Maybe not travel related - but I am proud of this profile piece I wrote for the Sydney Morning Herald's GoodWeekend Magazine for their Two of Us segment, featuring a lovely couple from Brisbane Pete and Mandy published June 24th, 2018. … [Read more...]
Kenilworth Camping
Uncovering what's behind the Kenilworth Camping furore A quad bike traverses a distant grassy knoll then scoots along a dirt track flicking a dust trail in the air behind, disturbing the serenity and the clear blue sky. The bike pulls up beside where I’m standing. The blue-shirted rider switches the motor off and extends a large hand towards me. … [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 could be injury, losing money, ruining friendships, breaking a special item, imprisonment – the … [Read more...]
Destruction of Hong Kong
Some of Hong Kong's older Districts are experiencing a gentrification process, where a handful of beautiful older buildings are being redeveloped and preserved, with others marked for demolition. The upside of gentrification is in the creation of new areas, providing fresh experiences for the visitor to Hong Kong. The downside is the destruction of … [Read more...]
Sarah Yip – a survivor’s story
Boxing Day Tsunami This Boxing Day marks the 10th "anniversary" of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Sarah Yip witnessed the tragedy first hand when holidaying in Phuket, Thailand with her family. To mark the occasion, a decade later Sarah's story is a reminder of how the human spirit regathers and renews. This is her … [Read more...]
Sliding Doors – the 2004 Tsunami 10 years on Story
I know this is my travel blog but you may be interested, I also write feature stories as a freelance writer. Here's the link to my article published in Qweekend Qweekend Published Article 13 Dec 2014 pp. 1-5 … [Read more...]
It’s about the Journey, not the Destination
Great Ocean Road Walk Thirteen women in their late 30’s to mid 40’s on a three day walking/hiking adventure. Are there likely to be thirteen different agendas? Married, divorced, separated, de-facto and single, our group covered an eclectic “relationship status” mix. Professional, semi-professional, full-time and part-time workers, some … [Read more...]
Hawaii is active boy’s heaven
In Hawaii, friends, loved ones, or strangers are greeted with "Aloha" – which means with love. The legendary leader of Hawaiian people, Duke Kahanamoku, is famous for preaching and spreading that special Hawaiian hospitality known as Aloha. At Maui Paintball, the Hawaiian locals, unfortunately for my kids, seemed to have forgotten their Aloha … [Read more...]
Yoga meets Cirque du Soleil
Aerial Yoga / Antigravity Yoga for body and mind Anyone with a limited notion of Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton's scientific principles knows to experience a loss of gravity requires a departure from earth's gravitational forces. Possibly a visit to outer space? Unless you have dreams of becoming one of Richard Branson's future Virgin … [Read more...]
Springbrook National Park – the lure of Nature or Reality TV?
Living in Brisbane I am spoilt for choice regarding weekend escapes. Too often I head interstate or overseas, rather than choosing the adventurous and beautiful places closer to home. Today, I discovered one of nature's unique places, only an hour from home. Springbrook National Park Reality TV lifts many unknowns to celebrity status. Can it … [Read more...]