View of our bungalow and carp in the fishpond Another quiet day, sitting by the beach reading. I (Peter) had just dozed off when we were startled by an alarm on everyone's phone. Fortunately, just a test. Test alert from Thai authorities In the evening, we stayed at the hotel again, as the restaurant was … Continue reading Day 11: Another day on Ko Samui, with an unexpected alarm… →

Peter tries a “Samui Voodoo” during Happy “Hour” https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1179396-d26628507-Reviews-Anavana_Beach_Resort_Restaurant-Bophut_Ko_Samui_Surat_Thani_Province.html After our beachside supper we enjoyed a highly skilled complementary fire show

Resting day… Anavana beach resort Peter and the proprietor at the Tandori Palace Tandoori Palace, Chaweng https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g676072-d15142088-Reviews-Tandoori_Palace_Indian_Restaurant-Chaweng_Bophut_Ko_Samui_Surat_Thani_Province.html

So pleased with our second breakfast, I added it to my Tripadvisor reviews! https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g293917-d13343226-Reviews-Baan_Buri_Cafe_Restaurant-Chiang_Mai.html I’d forgotten? we had an upgrade with Bangkok airways (“Thailand’s boutique airline) for their business class lounge, so another relaxed airport transfer. The one and a half hour flight also included hot veggie lunches! A search for our “Grab” taxi similar … Continue reading Day 8, Chiang Mai and Kho Samui →

We began our day with a truly exceptional breakfast at the Buri Gallery House restaurant. We wanted to visit the main Wats and walk around the old town, within the most, before it became hot. Breakfast room at Buri Gallery House restaurant Fluffy omelette Homemade jams Wat Phra Singh Dog in top right of impressive … Continue reading Day 7, Chiang Mai →

Porcelain tank ornament in IuDea Hotel Caught a Grab to Suvarnabhumi international for our flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Christmas decorations still adorning the airport, as much as the overwhelming number of other spots. Another “Grab” for the short journey from the airport to the central Buri Gallery House in the old town. Our … Continue reading Day 6, Ayutthaya- Chiang Mai →

Called a Grab taxi for the hour’s ride to Ayutthaya. Safely in the air conditioning but surrounded by heavy commuter time traffic we our received govt emergency alarms for the Bangkok air quality - stay indoors, close the windows… Fortunately an hour later we reached the charming iuDia Hotel in Thailand’s ancient and ruined capital. … Continue reading Day 5, Ayutthaya →

We started with a quick walk to the Konnichipan Bakery. View westerly across Chao Phraya river to Wat Rakhang Keen to have a rest during the 30° heat of the day and the severe air pollution we set off for China town midafternoon. The China town market was enormous with whole stalls dedicated to perhaps … Continue reading Day 4, Bangkok →

Started our day with a trip to the Money exchange then a pretty walk to a bakery highly recommended on Tripadvisor. The Konnichipan Bakery close to the Khao San road was so good we returned (the next day). Konnichipan Bakery Enjoying one of my two coffees Konnichipan Bakery https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d7119491-r1045777111-Konnichipan_Bakery-Bangkok.html Fuelled up I fancied a reminiscent … Continue reading Day 3 Bangkok →

We walked towards Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace stopping along the way at the excellent National Museum houses in what was once the palace of Rana V including the gallery of Thai history -archaeology. Entering the National museum I liked the door More doors at the National museum Theoretically the royal funeral vehicles … Continue reading Day 2, Bangkok →

30° Bangkok late afternoon. Moving long queues at immigration. Chaotic but working collection in middle of the road by booked taxi to Riva Surya Hotel. Polite and friendly welcome. Top floor (5th floor) room over looking Chao Phraya river in central, Phra Nakhon district. Dinner by the river with complimentary drinks followed by happy ‘hour’ … Continue reading Bangkok, Day 1 →

Day 0 Depart London Gatwick on time at 2115 Friday night for Bangkok. Peter agreeing to open the emergency doors in the extra-legroom economy seat. Great chat with English literature teacher on my right. ‘Special’ veggie meal served early Miniature Tiramisu Squished but slept intermittently arriving slightly ahead of time at 1545.

