Category Archives: United Kingdom

Fiji – Frontliner’s Conference. Part One

Fiji

FijiairwaysNTK_074928
Photo courtesy of Fiji Airways.

With Fiji Airways showing off their new uniforms and livery, we’re off to Fiji for the Frontliner’s Conference to learn more about the products, services and facilities on offer to share with our clients. And some site inspections …

IMG_8865 (2)
Right now can’t think of a better place to go.

P1100533
Room with a view alright!

P1100480
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa is located on beautiful Denarau Island. This five star Fiji resort overlooks the beachfront, adjacent to the world class Denarau Golf and Racquet Club.

P1100485 (3)
And what better way to start a conference, mingling and networking at the Radisson Blu with Ellie, Karen, Liz and Julie.

P1100502 (2)
Relaxing at the Radisson. It doesn’t matter which property you stay at, the sunsets are amazingly spectacular.

P1100562 (2)
What a treat, we’ve had the pleasure of listening to the local school children’s choir at a mock footy game between Australia and New Zealand. Put this on your ‘to do list’ as the harmonies are like no other.

P1100613 (2)
Whilst staying on Denarau Island, the Bula Bus will take you around on a circuit for as little as FJD8.00 per day.

P1100643
Time to split. Here with my group of specialists in various fields of travel along with our leader Carlah from Fiji Tourism, we’re heading off to Taveuni Island, third largest island of Fiji. Pilot Sam is at the ‘wheel’ of Island Hoppers regular service.

P1110457
Although the island technically observes one standard timing convention, there is a marker and sign that observes the official location of the International Date Line, where visitors can straddle time by firmly setting one foot in today while the stands in the past.
the 180 degree line in Fiji is also the international date line. With a single eastward step here on Taveuni island we can leap 24 hours back into yesterday. Stepping back across the line literally brings you back to the future … For a New Years party, this would be the place to be and has been added to be “must do’ list.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

London to Sydney – Homeward Bound

United Kingdom

P1080695
Make no mistake about London – it’s quirky, fun and a city I love. At Trafalgar Square I have no idea why there’s a blue rooster here, but thought it was quite intriguing.

P1080684 (2)
The Royal Horse Guards with rider-less bikes in the foreground.

P1080735
St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

P1080728
On my way to meet up with friends for lunch and a few bevvies.

P1080727
At Fleet Street, London. The literary figures Oliver Goldsmith, Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton and Dr. Johnson are all said to have been ‘regulars’.

P1080719

P1080716 (2)
At the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese with author/writer Vitali Vitaliev (left), who is another train enthusiast and we chatted later about further rail journeys in 2015. At right is Alexander Boot, one of my favourite bloggers who ‘tells it as he sees it’. Check out his post relating to Sydney’s recent terrorist activity. http://alexanderboot.com/content/sydney-could-come-london-says-dave
I know I’m heading home to a country which has never experienced this type of action before.

P1090030 (2)
Some things never change, just like I can never pick navy-blue stockings for being black (until it’s too late), I am at times a nervous traveller particularly with long-haul flights. Trying to relax before the arduous flight home with Qantas Airways. Twenty-two hours from gate to gate … Transit time in Dubai is less than two hours which makes QF one of the best airlines to travel with. Three months away will seem like a dream when I return to Down Under.

QFLHR
Not to be disappointed with the Qantas crew going home, they were fantastic and really embraced the spirit of Christmas. Big thanks to Jean-Luc from London to Dubai and Anne and the team from Dubai to Sydney who made the journey home comfortable and bearable.