Reasonable cost of living in South Africa…Could we have forgotten our upcoming wedding anniversary?…

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This female bushbuck flipped into the air after something bit her!

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

A grey heron in Kruger National Park.

We arrived at Jabula for dinner last night at 6:00 pm. We’d hoped to mingle with other customers who may be sitting at the inviting bar in the restaurant.

With only one other patron in the restaurant, we found ourselves engaged in pleasant conversation with Lyn, a friend of owners Dawn and Leon, who recently started working in the popular local establishment.

This time, little Ms. Bushbuck had Helmeted Guinea Fowl join her for a visit. They also like the pellets but have to break them up to fit in their beaks.

It’s the low season now in Marloth Park, but soon, when Spring Break begins, many tourists will arrive for one or two week holidays. Few stay as long as we do. At that point, the few restaurants in MP will be busier. But, last night’s quiet experience at Jabula on a Saturday night was an isolated case.  

There was only one other couple dining while we dined at around 7:30. We moved from the bar to sit outside on the veranda, enjoying another delicious meal. Tom ordered the mixed grill with chips (fries) while I had my usual peri-peri chicken livers and a Greek salad.

Tossing pellets to three females kudus who stopped by.

Our total bill was ZAR 478 (US $40.09), which included tax and tips. Instead of ordering a glass of wine, I accidentally ordered an entire bottle of Pinot Grigio while Tom had a few bottles of Castle beer. 

Knowing I’d never drink an entire bottle of wine, I ended up taking half of it “home,” which I’ll finish tonight when our friends Lynne and Mick come for dinner. Where in the world can one go out to dinner, order an entire bottle of wine and several bottles of beer, order meals and, tender a tip for this amount?  

Female kudu eating pellets out of my hand.  They’re very gentle, but any sudden movements send them on their way.

We decided to return to Africa for a few reasons: primarily to fulfill my dream of returning to Marloth Park, my favorite place in the world, and two, to “lick our wounds” after the expensive Antarctica cruise. Our mission is fully being realized. 

The cost of living here is more reasonable than anywhere we’ve lived in the world. By the time we leave Africa next March, we’ll have recovered the entire cost of the Antarctica cruise by spending so much less on our monthly expenses.

She stopped eating from my hand and decided to go after the container!

There will be the added expenses of the tours we’re planning in the next few months when we’ll visit a few other countries on the continent, after which we’ll return to Marloth on each occasion.

Last night, as we chatted in the bar, we remembered that our wedding anniversary is coming up on March 7th. We’ve been having such fun. Lately, we could easily have forgotten the anniversary! Ironically, this anniversary is less critical than the October 31st anniversary we celebrate with enthusiasm each year. 

We adore this large full-grown male who stops by every few days.  He likes eating the pellets off the edge of the veranda, which prevents him from having to bend down with his heavy “rack.”

It was on that date in 2012 that we began our journey…a day of liberation from “stuff” and “work” and a day to celebrate our “stepping outside the box” to live our retirement years to the fullest. But, this coming Wednesday, March 7th, we will celebrate our wedding anniversary with plans we made this morning and will share on Thursday with photos.

Having placed less emphasis on our wedding anniversary doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not essential to us. All of our readers know we are a very happy couple and love every moment we spend together. But, the full realization of the depth, magnitude, and meaning of our relationship didn’t fully come to fruition until we began to travel the world.

When he finishes the pellets, we put them down, and he stares at us for more.  It’s impossible to resist his request.  He’s so handsome.

It’s been through this process during the past 5 1/3  years that we’ve come to fully appreciate how compatible and loving we are as a couple. It was easy to put aside our needs as a couple in the hustle and bustle of our past lives, loaded with responsibility and stress. 

In this magical life, sharing every morsel of our day-to-day lives, our level of admiration and appreciation for one another has catapulted to a level we never dreamed possible. So, yes, we will celebrate on March 7th, as we hope and pray for many more such years to come.

Tom, coming back up the steps after he lay down a raw egg for the mongooses.

Be well.  Be happy. 

Photo from one year ago today, March 4, 2017:

We had a great time with new friends, Christina and Harold, with whom we enjoyed dinner in their Penthouse Suite the previous night. For more details, please click here.

An anniversary night where we met 26 years ago…Post #1800 today!

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Our waiter took this photo of us on our 26th anniversary of the day we met at this exact location, now a different restaurant.

Dining out every night over the past 34 nights, except for a few occasions when we’ve eaten at the homes of friends or family, has lost its novelty. No longer do we peruse the menu with renewed interest anticipating something new and wonderful.

When we entered Poor Richard’s, we were reminded of the memorable date of when we met.

With my restricted way of eating and the availability of restaurant menus online, it’s been easy to determine which establishments may work for me and which do not. Also, since I don’t consume foods cooked in vegetable oils (only butter, quality olive oil, or coconut oil), there are few menu items I’d consider ordering.

The easiest and least risky meals for me are salads containing hard-boiled eggs, bacon, fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato with broiled chicken or salmon. This generally may be described as a Cobb Salad or variation thereof.

Tom was all smiles when he perused the menu.

Except for amazing fall-off-the-bone ribs we ordered (without sauce) at Grizzly’s the other night, I’ve only ordered the above-type salads over these many past meals. 

On the other hand, Tom has indulged in a whatever-he-wants mentality, knowing that in a little over a month, I’ll be cooking our meals again, which won’t include fries and other starches, burgers in a bun and other bread products, etc. 

Tom’s puff pastry-topped chicken potpie and garlic mashed potatoes.

During this period, he’s avoided all desserts and sweets, including the home-baked chocolate chip cookies available in the hotel’s lobby throughout the day and evening.

Eating only a low-carb breakfast (no pancakes, waffles, cold cereals, or toast) and no lunch or snacks between breakfast and dinner (or after dinner), he hasn’t gained an ounce while consuming some of this less-than-desirable food. I’ve stayed mum about what he orders (other than perhaps drooling a little when I see what’s on his plate at dinner time).

My seasoned buffalo chicken chopped salad with bacon, avocado, and blue cheese.

Last night was a perfect example of my drooling.  He ordered a puff pastry-topped chicken pot pie with a side of garlic mashed potatoes (skins included). I rated another variation of a Cobb Salad based on the menu offerings at Poor Richard’s Commonhouse in Bloomington, the location of our anniversary dinner as explained in yesterday’s post.  Please click here if you missed that post.

