Only one flight to go!
In Tokyo at Narita Airport and flight is on time.......7:05pm. It will be 6:05am CST. Landing at Ohare around 3:30pm on Saturday.
Happy (offical) Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!
Speak to you all soon.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Back in Chiang Mai and survived the hilltribe trek in the mountains. Aside from a few minor scraps, bruises and sore muscles. Definitely challenging and out of my comfort zone, but you need to do that every once in awhile. Keeps everything in perspective and you appreciate what you have.
My advise for anyone that wants to do this, is start your trip with the trek, then go to the islands where you can sit on a beach, drink Singha beer and get Thai massages for nothing.
Day 1 - Left on Wednesday morning and stopped at the local market for food and provisions. The trek the first day was the most difficult. We hiked for 6 kilometers (about 3 miles if I did the math right), which was majority straight up the mountain. Stopped in one Karen village to visit. My guide has been doing this for 18 years and knows all the tribes people. Ended the day at another Karen village where we spent the night. The scenery and views were beautiful throughout the entire trip. It was just me and my guide the entire trek, however, another group stayed at the same village so that made it more fun. The group consisted of one American that is going to university in Rolla (small world), two young guys from Australia that were crazy and hilarious (fits the bill for all Aussie's I've met) and two couples; one from Holland and one from Germany. I was glad they were there because we had a ton of laughs around the fire, getting to know one another and solving all the world problems.
Both days the weather was perfection and couldn't have asked for better. Warm (but not humid) during the trek, but chilly at night. I would guess around 45 degrees. We slept in open air huts that are built on stilts so the pigs and chickens can't get to you.........yes, I said pigs and chickens. No mosquitoes or any bugs for that matter so that was good, but the tribe supplied us with mosquito netting anyway. I had gotten malaria pills from NW Travel Clinic, which I was instructed to take two nights before being in the mountains. I took them the last night in Phuket and felt so sick that night and the entire next day in Chaing Mai..........nauseous, headache and was having very strange dreams. When I told my guide that first day in CM, he said I would not need them that there were no mosquitoes this time of year in the mountains. The rainy season had just ended in October and it was the best time to trek. He was right and glad I didn't take any more so I felt back to normal by the time the trek started.
The villages are very primitive........no electricity, however, they did all have fresh water from the mountains that they filtered and ran into the village. The first night I did use it to 'shower' (or more like hose off), but it was so cold. Felt good after the long day of trekking though. There were 'toilets', but I use the word loosely. More like the local asian toilets where you squat over a hole and then flush with water by hand. Quite the balancing act needed. My biggest fear was that I would need to go during the night. It is pitch black and really didn't want to have to do that.
My guide cooked both dinner and breakfast everyday and the locals let me try what they cooked also. So hot and spicy and they got a good laugh at my reaction. They eat noodles and rice at every meal.
Day 2 - Started the morning after breakfast for a 2 kilometer trek to a Lisu village where from there we took elephants to the next village. At first I was happy to rest my muscles but after an hour on a elephant, your behind doesn't feel very good. Slept in a Lahu village that night. The people were a little more interactive than the first village, but still very quiet. That was the only disappointing thing........I thought we would have more interaction with them and listen to stories and how they live, but that didn't really happen. My guide and others were from one of the villages so they did all the explaining. There was one little boy in the Karen village the first night that was wanting to play, but then would run away. The next morning as we were hiking out of the village, he came running out of his house and yelled while waving, 'goodbye falong' which means foreigner. I thought it was very cute.
Day 3 - The Lisu village is situated on a river (Mae Taeong I think?), so in the morning we took bamboo rafts for about 2.5 hours and from there picked up by truck and driven back to Chiang Mai. The rafts were about 15 bamboo stalks wide and you stood on them. The river is low so there were many rocks and rapids. My guide and the other guide did a great job and we never spilled over. Saw others that did and the water was so cold. There was one that kept on sinking and the guides were laughing at their friend and calling his boat the Titanic. He was literally cutting down more bamboo to rebuild while the tourists sat on the beach.
The entire country is preparing for the King's 83rd birthday. There will be celebrations everywhere. His birthday is December 5, which shares my brother. Coincidentally, he's the 'king' also.
