Happy Easter to those who celebrate in the Western Hemisphere…CDC report on cleanliness on cruise ships..Six days and counting…
An important article about cleanliness on cruises, of the utmost importance to us now, is from this source:
“These Are the Cleanest Cruise Lines in the U.S., According to CDC Inspection Data
Cleanliness is crucial on cruise ships to prevent the spread of illnesses such as norovirus and Legionnaires’ disease. By Kristine Hansen Published on April 3, 2026
Germs travel fast in close quarters. And that’s especially true on cruise ships, where passengers share space in buffets, dining rooms, theaters, elevators, and more. But some cruise lines have a better track record than others.
Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition, and Crystal Cruises tied for the three cleanest cruise lines in the United States, boasting identical cleanliness scores, according to a recent study by travel insurance provider Squaremouth. Overall, cruise lines with larger fleets tended to rank slightly lower than their smaller counterparts, but Viking was the major exception, with about a dozen ships in its fleet.
To determine sanitation scores, the study looked at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) inspection reports collected between 2014 and 2025. These inspections assess cleanliness in the galleys and dining rooms, medical centers, potable water systems, heating and ventilation systems, onboard pest management, swimming pools, housekeeping, childcare, and activity centers. Squaremouth then manually aggregated these vessel sanitation scores and grouped vessels by their cruise lines.
Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises, which recently made the move to become adults-only, came in second place in the study. Oceania Cruises boasts eight ships in its fleet, each hosting up to 1,250 guests.
That was followed by United Kingdom-based P&O Cruises and Japan Grace, a Japanese travel agency that operates the Japan-based NGO Peace Boat. Virgin Voyages took the fourth spot on the list, with Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises tying to round out the top five.
Cruise ships can be breeding grounds for gastrointestinal illnesses, Squaremouth said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Last year alone, the CDC reported 23 outbreaks of illness on board, according to the company, representing a 28 percent increase over 2024.
The most common illness reported was norovirus, which accounted for 17 of the 23 outbreaks in 2025. The virus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC, and is spread by direct contact with an infected person, eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages, or touching contaminated objects and then putting unwashed fingers in the mouth.
To stay healthy while sailing, it is a good idea to avoid high-touch areas like communal condiments and self-serve machines and continually wash your hands throughout the day.
Beyond foodborne illnesses, cruise ship passengers should consider avoiding private hot tubs on ships, as they’ve been a source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.”
As we prepare for our upcoming voyage on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, I’ve found myself wandering through page after page of reviews, the kind that can either ease your mind or stir a bit of uneasiness. Cleanliness, in particular, seems to be one of those topics that travelers feel strongly about, and the opinions are far from consistent.
Some guests describe stepping into a spotless cabin, where everything feels fresh, well-cared-for, and inviting after a long day of travel. They mention attentive stateroom attendants who seem to appear at just the right moment, keeping things tidy without intrusion. Public areas in these accounts are equally well maintained, with a steady presence of crew members wiping down surfaces and keeping things in order. Reading those reviews, you can almost feel that sense of comfort that comes with knowing you can settle in without a second thought.
But after our most recent 47-night cruise, which left each of us with three different respiratory viruses, one after another, I am more concerned than ever.
A handful of travelers noted worn carpets, overlooked corners, or bathrooms that didn’t quite meet expectations. A few mention that high-traffic areas, especially during busy sailing periods, can feel less pristine than hoped for. It’s not always a matter of neglect, but perhaps the challenge of keeping up with thousands of passengers moving about each day.
What stands out most is not necessarily a clear answer, but the realization that experiences can vary widely. Timing, staffing, and even personal expectations seem to shape each perspective. For us, it becomes less about finding the perfect review and more about preparing with a balanced mindset, hopeful for the best while understanding that no ship, no matter how grand, is entirely without flaw.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 6, 2016:
Happy Easter to all who celebrate!..Seven days and counting…
Today is Easter here in the Eastern Hemisphere, a gentle reminder of how traditions shift when you are far from what once felt familiar. Last night, at precisely 3:00 am, the clocks changed as daylight saving time ended in Australia. There is always something slightly disorienting about that moment, whether you are awake to notice it or not. Time, already a fluid concept in a life of travel, seems to bend even more.
