Australia Day 5 – Sunday 3rd June

This morning we awoke to another beautiful clear blue sky. Whether or not the sea had been rough in the night I do not know, as I slept soundly. We were still on the way at 8.00am – due to drop anchor at around 9.00am. Breakfast was up on the deck in the outside café. There was plenty of shade, but how lovely to eat in the fresh air. It was so warm, even at that time in the morning. There was someone manning the egg station – so I was happy! Why is it that I love omelettes when I am on holiday, but never fancy them when I am at home? One of the little oddities of life. The array of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals and hot food was fabulous. And what a setting!




At 9.30am we had a briefing for the three or four optional trips that we could book during the holiday, and if we wanted to go fishing. They also briefly covered what it involved getting in and out of zodiacs, which tours needed a little bit more mobility than others, and a very short overview of the route we are to take over the next few days. We had to take our zodiac life jackets, so that we knew how to put them on and off (seemed very straightforward, but some had trouble!). After that, it was a mid morning coffee before changing into swimming gear and heading for the zodiacs.



We had anchored in waters called Yampi Sound. We were just off Koolan Island, which is known for its iron ore mine. There is a tagboard by where we get into the zodiacs, as and you go past you have change your room number from blue (which means you are onboard) to white (which means you are not). No electronic means of knowing where you are here! Also, they did say that they wouldn’t sail away with any whites on the board. Unlike other cruise ships, where if you miss it, it is your hard luck! Just before you get on the zodiac, there is a little table with sunscreen, insect repellent and water – they think of everything! We hopped, very safely, into the zodiacs, and set off for Crocodile Creek. Getting in and out (so far) was a piece of cake. There are two people to help you off the ship and into the zodiac, and one in the zodiac to point you in the direction of where you are to sit. On the short trips like this one (about fifteen minutes) it takes around ten people maximum all sitting on the rubber sides. The sea was a little choppy, but nothing much. As soon as we had left open water and gone into the inlet it was really calm, so we speeded up. The layered sandstone cliffs had amazing buckling and folding formations, which is evidence of millions of years of geological forces.



After about fifteen minutes we came to the end of the inlet, where there were stone steps hewn out of the rock. Again, with all the people helping getting out was a doddle – at least I didn’t see anyone fall in! We walked up the steps, and this beautiful waterfall and water hole came into view. It is called Crocodile Creek, although it defies its name as it is crocodile free (allegedly!). This is because of the several vertical embankments that presumably the crocodiles can’t manage. As we walked up the rocks to where the water hole opened up, there was a little shelter put up where we were served marguerita’s – complete with salt and lime. Wow!



We went for a half an hour swim in the water hole – it was quite cold when we went in, but absolutely beautiful once you were in. Some people climbed the rocks near the waterfall, and some even jumped in from the top! When we got out, we were told that there was fresh water on the top that made it cold, but the salt water underneath kept it warm. There are fairly varying tides in this part of the world, and had already been told that the window for getting in and out of the creek was between 11.30am and 2.00pm. We were then told that at high tide, the sea flows into the water hole. Which means the crocodiles could flow into the water hole….. I hope they count everyone back in! Sitting in the sun, drinking my marguerita, I look up above the shelter, and see a lady doing massages. Had I had too many? No, they have brought a portable massage table with them, and are giving massages.



At around 1.45pm we make our way back to the last zodiac going back to the ship. The sea is so calm this time, no waves at all. When we get back on board there is a lovely smell of lunch. Lunch is again served in the outside café – and there is such a selection. Soup, salad, fresh pasta, lasagne and lots of lovely puddings and ice cream. Oh no – why can’t it be horrible for once? I opted for the lasagne, and it was the nicest lasagne I have ever eaten. I did have salad with it – so I suppose it was half healthy! Then I had mango ice cream, which definitely wasn’t!



