Nolene DE LUCA

Nolene DE LUCA

traveled in 12 countries Read more🇳🇿Tauranga

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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Stanley
April 19, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Stanley and in-between
April 19, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Wow, what a day. Headed to Stanley, stopped at Wynyard for breakfast, have never eaten so much bacon in one helping🍳🍳went into Table Cape Geological Site to visit the Lighthouse. We walked along the coast for a couple of km’s, had to walk off breakfast!!!
Carried on to Boat Harbour, a delightful bay with many bach’s and a beautiful beach.
Reached Stanley, to find a quaint village with beautifully kept old buildings.
Our goal was to go up ‘The Nut’ a 143m ‘hill’. My aim was to get the chairlift up and walk down-ha ha, being Good Friday it was closed🤪so we walked up, man was it steep it nearly killed me but we did it and then did the two km circuit around the top. So pleased we did it, amazing views. I probably won’t be able to walk tomorrow!! 13400 steps, 51 floors, 9.5km’s not bad for the day.
Returned via Wynyard to order scallops and chips from the fish shop on the wharf and sit there to eat them as the sun set.Read more
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Strahan to Burnie
April 19, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Headed out to do the 179km trip to Burnie through forest and lovely farmland via a lovely old mining town called
Zeehan, visited a reserve and walked through a disused rail tunnel remnants of the mine.
On to Rosebery to visit the Stitt River Falls very fast flowing with overhead bridge belonging to the mine close by.
On to Burnie where we visited a fern land reserve to see platypus playing - not in a playful mood today- we didn’t see any but Jeanette presented me with a 20cent coin with has Platypus on it so I wouldn’t feel deprived, ha ha! Saw wallabies hopping around though.
Our accommodation for two nights is across the road from the beach near the penguin colony.
Heading out to Stanley today.Read more
TravelerAwesome photos. Have a wonderful Easter...don't eat too many Easter eggs. 😛💕
4/18/19Reply
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Strahan
April 17, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Headed out this morning on the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a slow trip from Strahan to Dubbil Barril through the rain forest. Built in 1896 to transport ore from Queenstown to Strahan, a wonderful half day.
Then went out to Ocean Beach where it started to rain.
Lovely, it hasn’t stopped since.
Went to a show at 5.30, The Ship That Never Was, Australia’s longest running play, just had it’s 25th Anniversary. It was outside under a shade attached to the info centre (rained heavily) we sat under blankets.
I have never laughed so much in all my life I am sure, it was hilarious, I am still smiling.
Had a lovely dinner of octopus, ocean trout and lovely salads.
Bedtime now - I am still smiling😆😆Read more
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Strahan
April 16, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Headed out on a 33metre catamaran on McQuarie Harbour (6 times bigger than Sydney Harbour) out to the Southern Ocean then up into the Gordon River, interesting commentary on settlers and convicts. Went for a short walk into the bush at a Heritage Landing. On way back we stopped at Sarah Island for a look around at the ruins of Australia’s first penal colony, barbaric to say the least.
Had lunch (and wine) on board and then passed the many salmon farms on the way back to Strahan.
Scallop dinner at the local tavern was scrumptious!!!!Read more
TravelerWhat lovely photos Noles...glad you are having a good time. Xx
4/16/19Reply
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Leaving Hobart
April 15, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Before leaving Hobart we went to Mt Wellington again and managed to get to the top, 1.2km above the city. What an amazing view BUT freezing cold, apparently around 3degrees, and VERY WINDY. Worth the trip though. Heard that it snowed up there yesterday Brrrrr.
Then more than 300km later we were at Strahan, a cute little village on the McQuarie Harbour. Stopped off at a defunct mine near Queenstown (nothing like our Queenstown) at a disused mine called Iron Ore Blow, drove up to a lookout and walked out on a platform overlooking the pit, awesome, BUT cold and WINDY.
Finally at Strahan, lovely little town with heritage buildings.Read more
TravelerIt does look cold... you needed a few whiskies to warm you up. 😋
4/16/19Reply
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Bruny Island
April 14, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
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Bruny Island
April 14, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Early bus trip from downtown Hobart to Kettering for the ferry to Bruny Island then 40 min drive to Adventure Bay to board a boat for a three hour trip. Great weather, no major swell, magic boatman and our crazy tour guide - all made for a great day. Went down the coast into the southern ocean, unfortunately we didn’t get to see any Whales. Such amazing caves and coastline.
Lots of fun and laughter, then stopped to buy oysters on the way home, scoffing them on the ferry.
Back to Hobart, straight into a bar overlooking the waterfront for a ‘Japanese Slipper’ along with nibbles.
