Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
China Vol 1
Here's the first round of pictures from China. Traveled into the country by bus from Vietnam and bounced around the southern cities working may way out to the coastal town of Xiamen north of Hong Kong. Didn't get to go to Hong Kong because I only had a single entry visa to China and if I went to the city, I could'nt get back into China. So I passed and stuck to the smaller town route, and by small town, I mean 1 million people. Every place was huge and packed full of people, locals and tourists. So many tour groups. They're all Chinese and just like around the world, they stick together in groups and take pictures of things that aren't picture worthy. Pretty much they often get in your way and fill up the cafes. It's a Chinese heavy tourist population. Often I wouldn't see more than 10 foreigners in a day, while each spot I went to was booming with tourists.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Mt Fuji Pictures
Most people hike the mountain in the night to be there for sunrise. Unfortunately, with all the people, it gets a bit crowded and there's a traffic jam towards the top, full of tired people, all a bit cold. I heard that and decided to hike the mountain in the day time, much faster, warmer and with views the whole time. Turned out to be a perfect day and a good hike, 4 hours to the top and just under 3 hours down. On the fast side, but had a street party to go to after so the time was ticking.
Once on top of Mt Fuji, it's like you've joined a new family. Everyone is happy, smiling, one even puking, but all are part of the club that has been to the top. I bought a Mt Fuji flag with a stamp saying when I hiked it. Proof that I was one of the elite. In Japan, it's like a rite of passage to get to the top, but you only do it once. The expression is, "a wise man climbs Fuji once, and a fool twice". I ain't no fool, mission complete, bring on the next mountain.
Check out some pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2064164&id=29301533&l=31bc6f5998
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Endangered Monkeys vs. the Justus
Endangered monkey #1: Red shanked douc langur, ready to battle
Justus kicking butt in the feeding process at the start
Uh, oh, monkeys taking over
And the victor is Justus, captain feeder and cage cleaner
And they were left wondering how the Justus won
Justus kicking butt in the feeding process at the start
Uh, oh, monkeys taking over
And the victor is Justus, captain feeder and cage cleaner
And they were left wondering how the Justus won
Back in the USA
So after 6 months I made it back to the USA. Went to 11 countries in between here and where I started, New Zealand. Most of the time I was in Asia, almost 5 months total, eating a lot of rice and noodles, plus checking out heaps of temples. Should almost get a honorary Buddhist degree after this trip. Wore sandals and shorts 95% of the time, living the good life in constant summer for over half a year.
I last left off the blog when I went to China, where internet is a bit tricky with lots of sites blocked off, including this one. I spent 28 days there, taking overnight buses everywhere, seeing lots of cities and not that many other foreigners. After China I was in Japan for 2 weeks, where I hiked Mt Fuji, saw some cool temples and met up with an old university friend. The last stop of the trip was Hawaii for 2 weeks to relax on the beach, and that wraps up the missing 2 months in between this post and the last.
Now I'm chilling out in Boston, resting up, and liking not having to repack and move out with my backpack every few days. I've got over 4000 photos to go through, some already online, but more will be coming in the near future. Nice to be back in the land of civilized internet and English.
I last left off the blog when I went to China, where internet is a bit tricky with lots of sites blocked off, including this one. I spent 28 days there, taking overnight buses everywhere, seeing lots of cities and not that many other foreigners. After China I was in Japan for 2 weeks, where I hiked Mt Fuji, saw some cool temples and met up with an old university friend. The last stop of the trip was Hawaii for 2 weeks to relax on the beach, and that wraps up the missing 2 months in between this post and the last.
Now I'm chilling out in Boston, resting up, and liking not having to repack and move out with my backpack every few days. I've got over 4000 photos to go through, some already online, but more will be coming in the near future. Nice to be back in the land of civilized internet and English.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sapa
Me and the Dutchies out in Sapa
Local friend Mih who took us on the hike
Cat Cat Waterfalls
Up in the mountains in northern Vietnam. It's amazing up here, actually cold and feels like a small alpine village in the town of Sapa. I'm finally not sweating and for the first time in months am wearing pants and shoes.
Plenty of hiking up here around the scenery. Waterfalls, terraced rice paddies and some amazing local women who wear traditional outfits that actually look good. It's a utopia away from the madness of the rest of Vietnam, which was hot, full of pushy people and too many motorbikes.
I'm sticking around here for an extra day cause it's guaranteed to be good. The first two days were rainy and misty which wasn't the best for riding motorbikes around, but still had some good pics with the mist over the mountains. Today was actually sunny, with blue skies and was a reason to go swimming in waterfalls. Super cold water, but was refreshing.
I've been kicking it with two Dutch guys I met on the train and it's been a good time. We've got our own consort of local girls who follow us around trying to sell us local products and playing pool against us. Entertaining and we get to see some of the local culture through them. Big BBQ tonight with the locals.
Off to China in two days, to spend a month there. Had to pay $130 for my visa since I'm American, so going to get my moneys worth and see as much as possible. Looking forward to it and have been getting lots of chopstick practice in Vietnam.
Local friend Mih who took us on the hike
Cat Cat Waterfalls
Up in the mountains in northern Vietnam. It's amazing up here, actually cold and feels like a small alpine village in the town of Sapa. I'm finally not sweating and for the first time in months am wearing pants and shoes.
Plenty of hiking up here around the scenery. Waterfalls, terraced rice paddies and some amazing local women who wear traditional outfits that actually look good. It's a utopia away from the madness of the rest of Vietnam, which was hot, full of pushy people and too many motorbikes.
I'm sticking around here for an extra day cause it's guaranteed to be good. The first two days were rainy and misty which wasn't the best for riding motorbikes around, but still had some good pics with the mist over the mountains. Today was actually sunny, with blue skies and was a reason to go swimming in waterfalls. Super cold water, but was refreshing.