This Easter will be quiet, simple, and wonderfully uneventful. There is no elaborate meal planned, no bustling kitchen filled with the aromas of a holiday feast. Instead, we found comfort in using what we already had on hand. There is something satisfying about that, about resisting the urge to overdo and instead embracing simplicity.
We decided on taco salads, minus the shells, which feels just right for where we are and how we are living at the moment. It required only a quick stop at Henk’s Market here in Penguin to pick up fresh lettuce and a jar of olives. Everything else was already waiting for us, tucked away in the refrigerator and cupboards, ready to be turned into something delicious. With what we have, we can make enough for three dinners, which feels both practical and reassuring.
After those meals, we will rely on what remains. A few meat products in the freezer, some rice for Tom, eggs, and the last of the salad ingredients. It is a bit like a puzzle, figuring out how to stretch what is left in a way that still feels enjoyable. We have done this so many times over the years that it has almost become second nature. And if we run out of food before we are ready to leave, we will go out to dinner somewhere nearby. Easy and without stress.
Yesterday afternoon, I finally tackled something that had been lingering in my thoughts for days. I reorganized the supplies suitcase. It may sound like a small task, but in this lifestyle, it carries more meaning than one might expect. That suitcase holds the items that make temporary spaces feel like home. It had become a bit chaotic, and bringing order back to it gave me a sense of satisfaction and relief.
As I sorted through everything, I realized how little we truly need. The only items we will add before we leave are the toiletries we are currently using and a few favorite kitchen tools that have earned their place over time. My sharp knife, the knife sharpener, and those wonderfully practical bottle and jar openers. These small, familiar items travel with us from place to place, grounding us in ways that are hard to explain unless you live like this.
Another reminder of change came as I went through my clothing. Since we arrived in New Zealand on December 13, I have lost 23 pounds, or 10.4 kilograms. While I am grateful for how I feel, it does mean that many of my clothes no longer fit. Holding them up, I could see how much had shifted in just a few months. It feels like another layer of letting go.
Thankfully, these clothes will not go to waste. Fran, Terry’s wife, works at an op shop that resells clothing for charities. She has kindly offered to take them in. It feels good knowing they will find new life with someone else, rather than sitting unused in a suitcase, taking up weight and space.
We are so grateful to Fran and Terry, not only for this but for everything they have done for us during our time here. Sunrise at Penguin is, without a doubt, a fabulous place to stay. Their kindness has added a warmth to our stay that no destination alone could provide.
And so, this Easter passes not with fanfare, but with gratitude, simplicity, and a quiet appreciation for where we are right now.
Happy Easter and be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 5, 2016:
Massive impact for visitors to Australia…
We felt it was imperative to share this article with Australians and other travelers during this period, rather than our daily personal stories.
From the following Australian news story found here:
“Tourism Economics forecasts a massive number of trips to Australia at risk, which could cost billions by Chantelle Francis
Economists forecast a massive number of trips to Australia will be at risk this year amid the Iran war, which would be bad news for the $39 billion industry.
It’s not just Australian travelers’ plans being put at risk by the war in the Middle East, but also international tourists traveling Down Under.
More than one million visits to Australia are at risk this year amid war in the Middle East, according to forecasts from Oxford Economics’ company Tourism Economics.
While a small number of outbound trips from the Middle East contribute to that number, the overwhelming majority of trips at risk are those from nations that travel to Australia via Middle Eastern transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
“The vast majority of these are visitors travelling from European source markets – a very small portion is from source markets in Asia Pacific and North America but these are negligible,” Tourism Economics’ director of global forecasting Helen McDermott told news.com.au.
