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Holidays you’d be happy to spend your life savings on

<p>There’s nothing better than an amazing travel adventure that makes you stop, look at the world around and you have life-altering “ah-ha” moments. These are the holidays that dreams are made of. You’ve worked hard your whole life – go on, you deserve it.</p> <p><strong>Swim with sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands</strong></p> <p>Step right into your own nature documentary with a visit to the home of Darwin’s evolution theory. Get up close to wildlife that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else- Blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and marine iguanas to name just a few.</p> <p>You can choose to live on board a cruise, or join an island-hopping cruise where you sleep in small hotels and hostels on different islands.</p> <p>Swim or snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions, hike volcanic craters or just kick back and snap away on your camera.</p> <p>If you really want to push the boat out (pun intended!) you could add another adventure. Explore Ecuador, where cruises to the Galapagos Islands depart from, or hop over to Peru and see the Machu Picchu. If trekking isn’t your thing, take a guided tour where you stay in a lodge each night, or board the Orient Express at Cusco to tick off another bucket list item!</p> <p><strong>Expedition cruise to Antarctica</strong></p> <p>It might be the coldest, windiest, emptiest, driest continent on earth, but an expedition cruise to Antarctica is one of the hottest destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.</p> <p>If spectacular iceberg formations and abundant wildlife such as whales, seals and penguins appeal to you, then this has to go on your bucket list.</p> <p>You can choose a cruise that retraces the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton, or one that offers activities for keen kayakers, photographers or wildlife enthusiasts.</p> <p>Most cruises depart from South America, so why not extend your holiday while you’re there and travel around South America too? We’re sold.</p> <p><strong>Track the ‘Big Five’ in Africa</strong></p> <p>Tanzania is well-established as one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world, but when you head out on a private jeep safari at dawn from your luxury lodge, you’ll feel like there are just the incredible animals, and you.</p> <p>Tick off the big five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos as you watch the sun come up over the Serengeti plain, one of the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.</p> <p>Include a stop-over at Kenya and visit a Masai village, or for the extremely adventurous, Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t far away. Finish your trip with some R&R time on Zanzibar, an island full of Arabian influence and stunning beaches just off the coast of Tanzania.</p> <p><strong>Grand Canyon and the Rockies</strong></p> <p>One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is North America’s must-see destination. Zoom over the parched red rock formations in a light aircraft or helicopter, or trek down to the bottom on horseback or on foot.</p> <p>Then fly to Colorado to start a tour of the incredible Rocky Mountains. Stay on a ranch in cowboy country and pretend you’re in a spaghetti western, spot bears, elk and bison in Yellowstone National Park and get a taste of what the pioneers first discovered when they started moving westwards. Keep heading north on one of the most spectacular journeys in the world through Glacier, Banff and Jasper National Parks, and finish your trip in stunning Vancouver.</p> <p>Prices vary depending on the level of luxury and length of trip.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty / Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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Pirates of the Caribbean island up for sale

<p dir="ltr">A Bahamian island, which was the backdrop for two iconic blockbuster films, is now up for sale for the eye-watering price of $150m.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island, known as Little Pipe Cay, was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood films: <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</em> and <em>Casino Royale</em>, a film in the James Bond franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Spanning across over 40 acres of land, the island boasts stunning white-sand beaches and what locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue” waters.</p> <p dir="ltr">The main property has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and four cottages, it’s basically like having a private mini resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also has a deepwater dock that’s big enough for a superyacht, so you can host boat parties or simply cruise around with your peers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lucky buyer will feel like they are on a never-ending getaway, as they can escape into the gardens or take a dip into the Olympic-sized infinity pool, the perfect place to appreciate the stunning tropical scenery.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those looking for some indoor activities, the island also offers a gym and spa, in the fully staffed island so that you will never need to lift a finger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is also home to many exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, so for those nature lovers it’s the perfect place to reconnect with mother nature.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, if you decide you’re bored of the same views, you can hop on a helicopter and fly off to another island or country, as the island also has a helipad for your travelling needs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Engel &amp; Völkers Bahamas/ Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Remote Scottish island hits the market

<p>If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping the rat race and living a life of complete isolation, then look no further.</p> <p>A remote island situated off the southern coast of Scotland, Carlocco Island is up for sale, priced at offers over £150,000 ($A280,317).</p> <p>“There’s still a very romantic sentiment attached to owning your very own Scottish private island, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in the most beautiful scenery around,” Aaron Edgar of Galbraith Group, the agent handling the sale, said in a statement.</p> <p>The nearest town is almost 10km away with the closest train station Dumfries an hour bus ride from that town. London is more than 563km away with Edinburgh over 160km away.</p> <p>With lush green grass and rocky outcrops reaching the sea, the island covers an area of around 10 hectares, but there are no buildings, only a flood pond providing water to livestock and wildlife in the colder months.</p> <p>According to the listing, no one has ever applied for permission to build on the island, so it would be up to the buyer to investigate any development possibilities with local authorities.</p> <p>At low tide, the island can be reached on foot, by tractor or quad bike. As for the rest of the time, a boat is required for travel, with a pebble beach for them to be anchored, “the perfect base to explore the island, partake in some cold water swimming…and enjoy a waterside picnic,” Edgar said.</p> <p>The island sits in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, an area in the UK defined as of particular interest due to the rare species of fauna and flora it’s home to, and is also a shelter for all types of wildlife, including great black-backed gulls, and rare plants like rock sea lavenders and fragrant orchids.</p> <p>Mr Edgar expects a lot of interest in the unique property, “We have witnessed strong demand from domestic and international parties for entire private islands, having handled the sale of several in Scotland,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Galbraith Group</em></p>

Real Estate

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What is myrtle rust and why has this disease closed Lord Howe Island to visitors?

<p>Some 70% of the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/17/most-of-lord-howe-island-closed-to-visitors-after-outbreak-of-plant-fungus">closed to non-essential visitors</a> in response to a recurrence of the plant disease myrtle rust.</p> <p>Myrtle rust, native to South America, was <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/diseases-fungi-and-parasites/myrtle-rust">first detected</a> in Australia on the Central Coast of NSW in April 2010. It is caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of plant pathogens known as the rusts.</p> <p>Rusts are among the most feared of all plant pathogens. They spread rapidly over thousands of kilometres on wind currents and can cause huge losses in plant production.</p> <p>For example, wheat rust research over the past 100 years at the University of Sydney has shown clear evidence of wind-borne rust spores travelling from central Africa to Australia. Wheat production losses due to rust have at times totalled <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/biosecurity/biosecurity-economics/potential-impact-wheat-stem-rust">hundreds of millions of dollars</a>.</p> <p>Myrtle rust rapidly invaded the entire east coast of Australia in the years after it was first detected. It has caused the near extinction of at least three rainforest species, including the native guava (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=19162">Rhodomyrtus psidioides</a>) and the scrub turpentine (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=15763">Rhodamnia rubescens</a>).</p> <p>The disease was detected at Lord Howe Island <a href="https://islandarks.com.au/files/2017/12/I-think-we-dodged-a-bullet-Implementing-a-Rapid-Response-Plan-for-a-Myrtle-Rust-incursion-on-Lord-Howe-Island-in-October-2016.pdf">in 2016, and eradicated</a>. Now it has managed to spread there once again. There are concerns if the disease is left unchecked, it could seriously alter the unique ecology of the island. Lord Howe is home to some 240 native plant species, of which more than 100 are not found anywhere else.</p> <h2>How can the disease be controlled?</h2> <p>Rust diseases in agriculture are controlled by the cultivation of genetically <a href="https://csiropedia.csiro.au/rust-resistance-in-plants/">resistant plants</a>, or by use of fungicides. These fungicides can kill existing recent infections and provide protection for up to four weeks. In other situations, such as horticulture and native plant communities, fungicides are used together with removal and destruction of infected plants.</p> <p>The 2010 detection of myrtle rust in Australia followed its detection in Hawaii in 2005 and China in 2009. It was later found in New Caledonia (2013) and New Zealand (2017). <a href="https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:13b49a4">Research</a> has shown the same strain – known as the “pandemic strain” – has appeared in all of these countries. Several other strains occur in South America.</p> <p>It is likely the fungus spread to Lord Howe Island from eastern Australia on wind currents. The especially wet conditions along the east coast of much of Australia in 2022 led to an increase in the disease there. This, in turn, increased rust spore load and hence the chance of long-distance spore dispersal.</p> <p>In addition to being spread on the wind, the rusty coloured spores produced by these fungal pathogens stick readily to clothing. These spores remain viable for at least two weeks under ambient conditions. Several wheat rusts of exotic origin are believed to have been accidentally brought in to Australia on travellers’ clothing from North America and Europe.</p> <p>The chance of inadvertent spread of myrtle rust on contaminated clothing is why access to Lord Howe island has been restricted since last week.</p> <p>The second incursion into the island clearly shows how incredibly difficult rust diseases are to manage once they reach a new region. It points to possible recurrences of the disease there in years to come even should current efforts to eradicate it succeed.</p> <p>On top of the ability of rust diseases to spread rapidly over large distances, a further complication in controlling myrtle rust is it infects a wide range of native plants. Some of these species hold great cultural significance and/or are endangered.</p> <p>Endemic species of the myrtle plant family <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Myrtaceae">Myrtaceae</a> that are dominant in many of the plant communities on Lord Howe Island are highly vulnerable to myrtle rust infection. Of critical concern are two species that occur only on the island: the mountain rose (Meterosideros nervulosa) and the rainforest tree scalybark (Syzigium fullagarri). The rust infects young leaves and also flowers, where it causes sterility.</p> <h2>Australia brings expertise to the battle</h2> <p>Australia has some of the best plant pathologists in the world and has long been a leader in controlling rust diseases in agriculture. This expertise, combined with world-leading scientists in the ecology of Australian native plants, has enabled solid progress in understanding myrtle rust in the Australian environment. Australian scientists have joined hands with New Zealand scientists to boost efforts to control the pathogen in both countries.</p> <p>Research is also under way at the University of Sydney and Australian National University to develop new DNA-based diagnostics to allow rapid identification of the different strains of the pathogen. These tests are especially important given only one strain of myrtle rust occurs in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.</p> <p>The success of managing the impact of myrtle rust on the region’s iconic flora against a backdrop of climate change will rely heavily on undertaking the research needed to gain a much better understanding of this damaging plant pathogen. Recognising this, staff at the University of Sydney have convened a conference for June 21-23 this year. It will bring together myrtle rust experts to exchange their latest research findings and identify priority areas for research.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-myrtle-rust-and-why-has-this-disease-closed-lord-howe-island-to-visitors-202045" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Private island on sale for a price cheaper than most homes