After an hour or so rest, we then got the lifejackets on again to go on a one and a half hour zodiac tour to Nares Point and round by the mine on Koolan Island. Just before we got into the zodiacs, which now had padded benches in them, (how much more pampering can we take?) taking a maximum of six people, we saw some bottle nosed dolphins swimming off the side. Once we were all in, we pointed the boat at where they were, and stayed for around half an hour just watching them going in and out of the water. I have got a lot of pictures full of blue sea with only a little black dot of a fin on. I know what they were! We then went to look close up at the sandstone formations. Apparently, the Kimberley, several million years ago, was not attached to Australia. As it got closer and closer and then eventually collided – in a very slow fashion - the sandstone folded and buckled, and it is this pattern you can now see. Even though the sandstone is pure white, it looks red on the outside as it has so much iron ore in that when it hits air it oxidises and goes rusty (I think!). There is a beach here, where apparantly the miners go on their days off – there was a little blue tent erected at the back. “Is it safe to swim here?” someone asks. “99.99% it is, but I wouldn’t” was the answer. I wonder if the miners do? As we round Nares Point the mine comes into view, and you can hear the machinery taking the iron ore out. They are apparently mining at around 80 metres below sea level, and hope to go double that. There is a barrier wall that is keeping the water out – I wouldn’t like to be anywhere near that if it breaches!



The sun is due to set at 5.19pm, and it is getting near to that time, so we make our way back to the ship. There are some stunning sunsets here. The moon also looks a lot bigger than at home – it is a full moon tomorrow. This is also the time when the mosquitoes come out in force, so I agree it is time to go! We are greeted with lovely cold mango juice when we get back on – how thoughtful is that? Then we watch as the cranes on the back lift up all the zodiacs that have been very busy all day.



It is the Captain’s cocktail party tonight – I am just hoping that people aren’t going to be dressing too posh. As I had to pack for five weeks in one suitcase, there were some things that just didn’t come! No problem, people were in allsorts. The champagne flowed freely (as I am becoming accustomed to) at the cocktail party, and we met another lovely couple from Australia. Are there any people on this boat that are not nice? We sat with them at the Captains dinner, and also an American couple joined us. I think we were the only two couples that didn’t have an Australian passport, so they informed us! The dinner, yet again, was excellent. Another four course taster menu that was delicious. I think I might have to stop somewhere to buy a bigger size clothes somewhere in the middle of this five week holiday!

Australia Day 4 - Friday 2nd June

After a full 12 hours sleep in a lovely comfortable bed, I wake feeling fully refreshed. The bed was really comfortable, and when I opened the balcony doors there was a clear blue sky to greet me – what perfect weather.


The room was actually very nice – a really nice size with everything you could need. A good shower, plenty of toiletries, and lovely fluffy towels. We walked to the Sunset Bar & Grill, which is where the breakfast was served. It was buffet style, and not too bad. The staff were fairly cheerful, which was a good sign. I got an omelette made to order, but there were several types of eggs all ready done on the buffet. Eggs Benedict, scrambled and poached – all getting cold and very overdone in the large terrines. Why do people not realise there is only one way to get good eggs – cook them fresh!



The rest of the buffet, although fairly extensive, was also fairly cold. And I am not talking about the yoghurt! For someone not as fussy as me this would be fine. For me, it was very mediocre. We sat outside in the sun, overlooking the lawns and then further on to the sea (although you couldn’t actually see it) so it was a very pleasant setting. Oh well, at least we were only here for one night.



After packing all the cases, and checking out, I asked the receptionist if the bags could be looked after, and if they were secure. “Yes” she said. “They will be kept in the locked porters room.” So I left my hand luggage with my passport and money in as well as the case. We went to sit by the pool for an hour or two, and had a very relaxing morning. One, and only one, really good thing this hotel did was as we were sitting by the pool they brought over a large jug of iced water and two glasses. Never had that before, but what a really good idea.



At 1pm we thought we would make a move, and went to the concierge for him to order us a taxi. “It will be here in ten minutes” he says. When we asked him to get our bags, he showed us a line of luggage outside the reception doors. All of our bags were there – money and passports and all. Luckily. Why do people have to give you the wrong information. With the right information you can make an informed decision – with the wrong information you could lose all your worldly goods! After forty five minutes waiting for the taxi that should have taken ten minutes, I spy three ladies getting into a taxi with Orion tags on their luggage. It looks a fairly large taxi, so I asked if we could join them. Not a problem, and we all have a really good chat for the twenty or so minutes it takes to get to the Pearl Luggers Museum, where we were to meet for the Orion check in. $15 each party for the taxi, which was not bad at all. Apparently, the biggest horse race of the year was taking place in Broome today, so there was a distinct lack of taxis around. Excuse accepted!



