Enoteka Johan - Two Visits This restaurant is hidden away and well worth finding; you'll be guaranteed the freshest fish, that can be made perfect with a wine from their extensive wine list (including a number of verticals) and an excellent champagne selection at great value. Enoteka Johan - Tirana Sally and I love champagne, and after extensive research, we found that this restaurant sells the cheapest Taittinger champagne in Tirana. The staff is super friendly, and when dining upstairs, you have a view of the kitchen (a perfect location on a rainy day). This restaurant would be a perfect place for summer with an extensive outdoor area. While primarily a seafood restaurant, I can attest that the menu selection will satisfy non-fish eaters. An extensive menu with something for everyone and the best value food in Tirane in a fine-dining restaurant: three courses, a bottle of French champagne, and a glass of wine each, all for AUD 120. Enoteka Johan - Tirana

Vino Bar Bure - Five visits Fabulous wine bar in Magnolia Square with a warm and positive atmosphere in Bitola, Macedonia. Vino Bar Bure - Bitola On our first day in Bitola, we chose the perfect spot to introduce ourselves to our new destination; from the moment we walked in, the lovely staff were full of laughs and high energy. Located in the heart of Bitola at the top of Širok Sokak, a long pedestrian street of Macedonian and Ottoman architecture, with a very European style and views of the clock tower and surrounding monuments. There is a full menu of delicious sharing-style plates and traditional food, a great wine selection, and excellent value. The meatball tacos are a favourite, bursting with flavour and high-e the warm and friendly community, which is quality meat. We enjoyed our afternoon watching the world go by and experiencing the warm and friendly community. It is a local hotspot. Vino Bar Bure - Bitola Our lovely servers surprised us with a beautiful dessert and coffee to complete our afternoon; a big thank you for making us feel special and for your kindness and generosity. Vino Bar Bure has become one of our favourites in Bitola. We love soaking up the sun, people-watching, and enjoying a bottle of wine with delicious snacks. I recommend this wine bar to feel part of the community and experience the local vibe. Vino Bar Bure - Bitola It was a wonderful experience visiting Vino Bar Bure during our stay in Bitola. We enjoyed afternoon cocktails with the lovely friends we had made there. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. We were excited to visit again and discover they had purchased the ingredients for our favourite cocktail, Negroni. You have to love Bitola and its fantastic vibe and people. Vino Bar Bure - Bitola

Tone - One Visit It is a tremendous gourmet burger restaurant where you sit in a beautiful square and people-watch. Tone - Rovinj I especially love that you can select the type of beef for your gourmet burger. I would eat here again (that's a hint for Sally). Tone - Rovinj Again, this place gets bustling, so book, or you will miss out.

Falco's Restaurant - Bar - Club - One Visit Rock Me, Amadeus. If you love 80s music, drop into Falco's restaurant and bar. Falco's Restaurant - Bar - Club - Vienna Falco was an Austrian singer and songwriter from 19 February 1957 to 6 February 1998. Falco had several international hits, including "Rock Me Amadeus," "Der Kommissar," "Vienna Calling," "Jeanny," "The Sound of Musik," "Coming Home (Jeanny Part II, One Year Later)," and, posthumously, "Out of the Dark." "Rock Me Amadeus" reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1986, making him the only artist whose principal language was German to score a vocal number-one hit in the United States. It's just a lovely, feel-good venue with good food. Nothing is better than having a wiener schnitzel and beer and listening to classic 80s tunes surrounded by memorabilia. You will leave with such positive vibes.

Restaurant Casablanca - One visit The restaurant you wish you had found earlier was one of the best in Macedonia and exceeded our expectations. Restaurant Casablanca - Skopje Our last lunch in Skopje and Macedonia ticked all our boxes. First and foremost, it was air-conditioned so that we could enjoy and relax over lunch, a reprieve from the hot, scorching days, with a view of the Vardar River. The staff was an absolute delight. They were hot, friendly, and attentive, and they were all full of enthusiasm. The food was exceptional, with the wine to match. We started with a salad; it was the freshest we have experienced. Roast lamb and mouthwatering followed it, definitely on par with Australian lamb, followed by Wiener veal schnitzel, which is also delicious. We were overwhelmed to receive a glass of wine from the house—the exact wine we were drinking, our favourite, and only available by the bottle. Very comfortable dining. The furniture was designed for a perfect, long, lazy lunch or dinner with beautiful glassware. We wish we had encountered this fine dining gem much earlier when we arrived in Skopje to enjoy culinary delights and comfort.

