Faves

On land, under the sea and in the air..kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats and Tasmanian devils…dolphins, seals, albatrosses, sharks, turtles, an octopus..brilliant cockatoos, lorikeets, corellas, galahs, curlews, and kookaburras…bats, snakes, lace monitor lizards, large insects, water dragons, and some scary spiders, plus echidnas, emus and cassowaries!

The Bay of Fires (Northeast Tasmania) is famous for its beautiful, empty beaches with very white sand, clear waters, and photogenic bright orange rocks (caused by lichen). You would think the name is for obvious reasons – but we found out…

Hobbiton!!! Yes, it’s just as magical and special as you might imagine! Actually, a bit more so for me. I had expected to see more of a “set”, yet Hobbiton Movie Set is actually many acres with the whole shire setting with 44 hobbit homes and their community, including gardens, furniture and laundry drying on lines. We lucked out with sunshine and had a great time exploring and learning about the set. It’s truly a gorgeous area!

12 difficult miles (7 hours) over volcanic terrain including views of Mt. Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). This is considered the top day hike in New Zealand and we can see why – truly a life experience!

Fresh air (frisk luft) is the theme of the award winning architectural design of the Djurönäset Hotel and Conference Center. It feels like a romantic lodge, remote and completely in tune with nature, yet it’s one of the largest conference facilities in Sweden.

Much of what we say about the magic of this property has just as much to do with their people as it does with the setting! To pronounce it…

Diving and dining in Bequia, in the Grenadines, a string of islands that are part of the 32 island nation called “St. Vincent and the Grenadines” in the Caribbean – Part of the West Indies, they are south of St. Lucia and north of Grenada.