Returning to the land of tajines brings us immense joy! Naturally, our top priority upon returning to Morocco was indulging in this beloved dish. In 2019, we spent three months exploring this incredible country , which continues to be one of our favourite adventures. Agadir was our first destination aboard the divine Splendor ship on our 24-day West African cruise with Regent Seven Seas . We missed this city during our extensive travel through Morocco in 2019, so we were thrilled to finally check it off our list. Agadir, located along Morocco's southern Atlantic coast in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, is a resort destination. It boasts golf courses, a wide crescent beach, and a seaside promenade with cafes, restaurants, and bars. The city's hilltop kasbah was primarily destroyed in a 1960 earthquake, but its original wall still stands. We took a shuttle to the city centre and went to the beach and our chosen beachside restaurant, Ô Playa . Within 15 minutes, we were strolling along Agadir's magnificent coastline. We were fortunate to get a beautiful table at Ô Playa with a view and settled in with a lovely local bottle of white wine—yes, Morocco produces its own wines, which we had sampled extensively during our first visit. Our wonderful young waiter, Soufiane, managed our tajine orders. We quickly became friends with him, sharing travel stories and life experiences. Unable to choose just one type of tajine, we decided on a trifecta: lamb, chicken, and a vegetable tajine as the grand finale! A tajine is a slow-cooked stew made in a clay earthenware pot. Typically, it features a variety of meats and vegetables simmered in ample liquid (often oil or butter) and generously seasoned with herbs, spices, and dried fruits like raisins and apricots. This method transforms even the toughest proteins into tender, juicy delights. As the tajines were prepared and cooked to order, they were spaced out enough for us to find room for each course. Each dish was as delectable as we remembered, and our tajine cravings were thoroughly satisfied. A heartfelt thank you to Soufiane and the team at Ô Playa for filling our hearts and tummies with joy. After a delightful afternoon savouring one of our favourite foods and enjoying the company of friendly Moroccans, we said our goodbyes. We caught a nearby taxi back to the port for €10. Although our driver was eager to take us on a tour of Agadir, we politely declined and returned to the ship with plenty of time before sailing away and making our way to the Canary Islands , feeling grateful for another visit to Morocco.

Kirks Wine Bar - Too many visits to count You won’t be disappointed when visiting Kirks. The location is excellent for people watching, it’s perfect for a nice, long, lazy breakfast, and you won’t even realise you are in Melbourne. The menu is fantastic, and you will want to visit again to try all the dishes (especially the lemon tart). They also have a great French wine list, and the team is a delight. Tell Curly that Wayne & Sal send our love if you drop in.

One of the most incredible experiences of our travels was a magical private lunch and boat cruise with Captain Nikola of B & F Cruise—Ohrid Lake Boat Tours in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. Ohrid Lake Boat Tours It all started with Nikola reaching out via Facebook to recommend a cruise directly. After I responded to confirm, he researched our blog and custom-designed a perfect cruise for Sal and Wayne so that he couldn't have guessed us better! Kudos to Nikola for working smarter during low tourism and finding ways to connect with travellers. Instead of waiting at the port for tourists to walk past, he has pivoted his business and successfully created unique experiences by learning all about his prospective guests online. We started the tour by boarding Nikola's private boat from the centre of town. We then cruised the lake's coast, enjoying beautiful natural views of the National Park Galichica. We enjoyed the magical scenery and crystal clear waters of Lake Ohrid. We were utterly overwhelmed by the beauty and mind-blowing views. Nikola was full of positive energy and a pleasure to be around. He also has extensive knowledge of the history and is a local Ohrid lad himself. After one hour of cruising, we stopped off to visit the Bay of Bones , a museum on water, for a quick tour. It is a reconstructed village of stilt houses displaying Bronze—and Iron Age items recovered from Lake Ohrid. Archaeologists believe it dates from 1200 to 600 BC. We continued our cruise up the Ohrid coast and stopped in the charming lakeside village of Trpejca to have our delicious lunch freshly served by Restaurant And Terrace UNO (freshly caught local trout fish from the morning). They kindly set up on the boat, restaurant-style, while we enjoyed a stroll along the beach in Trpejca. We then cruised for five minutes in the crystal clear waters to a small alcove, where we anchored and enjoyed a private lazy lunch, the most delicious fish and the beauty of the coastline with Albania just a few miles away. Ohrid Lake Boat Tours The restaurant picked up our lovely captain Nikola so Wayne and I could dine privately. 1.5 hours later, we messaged him once we were ready, and he was delivered back to us. Then, the boat was cleared from the lunch setting (table and all). We continued our cruise back to Ohrid, stopping by to see the restaurant's team and thank them for the beautiful food and exceptional experience. They called Nikola to bring us over to say goodbye, which was incredibly sweet. Ohrid Lake Boat Tours It was the most spectacular and relaxing experience, and we are very grateful to Nikola, Stefan and the restaurant crew for making it very special. We felt very spoilt, and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts; we cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

