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Bestselling novelist found murdered on her houseboat

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that a </span>murder investigation is underway after bestselling German author Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg.</p> <p>Fröhlich, 58, whose novels have frequently topped Germany’s bestseller lists, was discovered by her son early Tuesday morning on her moored houseboat along the Holzhafen bank of the Elbe River in the Moorfleet district. According to police, initial forensic evidence suggests she died violently between midnight and 5:30am.</p> <p>"Relatives found the 58-year-old woman lifeless on her houseboat and alerted the fire brigade, who were only able to confirm the woman’s death," a police spokesperson told local media. "After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence."</p> <p>Local broadcaster NDR, citing police sources, reported that Fröhlich had been shot. Investigators have appealed to the public for witnesses who may have noticed suspicious activity around Fröhlich’s distinctive long cerise-coloured houseboat. Divers have been deployed to search the Elbe River, amid speculation that the murder weapon may have been discarded there.</p> <p>Authorities have declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation. They are examining whether the suspect may have been someone known to Fröhlich.</p> <p>Fröhlich began her career as a journalist, founding a women’s magazine in Kyiv, Ukraine, before returning to Germany where she contributed to major publications such as <em>Stern</em>. She made her literary debut in 2012 with <em>My Russian Mother-in-Law</em> <em>and Other Catastrophes</em>, a humorous novel inspired by her own cross-cultural experiences, which earned a spot on Der Spiegel’s bestseller list and was later translated into French.</p> <p>Her subsequent novels, including <em>Death is a Certainty</em> (2016) and<em> Skeletons in the Closet</em> (2019), both published by Penguin, were praised for blending humour, family dynamics and sharp social commentary.</p> <p>News of Fröhlich’s death has shocked the literary community, where she was celebrated for her witty and insightful storytelling.</p> <p><em>Image: Penguin</em></p>

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"Lost everything": Retirees left homeless after houseboat destroyed

<p>Two grandparents from South Australia have lost everything after a tree fell on their houseboat during a wild storm. </p> <p>Pam, 77, and David, 82, moved into their two-bedroom houseboat on the Murray River when they first retired over 20 years ago, after finally living out their dream of living on the water. </p> <p>During a storm on February 13th, when their houseboat was moored about 700m from the Renmark boat ramp, their lives were changed forever when a tree fell through their roof. </p> <p>Their granddaughter Shenay Harris said it was a miracle the pair escaped with only minor injuries.</p> <p>“They’re both sitting in their armchairs next to each other. My nan was actually stuck. Her legs were pinned from all the rubble of the roof caving in, and my pop managed to be able to stand up and reach for the phone to call emergency services,” Harris told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/south-australian-grandparents-lose-everything-after-tree-falls-on-houseboat-in-murray-river-during-storm--c-13615764" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>.</p> <p>“Looking at the boat and where they were sitting and everything, we have no idea how they are still with us. It’s just absolutely amazing that they’re still here, and they’re OK.”</p> <p>Shenay said her grandparents were now feeling lost about their future, while also grieving the loss of their retirement home. </p> <p>“My pop, he’s absolutely shattered. He’s said to us ‘it’s all over now’ ... (we’re) trying to reassure him (that) ‘no, it’s just a new beginning’,” Harris said.</p> <p>“They’ve been on that boat for 23 years, so it’s been my whole childhood and life with them living on the boat."</p> <p>The houseboat was not insured at the time of the accident, leaving both of the retirees homeless, with no hope for a replacement boat or a payout to get them back on their feet. </p> <p>“They’ve literally just lost everything they’ve got, you know, no assets, nowhere to go, no money,” Shenay said.</p> <p>An <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/riverland-houseboat-tragedy-pamelas-joy?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online fundraiser</a> has been set up to support the couple as they figure out the next stage of their life, so far raising $3,000.</p> <p>“They’re both pensioners, they’ve really got nothing to their name now, having lost the boat. So really just to get them back on their feet.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe / 7News</em></p>

