We went to church in Sunday morning and me and Dave entertained ourselves during the sermon by reading our bibles which was good. In the afternoon we went to the church in sukth where we again read our bibles during the sermon. In the evening Besi and i went to play football which was fun, we had a really good game.
On Monday we had a lazy day. After waking up late we went out for lunch with Ruth and Amelia. It was quite a long drive there but it was quite a special restaurant. The waiter was riding a horse around, and if he didn't bring the food on the horse he ran around. I had three fish and some shrimps from the BBQ which were very nice. At the end of the meal he came and brought some flowers on his horse. In the evening we watched DVDs, Dave and I have got quite into Mim and Besis DVD series, recently we've been watching Roswell all about Aliens.
Yesterday Dave and I went to Tirane on the bus. We had a look around the centre and went to the fake McDonald's and a rotating bar at the top of a tall building. We then got a mini bus back and went to the Good News Club that CEF were running. It was in a very poor area near the CEF office and quite a few kids came and seemed to be genuinely interested and enjoying it. In the evening we went to Sukth for a BBQ. We had some nice ribs and the company was great. Lots of people we've met over the last month, so it was nice to see them for the last time.
Today we are going to meet up with some people and say good bye. And then we fly out late this evening. We've had a great time in Albania. Its been good seeing a different culture and see the work that CEF and others are doing out here to spread God word. I will defiantly be back, maybe next year, but it would be cool to learn a bit more Albanian first!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
In the Mountains Up North
So at 1 O'clock on Wednesday we were waiting by the side of the motorway with Besis uncle, Arjan, and his 11 year old daughter Gena, waiting for the bus up north. It was a very windy route with spectacular scenery all around, and cool views of the new motorway they are building to Kosovo. 4 hours later we arrived at Fushe-arrez, a small town in the mountains. we waited around for an hour and a bit for a car to take us to the house. After an even more windy journey in a fairly old bright yellow mercedes we arrived at the house in a stunning location.
The house is clinging to the side of the hill, with views of the valley bellow and mountains in the distance. We went to the next door neighbours for a drink of Rakki (an Albanian spirit , which they make and drink a lot of, i wasn't really a fan). After a dinner of peppers, white cheese and sausages we headed to bed.
After an average sleep (woken by the guard dog barking all night and the rats in the ceiling) Arjan woke us at 7 in the morning. We had a coffee for berkkie, he showed us all his land. It was very pretty, the fields on the steep hillside all very green. Lunch was peppers, white cheese and cucumber, and then it was nap time.
In the afternoon Dave and I erad for a bit and then went for a walk over to the other side of the valley so we were directly opposite the house. We took lots of pictures and chatted. In the evening we played cards and had dinner, peppers, sausage, cucumber, beans and white cheese. Wev'e had lots of interesting conversations using hand signals and the phrase book we had!
In the morning I did not feel good, the bug I had earlier in the week had returned and it was not nice as there was only a squatter toilet in the house! I spent most of the day in bed and had a few games of cards and read a bit. We also went down to the river where there was a nice waterfall, it would have been tempting to swim if id been feeling better.
In the evening Besi and his other uncle came, and this morning we woke at 6am and drove back to Durres.
Tomorrow we've got church in Durres and chuch in Sukth, and probably not football, unless I'm feeling a lot better.
The house is clinging to the side of the hill, with views of the valley bellow and mountains in the distance. We went to the next door neighbours for a drink of Rakki (an Albanian spirit , which they make and drink a lot of, i wasn't really a fan). After a dinner of peppers, white cheese and sausages we headed to bed.
After an average sleep (woken by the guard dog barking all night and the rats in the ceiling) Arjan woke us at 7 in the morning. We had a coffee for berkkie, he showed us all his land. It was very pretty, the fields on the steep hillside all very green. Lunch was peppers, white cheese and cucumber, and then it was nap time.
In the afternoon Dave and I erad for a bit and then went for a walk over to the other side of the valley so we were directly opposite the house. We took lots of pictures and chatted. In the evening we played cards and had dinner, peppers, sausage, cucumber, beans and white cheese. Wev'e had lots of interesting conversations using hand signals and the phrase book we had!
In the morning I did not feel good, the bug I had earlier in the week had returned and it was not nice as there was only a squatter toilet in the house! I spent most of the day in bed and had a few games of cards and read a bit. We also went down to the river where there was a nice waterfall, it would have been tempting to swim if id been feeling better.
In the evening Besi and his other uncle came, and this morning we woke at 6am and drove back to Durres.
Tomorrow we've got church in Durres and chuch in Sukth, and probably not football, unless I'm feeling a lot better.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Face Painting
On sunday morning I woke up feeling pretty ill, so didnt go to morning church, afternoon church in Sukth or football in the evening. Which was a shame cos i was looking forward to going again, and seeing some people we've met. I dont think I had swine flu, but you never no! Im better now anyway.
I made it to CEF yesterday morning where we handed out invitations to the kids in the neighbourhood and then met in a corner of a street for a Good News club 10 minutes later. Unfortunately no kids turned up, I think maybe a little more planning is needed. In the afternoon I went to meet Dave, who was with Ruth and Amalia, and another family from church at an out door swimming pool. We had fun entertaining the kids and it was very hot.
In the evening was the out reach on the streets. We went to an area where all the kids hang out in the evening and we did face painting. As before the kids loved it and due to the demand I had to face paint too! I got quite into it in the end, especially doing skeletons, and i did a pretty good rabbit! On thing I do remember was a painting spiderman on a teenager with a mustache! It would never happen in Britain! We then kicked a ball round for a bit with the kids and then headed off home.
This morning Dave dan I are off on an adventure. We are going up north for 2 days with Besi's uncle who has a house in the mountains and doesnt speak any english! It should be fun!
I made it to CEF yesterday morning where we handed out invitations to the kids in the neighbourhood and then met in a corner of a street for a Good News club 10 minutes later. Unfortunately no kids turned up, I think maybe a little more planning is needed. In the afternoon I went to meet Dave, who was with Ruth and Amalia, and another family from church at an out door swimming pool. We had fun entertaining the kids and it was very hot.
In the evening was the out reach on the streets. We went to an area where all the kids hang out in the evening and we did face painting. As before the kids loved it and due to the demand I had to face paint too! I got quite into it in the end, especially doing skeletons, and i did a pretty good rabbit! On thing I do remember was a painting spiderman on a teenager with a mustache! It would never happen in Britain! We then kicked a ball round for a bit with the kids and then headed off home.
This morning Dave dan I are off on an adventure. We are going up north for 2 days with Besi's uncle who has a house in the mountains and doesnt speak any english! It should be fun!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Evangelsim on the beach, cable cars and 6 way international skype conversations
Firstly sorry its soo long, its been a very busy week!
This week has been really good. On Monday Dave and i wondered over to CEF early in the morning for the kids rally. It went well again, the guys especially enjoying a crazy game of lets all run around after the football! I have enjoyed building relationships with the kids despite the language barrier, i can say hello, how are you, and that's about it! After an average pizza for lunch (we wont be going there again) we sat around in CEF chatting and going on the fast Internet. In the evening Maki had a call from his flat saying the water had all ran out. So we went to get a tank with the land rover and went backwards and forwards a few times filling it up and emptying out into their tank. We also got a suflaq for dinner whilst the tank was filling, we came back to find the front drive flooded! We eventually got home at about 11pm, but it was quite a fun evening of chatting and fellowship.
Tuesday morning I ran to CEF and then we walked back to the bus stop and went to the beach! Me and Visar (the kosovan guy who's name i forgot) went together and handed out these leaflets about Christianity to the kids. Most of them seemed quite interested, it was annoying that i couldn't talk to them too, i just said hi and thank you / goodbye. In the afternoon I met up with Dave and we went around the 1st century amphitheatre which was cool. And then we went up this hill to this bar with amazing views over Durres.
On Wednesday we went to the beach again, this time a nicer one, not so busy. Mim Dave and I went with the pastor from church and his wife and his 4 year old son Danieli and his fried. We had a fun time playing with an inflatable shark and relaxing on the sun lounger until two four year olds started poking you in the face!
On Thursday morning we went to a very nice pancake cafe for breakfast with mim and then Besi drove us to Tirane. We went up the mountain in the cable car which had cool views over Tirane. We had a very nice picnic and a beer in the posh bar and then headed back down.
Yesterday I ran over to CEF for the kids craft morning. I spent the morning drawing round little kids hands and helping them cut them out (stopping them cutting fingers off) and sticking a lolly stick on. We then played 4 year olds versions of jenga and connect 4 which was fun. In the afternoon Dave and I went to a village called Dushk with maki for a good news club, we went there 2 weeks ago so was cool to see them again, and they wer all very excited about getting their invitations to camp.
Yesterday evening we had a very fun 6 way conversation on Skye spanning 3 countries. Loads of my friends from Bristol wer online as well as Charlotte in Amsterdam and me and Dave here. We chatted for a few hours which was cool, as we havent all been together for ages!
We now have only 11 days left! its gone so quick but I'm really enjoying it. I really could see my self working with kids here one day, or somewhere else in a developing country. You can see how much we take for granted in the UK, and small things u do here make a big difference to them.
Next week we are doing out reach on the street, and i think I'm going to be planning the ice breakers, so that should be fun.
hope all is well with you, please comment.
Josh
This week has been really good. On Monday Dave and i wondered over to CEF early in the morning for the kids rally. It went well again, the guys especially enjoying a crazy game of lets all run around after the football! I have enjoyed building relationships with the kids despite the language barrier, i can say hello, how are you, and that's about it! After an average pizza for lunch (we wont be going there again) we sat around in CEF chatting and going on the fast Internet. In the evening Maki had a call from his flat saying the water had all ran out. So we went to get a tank with the land rover and went backwards and forwards a few times filling it up and emptying out into their tank. We also got a suflaq for dinner whilst the tank was filling, we came back to find the front drive flooded! We eventually got home at about 11pm, but it was quite a fun evening of chatting and fellowship.
Tuesday morning I ran to CEF and then we walked back to the bus stop and went to the beach! Me and Visar (the kosovan guy who's name i forgot) went together and handed out these leaflets about Christianity to the kids. Most of them seemed quite interested, it was annoying that i couldn't talk to them too, i just said hi and thank you / goodbye. In the afternoon I met up with Dave and we went around the 1st century amphitheatre which was cool. And then we went up this hill to this bar with amazing views over Durres.
On Wednesday we went to the beach again, this time a nicer one, not so busy. Mim Dave and I went with the pastor from church and his wife and his 4 year old son Danieli and his fried. We had a fun time playing with an inflatable shark and relaxing on the sun lounger until two four year olds started poking you in the face!
On Thursday morning we went to a very nice pancake cafe for breakfast with mim and then Besi drove us to Tirane. We went up the mountain in the cable car which had cool views over Tirane. We had a very nice picnic and a beer in the posh bar and then headed back down.