Venice Carnival Step into a world where the streets echo with the murmur of ancient secrets and the air shimmers with a kaleidoscope of colours. Welcome to the Venice Carnival, a tapestry of history and fantasy woven together for a few magical days. Venice Carnival - Italy As dusk falls over Venice's winding canals, the city transforms into a stage for one of the most enchanting spectacles on earth. The Venice Carnival, with its riot of colours, mysterious masks, and echoes of bygone opulence, is not just an event; it is a living, breathing journey into the heart of Italian culture. Venice Carnival - Italy Behind each mask lies a world of stories, a bridge to the past where tradition meets revelry. Whether you dance in the moonlight at a grand ball or lose yourself amongst the street performers, the Carnival promises to be an unforgettable foray into a world where fantasy reigns supreme.

As we approached the end of our seven-night cruise aboard the Apex with Celebrity Cruises, Bergen, a charming city, was our final taste of Norway. Hidden Charm of Bergen Bergen, Norway The city is situated amidst seven mountains in the heart of the fjords. Bergen is a city on Norway's southwestern coast with a population of roughly 290,000. It's surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest. Hidden Charm of Bergen The city welcomed us with open arms. Its streets were clean, and its people exuded a remarkable friendliness that made us feel right at home. And the best part? A stone's throw away, we could find ourselves surrounded by untouched nature, a peacefulness accentuated by the gentle hum of electric cars gliding through the city. One of our most treasured discoveries in Bergen was the efficient Fløibanen Funicular , which transported us to the peak of Floyen mountain, 320 meters above sea level. To avoid the queue, purchase your tickets from the ticket machines using a credit card or online before arriving, and you will be ushered to the funicular quickly. Hidden Charm of Bergen In a matter of minutes—six to be exact—we found ourselves amidst hiking trails, lush forests, and serene lakes, all offering breathtaking views that left us in awe. Skomakerdiket Lake was a hidden gem, and I couldn't touch it! Hidden Charm of Bergen The aerial view of the city is breathtaking, making you feel like you're part of the world. You can also kick back and relax while enjoying a delicious meal. There's a restaurant and cafe, perfect for satisfying any food cravings you may have worked up during your exploration. There's also an ice cream shop if you're in the mood for something sweet. Hidden Charm of Bergen You've had all those mesmerising visits, it's your adventure in the troll forest. Now, you may wonder, what is a troll forest in the world? Trolls are mystical creatures that roam the pages of Norse mythology and old Norwegian fairy tales. They were fearsome beings, but they've been a beloved part of the culture here in Norway. As you stroll through the troll forest, keep your eyes peeled for these legendary creatures. Who knows, you might spot one hiding among the trees, ready to sprinkle a little extra magic into your day. It's a worthwhile experience that captures the essence of Norway. Wandering through the city led us to charming cobblestone laneways adorned with captivating street art and a medieval wharf in the historic harbour district known for its colourful, wooden-clad boat houses. After a few hours of exploring, we were ready to relax; we found the most lovely terrace to soak up the sun, a rarity due to Bergen's over 200 days a year. We enjoyed the afternoon relishing a Grand Cru champagne and a delicious array of local cheeses, all whilst bantering with our waiter and sharing life stories and attempting to pronounce his Norwegian name, which after 30 minutes he soon became 'Mate', we couldn't get the hang of Ørlind. As the late afternoon sun cast its golden glow over the city, we strolled back to the ship, feeling the energy and vibrancy that seemed to be intrinsic to Bergen. There's truly something special about the city's atmosphere; 10% of the population are students, along with the natural, effortless beauty of the locals, who seemingly stepped off a catwalk. As we bid farewell to Norway's sequoia waterside, we could not help but feel an undeniable pull to return. The warmth of our welcome in Bergen has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and the allure of Norway beckons us back, promising more adventures and rich, beautiful moments in the embrace of its natural wonders. Hidden Charm of Bergen Hidden Charm of Bergen The good news is that we will be back only 12 months later, in July 2024, cruising this majestic part of the world again on our favourite ship, Marina, with Oceania Cruises.

