Theme parks on cruise ships…

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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship with the most extensive amusement and water park.

Theme and Amusement Parks on Cruise Ships: The Floating Fun Revolution

Cruise ships are no longer just about shuffleboard, sun decks, and midnight buffets. Over the past decade, they’ve evolved into floating cities offering increasingly wild and whimsical attractions—none more jaw-dropping than the rise of full-blown theme and amusement parks at sea. The concept may seem far-fetched to some, but for the modern traveler, especially families and thrill-seekers, these onboard playgrounds are becoming a major draw.

What once began with a simple rock-climbing wall or a waterslide has exploded into a seafaring spectacle of roller coasters, surf simulators, go-kart tracks, and immersive themed zones. These floating theme parks redefine what it means to vacation on the ocean, blurring the lines between cruise ship and amusement resort.

Royal Caribbean: Pioneers of Onboard Adventure

When it comes to pushing the envelope, Royal Caribbean International leads the charge. Its Oasis Class ships, such as Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, are not just among the largest passenger vessels in the world—they’re virtual amusement parks.

Royal Caribbean was the first to introduce neighborhood-style layouts on its ships, including areas like the Boardwalk, complete with carousel rides, hot dog stands, and outdoor amphitheaters. The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-deck dry slide twisting down the back of the ship, became an iconic thrill.

But the innovation didn’t stop there. Their Quantum Class ships introduced RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a glass observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level. The SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, features bumper cars, roller skating, and even a circus school.

Carnival: Water Slides and Thrill Zones

Carnival Cruise Line leans into fun with its Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, which feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. Riders strap into motorcycle-style seats on a track that twists and turns around the upper deck—while reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. That’s right: a real, electric-powered roller coaster circling the top of a ship.

Water parks have long been part of Carnival’s DNA, but they’ve upped the ante in recent years. Their WaterWorks park includes spiraling slides, splash zones, and racing tubes—all perched several decks above the ocean. Combined with the high-energy SportSquare (ropes course, mini-golf, and outdoor gym equipment), it’s a full-scale amusement experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Go-Karts and VR Worlds

Norwegian’s Prima and Encore ships are designed with adrenaline junkies in mind. They offer multi-level racetracks with electric go-karts zipping along the ship’s upper decks—where guests can race each other with an ocean view flying by. The track even extends slightly over the side of the ship for added drama.

The Galaxy Pavilion adds a high-tech edge, delivering an entire deck of immersive virtual reality games and rides. Passengers can pilot fighter jets, explore haunted houses, or simulate high-speed racing in a hyper-realistic environment. It’s ideal for families and tech lovers who want more than sunbathing and swimming.

MSC Cruises: European Elegance Meets Family Fun

The MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape have brought the brand into the amusement space, particularly for European travelers. The Robotron, a robotic arm ride that lifts and flips passengers while synchronizing to music and LED lights, is something you’d expect at a land-based theme park, not cruising through the Mediterranean.

MSC also offers dedicated aquaparks, adventure trails, zip lines, and 5D cinemas. Their approach blends European-style luxury with the playfulness of a resort-style family vacation.

Disney Cruise Line: Where Magic Meets the Sea

Disney Cruise Line blends its signature storytelling with cruise ship innovation. Their newest ship, the Disney Wish, offers a “water coaster” called AquaMouse, which combines water ride thrills with immersive animation, sound, and story scenes featuring Mickey and friends. It’s not just a water slide—it’s a narrative ride experience, complete with sudden drops and twists.

Themed zones, such as Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, and Frozen-themed dining experiences, elevate the family cruise into a full-blown magical adventure. It’s no surprise Disney would ace the art of combining theme parks with cruising—they’ve simply shifted their magic from land to sea.

Why the Shift Toward Theme Parks at Sea?

Cruise lines are in fierce competition for younger audiences, multigenerational families, and thrill-seeking vacationers who once might have opted for Disneyland or Universal Studios. Today’s cruise passengers expect more than relaxation. They want Instagrammable moments, adrenaline-pumping experiences, and interactive entertainment.

Moreover, cruise vacations are increasingly seen as cost-effective family trips. Instead of paying for flights, hotels, meals, and admission to a theme park separately, a cruise offers all-inclusive pricing with amusement-level attractions included.

Challenges and Future of Floating Fun

There are unique challenges to building amusement rides on a moving vessel. Engineers must account for weight distribution, ocean motion, and safety standards. Every roller coaster loop and splash zone must be tested for stability, especially during rough seas.

Still, with technology advancing and cruise ships growing larger, we can only expect more innovation. Rumors suggest concepts like indoor ski slopes, escape rooms, AI-driven attractions, and augmented reality parks could be next on the horizon.

