South east Queensland's Moreton Island is unique for many reasons. But this one is pretty special. It's 170 square kilometre expanse is one of the very few places in Queensland that can declare itself completely free of that noxious invasive pest - … [Read More...]
How travel opens up my world
Meet an extraordinary human being – My Huong Le Travelling gives us opportunities. It allows us to experience some amazing new places, learn about different cultures, try new foods and attempt to communicate in another language. But one of my … [Read More...]
Naked communion – a divine onsen experience
My first onsen experience Trudging along the snow-covered village streets, I’m unable to look up and take in my new surroundings. The snow on the ground is thick and crunches underfoot. Discreet patches of ice wait for the unwary. I’m doing my best … [Read More...]
Sydney reveals its wow factor during Vivid
How to impress a teenager Teenagers these days are pretty hard to impress. With easy access to instant on-line entertainment and their inherent immediate gratification attitude, it’s difficult to know what (if anything) will “wow” them. How about … [Read More...]
A tough Japanese ski lesson
Snow was falling steadily at Nozawa Onsen. It hadn't eased since our arrival, four days earlier. It was after a slight delay from our shinkansen experience we finally made it to this traditional Japanese ski village, in the Nagano prefecture four … [Read More...]
Japan – be prepared for anything
Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers Those Japanese shinkansens are fast. Really fast! One of my boys clocked it at 220km/hour using an app on his phone. And they run to a clockwork tight schedule. They pull up at the station, … [Read More...]
Home Towns – where’s yours?
Travel Blogger collaboration Happy to be part of a collaborative project with my friend Mel and her blog All Around Oz where she asked a few fellow Aussie bloggers to tell her about their Home Towns and suggested places to visit. Although … [Read More...]
Japan Ohayo Gozaimasu
Finally Japan! My first visit to the land of the rising sun is imminent. Japan has been on my travel radar since my high school days when I studied Japanese in Year 8! As this was quite a few decades ago, why has it taken so long for me to … [Read More...]
Macau – is it Asia’s answer to Vegas?
As a traveller I've made frequent trips to Hong Kong, but I never considered making a side visit to Macau at the same time. No idea why, but it took an aquatic Cirque du Soleil style show - the House of Dancing Water - to finally lure me there. A one … [Read More...]
Checkpoint Charlie – my East German mis-adventure
Corruption at its best Can you recall a time in your life and wonder “why on earth did I do that?” A time when you clearly ignored all warnings NOT to do something, you did it anyway. For the thrill or sheer ignorance of the consequences which … [Read More...]