<p dir="ltr">A private island is up for grabs in Queensland, for a price that is cheaper than an average home in most Australian cities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Poole Island, situated in the Whitsundays, comes with two homes that were built in the 1800s and 1980s, and has an asking price of just under $1 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">This comes after a contract fell through when a would-be buyer couldn’t be contacted, so the 20ha island is back on the market.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can confirm that we have not been able to contact the purchaser,” Private Islands Online Australia’s Richard Vanhoff told <em>7NEWS.com.au.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“We have tried ourselves, and we are also going on advice from the purchaser’s solicitor, who has also not been able to contact him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is now accepting offers over $995,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other features of the island include a handmade rock swimming pool and a 215m runway to cater for small aircraft or a helicopter that flies in from Airlie Beach or Bowen.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the listing, the pool itself is equipped with a new windmill pump that continuously pumps water into the pool so there’s “no need for chemicals or cleaning as the crystal clear water is in abundance”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island also has a slipway for any boat owners or those who love to fish, and a stone shed where you can store various machinery including tractors and slashers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Private Islands Online Australia</em></p> <p> </p>

Real Estate

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10 of the smallest islands in the world

<p><strong>It’s a big mistake to overlook these small islands</strong></p> <p>Jetting off to an idyllic island sounds pretty perfect at any time, but perhaps even more so right now. With everything that’s going on in the world, the idea of escaping to a virtually hidden spot with a leisurely pace, fresh air, and an absence of crowds is more appealing than ever. As many people start reframing the way they think about the future of travel, the words “small” and “remote” are becoming positives. These tiny islands prove that big things (aka memorable holidays) come in small packages. Scroll on to get inspired for future trips.</p> <p><strong>Corvo Island, Azores</strong></p> <p>Approximately 1609 kilometres west of mainland Portugal in the mid-Atlantic sits a chain of nine islands known as the Azores, which has gained the attention of travellers in recent years. To the north of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, lies a ruggedly beautiful, serene, and isolated destination that revels in its relative obscurity. Corvo Island is a 11.2-square-kilometre spit with just 400 inhabitants, three restaurants, and five accommodations. Despite its small scale, Corvo Island delivers ample adventure, and the verdant, rolling, volcanic landscape invites endless exploration. Fishing, swimming in freshwater lakes, bird watching, and crater hiking number among the pilgrimage-worthy activities. It’s also a lovely place to relish some well-deserved solitude and introspection.</p> <p><strong>Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands</strong></p> <p>Floating in the South Atlantic Ocean, 342 kilometres away from the southeast tip of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are the definition of remote. One of the southernmost settlements in the distant archipelago, Sea Lion Island is a prime spot for wilderness tourism. Designated as a National Nature Reserve in 2017, this 5.6-square-kilometre dot boasts an abundance of wildlife – including five species of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, giant petrels, and killer whales – and only a handful of permanent residents. It requires a minimum of three flights to reach Sea Lion Island from the mainland. (Thankfully, there’s a cosy lodge to spend the night.) Alternatively, it’s possible to plan a guided excursion from nearby East Falkland or take a multi-day cruise.</p> <p><strong>Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly</strong></p> <p>Rising from the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean, 6.4km west of the Isles of Scilly, Bishop Rock is the most south-westerly point in Britain. Measuring a measly 0.0011844 square kilometres, Men Epskop (as it’s known in Cornish) held the title of the “smallest inhabited island” until its famous iron lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last keeper left in 1991. These days, Bishop Rock isn’t without accolades. It’s still the “smallest island with a building on it,” according to Guinness World Records. To satisfy the ongoing public interest, the St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association runs regular trips during peak season.</p> <p><strong>Isla Mujeres, Mexico</strong></p> <p>Sitting ever so calmly at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres (Spanish for “Island of Women”) feels blissfully removed from the hustle, bustle, booze-fuelled debauchery, and hard-partying antics of nearby Cancún. This sleepy little isle trades nightclubs that blare techno music for breezy beach bars and a low-key yet vibrant downtown area. Isla Mujeres also promises sandy shores, casual seafood eateries, local artisan shops, excellent snorkelling, and a turtle sanctuary. Since it’s only eight kilometres long and 800 metres wide at its widest point, a car isn’t necessary (or even recommended). The best way to get around? Golf cart, moped, bicycle, or your own two feet.</p> <p><strong>Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA</strong></p> <p>A sliver of unspoiled paradise, little St. Simons Island is a private 4,500-hectare barrier island off the coast of Georgia, in the US. Widely touted as one of the most beautiful and least developed of The Peach State’s fabled Golden Isles, this treasure tempts travellers with 11 kilometres of unblemished beaches, giant cedar trees, and diverse wildlife. The sole accommodation, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, has six quaint cottages. It also offers a wide array of naturalist-led activities, such as bird watching and guided nature walks.</p> <p><strong>Fox Island, Alaska</strong></p> <p>Located off the coast of Seward, Fox Island is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Alaska’s Resurrection Bay. Envision imposing mountains, pebble beaches, sheltered coves, and glimmering glaciers. The raw beauty of this 5.47-kilometres-long parcel has inspired many visitors. Of course, outdoor adventure comes with the territory, too. Fox Island’s legendary peaks beckon hiking enthusiasts. And sea kayaking, salmon fishing, and wildlife peeping are also popular pastimes – especially in late spring and early summer. Starting in mid-May, humpback whales feed on herring in Resurrection Bay for almost a month. Soon thereafter, pods of orcas claim the clear waters for mating.</p> <p><strong>Dangar Island, Australia</strong></p> <p>Situated just north of Sydney, Dangar Island is a 29-hectare stretch of land in the Hawkesbury River that’s almost entirely forested. Roughly 250 people live on this leafy little gem that’s beloved for its car-free roads, waterfront houses, beaches, aboriginal rock carvings, gorgeous views, and laid-back vibe. Though most residents would probably prefer the many charms of Dangar Island to remain under wraps, holidaymakers and urbanites have taken notice. As such, the number of locals surges during peak season, when many folks hop on the ferry from the town of Brooklyn in New South Wales in an attempt to trade city life for more peaceful, pastoral pleasures.</p> <p><strong>Just Enough Room Island, New York, USA</strong></p> <p>Part of the Thousand Islands archipelago, between New York and Ontario, Just Enough Room Island covers a mere 1005 square metres – making it the “smallest inhabited island.” So, what could possibly fit on a plot that’s the size of a tennis court? Well, it seems to be just enough room for a cosy cottage, a tree, some shrubs, and an itsy-bitsy beach. While you can’t actually step foot on this privately-owned patch (the Sizeland family purchased it as a holiday sanctuary back in the 1950s), ogling from a boat while cruising along the Saint Lawrence River is fair game.</p> <p><strong>Simping Island, Indonesia</strong></p> <p>Indonesia consists of a staggering 17,508 volcanic islands of various shapes and sizes. Simping Island (previously called Pulau Kelapa Dua), in the province of West Kalimantan, is the smallest with a total width of 0.5 hectares. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a mound of sand, stone, and several trees bobbing in calm waves. But its diminutive proportions haven’t deterred visitors from going there to pray and even erecting a shrine. To that end, the most intriguing and unexpected element on this otherwise unassuming skerry is a Chinese temple. A locally built pedestrian footbridge means easy access for worshipers and day-trippers alike.</p> <p><strong>Saba, Netherlands Antilles</strong></p> <p>The smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, Saba measures 13 square kilometres and has a population of around 2000, so it tends to fly under the radar. Unlike most of its Caribbean neighbours, Saba doesn’t have picture-perfect beaches. But what this pyramid-shaped isle lacks in size and sandy shoreline, it more than makes up for in lush rainforests. The chance to trek Mt Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is another major selling point. Favour aquatic adventures? Turquoise tides and colourful marine life provide incredible opportunities for scuba diving.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-a7dd37e6-7fff-5959-368c-94f31c038487">Written by Lindsay Cohn. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/10-of-the-smallest-islands-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Husband charged over wife’s death in Hamilton Island buggy crash

