For those of you who haven’t been there, Haden is about thirty miles north-west of Toowoomba. It was described in a 1914 article in the Darling Downs Gazette as “one of the most beautiful spots on the Darling Downs” – which is true. The Gazette also claimed that “one day it will become famous as a tourist and health resort” – which, unfortunately, was only a dream.
It’s time to confess that I’m developing a relationship with Siri
We’ve just arrived back in Canada. Let me set the scene with a “prequel”.
As we glide serenely through calm seas off the Australian coast, my mind tends to wander to some of life’s big questions like “Why do people jump in the air when they get their picture taken?”
I’ve never understood the difference between group travel and travelling with a group – until now.
Since the itinerary is basically two days at sea and one day anchored off Airlie Beach, I had envisioned lounging in a deck chair, sustained by a healthy diet of hamburgers and ice-creams when I was too lazy to drag myself back to the buffet.
Welcome to Pender Island – please leave the city behind.
When we drove off the ferry at Otter Bay a couple of days ago, these words in the Welcome to Pender Island brochure felt a bit cliched. Now, I think we’re finally starting to understand.
I’ve learned that every visitor to Canada wants to see a bear. They just don’t want to see one when they’re walking on a lonely trail through the woods.
As we watch our host climb back up the steep path to the main house, followed by a menagerie of one dog, three cats and two chickens, Nanette comments – “Maybe she is trying to kill us after all.”
“These airport lounges are just too comfortable”.
When I hear these words, I look around to see if I can catch a glimpse of this obviously over privileged traveller. Then – I realise with horror that – it was me!
LamondG 