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Fiji has been varied in experiences. Whilst booking my trip to Fiji at this time of year my trael agent neglected to tell me that it is cyclone season. Half of the week has been terrential rain.
When I first arrived off the same flight as four others from kiwi experience we were greeted by a band of singers in the true polynesian way which was slightly like the perfect veiw of the country I had. Then when we arrieved at our hotel on the mainland the girls were all given a tropical flower to place in our hair and a couple of guitar playing Fijian's sang ver nicely through our amazingly fresh and tasty meal. As all five of us have been used to packet noodles and hostels for the last while an a la carte menu, bread before dinner and cocktails with an umbrella on top made us very happy indeed. From our first impressions we were very excited about what was to come.
The following morning very early, Elly, my new travelling buddy from school arrived off her plane and we both got excited aobut the week to come. That day we travelled an hour by local bus to the natural mud pools near the city of Lautoka. At the cost of only 3 pounds we enjoyed playing in volcanically heated mud which we then rubbed all over our bodies and faces, let dry for half an hour then jumped in the natural hot pool to wash off. As well as getting to have fun in mud our skin was perfectly soft and moisturized after. As the bus would not be picking us back up till 2.30pm we decided to go for a walk to "the garden of the sleeping giant" an extensive collection of orcids. We had packed a luch so by the tie we got there we decided to sit down and eat only to sit in a swarm of mosquitos, where I ended up with around 200 bites predominantly on my thighs. Horrible to look at and extremely itchy!!! The rain all but srtayed off for about an hour late afternoon but we were warned this was normal.
The next morning the bus picked us up to head to the port of Denaru for our first 5 hour boat ride to the island of Tevawa to the resort of Coral view. As soon as we arrived it started to rain, and rain hard. The island is pretty basic and not greared towards indorr activites so the next three days were spent playing cards and waiting for the next meal time. This was not the start to our holiday in the sun we were hoping for. We did, although, enjoy the nightly entertainment of dancing singing and learning native dances but as I am led to believe that cyclone season is for 4 months a year every year I think the resort needs to be more prepared with things to do.
When we arrived on the next island Mantaray we greeted by yet more terrential rain but we much preferred this island as the food was excellent and staff were very firendly and eager to help in any way. We stayed on mantaray for two nights and by the evening of the second nigt the sun had finally arrived with the cyclone centre supposedly having missed the island. The whole resort was out on the beach as early as 8am enjoying the first sun we had seen since we got to Fiji. I was sad to leave Mantaray and our new friend Kenny who worked on the island and helped us to make coconut bracelets but excited for a new island.
Our third and final island was South sea Island, a tiny island it took approximately 5 minutes to walk around it's circumference. The evening was quiet with only 15 of us staying overnight. The storm the day before had caused this tiny island to be evacuated so was deserted when we arrived. The following day we had a full day of free activities on offer before having to catch our final boat at 6pm. The island offers day trips so during the day there was a total of 114 people with us enjoying free kayaking, snorkelling, trips in the semi-submarine and even being shown how to tie a traditional fijian sarong called a sulu. It was by far the best day we had whilst island hopping and getting to be out in the sun was as much fun as I had imagined it was going to be.
Last night after returning to the mainland we enjoyed one final night at our first hotel and again good food and good cocktails enjoying our final evening in Fiji. I am so glad that by the end of the 8 days the sun arrived because I will now remember this place for fun in the sun rather than boredom inside, a great country with trustworthy extremely friendly people.. "Bula"!!!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
23/11/10 Kia-ora!!! (maori greeting)
After Kaikoura being a not very eventful town we moved next onto Wellington after a bus ride and 3 hour ferry through some spectacular scenery. I arrived in Wellington expecting to spend as much time as possible trying to sort out my new passport but after another few hairy moments and a very helpful gentleman in the UK consulate I am now sorted with a new emergency passport and able to get out the country. I was so excited to be able to see two of my very good friends who I met on the Oz experience again. Sarah and Arrin are attempting NZ the opposite way from me, starting in the north island and heading south but very happily by coincidence we were able to be in Weliington for the same three days.
My first full day was spent (after the passport sorting out) at the Te Papa museum, the national museum of the country which was fantastic and voted one of the best national museums in the world for it's excellent and clever use of interactive exhibits which were a lot of fun and all 5 floors were totally FREE!!! One of two of a backpackers favourite words, along with alcohol. After a late lunch I headed back upto collect my new passport then met back up with the couple at their hostel for an easy night of DVD's. The next day we decided to rent roller blades, and skate along the whole length of the harbour and more which made me rather nostalic but both hurt my tailbone so much (from falling only once) it is still sore to sit in certain positions a week later. Our afternoon was gladly spent baking which was an excuse to chat over tea and cakes. In the evening we went up the cable car which was a rather short journey up the steepest part of Wellington which ended at the rather non-exotic botanic gardens and observatory. We then came back down the hill to meet up for a drink with the newest arrivals off the kiwi bus who I had been with before and were to continue with me the next day.
