It’s here!…Our new 558 day itinerary!…

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Azamara Quest – “The Azamara Quest is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern cruisers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras.”

Over the past several days, we decided to rethink our future bookings and return to the process we followed in the early days of our world travels. Back then, our approach was simple and surprisingly effective. First, we’d book cruises to destinations that intrigued us. Then we’d build around those sailings, adding time before and after to explore other locations we wanted to experience more deeply or perhaps settle into for a while. Somewhere along the way, we drifted from that formula, but it recently became clear that it still makes the most sense for how we like to travel.

 Location or Ship Days Dates
 Holiday Home – Kaiwaka, New Zealand 61  12-13-2025 – 2-11-2026
 Hotel – Overnight in Auckland, New Zealand 1 2/11/2026
 Flight- Auckland, New Zealand to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 0 2/12/2026
 Holiday Home – Penguin, Tasmania, Australia 61 2/12/2026 – 4/13/2026
 Flight -Hobart, Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0 4/13/2026
 Hotel – Brisbane Airport Hotel 1 4/13/2026 – 4/14/2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia to Seattle, Washington 25 4/14/2026 – 5/8/2026
 Drive – Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, Washington 0 5/8/2026
 Hotel – Vancouver, Washington 4 5/8/2026 – 5/12/2026
 Drive –  Vancouver, Washington to Eden Prairie, Minnesota 4 5/12/2026  – 5/16/2026
 Hotel – Eden Prairie, Minnesota 21 5/16/2026 – 6/6/2026
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota to Johannesburg, South Africa 2 5/6/2026 – 6/7/2026
 Hotel – Johannesburg, South Africa 1 6/7/2026 – 6/8/2026
 Flight – Johannesburg to Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA 0 6/8/2026
 Drive – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA Airport to Marloth Park, SA 0 6/8/2026
 Holiday Home – Marloth Park, South Africa 89 6/8/2026 – 9/4/2026
 Drive – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA Airport 0 9/4/2026
 Flight – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/Kruger, SA Airport to Livingstone, Zambia 0 9/4/2026
 Hotel – Livingstone, Zambia 7 9/4/2026 – 9/11/2026
 Flight – Livingstone, Zambia to Johannesburg, South Africa 0 9/11/2026
 Hotel – Johannesburg, South Africa 1 9/11/2026 – 9/12/2026
 Flight – Johanessburg to Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA 0 9/12/2026
 Drive – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA Airport to Marloth Park, SA 0 9/12/2026
 Holiday Home – Marloth Park, South Africa 89 9/12/2026 – 12/09/2026
 Flight – To Be Determined 0 12/9/2026
 Hotel- To Be Determined 7 12/9/2026 – 12/16/2026
 Flight – To Be Determined 0 12/16/2026
 Hotel – To Be Determined 1 12/16/2026 – 12/17/2026
 Flight – Johannesburg to Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA 0 12/17/2026
 Drive – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA Airport to Marloth Park, SA 0 12/17/2026
 Holiday Home – Marloth Park, South Africa 86 12/17/2027 – 3/12/2027
 Drive – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA Airport to Marloth Park, SA 0 3/12/2027
 Flight – Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/ Kruger, SA to Singapore 1 3/12/2027
 Hotel – Singapore – To Be Determined 1 3/13/2027 – 3/14/2027
 Cruise – Singapore to Hong Kong 19 3/14/2027 – 4/2/2027
 Cruise – Hong Kong to Seoul, Korea 14 4/2/2027 – 4/16/2027
 Cruise – Seoul, Korea to Tokyo, Japan 14 4/16/2027 – 4/30/2027
 Cruise – Tokyo, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 18 4/30/2027 – 5/17/2027
 Flight – Vancouver, British Columbus to Las Vegas, Nevada 0 5/17/2027
 Holiday Home – Lake Las Vegas, Nevada 30 5/17/2027 – 6/16/2027
 Flight – Las Vegas to Eden Prairie, Minnesota 0 6/16/2027
 To Be Determined…
Planned Number of Days 558

We fully recognize that this decision may seem somewhat contradictory. Not long ago, we wrote about becoming less interested in cruising after getting sick on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, a massive ship with a 4,269-passenger capacity. And yet, here we are, still with one more cruise booked on that very ship. We’ve already paid in full for a 25-night sailing beginning April 14, just three months from now. That booking isn’t going anywhere.

After considerable discussion, we realized something that felt both obvious and oddly comforting. We do love cruising. What we don’t love is getting sick on cruises. Once we separated those two ideas, the solution became clear. If cruising itself isn’t the problem, then the type of cruising might be. Looking back, the times we felt our best at sea were always on much smaller ships. We decided to commit to sailing only on smaller vessels from now on.