To our local readers: This is not the wrong spot for a reasonably priced and delicious meal.

Tom thoroughly enjoyed his pot pie, while I found the salad to be one step above some of the others I’ve tried since we arrived on May 26th.  Of course, the evening wasn’t so much about the food as it was the experience, dining in the same spot where we met 26 years ago, although the former establishment had been replaced twice; from the former Stonewings to Major by the current Poor Richard’s.

We’d anticipated feeling somewhat nostalgic about the location. Still, unfortunately, it had changed so much in the past 26 years we didn’t see any of the old Stonewings in its shape or design. Considerable remodeling had transpired over the years, making it an entirely new place.

We met in 1991 at this geographical location, not necessarily this same restaurant.

Instead, we giggled over the people we were 26 years ago, chatted about how our lives have changed so much, our time here in Minnesota and upcoming in Nevada, and the continuation of our travels in a mere 32 days when we fly to Costa Rica.

We both want to thanks our readers/friends, our Facebook friends, and our family for all the well wishes, email messages, and comments posted on yesterday’s post (click here to see).  Tom’s photo was quite a hit with the “girls,” and as he’s continued to mature over the years, he’s still quite a hit with me. 

The sign on the outside of the unrecognizable building.

It’s funny how when one is in love, they never mind the apparent aging process and changes that evolve over the years. In our minds, we’re still the 26-years-younger people we were back then with some added wisdom and “seasoning.” 

Happy day to all!

Photo from one year ago today, June 29, 2016:

Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore with its ornate carvings. For more, please click here. 

Today is our 26th anniversary of the date we met…An unusual plan to celebrate tonight…

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This was Tom around the time we met in 1991. (Photo of the old photo).

Tom and I met 26 years ago at a popular nightclub and dance bar in Bloomington, Minnesota. Stonewings was known for being a place to meet the more mature types. I was 43 years old, and Tom was 38. 

I’d been on a blind date with another guy and ditched him when everything about him revolved around lies he told me to get me to go out with him.  It didn’t take long for me to run as fast as possible and call a girlfriend to join me for some “fun” at Stonewings.

Walking into the busy nightclub, I took a seat while my friend went to the restaurant next door to have a bite to eat. No more than a few minutes after I ordered a drink, I spotted him…Tom that is. 

He was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt with a button-down collar with tight black jeans. He didn’t look like my usual “corporate type,” wearing a Hugo Boss suit, a 100% pinpoint cotton long sleeve dress shirt, a subtle Armani tie, a pair of Cole Haan shoes, and socks with dots. Nope, he wasn’t my type.

His shock of dark hair, his bright white toothy smile, and his crystal blue eyes had me smitten in minutes. Another man approached me, announcing, “Hi, my name is rockin’ rollin’ Bob, and I’m the social director here tonight. I’d like to know who you’d like to dance with.”

Jess and Tom in 1991.

I paused, contemplating the peculiar announcement for only seconds. I pointed at Tom and said, “Him!”  Bob escorted me to Tom’s table, introduced me, and left. In moments, we were engaged in lively conversation.  Within 30 minutes, we were on the dance floor, unable to wipe the smiles off our faces. 

By the end of the night, the sparks were flying. At the end of the evening, when the bar was closing, he escorted me to my car, asked for a kiss which I declined, and asked me to see him the next night. I agreed, but I invited him to my lake home for dinner in an unlikely moment of pure trust.

We had nothing in common. He was a “blue-collar” railroad worker, and I was a “white-collar” business owner.  We lived in different worlds, mingled with different kinds of people, and had nothing in common. He liked rock music. I liked disco.  He was from a large family. I was not.

He grew up in the hood and spoke slang language. My friends joked that I was the queen of proper diction and elocution. He purchased his Wrangler or Levi jeans at Fleet Farm.  I wore designer jeans from Neiman Marcus. 

When I looked deep into his ocean blue eyes, I knew this would never last, nor did I want it to.  I thought, “This guy will be fun for the summer.” The following night when he drove up to my house on the peninsula with its lush green manicured lawn, he thought (so he says), “We have nothing in common, and soon I’ll be out of here in no time and head back to Stonewings.”

See…he does “clean up” nicely wearing a tuxedo. 

But it didn’t happen that way. He hated the food I’d made and the drink I served: blackened swordfish, couscous, and grilled baby asparagus with a crusty baguette and bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. He somehow managed to eat the food and drink the wine. 

The conversation flowed with ease.  We laughed, talked, and shared personal stories not necessarily befitting a “first date.” When he told me he’d taken his mother, who was going blind, to see the Pope in Italy and visit Ireland using his entire one month of a year’s vacation, I truly believe it was a stepping stone to my falling in love.  Who does that?  This must be one special kind of guy.

This sexy bad boy was much deeper than I’d expected, and I let my guard down and let him into my world.  It wasn’t an easy four years until we were married in 1995. He had to rid himself of his bad-boy ways, but somehow we managed to stick together and grew more and more in love over time as we both grew and changed.

We met 26 years ago tonight, and here we are, living a dream we never knew either of us had ever imagined.  Here we are, more in love than ever, sharing a commonality of interests that often baffles us. How did we get here?

But, rather than question it, we’ve blended our ways. He still doesn’t like blackened fish or red wine, and I don’t eat (and never have) Planter’s cheeseballs or McDonald’s burgers and fries. I’ve been to parties in garages and bowling alleys, and he’s worn a black tie to social events. 

He knows what fork to use at a formal dinner table, and I can snip a nightcrawler (worm) with my long fingernails and neatly place it on a hook with nary a comment or concern for the mud under my nails. We’ve blended well.

In 33 days, we’ll be back “out into the world,” continuing on our world journey with a powerful sense of joy and contentment, knowing wherever we go, whatever we do, we’re genuinely a match “made in heaven.”

Tonight, we’re dining where Stonewings used to be, which is now a casual bar named “Poor Richards.” It won’t be quite the same, but we’ll be content, and we’ll celebrate this amazing life we share together.

Photo from one year ago today, June 28, 2016:

We’d expected the Vietnam Embassy to be guarded and much larger. As often is the case, many embassies are converted to large homes. We’d specifically gone to Singapore to get three much-needed visas at various embassies, visas we’d need over the two months we were spending in Southeast Asia.  For more details, please click here.

