So I spent most of my day on the beach today, but before heading off to soak in the sun, I decided to get my first Thai massage, which cost 300 Baht (about $10/hour).
Where do I begin?
Is it possible to experience pain and pleasure at the same time?
The massage parlours are all of these little low beds, that have a curtain to separate the beds. These curtains don't exist in all of these places. There were lady boys working there, and I was hoping to get a Thai woman to do my massage. The lady told me to "take everything off" and lie on my stomach. I was a bit antsy, as I knew this massage would most likely be a little different than the ones I get at home.
When she came in, the first thing she did was put a lot of pressure on my back and arms with the towel on, and then the towel got pulled down, very low...LOL. She literally hopped on top of me and started massaging my back with her elbows and arms. It was actually quite painful, but a good pain, if that makes any sense at all. She had me later on sit up (she was behind me) and had me lock my arms behind my head, where she proceeded to crack my back. I felt like the massage was part massage, part yoga. Phenomenal.
When the Thai's advertise "full body" massage, that is exactly what they mean. She massaged my ears, in between my fingers, toes, chest.... full body was right! Well, this trip is all about being open to new experiences and I went in with an open mind, and thoroughly enjoyed my first Thai massage. For the price, I think I may just go and get another one tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
First impressions of Phuket
March 13-March 16
Well, I hadn't slept in about 24 hours -- and was in a really nice hotel, which I booked at the airport, but afterwards realized that I paid a bit too much and could have gotten a place for a bit cheaper. Live and learn I guess.
My initial thoughts while I was driving from the airport to Patong Beach: I was disappointed that I saw a Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King along the way. For some reason, I always pictured Thailand to be less westernized and wasn't expecting to see all the "junk" restaurants on the streets. Once I was settled into my room, I ended up walking around a bit, seeing the main strip --and the main road called Bangla Road.
I noticed a lot of mixed couples--which initially, I thought was great, but then I started to notice that most of these couples were older white men with young Thai women. I soon put two and two together and recognized that these women are all 'hired,' whether it be for a day on the beach, for the whole day, for the evening, or for the week. I was totally mesmerized by this whole concept and partially disgusted by all these dirty men who come here to pretend to have these young beautiful 'girlfriends.'
These women have perfected the "art of seduction" and know exactly what to do to have a guy buy her drinks, and then hire her for the evening. Pretty much, it's glorified prostitution. I had really good intentions of going out to see what Bangla Road is like at night, but ended up falling asleep, as I was dead tired.
Well, I hadn't slept in about 24 hours -- and was in a really nice hotel, which I booked at the airport, but afterwards realized that I paid a bit too much and could have gotten a place for a bit cheaper. Live and learn I guess.
My initial thoughts while I was driving from the airport to Patong Beach: I was disappointed that I saw a Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King along the way. For some reason, I always pictured Thailand to be less westernized and wasn't expecting to see all the "junk" restaurants on the streets. Once I was settled into my room, I ended up walking around a bit, seeing the main strip --and the main road called Bangla Road.
I noticed a lot of mixed couples--which initially, I thought was great, but then I started to notice that most of these couples were older white men with young Thai women. I soon put two and two together and recognized that these women are all 'hired,' whether it be for a day on the beach, for the whole day, for the evening, or for the week. I was totally mesmerized by this whole concept and partially disgusted by all these dirty men who come here to pretend to have these young beautiful 'girlfriends.'
These women have perfected the "art of seduction" and know exactly what to do to have a guy buy her drinks, and then hire her for the evening. Pretty much, it's glorified prostitution. I had really good intentions of going out to see what Bangla Road is like at night, but ended up falling asleep, as I was dead tired.
Bali to Thailand
March 12-13th
Flew to Singapore first and then had to wait from midnight till about 8 am at the airport which was brutal. I was royally frustrated with the check-in process because there was no sign for "Phuket" and I stood in line for about 45 min. to be told to move aside and wait another hour. So frustrating!
