Marilyn March 16th, 2006
Over the years various friends have raved about Lord Howe Island but it was only recently that the opportunity arose for us to have 6 days there. It is quite gorgeous … very small with beautiful white sandy beaches and sub-tropical foliage, punctuated by tall Norfolk Island pines. It is 2 hours flying time from Brisbane or Sydney and has World Heritage status.
The charm of the place is really the 1950s atmosphere. It’s a step back in time that the people of Lord Howe have cleverly and deliberately kept. With only 300 residents and a maximum of 400 tourists (and that is only in school holidays), LHI is the epitome of relaxed and is distinctly ungroovy. We met families who have been going there for decades, they love it so much. Continue Reading »
Marilyn January 6th, 2005
ROME NOTES ON ACCOM, EATING & SHOPPING
Accommodation
Rome hotels are generally expensive, however, the following are in the trendy ‘Spanish Steps’ area , offer very comfortable rooms and are reasonable for what you get. Continue Reading »
Marilyn May 6th, 2003
Maleny, Montville, Mapleton
This area is only 1½ hours north of Brisbane and well deserves a couple of overnights to even scratch the surface. The drought is over and the area is back to picture perfect emerald green – looks like someone has just ran the Victa mower over the hills. Continue Reading »
Marilyn October 6th, 2002
FRANCE
Paris:
Finding a pleasant and affordable hotel is a priority and you must book well in advance for any time of the year. We prefer to stay on the left bank of the Seine in the university quarter called The Latin Quarter. Beyond the cliches of red-checked tablecloths, bohemian writers and cute bookstores – away from the tourist trail – there is a world of gossipy village streets, food markets and Roman ruins.
It is inhabited by well-heeled lefties, ranging from politicians to intellectuals and famous journalists – the students you see in the cafes can’t afford to live here. This neighbourhood has graceful apartments and ancient streets and is one of the city’s most exclusive. Here are three boutique hotels we recommend. Be aware that Paris hotel rooms are generally small. Continue Reading »
Marilyn December 31st, 2001
Our perception has always been that Western Australia is a long way away, but in fact it is a 5 hour direct flight from Brisbane. If you are routed through Sydney, however, it will take a lot longer and be a much more tedious trip.
We, in fact, chose to fly to Adelaide and catch the Indian Pacific train across the Nullarbor to Perth. We love train travel and this seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. Continue Reading »