beautiful water--looking out to Whitehaven Beach
Back up to the lookout to see this:
With the tide out
that white dot by my hand is the moon :)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
AVATAR
Arrived in Airlie Beach and spent two nights before heading to our boat! Ship? Whatever. It was pretty big and had 3 hulls and Sarah and Katie (from Fraser) were on it as well so it was nice that Chris and I already knew some other people. There were 20 of us on the vessell and everyone had to share a bed. First the captain asked for the couples so they could go into the out hull and have more privacy. There was a couple who had been together for 8 years from Switzerland and a couple from Wales who were on the last 2 weeks of a 7 week honeymoon! And that was it but there were 3 rooms (and I use that term loosely) in the out hull so Chris and I decided to take it so that we could go to bed early/whenever and it would be quiet at night and in the mornings. To get to our "room" you went out of the main hull, outside, across a mesh floor underneath which was ocean, and then opened a clear hatch about 2ft by 2ft. Then you lowered yourself in directly on to the mattress (another term I use loosely). It was certainly wide enough for both of us to sleep comfortably. Lengthwise, however, was not quite as comfortable. With my backpack in the 'room' at my feet, all 5'4" of myself could not fully stretch out. Chris, being 6'0" could most certainly not stretch all the way out, even less so with his backpack and food in the 'room' with us. Add to that the rocking of the boat, the beer being drunk and that with the hatch closed it was SO HOT in there, neither of us slept very well. The first night I had a slight panic attack and needed to open the hatch a couple of times--just to make sure it still did-- which didn't help matters. The first day we went snorkeling and got the priviledge of wearing these little numbers.....
The food on the boat was amazing! Our host/chef provided snacks, tea, coffee, cake, roast, potatoes, veggies, fruit omg there was SO MUCH FOOD :D
The second day we went out to see White Haven Beach. Everyone was under the impression we would actually be on white haven beach but we were not. So Chris and I decided to swim across the channell to say that, yes, we had been on it. About 10 feet in to the water a black thing ahead of us started moving. And had a tail. Shit! Its a stingray-- the same thing that killed Steve Erwin. For about 3 seconds we kept moving closer to get a better look until we realized-- don't be stupid, get the eff out of the water. No that it would come attack us, but still. Better safe than sorry.
Then, of course, we had to brush our teeth with the sand :)
Back up to the lookout to see this:
and then some more snorkling, with the beloved stinger suits, and we boated (what's the term?) to a lagoon where there were wild Cockatoos and I fed one some bread!
Back on land the next day and night and then a night bus to where I am now- Cairns! Will be going scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow :)
Back up to the lookout to see this:
The Town of 1770-- still living in the 1770's
Not much to do in this town but if you do it all you have a great time!
Scooteroo: driving mini scooters decked out to look like Harley Davidsons while wearing leather jackets and helmets with flames on them. Hell yeah. We even saw some wild kangaroos and the begining of a beautiful sunset.
Surfing: Get up to go to surfing school at 10, get in the water around 11 and be standing up on a wave by 11:45! Its much harder than it seems, and much harder than I remember when I was younger (and more agile and smaller and on a longer board, ha). We were on shorter boards and learned the techniques and had such a good time and got some great photos! Did the lesson with Chris, Lizzie and Lucy so it was two of us in the water at a time making it perfect for photos to be taken of each other :)
Spa Day: After the surfing the girls and I had a girly day at our hostel. A woman came around and gave us face masks and massages and mud/clay to put in our hair. It was a great way to kill time before the bus left at 910pm to arrive in Airlie Beach at 7am.
Turtle vs. Turtel
Wow I feel like I have done so many things since I last posted! This one will be dedicated to Fraser Island and Roberto "Italiano". He is, obviously, Italian and was travelling alone in Australia. The meeting to get set up for our Fraser Island tour put Roberto in a group with myself, Sarah, Katie, Rhian, Susie and Martin. These became the people that I shared driving, food and insanely funny yet 'had to be there' type jokes. A lead driver needed to be chosen in the group and present a credit card-- our group decided to do this based on who had a credit card with them. Roberto did! Perfect, he is our lead driver. Mind you we all had not spoken too much yet and so did not realize at the time that we were putting our faith (and lives? for a period of time) in someone who did not understand more than about 5 words of English. During the safety video about how to drive and, more importantly, what NOT to do Roberto dutifully sat and watched the TV screen. When it was over Rhian casually asked if Roberto understood what was said. He looked at her for a moment, with a smile plastered on his face, and said, "Yes. Yes. .....the video? No." Oh crap. The next day we got up early and drove over to the ferry to get on the island and headed straight for Lake McKenzie. So beautiful, it looks exactly like the photos-- so now there's no need for you to go there ;)
Chris, being only 19, was not allowed to drive (must be at least 21) and so was in the car with the guide along with other under 21 yr olds. At Lake McKenzie I was hanging out with the girls from my car mostly, tanning and playing in the water. At the end of our time there Chris and I started throwing and kicking the rugby ball around, joking with each other and just having a good time. On the walk back to the cars I overhear one of the girls in his car-- "That was weird how you made friends with that other girl so quickly......" "uhhhh, I've known her for about 2 months" haha Apparently we hadn't made it obvious we were travelling together. Then Hans, our older German guide, took us to the Shipwreck where I discovered how to take continuous photos on my camera. I now have about 100 photos that are nearly identical of the Shipwreck. This was how the island got discovered: The ship crashed in to it captained by a woman named Fraser. It was a cruise ship, only first and second class, somehow got lost and BAM! discovered an island. And then sank.
The next morning was an early one. Roberto quite enjoyed driving. None of the girls enjoyed him driving quite as much though. He would barrell through the soft sand, make full use of the 4x4 bouncing us up and down in our seats, exceed the 80km/hr speed limit on the beach and didn't mind if the water came up. We minded. Us saying 'No no watch the wave!' and Roberto responding 'yes, its good! its good.' 'No Roberto! ahhhh!' I may not have excercised but my heart rate was definitely up during this trip.
During my turn at the driving I managed to stall 3 times, get stuck in the sand twice and drive through a wave causing the entire car to be engulfed by water. I eventually surrendered my post, climbing over the seat into the back telling them I wasn't doing it anymore and someone else needed to step up. Roberto leaped at the chance to drive more. You win some, you lose some.
We went to Indian Head, got some good pics and then went to see some turtles. Chris and I became the entertainment of the group with me trying to catch a turtle and him giving mocking/insulting/hilarious commentary. I managed to flip a few through the air, not being able to hold on to them tight enough. One of them would swim towards us with his head out of the water looking directly at me. I didn't like this. Chris capitalised on it. But eventually I got one! and a round of applause from the fifteen other people on the Fraser tour :)
On the walk back Chris was talking to Roberto and trying to figure out how old he is. Chris is rambling on and on, just talking bullshit, then finally looks at Roberto and asks, point blank, 'how old are you?' Roberto turns to him, smiles, nodding his head and says 'yes!' uhhhh. How many questions had we asked Roberto in which he had not understood a single word and just replied yes? ha, too many I'm sure. Then Chris starts telling him how good in the water he is and such a good swimmer he is and so on. Roberto smiles and nods his head again-- 'I like swim'
Our car ate dinner together that night as we had bought food as a group. The two boys stood around rather helpless looking until the food was ready. Bless them for doing the dishes though. On this night we found out, after painstaking conversation, that it was Roberto's dream to come to Australia. Awwww.
During my turn at the driving I managed to stall 3 times, get stuck in the sand twice and drive through a wave causing the entire car to be engulfed by water. I eventually surrendered my post, climbing over the seat into the back telling them I wasn't doing it anymore and someone else needed to step up. Roberto leaped at the chance to drive more. You win some, you lose some.
We went to Indian Head, got some good pics and then went to see some turtles. Chris and I became the entertainment of the group with me trying to catch a turtle and him giving mocking/insulting/hilarious commentary. I managed to flip a few through the air, not being able to hold on to them tight enough. One of them would swim towards us with his head out of the water looking directly at me. I didn't like this. Chris capitalised on it. But eventually I got one! and a round of applause from the fifteen other people on the Fraser tour :)
The next, and last day, provided us with a couple great lines from Roberto. We went to a Lake Wabby which is at the bottom of a large steep sand dune; everyone runs down the sand and into the water. About 6 of us lined up to do this. We all went blitzing down the sand, I was going as fast I could, determined to be first. However, my bathing suit felt as though it might be slipping so on the last couple of steps I put my arm over my chest. This made me lose concentration, which made me trip at the waters edge, which made me face plant into the water. FACE PLANT. At least I can continuously provide entertainment for the group.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
This is not a drill
Just got dropped off to the hostel where I am staying in Noosa after 3 days and 2 nights of camping and canoeing in the rainforest/everglades. *Fun Fact: Here and Florida are the only 2 everglades systems in the world. This also means I haven't showered or slept for 3 days.
