Tag: travel

Week 22 of 2025

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A cold start to the day I was up at 4.45am, I had a shower and dressed, I have been so cold all morning had the heater on a beanie on my head which helped with the headache.

My watch says I got only 5hrs & 9mins sleep.

My left wrist has a sore spot with broken skin, I applied some antiseptic cream and covered it with a band aid, so I am wearing my watch on my right wrist.

I tossed a load of washing in the machine, I am planning to hang it up to dry.

Jessica asked if we could go to Costco and get her a cheese pizza and take it into her at work, and we did. Tim also filled the car with petrol while out there.

We also went to Coles and then checked the P O Box, there was 11 letters, 5 for Tasha, 2 for Tasha 1 for Tim and the rest for me.

BGL: 7.2

Steps: 10,938=5.25Klm’s

Another cold morning, I slept for 6hrs & 13mins but woke up tired and not quite with it.

Sue and I went into the Tafe to have aromatherapy massage done by Tasha and wow what a great massage it was better then the one we had a couple of months back which cost us $90 each. This massage didn’t cost us anything, and we both didn’t realise how good Tasha was at massage. I felt so relaxed that I fell asleep.

This arvo I had an issue with my BGL dropping it went from 4.7 to 3.3 in 20 mins and I had to ring Tasha as I wasn’t with it. She came gave me a teaspoon of honey and made me eat something. Tim wasn’t here he was late home from work due to being caught in traffic due to a road closure.

Steps: 4,103=2.15Klm’s

BGL: 7.0

I woke to the sound of rain again; I hope it doesn’t hang around for long not as cold this morning. I had a good 9hrs & 34mins sleep and didn’t wake at all during the night.

I went with Sue to an appointment, and we also went to the post office to get stamps.

Tim keeps going on about how much weight he has lost, and I ended up telling him that going on about it is upsetting me since I have gained some weight. He did acknowledge that part of the cause is that he goes days with only eating very little. I can not do that as if I go too long without food, I start to feel sick in the gut and get a headache.

It was very overcast when I went up with Sam to wait for transport, I started to take the scooter but felt a few heavy drops of rain, so switched to the walker and of course it didn’t rain and hasn’t rained all day.

BGL: 7.00

Steps: 10,027=5.22Km’s

I slept reasonably well had 5hrs & 20-mins sleep with 20-mis awake time.

Tim only had his school runs today which saw him home for 4hbrs, so went out to the Eastern Tiger, all you can eat place.

Just as we arrived home Sandra called in to say high, Sue texted Sandy and asked if she would drop off some ginger beer, I had for her, and she reluctantly agreed. Not long after that Sue turned up to get it as she thought Sandy wasn’t going to do it.

While Sue was here, I helped her set up her new email account.

BGL:7.0

Steps:8,969=4.8Klm’s

I had another good night’s sleep slept for 6hrs 15-mins, not too cold at the moment. The temp is 13C or 55F

What a day, I was feel sad and like crying due to the frustration of my body moving so much. I said so in a text to Sue who decided to come over to see me and she brought Archi with her, so I was able to have a cuddle. She also brought me the latest limited custard pie from Macca’s this on is a mixture of chocolate and normal custard and was quite nice.

Tasha also bought me a 4pack of mini custard scrolls and when Tim came home this morning, he brought me a sausage roll.

Anyway, he made a smart-ass comment that no one brings him food and that he has to go and buy his own. Sue told me that was right as he is more able bodied and can drive so can get his own stuff.

BGL: 5.8

Steps: 10,207=5.7Klm’s

I had another good night’s sleep slept for 8hrs 35-mins and was only awake for 14-mins. It is cold this morning at 10C and I have the heater going.

I put on the new panty hose they fit but not good around the crotch area just not sitting flush against my body. Had them on till around 1.30pm.

I was ironing when I heard Tasha she was printing stuff and said I was low on ink again so I ordered more.

Tim late home tonight, it was close to 8pm when he arrived home had another run after his school run.

I changed the sheets and damn that left me exhausted.

BGL: 5.8

Steps:9,058

I had another good night’s sleep slept for 8hrs 6-mins and didn’t wake at all. It is cold this morning at 10C.

