Dee Touring

Around the World in 80 Bags

2010-06-20T01:30:00.007+10:00

In 8 years of criss-crossing the oceans between the United States and the South Pacific region, I have gone through 8 suitcases.

If only those suitcases could talk...they'd tell you about exotic tropical destinations like New Caledonia (Coral Sea), the northern tip of New Zealand (Wahihoihoi), the southern tip of Australia (Tasmania), the beaches of South Florida, the dunes of Oregon, and a trip or two to my all-time favorite destination, Vancouver, BC.

The two green suitcases I first took to Australia in 2003 are long gone. The two black bags I brought back from Tasmania were donated recently to the Goodwill store in Wilton Manors, Florida, where I picked up a cloth suit bag and a Sharper Image carry on bag for under $25.

I have bought a new suitcase every know and again, and buying a brand name does not always mean better than the no-name hand-me-downs from the Salvation Army stores that I frequent at every destination.

For instance, I bought a Kenneth Cole designer suit bag in bright orange in Manhattan for a pretty penny, swayed by the warranty (which was not honored a month after purchase for workmanship). It never made but one or two trips and I "donated" the unsuitable bag to the Muslim Charity Container in Sydney. Actually, the bag was too big to put into the bin, and I had a feeling it would be scarfed up overnight. Good riddance!

My hot pink-wheelie and designer pattern bag from New Zealand remains my all-time favorite. I almost didn't buy it in Rotorua, but glad now that I did. Worth every penny, it has traversed the Pacific Ocean 5 times so far. I have to watch carefully at baggage claim carrousels that someone doesn't grab it and run. It's so distinctive, I've never seen another like this Quicksilver-brand bag.

My latest additions are not long for the world tour. Maybe a dee-tour or two. But the $25 WalMart special is only designed for a few plane changes before it is replaced with one of those fancy new roller bags, and the tiny orange cosmetic bag - well that was an impulse buy for carry-on cosmetics.

I consider it a credit to claim my entire worldly possessions can be contained in about 8 suitcases (3 I leave in Australia, 3 I travel with, and 2 are in storage in Florida). I can't even count the number of golf bags and computer bags I have owned over the years and schlepped across continents. Many R.I.P., and many are living new lives ex Salvos, Goodwill, and the Charity Shops I have encountered across the miles.

What's your footwear?

2010-06-12T06:26:00.007+10:00

Which pair of shoes best describes your summer travel plans?

Flip Flops | Hiking Boots | Spa Slippers | Tennis Shoes | Go Barefoot

I have been trolling Florida beaches on the Gulf of Mexico coast in advance of the oil spill spoiling the white sands, translucent water and wildlife. Walking lightly and enjoying the water and waves while still pristine.

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia and Florida.

Fancy Florida Feasts

2010-05-27T00:41:00.007+10:00

For the past 4 weeks, amidst worsening news about the oil slick ruining tourism and fishing in my home state, I have been eating at restaurants with names like Shell Bar, Poseys Seafood, Wharf Express, and the Catfish Pad along the Gulf Coast from St. Marks to Apalachicola Bay.

Favorite Five Foods

1. Catfish and Hush Puppys. Forget the cheese grits and fried okra, I went straight for the fish and backbone fried in pure peanut oil.

2. Fried pickles with dip. A meal in themselves but beer helps.

3. Smoked Mullet followed by Oyster Stew in heavy cream soup.

4. Fisherman's bay catch. Deep fried in corn meal, combo scallops, oysters, shrimp.

5. Chicken livers and hot boiled peanuts on the side.

Did I mention Florida lobsters, fresh water crayfish, and stone crabs? I am sickened by the thought of an end to this harvest when the oil spill hits the Florida coast and the Keys.

Florida's Sunshine State: Home Sweet Home

2010-05-20T10:49:00.010+10:00

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia - when she's not renewing her driver's license and post office box and voting in her former home state of Florida. She's lived in the capital city of Tallahassee, once a sleepy college town, and at the furtherest tip in Key West, a.k.a. The Conch Republic. She's been gone for 15 years, and things have changed. Not to mention the impending "high test" oil slick hitting her beloved beaches on the Panhandle in the Gulf of Mexico. Paddle on!

Here in North Florida, the weather can change every 10 minutes. I've even experienced simultaneous rain in the front yard and sunshine in the backyard. This visit has been pleasantly cool, not too humid or "buggy." I ventured to the far beaches, paddled down a river, went lake fishing, and erstwhile drove around visiting my former abodes of 35 years ago. Seeing friends and family has been warm, as if I never left, but the traffic congestion and crime has been a shock. Oh well, progress, eh?

St. George Island is still pristine (pre-oil spill arrival), and the local catches of shrimp, mullet, and oysters plump and tasty as I remember. (I paid $4 for a half-dozen versus $4 each in NYC at the Fresh Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station last month!)

Other favorite foods I've been goughing on? Boiled Peanuts, Smoked Mullet, Crayfish and farm-grown trout in lieu of local catfish that I devoured regularly with lots of hush puppies on the side. (The source - Lake Talquin Inn - is closed. So is world fanous Poseys at St. Mark's Refuge and Lighthouse Point where I used to peel pounds of shrimp at a sitting with my local seaf00d-loving mates.)

Ode to Moms

2010-05-10T00:36:00.005+10:00

I have 3 half sisters who are Moms. Lots of good vibes to them today and may they be appreciated by their many children.

Speaking of many, I am the first of 10 by my birth mother (above at 83), RIP. I miss you Mom!

My adopted Mother is still going strong (at 93.5!) , and happy I got to see here on this visit up from downunder.

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia.

King Tut Nut

2010-05-03T08:38:00.004+10:00

Long time Egypt nut, I was drawn to the King is Back exhibit in NYC this month. King Tut, on his way to final resting spot in Cairo, returned to New York 30 years after the first King Tut tour took the US by storm.

I saw the show maybe twice around the US, and recently saw an exhibition of mummys and masterpieces from King Tut tour at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

By far the New York show was brilliant and the self-paced tour well- choreographed. The 25-minute, 3 D film at the end of the galleries and gift shop was more than worth the $5! Those 3 D glasses really make a statement, eh?

Not as good as being on the Nile with my travel mate Cheryl, but at least I was there with her in spirit at the exhibit while she was at Abu Simbel.

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in America and Australia.

2010-04-28T05:10:00.006+10:00

It's been a fast two weeks of travelling to get from downunder to the US, with bicoastal visits so far.

My flight from SYD to LAX only took 12 hours - thanks, says my back. After 12 hours near the airport at a hotel with a spa and pool, my aching back and I got on another 12 hour flight and car trip, making it 36 hours in total to get door to door.

I took my birthday week to visit with family in Hershey, the sweetest place on the planet. Ate my fair share of chocolate! Got to see my grand niece and newborn nephew, plus my pregnant niece and her husband. There must be something in that chocolate...Mom is 93 and 122 pounds and Heath is 22 pounds at 8 months! Interesting extremes!

Now I'm in the Big Apple, after an absence of one year. Same Same. Only Different.

I think I'm on my seventh suitcase now, about one a year for the 7 years of wanderlust I've been enjoying.

Deetouring Dee

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently works in Australia and is visiting around the US. American by birth, Australian by choice.

Snapshots from DownUnder Deetour

2010-04-10T16:51:00.012+10:00

From September '09 until April '10, I was able to see a lot of Australia. Some old haunts, some new ones. When not on the road, I took time to explore my own backyard and uncover some secrets of Sydney.

