tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50998741753411026992024-02-20T05:34:05.261-08:00Finding my MuchnessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-32732704200746545772015-07-23T17:18:00.001-07:002015-07-23T17:18:55.334-07:00Change of address!I've <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">started a new lifestyle blog at http://veganwhale.blogspot.co.uk.</span><div><div><br></div><div>Come and visit me there :)</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz58N2awZNVuPQsxAGCkIYBQV551CIzI0GylxR-qdgXT57H9rb32zyyANDV-topxOOmFhWqtA8X4MebM-u6hsZn6EGGn3iHKWV1tGmTNrWP-J8i_NF90fQ1itfGigg6VVa2m3VkAgRkc/s640/blogger-image--16737617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz58N2awZNVuPQsxAGCkIYBQV551CIzI0GylxR-qdgXT57H9rb32zyyANDV-topxOOmFhWqtA8X4MebM-u6hsZn6EGGn3iHKWV1tGmTNrWP-J8i_NF90fQ1itfGigg6VVa2m3VkAgRkc/s640/blogger-image--16737617.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjB3zehksbab5uzh_BOxD4AtTVMmmfyT1B5xR_tXgPZ-EHDhl8R_6y2b2Em2j0IdiY4tPN6W2JX5m0zhbkNrJJvN_ddrka9T8CR-l6rOg_BXZdsY2pQSE-CDsJwV2y8-yL0EI5r0hff0/s640/blogger-image-527741765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjB3zehksbab5uzh_BOxD4AtTVMmmfyT1B5xR_tXgPZ-EHDhl8R_6y2b2Em2j0IdiY4tPN6W2JX5m0zhbkNrJJvN_ddrka9T8CR-l6rOg_BXZdsY2pQSE-CDsJwV2y8-yL0EI5r0hff0/s640/blogger-image-527741765.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-83341877878576833572015-05-25T22:38:00.001-07:002015-05-31T22:36:17.985-07:00Cruising round the Whitsundays<div style="text-align: justify;">
Forget the Opera House, Fraser Island and pretty much everything else - sailing around the gorgeous Whitsundays on a 2 day/2 night tour is the best thing I've done in Australia, it was SO much fun and I met the nicest people! Sunbathing on the deck, gazing up at the Milky Way, making new friends, snorkelling on the reef, being constantly fed beautiful food and gooning it up come dusk - what's not to love! I'd been looking forward to this for weeks and now I'm really sad it's over! I'll let the photos speak for themselves :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVbgfLPlHEuSxya7B_VtpzHjCwtgKY2UZzu8xXZvpi1Awss8Va5UPpP6i1Pn51zogqQLDvw7-5M1vwW1qNF7NN9K0Ifu0eGzopNzGbpfmgWlPyIk5ki-tQ_zxllsTsDMPsrFD-lBaxPY/s640/blogger-image--2014658345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVbgfLPlHEuSxya7B_VtpzHjCwtgKY2UZzu8xXZvpi1Awss8Va5UPpP6i1Pn51zogqQLDvw7-5M1vwW1qNF7NN9K0Ifu0eGzopNzGbpfmgWlPyIk5ki-tQ_zxllsTsDMPsrFD-lBaxPY/s640/blogger-image--2014658345.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYqaPdi6cepidDu2ye-dtVHmzU7IojPBJhmSoAbKrcKujKqUBxOxzmkLVVaXrg3cBZPUrpnSQe_iYJn1CfI1r3Dz8ozClQR0ohHVoaLx4ewWbSBDyyTPmu99UzgAVYJF90ytUX2TNnCU/s640/blogger-image--669531273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYqaPdi6cepidDu2ye-dtVHmzU7IojPBJhmSoAbKrcKujKqUBxOxzmkLVVaXrg3cBZPUrpnSQe_iYJn1CfI1r3Dz8ozClQR0ohHVoaLx4ewWbSBDyyTPmu99UzgAVYJF90ytUX2TNnCU/s640/blogger-image--669531273.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8ln4r6KK73JTzAZBnRRlqPFvJXFnFN82cA16UPRuE8FRydIcbcAqrXz0j2C2NGzrOQZsSVo07muYWZ8OOkTncgrrQiBfP-xC5QVO-wfxEN7JEUsCQcraBrWYALlkgUW9_UEXZcEblaM/s640/blogger-image-2133556212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8ln4r6KK73JTzAZBnRRlqPFvJXFnFN82cA16UPRuE8FRydIcbcAqrXz0j2C2NGzrOQZsSVo07muYWZ8OOkTncgrrQiBfP-xC5QVO-wfxEN7JEUsCQcraBrWYALlkgUW9_UEXZcEblaM/s640/blogger-image-2133556212.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Whitehaven Beach</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OzD8Q96MIk7o96K5jMuAKitpZEQS4k_9HqOQd7B9FFYcnMvs1CrJa5OjZc4l31V-CsTmsKdqT8SiZ88li5zHMLf5hFaUNtAMfKcToO98iJnqAodj5daJyLX80GW9ACIfmvaIqHDLAhE/s640/blogger-image-2106616710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OzD8Q96MIk7o96K5jMuAKitpZEQS4k_9HqOQd7B9FFYcnMvs1CrJa5OjZc4l31V-CsTmsKdqT8SiZ88li5zHMLf5hFaUNtAMfKcToO98iJnqAodj5daJyLX80GW9ACIfmvaIqHDLAhE/s640/blogger-image-2106616710.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcs6evJVVmfD3DpmLb14VGlYNcr2BVsjZyTXbcgIIPAaDFo9zOg7jebLYZMrusoxbcJAPoXkxln8V-zRvnOeuGtAoMsTpavmn0-E9a3r_uFxUpRbLbON4RGIE8VOGNDLQpCDeYD9dDWU/s640/blogger-image-2079245418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcs6evJVVmfD3DpmLb14VGlYNcr2BVsjZyTXbcgIIPAaDFo9zOg7jebLYZMrusoxbcJAPoXkxln8V-zRvnOeuGtAoMsTpavmn0-E9a3r_uFxUpRbLbON4RGIE8VOGNDLQpCDeYD9dDWU/s640/blogger-image-2079245418.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9sdnBgl81jJZhP9B3Z1paktOllyeRXjx5eQe2U61_hahMR-d6XxFNWIJi9KDyDVC8e68rnzGDfz2f5J1hXOIjU6G2XrN4ZzueLDUCUmVdHL1AxxMcmJz1iZeysfJjN11X4e-aLxYdSw/s640/blogger-image--2040353094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9sdnBgl81jJZhP9B3Z1paktOllyeRXjx5eQe2U61_hahMR-d6XxFNWIJi9KDyDVC8e68rnzGDfz2f5J1hXOIjU6G2XrN4ZzueLDUCUmVdHL1AxxMcmJz1iZeysfJjN11X4e-aLxYdSw/s640/blogger-image--2040353094.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_X17lMCRxAPqDL-evmUMxrz0qwJhVLgtPObX7pk2B_8vLGQ52a7Au-CPLnDgRe-aGfJx_z5Frb9bHtmKHCVlJxNnvVit5OckydL01h6BsGXn8D1D3Qf3UyJIlPJWFbwpvmEZRr2GHk/s640/blogger-image--1711865788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_X17lMCRxAPqDL-evmUMxrz0qwJhVLgtPObX7pk2B_8vLGQ52a7Au-CPLnDgRe-aGfJx_z5Frb9bHtmKHCVlJxNnvVit5OckydL01h6BsGXn8D1D3Qf3UyJIlPJWFbwpvmEZRr2GHk/s640/blogger-image--1711865788.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJB5YdphjXfotZIvEdQUgK2Di3DGz5QpttCnXlWb4a5sHJrd6aJkZukdhOPMYxgjvIn75y0AzaI5PzOHbQ4iL4N90504ZQmQa7xWfPJvfZRGS7JnStASIeMdkBuqlp2H_G_LVdBB6WxM/s640/blogger-image--1587186337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJB5YdphjXfotZIvEdQUgK2Di3DGz5QpttCnXlWb4a5sHJrd6aJkZukdhOPMYxgjvIn75y0AzaI5PzOHbQ4iL4N90504ZQmQa7xWfPJvfZRGS7JnStASIeMdkBuqlp2H_G_LVdBB6WxM/s640/blogger-image--1587186337.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEukFFUzI0oGjyol4SjcqsMD6WqI5DCQCHQwVQQysmmmE59NF6H4eGkTIZUJE-uByWUyu2NxitbNtixqN7zVZumiiOcMuNrvvTqAtiJULqP3Y_ELC5thqma5O15ih-j246DGzZAG3syc4/s640/blogger-image-584353242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEukFFUzI0oGjyol4SjcqsMD6WqI5DCQCHQwVQQysmmmE59NF6H4eGkTIZUJE-uByWUyu2NxitbNtixqN7zVZumiiOcMuNrvvTqAtiJULqP3Y_ELC5thqma5O15ih-j246DGzZAG3syc4/s640/blogger-image-584353242.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>A night of these before a 10 hour bus = a really really bad idea</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was absolutely gutted to leave Airlie Beach and everyone I met on the boat - and that my trip is coming to an end really soon! Off to Cairns for 3 days then flying back to Melbourne for a few weeks to see some pals and do some inevitable admin before moving to Hervey Bay. Apparently the weather is appealing in Melb but I'm quite excited to go back :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-47202654836805272982015-05-21T17:38:00.001-07:002015-05-31T22:35:27.237-07:00Hervey Bay - my new home until November!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
I've just said yes to the best job in the world.<br />
<br />
I'd tentatively sent out a bunch of emails back in Noosa to all of the whale watching boats in Hervey Bay - allegedly the best place in the world to get up close to humpback whales on their seasonal migration from the Antarctic to the sub-tropical waters Down Under - to see whether there were any jobs available.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
The odds weren't exactly in my favour: despite my love of whales, whale watching and fiery ambition to get into the field, I've never worked on a boat before and my degree in English Literature doesn't exactly scream marine biology expert. However, I received positive replies from 4 boats in Hervey Bay and Brisbane and on my first day in the Bay had managed to score meetings with the captains of two of the boats.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
I still can't believe how easy it was - I was shown around the boats, told I would need to go on a first aid course & get an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) qualification and taken on a trial run the following day to see how everything works & get to know the crew...and a week after sending out my first emails I found myself accepting a job!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The job involves cleaning the boat before & after the morning & afternoon trips, serving food & drink to customers, scanning the water for whales and answering any questions people may have (I'm taking notes from 2 humungous text books as we speak). It's a 4 July start and the season ends at the end of October, about a week before my visa expires so it's perfect timing! I'm still in a bit of a daze to be honest; it doesn't feel real! Especially considering I don't have prior experience - although a couple of the skippers I spoke to said my writing experience swung it for them. The boat I'll predominantly be working on is called Whalesong but another boat called Blue Dolphin - which has an in-water platform for dangling your feet into the water with the whales - might give me a few shifts too, on board and in the office.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
Not only have I got the best job I could possibly have hoped for but I've also got a place to live thanks to one of the other crew members - turns out her and her mum were looking for someone to rent the spare room, so that's perfect! It's an amazing house, super posh with a swimming pool & Jacuzzi (shared with some other houses) and I'd have my own room with a double bed - all for $80 a week!!! Plus food. Can't believe how lucky I am, and now I just can't wait for the season to start!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.apnarm.net.au/img/media/images/2012/05/25/_DSC3009__owen_wilson_Whalesong_2_fct6000x3692x288_t620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.apnarm.net.au/img/media/images/2012/05/25/_DSC3009__owen_wilson_Whalesong_2_fct6000x3692x288_t620.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/whale-season-starts-early-fraser-coast/1393906/</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shaylacruises.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shayla_sailing_Cruises_whal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shaylacruises.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shayla_sailing_Cruises_whal1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: http://shaylacruises.com.au/tours/whale-watching/</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.emeraldene.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whale-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.emeraldene.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whale-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: http://www.emeraldene.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whale-2.jpg </i></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">With playful young testing out new skills and males putting on displays to compete for mating partners, Hervey Bay is an amazing place to see way more than the odd tail fluke. Plus, the boats have hydrophones which can be dropped into the water to listen to the whales sing!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I just can't wait. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-31202332707633126412015-05-17T18:12:00.000-07:002015-05-17T18:15:31.980-07:00Rainbow Beach & Fraser Island<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how the name of this...village? hamlet?...can be justified when the sand is BLACK (ew). </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMSAitnQO9o61xIhLkbyLT47A5cacvzBDANS_wUSVsRJYvau9bYdWT14UtwHAB4z-tzU8rBn7-hmZJpXp9_y4IfkXXlUbf-ZMOaS82mw4YBzQDJbKhLCiLjwlc4TquN3Z_cRhV9EwBj4/s640/blogger-image-1236152864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMSAitnQO9o61xIhLkbyLT47A5cacvzBDANS_wUSVsRJYvau9bYdWT14UtwHAB4z-tzU8rBn7-hmZJpXp9_y4IfkXXlUbf-ZMOaS82mw4YBzQDJbKhLCiLjwlc4TquN3Z_cRhV9EwBj4/s640/blogger-image-1236152864.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently the name derives from the coloured sands and cliffs (not walking distance), but after a long spell of torrential rain the sun fought its way through thick black cloud and brought an actual rainbow with it which was quite nice.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4soip5a9YVAZg4syYwgZp6QrEJzinHXaZ4FQz2vZNZqSK-LYlROY5HQ7WWiAx6cIjhAKEwWkR4wBQCUTubfrNdxeDZ5i-dfUfN4y0N8bNi7in7F_Udiicp8qLkE0xoPTaqfNSje9dtY/s640/blogger-image--991311710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4soip5a9YVAZg4syYwgZp6QrEJzinHXaZ4FQz2vZNZqSK-LYlROY5HQ7WWiAx6cIjhAKEwWkR4wBQCUTubfrNdxeDZ5i-dfUfN4y0N8bNi7in7F_Udiicp8qLkE0xoPTaqfNSje9dtY/s640/blogger-image--991311710.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd gone out to take a quick look at the beach while the rain was holding off but ended up on an hour and a half walk which culminated in running down an enormous sand dune! It was as scary as it was thrilling - a couple of locals I met on the way warned me not to run down the other side at high tide aaaand I did. But all's well that ends well - aside from almost going arse over tit, sinking in the deep sand and having to scramble over a fence to get back onto the walking track, it went very smoothly!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkQ67uL3llSc49ybu5Y6-7fyYmxHARXekwvpL5g1CEWBbOc8Dy-SzFqihX-T73IqOrFbe5s-T_c00FT75PrTeY8P3XRPdCyI8m-q-PU6Ik19Id-aQyG1W7xBWN7Xtdaf_f2c-nKmWupI/s640/blogger-image--166324697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkQ67uL3llSc49ybu5Y6-7fyYmxHARXekwvpL5g1CEWBbOc8Dy-SzFqihX-T73IqOrFbe5s-T_c00FT75PrTeY8P3XRPdCyI8m-q-PU6Ik19Id-aQyG1W7xBWN7Xtdaf_f2c-nKmWupI/s640/blogger-image--166324697.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCimNVhxU12HOa1GpMD5Z0sdRCLoaCYrUVOkAbA-hFwtygjTcr8UWaocZ-dZdi-KqsWf9ZnJ5HMAxJBW0A5gJaVkbWtajvVHW1_BBHSlsgcL9tgqoBeNn9vcKKB8RweTOJasSLQ1H2Ig4/s640/blogger-image-817555812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCimNVhxU12HOa1GpMD5Z0sdRCLoaCYrUVOkAbA-hFwtygjTcr8UWaocZ-dZdi-KqsWf9ZnJ5HMAxJBW0A5gJaVkbWtajvVHW1_BBHSlsgcL9tgqoBeNn9vcKKB8RweTOJasSLQ1H2Ig4/s640/blogger-image-817555812.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Fraser Island - worth the hype?</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At 126km long and 22km wide at its widest point, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. Made up of 98% sand and 2% rock, it sounds pretty impressive, especially when there are entire rain forests growing out of pure sand. Fraser Island has been carved into the backpacker route for years, but does it live up to the hype?</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BYDfiF9jPWMlZVgnnB6slC3-Uo833ljX_wVxWo83YsLcJe3kLrEXVzouO94O9sTiBLXqgxrU89Zq5-NIx9fPGwmygmf6nzatIn11oytzk6gd7c9dnM8eEVmhA10eQS-B3ahwbyJ1pN8/s640/blogger-image--456481723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BYDfiF9jPWMlZVgnnB6slC3-Uo833ljX_wVxWo83YsLcJe3kLrEXVzouO94O9sTiBLXqgxrU89Zq5-NIx9fPGwmygmf6nzatIn11oytzk6gd7c9dnM8eEVmhA10eQS-B3ahwbyJ1pN8/s640/blogger-image--456481723.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Beautiful Lake McKenzie - just a shame I couldn't see it in the sun</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aID0VY2D5IzTY2C_3YV7aDZOpZHk50z_peH3s6a_CYctJjS78Fm4EIQoZqcGK9e44cGl_duXvti2Vseo6shgg3XNkjtzzL8nP348ZUrb_byyXjDFq9QQCcVgvQ4c5O0aeIHI65s1Vhs/s640/blogger-image--1292471765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aID0VY2D5IzTY2C_3YV7aDZOpZHk50z_peH3s6a_CYctJjS78Fm4EIQoZqcGK9e44cGl_duXvti2Vseo6shgg3XNkjtzzL8nP348ZUrb_byyXjDFq9QQCcVgvQ4c5O0aeIHI65s1Vhs/s640/blogger-image--1292471765.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatTGzUqr1ZDFW8pg4cwLs27rpvUhGk6hLFBgonCj0DIHIpN7VKOac07FSWl56eBadjf5Jqs09nOsjid-r62wqSe4sNWG7-bqcuYhtbI4OpeQolCl8xpULlY8nlgJOOdRf-wKcp9eOsbw/s640/blogger-image--1763003414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatTGzUqr1ZDFW8pg4cwLs27rpvUhGk6hLFBgonCj0DIHIpN7VKOac07FSWl56eBadjf5Jqs09nOsjid-r62wqSe4sNWG7-bqcuYhtbI4OpeQolCl8xpULlY8nlgJOOdRf-wKcp9eOsbw/s640/blogger-image--1763003414.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Crystal clear creeks flowing through lush sub-tropical rainforest</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjABI0k-HRi48HEOlmgpAKi-1Dt6X33uXR7_LqogU7VgAJL8Fvb2FgV1fCDjCdqV-WWzeQecm7LSCGiuVEjQAosnv3CuofBd7HgiqLL7viPW2G2kO-i_2FZ0ehMszB8OvLi4T7HtsYs2s/s640/blogger-image-547247328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjABI0k-HRi48HEOlmgpAKi-1Dt6X33uXR7_LqogU7VgAJL8Fvb2FgV1fCDjCdqV-WWzeQecm7LSCGiuVEjQAosnv3CuofBd7HgiqLL7viPW2G2kO-i_2FZ0ehMszB8OvLi4T7HtsYs2s/s640/blogger-image-547247328.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A shipwreck from 1935</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZNiA52qa8t30t3eTQtSAj55TvZXGfiBROlwPlfYuNFnW1cCZmXk_OJ6v6DOoAV00MFGQBL71wCJ51BdR58AsmbOkXVYSDxjM8NFuYeRkKOETc_3sCrepLnsq70FjYHhRrZHL7USBUqE/s640/blogger-image-436711522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZNiA52qa8t30t3eTQtSAj55TvZXGfiBROlwPlfYuNFnW1cCZmXk_OJ6v6DOoAV00MFGQBL71wCJ51BdR58AsmbOkXVYSDxjM8NFuYeRkKOETc_3sCrepLnsq70FjYHhRrZHL7USBUqE/s640/blogger-image-436711522.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRKHJXkc8uQRCSq-fjNooOV9t_bIRu3ZnRokkdpyfNOfoPCTI7oFskF7BN62lvsefEXr8MF2fHzWG3uyXYWt0eTU5nu1ZmRlDxZRAi-OiZVG72DpCk7j7nquw65hzGlIoCMxFNeNZtW4/s640/blogger-image-1668642638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRKHJXkc8uQRCSq-fjNooOV9t_bIRu3ZnRokkdpyfNOfoPCTI7oFskF7BN62lvsefEXr8MF2fHzWG3uyXYWt0eTU5nu1ZmRlDxZRAi-OiZVG72DpCk7j7nquw65hzGlIoCMxFNeNZtW4/s640/blogger-image-1668642638.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Rock like formations made entirely from sand</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4dVGB1NzAjngEUxHEY17mNzjebBEFDrah8kyjt4ynsmPjEop674o9eO40-mVn3HMkAszGeYATnlMXXCAJ9baq-AbYvLbzc50CGQCAdfZFCvxLScusnGsFSFnT2B5lrZMlAnSHtucrzU/s640/blogger-image--254774300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4dVGB1NzAjngEUxHEY17mNzjebBEFDrah8kyjt4ynsmPjEop674o9eO40-mVn3HMkAszGeYATnlMXXCAJ9baq-AbYvLbzc50CGQCAdfZFCvxLScusnGsFSFnT2B5lrZMlAnSHtucrzU/s640/blogger-image--254774300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganMjZB2qXD9w9FZTbOmmliaspC-Vx9rfCwTfDNncBDNwpGqEHe6ZeOn52N9fSTRWfDVFNOGOLL0105Q1y4YCMjCeRU8xL33UljLlSBGp_4v1M3_znl2zHLEX6Yee-WbnJ-4t2kYim6Mo/s640/blogger-image--1310841855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganMjZB2qXD9w9FZTbOmmliaspC-Vx9rfCwTfDNncBDNwpGqEHe6ZeOn52N9fSTRWfDVFNOGOLL0105Q1y4YCMjCeRU8xL33UljLlSBGp_4v1M3_znl2zHLEX6Yee-WbnJ-4t2kYim6Mo/s640/blogger-image--1310841855.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhtnGkmeoCJv5-vo-18lqntuInTwnoW3N6PgMxp5aKTQwHzoy8IXBOMrbBx5YdfsnLrnk1swT6MMiFxKjG015b3XH6u5VzJB3LjaIXT6wsmTi1aovysx9eAXkgaclyqY1knPNDfaEHmQ/s640/blogger-image-1560872519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhtnGkmeoCJv5-vo-18lqntuInTwnoW3N6PgMxp5aKTQwHzoy8IXBOMrbBx5YdfsnLrnk1swT6MMiFxKjG015b3XH6u5VzJB3LjaIXT6wsmTi1aovysx9eAXkgaclyqY1knPNDfaEHmQ/s640/blogger-image-1560872519.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Dingo spotting!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm glad I saw Fraser Island but I'm equally relieved I didn't book onto a 2 or 3 day overnight trip; it's not AMAZING as many people would have you believe. Of course, that's just one girl's opinion. I would also go from Noosa next time because there's nothing to do in Rainbow Beach...especially when it's raining! Next stop, Hervey Bay...got a couple of phone calls lined up for potential whale watching jobs :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-84803221406403912602015-05-17T18:07:00.003-07:002015-05-17T18:18:24.698-07:00Cutting loose in Noos-a<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I've come back to Oz, it's felt like I've been on holiday rather than travelling - yes, there's a difference! </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The four days I spent in Noosa were akin to an actual beach holiday, with much of my time dedicated solely to tanning on Main Beach. I did muster up the energy to take myself on a leisurely walk along the coastal fringes of Noosa's National Park, and I'm really glad I did because the coves, open ocean and empty beaches were stunning. I'm guilty of overusing this word, I know, but honestly there were times when I couldn't take more than a few steps without having to stop again to soak up the views.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMFdlzWNBE-gpoJ11kRzS0-HOxm34Fw-ycEhF0Pdgg6kgSWtTozFlt-CbWU1qG6HjYdfaBzuhEwwNvBgJI469_aLhmrllyTDAIfedC65Mc5MUr_2eOEuei9WzhxBgvaSxp0jPpyUkD38/s640/blogger-image-719261130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMFdlzWNBE-gpoJ11kRzS0-HOxm34Fw-ycEhF0Pdgg6kgSWtTozFlt-CbWU1qG6HjYdfaBzuhEwwNvBgJI469_aLhmrllyTDAIfedC65Mc5MUr_2eOEuei9WzhxBgvaSxp0jPpyUkD38/s640/blogger-image-719261130.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvc3vRN0MotAynAdY_3rkpMyhZWHiseMcuWqdyZE9gST9B4sn5TIirXR2ZBAAcayU2j3nbxeNrh5mrqOswgzLAyxkbb47qko5nUSkNjUm8e9XwNPIkk0dE23ZEA2_OfUsw85jljlHJo/s640/blogger-image--823907537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvc3vRN0MotAynAdY_3rkpMyhZWHiseMcuWqdyZE9gST9B4sn5TIirXR2ZBAAcayU2j3nbxeNrh5mrqOswgzLAyxkbb47qko5nUSkNjUm8e9XwNPIkk0dE23ZEA2_OfUsw85jljlHJo/s640/blogger-image--823907537.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IJNBMBEjZ4nGYJGi8XbFv54nmcZC0caywFLuVKiamkWT4JIyfCHfOPc-cEL6eLRoGrzwi29hUbSkC4SoNzhPlupF3Y_-jnZrxFXYZNvrzfHXDVonr_1I9HYbNwJoZqd3MlCFDM2mQko/s640/blogger-image--1109227229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IJNBMBEjZ4nGYJGi8XbFv54nmcZC0caywFLuVKiamkWT4JIyfCHfOPc-cEL6eLRoGrzwi29hUbSkC4SoNzhPlupF3Y_-jnZrxFXYZNvrzfHXDVonr_1I9HYbNwJoZqd3MlCFDM2mQko/s640/blogger-image--1109227229.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ7OmmpFQNNdVi9eDRxUKsveR8lE1vtzW-8vW-DwjVvGV7SFNHWLlaEQoQ3G821p6Z7G1iiWsT3-lBz7aQhu9Gw0LwmUq1hXZSGjvcOIzsVSLQjP3dRuHrNIiCDdyDgxZQLJdgr4QZUk/s640/blogger-image--1102214413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ7OmmpFQNNdVi9eDRxUKsveR8lE1vtzW-8vW-DwjVvGV7SFNHWLlaEQoQ3G821p6Z7G1iiWsT3-lBz7aQhu9Gw0LwmUq1hXZSGjvcOIzsVSLQjP3dRuHrNIiCDdyDgxZQLJdgr4QZUk/s640/blogger-image--1102214413.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To top it all off, just as I was nearing the end of the trail I spotted two wild dolphins - possibly a mother and calf as one looked teeny tiny :)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those of you who have me on Facebook will know I attempted a surf lesson too - I'm just going to copy and paste my post-surf status here because it sums it up quite nicely: </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">'<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today I caught my first wave and made it all the way to the beach standing up! Shame that was the first wave into the lesson and I spent the next hour bellyflopping on the water, swallowing half the sea, trying to fish my contact lens out of the far side of my eye (fun fact: being half blind does not make you a good surfer) - oh, and worst of all I stood chatting to my instructor completely oblivious that the waves had forced my rash vest and bikini top right up to my shoulders. Smooth. No wonder he got so talkative all of a sudden! To add insult to injury, the only photo of me with a surfboard has turned me into an Aryan female Hitler. Might take a rain check on a second lesson...'</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv37mhK7qrOYNKpiuDUVtKm9JI7pimSe-5ZjKnfCgNnknU-mp3FoV28E0rb85wH8lSGsyQjnNYy0v9Eao_MoEtr5tQweHb-6uFunlPF-_4075CTFl1i1U8MERdIcgweHfvIlxentdlqk/s640/blogger-image-1338490244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv37mhK7qrOYNKpiuDUVtKm9JI7pimSe-5ZjKnfCgNnknU-mp3FoV28E0rb85wH8lSGsyQjnNYy0v9Eao_MoEtr5tQweHb-6uFunlPF-_4075CTFl1i1U8MERdIcgweHfvIlxentdlqk/s640/blogger-image-1338490244.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As well as being super relaxing, it was a pretty productive few days. I entered a travel writing competition which I'm really crossing my fingers for - the prize is the opportunity to become a Features Writer for Rough Guides, and a £2000 travel voucher! I also started looking into whale watching boats up the coast and sending out emails to see whether they're looking for staff. I'd assumed I would go back to Melbourne after seeing the east coast but the wintery weather is scarily similar to London so...it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to head south. We'll see anyway, depends where the jobs are!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6lAT5hQ820Hrr94OQTX7F4qmv88_ROc-C-RXs7Hudt_2D4yU17VgH-OJDmEwZA7jytlmgRV7cSxaiiXWtXwPMAm7gUJWfeQ4f83FuAatYX716QyX7tUrI940S8yjGq0xPGd4cnmUnfs/s640/blogger-image--819675070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6lAT5hQ820Hrr94OQTX7F4qmv88_ROc-C-RXs7Hudt_2D4yU17VgH-OJDmEwZA7jytlmgRV7cSxaiiXWtXwPMAm7gUJWfeQ4f83FuAatYX716QyX7tUrI940S8yjGq0xPGd4cnmUnfs/s640/blogger-image--819675070.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-82399199792936656872015-05-11T01:52:00.001-07:002015-05-25T23:23:16.311-07:00Why it's so tough staying healthy on the road<div style="text-align: justify;">
