Mareblu

Only last week I applied for and received free travel insurance through our Westpac mastercard, for next year's trip, which includes two cruises (Oceania and Cunard). I completely missed reading the last section of the Letter of Eligibility we received, and being concerned about cover for the cruises, I rang the helpline. A patient and efficient person confirmed we are automatically covered for cruises, and directed me to, "Eligibility for Cover while Cruising and for Epidemic/Pandemic (such as COVID-19) Cover". Hope this answers your question, as it did mine 🙂

Ours too. I'm sure it was available on our Sirena cruise last September, but as DH orders the drinks, I can't be positive till I ask him. We always take the premium package, for all the reasons written above.

Thanks for sharing that sweet story, Neil. Another instance of the rewards of knowing your local branch staff, and their understanding changed necessities. Sadly, that time has passed, I fear.

Rubbery figures, I think Les?

I must admit I rarely use cash now. I still like to carry enough for an emergency if the machine is down in a coffee shop or restaurant, etc. Saves a dash to the bank where you can't get cash😄

That's another lovely story about caring bank staff. And what a wonderful, long life. Thank you for sharing this lovely tale about your mother.

We have an account with a cheque book facility attached, although for some reason it's not called a "cheque account". I seriously cannot remember the last time I wrote a cheque, nor receiving one. True story that may even trounce all our dated cheque stories: my friend's lovely mother passed away some nine or ten years ago now, but her local bank branch, where she'd been a loyal customer all her married life, indulged her dislike of "modern and complex banking" and allowed her to continue to trot into the branch with her savings passbook, which the staff duly stamped and initialled for each transaction. I guess any cheques she received in the mail also went into the passbook as credits. She was a delightful lady, and I can't imagine anyone, even a bank manager, not acceding to her requests.

We would love to return home immediately after the flight, but we arrive into Sydney n the evening, too late by the time we clear customs and collect our luggage, to connect with a flight home.

Bravo Lisle…I couldn’t agree more. Extend your holiday to at least one relaxing hotel stay before your cruise, and repeat after. I’ve just booked two nights in Civitavecchia (Rome’s cruise port) prior to our Oceania “Vista” cruise next April (shed the jetlag after long flight from Sydney) then a night in Mestre (near Venice’s Marco Polo Airport) after before flying go Edinburgh the next day. Repeat with airport hotels London before and after our cunard cruise, then Sydney after arriving early evening before a leisurely drive home to Canberra the next day. Otherwise, we’re happy to stay home stress free.

Wishing you a rapid recovery, Marion.

So sorry you’ve had to endure all this😔

Double Wow!!

And dead possums.

Our spin doctors are to blame

Les, you recognised us!😂

Recently booked our second Cunard cruise: Queen Anne, Cunard’s new vessel. Maiden voyage early next year, and ours UK and Ireland in May, will be her third. We enjoyed QE this past January, so hoping QA will be the same or better. There are only a few “formal” theme evenings on each voyage, and we noticed some gents simply wore a normal suit or a dark jacket, both with normal ties. Honestly, it’s fun to dress up occasionally, and a tux is very easy to pack. BTW, no-one is forced to participate. Those who prefer not to may dress normally and simply dine in one of the more informal venues.

Spot on👍

Read that this afternoon, Leigh. Couldn’t agree more. England’s NZ Coach needs to brush up on imparting the basic rules of this wonderful game. My father played 1st grade for Waverley, my uncle captained Tasmania and was 12th Man for Australia, and Dad’s other two brothers played 1st grade, one Melbourne, one Sydney. The very first thing I can hear them saying, in chorus from The Beyond, is, “Do not leave your crease until the ball is dead”. Cricket 1.01.

And don’t get me started with the Yobs in Suits

A clever comment, Mic, and a correct one from Sinbad. My offering was meant go reflect my feelings at the time: it saddens me sometimes when we resort to parochialism, and here I’m thinking of crises such as the recent pandemic. It did also bring out the best of us, fortunately. I’ve always been content that our ACT health and (generally) education facilities welcome our near and far NSW neighbours. Parochialism can be entertaining and fun when it involves healthy competition and sport, although we daren’t raise the topic of cricket atm😜

"Queensland hospitals are for Queenslanders"

Fingers crossed for fine weather for your adventure, Lisle.

That’s such a lovely, evocative post, Marion 🙏🏻

Newfoundland, on beautiful Canada’s opposite edge to Lisle’s Vancouver Island, has been in my thoughts and prayers all week. We all waited and hoped in vain, as it came to pass, for a miracle happy ending for the occupants of the missing Titanic submersible. During those days, one of our granddaughters was flying from LA to London. Her flight was diverted over a higher polar route, as searching military occupied the skies over Newfoundland. Then, for a truly enjoyable and uplifting experience, my daughter and I joined a packed Canberra Theatre for a performance of Come From Away, the acclaimed musical set in Newfoundland’s Gander, a town of amazing people who hosted countless passengers of the planes diverted from American skies during the Twin Towers tragic emergency. Beautiful voices, wonderful music, and poignant moments of deep reflection. We absolutely loved it. One reviewer suggested travel agents should be ready for heavy bookings for Newfoundland. Catch it if you can, although I fear the Australian season may be closing soon.

And Minties😂