Australia, that enchanting land down under, where everyone has a great accent, looks like Hugh Jackman, and life is a beach. Or is it? I only recently realized in the 190-plus blogs I have posted on Next Big Adventure, only one has been about Australia, and that was simply a foto-Friday of Whitehaven Beach. Why, after spending over six weeks driving the East Coast of the country, did I feel compelled to write nothing???~
Category Archives: travel
Foto Friday
While all of Vietnam is filled with magic around every corner, but Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Town, had more photo ops than most. Here, one of the many shops offering up their colorful wares.
Winter Camping at it’s Best
We are not shy about proclaiming our great love for off-season camping. Nearly empty campgrounds and open beaches bring a smile to our face and joy to our heart. Add in a full moon, mid-50’s temps and no rain (in Oregon in January!) and we were in. For the first time in nearly two years we were joined by Jim’s sister Wendy, her husband and Jim’s best friend, Ken, and their two furbabies, Jenny and Lexi. Ken had recently returned from his second deployment in two years and also included a few of people in his unit, who joined in with their families.
Foto Friday
Although I had heard how utterly massive the temples and ruins of Egypt’s ancient society were, until you are truly standing next to the carvings and pillars, it is impossible to appreciate their magnitude.
Foto Friday
Now, in mid-winter, I am feeling housebound and contained, wanting to be out hiking in the wilderness, sitting around a campfire, and sleeping that deep sleep that comes after a day in nature. Here, an inspiring memory of hiking Mt. Cook, New Zealand, surely one of the most beautiful places in the world. I can’t wait for that next “first steps” on the trail feeling.
Foto Friday
India, a magical, life changing place. For months, everywhere we went, we were mobbed by Indians wanting to take their photo with us, invite us to dinner, and chat with us while we tried to take in a serene sunset. What to do? Surrender to the power of India and embrace the chaos!
Lingering in Lovina
Meester Jeem, Meester Jeem. Eat here, Eat here! Each night, the calls from the local restaurants followed us down the street. Wherever we travel, few can pronounce my name, but Jim seems to be universally understood. In post bombing Bali, tourists were scarce and the local businesses were in desperate shape.
Foto Friday
In these dark, damp, long nights of winter, my soul longs for the tropics. Warmth, humidity, exotic flowers, fascinating culture, and inexpensive traveling….. oh Bali, how I miss you!!! Here our fantastic cottage in Ubud.
Discovering the Subtle Charm of Vientiane
The Laotian capital of Vientiane is not a city often lauded as a tourist hub. Unlike Bangkok or Saigon, this lazy, tree-lined town is considered boring by many, and to be used only as a transit point for the rest of the country. We loved it.
Foto Friday
Lao, one of our favorite countries in SE Asia, is a land of beauty, friendly people, and stunning architecture. Here, a scene from one of our favorite temples in Vientiane.
