinating stories about tribal law and the administration of community justice. He also explained how most families still build and maintain a traditional, conical thatched hut alongside their modern homes. <div><br /></div><div>Likewise, many families still sleep overnight in them, especially during the warmer months. However, our guide’s family doesn’t use his hut as much as they used to. As his kids have grown older they want their privacy and prefer spending time on the internet.<br /><br />The building of each family’s traditional hut is a community affair. Our guide told us that he’d recently rebuilt his own hut. The work was undertaken by the entire community and took five days to complete. In return, all he and his wife had to do was keep everyone fed and hydrated. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7JB89ie4GhkpU38T773y1xxVOtw8-1HnK2euq69RDZ_38lS4h7J7FxrSYHB4623J_pd67tMDvLcr7CCZEXEkuNnH00r6_uth5-R5NNlWe6KmlAdv64nt0557_5XAmGavrgp15CNF5bZapQGvt77fWXw0N02ZUlV8_31ftKfkIYMrm_gekRT3/s3848/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3848" data-original-width="2886" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7JB89ie4GhkpU38T773y1xxVOtw8-1HnK2euq69RDZ_38lS4h7J7FxrSYHB4623J_pd67tMDvLcr7CCZEXEkuNnH00r6_uth5-R5NNlWe6KmlAdv64nt0557_5XAmGavrgp15CNF5bZapQGvt77fWXw0N02ZUlV8_31ftKfkIYMrm_gekRT3/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One final fun fact. You can always tell which hut is owned by one of the three Grand Chiefs. Their hut has an entrance with a twin doorway. One door is for the exclusive use of the chief and his family. The second is used by visitors and local villagers coming to pay their respects. We saw one of these double door huts from the bus while driving to the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaGzYKKztQUVHUVtEjq1xmBYO3VihsRTQiUNVevjt6sv1rRIpUKb5k3aO2DWqvmtDmT_u2ojUcI0dnNsMigJxS8cEJHu7LIL4U0_8Y3Io3vZXTXgvJ6wPZlq7qbnOODonnqq4xAjwnOorwxibGg5bvNnOHLkTb3dwitebc4X_C9IavIRz-eR0/s3024/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaGzYKKztQUVHUVtEjq1xmBYO3VihsRTQiUNVevjt6sv1rRIpUKb5k3aO2DWqvmtDmT_u2ojUcI0dnNsMigJxS8cEJHu7LIL4U0_8Y3Io3vZXTXgvJ6wPZlq7qbnOODonnqq4xAjwnOorwxibGg5bvNnOHLkTb3dwitebc4X_C9IavIRz-eR0/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eTc85G74EAVFTM3ZcdhPjMkRgE9_ogQceg19qduVsPs8BrVT4aXu3cI-uFgFuv0YZUXb2T__rKxxWbEZLxctxNooa0zX4EhlMbPTj2Vcemq8aFDQO_WT3mteKmxaVlUO9_MntJ4kyCJbBj4CEHyrk21Uunwa6JjVfEg0ETaaD-TX_sgoyKK-/s4032/IMG_6182.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eTc85G74EAVFTM3ZcdhPjMkRgE9_ogQceg19qduVsPs8BrVT4aXu3cI-uFgFuv0YZUXb2T__rKxxWbEZLxctxNooa0zX4EhlMbPTj2Vcemq8aFDQO_WT3mteKmxaVlUO9_MntJ4kyCJbBj4CEHyrk21Uunwa6JjVfEg0ETaaD-TX_sgoyKK-/s320/IMG_6182.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGuemimu2TpMRwMQ7NJJHP4DSYI3grKsnQZFKl9849dMCdSc3Ed9wXwQ-8U61ZEuqbSTBNuzJh3f8kCOXha81_iy7prYiD_44H-aikHm3cXi74aGI2J1Mzo2tKhdrNMXpCKDgix5PQKjoXhXj_je4s8x_a35YYqweLyXabz_zGnFkYGWWatpO/s4032/IMG_6224.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGuemimu2TpMRwMQ7NJJHP4DSYI3grKsnQZFKl9849dMCdSc3Ed9wXwQ-8U61ZEuqbSTBNuzJh3f8kCOXha81_iy7prYiD_44H-aikHm3cXi74aGI2J1Mzo2tKhdrNMXpCKDgix5PQKjoXhXj_je4s8x_a35YYqweLyXabz_zGnFkYGWWatpO/s320/IMG_6224.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0Easo, New Caledonia-20.7778521 167.135154-20.78587687819762 167.12657093115234 -20.769827321802381 167.14373706884766tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-43869154987146815252024-01-04T17:48:00.021+11:002024-01-18T06:24:20.717+11:00Relics of war<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vme-h0J2hJudi8Jd9EVkg-gNibunzfi3rzI0Zf8x_AuMJsbtUAMoTIE0wx7BaIFUoCNMoWL-3DNuT2bBz_yLcSlINlIZCvwKYbyYNx8NHjnGABfOHAyb_VvRtNIW5Zyx-mqaJSjC9YcOXP5uqeFChWGpo6LBUmwG-Fl_Za96HXlzDKUQ99fn/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vme-h0J2hJudi8Jd9EVkg-gNibunzfi3rzI0Zf8x_AuMJsbtUAMoTIE0wx7BaIFUoCNMoWL-3DNuT2bBz_yLcSlINlIZCvwKYbyYNx8NHjnGABfOHAyb_VvRtNIW5Zyx-mqaJSjC9YcOXP5uqeFChWGpo6LBUmwG-Fl_Za96HXlzDKUQ99fn/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWCL45VsMA1C-opQ8iMKzs7xU0U_vffpQXnWHM_m5Z2KfM5EjGy27IBu9SNycRjdJ_pwk1EeX6UYXVs9hDnFSZfrnJ9Hyh6SUI-zkLz0EkekxkdbBcv1tW_6ahfM_sUQpkqQ3sqfygpF9Z3Jrp5E2m6_r46RWokLQ2Uachpuhr3h3gn_tTLB_/s4032/IMG_6053.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWCL45VsMA1C-opQ8iMKzs7xU0U_vffpQXnWHM_m5Z2KfM5EjGy27IBu9SNycRjdJ_pwk1EeX6UYXVs9hDnFSZfrnJ9Hyh6SUI-zkLz0EkekxkdbBcv1tW_6ahfM_sUQpkqQ3sqfygpF9Z3Jrp5E2m6_r46RWokLQ2Uachpuhr3h3gn_tTLB_/s320/IMG_6053.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today’s port of call was Luganville. Weeks ago Garry and I booked ourselves onto a local tour showcasing relics from the Second World War. Our research revealed that the island of Espiritu Santo became a front line logistics hub for the Americans as they initially fought to contain the Japanese and then later, liberate the neighbouring Solomon Islands.<div><div><br />Almost overnight Luganville was transformed into a massive forward base for the American forces. Known as Button Base, it included four separate airfields, five military hospitals, a seaplane base, pontoon wharf, a floating dry dock, a barracks village, and thousands of Quonset huts. At its peak the base hosted more than 100,000 troops, with more than a hundred vessels anchored in its deep and sheltered harbour. </div><div><br /></div><div>Building all of this infrastructure required tens of thousands of tonnes of equipment to be shipped to Luganville. By the end of the war, 9 million tonnes of equipment had been shipped there and over 500,000 servicemen and women had spent some time on Espiritu Santo.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOL_mGeXjUP1dHxtTegQuaHrqOXLD9k12YxfVUTlqrZEITif9xEp8QC51PFjoEMkLVXdCx2BF5eYNUHOoW8zUze0EVxm__iW6KhjlBOLtPoxAGRIHZ1q8V0MvfRfspxrzl8rGgseRpNK4yYIsv63Kgutsbh_wVTQL_wzhe3Cn-Urpj2jvIEzI/s3024/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOL_mGeXjUP1dHxtTegQuaHrqOXLD9k12YxfVUTlqrZEITif9xEp8QC51PFjoEMkLVXdCx2BF5eYNUHOoW8zUze0EVxm__iW6KhjlBOLtPoxAGRIHZ1q8V0MvfRfspxrzl8rGgseRpNK4yYIsv63Kgutsbh_wVTQL_wzhe3Cn-Urpj2jvIEzI/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi6UjHw1onQOocOImaSnkORqQ1Q24NEiFBfMCmJq4JQnQF_wlUIZY4t1ET2PCVlYgblK263QnSJ8UDKTHzflFcWSjUuKpUBiP262dm8Ja6g4OBEM6zDFGj2_IINmyVzCVU4IJXzVZ5dSzNDruNwNl5xTsRku3Mez7ocWALNuzqr-Vg0FEVWk8/s3121/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3121" data-original-width="2341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi6UjHw1onQOocOImaSnkORqQ1Q24NEiFBfMCmJq4JQnQF_wlUIZY4t1ET2PCVlYgblK263QnSJ8UDKTHzflFcWSjUuKpUBiP262dm8Ja6g4OBEM6zDFGj2_IINmyVzCVU4IJXzVZ5dSzNDruNwNl5xTsRku3Mez7ocWALNuzqr-Vg0FEVWk8/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today’s minivan tour introduced us to several infamous locations east of the township. This included a coral reef where the American troop carrier, SS President Coolidge, ran aground after hitting mines in the harbour on 26 October 1942. We were surprised to discover glass and pottery fragments from the shipwreck along the shoreline. The embossed base of bottles and pieces of crockery were clearly identifiable among the sand and coral remnants.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjlwnX_feWhfNAw1E40l5nmS_a-m563NMyvJkQDCZQmEl7u2UYCxFlCeLBK8z93FzBn01c669lugV_vhkS0Rhjkb_vAFOr5-TicfziO9M618-8C08OSwn41P6qh_PvtyMsRjoWGXS0ZtYzBF8SQ6E9b_UIQZ4C_9xSTqLCRryC1-ODTSSLIFt/s4032/IMG_6024.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjlwnX_feWhfNAw1E40l5nmS_a-m563NMyvJkQDCZQmEl7u2UYCxFlCeLBK8z93FzBn01c669lugV_vhkS0Rhjkb_vAFOr5-TicfziO9M618-8C08OSwn41P6qh_PvtyMsRjoWGXS0ZtYzBF8SQ6E9b_UIQZ4C_9xSTqLCRryC1-ODTSSLIFt/s320/IMG_6024.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh214H88r1H-PjExjAoWq55ByRfMy1UfW7SXoMkR6lhDUV5zQ6t5FuLMVarMSmX3tMSpoCZCDMYG7_pZjDOgltFnqqN-zZzg-cEo4KJZopOj6hyphenhyphenotpfORUjLS34v85w7qDmRAKD9_vqmfRb0sNBHGamXLds5HEiBjtNLtchSFzl4R4oeeMpEHAG/s1682/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1682" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh214H88r1H-PjExjAoWq55ByRfMy1UfW7SXoMkR6lhDUV5zQ6t5FuLMVarMSmX3tMSpoCZCDMYG7_pZjDOgltFnqqN-zZzg-cEo4KJZopOj6hyphenhyphenotpfORUjLS34v85w7qDmRAKD9_vqmfRb0sNBHGamXLds5HEiBjtNLtchSFzl4R4oeeMpEHAG/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our tour also visited the infamous Million Dollar Point. This landmark got its name after the Americans dumped millions of dollars worth of military equipment into the sea. As the Americans demobilised, its residual goods—everything from weaponry to bottles of Coca-Cola—were offered to the French and British at a very low price, 6 cents to the dollar. <div><br />However, the Europeans rejected the offer believing the U.S. military would ultimately have to leave everything behind for free. The Americans were not impressed. To spite the British and French, the army drove all of its vehicles, food, clothing, drinks, and other equipment to a temporary wharf on the southern coast of the island. </div><div><br />It then drove every vehicle into the sea, used bulldozers to dump the rest of its supplies over the edge of the wharf, and then drove the bulldozers into the sea. Over a two-day period, this insanely wilful act ensured that the Europeans never got their hands on the items, free or otherwise.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1LhFKXzyFxMSiohP2gG3jIO1qbHoez-EJR0xWISFCaDQrX8jfXiH2mY7FHc5JLNuPvw9nuPfgtharcJFopwyl_H8PsP0iMWZ302oqmTftD3atpZSqeeJWagLHYdkm-FrgX5Ou6uliDIGoCIdFJg21eyLSM4O960IuZer8-nDkjlkVzeN4DM4/s3861/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3861" data-original-width="2895" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1LhFKXzyFxMSiohP2gG3jIO1qbHoez-EJR0xWISFCaDQrX8jfXiH2mY7FHc5JLNuPvw9nuPfgtharcJFopwyl_H8PsP0iMWZ302oqmTftD3atpZSqeeJWagLHYdkm-FrgX5Ou6uliDIGoCIdFJg21eyLSM4O960IuZer8-nDkjlkVzeN4DM4/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-90d6i_C4mlcmc6E05CkfNZGLlU-qpemB701capBoUdohGnkZn6CcpuzX4qsTGQk5Jh2TZPrNVhY0EiPGMnFSZwp0R0swAvdjkD9GmpKqzMQ1A_eWP8SB0nxYdgGNji1F-FFdlxwCRAL8B2YfahpVQQhx34VkRyPJzuZJ7GTsGXJoSnPzqgx/s4032/IMG_5999.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-90d6i_C4mlcmc6E05CkfNZGLlU-qpemB701capBoUdohGnkZn6CcpuzX4qsTGQk5Jh2TZPrNVhY0EiPGMnFSZwp0R0swAvdjkD9GmpKqzMQ1A_eWP8SB0nxYdgGNji1F-FFdlxwCRAL8B2YfahpVQQhx34VkRyPJzuZJ7GTsGXJoSnPzqgx/s320/IMG_5999.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgtpnAbRbpoOnayQgVbQ9AubGFyBuI1V26n1lMGhajB2XGhOUxnEWcJwIdJ4ZqLJm_2tnPi3DcXQqRTxck25zxFGzKjgPjM9elzqDTMuw5mSShyaQ-pX39gq8w8U-G-pNXZvXpW5TIF3sosyN35aPyZiSJl_P56XxvUOeL_h8KwLGuPiHLslB/s4032/IMG_6002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgtpnAbRbpoOnayQgVbQ9AubGFyBuI1V26n1lMGhajB2XGhOUxnEWcJwIdJ4ZqLJm_2tnPi3DcXQqRTxck25zxFGzKjgPjM9elzqDTMuw5mSShyaQ-pX39gq8w8U-G-pNXZvXpW5TIF3sosyN35aPyZiSJl_P56XxvUOeL_h8KwLGuPiHLslB/s320/IMG_6002.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>Today, the rusting remnants of this mechanical graveyard lie scattered along the shoreline and in the pounding surf. It’s probably one of the oddest war relics I’ve ever encountered. During our visit to the point, we saw a few cruise passengers on another tour snorkelling around the rusting hulks located ten metres or so offshore. We also discovered dozens of miniature hermit crabs crawling through the shoreline wreckage. These tiny creatures have dull green shells and are less than a centimetre long.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1y1qwAf67DfnFEVL4PmOEIuyfdA-T5kRbXEYw4xKG_S-aWDFyIvScgQyguBJLoYaFNrFokfd-wIufmCUb2TXs9e8qz9PQq3qsOgS3H4vOI13UpfDUO_CTsLBOfIzFseOvdppnTMTFocY9yX2g7q9Gy8TERvNHLhVLBY92pMGvN6wP7VvMywa/s3774/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2830" data-original-width="3774" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1y1qwAf67DfnFEVL4PmOEIuyfdA-T5kRbXEYw4xKG_S-aWDFyIvScgQyguBJLoYaFNrFokfd-wIufmCUb2TXs9e8qz9PQq3qsOgS3H4vOI13UpfDUO_CTsLBOfIzFseOvdppnTMTFocY9yX2g7q9Gy8TERvNHLhVLBY92pMGvN6wP7VvMywa/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTvpGHle4sjlEPT9GkxtsyQ7HNqfqkVJ61rQE_mkBOmE6KJ3A-iXG11hTq8cxmp_ING78LSLKIWrmlGJMA7L7epm2QYUG361V1JnyyAiqJgT8FFPEUYOLRPNibpuqjNqid29LsTtyXXxFubFlcvC2nanOGEaMW9XP0oZcQiZAqLyhy2DN75Il/s3599/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3599" data-original-width="2699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTvpGHle4sjlEPT9GkxtsyQ7HNqfqkVJ61rQE_mkBOmE6KJ3A-iXG11hTq8cxmp_ING78LSLKIWrmlGJMA7L7epm2QYUG361V1JnyyAiqJgT8FFPEUYOLRPNibpuqjNqid29LsTtyXXxFubFlcvC2nanOGEaMW9XP0oZcQiZAqLyhy2DN75Il/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-CHiVspT-w-_1pNSR4F1CFc1zHdQ91-H5Kq-SNXKW1FJfpRpRLEG3lM6nNQeWLulQJ3xhBZqD_fXHBbL-0R6vj-hbJbRCpW1p7f77L7Mu-wFITlZF2BYxjICjl9iQG2cczka4eU9_xpHjEGHIUiFwCWy7Oet3MComdFffY6wc9W1IQMp0UBL/s3735/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="3735" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-CHiVspT-w-_1pNSR4F1CFc1zHdQ91-H5Kq-SNXKW1FJfpRpRLEG3lM6nNQeWLulQJ3xhBZqD_fXHBbL-0R6vj-hbJbRCpW1p7f77L7Mu-wFITlZF2BYxjICjl9iQG2cczka4eU9_xpHjEGHIUiFwCWy7Oet3MComdFffY6wc9W1IQMp0UBL/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our tour guide was a fascinating woman. She’s the descendant of an Australian black birding victim. She shared the story of how her great-grandfather returned from his time as an indentured servant, bringing the Christian faith with him to her home island of Ambae.<br /><br />After the tour, we stopped to listen to a local group playing native musical instruments on the dock. They were raising funds for disabled members of the local community. We’d seen several of these instruments on display in the National Museum yesterday so it was awesome to finally hear them being played. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ayWq5b15KTBZ4VO-6kT0DOvelWXelbCgqFHC0PIBXFEDX_3Vfss3aclJAIG3NAxh1cMkXAET-wZuPydiOK44gTM5Up9ulHRjO-ySJrhLLobjKrBdvRL9cOzSThzIQDT4BbaNdcyQhvBmM0jLixOm1LeRpU5DW6OcqoyEMfPeEcKkFJ3ZkYHa/s4032/IMG_6049.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ayWq5b15KTBZ4VO-6kT0DOvelWXelbCgqFHC0PIBXFEDX_3Vfss3aclJAIG3NAxh1cMkXAET-wZuPydiOK44gTM5Up9ulHRjO-ySJrhLLobjKrBdvRL9cOzSThzIQDT4BbaNdcyQhvBmM0jLixOm1LeRpU5DW6OcqoyEMfPeEcKkFJ3ZkYHa/s320/IMG_6049.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: 7 January</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were scheduled to visit Mystery Island after our day in Luganville. However, a medical emergency onboard our ship saw us skip this port. You can read more about our revised itinerary <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/drama-on-high-seas.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">here</span></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-51892117077510046792024-01-03T16:13:00.017+11:002024-01-13T10:32:18.335+11:00Port Vila<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4w92wVqsmp9rlldKlFwEe9cCCgfxvKbOGoTUVN9RJ9Ziv1kzZHHCglWEwYEunfZEt-TfRkLfYZvdhU_HYJoGxHdMQ8xkMrAa4kveOc2YJejCLnR_wygtwUF-hY1lvIv7PbbcY6KEZc7e8d23MJdmvSw5JUhJBgNTvg70VlFqwqrOINBa0xY/s4032/IMG_5846.