November 26, 2025

Champagne Beach, on the island of Santo, Solomon Islands has to be on the list of top 10 beaches in the World! Oddly, we had it all to ourselves on Monday, November 24th! Below are drone shots by another resident that show the spectacular blue water and powdery white sand!

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Champagne beach got its name from this cool effect that happens at low tide, around the rocky reef edges. The coral gets cascading water pushed through it at low tide from the neighboring blue hole and when this cool fresh water mixes with the sea water, as it gushes over the coral reef - tons of bubbles form and the water actually goes cloudy, then clear with each surf surge. We were snorkeling this area trying to figure out it something was off with our googles and then got mesmerized by the bubble! Our friends and fellow ship mates had been here the 2 days before, but none of them mentioned this when telling us what we should see on the island. So we were stumped as to what was going on. Turns out they were there at high tide and saw none of this. Below are my photo's from beach. Wish I could have captured underwater shots to show how cool - will just have to visit again!

Before heading to Champagne Beach we canoed into one of the three Blue Holes on the island. Riri Blue Hole  is the only one with entry by canoe offered. Our driver dropped us upstream on the Crystal River and a oarsman got us situated and did all the work.. It was a very tranquil ride into the lush landscape. I went with Memo and Sue; we were the only ones from our getaway trip, who had the energy to go out and explore today.

Along the way we stopped for fresh coconuts and almonds - which are amazing fresh - first time I have ever had, Yummy!!

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By Patricia Patrick • February 23, 2026
I love to get to know an interesting neighborhood when visiting a big city. Newtown is a creative, fun and slightly edgy area in Sydney known for its' preserved Victorian architecture, street art and it's lively, friendly food and bar scene. There is lots of live music, quirky bars (they call hotels) and the population there is the largest LGBTQ community in Sydney. It's young and vibrant with the University of Sydney right there. Great if you want a place with personality over polish!

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By Patricia Patrick • February 21, 2026
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