Yesterday I ran over to CEF for the kids craft morning. I spent the morning drawing round little kids hands and helping them cut them out (stopping them cutting fingers off) and sticking a lolly stick on. We then played 4 year olds versions of jenga and connect 4 which was fun. In the afternoon Dave and I went to a village called Dushk with maki for a good news club, we went there 2 weeks ago so was cool to see them again, and they wer all very excited about getting their invitations to camp.
Yesterday evening we had a very fun 6 way conversation on Skye spanning 3 countries. Loads of my friends from Bristol wer online as well as Charlotte in Amsterdam and me and Dave here. We chatted for a few hours which was cool, as we havent all been together for ages!
We now have only 11 days left! its gone so quick but I'm really enjoying it. I really could see my self working with kids here one day, or somewhere else in a developing country. You can see how much we take for granted in the UK, and small things u do here make a big difference to them.
Next week we are doing out reach on the street, and i think I'm going to be planning the ice breakers, so that should be fun.
hope all is well with you, please comment.
Josh
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Miss Shiperia and More
The rally on Wednesday went really well, i had planned the games and the kids seemed to enjoy them and no one got too badly injured, so that was good! We then went back to CEF to plan for Fridays craft day we also went for a drink we Maki in a bar on one of the tallest building with amazing views over Durres. IN the evening Dave and I went to Miss Shiperia (Albania) 2009. It was only just down the road and not too expensive so we thought we might as well. It was very interesting, and we gad a laugh. There was also some very bad singers between the ladies change of costumes!
On Thursday we planned for the craft event and moved chairs around and bought some materials. In the Evenki we went for a meal with Maki at his friends restaurant, we had muscles, chips, salad and bass it was great. That evening we stayed at Makis house as we wer up early on Friday for the craft morning.
The craft morning went really well. The kids really enjoyed doing graffiti making hats and especially getting their faces painted. Even the 14 year olds. None of them had ever had it done before. It was quite humbling to see how excited they were and how we take small things like craft, and art work for granted. They never have chances to make things and paint etc.
This weened has been good. Yesterday we went to sukth to look at the house with a concrete floor now! We the went to a beach in the afternoon and swam in the warm sea. This morning we went to the church in Durres and I helped Maki with the kids work. We then had a men's church BBQ for lunch which was nice, and in the afternoon we went to the small church in Sukth where Besi is the leader. This evening I played football again with Besis family and friends from church.
2moro there is another rally and iv got to come up with some games for it again.
Hope ur all well.
Josh
On Thursday we planned for the craft event and moved chairs around and bought some materials. In the Evenki we went for a meal with Maki at his friends restaurant, we had muscles, chips, salad and bass it was great. That evening we stayed at Makis house as we wer up early on Friday for the craft morning.
The craft morning went really well. The kids really enjoyed doing graffiti making hats and especially getting their faces painted. Even the 14 year olds. None of them had ever had it done before. It was quite humbling to see how excited they were and how we take small things like craft, and art work for granted. They never have chances to make things and paint etc.
This weened has been good. Yesterday we went to sukth to look at the house with a concrete floor now! We the went to a beach in the afternoon and swam in the warm sea. This morning we went to the church in Durres and I helped Maki with the kids work. We then had a men's church BBQ for lunch which was nice, and in the afternoon we went to the small church in Sukth where Besi is the leader. This evening I played football again with Besis family and friends from church.
2moro there is another rally and iv got to come up with some games for it again.
Hope ur all well.
Josh
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Church, Football and 50 Kids
On sunday morning we went to the chucrh in Durres. The whole service was in Albanian, but i we reckognised a few songs and sang what i could remember of the english version. In the sermon i read the passage it was about quite a few times! After the service we chatted to a few people, there are quite a lot of missionary familes from america or the uk who we spoke to.
In the afternoon we went to Maki's flat and played playstation with two 4 year olds. Me and Dave did just about win. In the evening I went to play football in Suckth with Besi, a load of his relatives and some people from church. It was really good fun, but pretty warm.
Yesterday dave and I walked over to the CEF centre in the morning for a childrens rall. We picked up the 50 kids from their different parts of town and took them to this sports ground. We played games including bulldog and ladders, as well as football) and also had a bible story and singing. They really enjoyed it and ome of te kids have very little so it was great for them to have a bit of fun and learn about Jesus.
This morning I ran over to CEF and had a shower at Maki's as ours is broken. There is another rally 2moro so we planned that. In the afternoon I went to the beach with this Kosovan guy who i got on really well with, but i can't remember his name! He went in the sea whilst I slept on the sun lounger. On the way back to the flat I bought a very yummy italian icecream!
2moro we've got the other rally, so that should be fun!
Josh
In the afternoon we went to Maki's flat and played playstation with two 4 year olds. Me and Dave did just about win. In the evening I went to play football in Suckth with Besi, a load of his relatives and some people from church. It was really good fun, but pretty warm.
Yesterday dave and I walked over to the CEF centre in the morning for a childrens rall. We picked up the 50 kids from their different parts of town and took them to this sports ground. We played games including bulldog and ladders, as well as football) and also had a bible story and singing. They really enjoyed it and ome of te kids have very little so it was great for them to have a bit of fun and learn about Jesus.
This morning I ran over to CEF and had a shower at Maki's as ours is broken. There is another rally 2moro so we planned that. In the afternoon I went to the beach with this Kosovan guy who i got on really well with, but i can't remember his name! He went in the sea whilst I slept on the sun lounger. On the way back to the flat I bought a very yummy italian icecream!
2moro we've got the other rally, so that should be fun!
Josh
Saturday, June 27, 2009
First few Days in Albania
So I'm now in Albania after about 4 weeks at home.
I flew in on Thursday and Maki (the guy ill be working with most in Albania) picked me up form the airport. He took me to Mim (a friend from cairns road) and Besi's (her Albanian husband) flat in Durres (Albania's second city) Me, Dave and Steve (mims brother) wentinto town. We walked along the sea front and had a a very nice takeaway called a suflacha, a sort of flat bread with meat, chips, salad and sauce, very nice. We then went back to the flat and watched a film, and then Maki was going to pick me up and take me to the the CEF house (Child Evangelical Fellowship) were i was going to stay but he didn't come, so i ended up sleeping on the sofa, which was very comfy.
Yesterday after watching CNN all about Micheal Jackson for a bit, we headed off with Maki to a village where he was leading a bible study. None of the kids spoke English but it was still cool. We sang our God is a great big God in English then they sang it in Albanian. We the went back into town and to Ruth and Makis' flat. Everyone except me then headed back to the airport as Steve and Ruth (Maki's Husband and Mim's and Steve's sister) were going going back to the UK. In the evening me and Dave watched a film.
This morning we went off to Besi's village, Sukth. We went to a kids bible study again and sang our God is a great big God again, and also played some games outside after. We then went to check the progress on Mim and Besi's house which is being built out there. This afternoon we got some yummy pizza for lunch and then went fishing with besi. I got two tiny fish which i was proud of, we also caught the sun a bit.
Tomorrow we will go to church, not as sure weather i will be going to Mim and Besis church in the village or Maki's church in Durres, wither way it will be more fun listening to Albanian! I'm also probably going to play football with Besi's friends in the evening which should be fun!
Josh
I flew in on Thursday and Maki (the guy ill be working with most in Albania) picked me up form the airport. He took me to Mim (a friend from cairns road) and Besi's (her Albanian husband) flat in Durres (Albania's second city) Me, Dave and Steve (mims brother) wentinto town. We walked along the sea front and had a a very nice takeaway called a suflacha, a sort of flat bread with meat, chips, salad and sauce, very nice. We then went back to the flat and watched a film, and then Maki was going to pick me up and take me to the the CEF house (Child Evangelical Fellowship) were i was going to stay but he didn't come, so i ended up sleeping on the sofa, which was very comfy.
Yesterday after watching CNN all about Micheal Jackson for a bit, we headed off with Maki to a village where he was leading a bible study. None of the kids spoke English but it was still cool. We sang our God is a great big God in English then they sang it in Albanian. We the went back into town and to Ruth and Makis' flat. Everyone except me then headed back to the airport as Steve and Ruth (Maki's Husband and Mim's and Steve's sister) were going going back to the UK. In the evening me and Dave watched a film.
This morning we went off to Besi's village, Sukth. We went to a kids bible study again and sang our God is a great big God again, and also played some games outside after. We then went to check the progress on Mim and Besi's house which is being built out there. This afternoon we got some yummy pizza for lunch and then went fishing with besi. I got two tiny fish which i was proud of, we also caught the sun a bit.
Tomorrow we will go to church, not as sure weather i will be going to Mim and Besis church in the village or Maki's church in Durres, wither way it will be more fun listening to Albanian! I'm also probably going to play football with Besi's friends in the evening which should be fun!
Josh
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The End
- The flight home was filled with film watching and no sleep. We got into terminal 5 at 8am and where picked up by mu mum and dobsons parents. It was so strange seeing them, and a bit awkward, what do you say?
Anyway we drove back along the M4 telling some of the stories of the last 41/2 months. It is so weird being back, people keep asking what was your favourite bit / country / thing you did. They are really difficult questions. I will share my highlights: - Bungy jumping and Sky diving in Queenstown on my birthday
- Ko Tao in Thailand, an amazing tropical island
- Scuba Diving on the great barrier reef
- Meeting loads of people, other travelers and local Fijians on the Yasawa islands, particularly White sandy beach resort.
- Shark cage diving and snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii.
- kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park (NZ) and camping on the beach.
- Riding elephants and holding tigers in Chang Mei.
- Flying over Fraser Island on a tiny plane
- Sand Boarding on the Coromandel Penisnular (NZ) and spending time with Meg and Makaela
- Body Boarding in Byron Bay
So we have visited 7 counties in: - 130 days
- on 60 different boat rides
- 51 bus / minibus rides
- 32 train / subway rides
- 16 taxis
- 11 plane flights
- 7 tuk tuk rides
- 1 Jet ski ride
- and 1 elephant ride we have made it round the world.
(yes i did just waste half an hour of my life looking at my diary working them out)
Looking forward to catching up with you all! Thanks for reading.
Monday, May 25, 2009
New York: Up the Rockerfeller, statten island ferry, times square and more
After a long jet lag induced lye in we headed to the train station and got a week pass for the train system so we could go wer ever we wanted. We then headed into downtown Manhattan getting off at time square. Its so crazy, so many people and cars and taxis. We3 wandered around for a bit and then got another train to the rockerfeller building. We went up the 67 floors to the top. There wer amazing views over the whole of Manhattan, central park and the empire state and you could just see the statue of liberty. We stayed up ther for quite a while. We then got the train back to our hostel and cooked some yummy tea.