<p dir="ltr">The husband of a woman <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/update-to-tragic-honeymoon-death-on-hamilton-island">who died in a buggy crash</a> during their honeymoon has been charged in relation to her death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marina Hanna and Robbie Awad were wed on June 11, 2022, before heading to Queensland’s Hamilton Island for their honeymoon two days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">On June 20, a ride in a golf buggy went horribly wrong, with the 29-year-old bride suffering critical injuries after the electric vehicle flipped over.</p> <p dir="ltr">Initial reports claimed the buggy had started to run out of the battery and Mr Awad, who was driving, made a U-turn to drive back and charge it when it flipped over.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Hanna was allegedly not wearing her seat belt, and fell out of the vehicle, dying at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">While police initially said the incident was nothing more than “a tragic accident”, an extensive police investigation has resulted in several charges laid against Mr Awad, including driving without due care and attention, seatbelt offences, and using a mobile phone while driving.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 30-year-old is due to face the Proserpine Magistrates Court on December 5.</p> <p dir="ltr">He reportedly presented to Queensland Police last week, per the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11432643/Hamilton-Island-Robbie-Awad-Marina-Hanna-golf-buggy-charged.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a></em>, after he was asked to hand himself in.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the wake of her death, Mr Awad <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/heartbroken-husband-speaks-after-honeymoon-tragedy">took to social media to share his heartbreak</a>, writing that his heart was broken and his world shattered after losing “the most beautiful girl in the world”.</p> <p dir="ltr">During an interview in July, he said his wife had “never looked so beautiful” as they boarded a helicopter to fly over the island the day before the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was radiating before she left [this life]. 'It was because God was calling her home,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She is an angel. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There are no two ways about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Clips shared on Instagram show the couple walking across the tarmac to board their Qantas flight to Queensland at the start of their trip, as well as the interior of their plush resort upon their arrival.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another, posted before Ms Hanna’s death, showed Mr Awad driving the buggy to their resort while she filmed the scenery from the passenger seat.</p> <p dir="ltr">After her passing, Mr Awad started a non-for-profit organisation in Ms Hanna’s name to “spread love, joy and kindness to the world” like she did.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The foundation will hold two major events every year, each year going forward,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The first will be a charity ball, the second will be a family fun day, as Marina held family close to her heart always.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a41e15d7-7fff-4d35-2476-30b3bdc712f6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

News

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“I had to reach the island”: Aussie mum recalls terrifying turn on cruising scuba dive

<p dir="ltr">A NSW woman has said a cruise company should have been better prepared for adverse weather after a holiday scuba dive nearly went horribly wrong.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justine Clark and her sons, 18-year-old Felix and 20-year-old Max, resurfaced from an offshore dive in Fiji to find that their boat was nowhere to be seen.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio were on a seven-day cruise in Fiji when they went on an afternoon dive at an offshore site called The Supermarket with another cruise-goer and the divemaster, who worked for a company subcontracted by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the weather began to worsen as they travelled to the dive site, the party pushed on.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We travelled into an approaching storm and out into open waters in what appeared to be a large channel about 20 kilometres from any island," Ms Clark told the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/fiji-dive-turns-into-nightmare-for-newcastle-mum-and-sons/101448116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-45b5dc65-7fff-d402-b20f-7e845fe45b14"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">When she resurfaced with her eldest son after a dive of about 40 minutes, she said the boat was nowhere to be seen and the weather conditions were rough.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/justine-cruise-nightmare1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>A tender boat took Justine Clark, her two sons, and others in their diving party to the dive site. Image: Justine Clark</em></p> <p dir="ltr">"No tender boat was visible on surfacing, the swell was 2 metres, it was dark with grey clouds and high wind," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clark, who has over 30 years of diving experience, said their divemaster was the next to surface and realise what had happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was shocked at the events and stated this had never happened in his 27 years of diving," she recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the divemaster then advised the group to start swimming for an island they could see in the distance, Ms Clark said she was determined to stay calm.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I can't impress how concerned I was for everyone's health, sharks and the sense of determination I had to reach the island in a calm manner," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The maternal drive in me was something I had not felt since the birth of my first son."</p> <p dir="ltr">After about 50 minutes, a small boat was spotted travelling towards the group, with the divemaster telling them to inflate their surface marker buoys so they could be seen more easily.</p> <p dir="ltr">The boat’s operator, a garbage collector who had been picking up ocean rubbish, noticed the tip of one of the buoys.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We were all smiles and I was blowing a kiss to the Fijian who saved us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">They were quickly found by the tender boat driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He apologised and told me he was so scared and he had radioed the captain that he lost us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a written response shared with the outlet, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji explained that the tender boat had blown away from the site, with the surface conditions making it difficult for the operator to find and follow the divers’ bubbles.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cruise operator said the situation was unprecedented and that changes were made to the “already tight” safety procedures following an internal review.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though rare, Ms Clark said cruise companies should still be prepared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think it's really important that operators are prepared for those situations that may be rare but can still occur," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">It isn’t the first time bad weather has caused strife for cruise ships this year, after wild weather prevented the Coral Princess and other 20 other vessels from docking in Brisbane for several days in July, prompting 2,000 cruise passengers to be stranded onboard.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1132f612-7fff-01a0-e883-6eb88fbf4626"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Justine Clark</em></p>

Cruising

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The world’s loneliest home sells after owner’s unusual request met

<p dir="ltr">After sitting on the market for a year, the former owner of the world’s loneliest home has revealed what it took for him to hand over the keys.</p> <p dir="ltr">After landing on the market in June last year, a 50-square-metre home on an island in Maine, US, has been sold for $US 340,000 ($NZ 582,000).</p> <p dir="ltr">Billy Milliken, who also works as a real estate agent, told the <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/07/05/to-buy-the-loneliest-home-in-the-world-youll-need-to-try-it-first/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a></em> that he would sell the tiny property to a buyer willing to stay the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">Duck Ledges Island is home to a single two-bedroom cottage that lacks heating or running water, meaning you’d have to rely on your ability to fish and trips to the windy outhouse to get by.</p> <p dir="ltr">The wooden home, built in 2009, has unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and sits just a few metres from the water’s edge.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Milliken admitted that the home was inappropriate to visit during rough weather, saying it was no “place for man or beast”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His family and friends have also opted to make day trips to the island, rather than endure staying the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In our lives, we’re busy, and there’s so many distractions, but when you’re out on that island, you really feel small,” Mr Milliken told the <em>Post.</em> </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very healthy to be there alone where you can really listen to yourself. You’re a guest of nature when you’re there.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The longer I own the island. I understand even more that it is a special place.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/me/addison/0-wohoa-bay-island/pid_42070630/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The listing</a> highlights the natural views, thanks to a lack of neighbours and trees, as well as the “constant entertainment” provided by seals on the ledges surrounding the island.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no better place to spend the weekend in the world!” it says.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c8e61c3d-7fff-32df-288c-87537f9250f8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Dean Tyler Photography (Zillow)</em></p>

Real Estate

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Beyond Bali: Indonesia’s other islands

