I have been using the time to get into my distance learning course and except for a walk yesterday and today, and a 2 step walk to the garden, I have been inside. Great to see lots of bears in windows as we walk around our local area, and we have added our own, although technically a moose 😳

Tonight I am flying again. Lots of people have sent messages and it’s nice to have the support. We are being VERY careful and are happy to be bringing kiwis home. Who’d have thought, as hosties, we would spend time on our makeup and manicures, only to cover them with masks and gloves 😜

Stay safe NZ and Stay Home, see ya Monday.😷

So weird isn’t it ? To not leave your house at all. The morning was fab, drank heaps of coffee, did my homework ( distance learning ). By lunchtime I had “Phoned a friend” or two! And solved a couple problems that won’t help the world but needed sorting anyway.

Found a bear to pop in the window for the passing kids to spot.

Watched the PM deliver another address. She is so great that I bet the US of A are jealous we have her and they have…..well you know what they have.

Trying to keep the exercise up, thanks to my gym for the On Demand classes. Once again there was the same guy watching me.

Two rather sad bananas kept looking at me every time I opened the pantry so by 4 o’clock they were turned into a banana loaf.

1 down 27 to go ……

So normally I regale you all with stories of my travels to exotic places with fantastic things to see. Well all my travels just now are to grab a bunch of kiwis and get them home. No sightseeing, no adventures, so I’m stuck with sharing day to day dramas. Every day will not be spent at home, as much as I would prefer that, some days will be spent flying. Not many though.

Today was an “at home” day….. quick trip to supermarket and animates to ensure we have a couple days food for me and for the three moggies.

That job was completed successfully, along with managing to side step an elderly gentleman in the supermarket who decided we should have a conversation. No way dude! I was backing away, wheeling my trolley thinking “where have you been old man ?” Watch the news. You should not be talking to strangers and risking your life !

Back in the safety of my place and no risk of unwanted conversation, I rolled the yoga mat out and began a bit of light exercise ……. please see look on cats face as he witnessed this, not impressed I feel. I was a little impressed with myself, as it wasn’t the same as having all my gym mates there suffering beside me, but I managed a Les Mills CX class.

Watching the address from our PM was both riveting and sobering. This is our reality for as along as it takes. We NEED to do this. Getting outside seemed like a good idea and it was, as there were still some passion fruit to pick. 😊

I can’t actually account for the whole day, so I’ve gotta get better at being productive. Flying tomorrow bringing kiwis home again. Stay safe NZ, and if you are not in essential services, Stay home! Talk soon.

What a fabulous city….this city is perfect for walking around, maybe catching the L train a couple stops and for being on the river. I chose the architecture cruise, and was provided with excellent commentary, witty and informative, on the buildings lining this beautiful river. The story is told of the great fire of 1871, requiring 3 and a half square miles of city to be rebuilt. The origin of the fire ? Take the cruise and all will be revealed.

Leaving the river and walking towards Lake Michigan means heading to Navy Pier where a 15 story replica Ferris Wheel dominates the landscape. The first Ferris wheel was invented in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, but was demolished in 1906. You can enjoy the experience in 21st century comfort.

Navy Pier is not just home to a huge Ferris Wheel. There are multiple choices to eat and drink, spaces to just wander and sit, and everywhere you can take in the sight of this massive lake. If you visit the Pier, don’t leave without tasting the spinach and artichoke dip at Harry Caray’s…. delicious!

To get the best view in town, head to the John Hancock building and a heart racing “ride” called the Tilt. On the observation deck of the 94th story, along with the obligatory glass floor, is a device that tilts you 45 degrees away from the building, looking straight down at the streets below you. If you need a bit of courage to enable this, they got you covered, with a free cocktail first 😊 at Bar 94.

Millennium Park is where you will find the Bean, being a nickname for the sculpture called Cloud Gate. The Bean suits perfectly and it is a fun place to hang out and take artistic photos of your own reflection. The challenge is getting a photo alone as this is a very popular spot. Don’t be put off, it’s fabulous.

In Many movies set in Chicago, you see the L train, short for elevated, as it sits about a story up, travelling between buildings, landmarks and stores. Great way to do a loop of the inner city and feel like a local too. It’s cheap, quick and easy to use.

Foodies, The choice is huge ….. Wildberry for pancakes and eggs at breakfast, 2000 hotdog stands for lunch and Giordano’s for famous deep dish pizza come dinner time. There are many options along the riverwalk too. The taverns have tables on the river edge, to watch the world of Chicago pass by.

A city I can’t wait to return to ❤️

If you enjoy feeling the force of Mother Nature and being awed by her skills, take a wee wander along the Nusa Dua boardwalk to the very end.

Along the way, the view is a patchwork of high end hotels and their beachfronts. These beaches are not beautiful compared to many I’ve seen in the world, but all are set up to enjoy 100% relaxation or the most amazing wedding settings. The beachfront pools are all stunning and all offer a slightly different poolside experience. Friendly Balinese staff wish you Good Morning and invite you in. I didn’t succumb as I was on my way to the mighty blow hole.