The following morning it was off to Taupo, a short bus ride that took in an impressive waterfall walk. In the early afternoon as soon as we arrived it was time for me to attempt to steady my nerves and do a bungy jump. The two friends who carried on the bus with me came to cheer me on and take photos of my 47m high dive off a platform into water. It was terrifying standing on the ledge and made me totally regret it but as soon as I was off the ledge I loved every second. I would do it again and I nerve thought I'd want to do it at all.
That evening my hair and t-shirt dried slowly from being dipped in the water and we joined our driver Zippy who had taken us all the way round the south island for a few drinks to say thanks.
I was the only one of my friends to get off the bus the next day at a town called Rotorua which is a pretty yet very smelly highly geothermic place where the earth crust is reportadly only aorund 16km thick rather than the normal 36km. For this reason the twon has several mud pools, hot water pools, geizers and smells like rotten eggs. I spent my first night out at the maori expereince, an evening put on for tourists constisting of traditional moari dancing, singing, food and of ocurse to round it off the Hakaa. I thouroughly enjoyed the evening and the reinacting of the village and villagers was done with respect and entertainment but not mocking. The food cooked in a traditional underground slow cooker was delicious and included desert which I don't think I've had in a very long time so had 2 helpings.
The following day I took part in another extreme sport called zorbing where you throw yourself down a hill in a water filled blow up ball which was wet and felt like being in a washing machine, I loved it!!!
In the afternoon I followed the lonely planet walking tour around the town taking in some of the geothermal best bits and the government gardens and Maori influenced buildings.
After a two day stay I moved on to my last stop, Aukland. I arrived early afternoon so spent my first few hours in the city bumping into a friend and getting my bearings around the 4th largest area city in the world before another thrilling evening of movies and bed. The next morning it was a glorious day so I followed aound another lonely planet walking tour which took me to the main sights and a little off the beaten path to smaller quirkier areas with vintage shops and comfy cafes. I particularly enjoyed the university campus which dates back to 1850's so reminded me a lot of my own uni campus on a few and far between sunny day. I decided also to visit the sky tower and casino, the casino being New Zealand's number one tourist attraction (so I had to see it) and the sky tower being a 328m tower poking it's way oout of the Aukland skyline which gives fantastic veiws and also allows poeple to throw themselves off of attached to a chord.
In the evening instead of sitting in the hostel watching more movies I went to the cinema to watch a movie after having amazing tasting sushi at one of Aukland many excellent and reasonably priced food-halls.
Today as my last full day in New Zealand I went on a Kiwi expereicne welcome to New Zealand FREE tour round the city. I enjoyed it very much and we got to do a bridge climb for FREE, visit the darling suburb in north Aukland called Devonport and walk up mount Victoria which was more like a hill. Although the weather wasn't fantastic I had a great time meeting new kiwi's for the last time and getting to view some of Aukland's 42 volcano's from a higher view point. I have very much enjoyed my time in the country and wouldn't hestitate to suggest it to any others to come visit for picture perfect veiws and a few extreme activity and trekking,a gorgeous place with gorgeous people and rich in ancient maori culture.
My first full day was spent (after the passport sorting out) at the Te Papa museum, the national museum of the country which was fantastic and voted one of the best national museums in the world for it's excellent and clever use of interactive exhibits which were a lot of fun and all 5 floors were totally FREE!!! One of two of a backpackers favourite words, along with alcohol. After a late lunch I headed back upto collect my new passport then met back up with the couple at their hostel for an easy night of DVD's. The next day we decided to rent roller blades, and skate along the whole length of the harbour and more which made me rather nostalic but both hurt my tailbone so much (from falling only once) it is still sore to sit in certain positions a week later. Our afternoon was gladly spent baking which was an excuse to chat over tea and cakes. In the evening we went up the cable car which was a rather short journey up the steepest part of Wellington which ended at the rather non-exotic botanic gardens and observatory. We then came back down the hill to meet up for a drink with the newest arrivals off the kiwi bus who I had been with before and were to continue with me the next day.
The following morning it was off to Taupo, a short bus ride that took in an impressive waterfall walk. In the early afternoon as soon as we arrived it was time for me to attempt to steady my nerves and do a bungy jump. The two friends who carried on the bus with me came to cheer me on and take photos of my 47m high dive off a platform into water. It was terrifying standing on the ledge and made me totally regret it but as soon as I was off the ledge I loved every second. I would do it again and I nerve thought I'd want to do it at all.
That evening my hair and t-shirt dried slowly from being dipped in the water and we joined our driver Zippy who had taken us all the way round the south island for a few drinks to say thanks.
I was the only one of my friends to get off the bus the next day at a town called Rotorua which is a pretty yet very smelly highly geothermic place where the earth crust is reportadly only aorund 16km thick rather than the normal 36km. For this reason the twon has several mud pools, hot water pools, geizers and smells like rotten eggs. I spent my first night out at the maori expereince, an evening put on for tourists constisting of traditional moari dancing, singing, food and of ocurse to round it off the Hakaa. I thouroughly enjoyed the evening and the reinacting of the village and villagers was done with respect and entertainment but not mocking. The food cooked in a traditional underground slow cooker was delicious and included desert which I don't think I've had in a very long time so had 2 helpings.