We set sail on another captivating adventure, delving into the enchanting Norwegian fjords during a 7-night cruise following our transatlantic voyage with Celebrity Cruises aboard the esteemed Apex. Haugesund, Norway The first leg of our journey led us to the intriguing town of Haugesund, which is nestled on the shores of the North Sea in Rogaland County, Norway, and boasts a population of 37,000. Haugesund Norway Embracing the rugged beauty of Haugesund's landscape, framed by mountains, islands, and the North Sea, one can't help but be transported back to a time when this city was a hub of Viking royalty and leadership. Today, Haugesund is a vibrant cultural centre in Norway, hosting renowned events like the Norwegian International Film Festival and a lively jazz festival each summer. The narrative of the Viking Kings that echoes through the region, coupled with a rich tapestry of cultural offerings, diverse festivals, ample shopping opportunities, bustling urban life, and adrenaline-pumping extreme sports activities, presents an eclectic menu of experiences for exploration. We opted to disembark at our own pace during our visit, strolling through the town on foot. Despite the rainy weather that characterised the day, we savoured a leisurely lunch at a local cafe, Dattera til Lothe . The cafe's clean, wooden design and architecture resonated with the simple yet elegant aesthetic characteristic of Norway's architectural heritage, representing a taste of Norway's clean and serene aesthetic. The food was delicious and hit the spot. Before returning to the ship, we strolled around the quiet city to capture the local vibe. While Haugesund may not have immediately struck us as the most visually striking Norwegian city, it marked our 71st country visited. It piqued our anticipation for the grandeur of the majestic fjords awaiting us in the days ahead. Undoubtedly, Haugesund was a destination that beckoned further exploration, inviting us to research potential excursions to delve deeper into the surrounding natural wonders and cultural richness. For seasoned travellers like ourselves, each destination offers unique insights and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Haugesund serves as a gateway to Norway's storied past and vibrant present, urging visitors to step beyond the surface and immerse themselves in its diverse offerings. As we continue our voyage through the Norwegian fjords, the allure of discovery and cultural immersion propels us forward, reminding us of the enriching experiences that travel can bestow upon us.