Here are some of the Queen Dee in Queensland and the Island Nomad in Tasmania, the largest island of Australia.

It's Hot in Brisbane but Cool N Gatta

2010-03-28T13:34:00.011+11:00

Just back from Rainbow Bay, a photogenic spot at the rainbow's edge on the Gold Coast Australia Australia. Another American friend living in hot Brisbane (a warm 29C yesterday) told me about this bay in Coolangatta (Australia's oldest tourist town and home of one beautiful, functional, friendly airport.

After a a thirsty afternoon of photographing surfers and waiting for the spectacular sunset, I cooled down with a cold lager (-10C) called Sundown by James Squire, Australia's first brewer. In 1788, the founding of Australia was toasted with the colony's last 4 glasses of ale. So James Squire made some more. Bless him for never forsaking flavour in his beer crafting.

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia. (Photo by Edmund McCombs, fellow American explorer living downunder, at Luna Park in Sydney.) She'll be photographing hot travel destinations and travellers in the USA's Sunshine State from April to June.

Melbourne - City of Festivals

2010-03-21T13:27:00.003+11:00

Flew to Melbourne for a long weekend of R&R. Plenty of choices with 5 simultaneous festivals: film, fashion, food, flowers and comedy.

Started midday with the food and wine festival (top pick: he pinot noir reserve from DeAngelo Vineyard in Yarra.) and ended the day with Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey) flick called Hannah Free. Wonderful!

Coffee on Ackland Street, dinner on Fitzroy. Just eating and drinking my way around stunning Melbourne. Why did I ever leave?

- - -

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia.

Be a Traveller, Not A Tourist

2010-03-14T17:21:00.003+11:00

For some reason, I was being tested today. Am I a traveller or a tourist?

I meet up with fellow ex-pat explorer Edmund at THE most touristy place in Sydney - Circular Quay and the Ferry Terminal - on a sunny Sunday afternoon. After saying hello to Americans on shore leave from the docked Pacific Princes - the real tourists - we strolled over to the market at The Rocks.

We tried to look like locals, but we practically shouted "Tourist" with Lonely Planet and Fodor''s Australia in hand and two cameras on wrists straps, always at the ready.

We started with photos of the Origami Tigers outside the Customs House (in honour of the Year of the Tiger), then snaps of Luna Park, The Harbour Bridge and Opera House before taking our tired feet and hungry tummys to Scuffy Paddy's Bar at World Square for a Guiness and beef pie.

OK, we looked like tourists, but Edmund and I are intrepid travellers, having made our way through several countries and a few suitcases and backpacks. Funny that we should encounter this sign (for AMEX).

Travel destination writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, and blogs as Dee Touring Dee and DeeTours DownUnder.

On the road again...

2010-03-07T15:43:00.010+11:00

Travel writer Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia.

Scenes from my recent excursion to the world's largest lagoon, which surrounds the Loyalty Islands. Lifou, Ouvea and Mare islands are almost unknown, but now that the lagoon is World Heritage listed, it won't be long before divers and snorkelers and sailboats show up.

2010-02-17T12:17:00.005+11:00

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits.

Funny, I was watching the Winter Olympics Medal Presentation for Moguls and No 1-2-3 were from my above countries: Canada, gold, Australia, silver, and USA, bronze.

Two years ago, I stood on the podium in the Olympic Village at Whistler, when it was being set up to serve as information centre.

Wish I were there now to see the first-ever Pride House for athletes and spectators. I'm following you online and via delayed, downunder television.

Where are you now?

2010-02-14T09:03:00.004+11:00

I get asked that a lot by folks back home. Sometimes I have to stop and think!

This week, I'm at home in Sydney glued to the tube for the Winter Olympics. I toured the Whistler Ski Village two years ago, and was supposed to be living and working there during the excitement, but alas I'm full with work in OZ.

My downunder deetours since I wrote last include the sunny-state-of-mind Gold Coast Australia, arid Adelaide and SA Wine Country, and lagoon-surrounded New Caledonia.

For R&R, I have trips planned to Melbourne for the Food & Wine Festival and a visit with my cat Harley in Kaye's care, and to my beloved Tasmania. After that, it's a return to USA.

If you miss me back in North America, make your reservations now for my return. California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Vanouver, in the quiet aftermath of the exciting games. I'm at the Pride House in spirit.

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits.

South Australia Holiday

2010-01-27T21:46:00.013+11:00

Australia Day (26 January) proudly celebrated with matching cap and flag at Adelaide's Henley Beach.

Adelaide Adventures: South Australia Revisted

2010-01-25T22:09:00.008+11:00

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits. She is currently on assignment in South Australia, home of some of the best known grape growing regions downunder.

Kept thinking of my brother Joe, a Wednesday night marathon cyclist back in Indianapolis. This past Wednesday, I caught a glimpse of his idol, Lance Armstrong, who put together a team to ride in the Down Under Tour in South Australia.

I rode into Adelaide (on a motorscooter not racing bike) for the long weekend, not realizing the bike tour would wind all through the wine region and around downtown. It was exciting to watch close up and personal as well as on the nightly news.

My former business name was DeeTours DownUnder, so love the race moniker...The Tour Down Under.

Previously, I had personal guided trips to Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. This trip, my goal was Clare Valley, home of some notable reislings and world-class shiraz. Thanks to my Bacchus Wine Society (Denver) mate Barry, I had a great day visiting some of his local favorites...Mt Serum (09 Nebbiolo), Monarch ($100/case shiraz special), Sevenhills ($5 wine skin), Stonebridge (pizza and wheat beer), Neagles Rock (08 Shiraz).

Wine touring down under - superb!

I knew I was an Aussie!

2010-01-12T18:05:00.004+11:00

I just happened to be at Brighton-Le-Sands beach today, across Botany Bay from where I live with the noise and pollution of international air carriers coming and going at an alarming rate.

I was reflecting on the first settlers, and the hard life those convicts and military rulers had from landing day. Between 18 and 20 January 1788, no less than 12 ships landed at Botany Bay. Having left merry old England chocker block full of provisions and prisoners, they sailed on 13 May, via Rio de Janerio then Capetown, before arriving in what is now Sydney, Australia.

Amongst the First Fleet was a shop called Scarborough, with my ancestor Philip Farrell. Don't know what his crime was, or his fate after arriving downunder at the penal colony, but my gut says he survived - like many an Irish compadre/criminal sent down from England.

About the Scarborough:

Being a large 430 tons, the Scarborough carried 208 male convicts. She was built at Scarborough in1782. The Scarborough sailed back to England and returned to Port Jackson in the Second fleet. Apart from the 'Sirius' and 'Supply', she was the only other ship from the first fleet to return. She was skippered by Master Kohn Marshall.

Hmmm, do you think the Immigration Bureau would heed my bid to become a permanent resident via bloodline?

Proudly American by birth, Australian by choice!

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits. She uses various emails, as her mood suits: dee@deetoursdownunder.com, dee@rainbowtourism.com, dee@peacocktourism.com.

My 2009: Fours Seasons Around the Globe

2009-12-25T17:40:00.013+11:00

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits. Her skirting the weather took her from New York City in one of the coldest Winters on record to Florida for one of the most hot and humid Summers ever in Fort Lauderdale.

