Destinations
Interested in just one country? They are in alphabetical order below.
Africa
Zebras, Oryx, Springbuk and Flamingos
It appears the Scutt family are poor representatives of Canada. Shawn and I are second to last in getting our tents down this morning…Graham and Cameron are last. Yikes The winds picked up last night. Because the sands were whipping around so much, Gift and Alfons prepared our supper inside Brenda ( our truck) and we all crowded in and ate at our seats. Supper was still good, pasta … Read moreZebras, Oryx, Springbuk and Flamingos
Wonderful and Affordable Egypt
People told us we were crazy to go to Egypt at this time. They were wrong. Despite the fact that Egypt has been in the news lately; first with the Arab Spring and now with some protests about depictions of the Profet Mohammed, it is important to remember that these problems have not involved the major tourist areas of Giza, Aswan, Luxor and the Red Sea. Even in Cairo … Read moreWonderful and Affordable Egypt
Two Days in Cape Town
Cape Town and I had a rough start our first night with the whole problem of finding medical help, traffic jams, and scary homeless people on the streets at night. It is truly sad. I am certain that some of these street people may be mentally disabled and left to fend for themselves. Crime rates are high here. Private security guards are plentiful. Every decent restaurant has a strong … Read moreTwo Days in Cape Town
Turquoise Waters
We woke to bright sunshine so we headed straight to the idyllic beaches of Le Morne. Gas here is crazy expensive. It cost the equivalent of $60 Canadian for half a tank…and the clown car has a very small tank compared to the minivan. After we checked out the Le Morne area beaches, (some were down a very rocky road), we chose the first beach because the waters were …
Asia
White, Wet Sari Competition in Agra
White, Wet Sari Competition in Agra Off to Agra On the way back from breakfast to our hotel suite in Abhaneri, I notice a peacock pecking at his reflection in the glass of Garima’s door. When I go closer, he hides behind a bush, popping his head out from time to time to see if I’ve left yet. I assume he wants to continue his romantic endeavors with his … Read moreWhite, Wet Sari Competition in Agra
Wedding Bells in Pushkar
Wedding Time in Pushkar A Day of Weddings Begin  Waking up in the middle of the night, I realize the party music has stopped so I pull out my earplugs. A short while later, dogs start barking and howling and their noise continues intermittently. At 6:15am a large crowd arrives at the hotel to set up for a wedding. They talk to each other as they work away. … Read moreWedding Bells in Pushkar
Water Puppets, Egg Coffee and the Hanoi Hilton
It was dull and cool (high of 13 degrees) with a little drizzle today. Our first stop on our walk was the lake area. On our way to St. Joseph’s Cathedral I discovered an amazing artisan ceramics shop which was filled with beautiful blue and white pieces….I couldn’t resist. I love blue and white ceramics. I am still amazed by the everyday (for here) things that I see on … Read moreWater Puppets, Egg Coffee and the Hanoi Hilton
Caribbean
Varadero to Havana
Varadero to Havana Trip to Havana After breakfast our driver and classic 1953 Chevrolet are waiting outside our hotel to take us to Havana for our two night mini trip. I am very excited to drive in the car which is much older than me…however the lack of seat belts is a bit disconcerting. The car can go at speeds up to 120 km per hour. Our driver, …
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
“We slept like babies, finally!” We are now floating along somewhere in the Caribbean. The day before we left, while I was bending down, my dog Molly jumped up and banged me full force in the nose. I was positive I felt it crack. After all the maintenance I did on myself for this cruise, a broken nose and two black eyes would not be a … Read moreRoyal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
Off to Cuba- Varadero
Off to Cuba Flight to Cuba  The older the boys get, the harder it is to coordinate time together….especially extended time. This will be our first family holiday since 2017…and we are off to Cuba for a week. John was in Cuba over 20 years ago, but this is a new country for the guys and I. It turned out cheaper to book an all inclusive … Read moreOff to Cuba- Varadero
Central America
Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions and Sea Turtles- Day 5
As usual, I was up before dawn. Shortly after sunrise, Lara and I left the condo. Although her initial plan was to go for a run, she joined me instead for a long walk on the beach. The waves crashed along the shore as we walked along the edge of the estuary. The estuary is home to numerous local sea birds and ducks. After a big breakfast and … Read moreWhales, Orcas, Sea Lions and Sea Turtles- Day 5
Visit to Charco Verde
A Visit to Charco Verde Morning at Rancho Tranquillo Before breakfast I discover a tarantula hiding on a ledge under a towel that I was taking off the line. I’ve seen a lot of tarantulas before so I wasn’t fazed. I actually found him kind of cool. (John speaking here- I guess Kimberly screaming out “Oh my God!” is her definition of being unfazed). Meanwhile a few feet … Read moreVisit to Charco Verde
Up the Volcano
Up the Volcano Once is Never Enough A couple days ago at Lake Atitlan, I was telling John that I wanted to go on a bird tour to see a Quetzal. John said, “You already saw a quetzal in Costa Rica, why do you need to see another one?”. I uncharacteristically kept quiet. John then went on to say that he wanted to take a tour up a …
