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Readers response: What are some things older generations did as couples that we rarely see today?

<p>We asked our readers what simple acts of romance they encountered in their lives, that younger generations don't partake in anymore, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Sharon Watson</strong> - Men would walk on the outside of the lady on the road. Also, walking hand in hand and doors &amp; car doors were opened by men for women.</p> <p><strong>Jo Hoffman</strong> - Went to cabarets for old time ballroom dancing to beautiful music!</p> <p><strong>Ann MacCann</strong> - Taking walks holding hands.</p> <p><strong>Judith Turpin</strong> - Ate breakfast and evening meal at the table as family. We communicated!</p> <p><strong>Margaret Gerlach</strong> - Visited family and in-laws every week.</p> <p><strong>Lorna Johnson</strong> - Gentlemen tipped their hats at ladies and held the door open for you.</p> <p><strong>Jan Bradley</strong> - Dancing at the town hall, drive in movies, stayed together.</p> <p><strong>Jane Reynolds</strong> - Spending time together as a family, playing games, talking to each other. No phones, writing and receiving letters, supporting each other, staying together, caring and helping each other.</p> <p><strong>Myfawny Jones</strong> - One partner read the road map while the other drived, often on corrugated gravel roads.</p> <p><strong>Lindi Williams</strong> - Played cards together.</p> <p><strong>Cherylyn Thornton</strong> - Went to the drive in movies.</p> <p><strong>Patricia Sutton</strong> - We had children because we wanted them, not because of the economy or that we couldn't afford them!</p> <p><strong>Di Richardson</strong> - Shotgun marriages!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Relationships

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Readers response: If you could live abroad temporarily, where would you go and why?

<p>We asked our readers where they would settle if they could relocate, and why they would pick their new home destination, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Cathy Parker</strong> - Scotland, and it wouldn't be temporarily, it would be permanent!</p> <p><strong>Karleen Green</strong> - Ireland, but without winter.</p> <p><strong>Jackie A Morris</strong> - Southern Spain, beautiful place and wonderful people.</p> <p><strong>Lyn McLaughlin</strong> - London. I'd easily fit in there.</p> <p><strong>Jeanne Meyers</strong> - South Africa as I lived there for 10 years and loved it.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Harris</strong> - Italy. I just love the atmosphere, friendliness of people and way of life.</p> <p><strong>Stuart Galloway</strong> - Menorca, Spain. Nice people, laid back atmosphere, and fewer (and better behaved) tourists compared to Ibiza and Majorca.</p> <p><strong>Ruth Peter Nussbaumer</strong> - Italy or southern Switzerland. So much culture and food. I would have to be millionaire though!</p> <p><strong>Yvonne Knight </strong>- Vietnam. Gorgeous people and very inexpensive.</p> <p><strong>Robyn Wilkie</strong> - Canada or Alaska. Been twice but never long enough. Love, love those places.</p> <p><strong>Kathy Wise</strong> - Germany, Austria, Switzerland or Canada!</p> <p><strong>Barbara Dakers</strong> - South Island New Zealand, or Norway. Poles apart but both so very beautiful, natural, peaceful and friendly.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Readers response: What's one song that never fails to make you cry?

