lou31's VirtualTourist Home Page

'Gidday' and welcome to my homepage. I have been a member of VT for over five years now. I stumbled across this site while doing some travel research and well....as they say 'The rest is history'

Before I start waffling on about myself did you know that there is a VT meeting in Airlie Beach scheduled for September 2009? And yours truly will be the host! Ann [ aussirose ] is helping me with everything and I couldn't do it without her. This will be a big one! We already have over 40 members with their names down. So if you are looking at coming to OZ in the near future you might like to schedule this fun weekend in with your holiday. There is a meeting notice on the 'Airlie Beach' destination page plus look below for my FAQ album. Hope to see you there!...

Now back to me....Having been born in the early sixties I now class myself as an 'Almost Empty Nester' with only my youngest daughter still living with me. It's time for me now, so...hello world...here I come!.
The ups in life have been rewarding and the downs have taught me great lessons. Mainly about myself...and a few other people along the way!
'That's life!', 'Put it down to experience!' and 'Get over it!' are all sayings that have helped me to see the big picture of life more clearly.

I enjoy life in my own home tucked away in a quiet street. I live in a small country town where life, if a bit slow at times is very peaceful.

I live in the little township of Walkerston, just outside of Mackay where I was born. Having something like 31 beaches at our disposal and a nice climate to enjoy them with makes for a great lifestyle.

Lots of fishing, swimming, walks along the beach and barbeques.
The sun shines most days and when it rains we love it!

I am a social creature and enjoy fun weekends with my friends. I am a part of a large and active social group and we do lots of interesting things. I am also kept busy learning to play the bagpipes. I stress LEARNING...not the easiest instrument I can guarantee you. Also I have taken up photography... I can't wait to get clicking on my next trip!

In 2004 I went on a 10 day cruise to the South Pacific and enjoyed the delights of Vanuatu and Noumea. That cruise whet my appetite for travel and I am now constantly either dreaming about or planning my next adventure.

In 2005 I went to the UK and Ireland for 4 weeks in May.
It was more than a holiday to me really, it seemed more like a 'Pilgrimage'. I went to places I have always wanted to visit but never thought I would. Friends and family were more than a little shocked that I would take off on my own to do such a thing!

I remember being on such a high at Brisbane airport. And this is someone terrified of flying!

My first sight of London was through the window of the plane. I'm sure the young lad beside me told some funny stories to his family that night about this strange Australian lady and her shrieks of delight!

It's difficult for us Aussies to get around. The distance for one is a major hurdle. Add to that the poor exchange rate it makes for a very expensive venture. However being an eternal optimist and suffering form an acute case of 'determination' I managed to achieve my lifelong dream. That is to see the 'Countryside of England and Scotland' and to see the 'Green of Ireland'.

I loved my time there so much I had to go back for a second helping! This return trip was in July/August last year. I spent three and a half weeks trekking all over England and Scotland and had a wonderful time. I met lots of lovely and interesting people and I think I must have caught at least 85 trains and not less than 126 buses!...just kidding! I was starting to feel like a born again Pommie!
I also did a whirlwind trip around Europe on a bus tour which was fantastic!...only problem now is that it has made me want to go back to see more!

Yes I must say..the UK really does it for me...

Maybe it has something to do with all those books I read as a child or maybe it has something to do with my Father being a Scotsman...I don't know...

My likes and dislikes are many...

Favourite things...
Horses
White swans
Waterfalls
Miniature anything
Green fields...especially ones with black and white cows in them!
Dancing...even on tables...and why not!

Things I dislike...
Green Frogs...I have a fear of them!
Soft eggs...yuk!
People who don't look at you during a conversation
Personal confrontations...I have better things to do
Bad grammar...and spelling

Favourite foods...
Steak...Medium to well done.
Seafood...especially prawns and scallops.
Mushrooms
Mangoes...we grow the best right here!
Chocolate...only Cadbury's
Pizza...there was this great little restaurant in Cortina!...yum!

Favourite singers and cd's...
Soundtrack to 'Dirty Dancing'
Tracey Chambers
Van Morrison
Cold Chisel
Alan Jackson
Pavarotti!!!!!...he makes my toes curl.
I will listen to almost anything except that 'doof, doof' stuff!

Favourite songs...
Brown Eyed Girl
Khe San
Chattahoochie
Give me one Reason
Mustang Sally

Favourite Comedy / Commediennes
Some Mothers 'do ave em'
Monty Python
Kath and Kim
Faulty Towers

Favourite Books...
James Herriot series
Thorn Birds
A Fortunate Life
Cold Sassy Tree
'Sara Henderson' Series
De Vinci Code
'Helen Forester' series
This list could go on and on...

Favourite movies...
Dirty Dancing
Legends of the Fall
Nine Months
Bridget Jones Diary
Four Weddings and a Funeral
The Birdcage

I hope my pages are of some help to others. Isn't that what VT is all about?

I have travelled and seen places through the eyes of a lone traveller. My message to those who hesitant to go it alone or go it at all is...well read my quote...

Life is not a dress rehearsal...live it now!