Today is our 4th anniversary of posting…

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These beautiful tree clusters create a nice foreground for our photos at sunset.

Yesterday, as I was uploading the post, the date dawned on us as the upcoming anniversary of our first post.  As it turns out, it was four years ago today, on March 15, 2012, that we posted this site for the first time.

Here is the link to our first post on March 15, 2012.

At the time we began posting, we weren’t leaving Minnesota for over seven months until our departure date of October 31, 2012 with much to plan and handle in attempting to undo a lifetime in Minnesota and 26 years in our home.

Each room in our house was decorated and appointed with mementos, treasured and decorator items, all with a story and special meaning only to us. The two walk-in closets in the master bedroom, three upstairs guest room closets, and a large attic were filled to the brim with years of collection and accumulation. 

There’s a sliver of moon in this photo.

Certainly not, “hoarders” we still had our fair share of stuff. The thought of disposing of it all much of which our kids had no interest with their own house filled with their “stuff”, we made up bins of memorabilia for the each of the grandkids.

We arranged a professional estate sale for the rest, donating the items which didn’t sell. It was a daunting task I’ll never forget, along with the sale of the house and both cars.

In addition, we had to research and plan insurance, medical, immunizations, financial matters, digital equipment needs and of course, enough upcoming travel arrangements to give us peace of mind in knowing where we’d be traveling for the first few years.

Taking photos of sunsets is always tricky when the sky changes by the seconds, not minutes.

Tom was still working up until departure date. Being able to document the process was both therapeutic and rewarding, especially when people from all over the world began reading our posts, much to our surprise and delight. How did they find us? 

At the time, we did little promotion to acquire more readers. Magically, they appeared and continue to do so through “word of mouth” and our occasional promotion on other websites. 

When readers started writing to us about enjoying their “armchair experience,” reading our story on their ride on the train or bus ride to work, during a coffee break or at the kitchen table, our enthusiasm escalated to hopefully provide a worthwhile experience.

It was almost completely dark when we took this shot.

Many changes have occurred over these past four years.  Early on we hired a web designer, Brooke Woodall with http://www.smittenblogdesigns.com/ to help with the nuances since I have little time or interest in web development. 

Eventually, we added advertisers although we earn little revenue from the links but never did so with the intent in making enough to support us in any manner. Most likely, that will never occur. 

As time passed, around February, 2013, we found ourselves posting every day and attempting to perfect the quality of our photos. Since we began posting daily, we’ve hardly missed a single day, only due to internet connectivity or on travel days. 

With the mountains blocking our view of the actual sun setting we’re able to see the beauty in the sky at sunset on clear nights.

Over these past few years we’ve made an attempt to prepare the final day’s post to be scheduled to upload on travel day. That process seems to be working well preventing us from missing any days.

We realize that some days our stories are “thin” and not as content rich as others.  Its the “nature of the beast.” If someone told me I’d write a several page “essay” with photos every single day, I’d have said it wasn’t possible due to lack of content and/or motivation.

Nothing stop us, not lack of content, motivation, illness or planned activities. On cruises, we often go our on tours early in the morning. We either prepare a post the prior day or post upon return with new photos. 

Moments later it was pitch dark.

Our dedication and commitment has never wavered mainly due to our loyal readers commitment to continuing to stop by to see “what’s happening.” We are eternally grateful for our readers. 

It’s all of YOU who drive us to get out, see more, have more experiences, create more stories to write and take more photos to share. This, dear readers, even after four years never and I mean never, leaves us feeling pressured or stressed to prepare the next day’s morsel.

We enthusiastically continue to share our lives of two somewhat daring, somewhat crazy, sometimes boring seniors citizens of the world dedicated to living life to the fullest for as long as we are given the gift of good health.

Thank you for these past amazing four years.  Thank you to our readers who’ve stepped in along the way.  Thank you to our new readers who may be here for the first time today.  Each of you inspires us to continue on…

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

We didn’t post a photo one year ago today when instead we wrote about our original post on March 15, 2012.  Please click here for details.

Part 2…Best anniversary day imaginable!…Reeling from a memorable experience at the world famous Namale Resort & Spa!

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Namale Resort & Spa spares nothing in providing the ideal tropical holiday.

Again this year, Namale Resort & Spa has been the winner of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award and has earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years in the categories of accommodation, romance and luxury.

One of the two pools available for all guests. Some of the villas have private pools.

Whether a guest desires an adventure hike through a rainforest to a hidden waterfall, a horseback ride along the beach or a heart-pounding scuba dive into the Koro Sea, it is all available at Namale Resort & Spa.

Frog statue at one of the pools.

For more low-key activities, a private, secluded meal can be arranged anywhere on the grounds, inside the guest’s bure, villa, or a quiet picnic on the beach or at the deck overlooking the blow hole.

There was a pumpkin carving event scheduled in this recreational area in the afternoon, based on our tour day as Halloween in many countries.  It would be an adult-only event when Namale is an adult-only (16 and over) environment.

For the sports inclined, there’s a nine-hole golf course, fitness centre, volleyball and tennis courts and an indoor basketball court. At the Kava Bowl indoor entertainment center, there’s a golf simulator, two bowling lanes, billiard tables, ping pong, and darts and of course, wifi available in the cool, comfortable surroundings.

Bana, the scuba dive master/instructor and host.  We enjoyed our chat with him as with several other staff members.

As we wandered through the property reveling in one artfully built building after another, it was easy to imagine oneself in this inviting and relaxing environment. Celebrities from all over the world come to Namale Resort & Spa for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of life in the public eye.

Filo is the perfect tour guide and hostess for our extensive tour of the property.

Then again, those who select Namale for their wedding, anniversary or much deserved respite from everyday life can easily float amid its lush and inviting surroundings to escape the rigors of everyday life.

Guests are encouraged to write their names and date of their visit on these individual stones to remain on-site for years to come. When enough accumulate, they are made into a walking path. How enjoyable it would be to return years later to find one’s stone remaining!  What a unique personal touch while overall signifies the message at Namale.

Let’s face it, we’ve visited numerous resorts throughout our travels, many in the five star category, even one designated as seven-star (go figure) in Abu Dhabi, UAE that we visited in 2013, the Emirates Palace Hotel (click here for our post and photos). 

Tennis courts available for day or night use with equipment on-site, easy to access. 

