"a Voyage of Discovery, and seeing with new eyes" Wild_Orchid's Profile

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Arriverdeci Roma

Fontana De Trevi Roma

I had a wonderful trip to Europe lately. My travels covered Rome, the coast of Rome, the Vatican city, Venice, the town of Pisa, Firenze (Florence) & the Tuscan Hills area and ended in Helsinki. I managed to see many places, but there are just as many that I missed.
I had my wallet stolen on the train and the airport closure in Bangkok meant that I almost couldn't get home. But all's well that ends well. I am safely back home and left smiling with my memories of beautiful Italy.

riverside at Kuala Belait, Brunei

Brunei-rustic and peaceful waterfront

This sunset picture was taken at the riverside at Kuala Belait, the oil town of Brunei. Doesn't it look beautiful?

a Voyage of Discovery, and seeing with new eyes

Back from Yamba...and with a Gold Coast tan

I was onboard the inaugural Asia X-flight to the Gold Coast on 2nd November. Tony Fernandez was at the airport to see us off. The CEO of Air Asia X was on board along with a huge entourage of Air Asia-X staffers & members of the media. Upon arrival at Coolangatta, we had a red carpet welcome & greeted by volunteers from the Gold Coast Life Saving Association,...and Sponge Bob of Nickelodeon fame also made an appearance!:-)

Instead of spending time on the Gold Coast, my family stayed at a beautiful 3 bedroom apartment in Yamba, a scenic seaside town on the coast of NSW's northern coast. It was a wonderful holiday break for all of us. The air was crisp and clean, there was almost little to no traffic or pollution and the waves were wild, and good for surfing.

Here's a picture of me with my daughter on a beach at Byron Bay. It was a super windy day- but the sky was endlessly blue and beach so clean and gorgeous. What can I say? We fell in love - with the beach- at first sight.

kids at Coolangatta airport

Born to be wild, but motherhood made me tame

On Motherhood:My kids bring great joy to my life. Motherhood is one of life's greatest source of happiness and a true blessing. Only another mother knows the pain and suffering and joys that motherhood brings. We live and learn and only through becoming a parent ourselves, do we realise the sacrifice and love our parents have for us.

Getting in touch with the Orchid
You're welcome to drop in to visit me now and then. I enjoy being in contact with you guys so remember to drop me your comments when you visit. I also love to receive e-mails, so drop me a note, will ya? (can't promise to reply though, you know...those pesky kids keep me all tied up in knots haha).

Some recent thoughts: My kids are growing up fast. I can't imagine where the time has gone. Sometimes I wish to hold on to my son and daughters and keep them with me forever.

"The real voyage of discovery is not seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes."
Marcel Proust

"A traveller travels the world in search of what he needs...and then returns home to find it"
George Moore

Christmas @ Cameron Highands

tomato trelisses

Christmas in Camerons

We had a lovely three day weekend at Cameron Highlands over the Christmas weekend. We booked the private bungalow up on the hills away from the maddening crowds and enjoyed the chilly air with some lovely red wine, a home-made BBQ ...

Happy in Hanoi

Halong Bay

Do you want to know a secret?

I was away with my husband on a deserted island (oops, it was not really that deserted, but (hehe), that does sound rather romantic, doesn't it?) during a weekend in September 2005. It was reaaaally relaxing although we had some rainy weather. Look out for my Koh Samet pages coming soon to VT!

Sail away at Ha-long Bay

The myths and legends of Vietnam & China inevitably involve mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenix. One such legend involving a dragon says that the beautiful Halong Bay was created when a dragon descended into the sea. The beauty of this bay defies description as the appeal is not merely visual, but involves all your senses. To enjoy and appreciate the total experience, sail away to Halong Bay on board a junk boat, sleep under moonlight and wake up early to listen to the waves lapping against the boat and to revel in the taste of morning mists upon your tongue.

Tokyo & Nikko

rows of sake

Buddhism meets Shintoism at Nikko

The World Heritage Site of Nikko is among the most interesting from a historical and cultural perspective. It is where Buddhism meets Shintoism and the two religions co-exist in harmony, side-by-side. Apart from being of historical interest, the countryside around the area of Lake Chuzen will also be of interest to nature lovers. As the saying goes "Never say kekko (magnificent) until you've seen Nikko."

Fred's Butterfly in Tokyo

~PALS - People with A L S also known as Lou Gehrig's disease ~

Fred Siwak, our VT member who uses the name PALS is a true hero of our time. He has a disease that does not allow him to travel, except in his mind and virtually through the internet. He continues to express himself creatively. His spirit is strong and among his dreams is to see pictures of his art in as many parts of the world as possible. Please do visit Fred to know more about PALS sufferers.

I took a copy of Fred's Butterfly with me and took this picture at Shinjuku, Tokyo during my last trip there in May 2005. If you are able to help Fred to realise his dreams, please write him an e-mail (with a regular e-mail contact, as VT allows only smaller size attachments) at seaweed@gis.net. He will send you a jpeg photo of his art so that you too can bring it along with you on your travels. I ask for your help to please help Fred realise his dreams.

Indescribable Japan

In November 2006, I revisited Tokyo, Japan and had a wonderful trip. I managed to visit the lovely town of Kyoto and experienced the bullet train. I am enamoured by Tokyo and can't wait to visit again.

During a trip to Tokyo in 2005, I chose to overnight at a Ryokan at the town of Narita. It was a great little town to visit and let me share with you that Narita is MORE than just another airport. The hospitality that I received at the ryokan was outstanding in every way. Don't miss out on the experience!

Intro Updated Apr 30, 2009
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Comments (570)

csordila Oct 21, 2011 at 12:56 PM Report Abuse

Dear Wild Orchid !!!!! I am just looking for the amazing eating places in Bali recommended by you. I became very hungry! Best L.

R
kyoub Sep 20, 2011 at 5:30 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday long time no chat. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Wafro Sep 19, 2011 at 6:43 AM Report Abuse

Bon Anniversaire and happy travels!
MrBill Sep 19, 2011 at 2:54 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday, Daphne. Have a great day and all the best for the coming year. Bye for now. Bill ; - )
pieter_jan_v Sep 19, 2011 at 12:33 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday greetings from the Netherlands. PJ
hunterV Sep 18, 2011 at 9:28 PM Report Abuse

Hello, Wild Orchid!~ Have a wonderful birthday, my friend!~ Many more happy travels! ~
takla73 Sep 18, 2011 at 9:06 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday and have a nice day Greeting from Alexandria Egypt TAKLA
Waalewiener Sep 18, 2011 at 6:27 PM Report Abuse

Hi Aunty Agony Lori & Hansi wishing you a very Happy Birthday
imranthetrekker Sep 18, 2011 at 12:34 PM Report Abuse

Greetings from Pakistan.. very happy birthday dear..
adeeltahir Sep 13, 2011 at 11:40 AM Report Abuse

Many Happy returns of the day - Happy Birthday. Have a great day.