Sunday, November 29, 2009
Back In YYC
2 weeks since I returned home....itching to take off again...when...who knows...time will tell
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
hawaii
sun, beach, sun, snorkeling, sun, dolphins, sun, sushi, sun, shopping, sun, margaritas, sun, sun...
kinda sums up my trip in hawaii so far.
oh yah, and a little sun
kinda sums up my trip in hawaii so far.
oh yah, and a little sun
Friday, October 30, 2009
From Oct 15, 2009
So, this post was written down in my journal back on Oct 15.
One month until I return home to Calgary. Am I looking forward to it? In some ways, yes. Am I wanting to continue my world adventures? Of course! However, i think my mind and body are ready to call it a successful life experience. Is t a 'once in a life time experience'? not a chance!
Arriving in New Zealand I first thought "Where can I find a chemist?!?!" I caught a bug back in Australia that had me stuck at Mitch's place for a couple days. All I wanted to do was take drugs and have a hot cup of tea! But...I wanted to make the most of my short time in NZ so i decided to suck it up and wander around Christchurch. It helped that it was blue sky and warm! So, I threw on some shorts since they hadn't been used in quite some time.
Christchurch - a very British city. Union Jacks flying on numerous flagpoles. I made my way around town (including a chemist shop), did a few touristy things and made it back to the hostel for a good night sleep. The next morning I planned to plan for the rest of my trip on the south island, booked a rental car, booked a flight to Wellington for the 30 of Oct, grabbed some more cash (in other words, begged on the corner for a few hours) and bought some warm clothing since my waredrobe (aka. backpack) consisted of shorts and t-shirts. So all in all, it was a very productive day! YAH!
I picked up my car at 8am the next morning in search of Gollum...will I find him...time will tell! My thoughts: If I had not seen the 3rd movie, would Gollum still be alive? I was about to find out!
One month until I return home to Calgary. Am I looking forward to it? In some ways, yes. Am I wanting to continue my world adventures? Of course! However, i think my mind and body are ready to call it a successful life experience. Is t a 'once in a life time experience'? not a chance!
Arriving in New Zealand I first thought "Where can I find a chemist?!?!" I caught a bug back in Australia that had me stuck at Mitch's place for a couple days. All I wanted to do was take drugs and have a hot cup of tea! But...I wanted to make the most of my short time in NZ so i decided to suck it up and wander around Christchurch. It helped that it was blue sky and warm! So, I threw on some shorts since they hadn't been used in quite some time.
Christchurch - a very British city. Union Jacks flying on numerous flagpoles. I made my way around town (including a chemist shop), did a few touristy things and made it back to the hostel for a good night sleep. The next morning I planned to plan for the rest of my trip on the south island, booked a rental car, booked a flight to Wellington for the 30 of Oct, grabbed some more cash (in other words, begged on the corner for a few hours) and bought some warm clothing since my waredrobe (aka. backpack) consisted of shorts and t-shirts. So all in all, it was a very productive day! YAH!
I picked up my car at 8am the next morning in search of Gollum...will I find him...time will tell! My thoughts: If I had not seen the 3rd movie, would Gollum still be alive? I was about to find out!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
okay okay
So, I wasn't aware that people actually read this blog other than my parents. I haven't posted for a while, I know, nothing much as happened. I've only spent another month or so in Australia sliding down the east coast. Met up with Tim and Brin in the Gold Coast and Kempsey, my cousin Alicia in Brisbane and Mitch in Melbourne. Spent a few more days in Sydney before bunking up with Mitchel in Melbourne. I flew to New Zealand in search of Gollum but so far have been unsuccessful. It's been an amazing trip in NZ so far though, the scenery is crazy cool! From glacier walks to hiking through the rainforests - this country has a lot to offer!
I'll write more of my adventures once I get settled in another location. I have a flight in a few hours and still need to pack, eat breakfast, make sure some of my laundry is dry (which I finally decided to wash after a bunch of people were telling me that I should look into doing laundry - a hint maybe) and drop off my car rental. The tasks are never ending!!!
