It was a lovely birthday celebration…

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The restaurant where we dined last night is located in this hotel.

Last night, on my 78th birthday, Tom and I headed to the popular local pub tucked inside the Neptune Grand Hotel. After days of quiet routines and home-cooked meals, it felt wonderful to be out and about, stepping into the gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses that only a well-loved local spot seems to carry.

We settled ourselves at the bar, always our favorite place to begin an evening. There is something comforting about sitting shoulder to shoulder with locals who clearly consider this their regular haunt. Before long, we found ourselves commiserating in that easy, friendly way that happens in small towns. A few laughs were shared, a few stories exchanged, and for a little while, we soaked in the pleasure of being among people while marking another birthday along this winding road of life.

After a few drinks, we meandered into the main dining room for dinner. The room itself has a pleasant, relaxed ambiance. Nothing pretentious, nothing overly formal. Just comfortable lighting, well-spaced tables, and the soft murmur of fellow diners enjoying their evening. It suited us perfectly.

This was my shrimp dinner: prawns in a gluten-free sauce with a side salad.

There were only a few menu options that worked well with my way of eating, which is always a challenge when dining out. Still, I found myself drawn to the dish shown here. It arrived nicely presented and, I must say, it was quite tasty. The flavors were good, and the preparation was clearly thoughtful. But in the end, it simply was not very filling. Those of you who follow along with our low-carb lifestyle will understand how sometimes a dish can check all the right boxes and still leave you wishing for just a bit more substance.

Even so, we enjoyed the experience. Sometimes it is less about the plate in front of you and more about the moment you are living.

One of the highlights of the evening was when our friend and future landlord, Terry, stopped by to wish me a happy birthday. That simple gesture meant a great deal to me. Terry and his wife have already shown themselves to be such a warm and wonderful couple, the kind of people who make you feel immediately at ease in a new place. In just a week from tomorrow, we will be moving into their holiday home across the street from the beach, and I must admit we are very much looking forward to that next chapter.

When we returned to the house after dinner, both of us were still a little hungry. No surprise there. So we did what has become our reliable little ritual. We each cut a generous hunk of aged cheddar cheese and enjoyed it quietly at home. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what was needed to hit the spot before calling it a night.

Tom’s chicken parmesan dinner with chips and salad. In many parts of the world, French fries are called “chips.”

Our landlord here in this temporary house, Karen, is also a lovely local. We have been fortunate once again to land among kind and accommodating people. It never ceases to amaze me how often that happens in this nomadic life of ours. Here’s the link to Karen’s property, which we are currently renting.

This morning we were back in our comfortable routine. We prepared the Keto Hamburger Scramble for tonight’s dinner and already have it fully cooked, waiting in the refrigerator. This evening will be easy. We will simply heat our potions in the microwave and serve them alongside a large fresh salad. After last night’s lighter restaurant meal, that hearty scramble is sounding especially appealing.

Soon we will head off to Henk’s market to pick up a variety of ingredients for meals we plan to make here during this final stretch before our move. We are trying to be mindful not to overstock. Moving food from one place to another is never high on our list of favorite activities. Fortunately, the new house is delightfully close, a two-minute drive, to the market, which will make future shopping both easy and pleasant. It’s only been a 10-minute drive to Henk’s IGA market in Penguin from this property.

And just like that, another birthday has gently come and gone. No big fuss, no elaborate celebration. Just good company, kind people, and the quiet contentment that continues to follow us wherever we land.

That is it for today, folks. Have a lovely day and be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 21, 2016:

This colt in New Plymouth, New Zealand, was too shy to approach us. For more photos, please click here.

We made it to Penguin, encountering a major pitfall!!!….Yikes!…

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This morning’s view of the sea from Terry and Fran’s living room.

Note:  Our line and paragraph issues continue. We are working on this. Thanks for your patience.

Well, we never expected what happened yesterday. In all our years of world travel, it was a first. After countless bookings, confirmations, calendar entries, and neatly filed emails, we’ve never once arrived somewhere without a place to stay, until now. When we originally booked Sunrise at Penguin nearly a year ago, our arrival date was set for March 1, 2026.

Later, due to necessary changes in our itinerary, which can happen in this nomadic life, we adjusted the date to February 12, 2026. Terry, the owner of Sunrise at Penguin, acknowledged the change in a text. We tucked that confirmation away in our minds and carried on, confident everything was in order. Yesterday, while driving along Tasmania’s northwestern coast toward Penguin, I sent Terry a quick message letting him know we’d be arriving in about 30 minutes. His reply stopped us cold: “I don’t have you scheduled to arrive until March 1.”

Apparently, although he’d acknowledged our date change, he hadn’t carefully noted it in his booking calendar. The house was fully booked until March 1. We were effectively homeless for 17 nights, on top of already being homeless. For a few seconds, the car felt very quiet.

Love comes in many forms. For more photos, please click here.

Travel Day…We’re off to Auckland for an overnight stay…A two hour drive…An early morning flight…

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The view from the kitchen in our holiday home in Kaiwaka, New Zealand.

By the time I glanced at the clock and saw it was edging toward 11:00 am, the house in Kaiwaka was back to how we found it: clean, organized, and uncluttered with our stuff. We’re totally packed except for the computer bag and a few odds and ends. The little car is loaded to the brim. Only the sense of anticipation remains.

This house…oh, how we’ll remember it.

It wasn’t only the structure itself, lovely as it was, perched in its peaceful pocket of rural New Zealand. It was Dave and Eing. From the moment we arrived, weary and road-worn, they wrapped us in kindness. There’s something profoundly comforting about landlords who feel more like friends, who show up with a bag of jasmine rice because they read you were running low, who insist on dinner and quietly outmaneuver you when the bill arrives.