I've been kicking it with two Dutch guys I met on the train and it's been a good time. We've got our own consort of local girls who follow us around trying to sell us local products and playing pool against us. Entertaining and we get to see some of the local culture through them. Big BBQ tonight with the locals.
Off to China in two days, to spend a month there. Had to pay $130 for my visa since I'm American, so going to get my moneys worth and see as much as possible. Looking forward to it and have been getting lots of chopstick practice in Vietnam.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Laos
Eline and I spent about 2 weeks in Laos, traveling from Luang Prabang in the north all the way down to the 4000 Islands in the south, right on the Cambodian and Thai borders. Its a laid back country, with people changing Laos Peoples Democratic Republic to Laos, Please Dont Rush. Often not much to do, but just sit back and read a book, of which I got through 4.
Luang Prabang was the best city by far, a French styled town with nearby waterfalls that were amazing. Rope swings, tiered levels to jump off and some that were just good for photos. Nice and relaxing out there in cold, refreshing water to cool down from the heat in. Lots of western people around.
Sandwiches are the popular thing to eat in Laos. A Laos Style sandwich has pork, egg and tofu with a ton of chili and vegetables. Definitely the best and for the cheap price of just over $1.
Vang Vien is a beautiful setting of a river with limestone cliff mountains all around. Caves to explore and a river to go tubing down. Big party town too which was fun to watch the world cup. Germany was still rocking at this point.
Vientiane, the capital has nothing to do. by this point, Ive seen too many temples and the ones here just werent impressive. Pretty much just a stopping off point to catch a bus and later a plane.
We took a sleeper bus down to the 4000 Islands in the south. Pretty sweet bus, air conditioned with 50 beds in it. Apart from all the bouncing and the local guy who sat on my feet for a couple hours, it was a sweet ride and we got some sleep, before arriving and hopping on a large pickup truck packed full of everything. About 50 bags of rice, lots of roofing tiles and live chickens lined the middle with about 20 people sitting along the sides. Bouncy, dusty ride out to the islands, definitelz entertaining with locals selling whole roasted chickens and lots of crazy things at each stop.
The 4000 Islands were a let down. More like 50 islands with a lot of bushes around and 2 big waterfalls on rocks. We only stayed 2 days as after biking one day and kayaking the other, we'd done everything there was to do. The best part was paying just $3 for a bungalow. Super cheap, although the food was expensive and small. Not exactly the place I'd go back to, but got in some reading and chilling time.
Here are some pics to check out:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2061494&id=29301533&l=39e0404602
Luang Prabang was the best city by far, a French styled town with nearby waterfalls that were amazing. Rope swings, tiered levels to jump off and some that were just good for photos. Nice and relaxing out there in cold, refreshing water to cool down from the heat in. Lots of western people around.
Sandwiches are the popular thing to eat in Laos. A Laos Style sandwich has pork, egg and tofu with a ton of chili and vegetables. Definitely the best and for the cheap price of just over $1.
Vang Vien is a beautiful setting of a river with limestone cliff mountains all around. Caves to explore and a river to go tubing down. Big party town too which was fun to watch the world cup. Germany was still rocking at this point.
Vientiane, the capital has nothing to do. by this point, Ive seen too many temples and the ones here just werent impressive. Pretty much just a stopping off point to catch a bus and later a plane.
We took a sleeper bus down to the 4000 Islands in the south. Pretty sweet bus, air conditioned with 50 beds in it. Apart from all the bouncing and the local guy who sat on my feet for a couple hours, it was a sweet ride and we got some sleep, before arriving and hopping on a large pickup truck packed full of everything. About 50 bags of rice, lots of roofing tiles and live chickens lined the middle with about 20 people sitting along the sides. Bouncy, dusty ride out to the islands, definitelz entertaining with locals selling whole roasted chickens and lots of crazy things at each stop.
The 4000 Islands were a let down. More like 50 islands with a lot of bushes around and 2 big waterfalls on rocks. We only stayed 2 days as after biking one day and kayaking the other, we'd done everything there was to do. The best part was paying just $3 for a bungalow. Super cheap, although the food was expensive and small. Not exactly the place I'd go back to, but got in some reading and chilling time.
Here are some pics to check out:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2061494&id=29301533&l=39e0404602
Mandalay, Myanmar
Pics from Mandalay, the big city in the north of Myanmar. I extended my stay in Myanmar to get to know the country better as its been my favorite so far. Completely different from all others. Not very western, feels completely Asian. With the extra time, I was able to go to Mandalay, to sweat in the hot room every night, hike the labyrinth called Mandalay Hill (staircases everyhere and no signs on how to get to the top), check out surrounding villages, take a picture of the popular teak bridge, see more tmeples and watch some world cup. Almost had 2 run ins with the prime minister too. Once on top of Mandalay Hill where he was hosting the Laos president, and once at a pagoda where he was rubbing gold onto Buddha. Both times, super close to him, but the barefoot security guards wouldnt let us too close.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Inle Lake photos
An amazing lake in Myanmar, where fishermen use their legs to row, long necked women reign, souvenir shops are everywhere as well as monasteries. I spent a day on the lake,one day biking around and 2 days hiking in the hills to a monastery where I spent the night.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060832&id=29301533&l=ab17cf357c
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060832&id=29301533&l=ab17cf357c
Temples
Bagan, Myanmar home of over 4000 temples. Just a few pics for you
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060829&id=29301533&l=3b3a8283c6
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060829&id=29301533&l=3b3a8283c6
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Silk Factory and Floating Villages
Siem Reap, Cambodia:
The highlight of the silk factory was eating a silk worm. As 80% of the worms are killed in the process of getting their cocoon for the silk, there are a few number left over for eating, thus feeding the workers and others. Actually not too bad, tasted like a potato and didn't have a bad aftertaste. Had a couple and all were good. Probably not something I'd eat on a regular basis, but wouldn't turn down again.
