Madagascar! Like so many places, I just didn't know what to expect but when I got there? This is NOTHING like what I expected! The rain forests were less jungle-like and the south much drier than I imagined. Beautiful country, beautiful people. I would highly recommend!

Mauritius! 1st: Less than half the size of Rhode Island, so that's impressive by itself for a nation. Beautiful tropical Island that they say would take 5 hours to drive around. If i were in the "neighborhood" i would definitely visit again!

Been a little negligent on travels! NZ to Sydney, Perth, then Broome WA which was completely new to us. Stepping out of airport, "was this a mistake"? Flat, red, HOT! But, like many SMALL isolated places, it has a charm and OWNS IT!

Traveled from Coromandal Town to Whitianga. Nice little town that probably EXPLODES during high season. Since it is NOT high season, I would recommend! The Waiau waterfalls are close by, maybe 30 minutes drive and just past Waiau Kauri Grove. #waterfalls #NZ #newZealand #Coromandal #whitianga #waiau

So, most Americans don't know that there are 2 types of Kiwi fruit: Green and Gold. We usually only see the Green but the Gold variety is very common amongst the non-fruit Kiwis! #NewZealand #Kiwi

The last time in Rotorua, NZ, it rained, windy and cold! This time, sunny and wonderful! It turns out to be a nice Lakeside small city. Ok, smells like a sewer but they can't help THAT! #NZ #Nature #Beautiful #rotorua #coromandal

Continuing our trip around NE portion of NZ. Stopped in Napier 2 nights (been there before) then Couple for lunch, also stayed several days in before.

After Thames, Te Kaha, then 3 nights in Gisborne. Unfortunately, it was cold (8°C), windy and rainy with almost nothing to do indoors. We visited the farmer's market and walked away with some pretty good wines, even a fortified version. We also did the town's museum and flight museum. Both excellent

Currently working our way clockwise around the north island of NZ. Visited our friends in Tauranga, then one night in Thames. We visited the pump house museum of technology. Pretty neat little display of one(s) long ago attempt to lower the ground water enough to reach more gold. No gold was found!

In Auckland and I think we are mostly over jet lag. Started the visit with a dinner at Orbit 360° Dining. Amazing! We were tired from the long trip but the excitement kept us awake until a reasonable bedtime.

Safari part 1. Stayed inside the Phinda reserve for 1st 4 nights of Safari. I can't really begin to describe how awesome everything was! The tracker, guide, sightings... We went out every morning about 5:30 till maybe 9 or 9:30. Then again at 4:30 till after dark, about 7:30.

Have you hugged an elephant today?

From Franschhoek to lekkerwater beach near the Da Hoop Marine reserve. We got to watch dolphins in the waves for about an hour (not a great photo but the dolphins AREin the waves)! Sunset, then today we took a guided tour of the tide pools. So much life!

From the mountains down to the wine scene of Franschhoek. 2 nights in a Disneyland styled "working farm" to now what looks so much like ANY other wine town anywhere. Mid to old age white folks walking in the streets with total disregard for the locals. We are off to riding bikes and sampling wine!

Thought I was going to keep up a little more on our journey. Maybe a journal sort of thing. I have, thus far, FAILED! LOL Here are the birds enjoying a bath after we FINALLY got out of their birdbath! Oh, and Red Hartebeest in the background.

We visited Inkaka Island. It is part of the Century City development. While I am guessing they wanted to develop this unusable swamp land, someone stepped in and said "oh yeah, no". So, they came up with the idea of saving some for a park. However it came about, it is a pleasant place to be!

Made it to Capetown S.A! Beautiful area (though haven't explored much yet). Currently in Century City area which looks like a relatively new development. A very modern mall surrounded by residential space and other businesses. 2 views from our room and... 💐!

We recently got our Smart tags from Samsung (think Apple Airtag). Up until today, it was more of a toy. I guess it's still kind of a toy. I mean after all, I knew where my bag was not, KLM did tell me where my bag was. Trust but verify.

Nacreous clouds above Alta, Norway. Came for the Northern lights and treated with a day time special event!

Finally had the stars align as we were out of the city, clear skies and the aurora was on display!

Last sunrise for a a few days!