For two months, we lived in a kind of gentle stillness.

Yes, the location was remote. There were times we had to plan carefully for groceries or errands. But what we gained in exchange was immeasurable. No traffic noise—no traffic at all, really. No crowds. No sirens. Instead, our days were punctuated by the bleating of sheep, the low murmurs of cattle, and the occasional triumphant crow of a rooster. The peacocks’ haunting, almost cry-like calls would drift through the air, and the magpies carried on their animated chatter as if narrating the countryside.

Silence, but never emptiness.

This morning, as Tom slid the last bags into the car, we realized we could leave one newer carry-on behind for Dave and Eing.  Doing so, may mean I won’t be wedged quite so tightly in the front seat during our two-hour drive to Auckland. Small victories matter in this nomadic life.

Yesterday, we found ourselves talking about Penguin, Tasmania, and what awaits us there. A town of just over 4,000 people, hardly a metropolis, but after Kaiwaka’s sweeping rural landscape, it will feel lively in the most delightful way. Easy access to shopping. Restaurants within minutes. The freedom to pop out for coffee without mapping a minor expedition.

And the beach.

Across the road from our new home, the shoreline stretches wide and welcoming. Parks nearby. The scent of salt air. And each evening, the fairy penguins will return from the sea, waddling ashore in the ritual that gave the town its name. I can hardly wait to see them with my own eyes. When we do, of course, we’ll share photos. Some moments are too special not to pass along.

It will be cooler there than Kaiwaka has been lately, and I’m looking forward to the temperate air. The heavy humidity we’ve felt here will give way to something fresher, something brisk enough to invite long seaside walks.

And then there are the celebrations ahead.

Valentine’s Day. My birthday, on February 20. Our 31st wedding anniversary, on March 7.

Three beautiful markers in just a few short weeks. We may go out to dinner. We may simply stay in, sip our adult beverages, make a special dinner, and treasure the view by the water with grateful hearts. After all these years, it’s less about grand gestures and more about shared glances, quiet laughter, and the steady comfort of knowing we’re still choosing this life, and each other, every single day.

There is so much to celebrate beyond the dates on the calendar. The quality of our lives. The freedom to follow the sun. The kindness of strangers who become friends. The health that allows us to pack up once again and head toward the next horizon.

We leave Kaiwaka with full hearts. And we arrive in Penguin carrying that gratitude with us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 11, 2016:

A photo re-post from 2014 on this date ten years ago. As our ship made its way to the port of Venice, our mouths were agape in surprise at the feast that lay before our eyes. A photo re-post from 2014 on this date ten years ago. As our ship made its way to the port of Venice, our mouths were agape in surprise at the feast that lay before our eyes.  Click here for one of two posts about Venice. Click here for the ten-year-old recap.

Packing once again…One day and counting…

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Note:  Until we change the design of our site, paragraph spacing may be an issue.

Today, we’ll finish our packing and weigh the bags.

At this point, 90% of my packing is done, which in our world always feels like a minor miracle. I always forget how satisfying it is to see the neat little piles dwindle, the suitcases standing at attention by the door as if they, too, are ready for the next chapter. Tom, as always, packs his clothes his way…button-down shirts carefully hanging on the same plastic hangers that have traveled with us for years. Those hangers have seen more countries than many passports.

Soon, we’ll clean the house. For me, the biggest hurdle is always the refrigerator. I dread it every single time we leave a holiday rental. It’s never as bad as I imagine—fifteen minutes at most—but somehow it looms large in my mind. Perhaps it’s symbolic. Cleaning out the fridge feels like erasing the evidence that we ever lived here. The condiments we bought, the carefully selected produce, the bits and pieces that sustained us during quiet dinners at “home.” Wiping those shelves clean is my silent goodbye.

The laundry is washed, dried, folded, and tucked away. I love knowing that when we arrive in Penguin, we’ll start fresh, with no lingering piles waiting for attention. We’ll only have what we wear for the drive tomorrow, our overnight stay in Auckland, and then the four-hour journey from Hobart Airport to Penguin. There’s something deeply comforting about beginning in a new place with every sock and shirt clean and ready.

If all goes according to plan, we should arrive in Penguin by dinnertime. I can already picture it: unloading our bags, taking a moment to exhale, and then heading out to dinner in one of the restaurants in town, just a five-minute drive from the house. Today, we’ll decide where to go, weighing menus online and considering what suits both our tastes and our way of eating. After travel days, we like something simple, satisfying, and welcoming. No fuss. Just good food and the pleasure of sitting across from each other in yet another new setting.

Unpacking will likely take a full day, and we’ll leave that for the following morning. I’ve learned not to rush that process. Unpacking is how we settle in. It’s how a rental house slowly begins to feel like ours. Afterward, we’ll make the 25-minute drive to Devonport for groceries. There is an IGA market in Penguin, but from what we remember ten years ago, the selection was limited. Of course, a decade changes many things. Perhaps we’ll be pleasantly surprised. Travel has taught us never to rely too heavily on old memories; places evolve, just as we do.

Tonight, we’ll say goodbye to Dave and Eing, our kind and thoughtful hosts who so quickly became friends. We’ll offer them our remaining food, a couple of steaks, an unopened one-kilogram block of Gouda, a few containers of sour cream, and a handful of odds and ends. We’ve done well to finish nearly everything else. Passing along what remains feels right, a small gesture of gratitude for their generosity.