View from the Kenta beach hotel terrace

Rest day by the pool and/or beach In front of Mount Olympus Mount Olympus, from our hotel View from Aiolos restaurant

Agai, Macedonia’s first city was a little over an hour’s scenic drive. Exhibits at the impressive Museum of Aigai Nike in gold Within the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) The tomb of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world Golden larnax … Continue reading Day 3, →

Arcturos Brown Bear Sanctuary, Nymfaio Forest https://www.arcturos.gr/en/ and near-by Wolf, lynx (and jackal) Conservation area Instagram arturosngo. Very pretty drive through the valley and up the twisting mountain roads. Skirted Nymfaio, one of the ten most picturesque villages of Europe, according to UNESCO. Nymfaio Arcturos Bear Sanctuary An example of many storks nesting with the … Continue reading Day 2, →

Day 1 Arrived in Thessaloniki, northwestern Greece, where we met up with Kat. Drove by Lake Orestiada or Lake of Kastoria in the Kastoria regional unit of Macedonia. Hotel Loggas, Kastoria, Greek Macedonia Our charming rustic hotel has a beautiful view over lake Orestiada and Kastoria. Lake Orestiada, Kastoria, Greek Macedonia

Typical neoclassical friezes Example of the typical render in need of repair around Zagreb An example of a nearly restored building Examples of the many fine neoclassical figures supporting doors/windows Trg Kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav, first king of Croatia, 925 - where you exit the main train station when arriving in Zagreb) The Horticultural gardens … Continue reading Day 14, Zagreb →

Caught connecting local and long distance buses to Zagreb. The >2 hour Zagreb journey cost 6.5 Euros Complimentary upgrade to Executive room Statue of Josip Jelačić Von Bužin was the Ban (Viceroy) of Croatia in Trg bana Josip Jelačića Crkva sv. Marka (St Mark’s church) in Upper town “The unhappy fisherman with the snake” fountain … Continue reading Day 13, Rijeka to Zagreb →

Peter outside the Croatian National Theatres, Rijeka St. Vitus’ Cathedral, Rijeka Grof. (Count) Laval Nugent von Westmeath born Ballynacor, Ireland, 1777 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laval_Nugent_von_Westmeath bought and restored the castle overlooking Rijeka An 18th century addition to the 13th century Rijeka castle! View from the battlements of Rijeka Rijeka castle Our window at dusk

Breakfast included delicious petit fours left over from the previous day’s wedding Adriatic view from our room Cres Seaside walkway to Opatija Cormorants Opatija A glass of Teran. Chat with charming Viennese Anna and Andreas - brought 20th century European history to consciousness.

Breakfast alfresco with pool and sea view Looking westwards over the Adriatic from Pula View from the churchyard

We woke to a clear blue sky and the prospect of fine weather all day for the first time on our trip. So, naturally, after a fantastic breakfast of local cheese, eggs and strong Croatian coffee, we asked for directions to walk up into the hills. We set off behind the supermarket as instructed and … Continue reading Day 10, Guest House, Stancija Kovačići, Rukavac, near Opatija →

Cat houses in Park Plaza hotels complex; white cat staying away from hoipalloi on slope (highlighted) Watched a pair of Jays over our pizzas

Short walk to the bus stop, changed to international bus, crossing seamlessly into Slovenia and then Croatia (#Schengen) Sixth largest amphitheatre, Pula, Croatia Fascinating collection of Roman rings with history of ring wearing Atop the Pula fortress In the 23mph gusts at the top of the seventeenth century fortress, designed by a Frenchman, built by … Continue reading Day 7, Grignano Miramare, Trieste to Pula →