Today’s cruise ships are no longer just transportation…they’re destinations in their own right. Theme and amusement parks at sea have reshaped the cruising experience, offering something for everyone: thrill rides, splash zones, family fun, and tech-powered escapes. Whether you’re riding a coaster above the Atlantic or ziplining across a Caribbean sunset, one thing’s for sure: cruising has never been more exhilarating.

On another note, last night, we had a fun evening with friends Carol and Colin and Carol’s two nieces, Ursula and Anita from Pretoria, at Ngwenya for their Thursday night buffet. The conversation was as delightful as ever and left us all with smiles on our faces. Tonight, we’re off to Jabula for more entertainment. We love to be busy socializing on all these evenings!

Be well.

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

As shown in this photo, few swimmers in parts of Australia are in the water, many fearing sharks and stingers. For more photos, please click here.

What are the top ten hiking trails in the world?…Quiz Night with a dress-up movie theme…

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Norman arrived during the early morning, before sunrise, as captured by the trail cam.

Many of our readers are enthusiastic hikers and make a point of visiting the most highly revered trails in the world as they travel. Unfortunately, we don’t hike due to the disability in my legs. Plus, Tom has no interest whatsoever in hiking, let alone embarking on long walks. We have adapted our lifestyle with these realities in mind and have found numerous other ways to enjoy our nomadic way of seeing the world.

Here’s a list of the top 10 hiking trails in the world, renowned for their stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and unforgettable experiences. Each offers something unique, from towering mountains to remote coastlines, historic routes to wild jungles:

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

1. Inca Trail – Peru

  • Length: ~42 km (26 miles)

  • Duration: 4 days

  • Highlights: Ancient ruins, cloud forests, and the final arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

  • Best Time: May to September

2. Tour du Mont Blanc – France/Italy/Switzerland

  • Length: ~170 km (106 miles)

  • Duration: 7–11 days

  • Highlights: Panoramic views of the Alps, crossing three countries, charming villages, and alpine passes.

  • Best Time: June to September

3. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal

  • Length: ~130 km (80 miles) round trip

  • Duration: 12–14 days

  • Highlights: Himalayan peaks, Sherpa villages, and standing in the shadow of Mount Everest.

  • Best Time: March–May or October–November

4. Appalachian Trail – USA

  • Length: ~3,540 km (2,200 miles)

  • Duration: 5–7 months (thru-hike) or section hikes

  • Highlights: Diverse ecosystems, Appalachian culture, and forested beauty from Georgia to Maine.

  • Best Time: March to October

5. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia

  • Length: 65 km (40 miles)

  • Duration: 5–6 days

  • Highlights: Alpine moors, ancient rainforests, glacial lakes, and wombat sightings in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

  • Best Time: October to May

    Middle of the night visitors to the garden.

6. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland

  • Length: 55 km (34 miles)

  • Duration: 4–5 days

  • Highlights: Colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, black lava fields, and glaciers.

  • Best Time: Late June to early September

7. The Narrows – Zion National Park, USA

  • Length: 25 km (16 miles)

  • Duration: 1–2 days

  • Highlights: Wading or swimming through the Virgin River between towering slot canyon walls.

  • Best Time: Summer and early fall (check flash flood warnings!)

8. GR20 – Corsica, France

  • Length: ~180 km (112 miles)

  • Duration: 12–15 days

  • Highlights: Considered Europe’s most challenging trail—wild, rugged terrain through Corsica’s granite spine.

  • Best Time: June to September

9. The Great Himalaya Trail – Nepal (Full Version)

  • Length: ~1,700 km (1,050 miles) in Nepal (part of a longer route through five countries)

  • Duration: Several months

  • Highlights: Remote, high-altitude trekking through the world’s highest mountain range. One of the most challenging and isolated treks on Earth.

  • Best Time: March–May, October–November

10. Te Araroa Trail – New Zealand

  • Length: ~3,000 km (1,864 miles)

  • Duration: 4–6 months

  • Highlights: Spanning from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south, this trail encompasses beaches, mountains, forests, and Maori culture.

  • Best Time: October to April.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back tomorrow with photos of dress-up movie Quiz Night.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 29, 2015:

On the road to Port Douglas, Australia, every beach along the way has its personality. They may all look like sand, rock, and water, but we find each one to have its unique scenery. For more photos, please click here.

Fantastic braai in the bush, overlooking the Crocodile River…My salad was a huge hit…Here’s the recipe…

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The beautiful Crocodile River view house is owned by Colin and Carol, on the left in these photos. To Tom’s left is Erika (a better photo of Erika is below), and to his left are Dawn, Trevor (Erika’s husband), and then Leon.

Yesterday, we attended a braai at Carol and Colin’s lovely home, overlooking the Crocodile River, with views unlike any others we’ve seen of the river. Unobstructed by other houses and trees, the stunning view of the river, including its bend, provided an expansive vista into Kruger National Park.