<p>Bali is one of the world's most popular overseas holiday destinations. But did you know that Indonesia has more than 17,500 other islands with just as much to offer? Go off the beaten track and explore some the country’s other gems.</p> <p><strong>Sumba</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/sumba-indonesia.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>This rugged island in the east of Indonesia looks very different to the more touristy volcanic islands in the north. During the dry season the island can go up to seven months without a drop of rain, turning the lush jungle landscape into a parched and arid desert that more resembles Africa than southeast Asia. But once the rains come, the land springs back to life, a sparkling palette of vibrant greens, thundering waterfalls and muddy rice paddies ready for the next crop. The ancient breed of Sumba pony is a part of every day life and can be seen all over the island, used to work farms, as transport and in traditional ceremonies. Sumba is famous for its surfing, most notably for a legendary break simply called The Left that’s considered one of the best in the world. There’s only one resort on the island, the ultra luxe Nihiwatu, and guests stay in Swiss Family Robinson-style fantasy villas with private swimming pools, butler service and incredible views.</p> <p><strong>Gili Islands</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/gili-islands.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>The Gilis, as they are known, are made up of three small islands sitting just off the coast of Lombok, to the east of Bali. They have long been a backpacker haven, but small-scale development is opening them up to a wider audience. There’s a great mix of buzzing bars, quiet beaches and vibrant local culture. It’s one of the best places in Southeast Asia for diving with around 25 dive sites around the islands. The water is crystal clear and a consistent 28 degrees, and once under the surface you’ll see reef sharks, rays, parrot fish, eels, octopus, the occasional whale shark and plenty of turtles – Gili is known as the turtle capital of the world.</p> <p><strong>Java</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/java.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>Java is the geographical and economic centre of Indonesia, and home to the capital Jakarta as well as a number of other major cities. But before you dismiss it as another busy, smoggy Asian capital, there’s much more to Java. A visit to the smaller villages of the island will give you the chance to experience Indonesian life as it is lived every day and, while Java’s not known for its beaches, there are some nice strips of sand that are blissfully crowd-free. The island’s most famous landmark is the vast Borobudur complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the ninth century that’s easily one of the most stunning temples in Southeast Asia. Active travellers can climb the moon-like peaks of Mount Bromo to see volcanic craters that still bubble with smoke.</p> <p><strong>Flores Komodo</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/komodo-flores-island.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>These pristine islands form part of the Nusa Tengarra chain of islands that make up the southern arc of the Indonesian archipelago. The name is a giveaway for the islands’ most famous resident – the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Reaching up to three metres in length and an impressive 130 (or so) kilograms, these are pretty fearsome beasts and are known to eat wild pigs, deer and even smaller dragons. They can move at around 20 kilometres an hour, so it’s best to keep your distance. Flores is also home to a row of semi-active volcanoes that make for superb hiking and both islands are ringed with sparkling water and unspoilt beaches.</p>

International Travel

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Woman buys ad in newspaper to call out cheating partner

<p dir="ltr">A furious woman who was cheated on by her partner has taken out a whole page of the local newspaper to call him out. </p> <p dir="ltr">Jenny from Queensland purchased one page from the Mackay and Whitsunday Life paper with her cheating partner’s credit card page. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Dear Steve, I hope you’re happy with her,” the message on page 4 read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now the whole town will know what a filthy cheater you are. From Jenny.</p> <p dir="ltr">“PS. I bought this ad using your credit card.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The newspaper said they have received several messages from locals asking who Steve and Jenny are but they have kept quiet about it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We do NOT know who Steve is, but apparently he’s been very very bad,” the newspaper said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We won’t be revealing any details about Jenny.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite writing that she used Steve’s credit card for the ad, the newspaper confirmed they have not yet charged the card. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We have not charged the credit card in question.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ad made its way to social media with many commending Jenny for calling out her cheating partner. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Jenny sounds like someone I want to be friends with,” someone wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Not all heroines wear capes. Jenny is my new favourite person,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sucks to be Steve,” another wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Relationships

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“My passion since I was a child”: White Island survivor looks to career plans

<p dir="ltr">A survivor of the 2019 White Island volcano eruption has opened up about what she hopes to do next as she continues on her recovery journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie Browitt was among the few survivors of the eruption on New Zealand’s Whakaari/White Island, which killed her younger sister, her father, and another 20 people, and left Stephanie with third-degree burns to 70 percent of her body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since then, the 26-year-old has faced a difficult road to recovery which included the recent <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/it-s-emotional-and-scary-white-island-eruption-survivor-removes-her-face-mask" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removal of her final burns garment</a> during an interview with 60 Minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, she has turned an eye towards her potential career, hoping to land work in media - her passion since childhood - or as a motivational speaker.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m hoping that I can get a career in what I graduated in, which is media and arts, film and TV. That’s been my passion since I was a child,” she told the <em>Today Show</em> on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I’d also like to land a role in motivational speaking, because I hope that by sharing my experience I can give hope to others and show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie, who has shared every step of her recovery with followers online, said she still “struggles quite a lot” but is grateful and doing “okay” overall.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I still struggle quite a lot, but I’m trying to make the most of every day because I’m very grateful for my second chance at life,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though removing her final burns garment, a compression mask that covered her face, felt “daunting”, she reflected that she has felt more like herself since.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was quite daunting at the beginning,” Stephanie said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But since taking all of my compression garments off I do feel a lot more free and feel like myself again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They were quite uncomfortable and hard to put up with and tight … they were very painful and caused a lot of horrible days.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very glad that I can now express myself through my wardrobe and my make-up and I don’t feel like it’s holding me back anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on the<em> Today Show </em>to promote DonateLife Week, Stephanie urged Aussies to sign up as organ or tissue donors and spoke about her own experience receiving donated tissue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I received skin tissue donations from multiple donors and I needed that … obviously when you have so many open wounds, you're at a higher risk of infection and you're also leaking bodily fluids. There was not enough of my own good skin to use to cover those areas,” she said</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are millions of Australians who want to sign up. People support it but tell themselves they will do it later.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ed2c14c5-7fff-424c-d71d-d5fac4a5a691"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“It is quick. It takes one minute.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram)</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Update to tragic honeymoon death on Hamilton Island

<p dir="ltr">A newlywed woman has died in a horrific golf buggy crash on Hamilton Island while on her honeymoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marina Hanna, 29, and husband Robbie Morgan married in a lavish wedding in Sydney’s Doltone House on June 11.</p> <p dir="ltr">The loved up couple then jetsetted to Queensland’s Hamilton Island to celebrate their honeymoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were travelling on a buggy between holes on a golf course on Monday when Morgan did a U-turn, causing the buggy to tip over.</p> <p dir="ltr">A doctor, off-duty dentist and off-duty firefighter rushed to the scene and desperately performed CPR for 35 minutes on Marina, who unfortunately could not be revived.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queensland Police Inspector Anthony Cowan announced in a press conference that Marina was not wearing a seatbelt while in the buggy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was just a tragic accident with a golf buggy,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There may have been some inexperience driving those type of vehicles while turning it has rolled on its side and the woman has fallen out and sustained life-threatening injuries.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It just appears inexperience in driving that type of vehicle, turned too quick and rolled on its side and unfortunately, it has ended up with this result.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It appears there was no seatbelt worn at this point in time; we come back to the Fatal Five but now is not the time to dwell on what they should have done.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Inspector Cowan confirmed that no drugs, alcohol or dangerous driving caused the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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“It’s emotional and scary”: White Island eruption survivor removes her face mask

<p dir="ltr">A survivor of the 2019 White Island volcano eruption who suffered burns to 70 percent of her body has finally been able to remove her face mask.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie Browitt was visiting New Zealand’s northeastern Bay of Plenty region with her sister and father, who were both among the 22 people who died in the eruption.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her road to recovery has been a long and difficult one, which she has shared on social media with more than 1.6 million followers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on Nine’s <em>60 Minutes</em>, Stephanie removed her compression mask for the first time, telling host Sarah Abo that it was a “big deal” and that it felt like “this day would never come”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s emotional and scary. It is actually quite daunting as much as it is exciting,” she said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-544c330b-7fff-ab83-7c65-728b0ded1b94"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Looking in the mirror, Stephanie said she saw a woman who was tougher than she ever thought she could be.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/steph8.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="721" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 60 Minutes</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“I see a person who has gone through so much more than I ever expected to go through in life. I see a very tormented person,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">As much as this is exciting, it has been a long, hard journey to get here. I am tougher than I ever thought I would be.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-009138d2-7fff-ca5c-152c-bf17a9b2f5ae"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I have learnt that the fight for survival is a real thing. I was literally fighting every day to survive, to just get back to being myself. I never knew that I had this in me.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CedLNM1vrna/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CedLNM1vrna/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Stephanie Coral Browitt (@stephaniecoral96)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Sunday’s episode also showed never-before-seen photos of Stephanie’s injuries, revealing the extent of the severe burns that covered almost her whole body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie told the program that she remembers waking up for the first time since the incident, after she was in a coma for two weeks, in bits and pieces.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was full of tubes and surrounded by medical equipment and in a very small room with lots of noises. Those things will always stay with me, I don’t think they will ever leave. It’s just things you don’t forget,” the 26-year-old said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said her recovery had been extremely difficult, especially in the early stages.</p> <p dir="ltr">I had to start from scratch like a baby. Sitting upright, getting out of bed, taking my first few steps, even feeding myself – I had to relearn all of those skills from scratch and they didn’t come easy at all,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was incredibly difficult.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There have been plenty of moments where I have wanted to give up, or I have just been in tears not wanting to do anything. But I do feel I have come a long way from day one.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie is now in the process of suing Royal Caribbean, the company that ran the excursion to the island on the day of the eruption, over the physical and psychological injuries she has suffered.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her lawyer, Peter Gordan, claimed that data from the weeks prior showed that the island was a “ticking time bomb”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It makes me furious. They let down so many people … So many people died needlessly,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think Steph’s injuries are the worst I have ever seen. I don’t think I have ever met quite an exceptional person in the way she has battled on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the hardship she has - and continues - to overcome, Stephanie is looking to the future, telling <em>60 Minutes</em> she hopes to “go back to as normal a life as possible” and plans to return to working full-time, travelling and her social life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know I have got the support of so many people, and that helps me realise that this isn’t as scary as I feel it is,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-128a9a3c-7fff-1315-2a8e-5a18eb83ed58"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