The worms eat mulberry leaves, then weave a cocoon and the workers take the cocoon and get tons of silk out of it which they can dye, weave and work with. that's my condensed version of making silk. It's definitely a process and the women do the same thing every day which seems very monotonous and bad for the hands. At the Indonesian cigar factory, the women switch jobs every day so they keep it interesting and use the hands in different ways.
We also checked out some floating villages, accesible by a very shallow river going out to the lake. Since it was the dry season, there was only 1 meter of water and boats kept getting stuck on the way out to see the floating homes. Very cool out there, full villages with schools, stores, churches and even a floating basketball court. Normal lives, based around fishing, take place on the lake, everyone with boats, most that they have to bail out at the start. Looked rough to us, but they've been doing it for years.
The highlight of the silk factory was eating a silk worm. As 80% of the worms are killed in the process of getting their cocoon for the silk, there are a few number left over for eating, thus feeding the workers and others. Actually not too bad, tasted like a potato and didn't have a bad aftertaste. Had a couple and all were good. Probably not something I'd eat on a regular basis, but wouldn't turn down again.
The worms eat mulberry leaves, then weave a cocoon and the workers take the cocoon and get tons of silk out of it which they can dye, weave and work with. that's my condensed version of making silk. It's definitely a process and the women do the same thing every day which seems very monotonous and bad for the hands. At the Indonesian cigar factory, the women switch jobs every day so they keep it interesting and use the hands in different ways.
We also checked out some floating villages, accesible by a very shallow river going out to the lake. Since it was the dry season, there was only 1 meter of water and boats kept getting stuck on the way out to see the floating homes. Very cool out there, full villages with schools, stores, churches and even a floating basketball court. Normal lives, based around fishing, take place on the lake, everyone with boats, most that they have to bail out at the start. Looked rough to us, but they've been doing it for years.
Temple City
Siem Reap, Cambodia has over 200 temples around the city, with Angkor Wat being the superstar of them all. Trinity and I had 3 days to explore as many temples as possible. Hopping on a Tuktuk, a couple of seats with a top pulled by a motorbike, we would head north to the temples, validating our 3 day ticket on the way (which helps fund the temple restoration). Most of the temples were being worked on, restoring them to gandeur which they used to have over 800 years ago.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious temples in the world, or something like that. It's the grandaddy of Cambodian temples and is on the flag, although it's not the oldest. It's got a moat that puts all European castles to shame. It takes about 5 minutes to walk across the walkway to get to teh outer wall and then another 5 minutes to get to the entrance of the temple itself. Intricate carvings are all over and there are some super cool bas reliefs on all sides. Many levels and great views all over, truly an impressive time.
My favorite temples of Preah Kahn, where Tomb Raider was filmed. All jungle like with trees taking over all the walls. Very cool looking and packed full of tourists. Others had Buddha faces all over the place, some had the Buddha faces removed when a new king came in and changed the religion.
There were lots of struggles between the demons and the gods, often pulling a long serpent around a stick stuck into the ground to "churn the milk" and release immortality. Got to learn more about Buddhism and Hinduism, and got a fair amount of photos taken with my main man Buddha.
All in all, a very cool place to visit, amazing architecture everywhere, although much of it run down. For example a 70m long reclining Buddha looks only like that in diagrams, as the real life is a work in progress putting it back together. Other sculptures are worn down or have heads missing. Lots have been ruined by pollution and are all black. But often the size and meaning is still there, causing people to stand back and just appreciate the Cambdodian temples.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious temples in the world, or something like that. It's the grandaddy of Cambodian temples and is on the flag, although it's not the oldest. It's got a moat that puts all European castles to shame. It takes about 5 minutes to walk across the walkway to get to teh outer wall and then another 5 minutes to get to the entrance of the temple itself. Intricate carvings are all over and there are some super cool bas reliefs on all sides. Many levels and great views all over, truly an impressive time.
My favorite temples of Preah Kahn, where Tomb Raider was filmed. All jungle like with trees taking over all the walls. Very cool looking and packed full of tourists. Others had Buddha faces all over the place, some had the Buddha faces removed when a new king came in and changed the religion.
There were lots of struggles between the demons and the gods, often pulling a long serpent around a stick stuck into the ground to "churn the milk" and release immortality. Got to learn more about Buddhism and Hinduism, and got a fair amount of photos taken with my main man Buddha.
All in all, a very cool place to visit, amazing architecture everywhere, although much of it run down. For example a 70m long reclining Buddha looks only like that in diagrams, as the real life is a work in progress putting it back together. Other sculptures are worn down or have heads missing. Lots have been ruined by pollution and are all black. But often the size and meaning is still there, causing people to stand back and just appreciate the Cambdodian temples.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Orangutans
My sister Trinity met me in Jakarta and we set off to the island in Indonesia that used to be called Borneo, now Kalimantan. Pretty much the main reason the toursists go there is to check out the orangutans.
Along with friends Kelly, and Curtis, who live in Jakarta, we boarded a boat for a 3 day 2 night trip along a small river up into monkey territory. The first night we saw long tailed maccau monkeys swinging in the trees. Super cool start, to go along with the feast of food that we got at each meal. Great Indonesian food done up by our chef, who alng with 3 crew and 1 guide made up the rest of the boat.
We slept under mosquito nets on the deck, nice and quiet with no one around. Awaking early for breakfast, we then went to the first feeding of the day. Twas a big success with about 10 orangutans coming out to see us and the food. Big Papa, the dominant male, came down the path and scared the others up in the trees and the tourists down the path. Made for some excitement, but was all safe. Pretty relaxed monkeys, semi-tame they say, but still a wild monkey in their territory.
