A meaningful and heartbreaking story from a loyal reader…Tomorrow, Tom’s birthday, a special but scary story with photos…

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All of today’s photos were taken yesterday on a drive to the countryside surrounding Penguin, Tasmania.

After a lazy start of the day, finally I opened my laptop to begin today’s post. Each morning, before starting I check my email for comments that we may have received overnight. 

At times, there are many email messages from readers and some comments posted on the site. Rarely is there a day when we don’t hear from our readers. With the commitment to respond to all email messages and comments within a day, on most occasions we respond within 12 hours

Poppies, Permethrin flowers and the hills.

This morning, there was only one message and it read as follows with this word in the subject line:

“Inspiration

Dear Jess,  I came to your talks on Radiance (of the Seas)and now follow with great interest your blog. I wish both you and Tom continuing health and happiness. You are both so inspirational. Happy holidays!”

Immediately, I wrote back thanking the thoughtful sender for writing to us. Each message we receive, short or detailed, is truly a gift.  As Christmas approaches we’re reminded that we have no need for decorations, a tree, presents to unwrap, cards to open, cookies to bake and yet… the gifts keep coming and coming.

What are those gifts? Simply put, the gifts of words, written by readers, family and friends when they share their love, their experiences and their heartfelt expressions over the holiday season and throughout the year. 

Beautiful farm land with hay rolls (bales) at a distance.

Sometimes, we receive a comment or message that touches us in immeasurable ways; with compassion, empathy and appreciation for a reader opening their heart to reveal their innermost struggles and losses. 

Today, I share this story that came to us via a comment at the end of a post of a few days ago. Had the reader chosen to be anonymous, he could easily have done so. Instead, he used his name and location both of which we’re excluding today with the utmost of appreciation for his privacy. 

We share his story with respect and sympathy over his tragic loss.  Had it not been the holiday season, which inspired our story of a few days ago of the sorrow and loss many suffer over the holidays, our dear reader may not have been inspired to write. 

Bordering trees.

Perhaps in doing so, it may have provided him with a moment of relief from the grief which some of us may feel when we put thoughts into the written word. “They” (whomever “they” are) often say expressing ourselves in writing may provide clarity. 

His message had a powerful and lingering effect, one we’ll carry with us long after the holiday season comes to a close. As sad as his experience, he so kindly wrote to us to share his life changing experience. 

For us, in a way, his message became a gift, one we’ll always treasure. Not all gifts in life bring a smile to our faces. Some are a message from which we learn and grow. Isn’t that the message of Christmas, after all? And, long after a “happy” gift has worn out and withered away, the gift of learning and growing lingers with us for the remainder of our lives.

Thank you, dear reader, for sharing this sorrowful, yet powerful story, for being a part of our lives in your own special way as you work  through the grief and healing you’ll experience for many years to come.

A creek running through farmland.

Here’s his story as written to us in a comment a few days ago:

“Hi Jessica and Tom. I have written you a couple of times during your travels and my wife and I have followed you since you left Minnesota, where we lived nearby.  I love your adventure and we were using you as inspiration to perhaps do something similar. I had to write today because your words of grief are so true and enlightened. I lost my wonderful companion and wife in July this year. Without going into details she hid her depression from everyone and developed psychosis late in life, very unusual (age 66). She took her own life. And it has been very daunting. But myself and our daughters are forging ahead and I treasure your wise words about filling our hearts with the blessings we’ve been gifted (I feel very fortunate for the 33 amazing and wonderful years my  wife and I had together) and this Christmas time we will tell joyful stories about her. So just wanted to say I find your words many times inspiring and wise, always interesting, and look forward to reading every post. Thank You. You and Tom have a wonderful Christmas.”

We wrote the following response to his comment:

“Dear Reader, we hesitated in responding to your comment on our site as quickly as usual. We were at a loss for words, our hearts aching so, for the loss of your beloved wife. Its kind and generous of you to share the story of your devastating loss of your love and companion of 33 years.

No words we or anyone can express can lighten the load of the sorrow you must carry with you each and every day. The typical, “I’m sorry for your loss” is meaningless and shallow, an easy attempt to deflect the responsibility of saying something more revealing and heartfelt when we try to imagine the depth of your loss. None of us who haven’t experienced such a loss can even comprehend.

We are grateful to hear your daughters have rallied at your side while together you try to make some sense of it all. We commend you and admire you for your determination and hope for the future.  (Continued below).

A peek between the trees to the sea.

Reading your comment has had a profound effect on both Tom and I, especially in light of our discussion of loss in the prior post. We are honored and grateful to know you have found even a morsel of distraction in reading our posts and thank you with all of our hearts for reaching out to us.

If you don’t mind, we’d like to make mention of your comment on tomorrow’s post. We will do so anonymously, using no names, no city or any specific identifying references. We all have a lot to learn from you which is all the more vital during the holiday season and year end, as we all reflect upon our own lives.

May healing and comfort find their way into your hearts as you work your way through the painful grieving process.

Much love and blessings always,
Jess & Tom”

One of Mother Nature’s bountiful gifts.

Photo from one year ago today, December 22, 2015:

One year ago in Fiji, we noticed there were no poinsettias or Christmas cactus plants in the stores, only colorful flowers blooming year round.  For more in Fiji, please click here.

More tragic loss of life in Germany…Change in today’s planned story…Binalong Bay photos…

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Entrance statue of Binalong Bay. Click here to learn more.