I'll write more of my adventures once I get settled in another location. I have a flight in a few hours and still need to pack, eat breakfast, make sure some of my laundry is dry (which I finally decided to wash after a bunch of people were telling me that I should look into doing laundry - a hint maybe) and drop off my car rental. The tasks are never ending!!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Brissy
Arrived in Brisbane a week ago. Been chillin out with my cousin, Alicia. She managed to get some extra time off work so we've been causing trouble in and around the city.
Made it out to the Autralian Zoo - the Steve Irwin Zoo in Queensland, Australia. I fed an elephant, watched a croc trainer just about get eaten by his 'pet' and watched a 200 year old tortoise poop...fun!
Alicia and I accomplished a few hikes throughout Mount Tamborine - Cedar Creek Falls and Witches Falls.
We terrorized the city a few days, checking out the touristy sites - Anzac Memorial, South Bank, a few ice cream shops, the best sushi restaurant in Brisbane, sailed down the Brisbane River on the CityCat and enjoyed a beer (and water) overlooking the city.
Nigel, Alicia's fiance, has managed to incorporate drinking a few nights this weekend...and when a weekend consists of only 2 nights, a few nights means every night! We went to the Regatta one evening, where I was told I HAVE to use the toilets. When I walked in, there was a window overlooking the restaurant where the urinals were. Basically, you pee onto a window with people walking on the other side but hey don't see you. I was amused.
The plan is to stay here a few more days before heading south the Gold Coast to meet up with Mitch and couple of his friends from Sydney.
Made it out to the Autralian Zoo - the Steve Irwin Zoo in Queensland, Australia. I fed an elephant, watched a croc trainer just about get eaten by his 'pet' and watched a 200 year old tortoise poop...fun!
Alicia and I accomplished a few hikes throughout Mount Tamborine - Cedar Creek Falls and Witches Falls.
We terrorized the city a few days, checking out the touristy sites - Anzac Memorial, South Bank, a few ice cream shops, the best sushi restaurant in Brisbane, sailed down the Brisbane River on the CityCat and enjoyed a beer (and water) overlooking the city.
Nigel, Alicia's fiance, has managed to incorporate drinking a few nights this weekend...and when a weekend consists of only 2 nights, a few nights means every night! We went to the Regatta one evening, where I was told I HAVE to use the toilets. When I walked in, there was a window overlooking the restaurant where the urinals were. Basically, you pee onto a window with people walking on the other side but hey don't see you. I was amused.
The plan is to stay here a few more days before heading south the Gold Coast to meet up with Mitch and couple of his friends from Sydney.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
93 days to go!
On my last quarter of my trip! Currently in Cairns soaking up the sun! Once again, I have to say life has been quite difficult over the past week or so. Biggest decision today was "Do I go to the lagoon or stay by the pool?" Freaking hard decisions - I know!!! Let's hope I can manage tomorrow as well since I think I'll have the same dilemma.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Katherine Gorge and Litchfield - NT
I arrived in Darwin a few days back after a 4 hour flight from Melbourne. Flight was delayed an hour but I made it safely. That evening, I basically went straight to bed after eating an entire pizza to myself. Gotta love the eating right before sleeping. The next morning I woke up fairly early and wandered the city. Checked out some beautiful spots along the water and caught some rays in the 32 degree weather! Just what I was wanting. That evening, I was chatting with an American guy, Eric, who was staying at the hostel as well. We decided to rent a car, pick up some camping gear and head into the bush for the weekend! The first 2 car rental places we went to didn't have anything available!! I mean, which rental companies don't have cars to rent. We ended up renting one for 2 days! We had the transportation, now all we needed was food, shelter and water. We found food and water at the local grocery store and contacted a dude who rents out camping gear. He initially said he had nothing, I then mentioned we only needed it for one night. He said he had some old tents that needed some repairs...Eric and I figured, great! I asked since they were damaged if we could have a deal on 'em...he mumbled a few things and said he had to go. I called back 15 minutes later to confirm where to pick up the equipment - "we have nothing available now." "What!?! You said you had a tent and 2 sleeping bags ready to go?" His response, "considering you want a deal on a total cost of $27, I'm not gonna do it." My response, hangup! What an ass! Is that a fair question to ask? I mean, I would pay $27 for a perfectly sound equipment, why should I pay the same for damaged?