Shortly before I had to go onto the plane I ended up chatting with a guy who had just left Phuket and was going back to New York. He had flown from New York to Phuket for 3 days! Crazy. He told me all about these "lady boys" and how you couldn't tell the difference between the Thai men and women. I'm a bit nervous to go to Thailand all on my own -- but it seems as though everything so far has worked out and my time travelling on my own has been nothing but AMAZING.
I sat next to this cute gay couple on the plane, and chatted with them the whole time--they both cracked me up, and were both such divas!
Flew to Singapore first and then had to wait from midnight till about 8 am at the airport which was brutal. I was royally frustrated with the check-in process because there was no sign for "Phuket" and I stood in line for about 45 min. to be told to move aside and wait another hour. So frustrating!
Shortly before I had to go onto the plane I ended up chatting with a guy who had just left Phuket and was going back to New York. He had flown from New York to Phuket for 3 days! Crazy. He told me all about these "lady boys" and how you couldn't tell the difference between the Thai men and women. I'm a bit nervous to go to Thailand all on my own -- but it seems as though everything so far has worked out and my time travelling on my own has been nothing but AMAZING.
I sat next to this cute gay couple on the plane, and chatted with them the whole time--they both cracked me up, and were both such divas!
White Water Rafting
March 12th
Well, today was my last day in Bali and my flight wasn't leaving until late in the evening, so I wanted to make the most of my day. My taxi guy from the other day suggested that I go white water rafting, which is something that I've always wanted to do, and didn't do it in New Zealand because it was so expensive. Well, the rafting here was for 2 1/2 hours in the river and it cost me $24 which included a pick up, an amazing lunch, the rafting, and drop off back at the hotel! What a steal.
The drive up was amazing, where we seemed to climb higher and higher into the mountains, through local villages. The drive in itself was worth the price I paid, but I did start to feel a bit queasy along the way.
The rafting itself was amazing---there were 2 guys from Aussie, myself and Fidel, plus our raft guide who was great! My only problem was that the scenery was so damn beautiful, I kept forgetting to paddle because I was so busy looking up!
The other problem was when the guide said "Paddle, forward" I thought he meant the people in the front needed to paddle, and when he hollered "Paddle, back" that it was my turn to paddle. Needless to say about half way down the river I realized that we were all supposed to be paddling in the direction he said, "forward" or "backwards." OOPS.
I just couldn't help that I was totally mesmerized by the rice fields, local farmers working with their machetes, palm trees, coconut and cocoa trees, waterfalls. I was so excited that I had my first white water rafting experience in Bali! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get too many pics while rafting because I didn't want to ruin my camera, but we did stop at a waterfall and took a few pics there!
Well, today was my last day in Bali and my flight wasn't leaving until late in the evening, so I wanted to make the most of my day. My taxi guy from the other day suggested that I go white water rafting, which is something that I've always wanted to do, and didn't do it in New Zealand because it was so expensive. Well, the rafting here was for 2 1/2 hours in the river and it cost me $24 which included a pick up, an amazing lunch, the rafting, and drop off back at the hotel! What a steal.
The drive up was amazing, where we seemed to climb higher and higher into the mountains, through local villages. The drive in itself was worth the price I paid, but I did start to feel a bit queasy along the way.
The rafting itself was amazing---there were 2 guys from Aussie, myself and Fidel, plus our raft guide who was great! My only problem was that the scenery was so damn beautiful, I kept forgetting to paddle because I was so busy looking up!
The other problem was when the guide said "Paddle, forward" I thought he meant the people in the front needed to paddle, and when he hollered "Paddle, back" that it was my turn to paddle. Needless to say about half way down the river I realized that we were all supposed to be paddling in the direction he said, "forward" or "backwards." OOPS.
