May the borders be ever in your favour!

 I've coined a new blessing for these post Covid times. Having been caught up in the border closure chaos in January, I'm a little gun-shy on venturing out of State (which is stupid but it's where my head is at).

I have a decision to make - we will only get one holiday this year, in April so I need to book soon. Do I risk it and book Tasmania or a Queensland island - or take a big risk and punt on WA or do I just plan something closer to home that we can drive to? Or do I just not bother at all?

It unsettles me a little that I'm overly worrying about this. Remember, I was the person that went to the northern most settlement on the planet because I was 'close' by. I have had a fear of flying for decades (stemming from a bomb scare and emergency landing when I was 12) but it's never been greater than my love of travel so I've sucked it up as a means to an end. Now I'm thinking 'Do I really want to be on a plane with that germy air?" and "Do I really want to sit next to a stranger, not spaced?".

More over, I'm thinking "Can I really be bothered dealing with refunds and credits again?".

A while ago, I said we were all a little changed by this. I am changed a lot. In a way I don't like. I guess it's really time to write that letter to my post-Covid self I talked about.

Not relevant but looks a little like the Mockingjay

So, I have a decision to make. Cast your votes in the comments:

1. Tasmania

2. Northern Territory

3. Heron Island

4. Kangaroo Island and Fleurieu Peninsula

4. Beach house in NSW

5.Suggestions?

Linking with #BlueMonday and #RubyTuesdayToo just for the photo.

A week in China - Share my Snaps!

I was lucky enough to spend a week in China seeing some of the most amazing history in the world to celebrate my milestone birthday. We spent 2 days in Beijing (needed more), a day and a half down at the Wall in Jinshanling, a full day travelling including 4 hours on a Bullet train and a full day in Xi'an (also needed more).

Linking with #AwwMondays

We managed to cram so much in a day and then spent the nights roaming the city to see the modern side - the bars and art and shopping.


Getting around China takes a long time, so there was a fair bit of time in transit, which is a pity, but it was a great trip and we had so much fun. It blew away all our expectations.



There are three posts on it so far on my travel blog, for those interested, and more to come.










I really loved this trip and had a blast with my very easy going long time friend of 47 years, an excellent travel companion, who made the difficult things funny and relaxing....

Have you been to China? Did you love it?



Linking with #TravelTuesday because I was talking about this trip with friends - I loved it so much!

Share my snaps! - Singapore

Shutting the blog again for the holidays but squeezing in a quick Share my Snaps! over at #Lifethisweek.

One way or another, we are all voyagers on this planet, regardless if we travel distances or just through time.

If we're really lucky, we get to do both.

Will be, as always, on Instagram if you miss me.

















Drive safely over the break, happy trails. and may you learn how to steer the ship, even if you don't know precisely where you are going.

Linking an old post with #MakroTex and September usually means I head to Singapore for the F1 (in the pre covid years). I can't go this year due to poor planning but I am booking my ticket for next year the moment it goes on sale! And I will sulk over the next few weeks as my Socials fill with the Singapore Night Race preparations...

Loving Singapore, Loving Life

The HSC gods arranged the music exam in the first few days of the exam period which then allowed  me book a last minute trip to Singapore for the fabulous F1 night race. I was there for 3 nights only, but managed to see 9 exhibitions, 2 temples, 4 bands, shopping, drinks and even a swim and reading my book by the pool. I was lucky enough to have people there to kick around with and was able to get a room for a relatively good price, walking distance from the track (so I could safely and comfortably walk home at 1 am without feeling fearful as a solo woman).

I was saying to my husband last night, that the best part of the weekend was being able to leave the room without having to organise anything for anyone else. No children to feed, no 'stuff' to carry, no one to think about except myself. Everyday there, I'd do my own thing and then meet my friends for lunch. It was a luxury that I'd forgotten, and I'll be honest, I miss. This year, little of my time has been my own. While I can't really complain, it does a little more wear and tear emotionally than I'd realised.

Part of me wants to bring the family next year but part of me wants my respite. That little window back into the person I was, when I could explore as I wished, stay out as late as I liked (without the responsibilities of the morning's obligations pressing into the enjoyment of the night before).

Fittingly, as the closing performer Martin Garrix said, I was high on life. Had Kimi made the podium, it would have been the perfect weekend for me.

Quick thank you to Singapore for as always, putting on the best race weekend of the season. Your Night Race is the jewel of the F1 calendar and your city shines bright for everyone who travels to participate in the festivities.

Do you escape by yourself ever? Would you want to? Do you love Singapore?

Linking this old post with #HappyTuesday because I'm counting down the days until I go again!

Countries I have visited...

Even the carparks are cool in Finland!

I've traveled a fair bit, and I've loved pretty much everywhere I've been, however a few standouts for me were:

1. Cambodia. We only went to Siem Reap however not only did we decide it was the coolest city in Asia, but I had a life changing experience. The Landmine Museum and story of Aki Ra had a profound affect on how I viewed my place, and my ability to change things in this world. All the businesses in the city seem to have a community charity built into them - be it restaurant or store, even the circus and concerts helped others. It made me see how businesses should run. I loved everything about it.

2. Finland. We went chasing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. While that was not the hugest success, I loved the experience. It was probably our last full family holiday so it meant a lot to me, all these moments with all my children playing together. Everyone loved it. We bonded and laughed as all the activities seemed to please all ages. There was a trippy feeling being in that much snow constantly. All the experiences were new to us all - sleeping in an igloo, riding Husky led sleighs, and so many more wonderful activities.





3. France. I've had so many great times in Paris. I can never understand people that don't like it. The people have always been amazingly nice, and the beauty is beyond compare. The French countryside is gorgeous and the monuments and history are well looked after. Been far too long since I was there but the rest of the world is calling and there is only so much time and money to spend.

4. Hawaii. I know it's not a country but they are different to the rest of the States. Spend some time there and you can't help but be a little changed. The Hawaiian people seem to be community minded and caring towards those in need. Their friendliness and relaxed attitude is contagious. Big Island in particular has amazing beauty and an abundance of wild life. We saw whales, spinner dolphins (spinning over our raft!), turtles galore and even a monk seal just landed on the beach! You didn't need to set out to see them, they'd just turn up!  The night snorkel with the Manta Rays is one of the most AMAZING experiences I've ever had.  The volcano is fascinating - and spare a thought to the damage being done to the locals as a result.






5. Singapore. I have a soft spot for Singapore. I've been going since I was a kid of seven, and I've seen a LOT of changes every visit. I've had so much fun, especially at Grand Prix time - they know how to put on a race! There's art galore, fun festivals, oddities and funky hidden markets. It has something for everyone. You can eat well on any budget, and if you don't adore it, you just aren't doing it properly.

There are many more great countries I've visited but these are the ones that really made an impact on me. There's not a single place I wouldn't return to, but alas it all comes at a cost in both time and money, both of which I don't have enough of and alas the scales tip heavily in favour of countries I have not yet visited...







Where have you been and what were your favourites?

Linking this old post with #TravelTuesday