MyDiscoveries Issue 3 - Jan 2019

ISSUE THREE

Cruise Head to the Med!

PLAN

Making group travel work; coping with natural disasters; staying fit and fab while travelling.

CRUISING

Sailing around the Med.; cruising through north Vietnam; ready for a singles cruise?

DESTINATIONS Follow the NZ Oyster Trail; Chiang Mai; Head for the Top End.

THAILAND – NEW ZEALAND – DARWIN – MEDITERRANEAN – VIETNAM

FUN FACT: VIETNAM’S EGG COFFEE

Vietnamese are crazy for coffee and egg coffee is the favourite. Everyone at Hanoi's humble Cafe Giang have come for "cà phê trúng," or egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty of a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam perched on dense Vietnamese coffee. Nguyen Van Giang invented the recipe while working as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in 1946. There was a shortage of fresh milk then, so whisked egg yolk was used as a substitute. "All the foreigners and the Vietnamese in the hotel liked it," says Van Dao. So he decided to leave the hotel to start selling egg coffee and create his own brand. When pushed on the recipe Van Dao lists ingredients: "Egg, condensed milk, coffee powder, some butter, some cheese... but I can't tell you everything, it's a secret recipe" he chuckles.

Make one day today

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Contents PLAN

04 Tips for taking food shots 06 India for beginners 12 Travelling happily in a group 15 Coping with a disaster disruption 16 Staying fit and fab on holidays

DESTINATIONS 18 Celebrating a milestone 22 Explore historic Darwin 26 High teas to please 30 Discover the NZ Oyster Trail

INSPIRATION

36 Five experiences in

Chiang Mai 34 Head to Norfolk Island 44 Meet the cheesemaker 45 Seven facts about Iceland – the hottest cold place on earth.

CRUISING 46 Cruising the Mediterranean 54 Vietnam’s Red River 58 Cruising myths debunked 61 Why not take a seniors’ cruise?

46 MY DISCOVERIES TEAM General Manager Janeece Keller Features Editor Bev Malzard Digital Editor Alison Godfrey Staff Writer Sophie Cullen Designer Jon Wolfgang Miller Contributors Wayne Martin, Tiana Templeman, Bev Malzard, Alison Godfrey, Sue Wallace, Catherine Marshall, Siti Rohani, Sophie Cullen.

Contact @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

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PLAN

TIPS FOR TAKING BETTER

food shots Want your meal to be envied? Your risotto remembered? Your cake catalogued? Then make sure you follow these suggestions.

BEV MALZARD

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Food and travel! Seems that everyone wants to photograph what they had for breakfast, lunch and dinner . . .and in between.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Food and travel go together as we remember significant events, moments and meals in the countries we visit. Ah, that fragrant bowl of pho in Hanoi, the strudel in Vienna, those ribs in Chicago, baguettes and buttery croissants in Paris and the Balmain bugs in Sydney. So why not share the delectable dishes with friends on social media - but be discerning.

Don’t get carried away with that fab vindaloo – in bad lighting it looks like a dish of dog food; or the bowl of chicken rice under neon lights – pale as - and a piece of steak on a plate with a couple of veg is not as appealing as it will be in the mouth . . . in short, don’t paste images of food unless they look as good as they taste. Here are some tips for smart phone or tablet amateurs that will make your food shots sing, click!

• Avoid overhead lights, which create a reflection on the plate.

Stick to light that is off to the side, or angle your camera or device.

• Pull back from the dish for a wide shot to show napkins, utensils,

cocktails or even a menu to create more action in the shot.

• If you want to take a detail shot, physically step closer to your subject instead of using the digital zoom. This goes for any phone photos. Digital zoom will just make your image pixelated.

You're better off cropping the photo afterwards.

• Did you know that you can control the exposure on your phone much like on a DSLR camera? When you open the camera app, focus on your subject manually with the touch of your finger. You will see a little image of a sun appear. If you slide your finger up and down the small bar that appears, you can control the amount of light in your photo even before you take the picture.

• Before posting to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, use apps such as VSCO or Snapseed to edit the photo further.

• Avoid flash because it can create harsh lighting on one area of the shot.

• When photographing sandwiches or filled rolls, wedge out some of the contents so the shot is not blocked by bread.

• Baked goods (cakes, bread, pastries, pies) can make for great

shots because of the various textures.

• Oozing is attractive! Melted cheese oozing from a burger or chocolate pouring out of a pudding, this is ‘food action’, don’t miss the opportunity.

• There's a tool on almost all smartphone devices that allows you to overlay a grid onto every photo you're taking. That way you can make sure that your lines are straight, or you can easily divide your frame into thirds. On an iPhone, you can find the ‘grid’ toggle in your photo and camera settings. For the Android/Galaxy, you should check the settings in your camera app.

• Your food/plate subject doesn’t have to take up the entire frame.

You can let the food take up only a third of the frame. If there's a simple backdrop you can place your food in front of, that works well. Dark or black backgrounds can create a dramatic contrast with your image.

Happy snapping.

MORE FOOD DESTINATIONS? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 5

PLAN

India FOR BEGINNERS

It’s not the easiest country but travelling in a well-organised small group introduces you to the beauty and complexity of India.

WAYNE MARTIN

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TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

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RED FORT LAL QILA. DELHI

The Golden Triangle of India has been in my proverbial bucket for a long time but why is Australia so far away from anywhere?

Plane leaving Sydney late and arrives late and we miss our connection to New Delhi! It takes almost four hours to sort out a new flight connection, transit Visa and arranging free accommodation and travel to Airport Express hotel. Bed was a welcome end to the day.

Next day, all sorted. New Delhi looms through the smog.

Shimmering and dusty and glare making you squint. Exit through the air bridge was akin to walking through a furnace.

We met up with the rest of the touring group of 22 for lunch and our diet of curry had begun.

After lunch we headed to us Jaipur. We had a short interlude to feed bananas to monkeys. Six 8 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

hours later we arrived in Jaipur.

Having someone to drive for you in unknown territory with unpronounceable names is the upside of group travel Quickly ensconced in our Sheraton Hotel we are quick to recognise the quality of hotels we are being provided and while luggage is taken to the rooms we find the restaurant again with a plethora of fine foods we are excited to explore. Life is good! If someone could just turn down the temperature, we would have nothing to complain about!

Blazing over 40 temp was fortunately not accompanied by a high humidity. with the extra.

Promptly at 8 am and all group members of the group set off to see the Amber Fort. Here we had an elephant ride to the top like royalty. The fort is beautifully maintained and was the site of one

of the worlds first air conditioner passing water over hanging carpets and the wind caused the cooling.

Next we drove through the pink city of Jaipur to see the red/pink facade of Hawa Mahal and on to City Palace museum with its grand collection of Rajasthan costumes and armoury. The next stop was Jantal Mantar which is the world’s largest observatory with a huge sun dial accurate to two seconds and can calculate your horoscope.

But wait there is more as we were whisked off to a carpet factory to meet Padam an Indian who lives in Sydney who returns annually to work here. We had a great demo of carpet making and trimming and then the salesmanship began. We fell for the beautiful quality and price and now the proud owners of a 9x6 camel carpet for the dining room.

Revived and excited for the chase by early next morning we were on the road to feed the cow at an enclosure right in the middle of town. Business men in suits often feed the cows as an act of worship on the way to work. We faced another five-hour drive via lunch and on onto the royal city of Fatehpur Sikri which is the best example of Mughal architecture by Emperor Akbar, a short man with a big bed! The bed room specially designed over water to keep him cool, keeping in mind his three wives and 1000 in his harem.

That night we dressed for dinner and up to the hotel’s top floor for a sight of the Taj Mahal. It was only a sad silhouette in the haze over the city. dark night sky as our plans for day four will begin at 5am as we visit the divine Taj Mahal - really the reason for this whole trip.

Sometimes when you tick the box on your bucket list it is an anti climax-not as big, not as colourful, not as sweet smelling, not as exotic as you thought. The Taj Mahal meets all expectations as you let the love story wash over you.

Our morning continues with a visit to the marble inlay demonstration by artisans related to the original workers on the Taj. Beautiful inlays of semi precious stone in a vast array of patterns stimulate the eye, but not the pocket for some of us. Believe it or not we complain of being peckish so back to hotel Crystal Sarovar another well chosen hotel by SNA. We had a chance meeting of a groom and family on their way to his wedding. Many of these grand occasions happening at the moment because of good horoscope. He looked magnificent in his colourful outfit and explained his marriage was an arranged love marriage. We were invited to join

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DIWAN-I-KHAS AT THE ANCIENT CITY OF FATEHPUR SIKRI

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HAWA MAHAL, PALACE OF THE WINDS, JAIPUR

A SACRED COW - RESTING

SUNSET STREET IN OLD DELHI

the celebrations which would take all night with street parades and bands and horse drawn coaches.