Inbound tourism contributes significantly to Australia’s economy. International visitors spent $39.2 billion in Australia in 2025 across 8.3 million trips.
Visitors from the UK alone spent $2.87 billion.
Tourism and Transport Forum Australia CEO Margy Osmond said there had, of course, already been noticeable impacts when airspace in the Middle East closed unexpectedly, but she believed it was too early to tell how significant the longer-term impacts would be.
“Certainly, there will be some kind of impact. How big that is and what it looks like is a bit difficult to put firm figures around,” Ms Osmond told news.com.au.
She said, for example, there may be an increase in travelers using Asian-based airlines, such as Japanese and Chinese airlines, that don’t fly via the Middle East. These airlines may increase their flights and seating capacity in Australia.
“What you might see is a shift in consumer human behavior, as opposed to people stopping traveling,” she said, pointing to the fact Australians seem to still be traveling for Easter amid high fuel prices, but some are just choosing shorter trips that are closer to home.
However, Ms Osmond noted that while domestic travel in Australia is likely to increase, it would not offset the loss of international visitation, as overseas visitors spend “infinitely more” than domestic tourists.
“The other thing from an Australian point of view is we’re normally a destination that people plan to come to, so they plan well in advance,” she said.
“I think the bigger impacts we’re likely to see may be in the second half of the year as opposed to right now – beyond the obvious things that relate to Middle Eastern carriers.”
Ms Osmond added: “But there’s no doubt that governments at both state and federal level will have to be thinking about increasing their investment in marketing.
“The destination agencies are going to need an extra lick of cash to compensate and to encourage people to be coming back to Australia.”
Both traditional and non-traditional source markets would need to be targeted, she said.
Tourism Australia, the government agency responsible for promoting the country, conducted a survey of the Aussie industry and overseas travel partners and found that, while there have been some cancellations due to flight disruptions, there is still strong interest in traveling here.
The agency has increased marketing in Southeast Asia and China and is encouraging more businesses in China, Southeast Asia, and North America to consider hosting their events in Australia.
“We are closely monitoring the situation as it is unfolding and engaging with our network of people and partners internationally, along with the industry here, to understand any impacts on tourism to Australia,” Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack told news.com.au.
“We continue to support the industry through our marketing activities around the world to build demand for Australia’s tourism experiences, and to remind tourists that Australia is friendly, welcoming, and most of all open for business.”
International visits at risk by region—picture: Tourism Economics.
Global travel effects of the Iran war
With ongoing air travel disruption and economic impacts, Tourism Economics expects 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East to global destinations to be at risk this year, mostly affecting Europe – particularly Turkey, France, and the UK – but destinations in Africa and Asia-Pacific are also vulnerable. There were three million trips from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific last year.
The report noted Middle East visitors tend to be higher spenders, “meaning a loss in visits will deliver a disproportionately larger economic impact”.
A further 28 million annual visitors who usually transit through the region are at risk (43 percent of those to Asia-Pacific), and, from these same countries, an additional 60 million visits are at risk – not from passing through the Middle East but from other factors like higher travel costs as capacity is tightened.
“Reduced flight capacity, rerouting and airspace constraints are already impacting long-haul connectivity between Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa, resulting in increased journey times and airfares on flights between these regions,” Ms McDermott and senior economist Jessie Smith said.
As jet fuel supply risks grow, especially if there is continued Iranian disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, their report warned there will be further route reductions and capacity adjustments, and increased operational costs will lead to higher airfares.
“Low-cost carriers tend to see more impact, as jet fuel costs are a higher share of total costs,” the report noted.
Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has cut some of Jetstar’s flights from Australia to New Zealand and within New Zealand.
“We have made some temporary changes to our schedule, including due to a rise in jet fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East and other rising costs,” Jetstar said.
Qantas, which does not fly to the Middle East, also increased international fares by about 5 percent in early March to offset fuel costs – and planned to review its airfares every fortnight.