In August, she was ticketed for Vancouver in time for a colourful Canadian Maple Leaf Fall, but by September she was unexpectedly back in Sydney for Spring time and a green instead of white Christmas.
Have suitcase, will travel.

My year in photo review includes New York, Pennsylvania, South Florida, The Conch Republic (Key West), New South Wales (Sydney), Tasmania (Hobart), Queensland (Surfers Paradise), and a new island destination for me - New Caledonia. (A French Territory in the South Pacific).

--DeeTouring Dee

One American’s Journey Through the Outback

2009-12-05T12:38:00.001+11:00

One American’s Journey Through the Outback

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24 hours in an offshore, French-accented hideaway

2009-12-03T19:13:00.000+11:00

New Caledonia. Who knew?

When forced to depart OZ for 24 hours to stay in line with silly, antiquated migration rules, I chose somewhere new. Not New Zealand like last time, but New Caledonia for the first time.

Turned out to be an old place, inhabited by former French criminals and Kanak tribal people with advanced architectural design skills.

The capital city Noumea appealed to this Island Nomadbecause it is rather cosmopolitan in a charming way, not third world like some Sydney neighborhoods! I liked it because it was not crowded with tourists, the beaches were pristine, and snorkeling magical.

What more could a food and wine buff want more than 5 days of waterfront Cuisine Francaise and vin rouge from Bourdeaux, Rhone and Alsace regions where my grandparents toiled in the wine making industry a century ago.

PS I liked it so much, I spent 124 hours away, not a day. My flight on Aircalin's new 777 was one of the best in terms of comfort that I can remember. Pity the flight was only 2.5 hours long! I highly recommend the airline and the destination for ex-pats, honeymooners, and women wanderers. --Deetouring Dee

Dee- Member Map, Blogs, Reviews, Tips

2009-11-21T14:32:00.001+11:00

Dee- Member Map, Blogs, Reviews, Tips & Facts on QGuide.com

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Tasmanian Foodie Adventures - Blog on QGuide.com

2009-11-18T20:20:00.001+11:00

Tasmanian Foodie Adventures - Blog on QGuide.com

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Joy Riding - Up in the Air

2009-11-18T18:08:00.000+11:00

In a former life, I swear I was a wing walker and member of the 99s with Amelia Earhart. In my father's life as a pilot, he flew in an open cockpit plane like this Tiger Moth biplane circa 1940.

When I was on the Gold Coast in Queensland last week, I was treated to a thrill seeker flight over the coast. Loop de loops. No prob. Whale watching when you're upside down? Problem. I took my father's silver wings with me for luck.

Gotta say, this was probably the best way to see Surfers Paradise and I highly recommend flight seeing -without the aerobatics if you prefer.

Comment from travel blogger

2009-11-13T20:06:00.000+11:00

Hi,

I spend a fair amount of time reading blogs to get an idea for what people are passionate about. Life is too short as the saying goes… So I just wanted to tell you that you’re doing a great job!

Nick Steele
nick.steele@vikingrivercruises.com

Adventure B4 Dee-mentia

2009-10-24T20:56:00.000+11:00

Adventure Before Dementia...my new motto, as seen on bumper of a Wicked Campervan. (And it was wicked looking. No doubt the young adventurers to whom it belongs are having fun in their youth.)

It's all about celebrating every day. As a gypsy-on-the-go, I've been rev'n it up as I push past middle age. 60 is the new 40, after all.

I've been back in my adopted homeland, Australia, for two months already, and have a Tasmanian driver's license with motorcycle rating, so now I just need wheels/scooter to explore further afar.

To date, I have gotten lost on the train and ended up in the wrong suburb, and spent way too long getting to the beach via train, bus and afoot. I eventually find my way home, so hopefully that means I'm not demented - at least in that sense!

My other mantra is "Be a traveler, not a tourist." Pretty apt for someone in tourism industry. Off to my next discovery...

The Devil Made Me Do It

2009-10-06T16:02:00.000+11:00

Both I and my server are nicknamed The Devil. We hail from Tasmania and are friends with a few Tasmanian devils. No names or marisupials mentioned.

I recently did a road trip following the East Coast Escape itinerary I helped develop when I was a food & wine tour operator from 2003-2007. It was my first time in a campervan and travelling solo without paid passengers.

Much better to go at my own pace so I could perform some rituals... and those do not include a flashlight search for the noctural devil, a nasty and noisy animal to say the least.

First, I donned my shell necklace I made from a seashell I picked up on my last day in Tasmania two years ago. Then I put on my Florida Apalachicola Bay Oysters t-shirt to have my photo taken on the foreshore of the Great Oyster Bay . Then I opened a local craft beer called Hazards Ale and sat myself down to enjoy the seascape at the foot of the Hazards Mountains for which it is named.

Then I had goosebumps, but it wasn't from the 10 degrees or the rain-grown giant mosquitos, rather from admiring my renewed Tasmanian Driver's License. I found my spiritual home and am becoming a Tasmaniac again!

Sundays in Sydneys

2009-09-28T15:46:00.000+10:00

I normally go directly to the beach at Bondi. Full stop.

But this weekend, I took a dee-tour to the Australian Museum before going down to the sandy strip. The walk from the train station through Hyde Park to the front door of the exhibition hall provided some great people watching. It never ceases to amaze me what frolicking folks do in a public park on a sunny, spring day!

The jewels of the Nile never cease to amaze me, either. The prospect of seeing some gold and bead specimens displayed with modern renditions of ancient designs was what drew me to the show, more so than the mummies. Seen one mummy, seen them all.

I was looking for a distinctive Eye of Horus pendant, but all the gift shop had were ordinary. The exhibit itself was anything but ordinary, so I highly recommend it.

Afterwards, I met some new friends at a new wine pub in North Bondi called simply The Shop. Expresso Cafe by day and wine bar by night, it was my kind of place. Especially since I found wine by the glass from some pretty unusual wine districts in Victoria and from Margaret River, where I'm headed for the first time soon. I had my favorite Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir called The Cups. (The vineyard is below sea level and below the 9th hole of the golf course, hence the cup.)

Cheers to both deetours this weekend!

Reviving Older Blog with New Diversions and Destinations

2009-09-21T16:53:00.000+10:00

My business and my first blog were self-titled as Dee-Tours Down-Under. Being the adventures of an ex-pat named Dee, on a four-year dee-tour around OZ and under downunder. DeeTours DownUnder's DBA was Vino Ventures on Vespas, a food and wine tour company through the vines.

I kept the blog fun and frequently updated during the 4.5 years I lived in OZ and played in Kiwiland. But after two years living back in the USA, I completely forgot how to access that blog. So now I have decided to revitalize it here in the new blogger software, under the new title Dee Touring. BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN TRAVEL AND LIFE.

I came back just weeks ago, and started my 5th journey/exploration of my adopted homeland. i hope you enjoy the tales.

Two Weeks in Sydney

2009-09-19T16:03:00.001+10:00

Ms. Peacock Tourism has been frolicking in OZ for two weeks now. Time to get to work at hand...Gathering information and inspiration for ongoing travel destination writing.

This week's assignment is to write about Sydney through the eyes of a tourist. If this were your first trip to OZ, what would be on your MUST DO in SYD list?

If this were a return trip after an absence of a few years, what would be on your TO DO list and how will the neighborhoods and haunts be different?

Since this is my 5th trip to Australia, and I have not been in Sydney for two years, the assignment will be nostalgic as well as challenging to uncover the fresh and exciting gayborhoods and new haunts.

