Day 2 : all at Sea

May 12, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Today was a ‘sea day’ so we slept in and had breakfast delivered to our room.

We did our exercises and then had our yoghurt, fruit, tea and a croissant for Steve.

Then the gym! It’s a popular place. I was into my routine when I thought……. Beware the germs ! 🦠 I looked around but people were dutifully wiping down the machine after use. I only wanted 4 machines so wiped before and after use!

We came out of the inner passage this morning so there is a little more movement in the ship. It made me hold onto the walking machine. I wouldn’t look good flat out on the floor.

It’s interesting to see the ‘types’ in the gym. There’s the serious wirey ladies ‘going for it’. There’s younger runner. The overweight middle age man trying hard ( good for him) and me! Not sure where I fit.

A quick turn a round and off to a cooking demo. Led by a host who carved up the dance floor last night in the Rolling Stone bar. There were so many people there I couldn’t find a seat. I stayed awhile then decided I know how to cook salmon.

I did a lap of the deck to get my steps up then went up the room to meet Steve who had been to an information talk about the ports we’ll be visiting.

We went to the Lido deck just one floor above us – very handy on a cruise to be ‘close’ to the action without the noise.

We had lunch with a great couple from Long island NY . Patty and Tom. They were great company and like Donna and Seth from yesterday are doing the land package.

We’re meeting them tonight for a drink at the piano bar.

Following lunch Steve went to a talk on the port we are visiting and I went to Mahjong. Those who know me , know I play this game. We have a very loose way of playing. Kind of Chinese Australian. We don’t score we play games from a book and we have our own rules.

Today I met Roxie from Nth Carolina and she was funny ! Judy from NY who was so patient but obviously a very good player – by the rules type and Jane from Canberra Aus. Who really wanted to stick with Aussie type of play!

We had a few games. It was fun & full of laughter and Roxie and Judy were so patient with us!

We met back in our room for a cuppa and a rest before heading to the piano bar.

A lovely girl from Perth Aus was the pianist playing hits before the trivia – 50 and 70’s music! It was so much fun. We didn’t disgrace ourselves but didn’t win!

It lead to chatting to a big group of friends from Australia. From Innisfail north Queensland.

What a fun group. There are 6 couples celebrating several birthdays but really celebrating friendship. It reminded me of our Sri Lanka group of friends.

We walked to dinner with them and they went off to their big table with promises to catch up ! They are also doing the land part after the cruise.

We met up with Patty and Tom and shared a few stories before heading to the comedian show. Which was great fun.

There isn’t the ‘big musicals’ like on the Princess or Celebrity cruises but it doesn’t bother us. We’re enjoying dipping in and out of the shows.

Tomorrow is a port day. Ketchikan. We’re going to a lumberjack show – a bit like the Ekka in Brisbane probably.

We’ll wander the town and leave again at around 2.30.

I’m relaxing into this cruise!!! And NO I didn’t go anywhere near the 15 drinks I’m allowed! Neither did Steve. We decided we’re too old.

Day 2 A trip to Gibsons.

May 9, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

After a very early night only interrupted by feet cramps! We left by 8.30 for the bus to Horseshoe Bay.

I love a local bus. We went through the streets of Vancouver across to Stanley Park and West Vancouver then onto the ferry terminal.

It’s obviously a good place to visit there were lots of cars lined up to get on the 9.50 ferry. We were with the walk aboard people.

It’s a beautiful ride across passing islands and hoping to see a whale! No such luck.

We connected to the bus for the 10 min drive to Gibsons we didn’t have small change and the tap on feature was broken so the driver just welcomed us.

Ready for coffee we headed to Mollys Reach.

Who has heard of the new to Netflix show called ‘Murder in a Small Town ? It’s set here in Gibsons. Going back further there was a show called Beachcombers. I hadn’t heard of it but it too is set in Gibsons. That’s how photogenic the place is.