There were eight, including Colin and Carol, Erika and Trevor, Dawn and Leon, and the two of us. We’ll all brought meat to cook over the braai, the open fire, a side dish, and our drinks for sundowners. I made my usual Greek salad with homemade dressing, and everyone gobbled it up, insisting that I send the recipe today, which I’ve decided to post here. Once I mention a good recipe of mine, many readers write and request the recipe.

Thanks to Colin and Carol for hosting us! We had a fabulous time!

Erika, Tom, Dawn, Tevor, Leon, and Carol.

Thus, I decided to post the recipe here today and hope that many of you will have the opportunity to try it. I can put all the ingredients together in about 10 minutes. We enjoy this salad every time we cook, even when all we’re having is a protein source, since it’s a meal in itself, filled with nutritious vegetables that can vary based on your taste.

The homemade dressing doesn’t include any bad seed oils or mayonnaise. The amounts of the ingredients in the salad itself can be added without measuring; simply chop and dice, then add the dressing just before serving. It’s crunchy and delicious.

Jess’s Homemade Healthy Salad Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (with The Mothers”…unfiltered)
  • 1 tsp sweetener of your choice or more to taste

Place ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake well, keep chilled, and use to lightly coat salad ingredients, stirring well with a large spoon. Use enough to coat vegetables lightly.

Salad Ingredients (Serves 6 to 8)
  • 4 cups chopped lettuce of your choice
  • 4 cups chopped raw cabbage
  • 12 sliced grape tomatoes
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 large diced carrot
  • 1/2 cup whole pitted black olives, kalamata olives, or other olives of your choice
  • 1 cup cubed (drained on paper towels) feta cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Unfortunately, once dressed, the salad wilts and doesn’t keep well overnight. If unsure, make small batches. It only takes one minute to dress another batch of vegetables. However, ingredient amounts may be adjusted based on the number of servings you prefer. I make about half of the above salad ingredients for the two of us. The leftover dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Enjoy!

Soon, we’re off to the market to purchase more carrots and apples for Norman. We are determined to keep him well fed with nutritious fruits and vegetables.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 28, 2015:

This package of crocodile is AUD 15, US $10.91. We never cooked it, but tried it in a restaurant. Tastes like chicken. For more photos, please click here.

What’s happening with Norman?…20 important facts about Nyala…

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There’s our boy, Norman, who came to the side garden, hoping we’d see him. Of course, we did! He’s been by several times since his injury a few weeks ago.

Norman is still struggling with his broken left front leg. It’s obvious he’s in a lot of pain as he gingerly walks into our garden frequently, dangerously jumping over the little fence so we can easily feed him. We don’t encourage him to jump the fence since we’re happy to feed him outside the fence.

However, wildlife, like humans, have familiar routines, and entering the garden closest to the veranda is Norman’s preferred behavior. We realize how dangerous this is for him. With the holidaymakers mostly gone from the park, there is an endless stream of wildlife hour after hour, many of whom like to hang around to see if Norman comes and gets apples and carrots, along with pellets.

A lone zebra lounging in the garden.

He still looks healthy and doesn’t appear to have lost weight. If he can maintain his current state of health and the leg heals in a few months, his longevity is undeterred. By the time we leave here in September, we should have a good idea as to his fate.

Here are some interesting facts about nyalas:

20 Fascinating Facts About the Nyala

In the heart of southern Africa’s woodlands and thickets, one of the continent’s most elegant and elusive antelopes resides, the nyala (Tragelaphus angasii). Known for their striking appearance, gentle behavior, and preference for dense bush, nyalas are a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers alike. These beautiful creatures are ubiquitous in reserves such as Kruger National Park and private conservancies like Marloth Park in South Africa. Let’s explore 20 intriguing facts about this unique animal:

  1. A suckling baby zebra and its mom.

    Sexual Dimorphism at Its Finest
    One of the most notable traits of the nyala is the stark difference in appearance between males and females. Males are dark brown to slate grey with spiral horns and long shaggy hair, while females are bright reddish-brown with no horns and have bold white vertical stripes.

    1. Medium-Sized but Graceful
      Nyalas fall into the medium-sized antelope category. Adult males can weigh up to 125 kg (275 lbs), while females are significantly lighter, typically ranging from 55 to 68 kg (120–150 lbs). Their build is slender and elegant, especially the females.

    2. Shy and Elusive
      Unlike more gregarious antelope species, nyalas are shy and prefer to remain close to thick cover. They are often seen at dawn or dusk, emerging cautiously to graze or drink water.

    3. Not Big on Herding
      Nyalas are semi-solitary or live in small groups. Females and young may form loose groups of up to 10 individuals, but adult males are often solitary except during mating periods.

      Norman moved very carefully to eat the treats we tossed to him.

