Check out from our room meant that we had to leave our bags in a designated area in reception. It’s very organised with a sign informing us of the shuttle bus pick up time for our flight. It had been raining so the temperature was milder than the last few mornings. 

Souvenir shopping was on the agenda before our planned activity with Mark Olive and his Masterclass.

We wandered around the town centre and purchased our souvenirs before deciding to walk up to the viewing dune in the centre of the resort.

It was time to go to Mark Olive’s presentation which was relocated to the Arnguli restaurant because of the earlier rain. This activity was part of NAIDOC week and he said that it was the coldest NAIDOC week that he can remember.

We managed to get front row seats again as been our luck for most of our tours! The masterclass was very engaging and samples of bush foods were passed around the audience to sniff and/or taste before finishing with a fusion ravioli. Mark also has a restaurant at the Sydney Opera House called Mark by Midden that may be on the cards in the future. 

Mangata bistro was chosen for lunch with pastas and Chilli margaritas consumed.

A walk to the viewing platform dune follows the red dirt paths across the resort.

Sails in the Desert is another area of the resort and the after walking around the reception area the Walpa Bar enticed us for dessert and last cocktails.

Although it was unfortunate that we had mostly cloudy weather, the green in this environment was uncommon and a pleasure to see. 

The coach arrived on time and sadly it was time to leave. A visit to this part of the country is highly recommended!

Goodbye

Happy birthday to Teresa! We started the day watching the FIFA soccer game USA vs Belgium. It was such a captivating game that we postponed our plans so we could watch the whole game. Belgium won 4-1 goals! 

We popped the Peterson’s bubbles we brought from from home – ‘30 years of bubbles‘ Hunter Valley Limited Release Sparkling Wine to start the birthday festivities.

Pizza and beer at the Outback hotel for lunch, and strategically, left over pizza to take and put in our fridge for dinner after our booked tour to Uluru. 

We met our driver and guide Lucy from Seit tours at 2pm. She showed us the guest list and there were 3 Michele’s (one with a double l) and two Teresa’s on this small group tour. 

We were designated the front seats of the van which gave us a perfect view of the trip ahead. 

Firstly we stopped at a viewing area to take photos. Then we drove to the Cultural Centre where we were not allowed to take any photos.

Lucy was a great guide and helped the group bond as we travelled to the rock. We met Jenny from Fremantle, the Italian honeymooners Michele(male) and Maria Teresa, Debbie from Sawtell, Julie- well travelled with no filter- was from the Gold Coast and Mish from Connecticut with her 12 year old grandson William. 

The walking path around the rock was easy to navigate and flat. Lucy regaled us with the stories as we stopped at each significant site. 

Uluru is just as amazing up close with its many formations and characteristics. 

We were also lucky enough to see wild camels who Lucy said moved in 5 weeks ago and were eating everything around them. They are blamed for causing much destruction on the local flora and that keeps the local fauna away. 

After visiting the waterhole on the southern part of Uluru we drove to another picnic site to enjoy the sunset, bubbles and nibbles.

On the way back to our accommodation in the dark we could see some glimpses of the impressive drone show which was another activity on offer at this resort. Back to our room for some left over pizza and birthday bubbles. 

Good night

We woke early to watch Norway play Brazil at the FIFA World Cup with the antics of Michele’s new obsession Erling Haaland. The game was still playing when we had to go to reception to meet our tour at 6:15 am. We were pleased to hear later that they won and Haaland scored the 2 goals.

A pass is required to be able to enter the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park which has to be purchased separately from the tour. Teresa thought that the pass was needed from the time we arrived to the Ayers Rock resort but it was only needed when we entered the National Park. So our three day pass we bought should have been dated from 6th July, not from our arrival time at the venue on 4th July….a costly oversight.

This SEIT Kata Tjuta tour offered a small group experience with a limit of ten people travelling in a comfortable van. It was an informative drive of about 30 minutes duration to reach the viewing platform for the sunrise. It was very chilly and unfortunately not so spectacular due to the cloud cover but Kata Tjuta (once known as the Olga’s) is an awe inspiring backdrop. 