I just couldn't help that I was totally mesmerized by the rice fields, local farmers working with their machetes, palm trees, coconut and cocoa trees, waterfalls. I was so excited that I had my first white water rafting experience in Bali! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get too many pics while rafting because I didn't want to ruin my camera, but we did stop at a waterfall and took a few pics there!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Life on the Bike in Bali
Thurs. March 11th
Yogi offered to take me around on his bike today, and I was a little hesitant, but I was living in the moment and said 'yes.' I really wanted to see an orphanage and he said that he had no clue where there was one in Bali but that we would find it. It took us a while, and I really did think that I was going to die today, no joke. There don't seem to be any rules for the roads in Bali--2 lanes really end up being 4, bikes weave in and out of small crevasses to try to get ahead, and people drive on one way streets; going the wrong way.
Yogi must have stopped a dozen times to ask local men on the side of the road for this one particular orphanage. I felt like a freak every time we stopped as all the men would turn and gawk at the 'white girl' and snicker, but I really didn't care because I wanted to find the orphanage, and Yogi was determined to make me happy!
I also realized today that I think I have a serious sweating problem...lol... because I felt like I was doing hot yoga without moving at all.... but it was well worth it, because we finally found it: The Dharma Jati Hindu Orphanage, established in 1985. It's led by 2 local people whose intention is to run an orphanage to take care of orphans and the poor in order for them to have a "good future life and education to be kind, honest, good mental and mannered, as well as having cultural minded." There are 200 orphans living in this building, ranging from 3 - 23 years old. I didn't feel sad at all when I came in, as the children were very happy and well taken care of. I was blessed to have met such an amazing woman, who has devoted her life to running this orphanage and taking in all of these children.
After leaving the orphanage, Yogi suggested taking me to Dream Land, a famous surfing beach -- where we went swimming. From there, we went to a Balinese Cultural center, a huge place with massive Hindu statues and temples.
By this point, it had gotten dark, and Yogi took me back to my hotel, where I quickly showered and got ready to go to a local Balinese restaurant for dinner, which again, was amazing.
Yogi offered to take me around on his bike today, and I was a little hesitant, but I was living in the moment and said 'yes.' I really wanted to see an orphanage and he said that he had no clue where there was one in Bali but that we would find it. It took us a while, and I really did think that I was going to die today, no joke. There don't seem to be any rules for the roads in Bali--2 lanes really end up being 4, bikes weave in and out of small crevasses to try to get ahead, and people drive on one way streets; going the wrong way.
Yogi must have stopped a dozen times to ask local men on the side of the road for this one particular orphanage. I felt like a freak every time we stopped as all the men would turn and gawk at the 'white girl' and snicker, but I really didn't care because I wanted to find the orphanage, and Yogi was determined to make me happy!
I also realized today that I think I have a serious sweating problem...lol... because I felt like I was doing hot yoga without moving at all.... but it was well worth it, because we finally found it: The Dharma Jati Hindu Orphanage, established in 1985. It's led by 2 local people whose intention is to run an orphanage to take care of orphans and the poor in order for them to have a "good future life and education to be kind, honest, good mental and mannered, as well as having cultural minded." There are 200 orphans living in this building, ranging from 3 - 23 years old. I didn't feel sad at all when I came in, as the children were very happy and well taken care of. I was blessed to have met such an amazing woman, who has devoted her life to running this orphanage and taking in all of these children.
After leaving the orphanage, Yogi suggested taking me to Dream Land, a famous surfing beach -- where we went swimming. From there, we went to a Balinese Cultural center, a huge place with massive Hindu statues and temples.
By this point, it had gotten dark, and Yogi took me back to my hotel, where I quickly showered and got ready to go to a local Balinese restaurant for dinner, which again, was amazing.
A day Trip in Bali
March 11th
What an action packed day today! My driver, Fidel picked me up super early and proceeded to tell me about what the day will look like.
First stop--Barong Dance. The play represents an eternal fight between good and evil spirits. Barong (a mythological animal) represents a good spirit and Rangda (mythological monster) represents and evil one. The dance was beautiful, but it wasn't simply Balinese dancing, it was a story with various creatures acting, and live music.