Backyard Restaurant - One Visit Backyard Restaurant in Pula is a delightful hidden gem. Its charming outdoor seating area offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a mix of Mediterranean and Croatian dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Backyard Restaurant - Pula The seafood platter and homemade pasta are noteworthy, showcasing the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The friendly and attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. With its delicious food, cozy ambience, and excellent service, Backyard Restaurant is a must-visit in Pula. Backyard Restaurant - Pula

Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana - Six Visits We enjoyed dining at Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana, a gem that's become a staple for anyone craving authentic Italian fare. From the moment hubby and I stepped into this quaint restaurant, located at 98/4 North Pattaya Beach Road, we were enveloped by an atmosphere that blends rustic Italian charm with the relaxed beach vibe of Pattaya. The menu was a delightful journey through Italy, offering everything from perfectly charred pizzas to the most succulent meats and perfectly al dente pasta. Moreover, their selection of Thai dishes hinted at a harmonious blend of cultures, catering to many tastes. What truly set Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana apart for us was not just the quality of the food but also the warmth with which it was served. The service here is something worth writing home about—attentive, personalised, and always with a smile. It's the service that turns a meal into a dining experience. And for dessert? A slice of their heavenly tiramisu was the cherry on top of a delightful dining experience. Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana - Pattaya Over the years, our dining experiences at Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana have been memorable. It is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Italian experience with a touch of Thai hospitality.

Lizaz Bodrum - Two visits Lizaz Bodrum transports you to another world. It is a modern, authentic Lebanese restaurant in the heart of the pedestrian zone in the centre of Bodrum. Lizaz - Bodrum From the moment you walk past the well-stocked bar and the infectious energy of the team (we'll come back to that soon), you've been greeted with simply an awe-inspiring view of the harbour with a gentle catamaran swaying against their moorings (just out of our reach). Lizaz - Bodrum You know you're in for a great eating experience when the restaurant is not trying to pull you in from the street; instead, letting the food and service speak for themselves. The guys are all genuine, full of the biggest smiles and energy. You can't wait to sit and enjoy a long lazy lunch or dinner; let's say we were back twice on the same day. We've only experienced Lebanese food a few times, so this restaurant allowed us to jump headfirst into sharing what Lebanese dining is all about, and we loved it. Your taste buds will thank you for selecting this restaurant; sit back and be guided by the warm and friendly team. Lizaz would have become one of our go-to restaurants if we had more time in Bodrum. A small but solid wine list covering old and new world wines, and make sure you pace yourself so that you can explore the expansive and tasty cocktail menu. We enjoyed lunch so much that we were back in the evening. We sat at the bar and chatted with the team; new friendships were formed over tasty cocktails made with Pierre's love and passion. We walked past many restaurants that lacked warmth or soul, but this restaurant stands out for its approach to fitting into the surroundings. With magical harbour and castle views, the restaurant is the perfect size to provide a high level of service and give the chef time to prepare quality dishes. It has a cosy summery vibe with comfortable decor. You can also enjoy dining or drinking literally on the waterside. Lizaz - Bodrum Pricing was very reasonable and excellent value. There are no English menus, but a tip is to use Google Translate to take a snapshot of the menu; you don't want to miss out on all the fantastic dishes. Lizaz - Bodrum

Hotel Dva Bisera - Three visits We finally found a fine dining restaurant in Ohrid, Dva Bisera in Lagadin, ticking all the boxes. Hotel Dva Bisera - Lagadin The spectacular views are located ten minutes from Ohrid in Lagadin on Lake Ohrid. Very warm, friendly, and professional service, even during busy times. It's a hot spot for locals. The menu was packed with options for everyone, from traditional Macedonian cuisine, seafood, meat (every which way), pizza, and pasta. They are also well known for their fish stew (we missed out on trying this), so make your breakfast reservations. Hotel Dva Bisera - Lagadin During our three visits, we enjoyed fresh salads, soups, local starters, steak, schnitzels (beef is a must), and village meat cooked in a clay pot, which was mouthwatering. The restaurant has recently been refurbished. It has a great indoor/outdoor dining area, and you can also enjoy dining on the lakeside. The dessert menu offers excellent options, including delights from a Macedonian patisserie called ' Chocoholic '. We loved that Dva Bisera was only a short walk from our stay at Villa Bisera. We took advantage of being so close to a fine dining establishment, enjoying our lazy lunches with 5-star service and a premium selection of Macedonian wines and spirits.