We were then transported to the Waḻpa Gorge for the ‘moderate’ walk. It turned out that the terrain was rocky and uneven which challenged Teresa’s balance and Michele’s vertigo in places of high structures above her. The icy cold wind whooshing through the gorge also had an impact on the enjoyment of the walk. We managed to get half way before conceding that we didn’t need to go any further. 

A short drive away to the picnic area, we were served breakfast of cereals, raisin toast, English muffins, Nuttelex 😳, fruit cups, Vegemite, jams, honey washed down with fruit juice or tea and coffee. We sat with another Aussie couple and a mother and son from Denmark, and took great delight at their reactions as they tried Vegemite for the first time.

The Desert Gardens Hotel was a good choice of accommodation because we are the first pickup and the first drop off for all our chosen tours.

Once back at our accommodation the England vs Mexico FIFA game took our attention. The sun finally revealed itself so we took advantage and went for a walk across the resort (about 8 minutes) to the Outback Bar. Nothing is cheap in this region and two Little Creatures beers cost $33.

The Outback Bar is the only place that anyone can purchase take away alcohol and there are strict restrictions. You need to show your room key and ID (digital is ok) and they are heavily priced.

It was lovely to enjoy the sunshine as we ambled around the resort.

We walked up the path back to the Desert Gardens and stopped at the Mangata bistro and bar for cocktails of Finger Lime Margaritas.

Our next commitment was the NAIDOC curated dinner booking at the Arnguli Restaurant. The chef, Mark Olive was responsible for the menu and he was generous with his time and conversation as he worked the room.

The food was outstanding and Teresa was really impressed with the beef dish which was some of the best she had eaten! 

Suitably satiated we were ready to rest and enjoy a welcome sleep.

Good Night.

Sunrise was 7:30 am so we took an our time to prepare for our 10am helicopter flight.

Johann our bus driver collected us outside Desert Gardens Hotel to take us to the airport for our flight. There is a helipad just next to the resort but noise restrictions apply so they must leave from the airport for any flights before 10am.

We were led to our helicopter and assisted into the front seats beside Eric, our pilot. There were 2 more passengers in the back seats. We had to wear headsets in order to hear each other and the pilot’s commentary.

We were taken up to 500 metres above sea level and flew past the left and right sides of Uluru first before continuing onto Kata Tjuṯa which were amazing formations that could rival Uluru.

We learnt that there were no kangaroos or emus in this area because of the high population of wild camels who affect their food and water sources. The whole process is well organised and very professional. 

After landing, we walked to the IGA supermarket and bought some supplies before returning to our room to get ready for the next activity. 

A free bush tucker presentation was offered at 1pm daily so we were keen to check it out. It was very informative and then we were given crackers with quandong jam as a sample. The art gallery was next door where we marvelled at the artworks and watched indigenous artists at work.

The booked Field of Lights experience meant that we had to meet our guide at 5pm outside reception. The drivers had a list of our names and guided all the guests onto the bus. We were driven to a viewing platform and enjoyed canapés and sparkling wine while we watched the sunset over Uluru.

The guests were then directed down a path to round tables of ten settings. Gas heaters were scattered around the venue, making the outdoor dining more comfortable. We were also treated to a didgeridoo performance and a talk about how local Aboriginal people use constellations for navigation (although unfortunately we had to imagine where they were due to the cloud cover). There was a colourful drone show playing in the distance, which we were also able to view.

The food was outstanding and the whole process was well organised. Of course as it always is a small world, the host was Polish and there were people from Newcastle and Caringbah at our table (and four out of the ten of us were teachers). 

We then wandered through the impressive light installation, which you could choose a short (200m) or long (700m) walk.  At the end we were met by our guides and bussed back to our accommodation. A very special night and highly recommended.

Good night 😴

After Michele organised Basil‘s residence for the next 5 days with Loz, Brent and family (thank you!)

We booked dinner at the Wander restaurant in Wills Road Woolooware for the night before our flight. They only offer a set 5 course menu and the food is freshly prepared on premises by the chef. The portion sizes are perfect plus the food was tasty and top quality.