We left home at 9am to go to Sydney to see Tim’s sister Jenny, it took us 3hrs & 15mins to get there and 2hrs & 20mind to get home.

The visit went well, it was the first time Tim had seen her in 13yrs.

I was exhausted by the time I got home, I thought I would eat something and go to bed but after I ate, I was ok sitting in my recliner playing games on my tablet and watching the evening news.

Steps: 3,538=1.81 Km’s

BGL: 5.8

Zebra

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                                                                    PLAINS ZEBRA

Hi everyone, yesterday I forgot to post this so I’m doing it now and if I manage to write Wednesday’s post I will post it this afternoon, if not then tomorrow.

                    AREA’S WHERE ZEBRA’S ARE FOUND

This week we are looking at the zebra, a mammal they are found in various countries across the African continent. Specifically, they inhabit regions within Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Namibia, Angola, and South Africa. Different zebra species, like Grevy’s zebras and Mountain zebras, have more specific ranges within these areas, while Plains zebras are the most widespread. 

They look similar to horses. They stand between 47 and 55 inches (120 and 140 centimetres) tall at the shoulder. Each species of zebra has its own pattern of stripes. The plains zebra has broad stripes that are widely spaced. The stripes of Grevy’s zebra are narrow and closely spaced, and the belly is white. The mountain zebra has a grid like pattern of stripes on the rump.

                        MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

Zebra stripes are like fingerprints. No two zebras are alike. This helps to identify individuals.

They eat mostly tall, rough grasses. Some types also eat shrubs, herbs, and bulbs. Unlike many ungulates in Africa, zebras do not require short grass to graze. Instead, they eat a wide variety of different grasses, sometimes even eating leaves and young trees. As a result, they can range more widely than many other species, often venturing into woodlands. They are considered to be “pioneer grazers” preparing plains for more specialized grazers who rely on short, nutritional grasses.

                        GREVY ZEBRA

Zebras communicate with each other using calls and facial expressions. They often greet each other with nose-to-nose contact. Plains zebras have at least 6 different vocal calls. A two-syllable call is used to alert herd members to predators while snorts indicate happiness. They also use facial expressions to communicate. When greeting each other, they will stick their ears up and push their faces forward. When feeling threatened, they will press their ears against their heads.

Female zebras may have one foal each year. Females and their young usually live in small family groups headed by one male. Thes groups are called “harems.”. Harems generally remain together for months or even years, making it an incredibly stable family unit.

But female Grevy’s zebras may form family groups without head males. Family groups sometimes join together in larger herds. Zebras also may form mixed herds with antelopes.

A male zebra is called a stallion. Female zebras are called mares, and their young are called foals. 

Every year, hundreds of thousands of zebras gather up their young and begin the long journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, north to Kenya. This annual trek to find food and water covers a distance of around 2,900 kilometres (1,800 miles) and exposes them to a myriad of dangers. River crossings leave herds vulnerable to crocodiles, while the size of the migration itself brings lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

Perth

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This week we are looking at the last of Australia’s capital cities and that city is Perth, capital of Western Australia. It sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, library and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. 

It was named after the Scottish city of Perth. The name was chosen by Governor Charles Fremantle, who was instructed by the British Secretary for the Colonies, Sir George Murray, who was a native of Perthshire, Scotland. 

It was founded by Captain James Stirling as the capital of the Swan River Colony in 1829. It was the first free-settler colony in Australia established by private capital. From 1850, convicts began to arrive at the colony in large numbers to build roads and other public infrastructure.

The Traditional Owners of Perth are the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. They are part of the larger Noongar nation and have been the custodians of the land and waters for at least 45,000 years. The town recognizes the Whadjuk people as the Traditional Owners.

The river is a sacred place for Nyoongar peoples and they preserved many stories of the Waugal, a water-serpent understood to be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the river and most of the water features around Perth. The Nyoongar peoples moved with the seasons, travelling inland in winter, then returning in late spring to capture game such as wallabies, kangaroos and possums. A main camp site was at what is now known as Kings Park (Mooro Kaarta). Aboriginal peoples also frequented the mud flats (Matagarup) which later became Heirisson Island as it was a productive fishing spot.