Tomorrow, we plan to leave around noon, giving ourselves ample time to reach our hotel in Auckland. This morning, we paid the toll charge online in advance. There are no toll booths here, only cameras quietly recording license plates. Failure to pay results in hefty fines. The cost for our trip is NZ $3.60, US $1.57. It’s modest, but ignoring it would trigger penalties not only from the toll authority but also from the car rental company, which would charge our credit card on file. Each country has its own rules and systems for toll roads, and we’ve learned it’s always worth checking in advance to avoid unnecessary fees.

And so, another chapter gently closes while the next waits just beyond tomorrow’s drive. That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 10, 2016:

Is that a smile on the face of the “stuck” alpaca? Eventually, they managed to separate. For more photos, please click here.

Map with our location in New Zealand…Why did we choose the North Island for our second visit in almost ten years?…

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We are located in the top orange section in Northland on this map. A ferry is required to get from the North to the South Island.

When people hear that we’re spending time in New Zealand, the reaction is almost always the same. Their eyes light up, and they say, “Oh, the South Island!” as if there is no other possible answer. In many minds, New Zealand is synonymous with snowcapped mountains, turquoise lakes, dramatic fjords, and cinematic landscapes made famous by films and travel brochures. And yes, the South Island is undeniably beautiful. But beauty, we’ve learned over years of long-term travel, is only one piece of the puzzle. Livability is another. And for us, at this stage of our lives, that quieter consideration matters more than ticking off iconic views.

New Zealand’s two main islands are strikingly different, not only in landscape but in temperament. The South Island feels grand, wild, and often untamed. Distances are long, towns are small and far apart, and much of the land feels designed for short-term awe rather than daily living. It is a place that invites road trips, hiking boots, and a sense of adventure that thrives on motion. The North Island, by contrast, feels softer and more lived-in. It rolls rather than towers. It hums rather than roars. Life here feels less like a spectacle and more like a manageable pace.

The climate alone makes a noticeable difference. The North Island is warmer, more temperate, and generally more forgiving year-round. Winters are milder, especially in coastal and northern regions, and daily life doesn’t grind to a halt with snow or icy roads. The South Island’s colder winters, particularly in inland and southern areas, can be beautiful. Still, they also come with real challenges such as heating costs, damp homes, and limited services in rural regions during the off-season.

Cost of living played an equally important role in our decision. While New Zealand is not overly inexpensive anywhere, the South Island, particularly popular areas like Queenstown, Wanaka, and parts of Christchurch, can be surprisingly costly. Housing prices and short-term rental rates are often inflated by tourism, and many services are priced accordingly. Groceries can be more expensive due to longer supply chains, and dining out often feels like a luxury rather than a casual pleasure. The North Island, especially outside of Auckland, offers more flexibility. There are more towns, more options, more competition, and that translates into slightly lower costs and better availability of everyday essentials.

Healthcare access was another deciding factor, one we no longer take lightly. The North Island has a higher concentration of hospitals, clinics, and specialists. For those living with ongoing health considerations, proximity matters. In the South Island, particularly in remote or scenic regions, medical care can mean long drives or limited availability. While that may be manageable for short stays, it’s less appealing for long-term living, where predictability and access bring peace of mind.

There’s also the matter of community. The North Island feels more populated, more diverse, and more connected. It has a balance of rural charm and urban convenience that suits a slower, steadier lifestyle. Markets, small cafés, local events, and everyday interactions feel woven into daily life rather than existing solely to serve visitors. The South Island often feels oriented toward those passing through, hikers, skiers, and photographers, rather than those settling in for a while, like us.

That doesn’t mean we don’t admire the South Island. We do. Deeply. It’s a place we would happily visit again, explore, and photograph. But living somewhere is different from admiring it. We’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that the places that look most spectacular in photos are not always the easiest places to live well. Beauty can be demanding. It can require effort, endurance, and constant movement. Right now, we value ease. We value warmth, access, and the ability to settle into ordinary days without friction.

Choosing the North Island wasn’t about settling for less. It was about deciding what fits us best. After years of travel, we’ve become less interested in what’s “most desired” and more attuned to what’s most supportive. The North Island offers us a gentler pace, manageable costs, better access to what we need, and a sense of everyday livability that aligns with where we are now. And in the end, that quiet alignment feels far more luxurious than any even more dramatic view.

We are soon off for Whangarai to the supermarket. We’re both still under the weather and weak from days of much-needed rest, but we will do our best to get everything we need for the next few weeks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 22, 2015:

When we played bingo at the Princeville Senior Center last March, while living in Kauai, Tom always had a great time. For more photos, please click here.

Day 6…Thank you for all the kind wishes on our 13th anniversary of world travel…

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A view of the various decks from which passengers could watch the upcoming parade.

As we sat in the Promenade Café, deeply engrossed in our online work, a lovely woman approached our table with a warm smile and a gentle curiosity in her eyes. She hesitated for only a moment before asking, “Do you have a few minutes to chat?” Of course, we both looked up instantly and said, enthusiastically, “Yes, absolutely!” We always enjoy meeting new people, especially while sailing, when so many interesting stories seem to unfold in the most unexpected ways.

The woman introduced herself as Elaine, and within seconds, the conversation flowed as naturally as if we’d known her for years. She explained that she and her husband, Glen, had met us on a cruise in 2016. (They began their journey in 2017). As she began to recount our earlier encounter, the memories slowly resurfaced—faces, names, shared laughter, and the common thread of wanderlust that connected us all during that voyage. But what she shared next left us utterly humbled and touched to the core.

The Promenade Parade was about to begin.

Elaine said that after meeting us all those years ago and following our posts about full-time world travel, she and Glen were inspired to do something bold. They, too, decided to sell everything, let go of the traditional life they’d known, and embark on their own global adventure. For years, they’d been reading our blog, keeping up with our stories, triumphs, and even the occasional challenges we’ve faced along the way. She stopped by our table that morning simply to say thank you—thank you for inspiring them to change their lives, to take that leap of faith, and to live their dream of seeing the world.