After hearing about the horrific news of yet another terroristic attack in an open market in Germany, we changed the subject of today’s planned story. We’d planned to include photos of the Penguin Market (open every Sunday throughout the year) where many holiday shoppers gather to purchase unique Christmas goods offered by locals in a variety of booths and shops. 

Binalong Bay in beautiful and expansive.

We’ll publish the pictures and stories of the Penguin Market another day. For today, we can’t stop thinking about the nightmare in Germany, details of which may be found in this article.   (Keeping in mind all the recent scuttlebutt about the media’s often inaccurate representation of actual events, we encourage our readers, as we do ourselves, seek information from a variety of resources).

We traveled off the highway when driving from St. Helens to Penguin to see the popular Binalong Bay.

With a commitment to avoid posting our political opinions on this site, there’s little we can say other than to express our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the loved ones of those who lost their lives and to pray for the healing of those injured. 

We have repeatedly mentioned such tragic events on our website and will continue to do so. Without a doubt, there will be more. How did we get here? How did these scenarios so easily unfold when there’s talk of beefed up security in prone locations?

Vegetation rich surroundings.
We all have opinions on who and what is to blame, often not only the perpetrator(s) but also politicians who’s decisions may have impacted the possibility of such occurrences. We live in a world where blame often extends well beyond the parties who conceived of, planned and enacted such attacks.
A path toward Binalong Bay.

Most of us don’t hesitate to share those views when we’re together in groups, during times of socialization and even at celebratory times such as during any holiday celebrations. 

Green bean looking pods on this plant in Binalong Bay.

Many of us don’t agree on these topics which can result in disharmony among family members and friends. Even on Facebook, a medium frequently used for political views, I find myself backing away when I’d prefer to keep myself from outrageous negative comments spewed by those who choose to use this means of communication with “friends” to let everyone know how they feel.

The wind causes a rippled pattern on the white sand beach.
Perhaps, how we “feel” is less important than what we “do.” We may ask ourselves, “How can I possibly effect change in this terrifying world?” I don’t have an easy answer, but I do know this… If each one of us, with humility and lack of desire for accolades for our good deeds, reached out to one another with kindness, love and compassion, the world would be a better place.
The scenery is exquisite with many inlets and lakes.

May this holiday season (and also for those not celebrating Christmas) bring each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on who we are, who we’d like to be and how we can change to make this a better world.
Be well.

Photo from one year ago today, December 21, 2015:

Last year, upon spotting this ship while moving along in traffic in Suva, Fiji, we were curious as to the purpose of this vessel. Upon returning home we discovered this: “The Yuan Wang 3 is at the Suva Harbour. The vessel is used for tracking and support of satellite and intercontinental ballistic missiles by the People’s Liberation Army, Navy (PLAN) of the People’s Republic of China.” For more details, please click here.

Remembering lost loved ones during the holiday season…A visit to a local resting place overlooking the sea…

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What a peaceful spot for the General Penguin Cemetery. May all those who rest here bring peace and comfort to the family members and friends of Penguin, Tasmania.

The holiday season is upon us and for those who celebrate worldwide, many find themselves entrenched in myriad festivities, purchasing gifts and participating in endless traditions.

With thoughts of those we’ve lost, we visited the General Penguin Cemetery overlooks the Bass Straits in Tasmania.

But, many with memories of heartbreak and sorrow for the loss of loved ones during the holiday season and other times throughout the year are plagued with feelings of loss and grief during these special times.

View of the bay in Penguin from the cemetery. 

Anniversaries of losing someone we love can be daunting. I sense this feeling myself while easily remembering my father’s death in October, 1960 when I was only 12 years old. All these years later the angst of that loss becomes all the more prevalent on that date.

How interesting it would be to know the history of those buried here.

For Tom, the loss of his first grandchild in 1999 and losing both his parents, his father in 1985 and with whom he shared a birthday on December 23rd, and his mother who passed away in 2008, remain in his heart during the holiday season and throughout the year. 

Penguin General Cemetery was established as a National Heritage site.

We all grieve differently. Losing a loved one never seems to heal, but as “they” say, “time is a great healer.” In essence, this may be true but no one wants to hear these words during their deepest periods of grief.

There were fresh and permanent flowers recently placed throughout the cemetery.

The feelings of joy and excitement over holiday festivities are often marred by the sense of loss sweeping through our hearts and minds as the flurry of activities often helps us avoid thinking about loss.

From the 1800’s on we noticed many young lives lost.

Suddenly, the memories overcome us resulting in holiday periods being one of the most likely periods of depression and suicide.  Loss, in the form of the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship or especially in today’s world, the end of a meaningful and pertinent career or financial security, merely enhances the heaviness in one’s heart, easily exacerbated during the holidays.

What stories could be found herein?

There’s no easy answer as to how to avert these feelings. No method is cut and dried. We’ve found that focusing on embracing the spiritual meaning or special significance of the holiday while sharing joyful stories of those we’ve lost may be instrumental is softening the sorrowful feelings. 

Decades of erosion and weather left some headstones tilted.

The ability to fill our hearts and minds with the blessings we’ve been gifted in our lives today (and in the past) may ease an overwhelming sense of sorrow.  Above all, finding ways to give to others may aid in taking us outside of our own grief to focus on bringing a moment of happiness and joy to those who may need it more than us. 

This lost soul at the top of this headstone was born in 1829, the lower lost soul was born in 1859 and passed away in 1877, at only 18 years old.

