Malamala Island a slice of paradise.

May 30, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Our last swim day.

Blue skies, happy people , connections being made and no bananas left for breakfast.

Onto the boat by 9 and by the time we arrived 30 mins later it was windy and overcast.

Walked down the pier with Mesu who looked after me all day. Called me Miss Fran!

Islands always have a windy side. And thankfully a calm side. The swim had to be changed. Not around the island this time. A course with markers on the calm side. 1 lap for the 1km swim and 3 laps for the 3km.

But we chose…….

By the side of the infinity pool.
Cocktail in hand.

The first race was quickly under way. A woman won it – just beating the 11year old son of Ky Hurst. It was so lovely to see them hug after the race.

Then the racers came in thick and fast.

They got the 3km race off quickly as the wind was getting stronger.

We went to our great place got in the pool and watched them swimming by 6 times – a loop done 3 times.

Ky Hurst won in 32 mins. He was cruising. A lovely man named Dean Duckworth has been runner up to Ky in all three races.

David & Kim our NZ friends did well. Especially Kim. And new friend Avy was just amazing!

Avy came in 12th. Beating some much younger people.

My favourite group are the pink ladies. For lovely friends from Northbridge Sydney.

Medals were given to all and the prize giving will be tonight.

Then it was lunch time. Aset under the trees the choices had everyone piling their plates high. Lots of choices, places to sit and a great bar. Steve had two beers and fell asleep!

People sat, drank – mostly cocktails, recovered, snorkelled, walked around the little island, chatted until 3o’clock when we were herded back on the boat.

But not before the famous jetty jump. The game party people set off. This included Jill. They took the long walk out along the windy jetty. It was about a 3 metre jump. Jill just couldn’t do it. And I don’t blame her. The pink costume ladies did it and claimed they had the best sinus wash!!!

Back on the boat everyone was just a little quiet. A bit weary I guess.

A short break back at the hotel before the Celebration dinner.

Everyone was told to dress to impress. Most dressed right up.

The awards were given. On our table of friends we had a first place winner in the over 70’s. Avy was also about 10 overall!

Kim was 3rd in the over 60’s. We cheered our talented friends along with all the other winners

Then the dancing started.

Oh what a night.

Off to bed because we have aqua aerobics at 8.15!

It’s been a great swim week. We’re staying on another night. A lot are leaving for home tomorrow and some are going to another island for a few days.

If you like swimming then Swim Week Fiji is a great week. Very different to wonderful swim treks we have done. they have 15 swimmers. These have 200 and as they say 5 days , 3 swims and 0 worries.

I’m on Fiji Time

May 29, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Bula. This friendly greeting is said by everyone you pass in this land of smiles.

It’s a traditional greeting. A hello. Or Hi. It’s easy to say and so lovely. The breakfast staff are full of greetings and smiles. How can you not start the day well when you are so well looked after. Nothing is too much trouble.

Today’s swim is here at the Sofitel. Right out the front. So a light breakfast. Did I mention how yum the local peanut butter is!!!! I had a little on toast before we headed to the beach front. The flags were up. The swimmers were all greeting each other like lifetime friends – which they probably will be by the end of this week.

The end of swim flags with our grass skirt class warriors.

Scott Rice , the organiser gives a clear briefing for the first swim. The 1 km. Conditions are much better, so optimism is high amongst the swimmers.

People are all rubbing cream onto each other. The anti lice cream is getting a big following. Quite a few got eaten by the lice yesterday and we know there are lice here. So much rubbing is going on. Armpits, under swimmers- no one is shy here!

The first race is off- a deep water start.

Jill and I waited, then leisurely entered the water for our private race for two. Water temperature is beautiful.

We swam around the area next to the course until we saw the first swimmers returning. The pool swimmers were favoured today in the flat conditions. But Ky Hurst’s young son once again came second.

I spoke to him after and he is such s a lovely kid.

As they finished people had jubilation written all over their faces.