After researching and revisiting past experiences, Azamara Cruise Line quickly rose to the top of our list. Their ships accommodate up to 700 passengers, which makes a significant difference for us. We appreciate the upscale environment, the adults-only atmosphere, and the noticeably higher level of customer service. Additionally, Azamara offers a long list of inclusions that many other cruise lines charge extra for. Their “inclusive luxury” model covers gratuities, select spirits, wine and beer, specialty coffees, 24/7 room service, self-service laundry, and WiFi minutes. They also host AzAmazing Evenings on most cruises, which are unique cultural events included in the fare.

Higher-tier loyalty members receive additional perks, including expanded WiFi, spa and beverage discounts, and laundry services, while suite guests enjoy priority access and in-suite spirits. Since we aren’t yet high-tier members, we’ll still pay for WiFi, albeit at competitive rates. None of this, of course, comes at the bargain prices often found on larger ships. At this point, though, we’re more than willing to pay extra for a better onboard experience and, most importantly, a much lower likelihood of getting sick.

A few days ago, we booked four Azamara cruises, all back-to-back, through Costco Travel in the US. Booking through Costco has worked well for us in the past, and this time was no exception. We’ll receive a total of US $3,460 in Costco shop cards, which we can use for purchases or for cash. These shop cards aren’t credited until the next calendar year after the sailings. Additionally, we’ll earn rewards from our Premium Membership that we can use for major purchases, such as new laptops, the next time we’re in the U.S. Currently, we have almost US $1000 in shop cards and US $446 in Premium Membership credits.

Making these decisions also allowed us to map out a broader plan before and after the cruises. As it stands now, we’ll be spending nearly nine months in Marloth Park, leaving periodically to visit other African countries when our 90-day visas expire, and returning twice for new entry stamps. The third time, we’ll return to the U.S. to see family in Nevada and Minnesota and take care of practical matters such as renewing our driver’s licenses.

When we look at the itinerary as a whole, it’s obvious there are still bookings to be made. But we’re in no rush. We’ll take care of those details as we go. For now, it feels good to have a solid framework in place and, once again, no pressure to figure out every last detail all at once.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 12, 2026:

A small wake from the ship as we sailed through Doubtful Sound in New Zealand. For more photos, please click here.

We’re baaack!…More new photos…Good news!…

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One more photo from our trip to Whangarai.

Yes, we also needed to upgrade our hosting plan to a premium plan with Hostinger. While premium pricing is never something you jump into lightly, it was unavoidable given the massive size of our website. After all, we’ve uploaded nearly 5,000 posts and tens of thousands of photos over the years. That amount of content requires more robust resources, better performance, and stronger backend support to ensure everything runs smoothly for both our readers and us. So far, the upgrade has been well worth it.

As a result, we’ve decided to discontinue our support services for the company in India. At one point, their assistance was necessary, but it’s simply no longer needed. The AI support provided by our hosting company has proven faster, more accurate, and more efficient for our needs. It is reachable 24/7, which is essential given the time differences. Sometimes progress means making changes, and this was absolutely the right move for us.

Tom’s sunrise photo.

If you’re experiencing any issues reading our posts or receiving them as usual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me by email. My email address is located at the top of our homepage. I’m always happy to look into any issues and work toward a resolution. In many cases, something as simple as rebooting your device or checking your spam folder can solve the issue. Technology has a funny way of fixing itself when you least expect it to, but I’m here if it doesn’t.

A single lane bridge.

It will take me another 28 days or so to complete the update of all plugins on the site. This is a time-consuming process, but it’s important. By the end of that period, all remaining issues should be fully resolved. For those wondering what plugins do, here’s a simple explanation:  “Plugins are software components that add new features or functionality to an existing application, such as a website or content management system, without altering the core code. They extend what a site can do, whether that’s adding forms, improving performance, enhancing security, or customizing the overall user experience. They’re also known as add-ons or extensions, and they enable powerful customization without writing code.

The roads are gravel and very narrow.

Now for a bit of fun news. We’ve booked some exciting adventures that we’ll be sharing with you in the coming week, along with a brand-new itinerary. The last itinerary we posted was on Christmas Day, 2024, at this link; it’s been 13 months, so it’s time for an update. We’re really looking forward to putting this together and sharing what’s ahead with all of you.

On a final note, it’s warm here today, much warmer than it’s been over the past month since we arrived. The high will be 82°F (28°C), which is still very comfortable for us. In fact, we haven’t used the air-conditioning unit in the lounge/living room yet. Life is good, progress is being made, and we’re grateful to have you along for the journey.

