Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
First time cruising... hmm.
I didn’t think I’d like cruising. But gave it a go anyway. See what I think…
In my early twenties, I worked on an Italian cruise ship sailing from Venice through the Greek Islands. It was an experience I'm glad I had, but it didn't leave me wanting to go on cruise holidays. You see, when I travel, I like to feel like I'm discovering it on my own. I don't like feeling like a tourist. Unfortunately, when you are cruising, it can be hard to escape the people.
Fifteen years later I find myself booking a cruise holiday for my children and me to go on with friends. Clearly, cruising hasn't been on my radar. I was worried about the 'being stuck around lots of people' thing but wanted to give it a go.
And I was right. Stopping at tropical islands, I kept finding myself saying "Wow, look at this place. Imagine how beautiful it could be without all these people."
I always thought cruising could be a nice (and convenient) way to get a taster of a place, but I didn't feel this way. Eight hours wasn't long enough for me to explore and 'feel' the place, and having lots of people around that aren't usually there changes the vibe also.
Negatives of cruising:
Waiting and lining up for tables, getting on/off the ship.
If you try and eat healthily, food can become monotonous.
Plastic cups and melamine in main buffet dining room.
Lots of kids (on our ship at least).
Have to share your experience on an island with lots of other people swarming around.
Positives of cruising:
Kids have lots to do and if old enough can roam the ship by themselves
Seminars, massages, bingo, dancing, movies - lots of activities.
Adults only area at the back of the ship.
The balcony rooms are great for an escape - tranquil and beautiful watching the sunset as you cruise out of port each day.
Experience a few different places without having to pack/unpack.
Theatre performances each night.
The kids had a great time. They loved hanging out with friends, eating whatever they wanted (which stressed me out) and experiencing lots of things they don't do every day at home. Movies by the pool, mini-golf on the roof, waterslides, theatre shows and spending their money on arcade games and lollies without me knowing.
Would they like to cruise again? Of course. But would I book again? No. Cruising isn't for everyone. Some people love it; some people don't. But I'm glad I had the experience (for myself and the kids).
CLIENT SHOWCASE: King River Rafting
Kayaking on the Franklin River with King River Rafting - and the promo pics.
I hadn't thought of taking the kids kayaking before. I love adventures but presumed they would get bored after, hmm, 10 minutes.
They proved me wrong. This time I was happy to be wrong. And that doesn't happen often. :)
We were in Queenstown with King River Rafting. Paul normally takes people out white water rafting, but for kids aged five and seven, as you know, rafting is not really that appropriate. So he suggested a kayak up the Franklin River. He also liked the idea of getting some kids pics to promote that area of his biz.
Leaving Strahan early, I'd forgotten to pack spare clothes so was hoping we wouldn't get too wet. Oh well, I thought to myself, it's just kayaking (and worse case scenario, we can blast the heaters in the car when we get back). When Paul brought out wetsuits, booties and thermal layers for all of us I realised I had completely underestimated the experience and how cold we could get. Oops.
The kids looked ridiculously cute in the smallest adult gear we could find. Wetsuit legs rolled up like big cream puffs. Booties that flopped about like flippers. They stomped about with giggles.
The next clue to our adventure not being as leisurely as I thought hit me when we arrived at the river. I hauled a kayak over my head and plodded for ten minutes down the forest path to the river. Of course Paul asked if I was ok, but of course I answered, 'yep, no problems'. The kids had to carry a paddle each while I stepped one foot in front of the other, blinded by the kayak, hoping I wouldn't fall in the leech-infested ferns.
While Paul climbed in his and slid down the rock face to the water, I was a little more cautious. I shouldn't have worried, the blow-up kayaks are very stable and can handle just about anything, as I was soon to discover. Ashton jumped in and was paddling before I could push off the rocks.
We paddled for about five minutes. I'm sure I looked ridiculous... learning how to paddle straight using the paddle out one side only (not switching sides). The kayak nosing left then right up river, Paul had to come back and check in on me a few times. It was definitely a slow start.