The following day I took part in another extreme sport called zorbing where you throw yourself down a hill in a water filled blow up ball which was wet and felt like being in a washing machine, I loved it!!!
In the afternoon I followed the lonely planet walking tour around the town taking in some of the geothermal best bits and the government gardens and Maori influenced buildings.
After a two day stay I moved on to my last stop, Aukland. I arrived early afternoon so spent my first few hours in the city bumping into a friend and getting my bearings around the 4th largest area city in the world before another thrilling evening of movies and bed. The next morning it was a glorious day so I followed aound another lonely planet walking tour which took me to the main sights and a little off the beaten path to smaller quirkier areas with vintage shops and comfy cafes. I particularly enjoyed the university campus which dates back to 1850's so reminded me a lot of my own uni campus on a few and far between sunny day. I decided also to visit the sky tower and casino, the casino being New Zealand's number one tourist attraction (so I had to see it) and the sky tower being a 328m tower poking it's way oout of the Aukland skyline which gives fantastic veiws and also allows poeple to throw themselves off of attached to a chord.
In the evening instead of sitting in the hostel watching more movies I went to the cinema to watch a movie after having amazing tasting sushi at one of Aukland many excellent and reasonably priced food-halls.
Today as my last full day in New Zealand I went on a Kiwi expereicne welcome to New Zealand FREE tour round the city. I enjoyed it very much and we got to do a bridge climb for FREE, visit the darling suburb in north Aukland called Devonport and walk up mount Victoria which was more like a hill. Although the weather wasn't fantastic I had a great time meeting new kiwi's for the last time and getting to view some of Aukland's 42 volcano's from a higher view point. I have very much enjoyed my time in the country and wouldn't hestitate to suggest it to any others to come visit for picture perfect veiws and a few extreme activity and trekking,a gorgeous place with gorgeous people and rich in ancient maori culture.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
14/11/10 the kiwi experience (cont)
money on internet just ran uot so i'll continue...
After my skydive I was on another high but after a long day I was tires so retired to bed early ready for more adventures the next day. We left the hostel at around 8am and visited puzzle world as a group, one of few attractions in Wanaka which was strangely a place where there were several optical illusions a room where perspective played with your mind and a room on a 45 degree slant so water appeared to flow uphill and balls rolled up a pool table. Very odd, very unique and the huge outdoor wooden maze took over 45 mins to complete but was very fun.
We then carried on to Queenstown, one of the larger town in New Zealand and the advetnure capital. In and around the city you can do 3 different bungy jumps, sky dive, 2 different canyon swing, luiging, water sledging, jet boating and so on and so on. I unfortunately did not participate in any of these as it is also known to be the most expensive place to do these activites so hope to do a bungee later on. I was very tempted when we were taken to the bungee museum and watched the invention of the adrenline activity on the very bridge we were standing on. Several members of the bus did though and have crazy photos to show of many different activites.
I instead went for many walks and runs and stupidly bleached my hair!!! which I then fixed within 24 hours as it was rather orange and made me cringe every time I looked in the mirror so I am now back to brunette after the hairdressser in queenstown laughed at me and spent lots of time rubbing in die to all the parts I had originally missed. Queenstown was great and I would have eagerly stayed another few days but as currently I have no way to get out of this country I must get to Wellington ASAP so I can finally get a new passport back and an opfficial identity before my leaving date of the 24th.
Yesterday as we said goodbye to alot of our bus members who stayed in Christchurch I travelled back upto chirstchurch for only a night as a stop over to take me up here to Kaikoura today. On the way we picked up another fellow traveller from oz exp who is just starting what I have done over the last week and is now with us in the small original whaling town of Kaikoura. The weather has turned bad and apart from veiwings of seal coloneys and penguins there is not much to do so it may be another early night or possibly a late one in the pub. Tomorrow I venture to the north island which promises to be warmer and rier but I'm not sure I trust that, but we can live in hope.
After my skydive I was on another high but after a long day I was tires so retired to bed early ready for more adventures the next day. We left the hostel at around 8am and visited puzzle world as a group, one of few attractions in Wanaka which was strangely a place where there were several optical illusions a room where perspective played with your mind and a room on a 45 degree slant so water appeared to flow uphill and balls rolled up a pool table. Very odd, very unique and the huge outdoor wooden maze took over 45 mins to complete but was very fun.
We then carried on to Queenstown, one of the larger town in New Zealand and the advetnure capital. In and around the city you can do 3 different bungy jumps, sky dive, 2 different canyon swing, luiging, water sledging, jet boating and so on and so on. I unfortunately did not participate in any of these as it is also known to be the most expensive place to do these activites so hope to do a bungee later on. I was very tempted when we were taken to the bungee museum and watched the invention of the adrenline activity on the very bridge we were standing on. Several members of the bus did though and have crazy photos to show of many different activites.
I instead went for many walks and runs and stupidly bleached my hair!!! which I then fixed within 24 hours as it was rather orange and made me cringe every time I looked in the mirror so I am now back to brunette after the hairdressser in queenstown laughed at me and spent lots of time rubbing in die to all the parts I had originally missed. Queenstown was great and I would have eagerly stayed another few days but as currently I have no way to get out of this country I must get to Wellington ASAP so I can finally get a new passport back and an opfficial identity before my leaving date of the 24th.