Now, far from family and friends, alone together in this foreign land that we only call our own for short periods, we still feel the love awaiting us when we visit Minnesota and Nevada in five and seven months respectively.

There is a wide array of markers.

In the interim, Penguin has wrapped its arms around us healing some of our losses from the past, including us in her magical world and filling us with memories we’ll always carry with us.

It was sunny the day we visited the cemetery, but the wind was blowing voraciously, chilling us to the bone.

In a mere 27 days, we’ll be on the move again, leaving behind new friends, a town we’ve treasured for its charm and unique qualities, adding greatly to the repertoire of memorable experiences in this unusual life we live of traveling the world until we can’t, with no home, no stuff, no storage and an ultimate sense of freedom and adventure. 

This gravesite is showing signs of many years of erosion.

We’re grateful. We’re happy. We continue on..

A statue commemorating the cemetery.

Thank you to each and every one of our readers for sharing this seemingly never ending journey with us (health providing). It’s through YOU that we find the determination, the commitment and the dedication in sharing our story, day after day.

A family plot of many years.

Photo from one year ago today, December 20, 2015:

Danny, Samantha, (newlywed couple staying next door) me and Tom, outside our house in Pacific Harbour, Fiji, one year ago today. We had just returned from dinner at a local restaurant.  For more photos, please click here.

The wonders and scenery in Penguin, Tasmania never ceases to amaze us!

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Our wonderful vacation home in Penguin, Tasmania. (House with reddish roof).  Click here for the link to the rental listing.

Tom watched the disastrous Minnesota Vikings game. They lost and it was easy to tell by the look on his face. He’s not one to yell during a game. He sits quietly and bears his angst from within.  Win or lose, he’s a loyal fan.

The white sand beaches in Tasmania are uncluttered; not a lot of people and no trash.

As I prepared today’s post my eyes frequently wander to the game on the TV screen (using our HDMI cord) although I’m certainly not as dedicated a fan as he and our family members, who bear the angst of losing along with him from afar. 

Seagull lands atop light post.

Its been cool in Penguin. With the start of their summer on December 21st, we’re surprised it’s been this cool. After four years of tropical climates, except for the three months we spent in New Zealand at the beginning of this year, we’re having quite a time adjusting. Plus, we don’t have the proper clothing for cool weather.

Another seagull joined the first resulting in quite a bit of squawking.

While in New Zealand earlier this year, it was relatively warm, mostly above 21C, 70F, during the day, dropping to a low of 10C, 50F at night. Even then, we were chilled when heading out but the steel roof on the house kept us very warm when indoors.

But, who’s to complain when the northern and eastern parts of the US are suffering with extreme below zero temperatures and outrageous amounts of snow and ice? 

What a great spot for a park bench at this park across the road from our vacation rental!

Of course, everything is relative. We can empathize for the residents of our former state of Minnesota and other parts of the US but it didn’t keep us warm this morning when we awoke to 7C, 45F. Without central heating, as of yesterday, we began using the electric space heater we moved from the bedroom to the living room. It helps. 

View from the park bench. People sunning on a flat rock.

Also, the bed we use in the master bedroom has two separate adjustable heated blankets under the sheet. I’ve been warming up the bed before retiring, turning it off before falling asleep. Nice touch, Terry!

With the wind blowing, we’ve had little interest in taking walks these past few days, although on a few occasions, we’ve meandered through town, taking photos, enjoying the scenery and the people. We need to toughen up a bit with Antarctica on the horizon in a little over a year!

Across the bay on a sunny day.

Today, while the house is being cleaned, we’ll head to Ulverstone to grocery shop for the week to include items for the upcoming planned holiday meals. With a  dinner reservation booked on Tom’s birthday on Friday, the 23rd, we’ve decided to dine in both Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Homes at the end of a point.

Typically, we’ve dined out on Christmas Day since the onset of our travels. We contacted several local restaurants unable to find any open for Christmas dinner. Instead, we’ll prepare a special meal and perhaps watch a Christmas movie, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Out to sea…

Although we’ll always miss being with family and friends, we’ve adapted to spending holidays and birthdays on our own. Hopefully, we’ll have an opportunity to speak with everyone on Skype. The time of day and also the fact we’re a day later, makes talking tricky.

Rocky path to the shoreline.

May your holiday week be filled with warm and wonderful memories and time spent with those you love.

Photo from one year ago today, December 19, 2015:

In many areas of Fiji houses are tightly packed onto a smaller plot of land. For a cultural story and photos, please click here.

A new future booking…A change in our itinerary…It pays to be frugal…

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It’s great that we can make itinerary changes whenever we deem it necessary, for cost-saving or befits our desires. The exception in doing so is often predicated by the fact that we may have already paid non-refundable deposits or full payments such as for flights, vacation homes with a no-refund policy, and cruises after paying the final payment 90 days prior to sail date (partial refunds may be applicable).For the remainder of our itinerary, we have the option of changing our minds, finding better deals, and instituting price reductions, particularly on cruises. So far in our travels, we haven’t made any major changes, other than for a few cruises.

As Tom continually peruses our existing booked cruises, of which we currently have seven (with more to come), he’s always hoping to find price reductions that may suit our needs. After considerable research over these past few days, he found a change for a cruise we’d considered changing at some point anyway.

We spotted these flowers in many areas of Tasmania.

We’d booked a cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile while aboard a prior cruise in order to lock up the offered low down payment of AU $274, US $200 (for two), including several perks and cabin credit. 

