Bali Snorkeling

VISITED JAN 2019 Most people's idea of a tropical beach - sweet LOCATION CHAMPAGNE BEACH is located in northern VANUATU. At 15 degrees south it is well within the tropics - actually closer to the Equator than CAIRNS on the Australian mainland. So unlike NEW CALEDONIA this place would be a good mid-winter beach visit. NC tends to be a bit cool, unless you find a sheltered location. (all satellite images modified from GOOGLE EARTH) CHAMPAGNE BEACH is about 2/3 up the east coast of ESPIRITU SANTO, which is the northern-most big island of VANUATU. The beach is 54 km north by road (46 km in a direct line) from the island's biggest town LUGANVILLE, another popular call-in for cruise boats. That town is located in the narrow channel between the south-eastern island and the mainland above-left of the "100M" place marker.   This is a great location for cruise liners because the bay off the beach gives great shelter from the south east trades which blow in this area more often

MASON ADVENTURES BALI In the still misty forests of Taro, their elephants take you on Balis only twilight elephant trek. This is followed by an outdoor gourment set dinner or buffet in their palm grove by the lake. Only: No ride prices Adult : IDR 1.395.000 Child : IDR 960.000 With ride prices Adult : IDR 1.690.000 Child : IDR 1.180.000 BOOK NOW   Tour include: All park attraction & facilities Set dinner or Full buffet Unique elephant interaction Air conditioning hotel transfer Insurance Emergency air medivac

MASON ADVENTURES BALI Reserve your exclusive opportunity to wash, bathe and ride bareback atop their elephant as they romp and play, splash and dunk in their bathing lake, one of their favorite ritual of the day. Only: No ride prices Adult : IDR 1.280.000 Child : IDR 850.000 With ride prices Adult : IDR 1.530.000 Child : IDR 1.070.000 Book Now Tour include: All park attraction & facilities Full buffet breakfast Elephant washing & bathing Air conditioning hotel transfer Insurance Emergency air medivac

THE RANT (or is it THE GIGGLE??)  As I’ve got older I look at world/local issues and trends and form an opinion more often. Now I”m the last to believe others may be interested in what I think – but this is my blog, others don’t have to read it (few will)…..SO WHAT THE HELL. Perhaps right now it’s time to present my credentials so you know where I'm coming from. I’m a retired economics teacher. Well that was my main job, but in my time I’ve been paid to do all sorts of other stuff – steel worker, rock band roadie, calm consultant, travel writer, swim coach, yard man. And the economics teacher thing? Well in that career the shortage of teachers in the NSW system meant I’ve taught virtually everything else – Geography, Accounting, Business Studies, History, Social Science. PE, Maths, English, Slow Learners, Science, Health, Personal Development, Night School: I’ve even been a SEWING TEACHER and I don’t know much about sewing. Plus a COOKING TEACHER. To some, educational training is