No other resorts appealed to our tastes more than Namale Resort & Spa, not for its opulence but for the manner in which it embraces nature, and the manner in which every staff member strives to fulfill the needs, desires and interests of each guest for their recurring holiday/vacation or a once-in-a-lifetime visit to this perfect getaway.

This beach scene with comfortable chaise lounges in the sand reminded us of resorts we visited on the Indian Ocean in Kenya.

Our lunch was far beyond our expectations. Having perused many restaurant menus in Savusavu, we decided dining out here (as was the case in Trinity Beach, Australia) would be difficult with my highly restrictive diet.  With good health paramount to our travels, straying from my way of eating is never an option, even in doing so by accident. 

The fitness centre with the latest and greatest equipment.

We must admit that dining at Namale Resort & Spa was our first meal in a restaurant since our last cruise ended on June 11th when we dined aboard ship on the final night in a specialty restaurant with our newly made friends, Renee and Geoff. 

The Kava Bowl (no kava served here, although cocktails are available) is the full service recreational building including two bowling lanes, game tables and golf simulator. 

We’ve had tremendous good fortune with meals on our past 11 cruises with chefs readily accommodating my diet although I must carefully monitor the process at each meal to ensure accuracy. In a single visit to a local restaurant such diligence is not to be expected or likely.  

The second shared swimming pool.

We’ve missed dining out, not so much to give me a break from cooking which I don’t require but, more so for the enjoyment of sitting together in a new setting, enjoying the surroundings and hopefully good service and food.

Namale’s name is derived from the name of this tree, located outside the basketball courts and sports building.

Then again, there’s Tom, who eat whatever he wants on cruise ships and when dining in restaurants with no complaint or evil eye from me.  n fact, I go as far as encouraging him to take advantage of the opportunity and to eat and drink to his heart’s content when he only partakes of my diet when we dine at “home.”

Shivani, the spa director was delightful as she toured us through the exquisite spa.

That’s exactly what he did at Namale Resort & Spa. The bread basket was his first foray into his perception of the ultimate dining experience, replenished once by our lovely and attentive, server Topou, who couldn’t have provided more perfect service. 

An extensive menu of services is offered by the spa including “couples” massages and services.

He didn’t stop eating the soft “squishy” buns until after the fifth and still had room for a frosty banana Pina Colada, his delicious three-course meal, including the addition of my dessert to his dessert plate.

The view beyond the massage tables in the couple’s massage room.

The chef easily accommodated my food restrictions with a perfectly cooked plate of steak fajitas, minus the usual tortillas, and the starter of a grilled shrimp salad, all well within the range of my restrictions.

Villi, our friendly driver, who ensured we had a bit of riding time during the tour of the expansive property which encompasses 525 acres.

The flavor, presentation and service for each of the three courses of our meal couldn’t have been more to our liking as shown in these photos. The timing, an important element in fine dining and multiple course service, was extraordinary, leaving us never feeling rushed or in want of a plate being cleared.  Even my unsweetened iced tea was flavorful with lots of ice, as I prefer.

Tom was thrilled with his first cocktail, since June 10th on our last cruise. He was working on the first of his delicious warm buns slathered with butter.

Whether it was the spa, where we met and were toured by the spa director Shivani through one of the most amazing spas we’ve seen, to the drive in the golf cart by Villi or the walks among the many pathways with Filo to hidden treasures at every turn, we were continually impressed by the staff. 

We both had this refreshing shrimp salad as our first course, all of which worked for my diet.

One of our most enjoyable conversations was with Bana, the scuba dive master who’s warmth and personality kept us longing for more idle chatter with him. Nowdla, the co-general manager, in her obvious love for Namale Resort & Spa and Fiji, couldn’t have been more delightful and thoughtful in providing us with an ideal visit to this special place.

Tom’s beer-battered fish, chips and red cabbage which he thoroughly enjoyed stating he hadn’t had fried fish this good in years.

At the end of our day, we wandered back to the reception area where we again thanked the staff. While Tom sat in the cooling breeze in the outdoor lobby, I wandered through the gift shop wondering, if I was a “usual” tourist, what would I bring “home.” The offerings were many, all of high quality as expected, with many especially intriguing options.

My fajita meal was three good-sized chunks of tenderloin cooked to perfection on a bed of grilled vegetables and salsa. It couldn’t have been more wonderful.

Soon, Ratnesh arrived to return us to our temporary home in Savusavu. The almost four hours from door to door experience had flown by, leaving us with smiles on our faces for an experience and anniversary celebration we’ll always remember.

We’ll continue to post more Namale photos over the next few days. However, we have new stories awaiting upcoming posts that we’re excited to share as we continue on.

Tom’s double  portion of lemon merengue pie with blueberry coulis included my portion which I had to decline.

At the moment, as I prepare this post, Tom is in the chair next to mine as we overlook the sea, while he’s watching the Minnesota Vikings game on his laptop that aired on US TV at noon on Sunday, Minnesota time, which was 7 am here in Fiji this morning, Monday (after yesterday’s time change).  You can take the boy out of Minnesota but you can’t take the Minnesota out of the boy, including eating the five delicious rolls at Namale Resort & Spa.

Photo from one year ago today, November 2, 2014:

This must have been pretty before it began to fade away. For more details from the post one year ago, please click here.

Part 1…Best anniversary day imaginable!…Reeling from a memorable experience at the world famous Namale Resort & Spa!

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Inside the reception building, we asked a staff member to take our photo at Namale Resort & Spa as we celebrated our three year anniversary of traveling the world with a tour and lunch at the world renowned resort. 

Where do we begin?  It’s nearly impossible to describe the wonderful day we had yesterday on our third anniversary of traveling the world at the world renowned Tony Robbins Namale Resort & Spa, only a 30 minute drive from our current home in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

The drive on a private road into Namale Resort & Spa, situated in a dense rainforest, gave us only a glimpse of the 525 acres of paradise which lie ahead.

Here are a few accolades regarding this upscale resort:

“#1 Most Romantic Resort in the South Pacific”
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards

“One of the top 50 most romantic places on earth.”
Luxury Magazine

“All time winner of the resorts and great hotels of the world connoisseur choice award.”
Architectural Digest cover

The list of awards and recognition for this outstanding resort are as expected as the memorable experiences made for travelers who visit from all over the world, unsurpassed in many ways in its exquisite beauty, situated on 525 acres of rainforests, ocean cliffs and pristine beaches.