The second feeding after lunch had orangutans chilling more in the trees, swinging around and showing off their size. Little babys exploring on the vines and doing things that probably warrant wearing a helment. Very cool, despite the fact that there were a lot more tourists there taking photos.
All in all, an amazing trip, with great photos that can be viewed here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059423&id=29301533&l=c49dc69019
Along with friends Kelly, and Curtis, who live in Jakarta, we boarded a boat for a 3 day 2 night trip along a small river up into monkey territory. The first night we saw long tailed maccau monkeys swinging in the trees. Super cool start, to go along with the feast of food that we got at each meal. Great Indonesian food done up by our chef, who alng with 3 crew and 1 guide made up the rest of the boat.
We slept under mosquito nets on the deck, nice and quiet with no one around. Awaking early for breakfast, we then went to the first feeding of the day. Twas a big success with about 10 orangutans coming out to see us and the food. Big Papa, the dominant male, came down the path and scared the others up in the trees and the tourists down the path. Made for some excitement, but was all safe. Pretty relaxed monkeys, semi-tame they say, but still a wild monkey in their territory.
The second feeding after lunch had orangutans chilling more in the trees, swinging around and showing off their size. Little babys exploring on the vines and doing things that probably warrant wearing a helment. Very cool, despite the fact that there were a lot more tourists there taking photos.
All in all, an amazing trip, with great photos that can be viewed here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059423&id=29301533&l=c49dc69019
Friday, May 7, 2010
Active Indoensian volcanoes
3729 meters high, that's the height of the summit on Mt Rinjani, the volcano in the Indonesian island of Lombok that I just climbed.
Starting at 1100m, we hiked up to 2500m over 5 hours to our camp, watching the sunset through the clouds and eating a feast cooked up by our porters. We had one guide and 2 porters who carried our food, water, tents and sleeping bags. Part of the hike package, which everyone has to do, so we got to live like kings hiking with great meals and a tent already set up for us when we got to the top.
The hike up was through grasslands, and fields and then through lava fields and up through trees high up with mist everywhere, past the clouds and up the crater rim. The temperature dropped often and was pretty cold at night, but nothing compared to the summit at 5:30am watching the sunrise.
We awoke at 2:30am for a quick breaky and then hiked for almost 3 hours up to the top, on a trail made of scree, meaning for every step we went up, we slid down a little. Not the easiest hike, especially in the dark and cold. Luckily the moon was pretty bright and we did it without lights. Sar our guide knew the trail well and we kept a steady pace.
I was the first one to the top, all alone for over 5 minutes before the next person came. So amazing to be alone on top of the mountain, watching the sunrise and freezing my tail off. 5 degrees Celsius, and my hands were freezing, as I'd forgotten I'd packed my gloves in my bag.
From the top we had a good view of the volcano below erupting twice while climbing and once on the way down. Huge clouds of ash shooting out and one time we could both hear and feel the eruption. So amazing. Fun just to watch the volcano in action. It's been growing a lot lately, so will most likely be much bigger in the coming years.
Coming down sucked, the knees hurt, the body was tired and I decided to go back to Gili Trawangan, my island paradise, to chill and rest, rather than keep exploring Bali over the next few days. SO I'm here, relaxing on the beach, drinking freshly made juices and reading, taking it easy. Quite a nice option after the huge hike.
Starting at 1100m, we hiked up to 2500m over 5 hours to our camp, watching the sunset through the clouds and eating a feast cooked up by our porters. We had one guide and 2 porters who carried our food, water, tents and sleeping bags. Part of the hike package, which everyone has to do, so we got to live like kings hiking with great meals and a tent already set up for us when we got to the top.
The hike up was through grasslands, and fields and then through lava fields and up through trees high up with mist everywhere, past the clouds and up the crater rim. The temperature dropped often and was pretty cold at night, but nothing compared to the summit at 5:30am watching the sunrise.
We awoke at 2:30am for a quick breaky and then hiked for almost 3 hours up to the top, on a trail made of scree, meaning for every step we went up, we slid down a little. Not the easiest hike, especially in the dark and cold. Luckily the moon was pretty bright and we did it without lights. Sar our guide knew the trail well and we kept a steady pace.
I was the first one to the top, all alone for over 5 minutes before the next person came. So amazing to be alone on top of the mountain, watching the sunrise and freezing my tail off. 5 degrees Celsius, and my hands were freezing, as I'd forgotten I'd packed my gloves in my bag.
From the top we had a good view of the volcano below erupting twice while climbing and once on the way down. Huge clouds of ash shooting out and one time we could both hear and feel the eruption. So amazing. Fun just to watch the volcano in action. It's been growing a lot lately, so will most likely be much bigger in the coming years.
Coming down sucked, the knees hurt, the body was tired and I decided to go back to Gili Trawangan, my island paradise, to chill and rest, rather than keep exploring Bali over the next few days. SO I'm here, relaxing on the beach, drinking freshly made juices and reading, taking it easy. Quite a nice option after the huge hike.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Indonesian life
So I'm back on Lombok after the 8 days in Gili Trawangan. I already miss it. Easy, fun life over there. Had a super cheap place to stay, some good mates and could just wake up, swim, relax, dive, watch NBA live, hike or just chill with a book. I knew the good places to eat and had a local spot that I went to about every day, sometimes twice a day cause I knew the food was good and would be a good price. They definitely knew me by the end. Ate a spicy peanut veggie dish 4 times total, cause it was so good.
The island is full of travelers, all staying in homestays. Most chill on the beach or in the cafes, while some take it up a notch and go to one of the 7 dive companies on the island to get underwater. The days went by without being bored, and pretty much always just loving it. Watched the sunset, the sunrise, the tides change and the moon get bigger and bigger. Plus learned which places to eat at and which not to. Can't get ripped off all the time and after a while, you feel like a local.