The airline will ramp up capacity on flights between Australia and Europe from mid-April through to late July by redeploying aircraft from US and domestic routes.
There will be daily flights between Perth and Rome (previously four times a week), and flights to Paris will increase from three to five a week – departing Sydney via Singapore instead of Perth. Flights between Perth and Singapore will be boosted and timed to connect with Qantas’ Singapore-Paris services.
The Perth-London route continues, but with a fuel stop in Singapore on the return flight due to adjustments required to flight paths.
The Australian Financial Review reported on March 26 that Qantas’ former chief economist had forecast that earnings from flying could slump by more than $500 million if the war in the Middle East and rising fuel costs continued.
Virgin Australia, which was forced to cancel all its Qatar Airways-operated flights to Doha, has seen its share price plunge. Qatar Airways owns a 25 percent share of Virgin Australia.
The airline increased its domestic fares by about 5 percent on March 23.
“Costs across the aviation sector continue to rise, now significantly exacerbated by the situation in the Middle East,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said. “We are making necessary fare adjustments to reflect these cost pressures.”
This week, the Spirit of Tasmania announced a 15 percent fuel surcharge to all new bookings.
Ms Osmond said fuel levies were also being added to boat and reef tour ticket prices up north.
She said her advice for travelers was to double-check this before their holiday so they can consider it in their budget.”
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 4, 2016:
Products we’ll use on the ucoming cruise to hopefully reduce the risk of illness…
When we visited Burnie a few days ago, Tom dropped me off at the Chemist Discount Center while he circled around to find a place to park. It felt like a simple errand at the time, one of those small tasks that fills in the spaces between drives along the coast and quiet afternoons at our temporary home. But as I walked through the aisles, basket in hand, I realized this stop carried a bit more weight than usual. We were not just picking up a few items. We were preparing, cautiously and thoughtfully, for what lies ahead.
With our upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, sailing on April 14, the memory of our last voyage still lingers. That cruise, which ended on December 13, tested us in ways we had not expected. Between the two of us, we managed to get sick three separate times, each with a different virus. It felt relentless at the time, as if just when we had turned a corner and begun to feel like ourselves again, another wave would hit. One of those bouts did not even surface until a few days after we had arrived in Kaiwaka, a reminder that these viruses have their own timelines, unfolding when we least expect them.
We are, of course, bringing along three-dose packages of Tamiflu. It offers a measure of reassurance, knowing that if we act quickly at the first hint of symptoms, it may lessen the severity. We have learned to pay close attention to those early signals. A scratchy throat, a runny nose, or that faint cough that makes you pause for a moment. But we also know its limitations. If we miss that narrow window, it becomes little more than something taking up space in our luggage. That understanding has shifted our focus toward prevention, toward doing what we can before illness ever has a chance to take hold.
Our friend Salli, who joined us from Hobart last weekend, shared a few practical suggestions that we immediately took to heart. She has always had a sensible approach to these things, grounded in experience rather than worry. The items she recommended now sit neatly arranged, ready to be packed, each one representing a small step toward staying well.
We picked up two cans of Glen 20 Disinfectant Spray, something we had never used before. There is something oddly comforting about the idea of spraying the air in our cabin, especially the air conditioner, each time we return on the 25-night cruise. Whether it makes a measurable difference or simply offers peace of mind, we are willing to give it a try. Sometimes, it is the act itself that brings a sense of control.
Alongside that, we purchased large packs of Dettol Antibacterial Wipes. Each day, we plan to wipe down the surfaces we are most likely to touch. The phone, the television remote, door handles, and any other spot that countless others have handled before us. It is easy to forget just how many hands come and go in a single cabin over time. The smaller packets will travel with us when we leave the room, tucked into a bag or pocket, ready to be used before meals or after touching railings and menus.