<p>We asked our readers what song always fills them with emotion, whether because of the lyrics or being associated with a heartfelt memory. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Kathryn Sands</strong> - Dance with my Father by Luther Vandross.</p> <p><strong>Carol Hanson</strong> - Amazing Grace. Was played on the bagpipes at my mum's funeral.</p> <p><strong>Matthew Walter</strong> - Probably "When You Kiss Me" by Shania Twain, as it's the song my wife walked down the aisle to on our wedding day. The other one would be "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" by Carrie Underwood, which played after my son was born. Just sums up parenthood perfectly!</p> <p><strong>Patricia Sundin</strong> - “I was only 19”. Makes me think of all my friends who were conscripted to go to fight in Vietnam. Not a happy time.</p> <p><strong>Janette Willis</strong> - What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong. </p> <p><strong>Trish Watts </strong>- If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks.</p> <p><strong>Jan Palmer</strong> - Imagine by John Lennon. </p> <p><strong>Adelle Ellmers</strong> - Sounds of Silence cover by Disturbed. Played at my husband's funeral. It was one of his favourites.</p> <p><strong>Gay Sharran Gold</strong> - At Last…. I have to turn it off when it plays. My daughter married her partner two days before she died and had that playing for their song.</p> <p><strong>Heather Widjaja</strong> - Monsters by James Blunt. Always reminds me of the last days of my Dad's life.</p> <p><strong>Jeanette Heaton</strong> - Forever Young by Bob Dylan. Reminds me of my beloved - lost too soon.</p> <p><strong>Laraine Hughes</strong> - Because by Mario Lanza. Walked down the aisle and played at my beloved husband's funeral. Started and ended our life together.</p> <p><strong>Rhonda Leaman</strong> - Somewhere Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Music

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Readers response: What's one thing you must do when visiting Australia?

<p>We asked our readers what travellers shouldn't miss when they head to Australia. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Jim Bell</strong> - The one thing you must do is to take a couple months there. We were there for 3 weeks and it wasn't nearly long enough to see and do everything we wanted to.</p> <p><strong>Lorraine James</strong> - Land in Brisbane and take a cruise ship to Tasmania. Princess does a cruise stopping in Sydney, Bega, a country town on the coast and then of course Port Arthur old penal settlement then Hobart ,Tasmania. Get a taste of Australia.</p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - If you’re in a major city then catch a train for the day. Eg, Sydney to Blue Mountains or Melbourne to Dandenongs. That way you’ll see some bush without the bother of driving.</p> <p><strong>Anne Hare</strong> - Go see Uluru in the Northern Territory. It's a long way from the coast but it will astound you.</p> <p><strong>Suzanne Maree Saxelby</strong> - Remember to visit the outback. It has a beauty that the coastline doesn't have.</p> <p><strong>Janette Mitchell</strong> - Take the XPT train from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. So much beautiful scenery &amp; Coffs Harbour is a great place to stay.</p> <p><strong>Mattie Smith</strong> - Don't just stick to the coast! Australia has so much to offer. </p> <p><strong>Avis Tolcher</strong> - Visit the Whitsundays. So beautiful.</p> <p><strong>Judith Turpin</strong> - Wander through the Daintree on foot. Swim in a deep fresh water hole. Take your children on a guided night walk through the forest. Magic!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Readers response: What seems too expensive but is really worth the price?

<p>We asked our readers w<span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #080809;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">hat items or experience seem, too expensive but are really worth the price, and the </span></span></span>response was overwhelming. Here's what our audience will always justify the price of.</p> <p><strong>Robbie Kirkwood</strong> - Travel insurance.</p> <p><strong>Elizabeth Foster</strong> - Business class on long haul flights.</p> <p><strong>Jeanette Wallis</strong> - Coffee beans.</p> <p><strong>Mandy O'Connor</strong> - A good pair of Levi jeans, and a good pair of boots.</p> <p><strong>Pamela McDonald</strong> - I would say electricity! Seems lots complain about the cost until you lose power, then you realise how hard life would be without it.</p> <p><strong>Tess Witchell</strong> - Real butter! Three ply toilet rolls, frappe iced coffee from McDonald’s, and proper bakery bread.</p> <p><strong>Sue Yunker </strong>- Wine!</p> <p><strong>Michael Schulze</strong> - A decent cup of coffee. </p> <p><strong>Suzanne Jones</strong> - A holiday. </p> <p><strong>Rose Niemack</strong> - Fruits and vegetables. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Readers response: What was the worst hotel experience you had?