We continue on . . .it is all part of the tour - early mornings and late nights. It is beginning to show on the passengers’ faces.

So we continue on to Delhi and it’s all starting to feel familiar already. The traffic of Delhi is chaotic with constant hooting of horns and screeching brakes and near misses. Mr Singh our driver took it in his stride often doing u-turns n the most unsuitable places but the locals seem to be more accepting of others and their need to change direction.

The afternoon was spent visiting the Qutub Minar a world heritage mosque with a 73m minaret; India gate; passing presidents ‘residence and Parliament House, Connaught Place shopping area, visiting barefoot in a Gurdwara Bangla Sahib temple with all its noisy sound effects where anyone can receive a meal anytime. Walking on the hot marble was a reminder of just how hot it was as we made a

quick dash to soak our feet in the huge pool.

We went from Jaipur to Delhi via Agra! My pun for the day!

Appreciated by all and Viagra jokes flowed!

As we entered the sanctuary of the Crown Plaza there was sigh of relief. We had survived the journey and made many friends along the way. It is interesting to watch group dynamics over the last seven days. At first the bus was quiet as people slowly reach out to find a new friend. By day three there was much chatter and laughing. We completed the tour as friends.

Going to the airport. all seem subdued as we contemplate the past week.

Reaching the end of the India Golden Triangle was the end of an exceptional time made all the better by the broad knowledge and humour of Rajiv our guide. He introduced us to history, politics, religion, geography, Indian life and caste systems. Perhaps a little too much information at times as he monopolised the microphone on

the bus for most of the time we travelled.

Certainly our lives have changed in the last seven days giving a new respect for the Indians that live in our country. And new gratitude for our blue skies, minimal pollution and uncrowded streets. New Delhi’s population is almost the size of Australia!

So credit goes to SNA for packaging such a tour but be warned you need to be healthy and well able to handle heat and rough walking surfaces. Long hours of flight in a seven-day period with the time changes are bound to disturb you.

Did we enjoy Incredible India.

Absolutely Did SNA organise a great trip.

Absolutely Would we tell our friends.

Absolutely FOR MORE OF INCREDIBLE INDIA @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 1 1

PLAN

HOW TO MAKE WORK FOR YOU Close proximity with friends and family for long periods can lead to chaos. Read on to survive.

SOPHIE CULLEN

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“Come and look! Dad and Billy are in a play!”

Sure enough, when we ran to the small bush hut in our Winton campground, there they were out the front. One of the dads, still wearing his dishwashing gloves, had been roped in to some audience participation. In a bush poetry reading, of all things.

Before we knew it, all of us ‘Sydney city folk’ were dragged up and dressed in various costumes as the sun set over the dusty campsites.

Years later, that moment still stands out to me as the moment I realised travel is all about the people. We laughed with the bush poet over cups of tea after her show was over, and chatted with the other campers and caravan nomads about where we’d come from. We met Nell, an 80-year-old champion whip cracker who still knew her way around a stock whip.

I was in primary school at the time. I loved meeting people on the road and loved travelling as a big group. We had two families, plus some add-ons, and camped our way around outback Queensland.

I learned the importance of

compromise, flexibility and having a good sense of humour. I learned that the characters you encounter and the companions with whom you journey always colour the experience.

With a few more shared travel experiences now under my belt, these are my tips for a successful time away with a group:

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

In general, it is better to allow plenty of time to book airfares, rental cars, restaurant reservations and accommodation. Booking in advance will mean you can secure adjacent cabins on a cruise, or lock in a city tour when there are still 10 tickets available.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

By researching well and asking the right questions of tour operators, you may be able to get group discounts. This applies for entry into attractions, hiring multiple vehicles and reserving two or more hotel rooms.

Agree on a budget early on in the planning process. Decide how payments are going to be shared. It

is not a comfortable conversation but will help avoid a lot of heartbreak on your trip.

PLAN WELL BUT PLAN LESS It is a lot harder to just jump on an overland train when there are eight of you carrying big suitcases.

Itineraries have to be planned more carefully, but when travelling in a group extra time must be allotted. You’ll be surprised how much longer it takes to mobilise a group of the highly organised and punctual individuals. Gaps in the agenda also offer everyone a much-needed break.

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK

Delegate the responsibilities.

Everyone can be in charge of cooking one meal. Someone can take care of researching transfers; someone else can navigate. Split up what parts of planning will be shared (deciding where to go, for example) and what each individual is responsible for (booking their own flights, perhaps?). That said, it helps to have a leader to coordinate everything and finalise all travel documents and bookings.

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IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME

Take some time apart. In fact, take plenty of time apart. Don’t be afraid to split up entirely and then meet again for a meal at the end of the day. Spending time separately helps solve the problem of varied interests – it means everyone gets to tick off their must-sees and relieves the inevitable tensions associated with too much time in close proximity.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Moving the luggage of an enormous group through airport security or out of hotels is no mean feat. The strain is lessened if everyone sticks to one manageable bag.

WHERE TO STAY

The toughest question of them all – where to spend the night. I would recommend renting a house, with a kitchen, living areas and bathrooms.

It means you can cook and eat meals together and don’t have to duck off into separate hotel rooms.

Split between group members, you can also make decent savings by opting for self-catered accommodation over hotels.

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and simplicity of rental websites like Airbnb, Stayz and more.

For multi-generational groups, cruising and large resorts are both very popular options. Everyone gets to retreat to their own space for some me-time, and there are varieties of activities to suit all ages and preferences. On cruises, there are shore excursions, Kids Clubs, toddler pools, adult-only pools and a variety of restaurants. Resorts can offer golf, spas, sight-seeing trips, walking tours and water sports.

PHONE A FRIEND

There’s nothing wrong with calling in an expert for help. Some travel agents and advisors specialise in large group travel and can help coordinate all the planning for you.

It will take an enormous logistical load off your shoulders. You can try planning services like GroupTravel. com or Virtuoso.

TOUR DE FORCE

Sidestep the trials and tribulations by joining an escorted tour altogether. Tour companies are used to looking after groups and finding accommodation and activities suited to larger numbers.

It is also a relief to have everything taken of for you. Even short day tours are a delight. Check Airbnb experiences and sites like Viator for pasta-making workshops in Florence, bike-riding in South East Asia and art classes in New York. Organised tours are ideal for meeting new people, which can refresh your own group dynamic.

Above all, enjoy each other’s company. Everyone will have to be willing to negotiate and make concessions. There will be plenty to laugh about and plenty of stories to tell when it’s all over. Our night in Winton something we laughed about for the rest of the trip. We reminisce to this day, long after saying goodbye to the bush poet, to an 80-year-old whip-cracking champion called Nell and to other permanent campground residents with whom we made firm friends after humiliating ourselves onstage.

Travel is all about the people so make the most of it.

FOR MORE ABOUT GROUP TRAVEL @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

PLAN

COPING WITH DISASTER DISRUPTIONS Don’t let natural disasters turn your holiday into a nightmare.

SITI ROHANI

1. HAS YOUR EMBASSY ISSUED A TRAVEL ADVISORY?

Australia’s Foreign Office (DFAT) may issue a travel notice advising that nonessential travel to the affected area should be postponed. Make sure you have the web link for DFAT handy so you can check on warnings.

For example, if you have a family emergency, you may still consider going ahead with the journey, but if it’s for a holiday, you should postpone your trip, or look for alternative destinations.

2. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR AIRLINE Airlines will likely cancel

flights during the affected period, such as the time the storm is predicted to make landfall.

Affected passengers will likely be allowed free rebooking for a certain period so do get in touch with the airline to find out the details. Not all airlines are the same, though.

Yet again, keep contact details of your airline handy.

3. CALL YOUR ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER

If you’ve booked rooms or accommodation that have flexible cancellation schemes, you can easily make changes to your booking.

Barely a week goes by when we aren’t being alerted to natural weather calamities happening all over the world – especially at our intended holiday destination.

In recent times the Philippines and Hong Kong had to deal with Typhoon Mangkhut, and the Carolinas in the USA had to deal with Hurricane Florence.

Indonesia suffered earthquakes and tsunami’s leaving death and destruction in its wake. We are often at the mercy of mother nature and sometimes holidays plans can be shattered.

So, what to do?

Here’s some advice on the steps you should take if future travel plans become affected by natural disasters such as storms or volcanic eruptions.

However, it may get trickier if you’ve booked a room that has strict non-cancellation policies. In this case, try getting in touch with them directly to work out a solution.

4. CHECK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

This is one of those times when you know how necessary it is to have purchased travel insurance.

Just make sure you’ve read all the fine print to see what coverage the policy offers for trip postponement, disruption or cancellation.

