Cathedral Cove

The Coromandel Coast’s most favoured beach was Cathedral Cove. Hoards of people flocked there to stand near its gigantic arch that connected it to Mare’s Log Cove for a photo or three. Others swam out to the stack off Mare’s Log Cove to dive into the chilly water.

Halong Bay

I know. This was about as touristy as it got. It sure felt like it when I arrived amongst the countless people, buses and boats blocking the bay. Out on the sea, the congestion continued with small boats passing through a cave. Did I wish I’d never bothered coming?

Bali before the tourist invasion

Below I spied no buildings, only coconut palms. I asked myself from the aeroplane window, what had I done? This was my first trip out of Australia, so like the vista below, I was green.