For a moment, we both sat there quietly, absorbing the weight of her words. It’s one thing to write about our experiences each day, to chronicle the ups and downs of a life untethered, but it’s another entirely to realize that our words have helped shape someone else’s journey. We felt a wave of emotion: gratitude, disbelief, and joy all wrapped into one.

Canary Island view.

We told Elaine how much her kindness meant to us and how deeply we appreciated her taking the time to stop by. After all these years of writing, of spending countless hours editing photos and crafting stories from faraway places, moments like this make every bit of the effort worthwhile. To know that our journey has touched someone’s heart or encouraged them to follow their own path of adventure is the greatest reward we could ever imagine.

Elaine told us that she and Glen have been traveling continuously for several years, exploring countries across the globe. They’ve discovered new passions, met countless fascinating people, and grown closer as a couple through the experience. Listening to her, we couldn’t help but smile. It was as though we were hearing our own story reflected back to us. The fears, the excitement, the unpredictability, and the profound freedom of waking up in a new country every few months, often for them, only a few weeks, resonated so deeply.

The port at Canary Island was too far for me to walk.

Before she left, we exchanged contact information and made plans to dine together on the ship one evening for dinner. We’re already looking forward to hearing more about their adventures and sharing stories from the road, comparing notes about destinations we’ve both loved and those we still dream of visiting. Encounters like these remind us that travel is not just about places. It’s about people, the human connections that form across oceans and time zones, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences.

After Elaine left, we sat quietly for a while, reflecting on how extraordinary it is to have this kind of exchange. When we first began our travels back in 2012, we never could have imagined the impact our daily posts might have on others. We were simply sharing our story, documenting our lives on the road, one day at a time. Over the years, we’ve received countless kind messages from readers around the world. But meeting someone in person, those whose lives have been touched in such a tangible way, is truly special.

Another new selfie of us.

There’s an indescribable feeling that comes from knowing our path, uncertain as it once seemed, has inspired others to take their own leap into the unknown. It makes us even more grateful for the life we lead and the privilege of sharing it. We often say that travel has been our greatest teacher, but moments like this remind us that connection is its greatest gift.

Another Canary Island view.

As we resumed our work in the café, the ship gently rocking beneath us, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. Elaine’s visit was a beautiful reminder of why we continue to write every day, even after all these years. It’s not just about documenting where we’ve been, it’s about sharing the spirit of exploration, the courage to embrace change, and the endless beauty of this big, interconnected world.

There were numerous Halloween decorations throughout the ship.

How fortunate we are to live this life, to share it with readers and fellow travelers, and to occasionally meet those whose paths have intertwined with ours. Each encounter, each shared story, adds another layer of meaning to our journey, and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 1, 2015:

Guests are encouraged to write their names and the date of their visit to Namale Resort in Fiji, owned by Tony Robbins, on these individual stones, which will remain on-site for years to come. When enough accumulate, they are made into a walking path. How enjoyable it would be to return years later to find one’s stone remaining!  What a unique personal touch, while overall it signifies the message at Namale. For more photos, please click here.

Best credit cards for travel…Fabulous braai and house party last night!…

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A francolin (Frank) came to call, and he didn’t run away when we tossed him seeds. We’ve never had a resident Frank at this house.

From Travel & Leisure online magazine here:

This Is the No. 1 Travel Credit Card for 2025, According to a New Report

From no-fee favorites to premium perks, J.D. Power’s latest study reveals the cards cardholders love and which ones fall short. By Michael Cappetta, published on August 18, 2025

Rewards credit cards can lead to points for things like free airline tickets or hotel stays, and a new report reveals the ones that travelers love most.

American Express ranked as the top issuer in overall customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. That was followed by Bank of America and Capital One. Chase Bank—which is known for its popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card—along with Discover and Wells Fargo, ranked as the next three. Each of the top six came in above the industry average.

John Cabell, the managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power, said in a statement increases in overall satisfaction are being driven by “cardholders with higher financial health scores and no revolving debt—especially those using cards with points/miles rewards programs and annual fee cards.”

We hope he’ll return and stay with us for a while.

On the opposite end of the spectrum were Credit One Bank, Premier Bankcard, and FNBO, which ranked as the lowest in overall customer satisfaction.

To determine its rankings, J.D. Power surveyed more than 37,000 credit card customers between June 2024 and June 2025.

When it comes to the best rewards credit cards without annual fees, the Capital One Savor Rewards Card, the Citi Double Cash card, and the Discover It Student Cash Credit Card ranked as the highest.

Among co-branded cards without an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express card, the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi card, and the Apple Card took the top three spots in overall customer satisfaction.

Many travel and rewards credit cards have annual fees to help offset the numerous perks and opportunities they provide to customers. Within this category, The Platinum Card from American Express took the top spot, followed by the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card, the American Express Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The cards may be costly (Chase just raised its annual fee on the Reserve card to $795), but the perks can also be lucrative for travelers and shoppers. American Express Platinum cardholders, for example, receive access to more than 1,400 airport lounges, $200 in annual Uber credits, and a $300 credit to Equinox gyms, among other things.

For frequent flyers, American Airlines’ Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard was the top-ranked airline co-branded card.

But all these rewards did come at a cost: more than half of survey respondents were described as “financially unhealthy” and carried credit card balances.

“There was a significant increase in the number of financially unhealthy cardholders and those carrying revolving debt in early fielding of the study,” Cabell said in the statement.