When booking onboard a ship, our cruise rep still gets “credit” for the transaction and continues to handle the booking. At any time prior to final payment, we can transfer the low down payment to any future cruise, with the same cruise line.

When we booked the above-mentioned cruise, at the time we anticipated we’d never keep the booking for two reasons; one, it was the reverse of an itinerary on which we’ll have already sailed; two, the total cost for the cruise was more expensive than we preferred. Tom watched and waited.

Wildflowers along a country road.

Finally, in the past few days, as more and more cruises became posted, Tom found a replacement for the more expensive, “reverse repeat” cruise that will be much more suited to our future plans to try to visit family in the US every two years.

The fare for the cruise we canceled yesterday was AU $10,960, US $8,005, as mentioned, way more than we prefer to pay for a 14-night cruise (the exception to this is the upcoming pricey cruise to Antarctica in less than 13 months).

Instead, after speaking with our cruise rep Shanon, aka Brooklyn, at Vacations to Go, we moved our deposit over to the following cruise in its place (see below for itinerary):

Charges

Cruise (includes port charges) 3,198.00
Price Match – 200.00
Government Taxes*    452.68
Pre-Paid Gratuities    405.00
Total Sale (US$) $ 3,855.68


*Subject to change by the cruise line.

Payments

Paid To Type Amount
Celebrity Paid Direct 200.00
Total Payments (US$) $ 200.00
Balance Due (US$) $ 3,655.68


Final payment due January 1, 2019.

The total fare for this new cruise, including prepaid gratuities and taxes, is AU $5,278.90, US $3,855.61 which based on the above other cruises, constitutes a savings of AU $5,681.16, US $4.149.39. 

We didn’t have to think twice about this, especially when this new cruise is an easy means for us to return to the US for a visit slightly less than two years from our upcoming visit in May 2017. 

Here’s the itinerary for the new cruise:

Celebrity – Celebrity Eclipse, departs 3/24/19, 15 nights

Day Date Port or Activity Arrive Depart
Sun Mar 24 Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile 9:00pm
Mon Mar 25 La Serena, Chile 10:00am 6:00pm
Tue Mar 26 At Sea
Wed Mar 27 At Sea
Thu Mar 28 Lima (Callao), Peru 7:00am 5:00pm
Fri Mar 29 At Sea
Sat Mar 30 Manta, Ecuador 10:00am 6:00pm
Sun Mar 31 At Sea
Mon Apr 1 Puntarenas, Costa Rica 7:00am 4:00pm
Tue Apr 2 At Sea
Wed Apr 3 Huatulco, Mexico 10:00am 8:00pm
Thu Apr 4 At Sea
Fri Apr 5 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 9:00am 5:00pm
Sat Apr 6 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 9:00am 5:00pm
Sun Apr 7 At Sea
Mon Apr 8 San Diego, CA 7:00am

Once we arrive in San Diego, we’ll begin the process of visiting family in San Diego and Los Angeles, California; Henderson, Nevada, and then on again to Minnesota.

We noticed these wildflowers on the roads from Hobart to Penguin.

Those of you familiar with our upcoming itinerary may ask, “Why are you going back to South America, after spending many months in Africa?” The answer is clear for us…we’ll return from Africa to head to South America since the proximity makes sense (although it’s still very far away).

This plan provides us with about a combined year to spend in Africa and South America (during the second visit to the continent) which we’ll continue to plan as we go along. While in Tasmania at this time we don’t feel any pressure to pin down specific details. 

Once we have pinned down more of the above plan, we’ll update our itinerary and post it here accordingly.  Overall the last itinerary we posted while in Bali, still is accurate except for the change of cruise and time spent in Africa and South America. Please click here for the link to our most recent itinerary which was posted on October 14, 2016.

Bushy looking plants.

In any case, we haven’t booked this new cruise a lot earlier than many other cruises we’ve booked in the past.  Using cruises for transportation has always been our objective when neither of us cares for the commotion at airports, baggage issues, and uncomfortable seating on flights.

This morning, as we reviewed the figures we’re posting today, Tom discovered price reductions on other upcoming cruises. Once our rep returns to work on Monday in the US, Tuesday here in Australia, we’ll call her and update our pricing to save even more. 

So maybe today, we aren’t out sightseeing on this cool and windy day (8.3C, 47F) but instead we’re staying indoors saving money. That’s not a bad way to spend a day!

Happy day to all!

Photo from one year ago today, December 17, 2015:

There are rows upon rows of exquisite colorful Hindu gowns in a store in a mall in Sava, Fiji, worn by Indo-Fijian women on special occasions. For more details, please click here.

An extraordinary evening with new friends in Tasmania at a special cafe in Penguin…

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Tania’s dedication to quality drinks, service and ambiance are easily evidenced in her unique  and inviting café.

We feel so fortunate. As we travel the world reveling in the experiences of visiting and living in many countries, we often find ourselves in the company of local residents who enhance our adventures and warm our hearts in ways not easy to describe.

An organ located at Renaessance for customer’s enjoyment.

One may think it’s difficult to get close to people in the short periods we stay in any given location.  There’s a commonality we share with those we embrace in our lives as they include us in theirs, which we’ve found to be universal from country to country, town to town, village to village.

Blackboards are updated frequently with menu items.

Making new friends is magical.  How is it that people come together for the very first time and the magic happens? After all, its just the two of us and, although on a day to day basis, we don’t feel lonely or displaced, we have each other and that love and companionship is a powerful and meaningful adjunct to each of our individual lives.