After another long jet lag induced lye in we headed downtown to the statten island ferry. We crossed the harbour with views of the stature of liberty and the Manhattan skyline. There wasn't much to do on statten island so we got the ferry back half an hour later. We then headed to the site our the world trade centres. its just one massive building site, they are making another big tower and a memorial but there is nothing there yet. We then headed back uptown to a cinema near our hostel where we watched star trek which was really good. Due to our messed up sleeping and eating times we weren't hungry enough to cook our spaghetti bolognaise so we just got a slice of yummy takeaway pizza.
This morning we got up early (well 10.15) and went to the cinema again, it was $6 before 12pm. We saw dance flick which was quite funny. This afternoon we went back to times square and to m&m world which was awesome, some much random stuff all to do with m&ms. We then headed to the bottom of the empire stet building, we didn't go up as it cost quite a bit and would be the same as the Rockerfeller.
This evening we cooked our last supper of spaghetti bolognaise and later we are going back into town to see the city all lit up.
2moro we go home!!! We fly at around 8 so will chill out in central park for the day.
see you all very soon! this is probably my last blog from out trip! thanks for reading them even if it is just my dad! haha
After another long jet lag induced lye in we headed downtown to the statten island ferry. We crossed the harbour with views of the stature of liberty and the Manhattan skyline. There wasn't much to do on statten island so we got the ferry back half an hour later. We then headed to the site our the world trade centres. its just one massive building site, they are making another big tower and a memorial but there is nothing there yet. We then headed back uptown to a cinema near our hostel where we watched star trek which was really good. Due to our messed up sleeping and eating times we weren't hungry enough to cook our spaghetti bolognaise so we just got a slice of yummy takeaway pizza.
This morning we got up early (well 10.15) and went to the cinema again, it was $6 before 12pm. We saw dance flick which was quite funny. This afternoon we went back to times square and to m&m world which was awesome, some much random stuff all to do with m&ms. We then headed to the bottom of the empire stet building, we didn't go up as it cost quite a bit and would be the same as the Rockerfeller.
This evening we cooked our last supper of spaghetti bolognaise and later we are going back into town to see the city all lit up.
2moro we go home!!! We fly at around 8 so will chill out in central park for the day.
see you all very soon! this is probably my last blog from out trip! thanks for reading them even if it is just my dad! haha
Friday, May 22, 2009
LA to NEW YORK
Again we woke up early to get to an airport, this time LAX. The flight was pretty good, after we realised it was leaving from the international terminal as it had come from Sydney and LA was a stop off. This did mean it was a massive jumbo jet with TV screens on the back of each chair. We all spent the whole flight watching films, I watched Mall Cop which was quite funny, and the Australia which brought back memories of a few months ago.
We then got a long shuttle bus ride into Manhattan stoping off at each of JFK's 8 terminals at least twice to get more people! We are now at the massive hostel just near central park and also Harlem, we were told to only walk left when walking out of our hostel, to avoid this area.
We now have 3 full days in New York to do all the touristy things. Then on Monday evening we fly home! It feels so weird to be going home, its been such a long time, but we are all definitely looking forward to it!
We then got a long shuttle bus ride into Manhattan stoping off at each of JFK's 8 terminals at least twice to get more people! We are now at the massive hostel just near central park and also Harlem, we were told to only walk left when walking out of our hostel, to avoid this area.
We now have 3 full days in New York to do all the touristy things. Then on Monday evening we fly home! It feels so weird to be going home, its been such a long time, but we are all definitely looking forward to it!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
LA: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel air, Venice Beach and Universal Studios
We had an alright flight over from Honolulu sleeping and watching a film, once there we got a shuttle to our hostel near Beverly Hills. That evening we went out for a burger (we would of got a free beer but wer too young) and then went to bed very early.
The next day we went on a tour of LA. We started off on Hollywood Boulevard, looking at the stars on the pavement, taking pictures of the most famous ones, also the Chinese theatre and a load of other cinemas. Next we went to a few famous peoples houses in Beverly Hills, the fresh price of Bel air house and the x-men house. We then went for lunch on Venice beach and wandered along the promenade, trying to not get sold hip-hop Cd's. In the afternoon we went to a posh street with shops on wer all the famous people shopping. unfortunately we didn't see anyone we had heard off, but there wer a lot of famous looking people! In the evening we watched a big basket ball game on TV and then again went to bed early.
Today we went to universal studios. First we went on Shrek 4D, with the seats moving and water spraying at you when donkey sneezed etc. We then went on the studio tour. Seeing sets from Jaws, war of the worlds, King kong and loads of other films and TV programs. After that we went on the mummy ride and the Jurassic park ride, and also to the special effects show, which was cool. In the afternoon we went on the Simpson's ride which was probably my favourite, it was basically a simulator again full of special effects. We finished off the day at terminator, water world and the animal show (with a very funny orangutan!)
So we have fitted a lot in in LA and spent a bit more than planned too. Off to New York early 2moro morning. We have four nights there - and then home!!!
See you soon.
Josh
The next day we went on a tour of LA. We started off on Hollywood Boulevard, looking at the stars on the pavement, taking pictures of the most famous ones, also the Chinese theatre and a load of other cinemas. Next we went to a few famous peoples houses in Beverly Hills, the fresh price of Bel air house and the x-men house. We then went for lunch on Venice beach and wandered along the promenade, trying to not get sold hip-hop Cd's. In the afternoon we went to a posh street with shops on wer all the famous people shopping. unfortunately we didn't see anyone we had heard off, but there wer a lot of famous looking people! In the evening we watched a big basket ball game on TV and then again went to bed early.
Today we went to universal studios. First we went on Shrek 4D, with the seats moving and water spraying at you when donkey sneezed etc. We then went on the studio tour. Seeing sets from Jaws, war of the worlds, King kong and loads of other films and TV programs. After that we went on the mummy ride and the Jurassic park ride, and also to the special effects show, which was cool. In the afternoon we went on the Simpson's ride which was probably my favourite, it was basically a simulator again full of special effects. We finished off the day at terminator, water world and the animal show (with a very funny orangutan!)
So we have fitted a lot in in LA and spent a bit more than planned too. Off to New York early 2moro morning. We have four nights there - and then home!!!
See you soon.
Josh
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Last Few days in Hawaii
We've spent the last couple of days chillin on Waikiki beach. We also went to pearl harbour for the day, we did all the free stuff which included a short video, a boat trip out to the USS Arizona memorial, you ca still see the ship under water and also to the museum. In the afternoon we went to the cinema to see Wolverine, it was really good.
Yesterday afternoon we said goodbye to the two Beckys who we have been travelling with for the past week. This morning we went to Hanuma bay which is a old volcanic crater. The snorkelling was supposed to be amazing but it wasn't anything special, we did see a turtle though. We are a bit spoilt for coral ad tropical fish by now!
Tomorrow we may got to Diamond head, which is another old volcano with good views over Waikiki beach. The next morning at 4am we have to get up to fly to LA. We arrive at about 5pm LA time so probably wont do much on that day. Then we have two full days there.
Hope all is well at home, see you soon!!
Josh
Yesterday afternoon we said goodbye to the two Beckys who we have been travelling with for the past week. This morning we went to Hanuma bay which is a old volcanic crater. The snorkelling was supposed to be amazing but it wasn't anything special, we did see a turtle though. We are a bit spoilt for coral ad tropical fish by now!
Tomorrow we may got to Diamond head, which is another old volcano with good views over Waikiki beach. The next morning at 4am we have to get up to fly to LA. We arrive at about 5pm LA time so probably wont do much on that day. Then we have two full days there.
Hope all is well at home, see you soon!!
Josh
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Turtles and Sharks
So we traveled up to the northshore with Becky and Becky who we met on the plane and wer also ion our hostel in waiki beach. We had a cabin by the coast with its own kitchen and lounge, it was really nice.
The day we got there we chilled on the beach, i went snorkeling and saw an eel or a sea snake! in the evening we had a BBQ, played cards and chatted. The next day we went to this beach with loads of green turtles on. It was awesome snorkel ling with them and swimming with them. We then headed to Haiewa and bought a shave ice, it was way to sweet with ice cream! The girls and Dobson then walked to the lost set (a tv program) and will, tom and i sat on the beach.
This morning we got the bus to Haiwa again and went on out shark cage dive! t was awesome, 30 sharks all swimming around you sooo close! We also have bought the dvd between us, so that should be good.
2moro we head back to waiki beach, and then the next day we may got to pearl harbour!
hope everything is god at home. less than 2 weeks left!! I'm defiantly looking forward to home now.
Josh
The day we got there we chilled on the beach, i went snorkeling and saw an eel or a sea snake! in the evening we had a BBQ, played cards and chatted. The next day we went to this beach with loads of green turtles on. It was awesome snorkel ling with them and swimming with them. We then headed to Haiewa and bought a shave ice, it was way to sweet with ice cream! The girls and Dobson then walked to the lost set (a tv program) and will, tom and i sat on the beach.
This morning we got the bus to Haiwa again and went on out shark cage dive! t was awesome, 30 sharks all swimming around you sooo close! We also have bought the dvd between us, so that should be good.
2moro we head back to waiki beach, and then the next day we may got to pearl harbour!
hope everything is god at home. less than 2 weeks left!! I'm defiantly looking forward to home now.
Josh
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 8th - the longest day ever
May 8th started by getting the bus into nadi town and doing a bit of shopping, i bought a bulabong shirt and a fake Fiji rugby sevens shirt. We also got hassled a bit and by the locals trying to get money out of us. In the afternoon we headed back to our accommodation, swam in the pool and got a pizza. we then headed to the airport at around 7pm.
When checking in our luggage they said we needed a number for our USA visa which we did about 5 months ago in England! we ended up buying some Internet with our last pennies (also having to borrow 25c of the king lady ion the shop) to buy some Internet and fill ion the visa again! The airport staff werent very helpful!
Once on the plane we got a little bit of sleep and watched a film. We arrived i Honolulu at 6am Hawaii time on 8th of may. once at our hostel we got some free breakfast (peanut butter sandwiches) and headed to Waikiki beach. It was very hot and we all got a bit burnt. in the evening we made some pasta and chatted for ages. may 8th was finally over!
the next day chilled on the beach and swam in the sea. in the evening we went out for a steak with a group of English people who were all on our flight from Fiji.
Today we are getting a bus up to northern shores.
Hope your all gd.
Josh
When checking in our luggage they said we needed a number for our USA visa which we did about 5 months ago in England! we ended up buying some Internet with our last pennies (also having to borrow 25c of the king lady ion the shop) to buy some Internet and fill ion the visa again! The airport staff werent very helpful!
Once on the plane we got a little bit of sleep and watched a film. We arrived i Honolulu at 6am Hawaii time on 8th of may. once at our hostel we got some free breakfast (peanut butter sandwiches) and headed to Waikiki beach. It was very hot and we all got a bit burnt. in the evening we made some pasta and chatted for ages. may 8th was finally over!
the next day chilled on the beach and swam in the sea. in the evening we went out for a steak with a group of English people who were all on our flight from Fiji.