    4. Masters of Camouflage
      Thanks to their coloration and habit of staying in dense vegetation, nyalas blend remarkably well into their environment. This makes them difficult to spot despite their size.

    5. White Body Markings
      Both males and females have white markings on their face, throat, flanks, and legs. These markings serve as visual signals for communication and recognition.

    6. The Male’s Striking Spiral Horns
      Only the males grow horns, which can reach lengths of up to 80 cm (31 inches). These spiral-shaped horns are used in display and dominance fights with rival males.

    7. Non-Territorial
      Unlike many other antelope species, nyalas are not territorial. Males establish dominance hierarchies instead of defending a specific area.

    8. Complex Courtship Rituals
      When courting a female, a male nyala performs a slow, deliberate dance, arching its back and raising its white crest to appear more imposing.

      Norman, waling gingerly past resident impala Mac and a few friends.

    9. Feeding Habits
      Nyalas are browsers and grazers. They feed on leaves, fruits, twigs, flowers, and occasionally grasses, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

    10. Water Dependent
      They require regular access to water and are typically found near rivers, streams, or waterholes.

    11. Quiet but Communicative
      Nyalas make few vocalizations, but they do communicate through posture, tail flicks, foot stomping, and occasional barking alarm calls.

    12. Good Swimmers
      Though they prefer dry land, nyalas are capable swimmers and will cross rivers if necessary to reach food or escape danger.

    13. Predators in the Wild
      Lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs are natural predators of the nyala. Young calves are particularly vulnerable to eagles and pythons.

      We don’t know how Norman manages to jump the little fence with his left front broken leg. Sheer determination brings him to see us and enjoy some fruit and vegetables.

    14. High Reproductive Rate
      Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about seven months. Calves are hidden in dense vegetation for their first few weeks of life.

    15. Threat Displays Over Combat
      When males compete for dominance, they often engage in a ritual display of size and strength rather than direct physical fights. Actual combat is rare.

    16. Life Expectancy
      In the wild, nyalas live up to 12 years, though this can extend to 16 years in captivity under human care.

    17. Cultural Significance
      In some local traditions, the nyala is a symbol of grace and elegance. In Zulu culture, seeing a nyala during a journey is considered a sign of good luck.

    18. Conservation Status
      The nyala is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Populations are stable, thanks to protected areas and game reserves across southern Africa.

      A giraffe walked by, along with a flock of helmeted guineafowl.

    19. Popular in Private Reserves
      Nyalas adapt well to fenced reserves and private game farms, where their calm nature and beauty make them a prized species for ecotourism and conservation breeding programs.

    The nyala might not be as famous as the lion or elephant, but anyone who has had the pleasure of spotting one in the wild knows they are a true treasure of the African bush. Their shy, peaceful nature, combined with their breathtaking appearance, makes each encounter memorable. As guardians of biodiversity and ambassadors of Africa’s natural beauty, nyalas deserve every bit of admiration and protection we can offer. We have found this to be so true.

    On another note, last night we met friends, Roz and Les, at Ngwenya, for sundowners on the deck and the buffet dinner. We hoped they enjoyed the food as much as we do, and we were thrilled that they loved it. We had a lovely time together.

    There have been issues with WiFi over the past several nights, and we’ve been unable to stream our shows due to numerous outages. Hopefully, that will be repaired soon. Apparently, the fiber in Tonga is down due to an Eskom error, and the provider, Tech Connect, has no control over this. However, we are reminded, “TIA” – this is Africa, and you know what happens.

    Be well.

    Photo from ten years ago today, July 25, 2015:

    At the Cairns Botanical Garden, in Australia. The colors in this bloom and others were unlike any we’ve seen. For more photos, please click here.

    We booked our September 14th flight to Spain…Not the easiest route from here…

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    Here’s the route we’ll be taking from South Africa to Spain on September 14th.

    Finally, we took the time to research flights from South Africa to Spain, which were scheduled to depart in 52 days. It’s incredible how quickly our total six months in Marloth Park are soon coming to an end. Surely, in the future, we’ll return, but for now, we have other plans on the horizon.

    We conducted extensive research to find the shortest time and best pricing, ultimately ending up on Expedia.com on our website at this link.

    Following is our booking:

    Nelspruit to Barcelona

    5:20 pm

    • Departs Sun, Sep 14
    • Nelspruit, South Africa (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.)
    55m duration

    6:15 pm

    • Arrives Sun, Sep 14
    • Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB-O.R. Tambo Intl.)
    • Terminal B
    Qatar Airways 5699 operated by AIRLINK
    Economy / Coach (S)
    Layover: 2h 10m

    8:25 pm

    • Departs Sun, Sep 14
    • Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB-O.R. Tambo Intl.)
    • Terminal A

    5:45 am

    • Arrives Mon, Sep 15
    • Doha, Qatar (DOH-Hamad Intl.)
    8h 20m duration
    Qatar Airways 1378
    Seats 17F, 17H
    Economy / Coach (S)
    Layover: 3h 10m

    8:55 am

    • Departs Mon, Sep 15
    • Doha, Qatar (DOH-Hamad Intl.)