Then we hit a rapid - with no water. Slimy rocks and branches lay strewn across the river. Hmm. Paul was all over it. He hopped out, hitched his canoe above his head and ran over the rocks to the next section of the river. Then he returned and did the same with our kayaks.
Meanwhile, I was desperate to find a non-slippery rock or branch to step on, and make sure the kids do the same (I don't think I found one). They loved it. I worried about them falling. Nothing unusual. But after doing this about five times up river, I was getting used to it. Then we had to do it all again on the way back. Workout? You bet. Fun? Definitely. Scenic? Given. It's truly stunning.
And... did the kids enjoy it? Absolutely. We took a risk, but because it was just us and Paul, and knew we could turn back at any time. But the kids just kept on going. They loved to 'help' paddle, lay down and watch the water float by, and grab hold of Paul's canoe to get a pull.
Their favourite bit? Clambering all over the wet rocks. Ashton also loved skimming rocks over the river surface - well, trying to.
My favourite part? Getting the hang of keeping the kayak straight while moving forward, using only one paddle. Winning!
Here are the pics I took...
NOTE: Definitely make sure you have a wet bag or housing for your camera - it will get wet.
Tasmania - here I come!
It's D Day! Tasmania, here I come. It's going to be full, it's going to be fun, it's going to be adventurous. New clients, new sights, new experiences. Yay.
Part of the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
I'm heading south. Today I'm setting off for Tasmania. A three-day road-trip to Spirit of Tasmania. It's very exciting. I wonder how long that excitement will last? I mean, really, man and wife, two children aged five and seven, and a caravan? For nearly five weeks. I chuckle, and then try and get my breath again.
We haven't planned much. But do think we will go via Mount Gambier and Warnambool. We've booked the overnight sail on the Spirit of Tasmania, then... rambles. Rambles until Ben starts the Overland Track hike with my Dad. I think I'm okay with that. I have done it. But gee, I love hiking and being surrounded by just nature. And hey, I'll get to spend the week with the kids. Eek. There are wineries around, yes?
You know, when we planned to be in Tasmania for a month, I thought that would be plenty of time. Appears not. I'm already upset that we are only going to have two days around Bruny Island and Huon Valley. I feel like I'm missing towns I want to stay in. I want more. I'm already thinking we have to go back for Tamar Valley and Huon Valley - two places with not much scheduled time. Argh.
Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be writing and posting pics to Instagram as we go. Tasmania - you are gorgeous. Can't wait!
My first ever Instameet - at Seawall Apartments Glenelg
What goes on at an Instameet?
A couple of weeks ago I received a direct message in Instagram.
'We're kicking off our big 40 celebrations with an Instameet for 40 Instagrammers.'
I love Seawall Apartments, and love photographing their rooms. So inspiring - for home decor, for holidays, for relaxation, for fun, for photography.
Hell yeah! I'm going.
Then comes my question - what exactly is an Instameet?
For Seawall; it's food, drinks, networking and photos. They opened up a room for us to photograph, gave tours through the property, and properly sustained us for three hours of fun.
We chatted, we took photos, we drank, we laughed. Then we Instagrammed. We all had a camera - whether a DSLR or phone. No matter the device, some really beautiful images were taken.
I highly recommend Seawall Apartments, check them out at www.seawallapartments.com.au. Yes, I photograph for them, but hey, they are awesome.
Go enjoy.
When things go wrong while travelling #2
A quick trip to the supermarket unfolds into an evening at the hospital.
The playground at the caravan park the kids wanted to play on when we got back from the supermarket. Unfortunately it was getting dark, so they had to wait until morning to have a play again.
Picture this. You are going to the Great Ocean Road, a spectacular driving holiday. A bucket list item for many. You are towing a camper trailer and have two small children. At the end of the first day of travelling, all the kids want to do is play on the playground. But you need supplies. Fresh bread, milk, etc. A pit-stop at the local supermarket should be quick and easy, yes?
