On our first night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, and there was a lot of announcements telling guest to hold on to handrails or walk close to the wall if they are feeling unsteady.
I did feel the ship moving but once I was in bed I didn’t notice it and had a good 9hrs of shut eye. I was still up at 5am and spent time writing my diary entry and drafting a letter to my penpals.
We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth; the waiter told us we should have ordered English bacon.
Jess started to feel sick with motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep, she in fact spent the rest of the day sleeping.
After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur it was interesting but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell, so we left before it ended.
After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue turned up in only a couple of minutes she was still in her nightie and barefoot and left her medallion in her cabin, she checked me over then returned to her cabin. She had to knock loudly on the door to wake Jess up to let her back in the cabin. She told Jess about my fall and assured I was alright, so Jess went back to sleep.
Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.
I am bruised and sore, in fact today I went and saw my GP because I still have a pain and stiffness in my neck and I have to have an Xray just to make sure all is good.
Good morning all it is 5.30am the temp is 11c or 52f, after Tim gets up, I will pack my Cpap machine, we will be picked up around 10ish.
The trip to Sydney went well the driver was a nice guy can’t remember his name. Tim talked to him all the way down.
We didn’t have to wait around as we converted the walker to a wheelchair and that helped us skip the long line.
It has been a long day with a lot of walking most of it done trying to find food. It took ages but we managed it after eating we return to our cabins; well Sue and I did Tim and Jess did a bit more exploring. I am so worn out and my feet hurt.
I am so glad Sue and Jess are with us.
Steps: 10,158=5.9k’s
First night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, 8but I slept well with around 9hrs of sleep although the watch say only 6hrs I believe it was more.
I am up at 5am as I feel awake so decided to just get up it is currently 12c
We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth.
Jess started to feel sick as in motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep.
After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell.
After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue was here in only a couple of minutes she checked me over the returned to her cabin when I said I would be ok.
Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.
Steps: 5,066 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles
ANNIVERSARY OF DAD’S PASSING, IT’S BEEN 7YRS
Up at 5am and had a shower on my own without issue, the temp is 10c.
We are going on a tour at Port Arthur the ticket said not suitable for those with mobility issues, I didn’t notice that when I booked the tour, oh well we will see what happens.
Sue and I decided not to go on the Port Arthur tour which turned out to be the right choice as both Jess and Tim said it was too much for either of us.
Instead, we stayed on board and checked out the photos that have been taken of us and both Sue and I bought 2 photos.
After lunch I had a nap because I had three Baked Alaska cocktails and needed a nap.
Later Sue, Tim and I attended some quizzes then decided to come back to our cabin to rest awhile.
Steps: 5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles
Up at 5am and after a wash and dressing I am now just doing stuff on the computer while Tim sleeps.
We are at sea today, Jess and Sue ordered breakie via room service so there will only be me and Tim at breakfast.
Before breakie while I was alone, I went for a walk outside around the pool twice before heading in to have breakie.
After breakfast I was just wondering around the ship when I went to get into a lift only to have Sue exit said lift.
I bought a Coke Zero with a glass of ice at the international café and took it with me to the Fusion Lounge to take part in the quiz. Well, I lifted the glass to have a drink, and the bottom fell off the glass hitting my right knee and getting Coke and ice all over my leg and foot. Sue picked up the glass and went over to the bar to tell them what happened and they didn’t seem to care and did nothing. Sue had to get some napkins to mop it up. I was in shock. After the quiz we went and lodged a complaint.
Sue, Tim and Jess are going to play Bingo this afternoon. I am not interested in bingo.
Went to the burger place for dinner and Tim went on about the burgers not having beetroot so much that I used a firm voice and told him to get over it.
Steps: 8,119 = 4k’s
Up at 5am and had a shower without issue and dressed for the day, we are at Melbourne today, the temp is 14c at 6am.
Sue and I might get off to check out any markets that may be near the ship. There wasn’t so we walked along the pier for a bit then returned to the ship.
We went to check out the ten pin bowling, Sue gave it a try managed to knock down 4.
We then meet up with Tim, and I had a couple of Baked Alaska’s then I had a nap.
After my nap me and Sue went to check out a music quiz then Sue went for a smoke and the ladies giving free sample massages was set up so we got that, but they wanted us to pay $99 for a full half hour massage but we both said we couldn’t afford it. That was when the sample massage ended it was only a minute or two long, but it did feel good.
Stepd:4,535 = 2k’s
Up at 5am and had a shower without issue again this morning and dressed for the day, we are at sea today heading for Sydney. The temp at 6am was 8c. I had 9hrs of good sleep.
I have worn a different outfit each day of the week, unlike the others who didn’t pack an outfit a day.
