My recent adventure brought me to the Northern Territory, where my son Ian II and I made our way to Darwin. We flew straight from Philadelphia to Darwin, via Denver, Los Angeles and Brisbane – talk about a journey. As we landed in Darwin, we were met by a very familiar face, Bob McDonald from Kakadu Art. Bob has been flying in Kakadu for as long as I have been arranging travel from the States – and also happens to be a good friend. [Read more…] about The Top End at Wildman
Safari in Kruger and Sabi Sand
Kruger and Sabi Sand – South Africa
As I sit outside on the deck of my suite at Singita Lebombo at 4:30 AM, I am surrounded by the sounds of the African bush as the moon retreats to bed for the day. I can hear Hippos grunting to each other and splashing in the river below, lions sending guttural calls, birds just starting to rise and chirp and the baboons swinging in the trees. How could this get better, in the stillness of the southern skies at night? The all familiar (to me) Southern Cross is making its way across the lower skies, something I miss living in the Northern Hemisphere. Perhaps it is right now guiding a sailor across the seas towards Australia? [Read more…] about Safari in Kruger and Sabi Sand
Cruising on the Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen
Day 1
I arrived into Kasane on my Air Botswana flight from Johannesburg. My Wilderness Safaris guide met me and transferred me to the Chobe River Immigration center, so I could leave Botswana and head into Namibia. The Zambezi Queen cruises in the waters of Namibia, so I had to start there. I then boarded a small boat and headed upstream to the Namibia Immigration and arrived alongside the Queen. Whilst this sounds like a drawn out process, it really isn’t and flows very smoothly and adds to the adventure. [Read more…] about Cruising on the Zambezi Queen
Sydney Update
Sydney, Australia
I had to come down and visit Sydney as 2 new hotels have appeared. The Park Hyatt Sydney was closed for 8 months as they completely refurbished the entire hotel and added 3 sensational new suites on the 4th floor. I was lucky enough to stay a night as Andrew (the General Manager) allocated me into one of their Premium Deluxe Opera View rooms. The room looked right at the Opera House, boasting a large balcony with a chairs and tables to allow a chance to sit and marvel at this unique building. [Read more…] about Sydney Update
Great Facts about Christchurch
Here are some facts about Christchurch.
Since the Napier earthquake in the 1930’s every New Zealander has been contributing (via taxes and fuel purchases) to the Government Natural Disaster Fund – a pot of money managed by the Earthquake Commission (ECQ). To be used to help New Zealand recover from any natural disaster. The Government (via the fund) will pay the first $100,000 of any damage sustained to your home (caused by a natural disaster) provided you have property insurance. The remainder is covered by your insurance company. [Read more…] about Great Facts about Christchurch
Queenstown, New Zealand in April 2012
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, is the adventure capital of New Zealand, if not the world. I love it more every time I visit as there is always something new to discover – and this time was no exception. This trip was to attend TRENZ, a large trade event where all services (hotels and tour companies) meet with travel companies like mine to renegotiate rates and learn about changes and new experiences. This year, there were almost 100 new experiences for me to learn about. [Read more…] about Queenstown, New Zealand in April 2012