The story of the last few days needs to start the day before we even left though. Sunday was Easter Sunday, as it is everywhere. However, unlike the rest of the bloody world, every freaking store in Queensland is closed. Not just limited hours--closed all day long for good. Places that stayed open include fancy restuarants- of which I will not be frequenting- KFC- 10 dollars later and I still wasn't full- and Subway- one foot long per day is about all I can handle. 11pm rolls around and Chris and I still haven't bought any food for the next days of camping isolation. 7/11 is the only place open with grocery-type things so off we went. Chris doesn't believe me when I say we can buy food there that isn't hot dogs and is questioning my authority on their inventory of tuna. As we walk in we go down an aisle and he exclaims 'Look! There's TONS of tuna!! : D ' ......my face is blank with shock and doubt about if he realizes that he stocking his basket with cat food.
Up at 7am the next day to finish packing and get out to the parking lot for our 745am pickup. We get into a van and pick up some others who will be on the trip with us. We total 10, pairing off to share canoes and tents. I was planning on bringing all of my things on this little outing but, alas, I could not. This means that I had to unlock my backpack, on the dock, and quickly grab clothes haphazardly out of my bag. We load everything into these round plastic tubs with a lid for everything to stay dry and get in the boat. Past Richard Branson's private hotel property for the use of any of his employees and across a lake to an 'information center'. By this they mean a shack on the edge of the lake. Not on shore, mind you, in the lake still. Surrounded on all 4 sides by water. Carefully manuevering ourselves and all of our things out of the motorized boat and onto the dock we were all blissfully unaware that that was going to be one of the two best parts of the trip. (The other one being on the boat on our way back.) The guy takes off-- leaving us with the canoes still tied up under the shack.
The way to the campsite had nice weather and everyone was gung-ho about canoeing and being out on the water and off on our trip. About 20 minutes later we realized that canoeing is extremely over-rated. Or rated perfectly as I had never had an intense urge to canoe and was apprehensive when I saw the map stating our campsite to be so many kilometers away. Good thing I couldn't convert kilometers to miles or I would have made them take me back immediately.
We reached the campsite, got the gear and canoes out of the river and scouted out a good campsite to be our base.
I would like to take this time to thank Dad for making me help set up the campsites every time I didn't want to because at the very least-- I know how. Chris did not. From my vague recollections and common sense we got the poles together and strung through the tent and propped it up as best we could. I wish I could tell you that this is what our tent looked like--
That night it rained. It was cold. I had no sweater. Being completely unprepared for the trip allowed everyone, including us, thank god, to laugh about it while I sat at the bench with my towel and sleeping bag wrapped around me for warmth and comfort. The 'No Fires' rule meant that it got dark around 6ish but considering we had been up since seven, canoeing and attempting to put a camp together we were all pretty knackered. Once the rain started pouring there was a mad dash for the tents grabbing anything you could regardless of if it was yours, at least it wouldn't get wet.
The next day we woke up with rain, ate breakfast with rain, canoed up river with rain and then started our hour long hike with rain. It was raining so hard though that even though Chris and I were the only ones without jackets, everyone was equally wet and cold.
We made it to the end of our hike, The Sandpatch, took some pictures and sat around talking. After a while we went back to our canoes to head back to camp. Lucky for everyone the rain had ceased and lucky for me Chris wanted to paddle with both oars :)
After a while I had to paddle again but the rain had stopped for good until the next morning. This meant we could play cards and drink some goon and have a good time. The second night was much better than the first, now that we all knew each other and were drinking. The rain started in the morning again at which point I had to reapply the roof to our tent-- lesson learned, always peg down the tent, but especially always peg down the cover when its windy and rainy. Its not very fun waking up because water is leaking through the tent on to your face :)
It may have been miserable but there were some good times and I definitely walked away having built some character and (I hope) some muscle.
The story of the last few days needs to start the day before we even left though. Sunday was Easter Sunday, as it is everywhere. However, unlike the rest of the bloody world, every freaking store in Queensland is closed. Not just limited hours--closed all day long for good. Places that stayed open include fancy restuarants- of which I will not be frequenting- KFC- 10 dollars later and I still wasn't full- and Subway- one foot long per day is about all I can handle. 11pm rolls around and Chris and I still haven't bought any food for the next days of camping isolation. 7/11 is the only place open with grocery-type things so off we went. Chris doesn't believe me when I say we can buy food there that isn't hot dogs and is questioning my authority on their inventory of tuna. As we walk in we go down an aisle and he exclaims 'Look! There's TONS of tuna!! : D ' ......my face is blank with shock and doubt about if he realizes that he stocking his basket with cat food.
Up at 7am the next day to finish packing and get out to the parking lot for our 745am pickup. We get into a van and pick up some others who will be on the trip with us. We total 10, pairing off to share canoes and tents. I was planning on bringing all of my things on this little outing but, alas, I could not. This means that I had to unlock my backpack, on the dock, and quickly grab clothes haphazardly out of my bag. We load everything into these round plastic tubs with a lid for everything to stay dry and get in the boat. Past Richard Branson's private hotel property for the use of any of his employees and across a lake to an 'information center'. By this they mean a shack on the edge of the lake. Not on shore, mind you, in the lake still. Surrounded on all 4 sides by water. Carefully manuevering ourselves and all of our things out of the motorized boat and onto the dock we were all blissfully unaware that that was going to be one of the two best parts of the trip. (The other one being on the boat on our way back.) The guy takes off-- leaving us with the canoes still tied up under the shack.
The way to the campsite had nice weather and everyone was gung-ho about canoeing and being out on the water and off on our trip. About 20 minutes later we realized that canoeing is extremely over-rated. Or rated perfectly as I had never had an intense urge to canoe and was apprehensive when I saw the map stating our campsite to be so many kilometers away. Good thing I couldn't convert kilometers to miles or I would have made them take me back immediately.
We reached the campsite, got the gear and canoes out of the river and scouted out a good campsite to be our base.
I would like to take this time to thank Dad for making me help set up the campsites every time I didn't want to because at the very least-- I know how. Chris did not. From my vague recollections and common sense we got the poles together and strung through the tent and propped it up as best we could. I wish I could tell you that this is what our tent looked like--
Tent Perfection
But alas....its a little wompy but it did the job
Timothy the Temple
That night it rained. It was cold. I had no sweater. Being completely unprepared for the trip allowed everyone, including us, thank god, to laugh about it while I sat at the bench with my towel and sleeping bag wrapped around me for warmth and comfort. The 'No Fires' rule meant that it got dark around 6ish but considering we had been up since seven, canoeing and attempting to put a camp together we were all pretty knackered. Once the rain started pouring there was a mad dash for the tents grabbing anything you could regardless of if it was yours, at least it wouldn't get wet.
The next day we woke up with rain, ate breakfast with rain, canoed up river with rain and then started our hour long hike with rain. It was raining so hard though that even though Chris and I were the only ones without jackets, everyone was equally wet and cold.
We made it to the end of our hike, The Sandpatch, took some pictures and sat around talking. After a while we went back to our canoes to head back to camp. Lucky for everyone the rain had ceased and lucky for me Chris wanted to paddle with both oars :)
On a river cruise
Noosa River
After a while I had to paddle again but the rain had stopped for good until the next morning. This meant we could play cards and drink some goon and have a good time. The second night was much better than the first, now that we all knew each other and were drinking. The rain started in the morning again at which point I had to reapply the roof to our tent-- lesson learned, always peg down the tent, but especially always peg down the cover when its windy and rainy. Its not very fun waking up because water is leaking through the tent on to your face :)
It may have been miserable but there were some good times and I definitely walked away having built some character and (I hope) some muscle.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Story Time
I have been in Noosa for 2 days and this is what has happened so far---
Chris and I went out to this club (10dollar entry, SO not worth it) and I was walking around trying to find these guys--wasn't sure if they were even there so I had to do some serious scanning without looking creepy--and this guy is stumbling around and starts coming in my direction. He wants to just get past me but about 2 steps before he reaches me he steps to side, VOMITS, turns back and just keeps going. NO ONE ELSE SAW THIS HAPPEN. He literally projectile vommitted and continued on like it was no big thing. Then people started stepping in it and not even noticing uggggg it makes shudder just thinking about it...so I told a bouncer and he was all casual like oh yeah, the guy in the white? uhh yeah...if he was already on your radar, you shoulda kicked him out buddy. Then this guy starts talking to me and we are chatting and he asks me 1. Where am I from 2. How long have I been in Australia 3. How long have I been in Noosa and where am I going next. He gets up to buy me a drink, comes back, sits down, and asks the exact same questions in the exact same order. He had no idea he was already privvy to this information. So I told him I was going to look for Chris and just left. He probably had no idea he was even talking to someone 2 minutes later. No harm no foul?
