Restaurant Sveta Sofija - One visit On our first day in Macedonia, we visited a local restaurant that served traditional Macedonian cuisine and wine upon arrival. Restaurant Sveta Sofija - Ohrid We always love arriving in a new country and sampling the local wines, and Macedonia has not disappointed us with the quality of its wines. This restaurant is in the heart of the old city, surrounded by cobblestones and on the doorstep of Orthodox Sophia, a beautiful Orthodox church. Soaking up the new environment and enjoying the traditional delights that welcomed us to Macedonia was beautiful. The zucchini chips were a treat, and the serving sizes were large, so order slowly. The team is friendly and loves sharing their knowledge of Ohrid and the delicious food and wines available. It is a great spot to enjoy the local vibe and perfect for a sunny afternoon sitting on the terrace.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou‌ Aït Ben Haddou is an ighrem (a fortified village in English) along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou‌ Most citizens attracted by the tourist trade live in more modern dwellings in a village on the other side of the river, although four families still live in the ancient village. Inside the walls of the ksar are half a dozen kasbahs, or merchants' houses. Ksar Aït Benhaddou is an excellent example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Value for money - Poor Security - Great People - Friendly Travel - Plane Length - Most of our life When - Birth Transfers - Uber Accommodation - Airbnb and Boutique hotels

The Lion - Two visits The Lion is a hot new restaurant and bar opened in Ohrid. It offers sensational views of Lake Ohrid. The Lion - Ohrid First and foremost, the delightful owners and staff are an absolute pleasure. You feel incredibly welcome from the moment you arrive. Secondly, the food will keep you coming back for more: traditional Macedonian, tapas, and international fusion. The menu is designed to share, with a range of options for all appetites. Try the Zucchini balls; they were heaven! Tacos and traditional beef dishes are also a must! The restaurant is beautifully designed, with modern, high-quality furnishings. It's easy to spend the afternoon and evening relaxing with fine wines, cocktails, and food with your friends. The vibe and energy are infectious. It's a local hotspot, and you feel like you're part of the family. You get excellent service, food, and drinks, and you are spoiled with untouched views of Lake Ohrid, the perfect location to enjoy the magical sunsets of Macedonia. We were spoilt with surprise live music from a guest during our visit:-) The Lion - Ohrid A big thank you to Bryan and Kathy (the delightful owners), Phillip (our very attentive waiter) and the rockstar bar crew, who made us feel welcome during our stay in Ohrid. The Lion is the place to visit in Ohrid; you won't be disappointed.

Santo Tomas, Guatemala Welcome to Country 68. It has been a busy week as we sail the coast of Central America northbound for Miami with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage . Only six months ago, this part of the world was unknown to us, and six months later, we can safely say we are now quite familiar with it! Today, we arrived in Santo Tomas, Guatemala, one of the busiest ports in Central America, so we were prepared for the view this morning. Those who cruise will only be too familiar with the active working port views and sounds. This small country is the birthplace of the Mayan culture and the geographic centre of the area they inhabited, which is why it is known as the Heart of the Mayan World. The Maya call "d Guate" ala I "i ulew," or Lan of Corn, but its main agricultural export today is bananas. Santo Tomas - Guatemala We took the opportunity to walk off and get our steps up, as, again, the hot and humid heat was to accompany us; we set our sights on the local beach. As we passed all the locals, they were very respectful and greeted us warmly, and slight pressure from the taxi drivers didn't go unnoticed. It was interesting to see many busy workers sweeping the roads and paths of jungle debris, but neglecting to collect the plastic waste scattered alongside the paths. We, of course, played our part and picked up as we went. Upon arriving at the beach, we noticed two young lads, about 12 years old, wading through the water beneath a beach bar carrying large crates full of empty beer bottles. The water was far from crystal clear. They were not diving into the water and collecting the bottles, which were being thrown over from the bar above. Watching these young lads filled our hearts with joy. We wanted to show our appreciation for their hard work and reward them for making the world a better place, so we waited for them to pop out with an entire crate and donated funds to their savings, watching his eyes widen, and a smile that melted our hearts when he received the $50 was heartwarming. Due to the language barrier, we shared our encouragement and congratulations via hand signals, but we know he understood! Legends they were, leading by example. The average monthly salary is about USD 550 in Guatemala City, and there is a substantial gap between the city and other parts of the country. This small act of kindness made our day in Guatemala special. One day, we can return to explore the beautiful tropical jungles, wildlife, and villages and experience more of the Mayan culture. Santo Tomas - Guatemala Our final adventures are coming as we inch closer to Miami and complete our 110-day journey with Oceania Cruises .