Be well.

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

Milford Sound, New Zealand, despite cloudy, rainy conditions, was an extraordinary place to visit. For more photos, please click here.

Good news about our site…New scenery photos!…More to follow…

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The sky was overcast, but we were still able to capture the beauty of the countryside.

Today was a day I’ve been dreading for months, one of those days that quietly looms in the background while you hope and perhaps unrealistically, that it might somehow resolve itself. But today, there was no more putting it off. It was the day our website needed a serious round of updates to address a growing list of issues we’d been experiencing, along with many of you, our loyal and patient readers.

For a long time, minor glitches have been creeping in, based on the sheer volume of our site, after almost 5000 posts, which included pages loading slowly, comments not appearing as expected, and email notifications arriving late or not at all. Individually, none of these seemed catastrophic. Collectively, they began to weigh on me. Our website isn’t just a technical platform; it’s our home base, the place where we share our stories, reflections, and daily lives as we continue this journey around the world. Knowing that some of you were struggling to access that space was unsettling and, frankly, a little heartbreaking.

After several hours today working directly with our web hosting company, Hostinger, it appears we’ve addressed many of the issues you’ve been experiencing for quite a while. I’ll admit that going into this process, I felt overwhelmed and somewhat intimidated. Website management can feel like learning a foreign language, mainly when you’ve relied on others to handle it for years. The company we’d used in the past, despite a long-standing relationship, had fallen short in keeping our site properly updated and protected against these kinds of problems.

This photo looked more like a painting than a photo. The scenery is unreal.

At some point, it became clear that hoping someone else would fix things wasn’t enough. Today, I decided to roll up my sleeves and work directly with Hostinger, and I’m genuinely grateful I did. They’ve done a fantastic job, not only resolving many of the immediate concerns but also patiently teaching me how to manage several facets of the website myself. Something is empowering about finally understanding what’s happening behind the scenes, even if it comes with a steep learning curve. I’ve always enjoyed writing the posts and sharing photos, but the background management aspect didn’t appeal to me.

Now, I want to be clear, this doesn’t guarantee that we won’t have issues in the future. As they say, “it’s the nature of the beast.” Technology is wonderful…until it isn’t. But what has changed is our ability to respond more quickly and effectively when issues arise.

If you experience any issues in the future, please email me directly rather than leaving a comment on the site. If the comment system itself is part of the issue, I may never even see your message. Once I’m aware of a problem, I’ll work with Hostinger to address it as quickly as possible, aiming to resolve it within 24 hours whenever feasible.

This also applies to those of you who have signed up to receive automatic email notifications for our daily posts. That system is proving to be the most challenging area, but please know it’s very much on my radar. We are actively working on it, and I appreciate your patience more than I can adequately express.

The scenery is New Zealand is breathtaking in every direction.

Over the next 30 days, I’ll be updating one plugin per day to improve stability, security, and ease of management. It’s a slow and deliberate process, but one that feels necessary to ensure the site remains a welcoming and reliable place for all of us.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience these issues may have caused you. Thank you for sticking with us, for reaching out when things didn’t work as expected, and for continuing to be part of this journey. Your support, kindness, and understanding mean more than you know, and they make even the most dreaded days feel worthwhile in the end.

On another note, Tom, the ever-practical former volunteer fireman back in his railroad days, asked me to clarify something from our previous post about the dead smoke detector in the bedroom. Rest assured, there are additional, fully functioning smoke detectors in every room of this property. Safety has not been compromised, even if the timing of that one failing felt dramatic in the moment. Dave, our landlord and now friend, is aware of the issue and will bring us a replacement detector for the bedroom next week when he returns from his weekend away. Until then, we’re well covered and sleeping soundly.

Today’s photos were taken during yesterday’s long drive to the supermarket in Whangarai. We’re thrilled we were able to take a few good shots.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 9, 2016:

Last night at the show, Jane, Tom, and Rob, our new Aussie friends. For more photos, please click here.

Scary alarm in the middle of the night!…Off to the market in Whangarai…

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Melbourne appears to be a lovely city, although considerably smaller than Sydney.

Note: During our remaining time in New Zealand, we’ll be reposting photos (including their original captions) from our previous stay, beginning in January 2016, when we were based in a far less remote location than where we are now in Kaiwaka, nearly a full day’s drive from most sightseeing destinations.

Today’s photos are from this post here.

Last night, around midnight, just as I was beginning that gentle slide from wakefulness into sleep, the kind where thoughts blur, and the body finally relaxes, the bedroom exploded with sound. Tom was already asleep, breathing evenly beside me, when the fire alarm went off. I have never heard anything so piercing in my life. It wasn’t just loud, it was aggressive, the kind of noise that jolts every nerve awake at once.