Today we are getting a bus up to northern shores.
Hope your all gd.
Josh
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Fiji Mainland
The next day after coming back from the islands we got went on an half our bus journey up to a Loutuka, a city north of Nadi. We wandered around looking in shops anbd buying a few things. It wasnt that touristy there so we saw a bit more of the real Fiji.
The next morning we got a cab to Pacific Harbour, along the coral coast. It has been very wet here the whole time so we havent really done anything, tom and I also couldnt do the shark dive because it was full :( We did make the most of happy hour yesterday evening though!
We get the bus back to Nadi this afternoon and then fly to Hawaii tmorow evening. We arive in hawaii at 6 in the morning the same day! So that will be well wierd!
Josh
The next morning we got a cab to Pacific Harbour, along the coral coast. It has been very wet here the whole time so we havent really done anything, tom and I also couldnt do the shark dive because it was full :( We did make the most of happy hour yesterday evening though!
We get the bus back to Nadi this afternoon and then fly to Hawaii tmorow evening. We arive in hawaii at 6 in the morning the same day! So that will be well wierd!
Josh
Monday, May 4, 2009
Yasawas - Fiji Islands
So we just got back from our 14 day Bula pass hopping between different islands and resorts in the Yasawas. All the resorts wer different and some were better than others. These are the highlights.
Nabua Lodge: Our first resorts some great people including a guy from yate, and a really nice guy from canada called denver. We went on a boat trip to the blue lagoon and went snorkeling. Back at the resort we had a good BBQ, played touch rugby on the beach with a load of Fijians which was really fun and played volleyball. The guy who was in charge was called Lulu and he was really funny.
Gold Coast: This was a very small resort, just us four and a danish couple. We walked over to the blue lagoon from here and did some snorkelling and also jumped into the sea off the boat.
White Sandy beach: We arrived to all the Fijians singing and playing the guitar on the beach, we also got some coconut juice! The people here were really nice and friendly, both the staff and the guests. In the evening there was lots of dancing and we learnt the bula dance! We played volleyball, sat in hammocks reading books and went snorkeling. On the Sunday we went to the church which was a bit of a disappointment. It was set up for tourists and was very cheesy.
Coral view: This was quite a big resort, we had our own 4 bed bure which was nice, there were kayaks and snorkeling equipment etc. We spent a lot of time in hammocks and also chatting and playing cards in the evening with the other guests. Tom and I kayaked to the blue lagoon in glass bottomed kayaks which was cool.
Wayalai: I pretty resort, tom and I got up at 5am and climbed up a mountain in the dark to watch the sunrise, it was really cool. I also became Bula king in the evening with my dancing skills during the stick dance!
Manta Ray: This was a really nice resort with really nice food. We played volleyball and went snorkeling (this was the best place for snorkeling). I also went on a trip to see manta rays, i got really close to one snorkeling it was awesome!
Kuata: Again played volleyball, made friends with some danish guy and a Brazilian guy, went snorkeling and sat in hammocks! I also went on a village trip to see Fijian village and also watched a rugby match between two villages.
South sea: A tiny island, played volley ball, went sailing and snorkeling.
Bounty: This was where celebrity love island was filmed. Good snorkelling, sitting in hamocks, made friends with and English girl, and an irish and Swedish guy.
We are now back in Nadi and a fun filled 2 weeks. We are here for 4 days and not quite sure what we are going to do. Tom and I may do a scuba dive and we may also try and find some markets to get some cheap stuff! Then we are off to Hawaii!
hope everything is well back at home.
Josh
Nabua Lodge: Our first resorts some great people including a guy from yate, and a really nice guy from canada called denver. We went on a boat trip to the blue lagoon and went snorkeling. Back at the resort we had a good BBQ, played touch rugby on the beach with a load of Fijians which was really fun and played volleyball. The guy who was in charge was called Lulu and he was really funny.
Gold Coast: This was a very small resort, just us four and a danish couple. We walked over to the blue lagoon from here and did some snorkelling and also jumped into the sea off the boat.
White Sandy beach: We arrived to all the Fijians singing and playing the guitar on the beach, we also got some coconut juice! The people here were really nice and friendly, both the staff and the guests. In the evening there was lots of dancing and we learnt the bula dance! We played volleyball, sat in hammocks reading books and went snorkeling. On the Sunday we went to the church which was a bit of a disappointment. It was set up for tourists and was very cheesy.
Coral view: This was quite a big resort, we had our own 4 bed bure which was nice, there were kayaks and snorkeling equipment etc. We spent a lot of time in hammocks and also chatting and playing cards in the evening with the other guests. Tom and I kayaked to the blue lagoon in glass bottomed kayaks which was cool.
Wayalai: I pretty resort, tom and I got up at 5am and climbed up a mountain in the dark to watch the sunrise, it was really cool. I also became Bula king in the evening with my dancing skills during the stick dance!
Manta Ray: This was a really nice resort with really nice food. We played volleyball and went snorkeling (this was the best place for snorkeling). I also went on a trip to see manta rays, i got really close to one snorkeling it was awesome!
Kuata: Again played volleyball, made friends with some danish guy and a Brazilian guy, went snorkeling and sat in hammocks! I also went on a village trip to see Fijian village and also watched a rugby match between two villages.
South sea: A tiny island, played volley ball, went sailing and snorkeling.
Bounty: This was where celebrity love island was filmed. Good snorkelling, sitting in hamocks, made friends with and English girl, and an irish and Swedish guy.
We are now back in Nadi and a fun filled 2 weeks. We are here for 4 days and not quite sure what we are going to do. Tom and I may do a scuba dive and we may also try and find some markets to get some cheap stuff! Then we are off to Hawaii!
hope everything is well back at home.
Josh
Friday, April 24, 2009
Fiji so Far
Fiji is awesome! we arrived in the heat and stayed a night in Nadi eatcing some tasty food. I lso got my hair cut at a local barbers. Next morning we got the boat from the port to the furthest island of the yasawas group and stayed there for two nights, making friends with the loclass. Highlights being playing touch rugby with 30 fijians on the beach, snorkeling in the warm sea and playing volley ball with our fellow travellers! The moved to another island and stayed with family, did more snorkelling / swimming / lying on the beach etc.
got to go.
Hope ur well.
Josh
got to go.
Hope ur well.
Josh
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Up North and Wills Birthday
What i forgot to mention about Easter Monday was that we went to the supermarket and bought around 8-9kg of broken chocolate Easter eggs (55 in total) They where well cheap (88cent a bag) of 5ish) and we got a bit carried away!
From Auckland ewe headed up to the bay of island and the girls headed up in their kiwi experience bus. We got a nights accommodation their and went to a pub quiz in the evening, in which we started off really well but ended up loosing :(
In the morning we went of an exciter adventure around the bay of islands, It was very fast and the flecks of rain in our eyes and the wind made it very cold. We went through the hole in the rock and round beaches etc.
In the afternoon we headed further north towards ninety mile beach. We played a little foooty with the swiss version of ronaldo called aldo, and then drove the car along the beach really fast, will did some pretty scary skids as well!
After an night in some cabins we went up to cape reinga wer there is a lighthouse and then we went to some dunes and did some sand boarding. It was well fun esp when we got some speed. We also all held onto each others ankles and went down, and then went on top of each other (will,, me, dobson and tom) down the slope! In he evening we went out for a meal as the supermarkets had all closed!
The next day was will's birthday! We spent most of the morning driving south, stopping off at the odd waterfall. Once in Auckland us guys went to watch a super 14 rugby game at eden park. It was a great game and cool atmosphere with they Auckland blues scoring loads of tries against the highlanders. What was also cool was the free beer and chips we got with out ticket! We then headed into town to meet the girls and go out for wills birthday evening.
This morning we headed to the coromandel peninsular (east of Auckland) following the kiwi experience bus which the girls where on. We found some accommodation and the went to cathedral cove. It was a really pretty beach which was used for the second Narnia film, when the kids arrive in Narnia on a beach. We the went to hot water beach and attempted to dig a hole without out the waves filling it in. We ended up just having our feet in a boiling hot pool. This evening we went out for a last meal as all 6 together and had probably had one of the best pizzas i have ever had.
Tomorrow we say a sad goodbye to the girls as they head south and we head back to Auckland for our flight to Fiji the next day!
Fiji will be different as well, we have a boula pass for 2 weeks so we can hop on and off the off shore islands. I don't know how much Internet there will be so don't know when my next post will be.
Hope you are all really well.
Josh
From Auckland ewe headed up to the bay of island and the girls headed up in their kiwi experience bus. We got a nights accommodation their and went to a pub quiz in the evening, in which we started off really well but ended up loosing :(
In the morning we went of an exciter adventure around the bay of islands, It was very fast and the flecks of rain in our eyes and the wind made it very cold. We went through the hole in the rock and round beaches etc.
In the afternoon we headed further north towards ninety mile beach. We played a little foooty with the swiss version of ronaldo called aldo, and then drove the car along the beach really fast, will did some pretty scary skids as well!
After an night in some cabins we went up to cape reinga wer there is a lighthouse and then we went to some dunes and did some sand boarding. It was well fun esp when we got some speed. We also all held onto each others ankles and went down, and then went on top of each other (will,, me, dobson and tom) down the slope! In he evening we went out for a meal as the supermarkets had all closed!
The next day was will's birthday! We spent most of the morning driving south, stopping off at the odd waterfall. Once in Auckland us guys went to watch a super 14 rugby game at eden park. It was a great game and cool atmosphere with they Auckland blues scoring loads of tries against the highlanders. What was also cool was the free beer and chips we got with out ticket! We then headed into town to meet the girls and go out for wills birthday evening.
This morning we headed to the coromandel peninsular (east of Auckland) following the kiwi experience bus which the girls where on. We found some accommodation and the went to cathedral cove. It was a really pretty beach which was used for the second Narnia film, when the kids arrive in Narnia on a beach. We the went to hot water beach and attempted to dig a hole without out the waves filling it in. We ended up just having our feet in a boiling hot pool. This evening we went out for a last meal as all 6 together and had probably had one of the best pizzas i have ever had.
Tomorrow we say a sad goodbye to the girls as they head south and we head back to Auckland for our flight to Fiji the next day!
Fiji will be different as well, we have a boula pass for 2 weeks so we can hop on and off the off shore islands. I don't know how much Internet there will be so don't know when my next post will be.
Hope you are all really well.
Josh
Monday, April 13, 2009
Mount Manganui to Auckland!
From the mount we headed over to the west coat, we went to a beach near raglan and played a bit of footy. We then headed to Karapiro, near Hamilton to stay with Dave's auntie robin. They had a very nice house, and we spent the evening watching films.
The next day we went to this place where they sheared angoran rabbits! it was well funny when they strapped the rabbit down and shaved it with a sheep shearer. We then headed down the road stopping off at the odd waterfall or cave. We then got to a hot water beach. I sat in a hole someone else had dug, it wasn't that hot but a little warm, the guys then proceeded to bury me in the black sand. Once back at Dave's place we watched some more films!
