Hi everyone
The walking wounded was taken to Nadi hospital this morning for an x-ray, the good news is no breaks or fractures.
As a result my slavery day has come to a close!!!!
As we are traveling today and unsure of Internet access the next blog may be in 6 days from Brisbane, also Cable & Wireless don't have a roaming partner in Fiji so I have a prepaid sim from Digicel. If anyone needs to contact me urgently it's (679)743-6746.
Update ....... arrived at the Wellesley Hotel at Korolevu late afternoon. It's a very nice 20 room boutique hotel with a great pool and right on the beach, so guess what's happening tomorrow? That\'s right nothing!
Regards David and Hopalong.
Wednesday 31 August 2011
What do I say about our "Island In The Sun Day"
Hi All
I'm not sure where to start but what should have been a super day turned out a bit of a nightmare.
We got picked up at 8:15 for our day cruise out to a private island with Captain Cook Cruises, this cruise was highly recommended by the tour desk at our Nadi hotel.
The relatively new Denarau Marina is part of the Denarau resort development that has 5 star resorts and timeshare operations. it's a great marina development complete with lots of restaurants including Hard Rock Cafe. We boarded on time at 9:45am and set sail on our intimate cruise with the other 88 intimate people plus staff!
Everything was going to plan for the snorkeling, BBQ lunch, glass bottom boat excursions etc., we anchored off shore and two tender boats took us ashore, I was a little surprised they didn't have a jetty to unload onto versus the beach.
So we where the lucky ones to get on board the tender first, the water level was very low near shore & I assumed it was low tide as it was quite a jump from the tender to the sand even though there was a staff member assisting . After I jumped ashore I thought that was a big jump I need to assist Tessa down onto the sand, too late she'd jumped, and that was the start of the nightmare! From claiming to have a damaged foot and cramp at the same time, everything was downhill from there on!
After assisting Tessa up the beach to a general meeting area for a Cava ceremony, whilst I ate my lunch Tessa was having a leg massage to help the cramp in her leg, but that didn"t help much as she had damaged her foot when jumping from the boat and could only limp at best. The guys there were very attentive and had their [medicine man] do his thing. He picked some Hibiscus leaves which he heated and placed around the foot while chanting something in Fijian, he then poured oil over them and wrapped a bandage on it.Tessa spent the rest of the time sat in a chair watching all that was going on unfortunately in a lot of pain.
When it was time to board they put her in a chair and carried her on board, the same thing when we docked back at Nadi.
tomorrow as he wants to make sure it,s not a compound fracture.
As we are due to catch the bus in the morning to go down the coast we had to change it for the afternoon one, hopefully it will be just a sprain. We have spent from 5 30 to 7.00 at the medical clinic, getting prescriptions and looking for some crutches which we located and had to purchase as they don't hire them here. Tomorrow mrning we have to get an x-ray as the Dr wants to make sure it's not a compound fracture.
Bottom line is Tessa,s in good spirits, bit disappointed but will cope, the pain killers are helping a lot.
Tomorrow is another day, and we are looking forward to seeing a bit more on the bus ride down the coast for our last 4 days here.
To be continued......
I'm not sure where to start but what should have been a super day turned out a bit of a nightmare.
We got picked up at 8:15 for our day cruise out to a private island with Captain Cook Cruises, this cruise was highly recommended by the tour desk at our Nadi hotel.
The relatively new Denarau Marina is part of the Denarau resort development that has 5 star resorts and timeshare operations. it's a great marina development complete with lots of restaurants including Hard Rock Cafe. We boarded on time at 9:45am and set sail on our intimate cruise with the other 88 intimate people plus staff!
Everything was going to plan for the snorkeling, BBQ lunch, glass bottom boat excursions etc., we anchored off shore and two tender boats took us ashore, I was a little surprised they didn't have a jetty to unload onto versus the beach.
So we where the lucky ones to get on board the tender first, the water level was very low near shore & I assumed it was low tide as it was quite a jump from the tender to the sand even though there was a staff member assisting . After I jumped ashore I thought that was a big jump I need to assist Tessa down onto the sand, too late she'd jumped, and that was the start of the nightmare! From claiming to have a damaged foot and cramp at the same time, everything was downhill from there on!