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4w92wVqsmp9rlldKlFwEe9cCCgfxvKbOGoTUVN9RJ9Ziv1kzZHHCglWEwYEunfZEt-TfRkLfYZvdhU_HYJoGxHdMQ8xkMrAa4kveOc2YJejCLnR_wygtwUF-hY1lvIv7PbbcY6KEZc7e8d23MJdmvSw5JUhJBgNTvg70VlFqwqrOINBa0xY/s320/IMG_5846.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgq96OHm4dqI1e-cDCp-UgCpgcV_UPp0cGcAF2lbyHQLrpxXBt8q40huCzAT14Ve4AmwGU46deY8YtvoNtxamxigpCXEjtLTcErZoVGJQUg5YOPWhi7CezSWKxePHjk3qvZ5aYkdwaamChrQZgcZXDGkobg7tWU4VlDSk1zvL5r2PFtYOFTh3/s4032/IMG_5848.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgq96OHm4dqI1e-cDCp-UgCpgcV_UPp0cGcAF2lbyHQLrpxXBt8q40huCzAT14Ve4AmwGU46deY8YtvoNtxamxigpCXEjtLTcErZoVGJQUg5YOPWhi7CezSWKxePHjk3qvZ5aYkdwaamChrQZgcZXDGkobg7tWU4VlDSk1zvL5r2PFtYOFTh3/s320/IMG_5848.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVHyPAkMai56X88Nt_qUJoeOr-Dl-ZFWvHXtEzoPeQP11l2b2EDNewo3V_XL_CgDPsTZvkOfG1W0fE33DFK9bof58DyzWDbaDZJi_oarQv7qov2gQ7H0FcroNHIK4zkl1KC74EhW1wD_Tos-6Nu6EXYvUqzNKIqD1mpDMVEj-QpiqYxEKvm_Y/s4032/IMG_5851.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVHyPAkMai56X88Nt_qUJoeOr-Dl-ZFWvHXtEzoPeQP11l2b2EDNewo3V_XL_CgDPsTZvkOfG1W0fE33DFK9bof58DyzWDbaDZJi_oarQv7qov2gQ7H0FcroNHIK4zkl1KC74EhW1wD_Tos-6Nu6EXYvUqzNKIqD1mpDMVEj-QpiqYxEKvm_Y/s320/IMG_5851.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUUgvJOR0WjZK70Uhyphenhyphen-Q9oYdJ0xx3SKU9LognWCQoHuGo_Ir8ViQCBcU2Ok_Ez4bOmwM5Xz1_-YEN9pE0vdfpgPvNKeUHYCXfKHsuIaaM3mSH4N8nc_LPVkWo5q_WWKChWvz_mMlFOnZyR8i1CTGmqk_3mnsbo6IlMyVZx8lhSuGmcoUU1j_9/s4032/IMG_5842.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUUgvJOR0WjZK70Uhyphenhyphen-Q9oYdJ0xx3SKU9LognWCQoHuGo_Ir8ViQCBcU2Ok_Ez4bOmwM5Xz1_-YEN9pE0vdfpgPvNKeUHYCXfKHsuIaaM3mSH4N8nc_LPVkWo5q_WWKChWvz_mMlFOnZyR8i1CTGmqk_3mnsbo6IlMyVZx8lhSuGmcoUU1j_9/s320/IMG_5842.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />This morning we sailed into Port Vila harbour, our first destination in Vanuatu. The day dawned clear and sunny with barely a cloud in the sky. The harbour itself is an intimate affair. Its vivid blue waters are enclosed on three sides by lush green, bush-clad hills and are sheltered from the open sea by a series of low-lying peninsulas and islands.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ufoRouYU6DunmcDgpb5yjh549RLh15ep-vT1azPoKRZsCC6IHCCJmMhYaJuvFjMbToB_mERdStzYjRpCoScqDSgi8gBz8R4xpBbyIkNN7qZ25leMhb0_ahwHmVHnH_1tnbhW_2oQUBgQkV7UyMCAisyOGaS5QNg0nnEe7c3DcKuAGo7Qhs2i/s4032/IMG_5860.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ufoRouYU6DunmcDgpb5yjh549RLh15ep-vT1azPoKRZsCC6IHCCJmMhYaJuvFjMbToB_mERdStzYjRpCoScqDSgi8gBz8R4xpBbyIkNN7qZ25leMhb0_ahwHmVHnH_1tnbhW_2oQUBgQkV7UyMCAisyOGaS5QNg0nnEe7c3DcKuAGo7Qhs2i/s320/IMG_5860.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Garry and I had pre-booked a local minivan tour of Port Vila weeks ago. This proved an excellent decision. It appears that every tour operator in town uses an minivan. Shortly after docking we were stunned to see a minivan traffic jam forming along the port’s access road. I counted at least 50 vehicles, with more arriving continuously. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our tour guide collected us shortly after 11:15am and drove us into town. As we drove along she pointed out many of the local facilities including schools, hospitals, municipal buildings and the like. It was fascinating to learn how much infrastructure had been built with assistance from the Chinese government.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fm9sWXEL4WocBIBqyaDRQNdS5GG7FQxnU4tcxS6aQG4qOzAumtVWQsQxzS9BpNktpJkVDWPY8IHGMNmy2Dq8-X0ZG7_fb1OEv8571z9ngM_OKOnxT3UXGFwFwsJLnTJ0TTuRpDkLwL5gW5RNtUa4uUwYIkoronlRs9LjmA_l6xc2wuUH4kpn/s4032/IMG_5872.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fm9sWXEL4WocBIBqyaDRQNdS5GG7FQxnU4tcxS6aQG4qOzAumtVWQsQxzS9BpNktpJkVDWPY8IHGMNmy2Dq8-X0ZG7_fb1OEv8571z9ngM_OKOnxT3UXGFwFwsJLnTJ0TTuRpDkLwL5gW5RNtUa4uUwYIkoronlRs9LjmA_l6xc2wuUH4kpn/s320/IMG_5872.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvFSzQLPHVlXlOthTY_JxjdfJfdIpdUME2w9GIOHN-rHEi5zdchyphenhypheno68DXwC8hiqtUPOQILokfu7nZUYS6Q2osS2N93gaVq_5D1k1WBljchEXOlZe3nfvGIsg3Asqa8JRgcrb8kxhKMiOZMXTMPbyfSegAx1iFHvan2F-uMd_qt4H_4o110t8X/s3027/IMG_5876.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2270" data-original-width="3027" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvFSzQLPHVlXlOthTY_JxjdfJfdIpdUME2w9GIOHN-rHEi5zdchyphenhypheno68DXwC8hiqtUPOQILokfu7nZUYS6Q2osS2N93gaVq_5D1k1WBljchEXOlZe3nfvGIsg3Asqa8JRgcrb8kxhKMiOZMXTMPbyfSegAx1iFHvan2F-uMd_qt4H_4o110t8X/s320/IMG_5876.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PQm-8w96l9E" width="320" youtube-src-id="PQm-8w96l9E"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our first stop, opposite the national Parliament, was the National Museum. Here we watched a fascinating demonstration of Melanesian sand drawing, an increasingly rare form of tribal communication. Each drawing is traced in the sand in one continuous flowing motion and depicts common island objects like squid, or universal concepts such as love, peace and kinship.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJHY7DdIOT7AUIh9LAnT76JNbQlCSwI9GAikNxJV9ls41gwoeFq8o5B4QEjalLalfr0O9HaS0t62pK622p8RPSjJdlXuseQLdeyamyBvnmLBGsFmPGIec_xaAH_3wAk7e7NsTBYc8FdzEyW_r6xEpiwr6pum_yeS58WUw3z5JOdBR1ENhG7L/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJHY7DdIOT7AUIh9LAnT76JNbQlCSwI9GAikNxJV9ls41gwoeFq8o5B4QEjalLalfr0O9HaS0t62pK622p8RPSjJdlXuseQLdeyamyBvnmLBGsFmPGIec_xaAH_3wAk7e7NsTBYc8FdzEyW_r6xEpiwr6pum_yeS58WUw3z5JOdBR1ENhG7L/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY75dV45lMm6nBlAr5BlIGnPRnnMlwM3Q9o0Zudderb3tqaEEzk_DoN8yqz1oGceILLqurehb3pvRX08SUdr6VbUgHnmZrCvL9KlqQLtCNvme8n_9GoSaIOM9DEnNVTWnsXN0IS1-RvJCe_9fWlDn3DWsSCLxeyzIQMRPASw2iCtmCcqHt5ZGd/s4032/IMG_5893.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY75dV45lMm6nBlAr5BlIGnPRnnMlwM3Q9o0Zudderb3tqaEEzk_DoN8yqz1oGceILLqurehb3pvRX08SUdr6VbUgHnmZrCvL9KlqQLtCNvme8n_9GoSaIOM9DEnNVTWnsXN0IS1-RvJCe_9fWlDn3DWsSCLxeyzIQMRPASw2iCtmCcqHt5ZGd/s320/IMG_5893.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLQPvgyI0__sD-61KYn1fa0ec4DANeI2Unp1hctKrE5DU80cOFjT2gacwLeN9e_Cbupn-06FzoAh6INiUqRsJDg9f5aVHAf6V4OQbFrybsyE6OsMjoKKdJulCXaHroqbZTP0kMMU4B4kQ8aFA6JlkGwEm8VRbePqZM_KkXs5gtPjgf-sU_q9Q/s4032/IMG_5898.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLQPvgyI0__sD-61KYn1fa0ec4DANeI2Unp1hctKrE5DU80cOFjT2gacwLeN9e_Cbupn-06FzoAh6INiUqRsJDg9f5aVHAf6V4OQbFrybsyE6OsMjoKKdJulCXaHroqbZTP0kMMU4B4kQ8aFA6JlkGwEm8VRbePqZM_KkXs5gtPjgf-sU_q9Q/s320/IMG_5898.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GGvQaojMl8JfYlIPH9NZs8LqPKQYdcHaD0Vvm5eBP3VksiNgZIL3PwzqOFxr4C-3gPKV3072JTjvaDyj6zh1_ywwJZTCNUv3Wstvek40lKEaTgwUvKqXhZ-cBXRiX6EwwgV8nxVmS-QGxoXOCjANO3Yxxu4PY7u_3p3vnoft05YkAxTFZMiQ/s4032/IMG_5907.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GGvQaojMl8JfYlIPH9NZs8LqPKQYdcHaD0Vvm5eBP3VksiNgZIL3PwzqOFxr4C-3gPKV3072JTjvaDyj6zh1_ywwJZTCNUv3Wstvek40lKEaTgwUvKqXhZ-cBXRiX6EwwgV8nxVmS-QGxoXOCjANO3Yxxu4PY7u_3p3vnoft05YkAxTFZMiQ/s320/IMG_5907.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Our tour guide then left us wander through the museum’s rather dusty and ramshackle exhibits. Once again, it was the colourful totem poles that caught our attention while elsewhere, forlorn glass cases displayed vibrant masks from some of Vanuatu’s 83 inhabited islands. We also learned that the diverging white band on the national flag reflects the archipelago’s “Y-shaped” island chains.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9DRZ9WMOBA7oszSjsBnoCuNU0gr6XubqVPm6viXTEBgIC7Mqv7o6xRN47vbowavSLvl44YTw3TGFG1NFFVemnMp2y2bKaesziLRgA5mdXjo8YAytyMowbOqWvBI_WQjOdiZliaEuk03jA79G2HIQTYLmHadV9vmB5UUiYGCihSsY3hgif311/s4032/IMG_5925.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9DRZ9WMOBA7oszSjsBnoCuNU0gr6XubqVPm6viXTEBgIC7Mqv7o6xRN47vbowavSLvl44YTw3TGFG1NFFVemnMp2y2bKaesziLRgA5mdXjo8YAytyMowbOqWvBI_WQjOdiZliaEuk03jA79G2HIQTYLmHadV9vmB5UUiYGCihSsY3hgif311/s320/IMG_5925.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSArcQlU275BCs-uyK5N6wP-PohkrtxO1v8bZnMlCbiip8ijCiGZlhe9gnseIwSt1Axw-mhJYmT0o8lwc8eNzhP56mSDxZsNkTPAvpSQJrJSCzA4ZYvfQfIqE-leoC8ZUnMyzEhTL1uzjngvhgiqFSRWVOtsoAsjwA2HeUM4W8rsYGon4NF0S/s3458/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2594" data-original-width="3458" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSArcQlU275BCs-uyK5N6wP-PohkrtxO1v8bZnMlCbiip8ijCiGZlhe9gnseIwSt1Axw-mhJYmT0o8lwc8eNzhP56mSDxZsNkTPAvpSQJrJSCzA4ZYvfQfIqE-leoC8ZUnMyzEhTL1uzjngvhgiqFSRWVOtsoAsjwA2HeUM4W8rsYGon4NF0S/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0bW2Bc7NH1HhLsfJhnEAXmKAigRxs57AbdT_eekwS5zSK5KwoD8T-BYwb4oaEqBDxwZYOH-XVn-ObPGkHfMDnKgIWFU8HMjTWgjoHy2xxpxjS9MXXROVQ3HWxOWa1pO3_7OomMSxjYS3o587JwzEKL1zutpsAAm83cuhkNPNN4_leR4WlKud/s4032/IMG_5918.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0bW2Bc7NH1HhLsfJhnEAXmKAigRxs57AbdT_eekwS5zSK5KwoD8T-BYwb4oaEqBDxwZYOH-XVn-ObPGkHfMDnKgIWFU8HMjTWgjoHy2xxpxjS9MXXROVQ3HWxOWa1pO3_7OomMSxjYS3o587JwzEKL1zutpsAAm83cuhkNPNN4_leR4WlKud/s320/IMG_5918.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_aY8rSF9qha8UylH3wA4rUybvpHPfSFewxX1W1xohF0EPNjxvn4fCkIclC6y5Iy_AiMtYY9epvdNcXhhxUgZuhbDr4SM8NCfZCHwzDfG3GmHWRETm3B1mxpwb4okovKM3X9lc57gIL1upMsvUWt_ZDxNVapUSyvtoDav04bPyqsdQiSa3T0L/s4032/IMG_5917.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_aY8rSF9qha8UylH3wA4rUybvpHPfSFewxX1W1xohF0EPNjxvn4fCkIclC6y5Iy_AiMtYY9epvdNcXhhxUgZuhbDr4SM8NCfZCHwzDfG3GmHWRETm3B1mxpwb4okovKM3X9lc57gIL1upMsvUWt_ZDxNVapUSyvtoDav04bPyqsdQiSa3T0L/s320/IMG_5917.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our next stop was the national war memorial perched on the crest of ridge overlooking the township. Here we took in a picturesque harbour view, and caught glimpses of the National Reserve Bank and Prime Minister’s office nearby. Interestingly, Vanuatu also celebrates ANZAC Day every April.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlMukJ51FDiovsLo6TrqWQOMZYTwyUdwzUW-yZHJ_xLwgVYVi20mMejbUOW0r6z8Z-bf3oM0Q1QzEEEo5mr2mHz5qxZR65Dx61wf6Qx0kSe1r1W_RiTtoPCV08Odmt54XifaWiaKZ71oAKWmikoxlmYtxVwsPjXX8gk2GWLzx1zIuYdzovekr/s4032/IMG_5931.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlMukJ51FDiovsLo6TrqWQOMZYTwyUdwzUW-yZHJ_xLwgVYVi20mMejbUOW0r6z8Z-bf3oM0Q1QzEEEo5mr2mHz5qxZR65Dx61wf6Qx0kSe1r1W_RiTtoPCV08Odmt54XifaWiaKZ71oAKWmikoxlmYtxVwsPjXX8gk2GWLzx1zIuYdzovekr/s320/IMG_5931.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcOf_PBeDlR7BbuWSn02Qvcm212TC6WUIyTDXUjbDnqYWhzIMmwJxnNYTgjaGr3VVdV2N65m0z4H8R1eYpMnK56MsqaIGg31w98wDRVShvmRt0Gco8-4gLSHezm7Js3M0KvAUpl6-YodCjOOK8WjIRfEp1VY1VTR-EmS0zZXeUwAODT6poAPd/s3532/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3532" data-original-width="2649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcOf_PBeDlR7BbuWSn02Qvcm212TC6WUIyTDXUjbDnqYWhzIMmwJxnNYTgjaGr3VVdV2N65m0z4H8R1eYpMnK56MsqaIGg31w98wDRVShvmRt0Gco8-4gLSHezm7Js3M0KvAUpl6-YodCjOOK8WjIRfEp1VY1VTR-EmS0zZXeUwAODT6poAPd/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyaq0nOreyxF3J0i1bW6uC9Rz_T2ucJldX3TW8ovWwDfrTNFFoWX-M8amL1QQwEur-UKPEbz0BmMDkNDBnwFopfm7pmLtFChIGx-ioMGRwCWdmlfFozlD_nnQw7eQC78JZoHYPQCeeC2YzKyeBFNjTPNrni1tF0cK2qaSHPwISp5nPDaKrGzz/s3663/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3663" data-original-width="2747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyaq0nOreyxF3J0i1bW6uC9Rz_T2ucJldX3TW8ovWwDfrTNFFoWX-M8amL1QQwEur-UKPEbz0BmMDkNDBnwFopfm7pmLtFChIGx-ioMGRwCWdmlfFozlD_nnQw7eQC78JZoHYPQCeeC2YzKyeBFNjTPNrni1tF0cK2qaSHPwISp5nPDaKrGzz/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dtr_6YiDTcjtI38Xdcs5-LcVTYgGGkU2AUrrA-Vs4lKAhpWF5aAnJNjPEAT_q3uUjHWxbYWdikodYgyPHwZ4VFD-l878c4k9Z7Iw2hyphenhyphenWdyOKK83d8a5Wp6aY6Z_PbZMg0Y0-XFjG-bJZ2k1lDeHFByUMw23NJXJJ7iu5C1ehM0loWh0KEzy9/s3885/IMG_5936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="3885" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dtr_6YiDTcjtI38Xdcs5-LcVTYgGGkU2AUrrA-Vs4lKAhpWF5aAnJNjPEAT_q3uUjHWxbYWdikodYgyPHwZ4VFD-l878c4k9Z7Iw2hyphenhyphenWdyOKK83d8a5Wp6aY6Z_PbZMg0Y0-XFjG-bJZ2k1lDeHFByUMw23NJXJJ7iu5C1ehM0loWh0KEzy9/s320/IMG_5936.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our final stop of the day took us down to the waterfront. We spent an hour wandering through the markets and soaking in some of the local vibe. Aside from the classic tourist traps, the waterfront is also home to a massive food hall, set up in a style akin to that of Singapore’s popular hawker markets. It seemed to be a popular gathering place for many of the locals and the smells drifting from many kitchen cubicles were mouth watering to say the least.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXV7iRumxQQ-DTM4VuJ1Qo4Zq7TaL-KiT6LYh6ZvfEHG5JKZObqJ-unG4o4WzAYBjO5IemyS7iwH9cwP9pX8jd7GmoNv5ACldF_UAJFwQED_UX3ObYxlMIjwYHF8qbobK1yIGBPgPyLJ0dbFCa16qRqxv4ngnFGcHjCZWL6N-RfLLClpkpDhX/s2603/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="2603" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXV7iRumxQQ-DTM4VuJ1Qo4Zq7TaL-KiT6LYh6ZvfEHG5JKZObqJ-unG4o4WzAYBjO5IemyS7iwH9cwP9pX8jd7GmoNv5ACldF_UAJFwQED_UX3ObYxlMIjwYHF8qbobK1yIGBPgPyLJ0dbFCa16qRqxv4ngnFGcHjCZWL6N-RfLLClpkpDhX/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo-KfUML8Mit7E3HEdnIieDiiGPPe1u_cTd_D7CbiKrPxA56QpFPEoWwrUXE9q_Wc1PsKCDVmLFOhcwllAOZFX6NqkkCFHnzVuSvAWXUHr0kWPqWlEde3hyDLkupTmopWGVAJ0grFJ6016WinzvmJR575rAe_qDgZ2HT1WNjPXrtG1Yuh6c4u/s4032/IMG_5855.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo-KfUML8Mit7E3HEdnIieDiiGPPe1u_cTd_D7CbiKrPxA56QpFPEoWwrUXE9q_Wc1PsKCDVmLFOhcwllAOZFX6NqkkCFHnzVuSvAWXUHr0kWPqWlEde3hyDLkupTmopWGVAJ0grFJ6016WinzvmJR575rAe_qDgZ2HT1WNjPXrtG1Yuh6c4u/s320/IMG_5855.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxUeHhgsXInv6lKEwcCGrr2v4y3D3gMfpksB7tZf9OIOqKqF1NpemkZyLoWqG27XtlQJtvWvXoEJDZBFsvYUT8XZoVpgh17g44Gv_R3TB-SFxyA4bVhd6wdEzdJadQ0oABOW-tWokZmxWUii2Tz_ASwmh5jSryiyTjBdvldyLoqnVjeTSZw4/s4032/IMG_5957.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxUeHhgsXInv6lKEwcCGrr2v4y3D3gMfpksB7tZf9OIOqKqF1NpemkZyLoWqG27XtlQJtvWvXoEJDZBFsvYUT8XZoVpgh17g44Gv_R3TB-SFxyA4bVhd6wdEzdJadQ0oABOW-tWokZmxWUii2Tz_ASwmh5jSryiyTjBdvldyLoqnVjeTSZw4/s320/IMG_5957.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Follow this link as we explore <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/relics-of-war.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Luganville</span></a>, the next stop on our cruise in Vanuatu.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-87290856378126698442024-01-02T17:58:00.015+11:002024-03-04T21:17:32.165+11:00Nouvelle Calédonie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2kDrvVoc-Kp0v2FkeafZBopglljgojH61zvV65BOXReSsgguoAGP5K0kyRiVMt8H3KIMY2HFbMHt_RydeumWvuQuy3AH0eacxtRbVBlhwoGcA4Tx13nVRKc4cIWy84DSTFdPh4MQ6SrzGzVO9iKxiH8yNKuY87nITlc7M7EnkBjI2DsGrJN1/s4032/IMG_5764.