In the morning we went to Dave's old church as it was Easter Sunday and then headed up to Auckland! We spent the evening wandering round Auckland looking for a domino's pizza, as they are well cheap on Sundays!
This morning we wandered around the centre again, looked at some cool boat and a few shops. This afternoon we headed to the airport and picked up meg and makaela! It was cool see some familiar faces after sooo long!
Tomorrow we are heading north to the bay of islands!
Hope everything is gd at home.
Josh
The next day we went to this place where they sheared angoran rabbits! it was well funny when they strapped the rabbit down and shaved it with a sheep shearer. We then headed down the road stopping off at the odd waterfall or cave. We then got to a hot water beach. I sat in a hole someone else had dug, it wasn't that hot but a little warm, the guys then proceeded to bury me in the black sand. Once back at Dave's place we watched some more films!
In the morning we went to Dave's old church as it was Easter Sunday and then headed up to Auckland! We spent the evening wandering round Auckland looking for a domino's pizza, as they are well cheap on Sundays!
This morning we wandered around the centre again, looked at some cool boat and a few shops. This afternoon we headed to the airport and picked up meg and makaela! It was cool see some familiar faces after sooo long!
Tomorrow we are heading north to the bay of islands!
Hope everything is gd at home.
Josh
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Whales, farmers and tramps
OK, so we had a great time whale watching in kaikora seeing a massive sperm whale and hundreds of dolphins jumping all around the boat. After one more night on the farm with Jim and Mary we headed into Blenhiem and the Malborough wine region.
I drove around allowing the others to taste a few wines, it was quite fun but we all felt a bit out of place in our flip-flops and shorts. We then headed up to Picton and had a little drive around some of the fiords. We then got some dinner and sat in the car for ages waiting for our ferryat 10.30pm!
On the ferry we watched slum dog millionaire which was a really good film, and a good way to spend the 3 hour crossing. Once in wellington we quickly found our hostel.
In the morning we went into town and to the Te Papa museum which is the national museum of new zealand. They had lots of interesting exhibits about volcanoes and earthquakes and stuff.
In the afternoon we headed up north to the Tongoriro national park. There were cool views of the volcano mount Raphaneu. In the morning we woke early for our walk along the tongoriro crossing. It was a bit cloudy as we walked up he slopes, and quite steep but once we reached the saddle between two of the volcanoes it was very wet and windy. We started to try and walk up to mount doom crater but we couldn't see 100m in frnt of s so turned. We then walked across lunar landscaped, rocky mountains, craters, blue volcanic lakes. It was soo windy and by this time we were very wet and cold. We kept going not being able to see any of the nice views until we got into the rain forest. Once we reached the bus pick up point, 6 hours after we started, we were very relieved.
Once back at the hostel relaxed in to secret Narnia cinema and watched loads of films. basically there was a cupboard in the games room, you walk through it past a picture of aslan into this cinema room! amazing!
The next day we headed to Taupo and rotarua, stopping off to see waterfalls and a dam release all its water on the Waikato river.
This morning we looked around the free geothermal park and the boiling mud pools and lakes and then headed to Taurunga. Tom and I went for a walk up hill with amazing views from the top.
Tomorrow we are possibly going to hot water beach and then to Dave dbs aunties house near hamilton.
Hope your all well.
Josh
I drove around allowing the others to taste a few wines, it was quite fun but we all felt a bit out of place in our flip-flops and shorts. We then headed up to Picton and had a little drive around some of the fiords. We then got some dinner and sat in the car for ages waiting for our ferryat 10.30pm!
On the ferry we watched slum dog millionaire which was a really good film, and a good way to spend the 3 hour crossing. Once in wellington we quickly found our hostel.
In the morning we went into town and to the Te Papa museum which is the national museum of new zealand. They had lots of interesting exhibits about volcanoes and earthquakes and stuff.
In the afternoon we headed up north to the Tongoriro national park. There were cool views of the volcano mount Raphaneu. In the morning we woke early for our walk along the tongoriro crossing. It was a bit cloudy as we walked up he slopes, and quite steep but once we reached the saddle between two of the volcanoes it was very wet and windy. We started to try and walk up to mount doom crater but we couldn't see 100m in frnt of s so turned. We then walked across lunar landscaped, rocky mountains, craters, blue volcanic lakes. It was soo windy and by this time we were very wet and cold. We kept going not being able to see any of the nice views until we got into the rain forest. Once we reached the bus pick up point, 6 hours after we started, we were very relieved.
Once back at the hostel relaxed in to secret Narnia cinema and watched loads of films. basically there was a cupboard in the games room, you walk through it past a picture of aslan into this cinema room! amazing!
The next day we headed to Taupo and rotarua, stopping off to see waterfalls and a dam release all its water on the Waikato river.
This morning we looked around the free geothermal park and the boiling mud pools and lakes and then headed to Taurunga. Tom and I went for a walk up hill with amazing views from the top.
Tomorrow we are possibly going to hot water beach and then to Dave dbs aunties house near hamilton.
Hope your all well.
Josh
Friday, April 3, 2009
From camping on the beach to staying at the farm
From Westport we drove up to the abel tasman national park. We booked a two day kayak from the information centre and headed off to pohara (north) where we had booked a night in the backpackers.
the next day we got out kayaks, filled them with tents, sleeping bags, food etc. We had to double kayaks which had loads of space in. It was fun kayaking down the coast, stopping off at a beach for lunch and seeing loads of sea birds and seals around the island.
After a while we realised we had forgotten the lighter and we didn't have any matches! not very prepared! Dobson and I headed off inland on a small track and found a house where we managed to get a lighter. We could now have hot pot noodles for tea!
We reached the beach around fro taopo point and started to put up our tents. It was very pretty, with no other people on it. We enjoyed out pot noodles and tinned pinapple. Wwe then played cards for a bit and went to bed at about 9.30 as we wer very tired and the torches werent working along that well.
In the morning the weather was very sunny. We wandered up to the top of the point to look at the view and packed up our tents. We then headed back along the coast, this time with the wind with us so it didn't take that long. We managed to get really close to some seals swimming around which was cool.
Once back in pohara we had another night in the backpackers. We set of the next morning into the national park a bit further down windy roads. We the went for a walk along this estuary towards the sea, but it didn't last long as we nearly got cut off by the tide!
After lunch we headed towards nelson and Blenhiem where we were staying with Jim and Mary on their farm (friends of wills family). It took us a while to find the farm but once we did we had some nice food and Jim and Mary where very welcoming.
In the morning we chilled out in the garden kicking a ball around and watching the Calv's being injected. In the afternoon Jim took us to the end of the farm, 5 miles down a windy road. Its a huge farm!
This morning we headed south to kaikora and we are going whale watching In about half an hour, so that should be fun.
We are staying with Jim and Mary tonight as well, and then heading to the north island on a boat tomorrow evening!
Hope your all well.
Josh
the next day we got out kayaks, filled them with tents, sleeping bags, food etc. We had to double kayaks which had loads of space in. It was fun kayaking down the coast, stopping off at a beach for lunch and seeing loads of sea birds and seals around the island.
After a while we realised we had forgotten the lighter and we didn't have any matches! not very prepared! Dobson and I headed off inland on a small track and found a house where we managed to get a lighter. We could now have hot pot noodles for tea!
We reached the beach around fro taopo point and started to put up our tents. It was very pretty, with no other people on it. We enjoyed out pot noodles and tinned pinapple. Wwe then played cards for a bit and went to bed at about 9.30 as we wer very tired and the torches werent working along that well.
In the morning the weather was very sunny. We wandered up to the top of the point to look at the view and packed up our tents. We then headed back along the coast, this time with the wind with us so it didn't take that long. We managed to get really close to some seals swimming around which was cool.
Once back in pohara we had another night in the backpackers. We set of the next morning into the national park a bit further down windy roads. We the went for a walk along this estuary towards the sea, but it didn't last long as we nearly got cut off by the tide!
After lunch we headed towards nelson and Blenhiem where we were staying with Jim and Mary on their farm (friends of wills family). It took us a while to find the farm but once we did we had some nice food and Jim and Mary where very welcoming.
In the morning we chilled out in the garden kicking a ball around and watching the Calv's being injected. In the afternoon Jim took us to the end of the farm, 5 miles down a windy road. Its a huge farm!
This morning we headed south to kaikora and we are going whale watching In about half an hour, so that should be fun.
We are staying with Jim and Mary tonight as well, and then heading to the north island on a boat tomorrow evening!
Hope your all well.
Josh
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Queenstown to Westport
From queenstown we headed north through wanaka again up to franz joshef. We stopped off at various waterfalls, nice lakes / mountains on the way!! Our first full day there was very wet so we decided not to walk to the glacier, instead we went to the hot pools and stayed in our room reading books etc.
The next day we went for a walk to the glacier, we couldn't get that near cos it was supposedly dangerous, but we took loads of pics and did some hiking!
In the afternoon we drove to hokkikata again stopping off at waterfalls / nice views. We stayed in a very nice hostel by the sea. This morning we drove to westport again stopping off at nice views, including some cool rocks called the pancake rocks, and also these blow holes which fired water into the air from the waves.
Now we are in a hostel in westport and are heading to the abel tasman national park tomorrow, wer we may do some walking and kayaking.
Hope your all well.
Josh
The next day we went for a walk to the glacier, we couldn't get that near cos it was supposedly dangerous, but we took loads of pics and did some hiking!
In the afternoon we drove to hokkikata again stopping off at waterfalls / nice views. We stayed in a very nice hostel by the sea. This morning we drove to westport again stopping off at nice views, including some cool rocks called the pancake rocks, and also these blow holes which fired water into the air from the waves.
Now we are in a hostel in westport and are heading to the abel tasman national park tomorrow, wer we may do some walking and kayaking.
Hope your all well.
Josh
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Pretty Good Birthday
We've been very busy since we arrived in New Zealand. From Christchurch we drove to a place called Twizel in the mountains, stopping a gorges and amazing lakes on the way. After a night in a hostel there we headed to queenstown, stopping in a place called wanaka, which had another huge lake surrounded by mountains which was very pretty. We also went to puzzle world, which was full of optical illusions and a big maze.
We found our accommodation in Queenstown, it was a very nice lodge with everything we needed and more. The next day we booked some activities. First we went jet boating on the shotover river, going 70km per hour down very narrow gorges. In the evening we watched scary film all about backpackers getting tortured in Australia!
The next day was my birthday! Tom and I woke early for out bungy jump of the Kawarau bridge (the first commercial bungy site in the world) Its was 43m high with a freezing river below. It was an amazing feeling free falling for a few seconds before getting my head dunked into the water. I would do it again and higher anytime!
We the went back to meet Will and Dobson for lunch. They had been playing segway golf in the morning! type it in google!