Then the 3km briefing.

The briefing with Kim & Steve centre photo.

Into the water and away to the sound of the conch shell.

The young Fijians filled in time teaching a little one how to blow the conch shell.

And practised doing the Floss dance. To the cheers of the crowd.

The US guy was able to pull his passenger along.

He set of last but unfortunately as he overtook people ( he’s such a strong swimmer) the kayak hit a few swimmers. They weren’t happy so she had to be towed back by a jet ski.

Once again Ky Hurst cruised home for a win.

Our friends from NZ, Avy and Kim came in not far behind the leaders in under an hour.

David and Steve swam well and came in just over the hour I was in a good spot for cheering on the swimmers. They are all shapes and sizes. And the variety of swimwear is amazing.

We had lunch by the water outside the Waitui Club. It’s an adults only section of the hotel.

Jill, Avy and I walked after lunch. Just down to the Marina about 2 km away. Bought a few tshirts for the kids and a jar of the local peanut butter.

Back to the infinity pool a sit on the deck chairs, a book and a cocktail completed the afternoon.

The evening drink session and days wrap was again a success. The 5 minute highlights movie is terrific. Lots of claps and cheering as some very happy people ran, jogged, danced and in one case fell over the finish line.

We sat with some new friends and had a pizza before heading to our room.

First Swim around tiny South Sea Island

May 28, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

Our day started early. We received a wake up call at 6.30 – but not for us. For someone flying out ! We were already up and preparing for a day on South Sea Island.

The breakfast room was buzzing. Swimmers were all keeping the food stations busy. A big demand for bananas emptied the bowl quickly!

We sensibly had eggs to keep us going. And toast with the famous local peanut butter.

Getting in the bus the photographer called ‘Got your swimmers?’ One lady obviously didn’t hear that. On the island there was another call ‘anyone got some size 14 ladies swimmers’ poor lady.

We got the bus to the marina and once all 200 were on board we set off. The weather was cloudy. The wind a little brisk. We met some new people onboard. That’s the special thing about swimming holidays. The people are usually very friendly and down to earth. It’s a bit hard to be a pain or posh in your swimmers with a cap and goggles on.

Thirty minutes later we were in a smaller boat being shipped to shore. It’s the cutest little island. Usually home to back packers – they had been moved off for the day to visit other islands to allow us to have the whole island.

Conditions were not as good as we hoped but Jill and I decided we would try the swim around the island. About 1km.

We watched the big group go off then started behind them.

Along came Deanne a new friend from Brisbane. She had started with the race goers then decided – it’s too tough. She got out then saw us going in so joined us. But … ……..

Mistake 1. It was very shelly, coral bedding leading into the water and we didn’t have our reef shoes on so Ouch!

Mistake 2 We didn’t swim out far enough and before long came to a rocky shelf with small waves pushing us. I got snagged on a rock then immediately got worried about my new knee. So much rough rock and coral. I couldn’t get a cut on the new knee. The infection would be a disaster. So there I am I’m trying back off the rocks.

My swimmers got a small hole in the front. Better my swimmers than my skin.

We swam about 3/4 of the island before deciding to swim in. Alas, more coral and I couldn’t stand up. One of the beautiful Fijian helpers came to my rescue and hauled me to my feet.

Feeling relieved I’d made it back I asked myself. What were you thinking! I have no antibiotics and a coral cut gets infected very quickly. From now on sensible me.

Chris swam almost to the end but got out early as did lots of swimmers.

Next race – the 3km. They cut it back to 2km Steve, David, Kim and new friend Avy lined up all smiles.

It was tough out there but Steve did his best and Avy, a pocket rocket came in 13th overall and Kim not far behind ! Beating Steve and David!

It was a mighty effort from them all.

Ky Hurst ( former lifesaving champion and Olympian ) is the guest swimmer and won the race by a long way! He had also swum earlier with his 11yr old son in the 1 k race. His son came 2nd. And he’s only 11. A champion in the making.