Yesterday as we said goodbye to alot of our bus members who stayed in Christchurch I travelled back upto chirstchurch for only a night as a stop over to take me up here to Kaikoura today. On the way we picked up another fellow traveller from oz exp who is just starting what I have done over the last week and is now with us in the small original whaling town of Kaikoura. The weather has turned bad and apart from veiwings of seal coloneys and penguins there is not much to do so it may be another early night or possibly a late one in the pub. Tomorrow I venture to the north island which promises to be warmer and rier but I'm not sure I trust that, but we can live in hope.
14/11/10 the Kiwi experience
Now with less than a month travelling left I feel I am on the final stretch but still have two more countries to see. I've now been in New Zealand for just over a week and been to quite a few places. On my second full day in Christchurch I went to a full day rafting trip 2 hours out of the city which was ace. The glacier filled river was quite literally freezing and the rainy grey weather was really not ideal to spend all day out on the water but I had a fantastic time and even the bad weather couldn't get me down. As it was my first time white water rafting I didn't quite know what to expect but loved being able to surf over grade 5 rapids with ease after careful instruction from our raft instructor. I am very keen to do it again for longer rapids and hopefully better weather. The next morning I started the kiwi expereince bus that I amt ravellign around the country with, I was the only one starting from Christchurch going straight to Westport on the other coast so had my own pruivate 3 hour mini van where my friendly driver explained all about the surroundings and company itself (which is totally different from Oz experience). This bus compared to Oz expereince seems much more tour like as we genereally follow the bus day to day and make many more stops for free activites such as walks various tourist sights. When I met the coach nearer to the evenings destination I totally coincidentally bumped into two of my frineds who I had beent ravelling with in Oz, although I knew they were also on the same our bus we never expected to be at the same place at the same time, so it was very nice to see friendly faces. My first stop for only a night was Westport a small mining town whose only pupose for us to stop was a break up between a long journey but nice anyway.
The following day we headed to the Poo Pub which is also in the middle of nowhere but serves the purpose of kiwi exerieince party pub. The 83 year excentric owner Les owns a pub with attached backpacker accomodation which only opens when the kiwi bus is in town to cook us a gorgeous steak and venison stew dinner and then give us free reign of his pub for a themed fancy dress party. Our theme chosen from a list the bus gave by our driver was blacka nd white so I decided to dress as Michael Jackson cause of the song in a trillby, aviators and a red neckerchief. The night was so much fun and totally unique to our tour bus, Les has been hosting these parties since 1999 and has a photo of every group that comes throgh around 5 a week and loves them all, great fun.
The next day with a slightly sore head we left for Franz Joseph a town on the edge of the Franz Joseph glacier where we, the following day, attempted a full 8 hour hike up to and into the glacier. I t was quite spectacular with blue ice crevices we had to squeeze through and ice cold waterfalls we had to dunk under, it was also glorious weather so we had a fantastic day. After the hike a few us went to the hot pools near the hostel, where there were 3 pools outdoors of different temperatures, 36, 38 and 40 degrees celcius to relax in and loosen sore muscles, this then led onto the hostel bar where I had another great night with my fellow bus people and all over one of the best days of my travels.
The next morning, again with sore heads we were on our way to Wanaka taking in a few casual walks and photo taking along the way, I particularly enjoyed a very tasty breakfast in glorious sunshine looking out to snow capped mount cook (NZ's highest peak) and a mirror lake filled with blue glacier water. Wanaka is a ski town which during winter I can imagine to be alot of fun but even is summer I really like it. Especially as this is where I did my 15,000 foot skydive. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I had booked a time and date for my dive back in CHristchurch but it wasn't until that day that I strated to get nervous. Myself and 6 others from my bus did the jump at the same time and every one of us loved it. When you get to the take-off and landing site there is no time to get scared, I was suited booted and shoved on a plane where I sat in the crotch of my tandem dive instructor, it took 20 minutes to reach 15,000 in the small plane and then one by one people started to fall out of the side door. I was second to last and by the time you have quickly slid to the edge and had you head pulled back on to your instructors should, told to hold my straps I was off falling very quickly to the ground t around 200km per hour. It was an amzing experience very surreal and totally anew feeling not a falling feeling at all then when the parachute is puleed at 5000 feet you float slowly being told what you cans ee around you and smilling for the camera.
AMAZING!!! I would have done another there and then.
The following day we headed to the Poo Pub which is also in the middle of nowhere but serves the purpose of kiwi exerieince party pub. The 83 year excentric owner Les owns a pub with attached backpacker accomodation which only opens when the kiwi bus is in town to cook us a gorgeous steak and venison stew dinner and then give us free reign of his pub for a themed fancy dress party. Our theme chosen from a list the bus gave by our driver was blacka nd white so I decided to dress as Michael Jackson cause of the song in a trillby, aviators and a red neckerchief. The night was so much fun and totally unique to our tour bus, Les has been hosting these parties since 1999 and has a photo of every group that comes throgh around 5 a week and loves them all, great fun.