Tim just came back from having a smoke and said there was a medical emergency on deck 16 a man was waiting for a chopper to come and transport him to a hospital. Tim said that he had died but was revived and the coast guard decided to medivac him a to a hospital. Sadly, his wife was unable to go with him.
All of us are feeling out of sorts and don’t really want to be around people.
I am not going to dinner I will just get some chips delivered to my cabin.
3,287 = 1.6k’s or .9 of a mile
ANAZAC DAY
Everyone was up early and ready to head home. I had a good night got around 10hrs of sleep.
We disembarked the ship at 7am and had to wait till 8.30am for our ride home to arrive, the trip back to Newie was uneventful and we arrived here around 10.45.
The first thing I felt the need to do was clean the kitchen, I then unpacked my bag sat and did nothing for a bit then had a nap and returned to doing nothing much.
Another early start up at 4.20 it is a cold morning only 9c (48f) at 5am by 6am it was 11c (52f). I had around 6 and a half hours of sleep and I am feeling good this morning.
Late yesterday afternoon Tim cut my hair at last it feels much better.
I walked down the road about 80metres or 262feet to the post box to send off some letters I had written.
By midday it had reached 21c, Tim says he is cold.
Around 12.30pm Tim decided to catch a bus to Charlie to do some shopping, while at the square he saw Sue who drove to the square Tim said she could have walked over in 5-minutes in fact it would take more like 10-15 minutes.
Steps: 7, 974=4k’s
A later start to the day I was up at 5.40 and it is another cold morning with the temp of 10c or 50f.
Tim and I went to Lake Fair to do some shopping, the around midday we went out again to see Jessica, by the time we got home I was exhausted.
Found two deliveries when we got home one I think is Jess’s new table Tim said it was bloody heavy.
I am so tired I’m off to bed at 6.30pm
Steps:5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles
Had a good night got 10hrs of sleep woke at 4.30 and got up, I was that tired and not with-it last night that I got out shorts to wear today, had to go and find long pants.
At 5.30am it was 10c or 50f.
Tim has work today and should be home around 3.30pm.
Sue arrived around 10am she came to pick up the printed what to pack list. Jessica and Sam turned up just after they were here for about 15-minutes then Jess took the keys to hand in to Housing and drop Sam off at Bailey’s she then returned here to hang out till it is time to go get Sam and head home.
Steps: 8,404 = 4.2k’s (2.6m)
I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 8c or 46f.
Went for a walk this morning did a little more and felt good.
Tim is working this afternoon/night, he had a doctor’s appointment this morning then had to go and get a CT scan of his chest.
I have had a good day, I walked up and checked the letter box, nothing for me but three things for Tasha, I check her box when I check mine. Also, Jess sent a message thanking me for the new house card I sent her and Sam.
Steps: 8,077=4k’s or 2,4m
I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 11c or 52f.
Sue’s shopping day so no morning walk for me today.
Not long after I got home from shopping, I was putting new cans of Pepsi Max in the fridge and dropped one on my foot breaking the skin leaving blood on the kitchen floor. I put socks on so I couldn’t see the blood. After a while the foot was good.
It is another hot day the temp reached 28c or 82.4f.
Steps: 9,568 = 4.8k’s
I slept well got up around 4.20am and had a shower, went for my walk, walking down the road to post letters.
I asked Sue if she could take me to the chemist to pick up scrips, was surprised that we have reached our safety limit so our scrips will be free for the rest of the year.
I did a load of washing this morning hung it on the clothes hoists and took them outside as it is going to be a hot day.
Was able to bring the clothes in around 2pm and folded them and finished packing.
No nap today as Tim put both suitcases on the bed and I couldn’t move them.
Today I thought I would write a bit about what countries are considered to have the best chocolate.
Switzerland is the country most widely associated with the world’s best chocolate, thanks to its long tradition of ultra‑creamy milk chocolate and its reputation for exceptional quality. Many chocolate lovers point to the richness of Alpine milk and the refinement of Swiss techniques as the reason their chocolate stands out.
However, “best” depends on what you like personally most of us have a favourite brand or flavour. Different countries excel in different ways, and the global chocolate scene is far more diverse than most people realise.
Other then Switzerland other countries with what is considered top notch chocolate are Belgian, France and Ecuador.
Switzerland is known for their brands like Lindt which I really like and Toblerone. It is often ranked at the top by chocolate enthusiasts. However, Toblerone is owned by a U S company.
Belgium is famous for pralines, truffles, and artisanal techniques. Belgian chocolatiers are known for precision and high‑quality cocoa blends. It frequently appears in global “best chocolate” rankings.