What a great day .Read more
Traveler Stephen is soooo jealous...haha
4/14/19Reply
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Hobart Tourists
April 13, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Walked from Hotel to Salamanca Market downtown Hobart this morning. Lovely cafe for breakfast then a wander, magic place, best market I have ever been to.
Back to pick up car then drove to Port Arthur, wow, what a place, wandered through the grounds and old penitentiary plus old houses, the history of this place and it’s convicts is amazing. Walked through the memorial garden that was created after the 1996 massacre of 35 people killed by a crazed gunman. One such person was Jason Winter of whom Mike & I knew slightly from his being a winemaker. Knew his father-in-law really well from Waihi Beach. Did a boat trip around the harbour and learnt more history of the convict life, great place.
Big day tomorrow, watch this space!!! Lots of laughs today 🤪🤪🤪Read more
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Hobart
April 12, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
After a rocky start yesterday we had an uneventful flight to Hobart but then had to wait for half an hour for our vehicle, then we were upgraded as they didn’t have what we booked, oh well, nice big wagon, same price, love it.
Hotel in good position in town. Drove out to Mt Wellington to find the summit road closed due to roadworks, lovely!! However, we did get some great views from half way up. Drove out to Kingston, so pretty and the beach lovely.
Found the shot tower historical site and climbed the 324 steps to the top.
I am the driver with Jeanette the good navigator.
Off to Port Arthur tomorrow.Read more
TravelerWorth the wait then.
4/14/19Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Melbourne Airport
April 12, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Plane left Auckland an hour later than scheduled yesterday, finally met Jeanette at our hotel, very ready for that wine!!!
Now back at airport waiting to board our plane to Tassie!!!
Can’t wait. 🤪🤪
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Tasmania Nolene DE LUCA
Tasmania
April 11, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Today I leave Tauranga for my journey around Tasmania with my friend Jeanette.
TravelerHave a wonderful trip....take lots of photos. 😚💕
4/10/19Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
No title
September 4, 2018 in New Zealand
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Tung Chung
September 2, 2018 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Tung Chung has certainly had a makeover since I was here last, real great place to walk around and take in the sights.
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Graduation trip to the USA Nolene DE LUCA
Hong Kong
September 2, 2018 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Guess what, weather cleared this morning and the sun came out, beautiful, on the day I go home😭😭decided to get the gondola up to the big Buddha and Monastery, seeing it leaves from Tung Chung where I was staying. Wouldn’t have seen a thing the last couple of days! Great views over Lantau and the airport, plus the bush and outlying areas. Good decision, took 25 mins in the gondola and I had it all to myself (no coughing or hoiking? Chinese) it certainly helped fill in time. Been to big Buddha before but not on that gondola so somewhere different. 25 mins back with five young Indians on a business trip, fascinating youngsters, they worked for Dell and were in HK for 2 weeks. Now in Cathay lounge at airport waiting for my plane home. Not looking forward to the trip but looking forward to seeing everyone and just being home🤗🤗🤗love the food in the lounge, beats eating on the plane. Sleeping pill and out to the count!!!😴😴😴Read more
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Stanley Market
September 1, 2018 in Hong Kong ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Rain again this morning, sometimes very heavy but I set off for Stanley Market, couldn’t see much from the bus window as the rain and humidity made it steamy, oh well I was able to catch glimpses of Repulse Bay etc. Stanley Market doesn’t really change but I enjoyed wandering around. Had to buy an umbrella because of the rain, it was so heavy at times the drains just couldn’t cope, fun, NOT. Managed to walk along the waterfront to Stanley Plaza, much more pleasant out of the rain. Had a kamikaze bus driver on the way back to Central, he should be on a race track!! Did buy a couple of tops, nothing special. Now back at hotel for Happy Hour. Depending on weather, I might go into town later!!! I do love Hong Kong and it’s craziness.Read more
TravelerMust catch up with you and your adventures when you get home. Enjoy the warmth!
9/1/18Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
London to Hong Kong
September 1, 2018 in Hong Kong ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Uneventful trip to Hong Kong although plane was late taking off. Nice to see a familiar face waiting at HK airport? Thanks John (and I didn’t catch your cold).
Settled in at Tung Chung then went wandering, MTR to Mong Kok to look around Ladies Market and surrounding area. Market still full of rubbish but did enjoy ‘sneaker street’, remarkably I never bought a thing except dinner on the footpath, loved it. Drizzly all the time. Even the view from my room is dismal with the drizzle and cloud, warm though.Read more
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Archives
August 30, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Weather not the best again yesterday so it was great to be able to spend it in Archives. No hassle this time, amazing!! Found a little more and with the aid of the helpful young man I met the day before I was able to able to email direct to my address, wonderful technology from a govt. dept. Don’t know if it was strictly legal though, he kept looking over his shoulder!!!
and asked that I don’t try it myself!! Great. Met Sandra, Bruno and Gabi’s daughter for dinner, so lovely to catch again, a great night out. Getting ready to fly out today for a couple of days in Hong Kong.😍Read more
TravelerLooks like you had a wonderful dinner.