The next day with a slightly sore head we left for Franz Joseph a town on the edge of the Franz Joseph glacier where we, the following day, attempted a full 8 hour hike up to and into the glacier. I t was quite spectacular with blue ice crevices we had to squeeze through and ice cold waterfalls we had to dunk under, it was also glorious weather so we had a fantastic day. After the hike a few us went to the hot pools near the hostel, where there were 3 pools outdoors of different temperatures, 36, 38 and 40 degrees celcius to relax in and loosen sore muscles, this then led onto the hostel bar where I had another great night with my fellow bus people and all over one of the best days of my travels.
The next morning, again with sore heads we were on our way to Wanaka taking in a few casual walks and photo taking along the way, I particularly enjoyed a very tasty breakfast in glorious sunshine looking out to snow capped mount cook (NZ's highest peak) and a mirror lake filled with blue glacier water. Wanaka is a ski town which during winter I can imagine to be alot of fun but even is summer I really like it. Especially as this is where I did my 15,000 foot skydive. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I had booked a time and date for my dive back in CHristchurch but it wasn't until that day that I strated to get nervous. Myself and 6 others from my bus did the jump at the same time and every one of us loved it. When you get to the take-off and landing site there is no time to get scared, I was suited booted and shoved on a plane where I sat in the crotch of my tandem dive instructor, it took 20 minutes to reach 15,000 in the small plane and then one by one people started to fall out of the side door. I was second to last and by the time you have quickly slid to the edge and had you head pulled back on to your instructors should, told to hold my straps I was off falling very quickly to the ground t around 200km per hour. It was an amzing experience very surreal and totally anew feeling not a falling feeling at all then when the parachute is puleed at 5000 feet you float slowly being told what you cans ee around you and smilling for the camera.
AMAZING!!! I would have done another there and then.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
5/11/10 Arrived in New Zealand
Well, since Byron Bay a lot has happened. I enjoyed my last few days in the most chilled out of towns before heading to Spot-X for surf camp which was lots of fun. We were escorted by bus to a trailer park slash surf school where we would spend our afternoon being taught the rules of the waves, how not to look like a kook (idiot) and then 3 hours in the shallow water trying desperately to surf. After a number of attempts and many wipe-outs I stood up a handful of times but still wasn't enthralled by the situation. I think I'm preferring scuba diving under the water to standing on top of it. I think the boredom of waiting for a wave and bobbing up and down to wait for 1 in 20 waves I didn't love it but glad I tried it and can officially call myself australian minus the tan and salty bleached hair.
After the lesson we went for a booze run and on the return journey got the chance to see around 10 humpback whales frollicking off the coast whilst enjoying a beer. The thrill of sitting on the edge of a cliff and seeing whales 100m away was great and an unexpected bonus.
The next day we arrived in Sydney. We ceremoniously watched nemo whilst coming into the city and so almost at the exact same time just as dory and marlin saw harbour bridge we drove over it. The thrill of seeing the Sydney harbour view is amazing as I have seen it countless times on tv or photos before and never gets boring to be the seeing it for real. We arrived in the city around lunch time so set out on a stroll around to get our bearings, in doing so being at the opera house at the right time we scored discounted tickets to see a show in the concert hall that night so it was a quick rush back to hostel change then back to see the Sydney philharmonic choir's 90th aniversary concert which was rather similar to a school concert in programme but was rather spectacular to be in the Sydney opera house seeing it for what it is made for. The next morning we booked onto a harbour cruise which as a massive cruise liner had just entered the harbour was filled mostly with the older generation who I was constantly having to give up my seat for and wait to go down stairs but the harbour itself is massive with a huge coastline and luckily we had perfect weather before the start of the rains that afternoon. We visited the rocks a colonial style suburb with a tourist market then went to a bbq in the rain with a few of Elise's friends from school which lasted untill we then met our friends who we had originally been travelling with for a small pub crawl when I was more than ready for bed but as it was Elise's last night in Oz it was party time to say a big farewell to my gorgeous travelling buddy.
