I can't explain how excited I am to be heading home to Australia and to Orion!
I have been pouring over my paperwork, reading about the Expedition Team, looking at my shore side options and deciding which Spa Treatment to go with.....ah life is hard on board!
I think I have packed and repacked several times. I have my handy list from Sydney on what to bring and have made my trip to REI and stocked up on cool, sun protective clothing, a broad rimmed hat and plastic bags for my Camera (did I mention we go under the waterfall). Of course I also have a couple of nice little outfits for dinner in the Constellation dining room and my dressy casual for the Deck BBQ......now if I can just decide which shoes to take?
I will join Orion on June 4th after a quick visit to the Hunter Valley and then Darwin in the Northern Territory. I look forward to answering any questions you may have so please post those for me.
Kimberley here I come!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
COUNTING DOWN
Hello All,
Only two weeks until I depart for Australia! This past weekend I had the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa. What a wonderful night, the spa is simply stunning and the Spa Director, Michelle Hill is fantastic. It is an elegant spa, with soothing gardens and a wonderful selection of spa treatment including couples massages. Each treatment room features a private garden and outdoor shower, very relaxing.
The rooms, we stayed in a one bedroom suite, are simple, elegant and have that wonderful Spanish charm. The gardens and private deck are perfect to get away and relax. Fresh squeezed orange juice each morning makes for a good start to the day.
Just wanted to share.
Only two weeks until I depart for Australia! This past weekend I had the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa. What a wonderful night, the spa is simply stunning and the Spa Director, Michelle Hill is fantastic. It is an elegant spa, with soothing gardens and a wonderful selection of spa treatment including couples massages. Each treatment room features a private garden and outdoor shower, very relaxing.
The rooms, we stayed in a one bedroom suite, are simple, elegant and have that wonderful Spanish charm. The gardens and private deck are perfect to get away and relax. Fresh squeezed orange juice each morning makes for a good start to the day.
Just wanted to share.
Friday, May 16, 2008
San Diego Agent Visits
Hello All,
What a wonderful day it is in sunny San Diego!
Quick update - I had a great day on Wednesday visiting some of our Virtuoso Agents in San Diego and chatting about Orion and our NEW 2009/10 Expeditions. Many folks are not familiar with some of the amazing destinations we visit and how unique Orion is.
To give you some ideas:
- Art of Arnhem Land - Focus on indigenous art and artists
- Kimberley - Guide to the Southern Skies (Astronomy at its best)
- Kimberley - Opera under the Stars
- Sub Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (Amazing birdwatching)
Don't forget Vietnam, Cambodia, Komodo Island, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and Antarctica (FROM AUSTRALIA).
Thanks to all the wonderful Consultants that took the time to meet with Linda (Paws Up) and I on Wednesday.
May I also just say that the Rancho Valencia Spa (had the opportunity to tour the Spa on Wednesday evening) is simply stunning!
Anyway, I digress. Have a great day.
What a wonderful day it is in sunny San Diego!
Quick update - I had a great day on Wednesday visiting some of our Virtuoso Agents in San Diego and chatting about Orion and our NEW 2009/10 Expeditions. Many folks are not familiar with some of the amazing destinations we visit and how unique Orion is.
To give you some ideas:
- Art of Arnhem Land - Focus on indigenous art and artists
- Kimberley - Guide to the Southern Skies (Astronomy at its best)
- Kimberley - Opera under the Stars
- Sub Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (Amazing birdwatching)
Don't forget Vietnam, Cambodia, Komodo Island, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and Antarctica (FROM AUSTRALIA).
Thanks to all the wonderful Consultants that took the time to meet with Linda (Paws Up) and I on Wednesday.
May I also just say that the Rancho Valencia Spa (had the opportunity to tour the Spa on Wednesday evening) is simply stunning!
Anyway, I digress. Have a great day.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Fast Approaching!
I can't believe that I am only a few weeks away from heading home to Australia. It is always much to long between visits and my favorite junk food!
This time I will be taking along my 6 and 4 year old children. They are well traveled but I usually have my husband along, alas he is on his way to Iraq for several months, so the journey to Sydney will be solo in Qantas Economy! Not to say that Qantas Economy is not wonderful, but I do like the leg room that the pointy end of the plane offers.
For anyone dealing with Australians living in the US, make sure that if they have children that are dual citizens they have both their Australian and American passports, this is now necessary to travel to Australia. The systems are linked and will recognize that you are a citizen and as such do not require a visa, but if you don't have a passport, well you get the picture. Needless to say we now have both passports thanks to a very kind and wonderful Australian Consulate in LA.
I have my rental car in Australia all taken care of, don't you love on-line booking, it is so easy! I will let you know what it is like to rent a car with 2 car seats etc at Sydney Airport.
Once in Australia I will be visiting the Hunter Valley, family home, then departing to join Orion along the Kimberley Coast via Darwin.
Having lived in Darwin for 2 years, I am looking forward to revisiting this dynamic and fun little city. Great Hotel rooms include the SkyCity (Superior Rooms best) and Saville Suites. Don't miss the Sunday and Thursday evening beach markets at Mindel Beach, FANTASTIC!
Oh, well getting ahead of myself now.
Will keep you all updated on my travels to Darwin - Broome and then to Perth for the ATE Conference.
This time I will be taking along my 6 and 4 year old children. They are well traveled but I usually have my husband along, alas he is on his way to Iraq for several months, so the journey to Sydney will be solo in Qantas Economy! Not to say that Qantas Economy is not wonderful, but I do like the leg room that the pointy end of the plane offers.
For anyone dealing with Australians living in the US, make sure that if they have children that are dual citizens they have both their Australian and American passports, this is now necessary to travel to Australia. The systems are linked and will recognize that you are a citizen and as such do not require a visa, but if you don't have a passport, well you get the picture. Needless to say we now have both passports thanks to a very kind and wonderful Australian Consulate in LA.
I have my rental car in Australia all taken care of, don't you love on-line booking, it is so easy! I will let you know what it is like to rent a car with 2 car seats etc at Sydney Airport.
Once in Australia I will be visiting the Hunter Valley, family home, then departing to join Orion along the Kimberley Coast via Darwin.
Having lived in Darwin for 2 years, I am looking forward to revisiting this dynamic and fun little city. Great Hotel rooms include the SkyCity (Superior Rooms best) and Saville Suites. Don't miss the Sunday and Thursday evening beach markets at Mindel Beach, FANTASTIC!
Oh, well getting ahead of myself now.
Will keep you all updated on my travels to Darwin - Broome and then to Perth for the ATE Conference.
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