Well, that's it for now. Flying to Bangkok tonight and staying near the airport. Will need to be at the airport by 6am.
I'm trekk'd out, wated out, buddha'd out, shopped out, tuk-tuk'd out and might even be thai fooded out! Well, maybe one more noodle dish.
I will upload pictures either from Bangkok or home. Computer just too slow here.
Lagone (goodbye) for now.
My advise for anyone that wants to do this, is start your trip with the trek, then go to the islands where you can sit on a beach, drink Singha beer and get Thai massages for nothing.
Day 1 - Left on Wednesday morning and stopped at the local market for food and provisions. The trek the first day was the most difficult. We hiked for 6 kilometers (about 3 miles if I did the math right), which was majority straight up the mountain. Stopped in one Karen village to visit. My guide has been doing this for 18 years and knows all the tribes people. Ended the day at another Karen village where we spent the night. The scenery and views were beautiful throughout the entire trip. It was just me and my guide the entire trek, however, another group stayed at the same village so that made it more fun. The group consisted of one American that is going to university in Rolla (small world), two young guys from Australia that were crazy and hilarious (fits the bill for all Aussie's I've met) and two couples; one from Holland and one from Germany. I was glad they were there because we had a ton of laughs around the fire, getting to know one another and solving all the world problems.
Both days the weather was perfection and couldn't have asked for better. Warm (but not humid) during the trek, but chilly at night. I would guess around 45 degrees. We slept in open air huts that are built on stilts so the pigs and chickens can't get to you.........yes, I said pigs and chickens. No mosquitoes or any bugs for that matter so that was good, but the tribe supplied us with mosquito netting anyway. I had gotten malaria pills from NW Travel Clinic, which I was instructed to take two nights before being in the mountains. I took them the last night in Phuket and felt so sick that night and the entire next day in Chaing Mai..........nauseous, headache and was having very strange dreams. When I told my guide that first day in CM, he said I would not need them that there were no mosquitoes this time of year in the mountains. The rainy season had just ended in October and it was the best time to trek. He was right and glad I didn't take any more so I felt back to normal by the time the trek started.
The villages are very primitive........no electricity, however, they did all have fresh water from the mountains that they filtered and ran into the village. The first night I did use it to 'shower' (or more like hose off), but it was so cold. Felt good after the long day of trekking though. There were 'toilets', but I use the word loosely. More like the local asian toilets where you squat over a hole and then flush with water by hand. Quite the balancing act needed. My biggest fear was that I would need to go during the night. It is pitch black and really didn't want to have to do that.
My guide cooked both dinner and breakfast everyday and the locals let me try what they cooked also. So hot and spicy and they got a good laugh at my reaction. They eat noodles and rice at every meal.
Day 2 - Started the morning after breakfast for a 2 kilometer trek to a Lisu village where from there we took elephants to the next village. At first I was happy to rest my muscles but after an hour on a elephant, your behind doesn't feel very good. Slept in a Lahu village that night. The people were a little more interactive than the first village, but still very quiet. That was the only disappointing thing........I thought we would have more interaction with them and listen to stories and how they live, but that didn't really happen. My guide and others were from one of the villages so they did all the explaining. There was one little boy in the Karen village the first night that was wanting to play, but then would run away. The next morning as we were hiking out of the village, he came running out of his house and yelled while waving, 'goodbye falong' which means foreigner. I thought it was very cute.
Day 3 - The Lisu village is situated on a river (Mae Taeong I think?), so in the morning we took bamboo rafts for about 2.5 hours and from there picked up by truck and driven back to Chiang Mai. The rafts were about 15 bamboo stalks wide and you stood on them. The river is low so there were many rocks and rapids. My guide and the other guide did a great job and we never spilled over. Saw others that did and the water was so cold. There was one that kept on sinking and the guides were laughing at their friend and calling his boat the Titanic. He was literally cutting down more bamboo to rebuild while the tourists sat on the beach.
The entire country is preparing for the King's 83rd birthday. There will be celebrations everywhere. His birthday is December 5, which shares my brother. Coincidentally, he's the 'king' also.
Well, that's it for now. Flying to Bangkok tonight and staying near the airport. Will need to be at the airport by 6am.
