So Why Start a Blog?

I’ve had the great joy of travelling to some beautiful, wonderful and glorious places, spending time with generous and friendly locals. And I’ve done all of this dressed sensibly for the climate and social context. People often ask if I’m German (I’m not).

I’ve been seen swimming off Thailand in long cotton trousers and a long sleeved blouse (sunburn). You’ll see me almost everywhere with an umbrella (works for both rain and sun). Some of my friends are horrified, some have joined me. The locals always appreciate my efforts not to offend, although some have a giggle.

A dag in Paradise, wearing red and grey rain jacket and with flower garland in my hair, stands with my love Chinese friend, Gui Rong who is wearing a rain poncho. In the background a river and limestone mountains.
In Yangshuo, China, with my lovely friend, Xu Gui Rong, a Yangshuo guide, who I’ve known since 2004

I’ve written stories for friends and family from wonderful travels for over 20 years and I’ve decided to publish them here. So, this blog will be mostly an anecdotal retrospective of the best bits and the most beautiful places, with a few of the worst bits thrown in to keep a balance.

What’s a “dag”?

So, I’m a dag. Where I live, this is a fond comment given by friends. It recognises that I don’t really care what the fashion is and that I’m my own person. I happily travel the world trying to respect local customs and keep the luggage small.

Photo shows the blogger smiling at the camera, parts of an aqua parasol can be seen above her head.
Always travel with an umbrella – or parasol!

Where is paradise?

I’m often in paradise. I love travelling everywhere, from beautiful beaches an hour away from home to Himalayan trekking; from bustling cities to quiet temples; from deserts to humid rainforests.

In lush countryside a small waterfall drops into a pool.
Dorigo Rainforest, Northern NSW, Australia

I mostly travel to interesting, out of the way places. I love Tibet and Tibetan culture, and I love the beauty of high mountains and particularly the Himalayas. Places with remote and interesting cultures are also among my favourites. I love sunshine, beaches, walking holidays and meeting locals. Most recently (over quite a few years) I’ve been in the Kimberley (Australia), Eastern Tibet, Myanmar, Bhutan, Cuba, Ladakh, China, Mongolia and Russia. Life is good!

Traditional Tibetan architectural buildings make up the small village and large temple near Zhongdian in Eastern Tibet.
Buddhist Monastery near Zhongdian, Eastern Tibet

I love to go to local markets, however small or large, to see the products, see and eat the food, and meet locals.

A local woman sits on a stool, smiling, surrounded by tables with green vegetables and a scale.
This lovely Mosuo woman was selling vegetables at a local market near Lugu Lake.

I hope you’ll enjoy my stories from paradises around the world.

3 juvenile pandas are high up trees. The pandas are looking at each other.
Anywhere with Pandas is is a paradise!

Who am I?

I live in a large town, or small city, on the east coast of NSW, Australia. I have an ordinary job and and ordinary life. I love to read, go to the beach, walk, and travel when time and funds allow.

Disclaimer

These posts will be my recollections and opinions, anecdotes from fondly remembered times.

I must just also say, I have no idea how to blog, so please don’t judge all of the strange things you’ll see on my pages. How to add? How to delete? Who knows? (This is also my approach to speaking foreign languages: have a go and hope for the best.)

Happy reading.