5. DO AS YOU’RE TOLD

If you re unfortunate enough to be where the disaster action is – just follow the leader at your resort or any place you are situated. Sometimes you just have to wait it out, other times you need to move swiftly – but wait for instruction. This can be a timely reminder to actually read the safety cards on the back of your hotel doors.

Information courtesy of Reader’s Digest.

TRAVEL INSURANCE ADVICE @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

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PLAN

stay fit HOW TO

AND FAB ON HOLIDAYS

Take note of these tips for staying fit and healthy while enjoying the culinary delights while travelling. Eat, move, be happy!

SUE WALLACE

Croissants in France, raclette in Switzerland, pasta in Italy and poutine in Canada - who can resist these national staples when you are on an adventure of a lifetime.

But those little extra treats tend to take their toll and you may well discover an annoying extra midriff roll, pants getting tighter or an additional chin at the end of your trip.

It’s all about pacing yourself indulge one day and not the next – and try to stick to one or two courses.

Here are some simple fitness suggestions to help keep you in tip top condition while travelling. Wear a Fitbit to count those steps or the health app on your smart phone.

Walking and taking the stairs instead of the lift all go to keeping you fit on your holiday and will pay off.

You don’t have to endure vigorous workouts at the gym every day or jogging on a treadmill until your runners fall apart. Let’s face it how often do you see a jogger with a smile on their face?

Keeping hydrated is one of the most important aspects of good health whether you are in the tropics or the snow.

It is great to taste local cuisine but do your research, know what you are eating and select restaurants where the locals go.

Act quickly – don’t wait for a headache to get worse, a tummy twinge to manifest or a sore throat to develop into bronchitis – keep a well-stocked first aid kit and seek medical advice early.

Get plenty of sleep - travelling is exhausting but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo that great play or concert – just take it easy during the day.

CRUISING

Cruising and an abundance of food go hand in hand but the good news is you don’t have to hit the gym every day.

There’s a better way to walk off the kilojoules – pound the polished decks and dedicated walking tracks and savour the fresh air.

Enjoy that high tea with lashings of cream, strawberry jam and plump scones but forgo the dessert and cheese and biscuits that night.

Also wash your hands frequently to avoid nasty germs that linger on door handles.

River cruises usually have bikes for hire so get up early and go for a spin.

COACHES

Confined spaces and people can mean a spread of cold and tummy bugs, so ensure you keep away from sniffly co travellers and take a vitamin C tablet each day. Air conditioning can cause dehydration so keep your water up.

Instead of sweet treats in the bus, opt for fruit, yoghurt and health bars. Join in the walking tours.

SELF-DRIVE

Make sure you stop the car and to stretch your legs every two hours and stay hydrated. Don’t park too close to where you want to go to ensure you walk to the attraction.

The beauty of self-drive is you

can purchase healthy food and snacks at local markets and have a picnic along the way, rather than eating at restaurants or grabbing takeaways.

Pack a skipping rope and a ball.

CITY BOUND

Combine sight-seeing with exercise. You will see so much more by walking than taking the underground or a bus.

Lace up your runners, plot your course, grab your water bottle and start walking - in no time you will have clocked up an impressive number of kilometres and seen sights you may have missed otherwise.

Most hotels offer substantial breakfasts so enjoy a hearty start to the day and take some fruit for lunch.

Take a dip in the hotel pool and do some laps, also look out for free Pilates or yoga sessions. If you are in Asia join in the community tai chi classes often held at local squares daily.

A little planning and forethought will ensure you remain in tip top condition while on your travels.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOLIDAY @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 1 7

DESTINATIONS

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR

milestone Hitting a birthday with a big zero at the end?

It’s time to celebrate in style.

TIANA TEMPLEMAN

Milestone birthdays, the big ones ending in zero are the perfect excuse to go somewhere memorable with your friends, kids, or extended family.

It’s time to blow out those candles with gusto and do something you’ve always dreamed of with these holiday ideas which are designed to be shared. From budget to blow out, we have got your ‘big birthday’ covered.

50 AND FABULOUS IN BALI

If your love of luxury is larger than your holiday budget, Bali is the ideal destination. Once you have arrived, the Australian dollar has a great exchange rate so your money goes further.

Split the cost of a Villa-Bali.com private villa with friends or family, or enjoy a few nights at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay as a treat. Children aged up to 18 stay for free at this hotel which has huge rooms for raucous grandchildren.

Children under 16 stay free and enjoy free breakfast at all Novotel hotels.

Explore Bali’s temples, chill out at Potato Head Beach Club, treat yourselves to a massage or cooking class, or simply soak up the sun. With plenty of affordable activities on offer, from dance performances to Intrepid Urban Adventures’ VW Kombi Cocktail Safari, there is something to suit everyone in your group.

What It Costs: 7 nights in a Bali private pool villa with daily breakfast, 4 lunches or dinners costs from $999 .

CELEBRATE YOUR 60TH ON THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Few countries can match China when it comes to fascinating historical places to explore. There are half a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing alone, just one less than the whole of Egypt. Whether you choose to join an organised tour or travel independently, don’t miss spending a day on the Great Wall of China.

The section known as Mutianyu, with its rugged mountain peaks, tightly packed guard towers and picturesque cable car ride, is popular with tourists. However, nothing beats walking the

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‘wild wall’, as the unrestored sections are known.

Imperial Tours offer guided walks on the wild wall which include a private birthday lunch at a linendraped table with wine to toast the view.

We highly recommend a trip to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors. The archaeological work is still in progress at this historic sight. The trip is fascinating no matter what age you are so it makes for a great multi-generational birthday celebration.

What It Costs: a 9 day Terracotta Warrior Tour of China including flights, hotels and meals starts at $1999.

CRUISE INTO YOUR 80S

Once you and your loved ones’ start sipping that first cocktail, there is no need to worry about how you’re going to get from one destination to the next, whose turn it is to cook dinner or how to keep the grandkids entertained.

Your biggest decision will be whether to treat yourself to a massage at the onboard spa, curl up with a book or soak up the sun on your balcony. It is easy to relax on an Australia or New Zealand cruise if

you choose a comfortably elegant yet family-friendly line such as Princess Cruises or Holland America Line. Cruising holidays are ideal for those celebrating with extended family because there are onboard activities and accommodation options to suit all ages, tastes and budgets.

What It Costs: Enjoy a three-night cruise from Melbourne to Adelaide on Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess from $479 per person twin share in an inside stateroom.

TURN 70 AND GO WILD IN Launceston has a charming dash TASMANIA of yesteryear with streets that Tasmania proves that sometimes good things really do come in small packages.

Explore the rugged east coast, with its soaring coastal cliffs and lush green wilderness, on a seven-night Coral Expeditions cruise to Port Arthur and untouched World Heritage areas.

Normally only accessible via a seven-day hike, you can simply cruise into stunning Bathurst Harbour. Driving holidays are a pleasure in Tasmania as rush hour traffic is virtually nonexistent. Discover Hobart, the charming capital of Tasmania, which has been named in so many ‘Hot Lists’ that it is hard to believe the place still gets cold.

are made for walking, although a car is useful for exploring the nearby Tamar Valley vineyards.

If you would prefer to let someone else do the driving, an AAT Kings Guided Holiday to Tasmania could be just what you’re looking for.

What It Costs: AAT Kings’ four-night Tassie’s East Coast Highlights guided tour is priced from $1,450 per person twin share. Coral Expeditions’ sevennight Tasmania expedition including all meals, excursions and activities costs from $4990 per person. Cruises with no single supplement are often available. Direct flights to Hobart are priced from $100 return.

NEED MORE MULTI-GENERATION, BIG BIRTHDAY TRAVEL IDEAS? WANT MORE CELEBRATORY HOLIDAY IDEAS? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 2 1

DARWIN'S WATERWAYS FIT THE BILL FOR ALL WATER SPORTS

DESTINATIONS

Top End Tales Darwin is Australia’s most modern and new city, and the 21st century is its time to shine.

TIANA TEMPLEMAN

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ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE TOWN HALL COMPLETED IN 1882 AND DAMAGED SEVERELY IN 1974 BY CYCLONE TRACY

The last century was a difficult one for Darwin. First it was bombed during WWII then just over 30 years later the city was flattened once again, this time by Cyclone Tracy. Australia’s northern most capital has since been rebuilt and is a multicultural home to some excellent attractions which celebrate its tumultuous and often colourful history. Darwin’s courageous spirit remains and offers a fascinating way to take a step back in time and learn more about Australia’s history.

AUSTRALIAN AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE

This hands-on museum is home to a remarkable collection of aircraft, artefacts and myriad stories of courage, adventure and lucky escapes. You won’t find any touch screens or fancy interactive displays here. Unlike most museums, visitors are encouraged to handle many of the exhibits and ‘feel’ their history.