I'm trekk'd out, wated out, buddha'd out, shopped out, tuk-tuk'd out and might even be thai fooded out! Well, maybe one more noodle dish.
I will upload pictures either from Bangkok or home. Computer just too slow here.
Lagone (goodbye) for now.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Arrived in Chiang Mai this morning and spent the day with my guide. He is fantastic. Was a novice monk about 20 years ago, spoke great English and was very educated. Spent the day exploring Chiang Mai and a few of the 150 temples. The ManaThai where I'm staying is very quaint and charming as is Chiang Mai. You still have some elements of Bangkok, but on a much smaller scale. Took a tuk-tuk this evening to the night market for some dinner and he didn't try to cheat me so that's an improvement. The weather is brilliant..........warm, but not humid. It will be chiller in the mountains for the trek, but no rain is predicted.
Leaving tomorrow morning for the two day trek to the hilltribe villages. Will not have internet so no posting from me for a few days. I will let you know when I'm back in Chiang Mai on Friday afternoon. Flying to Bangkok on Friday night for early morning flight home on Saturday.
The internet here is very slow, so will not upload any pictures. Had fun last night with Robyn and Anne in Karon Beach, Phuket after our dive/snorkel excursion. Going to bed early tonight to be ready for tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and Happy Anniversary to my parents!
Leaving tomorrow morning for the two day trek to the hilltribe villages. Will not have internet so no posting from me for a few days. I will let you know when I'm back in Chiang Mai on Friday afternoon. Flying to Bangkok on Friday night for early morning flight home on Saturday.
The internet here is very slow, so will not upload any pictures. Had fun last night with Robyn and Anne in Karon Beach, Phuket after our dive/snorkel excursion. Going to bed early tonight to be ready for tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and Happy Anniversary to my parents!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Spent yesterday in Phang-Nga National Park. Took a boat trip to six islands and sea canoed at three of them through caves. The limestone rock structures were beautiful. Also visited a fisherman's village that has been there for 200 years. It now houses 2,500 inhabitants. Built around one of the islands on stilts. Amazing way to live.
Finally, dived today! Had two dives at Kho Phi Phi islands. Awesome! I was so excited to finally hit the water in Thailand. The dive masters were great and saw amazing coral and sea life. Had lunch on the beach where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed. Just came back from dinner at a little Thai restaurant. The food here is amazing and so cheap. Had appetizers, beers and three entrees for around 20 U.S. dollars.
Leaving very early tomorrow morning for Chiang Mai and then Wednesday and Thursday evening with the hilltribes. Obviously, no Internet access from there, but will try to post one more time tomorrow from Chiang Mai. Staying in Bangkok near the airport on Friday night for an early morning flight on Saturday back to Chicago.
Hope all is well. Will be in touch soon.
Finally, dived today! Had two dives at Kho Phi Phi islands. Awesome! I was so excited to finally hit the water in Thailand. The dive masters were great and saw amazing coral and sea life. Had lunch on the beach where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed. Just came back from dinner at a little Thai restaurant. The food here is amazing and so cheap. Had appetizers, beers and three entrees for around 20 U.S. dollars.
Leaving very early tomorrow morning for Chiang Mai and then Wednesday and Thursday evening with the hilltribes. Obviously, no Internet access from there, but will try to post one more time tomorrow from Chiang Mai. Staying in Bangkok near the airport on Friday night for an early morning flight on Saturday back to Chicago.
Hope all is well. Will be in touch soon.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hung at our hotel pool yesterday during the day and ventured to the west coast of the island to see the sunset. We had dinner right on the beach and enjoyed the beautiful sunset with the fishing longboats coming back to shore. Then went to some bars in Fisherman's Village closer to our hotel. Embarrassed to admit, but ended the evening in an Irish pub. No matter where I have been in the world, you can always find an Irish pub...........or several.
Arrived in Phuket this afternoon and just got settled at the hotel. Going to venture out into town to organize some excursions. Keep your fingers crossed on the diving conditions. The sea seems very calm so we should be good to go.
Will report back later.
Arrived in Phuket this afternoon and just got settled at the hotel. Going to venture out into town to organize some excursions. Keep your fingers crossed on the diving conditions. The sea seems very calm so we should be good to go.
