Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica , deserves more time exploring its many charms. Ushuaia holds a special place in our hearts. After sailing from the North to the South Pole for over 93 days, we finished the epic adventure in Ushuaia in November 2022 to relax, reconnect with the outside world, and become grounded. So, when we returned with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage around South America, we were elated; we could visit our favourite coffee shop, Ana & Juana , and restaurants and fully appreciate the stunning scenery again. We had a few stops in Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, where you often begin and end the Antarctic explorations; we even enjoyed an overnight stay out on the water, which was magical. It is also the entry and exit point of the Drake Passage, so one is only too excited to see it on the horizon after the crossing from Antarctica. Another bonus is the Beagle Channel, so you are guaranteed some beautiful cruising. Sixty days into our 110 days at sea, we arrived back in majestic Ushuaia. If you had asked us a few months ago if we would have been so lucky to experience this gem four times this Summer, we wouldn't have believed you! Let's summarise the Summer of 2022/3 in South America: Three trips of the Chilean Fjords , a total of four this Summer Two sailings through Antarctica , a total of three this Summer Four sailings of the Drake Passage, a total of six this Summer; some would say we are a glutton for punishment; surprisingly, three of the four were a Drake Lake, and one was 6-7m waves. One trip to the Falklands after three attempts Four visits to Uruguay The abundance of wildlife has been thrilling: whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins (four species), birds and jellyfish. Each time we arrive, Ushuaia steals a little piece of our hearts; it is a city from a painting. We were beyond excited to sail in and see the fresh dust of snow decorating the tremendous Andes surrounding this picturesque pocket of the world. The ship was anchored on our first visit in January, as Ushuaia was at the top of every cruise ship's list. We were accompanied by ten cruise and expedition ships for the day, so there was a battle to sneak the tenders through and transport passengers into town. We opted to enjoy the day on the ship and let everyone else explore this gem today, and we appreciated the rapidly changing weather over the scenery throughout the day. Upon returning to Ushuaia from Antarctica, the weather was on our side, albeit windy and icy cold. Still, as you can imagine, we were equipped. After exploring the familiar town, we went to our coffee shop and lunch at Casimiro Biguá Parrilla & Restaurant to devour more of our favourite Patagonian lamb, accompanied by a delicious Argentinian red!! As we strolled back in the direction of the ship wandering through a park, we heard a voice announcing 'Sally', and we turned around to see a dear friend from our previous cruise who was on a neighbouring ship, so we were all over the moon to catch up after six months, and knew fate had a part to play. Nenad, it was a precious moment to reconnect in beautiful Ushuaia. The southernmost tip of the world, also known as the end of the world, Ushuaia, is one of the most beautiful places on earth; you can't get enough of the magnificent scenery. We loved seeing it change over the Summer and each month, finishing with a soft sprinkle of snow as we departed for the last time.

The Ageist recently featured me in an interview discussing my journey as a seasoned digital nomad since 2017. I'm excited to share some insights from the interview, exploring the reasons and methods behind our lifestyle. Happy reading! "After feeling stuck, working too much, and leading a life of consumption, Wayne and his wife, Sally, returned to their then-home in Australia, sold their trinkets, and set out to travel more, consume less, and make more memories. They had no jobs, two suitcases, and no plans—just sheer adventure and a will to see it all. At an age when society would expect them to consider retirement, they've since visited 80 countries and created a nomadic lifestyle for themselves—all while building a successful business".