ROATAN, HONDURAS Welcome to our 67th country, where we arrived in Honduras as we cruised through Central America northbound for Miami with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage . This time, we researched and found the perfect restaurant to capture the country's true soul, people, food, pristine views, and the way we know best. We are guaranteed a magical day. Luna Muna Restaurant Roatan is one of the unspoiled Bay Islands with crystal clear waters, located a few miles north of the Honduran mainland. It is also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the jewel of the Caribbean Sea; it can be seen from space. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is 600 miles long and decorates the coast of Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. We know the largest is back in Oz, so this was snorkelling and scuba diving heaven. Once the ship was deserted, we disembarked around lunch, and everyone was busy on their excursions, experiencing the beautiful island in their preferred way. After a short ten-minute tender to the port, we were in the company of another two giant ships docked today. Roatan was receiving its daily dose of cruisers, about 7000 extra feet running around, so finding our way to a more remote location was essential. Roatan - Honduras The taxi was first up, but unfortunately, there were no Ubers; therefore, we had to go down the old-fashioned route and barter with the taxis (who are also trying to sign you up for an island tour and the like). We skipped the first one at $30 for a 16-minute drive to the other side of the island and found another for $15. We could even save the $3 pp exit port charge if we walked the one minute out the gates; yes, no problems, we said! We popped through the gates, and he met us; we just had to follow him to where the car was parked, then a little further up the road, and there was too much traffic; the driver was coming just a little further, about 15 mins later we are sure we are being taken for a leisurely (scorching hot) stroll to the actual restaurant 8kms away. Still, he assures us it is the grey van up ahead, the green one, no, the grey one; by this time, we realised this wouldn't end well. There were three of us, so we popped our thumbs out and jumped in the first vehicle that stopped for us, a tiny little school bus (with air-con) that kindly took us to the restaurant for $20! Okay, we are back on our way. We arrive at our restaurant. Fortunately, we have our trusty Airalo app and internet via a SIM. We arrive in paradise after a few steep, questionable roads on our little school bus. We thank our legend of a driver and head towards the first cocktail of the day, which I am sure you can guess! Upon entering the hotel, we congratulate ourselves—it is stunning, the staff is gorgeous, and the setting and views are picturesque and pure perfection! Luna Muna Restaurant We settled in for an afternoon of sampling cocktails; their menu was divine, and the team was full of fun and laughter. We were joined by our lovely Milan, a crew member from the ship from Montenegro, a place we hold very close to our hearts, and we all had a relaxing and delightful afternoon in this hidden gem! Luna Muna Restaurant is part of the Ibagari Hotel , where you want to settle in for a week or two and relish the beautiful surroundings. It indeed would be a perfect island getaway. Escaping to the West Bay honestly presented us with the raw and untouched nature of the island, the distinct differences from the port city, which is over-developed, loud and hectic, and not genuinely authentic. Most ports in this region give you this vibe; you could be anywhere in the Caribbean. Luna Muna Restaurant West Bay scenery was pristine, with white beaches, turquoise waters, and no pollution. The hotel was fully integrated with its natural surroundings, and the design of the sculptures and decor nicely complemented this. The great chill-out tunes over lunch reward and enhance your experience of being in Honduras. Luna Muna Restaurant It was time to return to the ship. The hotel kindly arranged a driver, and we enjoyed our final cocktail with the host. We left the other boat and enjoyed the local island life in Roatan. Spending USD60 on taxis to go 15 km daily makes you question where this money goes. Don't get me wrong, I am all about paying for service where the value is, but these were no BMW 7-series. One reason we are fans of Uber is that it's designed for everyone to travel and get where they need to, with fixed costs, quality cars and drivers, and payment by credit cards without the massive inflation for tourists. Honduras, you might have started rocky, but you exceeded expectations once we unwrapped you and discovered your true heart. A place to return and enjoy! Roatan - Honduras Our next adventure is coming soon as we continue our 110-day journey with Oceania Cruises , the circumnavigation of South America.