Next, Batik: a place where I got to see the process by which local women make sarongs. I was in awe of the amount of work it takes to make 1 sarong, and the tedious process. To think.. all that work ends up in a small market place where us westerners bargain and can buy it for a few dollars.
Celuk was the next town that I stopped in where there were dozens and dozens of these gold/silver stores. Massive stores filled with jewelery... I kept asking Fidel, "how in the world do these stores survive, with such high competition, and sometimes low tourism?"
Ubud Market was bigger than I expected it to be, and I was actually a little afraid that I'd get lost because all the booths start to look the same after a while. I put my bartering skills to good use, even though I didn't really want to buy anything, as I don't have room for it. One of the lady's wanted 250,000 rupiahs for a sarong, and I ended up getting her down to 40,000 and I think if I really wanted it, she would have come down even more.
After the market, Fidel drove me to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where I went camera crazy taking pics of these cute little monkeys and the sanctuary that they live in. Amazing.
Kintamani was the next stop, and on the way there I was able to see rice fields for the first time. In Kintamani, I had a buffet lunch overlooking the famous volcano. Once I sat down on the terrace, I thought it was just too beautiful of a spot to not share it with someone, so I ran back outside to get Fidel--I would have treated him to lunch--but he had already left. Having lunch/dinner at a nice place was another great fear of mine, and today I overcame that!
Fidel wanted to ensure that I had a memorable day so we then drove about 2 hours to Tampaksiring Temple, where I had to wear a sarong to cover my legs. I pictured a temple to look like one big building, but really it's on acres of land, with many sacred ponds, smaller temples, statues. This place was really spiritual, women were making offerings, people were praying and leaving offerings on an 'alter' type structure. I could have stayed here all day.
After that, Fidel drove me to the Uluwatu temple where I experienced the highlight of my day: the Kecak and Fire dance. It is the most unique Balinese dance which has a choir of about 70 men, who perform 'sanghyang' or a trance dance. In this dance/ceremony, a person is in a state of trance and communicates with the deities or ancestors. I am truly blessed to have experienced such an amazing culture today.
What an action packed day today! My driver, Fidel picked me up super early and proceeded to tell me about what the day will look like.
First stop--Barong Dance. The play represents an eternal fight between good and evil spirits. Barong (a mythological animal) represents a good spirit and Rangda (mythological monster) represents and evil one. The dance was beautiful, but it wasn't simply Balinese dancing, it was a story with various creatures acting, and live music.
Next, Batik: a place where I got to see the process by which local women make sarongs. I was in awe of the amount of work it takes to make 1 sarong, and the tedious process. To think.. all that work ends up in a small market place where us westerners bargain and can buy it for a few dollars.
Celuk was the next town that I stopped in where there were dozens and dozens of these gold/silver stores. Massive stores filled with jewelery... I kept asking Fidel, "how in the world do these stores survive, with such high competition, and sometimes low tourism?"
Ubud Market was bigger than I expected it to be, and I was actually a little afraid that I'd get lost because all the booths start to look the same after a while. I put my bartering skills to good use, even though I didn't really want to buy anything, as I don't have room for it. One of the lady's wanted 250,000 rupiahs for a sarong, and I ended up getting her down to 40,000 and I think if I really wanted it, she would have come down even more.
After the market, Fidel drove me to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where I went camera crazy taking pics of these cute little monkeys and the sanctuary that they live in. Amazing.
Kintamani was the next stop, and on the way there I was able to see rice fields for the first time. In Kintamani, I had a buffet lunch overlooking the famous volcano. Once I sat down on the terrace, I thought it was just too beautiful of a spot to not share it with someone, so I ran back outside to get Fidel--I would have treated him to lunch--but he had already left. Having lunch/dinner at a nice place was another great fear of mine, and today I overcame that!