Will report back later.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
It's Friday, November 20th..................HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!!
First with the disappointing news: a tropical storm came through Wednesday night so all excursions regarding water are canceled for probably 5 days. They were predicting the swells around Ko Tao were going to be at least 9 feet. So no diving for Robyn and I. Anne and I had Thai massages here at the hotel spa. It was really cool having the massages outside during the storm. The Thai massage is very different than the Swedish ones we're used to. They do not utilize any oils and it's all based on pressure points. These ladies are so little, but freakishly strong. The literally crawl on top of you. Massages are very cheap here and will be getting them often.
The sun was out all day yesterday so we ventured to Chaweng Beach. Had a ton of fun in a beach front bar with some crazy Brits. Drank many Singha beers.
Went into town and visited Dr. Fish. The pools contain garra rufa fish from Turkey that nibble the skin to stimulate, rejuvenate and improve the health of your skin through natural exfoliation. It was so weird. We only did our feet and hands. No way I was going to completely submerge my body.
Off to the pool this morning and then we're going to discover the other side of the island later this afternoon and evening. Someone recommended a restaurant where we can watch the sun set.
No pictures today because somehow I've misplaced the USB cord to my camera. I know it's somewhere. Will hopefully find it or you will not be getting any pictures the rest of the trip. Really wanted to upload the Dr. Fish pics.
First with the disappointing news: a tropical storm came through Wednesday night so all excursions regarding water are canceled for probably 5 days. They were predicting the swells around Ko Tao were going to be at least 9 feet. So no diving for Robyn and I. Anne and I had Thai massages here at the hotel spa. It was really cool having the massages outside during the storm. The Thai massage is very different than the Swedish ones we're used to. They do not utilize any oils and it's all based on pressure points. These ladies are so little, but freakishly strong. The literally crawl on top of you. Massages are very cheap here and will be getting them often.
The sun was out all day yesterday so we ventured to Chaweng Beach. Had a ton of fun in a beach front bar with some crazy Brits. Drank many Singha beers.
Went into town and visited Dr. Fish. The pools contain garra rufa fish from Turkey that nibble the skin to stimulate, rejuvenate and improve the health of your skin through natural exfoliation. It was so weird. We only did our feet and hands. No way I was going to completely submerge my body.
Off to the pool this morning and then we're going to discover the other side of the island later this afternoon and evening. Someone recommended a restaurant where we can watch the sun set.
No pictures today because somehow I've misplaced the USB cord to my camera. I know it's somewhere. Will hopefully find it or you will not be getting any pictures the rest of the trip. Really wanted to upload the Dr. Fish pics.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Arrived on Ko Samui yesterday afternoon. The hotel is amazing..........Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa. I've stayed in some lovely places, but this one is the best. As you can see from the pictures, the rooms are individual villas. Behind the red wall in the bedroom is the bathroom, which is located outside. The shower is a rain head and there are tropical plants all around. Going out today to explore the island and get some sun. Robyn and I are booking our first dive trip for tomorrow to Ko Tao! Can't wait. Will report back later.
REMINDER - Click on 'Old Posts' at bottom of page to see previous posts.
REMINDER - Click on 'Old Posts' at bottom of page to see previous posts.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Leaving Bangkok this afternoon for Ko Samui. I don't think any of us are going to miss it here. The hotel was lovely and the staff was so kind to us. Not to be negative because of course we had a blast and many laughs, the sights, sounds and smells can only be described as 'sensory overload.' As Robyn summarized, 'this city is exhausting.' And what she meant by exhausting was literally exhaust. Between the tuk-tuks, cabs and buses we all felt like we spent the day inhaling gas fumes. As well as the exhaustion you feel as the city envelopes your every sense.
The tuk-tuk and cab drivers are all trying to scam you. We guess that they are somehow paid to bring unsuspecting tourist to jewelry and other shops. We negotiated before getting in the cabs, but they'd still try to take us somewhere we did not request. I think most of you know the three of us pretty well so I'll let you guess who won that battle!!! After we got out of one of the cabs, a local woman got us another one and in Thai made it very clear how much we will pay and where to bring us 'WITH NO STOPS.' However, I will admit it did take its' toll because we all agreed that it would be a better idea to have drinks here at the hotel last night instead of having to deal with being brought to some seedy Pat Pong show. If you don't know what Pat Pong is, just know you will sleep easy. Do not google it.