Cocktail price list, listed in AU dollars such as AU $15 equals US $10.95.
Breakfast and lunch menu.

Tom doesn’t meet the “boys” for coffee or a beer, nor do I go to lunch or shopping with the “girls.” Our lives are full and rewarding together and by communicating online with old friends whom we plan to see when we’re in Minnesota in a mere five months.

The thoughtful décor provides a pleasing environment, whether a guest stops in for coffee, lunch or wine and cocktails.

In the interim, as we’d experienced on the recent 33-night cruise, we made new friends, building relationships we’ll always remember and treasure even if we never return to a specific location or have an opportunity to meet face-to-face in the future.

A cozy well decorated corner in Renaessance.

Upcoming in 14 months, we’ll return to Marloth Park to again be with the many friends we made in South Africa. This will be the first time we’ll be returning to a specific location, in this case, to celebrate my 70th birthday with those friends and to relive the exquisite interaction with wild animals in the game reserve close to Kruger National Park. 

Fran and Terry hosted our evening out. For the first time since the cruise ended two weeks ago, we each had two drinks, beer for Tom, white wine for me.

As much as I longed to return to the bush, to the wildlife, we may not have been returning to Marloth Park four years later, had we not made so many friends while there. Staying in touch via email and Facebook has certainly contributed to maintaining these and other special relationships we’ve developed over these past years.

Gerard, who’s fabulous B&B we highlighted a few days ago, High on Penguin.  Click here for the post and photos.

Last evening, as soon as we entered Tania’s Renaessance café, located at 95 Main Street, Penguin, Tasmania, we felt at home. We’d expected the establishment to feel small in its compact space, but upon entering we were delighted to see how comfortable and roomy the café actually is.

From the left, Kath Downie, Penguin Deputy Mayor and friends, Leah and John.  It was delightful chatting with them as well.

From the creative design and décor to the wide array of unique and befitting amenities, each corner was well planned and usable, offering the visitor a memorable experience, unlike any other found in a typical coffee shop or wine bar. 

A cat sitting on a fence behind Renaessance next to the train tracks.

The foods offered were fresh and well plated, with a focus on healthfulness and yet, those seeking more traditional options would easily be able to find items to suit their tastes and desires.

Renaessance is all about coffee, wine and art and a perfect spot for locals and tourist to mingle.

The selections of alcoholic beverages, wines and nonalcoholic drinks was extensive, suitable for the lunchtime or happy hour enthusiast or a family with children.

Christmas decorations atop a cabinet.

No more than seconds after we met Tania and I engaged in lively conversation, both finding an immediate connection. While she and I chatted, as she attended to other customers, Tom sat in the lounge area, giving us some much appreciated “girl time.”

Tiny boxes with a variety of teas.

In a short while Terry, his lovely wife Fran and other customers arrived ordering drinks, appetizers and filling up the space. The conversations flowed with ease to a high level of camaraderie. It couldn’t have been more fun.

These candies (referred to as lollies in Australia) reminded me of a time from long ago.

Finally, at almost 9 pm, we all started to wander out, hugging and saying warm goodbyes with hopes of being together again soon. What a pleasant surprise and festive means of spending quality holiday time with new friends!

Although the café is small there are numerous tables and chairs suitable for seating for about 20 customers.

Yes, we are fortunate for the friends we make and the people we meet as we continue to travel the world, never for a moment or a day taking anything for granted. It’s truly a gift, all the gifts we’ll need or want over this holiday season and always.

The backyard of Renaessance overlooks the sea.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Photo from one year ago today, December 17, 2015:

In Suva, on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu, we visited an enormous farmers’ market.  For more photos, please click here.

Exploring the countryside in Tasmania…Nutty experience…

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The walnuts were in this cabinet, packed and ready for purchase at AU 10, US$7.36 per kilo (2.2 pounds). We borrowed a nut cracker from Terry and I cracked the entire bag while watching an entire movie. Yes, it took about two hours.
When we spotted this sign, we stopped to check out the nuts to be sold on a nut farm.
Tom placed the AU 10 bill in the mailbox when we purchased the walnuts.

There are few travel related activities that provide us with more pleasure than jumping into the car and driving to the countryside within an hour of where we’re living at any given time.

This beautiful horse got our attention.

In Penguin, it’s less than a ten minute drive, a few kilometers, to find ourselves in the country for some of the most breathtaking views we’ve seen in our world travels. With camera in hand, hearts racing with enthusiasm we make our way down one mysterious country road after another, never knowing what we’ll discover.

A pond on farmland. 

In some ways, Tasmania reminds us of New Zealand, a comparison, we’re certain other travelers have made from time to time; the rolling green hills, the mountains, the perfectly plotted fields growing any number of crops, the farmhouses dotting the landscape, many highlighted with expansive views of the crystal blue sea. 

We stopped for a photo of this white horse.
And then, he posed for the camera.

What could be more beautiful? For years, I’ve told Tom someday we must travel to Yellowstone Park in the US, which I’d seen a few times BT (before Tom) for views that makes one gasp after each bend in the road.  Someday, we’ll tour the US. For now, we’re entrenched in foreign lands…while we can…before we’re too old.

“Pyrethrum was a genus of several Old World plants now classified as Chrysanthemum or Tanacetum (e.g., C. Coccineum) which are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flower heads. Pyrethrum continues to be used as a common name for plants formerly included in the genus Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is also the name of a natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum.”
Another Pyrethrum farm.