We woke early to watch the Socceroos play Egypt in the FIFA World Cup … it was a long game because of extra time so we had to watch the penalty shootouts in the Uber on the way to the airport. Sadly, Socceroos lost but they played a great game. Michele forgot to pack pyjamas and we were surprised to find out that many people do this, hence the reason why Peter Alexander shops are cleverly positioned in the airports!

It was a beautiful morning with clear skies as we left Sydney. Patches of snowy mountains were evident but once the plane approached the state of Victoria, the clouds obscured any more views.

During the layover in Melbourne Tullamarine airport we ordered Espresso Martini’s and light meals at the Bigge Smalls cafe and then relaxed in the Virgin Lounge. 

Our seats were in Economy X so we had plenty of legroom and comfortable immediately behind Business class. When service started we ordered and paid for the obligatory Cuvée bottles while Michele mentioned that it was a birthday holiday for Teresa. Later on during the flight the lovely attendant brought us complimentary Sparkling Wine and chocolates from business class as a birthday surprise with lovely sentiments written on some napkins.

The red centre revealed itself as we descended into the Ayers Rock Uluru airport.

A number of shuttle buses were lined up outside the airport to take guests the various areas of the Ayers Rock resort. The bus driver pointed out that the nearest Kmart was 5 hours away in Alice Springs.

We were booked into the Desert Gardens Hotel and Teresa checked in while Michele collected the luggage off the bus which saved us 10 minutes and a long queue.

The Deluxe Double room was spacious and clean with a roomy balcony that faced the red desert landscape. We chose an upstairs room but it could only be accessed by stairs which would be an issue for some people.

We had researched the type of restrictions, wines and high prices offered at the complex so we made sure that we packed some bottles from home, in our checked luggage, to avoid paying the high prices. 

The Mangata Bistro and Bar in our complex was the choice for dinner. 

We were very tired from the long day of travel so back to our room for an early night.

Good Night

The room was quiet, the king bed was comfortable and a good night’s sleep was had.

When I opened the blinds, I realised that I had a distant view of snow covered Mount Rainier which can be seen from most of Seattle. 

I needed to go to the closest Sephora which was located in the nearby Westfield Southcenter Mall. I booked an Uber to take me there, wait for me to run in and grab my products then take me back to the hotel. Lucky I did this as the other shops were tempting me and I have no room in my luggage. 

The Hilton has a complimentary airport shuttle that runs every 20 minutes. The traffic into the airport was congested but we arrived in plenty of time. 

I know I go on about it but priority gives me the opportunity to ask for a better seat, the ability to join the short queue at security screening which took me 3 minutes,as opposed to the other queue which looked like a 20 – 30 minute shuffle. I could then relax in the United Club with a meal and beverages while charging my devices. 

At about 2:30pm I was notified that my flight time has changed to about 20 minutes after the scheduled time. So more time in the lounge here but less in San Francisco….suits me!

We arrived in San Francisco at 6pm local time. The flight was very smooth and I had the Sea Salt Chocolate Quinoa snack with a coffee.

I found the lounge nearest our landing gate and it was a different one again than the one I went to on the way here. It has a better outlook than the others where I can watch planes take off and land.

I leave later tonight to fly across the Pacific to home. Looking forward to being home again.

Good night

As a Hilton Diamond member, I have a late checkout of 1pm. This membership is connected with my Velocity Platinum status. 

Luckily I had packed light (although I could have left one of the jackets at home) because I needed the room in my luggage for the purchases I had collected on my trip.

I took a reconnaissance walk to check where I had to go to board the Clipper, without my luggage. The attendant informed me that it was going to be a full boat and there would be long lines to go through US customs. On the way back I accidentally bought a jumper that I couldn’t resist.

I decided to while away the time at Bartholomews while waiting to go to the Clipper. I absolutely loved Victoria as a safe and happening city with plenty to do! 