Throughout the grounds, there is minimal structured landscaping as often found in five star resorts, instead taking advantage of the natural beauty and vegetation which provides a backdrop to the many aspects of the resort.

Recently in June, Namale Resort & Spa celebrated its 25th anniversary while it continues to be heralded as one of the finest in the world in its service, amenities and unique design, more than any other resorts one may have visited in the past.

Sure, we could spend this entire post espousing the attributes of this upscale resort but, as our worldwide readers are well aware, we tend to share our personal experiences included into a review of any type of property.

As we neared Namale Resort & Spa, a sense of excitement washed over us both, having heard many positive comment about this property over these past few months we’ve spent living in Vanua Levu.

Over the next few days, we’ll excitedly share many photos and experiences we enjoyed at Namale over an almost four hour period we spent onsite, observing as much as possible of its endless offerings, its exemplary staff and its abundance of natural beauty so thoughtfully incorporated into its unique surroundings.

Its not easy to grasp the magnitude of 525 acres as we rode on a six passenger golf cart with our tour guide and hostess, Filo and friendly driver, Villi.  On occasion, Villi was radioed to attend to other guests and we continued joyfully on foot with Filo. 

Filo was gracious and thorough in her tour of the vast property.  With full occupancy, we weren’t able to see the interior of any of the villas although more detailed photos may be found online at Namale Resort & Spa.

It was a hot and humid day but with nary a complaint we wandered about the vast property on foot able to easily gain access to the many ocean scenes that mesmerized guests who’ve found this astounding resort for their honeymoon, an anniversary, or a quiet therapeutic get away, most certainly at a premium cost.

Many travelers from throughout the world choose to visit Namale Resort & Spa for its seminars held a few times each year, held in its onsite seminar facilities.

The views are varied in their breathtaking beauty.

With rates beginning at approximately USD $1,400, FJD $3017 per night and up, depending on choice of accommodations, this resort isn’t for many travelers. Unfortunately, an overnight stay at Namale Resort & Spa didn’t fit into our world travel budget, although we were appreciative to have had the opportunity for our visit. 

The all inclusive resort is closed to outside dining guests but, accommodations were made for our visit, tour and lunch, all of which far surpassed our expectations.

A few weeks ago, we shared a glimpse of this swimming raft available exclusively for Namale’s guests when we visited the Blue Lagoon from the opposite side of the bay.

As explained by our host, Nowdla Keefe, co-general manager, who’d arranged our visit and stopped by our table during our meal,  80% of guests are from the US, many of whom may have been familiar with its owner and creator, the highly regarded personal and business motivational speaker and finance strategist, Tony Robbins.

Having personally attended several of his US seminars over my business career, many of his philosophies still remain embedded into my brain yet today as is the case for many who followed his wisdom and career over the decades. 

With accommodations for 44 guests, the marina is small but situated in a quiet cove.  Many tourists visit for snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral reef surrounding the property.

However, we visited Namale Resort and Spa with a scrutinous eye, not blinded by past experience, intended to examine its many offerings with our three year’s of non-stop world travel experience, no longer enthralled with opulence as a definitive medium of excellence and integrity.

Each narrow pebbled path leads to yet another pleasing view.

We were never disappointed as Filo wowed us, time after time, over the care and consideration exercised throughout the design, development and the maintenance of this fine property, which in its 25 years, never appeared dated or tired as many five star resorts many may succumb to over time.

Technology was at its most current, as was each of its many recreational areas, utilizing the most up-to-date equipment and amenities. Nothing was spared in presenting an appearance and sense of what would expect to find in an upscale resort built today, even in this remote island paradise.

There is one inviting seating area after another near restaurants and activity areas.  The palm laying on the deck are being used to make a variety of decorative items used in the resort.

Above all, we were most impressed by the gentle, calming nature of the extraordinary conscientious staff, eager to please at every point. 

In tomorrow’s post, we’ll share photos of a few of the fine staff members we had the opportunity to meet and engage in conversation, truly one of the highlights of our special day.  Plus, we’ll be including photos of the many recreational and amenities buildings located on this fine property and of course, our memorable lunch.

See you soon with much more!

__________________________________________


Photo from one year ago today, November 1, 2014:

Last year’s two year travel anniversary was relatively uneventful with a disappointing dinner in a local restaurant in Maui, although we were happy and grateful to celebrate another year.  For details, please click here.

Our three year anniversary…A special day out…Total expenses for three years of travel and lots more stats…Hold on to your seats!

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Us in Hawaii, one year ago. Tomorrow, we’ll post a new photo of us together from Namale Resort. Here’s a link to our two year anniversary.

This morning, we awoke simultaneously at 5:45, both of us saying “happy anniversary, lover!” It’s a special day for us. It’s the third year anniversary of our world travels, beginning on October 31, 2012, the day Tom retired and we left Minnesota to begin our journey.

The first few years we didn’t make much of a deal of the anniversary when we hit the road, leaving our lives in Minnesota behind, leaving behind all we knew and loved.

Our kids, now all in their 40’s had built their own lives with their families, filled with activities, their own traditions, fully embracing the hurried and at times, the frantic pace of life in the US. 

After working all of our lives and living that frenzied pace at times, we were ready to expand our horizons and step outside the “expected” box of retirement and old age. 

What contributed to our choosing this life evolved more from our mutual desire to do so than anything else. In many marriages, one may like the idea, but the other spouse wouldn’t consider it. With my renewed health beginning 11 months before we left, it was three months later until we even conceived of the idea. 

It was hard leaving everyone we love behind.  We didn’t take it lightly. We just did it differently than many Minnesotans who choose to escape the frigid winters and short, hot, humid summers.  Instead of buying a condo in Arizona or Florida as many retirees often do, seeing family once or twice a year, we chose to see the world, although the stretches between visits are further apart.

The kids and grandchildren visited us in Hawaii last December, a little over two years after we’d left and we’ll see them again in 19 months. They’re doing fine without us. A call on Skype is all it takes to see a smiling face and hear a familiar voice. 

Many ask, “When will this end and you move back to the US?” When one is happy and fulfilled, it’s a tough question to answer. Our answer is vague at this point, “When we have to (due to health) or when we want to.”  Neither of those scenarios is in front of us now as we enter into our fourth year.

