It’s actually Monday night but I’m going to jump into E.M.’s Sunday Ramble now because it is one of my favourite subjects, vacations and travel.

When at the ocean, do you want to be in it, on it, or just look at it? (If you don’t like visiting the ocean, what is a hobby you enjoy on vacation or in general?)

I live by the sea so of course I enjoy looking at it. I’ve always loved to see the sea. I don’t swim though so my favourite way to enjoy it on holidays is to be on it. When we emigrated to Australia we came by sea, a month on a ship not much bigger than the Bass Strait ferry travelling across the ocean from England. I loved it. I have been on two cruises, in 2016 and 2018. I hope to go again someday. I love to travel on the ferry between Devonport and Melbourne even though flying is quicker and cheaper.

Have you ever surfed or gone snorkeling?

No, nor do I wish to.

When traveling, do you experiment with the local dining experience or pack a picnic/cook for yourself and anyone with you?

A bit of each really. When Naomi and I worked for the railways, we used to try to do a trip away together every year. We often stayed at houses owned by the Railways Institute which were rented out to employees. When we did that, we did a lot of our own cooking although we’d usually buy lunch if we were out and about and sometimes treat ourselves to dinner at a pub. On our cruises of course all the food you could possibly want was available on board the ship. At ports we’d look around for a local cafe to eat at. Naomi does not care for Asian food so when we were in Singapore, we generally looked for places that served western food.

What is your biggest pet peeve when traveling?

I don’t really enjoy crowds but I accept that they are hard to avoid at popular destinations. I have to agree with Melanie about parents who let their children run wild and annoy others especially at meal times. However, I also find it annoying to go to an attraction and be unable to get a good photo because of all the other tourists taking selfies of each other in front of it. I have noticed that people with real cameras will generally have a bit of consideration for other photographers and get out of the way once they have taken their own picture. Many of those who are photographing themselves and their friends don’t seem to notice. I think it is a bit sad to see people standing with their backs to some wonderful building taking a picture of themselves and not even looking at it and appreciating it.

Are you someone who takes a lot of photos on vacation? If so, you can share your favorite vacation photos. (If not, share your favorite vacation story.)

Yes, I certainly am. I love to take photos when I’m travelling. Neither Naomi nor I appear in photos very often ourselves. We don’t especially like having our photo taken. Here are a few favourite vacation photos.