<p>We asked our readers to share their stories of the worst hotel experience that have endured while on holiday, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - At a 5 star in Beijing. Arrived from the airport after 1am. Let into the room to find it occupied with someone having a bath. Instead of changing our room we waited in the lobby for 1 and 1/2 hours while they changed to the correct room and cleaned ours. The wet towels were neatly folded on the towel rack and the used soap was on the basin. When I turned the bedside light on I got a shock. To be fair management were most apologetic and gave us free dining in their top restaurant for the 4 days we were there. It was a few years ago but never forgotten.</p> <p><strong>Bruce Hopkins</strong> - I stopped at a Hotel in Hobart, arrived in the afternoon, checked out the next day, the whole time I stopped there, I never saw anyone on reception or any staff at all. Creepiest hotel I stayed in.</p> <p><strong>Carol Henwood</strong> - When we went to have a shower, and the towels disintegrated! The shower had black mould in all the corners. The carpet was so sticky, we kept our shoes on.  We slept on top of the bed as the sheets were crumpled and smelly. What a night.</p> <p><strong>Sheila Kell </strong>- When my eldest son was about 2 years old we took a holiday to Shute Harbour in QLD and in middle of night we heard lots of scratching so turned on light and sat up in bed and there were hundreds of field mice crawling up walls and back of bed. They apparently were having a plague, but we dressed and left. Couldn't sleep in that motel.</p> <p><strong>Christine Warner</strong> - A country pub only option one night. Our room has no lock on the door, and there were gaps in the floorboards so we could see straight down to the bar where it was very noisy. We had already been warned of people breaking in to hotel and motel rooms in that region, so we slept in the car and returned to the room in the morning for a shower.</p> <p><strong>Helen Wilson</strong> - In Singapore, they gave us a “free” breakfast while someone rummaged through our belongings and took stuff.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What’s the best advice you’ve received on staying healthy as you age?

<p>We asked our readers what the best advice they’ve received on staying healthy as you age is, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Fred Pilcher </strong>- Don't smoke. That's the most important advice you're likely to get. If you do smoke, quit now. Today. I've lost parents and friends to lung cancer and emphysema - both terrible ways to go. (I say this as a former two pack a day addict.)</p> <p><strong>Kate Caddey</strong> - Stay as fit as you can. Walk, do the stretch, balance and dance offerings. Travel the slightly harder way with ups and downs included. Stay curious about people you meet and about everything in general. Never stop learning.</p> <p><strong>Marie Jones</strong> - Keep laughing.</p> <p><strong>Gloria Hickey</strong> - Keep active, but wish I had been told to have my B12 added to yearly blood work too. </p> <p><strong>Peter Connolly</strong> - Best advice I got was "Whatever you do, go out with a bang. There is absolutely no point in lying in bed in a hospital, dying of nothing!"</p> <p><strong>Terry Dolman</strong> - Enjoy being happy. It takes more energy to be grumpy than smile. Plus, a good Friend in Vietnam now said "don't carry the past plus a drink of whisky a day." </p> <p><strong>Heather Dixon</strong> - Keep busy.</p> <p><strong>Lydia Poli </strong>- Enjoy the ride while you can!</p> <p><strong>Marlene Cochrane</strong> - Don't stop moving. Both physically and mentally.</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - Keep dancing!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

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Readers response: What advice would you give someone visiting Australia?

