We decided to head towards the beach. In summer they come alive with ’sunbathers’ But summer is struggling this year.
It rained most of the way.
But as we arrived at Lyme Regis the sun struggled out.
This is a lovely area of Devon and with its dramatic coastline is known as the Jurassic Coast.
Picture in the window of the Lyme Regis gallery.
We were able to walk in the afternoon sun / it doesn’t get dark until around 9pm.
We visited the Jane Austen gardens which sit above the little harbour and Cobb Beach. They have a sculpture walk to enjoy along with the views.
We saw a statue in honour of Mary Anning an English fossil collector dealer and palaeontologist she discovered two rare dinosaur fossils.
The views along the coast were stunning.
The swim cabins.
There were a few hardy souls swimming, standup paddle boarding and sailing. With a 9pm sunset people enjoy activities for hours after work. If only the weather were warmer.
Visiting seaside towns is unmistakable. The smells …..fish and chips in the air, people queuing for ice cream, the sea gulls crying out, kids struggling to play on the pebble beaches , a few oldies camped outside their beach cabin out of the breeze hoping for some sun.
Postcards in the stands outside the shops, the beautiful iron lights with scrolls of shells.
Little boats competing for a spot in the harbour.
The architecture is very English
We walked for quite awhile stretching our legs – especially up the steep paths off the gardens perched above the town and harbour.
It was nice to sit and rest on the mosaic bench. I think I’ll design one for our garden at home.
Time for a G&T then dinner of fish at a restaurant on the sea front.
What better way to discover an area than to be with people who live there and really love it.
Bill, is originally from Australia and Marie France is French though has lived in the UK for many years.
They packed us into Bill’s two door Mercedes soft top and off we went.
Rocky came with us today and ‘sang’ along to the opera playing on the radio!
We drove through the South Downs and luckily the sun was out. It looked so beautiful with all its shades of green. Marie France used to come over from France and ride a pony through the area. A wonderful carefree childhood.
We went to their golf club which has an hotel on site. It’s also where MF does her aqua class and Pilates. Bill plays golf weekly and tennis 3 times a week. They are both very fit. And are about 9 years older than me!!
By now it was time for lunch so we stopped at one of the many little country pubs, The Dragon for lunch. It’s what is known as a gastro pub. No, you don’t get gastro. You get beautiful food!
We sat in the sun in the garden and I enjoyed my first English Pimms.
We all slept well in our adventure wonderland and hit the breakfast buffet at 8.30 to fuel up for the trip to the theme park today.
Breakfast is pandemonium : lots of mums, dads, doting Nani’s and a posse of kids mostly under 12. The buffet caters for the tastes of Malays, Chinese, Indian and assorted other nationalities. Families tucking into rice dishes, curries, sugary chocolate cereals. Our Ollie went straight to the egg station. He got his 3 scrambled eggs. I had an omelette. Pete had curry and roti. Something he had grown to like when living in in KL. Coffee out of a machine had to do for my 1 cup a day coffee fix.
Lego men at each of the food stations.
Thumping music greeted us at the gates to Adventure World. We were there for the warm up session at the main stage. Then the countdown started. We joined in with the excited crowd : fireworks and the gates opened.
Straight to the drive a boat then the driving school.
They give driving lessons and have a classroom session while they wait for their turn: then the children all get a car and drive around a miniature Lego town. Ollie chose the police car. When finished they earn a drivers license.
Pete has all the rides planned out. We did the Ninjago ride and the adventure one a bit like a Raiders of the Lost Arc.
We walked – in the heat, enjoying every minute. The rides are amazing. Ollie found his ‘brave’ and went on the roller coasters. Even I went on one after a gap of 30 odd years! Amazing what one will do for a grandchild.
Our last ride before returning to the hotel for a break and a well deserved rest, was the jet ski . You ride around a pond with spectators bombing you as you pass. We came off dripping wet which actually felt good in the heat.
Leaving, we passed the miniature worlds. All surrounding countries made out of Lego.
A bite to eat at the food mall next to our hotel then back to the room to change and rest.
Dragging ourselves off the bed we re entered the park at 4 for another two hours.
Fire engines race Pete and Ollie pumped their engine to the fire.
A few more rides. Repeating those Ollie loved. A visit to the build-a-car section. Inside and air conditioned it was a treat.
The day finished with a huge rainstorm. We got drenched walking the 200 metres back to the hotel.
A change of clothes. Dinner and another dance party!
Bed felt so good.
Tomorrow travel back to Singapore to Changi for our flight to Penang.
I’m sitting writing this post at Singapore Zoo. It 9.35 and Pete and Ollie are having one more walk around the night time trails and I’m admitting defeat and having a beer under a fan.