After saying a sad goodbye to Elise the next morning I visited the Anzac memorial, Sydney museum and had a day in the rain in rather inappropriate clothes before meeting Roslyn and Chris in the evening as I would be staying with them in Sydney for the next two nights. As Elise and I had a horrible experience in two different rooms at our hostel involving a lot of "tenting up" I was glad to have a double bed and room to myself. I slept well that night. The next day I was hoping to go to the Blue mountains, a mountain range with spectacular views but the ridiculous weather didn't allow for it so instead I went to darling harbour another part of the harbour which included the awesome Sydney aquarium and rubbish Sydney maritime museum. I was then treated to dinner by Roz n Chris to a very nice thai restaurant which more than filled a whole then a short visit to their local before another early night in my own room. The next day I left for Melbourne and arrived to meet Mike and Leigh both friends of Roz's n mine from home. The first couple of days we explored the city getting great use of out the free tourist trams and visiting the rather expensive bodies exhibit which showed real version of animals and human parts; gruesome but fascinating. We also went to the great Melbourne museum opposite my third hostel residence and felt envy whilst we watched all the lady in hats and men in suits attending the derby day part of the Melbourne cup. The Melbourne cup is a huge event which I could only compare to the USA Superbowl "a race to stop the nation" which consists of four days of events culminating in "the Melbourne cup" race held on the Tues of the carnival weekend. I, without Mike and Leigh, went on a two day tour which took me along Great Ocean Road, a stunning 200km road which hugs the coast based on the road along the Californian coast where there are many sandstone and limestone structures carved out of the rock by water erosion and one thing I was the most excited about seeing, the lighthouse from the show Round the twist which any British child my age will remember fondly like half of our tour bus. In the evening we settled our heads in a town in the region of the Grampians and were up early to walk around a few areas for some awesome views over the Grampians (which yes, are named after the Scottish Grampians), a walk to a stunning waterfall and joined in on the least proffessional winery tour ever, where our tour guide for the winery sloshed in a couple of sips in the same glass and we had to ask information about the wine if she was willing to answer, rudeness is not the best sales technique.
When Mike and Leigh returned from there trip to Great ocean road we met with an amzing man who was also on their trip who for the past ten years has been a sculpter for Pixar studios. He sculpted dory from the animators rough description, mr incredible and the bad guy from the incredibles, the new bear character in toy story 3 and many more. He was a very cool guy and he took us to a very reasonably priced but delicious malaysian restaurant and i could have listended to him all night. Jonathan Paine, look him up!!
On the second to last day of Melbourne we spent money on the very cliched neighbours tour of the outdoor sets and Ramsay street which is in fact a normal street where the residence are paid to use there pools, garden etc for filming. After watching neighbours on and off since I was small it was rather surreal to see the sets and meet with a former actor on the show who played Janelle.
Our final day in Melbourne was spent in St Kilda a seasisde suburb 10 mins by tram which in the sun was much nicer than we had seen it in a storm a few nights before, having ticketed off everything suggested to do in Melbourne we left to head back to Sydney for my last couple of days in Oz.
All three of us travelled to Sydney together and stayed at Roz's flat which was lots of fun and had a great day the following day watching the Melbourne cup in a pub with glass of bubbly in hand and heels on for the first time in a while. THe next day for my final day in Oz we travelled the two hour bus journey to Bondi beach only 20km away but rather difficult to get to, before catching my flight to New Zealand I ended up having a total of 50mins at Bondi getting a few photos before having to head back which was rather annoying but another tick off the list.
Last night I arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand and tomorrow go for my first adventurous acitivity of the country white water rafting which I'm very excited for but slightly nervous. I;m need a good sleep tonight before a wild day tomorrow.
After the lesson we went for a booze run and on the return journey got the chance to see around 10 humpback whales frollicking off the coast whilst enjoying a beer. The thrill of sitting on the edge of a cliff and seeing whales 100m away was great and an unexpected bonus.
The next day we arrived in Sydney. We ceremoniously watched nemo whilst coming into the city and so almost at the exact same time just as dory and marlin saw harbour bridge we drove over it. The thrill of seeing the Sydney harbour view is amazing as I have seen it countless times on tv or photos before and never gets boring to be the seeing it for real. We arrived in the city around lunch time so set out on a stroll around to get our bearings, in doing so being at the opera house at the right time we scored discounted tickets to see a show in the concert hall that night so it was a quick rush back to hostel change then back to see the Sydney philharmonic choir's 90th aniversary concert which was rather similar to a school concert in programme but was rather spectacular to be in the Sydney opera house seeing it for what it is made for. The next morning we booked onto a harbour cruise which as a massive cruise liner had just entered the harbour was filled mostly with the older generation who I was constantly having to give up my seat for and wait to go down stairs but the harbour itself is massive with a huge coastline and luckily we had perfect weather before the start of the rains that afternoon. We visited the rocks a colonial style suburb with a tourist market then went to a bbq in the rain with a few of Elise's friends from school which lasted untill we then met our friends who we had originally been travelling with for a small pub crawl when I was more than ready for bed but as it was Elise's last night in Oz it was party time to say a big farewell to my gorgeous travelling buddy.