After assisting Tessa up the beach to a general meeting area for a Cava ceremony, whilst I ate my lunch Tessa was having a leg massage to help the cramp in her leg, but that didn"t help much as she had damaged her foot when jumping from the boat and could only limp at best. The guys there were very attentive and had their [medicine man] do his thing. He picked some Hibiscus leaves which he heated and placed around the foot while chanting something in Fijian, he then poured oil over them and wrapped a bandage on it.Tessa spent the rest of the time sat in a chair watching all that was going on unfortunately in a lot of pain.
When it was time to board they put her in a chair and carried her on board, the same thing when we docked back at Nadi.
tomorrow as he wants to make sure it,s not a compound fracture.
As we are due to catch the bus in the morning to go down the coast we had to change it for the afternoon one, hopefully it will be just a sprain. We have spent from 5 30 to 7.00 at the medical clinic, getting prescriptions and looking for some crutches which we located and had to purchase as they don't hire them here. Tomorrow mrning we have to get an x-ray as the Dr wants to make sure it's not a compound fracture.
Bottom line is Tessa,s in good spirits, bit disappointed but will cope, the pain killers are helping a lot.
Tomorrow is another day, and we are looking forward to seeing a bit more on the bus ride down the coast for our last 4 days here.
To be continued......
Tuesday 30 August 2011
A Day In Nadi
Hi Ho Folks
A laid back day in Nadi which started with a body scrub for Tessa as she starts her serious body tanning from tomorrow to be continued until next Sunday!!!! My day started with a 50 minute walk, followed by breakfast and a massage. The massage was great if you like being run over by a steam roller!!! Seriously it was a fantastic 90 minute massage for FJD$50 (approx. USD$28) except now I have pains on my aches.
She said I needed to come back for another massage so she could finish getting the knots out of my neck and upper back! I said "I'm not stupid, it's just the way I hold my mouth". Then we booked a tentative time for next Monday afternoon as a "leaving Fiji present".
After we dined on a exquisite shared chicken burger we had a swim then went to Nadi town to find out why my phone hasn't worked since we arrived, Vodafone and Digicel gave me the same answer, C&W don't have a roaming agreement in Fiji! Great news, so if anyone urgently needs to phone me between today and Tuesday 6th September when we arrive in Brisbane, the "Digicel number" is (679) 743-6746.
So it's the big cruise tomorrow so no doubt Tessa will be blogging!
All for now David & Tessa
A laid back day in Nadi which started with a body scrub for Tessa as she starts her serious body tanning from tomorrow to be continued until next Sunday!!!! My day started with a 50 minute walk, followed by breakfast and a massage. The massage was great if you like being run over by a steam roller!!! Seriously it was a fantastic 90 minute massage for FJD$50 (approx. USD$28) except now I have pains on my aches.
She said I needed to come back for another massage so she could finish getting the knots out of my neck and upper back! I said "I'm not stupid, it's just the way I hold my mouth". Then we booked a tentative time for next Monday afternoon as a "leaving Fiji present".
After we dined on a exquisite shared chicken burger we had a swim then went to Nadi town to find out why my phone hasn't worked since we arrived, Vodafone and Digicel gave me the same answer, C&W don't have a roaming agreement in Fiji! Great news, so if anyone urgently needs to phone me between today and Tuesday 6th September when we arrive in Brisbane, the "Digicel number" is (679) 743-6746.
So it's the big cruise tomorrow so no doubt Tessa will be blogging!
All for now David & Tessa
Monday 29 August 2011
Bula Bula from Fiji
Bull avid blog followers
Here we are in humid Nadi Fiji (pronounced NANDI) for you non world globetrotters.
As we didn't get into our hotel room until about 2pm all we got to do was go to the supermarket for supplies, have a swim in the hotel pool and book a day sailing/snorkelling cruise for Wednesday, we are both looking forward to it. On another note Internet access here is a very different deal, I'm concerned I may spend more money on Internet connection fees than the room charge!
So bye for now, my Internet time is out!
Internet
Here we are in humid Nadi Fiji (pronounced NANDI) for you non world globetrotters.
As we didn't get into our hotel room until about 2pm all we got to do was go to the supermarket for supplies, have a swim in the hotel pool and book a day sailing/snorkelling cruise for Wednesday, we are both looking forward to it. On another note Internet access here is a very different deal, I'm concerned I may spend more money on Internet connection fees than the room charge!
So bye for now, my Internet time is out!