The Night Creatures show
After a long day yesterday and the night hawker markets we were up and out at 8.30 after Pete and Ollie had had a swim in the big pool. This 5 year has stamina ! Takes after me I like to think.
We had breakfast at Maxwell food markets. Ollie wanted eggs and they come half runny boiled eggs that you open into a saucer and dip toast into.
I prayed the eggs were fresh as he polished them off and drank his fresh orange juice.
Following a walk around Chinatown we got the train to the Gardens by the Bay. These gardens are spectacular. It was hot walking along the river to get to the gardens but once there it was an oasis. Cool inside with multi levels you start at the top and walk down gradually.
Planning our visit to the gardens
There’s a magnificent water fall, crystal gardens, a forest room. All beautifully presented and not crowded. I bought our tickets through Klook, an online discounted ticket agency.
It worked beautifully. I bought a combined ticket for the Gardens, the flower hall and the night safari at the zoo. We’re going there tonight.
Ollie loved the gardens and Pete and I are so impressed with how everything works.
We moved onto the Flowers of the World and they had a Japanese gardens exhibition. Perfect as I’m going to Japan later in the year.
In front of the cherry blossoms
The cherry blossoms exhibition was like being in Japan.
Back out side the heat was picking up. We stopped for a beer and gelato before heading into the Science Museum. the building itself is worth visiting. Shaped like a lotus flower you enter via a bridge over the most beautiful lotus flowers.
The lotus by night. From the taxi after the zoo.
There were a few paying exhibitions including the Iris Van Herpen fashion exhibition I saw last year in Brisbane.
We opted for the kids activities which kept Ollie occupied for quite awhile.
Starting to get tired.
Hunger was getting to us now so Ollie and I headed back on the blue downtown train line to the food markets where we polished off dumplings for lunch. Pete was keen to have his bone broth soup so went a bit further to another hawker market specialising in that dish. $10 he said and he couldn’t eat it all.
We met up back at the hotel for a swim in the very large hotel pool. What a treat. Into the room for a rest before our nighttime booking at the Zoo.
It rained heavily – typical tropical downpour. A bit a rumbly thunder. it was great to look at lying on bed by the huge window.
It was still rainy when we left so caught a taxi. It took nearly an hour to get there by 7pm and cost $45 Singapore. It’s well organised and I stood in the line for the night train while Pete bought some satay chicken for Ollie. He’s also hungry a lot of the time. The line took about 20 mins. Perfect timing.
We got the front three seats and had a perfect view. It was amazing. We saw animals standing quite close to where the train crept along the narrow road in the ‘jungle’
It was hard to get a good photo but we saw lions, cheetah , rhino, elephants, bison, bears, deer, the list goes on.
From the train we went to the Creatures of the Night show and saw, and owl fly in, hairy pigs, hyenas, cheetah. All visited the stage on cue to eat something planted for them then quietly leave.
The show finished around 9 and Pete and Ollie de used to walk the night loop setting once again the animals we’d seen from the train.
I sat having a beer waiting. One tired little boy and his tired dad arrived back so we made our way out to the taxi and after 5 minutes in the car Ollie fell asleep.
There is a distinct sound to tropical rain. It absolutely pelts down and the trees surrounding the house make dripping and drooping sounds.
Another swim in the rain followed by a simple breakfast. Life here is uncomplicated and quiet. If only we weren’t so worried about Jo.
We walked through the pelting rain to one of only two restaurants which are only open on odd days and odd hours. Today it’s open. We got big cups of coffee ( $16) and sat alone until a group of 4 came in with a local woman and sat near us.
Turns out they are journalists covering this area for a tourism promotion! Not a great time to be here. They shared their sweet pandan rolls with us and Paula our housekeeper arrived to chat and take them back to the house for more photos.
We went onto the Cocos Malay Museum. It’s small and the sign outside advises that if it’s locked ( it wasn’t ) to go to the shire office nearby and get the key.
We got in and spent some time absorbing what life would have been like. The Clunies-Ross family ran a huge copra business here. They employed many Malay people who stayed and became Australian citizens when they voted to stay with Australia.
We felt the museum would benefit from a retired person like Steve to add explanations to their displays. Perhaps he should offer to return and fiend time doing that.
We had ordered some curry puffs and spring rolls at the restaurant and went back to collect them. I got talking to the young man who took our money. ( 16 pieces for $54). Thomas from NZ met Ammanah when he moved to Perth. She was studying. They fell in love and I imagine it would have been hard for her Muslim family to accept Thomas. He decided to move to Cocos with her , convert to Islam and marry. He’s now employed by the local Council to run their waste management program.
They were just lovely to chat to and ask about life on Home Island. It’s very different to life on West Island. Home island is where the Cocos Malays live. Some travel back and forth for work.
Back at the house we shared our food with Wolf and Marion our Putin admirer.