In the afternoon we got picked up to go an do our sky dive. It was a 45 min drive to the other end of the lake, again with amazing views on the way. First there was a 20 minute scenic flight up to 12,000 ft. Viewing the lakes and mount cook as well as loads of other snowy mountains. We then jumped. The 45 seconds of freefall was awesome! And then the parachute down. I was allowed to take my camera strapped to me, so I got some really cool pictures.
In the evening I opened my presents from the guys, I cool Australia t-shirt and some new zealand boxers! We then went out for a ferg burger, a queenstown specialty which was very nice!
The next day we wer up early for our trip to Millford sound. It was a 4 hour drive through the mountains and tunnels. We went on out cruise around the fiord. It was very pretty, and I took far to many pictures! We then drove back part of the way to a lodge by a lake, and we spent the night there.
This morning we drove back to queenstown!
Tomorrow we head north towards franz joseph glacier!
Thanks for your birthday messages! Hope your all well.
Josh
We found our accommodation in Queenstown, it was a very nice lodge with everything we needed and more. The next day we booked some activities. First we went jet boating on the shotover river, going 70km per hour down very narrow gorges. In the evening we watched scary film all about backpackers getting tortured in Australia!
The next day was my birthday! Tom and I woke early for out bungy jump of the Kawarau bridge (the first commercial bungy site in the world) Its was 43m high with a freezing river below. It was an amazing feeling free falling for a few seconds before getting my head dunked into the water. I would do it again and higher anytime!
We the went back to meet Will and Dobson for lunch. They had been playing segway golf in the morning! type it in google!
In the afternoon we got picked up to go an do our sky dive. It was a 45 min drive to the other end of the lake, again with amazing views on the way. First there was a 20 minute scenic flight up to 12,000 ft. Viewing the lakes and mount cook as well as loads of other snowy mountains. We then jumped. The 45 seconds of freefall was awesome! And then the parachute down. I was allowed to take my camera strapped to me, so I got some really cool pictures.
In the evening I opened my presents from the guys, I cool Australia t-shirt and some new zealand boxers! We then went out for a ferg burger, a queenstown specialty which was very nice!
The next day we wer up early for our trip to Millford sound. It was a 4 hour drive through the mountains and tunnels. We went on out cruise around the fiord. It was very pretty, and I took far to many pictures! We then drove back part of the way to a lodge by a lake, and we spent the night there.
This morning we drove back to queenstown!
Tomorrow we head north towards franz joseph glacier!
Thanks for your birthday messages! Hope your all well.
Josh
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Its still not my birthday in England, but im celebrating anyway
By doind a bungy jump from a bridge into a river, and a sky dive from 12,000 ft!
Will fill you in on whats been happening later.
Josh
Will fill you in on whats been happening later.
Josh
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I like New Zealand
Our first day in new zealand was great. After a leisurely start we drove into the city centre of Christchurch and dobson somehow managed to drive through a no entry sign onto a tram line. It was very funny, we quickly turned round and found a car park.
After a while in the centre, buying a book about new zealand and wandering round cathedral square, we headed to the peninsular. It was an amazing drive with stunning scenery all around, mountains, lakes etc! We stopped at a cafe for lunch on the top of a hill, looking down a a harbor with mountains all around, amazing!
We then came home for another yummy home cooked meal! Its been great staying with Nigel, Ronnie and Tim, they have been very kind, its been great to just be in a home for a while!
Tomorrow we head for lake Tukapoku (or summit like that) and a hostel in Twizel, the the next day queenstown for 3 nights. Its hear you can do a lot of extreme sports. I may even do a bungy jump!
After a while in the centre, buying a book about new zealand and wandering round cathedral square, we headed to the peninsular. It was an amazing drive with stunning scenery all around, mountains, lakes etc! We stopped at a cafe for lunch on the top of a hill, looking down a a harbor with mountains all around, amazing!
We then came home for another yummy home cooked meal! Its been great staying with Nigel, Ronnie and Tim, they have been very kind, its been great to just be in a home for a while!
Tomorrow we head for lake Tukapoku (or summit like that) and a hostel in Twizel, the the next day queenstown for 3 nights. Its hear you can do a lot of extreme sports. I may even do a bungy jump!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sydney to New Zealand!
We had a good last day in Sydney just chilling out on Bondi Beach, thankfully not getting attacked by sharks, although that would have been quite exciting.
WE woke at 5.45am the next morning and left out grotty balmain backpackers hostel behind. A short taxi drive through the tunnels under the city brought us to the airport. We had some nice views of Sydney and the mountains of New Zealand on our way in which was cool. Once in Christchurch and through all the biological security stuff we picked up or station wagon and headed to some friends off wills, Nigel, Ronnie and ther son Tim. Its very nice to be cooked for (mmmm lasagne) and have a bed with a duvet, which smells clean! we also enjoyed walking on carpet as we haven't done so for ages!
Whilst here we have booked some hostels on hostel world. A place called Twizel, near a big lake and then a few nights in Queenstown!
I have been getting through money a little quicker than planned so iv got to try a cut back a bit in new zealdand, hopefully it will be ok, cos ther ius soo much cool stuff to do!
Hope your all well.
Josh
WE woke at 5.45am the next morning and left out grotty balmain backpackers hostel behind. A short taxi drive through the tunnels under the city brought us to the airport. We had some nice views of Sydney and the mountains of New Zealand on our way in which was cool. Once in Christchurch and through all the biological security stuff we picked up or station wagon and headed to some friends off wills, Nigel, Ronnie and ther son Tim. Its very nice to be cooked for (mmmm lasagne) and have a bed with a duvet, which smells clean! we also enjoyed walking on carpet as we haven't done so for ages!
Whilst here we have booked some hostels on hostel world. A place called Twizel, near a big lake and then a few nights in Queenstown!
I have been getting through money a little quicker than planned so iv got to try a cut back a bit in new zealdand, hopefully it will be ok, cos ther ius soo much cool stuff to do!
Hope your all well.
Josh
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sydney Sights
We had a good day in the olympic park, after seeing coldplay the night before we thougghht we should see it in the light. We swam in the pool next to the olympic pool which was cool. we tyhen nearly got lost in sydeney trying to find a takeaway.
The next day we took the campers back and found our grotty hostel. we accidently drove over the harbvour bridge again, and paying more money! we then wandered around the opera house and bought a transport ticket for sydney. We got the ferry to manyly beach and hung around ther for a bit, then it ther was a huge thunder storm!
Yesterday we went to hillsongs churhc which was cool, it was sooo massive. In the afternoon we went to bondi beach and looked around the shops.
Today we are in manly beach in the sun!
New Zealand on Weednesday!
The next day we took the campers back and found our grotty hostel. we accidently drove over the harbvour bridge again, and paying more money! we then wandered around the opera house and bought a transport ticket for sydney. We got the ferry to manyly beach and hung around ther for a bit, then it ther was a huge thunder storm!
Yesterday we went to hillsongs churhc which was cool, it was sooo massive. In the afternoon we went to bondi beach and looked around the shops.
Today we are in manly beach in the sun!
New Zealand on Weednesday!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sydney and COLDPLAY!
We arrived in sydney and imediatley the two campers got separated as we went over the harbour bridge! we spent the next hour looking for each other and somehow found each other. WE the went to the visitor info which wasnt all that helpful, and then headed to a camp site taking pictures of the harbour bride and opera house on the way.
We then set off to the olympic park to see coldplay at the acer arena! Firstly the bus didnt come, so we went back to the van park and ordered a taxi, which didnt come, by this time the support act had started and we wer sitting outside the van park! I was gettin a bit worried, but the others wer all calm. We decided to get a camper and drive ther, which worked fine and the parking wasnt too expensive cos we couldnt fit into the multistory carpark! Loads of other people wer arriving late aswell, we got into the 21,000 seater stadium and the support act wer playing. I think it was used for judo or badminton in the olympics.
Coldplay wer amazing, loads of cool light effects, amazing songs!
Not sure wat we are doing today, we drop our campers off 2moro and have booked a hostel for four nights near the centre. We will probably go to bondi beach, around the centre and maybe hillsongs church on sunday.
Hope ur all well.
Josh
We then set off to the olympic park to see coldplay at the acer arena! Firstly the bus didnt come, so we went back to the van park and ordered a taxi, which didnt come, by this time the support act had started and we wer sitting outside the van park! I was gettin a bit worried, but the others wer all calm. We decided to get a camper and drive ther, which worked fine and the parking wasnt too expensive cos we couldnt fit into the multistory carpark! Loads of other people wer arriving late aswell, we got into the 21,000 seater stadium and the support act wer playing. I think it was used for judo or badminton in the olympics.
Coldplay wer amazing, loads of cool light effects, amazing songs!
Not sure wat we are doing today, we drop our campers off 2moro and have booked a hostel for four nights near the centre. We will probably go to bondi beach, around the centre and maybe hillsongs church on sunday.
Hope ur all well.
Josh
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Byron Bay to Newcastle
We had a fun surfing lesson with an eccentric Aussie called terry, who kept going on about cricket, but we didn't really no wat he was on about as we don't follow cricket that much! By the end all three of us could stand on the board on the small waves so that was gd.
That evening we had some yummy fish and chips by the beach. The next day we went to the most easternly point of Australia, cape byron. We saw turtles and dolphins from the cliffs which wer cool, we then went for a body board and swam our to this ship wreck which i jumped off (don't worry mum, it was safe).
The next day we headed south again, we managed to buy this camper book of this guy next to us at byron with loads of free camp sites in so we decided to head to these. stopping off at a few places along the way: Nimbin (a hippy village) Ballina, Grafton, until we reached a nice camp site in a national park called red rock. We saws kangaroos in the wild and watched the sunset.
The next morning we went to woolgoolga were we went for a body board, we then went to coffs harbour were we went for a little walk round the headland. We stayed the night in a free rest stop just of the highway south of coffs harbour.
It was very wet in the morning, we drove to port maquire, and the further south to the great lakes. We stopped in taree and then forster were we had a swimj in the pool by the sea in a got between showers. We stopped in a free site of the road again.
In the morning we went to a tourist info centre and found out about these massive sand dune dessert thing, so we decided to go there, we had to go over a river on a ferry which was exciting, we then got out body boards and did some sand surfing / jumping / rolling and got some cool pics. We then headed to hawks nest which had a nice beach, we had a good body board, the waves wer massive and very strong, so that was gd.
This morning we woke up in the rain, packed up and headed to Newcastle and found some free Internet in a library! I think we may go and watch a film in a bit as the weather still isn't that great. I think we are in the tail end of cyclone hamish which is hitting cairns at the mo!
And 2moro we head down to sydney for coldplay!! hopefully we will be able to find somewhere to stay!!
Hope everything is well wer you are (uk, holland, kenya, canada, new zealand etc!!!)