Although not specifically an anniversary photo this was taken in January, 2013 in the days when we had lots of luggage. We believe we had a total of 17 pieces including several carry-on bags.  Now we have three checked bags and a two carry-on items each.

When we began this journey three years ago we made a pact: If one of us wants to stop traveling, the other will agree. Of course, if health becomes a serious issue we’re unable to address from abroad, we’d have no choice but to return to the US.  Perhaps, after a period of time and recovery, we can continue again.

However, part of the joy in our lives is the uncertainty of the distant future, an odd sensation for two people who liked to plan well into the future, especially me. And yet, I’m totally at ease moving every few weeks or months. 

Other than missing the people we love, we miss nothing in our old lives. Sure, a TV would be nice or AC on hot humid days but now, we see those as frills we easily live without. Getting dressed is easy each day: shorts and tee-shirt, or…tee shirt and shorts. Life is simple and uncomplicated.

We wish we’d taken more anniversary photos on years one and two but, often alone, we settle for what we can, often taking photos of ourselves individually or on occasion, asking a stranger. We’ll try to do better on future anniversaries. 

Tomorrow, we’ll definitely post a photo of us together after today’s upcoming celebration at Namale Resort where we requested an exception to allow “outsiders” to dine in their restaurant when it’s exclusively intended for “all-inclusive” guests only. 

Luckily, our offer of doing a story on Namale and today’s experience will be posted online tomorrow which results in great exposure for their resort to our worldwide readers. We’re appreciative of the opportunity to visit this world-famous resort.

Now, for the part most of today’s readers are anticipating…the numbers. Yesterday, after reviewing our spreadsheets with every facet of our travels, including all expenses and every aspect of our itinerary.

Tom at the beach at the Indian Ocean on our one year anniversary in 2013. Here’s a link to our one year anniversary.

Also, we’ve included the totals for each expense for “everyday” living with such items as medical, supplies, insurance, toiletries, groceries, data, clothing, dining out, entertainment, postage, miscellaneous fees, and on and on.

Many of you will be shocked when you read these numbers. Others may be pleasantly surprised. But, if any of our readers were to add up every last cent they spent in the past three years their numbers may not be whole lot different than ours.

I’ll lighten the shock of the total by sharing the 37 month total (we’ve included estimated costs for our remaining month here in Savusavu based on averages on our spending to date):

  • Monthly cost (37 months):  USD $6,880, FJD $14,772
  • Daily cost: USD $225, FJD $483:
  • Three year total (37 months): USD $254,572, FJD $546,582

The monthly total was higher than we’d originally estimated. But, when 12 family members came to Hawaii at our expense, our monthly averages increased exponentially. 

Into the future, we should be able to keep our monthly cost around the USD $6,000, FJD $12,882 thus reducing our daily total expense at USD $197, FJD $423, a number we feel comfortable to strive toward into the future.  As we peruse our budget, we see this is entirely likely once we’ve passed 2015. 

As for other numbers, here are a few facts we gathered from the past three years as well:

  •  21:  vacation homes we’ve rented
  •  56:  nights spent in hotels
  •  14:  flights we’ve taken (roundtrips count as two)
  •    1:  trains we’ve taken (the Eurostar, Paris to London)
  • 119: nights spent on a cruise ship
  •  11:  cruises we sailed
  •    7:  rental cars (total number rented, not number of days rented)
  • 16:   total months with a rental car (leaving 21 months using a driver)

None of the above surprised me based on the fact that I’ve been entering these numbers for over three years.  Tom was surprised at first at the grand totoal but as we discussed it further, he was easily able to see how it adds up.

Two years ago, on our one year anniversary on the beach at the Indian Ocean in Kenya.

None of these totals include deposits we’ve paid for future travel. Those numbers will be calculated into new totals for each year as the rentals, cruises, and expenses occur.

There it is, folks. Without storage and a permanent home in another location, its affordable for us to continue to travel the world. Never for a moment do we take from granted our ability to do this. Never for a moment do we take for granted the good fortune, safari luck, we’ve experienced in these first three years.

And most of all, never for a moment to we fail to appreciate each other’s bravery and determination to live a joyful life “outside the box” or our ongoing good health.

Thus, to my loving husband, I say “thank you” for this extraordinary experience. To our family and friends, “thank you” for accepting our decision to travel the world. And, of course, to all of our worldwide readers for “traveling along with us” from your comfy armchair, your ride on the bus, or with your morning coffee or tea at the kitchen table. We have loved sharing each day with all of you.

Photo from one year ago, October 31, 2014:

We didn’t make much of our deal about our two-year anniversary last year which we’ll share in tomorrow’s post for the one year ago photo. It’s a special milestone for us each year and for us, is deserving a bit of hoopla. For details from last year, please click here.

A peculiar event in time…Approaching our three year anniversary of traveling the world…Tomorrow, stats and expenses for first three years…

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A friendly man on his horse after a hard morning’s work took time to say, “Bula!”

What we’re sharing today is somewhat hard to believe. If we hadn’t been caught up in this situation along with the rest of the digital-savvy population of Savusavu (the majority have cell phones), we have thought this story was pure folly.

Beautiful scenery on a cloudy day.

Sunday, the first in November, is designated in Fiji is the time to change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. In this part of the world, it’s not a case of “fall back” as many parts of the world do when changing their clocks back one hour.

(Ironically, the first post we wrote on March 15, 2012, was regarding changing clocks. Please click here for that first post).

But, instead, in this part of the world, it’s “spring ahead” one hour. It’s spring here in the Southern Hemisphere where some things are opposite or different than those in the Northern Hemisphere, including the day of the week.

A horse turns our way as we drive down a narrow road.

This website clearly explains time changes in the Southern Hemisphere:

“Across the southern hemisphere, where summer and winter are reversed, countries that observe daylight saving time (DST) move time in the opposite direction.”

So is the case, here in Fiji. On Sunday, we’ll turn our digital clocks and watches forward one hour. OK, no big deal, right. Well, this past Sunday, one week early, Vodafone, the local cell carrier, turned the clock forward by one hour on all cell phones throughout the area.

A baby pig nursing.

THIS WAS AN ERROR.  Done on the wrong Sunday and left for everyone throughout Savusavu to figure out. We didn’t have a clue. Our phones, without a cell service contract and only a phone SIM card in mine, still showed the “real-time” yet to be changed.