Swimming over it was relaxing time with a bbq lunch and an open bar.

Then it was time for the traditional welcome.

The afternoon drifted on until it was time to return on the boat.

Back on the small boat. Out to the large boat and back to the hotel. Some very tired people on board.

Showers in the hotel were very welcome. A little rest then off to the drinks party.

They had the swim results up.

Steve did well. Avy came first in the over 70’s and 13th overall. What a champ! Kim came 5th in her age group. Steve 6th and David 7th.in the over 70’s

The party included a video of the days activities. Lots of fun recalling the day.

The evening finished with pizza on the verandah and a wee drink.

Another day and another swim tomorrow. This time it’s outside it resort.

But it’s meant to be Sunny in Fiji.

May 27, 2024May 27, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

We woke this morning to grey cloudy skies – but by mid morning it was warm and sunny. Perfect.

Breakfast was in a large airy garden room with lots of food stations scattered around. Everything from tropical fruits – where the bananas look green but are beautifully ripe inside to delicious locally made peanut butter for the many varieties of toast. Smoothies, pancakes, crafted omelettes, chocolate crackles, Asian food , vegetables. You name it was there.

I ordered coffee at the drinks station. And asked for lactose free milk. The young Fijian said they didn’t have any but offered almond. When he delivered it to me he brought a half carton of lactose free milk to put in my fridge. He said he was lactose free and had some in his room. So very kind. A little reward coming his way !

As we finished we heard the sounds of singers warming up. A small choir of a cappella voices. The men and women were so into it – smiling and singing. They sing farewell to guests leaving. Or for birthdays. It’s a song saying thank you for choosing Sofitel!

After checking out the activities board we decided it was an aqua class for us.

A bit different to my usual class at Centenary pool it was still lots of fun and a way to stay cool. Jill and I followed up with a swim in the sea.

Tomorrow the choices are …..

If you haven’t been to Fiji, it’s a beautiful laid back place. The locals are sweet and kind and love children. And they love a chat. I’m writing this sitting on a deck chair beside the pool. No less than 4 different staff have approached me to ask if they can get me anything! But mostly to chat.

Nearby local ladies are braiding hair and giving neck and shoulder massages.

Around me are families with assorted children – most with braided beaded hair, couples enjoying some quiet time. Families over various generations. In fact Fiji is perfect for grandparents to bring their children and grandchild. There’s something for everyone.

After Aerobics we took the short 15 min walk to the Marina. Lots of boats leave from here for the islands. I expected market type stalls but there is a little shopping and eating precinct. So we had some lunch before walking through lush gardens back to the hotel.

The little bus we could have used to get to the marina.

I went to the little trading post this morning. We have a complimentary bar in our room with about 10 cans of assorted drinks, chocolate and chips. You can use as much as you like and it’s replaced each day OR you can trade it a little store. 6 cans is equal to one bottle of wine or bubbles or 2 local beers equals one imported beer. It’s quite a unique set up. I traded the coke, sprite lemonade and kombucha for a bottle of wine! So there’s the 5 pm drinks all ready.

Tonight we have our welcome party for the 200 swimmers.

The organisers are a NZ couple who have run this event for a few years. It’s great.

We arrived and got our swim bag of goodies. A locally made swim bag with local products. Creams, lip balm, ear drops, water bottle, and a lanyard for all the events.

We arrived to a big Bula welcome.

Me surrounded by the Fijian welcome group!

Our group of six expanded to 8. We welcomed Avy, a Chicago born lawyer who married an English man whom she met at master swim event back in 1988 in Brisbane and now lives in NZ. Then there was Tobin. A Texan cattle man who happens to swim and who helps people who need a hand. He started Crosswater Journey aimed at helping families and individuals who have been impacted by suicide. They are helped by professionals and eventually Tobin does a symbolic journey – he swims and tows a small boat with someone who needs a hand.