Holding a bomb fragment from the fateful 1942 Japanese raid is deeply moving but this museum is far from sombre.

It is impossible not to get caught up in the volunteers’ enthusiasm and tall tales about the aircraft and the pilots who flew them. Visitors can climb historic Qantas air stairs and look inside the cockpit of a mighty B-52, one of only two on public display outside the USA. On open cockpit days you can also climb into the body of the aircraft and explore the crew areas. If you aren’t an aircraft enthusiast when you arrive, you probably will be by the time you leave.

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MUSEUM & ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

This free attraction is best-known for two things: Sweetheart, a five-metre long crocodile with a story to tell, and a Cyclone Tracy display where documentary footage has been cleverly interwoven with historic recreations from the time of the cyclone. Seeing the interior of a typical 1970s house with an old television showing the news brings back memories and provides a reminder of how fragile many of the houses were when Cyclone Tracey hit.

One of the exhibits is a pitch black room where an original audio recording of the cyclone plays on a continuous loop. Like the locals on Christmas Eve in 1974, you can hear the tortured screech of tearing metal and banshee-like scream of the wind as the cyclone rages around you. Unlike the locals, thankfully it is possible to step outside when the sound becomes too much.

Website: magnt.net.au

DARWIN MILITARY MUSEUM

This indoor/outdoor museum is housed in the concrete command post bunker which was once used to control the two massive guns nearby. It is surrounded by lush foliage and includes everything from dioramas showing a soldier’s life in the field to a bombed out truck. Some of the exhibits offer a personal perspective of what it was like to live in Darwin during the war. Don’t miss the compelling

Defence of Darwin short film which uses footage from the bombing raid, photographs and voiceovers to create a dramatic recreation of what happened in 1942.

Website: darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au

PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS

Take a culinary trip around Asia and beyond at these vibrant markets, renowned for their excellent food and friendly atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if you see more locals here than tourists, a sure sign you’re onto something good. Grab a mango smoothie and stroll through stalls selling everything from ornamental ginger to Vietnamese spring rolls, roti pancakes and Mary’s famous laksa, rumoured to be the perfect hangover cure. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, it’s the perfect spot to pick up fresh tropical fruit and some of the Top End’s famous seafood for dinner. Parap is a five-minute ride from the CBD on the free shuttle bus which runs each Saturday; free parking is also available.

Website: parapvillagemarkets.com.au

PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS

WWII OIL STORAGE TUNNELS

One of Darwin’s more unusual tourist attractions, these historic tunnels were constructed almost entirely by hand during World War II to protect fuel supplies from Japanese air raids. The tunnels are fascinating to explore but the project itself was a complete disaster.

It ran over time and over budget and water began seeping between the tunnels’ steel lining and concrete walls almost immediately after they were built. The tunnels were abandoned until 1992 when they were reopened as a tourist attraction to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.

Number 5 runs 120m beneath the city and is lined with dozens of World War II photographs. Images of the bombing show the harbour covered in plumes of black smoke but most of the photos are candid shots of those who served. Airmen lean nonchalantly against an aircraft fuselage as they conduct a de-brief and pretty girls and their beaus kick up their heels at a dance. This deeply moving photographic display shows the human face of the war effort. Whether you prefer to ponder the history which shaped this city or reach out and grab it with both hands, Darwin does not disappoint.

Website: ww2tunnelsdarwin.com.auere

MUSEUM & ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

DARWIN MILITARY MUSEUM

FOR MORE TO DO IN DARWIN @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 2 5

DESTINATIONS

The teas THAT PLEASE Classic high tea doesn’t have to be taken in an English country garden.

These two teas enjoyed in Asia take the cake!

BEV MALZARD

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SOFITEL LEGEND HANOI METROPOLE

I would say that I’ve had more than a 1000 afternoon teas. Call them Cream Teas, Afternoon Tea, Devonshire Tea, High Tea, Afternoonsies, or a mid-arvo cuppa and cake – I’ve had them.

I think it is the most civilised and friendly ritual anyone could indulge themselves it.

Now, I don’t roll out the cake stand and the best teapot on a regular basis but when I’m travelling I always plan an afternoon tea experience into the itinerary mix.

My two standouts for 2018 are both set in Asia. The first was in Hanoi, Vietnam (yes, there’s so much more than pho) and the second was in Singapore (hold the chilli and pass the cakes!).

HANOI

THREE LEVELS OF HEAVENLY DELIGHTS AT THE FULLERTON HOTEL

To stay in the Sofitel Legend Hanoi Metropole Hotel is to be treated like royalty and to be immersed in Hanoi’s long and complex history.

The French carved out a colony in Vietnam from 1887 until its defeat in the First Indochina War in 1954 when independence was claimed for the country.

After that Vietnam couldn’t catch a break and until the mid 70s war between North and South with many other nations putting their oar in, raged until peace at last.

The French left many beautiful buildings especially in the north - Hanoi has the lion’s share of splendid, restored colonial villas and public buildings. The Queen is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, gleaming white, brass polished as a shining ritual and all things here, tres bon. The staff still greet each guest throughout the hotel with a warm “bonjour”.

The hotel includes 364 rooms and the historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

Afternoon tea here is best entered into with a stout heart and a competitive spirit.

Every day, between three and 5.30pm, an irresistible chocolate library opens in the Club Bar. Praline, ganache, éclairs, millefeuille pastries, chocolate fountain, M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 2 7

AT THE METROPOLE HANOI FOR THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY

a selection of every imaginable kind of French pâtisseries and delectable chocolate in all shapes and form appears and appeals seductively to the afternoon tea fanatic.…Its reputation has spread well beyond the borders of Vietnam.

Made from the finest Vietnamese grown cocoa, the Metropole Ganaches are carefully prepared to make the finest grade couverture chocolate. The chef here was dipping tiny matcha nougat squares in chocolate while we watched.

There were two of us and we decided to share the love. One of us would take the High Tea and the other would take up the Chocolate Library challenge. This is a buffet extraordinaire – try one of everything – chocolate truffle, mousse and ice cream, macarons, 2 8 M Y D I SCOV ER I ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

a chocolate fountain and a hot chocolate for good measure.

The High Tea comes on a layered stand – where to start? From the bottom with savoury snacks including baby quiche Lorraine’s and tiny sandwiches. Up a level and the scones call to you. Jam and cream of course and decorated fruit tarts – on top now - a display of wee cakes to slip delicately into one’s mouth.

There are other wonderful restaurants here – but don’t book on the same day as you have the High Tea. From the Paris-inspired cafe La Terrasse, to the popular poolside Bamboo Bar or Vietnamese restaurant Spices Garden, the multi-award French restaurant Le Beaulieu or the stylish Italianinfluenced restaurant and new

lounge Angelina – the hotel promises a gastronomic journey.

And did I mention cakes?

SINGAPORE

I once read a food travelogue that described Singapore as the ‘world’s best restaurant’. Every Asian cuisine melds with all world food here and whether you eat at markets, food courts, hole-in-the-wall treasures or five-star gourmet extravaganzas – there is not a dish that you could miss out on here.

I’m a sucker for simple old-school chicken and rice and anything that is presented from Little India and have always been on the hunt for the perfect afternoon tea.

On my most recent visit I finally got to enjoy afternoon High tea at the famous Fullerton Hotel.

The magnificent Fullerton Building

KUEH LAPIS (LAYER CAKE.)

CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE AND MORE...

is a grand neoclassical landmark built in 1928. Gazetted in December 2015 as a National Monument, it was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, the Exchange Room and Exchange Reference Library, and the prestigious Singapore Club.

Today, The Fullerton Hotel is a stunning 400-room heritage hotel in Singapore.

Located in the Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s vast sunlit atrium lobby, The Courtyard (North and South sections) is the lively restaurant setting for all-day dining, whether for a light meal, a signature Japanese or Indian curry buffet, leisurely afternoon tea with unlimited replenishment of your tiered contents and free-flowing coffee and tea; or an elegant cocktail.

We stuck with the afternoon tea

and despite the generous offer to replenish . . .we only ordered extra scones, they were that good!

Tastefully furnished with plush sofas and a friendly ambience – the tea event was being enjoyed my many other High Tea aficionados.

Our tea arrived as the lovely silver art deco three-tiered stand arrived laden with all that is good under heaven. The scones are a little exclusive and like to be served away from the rest of the sweet treats - they arrive on their own plate, jam and cream to the side.

Small sandwiches, finger style were filled with egg, smoked salmon and smoked duck. Brie cheese with plum jelly on a hazelnut cracker was devoured without a second thought. Little samosas, miniature pies covered the savoury offerings and the various layers of all types

of cakes and patisserie beckoned.