When we got to the Museum, there were others milling around, and some Orion staff to take our luggage. I nipped down the road to buy a hat. I was going to get one before I left home, but ran out of time. That’s why I was ready on time – I hadn’t done all I needed to do! The heat is so intense here, that it probably is a good idea even if I do look a bit of a plonker. After checking in (filling in all the insurance info etc on the tickets beforehand, that they didn’t even take) and leaving our passports with the staff here, we were shown on a bus to take us to the port. “G’day again” says the bus driver. It was the same chap that had dropped us off in the taxi. He was probably the only one on duty to do work other than take people to the races!



We drove about fifteen minutes to the Port of Broome, and then came up against shut gates. After five or so minutes of wrangling with the chap that had the keys (who looked a bit like the wild man of Borneo!) he decided that there was something he didn’t like so he went back in his hut and the gates stayed firmly shut. We could see the ship from where we sat (it looked tiny, hardly showed above the jetty) but just couldn’t get to it! The driver got on the phone to his boss, and shouted at the man to come and have a word with him on the phone. He came out of his hut again, and after a short heated exchange went back in and came out with a wad of papers that the driver had to fill in and sign. The he opened the gates. Strange. There was only one ship on the road where we were going, we must have been expected, and it was an official Broome Transportation Bus. Perhaps he felt like being a dictator today!



We arrived at the ship side, got off the bus, and went up some steps into our teeny weeny home for the next ten nights. It might be teeny weeny, but it is really lovely – like a large yacht. The cabin is lovely, and we had champagne (again) and sandwiches in the Leda Lounge. We then had a really extensive lifeboat drill – even to the extent that they showed us how to put the lifejackets on (normal) then how to hold them down with one hand and pinch your nose with the other if you have to jump into the water (not normal!). And to get to a deck as near as possible to the water before jumping in. The life jackets will keep us afloat for up to six days, apparently. Hmm – do they know something I don’t. Paul mentioned to the chap standing next to him that he thought the Chief Engineer was Italian, who don’t do life boat drills. “I’m not” he said from about twenty five yards away – he might not be, but he has damn good hearing!



We went back to the cabin, quickly unpacked, and then there was a sail away party on the deck. Somewhat different to the last few cruises I have been on, the deck was a really small space, but the champagne flowed freely. And we were afforded a beautiful sunset as we sailed away. Lovely.



A quick shower, and then we had a briefing in the Leda Lounge. The various expedition leaders and a few of the main staff introduced themselves, and gave us an idea of what was going to happen tomorrow. Zodiacs and swim holes featured – as did the story of a member of staff on one of their competitor’s ships being eaten by a crocodile about five weeks ago. They assured us that they send an advance party two hours prior to us arriving, with chickens and carcasses to make sure there are no crocodiles. I somehow think that is a bit of an exaggeration… They said there were 87 guests and 74 staff on this cruise – lets see if there are the same number for dinner tomorrow night!



Dinner was at 7.30pm with a “Degustation Menu” which roughly translated is a taster menu. If there was anything on there that you didn’t like, there was a whole page of alternative choices. As usual, I liked everything so had it as it was – and it was delicious. It featured scallops, barramundi, lamb and pannacotta (all on separate courses!). It was open seating, and we sat with a couple that originated from the UK that had been in Sydney for twenty odd years, and a Scottish couple that had been in Brisbane for forty odd years. How bizarre – but what lovely people they are. Everyone we have met so far has been so friendly. At 10.30pm we made our way back to the cabin, as I feel tomorrow is going to be a busy day!

Australia Day 3 – Friday 1st June

After several hours I wake up after another fantastic sleep, and we are nearly in Sydney. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone – we seem to have got to Australia in no time at all, and my body seems fresh and mostly in sync with the time of the day. I really am going to have to recommend first class to all of my customers!




After another breakfast of coffee and yoghurt, we are almost ready for landing. Paul had the dinner last night, and had a hot breakfast with pastries etc. He is really getting into the swing of it now!