Once again the afternoon was spent reading and playing a banangram. It was pouring. no wifi.
The other two couples usually eat and go to bed very early. So I prepared a cheese plate to share and we sat with Greg, Bruce and Atsuko for awhile. This is a dry island though guests at the house can bring some alcohol with them. You can’t buy it here. We’ve had a very small gin each evening. That’s it!
Our evenings are spent reading. And Steve seems to be able to sleep from 8.30 till 7. Amazing.
We’re hoping for news about our flight tomorrow evening at 6pm. It’s not looking promising. Jo and Martyn still have no idea of their medivac retrieval. Imagine if it were life threatening.
Our Swim Week is over but we allowed an extra day for downtime.
It was a slow start after parting last night. Though we were all in the pool by 8.15. A special session for all the swimmers.
Lots of giggles. the energy in this group is infectious. We bounced and sang along and waved arms in the air.
Even the pool attendants got into it.
Quick showers then it was off to the champagne breakfast. Though I couldn’t face champagne. Definitely too much last night.
Groups were saying farewelling, hugging and swapping contact details. It’s wonderful how after 5 days of a shared holiday mostly in swimmers leads to friendships that last! A common goal like swimming unites.
We spent the rest of the day lounging, reading, walking and not eating. Definitely too many meals this week.
I walked and called in to see the kids club. No wonder so many parents love coming to Fiji. The locals are so beautiful to the little ones. You often see a restaurant attendant walking around holding a baby so the parents can eat in peace.
The kids club also offer hair braiding, colouring, and face painting. All the little ones have braided hair with beads dangling!
The day went quickly and by 6pm e headed to the Waitui Club for a farewell dinner and to celebrate Chris’ birthday.
It was a beautiful evening and our table for 7 was perfectly placed on the veranda.
I told our lovely waitress Kata it was Chris’ birthday -so at dessert time she and about 8 staff all gathered singing a special three verse version of happy birthday ending with cheers and blessings.
She then took a photo and put herself in it!
Our evening finished with farewell hugs for our NZ friends David, Kim and Avy.
It’s been a wonderful week and as if they knew it was out last night , when we got back to our room, fireworks started on the beach in front.
After last years marathon 9 weeks away this year we are taking a few shorter holidays.
March it was to Adelaide and Sydney. May is Fiji.
We are doing ‘Swim Week’ – an organised week of swimming. Not like our usual Swim Trek holidays. This one isn’t relaxed swimming everyday but 3 ‘races’ over just 3 days. Not sure I’ll be ready to race.
We’re travelling with friends Chris & Jill meeting up with Kim & David, friends from NZ. We met them in Greece back in 2014 and have swim together several times since then.
I have broken all my own packing rules. I brought a bigger bag than I used for the 9 weeks last year! I didn’t stick to my 3 of everything! We’re only away 7 days and only have one hotel , so it was let’s just take everything I think I might need! Last year I traveled 9 weeks with 10kg. This time- 15 kg. I do have my swim fins, books and way too many dresses.
The airport was super busy in Brisbane but after coffee and a chat we got away on time , and 3 hours later it was ‘Bula.’ A friendly Fijian welcome complete with a guitar playing local. We’re staying in the Sofitel with 200 other swimmers. It will be a busy week I think.
Our room overlooks the gardens , pool and ocean and after unpacking we got our drinks organised and headed for the seats by the waters edge. A classic Margarita for me and a mango for Jill. We started to unwind! Dinner followed at Solis a beautiful fish dish for me a lovely glass of wine and the holiday is well underway.
Our friends Peter & Elizabeth suggestion a degustation lunch in the Barossa. What a good idea.
We may get to Adelaide each year but haven’t really visited many vineyards for a lunch long.
Hentley Farm was booked for lunch. Barossa House, a lovely B& B was booked for an overnight stay.
Even the dry 38 heat didn’t put us off. We drove out Sunday morning arriving at the house to leave our cars and taxi to the Farm.
Driving there along Seppelstfield Drive we were struck by the history of this wine area. Originally settled by many German families the wine industry pays respect to that history in the design of buildings and surrounding landscape.
Seppletsfield Rd is a 5 km drive of over 2,000 Canary Island Date Palms landed during the Depression. this area is home to some of the most prestigious wineries including Hentley Farm.
We arrived at the cellar door and were greeting with a chilled sparking before being escorted by Lara our lovely waitress. Later we found out her getting e. She is northern Chinese looks rather Peruvian but grew up in Italy hence the accent!
The entrance to the restaurant was boss the kitchen where everything was laid out ready to go. It was so clean and calm and a little hint of what was to come. We were seated in the window of simply styled room overlooking the hills of vines.
The calm clean kitchen.
It’s south everything is looking so dry.