<p>We asked our readers what advice they would give to someone travelling to Australia, including where tourists need to see and what hidden gems cannot be missed. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Peggy Rice</strong> - Respect our rules, the outback needs to be researched, swim between flags, don't swim with crocodiles. It's the best country in the world, let's keep it that way. Also do yourself a favour and put Tasmania on your list of beauty.</p> <p><strong>Kay L Bayly</strong> - Number 1 advice! Check distances between desired destinations. It is a much bigger country than most people understand.</p> <p><strong>Michael Pender</strong> - Bring a sense of humour.</p> <p><strong>Toni Stewart</strong> - You will need a year at least to see all the different areas from desert, scrub, rainforest, cities, beaches, country side fabulous little towns and lots of festivals.</p> <p><strong>Maureen Prince</strong> - We don’t have Kangaroos running the streets. Koalas are not in everybody's back yard trees. Whilst we do have snakes you’d be very unfortunate if you were to come across a venomous one. We don’t all go around saying “Good day mate”. Our scenery is incredible. Our food is superb and, best of all, we have good friends who do say “Good day mate”.</p> <p><strong>Tina Shaw</strong> - Leave preconceptions at customs. See who we are and you'll have a fantastic time.</p> <p><strong>Dianne Savage</strong> - Put Tasmania on your must do list.</p> <p><strong>Margaret Higgs</strong> - Use sunscreen, wear a hat, drink lots of fluids.</p> <p><strong>Cheryl Anne</strong> - Don't assume you can cover the whole country in 6 weeks.</p> <p><strong>Sarah Hayse-Gregson</strong> - Obey the beach culture. The flags, lifesavers are there for a reason. If a sign says, “beach closed” there’s no one to assist you if you get into difficulty. Our lifesavers are volunteers, don’t forget that. They give up their free time to monitor the beaches and are highly trained. Never turn your back to the sea.</p> <p><strong>Ann Lusby</strong> - Watch out for drop bears.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Readers response: Is there any item of memorabilia you’ve passed down to family or plan to in the future?

<p>As in many families, there are often sentimental items and memorabilia that are passed down from several generations. </p> <p>We asked our readers if there are any heirlooms that they have passed down to their younger family members, or if they plan to, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Marjorie Gale</strong> - The christening gown made by my Aunt in the UK in 1955 for my eldest daughter, worn by my two other daughters. Now been worn by my 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and another due soon. So far 24 babies have worn it.</p> <p><strong>Dawn Douglas</strong> - Yes, I have my Mums jewellery box and my eldest daughter will get it when I’m gone. I also have a brooch that belonged to my Nana.</p> <p><strong>Sue Crawley</strong> - I have a 1925 gold embossed book by AA Milne “When We Were Very Young”. My most cherished memory was sitting on my great grandfathers knee whilst he read it to me. Not sure yet which grandchild will receive it.</p> <p><strong>Greg Browning</strong> - A Winchester rifle my great grandfather bought in the 1800s. Have already passed it on.</p> <p><strong>Marion Ingram</strong> - Family bassinets. Now on its 4th generation!</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - My grandmother’s costume jewellery was stunning. She was a racehorse breeder always in the Flemington Racecourse members, even had many Group One winners, so her jewellery had to look special.</p> <p><strong>Paul Uttley</strong> - A silver pocket knife that belonged to my great grandfather now belongs to my oldest grandson (six generations apart)!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Readers response: What piece of travel memorabilia brings back the best memories for you?

<p>When we travel, many of us love to pick up a souvenir to remind us of our holidays and the destinations we loved. </p> <p>We asked our readers what piece of travel memorabilia brings back the best memories, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Jan Hall</strong> - Christmas Decorations! Then when I put my tree up it’s like a trip down memory lane, first one was 1973 from Singapore our first overseas holiday.</p> <p><strong>Debra Stone</strong> - A letter opener with a Paua shell on the handle. New Zealand wouldn't let us take it in our luggage, so we posted it home to ourselves!</p> <p><strong>Becky Murfet</strong> - In 1984 we went to Europe and I collected match boxes from different countries. Have them in a large glass bowl. Great to look at for memories sake.</p> <p><strong>Caron Castner</strong> - Stines from Germany.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - A palm-sided wooden carved elephant from a side trip off my cruise from Singapore to Malaysia &amp; Thailand and back to celebrate my 40th. It sits on my mantelpiece so to deliberately trigger good memories of a younger me.</p> <p><strong>Frank Nieuwenhuis</strong> - 2300 year old oil lamp bought in Israel.</p> <p><strong>Fay Russell</strong> - Turkish tea set. </p> <p><strong>Valma Blake</strong> - Of all the things I've bought on my travels, my favourite is my cat ornament collection that are decorated relative to the country or area I visited.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Readers response: What’s the best book you’ve read recently, and what did you love about it?