French chocolatiers focus on purity, cacao origin, and elegant flavour profiles, with Paris often considered a global centre for luxury chocolate.
Ecuador has some of the world’s finest cacao and produces highly prized Arriba Nacional cacao. It is increasingly recognised for “tree‑to‑bar” craft chocolate.
What might come as a surprise is that the United States is a leader in modern craft chocolate, with it ranking number 1 in some craft‑chocolate lists due to its huge number of small‑batch makers, known for innovation and experimental flavours.
Then there is Peru, which is a rising star with sustainable, high‑quality cacao and renowned for fine‑flavour cacao and ethical production. Growing global recognition in premium chocolate competitions.
Well, here we are at another Monday and today we are looking at the history of chocolate in Australia.
Chocolate arrival in Australia sometime between late 1700s to Early 1800s, it came with European colonists, but it was rare and expensive. Which is why it was considered a luxury item for the wealthy, imported in small quantities.
By the mid–late 1800s with improved shipping, trade routes, and advances in manufacturing made chocolate more widely available. Confectionery shops began appearing in major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia’s own chocolate industry began to take shape in the early 20th century, with several brands that still exist today. Those companies establish our chocolate identity by blending European techniques with local tastes.The turning point came in the 1920’s with the establishment of a major Cadbury factory in Claremont, Tasmania in 1922.
This dramatically increased local production and made chocolate affordable nationwide. Cadburys has shaped Australian chocolate culture. It is the go-to chocolate brand in most if not all of the country.
By the 1950s through to the 1980s, chocolate was to become deeply woven into Australian life. At Easter there was mass‑produced eggs became a national tradition. Cadbury began making Easter eggs in 1875, producing their very first chocolate egg from dark chocolate with a smooth, plain surface. Helping to transform Easter into the chocolate‑filled celebration we know today.
At Christmas boxed chocolates and novelty treats became common gifts.
Local flavours emerged, such as honeycomb, mint, and fruit and nut combinations.
In the 1970s and onward, boutique chocolatiers began experimenting with native ingredients such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle and macadamia.
Around this time Artisan producers focused on premium ingredients and craftsmanship, mirroring global trends.
Nowadays there is a thriving, diverse chocolate scene consisting of global giants Cadbury, Nestlé and Lindt. As well as historic local brands Haigh’s, Darrell Lea and Ernest Hillier.
Australia’s chocolate industry is now vibrant, competitive, and culturally significant, with strong consumer interest in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and premium quality.
Hello everyone, this Monday I am writing a bit about the Bathurst 1000, for those who don’t know it is a car race.
In fact, the Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s most iconic motorsport event, it’s a 1,000 km (621 miles) endurance race held every October at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, NSW.
It’s the crown jewel of the Supercars Championship and a cultural institution for racing fans.
The Mount Panorama Circuit is a public road for most of the year but transformed into a world‑class racetrack during events. The circuit has dramatic elevation changes of 174 metres, tight technical sections, and the blisteringly fast Conrod Straight, where cars can hit 300 km/h, (187 mph).
The race involves 161 laps which is a total distance of 1,000.29km’s, with teams consisting of two drivers sharing one car. It is known for unpredictable weather, safety cars, crashes, and strategy battles.
It was first run in 1960 as the Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island. It moved to Bathurst in 1963, the distance was increased to 1,000 km in 1973.
The winners receive the Peter Brock Trophy, named after the nine‑time Bathurst champion known as the “King of the Mountain.”
Last year the winners were Matt Payne & Garth Tander, it was Payne’s first Bathurst win and Tander’s sixth, placing him equal third all‑time. It was a chaotic, rain‑affected race with late‑race drama, including a penalty reshuffling the final order.
This year’s race is scheduled for 8–11 October it is promoted as another massive chapter in the Enduro Cup, with fan events, displays, and family‑friendly entertainment.
There’s also the Bathurst 12 Hour, a GT endurance race held earlier in the year. It features GT3 supercars and international drivers. Recent editions have included major crashes and dramatic red flags. I have not heard of this race.
This week will look at snakes the legless reptiles, they are far more diverse and surprising than most people realise so here is some information about them.
It is believed that they evolved from four‑limbed lizards around 100 million years ago. Some species, like pythons and boas, still carry tiny vestigial leg bones — evolutionary leftovers.
They can be found everywhere except Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand, and the polar regions.
They live in some amazing habitats such as forests, deserts, grasslands, mountains but only up to 16,000 feet, oceans and even 800 feet underwater of Australia.
They don’t hear airborne sound well but detect ground vibrations with great sensitivity. Their eyes are covered by a transparent scale called a spectacle, which sheds with the rest of the skin. Many species use heat‑sensing pits to detect warm‑blooded prey.