Blog writing on terrace after breakfast Sunset from the Terrace Unable to go far in the 20mph wind or swim in the sea. Deep fried courgette, amuse-bouche Fritto Misto, chargrilled vegetables and Tagliatelle with Porcini Mushrooms Molten chocolate soufflé

Breakfast with a view of the Adriatic View from Hotel Riviera and Maximilian’s of Grignano At Hotel Riviera and Maximilian’s Aboard the Grignano Mare ferry to Trieste Turned up fortuitously in time for the ferry (the timetable published on the Net showed a later departure). Weather, perfect. Approaching Trieste, 20-minute journey there Roman amphitheatre in … Continue reading Day 5, Grignano to Trieste →

Defied the cold to swim in the reasonable size outdoor pool yesterday, late afternoon Popped into the castle and market; checked out; missed a bus; caught the next one; changed buses at Trieste airport (deja vu), another helpful driver saw us to correct second bus. Short walk from bus stop to the Belle Époque Hotel … Continue reading Day 4, Gradisca d’Isonzo to Grignano/Miramare, Trieste →

First our final sumptios breakfast! Breakfast buffet (eggs and cheeses are brought to the table) The Hotel bar The simple regional train journey to our connecting point at Trieste airport. Very helpful employee in ticket office to ensure we caught the correct bus and made the request for our request stop at Gradisca D’Isonzo. Equally … Continue reading Day 3, Venice to Gradisca D’Isonzo →

Another excellent breakfast followed by a stroll, through the now, more familiar Rio terrae to the Peggy Gugenheim collection. Overlooking the Grand Canal Early, we tried to recreate the photograph of a 23-year old interrailing me (just after qualifying but before starting as a Houseman), kindly once already recreated by Bella in March 2023. Helena, … Continue reading Day 2, Venice →

Breakfast at Albergo Marin is excellent so we set off merrily across the bridges to St Marks Square. We had pre booked the first entry slot to the Ducal Palace museum - astonishingly large ornate halls, one after another, to house the various (male) Councils that ruled at home and across the powerful trading medieval … Continue reading Day 1, Venice →

Waiting at the Water taxi stop (orange line) at Marco Polo airport Easy flight with Ryanair from Bournemouth. Followed colleague’s tip to catch the water taxi into Venice (thank you Sarah). Beautiful early evening walk in perfect temperature to our hotel, Albergo Marin. Settled in and then off for a supper of tomatoes and burrata, … Continue reading Day 0 Arrive Venice →

5 am rise. Start jungle path alongside river. Hand gifts over to indigenous Kogui schoolchildren. Peter speaks on our behalf in Spanish. Trek 12hrs 50 minutes18kmAscend 690 mDescend 1160m Cross a rope bridge over the river to see for the first time the task ahead of us! 1200 ancient stone "steps", irregular foot-holes nearly vertical. … Continue reading Day 4 : Paraiso Teyuna Camp to Lost City to Wiwa Camp (or Mumake) →

After an early breakfast we climb up out of Camp 1 through the heart of the jungle. The rain starts very soon and the damp sticky mud gets more so. The scenery is breathtaking where we can see it. I’m focused on my cramping stomach; perhaps I should have brushed my teeth with bottled water…roomy … Continue reading Day 3 : Casa Adan Camp to Paraiso Teyuna Camp →

3 am local time. Arrive Bogotá. There’s a wait after immigration for our internal flight to Santa Marta. Sadly the Irish pub is shut But there is the open Pasteleria Santa Elena Stars Appeal team before we go board our Santa Marta flight, 0600 local time Flew due north from Bogotá to Santa Marta on … Continue reading Day 1 →

Waiting to get on the coach to London Heathrow from Salisbury District Hospital Team StarsAppeal Bogotá airport

We woke to thick fog with visibility less than 5 metres - curtailing our plans to start at the cliff edge! Our hostess, Alison Arnold advised we start via the Priest’s Way. Outside the Old Post Office, Worth Maltravers Dinosaur footprints (here’s one taken in December 2022, because the fog was too quick to see … Continue reading Day 6, Worth Maltravers to Studland →