Internet
Saturday 27 August 2011
Back to Waikiki
Hi all, it's back to me as the bride is sleeping.
We had a nice last day in Maui yesterday. We drive up the North West Coast with some great views of rocky outcrops, small sandy coves and views to the nearby island of Lanai and ended up on the main beach on Maui, Kannapali Beach
Today we packed and flew back to Waikiki, tomorrow will probably be a few hours at the beach or pool, and definitely washing/drying and final packing for a very early Saturday morning flight to Nadi Fiji. We are on the downhill sloop of a great trip which has gone very fast for me, but slower for Tessa as she left Perth in May and we won't be in Perth until the 2nd week of September, over 4 months. Of course she is stressing out over what the garden will look like! No problem we;ll call for help.... probably me!
All for now
Cheers David & Tessa
We had a nice last day in Maui yesterday. We drive up the North West Coast with some great views of rocky outcrops, small sandy coves and views to the nearby island of Lanai and ended up on the main beach on Maui, Kannapali Beach
Today we packed and flew back to Waikiki, tomorrow will probably be a few hours at the beach or pool, and definitely washing/drying and final packing for a very early Saturday morning flight to Nadi Fiji. We are on the downhill sloop of a great trip which has gone very fast for me, but slower for Tessa as she left Perth in May and we won't be in Perth until the 2nd week of September, over 4 months. Of course she is stressing out over what the garden will look like! No problem we;ll call for help.... probably me!
All for now
Cheers David & Tessa
Thursday 25 August 2011
Top of the world
Aloha to you all,
Another great day today,we drove up to Haleakala crater,10,000 feet above sea level.Fantastic views as you can imagine way above the clouds, it was surreal to be there it's the closest I've been to heaven for a while.. Unlike last night while browsing around a shop I slipped on some water coming from the air conditioner vent, I was in shock for a while, I really went down with a wallop. Came back to the hotel and had a nice soak in the bath to help the aches and pains, got out the bath, grabbed hold of the towel rack which came away from the wall and fell half in half out of the bloody bath. Today I have been walking like a zombie and aching every time I move. Dave doesn't think it a good idea for me to go in that submarine. (I can't think why)I will never laugh at him falling over again, talk about karma.
We drove part way around the island after the trip to the volcano stopping for lunch at one of the out of the way places.They specialised in growing proteas,it was just like home really, they have all the plants we have, and a jacaranda tree out the front of the restaurant, it was just like one of our nurseries, I didn't expect to see them all here. The biggest surprise was all the gum trees,thousands of them all the way up to the national park, apparently some guy planted a load of foreign trees which have just multiplied, smelt great driving through there, made me a bit homesick though, smelling the eucalyptus.
We had a meal in the hotel restaurant tonight, they had a group playing who were very good, playing a mixture of blues, southern rock, and a lot from the eighties, a very good time was had by all.
Tomorrow were off to do the other half of the island. Hopefully we'll find a beach so I can work on my tan.(that way all the bruises won't show)
bye from Tessa & David
Another great day today,we drove up to Haleakala crater,10,000 feet above sea level.Fantastic views as you can imagine way above the clouds, it was surreal to be there it's the closest I've been to heaven for a while.. Unlike last night while browsing around a shop I slipped on some water coming from the air conditioner vent, I was in shock for a while, I really went down with a wallop. Came back to the hotel and had a nice soak in the bath to help the aches and pains, got out the bath, grabbed hold of the towel rack which came away from the wall and fell half in half out of the bloody bath. Today I have been walking like a zombie and aching every time I move. Dave doesn't think it a good idea for me to go in that submarine. (I can't think why)I will never laugh at him falling over again, talk about karma.
We drove part way around the island after the trip to the volcano stopping for lunch at one of the out of the way places.They specialised in growing proteas,it was just like home really, they have all the plants we have, and a jacaranda tree out the front of the restaurant, it was just like one of our nurseries, I didn't expect to see them all here. The biggest surprise was all the gum trees,thousands of them all the way up to the national park, apparently some guy planted a load of foreign trees which have just multiplied, smelt great driving through there, made me a bit homesick though, smelling the eucalyptus.
We had a meal in the hotel restaurant tonight, they had a group playing who were very good, playing a mixture of blues, southern rock, and a lot from the eighties, a very good time was had by all.