Mollys Reach is a cafe by the marina and it features in both shows. In Murder … it is where Karl ( attractive laid back but clever cop) meets Cassandra ( attractive single lady – who happens to be the town librarian).

We had a reasonable coffee served by a lady with very orange hair. She doesn’t feature in the tv show.

We dropped down to the gravel path that runs along the seafront past all the boats and birds and walked from Lower Gibsons to Gibsons.

We called into the public market. A lively spot with a great seafood market, deli, coffee, and saw a kids cooking class in progress.

Walking up the stairs we passed a fish tank indicating there was an aquarium upstairs!

I also spotted several tables of mahjong players. Being a keen player myself I walked to the nearest table as they finished a game. I got talking to a very friendly lady called Lisa who was so welcoming. She told me about the style of mahjong they play – American which is quite different to the style of play in Brisbane. Ours if ‘friendly’. Neither American or Chinese!

She introduced the game to the locals in 2018 when she moved there from the US. She’s from Denmark originally and now lives with her husband in this beautiful part of Canada.

She gave classes to locals , charging $5. All the money went into buying sets and game sheets. There are now over 200 enthusiastic players. They can be found in this Community area above the food markets.

The market is in a coop building so they fund everything themselves.

A beautiful wooden tree with names of community contributors.

Lisa told us to visit the Museum nearby which we were going to do. She’s on the board there and they just opened a new exhibition about the Japanese Canadians who were interned during WW2.

Across we went to the lovely small museum and spent some to there hearing and reading about the Japanese people who lost everything they had built or owned to be put into horrible conditions for the length of the war and came back to nothing.

A very well researched and documented exhibition.

A holiday to a new place is not complete with a visit to the town library. They are such friendly welcoming places. I didn’t spot many Australian authors though!

The local library. I looked Cassandra from the tv series. But she’s not on duty!

Onto the upper part of Gibsons to visit Taphouse Brewery. There was a great deck with lovely views.

Little bird houses all along the street.

Prices here in Canada are pretty similar to Australia. And the $ matches. Do not like visiting the USA! Our dollar there is not worth much.

We walked a little more and made it to the bus stop for the connection to the ferry.

Ferry is a great relaxing way to travel.

Back to the hotel by 6 for a little rest then out into the evening light. I felt like Japanese so we found one down on the waterfront and had a small meal each.

We sat planning our day tomorrow. Off to Granville island for the markets and the art and crafts

Up Up and Away

May 8, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Our trip to Alaska is a long time coming. We were meant to go back in 2018. But we had a beautiful wedding to attend in Santa Barbara. Our son Rob married Jordan.

So our trip was shelved until now. An Alaskan cruise has been popular with almost everyone we’ve spoken to.

Plans were made and today we left for around 3 weeks. We’re going via Auckland on Air NZ – a new airline for us. Kia Ora! So far, so good.

We’re about to land in Auckland for around 2.5 hours.

We have 3 days in Vancouver then board the ship – the Westerdam a Holland- American ship. 7 days cruising up into Alaska then 8 days on land visiting Alyeska, Anchorage, Denali National park and flying out of Fairbanks.

Let me know if you’ve done a cruise like this ……

The transit in Auckland went well then it was ‘chocks away’ at 8 pm for the 12.5 hrs to Vancouver. Air Nz was great premium economy was good but Steve in particular missed the flat bed.

I bonded with my immediate neighbours because I lost a pearl earring and two people behind were up with torches and moving things around. They were so kind and helpful.

We arrived to blue skies and very friendly people. Into the city to a Marriott hotel a block from Gastown.

We got into the room but decided to move! After sitting for so long we needed to stretch our legs. We walked along the waterfront, part the cruise terminal where we’ll be boarding the ship.

We were last here about 30 years ago. Steve had some business and we were on our way to Calgary to visit our friends Lynne & Tom who now live in Brisbane.

It’s a beautiful city with a waterfront that always shines especially when the sun is out. It was busy with tourists and locals – many sitting having a beer in the sunshine. We found a good spot for a beer before moving back to Gastown for dinner.