The Nyoongar peoples had contact with various seafaring visitors including the Dutch and the French before the arrival of Captain James Stirling who colonised the region for the British in 1829. Relations between the settlers and the Aboriginal peoples were not always harmonious as the latter were dispossessed of their land and subjected to sometimes harsh and unsympathetic colonial rule. Fast forward to December 2009 when the State Government signed a framework agreement with the representative body, the South West Aboriginal and Land and Sea Council, aimed at resolving through negotiation six Nyoongar Native Title claims over Perth and the south-west of Western Australia. The city is working closely with its Aboriginal community to deliver 71 actions in the City’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan which aim to build respect, relationships and opportunity with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Since water transport was vital to communications in the new colony before roads were built, the meanderings of the Swan River determined the site of the first towns. Governor Stirling decided that the site for the colony’s capital would be sited on the river 18km from the sea port of Fremantle. On 12 August 1829 Mrs Helen Dance, wife of the commander of HMS Sulphur, drove an axe into a tree (near the current Perth Town Hall) to mark the colony’s foundation.

The city site was mid-way between the sea and the farming areas of the Upper Swan. However, the early years were difficult financially for the colony and in 1850 it was decided that convict labour would be beneficial in that regard. Between 1850 and 1868 almost 10,000 convicts were transported from Britain. Due to the influx of convicts, many public works were completed during the period from 1856-79, notably the Perth Town Hall. It was not until 1856 that Perth officially gained ‘city’ status when it was declared a Bishop’s See by Queen Victoria.

The first meeting of the Perth City Council was held on 10 December 1858. Rich gold discoveries in the Kalgoorlie region in the early 1890s brought a new era of prosperity for the city and many impressive buildings, some of which still grace the streets to this day. The city also experienced significant population growth. Representative government evolved in Western Australia in the second half of the 19th Century and in 1901 Western Australia federated with the other Australian States to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Perth experienced another mining boom in the 1960s and the wealth it generated could be evidenced by the city’s changing CBD skyline.

Perth became widely known as the City of Lights when U.S. astronaut John Glenn told the world he had seen the city’s lights during his historic orbit around the Earth in February 1962. There was also international attention on Perth later that year when the British Empire and Commonwealth Games were held in the city.

The City of Perth is the fastest growing local government area with a population approaching 20,000. It has ranked consistently among the Top 10 most liveable cities in the world, as surveyed by the highly regarded The Economist Intelligence Unit. Once again, wealth generated by the State’s natural resources is driving development of the city, with the difference being that many companies and businesses are choosing to make Perth their home.

Rhinoceros

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This week’s hooved animal is the rhinoceros or rhino the word rhinoceros is a combination of two Greek words – rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).

There are five living species of rhinoceros – white, black, greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran. In addition, a number of other animals have rhinoceros as part of their names, including the rhinoceros auklet, rhinoceros beetle, rhinoceros chameleon, rhinoceros cockroach, rhinoceros fish, rhinoceros hornbill, rhinoceros iguana, rhinoceros rat snake, rhino shrimp, and rhinoceros viper. All of them have horn-like appendages on their noses.

They can be found in several countries across both Africa and Asia. In Africa, you can find them in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In Asia, they can be found in India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam. 

The two main species of rhino in Africa are the black rhino and the white rhino. Black rhinos are found in 12 African countries, with the largest populations in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. White rhinos are found in 11 African countries. 

Asia is home to the greater one-horned rhino, Javan rhino, and Sumatran rhino. You can find them in India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam. 

A rhino’s horn is not attached to its skull. It is actually a compacted mass of hairs that continues to grow throughout the animal’s lifetime, just like our own hair and nails. The longest horn on record belonged to a white rhino and measured just under 152cm or 60 inches, which is five feet, and I am only four foot eleven inches tall.

The rhinoceros’s closest living relative is the tapir. Horses and zebras are also related, but less closely than tapirs. All three belong to the group of odd-toed ungulates, known as Perissodactyla. Really horses and zebras that sounds weird.

The white rhino’s name comes from the Afrikaans word “wyd,” which means “wide” and describes its mouth. Early English settlers in South Africa misinterpreted the “wyd” for “white”. Black rhinos may have received their name from the dark wet mud in their wallows that made them appear black in colour. Both species are gray in colour, the famous Blue Rhino, corporate logo for the well-known propane tank company, is entirely a figment of its founder’s imagination.