Anyways, we took off on a road trip through the Australia Outback. Well, not really outback but close enough.
First stop, Litchfield. We thought we were in for a good hike - it ended up only being a mild walk on a concrete path through some trees. We got to some fresh water swimming holes which were pretty cool. Lots of people but we managed to frolic in the water for a little while.
Continuing on our journey south, we took a 'scenic tour' for about 30 km through the bush. We saw wallabies, birds and a lot of burning trees! There was a fire that spread through the bush a few days back. Everything was black except for the massive termite mounds. Oh yah, these termite mounds were at least 4 meters tall! (pictures to come)
Drove all the way to Katherine after stopping for a beer at a hotel/gas station/wedding reception area/local hangout...basically it looks as though the entire town of Adelaide River was chillin out - all 11 people.
By 7pm it was getting dark and we still had to find accommodation since our camping idea didn't work out. We pulled into Pine Creek but EVERYTHING closes at 7pm. It was 7:14 when we pulled in. So we decided to drive to Katherine which was another hour and a half away.
We were driving along not noticing how much gas was left. Well, it started flashing on the last bar. GREAT! We pull into a gas station about 15 minutes after we noticed the blinking light (it might have been on for a while, who knows). We needed a members card to get gas after hours...remember 7pm = closed! The decision was to continue on until we get to Katherine which is the biggest town between Darwin and Alice Springs.
As we pull into the city (town actually), there is a gas station and we fill the tank. We stayed the night at a hostel instead of the car - which was our last resort!
Sunday, we woke up early and drove to Katherine Gorge. After looking at our options for hikes, Eric and I decided on a 24km hike to the 4th gorge. We start hiking and after about 30 minutes, end up at the parking lot where we started. haha Since time was an issue and we had to be back in Darwin before dark, we decided to rent some kayaks and head down the water that way. Things happen for a reason. I say that because we had a blast kayaking! Such a cool experience! We were in the sun all afternoon, went cliff diving, swimming in the fresh water and did a little little hike at the end. On the way back, Eric just finished jumping off a cliff, swimming back to the rocks to get in the kayak when I noticed some other kayaks gathering about 30 meters away. A CROC!!! Let's just say he swam quite quickly to shore. As we paddled over to the group of tourists, a 2 1/2 meter fresh water croc came into sight. Awesome!!! Apparently, there were quite a few spotted that day. We saw two in total.
I guess I can now say I have swam in the same water as crocodiles. The drive back was not too bad. We wanted to make it back for the Mindel Sunday Market on the beach where locals sell foreign cuisine (chinese food in a plastic container) and a lot of handmade crafts.
Now my plan is to book a flight to Cairns within the next week or so. Until then the plan is for more sun!
Anyways, we took off on a road trip through the Australia Outback. Well, not really outback but close enough.
First stop, Litchfield. We thought we were in for a good hike - it ended up only being a mild walk on a concrete path through some trees. We got to some fresh water swimming holes which were pretty cool. Lots of people but we managed to frolic in the water for a little while.
Continuing on our journey south, we took a 'scenic tour' for about 30 km through the bush. We saw wallabies, birds and a lot of burning trees! There was a fire that spread through the bush a few days back. Everything was black except for the massive termite mounds. Oh yah, these termite mounds were at least 4 meters tall! (pictures to come)
Drove all the way to Katherine after stopping for a beer at a hotel/gas station/wedding reception area/local hangout...basically it looks as though the entire town of Adelaide River was chillin out - all 11 people.
By 7pm it was getting dark and we still had to find accommodation since our camping idea didn't work out. We pulled into Pine Creek but EVERYTHING closes at 7pm. It was 7:14 when we pulled in. So we decided to drive to Katherine which was another hour and a half away.
We were driving along not noticing how much gas was left. Well, it started flashing on the last bar. GREAT! We pull into a gas station about 15 minutes after we noticed the blinking light (it might have been on for a while, who knows). We needed a members card to get gas after hours...remember 7pm = closed! The decision was to continue on until we get to Katherine which is the biggest town between Darwin and Alice Springs.