Today I rented a motorbike and road around the local villages, stopping off at a few temples, jumped off some rocks into the river coming from the volcano and fed some monkeys. They love peanuts, but get a little pushy after a while, so they stopped getting fed, almost had a monkey war going on.
Off to dinner, then crashing early for a 5am start to go hike Mt Rinjani, an active volcano, which is the 2nd largest in Indonesia. 3 days 2 nights on the mountain. Hell yeah
The island is full of travelers, all staying in homestays. Most chill on the beach or in the cafes, while some take it up a notch and go to one of the 7 dive companies on the island to get underwater. The days went by without being bored, and pretty much always just loving it. Watched the sunset, the sunrise, the tides change and the moon get bigger and bigger. Plus learned which places to eat at and which not to. Can't get ripped off all the time and after a while, you feel like a local.
Today I rented a motorbike and road around the local villages, stopping off at a few temples, jumped off some rocks into the river coming from the volcano and fed some monkeys. They love peanuts, but get a little pushy after a while, so they stopped getting fed, almost had a monkey war going on.
Off to dinner, then crashing early for a 5am start to go hike Mt Rinjani, an active volcano, which is the 2nd largest in Indonesia. 3 days 2 nights on the mountain. Hell yeah
Lombok, Indonesia
I got out of Bali as soon as possible to get as far away as I would go on my trip to enjoy the quiet beach life and then slowly head back. So far it's going perfectly according to plan and everyone is saying that Bali isn't all that great, and that where I was on a small island was so much better. I definitely agree.
Gili Trawangan is an amazing small island packed full of culture, craziness, accomodation, cafes and bars, with no cars, just horse carts and bikes. I loved the place and spent 8 nights there, learning to dive, hiking, meeting new people and enjoying the great weather on the beach.
Diving was amazing. Started right off in the ocean, no swimming pool or theory for me, just the real deal. First time in the water was 6 meters and I ended up on my last dive going 30 meters, about 65 feet. I saw a shark, sting rays, an eel and several turtles on my last dive, definitely making it the best. Every dive, 7 in total, I saw turtles and got to pet them and watch them eat under water, way wicked. I saw Nemo every day too, chillig in his suction cup plant. I'm now officially qualified as a diver, to go up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.
Gili Trawangan is an amazing small island packed full of culture, craziness, accomodation, cafes and bars, with no cars, just horse carts and bikes. I loved the place and spent 8 nights there, learning to dive, hiking, meeting new people and enjoying the great weather on the beach.
Diving was amazing. Started right off in the ocean, no swimming pool or theory for me, just the real deal. First time in the water was 6 meters and I ended up on my last dive going 30 meters, about 65 feet. I saw a shark, sting rays, an eel and several turtles on my last dive, definitely making it the best. Every dive, 7 in total, I saw turtles and got to pet them and watch them eat under water, way wicked. I saw Nemo every day too, chillig in his suction cup plant. I'm now officially qualified as a diver, to go up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Bali
So I made it in Sunday night to Bali, pouring rain outside made it fun on the taxi ride to my couch surfers house where I spent the next 2 nights. I explored Denpasar for a day checking out the streets filled with the local life, seeing only 3 white tourists all day. Which meant lots of walking around like a celebrity and having people wave to me and look at me wondering what I was doing with no main draws nearby. Fun to see the food stalls everwhere, people selling petrol out of absolute vodka bottles on the street, trash thrown around everywhere, shops selling practically everything, and lots of bargaining going on.
Today, I took a couple of minibuses to catch the ferry to Lombok, the island next door. The plan is to go as far away from bali at the start and then work my way back. Got ripped off on the ferry as was expected, but it's still cheap overall, but not like what the locals pay. Everyone raises the prices for the tourists, with that sexy white skin giving us away.
On the new island, I set up a tour to the paradise of Gili Trawangan, a small island on the ne coast of Lombok. Going to learn to scuba dive with a 4day course and then chill on the beach for a week total tiime. Then back to Lombok to hike the highest volcano over3 days and 2 nights, getting to watch the lava at the night and see the lakes at the top. So I've got my next 10 days booked and spent too much money in one day. Meaning basic fried noodle dinner before going back to my hotel room, snazzy with a fan up above.
So that's it for me, off to paradse tomorrow where i hope it isn't raining so much. Been raining pretty much all day today, so time to get to teh small island with no mountains to attract the rain. 3km x 2km so pretty small
Today, I took a couple of minibuses to catch the ferry to Lombok, the island next door. The plan is to go as far away from bali at the start and then work my way back. Got ripped off on the ferry as was expected, but it's still cheap overall, but not like what the locals pay. Everyone raises the prices for the tourists, with that sexy white skin giving us away.
On the new island, I set up a tour to the paradise of Gili Trawangan, a small island on the ne coast of Lombok. Going to learn to scuba dive with a 4day course and then chill on the beach for a week total tiime. Then back to Lombok to hike the highest volcano over3 days and 2 nights, getting to watch the lava at the night and see the lakes at the top. So I've got my next 10 days booked and spent too much money in one day. Meaning basic fried noodle dinner before going back to my hotel room, snazzy with a fan up above.
So that's it for me, off to paradse tomorrow where i hope it isn't raining so much. Been raining pretty much all day today, so time to get to teh small island with no mountains to attract the rain. 3km x 2km so pretty small
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Brisbane
Chris, Hannah, Sandra and myself lawn bowling it up
Chilling with Chris, Sandra and Andrea by the Brisbane River
So I've been in Brisbane for a few days now, my last stop in Australia. I took the easy and almost as cheap option as taking the road up from Sydney, and flew here. 1.5 hours or 14 hours, was a no brainer. More time in the city to relax and chill, rather than perhaps more money on the road.