Best fight I have ever seen. This happened last night--
This short bald guy who is probably 30ish is fighting with an australian 23ish year old in the parking lot outside the bar that is in our hostel. The former, henceforth known as B, has his arms outstretched telling the latter, Aussie Hottie, to 'bring it'. AH is a whole foot taller than this guy. Eventually Baldy kicks his sandals off and puts his fists up--like they do in the movies, and cartoons. So AH is just telling him to put sandals on, he's not gonna fight him, just put your fucking sandals on. B is refusing. AH picks up one of the sandals, SMACKS BALDY IN THE FACE WITH IT, puts it to B's chest and says again, 'Put your sandals on mate!'
B still doesn't.
AH punches him, once, in the mouth and B goes stumbling back a good 10 feet before falling over.
Security comes over, tells AH he has to leave the property and then shakes his hand. They make B go back to his room by force.
Chris and I went out to this club (10dollar entry, SO not worth it) and I was walking around trying to find these guys--wasn't sure if they were even there so I had to do some serious scanning without looking creepy--and this guy is stumbling around and starts coming in my direction. He wants to just get past me but about 2 steps before he reaches me he steps to side, VOMITS, turns back and just keeps going. NO ONE ELSE SAW THIS HAPPEN. He literally projectile vommitted and continued on like it was no big thing. Then people started stepping in it and not even noticing uggggg it makes shudder just thinking about it...so I told a bouncer and he was all casual like oh yeah, the guy in the white? uhh yeah...if he was already on your radar, you shoulda kicked him out buddy. Then this guy starts talking to me and we are chatting and he asks me 1. Where am I from 2. How long have I been in Australia 3. How long have I been in Noosa and where am I going next. He gets up to buy me a drink, comes back, sits down, and asks the exact same questions in the exact same order. He had no idea he was already privvy to this information. So I told him I was going to look for Chris and just left. He probably had no idea he was even talking to someone 2 minutes later. No harm no foul?
Best fight I have ever seen. This happened last night--
This short bald guy who is probably 30ish is fighting with an australian 23ish year old in the parking lot outside the bar that is in our hostel. The former, henceforth known as B, has his arms outstretched telling the latter, Aussie Hottie, to 'bring it'. AH is a whole foot taller than this guy. Eventually Baldy kicks his sandals off and puts his fists up--like they do in the movies, and cartoons. So AH is just telling him to put sandals on, he's not gonna fight him, just put your fucking sandals on. B is refusing. AH picks up one of the sandals, SMACKS BALDY IN THE FACE WITH IT, puts it to B's chest and says again, 'Put your sandals on mate!'
B still doesn't.
AH punches him, once, in the mouth and B goes stumbling back a good 10 feet before falling over.
Security comes over, tells AH he has to leave the property and then shakes his hand. They make B go back to his room by force.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
It has been 21 since I last posted. My bad.
I've been in Byron Bay the whole time though and not much of interest has happened. Beach all day- tanning, ocean, volleyball, football and soccer. Then dinner and going out or watching movies at night. We were there for a grand total of 6 weeks--5 weeks longer than was planned. : D totally worth it.
Now I'm in Noosa! Took the bus to Brisbane and then to Noosa. On the second bus I met some guys from Hawai'i who are in the Coast Guard and just on a two week vacation. Chris was already here when I got here (my travel buddy for the east coast!) and the guys are staying here too. The four of us went sailing yesterday! I even go to steer the boat :) while Chris went on a 5hour death trap bike ride. He got back covered in mud and full of stories about big rocks and steep hills and almost falling. Exactly why I decided to do the sailing. All that entailed was sitting and looking out for sharks. Then at night at the hostel there was this guy playing the guitar and singing and he was really good so it was nice to sit and drink some beers and eat some pizza and talk and meet people.
Today, Chris and I just got back from the longest hike EVER. Been back for an hour and my feet still hurt. We went through a national park, along a foot path, through a forest, I almost tripped looking for koalas about 10 times--didn't see any :( down a hill, across a beach, through some nudists, up a shit ton of stairs and then back down the other side, along another beach, up even more stairs, through a residential area, along the highway and then, finally, we were back in Noosa. Apparently the trail we took just ended at the beach. It didn't loop.
I've been in Byron Bay the whole time though and not much of interest has happened. Beach all day- tanning, ocean, volleyball, football and soccer. Then dinner and going out or watching movies at night. We were there for a grand total of 6 weeks--5 weeks longer than was planned. : D totally worth it.
Now I'm in Noosa! Took the bus to Brisbane and then to Noosa. On the second bus I met some guys from Hawai'i who are in the Coast Guard and just on a two week vacation. Chris was already here when I got here (my travel buddy for the east coast!) and the guys are staying here too. The four of us went sailing yesterday! I even go to steer the boat :) while Chris went on a 5hour death trap bike ride. He got back covered in mud and full of stories about big rocks and steep hills and almost falling. Exactly why I decided to do the sailing. All that entailed was sitting and looking out for sharks. Then at night at the hostel there was this guy playing the guitar and singing and he was really good so it was nice to sit and drink some beers and eat some pizza and talk and meet people.
Today, Chris and I just got back from the longest hike EVER. Been back for an hour and my feet still hurt. We went through a national park, along a foot path, through a forest, I almost tripped looking for koalas about 10 times--didn't see any :( down a hill, across a beach, through some nudists, up a shit ton of stairs and then back down the other side, along another beach, up even more stairs, through a residential area, along the highway and then, finally, we were back in Noosa. Apparently the trail we took just ended at the beach. It didn't loop.
photo while playing 4square at about 5pm in Byron
Steph and I at Cheeky Monkey's. Thats right--VIP area ;)
SAILBOAT!
Chris--travel buddy for the East Coast Adventure!
Hiking in the National Park, Noosa
Can't get your shoes wet....
Sunshine Beach--end of trail, still 2 hours from the hostel
Finally back in the right town!
Dinner at Cheeky Monkeys--this was supposed to be the first picture....
Monday, April 4, 2011
oops...
WOW its been forever. Sorry, I'm a horrible blogger. I was just looking at my last one and I was still in NZ. Crazy.
Quick Update:
Went to Auckland on Saturday and was there until the 10th when I flew into Brisbane. I almost missed my flight. It was really early. I got up on time, I made it to the airport and through security all the way to the gate. Then I fell asleep. Luckily someone woke me up when boarding was about 2/3 done and asked if this was my flight. Ummm I'm sleeping AT THE GATE of an early morning international flight. Of course this is my flight. I don't do that for kicks.
Got to Brisbane and there was a shuttle into the city leaving in about 10 minutes, perfect :) Met an Irish boy who had never been out of the country and decided to do his year long Visa. We were talking but he just kept looking out the windows and then finally commented on how high the buildings are. They were about 4 stories....
Got to the hostel around 11 but check in wasn't until 1. I requested to be in the same room as Steph, who had already been there for 5 days, and she said that was fine and I could go up to the room because it was cleaned already. Perfect! So then she explained where the room was and this girl standing there said she had just checked out and would take me up so I followed her around this huge building to the tiniest room I've ever seen. Shoved my bag under the bed, grabbed my computer and headed off to Maccers. Free Internet! Sitting with my meal off the dollar menu and STILL recovering from the night before (yes, this was one of the longest days I've ever had....stupid time changes and airplanes and hangovers) I eventually glance around and see Steph sitting at a table about 5 feet away! I screech her name, see her jump from sheer fright (the guy next to me looks scared as well....whatever, I was excited), grabbed my stuff and moved to her table. It had been TEN WHOLE DAYS.
Travel days are different than regular days. Something can have happened 5 days ago and I would bet my life it had been 2 weeks. So much can happen, you can meet new people and have life changing experiences in 24 hours. So yes, still in caps, 10 WHOLE DAYS.
We got back to the hostel and walk through the corridors to our room until eventually we both start going in opposite directions. I had said the same room...? The girl who had led me to the room had led me to the wrong room. There are multiple rooms numbered 214 in this hostel. About 4. WHY?? I had my stuff in the wrong room.....awkward. Obviously my key didn't work so I had to knock, woke someone up and explain that I needed to get my stuff because Oops, I'm not supposed to have taken that bed. Good I didn't unpack more than my computer.
The next day, 35 dollars, an aussie phone, and a 2 hour shuttle ride later we are in Byron Bay! We booked a dorm for a week at a hostel and then went off to find our friends from Bondi. While I was in NZ the group had made their way north to Byron and now we could all meet up again :)
Steph and I planned on staying for 1 week. It has now been 3 weeks. This morning we paid for another week in the hostel. oops.....
Byron is beautiful and amazing and sunny and sometimes rainy in the afternoons now that summer is officially over and the beach is literally 1 minute from my room :) This is the place photographs of dolphins swimming in the waves are taken. And I've seen it.