Fidel wanted to ensure that I had a memorable day so we then drove about 2 hours to Tampaksiring Temple, where I had to wear a sarong to cover my legs. I pictured a temple to look like one big building, but really it's on acres of land, with many sacred ponds, smaller temples, statues. This place was really spiritual, women were making offerings, people were praying and leaving offerings on an 'alter' type structure. I could have stayed here all day.
After that, Fidel drove me to the Uluwatu temple where I experienced the highlight of my day: the Kecak and Fire dance. It is the most unique Balinese dance which has a choir of about 70 men, who perform 'sanghyang' or a trance dance. In this dance/ceremony, a person is in a state of trance and communicates with the deities or ancestors. I am truly blessed to have experienced such an amazing culture today.
A Whole New World--BALI
March 9th, 2010
Well, it was a much longer flight than I expected. When I got off the plane, I truly felt like I had stepped into a whole new world. The structures and landscape are so different but absolutely beautiful--pagodas, small temple-like buildings. Walking out of the airport there must have been at least 100 local Balinese people holding "name" signs, and I began scanning all the names to find mine. We all received marigold lei's, which of course reminded me of my Tata, as it was his favourite summer annual. Him and I would always bicker about planting them on the side of the house, he loved them, I didn't... needless to say, the lei was a definite reminder that he was with me. Of all the flowers for them to make a lei out of!
The streets are very busy and narrow with lots of motorcycles, mopeds, trucks and taxis. I've noticed many of the homes, stores have small boxes made out of palms and inside they put flowers, herbs, and some food as a daily offering to the gods. This they change every day.
So I attempted putting this "new earth" philosophy into action today -- to "make my life my friend" and speak to others with pure sincerity--it's unreal what happened. LOL. I met Yogi, this young host trying to get me to eat at the restaurant he worked at. I ended up chatting with him a bit and he offered to take me around on his day off (Thursday). I saw him later that night and his friend suggested that I go speak to another guy to book my trip to Ubud. I then went an bartered with Roberto... he wanted 450,000 Rupiahs to hire a taxi for the day... I got him down to 300,000! I am the Queen of Bartering!
Well, it was a much longer flight than I expected. When I got off the plane, I truly felt like I had stepped into a whole new world. The structures and landscape are so different but absolutely beautiful--pagodas, small temple-like buildings. Walking out of the airport there must have been at least 100 local Balinese people holding "name" signs, and I began scanning all the names to find mine. We all received marigold lei's, which of course reminded me of my Tata, as it was his favourite summer annual. Him and I would always bicker about planting them on the side of the house, he loved them, I didn't... needless to say, the lei was a definite reminder that he was with me. Of all the flowers for them to make a lei out of!
The streets are very busy and narrow with lots of motorcycles, mopeds, trucks and taxis. I've noticed many of the homes, stores have small boxes made out of palms and inside they put flowers, herbs, and some food as a daily offering to the gods. This they change every day.
So I attempted putting this "new earth" philosophy into action today -- to "make my life my friend" and speak to others with pure sincerity--it's unreal what happened. LOL. I met Yogi, this young host trying to get me to eat at the restaurant he worked at. I ended up chatting with him a bit and he offered to take me around on his day off (Thursday). I saw him later that night and his friend suggested that I go speak to another guy to book my trip to Ubud. I then went an bartered with Roberto... he wanted 450,000 Rupiahs to hire a taxi for the day... I got him down to 300,000! I am the Queen of Bartering!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Elated on Life
Just left Peter Pan's (travel joint) and the guy there was totally high on life. He was super helpful -- he printed off a map to show me where to go from the bus station to my hostel in Brisbane. When I told him that my next stop was Bali he was absolutely elated! He actually got so excited that he pulled out a sheet of paper and drew me a map of Bali and gave me a bunch of suggestions for things that I can do while I'm there. As I was leaving P. Pan's he yelled out "have an AMAZING life" and was completely and utterly genuine. It's not very often that you meet people that are so happy to be alive and friendly to complete strangers. I left feeling really excited about the next part of my trip--temples, outdoor markets, and hand feeding monkeys!