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2kDrvVoc-Kp0v2FkeafZBopglljgojH61zvV65BOXReSsgguoAGP5K0kyRiVMt8H3KIMY2HFbMHt_RydeumWvuQuy3AH0eacxtRbVBlhwoGcA4Tx13nVRKc4cIWy84DSTFdPh4MQ6SrzGzVO9iKxiH8yNKuY87nITlc7M7EnkBjI2DsGrJN1/s320/IMG_5764.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUa_ZknPdNao4tLkNhOlr4aZYWF-tw2SnB_wmEp4q40kb2RW-DoGmTcmZ_yKMn8ONppY4FdaBH1jN0GeTK4W3S9i-5CtNn5dK1JXy2NR6_hOjw3YzzcXZ5hiM6SLu_PIpYL60fEPeROoDD9ZTE9nQNvyE6PWyli2JlJxOJaYLu0o74mmey9Ar/s4032/IMG_5672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUa_ZknPdNao4tLkNhOlr4aZYWF-tw2SnB_wmEp4q40kb2RW-DoGmTcmZ_yKMn8ONppY4FdaBH1jN0GeTK4W3S9i-5CtNn5dK1JXy2NR6_hOjw3YzzcXZ5hiM6SLu_PIpYL60fEPeROoDD9ZTE9nQNvyE6PWyli2JlJxOJaYLu0o74mmey9Ar/s320/IMG_5672.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDKcsi9rqH_iDfsdIKybnjOImzKKbh3QHBC9c3tBmE6-d_N4fUp2hyphenhyphenxfVjG0nCZPgOwV5ZRZoa4x2kA02ee9RbgFa-n6AD9BpAa0ZFCNNDF1UIKspiWIAxyIBMX7lNUQbD1TEyBrbOPLtF_qbm8bZhpcj0KP90xQ8rHDehhBndzUWBugzu8Pl/s4032/IMG_5678.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDKcsi9rqH_iDfsdIKybnjOImzKKbh3QHBC9c3tBmE6-d_N4fUp2hyphenhyphenxfVjG0nCZPgOwV5ZRZoa4x2kA02ee9RbgFa-n6AD9BpAa0ZFCNNDF1UIKspiWIAxyIBMX7lNUQbD1TEyBrbOPLtF_qbm8bZhpcj0KP90xQ8rHDehhBndzUWBugzu8Pl/s320/IMG_5678.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdADtm1ZaXqRzPxanQuATagZaqhDir1Kyfw2yxTwNCPanhHi-bQ31bpfAg_v2XNBCKabQQRjUzoGK-6akoqteWzVpJQng_IIxWE52qmVWvAD_xjBJv-Q4fDtW2lKfF5APwZgJsfdAKbl4M_ER4G_ttGkcJbl_t5re8ygUJWB3dT6OgK0YlMhzE/s4032/IMG_5611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdADtm1ZaXqRzPxanQuATagZaqhDir1Kyfw2yxTwNCPanhHi-bQ31bpfAg_v2XNBCKabQQRjUzoGK-6akoqteWzVpJQng_IIxWE52qmVWvAD_xjBJv-Q4fDtW2lKfF5APwZgJsfdAKbl4M_ER4G_ttGkcJbl_t5re8ygUJWB3dT6OgK0YlMhzE/s320/IMG_5611.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We’ve been enjoying the highlights of Noumea today. We spent an all too brief stop in the capital of New Caledonia visiting three of its most popular sights on a whirlwind 2.5 hour bus tour. Our boat docked at 7:30am before sailing again shortly after 3:30pm. <br /><br />Garry and I disembarked early to spend an hour wandering through the centre of town before joining the bus tour. Our walk took us past Place des Cocotiers (which translates as Coconut Tree Square), past the rather forlorn City Market and Fish Market before making our way back along the waterfront.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_qmJkY8XmHK0MRWFLSPX2vKlKosmITBo8e6x8i_PHLst0zgJW1AOlLl3YKw0m_bBD2KvogZ-NsK23Cj13i03j7-ru8raWk3Tg2dZED874orMOBY-8RulFxJZgkf38hEWei3R04K6mTgsrFMYAwtUO9m6x17wx4eID-4hyRnWyt5l2vsBQOKU/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_qmJkY8XmHK0MRWFLSPX2vKlKosmITBo8e6x8i_PHLst0zgJW1AOlLl3YKw0m_bBD2KvogZ-NsK23Cj13i03j7-ru8raWk3Tg2dZED874orMOBY-8RulFxJZgkf38hEWei3R04K6mTgsrFMYAwtUO9m6x17wx4eID-4hyRnWyt5l2vsBQOKU/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2JxeN-abTRCOy6d82DY64KpJctHHphN9EXfSp6pklIwQZOBZHED76Gbe-wzzdpQi_EpoJuQRBlB4vtuhPVj_Zu7IZb0L5WLcp5eZrfASgUKek98uirkmrPS27cabayPv11DZkZohoYYXuu6SmJ5EePnB3JdbDu-0IoxLf7TXWm3BuNydebKe/s4032/IMG_5616.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2JxeN-abTRCOy6d82DY64KpJctHHphN9EXfSp6pklIwQZOBZHED76Gbe-wzzdpQi_EpoJuQRBlB4vtuhPVj_Zu7IZb0L5WLcp5eZrfASgUKek98uirkmrPS27cabayPv11DZkZohoYYXuu6SmJ5EePnB3JdbDu-0IoxLf7TXWm3BuNydebKe/s320/IMG_5616.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Place des Cocotiers features several landmarks including a white marble fountain adored with a classic white marble goddess. However, it’s newest addition, unveiled in June 2022, is a statue depicting a famous handshake between Karnak separatist leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou and loyalist Caldoche leader Jacques Lafleur that sealed the French-brokered Matignon Accords. This agreement brought to a close decades of often violent conflict between the territory’s indigenous and settler communities.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCf7qktZ0vPfzxYZ6Jc0CyOp5XRuY9Ftj6HIW3mE06JfLMMJ5RjEuv5nu-Nr0uHIbjWIWoq2klmfFiHkSus5oydNSwdsJQa96MM-PFGlFkFrFiu9I8yY0VahV9IZVTp6Q90ms1RKoJxmSVQ3GXMgRi9ju79rrs0xX2WyvBUOdfW7W_74-ISWj/s3679/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3679" data-original-width="2759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCf7qktZ0vPfzxYZ6Jc0CyOp5XRuY9Ftj6HIW3mE06JfLMMJ5RjEuv5nu-Nr0uHIbjWIWoq2klmfFiHkSus5oydNSwdsJQa96MM-PFGlFkFrFiu9I8yY0VahV9IZVTp6Q90ms1RKoJxmSVQ3GXMgRi9ju79rrs0xX2WyvBUOdfW7W_74-ISWj/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifizobmqz45kSqsRZj2Low-MFgcMaDg9yq7c-NN3puTuAWR5UQbwdhits7XsgIqb8xTgsGsku_Rp8xZ2t2vPpWxidiuXOKDZ-CAgE_UdGwb8cwrQxBwMuEGE_bnXkasmmafUu9M3CyaywKPPV6HqyU0aTpdDB4u2tXeEwEX4bVEpOq-AxNYlIc/s4032/IMG_5637.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifizobmqz45kSqsRZj2Low-MFgcMaDg9yq7c-NN3puTuAWR5UQbwdhits7XsgIqb8xTgsGsku_Rp8xZ2t2vPpWxidiuXOKDZ-CAgE_UdGwb8cwrQxBwMuEGE_bnXkasmmafUu9M3CyaywKPPV6HqyU0aTpdDB4u2tXeEwEX4bVEpOq-AxNYlIc/s320/IMG_5637.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4WR32DJTqr_TtoM6DqCkvqG3ifuTHH5hGCFWMpxH07DN5rpsB8aMJW45_6fKpQ2vRM8hEwsA1pU8pAwfzhjPvRHZ47KfmRkVimmnHVGsF34wN3aERiHbd0BCPTVswhldag8xZrk75P3GT-QnVuUxQ-_3djhFZQUVoYLOIXTX_j4gy7vjQ5S/s3536/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3536" data-original-width="2652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4WR32DJTqr_TtoM6DqCkvqG3ifuTHH5hGCFWMpxH07DN5rpsB8aMJW45_6fKpQ2vRM8hEwsA1pU8pAwfzhjPvRHZ47KfmRkVimmnHVGsF34wN3aERiHbd0BCPTVswhldag8xZrk75P3GT-QnVuUxQ-_3djhFZQUVoYLOIXTX_j4gy7vjQ5S/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOSjaejPqh_it4COHAsKvHGzT1uf8CsL_GWncKhVPsIPFAkBwxes8LeRQi8udnXX5DmgaVnLIn-JJmsWs73kxvmGQBTplPh_So0f1G77V1MBb2BtWyU4DuPG6cGjXM3HfjgWCa34vcrlatT5r-2dWOhqlcPF9cZRqp1H2AHEQ7Lbsx6WUgfGM/s4032/IMG_5633.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOSjaejPqh_it4COHAsKvHGzT1uf8CsL_GWncKhVPsIPFAkBwxes8LeRQi8udnXX5DmgaVnLIn-JJmsWs73kxvmGQBTplPh_So0f1G77V1MBb2BtWyU4DuPG6cGjXM3HfjgWCa34vcrlatT5r-2dWOhqlcPF9cZRqp1H2AHEQ7Lbsx6WUgfGM/s320/IMG_5633.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The first stop on our bus tour was the quaint cream and yellow trimmed Eglise Norte-Dame de L’Immaculee Conception. This beautiful little church is starting point of Christianity in New Caledonia. Its exterior includes an impressive statue of the Madonna on the top of its bell tower.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBR9ZoifhWBIK4CZLcPWke0_00E8p-gu9_lS-x4did4C_5ZEQmYiC_rps4SsfAGE2XigvZG2BJT7lio3XpXqGM_PZ_cJ5283nar1iwwoEYPFxGzC07RYrnOtUUdup_e_iMLZlhg1tuo6EgE4i4wr0NdVtLsKF2gKJlGBxm0HrGJwEFDtSBzZW/s4032/IMG_5669.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBR9ZoifhWBIK4CZLcPWke0_00E8p-gu9_lS-x4did4C_5ZEQmYiC_rps4SsfAGE2XigvZG2BJT7lio3XpXqGM_PZ_cJ5283nar1iwwoEYPFxGzC07RYrnOtUUdup_e_iMLZlhg1tuo6EgE4i4wr0NdVtLsKF2gKJlGBxm0HrGJwEFDtSBzZW/s320/IMG_5669.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGhuDa0z1lZusoYaAkSNwJn_J25DwLkXm62Jjb0nsAVFMNIKx3UdQ2rIJWjfU8SyIIIxRR5rZA7KOk6ws45ELxHutCXiiTfFdoX8JuxTV8KctrNfFdUgpwhDt0fKCQLPvy-Mz7N8eOsRLDwWROhZoTwjpzxqHpx6rgYc6yZ3-WdQGkbntOKSp/s4032/IMG_5676.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGhuDa0z1lZusoYaAkSNwJn_J25DwLkXm62Jjb0nsAVFMNIKx3UdQ2rIJWjfU8SyIIIxRR5rZA7KOk6ws45ELxHutCXiiTfFdoX8JuxTV8KctrNfFdUgpwhDt0fKCQLPvy-Mz7N8eOsRLDwWROhZoTwjpzxqHpx6rgYc6yZ3-WdQGkbntOKSp/s320/IMG_5676.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCsvXq2aDMVUpdB1D2GsxzmmoMsOwWmNrtyF6NO2XsRy2JSX3SlvxjZP9LYSxRDjMjMqFlwI9RnNW8TVm6ib0AkbXvMMsqy3Jbf1r07Ati-AkHiEhXftKeNkWhIsRXptRrU1BeRYUfp407w-Kj995lagc3rb3ibpq-cvHA1CaJG0m_IVJC2Zy/s4032/IMG_5684.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCsvXq2aDMVUpdB1D2GsxzmmoMsOwWmNrtyF6NO2XsRy2JSX3SlvxjZP9LYSxRDjMjMqFlwI9RnNW8TVm6ib0AkbXvMMsqy3Jbf1r07Ati-AkHiEhXftKeNkWhIsRXptRrU1BeRYUfp407w-Kj995lagc3rb3ibpq-cvHA1CaJG0m_IVJC2Zy/s320/IMG_5684.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMvO3ki2zRoyUo2NbFhksiShkhm9gYnEUjggfCmwPxU22ZmKEG-mAvoZchOgI78lx9lgdRBLF4gjjxi2v-ewM_sHVtkq7BvAy8asBgqoWTqNKutuu1OVfyF20eQy1f-u2WQ0UK1jln-Vp5VASiWruvofnim5tE_w5viMm7a5UAJqdrtjEtj0R/s4032/IMG_5703.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMvO3ki2zRoyUo2NbFhksiShkhm9gYnEUjggfCmwPxU22ZmKEG-mAvoZchOgI78lx9lgdRBLF4gjjxi2v-ewM_sHVtkq7BvAy8asBgqoWTqNKutuu1OVfyF20eQy1f-u2WQ0UK1jln-Vp5VASiWruvofnim5tE_w5viMm7a5UAJqdrtjEtj0R/s320/IMG_5703.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then drove to the world renowned Tjibaou Cultural Center. This distinctive building was designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano. It sits on a narrow peninsula and features a series of pavilions shrouded in spiny towers patterned after traditional Karnak grand huts. The tallest of these ten iconic structures is an impressive 28 metres high. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvlu54lahSlj3MlJ1n_wdQcVNUkr-7lrqkeGZzW_8A0K_5uEtoYc4Mo3O_PN-7q0ZaXMIeru-SBItuJjcQt7o98DhsxgKaLyNL6Em_QBVGPWS6wj56I266ueGd-s9fQcO1a0I5xLWCdGbqcCBQT9U9Bwp6xiWzjJoLLeOlBHVmfNygXgs4WSN/s4032/IMG_5646.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvlu54lahSlj3MlJ1n_wdQcVNUkr-7lrqkeGZzW_8A0K_5uEtoYc4Mo3O_PN-7q0ZaXMIeru-SBItuJjcQt7o98DhsxgKaLyNL6Em_QBVGPWS6wj56I266ueGd-s9fQcO1a0I5xLWCdGbqcCBQT9U9Bwp6xiWzjJoLLeOlBHVmfNygXgs4WSN/s320/IMG_5646.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeZOa9REgtFRuSrPW2XV9H8-4K5GDJFT_vfw6nZ5Ko6XZIexLOHwt3OWFJOByRkzMjxLcKY8h_ujC2BnUE5FjGOTvbHnLtJyX7jIDBMURp9kN9cyNLBnTSgZ_cAOz1gJn0rhsfHvyOAOclCl_LkeFs5IhQs6nshj2j1KN3aXBLeiT-vXHsT17/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeZOa9REgtFRuSrPW2XV9H8-4K5GDJFT_vfw6nZ5Ko6XZIexLOHwt3OWFJOByRkzMjxLcKY8h_ujC2BnUE5FjGOTvbHnLtJyX7jIDBMURp9kN9cyNLBnTSgZ_cAOz1gJn0rhsfHvyOAOclCl_LkeFs5IhQs6nshj2j1KN3aXBLeiT-vXHsT17/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiFnovdpWOfuNYrEBQBVwF1BwnQJ7baFMVCt0J9ktpHLa84a6qTNC6vEwXOe4-I6GL9yiLY60-sCMIqdwge4qUhqqLgXzn41ALIcxfUaGBd1TF4zXmB69aA2vGh3dbnLlD-XmNCKv9Mzs8kcVHpjPLfVYK7Ww5xU8HL44M4uHY50jJxaJCGBL/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiFnovdpWOfuNYrEBQBVwF1BwnQJ7baFMVCt0J9ktpHLa84a6qTNC6vEwXOe4-I6GL9yiLY60-sCMIqdwge4qUhqqLgXzn41ALIcxfUaGBd1TF4zXmB69aA2vGh3dbnLlD-XmNCKv9Mzs8kcVHpjPLfVYK7Ww5xU8HL44M4uHY50jJxaJCGBL/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our tour spent 45 minutes at the centre visiting both the award-winning building and an actual Karnak grand hut relocated and reassembled nearby within the grounds. This towering conical structure was once home to a local Karnak chief. It’s thatched, timber construction is genuinely impressive both inside and out. Sadly our tour didn’t stop long enough to visit any of the centre’s cultural exhibits other than a brief wander through its hall of totems.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnVMlWrgsPYGVfnviL3wXAQWSqr8XeXD_gb4z9EhH9lKtcodk68R_gUnd7CTG5KNKxGgv32fdml7Q2svvT6KPb1ynQTsOG61wB_5BNpXcy1TTtXYcsJlXW_Eqbqpj0lID45KUzxp68CeKrutvZzW0ZbZZHw-cpXEctKhE-Be6F4F08a-xt-Rk/s3458/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3458" data-original-width="2593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnVMlWrgsPYGVfnviL3wXAQWSqr8XeXD_gb4z9EhH9lKtcodk68R_gUnd7CTG5KNKxGgv32fdml7Q2svvT6KPb1ynQTsOG61wB_5BNpXcy1TTtXYcsJlXW_Eqbqpj0lID45KUzxp68CeKrutvZzW0ZbZZHw-cpXEctKhE-Be6F4F08a-xt-Rk/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxTZ_9OAG00a8o75YLa6Nymgi2NB5TuMSd-bJ09u5c6PgtMV5y9iNJZUOJB1qpxFtZ_39Cc55bjD5WrLhyj4MUcE7e8CRuksvnfGCNLbEqynquRRlg5hMG1cNWFTjCNg-VfaCAscPYsWzRSACEQDheTWZIR7S-xOTuhd5lVP0FAhQIxxCdsMT/s4032/IMG_5711.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxTZ_9OAG00a8o75YLa6Nymgi2NB5TuMSd-bJ09u5c6PgtMV5y9iNJZUOJB1qpxFtZ_39Cc55bjD5WrLhyj4MUcE7e8CRuksvnfGCNLbEqynquRRlg5hMG1cNWFTjCNg-VfaCAscPYsWzRSACEQDheTWZIR7S-xOTuhd5lVP0FAhQIxxCdsMT/s320/IMG_5711.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxjkFBRkWO9bhspWEXd8iFhdXsMfSsjvebLCsH_tIm0k2CzGf5R2TnUMc2lFlQSpG5msyeXrqSpdK53OYqW4NMAZgYEmWnAbrjRmVysmiOHGciqjwXJge-A-4f8VpTaTCRZkZZPLuZDIUNCuRwC8G5Ki8vLQWXvq0kgbPdEohujm0h6oKCGCo/s4032/IMG_5707.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxjkFBRkWO9bhspWEXd8iFhdXsMfSsjvebLCsH_tIm0k2CzGf5R2TnUMc2lFlQSpG5msyeXrqSpdK53OYqW4NMAZgYEmWnAbrjRmVysmiOHGciqjwXJge-A-4f8VpTaTCRZkZZPLuZDIUNCuRwC8G5Ki8vLQWXvq0kgbPdEohujm0h6oKCGCo/s320/IMG_5707.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The totem hall houses six impressive totem poles collected from across the Pacific region. I was captivated by the colourful Nambal totem. It’s capped by a soaring bird with its wings spread wide. This particular totem comes from Vao Island located in northern Vanuatu. Although, others in our group were drawn to the equally towering reef sculpture outside. This graphic artwork depicts a rather erotic legend that tells the story of the Olal Reef’s creation. I’ll let the photo above speak for itself!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7uBfiOANhilPyGkRNxoGcPvM65yKDBxghvuVu4DIM3_DAmdYjYpT6Cq1E6kQNOi2wo8V58nCa_m7VzNAPcN4Dd_AROHmhaoNt45oTlcoaz7Wn7ok87hiWr7uGUAhAX53SNosNPd5SYgndKHczI72VYD-2toZi4kznZtBzNYpqIfipJ7LOSbU/s4032/IMG_5736.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7uBfiOANhilPyGkRNxoGcPvM65yKDBxghvuVu4DIM3_DAmdYjYpT6Cq1E6kQNOi2wo8V58nCa_m7VzNAPcN4Dd_AROHmhaoNt45oTlcoaz7Wn7ok87hiWr7uGUAhAX53SNosNPd5SYgndKHczI72VYD-2toZi4kznZtBzNYpqIfipJ7LOSbU/s320/IMG_5736.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1-7-ZPYZdCYqq1Dhjut2d912-c5PmNLVkiOA8DLFDkcsZk5nLVemFlgTX-PzqiWPKuzji7jLGy4tCtKWIHUtUVxRHxLUZKBbxKDmQ5-wVMVyhuGl0NWmOS3BMC6kK24Xq7Bkc9V7iqY5rnM4tRNPQHKbCzma5W8a6BZS71Nfco-K9RtbO7y-/s4032/IMG_5747.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1-7-ZPYZdCYqq1Dhjut2d912-c5PmNLVkiOA8DLFDkcsZk5nLVemFlgTX-PzqiWPKuzji7jLGy4tCtKWIHUtUVxRHxLUZKBbxKDmQ5-wVMVyhuGl0NWmOS3BMC6kK24Xq7Bkc9V7iqY5rnM4tRNPQHKbCzma5W8a6BZS71Nfco-K9RtbO7y-/s320/IMG_5747.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The last stop on our tour was the Quen Toto Hill lookout. The crest of this hill is adorned with a heavy artillery gun from the Second World War. Out guide explained that Noumea was a major front base for the American during the war. In the centre of town you can still see remnants of a large military hospital that nursed casualties from the infamous battle for Guadalcanal. <br /><br />The lookout also offered an expansive view of the lagoon and many inlets that shape the southern coast of New Caledonia. We also caught a brief glimpse of our boat anchored in the heart of town.