The night life is awesome. Every night people are going out. Everyone is super nice too, especially since we have been here for so long. Most people come in just for the weekend or a week and then leave but we have been here long enough that people who stay and work recognize us-- which we take full advantage of while we are out. Being friends with managers and bouncers and bartenders never hurts :) Plus some of my friends are working for the hostels too which brings a whole new level of benefit to the equation.
Not to mention, in about 45 minutes I start my first night of work at Cocomanga's, one of the bars in town. All I have to do is go around to different hostels for 2 hours handing out wrist bands and the manager will give me 30dollars. Easy peasy :) Tonight, tomorrow and wednesday! probably (I hope) next week too!
Who knew, come all the way to Australia and I still end up working in a bar......
Quick Update:
Went to Auckland on Saturday and was there until the 10th when I flew into Brisbane. I almost missed my flight. It was really early. I got up on time, I made it to the airport and through security all the way to the gate. Then I fell asleep. Luckily someone woke me up when boarding was about 2/3 done and asked if this was my flight. Ummm I'm sleeping AT THE GATE of an early morning international flight. Of course this is my flight. I don't do that for kicks.
Got to Brisbane and there was a shuttle into the city leaving in about 10 minutes, perfect :) Met an Irish boy who had never been out of the country and decided to do his year long Visa. We were talking but he just kept looking out the windows and then finally commented on how high the buildings are. They were about 4 stories....
Got to the hostel around 11 but check in wasn't until 1. I requested to be in the same room as Steph, who had already been there for 5 days, and she said that was fine and I could go up to the room because it was cleaned already. Perfect! So then she explained where the room was and this girl standing there said she had just checked out and would take me up so I followed her around this huge building to the tiniest room I've ever seen. Shoved my bag under the bed, grabbed my computer and headed off to Maccers. Free Internet! Sitting with my meal off the dollar menu and STILL recovering from the night before (yes, this was one of the longest days I've ever had....stupid time changes and airplanes and hangovers) I eventually glance around and see Steph sitting at a table about 5 feet away! I screech her name, see her jump from sheer fright (the guy next to me looks scared as well....whatever, I was excited), grabbed my stuff and moved to her table. It had been TEN WHOLE DAYS.
Travel days are different than regular days. Something can have happened 5 days ago and I would bet my life it had been 2 weeks. So much can happen, you can meet new people and have life changing experiences in 24 hours. So yes, still in caps, 10 WHOLE DAYS.
We got back to the hostel and walk through the corridors to our room until eventually we both start going in opposite directions. I had said the same room...? The girl who had led me to the room had led me to the wrong room. There are multiple rooms numbered 214 in this hostel. About 4. WHY?? I had my stuff in the wrong room.....awkward. Obviously my key didn't work so I had to knock, woke someone up and explain that I needed to get my stuff because Oops, I'm not supposed to have taken that bed. Good I didn't unpack more than my computer.
The next day, 35 dollars, an aussie phone, and a 2 hour shuttle ride later we are in Byron Bay! We booked a dorm for a week at a hostel and then went off to find our friends from Bondi. While I was in NZ the group had made their way north to Byron and now we could all meet up again :)
Steph and I planned on staying for 1 week. It has now been 3 weeks. This morning we paid for another week in the hostel. oops.....
Byron is beautiful and amazing and sunny and sometimes rainy in the afternoons now that summer is officially over and the beach is literally 1 minute from my room :) This is the place photographs of dolphins swimming in the waves are taken. And I've seen it.
The night life is awesome. Every night people are going out. Everyone is super nice too, especially since we have been here for so long. Most people come in just for the weekend or a week and then leave but we have been here long enough that people who stay and work recognize us-- which we take full advantage of while we are out. Being friends with managers and bouncers and bartenders never hurts :) Plus some of my friends are working for the hostels too which brings a whole new level of benefit to the equation.
Not to mention, in about 45 minutes I start my first night of work at Cocomanga's, one of the bars in town. All I have to do is go around to different hostels for 2 hours handing out wrist bands and the manager will give me 30dollars. Easy peasy :) Tonight, tomorrow and wednesday! probably (I hope) next week too!
Who knew, come all the way to Australia and I still end up working in a bar......
Friday, March 4, 2011
Bay of Islands
I've been here in the Bay of Islands for quite a while now considering how small the town is. I'll be leaving for Auckland tomorrow to meet up with some people that I met while here and then off to Brisbane on the 10th! I've been loving New Zealand but it seems to be a place to explore with a friend since there are a lot of tours and "picture spots" and activities which would be infinitely more fun if someone else (whom you knew for more than a couple of days) was doing it with you...Dorian? drop out of school and come hang out with me?? ha jk
So I'm off on the Naked Bus tomorrow morning at 730, ugh way too early but at least I get into Auckland at 1130 and then its just a short walk to the hostel where I'm already checked in to my room so I can go in and just lay down!
Is tomorrow Mardi Gras? I think so!? Very excited to go out but don't know what I would wear...wasn't prepared for this :( Last mardi gras I was working on the floor so I didn't really get to celebrate, I suppose "celebrating" just means drinking. I guess I celebrate Mardi Gras every weekend...
I finally figured out how to get pictures on to facebook!
This is the northernmost part of NZ, Cape Reinga. I did a day tour up here, literally all day. 12 hours! I tried sleeping on the bus but it was sooo bumpy that I just kept hitting my forhead on the glass. They are doing a lot of construction here to prepare for hosting the World Cup of Rugby. Everyone here is very excited and keeps telling me players names and stats while I smile and nod, pretending I know what they are talking about.
I took a ferry to Russell the other day (yesterday? days mean nothing to me anymore) and walked to a beach where I almost stepped in wasp's nest and then a tiny little white dog at the beach started barking at me. I made up for it by having two beers at the oldest bar in New Zealand! It was the first licensed hotel because here is the first place the British colonized the country.
Hopefully Auckland will bring better stories and more pictures...I'm thinking its time for me to jump off a bridge, Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump here I come!
So I'm off on the Naked Bus tomorrow morning at 730, ugh way too early but at least I get into Auckland at 1130 and then its just a short walk to the hostel where I'm already checked in to my room so I can go in and just lay down!
Is tomorrow Mardi Gras? I think so!? Very excited to go out but don't know what I would wear...wasn't prepared for this :( Last mardi gras I was working on the floor so I didn't really get to celebrate, I suppose "celebrating" just means drinking. I guess I celebrate Mardi Gras every weekend...
I finally figured out how to get pictures on to facebook!
This is the northernmost part of NZ, Cape Reinga. I did a day tour up here, literally all day. 12 hours! I tried sleeping on the bus but it was sooo bumpy that I just kept hitting my forhead on the glass. They are doing a lot of construction here to prepare for hosting the World Cup of Rugby. Everyone here is very excited and keeps telling me players names and stats while I smile and nod, pretending I know what they are talking about.
This is at the Cape and it shows the distance to different places in the world!
This is Steph and I at Bondi Beach...if anyone wanted a face to the name. Bondi Beach on the fated 3 bottles of wine/homeless night. This was about 2 bottles in, I say we're still going good at this point!
I took a ferry to Russell the other day (yesterday? days mean nothing to me anymore) and walked to a beach where I almost stepped in wasp's nest and then a tiny little white dog at the beach started barking at me. I made up for it by having two beers at the oldest bar in New Zealand! It was the first licensed hotel because here is the first place the British colonized the country.
Hopefully Auckland will bring better stories and more pictures...I'm thinking its time for me to jump off a bridge, Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump here I come!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Pipi Patch
I am in the infamous Bay of Islands. Its official, I made it to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Now that I've looked around, what is there to actually DO? Piri took a picture of me "with scenery" so now that thats done I've got to find something to occupy my time without spending thousands of dollars. Paihia is a very touristy town, very cute with great views across the bay at some islands and another town called Russell. I'll be here for a week and am going to become very familiar with its downtown, aka one street with stores all containing 'original New Zealand souveniors". I've been told I was given a great NZ souvenior in Australia already. While Piri was helping me sort through my coins I showed him a 50p coin that nobody would take. He called it antique. I call it someone owing me 50p.
I landed in Auckland on the 26th after a very rough night. Well, the night was fine, the morning was rough. As it was my last night I went to Beach Road in the afternoon with Craig and we played pool and had some beer and met some people. Then we walked back to the hostel which took us right by the liquor store so it only seemed logical to go in and get some liquor. I steered clear of the wine (have I finally learned my lesson?) and we got boxed Smirnoff vodka cranberry mix. It tasted like cranberry juice. So it was good, but very misleading, just because it doesn't taste strong, doesn't mean it isn't. Australia is very cautious about overconsumption of things and addiction, they have signs posted everywhere about how smoking kills and gambling is addictive and when is one drink too many?--When your lying in the road by yourself is what the ad seems to be telling me. So the box had a suggested serving size of 10 and informed us that we had a serious problem if the box did not contain 10 servings for us personally. The box was good for 5 servings. We were able to pour 3 mugs worth and then refill 2 of them. Unproportional serving size is universal apparently.