<p>With hundreds of new books on the market, it's hard to know what are the best to recommend.</p> <p>We asked our readers what the best book they've read recently is and what did they love about it, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Helen Ulgekutt</strong> - The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods, loved it start to finish.</p> <p><strong>Zoy Crizzle</strong> - The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. Great book, so easy to read and an interesting story line. I loved it.</p> <p><strong>Keralie Stack</strong> - I have just finished Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh. A good read.</p> <p><strong>Karen Peardon</strong> - The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. A great story.</p> <p><strong>Nola Schmidt</strong> - The Perfect Passion Company by Alexander McCall Smith. It was clever, witty, and gentle. </p> <p><strong>June Lennie</strong> - People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Interesting story set in different historical periods. Brilliantly written and researched.</p> <p><strong>Christine Hayes</strong> - Where the Crawdads Sing, just beautiful.</p> <p><strong>Sandra Moores</strong> - All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien.  A great debut based in Cabramatta, very compelling read.</p> <p><strong>Greg Cudmore </strong>- 'To Alpha From Omega'. Although very much Australian, its themes are universal.</p> <p><strong>Denise Zephyr</strong> - The Days I Loved You Most. Such a beautiful story and a beautiful ending.</p> <p><strong>Marie Chong</strong> - Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy. I love all her books, she tells a good story.</p> <p><strong>Yvonne Bercov</strong> - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, couldn’t put it down.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Books

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Readers response: Have you ever seen or met a member of the royal family during one of their visits?

<p>When the royal family make one of their special, dedicated visits to Australia, some royal fans are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, or even have an interaction with them. </p> <p>We asked our readers if they have ever seen or met a member of the royal family, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Mike Rogerson</strong> - I saw the Queen and Prince Phillip on the Princes Highway at Blakehurst, NSW. They were on their way to Wollongong, NSW. We were a group of Blakehurst primary school children on the side of the road in 1954. I was eight at the time.</p> <p><strong>Lorraine Strand</strong> - First saw the Queen when the country school kids travelled by train to Adelaide. Then again in Darwin, when she was visiting houses built after Cyclone Tracy. On a more recent visit by the royals, my husband and I attended the same St Paul’s Anglican Church Service in Canberra as the Queen and Prince Phillip.</p> <p><strong>Annette Maree</strong> - I saw the Queen when she was driven past my house in the 1960’s. She was stunning. I clearly remember her wave, her smile, and her “peaches and cream” complexion. It was one of those flashbulb moments that stays in your mind forever.</p> <p><strong>Glenda Grange</strong> - Yes in 1983 I saw Diana and Charles. They attended a royal command performance in Melbourne. I received a formal gilt edge invitation and was one person away from them. I was invited as a bush fire victim of Ash Wednesday.</p> <p><strong>Elaine Smith</strong> - I haven’t but my mum and grandpa did, in 1954 when she came to our small country town of Red Cliffs, VIC. My grandpa and mum were on a special platform with aged residents of country towns, even got to shake hands with her. I was in the crowd with my girl guide group.</p> <p><strong>Gary Johnson</strong> - 1970 when I was in first year high school we went to Perth airport to see Prince Phillip arrive. I had a school blazer on and Prince Phillip came over and asked what school I was from. If it wasn't for my mum forcing me to wear it, I wouldn't have that great memory.</p> <p><strong>Janice Yvonne Colman</strong> - Not in Australia, but in the UK when they passed by our village on way to a county close by. My brother &amp; I got the royal waves as we stood on the side of the road! We were quite thrilled as we were only 14 &amp; 12 at the time.</p> <p><strong>Jean Bryant</strong> - I saw Princess Margaret back in the 50's when she visited a British Air Force base in Germany.</p> <p><strong>Ian Hewitt</strong> - Yes! At NSW Government house in 1992. It was an honour to us to personally meet their majesties.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Readers response: What’s one thing you wish you had known before retiring?