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“We were never, ever, ever, going to make it”: White Island survivor shares common question she is asked

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A survivor of the 2019 Whakaari White Island volcano eruption has spoken about one common question </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/insulting-question-white-island-survivor-stephanie-browitt-is-asked/D37UQKAUVDFZHU7SMUBPQNVSPM/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">she still receives</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, two years after the tragedy that took her father and sister from her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephanie Browitt, her 21-year-old sister Krystal, and their dad Paul were on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship visiting the island when it erupted on December 9.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of the 47 people visiting the island that day, 22 died and 25 - including Stephanie - were severely injured. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After spending six months in hospital receiving treatment for burns affecting 70 percent of her body, Stephanie has shared her recovery process openly on social media.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a recent video she </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniecoral96/video/7051366147697937666?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shared on TikTok</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Stephanie reflected on the most common questions she is asked - including why she, her family, and other victims “couldn’t jump in the water if it’s an island” during the eruption.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 280.90277777777777px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846894/edwxuvq4xm2y72lse5zkvymoza.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/437ac5f56d4f4e84a2dd4cb29e1e52e5" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephanie Browitt has taken to TikTok to explain why she and her family couldn’t escape the volcanic eruption that day. Image: TikTok</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Well as you can see, that’s us, circled, on the island that day, at 2.10pm. And the walls are extremely high up, and we are surrounded by rock,” she explained, with an image of the scene of where she and her family had been standing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re nowhere near the jetty, and nowhere near the ocean. We are as inland as you can get and under 140 metres from the crater.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So my family and I were at the back of that line, and it was only about a two-minute walk, we had only just started walking back to the jetty.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She then showed what the same spot looked like just seconds later. </span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846893/dlqbmb5zn7eeztsmlxyhuuld3e.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/25d1aa725dbc4f9985ad36c06cd76439" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Up to a minute after the first photo was taken, Stephanie explains that the island was ‘consumed’ by ash. Image: TikTok</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is the same camera only 40 seconds to a minute apart, and as you can see the island was already engulfed in ash and dust,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So we were never, ever, ever going to make it to water. There was literally no chance for the group of 21 people I was with.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Browitt <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/they-were-taken-from-us-white-island-survivor-marks-second-anniversary-of-tragedy" target="_blank">marked the second anniversary</a> of the disaster in December last year, writing that she had “very mixed emotions” about the event which had “ripped” her family apart.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXPVRu8P8c0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXPVRu8P8c0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Stephanie Coral Browitt (@stephaniecoral96)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today’s not only the day I survived the unimaginable, it’s the day I lost my dad, Paul and sister, Krystall. It’s the day that they were taken from us,” she wrote in a candid, lengthy post on Instagram.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My accomplishments mean nothing to me knowing they aren’t shared with my sister and dad by my side. Every day I question why we couldn’t have gone through this extremely hard journey together, why they couldn’t be here also.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today marks two years of accomplishments but also loss, pain and never ending grief. I miss and yearn for my family every day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I love you so much dad and Krystal, so much it kills me.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2020, 13 parties were charged with failings in relation to the disaster by WorkSafe. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram/TikTok)</span></em></p>

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Dreaming of an overseas adventure