I grabbed my (heavier) luggage and walked down to the harbour. There are plenty of stairs to the lower harbour but you have to go around the visitor centre to be able to find a ramp, which adds to the distance. So I decided to struggle down the steps when this Amazonian amazing young woman insisted on carrying my luggage to the bottom… people are always willing to help. After checking in my bag, I decided to stop at the Cafe in the Steamship Terminal and ordered a  Chowder and a drink. It was quite hot!

When it was time to board I had to go through USA Customs which was fuss free. Just a few questions about where I’m going and when was the last time I was in the states.

There were complimentary ice, water bottles , fruit juices, coffee and sodas that one can help themselves to in the comfort class on the ferry, plus a welcome Prosecco.

The sea was very calm so it was a smooth ride. No offers of drugs or briefings about life jackets on this trip. Visibility was also excellent so we could see the Olympic mountains and more snow capped ones in the distance.

Getting off was quite efficient and the border was simple with one question, do you have any food? I said yes commercial food and he waved me through. It didn’t take long to get an Uber outside the terminal but the traffic through Seattle was a crawl. It took a while to get onto the freeway. And it’s a Sunday night!!! The Uber driver blamed the World Cup for the traffic snarls. 

It took around 30 minutes to get to the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Centre. This was a much older building than the last but my room was spacious and comfortable. No room service here! I had to sit at the bar to order food that I wanted to take up your my room. (I was also given 2 water bottles to carry to my room when I checked in).

I had chosen a classic flatbread for dinner which consisted of three cheeses and pepperoni and I finished the Unsworth Pinot Gris from Vancouver Island.

Good night

Although the temperature was only 22C it was hot in the sun. People were in shorts and sleeveless tops enjoying a Saturday of good weather.  There was also the glimpse of a soccer T-shirt (not Aus) or a Türkiye flag.

After breakfast I took myself shopping and into touristy Government street. There were some beautiful items that were designed to tempt tourists due to their quality and creativity.

The sun was shining and it would’ve been a tragedy to ignore it so I wandered back to the Flying Otter restaurant next to the seaplane terminal on the harbour. I ordered a Spicy Margarita and settled back to watch the water taxis and taking in the aroma of the fuel from the sea planes while soaking up some rays.

My accommodation, the Doubletree Hilton in Victoria is central to everything I needed to do. The suite was more than I needed but was very clean and well stocked. There was no room service for dinner but you can go downstairs to one of the restaurants and bring your food into your room. I decided to order a hotdog from Bartholomew’s. It was tasty and would see me through to meeting Betty and Dan for dinner.

I connected online with mum, Michele and Irene in Australia on Messenger and we did our ritual trivia quiz.

Last August,  Michele and I flew to Vancouver Island for the wedding of Bettina (who she worked with in Port Douglas) and Dan, her Ecuadorian love. We regretted not having documented our experiences in Canada but I could understand why Betty and Dan have settled here and chose to become citizens.

Betty met me in the foyer and we walked to the Sticky Wicket, starting on the rooftop bar. There is even a beach volleyball court on this roof!

We ordered drinks and I noticed corn ribs on the snack menu. They were delicious with some sweetness and then a nice spicy kick. 

When Dan arrived, we relocated to the Sports Bar downstairs. We found a perfect table in front of two screens of different sports …. FIFA and the final NBA game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio spurs. The Knicks have not won in 53 years so there was a lot of excitement when they managed to win.

We ordered dinner, fish and chips for Betty and Dan while I chose a Chicken and Corn Chowder. In Canada you do not order directly from the bar but service personnel take and deliver your drink orders to you.

The FIFA Australia vs Türkiye game started and I must admit that I wasn’t confident that Australia could win this match. It was 9pm but it was still light outside. Australia was amazing and kept Türkiye scoreless by the determined work of our goalie. Congratulations also to the two goal scorers.

We walked back to the Hilton, a whole block away and said our farewells. It was a lovely night.

Good night 😴 

The sun was out again and the day promised to be warmer with a light breeze. My wine tour started down at the harbour again opposite the Empress hotel. While I was waiting, I noticed that a crow was not happy with people gathering near his territory and he was swooping without contact…and making a lot of noise.