Surfer's Paradise
March 5-7
Craig dropped me off at my hotel and my room had 2 German girls and an Israeli couple, yet only 4 bunks... you do the math. LOL. The couple was on the top bunk above me and the girl was especially irritating as she refused to use the ladder to get down, but would instead jump onto my bed as her stepping stone. Some people!
I had some trouble connecting with Beatrice (from NZ), which actually worked out okay because I ended up with a brutal migraine. Beatrice and I met the next day at noon and we walked around Surfer's which is a great place--reminded me of Miami--just a little less poshy and a little more surfer-ish. In the afternoon, we went back to Beatrice's place in Broadbeach, where we went for a run along the boardwalk. There were also these stations along the boardwalk to work out at, which I think would be fabulous in TO!
My highlights: Getting my 2 packages from home! I was SO EXCITED! Michelle sent me a bag full of goodies: oatmeal , WW bars, and some clothes. Eliane sent me a pair of my pants, which cost her an arm and a leg. :(
Beatrice's flatmates are all foreigners and so many are in Aussie to learn English. When I walked in, Katarina was getting ready to train for a waitress job. After we got back from our run, she had come back and was so pumped because they hired her. She had been cleaning windows prior to, so this job was much better and it would also allow her to practise her barely-there English.
Gabriel, this outspoken, loud Venezuelan talked to me about the difficulties of living in South America and how lucky I was to have a Canadian passport: to simply be able to pack my bags and go pretty much wherever I want in the world. He was absolutely right. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to live in such an amazing place.
That night, Beatrice and I walked to Broadbeach--fantastic place full of great restaurants, bars, discos. We went to a place called Alto for a glass of wine and chatted with these 2 Australian guys, one who asked the silliest questions, and was quite boring, the other was really nice.
Craig dropped me off at my hotel and my room had 2 German girls and an Israeli couple, yet only 4 bunks... you do the math. LOL. The couple was on the top bunk above me and the girl was especially irritating as she refused to use the ladder to get down, but would instead jump onto my bed as her stepping stone. Some people!
I had some trouble connecting with Beatrice (from NZ), which actually worked out okay because I ended up with a brutal migraine. Beatrice and I met the next day at noon and we walked around Surfer's which is a great place--reminded me of Miami--just a little less poshy and a little more surfer-ish. In the afternoon, we went back to Beatrice's place in Broadbeach, where we went for a run along the boardwalk. There were also these stations along the boardwalk to work out at, which I think would be fabulous in TO!
My highlights: Getting my 2 packages from home! I was SO EXCITED! Michelle sent me a bag full of goodies: oatmeal , WW bars, and some clothes. Eliane sent me a pair of my pants, which cost her an arm and a leg. :(
Beatrice's flatmates are all foreigners and so many are in Aussie to learn English. When I walked in, Katarina was getting ready to train for a waitress job. After we got back from our run, she had come back and was so pumped because they hired her. She had been cleaning windows prior to, so this job was much better and it would also allow her to practise her barely-there English.
Gabriel, this outspoken, loud Venezuelan talked to me about the difficulties of living in South America and how lucky I was to have a Canadian passport: to simply be able to pack my bags and go pretty much wherever I want in the world. He was absolutely right. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to live in such an amazing place.
That night, Beatrice and I walked to Broadbeach--fantastic place full of great restaurants, bars, discos. We went to a place called Alto for a glass of wine and chatted with these 2 Australian guys, one who asked the silliest questions, and was quite boring, the other was really nice.
Queensland
Feb 27-March 5
Craig came up from Sydney for us to see the east coast together! We drove from Rainbow beach to Noosa, where we saw a lookout with 360 degree views, flying ants and blue butterflies. The main street in Noosa is so quaint, full of shops! Went to the beach to take some pics of me and the Tsunami that hit Aussie. Michelle was so worried back home about it, but everyone in Oz was joking about it because aparently is was a 20 cm wave or something like that! That night we went to watch Valentines Day and I was so excited to do something that reminded me of home!