I've been enjoying it so far, good weather until today, so I've just been kicking it with a good coffee and now free internet at the library. Lots to do in the city, although Melbourne still ranks as the best city in Australia for me.
Been couch surfing here and everywhere, and again have made some good friends to explore the city with. Chris from Germany and Sandra from Denmark have both been good companions for exploring Brisbane. We've been lawn bowling with another couch surfer, spent time at the fake beach by the river, explored the funky parts of town, and had too many burgers in a short time, but rocked it anyways.
On Sunday, I'm off for Bali, the first country of many where English is not the number one language. Going to be amazing. New adventures to come. Looking to scuba dive, hike a volcano, chill on the beach and live it up. And probably repeat myself by writing that over and over in each blog, but it's going to be great.
Chilling with Chris, Sandra and Andrea by the Brisbane River
So I've been in Brisbane for a few days now, my last stop in Australia. I took the easy and almost as cheap option as taking the road up from Sydney, and flew here. 1.5 hours or 14 hours, was a no brainer. More time in the city to relax and chill, rather than perhaps more money on the road.
I've been enjoying it so far, good weather until today, so I've just been kicking it with a good coffee and now free internet at the library. Lots to do in the city, although Melbourne still ranks as the best city in Australia for me.
Been couch surfing here and everywhere, and again have made some good friends to explore the city with. Chris from Germany and Sandra from Denmark have both been good companions for exploring Brisbane. We've been lawn bowling with another couch surfer, spent time at the fake beach by the river, explored the funky parts of town, and had too many burgers in a short time, but rocked it anyways.
On Sunday, I'm off for Bali, the first country of many where English is not the number one language. Going to be amazing. New adventures to come. Looking to scuba dive, hike a volcano, chill on the beach and live it up. And probably repeat myself by writing that over and over in each blog, but it's going to be great.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sydney and Melbourne Photos
Here's some photos for you guys:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057690&id=29301533&l=f436254219
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057690&id=29301533&l=f436254219
Friday, April 9, 2010
Melbourne photos
Melbourne in the background from the war memorial
Rooftop bar action
Sonia and I on the Flinders St Bridge
Lots of cool graffiti everywhere
Classy Melbourne
View from St Kilda
Litter collection in the Yarra River
Street performer juggling fire at Federation Square
Rooftop bar action
Sonia and I on the Flinders St Bridge
Lots of cool graffiti everywhere
Classy Melbourne
View from St Kilda
Litter collection in the Yarra River
Street performer juggling fire at Federation Square
In Sydney
So I made it up from Melbourne to Sydney. Had been having a wicked time in Melbourne, made several friends and had a few places to stay through couch surfing, but decided to move up north to the big city in order to have a few days there and then a few days in Brisbane before taking off for Bali on the 18th.
I met a German named Herbert who was also going up to Sydney and decided he wouldn't kill me, and got a lift up with him, sharing petrol costs. Took 2 days, stopping off a few places, mostly for me to swim in the ocean. Nothing finer. Definitely more fun than going on the bus and got to talk a little German, plus learn some tips on traveling in SE Asia.
Arrived in the evening of Friday in Sydney and went to meet my couch surfing host, who happened to be having his big Seder dinner with his family. So Herbert and I had a big old feast with everyone and a fun night meeting the family. Turns out my host, Landon's brother, just had a baby named Justice so got to meet the mini version of my self. Pretty damn cool I'll tell ya.
Now up ready to rock a street festival nearby and explore the city for several days.
Pictures will be coming soon, from Melbourne and beyond.
I met a German named Herbert who was also going up to Sydney and decided he wouldn't kill me, and got a lift up with him, sharing petrol costs. Took 2 days, stopping off a few places, mostly for me to swim in the ocean. Nothing finer. Definitely more fun than going on the bus and got to talk a little German, plus learn some tips on traveling in SE Asia.
Arrived in the evening of Friday in Sydney and went to meet my couch surfing host, who happened to be having his big Seder dinner with his family. So Herbert and I had a big old feast with everyone and a fun night meeting the family. Turns out my host, Landon's brother, just had a baby named Justice so got to meet the mini version of my self. Pretty damn cool I'll tell ya.
Now up ready to rock a street festival nearby and explore the city for several days.
Pictures will be coming soon, from Melbourne and beyond.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Great Ocean Road
Cliffs and beach, perfect combo
Site of the morning swim at 7am after a night of camping
Surfer boys
Going on a surfing safari
The road, on the ocean, is indeed great
This past weekend, I organized a trip down the Great Ocean Road nearby Melbourne with 2 people from the flat I was staying at and 2 other couch surfers. Just over an hour away from Melbourne, the Road was supposed to be Great, and it lived up to the name.
Easter weekend was busy with lots of people, but had some of the best weather. We surfed 2 days, camped out for free nearby a beach and feasted upon homemade sandwiches whipped up for super cheap. A great 2 day trip, nice and cheap which was good for the wallet and tons of fun. Made some new friends out of it and improved the surfing skills.
Site of the morning swim at 7am after a night of camping
Surfer boys
Going on a surfing safari
The road, on the ocean, is indeed great
This past weekend, I organized a trip down the Great Ocean Road nearby Melbourne with 2 people from the flat I was staying at and 2 other couch surfers. Just over an hour away from Melbourne, the Road was supposed to be Great, and it lived up to the name.