The Canadian Craft Tours bus finally arrived with enthusiastic tour guide Scott directing all 5 of us onto the bus and we got on our way after a briefing.

The Cowichan Valley was our destination where we would visit 3 wineries. The valley is an hour’s drive from Victoria and Scott took us on the scenic route where possible off the highway.

This part of the world has snow capped mountains in the distance all year round. Scott stopped at some scenic spots which made the journey very enjoyable. 

Our first stop was the Cherry Point Estate Winery which specialised in a very European method of producing wines. It was a quaint family run business.

About 12 minutes drive away we reached the Unsworth Vineyards. This was a very modern and expansive establishment. We were placed at a lovely outdoor setting for our Charcuterie board of food such as bison and elk salami, a range of 3 local cheeses with accompaniments such as a habanero jam! We were hungry and happily shared the food while our presenter offered us a range of wines to taste. The gardens were very manicured and very pleasant.

Another 12 minutes drive away we reached the Cobble Hill Winery. I saw deer in the fields before we reached the driveway and there were lovely fields of lavender next to the vines. We were seated on a lovely sun drenched table and chose the White flight for our tasting. The gardens here were also spectacular.

The journey home was another one hour drive out of the valley and we were dropped near the Empress Hotel where we started.

As I entered the foyer it was very busy with people checking in for the weekend.

I headed down to Bartholomew’s public house and ordered the Crispy Dry Ribs of pork with honey garlic dip. I brought them back to my room ready to do the quiz online with family in Australia.

I went out on the balcony after this and noticed a number of police cars with police going in the direction of the foyer downstairs. Not sure what that was about but I will try to investigate.

A great day had….Good night

The weather was predicted to be clear with a high of 19C. My suite has a balcony which was sun drenched at the crack of dawn. 

Breakfast downstairs was perfect with soft poached eggs and Canadian bacon.

I had made an appointment for a hair wash and blow dry at the Blo Blow Dry Bar Victoria. It’s less than a 5 minute walk from my accommodation. My hair stylist was the same girl that did my hair last August!

Then it was time for some retail therapy. I went to the department store called Winners. It was set out like a TKMaxx with lots of clothing, homewares, cosmetics and the promise of discounts. Unexpectedly I found some items that I could not resist, a pair of cool jeans, some tops and a pair of shoes. Luckily I packed light and have room in my suitcase for the flight home.

The wind had abated so less layers were needed for my Bites and Sights tour. The meeting point was outside the impressive Fairmont Empress Hotel on the harbour.

Our guide was Michael from Hidden Victoria tours and our group consisted of only 6 guests. We started out by catching one of the cute Water Taxis to the Chinatown of Victoria.

Michael explained the history of Chinese immigration basically for work on the railways and to look for gold. Supplies could only be purchased in Victoria so these traders flourished while the fossickers usually came back empty handed. 

We wandered down the narrow Fan Tan Alley to our first bites stop at the Drake Eatery. This pub brews their own specialty beers and kombucha so along with our choice of beverage, we were served house made Babaganoush with sourdough bread and charred chillies. All was delicious.

We emerged from the rear of the Drake to a sunken courtyard bustling with activity and markets. Michael then walked us to Waddington Alley which is unique because the ‘bricks’ used to make the alley were made from Douglas fir wood blocks. It is protected as a heritage site and an example of what a Victoria street looked like more than a century ago.

Next stop was down the steps to Finn’s Seafood and cocktails for some traditional Poutine – fries, gravy and cheese curds. 

Back up the steps we walked to Bastion Square where we heard about how this is the legal centre of town with a courthouse and what used to be a gaol. Market stalls were set up with locals selling their wares.

We strolled along the square back to Government Street and our next stop was The Bard and Banker pub. It was actually an English pub that was reassembled in Victoria. Here we chose another beverage, I chose the dark lager, and we were served tempura king prawns with a lemony sauce. Michael regaled us with more history and quirky characters while we ate.

Our last stop was Roger’s Chocolates where were given a Vanilla Cream sample each and farewelled each other as the tour ended.

It was only a short walk for me to return to the Hilton and finish the day.

Good night