G’day, mate!

On By DbmakesIn Australia & New Zealand April 2025

In January 1997 (28 years ago!), I traveled to Australia with my late husband, Dennis. We visited Sydney and then enjoyed a week-long catamaran cruise out of Mackay to the Great Barrier Reef.  It certainly was a  bucket list trip for me as back then, being only 43 years old, I NEVER thought I’d experience such a far away land. 

A submarine adventure into the reef.  It was indescribably beautiful and vast

Nineteen years later, in February/March 2016, we did a self-driving tour of both the south and north islands of New Zealand. We hooked up with our good friends, Tony and Carrie Cardan in Christchurch and proceeded north together.  With all 4 of us being wine drinkers, we thoroughly enjoyed the local wine and cuisine. 

Just one of the many wineries we visited.

Now, nine years later, I am once again going to Australia and New Zealand for 16 days on a Gate1 Tour.  This time, I’ll travel with my dear sister/friend, Ivonne Maldonado.  She was my partner on the Alaska cruise and land excursion in August 2024. She went with me on one condition: that I go to Australia and New Zealand with her. I never thought we’d go this soon, but I’m not about to break my promise. So off we go on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

On April 5th, Dennis will have been gone for exactly 6.5 years. It has been my honor to spread his ashes all over the world as he was the consummate World Traveler. So I shouldn’t be surprised but once again reminded of the Magic of Life. Because as I filled his favorite pill bottle with his ashes to take with us, I realized that this IS the LAST of his ashes.

I feel extremely blessed to be returning down under again, and with him.  The journey will be L O N G …. 4 flights and 27 hours heading to our first stop of Cairns, Australia, and then 23 hours and 3 flights returning home from Queenstown, New Zealand.  And at just short of 71 years old, we will see how my body handles it.  Especially since I got sick on the Tuesday before we left.

I certainly am hoping for the best possible experience, considering the state of the world these days AND some very powerful planetary lineups.  I do hope to post here during the trip, but my main goal is to stay in the moment, be flexible, count my blessings, and simply ENJOY, or better yet, INJOY!

Off we go!

This was us in July 2019 when we flew back to New York together. Hopefully we won’t drink THAT much Prosecco during our long journey!!

13 thoughts on “G’day, mate!”


  1. I love it when you share your trip experiences. much drinking more than sightseeing. You cannot go wrong with either Prosecco or Cabaret Sauvignon.

    Having these ashes of Dennis is not the last of him but the best of him for your great and lasting memories. How lucky you have been with him by your side; and seeing the list of all your trips. Way to go , Diana !

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  4. denicebars's avatar denicebars


    Have a great time you world traveler you. The flights alone would overwhelm me. It’s hard for me to endure a two hour car ride! Love watching your postings.


    Murky Dismal ( haha, I knew you would get the reference)

    D.

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  7. Debra W. Guttas's avatar Debra W. Guttas

    How blessed you are to return there again, for yet one more completely different experience! Still on my bucket list! What a drag to get ill right before leaving but here’s hoping that means you’re good for the remainder of the trip, and after! ENJOY!!! XO

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