Well the trip of a lifetime is over now. I have moved from the stuck pages I was on and a new chapter is beginning. Debbie, Cam and Benji have cheered me through these dark cold wintry days of post-travel blues, when all I have left are the photos and the memories and a big empty ache in my heart, pining for those former days of colour, adventure and discovery . It is taking all of my willpower to get up each day and go to work. But I will do it. There is always...

This is it! The final blog of my trip we leave Istanbul tonight . We have been overwhelmed with the culture shopping history and exotic nature if this city . I so want to come back and explore more of Turkey. Perhaps in a few years time and I would like to take in the Holy land at the same time. Reflections of today? Tired of the constant hounding and bartering of stall keepers . I know a lot more about Islam after the visit to holy relics from Medina at the Topk...

Raining but we are excited to be in this ancient city where East meets west . Lots of political stuff happening with elections Syrian conflict and the dispute with Greece over Cyprus. Historically there is always war in this region. Our hotel has a view of the blue mosque and we have just heard the haunting call to prayer . What an amazing city of 18 million people. Taxi driver lady one, was laughing that we only have 4 million people in NZ.

Hello readers whoever you are. And I expect after six weeks only the really committed fan club members are still with me. I have to admit it's been the best holiday ever. Today our final day in Oia we decided to chill by the pool . Yes even went for a swim in the Mediterranean . My daughters would be amazed . It felt cold but the air temp got to 35 degrees c today so was very warm outside. We did washing caught up on reading and Facebook then went to town for din...

Woke up at 4 am in a hot flush . Not for the reason you think dear readers but because I was foolish enough to stay out in the sun yesterday by the pool for just a few more hours than my body could bear. So now I have a not so healthy looking red glow. However to use my involuntary insomnia in a positive way ( note the awesome alliteration at this early hour) I will write a little reflection of the first day at Oia on the beautiful island of Santorini. What can...