VinMec - Four Visits The hospital was very professional, clean, modern, and only 12 months old. The Emergency Department was not busy, so waiting times were fast all four times we visited. Whole blood and urine tests, including ECG, were completed to minimise surgery risks before the procedure. All results were provided to the patient. Fantastic pre-and post-op care was provided. The costs were not prohibitive: $900 for the day procedure and $20 daily to redress and clean the wound. The hospital accepts credit cards and provides insurance receipts. A fully stocked pharmacy is also in the hospital. We visited  VK Hospital  before attending VinMec, which was not very clean, nor were they able to diagnose the problem. There were long waiting times, and we completed a procedure that did not fix the issue. They also asked for a tip and confirmed he had no idea what was wrong after he had done the procedure.

Nha Trang Private Car We needed a private car to transport us from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, and we were very impressed with this company. My customer service experience with Anna was fabulous, and I could quickly pay online with my credit card. We initially booked the transfer for a set date but had to postpone it at the last minute due to a medical emergency. Anna was excellent, understanding of our situation, and flexible as we adjusted the date. Thank you, Anna. When we were ready to depart, the driver arrived early and drove us safely to Quy Nho. The trip took about four hours, with a quick toilet stop halfway. As promised, the car was conditioned, clean, and safe. I recommend affordable offers in Vietnam at an affordable price.

Avani Quy Nhon Resort AVANI was lovely from the moment you arrived until you departed. The view from the restaurant and the rooms was beautiful. We had an oceanfront room, and waking up to the view every morning was excellent. The food was excellent, and we had an all-inclusive package, so we dined breakfast/lunch and dinner, which exceeded our expectations. We loved all the local dishes, and they were very accommodating for dietary requirements (as I am no onion and no garlic). The pool had a beautiful outlook, although the water was like swimming in a hot bath, so unfortunately, it wasn't suitable for laps. We also experienced the spa with a massage, which was great too! The customer service was responsive, and we had to delay our arrival by three days due to a medical emergency. They were very understanding and genuinely concerned about our situation, and most staff came to chat with us over our few days to make sure we were okay - they were divine! The transfer was lovely on the day of departure, and they even had our breakfast pack for the trip. Just note it was about 20 minutes from Quy Nhon, which you must visit to experience the fabulous coffee shops (and Vietnamese coffee); our favourite was Marina Royal. Recommend AVANI for a nice relaxing getaway for a few days. We also had to visit a hospital while there. Binh Dinh General Hospital is only a few months old and has always been efficient with our visits and quality care.

La Havre, France Following our visit to the Enchanting English Channel Coast on our two-week Western Europe Transatlantic voyage on Celebrity Apex, we found ourselves on the coast of France for the first time to La Havre. Ah, France! The ship has now docked in La Havre, a captivating port city nestled in the picturesque Normandy region of Northern France. As we disembark, we are greeted by the enticing allure of La Havre, aptly named "the harbour" or "the port." While many passengers rush off to the romantic city of Paris, with its iconic landmarks and eternal charm, we decide to savour the tranquillity and charm of La Havre. After all, why spend five hours on a return trip when there is so much to explore right here? Around lunchtime, we seize the opportunity to stretch our legs and increase our daily step count. A leisurely 15-minute walk takes us from the ship to the heart of the city centre. The journey itself is a delightful glimpse into the local life of this captivating town. As we meander through the streets, we stumble upon a vibrant market. Who could resist the allure of a traditional French market? The stalls are laden with fresh meat and produce, and the flower shops entice us with their bursts of colour. It's a feast for the senses, and we revel in the atmosphere. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, drawing us irresistibly toward a Boulangerie. How could we resist indulging in a perfectly flaky croissant? It surpasses all expectations, transporting us to culinary bliss. Attempting to order in French only adds to the charm, creating a warm rapport with the owner and sharing a few chuckles as we navigate the pronunciation. Intermittent rain showers attempt to dampen our spirits, but we seek refuge in the shelter of the nearby shops, determined to make the most of our time in this enchanting city. Despite the occasional drizzle, we relish the experience of immersing ourselves in a new place, even if it appears a bit sleepy today. The harmonious tones of the French language resonate in our ears, reminding us of our love for this captivating country. Rejuvenated by our explorations in La Havre, we eagerly anticipate our return to France in August. We look forward to embarking on new adventures as we explore the world-renowned Bordeaux wine region and indulge in the culinary delights of Paris, the epicentre of gastronomy. France has welcomed us again, reminding us of the limitless joy of travelling and immersing ourselves in new cultures.