<p><em>Reliving the magic of a summer sailing expedition in Greece, Justine Tyerman looks back on her last big voyage before the world changed forever and wonders – did that truly happen?</em></p> <p>The idea was born over a glass of wine... as the best plans often are.</p> <p>‘Why don’t you meet us in Greece this summer and we’ll take you sailing on Birgitta?’ asked Murray and Lyn.</p> <p>‘Are you serious?’ Chris and I chorused in unison, trying not to sound too ridiculously enthusiastic.</p> <p>Coincidentally, we were planning a trip to Europe over the northern summer so my brain went into overdrive. We could actually do this. We could rendezvous at a port somewhere, eat fabulous Greek food, drink ouzo and go for a little sail in a sheltered bay, and maybe even stay the night on the yacht.</p> <p>Chris, on the other hand, had more grandiose ideas of sailing on the high seas, conveniently forgetting his history of severe seasickness and my terror of sailing. So, ever the sensible one, I tempered my husband’s enthusiasm before things got way out of hand. ‘Just a couple of minor problems. Chris gets seasick and I get scared. So we’d better stick with lunch on board and a sedate sail around the calm waters of a sheltered bay.’</p> <p>Murray and Lyn just nodded and smiled.</p> <p><strong>September 5</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846322/4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/de7d9aed021440b990170fe17f0914bf" /></strong></p> <p><em>Sunset on our first evening anchored off Paros.</em></p> <p>I felt quite emotional when, six months later, Birgitta sailed into the bay of Naussau on the island of Paros. We were standing on the dock looking out to sea and spotted the tall mast of the yacht with two figures onboard. Murray and Lyn had sailed big seas all the way from Turkey and here they were, our good friends from Gizzy, coming into port to pick us up, just as we’d planned long ago.</p> <p>We boarded in a high state of excitement, stowed our far-too-bulky luggage in the vacant bunk room and had a grand tour of Birgitta. The Swedish-built, 55-foot, six-berth Hallberg-Rassy was absolutely magnificent, far more luxurious and spacious than anticipated. Teak deck, gleaming stainless steel riggings, polished mahogany cabinetry in the lounge, and a fabulously well-equipped galley. The salubrious master cabin had a king size bed and roomy ensuite bathroom while the super-comfortable guest cabin had a V-berth bed, great storage and a bathroom shared with the bunk room.</p> <p>Murray’s thorough safety briefing gave me confidence that this was a vessel where no shortcuts had been taken. There were backups for every essential piece of equipment and in some cases, backups for the backups. For example, there were six fire extinguishers where two would have been sufficient and a special dry-powder system for the engine room because, as Murray emphasised, fire is one of the greatest concerns at sea. He also explained about how the weight of Birgitta’s keel would self-right the yacht if it leaned too far in either direction. Safety was clearly the number one priority on this ship.</p> <p>After collecting some essential food items in Naussau we motored out of the crowded port and anchored in a nearby bay for lunch. Greek salad and lasagne never tasted so good. The tomatoes and sweet red onions exploded with an intensity of flavour I’d never experienced before. And the same applied to the fruit. Peaches, nectarines, melons and grapes bursting with sweetness and juice.</p> <p>The day drifted by like a reverie. Swimming off the back of the yacht in the tepid, crystal clear, aqua-turquoise Aegean and relaxing on the deck with a good book was sublime. Life on board Birgitta was sweet indeed. I could see how days would easily melt into weeks and months . . . even years. Calm seas, blue skies, endless sunshine, the backdrop of the arid, rocky Cyclades with their characteristic blue and white chapels, tasty food and wine, the company of good friends.</p> <p>Late afternoon, Murray stoked up the portable barbeque on the back of the yacht and we dined on Greek lamb garnished with mountain thyme and other local herbs, accompanied by a fresh Mediterranean salad.</p> <p>The evening was the stuff of dreams. The light in the Greek Islands was soft, gentle and luminous. The ice-cold, local rosé plucked from the freezer and sipped at sunset added a rosy hue to an already euphoric experience. The conversation was nothing short of scintillating.</p> <p><strong>September 6</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846358/6b-murray-at-helm-brigitta-the-island-of-serifos-with-its-clusters-of-white-houses.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a7cc0f23d4674a07ba5dfa647a505c7d" /></p> <p><em>Left: Murray at the helm of Birgitta. Right: The island of Serifos with its clusters of white houses.</em></p> <p>Next morning, I expected we’d sidle around the bay and then Murray and Lyn would drop us off at the jetty and set sail for their next destination. However they had other ideas.</p> <p>‘Sail with us to Serifos,’ Murray said. ‘You can disembark there if you want to.’<br />The look of excitement on Chris’s face was priceless. Even more so than the prospect of a round of golf.<br />‘What about your seasickness?’ I asked my husband.<br />‘All sorted,’ he replied flashing a big grin and a packet of pills at me. ‘I’ve discovered a magic drug,’ he said.<br />‘Wonderful,’ I replied wishing there were a potion I could take to stave off my fear.</p> <p>I’ll never forget the moment the big diesel engine was cut, the sails unfurled and Birgitta began to lean into the wind. The sea beyond the sheltered necklace of the bay was anything but calm and Birgitta adopted an angle that made me instinctively adopt my counterbalancing routine. Even when an aeroplane banks after take-off, I automatically lean in the opposite direction as if to hold the aircraft steady. So too on the yacht. I sat on the high side, leaning back with my feet braced against the lower seat, hanging on for dear life.</p> <p>The first few times the bow dived into the trough of a wave and the sea water washed over the canopy of the cockpit, my heart skipped a beat and my knuckles turned white from clutching my handholds. My facial expression must have been a dead giveaway. Lyn began to distract me with ‘grandma chat’. She has eight grandchildren and we were awaiting our first so the topic was well-chosen and offered endless absorbing discussions from baby-wear to birthday cakes.</p> <p>But after an hour of witnessing Murray’s expert helmsmanship, feeling the solid strength of Birgitta and observing the way she self-corrected when the angle was too extreme, I began to relax and enjoy the experience.</p> <p>The teamwork between Murray and Lyn was most impressive. There were incredibly in sync with each other. No raised voices or shouting of orders. They seemed to communicate by telepathy... and hand signals.</p> <p>Chris was in his element, listening intently as Murray instructed him in the art of sailing, and beaming from ear-to-ear as he took control of the wheel for short stints.</p> <p>After about four hours of weaving our way across the seas, the rush of the water on the hull and the wind in the rigging the only sounds, we sailed into the satin waters of Serifos, a small island with clusters of white houses on a hilltop.</p> <p>We dropped anchor in an idyllic bay and began the daily routine of washing the salt water off the deck and windows, and furling the ropes... although they were not called ropes in nautical vernacular, as Murray went to great pains to explain.</p> <p>“The only rope on a boat is the one attached to the ship’s bell,” he said.</p> <p>“All other lines have special names like sheets, halyards and mains derived from the long-past era of sailing ships.”</p> <p>There’s one called the ‘lazy line’... because it’s always slack!</p> <p>Refreshed after a swim in the sea and an outside shower as the sun slid towards the horizon and set in an eye-popping display of amber and gold turning to crimson and mauve, I felt extraordinarily exhilarated and happy beyond belief. I also felt a sense of achievement that I had coped OK with my first open-sea sailing episode and had not disgraced myself too much. There was a glimmering of hope that maybe I could be a sailor after all.</p> <p>Later in the evening, we rowed ashore in the dinghy and caught a local bus up the narrow winding road to Marathoriza, a restaurant at the top of Serifos. One of the great treats of travelling with Murray and Lyn was their local knowledge. Over the past 10 years, they had discovered many hidden gems and this was one of them. The wine was not great but the cuisine was excellent.</p> <p>Walking back down the back streets we came upon two fine-looking Greek men outside a café. We struck up a conversation with them and when they discovered we were Kiwis, they immediately launched into a spirited haka. They were so enthusiastic, I had tears of laughter streaming down my cheeks.</p> <p>We passed by a bakery selling massive loaves of bread for a festival in honour of one of the island’s beloved saints. A bunch of exuberant young people on motorcycles were heading to a bay just around the corner for the festivities. They invited us to join them. ‘Visitors are very welcome — come with us!’ they said. Looking back, I wish we had. Next time perhaps.</p> <p><strong>September 7</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846361/20-laundry-delicious-greek-salad-foinikas-bay-island-of-syros.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/73be626b59b74cc8b9c296adbc71c6a9" /></p> <p><em>Left: I had enormous fun doing the laundry and pegging everything out to dry. Right: A delicious Greek salad, one of many we enjoyed on the yacht.</em></p> <p>At daybreak next morning, while Chris and I were still in the land of nod, our ever-alert captain launched the dinghy and rowed across to a neighbouring yacht to alert the sleeping occupants that their floating home was about to become a ‘permanent landmark’ in the bay.</p> <p>The weather overnight had deteriorated.</p> <p>‘The persistent wind from the north — known locally as the ‘Meltimi’ — is building to full force as it regularly does at this time of year,’ Murray explained.</p> <p>‘It’s a wind not to be underestimated, and I can see why the yacht beside us moved overnight, dragging its anchor.’ </p> <p>I got the impression Murray always slept with one eye open while onboard Birgitta.</p> <p>After breakfast, we went ashore by dinghy for morning coffee and delectable pastries at a lovely little café on Livadakia Beach — after which I thought we’d disembark.</p> <p>‘You may as well stay another night and sail with us to Syros tomorrow. You can get off there if you want to,’ said Murray as we munched our way through another round of pastries.</p> <p>A quick glance at Chris’s animated face confirmed he was dead keen to sail to Syros. Needless to say, we did not disembark. We were well-and-truly hooked!</p> <p>Back on Birgitta, Murray and Chris donned snorkels and flippers to swim along the anchor-line to make sure we were well-secured. There was no hurry to move on so Lyn and I did domestic jobs like washing and cleaning which I found absurdly pleasurable. The yacht had an efficient washing machine and no shortage of line-space on the riggings. I had enormous fun pegging everything out to dry. By the time the next load was ready, the previous load had already dried in the warm breeze. I can’t explain why it made me so happy to do this simple task.</p> <p>We whiled away the afternoon swimming and playing a board game Murray and Lyn had picked up in Turkey. It was mentally very challenging indeed.</p> <p>Lyn’s prowess in the kitchen is legendary. Dinner that night was exceptional, one of a collection of delicious one-pan dishes that were easy to prepare, even when Birgitta was tossing around in choppy conditions. Pork chops slow-cooked with granny smith apples, onions, potatoes, baby courgettes and prunes.</p> <p>Despite my best intentions, my services as a sous chef were abysmal. I was unable to go below decks while we were under sail. After 10 years’ sailing, Lyn, handled the galley in rough seas like the seasoned campaigner that she was. I marvelled at the gourmet dinners she was able to create, seemingly effortlessly. The limit of my culinary endeavours was to throw basic salads together . . . but even that was fun because of the hugely flavoursome fresh ingredients available at the local shops and markets.</p> <p><strong>September 8</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846362/19-chris-helm-lyn-and-murray-during-our-long-lunch-at-foinikas-bay-on-the-island-of-syros.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ca1aa28a274c4995b25b37d1f96e5c10" /></p> <p><em>Left: Chris takes the helm. Right: Lyn and Murray during our long lunch at Foinikas Bay on the island of Syros.</em></p> <p>After our customary breakfast of fresh fruit, muesli, Greek yoghurt and local honey outside on the deck on another glorious Aegean morning, we set sail for Syros, about 30 nautical miles away.</p> <p>We’d packed a picnic lunch in a chilly bin early in the day in case of rough seas... and rough they were. Chris relished the exhilaration of taking the helm and reading the oncoming waves. His concentration was intense as he followed Murray’s instructions and kept a close eye on the ‘wind instruments’. We were sailing hard on the wind and our captain was adamant that with concentration, we could make our destination with a minimum of needless tacks. </p> <p>When Lyn was not busy on the ropes, there was lots more ‘grandma chat’ that day. It worked a treat... I coped just fine thanks to my full confidence in our captain and his first mate, and the superior strength and stability of Birgitta. Released from fear, my senses were free to absorb the thrill of sailing and the joy of relying entirely on the power of the wind to propel us across the vast ocean. I marvelled at the responsiveness of the yacht to the slightest adjustments in direction, the tautness of the sails, the glint of the sun on the tall mast and the bow carving effortlessly through the foamy waves. Watching the radiant expression on Murray’s face as he navigated and guided Birgitta to our destination, I began to comprehend the allure, the magnetism, the compulsion to return to this life, year-after-year. </p> <p>Nevertheless, I was relieved to sail into pretty Foinikas Bay on the island of Syros by early-afternoon. We rowed ashore to a beautiful seaside restaurant where the concept of a leisurely, long lunch took on a whole new meaning — a fabulous Greek salad with a huge slab of feta on the top, tiny sardine-like fish, shrimps, fresh bread, beer, rosé and ouzo. I’ll always remember that lunch and the friendly local restaurateur who served us.