Now we are in the hotel. Showered and wondering if we can go to bed at 8.15!

Miyajima with a stopover at Himeji Castle

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

I love luggage forwarding. It means the day we leave we just have hand luggage! So easy especially when you see people lugging big bags on buses and trains. What on earth do they pack to need a really large bag? Hint ….. take things out and pack lighter.

Down to Kyoto station. We are all over the public transport now.

In plenty of time for the 9.05 train to Himeji. We want to stop and see the castle.

Into Himeji in 45 mins. Hand luggage into lockers and onto the loop bus for the short trip up the castle. It’s 20 mins walk and we decided to save our feet.

The sun was out and looked in awe at this amazing sight.

We stopped for coffee at a cafe across the road and were welcomed by the sweetest little old lady. She had the worst back….

We bought a combined ticket. Castle and gardens. 1050 yen which is around $10. The prices to all these shrines, temples etc seems to be very low and fairly consistent. All around 500-1000 yen.

Only Steve and Elizabeth decided up climb the steep steps up to the 6th floor. The rest of us went to the first floor. Inside is dark and there is no furniture. It’s all about the views out.

As we walked back out toward the moat we saw a lovely young couple with two little boys. She had a sign saying ‘we are English learners. Can we ask you a few questions’ We stopped and met the most delightful young couple with 2 and 4 year old boys – they were such fun. They asked us a few questions ‘ where do you come from’ what Japanese food do you like’ we had a great chat and then as we farewelled them they gave us a little gift.

Further along the path we met another mother and child. This boy was 7. They explained that talking with visitors helped the children learn English. This little boy had good English. He was very keen for us to take a gift each. This time a little Japanese fabric purse with tissues. And a beautifully folded star. He then asked could we have a photo with him. He told us to put up or 2 fingers as a sign of peace.

What a really special thing to do.

We made our way to the Kokoen gardens.

I was keen to find a seat in a shady stop near some water and just sit. Unfortunately that is lacking in Japan. There are very few seats around.

We caught the loop bus back to the station after a little sightseeing trip around the castle past the museum and art gallery.

The food hall at the station was great. We all bought various food items. Salads, spring rolls and scallops ( but they weren’t hot)

Then the train to Hiroshima and a swap to a more local train to Miyajima and a quick 10 min ferry ride to the island.

Our hotel the Hotel Miyajima Villa was a two minute walk. It’s lovely. Modern but Japanese modern. Futons on a platform, a shower room, separate toilet and basin opening windows! A massage chair, pjs and toiletries you collect down stairs in a little red bag.

Tonight we are having the hotel buffet with an acclaimed chef. It is $99 and includes drinks. Let’s hope it great.

The view from our room is lovely across the water.

I’m sure we’ll love it here. It’s downtime for us after a fairly cracking pace in Kyoto.

Dinner was good! So good we needed a walk after it to walk off the desert we didn’t need.

We walked along the water front. There are lots of children around everywhere we go. It turns out this month is excursion time. Schools all over the country take their students away on trips.

And they were out tonight – being chased by a few deer. Yes it seems they have made it here as well!

The Tori gate was lit up so beautifully it was worth the walk in the rain to get there and back.

Visiting Arashiyama and the Iconic Bamboo Grove

October 18, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

Today was time to send our luggage to Miyajima. We have one more night here in Kyoto so just need an overnight bag for our trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima where we’re staying.

With luggage stored we headed out to Arashiyama at 8 am to beat the crowds. We caught a JR train and changed onto a tram like train for the final 4 stops. It took about 40 mins.

The station has great shops and services but we headed straight out to start the walk. We were there before 9 am so even though the main walk was open it was obvious that some paths were still closed while workmen were cleaning and putting finishing touches to decorations – all made from bamboo. It seems there’s a festival tomorrow which will be lovely especially in the evening. There will be lights all along the path.