Tomorrow were off to do the other half of the island. Hopefully we'll find a beach so I can work on my tan.(that way all the bruises won't show)
bye from Tessa & David
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Oops, Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tuesday!
Hi, everyone,
We haven't forgotten about you, we are still here. we arrived in Maui on Sat and have just been relaxing. lovely place, just as you would imagine a Hawaiian island to be.
Spent a lot of time walking and watching all the surfers doing their thing, there were a lot of learners out there with instructors and they did really well.thIther's a lot of activities available, I'm still thinking of doing the submarine tour,q it goes a fair way out then dives quite deep, Dave's not too sure about it but I think I'll have a go, you don't get the opportunity to do it too often do you.
We are staying in a pioneer place that was one of the first hotels in this area, very quaint but comfy, it's over the road from the harbour and there is plenty of things to sit on the veranda and watch, especially when all the fishing tours come in and you see catch.
Yesterday Dave played golf with a guy we met in Canada, John Oughtry and his wife then we all went out for a meal that night which was great, nice people.
Tomorrow we have got a car for a few days so we will be doing a bit of exploring, one place we will go to is the old volcano but more on that tomorrow .
We haven't forgotten about you, we are still here. we arrived in Maui on Sat and have just been relaxing. lovely place, just as you would imagine a Hawaiian island to be.
Spent a lot of time walking and watching all the surfers doing their thing, there were a lot of learners out there with instructors and they did really well.thIther's a lot of activities available, I'm still thinking of doing the submarine tour,q it goes a fair way out then dives quite deep, Dave's not too sure about it but I think I'll have a go, you don't get the opportunity to do it too often do you.
We are staying in a pioneer place that was one of the first hotels in this area, very quaint but comfy, it's over the road from the harbour and there is plenty of things to sit on the veranda and watch, especially when all the fishing tours come in and you see catch.
Yesterday Dave played golf with a guy we met in Canada, John Oughtry and his wife then we all went out for a meal that night which was great, nice people.
Tomorrow we have got a car for a few days so we will be doing a bit of exploring, one place we will go to is the old volcano but more on that tomorrow .
Friday 19 August 2011
Snorkeling & Packing again....
Hi All
Today we went on a organized snorkeling trip to Hanauma Bay which is an extinct volcano marine sanctuary. It was okay but the water was murky and not many fish or species. There was a long line to buy a admission ticket then an even longer line to enter the theatre to watch a film of the sanctuary. Watching the film was a condition of entry unless you were registered as a previous visitor during the last 12 months.
As Tessa said it was the most expensive beach she's ever been too and aren't we spoiled, the snorkeling is better at Lime Cay and half the price.
Anyway the tour guide was a bikie disguised as a bus driver and was very funny on the way there and back. He recommended a massage place that was 40% cheaper than most others I had checked out so I ended the afternoon with a 90 minute message which was the best I'd had for many years (yes, the massage was good too).
We are leaving our 2 big suitcases here at the hotel and just taking 2 small ones and back packs for our 7 nights on Maui.and as my executive packer is hard at it so I better go lend a hand!
All for now David & Tessa
Today we went on a organized snorkeling trip to Hanauma Bay which is an extinct volcano marine sanctuary. It was okay but the water was murky and not many fish or species. There was a long line to buy a admission ticket then an even longer line to enter the theatre to watch a film of the sanctuary. Watching the film was a condition of entry unless you were registered as a previous visitor during the last 12 months.
As Tessa said it was the most expensive beach she's ever been too and aren't we spoiled, the snorkeling is better at Lime Cay and half the price.
Anyway the tour guide was a bikie disguised as a bus driver and was very funny on the way there and back. He recommended a massage place that was 40% cheaper than most others I had checked out so I ended the afternoon with a 90 minute message which was the best I'd had for many years (yes, the massage was good too).
We are leaving our 2 big suitcases here at the hotel and just taking 2 small ones and back packs for our 7 nights on Maui.and as my executive packer is hard at it so I better go lend a hand!
All for now David & Tessa
Thursday 18 August 2011
Better and Better
Aloha to you all,
Another fantastic place to see, it gets better and better as we go.
I love it here in Waikiki, the beaches are great as is everything about it.