He was such an interesting fun man.

The evening was perfect. Under the stars and trees, a slight breeze , lovely music with a singer guitar player , meeting likeminded swimmers from about 6 nations ( mostly Australians ).

It finished early. there’s a swim tomorrow.

So now to sleep.

Fiji : a week of swimming fun.

May 26, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Fiji

This year travel is about mini breaks.

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.

And the Heat Goes On

March 12, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Yes it’s a hot one in Adelaide. Quite the heat wave going on here. But so different to Brisbane which swamps you with humidity. Here is a searing dry heat.

We manage – helped along by Margs beautiful ducted aircon.

Our friends Peter ( Macca) and Elizabeth from Crescent Heads are long time friends from waterpolo days. We met poolside in Sydney after our sons were selected in the Australian under 21 side. they looked like fun so I suggested we share a place in Naples where the world champs were held in July 2003. Now we catch up and travel together.

Elizabeth found a tour, a tasting and lunch at Penfolds winery Magill. It’s just on the edge of the city.

A beautiful collection of old buildings which are still in use today producing the Penfolds renowned Magill Eatate wine.

The family developed the wine business starting in 1844 in the Magill area of Adelaide. This stands today as the closest winery in the city though most of the grapes are grown in the Barossa and other wine areas.

The legendary wine maker Max Schubert put the winery on the map with his Grange series. As part of the tasting after the tour we got to try the Grange as well as the Magill Estate. And their Chardonnay is a good taster as well!

After tasting six wines we were ready to eat. So off to the Magill restaurant for a delicious lunch. Italian Burrata is a favourite of mine now and made a lovely start to lunch. Followed by Kingfish ceviche I was very happy. Catching up with Elizabeth and Peter is a great treat. We’ve travelled together many times during and after our sons Waterpolo careers. World championships, Olympic Games and trips to NY and we travel happily with many laughs.

The lunch crowd was in full flight. It is obviously a popular place with locals as well as visitors to Adelaide. Next up was a tasty piece of beef and honeycomb chocolate mousse. By now I was done!

We had met another couple during the tour and tasting and they joined us for coffee. George and Francesca from Scotland. Such a lovely couple we shared many travel stories and laughs as the afternoon slipped away.

Peter, George Francesca myself and Steve after a very long lunch!

Fun at the Festivals.

March 10, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

We’ve tried to catch a few shows in between attending the Writers session. There’s so much on it gets hard to fit it all in.

We went to the State Library into the beautiful old Mortlock Chambers. Emma Knight, a well known Adelaide Musician & writer has developed a show around books. She looked back at her favourites, chose a line from the book and wrote a song around it. Such an original idea and it was well done. In the intimate setting of the beautiful room with balconies we enjoyed an hour of entertainment unlike any other show.

It was a warm evening so we went to the nearby 2KW rooftop bar for a drink and bite to eat. It has the best burrata dish. And a great view.

With friends Linda, Elizabeth & Peter McGregor from Crescent Head

The next night we went to a Pub Singalong quiz show. Lots of fun & interaction.

From the singalong we headed to the Garden of Unearthly Delights. It’s a big garden – a party hub of venues with shows of all types from comedy to music to burlesque. We saw Nurse Georgie Carroll. She was a nurse and now is a comedian. She has a big routine of stories! Very funny and nurses would love it. She has a signer in stage with her and that was hilarious to watch. Seeing her signing some of the things being said and described was so funny.

Google her and have a laugh. One of the lines I enjoyed was ‘menopause has stolen the rest of my sentence’.

Another full Festival day. We’ve set a cracking pace but it’s great fun.

Family, Friends & Festival Fun.

March 9, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

Adelaide has really turned it on. The heat! And the fun.

It’s 36 most days but so dry compared to the humidity of Brisbane.

So we kept the pace up at Writers Week.

I found the session on the relationship authors have with their editors very enlightening.