As we pull into the city (town actually), there is a gas station and we fill the tank. We stayed the night at a hostel instead of the car - which was our last resort!
Sunday, we woke up early and drove to Katherine Gorge. After looking at our options for hikes, Eric and I decided on a 24km hike to the 4th gorge. We start hiking and after about 30 minutes, end up at the parking lot where we started. haha Since time was an issue and we had to be back in Darwin before dark, we decided to rent some kayaks and head down the water that way. Things happen for a reason. I say that because we had a blast kayaking! Such a cool experience! We were in the sun all afternoon, went cliff diving, swimming in the fresh water and did a little little hike at the end. On the way back, Eric just finished jumping off a cliff, swimming back to the rocks to get in the kayak when I noticed some other kayaks gathering about 30 meters away. A CROC!!! Let's just say he swam quite quickly to shore. As we paddled over to the group of tourists, a 2 1/2 meter fresh water croc came into sight. Awesome!!! Apparently, there were quite a few spotted that day. We saw two in total.
I guess I can now say I have swam in the same water as crocodiles. The drive back was not too bad. We wanted to make it back for the Mindel Sunday Market on the beach where locals sell foreign cuisine (chinese food in a plastic container) and a lot of handmade crafts.
Now my plan is to book a flight to Cairns within the next week or so. Until then the plan is for more sun!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
Well, back on my feet and ready to hit the road again! After my little setback in Thailand - the last two weeks in Australia - Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania my batteries are recharged and I'm roarin' to go.
Spent most of my time in Melbourne. Took a trip to Tasmania with my buddy Peter. Flew into Hobart - spent the afternoon wandering around in the rain. Spent two nights in Launceston, did some hiking, read by the waterside - was quite relaxing. Flew to Sydney where Mitch met me at the airport. Spent that night partying it up with some of Mitch's buddies that he met in South Africa. Saturday and Sunday we did the touristy thing - Opera House, the Bridge, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Bondi, Tamarama and Bronti beaches. Flew back to Mebourne on Sunday evening. I've been hanging around here since.
Booked a flight to Darwin for tomorrow (Thursday August 6). Plan to spend a few weeks in and around Darwin, head to Cairns for a few weeks and make my way south along the east coast. Will visit my cousin Alicia and her fiance Nigel in Brisbane, Tim and Brin in Port Maquarie, visit Sydney and back to Melbourne to catch a flight to New Zealand. Don't have dates planned yet but it'll work out.
Spent most of my time in Melbourne. Took a trip to Tasmania with my buddy Peter. Flew into Hobart - spent the afternoon wandering around in the rain. Spent two nights in Launceston, did some hiking, read by the waterside - was quite relaxing. Flew to Sydney where Mitch met me at the airport. Spent that night partying it up with some of Mitch's buddies that he met in South Africa. Saturday and Sunday we did the touristy thing - Opera House, the Bridge, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Bondi, Tamarama and Bronti beaches. Flew back to Mebourne on Sunday evening. I've been hanging around here since.
Booked a flight to Darwin for tomorrow (Thursday August 6). Plan to spend a few weeks in and around Darwin, head to Cairns for a few weeks and make my way south along the east coast. Will visit my cousin Alicia and her fiance Nigel in Brisbane, Tim and Brin in Port Maquarie, visit Sydney and back to Melbourne to catch a flight to New Zealand. Don't have dates planned yet but it'll work out.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Melbourne
Gonna be hanging out in Melbourne for the next few weeks. Even though the weather is shit it's an amazing city!!! Staying with my buddy Peter at the moment. He's been great since I showed up a few weeks early after my stuff was stolen. Might go to Tasmania on Wednesday and then up to Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) and make my way down the coast to Sydney making stops in Brisbane to visit Alicia and Nigel (cousin and her fiance) and then visit Tim and Brin just north of Sydney.