It has all gone far too smoothly so far! We are handed Express Passes on the way out of the door – wonder what they do? We soon find out. Instead of joining the long queue for “All other passports” we go to the express lane, and join at the front of the queue. Through immigration, and the officer manages to book me in without speaking one word. Well, I suppose it is 5.30am. The cases are on the carousel when we get there, and then spy another express lane to get through customs. No problems there either. There are signs for a Terminal Transfer Bus, and Qantas Domestic Transfers. As we are on a Qantas flight now to Perth, and then onward to Broome (I know, I should have got a better travel agent!) we follow the Qantas route. Simple. We check in the bags before we get on the transfer bus, so that is a big plus when arriving into Sydney. Once the bags are checked in, we wait a few minutes for a transfer bus that takes us to the domestic terminal (about ten minutes) and then on to the business class lounge. Yes, you have guessed it. Qantas is a partner to BA, and so my Avios points have got me all my internal flights within Australia, and in business class where they have it. It is really worth adding the points up!



The flight was due to leave at 08:10 for the four and a half hour journey to Perth – and the clocks have now got to be put back two hours. I somehow think that I will not be offered champagne at this hour in the morning, and I am right. Apple juice instead – doesn’t quite have the same ring to it! As soon as we have taken off – around half an hour late – we are offered another breakfast. This time though, the food is more like normal plane food – not really very nice at all. So I stick to yoghurt. Things are not going to be the same ever again if I don’t get to sit in the nose of the plane! Even though I thought my body clock has readjusted, I felt really tired so put the bed down (no-one to give a mattress topper or duvet!) and had a couple of hours sleep. The flight went really quickly again, and soon we were descending into a fairly foggy Perth. We are going to be here for four hours waiting for the connecting flight – and the last one to Broome is in economy, as it is a one class flight. I thought we would have a go at using the Qantas Lounge, even though the onward flight is economy, having arrived into Perth in Business I thought was a good enough reason. Having shown the business class boarding pass to Perth, that wasn’t good enough. The economy boarding pass came out, and was rejected. I then explained that we were originally booked directly from Sydney to Broome, but the Qantas flight was pulled. We then got the sympathy vote, and they let us in! I think with all the Qantas flight changes that are going on at the moment they are probably getting a bit of flack, so are being kind to people that have been re-routed. The laptop battery was on its last legs, and the adapter is in the hold case. A very kind Australian gentlemen, Nigel Fort, who worked with the Australian Government on defence consultations, had a laptop plugged in and gave us his lead, so we had a half an hour boost! He was originally born in the UK, and he and Paul reminisced about various motor cycles they owned/had owned. Then Paul swaps his boarding pass for an adapter from the reception desk – must remember to take it back or there will only be one of us going onward! These four hours went very slowly – I think now I am ready for a good nights sleep in a proper bed. Paul, on the other hand, has put his feet up on his case and is snoring like a trooper. Getting a few strange looks, so I just shrug my shoulders. They only have to put up with it for an hour or two!



Paul does remember to get his boarding pass back, so he continues on the journey with me! This next flight, although a Qantas flight number says it is operated by National Jet Airlines. We have to queue up (oh my god!) to get on, and then get on a bus. Perhaps it’s Ryanair then? No, can’t be. We have seat numbers. The bus then meanders around the airport, as if looking for the plane, and not seeming to find it. We then go past the same set of planes again, and a woman with a yellow jacket gets out, and looks as if she asking “is this is the number 56 to Broome?”. It obviously was, because she beckoned and we all got out. Our luggage should have been tagged straight through from Sydney – what chance does that have if they can’t get the people on! The plane is labelled “Qantaslink”, so I suppose that is a bit confusing.