Chocolate éclair, lemon tart and English fruit cake were savoured slowly.

A special, traditional Singapore cake is the Kueh Lapis. The cake has, it is reported, to have its origins in the Nonya cuisine or the Indonesia cook book, who knows?

The delicate cake is a layered cake, sometimes called the thousandlayer cake – or ladder cake. No matter where it comes from, it was delicious, light and geometrically perfectly layered.

WANT MORE ABOUT VIETNAM OR SINGAPORE? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 2 9

DESTINATIONS

DISCOVER THE NZ

Oyster trail For a delectable taste of New Zealand, travel the oyster trail from Northland to Bluff.

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ALL ABOARD FOR AN OYSTER SAVOURING AFTERNOON

New Zealand is an oyster lover’s dream. As well as being the only place in the world where Bluff oysters grow, the country has fabulous oyster festivals and specialty oyster bars.

You can sample the country’s distinct oyster varieties in a range of venues from city bars to rural road stalls and even on the water.

Touch down in Auckland, before hiring a car or campervan and meandering down the coastline, visiting seafood festivals, oyster farms and seaside dining shacks on the way.

While the Bluff oyster is a seasonal offering – March through August is the ideal time to visit to try this prized oyster grown only on the southern tip of New Zealand – you can enjoy the more common Pacific and rock oysters throughout the year.

HIT THE BARS

The popularity of oyster bars has seen a number of venues popping up in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. The central city is easy to get around, with many eateries

within walking distance, and shops and galleries dotted between. The award-winning Depot Oyster Bar and Eatery is one of Auckland’s most respected oyster bars, helmed by celebrity chef Al Brown.

The ‘Kiwi bach’ (or beach house) themed venue offers casual highend cuisine, with oysters-on-ice a specialty.

Rockefeller Champagne and Oyster Bar, and Oyster and Chop, two new restaurants near the city’s waterfront, offer stylish shucking experiences. Try a variety of oysters served multiple ways – from traditional Kilpatrick to oyster shots, or bacon and oyster pies. While you’re by the wharf, take a 35-minute ferry to Waiheke Island. The island consistently ranks in ‘world’s best destination’ lists, and boasts beautiful beaches and vineyards. Here you will find The Oyster Inn, a stylishly kitsch restaurant and boutique hotel.

Gourmands from around the world come to munch on battered oysters, while sitting on its balcony overlooking the bay.

In the South Island, head to

Nelson’s Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery, or Harlequin Public House in Christchurch, with its late-night oyster and Champagne bar.

TRY AND BUY

Hitting the festival circuit is another great way to experience oyster season. You can wander the stalls and sample fresh oysters from different suppliers. First on any oyster lover’s list is the one-day Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, held each year in May. The small fishing town at the far end of the South Island is the country’s oyster capital, and tasting Bluff oysters fresh off the boat is a classic New Zealand experience.

Small town festivals provide a unique insight into New Zealand’s coastal communities. In March, attend the Ocean & Orchard Wine & Food Festival in tropical Kerikeri for oyster-shucking contests and the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival in Marlborough for a celebration of all things shellfish.

Every second year, there is also the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival in Otago.

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Up north, visit the Auckland Seafood Festival, held on the waterfront each January, and the newly created Waiheke Oyster festival. This event is put on by Te Matuku Oysters, which are farmed on the island – you can visit their factory shop if your visit doesn’t coincide with the October festival.

EXPERIENCE FARM FRESH

For an authentic culinary adventure,

head straight to the source. Many oyster farms have shopfronts where you can purchase pots of plump shellfish to snack on. An hour north of Auckland, in a town known for its artisanal farmer’s markets, is Matakana Oysters. Its shop and processing plant The Green Shed sells affordable bags of oysters “for the people”.

Twenty minutes south is Mahurangi Oysters, and the quaint

Shuckle Ferry, a boat tour on which you can harvest, shuck and eat your own oysters. South of Auckland, stop at Clevedon Coast Oysters for fresh oyster soup, before travelling further south to the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty, where some of the country’s best beaches await. At the Coromandel Oyster Company and Ohope’s Ohiwa Oyster Farm, you can tuck into cheap and cheerful meals of battered or smoked oysters while overlooking the ocean.

In Southland, visit the Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters factory shop in Invercargill and the quintessential Bluff takeaway spot Fowler’s Oysters, before checking out Stirling Point, the unofficial southern-most point of the country.

TAKE A LONG LUNCH

Many restaurants welcome the Bluff oyster season with a long lunch, or even a month-long celebration, pairing a dozen oysters with New Zealand wine or Champagne for a fair price. Soul Bar, in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour hosts an all-you-can-eat lunch at the beginning of March, while Euro around the corner recently launched a mini oyster festival with adjoining eateries The Culpeper, Fish Restaurant and The Crab Shack.

Bluff’s Oyster Cove Café and Bar is one of the best southern spots for a long lunch. Enjoy the views over Stewart Island, and, if you have time, take a flight or ferry to the picturesque remote island, and stop at Church Hill Restaurant & Oyster Bar for one last morsel before you fly home.

FOR ALL FAB THINGS TO DO IN NZ @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 3 2 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

SHUCK YOUR OWN OYSTERS

INSPIRATION

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT

Norfolk Island Ask anyone who has been to Norfolk Island and they will tell you they want to go back.

ALISON GODFREY Norfolk Island has drama, history, humour and as a multi-layered historical place it invited visitors to dig deep into the character of an island that is more than its peaceful ambience.

Often regarded in Australia as a convict settlement, a 1980s tax-dodge and a home for Bounty mutineers. But dig deeper and you will find a fascinating South Pacific gem, jam-packed with adventure, gastronomy and incredible views.

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It’s the kind of place you have to see to believe.

Norfolk Island is technically Australia, although you will need to take a 2.5hour flight from the mainland. From 2016, Australians travelling from the mainland to the island no longer required a passport.

However, you will still need identification such as a drivers licence.

So what do you do when you get there?

Here’s five things that may surprise you.

1. EAT

Norfolk Island is a paddock-to-plate heaven. All fruit and vegetables are grown on the island, in season and picked daily for you to enjoy that day. Add to that fresh fish, local beef and boutique products such as coffee, honey and cheese and you can see why so many travellers adore Norfolk.

The islanders really love their pies.

They will add anything that is in season to a pie. Try banana, coconut or guava. Trust us, it’s divine.

Norfolk Island has one winery, Two Chimneys, established by Rod and Noelene McAlpine in 2006.

Two chimneys has a tasting room and guests can enjoy delicious reds, whites and rose. Our top tip – get a cheese platter as well. It’s a sight to behold.

Head to Sweeties Chocolate Factory for a sweet treat. The shop sells locally made chocolate and imported sweets. It also has an ice-cream counter and loads of specialty gifts.

Book ahead if you want to head to Hilli Restaurant & Cafe. This spectacular restaurant gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor. We’re told the seafood crepes are superb.

2. EXPLORE

Grab a museum pass and delve into Norfolk Island’s fascinating history.

Norfolk Island was first settled

by Polynesian Islanders. In 1774 Captain Cook stopped at the island on his first voyage. In 1788 Norfolk Island became “a convict hell hole” and in 1856 it became the home of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers.

The island has four main museums: The Pier Store, Sirius museum, Commissariat Store and No. 10 Quality Row. There’s also a fascinating convict cemetery that offers guided tours every Tuesday and Friday at 11.30am.

Pitcairn Settler’s Village offers

tours every Wednesday and Saturday. Ride in Norfolk’s first tour coach, a charming model A Ford.

Check out an historical film and visit a blacksmith’s forge. Explore the charming original homestead and WWII army hut.

But history doesn’t just happen in the museums. One of the highestrated Norfolk Island experiences is the lantern-lit ghost tour. On it you will hear stories that will send shivers down your spine.

If all this history has made you wonder about your own past, you can research your family tree and convict ancestry at the Research Centre in town.

3. GET OUTDOORS

Enjoy the beautiful landscape and nature here. The towering Norfolk Pines actually store water in their trunk. Don’t be afraid to hug them on a hot day – they will actually cool you down.

The island also has a rare green parrot. Grab a camera and a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot them. Or join a bird-watching tour to discover the unique bird life on land, and on the sea.

If you like to hike, Norfolk has plenty to offer. Explore the stunning Cockpit Waterfall at the Cascade; take the walking track to the bottom of Anson Bay or head to the National Parks to hike one of the many walking trails.

Given that it’s an island, there’s plenty to do on the water too.

Marvel at the rock formations on a guided sea kayaking tour or go for a

swim at Emily Bay lagoon, one of the top 10 beaches of the South Pacific.

Don’t forget to get out at night too. Norfolk Island is so far from the mainland that the stargazing is sensational. Look up, the Milky Way is incredible.