Weight-wise, going travelling is like going to uni: you either lose a few kilos because you're not eating properly, or you pack them on...because you're not eating properly. New and exotic foods are one of the highlights of travel but foreign flavours, spices and aromas aren't the only things throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to maintaining a steady weight. I've put on 3kg in the past 6 months and - slowing metabolism now I'm officially in my mid-20s (sob) aside - here are the reasons why.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>(Not so) clean eating</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1) Hostel kitchens are so busy! I've managed to sort a healthy brekky for the most part as I only need the microwave for 2 mins, but when dinner time swings around, enter that kitchen at your peril. Unless you're cool waiting until 9 or 10pm to cook, forget it (especially in hostels with long term residents). This is when cheap, easy options like $5 pizza or the Maccas down the road start calling. You may not feel great about yourself afterwards but hey, it's food and you're on a budget. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) Early starts and late night = increased calorie intake. When you're up early (for day trips, activities or just to make the most of the day) and going to bed late (room sharing and general hostel noise), you eat more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIWXCT-NKzUleVJpkYz_taIvzFVRTDtN5oD1tlVScQ9KOWeZtRy8r_i4fJR_pKFnRF0rNVGX4vS_5FAjuiYkn4mOuR1LF2rCTw8UWHRA_9VSPEXmdz9BaFgSWeiSjaSa3KmPVBkgfkQU/s640/blogger-image-1853731764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIWXCT-NKzUleVJpkYz_taIvzFVRTDtN5oD1tlVScQ9KOWeZtRy8r_i4fJR_pKFnRF0rNVGX4vS_5FAjuiYkn4mOuR1LF2rCTw8UWHRA_9VSPEXmdz9BaFgSWeiSjaSa3KmPVBkgfkQU/s640/blogger-image-1853731764.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>http://m.quickmeme.com/img/16/165e61f6ee7c9b017610bfad7eba7eb02a3a309cd176a6b0429fb5ef88297467.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3) Sometimes you don't know when your next meal will be. Will there be food on my flight? When will they serve the meal? Immediately or in a few hours? Will there be places to get food after I've touched down and checked into my hostel? It's unlikely you're going to starve but you can't help worrying about it anyway, so you eat more regularly than usual and stock up on snacks just in case. I like to be particularly careful because I get the shakes and feel pretty ill when I haven't eaten for a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4) You get sick of hearing 'Table for 1?'. For whatever reasons, sometimes you just don't want to dine at a restaurant alone. Outcome: say ciao to that healthy chicken dish and side of seasonal veggies and oh heyyy (again) to a 6-inch Subway or double cheeseburger meal - not only can you take these away to eat on the beach or in a park away from annoyingly curious busybodies giving you a weird look but it's also more 'socially acceptable' to eat alone at fast food outlets. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYFCvuFPEH9DfNi4Gz86n7IszZv8qcCIFWCj2de3DXJTr5IdY7auULm9nf30UL1JWebhrDavwSe7ZzaF40tCxtR78Z2am-dOZQ9ymIgXyiNzp5zHwXAa6M3AfWyjDDY3KYQaVtyp-k9o/s640/blogger-image-870793852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYFCvuFPEH9DfNi4Gz86n7IszZv8qcCIFWCj2de3DXJTr5IdY7auULm9nf30UL1JWebhrDavwSe7ZzaF40tCxtR78Z2am-dOZQ9ymIgXyiNzp5zHwXAa6M3AfWyjDDY3KYQaVtyp-k9o/s640/blogger-image-870793852.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://wendalicious.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/eating-alone.jpg</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5) Booze - the biggest waist expanding hazard backpackers have to contend with. The travel/hostel culture lends itself to drinking on a regular basis, although having said this I've been off the booze since I landed in NZ (April 5) and haven't shifted any weight :(</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6) You don't drink nearly enough water. Whether you're on a walking trail, strolling along the beach or on a long coach trip, your next loo stop is never a sure thing. Plus some drivers (mostly male) seem to think that a 5 min toilet break is plenty - err, have you seen the queues outside the ladies? Obviously it's just not enough time, so for fear of the coach driving off without me I go 8 hours actively trying not to drink. Not good! On the plus side, I've been sticking stoically to water to save money, except for the odd hot chocolate on chilly evenings to warm up (and go on a data rampage using the free Starbucks wifi). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYG8-w2iuoRaNAj2-Rb739DC3W-Id43vI41c1CToi1zbAFWZz38iemw7J9VJwzDcC5fsHdMQNr-XE-_IKCtJA6QqTvC9mSenIvJYmz9EcBqiLKPyinAqSpJo7TfwDLzSO1kOnnb5ksr8/s640/blogger-image-862013009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYG8-w2iuoRaNAj2-Rb739DC3W-Id43vI41c1CToi1zbAFWZz38iemw7J9VJwzDcC5fsHdMQNr-XE-_IKCtJA6QqTvC9mSenIvJYmz9EcBqiLKPyinAqSpJo7TfwDLzSO1kOnnb5ksr8/s640/blogger-image-862013009.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>http://imperfectlynatural.com/images/Front_20image_drinking_water.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Burning cals</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like to think I'm pretty active when I'm travelling. Time spent on coaches/in airports aside, I spend a lot of time on my feet: for me, walking is the best way to get to know a new place and stumble upon little known gems that you won't find in a guidebook. If there are hiking trails, I'm on them. If there's a hill or a mountain, I'll climb it. If there's a beach, I'll go for a long power walk by the ocean. But, according to the scales, this isn't cutting it. Why is it so tough to get the cals in/cals out balance right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1) You're not in a routine. This is a blessing and a curse in disguise: while it's ace doing something new every day, it throws any kind of routine totally out of synch, making it hard to get into the habit of working out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) Unless you have money to burn, a steady supply of workout gear or you don't mind the smell of stale sweat, you're at a bit of a dead end. With an average wash and dry, plus laundry powder, setting you back around $10, getting hot and sweaty can be a money as well as a calorie burner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yoMPWgiWCJbde0JQlBx89LHG6KvvK1ifIwdVgWldLx5nmi6P_zY9XlG0MgGEVxE2tqKxmQpaYmxc0r1TCcBs4RTrYrQLYv8qKu32uwhSJ14V2HZnRUzcq3tSygXkydkSzuG5D-VmK6k/s640/blogger-image--249490862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yoMPWgiWCJbde0JQlBx89LHG6KvvK1ifIwdVgWldLx5nmi6P_zY9XlG0MgGEVxE2tqKxmQpaYmxc0r1TCcBs4RTrYrQLYv8qKu32uwhSJ14V2HZnRUzcq3tSygXkydkSzuG5D-VmK6k/s640/blogger-image--249490862.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>https://witnessestohope.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/piles_of_laundry_copy.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3) You're in unfamiliar territory. Unless there's a park, boardwalk or running track right by your hostel, or you've been in the same place long enough to know your way around without consulting a map, working out a running route can be tricky, and the actual run is quite stop and start - not ideal. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And so the diet begins! I've devised a simple plan which involves healthier foods and using hostel kitchens as little as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brekky = oats (2 min microwave) + orange, banana and avocado salad plate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lunch = usually out and about, look for a healthy salad/chicken dish at a cafe </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dinner = rice (2 min microwave) + add tomatoes and canned veg to beef up</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm also on a mission to cut out the sugary tea and hot chocolate - no excuses now I'm in 25 degree C paradise!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXn_EEnrx6TIptJ0ZtNrfDWUt9mQBPXT0OfUzKS1l2VU8ONexpLg7z9eobk0RdG1HNg_Ydrhyphenhyphen25XQTZGyjK06UlqQi_JpIHTNVbK9otHNfIcxvmjqX8FCjjFujcihGDq8qDEkC1GfboA/s640/blogger-image-243286606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXn_EEnrx6TIptJ0ZtNrfDWUt9mQBPXT0OfUzKS1l2VU8ONexpLg7z9eobk0RdG1HNg_Ydrhyphenhyphen25XQTZGyjK06UlqQi_JpIHTNVbK9otHNfIcxvmjqX8FCjjFujcihGDq8qDEkC1GfboA/s640/blogger-image-243286606.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Source: </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>https://madtravelshop.com/sites/madtravelshop.com/files/category_pictures/lake_mackenzie.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-84298978212003112952015-05-11T01:20:00.001-07:002015-05-14T17:19:46.520-07:00Back in Straya: chilling out in beautiful Brisbane :)<div>
If I've been away for a while, the descent into London always puts a smile on my face - I am home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had the same feeling when I flew into Brisbane from Auckland; I was back in Australia, I was home :) Even the smallest thing like a quick trip to Coles made me happy that first day - everything was back to being familiar, the weather was beautiful and I felt a sense of belonging. I love it here!</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
Normally I'm really good at exploring new places but to be perfectly honest I couldn't be bothered doing much at all in the city, so spent most of my time lazing by the city beach and lagoon:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjplKr3usGAfKCQQL5Mh3ZAha8KThYFOt-k9cYvSrvZTYCEvCKFAbd_JDIEErjYuOFQu3RfFF5v-SjYUMK45jtCCdTV5nWw7Ss-r6syNaulngxlNqbiE86rFzSWb6QamfwZm_yhE9n_n4/s640/blogger-image-1458720459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjplKr3usGAfKCQQL5Mh3ZAha8KThYFOt-k9cYvSrvZTYCEvCKFAbd_JDIEErjYuOFQu3RfFF5v-SjYUMK45jtCCdTV5nWw7Ss-r6syNaulngxlNqbiE86rFzSWb6QamfwZm_yhE9n_n4/s640/blogger-image-1458720459.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ITq8WErbynfW2fpVFWNTUzgaB4vmA-4fZYmpwJbj1GWByP9VZuUtPJMGHYsANK87A7b5Eu_Xi252HYdE_Ynls5S2OW6O9tkFwzvzXwKnbeDfRSesm9CzmqXlbvcgbxgvBGb2USxOLdU/s640/blogger-image--848608093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ITq8WErbynfW2fpVFWNTUzgaB4vmA-4fZYmpwJbj1GWByP9VZuUtPJMGHYsANK87A7b5Eu_Xi252HYdE_Ynls5S2OW6O9tkFwzvzXwKnbeDfRSesm9CzmqXlbvcgbxgvBGb2USxOLdU/s640/blogger-image--848608093.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And strolling around the rest of the South Bank which is just lovely:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKw8xUito8u1nId2IICrIrPvocOYwFYQkZ4K62qnFst4TdL6k15bp-GIWH9dybW5iwRFWGrVrbBT6po3EyjdbcxpSWuagUPo-COCIYKjTZEDkqhb3n5e5NKMxp-dcO0Ljld_QLcwD5nw/s640/blogger-image-337167107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKw8xUito8u1nId2IICrIrPvocOYwFYQkZ4K62qnFst4TdL6k15bp-GIWH9dybW5iwRFWGrVrbBT6po3EyjdbcxpSWuagUPo-COCIYKjTZEDkqhb3n5e5NKMxp-dcO0Ljld_QLcwD5nw/s640/blogger-image-337167107.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArn9HJS_EPj6SNMA99JiaFozF4cdK8mHWD2KEZHHekdgmI6ZHhJsc3u2hy6rF6ctap80pwq4DTjMRYHmQ9NkJucwxE-iP7ZXTXhdEQP6AMuIl4jWqIyBRLJzNWvvIS0jF6Q0yxwSJgOE/s640/blogger-image--1875387381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArn9HJS_EPj6SNMA99JiaFozF4cdK8mHWD2KEZHHekdgmI6ZHhJsc3u2hy6rF6ctap80pwq4DTjMRYHmQ9NkJucwxE-iP7ZXTXhdEQP6AMuIl4jWqIyBRLJzNWvvIS0jF6Q0yxwSJgOE/s640/blogger-image--1875387381.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
After 2 days of chilling, I travelled an hour out of the city to Victoria Point to stay with a school friend of my mum's and her family for a few days. From the second I got picked up from the train station to saying my goodbyes, I had the best time - it was so nice to catch up, feel like part of the family, have my own room, enjoy home cooked meals & meals out and generally be looked after for a few days! I even managed to catch up on all the new Game of Thrones episodes including today's - now I can relax for a week without worrying about spoilers!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0je1N6Hd5ms1PvEiiS0HcEoRkDNCtqESzDp7W7uGG74E1p7NeZsXZReilJ0ABZeKKF6RlYcgQLbrbFehKrExUgd-P0Au__QyxOvLG2qry-4w-M34mPN1WrqiF1zbCsSNS2XEDSONoaM/s640/blogger-image--149496245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0je1N6Hd5ms1PvEiiS0HcEoRkDNCtqESzDp7W7uGG74E1p7NeZsXZReilJ0ABZeKKF6RlYcgQLbrbFehKrExUgd-P0Au__QyxOvLG2qry-4w-M34mPN1WrqiF1zbCsSNS2XEDSONoaM/s640/blogger-image--149496245.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqx5h47uPZfe2FqdGxFfgfkfp-HEPrB6fLlgWCO6j_1l83gYNWY9G-EtasXo6a6nvLUHDV6SaOMuC_q6FqDThJU73wvjAAWxfjRveY0IdwToEf1yg3RZtCCP7SZ7h85BEdabcgo4JJwI/s640/blogger-image--45591723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqx5h47uPZfe2FqdGxFfgfkfp-HEPrB6fLlgWCO6j_1l83gYNWY9G-EtasXo6a6nvLUHDV6SaOMuC_q6FqDThJU73wvjAAWxfjRveY0IdwToEf1yg3RZtCCP7SZ7h85BEdabcgo4JJwI/s640/blogger-image--45591723.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>A champagne welcome!</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONQ0N0pQMLBsFm-yf7FU-jF03SvrfHVPSz7kIJ7PpQN1l1syZAytorS-pq3iAU4XimjCONor_H0PioPDMQZ4KWuvRAP71v32cNwzG7DlBv9JNFDk6o_WoCvLYlHtvtwLyhF0TiU0P6dg/s640/blogger-image--1191432005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONQ0N0pQMLBsFm-yf7FU-jF03SvrfHVPSz7kIJ7PpQN1l1syZAytorS-pq3iAU4XimjCONor_H0PioPDMQZ4KWuvRAP71v32cNwzG7DlBv9JNFDk6o_WoCvLYlHtvtwLyhF0TiU0P6dg/s640/blogger-image--1191432005.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>I discovered a newfound love of macadamia nuts - and tofu later in the week </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPCzPRwpqayKQVwhlOk9dc475G-vpcmi8111KHxdk1S241lbvWE45EHeFYbENmaqRGSQzmROF04AMm1djL0PyWFsnydpfM86KBdbTjeiq-nJ5e3fnQrhMiXr1EyXnUaDgnamsk6mvY9A/s640/blogger-image-1334762220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPCzPRwpqayKQVwhlOk9dc475G-vpcmi8111KHxdk1S241lbvWE45EHeFYbENmaqRGSQzmROF04AMm1djL0PyWFsnydpfM86KBdbTjeiq-nJ5e3fnQrhMiXr1EyXnUaDgnamsk6mvY9A/s640/blogger-image-1334762220.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Surfer's Paradise</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBz0xebXDRCgoJZy2YyGkRXYUC_r5DnYi2NR4Op7Xmi1aqNECFCdF_aUkBgjkoLpYe2kHfbPHSPy9x4cUmGUW19_BzCDJWscEq6jIYwPzxXRVJbEwlz-donAarI0gSDzosGegchyphenhyphenkQRE/s640/blogger-image-440981096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBz0xebXDRCgoJZy2YyGkRXYUC_r5DnYi2NR4Op7Xmi1aqNECFCdF_aUkBgjkoLpYe2kHfbPHSPy9x4cUmGUW19_BzCDJWscEq6jIYwPzxXRVJbEwlz-donAarI0gSDzosGegchyphenhyphenkQRE/s640/blogger-image-440981096.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Burying my feet in the sand so I look taller. Needs must </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwDM55kWkR3xDFt-j3jjR8MTCffJgPXtmZthdVFcZsoTQ9k3EfXh8Tp4JNxPaIOyhGamPqiM2aPIsnbXoey21aQi6aZpKXnQIOGV2s4OJB3dhtORne1s4vFD-T8_XDW-sl39_OS-jLpY/s640/blogger-image-355100362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwDM55kWkR3xDFt-j3jjR8MTCffJgPXtmZthdVFcZsoTQ9k3EfXh8Tp4JNxPaIOyhGamPqiM2aPIsnbXoey21aQi6aZpKXnQIOGV2s4OJB3dhtORne1s4vFD-T8_XDW-sl39_OS-jLpY/s640/blogger-image-355100362.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>aaaaand back to being a short arse</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtGfadaUb7M2zMG1zWi7w9sq1n5ZF4j5cvBs6QJEOGMf61BrU_YpvcUGJBqj-jenWU95kSfb-zUE2y1tZbieZcmsgMRLJ_1VncW1soVtPlG6IeNNhUZQyAIWMo8ziRYIQ80KMTA7Gmf8/s640/blogger-image--1007572219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtGfadaUb7M2zMG1zWi7w9sq1n5ZF4j5cvBs6QJEOGMf61BrU_YpvcUGJBqj-jenWU95kSfb-zUE2y1tZbieZcmsgMRLJ_1VncW1soVtPlG6IeNNhUZQyAIWMo8ziRYIQ80KMTA7Gmf8/s640/blogger-image--1007572219.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Between strolls on the beach, leisurely lunches, visiting a gorgeous eco-village, beautiful sunsets, kangaroos & wallabies, good company and all the home comforts, I'm really sad to leave! It's been wonderful and I've been spoilt rotten with wine, bubbles, meals out and lovely home cooked food. I have to start working my way up the coast to make my Fraser Island and Whitsundays trips, although I have an open invitation so might pop back at some point :) <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next stop, Sunshine Coast! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-89181117430122303472015-05-06T17:20:00.000-07:002015-05-14T17:21:11.843-07:00Auckland adventures<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Have you got a map of the city I could take please?' I ask a friendly looking member of staff in the Auckland bus terminal.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'No, sorry...where do you need to go?'</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'131 Beach Road. The Station Backpackers.' I then stand and listen to her well-meaning but rather jumbled directions, knowing I will have to ask someone else immediately after exiting the building. The way she's describing it, my hostel is located approximately five hundred thousand miles away, so I ask whether it's best to get a taxi.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Hmm...maybe,' she replies. 'Let me just show you how far we're talking.' She rummages around for a minute before FINDING A MAP and placing it down on the counter in front of me. I look at her in disbelief.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Erm, can I take this?'</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Yes of course,' she answers, cheerfully oblivious to what's just happened. Sigh. I go on my way, chuckling to myself firstly on account of this and secondly because I've spotted a skyscraper with the word 'Babbage' emblazoned in huge letters across the top and it reminds me of minions. Bapple?</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stupidities aside, here's what I got up to in Auckland:</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Whale & dolphin safari</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whale watching! Finally! Wooho...no. Four hours on the water and NO whales. Boo! Cancelled in Kaikoura and now this, I'm not doing too well with marine mammals over here. However, we saw lots of Common Dolphins and hundreds of sea birds all feeding in the same small area, which was quite a sight - I felt like I'd stepped into the making of Blue Planet. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenFjgkQ-YCkvPYqCOibI4DnODgWwiLqgoa2HEeBEZaP4NGqfYXoZJ2JgPFdjK2giCRSqtaKIUFdsZpBAfcFrEUDxXOc5YTTUqYJlvvQLa7QAmCAyOPSoA-ptUOaX0I0aSvIWkoF0tG18/s640/blogger-image--392527668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenFjgkQ-YCkvPYqCOibI4DnODgWwiLqgoa2HEeBEZaP4NGqfYXoZJ2JgPFdjK2giCRSqtaKIUFdsZpBAfcFrEUDxXOc5YTTUqYJlvvQLa7QAmCAyOPSoA-ptUOaX0I0aSvIWkoF0tG18/s640/blogger-image--392527668.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It was hard to tell where the sea ended and the sky began</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPHu5y09XMFCpZ6kZnuetgeF_M67CRd1uUBylbErkZFokTKU-s0dO7UeToCGRdvszVGH-yJP-76FlOyWEE6XXGPz_KwBtpCL3cLW9ByMXxpIwhimBcqEKfZwhYxTJAXsMpP-zODFkWCE/s640/blogger-image-965072996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPHu5y09XMFCpZ6kZnuetgeF_M67CRd1uUBylbErkZFokTKU-s0dO7UeToCGRdvszVGH-yJP-76FlOyWEE6XXGPz_KwBtpCL3cLW9ByMXxpIwhimBcqEKfZwhYxTJAXsMpP-zODFkWCE/s640/blogger-image-965072996.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbat4QtefE-ZNvMvbJwo_kF7iyVyk_cZZkYxExElJ97ZYm3UfBntMbL0PAKwb3HQjrfyBUzYWPdQxafQPg0Dqx7z6EZ3ohioTuO7ugDgkZFKbhdFQNVVBEl9iGDSahQ-z22Yx5qui9z0U/s640/blogger-image-2119054893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbat4QtefE-ZNvMvbJwo_kF7iyVyk_cZZkYxExElJ97ZYm3UfBntMbL0PAKwb3HQjrfyBUzYWPdQxafQPg0Dqx7z6EZ3ohioTuO7ugDgkZFKbhdFQNVVBEl9iGDSahQ-z22Yx5qui9z0U/s640/blogger-image-2119054893.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFm5f_NlG54qwMtc2CKwGvybu6WIpUnCkNSFdKSopoE8wpaXHEjgZeKnjY_NBBwt0ElXphxAuArm3Ae3ZmsKyzfMdHVsDWdJ26e7Kqb7jv723fUCOzGADMHWGdw6uBlsNPtCgf-BD4qQ/s640/blogger-image-1570864955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFm5f_NlG54qwMtc2CKwGvybu6WIpUnCkNSFdKSopoE8wpaXHEjgZeKnjY_NBBwt0ElXphxAuArm3Ae3ZmsKyzfMdHVsDWdJ26e7Kqb7jv723fUCOzGADMHWGdw6uBlsNPtCgf-BD4qQ/s640/blogger-image-1570864955.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktamKwMJnVJkOthcbIF80lxQvCGUhQLzPy7gtxSgwwnx5Am-qngsGHpAQtqtJ2DHjzD0DWohM1MNPezHZ4GRCMaK8um-gc79xmiMT16BetWREFAXuQ_eQKPAEdEua4ixzNDrsZwnLC8g/s640/blogger-image-1927296197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktamKwMJnVJkOthcbIF80lxQvCGUhQLzPy7gtxSgwwnx5Am-qngsGHpAQtqtJ2DHjzD0DWohM1MNPezHZ4GRCMaK8um-gc79xmiMT16BetWREFAXuQ_eQKPAEdEua4ixzNDrsZwnLC8g/s640/blogger-image-1927296197.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While I was gutted to miss out on whales again, I didn't mind that I'd spent more money seeing dolphins in the wild; the cash helps to fund wildlife safaris that are eco-friendly and treat marine mammals with care & respect - heaps better than seeing them in captivity which shaves a horrible number of years off their average life span (around 40 in the wild and more like 5 in places like Sea World...where apparently trainers use starvation techniques to coerce them into doing tricks like jumping through hoops and all that. So cruel).</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Black water rafting</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I was in Auckland, I decided to spent my second day black water rafting through glow worm lit caves 3 hours away in Waitomo. As you do! It was a <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6.30am pick up so a very early start but SO worth it. When the (awesome) guide asked how I'd found the whole experience, I replied that it was one of the best things I've done, and I genuinely think it is. As well as having amazing fun, it made me realise that I need to try new things, be more adventurous and push myself out of my comfort zone more often! The first challenge was getting into a wet wetsuit, which is much harder than it sounds (although far worse by miles is taking off a wet wetsuit in front of a bunch of strangers and your bikini almost coming off with it). We had a practice jump off a waterfall in our tubes/rubber rings and then headed for the Ruakuri Cave, where we waded through the river, floated down it in near silence gazing in awe at the glow worms above and jumped backwards off a couple of waterfalls for good measure! The floor was uneven, the darkness meant we didn't know where we were putting our feet and it was rather chilly - did I mention there are also eels in the water? - but all the challenges upped the fun factor and made me feel even more proud of myself at the end! We were told to turn off our head torches near the end and find our way out of the cave in the dark using the GPS (glow worm positioning system) i.e. follow the trail of glow worms above which mirrors the curves of the river. At one point we had to tube through parts of the cave with a very low ceiling, using our fingertips to pull ourselves through. Such an epic new experience. I'm so glad I did this!! </span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTWMJ3K75_c62jGhVWL85ZZdcFkEXesbYsg1LiRjZdlfMW2TwH_dIzTR0e9C5yB_HZH1PK5D1_1xTx6Np-1fSLUg2LC0ZA5VHYDTgVcT8SPT7qY6cZFGGwftPy3L0kp0DpkZyrJeATZA/s1600/P4230005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTWMJ3K75_c62jGhVWL85ZZdcFkEXesbYsg1LiRjZdlfMW2TwH_dIzTR0e9C5yB_HZH1PK5D1_1xTx6Np-1fSLUg2LC0ZA5VHYDTgVcT8SPT7qY6cZFGGwftPy3L0kp0DpkZyrJeATZA/s1600/P4230005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictJ1AXB6of_hv_vYK537zydv0_xJ3_JlFeo1fMKAgfUZov-HmcUOXZWXFJwjgS99h3gCsMjrBJXo039NM6eqACnMDxOdK1I8kQ1DpOYCH2M_37XKv8B5O2f40-Ox1iHzApuZlp09tzRk/s1600/P4230031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictJ1AXB6of_hv_vYK537zydv0_xJ3_JlFeo1fMKAgfUZov-HmcUOXZWXFJwjgS99h3gCsMjrBJXo039NM6eqACnMDxOdK1I8kQ1DpOYCH2M_37XKv8B5O2f40-Ox1iHzApuZlp09tzRk/s1600/P4230031.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_y1cnzRBv1ANCWPz0n-R4S_FN9Y_2g0ibURnY4j5HLlCykQ1mwuBOR1l3V0uG55HkbYq9VcUMxQTzkvFAFiW4aa0yVgAgkfD3o5B_alYGeEhIkvs5UaXidnVn_eLRloM6uPcX60MrVU/s1600/P4230056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_y1cnzRBv1ANCWPz0n-R4S_FN9Y_2g0ibURnY4j5HLlCykQ1mwuBOR1l3V0uG55HkbYq9VcUMxQTzkvFAFiW4aa0yVgAgkfD3o5B_alYGeEhIkvs5UaXidnVn_eLRloM6uPcX60MrVU/s1600/P4230056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zmgHMKD5kjAQJ8x_gBwRkOL4mqZbnmssi6wloSaoRt960esTwBN4EudLRctJlaVSQ-7z63gzMi6fS4B3AUgz85APJPBF3ic_Dm312PYsQmSRF5p5lgIwVheFj7h1-PrJxZyKm1jnXPs/s1600/P4230061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zmgHMKD5kjAQJ8x_gBwRkOL4mqZbnmssi6wloSaoRt960esTwBN4EudLRctJlaVSQ-7z63gzMi6fS4B3AUgz85APJPBF3ic_Dm312PYsQmSRF5p5lgIwVheFj7h1-PrJxZyKm1jnXPs/s1600/P4230061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Flattering...</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYi38iMNAn5DNaedYB6J_65Cbl-EuHIplG7-z5LEzyeCjpudj5WgddUGi53s2X6JIl7A6tXFrWNpj3F6E5HtkSIoY9nA_4CvZKM05z9We6ZLTgDqUFxHjKpueeZ6hsimIFjmCQmwbMAc/s1600/P4230001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYi38iMNAn5DNaedYB6J_65Cbl-EuHIplG7-z5LEzyeCjpudj5WgddUGi53s2X6JIl7A6tXFrWNpj3F6E5HtkSIoY9nA_4CvZKM05z9We6ZLTgDqUFxHjKpueeZ6hsimIFjmCQmwbMAc/s1600/P4230001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj0ofhUlaCmUhqRbFYYhzCRx_imaaBpUXLT9Ozl1KGOvVxSRPKLoTsgYvUIcbmClXIGrHHkS2JSFIe9e0YclxNGhkZOpps_qE2m4K0XFSJcyeEyaUqD8McsadRe-EAmR0ny5RyRzwu1g/s640/blogger-image-1906824075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj0ofhUlaCmUhqRbFYYhzCRx_imaaBpUXLT9Ozl1KGOvVxSRPKLoTsgYvUIcbmClXIGrHHkS2JSFIe9e0YclxNGhkZOpps_qE2m4K0XFSJcyeEyaUqD8McsadRe-EAmR0ny5RyRzwu1g/s640/blogger-image-1906824075.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Cave exit - pretty sweet view after an hour and a half underground </i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4WIaYZ1nDrBwYyM4MZKmXhby71xwVS03TXdWzYszGqUfouQcz9RpvsxuJ_lyuY1tjl2UeG78ONHfbeLrkMIeOxUuBS5kDxcYfvmeKoB8_8psAqe20NcncNt3wfoW3z5somX6OMfov5k/s640/blogger-image-441304707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4WIaYZ1nDrBwYyM4MZKmXhby71xwVS03TXdWzYszGqUfouQcz9RpvsxuJ_lyuY1tjl2UeG78ONHfbeLrkMIeOxUuBS5kDxcYfvmeKoB8_8psAqe20NcncNt3wfoW3z5somX6OMfov5k/s640/blogger-image-441304707.jpg" /></a></i></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><br />
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">was also lucky enough to go into the Waitomo Cave, which I actually thought was already included but turns out it wasn't - lucky it got thrown in as a freebie because these are the world famous caves that people come to visit from all four corners of the globe. The limestone caves were formed around 30 million years ago (amazing in itself) and are made up almost entirely of ancient fossils and calcium carbonate. They're decorated by myriad stalactites and stalagmites which have formed familiar shapes including a pipe organ and an elephant - and some have even grown crystal layers. We kicked things off with a walk and an introduction to the glow worms, which emit a bright blue light (known as bioluminescence) to attract prey, but what the prey doesn't see is the fine thread hanging down from the pretty blue light, which traps and paralyses them ready for the glow worms (technically still larvae at this stage) to drill a hole in their heads and suck out their insides. Nice! The ceiling of the cave was just absolutely covered in these tiny blue dots; it felt like I was looking up at a starry night sky. We finished the short tour by drifting down the river in a boat in complete silence. I was utterly wowed by the thousands of glow worms above and the beautiful reflections on the still water. My excitement may also have partially been down to the fact that the scene (boat, water, darkness, weird creatures) reminded me of the Harry Potter movie where he goes with Dumbledore to find his first Horcrux! What a day, thank you New Zealand! :)</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">You can't take photos in the cave but here are a couple of Google Images that give you the general idea:</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thriftytours.co.nz/images/uploads/Waitomo_Glowworm_Caves_tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thriftytours.co.nz/images/uploads/Waitomo_Glowworm_Caves_tour.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><i>Source: http://www.thriftytours.co.nz/images/uploads/Waitomo_Glowworm_Caves_tour.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.new-zealand-travel-showcase.com/images/WaitomoGlowwormCavesboatCourtesywaitomo.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.new-zealand-travel-showcase.com/images/WaitomoGlowwormCavesboatCourtesywaitomo.com.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Source: </i></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>http://www.new-zealand-travel-showcase.com/images/WaitomoGlowwormCavesboatCourtesywaitomo.com.jpg</i></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Waiheke Island</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On my last day in Auckland and New Zealand, I jumped on the ferry to Waiheke Island to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I've heard rave reviews about this place but to be honest it wasn't quite the amazing paradise island I expected it to be. A quiet retreat, sure - the entire population seems to be 80+ and I didn't encounter a single person on the walking trail to the village - and it did have a nice beach (below) but other than that I wasn't massively fussed! I think I'm tired; so looking forward to chilling out at Sarah's in Brisbane. I have very little planned other than relaxing, reading and putting a 500 word entry together for a travel writing competition. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPtSrrQgfeWZkfA_2C1l51p3sjuOo5ouASnAtewNm00_QOfWq0qHe-W4Pil7qxaSBYb7muJRWi7I7Z7ypCULkwv2NsnooOXrYIx4cBYqXNEBgC2ui52vJv3UH4UObohpaUFXPZdB2bmA/s640/blogger-image-1939185701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPtSrrQgfeWZkfA_2C1l51p3sjuOo5ouASnAtewNm00_QOfWq0qHe-W4Pil7qxaSBYb7muJRWi7I7Z7ypCULkwv2NsnooOXrYIx4cBYqXNEBgC2ui52vJv3UH4UObohpaUFXPZdB2bmA/s640/blogger-image-1939185701.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite what I've heard, there seems to be a fair amount to do in Auckland, especially if you're outdoorsy. Heaps of islands to explore (I didn't get a chance to see Goat Island which is good for snorkelling or the city's popular volcanic island which I was thinking about kayaking around), lots of wildlife and just generally a buzzing city. This will probably surprise some people but I would definitely choose Auckland over Wellington in terms of a place to settle down. Being able to walk around outside in a T-shirt at 8am has its perks too! That's all folks - thanks for tuning into my New Zealand travels. In the meantime, I've got a flight to Brisbane to catch...see you on the east coast!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-84903871095232033832015-05-04T23:08:00.001-07:002015-05-14T17:19:54.883-07:00Mount Maunganui - home come January?Cape Town, Brazil, New York, Barcelona...there's no shortage of places I've travelled through that have struck me as the perfect place to live. But that was before I'd been to The Mount. In addition to being utterly perfect, it's also the most realistic of the five - Cape Town is too dangerous, there would be visa complications and limitations with New York and Brazil, and my Spanish is so pitifully bad that I've removed it from my resume altogether - adiós Barcelona.<br />