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA4W6eC69E2xSE8EGJ4RP2Ejm9nnpBAUHVOolohRJNzxEtwLrMQOvKbGILxWywWMFvE_rxdz3sA-_rgP7pPXhGhyphenhyphendZgTYvydi46ZgqTTR0T-8BVlJ1FNgrflP6mOaSS-b0rRR_u5myeJPOFpSktV6G2ET_ldFwGgv8SC-c19cfB2hIVgbaveV/s3939/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="3939" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA4W6eC69E2xSE8EGJ4RP2Ejm9nnpBAUHVOolohRJNzxEtwLrMQOvKbGILxWywWMFvE_rxdz3sA-_rgP7pPXhGhyphenhyphendZgTYvydi46ZgqTTR0T-8BVlJ1FNgrflP6mOaSS-b0rRR_u5myeJPOFpSktV6G2ET_ldFwGgv8SC-c19cfB2hIVgbaveV/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrUFeCYmRd9vpbEfuwN6VGVOhYXq4DJI23BilnghY7U00BwHjGhqBzfRwnBlBCdm539p6xBdQc2DZfV3Em2Kvbzdw0WOxJTjgkObakejHsaZPEnZzX_dxGRu6D1OYqYpRSigM18tj2oDXqjqDtcA9J5bn13sVku5GNt9Oy0ocB6Vrqyjy2e_u/s4032/IMG_5773.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrUFeCYmRd9vpbEfuwN6VGVOhYXq4DJI23BilnghY7U00BwHjGhqBzfRwnBlBCdm539p6xBdQc2DZfV3Em2Kvbzdw0WOxJTjgkObakejHsaZPEnZzX_dxGRu6D1OYqYpRSigM18tj2oDXqjqDtcA9J5bn13sVku5GNt9Oy0ocB6Vrqyjy2e_u/s320/IMG_5773.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sya6XXaww6rz9v1cdheQSKylcc5V1NW5XFNDBJtbN1v3LV2Mj30P8FhlICZ7ksedrQnTOSMvaPjYnChxeewyHTdEoVDacUgnEjdsHMf3R3U-TGZL24U6DZceK83mk1DydqJ8wNGYnLZuW3MLMbKMFlS_9biuCr0CGbIukFxMxbfEIVNFULwI/s3504/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2628" data-original-width="3504" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sya6XXaww6rz9v1cdheQSKylcc5V1NW5XFNDBJtbN1v3LV2Mj30P8FhlICZ7ksedrQnTOSMvaPjYnChxeewyHTdEoVDacUgnEjdsHMf3R3U-TGZL24U6DZceK83mk1DydqJ8wNGYnLZuW3MLMbKMFlS_9biuCr0CGbIukFxMxbfEIVNFULwI/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I’ll leave you with a final fun fact. New Caledonia contains about 7.1 million tonnes of nickel reserves, about 10% of the world's total. As a result, nickel production accounts for 6% of the island's GPD, 24% of private employment and almost 90% of exports by value. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Noumea Harbour’s northern shore is dominated by a massive smelting plant that includes a lengthy, slightly iridescent, green slag hill. We noticed green glass granules in the concrete paving around town. Apparently the local authorities are seeking creative ways to make productive use of this ever-growing pile of industrial waste. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZvJ6c6M1jxtUt5lAkQTrrfjzkw1esyxIWIp_ftkE4FADGCvcYh58JaflJqLHfmoOIZphqAS9qGb2uEDMON4gGTBn37Ag3opk7p9op8SSKkx8WVsOANFBHjs6xdKdEtiCmDu6GXHhnYtQHRNOgFI7eAlH9KyNGdRMNaUD95vl3igJy7wIqefA/s3786/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3786" data-original-width="2734" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZvJ6c6M1jxtUt5lAkQTrrfjzkw1esyxIWIp_ftkE4FADGCvcYh58JaflJqLHfmoOIZphqAS9qGb2uEDMON4gGTBn37Ag3opk7p9op8SSKkx8WVsOANFBHjs6xdKdEtiCmDu6GXHhnYtQHRNOgFI7eAlH9KyNGdRMNaUD95vl3igJy7wIqefA/w240-h334/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmbk6xM4aqK3tiv1YnxaB_pwISotejtDJsoBMxYqe7mr3x7eSFguzAikyAFMoJrUZUmSt6d21SaXU8-loF9t7AZ_tN45wHVJ4qCtyPOfDEy69yOBNnzWCvceQ1I1a9bPdx9p6aiKPQR2G8CxoISmEtQfKDAucFpznhZMRCNWSzJ-DlwakHlMA/s4032/IMG_5622.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmbk6xM4aqK3tiv1YnxaB_pwISotejtDJsoBMxYqe7mr3x7eSFguzAikyAFMoJrUZUmSt6d21SaXU8-loF9t7AZ_tN45wHVJ4qCtyPOfDEy69yOBNnzWCvceQ1I1a9bPdx9p6aiKPQR2G8CxoISmEtQfKDAucFpznhZMRCNWSzJ-DlwakHlMA/s320/IMG_5622.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Follow this link as we explore our final port of call in New Caledonia, the <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/life-in-lifou.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">island of Lifou</span></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>UPDATE</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We subsequently made an unscheduled return sailing to Noumea two days later. Follow <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2024/01/drama-on-high-seas.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">this link</span></a> to learn more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0Nouméa, New Caledonia-22.2716866 166.4398627-50.581920436178848 131.2836127 6.0385472361788466 -158.4038873tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-77113380382598023182024-01-01T12:43:00.013+11:002024-01-08T18:09:49.678+11:00Welcome to 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V-OlTA86O0DSX03BtIgrgaejT1EP5qjIiyAEVw-K155aK08-1v3OL-p-WpxdM0xUYRQd6-hMP5aOSqeF99L1SFKAefmk4rtSEW99r0SJrLJ4uWNcjJH8k9E72942DJa3rcnEvGZJWMRxk8l0C9rL3MHJLsPRbKvCGDkXst1juYYo3O6ozWUu/s3412/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3412" data-original-width="2559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V-OlTA86O0DSX03BtIgrgaejT1EP5qjIiyAEVw-K155aK08-1v3OL-p-WpxdM0xUYRQd6-hMP5aOSqeF99L1SFKAefmk4rtSEW99r0SJrLJ4uWNcjJH8k9E72942DJa3rcnEvGZJWMRxk8l0C9rL3MHJLsPRbKvCGDkXst1juYYo3O6ozWUu/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8Kz13QLJmH7fuSk5G81kOuiw3psfN4oXWVOvOrEbAUFfFuSKxCqvfoB8URw6xLOkNzljae7YuslEGYmV0sNFKpZECIcxT0LkJLdM16869hxg_FnH4ziQooGo4raRiSXZgh8IbguuoQSf81KfEekmLKL-JJlkWN0v8LDJEkiPZQbwvlIHoPhP/s3880/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3880" data-original-width="2910" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8Kz13QLJmH7fuSk5G81kOuiw3psfN4oXWVOvOrEbAUFfFuSKxCqvfoB8URw6xLOkNzljae7YuslEGYmV0sNFKpZECIcxT0LkJLdM16869hxg_FnH4ziQooGo4raRiSXZgh8IbguuoQSf81KfEekmLKL-JJlkWN0v8LDJEkiPZQbwvlIHoPhP/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytArgKKrbRlWZ4e44t5nCy981BZzmrvOzn8-S1nIcXM6VOvJzgNH5S8fmxECXWVMDCyC9P2U5xg8ZIiIr7wgYgDhghWHMda0pc85LmBPztz7S57A2JsLT3hKrAMyS10G68r_XVAlEQRexkOcnaiW11OozdsfZ1JqabumZs_EtVAPWUGLW8k8z/s1813/IMG_5548.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="1125" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytArgKKrbRlWZ4e44t5nCy981BZzmrvOzn8-S1nIcXM6VOvJzgNH5S8fmxECXWVMDCyC9P2U5xg8ZIiIr7wgYgDhghWHMda0pc85LmBPztz7S57A2JsLT3hKrAMyS10G68r_XVAlEQRexkOcnaiW11OozdsfZ1JqabumZs_EtVAPWUGLW8k8z/w241-h387/IMG_5548.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We’ve kicked off New Year’s Eve in grand style onboard the Brilliance of the Seas. Our evening began with a six course degustation menu, complete with pairing wines, at the Chef’s Table. This is a private dining room onboard the ship. It seats ten people around a long table framed by a wall of glass offering expansive views out to sea.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieARsZc5_NH0KRJKA8xDFeAyc4EAWm-9nXJiH03u5MSTA5pLhrVTTOdYqdzQMOLhWYpCMqZZzN1hcjYjyKU7SWVB9wKLW-KBnSZie0BYPtCI9Z72WzvrVNqfFRpYI6SE2zgvacuoBer53ycDlnw0-piSMbGuyWNJgP6_YryyYWc5htH-YNd_zp/s3024/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieARsZc5_NH0KRJKA8xDFeAyc4EAWm-9nXJiH03u5MSTA5pLhrVTTOdYqdzQMOLhWYpCMqZZzN1hcjYjyKU7SWVB9wKLW-KBnSZie0BYPtCI9Z72WzvrVNqfFRpYI6SE2zgvacuoBer53ycDlnw0-piSMbGuyWNJgP6_YryyYWc5htH-YNd_zp/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73FAhTkaajR3PTsWScPjn3YnL8gpipIfGmmJVIJQ39A9X8p6M5qvW8DAcEEsE-3QOXXw5p754eLaf1j0qXtG2-yPKgCCSC7ajRwt9k2DXGy05naUlDGJek89mDIvyAsR6g2lkLf9z6PumYMoz5ELDzHAsy-qgpkWYpUji45uNEKKYWVyJH4z2/s3147/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2360" data-original-width="3147" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73FAhTkaajR3PTsWScPjn3YnL8gpipIfGmmJVIJQ39A9X8p6M5qvW8DAcEEsE-3QOXXw5p754eLaf1j0qXtG2-yPKgCCSC7ajRwt9k2DXGy05naUlDGJek89mDIvyAsR6g2lkLf9z6PumYMoz5ELDzHAsy-qgpkWYpUji45uNEKKYWVyJH4z2/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHlYmHdIvX3mNwM1qzZqpwIj65PXWdvQSQDBLDkddQ0xJgm7cN26QefV2OArz90gh0najMenAaAghAnqXrKmtSp7iRuxmAXzfPXnx8nLVptHEUPmr88WmC5wvPgUPhPfjzW4bVb1RzYU6Y2GpkukiZXGEPiNrD3KHqnmHVRfllN175BNhaIvH/s3024/IMG_5525.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHlYmHdIvX3mNwM1qzZqpwIj65PXWdvQSQDBLDkddQ0xJgm7cN26QefV2OArz90gh0najMenAaAghAnqXrKmtSp7iRuxmAXzfPXnx8nLVptHEUPmr88WmC5wvPgUPhPfjzW4bVb1RzYU6Y2GpkukiZXGEPiNrD3KHqnmHVRfllN175BNhaIvH/s320/IMG_5525.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We were then entertained at the onboard theatre by a rather camp Freddie Mercury tribute show before moving to the ship’s central atrium for the countdown to midnight. After far too many mojitos and margaritas we eventually saw in the new year with hundreds of others dancing and cheering from eight jam packed tiers. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypiZES1uPCGjC7vZvTd3ieSCPK1APao5c68300Ed85KIKUPaiflWuMYhUdQ1IaMsgk_YLYu0cbvuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br />It was a memorable moment watching a cascade of balloons descend from the ceiling as multi coloured strobe lights circled the atrium. One clever group commandered a glass elevator and timed its descent as the balloons fell. Garry and I then retired to the piano bar where we held court at the bar while our fellow passengers came and went. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi2t-kvpGzN9e96O5AhdFqp1FUNUcp47UGRB67GFhENnaAkvKnkQJhqKyjlKbdYKoEcxCoa64nTp0Risl9dEc2ZOHrbleafF3qAP149X3yZkKXyfmbS02eNNHy207g_nDghHUt0LhTca0AYE6mzzQK3mTvWvbcfOoNtRNa5emBGgZjpG1bNVF/s4032/IMG_5552.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi2t-kvpGzN9e96O5AhdFqp1FUNUcp47UGRB67GFhENnaAkvKnkQJhqKyjlKbdYKoEcxCoa64nTp0Risl9dEc2ZOHrbleafF3qAP149X3yZkKXyfmbS02eNNHy207g_nDghHUt0LhTca0AYE6mzzQK3mTvWvbcfOoNtRNa5emBGgZjpG1bNVF/s320/IMG_5552.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We’ve also been blessed with extraordinarily calm seas. A late breakfast this morning somewhere in the midst of the Coral Sea was simply idyllic. I think the photo above says it all. Happy New Year everyone!</div><div><br /></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0Coral Sea-26.7769502 160.4445222-30.741765902696457 156.04999095 -22.812134497303546 164.83905345tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-45482008349004576692023-12-30T18:35:00.022+11:002024-02-21T10:13:30.823+11:00So long, farewell, adieu<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKvUR6sAB2w3Rrevw63Zkr2QhX-yndRFDDtxkl5lR7RYRB62-wMY8LTfBPpX89UHH6eaUazeyXhOFbBVq5tpRs9hm9i_zmIFwfhsbBj-wYy9fLaws1_G3QwMWKDgDZ63drRRHLp62jFw0kEF0ZX3P_Fcvhgw1w3BUAy9PKnGy3imGblKOFY6/s960/IMG_3018.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKvUR6sAB2w3Rrevw63Zkr2QhX-yndRFDDtxkl5lR7RYRB62-wMY8LTfBPpX89UHH6eaUazeyXhOFbBVq5tpRs9hm9i_zmIFwfhsbBj-wYy9fLaws1_G3QwMWKDgDZ63drRRHLp62jFw0kEF0ZX3P_Fcvhgw1w3BUAy9PKnGy3imGblKOFY6/s320/IMG_3018.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSRVLnGUwd8xyjvmaI5tCQY8pIo8O6aExVYsbT9bXYioNUoyA5bLRRgzVcpo5vmvUrR3_DY5uB63NAtXu7GZvrheFEgGQsf4z93huG7-bzPLJ-GrUKsXXSi50X-p2KIhNwJW74JVvr27svk-GZfbxul5m6lbFV50V5htPw0LwyW9lBajuwAlf/s4032/IMG_5397.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSRVLnGUwd8xyjvmaI5tCQY8pIo8O6aExVYsbT9bXYioNUoyA5bLRRgzVcpo5vmvUrR3_DY5uB63NAtXu7GZvrheFEgGQsf4z93huG7-bzPLJ-GrUKsXXSi50X-p2KIhNwJW74JVvr27svk-GZfbxul5m6lbFV50V5htPw0LwyW9lBajuwAlf/s320/IMG_5397.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our cruise around the Coral Sea has begun. We boarded the Brilliance of the Seas shortly before noon today. Our premium Key pass let us skip the check-in crowd. As a result, it took us less than 15 minutes to get on board. Although, in all honesty, there was hardly anyone there at noon. I must admit it was an odd sensation going through immigration at the terminal. I’ve never left Australia “by land” so to speak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once on board we kicked off our cruise with a light lunch in the main dining room. Our window table offered a stunning view of the Sydney Opera House. We then explored the ship until our cabin became available shortly after 1:00pm. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvJ7SPiuleQxTFzAxLU2l8k6xhY704M2pKJdQegnGdiGwHJWwne6h2yZ08IbjOBf49EYw573u2JqJq9QVSMSPrTotHo9GaElIxE_tlqqlyUBLJcsEgRx7gP60ygGJk-43eoSVCHFMwweWkTV2HiPBhQEoWwCLw4AIVCM1a7TCIVtvhcNxV-oL/s4032/IMG_5510.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvJ7SPiuleQxTFzAxLU2l8k6xhY704M2pKJdQegnGdiGwHJWwne6h2yZ08IbjOBf49EYw573u2JqJq9QVSMSPrTotHo9GaElIxE_tlqqlyUBLJcsEgRx7gP60ygGJk-43eoSVCHFMwweWkTV2HiPBhQEoWwCLw4AIVCM1a7TCIVtvhcNxV-oL/s320/IMG_5510.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6negsionUXq2OuGnBRe1_2fcJxUnX7i_7VD553GLOmzV1DIfqRmRLcLpbs-MMo7e14z-uO6cg0sdfORyvFRj9wOAlea-Q0r9yyMMRVVH6_VtBj3zDJ7r_DNHjjI7fPy1MT1pEZ2heSXuxycRyPkD8ebvMvS0krZ0zqs-bsHp7c4Icg0HfsYF/s4032/IMG_5514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6negsionUXq2OuGnBRe1_2fcJxUnX7i_7VD553GLOmzV1DIfqRmRLcLpbs-MMo7e14z-uO6cg0sdfORyvFRj9wOAlea-Q0r9yyMMRVVH6_VtBj3zDJ7r_DNHjjI7fPy1MT1pEZ2heSXuxycRyPkD8ebvMvS0krZ0zqs-bsHp7c4Icg0HfsYF/s320/IMG_5514.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9OAseTIQP8o9e2TQNlXgiCL8gqtqOev99WtdSzQX7vFDnggCom3YzZEhY2ExO8hVfWRErjlSNbbICzHtUuce3l83hLSIAL1rKWVv8DEI4cz1hpNm3r149xzAXkzelOmnSp5_QesfZb0SOGWeP0h2uc7wIWf9dY3tgJ95O48Z2V4Wm7p9AmsL/s3736/IMG_6408.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="3736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9OAseTIQP8o9e2TQNlXgiCL8gqtqOev99WtdSzQX7vFDnggCom3YzZEhY2ExO8hVfWRErjlSNbbICzHtUuce3l83hLSIAL1rKWVv8DEI4cz1hpNm3r149xzAXkzelOmnSp5_QesfZb0SOGWeP0h2uc7wIWf9dY3tgJ95O48Z2V4Wm7p9AmsL/s320/IMG_6408.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ETA_LJ1S6ppx9bqF9I8clqa0x_ElnlVEVoQf9oeSGz4q7Dh_VIsaNVck7fCNLzozCs7IfS7hQA-xyzKRC7COpIKJWs3Jc_YHp5z63ejYnxnCWrW8yji2QaIE-xoqFrZqTjRsM-eb7vIm3FF2EGOgw3ehLP6QFJ1eB2VrYNU-gnTpCkQCnwXy/s4032/IMG_5501.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ETA_LJ1S6ppx9bqF9I8clqa0x_ElnlVEVoQf9oeSGz4q7Dh_VIsaNVck7fCNLzozCs7IfS7hQA-xyzKRC7COpIKJWs3Jc_YHp5z63ejYnxnCWrW8yji2QaIE-xoqFrZqTjRsM-eb7vIm3FF2EGOgw3ehLP6QFJ1eB2VrYNU-gnTpCkQCnwXy/s320/IMG_5501.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We’ve booked ourselves into a spacious Junior Suite with a balcony. The room included a walk-in robe, a tiled bathroom, and a separate lounge space we can screen off with a curtain if someone wants to read late on the sofa (i.e Garry).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnSNnNgENd9TO2MxoS-EvXY0qisGL90krpET_Abh4kOEBzPTOXVX8ySLCcf0IgmUFDfQVmoI7fdZeaNtfs7kJTLriSEtSiTd8Ai8UsPiBewnPRh81CYpOUFHa1JvNYKCjzrl_jMCXQpJzGAPDpkP6JQWbSi8eh1qrONbGZYb3GfxfSjSNvcAI/s4032/IMG_5382.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnSNnNgENd9TO2MxoS-EvXY0qisGL90krpET_Abh4kOEBzPTOXVX8ySLCcf0IgmUFDfQVmoI7fdZeaNtfs7kJTLriSEtSiTd8Ai8UsPiBewnPRh81CYpOUFHa1JvNYKCjzrl_jMCXQpJzGAPDpkP6JQWbSi8eh1qrONbGZYb3GfxfSjSNvcAI/s320/IMG_5382.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhNlc8GUjxlLacMqcA8oUhf7gaRtxAue2ex7WKJ-JMtVKKsd4hxQzf8_DEoUZyM0LAlImwktj7xO2DmYu51XnSOokusgy9GW9spTjRPqFeOPUNqh-wu3K7SAiO1LPPtPKg5uuVthYTlMq9L3N4QLLFiMmX4lvhMAbi26S-ymCQflUqSqJcPPm/s960/IMG_3017.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhNlc8GUjxlLacMqcA8oUhf7gaRtxAue2ex7WKJ-JMtVKKsd4hxQzf8_DEoUZyM0LAlImwktj7xO2DmYu51XnSOokusgy9GW9spTjRPqFeOPUNqh-wu3K7SAiO1LPPtPKg5uuVthYTlMq9L3N4QLLFiMmX4lvhMAbi26S-ymCQflUqSqJcPPm/s320/IMG_3017.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzIG5BGpdkFEPwd80N0EyFM5ermtQnHNi9A6Zw2kmOiZ9IQRMB_NtwZZxKmexUkrFZ-ObuXNlfxxlwYDKnI8oOBP2OyW1zoeQrg0xJwXb6JGb1MgsMDjl9UtGNqyUG0O4QNf9VOSuDj7IuiwdQ5ekgzX-vq8pVkIDZp2RzGhkJ2wxqy0-Mela/s960/IMG_3019.