Top of the Morning...

Am off to one of my favourite countries in the world - Ireland - for a 12-day coach tour for a story. Am most excited about channelling my Downtown Abbey fantasties at the glorious Ashford Castle  and having a go at falconry.

Oh and then flying to Hamburg for three nights at the end to see a mate.

See you on the other side.

   
(Pic of Dublin from The Telegraph)

Bali bound

For the second time in just over a year, I will spend a week in Bali for a magazine. It was supposed to be Lombok but then the devastating quakes happened last month and, not surprisingly, that media trip was pulled.

But am looking forward to returning to Bali tomorrow - just hope the quakes there this week have also abated. Wish me luck!

Today's visual is of one of the gorgy resorts I will be staying at - Alila Villa Uluwatu. Be still, my beating heart.

    

Coast and Country

A few months back, I 'did' the three-day Tora Coastal Walk at the heel of the North Island.

That story is published in the June issue of North & South Magazine (click here to read).

   

Land of the Rising Sun

Apologies for the radio silence, I've been literally running to meet deadlines before I fly to Japan tomorrow.

It's been a while since I visited this fascinating country, so I'm really looking forward to reacquainting myself with Tokyo and Kyoto.

See you on the other side.

 
(Pic credit: You Tube)

The fabulous Philippines

Apologies for the lack of visual evidence of last week's media trip to this glorious smattering of islands. But my body is still in shock from the transition from 30+ degree temperatures to the high t of eight that Welly has managed to stretch itself to today. 

But there was bustling Metro Manila, a visit to Cebu and two islands - Miniloc and Bohol - as well as a food walking tour, the Chocolate Hills, a visit to a sustainable bee farm, being awoken by monkeys on the roof and island hopping in settings so stunning they almost looked Photoshopped.

Now I just have to craft it all into stories.....

Here are a few pics from last week - more to come when I can find five minutes amongst the madness.