PS Some of my "Woman on the Street" interviews and video cameos are on YouTube.com/rainbowtourism.

Freedom of Flight

2009-09-13T22:19:00.000+10:00

It was memorable to be at Bondi Beach today admist the kit flying at the 2009 Festival of Winds this warm, windy Spring day.

My father was an army-air corps pilot who flew for his country's freedom. He bragged about how much fun he had on R&R at Bondi 'bout '45.

These 60-something years later, I was there to enjoy the freedom of flight by watching some of the best kite flyers in the country at the annual competition on the same Bondi crescent strip. Glorious weather, glorious site.

Bonding @ Bondi

2009-09-10T11:53:00.001+10:00

I saved my first visit to Bondi Beach (since arriving in Sydney a week ago) for an auspiscious date: 09/09/09!

The day was exquisite and the company dee-vine as I shopped, photographed, and imbibed my way along Campbell Parade.

I want to return on SUnday for the kite flying festival of the winds. Will be a site and video opp!

Welcome home!

2009-09-06T19:07:00.001+10:00

Nice words to read from several mates replying to my short-notice that I was returning to Oz...

Yes, Dee's back, albeit this dee-tour will last just 3 months.

Here less than a week, it does feel like home as I walk around on Oxford St. and King St. Imagine my ectasy when I visit Bondi mid-week (to avoid the weekenders and those other Yanks on holiday)!

My first day's video by can be seen on YouTube and there are new photos in my Facebook album as well.

The Conch Republic Beckons

2009-08-02T00:28:00.001+10:00

Key West –Paradise Found or Paradise Lost?

A lot of people are quitting their job and moving to Key West. Why? Why now?

I did that 27 years ago, and although I stayed only a short while in this tiny 1X2 mile slice of tropical paradise, the memory has stayed vivid. So here I am again, thinking about quitting or moving my job to The Keys.

The bloody place is tropical (AKA humid), so forget going out in the heat of the day if you are allergic to sun or burn easily like all those snowbird tourists. I cope by having a change of clothes and a dozen interchangeable tank tops or sleeveless shirts in my tote.

The silly place has run amok with scooters and electric cards driven by lost snowbirds; there’s a scooter/bike rental shop and moped hospital on every street corner. Much as I love a good scooter ride to the beach, you can hardly find a place to park your bike safely.

Guess I’m getting some new walking shoes if I do move here and will sell the car on the mainland before I join the Conch Republic!

Island Girl Returns

2009-08-01T01:39:00.000+10:00

Key West in July. I don't have to tell you about tropical heat, do I? The locals taught me how to deal with it; find a restaurant/pub with A/C and stay planted till dusk. That way you can have all the calories you want at your fingertips. Island Beer, Florida Lobster, Key Lime Pie, to name a few of my favorites.

Each visit, I try at least two key lime pies and pick a winner. Last visit, it was Pepe''s with a graham crust. This visit, Square One Restaurant with a light, traditional pie crust.

The casually elegant eatery and setting were expected from the former owner of The Pines B&B. (Michael and I met years ago when I worked briefly at a neighboring guest mansion.)

I was enticed there by rumors of his fine wine list and signature seafood dishes and promise of a dee-licious Key Lime Pie experience.

Though not made by the chef, the dessert was freshly baked and dee-vine on my scale.

The abundant portions of food make it difficult, but you should definitely save room for the pie!

Kudos, Michael, for winning the "People's Choice for Favorite Overall Restaurant" in Key West.

--The Island Girl

Venturing OUT under moonlight

2009-06-28T06:03:00.000+10:00

I joined the Venture OUT Florida group last night for a once in a lifetime experience on a beach: turtle nesting.

To everyone's amazement, the MacArthur Beach State Park - a small strip sandwiched between condo developments in wealthy Palm Beach County - attracts the largest number of logerhead, green and leatherback turtles in the world save Oman.

Our quest was to find a female turtle waddling out of the water and crawling to the dune, where she would lay a hundred eggs, then close the deep hole and camoflauge the spot. We waited about two hours to find our girl and watch her produced the ping pong ball-size eggs while in a trance. She was in a trance, and so was I at sand level, watching with an infared filtered flashlight.

This was the first - but not last - outing I will do with this LGBT group. Fun things to do in Broward and Palm Beach counties with fun men and women. Nice to see the age span from the 20's to the 60's.

THe Island Nomad resurfaces in the Island City of Wilton Manors - Florida

2009-06-27T00:42:00.000+10:00

Funny, how I keep island hopping. Tasmania, an island off the island country and continent Australia, North Island of New Zealand, to Manhattan, to Key West (AKA The Conch Republic since it seceded from the mainland of Florida), and little ole Wilton Manors.

This tiny, tidy town is surrounded by three rivers, cutting it off by bridges from Greater Fort Lauderdale in sunny Florida. Hence the moniker Island City.

No, Wilton Manors is not the name of a nursing home, though many of us semi-retirees are not far off from moving into one. The village is populated by mature or ailing ex-New Yorkers and ex-Denverites, many of whom I knew when I lived in those states. In a sense I came here because I was ailing - for the ocean, the seabreeze, the sandy shores. Taking my scooter to the beach every day is my idea of paradise. And I'm feeling better just after three months of imersion here.

Stay tuned for tales of my next Island Dee-Tour: Little Torch Key in the middle of the Florida Keys.

The Ides of March in Florida

2009-02-28T14:36:00.000+11:00

What happened to January & February? I haven't written since the holi-daze and looking back I know why. The Obama-rama, Valentine's and packing up a household and storage unit of my client's things bound for the Republica de Dominica. Being his Relocation Coordinator while he was enjoying the first blush of ex-pat living in the Dominican Republic, was challenging. But nothing I hadn't already done for myself to and from Australia.

So I'm taking some R&R in March in the Sunshine State. Florida is so QUIET, CLEAN, CHEAP and UNCROWDED compared to the Big Apple.

It will take a few days to adjust to the slower pace of living and breathing in the sea spray; bring it on!

Third set of visitors descending on NYC. Happy HoliDAZE

2008-12-19T08:34:00.000+11:00

When you have a home in Manhattan, you can expect friends and relatives to pounce between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've done my part this year of living in the Big Apple.

Visiting NYC - it's more fun than living here!

2008-11-26T05:26:00.000+11:00

In anticipation of a slew of family and friends coming to NY for the holiday atmosphere, I actually wandered out this past month to the azlways-stunning Central Park, walked around the Roman Greco exhibit at MOMA, toured my literary-famous neighborhood in Gramercy Park, and even took pictures on Times Square like all the zillions of camera-toting tourists!
I even took a photo of my rooftop hot tub deck and garden, my pride and joy in an erstwhile ugly building without a doorman or services ;>)

If this is Saturday, I must be in Van-bourne or Mel-cover

2008-10-06T03:51:00.000+11:00

I swear, the guy across the aisle from me on the plane to Vancouver was from Sydney. I bought the Vancouver Sun at the airport to read back in my room at the YWCA to catch up on world news. One of those colored inserts dropped out and it was all about Australian wine club with specials this week at VanLiquors. I rarely read those human interest stories, but I had to admit the Canberra dateline caught my eye. Some 7 year old at the Australian Zoo was feeding rare animals to the resident croc. Wonder he didn't get chewed up, but then you don't bit the hand that feeds you right?

