Two Drifters

^ Clothes and scenery to mtch the blue in Blue Lagoon Cruises!!  I wrote February’s entry rather nervous as I wasn’t sure how that Flinders Island trip was going to go. I have given an account of it in my Mamamia story – see link at the end of this blog entry. In short, I really enjoyed it! The solo aspect was much more fun than I expected, the physical aspect was harder than I expected (but being pushed is not a bad thing), the scenery was breathtaking, the food was fabulous and I loved the Eco Comfort Camp. Without documenting the trip too much (my Mamamia story does this I think), I’ll talk a bit about the solo aspect.  I have never lived alone. I have never travelled alone for work. I have been married for almost 34 years. I have four kids, two of whom still live at home. I have been surrounded by people all my life. I love that but, sometimes, I also crave quiet and the freedom to talk when I want and do what I want. Without explanation. Without permission. Travelling sol...

I finished last month’s entry by saying we had 35,000 subscribers to our YourTube channel - https://youtube.com/@weliketocruiseandtravel?si=dWqmjiL2P6n7E3di That number is already over 40,000! Incredible given that we only started in late January. Incredible also because there was really no plan for this channel. When the offer first came in early 2020 for Andrew and I to sell our legal business, he was adamant that we wanted to retire. I was pretty sure that I didn’t. Although the sale was protracted (a Pandemic intervened), he didn’t waver and neither did I. When the new owners of the legal business decided not to offer either of us ongoing work, Andrew was delighted. I was not but I said I’d have a break and do some writing. And see what happened. The first three stories I had published were in an online dog magazine and were unpaid but at least I could then send emails (“pitches” as I now know them to be) and say that I was a published writer and link my work. Go World Travel Maga...

^ A photo taken by one of my Press Trip colleagues before dinner on "White Night." It radiates the "new me!" Thank you Tash! It has been a busy month of catching up with emails and family in the morning (Europe morning and Australia later afternoon and evening), sightseeing most of the day, dinner and bed. The heat has been relentless. Every day 30 -35. Although we knew that’s what the weather would be, I often feel like a wilted lettuce! We have now started our Croatia cruise with Azamara. This is a Press Trip and we are part of a group of 11. I was apprehensive coming in. Not only suffering “imposter syndrome” but worrying that the group would be cliquey and unfriendly. Nothing could be further from the truth – one pair is from London, the others a split of Melbourne and Sydney. Each person is lovely and interesting and friendly. We are fast friends already 😊 The cruise itinerary is busy plus there are shore excursions and group dinners and I am not sure I will h...