I'll report back later from Ko Sumai. The plan is beach, snorkel/dive trip to the surrounding islands, cocktails and many massages!
Back from the day of exploring Bangkok. This is a very congested and busy city. Huge extremes of the very wealthy and very poor. It is very hot and humid!
Started the day off by taking a long boat ride on the Chao Phraya River and through Bangkok's canals. A great way to see the city out of the congestion of traffic.
Proceeded to the Grand Palace, which was built in 1784 by King Rama I. Thailand Kings haven't lived there since the early 20th century, but the complex is a stunning display of Thai art and architecture. I had read about it and saw pictures, but it is truly dazzling to see in person. I'm sure the pictures will not do it justice. Also visited Wat Pho, which is the oldest and largest temple. It houses the country's longest Reclining Buddha. Throughout Thailand the Buddha's are found in many positions (i.e. standing, seating or walking), which all represent the many phases of attaining true Enlightenment. The Reclining Buddha symbolizes his arrival at Nirvana, a state of all-knowing awareness.
Along the way took a ride in a tuk-tuk, which is a motorcycle taxi. All I can say is we survived!
Finished the day off with some shopping and a great sushi dinner. Flying to Ko Samui tomorrow afternoon and looking forward to long white beaches, crystal blue water and first SCUBA dive!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sa-wut dee from Thailand. Made it here safely last night (Sunday) around midnight. Got a good night's sleep thanks to Tylenol PM. It's around 10am Monday morning and heading out to discover Bangkok. Anne and Robyn got here a day early and have the lay of the land so I can just follow today.
Will post later with pictures.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Bula! Well, it's my last day in Fiji. Flying out tonight (Thursday, March 19) at 10:00pm. Will arrive back in Chicago around 11:30pm the same day, which will be strange. The weather did get much better so my 'tanorexia' is under control.
Two Aussie families adopted me here so it's been nice to have dinner partners and a group to hang with. They also have children with them so that gave me an excuse to act like a kid in the pool and on the beach. Had a really good time.
Have met so many nice people along the way and have made friends around the world.
Thanks for following along with my travels. Looking forward to seeing and talking to everyone back in the USA.
Two Aussie families adopted me here so it's been nice to have dinner partners and a group to hang with. They also have children with them so that gave me an excuse to act like a kid in the pool and on the beach. Had a really good time.
Have met so many nice people along the way and have made friends around the world.
Thanks for following along with my travels. Looking forward to seeing and talking to everyone back in the USA.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Bula from Fiji and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Unfortunately, my 'weather luck' has run out and Fiji is very rainy. As you can imagine my 'tanorexia' anxiety is in full force. There's not a lot to do here except sun and water sports so trying hard to stay busy. Not much to report.
Will be flying home on Thursday evening.
Unfortunately, my 'weather luck' has run out and Fiji is very rainy. As you can imagine my 'tanorexia' anxiety is in full force. There's not a lot to do here except sun and water sports so trying hard to stay busy. Not much to report.
Will be flying home on Thursday evening.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Been a fun filled few days. Left Dunedin on Wednesday and travelled to Queenstown, The Adventure Capital of NZ, via train and coach. Could not get me to bungee jump, but watched quite a few which was scary enough for me. It was invented in Queenstown by AJ Hackett. Kept imagining how he chose to make that first jump. I've learned that New Zealanders love their heights and jumping off of them. Went to Milford Sound via coach and then boat. Chose the flight option back, which was amazing. The weather was perfect for flying and had a ton of fun. Left Queenstown on Friday and travelled to Christchurch. Spent last night and today here. Had an absolute blast today in the Waipara Valley Winery country. Thanks to my new American friends, Dave and Annemaire as well as my Christchurch girls in the picture below. Thanks for making my last day in NZ such a fun and memorable one!
Off to Fiji tomorrow for some sun and relaxation.