Yesterday (Weds) we went on a tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
After picking up a hire car we drove over via the Pali Hwy lookout and had great scenery all the way. When we got there we were among the first so had a lot of the guides to our self talking us through a lot of the things. Most of the Polynesian islands were covered that are within the Polynesian triangle (that covers Hawaii, Southeast to Fiji, West to New Zealand and back to Hawaii). We learnt a lot and found it very interesting, lots of dancing and activities which the public can learn to do, I was going to put David up for the coconut tree climb but remembered he had to drive home. No I didn't take the Hula lessons on offer as my hips are doing it without trying. Great day though and a great place to go.
On Monday we did the Pearl Harbour tour as you know, I found it sad and eerie at the same time.
After going around the museum we went by boat and visited the memorial site built over the remains of the ARIZONA. We were listening to a survivor giving a talk. When the ship went down there were a lot of guys that didn't get out, and as some of the present day survivors die they are having their ashes put in a special place in one of the funnels to rejoin their shipmates. The other special thing was the oil that floats across the water, this is oil that has been leaking out from the ship at the rate of about a gallon a day, it is increasing as the ship gradually disintegrates, they couldn't pump it out as it would cause major instability and cause the ship to break up, so its as if it's a message saying we're still here. Very eerie to see. After walking around the shops and seeing how many (Kodak reps) there are here now, you can't help but wonder why they didn't hang on for a few more years then they could of arrived first class on American Airlines. It would of saved a lot of lives that's for sure.
So today is a another veg out, laundry and shopping day as I need to find some postcards!
All for now Tessa & David
Another fantastic place to see, it gets better and better as we go.
I love it here in Waikiki, the beaches are great as is everything about it.
Yesterday (Weds) we went on a tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
After picking up a hire car we drove over via the Pali Hwy lookout and had great scenery all the way. When we got there we were among the first so had a lot of the guides to our self talking us through a lot of the things. Most of the Polynesian islands were covered that are within the Polynesian triangle (that covers Hawaii, Southeast to Fiji, West to New Zealand and back to Hawaii). We learnt a lot and found it very interesting, lots of dancing and activities which the public can learn to do, I was going to put David up for the coconut tree climb but remembered he had to drive home. No I didn't take the Hula lessons on offer as my hips are doing it without trying. Great day though and a great place to go.
On Monday we did the Pearl Harbour tour as you know, I found it sad and eerie at the same time.
After going around the museum we went by boat and visited the memorial site built over the remains of the ARIZONA. We were listening to a survivor giving a talk. When the ship went down there were a lot of guys that didn't get out, and as some of the present day survivors die they are having their ashes put in a special place in one of the funnels to rejoin their shipmates. The other special thing was the oil that floats across the water, this is oil that has been leaking out from the ship at the rate of about a gallon a day, it is increasing as the ship gradually disintegrates, they couldn't pump it out as it would cause major instability and cause the ship to break up, so its as if it's a message saying we're still here. Very eerie to see. After walking around the shops and seeing how many (Kodak reps) there are here now, you can't help but wonder why they didn't hang on for a few more years then they could of arrived first class on American Airlines. It would of saved a lot of lives that's for sure.
So today is a another veg out, laundry and shopping day as I need to find some postcards!
All for now Tessa & David
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Aloha, guess were we are!
Aloha folks
Guess were we are? We are in warm sunny Hawaii relaxing in Waikiki, enjoying warm days and breezy balmy nights. Great spot here lots to do if that's what you want or just stroll around and go to the beach, Yeh Mon without catching a boat! Some of you know that I spent 6 months working here in 1973 & again in 1975, so many things are just the same and lots of new things, and oh yes the prices have gone up a little since then.
We arrived late Saturday afternoon as the flight was 3 hours late, we were so pleased to have risen at 5am to catch a 6am shuttle for a 9am flight only to be told at curbside check in that the flight was delayed 3 hours. So by the time we reached our hotel room it was nearly 6pm, just enough time to start devouring the tourist publications and decide what we wanted to do over the next week before it was time for dinner.
Sunday was a nice brunch on the way to Waikiki beach, after which we booked a few tours. Yesterday we did the Pearl Harbour tour which was very interesting and much more informative than in the 70's when I did it. I didn't know the principle reasons why the Japanese decided to bomb Pearl Harbour and bring the USA into world war two, now I know it was over oil that the USA stop supplying to Japan, now that's a novel idea, a war over oil!
Anyway just as well the USA came into the war because if they didn't we would probably have half the world speaking Japanese and the other half German, like not voluntarily!