Welcome to Lomé in Togo; before we describe our visit to our 87th country, Togo, today remains very special not only because we are visiting this unique country on the West Coast of Africa but also because it marks the day we received our temporary residency in Serbia, the country we now call home after entering our eighth year of travelling the world. We celebrated with our dear Serbian crew member Biljana and afternoon tea of scones . Lomé, the capital of Togo, is situated on the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic coast) in the extreme southwestern corner of the country. Established as the colonial capital of German Togoland in 1897, Lomé grew in significance as an administrative, commercial, and transport centre. Despite its rich history, Togo remains one of the poorest countries globally, with 95% of the population surviving on less than USD 1.90 daily. This stark contrast reminds us of our fortunate circumstances and the opportunities we've been afforded, which many in Togo can only dream of. With a current population estimated at 2 million, Lomé has grown substantially from its 1950 population of 33,194. In the last year alone, it has added 61,110 residents. Our tour with Regent Seven Seas on the Splendor was titled Traditional Togo. It started with a comfortable coach ride through the populous quarters of Lome to a rural school where 1600 students are educated daily. We were all dropped off to interact with the kids, and we dived straight in to say hello and share candid pics and conversations with them; they were all delightful. We loved the joy and their wide smiles despite their challenges. Our hearts continued to melt. Unfortunately, our school supplies had been depleted due to previous school visits along the coast. Still, we were elated when we spotted a local kiosk across from the school where we could purchase books and pens for the classrooms, so we hastily bought them out of stock and delivered them to the teachers; the joy on the kid's faces was all we needed. Not only did we help the school with supplies, but we also kept it local and helped the kiosk and their families. We were told parents provide food for the schoolchildren, as government support is lacking. The primary school curriculum is taught in French, transitioning to English in secondary school. Travel Tip Avoid giving money to children directly, as it can encourage mothers to have more children as a source of income. Instead, provide staple foods, sanitary products, toothbrushes, deodorant, or school supplies. Avoid giving sweets due to limited access to healthcare. Following our emotional visit with the eager young ones, we proceeded to a local village ceremonial grounds, where the royal court welcomed us. There, we sat beneath the shade of trees and enjoyed the monarch's ceremonious appearance. We enjoyed a festive performance accompanied by the rhythm of royal drums and received a brief presentation on the tribe's customs. His Majesty responded to the questions from the audience, being sure to offer his availability to visit our countries should we all wish to invite him. He loved to travel as much as we all do. Lomé was a place where we left a piece of ourselves, touched by the warmth and kindness extended to us. As we sailed away, the optimistic spirit of Togo's people remained deeply embedded in our hearts.

A week in Lisbon was the perfect warm-up for our five-month adventure, which began with  sailing along  the west coast of Africa with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Lisbon, the largest city and capital of Portugal, is spread across seven hills and boasts over 500,000 inhabitants. The city offers the quintessential European experience, complete with winding cobblestone streets and a skyline punctuated by medieval castles. We chose to stay in a very central location at the beginning of the beautiful Avenida da Liberdade, a tree-lined avenue that runs straight through the heart of the city. Our unique lifestyle hotel, Locke de Santa Joana , was just a few months old. Originally a 17th-century convent, this restored gem now hosts 370 serviced apartments, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a courtyard, an outdoor pool, restaurants, and bars. The flat terrain of the area made getting around effortless, unlike the rest of Lisbon's hilly landscape. As an aparthotel, it was perfect for preparing a few home-cooked meals before embarking on our 24-day cruise down the coast of Africa. Locke de Santa Joana To celebrate visiting our 81st country, we dined at the hotel's restaurant, Santa Joana, on our first night in the country. Renowned chef Nuno Mendes delivered a world-class Portuguese gastronomic experience. Although the atmosphere and service were still finding their feet, the quality of the food made up for it. Later, we enjoyed a meal at Santa Marta , the all-day dining restaurant where both the service and the food were impeccable, easily among the best we had in Lisbon. Lisbon is the ultimate hangout for anyone who adores wandering around, camera in hand, ready to snap away. The city's breathtaking architecture, spanning centuries, means that every twist and turn in its cobblestone streets presents a new opportunity for a fantastic shot. It's as if the whole place is a living museum, with every little alley and building front whispering stories, inviting you to delve deeper and soak it all in. Each picture you take feels like pocketing a little piece of Lisbon's soul, making it the perfect spot to roam and uncover its beauty, one photo at a time. Our week was a blend of work and exploration. We enjoyed stunning views, service and food over Lisbon from the beautiful rooftop restaurant, Rossio Gastrobar . We overindulged in their excellent selection of cheeses; it soon became a favourite after a few visits over the week. At  Red Frog,  a speakeasy cocktail bar, also a 50 Best Bar, and Monkey Mash , we mingled with locals over bespoke drinks. We were grateful for the last-minute reservation and having the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive Red Frog and exquisite cocktails. One of our culinary highlights was Michelin-recommended Prado , a farm-to-plate restaurant focused on national, seasonal, and fresh ingredients. Every dish was delicious, and we even considered ordering some twice! Prado also introduced us to Portuguese wines, which we now greatly appreciate. We experienced the historic charm of the 140-year-old Glória funicular, a staple in the city's vibrant tapestry. However, it is with deep regret that we acknowledge the recent tragic incident involving this iconic tram . Our thoughts are with the victims and all affected by this sorrowful event. As we reflect on the memories of our journey, our hearts go out to those impacted by the tragedy. Glória funicular, Lisbon Following our tram ride, we ventured into the vibrant Bairro Alto neighbourhood, where we admired its historic architecture and cobblestone alleys. A visit wouldn't be complete without sampling the renowned Portuguese tarts, a must for any visitor to the area. All these experiences highlighted the richness and diversity of the local culture. We stumbled upon an Italian restaurant called  Leonetta  in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood for our final dinner in Lisbon, where we were fortunate to score a table and enjoyed the atmosphere and food as we reflected on the five months ahead, travelling the world. Lisbon is a city that demands more time to be fully appreciated, but we loved our brief visit before we embarked on our cruise on the stunning Splendor with Regent Seven Seas . We are looking forward to returning in March to explore more of this wonderful country. Date visited: 11 November 2024