After mating, adult male and female rhinos typically go their separate ways. After the calf is born, it will spend a couple of years or more in the company of its mother, and perhaps associate with other females and their calves, but the father rhino is not part of the standard social group.

They are not generally considered friendly to humans, although they are not inherently aggressive. They prefer to be just left alone and will only charge if they feel threatened or are protecting their young. Female rhinos, especially those with calves, can be particularly dangerous in the wild. While they may not intentionally seek to harm humans, their size and power make them a serious threat if they do charge. 

The live anywhere between 35 and 50yrs depending on the breed.

All five species of rhinos are herbivores, eating mainly vegetation. They spend most of their time browsing and grazing through their natural habitat in search of plants and grasses to eat.

Week 20 of 2025

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I had another good night slept all night waking only once to pee at 1am.

Kathy rang me this morning to wish me a happy Mother’s Day.

It is raining this morning; it has rained all day and has been a cold day.

I have felt sad a lot of the day, Jess brought over more Mother’s Day gifts for me, shop bought slippers and a crochet bag for my feet and lower legs.

Steps:6070= 3.4km’s

BGL6.6

I slept for 9hrs & 10mins according to my watch and was awake for only 8mins during the night.

BGL:6.5

Jess came over to drop her work shirts for me to wash, she said she was very tired and just wanted to go to bed but she has to drive Sam to Tafe.

Sue rang around 9.30 to let me know her glasses are in and ask if I would like to go with her to pick them up, so I did.

It has rained on and off all day.

Steps:6,728=3.9km’s

I slept for 7hrs and 32mins and was awake for only 7mins according to my watch.

I did a load of washing and hung it out.

I forgot that Sam wasn’t going to school today as it is the sports carnival.

It is a cold day but mostly a dry day.

This afternoon I am feeling sad and don’t know why, I feel life is so damn hard right now.

I am feeling extremely tired this arvo.

Steps:7712=4.5km’s

I slept for 11hrs and 10-mins and was awake for 29-mins during the night. In fact, I was in bed by 6.35 and pretty much fell straight asleep and slept straight through the night.

I am coughing and sneezing a lot this morning and suddenly around 6.45 started to feel really cold. The temp was 15C

By midday it had warmed up to 22C and I had to take my long sleeve singlet.

Steps: 5635=2.98km’s

BGL: 7.0

I slept well, I did wake a couple of times to pee but straight back to sleep. I slept for 6hrs and 59mins and was awake for 24mins during the night.

I started to ride the scooter up to wait with Sam for her transport to arrive but while I was stopped out the front of Jess’s it started to rain so I came back and swapped to the walker. I was waiting for Sam to join me and had my back against the letter boxes, well Sam came up behind me and when she touched my shoulders I screamed. I was recording a text for Sue and had to assure her I was ok due to the screaming.

After I got back it started to piss down raining and rained most of the day.

I mopped the laundry, kitchen and bathroom floors. I also changed the sheets.

Sue went to have her tyre looked at and while she was at the tyre place the road out the front flooded, one small red car was nearly covered in water. To leave she had to drive down the footpath, but she managed it.

Tim rang at 5pm to let me know he will be late due to the traffic. As it turned out he was 30-mins late.

BGL:5.8

Steps:7,575= 4.61Km’s

I slept well, 6hrs and 14mins and I was awake for 14mins during the night.

I woke feeling sick in the gut, but that improved after I ate. I also woke to rain.

It has rained on and off all day, Sue came and took me to do some shopping. Thankfully it wasn’t raining when I went to meet Sam this arvo.

Sue said the bras I bought her from Temu fitted well and she is happy with them.

Tim has conjunctivitis in one eye, he said he will see if he can see a pharmacist tomorrow and get some drops for it.

BGL: 5.8

Steps: 9,033=5.59km’s

I slept well, 7hrs & 4min and I was awake for 23mins during the night. It is a cold morning had to get a jacket on as well as turn the heater on, thankfully only needed it on for an hour.

It has been fine all day no rain at all.

Tim rang to let me know he will be late.

When Jess got home from work, she brought over her work shirt for me to wash and to the cleaned re-ironed shirt home with her.