Honestly, we didn’t know a time change was coming. We have no TV, no local news, and no way we’d be notified of this fact. As written in yesterdays’ post, we pay little attention to the time when only a few times of the week, we walk to the road to meet Rasnesh for a sightseeing or shopping trip.

Locals use bamboo to make these fishing rafts.

We’d planned to meet Rasnesh at 11 am to head to the village for our usual Thursday visits to the Vodafone kiosk, the Farmer’s Market, New World Market, and Fiji Meats. At 10:55, we walked to the road to meet Rasnesh, carrying the huge insulated Costco beach bag, the cloth Africa bag, and the smaller insulated bag. 

At 11:05 he still hadn’t arrived.  He’s always early, never late. Standing in the hot sun, sweating in the humid air, we decided to call him. Had something happened? Should we go back inside and wait until his usual call to let us know he’s arrived?

View across Savusavu Bay from opposite our home.

Ratnesh laughed when he heard my voice and realized why we were calling, “Oh, Jessica, you didn’t know about the time change thing, did you?” We did not. We didn’t even know a time change was coming on November 1st when in many countries DST isn’t observed.

Apparently, the entire village in their beautiful easy-going spirit decided to go along with the new time, changed in error, one week early, by cell phone provider Vodafone. We laughed out loud over the unique charm of these people, their gentle acceptance, their laissez-faire attitudes, of “what will be, will be.” 

A small makeshift hut along the highway.

There was no drama, no angry accusations, no requests for compensation, and no threats to cancel contracts.  They simply “went with the flow” and the “new time” one week early. No questions asked. Many of us throughout the world can learn a lot from these gentle people.

If this happened in many other countries all hell would break loose until it was corrected and in part, we’d expect this response: What about the stock market, airline flights, bus schedules, and the times banks and businesses would open? It would be total chaos, affecting literally every citizen, every business, and every entity in some manner.

These handmade rafts are ideal for hauling as well as fishing.

We asked Rasnesh if he wanted to come to get us in another hour? He explained he was available and would be here soon. We laughed over this peculiar situation. Our only concern was our upcoming appointment for Saturday, our three year anniversary, to be at Namale at noon to tour their facility, take photos, and then celebrate our anniversary with a lunch in their gourmet restaurant.

We arranged it with Rasnesh to pick us up at 11:15 “old-time,” not new Vodafone time, in order for us to make our 12:00 pm appointment. By Sunday, the time should be correct, providing Vodafone doesn’t accidentally change it one more time.

The views are lovely driving along the Hibiscus Highway.

Frequently, based on our travels and GPS on our phones and computers, our clocks often automatically change to the wrong date and time. Over the next several days, we’ll update everything digital to ensure we have the correct time after the “official” time change. 

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with the “numbers” of our three years of world travel, past anniversary photos of us, and links to our early posts. We hope you’ll share this special day with us.

Photo from one year ago today, October 30, 2014:

A colorful smoothie truck at the Farmer’s Market in Maui. Unfortunately, smoothies contain carbs, fruit, and sugar preventing us from partaking in these tasty treats. For more details and photos in Maui on this date, please click here.

Who’ll Stop the Rain…

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Horses on the grounds of Namale Resort.

The Credence Clearwater Revival song, “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” came to Tom’s mind when early this morning, I asked him about a piece of rain-related music as, once again, the rain continued. He’s a “rock and roll” kind of guy, choosing this song.   

Today, we have to get out. Mother Hubbard’s cupboard thing… it’s bare. We don’t have anything left to eat except for three cans of tuna and two dozen eggs. Yeah, I know tuna salad which we prefer in hot weather, not when it’s cool and rainy.

Here’s the 10-day forecast for Fiji.  It looks like we’re in for a lot more rain. 

The sign near the Namale Resort & Spa entrance where we’re booked for our anniversary and photos.

My bill hat and parka are ready to go, although neither is waterproof.  There’s no umbrella here or in our luggage. Besides, we’d look foolish with an umbrella, although many older Fijians carry umbrellas as a parasol to protect themselves from the heat of the sun (when it’s shining). The Fijian people don’t seem to mind walking in the rain. 

We’ve been soaked many times during these past three years. This time won’t be any different, and we’ll carry on as we have in the past, getting drenched to the bone. In no time at all, we’ll be back home, changing into dry clothing.

Speaking of these past three years, in 16 days, on October 31st, it will be our third anniversary since we left Minnesota to begin our journey. We decided to celebrate and, in doing so, hopefully, create some good photo opportunities along the way.

The Blue Lagoon beach is near Namale Resort.  We’d taken these blue sky photos when we were out on a partially clear day a few weeks ago.

Yesterday, we booked a special tour and lunch at Namale Resort, owned by the world-renowned motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins, whose seminars son Richard and I attended over the years. Namale Resort is where hungry-minded travelers come from worldwide for the costly and inspiring seminars held on-site at the exclusive resort in Savusavu. 

The all-inclusive resort doesn’t allow entry from non-guests for dining or tours. I wrote to the marketing department, and they’ve agreed to let us do a story on the resort (after they checked out our site) and will host a lunch for us to celebrate our third anniversary.

We’ve chosen lunch instead of dinner to ensure we’d be able to take photos in daylight. Besides, the steep, uneven, and unlit walk from the road to our house would be too dangerous to tackle at night in the dark.

Another popular resort in the area, Savasi Island Resort. Prices aren’t posted online.

We considered an overnight stay at a resort or a boat charter but, it didn’t make sense with the constant rain and expense. What a disappointment it would be to have arranged and paid for a boat charter when it could quickly be raining. We’ve certainly had that experience many times over these past years.

As for booking a night or two in a resort to celebrate our anniversary, that idea didn’t make sense when we’re already living in a lovely spa with an ocean view, a pool, housekeeping services, and basically, all we need. What would be the point of paying for two resorts simultaneously? 

Our tour of Namale Resort has been arranged with open arms, and we look forward to sharing details of the upscale property where a standard ocean view room is around  US $2000, FJI 4273 a night.  We look forward to sharing the details and photos of the experience as we celebrate yet another year in our lives of travel.

As for upcoming photos, we’re chomping at the bit. With enough on hand to get us through another ten posts, we’re looking forward to getting out on a sunny day or at least a partially clear day. 

The beach along the road near Namale Resort was lined with vegetation.