The next day... downpour, again. Nothing to do. We stayed in Mooloolaba and went to the Ettamogah Pub for dinner. The weather can really put you in a shitty mood when you are a tourist and there is literally nothing to do when it's raining this hard outside.
The next day we decided to go to the Gold Coast but the guy at the hotel said that that rain is even worse so we're going to drive to Byron Bay instead. I found out that the rain Queensland has gotten in the past month has been the worst in the past 126 years! Flooding everywhere in this area---of course they've been in a drought for the past 7 years and the few weeks that I'm here, the weather gods decide to flood the area. Nice.
March 3rd: Totally homesick today. We drove to Nimbin, this Hippie town and I ran into the Canadian boys from my sailing trip, and Ellen from Fraser--what a small world! I laughed so hard at all the little stickers and signs in Nimbin because they reminded me of Eliane. I miss her tons today. I'm also so indecisive about my Africa trip--don't know which tour to choose? ahhhhh.... I guess I should be saying, "life is good" if this is what my worry is right now.
March 4th: Finally, a nice day out! Craig and I went up to Cape Byron, the most eastern point of Australia. Also went to see the Byron lighthouse. This afternoon we took some surf lessons. Our instructor picked us up at 2 and we drove to Lennox Head, which is the river mouth that hits the ocean. I of course, was disappointed with the fact that I was going to learn to surf in a murky river, versus the beautiful Byron Bay... but the waves were just too big to learn anything for a beginner. After learning how to surf I realized that the tiny waves were perfect for us! The first thing we did was learned the basics of the board: fins, nose, tail, rails on the side. Next we learned the stages of getting up:
1. paddle
2. chicken wing (hand/arm position)
3. knees
4. foot positioning
5. up
What a fantastic feeling when I was actually able to ride the wave! Surfing was easier than I thought it would be, but I would definitely need to take several more lessons to get better! Overall, a fabulous day today.
Our last night here before Craig leaves to go back to Sydney. He took me out to Hogs Breath Cafe for a steak dinner. He caught me totally by surprise with a beautiful momento ... a pen with my name engraved on it, to represent all of our discussions in the car over the past 5 days and the things we want to do with our lives!
Craig came up from Sydney for us to see the east coast together! We drove from Rainbow beach to Noosa, where we saw a lookout with 360 degree views, flying ants and blue butterflies. The main street in Noosa is so quaint, full of shops! Went to the beach to take some pics of me and the Tsunami that hit Aussie. Michelle was so worried back home about it, but everyone in Oz was joking about it because aparently is was a 20 cm wave or something like that! That night we went to watch Valentines Day and I was so excited to do something that reminded me of home!
The next day... downpour, again. Nothing to do. We stayed in Mooloolaba and went to the Ettamogah Pub for dinner. The weather can really put you in a shitty mood when you are a tourist and there is literally nothing to do when it's raining this hard outside.
The next day we decided to go to the Gold Coast but the guy at the hotel said that that rain is even worse so we're going to drive to Byron Bay instead. I found out that the rain Queensland has gotten in the past month has been the worst in the past 126 years! Flooding everywhere in this area---of course they've been in a drought for the past 7 years and the few weeks that I'm here, the weather gods decide to flood the area. Nice.
March 3rd: Totally homesick today. We drove to Nimbin, this Hippie town and I ran into the Canadian boys from my sailing trip, and Ellen from Fraser--what a small world! I laughed so hard at all the little stickers and signs in Nimbin because they reminded me of Eliane. I miss her tons today. I'm also so indecisive about my Africa trip--don't know which tour to choose? ahhhhh.... I guess I should be saying, "life is good" if this is what my worry is right now.