OK, I'm in Canada, and I work for an Australian tourism venture, but honestly, I could as easily be in Melbourne, Victoria (my former hometown) as in Vancouver, British Columbia (my next hometown). VAN and MEL are very similar and almost interchangeable with similar multi-cultural residents and majestic beauty - and wines. We'll see who wins the pinot noir challenge - my favorite from DownUnder or the BC Wine of the Week: a select blend from an estate in Okanagan Valley.

Cheers, mates, from wherever I am.

Thanks, Teddy

2008-10-04T05:57:00.001+10:00

Thanks, Teddy, for the Dacks

In case you didn't know, then NY Governor Theodore Roosevelt was a great outdoorsman, and out of passion for woods and wildlife, he dedicated a million acres in upstate NY as the Adirondack National Park. I read a quote of his saying to the effect that the Dacks were so beautiful "They bankrupt the English language" when trying to describe them. One million acres; zero traffic lights. Aaah.

Little did I know that someday I would live across the street from Teddy's birthplace in Manhattan and also live inside the National Park in a little village called Jay (also named for a former Governor).

I recently returned after many years and found the park and small towns surrounding Lake Placid to be as beautiful and breathtaking as I remembered. Even though I have travelled the world, I think Teddy was right about about being broke for words to describe the Adirondacks.

In lieu of words, I'm including some photos from my trip down memory lane. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's not bad for being bankrupt:>)

Too cold for kayaking and golf, so read and sleep the day away

2008-09-19T10:51:00.001+10:00

After so many wonderful days in a row, along came Thursday as a day of rest and reading. Turned off the cell phone and laptop and went to the Blue Moon Cafe for a sunflower seed bagel and cuppa Joe. Took a drive up to Crescent Bay to see about a short paddle around the lake - but too choppy for my city slicker fitness state.

The Adirondack chairs by the lake lured me and my action novel over for a short while instead. Apparently I'm suffering from typical New Yorker syndrome of not knowing how to relax after the hectic pace of subway commuting and what not. I managed a few chapters before I decided it was time for a nap back at my Craig's List share house pad.

Someone had the nerve to SKYPE me and PHONE me to get me out of bed, but my own fault for turning them back on.

As Scarlett was fond of saying, Tomorrow's Another Day...

Where to Next?

2008-09-18T11:51:00.000+10:00

I never leave home without my camera and latest issue of my favorite magazine. You just never know what direction your soul will take you, and you'll want that camera to remind you!

This week, I'm on a personal Dee-Tour to a place I once spent many happy vacations, ski weekends, my honeymoon and first sabatical. I was able to GPS my way to 92 Alder St. near Jay and Upper Jay, NY to my former cherished cabin in the woods in the North Country.

Going back to AuSable Forks, pop. 1,733, for the first time in over 30 years, was nostalgic, of course. How everything has changed! Except the shuffleboard in the local pub and the bumpy, ungraded gravel road winding through AuSable Acres.

I still have some old B&W photos I took of the local landmarks and personally developed in a makeshit lab in the upstairs of the tiny A-frame. Simpler times, slower pace back then.

So why haven't I returned sooner?
Afraid I wouldn't leave, I suppose.

The Adirondacks are definitely a better place to be than the Big Apple. Think I'll be back again soon!

Welcome to a Better Place to Be

2008-09-18T11:35:00.000+10:00

Great plaque, hanging above my local pub and brewery in Lake Placid. When you go upstairs to the dining deck, overlooking Mirror Lake in the center of town, there is another great plaque. "Beer. The reason we get up every afternoon."
Needless to say, I've found a new watering hole and an amber beer I love called "46 Indian Pale Ale." The 46 refers to the number of local high peaks over 4000 feet. When you drink the beer, you lose your intentions to get started on the list of those still to be hiked :>) It's a fine craft beer, brewed right there on the premises. I may never leave...

Another reason for root setting here in North Country is an apartment bldg. I'm thinking of buying for its name. The plaque I'm hanging over the mantle says "All who wander are not lost."

Where to next? Stay tuned, Gypsy Girl

A river, a bridge and a beer

2008-09-17T10:05:00.000+10:00

Wow. 35+ years after honeymooning, and later sabatical taking in upstate NY, I have returned to a chain of little villages close to the best known, Lake Placid. (Yes, the Winter Olympics were held here in 1932 and 1980.)

Jay and Upper Jay, pop. 300 and 600 respectively, are quiet places off the beaten path with no restaurants but a handful of B&Bs to accommodate the winter skiing visitors and fall leaf peepers. The nearby town of Wilmington, home of Whiteface and Paleface Ski Mountains, has a casual, cool pub with a seating section for "Tourists" and "Locals."

Of course I sat with the locals and talked about some of the 46ers I once climbed. There are 46 peaks over 4000 feet throughout the park, and I remember doing about a Baker's Dozen when I lived here full time back in '75. The locally crafted beer called "46" is one of the best amber ales I have ever tasted, and I thank the brewery for honoring the hikers.

First thing before checking into Kathy & Fred's comfy Book & Blanket B&B was to take photos of the quaint post office, where the Farrell family has retained PO Box 111, Jay, NY for nearly 50 years since purchasing an A-Frame cabin in AuSable Acres. My favorite swimming hole is on the East Branch of the AuSable River, about 5 miles before it forks with the West Branch.

Not only is this a picturesque postcard town, but it boasts a covered bridge built in 1857 which spans the tame river just outside to town. It made the long Amtrak ordeal getting here worthwhile. Only 6 hours out of Manhattan, it seems like another planet. So quiet, I heard myself reminiscing about the wonderful times I spent here as a fledgling freelance magazine writer; I have been around the world since then, but I still remember the awe-inspiring drive between Jay, Upper Jay and Wilmington.

The weather and full moon are exquisite tonight as I write this, happy to be out of the Big Apple for a few restful days.

9/11 + 7 and a trusty truck

2008-09-11T23:09:00.000+10:00

It's a gray and gloomy day in NYC, on the 7th anniversary of 9-1-1. This week, I've had conversations with friends and colleagues who survived that horrible day - and remember the details vividly as if it were yesterday.

I previously went to Ground Zero in 2002, and when I visited this past Sunday, it had changed only slightly, vis a vis the hole in the ground. But memorials are popping up and visitors are still big numbers.

I'll never forget my chat with one of the survivors, a fireman from Station 1010, across from the WTC. It was his day off, he was taking a friend to the airport and returning home when he heard the news. By the time he parked his F250 at Battery Park and donned some gear, he was put to work in an adjacent bldg. Eventually, the firemen withdrdew and the building collapsed.

We were standing in front of that very spot, with a new office tower in its place. I asked him if his truck survived, so close to the falling debris. "Yes, and I will never part with it, " he said. (Although he gets around now in a Camry because the cost of gas for the truck is prohibitive.)

I asked if he expects further attacks, and if his services will ever be needed for such an event again. He's prepared.

Solemn day here. Dee

On the Road Again

2008-09-02T08:37:00.001+10:00

I had not ridden Amtrak via Philadelphia-Harrisburg since '69 when I rode home from college for my brother's funeral.
But suddenly I'm a frequent traveler between Penn Station (NY) and Harrisburg (PA). I've even signed up for Amtrak Rewards!
If not for a chance meeting in Costa Rica in June, I might never have experienced the South Branch of the Potomac River, meandering from DC to PA to MD and WV.
When Kelly-Springfield Tyres relocated, they left behind a tiny ghost town in Springfield. My mate Kathleen picked up a well-loved A-Frame cabin on the river when a K-S executive moved on.
Leaving the cell phones and laptops behind in Cumberland, MD, we ventured across the border where gas and beer is cheaper,and the intertubes were waiting.