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
The beauty of NZ is that Brits can get a 2 year visa with minimum hassle, and there are no language barriers. And the beauty of The Mount is plain for all to see:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyjsqgtt3TxI9hser6BS4ywJAMbvgzytm9lveEl_C8cYyGgbkBwnIHedH5CCmxudDNkmm6odu5UjpltAAoyx6R6aPcE-CjVoZsB0mPDFymdVMtGP3-taxblQCOy9IOXRiQ4XshB6Ldx4/s640/blogger-image--1211968587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyjsqgtt3TxI9hser6BS4ywJAMbvgzytm9lveEl_C8cYyGgbkBwnIHedH5CCmxudDNkmm6odu5UjpltAAoyx6R6aPcE-CjVoZsB0mPDFymdVMtGP3-taxblQCOy9IOXRiQ4XshB6Ldx4/s640/blogger-image--1211968587.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yJnnhVddoJEpStVSt2zMFPG_EWuPkrWc3SsWLUssmhRetYKEz4FPcCGVb1SCizDWBzNQp26L3kh1IrRo37o3Rdl8cDmWO3TceNvtSipmDDsn1ezd5OhqNi41oHNlEvSE33kYEMrzUKw/s640/blogger-image--876733796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yJnnhVddoJEpStVSt2zMFPG_EWuPkrWc3SsWLUssmhRetYKEz4FPcCGVb1SCizDWBzNQp26L3kh1IrRo37o3Rdl8cDmWO3TceNvtSipmDDsn1ezd5OhqNi41oHNlEvSE33kYEMrzUKw/s640/blogger-image--876733796.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0WCieGo8kN9NzMDDWlx5OqjiUX0_NQw-cX-gxQO0I9DWNra9SyhSajee5oUNtNPfHaK1UkEz4b8svN8Y58a28fUypBlvnvMxNxH6db8AkG2cXIKPx0b9xDa4mtfWStTtaxXjp_v7-GI/s640/blogger-image--1045448253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0WCieGo8kN9NzMDDWlx5OqjiUX0_NQw-cX-gxQO0I9DWNra9SyhSajee5oUNtNPfHaK1UkEz4b8svN8Y58a28fUypBlvnvMxNxH6db8AkG2cXIKPx0b9xDa4mtfWStTtaxXjp_v7-GI/s640/blogger-image--1045448253.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first impression was that it's like a mini Cape Town; the long white soft sand beach and The Mount standing tall in the background of a picture perfect landscape took me straight back to Camps Bay and Table Mountain. The Mount may not match Table Mountain in terms of size (40 mins vs 3 hours to climb) but it's perfect daily hiking material, and the base trail is gorgeous too with crystal clear turquoise water.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3-PElXFdbtmX21_t9S8h3sl-NMC_HBxpT4epKnN39haRJokkFnxvZfJEDCCmN6JapfcIZGvlM5cqgK5PWM6SOyr21F_vAXgwvifTzFDaAqD7sjaPeq0u-IDhaBI9i2BXI_rU0FHuhhA/s640/blogger-image-678306915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3-PElXFdbtmX21_t9S8h3sl-NMC_HBxpT4epKnN39haRJokkFnxvZfJEDCCmN6JapfcIZGvlM5cqgK5PWM6SOyr21F_vAXgwvifTzFDaAqD7sjaPeq0u-IDhaBI9i2BXI_rU0FHuhhA/s640/blogger-image-678306915.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>View from the top of The Mount</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4F2SJmvRlaeroR_rvQHf24vUsXpoH8j747Ch5-ApYElPpJcGRqUfmxPLxZxAauhFEt9KWeWDhu5CaADqffmOaG1sqW5rnZ8F4OS5Jmz8oALnZTFB61DaedBKLSsn4nKNyiXTDUqE9zk/s640/blogger-image--54815218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4F2SJmvRlaeroR_rvQHf24vUsXpoH8j747Ch5-ApYElPpJcGRqUfmxPLxZxAauhFEt9KWeWDhu5CaADqffmOaG1sqW5rnZ8F4OS5Jmz8oALnZTFB61DaedBKLSsn4nKNyiXTDUqE9zk/s640/blogger-image--54815218.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykWAecwyIOLnpaR7z0omxJPCV1dRW3W16XfXD1iKP2D7_062EvfcPsguPQLagtyoal7VTyO6bD-K3pI9iVXZwRJp_BP1oflmiD7xnTpp-BJDO013jdFK6TmZBxFOPJVKsDBOFwzXgq5c/s640/blogger-image--941346956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykWAecwyIOLnpaR7z0omxJPCV1dRW3W16XfXD1iKP2D7_062EvfcPsguPQLagtyoal7VTyO6bD-K3pI9iVXZwRJp_BP1oflmiD7xnTpp-BJDO013jdFK6TmZBxFOPJVKsDBOFwzXgq5c/s640/blogger-image--941346956.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<i>Those blues!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">spent most of my time walking - up and around The Mount and along the endless beach - but there's so much more to do: kayaking, surfing, sailing, paddle boarding etc. Plus with lots of cafes, restaurants, shops and bars it's the perfect fusion of city and the outdoors; big enough to have everything you need (and if not, Tauranga is just down the road) yet small enough to give it the cosy feel of a community. I also have friends there - a lovely Kiwi couple I met in South America just over a year ago - which adds to the temptation. Ooo, decisions!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf93CXKOwY-Wa1_hMmTxaV14973uEkpDoq64w4bX6xVtNOv3BStplt7rFoSJx8iTjsXbmup_OYG_xdsaaCBHye4IjwCj83gwJ8Vjo6mWb5QWduhyphenhyphenaQcEvyfwuH5kejNDbq1flp0zNLsw/s640/blogger-image-189131513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf93CXKOwY-Wa1_hMmTxaV14973uEkpDoq64w4bX6xVtNOv3BStplt7rFoSJx8iTjsXbmup_OYG_xdsaaCBHye4IjwCj83gwJ8Vjo6mWb5QWduhyphenhyphenaQcEvyfwuH5kejNDbq1flp0zNLsw/s640/blogger-image-189131513.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Happy me on the beach - I've always wanted to live somewhere coastal</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Onto my next and final stop in New Zealand - Auckland. Can't believe how fast this month has gone! Heading to Brisbane on Wednesday to plan my Oz travels and stay with a family friend for a few days. Excited to be going back to Straya!</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-51130227982746153512015-04-30T22:14:00.000-07:002015-04-30T22:14:13.457-07:00Tutukaka Coast<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, the joys of having not just your own room but a <i>luxury hotel room</i> on your travels! I was upgraded on arrival to a $169/night room with a view of the marina which was a nice surprise (and worth almost double what I'd actually paid for, sweet as).* Throw in a 32" plasma with Sky TV, a monster DVD collection and a king size bed and there you have it - a very happy Jen who didn't leave the room until 4pm the next day. What, would you?</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXrKpqQHSAjPossewj5atww3cAbF_GufgzMRjl0F-p4K6c_yiXxpSLDeCuMBuHwydRG8lE9qFm17ui3-mPKUMhiGbq66vdI4kDwktLCH5OkE_M7GjlW-xw3wbxk1QqtWi8KenP-4Vnmg/s640/blogger-image-181174917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXrKpqQHSAjPossewj5atww3cAbF_GufgzMRjl0F-p4K6c_yiXxpSLDeCuMBuHwydRG8lE9qFm17ui3-mPKUMhiGbq66vdI4kDwktLCH5OkE_M7GjlW-xw3wbxk1QqtWi8KenP-4Vnmg/s640/blogger-image-181174917.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGLvVbpGYgoeMhB8VWnJ88_gZIVqWe9xCc4JwobDjxPUQ4SZLvYeqUCYOuficjnYKBR5CvuYBcWrFQFaF-gaINav9HnREFzt9trAeKGWMhSj_Cho-rYzX65kAZdcSThubO58SNaeORQE/s640/blogger-image--1537454092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGLvVbpGYgoeMhB8VWnJ88_gZIVqWe9xCc4JwobDjxPUQ4SZLvYeqUCYOuficjnYKBR5CvuYBcWrFQFaF-gaINav9HnREFzt9trAeKGWMhSj_Cho-rYzX65kAZdcSThubO58SNaeORQE/s640/blogger-image--1537454092.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*People throw the word 'flashpacking' around but honestly, there was nowhere else to stay!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Beach walk</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I did eventually get to the point where I felt strongly enough about going outside at least once that I managed to remove my arse from the couch with the intention of doing an hour long walk to the lighthouse, but 'unfortunately' </span>high tide was all like THOU SHALT NOT PASS so I just hung out for a little while on what was left of the beach.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpQXpKBtBkOMJv1OAeiJrhrvTpXsn1Au6jTS1gYJ2oMbancFzK-7dbsMpOKxC9O-88Hxgir5Dkc7ij6XMjQ4anPcBR7HsoEEkqmQGCfkH7A7UwkSHYAvcs0tK7zJr4w_FDEbywuGZNnM/s640/blogger-image--2078742661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpQXpKBtBkOMJv1OAeiJrhrvTpXsn1Au6jTS1gYJ2oMbancFzK-7dbsMpOKxC9O-88Hxgir5Dkc7ij6XMjQ4anPcBR7HsoEEkqmQGCfkH7A7UwkSHYAvcs0tK7zJr4w_FDEbywuGZNnM/s640/blogger-image--2078742661.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKFAuMdB8DUzbAI5yHzOoI8Hx89OrVnGNg3_o0TIdUbIEgoZRSSD8JRdtvqYWqKIE_az1oPi9UuFc7_is4yO9pm-XB9t_0PGB9Osx-7pFA6ty46ocWOIM083isOXHIUWiiybhqkRwBF4/s640/blogger-image--146928458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKFAuMdB8DUzbAI5yHzOoI8Hx89OrVnGNg3_o0TIdUbIEgoZRSSD8JRdtvqYWqKIE_az1oPi9UuFc7_is4yO9pm-XB9t_0PGB9Osx-7pFA6ty46ocWOIM083isOXHIUWiiybhqkRwBF4/s640/blogger-image--146928458.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UDQ_YVBRB3iCIY94F9gUyHhsyON0LIM3IcdcJ7RgAZwKeTs6cLnQm54ceAzEh_DR9ZwJV9TxNrliKPnh9weA0dbXcXMVAAcpG580YorCNiUyLBGOlR-SmiUUKZDrH_14qhmyByWVaqw/s640/blogger-image-1493591228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UDQ_YVBRB3iCIY94F9gUyHhsyON0LIM3IcdcJ7RgAZwKeTs6cLnQm54ceAzEh_DR9ZwJV9TxNrliKPnh9weA0dbXcXMVAAcpG580YorCNiUyLBGOlR-SmiUUKZDrH_14qhmyByWVaqw/s640/blogger-image-1493591228.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiDvobIlTpj4JxAvjpuy8ERUDNBmPcKCJMa5DdGO_jBf043lFOaoLQDsLPo2K8aIirULcQ7utDBtK21z2DMqFEFiYDr0DubCE2Z-kXQhAIepZuYa0jQcpYSJi8BKr2KhcjwuH0wBIwjg/s640/blogger-image-222723999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiDvobIlTpj4JxAvjpuy8ERUDNBmPcKCJMa5DdGO_jBf043lFOaoLQDsLPo2K8aIirULcQ7utDBtK21z2DMqFEFiYDr0DubCE2Z-kXQhAIepZuYa0jQcpYSJi8BKr2KhcjwuH0wBIwjg/s640/blogger-image-222723999.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipylFFiQJbJWaUEs2_uvnVtfput3A5avCklpiOAuRdRpIrMSGblZMFuee1FlOdTMdNklMJzr2YGCSdIC7-rCOgdXkw7Y0P6NAPc37hnXVu1ffGeRWNhVNjMY2t35eKoVjmTus1pLXoqfQ/s640/blogger-image--1837840806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipylFFiQJbJWaUEs2_uvnVtfput3A5avCklpiOAuRdRpIrMSGblZMFuee1FlOdTMdNklMJzr2YGCSdIC7-rCOgdXkw7Y0P6NAPc37hnXVu1ffGeRWNhVNjMY2t35eKoVjmTus1pLXoqfQ/s640/blogger-image--1837840806.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Snorkelling at the Poor Knights</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The reason I came here was to dive/snorkel at the Poor Knights Islands, which are allegedly one of the top 10 places in the world to do both these things. I must stop believing everything I read - I chickened out of the diving but was assured the snorkelling would be amazing. Amazing? I saw TWO species of fish. And they weren't even that colourful, one was grey and one was a sort of murky blue. The divers had more luck, and I did get some kayaking in, but still, wtf?! The good thing to come out of this is I now know that underwater isn't my thing - while I'm perfectly happy on a boat, being actually in the ocean freaks me right out, as does having big old fish swim right at your face. I was okay (not good but okay) when the visibility was decent and I could see the rocks and fish clearly; it was when I was looking at nothing but blue that the anxiety began to gnaw; when brain went into 'get back to the boat GET BACK TO THE BOAT' mode. I hate not knowing what's underneath me, and I'd just die of fright if something emerged from the blue and I only saw it at the last second. Arghhh. Bit concerning as I'm heading to the Great Barrier Reef in the next few weeks! BUT as well as being warmer, I'm hoping there's going to be such an explosion of life and colour that I'll be far too distracted to panic.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg85QAzUUCo8UyH4PCNAo2RLe4J5t2VMgk8tLFwuiKsvh78z-XBk061u0uB2GdEdhB9xne_PQhAMOOp7Jhjf1C8GPTUHNy4wZzqKeXy_XH1s1Ya-tdBf7IBogj9xi2SsWvTSJ5poz7No/s640/blogger-image-2026183438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg85QAzUUCo8UyH4PCNAo2RLe4J5t2VMgk8tLFwuiKsvh78z-XBk061u0uB2GdEdhB9xne_PQhAMOOp7Jhjf1C8GPTUHNy4wZzqKeXy_XH1s1Ya-tdBf7IBogj9xi2SsWvTSJ5poz7No/s640/blogger-image-2026183438.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-cf17mtthtMbTYjWc-Jx283pLauO5RkAt_eRhMyfeTtS3zCI5ItAVIcJtf24Q_UAS98KIdmHlIKLSWELVq82SXXgokcTrVqOMu6MjLMGXmxiY4oqbl4_2H53lQKtSLmUjwHWPhCUCw4/s640/blogger-image-829989889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-cf17mtthtMbTYjWc-Jx283pLauO5RkAt_eRhMyfeTtS3zCI5ItAVIcJtf24Q_UAS98KIdmHlIKLSWELVq82SXXgokcTrVqOMu6MjLMGXmxiY4oqbl4_2H53lQKtSLmUjwHWPhCUCw4/s640/blogger-image-829989889.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Verdict:</u> Tutukaka was a nice place to chill out for a couple of days but it did suck not having a car. Whale Bay and Matapouri Beach ('apparently' two of the country's most beautiful beaches - although I'm taking this with a pinch of salt) were a 2 hour walk away on a narrow road with no pavement and it would have been equally tricky getting to Ngunguru where the sea kayaking is meant to be good. No such thing as buses or taxis here either! Booooo. The hotel more than made up for this though. Next stop, Mount Maunganui!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-65106796200380129052015-04-25T00:32:00.001-07:002015-04-30T22:27:22.105-07:00Bay of Islands - a slice of paradise?<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Oh wow, you're staying with us for quite a while!'</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Translation: 'What the heck are you going to do here for that long, you crazy fool?'</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Action: Slash stay by half. And I'm glad I did because there's not an awful lot going on in Paihia, the little beach town where most people base themselves to explore the Bay of Islands. Day 1 of 2 was thrown into disarray by my third and final attempt to swim with dolphins - turns out they'd cancelled the morning trip and not bothered to tell me, and when I got onto the boat for the arvo session they told us there's only a 50% chance of swimming with dolphins normally, and because the swell was so big (6ft waves) there was practically no chance. Ruuubbish. I got outta there, got a full refund (woohoo) and did a couple of walks instead, one 6km return coastal trail to Opua:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbImrwvnn-jJ6uCAtNkTa2-hSgg8rB5cP5BdEKWAWBfm-95hgfdpSEoQ-lJdkQV9smRSjcBbb92bB-aAsuzYaD_rRlJHphDHfzT3pefp2dL8oNjk-HIfzl4J1imaj4JiqHohrXguNgZZk/s640/blogger-image--696280454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbImrwvnn-jJ6uCAtNkTa2-hSgg8rB5cP5BdEKWAWBfm-95hgfdpSEoQ-lJdkQV9smRSjcBbb92bB-aAsuzYaD_rRlJHphDHfzT3pefp2dL8oNjk-HIfzl4J1imaj4JiqHohrXguNgZZk/s640/blogger-image--696280454.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...and a 14km return bush walk to Haruru Falls:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEKaoKF1LQz34UpAZh5Itj2QzQ9DHPkJSBFgyil-uc8pkkjRROQfywUTpeXZeYMBezmTfiazoHEJVA5Vy8Y7VopUtvo07DusaB47QstXysU3zapDmnbUpOnDa51T1e5tcCG-L8touJHM/s640/blogger-image--1764265588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEKaoKF1LQz34UpAZh5Itj2QzQ9DHPkJSBFgyil-uc8pkkjRROQfywUTpeXZeYMBezmTfiazoHEJVA5Vy8Y7VopUtvo07DusaB47QstXysU3zapDmnbUpOnDa51T1e5tcCG-L8touJHM/s640/blogger-image--1764265588.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC6qxBCALt4AKm_RlIRUHez5NocFTOns5EvTh143Rlz_jHdY14JX5F0wFLyuHGqi8l2psw5DrqE_AX7x_4QRx8tBMDW_SFaJAzmWN-Lko2NBk_69l6ZZ3XHgFsNgCBG8eCEil911Hvjk/s640/blogger-image-618138565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC6qxBCALt4AKm_RlIRUHez5NocFTOns5EvTh143Rlz_jHdY14JX5F0wFLyuHGqi8l2psw5DrqE_AX7x_4QRx8tBMDW_SFaJAzmWN-Lko2NBk_69l6ZZ3XHgFsNgCBG8eCEil911Hvjk/s640/blogger-image-618138565.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Not quite the day I'd envisaged but got a decent workout and more of a feel for the area. Day 2 was much better: I went on a sailing trip around the Bay in beautiful sunshine. We took it in turns to steer and pull on various ropes to hoist the sail and whatnot until we got to our skipper's favourite island, where I went sea kayaking for the first time. Super fun and a lovely place to chill out for a couple of hours:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNrj9flq-Iu9LbGRIlvLf6z33dSENraZUNpUOfr56R1mlLEz49_jKKk2QIiszZapqxVhGm0JEweSk_6GVEpgktanIKKAmZDlY3FmLTJOqA1nzEGmc-XN6t2MEH3jktM4fKYmYOhBkTA/s640/blogger-image-476932943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNrj9flq-Iu9LbGRIlvLf6z33dSENraZUNpUOfr56R1mlLEz49_jKKk2QIiszZapqxVhGm0JEweSk_6GVEpgktanIKKAmZDlY3FmLTJOqA1nzEGmc-XN6t2MEH3jktM4fKYmYOhBkTA/s640/blogger-image-476932943.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cn7to4LrvjZn_JdPmsJaabSgoWlFm9ncwDnvgxvfMzQicUUs4Cjw7SaRomR9Hl56e24SdVbfCmFSofJfv5psx_siqGDAqvglpaf1ab_v6affIfxu6sgLFAEK0Jq9pGlpzd1UgwXJr9Y/s640/blogger-image--180358279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cn7to4LrvjZn_JdPmsJaabSgoWlFm9ncwDnvgxvfMzQicUUs4Cjw7SaRomR9Hl56e24SdVbfCmFSofJfv5psx_siqGDAqvglpaf1ab_v6affIfxu6sgLFAEK0Jq9pGlpzd1UgwXJr9Y/s640/blogger-image--180358279.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr4SEtN1RbR1oGtKd2ZW9D9lSiM5A8cpdCIheN5ycqCCemWpMhquYV5drjWUe9fYq8m7CVuV8LJO5I8rULVO9IWTKzN65CYVIDc8fT6GRJ7RAz7F7dVf0G-WyJQ0R7AU3AXvkNpmIYNM/s640/blogger-image--1257921252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr4SEtN1RbR1oGtKd2ZW9D9lSiM5A8cpdCIheN5ycqCCemWpMhquYV5drjWUe9fYq8m7CVuV8LJO5I8rULVO9IWTKzN65CYVIDc8fT6GRJ7RAz7F7dVf0G-WyJQ0R7AU3AXvkNpmIYNM/s640/blogger-image--1257921252.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On the way back to Paihia Wharf we sailed past Mr Sky TV's pad (it's rather swish) while the sun coloured my face in an alarming red. Yes, I really should know better by now. And yes, I look like a muppet. All in all, Paihia is nice but not the paradise it's made out to be: in actual fact the ocean is a bit murky due to the surrounding farmland, and while it's better on more distant islands it's hardly crystal clear as promised in the brochures (funny that) and by our skipper. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My next stop is the Tutukaka Coast, about an hour south of Paihia, and apparently it's one of the top 10 places in the world to snorkel and dive. That's not what I'm most excited about though...I'm staying in a hotel! Private room, swimming pool, did I say private room? Ooooo ja. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-47073590756492273722015-04-23T23:09:00.001-07:002015-04-30T22:27:43.603-07:00Windy windy Wellington<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I can certainly say that Wellington lived up to its name; I gave up caring what I looked like about five minutes in and accepted the fact that I would have to embrace a series of eccentric hair styles or be prepared to empty a can of hairspray in 48 hours. As I knew before I'd even arrived - despite peoples' glowing reviews - I found Wellington fairly underwhelming. I feel like it may be one of those places you have to live in to love, but as a visitor I only had 1.5 days and I struggled to fill the hours.</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">On my first afternoon I dragged myself to Te Papa, the museum iSites across the country rave about, and managed to do just under an hour (15 minutes of which was spent in the cafe slurping hot chocolate). I actually ended up going back the next morning to do a Gallipoli exhibition they've assembled ahead of the Anzac Centenary, which was pretty good and very moving. Caught the cable car up to the gardens and planetarium which were nothing to shout about and walked back to the hostel via the waterfront, which was also kinda meh. The evenings were better - took myself out for dinner and a movie* the first night and saw someone I'd met in Picton the next. One 12 hour bus later and I made it up to Auckland! Last city before heading further northwards to the beaches :)</span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>*Omg! You went to the cinema on your OWN? You poor thing. Y u have no friends? So firstly...sitting in a dark room in near silence doesn't exactly scream social; it's perfectly fine going to the movies alone! Secondly, I've really enjoyed having all this 'me' time; honestly, I've been keeping myself to myself for the past couple of weeks to take some time out from everything...think the last few weeks in Melbourne knocked me for six!</i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-14434567895800141652015-04-20T22:15:00.000-07:002015-04-30T22:19:28.263-07:00Beautiful Picton'3 days? What are you going to do for 3 days in Picton?'<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This coming from a Kiwi, I started to question my decision to dedicate 3 of my 31 days in New Zealand to Picton, a small town at the top of the South Island which most people use as a convenient one night stopover before catching the ferry to Wellington.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I needn't have worried; in fact, as soon as I'd dumped my stuff at the hostel and headed out to explore, I knew I'd easily be able to fill my three days. The scenery waiting for me at the waterfront was gorgeous:<br />
<div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNsgcRpYxBxigHPPUbq0TTtH7pTMBjPQthus0SNjWcSIlzUItWlHQpBXoJImTZ_x7-UmsobZ94eP-G5fx51YyWHOH5EzRWtMuKyLz_zP0yA1V3ZdlGtC20q8GtH2KrKJZbPzbNfVb2jI/s640/blogger-image--1044737200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNsgcRpYxBxigHPPUbq0TTtH7pTMBjPQthus0SNjWcSIlzUItWlHQpBXoJImTZ_x7-UmsobZ94eP-G5fx51YyWHOH5EzRWtMuKyLz_zP0yA1V3ZdlGtC20q8GtH2KrKJZbPzbNfVb2jI/s640/blogger-image--1044737200.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Phsb4pSvvIZ6nOsK2CGxWwSaikx_bgey9oqAOTInp40CvUn4bikLtd0fF_utK-BH0I0aCfyP2b-BXlfoWfAEB8vAKettfp5p0gzAXu_eUm-BiUQPT11y4qzSVpa3LkC2h4rpfwYM0g/s640/blogger-image--1211820466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Phsb4pSvvIZ6nOsK2CGxWwSaikx_bgey9oqAOTInp40CvUn4bikLtd0fF_utK-BH0I0aCfyP2b-BXlfoWfAEB8vAKettfp5p0gzAXu_eUm-BiUQPT11y4qzSVpa3LkC2h4rpfwYM0g/s640/blogger-image--1211820466.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And there's heaps more where that came from! What I was most excited about was the dolphin swim, although this unfortunately turned into dolphin viewing :( We did see Hector's Dolphins but they're a protected species so swimming with them is prohibited - but they were in such a playful and sociable mood that watching them hitch rides in the current generated by the boat, swim up close and leap out of the water was super cool.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yIICrGw1KYbRI8Jci5sE01_zT3_BNTAeTWXeb-q9M_l_0PTpsxBiQaqiXBht3rDO0bebRDz6K79XS5WepK_r429p0moppnLi0pjQ_1AfGbc7QEPKtZJT8pcv45PJqegMJmLv-rs2ILI/s640/blogger-image--1516482779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yIICrGw1KYbRI8Jci5sE01_zT3_BNTAeTWXeb-q9M_l_0PTpsxBiQaqiXBht3rDO0bebRDz6K79XS5WepK_r429p0moppnLi0pjQ_1AfGbc7QEPKtZJT8pcv45PJqegMJmLv-rs2ILI/s640/blogger-image--1516482779.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYUWPKq-ac93xnxZtGxeHebwnCUtHkjS9q9f-4wPxX_TK6T0skOsBpbipAiIxW54pVrEjfiv6pQUqVcxoaBjrgvJD9Bqy9gdmDKv5kD2EEY21gNXnHW9PcrwUub1IjidM73hHwSGxTA0/s640/blogger-image-2095537277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYUWPKq-ac93xnxZtGxeHebwnCUtHkjS9q9f-4wPxX_TK6T0skOsBpbipAiIxW54pVrEjfiv6pQUqVcxoaBjrgvJD9Bqy9gdmDKv5kD2EEY21gNXnHW9PcrwUub1IjidM73hHwSGxTA0/s640/blogger-image-2095537277.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIizF2_6iEUxdQAmRI2-RweJUH5Kc-kqFFZYGpwBBCT2W6oFJ8x3kNhgzvDfazfSRnEMjvP2f_dpsAT6TXJisrhYXNwf9YUqn-ZWYGK_snOz6wY-MXDMNCszNI4AuvN17PI0b4RGGLvZA/s640/blogger-image-279186546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIizF2_6iEUxdQAmRI2-RweJUH5Kc-kqFFZYGpwBBCT2W6oFJ8x3kNhgzvDfazfSRnEMjvP2f_dpsAT6TXJisrhYXNwf9YUqn-ZWYGK_snOz6wY-MXDMNCszNI4AuvN17PI0b4RGGLvZA/s640/blogger-image-279186546.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RV0ZV11B9JEJpuyE_wb-Alisjym_FV04hOC_ImnhjsBzMnsjiPLPgze-olBOSd6x6utHIxl-Bm2vQ6QrPgHG6iKtvAWB5JhQqvRqLcSrVV_crYve1AiJEsqN8PieFDPTonu5D_2VpMQ/s640/blogger-image--1937888681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RV0ZV11B9JEJpuyE_wb-Alisjym_FV04hOC_ImnhjsBzMnsjiPLPgze-olBOSd6x6utHIxl-Bm2vQ6QrPgHG6iKtvAWB5JhQqvRqLcSrVV_crYve1AiJEsqN8PieFDPTonu5D_2VpMQ/s640/blogger-image--1937888681.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Dolphins, dolphins everywhere!</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm7E80jv_5WnuBFCnoYvZgoiD1KdZ2z8bTvRX-fuxBKkZJAWt23yYUyyZCII7CduiEa0WEXqIfbGeAOcPmGuDr-pZ1OCHHLtoEpWqVv7o4_vnS1_VNwCGI9y5hW5Vbal8EV4TtMsn6-8/s640/blogger-image--98489166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm7E80jv_5WnuBFCnoYvZgoiD1KdZ2z8bTvRX-fuxBKkZJAWt23yYUyyZCII7CduiEa0WEXqIfbGeAOcPmGuDr-pZ1OCHHLtoEpWqVv7o4_vnS1_VNwCGI9y5hW5Vbal8EV4TtMsn6-8/s640/blogger-image--98489166.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We didn't happen upon Bottlenose or Common dolphins (species you can swim with in NZ) which was a shame, especially as we had a beautiful day for it - warm, clear blue skies and alluring emerald water - but what can you do. Hoping for a third time lucky scenario in the Bay of Islands. Disappointing, but still had a great cruise around the Queen Charlotte Sound and saw other wildlife including fur seals and teeny tiny penguins.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I spent the rest of my time checking out the walking trails Picton has to offer. One afternoon I did a 20k return walk to <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Waikawa Bay which was beautiful:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnvu8UTUhtQbv_wwoHxm4MnrX_dLgwenSYhSNwEB-ziSPSWEqZOzyLXg3g5INQYu8aP88qefPVXJ76oDvypxaZXeERNmoCXuPKWDYdm7hqT9QwGqF7bMnP_-3uPxOgoVUSZieYI2XOo/s640/blogger-image-21282968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnvu8UTUhtQbv_wwoHxm4MnrX_dLgwenSYhSNwEB-ziSPSWEqZOzyLXg3g5INQYu8aP88qefPVXJ76oDvypxaZXeERNmoCXuPKWDYdm7hqT9QwGqF7bMnP_-3uPxOgoVUSZieYI2XOo/s640/blogger-image-21282968.