Friday 28 February 2014

Post Holiday!

Well just about done the washing and sort of getting back to a stable state! Amazing how you tend to see your house with fresh eyes when you return from holiday.  It has also made us see how shabby the paint work looks which has prompted a decorating plan!



Takes a holiday to make you appreciate home….no matter how enjoyable a holiday may be.

So whats next……….

We are still reflecting on our observations of the holiday which involved the hot topic of conversation on board………. food!  Discussions were dominated by exchanging anecdotes on the excesses of individuals and the bizarre combination of foods which may be assembled on one plate.

This is mildly amusing but on a more serious note  - the behaviour of some people is very worrying -  I would say that about 2/3 of passengers fell into the category of  being overweight, grossly overweight or obese.

Many reflected on the government trying to reduce the levels of obesity by taxing fizzy drinks and fast foods.  This would not make any difference to the people we have seen.

For the next few posts I would like to reflect on what we all know to be the case….that keeping fit, healthy and maintaining a healthy weight will pay dividends later. There were many cases on board, who by their own admissions, revealed that their health problems and immobility were down to their lifestyles.  My view is it is never too late!

I am sure you have your own opinions on the weighty issue so please feel free to comment and share your experiences and your solutions and actions.  Please pass on details of blog to friends and relatives who have an interest in diets and lifestyle and who would like to make a contribution.

Next post will be on preparation - just like our decorating…you have to thin k things through and prepare the ground…...

Wednesday 26 February 2014

….and the rest………….….

Continuing photos from remainder of our holiday - the places we visited were a series of contrasts.  One of the more memorable was the Bay of Islands, on northern tip of New Zealand.  The people were delightful and learning about the Maori culture was truly a highlight of our visit.

Bay of Islands







and then there was ………………………..as you can see the weather was cloudy …….

Sydney


We were also lucky enough to go to the Opera House and see Carmen. This production was based on the one we saw at the Royal Opera House and it was interesting seeing the Opera in a modern venue. Acoustics and view of stage excellent.





We also enjoyed Bondi Beach even though it was raining quite heavily.  We did manage another paddle - you will see my husband was caught out with a freak wave!! Well at least I was amused…..At least it was really warm that day and so able to dry out quickly!!  I think photo looks a bit like a Vettriano!!







Then on to Brisbane where we just managed to fit in an excellent lunch at "Jimmy's on the Mall" before flying home.  Never had Moreton Bay Bugs before - truly delicious and really recommend them if you get a chance to try!!



http://www.jimmysonthemall.com.au/content/mall-standard.asp?

http://www.australiantropicalfoods.com/index.php/australian-seafood/moreton-bay-bug/



Tuesday 25 February 2014

Holiday Places……..

You know that feeling when you get back from a long holiday?  It is so hard to get back to normal - whatever normal is! So am posting some photos of our holiday which will help to lift my mood if not yours :).  It always seems surreal to me that you can be on the other side of the world one day and then back home the next! Almost as if it never happened …….

San Francisco

Weather cloudy but warm 



Auckland

We watched sky divers jump from the Sky Tower and they paid for the pleasure - crazy people!


Hawaii
View from our cabin balcony as we approached Hawaii early morning



Wonderful Buddhist Temple

So many fish in the Temple lake
Me enjoying a paddle! Bliss!

More photos from other places tomorrow but rest assured there aren't many more!:)


Thursday 20 February 2014

Back Home!!


Got back last night from 3 week cruise holiday which ended in Australia  -now we are seriously jet lagged! Not helped by being at airport in Brisbane for 6.30 pm for 11.30pm  flight - 10 mins before boarding emergency - gas leak - chaos fire engines, fire fighters….terminal evacuated hundreds bemused people milling around outside. Not too long to wait flight left one hour later but we had to go through all the security stuff again!! 

Then approx 7 hour flight to Kuala Lumpar, another few hours wait before 13 hour flight to Heathrow!

Surprising how flexible bodies can be as they struggle to achieve a position which will enable a semblance of sleep!!  So proud us oldies - so resilient!!!