4. A LITERARY LIFE

Fans of the late author Colleen McCullough can now tour ‘Out Yenna’, the house where she lived for the last 35 years of her life. Since her death in 2015, some rooms of the house have been pen to tours, revealing the quirky tastes of Norfolk Island’s most celebrated modern-day resident, and offering a glimpse of where her books were researched and written.

5. JOIN THE LOCALS

Norfolk Island is a pretty small place. It takes very few tourists.

You’re bound to see the same faces again and again. So why not join in the fun and act like a local.

Enjoy a fun night at Housie or Bingo every Monday at the Paradise hotel. Chill out in a local Yoga or Tai Chi class or get involved with conservation work with WILDMOB. Another great tip for Norfolk Island is to make sure that you wave to passing cars it’s called the ‘Norfolk wave’.

FOR MORE OF NORFOLK ISLAND PACKAGES @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 3 5

INSPIRATION

5 THINGS TO DO IN

Chiang Mai Set in the Golden Triangle of Thailand, this charmer invites closer inspection.

CATHERINE MARSHALL

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EM EXEREST LABO. ITASIMOSSUNT PLABORATEM IUM

1. VISIT AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Forget about riding elephants in Thailand: though many operators on the outskirts of Chiang Mai still offer these activities, conservation groups are actively discouraging them in favour of more humane interactions with the Asian goliaths. Each of the resident elephants at Elephant Nature Park, around an hour’s drive north of the city, has a name and a history: some have been rescued from

circuses, others from logging companies; all have been abused. Visitors can still feed the elephants (from a viewing platform), walk with them and watch them bathe blissfully in the river. But riding is strictly prohibited, since heavy wooden saddles can hurt their backs and their submission to the presence of human passengers indicates they’ve been beaten as babies (intrepidtravel.com/au/thailand/chiang-maielephants-109194).

2. HAVE A VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN FEAST

The benevolence that seems to infuse Chiang Mai isn’t reserved for just humans; it extends to animals, too, with the city providing an impressive diversity of vegan and vegetarian eateries. While meatless dishes are common in Thailand – reflecting the tenets of Buddhism, the country’s chief religion – they’re particularly sophisticated and thoughtfully prepared in Chiang Mai: from organic salads at Happy Green (facebook.com/ HappyGreenCNX/) to homemade soy yoghurt at Da’s Home Bakery (facebook.com/pages/Das-HomeBakery/247235775414972) and fermented mushroom sausage served at Pun Pun, a restaurant that also advocates for sustainable travel (punpunthailand.org).

A LIGHT, FRAGRANT SNACK

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3. STROLL THE SUNDAY MARKET

Enter the old city at Tha Phae gate and find yourself swept up in the human river that flows along Ratchadamnoen Road – also known as Walking Street – on Sundays.

Traffic is banned from late afternoon until midnight, and the road is given over to stalls showcasing Northern Thai handicrafts, clothing, homeware, art and artefacts.

Appetites are sated by the food stands churning out fresh, steaming Thai cuisine – indeed, there are so many they’ve been allocated their very own side street. Entertainers enliven the already vibrant scene once darkness falls – Thai dancers, puppeteers, musicians playing traditional instruments as shoppers glide by. Tired feet will benefit from a foot massage at one of the kiosks set up along the road, while weary souls can find respite at one of two neighbourhood temples – Wat Phan Tao or Wat Chedi Luang.

4. PAMPER YOURSELF

Thailand is famous for its massages, of course, but a treatment in Chiang Mai will suffuse your body with the meditative serenity that’s so characteristic of this city. Book a massage traditionally used by the Lanna people of Northern Thailand at Tamarind Village’s spa, located in the heart of the Old City (tamarindvillage.com/en); try a signature bamboo massage or a Northern Thai wet steam treatment using rare local herbs blended by a master herbalist at the newly opened Raya Heritage, in Chiang Mai’s north (rayaheritage.com/en); or acquiesce to the strong, intuitive hands of a blind masseuse at the Thai Massage Conservation Club (99 Rachamanka Road, Chiang Mai Old City).

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5. FIND THE ROUTE TO NIRVANA WITH A BUDDHIST MONK The early bird catches the worm – or the wisdom, in this case. Take a songthaew (local bus) to a market on Suthep Road, which curves up into the forested mountains west of the old city. Buy food from one of the stalls here and make merit by offering it as alms to the passing monks. Sit with the monks as they chant before breakfast at the nearby Wat U-Mong – a 600-yearold temple shrouded in centuries’ worth of moss and mystique. And later, ask as many questions as you’d like to during a ‘monk chat’ at Wat Suan Dok: from meditation to dharma to how monks learn to fold their saffron robes (urbanadventures.com/ChiangMai-Mind-Soul).

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THAILAND? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

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INSPIRATION

WAIKIKI BEACH, HONOLULU

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5 Honolulu Highlights No time to visit all the islands of Hawai’i? Check out the buzzy city and surrounds of Oahu’s Honolulu for the ‘Hawai’i five oh’ fab experiences.

More than a stopover on your way to the mainland USA, this city has wonderful welcoming ambience; a little bit of retro surf culture, luxury accommodation with views, nature to surprise and excite, history to dig into and a way of life that Australian travellers embrace. And did I mention shopping . . .

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WAIKIKI BEACH FROM THE 18TH FLOOR OF THE MOANA SURFRIDER

SHRIMP SHACK ON THE COAST

THE GRAND DAME OF HONOLULU - THE MOANA SURFRIDER

BYODO TEMPLE, IN THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

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1. STAY AT MOANA SURFRIDER HOTEL.

This glorious pile was the first luxury hotel built in Hawaii.

Honoured with the title ‘First Lady of Waikiki’ this place has been hosting happy customers since 1901. Try for a room that looks along the coast with Waikiki Beach to look down on and lift your eyes to the the magnificent sight of Diamond Head, towering over the sweeping coastline below.

Tips: Eat dinner in the Beachhouse here for local seafood and gourmet island dishes.

And enjoy a self-guided historical tour of the Moana Surfrider, steeped in charm and elegance with vintage memorabilia on show.

2. TAKE A TOUR TO GET THE LAY OF THE LAND.

There are a few tour operators touting for business close to the beach. I opted for the Oahu Nature Tours. They offer several tours: Diamond Head Crater Adventure; Ultimate Circle Island Adventure & Waimea Waterfall; Natural Highlights of Oahu Adventure and North Shore and Circle Island Tour (which was my choice.) Highlight was the amazing Byodo Temple in the Valley of the Temples.

Tips: Take your own water bottle and fill before you leave to save buying water along the way and maybe save a little space on the planet from anther bit of plastic.

Lunch is included so bring your appetite for a plate of fried shrimp.

3. EAT YOUR WAY AROUND TOWN.

OK, there are burgers and there are burgers – it is America! But because of the city’s cultural cuisine history, there’s so much more. From classy joints to hole-inthe-wall places and food trucks to fast food chains – go for it.

My picks: Orchids of Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach – go for the crudo appetiser; Morimoto Waikiki by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s excellent take on local food, poke and the rest is culinary (and tasty) food theatre; Ono Seafood for the basic business of food! This is the best poke I tasted and (Po-Kay) is synonymous with the invasion of the hipsters. Have spicy mayonnaise on everything – it will rock your world. RockA-Hula dinner and a show. Retro entertainment and a lot of fun, Tribute performances to Elvis and Michael Jackson and; Hawaiian Journey’ through time from the 1920. Food, music and a magic show – don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!

There’s so much more – but a little cutie for me is diagonally across the road from the Moana Surfrider, King’s Village, rather underwhelming as it sits quietly below the highrise all around. On the corner of the village is Rock Island Cafe, full of rock’n’roll memorabilia. Fab burger and fries plus a decent coffee. Kinda daggy but kinda comfy too.

Tips: Eat, buy and also bring some back - the famous Honolulu Cookie. Darling little premium shortbreads are baked in the shape of a pineapple of all flavours from chocolate to guava, passionfruit to pineapple, macadamia to coconut and coffee. They are seriously yummy and taste of aloha!

4. SHOP YOURSELF STUPID. Ask any Aussie woman as to why she travels with her family for a Honolulu holiday (or just with girlfriends) and she’ll rattle off the itinerary. Good accommodation; good value food options; great weather and beaches; fun activities for the kids; happy hour happenings for cocktails (sunset

mai tais) with the grown-ups and . . . shopping. Shopping here is a dedicated holiday experience. And the prices are sensational at the big malls such as Ala Moana Centre (even has its own trolley that runs from one end of the city the centre); Waikiki Premium Outlets; Ross Dress for Less; Waikiki Outlet Shop; Barrio Vintage in Chinatown for vintage Hawaiian shirts (don’t leave town without one).