We have already decided to avoid the buffet as much as possible. It is tempting, of course, with its wide selection and easy access, but it also invites too much sharing of surfaces and utensils. Tom often comments on the menus handed out in the dining room, noting how many people must touch them throughout the day. This time, we will either wipe them down or find a way to read them without handling them directly. It may seem excessive to some, but after our last experience, it feels like a reasonable adjustment.
We also picked up packets of Lemsip, something to have on hand should symptoms begin despite our efforts. Along with rest and hydration, it may help ease the discomfort while we take further steps.
Of course, the basics remain at the center of it all. We will wash our hands often, more times than we can count. We will think twice before pressing elevator buttons or stepping into a crowded lift. Public restrooms, when avoidable, will be just that. Avoided. These small decisions, repeated throughout each day, will shape our chances of staying healthy.
Our cabin on the 10th deck offers a balcony, something we always appreciate for the fresh air and the chance to step outside without leaving our space. I wish I could rely on the stairs more often, but my legs have their limits. Elevators will be part of our daily routine, whether we like it or not, and so we will navigate them as carefully as we can.
As much as we enjoy these larger ships, this will likely be the last time we sail on one of this size. With over four thousand passengers, the scale is impressive but also comes with its challenges. Looking ahead, we feel more comfortable with the smaller, more intimate experience offered by Azamara, where the number of guests is far more manageable.
For now, we move forward with a bit more awareness, a bit more preparation, and a quiet hope that this next journey will be a healthier one. That is all any of us can do, really.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 3, 2016:
New photos from Burnie, Tasmania…Great evening out with friends and landlords…Will our flight be cancelled?…Ten days and counting…
Today, we’ve included photos from yesterday’s drive to Burnie. As it turned out, we didn’t see many sights we hadn’t already experienced when we were there ten years ago. At first, there was a flicker of surprise in that realization, as if we had expected the place to reveal something entirely new, simply because time had passed. But travel has taught us that revisiting a destination is less about discovering what has changed and more about noticing how we have.
Instead of searching for something unfamiliar, we found ourselves drawn to what felt quietly beautiful. We took photos of scenes that caught our attention in the moment, not because they were iconic or noteworthy, but because they spoke to us in a simple, unassuming way. A stretch of coastline softened by distance, a cluster of trees leaning gently in the breeze, the shifting light on the water. These were the moments we chose to hold onto, the ones that felt familiar.
We made a planned stop at a local pharmacy, one of those small but practical errands that seem to weave themselves into travel days more often than we expect. With our upcoming cruise in mind, we picked up a few preventive health-related items, the kind that bring a sense of reassurance when you know you’ll soon be far from familiar routines. It wasn’t a remarkable stop by any means, yet it felt like part of the usual preparation that happens behind the scenes of every journey. We’ll share more details about these preventive products for the cruise in tomorrow’s post.
The drive itself turned out to be the highlight of the day. There is something about the coastal roads here that never loses its appeal. We slipped in and out of expansive views of the Bass Strait, each glimpse offering a slightly different mood. At times, the water stretched out in a calm, muted blue, almost blending into the sky. At others, it carried a deeper tone, textured by wind and distance. The transitions felt seamless, as though the landscape was guiding us from one scene to the next.
We didn’t feel the need to rush, and so we didn’t. There were moments when we drove in comfortable silence, taking in what lay before us without needing to comment. Other times, we pointed out a view or a detail that caught our eye, sharing it in the easy way that comes from years of traveling together. These drives have become a familiar part of our lives, yet they never feel routine.
By the time we made our way back to the house, the day had already begun to roll into evening. There is always that subtle shift when the light changes and the air cools, signaling that it’s time to transition to our next plans. We didn’t have long to linger, as it was almost time to get ready for dinner with Terry and Fran, our delightful friends and landlords.
Spending time with them has added a richness to our stay that goes beyond the place itself. There is something special about sharing a meal with people who feel genuinely welcoming, where conversation flows easily and the hours seem to pass without notice. The evening unfolded in that comfortable, unhurried way we have come to appreciate, filled with laughter, thoughtful exchanges, and the simple pleasure of good company. The meal was lovely, but the connection lingered the most as we made our way back for the night.