There are probably 100 Japanese restaurants here from small Sushi Bars to elegant fully licensed restaurants so last night I took Tessa to a nice restaurant for her to try a Teppanyaki meal, guess what, she enjoyed it, now there's a new cuisine we can indulge in from time to time.
Today is a veg out day but I need to finish this blog now so I can book a rental car for tomorrow.
Mahalo (thank you in Hawaii) for reading, geez I get it quick don't I
All for now from David & Tessa Hula Hula Roberts
Guess were we are? We are in warm sunny Hawaii relaxing in Waikiki, enjoying warm days and breezy balmy nights. Great spot here lots to do if that's what you want or just stroll around and go to the beach, Yeh Mon without catching a boat! Some of you know that I spent 6 months working here in 1973 & again in 1975, so many things are just the same and lots of new things, and oh yes the prices have gone up a little since then.
We arrived late Saturday afternoon as the flight was 3 hours late, we were so pleased to have risen at 5am to catch a 6am shuttle for a 9am flight only to be told at curbside check in that the flight was delayed 3 hours. So by the time we reached our hotel room it was nearly 6pm, just enough time to start devouring the tourist publications and decide what we wanted to do over the next week before it was time for dinner.
Sunday was a nice brunch on the way to Waikiki beach, after which we booked a few tours. Yesterday we did the Pearl Harbour tour which was very interesting and much more informative than in the 70's when I did it. I didn't know the principle reasons why the Japanese decided to bomb Pearl Harbour and bring the USA into world war two, now I know it was over oil that the USA stop supplying to Japan, now that's a novel idea, a war over oil!
Anyway just as well the USA came into the war because if they didn't we would probably have half the world speaking Japanese and the other half German, like not voluntarily!
There are probably 100 Japanese restaurants here from small Sushi Bars to elegant fully licensed restaurants so last night I took Tessa to a nice restaurant for her to try a Teppanyaki meal, guess what, she enjoyed it, now there's a new cuisine we can indulge in from time to time.
Today is a veg out day but I need to finish this blog now so I can book a rental car for tomorrow.
Mahalo (thank you in Hawaii) for reading, geez I get it quick don't I
All for now from David & Tessa Hula Hula Roberts
Friday 12 August 2011
San Francisco Done
Hi everyone
Well we didn't get to the harbour cruise Wednesday as we got started too late (it's hard to get Tessa out of bed now she has retired!), so here's Wednesday and Thursday together.
Wednesday was a trip (no pun intended) back in time via the district of Haight Ashbury 1960's birthplace of the hippy culture that swept the western world. For those too young to know (that's most of you) Haight Ashbury was also the musical stomping ground for Jimi Hendriks, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, The Doors, Joan Baez, Sly And The Family Stone, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joe Cocker, Santana and many more big names. (See photos attached).
There are still a few hippies there, and hippies at heart that haven't left that psychedelic district, lots of shops with 60's memorabilia including the biggest used records/Cd's store I've every seen.
So we got up early Thursday on the subway and old tram car to Fisherman's Wharf and finally, the 90 minute harbour cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge around Alcatraz and under the Bay Bridge. There was just the two of us on the cruise until we were joined by two hundred Kodak reps from Japan.
We had a nice lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, and then did some shopping which unfortunately ended up at a photographic shop where I enquired about my damaged Nixon camera (you remember the stunt man roll in Savannah, oh yes I've healed beautifully thank you for asking), unfortunately the answer from the store owner was it's gone forget it. I'm a little hazy about what happened next but I'm now the proud owner (once I figure out how to work it) of a bright shiny Canon SLR camera complete with telescopic lens plus the camera bag he also threw into the deal!
All of this was purchased at a super discount price previously unheard of, and as the owner of the store said (read major sales rep), it will be very useful for the thousands of close up photo's of my rose garden I'll be taking now I'm retired (read semi-retired).
It's Friday morning and today promises to be a full day of buying a new suitcase as mine is mashing up, washing our clothes, packing for the early morning departure to Hawaii, and the 101 course in operating my new camera. All for now, talk to you from Hawaii David & Tessa
p.s. Boy, I'm glad I keep the Hula skirt from the 70's, that's one thing we won't need to buy!
Well we didn't get to the harbour cruise Wednesday as we got started too late (it's hard to get Tessa out of bed now she has retired!), so here's Wednesday and Thursday together.