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzIG5BGpdkFEPwd80N0EyFM5ermtQnHNi9A6Zw2kmOiZ9IQRMB_NtwZZxKmexUkrFZ-ObuXNlfxxlwYDKnI8oOBP2OyW1zoeQrg0xJwXb6JGb1MgsMDjl9UtGNqyUG0O4QNf9VOSuDj7IuiwdQ5ekgzX-vq8pVkIDZp2RzGhkJ2wxqy0-Mela/s320/IMG_3019.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also chose a cabin on the starboard side of the boat. As a result, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of Circular Quay and the Opera House while sailing out of Sydney Harbour shortly after 5:00pm. The weather was perfect as we boarded but by the time we sailed through the Sydney Heads, it had become a little overcast.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwCgBF4lfefsq5wyFL0c4M6bNzbJWgq-XbydNWo8sgFEPsa4aSvq7h7YyWOmFD1Z53D8m7Pk9pqIVlqfexfJsmHg_xxEE6DjpZb9Qot0JegMm6udCJ00qWjLM0vrfG3DZ4-WNQLBGSaCb6wtORl8sv_7lkT3d1lTpi5D2cQpzGsv0rSbRUVwy/s960/IMG_3020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwCgBF4lfefsq5wyFL0c4M6bNzbJWgq-XbydNWo8sgFEPsa4aSvq7h7YyWOmFD1Z53D8m7Pk9pqIVlqfexfJsmHg_xxEE6DjpZb9Qot0JegMm6udCJ00qWjLM0vrfG3DZ4-WNQLBGSaCb6wtORl8sv_7lkT3d1lTpi5D2cQpzGsv0rSbRUVwy/s320/IMG_3020.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlRu-WwVr9UfOtX5VG_ePgpfPgJXUIT_WZi_6n7TjeFB-2MqqAFzU14V77wrWE3KKxNh3TyvtmN1sDQ67VGZwZAnDObVmlCZbJ7C4PtLMTk6YBhonRz5EoLRJJAJlmV7-3ViuPfFYXaNpweBwwK2rQYkmw_PCpM_gy1hnBZr1Mz90RbHV7Cv/s4032/IMG_5446.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlRu-WwVr9UfOtX5VG_ePgpfPgJXUIT_WZi_6n7TjeFB-2MqqAFzU14V77wrWE3KKxNh3TyvtmN1sDQ67VGZwZAnDObVmlCZbJ7C4PtLMTk6YBhonRz5EoLRJJAJlmV7-3ViuPfFYXaNpweBwwK2rQYkmw_PCpM_gy1hnBZr1Mz90RbHV7Cv/s320/IMG_5446.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVYTmbtpklE417GI0XgVnFgf9AoUkFDDUfJahKQR8kXLc2KLvSKny3HSsJiSN7sXLNroQAA-NQHYr9BVElmNGyRf_kYcJgKvpVO-ueIw5ZRQ9B45vHXp6mea-DWA3jF-FUYbfn3Ir0l85vJnPyjqKIoyYUxW1tmbDEo2pTpbTGOLV3w7mNytm/s960/IMG_3021.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVYTmbtpklE417GI0XgVnFgf9AoUkFDDUfJahKQR8kXLc2KLvSKny3HSsJiSN7sXLNroQAA-NQHYr9BVElmNGyRf_kYcJgKvpVO-ueIw5ZRQ9B45vHXp6mea-DWA3jF-FUYbfn3Ir0l85vJnPyjqKIoyYUxW1tmbDEo2pTpbTGOLV3w7mNytm/s320/IMG_3021.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>As the Australian coastline recedes into the distance, it’s hard to believe that we’re finally off to Vanuatu. Our ship is equipped with a <a href="https://www.starlink.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Starlink</span></a> internet service so we’re still connected to the 21st Century. Stay tuned for more adventures in the days ahead. <div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkUziywEgtnxMtLo3tLAxLzmC38J0LBSvLv37RZwWCACKNDCC5un3wSid1PZLf7Fb0Fj2b1dketpje0h-VD4DY27liPAqFxqL3kOvtB6GszH-o8XbSq2UVrsd0sVTZttbbHDEueO_08iXjlHSbBtm5xcWgfV4cDFiCrv8Pic5krJdMftX61hf/s4032/IMG_5390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkUziywEgtnxMtLo3tLAxLzmC38J0LBSvLv37RZwWCACKNDCC5un3wSid1PZLf7Fb0Fj2b1dketpje0h-VD4DY27liPAqFxqL3kOvtB6GszH-o8XbSq2UVrsd0sVTZttbbHDEueO_08iXjlHSbBtm5xcWgfV4cDFiCrv8Pic5krJdMftX61hf/s320/IMG_5390.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here's a nifty data sheet about the ship that was left for us in our cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshMJsKk-D2XhtoEr6RTwiH53Ser2xXy9EMkMh0mUOoHpGtSSObgPqXxq9LaWkoduORKnPfuM6MM7OJnZ6BXfCAP7wSBBubptLhV3MqiJyjn5pzJ7xv6vhuYOPSvkltYOfMjHfMzrP8-sZyKQ9jJJeDFPrfRK9WQ16iFDrMvXWmEhQw1GNeRxr/s1000/brilliance%20data%20sheet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshMJsKk-D2XhtoEr6RTwiH53Ser2xXy9EMkMh0mUOoHpGtSSObgPqXxq9LaWkoduORKnPfuM6MM7OJnZ6BXfCAP7wSBBubptLhV3MqiJyjn5pzJ7xv6vhuYOPSvkltYOfMjHfMzrP8-sZyKQ9jJJeDFPrfRK9WQ16iFDrMvXWmEhQw1GNeRxr/s320/brilliance%20data%20sheet.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Note:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post is the blog’s 1300th post. It’s been an extraordinary experience documenting life’s ups and downs since 2005. In the months ahead you’ll find Garry and I spending time in London and Germany on business, plus another side trip to New Zealand for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-90719038381688258392023-12-29T07:23:00.014+11:002024-01-01T15:39:02.778+11:00Caley cocktail hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ95G4mK4Vk6N0H40-C27PI8TxV_h0iK70CNJWKygMiQHlsq_BSFSPdwps9yezjogWX2oWin1M0T7yorpeN87jpUSef_Jf0__TTNhgZQtDQHE6ES6_2wF_iDnzdPfot_lNIORUKUSGJ9AdnXSnlW_X8kvn91GYfZwNhpNTWKydledl_okWVka/s1000/Drinks%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ95G4mK4Vk6N0H40-C27PI8TxV_h0iK70CNJWKygMiQHlsq_BSFSPdwps9yezjogWX2oWin1M0T7yorpeN87jpUSef_Jf0__TTNhgZQtDQHE6ES6_2wF_iDnzdPfot_lNIORUKUSGJ9AdnXSnlW_X8kvn91GYfZwNhpNTWKydledl_okWVka/s320/Drinks%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbMOqzuQVrRMAWgn9f6CpsLytLeMhaK7rVFhPtFd9rrAhTr1D2_YWz7_HpEtvtZwxw9tYLncNSS3YGBZ6j3EzzZct63-jmfixpbIiocNWjXNN3BsvNsl71rm_D3s_CBFThAqoIs3ofwqlT4Q6cu1qEpOJ1b7aUDK70IOj1IVMR-USOts4mjnp/s1000/Drinks%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbMOqzuQVrRMAWgn9f6CpsLytLeMhaK7rVFhPtFd9rrAhTr1D2_YWz7_HpEtvtZwxw9tYLncNSS3YGBZ6j3EzzZct63-jmfixpbIiocNWjXNN3BsvNsl71rm_D3s_CBFThAqoIs3ofwqlT4Q6cu1qEpOJ1b7aUDK70IOj1IVMR-USOts4mjnp/s320/Drinks%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS0Pq8PZoDMuqYsS8MdOetI9ahxu5lX0xklUujGP-qu8alNJXJ8AChmdUlYsiux-Upi4RVvulZ6OWQbmuRpkkNCBjyVqavyqT1iVrDsIoLaE5qxq-K1xYu_h-Ndqu2VNCnGf9hDEPH58PSHPepvJtntfpO-52yH5sDjkdiHpYrK2iXjz_cs6T/s1000/Drinks%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS0Pq8PZoDMuqYsS8MdOetI9ahxu5lX0xklUujGP-qu8alNJXJ8AChmdUlYsiux-Upi4RVvulZ6OWQbmuRpkkNCBjyVqavyqT1iVrDsIoLaE5qxq-K1xYu_h-Ndqu2VNCnGf9hDEPH58PSHPepvJtntfpO-52yH5sDjkdiHpYrK2iXjz_cs6T/s320/Drinks%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV5I6T9L7V8p76-AAKH7DUw6p90ck_t9TeghL-wvHZD4zh3HNyPdNAbpCuIpU3CEw-1heQua9JoL-sbies0Ty7b2-7Z8fwTwG1I1-cwtVMas551Zl1bEJKEGiZlTmMzZeBgLMbblnS2AWWTgNTLAyjHWT4WYsnFIOfjjq7qiJb1_K9fmxPb27/s1000/Drinks%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1000" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV5I6T9L7V8p76-AAKH7DUw6p90ck_t9TeghL-wvHZD4zh3HNyPdNAbpCuIpU3CEw-1heQua9JoL-sbies0Ty7b2-7Z8fwTwG1I1-cwtVMas551Zl1bEJKEGiZlTmMzZeBgLMbblnS2AWWTgNTLAyjHWT4WYsnFIOfjjq7qiJb1_K9fmxPb27/s320/Drinks%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We had six friends over for cocktails and a light dinner yesterday. Our hospitality was motivated by two things. First, we wanted to clean out the last of our Christmas leftovers before going on a cruise this weekend. Second, we'd offered to host a birthday gathering for Jacqui, a friend living in Moore Park Gardens.<div><br /></div><div>Everyone came over at about 4pm for cocktails and one of my famous charcuterie cheese boards. The weather was perfect for a rooftop afternoon, sunny and warm. We then progressed to BBQ sausages and onions on brioche buns, before finishing the evening with birthday cake, homemade Christmas panettone pudding, and brandy snap ice cream. The last of our guests finally departed at about 1am.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXtSCL21h6DbFlJz9UVq-8SPTOj3c_L9m1VG8dfTsfKi5crCHF2SleLJIJe0y8Dbqm0Qd64GgSa0aXMG1rmmAdbLzKfbNckQVDURsEvNY6w2ea22GdV4PhTAvQf3-nrMuGmDwZQWD1b0vlkysJNvxqCeTR1k43OS6cNrir-Whz5QpuDp2O6JV/s1000/Drinks%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXtSCL21h6DbFlJz9UVq-8SPTOj3c_L9m1VG8dfTsfKi5crCHF2SleLJIJe0y8Dbqm0Qd64GgSa0aXMG1rmmAdbLzKfbNckQVDURsEvNY6w2ea22GdV4PhTAvQf3-nrMuGmDwZQWD1b0vlkysJNvxqCeTR1k43OS6cNrir-Whz5QpuDp2O6JV/s320/Drinks%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtbWNV3IsYmDXT9md_UJS1NLMuam3dJ9-2BMNqlqaFrtx-jpaxdual4XhisLBUQGcnWyc4Wc5KiuaJ87mUNwkupCC0nvqQJVMixTolJnHEunkz2iyKLJkA1ZM0_rUGhWaDt7Jn423CRP64LuFm24CWJWZbk5BsX5oCWmumPFPtGIuLUdRNZqi/s1000/Drinks%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtbWNV3IsYmDXT9md_UJS1NLMuam3dJ9-2BMNqlqaFrtx-jpaxdual4XhisLBUQGcnWyc4Wc5KiuaJ87mUNwkupCC0nvqQJVMixTolJnHEunkz2iyKLJkA1ZM0_rUGhWaDt7Jn423CRP64LuFm24CWJWZbk5BsX5oCWmumPFPtGIuLUdRNZqi/s320/Drinks%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>The moon also put on an impressive show. A brilliant amber orb rose above the northeast horizon at about 9pm and sent all of our Facebook and Instagram-friendly guests scrambling to capture the best photo of the night. I'd watched a similar moonrise the night before and had been stunned by its size, colour, and brightness. The shadows it cast had made me think momentarily that we'd left an outside light on.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, it was a fun evening and a wonderful way to make full use of our rooftop balcony. I’ve also learned that making cocktails is a lot of hard work (even if you pre-mix the margaritas)!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16MJX4gSeHG7I00ryxmYHZHxGMu7mj9zceeduO1b4TSm_IS5wRVzDMbV2wYRIng68dTkciELv4PLcbZ9ryOgP0SPwhaYErFlVEQaTLeCUfoMoQEbOlpx1ayPSyjSl4gBqdPzN0-Qjs1gLeG0ReJNvCGBoSEmj8_kX5-xWFPYl6_OG_wF87ygp/s1000/Drinks%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16MJX4gSeHG7I00ryxmYHZHxGMu7mj9zceeduO1b4TSm_IS5wRVzDMbV2wYRIng68dTkciELv4PLcbZ9ryOgP0SPwhaYErFlVEQaTLeCUfoMoQEbOlpx1ayPSyjSl4gBqdPzN0-Qjs1gLeG0ReJNvCGBoSEmj8_kX5-xWFPYl6_OG_wF87ygp/s320/Drinks%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-24106505344812583912023-12-25T07:49:00.001+11:002023-12-25T07:49:09.718+11:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IT6qc8PQJeveHHNQ1q1Cjbjb890rCRa005_AILA25tALgXQfWoOZGD0YhmiA3Z8qF-w8qVRi1xX88-gU9iiI0TiqEBpaSJ0ZKW7TDaDTMS-670lkKTpsV_kj_Yuvxr6KF6Pmf-CZYUFxw7qBjOG7L3ygNcJ9PCGSgYtdRWl8JrQOyK0h3YWy/s1000/2023-xmas-table-final.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IT6qc8PQJeveHHNQ1q1Cjbjb890rCRa005_AILA25tALgXQfWoOZGD0YhmiA3Z8qF-w8qVRi1xX88-gU9iiI0TiqEBpaSJ0ZKW7TDaDTMS-670lkKTpsV_kj_Yuvxr6KF6Pmf-CZYUFxw7qBjOG7L3ygNcJ9PCGSgYtdRWl8JrQOyK0h3YWy/s320/2023-xmas-table-final.jpg" /></a></div><br />The turkey is roasting in the oven. The pavlova has been baked. The gingerbread men have been decorated. The table is set. I think we're ready for Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone.<div><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-89807563253935889862023-12-16T06:58:00.010+11:002023-12-16T09:53:56.518+11:00Deck the halls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCmdxwDM7YzDnZZ6sDb5-Z-9VuYaZlaK7Sr-2M51NgoYl7AzNZFYdsdsTCEzh3zq1F0tjJMur_KsdrRoRGkhTONyk81OrqT0_2-c-PMMTogoY1VOWxPsqClHyoIhmRAouwsHwsxvDV26-6GpjDz8LzPN-OEs0Z3freDc_nSQRtgZn-eicQrCh/s1000/Christmas%20Tree%20Dec%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCmdxwDM7YzDnZZ6sDb5-Z-9VuYaZlaK7Sr-2M51NgoYl7AzNZFYdsdsTCEzh3zq1F0tjJMur_KsdrRoRGkhTONyk81OrqT0_2-c-PMMTogoY1VOWxPsqClHyoIhmRAouwsHwsxvDV26-6GpjDz8LzPN-OEs0Z3freDc_nSQRtgZn-eicQrCh/s320/Christmas%20Tree%20Dec%202023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Crescent Street. Last weekend we put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house. Garry's family are joining us for lunch on Christmas Day this year so we thought we'd make an effort. We've been away for the last two years so it's a bit of a novelty to be hosting at home again. <div><br /></div><div>The silly season is well underway. Garry and I have been wining and dining our way through a host of exotic venues over the last few weeks. Our calendar has included a private dining room experience at <a href="https://www.crownsydney.com.au/events-and-conferences/private-events/amare" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">a'Mare</span></a> in the Crown Casino, a white-party-themed long lunch at <a href="https://www.threeblueducks.com/rosebery/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Three Blue Ducks</span></a> in the new Cannery complex in Rosebery, a leisurely business lunch at <a href="https://www.chinchin.sydney/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Chin Chin</span></a>, and lunch with our staff at <a href="https://www.kimptonmargotsydney.com/eat-and-drink/lukes-kitchen/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Luke's Kitchen</span></a> in the Kimpton Margot Hotel.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHZ-0nvoYFZT38tx7ddywidrWjSdBpMjbGENxOuk4QU-amEmVJ0cKiK25-WT-chG4NSRonePJqi6Z75ilZd8JiRQV1rkMxw4hRlC0xTsz513dYYr62ouZoQtgBNZ9XX-6SGK3eCTIeqypyC5Jn6DaI344CkcuSNZzBS32pXM7_xye9a99rEEU/s1000/eo%20white%20party.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHZ-0nvoYFZT38tx7ddywidrWjSdBpMjbGENxOuk4QU-amEmVJ0cKiK25-WT-chG4NSRonePJqi6Z75ilZd8JiRQV1rkMxw4hRlC0xTsz513dYYr62ouZoQtgBNZ9XX-6SGK3eCTIeqypyC5Jn6DaI344CkcuSNZzBS32pXM7_xye9a99rEEU/s320/eo%20white%20party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWtMH56MVN6JIsgu672W9NdokJWGIC6Qohk5VjBv4ebTXU6TwyZ22Er6XithrvV9Z-9xU4iDJkzh-uuMom2WmmUucPMWt2U0gFkZSLdMdP5_n5fc4PhpMutRFmG_CsIUO0cRWkwIt-ud_vC_TjYAXDS8s6-9RIjLvvIUBeJJXr97eykOgyzMn/s1000/christmas%20bbq%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWtMH56MVN6JIsgu672W9NdokJWGIC6Qohk5VjBv4ebTXU6TwyZ22Er6XithrvV9Z-9xU4iDJkzh-uuMom2WmmUucPMWt2U0gFkZSLdMdP5_n5fc4PhpMutRFmG_CsIUO0cRWkwIt-ud_vC_TjYAXDS8s6-9RIjLvvIUBeJJXr97eykOgyzMn/s320/christmas%20bbq%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've also met business colleagues for breakfast at <a href="https://thegrounds.com.au/city-reservation/"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Grounds of the City</span></a>, sampled boutique gin at <a href="https://archierose.com.au/experiences"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Archie Rose</span></a>, and sipped on cocktails in a private booth at <a href="https://www.theurbanlist.com/sydney/directory/the-rover"><span style="color: #ffd966;">The Rover</span></a>. There's also been a BBQ event for residents in our building, plus two separate BBQ events with friends in neighbouring buildings at Moore Park Gardens.