P Squared Adventures LLC

12/10/2024

Our first morning in Sydney we got an Uber and rushed off to an early morning tour of the Opera House. After the tour we stayed in the harbor area, visited the modern art museum and then were able to meet friends who live in the Sydney area for a long lovely lunch. We met the Goldie’s on a river cruise in France and it was wonderful to catch up.

12/10/2024

Brisbane is the capital and largest city of the state of Queensland and the third-most populous city in Australia with a population over 2.7 million. It lies between the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

Brisbane is a global centre for research and innovation and is a transportation hub, being served by large rail, bus and ferrynetworks, as well as Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, Australia's third-busiest airport and seaport.

While in Brisbane we visited several sites including Queens Wharf, Mount Coot, King George Square and the downtown shopping area.

12/03/2024

We spent the morning sailing around the Whisunday islands. It is truly an amazing and unique area. The Whitsunday Islands are 74 continental islands of various sizes off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Brisbane. The island group is centred on Whitsunday Island, while the commercial centre is Hamilton Island. The traditional owners of the area are the Ngaro people and the Gia people, whose Juru people has the only legally recognised native title in the Whitsunday Region. I would say this is a region not to be missed.

12/03/2024

Our afternoon in Townsville took us to Castle Hill. It rises to a height of some 286 metres (938 ft) above sea level and dominates the city skyline. It is one of the most distinctive natural features on the Queensland coast. After walking around and seeing the beautiful views we visited the Strand. The Stand is a beautiful seaside area enjoyed by the locals with swimming areas, parks, gardens, restaurants and shops.

12/03/2024

The next stop on our journey around Australia was in Townsville. That day we did two tours. We spent the morning at the Queensland Museum Tropics. Here we were able to see a snapshot of North Queensland with galleries telling the stories of World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs and the tragic tale of HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. We learned more about coral and their life cycle and many other native animals, along with the story behind the Pandora ship.
We walked around the harbor and this quaint town.

11/25/2024

One more short video from the reef.

11/25/2024

UNESCO says the following about the Great Barrier Reef,

Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.
We had the amazing opportunity to snorkel on the reef the other day. I will share more pictures and videos later but today I would like to share just a couple videos taken inside a semi submersible.

11/21/2024

Our first stop in Australia was in Darwin. Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia. The city has nearly 53% of the Northern Territory's population, which is about 300,000. In Darwin we visited the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery. We also visited the main downtown area with many shops, restaurants and parks. Darwin’s port is larger than Sydney’s port.

After a day at sea we visited Thursday Island, which is the northern most point in Australia and part of Queensland. The population is a mere 2,800 most are descendants of the native tribes that had inhabited the area for centuries.

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre we visited showcases both heritage and contemporary Islander artworks. We were treated to a dance presentation by local high school students which highlighted their native dance traditions. This was a real treat as Viking is the only cruise line that visits the island and they support the local school.

11/19/2024

We did our last stop in Indonesia on the island of Komodo, where we visited the Komodo National Park. The reason to visit this park is to see the famous Komodo Dragon and we were very lucky so see several. While actually a very large lizard the Komodo is a carnivore who hunt and ambush their prey. They grow up to 10 feet long and can weigh 330 lbs. Yes they would consume a human if given the opportunity, so the number of visitors is limited and each group must be accompanied by several park rangers. During our visit we also saw monkeys, deer, water buffalo and multiple birds.

11/14/2024

Yesterday still in Bali we visited a temple high on a cliff over the ocean. They warned us that the Monkeys in the area would steal hats glasses whatever they could get their hands on. I had my cell phone on a lanyard around my neck. Well out of nowhere I had a monkey grab my phone and we had a tug of war over my phone. He was pulling so hard he bent the very heavy metal clasp. When they would get something they would run into the woods with it. We were told that occasionally they trade it for two pieces of food. You needed two because if you gave them one they would hold your item in one hand and take the food in the other. I was very lucky I didn’t loose my phone.
Today we are on the island of Lombok. We are learning about traditional village life. Our first stop was a village where all women weave, if a girl doesn’t learn to weave she cannot get married. One sarong size weaving takes about 3 months.
Our next stop was in a traditional village where we learned about the one room houses and their construction and watched a fighting demonstration that is part of their culture.
This afternoon we will be sailing to our next stop.

11/12/2024

Bali
Had an amazing day on Bali enjoying the sites. We hired a private guide for the day, very reasonable for a nine hour day. ( yes I have his contact information) Door to door service from our hotel the intercontinental. Kadek planned a very special day for us.
The first stop was a cultural center where we experienced a traditional Bali show that lasted about 45 minutes. From there we moved on to a batik demonstration, where we learned about natural dyes, and the steps to create amazing batik designs.
The next stop was a silver demonstration learning the steps to make beautiful silver jewelry.
The afternoon was filled with a butterfly farm, with beautiful flowers, butterflies and moths. Next a local temple complete with sarongs. And an amazing coffee plantation where we tasted about a dozen delicious coffees and teas. We ended the day with a seafood dinner on the beach.
Today our guide will be going to his village for a four day festival at the village temple so his brother in law will be taking us to the south side of the island for a few stops before we join the Viking Orion.

11/10/2024

Off to Bali. Watch the site for travel updates, it is going to be an amazing trip.

10/10/2024

We are planning a group trip to the French Polynesian islands including Bora Bora. It will not be until September of 2026, but reserving rooms now. Would love for you to join us.

08/18/2024

08/07/2024

Last year we spent several wonderful weeks in Holland during tulip time! I can get you there for an amazing 10 day trip next spring for about $3200 per person, including air!
Act fast I am certain this one will sell out quickly.

06/21/2024

Have you ever dreamed of going to the Europe Christmas Markets? I can help that dream come true, until June 24 there are some great deals on 7 night Christmas Market cruises. Send me a note and let’s make this happen.

05/15/2024

Did you dream of going to France this summer? Maybe strolling through Monet's Garden, walking down the Champs- Elysees in Paris, or visiting the Beaches of Normandy for the 80th Anniversary? This month only I can get you there, with a one week cruise on a beautiful Viking Ship including airfare for less than $2,500 per person.
Contact me through messenger or at [email protected] we can start planing your dream vacation.