Wednesday was a trip (no pun intended) back in time via the district of Haight Ashbury 1960's birthplace of the hippy culture that swept the western world. For those too young to know (that's most of you) Haight Ashbury was also the musical stomping ground for Jimi Hendriks, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, The Doors, Joan Baez, Sly And The Family Stone, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joe Cocker, Santana and many more big names. (See photos attached).
There are still a few hippies there, and hippies at heart that haven't left that psychedelic district, lots of shops with 60's memorabilia including the biggest used records/Cd's store I've every seen.
So we got up early Thursday on the subway and old tram car to Fisherman's Wharf and finally, the 90 minute harbour cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge around Alcatraz and under the Bay Bridge. There was just the two of us on the cruise until we were joined by two hundred Kodak reps from Japan.
We had a nice lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, and then did some shopping which unfortunately ended up at a photographic shop where I enquired about my damaged Nixon camera (you remember the stunt man roll in Savannah, oh yes I've healed beautifully thank you for asking), unfortunately the answer from the store owner was it's gone forget it. I'm a little hazy about what happened next but I'm now the proud owner (once I figure out how to work it) of a bright shiny Canon SLR camera complete with telescopic lens plus the camera bag he also threw into the deal!
All of this was purchased at a super discount price previously unheard of, and as the owner of the store said (read major sales rep), it will be very useful for the thousands of close up photo's of my rose garden I'll be taking now I'm retired (read semi-retired).
It's Friday morning and today promises to be a full day of buying a new suitcase as mine is mashing up, washing our clothes, packing for the early morning departure to Hawaii, and the 101 course in operating my new camera. All for now, talk to you from Hawaii David & Tessa
Tuesday 9 August 2011
IGetting Into San Francisco
Hey Y'all, sorry wrong geographical location, but at least I'm back on the timely track!
Today we started our touring of a pleasantly warm San Francisco, once we were armed with our "Seniors" rail passes we headed to downtown SFC, one of the key things we wanted to do was visit Alcatraz but we were informed it's booked out until 21st August which is a regular summer time occurrence, bummer eh!
Anyway we rode the hop on hop off double decker bus for 3 hours and got to see an overview of a number of key SFC sites (see photos of a foggy Golden Gate Bridge and the stunning City Hall with it's giant dome). When we got close to the Golden Gate Bridge the temperature started to plummet, as a result we have delayed our Bay Harbour cruise to see Alcatraz until tomorrow as we have purchased warm jackets from Chinatown.
So tomorrow it's Alcatraz cruise, Height Ashbury district, Castro district (gay/lesbian capital of the world) where we are hoping to meet some new friends! Stay tuned
Regards David & Tessa
Today we started our touring of a pleasantly warm San Francisco, once we were armed with our "Seniors" rail passes we headed to downtown SFC, one of the key things we wanted to do was visit Alcatraz but we were informed it's booked out until 21st August which is a regular summer time occurrence, bummer eh!
Anyway we rode the hop on hop off double decker bus for 3 hours and got to see an overview of a number of key SFC sites (see photos of a foggy Golden Gate Bridge and the stunning City Hall with it's giant dome). When we got close to the Golden Gate Bridge the temperature started to plummet, as a result we have delayed our Bay Harbour cruise to see Alcatraz until tomorrow as we have purchased warm jackets from Chinatown.
So tomorrow it's Alcatraz cruise, Height Ashbury district, Castro district (gay/lesbian capital of the world) where we are hoping to meet some new friends! Stay tuned
Monday 8 August 2011
More Good Times & Good Weather In Victoria
Hi All
Yes, I know I've been a bit naughty not keeping up the blog on a daily basis, I'll attempt to return to my previous schedule effective immediately.
So Friday was another relaxing day followed to a very nice evening of fine friends, food & wine at the Royal Colwood Golf Club.
On Saturday Keith & Gloria took us to the Butchant Gardens which is an absolutely magnificent gardens that are over a 100 years old and classified as a national historic site of Canada.
Keith & Tessa went up on Keith's motorbike, whilst Gloria & I drove her "Smart Car". After we toured the gardens we had a great meal and Keith & I went home on his motorbike while Gloria & Tessa stayed late at the gardens for the fireworks display.
