In the future my husband and I plan to travel back to Canada especially Newfoundland and spend 6-12 months exploring and soaking up the culture. We visited in 2014/15 enjoying it so much that we made an immediate plan to return after retirement, which can’t come quick enough.
Some of the many and varied amazing landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island.
I can still remember the excitement my husband and I felt when we found the Flamingo Pond in Kowloon Park, Hong Kong. We had walked past the park everyday however we didn’t realise what it actually was until our second last day when we entered and found a secret treasure. Prior to this experience as Australians we had only seen the odd Flamingo in a zoo. These beautiful creatures in a flock were majestic. We stood watching them for more than twenty minutes leaving because the sun was beginning to set.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/state-of-mind/
Dipping my toes into the sea of retirement
During the working winters of my life you never know what is a round the corner
Finally out of the shadows and into the Spring of retirement — freedom
Old Quebec City has many murals however the first created, known as the mural of Quebecers is very special. It depicts life through the history of Quebec and its citizens. I could have looked at it for hours and still find something new. Cleverly disguised as part of the artwork on the building are:
If you ever get the chance to go to Old Quebec City seek out the Mural of Quebecers–its definitely worth a look.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/life-imitates-art/
This tree in the Shoalin Temple, China is the oldest living thing I have ever seen. Our guide told us it was 1500 years old, which initially left me speechless. I struggled to understand the changes that would have occurred in it’s time. However, once I grounded myself, I enjoyed spending several minutes in this grand old masters presence mindfully connecting with both past, present and future. I love trees, they give me energy, especially those that have been around for a very long time.
What is the oldest living thing you have seen?
Diving is a beautiful weightless sport. In my opinion it looks more weightless when you dive outdoors in the sunshine. Here is my daughter practising what we nick named her flying dive. She makes it look so effortless as she blends with the sky.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/weightless/
For this week’s challenge, share an image that depicts transition. Let life itself be your muse.
When he designed the Sydney Opera House I am sure that JØRN UTZON  could not have envisaged the amazing displays this centerpiece of VIVID SYDNEY creates each year. I spend hours fascinated by the transitions that unfortunately because of their speed are difficult to photograph. The following photos are from 2014 and I loved the bright colours. If you are in Sydney during late May or early June it is well worth the visit.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/transition/
In the grounds of the historic Bendemeer Hotel this old statue of “Speak No Evil, See No Evil, Hear No Evil” caught my eye. The concrete frogs dressed in the Australian colours of green and gold gave the tradition monkey image an Australian twist. How fitting for a pub that has served and entertained the public since 1864.
I celebrate my little victories of life regularly as a way to encourage more positivity in my life. My most  recent interesting victory was getting my head around kissing a frozen cod-fish to take part in Newfoundland and Labrador’s famous Screech-In ceremony.
My husband and I choose to be screeched-in at Trapper John’s Pub and Museum, once voted best pub in North America for its fun, food and hospitality. The pub was very interesting however dark which although adding to the ambiance made taking good photos difficult.
The experience began with the ringing of the Screeching ceremony bell. This alerts all patrons in the pub that someone has requested to be Screeched-In.
We choose Sunday 5pm just as the pub was opening for the night for our ceremony. Because of this the pub had limited patrons however all stopped what they were doing, making us feel very welcome as we went through the ritual to become honorary Newfies—Newfoundlanders slang name for themselves.
For more information about the Screech-In ceremony and our experience please visit my earlier post https://www.inspiringmax.com/honarary-newfies/
We loved Newfoundland so much that one day we hope to visit again, next time for several months.