8/30/18Reply
Gaynor WrightVery healthy looking dinner, including the wine! Have a safe trip home, see you soon
8/30/18Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Archives
August 29, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
To research Archives one must register and join, fine, agree with that but what a process, two forms of ID, no problem, except that one must be an invoice with an address , who carries that when on holiday?? Found an electronic power a/c, no address, so no go, found travel ins. account, hooray, but no? That is not a ‘normal’ a/c, what!! Wearing a big thin now, explain only at Archives for two days, don’t want to know about it, finally someone came to their senses and I got through. Phew. Huge staff, say they are there to help, yeah right!!
Finally had some luck and came away with info I never have been able to get from home. Yay. One young lad very helpful, anyway came away satisfied. Lovely sunny day.🤗🤗Read more
TravelerLOL, you are dealing with poms! They move pretty slow at the best of times.
8/29/18Reply
TravelerNothing like a stress-free break away Nolene! You’ll be able to laugh about all this for months to come I’m sure ...and great that you got some info to take away.
8/29/18Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
London
August 28, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Not much to report the last couple of days. Sunday was VERY wet and WINDY so I stayed in most of the day, boring to say the least. Unfortunately I couldn’t meet with Carol yesterday due to a family illness, so sad but family comes first. I only hope life gets better for them. We were both looking forward to meeting. I went out walking instead. Bank holiday so huge crowds out, I tried to avoid that as much as possible!! Lovely warm day, weather crazy here. Today I will be at Archives all day.Read more
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
No title
August 26, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌧 15 °C
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Around and about
August 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Went tripping around on Thursday, to Cyfarthfa Castle, amazing to learn of the history of the family who built it, very rich from iron ore mining and then coal mining. Lots of amazing collections from around the world and their art collection just as amazing, incredible to see everything still there. Drove through the valleys to Caerphilly, a beautifully kept town built around a castle, yes another castle, in ruins but once again an amazing place. Dinner at a hotel with Mark, Nancy got called out to work. Another lovely day. Weather good for a change.Read more
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Archives & Kew Gardens
August 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Huge day today. Website said Archives open, walked there, closed, and that was after I thought I was better than Mrs Google, she then punished me by taking me the long way round. So walked to Kew Gardens, not far, lovely place. Did the tree walk, 18 metres up, shame it wasn’t long, never mind after over 200 stairs it was ok. Did all the tourist things in the gardens, even saw a botanical painting by Susan Worthington (John’s mother). Walked over the Thames and watched the rowers, it was s beautiful day, thank goodness. Knackered when I got back to the Hotel late afternoon - 14.2km - 18738 steps, not too bad for the day😍Read more
TravelerBeautiful Kew Gardens
8/25/18Reply
TravelerLove Kew. YOu are certainly getting around, and on foot!!
8/26/18Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Caerphilly Castle
August 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
A lovely place to wander around.
Gaynor WrightTalk to you soon. All Blacks won again 40/12 retain Bledisloe cup.
8/25/18Reply
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Back to London
August 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
Left Merthyr Tydfil to head back to Cardiff using back roads for half of the way then on to the motorway. I really needed my navigator, Mrs google talked to me but it was not the same, we couldn’t have a conversation or a laugh!! Dropped car off at airport (dreary place) bussed into rail station (massive) then 2 hour trip to London’s Paddington Station, taxi to hotel. Knackered but good. Lovely countryside to look at from the train. Hotel room spacious, hooray!!Read more
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Italy Nolene DE LUCA
Family History
August 22, 2018 in Wales ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
Mark and I set off to find houses that my Mum lived in whilst she was here and where her first husband was born. We went to Yredegar, Pontypridd, Maesteg, Ystrad Mynach, Bedwellty among others, then we travelled through the Rhondda valley, it is so beautiful up in the mountains. Weather was drizzly on and off. Mal had wonderful information on all the iron and coal mines as the relations were mostly miners. He took me to Abergavenny where in 1966 the iron hills slid down into the school killing many children and families. Terrible tragedy.Read more
TravelerLook forward to hearing more detail of this part of your trip, as some of my relations lived in Pontypridd
8/23/18Reply
TravelerAberfan was the village where a coal tip on the hill above collapsed and hit a junior school and adjacent houses. One hundred and forty four were killed including 116 children on 21 October 1966.
8/27/18Reply
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