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XZrU0Af-U41m_EnT-kXi-kSuq-s3wqVkCVxkhKf6DTXY8BCBxHA_FPJrjsybAoWRPxca_39oonb7K_ILd5RqLyKGQFx-ynT8SOhN0tF3uFyxwWxO7quJCRXnNff03PKi5ou-Cq7LEx0/s640/blogger-image--276812887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XZrU0Af-U41m_EnT-kXi-kSuq-s3wqVkCVxkhKf6DTXY8BCBxHA_FPJrjsybAoWRPxca_39oonb7K_ILd5RqLyKGQFx-ynT8SOhN0tF3uFyxwWxO7quJCRXnNff03PKi5ou-Cq7LEx0/s640/blogger-image--276812887.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVQioRvrUkhOAQjFYuEZAjydma1GVS2Jl0YeT9UPLw9o6l7cuVorx8NRrY60TicPWNMYAyxLZ0uTtwvXVr2ZDMmS4nGFCD76TRgqAhreUbbiKpiVangrpJ5coVR_QkMWtzQrT6L30gxM/s640/blogger-image-491221024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVQioRvrUkhOAQjFYuEZAjydma1GVS2Jl0YeT9UPLw9o6l7cuVorx8NRrY60TicPWNMYAyxLZ0uTtwvXVr2ZDMmS4nGFCD76TRgqAhreUbbiKpiVangrpJ5coVR_QkMWtzQrT6L30gxM/s640/blogger-image-491221024.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And on my first afternoon I did a 4 hour return trail to The Snout, which boasts stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound. The photos don't really do it justice and didn't come out all that well but here they are anyway:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ4T2D0FFf4wxZF7aaXVGkjNJp9lfgQaqJe0ImuoV3WmiTBJByvj1ap27WsWaVBwaYPimhnFQlhz0bRZrKRi0Qti97Dnhom5-r_-csXEQwl7NZkfnoS3pYNVglK1zQjq7WgrL3p79K-k/s640/blogger-image-1450021150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ4T2D0FFf4wxZF7aaXVGkjNJp9lfgQaqJe0ImuoV3WmiTBJByvj1ap27WsWaVBwaYPimhnFQlhz0bRZrKRi0Qti97Dnhom5-r_-csXEQwl7NZkfnoS3pYNVglK1zQjq7WgrL3p79K-k/s640/blogger-image-1450021150.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV_JyF7-ykI0NY72UtgrzHXOpCAOEO9glLcYMdRFwAWKfDnnfEz2lPTwIDqGs0pWJqDw1Xj_HttWT7ZzGlT67Wh5HNm-qudcXQ9YBSuMs8lQlgMCMs1gX7rEjJFyuC2itoU7ZsyskMWE/s640/blogger-image--141593323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV_JyF7-ykI0NY72UtgrzHXOpCAOEO9glLcYMdRFwAWKfDnnfEz2lPTwIDqGs0pWJqDw1Xj_HttWT7ZzGlT67Wh5HNm-qudcXQ9YBSuMs8lQlgMCMs1gX7rEjJFyuC2itoU7ZsyskMWE/s640/blogger-image--141593323.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvxVJRJMZ0Bk4EGc6CCrRP7qw1j88zCOKGIsN63Gz1usS2ehcQObKENLwIl0q4i41-1SYo5QlbQorLGCUz19nWoPK4Cq4ki_1KbqObpKBHp0es5HQFuI4bXgrOl5VAj6-HiKvYVQLScA/s640/blogger-image--1412270175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvxVJRJMZ0Bk4EGc6CCrRP7qw1j88zCOKGIsN63Gz1usS2ehcQObKENLwIl0q4i41-1SYo5QlbQorLGCUz19nWoPK4Cq4ki_1KbqObpKBHp0es5HQFuI4bXgrOl5VAj6-HiKvYVQLScA/s640/blogger-image--1412270175.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I also managed to squeeze in 1.5 walks through the Esson Valley. Both led to dams but I only managed half of the second walk because there was a mountain goat blocking the path. While I was keen to finish the walk, this thing was stubbornly standing its ground, had horns and was staring at me with red eyes. DEVIL GOAT! Reluctantly turned back and headed hostel-wards (swivelling my head round every 10 seconds to check whether I was being pursued by this furry four-legged spawn of the devil). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've had a fab time in Picton; it's a gorgeous place and the hostel (Sequoia Lodge) is lovely, especially after coming from the crappy one in Kaikoura. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next stop, Wellington. I'm sad to leave not just Picton but the South Island - there's so much that I've missed including the glacier walk in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Park, but taking time and budget into account I think I'm making the right decision. Bit gutted about Abel Tasman but hopefully the coastal landscape in the Bay of Islands will make up for that :) To the North!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-28540477803314133992015-04-14T17:53:00.001-07:002015-04-30T22:28:19.282-07:00Kaikoura: seal pups, whale fails and some bloody nice landscapes<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a very chilly first night in a below par hostel (it's colder inside than out, the room is very cramped & one of my roommates is definitely 50+ and currently doing some knitting...) I headed straight for the info centre to get my whale watching and dolphin swim booked, only to find that everything had been cancelled because the wind had turned the sea into a churning body of froth and mighty waves. However, despite the ferocious gale force winds the skies were blue and the sun was shining, so I took myself on the Peninsula Walk and spent the next 3.5 hours happily strolling by the sea, struggling to stay upright on the blustery cliff tops and being thoroughly entertained by playful seal pups.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With coast on one side and snowy mountaintops on the other, the track is a great place to immerse yourself in a delicious fusion of scenic scapes:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82uY2ROWACIewbNtF7u3wySoOoTYVhnScr0Kf6PYXDwDZR0gkBwjz6whKqXFIhEmAw2ROrj_GDowSASOIzo3qfpxJ_ApCZQrB5izt5GOjfgUD1T79rMiQz71r7DKxtVeUF3yrOXnVqzI/s640/blogger-image--984357303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82uY2ROWACIewbNtF7u3wySoOoTYVhnScr0Kf6PYXDwDZR0gkBwjz6whKqXFIhEmAw2ROrj_GDowSASOIzo3qfpxJ_ApCZQrB5izt5GOjfgUD1T79rMiQz71r7DKxtVeUF3yrOXnVqzI/s640/blogger-image--984357303.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjTR23o3UhCIOoPQE20VuQa1D_0V3hRltlP8GIxNx83MlEG9R5bBLU9Hqt5-Jejrxl8u35j4Bp1hLn23tCbrVwibSVNhcWFa4QcCnxznHJZ_efrf7dScEpw0US0QFBUGgDexCsst1Z_s/s640/blogger-image-164098287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjTR23o3UhCIOoPQE20VuQa1D_0V3hRltlP8GIxNx83MlEG9R5bBLU9Hqt5-Jejrxl8u35j4Bp1hLn23tCbrVwibSVNhcWFa4QcCnxznHJZ_efrf7dScEpw0US0QFBUGgDexCsst1Z_s/s640/blogger-image-164098287.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgVFCPBa0L9CHjSzG5gKGdo-oXfe-pXH39jMlRJt08ZQsHZjVPOEo0iejgeSH_mmfaBVR-uIu17Cb1V-d1CgJuRYJmlOm68wPmYLCrLuSjcHOlcYLETSvZAli_I7vMO1to6vel4fGhrE/s640/blogger-image--1479088442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgVFCPBa0L9CHjSzG5gKGdo-oXfe-pXH39jMlRJt08ZQsHZjVPOEo0iejgeSH_mmfaBVR-uIu17Cb1V-d1CgJuRYJmlOm68wPmYLCrLuSjcHOlcYLETSvZAli_I7vMO1to6vel4fGhrE/s640/blogger-image--1479088442.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai2OzXiurDQ1Gn3KyJ6eNgsK3OdtlGR5kAxPSi3vaZbqoZetWZMYzP0SD39bVMNw484YWMfLSZfv1jPus79svPJ7clF2xINDtYMWVtoN7htrrhNpbzx0xqpPGiFaomCwUhPXE5uvYELk/s640/blogger-image--936807778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai2OzXiurDQ1Gn3KyJ6eNgsK3OdtlGR5kAxPSi3vaZbqoZetWZMYzP0SD39bVMNw484YWMfLSZfv1jPus79svPJ7clF2xINDtYMWVtoN7htrrhNpbzx0xqpPGiFaomCwUhPXE5uvYELk/s640/blogger-image--936807778.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J1NxRfp5tv6tr_tn2IZhqNcA_Vz2mMHGitElwNkzQksTmMpcgbf7hMFER-8lebdqFma-7vVpklftC9oxmZWtAPUh_aeFMLKuuH0kTzDK1pJI15Zx91hWU7b9Zg3ACRKTdVkw_zyjJUw/s640/blogger-image--1597287571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J1NxRfp5tv6tr_tn2IZhqNcA_Vz2mMHGitElwNkzQksTmMpcgbf7hMFER-8lebdqFma-7vVpklftC9oxmZWtAPUh_aeFMLKuuH0kTzDK1pJI15Zx91hWU7b9Zg3ACRKTdVkw_zyjJUw/s640/blogger-image--1597287571.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6AOnK0UNTDqwjgCuadUPtCZrV-ALZgJdtwi8b_-v0TJUyKghJyMuBOfhAe68zWQ3Q_ishSr-GQpkVnrSthqfCcfa0w5zlpbGn81HKEvAWO036RhOh-lfkl76s6sIJlmeaifwya0YLtA/s640/blogger-image--55583948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6AOnK0UNTDqwjgCuadUPtCZrV-ALZgJdtwi8b_-v0TJUyKghJyMuBOfhAe68zWQ3Q_ishSr-GQpkVnrSthqfCcfa0w5zlpbGn81HKEvAWO036RhOh-lfkl76s6sIJlmeaifwya0YLtA/s640/blogger-image--55583948.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Yours truly looking positively gnome-like in the fierce winds up on the clifftop path #sexybeast</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoTKJUmOJHPYZyro2ZcJRk_QdFARCHePNiGER80E5AxC1Lov1uumZLicr9HEBbsHeTzFnpZp-GZWqUcGozB678Q04NQ5lzawxUE6DFqkWNLMblZJCefzhaAr8a0iRwc7v34jHDpdP6Rw/s640/blogger-image--1475955353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoTKJUmOJHPYZyro2ZcJRk_QdFARCHePNiGER80E5AxC1Lov1uumZLicr9HEBbsHeTzFnpZp-GZWqUcGozB678Q04NQ5lzawxUE6DFqkWNLMblZJCefzhaAr8a0iRwc7v34jHDpdP6Rw/s640/blogger-image--1475955353.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMzGqCpXC5i9JUrU5UUoCSWSFoGDTGaG_hYYotrqx6zDNuCYKDlBk_WXsfgACZbs9YFtWKAoO__HWaIB8cM3nRyeduNynOCUozf-7n1_8NCo2ExzMb8zqiLx5RjsEAxU9xbUIDViIAfM/s640/blogger-image-973646658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMzGqCpXC5i9JUrU5UUoCSWSFoGDTGaG_hYYotrqx6zDNuCYKDlBk_WXsfgACZbs9YFtWKAoO__HWaIB8cM3nRyeduNynOCUozf-7n1_8NCo2ExzMb8zqiLx5RjsEAxU9xbUIDViIAfM/s640/blogger-image-973646658.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>These little cuties definitely weren't shy - their curiosity brought them within centimetres of us</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVfzpKxZ8xi6l-AaUoP1yWY6IVa65UxGwlLZZ_X3tzsHEvkuKdk77LmrG2xpoDYfSU_Dd2CZ5H_81WRgj60hx49kS9cQGxPAIf6TpwEVQ_sG0IOXmZ-6tjnFNrxpJQ2NfnI3i40bP52w/s640/blogger-image-170705807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVfzpKxZ8xi6l-AaUoP1yWY6IVa65UxGwlLZZ_X3tzsHEvkuKdk77LmrG2xpoDYfSU_Dd2CZ5H_81WRgj60hx49kS9cQGxPAIf6TpwEVQ_sG0IOXmZ-6tjnFNrxpJQ2NfnI3i40bP52w/s640/blogger-image-170705807.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I was taking a photo of a distant sea lion in the ocean when I felt something nudge my leg. At first I thought it was an unruly child wielding a camera - until I heard giggling behind me. I whipped around, looked down and saw this critter sniffing my jeans before waddling off to the beach. My closest encounter with a seal yet!</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, both the whale watching and dolphin swimming were cancelled the next day and the following day wasn't looking too good either. Rather than hang around and wait for these highly weather-dependent activities to go ahead, I decided to cancel my last night here and move on. I had originally wanted to go to Abel Tasman National Park, but unless you have a car it's a real pain and quite expensive to get to, so in the end I booked a bus to Picton. This is where you catch the ferry across to the North Island but it also has some nice walks and dolphin swimming...so fingers crossed for that. I can't wait to leave Kaikoura - it's bloody freezing, the hostel isn't brilliant and it's been a bit of a fail as far as marine life is concerned. Onwards and upwards!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-28772801120420345532015-04-12T18:00:00.001-07:002015-04-30T22:16:21.404-07:0024 hours in quake-stricken ChristchurchWhen booking my bus to Kaikoura back in Queenstown I had the option of leaving mandatory stopover Christchurch at 8am or 4pm the next day. I like to give everywhere a chance so went for the 4pm departure...and now understand the look that crossed other travellers' faces when I mentioned I was staying there for a whole 24 hours. '20 minutes is too much' someone jokingly warned, but seriously I didn't need more than three hours and that included getting food.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
For those of you who don't know, Christchurch was severely damaged by a quake in Feb 2011 which killed 185 people, and the city is still very much in the stages of recovery with scaffolding, building works and fenced off areas absolutely everywhere. The first thing I noticed when I arrived was how quiet the place is; walking to the Re:start mall I encountered pockets of tourists every so often but other than that, Christchurch is a ghost town; eerily empty. Having been told there are a fair number of 'fruit loops' here and advised not to be out alone after dark, I had an early night and left it until the next day to have a proper look around - although like I say there's not heaps going on.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODsuxMM7JOUrpu1CvjVb9uXWcZrEMRpI4K0dd8d9O1y2yBJDccdSQtMcEcI3HYycGIFlginujLRZ_Qco5nTmOC3waRX5EQiObdW0sRz8zU3exCK9S39w8gRvhUTqP0TfG2j-dWHb91J0/s640/blogger-image-757019483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODsuxMM7JOUrpu1CvjVb9uXWcZrEMRpI4K0dd8d9O1y2yBJDccdSQtMcEcI3HYycGIFlginujLRZ_Qco5nTmOC3waRX5EQiObdW0sRz8zU3exCK9S39w8gRvhUTqP0TfG2j-dWHb91J0/s640/blogger-image-757019483.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Ttte9Y6cXkbgirTS_3tiKqd-FjDsHmO_yW8-qIEMMTZksR60epkBwJaPy5Uti11zOfwnCCZT2a0-alsKxhesnmCwDCoXYV8RCv5B79VP-R04gnPX9bs1lFnqqDYIRmS6h3TRr4kfdA/s640/blogger-image--215867760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Ttte9Y6cXkbgirTS_3tiKqd-FjDsHmO_yW8-qIEMMTZksR60epkBwJaPy5Uti11zOfwnCCZT2a0-alsKxhesnmCwDCoXYV8RCv5B79VP-R04gnPX9bs1lFnqqDYIRmS6h3TRr4kfdA/s640/blogger-image--215867760.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AFJR8WEJWp715zsRCSKcZG_us01_Bv2tXate5c2B_45fG6Nchf8Re8LjM0gMT7ZvJ8Dw2goyQISbC2rZKHLeZh8Ojd8ZPcI0T3ypp2hq-YIFIeefOZL1V3QKmZaHER-ClSvEwgB5b_M/s640/blogger-image--466229625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AFJR8WEJWp715zsRCSKcZG_us01_Bv2tXate5c2B_45fG6Nchf8Re8LjM0gMT7ZvJ8Dw2goyQISbC2rZKHLeZh8Ojd8ZPcI0T3ypp2hq-YIFIeefOZL1V3QKmZaHER-ClSvEwgB5b_M/s640/blogger-image--466229625.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Clear efforts have been made to regenerate and transform crumbled ruins into social, liveable spaces:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdu8kW6PGvEdnXZttCOBU3J7XuI2SJBRzUOLK23VA0dsTCWAz1c4larSCyvA6Q134aairX9kdclVbPfdGgPYErydwM-pnsIE1cE9_0YHSKGydN6EtBFK3acNYikiNVsZXcB8sjWkVGkcM/s640/blogger-image-472325673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdu8kW6PGvEdnXZttCOBU3J7XuI2SJBRzUOLK23VA0dsTCWAz1c4larSCyvA6Q134aairX9kdclVbPfdGgPYErydwM-pnsIE1cE9_0YHSKGydN6EtBFK3acNYikiNVsZXcB8sjWkVGkcM/s640/blogger-image-472325673.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWHZIbbcBJVdFPZty9j7vVUl1a9B8WdiR8eLM3WArne549lewaZ48KJATJf4dDPr5PG662SSRpV48rWd3WK7wE3o-qbX0dsSXiAuSE3Urzd4f2PMqIAXqkQHKMh0YOha09lXWleGmWxE/s640/blogger-image--882624870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWHZIbbcBJVdFPZty9j7vVUl1a9B8WdiR8eLM3WArne549lewaZ48KJATJf4dDPr5PG662SSRpV48rWd3WK7wE3o-qbX0dsSXiAuSE3Urzd4f2PMqIAXqkQHKMh0YOha09lXWleGmWxE/s640/blogger-image--882624870.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopnVC7bmgFI2NVnkNX-2JwAWmw9LeBbhJwr28IamA6Jquv-R2aIXaR49AR0D5fkI1df_36GlIloWbee-AAE1WfGAXXv-3SsjrAze_2CdQ1O6CJTYjPeDzS5f1_pMnmyWK7P7UuUD6cV4/s640/blogger-image--835866053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopnVC7bmgFI2NVnkNX-2JwAWmw9LeBbhJwr28IamA6Jquv-R2aIXaR49AR0D5fkI1df_36GlIloWbee-AAE1WfGAXXv-3SsjrAze_2CdQ1O6CJTYjPeDzS5f1_pMnmyWK7P7UuUD6cV4/s640/blogger-image--835866053.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But there's still a long way to go. I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed my time in Christchurch, but I did have a lovely walk around the botanic gardens, which is a breath of new life and fresh air in a fallen city. I had a merry old time crunching through autumn leaves and strolling by the river - it almost felt like I was back home. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoW_5EucJ28xc96DW7ca5a4VvIdS2eXk1_8uO8MlXN2iYqqPS3Q_mlJPLKQZSm74a0NEZqo0Z098yiysDazYRHTlg0xO2tUDpgvyyn3DKzmnqBad23_Ie99Z4Hq3hnLNB_ekn_yoGNro/s640/blogger-image--1846763631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoW_5EucJ28xc96DW7ca5a4VvIdS2eXk1_8uO8MlXN2iYqqPS3Q_mlJPLKQZSm74a0NEZqo0Z098yiysDazYRHTlg0xO2tUDpgvyyn3DKzmnqBad23_Ie99Z4Hq3hnLNB_ekn_yoGNro/s640/blogger-image--1846763631.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLue2hg73cSJ1g_AJ4P4YQbaoEdg3bFnB551IzqZu8UJcB8Hp0_li0dR4bzv9OQDGXREfqDzxbiAzYUh3N-KxYuRbdCSftaCoSWv86jySNgCun5cebe67_ZSTLVN199QgMR-vTr70QHs/s640/blogger-image--1760883291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLue2hg73cSJ1g_AJ4P4YQbaoEdg3bFnB551IzqZu8UJcB8Hp0_li0dR4bzv9OQDGXREfqDzxbiAzYUh3N-KxYuRbdCSftaCoSWv86jySNgCun5cebe67_ZSTLVN199QgMR-vTr70QHs/s640/blogger-image--1760883291.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPnFG-FeqkbfbjzoPFqfpuOc1YjQedXfQHps1cOpd381WJlrNRMbJKiklRAhb7kmeBe3UACcaGLXbxxLitD8fFvTQGOJ1uJyOTtvvZgf-ouAhEwzIHG9Rg4z9s2_FYbKKum9CoD8mSr0/s640/blogger-image-894803856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPnFG-FeqkbfbjzoPFqfpuOc1YjQedXfQHps1cOpd381WJlrNRMbJKiklRAhb7kmeBe3UACcaGLXbxxLitD8fFvTQGOJ1uJyOTtvvZgf-ouAhEwzIHG9Rg4z9s2_FYbKKum9CoD8mSr0/s640/blogger-image-894803856.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHZNUoQWO1C3oVKlWkmEhunRUAQntK3bMhJCBrYcSK3sCW-K5IH_zNjM_XI-m1oy6w8jfN873nQPJ_f8ueFtefbg8u9o_l-LDNQB_iqTWTInTJA2uJvEucuMV3XgazHMh6m1PyGKTK2s/s640/blogger-image-1187489915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHZNUoQWO1C3oVKlWkmEhunRUAQntK3bMhJCBrYcSK3sCW-K5IH_zNjM_XI-m1oy6w8jfN873nQPJ_f8ueFtefbg8u9o_l-LDNQB_iqTWTInTJA2uJvEucuMV3XgazHMh6m1PyGKTK2s/s640/blogger-image-1187489915.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">was forced back to the hostel by 1) the bitter cold and 2) boredom, where I took full advantage of the unlimited wifi for the next three hours. To Kaikoura! Where the forecast is rain. Doh!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-40001553137641182762015-04-06T00:11:00.001-07:002015-04-30T22:16:53.185-07:00What's cracking in Queenstown?Aside from locking myself out of my suitcase for an entire morning and an ill-timed bout of traveller's sickness, Queenstown has been relatively drama free - but absolutely action-packed. With air, water and land adventures, it's been an epic way to kickstart my New Zealand travels. So what's crack-a-lacking?<br />
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<b>Downtown & Lake Wakatipu</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you manage to nab yourself a window seat on your flight into Queenstown, you will be treated to impressive views of snow capped mountains, crystal clear rivers and lush green hills. For me, this was just the start of a week long landscape extravaganza, starting with a walk downtown on my first evening to explore and get my bearings. Queenstown is framed by lush mountains carpeted in deep green pine trees, cosy homes nestled into hillside nooks and the vast & impressive Lake Wakatipu, which was carved by a glacier and is 84km in length and 400m deep. Down by the waterfront there's a picturesque beach with a park on one side, the pleasant hustle & bustle of a busy restaurant precinct on the other, and mountains in the distance. With moored up boats, wooden buildings and distant mountains, the waterfront looked strikingly like Cape Town's V&A waterfront, which made me like it even more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The burnt oranges and sunshine yellows of autumn's trees, fallen conkers, the icy chill in the air and the welcoming warmth from roaring fires flickering in restaurant patios adds to Queenstown's charm. I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">have a hunch it would be super pretty in winter with a dusting of snow decorating the tiny streets, quaint buildings and surrounding mountains. It would be freezing though; it's only April and people are already clad in coats, hats and gloves. There are advantages to the cold, however: hot chocolates, wholesome pub meals, burying myself in a duvet, snuggling with my hot water bottle and generally feeling more at home. The hostel I'm staying at (Southern Laughter) has free hot soup going every evening which is magic; just what you want after coming in from the cold. Plus it has the squishiest mattresses - the comfiest night's sleep I've had in a while :)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn90iFMpxq_uCUpy4rMsVjpg3bPiEXwLpMJk7iT0DXxppxd4Y11OQ1sTPbEpwNxnU6TWD0pDKdm3LyNQTbwCYue3JtbE_5sU5q_iMu_rirm5OUkxBgQgJYQgr4-cHejRO4ut243O1f78Y/s640/blogger-image--1377180695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn90iFMpxq_uCUpy4rMsVjpg3bPiEXwLpMJk7iT0DXxppxd4Y11OQ1sTPbEpwNxnU6TWD0pDKdm3LyNQTbwCYue3JtbE_5sU5q_iMu_rirm5OUkxBgQgJYQgr4-cHejRO4ut243O1f78Y/s640/blogger-image--1377180695.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJLve9zrQ_nt6x8PeKBLd4-pQWAESgV561nMP7R8CBN4YYDPKhinXdrqn-DyA-Z0Vu0AfPNuFgLLWN4uL8tpbHyjTLHKPdypZXFpUejmtLYg8dO3Ql7-vVsV78eIR_ppFHTPLRvseUTE/s640/blogger-image-1534267354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJLve9zrQ_nt6x8PeKBLd4-pQWAESgV561nMP7R8CBN4YYDPKhinXdrqn-DyA-Z0Vu0AfPNuFgLLWN4uL8tpbHyjTLHKPdypZXFpUejmtLYg8dO3Ql7-vVsV78eIR_ppFHTPLRvseUTE/s640/blogger-image-1534267354.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxuFzwm3qVkK-dDoRTxx9rDX4udMuLfsJTQUiqsoiJxUICTutUWWolatnFnKpfLRNZdtkY65yAxXSn_hL7xc0dDCe2umJ1Ptq1X3ts11AARsoBW7vEo5e-4ks-ffhJo2UfmBtXVS8TzI/s640/blogger-image-544118690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxuFzwm3qVkK-dDoRTxx9rDX4udMuLfsJTQUiqsoiJxUICTutUWWolatnFnKpfLRNZdtkY65yAxXSn_hL7xc0dDCe2umJ1Ptq1X3ts11AARsoBW7vEo5e-4ks-ffhJo2UfmBtXVS8TzI/s640/blogger-image-544118690.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcV2yOBoKNXICpxRVWfBETPChqL4RGl5Bbp5dVeO9NuXFxEiU3OcoJYQvjQjDYmgvYq4bUT2YVfzJ4av_gAk6as2dmdkOXinDqjv7H6ji6brq1bzTAMvhp68MRVCIvVTwP34DMbkQoQA/s640/blogger-image-352113288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcV2yOBoKNXICpxRVWfBETPChqL4RGl5Bbp5dVeO9NuXFxEiU3OcoJYQvjQjDYmgvYq4bUT2YVfzJ4av_gAk6as2dmdkOXinDqjv7H6ji6brq1bzTAMvhp68MRVCIvVTwP34DMbkQoQA/s640/blogger-image-352113288.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQjBt5NMsF5Naf-Y_6eu5TTmTMsMsMD8LItp31p71TFn1xoDucP4gAmvgz20v1mrA12EcOO_RpBAioRLtVuSHngNOJBGGvf38MPUcAjJq79Uhh2BWaakRdHEZHJLYcBzvjaEiShlCT7I/s640/blogger-image--1737929843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQjBt5NMsF5Naf-Y_6eu5TTmTMsMsMD8LItp31p71TFn1xoDucP4gAmvgz20v1mrA12EcOO_RpBAioRLtVuSHngNOJBGGvf38MPUcAjJq79Uhh2BWaakRdHEZHJLYcBzvjaEiShlCT7I/s640/blogger-image--1737929843.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6XtkfeH6L5Xgozlat4qGON10FtgpUfAiQc1U7G27T0XFXjdi8tkB2b5a5KBhsSGzRkRr6Lnm9HNmf-XN18GdLpVWtLLPBWZV_492esMYbWL5ClCG6of-A3jHwVjR5bbH2EdxrM_6Ryc/s640/blogger-image-842679983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6XtkfeH6L5Xgozlat4qGON10FtgpUfAiQc1U7G27T0XFXjdi8tkB2b5a5KBhsSGzRkRr6Lnm9HNmf-XN18GdLpVWtLLPBWZV_492esMYbWL5ClCG6of-A3jHwVjR5bbH2EdxrM_6Ryc/s640/blogger-image-842679983.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYc7tSEH-_Coh3KT0QVC6CX6xrhw2UE2dVE2CM_0RQIiOFb9HBxwHyxtGOl-LdZFOewz57yXA3niaJSE4Wrhw2K8cd9W-fJnGph8jvGNkd3TVVXmlKc_VfbC42SbDiGVFN4Yj9vj8o1A/s640/blogger-image-1467831273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYc7tSEH-_Coh3KT0QVC6CX6xrhw2UE2dVE2CM_0RQIiOFb9HBxwHyxtGOl-LdZFOewz57yXA3niaJSE4Wrhw2K8cd9W-fJnGph8jvGNkd3TVVXmlKc_VfbC42SbDiGVFN4Yj9vj8o1A/s640/blogger-image-1467831273.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_GL2plq-T72_aRZ6Dca-bXSyA1SPaxbwdpStqmFpC6zO3bTBbm9YbKoLcMw6dkruF8AMc06YChvuBwnA7-msf_fse4fQWlYqRwZvUxJA24z6rG2D1wC8Af5W21G_iTCT6pvA-bS2Og4/s640/blogger-image-1332097399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_GL2plq-T72_aRZ6Dca-bXSyA1SPaxbwdpStqmFpC6zO3bTBbm9YbKoLcMw6dkruF8AMc06YChvuBwnA7-msf_fse4fQWlYqRwZvUxJA24z6rG2D1wC8Af5W21G_iTCT6pvA-bS2Og4/s640/blogger-image-1332097399.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Paragliding</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make sure I did something 'adrenaliney' while I'm here and live up to the spirit of Queenstown - adventure capital of the world, I booked myself in for a paragliding session within 2 hours of arriving. The next morning we were driven up to the mountain, all strapped in...and then the wind took a turn for the worse and we had to go back. It wasn't a wasted morning though: I met some nice people, drooled over some pretty spectacular views and rebooked for the following day. It turns out the next day was ten times better anyway; for starters the weather was absolutely gorgeous and sunny rather than grey and gloomy, and secondly we jumped straight off the mountain instead of waiting around for ages. The flight was good; we flew really close to the side of a mountain & alarmed a couple of mountain goats, and floated over a dense thicket of deep green pine trees - stunning views. As we neared the ground, we did a couple of twists and turns which sent my stomach leaping into my throat. One smooth landing later and it was all over! The flight felt much shorter than 12 minutes and to be perfectly honest it wasn't quite the adrenaline-fuelled activity I hoped it would be. Still, it was fun to try and it's given me a taste for new, out of the ordinary (and expensive!) experiences!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzS_vhChDa203Gal5TxOlezrL33C6qI4teGpzPG3duLZqgrHPgnGIQTI30zMfKSV7Evna3ZuIzZ1xtvfGjmJna6z6rSI49N1G7CtVXbtjwwWntqjnoHj4uR-97t6R_Z2h08UIILgbM48/s640/blogger-image--1434492463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzS_vhChDa203Gal5TxOlezrL33C6qI4teGpzPG3duLZqgrHPgnGIQTI30zMfKSV7Evna3ZuIzZ1xtvfGjmJna6z6rSI49N1G7CtVXbtjwwWntqjnoHj4uR-97t6R_Z2h08UIILgbM48/s640/blogger-image--1434492463.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>View from the mountain top</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JkzUmhzh0Sg3z1BURWlV8pkp9qLlAfz2OAjVvTleaARF0_W8n27pmFnDjlNpjwJiUJFqOZNku8cF2tAOuMRF4LgEOn88qsoijAJT4KoPkKtNWVKENIrjffz4k2QnlzeQYgJkc2j7jc/s640/blogger-image--208666895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JkzUmhzh0Sg3z1BURWlV8pkp9qLlAfz2OAjVvTleaARF0_W8n27pmFnDjlNpjwJiUJFqOZNku8cF2tAOuMRF4LgEOn88qsoijAJT4KoPkKtNWVKENIrjffz4k2QnlzeQYgJkc2j7jc/s640/blogger-image--208666895.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Up, up and away!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1lfuUzG6FlcQeZQjYR64u0iVbm6eOFpnpOeXuKI7XEnUqp1AljLiQP42vPAsn8JIOSPHqs-ew52W0V_-4RgP5-XnOD4UWYeZCxXsGRrFO73HrzPXCvcUQmrPD6p5iI1BBkRg9j_719k/s640/blogger-image-271498484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1lfuUzG6FlcQeZQjYR64u0iVbm6eOFpnpOeXuKI7XEnUqp1AljLiQP42vPAsn8JIOSPHqs-ew52W0V_-4RgP5-XnOD4UWYeZCxXsGRrFO73HrzPXCvcUQmrPD6p5iI1BBkRg9j_719k/s640/blogger-image-271498484.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj562VeNCffRMMEorccagWIb8L9I1hZIpbV9QR9pGa-f5i98KifAyCaUkfhC2OQ4sSD0OKOTP3CHt42KzghTcapoZqT9weFVpTK6owhL9z4ZhK46RjTSb2QuwCrEjf7j1DIi9jLjS3rlik/s640/blogger-image-2134277029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj562VeNCffRMMEorccagWIb8L9I1hZIpbV9QR9pGa-f5i98KifAyCaUkfhC2OQ4sSD0OKOTP3CHt42KzghTcapoZqT9weFVpTK6owhL9z4ZhK46RjTSb2QuwCrEjf7j1DIi9jLjS3rlik/s640/blogger-image-2134277029.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Just a casual spin</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnZXluAv6QMZieg1KLQd_TuK3Fni29cJMfoIv35drLHRmVxZ8yHl4Fr4-cfmhMvGzwsr-ttBfLSkpcd0UCA55dh0bMeK_x9ZUG_PUkqzFLKnRNyQDKiUbI-vIDyE_MltcdF2KP-ytVJw/s640/blogger-image-2136977963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnZXluAv6QMZieg1KLQd_TuK3Fni29cJMfoIv35drLHRmVxZ8yHl4Fr4-cfmhMvGzwsr-ttBfLSkpcd0UCA55dh0bMeK_x9ZUG_PUkqzFLKnRNyQDKiUbI-vIDyE_MltcdF2KP-ytVJw/s640/blogger-image-2136977963.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>I saved the biggest smile for when we'd landed!