When it comes to moving, they use several locomotion styles depending on the terrain there is the classic slithering which is called lateral undulation, then there is rectilinear movement which is for slow, stalking. Some can glide from tree-to-tree others are excellent swimmers and when on loose sand the do something called sidewinding.
Do you know what they eat, well they are carnivores so small snakes eat insects, frogs, lizards and rodents. Larger ones can eat deer, antelope, capybaras and even jaguars, not something I have ever they would eat. Mostly because they swallow prey whole thanks to flexible jaws. Also, some can go two years without eating due to extremely slow metabolism.
Most snakes lay eggs, but some give birth to live young, babies are independent from birth needing no parental care. A few species (like pythons and king cobras) guard their nests. Some females can store sperm for years. The Brahminy blind snake is all‑female and reproduces without males.
There are about 725 venomous species, and 250 can kill a human with one bite.
The most dangerous snake globally (in terms of human deaths) is the saw‑scaled viper.
Australia’s inland taipan is the most venomous by toxicity but rarely kills because it avoids humans.
About one‑third of adults have some level of snake fear. Scientists believe this may be an evolutionary instinct — early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive.
This week we are looking at turtles, did you know they are cold blooded reptiles, which is why they are often seen basking in the sun.
Some feel they seem ancient and mysterious as well as strangely comforting. This may have something to do with the fact that they have been around for more than 220 million years, what the hell that means they were around during the time of the dinosaurs.
Their slow, steady way of life hides a surprising amount of diversity and evolutionary brilliance.
Their shells are part of the skeleton which means they can’t leave it and it grows with them.
There are three main species, sea turtles, freshwater turtles and tortoises, they often live a long time some giant tortoises can live over 150 years.
Sea Turtles are graceful ocean wanderers that migrate thousands of kilometres. Females return to the exact beach where they hatched to lay eggs, sadly many species of sea turtles are endangered due to fishing nets, pollution, and habitat loss. Examples are the Green Turtle, Logerhead, Hawksbill.
Then there are Freshwater Turtles, which are found in rivers, lakes and wetlands, with some of the most unique species being found in Australia. Examples are the Murry River Turtle, Mary River Turtle which has punk-rock algae hair.
Lastly, we have tortoises which are land dwelling, slow moving, long living with thick domed shells. They are herbivores a famous one is Jonathan who holds the recorded for being the longest living.
All turtles lay eggs on land, even sea turtles with hatchlings relying on moonlight to guide them to the ocean, sex is determined by temperature warmer nest produce more females.
They may not be fast, but they’re far from simple, as Sea turtles navigate using Earth’s magnetic field, Freshwater turtles recognise individual humans and some species communicate through low‑frequency sounds.
They play essential roles in ecosystems with sea turtles keep seagrass meadows healthy, freshwater turtles clean waterways by scavenging and tortoises shape landscapes by grazing and digging.
Hi, everyone, this today’s post was inspired by the holiday taken back in December after visiting the site of the Cowra POW Camp.
Cowra may be the best-known camp due to the 1944 Cowra Breakout, which was the largest prison breakout in Australian history and of the largest of World War 11.
Over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass escape leading to the deaths of over 200 people. The escape took place on the 5 August 1944.
In total about 235 Japanese prisoners died along with 4 Australian soldiers, it is one of the deadliest prison escape attempts in modern military history.
The soldiers who died were Privates Hardy, Jones, Shepherd, and Lieutenant Doncaster.
There was no single person in charge of the breakout but was driven by a group of non-commissioned who planned and initiated the escape.
This was because the prisoners were bound by the Bushido code, which viewed surrender as shameful. This created a shared determination among many prisoners to die honourably rather than be transferred to another camp. As a result, the breakout emerged from group consensus rather than top‑down command.
The escape was triggered by an unauthorised bugle call, sounded by a Japanese prisoner whose identity is not definitively recorded in official sources.
The event is widely studied in military history and commemorated in Japan and Australia. The Japanese Garden and War Cemetery were established as symbols of peace and reconciliation, further cementing Cowra’s global recognition.
Cowra wasn’t the only POW camp in Australia; in fact, there was over 50 POW and internment camps across all states and territories. This includes major, purpose‑built POW camps as well as smaller labour detachments, hostels, and temporary internment facilities.
Other major camps could be found at Hay, Loveday, Tatura, and Marrinup.
There was one Over 12,000 people were interned or held as POWs in Australia at the peak of the war. When I read this, I wondered why so many well it seems that Australia became a major Allied holding country because of its location being so far from the front lines and we had available land for secure camps.
Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.
They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.
Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.
After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.
As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.
Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.
Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.
The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.
Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.
The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.
The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.
Jo-AnneRamplings 