Many throughout the world live in climates with frequent, if not daily rainy weather. Here’s an interesting slide show of the ten rainiest places on earth, including two in Hawaii. We lived in both of these locations this past year.

While in Kauai for four months, it rained to some degree almost every day. The mountain and waterfalls shown in this slide show were in our view from the backyard in Princeville. 

When we soon head out at 1 pm for the trip to the village, we’ll bring along the camera as always. One never knows what treasures we may find.  We’ll be back tomorrow with more.

Have a fine day!

Photo from one year ago today, October 14, 2014:

USS Missouri photo was taken from the launch to World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. For more photos, please click here.

Today’s a very special day in our lives to share with all of our readers…

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This morning as I sat down to begin to prepare our daily post I had little awareness of today’s date. Busily writing and posting photos, something was nagging at me.

When Tom, Julie, and I gathered together in the cozy living room of our condo, coffee mugs in hand, we engaged in idle chatter. For no reason at all, today’s date popped into my head, March 15, 2015. 

With a delightful squeal, I announced, “I think today is the third anniversary of our first post on March 15, 2012!”

They both looked at me in amazement as my fingers flew across the keyboard to hurriedly peruse the archives for our first post. Yes, there it was, our post from three years ago today on this very date.

The three of us looked at one another in amazement. I could easily have missed this date and yet, there was something nagging at me. It was this very date. 

I read aloud the post to Tom and Julie with tears in my eyes, in part, from sheer gratefulness and in wonder over the fact that we’re doing exactly what we set out to do with a mission and state of mind that has remained constant. 

Rather than place a link to that original post, we’ve decided to “post the first post” to share with all of our readers, many of whom have joined us part way through our travels during these past years. We share this today with much love and joy in our hearts and appreciation to all of our readers who have traveled on this journey with us:

March 15, 2012:
Changing clocks…changing life…

Sunday morning we both jumped out of bed at 6 am with a peculiar sense of urgency to begin the painstaking process of changing the myriad clocks in our home. Daylight savings began during the night.  

 Over the 21 years that Tom and I have joyfully enjoyed life together, we seem to have assigned ourselves, which clocks we each change, two times each year. We scurried about the house, mumbling to ourselves as we adjusted one clock after another, realizing that this will be the last time we will change clocks in this house, in this state of Minnesota, and perhaps in this country.  

 In 7 months and 22 days from today, our journey will begin. Tom retires on Halloween after 42 years on the railroad (I retired 16 months ago) and off we go to the adventure of our lives, time being relevant to us in the future only in terms of the time of our next cruise, the time of our next flight, the time of the next ferry, or the time when we move into yet another vacation home.  

As we each finished our last clock, oddly about the same moment, I said to Tom, “We need a domain name for our future website and blog.”  

He chuckled, and said, “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.”  It’s equally odd how couples often have thoughts simultaneously.  We never cease to be amazed by this phenomenon.

 We had been mulling over some names the past month, as we booked our plans well into the future, knowing the time to document this process was coming near.

 Last year, I wrote my first blog, WorldWideWillie.blogspot.com as our beloved Australian Terrier, WorldWideWillie’s precious life came to an end, finding solace in the process.  With over 400 followers, we found comfort in their invisible, lurking presence as I wrote almost daily from Willie’s perspective, his final days, days filled with love, humor, and tears.  

When Tom returned home each night, I read him the daily postings, often crying a river through the sobs that welled up in my chest.  Tom cried with me, unashamed by his vulnerability, a charming aspect of his manly demeanor that which I have always adored.

We chose to honor Willie by using part of his name, WorldWide, by adding a 3rd word beginning with a “w.”  Sitting at our computers we looked up all the “w” words that may be available as a domain.  We stumbled across “Waftage,” a word that means “travel gently by water or air.”

How perfect a word when in fact this blog will be about us leaving our well-established lives here in Minnesota to travel the world, leaving our grown children, including our six adorable grandchildren, other family members, our longtime friends, our amazing neighbors, and all of our “stuff,” to be sold off at an estate sale… days before we leave on Halloween, 2012. 

This blog will document a journey that at this point knows no end, a journey meticulously planned to be affordable and yet rich in comfort, visually stimulating, surrounded by nature, filled with history, all the while enjoying that which we have enjoyed the most, simply being together.

We’re lousy photographers, but we’ll post photos. We don’t like tourist traps, but we will visit some. We don’t care to buy trinkets, but we’ll surely buy a few.  

Ironically, neither of us has ardently enjoyed “sightseeing” but, we will seek out those that appeal to us. We don’t like crowds, gridlocked traffic, loud noises, or waiting in line but, we will experience all of these.  

We are both gluten-free, wheat, grain-free, and sugar-free. We won’t eat bread, croissants, or pasta. I don’t drink alcohol, Tom drinks a little but doesn’t like wine. Tom doesn’t like to go for walks. I love walks.  Occasionally, we’ll walk.

Then why will we do this? 1. Because we have figured out a way to afford to make this possible with some creative planning, which we’ll share with you along the way. 2. Because we want to!  

More than the concept of world travel in itself, we relish in the concept of stepping outside the box;  getting out from behind our computers with fingers flying across the keyboard with our latest preoccupation; getting out of our comfy chairs while watching one of our big flat-screen TVs playing a popular premium hi-def series; playing another rambunctious competitive game of Wii Bowling or looking forward to the next great homemade meal.  

We have loved every minute of our lives, whether hanging out with family or friends or looking out the window for another delightful morsel Mother Nature throws our way: an eagle swooping into the trees outside our house, a beaver building a den along the shoreline, a pack of coyotes looking for “little dog lunch.” We have loved it all.

So…we registered our domain name early Sunday morning. We poured ourselves a cup of perfectly brewed coffee, topping each cup with a dollop of real whipped cream, and sat down at the bar in the kitchen. We both smiled, eyes locked on each other. The little crinkles around his eyes made a wave of something wonderful wash over me.

We both looked up at the same time to notice we hadn’t changed the time in the big clock in the kitchen. We both jumped up simultaneously and said, “I’ll get it!” We laughed. We have all the time in the world.”

                                         Photo from one year ago today, March 14, 2014:
In the Big Square in Marrakech where the vendors and tourists gather for the sights, the sounds, the food, and the entertainment. Ironically, I’d failed to mention our two year anniversary of posting while wrapped up in life in Marrakech. For details from that date, please click here.