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXAm3J7XlhZhHfu1rBs4hXDfhPDnc_t69TJRSaNS2NVcdAn7M2C2_u31PHBUUd7vA8z9I_rqNUYVMYjM89VQCIp6tmYPK-1RwVPKBINIU31xu-VicrJxkasy5OUo1hE7aK_ZMOWxrZ7E/s640/blogger-image--87086188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXAm3J7XlhZhHfu1rBs4hXDfhPDnc_t69TJRSaNS2NVcdAn7M2C2_u31PHBUUd7vA8z9I_rqNUYVMYjM89VQCIp6tmYPK-1RwVPKBINIU31xu-VicrJxkasy5OUo1hE7aK_ZMOWxrZ7E/s640/blogger-image--87086188.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Triumphant!</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NZ$195. Pricey, but the closest I was going to get to skydiving and bungy jumping (and cheaper).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Shotover</b> <b>Jet</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make up for missing out on paragliding on my first day, I went jet boating through a canyon instead - not a bad replacement! The ride was awesome with the driver deliberately just missing cliff faces and scattered rocks, and plenty of 360 degree spins. We were surrounded by jaw dropping moutainscapes that I just couldn't tear my eyes away from - steep grassy slopes, clusters of trees displaying their autumn colours and the bluest river I've ever seen in my life, which was impossibly turquoise especially when the sun shone. (It rained the day afterwards which turned the river a murky brown - I was lucky to go when I did.) The Shotover Jet is a major tourist attraction but in spite of this, the location, just a 10 minute drive from town, emanates pure, unspoilt wilderness. This is also a gold rich area: my paragliding instructor told me that a couple spent 5 years looking for gold all over the world and would only get married when they found enough to cash in and buy their wedding rings. They found what they needed in Queenstown and got hitched in the Remarkables mountain range just up the road. Sweet! You can rent pans and sieves to go off in search of gold - certainly something a bit different and potentially a way to recoup the vast amounts of money spent on adventure activities in the region...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAg4o45SI6wewDGXmd0iTMEb_uoCyGpKDJdBo86euKCMCXpqFDTvYWhhIi94x8dOspbez85jhNqoWuKdLlqBiFVYB3E2L8d3kV3l1kfJU6UbnRufAu4Yy8-eOiuSgHxOx77g7QBbj-LU/s640/blogger-image--949614666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAg4o45SI6wewDGXmd0iTMEb_uoCyGpKDJdBo86euKCMCXpqFDTvYWhhIi94x8dOspbez85jhNqoWuKdLlqBiFVYB3E2L8d3kV3l1kfJU6UbnRufAu4Yy8-eOiuSgHxOx77g7QBbj-LU/s640/blogger-image--949614666.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRte_KqUcE-vKrB3s4ZJi-wQHDnLdHKzqIVxzVLDsSEn0jQ165lQjPDpjzK2ea1zsU17Zp4diX0nw0_VVX6hAp_pGX44oFH0u6P804tnjysP8j7aO8XkgBvXAb_V8q_oE_uGFPei8h8x4/s640/blogger-image-1881085140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRte_KqUcE-vKrB3s4ZJi-wQHDnLdHKzqIVxzVLDsSEn0jQ165lQjPDpjzK2ea1zsU17Zp4diX0nw0_VVX6hAp_pGX44oFH0u6P804tnjysP8j7aO8XkgBvXAb_V8q_oE_uGFPei8h8x4/s640/blogger-image-1881085140.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NZ$129. Pricey but worth it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tiki</b> <b>Trail</b> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For some unknown reason, I decided to walk up this mother trucker:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bUup4dz2Mo4Sz0vo4obb9QBnOM4qjU594X-To59jgKKx9MyJFxp-SPGxLvdpe0_rYstyfIFd060QZruvW-u58Ud1CHc8ZblmAbrQDmBBgByvxA4EcuPumpQikveO8rOZQ9blW3VKr8w/s640/blogger-image-233330230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bUup4dz2Mo4Sz0vo4obb9QBnOM4qjU594X-To59jgKKx9MyJFxp-SPGxLvdpe0_rYstyfIFd060QZruvW-u58Ud1CHc8ZblmAbrQDmBBgByvxA4EcuPumpQikveO8rOZQ9blW3VKr8w/s640/blogger-image-233330230.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NI8UDOcoHbLNs8ug2Mrdvqt3db4VtLwa6ARd-66n0SBhlmm8dVwEsx_Qh-UvIJuxscAwW5NS4unPs0WbvGrSUQXULf-21nHn_guRgKJNaLuSQKNmoNRePkSw5J7yzKqEFOIlyD6iICo/s640/blogger-image-1686459286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NI8UDOcoHbLNs8ug2Mrdvqt3db4VtLwa6ARd-66n0SBhlmm8dVwEsx_Qh-UvIJuxscAwW5NS4unPs0WbvGrSUQXULf-21nHn_guRgKJNaLuSQKNmoNRePkSw5J7yzKqEFOIlyD6iICo/s640/blogger-image-1686459286.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The trek takes you from the base of the Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob's Peak. I can confirm the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">climb is as menacingly steep as it looks - but it was good to challenge myself; my fitness levels are not exactly up to scratch (understatement of the year) so it was nice to have an outdoorsy workout. I might exercise more often if this was the reward: </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbxyqZHOCBe8mUvHXGB7napLLFcqRwGAb1kz9xXMYv1yY8_xjU-LTDm2cfyh44bjzc1hXdnnX4W4Ikub9dEyuvfADlQHkDVEM0ahMP61jg9qZFsQmAn6v7s8-lUPzRWC8BviN2zeueKI/s640/blogger-image--494791614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbxyqZHOCBe8mUvHXGB7napLLFcqRwGAb1kz9xXMYv1yY8_xjU-LTDm2cfyh44bjzc1hXdnnX4W4Ikub9dEyuvfADlQHkDVEM0ahMP61jg9qZFsQmAn6v7s8-lUPzRWC8BviN2zeueKI/s640/blogger-image--494791614.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduxwyRaJ3u99Md-vf7mBiSbC4fhexDSKRN8tbjvd4iM3XrsmmvkczWMM2JxRy1FqSLoc7RZUrW9i2DcRKhNAbybos1SWyH0vGUbNK-e4gtPVbrIZkJRtKjsZcoaDmVjhCewcyKNJRAfY/s640/blogger-image--1364921452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduxwyRaJ3u99Md-vf7mBiSbC4fhexDSKRN8tbjvd4iM3XrsmmvkczWMM2JxRy1FqSLoc7RZUrW9i2DcRKhNAbybos1SWyH0vGUbNK-e4gtPVbrIZkJRtKjsZcoaDmVjhCewcyKNJRAfY/s640/blogger-image--1364921452.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM0Yy8RclDC4vy65fI7EGKbv-9445yzuDFp-qjTxH4FYgqi2t7Iymf5RL3VhNRk7kPK8WNcM80fyewp8_bXXfRkm3yTwy3_FujeKlzebM0ekslQNW1ZHnLQqpCnYPCdai_E5m0pPAkOw/s640/blogger-image-1967505730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM0Yy8RclDC4vy65fI7EGKbv-9445yzuDFp-qjTxH4FYgqi2t7Iymf5RL3VhNRk7kPK8WNcM80fyewp8_bXXfRkm3yTwy3_FujeKlzebM0ekslQNW1ZHnLQqpCnYPCdai_E5m0pPAkOw/s640/blogger-image-1967505730.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I really enjoyed the walk; it's so good being outside and in the fresh air plus it saved me the NZ$30 Gondola (cable car) journey.</div>
</div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Luging</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In addition to the views, the advantage of decimating your calf muscles climbing the Tiki Trail is the luging - a real life version of Mario Kart. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! I only took 2 rides to save cash but it was awesome and I could have done it all afternoon. There's a blue track (easy) and a red track with steep hills and sharp bends that's slightly more difficult to navigate but all the more fun for it. It would be so cool living here and having this on your doorstep - forget the cinema, ditch Netflix, let's go luging down a freaking mountain! Absolutely loved this and it's a fast-paced 'adrenalin' activity that doesn't break the bank, especially if you forgo the Gondola and brave the steep inclines. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHUdfflopcrkME14U94X6TE90lGPXoIyPJ2JK7OR58ODLkbSdAgDovn0u4jPJR4bJnaNmjib0v40Og4kp8q7F80b1iV7cjmEd0gSDYh4eugsjRAJsspHTgbDegqiBzwm7SghF2zQ9_3M/s640/blogger-image-1266222378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHUdfflopcrkME14U94X6TE90lGPXoIyPJ2JK7OR58ODLkbSdAgDovn0u4jPJR4bJnaNmjib0v40Og4kp8q7F80b1iV7cjmEd0gSDYh4eugsjRAJsspHTgbDegqiBzwm7SghF2zQ9_3M/s640/blogger-image-1266222378.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCmH35l9cLlKKLZ3PjsYB5Aw5RtqtZuyF06pron4FOGKub4OGIKCORCc-6DF8c8sZL3PgzKtjLj64p7BizQOSAcMCmj-UJXzXVYPsmNK6rnpzxvIBWMahbGOfguJKD1EgUf27XQsn5GY/s640/blogger-image--1138423008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCmH35l9cLlKKLZ3PjsYB5Aw5RtqtZuyF06pron4FOGKub4OGIKCORCc-6DF8c8sZL3PgzKtjLj64p7BizQOSAcMCmj-UJXzXVYPsmNK6rnpzxvIBWMahbGOfguJKD1EgUf27XQsn5GY/s640/blogger-image--1138423008.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Milford</b> <b>Sound</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The eighth wonder of the world - Rudyard Kipling</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Milford Sound is around 85km away from Queenstown if you fly in a straight line, but because of all this mountain business the windy drive is 320km and takes 4.5 hours! This equated to one VERY long day, most of it spent on a coach with 46 other people. Not my favourite way to travel but sometimes needs must; I wasn't going to leave without seeing it. So was it worth the 12.5 hour round trip? The coach journey was broken up with a few stops including a couple of photo stops at some gorgeous sites and a couple of walks:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b7fcEp1IA5PfkJrlGYX7GOQORd9gb43HNdI7eq3Ri6IGeUzPx4yK5wEFKZHIyrw4v-FL2wr43267EO9ZeXLXvC4ZJtzEIIciC2DWfVQAQbqLrIxDf4H0youOK0yn_N-cuB_DsElETnc/s640/blogger-image-1582795717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b7fcEp1IA5PfkJrlGYX7GOQORd9gb43HNdI7eq3Ri6IGeUzPx4yK5wEFKZHIyrw4v-FL2wr43267EO9ZeXLXvC4ZJtzEIIciC2DWfVQAQbqLrIxDf4H0youOK0yn_N-cuB_DsElETnc/s640/blogger-image-1582795717.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXrWkzpDIMCvsT5T-0Y3jZVEYv8CtIE4oB-ihrU81ENVz1mS89owcQORw5a99MVcinSWwDjpdVQFHBxGYlSsjJRsB-AsIj4CJqfa5nj76KFazVbyJok1qXEMsoXBKvt96pHBJRL2MWAo/s640/blogger-image--1301597419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXrWkzpDIMCvsT5T-0Y3jZVEYv8CtIE4oB-ihrU81ENVz1mS89owcQORw5a99MVcinSWwDjpdVQFHBxGYlSsjJRsB-AsIj4CJqfa5nj76KFazVbyJok1qXEMsoXBKvt96pHBJRL2MWAo/s640/blogger-image--1301597419.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gqrfUYfWHV9odzLikGS1Q3xe2ROsX1WaMDUCkzqJGySYhByxqN_qQjXU-PV0pBWj6Mytx1OPpRoEb1IdsGCVmUjKZwEKCoSn5_uJvzoW7NWLasNQifgfWV26tfXcq6RA3LLR6aGTAuE/s640/blogger-image--1903432857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gqrfUYfWHV9odzLikGS1Q3xe2ROsX1WaMDUCkzqJGySYhByxqN_qQjXU-PV0pBWj6Mytx1OPpRoEb1IdsGCVmUjKZwEKCoSn5_uJvzoW7NWLasNQifgfWV26tfXcq6RA3LLR6aGTAuE/s640/blogger-image--1903432857.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>I saw my first glacier! Check out the blue colour of the ice beneath the snowy top layer</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvusUsThnzh1NR5ExLHD3oeNjpHuwymnFmQJ3pFz1_z4lgXNamH4KkPGoaAijFXynTi46bxqLdrCMU_dnRZCnnnujkLbBryhLl7WlVOiLuLYH4jT2NhtmNeU1urJd4JE6pt1L3oUBblo/s640/blogger-image-1189300672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvusUsThnzh1NR5ExLHD3oeNjpHuwymnFmQJ3pFz1_z4lgXNamH4KkPGoaAijFXynTi46bxqLdrCMU_dnRZCnnnujkLbBryhLl7WlVOiLuLYH4jT2NhtmNeU1urJd4JE6pt1L3oUBblo/s640/blogger-image-1189300672.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4HTc8MfY-kpDmX3wpcfj_i5SpZ1FhHLGA5VDUoiDQjR9iQ5frzGbw-uqGcp_uE-N-7wg7KpOPx2lRLpuCprEW_XG6OR87vM5nABwqpjtmVp50beM30Zqq7AjUQMW4LJ4qb1pUql9P1I/s640/blogger-image-403933164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4HTc8MfY-kpDmX3wpcfj_i5SpZ1FhHLGA5VDUoiDQjR9iQ5frzGbw-uqGcp_uE-N-7wg7KpOPx2lRLpuCprEW_XG6OR87vM5nABwqpjtmVp50beM30Zqq7AjUQMW4LJ4qb1pUql9P1I/s640/blogger-image-403933164.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>After heavy rain, flood waters rush downstream picking up pebbles and gravel. Stones that are deposited in a rocky slot are swirled round by the current, and over many centuries have ground out the pothole shapes above</i></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The cruise through Milford Sound was an hour and a half, absolutely freezing and, to be 100% honest, a little underwhelming - maybe because the journey had been so long or maybe because I've been lucky enough to see so many cool things on my travels that I've become a bit of a scenery snob. Also, I was expecting to see penguins & dolphins and saw neither so was a little disappointed. What did impress was the sheer size of the cliffs, which was particularly evident when a teeny tiny boat sailed past - it reminded me of the Uyuni salt flats where I felt infinitesimal:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxaBmNGJ8N8zY6WPRemEJJ2z5MoAq1rmzXl8QmGpbOPo9xYW9bFCXhdZlMc8DrRAsZ1iQx3v-9pZFHEn_JbL5J8Q_dgZGmnRQyBJTAaoU2bCr-AGo8MWCKsdYlvaa_c8EEwfHV3ZZzaI/s640/blogger-image-837745684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxaBmNGJ8N8zY6WPRemEJJ2z5MoAq1rmzXl8QmGpbOPo9xYW9bFCXhdZlMc8DrRAsZ1iQx3v-9pZFHEn_JbL5J8Q_dgZGmnRQyBJTAaoU2bCr-AGo8MWCKsdYlvaa_c8EEwfHV3ZZzaI/s640/blogger-image-837745684.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKda9dvcQquLSNuue9EJpmtqX-IWksrWiwp_aDABEJ5Xk1fvFbPk723Ma4WfWagqIxXAPMu4qzQTLFkTZrKVwSZ4mVhtjSJecU7veR67UHep_LyLZv_GiDvxJ7cX03MDO0NOn2QJ6k84/s640/blogger-image--1348187731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKda9dvcQquLSNuue9EJpmtqX-IWksrWiwp_aDABEJ5Xk1fvFbPk723Ma4WfWagqIxXAPMu4qzQTLFkTZrKVwSZ4mVhtjSJecU7veR67UHep_LyLZv_GiDvxJ7cX03MDO0NOn2QJ6k84/s640/blogger-image--1348187731.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We also went right up close to the base of a waterfall which was flowing from the very top of the cliff. It was incredibly loud, windy and scarily powerful; very different to the calm, graceful flow it looks like from afar. Pretty cool experience to end the cruise. The driver put Avatar on during the ride home to continue the theme of otherworldly landscapes and provide some much needed entertainment - and recommended coming back in the rain when hundreds of gushing waterfalls seemingly materialise from nowhere.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8AMSb1ZdnkgEB9I2oEOcp7na9e2hxaen_ct0WX09Y9B9z5s_wHX9v9_YDKEATkRBFHAofLy8NjBJFLrdvsDuNJ0Ezi5QELizqYYqG6ehyphenhyphenZ0QSP8McLCdaqAhEcSFObz_m5-QY5rfzx4/s640/blogger-image--224461542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8AMSb1ZdnkgEB9I2oEOcp7na9e2hxaen_ct0WX09Y9B9z5s_wHX9v9_YDKEATkRBFHAofLy8NjBJFLrdvsDuNJ0Ezi5QELizqYYqG6ehyphenhyphenZ0QSP8McLCdaqAhEcSFObz_m5-QY5rfzx4/s640/blogger-image--224461542.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FfYd2pwOvfPfyN6k8ufJtfk3bg4eOrFJ58FQEffNguY-iqhMJLXT6B0w1mxnlUJD6uaHaucHLWkMnmwCVFjJa3u9XiRp2jye_od-q55OnrRRy9yKE4C6JOwnRSVST8QmGIwOAc9umBM/s640/blogger-image-388988799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FfYd2pwOvfPfyN6k8ufJtfk3bg4eOrFJ58FQEffNguY-iqhMJLXT6B0w1mxnlUJD6uaHaucHLWkMnmwCVFjJa3u9XiRp2jye_od-q55OnrRRy9yKE4C6JOwnRSVST8QmGIwOAc9umBM/s640/blogger-image-388988799.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NZ$119. Not too bad considering how much we packed into a very long day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Walking & cycling trails</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With mountains, lakes and hillsides, there are heaps of walking, hiking (or tramping as New Zealanders say) and cycling routes around and out of town; it's a great place to work on your fitness during an action-packed visit or over a year-long stay (I found out this week that Brits can actually stay in the country for 2 years on a working visa without having to do that pesky farm work. Always good to have options.) I really enjoyed the Tiki Trail but wanted something a bit less challenging after a very hard morning of waking up and going for brunch 5 days into my trip. I chose the Queenstown to Frankton return trail, voluntarily opting to walk 15km in the freezing cold. It's a nice walk; by the lake and flat as a pancake almost the whole way and gorgeous views, spoiled only by a mild bout of random traveller's sickness. Returned with stiff legs and craving a long soak in a hot bath, but a hot chocolate, hot shower and hot water bottle sorted me out just fine :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBiYHP8uCAEHW3CG1LiU9GGeAU2Un_LldUNLIzFyb_WoiWYjlwIWl6FSsuIcl7A9ZfP0PiVLEdd5uPLaokLS9vHHW0DsEoX5fV0sfQ5vx3GD55yTt_zBEpNTN6mdcHewYPJxp5Qx1Oq8/s640/blogger-image--890288171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBiYHP8uCAEHW3CG1LiU9GGeAU2Un_LldUNLIzFyb_WoiWYjlwIWl6FSsuIcl7A9ZfP0PiVLEdd5uPLaokLS9vHHW0DsEoX5fV0sfQ5vx3GD55yTt_zBEpNTN6mdcHewYPJxp5Qx1Oq8/s640/blogger-image--890288171.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVANYsh-3tL3D4O64DknT3ZrvtLdRUX1VszkHzg_0eULBl-Kee5nZTFiPhFfpcFO4XMchDV4MJjjk-bDp6W9er00yKDE11lEGJqhWlhkQdhQX8ypm10Uls-QxtLJq8621zOmhxJcsImk/s640/blogger-image--158268014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVANYsh-3tL3D4O64DknT3ZrvtLdRUX1VszkHzg_0eULBl-Kee5nZTFiPhFfpcFO4XMchDV4MJjjk-bDp6W9er00yKDE11lEGJqhWlhkQdhQX8ypm10Uls-QxtLJq8621zOmhxJcsImk/s640/blogger-image--158268014.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>A very chilly Jen at the end of the trail</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over my last couple of days, I did the Sunshine Bay walk <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and hired a bike to cycle round the lake. It was a gorgeous sunny day which made me over-ambitious and decide it was an excellent idea to hire a bike for the entire day. I managed about 2.5 hours before getting grumpy and turning round to go back - in hindsight I'm surprised I even managed that far! It was the scenery that spurred me on; I thought the walk to Frankton was beautiful but cross the bridge and you've got lovely secluded pebble beaches every 30 seconds, glassy water in stunning hues of blue and dense pine forests that smell like home :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaBAZNINI5uhQ1nVdUtpqAIM1PmmrYkWt6yCEUxh58p2Zb6iHZTIeT993-YZgjD4Ux25_Jfxe7x3vlyI8XqBlnJuHernlP0Ht38jLsaOd1ULkFz576kzGlpUUjoULNIWuFyPloa77upo/s640/blogger-image--1669106377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaBAZNINI5uhQ1nVdUtpqAIM1PmmrYkWt6yCEUxh58p2Zb6iHZTIeT993-YZgjD4Ux25_Jfxe7x3vlyI8XqBlnJuHernlP0Ht38jLsaOd1ULkFz576kzGlpUUjoULNIWuFyPloa77upo/s640/blogger-image--1669106377.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1QZKLnt3B1cNU8OaNLYGd-RvmF4NWgPgLcDWlibUki4jvO6MwxCwzBd45xBZ_aN7IYyA-3vH4uzHNsTHOzbZmLFcDBhlZ6u04vuvyrWDdbpNhi27BLvk0fk0xtMIbK7rR8ld6P00dis/s640/blogger-image--1736415226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1QZKLnt3B1cNU8OaNLYGd-RvmF4NWgPgLcDWlibUki4jvO6MwxCwzBd45xBZ_aN7IYyA-3vH4uzHNsTHOzbZmLFcDBhlZ6u04vuvyrWDdbpNhi27BLvk0fk0xtMIbK7rR8ld6P00dis/s640/blogger-image--1736415226.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s7Ch10dAn6X-atMCKszg5mBWEKW6wbYbnWNIlvpQS-B2WQzSvl8slfda8iYiyJvN0Cwi5RaUgZME5vSz1G4rnX-EyVFk4UvaHKdZZHgszRXTU9jZFm9b5m9W5BClMt7t__3em9N7I00/s640/blogger-image-2067330730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s7Ch10dAn6X-atMCKszg5mBWEKW6wbYbnWNIlvpQS-B2WQzSvl8slfda8iYiyJvN0Cwi5RaUgZME5vSz1G4rnX-EyVFk4UvaHKdZZHgszRXTU9jZFm9b5m9W5BClMt7t__3em9N7I00/s640/blogger-image-2067330730.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Verdict:</u></div>
<div>
This is just a taste of what's on offer: I also wanted to go quad biking, try a Bear Grylls style survival walk and do the canyon swing which involves leaping off a cliff in a 60m freefall and being swung 200m across a canyon. But at NZ$215 for one swing, I couldn't really justify it, especially as I'm right at the beginning of my trip. If you had all the money in the world I reckon you could easily spend a month in Queenstown going on outdoorsy adventures - more in the winter when skiing and snowboarding becomes an option. Queenstown is AMAZING and I can't believe it didn't make my original wish list. Next stop: 24 hours in Christchurch and then onto Kaikoura for my wildlife fix. Can't wait!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcccMgy9fK1PB6_AMk4WqON9VG1lHlIYxG3r_ttcJH2ZD9D6VRfkOn0bzEZ3rssvhjv6y7RKkxhFaM7znrjYAUIz4DgCHaPFteDkWm9J_AXE9VjktROPURWQrLu0EBs7QleIp-NLB-v58/s640/blogger-image-1358239439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcccMgy9fK1PB6_AMk4WqON9VG1lHlIYxG3r_ttcJH2ZD9D6VRfkOn0bzEZ3rssvhjv6y7RKkxhFaM7znrjYAUIz4DgCHaPFteDkWm9J_AXE9VjktROPURWQrLu0EBs7QleIp-NLB-v58/s640/blogger-image-1358239439.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-56406056361663103682015-04-02T05:41:00.000-07:002015-04-03T01:02:18.476-07:00Photo diary: My year in travelling highlights<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today marks a very special milestone in my life - today, I have been travelling for exactly a year. I can't quite believe it; even my mum said that out of everyone I grew up with I was the last person she expected to jump on a plane, leave England behind and embark on a solo exploration of the world. And yet, one year on here I am in Australia with 7 months left on my working holiday visa, happy memories from time spent in 15 different countries and a truckload of places still on my travel wish list. Things may not have got off to the best start - I got so sunburnt on day 1 of my travels in Ecuador that my skin was bright red for two weeks - but since then I've learnt a lot about how to travel, making the most of the lifestyle and, most importantly, about myself. </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are 52 highlights for the 52 weeks I've been on the road: </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>South</b> <b>America (April/May 2014)</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1*</b> Spotting and photographing a toucan at the last possible opportunity. We'd seen a few during our wildlife safaris in the Pantanal (an area of swampland the size of France!) but they were generally hidden behind branches and always flew off long before we managed to snap even the quickest of photos. I was losing hope of getting a decent view of this seemingly elusive bird when, on our way out of Iguassu Falls (the last place on our itinerary toucans call home) our driver casually pointed one out - and carried on driving! Following a panicked 'can you stop can you stop can you stop' I managed to scramble out of the car, slowly move into position and get the view and shot I'd been waiting for.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/10294407_10154184999560565_770579991502180535_n.jpg?oh=99009e54314d93ec4fd807a470356bf0&oe=55A612F3&__gda__=1437927795_7eaded8f04b028785bfca2c77211d97e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/10294407_10154184999560565_770579991502180535_n.jpg?oh=99009e54314d93ec4fd807a470356bf0&oe=55A612F3&__gda__=1437927795_7eaded8f04b028785bfca2c77211d97e" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2*</b> Standing alone in the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia surrounded by blinding white, feeling simultaneously absolutely insignificant and all-powerful. As someone who asks for the Planet Earth DVDs for their birthday, I've always been in awe of the natural world, but this experience was one of the first to really bring it home.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10250133_10154128957375565_7137395188271516762_n.jpg?oh=79545d10647bfd4fa501787dbcd64d78&oe=557076C6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10250133_10154128957375565_7137395188271516762_n.jpg?oh=79545d10647bfd4fa501787dbcd64d78&oe=557076C6" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3*</b> Watching the thick cloud clear in an instant and reveal <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/machu-picchu-wonder-of-world.html" target="_blank">Machu Picchu</a> shining under beautifully clear skies. It was one of those moments where you're utterly transfixed - I just sat staring for ten minutes before I felt I was able to get up and start exploring. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1381428_10154104015175565_8966622366211071368_n.jpg?oh=5ef356596b7ff768499a96780c68d279&oe=55A4FD46" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1381428_10154104015175565_8966622366211071368_n.jpg?oh=5ef356596b7ff768499a96780c68d279&oe=55A4FD46" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>4*</b> Underwater experiences in the <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/galapagos-day-1-san-cristobal.html" target="_blank">Galápagos Islands</a>: getting the fright of my life when a gigantic sea turtle came into view during a snorkelling sesh, swimming with sea lion cubs and paddling with infant black tip sharks.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10176066_10154103601440565_6222713182561460182_n.jpg?oh=e43062979c28511ab6f2b39eac3ae174&oe=5571DD1F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10176066_10154103601440565_6222713182561460182_n.jpg?oh=e43062979c28511ab6f2b39eac3ae174&oe=5571DD1F" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>5*</b> Finding the absolutely stunning natural saltwater pool in Trindade, near Paraty. Shallow water shimmering in the afternoon sun, curious blue and yellow fish drawn to you like a magnet, flat rocks perfect for sun baking, ocean on one side and jungle on the other = one of the best and most relaxing day trips I've experienced.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10264503_10154185031140565_445777271327071252_n.jpg?oh=3ee49b34a736784732ac203e3e29268f&oe=559EA3B0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10264503_10154185031140565_445777271327071252_n.jpg?oh=3ee49b34a736784732ac203e3e29268f&oe=559EA3B0" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>6*</b> Swimming in the warm tropical waters off Paraty during a caipirinha booze cruise, strolling along hidden beaches and scrambling up slippery rocks to feed minuscule fluffy monkeys pieces of apple.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10270710_10154185027325565_164873368166505059_n.jpg?oh=4351b14fb6de91c0046fc9564e2cb16b&oe=55AC0FA5&__gda__=1438043343_044fcf1cbe7c15a46cf3e323e5d75db7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10270710_10154185027325565_164873368166505059_n.jpg?oh=4351b14fb6de91c0046fc9564e2cb16b&oe=55AC0FA5&__gda__=1438043343_044fcf1cbe7c15a46cf3e323e5d75db7" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>7*</b> The breathtaking nighttime view of Rio from Sugarloaf. There's something about a city when it's fallen under the spell of darkness; the twinkle of brightly lit homes and an otherworldly sense of beauty that holds your gaze even when the sinking sun brings about a dramatic change in temperature. Standing on top of Signal Hill in Cape Town watching the sun set over the ocean and the city was worth the freezing cold, and New York is equally stunning at night. Times Square is so well lit that it feels like the middle of the day, even at midnight, plus all the stores are open until 1am.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10374005_10154209326075565_6806436954194291938_n.jpg?oh=bacf9c3d8b74e99d0e961b40bd25044f&oe=559FAADF&__gda__=1438182857_d701e50e48f00243cab81d558cfea53f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10374005_10154209326075565_6806436954194291938_n.jpg?oh=bacf9c3d8b74e99d0e961b40bd25044f&oe=559FAADF&__gda__=1438182857_d701e50e48f00243cab81d558cfea53f" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The</b> <b>States (May/June 2014)</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>8*</b> Feeling completely relaxed and at one with the world in a gorgeously warm outdoor hot tub gazing up at a pitch black sky lit up with countless bright white stars in the Eastern Sierras. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>9*</b> Being absolutely mesmerised by the beauty and colours of Horseshoe Bend - why this was only a half an hour stop en route I'll never know.