Of course. Except for when your toddler falls over the front of your shopping trolley, onto his head, and passes out. Locals freeze. You scream while frantically blowing into his face, trying to get him to 'wake up'. This is what happened to us.
Ben runs around, asking locals where the hospital is, while Ashton rolls his eyes around, in and out of consciousness. Hearts are beating super speed. Bread and milk don't seem so important now.
Five minutes later, after trying to prop Ashton up in the baby seat while he 'dreams', we are running into the hospital with him in our arms. The running seems to awaken Ashton and before long he is trying to figure out what all the new toys are, pulling at hoses, trying to turn gadgets on - all while a nurse tries to get his stats. Phew. At least he is conscious and aware. I presume all is ok, and we will be sent home within a few minutes.
But no, 'luckily' for us, we get to spend five hours in the hospital with Ashton being monitored. Nurses check on him constantly, making sure he is stable and not suffering from any internal damage.
We had the huge kids room to ourselves and allowed to bring in fish and chips for tea. It's not where I want to be; I'm getting bored, but I want to make sure Ashton is okay. Finally, after final checks, the nurse discharges us. Yay. Not the playground the kids wanted to play in, but an adventure none the less.
Guess we didn't need supplies after all - not for dinner anyway.
What's wrong? Confused with all the attention he gets after being in hospital.
What kind of holiday do kids like best?
Where do kids like to holiday? Where do you like to holiday? And where do you end up going?
Cino time at Goolwa wharf markets, SA
I was talking to Ben (hubby) the other night about travel plans. 'Where do you want to take the kids next?' And then I list off some places. So diverse, a comparison and decision would be near impossible.
'Well, if I go to Bali for the girls trip you could bring the kids over, and we can go on to Lombok?'
'What about a trip to Disneyland in the US?'
'What about Singapore to visit friends and then on somewhere?'
'What about Cuba? I'd love to go there before it changes too much more.'
All of these suggestions were made by myself within a two minute period. See my situation. So many places to go.
Big kids can have fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA too.
Disneyland was overlooked quite quickly, seen as a commercial venture. I do feel the same, but love the idea of giving my kids the adventure of imagination and awe 'to the max'.
Singapore - even though we have friends there, was about as appealing as a wet fish in his bed. I don't know what Singapore has done to him, to make him feel that way.
Cuba spiked his interest but not the trip to get there.
And since he'd previously mentioned Lombok, keen vibes radiated.
Coorong fishing - the kids were the only ones to catch fish.
But then after all this talk, I look back on holiday pics of our last long weekend holiday to Port Elliot with friends. The kids loved the freedom of being in a caravan park with friends - we loved the amusement that the jumping pillow gave day after day, giving us quiet time to enjoy. It was easy as well. An hour drive, no jetlag, our food, and nothing to 'discover' before settling.
Bikes rule the roads at Port Elliot Caravan Park, SA
So why do I keep thinking about overseas trips and how wonderful they are? Even though it's hard work - jet lag, kids suffering from the heat, hygiene and safety issues, culture shock - there are more positives. Culture diversity, adventure, discoveries, learning and new understandings. For the kids and us.
Looks like Lombok may be getting another visit from us soon...
What kind of trip does your family like best?
Water fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA
When tranquility turns to high pitched squeals - and it's not the monkeys.
What do you do when things go wrong on holidays? What do you do when your kids embarrass you? Hide.
On our recent trip to Bali we decided to venture north, to The Menjangan. This beautiful, tranquil resort is set in national park on the north coast of Bali. Roofless people movers bump up and down over the dirt tracks, quietly transporting guests from lodge, to reception, to restaurant, to beachfront. We are surrounded by forest, monkeys and birds. Trees arch over the dirt tracks as if reaching out for us, as we putt and bump along on the roof seating.
At the beachfront, couples laze back in canopied beach huts, sipping on cocktails at happy hour. Monitor lizards rustle in the mangroves. Staff hush quietly behind the bar and in the activities hut.