Awake at 4:37 was a stroke of luck considering I needed to be leaving for my flight at 5. Good thing I had haphazardly packed the night before and only have the one backpack during my journey (I still long for my entire closet every morning when I put on that one dress, AGAIN). Slept on the plane and arrived in a time zone even closer to home! Now I am only 3 hours behind but a day ahead of you all! Well, 4 hours behind for those of you in Colorado, but you get the drift.
In the hostel I met these really nice girls in my 8 bed dorm and the 4 of us went out that night. I was extremely tired but trying to be friendly so we took a cab to Pondersby st. (or something) and went to Social Club. It was an alley. Like, there were 2 stores, with a space between them that a bouncer put a rope up and checked our ID's to go into an alley. There was a bar ($7 a beer! what a rip....) and a DJ (he looked about 12, and seemed just as experienced) so we drank and we danced and it was fun. But good god I was tired and by the time it 2 everyone was still drinking and dancing and I was falling asleep. Finally the lights came up about 2:45 and we jumped in a cab straight to McDonalds on Queen ST. which I learned the next day is the busiest street in all of New Zealand. One quarter pounder and medium fries later I was ready to hit the sack and walked as fast I could, leading the pack, back to our hostel where I promptly got into bed and fell asleep until 10:45 the next day.
At noon I was supposed to meet a guy named Ben. He is British, has lived in New Zealand for 4 years and thinks everything is Brilliant! Its not a stereotype if its true, it just is--all Brits think everyday mundane things are brilliant, such as my flight being ontime, and drink tea. He picked me up and showed me around Auckland. I'm really grateful I met him and he was so nice because I saw so much more of the city than I ever would have if I hadn't. If he didn't show up that day my plan was to finish the candy bar I just bought, take a nap and maybe get on the internet. You can tell New Zealand will do wonders for my health.....
So we went to Mt. Eden, got lunch at Circus Circus, a breakfast place that looks like the hotel in Vegas, went across the Auckland Bridge ( he highly recommends doing the bungee jump, as does Piri so Ithink I may have to) and went to a beach. Beach Minnehaha. And it was Mini. About 20ft wide of sand and heaps of black rocks to either side that you can jump off of. Then we went into Davenport and could look across the bay at Auckland. He was really sweet and took pictures of me with random things and backgrounds. He dropped me off at the hostel where I then Skyped with Aaron and then slept for about 5 hours. It was glorious.
The next day, which is today!, I got up at 7am and went to Subway. Not just for fun....I bought a footlong in case I got hungry on the 4 hour ride from Auckland to Paihia. The bus, The Naked Bus, left at 8am and I slept and read and looked out for Frodo and Hobbits houses, with no luck, and arrived in Paihia to beautiful blue skies. A quick walk to the hostel and I managed to check in and get in touch with Piri within about 20 minutes.
The room I'm in is amazing. There are 8 beds and only 2 of us staying here, for tonight at least. I have a bottom bunk, first time this trip! and we have our own bathroom, kitchenette and table with multiple* chairs and a mini fridge.
Piri dropped off the jumpers from today at my hostel and then we walked down the street along the beach and decided to get some fish and chips and L&P--delicious! Its a soda that they make and sell only in New Zealand. Pretty selfish if you ask me (I'd love to buy it in the States! its like ginerger ale but better) We walked back and looked at the tourist information stuff because I need to decide what we should do on his day off....I need to figure out what to do when he is working in this tiny little town first though. Everything seems to require A. lots of money and B. friends to do it with. Neither of which I have. We already decided that Wednesday night, because Thursday is his day off, we will go to Russell where the oldest bar in all of New Zealand is. I mean, duh. What else would we do. But I'm thinking a 20dollar boat trip around the islands would be fun and maybe, just maybe, if the horses are as old and obedient as he says, I will get over my fear and get on one of those suckers so we can ride through a National Park or whatever.
I'm just excited to jump from 16000 ft. (Mainly because I'm not responsible for the landing on our tandem...but don't tell Piri that!)
I landed in Auckland on the 26th after a very rough night. Well, the night was fine, the morning was rough. As it was my last night I went to Beach Road in the afternoon with Craig and we played pool and had some beer and met some people. Then we walked back to the hostel which took us right by the liquor store so it only seemed logical to go in and get some liquor. I steered clear of the wine (have I finally learned my lesson?) and we got boxed Smirnoff vodka cranberry mix. It tasted like cranberry juice. So it was good, but very misleading, just because it doesn't taste strong, doesn't mean it isn't. Australia is very cautious about overconsumption of things and addiction, they have signs posted everywhere about how smoking kills and gambling is addictive and when is one drink too many?--When your lying in the road by yourself is what the ad seems to be telling me. So the box had a suggested serving size of 10 and informed us that we had a serious problem if the box did not contain 10 servings for us personally. The box was good for 5 servings. We were able to pour 3 mugs worth and then refill 2 of them. Unproportional serving size is universal apparently.
Awake at 4:37 was a stroke of luck considering I needed to be leaving for my flight at 5. Good thing I had haphazardly packed the night before and only have the one backpack during my journey (I still long for my entire closet every morning when I put on that one dress, AGAIN). Slept on the plane and arrived in a time zone even closer to home! Now I am only 3 hours behind but a day ahead of you all! Well, 4 hours behind for those of you in Colorado, but you get the drift.
In the hostel I met these really nice girls in my 8 bed dorm and the 4 of us went out that night. I was extremely tired but trying to be friendly so we took a cab to Pondersby st. (or something) and went to Social Club. It was an alley. Like, there were 2 stores, with a space between them that a bouncer put a rope up and checked our ID's to go into an alley. There was a bar ($7 a beer! what a rip....) and a DJ (he looked about 12, and seemed just as experienced) so we drank and we danced and it was fun. But good god I was tired and by the time it 2 everyone was still drinking and dancing and I was falling asleep. Finally the lights came up about 2:45 and we jumped in a cab straight to McDonalds on Queen ST. which I learned the next day is the busiest street in all of New Zealand. One quarter pounder and medium fries later I was ready to hit the sack and walked as fast I could, leading the pack, back to our hostel where I promptly got into bed and fell asleep until 10:45 the next day.
At noon I was supposed to meet a guy named Ben. He is British, has lived in New Zealand for 4 years and thinks everything is Brilliant! Its not a stereotype if its true, it just is--all Brits think everyday mundane things are brilliant, such as my flight being ontime, and drink tea. He picked me up and showed me around Auckland. I'm really grateful I met him and he was so nice because I saw so much more of the city than I ever would have if I hadn't. If he didn't show up that day my plan was to finish the candy bar I just bought, take a nap and maybe get on the internet. You can tell New Zealand will do wonders for my health.....
So we went to Mt. Eden, got lunch at Circus Circus, a breakfast place that looks like the hotel in Vegas, went across the Auckland Bridge ( he highly recommends doing the bungee jump, as does Piri so Ithink I may have to) and went to a beach. Beach Minnehaha. And it was Mini. About 20ft wide of sand and heaps of black rocks to either side that you can jump off of. Then we went into Davenport and could look across the bay at Auckland. He was really sweet and took pictures of me with random things and backgrounds. He dropped me off at the hostel where I then Skyped with Aaron and then slept for about 5 hours. It was glorious.
The next day, which is today!, I got up at 7am and went to Subway. Not just for fun....I bought a footlong in case I got hungry on the 4 hour ride from Auckland to Paihia. The bus, The Naked Bus, left at 8am and I slept and read and looked out for Frodo and Hobbits houses, with no luck, and arrived in Paihia to beautiful blue skies. A quick walk to the hostel and I managed to check in and get in touch with Piri within about 20 minutes.
The room I'm in is amazing. There are 8 beds and only 2 of us staying here, for tonight at least. I have a bottom bunk, first time this trip! and we have our own bathroom, kitchenette and table with multiple* chairs and a mini fridge.
Piri dropped off the jumpers from today at my hostel and then we walked down the street along the beach and decided to get some fish and chips and L&P--delicious! Its a soda that they make and sell only in New Zealand. Pretty selfish if you ask me (I'd love to buy it in the States! its like ginerger ale but better) We walked back and looked at the tourist information stuff because I need to decide what we should do on his day off....I need to figure out what to do when he is working in this tiny little town first though. Everything seems to require A. lots of money and B. friends to do it with. Neither of which I have. We already decided that Wednesday night, because Thursday is his day off, we will go to Russell where the oldest bar in all of New Zealand is. I mean, duh. What else would we do. But I'm thinking a 20dollar boat trip around the islands would be fun and maybe, just maybe, if the horses are as old and obedient as he says, I will get over my fear and get on one of those suckers so we can ride through a National Park or whatever.