I really enjoyed the authors panel on the relationship with their editor. Madison Godfrey. A young poet, Anjum Hasan, a novelist, poet, shirt story writer and editor & author of the well received History’s Angel. Another got my list! The third was author Kate Grenville a favourite author of mine.

Each author spoke about how an editor is essential. They all said editors start with a little massaging! To soften the impact of the toughness needed to give a good edit.

Following this there was a panel discussion on publishing. Three agents spoke about the world if agents and punblushinv house. Miranda France, Vanessa Radnidge and Jeanne Ryckmans. As expected there was a line up of people, most of whom had written books and were dealing advice on how to get published.

I couldn’t help but think of my Instagram friend Shelley Dark. A funny woman with a keen eye for photography, and a passion for writing. Shelley has been working on a book for sometime now and it’s finished. But where is the publisher? Perhaps some of the hints I picked up at this session might help….

1. Put your manuscript in a draw for at least a year. 2. Don’t give up. 3. Get an agent. 4. Don’t send to an agent and a publisher at the same time. 5. Don’t get an editor to edit before an agent has seen it. 6. Don’t use AI to help write your book.

The session with Mark Brandi, Una Mannion and Lucy Treloar was good. It was on Genre: do rules apply. They discussed their books and the area of genre they were sometimes assigned by their publisher. As murder mystery thriller are all good sellers that tag is often put on covers. Even though the book is not about that! Misleading. They all said their readers were often disappointed the books weren’t thrillers or mysteries!

I listened to Anjali Joseph with Claire Nichols from the ABC book show. She’s a new author for me but I think I’ll read her book Keeping in Touch set in Assam in India.

A few favourite sessions were with Pip Williams author of The Bookbinders of Jericho. She is entertaining and interesting all at once.

Kate Grenville has written another book about a family member. This time her Grandmother. Dolly Maunder. It’s now on my list.

And the always entertaining William McInnes had us laughing hard. He’s an entertainer and his books are always a delight to read.

There were many more authors, commentators & journalists on ( Lisa Miller & Leigh Sales were entertaining ) a few I missed one or two not so great but it’s all terrific.

It’s the best Writers Week in Australia. In my opinion!

Festival Time in Adelaide…….

March 6, 2024 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

All year I’ve been looking forward to visiting festival city Adelaide.

1. To see family 2. To go to Fringe shows 3. To perform in two concerts.

Yes …..my choir Soul Singers from West End Brisbane got a ‘gig’ at the festival.

Our fearless, joyful, energetic conductor Jac Larsen had joined forces with Vocalize choir here in Adelaide to develop a show for our combined choirs

Three of Jac’s choirs from Brisbane, one from Cairns, the online viral choir with members from all over Australia and the local choir Vocalize combined on Saturday for a 180 strong choir onstage.

The day started at 9am at Woodville town hall with a seated rehearsal in the balcony of the beautiful old town hall.

Jac, her son Daniel and local Kerrie Polkinghorne are the dynamic trio leading up in song.

The day was long but the energy levels were up.

All members of the 6 choirs were friendly helpful and respectful. An absolute joy to be with.

The first performance was at 4 on. Excitement mounted! I had Steve, his sister Marg and daughter Vashti there sitting in the downstairs in cabaret style seating.

Before long they were singing along. It was such great fun.

After the concert the singers were buzzing! We had a break after that show eating dinner delivered from the local Vietnamese restaurant. Some had a glass of bubbles to celebrate…….

Then the show was done all over again in the evening for a much more lively audience. Perhaps the beverages in hand helped!

The night ended with cast drinks and big thanks to Jac, Kerrie and Daniel.

Such a memorable day.

LA to San Diego then Home

October 2, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

And now , the end is near …..🎶🎶

After nearly 9 weeks , multiple beds , thousands of miles driven, meals eaten, Gins drunk, beds slept in , showers negotiated, meeting lovely friends, seeing unbelievable scenery, taking hundreds of photos , walked kilometres……. It’s time for home.