March 4th: Finally, a nice day out! Craig and I went up to Cape Byron, the most eastern point of Australia. Also went to see the Byron lighthouse. This afternoon we took some surf lessons. Our instructor picked us up at 2 and we drove to Lennox Head, which is the river mouth that hits the ocean. I of course, was disappointed with the fact that I was going to learn to surf in a murky river, versus the beautiful Byron Bay... but the waves were just too big to learn anything for a beginner. After learning how to surf I realized that the tiny waves were perfect for us! The first thing we did was learned the basics of the board: fins, nose, tail, rails on the side. Next we learned the stages of getting up:
1. paddle
2. chicken wing (hand/arm position)
3. knees
4. foot positioning
5. up
What a fantastic feeling when I was actually able to ride the wave! Surfing was easier than I thought it would be, but I would definitely need to take several more lessons to get better! Overall, a fabulous day today.
Our last night here before Craig leaves to go back to Sydney. He took me out to Hogs Breath Cafe for a steak dinner. He caught me totally by surprise with a beautiful momento ... a pen with my name engraved on it, to represent all of our discussions in the car over the past 5 days and the things we want to do with our lives!
Fraser Island
Feb 24-27
Travelled from Airlie Beach on an overnight bus to Hervey Bay and then caught another bus to Rainbow Beach. So about Fraser Island.... its the world's largest sand island and in 1992 was listed on the World Heritage site. Had to attend a briefing--met my new travel mates for the next 2 nights: 2 Swedish, 3 English, # Frenchies, 1 Dutch and me. We were doing a self-drive 4 wheel drive, 2 nights/2 days camping. I was a bit disappointed when I realized that you needed to drive standard in order to drive the truck :( So it's on my list of things to do when I get home.
Day 1: Drove up to Indian Head with our packed vehicle. I hung out with Steffi and Georgina and was rather annoyed with the Swedish girls who did absolutely nothing. We also drove up to Lake McKenzie, probably the most beautiful lake I've ever seen in my life--an inland, perched lake, flour-white sand, and sparkling blue water.
The tent held 3 of us and I was the lucky one in the middle. Lets just say my neck was so stiff in the morning, and I could barely move my back. Not in the middle tonight!
Day 2: Woke up to rain. Again. Had to pack everything wet and drove to Lake Wabby, which is the deepest lake on Fraser. The 2.4 km walk to the lake was beautiful. This lake is so different than yesterday's.... greenish water, cat fish swimming and little ones nibbling on your toes, with a huge sand dune to lie on!
Samuel, one of the frenchies, was a crazy driver, going all over the sand bumps at top speed--again, annoying at the time, but pretty funny now that I look back on it!
Travelled from Airlie Beach on an overnight bus to Hervey Bay and then caught another bus to Rainbow Beach. So about Fraser Island.... its the world's largest sand island and in 1992 was listed on the World Heritage site. Had to attend a briefing--met my new travel mates for the next 2 nights: 2 Swedish, 3 English, # Frenchies, 1 Dutch and me. We were doing a self-drive 4 wheel drive, 2 nights/2 days camping. I was a bit disappointed when I realized that you needed to drive standard in order to drive the truck :( So it's on my list of things to do when I get home.
Day 1: Drove up to Indian Head with our packed vehicle. I hung out with Steffi and Georgina and was rather annoyed with the Swedish girls who did absolutely nothing. We also drove up to Lake McKenzie, probably the most beautiful lake I've ever seen in my life--an inland, perched lake, flour-white sand, and sparkling blue water.
The tent held 3 of us and I was the lucky one in the middle. Lets just say my neck was so stiff in the morning, and I could barely move my back. Not in the middle tonight!
Day 2: Woke up to rain. Again. Had to pack everything wet and drove to Lake Wabby, which is the deepest lake on Fraser. The 2.4 km walk to the lake was beautiful. This lake is so different than yesterday's.... greenish water, cat fish swimming and little ones nibbling on your toes, with a huge sand dune to lie on!
Samuel, one of the frenchies, was a crazy driver, going all over the sand bumps at top speed--again, annoying at the time, but pretty funny now that I look back on it!
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