<p>When it comes time to retire, there are always things we wish we knew first before entering our golden years. </p> <p>We asked our readers what they wish they knew before retiring, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Margaret Walsh</strong> - As long as you are fit and active, it's great. Just don't get crook or disabled, it sucks.</p> <p><strong>Judi Bradshaw</strong> - I retired 9 times and kept going back to work as I didn't find myself ready to stop work, but finally retired at 73. Took awhile to adjust but now 75 and full time travellers, just loving life.</p> <p><strong>Marcus von Moger</strong> - How good it was going to be.</p> <p><strong>Chris Bailey</strong> - How boring it is, I’d go back to work in a heartbeat if I could.</p> <p><strong>Ellen Fowler</strong> - That the government would keep changing the rules. </p> <p><strong>Michael L Carrigg</strong> - Just how long it takes dealing with government departments that clearly are understaffed, especially in the front line service areas.</p> <p><strong>Jim Burgess</strong> - Finding reasonably priced accommodation.</p> <p><strong>Nicol Kyriakidou</strong> - That it would be so great! Having the whole day to yourself. Taking it easy, meeting friends, going shopping. Doing everything at your leisure.</p> <p><strong>Gaye Johnson</strong> - You never get a day off!!!</p> <p><strong>David Brown</strong> - How good it is. I should have retired 20 years earlier.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Retirement Life

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Readers response: What’s the most interesting cultural experience you've had while travelling?

<p>When travelling abroad, we are often exposed to new and fascinating cultures that can open our eyes to different ways of life.</p> <p>We asked our readers to share the most interesting cultural experience they've had while travelling, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Sandra Beckett</strong> - Staying overnight in a Ger in Mongolia miles from anywhere, listening to Throat singing accompanied by two traditionally dressed musicians playing Horsehead fiddles. Also, travelling across Russia by train, visiting the Galapagos islands, Skara Brae in the Orkneys, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.</p> <p><strong>Denise Ryan</strong> - Listening to glorious classical music played in Havana’s Plaza de la Catedral and attending a stunning performance of Swan Lake in the Grand Theatre of Havana.</p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - Visiting Ypres in Belgium and staying the night so we could see the evening ceremony at the Menin gate.</p> <p><strong>Alison Davenport</strong> - 50 years ago visiting a Fijian village made me realise everyone didn't live like I did. Have been amazed at all travel experiences since.</p> <p><strong>Glenn Turton</strong> - Staying in a farmhouse in Normandy for a week. Visiting D-Day beaches and Mont St Michel from there and local villages and markets on the days between. Back to the farmhouse each night to cook local produce and sit by an open fire.</p> <p><strong>Karen Psaila</strong> - Sitting in a small ally sipping black sweet tea in Egypt looking at the pyramids and sphinx whilst camels are strolling by. Amazing.</p> <p><strong>Patricia Watson</strong> - Darwin. Spending a day with First Nation Women and Children in the bush and learning about food that grows and is edible in that area.</p> <p><strong>James Langabeer</strong> - This are my three top three most interesting cultural experiences.</p> <p>1. Japan's Tea Ceremony: Attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, where I learned about the intricate rituals and Zen Buddhism's influence.</p> <p>2. Indian Holi Festival: Celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colors, in Mumbai, India, surrounded by vibrant colors, music, and joyful locals.</p> <p>3. Moroccan Hammam: Experiencing a traditional Moroccan bathhouse (hammam) in Marrakech, where I discovered local customs and relaxation techniques.</p> <p><strong>Margaret Mason</strong> - Staying for a couple of days in a small, traditional village in China.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Readers response: What celebrity do you think would make a great friend, and why?