I'll miss my Chicago friends celebrating St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. Toss one back at Celtic Crossing and kiss some NYC firemen at Dugan's for me!
Off to Fiji tomorrow for some sun and relaxation.
I'll miss my Chicago friends celebrating St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. Toss one back at Celtic Crossing and kiss some NYC firemen at Dugan's for me!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Had a fun day yesterday in Dunedin. Did not go sea kayaking because the weather was very windy and cold with rain throughout. Did have the opportunity to go out to the Otago Peninsula and observe some wildlife. Went to the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world at Taiaroa Head outside Dunedin and was lucky enough to see them flying. The wind was approximately 120 kilometers (75 MPH) when we first got there and it was too windy for even the albatross. The wind did ease up a little and did witness them flying. I've never been a bird watcher or admirer, but these animals are truly amazing. The chicks were hatched about a month ago and they will start to fly later this fall. Once they leave their birthplace, they will fly for six years without landing on land........only the sea to rest and eat. They will meet a mate and court for four years and eventually come back to NZ to mate in 10 years.
Also saw Yellow Eyed Penguins and Hooker Sea Lions, which are only found in NZ. Got a special treat and saw a female, which is rare since there are only 20 left on the island due to being hunted by the indigenous Maori people. They are now protected. Also saw NZ Fur Seals and Blue Penguins, the smallest penguin in the world.
Leaving later this afternoon on the Taieri Gorge Railway for Queenstown and taking a trip to Milford Sound tomorrow. Only four days left in NZ and then off to Fiji. I'm so spoiled and am looking forward to warm weather again.
Hope all is well where you are.
Also saw Yellow Eyed Penguins and Hooker Sea Lions, which are only found in NZ. Got a special treat and saw a female, which is rare since there are only 20 left on the island due to being hunted by the indigenous Maori people. They are now protected. Also saw NZ Fur Seals and Blue Penguins, the smallest penguin in the world.
Leaving later this afternoon on the Taieri Gorge Railway for Queenstown and taking a trip to Milford Sound tomorrow. Only four days left in NZ and then off to Fiji. I'm so spoiled and am looking forward to warm weather again.
Hope all is well where you are.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Kia Ora (hello in the indigenous Maori language) from Dunedin.
Spent last night in Christchurch and found a fun little pub to hang out in with live music. There was a cricket match on (NZ v. India) and some locals were giving me a lesson. I think I've got the basics, but what a funny sport that is. Only the British would come up with a game that could last 5 days and the players break for tea and crumpets. I'm not kidding! Can you imagine if during the 7th inning stretch our players took a break for afternoon tea? Hilarious. Whole new meaning to last call in the middle of the 7th.
Ran into a great couple I met in Sydney, Greg and Paola, in Christchurch and had dinner with them last night. Thanks again guys! It was great to see you.
Traveled today from Christchurch to Dunedin, which was the first settlement on the south island made by the Scottish. I'm sure I can find a good pub tonight. Dunedin is the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. Here two nights and have a tour and sea kayaking trip planned for tomorrow if the weather is okay. It is sunny, but windy and cold.
Will update again soon.
Spent last night in Christchurch and found a fun little pub to hang out in with live music. There was a cricket match on (NZ v. India) and some locals were giving me a lesson. I think I've got the basics, but what a funny sport that is. Only the British would come up with a game that could last 5 days and the players break for tea and crumpets. I'm not kidding! Can you imagine if during the 7th inning stretch our players took a break for afternoon tea? Hilarious. Whole new meaning to last call in the middle of the 7th.
Ran into a great couple I met in Sydney, Greg and Paola, in Christchurch and had dinner with them last night. Thanks again guys! It was great to see you.
Traveled today from Christchurch to Dunedin, which was the first settlement on the south island made by the Scottish. I'm sure I can find a good pub tonight. Dunedin is the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. Here two nights and have a tour and sea kayaking trip planned for tomorrow if the weather is okay. It is sunny, but windy and cold.