Taking a side path we arrived at the Sogenchi garden – very much a zen garden designed by a monk, it has a pond, rock garden , trees planted to provide asymmetry and it is subtle but natural. I loved it. The Tenryuji temple was quite a let down compared to the garden.

We enjoyed a great coffee from a van in the Main Street before catching a bus up the hill to the Adashino Nembutsuji, a temple formed as a burial site.

We walked up more steps through the bamboo …..

We almost had this area to ourselves.

Riding the bus up was a great idea in the rain so we wandered down through the preserved streets.

Torimoto has a wonderfully quiet atmosphere. We found a small cafe run by two little stooped women. Freshly made sandwiches in an old world cafe. Perfect.

Okochi Sanso is a villa with gardens so well laid out that you could wander and not be aware of others following another path. Owned by an actor Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), this property is now open to the public. It’s just beautiful.

Our time was running out so we headed to the river – no time for the famed river walk.

We got another Romance train ‘ this one not quite as luxurious as the one yesterday! but fun!

Beautiful views of the river from the train

Back in Kyoto I decided to walk in the Gion area. I wanted to see the bridge that featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

The area didn’t disappoint.

I wandered the streets until my feet objected!

22,000 steps today.

We had a great dinner out before calling it a night. We’re leaving Kyoto tomorrow. It’s been great

Time now for a quieter time in Miyajima Island. And harrowing Hiroshima.

An English Garden Party : Sunday 15th

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Back in Rusper our friends have hosted an open garden for the village church.

And today our last day we are dressing in our garden party clothes and drinking G& T in the garden.

The weather is beautiful….. English style. Started out grey and cleared to blue skies by the middle of the day.

The guests arrived. Some walked from the village. Some drove from as far as London just over an hour away.

We had an hour and a half before we scrambled up the airport.

Gatwick is like all big airports. Lots of people and long walks up the gate. Ours was a good ten minutes of constant walking.

Then the theatre began. An announcement telling us boarding was delayed. That we had a full flight and there wouldn’t be room in overhead lockers for all the carry on bags. They offered free under plane storage and early boarding if people volunteered to check in their bags.

3 people came forward. Then a rather forceful lady started walking around the gathering line of people pulling out some and asking them to put their bags in the size measuring contraption.

It was actually quite funny watching grown men and women trying to cram oversized bags into the frame. If they didn’t fit they went to one side. Check in!

A women sitting near us tried to hide her rather heavy looking bag, a big back pack and handbag. She did it and later boarded!

We then sat on the tarmac waiting for take off. An hour later we did.

Arriving into Turin it was still light so we dropped our bags and headed out for a late dinner. Another salad Nicoise for me.

Next morning a long train ride up Lerici. We’re staying with our niece for 3 nights.

I love Lerici.

Bristol

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

The choir travelled today. On the bus by 9 we left in drizzly rain. We are supposed to be doing several pop up performances but if it rains there will be no audience.

First stop was for a Bansky street art ! A busy artist his work pops up everywhere.

Off to the Clifton suspension bridge. The hardy climbers went down 130 steps to a cave to view the bridge from a different angle. But I was happy up top.

We lined up along the wall and did two songs for a small but appreciative audience!

Back on the bus to the centre of Bristol and another bit of Banksy street art

We walked towards the river and set up for a pop up concert but it rained. So along the wharf for lunch and a wine.

We tried again after lunch and succeeded.

The highlight of the day was going to St Stephen’s Cathedral. we had been invited uk join a local choir for a concert in the cathedral.

They made us so welcome. their musical director. Beth is from Brisbane but living in Bristol. Our Musical Dircector Jac is from this area but lives in Brisbane.

They made contact and set up this joint concert.

We rehearsed the song we were to sing together ‘What the World Needs Now’ It sounds great. And the choir. – all women were so friendly.

Each one of us received a hand written post card from one of the choir. What a thoughtful thing to do.

We also were treated to a cream sherry. Delicious and were told it is medical. Good for singers throat.

The concert started and we sat in the church and listened.