In the final week of our 13-week Pole to Pole cruise on the MS Roald Amundsen with Hurtigruten Expeditions , we will experience the great white wonder of the world and our seventh continent—Antarctica. Day 85 - At Sea, Cape Horn & Drake Passage We started the day with the news we had been waiting for for over 85 days: we won the lottery for kayaking in Antarctica and were in Group A, which provided us with the highest chance to get out on the water should the weather permit. We were very fortunate, as most of the 400 passengers also had this activity. With only four landings scheduled, a maximum of two sessions per landing, and eight kayaks per session, you do the math. Crossing the Drake Passage takes about two days. Over the past few months, we have heard so many horror stories from fellow passengers who have experienced the Drake Shake that we were very fortunate to be blessed with the Drake Lake for our crossing. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Yesterday, we were scheduled for a landing on Cape Horn. Unfortunately, the winds were too strong, resulting in a no-go, so we continued our path to the Antarctic Peninsula. When we first set out on this cruise, we were unaware that the chances of landing on the mainland of Antarctica were meagre, as we had booked a Pole-to-Pole cruise. As most are quick to let you know, our landings would be on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula; claiming this is not Antarctica; therefore, you haven't visited Antarctica. Although we suggest otherwise, as we have come this far, the peninsula is part of visiting Antarctica in our book; it is part of the mainland. It's a little like you have seen Tasmania, and then you find out you haven't been to Australia, or you have been to Koh Samui, but have you been to Thailand? Yes, of course! Today was making the most of the ocean before the big arrival. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Day 86 - Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica Welcome to our final continent; all seven are now ticked off! This continent has always been on our bucket list, and finally, our dream of setting foot on the icy continent of Antarctica has been fulfilled. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole As the fog lifted this morning to present the majestic views, they were breathtaking, like nothing we have ever seen. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Blessed to be joined by the sun and blue skies, we cruised closer to the first land we had seen over the past few days. The pictures were priceless and a great taster of what was to come. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole There is so much ice! The elevations were surprising; these mountains are enormous! We later learned Antarctica has the highest average height in the world. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Our kayaking adventure was postponed due to the stronger winds, so we layered up for the landing on Half Moon Island. As we approached the island, we could see all the little penguins and spotted a few whales, so we were excited! Especially as it is usually too early in the season for whales. The landing took us to a place where we could get up close and personal with the penguins. There are two breeds: the main colony is made up of chinstraps, who come to breed (up to 15,000 eventually), and then the Gentoos, who come to hang out by the water. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole They were adorable and clumsy as they went to the sea to feed, constantly tripping over their little feet; you could sit by and watch them all day. We humans didn't seem to bother them, so they continued getting on with their day. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole It was cold, around zero, so thankfully, we layered up and enjoyed the hour on land. We were mesmerised by the natural wonder and adorable penguins surrounding us. As we were leaving, we sat with the penguins, just enjoying being near these birds full of character; overlooking the following for a giggle, the one on the left. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We can't wait for the next few days to experience this majestic place on Earth. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Day 87 - Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica Today was fascinating; let's start in reverse! Heavy snow set in during dinner, and we scored a window table to ensure we could experience heavy snowfall while cruising. This was the first time we had been on a cruise and on the ocean with snow; it was surreal and beautiful, especially in Antarctica. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole It was heavy snow, and the snowflakes were the size of a cotton plant; it was what movies and picture books are made about. As dinner progressed, the deep blue ocean that engulfed us transitioned into a tinge of foggy grey; it was freezing over as the snow settled, and a thin layer of sea ice was beneath us. Let's jump back to the morning. It was an early start, as our Kayaking was scheduled; take two. We made sure to fill our bellies with fuel, and during breakfast, the news came that it was cancelled. The weather was changing rapidly, and snow was gracing us with her presence. We did enjoy the morning show, with the seals relaxing on the icebergs as we cruised by. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole The ship quickly changed its navigation from our original destination, Orne Harbour, to a new location, Wilhelmina Bay, where we could bring out the zodiacs and all get a chance for a scenic cruise through the sea ice and flows and be within inches of the icebergs. Before lunch, we explored the ship; seeing it covered in snowfall was a surreal experience. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole After lunch, we geared up. As the snow settled in, we loved popping back to our room to measure the snowfall. It felt like a winter wonderland with snow filling your balcony, a little like Christmas. We love it. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Brendan was our host and Zodiac driver through the sea ice for one hour. He provided us with many insights on the icebergs and sea ice, and all about the nearby birdlife, as he expertly dodged and weaved through all the ice flows and icebergs with limited vision. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Being part of the sea as it began to ice up was also fascinating. It has the same texture as a slushy; the water on the surface becomes a light shade of grey and is mushy. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Great work, and thank you, Brendan, for keeping us safe. After being woken up on the water and showered with snow, we returned to the ship to bring our body temperature back to normal, prepare for dinner, and wait for the boat to unveil our next destination as we explore Antarctica. Unfortunately, the passengers who had booked the camping on the ice due to the weather were also cancelled. Day 88 - Neko Harbour, Antarctica Will we kayak in Antarctica? It is becoming a million-dollar question. It was another early morning for take 3 for us kayakers who were the fortunate ones in Group A (this means we were first to kayak before all other groups). It was 8.05 a.m., so it was time to pop into our cold suits; one leg in, the announcement popped up that it had been cancelled, and the wind was picking up. So close! HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Fortunately, the zodiac was still on, and we happened to be in the first group of the day, so we dressed up for the cruising and went down to the expedition landing. We were first on the boats and were surprised to find it a little warmer than yesterday. It was much more civilised, with only light snow dust. We navigated the sea ice and enormous icebergs for sealife; penguins were the day's target. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole The icebergs glistened in the water as the sun peeked through the clouds. Just remember that the visible part of the iceberg is only 10-20% of its actual size, so most icebergs live underwater. We could see the entire length with the water pristine, and it was just wow! HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole On the way back to the ship, we came across a sensational raft of gentoo penguins. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Forty-five minutes later, we were back on the ship. The weather was closing in, and the captain was concerned that the sea ice on the boat could ice us in the harbour, so it was time to pack up and move on. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We made our way to Danco Bay, and a 4-hour Kayaking trip was scheduled, fingers crossed. The ship changed direction again, and a new destination was on the map until the wind blessed us with her presence, reaching up to 90 knots at one point. So, the ship maintained its position to keep us all comfortable and to wait out Mother Nature. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Later in the evening, she cruised along Antarctica's majestic coastline, filling our senses with icy mountain peaks and wonders. We sailed into Damoy Point, a rocky headland on the west coast of Wiencke Island, and were even more delighted by the size of the glaciers. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole The ship decided to spend the evening in Antarctica because the weather conditions were good, and activities looked promising for tomorrow, our last day there. Let's go Kayaking! HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Today was spent enjoying the changing weather and genuinely appreciating its perils. I was fortunate to sneak in a 'patchy video' call to Mum and Dad to share my experience of the world's wonders. Day 89 - Dorian Bay, Antarctica The million-dollar question has been answered, and we have hit the 'Kayaking in Antarctica' jackpot! 🛶 This morning, we woke early to calm waters and weather. It was five, and we were optimistic it would happen! HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole With our cold suits and straight to the meeting point, there was no wasted time. The sooner we were on the water, the sooner it became a reality. Fourteen of our fellow kayakers were on the same page, and everyone was ready. We were given the finishing touches to our Kayaking outfit, a unique life jacket, and gloves to keep us dry and hopefully warm. We piled into the zodiacs for a short five-minute cruise across to the waiting kayaks, and one by one, we were loaded into our kayak, two per kayak. Wayne was in the back, and I was seated up front as the head photographer. That's fine by me, as poor hubby would need to do all the paddling (which, after learning my rhythm, he much preferred to take control of). Before we embarked on this magical experience through sea ice, we had a quick practice and 101 on manoeuvring the kayak and, of course, staying above the water. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole This moment was one we had been waiting for. It has been nearly 90 days since we departed Vancouver, and we were hoping to kayak in the Arctic Circle; unfortunately, the weather continued to close the opportunities. The paddling commenced, and it was surreal. We were all lined up, navigating on the water's surface through large chunks of sea ice; the paddles driving their way through the ice chunks were eerily sounding, but surreal and peaceful. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We arrived at the most magnificent turquoise iceberg to capture pictures up close and personal. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Unbeknownst to us, this same iceberg would calve and start tipping over a few hours later, which we were fortunate to witness from our balcony - play with sound. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We continued closer to Damoy Point, a research station home to a Gentoo penguin colony. The station was being prepared for the arrival of four female researchers to spend the summer in a few weeks, so we all floated amongst the sea ice and bergs to enjoy the serenity, overshadowed by dramatic icy mountain peaks, who would spend the summer there. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We watched the penguins go about their day, swimming and diving, waddling, and even swimming beneath our kayaks in the crystal waters beneath us. It was one of those magical moments that will remain with you forever. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole After about 1.5 hours, we returned through the sea ice. We were all becoming familiar with paddling through (or, in my case, my darling hubby was); I was too busy trying to get my little fingers and toes to circulate again and keep the phone from going for a swim in below-zero waters. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole We approached the ship and were to wait for our zodiacs to pick us up and take us back to our cosy cabins; they were running a little behind, so we took the opportunity to row around the ship. It was magnificent to experience this impressive vessel from the exterior and at the water level; it was surreal. Once we reached the stern, we were shortly picked up and delivered back to the ship. Thank you to Molly and Orto from the Expedition team for a memorable kayaking experience in Antarctica; it was the perfect ending to our three months onboard. The afternoon was spent enjoying a lazy lunch, reviewing the incredible photos we captured, and celebrating ticking off another bucket list experience. Kudos to Hurtigruten Expeditions for being the first cruise ship to launch Kayaking in Antarctica this summer; we were the first group out on the water this season 👏 We were scheduled for a Zodiac landing later in the evening to walk through the snow and see another penguin colony, but we decided to opt out, as it was on the peninsula. We were all hoping it was on the mainland; therefore, we wanted to stay on our natural high from the morning; it was our perfect ending to Antarctica. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Dinner was spent back in Lindstrom chatting with our new Aussie friends and enjoying drinks as we entered the Drake Passage. We kept our fingers crossed that it would bless us with a crossing of the 'Drake Lake', not the 'Drake Shake'. Day 90 - Drake Passage The Lake is slowly becoming the Shake! Therefore, it has been a slow day. We enjoyed lunch and a bottle of wine; the afternoon was spent hiding away in the suite to stay horizontal! We find it much easier on the body; the motion sickness creeps in as soon as you wander around. Fortunately, it takes quite a rocky ship now to upset us, and we know how to avoid it! Dinner was quick, and back to bed! One of those days! A little penguin love and kayaking highlights; I hope it gives you as much joy as it does me:-) HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Day 91 - Drake Passage This marks our last day at sea for three months. Fortunately, the Drake was easing up as we approached land around noon. We enjoyed our last day over a lazy lunch at Fredheim, thanking the team and preparing to pack our cases and disembark for the morning. Before dinner, we enjoyed catching up with the Pole-to-Pole guests for the captain's farewell; drinks overflowed as everyone shared all the unused bottles of bubbles and shipboard credit, which you can't take with you. This was followed by a fun evening with a group of lovely Aussies we met on this segment; the crew entertained us with laughter. We were incredibly grateful to the lovely crew, who cared for us throughout the cruise; you all made our trip more delightful. Thank you, team; we will miss your friendly smiles and daily chats. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Pole to Pole Beautiful moonlight glistened over the ocean as our next and final destination, Ushuaia, welcomed us. Thank you for travelling with us as we embarked three months ago on our 'once-in-a-lifetime' cruise from North to South Pole; we hope you enjoyed our travel moments as much as we enjoyed visiting parts of the world on our bucket list. Join us as we experience our next adventure, the ' Argentina Chapter ', a month-long exploration of a new part of the world.