I'm just excited to jump from 16000 ft. (Mainly because I'm not responsible for the landing on our tandem...but don't tell Piri that!)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
randomness
Tomorrow is the day! Off to New Zealand. Flying into Auckland, back to Brisbane on the 10th. And apparently I know a couple of people there already. That was news to me. I've only met one of them but I guess the other guy I am family friends with aka our parents knew each other 20 years ago. Whatever, networking never hurts.
The 80's are back in full force down under. I've been rocking out to Jon Bon Jovi and Madonna while grocery shopping and listening to strange "electronica" ( not our kind, the good kind) while out. Thank god they've been playing Beiber in Maccers (McDonalds) where I get on the internet. Did he really change his hair? I'm pretty cut off from all news and media while here. I really should pick up a newspaper sometime.
I don't want to leave Bondi. I want to stay here forever. But I better get out and be somewhere else to see if I feel this way about everywhere and then pick a place to be. I'm going to start looking into changing my Visa so that I can work and get a tax number and such! If they will let me at all, I haven't even googled it yet.
When I tell people to Google things, they don't know what I mean
PS. thank you Aaron for my new title. I know you didn't say anything to me about changing it but I was remembering us talking about my trip and my needing details...so here they are :) making them as they come
The 80's are back in full force down under. I've been rocking out to Jon Bon Jovi and Madonna while grocery shopping and listening to strange "electronica" ( not our kind, the good kind) while out. Thank god they've been playing Beiber in Maccers (McDonalds) where I get on the internet. Did he really change his hair? I'm pretty cut off from all news and media while here. I really should pick up a newspaper sometime.
I don't want to leave Bondi. I want to stay here forever. But I better get out and be somewhere else to see if I feel this way about everywhere and then pick a place to be. I'm going to start looking into changing my Visa so that I can work and get a tax number and such! If they will let me at all, I haven't even googled it yet.
When I tell people to Google things, they don't know what I mean
PS. thank you Aaron for my new title. I know you didn't say anything to me about changing it but I was remembering us talking about my trip and my needing details...so here they are :) making them as they come
Monday, February 21, 2011
Quick Update
I made it.
Sorry for the suspense Dorian and Cassie- my two followers :)
I will post in detail about the weekend, but only if the family agrees not read it haha
Heres the short version:
Friday--split 3 bottles of wine between Steph and me and went with Eric to the bar where we continued the drinking. She met an Italian. Eric and I walked. I fell asleep in a park until he woke me up to get in a real bed.
Saturday--Learned his name is not Eric but is Craig. Where did I get Eric?? who knows, I just make things up apparently. Went out Saturday too. To the same bar where there are actually about 7 bars in one building. Its amazing. Spent 24 dollars on a drink. I think they know I'm foreign and overcharge.
Sunday--Went to TropFest with Andrew in the city. Its really cool, they show a bunch of short films and Olivia Newton-John was there only about 20 feet away from me!
Monday--pretty hot, went to the beach. Walked back for lunch just in time for the bad weather to come. Slept and read and then actaully went on a run! I brought those running shoes all the way out here I better start using them.
And now its Tuesday. Leaving for NZ on Saturday morning and still need to buy a ticket back from the country or else they won't even let me in. Don't know where I want to come back to though....Melbourne? Brisbane? Sydney? Perth? Too many options, all of them more expensive than I wanted
Sorry for the suspense Dorian and Cassie- my two followers :)
I will post in detail about the weekend, but only if the family agrees not read it haha
Heres the short version:
Friday--split 3 bottles of wine between Steph and me and went with Eric to the bar where we continued the drinking. She met an Italian. Eric and I walked. I fell asleep in a park until he woke me up to get in a real bed.
Saturday--Learned his name is not Eric but is Craig. Where did I get Eric?? who knows, I just make things up apparently. Went out Saturday too. To the same bar where there are actually about 7 bars in one building. Its amazing. Spent 24 dollars on a drink. I think they know I'm foreign and overcharge.
Sunday--Went to TropFest with Andrew in the city. Its really cool, they show a bunch of short films and Olivia Newton-John was there only about 20 feet away from me!
Monday--pretty hot, went to the beach. Walked back for lunch just in time for the bad weather to come. Slept and read and then actaully went on a run! I brought those running shoes all the way out here I better start using them.
And now its Tuesday. Leaving for NZ on Saturday morning and still need to buy a ticket back from the country or else they won't even let me in. Don't know where I want to come back to though....Melbourne? Brisbane? Sydney? Perth? Too many options, all of them more expensive than I wanted
Thursday, February 17, 2011
homeless?
So today, after a nice walk on the beach, I came back to the room to realize that my key didn't work to open the door to our room. I would have noticed earlier if the security door actually did anything but bang shut any time someone walked through. Apparently we were supposed to check out this morning. Oops. ok then into our dorm room. oh wait, no. We missed a night in our reservations and there was only one bed available. I gave it to Steph, assuming that Andrew would pull through. Fail. So this is just the teaser, be sure to check in tomorrow and make sure I'm still alive after a night of wandering Bondi. I guess I could always sleep on the beach?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Wasn't ready for that wave....
The sun finally came out!! Every time we talk to Jimmy the sun comes out. He will quickly become my new best friend.
The morning we finally admitted defeat to the weather was about the 3rd day of the doom and gloom. Steph and I woke up around 8 and started getting ready. I even ate breakfast (is Australia turning me into a real grownup??) We put on our trainers, yup im turning british, and our workout clothes and set off to walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Its a coastal walk that is suppossed to take about 2 hours one way and then, according to our old roommate Franny, duhhhh you take the bus back. Well, as soon as we got outside we realized it was raining and then after about 30 minutes we realized it was raining hard and then we were soaking wet. Good thing I was wearing my dry-fit workout clothes! too bad for Steph the UK hasnt invented that yet. I only had my phone, for pics, and some money for a possible lunch and then bus fare. It really was beautiful and we went through Waverly Cemetary which is this cemetary (duh) with headstones that all stick up with crosses and theres family vaults and they are all on this cliff facing the ocean. There was a huge one too that was from 1798 or something and paid for by the Irish citizens and sympathizers in Australia for one man and his wife. We couldn't figure out who they were or why the Irish cared or why IF the Irish cared they would build a vault for them in Australia.
Then we got to Coogee and realized it was only 11 and we had just eaten breakfast. Plus the restaurants and lunch places were barely even open so we decided to just grab the bus and make sandwhiches back at the hostel. Did I say we moved yet? Its a cool place with our own mini fridge so we got groceries now :)
Then we went down and looked in Bondi Ink. Yeah like Miami Ink and LA Ink with Kat Von D. They have a show for it here too! Everyone there is super nice and we chatted with the guy behind the counter, Jimmy, and then the sun came out! He has magical powers because we went and saw him this morning too and as soon as we left the sun came out full force! Back into our bikinis and we were on the beach. I even fell asleep in the sand until Steph woke me up so I wouldn't burn. She's a companion of quality too [Thats what her dad called me :)]
Last night for dinner we ate at the Hungry Czech. That was an experience. Who would have thought I'd come all the way to Sydney and eat some Eastern European food. It was good but I don't think I'll go back. A tad expensive and the busses stop on the street so that the back of the bus is right out front of the restaurant, right where we're eating.
Tonight we're going down to the hotel, and only place to go out in Bondi, to check out a couple of bands. I hope we make it to this event because we missed crab racing last night.
Also there is this thing called Bowl-A-Rama at the skate park on Saturday so everyone is out practicing now and all these little kids can do crazy jumps and tricks and slides on the side and some of them aren't wearing any helmets or padding and the only thing I can think is, Where is their mother? and When is their curfew?
Sidenote:
Before I speak, people think I'm Irish. After I speak, everyone KNOWS I'm American.
Steph says she likes just listening to my accent (uhh I don't have an accent...?) and the things I say. Apparenlty I'm a stereotypical American. I don't hate it.
The morning we finally admitted defeat to the weather was about the 3rd day of the doom and gloom. Steph and I woke up around 8 and started getting ready. I even ate breakfast (is Australia turning me into a real grownup??) We put on our trainers, yup im turning british, and our workout clothes and set off to walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Its a coastal walk that is suppossed to take about 2 hours one way and then, according to our old roommate Franny, duhhhh you take the bus back. Well, as soon as we got outside we realized it was raining and then after about 30 minutes we realized it was raining hard and then we were soaking wet. Good thing I was wearing my dry-fit workout clothes! too bad for Steph the UK hasnt invented that yet. I only had my phone, for pics, and some money for a possible lunch and then bus fare. It really was beautiful and we went through Waverly Cemetary which is this cemetary (duh) with headstones that all stick up with crosses and theres family vaults and they are all on this cliff facing the ocean. There was a huge one too that was from 1798 or something and paid for by the Irish citizens and sympathizers in Australia for one man and his wife. We couldn't figure out who they were or why the Irish cared or why IF the Irish cared they would build a vault for them in Australia.