Easter weekend was busy with lots of people, but had some of the best weather. We surfed 2 days, camped out for free nearby a beach and feasted upon homemade sandwiches whipped up for super cheap. A great 2 day trip, nice and cheap which was good for the wallet and tons of fun. Made some new friends out of it and improved the surfing skills.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Vanuatu pictures
Here's a link to some more photos from Vanuatu:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057042&id=29301533&l=2fc1926db1
Leaving western Australia tonight for Melbourne and the east coast. 3 weeks over there and then onto Bali!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057042&id=29301533&l=2fc1926db1
Leaving western Australia tonight for Melbourne and the east coast. 3 weeks over there and then onto Bali!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Australia: Fremantle
Sunset after big storm in Freo
Back in my old stomping grounds of 2005, Fremantle, Western Australia. It's good to be back, meeting up with mates, going to favorite places and hitting the beach.
Things have been great, and the weather has been super hot until this afternoon when a big storm came in and just dumped the area with buckets of rain, plus some golf sized hail. The place where I'm staying, with 2 mates, had the back patio start to flood and we spent quite a while bailing it out and keeping the house from getting flooded. At one point, we were just 1 cm away from overflowing. But we kicked butt and got it down. Pretty amazing sunset afterwards before the rain came again. Whipped up some homemade pizzas and chilled inside, dry and warm.
Planning on more beach time, a trip out to Rottnest island to visit the marsupials, the quokkas, which look like big rats. Always a good time riding around the island. Just chilling with mates and living it up.
Back in my old stomping grounds of 2005, Fremantle, Western Australia. It's good to be back, meeting up with mates, going to favorite places and hitting the beach.
Things have been great, and the weather has been super hot until this afternoon when a big storm came in and just dumped the area with buckets of rain, plus some golf sized hail. The place where I'm staying, with 2 mates, had the back patio start to flood and we spent quite a while bailing it out and keeping the house from getting flooded. At one point, we were just 1 cm away from overflowing. But we kicked butt and got it down. Pretty amazing sunset afterwards before the rain came again. Whipped up some homemade pizzas and chilled inside, dry and warm.
Planning on more beach time, a trip out to Rottnest island to visit the marsupials, the quokkas, which look like big rats. Always a good time riding around the island. Just chilling with mates and living it up.
Vanuatu 2: island of black magic
Ambrym
On top of old smokey, all covered in rain
View from the plane
Cruisy way to travel
The jeep I rented in Port Vila
So Alisha and I flew out to her island, Ambrym, on a small 12 seat plane, with no doors to the pilots and amazing views of the islands out the windows. Landed on a grass airstrip surrouned by beach and jungle and then hiked with her host family to her village, a half hour away.
Black sand everywhere, the island is filled in the middle with volcanoes which affect the trees and crops due to acid rain and not the best soil. But there's still lots of produce coming from the ground, mostly root vegetables and coconuts. They make money off the coconunts and eat the other stuff, overall living a simple life and not needing money overall.
There was no electricity in the village, just one generator and a few solar panels, but otherwise, people wake up early with the sun and go to bed when it goes down. There's no fresh water on the island either so they collect rain water in wells.
We snorkelled around her beach, seeing a sea turtle and pretty much the whole cast of Finding Nemo except for Nemo himself. Had some big hikes around the area, to the gardens and up a small mountain to get to a sacred rock overlooking the beach. On the Friday we went on a hike up the volcano, which was amazinig, but was in pouring rain for the first 3 hours. Pretty soaked at the top, there was still an amazing view with a yellow red sky.
Alisha has two pets right now, Penny the pig and Lucky the dog. Both were awesome and playful, although both could be too noisy at times. She's got a cat on the way too, so it felt like a farm at times in her house.
And now I'm over in Australia, after 7 days in Vanuatu and living the easy life, getting a little dirty in the jungle and having a blast.
On top of old smokey, all covered in rain
View from the plane
Cruisy way to travel
The jeep I rented in Port Vila
So Alisha and I flew out to her island, Ambrym, on a small 12 seat plane, with no doors to the pilots and amazing views of the islands out the windows. Landed on a grass airstrip surrouned by beach and jungle and then hiked with her host family to her village, a half hour away.
Black sand everywhere, the island is filled in the middle with volcanoes which affect the trees and crops due to acid rain and not the best soil. But there's still lots of produce coming from the ground, mostly root vegetables and coconuts. They make money off the coconunts and eat the other stuff, overall living a simple life and not needing money overall.
There was no electricity in the village, just one generator and a few solar panels, but otherwise, people wake up early with the sun and go to bed when it goes down. There's no fresh water on the island either so they collect rain water in wells.
We snorkelled around her beach, seeing a sea turtle and pretty much the whole cast of Finding Nemo except for Nemo himself. Had some big hikes around the area, to the gardens and up a small mountain to get to a sacred rock overlooking the beach. On the Friday we went on a hike up the volcano, which was amazinig, but was in pouring rain for the first 3 hours. Pretty soaked at the top, there was still an amazing view with a yellow red sky.
Alisha has two pets right now, Penny the pig and Lucky the dog. Both were awesome and playful, although both could be too noisy at times. She's got a cat on the way too, so it felt like a farm at times in her house.
And now I'm over in Australia, after 7 days in Vanuatu and living the easy life, getting a little dirty in the jungle and having a blast.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Vanuatu: south pacific island life
So I've been in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu for a few days now with my cousin Alisha who is here in the Peace Corp. Got lucky with her picking me up at the airport due to cyclones around the islands and her flight being cancelled for the previous 4 days, but she made it in time to meet me and then get rid of a chicken that she had in a bag that her village had given her as a present for a friend in town. Small island life where anything goes on a plane, and there is family on every island to meet.
We've been cruising around town and keep running into other peace corp volunteers. Been crashing at 2 volunteers flat which is pretty basic, but still a lot better than Alisha's island where we're headed today, land of black magic and volcanoes and no fresh water. Going to be rustic is putting it mildly.
Sadly no cannibals around anymore, last case was lsited in the 70s. Used to eat each other just as a source of meat in certain places. Interesting stories at the cultural center.
