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MACKS MEANDER ABROAD
  • Linda McKinlay

MACKS MEANDER ABROAD

Time to celebrate a 70th birthday and 50yrs of wedded bliss. Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 28, 2025
    Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    FLIGHT

    August 28 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 37 °C

    Well here I am sitting in the comfort of an Emirates A380 business class seat. And it's pretty special I have to say. We've just been given pj's, a toilet bag, slippers and eye mask. It's so nice having a foot rest and plenty of space to move around in the seat. Before we boarded we made use of the Emirates Lounge where we were able to get snacks and drinks and have dinner. When it's time for a meal the flight attendants come around and lay a large serviette across our tables like a table cloth. After the meal there is the luxurious hot wet face flannel. Once it was dark all the window shades lowered in unison and at sleep time the lights were off and the roof of the plane lit up like stars. It's really neat being able to lie flat to sleep too. The seats are really clever and rather than just reclining the seat part slides forward close to the shelf in front. You'll see where Rog has his feet. That's where his legs will be stretched out when he goes night night. Its a wonderful treat and I am relishing every moment of luxury.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler
    2

    DUBAI

    Aug 30–31 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Been an interesting day, but both of us looking forward to our bed now. Nice hotel room with small water view. Group didn't meet till 2pm so after settling into our room we had breakfast then it was shower to freshen up and into bed for Rog for a catch up snooze. This afternoon we did quite a big drive around the city with a very detailed interesting commentary on how the city was built and what it's like to live here. Before coming back to the hotel we went up the Burg Khalifa tower. This tower is very famous and you will recognize it in my photos. Not liking Dubai. It's lacking green spaces, the extremely tall buildings are crowded and at the moment with all the construction and lack of wind there is a dusty haze. The other thing is there's no nice blue sky even though the sun is shining and it's 42 humid degrees. Not sorry I came though as its an eye opener to what you can do with wealth.
    Photos are random city views and stuff    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    EXTRA

    Aug 30–31 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ⛅ 39 °C

    Forgot to include these photos yesturday. It's a very cool structure. You actually go inside and there is a lift to the top level. It's a futuristic museum. There really is the weird and wonderful in Dubai. We've driven past lots of palaces which you can't see from the road because they are behind high concrete fences. Heard about one princess who collects live lions and tigers. Has them in an enclosure. 🙃Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Im back.

    September 2 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    You'll have missed my updates the last couple of days due to my being rather unwell. I missed out on the tour of Madrid yesturday and today they're doing a full day trip to Toledo without me. . Last night after dinner Roger went to a Pharmacy and got me some strong meds and today I'm feeling a lot better but couldn't face a 2 hour city walk and full day out so I'm resting up. Anyway I'm fine just thought you'd be wondering what's happened to me. I'll get some photos of Madrid and Toledo from Rog later and do a separate post. So not a lot to report from me but some interesting Dubai stats. Dubai prides itself on having the biggest and best of everything they build. Got to be quite joke when our tour guide mentioned another world record
    Here's some I remember. We have the world highest infinity pool, the tallest ferris wheel, the largest man made island, the biggest picture frame, the tallest building, the biggest water park and the largest desalination plant. And then to top that on the menue on the plane it said, using fresh produce from Bustanica the world's largest vertical farm. I'm trying to imagine a vertical farm 🤔 I think they mean garden.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    MADRID

    September 2 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    I think Leah might have upgraded our room. It's on the 12 floor (top) and is huge. We also had a lovely welcome gift from Leah. 2nd photo. And a gift from the hotel. Very nice. Could have done with the fan in Dubai. The other photos are just random from the walk about tour.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    TOLEDO

    September 2 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Roger said I would have loved Toledo . It's a walled city with cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Its the main centre of the catholic church in Spain so there is a large cathedral I must point out that Jesus is not doing the hoopla hoop. Rather the hoop symbolizes the whole world. Well in the sculptures eyes anyway.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    MADRID

    September 4 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Yesturday we took a drive north to the 14th century St Lawrence monastery. My favourite room in the whole place was the library where they have thousand of ancient books. I have given you Roger's video because a couple of photos won't do it justice. Also photos of the stunning Frescos. From there we went to Segovia for lunch and to visit a gorgeous castle. This castle was used in the Disney movie sleeping beauty. Segovia is a very quaint town very busy with tourists. The restaurant we went to specializes in pork meals which apparently is a popular national meal. So we had thin slices of meat with gravy and a handful of thin cut fries. Rather interesting. No greens. The town also has an aqueduct built by the Romans. It's a fabulous piece of historical construction and makes wonderful photos. It was a long day with lots of walking so by the time we got home I was wacked again and had a nap while Roger went for a walk to buy some fruit. Just realsied the photoes Roger took of the frescos hasn't come through and he's now asleep so I'll add in the morning. It's 11.35pm and I can hardly keep my eyes open.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler
    1

    Frescos

    September 5 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    As promised some stunning artwork for you. I'm having trouble keeping up with my blog sorry but this afternoon and evening we are free so I promise more information.