Today, we are staying in, allowing ourselves a slower pace after a day of exploring. There is a certain comfort in these quieter days, where the focus shifts from seeing and doing to simply being. We’re planning to make a lovely dinner, taking our time with it, enjoying the process as much as the result.
At the same time, there is an undercurrent of attention directed toward something far less relaxing. We are keeping a close eye on flight cancellations across Australia, as there have been many in recent days. Thousands of flights have been canceled, leaving travelers in uncertain situations, and it’s impossible not to feel a bit of that uncertainty ourselves.
We plan to fly to Brisbane on April 13, just one day before our cruise departs. It’s a tight timeline, one that doesn’t leave much room for disruption. Under normal circumstances, we would feel confident in those plans. Still, given the current situation, we find ourselves checking updates more often than usual, hoping for a sense of stability to return.
There is always a balance in travel between planning and letting go. We have learned to accept that not everything is within our control, yet that doesn’t stop us from hoping things will fall into place as intended. For now, all we can do is stay informed, remain flexible, and trust that we’ll find a way forward, whatever happens.
As we move through today, cooking dinner, checking flight updates, and reflecting on yesterday’s drive, we are reminded once again that this lifestyle is a blend of the expected and the unpredictable. It asks us to adapt, to stay present, and to appreciate the moments that unfold, even when they don’t quite match what we had imagined.
And so, we wait, we prepare, and we continue on, holding onto the simple joy of a coastal drive, the warmth of a shared meal, and the hope that our journey to Brisbane will unfold just as it should.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 2, 2016:
We’re off to Burnie, Tasmania today…Top ten interest facts about Burnie…
This morning, we are heading down the road to Burnie, Tasmania, a place we have not visited since our last stay in Penguin all those years ago. It is hard to believe a full decade has passed. Back then, everything felt new and unfamiliar, yet comforting in its own quaint way. As we make our way along the familiar coastal route, there is a sense of curiosity mixed with reflection. We wonder what has changed and what has stayed the same. Returning after so long feels a bit like opening a well-loved book and finding new meaning in its pages.
- Burnie sits quietly on the northwest coast of Tasmania, yet its story begins with bold ambition and stubborn determination. Established as a port town in the 1800s, it was never meant to be flashy. It was built for work. Timber, minerals, and paper once flowed steadily through its harbor, shaping not only the local economy but the identity of the people who lived there. Even today, when you walk along the waterfront, there is a sense that this place earned its character through effort, not accident.
- One of the most surprising things about Burnie is how deeply it embraces public art. What could have been just another coastal town has become an open gallery. Murals stretch across walls, sculptures appear where you least expect them, and even industrial spaces have been softened by creativity. It feels as though the town made a quiet decision at some point to celebrate expression, not just productivity. For visitors, this adds an unexpected layer of discovery.
- Burnie is home to a colony of little penguins, and seeing them return at dusk is one of those experiences that stays with you. There is something almost tender about watching these small creatures waddle ashore after a day at sea. It draws locals and visitors together in quiet anticipation, everyone waiting patiently as the light fades. In a world that often moves too fast, this nightly ritual feels grounding.
- The town’s industrial past is still visible, but it has been reimagined rather than erased. Old factories and warehouses have been repurposed into cultural and community spaces. This blend of old and new gives Burnie a layered feeling, as if each generation has left something behind while making room for what comes next. It is not polished like some tourist towns, and that is part of its appeal.
- Burnie has a strong connection to paper production, once being home to one of the largest paper mills in the Southern Hemisphere. For decades, this industry defined the town, providing jobs and shaping daily life. Families were built around it, routines were formed around it, and the hum of machinery became part of the background. Even as the industry has changed, its influence lingers in conversations and memories.