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10418935_10154270374205565_6001616539400130711_n.jpg?oh=e88df5bb424419fe51d920a6c5638dba&oe=55BE21F8&__gda__=1436680583_06194ba12c91614cf04d9a28e78a7a58" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10418935_10154270374205565_6001616539400130711_n.jpg?oh=e88df5bb424419fe51d920a6c5638dba&oe=55BE21F8&__gda__=1436680583_06194ba12c91614cf04d9a28e78a7a58" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>10*</b> Yosemite National Park. All of it - the waterfalls gushing down from great heights in a powerful rage, the mirror-effect lakes, the lovely beaches framed by towering mountains, the lush greenery and clean air that came as a relief after two weeks spent in desert-like landscapes...everything was just epic. Clambering onto and crawling through fallen sequoias was a definite highlight.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10416607_10154305217045565_7941259515377060747_n.jpg?oh=21c1d2e9c868b842b79018476f9a2c0c&oe=55B44EFC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10416607_10154305217045565_7941259515377060747_n.jpg?oh=21c1d2e9c868b842b79018476f9a2c0c&oe=55B44EFC" width="480"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10384931_10154305207510565_5093692047133227858_n.jpg?oh=d0126fd63cc0b9b700dc5cb4357eb954&oe=55ACD1D7&__gda__=1436970920_abb7fc88a183560e81bb3cb7d127bb88" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10384931_10154305207510565_5093692047133227858_n.jpg?oh=d0126fd63cc0b9b700dc5cb4357eb954&oe=55ACD1D7&__gda__=1436970920_abb7fc88a183560e81bb3cb7d127bb88" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>11*</b> Getting mashed at my first ever rodeo and barn dance. Who knew watching crazy fools getting thrown off angry-ass horses could be so much fun?</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10277717_10154270403825565_1098354223076367029_n.jpg?oh=b5e4f99dd9583c22796f9a5d42c999d1&oe=556F96C3&__gda__=1437168316_7de240a33ef5f08b66e17c0f8ef14ba5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10277717_10154270403825565_1098354223076367029_n.jpg?oh=b5e4f99dd9583c22796f9a5d42c999d1&oe=556F96C3&__gda__=1437168316_7de240a33ef5f08b66e17c0f8ef14ba5" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>12*</b> Going horseback riding through the Wild West and chowing down on an amazing homemade meal at cowboy camp </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10458874_986674222561_5966913289759494092_n.jpg?oh=ea82260bc43d2744c840b785411a949a&oe=55AF5BA4&__gda__=1433554393_295a6206c4244988eb7e2f867365cfab" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10458874_986674222561_5966913289759494092_n.jpg?oh=ea82260bc43d2744c840b785411a949a&oe=55AF5BA4&__gda__=1433554393_295a6206c4244988eb7e2f867365cfab" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>13*</b> Shedding my flip cup and dirty Jenga v-plates in the cowboy camp party barn </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>14*</b> Rocking up to a VIP pool party in Vegas for free where we watched Zedd do a DJ set. Being stone cold sober and having one of the best nights of my life</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10380883_10153165082895931_3801261113403529958_n.jpg?oh=a44da2d1dd88108a4804c2b64abcd9d7&oe=55A9C047" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10380883_10153165082895931_3801261113403529958_n.jpg?oh=a44da2d1dd88108a4804c2b64abcd9d7&oe=55A9C047" width="276"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>15*</b> Chatting to the locals in New York - probably the friendliest bunch of people I've met. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>16* </b>Sipping fancy cocktails and socialising at a swanky rooftop bar in NYC wearing a fluffy red dressing gown. Watching the Empire State Building glitter in the background made it well worth the cold</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10305053_10154224062005565_1036068459818351415_n.jpg?oh=3e2f461bc9bda48a086bb4d3fd3900ca&oe=55AFC86E&__gda__=1433423889_376b58e9939769a38ba1098d82b3d1ff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10305053_10154224062005565_1036068459818351415_n.jpg?oh=3e2f461bc9bda48a086bb4d3fd3900ca&oe=55AFC86E&__gda__=1433423889_376b58e9939769a38ba1098d82b3d1ff" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>17*</b> Strolling across Brooklyn Bridge. I can't explain why I enjoyed this so much but it's a memory that stands out whenever I think back to New York.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10310622_10154224065985565_5674665947831125542_n.jpg?oh=b7332b40435a96bdafeb71c2e907b21f&oe=55719A5D&__gda__=1437167394_656e7d9854bd39ed6f0666e9986b0698" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10310622_10154224065985565_5674665947831125542_n.jpg?oh=b7332b40435a96bdafeb71c2e907b21f&oe=55719A5D&__gda__=1437167394_656e7d9854bd39ed6f0666e9986b0698" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Europe (July/August 2014)</b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>18*</b> Sitting on the sidewalk watching a lightning storm rage over St Mark's Square in Venice. There was no thunder, 'just' what felt like hundreds of purple flashes per minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10423277_10154549615355565_8483727589659471038_n.jpg?oh=7a13f8db9acd0cc7ccaf99a2f2e4f4bf&oe=559FFC5C&__gda__=1437221411_ebb8c9766b9d87faf86cdad7dac01509" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10423277_10154549615355565_8483727589659471038_n.jpg?oh=7a13f8db9acd0cc7ccaf99a2f2e4f4bf&oe=559FFC5C&__gda__=1437221411_ebb8c9766b9d87faf86cdad7dac01509" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>19*</b> Blogging down the side streets & on the main path by the canals and open water in <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/dont-do-churches-or-museums-4-reasons.html" target="_blank">Venice</a> soaking up the beauty of my surroundings. I remember finally understanding the role this incredible floating city played in the creation of literary masterpieces dreamed up by the Romantic poets.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10580265_10154549601360565_3312675343695649629_n.jpg?oh=689227af8963ab6929b6d4d7e365f315&oe=55A60C6E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10580265_10154549601360565_3312675343695649629_n.jpg?oh=689227af8963ab6929b6d4d7e365f315&oe=55A60C6E" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>20*</b> Similarly, blogging in the afternoon sun on Champs de Mars with the Eiffel Tower as a rather spectacular backdrop. Talk about inspiration! I crafted the blog post I'm most proud of during my time in Paris; you can read it <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/alternative-paris-8-ways-to-stray-from.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10524736_10154549585935565_1907137063729524726_n.jpg?oh=725d2744d8fe491e615026922583ee86&oe=55B117FE&__gda__=1438437850_2992ae65ac6e4d06617ef50b5e57712c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10524736_10154549585935565_1907137063729524726_n.jpg?oh=725d2744d8fe491e615026922583ee86&oe=55B117FE&__gda__=1438437850_2992ae65ac6e4d06617ef50b5e57712c" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>21*</b> The sense of achievement after finally finding the old railway line that runs around the city, La Petite Ceinture; and the solitude and padlocked gates giving it a forbidden air that only made me want to explore more. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10606612_10154549586495565_3727108567428913732_n.jpg?oh=df9ba19128bc7b79b45ad511e1b8c156&oe=55ADB49E&__gda__=1437606139_a6e4387ef1a9a43c0b5060139f9a7a94" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10606612_10154549586495565_3727108567428913732_n.jpg?oh=df9ba19128bc7b79b45ad511e1b8c156&oe=55ADB49E&__gda__=1437606139_a6e4387ef1a9a43c0b5060139f9a7a94" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>22*</b> Breezing straight through the Barcelona night clubs we'd queued to get into and making a beeline for the beach - and staying there until 6am</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>23*</b> Meeting Lakk. Funny how you meet someone for a couple of days in a random city then end up hanging out with them every weekend when you happen to move to their home city #Barcabesties #babutz </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/541655_10155315850265565_2085343978680450030_n.jpg?oh=b5b633be4b28126bd3e0c25779b4f5b1&oe=55718ADD" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/541655_10155315850265565_2085343978680450030_n.jpg?oh=b5b633be4b28126bd3e0c25779b4f5b1&oe=55718ADD" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>24* </b>Making the taxi driver take a late night detour and stop for 10 minutes at the Sagrada Familia en route to the airport because it's one of my favourite buildings in the world - and because it features in a scene in an Almodovar movie that I love and moves me to tears every time. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Africa (</b><b>August/September 2014)</b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>25*</b> Watching in awe as a giraffe stepped out right in front of our boat on my first ever African safari. It was so close I could hardly breathe; plus I'd got the shock of my life as it had been surprisingly well camouflaged in the bushes </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10711105_10154716423180565_6955873673378348637_n.jpg?oh=7a659b475915bc592b9fb2ec0d44bb4e&oe=55A23515&__gda__=1438265091_6d45d5dbe1ca5581d6dc084638a7715b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10711105_10154716423180565_6955873673378348637_n.jpg?oh=7a659b475915bc592b9fb2ec0d44bb4e&oe=55A23515&__gda__=1438265091_6d45d5dbe1ca5581d6dc084638a7715b" width="480"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>26*</b> Feeling like I was on a movie set with so many species of exotic animal everywhere I looked </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>27*</b> Eating beautifully cooked dinners around the campfire while herds of zebra walked past or foraged in nearby bushes for food</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>28*</b> Frozen in a bizarre mix of wonder and terror as a territorial white rhino charged straight towards our window in the truck (luckily it was all bravado and it didn't come too close)</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>29*</b> Spotting an elusive leopard and watching it drag its kill up a nearby tree</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10665762_10154716422340565_6256980368105979556_n.jpg?oh=14e0dd82ef86f96fb2dab35745334ad3&oe=55AE7649&__gda__=1437147436_778bf02c9122c1678c0fadd546f6e49d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10665762_10154716422340565_6256980368105979556_n.jpg?oh=14e0dd82ef86f96fb2dab35745334ad3&oe=55AE7649&__gda__=1437147436_778bf02c9122c1678c0fadd546f6e49d" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>30*</b> Watching as a huge elephant lumbered straight in-between our safari truck and another. Getting closer than I ever thought possible to these animals in the wild (until I got to Asia)</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1982020_10154716425635565_7157861272329690605_n.jpg?oh=1762154dd41700a916d8b712b7d53f81&oe=55A3FAD9&__gda__=1436409574_d94977420f07192aee48a522c14fb849" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1982020_10154716425635565_7157861272329690605_n.jpg?oh=1762154dd41700a916d8b712b7d53f81&oe=55A3FAD9&__gda__=1436409574_d94977420f07192aee48a522c14fb849" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>31*</b> Being lulled to sleep by the sounds of elephants in the distance and waking up to a pack of lions frolicking in the grass (a safe distance away) and tales of hyenas, giraffes & lions gracing our camp site during the night</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>32*</b> The ocean views and beautiful houses at Clifton on a very long walk back from Camp's Bay back to my hostel in <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/keeping-busy-in-cape-town.html" target="_blank">Cape Town</a> (Atlantic Point)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10686777_10154646238080565_2716071158674070381_n.jpg?oh=46b0d5e758fd80959d3fb8035834cda5&oe=55AF6FEB&__gda__=1438385086_e1f2ada3f5d1921be0d839c849fc2f21" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10686777_10154646238080565_2716071158674070381_n.jpg?oh=46b0d5e758fd80959d3fb8035834cda5&oe=55AF6FEB&__gda__=1438385086_e1f2ada3f5d1921be0d839c849fc2f21" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>33*</b> Drinking the AP bar dry of wine #somethingsneverchange </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>34*</b> Meeting Matty. Tacos. Strawberry daiquiris. Pancakes. Camp's Bay. Waterfront. KFC. Game of Thrones. Duvet days. Grilled cheese. Coastal walks. Laughter, happiness, love. A month I will never forget :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10646887_10154680931040565_2310091211969826172_n.jpg?oh=a759bfdb01d0380c3511f369f21eea5e&oe=55AAF2DD&__gda__=1437191627_cda55df48ae60e46cc13a355556135c3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10646887_10154680931040565_2310091211969826172_n.jpg?oh=a759bfdb01d0380c3511f369f21eea5e&oe=55AAF2DD&__gda__=1437191627_cda55df48ae60e46cc13a355556135c3" width="300"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>35*</b> Demolishing the best pizza I've ever tasted in my life at Meloncino </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10703629_10154680933200565_7788067668663835974_n.jpg?oh=023b557a7c2a638df220bc3517b07397&oe=55A2531F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10703629_10154680933200565_7788067668663835974_n.jpg?oh=023b557a7c2a638df220bc3517b07397&oe=55A2531F" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>36*</b> Getting an amazing bird's eye view of a whale on the cliff tops at Cape Point as it surfaced</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>37*</b> Watching Southern Right whales breach just off the coast in chilly Hermanus, drinking hot chocolate and all snuggled up in fluffy blankets </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10675514_4716787774145_2590850890596336414_n.jpg?oh=d2eaadeaed7bef156fcd0ad31d408e71&oe=55ADA591&__gda__=1437394045_4c624896b4ed1bf2a5e99b31f95cd372" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10675514_4716787774145_2590850890596336414_n.jpg?oh=d2eaadeaed7bef156fcd0ad31d408e71&oe=55ADA591&__gda__=1437394045_4c624896b4ed1bf2a5e99b31f95cd372" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>38*</b> Being wowed rather than terrified by four metre long great white sharks breaching in the middle of the ocean </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10679828_10154628822370607_2012965932489238370_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10679828_10154628822370607_2012965932489238370_o.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>39*</b> Braai night at AP - melt in your mouth steak and dangerously delicious toasted cheese sandwiches. Good food, good company, stupid amounts of ping pong...Wednesday nights were the biz.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>40*</b> Soaking up the view from the top of Lion's Head. Only remembering my fear of heights once I'd reached the top (duh) and having to scale back down ladders, foot holds and slippery paths with shaky legs and a dizzy head. Perhaps not a highlight in itself but a proud accomplishment given the circumstances!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10639734_10154646246175565_788459941208596105_n.jpg?oh=15aaae9c9fef0ef205419d74a262fe9a&oe=55ABC8D8&__gda__=1436573153_d5dcccddcd68a98d33059edc19c66907" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10639734_10154646246175565_788459941208596105_n.jpg?oh=15aaae9c9fef0ef205419d74a262fe9a&oe=55ABC8D8&__gda__=1436573153_d5dcccddcd68a98d33059edc19c66907" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>41*</b> Meeting the friendliest, most wonderful people at AP. I'm lucky to call lots of places my second home but this really, truly is. I would love to go back one day.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>South East Asia (October/November 2014)</b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>42*</b> Watching hundreds of glowing orange lanterns float into the night sky at the <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/sky-lanterns-firecrackers-and.html" target="_blank">Yi Peng festival</a> in Chiang Mai. The festival had been on my wish list for years, and it was nothing short of magical to finally be there in person, and release my own lantern.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm_73oj6miN5G96ysPWnjdY3x63XgtIceIzQAf2KWnRF9yYZsW2bfw65BDImmEJnPwQycDxxEAC2346jLfQs0-cKxxm2BTlvOkao40kow08ph79pMD4RaD6x4PkKI-lsmDzCASyvIfT4/s640/blogger-image-1686348686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm_73oj6miN5G96ysPWnjdY3x63XgtIceIzQAf2KWnRF9yYZsW2bfw65BDImmEJnPwQycDxxEAC2346jLfQs0-cKxxm2BTlvOkao40kow08ph79pMD4RaD6x4PkKI-lsmDzCASyvIfT4/s1600/blogger-image-1686348686.jpg"></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>43*</b> Spending a day with rescued elephants in Chiang Mai. Feeding, bathing and getting to know these enormous yet incredibly docile animals remains one of my best experiences to date - if you ever go to Thailand's northern provinces I would 100% recommend spending time at the <a href="http://hellotravelbug.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/10-reasons-i-fell-in-love-with-chiang.html" target="_blank">Elephant Retirement Park</a>.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgDl_SslEZMCy9Z14nPi8NBoFjaFzpRXTViv6HIzEA8z4r3XEt81v5DBkLWkihXNomnVw9XCtssjg_NftcB6K0gTiL4YVUS9usqJ3qmH7i8uU3DbFcUTcJodK_0BORsnZjh-rO4_Cs9k/s640/blogger-image-1844594244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgDl_SslEZMCy9Z14nPi8NBoFjaFzpRXTViv6HIzEA8z4r3XEt81v5DBkLWkihXNomnVw9XCtssjg_NftcB6K0gTiL4YVUS9usqJ3qmH7i8uU3DbFcUTcJodK_0BORsnZjh-rO4_Cs9k/s640/blogger-image-1844594244.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>44*</b> Spotting endangered 'pink' dolphins, or Chinese white dolphins, in Hong Kong. Learning that while they (and Amazon river dolphins) appear pink they are actually white; the pink colour comes from blood rushing to the surface following exertion such as swimming, breaching etc.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd970AmGmltVIHJnjGQz-8ioGXDMXuPZ46GRuHVdgKWAMbhAKXdJBBbDQa3o6KHpFQIVaUAARoFgCTJiPESH98gGoloh8Ke7DhaRYLdob1BZx_-Pwq6X-6LvZpSrNILG8-tX8VgMan5U/s640/blogger-image-1586532786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd970AmGmltVIHJnjGQz-8ioGXDMXuPZ46GRuHVdgKWAMbhAKXdJBBbDQa3o6KHpFQIVaUAARoFgCTJiPESH98gGoloh8Ke7DhaRYLdob1BZx_-Pwq6X-6LvZpSrNILG8-tX8VgMan5U/s640/blogger-image-1586532786.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>45*</b> Strolling along the waterfront promenade in Hong Kong. Simple pleasures are sometimes the greatest </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWpRmCsCG68irNyYhIFkweTrIdocGw8TzYxvvJ0_t800xhCULsVy56D6EHLMaWWlzZstyDleVmA4O14nWvMlzY9qNrXEGcq4S9rYLSKuMdmt5BQJI3YsaL_tuObJEUTqMGIz4uCGSCsA/s640/blogger-image--1875857947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWpRmCsCG68irNyYhIFkweTrIdocGw8TzYxvvJ0_t800xhCULsVy56D6EHLMaWWlzZstyDleVmA4O14nWvMlzY9qNrXEGcq4S9rYLSKuMdmt5BQJI3YsaL_tuObJEUTqMGIz4uCGSCsA/s400/blogger-image--1875857947.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Australia (November - April 2014/2015)</b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>46*</b> Going on a day trip down the Great Ocean Road - soaking up the views of secluded beaches, the shimmering deep blue ocean and spotting koalas in the wild for the first time</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLWbYkIqOE-My9uPgb5-RpZlbTjFhmfiH2zhlgyTQLaLFVspFuq78icpXoiiI8PlLBgeagZ1G9nbDPcqPLKlW0azHQBoySJ2H3u4kRV4A89J8ccrSNByq8jEQsSXj2d3p35B8F52IHJI/s640/blogger-image-1291402205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLWbYkIqOE-My9uPgb5-RpZlbTjFhmfiH2zhlgyTQLaLFVspFuq78icpXoiiI8PlLBgeagZ1G9nbDPcqPLKlW0azHQBoySJ2H3u4kRV4A89J8ccrSNByq8jEQsSXj2d3p35B8F52IHJI/s640/blogger-image-1291402205.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>47*</b> Signing for the Weston Street house. WHAT a house - awesome housemates, epic house parties and the best location with pubs & bars on one side and Italian/Lebanese restaurants on the other </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMc4TiE5RQ38JqgDU6-wESD0zADu8GTWlgedExp7tcOuNpXuhTsF8EdWD9j9nW7TD13fbdxqKiY4qRI9ENPVPmKZs6hjiK9svql4TUYsB8bN23Od_6QaP3CQEKlY90ygkyIMz7l1XNTy4/s640/blogger-image-1968889145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMc4TiE5RQ38JqgDU6-wESD0zADu8GTWlgedExp7tcOuNpXuhTsF8EdWD9j9nW7TD13fbdxqKiY4qRI9ENPVPmKZs6hjiK9svql4TUYsB8bN23Od_6QaP3CQEKlY90ygkyIMz7l1XNTy4/s400/blogger-image-1968889145.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>48*</b> The beach! Being close (ish) enough to the beach to spend a day there at the weekends and go on some beautiful coastal walks, my second favourite thing to do after whale watching :)</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-zqsib0nUJOP9wjMyN3e2ijTIYE-lNeMNZpzwk40Dv9rDX8R5J_gy28QNbXVECYU1GAk2WAjnRKJRduxnE2DSLFP8uZCn-YBFNT9olc2Tj-0HpQFiwv-dZwl6rXHt7STdVUdR4DZ0dE/s640/blogger-image-565230716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-zqsib0nUJOP9wjMyN3e2ijTIYE-lNeMNZpzwk40Dv9rDX8R5J_gy28QNbXVECYU1GAk2WAjnRKJRduxnE2DSLFP8uZCn-YBFNT9olc2Tj-0HpQFiwv-dZwl6rXHt7STdVUdR4DZ0dE/s400/blogger-image-565230716.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>49*</b> Walking in Princes Park, the local park just around the corner from my house. This may not sound like much, but with palm trees, exotic birdlife and the opportunity to make the most of the weather, the park reminds me that I'm 16,000 km away from home whenever I'm feeling settled and restless.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uMtVERJjcntMgnhDmTA8RGMOMuCileFPmE9sKG1TYQPoAU7IbfJr8dTRpIwr6cP7oJ6WU5YSreD-RjUvLYQozfuDTQe80oNRFRVhkeVFiOsbSYXkoORqdXzyGCGFpNnfFmy_LA2BMzI/s640/blogger-image--103866256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uMtVERJjcntMgnhDmTA8RGMOMuCileFPmE9sKG1TYQPoAU7IbfJr8dTRpIwr6cP7oJ6WU5YSreD-RjUvLYQozfuDTQe80oNRFRVhkeVFiOsbSYXkoORqdXzyGCGFpNnfFmy_LA2BMzI/s400/blogger-image--103866256.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>50*</b> Living in the city. There's no going back to country bumpkin living after this; with beaches, parks, street art, laneways, hidden bars, rooftops and avocado brunch recipes to boot, Melbourne is a great place to live.</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ3rRjxfAMi5M_xqR8ZdQvgTvI5RY18CfRl8GbKRDebDalcXg2sYmDOqB1gU0J51gSgleoOX3_pJ7J8Y4LVXLh6Fk63buoX146ZSbHEYfYEid3263GSa_7U5r7-P8lrTqF2plgQWGpU0/s640/blogger-image--2113495150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ3rRjxfAMi5M_xqR8ZdQvgTvI5RY18CfRl8GbKRDebDalcXg2sYmDOqB1gU0J51gSgleoOX3_pJ7J8Y4LVXLh6Fk63buoX146ZSbHEYfYEid3263GSa_7U5r7-P8lrTqF2plgQWGpU0/s400/blogger-image--2113495150.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>51* </b>The sun coming out for a trip to Bondi after two days of torrential rain</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxFDHpF-YpZ8G84W258kNbeuGpy9kzHr6MxUMq5EzuIE7-AX9NhAsqGrIYaO9KNDEaGXbr367zZuvhyphenhyphenizVaVny3rZD5mH81InsnC7lMCTP3fHF2pPZ-p1LujQ2UARi8XqzNTMUnkOUco/s640/blogger-image-702607975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxFDHpF-YpZ8G84W258kNbeuGpy9kzHr6MxUMq5EzuIE7-AX9NhAsqGrIYaO9KNDEaGXbr367zZuvhyphenhyphenizVaVny3rZD5mH81InsnC7lMCTP3fHF2pPZ-p1LujQ2UARi8XqzNTMUnkOUco/s400/blogger-image-702607975.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>52*</b> Booking my flights to New Zealand! With NZ, the east coast of Aus and possibly Fiji or Bali on the cards over the next couple of months, I can't wait to make new memories during my second year of travel. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-81749373731808617132015-03-01T03:30:00.001-08:002015-03-01T03:46:36.523-08:00Hello travel bugOne of the reasons I didn't enjoy Asia (I've lost count of how many people have been left shocked by this) is because I wasn't really in the travel zone. I was really looking forward to Aus because, among other things, I would have the chance to settle, unpack my stuff, have my own space - and earn some money of course. I was getting fed up with packing my things every few days and travelling some place new, especially when I didn't particularly enjoy the cities I visited. I've been in Aus since mid-November and in my house since the beginning of January, so I've had a good couple of months with the privacy of my own room, the joy of not living out of a backpack and the chance to refresh my tattered wardrobe. It's been good - especially as I had a slight panic when I was last home that I should be thinking about settling down and being more of a grown up i.e. get a job/boyfriend/house otherwise I could very well get to 30 and not have a career, S.O. or my own place. With a few of my close friends leading 'proper' lives now (long term r'ships, buying houses etc) it freaked me out when I was home over the summer & catching up with everyone that I wasn't doing the same. <div><br></div><div>Then I get back on the road and wonder what the hell I was thinking. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've been doing the settling down thing for 2 months now - as well as you can when you're a traveller anyway - and I'm getting restless. It's not that I don't like it here; I've got good friends, a great house and there's always heaps going on. But there's something missing...I don't feel like I'm abroad at all really now I'm back into a routine and super busy & stressed during the week. Maybe if I lived nearer the beach this would be different - or had a car to make the most of Melbourne's surroundings. Plus the job has thrown up a few issues that I'm not particularly happy with - won't go into details but it's been very stressful and I felt physically ill from exhaustion last week. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I said in my interview I would stay until mid-May so I'll hold myself to that; stick it out and try to ignore the huge part of me that wants to go travelling again, and see the rest of the world. However. When it gets to May - or July (I'm allowed to work for TMG for 6 months on this visa) - all of that will change. I think. Like I say, if there's one thing I've learnt about myself it's that my plans always change. It's good to have some idea where things are going though, and on that basis here is draft 1 of my travel plans for 2015/16:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>2015</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">July/August - east coast! Cairns (Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, whales!), Airlie Beach & Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Aug/Sept/Oct - New Zealand & Cook Islands...then back to Melbourne </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oct/Nov - HOME!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Nov - Norway, Prague, Budapest</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dec - Home for Xmas :) :) :) apply for a new passport!