Videos and Information Relevant to travel

I travelled to Munich with Stuart. Also joining us was Lisa, a friend of Stuarts who was kind enough to hold me up and show me things. Munich is one of the biggest cities in Germany and the capital of the state of Bavaria. A lot of clichés some people think are typically German are really only from this state, for example, the leather shorts (Lederhosen) worn by some of the men and the elegant Dirndl dresses worn by the women. First we went to a place called Schloss Nymphenburg, a big old palace complex. This was where the royal family of Bavaria, the Wittlesbachs, used to spend their summer holidays. Inside there was a really interesting collection of paintings called the Gallery of Beauties. One of the Bavarian kings created it to show off all the beautiful women in his kingdom. Theres a huge park around Nymphenburg with forests, lakes and canals. We saw a few fish in the canal who were swimming around with the mouths above the surface as if they were trying to breathe air or something. Really, who would have thought there could be such a thing? Then we went into the Museum Mensch und Natur, a natural history museum right next to the palace. It was really fascinating. There were paintings and models of giant insects and displays about whats inside humans and what they eat in different parts of the world. I even saw a model of a big red kangaroo from back home in Australia. One thing I found deeply disturbing, though, was the display about the story of Bruno. Bruno was a big Italian brown bear, who, just like me, loved to travel. A few years ago he walked all the way across the Alps through Austria and into Bavaria. He killed a few sheep and other animals (a guys gotta eat!) and when the hunters couldnt catch him he was shot. With a tear in my eye we caught a tram into the city centre. We walked from a city square called Karlsplatz-Stachus, and through one of the old city gates into the pedestrian zone. There we saw a group of six men carrying a crocodile down the street. There are some strange things going on with the animals in this town, honestly! We arrived at the magnificent main square, Marienplatz, to have a look at the town hall. Its a stunning building, stuffed with Neo-Gothic sculptures and its famous clock, the Glockenspiel. It plays a nice tune and theres a play of figures up the top. They dance around and then tow figurines on horseback have a jousting contest. In the Middle Ages they used to have real jousting right there on Marienplatz. The we walked down to Munichs famous food market, the Vitualienmarkt, and met a guy from Paris called Nic for coffee. Coming home on the train we shared a bottle of Oktoberfest beer. The Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the biggest parties in the world: it ropes in between six and seven million people from across the world every year. The beer was great, but a little strong for me, I dont know how Id go drinking from one of those one-litre beer krugs they have at the festival! Thank you Stuart and Lisa for a great time!

I went to Mt Buffalo with my friend Neil. Mt Buffalo is in the high country in Victoria, Australia. We had a look at Mt buffalo Chalet. You can stay there and be right in the middle of the snow. We made some snowmen and had a look at a couple of the ski runs. Cresta Valley run was closed while we were there. We went tobbogining at Dingo Dell ski run. I froze my little butt off but we had a great time.

I went to visit my friend Michelle in Geelong. Geelong is a regional city in the state of Victoria in Australia. It is on the edge of Corio Bay. We had a look at the beautiful view of the city and the waterfront. We went for a walk around the waterfront. It is very nice, with lots of palm trees and places to eat. They also have lots of interesting Bollards, which depict the history of Geelong. I had my photo taken with some of them. We had a look at Cunningham Pier and the 100 year old Carousel. You can ride on the Carousel, it is fully restored. We waited for the ride to finish before we took the photo. We went further around and had a look at Eastern Beach. There is a beautiful swimming area and playgrounds. After that, Michelle took me to see the home ground of the local Australian rules football team. The Geelong Cats. They are doing a lot of work outside the stadium. Then we took a drive to the Surfcoast and went to Bells Beach. That is where they have the famous Rip Curl Pro surfing competition at Easter every year. There were a few surfies in the water when we went. Thanks Michelle. I had a wonderful time. It is a beautiful place.

When I arrived in Zadar, I met Leo's little dog, Rony. I liked him but he was a bit jealous of me. That night they had a welcome party for me. Leo's apartment is right next to the water. It is in a wonderful spot. The next day we took a walk from their apartment through the Marina, to the "Barkajoli" and we took a ride across Zadar port. I'm glad Leo was holding me tight, I was afraid I might fall in! Then we got to the city and the fish and fresh food market. The ladies on the market really liked me, and when they heard I was from Australia, they wanted to have their photo taken with me. I really enjoyed it. I love meeting new people. So, we bought everything we needed for lunch, and then decided that it is really time to take a little rest and drink coffee at city main square. I only had water. I don't like coffee. And after coffee (and water), we went sightseeing through Zadar. When you visit Zadar, you "must see" the Sea organ. On the Sea organ, two students were listening to the beautiful music, and preparing for their exams. I joined them and they were glad to take a short break to chat with me and enjoy the spring sunshine. After that we took a walk with Leo's beautiful wife through Riva. We also visited the Cathedral. After all of that walking and the wonderful sunshine, we were feeling very tired, so we decided to go home. But, and I really don't know who told them, two young reporters from the local TV station come and did an interview with Me. it was all very exciting. If you are in Zadar, on a Saturday when the basketball team is playing, you must to go and watch the game. Zadar is the town of basketball. Everyone loves and supports the team, which is one of the best in Croatia. With a great history. The first Croatian in the Hall of Fame was our Kresimir Cosic. So, Leo took me to a game. It was very exciting and the best part was that Zadar won the game. Leo was very happy. I had so much fun with Leo and his family and I would like to thank them very much for having me and showing me around.

I had the pleasure of staying at Bali Palms Resort in Candidasa, Bali, for one week. The resort is not fully open yet, they are still finishing a lot of the units. Also some of the facilities are not open, however, I had a wonderful stay. My one bedroom apartment was huge and the pool is the biggest one in the area. There was only one other couple staying, so we had the resort to ourselves.

Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort is right at Tanah Lot temple. The resort is wonderful. Lots of activities, big pools, lagoon style. The resort is surrounded by the golf course. Our room was next to the 6th fairway. The Day Spa is fantastic. I highly recommend it. They have a free shuttle into Kuta or Seminyak. There are private cabanas on the clifftop or by the pool. They even come and turn down your bed at night. There are several different places to eat, catering for all tastes. the staff are friendly and helpful.

While visiting Lightning Ridge, Marly went fossicking with Opal Jim, at the Grawin opal fields.

While visiting Lightning Ridge, Marly met Barbara, who runs the Lightning Ridge Historical Society.

While visiting Lightning Ridge, Marly met Kaye, at the Opal Wilderness shop.

While visiting Lightning Ridge, Marly went to see the Australian Opal & Fossil Centre. They have a wonderful collection of Opal and fossils. In the video, some of the exhibits are explained.