- The Makers’ Workshop stands as a symbol of Burnie’s evolving identity. It brings together artisans, storytellers, and visitors in a space that celebrates craftsmanship. You can watch glass being blown, learn about the region’s history, and even meet the penguins in a more structured setting. It feels less like a museum and more like a living space where past and present meet in a very natural way. Ten years ago, when we visited Burnie, we wrote a post about The Makers Workshop. See the post and photos here.
- Despite its modest size, Burnie has a strong sense of community that reveals itself in small, meaningful ways. People greet each other on the street, conversations start easily, and there is a noticeable pride in the town. This is not the kind of place where you feel anonymous for long. Even a short stay can leave you feeling connected, as though you have briefly stepped into a shared story.
- The coastline around Burnie is both rugged and inviting. Rocky outcrops meet stretches of sand, and the ocean often feels close and powerful. Walking along the shore, you can sense how much the sea has influenced life here. It is not just scenery. It is a presence that shapes weather, mood, and daily routines. There are moments when the wind picks up, and the waves crash with force, reminding you that this is a working coast, not just a pretty one.
- Burnie has a surprisingly rich sporting culture, particularly in Australian rules football. Local teams are supported with genuine enthusiasm, and matches can feel as much like community gatherings as they are sporting events. Generations of families have been involved, whether as players, supporters, or volunteers. It is another example of how tightly woven the social fabric is in this town.
- Perhaps the most interesting thing about Burnie is how it balances humility with quiet confidence. It does not try to compete with larger cities or more famous destinations. Instead, it leans into what it is. A working town with a creative heart, a coastal setting that demands respect, and a community that values connection. For those who take the time to look beyond the surface, Burnie offers something genuine, and in today’s world, that can feel rare.
Tomorrow, we’ll share new photos and our story about our visit to Burnie. Unfortunately, once again, it will be a cloudy day in Burnie.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 1, 2016:
Exercising caution against small dangerous sea creature at beaches worldwide…
There is something about a beach that invites a sense of ease. The gentle sound of waves, the warmth of sand underfoot, and the vast horizon can make the world feel simple and safe. Over the years, we have walked along countless beaches, from the rugged coastlines of Australia to the pristine stretches of islands scattered across the Pacific and beyond. Each one offered its own beauty, its own mood, and occasionally, its own hidden dangers.
It is easy to forget that the ocean is not just a place of beauty but also a living, breathing ecosystem filled with creatures that demand respect. Some are obvious, like sharks slicing through the water at a distance, their presence enough to send swimmers scrambling to shore. Others are far less visible, often resting quietly in the sand or drifting unnoticed in the shallows, waiting for an unsuspecting footstep or curious touch.
Recently, there has been news from Guardamar del Segura, a coastal town in southeastern Spain, where beachgoers encountered the striking yet dangerous Glaucus atlanticus, commonly known as the blue dragon. At first glance, it hardly looks threatening. With its delicate, almost otherworldly appearance and brilliant shades of blue, it seems more like a tiny piece of ocean art than something to fear. But this small creature carries a powerful sting that can cause intense pain and, in rare cases, more serious reactions.
What makes the blue dragon especially fascinating, and a bit unsettling, is how it feeds. It preys on venomous creatures such as the Portuguese man-of-war, storing their venom and concentrating it within its own tissues. In doing so, it becomes even more potent than its prey. It is a reminder that in nature, beauty and danger often coexist, intertwined in ways we do not always expect.
Thinking back on our own travels, we have encountered warnings about dangerous marine life more times than we can count. In Australia, beaches are often marked with signs cautioning swimmers about box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish, both tiny and nearly invisible in the water, yet capable of delivering excruciating stings. Standing at the edge of such waters, one feels a mixture of awe and hesitation. The ocean looks so inviting, yet beneath the surface lies an unseen world that operates on its own.
Then there are the creatures that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The stonefish, often buried in shallow sand or nestled among rocks, is considered one of the most venomous fish in the world. Stepping on one can result in intense pain and requires immediate medical attention. It is the kind of danger that does not announce itself, making awareness all the more important.