Josh
That evening we had some yummy fish and chips by the beach. The next day we went to the most easternly point of Australia, cape byron. We saw turtles and dolphins from the cliffs which wer cool, we then went for a body board and swam our to this ship wreck which i jumped off (don't worry mum, it was safe).
The next day we headed south again, we managed to buy this camper book of this guy next to us at byron with loads of free camp sites in so we decided to head to these. stopping off at a few places along the way: Nimbin (a hippy village) Ballina, Grafton, until we reached a nice camp site in a national park called red rock. We saws kangaroos in the wild and watched the sunset.
The next morning we went to woolgoolga were we went for a body board, we then went to coffs harbour were we went for a little walk round the headland. We stayed the night in a free rest stop just of the highway south of coffs harbour.
It was very wet in the morning, we drove to port maquire, and the further south to the great lakes. We stopped in taree and then forster were we had a swimj in the pool by the sea in a got between showers. We stopped in a free site of the road again.
In the morning we went to a tourist info centre and found out about these massive sand dune dessert thing, so we decided to go there, we had to go over a river on a ferry which was exciting, we then got out body boards and did some sand surfing / jumping / rolling and got some cool pics. We then headed to hawks nest which had a nice beach, we had a good body board, the waves wer massive and very strong, so that was gd.
This morning we woke up in the rain, packed up and headed to Newcastle and found some free Internet in a library! I think we may go and watch a film in a bit as the weather still isn't that great. I think we are in the tail end of cyclone hamish which is hitting cairns at the mo!
And 2moro we head down to sydney for coldplay!! hopefully we will be able to find somewhere to stay!!
Hope everything is well wer you are (uk, holland, kenya, canada, new zealand etc!!!)
Josh
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Sunshine coast and the Gold Coast
ok, not got long to write blog so sorry about spelling. and also its a really wierd key board
We ad a gd day in australia zoo, highlights being stroking kangeroos and koalas, watching the croc show and seeing wombats and tazmanian devils, later n the afternoon we headed to a near by beah on he sunshine coast and did some body surfng, cos we had no boards.
We en headed souh throught brisbane, topping on the side f the rd in a sunurb for sleep. We woke to find ourselves surounded by road woks which was quite funny, so we jjust drove of as quickly as pos!!!
We headed south again, so he gold cast, finding a camp sie in surfers paradise, which is very buil up with sky scraaper apartments etc. We bought so boody boards and went into the sea, he waves wer ok, but woolacombe had ben btter!
This moning we eaded south again stopping i byrn bay,which is a really nice beach. We went body boarding and tomannd went 4 a run down the beach, so we are very tired now. We are also now in new souh wales, so the clocks went forard 1 hour, so wer now 11 hours ahead of uk.
We have booked some srfin lessons or 2moro, and they ggarantee u can ride fr 40 meter our ur money back, so that should be uun.
josh
We ad a gd day in australia zoo, highlights being stroking kangeroos and koalas, watching the croc show and seeing wombats and tazmanian devils, later n the afternoon we headed to a near by beah on he sunshine coast and did some body surfng, cos we had no boards.
We en headed souh throught brisbane, topping on the side f the rd in a sunurb for sleep. We woke to find ourselves surounded by road woks which was quite funny, so we jjust drove of as quickly as pos!!!
We headed south again, so he gold cast, finding a camp sie in surfers paradise, which is very buil up with sky scraaper apartments etc. We bought so boody boards and went into the sea, he waves wer ok, but woolacombe had ben btter!
This moning we eaded south again stopping i byrn bay,which is a really nice beach. We went body boarding and tomannd went 4 a run down the beach, so we are very tired now. We are also now in new souh wales, so the clocks went forard 1 hour, so wer now 11 hours ahead of uk.
We have booked some srfin lessons or 2moro, and they ggarantee u can ride fr 40 meter our ur money back, so that should be uun.
josh
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Whitsundays and driving!
We had a fun day in the whitsdays, cruising around in a catamaran. Whitehaven beach was amazing, and we did a bit of snorkeling in our super attractive stinger suits! We also got to go in the captains cabin which was cool.
The next day we headed south again, stopping off at a very nice swimming pool in Mackay. Then after that there was nothing for 6 hours drive, so that was fun. Swapping drivers every now and then, eventually stopping for the night in a free camp site just north of rockhamton. We then traveled further south to Harvey bay were we could get to fraser island. We booked two nights in a nice yha campsite, and a day trip to fraser for the next day.
Fraser island was amazing, after the barge trip over we got into out 4wd bus and went on a very bumpy ride through the jungle, which we all found very fun. After a short bush walk we headed to the massive beach/highway/airport! Basically its a long beach, which you can drive down at 85km/ph, but people just sitting on the beach have right of way, and occasionally planes land! It was well fun, we stooped off at eli creek and walked up the fresh water stream, then at a rusty shipwreck in the sand. We also went on a short plane flight over the sea and island taking some amazing pics. Seeing jungle, grassland, sand blowouts and the massive beach from the air was spectacular! We then got back in the lorry and went to lake mckenzie wer we went for a swim in the clear waters, wer we attempted to build a four person tower for probably the 100th time, and failed.
This morning will, dobson and I went to a local baptist church which was interesting, a small congregation, but lots of friendly people. We the drove down to Noosa Heads wer we are now. Tom is very excited cos the waves are getting bigger!
2moro we may be going to Australia zoo, which is just north of Brisbane, so that should be fun.
Hope everything is well wer you are.
The next day we headed south again, stopping off at a very nice swimming pool in Mackay. Then after that there was nothing for 6 hours drive, so that was fun. Swapping drivers every now and then, eventually stopping for the night in a free camp site just north of rockhamton. We then traveled further south to Harvey bay were we could get to fraser island. We booked two nights in a nice yha campsite, and a day trip to fraser for the next day.
Fraser island was amazing, after the barge trip over we got into out 4wd bus and went on a very bumpy ride through the jungle, which we all found very fun. After a short bush walk we headed to the massive beach/highway/airport! Basically its a long beach, which you can drive down at 85km/ph, but people just sitting on the beach have right of way, and occasionally planes land! It was well fun, we stooped off at eli creek and walked up the fresh water stream, then at a rusty shipwreck in the sand. We also went on a short plane flight over the sea and island taking some amazing pics. Seeing jungle, grassland, sand blowouts and the massive beach from the air was spectacular! We then got back in the lorry and went to lake mckenzie wer we went for a swim in the clear waters, wer we attempted to build a four person tower for probably the 100th time, and failed.
This morning will, dobson and I went to a local baptist church which was interesting, a small congregation, but lots of friendly people. We the drove down to Noosa Heads wer we are now. Tom is very excited cos the waves are getting bigger!
2moro we may be going to Australia zoo, which is just north of Brisbane, so that should be fun.
Hope everything is well wer you are.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cairns to the Whitsundays!
Scuba diving was amazing, we did 3 dives so the day was pretty jam packed. I hired an underwater camera so got some cool pics including some of a family of clown fish. Ther was so much colour downb ther it was great. I did get a bit of a bad ear thought, by the last dive so couldnt get that deep, its still not quite right so i went to a chemist.
The next day we headed up to cape tribulation on a coach trip, with a really funny coach driver called billy, who told us lots of stories. We saw a baby croc on the daintree river, and then went for a walk in the junglem and had luch near cape trib beach. It was v pretty but not that sunny and there wer stingers so no swimming. We did swim in mossam gorge on the way back which was v refreshing.
The next morning we picked up the campers, we some how managed to pay the 3,000 dollar bond per camper via toms parent at midnight! we also managed to get to big campers due to a mess up with the booking.
We then headed south! By the evening we arrived at mission beach, and we decided to go to a camp site. They are very hot inside, which makes sleep a bit difficult but we manage. In the morning it was tipping it down so we didnt stay on the beach! we decided to just head south fot more sunny weather. By the late afternoon we arrived in townsville, wer we could get to magnetic island the next day. We slept o the side of the road and in the morning it was still raining so we decided not to go to the islands. We sopent the morning looking for jump leads as wre had managed to run down the battery of on3e of the campers! we then headed more south stopping in Ayre for a drink, then in bowen for the night wer we slept in an empty carpak right next to the beach!
This morning we woke to the sea breeze, i went for a run along the beach and up this hill wer there wer amazing views all around. We hung around the beaches near bowen in the mornuing, the headed to arie beach wer you can get to the witsindays. We booked a trip 2moro which should be fun.
We also saw a big snake today whilst washing up, and a possum in a tree just next to the campers!
sorry no time to check spelling!
Josh
The next day we headed up to cape tribulation on a coach trip, with a really funny coach driver called billy, who told us lots of stories. We saw a baby croc on the daintree river, and then went for a walk in the junglem and had luch near cape trib beach. It was v pretty but not that sunny and there wer stingers so no swimming. We did swim in mossam gorge on the way back which was v refreshing.
The next morning we picked up the campers, we some how managed to pay the 3,000 dollar bond per camper via toms parent at midnight! we also managed to get to big campers due to a mess up with the booking.
We then headed south! By the evening we arrived at mission beach, and we decided to go to a camp site. They are very hot inside, which makes sleep a bit difficult but we manage. In the morning it was tipping it down so we didnt stay on the beach! we decided to just head south fot more sunny weather. By the late afternoon we arrived in townsville, wer we could get to magnetic island the next day. We slept o the side of the road and in the morning it was still raining so we decided not to go to the islands. We sopent the morning looking for jump leads as wre had managed to run down the battery of on3e of the campers! we then headed more south stopping in Ayre for a drink, then in bowen for the night wer we slept in an empty carpak right next to the beach!
This morning we woke to the sea breeze, i went for a run along the beach and up this hill wer there wer amazing views all around. We hung around the beaches near bowen in the mornuing, the headed to arie beach wer you can get to the witsindays. We booked a trip 2moro which should be fun.
We also saw a big snake today whilst washing up, and a possum in a tree just next to the campers!
sorry no time to check spelling!
Josh
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Singapore to Cairns
We left KL on and early morning flight and arrived in Singapore at around 11 am. We wer amazed by the amount of cargo ships just docked in the middle of the sea , ther we hundreds. We the got the mrt (underground/skytrain) to the station near out hostel, it was only a few mins walk. IT was very nice 4 beds, air con and bathroom.
We the headed into town and first went to marine bay which tom thought sounded nice, but ended up just being a building site! haha. we asked the ticket man what there was to do ther and he said nothing! so we headed to city hall wer there was a bit more to do. WE saw all the fancy buildings and went on the Singapore flyer, basically the London eye in Singapore. There is loads of building work still going on in Singapore, when its finished it will be amazing. IN the evening we stayed in town and listened to the band that wer playing for free on the waterfront, it was an amzing location, with all the skyscrapers and water behind. Also an old Chinese man got up and started dancing at the front, we wer all crying with laughter.