Rented a 4wd ghetto jeep and drove around half the island to Alisha's first host family, saw the laid back island life in the hot sun. Stopped off at some awesome waterfalls where we swam under them, jumped over them and slid down some. Definitley the highlight so far.
Drinking some local drinks with the locals which involves a lot of spitting after you drink. Apparently the taste gets worse the more you drink it, so it was a noisy venue and a good thing I was wearing shoes.
So now off to the airport to fly in a small propeller plane where you can see the pilots. Going to ask for wings like I did when I was a kid.
Hope all is well with everyone. The big adventure has started and it's rocking and rolling.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Summertime in Wellington
One Love at the Velodrome
Chillin with couch surfers
Bout to get my feed on
This past weekend was huge for Wellington. On Saturday was the One Love music event, celebrating Bob Marley’s birthday and the whole weekend was the Rugby Sevens tournament, with international teams packing out the stadium, culminating in a huge street party. Plus Saturday was Waitangi Day, celebrating the day the treaty was signed between the Maori and the English, making New Zealand an official super colony.
I went to One Love last year and just like then, we had amazing weather for the festival held in a velodrome. Nice grass pitch in the middle of the bike track. Super sunny, perfect day for hanging outside and listening to good live music while chilling with friends. The music was pretty sweet, although not as good as last year. The highlight was definitely the dub from Scotland. Nothing like a red haired Rasta from the land of Braveheart.
The place was packed, over 10,000 this year. Ran into a bunch of people I knew throughout the masses. Lunch was a hangi, the traditional Maori meal cooked using hot stones in the ground. Damn tasty and filling for a cheap price. 3 types of meat to go with potatoes, pumpkin, kumara and stuffing. Nothing like food cooked through steam over several hours.
For the Sevens, everyone dresses up and parties. It feels like a mardi gras mixed with Halloween. The 35,000 daily tickets sold out in 5 minutes and most of the people were all dressed up at the stadium. Huge screens around town and every bar making heaps of money during the weekend. In the night after the final, the city came alive dancing in the streets with DJs on rooftops and in the streets keeping the feet moving.
Moved into my new flat on Friday as well. In town, close to everything, 5 minutes to work on level ground, and a big room. I’m only here for the next 5 weeks before taking off to travel, so it’s working out good to be in the city centre again after crashing at a mate’s place a half hour away. Loving the city and going out with a bang.
Chillin with couch surfers
Bout to get my feed on
This past weekend was huge for Wellington. On Saturday was the One Love music event, celebrating Bob Marley’s birthday and the whole weekend was the Rugby Sevens tournament, with international teams packing out the stadium, culminating in a huge street party. Plus Saturday was Waitangi Day, celebrating the day the treaty was signed between the Maori and the English, making New Zealand an official super colony.
I went to One Love last year and just like then, we had amazing weather for the festival held in a velodrome. Nice grass pitch in the middle of the bike track. Super sunny, perfect day for hanging outside and listening to good live music while chilling with friends. The music was pretty sweet, although not as good as last year. The highlight was definitely the dub from Scotland. Nothing like a red haired Rasta from the land of Braveheart.
The place was packed, over 10,000 this year. Ran into a bunch of people I knew throughout the masses. Lunch was a hangi, the traditional Maori meal cooked using hot stones in the ground. Damn tasty and filling for a cheap price. 3 types of meat to go with potatoes, pumpkin, kumara and stuffing. Nothing like food cooked through steam over several hours.
For the Sevens, everyone dresses up and parties. It feels like a mardi gras mixed with Halloween. The 35,000 daily tickets sold out in 5 minutes and most of the people were all dressed up at the stadium. Huge screens around town and every bar making heaps of money during the weekend. In the night after the final, the city came alive dancing in the streets with DJs on rooftops and in the streets keeping the feet moving.
Moved into my new flat on Friday as well. In town, close to everything, 5 minutes to work on level ground, and a big room. I’m only here for the next 5 weeks before taking off to travel, so it’s working out good to be in the city centre again after crashing at a mate’s place a half hour away. Loving the city and going out with a bang.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Snow in between spring and summer
Here are a few pics from my couple weeks in the US over Christmas. It was a great time visiting everyone and relaxing in the homeland. Felt a bit different, and full of Americans, but it was still nice to get into the little things that count, like Wheat Thins.
With Boston being super cold, we got some snow. Lots of it, which rocked. Just what I wanted. Looks great, fun to play in, and fits the bill for a stereotypical northern hemisphere Christmas which we didn't have last year in New Zealand.
Highlights include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, making a snowman, a couple Christmas parties with warm drinks and lots of sweets, plus the usual Christmas traditions like cutting down a tree (tried our best, but only shrubs were left so had to buy one) and having a wicked feast of a dinner with the family. Lots of good presents, several good games of darts and lots of static electricity flowing around to shock me.
Snowshoeing with the mom
Playing snow-baseball
Me and Charles Bronsan, my snowman, complete with snow nose and Oreo eyes
Walking the dog with my sister
Lake starting to freeze over it was so cold
With Boston being super cold, we got some snow. Lots of it, which rocked. Just what I wanted. Looks great, fun to play in, and fits the bill for a stereotypical northern hemisphere Christmas which we didn't have last year in New Zealand.
Highlights include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, making a snowman, a couple Christmas parties with warm drinks and lots of sweets, plus the usual Christmas traditions like cutting down a tree (tried our best, but only shrubs were left so had to buy one) and having a wicked feast of a dinner with the family. Lots of good presents, several good games of darts and lots of static electricity flowing around to shock me.
Snowshoeing with the mom
Playing snow-baseball
Me and Charles Bronsan, my snowman, complete with snow nose and Oreo eyes
Walking the dog with my sister
Lake starting to freeze over it was so cold
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