Will update again soon.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hi from Rotorua, New Zealand. Spent the last couple of nights in Auckland, but not a whole lot to report. Didn't climb or jump off of anything and not planning to either. NZ is definitely a place for adventure seekers. Activities include bunging jumping, white water rafting, kayaking, and sky diving to mention a few. The weather is rainy, but the predictions look promising. I've been so spoiled since I left the states with nothing but sunny skies and warm weather that 70 degrees feels cold. I'll have a shocker when I return to Chicago. I can see why so many Irish and Scottish settled here whether is was their own choice or after serving a sentence imposed by the British. The landscape looks so much like Ireland except not as beautiful.......of course, I'm bias. Lots of green fields minus the rock walls. The fields are dotted with either cattle or sheep. Took a coach from Auckland to Rotorua stopping along the way at a couple sites and small towns. One stop was the Waitomo Caves filled with glowworms. Sounds strange, but really cool. We took a boat through the cave. Arrived in Rotorua earlier this afternoon. The entire area consists of geothermal mineral hot springs and mud pools. Going out tomorrow to see some of the sights and have booked a white water rafting trip for the afternoon.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Flew to Auckland, New Zealand this morning. My last day in Sydney was very memorable. Spent all day on a trip to the Blue Mountains where I finally saw kangaroos in the wild. Nothing like waiting for my last day in Australia! Went to the rain forest and hiked to some lookouts to Three Sisters Rock and Wentworth Falls. It was very beautiful.
Last night didn't do the smartest thing I've ever done. Thought I would challenge my newly acquired fear of heights. It comes and goes so wasn't sure how I would react, but it's official I am afraid of heights. I climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge along with the over 1.2 million people a year! Athletically it wasn't difficult, but the fear of plumping into the harbor or worse the traffic below was overwhelming. I was connected to the bridge and knew intellectually I couldn't fall, but the fear was still there. With all that said, I'm proud I did it. I wouldn't do it again, but glad I did.
See Mom, and you were afraid I'd get in the water with sharks.
Will update again later.
Last night didn't do the smartest thing I've ever done. Thought I would challenge my newly acquired fear of heights. It comes and goes so wasn't sure how I would react, but it's official I am afraid of heights. I climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge along with the over 1.2 million people a year! Athletically it wasn't difficult, but the fear of plumping into the harbor or worse the traffic below was overwhelming. I was connected to the bridge and knew intellectually I couldn't fall, but the fear was still there. With all that said, I'm proud I did it. I wouldn't do it again, but glad I did.
See Mom, and you were afraid I'd get in the water with sharks.
Will update again later.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
G'day Mate from Sydney. Arrived yesterday afternoon and went out last night in an area called The Rocks.......tons of fun pubs and restaurants. Found a great little joint with some live music entertainment and hung out there most of the evening. Very fun crowd.
Going out today on a luncheon cruise in Sydney Harbor and tooling around the city. It's very beautiful and cosmopolitan here. However, I won't be going to the beaches. Not sure it is hitting the national news, but there has been a rash of shark attacks here in Sydney which is very unusual. There have been three in just the past three weeks and around a dozen in the past few months. One was just yesterday morning. I heard about it live on the news in Cairns as I was leaving for the airport. It was a young surfer.....I think around 15. He's in critical condition, but they are reporting he will recover.
I'll upload some pictures later from last night and today.
Going out today on a luncheon cruise in Sydney Harbor and tooling around the city. It's very beautiful and cosmopolitan here. However, I won't be going to the beaches. Not sure it is hitting the national news, but there has been a rash of shark attacks here in Sydney which is very unusual. There have been three in just the past three weeks and around a dozen in the past few months. One was just yesterday morning. I heard about it live on the news in Cairns as I was leaving for the airport. It was a young surfer.....I think around 15. He's in critical condition, but they are reporting he will recover.
I'll upload some pictures later from last night and today.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Spent both days in Cairns on The Great Barrier Reef. It is truly amazing. Everyone must come here one day to see for themselves. Saw so many amazing things. The first day scuba dived twice and snorkeled once in Michaelmas Cay. Today schuba'd and snorkeled on Flynn Reef (no, this isn't a typo.......there is a Flynn Reef) and Milln Reef. Not PADI certified to dive on my own, but the companies allow you to dive with a dive master as long as you can pass the skill tests. To my brother and friend, Robyn, I now have the 'dive bug' so think about a fun dive trip we can take somewhere together. Today was much better viewing on the reef. The location of the reefs are on the outer barrier reef along the Continental Shelf. The coral is so beautiful and the colors so vibrant. Saw sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays along with so many species of fish and coral that I couldn't possible list here even if I knew all the names. The weather has been great in spite of all the rain Cairns has received this summer. I've been lucky because it's only rained overnight and the days have been warm and sunny. The water temperature on the reef was around 85 degrees. For my Galapagos Delfines who are following along ...........a far cry from the Humboldt current we snorkeled in with sea turtles and penguins!