Kathy chilled out from her stressful ER job and me from the hectic pace of Times Square.

Next day, we drove to the opposite border into rural PA where Dr. Jerry and Aussie Wez greeted us with paintbrushes and garden-picked fruit so I could make my award-winning Sangria recipe. After applying the base coat to the wrap-around veranda, we took a break in Jerry's watering hole on his extensive farm property.

It was refreshing to sit in gentle rapids, with wine and therapeutic cigarette in hands. Happy as clams.

BTW, I've painted a lot of walls in my life, but touching up a spot on the side of a Victorian barn was a first at Valley Farm. Jerry's place takes your breath away when you first drive up, and the large barn can't be missed with its white letters saying "Valley Farm." For 9 years the "dot" at the end bugged him.
Since I had the touch up color and brush in my hand, he asked if I would be willing to be hoisted 50 feet on the blade of his 4WD tractor to remove the offensive spot. Aftewards, I thought about adding a "com" after the "dot" and starting a ValleyFarm.com web page for his enterprise.

PS Back in the city, I'm already plotting my next rail trip and visit with my mates to plan our next tryst to Costa Rica! Pura Vida!

Sleeping Around in NY. Dee does Gotham.

2008-08-31T03:46:00.000+10:00

The Life of a Gypsy.

If anyone had told me that at 60-something I’d be making the rounds of NY, schlepping some well-traveled suitcases, I’d have called them insane in a New York minute! Yet, on this journey, I’ve slept in beds from Fifth Avenue to Brooklyn Heights, from Gramercy Park to Harlem – the best of the best locations with a hot tub on the roof, and the lowest of the low in a 5^th floor Bklyn walkup.

But here I am, dragging 3 suitcases and a courier bag with my entire summer wardrobe, being a gray nomad in the Big Apple. I used to be judgmental about street people; now I think “there, but by the grace of god, go I.”

I am the dee-touring queen in my circle of friends and family, but how I got to explore the 5 boroughs of NY while practically penniless, is a story itself. Having wanderlust is fine, being a wayfarer is not.

Unlike the thousands of tourists grabbing snapshots of themselves in Times Square, I actually work there – for a travel agency, no less. I snake my way through the throngs on Broadway and enter 130 W. 42^nd St. with my suitcase du jour to the wonderment of the staff.

“Where did you sleep last night, Dee?” they ask. “On 20^th Street across from the house where Theodore Rooselvet was born.” “In Brooklyn where “Moonstruck” was filmed as Olivia Ducakis’ house.” “In Queens with a Chihuahua.” And my favorite, “the YWCA residence where nothing of importance ever happened, not even a cat on the premises.”

If Lou hadn’t gotten sick, I would have crashed last night at his TV production studio near Madison Square. Instead, I tried a trendy new hotel with a flatscreen TV so I could watch some golden, Olympic beach volleyball.

Soulmate Cheryl called during this sleepover, herself just back from sleeping around Alaska. She said I should write about my experiences as if just one of my many interesting journeys in which I usually uncover local characters and hidden gems.

I met a “character” when I was in Costa Rica last month, a New York native with a swanky penthouse in Manhattan’s upscale Gramercy Park. When I was tired of living out in Queens, I accepted his his offer. “If you’re ever in NY and need a city play pen, let me know.” If I hadn’t been desperate for a place to crash, I might have asked what kind of playpen – but I digress. I barley had unpacked, when the bank foreclosed and the power was cutoff. Never knew a millionaire before who had to declare bankruptcy.

Moving right along, I struck out with youth hostels (my age was way above that of their upper limit) and took at stab at the Ys. The YWCA of Brooklyn is an imposing 10 story structure with 200 female residents.

I booked a room with private bath for 3 nights and sorted through my belongings for the exchange table. I picked up a linen blouse and crystal wine glass and left a yellow t-shirt, pair of sneakers, and misc bric brac weighing down my bags. The haul was a bonus; can’t say the same for the twin set I slept on.

Next I had an offer in the country. My friends from Australia actually live in a converted barn over the former chicken coop in Bethel Woods where Woodstock happened 39 years ago – but no wifi or Blackberry reception. Only one night in that bed.

Craig’s List was my next attempt to find a cosy place to live/work so I can finish my project remotely. Going into Manhattan by subway every day gets old!

Here’s where six degrees of separation comes into play. I searched for a room or sublet in Lake Placid, about 30 mintues away from the Village of Jay where I once spent a year on sabbatical learning to be a travel writer on an electric Smith Corona. The Adirondack National Park is the place that Teddy Roosevelt said “Bankrupts the English language.”

I have never forgotten how wondrous the place is, and how placid my time there.

Bingo, I found a 3 bedroom for $700 a month in the Village of Jay! I replied to the advertiser that my Farrell family had ren and fishing ted PO Box 111, Jay, NY for nigh onto 45 years, and that I still could remember my days photographing covered bridge along the Au Sable River between Jay and Upper Jay. Upper Jay had the larger population, circa 600, if memory serves. Of course, everyone knows everyone in a place that size. Lee with the house to rent? He remembers my father-in-law visiting his craft store over the years. Probably had been invited out to dinner at the A-frame on Alder St.

I think I’m going to like sleeping around upstate.

-Dee Farrell is a vagabond with a laptop, currently recharging in New York.

Time Warps

2008-08-04T12:35:00.000+10:00

Last weekend, I had a flasback to 1969. Not because I was married 39 years ago in Hershey, PA and honeymooned in upstate NY, but because I missed Woodstock! There I was last Sunday at the Bethel Woods Arts Center at the very spot where the original weekend of peace and love happened, and I went tripping through the very cool and interactive museum when I recalled why I wasn't there back then...because I was up the highway in Lake Placid and couldn't have driven there on the highway if Bill & I wanted to - the highway was jammed with hippies bent on getting there for the event. Oh well, better late than never.

This Sunday I had other flashbacks at Flushing Meadows in Queens, my new back yard. In 1964 I attended the World's Fair on a senior class field trip to the Big Apple. The Unisphere of my memory is still a beacom of the park, now home to both Shea Stadium and the USTA stadium named for Bill Jean King (instead of John McEnroe who lived next door during his loudmouth days.)

I was last in Flushing Meadows in 1994 when I attended the tennis matches of the Gay Games and enjoyed opening ceremonies inside Shea.

I've been having a lot of good memories resurface since coming to NY last month. Who knew?! Next trysts will be at Fire Island and the Jersey Shore. Can't wait to see what I recall from those locales and beaches.

Jones Beach, Long Island, NY

2008-07-27T00:08:00.000+10:00

A sizzler day at the beach. Haven't been sunburnt in eons, what with all the rain in Costa Rica. So I returned to USA for the hot summer and plan on a different beach a week.

Yesterday: Coney Island - had hot dog & beer at the original Nathan's

Today: Jones Beach - had a look at Field 6 1/2, the gay/nude section off the boardwalk

Yellow-bellied birds, butterflys, and the beach

2008-06-17T23:45:00.000+10:00

Samara. It's on the Pacific Coast of northern Costa Rica. Another postcard from the edge.