Steps: 8,244=5.13kms

BGL: 6.2

Hobart

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This week we are looking at Hobart, which is the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. It has a population of around 56,000.

Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. The city’s backdrop is 1,270m-high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.

Battery Point is Hobart’s first suburb, and widely regarded as the best-preserved colonial-era suburb in Australia.

The Muwinina people are the traditional owners of Hobart, Tasmania. They are one of the four distinct groups of Tasmanian Aboriginal people who lived in southern Tasmania, along with the Nuenonne, Mellukerdee, and Lyluequonny. The Muwinina were known as the “South East People”. The city of Hobart is situated on land that was once the domain of the Muwinina for thousands of years. 

Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest capital city, it was founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, by Lt-Governor Collins. Initially named Hobart Town, it grew from a small settlement to a significant port, driven by industries like whaling and shipbuilding. 

Hobart served as a penal colony, with a significant influx of convicts and a growing reliance on industries like whaling and shipbuilding. 

In 1811 Governor Macquarie ordered a town plan for Hobart, which was developing rapidly, with hotels, shops, and other establishments. 

The 1820s saw increased development with more efficient administrators and a growing number of free settlers and ex-convicts. 

The town became a municipality in 1852 and in 1857 it was designated a secular city. It was in 1881 that the “Town” was formally dropped from its name, leaving it as simply “Hobart”. 

Today, Hobart is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, including the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). It also boasts a dynamic food scene and the famous Salamanca Market. 

Hobart is one of the best places to visit during Summer, with average temperatures ranging from 11.5 – 21°C (52.7 – 69.8°F). The months of January and February are also the driest, and beaches are warm enough to swim. 

Autumn has many calm, sunny days, with average temperatures between 8.9 – 17.3°C (48 – 63.1°F). The city is blanketed in deep red and yellow hues as the trees begin to change.

During Winter the island feels the southerly winds from the Antarctic and experiences some of Australia’s coolest temperatures. Mount Wellington is dotted with snow and average daily temperatures range from 5 – 12.3°C (41 – 54.1°F). Overnight temperatures can drop as low as 3°C (37.4°F).

In Spring, average temperatures range from 7.8 – 16.9°C (46 – 62.4°F). This is the wettest time of year (168.7mm / 6.6 inches), however it should be noted that Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city (after Adelaide).

Hippo’s

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This week we are looking at hippo’s aka hippopotamus they are what some refer to as stout and naked-skinned. They are semiaquatic artiodactyl mammals, possessing three-chambered stomachs and walking on four toes on each foot. While they resemble pigs physiologically, their closest living relatives are the cetaceans. They are sometimes referred to as hippopotamids.

Their hooves are different from other ungulates, as they are more like fingernails. Their feet are webbed, which helps them move about in water.

They are found in the heart of Africa’s wetlands. These semi-aquatic creatures live in and around lakes, rivers, and grassland swamps. There are two species of hippopotamuses, the common river hippopotamus and the smaller pygmy hippopotamus.

Common river hippopotamuses are native to sub-Saharan Africa. They live in waterways like rivers, lakes, swamps, and estuaries. These semi-aquatic mammals can be found in various African countries, with populations in both East and West Africa.

Pygmy hippos, unlike their larger relatives, are found in the tropical rainforests and swamps of four West African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Their slightly smaller bodies have adapted to allow them to easily navigate the vegetation in rainforests.

Hippos must keep their skin wet with mud or water for most of the day to stay hydrated. While they don’t have sweat glands, they secrete a red substance called blood sweat. This helps protect their reddish-brown, thick yet sensitive skin from sunburn and keeps it moisturised. Despite their need to spend most of their time in the water, hippos can’t swim. Instead, they run or walk along riverbeds. When they’re rafting—napping while submerged in water—a subconscious reflex keeps them near the water’s surface.

They are formidable creatures and considered the second largest land mammal, smaller only than elephants. The average male hippo can weigh around 3,200 kilos (7,000 pounds, they’re typically around 3.5 metres (11 feet) long and 1.5 metres tall (5 feet).

While adult pygmy hippos stand about 75–100 cm (2.46–3.28 ft) high at the shoulder, are 150–175 cm (4.92–5.74 ft) in length and weigh 180–275 kg (397–606 lb). Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years, though it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild.