First course arrived. A grazing plate of vegetables with a beautiful tahini miso dipping sauce.
Ready for a feast. Possibly my favourite a scallop on a bed of pea with the most delicious tea based broth
Dessert started with a popsicle on a stick. Watermelon flavoured sorbet.
The lunch was beautifully paced and at around 4 we drove back through the palm trees to Barossa House.
Our lovely hostess Sophie showed us to our rooms and we collapsed on the comfortable bed for the next hour!
The evening was then spent in the elegant lounge and gardens.
Barossa HouseThe gardens of Barossa House We might have a small platter in the evening.
The night was peaceful and the next morning breakfast was delicious.
Sophie is a charming host. Of Greek heritage she knows how to cook and how to make you comfortable.
Breakfast on the verandah.
We explored Tanunda, a stylish little wine town with lovely little shops mostly closed as today is a public holiday. But we found a very crowded coffee place and enjoyed coffee in the shade outside a museum!
We headed back to Adelaide feeling like we’d been gone a week! A lovely feeling!
Another song pops into my head. I’m going to Jackson 🎶 the Johnny Cash song. Not sure if it’s this Jackson also called Jackson Hole.
Our first stop today was Thermopolis. This tiny town is very popular because it has mineral hot water springs from the Big Horn National Park. there are several big hotels offering hot baths. And the town council have a public one free. You can only go in for 20 mins. That doesn’t sound long but believe me the springs are hot and health wise that’s about all you’re supposed to do.
So in we went. There was hardly anyone there and it was delicious. We came out feeling rejuvenated.
We went from fine sunny weather to dark clouds and just as we arrived in Jackson, this ski resort style town it pelted.
Another cabin at the Buffalo Bill Village but this one was very upmarket.
A log cabin and so lovely.
We made a decision that when the rain eased we’d go out for some basic food to eat in. And if we got a parking spot we’d have a drink at the famous Cowboy bar.
The plan worked well. Simple salad and cheese and we stopped for a drink.
I’m glad we did as it’s iconic.
The bar stools are saddles.
Note the lights, the tables all carved wood.
Heading back to the car we went into few shops. All the gear is for cold weather
Though Steve was rather taken with some antlers and I loved the fur.
Back in the cabin we enjoyed some red wine and a simple dinner. Caught up on our washing, talked to Ollie who is in Bali on holidays.
We’re hoping for fine weather tomorrow as we head to the Grand Tetons National Park.
I’ve got an app all ready to guide us through the parks so we
We missed the nightly rodeo. I’m devastated. It finished on Sept 10.
The drive from Deadwood was once again a mix of prairie and stunning mountains.
We headed to Devils Tower
Stunning.
Not a biker but I was welcomed
The brunch we had was pretty good as well.
The queue into the Park was so long. One young man and a long line all trying to pay their $30.
It is most unusual and worth seeing. Heading out we took a left and because our sat nav ( I’m using the maps in my phone ) had cut out we thought that maybe we were headed in the wrong direction.
With no wifi we happened upon a tiny town. It’s buildings were all decorated western style.
I went into the little museum and met Katie the person on duty chatting to a man with a weathered face , lots of hair, a beard and a smile with several teeth missing. He also had a sense of humour.
The antler is a must have decorative item.
I announced I was lost and wanted to head to Sheridan to go west across the Big Horn Mts. He gave a bit of cheek before getting a map and showed me the route to take.
Lyle is my new best friend.
The drive across the Big Horn was stunning. We climbed and climbed. The views got better.
It’s hard to do justice with a camera phone.
We had an unexpected stop at a National Museum of Military Vehicles. Sitting about 25km from the nearest little town it seemed very out of place. I guess they had a lot of land to store all the vehicles. And there were hundreds. Steve was amazed. I sat outside in the warm sun reading and he went in for s shirt visit. 50 mins later he emerged smiling and shaking his head. ‘It’s huge’ he said. Like everything around here.
We arrived in Cody – home of Buffalo Bill just as the street reenactment was starting. They put on a Wild West show every afternoon. Cowboys, sheriff’s with gun – fake I hope. The crowds loved it.
Back to check into our cabin for the night at the Cowboy Village. Rows of little cabins. Two bedrooms, a great shower but fairly basic comfortable. All for $258 Aus. Everything is very expensive. Americans would love Australia. With the exchange rate and basic things like meals being expensive- a basic burger is $18 which is around $28.
We walked through this cowboy town admiring the crazy signs, the cowboy decorations and found place for dinner. I craved salad or veg so found a spinach salad with beef slices. Exciting for me!
Our little cabin at the Cowboy village.
Cabins are very popular here particularly in the National Parks. We’re loving our cowboy adventures. Though I’m still very upset to miss the rodeo.
frans travel tales 