After having a reunion in the oasis of Las Vegas, James invited me down here to his property, Colours Oasis, a resort in San Jose in the mountains. We're currently creating a new marketing strategy while hiding at his rugged beach club on the waterfront in a tiny village called Samara.

The roar of the morning waves entices me to the beach at sunrise. At night, the ocean's song is drowned by the tropical rains and the frogs which guard our perimeter just 50 paces from high tide. But sometimes we catch a stunning sunset.

This morning our local gecko woke me early, and when I was dressed in my bathers and crocs, I walked the path to the sea and saw a yellow-bellied bird, seagulls, and the first monarch butterflies of the season. Made up for the lack of sea shells.

More tales from the city when I'm back in San Jose - if ever!

Wine Scribe

2008-04-20T15:34:00.000+10:00

Billing myself as a wine destination writer and local tour host for wine adventures, I've started two related blogs called WineScribe and Vino Ventures.

In addition, I will soon start contributing a growing wine blog started by a fellow wine tour operator. You can read comments by international wine bloggers on Travels With Wine.

New Projects: Marketing Representation in North America

2008-04-09T16:20:00.000+10:00

With a growing list of clients in Australia and America, from adventure tours to website content projects, I've decided to expand the list of services available through my CopyWriting Cafe to include Marketing Representation and Destination Marketing.

What does that mean? I am helping Southern Hemisphere tourism operators expand their target marketing in North America - from Canada to Costa Rica. I currently live in the middle in Oregon, but have laptop will travel.

I'll be in Las Vegas for a travel convention, followed by an on-site visit to new clients in Costa Rica, then back to Vancouver for more marketing communications seminars presented by Community Marketing, Inc.

PS I just had an exciting meeting with like-minded wine travel buffs. I hope to add them to my list of upcoming projects, including exciting adventure wine tour in Oregon and a wine bloggers confab in California. En vino veritas!

30 Days of Keeping PDX Weird

2008-03-30T16:56:00.000+11:00

It certainly is an interesting mix of people and business here in the Rose City. There's a saying here, Keep Portland Weird. I think I'll fit in fine.

I'm just discovering the (in)famous Pearl District in NW PDX. Some of the eclectic characters I've met on the Max, at bus stops, or in the cafes and winebars in this artsy district have included 30 year old billionaire brokers, entrepreneurs in the aviation propeller biz for in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft, and Hawaiian beach bums here to take care of their ailing mother...never a dull conversation, except if I'm on the #72 when I play my iPod LOUD to drown out some inane conversation of the crazies and street people.

During the next 30 days, maybe I'll meet my intended - or at least a fellow Aussie or Kiwi to say G'day to. You reckon?

Ciao 4 now.

DownUnder Dee now known as DeePorted

2008-02-25T08:38:00.000+11:00

Dee's landed in Portland. It's a port city on the US West Coast for my Aussie mates. It has nothing to do with me being deported from paradise :>). (Don't get me started about immigration laws!) I left of my accord and chose to come to Oregon, a place not unlike Oz with beautiful harbors, a national seashore coastline, snow-capped mountains, lush, old forests, and pinot and syrah vineyards!

Aside from Melbourne-like traffic, freeways and bridges, the people are just as friendly and as much gardeners as Hobartians. This is the Rose City, and not coincidentally, my real name is Rose Mary (after my late departed birthmother).

Note new dee-tails:
Dee Farrell, Vagabond
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away.
Email me: delia.farrell@gmail.com
SKYPE me: Deetours
Phone me:1-503-784-4807

View my blogs: deetoursdownunder.blogspot.com deefarrell.blogspot.com copywritingcafe.blogspot.com

Stars N Stripes

2007-09-19T18:56:00.000+10:00

I decided to spend some time with my fellow American, Vicki, before departing Hobart, and her house is full of red, white & blue things from her recent trip back to US soil. Stars n Stripes are prolific in her and Robert's Old Beach home because she's the US VP of the Australian American Association. I have attended AAA events on and off during my 1600 days downunder, making most holidays a food and fun-filled event with fellow Yankees.

I make no bones that I don't want to return to the USA before political and economic conditions change, but am going to give it a look over, at least Oregon which, in my mind and memory, is much like Tassie. Few people, a live and let live attitude, lots of trees to hug and the national seashore just a few short hours from the Rose City of Portland.
I'm going to look at work/study/play options in Oregon and see if it's for me.

Besides the vineyards at 42 degrees north, I will endeavor to find and explore some intentional communities on the land in southern Oregon, which I think will be similar to the eco villages and elder communities I visited in NZ.

Deetouring downunder may be over, but I still have a lot of dee-tours left on my journey. Hello Oregon. Bye (for now) Australia!

Wooffing & Babies

2007-09-04T11:37:00.001+10:00

I had great fun Wooffing my way around the North Island recently. Got wet, windblown, broke every fingernail, was stuck in the muck, chased by a cheeky cow - and lost a few kilos.
I left behind some muddy clothes but brought home some great memories - including a snapshot of a little lady who waited for her midwife to be born. Even though I have 13 siblings, I would have been "no good at birthing a baby."

Helenie has joined her older sister and two Moms Kim & Andi at 881 Homestay. In a few months, they will be open for bookings and if you want to help out on the farm, say hello to that crazy cow Daisy for me!

Deetouring Dee back in Tasmania after 48 days in New Zealand doing new things in life!

In the NZone - for 48 days!

2007-08-23T20:47:00.001+10:00

Eco tourism, sustainable travel and volunteering are hot buttons right now in the world of travel - people are keen to travel green, and my recent experiences on the North Island with Earth Talk, Earth Spirit and Earth Song all relate to these topics!
Earth Spirit is the lesbian elders village on the drawing board of Arafelle One who lives in Northland, with a partner in a nursing home in Whangarei. Me, Arafelle, and her support troops recently toured EcoSong, an eco-neighbourhood in the western suburbs of Auckland, to see how such a community might work with lesbian seniors and elders needing health services short of a nursing facility. EcoSong is capitalising on eco-toursim by offering a $10 tour for interested members, as is EarthTalk, which chsarges $5 to tour their organic gardens and footpaths to the estuary. Arafelle and I have separately visited EarthTalk on the Awhitu Peninsula, to walk around this diverse, sustainable property which provides its owners with a healthy lifestyle and some income from the produce, orchard and exotic timber plots.
The volunteering bit? I've spent a rewarding week tending the land at the semi-organic farm of Andi and Kim at 881 Homestay. The first day's adventures included chasing their cheeky cow around the house and back into the pasture whilst keeping the two goats out of the freshly weeded garden, and rescuing ducks and chooks from the muck (a gift of a record-setting month of rain)! Believe it or not, overseas visitors love being on a working farm and giving the owners a hand with myriad tasks. RainbowTourism.com can book your stay at 881 Homestay or at the Poller Farm, a working sheep ranch. Yea haw!

Adrift in Auckland

2007-07-18T09:26:00.000+10:00

Drifting Dee here. I exited Australia long enough to go offshore and apply online for another visa which allows me to continue dee-touring around my adopted homeland. As a destination travel writer and producer of tourism websites, what could be better than a passport to passion and paradise?

Adrift in Auckland for the duration of this process, I've discovered why so much of the world envies New Zealanders and wants to migrate here for the lifestyle and spectacular scenery. It's unlike any where else in the globe, and its beauty bankrupts the English language.

The people are genuinely friendly, relaxed, and easy to engage in interesting conversations. Canada may have beaten them out for the honor of "Most Friendly Country to Visit," but it can't be long till they win back the title.