But first we have a few more friends to visit.

We said goodbye to John & Lisa our ‘in laws’ who are so much fun to travel with and flew to LA.

It always amazes me that our beautiful fun friends Dan & Izzy Garr live about 10 mins from LA airport but when you get there it’s a quiet children friendly suburb. Westchester is great. Only 11 mins to the beach Dan swims at most days, 29 mins from Dan’s work called Hot Buttered Elves, a design place where he invents – products , toys and makes models for movies. It’s 15 mins from Izzy’s work at Mattel, where she is head of the design team for Barbie.

As you can tell they are creative. And their sons Max , 21 is studying Film at College and Luke 15 is at school.

Our first night with them Dan cooked up a storm for us. Beautiful home cooked chicken Cordon Bleu parcels. Their kitchen is a cook’s paradise.

The next day they both had work commitments so Steve and I had a very late start and headed off up to Paradise Cove – a favourite spot of Dans. It’s by the beach up past Malibu. We had a beach walk and an early lunch before heading back and stopping at Culver City shopping mall to check out an LA mall. Much the same as ours!

Izzy was waiting for us when we returned. She really wanted to take us to her workplace’s toy store. It’s full of toys all made by Mattel. She said ‘ you really have to take your little grandsons some toys’ . I wish I had prepared better. It’s like Aladdin’s cave and I couldn’t decide. I was limited by size as we still had a flight from San Diego to San Francisco. But I managed a bag of toys. Thanks Izzy. Big staff discount as well.

Back at their house Dan was preparing for dinner. He is a super cook !

They kindly invited our friend Betty (my wing woman in Galapagos and Turkey swim treks ) and her husband Craig.

What a fun night. Dan has a big open teppanyaki grill and did the fried rice. Then there was the bbq – fish , scallops, beef, chicken. Enough for an army.

With Betty my ‘wing woman swim friend ‘ we swam in Galapagos and Turkey – next year Egypt.

We had the best night. Betty’s husband Craig has amazing stories of his time in the US airforce as a lawyer. As a cook he was …. But with Dans encouragement he was great.

Another wonderful night with friends. and a 🛌🛌🛌 bed rating. What comfort.

Saturday we headed down the 405 – the freeway south. It was super busy and fast so we got off and took the scenic road through the beaches.

There was an airshow at Huntington Beach. People everywhere.

We continued south to San Capistrano. It’s a mission established in the late 1700’s when the Mexican Catholics lived in this area.

We called in briefly to the outlet centre. Steve bought more than I did!

We arrived at our friends Ben & Sharon. We met Ben on our first ever swim trek but have caught up about 5 times since. He and Dan & Izzy are old friends. I’d never met his wife Sharon as she said swims are his thing! But we hit it off.

Their house in Del Mar just north of Dan Diego is beautiful. They are still doing renovations but they welcomed us and we had a 🛌🛌🛌 stay.

After a glass or two of Veuve 🥂we headed off to a jazz night. Their son Eric is in a group at his school and they were the opening act for a more established group. We had dinner there and a great night.

And a good sleep. Thankfully as our flight home is 11.50 tonight!

This morning Ben & Steve walked down the hill to the beach and Sharon & I slept in. around 9.30 we headed down for breakfast with son Eric. A great cafe.

We had a great walk around the area.

Before long it was time to leave. Many hugs later we headed off.

A little detour to La Jolla just a few kilometres south. This is where Rob & Jordan stayed for a few months after leaving NY during covid. Leo has run his toes through the sand here !

A beautiful piece of coast.

Finally…….. the airport. A flight to San Francisco where we are now drinking a glass of bubbles thinking how lucky we are to have enjoyed a long ….. long ….. trip and still be loving it all.

But I’m ready for home. For our sons, our daughter in laws , especially our grandsons, my friends, the pool.

See you all soon

Dan and son Luke outside their lovely LA house.

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