Our journey through the Norwegian fjords was a revelation. It captured our hearts and opened our eyes to the unparalleled beauty of this pristine landscape. We were sold on Norway. Having cruised the stunning New Zealand sounds and the breathtaking Chilean Fjords multiple times, we were taken aback by the grandeur of the Norwegian Fjords, which truly stand in a league of their own. The sheer scale and drama of the scenery went beyond what any camera could capture. Navigating the inner channels of Norway, we were met with mountains cascading and overlapping in a picturesque display that left us in awe. Untouched Beauty Of Norway Flam, Norway We arrived at Flåm on the Celebrity Apex ship. Upon opening the blinds, we were deeply engulfed by the extraordinary scenery and pristine, tranquil green waters. Flam, Norway Flåm is a tiny little village, the perfect introduction to Norway. Fläm is nestled deep in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord, the 204-kilometre-long and 1308-meter-deep Sognefjord. Flam, Norway We scuttled off the ship to immerse ourselves in the raw, clean air, natural surroundings and roaring waterfalls. Flam, Norway You're in for a delightful surprise when exploring the charming small town of Flåm on foot. You can meander through its streets easily and enjoy free entry to The Flåm Railway Museum . This hidden gem takes you on a journey back in time, providing a fascinating look into the history and remarkable challenges faced during the construction of the world's steepest railway, the Flåmsbana. As you enter the Flåmsbana museum, prepare to be transported to a different era. The exhibits offer a captivating insight into the ingenuity, perseverance, and sheer determination that went into creating such an engineering marvel. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles overcome and the expertise required to conquer the steep slopes and rugged terrain as you ascend with the Flåmsbana. Naturally, we followed the museum with a majestic train trip, The Flåmsbana , where you steadily climb 2800m in vintage carriages to appreciate the Norwegian surroundings and landscapes. Flam, Norway The waterfalls here are on steroids. We thought Chile was the land of waterfalls, but Norway has taken the lead; they are mind-blowing everywhere. Flam, Norway Flam, Norway Flam, Norway The Flam railway is known as one of the best train trips in the world. Booking directly and not through the ship excursions, which cost only AUD 95, was about 50% cheaper. This train trip was a highlight of the day. Flam, Norway Flam, Norway The two-hour train journey presented ever-changing terrain and a scenic photo stop at Kjosfossen Falls, providing a captivating experience accompanied by unexpected free entertainment, which added an amusing touch to our excursion. (A lady on a hill singing and dancing. However, after zooming in, you will get a chuckle as we are sure it was a man dressed up in his Sunday best. It was just above 0, so it's entirely possible!) Flam, Norway Insider tip: If returning from Flam, only get off on the return trip for a picture of the waterfall, as it is much less intense and offers better photo opportunities. We also recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the train and one of the first seats as they have a window that opens; being on the right, you can absorb the views on the return trip, too. As we witness the breathtaking beauty of Norway's fjords, our souls are overwhelmed by the grandeur that unfolds before us. After indulging in a train trip surrounded by vast and awe-inspiring views, we embark on a sail away that takes us deeper into the heart of these magnificent landscapes, preparing us for the next destination on our unforgettable journey. The train ride through Norway's picturesque terrain offers a unique perspective. Every turn reveals a new panorama that leaves us in awe of Mother Nature's artistic prowess. The sheer size and magnitude of the landscapes engulf us, reminding us of our place in this vast universe. As we transition from the train expedition to our sail away, a sense of tranquillity and serenity envelops us as we navigate through the tranquil waters of the fjords. We carry with us invaluable experiences, loads of captured moments (sorry for the spam), and insights gained from Flåm. We are eager for the adventures that await in Geiranger, the heart of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. Flam, Norway Flam, Norway Flam, Norway Flam, Norway