Cairns is a very fun town with lots of outdoor activities as well as a hopping night life. Met up with some locals last night and had some laughs. Tonight went to a dinner and show at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Dead tired so turning in now. Flying to Sydney tomorrow.
Cairns is a very fun town with lots of outdoor activities as well as a hopping night life. Met up with some locals last night and had some laughs. Tonight went to a dinner and show at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Dead tired so turning in now. Flying to Sydney tomorrow.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hi from the Red Centre of Australia.
Spent yesterday and last night in Alice Springs. All I can think of is how I felt in some areas of Alaska last year..........'who could live here?' The population is only 27,000 with the main industry being tourism. It is also home to the majority of the indigenous Aboriginal people adding to the quirkiness of this area. Too much to explain and believe it or not on a coin operated computer. Wrap your mind around that one.
Today transferred from Alice Springs to the Ayers Rock Resort. Spent the day in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park hiking in the Olga Gorge of Kata Tjuta and spending sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The land is sacred to the Aboriginal people and in 1985 the park was handed back to the indigenous owners. Since then, the official name has reverted back to Uluru, which is the original name given by the Anangu tribe. The temperature has been over 100 degrees, but bearable. I never believed when someone said 'dry heat,' but it's true. Don't get me wrong, it's hot, but you're not soaking wet in 10 minutes.
Going out tomorrow morning at 5:00am to see Uluru at sunrise and hiking some additional areas. Then flying to Cairns in the afternoon. Will be in the Great Barrier Reef the following day and can't wait! Have definitely confirmed I'm a beach girl, not a desert girl.
Can't upload pictures from here, but will hopefully when I get to Cairns.
One thing all the travel books forgot to mention are the flies. Literally swarms. They don't bite, but very annoying. I will upload pictures of me with a fly net over my head. Everyone wears them and they're quite the fashion statement. The best $7.95 you'll ever spend in an Australian summer. :) Somehow this little fact and the 'Salzburg rains' are not mentioned in the travel books...........inside joke for my Austria traveling friends.
Stay tuned....................
Spent yesterday and last night in Alice Springs. All I can think of is how I felt in some areas of Alaska last year..........'who could live here?' The population is only 27,000 with the main industry being tourism. It is also home to the majority of the indigenous Aboriginal people adding to the quirkiness of this area. Too much to explain and believe it or not on a coin operated computer. Wrap your mind around that one.
Today transferred from Alice Springs to the Ayers Rock Resort. Spent the day in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park hiking in the Olga Gorge of Kata Tjuta and spending sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The land is sacred to the Aboriginal people and in 1985 the park was handed back to the indigenous owners. Since then, the official name has reverted back to Uluru, which is the original name given by the Anangu tribe. The temperature has been over 100 degrees, but bearable. I never believed when someone said 'dry heat,' but it's true. Don't get me wrong, it's hot, but you're not soaking wet in 10 minutes.
Going out tomorrow morning at 5:00am to see Uluru at sunrise and hiking some additional areas. Then flying to Cairns in the afternoon. Will be in the Great Barrier Reef the following day and can't wait! Have definitely confirmed I'm a beach girl, not a desert girl.
Can't upload pictures from here, but will hopefully when I get to Cairns.
One thing all the travel books forgot to mention are the flies. Literally swarms. They don't bite, but very annoying. I will upload pictures of me with a fly net over my head. Everyone wears them and they're quite the fashion statement. The best $7.95 you'll ever spend in an Australian summer. :) Somehow this little fact and the 'Salzburg rains' are not mentioned in the travel books...........inside joke for my Austria traveling friends.
Stay tuned....................
Monday, February 23, 2009
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