In those first few disoriented seconds, my half-asleep brain tried to make sense of it. I was convinced it had to be my phone. I grabbed it, fumbled in the dark, and shut it off, fully expecting silence to follow. It didn’t. The alarm continued to roar, echoing off the walls, relentless and impossible to ignore. By then, Tom was wide awake too, and we both leapt out of bed, hearts pounding, adrenaline flowing.

We stood there in the bedroom, the alarm screaming overhead, trying to figure out what to do. There’s something uniquely unsettling about a fire alarm going off in the middle of the night when there is no fire, no smoke, no apparent reason for the chaos. Tom finally dragged a dining room chair into the bedroom and climbed up to reach the ceiling. He removed the device from the ceiling, hoping that would permanently remedy the issue.

The remnants of an old pier that is no longer used.

We examined it under the light, hopeful we’d find a simple solution. Surely there had to be a battery to remove. Surely there was an off switch we were missing. But no matter how carefully we looked, there was nothing, no removable battery, no way to silence it permanently. A few minutes later, as if to mock our optimism, it went off again.

At that point, we knew sleep wasn’t going to happen unless we took decisive action. Tom wrapped the shrieking device tightly in a bath towel and carried it outside, setting it well away from the house. We waited, listening. The night returned to quiet. We never heard it go off again.

This morning, when we spoke to Dave, the mystery was solved. He explained that when the internal battery in these alarms reaches the end of its life, the entire unit must be replaced. There is no way to shut it off. The alarm did exactly what it was designed to do: alert loudly and persistently, but timing, as always, has a sense of humor.

As a result of the midnight drama, I didn’t fall asleep again until after 2:00 am. The alarm may have been gone, but my mind wasn’t ready to let go. I finally drifted off only to wake at 6:45, far earlier than planned. Oddly enough, I feel fine today, at least for now. That may change when we hit the road.

A buoy marking the bay in Melbourne.

We’re heading out shortly for the 45-minute drive to Whangārei, with stops at the pharmacy and the New World Market. Grocery shopping out here is always a strategic event. We’re proud of how well we did this last time, stretching our supplies for 18 days. If we can accomplish that again, we’ll only need to shop once more near the end of January, which feels like a small victory in a long-term stay like this.

February 11 is already looming on the calendar. That’s the day we’ll drive to Auckland and stay overnight near the airport, easing ourselves into the early morning flight to Tasmania the following day. Having that hotel booked brings a sense of relief and peace of mind.

As always, our thoughts drift further ahead. September, when we depart South Africa, remains an open question, a collection of possibilities not yet pinned down. Travel has taught us that plans evolve, sometimes quietly, sometimes abruptly, much like fire alarms in the middle of the night. We’ll share more once the picture becomes clearer. For now, we’re moving forward on less sleep than usual, but with full hearts, and another story added to the ever-growing collection.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 8, 2016:

View of a major overpass in Melbourne, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Is It Safe to Visit the Caribbean Right Now?…Alert to travelers…

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The tiny free-range eggs we purchased at the grocery store the day we arrived, compared to the eggs we bought at the Taranaki  Farmers Market on Sunday. This morning, during the football game, I made Tom nitrate-free local bacon and three of these jumbo eggs, scrambled with cheddar cheese (referred to as non-processed Tasty cheese in both AU and NZ).

Note: During our remaining time in New Zealand, we’ll be reposting photos (including their original captions) from our previous stay, beginning in January 2016, when we were based in a far less remote location than where we are now in Kaiwaka, nearly a full day’s drive from most sightseeing destinations.

Today’s photos are from this post here.

Today’s post is an article from Travel and Leisure’s online magazine, here.

“Is It Safe to Visit the Caribbean Right Now? What Travelers Should Know

Some Caribbean islands remain under Level 1 advisories, but travelers should stay updated amid shifting conditions amid Venezuela tensions. By Michael CappettaPublished on January 6, 2026.

Recent military action in Venezuela and the closure of airspace in the region may have travelers questioning their upcoming vacation plans to the Caribbean. But between differing travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State and various flight concerns, there’s not a one size fits all approach for the large and diverse region.

Although many plants were still available, most of the produce had already been sold by the time we arrived, 90 minutes after opening. Next time, we’ll arrive at 9 am.

This is what travelers should know before a Caribbean trip, according to experts.

What happened in Venezuela and the Caribbean?

On Jan. 3, the U.S. initiated a military strike on Venezuela, capturing the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and transporting him to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. Following that, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily restricted airspace around both the Caribbean and Venezuela, but has since reopened it.