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I think I’ve just about had my fill of festivities. It'll be nice to kick back and relax on a boat when we go cruising for 11 days after Christmas. Although to be honest, as the sun rose this morning, a quiet coffee on our balcony was just as appealing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcu-BGSx4oy-E62VIZ7Cmxz1fq7jHaXd8XZqiVpfe6B0dcWkejEFyMLNoJ-8dORd0cUPPGLetTbraj9dFtQFccYD1bOrrViJZVgh71oDTCGAtxVfn0NtACwwDglG0F4TFS0oKDxFOqhjbXj2wksECNpd1jBtf5bCrzDX0hHJA9yfEp7TWFpJW/s1000/Sunrise%205.50am%2016%20December%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcu-BGSx4oy-E62VIZ7Cmxz1fq7jHaXd8XZqiVpfe6B0dcWkejEFyMLNoJ-8dORd0cUPPGLetTbraj9dFtQFccYD1bOrrViJZVgh71oDTCGAtxVfn0NtACwwDglG0F4TFS0oKDxFOqhjbXj2wksECNpd1jBtf5bCrzDX0hHJA9yfEp7TWFpJW/s320/Sunrise%205.50am%2016%20December%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-86404938578534908962023-11-25T12:48:00.008+11:002023-11-26T08:30:14.782+11:00Riding the wave<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZClVN9Ift7rMhyphenhyphenjZUoV56ZbiPYefgXabUIr0U1AxGTnsGSYCEWliTNxZsRtAe7S4JwwrXabop6W5rJHeEaw9CDRiNBuGgGX6c-_sDo8Wt1oDop_rboTWz3Qk9BL3Awi4ACXL_sZY0X_kB8aMXHbN7sl0rhoHQRuOhpGgukeEzeV9yF6ZGsUU/s1000/covid-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1000" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZClVN9Ift7rMhyphenhyphenjZUoV56ZbiPYefgXabUIr0U1AxGTnsGSYCEWliTNxZsRtAe7S4JwwrXabop6W5rJHeEaw9CDRiNBuGgGX6c-_sDo8Wt1oDop_rboTWz3Qk9BL3Awi4ACXL_sZY0X_kB8aMXHbN7sl0rhoHQRuOhpGgukeEzeV9yF6ZGsUU/s320/covid-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It’s back! COVID-19 case numbers have increased in every state and territory in recent weeks. Health authorities say it’s the start of a new wave of infections. According to recent <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-03/covid-wave-incoming-case-figures-reporting-booster/103054678" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">news reports</span></a>, cases have been gradually increasing since September. One report suggested up to 90% of Australian households will eventually be impacted by the latest wave.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCP8mlZZBLe5jTwlVgGUvx4PqubHke8F4mSMlrBHx_4o1WNCG_MhUZ2t9ribN_ehKjV1K3pRHpKB6Uhvz5lDF0f_z7MlUroKfztbEMUZa7h3A5D_GmmwTwjRzmKJRip1narJ2TFleF1u38g8UzWdZMeNHXGZUQRv8hczfH5NezCKx5UR5m1MU/s1000/covid-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCP8mlZZBLe5jTwlVgGUvx4PqubHke8F4mSMlrBHx_4o1WNCG_MhUZ2t9ribN_ehKjV1K3pRHpKB6Uhvz5lDF0f_z7MlUroKfztbEMUZa7h3A5D_GmmwTwjRzmKJRip1narJ2TFleF1u38g8UzWdZMeNHXGZUQRv8hczfH5NezCKx5UR5m1MU/s320/covid-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br />Sadly, I can report that our household is one of those affected. After several days of feeling fatigued and sniffy, I woke on Monday feeling worse for wear. A RAT took less than a minute to confirm a positive result for COVID-19, my first since <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2022/05/a-covid-vacation.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">April last year</span></a>. I’ve subsequently spent a week locked in the home office by day, and then the bedroom after hours. So far Garry’s escaped unscathed.<br /><br />Fortunately, my symptoms have been relatively mild. Several days of headaches, bleary eyes, and breathlessness have finally abated. I’d say I’m well on the road to recovery. Ironically, Garry and I had made plans to get booster shots before our <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/07/more-countries-on-way.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">post-Christmas cruise</span></a>. We’d decided that hanging out with 2,500 partying passengers on New Year’s Eve was a recipe for disaster. It looks like I’ve inadvertently secured my immunity boost ahead of schedule.</div><div><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-26826208610205455462023-11-18T10:19:00.086+11:002023-12-30T10:03:22.914+11:00Country No. 2 (and No.3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnvPfzAdzQjLltD8e_V2yLXqMh1kQkVvh86JKsnC7dFbek7NIEXBj71DF8a7akiYso6Mpv_ZO1GTOg9xkpSniBR4PM17Umlnjh45WNvFYbpKtSO__FuGqHvqurnk1WgVdXwy1PNs4TCYqWJHB_Ogr0Qm4w76i2Lhc6XEEhyphenhyphenyXBNYa5k0bCtpQ/s1000/Colourised_Bill_Andrew_June_1984-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnvPfzAdzQjLltD8e_V2yLXqMh1kQkVvh86JKsnC7dFbek7NIEXBj71DF8a7akiYso6Mpv_ZO1GTOg9xkpSniBR4PM17Umlnjh45WNvFYbpKtSO__FuGqHvqurnk1WgVdXwy1PNs4TCYqWJHB_Ogr0Qm4w76i2Lhc6XEEhyphenhyphenyXBNYa5k0bCtpQ/s320/Colourised_Bill_Andrew_June_1984-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The United States of America was the very first name added to an <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-list-goes-on.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">ever-growing list</span></a> of countries I’ve visited over the years. In July 1983, I flew to the USA as an American Field Service (<a href="https://afs.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">AFS</span></a>) exchange student and lived with a host family in <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-trip-down-memory-lane-aka-interstate.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Syracuse</span></a>, New York. In October of the same year, I also visited Canada, making it the third on my list. New Zealand, my country of birth, naturally tops the list.<br /><br />I spent my year in upstate New York living with the Kimball family. Bill and Mary were wonderful host parents, welcoming me warmly into their home. Their three teenage daughters, Debbie, Marcia, and Sharon also sacrificed plenty to have a foreign teenage boy live among them. My year in the USA was a profoundly life-changing experience. Without a doubt, much of who I am, and who I’ve become, was shaped by my time with the Kimballs. <br /><br />My mother once summed up the significance of my exchange year when she said, “You left home a boy and returned a man.” I often describe how momentous the experience was by simply listing the contrasts I experienced upon arriving in Syracuse. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYd1_rxClN-FBA4rmz3QvyuOIOnNwC52os561Y3yLG-w2UvyLiulGzjE3anPXAwmIPCkiXizpVVPcGxrvvAyHtM75R4AEmbf3Rfw7G8kOAFlkQpnI4N-H2YVYBugNdrRYrcQbfyDSs_Ykv0ktKep64fR1ZPpVdrhVnp_41pTQLqn5Ve47Trqc/s1000/westhill%20home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1000" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYd1_rxClN-FBA4rmz3QvyuOIOnNwC52os561Y3yLG-w2UvyLiulGzjE3anPXAwmIPCkiXizpVVPcGxrvvAyHtM75R4AEmbf3Rfw7G8kOAFlkQpnI4N-H2YVYBugNdrRYrcQbfyDSs_Ykv0ktKep64fR1ZPpVdrhVnp_41pTQLqn5Ve47Trqc/s320/westhill%20home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7W1LDRRN2FHpS1S0H72_IUaJVNZQTAj69ldtTcthcosOwJy1Z5JvdEKeMWH-rhskmvyIxJudbIHhKFIV-P61wJhcbm0OLg5UqylA12u_JF2LmhZJJ01dqeyjTLNTnZfDhKw1889TDrzdJ3D3CE7TJGyXo_OxbTmjxIz87P-HxsVHzTJxXj5O/s1090/mary%20and%20grandma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1090" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7W1LDRRN2FHpS1S0H72_IUaJVNZQTAj69ldtTcthcosOwJy1Z5JvdEKeMWH-rhskmvyIxJudbIHhKFIV-P61wJhcbm0OLg5UqylA12u_JF2LmhZJJ01dqeyjTLNTnZfDhKw1889TDrzdJ3D3CE7TJGyXo_OxbTmjxIz87P-HxsVHzTJxXj5O/s320/mary%20and%20grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Overnight I went from a household dominated by males (my father and his three sons) to one dominated by females (Mary Kimball and her three daughters). I’d also relocated from a tightly regulated, partially socialist, economy to one dominated by laissez-faire capitalism. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember these were the nadir years of New Zealand’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_National_Government_of_New_Zealand" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Third National Government</span></a>, led by Robert Muldoon. At the time the nation had strict import controls (you couldn’t bring anything into the country without a government quota license), highly regulated wage and price controls, and comprehensive “cradle to grave” social security, including universal health care.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jKNjT6C0krDc0E9Oz9KUKpBavfM3-4Hteik4BgmYhzhHcxCpg3m9rEH9x6WwYB5KjQqUegTbzkQa-FHcIC6n-aBLK0mm0NeAhv9hyGgPpR21TEz5Kgc9LuEhWdFtzJxPPHM1reR8_wqh3W4yhTkGrsa9qKMxW-pWDaslVsoqREKoOVquodKk/s1000/cupboard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jKNjT6C0krDc0E9Oz9KUKpBavfM3-4Hteik4BgmYhzhHcxCpg3m9rEH9x6WwYB5KjQqUegTbzkQa-FHcIC6n-aBLK0mm0NeAhv9hyGgPpR21TEz5Kgc9LuEhWdFtzJxPPHM1reR8_wqh3W4yhTkGrsa9qKMxW-pWDaslVsoqREKoOVquodKk/s320/cupboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Furthermore, a larger, more liberal, economy had clearly generated a higher standard of living for my American host family. Their home had a swimming pool, cable TV, ducted central heating, a grand piano in the living room, an expansive basement with a table tennis table, and cupboards filled with an array of consumer goods and specialist products I'd never seen before. At the time, my New Zealand family had none of those things. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my final days, I took a photo of the numerous cleaning products under the kitchen sink to showcase this consumption-driven economy. Comments I wrote on the back of the printed image reference a similar scene under the bathroom vanities and in the laundry. I'm sure my host family, had they known, would have considered this a rather curious thing to do.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTY4kfG48CIzUOW46HsuuPr25GPFDAR8Ke3s7AEUvI2uJX_TQmSeSpnblotgB-48InRAT5ZIgWbbLQfVoswzHK4KgmV_lEiYJMwuNRW6ex_8Wch-HliEJiJzrHFY2qZ69dCNgSuhodw2orxM9x2hslEkZwhl6RjX7jbhgZ9frcRu4swPcookT/s1000/mony%20tower%20final%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTY4kfG48CIzUOW46HsuuPr25GPFDAR8Ke3s7AEUvI2uJX_TQmSeSpnblotgB-48InRAT5ZIgWbbLQfVoswzHK4KgmV_lEiYJMwuNRW6ex_8Wch-HliEJiJzrHFY2qZ69dCNgSuhodw2orxM9x2hslEkZwhl6RjX7jbhgZ9frcRu4swPcookT/s320/mony%20tower%20final%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV99xSdKqYoF1Rg-WoIrIo632jf2IssUlV3y9Gwn-4CbpVeKoih-ViUVHLxXVPauMurHNx9LzB6gP3XRchR3dPjYYIjuUaSQ1uH_z0RvG4lxtLAcRB_SryLaaUArGsmq7Ky304wPcauQklKPXTLWoy38ZsKonTztYQPEt5HQnceeduP31deY_x/s1078/dome%20restored%20final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1078" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV99xSdKqYoF1Rg-WoIrIo632jf2IssUlV3y9Gwn-4CbpVeKoih-ViUVHLxXVPauMurHNx9LzB6gP3XRchR3dPjYYIjuUaSQ1uH_z0RvG4lxtLAcRB_SryLaaUArGsmq7Ky304wPcauQklKPXTLWoy38ZsKonTztYQPEt5HQnceeduP31deY_x/s320/dome%20restored%20final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7BTqhZNOK978yWDYJM79_CFjhb6lRpcQr7JlCSiRVBukVV5LpYRJwiz9WmLo6mKJQdWt4MU_PKsVEwTR6aGkrgOtlwxcc8KOiacphgR55ly3h19u3WTsEhrw_Lhh5HdpGD2IWzyynca9khGxUtT9uNb0sFKqBUBl9GfKpRZ2d9sWo8NsLUrM/s1000/carrier%20dome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7BTqhZNOK978yWDYJM79_CFjhb6lRpcQr7JlCSiRVBukVV5LpYRJwiz9WmLo6mKJQdWt4MU_PKsVEwTR6aGkrgOtlwxcc8KOiacphgR55ly3h19u3WTsEhrw_Lhh5HdpGD2IWzyynca9khGxUtT9uNb0sFKqBUBl9GfKpRZ2d9sWo8NsLUrM/s320/carrier%20dome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Syracuse was a Rust Belt city of more than 382,000 people, compared with my sleepy hometown’s population of 5,120. It had high-rise office buildings, freeways, malls, and a 55,000-seat domed sporting arena. This was also the era of Ronald Reagan, a time when Cold War rivalry was generating increasingly vitriolic geopolitics. In March 1983, four months before I flew in, Regan had described the Soviet Union as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Empire_speech" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">an evil empire</span></a>. Then, barely a month after arriving, the Soviets shot down Korean Air Lines <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Air_Lines_Flight_007" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Flight 007</span></a>, killing 269 people.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the first day of my High School social studies class, the teacher began the lesson with a lengthy monologue extolling the virtues of the American system, while pillorying the Soviet Union's communist regime. I was shocked. I'd never heard a teacher expound their political views before, or tender such a blatantly biased viewpoint. It was a confronting introduction to America's political discourse and a revealing insight into the nation's education system.</div><div><br /> With so many contrasts to absorb, it was inevitable that I suffered some culture shock. This dislocation was further magnified by the simple fact that externally I looked and sounded normal. That is, I spoke fluent English, unlike students from South America and Europe the school had previously hosted, I dressed like an American and was familiar with many of the cultural touchstones that shaped American life. <br /><br />As a result, people around me failed to appreciate that I was often overwhelmed and disoriented in the early months of my exchange year. It also didn’t help that Sharon, the Kimball’s youngest daughter, wasn’t keen on hosting a male exchange student. To make matters worse, she’d given up her room to accommodate me. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the first few weeks after my arrival, Sharon was the only sibling in town and made it clear my presence really wasn't appreciated. Although, in fairness to her, I was a rather quirky teenager with limited social skills so I didn't exactly endear myself to her. I’m sure the entire family will happily testify to more than one challenging moment we experienced in those early months.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3cErNN8UyS_9r1QMUKpnEM0f6vNpnBQHfx67Ji6VUSuKpoOptK4eG4Asbry2gjY-sAX0nZleDh2cBe3Cizd292fujbaxbXJ69NfAiNudenYOyirZMLZb53ou03njpMCJNlR2DT7wF3YoGj-aoB5S4A_G9P2SCn6caKFSstLVmMlb8gwUFIh5/s1000/kimballs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3cErNN8UyS_9r1QMUKpnEM0f6vNpnBQHfx67Ji6VUSuKpoOptK4eG4Asbry2gjY-sAX0nZleDh2cBe3Cizd292fujbaxbXJ69NfAiNudenYOyirZMLZb53ou03njpMCJNlR2DT7wF3YoGj-aoB5S4A_G9P2SCn6caKFSstLVmMlb8gwUFIh5/s320/kimballs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My host father, Bill, was a warm, gregarious, and extroverted man. He welcomed me with open arms. At first, his tactile and engaging manner was a little disconcerting. However, by the time I left the USA, he’d become one of my closest companions. Years later my mother commented on how this experience transformed the dynamic between my own father and me.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an aside, Bill was also an incredibly confident driver. Some would say, assertive. I'd regularly grip the car seat as he boldly weaved his way through highway traffic. My mother said that my driving skills improved dramatically during my exchange year even though AFS banned students from driving. Apparently, I'd become situationally aware and very astute at checking car mirrors as I drove. </div><div><br />In short, my year in the USA set me on the path I’ve traveled ever since. I returned, resolute in my determination to attend university. Before that, I’d had little interest in higher education. It was at university that I met the Wallis family who influenced my decision to relocate to Australia, which in turn led to me backpacking through Europe and ultimately settling in Sydney. </div><div><br /></div><div>My university degree then got me in the door at IBM Australia, my first career role, which in turn led to other roles in the IT industry that ultimately saw me become the Chief Operating Officer of a global company. This in turn gave me the opportunity, and resources, to travel the world, ticking country after country off my bucket list.