I am constantly fascinated by Buddha’s and love this photo of the back of a gold-clad Buddha and a visiting feline friend in Laos.
Cruises from Southampton
Just because you don’t like flying doesn’t mean you can’t still explore some of the world’s most far-flung and exotic locations. With cruises from Southampton you can set sail from the UK without an aircraft terminal in sight, and enjoy anything from a weekend mini cruise to a three-month sea-faring voyage of adventure.
Holidaymakers opt for UK cruise departures for many different reasons – and not just because some people can’t bear the thought of flying. Cruises from the UK can be cheaper, given that there are no flights involved. They can be more accessible, thanks to extensive on-site car parking facilities and local road networks. And, perhaps most importantly of all, cruises from Southampton offer some of the most incredible cruise itineraries on the market.
Far from being limited by sea-based transportation, it can open up a whole new world of holidays, taking you to destinations you never thought possible. With UK cruises you can explore the sizzling sights of the Mediterranean, perhaps spending time on the sun-baked French Riviera, the chic cities of coastal Spain, or soaking up the heritage and world-famous landmarks of Italy.
You could head out into the Atlantic to enjoy Lisbon’s cobbled streets, the volcanic wonders of the Canary Islands or the beautiful, flora-rich island of Madeira.
Some UK cruises even travel to the Caribbean islands. It’s the perfect chance to discover these spectacular islands in all their laid-back, exotic glory – complete with paradise shores and cheerful, bustling towns and cities. Some Caribbean itineraries include a return flight to shorten the trip, while others offer a round-trip by sea.
The Caribbean usually features strongly in even more adventurous itineraries, such as round-the-world cruises. This is a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most spectacular locations without setting foot on a plane. How’s that for an unforgettable holiday experience?
Missing Mexico
It’s been three months since we left and I miss it. There is something about this place that always draws me back. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but the appeal never fades. In spite of the growing pains that have come with expansion, the vivid spirit of Puerto Vallarta remains true. 
Foto Friday
India, a land of mystery, magic, chaos and frustration. We just spent a delightful evening talking travel with friends and no matter where the subject turned, it always came back to India. Amazing how a place can seep into your soul forever.
Dear Life…..
A short time ago my friend Kim, from So-Many-Places, wrote a beautiful piece on what she was grateful for and invited others to share their thoughts. In this time of negative news, it is more important than ever to remember that the majority of us have many, many things to be grateful for every single day. This weekend, Jim was enjoying a night away on a guys camping trip and I found myself home alone for the first time in a long time and thought about all of the many things I’m grateful for.
Foto Friday
The Sphinx and pyramids of Cairo. Admittedly, not my favorite spot in Egypt, it was nonetheless an impressive sight. We were constantly in awe of the work done by human hands thousands of year prior. Egypt has seen some turmoil in recent years, but the country is safe and the people need tourist dollars. Go, now, and visit this iconic landmark for yourself.
Fear and a Mothers Dream
“Your dream is not big enough if it doesn’t scare you”
FEAR. We all experience it, whether it be the everyday fear of spiders or a debilitating fear of the dark. I’m sure we all just as often find our actions paralyzed by our fears. Fear of commitment. Fear of death. Fear of being along. Fear of failure. Fear of Success.
Torre DeRoche wrote a book about her fear, “Love, with a Chance of Drowning”, and is encouraging the rest of us to face our fears by recording them for all to see and even throwing some competitive spirit into it with a contest. Reading some of the other entries, I started to think about what really scares me to my bones. My first immediate thought was losing Jim. I realize the loss of a spouse is a bit of a pat answer to some but we are truly soul mates. We’ve been together more years than we have lived apart. We are nearly inseparable; commuting together, living together, and for our round-the-world spending 24/7 together for 14 months. The mere though of losing him brings me to my knees, breathless, and unable to comprehend how I could go on.
Searching for Lamb – South Island, New Zealand
STOP! I think I can get this one! Jim slammed on the brakes as we rounded the bend, startled by my outburst. I leaped from the van, camera in hand, in what proved to be yet another failed attempt to photograph a sleeping baby lamb.
New Zealand is full of sheep. The commonly heard phrase “more sheep than people” is not exaggerated. And yet, in nearly 3 weeks of criss-crossing the country I had been unable to capture one of those elusive creatures on film in the pose I had envisioned in my head. We’d seen thousands, eaten several, and yet I had not yet captured the shot of my dreams.
Foto Friday
Although I must admit Australia was not our favorite country to travel in, they have got a lot of kick ass cool animals! Here a cuddly, nearly catatonic, Koala bear and baby!
Beauty in Nature at Timothy Lake
Mist swirled above the lake, alternately framing and shrouding the fisherman’s boat. It was early morning at Timothy Lake, and the sun was trying to break through, highlighting Mt. Hood in the distance.