Puerto Limon Our first taste of Costa Rica was as we cruised through Central America northbound for Miami with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage . Puerto Limon, Costa Rica The Marina sailed overnight to bring us to a new destination ; Costa Rica is a new country for us, now 66 countries. Welcome to the sweltering capital of the Caribbean coast, the port city of Puerto Limon and the country's biggest Afro-Costa Rican city. Puerto Limon is the seventh largest city in Costa Rica, with a population of over 94,000 and has a cultural flavour quite unlike anywhere else in the country. We docked early in the morning and rushed off to try and beat the heat; the Caribbean weather was scorching! Take us back to the Antarctic summer; we often say that although it is nice to have the sun warm our bodies once again to prepare us for the next six months of a different type of Summer, the kind we are all too familiar with, hot and humid! We strolled off to explore the port city, which was a sea of tourists from both ships in port and all the local tourism agents grasping at you, selling their once-in-a-lifetime tours. We politely declined and continued walking, although soon they were accompanied again, trying to sell us selfies with the sloths in the park. It was nice to be greeted with the lively tunes of the live band as we entered the city gates. Puerto Limon Costa Rica We refused again and escaped; we were only too happy to play 'Where's the Sloth' on our own, which wasn't too difficult as you look for all the people with their heads positioned upwards. We spotted our first-ever sloth in Vargas Park, only a few minutes from the dock. We captured a great video of the sloth slowly climbing through the trees and fascinating tree- lover characters; they stopped to smell the roses and appreciate every moment. The world's slowest mammal, the sloth, travels at a top speed of 0.24 kilometres per hour and spends 15 to 20 hours per day sleeping . Puerto Limon Costa Rica As we walked, we captured the essence of the small port town and the rustic sculptures depicting the history and culture of this piece of Costa Rica. Following our Sloth sightings in the park, we strolled around the port city, taking in the local life, the water edge, and the sweltering heat. We were hunting for an air-conditioned cafe to settle in and enjoy, but after one hour, we had to admit defeat and change course back to the ship. It was an intense port city, with all hustlers encouraging us all to visit the nearby tourist attractions ; we received the same recommendation from our friends to go inland to truly engage in the culture and locals of Costa Rica, which, if the weather permitted we would have been only too happy to do so . Still, we have postponed our opinion on Costa Rica until we have thoroughly explored it as it deserves. Our evening on the ship was back in one of our favourite restaurants, Polo Grill, and capturing moments with our lovely Milan and chef as we soon disembarked and left our Oceania family. It Our next adventure is coming soon as we continue our 110-day journey with Oceania Cruises , the circumnavigation of South America.