They sang about 5 songs. Then our turn.

The acoustics in the church were beautiful. I’m sure it enhanced our singing.

We finished with our joint song. What a great experience. I think this will be a highlight of our tour.

Back on to the bus to Bath and a few photo opportunities. The Royal Crescent is as i remember from 1976. Very elegant. Though the grass was under construction. A Robbie Williams concert is coming up so they were constructing the stage.

We walked as a raggedy group towards the city centre. Passing the Jane Austen Centre. It’s the 250th Anniversary for Jane and there are special celebrations everywhere

A group of girls emerged all dressed in period costumes which is a better sight than some of the hens groups we have seen around Brighton and now Bath.

Some outrageous and sometimes tacky dress ups have been spotted!

It was more Gin o’ clock so we found a great gin bar and tried a few of the gin combinations. We paid for 1 but after awhile the waitress appeared with a trio of different gins and a bottle of tonic.

Yes please we all said!

A delicious rhubarb gin with ginger ale!

A slow walk through town to meet David and Steve.

Fell into bed exhausted.

Busy Bath 🎶🎶🎶

June 9, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

I’m a little behind with my blogging! It’s been super busy. Making our way towards our next stop we covered some beautiful coast line.

We walked up hill and down stairs to get to Tintagel Castle. Built in 1230. It’s on the coast and was the seat of the Cornish kings.

Further on the coast we stopped at

Verity: Virtue & Justice. Sculpture by Damien Hirst.

We spent the next night at Minehead. This is the start point of the great Coastal Walk and was featured in the movie The Salt Path.

The next morning was clear as we drove to Bath. It’s beautiful countryside. Green. Fields defined by hedges , narrow roads , little villages. Stopped at Cheddar. Home to the Cheddar Cheese! Naturally we bought some. We found our village in Bath and met Ros and David in the Main Street having coffee!

We were able to check in around 1 and found the apartment was perfect for the four of us. A few stairs! But a very convenient location- just near the hall where our first work shop was held.

A quick lunch with a few of the soul singers and Ros and I headed off to the a capella workshop. We left David and Steve to do the laundry!

David & Steve with the laundry bags. With Jac our musical director!

The workshop was fabulous. We worked on two songs with Laura, a local choir MD. She was beautiful. So encouraging and so good at directing us. We learned Little Shop of Horrors and Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. It was a joy.

After working hard all afternoon we then walking into the main city and did a few pop ups.

Trying to attract a crowd to promote our two concerts on Saturday. We were singing up a storm. And feeling cold. Even though it should be summer.

Rugby supporters crossing the bridge to the grounds. Walking through supporters smoke!

Our final pop up was at the entrance to Pulteney Bridge There was a huge Rugby match between Bath and rivals Bristol from just down the road! The pubs were pumping? The crowds out in their blue, black and white supporters jerseys. We set up at the entrance to the bridge and even attracted a small crowd.

Dinner was a well deserved jug of Sangria and tapas! then a walk home to bed. After a long catch up with Ros and David.

Glyndebourne an Opera Spectacular

June 3, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

I’ve always wanted to go to an opera at Glyndebourne. It’s an opera house set in the Sussex countryside.

https://www.glyndebourne.com/about-us/introduction-to-glyndebourne/

It’s famous for its world class opera set in beautiful grounds with atmosphere to match.

People traditionally dress in evening wear and dinner suits. But these days it is acceptable to wear other options!

Our hosts Bill and Marie France have been attending Glyndebourne for many years. In fact MF showed me a picture of herself there for her 40th birthday.

We set off early …. First stop was for Rocky their wire haired dachshund who was going to ‘day care’ as he’s a new puppy and can’t be left for long periods and we were going to be gone hours!

We arrived as the gates opened. All in Bills plan to secure a well located picnic table – in the sun and out of the wind.

All ages are represented! Not just the ‘older’ opera lovers. It’s a real occasion. You arrive early to secure a picnic spot. Bill knows how to find the best spots! You get a table and bring all your own picnic food and drinks.