Norman’s horns became tangled in some branches. He carried them around for one day, but on the second day, they were gone..He didn’t need any more stress while recovering from his broken leg.

Beyond credit cards, J.D. Power also looks at other travel-related industries, including the top travel apps and websites. In that 2023 ranking, the company found Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue had the highest customer satisfaction for airlines, while World of Hyatt, Choice Hotels, and Hilton Honors took the top spots for hotels.”

We have some of the cards as mentioned above, but we’ve avoided American Express since we’ve found it is not accepted in many instances due to vendors’ higher processing fees. In some cases, the processing fees are charged back to us at the time of purchase, and we’re not willing to pay those fees.

On another note, last night we attended an enjoyable braai/house party at Daphne and Neville’s lovely home, not far from us. The ambiance, the food, the dart games, and the musical entertainment were over the top. We couldn’t have had more fun! Thanks to our great hosts for this fantastic and memorable event at their home in the bush!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 24, 2015:

From Rusty’s Market in Cairns, Australia:  Pandan leaves from the Pandan Plant are used to make these beautiful, fragrant bouquets. As quoted from the owner’s written material: “The leaves are used in Southeast Asian cooking as well in making th “flowers” which act as a repellent to roaches. In addition, Pandan leaves are said to possess medicinal benefits containing tannin, glycosides, and alkaloids. The scents emitting from the flowers last a week and may be used as a freshener in cars, homes, or washrooms.” For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…The best new luxury resorts around the world…

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A lovely view from Ngwenya.

So sorry we didn’t post yesterday. We all have days when we aren’t feeling up to snuff. Over the past few days, I haven’t felt like myself, and I am taking it a little easy. My blood pressure spiked to a dangerous level while my pulse was normal, and I didn’t experience any Afib or other heart-related symptoms.

Typically, I can feel my blood pressure spike for no reason at all. Subsequently, we went to Doc Theo yesterday. After a slight medication adjustment, it is better, but it took the wind out of my sails, and I am still not 100%. Again, today, I’ll take it easy, and hopefully, tonight, I’ll feel well enough to go to Quiz Night at Giraffe, which begins at 6:30 pm.

After the visit with Doc Theo, we headed to Spar Market, where we purchased everything we needed for the next few weeks in less than 20 minutes. Once back in Maroth Park, we stopped at The Butchery to pick up our pre-ordered biltong, which was out of stock last Friday due to the huge number of holidaymakers in the park in April.

The holidays are over, and the tourists have left. Fortunately, we’re enjoying an endless stream of wildlife this morning as we lounge on the veranda. It’s delightful to see our wildlife friends returning to the garden.

There are just the two of us tonight, but dear friend Patty Pan arranged a spot in a group for us. We won’t eat dinner at Giraffe tonight since they don’t have much on the menu that either of us cares to eat. We’ll eat at home early since we have plenty of delicious leftovers in the freezer to enjoy with nothing to do but heat them in the microwave.

As a result, since I’m not feeling creative today, we are sharing a fantastic article from Travel and Leisure, found here on their site:

“The Best New Resorts Around the World—Including a Luxe Mexico All-inclusive and an Italian Countryside Escape…

Travel + Leisure’s 2025 It List.

By Travel + Leisure Editors
Published on April 16, 2025

Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-inclusive, Mexico

Repurposed from a previous life as a mid-range all-inclusive into a Marriott Luxury Collection resort, the adults-only Almare offers a much-needed shot in the arm to sleepy Isla Mujeres, across a peaceful bay from the buzz of Cancun. Here, the vibes are more “summer camp” than seclusion—I joined my fellow guests at morning yoga, mezcal tastings, and even a jog to Punta Sur, the island’s southernmost point. The 109 rooms are spacious and bright; some travelers might find the Mexico-meets-modern vibes a bit too sparse. However, I appreciated the Byredo toiletries, spacious soaking tubs, and sunset-facing balconies. The food was also a hit: all-day restaurant Boga focuses on local fare from the Yucatan, and The Breeze, a lunchtime pool bar, has tacos, ceviche, and an excellent burger. If you like the convenience of an all-inclusive (unlimited drinks!), the charm of a boutique hotel (staff who know your coffee order!), and the reliability of a mega-brand (loyalty points!), Almare has a winning formula. Doubles from $1,025, all-inclusive. —Laura Ratliff

Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, Indonesia

When I arrived at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, it was pouring, but rain suits the place. The 85-room resort sits in a valley inside the Payangan rainforest, about a 30-minute drive north of Ubud. The primary building, a glassy hilltop structure, houses Kirana, an all-day Indonesian restaurant, and Amerta, which serves fire-roasted entrées. The resort also has a spa, two pools, a lounge, and a bar that serves cocktails made with arrack, a local cousin of rum. Looking out from my villa’s infinity pool after the rain had cleared, I saw nothing but slopes covered with bamboo, banana plants, and palms. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $600. —Hannah Walhout 

Arev St. Tropez, France

“Un rêve” means “a dream” in French. And indeed, a stay at the 50-room Arev—St. Tropez’s newest hideout, set on a leafy, quiet street, but only a 10-minute stroll from the bustle of Place des Lices, feels like a reverie you won’t want to wake from. Spanish designer Luis Bustamante took inspiration from the nearby Old Port, using a nautical, sophisticated, red, white, and blue palette throughout the property. I enjoyed a tasting in the outdoor Champagne Lounge (my bubbles were served from a chic vintage trolley cart). I spent my days lounging by the pool or strolling the courtyards and gardens filled with magnolias, bougainvillea, and olive trees. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $643. —Robin Allison Davis