Is it possible I'm a poly? In love with two places at the same time? Australia & New Zealand. Why not. We'll see how it goes, back and forth between the two, making a living enjoying the good life. Tough job, but I know no one better to give it a go!

Wine, Women & Walking

2007-07-05T09:48:00.000+10:00

I'm planning an all-women Tempting Tasmanian Experience in December. Write me for the full itinerary and price for adventurous women.

Bushwise Women wants to take you to the pristine places on the sunny east coast inside the Freycinet National Park. Even though its keystone is Wineglass Bay, known globally as “One of the Top 10 Beaches in the World,” there are many trails and beaches inside the park seldom seen by the average tourist or bushwalker. Bushwise takes you there to see it through the eyes of local lesbian guides who know it intimately.

So if you’re tired of the hiker’s highways and want to leave your footprints on pure white sand at the edge of the rainbow, then you’ll want to sign up today for the exclusive Wine, Women & Walking tryst in Tasmania.

This small group tour is anything but ordinary.

Blissful, undisturbed beaches, with clear, sparkling water cascading onto pure white sand, chance to bird watch and encounter ancient whale bones.
Gourmet seafood and fabulous wine bonanzas…olives, walnuts, cherries, cheeses, oysters, muscles, abalone, salmon and divine cool-climate wines (cellar door tour and tasting)
Dolphin Sands – woman artist’s secret holiday house on a sand dune, facing the sea and mountains on one side and a kayaker’s dream of a lagoon on the other side, chance to swim with dolphins.

Hobart and Salamanca Market, 300 stallholders with crafts, produce and music, including the local Lesbian & Gay Outdoor Club with a welcome kit for each Bushwise woman.

The Art of Living in Australia as an expate.

2007-06-02T19:07:00.000+10:00

For this wanderluster, moving from USA to AUS was as easy as transposing the letters. Going in the reverse from AUS to USA, I suspect, will not be as exciting - or as easy for emotional reasons.

Off The Map

2007-06-02T18:08:00.000+10:00

Tanzania, not. Timbuktu, not. Tasmania , yes, is a part of Australia, although the tiny island state is often left off the map.

Some of us don't mind.

A journey through Tasmania is ever so different from a journey to Australia, even the outback. I've had the privilege to spend time on this southernmost island in the southern hemisphere, and on to northern island or mainland as the rest of Australia is known as to Tasmaniacs. I much prefer Tasmania, which is the size of West Virginia and Wyoming back where I hale from.

Australia: My Home My Life

2007-05-20T20:06:00.000+10:00

G'day. I'm an American by birth and an Australian by choice. After 4 years, my accent still gives me away, but I reckon I can get the lingo down pat eventually, no worries mate! Bob's your uncle. She'll be right. See, I can talk like an Aussie!
What follows is an epistle about Australia's Tidy Town of the Year (2007), the same place that lured me to move here so I could eat lobsters, oysters and muscles right out of the sea, and wash them down with some of the best wines I'd ever tasted from vines watered by sea mist. Swansea is a tiny, tidy village of 432 residents, and I'm proud to say I know 32 of these local characters who are the salt of the earth.

What follows is an essay I dashed off during my 60th birthday celebration spent on the shores of Swansea.

Swansea, Freycinet Peninsula, and the Easternmost Edge of Tasmania

I don’t know exactly what it is about Swansea that puts a smile on my face and makes my steps lighter, but some would call it having a spiritual connection with the place. The experiences I have had here have not been found elsewhere in Australia – and I’ve covered a lot of ground on my dee-tour.

I’m here on the edge of the planet around the time my fourth anniversary of first setting foot in this tiny dot village, pop. 432. I know at least 32 locals, so it feels like “coming home” every time I visit here. Mostly I know my fellow tour operators, and have fond memories of my pioneering gourmet food and wine tours along the East Coast Escape touring route.

I usually can’t get out of town – which is only several streets wide and perhaps a kilometer long main street – without stopping in the General Store for provisions or at the Left Banc for a latte, or the Tavern for gourmet pizza and local Tasmanian wine.

And sometimes I put $10 in the honour envelope and play 9 interesting, twisting holes of golf along the banks of the Great Oyster Bay. Tis hard to focus on your game with that view, and forget correcting your slice. Golf balls tend to gravitate to the lazy waves along the fairway, I’ve learnt. (Liked I’ve learned to spell like the Australian version of English).

I never fail to stop and stare at one of the most picture postcard perfect views in all of the Southern Hemisphere - the Great Oyster Bay beyond which is a 3 peaked mountain range called The Hazards. Just beyond them on the tip of the Freycinet Peninsula is one of the finest and remotest beaches in the world, the infamous Wineglass Bay. I could devote an entire chapter on that spot. Despite photographs blasted around the world, it remains unspoilt, probably due to the fact that it’s a rugged two hour hike down to the white sands and teal blue waters, and a long hike back up to one’s vehicle.

This time, I’m overnighting in a just-opened backpacker lodge. Flashpacker is the current term for internet-access portaled hostels like this one my colleague Geoff has developed. First time I stayed in Swansea I met Geoff, then the proprietor of the Swansea Motor Inn, and we had a round of golf at the country course – a one-minute walk to the course which is situated at the end of Main Street. Three years later and he’s owns a mega complex, including the Historic Barkmill Museum, Tavern, Bottle Shop (liquor store) and the Backpackers (hostel), and I’m sitting in the community room at 10 pm watching digital TV along with some international visitors, and wearing my very cosy Tassie socks which I purchased earlier at the museum store. These “mongrel socks” were handmade with local wool, and are the best things for keeping my cold footsies warm. Despite the calendar date, one must be prepared for four seasons in one day in Tasmania - that means I own a lot of socks , myriad fleece jackets, and many wool jumpers (sweaters to you).

Tasmania, by the way, is the only state in Australia that is an island. It is comprised of many islands itself, sorta like Hawaii, in that you have to take a boat or plane to get to some of them, and when you arrive, there are unspoilt beaches, a few natives, and mostly wonderful wilderness to breathe in.

Australia is the only country and continent that is an island. Pretty big island. In four years I hardly have seen all of tiny Tasmania, let alone the vast mainland. I have been to all of the states and territories except Western Australia, which is the mother of them all in size. Perth and Broome, the two biggest pockets of people, are days apart, like driving from Southern California to the Canadian border.

Without knowing where I was going when I started this monologue with myself, I have reached a foregone conclusion to call this place my permanent sea change location.

I was meant to be here, says Sarah. I am energized here, says Cheryl. Cheers, mates.

Composing DeeTours DownUnder...A Work in Progress

2007-05-20T16:08:00.000+10:00

Welcome to my test ground. I'm testing whether I want to be chained to my desktop writing a book about my downunder adventures and experiences - or whether I'm just capable of short bursts on this blog when a topic catches fire.

I write for a living - website content and feature magazine articles, mainly. I am a good wordsmith and proofreader, so I often get asked to write marketing strategies and update brochure copy. When you do this 24 X 7, it is often difficult to stay on the keyboard and write another thousand words for a book.

This blog is a test to see if on a Sunday night I can peck out a few words to describe what it was like to make a sea change at age 55, to change countries, to start up a new business, and to fall in love with a remote, unspoilt strip of white sand and sparkling water that would change the course of my detour down under...

Standby!

DeeTouring Dee
Tasmania May 2007