Met guest walkers: Mandy, Poppy (the guest dog) and Julie at Stoborough Stoborough Heath was wet and muddy, and hard going - excellent practice for Colombia. One of several deer near Furzebrook aka Watch Farm oil field (how did they mislay 200 barrels at the weekend?) After lunch, along a rare road-stretch we found a … Continue reading Day 5, Lulworth to Worth Maltravers via Stoborough (because Lulworth range was shut for firing) →

Sunshine again! Our guest walker, Peter P. arrived at our B and B (thank you Nick and Caroline Hayes at the Valentine guest house). We set off along the charming seafront with double-storey terraced beach houses. Weymouth with Peters and Wilbur Fairly easy (well we think so now!) to Osmington Mills, overlooking where we’d come … Continue reading Day 4, Weymouth to Lulworth cove via Durdle Door →

The Coast path from Chickerell’s Knights of the Bottom, was flooded meaning we had to climb over a wire fence, not meant for climbing. There was mud and more flooding until the path was completely submerged by the lagoon! In the background are the Knights of the Bottom The Coast Path submerged completely by Lagoon … Continue reading Day 3, Chickerell, Chesil Beach, Portland Bill, Weymouth →

The sun and blue sky were out again in defiance of the weather forecast. It was the full vegetarian c/o Paul and Joanne Lound with mustard and tobasco for Peter. The Haddon House hotel was charming - the bath with a TV ideal for a post-trek soak. Picking up our Coast Path route We found … Continue reading Day 2, West Bay to Chickerell, Jurassic coast →

Awoke to unpredicted blue sky over the pub with rooms we were staying in, the so-called Eyre Court Hotel. Seaton is a quaint little town, reminiscent of “Bungay” but on sea - pubs just a few steps away from each other and small shops with curiosities. During breakfast three paramedics in green uniforms and two … Continue reading Day 1, Jurassic coast →

Leaving Salisbury train station Day 1 After work, walked across the Water Meadows in the rain and our rain proof trousers to the station. It’s a local bus to Seaton for the night, and then an early start. We’re expecting to be joined by guest walkers in the morning!

This morning we discovered that despite being January the rooftop pool was open! Perhaps we'll try it before the week is over! We took the number 35 again, but nearly to the end of the route. We walked 12,000 paces from Avenue Andalucia along the river estuary to the port. We rested in a square … Continue reading Malaga, day 2 →

The quality of the daylight is so bright compared to January in England. It was warm in the sunshine. We caught the local bus into the historic centre and toured the rococo cathedral. After that, we went to the Picasso museum, which has a good example of most of Picasso's works and an excellent collection … Continue reading Malaga, day 1 →

And we’re off! Malaga, on record the driest place in mainland Spain

So, the World Medical Association are gathered in Tbilisi and my fellow chair at the BMA and I have seats on the WMA Council. It was actually quite difficult to get here, and certainly beyond me by train:-( I had wanted to fly Georgian Airways directly but my colleague had checked the TripAdvisor reviews which … Continue reading Tbilisi, Georgia →

The Canadian Medical Association. After Registration, there was time for an ascent up the CN (formerly Canada National) tower; vertigo nearly stopped me from eating! Two and a bit long days inside later, on my way home!