We are in the restaurant the morning after we arrive. Monkeys play in the trees just over the railing. We are sitting on a deck high up in the treetops, overlooking a valley of greenery. Again, the staff silently look after us. All we can hear are birds, and the monkeys swinging about. Sometimes they break out into a sqwauk, probably when one takes the branch of another. They are cheeky.
Suddenly, another squeal echoes through the forest. Followed by another. Then a thump. Ashton has had enough of his sister harrassing him. He doesn't want to have breakfast here, he would prefer to be at the beach. He wants to play somewhere else. He wants his breakfast. He wants to go to the pool. He doesn't like Belle. He wants to go back to the room. He wants to sit where Belle is sitting. He wants to sit on mummy.
Serenity and silence has gone - far away. What do we do? Guests are surely going to start staring at us with raised eyebrows. Staff are definitely going to ask us to leave. Ashton goes on. Oh my. I can feel my face going red (or even more red in this heat). There is nothing we can do to calm him down.
And then, as suddenly as he started, he stops. Ashton finds the sling shot to scare the monkeys away from the deck, and he's all quiet again. Hmm. Random. The joys and surprises of travelling with a three year old.
We depart quickly after breakfast, and hibernate the morning away in our room, and the pool just outside. We wait for a knock at the door, but it never comes. We also go to dinner early - trying to avoid as many people as we can. And before Ashton cracks it again. We survive. No one tells us to leave, no one raises eyebrows at us - or at least, not while we are looking.
I'm sorry for any guests there that had to bear witness to this. I hope you understand, or one day will.
Do what you love. Why not?
Do something fun! Live life. Throw yourself in… sometimes.
Remember when we were kids? We used to do what we want, and not care too much for what others thought. Imagine if adults could be more like kids? Wouldn't it be fun. I'm not sure what I world would look like - but it would be different.
Once a day, at least, do something fun. It could be singing in the shower, it could be saying hello to a stranger, it could be jumping on the bed… heck, you could even put on wellies and jump in muddy puddles.
Kids on the beach… without toys.
Simple beach fun while on holidays with kids...
My kids love the beach. Normally they trawl up and down the shoreline looking for shells and building sandcastles. The shells then decorate their sandcastles like jewels around a womans neck. Just recently, they have begun to get more adventurous - taking to the water on boogie boards and skim boards. Getting wet! Oh my.
Before our recent trip to the Gold Coast, I was imagining days spent on the beach, plonked in the sand, building sand castles. Forgetting the bucket and spade as we amble out front of our accommodation, I wonder what the kids would get up to. I needn't have worried. The multitude of jellyfish that were washed up on the beach give the kids a workout as they run up and down spotting bigger and bigger ones. The thunderstorms that dazzle every afternoon provide the stage backdrop for many a show put on by the kids. And watching the surfers paddle out and catch zippy waves keeps me entertained.
The Gold Coast is known for it's surf beaches, and Mermaid Beach, where we are staying, is no different while we are here. I'd asked people before arriving, if it was an ok beach for surfing, and the answer I kept getting was, only in the right conditions. Well, this must have been 'right conditions'. Every day there were surfers running to and from the surf, in search of their wave. I want to hire a board but from my vantage point, the waves look too big. And the speed some of the guys are getting, zipping along the face, was fast. I get scared. I lknow I will regret it after. I think I would have fun. Oh well.
So, here we are on the beach. Kids nearly nude. Running around like mad cows. Laughing. Spraying water at each other. And building volcanoes in sand. No toys. Definitely no plastic toys or electronics. Everyone loves it. The kids are screaming with laughter, Ben and I are beaming with satisfaction. It makes me want to live up here. I can imagine coming down the beach at night; running around in the warm, humid air. I can see the kids eventually taking to the water, joining a surf club. I can feel my surfing improve with the near daily practice. Ahh, makes my heart sing. But for now, our airplane waits, to take us back to Adelaide.
Late night flights with little ones...
A snap on my iPhone while queueing for check-in at Denpasar Airport. Poor little guy didn't wake up from the transfer from hotel. At least I didn't have to cradle him.