As the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid is a city that captures the essence of Spanish culture, art, and architecture. This cosmopolitan city is known for its elegant boulevards with over 3 million city inhabitants, and it's a playground for art lovers and architectural enthusiasts. Though our visit was brief—a quick two-night stop as part of a more extensive trip to San Sebastian —it was packed with unforgettable experiences that left us yearning to return. We checked into the charming Hotel Regina , a boutique gem with a superb central location. It proved to be the perfect base for exploring the city's bustling streets and historic squares before the midday sun intensified. We had a warm welcome on arrival from our room amidst the midsummer heat soaring to 40 degrees; he was likely feeling the swelter even more beneath his costume. Madrid's culinary scene is as diverse as it is impressive. Our first evening involved venturing to Bloved , where we indulged in the famed Jamón ibérico. Priced at €33 for 100g, this exquisite Iberian ham lived up to its reputation and price, offering a taste of luxury derived from black pigs raised on a diet of acorns in Spain's dehesa landscapes. Exploring the city's vibrant rooftop bar scene was high on our agenda. Each venue offered a unique view of Madrid's sprawling cityscape and a tempting array of cocktails and nibbles, making each stop an experience. We loved the opulent rooftop bar La Terraza at The Principal Madrid . Our adventure continued as we dipped our toes into the world of Spanish wines. The bold and robust flavours proved a bit overwhelming at first, but the sparkling delight of Cava quickly won us over. Determined to experience some of the best local cuisine, we dined at Leña Madrid. Las brasas x Dani García is  renowned for its exceptional steak offerings. The restaurant's ambience, marked by plush furniture and dim lighting, set the mood for an evening of culinary excellence. We were particularly impressed by their homegrown Kobe beef—it was a gastronomic highlight not to be missed. Each moment in Madrid seemed to reveal yet another architectural masterpiece, from grandiose boulevards to intricately sculpted monuments. The city's rich history was palpable, enveloping us in a tapestry of artistic and structural beauty that begged for more time to explore fully. While two days in Madrid only scratched the surface, they left us with lasting impressions and a list of reasons to return. This city is not just a stopover; it's a destination rich with history, culture, and culinary treasures waiting to be fully explored. So, until next time, Madrid, when we can dive deeper into your vibrant spirit and uncover more of your hidden gems.

Sato Cave Hotel - Two weeks Sato Cave boutique hotel is perfect for your stay in Cappadocia—It is the ultimate luxury, authentic, but modern cave hotel at excellent value. You feel an instant sense of calmness each time you enter this divine hotel. We originally booked for three nights but ended up staying two weeks. It was a magical location to work for those who needed to while travelling. We were fortunate to stay in rooms 2, 3, and 5, and they were all pure luxury. They were cosy, with heavenly linen and beds that guaranteed a peaceful and tranquil sleep each night. Room 5 is a must if you want to treat yourself to magical valley views whilst soaking in a bathtub. We loved that the rooms had no TVs, making the most of this unique and beautiful destination. The location is excellent in the heart of Goreme, and it is easy to walk everywhere. You are perched upon the rise and high enough for views over the valley, ideal for watching the incredible morning balloon flights. The breakfast is mindblowing, with a full Turkish spread that is delicious. We loved that there was no wastage, as all uneaten food was cleaned and distributed to those less fortunate in the community. The lovely team is more than happy to prepare fresh fruit accompanied by yoghurt to start your day for those who are a little more health-conscious. Hunker, Ahmet, and the lovely team made you feel at home and very welcoming, full of smiles and positive energy each day. A special thank you for taking care of us for two weeks, organising our horse riding and ballooning, and making our lives so easy so we could experience the true essence of beautiful Kapadokya.