Tasmania, with its population of only 516,600 it’s a relatively small state of Australia’s six states which include: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia as shown below:

Rank (in order) State / Territory Population (June 2010) Population (June 2016) Change  % of Australian total
1 New South Wales 7,238,800 7,618,200 + 5.24% 32.03%
2 Victoria 5,547,500 5,938,100 + 7.04% 24.97%
3 Queensland 4,516,400 4,779,400 + 5.82% 20.09%
4 Western Australia 2,296,400 2,591,600 +12.85% 10.89%
5 South Australia 1,644,600 1,698,600 + 3.28% 7.14%
6 Tasmania 507,600 516,600 + 1.77% 2.17%
7 Australian Capital Territory 358,900 390,800 + 8.89% 1.64%
8 Northern Territory 229,700 244,600 + 6.49% 1.03%
Total Australia 22,342,400 23,781,200 + 6.44% 100

Tasmania’s land mass in relation to other parts of Australia is as follows in this chart:

Rank State / Territory Land area (km²)[2] Land area (mi²)  % of Australia
– Australian Antarctic Territory 5,896,500 2,276,651 –
1 Western Australia 2,529,875 976,790 32.89%
2 Queensland 1,730,647 668,206 22.50%
3 Northern Territory 1,349,129 520,902 17.54%
4 South Australia 983,482 379,725 12.79%
5 New South Wales 800,641 309,130 10.41%
6 Victoria 227,416 87,806 2.96%
7 Tasmania 68,401 26,410 0.89%
8 Australian Capital Territory 2,358 910 0.03%
9 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 372 144 0.00%
10 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 199 77 0.00%
11 Christmas Island  135 52 0.00%
12 Jervis Bay Territory 73 28 0.00%
13 Norfolk Island 35 14 0.00%
14 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 14 5 0.00%
15 Coral Sea Islands 10 4 0.00%
Total Australia 13,588,524 5,246,558 100%
Rolling green terrain.

As shown in the above chart, Tasmania only comprises 89% of the entire Australian continent and its nearby islands. Although Tasmania appears to consist of many farms its the lowest at 24% of land mass as compared to the much larger percentages of the remaining states.

Bales of hay ready for distribution.

This fact has little bearing on these travelers’ ability in experiencing the pure joy of driving through farm country, not only to see the abundant wildlife and farm animals, but also for the knowledge we glean from later researching what we’ve discovered along the way.

Farmland, blue skies with clouds rolling in.

Traveling in a close proximity to our vacation home allows us to return to the general location on future outings to explore roads we may have missed the first time around. Also, it enables us to feel more connected to the general area grasping the full meaning of the locals who dwell in this magical place.

The ocean, the rolling hills and power lines.

As we’ve mentioned in the past, taking a full day road trip has little appeal to us once we’re settled in a community.

As in this case, both driving the east coast of Tasmania upon our arrival, a lazy two day trip and again heading along the western edge of the state when we depart in a month to head to the Huon Valley, we’ll have fulfilled our goals of seeing much of the this relatively small island.

A river in the countryside.

Today, once we’ve uploaded this post we’ll walk to the market to purchase a few roasted chickens. It’s a bright and sunny day, warmer than the past few blustery days. This evening (Friday) at happy hour, we’re heading to a local pub where locals gather to chat. Terry suggested we join in and we’re thrilled to participate.

Yet to be sheared sheep were grazing on grass and leaves and trees.

Have a festive day, evening and weekend with the holiday season in full swing. We’ll be back tomorrow with more new photos!

Photo from one year ago today, December 16, 2015:

It was a short walk from our vacation home in Pacific Harbour Fiji to the river. For more photos, please click here.

Visit to a cheese factory with a lingering effect…What treats do we enjoy during the holiday season?

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It was necessary to take a detour off the main highway on our way to Penguin in order to stop at this popular cheese factory store and café, the Pyengana Dairy Company.

During the holiday season, many people enjoy a wide variety of special cakes, including biscuits, cakes, sweets and salty snacks. With our eating habits, we have few holiday options that will continue to keep our diet low in carbohydrates, sugar, cereals and starch.

However, there are a few things we can appreciate in moderation, including natural hard cheese, which usually contain the lowest amount of carbohydrates, lactose and insulin.

It is often perceived that we consume enormous amounts of protein. Our diet is called: low carb, high fat, moderate protein (no unlimited protein). For us, it maintains our weight, good health and sense of well being.

This coffee shop with its charming name is located inside the Pyengana cheese dairy in Tasmania.

That’s not to say we’re exempt from drooling over certain holiday treats or can avoid feeling as if we’re entitled to something special during this festive time of the year. Old traditions are hard to break.

I’ve been eating like this for 5 years. Tom, who didn’t get on board right away, has joined me in this type of diet for over four years, except for those times we’re on cruises and dining in restaurants when he goes “hog wild.”

Surprisingly, on this most recent 33 night cruise, he tempered his choices, making every effort to avoid bread and sweets. Consequently, he gained only a few pounds, which he will easily lose effortlessly before leaving Tasmania in two and a half months.

Charm was exuding from this delightfully decorated and appointed cheese sales and dining establishment located on a quiet country road in Pyengana, Tasmania.

Charm was exuding from this delightful decoration and named cheese selling and restaurant located on a quiet country road in Pyengana, Tasmania. Helens to Penguin, on our second leg of the road trip.