    2:40 pm

    • Arrives Mon, Sep 15
    • Barcelona, Spain (BCN-Barcelona Intl.)
    • Terminal 1
    6h 45m duration
    Qatar Airways 145
    Seats 18F, 18H
    Economy / Coach (S)

    Total duration: 21h 20m

    We’d hoped to book a shorter flight, but this was the only option available. No, we don’t look forward to another Red Eye, but from here, it’s unavoidable.

    In the meantime, we will continue to live in the moment and enjoy every remaining day in the bush, surrounded by our wildlife and human friends. Today at 4:30, we’re meeting friends Roz and Les at Ngwenya or sundowners on the deck and the dinner buffet inside the lovely restaurant.

    We’ll be back with more.

    Be well.

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

    A long stretch of uninhabited beach in Cairns, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

    Fun and exciting news for wine drinkers…Four years of free wine…For our Spanish readers and residents…

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    Free Vectors | Cheers! Wine glass illustration

    From Travel & Leisure Magazine online at this link:

    You Can Get 4 Years of Free Wine to Help Scientists Study the Effects of Moderate Drinking

    A dream job for wine lovers. By Stacey Leasca Published on July 22, 2025

    • Researchers in Spain are conducting the world’s largest clinical trial on the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption, tracking 10,000 adults aged 50–75 over four years.
    • The study, funded by the European Research Council, aims to provide clear evidence on whether moderate drinking is beneficial, neutral, or harmful—but volunteers must live in Spain to join.

    Do you enjoy sipping a glass of wine each evening? If so, scientists in Spain are looking for your help—and will give you free wine in exchange.

    In May, The Olive Press shared the news that researchers at the University of Navarra’s Alumni Trialist Initiative (UNATI) are currently seeking volunteers to participate in the world’s largest clinical trial on alcohol, aiming to understand the effects of moderate drinking on human health.

    As the volunteer intake form explained, participants will be tracked for the next four years to “determine whether moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial, neutral, or harmful to health.”

    The research, funded by a €2.4 million (about $2.79 million) grant via the European Research Council, will track 10,000 people aged 50 to 75 split into two groups: one group who will consume alcohol daily (moderate amounts equal to fewer than seven drinks a week for women and 14 drinks a week for men) and the other who will completely abstain from any alcohol throughout the research period.

    Those who sign up must be prepared to join either group, as they will be randomly assigned to either arm. Both groups will undergo in-depth health surveys at the start and end of the trial, be asked to join quarterly meetings, and be willing to work with health coaches.

    “Policymakers and clinicians are currently perplexed on how to reduce alcohol harms in drinkers, because of contradictory guidelines: abstention is proposed as the healthiest option by many health advocates, stating that ‘there is no safe level of alcohol intake,’ but most nonrandomized studies found lower all-cause mortality and other beneficial outcomes in moderate drinkers than in abstainers among subjects over 50,” the research plan’s abstract explains. “However, potential biases may compromise these latter studies, particularly when effects are null or moderate.” Thus, it’s pulling together its “large pragmatic randomized controlled trial” to really get to what’s what.

    “It will provide first-level evidence to confront the harms of one of the most widely used substances by humankind,” it added.

    Both groups will receive “gift foods and beverages.” The abstainers will receive “0%-alcohol beer, and extra-virgin olive oil to foster adherence to the Mediterranean diet.” In contrast, the moderation group will receive “red wine (1.5 l/mo) and the same amount of extra-virgin olive oil to foster adherence to the Mediterranean diet as in the other group.”

    To avoid any conflict of interest, the free wine will come from a supermarket chain, not from any single winery or alcohol company.

    To date, the Olive Press reported that 6,500 participants have signed up, meaning the team is still seeking 3,500 volunteers in the 50-75 age range.

    There is, however, one major catch: you must live in Spain to participate. But now’s as good a time as any to move there, right? “

    Be well.

    Photo from ten years ago today, July 23, 2015:

    In Cairns, Australia, once we were inside the long, narrow boardwalk, it took us deeper and deeper into the salt marsh. We never saw other people. For more photos, please click here.

    Trail cam photos and fun capture from Tom…

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    Tom took this photo, a typical early morning for him in Marloth Park, with his laptop ready to listen to Garage Logic, a cup of coffee, and a giraffe.

    This morning, I came across an article from this site about the 3-ounce liquid rule at airports and thought it might be of interest to some of our readers.