We enjoyed a few glasses of champagne and nibbles before strolling the grounds….. and for me people watching.

We entered the main room of the old house which founder John Christie built in 1935.

Our friends Ros – in the choir with me and husband David joined us and we made our way around the opera house and into our seats.

It’s a new looking building with every seat enjoying a good view. We were in the dress circle. Some of us in the front row and David and Ros just 2 rows back.

The first two acts were wonderful. A more modern production than I’ve seen before with a superb young cast.

Interval came and is 1.5 hrs long allowing you to return to your picnic area ( or one of the restaurants on site) and enjoy some food and wine.

MF provided us with a delicious picnic. She had everything prepared and packed cleverly in glass jars! Bill had beautiful French wines. How spoilt we are.

We had gazpacho, followed by a prawn salad and finished with a deconstructed strawberry cheese cake. Just wonderful.

The bells rang and we returned to the theatre.

One of my favourite dresses of the night. A long jacket, silk and embellished.

I spotted men in heavy brocade jackets, sparkly dresses, bare strapless gowns ( they must have been so cold) and lots of wraps being put to good use.

The second half was highly entertaining, lots of funny subtitles helped, though with the superb acting you knew what was going on!

It all finished around 8 and even exiting the grounds it was easy to do. So well organised.

What a fantastic night. Definitely a dream come true.

Brighton UK turns on the Sun….

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

We’ve been hearing about the miserable weather in Brighton but today the sun is out. What a lovely welcome.

The flight from Singapore was in 2 sections 7 hours to Abu Dhabi a stop for an hour and a half. Stretch the legs then a bigger flight – 7 hours. Bonus. I slept.

Arriving into London with blue skies was a treat. It’s always exciting looking out the window down onto the Thames.

We caught the train into London and then the National rail train to Brighton. Stopping for coffee we were surprised at the costs! ( an outrageous $19. For 2 coffees! ) at Heathrow , got cash, started the eSIM and we were in Brighton by 11.

It’s so old world ‘English seaside’ vibe. Lots of people. The smell of fish and chips. Lots of dogs and a ton of people down by the pebbly waterfront eating fish and chips and licking ice cream.

We had a bite to eat in a great cafe then walked. And walked. I’d read about an area called North Laine. It’s an area of traffic free streets with outdoor stalls, lots of quirky shops, cafes, vape shops, cannabis outlets, boho and homewares. All together. Great fun.

We saw the area with lots of tents including the Spiegeltent for Fringe Festival shows.

There’s not as many posters around advertising Fringe events. despite this our show on Saturday night is a sell out.

Crossing Edward St. the main thoroughfare we walked the Lanes. Full of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Down to Marine Pde passing the Wagner Theatre where our ‘Bangers and Mash ups ‘ show is on Saturday night. It’s sold out! Amazing. I have 5 friends from this area coming along.

A quick visit to Sainsbury the supermarket for a few supplies to carry the five short blocks back to the air BnB.

Into our flat. Ground floor , facing the ocean, it’s one of the many painted terrace houses that line this road.

It’s one big room decorated with antiques, two big squishy lounges A grand piano and an iron poster bed.

It’s perfect. I love it and could stay a week. And it was less expensive than a hotel.

Our gorgeous friend Yves called in around 6.30 – yes we managed a little snooze to conquer the long travel day.

He suggested dinner at a great little place in the Lanes with a glass of wine first.

We spent so much time catching up that I forgot a photo! We met Yves back in 2013 in a swim trek in Sardinia. We’ve since caught up over many swims. Particularly the long swims Steve has done with our friends Chris, Ben and Dan

If you scroll back in my posts you’ll see our swims together. A memorable one for all the wrong reasons in Hong Kong harbour …

Yves also organised our swim trek to Vanuatu where he was born, with a group of our Brisbane friends. So, we did have lots to talk about.

We ate curry and drank red wine and at 11pm that night fell into the 4 poster iron bed.

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