Atzaró Okavango, Botswana

Atzaró Okavango’s inception began as an unlikely collaboration between Beks Ndlovu, the Zimbabwe-born founder of African Bush Camps, and Philip Gonda and Victor Guasch, the co-owners of the very stylish, design-forward hospitality group Atzaró. The hotel’s lobby bar and connected lounge spaces are filled with an impressive African art collection, from masks to textiles like mud cloth sourced from Benin, the Congo, Ethiopia, and the Tuareg people. The luxurious tents, ranging from 1,740 to 4,130 square feet, have bathtubs and mid-century and antique African furniture. But it’s the safaris themselves, led by some of the region’s best guides (Ndlovu started his career as a guide, so he has managed to attract and train the best) that are the reason to choose Atzaró. The animal sightings are frequent and thrilling, and the resort has fantastic post-safari cocktails; the camp’s resident mixologist might even mix you a sundowner in the bush. Doubles from $690 per person, all-inclusive. —Gisela Williams

Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

From the plunge pool outside my villa at Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, I could almost reach out and touch the grapevines. Channeling a sense of place in Mexico’s preeminent wine region was a goal for architect Michel Rojkind, who made the valley’s natural beauty the star of this resort. It’s 30 sand-colored villas blend into the hillside and have from one to three bedrooms; each has a fireplace and a wine bar, plus a shower that opens onto an outdoor deck. As serene as my quarters were, the common spaces are where the 16-acre property really shines. I loved stopping for a burrito or a sip of mezcal at Roka, a repurposed Airstream trailer; elsewhere, I found a yoga platform, a spa, a meditation labyrinth, and a temescal. A visit to Pictograma, the resort’s winery, which grows grenache grapes, is essential to any stay. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $599.​ —Nina Ruggiero

Borgo dei Conti Resort, Umbria, Italy

Once upon a time, in the Umbrian countryside, there was an enchanted 19th-century villa, built on the foundations of a 13th-century fortress. It was inhabited by Count Lemmo Rossi Scotti, who spent his days painting and tending to the garden. Fast-forward more than a hundred years, and now that enchanted villa is a luxury resort run by The Hospitality Experience, the hoteliers behind other Italian properties like The Place Firenze and Londra Palace in Venice. Naturally, the villa’s new owners worked to preserve its historic integrity, restoring the frescoes and wood-beamed ceilings, while still bringing it into the 21st century. Maybe it was all the lore surrounding the place, but I did feel a bit like a modern-day countess, whether I was savoring risotto with goat cheese and Mediterranean herbs or cozying up on the sofa in my spacious suite. Perugia, Umbria’s Medieval capital, is just a 30-minute drive away, but don’t be surprised if you feel an almost supernatural pull urging you to stay put and explore the 40-acre grounds instead, perhaps with a picnic in the woods. Surely, Count Rossi Scotti would have wanted it that way. Doubles from $600. —Laura Itkowitz

Clara Arte Resort, Inhotim, Brazil

After more than a decade of anticipation, art buffs can now stay in a hotel at the Inhotim Institute, one of the world’s largest open-air museums, about an hour and a half from the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Clara Arte opened in December 2024 at the edge of the museum’s botanical garden, which features 4,000 tropical plant species and 700 artworks across 24 stand-alone galleries, all designed by distinct architects. Clara Arte’s 46 stilted villas spill down a lush hill by the entrance; São Paulo-based designer Marina Linhares filled each one with stone and wood furnishings that gesture to the landscape. All stays include three meals, a lavish afternoon “tea” with surprisingly sharp Brazilian brut, and the addictive cheese bread pão de queijo. As the sun sets, you listen to the chirps and croaks of the Atlantic Forest, or relax with a caipirinha at the piano bar, which hosts nightly bossa nova music. Of course, you come here mainly to browse contemporary art at the Inhotim Institute, a five-minute walk away. It takes repeated visits to fully immerse yourself in the towering installations, which include big names like Matthew Barney and Yayoi Kusama. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $410, all-inclusive. —Mark Johanson

Dunas de Formentera, Spain

I had ditched my shoes to walk the undulating dunes within an hour of arriving at Dunas de Formentera, a 45-room retreat on the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Formentera, a craggy 12-mile spit of land, is a low-key refuge from the party scene in Ibiza, just a 30-minute ferry ride away. The hotel comprises nine whitewashed bungalows, a few steps from the beach with its soft sand and clear water. Its restaurant, Caliu, specializes in wood-fired dishes, like the artichokes with cured egg yolk and ham that became a favorite during my stay. Dunas puts the eco in eco-resort: Hourglasses in the shower keep track of the time, and even the bedside phones are made of wood. I spent my days parked by the saltwater infinity pool, where the cooling breezes were more than welcome in the parched Spanish summer. Doubles from $550. —Julia Chaplin

Gundari, Folegandros, Greece

Folegandros, an unspoiled island about eight miles long, is only a 50-minute ferry ride from busy Santorini, but it feels like another world. High on a deserted clifftop overlooking the Sea of Crete, Gundari would feel radical anywhere. But in this location, the hypermodern hotel feels almost revolutionary. After opening, the property’s 30 cliffside suites and villas quickly became Instagram-famous. But Gundari’s ambitions go far beyond the visual. The main restaurant, Orizon, is run by Lefteris Lazarou, who earned the Athens restaurant Varoulko a Michelin star. Lazarou’s moussaka, made with shrimp instead of the traditional lamb, was light and aromatic; a risotto of brown orzo with Greek cheese, chili pepper, and wine from the nearby island of Lemnos was somehow both wholesome and indulgent. There’s also a striking subterranean spa where an Australian therapist gave me a world-class massage using oils infused with Greek botanicals. Doubles from $654.​ —Flora Stubbs

Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice, France

Hidden away in Nice’s Old Town, Hôtel du Couvent is the chic property this coastal city craved. The 17th-century convent—home to the Poor Clare and Salesian orders until the 1980s—got a $100-million renovation and is now a hotel with 88 guest rooms. Mine had Italian flea-market finds and custom furniture made from old ceiling beams. A terraced garden contains more than 300 plant species, many of which supply the three on-site restaurants. Underground is a contemporary interpretation of the Roman baths excavated in nearby Cimiez, with a warm tepidarium, a hot caldarium, and a frigidarium, or cold plunge. The latter was particularly restorative, as was the Negroni No. 2 at Le Bar, in the cloister, which adds beets and strawberries to the classic recipe. It was a subtle reinvention that, like the hotel itself, improved upon the original without losing its soul. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $545.​ —Paul Jebara

Jannah Lamu, Kenya

For decades, on Lamu, a tiny island off the coast of Kenya that has long been fashionable with a certain free-spirited European crowd, the Peponi has been the stylish hotel of choice. Now, thanks to the opening of Jannah Lamu (the word jannah means “paradise” in Arabic), there’s another extraordinary place to stay. This elegant and quirky B&B—with seven accommodations—in the village of Shela is owned and designed by Kenyan designer Anna Trzebinski. Some rooms have stained-glass windows, others have bespoke wood-carved furniture, and all have Trzebinski-designed fabrics. While there isn’t a restaurant on site, there is a decadent breakfast, including sliced avocados, fresh fruit, samosas, and fried donut-like treats called kaimati. The property also recommends several cafes that deliver delicious Swahili dishes so guests can dine on one of the property’s wind-swept terraces. While located on Shela’s main square rather than on the beach, the property offers guests the option to spend time on one of three beautifully crafted traditional boats. There’s nothing like sailing one of the elegant wooden dhows (with a canopied deck covered in pillows) through mangrove-lined channels, then diving into the water, before a picnic of grilled lobster and fish curry back on deck. Doubles from $350. —Gisela Williams

Kibale Lodge, Uganda

Kibale Forest in western Uganda, is known as the best place in the world to see chimpanzees, and there is no better base to explore this underrated part of Africa than Kibale Lodge, a short drive away. The lodge is Volcanoes Safaris’ fifth on their great ape safari circuits through Uganda and Rwanda. Perched high on a ridge, the estate boasts spectacular 360-degree views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and greenery of rural Uganda. It is an intimate affair, with just eight papyrus-thatched bandas, each solar-powered and handbuilt by talented local craftspeople. At the heart of the lodge, a welcoming common area encourages guests to gather for drinks and food, including Ugandan specialities and more familiar dishes using local or homegrown ingredients. I swapped safari stories with my fellow visitors over freshly caught tilapia, firinda (bean stew), and dodo (steamed greens), while treks were fueled by freshly squeezed passionfruit juice and on-the-go “rolex” (rolled omelettes). The main draw to Kibale Lodge is, of course, the chimpanzees, but it’s well worth taking the time to enjoy the 150 acres of rewilded grounds here, along with the pool, sauna, and complimentary massages to ease post-trek aches. It’s the perfect sanctuary to retreat after searching for primates in the thick Ugandan jungle. Doubles from $990, all-inclusive. —Gisela Williams

La Roqqa, Porto Ercole, Italy

Giorgio Bonotto, La Roqqa’s simpatico general manager, supplied the words I’d been searching for. I’d arranged to meet him for aperitivi on the hotel’s roof terrace, with views over Tuscan rooftops and a harbor full of bobbing boats. The 16th-century fort that crowns the hill across the bay was soaking up the last rays of the setting sun as he said, “I like to describe La Roqqa as an urban resort in the middle of a fishing village.” I wish I’d thought of that. The contrast between the chic interior design and the refreshing authenticity of Porto Ercole, the laid-back coastal town outside its doors, makes the 55-room La Roqqa such an original arrival on the Tuscan scene. Walk 10 minutes to the port and you’re in a film about small-town Italy, where grandparents and kids stroll along the quay, gelato in hand. Walk, or be driven in one of La Roqqa’s electric cars, 10 minutes in the other direction, and you’re in a dolce vita romance set in a wild, rocky bay where beautiful, tanned people loll on loungers at the resort’s beach club. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $515. —Lee Marshall”

We’ll present Part 2 tomorrow and complete this article. If you’d like to see photos of these resorts, please click Travel and Leisure’s link here.

Although the above resorts are expensive, a traveler might consider a luxury experience during a short stay on their way to other nearby locations. Occasionally, we have opted for a luxury resort, leaving us with exquisite memories of a few-night stay.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 6, 2015:

A fisherman was casting toward the huge surf in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Hopeful…

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The dancers’ costumes on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas were elaborate for the upcoming evening’s entertainment.

This morning, for the first time in almost two months, I walked to the end of the corridor and back without getting out of breath. My legs, from lack of mobility and residual effects from the toxic drug I was taking for almost a year, are unsteady and fragile. Since today is the day I have been cleared to start walking after last Friday’s angiogram, as soon as we returned to our room after breakfast, I got up from the wheelchair and embarked on the walk.

After months of limited mobility, my legs felt weak, but this time, it was not painful, as had been the case on that drug that caused me life-threatening side effects. Little did I know, regardless of how much research I did. It was the insight of the highly trained and experienced doctors at the Cleveland Clinic that determined the reason for my breathing issues and inability to walk was caused by the drug, more so than the condition of my cardiovascular disease.