Even something as simple as a walk along the shoreline can carry unexpected risks. In some parts of the world, cone snails, particularly the Conus geographus, lie partially hidden, their beautifully patterned shells tempting beachcombers to pick them up. Yet inside is a harpoon-like mechanism capable of delivering venom that can be life-threatening. It is a powerful lesson in restraint, reminding us that not everything meant to be admired should be touched.
Despite these realities, beaches remain among our favorite places. There is a sense of connection to the natural world that feels both grounding and expansive. Over time, we have learned that enjoying these environments does not require fear, but rather a healthy respect and a willingness to stay informed.
Simple precautions go a long way. Paying attention to local warnings, observing posted signs, and taking a moment to scan the water before entering can make all the difference. Wearing protective footwear in unfamiliar waters, resisting the urge to handle marine life, and understanding that even the smallest creature can defend itself become second nature with experience.
What strikes me most is how these encounters deepen our appreciation for the places we visit. Knowing that a tiny blue dragon can wash ashore in Spain, or that invisible jellyfish drift through tropical waters, adds a layer of complexity to what might otherwise seem like a simple day at the beach. It reminds us that we are visitors in these environments, stepping briefly into a world that has existed long before us.
In the end, the beach is not just a place for relaxation. It is a place of discovery, where beauty and caution walk hand in hand. Each visit becomes an opportunity to learn, to observe, and to respect the delicate balance that defines life along the edge of the sea.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 31, 2016:
The US Will Require Travelers From 50 Countries to Pay Up to $15,000 to Visit…Details…
This information is imperative to share with our worldwide readers/travelers from this site:
“The U.S. Will Require Travelers From 50 Countries to Pay Up to $15,000 to Visit—What to Know
Travelers from 50 countries must now pay up to $15,000 in bonds to apply for U.S. B1 or B2 visas By Stacey Leasca, Published on March 29, 2026
It’s about to get way more expensive for some tourism and business travelers to visit the United States.
On March 18, President Donald Trump’s administration announced it would require travelers from 50 countries to post $15,000 bonds while applying for entry to the U.S. under a B1 or B2 visa.
“The visa bond program has already proven effective at drastically reducing the number of visa recipients who overstay their visas and illegally remain in the United States,” the State Department shared in a release as to why it was adding new nations to the list. “Nearly 1,000 foreigners have been issued visas under the program, and 97% of bonded travelers have returned home from the United States on time.”
The new countries included in the visa bond program, the State Department’s statement explained, include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
These countries join the 38 others already a part of the visa bond program. Those countries include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It’s critical to note that the full amount of the bond will be “returned to visa recipients who return home in compliance with the terms of the visa and the bond,” or if the person chooses not to travel.
The countries added in March will be expected to pay the bond for any travel as of April 2. Those looking to apply need to submit specific forms (more information on that there) only “after a consular officer directs them to do so,” the State Department explained. Then, applicants will receive a direct link to pay through Pay.gov. “They must not use any third-party website for posting the bond. The U.S. Government is not responsible for any money paid outside of its systems,” it added.
Also critically, being able to pay the bond does not guarantee you will get a visa. If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, the fees will not be returned.
And, while a smaller detail, visa holders should be aware that they may only enter and exit the United States through commercial airports, “including CBP preclearance locations.” Visa holders cannot land or leave on charter flights or boats. And remember, staying past the date of authorization, even by a day, means forfeiting the bond. See all the details at travel.state.gov.”
Note: Visa bond compliance: The bond will be canceled, and the money returned automatically in these situations: the Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder’s departure from the United States on or before the date to which they are authorized to stay in the United States. A US visa bond ($5,000–$15,000) is a refundable deposit required for select high-risk applicants, primarily aiming to prevent visa overstays. The process is initiated by a consular officer at the interview. If required, applicants must file Form I-352 and pay through the official Pay.gov platform.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 30, 2016:
Two weeks and counting…