I think the pilot, and the crew, are all YTS’s. One lad keeps walking up and down the aisle taking two packets of pretzels at a time to give to people – and they turn out to not even be pretzels! I wonder if he has ever been shown a quicker way of serving people? They eventually manage to get drinks, and a small sandwich tray to everyone, and get it all cleared away before we land. The flight is just two and a half hours, so goes quite quickly. We were afforded a beautiful sunset out of the window at around 5.45pm – fifteen minutes out from landing. Then the plane seems to have been taken over by a five year old. One minute, on the descent, we were pushed back into the chairs because the plane was speeding up so fast, and the next it seemed as if the brakes went on. We were one height, then another, then back up again. By this time the sun had gone down and it was virtually black outside. I wonder if the pilot couldn’t see anything either? The landing was one of the hardest and bumpiest I have ever experienced, and fastest. The brakes went on so hard you could hear all the bags in the overhead locker hitting the end walls, and everything that wasn’t held in place went forward. I heard several remarks like “I need a change of underwear now”, so it wasn’t just me! But we arrived safely into a beautiful little airport that looked as if it should have been in the Caribbean.



We walked the twenty or so yards to the arrivals hall, which was like a square box with everything in it. One carousel, and a couple of car hire and hotel desks. Nothing else. But from the time we landed until the time we were walking out, with all our luggage, was less than twenty minutes. We are staying at the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, which is on Cable Beach. They have a desk at the airport, and a complimentary shuttle bus that takes us to the hotel. Very quick and efficient. That is where the speed and efficiency ends. The bus was fairly full, around eight couples, who are obviously all going to want to check in once they arrive. The driver was excellent, very friendly. He told us to go and check in whilst he unloaded the luggage, then come out and the porters would take the luggage and show us to our room. Sounds perfect. Unfortunately not. After queuing for just over twenty minutes, as there were only two check in staff on duty and neither was particularly in a hurry, it was my turn. No – the check in girl that should have been free decided to sort out another guest and then issue tennis racquets and balls to a couple of children that turned up. I didn’t mind, but it would have been nice if I had been acknowledged and asked, as I had been standing there for so long.



We checked in OK, and I asked if I could have a later check out than 10.00am as we will be boarding the ship tomorrow at 2.30pm. This had been requested with my booking – so again should not have been a surprise. No – point blank I was told that she “was under strict instructions not to give any late check outs”. Not exactly customer service orientated then. I explained that we had been travelling since Wednesday afternoon and it is now Friday evening, so a relaxing morning would be more than welcome. I also explained that I am a Travel Agent, and having not got any cheaper rate than Joe Bloggs (slipped up there, but should have been staying in Sydney tonight before the direct Sydney to Broome flight for tomorrow was pulled a few weeks ago, and then had to sort out a hotel with fairly late notice) that perhaps they could let me stay a couple more hours so that I could have a full site inspection for any future recommendations I may make. There must be people arriving at 7.00pm tomorrow on the same flight as we had just arrived on, so a 1pm checkout should be no problem at all. No – I can now have the room, but have to pay half the daily rate. On principle, I politely tell them to shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. I don’t think that I will be recommending this hotel to anyone – but as I have been travelling for rather a long time I might now be a bit grumpy! It certainly hasn’t made me go to my room with a spring in my step, as I should have been doing. The room is rather nice though. But the hardware without the software is no good at all – and how many times do you go somewhere where it is the staff and the people that make the trip. I will write more about the room in the morning, when I hope to be in a better mood! Maybe! Depends what the breakfast is like!

Australia Day 2 – Thursday 31st May

I had the best eight hours sleep on a plane that I have ever had! Didn’t hear a thing, so either Paul didn’t get any sleep or the round seats have been ergonomically designed to keep all the snoring noises contained. Or, of course, I could I have gone to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow and I was the one keeping everyone else awake! Probably the latter! Paul did say that he had three hours sleep in one go, which is good for him, so I suppose he might want to go first class again! The flight time is just over twelve hours, but it has gone so quickly.




After putting on my comfy slippers, the complimentary wash bag came into its own. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm, eye gel, face cream, hand and body cream – I used it all! Then I looked in the mirror – and realised that I hadn’t bought a comb – or makeup. Oh well – holiday mode. Hair does look a bit of a mess though. I am in first class – so my request to the steward was matched with a comb all wrapped up in cellophane. Love it! Perhaps I should have forgotten my Radley handbag? You never know!