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Library

    September 5 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Unfortunately after several tries have given up on video. It's a shame cause the room is spectacular
    A couple of photos won't do it justice but will have to suffice.

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    BIRTHDAY

    Sep 5–6 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Bubbles and Cheesecake gift from Hotel. Gave the bubbles to the group as not drinking at present. There were 3 birthdays yesturday and when we met before going to dinner we were given these gorgeous coasters and sweets from our Tour Leader. Very kind. In case my girls are wondering dad gave me a beautiful sentimental card and a Pandora birthstone charm.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Madrid to San Sebastian

    September 5 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    What an unexpected start to our travel plans yesterday. As we were about to get into the lift with our luggage we discovered one of our ladies traveling on her own was flat on her back in her room . She had been packing up her bag ready to depart when her legs gave out and she went down. Poor thing had been up vomiting all night. So , much drama getting her seen by Dr who arranged an ambulance and admission to hospital with pneumonia. Roger showed his kind side and was very helpful in moving Trish and offering comfort. We actually have 2 recently retired intensive care nurses from New Plymouth and a retired Hospice nurse (Judy) in our group but they weren't really needed. Poor Trish but we have word she's to be discharged tomorrow and I guess will rest up in a hotel for a couple of days before joining us. All that meant we were 2 1/2hrs late leaving which was a shame because we had a long drive north. We stopped at Burgus a very pretty small city for lunch. Burgus is part of the Camino Pilgrim Trail. You'll note the weary Pilgrim resting with me has a scallop shall around his neck. That is the trail symbol and they are dotted all the way along the trail to show the way. Tomorrow I will write about some impressions of food here.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    San Seb x 2

    September 6 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We are enjoying very comfortable warm weather in the mid 20s and its so nice to see clear blue skies after the Dubai haze. Yesturday we did a city tour with a local guide who spoke excellent English and in fact speaks 7 languages. We are in the area of the Basque people and it was interesting hearing about their culture and language and also to get an understanding of the E.T.A uprising in which I lots of people were killed. I remember this happening. The Basque people wanted to be independent from Spain.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Standa to Oviedo

    September 7 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today we have driven to the capital.city of this region Oviedo. It is a very modern small city
    We drove through a pretty national park where alot of outdoor activities. We stopped in a lovley alpine village to explore a while and to enjoy the fresh mountain air. There is a man made cave in the rock that has been made into a gorgeous place for prayer and quiet contemplation
    Also a Basilluca constructed of pink limestone which is typical of the area. Couldn't go in a there was a service happening. We did enjoy the bells ringing though. Settled into our hotel now and about to head out to find some food.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Tuesday 9 Sep

    Sep 9–12 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Yesturday we arrived in Santiago. I learned why we have duplicate city names in the America. Santiago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It's because missionary monks went from Spain and named those places after home. Anyway we had a couple of stops along the way. I couldn't resist a photo of this gorgeous Carousel. Next stop was for lunch at a beautiful modern city with a huge harbour much like our viaduct area on steroids. Also the light house is apparently the world's oldest. We are staying in a wonderful old monestry converted into a very nice hotel. Our rooms would have been the monks cells..Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Santiago.

    September 9 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    We are staying in the old town. And there are lots of fascinating historic building. Last night we had dinner all together at a very nice restaurant and on the way home came across the commotion which Roger videod. It was fantastic and we stayed a while and absorbed the atmosphere. Yesturday was the national day of celebration and we think this was part of that. The city is heaving with tourists and people doing the Camino Pilgrims trail. It ends/starts here in the big square in front of the cathedral. We set off this morning for a 3 1/2hr historic walk. It was freezing cold with a nasty wind blowing and I don't think any of us were well prepared. Tomorrow leave Spain and head to Portugal where we will join our river cruise in Porto. I think we are all looking forward to that being a little more relaxed pace and time to recharge.. By the way Trish has joined us after her stay in hospital and it's good to ha e her back. She was put on a train and our tour guide met her. She still a bit weak so is taking it slowly. Photo 1 is the outside of our hotel.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Off to Porto

