MMDown Under

Used to be north, now middle north with the growth of new northern suburbs (Pimpama, Ormeau etc.)

Not too many tourists come to my end of the GC.

My girlfriend has been trying to talk me in to shopping on line. She gets so many points she gets one free flight to Townsville regularly. On line shopping doesn't appeal to me at all. I won't buy anything which says you need to purchase 2 for the discount. I live close to four supermarkets which keep them competitive and like the variety.

Bless her! Fortunately, I didn't have that problem. My grandmother didn't totally trust tinned food and never stored an open can in the fridge.

Laughed out loud. We used to be more polite sitting through boring lectures, but no more!

Wow. Thanks for the pretty picture. Vancouver Island doesn't usually get much snow, so I'm not surprised you have had enough. When we flew in to Victoria one time, we were surprised to see icicles on the lamp posts. I love Vancouver Island because it is a perfect size for car travel from the north or south. Wishing you all the joys of Christmas, good health and every happiness in the New Year. Hope 2023 brings you the cruise you wish for. I have just renewed my passport so hope to travel further afield in 2023.

I'm just eating a chocolate given to me by my local cafe. Some nice customs remain.

And they were a generation that didn't waste anything.

My cruise was in 2011. I'm impressed that they have been doing it so long. That town has always fascinated me because of its art deco style. My grandmother's cousin was in that big earthquake, so her fear passed on to me.

We had these vintage cars and ladies in costume when our ship visited.

My grandmother served up chokes as artificial pears - never forgotten!! Apart from that, she cooked the most delicious meals with what used to be inexpensive ingredients.

That would be nice seeing what kind of pie was on offer.

That is good. Yes, Once they cleared the backlog renewals shouldn't take long.

I wonder if some of the smaller ships will continue to visit Akaroa. It is such a beautiful location.

What I find hard to understand surely those in charge of entertainment must know this!! I've met some of the nicest passengers at Trivia and it is half the fun!!

Had to laugh when I read this. How wonderful to be a Diamond member which means you must have been on many cruises. Then I remembered how excited we were when they replaced the washing machines and all passengers had free laundry until the replacements arrived.

Carnival's Luminosa had the best system I've seen. They had a board with available time slots. You went down from 6am and queued to take the time you wanted. This was only necessary if you wanted to be first off. Later there was no queue.

What a disappointment so close to Christmas. Seems to be more common these days.

Nor a bale of hay.

Watching the ship dock would have been an interesting experience. I'm always surprised at the lack of interest by most passengers. I love watching from when the pilot gets on! Napier always seems to get a short visit. ? Tides.

Like his sense of humour. I think my girls gave me a goat ? one year. I wasn't impressed. I prefer our family custom of everyone making something themselves. I know it is the thought, but let them give a goat themselves, not in my name!! (Looking forward to my annual diary of family photos.)

Yes, I stay at Whispering Spirit Holiday Cottages and Farm at Franklin.

Sounds like you had a wonderful time seeing Sydney and regions. Bon Voyage for your cruise;

I have walked lots of times. It is not far without luggage. With luggage, taxi would be best.

Bon Voyage for April. Sounds like a wonderful land/cruise trip. Have fun planning your NZ/Aus adventure.