GUAYAQUIL | MANTA It was great to revisit Ecuador as we cruised the West Coast of South America northbound for Miami with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage . Last October, we were blessed with the opportunity to visit Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Machala, and Guayaquil as we sailed southbound on the Ecuadorian coast on our North to South Pole cruise. Guayaquil, Ecuador Ecuador's incredibly kind and friendly people have continued to capture our hearts. We are grateful we had the opportunity to revisit Guayaquil within the last six months. We are smitten with this magical country, an undiscovered gem in Latin America. Docking in this morning, we were surrounded by the greenest mangroves on the edge of a large city, encapsulating 3.2 million Ecuadorians. It could easily have been the Capital City, which I believe was initially in the running with Quito. Guayaquil, Ecuador We couldn't miss the opportunity to be surrounded by the locals again; the energy they share with the world around them is infectious. So we were on an early shuttle bus (complimentary from the port) to a central location in the city. This is our favourite park, scattered with Iguanas and overlooking a gorgeous church. We enjoyed capturing some snaps of the Notre Dame-style cathedral in the city's heart and the park, which you could nearly mistake for a zoo. It was full of Iguanas roaming around, turtles and fish populating the pond. It was wonderful. Following this, we had a mission to find a hair salon to look presentable again. Across from the park, we spotted one and were soon at their mercy, with clippers in their hands to bring us back to looking sharp again! The ladies at Peluqueria Unibella were all lovely, and we had some fun conversing in our broken Spanish. For a total of USD 14 each, you can't go wrong! We strolled the city, discovering parks and squares, where we were in awe of the gracious architecture; the buildings were stunning. As we walked, we greeted all the lovely locals and scattered police officers who were only too happy to have us exploring their incredible city. The local police on bikes and standing on corners are not due to safety concerns, but rather a hospitable approach to welcoming us to their city. During our last visit to Guayaquil, we found a quaint coffee shop (another of their primary exports). As we walked into Puertofino Cafe , we were greeted with a huge hug and kiss from the lovely cafe owner; she was so excited we returned after six months; it was extraordinary! We hoped to catch up again with our friendly young policeman, but he has been reposted to another location, so we missed him this time. Guayaquil is incredibly safe and steeped in history. It has magnificent architecture, a beautiful beachside esplanade, museums, and an old and colourful Spanish town. The bright, colourful buildings and vibe are inspiring, and you instantly feel like you are back in Europe. Ecuador is a hidden gem; you are guaranteed to leave a piece of yourself in this beautiful, warm and gentle part of the world. Fun facts: Ecuador has a population of 18 million; both Quito and Guayaquil have approximately 3 million Ecuador is the first country to give rights to nature - you can go to prison for harming a protected plant Ecuador is the first country to provide rights to disadvantaged people; the business must hire and not discriminate Guayaquil's main exports are Cacao beans, seaport services, bananas, and oil Ecuador cacao beans were Queen Elizabeth II's first choice to make chocolate for the royal family Recently, they have started producing high-quality chocolate at $300 a gram Guayaquil is the gateway to the Galapagos Islands Colombia and Ecuador have the highest number of species of birds in the world Energy is powered by water (Ecuador is on the equator); it is four times more efficient than solar Manta, Ecuador Our final destination in Ecuador was a day in Manta, a lovely, famous coastal city on the country's northern tip, decorated with beautiful beaches. Manta Ecuador On our first visit to Manta six months ago, we were whisked to the enchanted Pacoche Forest , a tropical rainforest, to experience the rapidly changing rural vegetation and landscapes. We also passed through some rural villages where 'The Montecristi' is generationally sourced, prepared, and handmade. The Montecristi is known to most of us as the 'Panama Hat'. We learned a significant 'fun fact' six months ago during our first visit to Panama: the hats are actually from and made in Ecuador, referred to as 'The Montecristi', a small village in Ecuador (near Manta) where they are hand-crafted by artisans. One hat with the finest straw can take up to three months and sell for over $1k. We had to meet some work deadlines today, so we were kept busy for most of the day. Once we were free of work, we had one goal: to find a Pisco Sour before we left Ecuador. Casa Rosada Manta We quickly disembarked and travelled on foot to stretch our legs to the nearby rooftop bar our lovely Holly had recommended, Casa Rosada Manta . It was lovely strolling the streets and being greeted again by the beautiful people of Ecuador; you are genuinely welcomed by all the smiles and waves from the community, and you can't wait to support the local businesses. The rooftop bar was a little hidden oasis, nestled at the top of a gorgeous historic building with panoramic views over the ocean and the city below us. The Pisco Sours did not disappoint, and we devoured them along with the local empanadas, which were overwhelmingly delicious!! The team were full of positive energy and smiles. We loved our short visit, and it continues to reaffirm that we must be back in Ecuador to travel much more extensively; Ecuador truly deserves much more credit than it receives. We heard multiple conversations around the ship of people avoiding getting off the ship and cancelling excursions because of a few passengers citing it was not safe and spreading rumours amongst other