    TSA Hints at Ending 3-ounce Liquid Rule—Here’s What Travelers Should Know

    New technology and policy shifts may let travelers bring larger liquid containers through checkpoints. By Michael Cappetta, Published on July 21, 2025

    • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating whether to increase the volume of liquids that can be brought in carry-on luggage. 
    • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the liquid rules could be “the next big announcement.”
    • Currently, liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces or less for carry-on bags.

    The nightmare of traveling with liquids could soon be a thing of the past.

    Two giraffes stopped by during the night.

    From ensuring liquids are in the proper container and size to removing them from a bag when necessary, liquids can cause harrowing delays or even additional screenings. However, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem recently indicated that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid rules may soon follow the same path as its shoes-off policy, which the agency ended earlier this month.

    “But I will tell you, I mean the liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement: what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said during an interview at a summit with News Nation and The Hill. She added: “Well, hopefully the future of an airport where I’m looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your flight.”

    When asked by Travel + Leisure to comment on Noem’s remarks, the TSA left the door open to change.

    Tom left a piece of chicken for the genet. She enjoyed it.

    “Secretary Noem and TSA are constantly looking for ways to enhance security, and improve the travel experience for the public,” a spokesperson for the TSA told T+L. “Any announcements on policy changes will be made through official channels.”

    Currently, the TSA requires travelers flying with carry-on luggage to limit liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols to 3.4 ounces or less and ensure they fit in a quart-sized resealable bag (with some exemptions for medically-necessary liquids, including breast milk and baby formula). Travelers may then need to take their liquids out and place them separately in a bin during screening.

    Travelers who are part of the agency’s expedited security screening program, TSA PreCheck, are still subject to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule; however, they do not need to remove these items from their luggage during the screening process.

    The TSA, however, has started rolling out new technology at airports across the United States: computed tomography, or CT scanners. These machines create a more detailed 3D image during the screening process, allowing all travelers to keep laptops and liquids in their bags. The technology is also being explored globally in international airports, such as the United Kingdom’s London Gatwick Airport (LGW), according to TravelPulse Canada.

    The genet and several giraffes during a middle-of-the-night visit.

    However, despite Noem’s comments, it may be years before travelers can take large liquids in their carry-on bags—as in potentially not until 2040, when the TSA anticipates having CT units fully deployed nationwide.

    The absolute easiest way to travel with liquids is to put them in checked luggage, where there are no size limits.”

    As mentioned above, it may be a long time before these changes take effect and other countries adopt the same new policy.

    Tonight is Quiz Night, but we expect the questions for us will be as difficult as last week, when they centered around South African history. The majority of the participants are South African or foreigners who’ve lived here for decades. Nonetheless, we always have a good time commiserating with our teammates and other attendees.

    A Big Daddy and a giraffe stopped by this morning.

    We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

    Be well.

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

    Tom eyeballed an old-fashioned candy in this store in an Australian mall, but didn’t buy a thing. For more photos, please click here.

    The tourists are gone!…How are we feeling now?…

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    Such an interesting face!

    We’ve been traveling the world without a fixed address since 2012. That’s more than a decade of waking up in unfamiliar beds, deciphering foreign street signs, and learning to call strangers “friend” in languages we sometimes mispronounce but always try to speak with heart.

    Some people ask if we ever get tired of it, this life without a house or a closet of our own, without a familiar neighborhood bakery or the same barista who knows our name and order. But we don’t. Not in the way they mean.

    Yes, there are moments of exhaustion. We’ve waited out thunderstorms in airports with cracked ceilings, gotten lost on dirt roads where GPS dropped off hours ago, and fumbled through visa offices where bureaucracy seems to be the only common language. We’ve been sick in places where pharmacies were hard to find and comfort food even harder, and we’ve had to learn the quiet art of grieving from afar, missing weddings, funerals, birthdays, and spontaneous family dinners. These are not small sacrifices.

    But still, we love it.

    Three giraffes were in the garden.

    We love it because every day feels like a possibility. Because there is something profoundly humbling about being a guest in the world. You become softer around the edges. You listen more. You observe without assuming. You laugh more easily because the best way to bridge the gap between cultures is often humor, especially the kind that comes at your own expense.

    The truth is, we’ve built a different kind of home. Not one made of brick and mortar, but of memories and muscle memory. We know how to pack in ten minutes. We can find the local produce market in a town we’ve just arrived in. We know how to read the kindness in someone’s eyes, even when the words between us are garbled and incomplete. That kind of fluency, the one that has nothing to do with language and everything to do with connection, might be the richest thing we’ve learned.

    We’ve fallen in love with the slow mornings in Bali, where roosters cry before dawn and the scent of incense drifts through the windows. We’ve found serenity with the majestic views of New Zealand, where the lush green landscape rolls by like an exquisite painting, and the expansive views of the sea. We’ve danced in the streets of South America, where music spills out of every open window, and we’ve shared silence under a starlit African sky so vast it made us feel both tiny and infinite.