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCfLwOIBrdRHznFeKBXxIiWg9BFBPCZ6WtdbX8vWS0H_ODWvo7t0rkaaIQ8qTlXieNsumTaHRBv1D4A9mIkRO9YqLC2Ha13em3Efjjr4VzxM6JLtvhRI2EvpQY3tXwUvhKuO-Te4NOBe1r9BbTRO3Ua-m-fAPrZJ5J8-sUXTozdT68wEadb8y/s1175/Raw%20-%20family%20meal_edited%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1175" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCfLwOIBrdRHznFeKBXxIiWg9BFBPCZ6WtdbX8vWS0H_ODWvo7t0rkaaIQ8qTlXieNsumTaHRBv1D4A9mIkRO9YqLC2Ha13em3Efjjr4VzxM6JLtvhRI2EvpQY3tXwUvhKuO-Te4NOBe1r9BbTRO3Ua-m-fAPrZJ5J8-sUXTozdT68wEadb8y/s320/Raw%20-%20family%20meal_edited%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This exchange year opened my eyes to a wider world, broadened my horizons, and set in motion a passion for travel and cultural discovery. In essence, the year in Syracuse emboldened me to test myself and push boundaries, knowing that I could endure and thrive. The self-belief it instilled in me, gave me the courage to move to Australia in 1990, and then to the UK in 2005, before returning to Sydney in 2011. It taught me to strive and experiment in ways that have served me well in the decades since.</div><div><br />As I look back on the last 40 years, I’m eternally grateful to Bill and Mary for their generosity. Those 11 months I spent living under their roof shaped me as a person more than almost any other life experience. I often wish there was a way to express the magnitude of how transformative and profound the simple act of sharing their home was. Perhaps this post goes some way to achieving this goal.</div><div><br />I last saw Bill and Mary in 2001. I flew to Syracuse overnight while visiting New York City on business. Before that, in 1993, we'd caught up while they were on vacation in New Zealand. We last spoke by phone in September 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As for Syracuse, I last visited the city on <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-trip-down-memory-lane-aka-interstate.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">a day trip</span></a> from Canada in 2012. I can't imagine I'll ever go back as the Kimballs have long since relocated.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8wUa6Cp__Ar0LvQ6xGqz4AovAVy0YXDDTHwydL_NWdRDyTKewT9AWeHS4Kxdv1Dzs4M6TyVGOmW7PiIkY1KcDdI0ZOjenXNSAOTslbPQ7_xuOdE7tSvUHtj7eKipqfBHLcJ31X0lFX8MkOCj9YuFchLw9Sw2BjgoqJMoT2LoqSpDs8-mbpgj/s1000/auckland%20airport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8wUa6Cp__Ar0LvQ6xGqz4AovAVy0YXDDTHwydL_NWdRDyTKewT9AWeHS4Kxdv1Dzs4M6TyVGOmW7PiIkY1KcDdI0ZOjenXNSAOTslbPQ7_xuOdE7tSvUHtj7eKipqfBHLcJ31X0lFX8MkOCj9YuFchLw9Sw2BjgoqJMoT2LoqSpDs8-mbpgj/s320/auckland%20airport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, where did I go, and what did I do in Country No.2? I flew into Los Angeles on 25 July 1983. That's me above, departing from Auckland Airport. I flew with Air New Zealand in a Boeing 747-200, along with dozens of other teenagers heading out on their own AFS exchange year. At the time, this aircraft couldn’t reach California in a single hop, so we transited through Honolulu. This involved disembarking in the early hours of the morning and being corralled into a bleak transit lounge while the aircraft was refueled.<br /><br />Upon arriving in Los Angeles, we joined more than a hundred Australian exchange students for an orientation week hosted at UCLA. I then flew to Syracuse via Chicago with American Airlines, transferring onto a commuter flight in O'Hare with the help of local AFS volunteers. I vividly recall the moment I met my host family for the first time. I was so overwhelmed by emotion that I found myself simultaneously exhilarated and on the verge of tears. I didn’t know what to do so, in the moment, I simply hugged my host mother, which took her completely by surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NbdGaWk4cBfeMfPBAp6vsOppcXI_a9W2CliTTzJWwtvxsrgldAbsnWqHrTZt7K1sbIV4D2VbiqE-kHgWOOMcRXbfcbzq2hGV48VuGYxwoRHlLrit2Wiw4aa3V5zav9ZBV0daa4HRaFKP25Oe44DzSQFudMkXuynY9R3f5wEoHyikVFxPMYbv/s1000/dc%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NbdGaWk4cBfeMfPBAp6vsOppcXI_a9W2CliTTzJWwtvxsrgldAbsnWqHrTZt7K1sbIV4D2VbiqE-kHgWOOMcRXbfcbzq2hGV48VuGYxwoRHlLrit2Wiw4aa3V5zav9ZBV0daa4HRaFKP25Oe44DzSQFudMkXuynY9R3f5wEoHyikVFxPMYbv/s320/dc%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qUSITnHn0Wamk0GICG_jyxJdy1rEXjYQJakfrHPp2UT5-xsE7wmR3gJA93JlKzapsRpIcmtHflLyjj9tHlIQVVAEGUZmgWbSIRXkKMqicGlV39GtSiWR78QrSIYDQ-ZkivfCCF7duNORpyvUcn-PLjdfVWdAa0uSedQQLILfzvbIA2zDEe27/s1000/dc%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qUSITnHn0Wamk0GICG_jyxJdy1rEXjYQJakfrHPp2UT5-xsE7wmR3gJA93JlKzapsRpIcmtHflLyjj9tHlIQVVAEGUZmgWbSIRXkKMqicGlV39GtSiWR78QrSIYDQ-ZkivfCCF7duNORpyvUcn-PLjdfVWdAa0uSedQQLILfzvbIA2zDEe27/s320/dc%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the months that followed, the Kimballs took me on a family summer vacation to Washington DC, and Virginia Beach. On 3 October, the local AFS chapter took me and other exchange students on a day trip to Niagara Falls. During our bus tour, we briefly crossed into Canada to view the Horseshoe Falls up close. This was the first of three trips I eventually took to Canada.</div><div><br /></div><div>I returned to Canada a week later, from 7-10 October, on a school trip to the <a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/AboutUs/OurHistory/PastProductions" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Shakespeare Festival</span></a> at Stratford in Ontario. I recall enjoying productions of the Bard’s Macbeth and As You Like It. I returned to Canada a third time in May 1984. I stayed with a family in Toronto introduced to me by a teacher from my high school in New Zealand. I spent six fun-filled days exploring Canada’s largest city, visiting the record-breaking CN Tower, and enjoying my very first roller coaster ride.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDskamGxP6DhVHgCYf3XG_Mjq9_6tCdNb03w5lPiB5FX_ctflG8iTF9e3hVIQP_9gyaI4PROi8MJLOVlu_TViyBmlgCdLAMN1VjW8DQxYk3LwHKc4R4l0XYimyaM68sJPDs-U_BWKKtunb6oGOTMNF5fFB_3rjh7V6Mdjhb6esFf5ZoKhZIZL6/s1000/falls.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDskamGxP6DhVHgCYf3XG_Mjq9_6tCdNb03w5lPiB5FX_ctflG8iTF9e3hVIQP_9gyaI4PROi8MJLOVlu_TViyBmlgCdLAMN1VjW8DQxYk3LwHKc4R4l0XYimyaM68sJPDs-U_BWKKtunb6oGOTMNF5fFB_3rjh7V6Mdjhb6esFf5ZoKhZIZL6/s320/falls.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBszmbYZx8-wHDaRD1Xe56O1oLnfAFXkAkJAzBgvasu9outcOSYQlrL1Dl0w6n1PUxqhDbVH6uW4BYwV4duZOW78XCzVXC35WwpzhZKrNpzvsaXfQTIwi3mpIhlqkFyW9XC6MmqgcWZBlNDFU-G_o7YuCujZt3BhrRO30vyQjXkE08XIzN801T/s1091/nyc%202.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBszmbYZx8-wHDaRD1Xe56O1oLnfAFXkAkJAzBgvasu9outcOSYQlrL1Dl0w6n1PUxqhDbVH6uW4BYwV4duZOW78XCzVXC35WwpzhZKrNpzvsaXfQTIwi3mpIhlqkFyW9XC6MmqgcWZBlNDFU-G_o7YuCujZt3BhrRO30vyQjXkE08XIzN801T/s320/nyc%202.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU2DHYtKfZLhqtjXjVklcZGARK9L5Zn-N_Km22HcLugi9E8fw0ZgWjriEX0D_l1z53mrLW_Gvw6qQG461eg0YrbsVthIIEBDSajhO30M0C41Au4NYkqjUKpWAtKYf2hgF_yr7ga7DwnAGE2LbBMwDQ59ppuJR0HZfafkSKwd_Pn62qh6xzqY1/s1000/nyc%201.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU2DHYtKfZLhqtjXjVklcZGARK9L5Zn-N_Km22HcLugi9E8fw0ZgWjriEX0D_l1z53mrLW_Gvw6qQG461eg0YrbsVthIIEBDSajhO30M0C41Au4NYkqjUKpWAtKYf2hgF_yr7ga7DwnAGE2LbBMwDQ59ppuJR0HZfafkSKwd_Pn62qh6xzqY1/s320/nyc%201.jpg" /></a></div><br />While in the USA I also joined a school trip to New York City with the Arts Club. I recall that we stayed in the Hotel Edison on the edge of Times Square. While in the Big Apple, we visited museums and art galleries, saw a Broadway musical (<a href="https://playbill.com/production/la-cage-aux-folles-palace-theatre-vault-0000009148" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">La Cage aux Folles</span></a> at the Palace Theatre), and explored many of the city’s iconic attractions including Central Park, the UN General Assembly, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.</div><div><br /></div><div>My time in the USA finished with a road trip involving all the AFS students in my immediate area. Over a week, we visited Cleveland, Ohio, for the 4th of July holiday, then traveled on to Old Saybrook on the mouth of the Connecticut River.<br /><br />My exchange year finally ended on 14 July 1984. I flew out of JFK on 12 July, stopping in Los Angeles and Honolulu, and arriving back in New Zealand on election day. Sadly, I couldn’t vote in my first election as I hadn’t been in the country for 24 hours. This election saw the New Zealand Labor Party return to power for the first time in nine years. <br /><br />Under the leadership of David Lange, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Labour_Government_of_New_Zealand" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Fourth Labor Government</span></a> radically reformed the nation’s economy. Within a few short years, a conservative, and highly regulated economy was dramatically transformed. Later that year, Ronald Regan won <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Ronald_Reagan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffd966;">a second term</span></a> in office, setting in motion events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. 1984 was clearly a transformative year for more than just me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaNMzhwed-wpoVSne79IFLAusYZpKOKVkoNntRnGOBEVdHIwgWMJBFsf6Q8_vAAnclS2Oa7SkL0QM8d0zkETJdDEmm_ySvvVxNPB4K6PXsjqPrLGxxgml-y-fXSN2jcSVKWwOVWglBILwRp61EKLRYWKVGw61YIL6bxv2oMT6M_JBwf14hVYR/s1000/IMG_2978.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaNMzhwed-wpoVSne79IFLAusYZpKOKVkoNntRnGOBEVdHIwgWMJBFsf6Q8_vAAnclS2Oa7SkL0QM8d0zkETJdDEmm_ySvvVxNPB4K6PXsjqPrLGxxgml-y-fXSN2jcSVKWwOVWglBILwRp61EKLRYWKVGw61YIL6bxv2oMT6M_JBwf14hVYR/s320/IMG_2978.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: 20 November</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've scanned several old photos to illustrate this post. Some of these images have stood the test of time better than others. Several, such as those of the Mony Tower and the Carrier Dome, have all but faded to red. It took a lot of Photoshop manipulation to restore the more life-like colours you see here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I’ve also used AI software to colourise the opening image. The original black and white photo was published in an old Bank of New Zealand staff magazine. The final result isn't too bad all things considered. Digital photography clearly has its advantages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One final observation. Looking back through my photo albums from this period I'm struck by how few images there are of people. I recall my mother making a similar observation. "Where are all the people?" she said when my final rolls of film were developed. Forty years on I can finally appreciate the absence she'd noted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two things stand out about this observation. First, a large chunk of my exchange year was relatively lonely. I struggled to find my place and establish my identity. An absence of people genuinely reflects this experience. Second, their absence is a tangible manifestation of my introverted nature. I spent much of my childhood immersed in books and working alone on hobbies and projects. Few of these activities were ever people-centric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I look back over hundreds of posts published in this blog, I see the same pattern repeating itself. That is, a procession of images focused on a world that's often void of people. Sadly, I never think to take photos of group settings and often regret this oversight long after the fact.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21969803.post-52122867975268662882023-11-11T11:49:00.021+11:002023-11-12T17:15:25.530+11:00Hamish comes to town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHuqLYZBIXDLw_nCHlgq2SmYj8xbt_79jY_tXB4qNISEFfxNzYDatcy33TaGmbmbjT1ZZr3svzcAOKDYJkZnrkduB8W53aRnEzPDae-2ub2y7Uf8kWszPCyHxXGGqV4iVFE8KecU7kFYD3TGVT1roFhQeY_7K1GpTYSvSwqDkB5W7FO4i-GxJ/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHuqLYZBIXDLw_nCHlgq2SmYj8xbt_79jY_tXB4qNISEFfxNzYDatcy33TaGmbmbjT1ZZr3svzcAOKDYJkZnrkduB8W53aRnEzPDae-2ub2y7Uf8kWszPCyHxXGGqV4iVFE8KecU7kFYD3TGVT1roFhQeY_7K1GpTYSvSwqDkB5W7FO4i-GxJ/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjQlmiRpgKI-QXAJj9GJXPahjk-sw6IjSaUIEO9inpFmU7OuuqxHmaljT6owIWkqmAzdhEIMlH-ECy1fNbwiLEs9TY4uYzrsCzbn62Xw697rnuin7eK70UgeojGb8MODGNCFbwWn0QtrnGHMwmLKV_sn32kIrjVbh0AcyLE4ESzwoQETLLWzM/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjQlmiRpgKI-QXAJj9GJXPahjk-sw6IjSaUIEO9inpFmU7OuuqxHmaljT6owIWkqmAzdhEIMlH-ECy1fNbwiLEs9TY4uYzrsCzbn62Xw697rnuin7eK70UgeojGb8MODGNCFbwWn0QtrnGHMwmLKV_sn32kIrjVbh0AcyLE4ESzwoQETLLWzM/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My brother Hamish flew in from New Zealand for a long weekend last week. He last visited Sydney more than 29 years ago when I was living in Surry Hills. Over the years it's become something of a standing joke within the family that he and his family have never been back.<br /><br />Hamish's last visit was memorable for several reasons. At the time I'd just moved into my apartment in Surry Hills. As a result, he and his girlfriend, Karin, were the first family members to visit the place I ultimately called home for a decade. I collected Hamish from the railway station on his first afternoon in town. That night, while we slept, someone took my car from the apartment's underground car park. <div><br /></div><div>It was eventually recovered by the police several weeks later. However, it had been ruthlessly stripped for parts so the insurance company immediately wrote it off. According to the police it was missing its wheels, seats, engine parts, and most of its interior fittings. The officer who called claimed he’d never seen a car stripped so thoroughly before.