The closure led to a ripple effect of flight disruptions with major airlines forced to add additional flights to accommodate stranded passengers. That’s what happened to Nydia Han, a consumer investigative reporter with Philadelphia’s 6abc, who was finally able to get a flight back to the Continental U.S. after getting stranded in Puerto Rico for days, taking a slight detour to Baltimore before boarding a train back to the City of Brotherly Love.

Tom eyeballed the bread and pastries and, as usual, but was able to resist.

“Positive update from the Caribbean—I was online and on the phone for HOURS all day yesterday but finally got flights so we will be heading home sooner than Friday,” Han wrote in an Instagram post, adding in the video, “We all recognize and realize fully that there are far worse places to be stuck. We’re lucky just to be able to have been here in the first place.”

The good news is flight disruptions have started to ease, Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com, told Travel + Leisure.

“The risk of cancellation has decreased, but airport congestion and certainty of full flights have increased,” Nastro said, adding, “Airlines take the risk of flying in/out of these places as well and the last thing they need or want is to be making headlines about stranded passengers (again).”

Prices are reasonable for the baked goods when based on today’s rates; NZ$ 1 is equivalent to US$ 0.65.

Henley Vazquez, the co-founder of Fora Travel, told T+L the biggest issue for travelers with events like this is uncertainty. Thinking “outside the box” and flying into alternative airports may also help get travelers home.

“From a practical standpoint, travelers can take a few simple steps to stay prepared: save airline and hotel contact information for easy access, avoid tight connections or overly rigid itineraries, and build in buffer days for international returns,” Vazquez said. “Small measures like these can make a meaningful difference when plans are in flux.”

What does the government say about traveling to the Caribbean?

The State Department issues varying travel advisories for countries and destinations around the world ranging from the lowest Level 1 warning to the highest Level 4.

To the left are the organic acid-free tomatoes with organic regular tomatoes to the right, all priced at NZ $5, US $3.25 per batch as shown. We purchased both for comparison for future purchases. So far, the acid-free ones are winning at the same price.

Currently, Venezuela is classified under the department’s highest Level 4 warning, recommending Americans “do not travel” there “due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately.”

The country of Haiti is similarly classified under a Level 4 warning along with several states in Mexico like Guerrero where Acapulco is located.

However, that is not the case for all destinations in the Caribbean. In fact, many have been recognized for their high safety standards like the island of Anguilla, which was recently named the safest country in the region by the World Population Review for its low crime rate. The State Department classifies Anguilla under its lowest Level 1 advisory, recommending Americans “exercise normal precautions” when going there.

A variety of vegetable and fruit plants and trees were offered for sale. Its summer here (comparable to July in the northern hemisphere).  Soon, more locally grown produce will be available.

Several other destinations are also listed under the same Level 1 advisory, including Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the French West Indies (including St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Martin), Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.

The islands of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic are listed at Level 2, recommending U.S. travelers “exercise increased caution” when heading there.

What can travelers do to minimize travel disruptions?

Beyond checking advisories, the State Department recommends all international travelers enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the department to send notifications, alerts, and relevant security information and allows the embassy to more easily reach travelers in an emergency.

Vazquez of Fora Travel also recommended travelers “make decisions based on their comfort level.”

“That means monitoring airline communications and government advisories closely, confirming plans directly with airlines and hotels, and making sure itineraries allow for adjustments if things change at the last minute,” she said. “It’s also important to review your travel insurance coverage and policies so there are no surprises if delays or rerouting become necessary.”

Vazquez added: “This is a moment to prioritize preparedness over spontaneity. Travelers don’t necessarily need to cancel plans right away, but instead should evaluate what feels right for them while staying up-to-date on the latest information.””

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 7, 2015:

Clouds obscuring a pie slice of last night’s moon in Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Sharing New Zealand photos…

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Many signs and town names are based on the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand, the Māori, whose language has had official language status, with the right to use it in legal settings such as in court, since the Māori Language Act 1987. There are around 70,000 native speakers of Māori out of a population of over 500,000 Māori people, with 161,000 of the country’s 4 million residents claiming conversational ability in Māori.”

Note: During our remaining time in New Zealand, we’ll be reposting photos from our previous stay, beginning in January 2016, when we were based in a far less remote location than where we are now in Kaiwaka, nearly a full day’s drive from most sightseeing destinations. This morning, while chatting with our dear friends Kathy and Don in Hawaii, Kathy, an avid and longtime reader of our posts, suggested we share photos from our last visit here. Thanks, Kathy, what a great idea! Of course, we’ll continue to post new photo moments whenever we encounter them while out and about. Here is the link to today’s photos.