    Quietly, trotting off.

    Sometimes we ache for stillness, for roots. There are days when we long for a sofa or bed we chose ourselves, a proper place to put our stuff, or a kitchen with spices that don’t have to be tossed or gifted every time we cross a border. There’s a gentle grief in that, knowing we’ve traded permanence for movement.

    But movement is what keeps us alive. It’s what keeps our hearts curious, our minds expanding. It’s what reminds us that there’s always more to learn, more to see, and more people to meet. And more importantly, more versions of ourselves to become. Travel peels away the layers. It challenges you to let go of assumptions, to meet discomfort with grace, and to live in the question instead of racing toward the answer.

    Over the years, we’ve become both lighter and deeper. Our wardrobe fits in two suitcases, yet our emotional toolkit has grown complex and complete. We’ve learned how to say goodbye with sincerity, how to arrive with humility, and how to be okay with the space in between. We’ve watched the sun rise in so many places now that we’ve stopped counting, but we’ve never stopped being moved by the simple miracle of a new day in a new place.

    And the people…oh, the people, and the wildlife… Our life is a patchwork of kind souls who’ve opened their hearts, shared meals with us, and made us laugh when we didn’t think we could. They are the beating heart of our journey. We’ve learned that home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling, and it travels with you when your heart stays open.

    So, how do we feel after all these years on the road?

    We feel grateful. Deeply, breath-catchingly grateful.

    Tom was gazing across the Crocodile River at Ngwenya.

    We feel privileged, not in the sense of luxury, but in the sense of opportunity. That we get to live this life, with all its complexities and occasional chaos, is something we never take for granted. We feel more connected to the world, even as we sometimes float just outside of its conventions. We feel like wanderers by design, but grounded by purpose.

    We still love it. Perhaps even more so now than when we began. Because love deepens with time, it becomes quieter, less frantic, but more enduring. Like the way a well-traveled road feels underfoot, familiar even in its unpredictability.

    This life isn’t for everyone. But for us, it’s everything. And as long as there are new paths to walk, unfamiliar skies to sleep beneath, and warm, unexpected hellos waiting on the other side of a border, we’ll keep going.

    Because this, this movement, this wonder, this love for the road, ultimately is home.

    Be well.

    Photo from ten years ago today, July 21, 2015:

    Tom’s haircut in Australia. For more photos, please click here.

    Feeding wildlife in the bush…Good or bad?…

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    A yellow-billed stork stretching her neck at Sunset Dam.

    The lucerne we had delivered yesterday morning to feed the hungry wildlife has long been consumed. At the moment, there are four warthogs: mom and three fast-growing offspring attempting to retrieve every last blade of hay. The animals are hungry. There is nary an edible leaf on a single tree or bush within our view.

    It’s cloudy today, and continuous rain for several days would cause the bush to become green, providing food for the hungry wildlife. But, in mid-July, there’s only a 4% chance of rain in Marloth Park. The average rainfall in July is 0.19 inches, or 8mm, not enough to benefit the wildlife.

    June was even worse, with only a 2% chance of precipitation. We recall it raining a few times during the month, but unfortunately, not enough to benefit the wildlife. The bush looks brown and dangerously dry. The rains won’t come until October, three months from now.

    A giraffe bending to take a drink from the Crocodile River.

    Here are some valid reasons not to feed wildlife:

    Feeding wild animals in the bush might seem like a kind gesture, but it’s generally considered a bad practice for both animals and humans. Here’s why:

    Why It’s a Bad Idea

    1. Loss of Natural Fear

    Wild animals that are fed by humans often lose their natural fear of people. This can lead to:

    • Increased boldness, even aggression, when approaching humans.

    • Dangerous encounters, especially with large or carnivorous animals.

    2. Disruption of Natural Diets

    Human food is unnatural and often harmful to wildlife. Animals may develop:

    • Nutritional deficiencies or digestive issues.

    • Dependence on handouts instead of foraging naturally.

      A crocodile is swimming upstream on the Crocodile River.

    3. Behavioral Changes

    Feeding alters animal behavior:

    • Some species may stop hunting or scavenging.

    • Animals can become lazy, territorial, or aggressive, especially around food.

    4. Encouraging Problem Animals

    Animals that associate people with food can become “problem animals”:

    • Raiding campsites or lodges.

    • Becoming a danger to people and eventually being relocated or euthanized.

    5. Ecological Imbalance

    Feeding may increase the population of one species over another, disrupting the delicate balance of the bush. This can:

    • Causes overgrazing or depletion of resources.

    • Harm predator-prey relationships.

      Two birds are conversing atop our birdbath in the garden.