There are high end international and American designer labels on show as well as the dollar desirable shops where every member of the family from baby to nanna will find something at a good price to bring home.

Tips: If you fly to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines they know the lure of shopping and offer passengers the thrill of being able to carry 64kg per person.

So two bags at 32kg is supremely manageable? Oh, yes.

Good souvenirs include the cookies, pineapple condiments, Hawaiian shirts and surf gear, vintage surf posters and ukuleles.

5. FIND A FOOD TRUCK

It’s hard trying to cover off on five highlights of Honolulu, so number five is a cheat sheet.

Don’t miss out on: The Polynesian Cultural Centre; Waimea Valley for archaeological sites, gardens and waterfall; the trail to Diamond Head State Monument and the Dole Plantation. And further to the food suggestions – around town and on the outskirts found a Food Truck – they are institutions here – in the Land of Aloha.

FOR MUCH MORE ABOUT HONOLULU AND HAWAII @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 4 3

INSPIRATION

TORTA DEL CASA QUEEN OF CHEESES

Cheese whisperer

There’s nothing better than searching out local product while travelling. So if you can’t bring it back into the country – eats lots of it where you are.

BEV MALZARD I’m not one to generalise (well, maybe a little bit), but to me Spain is a pretty macho country.

So to meet a revered (by her male colleagues) female cheese maker was not only a delight but extremely (extrema) educational.

After a long lunch that almost overlapped dinner in Trujillo, one of the medieval towns of the Extremadura region of Spain, we took a gentle, digestive stroll around the square then to bed to dream of more jamon iberica! We hadn't reached the realm of cheese yet. So, on to a cheese factory next day that was a filling, fun and fulfilling experience.

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a pre emptive strike for cheese beforehand at Casar de Caceres to watch the process of making a local, legendary cheese called Torta del Casar. Because of import laws in Australia we can’t get this raw milk cheese to eat! So here we were ready to see how this slice of heaven is made and by whom.

Only two brands of this cheese is made in Spain. Happy sheep send their milk here and the 72 hour process of turning milk into a raw milk, unpasturised cheese begins – and it’s all down to stepby-step tradition, a clean and perfectly timed process and all at the hand of the master (mistress) cheesemaker – Narcisia Municio.

Narcisia (pictured) is a rarity in the

business and one of a handful of female cheesemakers in Spain. And what cheese she makes.

While travelling in Spain (all over) look out for this brand of cheese and enjoy with some bread and tomatoes and olives for a perfect lunch, accompanied by a glass of local wine of course. (Visit: www. turismoextremadura.com) We tried the end product and if a little tear of pleasure was spilt – I’m not ashamed.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF SPAIN? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

INSPIRATION

SEVEN FACTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU

love Iceland ALISON GODFREY

Iceland is one of the hottest destinations of 2018. The dramatic volcanic land is a short and easy flight from Europe or the USA. It is strange and aweinspiring. A journey here will not be forgotten.

Here are seven facts that will make you fall in love with other worldly Iceland.

1. Iceland does NOT have mosquitoes.

2. The English word ‘geyser’ comes from the name of the great geyser, Geysir in Haukadalur, South Iceland.

3. Iceland does not have forests.

4. Iceland did burn witches at the stake in the 17th century.

However, most Icelandic witches were male.

5. Iceland had the first democratically elected female and the first openly gay Prime Ministers.

6. About 85 per cent of Iceland’s energy comes from renewable resources. About half of that comes from geothermal energy.

7. Icelandic telephone directories list people by the first name alphabetically.

FOR MORE ICELAND INFO @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

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CRUISING

CRUISING

the Med A Mediterranean cruise is the perfect way to experience the best of Europe with a minimum of fuss.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY TIANA TEMPLEMAN

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OVERLOOKING DUBROVNIK

Some people choose their cruise because of the ship. Others base their decision on the itinerary.

Our 11-night Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Spirit was chosen with both these things in mind.

This ship is one of the smallest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and ideal for those who prefer not to cruise around Europe on a floating amusement park. The prospect of sailing on this smallis-beautiful ocean liner was reason enough for us to book. An itinerary which included an appealing mix of Mediterranean ports and an overnight stay in Venice on our wedding anniversary sealed the 4 8 M Y D I SCOV ER I ES | ww w. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

deal.

Our cruise from Rome begins with a sea day followed by a stop in Dubrovnik. Game of Thrones has given this historic Croatian town a new claim to fame since our last visit in 2002 but we already know you don’t need to be a fan of the show to appreciate everything this compact city has to offer.

Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century and has nearly 2000m of heavily fortified walls which were built to enclose the city and protect it from invaders. We get off the ship early to beat the crowds and head straight the ticket office for the self-guided tour of the city

walls which are still standing today.

It is so early that have the popular tourist site almost to ourselves as we stroll past towers, bastions, and angular fortifications, and stop for a cool drink at a café overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea. My husband points out familiar spots from Game of Thrones, like Lovrijenac Fort where the attack on King's Landing was filmed.

The next day we order room service and settle into our balcony to watch as Norwegian Spirit sails into the heart of Venice.

Sunlight dances on the water as we cruise past mansions covered in flowering vines, grand palazzos

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and tumbledown houses with pretty gardens. With the Venetian government set to ban cruise ships from docking in the centre of the city in the next five years or so, we are especially grateful to be here.

It only takes 20 minutes by public vaporetto or water taxi to reach St Marks Square from the cruise port and we enjoy the scenic journey and freedom to explore all day and late into the evening.

The small public ferry is near to empty for our trip back to the ship and we listen to the swish of the water and gaze at the houses lining the canal. Women are cooking in their kitchens and high above us a young boy looks out the window

VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY ON NORWEGIAN SPIRIT

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of an apartment. It feels as if we are watching a play without any dialogue, with the drapes on either side of the windows making each backlit scene a theatre production.

The following morning we head to one of the gondolier stations near St Marks Square before most of the other passengers on our ship have got out of bed. Venice is silent, mysterious and achingly beautiful as we step aboard a shiny black gondola to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The only sound is the gentle splash of the gondolier’s paddle and occasional click of our camera as we revel in the peaceful early morning beauty of ‘La Serenissima’ (the most

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TAKING A BREAK

RIALTO BRIDGE

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VENICE

serenely beautiful one), as Venice is often known. Our overnight stay is one of many highlights on this enjoyable Mediterranean cruise.

The other is the ship itself which is unpretentious, casual and fun.

Aside from the evening we dine at the elegant specialty restaurant, Le Bistro, we wear casual clothes to dinner and revel in the friendly, holiday mood onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t offer set dining times which means we can come and go as we please, and aren’t tied down to eating in the main dining room each evening. We start most nights with a drink at the Bollywood-inspired Maharini’s Lounge or cosy Henry’s Pub followed by a multi-course dinner at Shogun Asian Restaurant or fish and chips at Blue Lagoon Café. On a ship this small, it is easy to make friends with like-minded travellers if you feel like some company.

Koper in Slovenia sees us exploring Škocjan Caves which have one of the world’s largest underground chambers and a mighty river flowing through a deep canyon. Steel walkways take us safely across the cave’s chasms but when the site first opened to tourism in the early 1800s there were only slippery hand-cut stone steps. Our guide shouts to be heard above the thundering Reka River as she explains these did little to deter visitors eager to catch a glimpse of this magnificent cave system. We are far less daring but our Mediterranean cruise has provided more than enough opportunities for exploration and adventure.

FOR MORE CRUISE DESTINATIONS @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 5 3

CRUISING

CRUISING ON GENTLE WATERS - THE ANGKOR PANDAW

Red River Delta North Vietnam’s rivers offer an up-close and authentic view of real life in this vibrant country.

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Torrential! And that’s the perfect word for the monsoon rains that lashed our ship for 20 minutes, and then, like all good monsoon downpours, the air stilled and regained its hot and steamy attitude and the wide Red River became a silky, calm spread of chicken gravy coloured water.

Welcome to north Vietnam. We were sailing on a ten-day cruise on the Angkor Pandaw, a beautiful ship designed to mirror the ships of the Irrawaddy Flotilla that plied the waters of colonial Burma.

The vessel is pretty special, and the decks gleam with the rich timber patina walked on by many barefoot passengers. The brass is polished daily and all detail on the ship is ship shape and immaculate.

I was a little concerned at the thought of a ten-day cruise as I’d only sailed for five consecutive

days in the past. I had nothing to worry about except at the end of the cruise when I just wanted a few more days on board.

Our ship left Hanoi and we sailed to the glorious heritage-listed Halong Bay, where we gently sailed in sight of extravagant limestone islands and towering, craggy kasts.

We visited water-limestone caves by kayaking and row boats.

Off the ship for an afternoon as we were taken to a deserted beach, where we had an entire bay to ourselves for a cooling dip.