passengers, and it breaks my heart to hear this as it couldn't be further from the reality and they all missed out on something so precious; we walked freely, with jewellery and through crowds of locals, fishermen, port workers and markets and not once did we feel uncomfortable or at risk. The community's cleanliness and pride are heartfelt, and their positive energy is infectious. Thank you, Ecuador, for the warmest of welcomes. We will find our way back in a few years to continue unwrapping the layers of your beautiful country. More Fun Facts: Ecuador is a major exporter of bananas, coffee and chocolate. The construction of the Panama Canal caused an excellent demand for toquilla straw hats from Ecuador because of their sun-protecting qualities. The hat became internationally known in Panama, and people began to call it the 'Panama Hat' even though it originated in Ecuador. Ecuador is also home to the smallest hummingbird in the world, the 'Bee Hummingbird,' which is 3-5cm in height. The Montecristi hat is known to the world as the Panama hat, but it is the Montecristi in Ecuador. Hat production is commonly generational; one person goes to the forest to collect the straw, another dries the straw, and one makes the hat. The process is all by hand. Ecuador is home to the tagua tree, which produces the corozo nut. It is an ivory nut that, when fresh, you can eat and drink from, like a mini coconut; once dried, it becomes hard and is used to make buttons; they are very durable. It is much more friendly and sustainable than using elephant tusks and plastic. Our next adventure is coming soon as we continue our 110-day journey with Oceania Cruises , the circumnavigation of South America.

CALLAO | LIMA Welcome to Country 65. After a false start to entering Peru last October on our North to South Pole cruise , this attempt was a success, and we were blessed with three days in Lima, the capital of Peru and home to 11 million, as we circumnavigate South America with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage . Lima is a culinary delight, has over 200,000 restaurants and hosts three of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Peruvian food is world-class, and we can now testify that it is worthy; the two meals we experienced were incredible! The cruise ships dock in Callao, a Peruvian seaside city and region on the Pacific Ocean in the Lima metropolitan area, approximately 30-45 minutes from the centre. Significant contrast of life as you explore and discover the different parts of the intense city. It felt like a city lived on the inside; the vast number of steel bars, metal doors, and walls, including electric fence wires and razor wire protecting the homes, businesses, and buildings alone, was confronting, providing a level of understanding of the desperation and crime risk. We finally made it to Peru. As you drive through the different neighbourhoods, you start to see the change, and those pristine neighbourhoods are home to the wealthy. We finally made it to Peru. On day one, we were on the shuttle bus from the ship, which took us to a central point in Lima so passengers could explore the city. Our ship friends invited us to a beautiful restaurant, so we booked an Uber from the Municipal Centre. Astrid y Gaston We were fortunate to pass by the ancient olive grove park and the 18-hole exclusive city golf course. Forty minutes later, we were within the four walls of a magical mansion setting, sipping our first Pisco Sour in Peru (knowing it would also be our last drink in Peru) with a beautiful garden to enjoy lunch at Astrid y Gaston . Our first taste of Peruvian wine, a very satisfying reserve Chardonnay, and a selection of Appetisers and Mains were ordered. The dishes' presentation was elegant, and the flavours and tastes were delicious! We enjoyed the afternoon with lovely company, food, and wine in a relaxed and gorgeous atmosphere. Peru was filled with magical skies each evening. On our first evening in Lima, the sunset with abundant bird life is here. Peru Our next adventure was to explore Lima and experience the city, so we were on an early shuttle to the municipal area again to Uber into the historic centre. Our drive navigated us through the city's hectic traffic, finally depositing us in the heart of Lima. We could capture the town's essence and impressive architecture in this central square. It was very safe to wander among the locals and the few tourists who were beginning to return. A police presence also made everyone feel comfortable exploring. Lime, Peru We admitted defeat after the midday sun beaming down on us and our fair skin. We stumbled upon a restaurant by the ruins, with a bright and colourful backdrop of modest Peruvian homes nestled within the mountain. The restaurant was kind enough to let us enjoy a mid-morning Pisco Sour and Google our way to the grand finale lunch in Lima (and Peru), which was focused on the taste of Peru so that we could experience authentic local cuisine. Our restaurant, Huaca Pucllana, was recommended by our friends from the day before. It overlooked the pre-Incan stepped pyramid ruins and provided an excellent backdrop for the Peruvian landscape. It serves local Peruvian food. Huaca Pucllana We enjoyed a selection of starters to sample even more unique dishes. Fortunately, the waiter reminded us that one dish was the cow's heart. Here, I thought the beef skewers were heart-shaped! So we quickly reordered to something less scary! A wonderful afternoon in a majestic setting was to be farewelled with our final favourite cocktail, another Pisco sour, to end our short stay in Peru. Pisco Sours Better in Peru! We returned to the ship in preparation for our journey to Ecuador, celebrating our 65th country with champagne and a cheese plate on our balcony. We were blessed with pods of dolphins porpoising by the ship's side in the sunset. Lima, Peru Our next adventure is coming soon as we continue our 110-day journey with Oceania Cruises , the circumnavigation of South America.

Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica , deserves more time exploring its many charms. The Gateway to Antarctica Ushuaia holds a special place in our hearts. After sailing from the North to the South Pole for over 93 days, we finished the epic adventure in Ushuaia in November 2022 to relax, reconnect with the outside world, and become grounded. So, when we returned with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage around South America, we were elated; we could visit our favourite coffee shop, Ana & Juana , and restaurants and fully appreciate the stunning scenery again. We had a few stops in Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, where you often begin and end the Antarctic explorations; we even enjoyed an overnight stay out on the water, which was magical. The Gateway to Antarctica It is also the entry and exit point of the Drake Passage, so one is only too excited to see it on the horizon after the crossing from Antarctica. Another bonus is the Beagle Channel, so you are guaranteed some beautiful cruising. The Gateway to Antarctica The Gateway to Antarctica Sixty days into our 110 days at sea, we arrived back in majestic Ushuaia. If you had asked us a few months ago if we would have been so lucky to experience this gem four times this Summer, we wouldn't have believed you! Let's summarise the Summer of 2022/3 in South America: Three trips of the Chilean Fjords , a total of four this Summer Two sailings through Antarctica , a total of three this Summer Four sailings of the Drake Passage, a total of six this Summer; some would say we are a glutton for punishment; surprisingly, three of the four were a Drake Lake, and one was 6-7m waves. One trip to the Falklands after three attempts Four visits to Uruguay The abundance of wildlife has been thrilling: whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins (four species), birds and jellyfish. Each time we arrive, Ushuaia steals a little piece of our hearts; it is a city from a painting. We were beyond excited to sail in and see the fresh dust of snow decorating the tremendous Andes surrounding this picturesque pocket of the world. The ship was anchored on our first visit in January, as Ushuaia was at the top of every cruise ship's list. We were accompanied by ten cruise and expedition ships for the day, so there was a battle to sneak the tenders through and transport passengers into town. We opted to enjoy the day on the ship and let everyone else explore this gem today, and we appreciated the rapidly changing weather over the scenery throughout the day. The Gateway to Antarctica Upon returning to Ushuaia from Antarctica, the weather was on our side, albeit windy and icy cold. Still, as you can imagine, we were equipped. After exploring the familiar town, we went to our coffee shop. We had lunch at Casimiro Biguá Parrilla & Restaurant to devour more of our favourite Patagonian lamb, accompanied by a delicious Argentinian red!! The Gateway to Antarctica As we strolled back in the direction of the ship wandering through a park, we heard a voice announcing 'Sally', and we turned around to see a dear friend from our previous cruise who was on a neighbouring ship, so we were all over the moon to catch up after six months, and knew fate had a part to play. Nenad, it was a precious moment to reconnect in beautiful Ushuaia. The southernmost tip of the world, also known as the end of the world, Ushuaia, is one of the most beautiful places on earth; you can't get enough of the magnificent scenery. We loved seeing it change over the Summer and each month, finishing with a soft sprinkle of snow as we departed for the last time.