After saying a sad goodbye to Elise the next morning I visited the Anzac memorial, Sydney museum and had a day in the rain in rather inappropriate clothes before meeting Roslyn and Chris in the evening as I would be staying with them in Sydney for the next two nights. As Elise and I had a horrible experience in two different rooms at our hostel involving a lot of "tenting up" I was glad to have a double bed and room to myself. I slept well that night. The next day I was hoping to go to the Blue mountains, a mountain range with spectacular views but the ridiculous weather didn't allow for it so instead I went to darling harbour another part of the harbour which included the awesome Sydney aquarium and rubbish Sydney maritime museum. I was then treated to dinner by Roz n Chris to a very nice thai restaurant which more than filled a whole then a short visit to their local before another early night in my own room. The next day I left for Melbourne and arrived to meet Mike and Leigh both friends of Roz's n mine from home. The first couple of days we explored the city getting great use of out the free tourist trams and visiting the rather expensive bodies exhibit which showed real version of animals and human parts; gruesome but fascinating. We also went to the great Melbourne museum opposite my third hostel residence and felt envy whilst we watched all the lady in hats and men in suits attending the derby day part of the Melbourne cup. The Melbourne cup is a huge event which I could only compare to the USA Superbowl "a race to stop the nation" which consists of four days of events culminating in "the Melbourne cup" race held on the Tues of the carnival weekend. I, without Mike and Leigh, went on a two day tour which took me along Great Ocean Road, a stunning 200km road which hugs the coast based on the road along the Californian coast where there are many sandstone and limestone structures carved out of the rock by water erosion and one thing I was the most excited about seeing, the lighthouse from the show Round the twist which any British child my age will remember fondly like half of our tour bus. In the evening we settled our heads in a town in the region of the Grampians and were up early to walk around a few areas for some awesome views over the Grampians (which yes, are named after the Scottish Grampians), a walk to a stunning waterfall and joined in on the least proffessional winery tour ever, where our tour guide for the winery sloshed in a couple of sips in the same glass and we had to ask information about the wine if she was willing to answer, rudeness is not the best sales technique.
When Mike and Leigh returned from there trip to Great ocean road we met with an amzing man who was also on their trip who for the past ten years has been a sculpter for Pixar studios. He sculpted dory from the animators rough description, mr incredible and the bad guy from the incredibles, the new bear character in toy story 3 and many more. He was a very cool guy and he took us to a very reasonably priced but delicious malaysian restaurant and i could have listended to him all night. Jonathan Paine, look him up!!
On the second to last day of Melbourne we spent money on the very cliched neighbours tour of the outdoor sets and Ramsay street which is in fact a normal street where the residence are paid to use there pools, garden etc for filming. After watching neighbours on and off since I was small it was rather surreal to see the sets and meet with a former actor on the show who played Janelle.
Our final day in Melbourne was spent in St Kilda a seasisde suburb 10 mins by tram which in the sun was much nicer than we had seen it in a storm a few nights before, having ticketed off everything suggested to do in Melbourne we left to head back to Sydney for my last couple of days in Oz.
All three of us travelled to Sydney together and stayed at Roz's flat which was lots of fun and had a great day the following day watching the Melbourne cup in a pub with glass of bubbly in hand and heels on for the first time in a while. THe next day for my final day in Oz we travelled the two hour bus journey to Bondi beach only 20km away but rather difficult to get to, before catching my flight to New Zealand I ended up having a total of 50mins at Bondi getting a few photos before having to head back which was rather annoying but another tick off the list.
Last night I arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand and tomorrow go for my first adventurous acitivity of the country white water rafting which I'm very excited for but slightly nervous. I;m need a good sleep tonight before a wild day tomorrow.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
18/10/10 The sand is almost gone
After a fun last night with all the Fraser Island crew I headed to Brisbane the next day. We dropped Arrin and Sarah in a small town called Noosa which if I had time, I would have also chosen to stay in as it reminded very much of Naples, Florida and is the stop to visit Australia zoo which unfortunately I had to miss out. But to make up for it the next day in my first morning in Brisbane (my first Oz city) I picked up Elise from the train having just flown from Hong Kong to come travelling with me for a week. Whilst in the city for almost three full days we enjoyed the Queensland museum where we acted like children measuring how far we can jump against a kangaroo and played a version of top trumps whilst learning about dangerous animals. We parted with cash so we could go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour round the city to the few tourists sights the city has with some amazing veiws looking over the very spread out city. the city infact has 2.2 million people only but has an area larger than sydney. For a special treat on Elise's first night in Oz we were meant to be meeting Christina's friend she had made whilst living here but at the last minute there was a change of plans so we still decided to dress up a go for a lovely meal. This was my first meal not in a hostel since arriving in the country and it was amazing. I started with a sushi cocktail then an amouse bouche of crocodile, main of kangaroo rump and finnished with a selection of deserts. The food was gorgeous and I finally got to try both crocodile and kanagaroo.
We left Brisbane the next morning a kept heading down south drove through Surfers Paradise and past the five biggest theme parks in the country. The water park is the biggest in the world but because of time and money I just drooled looked at them rather than attending.
We are currently in Byron bay a rather hippy town with a lot of surfers and grass skirts. We are spending 4 days here and I think I'm really gonna like the chilled out vibe. This morning we woke early to drive to Australia's most easterly point to see the sunrise. At the same time we watched dolphins and humpback whales frolick only kilometres off the coast which was fantastic. Today the plan is... no plan but as I have now officially booked my flights to Melbourne I am going to book one or two day tours for the time i'm there which i'm very excited about as I think I'm going to like Melbourne alot.
We left Brisbane the next morning a kept heading down south drove through Surfers Paradise and past the five biggest theme parks in the country. The water park is the biggest in the world but because of time and money I just drooled looked at them rather than attending.
