Author Archives: Pat Feldhaus

As our plane approached Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia, we could see the world’s largest sandstone monolith commanding the surrounding Outback desert.  Geologists estimate that 400 million years ago this massive formation was pushed and twisted to its present majestic state. … Continue reading →

Debarkation at Sydney went smoothly and we were transferred to our hotel.  The main problem after any cruise is that even when I’m standing on land, I feel as though I’m still swaying back and forth on the ship. While … Continue reading →

A drive through the heart of town revealed a sophisticated Arts Center with underground theatres and a gigantic Sports Center.  I was very impressed with the efficient public transportation system and tree lined boulevards. Since tonight was our last night … Continue reading →

“Posh Melbourne is a genteel city of Victorian buildings, verdant parks and a vibrant multicultural heart.” according to our guide as we took a panoramic drive through the “Garden Capital of Australia.” Our bus headed down the Esplanade with sandy … Continue reading →

     As in our last NZ port, there was a huge mountain of wood chips on the wharf.  Our guide said that Burnie was changing its image from industrial port to tourist destination.  Apparently 10 years ago, the port water … Continue reading →

We only experienced force 4 winds; however, it was still”an ocean in motion.”  There were all sorts of amenities on board ib addition to reading, relaxing, eating and movies: a Casino for gamblers, full scale Spa, lectures, art auctions, jewelry … Continue reading →

The Captain wasn’t kidding when he announced last night that we would be experiencing gale winds of 65 knots because this A.M. our ship was definitely “rocking and rolling” with 30 to 40 foot swells and winds strong enough to … Continue reading →

Another sunshiny day for our bus tour of this city settled by the Scotch.  Initially called New Edinburgh, the city fathers re-christened it Dunedin, the old Celtic name for their beloved Scottish city.  Growth was assured when gold was discovered … Continue reading →

Since our ship was docked at Lyttleton, our driver “chippered” (transported) us through the tunnel into Christchurch, “The most English city outside of England.”  Because it was springtime there, the rhododendrons. azaleas, Icelandic Poppies and other flowers were in bloom … Continue reading →

“The Sights of Wellington Panoramic Drive” pointed out that Wellington is the Capital of New Zealand; nicknamed the Windy City”; situated on several faults; has hills like San Francisco and sports English style chimney pots. There were many hairpin bends … Continue reading →