    September 10 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    I did tell you about the hotel but I want to tell you more cause it's soo very cool the staff are all gentlemen and very kind and helpful and even speak a bit of English. They are dressed in black we reckon they deliberately meant to look like monks. Here and there on the floor are glass panels showing the original ruins of the monestry. It's a wonderful hotel and we love it. thank you Leah . The group we are traveling with are great and no ones really annoying. We have 2 80 year olds and a couple of ladies late 60 so most of us in the 70s. As well as our tour leader Rebecca from Wanaka we have had a Spanish speaking guide traveling with us. Then when we get to a town where we are doing a walking tour we have a local guide. So we're well looked after. Our bus driver is great and I give him huge kudos for maneuvering our massive bus through some very narrow streets. We're on the boat now and Rog has gone for a walk with the group while I rest. I'm generally stuffed by the time we arrive at our destination each day. I've taken a couple of photos from our cabin through the huge panorama windows. Cold and wet again today. Hoping for sunshine tomorrow.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Cruising.

    September 12 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Sorry missed messaging yesterday. Quiet afternoon on the water today will give me a chance to catch up with everyone. X

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    A day of adventure

    September 12 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    What a huge day it's been today. I woke feeling quite breathless and fed up so decided since it was A quiet cruising day it was time to seek some medical help. The ship people were wonderfully helpful and recommended a private hospital about an hour away by cab. So one was ordered for us and off we went. The hospital people were very good. The doctor spoke a little bit of English enough to understand the description of my symptoms. He wanted a chest xray which was done quickly in the next room. Chest infection was confirmed so I left with a script for antibiotics. I have taken 1 dose and already feel better. Unfortunately we missed our boat which left at mid day, but we already had an arrangement in case that happened. So another 2 1/2hr taxi ride and a 2 1/2hr wait for our ship further along the river. We had a wee problem with the cab too because Rog went to pay with his card and found the driver who spoke no English only took cash which we didn't have. So off we drove through the countryside looking for and ATM. Eventually we were all sorted and we were dropped off at the jetty in the middle of no where for a 3 hour wait. So that was our day. But you'll be pleased to know I'm sooo much better. Was quite sweet when the boat started docking all our gang were lined up waving and hanging out windows welcoming us back on board. They've all been so kind. Photo of the boat coming through the lock.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    A day to enjoy the boat.

    September 13 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Didn't move far today. Some folk got off to do day tours and were picked up further along the river. We stayed on board. Moving on tomorrow. There are several locks along the river which are fascinating to pass through. You might have noticed in yesturdays pics the boat passed through one just where we were picked up. Have I told you how the Spanish like their cigarettes. It's a pain.and I found the smoke quite an irritant to my breathing. We've got very unused to the smell at home haven't we. Another strange thing is how they serve potatoe crisps as part of a meal. Last nights main was a nice looking peice of meat in gravy and potato chips. They just call them potatoes. Funny. I'm sorry the photos are so muddled. I should be able to put them in order but haven't been able to this time. Wonder if Grant has any suggestions for me to try.? There are some of us leaving Porto which I don't think I sent earlier. Sorry if I've doubled up.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Gem missed

    Sep 13–17 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Man's work never done 🤔

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Another restful day.

    September 15 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Not much time report today as we stayed on board in dock owing to poor old Rog having developed a cold. 🤧 He's certainly not the first in our group and on board there are lots of coughs and sniffles. There are a lot of Germans on this cruise and we don't like them because they steal our food 😠 If you don't stand over the toaster ready to remove the toast when popped they'll help themselves. Dad ordered an omlette the other morning and a German did also, so the cook made one big one. When it was cooked he cut it in half and put on two plates. Wouldn't you know it the German took both plates 🤔 dad was standing right there waiting. Even the cook wasn't amused. Then today our dear 80yr old Maureen had her tomato soup stolen from under her nose when she put it down to get some bread. You sure can go off some people. There's 124 passengers I think. Along with our group apparently there are another couple from Auckland who I haven't come across yet. Quite a few English a few Americans and a huge group of Germans. We're enjoying the cruise. The Douros is a very pretty river with lovely landscapes. The food is quite good. Plenty of beautiful fresh fruit at each meal time. The staff are pretty good too and most speak English fairly well. I made my first purchase today. Spotted a silver filigree pendant in the ship shop and since I don't have a short pendant I decided to get it as a nice momento of our trip. I saved some euro by not buying the chain which is sold separately. We aren't holiday shoppers and my suitcase is already chocka so not really tempted. Laundry been quite easy to keep up to date cause our room has the big window which we can open plus we are getting heaps of afternoon sun. So that's been great. Tomorrow afternoon we have an excursion booked so you might get a more interesting report and photos.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    On the road again