North America
Washington, DC: A Great Vacation when on a Budget
Washington, D.C. is a fascinating city located in the heart of American political life. It is easy to stay within a budget when visiting. Even if you are in a>plan, you can visit many attractions in Washington without burning a hole in your pocket (most are free). Before leaving home,make sure you prepare a list of places to visit without hiring a tour operatoror guide. Here are a few … Read moreWashington, DC: A Great Vacation when on a Budget
Walking the Strip- Vegas Day 1
By 8:45am we were at Blondies Sports Bar in the Miracle Mile Mall at the Planet Hollywood Hotel for their $3.99 two eggs, bacon and home fries special. They also had .99 cent Bloody Marys (tall glass with 2 oz of alcohol) to get your day going. John was the only one who went for the Bloody Mary. Then commenced a day of non stop walking. After checking a … Read moreWalking the Strip- Vegas Day 1
Visit with Rocky and Back to Canada
A Visit with Rocky and Back to Canada Along the Waterworks Trail Our clothes from last night are still wet. We pack them into separate bags, pack the car and head to the Philadelphia Art Museum. The day is beautifully sunny, a few big puddles the only sign of last nights rain. We walk along the waterfront trail to boathouse row and then back along the waterworks trail … Read moreVisit with Rocky and Back to Canada
Europe
Polignano di Mare and Bari on to Home
Polignano di Mare and Bari then Home Leaving our Trullo Today is our last full day in Italy. I am amazed at how fast it went. We are up earlier than planned…could it have something to do with the rooster? Polignano di Mare We check out of our trullo and drive to Polignano di Mare. The town is quite busy but the old town is pretty. We check out … Read morePolignano di Mare and Bari on to Home
Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca
Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca Morning at our Trulli We have a very comfortable night however the property rooster wakes us up very early. In the morning, the light is perfect for taking a picture of the front of our trulli. Click here for a bit more info about trulli buildings .  The owner of the property has over 20 outdoor cats. I am more excited about the … Read moreAlberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca
Lecce- Florence of the South
Lecce- Florence of the South Old Town Lecce We leave our apartment in Ugento at 9:20am and have a 45 minute drive to Lecce which is known as the Florence of the south. The old city does not disappoint. Golden tinted buildings with intricate ,baroque embellishments are everywhere you look. This is what you imagine Italy to be. Piazza Sant’Oronz After parking we head to Piazza Sant’Oronz which is … Read moreLecce- Florence of the South
South America
Easter Sunday with Christ the Redeemer
Easter Sunday with Christ the Redeemer Thwarted Again It is slightly overcast when we get up but I am optimistic as we take an Uber to the ticket booth to catch the special vans that go up to Christ the Redeemer. It seems appropriate that we are going to visit him on Easter Sunday. But “Christo’ as he is called in Portuguese is not ready for us. The attendant … Read moreEaster Sunday with Christ the Redeemer
Centro Rio and Night Time Party Area
Centro Rio and Night Party Area Meeting for our Walking Tour This morning it was overcast, rainy, sunny, overcast, sunny….We take an Uber to the downtown Centro area to meet our walking tour. It is the perfect temperature for walking. The Centro area is fairly quiet because it is Saturday. As the offices are all closed many of the stores also close. Our tour with Free Walker Tours … Read moreCentro Rio and Night Time Party Area
Hanging out in the Favela
Hanging out in the Favela Morning on Ipanema Beach Today is Graham’s last day with us. He heads back to Sao Paulo tonight. I try not to think of it. However he will return to Canada at the end of June. Throughout the night it rained and the wind was pretty strong. In the morning the wind is still strong and it is only 18 degrees Celsius when … Read moreHanging out in the Favela
South
Pacific
Last Full Day in Sydney
Sydney: The Last Full Day Bondi Beach Today is the final full day of our trip. We fly home tomorrow morning. We are out of our Airbnb by 8:15am and head to Bondi Beach for breakfast at the same cafe (Cali Express) we ate at the first morning. We people watch everyone in their yoga & exercise gear coming and going. It is Sunday and the beaches are filling … Read moreLast Full Day in Sydney
Sydney: The Rocks Market and the Zoo
Sydney: The Rocks Market and Taronga Zoo Heading to the Rocks We are out of the house by 8:10am. My thighs are a bit sore but with my foot blister wrapped up and my Hokas on, I am doing fine. We walk to Rose Bay and take the ferry to Circular Quay. Such a pretty ride. We walk around the area around Circular Quay as we head towards the … Read moreSydney: The Rocks Market and the Zoo
Introduction to Sydney
Introduction to Sydney Travel to Sydney We spend a last sunny morning at the Banana Bay Beach Club before heading to the airport at Port Vila. The Vanuatu International Airport is the smallest international airport that I have ever been to. Our 4 hour JetStar flight to Sydney is uneventful except for the lady sitting behind me who keeps loudly snapping her gum. The guy ahead of me turns … Read moreIntroduction to Sydney
2 thoughts on “Destinations”
Enjoying following your trip!
J can dance!
That he can…haha