BKK - MEL
I arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on July 7. Spent 2 days touring around the city and then made my way to Koh Phangan - one of the islands. Beautiful place! White sand beaches, crystal clear blue water - paradise. However, that is what people see. Unfortunately, there is a dark side. Every month there is a 'Full Moon Party - FMP" Thousands of tourists come to party on the beach until the early hours of the morning, after the sun comes up. With the hoards of tourists come quite a few thieves. I have been told they are Thai people, people from neighboring countries as well as tourists themselves. I ended up being a victim of someones greed. Everything was stolen - camera, ipod, laptop, credit cards, cash. Those all can be replaced. It was the pictures, gifts and sentimental items that I wanted back. Originally, my passport was stolen but was then found lying on the driveway to the hotel I was staying at. So in a sense, I met some 'thoughtful theives' (oxymoron) if there is such a thing. They broke into my room without any damage which makes me believe it was an inside job, cut open my backpack which I had locked on the table and eventually stole my safety deposit box right out of the wall. Ripped the entire thing out! I had EVERYTHING locked away because I heard of the theft during the FMPs. But my Mum made a good point - at least i wasn't in the room when it happened. They obviously had a knife since they cut open my backpack and who knows if they would have done anything if someone was there.
Anyways, I stayed a few more days at the hotel in the penthouse suit which I demanded after the incident but still didn't feel comfortable so I took a bus back to Bangkok and jumped on the next flight to Melbourne, Australia.
I'm in Melbourne at the moment, plan to be here for a few weeks. Want to head north to Brisbane to visit Alicia and Nigel and then make my way south to Sydney to see some more friends. It's nice to have friends around again....starting to miss home. Dont' tell my mother! haha
Anyways, I stayed a few more days at the hotel in the penthouse suit which I demanded after the incident but still didn't feel comfortable so I took a bus back to Bangkok and jumped on the next flight to Melbourne, Australia.
I'm in Melbourne at the moment, plan to be here for a few weeks. Want to head north to Brisbane to visit Alicia and Nigel and then make my way south to Sydney to see some more friends. It's nice to have friends around again....starting to miss home. Dont' tell my mother! haha
BKK - MEL
I arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on July 7. Spent 2 days touring around the city and then made my way to Koh Phangan - one of the islands. Beautiful place! White sand beaches, crystal clear blue water - paradise. However, that is what people see. Unfortunately, there is a dark side. Every month there is a 'Full Moon Party - FMP" Thousands of tourists come to party on the beach until the early hours of the morning, after the sun comes up. With the hoards of tourists come quite a few thieves. I have been told they are Thai people, people from neighboring countries as well as tourists themselves. I ended up being a victim of someones greed. Everything was stolen - camera, ipod, laptop, credit cards, cash. Those all can be replaced. It was the pictures, gifts and sentimental items that I wanted back. Originally, my passport was stolen but was then found lying on the driveway to the hotel I was staying at. So in a sense, I met some 'thoughtful theives' (oxymoron) if there is such a thing. They broke into my room without any damage which makes me believe it was an inside job, cut open my backpack which I had locked on the table and eventually stole my safety deposit box right out of the wall. Ripped the entire thing out! I had EVERYTHING locked away because I heard of the theft during the FMPs. But my Mum made a good point - at least i wasn't in the room when it happened. They obviously had a knife since they cut open my backpack and who knows if they would have done anything if someone was there.
Anyways, I stayed a few more days at the hotel in the penthouse suit which I demanded after the incident but still didn't feel comfortable so I took a bus back to Bangkok and jumped on the next flight to Melbourne, Australia.
I'm in Melbourne at the moment, plan to be here for a few weeks. Want to head north to Brisbane to visit Alicia and Nigel and then make my way south to Sydney to see some more friends. It's nice to have friends around again....starting to miss home. Dont' tell my mother! haha
Anyways, I stayed a few more days at the hotel in the penthouse suit which I demanded after the incident but still didn't feel comfortable so I took a bus back to Bangkok and jumped on the next flight to Melbourne, Australia.
I'm in Melbourne at the moment, plan to be here for a few weeks. Want to head north to Brisbane to visit Alicia and Nigel and then make my way south to Sydney to see some more friends. It's nice to have friends around again....starting to miss home. Dont' tell my mother! haha
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bye Bye Thailand
After an unfortunate encounter with some thieves on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand - I decided to head to Australia a few weeks early. I booked a flight from Bangkok to Melbourne for Thursday evening.
But before I go, I plan to enjoy at least one thai massage and try my bartaring skills at the local markets.