After last Friday’s angiogram, which indicated I have ongoing cardiovascular disease with one artery that is 100% blocked and not fixable. However, surgery is not indicated at this time. As for the Afib and the PVCs, it’s entirely under control with the new drug, a drug that costs over $800 a month. (As soon as I get the OK from the doctor to continue the drug, I will order it from the Canadian pharmacy for a considerably lower price).

What are PVCs? See below as described by the Cleveland Clinic at this site:

“Overview
Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. They can occur as a result of damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack or cardiomyopathy or in patients with hearts that seem structurally normal.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature beats originating in the lower chambers that may be bothersome to patients, causing symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath. Over time, frequent PVCs can, in some patients, cause changes in heart function.

Ventricular Tachycardia – a sustained pattern of premature ventricular contractions, which can be life-threatening.
Ventricular Fibrillation – a fast, disorganized beating of the ventricles, which quickly leads to sudden death.”

If this drug continues to control my heart rhythm, even considering its high risks, I prefer to take those risks rather than live a life limited by feeling unwell from abnormal heart rhythms.

If the doctor gives me a “good to go” confirmation on my upcoming appointment on September 27, we will excitedly and quickly plan to continue our travels. We have some ideas on what we’d like to do between October and March or April before we return to South Africa. We will share those ideas once we know more.

No, my heart health journey isn’t over. I am going to have to live with the realities of heart disease. But, many people go on to live rich and fulfilling lives with conditions such as mine. At this point, at 76 years of age, I strive for” quality of life” for whatever time I have left to explore this world with the man who’s lovingly been at my side all along.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 13, 2014:

Tom is caught off guard while chatting with another passenger on a cruise. We can’t wait to be cruising once again. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Suggestions from readers…Three days and counting…

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The altar inside the church where Mary and Matthew were married is Downton Abby in Bampton, which we visited on a cruise tour.

As a continuation of yesterday’s posts, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the second item, “favorite cruise lines.” See that post here.

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Today, we’ll discuss the second point on Judy and Gary’s suggested list, “best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken.”

Ironically, the above photo and the photo below, along with yesterday’s photos, are from one of our favorite cruise tours over the past 12 years. As fans of the TV series Downton Abbey, seeing the stunning Highclere Castle where the series was filmed was a sheer delight.

Ironically, this tour transpired ten years ago, almost to this date. Most often, when we booked tours with the cruise line or on our own, alone or with others, we avoided those that required riding on a full-sized bus. But this particular tour required riding on a bus when the location was too far from the port to ride in a taxi or private tour shuttle.

In this case, the cruise tour was less expensive and more convenient than if we had planned something independently. We weren’t disappointed by the long drive or the service. The only disappointment was that the owners of the magnificent castle didn’t allow photos of the interior, which we would have loved to share here,

However, we were allowed to take photos of the exterior, and there were many fantastic photo opportunities on the gorgeous grounds and gardens. Since it was August, few flowers were blooming, but we can easily imagine how beautiful it would be in the spring.

We loved many other cruise ship tours. Still, another favorite was the many Zodiac boat rides, twice a day, that we took while cruising in Antarctica to various islands to see wildlife and icebergs at the end of January and beginning of February 2018. There were no added costs for these tours. Please check our archive, which is noted for Antarctica, for those dates to see the fantastic sights during this once-in-a-lifetime 16-night cruise.

Tom particularly loved the cruise tour to Normandy, France, which was again on a small tour van, independent of the cruise line, although the cruise line offered a similar tour on a bus with more passengers. I had no idea how meaningful it would be for me as well. We highly recommend this tour.

We were at a loss to choose the least enjoyable cruise tour. Many small island tours in the South Pacific offered little other than for those interested in buying trinkets. Even the tours in Hawaii mainly involved stopping at various sites. We enjoyed Hawaii more when we stayed there for eight months and were able to tour on our own.

There was one tour we despised, although it wasn’t from a cruise ship. When we stayed in Marrakesh, Morocco, for almost three months, living in a “riad” in the souk in the Big Square. Our “house man” arranged this tour, which was encouraged for all guests renting the riad. It was an extensive tour of the Atlas Mountains by car with a guide and driver who stayed with us during the entire tour.

The tour was awful for many reasons:

  1. The driver drove very fast through the mountain roads, swerving at every hairpin turn. For the first time in years, I became very carsick for the entire drive.
  2. The hotels booked for the overnight stays were equally awful. They were sparse, without any amenities or good air conditioning.
  3. The meals at the various restaurants along the way did not have options for me. There was no plain meat and vegetables or anything Tom liked. Since I didn’t dare eat salad, there was nothing I could have.

Several times, we stopped to see villages, religious sites, and mosques, most of which were abandoned with few photo ops. On the second day, we told the driver we wanted to return to Marrakesh, but it required another day of speeding through the mountains and becoming carsick. We couldn’t get out of there quick enough. Tom felt the same way. It wasn’t fun.

We hadn’t done 60% of the tour, and when we returned, our “houseman” got us a partial refund. That was the only horrible tour we can recall.

When booking tours, it’s important to research the tour details online, including the time of the tour, the time the tour will return to the ship, the cost, the number of other passengers joining the tour, the means of transportation, and safety guidelines. We strongly discourage arranging tours on rickety and worn vehicles since so much can go wrong.

Plus, we must add that if you book a tour on your own, not sponsored by the cruise line, if you don’t return on time for a sail-away, the ship will leave without you. You will face a fiasco trying to reconnect with the ship at its next port, incurring visa issues and additional costs.

That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 22, 2014:

This is St. Mary’s church in Bampton, known as the Church of St. Michael of All Angels, as shown on the series Downton Abbey. Here, Mary married Matthew, Edith was jilted at the altar, and eventually, Matthew was buried. For more photos, please click here.