The Georgian Military Highway over the Great Caucasus to Kazbegi

May 17, 2019

The Georgian Military Highway is the only route whereby Georgians and Russians can visit each other’s countries. Early 19th century paintings show Russian military personnel travelling by horseback up a narrow track through the towering Tergi gorge. During the 20th century, German prisoners rebuilt the road and a cemetery is dedicated to them at the … More The Georgian Military Highway over the Great Caucasus to Kazbegi

Georgia – 8000 years of continuous wine making tradition

May 14, 2019

In Georgia, wine making is so intricately bound to religion that the grape vine is the symbol of the Virgin Mary and the grape, fruit of the vine, Jesus Christ. Archeologists date grape seeds back to the 5th millennium BC. In the mountainous Svaneti region, the fertility goddess Lani was replaced with the Virgin Mary … More Georgia – 8000 years of continuous wine making tradition

Why would anyone go to Tbilisi?

May 6, 2019

Our journey began at the Brisbane domestic Virgin Airlines check-in. Just escaping a downpour, we scurried inside with our minimalist luggage and fronted up to the ‘International passengers’ sign, hoping our luggage would be booked right through to our final destination-Tbilisi. ‘Tbilisi?’ Said the gorgeous airline attendant, behind the counter ‘Where’s that?’ Even prompting with … More Why would anyone go to Tbilisi?

Cumquat Marmalade at Tét – Chúc Mùng Năm Mới

February 11, 2019

Cumquat Marmalade at Tét – Chúc Mùng Năm Mới Yesterday I made my first 2019 batch of cumquat marmalade. Our cumquat tree is the one citrus tree in our garden which does really well. It must get the perfect combination of light and moisture and every February it becomes laden with fruit. Thus begins the annual … More Cumquat Marmalade at Tét – Chúc Mùng Năm Mới

Glass igloos, bread making and berry picking in Sinettä

November 15, 2018

Our last chance to experience the Aurora Borealis was in Sinettä and Rovaniemi. In Sinettä just a few kilometres from the Arctic Circle, we had the wonderful experience of sleeping under the stars. Well, potentially under the stars. As we lay in our glass igloo and inspected our Aurora app, the forecast suggested a good … More Glass igloos, bread making and berry picking in Sinettä

Sailing on Hurtigruten to Ålesund, Urke and Trondheim

November 12, 2018

The Finnmarken cruise ship was waiting to whisk us into the fjords at 5pm. Briefing by Magnus and Petter our ship expedition leaders included the recommendation to purchase spikes, in case we slip over on the ice. With great difficulty, we stretched these rubber contraptions onto our boots and I tried them out in Urke, … More Sailing on Hurtigruten to Ålesund, Urke and Trondheim