When we began talking about our recent lack of local photos, it wasn’t said with disappointment so much as quiet acceptance. Where we’re living now on New Zealand’s North Island is peaceful, restorative, and exactly what we need at this stage of our lives. But it isn’t conveniently located near iconic sightseeing spots. There are no famous lookouts a short walk away, no bustling town centers begging to be photographed daily, and no dramatic landmarks calling out for constant documentation. And honestly, that’s part of the appeal. Still, we understand that photos help tell our story, especially for those who’ve joined us more recently.

It’s easy to expect beaches throughout the world to be sandy and pristine with blue waters. Many beaches, such as those in New Zealand and Australia, aren’t blue due to the interaction of light and particles present in the water. When there are mineral sediments, light from the blue spectrum is absorbed by the particles, so the water appears brown.  Also, not all beaches have the soft, fine sand that we found in Belize and Hawaii.

So, rather than forcing something that doesn’t fit our current lifestyle, we decided to look backward for a period of time, to a time that still feels vivid, meaningful, and deeply woven into our love for New Zealand. Beginning now, we’ll be sharing photos from our first extended stay here, which ran from January 2016 to April 2016, ten years ago. It feels almost surreal to write that. Ten years. A full decade of life lived, countries crossed, lessons learned, and yet those memories remain so clear, as if New Zealand had imprinted itself on us in a permanent and gentle way.

With many surfers attracted to this area, a lifeguard is on duty and well-equipped for rescue.

For our newer readers, this will be a first glimpse into what initially drew us to this remarkable country. For our long-term readers, it will be a familiar return, a chance to revisit places you may remember us writing about at the time, perhaps when life looked very different for all of us. There’s something comforting about shared memory, even when experienced through words and images.

Back then, as now, we were living on the North Island, although in a completely different region. We stayed in New Plymouth, a coastal town tucked beneath the watchful presence of Mount Taranaki. Getting there today would require several hours of driving from where we are now, but at the time, it was our home base for an experience that still makes us smile without effort.

Surfers await an opportunity.

We stayed on an alpaca farm, an experience that sounds charming on paper but, in reality, was something far more profound. Each morning unfolded quietly, often with mist lingering over green fields and the soft, curious presence of alpacas watching us as though we were the entertainment. Their gentle hums, expressive eyes, and almost comical hairstyles added a lightness to our days that’s hard to describe without sounding whimsical, but it truly was magical.

A sign we encountered at a park/wildlife area.

That stay wasn’t about sightseeing in the traditional sense. It was about waking up surrounded by nature, breathing deeply, and feeling grounded in a way that modern life so often pulls us away from. We cooked simple meals, walked the land, and allowed ourselves the luxury of unstructured time. It was during moments like those that New Zealand quietly claimed a permanent place in our hearts.

Sharing these photos now feels timely and meaningful. They represent not just a destination but a chapter, one that has shaped how we travel, how we choose where to stay, and how deeply we value experiences rooted in authenticity. They remind us that beauty doesn’t always shout; sometimes it hums softly from a pasture, framed by clouds and carried by memory.

Small sleeping tent sites are available for a fee and include multiple facilities.

As we revisit these images, we’re reminded that travel isn’t only about where you are, it’s also about where you’ve been, and how those moments continue to travel with you. We’re grateful to share this part of our journey again, with fresh eyes and familiar hearts, and we hope these glimpses of New Zealand from years past bring you the same quiet joy they still bring us today.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 6, 2016:

Busy Sydney Harbour. Soon, we’d board the ship for a cruise. For more photos, please click here.

Looking to the future…A dilemma…

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The grapes are robust and beautiful at Okurukuru Taranaki Winery in New Zealand, which we visited ten years ago.

Yesterday, we started talking about an upcoming reality that has been quietly hovering in the background of our days, waiting for the right moment to step forward and demand our attention. It arrived not with urgency or stress, but with curiosity and a shared sense of wonder. Where will we go after our next 90 days in South Africa end in September? And just as importantly, when will we return, knowing that the Christmas holiday season brings intense heat and an influx of holidaymakers to Marloth Park, transforming its normally tranquil lifestyle into something far busier than we prefer?

These conversations have a familiar cadence for us. They usually begin casually, perhaps over coffee or while glancing at our phones, and then slowly gather depth as possibilities unfold. This time, they led us down a familiar path: scanning airfares, jotting down potential destinations, and weighing comfort against curiosity. Eventually, we set aside the airline apps and opened a map of Africa, letting geography guide the conversation instead of algorithms.