Admiralty Bay | Paradise Bay | Half Moon Island Welcome back to Antarctica; something we never thought was possible, three visits this Summer! Three Visits to Antarctica It had only been a few months since we last set foot, kayaked, and sailed through Antarctica (pictures below from our first visit). To have the opportunity to cruise through the last unspoilt and southernmost continent, another two times on our 110-day voyage with Oceania Cruises , was a dream come true (again and again). This is a brief journal of our second visit to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. It includes many videos and photos that allow us to reminisce about the beautiful collection of moments. Wilhelmina Bay (January 2023) Antarctica, you have continued to provide a mystical environment. This morning, as we woke in Wilhelmina Bay (the same place we navigated the icebergs in zodiacs, feeling the full brunt of the snow and rain as Summer approached Antarctica in November), Antarctica filled our hearts and all senses with pure joy! Three Visits to Antarctica Oceania, you have genuinely brought Antarctica's breathtaking and moody beauty to our balcony, its magnificent raw nature, and the incredible marine life of this world wonder to us in all its glory. Three Visits to Antarctica We were grateful for Dr Peter Carey, the Antarctic Zoologist, who introduced us to our surroundings and all the wildlife sightings they had experienced this morning in dulcet tones at 7 am. Three Visits to Antarctica We showered immediately and were on the top deck to immerse ourselves in the serene waters and magical Antarctic scenery, as we recalled, but even more awe-inspiring this time. In November, we were too early for the whales, but low and beheld late January, all these majestic creatures surrounded us; there were humpback whales bubble feeding, listening to them as they alert us to their presence with their blowholes, watching their graceful moves through the water was another moment we would keep with us forever, the moody skies were a perfect backdrop as the whales nourished themselves around the ship and followed us, we were all mesmerised. Three Visits to Antarctica Three Visits to Antarctica We returned to our room later in the morning to enjoy passing by the enormous icebergs enveloped by the continent's mainland, passing Orne Harbour and cruising Curverville Island, more whale sightings and rafts of penguins porpoising along. It was pure joy, and it wasn't even lunchtime. At lunchtime, we were spoiled with more majestic white wonder landscapes, with the sun filtering through, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin colonies, and more whales passing by over yet another delightful meal as we made our way to Paradise Bay for the evening. Three Visits to Antarctica Three Visits to Antarctica Antarctic Sound & Deception Island (January 2023) Antarctica showed us her true colours once again today. The skies opened up, and snow blessed us all with its presence. We couldn't be more thrilled; you don't come to the South Pole without experiencing the white magic glitter! Three Visits to Antarctica Last night, we enjoyed the most fabulous dinner at Polo Grill on the best table at the Bo. We had an incredible evening view, more delicious culinary dishes, a mouthwatering Italian red wine, and beautiful service from our dear cruise staff and friends. Three Visits to Antarctica To close the evening, dusk time shared more moments of pure beauty as she spotlighted the scenery and spoilt us with a rare but beautiful sunset at 11 pm (with whales passing) over the bergs as darkness was upon us! As we entered Antarctic Sounds, we pulled the drapes open early. The atmosphere was moody and overcast, yet the sun was fighting through to shine on the gigantic icebergs scattered around us. The ice display provided us with a beautiful morning entertainment show. As the ship sailed around these sparkling and colourful pieces of ice, we enjoyed Dr Peter Carey's narrative on all the details about the bergs! Three Visits to Antarctica Later in the morning, we headed westward towards Deception Island to glimpse the active volcanic island, also home to a vast penguin colony and other sea life. With two visits, we were able to experience it under very different weather conditions. Over our slow lunch, we enjoyed more delicious bites in the grand dining room, where Antarctica came out to play and made sure we were fully aware of her as the snow joined us. Three Visits to Antarctica It continued to get stronger and heavier as we approached Deception Island, hindering the view. Fortunately, the captain was an expert, and using his skills and expertise, he held us in a stationary position. It cleared up just enough so we could all catch a glimpse or two of the thousands and thousands of penguins and fur seals decorating the volcanic earth on the water's edge. Even better glimpses if you had super-powered binoculars, which we are fortunate to have in our little hot hands. Deception Island is home to 140,000 pairs of chinstrap penguins. Penguins are always counted in pairs. It was quite the sight, and we were all buzzing with joy. Three Visits to Antarctica The snow and wind were picking up, and the ocean showed us who was boss. It was time to forge our way to the Drake Passage. Wish us luck over the next 36 hours as we cross the Great Drake Shake. Will we be blessed with Drake Lake? I will let you work out which one it was this night. Three Visits to Antarctica Three Visits to Antarctica A fun fact: Antarctica has the highest average elevation in the world. The mountains are dripping with glaciers, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Giant icebergs and a nesting pot of marine and bird life will mesmerise you for days. Three Visits to Antarctica You can spend hours watching the dramatic splashes on the bergs, the waves breaking over it, the ice calvings whilst the ship navigates through the calm (and suddenly not so calm) waters and all the bergie bits, as you are joined by Wilson's storm petrel dancing and gliding around the ship. To top it off, you have rafts of penguins porpoising alongside seals and whales feeding in the icy cold waters, too! Pure joy! Three Visits to Antarctica Three Visits to Antarctica Let's not forget the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile, Argentina and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, 1 000 km wide, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans . Three visits to Antarctica this Summer means six sailings of the Drake Passage; some would say we are a glutton for punishment; surprisingly, three of the four on these past two sailings were a Drake Lake, and only one Drake Shake with 6-7m waves, it was a rough night, but thrilling all the same. Three Visits to Antarctica The weather is always unpredictable, with icy, cold wintery days in the depths of Antarctica, followed by glass-like waters and sunshine the following day, or rapidly changing winds accompanied by snow. There is something unique about being in Antarctica and experiencing snowfall; we were all like kids in a fun park when it happened while sailing through. We loved seeing it change over the three months from November to February, the change of scenery, and the snow disappearing on some of the mountains. Three Visits to Antarctica We hold this bucket list adventure very close to our hearts. Thank you, Antarctica, Oceania and Hurtigruten , for the opportunity and memories we made.

As we embarked on our eighth visit to this city of lights, fashion, and love, Paris proved its mastery in enchantment, stealing yet another piece of our hearts and leaving us in awe of its ceaseless wonders.

An extended stay in: Gammarth - 20 nights