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_WvEctzO_zYglJ3YFor0QZd1PXbqdkt-Ao0xJ2BuexgnaexhxqiALYxZ4TjYghg1esyf2SVuphyGKNELnkyGSDzZqi138vFZGuE59nnHs6L8tnQFd6Ea1n3Akpw6qFVJcGU_QM15MOSFQA_SW9UCqb6SUnVFX9aYY_1DgHMUYNozIJHZJRJp/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_WvEctzO_zYglJ3YFor0QZd1PXbqdkt-Ao0xJ2BuexgnaexhxqiALYxZ4TjYghg1esyf2SVuphyGKNELnkyGSDzZqi138vFZGuE59nnHs6L8tnQFd6Ea1n3Akpw6qFVJcGU_QM15MOSFQA_SW9UCqb6SUnVFX9aYY_1DgHMUYNozIJHZJRJp/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TP_BgJe_nUlO3_3-yK6bwnC5JioVKLJOqOAQTWWVwEqHzFWZBuywWCoejq-TSM7bYOYFel8fEJjmu8YG0ThhQAMdKQOlxUI_2Xjit-Wa5Y8zU6GCj-xJTcqW_KN3CZGBuk4BXYPUiP0FrF5LXd5kEwUTGINOojrQwl1iZwv5oAEO0qA3Y-1X/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TP_BgJe_nUlO3_3-yK6bwnC5JioVKLJOqOAQTWWVwEqHzFWZBuywWCoejq-TSM7bYOYFel8fEJjmu8YG0ThhQAMdKQOlxUI_2Xjit-Wa5Y8zU6GCj-xJTcqW_KN3CZGBuk4BXYPUiP0FrF5LXd5kEwUTGINOojrQwl1iZwv5oAEO0qA3Y-1X/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl7FAL5qGoZF1HmflwQWMy-bX-2OBte9oG3HZRQw4uaeUyZ6_l3CHshsLlt6pV6csy0Vd51hxs51ggrI6g6W9ed1KnsIXIRt5uYmHJYjwi1UEe260C65DH4Ul4FbPJaq-Ply_qp1bs9Kb6eYz6jtOlemgLaExP9ajUaYqqxS6JNDUWmDvy51M/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl7FAL5qGoZF1HmflwQWMy-bX-2OBte9oG3HZRQw4uaeUyZ6_l3CHshsLlt6pV6csy0Vd51hxs51ggrI6g6W9ed1KnsIXIRt5uYmHJYjwi1UEe260C65DH4Ul4FbPJaq-Ply_qp1bs9Kb6eYz6jtOlemgLaExP9ajUaYqqxS6JNDUWmDvy51M/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>I'm pleased to report that Hamish's second visit passed without incident. Instead, Garry and I filled his time with plenty of classic Sydney highlights. Hamish had never been to the Blue Mountains so we squeezed in an overnight stay at Echoes in Katoomba. Garry and I stayed here for Christmas <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2021/12/blue-mountains-bliss.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">in 2021</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>At first, it looked like the weather was going to hijack our plans. The forecast didn't look brilliant as he landed late on Thursday evening, and was changing by the hour. However, luck was on our side. We ultimately got to do most of what we'd planned without compromise.</div><div> </div></div><div>Hamish's visit kicked off with a ferry ride to Manly on Friday. I'd booked lunch at the <a href="https://theswisscottage.blogspot.com/2009/08/afternoon-at-hugos.html"><span style="color: #ffd966;">ever-popular</span></a> Hugo's, located on the edge of Manly Pier. Garry had planned to join us but decided to stay back and finish relocating his wholesale company from its current Kennards warehouse into the same building as Artiwood.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we docked in Manly, an overcast morning had given way to partly sunny weather. The restaurant also came to the party and offered us a window seat overlooking Manly Cove. We spent a couple of hours downing cocktails, and ploughing our way through a tasty share plate and some awesome seafood mains. This included Hamish's first taste of Barramundi. We then took time out to walk the Corso to Manly Beach, before returning to Circular Quay on the fast ferry. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxGQxSci4nEokx33ZZXgKoW_pxYfknfKXCN1DzMaOo66QG05NBgY9Yn5wz5ymbPXQjfp85O8ewlcpoTcTAp7Zzph0pBp8mOSHQO3msG6pU960TjNdrLtAv2jluthYn52i_dgNXQtRIhxLv742btRwH3Xt7TIttNKWdChAd_qQmENkCkL-Tq3J/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxGQxSci4nEokx33ZZXgKoW_pxYfknfKXCN1DzMaOo66QG05NBgY9Yn5wz5ymbPXQjfp85O8ewlcpoTcTAp7Zzph0pBp8mOSHQO3msG6pU960TjNdrLtAv2jluthYn52i_dgNXQtRIhxLv742btRwH3Xt7TIttNKWdChAd_qQmENkCkL-Tq3J/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aPHmFr317ddXfiggbKA3sXG-LkPeyRDhACwgPuTWTAnQRsfCKYwAYx9tMNU0O69gB8zg7PcEXBVZ_nNpBp0sm-_sLgll3NAOnLoOhyJVyQ59EI937lDL_IUXChqCxe8BxodJFDu4Ma1X3BGfV1yRNdG1FLaH_ggCigv5QSvwig4m7cOfYVSc/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aPHmFr317ddXfiggbKA3sXG-LkPeyRDhACwgPuTWTAnQRsfCKYwAYx9tMNU0O69gB8zg7PcEXBVZ_nNpBp0sm-_sLgll3NAOnLoOhyJVyQ59EI937lDL_IUXChqCxe8BxodJFDu4Ma1X3BGfV1yRNdG1FLaH_ggCigv5QSvwig4m7cOfYVSc/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sGGKSidEeVBmrcT65r46ZTas14FlddTpaynx6IsLVb-hr8YyhlrH6g2dJkYM9ReK5oVH2wRCkSqQ1lb6u9ZNOU5hXBc_I3dG1iaQFleKfx2Dxp_o-OHjkn5axT_6IZsfJ_NuvLtxStzR3aa2xgnJrumr2R6zAHArE6WqnSfhMJYG80u39vfL/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sGGKSidEeVBmrcT65r46ZTas14FlddTpaynx6IsLVb-hr8YyhlrH6g2dJkYM9ReK5oVH2wRCkSqQ1lb6u9ZNOU5hXBc_I3dG1iaQFleKfx2Dxp_o-OHjkn5axT_6IZsfJ_NuvLtxStzR3aa2xgnJrumr2R6zAHArE6WqnSfhMJYG80u39vfL/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0b2Bw8DKNpiB43C54Q9Rno_af2kCgRmoWYfnThRZQXghS_wHAv3-WuzfO44UPwcRwUv-c5B3IEIP_MxTCRHfr_RRYAyPqp9m1Vy7NAqhc7ADo2FoK7_oL_HK4k6jvR30nrFuTq5okyfsPfZ396rmzQUrt0EPTmN_J1NyVQeobt4RwEyfMD1r/s1000/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0b2Bw8DKNpiB43C54Q9Rno_af2kCgRmoWYfnThRZQXghS_wHAv3-WuzfO44UPwcRwUv-c5B3IEIP_MxTCRHfr_RRYAyPqp9m1Vy7NAqhc7ADo2FoK7_oL_HK4k6jvR30nrFuTq5okyfsPfZ396rmzQUrt0EPTmN_J1NyVQeobt4RwEyfMD1r/s320/Sydney%20Harbour%20Manly%2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On a whim, we decided to walk 4.5km back to the apartment in Redfern. This gave us a chance to see the State Parliament, view the iconic fallen soldier statue in the Hyde Park War Memorial, and soak in some of the local culture of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. Along the way, several Halloween displays also captivated us. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the day's most unexpected sight has to go to the sun-baking seal we encountered. While completing a quick circuit of the Opera House we discovered it napping on some harbourside steps. I had no idea seals lived in Sydney Harbour.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX_9Q8VKZbRtWZe8RPnsQQi391zKcZzXxX3bMoSCI8C1uruZnxYw_6jM5SeQIWroGYAAmgJdAafnhN7JcbA6Zq-yPA8QnXEAEX-_19iCR36XzGG2uDeNCRboYL1hWLmagBnTBzRNAUIQ14xFzXBDPf4pzICLXHjQn8XxvUfftmeUrq_-G7etP/s1000/Mountain%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX_9Q8VKZbRtWZe8RPnsQQi391zKcZzXxX3bMoSCI8C1uruZnxYw_6jM5SeQIWroGYAAmgJdAafnhN7JcbA6Zq-yPA8QnXEAEX-_19iCR36XzGG2uDeNCRboYL1hWLmagBnTBzRNAUIQ14xFzXBDPf4pzICLXHjQn8XxvUfftmeUrq_-G7etP/s320/Mountain%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY46QiAgdnvF2TqEhWIriIcjUBDbDM1kKBpUuqfFNsECKt9AM0xwfkdtKHmoaFOkm7ql2Tw6sxiX-YJBUdtvslpx6AEc0Q6jka5JLT_8uTeo-HWqiEPWw51PAFrQmrgDQMz3e-8raefTTozSASnSxxvJlMDa7TY5a48PXpLt94toHBRjdPxlll/s1000/Mountain%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY46QiAgdnvF2TqEhWIriIcjUBDbDM1kKBpUuqfFNsECKt9AM0xwfkdtKHmoaFOkm7ql2Tw6sxiX-YJBUdtvslpx6AEc0Q6jka5JLT_8uTeo-HWqiEPWw51PAFrQmrgDQMz3e-8raefTTozSASnSxxvJlMDa7TY5a48PXpLt94toHBRjdPxlll/s320/Mountain%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB2s_lT7B7QzaS7LxNjUOsdfwwMFs8r3HWaj0JKEu6jK-QJlVf7PKXs59DY-Chv1-gOimZSka9mWQOWXSbuREj73QuY5Jaxg-LIYEP_PbMhHa8hA-3XY4IyQLm0VFBlk2UFW54kVrGfdCt-WoA8UarTT1GqjZiZDgIOyi0_Q99athOlIFyhJq/s1000/Mountain%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB2s_lT7B7QzaS7LxNjUOsdfwwMFs8r3HWaj0JKEu6jK-QJlVf7PKXs59DY-Chv1-gOimZSka9mWQOWXSbuREj73QuY5Jaxg-LIYEP_PbMhHa8hA-3XY4IyQLm0VFBlk2UFW54kVrGfdCt-WoA8UarTT1GqjZiZDgIOyi0_Q99athOlIFyhJq/s320/Mountain%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Saturday dawned heavily overcast with a forecast for passing showers. As a result, we set out for Katoomba with some trepidation. Once again our luck held. We arrived in the mountains shortly after 11:30am. As we made our first stop at Wentworth Falls, dramatic low clouds were swirling through the surrounding valleys. </div><div><br /></div><div>Much to our delight, the view opened up towards the south as we reached the lookout. The rolling mountain effect cloud also lifted briefly, giving us a passing glimpse of the falls as well. We walked down to Princes Rock Lookout hoping for a better view. Sadly, the view toward the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley remained shrouded by an impenetrable white haze. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5qiNeiRGydHViOzb4S0BLjPf_VUQaX3lDEPLlbchT6Ywp46PriVlc7Qb9XJ6Hob7lj-Yn30dEAREvpNOX1dihLBf7KW-iaR3u9oWJmLq1YGkR7e0xDB5hinjEL45vZAc9DpC9zkULWtyl12vXnKhkf2-VB4BHdrsCWpJl22VIWtRaOChO9Vh/s1000/Mountain%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5qiNeiRGydHViOzb4S0BLjPf_VUQaX3lDEPLlbchT6Ywp46PriVlc7Qb9XJ6Hob7lj-Yn30dEAREvpNOX1dihLBf7KW-iaR3u9oWJmLq1YGkR7e0xDB5hinjEL45vZAc9DpC9zkULWtyl12vXnKhkf2-VB4BHdrsCWpJl22VIWtRaOChO9Vh/s320/Mountain%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEaPtTZ9Fv7PlHKsbPnW6ExcI9knkRvAZPP00PDdGyaOB4rfV01-QcGpSLB-J2ZOdLca4Dh1yB896Mc-NjBqINRqJUXIUhhbUgA8PqFQ3a7NUU0bfe-JvJbuhDnbeYmQXT_GuZ408ubGnT63kmg3d_P-DnVuO8tYfXIEB_kPgEfdC1Bk6FqA5/s1000/Mountain%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEaPtTZ9Fv7PlHKsbPnW6ExcI9knkRvAZPP00PDdGyaOB4rfV01-QcGpSLB-J2ZOdLca4Dh1yB896Mc-NjBqINRqJUXIUhhbUgA8PqFQ3a7NUU0bfe-JvJbuhDnbeYmQXT_GuZ408ubGnT63kmg3d_P-DnVuO8tYfXIEB_kPgEfdC1Bk6FqA5/s320/Mountain%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFnqgTWCmkpHQqVUspu7Ovxj7ns2bEugbENvz_cSg2-l0jR2EzfXp1jwJl_VhkFyIjsr2hyphenhyphenGQl5Wx1M6EDd0zF1B6LLk3nSAUkZydn_-mxs_rc3KmAfl8130eOkFOugEN-Voj2ssiZfpQ4i6GxC-waw9M_CDz-8o30YxXm1zpY1A5hgKMHCXh/s1000/Mountain%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFnqgTWCmkpHQqVUspu7Ovxj7ns2bEugbENvz_cSg2-l0jR2EzfXp1jwJl_VhkFyIjsr2hyphenhyphenGQl5Wx1M6EDd0zF1B6LLk3nSAUkZydn_-mxs_rc3KmAfl8130eOkFOugEN-Voj2ssiZfpQ4i6GxC-waw9M_CDz-8o30YxXm1zpY1A5hgKMHCXh/s320/Mountain%209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We tried our luck again at Sublime Point lookout. However, Jameison Valley remained resolutely out of sight. Unfortunately, we never did see the Three Sisters during our entire time in the mountains. Just when I thought all hope was lost, our luck improved for the final stop of the day at Govetts Leap. The northern valleys were largely cloud-free so Hamish scored some stunning views of Grose Valley and the Bridal Veil Falls. </div><div><br /></div><div>With rain showers forecast, we drove to the Hydro Majestic to enjoy a late high tea seated by the window. The passing rain that greeted us on arrival unexpectedly gave way to periodic sunshine. As a result, we enjoyed some iconic views of the Megalong Valley as we dined. We then finished the day with drinks and live music in the Echoes cocktail bar before going for dinner at Darley's. The staff delighted the lads with candles as we celebrated Hamish's birthday two days earlier, and Garry's birthday in seven days' time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mt5CdVJa-dUh1CRpNM9z3SO_oaUcTnOLnRW6QEe-Skknmb_A3YASBHBvEBM98YjfsvWbKs2Xs1PZlZHOJ6syWzJj1XWIiak4CLmbd7-FjI4Gb-VM8i80rziCWfQ_ZFm8JGtFGFiwhqyviF8SVHZdl9jNc5RIgxNowZnEfl9EwR8QYXaC4CMr/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mt5CdVJa-dUh1CRpNM9z3SO_oaUcTnOLnRW6QEe-Skknmb_A3YASBHBvEBM98YjfsvWbKs2Xs1PZlZHOJ6syWzJj1XWIiak4CLmbd7-FjI4Gb-VM8i80rziCWfQ_ZFm8JGtFGFiwhqyviF8SVHZdl9jNc5RIgxNowZnEfl9EwR8QYXaC4CMr/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7K3gYWRzguN7I2pnLorjc030wzgyeZJ_NZCOfOJSwqQQOQGqTgDZZrkApe82gbeMQEOI6vsTHH9RlTiq5BLe43nFW1SEtjz3KL_yV4L-9O-g17i1oNxX0T6XmkJHff49GdO0lPHLdL6hbcdfDf8QTJyTz-BT5ZKMNC5B_cn6vn9r-j3GDyez/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7K3gYWRzguN7I2pnLorjc030wzgyeZJ_NZCOfOJSwqQQOQGqTgDZZrkApe82gbeMQEOI6vsTHH9RlTiq5BLe43nFW1SEtjz3KL_yV4L-9O-g17i1oNxX0T6XmkJHff49GdO0lPHLdL6hbcdfDf8QTJyTz-BT5ZKMNC5B_cn6vn9r-j3GDyez/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58_vjyM5AioXexCuCZsOnhFR0cq_0Ru_T7rd_VSSRuRzEP6t5kSVvkSj3mN_Rb8Vbg8KFO6EcjeEPOPB1LCHMaw09e6K-GtlSLxYzRKym5e3W_nU5YZhDyoV6BvWuhcqppquZxfnG80GitlYpAaDflLtxjqgnr14A8HNsE8o4Eqenmb391agi/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58_vjyM5AioXexCuCZsOnhFR0cq_0Ru_T7rd_VSSRuRzEP6t5kSVvkSj3mN_Rb8Vbg8KFO6EcjeEPOPB1LCHMaw09e6K-GtlSLxYzRKym5e3W_nU5YZhDyoV6BvWuhcqppquZxfnG80GitlYpAaDflLtxjqgnr14A8HNsE8o4Eqenmb391agi/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYddSrwUOfe3QjnpKMIZRjKROQWL1TsDB3Er2SvHp7icK32KrvIQ4QNUKcuHQT4ZppSDFPgZeYAxHJY5yQ6g9aN0GOtraekTfkrgjWuO4Dkd5mdCyvJah-EfQJ1-_ouKGA8yvTPnQ_95CA_HaqOiE0PGao0_Doz5Y-BuaV2Den9rdemFdICaxE/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYddSrwUOfe3QjnpKMIZRjKROQWL1TsDB3Er2SvHp7icK32KrvIQ4QNUKcuHQT4ZppSDFPgZeYAxHJY5yQ6g9aN0GOtraekTfkrgjWuO4Dkd5mdCyvJah-EfQJ1-_ouKGA8yvTPnQ_95CA_HaqOiE0PGao0_Doz5Y-BuaV2Den9rdemFdICaxE/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The weather closed in overnight and we woke to pouring rain. I also woke feeling rather unwell. We decided to abandon plans for any further sightseeing and head back to Sydney where the forecast promised nothing more than heavy cloud. Garry took us on a Tiki Tour of the city highlights including Homebush Olympic Park, the ANZAC Bridge, Chinatown, and Bondi Beach for a drive-by viewing. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhmfjLV6OPsaKTGGO6eWPgjvJO-qifEsJWS-1Ob1zhQZpCYI2x5_OtT3OS0zUlymlYcZeNv6ZU8IdYvKBfZhRzCrcg3K2tM1vZZV4SCUAZLKFuw_6h5ERUOGz0OfVAreV-XBLRyN8bjH7ot-zZzHTpqrGPoZzR_rEQBsxsiWJw_MlHKkDbMhX/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhmfjLV6OPsaKTGGO6eWPgjvJO-qifEsJWS-1Ob1zhQZpCYI2x5_OtT3OS0zUlymlYcZeNv6ZU8IdYvKBfZhRzCrcg3K2tM1vZZV4SCUAZLKFuw_6h5ERUOGz0OfVAreV-XBLRyN8bjH7ot-zZzHTpqrGPoZzR_rEQBsxsiWJw_MlHKkDbMhX/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOxwIiQvr82lnRfgEfN37Mca9qgWfwUAxrZREOuD4LAGP6z5Pf-RfZXUisEOoaWqd17lITszArmgxOZeIZhqidbPpXoW_QeOLmoDzMutQKGZZ1tarhY_uez-O2MikVfkRs2u-FzPz5W10wWU6NKsOCYzKrB7VAwPVJkgZTnVzI_UtL5RaDGqA/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOxwIiQvr82lnRfgEfN37Mca9qgWfwUAxrZREOuD4LAGP6z5Pf-RfZXUisEOoaWqd17lITszArmgxOZeIZhqidbPpXoW_QeOLmoDzMutQKGZZ1tarhY_uez-O2MikVfkRs2u-FzPz5W10wWU6NKsOCYzKrB7VAwPVJkgZTnVzI_UtL5RaDGqA/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOveV2YePPYQdPA0ofyVZxiML8Fd_kcRsvWNkNuC9-tnP0XbfsxjjAkBjRV6wYwdLfVwavbPdTat7sAFS4yMxiX8k59G-T0qTqDZpTNfleGewhMfMwTRnJjB5u7hfjQBhzvY6tzHqt5X8j3StMKlVsWAOJCEKYFUJZW59pYUH6OfVk92Z73mlo/s1000/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOveV2YePPYQdPA0ofyVZxiML8Fd_kcRsvWNkNuC9-tnP0XbfsxjjAkBjRV6wYwdLfVwavbPdTat7sAFS4yMxiX8k59G-T0qTqDZpTNfleGewhMfMwTRnJjB5u7hfjQBhzvY6tzHqt5X8j3StMKlVsWAOJCEKYFUJZW59pYUH6OfVk92Z73mlo/s320/Sculpture%20by%20the%20Sea%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />We eventually parked the car at Bronte and walked back to Tamarama Beach to grab a taste of Sculpture by the Sea. This proved perfect timing as Sunday was the festival's final day. Without a doubt, my favourite artwork was the melting Mr Whippy truck, aptly titled, <i>Hot with a Chance of a Late Storm</i>. This installation was first exhibited at this event 17 years ago. The organisers had revived it for this year's 25th anniversary of Sculpture by the Sea. <div><br /></div><div>The following morning I took Hamish back to the airport and invited him to visit again in 2053. Let's see if he takes me up on the offer.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJltriilV2h96fwZslHpDiPjLpHo4auEkrZ9UoQwHBmaGbzzmx6VYHYdpyRz4kUEzaJkEbdg0fs8ElMvu3XclHrsgZorfb68-6soi7y2d5Nik2iFvJMjDitr3MwmY6lxlUr8-JCQYLcgijDQozq_ZsvkebssZMQhfIn2oCtXW2tbgrcrqpgqq/s1000/Mountain%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJltriilV2h96fwZslHpDiPjLpHo4auEkrZ9UoQwHBmaGbzzmx6VYHYdpyRz4kUEzaJkEbdg0fs8ElMvu3XclHrsgZorfb68-6soi7y2d5Nik2iFvJMjDitr3MwmY6lxlUr8-JCQYLcgijDQozq_ZsvkebssZMQhfIn2oCtXW2tbgrcrqpgqq/s320/Mountain%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Swatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02478077803041557582noreply@blogger.com0