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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3495 May 11, 2024 Halong Bay, Vietnam https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g3737857-d19148346-Paradise_... Paradise Sails Cruise 2 days 1 night Halong Bay Tour In a mere 24 hours we will see some of the top highlights of Halong Bay. We got a private check-in lounge where we learned about pearls before we transfered to the Paradise Explorer. I really loved the pearl earrings I splurged on before we got onto our cruise. We savoured a beautiful lunch onboard while cruising the bay, passing by Fighting Cocks Islet and Thien Cung and Dau Go caves. We got to stop at Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. It was impressive. Walking around and learning its history was well worth our time there. Our last stop on the first day was to Soi Sim or Titop island. It was impressive, but it was also very busy on the climb up and back. The view was amazing and the sunset was breathtaking. On the second day, we went to Luon Cave. I decided to kayak through the caveran and loved exploring the limestone cliffs. It was cool seeing all the monkeys. Some people took in the spa treatments when we were back onboard, but I was content to stretch and watch the fabulous scenery on the top deck. I didn't want to miss anything. I did enjoy some of the drinks available on the cruise back. BCoF short prompt: we're letting you prepare dinner tonight on the ship, we've already made the spring rolls. https://www.live-less-ordinary.com/top-10-vietnamese-food-eating-in-vietnam/ What are you preparing for us? Are you going to follow the recipe exactly or give it your own tweak? I'm hungry, can't wait to find out what you're offering. Let's hear some good cooking oopsies. I know we've all had them in the kitchen. I'd be willing to try making Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho) - pronounced ‘Fu,’ Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, emblematic of the country’s culinary identity. It’s ubiquitous, found everywhere from bustling breakfast tables to curbside vendors. Whether you choose the flavorful beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga) version, this dish features flat rice noodles bathed in a fragrant broth, garnished with herbs, sliced red chilies, lime, bean sprouts, basil, and cilantro. Pho is the heart and soul of countless Vietnamese soups. https://thewoksoflife.com/pho-vietnamese-noodle-soup/ I was extremely glad that I was able to get help at each step of the process or we would probably not be able to eat the food I created. I will have to try making this again at home.... but I am also glad that there is a Vietnamese restaurant not far from my house. I've always wanted to try this. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3494 May 10, 2024 This is the hotel we're staying at (virtually) in Pak Chong, Thailand https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g641719-d2622335-Reviews-Kensington_Eng... I loved the red pub. I couldn't wait to spend some time writing in there. I opted not to go to the Zoo. I much prefer to see animals in their natural habitat. So I ventured to the Khao Yai National Park, Pak Phli Thailand for the day. It was the perfect place for getting up and personal with nature. The park is rich with flora and fauna. There are many animals inhabiting the national park including elephants, tigers, monkeys, bears, deer and squirrels. There are also various types of snakes like pythons, spiders, rodents and insects. We wore long sleeved clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The park claims to have more than 400 species of birds. We enjoyed trekking the trails in the park and walked through the nature while enjoying the beautiful mountainous landscape. Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see Asian elephants in the wild and we were able to catch a glimpse of the park's wild elephant population, grazing in their natural habitat. Afterward we stopped at Haew Suwat Waterfall, Khao Yai National Park, Pak Chong Thailand. This was incredible. This waterfall is famous for being the location for Leonardo DiCaprio's waterfall dive in the movie ‘The Beach’ back in 2000. After an hour we headed on to Haew Narok Waterfall, Khorat Plateau Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park Thailand. These are the highest falls in Khao Yai National Park. It is the park’s star attraction, cascading over three tiers with the final level gushing 80 metres below into a deep pool. Only the first level is open to the public, as the other levels are steep and dangerous. There’s a hillside viewpoint where you can clearly watch and take photos of the waterfall. The Haew Narok Waterfall is a truly breathtaking sight. This is where we had our picnic by the falls. It was really great to just sit and discuss our favourite aspects of the trip so far. A few of us even wrote a poem and shared it with the others. Mine is still a work in progress... A taste of the music: |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3493 May 9, 2024 Ladies, we've arrived and are staying at the Viroth Hotel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel... Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village. Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious. https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657- Private_Full_Day_Angkor_Temple_and_Sunset_Viewing-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297390-Activities-c26-Siem_Reap_Siem_Re... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d2100150-Reviews-Theam_s_G... I decided that since we did this virtual trip in August 2020, I would opt to do something different this time. The Theam's Gallery looks very serene and after all the activity and drinking in Perth, I decided on a calm place of reflection and contemplation. You up for that Lyn's a Witchy Woman   ? The gallery is located only 10 minutes from the majestic temples of Angkor, The Gallery (formely Theam's House Gallery) is the home-cum-gallery of Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam. As we stepped from one breath-taking pavilion to the next, we got to experience a sanctuary of serenity and a true visual feast. This lush space invites us to explore and immerse ourselves in Khmer culture at its very best. Theam’s had an impressive private collection of local artefacts. We also got to watch other young apprentice artisans painting, sculpting and lacquering, while discovering the colourful contemporary creations of Theam himself. The gallery featured a professionally curated showroom exhibiting all artwork conceived and produced onsite. I loved that we got to view an authentic insight into the distinctive world of Cambodian art. Very impressive. I enjoyed sitting in the tropical courtyard of Theam’s Café & Lounge. I enjoyed a wonderful coffee and some fresh juice. This experience really helped to re-center me after last night's festivities. Afterwards we headed off to the Kulen Waterfall for more serenity. This place combined the natural and the spiritual. Phnom Kulen National Park is considered an important pilgrimage site. We got to hike in the jungle, swim in a waterfall, and admire the carvings at Kbal Spean (the River of 1,000 Lingas). We also climbed to the mountaintop to see a reclining Buddha. After the day I felt both physically and spiritually refreshed. I even took in a bit of shopping. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisanal workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They're open well into the night. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3492 May 08, 2024 Ladies, this is our last day in Australia. https://www.mapsofworld.com/asia/ so you have an idea where we are Perth, Australia and where we are landing next in Angkor, Cambodia. Perth experience before we fly to Cambodia Cycling is the locals’ favourite way to get​ around. So hop on, blend in, and discover the sights of Perth on this 3 hours experience. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255103-d20197509-Perth_by_B... The tour guide is so excited to have such a large group. And there's a lot of interesting places along our ride. Discuss what you've seen and what you liked thus far in Australia.. I decided to take the day to enjoy the cycling tour with our group. It was nice to explore the city on such a lovely day. It felt good to move again today. After yesterday's walks and swims, the cycling was a welcome change. After a few days on the train in the heart and heat of Australia these last few days of movement have been greatly appreciated. We saw some amazing sights. We started at the Mends Street Jetty, then made our way to The Old Mill, then the Crawley Edge Boatshed. We went through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, saw the Blue Boat house, the Bell Tower and then finished at Elizabeth Quay. In the evening I managed to get some others to join me on a three hour PERTH BAR+STREET ART TOUR: Hidden Secrets, Laneways + Good Times! I was excited to walk the secret laneways and see the street murals and other fabulous art. I made sure to bring my sketchbook and my camera to get some inspiration for my own drawings. There was some cool stuff on various surfaces as we ventured out and about. Our tour guide, Pete, took us through hidden laneways with fantastic murals and fascinating histories. He encouraged us to look up and see the historic buildings forgotten above chain stores. The three bars we visited all had a cool vibe to them and I made sure to drink plenty of water to balance off the various tasting of beverages we enjoyed. Our flight was at 11pm from Perth to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. I was still a little jazzed from our outing. We all made sure not to forget anything as we headed for the airport. I found it hard to fall asleep on the flight, instead I stayed awake for a time drawing and sketching. When I did sleep it was good despite being on the plane. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3491 May 7, 2024 Our hotel is Vibe Hotel on the Darwin Waterfront. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255066-d1218857-Reviews-Vibe_Hotel_Dar... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255066-d11450386-Darwin_Hop... Have fun exploring and share with us what appealed and what didn't. ... BCoF smaller prompt: you're writing about the night life options, make it entertaining because people are seeking your opinion on how to spend their night exploring Darwin. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d13954237-Reviews-Stone_Ho... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d4154617-Reviews-Darwin_En... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d8099369-Reviews-Throb_Nig... https://www.getyourguide.com/lichtfield-l175979/vip-backpacker-litchfield-t51347... So our small little group of six venture off to Litchfield National Park. We get picked up 7 am from our hotel. It'll take 45 minutes to drive, and we stop at Berry Springs for an amazing swim in the clear crystal water of this magnificent waterhole. So cool and refreshing. After Berry Springs we are heading to Cascades in Litchfield. We have time to hike to the upper falls. It's around an hour and a half of walking before we get to enjoy a series of pools. The water was so clear. When we get back to the car it is time to head to Wangi falls. This is considered the most beautiful waterhole of the Litchfield It was great to enjoy all the waterfalls and the forest surrounding the water. A paradise. At Greenant, there was another spectacular walk taking us at the top of the waterfall. We were able to swim. The view was breathtaking. A few of us managed to make it to the Tolmer Falls lookout. I got great photos from this very sacred place. It is considered the highest part of the Litchfield. We also swam swim at Florence Falls and Buley waterholes. They are the most visited swimming places in Litchfield. We brought our own food and had a fabulous picnic. We made sure to put in plenty of snacks because we were going to be pretty active today. More details on: www.nttopadventures.com.au Such an amazing day! |
Blogging Circle of Friends - Day 3490 You have choices once we land in Katherine. Discuss what you discovered and enjoyed from the links. Include your fellow bloggers to help inspire interaction. https://northernterritory.com/us/en/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/nature-an... https://www.visitkatherine.com.au/attractions/national-parks https://www.katherineoutbackexperience.com.au/ Hot Springs. Need I say more. I am sure I can entice a few weary travelers to spend the day hanging out in warm water, particularly after days of heat and desert. Who wouldn't want to hang out at a place "renowned for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool". Just being in Elsey National Park was so refreshing. The Roper River meanders through this picturesque national park. Several of us took the Botanic Walk which was a pretty easy 1.5 kilometre loop. The park has diverse plant species. We also enjoyed the eight kilometre Riverside Walk to Korowan / Mataranka Falls. Such a beauty. It was great to get out and move after all the sitting around on the train. Swimming is only recommended at the thermal pools. Mataranka Thermal Pool is a well-known feature of the Park. Rainbow Spring rises from underground at 300 litres per second at a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, which is then contained in a swimming pool. Also within the park, Bitter Springs is surrounded by ancient rainforest - the famous 'float down' is not to be missed. By the time we got back to the train for dinner I was only to happy to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine and a nutritious dinner. I was famished.     |
Blogging Circle of Friends - Day 3489 From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. We're going to get dirty today. But maybe we'll score an opal. https://journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan-expedition/ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/opal-mining-coober-pedy/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pniXiSEoTwM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrCpNlPggtA The sunrise was beautiful as we disembarked from our train in the early hours of the morning. Rustic sand scanned for miles. We were told the name "Coober Pedy" comes from the Aboriginal Australian kupa piti, meaning "boys' waterhole." or "white man in a hole". These holes have become quite a hazard. Over the years, miners have dug over 250,000 shafts, making Coober Pedy a dangerous place for tourists to walk around carelessly. So I decided to stick close to the group and not wander off. They say, roughly 1,700 people live in town full-time, working at mining-related jobs. In order to avoid the punishing desert heat, many live in underground houses. Burrowed into hills, these houses require ceilings a minimum of 4 meters high to prevent collapse. Not surprisingly, many homeowners (or home diggers) have found opal while excavating. Not sure I'd want to live underground, but it was interesting to see a couple of these places. Mining in residential areas is now banned. However, many miners get around this loophole by "expanding" their houses to build additional guest rooms. It was bloody hot as the sun began to climb, so getting underground was a relief... though having only a pipe to the surface to get air was a little nerving. I was glad to get back on the train for a cool shower and some good dinner. |
Blogging Circle of Friends - Day 3488 May 4, 2024 Our next adventure has us hoping on The Ghan for one of the world's great train journeys. We get to travel through the heart of Australia in luxury while enjoying the all-inclusive food and beverages, well-appointed cabins and the Off Train Excursions that allow you to get a feel for the places the train travels through. I upgraded to a Gold ticket so I have a cabin all to myself. This is the kind of stuff you can do on a virtual trip. I like the space to be able to go off and write without feeling like I am being anti-social. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255093-d12951577-Reviews-The_Ghan... We'll be starting in Adelaide and since the train doesn't leave until noon, I have time for a bit of shopping at the Rundle Mall and the Adelaide Arcade. I make sure to purchase a great hat and more sunscreen for the trip. I expect I'll need them both. I found an inexpensive hiker hat that will do perfectly. As we settle onto the train, I enjoy my spacious cabin and a glass of wine. I know its early, but I feel like celebrating. I take some time to check out some possible adventures that are available to us as we venture forth. Lyn's a Witchy Woman listed these: https://www.pinkroadhouse.com.au/oodnadatta-track/ https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/northern-territory.html https://alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/ https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ One of the things that stands out is the Desert Art Trail. I really enjoy the artwork of indigenous artists in Canada and am curious what the Australian Outback has in store. The colours on the website are more earthy, not as vibrant, but are just as soul enriching. A couple of places intrigue me - The Aruleun Arts Centre and the Mbantua Gallery. The Arts Centre will give a good overview of all the area has to offer and the Mbantua Gallery website has some fabulous artists including Jessie Hunter Petyarre and Joycie Morton Petrarre. Jessie's family paint stories associated with Atnwengerrp and Irrweltye their mother's country. I find her work pops with colour and makes me smile. https://mbantua.com.au/ https://araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au/art-collections https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/alice-springs-and-surrounds/day-trips.htm... Tonight we'll be dining in the Queen Adelaide restaurant. I'll be savouring the mouth-watering dishes such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet as we travel along our route. https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/guest-information/food-beverage/queen-adela... BCoF smaller prompt is about Australian literature: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_literature Scroll through the different sections and discuss things you know about authors and the topic they wrote about. I really like reading authors and buying books when I visit places. I bought at least a dozen books when I was in Scotland in 2017 (for real). I got a chance to spend a couple hours at the International Book Festival in Edinburgh. It was so fabulous. But we are virtually traveling in Australia, so.... I just finished The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. She now lives in Australia, but she is from New Zealand. Does a Kiwi count? The book is based on a true story of Lale Eisenberg who was the tattooist in Auschwitz-B during the Holocaust. He and his wife Gita eventually moved to Australia in 1949. The series for this started May 1 and I wanted to finish the book before watching it. It was very moving. Thomas Michael Keneally, is an Australian novelist, playwright, essayist, and actor. He is best known for his non-fiction novel Schindler's Ark, the story of Oskar Schindler's rescue of Jews during the Holocaust, which won the Booker Prize in 1982. Apparently he was the first Australian to win the Booker Prize. The book would later be adapted into Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Schindler's List, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. I did not read or see this movie, but one day I might. Colleen Margaretta McCullough was an Australian author known for her novels, her most well-known being The Thorn Birds and The Ladies of Missalonghi. I read The Thorn Birds and watched the series with Richard Chamberlain. Germaine Greer is a liberation (or radical) rather than equality feminist. Her goal is not equality with men, which she sees as assimilation and "agreeing to live the lives of unfree men". "Women's liberation", she wrote in The Whole Woman (1999), "did not see the female's potential in terms of the male's actual." She argues instead that liberation is about asserting difference and "insisting on it as a condition of self-definition and self-determination". It is a struggle for the freedom of women to "define their own values, order their own priorities and decide their own fate". I may just need to read this book. I have put in on my list on Good Reads. |
Blogging Circle of Friends - Day 3487, May 3, 2024 Take advantage and do your laundry and whatever because we're going to be roughing it on a train next. we're all staying at Hilton Sydney. https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/Sydney/entity/CgsImO_m76TC4eXkARAB?g2lb=250... There are a lot of great things to do and see in Sydney but you have one day so pick from the links what appeals to you and discuss what you discovered. Make us envious. Let your imagination get carried away. https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-sydney-australia/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g255060-Activities-Sydney_New_South_Wale... Being a virtual tour and a practical person, I packed off my winter gear that I used in Antarctica and sent it home. No sense dragging around that heavy stuff when Sydney is lovely. I break out my floaty skirts and a good pair of walking shoes. I sent any laundry to be done to the hotel service so that I could take every opportunity to enjoy this city. The hotel itself is to die for... after being in such extreme conditions in Antarctica, I was only too happy to snuggle into a cozy bed, take a shower and enjoy the huge pool. But I was not going to limit myself to the hotel. After a quick zip around Paddy's