<p>When it comes to celebrities, everyone has their favourites, their crushes, and those they'd rather steer clear of. </p> <p>We asked our readers what celebrity they think they would be good friends with, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Judy Yannopoulos</strong> - Keanu Reeves. A true honest person with a good heart.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Maclean</strong> - Steven Fry. He’s honest and kind and so very intelligent.</p> <p><strong>Jeff-Lyn Bloom</strong> - Tom Hanks. He is so down to earth. Doesn’t put on airs.</p> <p><strong>Jan Totti</strong> - John Farnham, because he’s down to earth and there’s no pretences. He seems just a lovely honest person. He’s an amazing Australian singer.</p> <p><strong>Caz McDougall</strong> - Michael Sheen and David Tennant.</p> <p><strong>Karen Maberly</strong> - Judi Dench. Seems like a good communicator, sharp mind and full of fun, and not full of herself!!</p> <p><strong>Cheryl Cunningham</strong> - Denzel Washington. Totally honest and decent human.</p> <p><strong>Rhonda Moffitt</strong> - Maggie Beer. She treasures family &amp; others. Always smiling, Maggie I think would be great company.</p> <p><strong>Lisa Drury Hudson</strong> - Audrey Hepburn, for her compassion, strength, fighting for children's rights and empathy. What a loss.</p> <p><strong>Bob Wilkinson</strong> - Hugh Jackson and Chris Hemsworth as they both seem like down to earth nice people.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Readers response: Have you picked up any new skills or learned something unexpected since retiring?

<p>When many of us retire and our time is now fully our own, some people use this time to pick up a new skill or hobby they've always wanted to try.</p> <p>We asked our readers if they have picked up any new skills since retiring, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Marion Thompson</strong> - Cycling, travelling and watercolour art.</p> <p><strong>Dee Douglas</strong> - How to take a walk and look at everything with new eyes rather than a head filled with work issues.</p> <p><strong>Margaret Mason</strong> - Line dancing and croquet since moving in the last 18 months. I have actually been retired for 18 years and in that time also learnt some New Testament Greek.</p> <p><strong>Yvonne Cooper</strong> - Spoon carving and wood work. Loving it!</p> <p><strong>Glenn Azlin</strong> - Competed Certificate III Applied Languages (Mandarin).</p> <p><strong>Anne O'Donohue</strong> - How to take all week to do the chores I could do in a day.</p> <p><strong>Helen Morgan</strong> - It turns out I am very good at doing nothing, a real expert!</p> <p><strong>Sheila Ball</strong> - Taking time to read a book.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Readers response: What’s your top travel tip for staying comfortable on long journeys?

<p>When it comes to a long travel day, getting comfortable can often be a mammoth task. </p> <p>We asked our readers to share their favourite tips and tricks to stay comfy on a long haul flight, car ride or train journey, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Amy Cardino</strong> - Long-haul journeys (to me longer than 8hrs), you need to save up or upgrade your ticket if you have mileage benefits, into business class. </p> <p><strong>Ester Cibasek</strong> - My own blowup pillow and blanket (long enough to cover my head), noise reducing ear phones and keep my eyes closed so I dose in and out of sleep all the way.</p> <p><strong>Valerie Keily</strong> - A neck pillow is essential and an eye shade. Keep hydrated and remember to move around if possible.</p> <p><strong>Di Richardson</strong> - Memory neck pillow. Recovery sleeves on my calves. One departure drink then limit alcohol or coffee. Window seat and sleep when possible. Bliss.</p> <p><strong>Anita Thornton</strong> - Go business class. </p> <p><strong>Chrissie Martini</strong> - Break the journey by staying overnight in a hotel. Takes longer to get there but you practically eliminate jet lag and the worry of DVTs. On the way to Europe, two overnight stops helps me.</p> <p><strong>Lyn Goodman</strong> - Keep warm and wear loose fitting clothes.</p> <p><strong>June Debono</strong> - Stretch jeans and socks (as well as other clothes of course). Plus, eye shade and ear plugs.</p> <p><strong>Ingrid Plueckhahn</strong> - Take a good book, break up the journey with a fave movie, and just get in the zone and relax. It’s just a day!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Readers response: What exercises or activities do you enjoy that help you stay mobile?