Only a short distance from the main highway A3, we veered off onto a country road C428 to easily find the Pyengana Dairy Company. Upon entering the café and shop, we were warmly greeted and offered to participate in the complimentary cheese tasting which was starting in moments.

We ordered our coffees and while it was being prepared, we tasted several excellent cheeses offered.  But, one particular flavor caught our attention, the caraway cheddar, a creamy, slightly tangy cheese infused with whole roasted caraway seeds.

We had a lot of ground to cover and didn’t sit down for coffee.  Instead, we purchased two coffees, sampled some cheese and heading back down the road.  At that point, we had no idea how “hooked” we’d become on their caraway cheddar cheese.

In general, we’ve found Australia to have some pretty amazing cheese, particularly their popular natural “Tasty” cheese, which is somewhat grainy, tangy and filled with flavor.

When grocery shopping these past two weeks, we purchased big blocks of tasty cheese, slicing it into bite sized strips which we keep handy in a plastic container. 

After finishing the one package of caraway cheddar we’d purchased in Pyengana Dairy Company a few days after arrival, we longed for more. After dinner, we often make a cheese plate with a variety of cheeses as a special dessert. With a few other cheeses we’d purchased locally, we were still thinking about the caraway cheddar.

After we’d sampled several cheeses, we couldn’t resist the caraway cheddar and purchased one package..

Last Thursday, we called Pyengana Dairy Company, asking if they’d ship the cheese to us in Penguin.  No problem. They were happy to oblige. Although the shipping and handling fee was AU 18.50, US $13.70 we didn’t hesitate to order 10 packages, the size shown in the photo included here today. 

The total bill for the cheese, including the shipping and handling fee was a total of AU 155, US $114.80 for the 10 packages which should last us through our time in Tasmania. In our old lives, I could easily spend more than this amount to bake Christmas cookies or other holiday treats.

Any other holiday treats on the agenda for us?  Today or tomorrow, I’ll be making a double batch of low carb fudge. For Tom’s upcoming 64th birthday on December 23rd, we have a dinner reservation at a highly rated restaurant in Devonport. For Christmas Eve, most likely we’ll make our traditional surf and turf. 

Longing for more of the delicious cheese, we called Pyengana Dairy Company to order 10 packages to be shipped to us in Penguin. Our shipment arrived yesterday morning. Since we don’t eat typical holiday treats, this will definitely work for us. 

On Christmas Day, we’re trying a new recipe we’ll share if it proves to be as good as it sounds, Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie, using almond flour for the top crust. We’ll see how that goes and report back here.

That’s it in the treats department folks.

It’s not much in the way of variety, but certainly satisfying for us.

We hope each and every one of our readers who participate, have a tasty holiday season.

Be well.

Photo from one year ago today, December 15, 2015:

Fiji décor made from some type of small vines. For more photos, please click here.

High on Penguin…A unique B&B concept like none other…Music memorabilia enthusiasts, check this out!

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Gerard and his High on Penguin holiday home in Penguin, Tasmania, overlooking the town and the sea.

When we met Gerard last week, owner of an interesting B&B “High on Penguin,” when he and Terry stopped by to say hello, he invited us to see his unique holiday/vacation home high on a hill overlooking the town of Penguin, Tasmania.

The view couldn’t be more appealing.  Note the church, the windmill and the homes along the sea.
Ocean views from the veranda.


On Monday morning we drove the short distance up a steep hill to easily find Gerard’s rock and roll music themed B&B.  Visiting this creatively designed and meticulously maintained holiday home, equipped with the latest amenities, put a smile on our faces during our hour long tour and thereafter.

This modern day jukebox uses CDs from Gerard’s vast collection.

Gerard left no stone unturned in ensuring his guests receive an experience they’ll long remember at reasonable pricing with accommodations for one, two or more guests, up to as many as 10 or more if required.

Music buffs are enthralled with this extensive collection.

Gerard, a music enthusiast, though not a musician, had conceived of this idea of a music themed B&B several years ago, bringing the concept to fruition over four years ago after considerable expense, effort and creativity.

Music in the background, if desired and breathtaking views of the town and sea are easily available when dining in High on Penguin.

Nothing was spared in the design of this inviting and comfortable establishment that even without the rock and rock theme would be an exquisite holiday home.  Add his thought provoking theme and magic happens the moment the visitor pulls up in the driveway.

This well equipped kitchen has modern appliances and amenities.

The concept of many B&Bs have changed over the years in part due to the advent of the Internet where travelers from throughout the world can easily access an endless array of available options for their chosen destinations.

The walls throughout the property are adorned with rock and roll memorabilia.

Many perceive that B&Bs offer guests a room to rent in a multi bedroom home, sharing a bath and dining for breakfast in a communal dining area with the meal prepared by an on-site owner who fusses to ensure a good experience.  In some cases a communal living room/salon is available to provide the short term renter with a homey feel.

Each of the bedrooms have comfortable beds, bedding, storage space and views.

In many cases in today’s world, this perception had escalated to the use of an entire house or portion of a house with cooking facilities, lounge areas and total privacy from the on-site owner. 

Imagine awakening to this view!


Picturesque view from the Bob Dylan Room.

This is the case in Gerard’s High on Penguin property with pricing based on the number of renters occupying the property at any given time, making it affordable for one traveler, 10 or more.

Alternate living room/salon located in the spacious B&B.

As for the rock and roll theme, one might consider it a bonus when the property stands alone on its own merits in its many offerings and pricing, details which may be found at Gerard’s AirBnB’s listing.