</p> <p>You guessed it, we didn’t disembark at Syros that day... but little did I realise what lay ahead.</p> <p>Before reboarding Birgitta, Murray circled his pride and joy several times in the dinghy so we could fully appreciate her elegant Scandinavian profile and design. What a beauty!</p> <p>After such a substantial lunch, we ate lightly that evening, enjoying the balmy temperatures and another breath-taking Aegean sunset.</p> <p><strong>September 9</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846363/31b-once-in-calm-waters.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a28bc09fff0245da826ceb74003b3ae1" /></p> <p><em>Left: There were moments on our passage to Kythnos when I secretly wished I had disembarked on Syros and was standing safely on terra firma. Right: Once in calm waters off the island of Kythnos, Chris and Lyn winched Murray up the mast to repair the damage. </em></p> <p>Next morning after breakfast, we rowed ashore with the intention of hiking to the top of the island but the heat and steepness of the terrain defeated us. We still managed to get high enough to gain a magnificent view of the barren, hilly island and sparkling sea surrounding it.</p> <p>The island of Kythnos was our destination for the day and as soon as we sailed clear of the sheltered bay, I knew this would be a real test of my ability to remain calm.</p> <p>There were moments on our passage to Kythnos when I secretly wished I had disembarked on Syros and was standing safely on terra firma. The Meltimi winds were strong and the seas were heaving. The waves seemed enormous as they loomed ahead of us but Murray skillfully weaved his way between them as if skiing a slalom course. The teamwork between helmsman and first mate was outstanding. My respect and admiration for them zoomed to an even higher level.</p> <p>Murray handed over to Chris in some seriously-challenging conditions, and continued his patient tuition despite the occasional drenching when his disciple misjudged the swell and troughs. At times like this I focussed firmly on the horizon, my eyes straining to decipher the hazy outline of our next island haven.</p> <p>Mid-afternoon, when Birgitta was heeling hard against the stiff wind, her sails under maximum pressure, there was a sudden jolt followed by an alarming flapping of the head sail. The snap shackle that keeps the sail aloft had failed allowing the sail to fall to the deck. Murray immediately pointed the yacht up into the wind but with our forward motion gone, it felt like we were floundering in the swell.</p> <p>In typical understated fashion Murray calmly said: ‘We might have a small problem here. I’ll need a life jacket please Lyn.’</p> <p>Murray donned the life jacket and went forward to retrieve and secure the sail. There was no panic or raised voices so I soon realised the situation was well under control and we were not about to abandon ship as my vivid imagination had concluded.</p> <p>I didn’t like the feeling of the yacht wallowing and rolling side-on to the waves so I grabbed a life jacket too and threw one to Chris.</p> <p>Lyn started the engine while Murray dealt with the detached sail and hoisted another sail. We were soon under way again, engine off, heading for a bay on the far side of Kythnos to anchor overnight and do some repairs.</p> <p>Once in calm waters, Chris and Lyn winched Murray up the mast to repair the damage.</p> <p>‘What it is to have a versatile Kiwi skipper who’s grown up on a farm and can fix anything,’ I thought as I watched Murray swinging across the spreaders near the top of the mast.</p> <p>The evening in the sheltered bay of Kolona on the western side of Kythnos was utterly sublime, well worth riding out the rough seas. I’m seldom able to live entirely in the moment but on this occasion, I experienced a state of 100 percent happiness.</p> <p>The walking tracks around the bay looked tempting but we were contented to just relax and chat after a challenging day at sea.</p> <p>I looked forward to our conversations in the evenings. They were always so stimulating and far from trivial, ranging from history and economics to philosophy and politics. We solved many of the world’s woes over a glass of wine at sunset.</p> <p>Lyn created another culinary masterpiece — a chicken dish with eggplant, tomato, onion, courgettes and feta served with fresh ciabatta and a salad of capers, gorgonzola, pear, baby lettuce and rocket... and rosé.</p> <p><strong>September 10</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846328/46.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1e59b861485a4782be4b40654485cae0" /></p> <p><em>Above: The exceptionally picturesque port of Hydra.</em></p> <p>We had an early start next day for the long sail to Hydra. After coffee on board at sunrise, we weighed anchor and hoisted the sails. I’d grown accustomed to the yacht heeling as the wind filled the sails and I no longer felt at all alarmed. The conditions were so calm that day, even I took the helm for a while. However, Captain Murray had to contend with hazards of a different type en route to Hydra. We were crossing a busy shipping lane with large ferries, naval vessels and container ships in all directions so he was busy on the radio most of the day, carefully plotting our course to stay well clear of these huge leviathans.</p> <p>Murray and Lyn are not big fans of the crowded, touristy port of Hydra so we anchored in a secluded bay called Mandraki just around the corner. To secure the yacht so close to the shore, Lyn dived over board with ropes and strops which she attached to rocks some distance from each other.</p> <p>Murray then rowed us ashore to a little jetty where we climbed steep steps to join the coastal pathway to Hydra.</p> <p>The first impression of Hydra was the strong Venetian influence in the architecture with its pastel colours and tiled rooves, so different from the all-white buildings of the Cyclades. The little port was teeming with tourists dining at cafes, strolling along the waterfront and shopping at the boutiques that lined the horseshoe-shaped bay. We could see why Murray wanted to anchor at Mandraki. The yachts were jammed together so tightly in the harbour, it would be a nightmare to disentangle anchors, especially in a storm. As we walked around the waterfront, a massive private launch muscled its way into port, scattering small vessels in its wake.</p> <p>Hydra’s famous donkeys were lined up to take luggage to various hotels in the car-free village. It’s an exceptionally picturesque port, especially with the late afternoon sun casting a pale apricot light on the dwellings. But we were relieved to be able to escape the crowds and go back ‘home’ to Birgitta for another of Lyn’s memorable dinners, pork and oregano meatballs... with a Greek salad of course.</p> <p><strong>September 11</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846329/53.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/df1f29bd156644789a2768f7ab06bd43" /></p> <p><em>Above: Justine and Chris relaxing en route to Ermioni.</em></p> <p>Chris dived overboard and saved Lyn the task of retrieving the ropes next morning, and soon we were sailing the gorgeous coastline of Hydra bound for Ermione on the Peloponnese Peninsula. I was mesmerised by the landscape with its stone windmills, ruins of fortresses and the remains of rock walls trailing up steep hillsides. We passed a tiny white chapel perched on a rocky islet.</p> <p>The sea was so calm we motored some of the way and for the first time, I lay on the deck and read and dozed. I picked up a brilliant book called Shooting Stars and Flying Fish written by Nancy Knudsen about her sailing adventures with husband Ted. The couple found it impossible to settle back into their former corporate lives after five years sailing the world’s great oceans. Knudsen’s beautifully-written story affected me so deeply, I’m keen to read the sequel one day.</p> <p>Knowing our trip was nearing an end, when the wind came up, I lay on my back, gazing up at the tall, graceful, white sails; listening to the sound of the water whooshing against the hull; feeling the undulating motion of the yacht; trying to commit all the sights and sounds and sensations to memory.</p> <p>Ermioni is Murray and Lyn’s base where they stay before and after their sailing expeditions. It’s close to Kalada where Birgitta is parked up in dry dock over the winter. So they are very familiar with the town. We walked through a waterfront park for drinks and nibbles at a fancy restaurant, wandered around the marina packed with yachts bucking against their moorings, and stopped for the most delicious icecreams I’ve ever tasted. We’d eaten so well all day, we didn’t bother with a big dinner that night.</p> <p><strong>September 12</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846364/70-lyn-and-murrays-warmth-generosity-humour-positivity-and-kindness-touched-our-hearts.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/64d4e077609c46ec99f3cf22c9f2944b" /></p> <p><em>Left: The moon rising over a calm sea near Portocheli. Right: Lyn and Murray on our last night together. Their warmth, generosity, humour, positivity and kindness touched our hearts.</em></p> <p>The dazzling red sunrise next morning may have been a portent of the storm that Murray said was brewing. He was keen to get to a safe anchorage at Portocheli before it struck in a couple of days’ time. We went ashore to stock up at the waterfront market which not only sold a splendid array of mouth-watering fresh fruit, vegetables and fish but also clothing. I bought a pair of light slip-ons for 5 euro which became my favourite summer shoes. Chris’s big purchase was a couple of ‘genuine’ Ralph Lauren polo shirts. It was hard to prise Chris away from the produce. He was in heaven.</p> <p>We cruised around the coast in calm conditions and moored at Argolis, a delightful little bay with an abandoned resort right on the waterfront. The complex was the topic of much discussion over lunch as we debated what should be done with the empty buildings overlooking such a perfect, pristine bay.</p> <p>The water was deliciously warm as we swam off the back of the yacht. I used one of the fenders as a buoyancy aid so I could float around effortlessly for ages.  </p> <p>A small uninhabited bay just outside Portocheli was our idyllic location for sunset champagne and dinner on our last dinner together. It was a magical, romantic evening, bathed in the warm, golden glow of the fading sun, a memory I often return to on grey winter days in New Zealand. We reminisced about the many highlights of our voyage on Birgitta and laughed at how many times we failed to get off at the next port. Next day, however, there was no choice but to disembark. Onward flights awaited us — Chris was returning to New Zealand and I was heading for a travel writing assignment in Switzerland.</p> <p>Later in the evening, we sailed into Portocheli’s ‘keyhole’ bay where Birgitta would shelter from the storm. </p> <p><strong>September 13</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846365/80-tears-dribbled-down-my-cheeks-as-we-pulled-away-from-birgitta.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4bdea230492546eea78cd07c38dee74b" /></p> <p><em>Left: Captain Murray presents us with the blue and white Greek flag that we had sailed under for the past nine days. Right: Tears dribbled down my cheeks as we pulled away from Birgitta.</em></p> <p>Prior to disembarking, Murray and Lyn conducted a little ceremony on the deck, presenting us with the blue and white Greek flag that we had sailed under for the past nine days. Dear Lyn also insisted I keep the panama hat she’d lent me from her large collection of Birgitta head wear.</p> <p>The wind was strengthening as we piled our luggage into the dinghy, ready for the rough ride to the jetty. A gust snatched off my precious panama but Chris heroically managed to pluck it from the choppy waves just before it sank. There was no way I was going to lose that coveted hat. Tears dribbled down my cheeks as we pulled away from Birgitta. I wasn’t ready to resume my landlubber-life.</p> <p>We hugged our friends farewell and boarded the ferry to Piraeus. As the huge catamaran thundered out of Portocheli, I could see Birgitta’s tall mast swaying in the wind like a metronome.</p> <p>Beyond the shelter of the port, the storm had whipped the seas into an angry squall. For the next few hours, the ship bashed its way through enormous waves but it didn’t concern me in the least. I was amazed at how seasoned a sailor I had become in such a short time. As for Chris, he was so relaxed he slept most of the way.</p> <p>I occupied myself the way I always do when I have time on my hands. I began writing about our Birgitta experiences, a life-changing adventure for us in so many ways.</p> <p>The voyage not only enabled us to visit beautiful, remote places that were inaccessible without a boat, but it took us both to another dimension. We overcame fears that have held us back for years — Chris’s seasickness and my terror of sailing. And Chris learned valuable new skills as a helmsman. No doubt Murray and Lyn have seen this transformation countless times before but I never would have believed it possible.</p> <p>Our friends’ warmth, generosity, humour, positivity and kindness touched our hearts. The experience also helped us understand the extraordinary life they lead when they disappear from Gisborne for six months every year. To us back home, it always seems like an eternity, but I can now see how the passage of time becomes irrelevant, something fluid not measured by dates but by the rising and setting of the sun.</p> <p>Our one day on Birgitta stretched into nine days, long enough to glimpse a deeply-fulfilling, simple way of life away from the pressures of the modern world. It all seems like a dream to me now... but our photos assure me that it really did happen. If they were of the old-school, printed variety, they would be very tatty round the edges.</p>