But before I go, I plan to enjoy at least one thai massage and try my bartaring skills at the local markets.
Friday, July 3, 2009
No Pil-i-pino
After checking out the weather conditions in the Philippines - I've decided to skip the country and head to Australia a little earlier than anticipated. However, I'm hoping to visit Laos and Cambodia as substitutions :)
Porcelain God!
I guess you can say I have been 'praying' to the 'Porcelain god' When you eat anything and everything in India - it's just a matter of time before you know where every toilet in a 1 km radius is located. It sort of becomes a second sense.
13 days in South India has been quite the experience.
I started off flying to Chennai from Dubai (stopover in Mumbai).
Spent a few days in Chennai. Met Aziz and Hafiz who showed me around the city and made sure I was all organized for my travels to Kerala.
On the eve of the 26th - I had dinner at the hotel, checked some email - organized some stuff for my trip and went up to the room. About 15 minutes later I had a knock at the door. When I opened it - there was Aziz, smiling, singing Happy Birthday with a cake and candle in his hands. (The candle wasn't in his hands it was in the cake) We enjoyed the chocolate cake with some good conversation. He returned home to his wife and I went to bed - another year older :)
For my Birthday - I met Hafiz, who took me to a crocodile park. I held a croc, python and turtle. In the evening, we went up with some of his friends and watched a Tamil Movie. No English - no English subtitles. So, I had to use non-verbal interpretation skills to try to understand what was going on. NO LUCK! My skills suck! haha
I had an overnight train to Alleppey where I booked a boathouse to myself for one night. I had a cook and two crew who were great! We travelled down the backwaters of Kerala, also known as the "Venice of the East" Absolutely beautiful! So peaceful! Even with the torrential rain!
I made my way to Kochin. Kochin is famous for the old Chinese Fishing Nets displayed on the waterfront. I also endulged with a Ayurvedic massage. Kerala is known for this type of treatment.
I then made my way back into the state of Tamil-Nadu to "The Temple City" of Madurai. I'll post pictures and they will explain everything. I stayed one night in Madurai and caught an early train to Thanjavur where I am now. (just killing some time before I catch a 6 hour bus back to Chennai...ugh!)
The food that I ate for dinner is still sitting nicely - howerver, I have been sitting for the past hour. I anticipate a mad rush to the toilet once I leave the internet cafe. Wish me luck!
13 days in South India has been quite the experience.
I started off flying to Chennai from Dubai (stopover in Mumbai).
Spent a few days in Chennai. Met Aziz and Hafiz who showed me around the city and made sure I was all organized for my travels to Kerala.
On the eve of the 26th - I had dinner at the hotel, checked some email - organized some stuff for my trip and went up to the room. About 15 minutes later I had a knock at the door. When I opened it - there was Aziz, smiling, singing Happy Birthday with a cake and candle in his hands. (The candle wasn't in his hands it was in the cake) We enjoyed the chocolate cake with some good conversation. He returned home to his wife and I went to bed - another year older :)
For my Birthday - I met Hafiz, who took me to a crocodile park. I held a croc, python and turtle. In the evening, we went up with some of his friends and watched a Tamil Movie. No English - no English subtitles. So, I had to use non-verbal interpretation skills to try to understand what was going on. NO LUCK! My skills suck! haha
I had an overnight train to Alleppey where I booked a boathouse to myself for one night. I had a cook and two crew who were great! We travelled down the backwaters of Kerala, also known as the "Venice of the East" Absolutely beautiful! So peaceful! Even with the torrential rain!
I made my way to Kochin. Kochin is famous for the old Chinese Fishing Nets displayed on the waterfront. I also endulged with a Ayurvedic massage. Kerala is known for this type of treatment.
I then made my way back into the state of Tamil-Nadu to "The Temple City" of Madurai. I'll post pictures and they will explain everything. I stayed one night in Madurai and caught an early train to Thanjavur where I am now. (just killing some time before I catch a 6 hour bus back to Chennai...ugh!)
The food that I ate for dinner is still sitting nicely - howerver, I have been sitting for the past hour. I anticipate a mad rush to the toilet once I leave the internet cafe. Wish me luck!
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