    When Feeding Might Be Acceptable

    There are very few exceptions, usually under strict guidelines:

    • Rehabilitation centers or sanctuaries, where professionals care for injured or orphaned animals.

    • Experts manage conservation feeding during drought or disease to protect the survival of species.

    Even in those cases, feeding is temporary and carefully managed.

    The Responsible Approach

    • Observe, don’t interfere. Enjoy wildlife from a distance.

    • Secure your food and trash. Don’t let animals access human leftovers.

    • Educate others. Help spread awareness about the risks of feeding wildlife.

    However, Marloth Park is very different from typical wildlife areas.

    Why We Feed

    • There are few predators in Marloth Park, which helps keep the wildlife population in check during times of drought, causing a lack of sustenance for the animals.
    • The animals in Marloth Park cannot roam as freely as those in Kruger National Park, as a fence encloses them within this 7,413-acre environment.
    • For those of us willing and able to spend what it costs to supplement the animals’ diet, many of us can’t sit back and watch them starve during the dry winter months.
    • This is a holiday township. Tourism provides a vital source of income for many workers and property owners. Dying and starving animals would deter tourists from making this their holiday destination.

    • A genet as seen from the trail cam last night searching for meat.

    When we leave Marloth Park mid-September to travel to Spain, we’ll feel bad leaving the animals without the regular sources of food we provide. But, many other residents and homeowners feed as we do. Hopefully, the rainy season will begin shortly after we leave.

    Last night at Jabula, for the first time, we watched the rugby game with many other enthusiastic patrons in the bar. Yesterday, we studied the rules of a game that we weren’t familiar with. Having some knowledge of the game’s rules greatly added to the enjoyment of watching. The South African team, the Steenboks, is in first place in the world league, making the citizens wild with excitement. It was fun for us as well.

    Tonight, we’re dining out with friends at Amazing Kruger View. Although it’s cloudy today, we will surely have a good time.

    Be well.

    Photo from ten years ago today, July 20, 2015:

    Rocky shoreline at Ellis Beach along Captain Cook Highway in Australia, narrowed the farther we drove. For more photos, please click here.

    Is it true?…Is it no longer necessary to remove shoes at airport security?…

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    A pair of Big Daddies were fighting in the garden. No one was injured. Great photo, Tom!

    From Travel & Leisure online magazine, located here.

    Did the TSA End Its ‘Shoes Off’ Security Rule? Here’s What Travelers Should Know

    The answer is complicated. By Michael Cappetta, Published on July 8, 2025

    The TSA currently requires passengers to remove their shoes when going through a security checkpoint. Now, a new report claims the government agency has rolled back this mandate.

    A significant disruption to travelers may soon be a thing of the past.

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly rolling back its “shoes off” policy at the security line for general passengers, according to online travel sites.

    Travel newsletter Gate Access claims that the TSA will soon allow all passengers to keep their shoes on during the security checkpoint, which will reduce wait times and keep the lines moving more efficiently. “The change comes after years of public frustration over inconsistent airport experiences, long security lines, and a growing debate over the necessity of certain screening procedures,” according to the newsletter’s writer, and former TSA employee, Caleb Harmon-Marshall.

    Two kudus are beginning to attempt to gain control.

    The TSA did not confirm the news or elaborate on the report. When asked for a comment, the agency told Travel + Leisure: “TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”

    On Tuesday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seemingly confirmed this massive change in a post on X, calling it “big news” from the Department of Homeland Security.

    A waterbuck at the water-sparse Crocodile River. We need rain for the wildlife and to restore the reservoir.

    On social media, some travelers shared personal experiences of keeping their shoes on through the security checkpoint. “The agents told me this is a new rule, and so long as your shoes don’t make the alarm go off, no need to remove them,” one traveler wrote on X.

    This policy change is reportedly impacting select airports, so travelers shouldn’t assume their airport is one of them. According to The New York Times, New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is among those that will now allow travelers to keep their shoes on.

    Zebras are eating the lucerne delivered today, with wildebeest Hal watching, hoping he can participate.

    The TSA has previously allowed certain passengers to keep their shoes on as part of the screening process. For example, travelers with TSA PreCheck membership could pass through security screening machines without taking off their shoes. Additionally, passengers aged 75 and older were exempt from removing their shoes during the security process.

    The TSA has recently introduced a new program called “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which provides free or discounted TSA PreCheck memberships to veterans and their families.”

    Zebras hogged the lucerne for two hours.

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    “The requirement to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints is being phased out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This change is part of a broader effort to modernize security procedures and streamline the screening process. The “shoes-off” policy was initially implemented in 2001 after a foiled attempt to detonate explosives hidden in shoes. “

    Be well.

    Photo from ten years ago today, July 19, 2015:

    Tom captured this amazing sunset view over the Coral Sea. For more photos, please click here.