It would be easy to spend hours perusing the wall décor and various memorabilia.

From the aptly named signs on each of the five bedrooms doors including the Bob Dylan Room, the Jimi Hendrix Room, the Janis Joplin Room, the Neil Young Room and the Joni Mitchell Room, each is adorned with its appropriate share of authentic memorabilia.  

Gerard left no stone unturned in ensuring an authentic rock and roll experience
for each visitor.

Whether its the modern Wurlitzer jukebox which uses CDs from a massive collection to the custom made side tables with vinyl records under glass, High on Penguin is without a doubt, over-the-top.

There are three of these glass covered “vinyl” tables in a lounge area, all
handmade by a friend of Gerard’s.
Note the guitar shaped wine rack.

During our tour, we both found our eyes flitting from corner to corner, finding one interesting and unusual amenity after another.  Whether it was the well stocked refrigerator with breakfast items for the renter to prepare at their leisure to the expansive views of Penguin and the sea, High on Penguin has it all. 

Music wafting through the air, a frosty local beer in hand and a view of the sea.  What more could a traveler require for a diverse experience?

For hours after we’d left Gerard’s fabulous property, we continued to reel over the delightful opportunity to see this special property, meet this creative local resident and, from the driveway of our own beautiful vacation home, only look up the hill to see High on Penguin.

Another amazing view from a guest room.
 
More views of Penguin.


Be well, dear readers.  Be happy! Be high on life!

_____________________________________________________

Photo from one year ago today, December 14, 2015:

The couples were in sync while dancing the traditional Bollywood performance at the Uprising Restaurant in Pacific Harbour, Fiji.  For more photos, please click here.

Trains, planes and automobiles…A holiday train brings back memories…

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We run outside each time we see the Tas Rail train coming, hoping it is the one with the Christmas light.

The frequent research, we regularly conduct, required for various forms of transportation from location to location, has made us keenly aware and curious when we spot a train clanking along the tracks, a ship at a distance out to sea or an airplane overhead taking off from a nearby airport.

Transportation of many types includes car rental (often for a three-month contract), cruises, flights, taxi fares, a casual ferry or a bus trip. Researching and utilizing these means of travel adds considerable time and effort as we arrange, coordinate and expense as part of our overall world travel plan.

Tom counted the cars for up to 17 doubles/ two packs or 34 car lengths.        All he has seen to date are containers/boxes but no box cars.

Shortly after we arrived in Penguin, Tasmania nine days ago, one of the first things we noticed was the fact that our vacation rental located across the street from the beach also included a passing train several times each day.

After more than 42 years of “working on the railway” Tom’s curiosity was piqued while I watched him pass into a state of wonder and awe. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a train pass, especially when not tied up in traffic at a crossing?

The Tas Rail track is a narrow gauge, 3′ feet, 6 inches (1,067 mm) which is smaller than many tracks throughout the world.

Carefully observing its comings and goings, it appears it passes three times a day and once during the night. None of us is disturbed overnight by the proximity and only heard it when we were already awake.

On a few occasions over the past nine days, we noticed a train locomotive passing by adorned with sparkling Christmas lights. We keep trying to get a photo of this. By the time we hear the whistle, get the camera and go outside, it’s over. I must add, we are more than a little determined to capture the photo. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it just a Christmas thing.

We’ve enjoyed watching the train “heading round the bend.”

Long ago, when we decided to travel the world, there were many changes we had to make to accommodate this unusual lifestyle, a life without a home. That included no more Christmas trees, giving each other presents and sending Christmas cards.

Based on our way of eating for both health and weight maintenance (we can’t head to the guest room closet to pull out clothing one size larger nor can we risk not fitting into our current minimal wardrobe), we no longer bake holiday treats, sharing them with family and friends while we snack on a fair share of our own. 

Tom says that most trains no longer have a traditional caboose, instead using what is called a FRED (freight rear end device).

For years, I made dog treats as gifts in the shapes of dog bones and terriers including batches for our own furry beasts. No longer do we/can we have a dog to call our own. We left that option behind long ago.

Although we left all of these and more holiday traditions in the past, we still feel the holiday spirit in our hearts. It doesn’t take a lighted tree with a plethora of beautifully wrapped gifts beneath, a stack of receiving cards or the smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven to instill the holiday spirit within us.

The Penguin depot is no longer used for the trains instead its utilized as an event venue.

Perhaps the appearance of the lighted train for us, is like a visit from Santa or a reminder of times past which we’ll always treasure; the times we spent with our loved ones, celebrations we had with our friends. 

Do we have any regrets during this time of the year?  None, none at all. We haven’t lost our connection with the meaning of Christmas nor other holidays throughout the year. 

The day we picked up the Tasmanian rental car that silly floppy storage piece was broken. We took a dated photo in the event the car rental company blames us for this. These things always seem to fall apart. What’s the deal? All of our luggage is shown in this photo except for two medium sized (carry on) wheeling duffel bags.

For us, every day is a celebration, a holiday in this life we’ve chosen, a gift we never fail to appreciate, a gift which remains in our hearts and minds in childlike wonder. Who we are, whom we love and who we’ll become in the years to come travels well. 

As for the lighted train, we’ll be watching and joyfully sharing the photo. 

Happy holidays to those who celebrate this season and happy life to all!

Photo from one year ago today, December 13, 2015:

The sun was already behind this hill when we arrived at the Uprising Restaurant in Pacific Harbour, Fiji but the colors remained long enough for a few shots. For more details, please click here.