Better late than never, as they say; this review for Restoran Faro in Belgrade is admittedly long overdue. Our first visit to Restoran Faro in Belgrade happened right after they opened in November 2023, and since then, we've transitioned from first-time guests to loyal lovers and fans. Each visit has been a delightful surprise, with exceptional dishes that continue to impress us and a team that exudes warmth and friendliness. At Faro, customers are treated like family, and this ambiance, combined with culinary excellence, places Faro among the top dining experiences in Belgrade. Fino & Vino have recently added Faro to the Top 25 restaurants in Belgrade, so Faro is loved by all! Every dish served at Faro is faultless, created from the purest and freshest ingredients. A must-try is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder – a labour of love and, quite frankly, the best we've had in the city. It’s super delicious! You also can't skip the half chicken; it will melt in your mouth. Oh, and the freshly baked pita bread, the list goes on. The menu, with its frequent changes, caters to everyone and is sure to satisfy your cravings on any given day. Should you manage to save room for dessert, don’t hesitate to indulge – they perfectly round off the dining experience. The wine list is an adventure within itself, featuring an excellent choice of Serbian wines that offer great value, along with a fine selection from around the world. If wine doesn't take your fancy, the cocktails are world-class, too. As for the setting, the interior and decor provide a comfortable and stunning environment. However, dining outdoors in the garden is a special treat, offering a beautiful space that's perfect for those long, lazy lunches we've grown so fond of. A special shoutout to Mickey for his role in introducing us to Faro and for his continued exceptional customer service, kindness and friendship. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the entire Faro team for creating such a warm and inviting space where delicious food, fine wine, and great company converge seamlessly. Thanks to everyone involved for continuing to welcome us and spoil us with each visit.

Çiğdem'inn Sığacık No.6 - One week What a breath of fresh air! This refreshing accommodation is located in the heart of Sığacık, Seferihisar, an idyllic seaside neighbourhood on the west coast of Turkey. You will be blown away by the quality of these luxurious apartments! The complex is new, and the quality of furnishings is exceptional—no IKEA in sight! When searching for the perfect place to stay during our visit to Sığacık, I was looking for something modern, spacious, comfortable, and cozy enough to feel homey. This was just that and so much more! Upon booking via Airbnb , you are warmly welcomed by the lovely hosts. On arrival, Mr Hamdi, the most delightful and kind man, along with his wife, is onsite to greet you and present the apartment. The team is always floating around in the background but never intrusive about your privacy. Cigdem and Ozgur are divine hosts, full of local sightseeing tips and their favourite restaurants and always available to help make your stay seamless. On our last night, we were also delightfully surprised and overwhelmed by a gift of beautiful fresh flowers, which genuinely melted our hearts—a special thank you to the Çiğdem'inn team for their generosity and kindness. Each morning, you are greeted by the sun shining through the whole apartment. It was decked out in welcoming pastel tones, with a touch of modern art throughout. This awesome nook in the lounge was like a bay window set up to enjoy your morning coffee and bask in the sunlight. We couldn't get enough of this area. It truly felt like home. You were also very spoilt with space. Each evening, you sleep soundly and warmly in the large double bed, which has an excellent firm mattress and an abundance of pillows and blankets. You will love the peacefulness of the quiet village, too. The bathroom features a large shower, ample storage, and excellent water pressure and temperature. The kitchen was a pleasure to cook in. It was fully equipped with the highest-quality equipment. We took advantage of this and made sure we cooked a few meals at home during the week. In terms of location, we couldn't have been more fortunate. Everything you needed, from everyday essentials to restaurants and bars, was on your doorstep, along with the beautiful port and harbour. You also have a 16th-century Sığacık Castle full of fantastic dining establishments inside the castle walls, all within a few minutes' walk. We left a piece of us in Sığacık. The people are beautiful, genuine, kind, and full of a unique and lovable energy. We cannot recommend this destination and accommodation highly enough. Be sure to add Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub to your list for a drink and more beautiful people.