Markets and grabbing some fresh fruit and some cheap books. I headed for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I wanted to climb this great structure and see the views from the top. I was not disappointed and the pictures I took were stunning. After that climb I headed for Bondi Beach for a dip into the ocean. It was so sunny and warm - a real contrast from Antarctica. There seemed to be almost as many people there as there had been penguins the day before... but the sand was so much nicer than the glacial ice. I enjoyed a walk along the shoreline. The sand made for a great workout for my feet and legs. After the beach, I headed back to the hotel for a shower and got myself ready for the Historic Pub Crawl and the spooky ghost tour. It was intriguing to sample various bars while learning the history and ghost stories of the area. I loved hearing all the tales of gang life, brothels, unsolved murders and spooky delights. I was glad some of my writing friends joined me because its always nice to shudder and experience the shivers up the back when you are not alone. By the time we arrived back at the hotel in the early hours of the morning, we were all ready to collapse into our beds and get some well needed sleep. Being warm and cozy was wonderful. At some point on this virtual tour I took some time to venture into Sappho Books, Cafe and Bar. It is a second hand bookshop with a wonderful cafe. It also has a wine bar at night. I wanted a cool place to browse books, enjoy coffee and take some time to write in a unique spot. The cafe serves delicious food in a beautiful garden courtyard. It was a great writing retreat. If I have time I may see if anyone would like to go back at night, as this place this "comes alive as the wine bar kicks off, usually with live music. The wine list is interesting and carefully chosen, the cocktails have funky literary names, and there is a good selection of both regular affordable and craft beers. Tapas in this case are international in their inspiration." |
Blog City: Day 3083 Prompt: "In every walk with nature, one receives far more he seeks." John Muir Being surrounded by nature has a way of bringing me back to myself... to that calm part that connects with the world as a whole. You can't help but be grateful for that kind of connection. We are all part of nature and it is good to remember that, especially when the supposed civilized world tries to tell us differently. Taking time to slow down and savour the world around you is exquisite. Watch a butterfly flit through the sun. Listen to the birdsong all around you. Watch the squirrels scamper and play among the branches. Feel the breath of a breeze rustle your hair and skim over your skin. Taste the sweet tartness of raspberries growing on wildly growing vines. Smell the freshness of the earth and the muskiness of decaying leaves. The forest is alive at every level from the microbiological all the way up. It is awe inspiring how much the world so fully lives... if you slow down and take it all in. As I consider my virtual trip to Antarctica I see a very different view of nature, but although it is covered in deep snow and ice, nature is still very much an active thing. The whales, penguins and seals are huge things to marvel at as we make our way through our virtual encounters. The cold. The ringing silence... that is filled with all the Antarctic has to offer - nature is not silent... even if the snow muffles the sounds. It is all so pristine here and the tour guides make sure we respect that... as we make sure to disinfect our boots before going between various penguin sites. Blogging Circle of Friends: Day 3486 Travel Prompt: Antarctica is the site of some of the world’s most cutting-edge research. There are dozens of scientific research centers here, and one of the most interesting things to do in Antarctica is to take a tour of one of these fascinating facilities. The Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island opens its doors to visitors all while studying everything from meteorology, ecology, biology, glaciology, seismology and physics. It was at this research station that the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered. Another cool and unexpected aspect of this research center is the Vernadsky Station Lounge, one of the southernmost bars in the world. We did try the vodka, which had been distilled on site. It was pretty good. I decided to pay the $3 instead of handling over my bra - it wasn't very exciting - unlike a few others, that will remain nameless.... It was interesting to help examine green snow and check out the satellite studies of the visual evidence of climate change. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-bar-at-vernadsky-research-base-antarctic... I also managed to buy a t-shirt and a magnet as a souvenir of what is considered the southernmost souvenir shop in the world. I got some postcards... some as keepsakes and some I mailed to family, friends and even one to myself so I could have a keepsake of it and the stamp. Lyn's a Witchy Woman is still insisting we still sleeping in our sleeping bags and I am fine with that, as the views at night are amazing. There are no threats of being eaten - all the polar bears are at the north pole. Vernadsky Station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmFjTJJkiZM Solo Trip to Antarctica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDap9qxb96k |
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