Bliss.

As the sun set and lights from the bay’s scattered fishing boats twinkled we sat down for our first of many abundant and creative dinners.

The ship sails west and after the Red River, it hits the Lo River the Red River delta and then

the Black River. The sights along the river don’t display quaint and pretty castles and rolling hills. I hesitate to use the word ‘authentic’ but we were immersed in the real life of north Vietnam and the progress and industry that keeps the country ticking along.

There are concrete factories, sand mountains shoring up the banks against flooding, amazing fish farm floating villages, banana plantations and often in the distance, the soaring spires of catholic churches and terraced steps of Buddhist temples.

The startling contrast of the rural tranquility and the brick kilns and facades of heavy industry, neat patches of corn fields and passionfruit vine mounds were sights that juxtaposed the life of the rivers.

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THE SILTY, CALM WATER OF THE RED RIVER

excursion (all included in the price) and to places where few other westerners are. As well as the ship being the only pleasure craft among gliding barges on the rivers, the villagers are laid back, welcoming and eager to show their talents. Bemused barge captains waived and I imagine they thought that our beautiful ship looked like it had wandered in to the wrong neighbourhood.

In one tiny village, three generations of women from 18 to 90 years of age showed us the skill behind the ubiquitous conical hat – the most practical chapeau for tropical weather countries. Such an endearing experience and we were welcomed in a friendly and

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understated way – cups of tea were offered and bananas and peanuts put out for us.

Between excursions we came back to cold towels and a cooling drink before a tasty lunch (don’t fight it, just enjoy the banquet!).

At each stop along the river we were looked at as a novelty as there weren’t many westerners in this neck of the woods. Other trips to villages include a walk through a pretty town, Thanh Ha, to watch a water puppet show, an inspection of a small village that has the noble tradition of producing fine ceramic items with the skills passed down through the generations. This was in the province of Hanoi and a local Lion Dance troupe, welcomed us to the region with a raucous drumming performance and dancing lions.

We were treated to an extraordinary concert in the village of Hung Lo temple to hear a choir, yet again, women from seven years to their 80s carrying on the tradition of singing ‘Hat Xoan’. And we danced with the singers to a fishing song, without the usual embarrassment of looking like bulls in a China shop - a testament to the generosity of spirit of these local people.

In this village there is the Thay and Tay Phuong pagodas, both built around enormous pillars of

jackfruit, decorated with hundreds of statues, and surmounted by sweeping upturned eaves.

Another village introduced us to the knife makers – families that for generations have been pounding red hot steel into machetes and chopping knives.

A walk around Duong Lam village exposes us to the elegance and grandeur of the UNESCO designated village. Duong Lam has a history that dates back to around 1200 years with many of the houses almost 400 years old. Apart from its historical and touristic values, the ancient village is a significant place for scientists to study resident communities in ancient agriculture.

Our last meet and greet was in an H’mong village sitting among glowing green, lush rice fields. The village is in an idyllic valley with stilt houses dotting the landscape. A shared cup of tea and some locally made banana wine, peanuts and bananas - and all traditional social mores had been adhered to.

What a cruise, what an experience and what about Vietnam for another cruise? Don’t mind if I do.

WANT TO CRUISE VIETNAM? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

FRIEND OR PHO?

1

Around and beyond World Heritage listed Halong Bay, there are 1,969 dramatic limestone islands and rock formations dating back 20 million years.

2

The lotus is the national flower of Vietnam. All parts of this sustainable plant can be used or consumed and as most homes don’t have foil, the leaves are used for wrapping food for cooking or storing.

3

Pho is an aromatic stockbased soup with noodles, and beef, chicken or tofu - eat for breakfast lunch or dinner!

4

The durable conical hat worn by farmers is called ‘Non La’.

5

Be flexible - monsoon rains could change the river levels and perhaps change the itinerary - enjoy the adventure.

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CRUISING

5 Cruise Myths Debunked

What you thought you knew about cruising overturned.

COURTESY READER'S DIGEST

When we travel, we like to experience the unfamiliar, dust away ‘the ordinary’ from our lives and shake off preconceptions we’ve gathered along the way.

Yet, when it comes to cruises, many of us cling to preconceptions.

However, today’s cruise ships are filled with unusual quirks, ready for every kind of modern adventurer.

So we’re here to take you on a journey across the seven seas.

1. CRUISES ARE TOO SEDATE AND OLD-FASHIONED

If you still believe this, chances are you’re not as with the times as you might like to think. Many cruise liners have traded-in feather-flapping cabarets and dinners at the captain’s table for rockclimbing, assault courses and simulation surfing.

In fact, cruises are swiftly becoming hubs of cutting-edge digital innovation.

Robot bartenders shake and stir guests’ cocktails aboard select ships; free smartphone apps onboard have become de rigueur; and one liner recently launched a tech-bracelet with more than 130 smart features, including an app 5 8 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

enabling you to tailor your cruise every step of the way for a truly 21stcentury experience.

2. THEY’RE CROWDED AND ‘TOURISTY’

As the world shrinks, new and unique travel experiences are increasingly harder to come by.

Cruise ships are adapting to these demands, creating never-beforeseen itineraries that leave the crowds far behind.

Trace the forgotten Spice Route, through ancient jungles and along white beaches, past crumbling monasteries and deserted cave temples, backwater fishing villages and local bazaars.

Discover Namibia’s German heritage, Benin’s voodoo traditions and Ghana’s dark slavery sites.

Visit nomadic communities in Madagascar and venture out to tiny Pacific islands, where some of the world’s most fascinating indigenous cultures can still be found. Cruising the Amazon River in South America, the Nile in Egypt or the Mekong in Vietnam will bring you close to shore for a truly authentic experience.

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3. IT’S BORING BEING STUCK AT SEA

Because you can align your cruise to your interests so perfectly these days, if you’re bored on a cruise it’s because you’ve picked the wrong one.

Choose the right cruise and you can finally do all those things you’ve always wanted to as you drift between destinations.

Think scuba diving or wine tasting, photography or yoga.

Some ships have theme parks, water slides and zip lines, and you can skydive without even going ashore.

And there’s the joy of soaking up the sun in a deck chair or having all the time the world to finally read those books.

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4. ISN’T THE FOOD A LITTLE DULL?

Bland buffets are a thing of the past. Today’s cruises serve up a treat for all the senses.

Embark on excursions to local markets, ranches and farms to source fresh ingredients for cooking classes back on board.

You can hop aboard a cruise and enjoy world-class menus from famous chefs such as Curtis Stone, gastropub guru Ernesto Uchimura and many more. The extensive and varied buffets are all inclusive but some ships have ‘specialty’ restaurants. Even at around $25 a head you will be eating at a restaurant at sea that would cost you up to $100 on shore.

5. I’LL HAVE TO GET USED TO SEASICKNESS

Unlike that little old sailboat in the marina, cruise ships, large or small, are equipped with specialised stabilisers that take almost all of the motion out of the ocean.

Once settled on board, you’re likely to forget you’re even afloat.

Booking a cabin in the middle of a deck and lower in the ship, at its natural balance point, can help settle any pre-cruise fears further, despite it being extremely unlikely you will become seasick aboard in the first place.

FOR MORE ON CRUISING @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

CRUISING

THREE REASONS TO TRY A

seniors’ singles cruise

Ready to dip your toe into the singles scene? Try a cruise for good measure.

Sometimes the most rewarding things we do in life are those that force us to get out of our comfort zone. While the thought of going on a cruise by yourself might be daunting, all the other single passengers onboard will be in the same boat. Here are some of the great benefits of embarking on a senior singles cruise.

1. MEET NEW PEOPLE

Whether you end up finding love on the cruise or not, you will have the opportunity to meet plenty of people who are in the same season as life as you. If you don’t meet a partner, you could still end up finding terrific friends. Singles cruises are ultimately social, so expect to meet new people on a day-to-day basis. These particular

type of cruises will strategically help you form friendships with fun classes, social mixers and seating at mealtime.

2. SAME MOTIVES

Singles cruises are exclusive to singles so all passengers can have an opportunity to find companionship. While enjoying the ocean views and blue skies, whomever you come across you will know they are on the cruise for the same reason as you – to meet someone new in an exciting way! Knowing that everyone on board is single, will help you know that whomever catches your eye is open to exploring a relationship.

3. FUN ENVIRONMENT

Whatever way you like to have

fun, whether that be pottery or dance classes or playing golf, senior singles cruises have it all. If you find someone on board, you have a list of great date activities that you can do together as you get to know them. If you are finding it hard to strike up a conversation with someone or feel like you are getting lost in the crowd, you can do a social activity to get out of your cabin.]

Article reprinted from Over60 www.oversixty.com.au

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