That was when the idea emerged, almost effortlessly. What if we stayed somewhere else in Africa for six months? What if we allowed ourselves to experience another corner of this vast, complex, and endlessly fascinating continent, returning to Marloth Park the following March, when the cooler winter weather settles in, and life resumes its slower, though socially active, more peaceful pace? The thought felt right, balanced, practical, and gently adventurous.

But as always, reality adds structure to dreams. Visa rules are not suggestions; our well-worn travel brains immediately shift into problem-solving mode. We know we can’t obtain a new 90-day visa by visiting countries bordering South Africa. That simple fact eliminated several otherwise tempting options and narrowed the field considerably. South Africa shares land borders with five countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). It also surrounds the independent kingdom of Lesotho, making it a geographic enclave within South Africa.

To the north lie Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. To the northeast and east are Mozambique and Eswatini. Lesotho, tucked entirely within South Africa’s borders, is its own world, but for visa purposes, it doesn’t solve our challenge. Each of these countries holds its own allure, memories, and beauty, but none can reset our South African visa clock.

As we studied the map more closely, we were reminded of just how vast Africa truly is. Beyond Southern Africa lies an intricate patchwork of countries, cultures, climates, and lifestyles. At the same time, we’re realistic. Not every destination is suited for long-term stays, and not every place is particularly tourist-friendly for three to six months at a time. Infrastructure, healthcare access, safety, and day-to-day livability all matter far more than novelty at this stage of our travels.

What we’re really seeking isn’t a whirlwind adventure or a checklist of sights. We’re looking for somewhere that lets us settle in, create routines, shop at local markets, cook simple meals, and, at least temporarily, feel at home. Somewhere warm but not stifling, interesting but not exhausting, welcoming without requiring constant movement.

As we closed the map and leaned back, a quiet sense of gratitude filled the room. We are fortunate even to be having this conversation. This is a “problem” born of choice, freedom, and time, luxuries we never take lightly. The answers didn’t come yesterday, and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes the value lies not in the decision itself, but in the thoughtful, shared process of getting there.

For now, the map of Africa remains open in our minds, dotted with possibilities, patiently waiting for the next chapter to reveal itself. As we progress in these decisions, we will keep our readers informed, as always.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 5, 2015:

Then, in Hawaii, this sheep posed for a photo. For more photos, please click here.

A new sighting in the pasture…Ten facts and stats about cows in New Zealand…

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Yesterday, we spotted these cows in the pasture with the sheep.

Yesterday afternoon, when gazing out the veranda window, Tom said, “Get the camera! We have new visitors in the pasture.” I jumped up enthusiastically, hardly able to contain myself. And, there they were, cows in the pasture we’ve been observing several times a day.

Cows are an inescapable part of the New Zealand landscape. No matter how far we travel or how winding the road becomes, there they are, heads down in impossibly green paddocks, tails flicking lazily, completely unbothered by passing cars or curious travelers. Over time, they stop feeling like livestock and start feeling like quiet companions to the journey, steady and familiar. Here are ten facts and statistics about cows in New Zealand, woven into the lived reality of seeing them day after day.

First, New Zealand is home to about 6.3 million dairy cows, a figure that slightly exceeds the country’s human population. It’s one of those statistics that suddenly makes everything make sense: the endless fields, the milk tankers on the highways, and the unmistakable rural scent that drifts through the air in farming regions.

Second, dairy farming is one of New Zealand’s largest export industries, earning tens of billions of dollars annually. Products like milk powder, butter, and cheese quietly travel from these peaceful paddocks to dinner tables all over the world.

It was delightful to look out the window and see cows.

Third, the most common cows you’ll see are Friesian and Friesian-cross breeds, easily recognized by their black-and-white markings. Jerseys, smaller and tawny-colored, are also common and prized for producing milk with higher butterfat.

Fourth, New Zealand cows are overwhelmingly grass-fed and pasture-raised. Thanks to the temperate climate, most cows live outdoors year-round, grazing freely rather than being housed in barns. It’s a system that feels aligned with the land and explains why the countryside looks so alive.

Fifth, the average New Zealand dairy cow produces around 4,300 liters of milk per year. That number may be lower than in more intensive systems overseas, but it reflects a farming model built on grass, rainfall, and open space rather than heavy grain feeding.

Sixth, there are roughly 10,000 dairy farms across the country, many of them family-run. Driving through rural areas, you sense how deeply farming is tied to identity here, passed down through generations, shaped by weather, land, and resilience.

Seventh, cows are central to ongoing environmental conversations in New Zealand. Methane emissions, waterway protection, and sustainable land use are daily topics of debate. Farmers are increasingly adapting practices to balance productivity with care for rivers, soil, and future generations.