    September 18 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Had a fabulous day yesturday driving from Porto to Lisbon, Portugal capital. We had 3 very interesting stops. Fist at Kosta Nova the lighthouse, the tallest in Portugal then to walk a little bit for photos of the gorgeous beach cottages. Next stop Coimbra was for lunch and a walking tour of the university. One of the oldest in Europe and the library with very treasured old books from the 12 century. We heard how they are treated to preserve them including cats being allowed in at night to keep the mice away and a couple of tiny bats that eat any insects. Apparently this method is working well.. 👍This is the library in the Beauty and the Beast movie with Emma Thomson. The Harry Potter series idea came from this university and .it's strict traditions which are still practiced today. The traditional students still wear black suits girls and boys (but girls with a skirt) and the black cape. We saw some student initiations happening which were quite funny. Lots of yelling and bowing to the seniors. We weren't allowed to photograph. You might know JK Rowling wrote at least the first Potter book when she lived in Portugal. Lastly a town nick named Portugals Venice (Arveira) because of the canals and boats. I loved this place. The buildings were colourful, lots with gorgeous tiles, several of Art Nouveau architecture and nice green areas. Arrived in Lisbon just after 7 and had a quick turn around to meet in lobby at 7.30 for the bus to our restaurant for dinner. Luckily the meals don't take long and we were home just after 9.30 and very ready to shower and hit the sack. The random photo of the shoe is because it's made of cork. Cork products are made in Portugal and the variety is endless. Bags coin purses shoes bikinis anything you could think of really
    . Apparently it is very strong like leather and easy to clean and care for. We weren't allowed to take photos in the library. I have given you some from out side and also inside the small chapel. The tiles are gorgeous and of course you have to always look up because the ceiling artwork and decoration is incredible. Enjoy.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Lisbon to Seville

    September 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Nothing much to report today as it was spent in the bus. Did have a 30min.tour of a tile factory though which was interesting so that's where all my photos are from today. These tiles are all made to order. Since I don't have much for you I thought I'd slip in a photo of our group taken just before we disembarked our boatRead more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Cathedral etc

    September 20 in Spain ⋅ 🌩️ 20 °C

    We checked out the park and then had a break to get lunch before heading to the Cathedral where we had a booking. Both the palace and the cathedral have strick security. We had to show passports and put bags through a scanner and walk through a scanner just like an airport. The cathedral was actually built as a mosque by the Moors then when the Christians came it became a cathedral. It has been added to and changed over the centuries. The bell tower was once a minaret. I didn't really like the cathedral. It's so flashy and opulent with lots of gold. Of course I appreciate the craftmanship but the Moroccan/Moorish style is more to my taste. I should explain the Moors were Moroccan Muslims. Just home from a Flamenco caberet show. Nice food and a very lively colourful show. Not that keen on flamenco, its too noisy , but this show wasnt too bad. Photo 5 is a tiled wall leading to a public toilet. Pretty impressive. I couldn't resist photo 6 the shop was full of colour. Made me happy .😊Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER ABROADTraveler

    Seville to Grenada

    September 21 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    2 stops today. First at a family run organic olive farm. We had a 1 hour tour and olive oil tasting. Did you know an olive oil tasting is the same as a wine tasting. Close your eyes and smell the oil first. Then swill it round your mouth before swallowing. Note the smell, feel of the wine in your mouth, taste and finally after taste in your throat. We tried plain oils first then some flavoued. Fascinating and very interesting tour followed by a lovely lunch under the vines. Could have stayed all afternoon it was so relaxing and pretty. Next stop Ronda a town of two halves separated by a spectacular gorge and not joined till a bridge was built 200 and something years ago. We had a walking tour through the streets with a guide. Ronda has the oldest bull fight ring in the world but they only have 2 bull fights a year because of the cost of it. That's all you'll hear about bull fights from me. I didn't even take photos. Just will say our guide told us there is great division even in families about this practice. Interestingly there are still 3 very old convents. One has about 15 live in nuns that hep in the comunity The other 2 have 4 and 9 nuns that never leave the convent. These convents won't last much longer and as the nuns pass away they aren't replaced. Very interesting. Please zoom the 2 photos before the vespas to see the old ruins way down below. And the Caves which the bandits used to hide in. The landscape has changed today. We have lakes and mountains and the grape vines have been replaced with olive trees from right beside the as far as the eye can see on both sides of the road. This area is known for its white houses. Whole villages of white, where most of the other towns we've visited have been colourful . Now in Grenada and heading to the nearby supermarket to find something for a simple dinner. Photos. About 300 Vestas from. All over for a reunion. The lady in my photo took my fancy. She's gorgeous all dressed up for the bull fight. Dinner.Read more

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