Sunday we walked the inner harbour and partook of refreshments at historic Empress Hotel which were promptly followed by further refreshments at Spinnaker Hotel, sounds a little like a pub crawl eh! By the time we finished a lovely 3 course dinner courtesy of "Lady Gloriana" plus a few bottles of wine it certainly felt like we'd been on a pub crawl.
So this morning (Monday) it was off early for the flight from Victoria to Vancouver to connect to the San Francisco flight. Which meant goodbye to beautiful Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Victoria and the lovely home of the Hummel's. Thank you again guys for making us feel so welcome and at home. Regarding the beer, wine, port & rum sampling over the last 8 days, after a few tests the Doctor I visited here in San Francisco this afternoon estimates my liver should recover in 2-3 weeks all things being equal.
So tomorrow it's exploring San Francisco and all that Jazz! Until then take care David & Tessa
Yes, I know I've been a bit naughty not keeping up the blog on a daily basis, I'll attempt to return to my previous schedule effective immediately.
So Friday was another relaxing day followed to a very nice evening of fine friends, food & wine at the Royal Colwood Golf Club.
On Saturday Keith & Gloria took us to the Butchant Gardens which is an absolutely magnificent gardens that are over a 100 years old and classified as a national historic site of Canada.
Keith & Tessa went up on Keith's motorbike, whilst Gloria & I drove her "Smart Car". After we toured the gardens we had a great meal and Keith & I went home on his motorbike while Gloria & Tessa stayed late at the gardens for the fireworks display.
Sunday we walked the inner harbour and partook of refreshments at historic Empress Hotel which were promptly followed by further refreshments at Spinnaker Hotel, sounds a little like a pub crawl eh! By the time we finished a lovely 3 course dinner courtesy of "Lady Gloriana" plus a few bottles of wine it certainly felt like we'd been on a pub crawl.
So this morning (Monday) it was off early for the flight from Victoria to Vancouver to connect to the San Francisco flight. Which meant goodbye to beautiful Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Victoria and the lovely home of the Hummel's. Thank you again guys for making us feel so welcome and at home. Regarding the beer, wine, port & rum sampling over the last 8 days, after a few tests the Doctor I visited here in San Francisco this afternoon estimates my liver should recover in 2-3 weeks all things being equal.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Warning - Too Much Fun & Good Wine On Victoria Island
Hi Friends & Neighbours
Yesterday was a great golf tournament at "Royal Colwood Golf Course", Keith played badly and got a low score whilst I won with a high score of 119! Anyway it was a fun day and the weather was superb.
Today was a little more laid back with a lazy morning followed by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria and it's suburban coastline suburbs.
I think I'm still recovering from the Empire Staste Building day in New York, I can't get enough sleep or maybe it's just retirement kicking in.
All for now, David & Tessa
Yesterday was a great golf tournament at "Royal Colwood Golf Course", Keith played badly and got a low score whilst I won with a high score of 119! Anyway it was a fun day and the weather was superb.
Today was a little more laid back with a lazy morning followed by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria and it's suburban coastline suburbs.
I think I'm still recovering from the Empire Staste Building day in New York, I can't get enough sleep or maybe it's just retirement kicking in.
All for now, David & Tessa
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Beautiful Vancouver Island
Hi ho here we go....
After a relatively quiet day yesterday (apart from the golf practise fairway in preparation for Wednesday afternoon's golf competition) today was a full on sightseeing day that took in Chemainus a old timber logging town that is now famous for all the murals on the walls of buildings around the town.
From there we had lunch at the Crow & Gate an old English replica pub before venturing further afield to Cathederal Grove a BC provincial park that contains old growth forest. The area contained some huge trees including one dated over 800 years old. On the way home we stopped at a quaint country store with a grass roof and goats grazing on it.
Another very enjoyable day on Vancouver Island.
Bye for now
David & Tessa
After a relatively quiet day yesterday (apart from the golf practise fairway in preparation for Wednesday afternoon's golf competition) today was a full on sightseeing day that took in Chemainus a old timber logging town that is now famous for all the murals on the walls of buildings around the town.
From there we had lunch at the Crow & Gate an old English replica pub before venturing further afield to Cathederal Grove a BC provincial park that contains old growth forest. The area contained some huge trees including one dated over 800 years old. On the way home we stopped at a quaint country store with a grass roof and goats grazing on it.
Another very enjoyable day on Vancouver Island.
Bye for now
David & Tessa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)