Çiğdem'inn Sığacık No.6 - One week What a breath of fresh air! This refreshing accommodation is located in the heart of Sığacık, Seferihisar, an idyllic seaside neighbourhood on the west coast of Turkey. You will be blown away by the quality of these luxurious apartments! The complex is new, and the quality of furnishings is exceptional—no IKEA in sight! When searching for the perfect place to stay during our visit to Sığacık, I was looking for something modern, spacious, comfortable, and cozy enough to feel homey. This was just that and so much more! Upon booking via Airbnb , you are warmly welcomed by the lovely hosts. On arrival, Mr Hamdi, the most delightful and kind man, along with his wife, is onsite to greet you and present the apartment. The team is always floating around in the background but never intrusive about your privacy. Cigdem and Ozgur are divine hosts, full of local sightseeing tips and their favourite restaurants and always available to help make your stay seamless. On our last night, we were also delightfully surprised and overwhelmed by a gift of beautiful fresh flowers, which genuinely melted our hearts—a special thank you to the Çiğdem'inn team for their generosity and kindness. Each morning, you are greeted by the sun shining through the whole apartment. It was decked out in welcoming pastel tones, with a touch of modern art throughout. This awesome nook in the lounge was like a bay window set up to enjoy your morning coffee and bask in the sunlight. We couldn't get enough of this area. It truly felt like home. You were also very spoilt with space. Each evening, you sleep soundly and warmly in the large double bed, which has an excellent firm mattress and an abundance of pillows and blankets. You will love the peacefulness of the quiet village, too. The bathroom features a large shower, ample storage, and excellent water pressure and temperature. The kitchen was a pleasure to cook in. It was fully equipped with the highest-quality equipment. We took advantage of this and made sure we cooked a few meals at home during the week. In terms of location, we couldn't have been more fortunate. Everything you needed, from everyday essentials to restaurants and bars, was on your doorstep, along with the beautiful port and harbour. You also have a 16th-century Sığacık Castle full of fantastic dining establishments inside the castle walls, all within a few minutes' walk. We left a piece of us in Sığacık. The people are beautiful, genuine, kind, and full of a unique and lovable energy. We cannot recommend this destination and accommodation highly enough. Be sure to add Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub to your list for a drink and more beautiful people.

Deniz Restoran - One visit Deniz Restoran is a seafood restaurant in Sigacik, Turkey, with beautiful views of the Teos marina. Being a pure seafood restaurant, hubby wasn't happy, but he survived due to great views, white tablecloths, proper cloth napkins, and the deep-fried calamari! It was the slow season in Sigacik, as it was the beginning of spring. The service was exceptional, and the team was full of smiles. Our only comment was that the service was slightly pushy when you entered; you are whisked straight to the day's catch and Turkish appetisers on display before you are seated. We are the type of diners who seek out a great table and the wine list before we even look at the food menu, which, in this case, didn't exist, so you needed to pop back to order. There is plenty of fresh fish and plenty of it, so you will indeed find something that suits your palate. I enjoyed a fillet of a lovely swordfish, and it was delicious. This large restaurant has two floors of seating, and because it is set up to cater to tourists, it could be a busy restaurant at its peak. We would have felt a little more comfortable if a menu with prices (or listed above the fish) was available; otherwise, you would have been left in the dark while ordering or missed out on some delicious new dishes. Pricing was a little steeper based on our experience travelling through Turkey, but there was nothing to worry about. The wine list included a range of local wines. It was relatively small, possibly due to the low season, but competitively priced, and you would be sure to find a suitable match for your food. The location is lovely and very peaceful. We had a nice slow lunch overlooking the yachts and sailboats in the marina.

Celebi Cafe & Bar - One visit Celebi Cafe & Bar is a small seafood cafe off the Sigacik marina. It is an excellent, cheap, cheerful place where the team tries to ensure you enjoy their cafe. The service was friendly and welcoming. Even with a language barrier, they tried to ensure our lunch was enjoyable and that we had everything we needed. Basic and straightforward food that fitted nicely with the cafe: fresh seafood. They also have meat options available, which we opted for this time. The salads were nice and fresh. It's perfect for people-watching, especially if it's off-season and a cold, windy day; it was also beautiful basking in the sunlight on a spring day. Pricing was very, very reasonable; no complaints. The wine list was minimal, but they were very accommodating and went out and bought some wine for us. How cool!

Liman Restaurant - One visit Liman restaurant is tucked away in the harbour amongst all the fishing boats with great views of the hills and turbines. Open all day and during the quiet season, a bonus for the travellers who visit during the shoulder season. The team is full of energy and provides excellent service, is understanding and attentive to your requests, and is not intrusive. Extensive range of cold and hot appetisers, local fresh fish and seafood dishes, caters for red meat eaters, just a little heavy with garlic; if this is not your thing, best ask for no garlic. We enjoyed some local starters, followed by one of the best seabasses I have ever had. Liman has an eclectic interior; think of a ceiling designed to look like a reef, providing you with the whole seafood experience and works. Pricing is reasonable, and they happily accept credit cards. This one offers a reasonable range of local Turkish wines and high-quality options compared to other dining establishments. You will be happy with your visit and dining experience at Liman Restaurant; we would have revisited it if we had more time.

Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub - Two visits A gastropub with the most positive energy is a perfect live music venue where you feel you have been part of the family for years. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with big smiles from the staff and the patrons; you could feel the positive energy and kind hearts. We left a piece of us in Sığacık. The people are beautiful, genuine, kind, and full of a unique and lovable energy. Special new friendships after only two vi sits with whom you wish you had more time. I was incredibly overwhelmed by the kindness we received. On the first evening, I was gifted a 'Nazar Boncuğu' bracelet from Ayça, the lovely waitress, as a reminder of our newfound friendship. We initially came for a late afternoon drink. The team was so beautiful and friendly that we stayed until late in the evening, having fun chatting away (primarily via Google Translate). We made many new friends from this beautiful venue and will cherish the memories forever. We are at a loss for words about the warm smiles, laughter, and stories the Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub team told. Drinks, where do we start? Jagermeister mojito anyone? We were fans! You can enjoy your new favourite cocktails with very impressive glassware, too. We only ate some bar snacks, but this would be a fun place for a late lunch or dinner with live music from the vibe and the people in summer. Sherlocks is a classic live music venue that allows you to sit indoors or outdoors by the log fires (during the colder months). It is suitable for all seasons. As a bonus, it is open during the quiet season and a place for the young to socialise. They have a live band a few nights a week, and the weekends get very busy. During our second visit, we had just devoured a late lunch, so we were visiting for drinks and were treated by the team to some surprise snacks (coloured cheese). They also made us their signature shots, which were thoughtful and more fun with the team. Pricing was very reasonable. We even shouted with joy to all our new friends to show our gratitude for their warm welcome and for sharing their time with us during our visit. Sherlock Steakhouse is a vibrant, energetic, casual establishment entire of fun-loving people; you will enjoy your time here while visiting Sigacik.

Ryad du Pêcheur - One Visit The Atlantic was blowing a gale, so I wanted a warm place. Nestled in the heart of Safi, Ryad du Pecheur offers a unique blend of Moroccan hospitality and culinary delight. This isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience that harmonizes with the spirit of the coastal town renowned for its pottery and vibrant fishing scenes. Upon entering Ryad du Pecheur, we were instantly struck by the thoughtful decor that pays homage to Safi's rich maritime heritage. The soothing sound of waves in the background and the rustic yet elegant architecture remind us that we are dining in a place where every element has been curated to enhance our experience. The menu at Ryad du Pecheur is a testament to the rich flavours of Moroccan cuisine. Each dish appeals to the palate and tells the story of the region's bountiful seas and rich agricultural heritage. The freshness of the ingredients, coupled with the skilled hands of local chefs, makes for a memorable dining experience. What sets Ryad du Pecheur apart is the warmth and attentiveness of its staff. The service here goes beyond mere hospitality; it's about making every guest feel part of the family. This personal touch adds a layer of comfort and authenticity that is often missing in more commercial establishments. We found the food to be well up to our standards; the only item that needed to be added was that no alcohol was served.

La Trattoria Restaurant Lounge In a city as vibrant and exciting as Safi, every dining experience should be a treasure trove of flavours and service excellence. With its prime location and promising ambience, La Trattoria stands at the threshold of greatness but falters at delivering the culinary journey one might expect. As we continue our quest to experience the best global cuisine, our stop at La Trattoria Restaurant & Lounge will be remembered as a cautionary tale of unmet potential. The search for an authentic, enjoyable dining experience in Safi continues, with hopes of uncovering hidden gems that truly represent the culinary spirit of the region. It sells wine; enough said. Don't expect anything out of this world; I would classify this as an average restaurant that happens to sell wine.

Riad Safi Nestled within the historic walls of Safi's old medina lies Riad Safi, a hidden gem that promises travellers an authentic Moroccan experience. While it may be considered a basic lodging option, this Riad boasts a captivating rooftop area that offers guests a tranquil escape with a view. The highlight of Riad Safi is undoubtedly its rooftop terrace. Here, guests can unwind and absorb the vibrant energy of the medina while gazing at the panoramic vistas of the ancient city. It's an ideal spot for savouring a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea while the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Riad Safi may be best suited for short stays, making it the perfect choice for those travelling through or seeking a brief sojourn in the bustling city of Safi. Whether you're in town for a one-night stopover or a couple of days exploring the cultural and historical sights, Riad Safi offers a quaint and comfortable base for your adventures. Its no-frills approach to hospitality highlights the essence of what many seek in Safi—a genuine, immersive experience within the heart of the old medina.