Posts by Charmaine Hallmark
New Zealand by Veronica and David Hadley
NEW ZEALAND by Veronica and David Hadley For a long time I had wanted to visit New Zealand. We vaguely thought we would go after my husband retired but took no active steps. Nearly 14 years later we suddenly decided if we didn’t go soon we would be too old and creaky. We wondered, without…
Read MoreIceland by Veronia and David Hadley
ICELAND by Veronica and David Hadley My wife and I had long wanted to visit Iceland. For me, the wish began when, as a young boy, I read Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”: the story in which a German professor and his nephew, with an Icelandic guide, descend into the crater…
Read MoreThe Rocky Mountaineer in British Columbia – Vancouver to Whistler
THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER There are a number of ways to make your journey up to Whistler, but one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways is to take the famous Rocky Mountaineer. On my recent trip to Canada I had the chance of travelling to Whistler from Vancouver. I…
Read MoreThe Train through the Canadian Rockies
THE TRAIN THROUGH THE CANADIAN ROCKIES The Rocky Mountaineer is the most famous icon of Canada. It breathes magic and romance as soon as you arrive at the station and step onto the train. It’s a 2 day journey from Vancouver to Banff. From the big picture window you enjoy the views of British Columbia,…
Read MoreThe Indian Pacific…Australia (video clip)
THE INDIAN PACIFIC AUSTRALIA It was on ‘my list’ and the ATE Conference in Adelaide gave me the exact opportunity I’d been waiting for. I flew to Perth, my favourite city, I could almost call home, and I boarded the Indian Pacific in excited anticipation of the journey ahead. We left Perth in the late…
Read MoreMy Escape to the Seychelles
MY ESCAPE TO THE SEYCHELLES I arrived at Gatwick North Terminal feeling nervous, I was off on my first work trip to check out – The Seychelles! This was my first time travelling far away and I was amazed at the size of the Emirates aircraft. Even in economy the seats were spacious and I…
Read MoreCast adrift…..to Paradise
CAST ADRIFT TO PARADISE It is quite unlikely that you will see anything as beautiful anywhere else in the world than the Maldives. We reached our island by floatplane after an overnight flight from Gatwick with Emirates. The sea was like blotting paper – and the islands like spots of ink – the hues of…
Read MoreGoing back to the Seychelles? (video clip)
GOING BACK TO THE SEYCHELLES I arrived at Mahe without any jet lag and I was greeted by the tropical island’s wonderful warmth and sunshine. My luggage was quick and so I had time to buy some local duty frees. Then straight to a small domestic aircraft and a 15 minute flight with breathtaking…
Read MoreAffordable Mauritius
AFFORDABLE MAURITIUS Stop dreaming about visiting paradise! Now Mauritius need not be just for exclusive holidays and expensive weddings and honeymoons. With our unique connections we can make your dream come true. In the middle of the Indian Ocean, in the heart of the Mascarene Islands, Mauritius will enchant you, uplift your soul and make…
Read MoreAn Unforgettable Weekend to Venice (video clip)
AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND TO VENICE Hear the radio interview by Charmaine on Meridian FM If music is the food of love …then Venice is the food of your soul! I started my journey from London, following the tracks of the rich and famous on the VSOE – Venice Simplon Orient Express!…
Read More