The next morning we got a taxi to a cable car station on a mountain. The heavens opened and ther was a massive thunder storm whilst we wer up ther which was exciting, then it stopped and we got on the cable car to sentosa (a tourist resort island). You had to pay for everything extra, so we just headed to the beach, and had some fish and chips, watching the hundreds of massive ships off shore.
That evening and night we flew to cairns via Darwin, with about 1 hour sleep, arriving in cairns at 8am local time. Very tired, we just sat by the pool on the sea front (stinger season means no sea swimming and it didn't look that nice anyway). We all got very burnt!
Tom and I just booked a trip to the great barrier reef 2moro, to do 3 scuba dives. It should be amazing. And we also may do a trip to cape tribulation. Then we pick up our campers and heads south!
Hope ur all well.
We the headed into town and first went to marine bay which tom thought sounded nice, but ended up just being a building site! haha. we asked the ticket man what there was to do ther and he said nothing! so we headed to city hall wer there was a bit more to do. WE saw all the fancy buildings and went on the Singapore flyer, basically the London eye in Singapore. There is loads of building work still going on in Singapore, when its finished it will be amazing. IN the evening we stayed in town and listened to the band that wer playing for free on the waterfront, it was an amzing location, with all the skyscrapers and water behind. Also an old Chinese man got up and started dancing at the front, we wer all crying with laughter.
The next morning we got a taxi to a cable car station on a mountain. The heavens opened and ther was a massive thunder storm whilst we wer up ther which was exciting, then it stopped and we got on the cable car to sentosa (a tourist resort island). You had to pay for everything extra, so we just headed to the beach, and had some fish and chips, watching the hundreds of massive ships off shore.
That evening and night we flew to cairns via Darwin, with about 1 hour sleep, arriving in cairns at 8am local time. Very tired, we just sat by the pool on the sea front (stinger season means no sea swimming and it didn't look that nice anyway). We all got very burnt!
Tom and I just booked a trip to the great barrier reef 2moro, to do 3 scuba dives. It should be amazing. And we also may do a trip to cape tribulation. Then we pick up our campers and heads south!
Hope ur all well.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
KL
After the rain the sun came out and we spent out last few hours in Thailand on Patong beach, buying things of beach sellers, and watching the parasailers which i was tempted to have a go at. Our flight was very short but due to the time difference we arrives at about midnight, we then waited for ages for a bus to take us to the centre. we finally arrived at our hostel at 3am!
Today was our day in kular lumpur. this morning we went to the top of the 4th tallest tower in the world, Menara Kuala Lumpur, which was really cool. we then went to the Petronas Towers. which are the tallest twin towers in the world and used to be the tallest buildings in the world, we couldn't go to the top but we went to the shopping centre and park around the bottom. The funniest thing was all these Malaysian girls coming up to us and asking for their pictures with us, first in a group, the separately with there arms round us. It was well funny! haha. And loads of people keep staring at us. Kular Lumpur is no where near as touristy as Thailand, so i guess there just not used to white people, especially blond hair, which is more blond now due to the sun!
Tomorrow we fly to Singapore, and then the next day to cairns!
Today was our day in kular lumpur. this morning we went to the top of the 4th tallest tower in the world, Menara Kuala Lumpur, which was really cool. we then went to the Petronas Towers. which are the tallest twin towers in the world and used to be the tallest buildings in the world, we couldn't go to the top but we went to the shopping centre and park around the bottom. The funniest thing was all these Malaysian girls coming up to us and asking for their pictures with us, first in a group, the separately with there arms round us. It was well funny! haha. And loads of people keep staring at us. Kular Lumpur is no where near as touristy as Thailand, so i guess there just not used to white people, especially blond hair, which is more blond now due to the sun!
Tomorrow we fly to Singapore, and then the next day to cairns!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Leaving Thailand in the rain!
From my last post you heard that out accommodation wasn't that great! but we had a really fun few days in Ko pangan, chillin on the beach, playing volley ball, and meeting loads of people at the resort, swedes, Australians, Chileans, Canadians and loads of English.
Our last night was the full moon party, 10,20, 30,000 people on the beach, different people quoted different numbers, lots of loud music, and we all behaved our selves (one of us only just haha).
Our last days was fun, we went to watch the owners son , Jon, play football for his school, they all had matching Thailand shirts and wer playing against a team all wearing real madrid shirts. Mrs T, the owner also showed us how to make pad thai! so now we can make it in out camper vans! She also gave us all a Thailand football shirt with or rawan beach resort printed on it. They wer a very kind family, and we enjoyed staying ther despite the accommodation.
The journey from ko pangan was very long, we got on out sleeper boat at around 10pm, and arrived i surat thani at 5am, wer we satin a travel agent for 2 hours, the moved to anther travel agent, then finally got on a minibus to patong beach, phucket.
This was one of the worst hit areas by the tsunami, it feels really weird to think so many people dies here only a few years ago. Its still really touristy, the beach full of sun beds, and the sea dirty, with loads of water sports going on. Its not that pretty.
We woke this morning to pouring rain, and its still going! Anyway,. we leave this evening for kualur lumpur on a plane, we have two nights booked ther, the fly to Singapore, have a day and a night, then of to oz! we ended up booking loads of flights as we are running out of time, and its not too expensive.
Hope your all well, please do leave a comment!
Josh
Our last night was the full moon party, 10,20, 30,000 people on the beach, different people quoted different numbers, lots of loud music, and we all behaved our selves (one of us only just haha).
Our last days was fun, we went to watch the owners son , Jon, play football for his school, they all had matching Thailand shirts and wer playing against a team all wearing real madrid shirts. Mrs T, the owner also showed us how to make pad thai! so now we can make it in out camper vans! She also gave us all a Thailand football shirt with or rawan beach resort printed on it. They wer a very kind family, and we enjoyed staying ther despite the accommodation.
The journey from ko pangan was very long, we got on out sleeper boat at around 10pm, and arrived i surat thani at 5am, wer we satin a travel agent for 2 hours, the moved to anther travel agent, then finally got on a minibus to patong beach, phucket.
This was one of the worst hit areas by the tsunami, it feels really weird to think so many people dies here only a few years ago. Its still really touristy, the beach full of sun beds, and the sea dirty, with loads of water sports going on. Its not that pretty.
We woke this morning to pouring rain, and its still going! Anyway,. we leave this evening for kualur lumpur on a plane, we have two nights booked ther, the fly to Singapore, have a day and a night, then of to oz! we ended up booking loads of flights as we are running out of time, and its not too expensive.
Hope your all well, please do leave a comment!
Josh
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Scuba Diving
Our last day in Ko Toa was really cool. Tom and I got up at 6.45am for our morning scuba dive. We didnt really have a clue wat was going on, as most people ther had done loads of dives before, but we got on the boat and all our equipment ready successfully.We did two dives just off the little island we went to the other day. We went down about 18m and toms cold didnt make his ears hurt too much which was gd. we saw a clown fish which are now really are cos of the nemo film, loads of sting rays, moray eel and loads of other cool fish big and small.
That afternoon we caught the two hour ferry to ko pangan, and arrived at out accomodation. Not that nice is the best description without being too rude. A two story block of apartments each room has a double matress on the floor, a fan, a squatting tiolet and a cold shower in the bathroom. But we dont spend much time ther anyway. Its right near the beach, and the owners are very friendly.
We are here until wednesday, then we have nothing booked yet!
That afternoon we caught the two hour ferry to ko pangan, and arrived at out accomodation. Not that nice is the best description without being too rude. A two story block of apartments each room has a double matress on the floor, a fan, a squatting tiolet and a cold shower in the bathroom. But we dont spend much time ther anyway. Its right near the beach, and the owners are very friendly.
We are here until wednesday, then we have nothing booked yet!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ko Tao!
Its amazing here, spent a few more days on the beach, done loads of snorkeling. Yesterday we went to a smaller island with a sand bar which was really cool, we saw loads of fish in the sea, we also went on a snorkeling trip round the island, we saw reef sharks and turtles!
On the down side my camera broke! it was supposed to be waterproof, but something has gone wrong somewhere, iv got to send it back to Bristol to be mended! well annoying.
On another down side dobson and i wer ill the other day after some dodgy chicken, which meant we had to postpone our scuba dive.
We did our scuba review today and are going to dive 2moro, which should be cool. The in the afternoon we are off to Ko Phangan!
On the down side my camera broke! it was supposed to be waterproof, but something has gone wrong somewhere, iv got to send it back to Bristol to be mended! well annoying.
On another down side dobson and i wer ill the other day after some dodgy chicken, which meant we had to postpone our scuba dive.
We did our scuba review today and are going to dive 2moro, which should be cool. The in the afternoon we are off to Ko Phangan!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ko samui to Ko tao
We spent a few days on ko samui on probably one of the cheapest resorts on the island. however, it was nice and cosy to have three in a double bed, and will in the single bed, it was ok for about 3 pounds a night.
3 days on the beach and in the warm sea was enough to get pretty sun burnt, especially our knees! the last few days have gone pretty much like this:
get up about 10, buy some cheap breky from the 7 eleven (cheap supermarket), lie on the Beach, go for a swim, lie on the beach, go for a swim, buy some lunch, lie on the beach etc.. buy some dinner .....
and also we did some jet biking, it was quite expensive for only 15 mins, but it was amazing, we went sooo fast!
we got up at 6 this morning!!!! to get our ferry to ko toa, we arrive at about 12. i like this island much better than ko samui, its much smaller, with only about one main road, some of which is a dirt track.
we have already bought snorkels and seen loads of fish and corals in the clear water. tom and i may go for a scuba dive some time, but its quite expensive.
ive been enjoying reading 'the beach' which is a story set in Thailand especially these island, so that had been cool.
so yer been pretty busy, we are here for 5 days and the to ko pagnang a bigger island, and are going to the full moon party, which should be interesting.
hope your all doin good back in england (or else where in the world - nz, india, kenya etc), I heard its snowing in some parts!
3 days on the beach and in the warm sea was enough to get pretty sun burnt, especially our knees! the last few days have gone pretty much like this:
get up about 10, buy some cheap breky from the 7 eleven (cheap supermarket), lie on the Beach, go for a swim, lie on the beach, go for a swim, buy some lunch, lie on the beach etc.. buy some dinner .....
and also we did some jet biking, it was quite expensive for only 15 mins, but it was amazing, we went sooo fast!
we got up at 6 this morning!!!! to get our ferry to ko toa, we arrive at about 12. i like this island much better than ko samui, its much smaller, with only about one main road, some of which is a dirt track.
we have already bought snorkels and seen loads of fish and corals in the clear water. tom and i may go for a scuba dive some time, but its quite expensive.
ive been enjoying reading 'the beach' which is a story set in Thailand especially these island, so that had been cool.
so yer been pretty busy, we are here for 5 days and the to ko pagnang a bigger island, and are going to the full moon party, which should be interesting.
hope your all doin good back in england (or else where in the world - nz, india, kenya etc), I heard its snowing in some parts!
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