Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts

Monday, June 23, 2025

Travel Bug ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 hosted by Annie at Cottage by the Sea.


Annie says that finding reasons to blog and stay in touch with others, or to meet new bloggers is very important and I would agree with her.  Blogging also  provides you with a record of your thoughts and ideas to leave for your family.   It's a journal of sorts really that you share with others.

Summer is June 21st and people usually take advantage of the warm weather to take a trip or vacation or day trips to visit, shop or for recreation.
So let's talk about travel.

1.  What are the most memorable destinations you've visited, and what made them stand out? (this could include places like museums, art galleries, etc. not only a vacation site.)

Oh my!  I've had so many memorable travel experiences and fantastic places that I've visited over. the years.

Australia  - Everything was novel to me, from what side of the road you drive on, to the sayings like 'good on ya mate', the flora and fauna, the spectacular scenery and of course the weather. I was enamoured of the fine white sand along the Gold Coast at Surfer's Paradise but the entire eastern coast of Australia was beautiful and there were miles and miles of nothing. Similar to parts of Canada in that respect.  I've travelled to Australia 3 times, twice with my brother and once with my late mother.  On the first trip, my brother and I took a road trip all the way from Port Douglas in the Far North Queensland (FNQ), and south to Sydney in New South Wales. My brother drove the entire distance and we stopped at many points along the lengthy coast.  Oh and I can't forget about the Great Barrier Reef in FNQ.  We spent an entire day out on Green Island to explore the reef.

On the Ross River, FNQ on the Aboriginal Tour

On a boat in Sydney's Darlington Harbour

With David Hudson of the of Tjapukai Dance Theatre

A young dancer from the Wild World Show

On the catamaran to Green Island

Relaxing on Green Island for the day

Enjoying the fine, white sand at Surfer's Paradise 

New Zealand (North Island) - I loved the scenery and the quiet countryside. We saw more sheep than I've ever seen at any one time. A fantastic time time was had in the hot springs of Rotoru (Te Puia) and in the Maori's Marae listening to the cultural teachings, songs and dances of the Maori people.

Traditional Hut and totem pole of the Maori

Honolulu, Hawaii - I've been to Honolulu on overnight layovers from Australia.  Though I'm not a huge fan of the heat, I absolutely loved the tropical scenery. On 2 of my layovers, I took the 2.5 hour air conditioned bus tour around the island to experience the Halona Blow Hole and the lush, tropical scenery. I did a recent google search and found that the tours these days seem to be much more extensive and can last all day with increased costs to match. Personally I prefer a shorter tour. The ones I took were run by the original Hawaiians who gave a little insight into their history and lifestyle and the time allotted for the tour was perfect for learning a bit and seeing the sights on the Island of Oahu.

Kenya, East Africa - On my first visit to Kenya, I went on an unforgettable safari  to the world renowned Maasai Mara National Park. Part of the experience was seeing the Maasai men perform their traditional jumping dance and also visiting a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai people, like many tribes in the isolated areas of the country, still live in their traditional houses and compounds.

Wildlife at the Maasai Mara National Park


Paris, France - For years, I fantasized about travelling to Paris, France. For some reason I would promise my youngest nephew who was very small at the time, that we would travel there together.  When he grew up I never really thought he'd be interested but he was and we did it together! In 2019, we travelled to Paris for a few days and thoroughly enjoyed our short trip.  

Just being in Paris was a thrill though we also saw several of the usual tourist things. My personal favourite is the Sacre Couer Basilica and although you're not supposed to take photos inside, I took a few photos surreptiously.




The iconic Eiffel Tower

2.  Which hidden gem locations have you explored that you'd recommend to others?

These days it's pretty hard to say you've found or explored a 'hidden gem'. Most places that are worth seeing have pretty much been overrun with tourists.  There are many beautiful places in the world but I have to say that Canada is blessed with spectacular scenery.  British Columbia, the province where I live is no exception especially if you love mountains, valleys, & lots of waterways (lakes, rivers and oceans). If there are any hidden gems I'd have to say if you travel the province by car and explore some country roads you will find all manner of beautiful spots and many secluded areas near lakes where you can camp or rent a cabin. Virtually every where you go in British Columbia, there is a beautiful, gem and it's a 'hidden one' if it isn't on someone's 'must see' list. 

3.  What’s the most unique cultural experience you’ve had while traveling ?

Travelling in New Zealand where we experienced the marae (communal and sacred space which serves as a hub for community gatherings).  My brother and other men were invited to participate in a Haka Dance with the local Maori men and it was so much fun to watch them.  We also visited a cultural geyser site where foods were being cooked in the traditional way among the rocks and the hot steam.