Then we got to Coogee and realized it was only 11 and we had just eaten breakfast. Plus the restaurants and lunch places were barely even open so we decided to just grab the bus and make sandwhiches back at the hostel. Did I say we moved yet? Its a cool place with our own mini fridge so we got groceries now :)
Then we went down and looked in Bondi Ink. Yeah like Miami Ink and LA Ink with Kat Von D. They have a show for it here too! Everyone there is super nice and we chatted with the guy behind the counter, Jimmy, and then the sun came out! He has magical powers because we went and saw him this morning too and as soon as we left the sun came out full force! Back into our bikinis and we were on the beach. I even fell asleep in the sand until Steph woke me up so I wouldn't burn. She's a companion of quality too [Thats what her dad called me :)]
Last night for dinner we ate at the Hungry Czech. That was an experience. Who would have thought I'd come all the way to Sydney and eat some Eastern European food. It was good but I don't think I'll go back. A tad expensive and the busses stop on the street so that the back of the bus is right out front of the restaurant, right where we're eating.
Tonight we're going down to the hotel, and only place to go out in Bondi, to check out a couple of bands. I hope we make it to this event because we missed crab racing last night.
Also there is this thing called Bowl-A-Rama at the skate park on Saturday so everyone is out practicing now and all these little kids can do crazy jumps and tricks and slides on the side and some of them aren't wearing any helmets or padding and the only thing I can think is, Where is their mother? and When is their curfew?
Sidenote:
Before I speak, people think I'm Irish. After I speak, everyone KNOWS I'm American.
Steph says she likes just listening to my accent (uhh I don't have an accent...?) and the things I say. Apparenlty I'm a stereotypical American. I don't hate it.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
gloom and doom
the weather sucks. Its raining. I didn't pack a jacket/sweater/pants/anything to keep me warm. WTF summer?
just bought my ticket to New Zealand though! the flight leaves at 7am on a Saturday, god I hope I make it. I have this strong sensation that i'm going to forget I even bought a ticket altogether.
Moving into the other hostel tomorrow, which means I have to pack tonight, get kicked out at 10am and can't check in until 1pm. I guess I'll be having a reallly long lunch.
Apparently Sunday nights are big in Bondi so Steph and I will be going to the hotel we've been at for the past 2 nights, maybe people will think I'm local. Probably not since I still have a sunburn line on my chest from the first day.
Excited about going to New Zealand especially since that means my 3 month Visa will restart, aka my 3months will start again when I come back! I'll try not to be gone forever......after being at Bay of Islands I'll probably buy a ticket on the Kiwi Experience. Its this bus that you can hop on and hop off at different cities around New Zealand and they get you accomidation for the night and its basically a party bus that brings you to cool places and pays for you to do cool stuff like go hot tubing in hot geysers and ziplining and skydiving and bungee jumping all while being in a beautiful country. Sounds good since I'm travelling alone, seems easy to meet people when you do things like that.
I'm tired. and hungry. Steph needs to wake up so we can make our chili con carne. Its been hilarious talking to each while grocery shopping. Just because we both speak English doesn't mean its the same language. We have a sashey of spices aka a packet to mix our beef with. And we didn't go to the grocery we went to the supermarket (yahh some of you call it that and its weird). While there I pushed the trolley around and explained to her what Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni are. We went to buy a bell pepper and she had to calm me down from thinking it was 10dollars. It was $10/kg. How much is a kg?? Also, there was redbull in a BOTTLE, like a beer bottle and no, they don't sell Aussie hair products here. oh yeah, and there was a beer can looking can of Jim Beam on the side of the road on our way back.
just bought my ticket to New Zealand though! the flight leaves at 7am on a Saturday, god I hope I make it. I have this strong sensation that i'm going to forget I even bought a ticket altogether.
Moving into the other hostel tomorrow, which means I have to pack tonight, get kicked out at 10am and can't check in until 1pm. I guess I'll be having a reallly long lunch.
Apparently Sunday nights are big in Bondi so Steph and I will be going to the hotel we've been at for the past 2 nights, maybe people will think I'm local. Probably not since I still have a sunburn line on my chest from the first day.
Excited about going to New Zealand especially since that means my 3 month Visa will restart, aka my 3months will start again when I come back! I'll try not to be gone forever......after being at Bay of Islands I'll probably buy a ticket on the Kiwi Experience. Its this bus that you can hop on and hop off at different cities around New Zealand and they get you accomidation for the night and its basically a party bus that brings you to cool places and pays for you to do cool stuff like go hot tubing in hot geysers and ziplining and skydiving and bungee jumping all while being in a beautiful country. Sounds good since I'm travelling alone, seems easy to meet people when you do things like that.
I'm tired. and hungry. Steph needs to wake up so we can make our chili con carne. Its been hilarious talking to each while grocery shopping. Just because we both speak English doesn't mean its the same language. We have a sashey of spices aka a packet to mix our beef with. And we didn't go to the grocery we went to the supermarket (yahh some of you call it that and its weird). While there I pushed the trolley around and explained to her what Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni are. We went to buy a bell pepper and she had to calm me down from thinking it was 10dollars. It was $10/kg. How much is a kg?? Also, there was redbull in a BOTTLE, like a beer bottle and no, they don't sell Aussie hair products here. oh yeah, and there was a beer can looking can of Jim Beam on the side of the road on our way back.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Things I wish I had brought....
my perfume
a loofa
regular sized shampoo and conditioner
hairdryer
regular sized towel
beach towel
beach bag--did I think i would just bring my D&G purse down to the sand??
EVERY ARTICLE OF CLOTHING THAT I OWN
of course thats why Steph and I went to the mall today. ready guys....
6 Floors and 4 Blocks
heaven? duh....
We got lost a few times and are generally tired from jet lag (i'll be blaming my lethargy on that until i'm back in the states) and from walking around all the time but it was good fun (her british-ness is rubbing off on me). Sleeping in bunk beds on "mattresses" doesn't help either. My pillow almost fell off the bed last night, probably wouldn't have noticed since its paper thin. Ahh, a pillow. Adding that to the list.
Maybe I should have taken Bed, a new zealander, up on his offer for a 'nightcap' in the hotel last night. Is that what we're calling it now a days? He was very sweet but the accent was just a bit off (sorry Piri) and he simply wasn't my type. We told him we'd be tanning all day and to find us on the beach, oops, mother natures a bitch and made it gloomy all day. Steph and I had too many unwanted admirers (my original title for this post) ranging from a 50yr old blown out man from Istanbul to a twenty something Brazilian guy who can't handle his liquor. The night was still fun, we had a few beers and didn't have to pay for them. (sidenote: Also I'll be saving lots of money on not tipping the bartenders here!) went home around 3 and straight to bed. Then straight to the mall in the morning!
Went grocery shopping. Even those are strange. The dog food was with the frozen vegetables. Got some chicken and cereal and milk that doesn't need to be refrigerated until its opened. Im extremely skeptical but Steph said its fine and they have in Englad too. England is strange also though so that didn't console me too much. We got on the public bus back with our grocery bags and stuff from the mall.
I'm a size 10 here.
Let me pause for a sec while I do one million sit-ups and go run a marathon.
I just gotta stop looking at the numbers, an 8 is a small.....8 is not a small number.
Dorian got my phone working! She is a goddess. recieving texts is only 5cents but sending is 50 so feel free to text me but don't get offended when I ignore you and then reply 3 days later via facebook :)
About to go cook dinner, I'll try not to burn the hostel down when I use the stove. Good thing its raining.
a loofa
regular sized shampoo and conditioner
hairdryer
regular sized towel
beach towel
beach bag--did I think i would just bring my D&G purse down to the sand??
EVERY ARTICLE OF CLOTHING THAT I OWN
of course thats why Steph and I went to the mall today. ready guys....
6 Floors and 4 Blocks
heaven? duh....
We got lost a few times and are generally tired from jet lag (i'll be blaming my lethargy on that until i'm back in the states) and from walking around all the time but it was good fun (her british-ness is rubbing off on me). Sleeping in bunk beds on "mattresses" doesn't help either. My pillow almost fell off the bed last night, probably wouldn't have noticed since its paper thin. Ahh, a pillow. Adding that to the list.
Maybe I should have taken Bed, a new zealander, up on his offer for a 'nightcap' in the hotel last night. Is that what we're calling it now a days? He was very sweet but the accent was just a bit off (sorry Piri) and he simply wasn't my type. We told him we'd be tanning all day and to find us on the beach, oops, mother natures a bitch and made it gloomy all day. Steph and I had too many unwanted admirers (my original title for this post) ranging from a 50yr old blown out man from Istanbul to a twenty something Brazilian guy who can't handle his liquor. The night was still fun, we had a few beers and didn't have to pay for them. (sidenote: Also I'll be saving lots of money on not tipping the bartenders here!) went home around 3 and straight to bed. Then straight to the mall in the morning!