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>2016</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jan/Feb - Brazil! Then work my way through South & Central America to Canada :) might check in on Hawaii and Florida keys on route...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-2251849298171521952015-03-01T01:16:00.001-08:002015-03-01T01:27:05.525-08:00Making the most of MelbsA few weeks ago I promised myself that I'd do one new thing or visit one new place every weekend to make the most of living in Melbourne. Here's how I've been passing the time:<div><br></div><div>Coastal walk - from St Kilda to South Melbourne, gorgeous secluded beaches</div><div>Botanic gardens - so peaceful and a nice escape from the city</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrvSafHihe-MKwHH1MMkCz0SI95MTQ1NXRs1PNI_Drh1yxCSn2aBQUF7W5LAr7QYUj0XzXkZ4KyaqNky4exNZ9i0y_HW4wI6PdBZCprylpJza5eDF3j9gQdLETiCxgXxtQdPxkjmA3XE/s640/blogger-image--1751499682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrvSafHihe-MKwHH1MMkCz0SI95MTQ1NXRs1PNI_Drh1yxCSn2aBQUF7W5LAr7QYUj0XzXkZ4KyaqNky4exNZ9i0y_HW4wI6PdBZCprylpJza5eDF3j9gQdLETiCxgXxtQdPxkjmA3XE/s640/blogger-image--1751499682.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Gin Palace - snazzy little bar with private booths</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPS5Z084Na6IJTAHWO0ulX8Ehb0Qs-R1xAJFOx-PUKRTRWmimpR6dgZQ2FOFnwiT8gHv-qNIH2ZzNTdXFqskNzBn9xCICFk6E8WTUY91H5AGE52U6fy-5uRTq9tQ_n4lc7NGCn3xhNIk/s640/blogger-image-1195430408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPS5Z084Na6IJTAHWO0ulX8Ehb0Qs-R1xAJFOx-PUKRTRWmimpR6dgZQ2FOFnwiT8gHv-qNIH2ZzNTdXFqskNzBn9xCICFk6E8WTUY91H5AGE52U6fy-5uRTq9tQ_n4lc7NGCn3xhNIk/s640/blogger-image-1195430408.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIiGG7R7r3A0B7D1Amqpd21ICQsWilCgVkA4pR5BJCYfl8hyphenhyphenUzuwYpJUdRZfRT8DVu3l9oMFHS8JB96uhRkI0wBZighp4lXVT1239bJXmGSN36z3bgu66hgciQDG4E6xOJYzoQpyAXuQ/s640/blogger-image-575334062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIiGG7R7r3A0B7D1Amqpd21ICQsWilCgVkA4pR5BJCYfl8hyphenhyphenUzuwYpJUdRZfRT8DVu3l9oMFHS8JB96uhRkI0wBZighp4lXVT1239bJXmGSN36z3bgu66hgciQDG4E6xOJYzoQpyAXuQ/s640/blogger-image-575334062.jpg"></a></div><i>My two fave housies, Megan & Beth <3 </i></div><div><br></div><div>B.east - burger and live music bar across the street </div><div>White Night - cultural Festival of Lights in the CBD running from 7pm to 7am</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJkH5aaNtZLT7F1KLKxD7xPMdVtWZQ7KhJ1GSODWKIIu2WeJ4Kc2PVkAdQ2Ug0Q04J9g5L2c_r6Wdu7nJuhWqTOVJI2l0ypbWmygeeYgIQVmoIraz7ylGGwdgBghHH2bR9vMSjxSyu-M/s640/blogger-image--127500398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJkH5aaNtZLT7F1KLKxD7xPMdVtWZQ7KhJ1GSODWKIIu2WeJ4Kc2PVkAdQ2Ug0Q04J9g5L2c_r6Wdu7nJuhWqTOVJI2l0ypbWmygeeYgIQVmoIraz7ylGGwdgBghHH2bR9vMSjxSyu-M/s640/blogger-image--127500398.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjR7boQswmLVyq9NY00yTpPNRz9L-45ftWEeAR3mTlmHGOjMyUZSPh2Qt9mUA0Uj5ulx2Oq6kDy2E07UoXufVBNf-i9weE3qbSoFfOeWxPU8ol7Eyx-v-HqesfGGZnaXBHzh9yCHBJvE/s640/blogger-image-1004549963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjR7boQswmLVyq9NY00yTpPNRz9L-45ftWEeAR3mTlmHGOjMyUZSPh2Qt9mUA0Uj5ulx2Oq6kDy2E07UoXufVBNf-i9weE3qbSoFfOeWxPU8ol7Eyx-v-HqesfGGZnaXBHzh9yCHBJvE/s640/blogger-image-1004549963.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Pancake Parlour - to make up for missing Shrove Tuesday</span></div><div>Fox FM rooftop - "the world famous rooftop" VIP event with Jessica Mauboy, famous radio DJs & free food, drinks and music from 5-9, then an afterparty in St Kilda</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UIeQB_Q6XQ_15oaxbPIZO8ARyoJ4WOweFL15vM96VTYHeejLa9uYaq-W_WxLQA3KtdgMfNJA0WZir6wQ_iMzTV77zfzaqjoA5hXkV-_oa81p8xs3dgl2Cgx6kaPMEB3325Ypi0grz3I/s640/blogger-image-1302465394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UIeQB_Q6XQ_15oaxbPIZO8ARyoJ4WOweFL15vM96VTYHeejLa9uYaq-W_WxLQA3KtdgMfNJA0WZir6wQ_iMzTV77zfzaqjoA5hXkV-_oa81p8xs3dgl2Cgx6kaPMEB3325Ypi0grz3I/s640/blogger-image-1302465394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Me with my best Melbourne buddy Anthony! Not my new fella - sorry to disappoint everyone who's asked!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0jtw73kw6zTDdkVIeTaT5HpgDZwtY2_FoEwsRzI1MXRxRMAPVIKbvnWRN5tWFxk09vjDLb1WUC6xrWYw0Idqbam9KJTFUEK0g3_dLr8onQ8OzGQvxCC2JO3hWpQuCzE_4U1NxtnYq4/s640/blogger-image--1532400017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0jtw73kw6zTDdkVIeTaT5HpgDZwtY2_FoEwsRzI1MXRxRMAPVIKbvnWRN5tWFxk09vjDLb1WUC6xrWYw0Idqbam9KJTFUEK0g3_dLr8onQ8OzGQvxCC2JO3hWpQuCzE_4U1NxtnYq4/s640/blogger-image--1532400017.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Melbourne Storm (rugby team) season launch lunch at Crown Casino - corporate lunch with players, coaches, sponsors in Shane Warne's lounge bar Club 23</div><div>House party!! - our first one, so much fun!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQgdMyIa3gZbwbQdYJjWI4BNIGnIIPP2DHBqCi0GJ1Fh_jTprnFG_O1FGkNgfmwzAKm5vHFfEnQtMsFhsdKF-JGuSbxY_0TIUm2KRSsyeAllQ2UlJIymMEbwZsJh4Gm8_bFX_P7ZO-cQ/s640/blogger-image-138797917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQgdMyIa3gZbwbQdYJjWI4BNIGnIIPP2DHBqCi0GJ1Fh_jTprnFG_O1FGkNgfmwzAKm5vHFfEnQtMsFhsdKF-JGuSbxY_0TIUm2KRSsyeAllQ2UlJIymMEbwZsJh4Gm8_bFX_P7ZO-cQ/s640/blogger-image-138797917.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sydney Road street party - markets, live music, street performers and food</span></div><div><br></div><div>Next weekend we have another public holiday woohoo! So I'm planning on getting out of Melbourne for a couple of days. I'm feeling a bit too settled & if I'm honest I can feeling the travel bug stirring again...which isn't ideal as I need to stay in this job for a while longer yet...so the plan is to spent a few weekends over the next couple of months on the Great Ocean Road, in Mornington (coastal walk central, hot springs), at Wilson's Prom (national park territory with heaps of hiking routes, might need to get hold of a tent for that one) and the Grampians (mountains, hiking). </div><div><br></div><div>But what I'm most looking forward to is July...see next post! This pesky travel bug is just never satisfied...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-77839269655740476862015-02-09T03:17:00.001-08:002015-02-09T03:21:20.479-08:00I'm going to be on the radio!! And other thingsLots of people have been asking how the job is going so thought I'd do a mini update here. It's all going super well at the moment: I'm keeping busy, the people are really nice and it's a step up into marketing & advertising which is good - definitely heading in the right direction now :) <div><br><div>I've been creating content for the blog which you can find here http://www.tmg.edu.au/blog/ and writing content for print collateral too, like brochures, flyers, posters and newspaper ads. We're liaising with the local radio at the moment as well, so I'll be penning audio scripts which is exciting! Here's an example of the kind of brochures I've been working on with the lovely graphic designer http://www.tmg.edu.au/industry-matters/.</div><div><br></div><div>Thursday is set to be a particularly interesting day - I'm going to the Smooth FM recording studios to be the voice over for a couple of contact lens adverts! Nothing to do with the company I work for; my boss's dad wants a British female to do the commercial voice over to market a new product and I was volunteered for the task! Not complaining though - it'll be a really cool experience (if a little nervewracking). According to the little white lie my boss told, I'm in fact an expert in commercial voice overs and have lots of experience from all the radio work I've done in London...we'll see how quickly they figure out he's told an absolute whopper. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anyway! Then I head back to the office to help shoot a video to promote our international qualifications! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So all pretty exciting stuff. Still loving the house (my housemates are so nice and tonnes of fun), the hour long commute has meant I've got back into reading (on my fifth book in 4 weeks), I've been running again (although the 30 degree+ weather makes it difficult sometimes!)* and I'm keeping busy with lots of fun things at the weekends. My list of things to do is growing by the day - there are heaps of festivals coming up which is so awesome. Can't believe how well everything's worked out, I'm so lucky! </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*I know, poor me suffering in 30 degree heat while it's -2 back home...to be honest though the weather hasn't been all that recently, it's been a 'weird summer' according to the locals & not as warm/sunny as it should be. We've had a fair amount of rain and cold! When it can get to 45 degrees here though, that's probably a blessing in disguise...</font></div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-78777260295801445762015-02-08T01:44:00.001-08:002015-02-08T02:16:13.807-08:00Perfect summer days in MelbourneLast Saturday, I squandered the entire day doing absolutely zero - and felt terrible about it. What's the point of living somewhere new if you're not going to...well, live it? In addition to making sure I got my ass out of the house, I spent a couple of hours on Sunday drawing up a list of all the things I want to see/do/visit while I'm in Melbourne, and I'm planning on doing at least one every weekend. Even if it's just going to a new bar (and to be perfectly honest these currently dominate the list), I'll feel like I've been productive and that I'm making the most of living on the other side of the world :)<div><br></div><div>This weekend started off well: I went to a cosy little wine bar just down the road to kick the evening off on Friday and ended the night in a rum bar I'd never been to before. Saturday was HOT (34) so I went to St Kilda and walked up the coastline to South Melbourne Beach which was just perfect. St Kilda was pretty packed but if you follow the coast there are some huge stretches of sand that are almost completely secluded. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bLNnWNo4Up2XXoq8bw5-bDzOuarOOWE-kJ4aCl1npGRgDP_PLg4dCDnVlalgLCTbXHn1UhhgNrSMMuleSg4hr9ZFyExe_NNYQHKzmmriuemZx69E2T8pJk86ZYDWTYDMuRcI-WQ_qyI/s640/blogger-image-108616598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bLNnWNo4Up2XXoq8bw5-bDzOuarOOWE-kJ4aCl1npGRgDP_PLg4dCDnVlalgLCTbXHn1UhhgNrSMMuleSg4hr9ZFyExe_NNYQHKzmmriuemZx69E2T8pJk86ZYDWTYDMuRcI-WQ_qyI/s640/blogger-image-108616598.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Saturday night was another booze-fuelled affair at a place called the Carlton Club, an eccentric rooftop bar/club with life-sized giraffes towering over you on your way to the smoking area & elephant heads coming out of the walls. The view of the city lights and skyscrapers on the rooftop took me back to New York and an incredible rooftop bar with the Empire State Building glittering in the background :) And Sunday I went to the Royal Botanic Gardens which are so beautiful and peaceful. I'd almost forgotten what it's like doing things on my own, so it was nice to stroll around with just my camera for company - felt like I was back on the road for a dreamy couple of hours.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tnY4S9oe_4u2XVcLFHfSXxn_oQIY0uuOX4h31gc9_Hc0kR5wFVF69l4pa06xwC8lKjIRgK3DnrJAG9mXWMJjGFjONJuhhTRR8DU-iFt0vNPmfuIeA8QW2BcVb-xX89kIOS8kt-Wyb_g/s640/blogger-image--1231741657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tnY4S9oe_4u2XVcLFHfSXxn_oQIY0uuOX4h31gc9_Hc0kR5wFVF69l4pa06xwC8lKjIRgK3DnrJAG9mXWMJjGFjONJuhhTRR8DU-iFt0vNPmfuIeA8QW2BcVb-xX89kIOS8kt-Wyb_g/s640/blogger-image--1231741657.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOdYT2ZVrMkSCWSgy0nq_EK8JCBcvcszPYFx8XMhT9swC_hFUy8p7_s-ehE_4-FlRyE0SlJAJ10gTCqly1p6OUFnnZZ2mS5fttyIXUw2Aj3jJQ90XriYOzXmE5LkcahqMPyFLdANnTYM/s640/blogger-image--611235825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOdYT2ZVrMkSCWSgy0nq_EK8JCBcvcszPYFx8XMhT9swC_hFUy8p7_s-ehE_4-FlRyE0SlJAJ10gTCqly1p6OUFnnZZ2mS5fttyIXUw2Aj3jJQ90XriYOzXmE5LkcahqMPyFLdANnTYM/s640/blogger-image--611235825.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsdUaFDEGCOg88EYfmxtSlQCFBnP9xGp4I6dEF9uk6CXNZv9yAz4ZnZw62abANahpzgTMkiUNV7yH8d8HIdRJh5k4sQiwUBMLdhNtHBkc0p5fvJPm1qI5Xm8fjVEhiYR0q-IleqTY194/s640/blogger-image-458409054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsdUaFDEGCOg88EYfmxtSlQCFBnP9xGp4I6dEF9uk6CXNZv9yAz4ZnZw62abANahpzgTMkiUNV7yH8d8HIdRJh5k4sQiwUBMLdhNtHBkc0p5fvJPm1qI5Xm8fjVEhiYR0q-IleqTY194/s640/blogger-image-458409054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj244bEqy-LC7bnFU9KO5hyphenhyphenkEbCTQyCqS1m1ziVQa-V0RV3iHwM93Nqf0DWpADO0UsoucI-DnP3O35DVW_PPb29EDpZQwQDceJKTme5aXjM5whTMA8bYs_yeATi6XsD-73a__cYIgYwjdA/s640/blogger-image-254851917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj244bEqy-LC7bnFU9KO5hyphenhyphenkEbCTQyCqS1m1ziVQa-V0RV3iHwM93Nqf0DWpADO0UsoucI-DnP3O35DVW_PPb29EDpZQwQDceJKTme5aXjM5whTMA8bYs_yeATi6XsD-73a__cYIgYwjdA/s640/blogger-image-254851917.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98uvoM2evkywRXVfychi2JTVjcP1qNZxvBmswC4_VQutHl6kw3ObOEtjyEFdztc2Mu2CaJ6iRXMtPrKeieuEVBUOC4C9WDHKxpMLU_Vg8gjybNQYuXkRZHE3ACz1QW-j_hMF3gS8XXTY/s640/blogger-image--362591783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98uvoM2evkywRXVfychi2JTVjcP1qNZxvBmswC4_VQutHl6kw3ObOEtjyEFdztc2Mu2CaJ6iRXMtPrKeieuEVBUOC4C9WDHKxpMLU_Vg8gjybNQYuXkRZHE3ACz1QW-j_hMF3gS8XXTY/s640/blogger-image--362591783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nQ_wIBnUZU0DMGDPQMZnBTZqbSSwEHrkTJFbLQ1LChDnGNUMv_bMwDdOXdwDwgbHnjGMb2-RX6IWO9R2tiMNgIezkhLTRf_45Vos6hOhAW8OQmlmmqyPTk-xnied2-3wt0alxFksI4/s640/blogger-image-186569590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nQ_wIBnUZU0DMGDPQMZnBTZqbSSwEHrkTJFbLQ1LChDnGNUMv_bMwDdOXdwDwgbHnjGMb2-RX6IWO9R2tiMNgIezkhLTRf_45Vos6hOhAW8OQmlmmqyPTk-xnied2-3wt0alxFksI4/s640/blogger-image-186569590.jpg"></a></div><i>Mother-in-law's cushion! </i></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It turns out, when you look for it, there's quite a lot to do in and around Melbourne. One of which is the impossibly beautiful Great Ocean Road, which I'm hopefully going down next weekend! Super excited. My Melbourne bestie Anthony (there's your mention big) has a car which is the best thing and means we can go on trips out of the city to places like the Hot Springs and maybe the Grampians (might be pushing my luck with that one)! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRqwzkvit2Kx8X6Gds7ly94g6pfaw1yedcpUKa9h_wcUOou6vZqfNJ0UKMHxj6p65UrXWOjzJKQEzOtggDvEvR-jcFfCkpMvX829Q_o0IAnrl3L8Bi160m0xaB-JBrWqhhvG5wm8q5s/s640/blogger-image-925269574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRqwzkvit2Kx8X6Gds7ly94g6pfaw1yedcpUKa9h_wcUOou6vZqfNJ0UKMHxj6p65UrXWOjzJKQEzOtggDvEvR-jcFfCkpMvX829Q_o0IAnrl3L8Bi160m0xaB-JBrWqhhvG5wm8q5s/s640/blogger-image-925269574.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yeedaV9pSWKjRDamVzdcb2-wfb9NaXdQGDqgQjaHPyULE0jWstl4WAcaKRjwZIL2ww8BkOvQdphRKJtMLSSR3v0eqQPVsmxVaUlgKGQQQqeTNoaqmA8uPdT-JKCsQ7SYonqoPbzefhU/s640/blogger-image--808731316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yeedaV9pSWKjRDamVzdcb2-wfb9NaXdQGDqgQjaHPyULE0jWstl4WAcaKRjwZIL2ww8BkOvQdphRKJtMLSSR3v0eqQPVsmxVaUlgKGQQQqeTNoaqmA8uPdT-JKCsQ7SYonqoPbzefhU/s640/blogger-image--808731316.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">With squeaky beaches, phosphorescence, swimming pool rooftops, stunning coastal walks & drives, hot springs, open air movies, beautiful parks and a buzzing live music scene, I'm getting good vibes from the next 5 months :) </font></div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-66375969965155888622015-01-11T00:39:00.001-08:002015-01-12T00:21:45.908-08:00Quick update on my quick updateIt's been a while since my last post so thought I'd better do an update...<div><br></div><div>The most exciting thing that's happened* is that I've found a house! Sharing with 6 other girls from England, the States, Kenya and Australia, several of whom are also here on working holiday visas. And they're all really nice! It's a one storey town house (lots of houses around Melbourne are one storey instead of the two we're used to back home) but pretty spacious and a good find :) </div><div><br></div><div>*Bearing in mind this was written yesterday afternoon. More exciting news at the bottom of the post, which I found out a couple of hours after publishing! Timing eh</div><div><br></div><div>This is the house, my room and the communal areas:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst5B9-mACuIUul-iN1-czprtKqnQs1kcldGmlYbWSjFq8i1psAf7MeI-PbF88G3D4UPglOR0r3Gp56rAszCWnDTV7Qbu68VL9bDplXs80-0rLb6a8vCXIsFj0uAWp4ndgivvMcawerEE/s640/blogger-image--2081492802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst5B9-mACuIUul-iN1-czprtKqnQs1kcldGmlYbWSjFq8i1psAf7MeI-PbF88G3D4UPglOR0r3Gp56rAszCWnDTV7Qbu68VL9bDplXs80-0rLb6a8vCXIsFj0uAWp4ndgivvMcawerEE/s640/blogger-image--2081492802.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcHBRTl1A-v4dfxNU5lXgdh2BMjlpez44EOuD1Iyped1MD9kHaPoeQj1zk86uZt_TZwk3dxYTgBmLbaK9Kqf16P8cc10PmhiEUYmLgKX6HFlWmYBQ_t7rLlNpjRQoVby9QgeQC6CmsPM/s640/blogger-image--1438843414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcHBRTl1A-v4dfxNU5lXgdh2BMjlpez44EOuD1Iyped1MD9kHaPoeQj1zk86uZt_TZwk3dxYTgBmLbaK9Kqf16P8cc10PmhiEUYmLgKX6HFlWmYBQ_t7rLlNpjRQoVby9QgeQC6CmsPM/s640/blogger-image--1438843414.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_cmdAN6PGsBZ_OjJ9pZzEE5a_HiW5mGXmwvQe2vMQU1cx4rerdzgvX-rXceH8xp5dYUoFuuSsDuAnmsxDwoMIaFUEOzlorLYAQKyTgVhXL19QIedURt9IOI01OVlpVATpmbuwEDwTdE/s640/blogger-image--908673837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_cmdAN6PGsBZ_OjJ9pZzEE5a_HiW5mGXmwvQe2vMQU1cx4rerdzgvX-rXceH8xp5dYUoFuuSsDuAnmsxDwoMIaFUEOzlorLYAQKyTgVhXL19QIedURt9IOI01OVlpVATpmbuwEDwTdE/s640/blogger-image--908673837.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5alZlRywqxgSR93-Vl-IOzqWSYI2V9rkeLYNcRQLh1YcuJuE6TrfgT5CC1wjW5Z726X7mBt8i1RZFTBlu1hK0SfnYx053qu4Mb3P5iT4D-IHRCm_7C0AMg4TvHcvKRLRdRV2-PCW5MU/s640/blogger-image--487599994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5alZlRywqxgSR93-Vl-IOzqWSYI2V9rkeLYNcRQLh1YcuJuE6TrfgT5CC1wjW5Z726X7mBt8i1RZFTBlu1hK0SfnYx053qu4Mb3P5iT4D-IHRCm_7C0AMg4TvHcvKRLRdRV2-PCW5MU/s640/blogger-image--487599994.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00ndkKM0WiUl9Tm-0lkmKHYASn7xfx1geqQbnOSlDb952z2D8IaWns-aFNfhyphenhyphenu0y_p0pg8eD4X4Ly9PoUd4IAF4y3BP5MkLOGhO0HVySLpQ2XI0yjChtnGuKyYrn2lU_VA6ariKemxcg/s640/blogger-image--1733661750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00ndkKM0WiUl9Tm-0lkmKHYASn7xfx1geqQbnOSlDb952z2D8IaWns-aFNfhyphenhyphenu0y_p0pg8eD4X4Ly9PoUd4IAF4y3BP5MkLOGhO0HVySLpQ2XI0yjChtnGuKyYrn2lU_VA6ariKemxcg/s640/blogger-image--1733661750.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkDzEDB3lsjE84gmRWiNkSx7pIE0L9p9lJvwGkKNQdk3XqYgoDwnhxonJKQtW1nK3aIH7i_uM2XOxBYL5nBjv_cLSpWryAJKjsxOid6bHpnZf02rOoogUpNYyfmIjsm2lW27o71XrQ3k/s640/blogger-image--1391895482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkDzEDB3lsjE84gmRWiNkSx7pIE0L9p9lJvwGkKNQdk3XqYgoDwnhxonJKQtW1nK3aIH7i_uM2XOxBYL5nBjv_cLSpWryAJKjsxOid6bHpnZf02rOoogUpNYyfmIjsm2lW27o71XrQ3k/s640/blogger-image--1391895482.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w2HSRPvaJziKI1W-6RufhCxxglOl3JWSHXnnIyCp7SPMhxNKhngCvHYfAnjFLxbbZxBPcdaCaoBTNh7_wJ5FYE4VVe2tQKHcBoMjaFXK_75LFqZAvsUVALjV1NON1Wgn9hxSN3HfSNg/s640/blogger-image--266476715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w2HSRPvaJziKI1W-6RufhCxxglOl3JWSHXnnIyCp7SPMhxNKhngCvHYfAnjFLxbbZxBPcdaCaoBTNh7_wJ5FYE4VVe2tQKHcBoMjaFXK_75LFqZAvsUVALjV1NON1Wgn9hxSN3HfSNg/s640/blogger-image--266476715.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4xXz1fv68TsB9Xyk9e0y8SSx5NTuB8T_FEit-Zr33NaOZo86y_5_m8lOUlulFwDrqqwRQd4FOeBJxIOpmDaBrM8Lyi0F7SDnmMocP4k1mFzauEcVfhZEGD64s9dIn15ianwMNvUqqZ4/s640/blogger-image-850788008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4xXz1fv68TsB9Xyk9e0y8SSx5NTuB8T_FEit-Zr33NaOZo86y_5_m8lOUlulFwDrqqwRQd4FOeBJxIOpmDaBrM8Lyi0F7SDnmMocP4k1mFzauEcVfhZEGD64s9dIn15ianwMNvUqqZ4/s640/blogger-image-850788008.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's in a decent area as well, close to everything and just off Lygon Street, famous for its food (New Years diet is not going to go well, I fear). It's also one of the 'cooler' suburbs of Melbourne, a bit quirky, edgy and eccentric. Here are a few snaps of the surrounding area:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcrkhDlEPI76PeGB8LWwhjir5EKOZX-ETVZgVtc5cEokf_2iSBfIBbJDinTsH3oMd32CZ3H_4I80RMyRPIGT9jdnrTmltu95PSAUMoFq_J71JGSjt_ewQE0UIAWinUaCdiNBXx68NEfo/s640/blogger-image-1318700350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcrkhDlEPI76PeGB8LWwhjir5EKOZX-ETVZgVtc5cEokf_2iSBfIBbJDinTsH3oMd32CZ3H_4I80RMyRPIGT9jdnrTmltu95PSAUMoFq_J71JGSjt_ewQE0UIAWinUaCdiNBXx68NEfo/s640/blogger-image-1318700350.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_598xog-oiuRQWhFm5e77ZbEkU6Q1oGrcUlQMF14iJO_hvPHRjqiDyKDT_Z8kOwV4cwCVjjBe5n8c2LV_tpF4iXX98QepEbd1oJgJzF30CGXFCqN8yuVKZy1b3FuCYpuJ3wvqOZytGII/s640/blogger-image--2123021675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_598xog-oiuRQWhFm5e77ZbEkU6Q1oGrcUlQMF14iJO_hvPHRjqiDyKDT_Z8kOwV4cwCVjjBe5n8c2LV_tpF4iXX98QepEbd1oJgJzF30CGXFCqN8yuVKZy1b3FuCYpuJ3wvqOZytGII/s640/blogger-image--2123021675.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5uK3NqGyOj0ald8kXnG2UIh1dTMNcey31Bb4eZG38Jx8Bj9h41YW37iFfs_WEg9wZqqN_ilLk1MwvLvbj4dXpVjEO_MPPwyKiAiwYEIVdIEQTB3LXTtBvbXjPMZX9qQjz6MZJZ-FC3c/s640/blogger-image-1974841722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5uK3NqGyOj0ald8kXnG2UIh1dTMNcey31Bb4eZG38Jx8Bj9h41YW37iFfs_WEg9wZqqN_ilLk1MwvLvbj4dXpVjEO_MPPwyKiAiwYEIVdIEQTB3LXTtBvbXjPMZX9qQjz6MZJZ-FC3c/s640/blogger-image-1974841722.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH3azu12cqxZ302C7CqhSfWmvPzTXHDGijycOrQRSlJY2H0UpVPrX53nWsUoKMfqXfXQsem2uiiennrTMBU5Z3TDFfJeLWnpm9drRT4kgIdsq2vRbP9OI4hpdXDucNPo0-MjfSSPUYL4/s640/blogger-image-1821762364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH3azu12cqxZ302C7CqhSfWmvPzTXHDGijycOrQRSlJY2H0UpVPrX53nWsUoKMfqXfXQsem2uiiennrTMBU5Z3TDFfJeLWnpm9drRT4kgIdsq2vRbP9OI4hpdXDucNPo0-MjfSSPUYL4/s640/blogger-image-1821762364.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMW6JOJJ_DBQq8dUtSp71bC1GQgqd4Yk7tq6GPrgaJusk_bdEubXDN5WRlyYJajufrnQMMcERA040jC1avCi3eAviGSQ2RQf0XdfwtAin40ckNxanFnkQoiFkIdIMzM0Pb1Is0aPecvw/s640/blogger-image--1804371066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMW6JOJJ_DBQq8dUtSp71bC1GQgqd4Yk7tq6GPrgaJusk_bdEubXDN5WRlyYJajufrnQMMcERA040jC1avCi3eAviGSQ2RQf0XdfwtAin40ckNxanFnkQoiFkIdIMzM0Pb1Is0aPecvw/s640/blogger-image--1804371066.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8ckmeiqMFF8J8q1M2DsMfIDe4xgQ_PyRKC_VSb_X9oXBH-nSN-_5OfrauuxM8_R9zpnsOEmfT8dJ2doKCQJc5vpWm-6mmKyAq9vNOSagYnQ1aJHC5bvt_cTaI8yJNBYmLaQzqB1uZgM/s640/blogger-image-407702385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8ckmeiqMFF8J8q1M2DsMfIDe4xgQ_PyRKC_VSb_X9oXBH-nSN-_5OfrauuxM8_R9zpnsOEmfT8dJ2doKCQJc5vpWm-6mmKyAq9vNOSagYnQ1aJHC5bvt_cTaI8yJNBYmLaQzqB1uZgM/s640/blogger-image-407702385.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HZCa-ZVfwkDF1XP5nOoZ2sxA2PvVAaroiZHSGrUwMklxPB_5RVJ7QKsR6nayPV12r77p6JTIhf9NH3OlZLyt4p7y9T_bXoj0hyphenhyphenlUHHs-937UbxtRVU4d91lDzQsd20T4j6nI__1AVng/s640/blogger-image-1201806200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HZCa-ZVfwkDF1XP5nOoZ2sxA2PvVAaroiZHSGrUwMklxPB_5RVJ7QKsR6nayPV12r77p6JTIhf9NH3OlZLyt4p7y9T_bXoj0hyphenhyphenlUHHs-937UbxtRVU4d91lDzQsd20T4j6nI__1AVng/s640/blogger-image-1201806200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JvjoYv6hbaW23DEP-qeyqEHG4twl5OwUP7dJvIF-Sg_fVK7nurjdG4ZUO-dVecZWCfkdD2nIA10a0WM5akrMyENADvBVOotw4WAqJ4HROqoCAgflL6JR_VruwpKKve8LHkIUDlbIUbQ/s640/blogger-image--1722412974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JvjoYv6hbaW23DEP-qeyqEHG4twl5OwUP7dJvIF-Sg_fVK7nurjdG4ZUO-dVecZWCfkdD2nIA10a0WM5akrMyENADvBVOotw4WAqJ4HROqoCAgflL6JR_VruwpKKve8LHkIUDlbIUbQ/s640/blogger-image--1722412974.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The area has a ton of cool al fresco cafés and nice beer gardens knocking around, including an amazing restaurant called 400 Gradi - the margheritas made by one of the chefs who works there were judged best in the world at a championship held in Italy in April last year! </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not sure how long I'll be staying here (6 months?) but it'll do nicely for now...honestly, it's just nice to have somewhere to properly unpack all my stuff and call my own for a while.</div><div><br></div><div>In other news, I'<font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">VE GOT A JOB! I've been waiting to hear back since Wednesday and they text me last night to say I'd been offered the position of Digital Content Writer, similar to what I was doing before I left England. It's for a company called The Malka Group, a private Australian training provider (diplomas) for individuals, businesses and community groups. I start tomorrow...!</font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-16537239626242716872014-12-24T06:11:00.000-08:002014-12-24T02:10:14.562-08:00Merry Xmas from Down Under!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas looks a bit different on this side of the world...</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSJaalk9lvhNzukTsVmajbtnm1j-NkLdyAjMS9yaV0NpomJSLgDH79oIIpqmRwzM2bOOHMV44Y38JCOrP5Mog4NHms5cF86W2gdf_oSPulgbSuHKNNqrQ__mBiHdJE8tqV5LCxlWAQk0/s640/blogger-image-334652825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSJaalk9lvhNzukTsVmajbtnm1j-NkLdyAjMS9yaV0NpomJSLgDH79oIIpqmRwzM2bOOHMV44Y38JCOrP5Mog4NHms5cF86W2gdf_oSPulgbSuHKNNqrQ__mBiHdJE8tqV5LCxlWAQk0/s640/blogger-image-334652825.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Christmas...a perfect time to sunbake</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6bcGAjpIMMSoJ5ohkDf8tqqZJ4d7kjdr9WITaBIl4HdVjC21I-nHjm-lsfb0MApX9TbmFL_Eqv_trkLN1KY61oasENmMpRxwkIDFIqbdV8bQba0v_zkS6Nt9g5ZnYJPdrVxIN53brnc/s640/blogger-image--1798125401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6bcGAjpIMMSoJ5ohkDf8tqqZJ4d7kjdr9WITaBIl4HdVjC21I-nHjm-lsfb0MApX9TbmFL_Eqv_trkLN1KY61oasENmMpRxwkIDFIqbdV8bQba0v_zkS6Nt9g5ZnYJPdrVxIN53brnc/s640/blogger-image--1798125401.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>Carols in 27 degrees Celsius under palm trees and blue skies</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVwRF_77m8wzG-2R6jRIzaGYZVuNQQeZwa4mNrY5qzjUibdPbUA16HV6kxDGeelGmeMviByzsZ4NpTLXkSQ7dgZjGWITvy5o_YzXRcDFkDQ26AxMQmZVVEWrhRC0mkvCtqRR6-TUxbCQ/s640/blogger-image-1361108170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVwRF_77m8wzG-2R6jRIzaGYZVuNQQeZwa4mNrY5qzjUibdPbUA16HV6kxDGeelGmeMviByzsZ4NpTLXkSQ7dgZjGWITvy5o_YzXRcDFkDQ26AxMQmZVVEWrhRC0mkvCtqRR6-TUxbCQ/s640/blogger-image-1361108170.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>When the weather outside is delightful...and the prospect of a fire is frightful...