International Travel

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“They were taken from us”: White Island survivor marks second anniversary of tragedy

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two years after the eruption of New Zealand’s White Island/Whakaari volcano, one survivor has looked back on the incident that “ripped apart” her family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephanie Browitt, her 21-year-old sister Krystal, and their father Paul were among 47 people on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship when it stopped on the privately-owned island on December 9, 2019.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The volcanic eruption </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/new-zealand/white-island-survivor-stephanie-browitt-reflects-on-tragedy-that-ripped-apart-her-family-c-4875885" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">resulted</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the deaths of 22 people, including 14 Australians, and another 25 people who were badly injured.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephanie was among the survivors, suffering burns to 70 percent of her body and spending six months in hospital. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, Krystal and Paul were among those who died that day.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXPVRu8P8c0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXPVRu8P8c0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Stephanie Coral Browitt (@stephaniecoral96)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a candid post on Instagram two years on, Stephanie said she had “very mixed emotions”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today marks 2 years since the incident my family &amp; I were a part of. The day that ripped us apart,” she wrote, sharing a series of photos of her family and her recovery.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For a lot of burn survivors they call it their “burnversary”, a day where they can celebrate their achievements, accomplishments and the fact they survived such awful tragedy’s (sic) on this very date.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I truly want to celebrate all that I have accomplished since I was severely burnt, just like other burn survivors do.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Unfortunately today’s not only the day I survived the unimaginable, it’s the day I lost my dad, Paul and sister, Krystal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s the day they were taken from us.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My accomplishments mean nothing to me knowing they aren’t shared with my sister and dad by my side.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephanie added that she was “grateful” for making it home to her mother, but “heartbroken that only I made it back”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My heart hurts when I remember what I felt that day, but it hurts more not knowing what my dad and sister felt, that I wasn’t next to them during their last moments,” she continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today marks two years of accomplishments but also loss, pain and never ending grief. I miss and yearn for my family every day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I love you so much dad and Krystal, so much it kills me.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Caring

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Mining magnate scores dreamy island resort

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The buyer of a luxury Queensland resort on Lizard Island has finally been revealed to be mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting in the Great Barrier Reef, the island is made up of three land parcels totalling 2000 hectares of land and lies 250 kilometres off the coast of Cairns.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845368/forrest1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7c34af85b7fd4b98ae54678b28193dcb" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Delaware North</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Forrest and his wife Nicola purchased the land via their private investment property, but have revealed few details about the transaction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last week, vendor SEA group confirmed the deal and revealed the final selling price.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The buyer has agreed to purchase the property located at Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia at an aggregate consideration of $42 million in cash,” the vendor </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/mining-billionaire-snaps-up-queensland-island-resort/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in a statement to investors.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845369/forrest2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/661a4c450e7b43bcad6013c8453f83ab" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Delaware North</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Delaware North holds the sublease on the island and operates a high-end resort that includes 40 rooms and villas, a restaurant, bar and day spa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sale comes after Forrest purchased Olivia Newton-John’s wellness retreat in Byron Bay for a reported $30 million.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Forrest, the former CEO of Fortescue Metals Group, is Australia’s second-richest person and has recently </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-10/qld-palaszczuk-andrew-forrest-hydrogen-gladstone/100527670" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">revealed plans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to build the world’s largest facility to produce green energy hydrogen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, his most recent purchase is subject to approval by the Queensland Government.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images, Delaware North</span></em></p>

Real Estate

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Vietnam to reopen Phu Quoc island to tourists

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vietnam </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-10/vietnam-to-reopen-resort-island-to-foreign-tourists/100453458" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">plans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to reopen the island of Phu Quoc to inbound tourists from October, as the country looks to revive its hard-hit economy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The island will be expected to open for a six-month trial period, according to a statement from the government.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vietnam is currently closed to all visitors except returning citizens and investors, but the island will soon be open to fully vaccinated tourists with a negative COVID-19 test result.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During the pandemic, Vietnam’s tourism industry experienced a large decline as the number of visitors plummeted from 18 million in 2019 to 3.8 million last year. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba1VPFujeFt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba1VPFujeFt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Visit Vietnam (@visitvietnam)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The prolonged pandemic has seriously hurt the tourism industry,” Vietnam’s Tourism and Culture Minister Nguyen Van Hung said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before opening up the island, the tourism industry said all residents of Phu Quoc would be fully vaccinated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ministry added that the island had not reported any community infections and had sufficient quarantine and treatment facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The country has contained the virus for much of the pandemic, but has faced a recent surge in cases of the Delta variant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conceded that Vietnam has been facing a lengthy battle against coronavirus and could not rely solely on lockdown and quarantine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The news comes as 570,000 people in Vietnam have been infected and 14,400 people have lost their lives.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: visitvietnam / Instagram</span></em></p>

International Travel

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See the whistling island of La Gomera

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the small island of La Gomera, one of the eight which form the Canary Islands, a once-threatened language is now enjoying a revival.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Silbo Gomero, the only whistled language in the world which still exists, has been a compulsory subject on the island since 1999 and an optional subject in the rest of the archipelago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, almost all of the island’s 22,000 residents can understand it, and it has since been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The language uses six condensed sounds - two representing the five spoken vowels in Spanish, and the other four representing 22 consonants which are lengthened or shortened to mimic Spanish words.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since whistles can be heard further than shouts, Silbo Gomero was created to communicate over long distances because they can be heard for kilometres.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several different whistling methods used on the island and experienced whistlers can often tell who is whistling by their “accent” alone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, to save confusion most whistlers introduce themselves and call out the name of their intended recipient.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most traditional method is captured in </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">José Darías</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">’ </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whistling Tree</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sculpture at Mirador de Igualero, a viewpoint overlooking a ravine where the language was most frequently used.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COkb6dNIhtR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COkb6dNIhtR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Turismo de La Gomera (@lagomeratravel)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eugenio Darias, a 70-year-old retired Silbo Gomero teacher, pioneered the Silbo Gomero programme and remembers when many more of the inhabitants would use the language to communicate across the island’s deep ravines.</span></p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdw.travel%2Fvideos%2F748836829170434%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was difficult terrain to work on - nobody wanted to climb up and down the ravines to pass on a message,” Darias explained. “Because of this, so many whistling conversations were happening at the same time, and we would have to wait our turn. It was like traffic!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“However - during the 1960s and ‘70s, most agricultural land was abandoned and many of the workers left the island,” he continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“As Silbo Gomero was mostly used between local livestock holders, when they left the island, the whistling left with them too.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, modern technology and improved roads and paths on La Gomera took away the practicality and necessity of Silbo Gomero.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, Darias stepped in to ensure it would be used and understood by future generations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can even be heard in areas where there is no phone service.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I know of two goat herders who still whistle to each other,” Darias said. “They are nephews who live on the south side of the island. Their livestock moves around in an area with no mobile network, and that’s why it’s necessary for them to use it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked if he would use Silbo Gomero if his phone ran out of battery, Darias made his stance clear.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Of course!” he said. “After all, we’d still communicate that way if phones didn’t exist.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Hello Canary Islands, lagomeratravel / Instagram</span></em></p>

International Travel