Eighth, calving season typically begins in late winter, around July and August. During this time, the countryside feels especially tender when tiny calves dot paddocks, and rural roads slow to accommodate the pace of farm life.

Ninth, cows now outnumber sheep, a notable shift in a country once defined globally by its wool industry. While sheep remain iconic, cows have quietly taken center stage in modern New Zealand agriculture.

Tenth, beyond all numbers and economics, cows shape the emotional texture of the land. There’s something deeply calming about watching them graze in the misty morning or at golden hour, when the hills glow, and everything feels briefly, perfectly still.

In New Zealand, cows are more than statistics. They are part of the scenery that seeps into memory, part of the slow, grounding rhythm of travel here. They remind us that this country, for all its modern comforts, is still deeply rooted in the land and that some of the most enduring stories unfold quietly, one pasture at a time.

We love living amidst this natural landscape, where a simple glance outdoors reveals the everyday wonders New Zealand has to offer: rolling green paddocks, shifting skies, and the quiet reassurance that life here moves in harmony with the land.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 4, 2016:

We arrived in Sydney for the first of many times. Tom is so happy. Gosh, we love this life! I took this photo in the rain when we found an overhang on the sidewalk on George St. in Sydney. For more photos, please click here.

One more task completed..Failure to observe…

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This interesting wall décor caught my eye. It looks 3D but was not.

Yesterday, we booked a hotel in Auckland for February 11, and the sense of relief was almost immediate. It’s located within two minutes of the airport, offers a shuttle, a generously sized room with a king bed, free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, and boasts a 9.2 rating from recent guests. All the small but meaningful details lined up just right for our next day’s flight. By making this choice, we’ve removed the pressure of having to rush to Auckland on the day of our flight to Tasmania. Instead of watching the clock and navigating traffic with clenched jaws, we’ll arrive calmly, enjoy a pleasant dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, and let the evening unfold without urgency.

The plan is simple and, for us, ideal. Tom will drop me and the luggage at the hotel, then return the rental car using the hotel’s free shuttle. After that, we can truly relax for the evening, knowing that the hard part is already taken care of. Early the next morning, we’ll head out for our flight to Hobart feeling rested rather than frazzled. We’ve learned over many years of travel that the lowest-stress scenario is almost always worth it, even if it means paying a little more. Peace of mind, especially during transit between countries, has become one of our most cherished travel luxuries.

On another note, this past week has marked a welcome shift back toward normalcy. Since I’ve been feeling better, I’ve started exercising each day, following a few online guides I discovered after doing a bit of research. The exercises are somewhat strenuous, and there are moments when my muscles remind me just how sedentary I was while sick. Still, I can already tell that my strength and stamina will improve over time. Progress may be slow, but it’s happening, and that in itself feels like a victory.

While exercising yesterday, I was facing a wall in the living room and suddenly noticed an unusual piece of wall décor, something that had clearly been there all along. I pointed it out to Tom and asked if he’d seen it before. He hadn’t. That realization made us both laugh. After nearly three weeks in this house, you’d think we would have noticed not only that item, but other decorative details as well. Yet, as is so often the case, we become absorbed in what we’re doing or what’s happening outdoors and pay little attention to the interior, aside from the features/items we actually use.

That’s not entirely true, of course. I have noticed the live plants scattered throughout the house and have watered them each week. But beyond that, much of the décor fades into the background. Years ago, we used to call this phenomenon “house blind.” It referred to the areas in our own homes that needed repairs or maintenance, things we stopped noticing because confronting them meant admitting what we weren’t getting done. There’s an irony in realizing that, as world travelers moving through a wide array of properties, we can still be so oblivious to our surroundings in similar ways.

This particular house, however, is in perfect condition, with no obvious repairs needed. Dave, our landlord and a builder by trade, has been intermittently working on a garage for this house. Yesterday, he stopped by to ask if we’d mind if he worked on it for a bit. We didn’t mind at all. He plans to put the house on the market as soon as we move out. Interestingly, we are both the first and the last renters to ever occupy this home. He has three finished houses on this acreage and a fourth still in progress. Soon, I’ll post videos of the houses, as they really are something special.

In any case, our lack of attention to the interiors of holiday homes never ceases to amaze us. The properties we rent are always in excellent condition, and once we’ve confirmed that reality, our attention naturally drifts elsewhere. Perhaps that’s part of the beauty of this lifestyle: being present enough to feel comfortable, yet unattached enough to let the details quietly exist without demanding our notice.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 3, 2016:

In Pacific Harbour, Fiji, this was the vegetable stand where we purchased most of our produce during the 28-day stay. For more photos, please click here.