Breakfast was again served on a lovely crisp white tablecloth – but I was still fairly full from last night, so just had a cappochino and blackcurrant yoghurt. Or I could pretend that I am sticking to my diet! Paul was now hungry, so had the full English and promptly squished his tomato all over the lovely white tablecloth! Can’t take him anywhere. He was quite proud that it missed his shirt though!



We were now heading into Singapore to end the first leg of the trip. We were due in ahead of schedule, and had a lovely cruise in over beautiful lush countryside. Even though we are continuing on the same plane, we had to take everything off as it is a complete change of crew and the cleaners need to get in. I think I might just put those slippers in my bag!



We have around two hours in Singapore, so head for the first class lounge. We are greeted with a “Good Evening” – I answer “Good Morning”. Hmm, think I might be getting a bit confused. We have put the watches forward seven hours, so it is now 5:00pm, even though I have just had breakfast. It is really busy in here, and the internet is as slow as slow. Surprising, as Singapore is known as a really computer literate country. But, as Paul points out, it is probably because there are a hundred or so people in here all trying to connect on the same stream. Good coffee though! By the time we had uploaded the first day’s blog, the time we had here had nearly gone. We walked the long way back to the gate (it is a huge airport, with lots of free internet spots, free charging for phones and other electrical items, and lots of space and seats and shopping. I am thinking this is going to be a good spot to get the presents on the way home if we haven’t managed it anywhere else along the way. Not that we usually end up getting everything at the airport of course! There is even a garden with trees and plants in. Truly beautiful.



We make our way back to the gate, and board the same plane again. More champagne as we sit down – how many times do we have to have this before it gets normal? I really mustn’t get used to it! There are a few people that have joined the plane again as well as us. One couple live half in Australia and half in the UK, and have just come back from a voyage on the Queen Mary to New York. They are very interested in our journey on the Orion, as they have seen it advertised in Australia and have often thought about joining it. The departure time from here is 19:55 and just over seven hours to get to Sydney. Time for another three, four, or even five, course meal. The body clock is telling me it is lunch, so no problem putting that away then!



So, the menu is a pre starter of gravadlax salmon, crab bisque, Caesar salad, beef stroganoff and brioche bread and butter pudding with vanilla ice cream or vanilla custard – or both! Hmm, how did I manage all of that then? My bed is made up again, and perhaps my body now thinks it is going for an afternoon nap. Not a problem if it gets me to Australia with my body clock and the local time synchronised!

Australia Day 1 – Wednesday 30th May

Our flight today is with British Airways, departing, bizarrely, from Terminal 3 at Heathrow to Sydney via Singapore. It leaves at 21:15, so having given myself the day off work, I should be able to have everything packed and ready to go by the time the taxi arrives. And I do! I actually have everything ready an hour early – and even have time to unlock the online banking work account. Good job that was done whilst I was still in the country! Harriet is home from work early, and Sadie brings Alexis round, and William arrives so we have a lovely farewell before we go. What a lovely family I have! (Should I put in here sometimes? No – let’s give them the benefit of the doubt, even the ones that are missing!) So, when Steve arrives, the bags are quickly loaded into the boot, and I have a feeling that things are going too smoothly. I am sure that when I get to Australia, I will want something that I haven’t packed. Oh well! We all settle in ready to go – and then realise that the boot is still open – “I would have noticed that” said Steve. I wonder when?




The journey to Heathrow was very uneventful – apart from issues with the air conditioning and bing bongs from the traffic didgery do. Didn’t annoy me, but did Paul. Didn’t stop him sleeping and snoring though! I should mention here that we have the pleasure of travelling in first class today – thanks to British Airways Avios points and the BA American Express companion voucher. I have never travelled in first class before – and am relishing the opportunity. Paul has already decided that the seat is not going to be as comfortable as his chair at home. Perhaps I will book him in economy next time – that sure as hell won’t be!



We check in at the very impressive British Airways First Class check in – with both bags just about on the 23kg. Even though we have loads of baggage allowance on this flight, the internal flights within Australia are limited to 23kg and 7kg hand luggage. We have bought “Ryanair” cabin bags, so at least we can fit in a bit more than normal. Five weeks is a long time to be away, and I am sure that there will be things that I have packed that I won’t need, and things that I really do that are still hanging up in my wardrobe. Hand baggage was not weighed, so hopefully if that is the case on the other flights we will be OK with any little extras that we pick up along the way.