<p>It's no secret that we start to physically show down as we age, but keeping active and mobile can keep us going. </p> <p>We asked our readers what exercised they do to keep mobile in retirement years, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - I’ve been a dance teacher since 1982 and am still teaching. Dancing is my happy place!</p> <p><strong>Rosemary Andrews</strong> - Dragon Boat Paddling. I started when I was 59. Still going 14 years on. Love it!!</p> <p><strong>Anne Gray</strong> - Pilates, Yoga, Zumba.</p> <p><strong>Sue Ryan</strong> - Boxing, HIIT, Body Attack, Pilates, Aqua, Pump and running. I’m 72.</p> <p><strong>Wendy Oliver </strong>- Chair based exercises.</p> <p><strong>Anne Moulynox</strong> - Pickleball at least twice a week. I took up ballet at 70 but gave it up as it was far too sedate, so took up Pickleball at 73.</p> <p><strong>Sally O'Neill</strong> - Volunteering makes me get up and meet other people.</p> <p><strong>Robyn Harrison</strong> - Swim a kilometre twice a week and two long walks on the beach each week.</p> <p><strong>Suzanne Bluett</strong> - Nothing better than walking. </p> <p><strong>Lorraine Clarbull</strong> - Tai Chi. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Body

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Readers response: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?

<p>When it comes to travelling, there are many different things that can go awry that can make even the most calm travellers irate.</p> <p>We asked our readers what their travel and holiday pet peeves are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Linda Woods</strong> - Getting kicked in the back of the seat on a plane. </p> <p><strong>Barbara Pearce</strong> - Distance to walk through airports to get to gates.</p> <p><strong>Judith Buttery</strong> - Lifting my baggage!!</p> <p><strong>Ralph G Smith</strong> - I get so annoyed at the seemingly random changes in flight times that have become like an epidemic in the last few years. I know that situations change, but in recent times it's become almost a given that if you book for a certain flight, it will be changed. It's not just the airlines, but trains and coaches too. </p> <p><strong>June Maynard</strong> - Travel movement at the airports. Queuing, passport checking, immigration, various checkpoints at the airport, etc.</p> <p><strong>Trish Moulton</strong> - Kids on planes.</p> <p><strong>Beverley Murphy</strong> - Waiting hours for a connecting flight.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Gordon</strong> - People who carry way too much/too large cabin baggage then expect to keep it near them when they board late. Airlines should enforce number of pieces, weight and size!</p> <p><strong>Eileen Pomeroy</strong> - Waiting at airports and their high prices for everything.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - The total disregard for disabled passengers.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What are your driving pet peeves?

<p>When it comes to reckless driving, some specific actions can make anyone irate. </p> <p>We asked our readers what their driving pet peeves are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Robyn Kay</strong> - People who don’t indicate! And people who don’t know the road rules, and red light runners.</p> <p><strong>Clay Lorraine Sumsion</strong> - People who reverse out of a car parking space at a shopping centre when you are going past and think they have the right of way!</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - When I’m diligently sticking to the speed limit on the highway and they keep whizzing past me. Oh well, they can get booked and I’ll be laughing.</p> <p><strong>Barbara Belmonte</strong> - (1) motorists who leave about 2 car lengths from the car in front at traffic lights preventing those who want to turn left. (2) motorists who don't know how to use roundabouts.</p> <p><strong>Ruth Hourigan</strong> - Drivers who drive 10 to 15 km hour under the speed limit then speed up to 5km hour over the speed limit the second you come to an overtaking lane.</p> <p><strong>Dotty Weary</strong> - People who daydream at traffic lights!!!</p> <p><strong>Dorrise Humes</strong> - Drivers who have their lights on high beam in lit up areas, especially in the city.</p> <p><strong>Jo Pollock</strong> - People driving too close behind me. It just makes me slow down.</p> <p><strong>Helen Johnson</strong> - Leaving trolleys in parking bays at supermarkets.</p> <p><strong>Judi Saunders</strong> - Tailgaters and drivers who weave in and out of all lanes.</p> <p><strong>Susan Vemer</strong> - People who don't use their indicators properly!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

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