Went grocery shopping. Even those are strange. The dog food was with the frozen vegetables. Got some chicken and cereal and milk that doesn't need to be refrigerated until its opened. Im extremely skeptical but Steph said its fine and they have in Englad too. England is strange also though so that didn't console me too much. We got on the public bus back with our grocery bags and stuff from the mall.
I'm a size 10 here.
Let me pause for a sec while I do one million sit-ups and go run a marathon.
I just gotta stop looking at the numbers, an 8 is a small.....8 is not a small number.
Dorian got my phone working! She is a goddess. recieving texts is only 5cents but sending is 50 so feel free to text me but don't get offended when I ignore you and then reply 3 days later via facebook :)
About to go cook dinner, I'll try not to burn the hostel down when I use the stove. Good thing its raining.
im thinking in British
So, i've learned a few things since the first post was written. Its now the second night.
When I got back to the hostel I was able to check in and immediately got in the shower. Mid day, so not too many people were here and the shower had hot water :) I got back to the room and was laying in bed in the computer, contemplating taking a nap and planning dinner with Derek, the boy from the plane, via facebook. Then someone came in the room. a roommate! Long blonde hair and a british accent. Her name is Steph and she incredibly nice, we talked for about 15 minutes and, as she put it, "we got on great" hahaha we sure do. She told me about her cell phone troubles and I told her about mine so off we went down to Bondi to find the phone store. Good thing I went with her because when you take the streets, opposed to the 25 minute cliff walk, it was only 3 blocks and 5 minutes away. As Dorian accurately told me the other day, I have no sense of spacial awareness. duh.
Well, my phone still doesn't work boo but D is going to Verizon for me tomorrow to get it up and running i hope. then she and I walked up and down the beach bonding over our sunburns and love for the australian accent. We came back to the room and were planning on getting dinner with Derek. he was supposed to meet us at the McDonalds at 730. By the time 8 rolled around we were both so starving that we had to move on and get dinner without him. Ate at a place called Bondi Pizza, 25dollars each! for a pizza. It was freakishly deliscous though and made us both about 10x happier. We walked back to the room and got ready for bed. With the light still on, considering it was only 930 it wasn't too weird, we both passed out.
Today I woke up at 10 after the most glorious 12 hour nights sleep I've ever had. Tried to meet up with Morgan, the girl from the plane, at 11 for a walking tour of Sydney but I didn't make it in time. Instead I wandered, had an icecream, checked out the Opera House and walked around Circular Quay (pronounced "key"...oz is strange) and then took the bus back. Was going to nap but then had things to do online. Need to buy a ticket to New Zeland and decide which city I'm flying back to. Im going to meet Piri for a bit in the Bay of Islands...EVERYONE GOOGLE IT NOW :) because i'm sooo excited to go there!
Also, Steph and I booked a twin room at Noahs hostel, which is literally right across the street from the ocean for when we check out Monday for about 8 or days. I can't remember. But I'm glad we 'get on' so well!
Now we're off to meet the boys we met on the beach in the city. he's been texting her and the first thing he said was 'hey gorgeous'...I think its gonna be a good night!
When I got back to the hostel I was able to check in and immediately got in the shower. Mid day, so not too many people were here and the shower had hot water :) I got back to the room and was laying in bed in the computer, contemplating taking a nap and planning dinner with Derek, the boy from the plane, via facebook. Then someone came in the room. a roommate! Long blonde hair and a british accent. Her name is Steph and she incredibly nice, we talked for about 15 minutes and, as she put it, "we got on great" hahaha we sure do. She told me about her cell phone troubles and I told her about mine so off we went down to Bondi to find the phone store. Good thing I went with her because when you take the streets, opposed to the 25 minute cliff walk, it was only 3 blocks and 5 minutes away. As Dorian accurately told me the other day, I have no sense of spacial awareness. duh.
Well, my phone still doesn't work boo but D is going to Verizon for me tomorrow to get it up and running i hope. then she and I walked up and down the beach bonding over our sunburns and love for the australian accent. We came back to the room and were planning on getting dinner with Derek. he was supposed to meet us at the McDonalds at 730. By the time 8 rolled around we were both so starving that we had to move on and get dinner without him. Ate at a place called Bondi Pizza, 25dollars each! for a pizza. It was freakishly deliscous though and made us both about 10x happier. We walked back to the room and got ready for bed. With the light still on, considering it was only 930 it wasn't too weird, we both passed out.
Today I woke up at 10 after the most glorious 12 hour nights sleep I've ever had. Tried to meet up with Morgan, the girl from the plane, at 11 for a walking tour of Sydney but I didn't make it in time. Instead I wandered, had an icecream, checked out the Opera House and walked around Circular Quay (pronounced "key"...oz is strange) and then took the bus back. Was going to nap but then had things to do online. Need to buy a ticket to New Zeland and decide which city I'm flying back to. Im going to meet Piri for a bit in the Bay of Islands...EVERYONE GOOGLE IT NOW :) because i'm sooo excited to go there!
Also, Steph and I booked a twin room at Noahs hostel, which is literally right across the street from the ocean for when we check out Monday for about 8 or days. I can't remember. But I'm glad we 'get on' so well!
Now we're off to meet the boys we met on the beach in the city. he's been texting her and the first thing he said was 'hey gorgeous'...I think its gonna be a good night!
First Day
Well, here I am! I finally made it, after lots of talk and not too much planning. Only a 14 hour plane ride in which the woman in front of me must have swallowed her entire bottle of sleeping pills. She had her chair pushed back the entire time, which in itself is not a problem. my personal problem was that MY chair did not push back. This made eating the 3 meals served a tad difficult considering the tray was almost touching my stomach and manuevering the food from there to my mouth without hitting her chair became difficult. After getting off the plane I wandered around the Sydney airport for about 20 minutes trying to figure out what I was going to do. Being homeless at that moment, the first priority was finding a place to stay that night. A girl I met in SFO who was on my plane caught up with me in the airport and told me to book at her hostel, gave me her name and said I should request that we be in the same room! Did I make a best friend already? She is from Chicago and has school starting in 2 weeks about 90 kilometers South of Sydney. She is very chatty, mom thought she was just drunk. She was going to drop her bags off at the University and I said I would wait for her at the hostel. Perfect! slight glitch in the plan though. When I went to the airport concierge to book the room it was all sold out. So was the hostel that the boy on the plane next to me was staying at. Drats.
oh well
They are both staying in the city and I am now at Bondi Beach. Kind of. More like Tamarama, which is just as beautiful and only about 4 times smaller. I landed at 8 and after all the wandering and confusion at the airport took a shuttle to arrive at my hostel, Bondi BeachHouse, at 11. Check-in isn't until 1 so I needed to find something to do--without hefting my huge backpack around. So I've rented a locker and then went on a walk. Down to Tamarama and wanted to come straight to Bondi. Good thing I asked for directions because I was headed in the opposite direction. Only a 15 minute walk along a beautiful beach path and I made it to the actual Bondi Beach! I'm still tired and desparately need to shower but I just ate so I'm decently happy. I'm currently sitting at an outside table at a cafe where there are some very feisty pigeons. One just took a french fry off my plate so I grabbed my fork to scare. It didn't work. I just ended up hitting a pigeon with a fork while he stole my food. Oh well, the view makes it worth it. Its now 12:30 so I think I'll make my way back to the hostel for a shower and a nap. I need to make sure I don't sleep too long though because I heard rumor from some Tazmania girls that there is a free movie on the beach tonight.
oh well
They are both staying in the city and I am now at Bondi Beach. Kind of. More like Tamarama, which is just as beautiful and only about 4 times smaller. I landed at 8 and after all the wandering and confusion at the airport took a shuttle to arrive at my hostel, Bondi BeachHouse, at 11. Check-in isn't until 1 so I needed to find something to do--without hefting my huge backpack around. So I've rented a locker and then went on a walk. Down to Tamarama and wanted to come straight to Bondi. Good thing I asked for directions because I was headed in the opposite direction. Only a 15 minute walk along a beautiful beach path and I made it to the actual Bondi Beach! I'm still tired and desparately need to shower but I just ate so I'm decently happy. I'm currently sitting at an outside table at a cafe where there are some very feisty pigeons. One just took a french fry off my plate so I grabbed my fork to scare. It didn't work. I just ended up hitting a pigeon with a fork while he stole my food. Oh well, the view makes it worth it. Its now 12:30 so I think I'll make my way back to the hostel for a shower and a nap. I need to make sure I don't sleep too long though because I heard rumor from some Tazmania girls that there is a free movie on the beach tonight.
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