We are currently in Byron bay a rather hippy town with a lot of surfers and grass skirts. We are spending 4 days here and I think I'm really gonna like the chilled out vibe. This morning we woke early to drive to Australia's most easterly point to see the sunrise. At the same time we watched dolphins and humpback whales frolick only kilometres off the coast which was fantastic. Today the plan is... no plan but as I have now officially booked my flights to Melbourne I am going to book one or two day tours for the time i'm there which i'm very excited about as I think I'm going to like Melbourne alot.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
14/10/10 sailing, camping and eating testicles
I seem to be getting worse and worse at updating this but as I am now travelling with others constantly a night out with others seems much more inviting than rather unsocially writing my blog. But here is what I have done sinse Magnetic Isalnd....
My next stop was Airlie beach a tourist town where I stayed in av ery nice hostels with no bumk beds which used to be a hotel so very nice. Airlie beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday islands, a group of 74 islands just off the eastern ocast which I sailed round on an 83 foot x racing sail boat. I spent two days one night out at sea and with the help of lots of travel sick tablets I survived the choppy waves and sailing at over 45 degrees to the water. It was amazing to see one of the worlds best beaches "Whitehaven" and finally get to swim with a turtle. It was amazing and a good spot as none of the other members of the boat saw it, hopefully not my last time doing so. After our sailing adventure we enjoyed a great night out with the rest of the crew and then early the next day we were off to Kroombit.
Kroombit is an oz experience must where we slept the night on a working cattle ranch. We got the chance to learn to crack whips and then in the morning lassoo goats to take them out into the fields. At night we ate one of the goats from the farm which was goregeous and i even tried goat testicle which was a very new experience. It has been one of my favourite nights so far as I was with ag reat group and unusual expereince not the normal grey hound bus would have allowed for.
After Kroombit we left to come to Rainbow beach the gateway to Fraser Island. Fraser isalnd is the worlds largest sand island at 150km long with plenty of wildlife and fresh water lakes to enjoy. We camped just off the beach for two night in sand covered sleeping bags and no kind of sleeping mat. It was another great expereince but now tht I am back and still have sand in every nook and cranny I'm not sure I would rush back to do it tomorrow. We were constanlty on the lookout for dingos and these wild dogs can ravage a human to death is taunted. We were asked NEVER to leave and food and toothpaste or anything smelly outside the cars but after a cool box was stupidly left by a group of boys the first night on our second night there were around 10 dingo sigtings only metres away from us. During the day time we drove around in hardy 8 men four by fours along the "highway" also called the beach and visited the beautiful fresh water lake mckenzie with crystal clear water and white sand and trecked down a thigh high creek and other amazing locations. The island was hugely unusual but the camping in sand dunes is still not for me. i have just arrived back now and after cleaning the whole car, emptying sand out of tents sleeping back and cooking utensils I'm about to shower after three days and am sure to find a beach on my person. Tonight is a night out wherw we are doing our nails hair and attempting to look good but still eating just at the hostel and then off to Brisbane tomorrow where hopefully i'll meet elise in 48 hours.
My next stop was Airlie beach a tourist town where I stayed in av ery nice hostels with no bumk beds which used to be a hotel so very nice. Airlie beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday islands, a group of 74 islands just off the eastern ocast which I sailed round on an 83 foot x racing sail boat. I spent two days one night out at sea and with the help of lots of travel sick tablets I survived the choppy waves and sailing at over 45 degrees to the water. It was amazing to see one of the worlds best beaches "Whitehaven" and finally get to swim with a turtle. It was amazing and a good spot as none of the other members of the boat saw it, hopefully not my last time doing so. After our sailing adventure we enjoyed a great night out with the rest of the crew and then early the next day we were off to Kroombit.
Kroombit is an oz experience must where we slept the night on a working cattle ranch. We got the chance to learn to crack whips and then in the morning lassoo goats to take them out into the fields. At night we ate one of the goats from the farm which was goregeous and i even tried goat testicle which was a very new experience. It has been one of my favourite nights so far as I was with ag reat group and unusual expereince not the normal grey hound bus would have allowed for.
After Kroombit we left to come to Rainbow beach the gateway to Fraser Island. Fraser isalnd is the worlds largest sand island at 150km long with plenty of wildlife and fresh water lakes to enjoy. We camped just off the beach for two night in sand covered sleeping bags and no kind of sleeping mat. It was another great expereince but now tht I am back and still have sand in every nook and cranny I'm not sure I would rush back to do it tomorrow. We were constanlty on the lookout for dingos and these wild dogs can ravage a human to death is taunted. We were asked NEVER to leave and food and toothpaste or anything smelly outside the cars but after a cool box was stupidly left by a group of boys the first night on our second night there were around 10 dingo sigtings only metres away from us. During the day time we drove around in hardy 8 men four by fours along the "highway" also called the beach and visited the beautiful fresh water lake mckenzie with crystal clear water and white sand and trecked down a thigh high creek and other amazing locations. The island was hugely unusual but the camping in sand dunes is still not for me. i have just arrived back now and after cleaning the whole car, emptying sand out of tents sleeping back and cooking utensils I'm about to shower after three days and am sure to find a beach on my person. Tonight is a night out wherw we are doing our nails hair and attempting to look good but still eating just at the hostel and then off to Brisbane tomorrow where hopefully i'll meet elise in 48 hours.
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