Category Archives: Life

A return to the Western Wall ( the first of many)

So back I went to the Western Wall to catch the evening light. I had been struck earlier in the day by the fact that many Jewish women of all ages were at the Wall but I saw very few Muslim women at the Dome of the Rock: judging by the number wearing borrowed itemsContinue reading “A return to the Western Wall ( the first of many)”

Back in time: through Pennsylvania Dutch land to Gettysburg and beyond

I find it hard to believe how many days have passed since last I wrote here. I’ve driven over 2400 miles on unfamiliar roads, visited all kinds of interesting places, renewed old friendships and established more new ones – and it’s nearly time to leave this vast country. I’m sure I’ll be back! So- backContinue reading “Back in time: through Pennsylvania Dutch land to Gettysburg and beyond”

Disasters and delights

D-Day had arrived. I was to drive on the right-hand side of the road for the first time since 1978 when I was in Israel and seemed to follow or be followed by bombs…what would happen here? I had been pretty apprehensive until I got behind the steering wheel, but then it felt manageable –Continue reading “Disasters and delights”

Back to Christchurch and beyond via the TranzAlpine

Boarding the train at Greymouth along with other tourists and a few locals I was pleased to find that, as requested, my designated seat was right by the viewing car where it was much easier to take photos. These carriages are a bit like cattletrucks – no seats and no glass in the windows –Continue reading “Back to Christchurch and beyond via the TranzAlpine”

… and yet more from New Zealand’s South island

The next day I continued the drive northwards along the west coast. Once again I wasn’t sure how far I would get but had three places in mind to visit. Although the drive was not as spectacular as that from Haast to the glaciers, it was beautiful – cattle grazing in meadows at the footContinue reading “… and yet more from New Zealand’s South island”

…and there are still more!

January 3, 2011 was the day I realised how long holidays can be. Waking early, I settled the account at the hotel and drove back in to Dunedin. In many ways it was much more like a small country town in Scotland than the capital after whom it is named; a very unassuming town toContinue reading “…and there are still more!”

More ‘How Great Thou Art!’ moments from New Zealand’s South Island

It’s strange how the weather on this trip has been just right for some activities and just wrong for some! Our enjoyment of the vistas of the Coromandel Peninsula had been diminished a bit by the rain, but we saw a different side of it. On this first day of 2011 I was able toContinue reading “More ‘How Great Thou Art!’ moments from New Zealand’s South Island”

‘How Great Thou Art!’: New Zealand South Island

My last morning in Wellington was very different from the first: I woke to blue sky and glorious sunshine – just right for one of the world’s most renowned ferry crossings. This was a journey I had looked forward to for some time and was something I had been determined to do: no flight hereContinue reading “‘How Great Thou Art!’: New Zealand South Island”