Hippos have bulky, barrel-shaped bodies, short and stout legs, large heads, and enormously powerful jaws. Their jaws can open to 180 degrees and their bite is three times stronger than a lion. They have incredible sharp teeth that can grow up to 50cms long, which are used for eating and defence. The common hippopotamus has four webbed toes adapted to support them on land and in water. On the other hand, pygmy hippos tend to have less webbing and slightly longer legs. A hippo’s eyes and nostrils sit on top of its head, which helps it stay mostly submerged in water while breathing and keeping an eye on its surroundings. Although hippos can’t breathe underwater, they can hold their breath for up to five mins.

Hippos exhibit strong social bonds and typically live in groups of anywhere between 40 to 200, known as bloats, pods, or herds.

They are territorial creatures and use their dung to mark their territory. Male hippos have been known to flick their dung around to assert dominance. This dung is actually important to their aquatic ecosystems, as it transfers vital nutrients from land to water, allowing insects, plants, and other microorganisms to flourish. 

They play a crucial role in the ecosystem it inhabits in other ways, too. These herbivores graze on the vegetation surrounding wetlands, helping prevent overgrowth, which can clog water sources, disrupt the natural flow of water, and threaten the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. 

Healthy wetlands act as effective carbon sinks and remove excess carbon from the atmosphere. By maintaining the balance of these delicate ecosystems, hippos help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Hippos are facing several threats to their survival as a species. Global conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the well-being of the species and the ecosystems it inhabits. 

Dominica Pt 2

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This week we are looking at a few more facts about the country of Dominica.

Their national animal is the Sisserou parrot, also known as the Imperial amazon or Dominican amazon. It is an endangered species, endemic to Dominica, and appears on the national flag and coat of arms.

The national flower is the Sabinea carinalis, commonly known as Carib Wood or Bois Caraibe. It’s also referred to as Bwa Kwaib. 

They have an official national dish called Callaloo soup. This hearty, thick soup is made with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, and often includes yams, peppers, onions, salted meat or crab, and green bananas. It’s a staple in Dominican cuisine and is often served during special occasions. 

The coat of arms was adopted on July 21, 1961. It consists of a shield with two guardian sisserou parrots bracing the shield atop of which is a lion passant. The quarters of the shield depict a canoe, a banana tree, a palm and a frog of the native species known as the mountain chicken.

The country has made strides in protecting women’s rights through legal frameworks and international commitments, but challenges remain, particularly in areas like workplace discrimination and access to reproductive health services. The government has enacted legislation addressing violence, including domestic violence and sexual offenses, and has ratified international conventions like CEDAW. However, gaps exist in areas like employment discrimination and the availability of emergency contraception.

The age of consent for sexual relations is 16. The law prohibits using children for commercial sexual exploitation, including child sex trafficking, and related activity may be prosecuted under laws against prostitution or trafficking.

Dominica has a Westminster-style parliamentary government, and there are three political parties–the Dominica Labour Party (the majority party), the Dominica United Workers Party, and the Dominica Freedom Party. A president and prime minister make up the executive branch.

It is considered one of the safest Caribbean countries for travelers. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a same-sex couple, or a family with children, the island’s progressive laws, including legislation decriminalizing same-sex relations on 22 April 2024, ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all demographics.  However, visitors should exercise caution at all times. Regarding outdoor activities, most beaches in Dominica are safe for swimming and snorkelling.

Adelaide

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This week we are looking at the town of Adelaide the capital of South Australia, it has a population of around 1.4 million.

It is unique in Australia for being a planned city established as a free settlement, not a penal colony. Founded in 1836, it was named in honour of Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, wife of King William IV. The city’s layout, designed by Colonel William Light, features a grid pattern surrounded by parklands, making it a “city within a park”.

It was the first Australian city to be linked by telegraph to London (1872), and the first to allow women to vote (1895). 

It is also known as the “City of Churches” due to the presence of numerous religious buildings. 

The River Torrens, flowing through the city, played a significant role in its development and is a landmark feature. That being its ring of parkland on the River Torrens is home to renowned museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, displaying expansive collections including noted Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum, devoted to natural history. The city’s Adelaide Festival is an annual international arts gathering with spin-offs including fringe and film events.