The 45 ( or so) minute walk also allows for a spot of retail therapy. Scattered here and there are makeshift stalls selling local items, colourful Bali pants, Bali bags and of course the obligatory Bintang singlet.

I did digress a wee bit as I can’t resist those beautiful Bali bags.

If you feel you must eat or drink along the way, you won’t be disappointed in the choice of places available.

Once you enter the Nusa Dua Park area, head to the water line. They have recently added turnstiles here and I can only guess that there will be a viewing charge in the future, so get there soon.

The purpose built wooden path leads you to the place with optimum viewing opportunities, but all along that path, the force of the water gushing through the rocks can be seen. Each mighty pound of waves is accompanied by the spectators ooooohhhhhh. It’s a great spot to feel the magic of our earth and experience the connection of awe in its inhabitants.

The Jewel at SIngapore’s Changi Airport is amazing. You don’t need to be airside to visit the Jewel, as it’s accessible without checking in.

This place is 10 stories high and houses the biggest indoor waterfall in the world.

The water, of course, is recirculated, totally sustainable.

As you make your way into the Jewel, you become aware of the sound of fast moving water, before you actually see the mist and the beautiful sight of the waterfall.

Not only is there a huge waterfall, there is shopping and eating places that would keep you busy for a couple of days.

The best place though is the Canopy walk and gardens. You can wander and wander, kids can slide and bounce or sit in foggy hollows.

The gardens are spectacular with colour, greenery and stunning topiaries.

As you wander through the serenity, you also spot many places to just chill out, making this the perfect airport for a layover. There is no better airport.

The Jewel, have a Sparkling time…..

Bumboats are brightly coloured low slung boats that in the past carried cargo between the ships and the harbour, but today they carry bums of tourists 😊

It was a great way to appreciate Singapore’s skyline on a beautiful morning.

We passed under many bridges, often named after British men who forged businesses in the area.

Many of the Quays now operate as brightly coloured eating places on the river front, with high rise buildings as the back drop.

The Merlion, icon of Singapore, was surrounded by tourists as it is every day.

Havana

Where do I start ? What an amazing day. From the moment we stepped off the ship, walked across the crossing to San Francisco Square, we saw colour, classic cars and classic architecture. ❤️

With a tour in a classic car booked for a couple hours later, we decided to wander.

First stop, a cafe in Plaza Vieja and the best Frappuccino I have ever had.

From a lovely outdoor and upstairs balcony we had a beautiful view of the square and a group of local school kids enjoying athletics day competitions.

As we walked on towards a market area, we were chatted to, smiled at, told we were beautiful more times than ever before. Haha. Such beautiful people, friendliness on such a scale that I don’t think I have witnessed elsewhere. The locals love to chat, ask where you are from and chat some more. It was impossible to get from street corner to street corner without someone talking to you.

Most of the buildings are stunning and many are under renovation, aiming to be restored in time for the 500 year anniversary in November.

Others are painted in bright colours with even brighter doorways. I loved the big wooden doors with smaller openings within the door to look out, without opening the large door. Brilliant!

Classic cars in every colour catch your eye continuously. The drivers wave and offer their services and when you explain that you are booked elsewhere, or just say no thanks, they wave and say, have a good day. No pressure, no aggression, and no bad feelings.

The markets are in an old warehouse dockside, with a selection of art, souvenirs, t-shirts, bags, coffee mugs and much more. The art works are incredible and I now own a piece.

Leaving the market, we headed back towards Old Havana, wandering amongst the cobblestone streets again. We found a second hand book market with many amazing first edition books, Che Guevara being a popular subject.

Like many islands, there seems to be a large population of street cats and dogs, mostly they seemed healthy ish. They were not neutered though, so I guess the population will keep growing. A local told us that lots of people care for the street animals and in fact, later that night, we came across an elderly lady putting food out for the cats so I gave her some money.

The tour in a 1954 Chevrolet, took us to New Havana, the 8 km Seawall, the Malecon, Revolution Square, where a million people once gathered, the embassy district and the Hotel Nacionale where many events, political and celebratory, in Cuba’s past took place.

In a bar in this hotel, with photos of the many famous faces who have visited, we had a Mojito, with both light and dark rum. Very refreshing after a couple hours in a convertible, in the sun, seeing the sights.

Leaving the car, back on foot, we headed to Floradita, Hemingway’s hangout. The place was very busy, full and lively. Live Music, people singing along and an air of fun.

We tried the Daquiri, and a lobster cocktail 😊

Another wander, this time down Obispo street and many more eating and drinking opportunities.

Wondering around Havana felt very safe even at 10pm, the locals all assuring us that it is very safe. Even at night, wandering around the cobbled streets, people chatted and smiled.

I’ll be back. ❤️Cuba.