Retirement Life

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4 Australian houseboats you can rent for under $150

<p>Can’t afford a boat of your own? Don’t worry, neither can we! Luckily, thanks to Airbnb, you can get your very own slice of the high life with these stunning houseboats around the country for less than $150 a night.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/13141294/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_kangaroo_point_waterfront"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Kangaroo Point waterfront, QLD</strong></span></a></p> <p>What better way to escape winter than with a trip to sunny Queensland? Moored at Dockside Marina, this stylish property offers views of Story Bridge and free access to the City Hopper ferry. Sleeping up to 6 people from just $125, this is the perfect option for anyone wanting to see the city in style but escape to serenity at the same time.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/13819306/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_sydney_catamaran" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sydney Harbour catamaran, NSW</strong></span></a></p> <p>From just $140 a night, you and up to three others can spend the night under the stars and on the waves on this luxury catamaran. Overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the boat is docked in Woolwich Marina, close to restaurants and just a short walk to the city ferry.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/12932935/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_murray_river_cube" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Murray River “Cube”, SA</strong></span></a></p> <p>For something completely different, you can’t look past this unique, eco-friendly floating home on the Murray River. “The Cube” is a cosy, rustic and relaxing option for anyone looking for a romantic getaway. Put on your walking shoes or hop in the two-person kayak and explore all the natural beauty this wonderful rural area has to offer.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/9083321/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_wentworth_houseboat" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wentworth houseboat, NSW</span></strong></a></p> <p>With room for up to eight people, this house boat is ideal for a big family holiday. Comfortable and well-equipped, if it weren’t for the gentle lull of the Darling River, you’d swear it was just like a regular house on land! Featuring a BBQ and swim deck, the family will never want to leave this serene place.</p> <p>Where’s your favourite place in Australia for a weekend getaway? Tell us about it in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/parisian-houseboat-underneath-the-eiffel-tower/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Parisian houseboat underneath the Eiffel Tower</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/airbnb-houseboat-in-copenhagen/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Sleep in an apartment on the sea</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/sydney-harbour-yacht-airbnb/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Stay on a luxury yacht on Sydney harbour with Airbnb</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Parisian houseboat underneath the Eiffel Tower

<p>Picturesque, complex, yet undeniable charming, Paris is a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, and an incredible location for any holiday.</p> <p>But why fork out for an overpriced hotel room, when you can stay in lodgings like <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/237428/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_parishouseboat" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">today’s Airbnb</span></strong></a> that are as memorable as the City of Lights itself?</p> <p>This <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/237428/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_parishouseboat" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">luxurious houseboat</span></strong></a> provides cosy, romantic accommodation for a short or long stay in Paris. Docked at Port de Suffern, a World Heritage-listed pedestrian pier in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, this houseboat is centrally located, yet very quiet and safe.</p> <p>From the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/237428/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_parishouseboat" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">houseboat</span></strong></a> you’ll be in walking distance from all the major sights including the Eiffel tower (of course), the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. You’ll also be next to a newly opened pedestrian path that’s perfect for an evening stroll and full of cafes!</p> <p>The houseboats has all your amenities you’d want, including a coffee machine, TV, Wifi, breakfast equipment, a fridge and a phone charging station, and the studio is well heated so even if you’re staying during winter you’ll feel toasty warm.</p> <p> Of course Paris has no shortage of incredible places to stay, but this houseboat is something else and provides a memorable way to spend your time in one of the world’s best cities.</p> <p>Even if you’re not headed to Paris anytime soon, make sure you scroll through the gallery above to get a sense of the beautiful property you will be staying at.</p> <p>And to find out more about this property, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/237428/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_parishouseboat" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/luxury-cottages-built-into-their-surrounds/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Luxury cottages built into their surrounds</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/private-school-headfort-house-airbnb/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>You can spend the night at this 200-year-old private school</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/4-lighthouses-converted-into-luxury-cottages/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 lighthouses converted into luxury cottages</span></em></strong></a></p>

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