P, I, Kat & Livy checked in for LHR whilst I had a 9 hour wait for the 'red eye' to LA. Caught some sleep arriving here at 0630 where Reception were kind enough to give me a room 10 hours early! View from coffee bar View from room I had bought a day tour … Continue reading Day 21 LA to Toronto and Niagara Falls →

Monterey was once the capital of Spanish Alta California, then a backwater fishing village, now just laid-back tourist resort with a few old adobe buildings from its previous eras. Robert Louis Stevenson visited in pursuit of a married woman with fever and debts. Surprisingly, it all worked out pretty well and they still preserve the … Continue reading Day 13-15: Monterey →

Time to move on again and we're heading back south, over the Golden Gate (sorry, supply your own photo https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge) to stop at Stanford University where there's an art museum with a great Rodin collection (https://museum.stanford.edu). Next day, as we staying in Cupertino, a visit to Apple is in order. The visitor centre, as our … Continue reading Day 11-12 Silicon Valley →

On from Sacramento towards the coast. We stop first in the Napa Valley area for a quick bite to eat at Yountville's bakery. The sat-nav then chooses to take us by winding mountain roads on to our next destination, the little town of Occidental, deep in the coastal forests and by happy chance, a wine … Continue reading Day 9-10: Occidental →

We left Yosemite regretfully, so beautiful - we could have spent far longer there; trying out different swimming holes, exploring the boutique museums, trying a family round of golf with the magnificent backdrop. The highway stretched straight into the city and we caught site of the stately Capitol building. Our hotel is central and we … Continue reading Day 8 Yosemite to Sacramento →

A travelling day today. We avoided Fresno and made our way through the foothills of the mountains, with a stop for an excellent and enormous breakfast at Gena's Place, a real old fashioned American roadside diner, on the road down from the mountains. Between us, we managed breakfast burrito, french toast, waffles and eggs benedict … Continue reading Day 4: Sequoia to Yosemite →

Sequoia is all about big trees - really big trees. Sequoias are the world's largest trees and grow only high on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California. We stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge, 7200ft (2200m) above sea level and hiked down to the General Sherman tree, the biggest of them all and … Continue reading Day 3: Sequoia National Park →

P still successfully avoiding Disney we managed a successful, albeit soaked through on the rapids morning. Handmade ice creams (vegan available), then a seven hour drive with a pit stop at Taco Bell.

P never wants to go to Disney again so the girls and I went for the whole day experience in the Magic Kingdom.

Starting our annual holiday with a weekend’s camping with BMA friends and colleagues at Tolpuddle.

Guest blogger Peter Our first full day on Easter Island started (after a substantial breakfast) with a visit to tbe volcanic crater of Orongo, one  of the largest of 70 extinct volcanoes on the island. The crater itself is beautiful, filled with a patchwork of islands and pools - our guide told us how her … Continue reading Day 21 Easter Island – the Birdman and the moai of the first people →

Our second two island day - we are  aware that this is a holiday if a life-time and the two centres gives the illusion of two days. Caught a 10 minute flight to Tahiti - we six passengers unanimously followed the Air Hostesses advice to swap to the right hand seats for a better view: … Continue reading Day 19 Moorea to Tahiti →

This morning we went kayaking and viewed the beautiful coral  reef. Then a light lunch shared from the excellent Carte Vegetarienne.   We drank Argentine, Tierra de Luna - Shiraz/Malbec 2013 at dinner, and for those of you of a certain age, it tasted just like Black Forest gateau! (It was delicious)

We visited the amazing Turtle sanctuary and clinic run by a vet and dedicated volunteers http://www.temanaotemoana.org/conservation/the-sea-turtles-clinic/ On the way I had accidentally disturbed a large land crab, which rested up its claws and gave me quite a fright. In the evening we went out very locally to the low key but hospitable  Les Tipaniers, http://www.lestipaniers.com/en/th_portfolio/restaurant_and_bar/ … Continue reading Day 17 Moorea →

We returned to The Lucky House https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g669130-d3826048-Reviews-The_Lucky_House_Fare_Manuia-Vaitape_Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html and we shared the crispy garlicky pizza & I had a dip in the pool whilst waiting for it; a different meaning to a pool bar! In the evening we caught a ride to the Yacht club, where we saw a ray off the deck. Unfortunately there was … Continue reading Day 15 Bora Bora →