We then make our way to the First Class Lounge – wow! It is a lovely area, with a beautiful dining room where you can have a three course meal. Bearing in mind I had had scrambled eggs at around 9am this morning, and nothing since, I was getting a bit hungry. I sat and had a campari, and then we went into the dining room and had smoked salmon. I stopped there, as I was looking forward to dinner in the first class cabin. Paul had a hoi sin duck panini, which was very filling. I then had to go to the Elemis Spa for my hot stone foot massage – I forgot to mention that when I did the online check in, I was offered a complimentary spa treatment. How the other half live! It was lovely – in a wonderful massage chair that gave my back a good going over at the same time. Surprisingly, Paul said he would have a shoulder and scalp massage – he usually avoids anything to do with massage like the plague. When I asked how it went, he replied “I shan’t volunteer for that again, it really dug in”. He won’t be having one on the way home then!



After half an hour or so on the kindle (first time – had to give up books for the weight allowance. I would have needed t have taken about 20 books for a five week trip, and thought that clothes were probably a bit more important!) it was time to go to the gate and to our “first class” experience. We were greeted at the door, and were personally shown to our seats. The champagne came next, and Paul decided he would take my picture from his seat in front of me (the window seats have only one in a row at the side). I could see our fellow travellers looking and raising their eyebrows. Probably thought we were lottery winners! Felt like saying “What do points make?” but thought better of it.



We took off on time, and very soon was offered more champagne, the menu, the wine menu and anything else you could possibly want. My tray was laid with a crisp white linen tablecloth and shiny steel cutlery, salt and pepper, butter dish, bread plate and the feast began. They even brought a pre-starter of chicken and leek terrine. The rolls were warm and tasty, and the food was excellent. I am really glad that I didn’t eat too much as I heard Paul turn down his meal. Mind you, at 10pm and way past my bed time, I was going to struggle to get through it all. I then had “Seared Scottish king scallop with broad bean puree and crispy porcetta” followed by “Roasted Herefordshire beef fillet with British purple asparagus, baby carrots and dauphinoise potatoes” followed by “Toffee and chocolate parfait with toffee hazelnut sauce”. Think the diet may just have gone out of the window at this point! I could have had a cheese plate, but I just couldn’t fit it in, and bearing in mind it was now past midnight was just a tad tired. I got up to use the facilities, after putting on my very comfortable slippers provided, and the steward said he would make my bed up for when I got back. Make my bed up? This sounds like a promising nights sleep! When I returned, my seat had been laid completely flat, with a mattress topper on the seat, and then a duvet on top with a proper pillow. They had asked if I wanted pyjamas which I turned down – I think I will say yes next time. This looks to be a very promising nights sleep!

Australia Trip 30th May - July 5th

Follow my trip here...........starting soon!

Bridget

French Polynesia by Annette Ross

I flew on Air Tahiti Nui via Paris and Los Angeles arriving in Tahiti just before midnight local time. I stayed at Le Meridien Hotel Tahiti, a gorgeous hotel with lovely views out to sea and of the Island of Moorea in the distance.

In Rangiroa I enjoyed a wonderful day out on the lagoon, with a great BBQ and of course swimming and snorkelling and having the opportunity to see reef sharks, lemon sharks and sting rays. Bora Bora was next on the itinerary. We were met at the Quayside and transferred to the Hilton by the hotel's very smart speedboat. The scenery and amazing shades of blue of the lagoons and sea are breathtaking. A night spent at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in an over water bungalow was a real treat and an opportunity to dine at 'Bloody Mary's is not to be missed.

Next on the agenda was the Island of Huahine. A cultural tour of the island provided a good insight in to the history of these beautiful islands. Here we stayed at the lovely Hotel Lapita.

Last but not least, the island of Moorea. Yet another gem of an island. We stayed at the Moorea Pearly Resort & Spa here and went to the Tiki Village where we joined in their 25th Anniversary celebrations which included a Polynesian show.

The scenery, the food, the fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities, the hospitality - a truly memorable trip!

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