In Cairns, Australia, my mother and I joined a tour where we were taken around to various sites where the Aborigines of the area showed us how they hunt, make things and forage for herbs and foods.  We also had an opportunity to see the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Troupe in the Daintree Rain Forest.

In Kenya, I went on safari, a once in a lifetime experience.  As part of my lodging package, I got to see the men of the Maasai tribe do their traditional dancing and visited a traditional Maasai village.  I went to many places where the culture was on display.  For example, when I visited orphans raised by a widow woman, they broke out in traditional song to welcome me and did the same when I left.  This kind of greeting happened wherever I visited and made my trip so memorable.

4.What mode of transportation is your favorite for a long trip? How about a short trip?

For a long trip I prefer to take the plane. For a short trip I prefer to go by car. A train may have more room but it is very slow in Canada and I don't like to take forever to get somewhere. Many tourists who come to Canada, opt to take the train and better see the spectacular mountains between British Columbia and Alberta, the world famous Rocky Mountains.  

I've been on the trains in Germany but not as a tourist. I found it quite stressful dealing with train connections.  I was largely alone and had to struggle with heavy luggage up and down stairs with tight margins of time   I wasn't on holiday and the people organizing my travel itinerary left no room for flexibility. If I missed a connection it would have been a nightmare. It was also in the days before smart phones and Google so I couldn't do much advanced research.

Today, if I were to take a multi-country trip to Europe, I would likely travel by train so I could see the countryside.  I think it's an economical and comfortable mode of travel if you are not so fixed on the time for connections.  Well at least if you make your own arrangements you can make connections that are more suited to your needs.  I would also use the bullet train if I ever travel to Japan though I don't relish the idea of being crammed in the train like a sardine (I've seen it on television).

Note:  A post such as this is better enjoyed with personal photos. Most of my memorable experiences on the above travels were before smart phones the quality isn't very good. I also didn't capture many moments of our travels because it wasn't always convenient or culturally appropriate.  As for Kenyan & Parisian photos, I have so many and have uploaded them over time on various posts. I'll see if I can add a few here once again. In the meantime, I've added links in this post, to all the major sites.  Please do check them out.

Thank you for stopping by!

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Tuesday 4: Travelling

I'm joining in with Tuesday 4 this week.


Annie at Cottage by the Sea continues this meme in memory of Toni Taddeo.  This week's questions are about travel.

1. How far have you gone from home and where did you go?

I've travelled far and wide though not quite as far as I would like. The farthest point from my home is Kenya in East Africa. The distance from Vancouver, Canada to Nairobi, Kenya is 14,388 km or 8940 miles. The 2nd farthest I've been is Cairns, FNQ in Australia which is 11,496 km or 7143 miles.

Mount Longonot, The Great Rift Valley, Kenya

2. Do you think the hassle of travel is worth the trouble?

When I was younger I would enthusiastically say 'yes'.  These days I find travelling is hard on me physically not to mention all the work involved in planning long distance travel. So I do not enjoy the actual preparation for travel, needing to save funds for the journey or the actual travel. I do enjoy it once I'm at my destination.

My last trip to France and Kenya made me think that travel is no longer worth the hassle. I found myself running from one gate to another and barely making my connections due to all the security checks. It means that in future I have to add even more time for flight connections not to mention factoring in the time and hassle of whatever new conditions will be put in place due to the Covid pandemic. Nonetheless I still expect I will do a bit more travelling.

Palace of Versailles, France

Travel once you get to your destination is also a lot more fun if you are driven around by a driver or people who know the place you are visiting. Otherwise it is usually a hot and tiring mess.

3. Are there places you would like to visit or have plans for visiting?

Yes I have plans for future travels but besides travel within Canada, I only have plans to visit Kenya again. It would also be nice to visit several places in Europe, the UK (after Brexit I'm not sure if the UK is still technically part of Europe), Israel and Egypt.  I have done a bit of  European travel with trips to Germany, France, Czech Republic and Holland. I never tire of seeing some places over and again and there are still so many new places I have yet to see.

4. What trip was the best you've ever had?

It's hard, if not impossible, to pick just one. The best international trips were to New Zealand and all down the eastern coastline of Australia by car. I was a lot younger then and enjoyed everything including sleeping in hostels and being generally more adventurous. Another great trip loaded with pleasant memories was my first trip to Kenya about 14 or 15 years ago. I loved everything about it and one of the highlights was going on a safari and getting to  stay at a beautiful lodge in one of the country's many national parks. I've been back to Kenya several times due to missions work I do. Canada also has many great travel opportunities and I've enjoyed many road trips but the trip to Niagara Falls was a highlight.

 


 

 I'm joining in with Tuesday 4.


Two Birthdays - Skywatch Friday

On July 1st we celebrated Canada's 158th birthday of Confederation. On Friday, July 4th Americans will celebrate 249 years.  Happy Birth...