The traditional owners of the Adelaide region, specifically the Adelaide Plains, are the Kaurna people. They are recognized as the custodians of this land, with their traditional lands extending from Port Broughton to Cape Jervis. The City of Adelaide formally acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional owners and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. 

The traditional Kaurna name for Adelaide is Tarntanya, which translates to “red kangaroo place”. The Kaurna people are the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains, and Adelaide was their central gathering place and area of movement and activity. While the city of Adelaide is now known by its European name, the Kaurna name is increasingly recognized and used, particularly in signage and dual naming efforts. 

So, what is the town known for well, its vibrant arts and cultural scene, particularly its extensive festival calendar. It’s also recognized for its high-quality education and beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and wine regions. Furthermore, Adelaide is a city known for its charming architecture, exceptional coffee, and artisan produce.

The Adelaide region has a Mediterranean climate, characterised with cold to mild wet winters and warm to hot dry summers. Most of the region’s rainfall occurs from mid-autumn to mid spring (April to October), which coincides with southern Australia’s wet season.

In May 1899, in a break with the common international practice of setting one-hour intervals between adjacent time zones, South Australia advanced Central Standard Time by thirty minutes after lobbying by businesses who wanted to be closer to Melbourne time and cricketers and footballers who wanted more daylight.

Melbourne

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we are looking at the town of Melbourne.   Greater Melbourne’s area of approximately 9900 km² of suburbs spread more than 40 km to the south, 30 km to the east, 20 km to the north and sprawl across vast, flat basalt plains to the west.

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city’s centre is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.

Melbourne’s population is estimated to be around 5.39 million people.

Melbourne is situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples, part of the Eastern Kulin Nation. These First Nations peoples have a strong connection to the land, water, and community, and their history and culture are integral to Melbourne’s identity. 

Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting, and cultural significance for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and their Eastern Kulin neighbours. 

The Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples continue to have a strong connection to their land, water, and community, and they are actively involved in cultural preservation and community engagement. 

Melbourne offers opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience Aboriginal culture through organizations like the Koorie Heritage Trust, Museums Victoria (Bunjilaka), and other cultural initiatives. 

Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate, also known as a mild temperate climate. This means it experiences warm summers, cool winters, and relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year. It’s also known for its unpredictable weather, with locals often saying they can experience four seasons in a single day. 

The town’s location on the coast and its proximity to the Southern Ocean contribute to its changeable weather. It’s also located on the boundary of hot inland areas and the cool Southern Ocean, which further contributes to its unpredictable conditions. 

Melbourne is widely known for its vibrant street art, bustling laneways, world-class coffee culture, diverse culinary scene, and thriving arts and culture scene. It’s also renowned as a major sporting city, hosting major events like the Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix. Additionally, Melbourne is recognized for its liveability and multiculturalism, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. 

Melbourne’s history begins with its founding in 1835 by settlers from Tasmania who established a settlement on the Yarra River. The city was named in honour of the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Melbourne experienced significant growth due to the 1850s Gold Rush, which brought in a large influx of people and fuelled economic prosperity. 

In the 1850’s the discovery of gold in the region led to the Gold Rush, dramatically transforming Melbourne into a bustling metropolis. The city’s population quadrupled, reaching 80,000 within three years.  

In 1851 Victoria separated from New South Wales and became a separate colony, with Melbourne as its capital. 

Between 1850 and 1880 Melbourne became a major trading and industrial centre, with the development of infrastructure like railways and the Melbourne Harbour Trust.  During 1901 and 1927 Melbourne served as the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Melbourne hosted the Summer Olympics in 1956, becoming the first city outside of Europe and North America to do so. 

During the 1990’s and 2000’s Melbourne continued to evolve, with the development of major infrastructure projects like CityLink and the construction of Federation Square.

Melbourne is also famous for The Melbourne Cup which is a horse race held on the first Tuesday in November. It is an annual race held at the Flemington Racecourse. It is the richest two-mile handicup in the world and one of the richest turf races. The event starts at 3:00 pm on the first Tuesday of November and is known locally as “the race that stops the nation”.

The Melbourne Cup has cemented itself as a part of Melbourne and Australian culture, having been run every year since 1861 except for an intermission during both World Wars.

The day of the race has been a public holiday for much of Victoria since 1876.