Guest blogger - Peter I have been invited to be the guest blogger today. For those who don't know me, I'm the chap in the Panama hat in the photos. (I find this helps to easily distinguish me as an English tourist.) Our daughter thinks that "Bora Bora is for those who have done their … Continue reading Day 14 – Bora Bora →

We had a very early arrival in Auckland; I hadn't slept since the day before yesterday, and hauled up in a quiet-ish corner - too tired for words for the Day 12 blog; but even from the airport we could reminisce about the NZ scenery and our Christmas 2006 stay with the Stradling clan. We crossed … Continue reading Day 13 -1 day as we crossed the International Date Line →

Caught shuttle towards Ewing Look Out, and as we hadn't had the foresight to ask the driver to take us there, missed our stop and took an unexpected bush walk!  Then, ironically, we arrived at precisely the moment the next shuttle arrived and the driver promised to collect us 30 minutes later... Once more we … Continue reading Day 11, Uluru sunset →

Walking into the bustling (not) town centre and then a schooner in Monte’s lounge - where we stood out a little from the backpackers!

Our friends arranged to take us for a return visit to  Patrick Bertola at Lion Mill Vineyards, Mt Helena http://lionmillvineyards.com.au/ Last time I'd jokingly asked Patrick about his retirement plans and hot they might fit in with ours - if I could persuade P, (and the small impediment of how to  get over my fear of … Continue reading Day 9 Lion Mill Vineyards, Mt Helena →

Up for bakery breakfast (veggie pasties) at 0630 7 a trip to the other side of the peninsula for the first half hour dolphin experience: up to 15 wild dolphins visit, up to three times daily, and five of them (the same five) our fed a measured amount of fish (to avoid them becoming dependent), … Continue reading Day 7, Monkey Mia, dolphin experience →

Time for a swim, then off to the airport. Flights on time, and then a search for our friend's duty free challenge in a nearly dry airport at KL - single malt. We also quite fancied a beer! Caught the train between terminals at the advice of airport staff (they seemed used to this request) … Continue reading Day 5, Siem Reap to KL to Perth →

Peter’s bag, day 8 Took a swim in Shark Bay (really), then a long lunch of veggie stir fry (again) admiring the beautiful azure sea (still no shark). Stopped briefly at Carnarvon on the flight home. I would have liked to have stayed there & visited Ewing Place. There were two extremely cute young kangaroos … Continue reading Day 8 Shark Bay, Carnarvon, & the Parkerville Tavern →

Our friends drove us home, out of the city, to their beautiful bush retreat for  refreshments on the patio under the southern sky with the sounds of the native night-wildlife. We slept soundly with the night air coming refreshingly through the insect screen. Mid-day it was off to catch a Skipper's flight together, approximately 2 … Continue reading Day 6, Perth domestic departure for Monkey Mia →

We ate lunch at Marum - just outside the Heritage Suites where we were staying, We had an excellent selection of vegetarian dishes, including a black mushroom and brie croquette with broccoli in hoisin sauce. This maybe gives an idea of the fusion of flavours available here. This food would seriously attract high prices in … Continue reading Day 3, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat →

I'd just woken up at 2am GMT when the PA (Public Announcement)woke the passengers to ask whether there was a doctor or a nurse on board? Rather anxiously owned up and was grateful for not having had second glass of red wine with supper! I was escorted to Business class where a man, who at … Continue reading Day 2 – is there a doctor or a nurse on board? →

We departed from Heathrow Friday for Siem Reap - we are staying at the Heritage Suites Hotel for 3 nights We depart Siem Reap Tuesday for Perth. We'll then head off with Rob and Lucy for Shark Bay/Monkey Mia and back to Perth Friday. We then fly out of Perth on Sunday to Alice Springs, … Continue reading Our itinerary →

Well we’re through security with our hand luggage, and my 40 pairs of Matalan biodegradable throw-away knickers. The poor children have been left behind with Hugo in charge for week 1.