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIwmjBX-MBwDqe5qOPpxMEhFIbicE4BKOat5azxvx2TKyg39dDm49rqsfvJ-Ma6JDfzO8myNB9__yqsYPTB1u4zWFjiClXaGCuNwoJboPADAUR3wUPE7zc6VlPiJI-5_GYaLx8Eg9tEU/s640/blogger-image-42503072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIwmjBX-MBwDqe5qOPpxMEhFIbicE4BKOat5azxvx2TKyg39dDm49rqsfvJ-Ma6JDfzO8myNB9__yqsYPTB1u4zWFjiClXaGCuNwoJboPADAUR3wUPE7zc6VlPiJI-5_GYaLx8Eg9tEU/s640/blogger-image-42503072.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Santa Claus is...hitting the beach, by the looks of things. The entire Lego model required 2,500 hours of manpower </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQliNcK-vbBvkyR4CaRISkuRbObTZ3_jHHlDJeHYaLeg_ovO5SaQWpfYqwtrLRZsMgmme941TASLZZ1JCvECoQlPL8A-O4ZK9bUaC__6rAes8RmLJLxn_lqg6SyRS1o10e-sIMBkZ_9CA/s640/blogger-image-1878878349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQliNcK-vbBvkyR4CaRISkuRbObTZ3_jHHlDJeHYaLeg_ovO5SaQWpfYqwtrLRZsMgmme941TASLZZ1JCvECoQlPL8A-O4ZK9bUaC__6rAes8RmLJLxn_lqg6SyRS1o10e-sIMBkZ_9CA/s640/blogger-image-1878878349.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Upmarket decorations in a swanky shopping arcade</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirotyu3YosMLW_LBC-D4WtkJKsjPuAcpnRlglBCi2OEMcnosm5sDuSKkGuIKBNK0YJ6h8O1b5JX6nFtlwwJegT8ATBQeYPUpUVMy3UW4WmJn0lbgvm2du6GnP8xZw3UQnIboB9_32R460/s640/blogger-image--129341910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirotyu3YosMLW_LBC-D4WtkJKsjPuAcpnRlglBCi2OEMcnosm5sDuSKkGuIKBNK0YJ6h8O1b5JX6nFtlwwJegT8ATBQeYPUpUVMy3UW4WmJn0lbgvm2du6GnP8xZw3UQnIboB9_32R460/s640/blogger-image--129341910.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Tree spanning three levels </i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>decked</i> <i>in</i> <i>144,000</i> <i>Swarovski</i> <i>crystal</i> <i>ornaments</i> <i>and</i> <i>60,000 lights</i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY_Al2WnX06CHuTR-iLiE9WO6BvBuTlNsS2kWiAxbBx1WJVeXG2IUeCbPIR4meI90sTgcyieEACbW6HNkWUuTJfUQjP90qtzshPz2FT2_StbNYW0u_4J6RRa2WB681BwvagF8F5-JR5g/s640/blogger-image-1993688091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY_Al2WnX06CHuTR-iLiE9WO6BvBuTlNsS2kWiAxbBx1WJVeXG2IUeCbPIR4meI90sTgcyieEACbW6HNkWUuTJfUQjP90qtzshPz2FT2_StbNYW0u_4J6RRa2WB681BwvagF8F5-JR5g/s640/blogger-image-1993688091.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Three floors later...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdiQNsk0se055L7mvKp7qqdYmua2DgAghOa-pb3nmP1JGUMYNKqtKszHqlcblXazPgOkRlU77r50ZsW6n1uflHfiNGQwdoI5W-T1_mNi4jJUL1RXO8FtR-6FX3VvHYK79FkUcGCmokwY/s640/blogger-image-1447543798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdiQNsk0se055L7mvKp7qqdYmua2DgAghOa-pb3nmP1JGUMYNKqtKszHqlcblXazPgOkRlU77r50ZsW6n1uflHfiNGQwdoI5W-T1_mNi4jJUL1RXO8FtR-6FX3VvHYK79FkUcGCmokwY/s640/blogger-image-1447543798.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>Typical 'Chrissy' decorations (photo by Becca Hall)</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H4sg5X4M-ZTVCMES4MZCu_NoA5WHuqFwVLuxeUHmpgu4i7Hhfups_8DN_FAdVYY8u37KdVO6W4xKXyRpuGvstlAc7tYS3K1og_Jdzi3WDkZINEvFAj_Uvpp7BI_XUhkDwSfqLHaJW94/s640/blogger-image-1391254259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H4sg5X4M-ZTVCMES4MZCu_NoA5WHuqFwVLuxeUHmpgu4i7Hhfups_8DN_FAdVYY8u37KdVO6W4xKXyRpuGvstlAc7tYS3K1og_Jdzi3WDkZINEvFAj_Uvpp7BI_XUhkDwSfqLHaJW94/s640/blogger-image-1391254259.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Merry</b> <b>Xmas</b> <b>from</b> <b>Melbourne</b> :)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEjWkRbtd4uiiwxbclT6X-yqZGScedtZxIEShgF1r9Byme9Kx5SV32evgexDsXS0Pj4PeiPyHILG27ELblnD4FxhiXrfLyw8BhRlDrIU-UgjXd5lsL0vk0Zz4laNuptwGhIMMiSES1Do/s640/blogger-image-644450197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEjWkRbtd4uiiwxbclT6X-yqZGScedtZxIEShgF1r9Byme9Kx5SV32evgexDsXS0Pj4PeiPyHILG27ELblnD4FxhiXrfLyw8BhRlDrIU-UgjXd5lsL0vk0Zz4laNuptwGhIMMiSES1Do/s640/blogger-image-644450197.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-33554195036090934322014-12-22T04:47:00.001-08:002014-12-24T02:03:16.690-08:00Angry response to the most short-sighted article of 2014: Has travel become another exercise in narcissism?<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For Henry Wismayer, creator of this tripe: <a href="https://medium.com/human-parts/has-travel-becoming-another-exercise-in-narcissism-bfb3ccbcdc3a">https://medium.com/human-parts/has-travel-becoming-another-exercise-in-narcissism-bfb3ccbcdc3a</a> </i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay Wismayer, first things first - let's talk about that title. The fact is, travel is and always has been narcissistic: it's about YOU escaping the daily grind and the monotony of life back home so that YOU can experience new ways of life, new cultures and new people, with a view to broadening YOUR mind and doing things YOU might never have had the opportunity to try in your own country. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makeameme.org/media/created/well-duh-wqpt5w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://makeameme.org/media/created/well-duh-wqpt5w.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />Image source: http://makeameme.org/media/created/well-duh-wqpt5w.jpg</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The narcissistic aspect of travel is not a new concept, which is why the title piqued my curiosity in the first place - what was the author going to add to it? I knew from the outset that I wasn't going to enjoy the content, and indeed my curiosity had boiled over into full-blown rage by the time I'd finished reading. Why? His negative and generalised perception of the average traveller and his disillusioned view on travelling the world pissed me right off.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1) Travellers are narcissistic people</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to make a request of Wismayer: to get his definitions right before forming a judgement based on something entirely incorrect. He defines a traveller as someone who has "been away for two months, spent most of it dancing on the beach addled on diet pills [...] - perhaps punctuated by a week of hungover volunteering building a retaining wall that is destined to collapse within a year". This is simply not true. While, of course, there will always be some people who spend two months getting drunk on a beach and claim it's 'travelling', tarring every traveller with this same brush is incredibly shortsighted. Building his argument on this perception, he claims that travellers are narcissistic "culprits" who "witter" on about their experiences:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Whether you like it or not, you are hearing his story, each twist in the narrative prefaced by the dread-refrain: "when I was in..."". </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not going to pretend that travellers don't do this; I myself am 'guilty' of starting stories with this phrase. But what's the issue? People we relate these tales to back at home are similarly 'guilty' of beginning stories with "when I was at work the other day...". We're just sharing what's been happening in our lives recently. If/when we return home we too will start sentences with "when I was in the office earlier" or "when I was down the local at the weekend...". Plus, the six months of someone's life spent on the road may well be the best and most interesting six months they've experienced to date, so why not bring them into conversation? It might even inspire others to travel, which can be a positive, fulfilling and life-changing experience.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, Wismayer broadcasts an opposing view, complaining that travellers are "dullards" who "bore everyone to the brink of violence with anecdotes we've heard before - of kebabs and camel rides, and the hilarious severity of [their] diarrhoea". While chowing down on a kebab in the Middle East and going horseback riding in the Wild West are fun and cultural 'must-dos' (just because thousands of other people have done the same thing, why should you feel badly about doing it too?), everyone's experience - even if two people are staying in the same hostel for the same amount of time in the same city - will be completely different. How can you possibly claim that you've heard all their anecdotes before? Every traveller has a unique story to tell. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wismayer declares that such travellers "must write a blog, post endless photos on social media. Everyone must benefit from his remarkable new wisdom!". He continues in an irritatingly sarcastic tone, saying that travellers possess a "solipsistic delusion implied by [their] belief that [their] story is worth relating - the automatic assumption that [THEIR] experiences hold some inherent value to EVERYONE ELSE". Okay, some people do saturate our Facebook news feeds with snaps from their latest destination. But maybe those people are also uploading photos as back-up in case their camera gets lost or stolen? (Just before you think Dropbox, I've found it's a much lengthier process than uploading to Facebook, especially when you're using a dodgy or impossibly slow connection.) Obviously the main bone of contention for me here is the blog-related dig; his assumption that travel bloggers are an arrogant species who believe others will benefit from hearing about their experiences. Firstly, not everyone who keeps a blog does so because they hold the assumption that their knowledge of a place is superior to that of anyone else. Some post updates for the sole purpose of keeping family and friends up to date; others to maintain a record of their experiences to look back on in the future. Some do write with the intention of advising or inspiring others, but what's wrong with that? I've found a number of travel blogs incredibly valuable when planning routes, deciding where I want to go next, keeping my spirits up during a rough period and much more besides. However, to Wismayer a travel writer is a "work shy dilettante with an overinflated respect for the unique value of [their] own experience". This is interesting considering he is a travel writer...as is the following quote:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Travel has become another exercise in narcissistic presentation, one more way of desperately extracting some semblance of uniqueness out of your otherwise soul-crushingly mediocre existence." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/2/2/1/6/7/9/9/Burn-Meme-104572258991.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/2/2/1/6/7/9/9/Burn-Meme-104572258991.png" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image source: http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/2/2/1/6/7/9/9/Burn-Meme-104572258991.png</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wow. Someone sounds disillusioned with their career and supposed field of interest, something he appears to confirm when he admits that he "may never recapture the "first pill" magic of [his] earliest independent trips abroad". Time for a career change perhaps?</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On a final note in this section, anyone who reads my blog will know that I'm big on photos and memes in my posts; I like to break chunks of text up with big, visually appealing snaps that I feel complement the content. In Wismayer's article, a caption under an accompanying photo taken in either Ta Prohm or Ta Som reads "my photo of this tree will definitely be superior to the 10,000 I could find online" as if he is suggesting there is no point taking your own photos when we have the internet at our fingertips. Err, what? People take photos to record their PERSONAL travel experiences, and if they enjoy photography as a pastime, are trying to better their skills or build up a portfolio then what's wrong with that?</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>2) Travel is no longer an enriching experience</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fifty years ago, says Wismayer, a traveller had "genuine unusual knowledge", whereas these days technology has "stifled our capacity for independent discovery, catering to an appetite for foreknowledge that inevitably demystifies foreign places". In this sense, travel is "losing its capacity to make us wonder". </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is it? I would be lying if I said I didn't have my concerns about going to Machu Picchu after seeing hundreds of photos from various sources - family and friends who've made the journey, magazines, the internet - but I was still blown away by the beauty that lay hidden beneath the thick blanket of clouds that cleared in seconds about two hours after I'd arrived at the ancient site. And Africa: everyone has seen photos and heard about the living conditions, but it's only once you see it for yourself that it really hits home and you feel a genuine appreciation for the privileged life you lead.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The author is resentful that travel is still perceived as "enriching and transformative", using a Tanzanian safari trip as an example to back up his argument: </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Going on an overland truck tour through Tanzania, travelling with people from your own country, from your own demographic, on the same prescribed routes, stopping only to point at animals and get leathered in westernised hostels does not make you an authority on all that ails post-independence Africa."</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No, it probably doesn't, but I'd imagine most people don't claim to be experts on this topic after a wildlife expedition. I'm going to have to bring in a personal experience here (or is that being narcissistic?) re: my time in Kenya and Tanzania. I booked an overland truck tour with G Adventures and yes, it followed a set route that is very similar to, if not the same as, the routes taken by competing agencies such as Intrepid. It's the other points I want to argue against: first off, I shared this particular trip with people from Australia, France, the Netherlands, Egypt, Spain, Ireland and - out of our 22-strong group - just three fellow Brits (and only one of those was from England). When I've travelled solo rather than going on an organised tour, I've hung out with people from all over: Germans, Americans, Australians, Brazilians, South Africans, Canadians, and a few Brits here and there too. As for getting leathered in westernised hostels on my overland safari, this didn't happen once - mainly because we were camping in the middle of game reserves every night, showering in freezing cold water in pitch back cubicles, using squat toilets, dining round camp fires, watching small herds of zebra forage for food in bushes just metres away, falling asleep to the sound of hyenas scrabbling round the camp for leftovers & elephants trumpeting in the distance and waking up to terrifying tales of a giraffe and a lion in the campsite during the middle of the night. Plus, it'd be pretty stupid to get obliterated when you have to be awake at 5am for early morning game drives.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Technology plays a leading role in Wismayer's argument that travel is no longer enriching. According to him, half the patrons of a hostel will be ensconced in their digital worlds: </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Expressionless faces illuminated by the deadening LCD flare of tablet screens, they sit around plugged into the home they had intended to leave behind, able to research every flight, hotel and restaurant in advance based on countless peer reviews." </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I understand the idea behind this, that people should be outside experiencing new places rather than firing off non-stop tweets about them. On the other hand, of course travelling styles are going to evolve as technology becomes increasingly advanced. Wismayer seems to think that technology is the root of all evil when it comes to travel, when in fact technology has made it far easier to travel in every possible way. Why fight it? Technology makes it easier to find the cheapest flights and hostels that will eke out your budget and enhance your experience, and is invaluable for blogging about your experiences - not that Wismayer would approve of that. Personal safety is another area where technology can prove immensely useful: to use a recent example, I was in Sydney during the Lindt cafe siege last week and only found out about it through a friend back in England, who WhatsApped to check I was okay. Thanks to her, I was able to ensure I avoided the area for the rest of the day and message my family before the inevitable panic to let them know I was safe during this terrifying incident. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My anger ebbed slightly when the author finally recognised near the end of the article that not all types of travel are "without value". And, to give him some credit, he has addressed the most common grievances highlighted by other disgruntled readers here: <a href="https://medium.com/human-parts/blogs-bongos-and-selfie-sticks-e49de3693df3">https://medium.com/human-parts/blogs-bongos-and-selfie-sticks-e49de3693df3</a>. However, on the whole I remain rather unimpressed.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/article7258462.ece/alternates/w300/http:-img.dailymail.co.uk-i-pix-2007-09_02-xfactor_468x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/article7258462.ece/alternates/w300/http:-img.dailymail.co.uk-i-pix-2007-09_02-xfactor_468x340.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i>Image source: http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/article7258462.ece/alternates/w300/http:-img.dailymail.co.uk-i-pix-2007-09_02-xfactor_468x340.jpg</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099874175341102699.post-50865198904753365772014-12-19T04:46:00.001-08:002014-12-19T04:46:19.764-08:00Bed humping, chunder bags and wizard cloaks: is this the world's worst roommate?<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Bet you never thought you'd be rooming with a drunk, did you Gary?"</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point, I am hiding on my bed behind a makeshift curtain hurriedly put together using two towels, unashamedly leaving poor Gary from Essex to deal with our shitfaced American roommate on his own. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No, I never thought I'd be rooming with a drunk. And unfortunately I am fully aware that I'm rooming with a drunk. How? Because two nights earlier, he bragged about polishing off a bottle of tequila before passing out, proceeded to vomit into a plastic bag in his bed - I feel it is now necessary to point out that his bed was directly above mine - and then lay down to go back to sleep. Take the chunder bag outside, maybe? No? Oh Jeebus. I spent the remainder of the night unable to sleep lest the bag of vomit got knocked by a drunken flailing arm in the night and landed on my face/bed/bag. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That was evening number two of four. The first was an evening of awkward introductions: "I hope I don't bore all you ladies to death, I'm not exactly the top traveller, not high item on anyone's list..." and "No one really seems to like me. I don't even like myself." #WTF. However, they say save the best 'til last and to give him some credit, this guy really did. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The final evening of oddities began with him striding into our room decked out in a wizard's cloak, proclaiming to be "the Wizard of Oz, an international wizard!" and that it was the only clean garment he had left. Of course, this doesn't explain why he owned such a cloak in the first place - and I certainly wasn't about to ask. He then proceeded to sort his laundry by throwing his clothes from his top bunk onto the floor in a haphazard pile, and when he discovered a pair of socks that apparently didn't belong to him, he hurled them across the room where they proceeded to land right next to a sleeping roommate's face. I breathed a sigh of relief as he headed towards the laundry room - but I spoke too soon, as he returned several minutes later with a question I never thought I'd be asked: "Jenny, just wondering because I've been in a tent on my own for the past 10 weeks, do I hump the bed?". It was at this point where I mumbled a quick "Erm, I don't think so" and hid myself behind my towel curtain. A seemingly successful tactic, he then turned to Gary and started talking absolute shite, telling him how he hadn't existed for 300 years, that life is more important than phones and that President Obama hates him. Wutuf, man. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oCxhrpX9hhuKryRq2GPvQfBp_lFGvVgiSJCv9AVQH2QBvmhIuHWSPjFUhVRW64U2_tbSiDcW6ufzzEiskQ_rUhVLNXVjaa8AijE22WRY9CDQ7uFjdelkzpqrXDdp95H-uDNLD7AvqsY/s640/blogger-image-1502834911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oCxhrpX9hhuKryRq2GPvQfBp_lFGvVgiSJCv9AVQH2QBvmhIuHWSPjFUhVRW64U2_tbSiDcW6ufzzEiskQ_rUhVLNXVjaa8AijE22WRY9CDQ7uFjdelkzpqrXDdp95H-uDNLD7AvqsY/s400/blogger-image-1502834911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://media.urbandictionary.com/image/page/wtf-44339.jpg</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's only so much a girl can take, so after another five minutes of rambling insanities I left the room and went upstairs for some peace and quiet. Fifteen minutes later, Gary and another roomy appeared, Gary dressed in the tiniest boxers I have ever seen - apparently their escape plan (which was hatched shortly after resident weirdo implied he was involved in the Sydney siege "They made me do it") left no time to get dressed. Fair play, mate. We braved it back down to the second floor and were getting pumped to open the door to our room when the door to the stairwell suddenly clicked and into the corridor he stumbled, informing us that he'd stolen a cigarette from his people...who turned out to be himself. At first Gary was worried his 'people' were us and that he was nabbing smokes from our bags!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When he skulked around the corner and back into the room, we spent another few minutes discussing what to do until we heard our room door opening. Cue us freezing to the spot and then fleeing down the two flights of stairs to reception giggling like maniacs and praying he wouldn't follow - if it was even him! When we finally went back upstairs, he was in bed (thank god, an end to the madness was in sight), said goodnight and reminded us not to sneeze three times in row because it can result in an orgasm. Right. I wish I could say I liked him better when he was asleep, but he snored like a fucking foghorn. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With this in mind, I've assembled a guide on what NOT to do when staying in a dorm room.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>Don't</b> do ANY of the above.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>Don't</b> be fooled into thinking you can get away with having sex if you're "really, really quiet". You may think you've mastered the art of silent sex but odds are at least one of your roommates is awake - probably the poor sod on the top bunk who has been reluctantly dragged out of their peaceful slumber by aggressive bed shaking and rhythmic creaking - and can hear EVERYTHING that's going on. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Don't</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> rustle around for things late at night. Being a night owl, I admit I have been guilty of this in the past, but the best way round it is to keep your toothbrush, book, make up wipes and anything else you may need late at night outside of your bag for easy access. If you're leaving early the next day, pack before </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">your roommates settle down for the night, or take your things outside and pack in the corridor. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>Don't</b> leave your phone on loud when you leave the room. The number of people who do this only for their phones to start ringing incessantly or for a snoozed alarm to beep back into action...grrrr! In-app vibrations during WhatsApp and Facebook conversations can also be annoying, so turn these off if you're chatting late at night or early in the morning.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b>Don't</b> just expect others to deal with your terrific snoring. It's not your fault you snore, but speaking from personal experience it can keep others awake for hours, which is no fun on a normal day but even worse if you have to be up early to catch a flight or go on a day trip. Sleep in a position that makes you less prone to snoring or bring ear plugs for people in your room - small gestures can go a long way!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLXMeBrkXBvP0M2PW8Hj7W3TIqY6QGm2qOJ2Qd-_QBDepZqkZ17OArmBOfBla-nU6Ywszvp7-WmRyRXJthTckpfR8vDVyWmFP41jblIvpQU5egSTlakZQBs9gR7fyQWkJBW0997NPb5I/s640/blogger-image--1358812021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLXMeBrkXBvP0M2PW8Hj7W3TIqY6QGm2qOJ2Qd-_QBDepZqkZ17OArmBOfBla-nU6Ywszvp7-WmRyRXJthTckpfR8vDVyWmFP41jblIvpQU5egSTlakZQBs9gR7fyQWkJBW0997NPb5I/s640/blogger-image--1358812021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://m.quickmeme.com/img/e9/e91bf3a2a0e1a9101eafbb25d016e93ec348117d006976245784b13c45bcbe1e.jpg</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. <b>Don't</b> be a dick with the light. If the majority of your roommates are in bed, use a torch to find your way around. On the other hand, if you check into your hostel late at night and everyone's already in bed, it may actually be better to switch the light on for a few minutes to quickly grab everything you need out of your bag, keeping late night rustling to a minimum (or do this in the corridor).</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. <b>Don't</b> walk around in your birthday suit (unless your name is Gary and necessity compels it). You might feel comfortable strolling around in your smalls or nothing at all but others may not be so keen on the idea, especially if you're in a mixed dorm. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. <b>Don't</b> leave all your shit everywhere. Converting the room into an obstacle course with a laundry pile here, a bottle of shampoo there and HOLY FUCK IS THAT A WIZARD CLOAK is not something your roommates will thank you for. Lockers are there for a reason: they keep the room tidy, hazard free and keep your things safely out of sight. Use them. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. <b>Don't</b> fart in the room. Even when you think everyone's asleep and you can get away with it; it's just not worth the risk. Whether it's a thunderous burst of wind that wakes up the entire room or a sneaky guff that has even you running for the door, trumpeting is the fastest way to asphyxiate or repulse your roommates at worst/best. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157533604253636127noreply@blogger.com